Thursday May 5, 2011
www.somd.com
Hometown P ride
B urris Works B ehind the S cenes to M ake L eonardtown a D estination
Story Page 16
Cindy Jones to Return to Work in Two Weeks Story Page 4
St. Mary’s Youths Party on Weekends Story Page 18
Photo By Frank Marquart
What’s Inside
The County Times
Thursday, May 5, 2011
On T he Covers
ON THE FRONT
Dan Burris, owner of Olde Towne Insurance Agency, overlooks the Square in Leonardtown.
2
ON THE BACK
The 26th Annual St. Mary’s Rod and Classic Club’s Spring Fling Car Show took over Leonardtown Square on Sunday afternoon.
“She owes [the public] no explanation for her private life so long as it is not undermining her service to the public.” SMCM Political Science Professor Todd Eberly, talking about County Commissioner Cindy Jones
4 County News 7 Letters 8 Money 9 State News 10 Crime 11 Obituaries 13 Defense
Also Inside
14 Education 16 Feature Story 18 Newsmakers 19 Community 21 Business Directory 22 Community Calendar Entertainment Calendar 24
25 Entertainment 26 Games 27 Columns 28 Lacrosse 29 Sports 31 Fishing
Weather
Vintage Values of Charlotte Hall
Watch community
Members of the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department compete and win during the Firemen’s games tug of war during the 64th Annual Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association Convention. PAGE 22
Opening May 16, 2011
We have specials daily! We sell a variety of goods including (Clothing, household goods, furniture and electronics.) We will start accepting Donations May 2, 10-4 daily at the Charlotte Hall Location .After the Opening on May16, will accept all donations during store hours or schedule a pick at our main office in Hollywood Md. (301) 373-8100 ext 0. The Charlotte Hall store location is 30155 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall, MD. 20622. The Store is located between Rita’s and Community Bank and right next to Flooring Max.
Please visit our other locations: Lexington Park – 301-737-4884 Leonardtown -301-475-8545 Prince Frederick- 443-975-7161 Charlotte Hall – 301-884-5951 We are operated by The Center for Life Enrichment. T.C.L.E provides programs and support services that will increase the vocational and personal potential of individuals with disabilities.
The Center for Life Enrichment, Inc. P.O. Box 610, 25089 Three Notch Road Hollywood, MD 20636 301-373-8100 Fax: 301-373-3019
A United Way Agency
county
J.P. Nelson, above, and Melanie Wheeler, of Hollywood, caught this unusual eel in the Patuxent River near the Solomons Island Bridge last week. PAGE 5
Do You Feel Crabby When You Get Your Insurance Bill in the Mail? Give Us A Call.
entertainment
You’ll Be Glad You Did.
Gary Simpson Matt Laidley Katie Facchina 7480 Crain Highway La Plata, MD 20646 301-934-8437
April Hancock PO Box 407 Bryans Road, MD 20616 301-743-9000
An Independent Agent Representing: ERIE INSURANCE GROUP Standing: Dan Burris, Jake Kuntz, Seated: Lisa Squires, Susan Ennis, Donna Burris
Burris’ Olde Towne Insurance Auto - Home - Business - Life Leonardtown, MD • Bus: (301) 475-3151 www.danburris.com
Don Carlos Homenides De Histanhua, played by Keith Mervine, threatens Victor Emmanuel Chandebise at gun point during the current play at Three Notch Theatre, “A Flea in Her Ear,” which will be running through May 15. PAGE 24
3
The County Times
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Where do YOU fit in the Senior Housing Puzzle? Check out the latest information on housing options available in the tri-county area for the 55-and-over population at the Senior Housing Expo. Guest speakers! Door Prizes! Refreshments!
Saturday, May 14, 2011 from 10am - 3pm Northern Senior Center l 29655 Charlotte Hall Rd. l Charlotte Hall, MD For more information contact:
Janice Pruett - 301.475.8966 / jpruett@cedarlaneapts.com Pam Chicchirichi - 301.638.4100 / pam@seniornetwork.org
We will be accepting non-perishable donations for the Tri-County Food Bank. A special drawing will be held for those who bring a donation.
The Hermitage at St. John’s Creek
GOLD SPONSORS A heartfelt thank you to the following sponsors: GOLD SPONSORS
Old Line Bank SILVER SPONSORS Civista
SILVER SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS The Wills Group Precise Systems Inc. BRONZE SPONSORS
SMECO l Cartwright’s New Market Texaco l Darlene Thompson - SFW l Delegate Johnny Wood l Kevin’s Corner Café l BRONZE SPONSORS Ledo’s Pizza - Charlotte Hall l Nail & Toe Salon l Outback Steakhouse - La Plata l Outback Steakhouse - California l Patient First l Regina Fletcher - Century 21 l Rita’s - La Plata l Salsa’s Mexican Restaurant l Shari Suter, PartyLite Consultant St. Mary’s Nursing Center l The Hermitage at St. John’s Creek l The Maples l Thompson’s Seafood Corner l UTZ Quality Foods
The County Times
Thursday, May 5, 2011
4
ews County: Jones to Return in Officials Defend New Park Fees Two Weeks Despite Higher Tax Revenues
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
County Commissioner Cindy Jones (R-Valley Lee) will return to her seat in county government May 16 in time for a budget work session, Commissioner President Francis Jack Russell announced Tuesday. The announcement comes after weeks of speculation about Jones’ future, since news of her attempted suicide April 6 was supported by numerous reports from police and detectives who investigated the incident. In the intervening weeks since April 6, Jones has not returned several calls from The County Times or e-mails for comment about her future plans. A press release from the Jones family one week after the incident stated she would be back sometime in May, but it also refuted reports that Jones had attempted suicide, which police say she admitted. Jones also did not return a phone call Wednesday for comment. Commissioner Todd Morgan (R-Great Mills) said he saw Jones in Lexington Park over the weekend and learned from speaking with her that she would return in about two week’s time. “I’ll be happy to see her come back … and I’m assuming everyone else will be happy to see her, too,” Morgan said. “Seeing her out and about Saturday was encouraging.” Morgan said that he had not read the police reports that directly refuted the sequence of events from the family. “I didn’t bother,” he said. Todd Eberly, professor of political science at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, said that Jones and her family had every right to put out whatever information they wanted to about the events of April 6, and that even though commissioners were public figures, they should still expect a modicum of privacy. “We need to build that wall between public and private life,” Eberly said. “She owes them [the public] no explanation for her private life so long as it is not undermining her service to the public. “Whatever happened is her personal and private life.”
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Tax revenues to the county, including income and property taxes, increased by almost $5.8 million over last year, according to county budget documents for fiscal 2012, but still some county commissioners voted recently to enact fees for visiting the county’s two waterfront parks at Myrtle Point and Elms Beach. Commissioners who voted for the measure, one saying he did so reluctantly, said that the hike was still a necessity. One was not even sure if the extra $5.8 million was an accurate figure, because the state has yet to make another disbursement of revenue funds to the county. “We’ll have to see if that $5 million is a good number,” said Commissioner Todd Morgan (RGreat Mills) “I don’t know if [we’re] going to get $5 million.” Commissioner Dan Morris (R-Mechanicsville) said that the need to enact the fees was “an unforeseen thing” advocated by the Department of Recreation and Parks to pay for more supervision and rule enforcement at the parks because they were likely to face overcrowding during the summer months, particularly on Memorial Day and weekends. Morris voted for fees for in-county residents
— $5 per vehicle per day or a $20 seasonal pass — even though he still believed that out-of-county visitors should be charged $20 per vehicle only. Out-of-county residents will have to pay $10 per car and $15 per van to get access to the parks now. “I believed that was still the way to go, but that didn’t get much support,” said Morris, who campaigned on the issue of holding the line on taxes. “I was not a big fan of the fees … but when you’re part of a team you make it work as a team.” Morgan said that advocacy group The Friends of Myrtle Point pushed for a fee structure to help maintain the park and that it was hard to ignore their plea. The fee for in-county residents was not cost prohibitive, he said. “We look at it as a way to balance costs at the end of the day,” Morgan said. “The $5 charge we didn’t think would break anybody’s bank; the amount we have set for the entrance to the park is fair.” Morgan said that the Board of County Commissioners would examine more closely just how much revenue the county would bring in by the time the fiscal 2012 budget was adopted during the budget work sessions this month. guyleonard@countytimes.net
5
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The County Times
ews Jarboe Offers Plan to Pay For FDR Boulevard By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The county has $1.9 million in a reserve fund and County Commissioner Larry Jarboe offered a plan Tuesday to give nearly all of it to the Board of Education to prevent nearly 20 teachers from being given pink slips this year; the rest, about $600,000 should be used for citizen tax relief, Jarboe said. To complete the construction of FDR Boulevard, Jarboe proposed to enact a special Tax Incentive Financing (TIF) District that would require getting 60 percent of the property owners near the planned route to pay for the costs of its final construction. The plan also calls for giving “significant tax relief to all those properties abutting the FDR Boulevard and freeze that level of tax to coincide with the payment of any bond or loan program that they are able to arrange for the construction of the road with the amount of tax incentive to be studied by the FDR Boulevard
Task Group,” Jarboe’s prepared statement read. “The purpose of this [TIF District] is to make public improvements which will generate private sector development.” If any excess revenues over the frozen tax rates were generated due to increases in property assessments, those surplus funds would go into a special account that would be used to pay down bonds the county incurred to build the route, according to Jarboe’s plan. Jarboe said he wanted to debate the plan at the May 9 budget public hearing. Commissioner Todd Morgan (R-Great Mills) who has been a strong proponent of the county borrowing money to finish the long-awaited project, said he was open to the discussion. “Commissioner Jarboe is entitled to his own ideas and they’ll be discussed at the budget hearings,” Morgan said. guyleonard@countytimes.net
Strange Eel Catches Attention of Biologists By Guy Leonard Staff Writer When Melanie Wheeler and her boyfriend went out fishing for eels last week near the Solomons Island Bridge in the Patuxent River they didn’t expect to catch one that was so oddlooking it made them wonder just what they had caught. The eel was shaped just like a normal one of its species, they said, but its bright yellow color was striking. Moreover, it was near its species’ full growth size, which Wheeler said was equally J.P. Nelson, above, and Melanie Wheeler, of Hollywood, caught this unusual eel in strange. “You’d think that the Patuxent River near the Solomons Island Bridge last week. fish would have eaten eel’s color was a result of a sudden change like it because it was so bright,” Wheeler told The chemical contamination because such a conCounty Times. tamination would likely reduce its chances of The eel now resides in a gold fish pond at survival. her Hollywood home. “I would venture to say it was born that A biologist from the Department of Natu- way,” Whiteford said Tuesday. “It definitely ral Resources said that eels can vary in color, had a higher risk of mortality because it’s some being very light or almost white, but this brightly colored.” form of albinism was truly unusual. Whiteford said that anomalies such as “I thought it would’ve been more white,” this crop up from time to time in regional wasaid biologist Keith Whiteford after seeing the terways; sometimes eels have white or yelloweel’s bright yellow coloring. “As far as I can ish discolorations and crabs have been found see it’s an American eel. that were completely devoid of pigment, giv“I assume it’s some kind of albinism… it ing them a bright white coloring. is pretty uncommon,” he said. Whiteford said that, judging from the picWhiteford agreed that the survival of such tures he has seen, the eel does not appear to an animal to relative maturity was something be part of a new species but rather may suffer of a minor miracle, since bright colors attract from a peculiar genetic disorder that gives it predatory fish and young eels are among the its striking color. favorite prey of species like rockfish. Whiteford said he did not believe the guyleonard@countytimes.net
SPRING INTO SPRING AUCTION May 7, 2011
Auction sales begin at 9:00 a.m. Loveville Produce Auction 40454 Bishop Road Loveville, Maryland Items include but not limited to:
Hanging baskets, planters, flats, pots, perennials, trees & shrubs, handmade crafts, lawn furniture, quilts, rugs and more.
New This Year: Chain Saw Carved Items All products will be available in small quantities for the homeowner. Kitchen will be open. Restrooms on site. Terms: Cash or Check A buyer number must be obtained for all purchasing. No buyer’s premium.
The County Times
Thursday, May 5, 2011
6
ews Scouts Put Down Roots Leonardtown Tornado at Myrtle Point Park Damages 17 Sites By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
Photos By Sarah Miller
April 30 at Myrtle Point Park, local Cub Scout Pack 1203 and Boy Scout Troop 1203 helped close a trail near a cliff that was too dangerous to remain open. They did this by planting trees donated by the Chesapeake Pet Resort and Spa through the Gift of Trees program sponsored by Tree-Mendous Maryland. There were more than 15 trees donated to plant on the trail, and all the trees are registered in the Maryland Plant Trees website.
the visual spectacle he saw. “I had to watch it … I was mesmerized,” Nuhfer told The County Times. “I was on the computer and I hear the wind pick up and it got really loud. “Everything was coming across horizontally … and then I looked at my trailer and I started to pick up; the tree went in circles and then it tipped over. I was just amazed at the power that storm had,” he said.
County officials confirmed that a tornado cut a swath of destruction through just over three miles in Leonardtown last Thursday, though no one was injured in the event. “I think we were very lucky,” said Gerald Gardiner, emergency manager with the county’s Department of Public Safety. The tornado started at about 11:20 a.m. that day and lasted until about 11:23 a.m. — just three minutes — but went from Breton Bay at the golf course to Potomac View and Paw Paw Hollow Lane then up to Phillips Drive off of Knight Road, then on to St. Mary’s Ryken High School and finally over to Cedar Lane Road. The tornado was classified by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as an EF-1, one of the least severe types of tornado, Gardiner said, but it measured approximately 50 yards wide and had maximum winds of 90 miles per hour. There were 17 sites that sustained damage in the tornado, he said. At one home in the Paw Paw Hollow area the winds toppled a tree, roots and all, and turned over a recreational vehicle trailer. On Cedar Lane Road, two barns were destroyed as well as a brick mechanical building, Gardiner said. At another house a tree was blown into the attic, he said. Gardiner said that at least five people witnessed the tornado funnel in the Breton Bay and Knight Road areas. Frank Nuhfer is the homeowner whose trailer was destroyed by the falling tree. He said that his instincts were to seek safety during the tornado but he couldn’t tear himself away from Damage from the Leonardtown hurricane included destruction of a brick
block building as well as several uprooted trees like this one in Compton.
County’s Unemployment Rate Continues Improvement The county’s unemployment rate for March stands at 5.7 percent, according to the latest figures from the state’s Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, slightly better than February’s 5.9 percent rate. The county’s rate is one-tenth of a percentage point better than Charles County and matches that of Calvert County for
the same time period, the state figures show. The numbers are particularly meaningful because not only are there more than 50,000 people employed in St. Mary’s, but the actual number of people in the labor force, those actually available for employment or seeking it has increased as well, the figures also show.
The number of people in the work force increased from 53,036 in January to 53,690 in March. The actual number of people without work decreased from 3,131 in January to 3,079 this past month, reports show.
‘Barney Fife’ Gets 14 Years For Cocaine Ring By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Rodney Matthew Estep, known to his conspirators as “Barney Fife” and who lived in Mechanicsville was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison Wednesday for his part as the ringleader of a major Southern Maryland drug distribution ring broken up about two years ago by a multiagency task force. Estep, 35, will also have to submit to five years of supervised release when he finishes his sentence on convictions for conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine and crack cocaine as well as money laundering and conducting illegal gambling, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein’s office.
The announcement from Rosenstein’s office also stated that 14 out of 15 members of the drug distribution ring have so far pleaded guilty for their part of the network, as well as taking part in the adjunct illegal gambling operation. The drug network operated from 2006 to 2009, authorities stated, with Estep getting cocaine from suppliers in Maryland and Georgia, which was then smuggled into St. Mary’s County. From here Estep and others in the network distributed the cocaine and crack cocaine from properties in Morganza and Mechanicsville, according to federal authorities. Undercover officers made drug purchases from Estep and his subordinates during the investigation, authorities stated, and listened in on cell phone calls he made direct-
ing his illegal enterprise. Federal law officers also seized numerous weapons and gambling paraphernalia during raids in 2009 as a result of the investigation, as well as cash and drugs, authorities stated. “Our goal is to prosecute drug dealers, send them away to serve lengthy terms in federal prisons far from home and seize any cash, vehicles, jewelry and property purchased with criminal profits,” Rosenstein said in the statement. guyleonard@countytimes.net
7
The County Times
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Editorial:
Low and Middle Class Get Penalized Again
The St. Mary’s County Commissioners have decided to charge citizens of St. Mary’s County a fee to enter either of the two waterfront parks which the citizens of St. Mary’s County paid for with tax dollars. At a time when the commissioners are proposing to increase income and property taxes by $5.7 million dollars higher than last year, a 3.6% increase, they will also be asking citizens to pony up another $5 dollars every time they want to enjoy our county’s beautiful waterfront. Not only are the commissioners restricting access to waterfront, they will be for the first time charging people $5 to walk the nature trails at Myrtle Point Park, and charging families $5 to use the playground equipment at Elms Beach Park. That $5 dollars to use the parks, it’s the low and middle income earners who will be paying the bill. Not so bad you say? Consider the mother of two children who makes $8 dollars an hour, $320 dollars a week, $16,000 a year. This mother brings home approximately $250 dollars each week after paying her county income taxes at the same rate as the person making $160,000 per year. On a nice summer day she wants her two children to be able to enjoy the rich abundance of water and nature which our county offers, only she obviously doesn’t have the money to own her share individually, so she relies on the collective ownership of the community. She loads the two kids in the car, spends $5 dollars in gas to drive from Lexington Park to Elms Beach Park, stops at McDonalds on the way and spends $10 dollars on two happy meals as a special treat for the children. When she pulls up to the gate at the park, the park which taxpayers own so that those of us who can’t own our own waterfront can still enjoy the bounty’s of this wonderful community, she is hit with another $5 dollars. Total cost of the afternoon, $20 dollars, 8% of her weekly income. You must be kidding. Our commissioners are going to ask taxpayers to pay $5.7 million more this coming year over and above last year, and now they want folks to pay another $5 dollars so they can raise another $75,000? Our county is blessed with an inordinate amount of waterfront, some 250+ miles of waterfront, most of which is private property which the average citizen does not have access to. Private ownership of waterfront property has become exclusive for those whose incomes are above average here in St. Mary’s. So making certain that average citizens can enjoyed some access to our county’s natural recourses has been a low level priority, yet a priority none the less for most boards of commissioners in the past. A few boards, those populated with elected commissioners who were born and raised in this county but didn’t own waterfront property have generally given a higher priority to maintaining and increasing waterfront access for the average citizen. Not to say that elected officials from the past who were not born here have not been concerned with the issue, it just seems that those who grew up in this community and generally were able to find ways to enjoy our wonderful waterways even if they didn’t own property on the water, they seemed to be more sensitive to the erosion of such access as our county has grown. In the 1970’s, it was the McKay board that secured Elms Beach property for a waterfront access park. In the 1990’s it was the Thompson board that secured the Myrtle Point property for a waterfront access park. In the 2000’s it was another McKay board that partnered with the town of Leonardtown to build the Leonardtown Wharf, another waterfront access park. While the county commissioners may not hold waterfront access out as an important benefit for all the citizens of St. Mary’s County, hopefully the Leonardtown commissioners, a more locally raised group will continue to promote waterfront access as an inherent right and benefit of being a St. Mary’s County resident, no matter how much money you have.
Teachers Get Paid Well For Part Time Work I would have liked to have attended the public hearing on the County budget for FY 2012 on April 26th at Great Mills High School, but I felt it would be a waste of time as the Board of Education (BOE) had commandeered the meeting before it began. They have waged a terrorist campaign in the media and in schools with the intention of making the public believe that if they do not receive all the funding they have requested our children will be the ones to suffer. They have done this through letters to the local papers and by spreading their propaganda in the schools through the children they are charged to educate and protect. I felt that if I tried to have my voice heard among the throngs of supporters they have coerced through intimidation, that my voice would either not have been heard or I would have faced opposition that I was not willing to face alone. I believe that it is important that you hear voices other than those of the BOE. The teachers in this county are not underpaid. They are very well compensated for the
part-time jobs they enjoy. I say part-time because, although many teachers do put in hours after school on class work, they do not work year round. They have more than three weeks vacation during the 10 months that they do work. When calculated as an hourly wage they make very good money, with excellent benefits. However they do lack resources for their classrooms due the lack of funding by the BOE. Every year the BOE gets more money, but none of it ever seems to make it to the classrooms. As a matter of fact, they have actually had some of their funding cut in recent years. My child attended public school in this county for 12 years. The first year she was here the BOE said we need more money so we can put books in the classrooms for all the kids, as the teachers have to make copies from the books so that all the kids can have the required materials. When she graduated from high school the BOE was still requesting more money so they could afford to put books in the classrooms. However,
To The Editor:
Schaefer Was a Hero For Southern Maryland
William Donald Schaefer embodied the sharp contrast in leadership styles between process-oriented “consensus builders”, and results-oriented leaders who measure success by getting things done. Schaefer would never have described himself as a “consensus builder.” And he never pandered to the whims of the electorate. He served the people by pursuing goals that would deliver permanent improvements in quality of life, economic growth and prosperity, and he believed that on Election Day the voters would remember what he had accomplished. The “do it now” Mayor and Governor was impatient with government inertia and delay, the lack of urgency and the bureaucratic tendency to “run out the clock” and stall the deployment of resources when timing was all important and could decide the fate of a project. For Schaefer, time was the enemy, and the wheels of government turned too slowly. At a critical time in the history of Baltimore, Schaefer took decisive action to lift up his City. As both Mayor and Governor, Schaefer was the kind of leader who takes personal responsibility to make his corner of the world a better place, and is impatient to use the power he has been given to achieve that end. It would have been inconceivable to Schaefer to have the power to change things for the better and not use it. He believed that government action could be a catalyst for improving the lives of all citizens. Growing up in Silver Spring in the 1950’s and 1960’s, I doubt my family visited Baltimore more than once or twice. To be perfectly candid, in those days you didn’t go to Baltimore unless you had to. Mayor Schaefer changed all that. He gave us new reasons to visit Baltimore – the Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium, Oriole Park at Camden Yards – just to name a few of the destinations he created. And once he lured us in, he kept us coming back to appreciate the City’s other historical and cultural treasures, neighborhood festivals and special events. Schaefer put Baltimore back into the consciousness of all Marylanders, front and center. Before Schaefer, many Marylanders saw their State as five separate Marylands – the suburbs of Washington, the Baltimore area, the Eastern Shore, Western Maryland, and Southern Maryland. After Schaefer, the State’s regions continued to celebrate their unique identities, but we were more willing to accept our common purpose and shared destiny. We could see the benefit to the whole State in making strategic infrastructure investments that strengthened each region’s competitive advantages – BWI and the Port of Baltimore, tourism on the Eastern Shore, defense installations in Southern Maryland. This strategy paid off handsomely for Southern Maryland in the 1990’s when the State invested $350 million in the infrastructure – roads, schools and higher education facilities – needed to support the consolidation of 6,000 U.S. Navy jobs, and more than $1 billion in annual payroll, at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, the most significant economic development project in our region’s history. Schaefer was instrumental in building the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, new facilities at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, a new regional MedEvac base, and the Crain Memorial Travel Information Center in Charles County on U.S. 301, just to name a few examples. He gave extra attention to regions like ours where elected leaders created institutions like the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland to facilitate cooperation across county boundaries, and demonstrated the statesmanship necessary to agree on their top priorities for State and federal action. The intensity of William Donald Schaefer’s focus on results was felt in every corner of Maryland. He set a very high standard for his successors and the future leaders of our State. Gary V. Hodge, White Plains, MD
in the meantime they have new offices furnished like palaces, have expanded the administrative staff, given out handsome raises to administrative and support staff, remodeled the schools so they look better (but didn’t add any substantial classroom space), awarded a million dollar contract to the superintendent, funded crab feasts for new teachers and catered convocations, none of which have not benefited the students education. We still don’t have enough text books! I do not believe that more money means better education. I attended a small rural public school with meager funding many years ago, and I believe I received a better education then, than our students receive now. I believe that they are just fattening their staff and the additional funds are not helping our students. Improved test scores are not the result of funding; they are the result of honest work. Additionally, I do not understand why BOE
employees are paid at a higher rate for the same positions as comparable positions in County Government. They don’t even work as many hours as the County Government employees. During holidays and breaks the administrative staffs don’t even work 40 hour weeks. They have gotten cost of living increases over and above everything the County Government employees have received for more than 10 years running. County Government employees serve ALL the citizens of this County, not just the school aged population. Are they not just as important to this county? I understand the difficult financial time that we are all facing these days. Tough decisions have to be made. I urge you to hold the line on the BOE’s fiscal requests and to make them more openly accountable for the funds that they do receive. Denise Cargill Lexington Park, MD
James Manning McKay - Founder Eric McKay -Associate Publisher..................................ericmckay@countytimes.net Tobie Pulliam - Office Manager..............................tobiepulliam@countytimes.net Sean Rice - Editor......................................................................seanrice@countytimes.net Angie Stalcup - Graphic Artist.......................................angiestalcup@countytimes.net Sarah Miller - Reporter - Education, Entertainment......sarahmiller@countytimes.net
P.O. Box 250 • Hollywood, Maryland 20636 News, Advertising, Circulation, Classifieds: 301-373-4125
Guy Leonard - Reporter - Government, Crime...............guyleonard@countytimes.net Sales Representatives......................................................................sales@countytimes.net
Mark’s Electronics
The County Times
MARKS ELECTRONICS HAS MOVED TO THE HICKORY HILLS SHOPPING CENTER NEXT TO ALLEGRO MUSIC AND NICOLLETTI'S PIZZA
10% OFF any in store purchase
Can not be combined with any other offer. Offer ends 5/19/2011.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
8
for the love of
Money
Mobile Career Center Unveiled By Sarah Miller Staff Writer The Southern Maryland Job Source, dedicated to matching people with jobs and offering services for résumé writing and interview skills, is now taking its operation on the road.
chine for people to print out résumés and other materials. “It’s like a diamond in the rough,” Chick said about the Job Source. Not many people know about it unless they become unemployed and don’t know about the services they offer for free. Some of the résumé building classes
Get a FREE Redskins Painters Hat with Any In Store Purchase! Can not be combined with any other offer. While Supplies Last. Offer ends 5/19/2011.
FREE Repair Estimate on Any TV 27 inch and smaller Can not be combined with any other offer. Offer ends 5/19/2011.
Electronics Sales Service and Installation
We Service...led, lcd, plasma, 3d, wide screen televisions, vcrs, dvds, stereos, amplifiers, muscial instruments, desktop and laptop computers, all video game systems, camcorders, microwaves, satellite systems, dj equipment, if it plugs in we can probably fix it!
Southern Maryland Redskins Merchandise and Autograph Headquarters!
www.marksrepairs.com
301-863-8466 • markselectronics@yahoo.com
Don’t Forget Your Momma! Tons and tons of gift ideas from....
...and much, much more Bead Show Special May 1st - May 8th Check us out on Facebook!
Save the Date:
Flea Market
Sat. May 21st & Sun. May 22nd
The
Apple Basket www.applebasketantiques.com
27056 Mt. Zion Church Rd, Mechanicsville, MD 20659 301-884-8118 - Open 7 Days a Week
Photos courtesy of Amanda Adams Photography The Southern Maryland Job Source on Wheels was unveiled in St. Mary’s County on April 28.
On April 28, the Southern Maryland Job Source on Wheels was unveiled in St. Mary’s County and introduced to the public. Lynne Chick, the job services specialist supervisor with the Job Source office in the governmental center in Leonardtown, said the goal of the Job Source on Wheels is to bring to the public services they may need but can’t come to Leonardtown to get. Chick said the mobile job source is fully equipped with 11 computers and stations, all of which are up and running. The bus is also equipped with a satellite to give the center wireless capabilities. She said there are plans to equip the bus with laptop computers and tables and chairs that can be put outside so, on nice days, people can go outside to job search. Also, similar to the job source office, there will be a copier, printer and fax ma-
would be $300 at a professional seminar. The 38-foot bus was custom made for the mobile job source, said Janet Hanke, the client services manager with the Tri County Council at the job source in Leonardtown. Chick said one purpose of the mobile source is to get the computers out to rural areas where they may not have Internet. Chick pointed out that it is getting increasingly difficult to find and get jobs without access to the Internet. She said one of the best parts of the job source having a mobile station is they can have a presence at events like the county fair and other public functions so people can “see what the job source does.” sarahmiller@countytimes.net
Senior Housing Expo Set
On Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the SOMD Senior Housing and Service Provider Networking Group and the St. Mary’s Department of Aging will host a Senior Housing Expo at the Northern Senior Center located at 29655 Charlotte Hall Road, Charlotte Hall. This event will host exhibitors from the Networking Group as well as representatives from the Departments of Aging and Housing Authorities from the tri-county area who will be on hand to provide information and answer questions, a press release states. Attendees can visit the different exhibitor tables to get the latest information on housing options available for those 55 and older in the tri-county area. Guest speakers will give 30 minute presentations throughout the day and will include: Steve Gurney, Publisher of “The Guide to Retirement Living Sourcebook” who will talk about “Choosing and moving into a senior living community”; Sharon Nicholson, LPN
who will speak on “What’s going on with mom & dad and when is it time to move?”, Regina Fletcher of Century 21 Real Estate will address “Getting your house ready for market,” Nora Bachelder, Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs –Veterans Service Officer who will speak on Veterans Benefits, and Dr. Stacy L. Dent, D.C. who will present “Senior Nutrition: The Joy of Eating Well and Aging Well.” Attendees can register to win a 32” Flat Panel Television provided by Delegate Johnny Wood as well as many other door prizes. Those who bring a non-perishable food donation to be donated to the Southern Maryland Food Bank will be entered into a separate special drawing for additional prizes. The event is open to anyone interested in learning about senior living options. For more information on the Housing Expo please contact: Janice Pruett at Cedar Lane Apartments, phone 301.475.8966 ext. 32, email: jpruett@ cedarlaneapts.com.
9
By Sarah Miller Staff Writer
Hurricane Hunters Visit NAS Pax
The Hurricane Hunter plane dubbed Kermit was available for tours at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River on Tuesday morning. Kermit, one of two WP-3D planes, and a
Todd Richards
Defense
The County Times
Thursday, May 5, 2011
modified WP-3C make up the airplanes that actually fly in and out of hurricanes to gather information, said Carl Newman, chief of the maintenance section and a pilot with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Surprisingly, converting the WP-3Ds for this purpose didn’t take a lot of work. Newman said the planes have reinforced floors to handle the weight of the equipment on board and reinforced windows. And the planes can stay in commission for long periods of time if they are properly maintained. “We do as much maintenance as the Navy, we just do it more frequently,” Newman said. Kermit alone has been through 92 storms and visited several different countries. Todd Richards, an electronics technician with NOAA, said the easternmost point the planes will be stationed is Barbados. For the most part, a plane and the crew will be deployed for nine-hour stints – three hours out, three hours in the storm and three hours back. Richards said he has been with NOAA for a
2004 Mercedez Benz Was $14,985- Now $14,389
2006 Murano Was $17,985- Now $15,485
2008 Mazda Tribute Was $13,985- Now $11,965
2003 Chevy Tahoe Was $15,495- Now $12,860
2001 Ford Box Truck Was $10,495- Now $8,965
year, and has already been on three flights, one of which saw the plane island hopping with a storm form Barbados to Connecticut. “It’s the best job I’ve ever had,” Richards said. At the Hurricane Hunters event, which was open to the public, seven schools from the surrounding community brought 450 students to see the plane and talk to people from NOAA and the Hurricane National Center, along with other officials. The NOAA hurricane season forecast will be released in mid to late May, but Daniel Brown form the Hurricane National Center, said its best to not give it weight and be pre-
pared at all times. The prediction is only for the number of storms, not where they will form, how they will travel or where they will make landfall if they do. If the number is low, he said it lulls people into thinking the hurricane season won’t be a bad one. “It only takes one for it to be a bad year,” Brown said. sarahmiller@countytimes.net
YOUR INVITATION TO
THE RONALD REAGAN CENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY PICNIC
Hosted by the St Mary's Republican Central Committee When: Sunday, May 15th • Time: Noon to 4p.m. Where: V.F.W. Post 2632 Hamburgers Hot Dogs 23282 Three Notch Rd Pulled BBQ Chicken California, MD 20619 Cole Slaw Potato Salad ALL YOU CAN EAT Baked Beans Corn on Cob Adults $15 per person Desserts Ages 6 to 14 years $7 and all the fixins' Beverages( non-alcohol) 5 years and under free (cash bar open in the Post)
Please call or email to RSVP as seating may be limited Payment will be accepted at the door Contact Mary Burke-Russell 301-373-4334 or email maryell23@aol.com By authority Tom Haynie, Treasurer SMRCC
1998 Dodge Ram Was $8,495- Now $6,950
2007 Honda Ridgeline Was $20,495- Now $19,685
2005 Honda Pilot Was $15,985- Now $14,870
2006 Nissan Pathfinder Was $17,495- Now $14,980
Scan this Code with your smart phone!
Super May Days Sale
Come See The Oldest Locally-Owned Dealership in St. Mary’s County
All Vehicles Are MArylAnd stAte inspected And coMe With A 3,000 Mile or 3 Month WArrAnty
301-373-CARS (2277) • 1-800-554-5593 www.tomhodgesauto.com 24179 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood, Maryland 20636
The County Times
Briefs Vehicle Search Leads To Drug Arrest
On May 1, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s deputies discovered Ronald William Crowley, 49 of Charlotte Hall, sitting in the driver’s seat of a motor vehicle that was stationary in the middle of Bach Drive in Charlotte Hall. The engine to the vehicle was running and the vehicle was blocking traffic. Deputies reported they could smell a odor of an alcoholic beverage and suspected phencyclidine upon Crowley’s person. Further investigation revealed Crowley allegedly was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicating substance and he was arrested. Search incident to the arrest revealed a clear vial containing suspected phencyclidine plainly visible in the center console of the vehicle, police say. Crowley was additionally charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, suspected phencyclidine and possession of controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia.
Police: Man Choked Victim
On May 1, deputies responded to a residence on Ritz Drive in Lexington Park, for an assault in progress. Investigation revealed James Walter Wheeler, Jr., 22, of Lexington Park was engaged in a verbal dispute with the victim, which escalated into a physical assault when Wheeler allegedly choked the victim. Wheeler was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree assault.
Man Charged With Violating Protective Order
On April 5, Garry Victor Shubrooks, 43, of no fixed address was served with a protective order ordering that he not contact the petitioner of the order by any means. The protective order remains in effect for 12 months. On May 2, Shubrooks allegedly violated the conditions of the protective order when he attempted to contact the petitioner by mail. Shubrooks was charged with violating the conditions of a protective order.
Narcotics Officers Make Arrests
Vice narcotics detectives began an investigation into Dewayne Carlton Gantt Jr, 20, of Lexington Park and his alleged distribution of marijuana. Detectives made undercover purchases of marijuana from Gantt during the course of the investigation, police reported. He was indicted and subsequently arrested. He was originally held without bond on multiple counts of distribution of marijuana. Barbara Willingham Culp, 46, of Mechanicsville was arrested after she allegedly uttered multiple fraudulent prescriptions and obtained nearly 250 oxycodone pills. She was charged with several counts of counterfeiting a prescription and fraud.
Philip H. Dorsey III Attorney at Law
LEONARDTOWN: 301-475-5000 TOLL FREE: 1-800-660-3493 EMAIL: phild@dorseylaw.net
www.dorseylaw.net
10
Man Convicted of Attempted Rape Gets Life By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
A Circuit Court judge sentenced Richard A. Edwards, convicted in a jury trial of attempted first-degree rape stemming from an incident at a Mechanicsville bar last year, to life in prison plus 10 years for another conviction of a third-degree sex offense in the same incident. Edwards, 41, maintained throughout his trial and at his sentencing hearing that he was not the man who committed the act; but the victim in the case gave a tearful statement about the damage the sexual assault caused to her life. The victim said she had gone out that evening to Big Dogs Paradise tavern with friends to have fun and did not expect to have to fight to stop from being raped. “I never thought this would happen,” she said. “He didn’t just come and do it but he came to feel out the situation; I know he meant to do this. “I was so scared.” Judge C. Clarke Raley recounted testimony at the trial that showed the victim had seen Edwards at the tavern and that he had been staring at her while there. After the victim left the establishment near closing time she was assaulted by the defendant while in her car, Raley said. Edwards was able to sexually molest her, Raley said, but was not actually able to complete the rape. “He did everything he could possibly do to rape this young woman,” Raley said at the Monday hearing. “She fought valiantly … her ability to fight off her attacker is what saved
her.”
Assistant State’s Attorney Joseph Stanalonis said that because there was not a completed rape that the guidelines for sentencing did not recommend a life sentence, but Stanalonis, as well as the victim and her father, asked Edwards for and got it. “She fully believed that she was going to be killed by him” for resisting being raped, Stanalonis said of the trauma the victim suffered. The prosecutor also said that the rape attempt may have been fueled by the influence of alcohol, which has dogged the defendant throughout his life. The victim said that since the rape she has had nightmares and has been unable to trust men that she has met. “I never knew what it was like to hate someone until now, because I hate him,” the victim said, sobbing. “He doesn’t feel bad about this, he’s only upset for himself.” Edwards maintained his innocence. “It wasn’t me that [did] this,” Edwards said. “I’m sorry … I don’t know what else to say.” guyleonard@countytimes.net
Judge Refuses to Quash Evidence Before Murder Trial By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
-Serious Personal Injury Cases-
Thursday, May 5, 2011
A circuit court judge declined Monday to rule on defense motions to suppress evidence and statements made by Joanna Findlay, who was indicted earlier this year for allegedly shooting and killing her husband in their Hollywood home. Findlay’s attorney, John Ray, presented several motions including trying to suppress a statement in an autopsy report that Gary Alan Trogdon’s death was a homicide as well as an attempt to suppress statements his client made to officers on the scene before she was formally arrested that her husband had committed suicide. Findlay’s defense strategy so far has hinged on the allegation that she discovered her husband had child pornography on a computer at their home and that when she discovered it, he was then prompted to commit suicide. Ray argued that those statements were made to police before she was given Miranda warnings, while State’s Attorney Richard Fritz said that officers could not have mirandized Findlay on the spot because they were still trying to ascertain the situation at the home. Judge C. Clarke Raley did say that police should have mirandized Findlay as soon as they arrived on the scene. Findlay was mirandized after she was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital from the scene of her husband’s death. Raley said that since he was being asked to rule on evidence even he hadn’t seen yet — the
trial is set for June — that he would wait to see the evidence at trial. The case had to “be based on first hand evidence by first hand witnesses,” Raley said. “I don’t think you should jump the gun on this.” In murder cases, the courts had “to be exceedingly careful” in dealing with evidence, he said. Ray said Tuesday that it was important to suppress statements by his client even though they directly contradicted the state’s theory that she was the one who shot her husband following a domestic dispute. These statements were the ones Findlay is said to have made before being mirandized, Ray said. He also argued that police continued to question his client even after she asked for a lawyer. “This is a serious case … you have to fight every issue,” Ray said. “Those statements really didn’t hurt us.” Fritz said: that child pornography allegations only confused the issue. “All that’s a red herring anyway,” Fritz said, claiming that the facts of the case pointed to Findlay being the one who killed her husband. Fritz said he was pleased with the way the hearing concluded, with Raley holding off on any ruling on the defense motions. “What it amounts to is the defense got nothing,” Fritz said. “I feel that the judge’s rulings were appropriate.”
11
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Diane Battaglia, 64 Diane Lynn Battaglia, 64 of Hol ly wood , MD passed away on April 30, 2011 at the Cancer Treatment Center of America, Philadelphia, PA. Born December 18, 1946 in Altadena, CA, she was the daughter of the late William H. and Helen E. Shingledecker Anderson. Diane is Survived by her husband, William Battaglia of Hollywood, MD, whom she married on February 2, 1965 in St. Leonard’s Church, Fremont, CA., daughters; Maria Perrygo and husband Nate of Hollywood, MD, and Nicole Wolf and husband Chris of California, MD, grandchildren; Vinnie Battaglia and wife Amanda, Lukas Battaglia, and Ayden Perrygo, and soon to be great-granddaughter; Veronica Battaglia, mother-in-law, Jennie Battaglia, sister’s-in-law; Maureen Battaglia, and Aylnn Brutsman, nine nieces and nephews, and 13 great nieces and nephews, also survived by the children of her heart as Diane was called “Mom”, and “Grammie” by many. Diane was an Electronic Designer and Manufacturer for 15 years. She managed Interconnect Supply in Santa Clara, CA, was the founder of The Santa Clara Cleft Palate Group, she worked with “The Flying Doctors” of Stanford Hospital, was also on the Board of Directors of the ISIS House in Union City, CA. Diane moved to St. Mary’s County in 1997, where she opened the Do-Dah-Deli in Historic downtown Leonardtown, MD. She loved playing computer games, gardening, the ocean, the San Francisco fog, and being involved in the wonderful community of St. Mary’s County. Family received friends on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home were prayers recited. A funeral Service was held on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 in the Funeral Home Chapel with Joe Orlando officiating. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers were; Vinnie Battaglia, Lukas Battaglia, Aaron Carnahan, William Barnes, Garrett Groeger, and Joey Stalcup. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 and /or Cancer Treatment Center of America, 1331 East Wyoming Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124 Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD
Dixie Brickey, 65 Dixie Lee Brickey, 65 of Lexington Park, MD formerly of Charlotte Hall, MD passed away on April 25, 2011 at her residence. She was born on August 15, 1945 in Cheverly,
MD to the late Leslie Beans Schafer and Hazel Virginia Dixon Schafer. Dixie graduated from Bladensburg High School in 1963 and moved from Prince George’s County in 1977. She was a Homemaker and enjoyed crafts, arranging flowers, dolls, and ceramics. She was also a Den Mother for pack 1786 in Mechanicsville, MD. She was preceded in death by her parents; ex-husband, William J. Brickey, Sr., and brother, Leslie Schafer. Dixie is survived by her children, William Brickey, Jr. and wife Courtlyn of Lusby, MD, Joanne Lee and husband Ken of Huntingtown, MD, Donna Brickey of Lusby, MD, and Lorne Brickey and wife Marion of Charlotte Hall, MD; grandchildren, Ken Lee, Jr., Bruce Lee, Joe Goldsmith, Allen Alvey, Alex Morgan, Virginia Brickey, Dale Henderson, William Brickey, III, Susan Brickey, Curtis Lee, Erin Brickey, and Kamyrn Lee. The family received friends on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 in the Rausch Funeral Home Chapel, Lusby, MD where a Funeral Service was held. Interment followed in Fort Lincoln Cemetery, Brentwood, MD.
The County Times
for Donny’s Life Celebration on Thursday, May 5, 2011 from 3 - 5 and 6 – 9 p.m. at the Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Rd., Charlotte Hall, MD. Prayers will be held at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 6, 2011 at St. Mary’s Church, 7401 Buchanan St., Landover Hills, MD at 9 a.m. The Rev. Samuel Giese will officiate assisted by Rev. Isador Dixon. Interment will take place at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD on Friday, May 6, 2011 at 11 a.m. Donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 or Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, 10946 Beaver Dam Rd., Hunt Valley, MD 21030.
Frances Copsey, 89 Frances Adele Copsey, 89 of California, MD, passed away p e a c ef u l ly, su r rou nded by her loving family, on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at the home of her eldest daughter, Leonardtown, MD.
Born December 30, 1921 in Benedict, MD, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Henry Goldsmith and Cora Indiana (Ching) Goldsmith. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Hilary Copsey, Sr. on May 27, 2003. She married Hilary on April 11, 1944 at the Immaculate Conception Church, Mechanicsville, MD. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Adele is survived by her children; James Hilary Copsey Jr. of Leonardtown, MD, John William Copsey of Charlestown, WV, Betty Ann Guy of Leonardtown, MD, Francis Conway Copsey of California, MD, Linda Marie Copsey of Columbia, MD, 14 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. Serving as pallbearers were her grandsons: Jamie Copsey, Shane Copsey, Casey Copsey, Johnny Copsey, Scotty Copsey, Charlie Guy, Glennie Buckler, Brian Buckler, and Jason Buckler. Honorary pallbearers will be her great grandchildren. A celebration of her life and visitation was held on Monday, May 2, 2011 at Our Lady’s Catholic Church, 41348 Medley’s Neck Road, Leonardtown, MD where a Mass of Christian Burial followed. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625 Leonardtown, MD 20650. Condolences to the family may
James Gunn, Jr., 70 James Bernard “Junior” Gunn, Jr. 70 of Lexington Park, MD died April 27, 2011 at the Clinton Nursing Center. Born February 3, 1941 in Dameron, MD, he was the son of the late James Bernard Gunn and Cora Elizabeth (Dorsey) Gunn. Junior was a farm laborer. He is survived by his siblings; Thelma Jones of Clinton, MD, Betty Germany of Hyattsville, MD, Elnora Jackson of Fort Washington, MD, William Gunn of Glen Burnie, MD, and Thomas Gunn of Lexington Park, MD. He was preceded in death by his sisters; Christine Scriber and Eunice Gunn. Family received friends on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at St. Peter Claver Church, 16922 St. Peter Claver Road, St. Inigoes, MD 20684. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated with Father Scott Woods officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Claver Church. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral. com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield
Serving St. Mary's County Since 1978
Thomas Clark, Sr., 79 Thomas Donald “Donny” Clark, Sr., 79, of Charlotte Hall, MD, formerly of Lanham, MD, died May 1, 2011 at Sinai Hospital, Baltimore, MD. Born July 28, 1931 in Washington, D.C., he was the son of Edward Francis Clark and Mary Agnes Wright Clark. He was a Purchasing Agent for the AFL-CIO headquarters. He retired in April, 1993. As a very active member of St. Mary’s Church in Landover Hills, he ran the parish Bingo, refereed and coached the Boys Club and CYO, was a past Grand Knight of Potomac Council 733 and St. Mary’s Council 10046. He loved the “Sound of Music”. Donny was predeceased by his parents; siblings, Edward M. Clark, James L. Clark, Bernard F. Clark and Robert F. Clark and Cecelia L. Clark. He is survived by his wife, Kay Bussink Clark; children, Edward F. Clark (Teresa), Bernadette M. Clerkin (Patrick), Thomas D. Clark, Jr. (Lynn), Kevin M. Clark (Cheryl) and Brian M. Clark; 12 grandchildren, Cassie, Maggie, Alyce, Derek, Michael, Nick, Matthew, Andrew, Nicole, Tommy, Eddie and Jessica; and 1 great grandchild, Keith. The family will receive friends
be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral. com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A, Leonardtown, MD.
Free eSTIMATeS / QuICk TurnArOunD • High Speed Digital Black/White & Color Copy Service Compare our Prices & Time Line to Our Competitors
• Posters • Flyers • Menus • Wedding Invitations, Programs and • Raffle & Admission Tickets Accessories • Announcements • Graphic Design • Invitations • Commercial Offset Printing • Composition & • Perfect Binding, Hard Back Layout Binding, GBC / Coil Binding, • Copy Service Saddle Stitching • Rubber Stamps • Free In-County Delivery • Letterheads 41690 Courthouse Drive Leonardtown, Maryland 20650 • Envelopes Phone: 301-475-5531 • Newsletters Fax: 301-475-9636 email: orders@printingpressinc.com • Business Cards www.printingpressinc.com • Business Forms HOurS: Mon - Thur 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. • NCR Forms Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Envelope Inserting • Certificates • Contracts • Continuous Forms • Booklets • Brochures • Funeral Programs • Bumper Stickers • Magnetic Signs • Laminating • Labels • Bindery • Specialty Work • Color Work • Briefs • Easels
The County Times
Thursday, May 5, 2011
12
Continued MEMORIAL DAY SALE Ceramic Photos, Granite Vases, Flat Markers From $199.00
26262 Three Notch RD., BLDG. A Mechanicsville, MD 20659 Marble Urns Slant Memorials From $299.00 From $699.00
Custom Statues
240-587-0943
In - Door Show Room Free Design Layouts Call Today
SINGLE UPRIGHTS AND HEART SHAPES
STARTING AT $999.00
BENCHES AND BRONZE STARTING AT $1,299.00 DOUBLE UPRIGHTS WITH BASE
STARTING AT $1,599.00
www.nationwidememorialsllc.com
Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
Marynell Klink, 79 Mar y nell H a r t l e y Klink, 79 of Mechanicsville, MD died April 26, 2011 at her residence. Born August 1, 1931 in Wa s h i ng t o n , DC, she was the daughter of the late Leroy V. Hartley and Lucy (Harrison) Hartley. Marynell is survived by her children; John Klink of Mechanicsville, MD, Steven Klink and Linda Wadsworth both of Richmond, VA, two grandchildren and a brother, Lee Hartley of Northern, VA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley J. Klink, Jr. A funeral service was held on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at the Bucktrout of Williamsburg Funeral Home, Williamsburg, VA. Interment followed in Williamsburg Memorial Park. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfield-
funeral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A, Leonardtown, MD.
William Mitchell, 96 W i l liam Monroe “Bill” M i t c h ell, 96, of Leonardtown, MD, formerly of Milwaukee, WI, Tu c s o n , AZ, died in Leonardtown, MD on May 1, 2011. He was born on August 17, 1914 in Chicago Heights, IL. Mr. Mitchell was the son of the late John King and Nell Minerva Ann Kirk Mitchell. He was the loving husband of the late Veronica Alta Beattie Mitchell whom he married on November 3, 1940 in Rock Island, IL. She preceded him in death on July 30, 1997. Mr. Mitchell was survived by his daughter Alta Gwyn Mitchell and her husband Dallas Eugene Sharp of Lusby, MD. He is also survived by 4 step-grandchildren,
11 step-great-grandchildren and 6 step-great-great grandchildren. Mr. Mitchell attended Calumet High School in Chicago, IL and graduated in 1932. He lived in Tucson, AZ, and moved to St. Mary’s County in 1987. He worked as Vice-President of Sales for Ambrosia Chocolate Company, now division of ADM (Arthur, Daniels, Midlands) Menomonee Falls, WI what used to be in Milwaukee, WI retiring in 1977. Mr. Mitchell was a member of the Gideon’s International in Nashville, TN, Faith Bible Church, Mechanicsville, MD, Founder of the Wildwood Bible Hour, in Wildwood Village, California, MD, and a member of the Brown Deer Masonic Lodge, Brown Deer, WI. The family will receive friends on Monday, May 9, 2011 5:30 – 7 p.m. in the Faith Bible Church, Mechanicsville, MD where a funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. with Pastor Robb McNutt officiating and co-officiating will be Pastor Rod Spade. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, in Skokie, IL. In Pallbearers will be; Harry Stone, John Sobola, Howard Burch, Dave Dotson, Dallas Sharp, and Mearl Rusaw. Contributions may be made in memory of William Monroe Mitchell to the Cedar Lane Apartment Support Services, 22680 Cedar Lane Court, Leonardtown, MD 20650. To leave a condolence for the family please visit www.mgf h. com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A, Leonardtown, MD.
Edward Smith, Jr., 45 E d ward Richard “Ricky” Smith, Jr. of Lusby, MD passed a w a y p e a c ef u l ly at his residence on April 25, 2011 surrounded by his family and friends. He was born on February 17, 1966 in Prince Frederick, MD to Edward Richard Smith, Sr. and the late
Sylvia Faye Bowen. He married his loving wife Bettie L. Rose on November 4, 2001 at Solomons Vol. Rescue Squad and Fire Department. Ricky graduated from Calvert High School in 1984 and went on to be an Emergency Communications Officer with the Calvert Co. Government. He retired on December 10, 2010 after 23 years of service. Ricky is a past member of the Prince Frederick Vol. Rescue Squad and Past EMS Chief and Life Member of the Solomons Vol. Rescue Squad and Fire Department. He was preceded in death by his mother and grandparents, Robert and Margaret Bowen, Vergie Snapp, and Frank Smith. Ricky is survived by his father, Edward R. Smith, Sr. and wife Barbara; wife, Bettie L. Smith of Lusby, MD; children, Crystal Batchelor, Ryan Smith Musumeci, Jennifer Batchelor, Morgan Smith, and Shelby Smith all of Lusby, MD; sister, Kimberly Girard and husband Charles of Prince Frederick, MD; grandchildren, Hailey Hawkins, Taylor, Karmyn, and Brynna Musumeci; and his extended Solomons Vol. Rescue Squad and Fire Department family that will always remember him as Pop’s. Pallbearers will be Matthew Rusch, Dale Bladen, Lennie Rose, Donald Buckler, Kimball Mackall, Rick McCourt, Earl Harper, and Bill Elliott. The family received friends on Thursday, April 28, 2011 at the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Lusby, MD where Fire and EMS prayers were held. Funeral Services were held on Friday, April 29, 2011 in the Solomons Vol. Rescue Squad and Fire Department Hall with Rev. John Howanstine officiating. Interment followed in Asbury Cemetery, Prince Frederick, MD.
Gavin Varlack, Infant Gavin Tyler Varlack, Infant, of Lexington Park, MD, died April 27, 2011 in St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. Born April 27, 2011 in St. Mary’s Hospital, he was the son of Sandra Beall and Darius Varlack. He is also survived by his grandparents; JoAnn Pates, Gary Mont, Dr. Wil Varlack, Sandra Tolson, Robert Beall, Sr. and Bernard Tolson as well as his siblings; Niaya Beall, Dakota McKneely,
25 1 4 3 To 7 3 1 0 Plac 3 l l a e a Me C e s morial, Plea
Gordon Pates, III and Jayden Varlack all of Lexington Park, MD. A Graveside Service was held on Monday, May 2, 2011 in St. Peter Claver Catholic Church Cemetery in St. Inigoes, MD with Fr. Scott Woods officiating. Pallbearers were Dr. Wil Varlack and Gary Mont. To leave a condolence for the family please visit www.mgf h. com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A, Leonardtown, MD.
Earl Welch, 68 Earl Wayne Welch, 68 of Hollywood, MD died April 27, 2011 at his residence. Born May 26, 1942 in Ridge, MD, he was the son of Carrie E. (Rice) Welch and the late Earl Joseph Welch. Earl was a waterman. In addition to his mom, Earl is survived by his children; Pamela Fisher of Montgomery, AL and Delores Rogers of Michigan, stepdaughter, Roxanne Campos of Hollywood, MD, five grandchildren, one great grandchild, two sisters and two brothers. He was preceded in death by his father, and his son, Robert James Welch. All services are private. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A, Leonardtown, MD.
To Place a Memorial, Please Call 301-373-4125
13
The County Times
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The County Times and these fine merchants would like to wish you and your family a Happy Mother’s Day!
240-237-8228
www.Snheatingac.com 301-884-5011 Heating & Air Conditioning
www.dbmcmillans.com 301-866-0777
www.brandywineparts.com 301-863-6433
www.carrollsequipment.com 301-872-5553 301-475-2811 http://rusticriver.net/ Serving Mother's Day Brunch from 9 am - 2 pm
301-885-9145
www.brinsfieldfuneral.com 301-472-4400 301-475-5588
& ASSOCIATES
INSURANCE 410-586-2381
ardiner MATTINGLEY
FUNERAL HOME, P.A.
www.mgfh.com 301-475-8500
www.thegreenerynursery.net 301-373-2573
DEAN LUMBER
301-475-3151
AND SUPPLY
www.dean-lumber.com 301-373-2111 AUTO REPAIR
www.patriotmedicaltransport.com 301-290-0502
Fenwick Street Used Books and Music
www.laserlube.com 301-737-1102 Your best auto repair shop in town.
John F Wood Jr
www.fenwickbooks.com 301-475-2859
Maryland State Delegate, District 29A 301-884-2345
Brewing Grounds
Thompsons Seafood Corner Market
www.gobrewinggrounds.com 301-475-8040
Mechanicsville, MD 301-884-5251
www.ricksjewelers.com 301-737-4241
www.threemules.com 301-863-8803
301-863-3388 www.jumpyardplaycenter.com
Big Larry's Comic Book Cafe
Charles Memorial Gardens www.charlesmemorialgardens.com 301-475-8060
Southern Maryland Divers, LLC www.SouthernMarylandDivers.com (443) 295-3225
www.biglarryscomics.com 301-475-1860
Martin’s AutoTech
www.martinsautotech.com 301-373-2266
www.LeaMassageTherapy.com
Know
In The
Education
The County Times
Thursday, May 5, 2011
14
Solar Panels Up And Running at Carver Elementary School By Sarah Miller Staff Writer In March, the more than 2,000 solar panels that were installed at George Washington Carver Elementary School were turned on and, on May 2, a ribbon cutting for the solar panels was held. Annette Wood, the principal at the Carver school, said the instillation of the panels began in December, but the project that brought the panels to Carver, Project Sunburst, began County commissioners and members of the Board of Education along with stu- in March 2010. Wood said the students have taken great interest in the dents from George Washington Carver Elementary School cut the ribbon on a field of solar panels designed to eventually make the school energy efficent. solar panels. There is a passive tracker, which moves with the position of the sun, that the students can watch. There is also a kiosk in the lobby at the school what gives a data calculation and provides information about the solar panels. Being able to see the solar panels and how they work will be beneficial for the students at Carver, as well as
other students in the St. Mary’s County Public Schools, Wood said. “They’re the generation that’s going to see green jobs,” she said. Approximately 80 percent of the power for Carver will be produced by the solar panels, Wood said. Larry Hartwick, the supervisor of design and construction with St. Mary’s County Public Schools, said they just got the bill from SMECO for the first month of the solar panels operation, so they are still crunching the numbers to see how much the school actually saved. The savings on the bill comes not because the school is producing their own power, but because they are purchasing the energy produced through a power purchase agreement (PPA) at a rate cheaper than SMECO’s. Over time, while SMECO’s rates rise, the PPA will stay relatively consistent. The savings are calculated by monetary difference in the payment to the PPA and SMECO. The panels were paid for with federal stimulus dollars, and had to be spent on solar power. The upkeep and design were taken care of by Standard Solar, Hartwick said, who will also take care of the panels for the next 15 years. He said in the next 15 years, there is an estimated $1 million to $1.4 million dollars that will be saved during the lifetime of the panels.
Schools Rally for Recycle Competition By Sarah Miller Staff Writer A handful of local schools jumped on the bandwagon with the Dream Machine
Leonardtown Water-Access Communities! Hanover Farms $525,000 Perfectly maintained home in beautiful Hanover Farms-water access on Breton Bay! Move-in ready, this home offers an open plan. Custom details include maple floors on entire main level; maple cabinets/granite/SS appliances in KIT; 2 full guest baths up & down; upgraded carpet on 2nd fl; 9' ceilings both 1st/2nd floors; Trex deck; tons of recessed lights; 2' bumpout on main level; fully finished basement. Play area & gazebo near community pier.
Avenmar $975,000 Truly extraordinary home in Avenmar, the premiere equestrian/ water-access community! New Owner's Suite w/FP & custom closet to die for; KIT suitable for a chef; Media/Great Room w/spectacular stone FP; Game Room w/ bar, full bath & loft (could be In-Law Apt); 20X40 heated sports pool; huge screened porch; 900 sq.ft. 3-bay fin. garage; custom built-ins; Library, Hobby Room, Office, 2 Laundries; Indoor Swimex pool/gym!...
Breton Bay Landing $445,000 This delightful home will put a smile on your face! Former model w/many recent renovations, picture perfect & located on a corner lot in popular Breton Bay. Shows like a model & features Owner's Suite w/sitting area + private office, cook's KIT w/SS appliances, Living room w/FP, sunken Family Room w/stone FP, screened porch off FR, finished LL w/guest suite & rec room. Walk to community pier/beach ($50/yr)!
Breton Bay Landing $299,900 - Largest TH in Breton Bay Landing! Stunning home w/seasonal water view. Upgraded & perfect inside & out: open plan w/lge LR/ DR, 2 MBRs suites + huge loft 3rd BR w/full BA, tons of storage, 2 FPs (FR & LR), eat-in KIT w/Jenn Aire appl, family room. Roof, most appl, MBA shower recently replaced! Only steps to community beach & pier only $50/yr. Gas grill & AHS Warranty convey. 2 mins to golf course.
Brooks & Barbour www.brooksandbarbour.com Karen Alford Brooks karenalfordbrooks@mris.com CELL: 301-481-0644
Lucy Barbour lucybarbour@mris.com CELL: 301-904-9914
23063 Three Notch Rd. • California, MD 20619 Office: 301-862-2169 • Fax: 301-862-2179
Sunbrella FABRIC MARINE/OUTDOOR
9.95
$
yd
(COMPARE @ $24-$59) 60+ COLORS
THE FABRIC STORE
… FOR HOME DÉCOR 27215 Three Notch Rd Mechanicsville, MD 301-290-1074
Recycle Rally to encourage their students to recycle cans and bottles. The schools that participated in the Dream Machine Recycle Rally were Chesapeake Public Charter School, who finished seventh over all, Greenview Knolls, who finished ninth, Mechanicsville Elementary School who finished in 12th, Benjamin Banneker Elementary School in 15th and Green Holly Elementary School in 19th. All five of the schools that participated from St. Mary’s County Public Schools finished in the top 20 of more than 230 schools in the Dream Machine Recycle rally. Debbie Henry, a second grade teacher at Greenview Knolls, said when the schools signed up for the recycle rally, they received a computer and a barcode scanner to use to count the number of bottles the students and teachers brought in. The students who brought bottles in were entered in drawings for prizes like gift certificates for JumpYard and Chick-Fil-A. “It motivates the students to realize the importance of recycling,” Henry said. Some of the students even helped with scanning the bottles and uploading the data to the Dream Machine website. “We had to bring a lot of bottles,” said Megan Owen, a second grade student at Greenview Knolls who helped out with the data collection. “I’ve been impressed with the sheer volume of the cans and bottles the kids have brought in,” said Bryan Clapp, a middle school math teacher at the Chesapeake Public Charter School. He said the students brought in so many bottles and recyclables, the school had to get their recycling picked up more often, and even order an extra eight yard recycling bin to handle the overf low. For more information on the recycle rally, visit www.dreammachinerecyclerally.com. sarahmiller@countytimes.net
15
The County Times
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The LEXINGTON PARK MERCHANTS Encourage You to SHOP LOCAL!
Located just minutes outside Gate 2 of PAX NAS, Lexington Park offers a multitude of businesses to serve you.
Lex ngton Park E SeLf Storage
LOW PRICES All The Time
10% discount
WE OFFER MILITARY DISCOUNTS!
if you bring coupon in
21323 Great Mills Rd. Lexington, Park, MD 20653
lpss@selfstorageservicesinc.com
Vinyl Ceramic *Carpet Hardwood *Furniture +We sell and install! *Currently on sale now! + Stock liquidation sale!
Walk - Ins Welcome!
NEW HOURS
301-863-8733
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Friday Saturday
www.tobysbarbershop.com 21797 D North Coral Drive Lexington Park, MD 20653
Dr
Millison Plaza
Great Mills Rd
S
Tulagi Place
Rd
r
G
G
ch
aD ali
eR d
St. Mary’s Square
Patuxent River NAS
ot N
A us
C
tr
McKay’s
Rd
Es sex
FDR Blvd
N
e re Th
Fo r e st R un Dr
G
Dr
Fax: 301-994-3654
tM
in
9am to 6pm 9am to 5pm 9am to 6pm 9am to 5pm 9am to 2pm
phone #: Toby’saddress welcomes Tiffany Lunn joining our staff as a Masseuse :
a re
Po
G
name:
Westbury Blvd
Indian Brid g ills
and tanning
Pacifc
20041 Point Lookout Rd • Great Mills, MD 20634 Chance llors Run Rd
Phone: 301-994-3650
coupon
Carpet and Furniture Cleaning
Es se x Dr
t e p r a C Abbey by ’s e l y o D D
www.selfstorageservicesinc.com
Shangri La
C
301-862-4722 301-862-2184
tL
oo
ko
ut
Rd
E D
SprING
INTO The Jump Yard
Indoor Inflatable Play and Party Center for children ages 2-10.
Stacey’s Millennium Cuts $ 00 OFF F
2
on Wednesdays!
21315 Great Mills Rd • Lexington Park, MD 20653 Millison Plaza
10% off any party booked &
held inwithMay or June! this coupon
(301) 866-1818
Mon & Tues: Closed • Wed & Thurs: 10-3 Fri & Sat: 10-8 • Sun: 11-6
To Advertise on the Lexington Park Merchants Page, Call Rodney Dean at 301-373-4125
NEW EXTENDED SUMMER HOURS COMING SOON!!!
Runs the first Thursday of each Month
21703-C Great Mills Rd. Lexington Park, MD 20653 (Just outside of NAS Patuxent River, Gate 2)
301-863-3388
Barber’s: Stacey & Waverly
Bounce ALL DAY for $7.00!
SPRING HOURS:
Visit our Website For Current Activities & Party Prices!
www.jumpyardplaycenter.com
The County Times
Thursday, May 5, 2011
16
STORY
Building a Community Starting at Home By Sarah Miller Staff Writer
QBH Leonards Grant County Times Half Ad:Layout 1
4/5/11
5:36 PM
Page 1
Locally born and bred Dan Burris has been making a habit of helping give back to the community he has lived in for most of his life. “He’s very passionate about the town,” said Leonardtown Administrator Lashelle McKay. J. Harry Norris, the mayor of Leonardtown, has known Burris for much of his personal and professional life and has seen him take on such tasks as being a member of the Leonardtown Town Council since 2009, being a member of The Leonardtown Rotary and being a past president of the Leonardtown Business Association between 2007 and 2009. “He brought the Leonardtown Business Association to the point it is today,” McKay said. McKay said Burris works constantly on the economic development of the town, and often tries to draw attention back to the Tudor Hall project. Burris said the Tudor Hall Project was something that was conceived during better economic times, and it included a hotel, a golf course and a conference center, as well as other community facilities. “Danny’s always pleasant and upbeat and in a good mood,” Norris said. Norris said people who visit Leonardtown say it has a “small, old town
flavor.” It is people like Burris, with his “passion and love for the town,” who make a place like Leonardtown more attractive and nice to visit. “They make the town,” Norris said. McKay echoed Norris’s thoughts, saying what makes a small town successful is when the people in it “take ownership and pride” in the community. “Whatever is needed, he steps up to the plate,” McKay said. Stepping up to the plate includes helping with the set up and tear down for the various events held on the Leonardtown Square. During the Christmas Tree Lighting, Earth Day and other parties on the square, Burris said he can be found, if not helping out wherever needed, on the roof of Olde Towne Insurance Building, the home of Burris’s insurance agency, taking pictures that he shares with local media outlets and the town. “He just really promoted Leonardtown all the way around,” McKay said. Burris said he does so much work for the betterment of Leonardtown due to the simple fact that it’s home, in the truest sense of the word. Burris said he was born in St. Mary’s Hospital, and even when his family moved to Clinton when he was 5 and to Waldorf when he was 10, he made sure to come and stay with relatives still in St. Mary’s County. He even made a daily commute from Waldorf to attend Ryken High School. He graduated from Ryken in
MHBR No. 103
17
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The County Times
STORY
1976. “I left, but I never really left,” Burris said. Burris said when he first got actively involved in Leonardtown, there were 14 boarded up buildings in the town and the only things keeping the square afloat were the courthouse and the post office. Burris said it was the Tudor Hall Project that really started garnering interest in Leonardtown, and became the catalyst for the Leonardtown Wharf project. In 1986, Burris had his first turn on the Leonardtown Town Council, then he and his family moved to Medley’s Neck Road in 1987. Because they had moved out of Leonardtown’s business center, he had to resign from the town council, he said. But just because he was no longer on the town council, that doesn’t mean Burris stopped being involved. He was the president of Leonardtown Recreation Inc., a nonprofit organization for the Tudor Hall Project, from 1999 until 2005. In addition to his work in Leonardtown, Burris makes it a point to serve in the St. Mary’s Community as a whole. One way he does this is by serving on the St. Mary’s County library’s board of trustees. Kathleen Reif, the director of the county’s libraries, said the trustees are appointed to the position by the Board of County Commissioners for five year terms. Burris was appointed in 2007. Burris served a “major function” in working with the year’s budget, Reif said, and has been very involved in the discussions about the new Leonardtown Library. “He’s been an excellent member of the board and I have an appreciation for his guidance,” Reif said. She said Burris had a good business sense, which he uses to help in his dealings with the community. “He’s a great role model, I believe, for the county,” Reif said. Other positions Burris has held include being a member of the St. Mary’s Chamber of Commerce from 2007 until 2009, a past member of the Maryland Economic Development Commission from 2006 until 2008 and the president of the Southern Maryland Independent Agent’s Association. Norris said two of Burris’s most distinctive traits are that he is dependable and when he says he will do something, it’s going to get done. Above all, Norris said Burris is always happy to be doing what he is doing. “I’ve never seen Danny in a bad mood,” Norris said. Burris has also been the proprietor of the Olde Towne Insurance Agency since 2000 and has been in the insurance business since 1981. In his personal life, Burris has been married to his wife Donna for 27 years, and they have two daughters, Erin, 23, and Meghan, 21. Five years ago, the family moved back into downtown Leonardtown. Burris said getting out and being involved in the community serves a double purpose – getting Leonardtown recognition and attention, and helping his insurance agency prosper. Burris is also a property owner in the square. He owns Court Square Building, which he rents out space in. The top level of the building is the home of the new Leonardtown Arts Center, and other businesses in the building include Southern Maryland Abstracts and Chesapeake Trails Surveying, among others. Burris said he is looking forward to the continued growth of the town. “Once the economy comes back, we are positioned well,” Burris said. Future projects include the Port of Leonardtown Park, the continued work on the wharf and three developments slated to be completed – Leonard’s Grant, Clark’s Rest and Tudor Hall. The one thing Burris, for all his involvement in the community, doesn’t brag about is his work, and he says the success of Leonardtown and St. Mary’s County is very much a team effort. “Things are going well in the town,” Burris said. “I must have been a small part of that.” sarahmiller@countytimes.net
Wife - Barbara Thompson h s i W Mother - Dorthy Thompson Special
3Thank Year Anniversary You To Our Supporters! 30 Year Specializing in Seafood Mother’s Day
• crabs Special • Softshell crabs FREE Crab Dip 2-Dinner • local caught Fish Daily with Purchase • local produce Salad Bar Best Kept Secret in Downtown Leonardtown! Special Open Mothers Day $ 99 11am - 9pm 7 Wed Night
Fried Chicken
w/ 2-side, full salad bar
301-997-1260
Hours: Tues - Wed 11-3 Thurs - Sat: 11-9 Sun: 2-7
Specializing in Sandwiches & Seafood Lunch & Dinner Specials Eat-In or Carryout Available • Private Party Menu Located behind Winegarner on Park Avenue, Leonardtown
Newsmakers
The County Times
Thursday, May 5, 2011
18
St. Mary’s Youths Party on Weekends
By Sarah Miller Staff Writer When Elijah Holmes and Kea Green realized there are few activity opportunities for kids outside of sports in St. Mary’s County, they decided to do something about it. So Optichannel was born, aimed at kids from third through eighth grade. “We wanted to create something that would reward those kids,” Green said. She said one of the big goals of the project was to make it “recession proof.” To accomplish this, parents are charged $10, which gets their students into the evening activity, pays for their food and allows them to play videogames and other activities
with their peers. Green said they held a similar event at Nicollet Park last year, but the event last Friday was the first in a planned schedule for the coming summer months. The Optichannel nights are held in the hall at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, and Green said there will be two nights each weekend to help accommodate more students. Michelle Bradford-Foster, an administrator for Optichannel, said there aren’t many programs that recognize good kids, who get good grades but aren’t involved in sports or other activities. Optichannel is intended to be a “reward for being a good kid,” Bradford-Foster said. Going to movies can cost upwards of $20 per person, Bradford-Foster said, and events like the Spring Festival and the County Fair can cost even more than that after the entry fee, snacks and rides. The problem is, some families can’t afford to spend the money to do things like that on a regular basis. Because the Optichannel nights are only $10, they are more affordable, she said. Having something that is cheaper than a movie and still keeps young people in a central location and gives them something to do also keeps them out of trouble, Bradford-Foster said. “These children are our future, and that’s not just a Whitney Houston song,” she said. Kids at the Optichannel nights will also have the opportunity to win things like Wii games, gaming consoles, books and other prizes, both large and small. To celebrate the opening of Optichannel, there was even a trip for 10 kids to go on a limousine ride to Red Robin. Once Optichannel is firmly established in St. Mary’s County, Bradford-Foster said there are plans to start branches in Charles, Calvert and even Prince George’s counties.
“We want to start at home,” Br a d ford -Fost e r said. Kenneth Parnell, a coach with St. Mary’s select basketball team and a chaperone with Optichannel, said this is something that’s needed in the community. “It’s an honor to be involved,” Parnell said. Eventually, Optichannel will have its own facilities, Bradford-Foster said. There will also be opportunities for jobs, which will go further toward helping the community as a whole. They are also trying to get the school principals and other officials involved to spread the word and get kids to come to the higher education center every week. Optichannel also plans to bring in entertainers like the Good News Puppeteers. Veronica Watkins said she thinks Optichannel is “awesome” and when the puppeteers heard about it, they called up to get involved. Jaquan Green, one of the students at the Optichannel event April 28, said Optichannel is fun for kids “because they can have fun and not be in trouble.” For more information, call Green at 301-247-5625 or Holmes at 301-247-0983, e-mail optichannel@yahoo.com or visit optichannel.eventzilla.net. The next Optichannel event is May 6 at 5 p.m. sarahmiller@countytimes.net
SEE THE WORLD’S LARGEST CIRCUS UNDER THE BIG TOP!
C
C IRCUS S TARS
C
S TARS CIRCUS S U
MEET our underig top! new b
LEONARDTOWN ST. MARY’S CO. FAIRGROUNDS
9
MON. &TUES. MAY MAY
10
SHOWS AT 4:30 PM 7:30 PM
FREE FREEKIDSTICKETS.COM TICKETS FOR KIDS AT
BUY ADVANCE TICKETS THRU 5/8 AT TICKETS.COM/1.888.332-5200
DAY OF EVENT TICKETS ON SALE AT CIRCUS BOX OFFICE
The World’s Largest Circus Under The Big Top
COME EARLY!
ELEPHANT RIDES CAMEL RIDES PONY RIDES 1 HOUR BEFORE SHOWS
19
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The County Times
We created OptiChannel by combining two words “Optic” and “Channel” to define the following:
“Seeing the youth’s vision; creating a path; new channels of thoughts are created”. The OptiChannel is an ongoing event for the highly esteemed students who are in 3rd – 8th grade. The OptiChannel will provide a positive entertaining experience for the students who deserve to be rewarded for achieving A, B and High C Honor Roll. These fun filled events will have an all inclusive admission fee with food and refreshments provided. Events will be held every Friday & Saturday 5 pm – 9 pm (upon availability). All events will be ALCOHOL FREE, DRUG FREE, PROFANITY FREE, and VIOLENCE FREE events!
April 29, 2011...........SMHEC 5 pm – 9 pm
GRAND OPENING
May 6, 2011........…..SMHEC 5 pm – 9 pm May 13, 2011…...….SMHEC 5 pm – 9 pm May 20, 2011………SMHEC 5 pm – 9 pm May 27 & 28, 2011...SMHEC 5 pm – 9 pm June 3, 2011……….SMHEC 5 pm – 9 pm June 10, 2011……...SMHEC 5 pm – 9 pm June 17 & 18, 2011...SMHEC 5 pm – 9 pm June 24 & 25, 2011...SMHEC 5 pm – 9 pm July 1 & 2, 2011…....SMHEC 5 pm – 9 pm July 8 & 9, 2011…....SMHEC 5 pm – 9 pm July 22 & 23, 2011....SMHEC 5 pm – 9 pm July 29 & 30, 2011....SMHEC 5 pm – 9 pm Aug 5 & 6, 2011…....SMHEC 5 pm – 9 pm Aug 12 & 13, 2011....SMHEC 5 pm – 9 pm
More Dates Coming Soon….
Thanks to all the businesses that helped make the OptiChannel a Great Success! If your business is interested in becoming a supporter, please contact us.
Purchase an Optichannel Rewards Membership Online or at the Event Friend us on Facebook, PLATINUM* Rewards Membership GOLD* Rewards Membership for a chance to 15 Event Passes for the cost of 10 Events 5 Event Passes for less than the cost of 4 Events WIN MEGA MYSTERY PRIZE!! *Terms and conditions apply to rewards memberships. Ask for details.
Southern Maryland Higher Education Center - 44219 Airport Rd. • California, MD 20619
The County Times
Thursday, May 5, 2011
20
Community Southern Maryland 18th Annual Spring Festival
AUCTION May 7th • 10:00 AM Consignment Auction
Holy Face Catholic Church of Great Mills put on the 18th annual Southern Maryland Spring Festival at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds last weekend. Families from all over the region converged on the fairgrounds for the annual carnival, enjoying rides, games, midway food, crafts and exhibits. The festival featured four days of events and carnival rides and games from Sherwood Amusements. In addition, the festival featured the Up The Attic Stairs Yard Sale and a silent auction. A big hit for the weekend was Jerry Brown, who strolled the grounds with his pet monkey Django on this shoulder. Django loves quarters, Brown said, and one of his favorite tricks is taking a coin right from the open, outstretched hands of children. The event is an annual fundraiser for the Holy Face Church. Other organizations also benefiting, including CareNet Teen Pregnancy Center, Patuxent Habitat for Humanity and St. Mary’s Hospice. At left, Elle Sophia Rice, 2, enjoys her first ever ride on the merry-go-round, and below, other children enjoy the carnival rides. Scan the attached QR code at right with an equipped smartphone to see a slideshow Scan code for more photos of more pictures from the event.
8143 Old Leonadtown Rd Farmers Historic Tobacco Warehouse Hughesville, MD 20637 Hughesville By-Pass
• Estate Auction/Sales • General Consignment Auctions • Furniture, Art, Rugs, Antiques, Collectables, Buy-Outs, Close-Outs, Vehicles and More… • Vendor Crafts, Artisan, Woodworkers • Baked Goods • Consignment Sales • Vendor Booths Available • Event Hosting Quality Consignment Accepted
240-401-7156
GoldenOakAuctions@yahoo.com
www.GoldenOakAuctions.com
from the event, or visit www.kalnasy.smugmug.com
lammin’ pecials
EvEry Night!
hAPPy MOthEr’S DAy!
Try: Crab Omlette Treat Mom to Linda’s Maryland Stuffed Ham Omlette on Mother’s Day! Blue Berry Hot Cakes w/ Fresh Strawberried
Open on Mother’s Day 8 - 2!
Photo By Kalnasy Photography
Look at the heron
i’m hung ry
!!
i want toast at Linda’s
Don’t eat me! instead, go to Linda’s Cafe!
By: Leila McCloskey
Breakfast Served All Day & Night! Located in Old Downtown Lexington Park, Outside Gate 2 PAX NAS Mon - Fri: 6am - 8pm • Sat: 7am - 2pm • Sun: 8am - 2pm
301-862-3544
Photo By Kalnasy Photography
21
The County Times
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Business
Directory Phone 301-884-5900 1-800 524-2381
Phone 301-934-4680 Fax 301-884-0398
Want Personal Local Service?
Cross & Wood
AssoCiAtes, inC. Serving The Great Southern Maryland Counties since 1994 Employer/Employee
Primary Resource Consultants Group & Individual Health, Dental, Vision, AFLAC, Life, Long Term Care, Short & Long Term Disability, Employer & Employee Benefits Planning
12685 Amberleigh Lane La Plata, MD 20646
28231 Three Notch Rd, #101 Mechanicsville, MD 20659
Mary Clifton Financial Advisor
Retirement Planning • Stocks • Bonds Mutual Funds • IRAs • CDs CALL 301-884-4575 for Consultation
Member SIPC
28103 Three Notch Road • Mechanicsville
Law Offices of
P.A. Hotchkiss & Associates WHERE YOUR LEGAL MATTER-MATTERS
Auto Accidents – Criminal – Domestic Wills – Power of Attorney DWI/Traffic – Workers’ Compensation
“THE HEAT PUMP PEOPLE” 30457 Potomac Way Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 Phone: 301-884-5011
Est. 1982
snheatingac.com
Lic #12999
Pub & Grill
301-866-0777
23415 Three Notch Road California Maryland
www.dbmcmillans.com
317 Days Till St. Patrick’s Day
301-737-0777
Apartment Rentals 1 BR apartment w/in walking distance of shopping & dining in Leonardtown center. Well maintained. W/D, AC & dishwasher. Off street parking. Lease & sec. deposit. $775/month + cable, electric. Call Mike at 301-475-8384 or paragonprop@verizon.net.
Employment Executive Director OpportunityPatuxent Habitat for Humanity Patuxent Habitat for Humanity, Southern Maryland affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, serves Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties by providing affordable housing. PHH is recruiting for a dynamic, entrepreneurial leader to take PHH to the next level. The ED will be responsible for leadership in developing work plans aligned with the strategic goals, setting priorities for execution of the plans: supervising and motivating staff and committees. The ED will be the public face to the community and responsible for building relationships and developing funding programs. Proven track record in building and leading an organization is required. Competitive salary and benefits package. Equal Opportunity Employer.
Deep Water Slips & Boat Lifts Available. Leonardtown Area. 301-475-2017. www.combscreekmarina.com
Important
BACKYARD-BUDDIES.COM
Cutting Close Lawn Care Service Services Provided:
Waverly Crafton • Owner
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.
Boats & Recreation
Because You Never Know What Treasure You’ll Find Right in Your Own Backyard 410-231-2668
Mowing Trimming Edging Blowing
Real Estate
Candidate should send resume’ and cover letter to: ED Search, PO Box 709, Solomons, MD 20688
Entertainment All Day
“A beautiful lawn doesn’t happen by itself”
Classifieds
Heating & Air Conditioning
301-870-7111 1-800-279-7545 www.pahotchkiss.com
Serving the Southern Maryland Area
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.
Available Now! Lrg 1 bdrm furnished apartment. All utilities included. No Pets. $1050 mth. Call 301-884-5957.
Since 1987
Accepting All Major Credit Cards
Deadlines for Classifieds are Tuesday at 12 pm.
Flower beds General yard cleanup Tree Planting
(240) 561-1471
Prime Rib • Seafood • Sunday Brunch Banquet & Meeting Facilities 23418 Three Notch Road • California, MD 20619 www.lennys.net
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.
COMING SOON! We were born a couple of weeks ago on April
18th! Our mom was trapped behind a store in St. Mary’s County and was going to go to the vet to be spayed, de-wormed, rabies vaccinated, micro chipped and tested for diseases. She would have then been released back to where Feral Cat Rescue found her and an employee would have continued to feed her daily and she would have continued to live in the woods behind the store. That is the how Feral Cat Rescue operates. They always make sure cats are taken care of, either adopted out if they are social, or fed by someone if they are not socialized; always getting the proper vetting done either way. But WOW, we were born that very night that our mom was trapped. Were we lucky! There are six of us. Our colors are black, black and white and four of us are tabbies. Our mom is even friendly and lets our foster mom pet her. We will be very friendly because we have been loved and held lots since we were born. Feral Cat Rescue charges $125 for one kitten and $200 for two kittens. We would love to go in pairs so we can have someone to play with while you are at work. Please fill out an application at www.feralcatrescuemd.org and send it to moonandhunt@ hotmail.com. Or call our foster mom at 301-481-0171. Yours truly, The Babies! Feral Cat Rescue is always looking for foster homes and volunteers and donations to help them help us! They are also looking for adequate outside accommodations for unsocialized cats that will be fed as well as sheltered; i.e. barns. They can also set up a condo for the cats if needed. Thank you!
The County Times
L ibrary Items • eBook Workshop offered Adults interested in learning more about eBooks and how to take advantage of the library’s free downloadable books can register for the free eBook Workshop to be held at Leonardtown on May 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Those who have laptops and e-Readers can bring them for assistance in getting started. • Volunteers are needed for summer Students entering the sixth grade this fall and older who want to be summer reading volunteers are asked to complete an application by May 22. Applications are available online or at the libraries. Applicants must attend one of the training sessions offered: May 19 and May 26 at 6 p.m. at Leonardtown, May 24 and June 1 at 5:30 p.m. at Lexington Park, and May 31 and June 1 at 5 p.m. at Charlotte Hall. • Teens to meet at branches Teens are invited to the monthly TAG (Teen Advisory Group) meetings held at each branch where they can hang out with other teens, chat up books, play Wii, and help the library. Snacks are provided. The dates of the May meetings are May 10 at Lexington Park at 5:30 p.m., May 12 at Charlotte Hall at 5 p.m. and May 12 at Leonardtown at 6 p.m. • Program includes “live show and tell” The public can find out more about local fish and crabs as well as be entertained at “Fins and Claws,” a special program presented by Captain Jack Russell at Lexington Park Library on May 23 at 7 p.m. The free family program will include “live show and tell.” • Unclaimed holds fine goes into effect The new Unclaimed Hold fine will go into effect May 2. Holds 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. Customers are reminded to suspend their holds if they will be out of town. This option is available online or they can ask a librarian for assistance. • Opening reception planned for local artist An opening reception will be held May 18 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lexington Park Library Art Gallery for local artist Gary Howard. Howard’s show, “Faces of Shanghai,” which runs May 15 to June 30 features a collection of photos taken on the streets of Shanghai, China.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
22
5K Fun Run to Hollywood VFD Pulls in a Win Benefit Mechanicsville Elementary By Sarah Miller Staff Writer In an effort to equip their classrooms with new technology without adding stress to an already overstressed budget, Mechanicsville Elementary School will be holding their first ever Wild Mustangs 5K Fun Run fundraiser at the Northern Senior Center on Saturday. Vickie Smith, the treasurer of the Mechanicsville Elementary Parent Student Teacher Organization (PTSO), helped organize the fun run. “This year, we really wanted to put ourselves out there,” Smith said. The money raised will be used to pay for technology in the classrooms, like Promethean Interactive White Boards, computers and projectors, Smith said. As an added bonus, the school will be participating in the Promethean Planet Challenge, where the Promethean company will match the money raised for the smart boards dollar for dollar. Jeff DiRenzo, the principal at Mechanicsville Elementary School, said this means for each Promethean Board the school can buy, another one will be donated by the company. “It’s really a win-win for everyone,” DiRenzo said. Smith said the school community has been trying to come up with a new way to raise money. Fundraisers that have been done in the past include frozen pizza sales and a yard sale. The ides for the fun run fundraiser came from a pre-existing 5K fun run, which Smith said they decided to move, expand and make open to the community. “Hopefully, it’ll get bigger and bigger,” DiRenzo said. The price of admission is $10 for children to the one-eighth of a mile kids run and $20 for adults to participate in the 5K Fun Run. For St. Mary’s County Public Schools employees, registration is $15. The adult registration includes a tee shirt and a goody bag. Kids will also receive a goody bag. There will also be raffles and prizes awarded. The fun run will be held at the Northern Senior Center, located at 29655 Charlotte Hall Road in Charlotte Hall at 9 a.m. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. For more information, call Smith at 301-904-7322. Members of the United Methodist Women, St George Island Campus of First Saints Community Church donated money to Piney Point Elementary School for the Nurse’s fund. From left is Debby Smith, Susan Harvey, members of the United Methodist Women, St George Island Campus of First Saints Community Church; Jan Boyce, Nurse; Kathy Woodford, Principal; Elizabeth White, Assistant Principal.
Photo by Sarah Miller
Fire departments and rescue squads from all over Southern Maryland gathered at Solomons Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad for the 64th Annual Maryland Volunteer Firemen’s Association Convention. Pictured above is the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department at the Firemen’s games tug of war game. There was also a carnival and a parade on Solomons Island.
Christmas in April
Photo by Sarah Miller Pictured above, volunteers do yard work at a house in Lexington Park at the 21st annual St. Mary’s County Christmas in April build on April 30. In total, more that 1,400 volunteers were utilized at several location throughout the county to make this year’s event a success.
Piney Point Elementary Receives Donation
23
The County Times
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Thursday, May 5 • Whip and Spur Party The Front Porch (22770 Washington Street, Leonardtown) – 5:30 p.m. A “Whip & Spur” Party to benefit Patuxent Habitat for Humanity. There will be a wine tasting and food pairing with live music, including the COSMIC string quartet, Karl Wente and The Wild Irish Rose. Tickets are $20 and seating is limited to 150 guests at the Front Porch Bar in advance. • Amateur Ham Radio Classes Patuxent River Naval Air Museum Board Room (22156 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park) - 7 p.m. Obtain the skills and knowledge required to obtain an Amateur Radio Technician’s Class License. Learning of Morse code is not required. This class is sponsored by the St. Mary’s County Amateur Radio Association. Five classes will be held on Saturdays beginning May 14 and will conclude with an FCC-approved examination during the last session on June 11. The first class will run from noon to 3 p.m. The remaining four classes will be held from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. The classes are open to all with no age restrictions, however children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. The cost for this training is $25 and includes a copy of the ARRL Technician Class Study Guide and License Manual, a $30 value. For couples sharing a book, the cost for the second person will be $5. Testing fees, which are mandatory by the FCC, will be discussed at the introductory meeting but are very nominal. For more information, contact Tom Shelton at 240-434-3811 or via e-mail at GL1800Winger@veriZon. net. • Piano Recital St. Mary’s College of Maryland Auerbach Auditorium (18952 E. Fisher Road, St. Mary’s City) - 8 p.m. Pianist Brian Ganz, of St. Mary’s College of Maryland, will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 5, in Auerbach Auditorium of St. Mary’s Hall. He will play Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” and Frédéric Chopin’s “Scherzo No. 2.” He will also be taking Chopin requests. Ganz is widely regarded as one of the leading pianists of his generation. In January, he began the ambitious endeavor of performing all of the approximately 250 works of Chopin over the course of a decade.
Friday, May 6 • Featured Artist Kathleen Bryan Craft Guild Shop (26005 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown) – 5 p.m. Kathleen Bryan will be the featured artisan for the month of May. Floral and Victorian arrangements, wreaths, diaper cakes, light blocks and other gift items will be featured. There will also be a drawing that evening for a Mary Lou Troutman flag. The Crafts Guild Shop offers traditional and contemporary crafts by local artisans and handcrafters. Many of these items are one-of-a-kind. Various classes are offered. For more information, or for a list of schedules, 301-997-1644 or visit our website at www.craftsguildofstmarysshop.com.
• Mario Maningas Concert Fenwick Street Used Books and Music (41655 Fenwick Street, Leonardtown) - 5 p.m. Mario Maningas will be performing at Fenwick Street Used Books and Music as part of the first Friday celebration. Come on out for some fun and listen to engaging blend of Christian rock, classic rock, modern rock, blues, and a bit of country. For more information, call 301 475 2859.
Saturday, May 7 • Great Mills High School Ford Fundraiser Great Mills High School (21130 Great Mills Road, Great Mills) – 9 a.m. Lexington Park Ford Lincoln and Great Mills High School are partnering to help raise up to $6,000 in support of the Band Boosters as part of Ford Motor Company’s Drive One 4 UR School program. Members of the Great Mills-area community will have the opportunity to raise money for the Band Boosters by test-driving a Ford or Lincoln vehicle. For every person who test-drives a Ford Explorer, Focus, Fiesta, Edge, F-150, Mustang, Lincoln MKX, MKZ, MKT or other available vehicles at this one-day event, Ford Motor Company and Lexington Park Ford Lincoln will donate $20 to Great Mills High School to assist the Band Boosters. Participants must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid driver’s license. Interviews are available with Lexington Park Ford Lincoln representatives. For more information, contact Renee at 609-634-1534. • Mayfest Middleham and St. Peters Parish (10210 HG Trueman Road, Lusby) – 6:30 a.m. MAYFEST will feature an outdoor plant sale and a huge indoor white elephant selection including jewelry, antiques, collectibles, toys, books, home-baked goods and more. Breakfast and lunch will be available. For more information, call 410 3269202 or the church office at 410-326-4948.
Sunday, May 8
Tuesday, May 10
• Mothers Day All You Can Eat Breakfast Valley Lee Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad (45245 Drayden Road, Valley Lee) - 8 a.m. The Valley Lee Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad will be having a Mother’s Day breakfast and Open House. The breakfast is from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and the EMS team will be hosting an open house from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. They will be offering blood pressure screening, file of life, ambulance tour, and CPR and first aid demonstrations. EMS invites the children to bring their favorite Teddy Bear to participate in their Teddy Bear Clinic.
• Join Scouting Night Greenview Knolls Elementary School (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 7 p.m. Calling all boys entering first through fifth grades this fall for an evening of Cub Scout activities. Leaders will be on hand to answer any questions and activities will be available for prospective scouts to join in. Join now to participate in our summer activities, like swimming, fishing, and camping. For more information, call 240-466-1787 or e-mail contact@pack1787.org.
• Annual Mothers Day Outing Myrtle Point Park (24050 Patuxent Boulevard, California) – 1 p.m. Bob Boxwell will lead his traditional Mother’s Day Walk. Take a leisurely stroll around Myrtle Point Park. A chance to look for birds, wildflowers, animal tracks, and whatever else catches your eyes, ears or nose. Meet in the grass parking lot on the left as you enter the park. For more information, call Bob at 410-394-1300, Dudley at 301475-1858 or e-mail dlindsley@verizon.net.
Monday, May 9 • Yoga for Kids and Families Evolve Yoga and Wellness (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 10 a.m. Family yoga class for children ages 3-7 with an adult. An ongoing 45 minute family yoga class. Drop ins are welcomed. No prior yoga experience is necessary, and individuals are encouraged to bring their own yoga mat. One will be provided if a person doesn’t have one. For more information, visit www.EvolveYogaWellness.com or call 301-862-1236.
CHURCH SERVICES DIRECTORY Running the 2nd & 4th Week of Each Month
Wednesday, May 11 • 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 at Hotel Charles. The lessons will be followed by the regular weekly practice session. Anyone interested in obtaining more information about these lessons or interested joining the Boot Scooters of Southern Maryland can contact then through link on their website at www.bootscootersofsomd.blogspot.com. • Bible Study, United Christian Church (21880 Millison Lane, Lexington Park, MD 20653) 7:30 p.m. Reverend Annie Blackwell, Pastor Have questions or problems with relationships (all types of relationships)? Join the people at United Christian Church for a six week study based on “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman. The study is the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month for 6 weeks, May 11 and 25; June 8 and 22, July 13 and 27 at the Church. All are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Reverand Annie Blackwell at anniebwell3@verizon.net.
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
The County Times
Thursday, May 5, 2011
24
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.
Confusion Abounds in “A Flea in Her Ear” By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Next up at Three Notch Theatre this season is “A Flea in Her Ear,” directed by Valarie Green. This play has it all – mistaken identities, suspected affairs, a nephew with a speech impediment and the Frisky Puss hotel. When Raymonde Chandebise, played by Jessica Cantrell, suspects her husband may be cheating on her, she recruits her old friend Lucienne Homenides De Histangua, played by Dawna Diaz, to find proof of her husband’s infidelity. Together, they hatch a plan that always works in the theatre – forge a note from a woman who doesn’t exist asking the man in question to meet her for a rendezvous. Raymonde will be the woman waiting, and if her husband shows up for the rendezvous, it will be proof that he is unfaithful to her. Things go awry when the husband passes the missive to his dashing friend Roamin Tournel, played by Stephen Rumpf, who is more than willing to meet the woman who wrote the letter. Credit has to be given where credit is due. Ming Diaz, who plays both Victor Emanuel Chandebise, the aristocratic recipient of his wife’s incriminating invitation, and Poche, the drunken bellboy at the Frisky Puss, carries his roles with style. Faces old and new take the stage in the farce that is “A Flea in Her Ear.” And, in true Three Notch Theatre style, some of the actors double up on both acting and production roles. Amie Gilligan plays the long-suffering maid at the Frisky Puss hotel, as well as being the sound designer, while Diaz has credit as both a light designer and a properties manager. Performances will be Thursdays through Sundays, through May 15. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances start at 8 p.m.; Sunday shows begin at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students, senior citizens and the military. Thursday shows are $10 general admission. Light refreshments and beverages are also available for purchase at the theatre. Note: This show is for mature audiences only. Reservations are recommended. To make reservations, call 301-737-5447 or visiting www.newtowneplayers.org. sarahmiller@countytimes.net
Odin’s Court Brings ‘Aggressive Rock’ to St. Mary’s By Sarah Miller Staff Writer A rock group with roots in St. Mary’s County is returning for a one-night engagement at Hula’s Bungalow. Odin’s Court, comprised of Matt Brookins and John Abella, both St. Mary’s County natives, and Craig Jackson and Rick Pierpont. Brookins said the group started out as a cover band, but moved into performing original works over time. “I guess we got bored playing other people’s music,” Brookins said. He said the sound the group has cultivated is a mix is rock and metal. Their second album with ProgRock Records, Human Life in Motion, was released Tuesday. Their first CD was Deathanity. Brookins said the title of Deathanity is a mix of the words “death’ and “humanity.” Abella described Odin’s Court as an “aggressive rock” band, and he said that is a genre that has a small following but is not as popular as other music types. ProgRock is based out of California, and Brookins said they have been very supportive of the band and their albums, even facilitating overseas distribution. Brookins said Odin’s Court doesn’t often play in Southern Maryland. Places they have played include Georgia, Massachusetts, Virginia and several other East Cost states. The gig at Hula’s will be their first in St. Mary’s County in three years, Brookins said. Odin’s Court will take the stage at Hula’s Bungalow at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. For more information, or to order CDs, visit odinscourt.com.
25
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The County Times WHILE SUPPLIES LAST, NO RAIN CHECKS
nd u S
ay M , 8 y y t o a a d W s M e e dn ay,
11 0 2 11
The County Times
ner
KiddKioer
CLUES ACROSS
1. Wound seriously 5. Record 9. Earnestly entreat 12. Dwarf buffalo 13. Manilla sea catfish genus 15. Picasso’s mistress 16. Chinese dynasty 17. Wet spongy ground 18. Wax glazed finish fabric 19. Diego or Francisco 20. In an implied way 22. Outward flow of the tide 25. Writer of poems 26. Stalks of a moss capsule 28. Electromotive force 29. “Phyllis” production Co. (abbr.) 32. Adult male human 33. Finnish island studded lake 35. Coach Parseghian 36. Helps little firms 37. 3rd largest Balearic Island 39. Disk to convert circular into linear motion 40. Old world, new 41. Acid from oil 43. Health Maintenance Organization 44. Cathode-ray tube 45. Brew 46. Nostrils
Thursday, May 5, 2011
48. A female domestic 49. S. W. Shoshonean 50. Social deportment 54. A rubberized raincoat 57. Olive genus 58. About ohms 62. Wild goat with backward curved horns 64. Sharp point projecting backwards 65. Approaches 66. Indian frock 67. Search engine friendly 68. Description of design criteria 69. Pickerel genus
CLUES DOWN
1. Another word for mother 2. Cuckoos 3. New Rochelle, NY college 4. Attracts iron 5. River obstruction 6. Militant N. Ireland organization 7. Title of respect 8. Make to specifications 9. Food on a fish hook 10. Br. peer above a viscount 11. Western author Zane ___
26
14. Allied H.Q. 15. Defunct phone company 21. Connecticut 23. NY Times political writer Matt 24. Bolivian river 25. Endangered 26. Heavy cavalry sword 27. Make into law 29. Papier-__, art material 30. Streetcars 31. Extinct black honeycreepers 32. Millisecond 34. Gets rid of 38. Indigenous race in Hokkaido 42. Feline mammal 45. Moses’ older brother 47. Relinquish a claim to 48. Of I 50. Disorderly crowds 51. Wings 52. Ball for safe indoor play 53. Snatch 55. Arabian outer garments 56. Scomberomorus regalis 59. A diagram of the Earth’s surface 60. Anger 61. Reciprocal of a sine 63. Nineteen
Last Week’s Puzzles Solutions
27
The County Times
Thursday, May 5, 2011
A Journey Through Time The
along with his new stepmother, so he went to live with an uncle. At a very young age he went to work in a store owned by Dan Call who was also a local minister. Jack didn’t particularly care for working in the store, but was very interested in the still house owned by Rev. Call who taught him how to make whiskey. In 1863, Rev. Call decided there was a conflict between his religious calling and making whiskey so he sold his business to Jack. Jack bought property in Lynchburg, Tennessee and set up his distillery. His was the first distillery to be registered with the U.S. government. Years passed and Jack’s business grew but would not become world famous until 1904 when he entered his whiskey in a competition at the St. Louis World’s Fair where he won the gold medal for the “best whiskey in the world.” In 1911, Jack arrived early at the distillery and tried to get into the safe. The problem was he could never remember the combination. Out of anger and frustration, he kicked the safe and injured one of his toes. Unfortunately, the toe became infected and blood poisoning followed-- Jack died on October 10, 1911. Supposedly his last words were “one last drink, please.” “This incident was the subject of a marketing poster used on the London Underground in January 2006, with the line ‘Moral: Never go to work early.’” The folks at the distillery say that all Jack really needed to do to cure his infection was to dip his toe into his own whiskey! Jack left his distillery to his favorite nephew, Lem Motlow who had worked with him for many years. The company was sold in 1956, but the Motlow
Chronicle
By Linda Reno Contributing Writer James Watson Cooke was born October 24, 1779 near Chaptico. When he was about five years old, his parents Robert Fielding Cooke and Susanna Watson, moved to Culpeper County, Virginia where they lived until about 1790 when they moved to Greenville County, South Carolina. They also lived in North Carolina for a short time before finally moving to White County, Tennessee where they permanently settled. While in South Carolina, James married Mary Riddle and in 1805 they had a daughter named Lucinda Cooke. About 1822 Lucinda married Calaway Daniel in Tennessee. In 1846, Lucinda’s last child was born--a boy they named was Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel. Lucinda died in 1848. Calaway Daniel remarried in 1851 and Jack didn’t get
family still owns a majority interest and they continue to operate and manage the company. Ironically, Lynchburg is in Moore County and while it’s legal to make the whiskey there, it is illegal to purchase it in that county. State law provided one exception: a distillery may sell one commemorative product so Jack Daniel’s now sells Gentleman Jack and Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel at the distillery’s White Rabbit Bottle Shop. There’s one more exception. At Miss Mary BoBo’s Boarding House in Lynchburg they serve a dish containing the local hometown product at every meal.
Wanderings of an Aimless
d
Min
What is a Beautiful Life? By Shelby Oppermann Contributing Writer Wow, what a weekend! I laughed as I told people that I was going to bring a cot to our Parish Hall and stay there from Thursday through Sunday. And I wasn’t even one of the intrepid women who had to do all the food shopping for the two big events; a marriage blessing on Saturday and a Solemn Evensong / Taking of Leave service and reception for our Priest on Sunday. Even though I joked about the cot, there really is no place I would have rather been than in the kitchen at our Parish Hall. Our butcher-block table could tell some stories on us. The two events brought out such different emotions as well. The blessing has pulled the two beautiful creative lives together of my dear friends to weave an even more talented union. I am excited for their future. The Taking of Leave of our Priest and his wife, both of them also close to my heart, has left me with a sense of loss, but also with a sense of a new adventure in finding a perfect match for our congregation. They will also be off on a new adventure in a new parish. But they are leaving us with their gift of a stabilizing influence, which will guide us through this new time of search and discernment. We all have those wonderful days that seem to be two days in one. This past weekend has been more like four days in one, but they were magnificently exhausting days. And Strawberry Festival is only three weeks away, with another string of crazy days and nights that somehow lead to a beautiful, well-loved event. How is it that sometimes I feel busier now in this later, empty nest phase of my life than I did when my sons were small. I guess. I have found that this is the way my life is supposed to be. I have to accept that my mind wants to wake up at 3 to 4 a.m. even if my body is begging to stay in bed until 8 a.m. This is just the way my internal clock runs. I’m still wondering where the first half of the year went. Whoa! I feel like I just changed all the calendars to April, and it is already May. And I’m really not ready for June. You know I
have been excited about turning fifty, but that weird mortality thing creeped up on me last week. I thought, “How many good years do I have left? Twenty, thirty, forty? Who knows, maybe less. I know this our church building’s 275th year of existence, but I really want to make it to our 300th celebration in 2036. That’s kind of my goal. So I asked myself that age-old question, “So, what are you going to do now with the rest of your life? Or at least until 2036.” I really like the poet Mary Oliver’s poem about just this question. This is the last half of her thoughtful poem called “The Summer Day”. “I don’t know exactly what a prayer is. I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass, how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields, which is what I have been doing all day. Tell me, what else should I have done? Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon? Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” What is a beautiful life? A beautiful life to me is hearing my sons say I love you at the end of our phone conversations, coming home to a delicious, creative dinner that my husband has prepared, seeing our grandchildren search for Easter eggs, watching my husband’s softball games on a glorious, dusky evening, being a part of our church and community, waiting on thirty years of customers who have also become my friends, and of course sharing love and laughter around that infamous butcherblock table in the Parish Hall kitchen. Yes, I know I renamed the table something else accidentally over the weekend – but I can’t write that, you’ll have to use your imagination. This is my beautiful life. To each new day’s adventure, Shelby Please send comments or ideas to: shelbys.wanderings@yahoo.com.
Over 250,000 Southern Marylanders can’t be wrong!
The County Times
Thursday, May 5, 2011
28
SENIOR LIVING
Royal Congratulations
Join the fun! Make new friends! Improve your health! EnhanceFitness is a group exercise class for ages 50 and above that improves endurance, strength, balance, flexibility, bone density, and coordination.
In a typical class, here’s what you’ll experience:
When signing up for EnhanceFitness, please arrive 1/2 hour early to complete registration materials.
• Ten to 20 people close to your own level of fitness • A certified instructor with special training in exercise for older adults • A 5-minute warm-up to get the blood flowing to your muscles • A 20-minute aerobics workout that gets you moving • A 20-minute strength training workout • A 10-minute stretch to keep flexible your muscles cool-down • A 5-minute • Balance exercises throughout the class
St. Mary’s County Department of Aging celebrated the Royal Wedding with Tea & Scones at the Garvey Senior Activity Center. The picture shows all the beautiful guests in their royal hats.
Do You Have A Interesting Story To Tell? We Want To Hear It!
If you are interested in sharing some of the stories from when you were younger right up until today let us hear from you. A packet with information, rules, waivers and questions is available at all senior activity centers and Department of Aging events or
Department of Aging
Fitness Card: $30 for 10 classes
Cost:
Programs and Activities May 6-May 9
Times include evenings and weekends!
Garvey Senior Activity Center, Leonardtown, 301.475.4200, ext. 1050 Loffler Senior Activity Center, SAYSF, 240-725.0290 Northern Senior Activity Center, Charlotte Hall, 301.475.4002, ext. 1001
Good for ONE FREE ADMISSION to an “Enhance Fitness” Class at any Senior Activity Center Name:
Date:
Expires 5/19/2011
Brought to you by the Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary’s County: Francis Jack Russell, President; Lawrence D. Jarboe; Cynthia L. Jones; Todd B. Morgan; Daniel L. Morris and the Department of Aging.
can be sent to you electronically by e-mailing Sheila.graziano@stmarysmd.com. Packets will be available throughout the month of May. We are planning to publish and release the book in time for Older Americans Month (May) next year.
Second Annual Senior Housing Expo On Saturday, May 14, from 10 am – 3 pm, the Southern Maryland Senior Housing and Service Provider Networking Group and the St. Mary’s County Department of Aging will host a Senior Housing Expo at the Northern Senior Activity Center located at 29655 Charlotte Hall Road, Charlotte Hall. This event will host exhibitors from the Networking Group as well as representatives from the Departments of Aging and Housing Authorities from the tri-county area who will be on hand to provide information and answer questions regarding housing options for seniors. For more information, call Janice at 301.475.8966, ext. 32. Ballroom Dance The Garvey Senior Activity Center is hosting a ballroom dance class on Mondays, May 9 – June 6 at 3:00 p.m. The class is designed for couples. The steps to be taught are excellent for social dancing and will make you and your partner look like sophisticated social dancers. There will be a lot of interaction with other couples during team practices. Cost is $40 per person; make checks payable to Yeuca Schamu. Call 301.475.4200, ext. 1050 for more information. Payment reserves your space in the class. Entertainment and Luncheon at Loffler/ SAYSF on Tuesday If you haven’t had a chance to stop in and enjoy one of Loffler’s famous luncheons now is the time to try it! On Tuesday, May 10, Ben Connelly will be serenading us on his acoustic guitar with some of the old favorites from the 60s. Afterwards enjoy a lunch featuring spiral ham, sweet potatoes and pineapple stuffing. Cost of the luncheon is $5 for those under 60 years of age and by donation for those 60+. The entertainment starts at 11:30 so please arrive by 11:15 a.m. so you can be settled in your seat before the show begins. Call 240-725-0290 to sign up before Monday May 5. ‘Quick Draw’ class Deadline On Monday, May 9 at 2 p.m., a Quick Draw sketching class will begin at the Northern Senior Activity Center. This two part series will continue on Monday, May 23 at 2 p.m. Learn to do pencil and pen and ink sketches by using ‘Quick Draw’ techniques. Demonstrations will show how to use basic shapes to start sketching a variety of subjects, finishing off with shading for more realism. Supplies will be provided. Call 301-475-4002, ext. 1001 to sign up.
29
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The County Times
Sp rts
Hot Rods and Classic Cars Take Over Leonardtown By Sarah Miller Staff Writer The 26th Annual St. Mary’s Rod and Classic Club’s Spring Fling Car Show took over Leonardtown Square on Sunday afternoon. The annual car show has a long history in St. Mary’s County, as does St. Mary’s Rod and Classic. Burt Collier, one of the six original members of the rod and classic group, said the show was originally held in the back parking lot at Leonardtown High School. When St. Mary’s County Public Schools needed the space to expand the school and the tech center, the car show needed to find a new home. At that point, Leonardtown offered the car show a home to help promote growth in downtown Leonardtown. “We’ve been here ever since,” Collier said. He said the small town atmosphere of Leonardtown is a draw for the people and tends to be popular. The Rod and Classic group has close to 40 members, Collier said, and many of them are also members of the Southern Maryland Corvette Club. He said approximately two-thirds offers a space for a large variety of cars, and of the cars at the show belong to members of there is good music at the show. To keep things fresh and to prevent the the corvette club. same bunch of cars being shown year after Butch and Brenda Bastain have been coming to the car show for the past four or five year, Collier said there is a rotation of the members’ cars, as well as cars from non-memyears and have every intention bers being shown. to come to next spring’s event. As for the club, Collier said “It’s just a fun event,” Brenindividuals don’t have to own a da Bastain said. car to be a member of the club. She said one of the best Any car enthusiast is welcome parts of the car show is getting to join the Rod and Classic to walk around Leonardtown group. and talk to people they know. For more information Dennis Lyons, a seven-year about the club, or the car show, veteran of the car show and a visit www.stmarysrodandclasmember of the Southern Marysic.com. land Corvette Club, said LeonarScan code for more photos dtown is a “nice place to do it.” from the event, or visit sarahmiller@countytimes.net He said the venue on the square www.kalnasy.smugmug.com
Photo By Kalnasy Photography
Photo By Kalnasy Photography
Photo By Kalnasy Photography
Sp rts
The County Times
By Keith McGuire
Limi te
Ken Lamb, the proprietor of The Tackle Box, said that the number of trophy rockfish brought to his store over the weekend was amazing. He took over 30 pictures of big fish and issued citations for the Maryland Fishing Challenge for many of them. The croaker of the month for April turned out to be a 16 ¼” beauty for Frank Redding. On May 2, Andrae Briscoe showed up with a 19” croaker that he caught at St Georges Island on Sunday. This one will be hard to beat. There were good days and bad days over the weekend with windy conditions on Saturday and good fishing conditions on Friday and Sunday. Here are two rules to live by when it comes to fishing on the Bay: 1. Every day is different. 2. Cancel a fishing trip based on the weather if you have
150
ime Only!
$
dT
30
The Best Weekend So Far
The Ordinary
Angler
Thursday, May 5, 2011
to, but never cancel a trip based on a forecast. We always try to organize our fishing trips to take everything into account, but wind and tidal currents affect fishing more than any other factors. Fish will react to moving currents, and your boat, lures and lines will react to different wind conditions. If you’re trolling in rough conditions, the lures will run differently than they do in calm conditions. Most trolling lures are not designed for up and down motion so much as they are for horizontal wiggles. If you’re drift fishing for bottom feeders like hard head, a strong wind will cause your drift to be too fast, denying the fish an opportunity to find your hook. Similar conditions will also affect jigging. Winds and currents can also affect shore anglers. Wind is bad, current is good. The other condition that we always try to predict before fishing is the weather. Wind being part of the weather makes it one of the primary considerations, but storms are what we fear most. Like most anglers, I pour over weather data before every trip. However, I almost never cancel a planned fishing trip on my boat until I get to the dock. Many times, conditions will be different at the dock than I have anticipated by studying weather data on my computer at home. Anticipation and planning are good things, to be sure, but many times the weather conditions are not specific to the exact location of your fishing.
It never pays to take chances on the water. Look over the weather reports and consider the data before the trip. For wind forecasts, I like to check NOAA’s Chesapeake Bay Operational Forecast System – Surface Wind Forecast Guidance at http:// tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/ofs/cbofs/wind_2_forecast.shtml. An abundance of tide and current data can also be found at the parent tides and currents website. Studying these tables before your trip can really help. A lot of big stripers were caught last weekend. Friday was beautifully calm on the Bay. Saturday was rough as a cob in the morning. Rain was forecast on Sunday, and I would be willing to bet that several trips were canceled based on that forecast. Those who didn’t cancel had a great day for fishing. The winds were calm and the rains were short-lived sprinkles. Never stop planning for your trips. Be safe and don’t take unnecessary chances. Assess real conditions in real time and decide accordingly. Most importantly, catch a big fish! riverdancekeith@hotmail.com. 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.
Special n -I e Mov Discounted Cable Playground Free on Site Storage with Every Apartment Walk to Shopping/ Restaurants
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
Andrae Briscoe with a 19” Croaker
Photo courtesy of The Tackle Box
Head Boat Fishing on the Lucky Charm
Starting Saturday, May 7th Night Fishing for Croakers 6 pm - Midnight
Call 301-872-5815
31
The County Times
Thursday, May 5, 2011
A View From The
Bleachers By Ronald N. Guy Jr. Contributing Writer
Can’t-miss product or service? Check. Flawless business model? Check. Financing secured? Check. Even with those requirements satisfied, any business with an eye toward sustained success must also have a memorable name and an attractive logo prior to launch. In the industry of professional sports, this business axiom carries heightened importance. Seeking a cultural link with their clientele, teams are frequently named after an indelible aspect of their host cites - think Capitals, Orioles, Ravens or Blue Crabs - and are equipped with an irresistible logo to support a marketing and merchandising blitz. While winning on the field is the biggest contributor to a sports franchise’s financial health, an unmistakable name and iconic logo sure don’t hurt. When sports fans ponder New York, Pittsburgh or Green Bay, the names and logos for the Yankees,
Steelers and Packers, respectively, flood our consciousness. Considering the NFL’s “shield” and the NBA’s classic silhouette of Jerry West, even sports leagues themselves recognize the importance of a defining image. And if this name/logo concept was applied at the event level, say the NFL Draft, one name and image should come to mind: Mel Kiper and his fabulous locks. Kiper, a follically-blessed native of Baltimore, has been ESPN’s “draft expert” for over two decades. He filled this role before we even knew we needed a draft expert. Now, with the growth of the NFL into a holiday-sized portion of America’s pop culture pie and of this peculiar hope- and conjecturebased event, his opinion on prospective NFL draft picks is must-have gospel. I need his pre- and post-draft take like a weekly pizza fix, a cold frosty adult beverage after a long week and a few fleeting moments with nothing more than delta blues in my ear. And Kiper delivers every year. Year after year, round after round, player after player, Kiper’s detailed knowledge of prospects is both an impressive feat and a curious oddity. What must this man have to do to prepare each year? There are over 250
Sp rts Beyond The Hair
draftees annually and because of the unpredictable nature of selections, Kiper’s mental database of potential picks must be at least 100 more that that. Anyone can break down the selections early in the draft. What sets Kiper apart is the apparent inability to stump the guy. He casually spouts off the character blips, bench press numbers and 40-yard dash times of obscure players chosen late in the draft. We’ve seen chess challenges pitting man vs. computer. At next year’s draft, I’d like to see Mel vs. machine…my money’s on “The Hair” himself. Oh sure, there are several capable young challengers to the draft wonk thrown, but Mel’s the trendsetter. (Risking my Barbara Walters “if you were a tree” moment) If Kiper was beverage, he’d be Coke Classic: an often imitated but never duplicated original. We live in an age now of unprecedented simulation and relentless, and often un-wanted, multi-tasking. We quite literally have a world of information at our fingertips and are reachable by work, friends and family 24/7. There is undeniable good in that; I know more about the federal budget, international affairs, the economy, the Kardashians and something called a Snookie than I ever cared
to. The consequence is that it’s increasingly hard to concentrate. It’s easy to know a little bit about a lot of stuff now…and difficult to focus on, and be really good at, a select few things. Professional success in the information age will be, in part, predicated on one’s ability to receive, interpret and, most importantly, filter information. Diversification is essential to expand the mind, but lacking focus and spreading oneself across a myriad of professional endeavors ensures mediocrity. The sage suggestion is to think openly and broadly, but execute narrowly and precisely. Fortunately for NFL Draft fans, Mel Kiper spiked his Kool-Aid with a heavy dose of multi-tasking’s antidote. Kiper chose a singular path, remained focused and, not surprisingly, consistently delivers an exemplary product. After 20 plus years of commitment to his trade, Kiper is simply, and quite notably, the NFL’s draft vanguard. In a world where more increasingly yields less, Kiper remains fabulously and uncommonly specialized. Send comments to rguyjoon@yahoo.com
Grooming Services Are Always Available!
5,000 Square Feet Play Yard
301-475-2449 • We are Located on 180 Acres
• Boarding Includes 4 Potty Breaks and 2 Playtimes Each Day’s Stay.
• Online Reservation Now Available on Our Website
• We Offer Luxury Suites, Standard Suites, and 3 Extra Large Family Suites (3 to 5 pets)
• PCSA Certified Staff
• 24 Hour On-Call Vet
• Climate Controlled Facility
• TV’s in Each Luxury Suite
• Family Owned and Operated
• Summer Reservations Filling Quickly, Call Today to Reserve Your Spot!
• Unannounced Tours Always Welcome
• Separate Cat Room
• We Now Offer Daycare
• Ultra-Clean, Odor Free Environment
Stop by and see our facilites before making your pet boarding selection!
• We Have Lots of “EXTRAS” to Choose From to Pamper Your Pet While You’re Away!
39146 Middleton Lane Clements, MD 20624
www.farmsteadkennels.com
The County Times
Thursday, May 5, 2011
THURSDAY May 5, 2011
Officials Defend New Waterfront Park Fees Story Page 4
Strange Yellow Eel Caught in Patuxent River Story Page 5
Classic Cars Take Over Leonardtown Page 29 Photo By Kalnasy Photography
32