2011-06-23 Southern Calvert Gazette

June, 2011

Priceless

Gazette

Southern Calvert Everything Solomons, Lusby, Dowell, and St. Leonard

After 55 Years Woodburn’s Leaving Solomons PAGE 10

Photo by Sean Rice

Your Online Community For Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties www.somd.com

On T he Cover

Betty Johnson, co-owner of Woodburn’s Market, stands in front of the former Woodburn’s store in Solomons this week.

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Also Inside

Local News

6 Community 7 Military 8 Business 10

education

Tommy Zinn, president of the Calvert County Waterman’s Association, pulls some crabs from the Patuxent River.

Feature Story

11 Letters 12 Obituaries 14 Locals 16

On Water

17

Out & About

Elly Tyson shows off her painted face during the Christian music festival Ignite the Night last weekend.

18 History 19 Entertainment

education

out & about

Commissioner of Social Security Michael Astrue was in Charlotte Hall last week to cut a ribbon opening the U.S. Social Security Administration’s newest office serving Southern Maryland.

FOR EVENTS HAPPENING IN YOUR AREA, CHECK PAGE 17 IN OUT AND ABOUT

June 24 - June 26 2011 Island s n o Solom eport Tide R

Day

High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time /Low Time Feet Sunset Visibl

% Moon

F 24 Low 4:04 AM 0.6 5:43 AM Rise 1:00 AM 24 High 8:54 AM 1.3 8:33 PM Set 2:25 PM 24 Low 3:12 PM 0.3 24 High 10:21 PM 1.7

46

Sa 25 Low 5:15 AM 0.6 5:43 AM Rise 1:28 AM 25 High 9:44 AM 1.2 8:33 PM Set 3:23 PM 25 Low 3:51 PM 0.3 25 High 11:11 PM 1.8

37

Su 26 Low 6:19 AM 0.6 5:44 AM Rise 1:58 AM 26 High 10:38 AM 1.1 8:33 PM Set 4:21 PM 26 Low 4:33 PM 0.3 26 High 11:56 PM 1.8

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July 1 - July 3 2011 Day

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Thursday, June-2011

High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time /Low Time Feet Sunset Visibl

% Moon

F 1 High 2:38 AM 2.0 5:46 AM Rise 5:59 AM 1 Low 9:57 AM 0.4 8:33 PM Set 8:51 PM 1 High 3:02 PM 1.2 1 Low 8:33 PM 0.3

0

Sa 2 High 3:20 AM 2.0 5:46 AM Rise 7:05 AM 2 Low 10:34 AM 0.3 8:33 PM Set 9:31 PM 2 High 3:49 PM 1.3 2 Low 9:25 PM 0.3

0

Su 3 High 4:03 AM 2.0 5:47 AM Rise 8:14 AM 3 Low 11:10 AM 0.3 8:33 PM Set 10:07 PM 3 High 4:37 PM 1.4 3 Low 10:20 PM 0.4

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Father Gardiner Retiring After 28 Years Father Richard E. Gardiner stands on the steps of the historic Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

“He’s getting a wonderful parish. He’s a very lucky man to have great people and a great spot to live,” said Rev. Richard E. Gardiner of his successor for pastor at Our Lady Star of The Sea. Father Gardiner came to the Solomons Catholic church 28 years ago when it had 200 attending families. Since he took over, the parish has grown to over 1,000 families, built a new worship center, purchased a new rectory for the priest and modernized Our Lady Star of the Sea school.

“They (the parishioners) have been tremendous. They have accomplished and supported everything I’ve presented to them these 28 years,” Gardiner said.

He’s also seen Southern Maryland grow over the years, including the additions of Patuxent High, Middle Creek Middle, and Dowell Elementary schools. He was one of the founding pastors for SMILE, an ecumenical ministry established 20 years ago to serve the physical and spiritual needs of the community.

The founding of SMILE he considers one of his great accomplishments aside from OLSS. He is proud to say 50 to 60 of his parishioners volunteer for the organization.

His church is very involved in the com-

LOCAL NEWS

munity. For example, it has a school, Knights of Columbus, Ladies Auxiliary, an active Bereavement Committee, and RCI (a program for adults wanting to become Catholic). The grounds are available for the Alumni Players productions and Alcoholics’ Anonymous meetings. They financially support Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, Christmas in April, Safe Nights, Project Echo and others. In fact, their chapter of the Knights of Columbus gave Care Net Pregnancy center a new sonogram this year.

Within his church responsibilities, he’s baptized 1,215 infants and adults, given First Communion to 1,120 and married 418 couples.

“I’m at the point where I am marrying infants I baptized,” said Gardiner.

He will give his final mass over the fourth of July weekend and the parish is having a retirement party for him. Then he will take two days to drive down to Florida where he will live with his younger sister for a while.

There he plans to read, walk the beach and become active in the senior center. He will probably get involved in the local church, but not right away.

Msgr. Michael Wilson from St. Mary’s

Catholic Church in Laurel will take over for Gardiner. Wilson has been down to visit his new church.

Gardiner served in three other parishes in Washington, D.C. prior to moving down to Solomons. He agreed it is unusual for a priest to remain in one church for as long as he has; however, since the church has always been growing and building, the Diocese did not change leadership.

During his years down in Solomons the youth he worked with in inner city churches have traveled down to see him. These men and women grew up to be policemen, doctors, lawyers and teachers.

From the time he arrived until now, Gardiner said the Sisters of the Divine Providence have been very good to him. “They are very fine people.”

And of his parishioners he says, “I am really grateful to everyone. I wish everybody the best and I’ll be back for visits.” By Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net

Storm Causes Brief But Massive Power Outage Last week’s thunder and lightning storm followed by need our Southern Maryland Reliability Project,” Dennison The actual poles should be constructed by 2013 with the torrential rain caused nearly 9,000 power outages in Calvert said. “It brings a lot of relevance to the project.” whole project reaching completion in 2014 or 2015 at the cost County and almost three times that many in neighboring St. SMECO has received its license for the project from the of about $100 million, Dennison said. By Guy Leonard (CT) Mary’s, officials with the Southern Maryland Electric Coop- state’s Public Service Commission and expects to begin foun- guyleonard@countytimes.net erative (SMECO) reported. dation construction for new poles starting in 2012.

The first outage took place in Mechanicsville, said SMECO spokesman Tom Dennison, but the major problems occurred when a lightning bolt struck the main power line running from Riceville in Charles County all the way down to the Hewitt Road power station in Great Mills the night of June 16.

“That’s what caused the large outage,” Dennison said of the 8,700 outages in Calvert that spread from Solomons to Lusby as well as the 24,444 outages that affected homes from Hollywood and Ridge all the way down to Piney Point.

The major outages took about half an hour to correct, Dennison said, when SMECO operatives were Gary Simpson able to restore operations at the Matt Laidley Hewitt Road power station.

Katie Facchina The outages in the Mechanicsville area occurred around 8:30 p.m.

7480 Crain Highway and took almost one and a half hours La Plata, MD 20646 to correct.

301-934-8437 SMECO customers also faced another power outage Monday morning that lasted about 15 minutes and April Hancock appeared to stretch at least from HolPO Box 407 An Independent Agent Representing: ERIE INSURANCE GROUP lywood to Great Mills.

Standing: Dan Burris, Jake Kuntz, Seated: Lisa Squires, Bryans Road, MD 20616 The magnitude of last weeks Susan Ennis, Donna Burris 301-743-9000 power outages, however brief, put a focus on SMECO’s largest project designed to increase reliability of power transmission through a new Auto - Home - Business - Life loop that stretches from Calvert Leonardtown, MD • Bus: (301) 475-3151 through St. Mary’s even going under www.danburris.com the Patuxent River.

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Thursday, June-2011

3

LOCAL NEWS

Social Security Sets Up New Local Office

Lusby Woman Killed in Crash At approximately 2:26 a.m. June 19, a 1996 Mitsubishi 3000 GT, being operated by Victoria Elizabeth Monaco, 25 of Lusby, failed to stop for a flashing red signal at the intersection of Point Lookout Road and Medleys Neck Road, police reported.

As the vehicle entered Point Lookout Road, it traveled into the path of a 1999 Honda Accord, operated by Craig Wesley Norton, 40 of Lexington Park, which was traveling southbound on Point Lookout Road.

Norton did not sustain any injuries and the three passengers of Norton’s vehicle were transported to St Mary’s Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Monaco succumbed to her injuries on scene prior to being transported to the hospital.

Alcohol is not believed to be a factor and the case is being investigated by the Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Team.

Anyone who may have witnessed the accident is asked to contact Dfc. William Watters at (301) 475-4200 Ext. 9114.

SMECO Board Candidates Nominated

The 2011 Nominating Committee for Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) met on Saturday, June 4, and chose candidates for the five available seats up for election on SMECO’s Board of Directors.

The list of nominations follows: • Calvert County – Raymond Chin, Dennis J. DiBello, Nancy W. Zinn; • Charles County – Gregory V. Billups, John H. Bloom; • Prince George’s County – Daniel W. Dyer; and • St. Mary’s County – Joseph D. Frederick, Joseph V. Stone, Jr., Frederick A. Tepel III In addition to nominations made by the Nominating Committee, any 15 or more SMECO members acting together may make other nominations by petition.

SMECO customer-members running by petition should also complete and submit a Board of Directors Candidate Application.

To obtain a candidate application and petition, contact Patty Tennyson at 301-274-4489 or Patty.Tennyson@smeco.coop. Completed candidate applications and petitions must be submitted or mailed to SMECO, Attention: Joseph Densford, Board Attorney, 15045 Burnt Store Road, P.O. Box 1937, Hughesville, Maryland 20637 by Friday, June 24, 2011, at 4:00 p.m. Nominations will be posted in each SMECO office and mailed to each member with the Annual Meeting notice.

SMECO customer-members will elect five directors to serve three-year terms by voting for one Board seat in Calvert County, one seat in Charles County, one seat in Prince George’s County, and two seats in St. Mary’s County.

Members may vote in person at SMECO’s 2011 Annual Members’ Meeting on Wednesday, August 24, 2011, at the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf.

Absentee mail-in ballots are also available to members who wish to vote but cannot attend the meeting. To request an absentee mail-in ballot, call 1-888-440-3311, extension 4722, or visit the Co-op’s website at www.smeco.coop. Requests for absentee mail-in ballots must be made by 4 p.m., Thursday, August 11.

SMECO will mail Annual Meeting notices with registration cards, details about the meeting, and candidate biographies to each customer-member by the end of July 2011.

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Thursday, June-2011

Photo by Sarah Miller Commissioner of Social Security Michael Astrue was in Charlotte Hall last week to cut a ribbon opening the U.S. Social Security Administration’s newest office serving Southern Maryland. The new office is located at 30071 Business Center Drive. For more information, go to www.socialsecurity.gov.

A Tribute to Joan Gott

By Carol Khalili

Contributing Writer On June 8, the One-Room School Committee of the Calvert Retired School Personnel Association and the Friends of the One-Room Schoolhouse held their annual Celebration Luncheon.

This is a time for honoring the teachers, trail guides and volunteers who give generously of their time and talents, ensuring that the 4th grade students of Calvert County will have a memorable visit to the One-Room Joan Gott accepts a plaque from Jack Fringer, Friends of the One-Room Schoolhouse.

Schoolhouse, following a slideshow tribute prepared by Carol Khalili, This year those present paid One-Room Schoolhouse Chair, at right. special recognition to Joan Gott, outstanding volunteer and creator of the Youth Outreach created a visual history of the many activities conducted Program. The program that she created is still used with by Joan with her husband, Walter, always at her side. students today. Surrounded by family and friends Joan Their fun-filled experiences for children were always rich with activities that taught about life in rural Calvert received tributes for her many years of work.

Elaine Dunkle vividly retold the story of how Joan County. The pictures brought back many wonderful used initiative, creativity, and determination to develop memories and a tear to Joan’s eye.

Jack Fringer, President of the Friends of the Onethe program that brought the Port Republic One-Room Room School, presented an engraved plaque to Joan, Schoolhouse to life.

A slide show of pictures and text was presented that expressing love and appreciation for all that Joan did in creating the Youth Outreach Program.

After Heat Sickness, Schools Reviewing Policy After an incident at the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs stadium in Waldorf, Calvert County Public Schools staff will review field trip procedures over the summer prior to any further field trips being taken, according to Gail Hoerauf-Bennett, Policy and Communication Specialist.

Part of the review will address how the school system will handle pre-scheduled field trips on days predicted to have excessive heat in response to 25 students being treated and released for symptoms related to heat.

Prior to the end of the school year more than 300 students, teachers and volunteers attended a Southern Maryland Blue Crabs event, which had been planned in March.

On June 9, the temperatures were in the 90s with a heat index of 104. After three students were sent to the hospital for suffering heat symptoms, the Blue Crabs ended the event early. Twenty-two additional children evaluated and sent to the hospital after they returned to

Calvert. Everyone was treated and released.

CCPS Superintendent Jack Smith sent an email through a list service to the school community to advise of the situation and assure everyone they would review field trip procedures to avoid similar occurrences. By Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net

Commissioners are often asked about roads.

Recently, North Beach Town Councilperson Ken Wilcox called to ask me about 5th Street, north of the town limits in a stretch that’s in Calvert County jurisdiction.

He reported that speeding is a problem on 5th Street. The County’s initial response was usual: to put a digital sign that displays the speed vehicles are going on the portion of 5th Street in question to alert the public to their speeding behavior. Many times familiar roads are traversed at a higher than required rate of speed with little awareness. Hopefully, that awareness will cause us to slow down.

The next step is increased enforcement. A few speeding tickets usually slows offenders down. A word to the wise is sufficient.

If neither of these steps works, the Bureau of Public Works for Calvert County will look at the road alignment, at signage, and at other means of calming traffic.

A last resort might be a speed camera installed to slow drivers down in a school zone.

We have a lot of types of roads to be concerned with around here. There are town roads, County roads, and State roads.

State Roads are numbered such as Route 4 or Route 260. All of these entities that benefit from federal highway funds use the same Uniform Traffic Safety Manual.

Their decisions are not arbitrary, but must conform to national safety standards.

However, they can share the criteria on which they base their decisions.

Some solutions for slowing down traffic have unintended consequences.

For example, a speed bump can generate a lot of noise, as can rumble strips. Both increase snow removal costs and complexity.

Traffic calming is a science of its own. There are standardized criteria for guardrails and for streetlights.

Homeowners can arrange for their own streetlights at a reasonable rate from the utility company when the criteria are not met for a publicly funded streetlight.

Many times, the way County staff becomes aware of a particular problem is because a constituent called or emailed to alert us.

Signage on roads is another topic of frequent discussion. The State Highway Administration (SHA) has strict rules for signage on state roads. SHA determines if a sign is warranted and can be placed in the state highway right-of-way. SHA signs are standardized. An example is the golfer symbol on a sign for a golf course.

Another example is the grapes symbol for a winery.

Signs on County roads require a permit. If the sign is in a town center, there are town ordinances and an architectural review committee made up of local residents who weigh in on the design. A committee is currently taking a comprehensive look at all County signage regulations to make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).

Despite these austere economic times for government, the County is continuing to make our roads safer.

Work will be underway soon on Boyds Turn Road from Route 261 to the Anne Arundel County line past the entrance for Windy Hill Elementary and Middle School. The work will be done in two phases. Right of way acquisition is complete followed by utility relo-

corner

What’s Down the Road?

commissioners

By Susan Shaw, County Commissioner

cation prior to phase one of the two-phase project beginning. This road is narrow with no shoulders, sheets over with ice in winter, and has poor alignment, with the school’s entrance being hidden.

Many other projects are currently in he works as well.

- In Huntingtown, Wilson Road ranks high in fatal accidents. Alignment will be corrected at Wilson Road and Allday Road.

- Farther south, the intersection of Route 231 and Williams Road at the College of Southern Maryland will be made wider and safer with more lanes starting very soon.

- A study of a second road into St. Leonard is planned.

- Armory Road in Prince Frederick is becoming part of the Prince Frederick loop road with alignment addressed and a new, straighter section of road called Chesapeake Avenue approaching Dares Beach Road.

Right of way acquisition has been steady and is almost complete. Utility location is being addressed.

Building or correcting a road is a long and expensive process with safety a top priority for use of your tax dollars.

Care Net Pregnancy Center of Southern Maryland’s new location (behind Adam’s Ribs): 2196 Solomons Island Rd. Suite 3 Prince Frederick, MD 20678

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Thursday, June-2011

5

Community Eat•Drink•Go LOCAL

In collaboration with local farmers, chefs, and wineries, the Maryland Wineries Association will be hosting a series of three open-air, market style events to take place in downtown venues across the state, with a goal of featuring agriculture and the pairing of local wine, seasonal ingredients and regional chefs.

The event dates, times and locations are as follows: – Eat•Drink•Go LOCAL Frederick; July 9 at Carroll Creek Park in Frederick – Eat•Drink•Go LOCAL North Beach; August 13 in downtown North Beach – Eat•Drink•Go LOCAL Silver Spring; October 22 in downtown Silver Spring “These events will bring together farmers, chefs, and wineries in three different communities and will support the movement to buy locally grown goods” Jade Ostner, event coordinator for the Maryland Wineries Association, said in a press release. “Event attendees will see how Maryland wine can bring out the best flavors in recipes featuring Maryland grown ingredients.”

Entry into all three of the Eat•Drink•Go LOCAL events is free of charge, and attendees can shop the market and enjoy chef cooking demonstrations throughout the day. For $15, event attendees can purchase a “Tasting Pass,” which includes a stemless glass and samples of local wine.

Attendees can upgrade to the “Food and Wine Pairing Pass,” which includes the benefits of the Tasting Pass as well as pairings of selected seasonal ingredients and wine, and a reusable 6-bottle wine carrier–– good for carrying your wine and produce! Food and Wine Pairing Passes are available for $25. Both passes will be available in advance via Marylandwine.com and BrownPaperTickets.com.

Eat•Drink•Go LOCAL is sponsored by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Frederick County Tourism, Frederick County Office of Economic Development, Calvert County Tourism, The North Beach Loop in partnership with the Town of North Beach and Calvert County Economic Development, Downtown Silver Spring, Maryland Life Magazine and various local businesses, restaurants, farmers and the wineries of Maryland.

Tasting Pass and Food and Wine Pairing Pass are only available to guests who are 21 and older. Event will take place rain or shine. More information and tickets available at MarylandWine.com.

Ice Hockey Team Looking for Players The Southern Maryland Sabres 2011-2012 Squirt Travel Ice Hockey Team is looking for additional players, who were born in the years: 2001 – 2002.

Please contact Head Coach TD Reece at squirttravel@somdsabres. org – or Travel Director Brian Keelan at traveldirector@somdsabres.org – for an evaluation.

Practice begins in August.

The Southern Maryland Sabres Hockey Club travel teams participate in the Chesapeake Bay Hockey League, www.cbhl.org. The league is part of the Southeastern District of USA Hockey, www.usahockey. com.

The Sabres’ home arena is Capital Clubhouse in Waldorf, www. capitalclubhouse.com, and draws players from Calvert, St. Mary’s, Charles, Prince George’s, King George counties and beyond.

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Thursday, June-2011

Golf Tourney Raises $50,000

Although there was a passing cloud and a few rumbles of thunder, fair weather prevailed for the 150 players that competed at Calvert Memorial Hospital Foundation’s 22nd Annual Golf Classic.

“Through the gracious support of our sponsors, golfers, volunteers and donors we raised over $50,000,” said foundation spokesperson Diane Tarhan.

“This event is so much more than a fundraiser,” said CMH Foundation President Kathy Dickinson in a press release. “It is a wonderful opportunity for us to connect with our supporters and friends.” The proceeds will be used to purchase remote telemetry equipment that allows continuous monitoring of patients who leave the cardiac unit for diagnostic testing elsewhere in the hospital.

Since the tournament began in 1990, it has raised over $812,500. Last year’s proceeds were used to upgrade technology in the hospital’s endoscopy center for the early detection of colon cancer.

“Whether you golfed, donated or volunteered,” said event chair Pat Petricko, “this is your success.

This tournament could not take place without your help and support.” Petricko, who joined the golf com- Larry Sanders, left, John Broach, Jan Miller and Mike Goode first place in Division I at the 22nd Annual CMH Benefit mittee 22 years ago, has served as chair since 2004. took Golf Classic.

CMH President and CEO Jim Xinis extended special thanks to breakfast sponsor Lake Presidential MedStar Health Systems along with Open sponsors Golf Club, lunch sponsor Ricoh Americas Corp. and American Radiology Services, Bank of America dinner sponsor Freedom Office Products. He also Merrill Lynch, Capital Food Service, Crothall, Grace thanked Hole in One sponsors Dickinson Jewelers Care, Wanda and Michael King, Marathon Capital and Networking Concepts and Putting Content spon- Management, Walgreens and Wilmot Sanz.

Taking first place in Division I was Jan Miller, sor Pat Petricko/Remax 100.

During his remarks at the awards dinner, Michael Goode, Larry Sanders and John Broach.

Xinis recognized Ryder sponsors AAA Transport, Leach Wallace capped the top slot in Division II and Allscripts, KPMG, Leach Wallace Associates and Jon S. Frank & Associates outpaced all contenders in Division III.

Six Weeks of Fun, Fun, Fun The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maryland, at the Bayside and Lusby sites, will operate a summer day-camp for youths aged 6 to 14 years from July 11 through Aug. 19 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Children will participate in traditional summer activities, attend field trips, receive 2 nutritional snacks daily, make new friends and have new experiences for $150 per week.

If you are looking for a fun, safe place for your children this summer, call 410-257-0007 or email us at camp@bgcsm.net.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maryland is a youth development organization which opened

in 1999 as the Calvert County Boys & Girls Club.

Our Mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.

We accomplish this by providing a safe place to learn and grow, ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals, life-enhancing programs and character development experiences, and hope & opportunity to area youth.

A gift of time, talent or treasure goes a long way through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maryland. To donate, contact info@bgcsm.net today.

Rotary Awards $8,000 in Scholarships

Two of the four winners of Rotary scholarships of $2,000, Brendan Glowacki, Northern High, center, and Leah Wilkinson, CSM, stand with club president, Stovy Brown, right, and Scholarship Committee Chair, Eugene Karol, second from left. Leah will complete her college studies with two years at Towson University.

Michelle Paisson, Huntingtown High, was away, but her mother, Clare Paisson, holds her award. Michelle plans to study finance and business management at the Univeristy of South Carolina. The Brian Albright Environmental Scholarship winner, Dylan Kletter, Calvert High, was also away and could not be present. Dylan will attend Coastal Carolina University and major in environmental sciences.

Students Compete in Unmanned Aircraft Competition In the early morning hours, a platoon of U.S. Marines conducts a security patrol in a dusty nameless village of Afghanistan. They have spent the last few hours searching the area, looking for the evidence of insurgent operations. With the sun breaking over the horizon, the Marines hurry to finish their patrol before the entire village is awakened by the sounds of a Cobra attack helicopter providing air cover. Unheard was the drone of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, UAV, overhead providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance or “ISR” for the platoon.

The quiet was suddenly broken by the sounds of small arms fire directed at the Marines. From all over, rounds were bouncing off the mud walls of the homes as the Marines sought cover. With a “whoosh,” an enemy RPG rocketed towards the incoming Cobra.

With a bang, the RPG strikes the exhaust area of the helicopter. The injured pilot skillfully lands the crippled Cobra and takes up a defensive position.

Meanwhile at a remote base over 250km away, a group of operators sit in the air conditioned comfort of the ground control station that is monitoring the ISR mission. The live video feed catches the muzzle fire of the insurgents and the arc of the RPG into the Cobra. Their routine mission has now become a matter of life or death. The imaging operators hurriedly call out enemy positions and gun emplacements to the pinned down Marine platoon. The mission commander directs them to locate the downed pilot.

While this type of scenario plays out routinely in Afghanistan, one doesn’t expect to find it occurring in St. Mary’s County. Yet this was the scenario presented to students from around the world last week at the 2011 Student UAS Competition at Webster Field in St. Inigoes.

For three days, teams from as far away as New Delhi Technical University, India, and as close as Great Mills High School competed for over $70,000 in prize money. The teams were graded on their oral presentations covering safety, design, team roles, and how they will conduct their missions on the first day of competition. The next two days were occupied with non-stop flying.

Simulating real world tasking, the teams were given 10 minutes to gather all of the equipment needed to support the mission.

This included their UAV, starting equipment and a myriad of computers to evaluate and classify the targets that had been put around the airfield. The team and support equipment were taken to the runway and given 40 minutes to setup the ground control station and

prepare the UAV. The students had previously been given a map of the airfield showing the safe fly and out of bounds areas along with flight waypoints and search areas.

At the conclusion of the 40 minutes another clock started ticking. The mission clock was the allotted time to get airborne, conduct the search pattern, land and provide the intelligence gathered to the lead judge. For this scenario as soon as the UAV was airborne the lead judge would inform the team captain that an additional waypoint would be added and that there was a downed pilot in a new search area. The team would have to input all this information and upload it to the UAV, while in flight, so it could perform the additional tasking.

Under the canopied area that functioned as the ground station, students were clustered around a multitude of displays. These displays showed in real time where the UAV was, its speed and altitude. Other displays showed the video sensor data being transmitted from the UAV. Clusters of computers would perform analysis of the video and alert the operator if a target was in view. The image operator would then be able to identify the target and provide its position to the mission commander.

While most of the students did not realize it, they were mimicking real operations performed by the military on a daily basis in Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world with a fleet of UAVs. This was the ninth year of competition sponsored by the Association of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems International and hosted by PEO(UW) from NAS Patuxent River with a grant from the Office of Naval Research.

According to Joe Brannan, Competition Director, the first competition was held with just tree teams with only two showing up. Only one of those teams were successful in getting their UAV airborne. This year’s competition hosted 27 teams.

“We had three high schools sign up this year. One is a local high school right here in Southern Maryland, Great Mills High School, a Hampton Roads, Va. team consisting of multiple high schools in the Hampton Roads area … and a Roanoke Valley school signed up but realized they couldn’t make it but will try next year,” Brannan said, adding that most competitors were university level.

Brannan said that while this is a competition for students, it’s also a recruitment tool for government and local defense contractors.

“We tell the students to bring their resumes with them,” he said.

All of the students are engineering students. It requires a broad area of expertise to be successful, so the teams are comprised of aeronautical, electrical, mechanical, and computer

engineering disciplines.

While engineering has historically been a male dominated field, many of the teams included women.

When asked what made her choose to study mechanical and aerospace engineering, Amanda Gaetano of Rutgers University said: “I had always been interested in airplanes as a kid. My dad worked with NAVAIR and now with the FAA so it was just something I grew up around.”

Gaetano said more women should to be inspired at a young age to enter the engineering field.

“Just expose them (to engineering) at a younger age. If you don’t expose kids to that in elementary school they are less likely to develop a strong interest,” she said.

Students were not the only people in attendance at the competition. Industry had many tables with representatives out talking with students who could end up being employees one day.

Because the military is increasingly moving towards unmanned vehicles and in need of qualified and talented engineers, the

Navy “brass” presence was there also. Vice Admiral David Architzel, Commander, Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River, was there on the flight line observing the teams conducting their missions.

“I’m kinda amazed some of technology they are able to put on there … Just the idea that they are able to come here and team build, work things out, follow checklists and get into the routine of doing project work. It’s a very inspirational program,” Adm. Architzel said.

The competition wrapped up with a dinner and awards ceremony Saturday night with more than $70,000 in prize money awarded.

Utah State University Fixed Wing was presented a $13,400 check for being the overall competition winner. Delhi Technical University was presented with the Dr. Arthur Reyes Safety Award.

“I come back every year for the looks on the team’s faces when they complete a successful flight and know that they’ve done a good job that year,” lead judge Ed O’Shea said about why he gets involved each year. By Scott

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AARP Strives to Serve Community The AARP is out to correct common misconceptions and to help the community in as many ways as possible.

One common misconception is that AARP is an acronym. While it once stood for the American Association of Retired Persons, that connotation has been removed, according to Greg Wang, the state director of AARP and the senior legislative representative for congressional relations and political affairs.

He said the other misconception tied to the out-dated acronym is that AARP will only serve people who are senior citizens, Wang said AARP strives to make an impact for people of all ages.

“We want to be the Swiss Army knife of organizations,” Wang told The Southern Calvert Gazette during a recent interview. He said while AARP is open for people over the age of 50 to join for $16 per year, they want people of all age groups to know they are there for them.

AARP supported the universal healthcare system. Wang said the system is a tool to “create health along the way,” from youth to advanced age. He said for people who have jobs that don’t offer health insurance or may be out of a job, the universal health care will help them by offering insurance that won’t get canceled the moment a person gets sick.

AARP also advocates for the people who need it, like those on social security and for whom the social security money and Medicaid make up a great deal of their retirement plan.

“We want to be the eyes and ears and voice,” Wang said.

He said AARP, as well as retirement planning and insurance matters are “as applicable to people who are 75 as it is to people who are 35,” Wang said.

Other services AARP offers is volunteer placement and resume assistance for people 50 year and older. Wang said there are several people who choose not to retire, or go back to work after retirement, and they have a difficult time because workplaces are looking for younger workers.

To make an impact in the community as a whole, Wang said AARP has been doing food drives and working with multiple charitable organizations. This allows opportunities for people of all ages to work with AARP to improve the world they live in.

For more information, go to www.aarp.org. By Sarah Miller

(CT) sarahmiller@countytimes.net

8

Thursday, June-2011

Running Carnivals is a Local Family Tradition With summer well underway, the carnival season is also getting into the swing of things. With the warm weather, it is also the busiest time of year for M & M Amusement.

For the past 50 years, the Mister family has been the owner and operators of the rides and games at several carnivals throughout Maryland and into Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Robert Mister, the current owner of M & M Amusement, said his carnival season starts in March and runs through October. He owns and maintains between 15 and 20 rides and another 15 to 20 game booths, which are rotated around the Photos by Sarah Miller carnival circuit.

Robert Mister at the carniMister said the offer- val in Mechanicsville. ings at the carnivals vary from year to year and location to location to keep things fresh and interesting. At some carnivals, specific rides are requested while at others the selection is at the discretion of Mister.

“It gives the kids something to do,” Mister said.

Mister and his family are natives of Southern Maryland. He said he has lived in St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties all his life, as has much of his family, and the roots run deep. One of his uncles was even a county commissioner for Calvert County, Mister said.

During the off season, when the equipment is being kept at the properties Mister owns in both St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties, they are restored and maintained to prepare for the next season. During the carnival season, Mister said the rides are inspected at least once per week by a Maryland state inspector, each time they are set up at a new venue, as well as inspected once per year by their insurance inspector.

He said that safety is the top priority.

Mister also makes a point to be at all of the carnivals in person, so if there are any issues or questions he is on hand to deal with them.

For fire departments, Mister said he does two-week contracts, like at the annual Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department carnival where the carnival is set up June 17 through June 19 and June 23 through June 26.

Jimmy Burroughs, the chairman of the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department carnival, said they have been doing business with M & M Amusement since the carnival began 50 years ago and he has no complaints about working with the Mister family.

Because Mister is willing to work with the fire departments, they are still able to offer ride-all-night passes for only $15 per night, which is between $5 and $10 less than what M & M can charge at other venues.

M & M Amusement is not limited to doing one venue per week, Mister said. On a normal week, they will provide rides and games to two or three venues.

Even with the economic downturn and the decrease in people traveling far from home and spending money in general, Mister said the business is doing well as opposed to previous years.

“It’s not the same, but you can still make a living with it,” Mister said.

Like with many businesses, Mister said there are some weeks they take a loss and other weeks where they come out in the black.

During the summer, Mister said his children work for the business, helping with set up and tear down for the carnival, as well as running the games.

Eventually, his kids will succeed him in running the business.

“It has been a family business for a long time,” Mister said.

A big challenge Mister said he has faced has nothing to do with keeping the rides running or finding places willing to book them – the big challenge is finding good, reliable help.

He said he has some people hired during the season to help with the set up and teardown, which “ain’t easy” and at the individual venues he will get some volunteers and temporary workers, but there are a lot of people who say they’ll work the carnival without knowing what they’re getting into and prove to be unreliable.

Anybody interested in more information about M & M Amusement or booking them for a carnival can call 410-414-8230. By Sarah Miller (CT) sarahmiller@countytimes.net

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STORY

After 55 Years in Solomons, Woodburn’s Relocating

On Solomons Island in the 1950s, Woodburn’s Market was the “anchor store” for local folks to get groceries, fishing gear and whatever else they needed. Residents had to travel 30 miles to find a similar general store.

Now, 55 years later, faced with rapid expansion of retail shopping districts in Lusby, where true “anchor stores” are draining profits from Solomons Island’s small businesses, Woodburn’s is being forced to adapt and relocate to survive, the store’s owners tell The Southern Calvert Gazette.

In the last 10 years, a handful of shopping plazas have sprung up in Lusby, bringing national chain stores like Giant, Food Lion and Walgreens. With this retail boom, Woodburn’s has lost millions of dollars in revenue to these new stores.

“The center of retail shifted in the last 10 years from Solomons to Lusby,” said Thomas McKay, who co-owns Woodburn’s with his sister, Betty Johnson.

Ten years ago Woodburn’s had approximately $5 million in sales annually. Last year the store had $2 million in sales, according to McKay. “When these larger companies come into the community, like Giant and Food Lion and Wal-Mart, they take a toll on the local businesses, there’s no question about it,” McKay said.

After shutting the doors earlier this year in an effort to scale down and reinvent the business, negotiations with the landowner failed, McKay said, and they decided the only way to survive was to relocate.

He said they began talking to the larger supermarkets about leasing space inside one of these stores, and have struck a deal with Food Lion in Lusby to open a Woodburn’s Market within the existing store.

“So this is sort of a unique effort to kind of join forces, if you will, with one of those chain stores. And rather than have that small local business just go away, we’re looking at how we can actually enhance the chain store so the community is better served,” said McKay. “That’s what small businesses do, sometimes they sell out to large businesses, sometimes they go away. Those that do nothing are the ones that end up going away for sure,” he said.

McKay said the agreement with the Lusby Food Lion includes leasing about 3,000 square feet of space within the store to open a Woodburn’s Market.

McKay said the new Woodburn’s will sell beer and wine, specialty chesses and other specialty foods that will

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Thursday, June-2011

enhance the customer’s shopping experience and continue what Woodburn’s was known for.

McKay said this relocation plan is the best fit for Solomons and Lusby, because the Food Lion shopping center in Lusby is the only center in the area they doesn’t have a liquor store in it.

“So the plan is to scale back to a much smaller Woodburn’s, but a Woodburn’s that can survive for many years ahead,” he said.

Woodburn’s is seeking the approval of the Calvert County Liquor Board to move the operation from Solomons to Lusby within the Food Lion, but not without opposition from at least one business owner in Lusby.

McKay said there have been media reports published about the plans for Woodburn’s that have been inaccurate, eluding that Woodburn’s is using a “loophole” to move their business.

“There’s not a loophole, it’s specific in the state law,” McKay said, adding that the transfer from one location to another follows the “letter of the law.”

In the mid 1980s the state legislature passed a law pro-

hibiting grocery stores from attaining alcohol beverage licenses – unless those licenses were already existing when the law was enacted they were “grandfathered.”

“The legislation went on to say that those who already have licenses can transfer those licenses to other locations that are of a like kind. So this is simply transferring from one supermarket to another, which the legislature says specifically you can do,” McKay said.

Also, contrary to what has been reported, the license is not being transferred to new owners. One of the license holders, Susan Johnson of Calvert County, is remaining as part of the ownership of the license, as she has for years.

As for the idea that Woodburn’s is not a locally-owned store, and this move will hurt existing business, Mckay said: “We were the ones that have been hurt by new liquor stores opening up repeatedly all around us.

“Look at Nick’s of Calvert that opened in Prince Frederick not long ago. It was granted a license for a new supermarket. That opened up and did not cause the demise of the liquor stores in Prince Frederick,” McKay said. By Sean Rice (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net

One of our most popular events is right around the corner - but is also in jeopardy.

The Solomons Business Association funds the majority of the fireworks display costs.

Unfortunately, the cost of the fireworks display continues to increase while funding support from the County has decreased. Without support from the community, the SBA faces the dilemma of canceling future displays as other local communities have done.

The July 4th fireworks display brings people from throughout the DC area to enjoy a lovely evening in Solomons. Not only do they enjoy the fireworks display, but they can also enjoy fine dining, shopping, exploring and all the other terrific amenities Solomons’ offers. This year, SBA is adding an afternoon/evening Street Faire to the festivities, bringing music, vendors, snacks and a moon bounce to the heart of Solomons. After dusk, the fireworks will be shot from a barge anchored in the Patuxent River. With many families not traveling long distances over holidays, we anticipate a large crowd again this year.

The July 4th Fireworks is the most expensive event the SBA sponsors, and which all our other events support. While the Commissioners have always been generous with their support for this event, it only pays a portion of our costs. We truly appreciate any support the community can provide to help defray the cost and keep the July 4th Fireworks display alive.

Donation containers will be placed at various locations on the island. Contributions can also be sent to: SBA, PO Box 724, Solomons, MD 20688.

As always, we look forward to a successful event and having everyone visit Solomons.

Diane P. Tarhan, Past President Solomons Business Association Board of Directors

Good News For a Change How about some good news! Merke Marine LLC does provide great service for its customers. Back in April 2010 my Lewmar Pro Fish 700 broke down. I found that Merke Marine LLC is Lewmar Windless local representative so I contacted them.

The owner John Levelle was very professional and quite knowledgeable about this unit, asking all the right questions. He asked had I tried doing several things myself to ensure I did not need to remove it from the boat. But it needed his help. I took it to him, he examined it, diagnosed the problem and had repaired in less than a week.

In April of this year it stopped again. I discussed the problem with John on May 23 and returned it to his “NEW” location at Suite 213, Port Annapolis Marina which was easy to locate on May 25 . He diagnosed a broken part and alignment problem that he would have to fix while I waited. He said he would see what Lewmar would be willing to do as part of the warranty. On June 6 John called to tell me they would be replacing the unit and dropped one in the mail that I got on June 13th.

Yes, I am very happy with the past service and professional manner that seems to be the trademark of the Merke Marine staff. The new location makes it easy to access by water or car. They provide full Marine electronic services including installation for both power and sail. I would want anyone to try their services so they can experience great support and services within a reasonable time.

Sonney Forrest Solomons, MD

L Where Do Blacks Stand on Abortion?

June is Abortion Awareness Month in the Black Community. Many pro-lifers are hoping blacks will finally wake up to the devastating effect abortion has had and is continuing to have on their community. As part of this effort, Charles County Right to Life will have an information table at the Juneteenth celebration on 18 June at O’Donnell Lake in Waldorf.

So, where do blacks stand on abortion? There are few black pro-life organizations, and blacks are noticeably absent at the annual March for Life in Washington D.C. and other pro-life activities.

Since abortion became legal in 1973, approximately 18,000,000 (35% of 52,000,000) abortions have been performed on black women. That number is equal to 47% (almost half) of the 37,700,000 blacks counted in the 2010 census. The black population in the U. S. would be 1/3 larger if those babies hadn’t been aborted. (Actually, the 1/3 larger population is an underestimation. It doesn’t take into account the babies from the estimated 4,000,000 women who would have been in their childbearing years if they hadn’t been aborted.)

Based on their lack of interest and the number of abortions performed on black women, blacks seem to be pro-abortion. This is further confirmed by the fact that 90 percent of their votes go to the pro-abortion Democrat Party that supports keeping abortion legal, weak prolife laws, taxpayers funding of abortions and Planned Parenthood, etc. It is amazing that most blacks are so loyal to the Democrats, whose abortion policies are killing off many members of their future generations. Most blacks also reject the pro-life Republicans who are trying to convince them not to abort their unborn babies. You have to figure out for yourselves why blacks voluntary do this to themselves; it is too complicated for me.

The injustices of slavery, Jim Crow laws, segregation, etc. that occurred in the past will almost certainly be highlighted in some Juneteenth celebrations. But if the recent past is any indication, little if anything will be said about abortion. This time in black history may be an even darker period than any of those with the injustices mentioned, because while those abominations were forced on blacks, abortion is a choice many of them freely make.

Robert Boudreaux Waldorf, MD

Publisher Thomas McKay Associate Publisher Eric McKay Editor Sean Rice Office Manager Tobie Pulliam Graphic Artist Angie Stalcup Advertising cjlea@somdpublishing.net Email info@somdpublishing.net Phone 301-373-4125 Staff Writers Guy Leonard Sarah Miller Corrin Howe

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Solomons July 4th Fireworks Needs Support

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Southern Calvert Gazette is a bi-weekly newspaper providing news and information for the residents of Southern Calvert County. The Southern Calvert Gazette will be available on newsstands every other Thursday of the month. The paper is published by Southern Maryland Publishing Company, which is responsible for the form, content, and policies of the newspaper. Southern Calvert Gazette does not espouse any political belief or endorse any product or service in its news coverage. Articles and letters submitted for publication must be signed and may be edited for length or content. Southern Calvert Gazette is not responsible for any claims made by its advertisers.

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Carol Deiso, 67 C a r o l Anne Deiso, 67, of Owings, Maryland, died on June 2, 2011, surrounded by her loving family after battling COPD for many years.

She was born on September 19, 1943, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Leonard and Helen Patrick.

She is the beloved wife of James Deiso, whom she married on March 13, 1985. They moved to Calvert County in 1999 and fell in love with the area. She was a communicant of St. Nicolas Lutheran Church in Huntingtown.

Carol graduated from Brookfield High School in 1961 and spent two years at Ripon College.

After relocating to Maryland, while raising her two children, she became involved with the schools and community of South Bowie.

While living in Prince Georges County, she created fine pottery and participated in mid-Atlantic craft shows and had a space at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA. While living in Crofton, she spent several years as a real estate agent for Merril Lynch Realtors and Prudential Realtors, where she enjoyed helping families purchase homes. Later she happily worked side-by-side with her husband at their transportation company, Beltway Transportation Service in Forestville, MD. A two-time breast cancer survivor, she also struggled with arthritic challenges. This did not slow her down as a homemaker and in her lifelong passion for gardening, the arts, decorating and creating special memories for her family. Her talents in the kitchen made for many wonderful holiday celebrations and all her family, friends and neighbors will miss her cookie baking talents, particularly at Christmas.

She is survived by her husband James Deiso, her brother, Thomas Patrick of Phoenix, AZ, and children Jon Hansen of Alexandria, VA and Lisa Hansen of Baltimore, Jim Deiso of Bastrop, TX, Tina Fincher of Mechanicsburg, PA, and Gina King of Edgewater. She is also survived by six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many other family and friends. She is also survived by her dear cousin Jane Manke from Lodi, WI. An earlier marriage to Kenneth Hansen ended in

12

divorce.

The family received friends on June 9th at the Lee Funeral Home Calvert, Owings. Funeral services were held at 11 am on Friday, June 10th at St. Nicolas Lutheran Church, 1450 Plum Point Rd in Huntingtown, MD 20639.

Interment is private. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Nicholas Lutheran Church, 1450 Plum Point Road, Huntingtown, MD 20639.

Madolynne Dodson, 91 Madolynne Laura Dodson, 91, of Olivet, MD, died at Solomons Nursing Center, Solomons, MD on Sunday, June 12, 2011.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Eugene C. “Bunks” Dodson, and her three siblings, Herbert Buckmaster, Jr., Hazel Bowen and Doris Souder.

She is survived by her daughter Patricia Cox of Palm Harbor, FL and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held at the Rausch Funeral Home, Lusby, on Saturday, June 18, 2011, with Rev. Faith Lewis officiating.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department, 13150 HG Trueman Rd., P.O. Box 189, Solomons, Md. 20688.

William DuBost, 83 William Joseph DuBost, 83, of Solomons, MD, formerly of District Heights, MD passed away of June 17, 2011 in Prince Frederick, MD. He was born on February 29, 1928 to the late Jules Joseph and Florence Withey DuBost.

He married his beloved wife Pat DuBost on July 15, 1950 in Forestville, MD. William graduated from Maryland Park High School in 1945 and when on to join the Marines. He served in the Marines from 1946 to 1948 when he was

Thursday, June-2011

honorably discharged and then join the Reserves and served during the Korean War. After William’s military service, he became a Building Inspector and worked for the Washington DC government for twenty seven years until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Jay DuBost and Elsie DuBost.

William is survived by his wife of sixty years, Pat DuBost of Solomons, MD; children, Pamela M. DuBost of Prince Frederick, MD and Linda K. DuBost of Solomons, MD; brother, Robert DuBost of Titusville, FL, and four grandchildren.

The family received friends on Monday, June 20, 2011 from 10 ~ 11 AM in the Rausch Funeral Home Chapel, Lusby, MD where a Celebration of Life Service was be held at 11 AM with Rev. John Williams and Rev. Meridith Wilkins-Arnold officiating.

Interment will be on Friday, June 24, 2011 at 1PM in the MD Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD. The family request memorial contributions to be made in William’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 780, New York, NY 10008-0780.

Syble Gieswein, 85 S y b l e Mae Gieswein, 85, of Silver Spring, MD passed away at her home on June 12, 2011.

She was born in Hartwell, Georgia on September 1, 1925 to Amie and Adason Nixon.

She is survived by her husband; Lt. Colonel (retired) Charles F. Gieswein of Silver Spring, MD and a daughter, Carol Ann Benke and her husband Mark Benke of Port Republic, MD, a son Robert E. Neumeister of Reston, VA. In addition, she is survived by two granddaughters, Kristin Benke of Port Republic, MD and Elizabeth Singhaus of Reston, VA, and one grandson, Robert C. Neumeister of Reston, VA. The family received friends for a viewing and visitation on June 21, 2011 from 1- 2 PM at the Rausch Funeral Home, Port Republic, MD, with a prayer service at 2 p.m..

Interment will be held at Ar-

lington National Cemetery at a later date.

Shirley Langley, 80 S h i r ley Elizabeth Langley, 80, of Solomons, MD, formerly of Cumberland, MD passed away on June 17, 2011 in Solomons, MD. She was born on January 1, 1931 in Cumberland, MD to the late John William McKenzie and Mary Teresa Nies.

She was the beloved wife to the late Robert Lee Langley whom she married on February 12, 1949 in Cumberland, MD. Shirley moved to Calvert Co. from Cumberland in 1949.

She was a Charter Member of the Solomons VFD Ladies Auxiliary.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother, William T. McKenzie.

Shirley is survived by her children, John L. Langley and wife Stephanie of Warrenton, VA, Bobbie L. Herring and husband Edward of Leonardtown, MD, and Kenneth R. Langley, Sr. of Solomons, MD; Siblings, Milnor C. McKenzie and Helen Gorsuch both of Cumberland, MD; grandchildren, Kristie L. McCalla and husband Ray, Susan Langley, Breann L. Brown and husband David, Jessica Davidson and husband Gregory, Erin Langley, and Kenneth R. Langley, Jr.; great grandchildren, Jadon Patrick Preston, and McKenzie Ann Brown. Pallbearers will be Joseph McKenzie, Michael Gorsuch, Doug McKenzie, Marty Sealey, Jay Lankford, and Wayne Duley. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ray McCalla and David Brown.

The family received friends on Monday, June 20, 2011 from 6 ~ 8 PM in the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Lusby MD, where a Prayer Service was offered at 7PM. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 11 AM in Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Solomons, MD with Fr. Richard Gardiner officiating. Interment followed in the Solomons UMC Cemetery, Solomons, MD. The family request contributions to be made in Shirley’s name to the Solomons Vol. Rescue

Squad and Fire Department, P.O. Box 189, Solomons, MD 20688 and / or the St. Jude Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, donors@stjude.org.

Michael Lee, 61 Michael Alfred Lee, 61, of Huntingtown, MD passed away on May 26, 2011, with his family by his side at Calvert Memorial Hospital.

His final days were spent surrounded by family.

Mike was born in Alexandria, VA on February 6, 1950 to his late parents James Alfred Lee and Audrey Ruth Lee. He is survived by his devoted wife of 38 years, Teresa Lee, his children, Daphne Inman, James Lee and Christine Lee, and sisters, Michelle Shifflett and Audrey Lee. Mike had a special ability to put a smile on everyone’s face.

His hobby was to make those around him laugh and to lighten even the most difficult situation.

He was adored by everyone who had the honor to meet and know him. He was a great leader in both his personal and professional life.

Mike enjoyed watching movies, boating, working, and dreaming big. His wife never knew what adventure he would take her on next.

The family received friends at Trinity United Methodist Church, 90 Church St. Prince Frederick, MD 20678 on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 where the Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, June 1.

Memorial contributions can be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 2142 Prince Frederick, MD 20678 and to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Arrangements by the Rausch Funeral Home of Port Republic, MD 20676.

Julia Petrilla, 77 J u l i a Petrilla, 77, of St. Leonard, MD passed away at her home on June 4, 2011. She was

born on July 19, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Jerry and Helen Selichar.

She later married John Petrilla on July 8, 1961 and had a total of 49 years of marriage with John.

Out of that marriage they raised three daughters. Julia and John had moved from Stichney Illinois to Calvert County in 1991 to be closer with family. Julia had a strong affection for panda bears and for doing word find puzzles.

Beside her parents Julia is predeceased by her daughter Emma Murphy. She is survived by her husband, John Petrilla and her two daughters, Helen Apostte (Patrick) of Antioch, Illinois and Patsy Spolar (John) of St. Leonard, Maryland. She is also survived by her Granddaughters Monique Lewis of Huntsville, AL; Kristen Spolar of St. Leonard, MD; Elizabeth Allen (Chris) of, CO; Crystal Spolar of Concordia, KS; Ashley McCann of Antioch, IL and 7 Great-Grandchildren.

The family received friends on Wednesday June 15, 2011 from 10-11 AM at the Rausch Funeral Home, Port Republic. Interment followed in Chesapeake Highland Memorial Gardens.

Brinetta Savoy, 19 On Friday, May 27, 2011 our Angel Brinetta Savoy, better known to everyone as Shynea, our little soldier girl was called to rest at Children’s National Medical Center.

The daughter of Jacqueline Long and Bryan Savoy was born February 21, 1992 at Calvert Memorial.

Shynea attended Calvert County Schools. Her favorite color was pink and she loved butterflies.

Her response of blinking her eyes one time for yes, two times for no, she would ignore you by closing her eyes or pulling something over her face.

An Angel from the start. She will always be in our heart and in this world she is our soldier girl.

Shynea will be sadly missed by all of her family and friends.

Shynea leaves to mourn, her devoted Mother, Jacqueline Marlene Long, Father Bryan Twayne Savoy; one Brother Malike Savoy; Step-father Bobby Harris (Bo “Pop-Pop); one Step-brother Matthew Jones; four Step-sisters:

Lamekia Gantt, Kanthan Harris, Shonata Harris and Dineshae Coates; Grandparents: Mazie Holland, Pop-Pop Frederick Holland, Irene Gross and Leonard Savoy; Great-Grandfather Sidney Savoy; thirteen Aunts: Muriel Hicks, Frances Wallace, Cleo Rawlings (Maurice), Sherry Johnson (Cleggett), Marsha Brown (Gregory), Ethel Long, Verlene Johnson (Lester), Gladys Long, Sharon Burton (Stan), Cheryl Savoy, Latonya Chew, Ikia Gross and Kimberly Chew; nine Uncles: Yardell Gross, Eric Savoy, Samuel Mackell (Arlene), Howard Long, Garland Long (Valerie), Ronnie Long (Rita), Ronald Long (Ida), Gene Long (Anna), James Long (Tierria), Thurston Claggett (Inez), Thomas Holland (Penny) ; God-Parents: Towanda Mackall and Verlene Johnson and her special nurse Cheryl Hoyle of 14 years who was known as one of the family, a special friend Aysia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her Grandfather Howard Long Jr., Great-Grandmother Evelyn Johnson, and Aunt Della Wallace.

Funeral service was held on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Mt. Olive UM Church, Prince Frederick, MD with Pastor Patricia M. Berry officiating. The interment was at Mt. Olive UM Church Cemetery, Prince Frederick, MD. The pallbearers were Duane Smith, Allen Smith, Tommy Hicks, Yardell Gross, Leon Willett, and Troy Smith. The honorary pallbearers were Donald Chew and Oscar Chew.

Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.

Christine Smith, 51

MD.

Christine B. Smith, 51, of Annapolis, MD departed this life peacefully on April 15, 2011 at the Anne Arundel Medical Center, Annapolis,

Christine Barbara Smith, the beloved daughter of the late Geneive and Edward Smith, was born on September 1, 1959. She departed this life peacefully on April 15, 2011, after a brief illness.

Tina, as she was affectionately known by family and friends, was educated in the Calvert County Public Schools. She had several

family and friends. Floral bearers include sons-in-law, a daughteroccupations.

She was very dedicated to her were family and friends. in-law, grandchildren and greatFuneral arrangements provid- grandchildren. She was an avid family and helpful with homework assignments. She was a loving ed by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince reader and enjoyed keeping up and giving individual who had a Frederick, MD. with current events. Marion also great sense of humor. She always enjoyed traveling, particularly in had words of encouragement for the company of family and friends, others to lighten their spirits. She had been to England and Marion Sprecher, 88 and was willing to lend a helping hand France after her retirement. whenever she could. Throughout She is survived by her chilMarion her brief illness, she spoke of her Hunt Sprecher, dren: sons John Sprecher of Ellicott trust in God and kept a positive a longtime City, MD and Stephen Sprecher of attitude. resident of Ca- Columbia, MD, and by two daughHer hobbies included danctonsville, MD ters, Patricia Page of Catonsville, ing, singing, drawing, reading, died on Sunday, MD and Suzanne Smith of Lusby, and watching her favorite football June 12, 2011 in MD, as well as by her sons-in-law, team, the Dallas Cowboys.

Calvert County Gary Page and Steven Smith, and Tina was preceded in death by Nursing Center, her daughter-in-law Mary Helen one sister, Dorothy Woodland; and Prince Freder- Sprecher. She is also survived by two brother-in-laws, Walter Louis ick. She was 88 years old. three grandchildren, Stacey HuffFields and James Black.

Marion was born on Decem- man of Great Falls, MT, Astin She leaves to mourn two sons, ber 25, 1922 to the late Lealand and Lindsey Smith of Lusby, MD, Elvis Hurley, Jr. (Junior) and Lan- Carlos Hunt and Eugenia Deas and by three great-grandchildren, dis Ricardo Brown (Gilbert); one Hunt in Charlotte, North Carolina. Keeley, Kennedy and Drake Huffgrandson, Tylik Ricardo Brown; Marion graduated from Furman man, as well as by her grandsontwo granddaughters, Rakkyah University in Greenville, South in-law, Keefe Huffman. Additional Daniel Hurley (Kyah) and Logan Carolina. She received her Mas- survivors include a sister, Eugenia Christine Brown; one great-grand- ter’s degree from the University of H. Bryan of Greenville, SC. son, Rashad James Hamlin (Jigga Maryland College Park. She was a The family received friends Man); six sisters, Bertha Fields of lifelong employee of the Baltimore at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Sunderland, Gladys Black of Seat County School system where she Church, Baltimore, on Saturday, Pleasant, Algea Gray of Annapo- was a school librarian in a number June 18, where a service celebratlis, Paulette Commodore (Charles) of schools, including Merritt Point ing her life was held. Interment is of Port Republic, Diane Smith of Elementary, Edmondson Heights private.

Baltimore, and Roberta Smith of Elementary, Hillcrest Elementary Should friends desire contriAnnapolis; five brothers, Edward and Catonsville Elementary. butions may be made in Marion Smith of Prince Frederick, Joseph In 1944, she married Lane ’s memory to Dachshund Rescue Smith (Martha) of Annapolis, Melvin Sprecher and the couple lat- of North America, www.drna.org/ Chester Smith (Christine) of Prince er moved to Catonsville, MD. Her donate.php, World Wildlife Fund, Frederick, Louis Smith (Brenda) of husband died in 1978. She had four 1250 24th St., N.W., Washington Sunderland, and Spike Smith (Sta- children (two sons and two daugh- , DC 20090, www.worldwildlife. cey) of Sunderland; and a loving ters) and was active in the com- org or to the American Cancer Soand devoted special family mem- munity, including serving on the ciety, 8219 Town Center Dr , Baltiber, Ruby Smith; as well as a host Altar Guild at St. Bartholomew’s more, MD 21236, www.cancer. of nieces, nephews, other family Episcopal Church, Baltimore, MD org. members, and dear friends.

Arrangements by the Rausch and as a member of the Woman’s She was a cherished member Club of Catonsville, MD and the Funeral Home, P. A., Lusby. of the family and will be greatly Catonsville Garden Club. missed by all who came in contact She enjoyed cooking, garwith her. To know her was to love dening, and entertaining her large her. extended family, which grew to Funeral service was held on Saturday, April 23, 2011, at 11:00 AM Where Life and Heritage are Celebrated at Calvary United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic in Su nderland, MD with Elder Michael D. Affordable Funerals, Caskets, Vaults, Fields officiatCremation Services and Pre-Need Planning ing. The interment was held Family Owned and Operated by at Mt. Hope Barbara Rausch and Bill Gross United Methwww.RauschFuneralHomes.com odist Church Cemetery in Su nderland, 8325 Mt. Harmony Lane 4405 Broomes Island Rd. 20 American Lane MD. 410-257-6181 410-586-0520 410-326-9400 The pallbearers were

During a difficult time… still your best choice.

Owings

Port Republic

Lusby

Thursday, June-2011

13

L

Crab Industry Fears Glory Days May Never Return

For the past two years crab populations and subsequent harvests have improved since dwindling numbers led to a disaster declaration for Maryland blue crab. But, despite tough restrictions on harvesting the iconic creature from the Chesapeake Bay, which were designed to boost its numbers, local crabbers and retailers aren’t seeing a return to the days when they were cheap and plentiful.

They say that prices for crabs this year, as well as the harvest, will be on a par with last year’s conditions – meaning customers can expect to pay between $30 or even $40 a dozen for the heaviest crabs. Bushels of crabs, said Denise Ching, of Thompson’s Seafood Corner Carryout in Mechanicsville, are currently selling from her store cooked at about $150 each.

While people are still willing to pay top dollar for crabs, local customers are buying less than out-of-town buyers who are making up most of Ching’s sales, she said.

The real issue surrounding crabs is the costs associated with harvesting them, Ching said, and price increases in boat fuel, bait and equipment are pushing watermen to harvest less.

“It’ll never comeback,” Ching said of the heyday of local crabbing.

Tommy Zinn, president of the Calvert County Watermen’s Association, said that the crab harvest was looking good this year but the costs of going out on the water to bring them to market had increased substantially.

“So far it’s been an above average catch up until now; the crabs are in great shape,” Zinn said Monday. “One more shed and we expect some very large ones the last half of the summer.”

But despite the good market prices this season, Zinn said, he expects it to drop off after the July 4 holiday and watermen are often left in the financial lurch because no matter how much it costs to harvest hard crabs, consumers will only pay to a certain price point.

“Our crabs reach a certain price and the buyer won’t pay anymore, they’ll find something else to eat,” he said.

“The operational expenses have probably gone up another 20 percent.”

Paul Kellam, who was once a full-time waterman but now operates Kellam’s Seafood in Ridge, said that he could remember the days of $5 crab pots and cheap bait. Now crab pots cost as much as $35 a piece and 60 pounds of bait can cost as much as $50, which can be as much as five times as expensive as when he started commercial crabbing decades ago.

Coupled with high fuel prices for crabbing boats, watermen are searching for ways to still get top dollar for crabs but with perhaps a smaller harvest, Kellam said.

He also believed the legendary days of plentiful, cheap crabs that made Southern Maryland such a destination for the best seafood are long gone; though he could not imagine a day when crabbing completely stops.

“In Maryland the trend has been away from crab potting to trot lining,” he said.

That means that crabbers are taking more to rivers and

creeks instead of the more open waters of the bay, which means the crabs they catch are more likely to be large and heavy as those tend to migrate to the fresher waters as they grow.

But that also means that the harvests could be smaller, Kellam said, meaning that consumers will continue to pay premium prices for crabs despite their apparent resurgence in overall numbers.

Watermen are finding this a more attractive alternative, he said, because their costs of harvesting are less and the asking price for the best crabs can be higher.

Moreover, there are far fewer watermen now than when he started, Kellam said, which means that what’s actually harvested from local waters will be less than decades past.

“The harvest can’t be what it was … even if the crabs were there.”

The most recent dredge survey showed that the crab population was at its second highest level since 1997, but as many as 31 percent of adult crabs were lost to the winter freeze.

However, the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced that it would increase the limits on the allowable catch for female crabs at the end of the crabbing season between Sept. 1 and Nov. 10.

Those holding limited commercial crabbing licenses will be able to take 12 bushels instead of 10 from the previous year, according to DNR, though all other restrictions and regulations will remain the same for 2011. By Guy Leon-

ard (CT) guyleonard@countytimes.net

Tommy Zinn, president of the Calvert County Waterman’s Association, pulls some crabs from the Patuxent River.

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Thursday, June-2011

Fresh. Fun.

Farm fresh food meets Southern Maryland hospitality.

Visit a Calvert County farmers market for a taste of the good life.

TUESDAYS in Prince Frederick 3-7 p.m., May 3 - Nov. 22 Calvert Memorial Hospital Parking Lot D

THURSDAYS in Solomons 4-8 p.m., May 5 - Nov. 17 Solomons Riverwalk parking lot

FRIDAYS in North Beach 6-9 p.m., May 6 - Oct. 7 5th Street between Chesapeake Avenue and Bay Avenue

SATURDAYS in Barstow 7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., May 7 - Nov. 26 Calvert County Fairgrounds 140 Calvert Fair Drive

410.535.4583 • 301.855.1880 • www.calvertag.com Thursday, June-2011

15

School’s Out – Lets Go Fishing

The Ordinary

Angler

By Keith McGuire School’s out , and the fish are biting!

Most anyone who ventures to the water can catch croakers, white perch, and spot when bottom fishing on the Bay or the rivers.

Upriver, you can add catfish to the mix.

Specialized bottom fishing is now producing flounder, although the 18” minimum could be a problem. I caught three flounder at the mouth of the Patuxent River last week, but the biggest was just 17 ½ inches. You can bet that I’ll be trying again this week.

Stripers are beginning to succumb to

jigs adorned with sassy shads and Bass Kandy Delights when fished over and around structure. Poppers and top water plugs should soon begin to work on early morning high tides.

One of my favorite ways to fish for rockfish is to catch them chasing baitfish to the surface. We call this “breaking fish” and it is a feeding frenzy that you have to see to believe. The only way to attack this feeding frenzy is to skirt the school wide, shut down your outboard and drift through the melee. Motoring into the middle of the school of fish will scatter them. Do it wrong and you may not see them again.

Breaking fish have been seen at Ce-

Calvert County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Saturday, June 25, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Appeal Landfill, 401 Sweetwater Rd., Lusby • Acids • Adhesives, glues, epoxy products • Auto and floor care products • Brake fluids • Cleaners (ammonia, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, etc.) • Explosives (ammunition, fireworks, flares, etc.) • Fertilizers, weed killers • Fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, pesticides • Gasoline • Kerosene • Lighter fluid • Medicines • Mercury (thermometers, thermostats, switches) • Oil-based paints and polyurethane • Paint strippers (incl. acetone, toluene) • Paint thinners (incl. mineral spirits, turpentine) • Photographic chemicals • Pool chemicals • Science chemicals • Solvents • Stains • Varnish • Wood preservatives (incl. creosote, deck sealer) • 2-4-5 TP silvex • 30-, 50- and 85-gallon containers without prior approval • Asbestos products • Dioxin • Ketones • Infectious waste (needles, syringes, etc.) • PCBs • Radioactive materials (incl. old glow-in-dark watches, old smoke alarms) Note: Latex paint is NOT hazardous; it may be disposed of with trash once it has dried.

For information call 410-326-0210

Participation limited to Calvert County residents ONLY! Proof of county residency is required. Commercial businesses are prohibited.

www.co.cal.md.us

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Thursday, June-2011

dar Point, over the artificial reef south of the catch – like Point No Point, and in the lower reaches where it was of the Potomac River. The best times to caught, the bait find breaking fish are either at full tide or or lure that was slack tide when the current stops. Cast used, and any details metal jigs, bucktails or small jig heads with other a twister tail to the breaking fish and you that you care to should do well. Metal jigs work best when share – then I’ll there are bluefish in the mix. We should include the best start to see more bluefish as the summer picture with a future article heats up.

Light tackle action is now good for for this column. white perch, and shallow water trolling for You’ll get extra stripers is beginning to turn on. For white credit for secret lures, baits and locations. riverdancekeith@hotmail.com. perch, fish the shorelines around marshes and structure. Use small spinner baits and cast right to the shore or structure. Use a steady retrieve and you may hook up with some really decent white perch. Shallow water trolling for stripers is an interesting thing to try.

Use a small bucktail with a twister tail or sassy shad on a spinning rod. Cast it behind the boat a few yards and idle into shallow water around docks, rocks, and marshy shore line. The fish are frequently small, but you may catch one of keeper size or bigger.

The cow-nosed rays are here, and their numbers will increase in the coming weeks. If you try any of the methods above, you could hook one, and it will disrupt Kaden James Cotugno’s first fish. your day.

I’ve just realized that July will have five full weekends this year. The Keith has been a recreational angler fish won’t stand a chance!

A fishing report without at least one on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries picture is, well, just a story. If you’re for over 50 years; he fishes weekly from taking pictures of your catch, send me an his small boat during the season, and email and attach the picture. I need the spends his free time supporting local confull names of the people in the picture. servation organizations.

If you could tell me a little bit about

Fishing at Kent Narrows Tops Meeting Captain Mark Galasso, who has guided on the Chesapeake Bay for more than 35 years, will provide tips on fishing the Kent Narrows area and chumming Wednesday, June 29, during the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Maryland’s Patuxent River Chapter meeting.

The meeting, which starts at 7:30 p.m. in the St. Mary’s County Elks Lodge #2092, 45779 Fire Department Lane, California, is free and open to the public.

The chapter’s June meeting has been moved from the third Wednesday of the month to June 29.

Galasso, who operates Tuna the Tide Guide Service, will discuss times, locations, and best approaches for catching striped bass and other fish in the Kent Narrows area. He will also provide tips on attracting predator fish through chumming.

Galasso, a Grasonville resident, is noted for trolling, live-lining, jigging, and fly fishing throughout the Chesapeake Bay.

The summer Maritime Performance Series at the Calvert Marine Museum kicks off on Saturday, June 25, with a performance by Magpie at 7 p.m. in the museum auditorium. This well-known duo features the remarkable talents of Terry Leonino

Beach Railway then help lay your own tracks. On Thursday, July 7, cast a line in their fishing pool to learn about the many species of fish in the Chesapeake Bay. These morning programs run from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Chesapeake Beach Rail-

Terry Leonino and Greg Artzner

Out&About and garden artists and vendors, dress-up tours of the fairy house exhibit, fantasy face painting, magical music, a fairy and gnome obstacle course for kids and fairytale story times. You can also build your own fairy or gnome house. Food and drinks will be available by Dugue’s Catering and the Rotary Club of Prince Frederick. Also, browse more than 50 booths in the Maker’s Market; many of the vendors will be selling specialty items in honor of the festival. Admission for the festival is $5 for adults (ages 12 & up); $4 for children (ages 11 & under); $4 for members. Regular admission fees apply for non-participating guests. www.annmariegarden.org You have lots of options for fireworks this Independence Day weekend! On Sunday, July 3, travel to Chesapeake Beach and spend the afternoon playing at the water park or at one of the public beaches. Join family, neighbors and friends for their special fireworks display on the beach at dusk. The Chesapeake Beach Water Park is open until 10 p.m. for this event.

and Greg Artzner who began to play music together in 1973. They have traveled and toured extensively, performed in concerts, at folk clubs and festivals around the world and recorded many times. Tickets are $5 and sold only at the door. “Lite bites” prepared by Lotus Kitchen, along with beer, wine, lemonade and water will be for sale in the lobby. (www.calvertmarinemuseum. com) On Saturday, June 25, the Town of North Beach presents Seldom Scene, an American Bluegrass band. The concert will be held on the pavilion overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. Seldom Scene was formed in 1971 in Bethesda and excels in bluegrass; their CD, Scenechronized, was nominated for a Grammy award. Premium seating is available for $20 per seat and can be purchased by contacting Stacy WIlkerson at 301-855-6681 or 410-257-9618. (www.northbeachmd.org) Are you adventurous? Do you crave finding something to build your muscles as well as your senses? Check out the American Chestnut Land Trust where they will conduct several guided canoe trips and hikes throughout the summer. Upcoming canoe trips are scheduled for Sunday, June 26, and Sunday, July 10. Reservations are required. Visit their website at www.acltweb.org, call 410-414-3400, or email info@ acltweb.org for more information.

way Museum, 4155 Mears Avenue, Chesapeake Beach. For more information visit www.cbrm.org or call 410-257-3892.

On Friday, July 1, from 5 to 8 p.m., kick off the holiday weekend with a bang at First Free Friday. The Calvert Marine Museum is open and free to the public with docents in every gallery. Cruise aboard the Wm. B. Tennison with free 30-minute boat rides sponsored by M&T Bank. The 257th Army Band, also known as the Band of the Nation’s Capitol, will play on the outdoor stage starting at 6:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic and enjoy some great music. (www.calvertmarinemuseum.com) Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center hosts their 1st annual Fairy & Gnome Home Festival & Tour on Saturday, July 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The festival highlights Annmarie’s spectacular summer exhibit of 45 handmade fairy and gnome homes.

Activities include fabulous fairy, gnome

On Monday, July 4, the Solomons Business Association proudly sponsors the Solomons fireworks display beginning around 9 p.m. The fireworks are shot from a barge in the Patuxent River and can be viewed from the Riverwalk. New this year will be a 4th of July Street Faire. The Solomons Business Association will provide music, vendors, snacks, a Moonbounce and much more from 4 to 8 p.m. (Raindate: Tuesday, July 5) www.solomonsmaryland.com Join the staff of Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum (JPPM) on the first Wednesday of every month as they do backto-back tours of the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory (MAC Lab) and Point Farm’s house and gardens. The next tour date is Wednesday, July 6, at 12:30 p.m. Located on 560 scenic acres along the Patuxent River and St. Leonard Creek in St. Leonard, discover all that JPPM has to offer, from state-of-the-art science to local history and lore. For more information visit www.jefpat.org or call 410-586-8501.

Cruise the Patuxent River to Clarke’s

Landing with Bunky’s Charters Dinner Cruise on Friday, July 8. You and your favorite partner can enjoy the serenity of the Patuxent River, a great dinner and a beautiful sunset for $60. The boat will leave the dock at 6 p.m. and return at 9 p.m. Dinner options include New York strip, chicken, crab cake, fried shrimp or fresh fish of the day with a salad and side dish. The price includes server gratuity but does not include alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks.

For more information, contact Bunky’s Charterboats at 410-326-3241.

Sharkfest- A Fresh Attack! Don’t miss this popular family event on Saturday, July 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year features the incredible work of underwater shark photographer Nick Caloyianis who, along with his daring diving partner Clarita Berger, will share his experiences diving with sharks around the world. Experience the shark cage used for their underwater photography and take your picture inside the cage swimming with the sharks ($2 fee). See incredible shark film footage, play shark games, enjoy fish face painting ($5 fee), paint a shark mural, make a shark craft and see incredible shark fossils collected by the Fossil Club. www.calvertmarinemuseum.com Are you ready for a night of rock and roll? Then join the Calvert Marine Museum for an evening filled with songs from ZZ Top and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. Joan Jett & the Blackhearts will start off the evening with hits like “I Love Rock-n-Roll,” “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” “Crimson & Clover” and “Bad Reputation.” Then, back by popular demand, ZZ Top will “top-off” the night with “Legs,” “Cheap Sunglasses,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and many more.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m., June 28, to museum members, and July 5 at 10 a.m. to the general public. Museum members receive year-round benefits including: free museum admission, Museum Store discounts and the opportunity to purchase concert tickets before the general public. If you are interested in supporting the museum, join online (www.calvertmarinemuseum.com) or call 410-326-2042, ext. 16.

Crowds at Annmarie Garden

Kids will love the Summer Fun Days Children’s Programs at the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum. On Thursday, June 30, learn the route of the Chesapeake

Thursday, June-2011

17

P ages P

Our Day of Independence

ast

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress. The document, a justification of the American Revolution, cited grievances against the King of England, George III. It also affirmed that all people have certain natural rights which could not be violated. Written by Thomas Jefferson, it was revised by Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, Robert R. Livingston and John Adams. Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence. Signing this document showed great courage because by announcing independence from Great Britain they committed an act of treason against the King, for which the punishment was death.

The colonies actually voted to accept the document on July 2, 1776. John Adams, who first proposed the idea of declaring independence from England, wrote in a letter to his wife Abigail, “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

Interesting Independence Day facts: The formal signing of the Declaration of Independence did not occur until August 2, 1776.

Maryland signers were Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Thomas Stone, Samuel Chase and William Paca. Charles Carroll, the only Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence, was also the last survivor of the signers, dying in 1832 at the age of 95.

Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson also served on the committee that picked the Bald Eagle for the national seal, although Franklin wanted a turkey. Bald Eagles live only in North America and have few natural enemies. A Bald Eagle will get their white head and tail feathers when they reach 4-5 years of age. The Bald Eagle mates for life and it is a felony to shoot a Bald Eagle.

More than $3.0 million worth of flags were imported to the United States in 2009. The largest amount ($2.5 million) was U.S. flags made in China.

The United States exported $920,277 worth of flags in 2009. The leading customer was Mexico purchasing $333,882 worth of flags. (Source: Foreign Trade Statistics http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/)

In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation was 2.5 million.

It is estimated that the population of the United States this July will be 309.6 million. (Source: http://www.census.gov/prod/www/abs/statab.html and http://www.census.gov/ main/www/popclock.html)

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Thursday, June-2011

Patriotic cities In the United States, 31 cities have “liberty” in their name. You can find Liberty in Missouri, Texas, Florida, Arizona, Kentucky, Indiana, Kansas, Illinois, Mississippi and Maine. Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty and West Liberty are all found in Iowa. Eight townships and two boroughs are named Liberty in Pennsylvania.

Eleven places have “independence” in their name. Most famous is Independence, Missouri; but you can also find Independence in Iowa, Kentucky, Kansas, Ohio, California, Oregon and Louisiana. Surprisingly enough there are two towns of Independence in Minnesota, one near Duluth and the other near Minneapolis/St. Paul.

If you are looking for Freedom, you can find it in California, Idaho, Indiana, Maine, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Kentucky; as well as in our own backyard of Maryland in Carroll County.

Folks from Patriot hail from Indiana and Ohio.

America can be found in Alabama, Indiana, Illinois and Oklahoma. American Fork is in Utah.

(Sources: Population estimates http://www.census.gov/ popest /c ities /SU B - EST 20 0 8 - 4 . html and American FactFinder www.census.gov)

What are the chances?

More than 1 in 4, that the hot dogs and pork sausages consumed on the 4th of July originated in Iowa. The Hawkeye State produces more than 18.9 million hogs and pigs, representing more than onefourth of the nation’s total.

Runners-up are North Carolina with 9.1 million and Minnesota with 7.2 million. (Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service)

About 1 in 3, that your baked beans originated in North Dakota. North Dakota produced 34 percent of the United States’ dry, edible beans in 2009. (Source: USDA

National Service)

Agricultural

Statistics

More than half of the potatoes that will be used in

potato salad and potato chips were produced in Idaho or the Washington. (Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service)

The chances are 7 in 10 that the tomatoes in your salad will come from Florida or California, which combined accounted for 70 percent of the nation’s fresh-market tomato production last year.

(Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service)

About 1 in 6 is the chance that the beef hamburger on the grill came from Texas, which is nation’s leader in cattle production. Cooking chicken? The top broiler-producing states are North Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Arkansas and Alabama. (Source: USDA National Agricultural Sta-

tistics Service)

And 76 million Americans say they took part in a barbecue at some point during the summer of 2009. (Source: Mediamark Research & Intelligence, as

cited in the Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2010)

Ignite the Night Rocks the Fairgrounds

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Teens, adults and kids alike came out to St. Mary’s Fairgrounds Saturday to party at the fourth annual Ignite the Night.

To help them run Ignite the Night, the Bailey’s appealed to several churches and youth leaders from all over Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties to help run the first Ignite the Night.

For this year’s concert, they did something a little different when choos-

Chris, Duncan and Alex Barton, of Lusby take the stage.

Ignite the Night started as a vision of Mike and Vicky Bailey’s as they were driving home from a Christian concert a few years ago. Vicky Bailey said she and her husband thought it would be a good idea to have something like that for the teenagers and young adults in Southern Maryland.

“We knew we couldn’t do it by ourselves,” Bailey said.

Elly Tyson shows off her painted face during Ignite the Night.

Photos by Sarah Miller

ing the artists to play. Bailey said this is the first year that a talent competition was held for local youths to get a chance to play at Ignite the Night.

“We were able to find incredible talent,” Bailey said.

The talent search was held over two evenings in April, with a competition on each side of the Gov. Thomas Johnson Bridge. Bailey said the judges for Calvert County were from St. Mary’s and vice versa, to ensure the impartiality of the judging. The top winner of the talent competition was also given $100 to donate to a ministry of their choosing. Bailey said the charities could include their own youth groups or larger community organizations.

The winning group, Finally Here, chose to donate the money to Care Net Pregnancy Center, The talent show went “very well” and Bailey said she was pleased with the results and the turnout at the competition. She said the winners were on stage until 2 p.m.

“It amazes me,” said Tori Lindquist, one of the teens at the event.

Lindquist said this is her second year attending Ignite the Night, and she has every intention of coming back for the 2012 concert.

Bailey said Saturday’s event went well, especially considering the limited budget Ignite the Night had to work with.

She said the community and businesses didn’t have the funds to give to the event this year, but even with the challenges the event was “a huge success.”

“God was amazingly good to us,” Bailey said.

The event is free to the public, and Bailey said there are no plans for that to change.

“This is something the kids can plug into all night long,” she said.

The night is volunteer run, from lights to sound to set up and tear down of the stage. Different churches and youth groups provided the food and games at the concert, as well as setting up informational booths for their churches.

Pete Tyson, the sound tech for the event, said he met the Bailey’s through a mutual friend at a Care Net dinner, and “it was kind of a natural fit.”

Tyson said it’s exciting to be involved in a diverse group of churches and youth groups all working together to put on something like Ignite the Night, and he plans to be involved as long as he can.

“I think I’m hooked,” Tyson said.

Bailey said there are plans to make the fifth annual concert in 2012 something special, but the details of the plans are still in the works.

The Ignite the Night crew is always looking for more volunteers or people who want to donate to the cause.

“We welcome any help and support for next year’s event,” Bailey said.

For more information, or to offer any assistance, call Bailey at 301-373-9731.

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CALL NOW ABOUT AVAILABLE SPACE!

20

Thursday, June-2011

410-394-0990 410-610-4045

chris@mcnelisgroup.com

PARK CHESAPEAKE! Private bay access just 500’ from this 6 acre property w/4 stalls, 3 pastures.

Amazing post and beam 6BR home has solid wood construction. Two wood stoves for alternative core heat, wood floors/ceilings. What a great buy at $479,900