2011-07-07 Southern Calvert Gazette

July, 2011

Priceless

Gazette

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

Blue Star Memorial Unveiled on Solomons 1 1 e g a P

Photo by Sarah Miller

On T he Cover

Maryland Senate President Mike Miller stands with Calvert Garden Club member Nancy Thompson at the new Blue Star Memorial on Solomons Island.

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Also Inside

Local News Local News

7 Community 10

Cover Story

11 Locals

local news

Members of the local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association took approximately 85 young adults up for flight demonstrations during the group’s annual Open House at the Chesapeake Ranch Estates Airport on June 11.

12 Obituaries 14 Education Maryland Senate President Mike Miller listens to former Maryland Senator Bernie Fowler during the Blue Star Memorial dedication Friday in Solomons.

15 Letters 16

On Water

17

Out & About

18 History 19 Entertainment

local news

out & about

Air Force Tech Sgt. Luis R. “Johnny” Gomez, of Lusby, serves as medical technician on flights evacuating wounded servicemen and women to more advanced medical care outside Afghanistan.

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or e-mail us at info@countytimes.net Thursday, July-2011

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

July 8 - July 10 2011 Island s n o Solom eport Tide R

Day

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

% Moon

F 8 Low 3:00 AM 0.5 5:50 AM Set 12:15 AM 8 High 8:03 AM 1.4 8:32 PM Rise 2:01 PM 8 Low 2:27 PM 0.1 8 High 9:18 PM 1.9

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Sa 9 Low 4:20 AM 0.5 5:50 AM Set 12:51 AM 9 High 9:00 AM 1.3 8:32 PM Rise 3:11 PM 9 Low 3:15 PM 0.1 9 High 10:19 PM 2.0

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Su 10 Low 5:34 AM 0.5 5:51 AM Set 1:31 AM 10 High 10:01 AM 1.2 8:31 PM Rise 4:20 PM 10 Low 4:07 PM 0.1 10 High 11:20 PM 2.1

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July 15 - July 17 2011 Day

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

% Moon

F 15 High 2:50 AM 2.0 5:54 AM Set 6:15 AM 15 Low 9:54 AM 0.4 8:29 PM Rise 8:42 PM 15 High 2:56 PM 1.3 15 Low 8:47 PM 0.3

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Sa 16 High 3:33 AM 1.9 5:55 AM Set 7:19 AM 16 Low 10:32 AM 0.4 8:28 PM Rise 9:15 PM 16 High 3:46 PM 1.4 16 Low 9:37 PM 0.3

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Su 17 High 4:13 AM 1.9 5:56 AM Set 8:21 AM 17 Low 11:06 AM 0.4 8:28 PM Rise 9:44 PM 17 High 4:34 PM 1.4 17 Low 10:26 PM 0.4

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Study: Most Favor Entirely New Solomons’ Bridge A strong majority of people who attended public hearings last year on the design of the Gov. Thomas Johnson bridge replacement want a completely new span of a four lanes, according to a study from the

State Highway Administration, with most of those respondents favoring a height of 70 feet, just half of the current structure’s height.

Representatives from the State High-

Photo by Sean Rice A State Highway Administration official explains one of the bridge replacement options to a citizen during a meeting last year.

LOCAL NEWS

way Administration (SHA) and the St. Mary’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation officials briefed the Board of County Commissioners in Leonardtown last week on the project that has been in the works for years now and could cost upwards of $1 billion to build.

Zane Rettstatt, a project engineer for St. Mary’s, said that among the four options there appeared to be one, clear popular choice.

“It appears most everybody wants the four lane option,” Rettstatt said, acknowledging that the entirely new bridge would also be the most expensive of four options.

The options ranged from keeping the current bridge as is to building a new four-lane span.

“We realize that … but we want to get it right,” Rettstatt said. “It’ll be a long term solution.”

The SHA wants to have the preferred options picked by county leaders on both sides of the Patuxent River in to the state by September, Rettstatt said.

One other alternative would be to keep

the existing span, but convert it to a oneway bridge with two lanes headed south, and add another new parallel span with two northbound lanes only – complete with a shoulder and a bike and pedestrian path.

The most popular option would also include similar pedestrian and bike amenities.

County leaders also need to choose a preference for modifications to the intersection of Route 4 and Three Notch Road, and possible changes to the Calvert County foot of the bridge.

Options for the major intersection at Route 235 and 4 include adding other turn lanes to make traffic flow more continuous or even build an intersection with a flyover from northbound Route 235 veering right that connects with Route 4 leading to the bridge.

SHA has plans to turn the section of Route 4 heading to the bridge in St. Mary’s into a four-lane roadway with a 30-foot grass median, complete with 10-foot shoulders and room for pedestrians and bicyclists.

By Guy Leonard (CT) info@somdpublishing.net

New Independence Day Street Faire Pulled From Bill Despite a forecast for storms, the annual Solomons firework display went off over the Patuxent River as scheduled and without delay.

The Solomons Business Association (SBA) coordinates the display, for which they do fundraising all year. SBA President Pat Donovan said the proceeds from events like the Christmas Walk and A Taste of Solomons go directly into the firework fund.

In addition to the fundraising, the SBA gets money from Calvert County to help offset the $16,000 it takes to put the show on. Due to economic restraints, the amount the county can give has lessened, but they make an effort to continue to help, Donovan said.

“We’re still grateful for the funding and help the county offers,” he said.

There are also sponsors who have donated a “considerable amount” to the firework displays, Donovan said. This year, the barge and tugboat used to shoot the fireworks off from the river were donated to the cause from Baltimore, Donovan said.

2011 was supposed to mark the first street fair for the Fourth of July, but Donovan said personal problems for the SBA members coordinating the fair caused it to fall through at the last minute. He said there are already plans to get the fair up and running in 2012.

For the past eight years, Donovan said the SBA has worked with Digital Lightning. The only time the fireworks have been pushed to an alternative rain date was four

years ago, Donovan said. For the most part, everybody does their best to make sure the fireworks go off on the fourth.

“We know a lot of people take a lot

of effort and plans to come out,” Donovan said. By Sarah Miller (CT) sarahmiller@county-

times.net

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Thursday, July-2011

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commissioners The Politics of Redistricting

By Susan Shaw President, Calvert County Board of Commissioners Re-districting is coming!

This fall, probably in October, the Governor will call a Special Session of the Maryland Legislature to re-district the state into U. S. Congressional Districts and Maryland State Senate and Delegate districts based on the population changes measured by the 2010 census.

Southern Maryland has gained new residents, while Baltimore City has lost population.

You will begin to hear a lot about proposed changes, about who may benefit, and about whose districts will change with regard to current office holders.

Parts of Northern Calvert County, including Dunkirk, Owings, and a segment of Huntingtown are currently part of a majority Prince Georges County Maryland State House of Delegates dual district represented by Delegates Proctor and Vallerio, both Democrats, who are long-term office holders.

The Dunkirk Concerned Citizens Association (DACCA) and the Owings Area Citizens Association (OACA) are joining forces to advocate for bringing those Calvert County areas back into a predominately Calvert County Maryland House of Delegates district. See www.daccamd.com which points out the stark differences between Prince Georges County and Calvert County that make representing both areas unfair to residents of one county or the other. The website advocates for two complete delegate districts in Calvert County.

What makes re-districting so interesting is each district is a piece in a large puzzle. Change one district’s boundaries, and a domino effect occurs within the surrounding districts as their boundaries change too. A lot is at stake in the arrangement of the pieces that make up the puzzle of the political landscape.

Meanwhile, the Board of Calvert County Commissioners (BOCC) recently appointed a Calvert County Re-districting Committee (CCRC) to look at the manner in which we elect County Commissioners within Calvert County, dialogue with the public, and make recommendations to the BOCC. I personally feel as though the current system of having three election districts represented by five Commissioners is far from perfect. The fact that I have found myself explaining how Commissioners are elected over and over again means that the current method is too complicated. When the top five vote-getters do not get elected, their supporters are furious. They feel cheated.

How about the way that the President of the BOCC is chosen in Calvert? Do you like that Commissioner candidates must run at-large from the entire County, given that it is much less expensive to run from a particular district?

These are the kinds of questions that the CCRC will be asking you and your neighbors as they seek to define what kind of electoral system will work best in future BOCC elections. Please start thinking about any changes you would prefer and be prepared to contribute your opinions and ideas as the re-districting process moves forward.

Appointed members of the CCRC include: Roxanne Cumberland, Ron Miller, Patt Parker, Judith MacWilliams, Gregory Kernan, Jay Lounsbury, Bill Phelan, Wilson Parran, and Annette Funn.

Other topics being considered for the Special Session of the Maryland Legislature include gambling and teacher’s pensions.

Did you know that the Maryland Primary for the next Presidential Election will be in April of 2012? Are you ready? Being involved and informed from the local level to the national level is shaping up to be more important than ever!

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Thursday, July-2011

The Calvert County Department of Economic Development is still accepting nominations for the annual “Calvert You Are Beautiful Volunteer Awards.”

This project recognizes individuals whose volunteer service improves the quality of life for Calvert County citizens and visitors, a press release states.

Nominated volunteers might be a tour guide at a museum or historic landmark, someone who organizes a local fair, festival or parade, or the person committed to making a difference by giving generously of their time to hospices, hospitals, homeless and other social service agencies.

All nominees must be residents of Calvert County. Nomination forms are available online by visiting www.ecalvert.com or by calling the Department of Economic Development at 410.535.4583.

corner

LOCAL NEWS

There’s Still Time to Nominate ‘Beautiful People’ for Awards Completed nomination forms should be returned to “Calvert You Are Beautiful” c/o Tammy Loveless, Department of Economic Development, Courthouse, Prince Frederick, Maryland, 20678.

Applications must be postmarked or hand delivered to the Department of Economic Development by July 15, 2011.

All Calvert County nominees will be honored at a local awards ceremony sponsored by the Board of County Commissioners in fall 2011; one “special” nominee will be chosen as the volunteer of the year.

For more information about the Department of Economic Development and services available to assist county businesses, call 410.535.4583, 800.331.9771 or 301.855.1880; send an e-mail to info@ecalvert.com, or visit online at www.ecalvert.com.

Lusby Reservist Serving U.S. in Afghanistan

Technical Sgt. Luis R. “Johnny” Gomez said he always wanted to be in the Air Force and he is fulfilling that dream, by serving as medical technician on flights evacuating wounded servicemen and women and even civilians to more advanced medical care outside Afghanistan.

Then Air Force reservist and Lusby resident has been serving in Afghanistan since May. He said his mission there with the 459th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron is about much more than just combat operations against Taliban insurgents.

“A lot of people think we’re just here doing a combat mission but there’s a lot more going on,” Gomez said in a phone call from Afghanistan to the Southern Calvert Gazette on Friday. “There’s nation building, too.”

Gomez’s part of that effort, while stationed at a Marine Corps base with a hospital staffed by the British military in southern Afghanistan, is to sometimes provide medical care to Afghan civilians who become Air Force Tech Sgt. Luis R. “Johnny” Gomez, injured. of Lusby, serves as medical technician on They provide medical help, he said, though the flights evacuating wounded servicemen and women to more advanced medical care outlanguage barrier can complicate things.

“I think there’s a pretty high level of gratitude side Afghanistan. [from the civilian population], especially those we’ve cared for,” said Gomez, 42.

Gomez, a native of Colombia, said his base of operations has come under fire once since he’s been there, though it was “nothing really serious” but his job keeps him busy.

Gomez’s job is to provide a gamut of medical care while the sick and injured are transported aboard fixed-wing aircraft to hospitals for greater levels of care.

That means anything from bandages and first-aid to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), Gomez said.

“It’s been really interesting, you see all kinds of cases from military and civilians to [active duty] dogs,” Gomez said from Camp Bastion. “I’m really proud of the fact that we’re out there to help these people.”

Gomez is set to return to the U.S. in September, he said, and he will return to his civilian civil service job at Andrews Air Force Base in Camp Springs, where he commutes to daily from Lusby. By Guy Leonard (CT) guyleonard@countytimes.net

LOCAL NEWS

A Celebration of Culture and Heritage

FOR SALE Final Remains of

By William Poe Contributing Writer

The 16th Annual African American Family Community Day, sponsored by Calvert County’s NAACP, was held June 11 at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in St. Leonard.

It’s a day for celebrating and appreciating local culture and heritage, according to honorary co-chairs of the event, Annette and Malcolm Funn of Chesapeake Beach.

“We approached our duties with trepidation and excitement, praying this would be a day of, not only celebration, but also a day of inspiration and information,” Malcolm Funn said.

Marking the 150th anniversary of the Civil War (1861), Community Day “was an opportunity to recognize and inform about the role and contributions of African Americans in the Civil War,” he continued.

“Mike Kent seized the opportunity. He researched and developed a book about Calvert County’s Colored Civil War Heroes; ‘They Look Like Men,’ … What a wealth Gary Armstrong, owner of Heavenly Chicken and Ribs, deof information concerning our heritage.” lights participants with his BBQ favorites.

The day was moderated by former Board of Calvert County Commissioners President Wilson Parran, who also had the honor of singing, “They Look Like Men of War”, a song most likely written by Calvert County’s Colored Troops during the Civil War. Another highlight of the day was a tour of Sukeek’s Cabin Site led by Kirsti Uunila, Calvert County’s Historic Preservation Planner. The cabin, an African-American domestic site located on the grounds of the park was home to Sukeek, an early 19th century slave.

“Maryland is one of 11 states that does not recognize Juneteenth as either a state holiday, or state holiday observance,” Funn said. “We need to contact our Maryland legislators to explore correcting this oversight.”

Throughout the day, various activities such as self-defense demonstrations, dancing and music were enjoyed. Several local food vendors such as Heavenly Chicken and Ribs were in attendance delighting the palettes of the crowd.

In attendance were Maryland Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller along with Calvert County Commissioners Pat Nutter, Jerry Clark, and Steven Weems.

William “Billy” Poe is a home-improvement contractor who lives in Dunkirk and is a published author, poet, essayist, and documentary photographer. Among his credits is the book, ‘African-AmeriAnnette and Malcolm Funn of Chesapeake Beach are honorary co-chairs. cans of Calvert County’.

Solomons, MD Saturday

July 16th

9:00 a.m. till 12:00 p,m, Lots of Kitchen Equipment, Tables, Sinks, Racks, Displays, Counters, Etc.

All Items Must Go Thursday, July-2011

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LOCAL NEWS

Group Seeking Runners For Good Cause The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) organization is taking advantage of an opportunity to participate in the Baltimore Running Festival on Oct. 15 to get exposure and raise money for CASA. State CASA Director Ed Kilcullen said in 2009, the first year CASA was involved as a charity team in the running festival, the group raised $20,000 with 100 runners. In 2010, they had approximately 120 runners and raised $21,000. He said the goal for 2011 is $25,000 and they need 100 runners minimum to be counted as a charity team.

The organization came across the charity teams idea in 2009, when they were thinking about doing a walk-run. Kilcullen said it was a way to do exactly what they were seeking, without the overhead costs of organizing it themselves.

“It seemed like the answer to our prayers,” he said.

The volunteers and runners come from all over, Kilcullen said. Some of them are CASA volunteers who bring in family members, others are CASA employees and others are simply people who planned to be in the running festival and are looking for a good cause to sponsor.

CASA had a target of signing up 100 people by July 1, and registrations can continue to be submitted. Runners and walkers are needed for the relays, fun runs, 5Ks, the half and full marathon, as well as people who are looking to volunteer in other ways. They won’t turn away anybody who wants to come out for CASA. Each runner gets a tee-shirt with the CASA logo on it. The more people who have tee-shirts, the more people see the CASA name and decide to check it out, Kilcullen said.

“We love the fact that people get our name out there,” Kilcullen said.

This will be the first year for Southern Maryland CASA Director Heather Balderson to be involved in the running festival.

“I really don’t know what to expect,” she said.

Balderson will be helping pass out tee-shirts and water, helping with registration and doing anything else she can to help facilitate the event, she said.

For more information, or to sign up, visit www.marylandcasa.org or call Balderson at 301-475-6667.

The Court Appointed Special Advocate Program (CASA) of Southern Maryland, has offices in Prince Frederick, Leonardtown and La Plata. By Sarah Miller (CT) info@somdpublishing.net

Operation Dry Water Aims for Boating Safety In an effort to keep boaters safe and educate them on the dangers of mixing boats and alcohol, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police participated in Operation Dry Water June 24 through June 26.

Operation Dry Water is a nation wide movement coordinated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators to help enforce and inform boaters about boating under the influence (BUI).

Maryland Department of National Resources Police Officer Patrick Thompson said Maryland has been involved in the program since 2009, when it as launched by the association. With the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and multiple other waterways and lakes at the disposal of Maryland residents, it was easy for the department to get involved, Thompson said.

“This is one of the most important public service statements we can make,” Thompson said.

Thompson said Operation Dry Water is like Mothers Against Drunk Driving for the water, aimed at drinking and boating instead of driving. When a person is boating, Thompson said they get disoriented due to the movement. There is also the fact that, unlike in a car, if a boater gets pulled over their vehicle never stops moving.

“If you add alcohol to that, it’s a dangerous mix,” Thompson said.

During the Operation Dry Water weekend, the department focuses on accident prevention, safety inspections and violations and BUIs. Thompson said, in the state of Maryland, there were 1,300 vessel safety inspections, eight boating accidents, 12 BUI violations, 145 citations and 417 warnings issued.

In Southern Maryland, also known as area three by the department, there were 329 vessel inspection, 2 accidents, no BUI violations, 28 citations and 55 warnings issued.

Thompson said the enforcement is done by the department with occasional assistance from the United States Coast Guard. He said the department’s presence in each county is coordinated by the administration dispatch in Annapolis.

For more information, visit www.operationdrywater.org. By Sarah Miller (CT) sarahmiller@countytimes.net

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Thursday, July-2011

Communities Sought to Host National Night Out Events

Has your community ever wanted to participate in National Night Out? Well, now is your chance to register to participate in this year’s event, reports Candice D’Agostino, coordinator of Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse, Inc. (CAASA).

National Night Out 2011 will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 2. Join over 9,400 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world for an annual night of crime prevention.

As the agency coordinating the event, the CAASA is extending an invitation to all Calvert County communities to participate in National Night Out. Registered communities receive an advertising banner, volunteer tee shirts, hats, and an assortment of giveaway items to make each event a success. Registration forms can be obtained from the CAASA Office in Prince Frederick.

National Night Out is designed to: • Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; • Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; • Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and • Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Many Calvert County communities have participated in National Night Out over the years. They include: Calvert Pines, Carroll Western Church, Chapline Place, Chesapeake Ranch Estates, Drum Point, Calvert Beach, Long Beach, Kenwood Beach, Patuxent Palisades, Prince Frederick Senior Apartments, Prince Frederick Village Apartments, the Town of North Beach, Turtle Creek and Western Shores.

For further information or to obtain a registration form, please contact the CAASA office at 410-535-3733.

Area Residents Report UFO Sighting to National Reporting Center

When George Jones went outside in home in Hollywood on the night of June 16, he was expecting to see some stars and clouds. The last thing he expected was to see strange lights approaching.

“They looked pretty low to me,” Jones said.

There were in groups of three, one leading the two trailing a couple seconds behind, and Jones described them as the orange-yellow color of an amber house light, only brighter. He said the lights were at a height a little higher than a helicopter would hover. Jones saw them approach, hover for a few seconds then fade away.

Jones had Ray Breeden come outside with him, and the two men saw another set of lights approach and disappear.

“Who knows how many preceded that before I saw the first one,” Jones said.

Breeden said they were a little too high to be helicopters, but he agreed on the color, a shade of amber, and the formation with one leading and two following.

“It could be something from the base,” Breeden said, though he thinks it was strange because there was no noise either before or after the lights approached and disappeared, like one would expect from an airplane or any other craft.

“If there was any sound, we would have heard something,” Jones said.

Darlyn Breeden also joined the men outside and saw the lights in the sky. She saw the same things as Breeden and Jones, but she doesn’t have any explanation for what she saw.

“It was fun though,” Darlyn Breeden told The Southern Calvert Gazette.

For Jones, this was his second encounter with an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO).

When living in Suitland as a kid, he said he saw a cloud with lights in it about five stories off the ground moving along and hovering over people and animals it encountered. From the way others around him were acting, Jones said he was the only one who could see the cloud.

It finally came over him, hovered for a few seconds, and then “shot away.”

The family has registered their sighting with the UFO Reporting Center based out of Seattle, Wash. at www.nuforc.org. By Sarah Miller (CT) info@somdpublishing.net

Community Fundraising Starts For 2012 Project Graduation Eric Novick, Joe McNulty, Mark Hazen and Adam Watson (not pictured) made up the first place team in the Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse’s fifth annual Night Golf Tournament,

at the College of Southern Maryland

Performances start at 6:45 p.m., rain or shine. All events are free.

which is a fundraiser for the 2012 Project Graduation. Below, the second place team was John Mitchell, Vicky Mitchell, Al Northrop and Karren Northrop.

Chautauqua – 150th Anniversary of the Civil War July 5, Abraham Lincoln La Plata Campus 16th President of the United States of America July 6, Harriet Tubman La Plata Campus African American abolitionist, humanitarian and Union spy July 7, Jefferson Davis La Plata Campus President of the Confederate States of America *Chautauqua is a program of the Maryland Humanities Council, Inc. and is presented in partnership with CSM. The MD Humanities Council is an independent, non-profit organization which receives support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Maryland Division of Historical and Cultural Programs, corporations, foundations, and individuals.

North Beach Seeking Vendors for Bay Harvestfest The first-ever Bay Harvestfest will be held from 12 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10.

The Town of North Beach is currently seeking vendors specializing in, but not limited to: • handcrafted items; • antiques; • bakeries; • wineries; • plants; or • local produce.

Fitzmaurice

July 12 Leonardtown Campus July 13 La Plata Campus July 14 Prince Frederick Campus

Applications are being accepted from vendors and artisans who would like to display and sell their products.

Spaces are 10 feet wide by 12 feet deep and are $125 per space.

Interested vendors may contact Stacy Wilkerson by calling 301-855-6681 or emailing northbeach@northbeachmd. org. To download a vendor application, go to www.northbeachmd.org and click on “Bay Harvestfest” listed under “Of Interest to All.”

Adrian Duke’s Jazztet

July 19 Leonardtown Campus July 20 La Plata Campus July 21 Prince Frederick Campus

Another Level

July 26 Leonardtown Campus July 27 La Plata Campus July 28 Prince Frederick Campus

Proudly Sponsored By:

Get Rid of Storm Debris Free As residents clean up from a strong storm that swept through Southern Calvert June 18, the Calvert County Appeal Landfill in Lusby and the Barstow Convenience Center are accepting yard debris from county residents free of charge through July 15.

Residents may drop off materials including brush and tree limbs for disposal at Appeal and Barstow. The landfill, located at 401 Sweetwater Road, is accepting yard debris Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Saturday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. The facility is open Sunday, 12–7 p.m., for bagged household trash, paper and commingled materials only.

Residents may also dispose of debris at the Barstow site Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center is located at 350 Stafford Road in Barstow.

Lumber or construction debris is not eligible for free disposal and should be taken to the Appeal Landfill where fees apply.

For more information on Calvert County solid waste and recycling services, call (410) 326-0210 or visit online at www.co.cal.md.us/residents/waste.

Grand Sponsors Bayside Toyota • Comcast-Bay Shore Group CSC (Computer Science Corporation) • Murray, Wamsley and Schrader, LLC Wildes-Spirit Design & Printing Major Sponsor RED-INC (Research + Engineering Development, LLC) Grantors Arts Council of Calvert County • Charles County Arts Alliance St.Mary’s County Arts Council • Maryland State Arts Council

Food available for purchase thanks to

Prince Frederick Campus

Leonardtown Campus, La Plata Campus

w w w . c s m d . e d u w w w . c s m d . e d u /A r t s

Thursday, July-2011

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Community Local EAA Pilots Take Youngsters For Free Flights

30th Annual Cancer Crusade Coming Up The 30th Annual Cancer Crusade Celebration of Life Gala will take place from 7:30-10 p.m., Thursday, at the Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa. This annual event has raised millions of dollars over the years for the American Cancer Society through event tickets sales and corporate sponsorships.

“This is a spectacular, giant cocktail party which we strive to improve upon in every aspect each year. Our goals are to exceed everyone’s expectations at each event and to eventually see cancer cured,” says Gala Host Gerald Donovan.

Having lost their father to cancer, Gerald, the former Mayor of Chesapeake Beach, and his brother, Fred, owners of the Resort, began the Cancer Crusade Celebration of Life Gala in 1982 to celebrate life and raise money for Huntingtown resident and TV weatherman Doug Hill, cancer research and patient programs. shown with Mary and Gerald Donovan, will co-chair this The first event raised $5,300, and since then over $4 year’s Cancer Gala. million has been raised for the cause.

The Donovan’s, including Gerald’s wife, Mary, host about 2,000 people each year at the event. Nearly half of the money raised for the event is generated through corporate sponsorships, and their efforts to keep the event a financial success have also resulted in an increased awareness for the American Cancer Society’s initiatives in cancer prevention, early detection, research, and patient programs and services.

Last month, the Donovan’s were honored with the American Cancer Society’s Award of Excellence for Income Development for the South Atlantic Division.

The 30th Annual Cancer Crusade Celebration of Life Gala is taking place during the Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa’s 65th year of business, something the Resort has been celebrating all year long with special events, new restaurant menus and unique hotel and marina packages.

“Having the 30th Gala during our landmark Anniversary year makes this event that much more of a celebration for us and our guests,” Donovan said.

Plans for the 30th Annual Gala are geared to wow guests with a fantastic evening of local Chesapeake Bay seafood, and other inspired cuisine, desserts, open bar, live music and dancing inside and out under the stars on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay waterfront.

This year, the Honorary Co-Chairmen for the event are Doug Hill, “Washington’s most accurate and entertaining TV Weather Forecaster” and Monumental Sports & Entertainment Founder and Chairman, Ted Leonsis.

Both Chairs hope many will attend the event this year in memory of loved ones who lost their fight with the disease and in celebration of those who have survived cancer.

Advance tickets are $125 per person and $150 per person at the door. Tickets may be purchased at any Calvert County Community Bank of Tri-County branch, the Rod ‘N’ Reel Restaurant, or online at www. rodnreelcancergala.org. By Diane Burr (CC) editor@chesapeakecurrent.com

Horizon Wrestling Returns to Southern Maryland

Horizon Wrestling Alliance returns Sunday, July 17 with another high-flying wrestling event at the Leonard Hall Drill Hall, 23150 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown, with a 3 p.m. bell time.

Featuring many of the televised stars of Ring of Honor and several Southern Maryland natives, including: • Great Mills High School Alumnus and Ring of Honor standout Grizzly Redwood vs. fellow Ring of Honor star Rhett Titus; • Great Mills High School Alumnus and Ring of Honor graduate Professor Milo Shizo vs. international wrestling star “The Panama City Playboy” Adam Cole; • Ring of Honor star Pelle Primeau vs. The Latin Dragon; • A battle royal to determine the #1 seed for the HWA championship tournament; • Also featuring international wrestling stars Greg Excellent, The Hellions (Alex Payne, Shane Hagadorn, & Ernie Osiris) & Calvert County’s Nate Stein, as well as St. Mary County natives Mike Mayhem and Roger Buckley, Baltimore’s Harm City Fight Club, Kindred, Black Wall Street, and many more.

Doors open at 2 pm. The Leonard Hall Drill Hall is an air-conditioned facility. For more information, visit the Horizon Wrestling Alliance site at HWAwrestling.org

Photos by Bernie Wunder

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Southern Maryland Chapter 478 took approximately 85 young adults up for flight demonstrations during the group’s annual Open House and Young Eagles Rally at the Chesapeake Ranch Estates Airport on June 11. The local EAA chapter will host another Young Eagles Rally at the St. Mary’s County Airport the second weekend in September.

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Thursday, July-2011

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STORY

Blue Star Memorial Unveiled on Solomons

In a ceremony Friday evening, the newest Blue Star Memorial in Maryland was unveiled at the Solomons Visitor Center.

The memorial in Solomons is the second in Calvert County and 15th in the state, said Phyllis Bonfield of the Calvert Garden Club.

Nancy Thompson, who has been working to get the Blue Star Memorial in Solomons for three years, said she started on her campaign when she found out it was a garden club that started the first memorial.

“This has been a real triumph for her (Nancy),” Bonfield said.

Thompson said her interest in the Blue Star Flags goes back to when she was a little girl and saw blue star flags in the windows of her neighbors.

Sometimes the stars would turn to silver or gold, signifying the soldier has been wounded or killed in service to their country, Thompson said.

“World War Two has a very special place in my heart,” Thompson said.

She began by writing a letter to the Calvert County Commissioners for their permission to move forward with the project, which they gave along with their blessings.

“They were wonderful,” Thompson said.

It turned out getting approval from the County Commissioners was the easy part. The land by the visitor’s center is owned by the state, and Thompson had to get permission from Maryland to put the memorial there. It was when the club began working on state approval that they hit a brick wall.

“We were getting nowhere and I was getting frustrated,” Thompson said.

That changed when Thompson found out one of the garden club members is childhood friends with Maryland Senate President Mike Miller, and she was going to be at a party with him. Thompson said she wrote a note to Miller, and asked the garden club member to pass it on.

“He read the note and he said it will be done,” Thompson said.

Four days later, the project was well underway.

“It’s a very important historic event,” Miller said.

He said the memorial project was an easy one to get involved in, and he was happy to help the garden club finally get their project completed. He said there was definite interest and support from the community for the memorial.

“There are more patriots per square inch in Calvert County that any other jurisdiction in Maryland,” Miller said.

Thompson said she is proud to be putting up one of a very few memorials country wide.

“I guess if they were a dime a dozen, they wouldn’t mean as much,” she said.

The marker cost $1,250, and the county funded half of that price while the Calvert Garden Club fronted the other half. The club also put together a flower bed to go around the memorial that they will be maintaining The Blue Star Memorials were founded in 1944 by the New Jersey Garden Club and has since spread nationwide, Bonfield said. This Blue Star Memorial

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Thursday, July-2011

will be at the visitor center near the first exit off the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge in Calvert County, across from the Calvert Marine Museum.

Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland second vice president and Blue Star Chairman Nicki Shwab said there are more than 2,100 Blue Star memorials throughout the country. Schwab is the last step in the process for a garden club to construct one of the memorials, she said. Once the group has a location and the authorization necessary, Schwab helps them order the sign and go through all the proper channels from the local garden club on.

“It sort of goes up the ladder,” Schwab said.

She said the number of groups looking to construct a memorial varies from year to year, but lately there has been a climb in the number of applications.

“Recently, there has been a resurgence in interest in Blue Star meCalvert Count morials,” Schwab said. y Commissio ner Presiden She said this is beneficial be- newest Blue Star Memor Photos by Sa t Susan Shaw ial, located at ra the Solomon , left, pulls the coverin h Miller cause most of the memorials in Maryland are g off the s Visitor Cen te r. older and the new ones will bring attention to both the memorials and the meaning behind them.

This is especially true in Calvert County. During World War II, amphibious training was conducted in the area, and the Naval Air Station Patuxent River has seen servicemen and women go overseas for years, Thompson said.

Calvert County Commissioner President Susan Shaw said the memorial is “extremely appropriate” and she is happy to see a memorial in the same location the amphibious training took place during World War II. Thompson said she hopes to use the new memorial to draw attention to other memorials in the county as well. One such memorial is at the end of Dowell Road.

Thompson said even though she put a lot of work into getting the memorial erected, credit also goes to the people in the club who helped her during the process and worked on the planning around the memorial.

“I just don’t know how I would have made it without them,” Thompson said.

Mary Smolinski and Cindy Elliott made a floral tribute for the memorial, which they presented during the ceremony.

Also helping Thompson and the Calvert Garden Club celebrate the unveiling of the memorial were the Dunkirk Boy Scout Troop 789 who posted and retired the colors, M. Edward Miller, the chaplain and past commander of American Legion Post 274 who delivered Pledge of Allegiance. the invocation and benediction.

For more information about the Blue Star MeCalvert Garden Club’s Denise Moroney was the morials, visit www.gardenclub.org/specialMaster of Ceremonies. Patuxent Voices performed projects/bluestarmemorial.aspx. By Sarah the National Anthem and D-Day and Battle of the Miller (CT) sarahmiller@countytimes.net Bulge World War II Veteran Al. Golato recited the

Racing Dogs get a Second Chance

When a greyhound has reached the end of its racing career, it doesn’t mean the dog has reached the end of its life. Greyt Expectations in Calvert County is helping greyhounds find new homes and families after they retire from racing.

“It’s almost cult like,” said volunteer and greyhound owner Bob Cruikshank.

The group is like a cult because once a person has owned a greyhound, they don’t tend to want to get another type of dog, Cruikshank said. Greyhound owners also don’t often just stop with owning one, he said.

Greyhounds require a lot less housekeeping than other larger dogs, and are overall healthier. Greyt Expectations President Lisa Parran said this is because they were only bred for one thing over 100s of years – running. They weren’t bred for color, size or personality. They also lack the typical dog odor and shed little due to their short hair, Parran said.

Parran herself owns three greyhounds, one that she got before getting involved with Greyt Expectations and two she adopted through the group.

Adopting older dogs can also eliminate the problems some families face with puppies, like chewing associated with teething. The dogs also are crate broken at the time of their adoption, as that was how they were housed at the tracks.

Greyhounds’ careers can end when they’re as young as a year old or as old as five or six years old, and for stud and brood dogs, they generally go up for adoption when they are eight or nine years old.

Greyt Expectations adopt out approximately 100 dogs per year with the understanding that if the adoptive home doesn’t work out, the dog will be returned to the group to be fostered and adopted out again. Parran said the number one reason a dog will be returned to the group is because the adoptive family is losing their house or getting a divorce.

Individuals interested in adopting a dog should go to the Greys Expectations website to fill out an application to begin the process. The group interviews potential adoption and foster families to see if a greyhound is the right fit for the environment they offer, and help find the right greyhound.

For adoptive and foster families, as well as individuals interested in the group, there are multiple events every month. Volunteer George Nussberger helps with groom-a-thons and meet and greets at locations like PetCo and PetSmart. There are also get-togethers for the group members and families, such at the annual reunion picnic every summer, where all families who have worked with the group are invited. Nussberger said at previous events, up to 200 dogs have been on the farm the picnic is held at.

The picnic has grown from being a single afternoon to a three-day event, Nussberger said.

In addition to the adoptive families, the group is always looking for foster families for the dogs. Several fosters turn into “failed fosters,” and the families are unable to give up the dogs Nussberger said. Other foster families can only take dogs during certain times of year, leaving the group working with a cycle of volunteers.

Foster families can have the dogs for a matter of a couple weeks or a couple months, Nussberger said, depending on the care they need before they can be ad-

L

opted. Some greyhounds need medical care before being adopted, which the group pays for with money from various fundraising events through the year.

For more information, visit www.gegrdogs.com. By Sarah Miller (CT) sarahmiller@

countytimes.net

Photo by Sarah Miller

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Thursday, July-2011

11

Elizabeth Brooks, 80

Early Monday morning June 27th, the angel of silence entered into the room at Solomons Nursing Center and called Elizabeth Evangeline Brooks ‘Doll’ to her final resting place. She was born on April 13, 1931 (May 9, 1931) in Calvert County, Maryland. Doll, daughter of the late Cornelius W. Weems and Martha M. Johnson Weems.

She was a member of St. Johns United Methodist Church.

A talented local seamstress who found joy in sewing whether it was for everyday wear or special occasions. She cared for and loved her grandkids who called her ‘Nanny’ as if they were her own.

She leaves to mourn, six children; Patricia-Ann Taylor ‘Trica’, Arthur Jr. ‘Bro’, Clinton ‘Boo’(Kesica), Darryl Sr. ‘Timmy’, Leesa, and Kelby Brooks; Three sisters; Gertrude Willet, Mary Connors and, Nancy Ragg and one sister-in-law; Beuna Weems; Fourteen Grandkids; Bryan, Raquel ‘Kelly’, Anna, Donovan, Robert, Jason, Darryl Jr. ‘Little Timmy’, Derrick, Gerald Jr., Lakia, Chantelle, Diamond, Diamonick, and Keaton; Twenty Great Grandkids; Niara, Rian, Maggan, Bryan ‘Little Bryan’, Sahib, Deveron, Domonick, Ashlee, Hayat, Raia, Donovan Jr., Jaden, Druloni, Jewelette, Jeremiah, Sophia, Nirome, Ahvon, Draven, and Jasmyne; Two Great-Great Grandkids; Saiona and Niella; and ex-husband Arthur Brooks, Sr., Special Nephew Samuel Gross, Darlene Dean who she loved like a daughter-in-law, best friend Emily Gantt and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Preceding her in death was one child Dale, one grandson Wayne, two brothers Cephus and Willard ‘Nuke’, three sisters Floramae ‘Boostsie’, Joyce, and Sylvia.

Funeral service was held on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 12:00 PM

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at St. John UM Church, Lusby, MD with Rev. Robert L. Conway, officiating. The interment was at St. John UM Church Cemetery, Lusby, MD. The pallbearers were Reuben Weems, Sr., Jerry Walls, Sr., Dwayne Gantt, Sr., Chris Graham, Jr., Cordell Johnson, Sr., Kavin Gantt. The honorary pallbearers were Bryan Carroll, Montell Rothwell, Marty Johnson, Alexander Johnson, Jr., Reuben Weems, Jr., Vonnie Watkins, Sr. Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.

William Jones, 94

William Henry Jones, known to his family as “Pop”, was born December 25, 1916 to the late Mary and William Jones of Hyattsville Maryland. William departed his life on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at Calvert Memorial Hospital.

William received his education through the Calvert County Public Schools. In June 1938 he was united in matrimony to Catherine Jones. Later he re-married Jeanette Keemer-Jones.

He worked for Calvert County Public Schools. He also enjoyed landscaping, raising tobacco, attending services at Apostolic Faith Church and later joined The Love of God Holiness Church until his illness. He enjoyed going to church and spending time with his family. Even though he loved all of his grandchildren, there were two that held a special place in his heart, he knew that he could always count on Jacqueline Gray and Graylin Long for whatever he needed.

He leaves to cherish his loving memories: his wife Jeanette Keemer-Jones; children Henry Jones (Madora), Forest Jones, Shirley Wills, Dorothy Holland,

Thursday, July-2011

Mable Keemer, Ophilia Brooks (Joseph), Theresa Harris, Veronica Claggett (Melvin) Verlene Wallace (Galand), stepdaughter Edith Keemer; one sister-in-law Beatrice Jones; 54 grandchildren, 94 great grandchildren 82 great-great grandchildren; one aunt Carolyn Gray.

He was preceded in death by his parents Mary and William Jones; wife Catherine Jones; one son William Jones Jr.; one daughter Betty Jean Stewart; two brothers Eli Jones, Ed Jones; four sisters Alice, Becky, Gladys, Mable; five brother-in-laws Charles Jones, Noval Jones, George Holland, Clerance Holland, John Rice; three sister-in-laws Mertle Rice, Eva Jones, Mildred Jones; four son-in-laws James Wills, Andrew Holland, Fred Keemer Sr., Donald Stewart Sr.; two uncles Howard Long, Harry Jones; six grand children two great grand children and one great-great grandchild.

Funeral service was held on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Mt. Gethsemane Holiness Church, Huntingtown, MD with Bishop Robert Holland, eulogist.

The interment was at Ernestine Jones Cemetery, Chesapeake Beach.

The pallbearers were James Wills, Jr., Gerald Keemer, Fred Keemer, Jr., Keith Holland, Nathaniel Brooks, and Steve Holland. The honorary pallbearers were Michael Claggett, Joseph Keemer, and Dorille Gray.

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

She was born on October 12, 1985 in Hyannis, MA, to Glenda R. and Richard O. Monaco.

Vicky graduated from Calvert High School in 2003 and was working as a server at Applebee’s Restaurant, California, MD. She loved decorating cakes, carving pumpkins and taking care of everyone in her life.

Vicky was preceded in death by her grandfather Skip Holmberg and her uncle Scott Holmberg.

She is survived by her loving mother Glenda R. Monaco of Lusby, MD; her beloved grandmother Ruth Holmberg of Charlotte Hall, MD and her aunt Lorraine Murphy of Edgewater, MD. A memorial service celebrating her life was held on Saturday, June 25, 2011, in Middleham Parrish Episcopal Church, Lusby MD, with the Reverend David Showers officiating. Interment will be private.

The family requests contributions be made in Vicky’s memory to Calvert Animal Welfare League, C. A. W. L., 1040 Prince Frederick Blvd., Prince Frederick, MD 20678, www.cawlrescue. org.

Arrangements by the Rausch Funeral Home, Lusby, www. rauschfuneralhomes.com.

Alethea Pergament, 37

Vicky Monaco, 25

traveling to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL; this was truly a special and magical place for her. She was very passionate about cooking for her family and dear friends and all of the Philadelphia sports teams. She was also a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Solomons, MD. Alethea developed Pulmonary Hypertension and became very active in the Pulmonary Hypertension Community. With a rare illness—one that the general public have never heard of or understand—many who struggle with pulmonary hypertension find themselves isolated and alone with this disease. Alethea Pergament brought support, compassion, knowledge and power to help lead those patients out of isolation. She was a guiding light, a source of hope and an inspiration to those who knew her.

Through her work leading support groups, she connected patients with each other and brought a little peace and calm to others.

Alethea stood out as a source of happiness and genuine love for others.

She is survived by her beloved daughter Brianna L. Pergament of Solomons, MD; her devoted friend and fiancé Rick Sullivan of Solomons, MD and her aunt Mary Lee Witaconis and her husband Ed of Mechanicsville, MD. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2011, 11:00 AM at the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., 20 American Lane, Lusby MD, with Father John Mattingly officiating.

Interment will be private.

The family requests contributions be made in Alethea’s name to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, 801 Roeder Rd., Suite 1000, Silver Spring, MD 20910, www.phassociation. org.

Erma Lydia Rausch, 93

Victoria “Vicky” Elizabeth Monaco, 25, of Lusby, MD, formerly of Cape Cod, MA passed away suddenly on June 19, 2011, in Leonardtown, MD.

Alethea Joy Pergament, 37, of Solomons, MD, formerly of Leonardtown, MD passed away on June 18, 2011, in Johns Hopkins University Hospital, Baltimore, MD. She was born on June 6, 1974 in Ocean City, NJ. Alethea was a Pre School Teacher for the Goddard Schools in the Southern part of New Jersey. She loved to dance, especially Tap, Ballet and Jazz. Alethea loved

Erma Lydia Rausch, 93, of Solomons passed away on June 19 at Asbury Solomons Health Center from complications following a stroke.

She was the wife of the late Martin W. Rausch of Annapolis and daughter of the late Elmer C. Wright and Lydia Deiterly Wright of Baltimore.

Erma was born on November 27, 1917 and was raised in Baltimore. The Wright family lived in the Waverly section of Baltimore City. She graduated from Eastern High School in 1935.

After high school, Erma was employed as a telephone switchboard operator for the Bell Telephone Company in Baltimore.

While visiting a friend in Pasadena, Maryland, she was introduced to her future husband, Martin Rausch of Annapolis. During their courtship Martin and Erma enjoyed motorcycle riding and attending hill climbs and other competitive motorcycle events. They were married in 1941 and moved to Wright Field in Dayton, Ohio where Martin served as a Technical Sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Following the war, they returned to Annapolis and moved into their home on Creek Drive in Eastport. There they raised their 2 children, Marsha and Dale. In 1960 the Rausch family moved to a new home in the community of Annapolis Roads just outside of Annapolis.

Erma continued her employment with the telephone company in Annapolis, finally retiring in 1973. That same year, Martin retired from federal civil service with the Naval Test and Evaluation Center in Annapolis.

Erma and Martin traveled extensively during retirement, visiting friends and family throughout the country and also made occasional trips to Europe.

In 2002 they sold their home in Annapolis Roads and moved to Asbury Retirement Community in Solomons.

Erma was well known for her friendliness, her great sense of humor, and her ability to easily talk to anyone. As a result she has built many life long friendships over the years. She will be missed by many.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Rausch Funeral Home, Owings. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery.

James Wills, Sr., 76

Hunter Scott, 7

Hunter Dean Scott, 7, of Lusby, MD passed away peacefully at his residence on July 2, 2011 surrounded by family and friends.

He was born on October 26, 2003 at Calvert Memorial Hospital, Prince Frederick, MD to Eric and Sandra Scott.

He was a student at Dowell Elementary School in Lusby.

Hunter is survived by his parents; a brother, Hayden Allen Scott of Lusby, MD; grandparents, Vinson and Linda Scott of Solomons, MD, and Charles and Becky Russell of Lexington Park, MD. Hunter was preceded in death by his grandmother, Nettie Ann Russell.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Andy Barrett, Ian Bonham, Ben Mannion, John Baki, Ronald Scott, Jr., and David Roche.

The family will receive friends on Friday, July 8, 2011 from 10 ~ 11 AM in Jesus the Good Shepherd Church, 1601 West Mount Harmony Road, Owings, MD 20736 with a Mass of Christian Burial being celebrated at 11 AM. Interment will be private.

The family request contributions to be made in Hunter’s memory to the Childhood Brain Tumor Foundation, 20312 Watkins Meadow Drive, Germantown, MD 20876, www.childhoodbraintumor. org. Arrangements provided by Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Lusby, MD.

father of Robin Lively and her husband, Dean; Guy Smith, Jr. and his wife, Carrie; Rachel Bell and her husband Rob; and Joe Toomey and his wife Grace.

He is a devoted grandfather of Guy Smith, III, Evan Lively, Suzanne Smith, Kirsten Lively, Kailey Smith, Jack Bell, Nicole Bell and Juliet Toomey.

In August, 1966, he entered the Army and was honorable discharged in August of 1968.

Guy had a passion for working with young people and fulfilled that passion by coaching in Calvert County for 31 years. For over 20 years, he was a distributor for the Washington Post newspaper. After retirement, he worked as a driver for Limousines Inc. and was a member of the Chesapeake Church in Huntingtown, Maryland.

Friends were received at Lee Funeral Home Calvert, P.A., Owings, on Wednesday, June 29 and also at Chesapeake Church, Huntingtown on June 30, until time of service at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Guy Smith, Sr. Scholarship Fund. c/o Huntingtown High School, 4125 Solomon’s Island, Huntingtown, MD 20639.

James Harold Wills, Sr., 76, of Prince Frederick, MD, affectionately known as “Bubba”, was born February 3, 1935 in Chaneyville, MD. He departed this life on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at the Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. He was the third of ten children born to the late Harold and Mary Wills.

Bubba attended Calvert County Public Schools. In his earlier years he was employed at Chalk Point. He later went on to pursue a career in the farming industry, which he was very passionate about.

He farmed until his health no longer allowed him to do so. Even then he continued to grow his garden.

Bubba was a very hardworking, dedicated man. His dedication and biggest priority was to his family. He loved them more than anything. On any given day you could find him out in the picnic area with his family, sitting under the tree, with a long sleeve shirt on; regardless of the temperature. Bubba also loved fast cars. He would always take his kids to BuddsCreek to watch the races. He was crazy about his Camaro. The Redskins was his favorite team. On Sundays, he would be in the house, in his favorite

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Guy Smith, Sr., 64 Guy Melvin Smith, Sr., “Smitty”, of Prince Frederick, Maryland, passed away June 25, 2011, at a local hospital at the age of 64.

He was born on June 11, 1947 in Washington, DC, to Arthur and Laura Smith.

Guy is the beloved husband of Cheryl Smith. He is the loving

chair, watching the game. His favorite hymn was “The Last Mile of the Way.” On occasion, he would sing it to his family.

Despite his illness, he never once complained. Even in his hospital bed, when asked how he was doing, he always replied, “Best I Can.” He was united in holy matrimony to Shirley Elizabeth Wills.

From that union, twelve children were born.

Bubba‟s memory will always be cherished by those he leaves behind: a devoted wife, Shirley; two sons, James, Jr. (Lurue) and Joseph, Sr. (Justine); seven daughters, Jacqueline (William), Valerie (Gralyn), Deneen(Forrest), Sheila (Sherman), Bernadette (Dwan), Coretta, and Bridgette; two brothers, Everett and Robert; one sister, Mattie; father-inlaw, William; three brothers-in-law, Henry, Forrest and Enoch; sistersin-law, Yvonne, Ephonia, Lilian, Dorothy, Mable, Ophillia, Veronica, Theresa, and Verlene; 36 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by sons, John, Ervin and Baby Wills; parents, Harold and Mary; brothers, Leroy, George and John; sisters, Doris, Mary Frances and Helen; mother-in-law, Catherine; sisters-in-law, Betty Jean and Vivian: brothers-in-law, William, Paul and Howard: great granddaughter, Mi’yana.

Funeral service was held on Friday, June 3, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Bethel Way of the Cross Church, Huntingtown, MD with Bishop Darnell L. Easton, officiating. The interment was at Ernestine Jones Cemetery, Chesapeake Beach, MD. The pallbearers were Leroy Wills, Jr., Berjerome Mason, Glen Wills, Rydell Long, Leonard Hall, and Keith Holland.

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

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13

Spotlight On

Special Needs Kids Get Special Movie Showing Several times a year, Calvert County Parks and Recreations and Prince Frederick Apex Cinemas team up to bring a comfortable movie-viewing experience to families with children with special needs.

“We want to open the theater and provide a supportive environment for families who have a hard time coming out together,” said Katy McLaughlin, First Assistant for Apex.

The movie theater and Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) provide an opening movie in the morning, keeping the lights up, the volume down and allowing kids to stand, roam the aisles, and Photo by Corrin M. Howe make noise.

Benjie Porecki brought his son Connor to his first “We’ve been to three (showmovie Cars2. He wasn’t sure how Connor would react since it wasn’t Winnie the Pooh, his son’s ings). We come for the relaxed atreal favorite character. mosphere. We thank God it is in the county,” said Charvon Creek, who brought her two boys.

Prior to the debut showing of Cars 2, Creek explained she can relax and not worry about her boys disrupting the other theater patrons. As if to prove her point, the audience was loud throughout the movie making appropriate and off topic comments, but no one hushed them.

Joy Weir, with Therapeutic Recreation Services, stood up before the movie started and reassured parents and caregivers that children and young adults were encouraged to move around as needed. Furthermore, Weir promised to be in the back of the theater to keep them from escaping.

The June 24 showing of Cars 2 drew nearly 100 people. Observing the audience prior to the movie seemed to reflect the differing abilities, including autism, Down Syndrome, ADD/ADHD and others. Many of these medical conditions include sensitivity to loud noises, dark rooms and being confined.

“We heard about a movie theater up North doing this,” said Weir. About two years ago Weir approached McLaughlin about bringing the same experience to Calvert County. Since the beginning the event has drawn at least 30 participants and as many as 90.

TRS advertises the sensory sensitive movie showing in each of Park and Recreation’s seasonal brochures. If residents register for the movie or subscribe to TRS email or newsletters, Weir said they can be contacted in the event that the movie changes.

In fact, last November the advertised movie was “Tangled” but it did not arrive in time for the showing. Instead, they went with the backup movie “Megaminds.”

“The only reason we recommend people register prior to the movie is to receive notification of changes. Some kids have a hard time with change,” said Weir.

McLaughlin said the theater offers the best matinee price and a special size popcorn and drink at a lower price. She said the hardest part of offering this showing is the movie booking process. They won’t know until a week ahead of time what first movies they will have and if they will be able to get them in time.

While the movie is offered through TRS, anyone is welcome to come to these special showings.

McLaughlin added that the theater is willing to work with schools, churches and others wanting to entertain a group of people in a safe place. Anyone interested can call her at the theater at 410-535-0776.

TRS division of Parks and Recreation is for people with differing abilities who may need assistance in obtaining activity skills, or participating in a community recreation program. If you are interested, please contact TRS at parksandrecreation@co.cal.md.us or (410) 535-1600, x2542 or x2675

By Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net

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Thursday, July-2011

Nearly All of Calvert’s Schools Make AYP Elementary and middle school students in Calvert County Public Schools continue to make progress on the Maryland School Assessments in both reading and math. As a result, all Calvert County public elementary schools and five of the six public middle schools met Adequate Yearly Progress this year.

Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) is required by the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and is measured through Maryland School Assessments (MSA) in reading and math.

Mill Creek Middle School has been placed in the Focused Needs pathway of School Improvement this year. According to the state education department, schools in the Focused Needs pathway are “close to meeting achievement goals.” While reading and math achievement scores increased for Mill Creek’s overall student population and for every subgroup, the following groups of students did not make adequate progress as defined by the state: students with disabilities (reading and math) and students who are economically disadvantaged (math). Mill Creek will continue to receive additional support from the school system to further identify and implement appropriate student interventions.

“I am proud of the gains that students made in all of our elementary and middle schools this year. But as we get closer to 2014 when the No Child Left Behind Act requires that all students be proficient in reading and math, we will inevitably have more schools failing to make AYP. The closer student achievement gets to the 100% mark, the more difficult it is to make consistent progress. It is imperative that the federal law be revised so high achieving schools like Mill Creek, and in fact all Calvert County schools, are not penalized,” Jack Smith, superintendent of schools, said in a press release.

In addition to excellent MSA scores and the large number of Calvert schools meeting AYP, other indicators of Calvert’s high levels of achievement include a high graduation rate (91.05% in 2010), nationally ranked high schools, increases in participation rates in the Advanced Placement Program, and fine arts, athletics and other programs that continue to be recognized for their performances.

Complete state and county assessment results can be found at the Maryland State Department of Education’s report card website at: www.mdreportcard.org.

Oh! The Places You’ll Go Even before the processional began for Dowell Elementary School’s fifth grade class on June 13, the audience received the first tip the graduation ceremony would not be traditional.

Vice Principal Jessica Reynolds stood up to greet parents, grandparents, siblings and friends of fifth graders and was immediately interrupted by two teachers speaking on their cell phones – an amusing way to ask everyone to be considerate.

The traditional graduation processional music started before fifth grade Teacher Joel Helm called a halt to it, stating his students didn’t want it. Instead everyone heard the Black Eyed Peas “I Gotta Feeling” as the students danced their way to their seats in the auditorium of Patuxent High School.

From the Pledge of Allegiance through presentation of awards, the ceremony did follow the traditional path. Then the team of Fifth Grade Teachers read to their students one last time. Five teachers sat on the edge of the stage with their books and tag teamed reading through Dr. Seuss’ Oh! The Places You’ll Go. Half way through the calling of the students up on stage to receive their certificates for completing elementary school, fifth grade Teacher Stephanie Embrey stopped the roll call “Wait!

Aren’t we half way through?” Immediately the auditorium filled with the Backstreet Boys’ “Halfway There” and the entire fifth grade class and teachers started dancing.

According to graduating student Jonathan Howe, the song played a major role in his last year at Dowell.

“They played it a lot. They played it through half way through the subjects, on the ninetieth day of school – until everyone was pretty much sick of it,” said Howe.

The entire program lasted about an hour and ended with a slide show. Even the slide show broke with tradition. Pictures lasted through five popular songs flashing faces of the students throughout their entire elementary school years – including each grade level class picture, candid shots in the classroom, memorializing five years of Field Days, plays, concerts and finally their fifth grade Field Trip. By Corrin M. Howe (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net

Dowell Elementary School Fifth Grade students receive Presidential Awards for meeting academic standards.

Dowell Elementary School Fifth Grade Chorus performed the National Anthem and musical piece at their graduation.

ge aa ed dnd ir

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Myths about Social Security and Medicare

By Thomas A. Firey

Last month, with the quiet of a mouse, the Obama administration released a pair of reports on the financial health of Social Security and Medicare. The programs’ Obama-appointed trustees (half of whom sit on his cabinet) oversaw the reports’ preparation, which led some observers to believe they would give reassuring assessments. A few partisans may have even hoped the documents would discredit Bush administration claims that the programs face problems. If so, those folks were disappointed. The Obama reports show Social Security and Medicare are in worse shape than even the Bush administration had projected. No wonder Obama officials tried to keep things quiet.

The reports do implicitly discredit several popularly held beliefs about the programs. By wading through those myths, we can better understand the reports’ findings.

One myth is that Social Security and Medicare operate as savings accounts. Supposedly, workers and their employers pay money into the programs and then, if a worker becomes disabled or reaches his mid-60s, he gets his Social Security money back in monthly payments while his Medicare money covers his medical expenses. In fact, Social Security is a simple tax-and-transfer program: Money that workers and employers pay in today is immediately sent back out as Social Security checks to beneficiaries.

Medicare’s hospital benefits program (Part A) is likewise a

L

all as nd nd to he nt ed all h,

Guest Editorial:

tax-and-transfer program, while its Supplemental Medical Insurance (Parts B and D) is heavily financed with annual transfers from the federal government.

Another myth is that Social Security and Medicare would be fine if Congress would stop “raiding” the programs’ trust funds. The trust funds exist because, in some previous years, more money was paid into the programs than was paid out. The extra money was credited to the “trust funds” and then lent at interest to the federal government — not “raided.” However, there has been no extra money coming into either program since 2009, and the Obama reports expect there won’t be any in the future. Instead, Social Security and Medicare Part A pay out more in benefits than they receive in taxes.

Fortunately, the programs can cover those deficits, for the time being. Social Security currently earns enough in interest from its loans to the federal government that it can cover its deficit. Medicare Part A isn’t in as good a shape, however; it has to call in some of its loans each year in order to cover its deficit. The Obama reports indicate that, sometime early next decade, Social Security will start calling in its loans as well.

A common myth is that the trust funds can cover the programs’ deficits far into the future. But the Obama reports estimate that Medicare Part A will have called in all its loans by 2024, and Social Security will have done so by 2036. To put those numbers in perspective, a 62-year-old today will be 75 in 2024, and a 50-year-old today will be 75

TER T E to the Editor

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in 2036. So plenty of today’s workers will be dependent on the programs when they become insolvent.

A different myth is that, once the trust funds are empty, the programs will cease to operate. But even without the trust funds, tax money will continue to flow into Social Security and Medicare Part A, and the programs will continue to pay out benefits. The benefits won’t be as large as currently promised, however. Social Security benefits will have to decrease by one-fourth in 2036 in order to match the program’s revenue, while Medicare will have to find some way to cover a budget gap that will grow wider each year.

So what should be done? Social Security and Medicare keep many elderly out of poverty. At the same time, Social Security is a high-cost, low-benefit public pension program and Medicare is a costly health care program that provides increasingly meager services. Serious reform of the programs will not only restore their solvency, but also preserve their poverty-fighting while not reducing people’s ability to prepare privately for their retirements.

But as long as voters and political leaders continue to believe myths about the programs, serious reform will not happen.

Thomas A. Firey is a Maryland Public Policy Institute senior fellow.

Volunteers Made CAASA Golf Tourney a Hit

On Friday, June l0, the Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse, Inc. (CAASA) and Calvert County Division of Parks and Recreation hosted the 5th Annual Night Golf Tournament at Chesapeake Hills Golf Course to kick-off the fundraising efforts for Project Graduation 2012. From glow necklaces to glowing greens, it was a fun night for all involved.

CAASA’s Board of Directors would

like to thank all the golfers who participated in the event. This year marks the most teams ever to compete, with a total of nine.

In addition, we extend our congratulations to Mark Hazen, Adam Watson, Eric Novick and Joe McNulty for their first place win, with a round of 23. And, thanks to the second place team, John Mitchell, Vicky Mitchell, Karen Northrop and Al Northrop, with a round of 24.

Send Letters to:

SOMD Publishing P.O. Box 250 • Hollywood, MD 20636 Make sure you include your name, phone # and the city you live in.

We will not publish your phone #, only your name and city

A special thank you goes out to the Division of Parks and Recreation for partnering with CAASA on this event again this year and to the staff of Chesapeake Hills for their help in setting up the course, providing dinner, and for their overall support of the event.

We’d also like to thank our volunteers JoAnn Slifer and Bill Smith for their help with registration and assisting with the

course set-up.

Thanks for supporting CAASA and Project Graduation. We look forward to another great event next year.

Candice M. D’Agostino, Coordinator CAASA, Prince Frederick

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 Contributing Writers Joyce Baki Keith McGuire

Government Correspondent Community Correspondent Community Correspondent

Southern Calvert Gazette P. O. Box 250 . Hollywood, MD 20636

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

Thursday, July-2011

15

No Bananas!

The Ordinary

Angler

By Keith McGuire

I was doing some research this morning to find information about a superstition among Charter Captains, watermen, and most any knowledgeable anglers about the bad luck of having bananas aboard any boat. I was considering an article about the subject.

As usual, between research and actual article writing, I took a break to make a small pot of coffee – just had a good time six cups. I placed the coffee fishing on Father’s Day. Mitchell sent a sto- ry and a picture grounds in the filter basket of my Mr. Coffee brewer and of the memorable day for me to share in this article. Admitpoured in six cups of clean cold water. Oddly, it didn’t fill tedly, they didn’t catch any whoppers or “citation-sized” fish, the coffee maker to the required line, so I added more. Still Bill and Mitchell Goddard with their but they did catch some nice white perch and had some fairly it wasn’t enough. Then I noticed that there was water all Father’s Day catch. non-stop action. Every son and father out there knows that it is over the counter! I grabbed the coffee maker and held it up more about the time spent together than the fish that are caught. as the remaining six cups poured out the bottom of the maTo quote Mitchell, “All in all a great way to spend Father’s Day chine. This coffee maker is new – only a couple of months old. Could this be a result with the best man I know, MY DAD!” of the banana research that I was doing?

I know that the early morning rain on Father’s Day put a damper on a lot of Like any mechanically-minded man, I took the coffee pot apart. Inexplicably, one planned activities for the day. Still, I think it worked out well for most Dads. At my of the hoses connecting the reservoir to the heating element was not connected. How house, I was able to sleep in and have bananas on my cereal as I looked forward to did that happen? I put the hose back in place, reassembled the coffee maker and made burgers and brats on the grill with my two adult kids and their families. Nanny, nanny, six cups of coffee while I cleaned up the wet mess all over my wife’s kitchen, cursing boo, boo, bananas!! bananas with every drop of water that I sopped up.

A fishing report without at least one picture is, well, just a story. If you’re taking I remembered a recent crabbing trip when one of the crew had a banana. Aware pictures of your catch, send me an email and attach the picture. You’ll get extra credit of the superstition, we just told the guy to get rid of the banana, but he didn’t do that for sharing secret lures, baits and locations where you caught the fish. Please include right away. Crabbing was terribly slow and we were sure that it would be a bad day. the full names of the people in the picture.

Then our crew-member ate the banana and discarded the peel. Crabs found our baits riverdancekeith@hotmail.com. immediately, allowing us to finish the day with a bushel of nice fat crabs.

Keith has been a recreational angler on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributarSo, to avoid the risk of further banana superstition revenge, I’m thinking that I ies for over 50 years; he fishes weekly from his small boat during the season, and shouldn’t write an article about bananas. spends his free time supporting local conservation organizations.

Mitchell Goddard – Pro Staffer of Smoke Checked Outdoors – and his Dad, Bill,

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Thursday, July-2011

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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 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, July 10 and Sunday, July 24. Reservations are required. Visit their website at www.acltweb. org, call 410-414-3400 or email info@acltweb.org for more information.

On Sunday, July 10, and Saturday, July 16, discover the history hidden beneath your feet at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum. Tours will focus on the War of 1812 and the Battle of St. Leonard Creek, site of the largest naval engagement to occur in Maryland waters. You will also learn more about their new exhibit, Farmers, Patriots and Traitors. Reservations are required. For more information call 410-586-8501 or visit www.jefpat.org.

Thursdays just got better with Summer Fun Days Children’s Programs at the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum. Enjoy free children’s programs, crafts, games and explore the museum and its history from 10 to 11:30 a.m. On July 14, experience what it was like to work for the Chesapeake Beach Railway. Enjoy role play as a

conductor, an engineer, a ticket agent and a passenger. On July 21, take an up-close look at the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum using a map to follow clues and search for items in the museum. Then on July 28 it’s all about trains as you explore train-related items. www.cbrm.org On Thursday, June 14, The Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum continues their summer Bay Breeze Concert Series with The Dixie Ramblers. This everpopular bluegrass band never fails to entertain many devoted fans. All concerts are outdoors on the museum porch starting at 7:30 p.m. and free. This series of concerts is made possible by the Town of Chesapeake Beach and generous memberships. www. cbrm.org Did you know that the largest exposed seam of Miocene fossils in North America is located at the Calvert Cliffs here in Calvert County? The Calvert Marine Museum will have a Fossil Field Experience program on Saturday, July 16, designed for people who want to learn more about fossils: where to find them, how to identify them and what they tell us about the past. The program begins at Cove Point Lighthouse at 9 a.m. where a trained guide will teach about Miocene fossils as you comb the beach until 11:30 a.m. You will then have free time to enjoy lunch and travel to the Calvert Marine Museum. At 1 p.m. meet your guide to discuss your finds and utilize the Paleo Hall to learn about the ancient Miocene sea and formation of the Calvert Cliffs. For more information on fees and registration, call 410326-2042 x41 or visit www.calvertmarinemuseum.com.

Have you ever watched CSI and watched one of the crime scene investigators use a machine to locate bones below the surface of the ground? Archaeologists use this technology and more in their investigations. Learn more on Thursday, July 21, as Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum contin-

Out&About ues its Archaeology Speakers Series with Dr. Tim Horsley, University of Michigan Museum of Anthropology, who will speak on “Using Geophysical Techniques to Reveal Buried Archaeological Remains.” Dr. Horsley will describe how new archaeological investigation tools are used to identify what is underneath the surface before excavation begins. www.jppm.org The Calvert Marine Museum features DRAMTREE-O on Friday, July 22, at 7 p.m. An acoustic folk group based in Norfolk, Virginia, DRAMTREE-O features traditional music of North America, the British Isles and the seven seas in an eclectic mixture of songs reflecting the joys and sorrows, hard work and hard luck, high spirits and low humor of ordinary people. Concert begins in the auditorium at 7 p.m. $10 per person charge at the door. Wine, beer and light refreshments available for sale. www. calvertmarinemuseum.com On Saturday, July 23, “Rock ‘N’ Roll on the Beach” with the Town of North Beach as they present The Fabulous Hubcaps, one of the nation’s most sought after oldies and classic rock show bands.

The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. in the North Beach Amph itheat re o v e r l o o king the Chesapeake Bay. Premium seating is available for $20 per seat. Contact Stacy Wilkerson at 301-855-6681 or 410-2579618. www.northbeachmd.org The St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department Concert Series presents the Firehouse Rock Festival, Saturday, July 23. Bring your blanket or chair and listen to great rock and roll from The Sam Grow Band, Face Down, Justin Myles, Sara and Chelsea and more.

Gates open at 4 p.m., the show starts at 5 p.m. General admission tickets are $15 in

advance or $20 the day of show. Food and beverages will be available. For more information, visit www.slvfd.com Friday through Sunday, July 29 to 31, Annmarie Sculpture Garden will host “Art Blooms,” a three-day show featuring the work of floral designers from across the region. During this exhibition, each floral designer is assigned a work of art in the Main Gallery and asked to create an arrangement inspired by the art. The results are surprising, beautiful and provocative. The event is co-hosted by the Calvert Garden Club with proceeds from the Friday night opening reception benefiting a project at Annmarie Garden. For more information on the exhibit and opening reception, visit www. annmariegarden.org or call 410-326-4640.

Country music icon Martina McBride will perform live at the Calvert Marine Museum on Saturday, July 30, at 7:30 p.m.

Her newest hit, Teenage Daughters, along with Independence Day, Concrete Angel, A Broken Wing and Love’s the Only House are just a few on Martina’s list of favorites.

Tickets are $55 for premium seats and $45 for reserved; additional service fees apply.

Tickets are on sale now by phone at 1-800787-9454, in person at Prince Frederick Ford/Dodge, or online at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com Visit Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum on the first Wednesday of every month for back-to-back tours of the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory (MAC Lab) and Point Farm’s house and gardens. Discover Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum from state-of-the-art science to local history and lore. The next tour date is Wednesday, August 3, at 12:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.jefpat.org.

For more information on events in Calvert County visit www.ecalvert.com.

Thursday, July-2011

17

P ages P

ast Commodore Joshua Barney and

By Joyce Baki The name Joshua Barney may not have any meaning to you, but he was part of the largest naval engagement to ever occur in Maryland waters. And it happened in the Patuxent River at the mouth of St. Leonard Creek.

Joshua Barney was born in Baltimore on July 6, 1759. He served in two wars, the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.

During the Revolutionary War, as a master’s mate of Hornet, he took part in Commodore Hopkin’s battle in New Providence. He became a lieutenant for gallantry in action while serving on the Wasp. Taken prisoner several times, in 1779 Barney was imprisoned in Hill Prison in England. He escaped in 1781 and after returning to America, he was put in command of the Pennsylvania ship, Hyder Ally, in which he captured the British ship, General Monk, a ship larger than his. As reward, he was given command of this ship.

Barney entered the French Navy after the Revolutionary War and became commander of a squadron. He returned to the United States and entered the U.S. Navy as a captain after outbreak of the War of 1812. He commanded the Chesapeake Bay Flotilla, a fleet of gunboats defending the Chesapeake Bay. The Americans declared war in 1812 for many reasons. Great Britain placed trade restrictions on outgoing items because of their war with France and pressed American merchant sailors into the Royal Navy. The United States wished to expand into the Northwest Territory and Britain continued support to the American Indians in an effort to stave off that expansion.

Commodore Barney authored the plan to defend the Chesapeake using a flotilla of shallow-draft barges. The Chesapeake Bay has an abundance of shoal waters where boats drawing large drafts or requiring deep water cannot navigate. These many barges, fitted with a large gun, were used to attack and annoy British warships and then retreat into shallow water. Commodore Barney’s flagship was the USS Scorpion, a 49-foot sloop-rigged and selfpropelled boat mounted with two long guns and two carronades and short-range naval weapons with low muzzle velocity.

On June 1, 1814, Barney’s flotilla encountered the HMS St. Lawrence, HMS Dragon and HMS Albion near St. Jerome Creek. They pursued the St. Lawrence until it reached the protection of the other boats. Barney’s flotilla retreated into the Patuxent River where the British quickly blockaded it. Outnumbering Barney 7 to 1, he retreated into St. Leonard’s Creek. The creek was quickly blockaded by British frigates. The creek, too shallow for the warships to enter, provided protection for the flotilla.

Between June 1 and June 10, the British began a “campaign of terror” to flush Barney out of St. Leonard’s Creek and laid waste to “town and farm alike” as they plundered and

18

Thursday, July-2011

the Battle of St. Leonard Creek

burned Calverton, Huntingtown, Prince Frederick, Benedict and Lower Marlboro. Troops commanded by U.S. Army Colonel Decius Wadsworth and U.S. Marine Captain Samuel Miller arrived and on June 26 Commodore Barney attempted a breakout. With attacks from both land and sea, the flotilla moved out of the creek and up the Patuxent. The British descended upon St. Leonard and burned the town.

Moving up the Patuxent, the British prepared for a landing at Benedict. In fear that the flotilla would fall into British hands, Barney was ordered by the Secretary of the Navy to take his squadron as far up the Patuxent as possible and scuttle the squadron if the British appeared. All but one vessel was scuttled. Barney and his men joined with the troops commanded

by General William Henry Winder and participated in the Battle of Bladensburg.

During the Battle of Bladensburg the troops made a heroic attempt to stop the British from marching to Washington, DC. The battle raged for four hours, but the greatly outnumbered Americans were defeated by the British, who went on to burn the Capitol and White House. Barney received a severe wound to his thigh, a bullet so deep it could not be removed.

During this battle President James Madison personally directed the marines led by Commodore Barney, one of only two instances when a sitting president exercised direct battlefield authority as Commander-in-Chief.

Joshua Barney died December 1, 1818, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from the injury he received at the Battle of Bladensburg. He is buried in Allegheny Cemetery in Pittsburgh.

Battle of St. Leonard’s Creek, 10 June 1814, by Tom Freeman

Globetrotting Blues Man Coming to St. John’s Vianney

For four decades, singer-songwriter-guitarist Eric Bibb has criss-crossed the globe, captivating live audiences by bearing witness to the infinite complexities of the human experience – both the mundane and the spiritual – with music that’s steeped in the tradition of American blues and layered with generous shades of folk and gospel.

He is, in every respect, a modern-day troubadour – heir to the legacy of Lead Belly, Woody Guthrie, Odetta and countless other great voices of the early and mid20th century.

Bibb will be appearing at 7 p.m. July 24 for a concert at St. John Vianney Family Life Theater in Prince Frederick. Appearing with him will be Grant Dermody on harmonica.

On sale during the concert will be Bibb’s new recording, Troubadour Live, which captures one of his powerful live performances in an intimate but emotionally charged setting.

Recorded in December 2010 at Katalin and All That Jazz in Uppsala, Sweden (about 50 miles north of Stockholm), Troubadour Live is produced by Telarc International, a division of Concord Music Group.

“After many ambitious studio albums, I really wanted to document and share with a wider audience what I’d been doing live on stage,” Bibb said in a press release.

“Given my intensive touring schedule over the past couple years, there was a window of opportunity to involve some fine musicians whom I really love working with live as well as in the studio, and it all seemed to come together around this gig.”

Among these “fine musicians” is Swedish guitarist Staffan Astner, who has recorded and/or performed with a list of artists from every corner of the world and every style imaginable. Some of Astner’s past collaborators include Ray Charles, Ian Hunter, Celine Dion, Kim Richey, Roxette and many others.

Also on hand for the album was Glen Scott, Andre De Lange and Paris Renita, the gospel trio collectively known as Psalm4. Over the years, Bibb has worked with all three vocalists individually and as a group on previous recordings and stage performances.

“Knowing how well we’ve worked together in the past, I asked them to join me for a few of the tunes in this performance,” says Bibb. “It was a nice way to reconnect with some old friends.”

Troubadour Live opens with “The Cape,” a quiet and nostalgic ode to the value of childlike courage – at any age – in the face of the unknown. Astner steps in immediately after to lend a few tasty licks to the rousing “New Home,” a mix of country blues and churning gospel.

Further into the set, the easygoing “Shavin’ Talk” celebrates the simple pleasures of life, while “Tell Riley” pays tribute to blues giant B.B. King. “Staffan’s a huge B.B. King fan, and he was really able to get into that zone and play stuff that’s reminiscent of B.B. I found that to be really exciting,” he said.

The spiritual and melodic “Connected” includes understated accents from Astner and a subtle piano interlude by Glen Scott, but “the crowning glory of that song is when Andre De Lange begins to sing in Zulu at the end of the song,” said Bibb.

“Something really came together there. The song seemed to be a really good canvas for something special and spontaneous to happen, and we actually lived the theme of the song. We really connected.”

Paris Renita joins her Psalm4 colleagues for the stirring “New World Comin’ Through,” an often dark but ultimately optimistic view of a better future.

“I think something powerful happens on this song, with beautiful vocals from Psalm4 and some great slide guitar from Staffan,” Bibb said.

“A live record is a way to give people a sense of the way an artist communicates with his or her audience,” Bibb said. “I think this record does that. It’s intimate, and that’s a big part of what I like to do. I play in front of larger crowds sometimes, but I think my forte is being able to get close to an audience on a given evening and deliver a message that they can take with them after they leave.”

Tickets are $35, and are available at the St. John Vianney Family Life Center, www. sjvflc.us, at Scotts Pools in Prince Frederick, and on ticketriver.com through the link www.ticketriver.com/event/1655-eric-bibb-with-grant-dermody.

St. John Vianney Family Life Theater is located at 470 Main Street, Prince Frederick. Doors open for the show at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, July-2011

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