2011-09-22 The County Times by Southern Maryland Online

Thursday, September 22, 2011

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Cornucopia of Competition

65 th A nnual County Fair Underway

Photo By Frank Marquart

S tory Page 16

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16 Cover Story 18 Newsmakers 19 Community Community Calendar 22 24 Entertainment 25 Business Directory

26 Games 27 Columns 28 Senior News 29 Bleachers 30 Sports 31 Fishing

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Thursday, September 22, 2011

On T he Cover ON THE FRONT

Betty and Norris Shepherd have been running the agriculture division of the St. Mary’s County Fair for 57 years – the same amount of time they have been married.

“These are my employees … it’s not his position to take this to the employees, it’s mine.” - Sheriff Tim Cameron, on a sheriff’s deputy early retirement proposal from County Commissioner Dan Morris.

(301) 932-7700 (301) 870-7111

money

Val Spencer, owner of Laser Lube Auto Repair in California, hands a set of keys and a vehicle title to Sam Huffman of Lexington Park on Wednesday. At left are Sam’s parents, Catherine and Stephen Huffman, and Lexington Park NAPA Manager Jimmy Kerns is at right. Spencer, with the help of NAPA and AutoZone repaired and donated a car to Huffman.

sports

The Breton Bay Estates’ annual Labor Day Picnic and Regatta had the most participants ever this year.

An Independent Agent Representing: ERIE INSURANCE GROUP Standing: Dan Burris, Jake Kuntz, Seated: Lisa Squires, Susan Ennis, Donna Burris

Gary Simpson Matt Laidley Katie Facchina 7480 Crain Highway La Plata, MD 20646 301-934-8437

April Hancock PO Box 407 Bryans Road, MD 20616 301-743-9000

“Sheriff” Billy Cusic hauls John Wood off to the Leonardtown jailhouse during the third annual CareNet Jail and Bail fundraiser this week.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

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The County Times

Thursday, September 22, 2011

ews State: Big Road Projects Can Only Move With Fed Help By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Maryland Secretary of Transportation Beverley K. Swaim Staley told county elected officials Tuesday that big projects like the replacement of the Thomas Johnson Bridge won’t be able to move ahead from their current stages unless the federal government provides funding. This means that agencies like the State Highway Administration (SHA) will only be able to use what limited funding they have to assuage transportation problems like traffic congestion and aging roads in the short term. Some of those measures include putting a new light at the intersection of Route 5 and Great Mills Road and putting a temporary bridge over Allens Fresh in Charles County on Route 234, that many county residents use as a vital link to Route 301 and then on to Virginia in their daily commutes. While state highway officials think a second traffic signal at the end of Old Great Mills Road, creating a situation where there would be a stop light, then a large gas station and then immediately another stop light, will help traffic flow, officials here were dubious. Commissioner Todd Morgan (R-Great Mills) said that the traffic congestion on Route 5 was already too great for the road to bear and; an additional traffic signal so close to the one already there would make it worse. Construction on the traffic light has already begun.

“This is a quagmire of an intersection,” Morgan told transportation officials. “Why not just close off [Old Great Mills] road?” The state’s regional project engineer, Lee Starkloff, said that red arrows at the light will stop right hand turns, but Morgan questioned who would enforce such measures. “If that becomes an enforcement issue … then it’ll have to be enforced initially,” Starkloff said. Starkloff said they would remove the light if it proved to be more trouble than it was worth. “We feel like it will succeed,” he said. On Route 234 in Charles County, SHA Deputy Administrator Doug Simmons told county leaders that they hope to have the temporary replacement bridge with a two lane highway in place by mid-November but planners will still have to go through the environmental permit process to put it in place. officials are worried that an additional traffic light right after the one at the intersection of Great Mills Road and Route 5 will Swaim-Staley said that mem- Local only exacerbate traffic congestion instead of the state’s plans to alleviate it. bers in the House of Representatives are still talking about making up to 33 percent reductions sources. were addressed it would probably be closer to in transportation funding nationwide, which Swaim-Staley said if just the top priorities $100 billion, she said. impacts Maryland considerably since about 20 in each jurisdiction were tallied the cost would percent of its capital budget comes from federal be about $12 billion; if every need statewide guyleonard@countytimes.net

Thursday, September 22, 2011

The County Times

ews

Challenges Lay Ahead For Elms Solar Project

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The company that wants to build a solar energy power plant on state park land in Lexington Park has offered a lease agreement to the state’s Board of Public Works for what it hopes will be quick approval, a company spokesman said – but more obstacles lay ahead to the much anticipated project. “We expect the lease to be finalized in the next week or so,” United Land and Power spokesman Richard Ross told The County Times last week. Ross said the lease agreement is the first step in making the solar panel project at the Elms Park property a reality, but the startup company must next find a buyer for the power they plan to produce – which directly impacts whether they will be able to find investors to fund the solar panels. “We’re negotiating that right now,” Ross said of trying to hammer out a power purchase agreement. The Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) recently put out a bid request for up to seven megawatts of electricity to be purchased from a solar power provider, but Ross said that his company and several others were not able to take advantage of the opportunity because SMECO decided to move ahead with its own solar power project. United Land and Power’s plan is to have a facility constructed that consists of 16,000 solar panels on 20 acres of open space park land that the state has long set aside for some form of power production. The plant, once constructed, would require virtually no on-site operation and its projected four megawatts of solar-generated electrical power could be monitored remotely, state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) representatives working on the project have said. The County Times first broke the news last year that the state was negotiating with a then-unknown developer to construct the solar power plant, and this year the project received the initial go-ahead from the state.

Niles Primrose, one of the project coordinators with DNR, said the lease agreement was promulgated after negotiations between the developer and natural resources officials. United Land and Power made an unsolicited bid for the project, Primrose said, and was the sole bidder. The state’s Department of General Services had put out a request for qualifications, Primrose said, but United Land and Power was the only taker. “Most developers knew that … but this [company] was the first to have a bona fide plan,” Primrose said. The state project manager went on to say that the reason no other more established developers came forward to bid was likely because of issues in finding a buyer for solar-generated power. Tom Dennison, spokesman for SMECO, said the utility decided to put out its own requests for proposals with requirements the industry must meet, because previous plans that had come to the utility from 18 different developers did not meet their demands. SMECO is required by state law to buy three percent of its electrical load from renewable energy resources, and a percentage of that must come from solar power, but it is often cheaper to buy renewable energy credits or even pay a penalty rather than purchase solar generated power that is too expensive, Dennison said. “The bottom line is … SMECO purchases power on the open market and there are any number of reasons why solar development has been held up, but the decisions we make are [significantly] based on price.” Dennison said that SMECO plans to partner with another developer to build its own solar facility in Hughesville on property it already owns and that fits its parameters, though the United Land and Power project might still hold promise despite its inability to get an agreement with SMECO recently. “It doesn’t mean we’re not interested,” Dennison said.

WOODED LOTS

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

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Cleaning Up Myrtle Point

uz at Leonardtown r C t r a C 1st Annual Golf Cart Parade Sunday, October 9, 2011 - 1 pm til 5 pm

Tour the Fire House View our Equipment 50-50 raffle

Trophies awarded for several categories Dash Plaques for 1st 50 carts

Meet your Volunteers

Registration at fire house from 10:00 till 12:30

Celebrate SPARKY’S 60th Birthday

Parade starts at 1 p.m. No registration fee

Vendor space available

Enjoy a day in Leonardtown

View the Antique Tractors on parade presented by the Southern Maryland Antique Tractor Association followed by the 1st Annual Golf Cart Parade

And then

Head on over to the FIRE HOUSE for a bull roast catered by Kevin's Corner Cafe, LVFD's famous scalded oysters, and more. Enjoy music by D.J. Rick Trophies, sponsored by Busy Corner Buggies, awarded one hour after parade Todd Orjda, left, of Lexington Park, gets some help from Shaylin Ganey, 10, from Virginia, in picking up trash and storm debris in Myrtle Point Park in California on Sept. 18. Volunteers from around the region took the day to help the park recover from storm damage incurred from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, including sawing trees that had fallen over the park’s many nature trails.

For more information, call Roger Mattingly at 301-475-5966 or email rogr69@verizon.net

Benefit the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department

The County Times

Thursday, September 22, 2011

ews

Sheriff Opposes Early Retirement Proposal By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron told The County Times this week that he is opposed to a proposal from County Commissioner Dan Morris that would allow deputies with 23 years of service to retire early, saying it would serve only to drain his agency of much needed experience without saving the county any funding. Morris proposed the idea last week at the commissioner table, saying that allowing higher paid deputies to retire would allow the county more funding to hire new deputies for needed patrol duties at no significant impact to the county’s operating budget. Cameron disagreed, saying that the county would still have to pay money back into the sheriff’s office retirement fund to make up for the two years early retirees did not stay on the job. The eligibility requirement in the agency for retirement is at least 25 years of service. Cameron said that his agency is pushed to the limit on manpower, with the gap between services and demand for them growing farther apart. Retirement of his most experienced deputies only compounds the problem, he said. Once they left, it could take up to 18 months to recruit and train a new hire, all while facing an even greater shortage in manpower, he said. “I’m trying to keep everyone I have … that’s still my concern,” Cameron said Tuesday. “I don’t see the benefit in it; we’re taking them out of service when we need them the most.” Morris said that his idea remained a proposal and that county human resources staff were still studying it to see if it is feasible; he said it is still unknown how many deputies would take the offer. Under his plan, deputies who took the early

out would receive full benefits and also avoid a percentage penalty that would normally be applied for early retirement. He said the target is only getting a few deputies — perhaps three — to retire; if a large number took the offer, he acknowledged the significant increase in benefit and retirement costs for new hires a quarter of a century from now. “Over 25 years it would increase [costs] but for this budget year it would not,” Morris (R-Mechanicsville) said. “This is a one time window of opportunity.” Morris said that the early departure of three deputies could bring in five more. This would bring in more deputies for patrol while reducing salary costs in the short-term, he argued. “The sole purpose is to get more deputies on the street, we couldn’t do a large number of deputies,” Morris said. “The ones leaving are making $80,000 and the ones coming in are making $40,000. “I will not quit trying to put more cops on the street without burdening the tax payer,” he said. Morris said he floated the idea to the public first and not to the sheriff’s office retirement board because it was in its infancy and wanted a more mature proposal to bring to them. “There’s no use in me doing that until we know how many deputies want it,” Morris said. Cameron criticized Morris’s methods, saying he should have taken his idea to the retirement board first. “This has never been broached with the retirement board,” Cameron said. “These are my employees … it’s not his position to take this to the employees, it’s mine.” guyleonard@countytimes.net

Clarke Released From Sentence Early By Guy Leonard Staff Writer A visiting Prince George’s County judge released local businessman Terry Anthony Clarke last week after serving just six months of a twoyear sentence for firing on a group of teenage hunters near his property using an assault rifle he had obtained from a county sheriff’s deputy. Clarke’s defense attorney Robert Bonsib said the sentencing judge in the case, Judge William Missouri, had intended to hand out a punishment that would correct Clarke’s behavior, but took into account his reformation as an upstanding businessman who did good works following a 1986 drug conviction. While Clarke fired 30 rounds from an AR15 at three young duck hunters around Christmas almost four years ago, none of them was physically harmed; Bonsib said Clarke had learned from his mistake. “He’s got the message,” Bonsib said at his client’s sentence reconsideration hearing Friday. “It’s been both received and felt by Mr. Clarke.” Clarke, one of the co-owners of the Tiki Bar on Solomons Island, had maintained that he had reacted to the hunters near his property because he believed their firing at ducks endangered his home and his property but Assistant State’s Attorney Daniel J. White said that was the defendant’s attempt to skew the facts of the case. “It’s a lie, it’s a lie that takes the victims in

the case and makes them the aggressors,” White told Judge Melanie Geter. White said that Clarke fired on the hunters because “he was mad they were making noise” and that he had also used a firearm in connection with his drug conviction from nearly a quarter of a century ago. “It’s not the first time he’s decided to take a gun and handle his business,” White said. But Geter said that she believed that Clarke’s reputation in the community, as well as support he received from citizens seeking to ameliorate his sentence, made him an acceptable risk for release. “I was impressed with the people who had good things to say about the defendant,” Geter said. “He has the ability to return to the community and do some good works.” She placed Clarke on five years of supervised probation as well as made him subject to random drug testing. She also forbade him from possessing or having any contact with firearms as well as having contact with the victims. “If you see them walking toward you, you walk the other way,” Geter said, admonishing Clarke to “walk the straight and narrow” during his time of probation. “I won’t hesitate to send you back,” Geter said. guyleonard@countytimes.net

Thursday, September 22, 2011

corner

commissioners

PlanMaryland: Will local jurisdictions retain their planning authority? By Cindy Jones Commissioner, District 1

The County Times

PlanMaryland is a statewide planning initiative led by the Maryland Department of Planning. Although many citizens may not have been aware of it, the Plan has been in the works for a number of years. The goals of PlanMaryland are to – • Concentrate development and redevelopment in towns, cities and rural centers where there is existing and planned infrastructure. • Preserve and protect environmentally sensitive and rural lands and resources from the impacts of development. • Ensure that a desirable quality of life in Maryland’s communities is sustainable. I think many would agree that these are laudable goals. The question is how best to achieve them. It is critical that the citizens of St. Mary’s County understand what is at stake. One way to highlight the issue is to explore how local governments determine areas within their jurisdictions for future growth. Currently, determination of growth areas is mainly achieved through a mechanism called the Priority Funding Area (or PFA) which came out of the “Smart Growth” legislation of the mid 1990’s. Local jurisdictions have the authority to designate PFAs. Priority Funding Areas are used by many state agencies to target their resources. Essentially, PFAs are created locally with state guidance. How does PlanMaryland propose to direct state resources to growth areas? Chapter 4 of the Plan outlines the use of “Designated Places” to tie together Plan goals, public outcomes and locations. Jurisdictions will have the opportunity to nominate Designated Places, but final authority rests with the

state. “Local/ State Designations will be confirmed by the Smart Growth Subcabinet in accordance with the process described in Chapter 6.” One category of Designated Places is “Growth and Revitalization Areas.” What if a county or municipality nominates an area for this designation and it is not confirmed by the state? According to the Plan, Place Designations “may” be used by state agencies to “align State capital and non-capital plans, programs and procedures” to help attain PlanMaryland Goals. Is the State of Maryland preparing to funnel resources away from growth areas that do not receive Smart Growth Subcabinet confirmation? The comprehensive planning process has been a very effective model for determining growth areas. It not only allows citizens opportunities for input on land use policy, but also allows them to hold local decision-makers accountable for their actions. PlanMaryland turns this model on its head by giving the authority for determining growth areas to the state, thereby undermining local planning authority. I encourage citizens to go to plan.maryland.gov to read the PlanMaryland Draft and provide comments. Public comments will be received through November 9, 2011. For questions or comments, contact Cindy Jones at Cindy.Jones@stmarysmd.com. Contact The County Times at news@countytimes.net.

Lenny’s Comes Through During an Emergency

I want to thank Lenny’s Restaurant for service provided after hurricane Irene passed through St. Mary’s County. My wife and I lost power about midnight on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011. Sunday morning we went out for a ride after hurricane Irene had moved on and the weather was returning to normal. We wanted to find a restaurant open serving breakfast. We drove north looking for a restaurant serving breakfast and returned homeward after a while. Then we remembered Lenny’s served Sunday brunch and proceeded to Lenny’s. Lenny’s appeared closed at first since the lights were off. At a closer look, we found Lenny’s had generators working. What we found next is worth writing about. Credit card payment was down but Lenny’s had lowered the cost for brunch to $5 per meal. How many times have you experienced an act of God and overcharging? Here was Lenny’s Restaurant reducing the cost because cash is the only way to pay for brunch. Thank you Lenny’s for your service and aid provided after hurricane Irene. St. Mary’s County is glad to have you.

To The Editor

Legal Notice: Crown Castle is proposing to modify a cellular tower located at the following site: Dameron #801525 - 18248 Three Notch Rd in Dameron. Crown Castle invites comments from any interested party on the impact of the proposed tower on any districts, sites, buildings, structures or objects significant in American history, archaeology, engineering or culture that are listed or determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Specific information regarding the project is available for comments by calling Peter Crane at 518-433-6244 during normal business hours. Comments must be received by October 14, 2011.

Hugs From Heroes Completes Third Successful Collection Thank you so much for supporting Project Hugs From Heroes. We have just wrapped up our third collection, and we will be sending our third shipment next week! I am happy to report that due to troop draw-down in Iraq, the deployed unit who was in receipt of the first two shipments no longer needs our support. However, just as we received the news from our first unit, we received a request that same day from not one, but two units, currently deployed in Afghanistan. Once again, Project Hugs From Heroes is proud to be able to support our men and women in uniform, especially the compassion projects they engage in while living and working in the combat field. Just as some of the stuffed animals were distributed to local Iraqi children and Wounded Warriors and service members who needed them, these stuffed animal will also serve a greater purpose. Specifically, some of the stuffed animals we ship will be placed in the hands of local orphans. In addition to being shipped overseas, the stuffed animals collected have also been distributed to Wounded Warriors families. Project Hugs From Heroes was honored to partner with Operation Hope on The Chesapeake. We are so grateful to them for having a stuffed animal drive at the event. Even more importantly, we were thrilled to be able to play a role, volunteering for the day and for also being able to distribute the stuffed animals to the honored guests and their children. This weekend, Project Hugs From Heroes will be once again volunteering, present, and distributing stuffed animals to local military children, at a sponsored Deployed Spouses Dinner. The response to the Call for Stuff Animals has been overwhelming! Donations have been received from businesses, church, community groups, students, non-profits and individuals. They have poured in from Delaware, New York, Virginia, D.C., South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Maryland. When this project began, I never imagined that so many wonderful people would come together to make such a positive impact. And let me share this with you, it may seem like such a small act of kindness. But, from those who are receiving the stuffed animals, the act is very grand and heartwarming indeed! If you had seen the look of joy and excitement on the faces of the children when they were distributed during Operation Hope on The Chesapeake! Their smiles and their instant attachment to their new stuffed animals said all that needed to be said. Our deployed liaison said this about the second shipment: “This an act of America kindness and generosity that the Iraqi people, particularly the children, will leave a positive and lasting impression, long after we have left.” Thank you for making this a reality! If you would like to learn more about Project Hugs From Heroes, you can follow us on: Facebook at Military Wives Matter: Support for Today’s Military Spouse and at www.silentranksisterhood.com. Kristen O’Neill, Co-founder Project Hugs From Heroes, sponsored by Circle of Angels

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Send us a letter telling us what’s on your mind! E-mail letters to: opinion@countytimes.net

Thomas Kettelle Lexington Park, MD

P.O. Box 250 • Hollywood, Maryland 20636 News, Advertising, Circulation, Classifieds: 301-373-4125

James Manning McKay - Founder Eric McKay -Associate Publisher..................................ericmckay@countytimes.net Tobie Pulliam - Office Manager..............................tobiepulliam@countytimes.net Sean Rice - Editor....................................................................seanrice@countytimes.net Angie Stalcup - Graphic Artist.......................................angiestalcup@countytimes.net Sarah Miller- Reporter - Education, Entertainment...sarahmiller @countytimes.net Guy Leonard - Reporter - Government, Crime...............guyleonard@countytimes.net Sales Representatives......................................................................sales@countytimes.net

The County Times

I NEED YOUR HELP!

As you can see by the attached wanted poster, I need your help! I'm participating in the 3rd Annual Jail & Bail, a "fun-raiser" co-hosted by the Sheriff of St. Mary's County, Tim Cameron and Care Net Pregnancy Center of Southern Maryland. On Monday, September 19, 2011, the Sheriff is sending a 1950 black and white police car to my office at 28231 Three Notch Road in Mechanicsville, where I'll be arrested, handcuffed and taken to the Old Jail Museum in Leonardtown. Once there, I'll be brought in front of Judge Ment with my court-appointed attorney, Ben Slick. Oh, the embarrassment! For me to be bailed out, I need to raise $1,500.00. This is where I could use your help. I have until September 19, 2011 to come up with the bail money and I'm asking those who don't want to see me left in jail to help raise my bail - you don't want to see me in jail, do you? Any amount toward making my bail would be greatly appreciated.

WANTED!

studentposters.co.uk

Proceeds raised will benefit Care Net Pregnancy Center of Southern Maryland, a crisis pregnancy center that helps women explore their options when facing an unplanned pregnancy. They are serving over 4,000 clients annually and all of their services are free of charge. The $1,500.00 we raise will pay for one mom and her family to receive all of the services Care Net provides pregnancy test, ultrasound, peer counseling, pre-natal education, parenting training, etc. If you would like to support this worthy cause, please mail your tax-deductible contribution to the Immaculate Conception Church Rectory, PO Box 166, Mechanicsville, MD 20659. Checks should be made payable to CareNet, and please include "Johnny Wood" to the memo section of your check.

JOHNNY WOOD

BAIL $1,500.00

Thursday, September 22, 2011

for the love of

Money

Auto Shops Donate Van to Family By Sean Rice Editor A plan that started as an idea to give something back to the community came to fruition this week when Val Spencer, owner of Laser Lube Auto Repair in California, handed a set of keys and a vehicle title to Sam Huffman of Lexington Park. Spencer, with the help of the local NAPA and AutoZone stores, solicited a donated vehicle, which Spencer worked on to get roadready to be donated to a family in need. Nominations were sought from community members for a person in need of a vehicle that would have the greatest impact if they were assisted. Spencer said she chose Huffman be-

cause he is a member of the St. Mary’s Special Olympics team and there is currently no vehicle at his household. Huffman said in addition to helping his family, the vehicle would also be used to transport some of his fellow Special Olympians. Huffman is a member of the soccer team that won a Gold Medal this summer for the United States during the Special Olympics World Games in Greece. “I’ve been here a long time, so I wanted to reach out and help somebody in the community,” Spencer told The County Times. Jim and Jeanine Sanford donated the 1997 Ford Aerostar, Spencer said. It required some minor body work, brakes, a radiator and a few other minor repairs before passing inspection.

FOR CARE NET’S 3RD ANNUAL

JAIL & BAIL

studentposters.co.uk studentposters.co.uk

Photo by Sean Rice Val Spencer, owner of Laser Lube Auto Repair in California, hands a set of keys and a vehicle title to Sam Huffman of Lexington Park on Wednesday. At left are Sam’s parents, Catherine and Stephen Huffman, and Lexington Park NAPA Manager Jimmy Kerns is at right.

New Lexington Park Hilton Names Sales Director The Home2 Suites by Hilton Lexington Park Patuxent River NAS Hotel, owned and operated by Cherry Cove Hospitality, Inc., announced that Joanie Biro Rosati has been appointed Director of Sales of the new Home2 Suites by Hilton Hotel located at 22175 FDR Boulevard. The four-story, 100 suite hotel is currently under construction and is scheduled to

For more information, please call: 240-587-7111 or email: info@SMSCashBash.org

Tickets Avail At Franzen Realtors

301-481-6767

addiemcbride@verizon.net

Addie McBride Franzen Realtors, Inc. 22316 Three Notch Rd. Lexington Park, MD 20653

Office: 1-800-848-6092 • Office: 301-862-2222 • Fax Office: 301-862-1060

open the first week of December. Prior to joining the Home2 Suites Lexington Park Patuxent River NAS, Rosati was a Sales Manager for Hilton Garden Inn Solomons, and was general manager of the Tiki Bar on Solomons Island. Rosati is a graduate of St. Mary’s College of Maryland, and holds a Bachelor’s degree from the college of liberal arts.

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Thursday, September 22, 2011

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The County Times

Richard Cochran, 78 Richard Clarence Cochran, “Corky”, 78, of Hollywood, Maryland, died Friday, September 9, 2011, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born March 27, 1933 in Huntington, Indiana, he was the son of the late Clarence and Rowena Poorman Cochran. He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan Patricia Carroll Cochran, his loving daughters Tammy Lynn Keister of Lexington Park and Sandra Elaine Cochran of Whispering Pines, NC., his brother Barry Cochran of Huntington, IN and his dear granddaughter Hannah Danielle Tolson of Lexington Park. He was preceded in death by his brother, Douglas Cochran of Medford, OR; and his sisters Betty Vandoski of Aldvordton, OH; and Phyllis Steele of Lake Placid, FL. Corky and Joan were married on December 7, 1979. He loved his family and took great pride in taking care of his girls. For 27 years, Corky enjoyed working as Service Manager at the Sears Auto Center in Lexington Park. Corky also enjoyed hunting and fishing with all of his good friends from the county Department of Public Works, where he was employed for 8 years after retiring from Sears. He looked forward to meeting with his breakfast buddies every Wednesday morning and visiting with Ronald Zimmerman to buy fresh vegetables. One of his favorite pastimes was beating his daughter Sandy at a game of cards. Relatives and friends were received for Mr. Cochran’s Life Celebration at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD on Tuesday, September 13th. Prayers were recited. In Lieu of Flowers, memorial contributions in memory may be directed to the Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Maryland 20650, or the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256, www.donorservices@woundedwarriorproject.org. Condolences may be made to the family at www.brinsfieldfuneral. com

Robert Currie, Sr., 51 R o b e r t “Bobby” Dewayne Currie, Sr., age 51 of Lexington Park, MD passed away peacefully on September 15, 2011. B o b b y worked at Don’s Sunoco in California for 25 years. He enjoyed playing softball and drinking beer. He also enjoyed sitting at the bus stop waiting for people to come so he had people to talk to. He loved to play horseshoes and guitar. He loved to sing

as well and spending time with his friends and family. He is survived by his parents, Margaret Ann Dean Currie and Francis Jessie Currie of Lexington Park, his children Bobbi Jo Trossback of Dameron, Robert Currie Jr., Crystal Currie and Brittian Currie all of Lexington Park. He is also survived by his grandchildren Blake and Brenden Trossback, Robert Dewayne Currie III, Zachary and Nathan Currie, Makyia Weasenforth and Natalie Gass. Also survived by his siblings Ray Currie and Mike Currie of Bushwood, Allen Currie of Lexington Park and Barbara Barnes of Valley Lee. Family received friends on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Prayers were recited. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, September 22, 2011at 10 a.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home chapel. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Serving as pallbearers will be Ray Currie, Sr., Mike Currie, Allen Currie, James Barnes, Sr., Robert Currie, Jr., and Ray Currie, Jr. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Brandon Currie and James Barnes, Jr. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any contributions in Bobby’s memory, to be directed to the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. to help defray costs. Condolences to the family may be made to the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

Adrian Hall, Sr., 75 Adrian Sylvester “Ves” Hall, Sr., 75, of Callaway, MD, died September 15, 2011 at his home. Born on November 27, 1935 in Hurry, MD he was the son of the late James Henry Hall, Jr. and Catherine Hazel Quade Hall. Mr. Hall is survived by his loving wife Mary Jane Hall whom he married in the Church of Ascension, in Lexington Park, MD. Mr. Hall is survived by his children: Adrian S. Hall, Jr. and Eugene L. Forrest both of Hollywood, MD., Bridget E. Johnson of Callaway, MD, and Mary L Forrest-Gantt of Lexington Park, MD., 6 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. Mr. Hall is also survived by siblings: Benjamin C. Hall (Mary), James H. Hall, Jr. (Irrenette), Catherine B. Molnar, Dorothy C. Stone (Jimmy), John P. Hall (Gloria), Thomas R. Hall (Diane), George I. Hall (Eva), and Joseph A. Hall (Phyllis). Mr. Hall was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County. Mr. Hall received his GED while serving in the United States Army from November 2, 1961 until he was honorably discharged on August 5, 1962. Mr. Hall worked as a master electrician trading as a Adrian S. Hall Electric. Mr.

Hall was preceded in death by his siblings: Laura A. Stone, Lillian G. Hall, and Mildred A. Hall. The family received friends in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home on Sunday, September 18, 2011 with prayers recited. A Funeral service was held on Monday, September 19, 2011 in the MattingleyGardiner Funeral Home with Rev. Sherrill Page officiating. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers were; Stevie Stone, Joey Hall, David Wayne Knott, Damian Hall, Georgie Hall and Ben Hall. Honorary Pallbearers were; Palmer Lacey Gordon Moe, Roy Knott, Mike Bean, James Ellis and Donald Knott. To leave a condolence for the family please visit www.mgfh.com.

John Gateau, Sr., 88 John Anthony Gateau, Sr., 88 of Hollywood, MD died peacefully, September 12, 2011, surrounded by his family. Born July 6, 1923, in Washington, DC; he was the son of the late George J. Gateau and Amy I. Gateau. He married the love of his life, Winifred M. Hill of Altoona, PA on September 14, 1938. They were to celebrate their 73rd wedding anniversary on September 14, 2011. He was an Auxiliary Fireman for the Metropolitan Area of DC in the early 1940’s, then he served in the United States Army at Fort Knox, Kentucky and held the title of Lance Corporal; separating from service in 1945. Following his service in the military, he devoted 24 years of service to the DC Fire Department from which he retired as Sergeant and moved from Clinton, MD to his home in Hollywood, MD where he resided for over 48 years. In his earlier years, he also owned and operated a furniture repair business known as John’s Furniture Service. He was also a long time parishioner of St. John’s Church in Hollywood, MD. John is survived by his wife, Winifred (Wink) and six children, John Jr. (Linda) of Ocean Pines; George of Edgewater; Angel Judd (Craig) of Hollywood; Robert (Beth) of Hughesville, Patricia Muchow (Dan) of Leonardtown; and Sandra Wathen (Robert Reece) of Mechanicville. He is predeceased by five brothers and sisters (George, Emily, Bucky, Rita, Billy), with one surviving sister, Frances Gates of Golden Beach. He was also predeceased by two grandsons, John A. Gateau, III and Frederick Simeon III. He was blessed with 15 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 13 great – great grandchildren and 7 step grandchildren. He had a great love for the work of the firefighters and the sacrifices they make for saving others. But his greatest and

Thursday, September 22, 2011

endless love was his family, friends and special companion “Tammy” his pet poodle. His belief in families was obvious as he established the legacy for the Gateau family traditions. In addition to his family, he enjoyed being close to the Patuxtent River and the beauties it offered. The family received friends for John’s Life Celebration on September 15, 2011 at Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Prayers were recited. A mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Father Dignan on September 16, 2011 at St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church in Hollywood, MD with interment immediately following at St. John’s Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Robert Gateau, George Gateau Sr., George Gateau Jr., George Gateau, III, John Wathen, Jr., and Joel Wathen. Honorary Pallbearers were Dan Muchow, Craig Judd, Robert Reece and Donald Finch, Sr; along with the DC Fire Department Honor Guards. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice House of St. Mary’s, P.O Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650; the American Cancer Society, 1041 Route 3 N, Bldg. A, Gambrills, MD 21054, the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 7, Hollywood, MD 20636 or the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 79, Hollywood, MD 20636. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral. com.

Rose Raley, 86 Rose G. Raley, 86, of Mechanicsville, MD died at Takoma Park, MD on Thursday, September 15, 2011. Mrs. Raley was born on April 11, 1925 in Bryantown, MD and was the daughter of the late John and Barbara Grabis. She was married on November 3, 1945 in Bryantown, MD to James C. Raley, who preceded her in death on February 21, 1997. Mrs. Raley is survived by her children; John Raley (Hilda) of Weirton, WVA, Sylvia Scumaci of Tampa, FL, Ricky Raley (Bertha) of Chaptico, MD, and Gloria Copsey of Mechanicsville, MD as well as her six grandchildren; Kristie, Mickey, Jennifer, Crystal, Russell, and Billy and six great grandchildren; Tristin, Daniel, Dessie, Jason, Cody, and Kyra. Mrs. Raley is also survived by siblings; Theresa Abell, Helena Kraugh, Kitty Burch, Ellen Anderson, Mary Alice Bradley, Ralph Grabis, and Mary Jo Cusick, She was also preceded in death by a son in law Dagger Copsey as well as her siblings; Louise Eckloff, Raymond Grabis, Dutch Grabis, Martha Hodoba, Hilda Baker. Mrs. Raley graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1944 and was a homemaker. Mrs. Raley enjoyed: Crocheting,

ceramics, bingo, crossword puzzles, duckpin bowling, and pitch. The family received friends on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, MD where a funeral service was held with Fr. John Caulfield officiating. Pallbearers were; Billy Copsey, Cody Coates, Jamie Fowler, David Abell, Jimmy Greenwell, and Danny Anderson. Interment will follow in Trinity Memorial Gardens, Waldorf, MD. Contributions in memory of Rose G. Raley may be made to the Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Tammy Shook, 52 T a m m y Jean Shook, 52, of Hollywood, MD died at her residence. Born on June 5, 1959 in Leonardtown, MD, she was the daughter of Frances Irene Johnson and the late Robert Lane McKinney. She was the loving wife of James Raymond Shook whom she married on October 2, 1999 in Hughesville, MD. Mrs. Shook is survived by her brother; Robert (Ricky) Joseph McKinney, Sr. (Theresa), of Clements, MD, one Sister in Law Sandy Radcliff (Greg), Nephew Robert Joseph McKinney, Jr., Nieces; Tiffany Lawrence, Laura McKinney, Candy Radcliff, Mandy Radcliff and one great nephew Blake Lawrence. Tammy graduated from Chopticon High School, Morganza, MD and was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County. Mrs. Shook worked as a clerical supervisor for 29 years at Civista Memorial Hospital, La Plata, MD retiring in January of 2007. Tammy loved flowers and floral designing, helping others, children, taking pictures; she loved collecting glass ornaments and had many collections. The family received friends on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, in the Mattingley – Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD with prayers recited. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church, Chaptico, MD with Fr. Jerry Gamrot officiating. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Bushwood, MD. Pallbearers will be; Robert Joseph McKinney, Sr., Timothy Quade, David McKinney, Francis Huseman, Bernard Alvey, Jr., and Michael Gass. Honorary Pallbearers will be; Joey Buckler, Leroy Cargill, Tiffany Lawrence, Harry Ray Alvey, Robert Joseph Mckinney, Jr., and Laura McKinney. Contributions made in the memory of Tammy Jean Shook may be made to the Hollywood Vol. Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 79, Hollywood, MD 20636. To leave a condolence for the family please visit www.mgfh.com.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Paul Stamnos, 87 Paul Charles Stamnos, 87 of Charlotte Hall, MD died September 14, 2011 at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. Born July 3, 1924 in Reading, PA, he was the son of the late Charles Stamnos and Christina (Janakis) Stamnos. Paul served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 until 1972. While in the Navy, he was in WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Following his retirement from the Navy, he worked for the Civil Service. He was a member of the Thomas J. Shryock Lodge, and a lifetime member of the Fleet Reserve Unit 126. Paul’s hobbies included traveling, RVing, fishing and church. Paul is survived by his four grandchildren, Christina Mangrum of Lexington Park, MD, Paula Ross of California, MD, Michelle Humphrey of Columbia, MD and Nickolas Stamos of Annapolis, MD and their spouses. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann Stamnos, and his son, Gene Stamnos. Family received friends for Paul’s Life Celebration on Monday, September 19, 2011 in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A Masonic Lodge service was held. A Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 19167 Poplar Hill Lane, Valley Lee, MD 20692. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, 29449 Charlotte Hall Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 or the Alzheimer’s Association, Southern Maryland Office, P.O. Box 1889, LaPlata, MD 20646. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral. com.

William Standish, 90 William Lee Standish, 90 of Solomons, MD died September 15, 2011 at Asbury-Solomons Nursing Center. Born September 23, 1920 in Bedford, IN, he was the son of the late Clinton Standish and Bertha (Vellom) Standish. William was a chemical salesman for Dupont Corporation for forty two years. He is survived by his sons, Leslie (Kem) Standish of California, MD, William C. Standish of Oklahoma City, OK, and John V. Standish of Hudson, OH, seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his

wife, Leslie Virginia Standish and a sister, Janet Guthrie. A private interment will take place at a later date. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral. com.

Marsha Stewart, 65 Ma r sh a Leigh Stewart, 65, of Lexington Park, Maryland died September 15, 2011, at Georgetown University Hospital after a tenyear battle with cancer. Born October 29, 1945, at Kanawha Valley Hospital in Charleston, West Virginia, to Judge James Lee and Margaret Eloise Thompson; she was the granddaughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. H.A. Erwin; and Major W.E. Thompson, to whom she was very close; all of Hurricane, West Virginia. Marsha Leigh attended Hurricane Grade and Hurricane High School; graduating in 1964 from the Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Marsha Leigh was a four-year participating summer camp student of the Interlochen Center for the Arts (formally the National Music Camp), in Interlochen, MI. Marsha Leigh married David Allen Stewart of Dameron, Maryland, in 1967, at the University of Maryland Chapel. In 1968, she graduated from American University with a degree in English, and he from the University of Maryland with a degree in Electrical Engineering. The couple moved to Hollywood, MD, in 1970, and then to Lexington Park, MD, in 1972. Marsha Leigh began her teaching career in 1982, working for St. Mary’s County Public Schools teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages. In 1984, she began teaching English and reading to grades 5 – 8 at Little Flower School under Principal Sister Francis Inez. Throughout her 26 years at LFS, she held multiple jobs; most notably Assistant Principal and then Principal (2006-2011). As an English, reading, and religion teacher and finally as an administrator, she taught, mentored, and cared for hundreds, if not thousands, of children until the very end. Marsha Leigh loved LFS, working hard every day to improve and strengthen not only the school but others’ lives. Marsha Leigh loved music, playing the organ and piano, gardening, baking, playing tennis, ice-skating, watching the LFS Patriots play basketball on Sundays, and simply spending time with her family. After a second battle with cancer, first with breast and then liver, Marsha Leigh was diagnosed a third time in April 2010 with hot spots on her ribs. After a long and courageous battle, fighting until the end, Marsha Leigh succumbed to the cancer at 11:30 P.M. on September 15th.

The County Times

She is survived by her husband David Allen Stewart, daughter Margaret Anne, and sons David Lee and Sean Colin, all of Lexington Park; parents Judge James Lee and Margaret Eloise Thompson, of Hurricane, WV; and several cousins, including William “Bill” Thompson and family of WV; Ann McKusic and family, of Ohio; and Jay and Shirley Dameron and family of Dameron, MD. Family received friends for Marsha’s Life Celebration on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 in Holy Face Catholic Church, 20476 Point Lookout Road, Great Mills, MD 20634. Prayers were recited. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at Holy Face Church. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were David Lee Stewart, Sean Colin Stewart, Richard Harrell, Mark Beckman, John Pennisi and Matt Bowes. Memorial contributions may be made to Little Flower School, 20410 Point Lookout Road, Great Mills, MD, 20634. Condolences to the family may be made at www. brinsfieldfuneral. com.

Steven Thomas,, 54 Steven Charles Thomas, 54 of California, MD died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on

September 8, 2011. Born August 16, 1957, he was the son of Mary (Campbell) Thomas of Norwalk, CA and the late William M.

Thomas. Steven moved to St. Mary’s County and was enlisted in the U.S. Navy, stationed at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station from 1981 until 1985. He started St. Mary’s Locksmith in 1985. He loved the outdoors, jet skiing, trips to Harper’s Ferry, WV, camping and sitting around with family and friends with a cold beer. He was also a member of the Elk’s Lodge. Steven is survived by his mother, Mary Thomas of Norwalk, CA, sons, Matt Thomas of Lexington Park, MD and Garrett Thomas of Jacksonville, FL, granddaughter, Alaina Thomas, fiancé, Nancy Boswell, siblings, Mike Thomas of Mountain View, CA, Bill Thomas of Topeka, KS, Jerry Thomas of Hacienda Heights, CA, and Nancy Cremer of Stockton, CA. Family received friends for Steven’s Life Celebration on Friday, September 16, 2011 in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Prayers were recited. Interment will

be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral. com.

To place a memorial please call 301-373-4125

The County Times

Callaway Store Raid Turns Up Fake Pot, Crack Pipes By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

Detectives with the county’s vice/narcotics unit raided The Corner Store in Callaway over the last week, police reported, and seized more than 200 grams of alleged synthetic marijuana as well as 210 smoking devices they claim were designed for smoking crack cocaine. The Corner Store is the second business to be raided this year due to allegations of owners deliberately selling drug paraphernalia; the first was Corner Liquors in Lexington Park, which two weeks ago received a 30-day suspension of its liquor license and a $1,000 fine after its owner pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia months before. Capt. Daniel Alioto, commander of the sheriff’s office vice/narcotics unit, said that the complaints regarding the store came from the surrounding community. Charges related to the raid are pending a review with the State’s Attorney’s Office, Alioto said Monday. “This is a perfect example where the merchant knew it was illegal,” Alioto said, adding that the pipes were secreted away for a “somewhat covert” sale. “In the end they were exposed,” he said.

Alioto would not say how long the investigation into the storefront lasted, and he said he did not know how long the sales of alleged paraphernalia and synthetic marijuana — in this case known as the “K2” brand — had been going on, but he said detectives acted quickly on the community complaint. “It was extremely swift,” Alioto said. Last year the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) ruled that brands of synthetic marijuana, sometimes peddled as incense, constituted a controlled dangerous substance and were illegal. County authorities quickly followed suit with the federal ruling and notified stores that further sales of the substance would bring law enforcement action. The presence of the substance locally was disturbing, Alioto said. Abuse of the product put people in danger of seizures and brain damage. “People aren’t realizing how dangerous K-2 is,” he said. “It’s bad stuff.” guyleonard@countytimes.net

Philip H. Dorsey III Attorney at Law

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Briefs

Police: Man Broke Into Home, Held Fake CDS

On Sept. 17, deputies responded to a disturbance on Dement Lane in California and when deputies arrived they found Timothy Wayne Downs, 28, of Piney Point exiting the residence. Investigation revealed Downs allegedly forced his way into the victim’s residence without permission. Downs was arrested. A search incident to arrest revealed Downs to be in possession of five small yellowish colored “rocks” which were packaged as if they were a controlled dangerous substance, police reported. Upon further examination it was determined the rocks were not a controlled dangerous substance but were packaged with the intent to represent a controlled dangerous substance, police alleged. Downs was arrested and charged with fourth-degree burglary and possession of a non-controlled dangerous substance.

Woman Arrested In Chili-Throwing Incident

On Sept. 17, deputies responded to a residence on Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown for an assault. Investigation revealed Melissa Marie Matteson, 31, of Leonardtown was engaged in a verbal dispute with the victim, which escalated into a physical assault when Matteson allegedly threw a bowl of chili at the victim and grabbed the victim. Matteson was arrested and charged with second-degree assault.

Repeat Offender Pleads on Gun, Sex Offense Charges By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Cleveland D. Hall II, 31 of Hollywood, a convicted sex offender took an Alford plea Tuesday to yet another sex offense count as well as a standard guilty plea for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. An Alford plea is not a guilty plea, merely an acknowledgement by the defendant that the prosecution would produce enough evidence for a jury to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. According to Hall’s plea agreement he avoids prosecution for a child abuse charge that would have resulted in a 10-year prison sentence, but instead will serve two five-year prison terms concurrently with credit for some time served locally. According to testimony from Assistant State’s Attorney Joseph Stanalonis, Hall committed a third-degree sex offense in

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2009 at his residence on Jones Wharf Road in Hollywood on two separate occasions when he pulled a young female relative down the steps and pulled off some of her clothes; in the second incident he was alleged to have reached under the victims clothes and grab their underwear and touch a private area. Investigators were also able to discover that Hall had maintained possession of a Ruger semi-automatic handgun in the years following a conviction for second-degree assault back in 2007. Being a convicted felon, Hall is prohibited by law from possessing firearms. During a warrant search at his Jones Wharf Road home police found the weapon in the same place he had admitted to police. Hall’s sentencing is set to take place Oct. 19. guyleonard@countytimes.net

Local Drug Ring Member Gets Federal Prison Sentence By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

- SERIOUS ACCIDENT, INJURY -

Paul Dewayne Dorsey, 30 of Mechanicsville, received a prison sentence last week that will keep him behind bars in a federal penitentiary for more than 11 years for his part in a cocaine smuggling and distribution ring that was rounded up by federal, state and local authorities two years ago, according to U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein’s office. Judge Peter J. Missette handed down a sentence of 137 months in prison, a U.S. Attorney’s Office press release stated, after Dorsey’s earlier guilty plea for conspiring to distribute, and possession with the intention of distributing, cocaine as well as being a convicted felon in possession of a gun and ammunition. Rosenstein said Dorsey was one of the major players in the drug ring, and for the region the ring presented a significant crime problem. “In terms of Southern Maryland this was one of the major drug rings,” Rosenstein told The County Times. “Organizations like this represent the most significant crime problem in Southern Maryland.” According to Dorsey’s guilty plea, he conspired with the ring’s reputed leader, Rodney Estep and other of its members, to sell

more than 50 grams of crack cocaine from at least June to September of 2009. Federal authorities stated that Estep received cocaine in kilogram-sized quantities from Georgia, Maryland and other locations from 2006 and 2009, where it was then smuggled into St. Mary’s County where he and others like Dorsey distributed the narcotic in its raw and cooked form. Members of the ring used residences in Morganza and Mechanicsville to ply their drug trade, federal authorities alleged, and Dorsey both distributed and assisted in the distribution of narcotics in St. Mary’s and Charles counties. A search of Dorsey’s home by law officers a little more than two years ago turned up a semi-automatic handgun, a loaded revolver, two magazines for an AK-47 pattern assault rifle and 23 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition. They also found shotgun ammunition as well as plastic baggies and a digital scale. All 15 defendants in the drug ring have pleaded guilty in federal court, federal authorities stated. Estep has already received a 14-year sentence for his part in the ring. guyleonard@countytimes.net

Thursday, September 22, 2011

The County Times

Flu Shots WILDEWOOD –

MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2011, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2011 & MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2011

10 AM - 2 PM

CHARLOTTE HALL –

MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2011 & MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2011

10 AM - 2 PM

LEONARDTOWN –

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2011, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2011 & MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2011

10 AM - 2 PM

GREAT MILLS –

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2011 & MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 201

10 AM - 2 PM

18 & Older

In The

Know Education

The County Times

Thursday, September 22, 2011

County Schools Forming Independent Ethics Board By Sarah Miller Staff Writer With an Oct. 1 deadline looming to submit an updated ethics policy – bringing local school districts policies in line with the state – St. Mary’s County Public Schools is working on finalizing new regulations to form a board of ethics that is separate from the county’s ethics commission. “Because of the distinction between the county governments and school boards, it would only make sense that we would have our own ethics panel as well,” Superintendent Michael Martirano told The County Times. The new ethics board will have no impact on the budget, costing “nothing, nothing at all” to start up, Martirano said. The ethics board will be comprised completely of community volunteers and have no bearing on the operating budget, current or future. The school district, along with the county government, will also be coming in line with the stricter conflict of interest and financial disclosure policies already applied to state officials, delegates and representatives. The action is precipitated by the Implementation of SB 315 – Chapter 277 of the Acts of 2010, Requirements for Local Public Ethics Laws and Board of Education Regulations for Counties, Municipal Corporations and Board of Education Members. “There are people who don’t like that,” said Delegate John

F. Wood Jr. (D-29A), who has been filling out the ethics forms since the 1980s. Wood said between public officials and the community, there should be no secrets. People who have qualms about fully disclosing details concerning their financials, debts, property owned and businesses they or family members have a vested interest in, among other things, they should not be taking up a public office to begin with. Martirano said the more stringent disclosure requirements are a double-edged sword. It allows for more transparency between the school district and the public, but it also may be a deterrent for people who were thinking about applying for leadership roles that would call for them to fill out and file the full disclosure documents. Individuals filling out the forms include “anyone who has any form of responsibility associated with the execution of contracts or budget issues in the school system.” This includes Martirano, principals, directors and supervisors in the school district. All told, more than 100 people will be filling out and filing the disclosure forms every year. On the whole, Martirano said he welcomes the challenges and increased transparency, along with the opportunity it affords to create a new ethics panel, something he has wanted to do for “several years.” “With the change in the standards from the state for local governments and school systems to be more compliant at the

Walkers Raise Poverty Awareness By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Saturday morning, community members laced up their walking shoes to participate in the fourth annual Friend of the Poor Walk in Leonardtown. The walk, originating from Father Andrew White School, was a 5K going two laps around Leonardtown, giving participants the McCauley, Michael Harper, Virgil chance to stop at Michael Banowetz and Judy Burroughs are ready to the half way point, walk. Friend of the Poor Walk Co-chairperson Parry Belanger said. Over the past three years, the walk has raised $50,000. The money goes to the churches in the St. Vincent de Paul Society to help pay for assistance programs, Belanger said. The churches help people in need pay for food, medications, rent, electricity or oil. She said the churches get the most requests for assistance with the electric bill. The walk in Leonardtown is the only Friend of the Poor Walk in Maryland, though it is a nationwide event. Between the sponsors for the walk, which include Outback Steak-

house, SMECO and Cheeseburger in Paradise, and the number of walkers, which has gone from 200 to more than 400, Belanger she sees a lot of support from the community. “We’re so pleased with how the community has helped us out with our walk,” Belanger said. Kayla Goldring, a sixth grade student at Father Andrew White School, said she likes being involved in the walk because she gets to help people by participating. “You get to walk for something that’s a true cause,” she said. sarahmiller@countytimes.net Photos by Sarah Miller Emily White, Andrea Vavrus and Kayla Goldring lead the Friends of the Poor walk out of Father Andrew White School.

state level, and the fact that we are no longer a small organization it’s necessary for us to have our own ethics panel,” he said. The new ethics board would meet quarterly, and more often as there is need. He said the volunteers will apply and be reviewed directly by him before being appointed. The new board will be a five-member panel serving five-year terms with the opportunity to serve consecutive terms. He said to begin, they will set shorter terms, only two or three years, until there is a mix of people with experience and people new to the board. Sarah Cannavo, Executive Secretary to the St. Mary’s County Ethics Commission, said she sees no potential issues with the school district forming their own ethics board. She said the board of ethics never has any real issues finding people to serve and doesn’t see the schools board being any different. While EASMC president Wanda Twigg said she hasn’t had time to go through the new board of ethics with a “fine tooth comb,” she sees issues coming out of the new disclosure requirement involving people wanting to take leadership positions in the school system. She said the new disclosures may “raise a few eyebrows” and prevent some people from taking positions in the school system or board of education in order to protect their privacy. “I’m concerned on the overall effect,” she said. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

After Budget Dust Settles, Schools Have 40 Less Teaching Positions By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Amid the budget wrangling for St. Mary’s County Public Schools this spring, more than a dozen teachers were laid off, only to be hired back a few weeks later. After the dust has settled from the budget process, no one was laid off for good, but 40.5 teaching positions were eliminated with this new school year, according to Director of Fiscal Services, Greg Nourse. This outcome was the result of a mix of incentives for retirement and the normal movement of teachers from one area to another. The schools budget was worked out so everyone still had a job, though some positions looked a little different than they were originally. Since Oct 15, 2010, 98 people resigned or retired from teaching and administration positions, according to Dale Farrell, St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) supervisor of human resources. He said the books are kept October 15 from one calendar year to another. The 2011-2012 cycle will begin in October. From teaching positions, which include teachers, media specialists, registered nurses and councilors, 40 employees retired and 47 resigned. Nine employees retired from administrative positions and another three resigned. Two teachers were promoted to administrative positions, Farrell said. The number of new employees hired to teaching positions is down from the previous year, from 90 new hired in the 2009-2010 cycle to 48 this year. In addition to the teaching and administrative positions cut, 12 positions had to be cut from the SMCPS support staff. Chief Operating Officer Brad Clements said all of the 12 positions came from resigning and retiring. He said two maintenance positions were lost, 10 positions in operations and another two in safety and security. Of the positions cut, Clements said they are hoping to have an HVAC tech position opened to hire in the next budget. They are currently looking for a security tech, a position that has so far been contracted out. “It’s much better to have one in house,” Clements said. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

The County Times

Thursday, September 22, 2011

SAT, AP Scores Highest Since 2006 By Sarah Miller Staff Writer

A record number of St. Mary’s Students are taking Advanced Placement (AP) tests and scoring a three or higher, qualifying them for college credit. The number of students taking and scoring high on the SAT tests are also at a record high since 2006. Schools Superintendent Michael Martirano said this is an especially significant achievement because, for the first time since 2006, both the number of test takers and the scores above three have both been higher. Until now, the problem with these tests has been if the number of students testing increased, the number of those scoring well has gone down. “We have broken through a major wall here,” Martirano said. With AP tests, 2,332 tests were administered and 47.5 percent of them scored a three or higher. Information supplied by the school also showed the scores in SAT scores for SMCPS are higher than both the state and national averages “The results of these tests are phenomenal for us,” Martirano said. He credited the test scores with the rigor to which the students are submitted. Martirano’s goals involve getting every student in at least

one AP course, which will help prepare them for the academic challenges they will face in college. “The success of a student in college is not always defined by a student’s grade point average.” There are a number of students who take classes that are easier, get high grades and a high GPA, but aren’t prepared for the rigor of college, he said. To keep from backsliding, Martirano said they will continue to challenge students and continue what they have been doing. Chief Academic Officer Linda Dudderar echoed Martirano’s statement, saying the rigorous coursework and high expectations are what has caused an increasing trend of the numbers of students taking AP and SAT tests and doing well on them. In addition to encouraging students across the board into more challenging coursework, they have been focusing on minority groups and getting them into AP courses. Dudderar said the number of African American students taking AP courses and tests are also at an all time high. For more information, visit www.smcps. org. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

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Newsmakers

The County Times

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Local Singer, Songwriter Working On First CD

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Amidst the sound reducing panels, professional microphones and the man behind the mixing board, Devante Jones of Lexington Park is taking his lifelong dream of singing

Devante Jones

professionally to the next level. Jones entered KMH Recording Studio in Lusby for the first time yesterday to lay down his latest album – “Broken Boundaries of Existence.” Though he has recorded two previous CDs on his own, “Liberation” and “Imperfections of a Rebel,” Jones said his newest CD is his first at a professional recording studio and he hoped to make it his “breakout” album. He said while he liked his first CDs, he has learned enough from them to make his third something special. “They’re good, but I don’t think they’re as good as the new one,” he said. The Southern Maryland native said the professional recording, as opposed to the recordings he made himself where background sound was still audible, will sound more like the type of things music agents and larger re- Jones works on mixing his tracks. cording studios listen for. Michael Jackson, Beyonce and Usher, among “You want people to take you seriother musical styles and artists. ously when they listen to your stuff,” Jones said he has been singing since he Jones said. was 8 years old, but gave it up once he hit Influences on Jones’ sound include puberty and his voice changed. His brother, Tereaz Teylor, talked him into singing again and pursuing his dream. “I created a monster,” Teylor said. Jones said he “used to sing other people’s songs,” and began trying his hand at songwriting during the last couple of years. So far, he said he has penned 80 songs, creating a different feel for each CD he put together. His newest CD has a hip-hop and rhythm and blues sound. Previous songs have had pop and rock themes to them. Jones’ songs are what he calls “anthems” and “empowerment songs” with uplifting messages based on his life experiences. He considered adding his best song from the previous CDs, but decided against it. The older songs would not have meshed well with the sound he’s creating with “Broken Boundaries of Existence” and if he’s going to use

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Jones and Keith Harancher discuss his upcoming CD.

Photos by Sarah Miller

his newest CD as his starting point, Jones said he wants it to all be fresh. He stays away from techno and club type music, preferring cleaner instruments and less synthetic sounds. Jones himself has played clarinet, saxophone and flute, but said he hasn’t picked up any of them in a while. He said he does admire people who can play instruments well and enjoy doing so. “It’s incredible what you can do with an instrument when you know how to use it,” Jones said. Keith Harancher, owner of KMH Recording Studio, said he enjoys getting first time recorders into his studio, though he also has recording studio veterans in to record. “Everyone has to start somewhere,” he said. The recording studio started as a personal project of Harancher’s in Maine, and moved to Lusby in 1999. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Thursday, September 22, 2011

The County Times

Community New Apartments Going Up

Photo by Sean Rice Construction is underway on a parcel of land behind the California Staples Store off FDR Blvd for the Settlers Landing Apartments, the newest apartment complex in St. Mary’s County. The complex will have 245 units, according to county planning officials.

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The County Times

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Community Taste of St. Mary’s

Photos by Sarah Miller Shannon Byrnes with Island Bar and Crab House serves up a tasty treat during Taste of St. Mary’s on Sunday, while other customers get some traditional Southern Maryland Stuffed Ham.

Friends of Ripple 5K Run/Walk for Fun The Friends of Ripple will hold their 3rd Annual 5K Run/Walk for Fun on Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seaman ship in Piney Point. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. and the race starts at 8:00 a.m. The pre-registration cost is $20 for an individual ($25 on race day) and $35 for a family of 3 ($40 on race day). Preregistration ends October 1, 2011. All proceeds go toward supporting activities for participants of St. Mary’s Adult Medical Day Care at the Ripple Center in Hollywood, Maryland. The Friends of Ripple also support the Center’s efforts to secure an additional bus to transport the center’s growing population. To register visit www.active.com <http://www.active.com> and use keyword “Ripple 5K” or contact Dorothy Flynn at 301-373-6515 or by email at marketing@stmarysamdc.com.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

The County Times

Wedding Announcement

Community Miedzinski & Kearney Community Members ‘Arrested’ to Help CareNet

Commander and Mrs. Robert F. Miedzinski of Leonardtown, MD, announce the engagement of their daughter, Jessica Maria, to LCPL Richard Kearney, Jr., USMC, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Kearney, Sr. of Georgetown, DE. The bride is a 2003 graduate of St. Mary’s Ryken High School, a 2007 graduate of Notre Dame of Maryland University (formerly the College of Notre Dame of Maryland), and a 2009 graduate of Stevenson University. She currently works as a Paralegal in Baltimore. Photos by Sarah Miller

Jessica Bowles gets arrested in front of the whole student body.

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer

money, after a dubious defense by lawyer Ben Slick, played by Skip Jones, and a sentencing by Judge Ment, played by John Papier, at a mock trial at the court house. The jail bail is one of CareNet’s smaller fundraisers, Keen said, coming in behind the baby bottle fundraiser and the annual CareNet Banquet. For more information on CareNet and the programs offered, visit www.carenetsomd.org.

Twenty members of the community, including principals, priests and a state delegate, were voluntarily “arrested”for the third annual CareNet Pregnancy Center jail and bail fundraising event. The event this year brought in approximately $23,000, according to CareNet executive director Cheryl Keen, with each detainee’s bail being set at a minimum of $1,500. sarahmiller@countytimes.net One of the community members approached to help raise money this year was Delegate John Wood (D-29A), who said he appealed to friends and church members to donate money for his bail. “I’ve always been a pro-life person,” Wood said. He was happy to help support CareNet in supporting young and unprepared parents to prepare for a child. “When they came to ask, I was pleased they asked,” Wood said. He said his goal was to double the amount necessary for his bail, a goal he exceeded by $300, giving CareNet a total of $3,300. Mother Catherine Spalding Principal Jessica Bowles appealed to her students to help raise money, giving all 127 kids a baby bottle to fill with loose change from their parents, family, neighbors and even their own pockets. The CareNet jail bail is only one of a handful of fundraisers and charities Mother Catherine Spalding School participates in every year. “We try to do things here and there, but not push too much,” Bowles said. Some children even accompanied Bowles to the old jailhouse in Leonardtown to hand over her bail Billy Cusic hauls John Wood off to the Leonardtown jailhouse.

The groom is a 2002 graduate of Sussex Technical High School. He is currently assigned to Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, CA as a Legal Services Specialist. The couple is planning a November 12, 2011 wedding to be held at St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church in Hollywood.

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The County Times

Thursday, Sept. 22 • YPI Meeting Olde Town Pub (22785 Washington Street, Leonardtown) – 6 p.m. The Young Professionals Initiative of St. Mary’s County (YPI-SMC) will host a General Body Meeting and Happy Hour. Young professionals living or working in St. Mary’s County are invited to come find out what YPI has been up to, and what events are have planned for the Fall. If you are not a member of YPI, this is a great and informal way to learn more about the organization and to get involved. The Young Professionals Initiative of St. Mary’s County is a group dedicated to attracting and retaining young professionals in Southern Maryland. YPI-SMC hosts social and community events in the interest of young professionals.

Friday, Sept. 23 • Home Spun Coffee House Christ Church Parish Hall (37497 Zach Fowler Road, Chaptico) – 7 p.m. The Home Spun Coffee House will sponsor an Open Mic night. This is a great event with many varieties of music and lots of friendship, so if you haven’t been to an SMTMD event before, this is a great time to start. The doors open at 7 p.m., and the music starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5, and performers are admitted free. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, or to sign up to perform, contact John Garner at carthagena@wildblue.net or call at 301-904-4987. • Speaker Series - Jennifer Van Horn Sotterley Plantation Barn (44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood) – 7 p.m. Sotterley Plantation is proud to partner with The Boeing Company in presenting Jennifer Van Horn. Her presentation entitled, “Re-Interpreting Mount Vernon’s Greenhouse Slave Quarters” will be the final presentation of this year’s Speaker Series at Sotterley. In November of 2010, Mount Vernon reopened the Greenhouse Slave Quarters after an extensive restoration. This talk will explore the new interpretation of the men’s and women’s sleep-

ing rooms (located in wings on either side of the Greenhouse), which originally housed approximately 50 of George Washington’s male and female slaves. None of the slave cabins survive today. Much of what we know about the living conditions of Mount Vernon’s slaves is due to a 1798 written account by a visitor. Mount Vernon interprets the slave cabin as home to Scilla, who lived on Dogue Run Farm with her six children. Her husband, Slammin’ Joe, lived and worked at the Mansion House farm. Because of the generous grant and continued support from The Boeing Company, Sotterley Plantation is able to offer this important community outreach, fulfilling its mission of serving as an educational resource and cultural venue while it seeks to preserve, interpret and research the plantation’s diverse cultures and environments through its history. This event is free to the public. Please call for reservations at 301-373-2280 as seating is limited.

Saturday, Sept. 24 • Giving Back to the Community Run For Life Brandywine Lions Club (11585 Cherry Tree Crossing Road, Brandywine) – 6:30 a.m. 5K run, 2 mile walk. Check in starts at 6:30, the run begins at 8 a.m. and the awards ceremony starts at 9:30 a.m. Proceeds go to benefit Needy Kids, Inc. For more information, e-mail www.elife.org or call 301-717-6382. • Yard Sale Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad (45245 Drayden Road, Valley Lee) – 8:30 a.m. Clean out your home and reserve a table for $10. All proceeds from the yardsale go to benefit the Valley Lee Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad. For more information, or to reserve a table 301-994-1960. • Giving Back to the Community Run For Life Asbury Solomons Retirement Community Auditorium (11000 Asbury Circle, Solomons) – 6:30 a.m. This will include Betty’s Closet a resale

Thursday, September 22, 2011

clothing of new and gently used clothing and accessories. The library committee will have many books for sale. Granny’s Treasures will also be open, selling house wares, furniture and many miscellaneous items. Asbury Sails will also be open selling gifts. All proceeds will benefit the Asbury Solomons Benevolent Care Fund. For more information, call 410-394-3483 • Fourth Annual Ritchie Day Memorial Poker Run Seabreeze Restaurant (27130 South Sandgates Road, Mechanicsville) – 9:30 a.m. Registration starts at Seabreeze at 9:30 a.m. and the ride starts at 11 a.m. First draw is at Heavy Hitters in Mechanicville, second is at Back Road Inn in Compton, third is at Brass Rail in Great Mills, fourth is at Toots Bar in Hollywood and the final draw is back at Seabreeze. Price of admission is $20 for bikes, cars and trucks, $10 for additional riders and $10 for the after party. For more information, call 301-481-6924 or 410-739-7615. • Wounded Marines Poker Run Jaags Cycle (23966 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood) – 11 a.m. Registration at Jaags Cycle Shop will start at 11 a.m. with the ride beginning at noon. There is a $25 entry fee with a $250 prize for the best poker hand. T-shirts will be provided for riders. All motorcycles welcomed. The final stop is a party with live music at Tall Timbers Marina in Tall Timbers, Maryland. All proceeds go to Marines Helping Marines which is an organization dedicated to helping our injured heroes after being wounded in our defense. For more information contact Billy Breslin at 301-904-5412.

Sunday, Sept. 25 • Solomons Offshore Grand Prix Solomons Riverwalk, Glascock Field, Solomons – 9 a.m. Offshore racing fans can look forward to the 2nd Annual Solomons Offshore Grand Prix sponsored by Bayside Chevrolet-Toyota. Spectactors will get a firsthand look at the boats as they tour the pits on Friday. Up to 50

boats will compete in this race with trials on Saturday, September 24 and races Sunday. For more information, visit www.solomonsrace. com.

Monday, Sept. 26 • Speaker at St. Mary’s College Auerbach Auditorium, Mary’s Hall (18952 E. Fisher Rd St. Mary’s City) – 8:15 a.m. Jeffrey Kripal, author of “Mutants and Mystics: Science Fiction, Superhero Comics, and the Paranormal,” will focus on how the paranormal has helped generate popular cultural genres of pulp fiction, science fiction, and superhero comics. Kripal is the chair of the Department of Religious Studies at Rice University. This talk is free and open to the public

Tuesday, Sept. 27 • Fall Crafternoon Charlotte Hall Library (37600 New Market Road, Charlotte Hall) – 1 p.m. Lexington Park Library (21677 FDR Boulivard, Lexington Park) – 1 p.m. Kids ages 4-12 can drop in and complete an All About Me craft. Supplies are provided and admission is free. For more information, call 301-884-2211 or 301-863-8188 or visit www.stmalib.org.

Wednesday, Sept. 28 • Free Line Dance Lessons Hotel Charles (15100 Burnt Store Road, Hughesville) – 7 p.m. The Boot Scooters of Southern Maryland are offering free Line Dance. The lessons will be followed by the regular weekly practice session. Anyone interested in obtaining more information about these lessons or interested joining the Boot Scooters of Southern Maryland can contact them through the link on their website at: www.bootscootersofsomd. blogspot.com.

CHURCH SERVICES DIRECTORY Running the 2nd & 4th Week of Each Month

To Advertise in the Church Services Directory, Call The County Times at 301-373-4125

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Discussions 3rd Wed. 7-8 Lex Pk Library, Longfellow Rm 301-884-8764 or www.bahai.org

A member of the Southern Baptist Convention 8505 Leonardtown Road, Hughesville, MD 20637 301-884-8645 or 301-274-3627 Pastor Keith Corrick Associate Pastor Kevin Cullins

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UNITED CATHOLIC METHODIST

Offering worship and serving opportunities at… First Friendship campus – Ridge 9:00 am Traditional worshipc St George Island campus – Piney Point 9:45 am Children and Adult Sunday School 11:00 am Traditional worship St. Paul’s campus – Leonardtown 8:05 am Traditional worshipna 9:15 am Contemporary worshipnca(ASL Interpreted) 10:45 am Contemporary worshipnca 6:00 pm The Refinery (interactive worship)nc n – nursery provided c- children’s Sunday school also available a- adult Sunday school also available

www.firstsaints.org 301.475.7200

My name is Allison. I was born in May of 2011. I am from a litter of 9 kittens. I am so happy that the folks at FCR decided to take care of us. It was getting hard for our mom to feed all of us! Now we are in a nice, cool house with lots of tasty food. I no longer go hungry and I have a comfortable, dry place to live. We’ve got it made now. My foster mom says I am a sweet girl with lots of potential to become a world-class snuggler. I am getting use to being picked up and I really enjoy being petted. Do you think I may be able to snuggle with you some day? If you think so, you can contact my foster mom at jeanne@feralcatrescuemd.org. You could call her at 240-314-9770. Shed love to tell you all about me. I am spayed, current on vaccines, micro chipped and I tested negative for feline leukemia and FIV. So what are you waiting for?? Email my foster mom so we can get started on our furrever life together. Can’t wait to meet you.... Allison

Thursday, September 22, 2011

The County Times

Habitat for Humanity to Fix Veterans’ Homes By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Armed with a $100,000 grant from Home Depot, the Patuxent River Habitat for Humanity will begin patching up homes for veterans and improving their quality of life. Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Pamela Shubert said they will be spending up to $10,000 per house, which can cover work such as building ramps, fixing roofs, replacing water heaters and other projects. Because volunteers are doing the work, Shubert said all the money can go toward building materials and needs for each house. The only thing the volunteers will not be able to clean up is asbestos and mold. For potential health hazards such as those, Shubert said they will have to bring in specialists, and pay them for their work. “Because we’re working with volunteers and not paying for labor, the $10,000 will go a long way,” she said. She said the work being done to the can be “anything that’s a crucial, life saving issue.” The intent is to improve the quality of life for the veterans. The houses they work on have to be the primary residence for the veterans, though it doesn’t necessarily have to be owned by the veteran, Shubert said. In order to be eligible to apply for more money, Shubert said Habitat for Humanity has to spend the whole $100,000 on home repairs and modifications by May 31, 2012. The veterans also pay back part of the money spent on their homes, as they are able. This way, the veterans won’t feel like they’re accepting charity. “This isn’t meant to be a handout,” Shubert said. “We want to preserve their dignity.” The amount they pay back and their payment plan is individual to each veteran. The veterans they’re targeting are in low-to-moderate income brackets. For more information, visit www.patuxenthabitat.org. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Benefit Golf Tournament On Friday, Oct. 1, the 19th annual Golf Tournament to benefit Special Olympics St. Mary’s County and The Center for Life Enrichment will be held at Wicomico Shores Golf Course. This is a Captain’s choice foursome event – Shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams, putting contest and other events are planned. Fee includes green fees, cart, refreshments (during play) and a luncheon reception after the tournament. Interested in supporting or playing in this event? For more information or to register, please call Laurie at 301-373-8100 ext. *814. The event is sponored by the Boeing Company, Cheseldine’s Tire & Auto, The Knights of Columbus #1470 and PNC Bank.

Vendors Spots Still Open For Monster Rockfish Fest Greenwell has a few remaining spots to fill for the Monster Rockfish Festival so the deadline has been extended until Oct. 1, 2011. The Greenwell Foundation seeks food and commercial vendors, and artists and crafters for the 2nd Annual Monster Rockfish Festival scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 30 (11am-5pm) at Greenwell State Park in Hollywood. The Festival features the 2nd Annual Rockfish Cook-Off featuring restaurants from the greater Maryland area. Be sure your restaurant or catering business is part of this opportunity to win the People’s Choice Award! This year the event focuses on the great outdoors. We seek commercial vendors that have products or services to offer that may enhance someone’s appreciation of kayaking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, hunting, camping or other outdoor activities. Information and applications available on the Greenwell Foundation Web site: www.greenwellfoundation.org. The Monster Rockfish Festival is being held in conjunction with the 2nd Annual Monster Rockfish Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 29. Tournament registration is open now: www.monsterrockfishtournament.com.

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The County Times

Thursday, September 22, 2011

The County Times is always looking for more local talent to feature! To submit art or band information for our entertainment section, e-mail sarahmiller@countytimes.net.

Dinner and a Show With the Whodunnit Players By Sarah Miller Staff Writer

said.

The latest dinner and a show Murder Mystery to come to DiGiovanni’s in Solomons is getting ready to begin October 4. ,” is the The mystery, “ latest in a line of mystery theater plays written by St. Mary’s County local Millie Coryer-Dhu and produced by the Whodunnit Players. The play opens during a party hosted by Senator Joseph H. Dolan, portrayed by James LePore, to celebrate his recent exoneration from the murder of Christina Moore, an escort from Washington, D.C. Dianna Burke, played by Joanna Kenlon, was the lawyer with Holmes & Holmes representing Senator Dolan during his trial. Right from the start, she expresses her doubts about the senator’s innocence, not sure the not guilty verdict was gotten legitimately. She suspects jury tampering, among other things, but can’t find the evidence to prove her theory. Flashback scenes to the beginning of the trial allow the audience to make up their own mind on the legitimacy of the trial and the senator’s guilt. And, just to keep things interesting, it is up to the audience to ferret out the guilty party in a second murder. For diners wanting to take a more active role in the play, there are several small roles Coryer-Dhu has allocated to be played by volunteers from the audience. These actors are given their scripts at the beginning of the evening, and have to pay attention to know when it is time to read their lines, though Coryer-Dhu said the actors don’t get angry if an audience member misses their entrance. “It makes it funny when they don’t come in on cue,” Coryer-Dhu said. Doug Graupman, playing investigative reporter Josh Harrison, said seeing how the script works around and with the audience members is part of the fun.

“It’s amazing what they come out with,” he

Sometimes audience members will do exactly as required and everything goes smoothly, but other times the audience either adds to their lines or skips lines. If the lines skipped are important to the story line, the actors have to go back and coax the lines out of the audience member while making it feel natural. Coryer-Dhu said she began writing the mysteries after dining with her husband at DiGiovanni’s and deciding the restaurant was the perfect location for a dinner show. The more Coryer-Dhu thought about it, the more she realized that it would be very difficult to afford the use of dinner theater scripts and the other assorted costs of getting a full production up and running. “It was very disappointing,” Coryer-Dhu said. It was then that her husband, Robert Dhu, suggested she write the play on her own. While at first Coryer-Dhu said she was unsure about that idea, she thought about her history, which involved her father being a cop in rural New York and her friend’s father being involved in the court system, and decided she might be able to write a script after all. For Graupman, this is his first play with the Whodunnit Players. He said he met Coryer-Dhu at the Newtowne Player’s Footlight Festival, and joined up with “A D.C. Murder and More” out of curiosity. A couple of the actors are veterans of CoryerDhu’s plays. Gloria Ranta, playing senator’s aid Claudia Hampton has been acting with Coryer-Dhu since she first started productions at the local senior centers. Kenlon also acted with Coryer-Dhu in the now defunct Patuxent Playhouse. Tickets for “A D.C. Murder and More” are $56.40 and must be purchased in advance. Tickets include entry into the play, dinner, tax and tip and the first drink of the night. To make reservations, call 410-394-6400. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Photos by Sarah Miller Robert Dhu and Millie Croyer-Dhu run rehearsals in the Dhu household.

Josh Harrison (Doug Graupman) and Senator Joseph Dolan (James LePore) butt heads during the celebration at DiGiovanni’s.

Benefit Golf Tournament

The Center for Life Enrichment

to benefit Special Olympics St. Mary’s County and

is selling bricks with names or titles engraved on them, a great way to acknowledge or memorialize someone.

The Center for Life Enrichment

Friday, September 30th our 20th annual Golf Tournament at Wicomico Shores Golf Course Captain’s choice foursome event. Shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place teams based on flights, putting contest and other events. Fee includes green fees, cart, refreshments (during play) and a luncheon reception after the tournament. Interested in supporting or playing in this event? For more information or to register, please call Laurie at 301-373-8100 ext. *814.

Both organizations are United Way Agencies! Sponsored by Advantica, Boeing Company,

PNC Bank, The Knights of Columbus #1470 & RJ Princinsky Associates/HSC

These bricks will be placed in the sidewalk and entrance to the front of the Center in Hollywood. Cost per brick is $125.00 entrance or $100.00 sidewalk. For additional information please call 301-373-8100 or e-mail at contact@tcle.org

Thursday, September 22, 2011

The County Times

Business

Directory Phone 301-884-5900 1-800 524-2381

Phone 301-934-4680 Fax 301-884-0398

To Place a Classified Ad, please email your ad to: classifieds@countytimes.net or Call: 301-373-4125 or Fax: 301-373-4128 for a price quote. Office hours are: Monday thru Friday 8am - 4pm. The County Times is published each Thursday.

Classifieds Real Estate 5 acre lot located at the Waters Edge in Lake Anna, VA. Boat slip at end of dock with deep water. Lot is located on a street which ends in a cul de sac. Close to pool, tennis courts and marina. Motivated seller. $69,000 or best offer. 301-997-8046.

Cross & Wood

AssoCiAtes, inC. Serving The Great Southern Maryland Counties since 1994 Employer/Employee

Primary Resource Consultants Group & Individual Health, Dental, Vision, AFLAC, Life, Long Term Care, Short & Long Term Disability, Employer & Employee Benefits Planning

12685 Amberleigh Lane La Plata, MD 20646

Deadlines for Classifieds are Tuesday at 12 pm.

Real Estate Rentals Nice 3 bedroom 2 bath single family home with indoor hot tub on 3/4 acre. Rear deck and a 12X10 shed with lighting. Rent: $1400. 240-832-8589.

28231 Three Notch Rd, #101 Mechanicsville, MD 20659

Cottage for Rent

Pub & Grill

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Heating & Air Conditioning

23415 Three Notch Road California Maryland

“THE HEAT PUMP PEOPLE” 30457 Potomac Way Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 Phone: 301-884-5011

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Addie McBride

Cell: 301-481-6767 Home: 301-737-1669 www.addiemcbride.com addiemcbride@verizon.net

Helping Good People Find Good Homes.

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22316 Three Notch Rd. Lexington Park, MD 20653 Office: 1-800-848-6092 • Office: 301-862-2222 • Fax Office: 301-862-1060

Yard Sales

Cutting Close Lawn Care Service Mowing Trimming Edging Blowing

Waverly Crafton • Owner

Flower beds General yard cleanup Tree Planting

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CAPTAIN LEONARD’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Employment

Seeking friendly, energetic individuals to serve patrons of resort hotel, restaurant and conference center. Candidate must be minimum of 18 yrs old and be available to work nights and weekends. Please send resume; application will also be required and can be sent to applicant via e-mail. Call 410-3943616 for more info.

Franzen Realtors, Inc.

Services Provided:

Split foyer for rent. Located in Sandgates. Very clean, freshly painted, new carpet, large rooms, washer and dryer on quiet 1.5 acres. No section eight. Available Oct. 1. Rent: $1200. 240-925-7402.

Drivers: Regional & OTR. Start up to $.41/mi + Excellent Benefits. 401K + Bonuses. Miles & Guaranteed Hometime! CDL-A 6mos. exp. (888) 219-8043

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1 bedroom, 1.5 baths, Medley’s Neck area, $1,100.00 per month. Please call 301-475-8318. Alternate contact, 301-475-9304.

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Community yard sale at the Prince Frederick Fire house (north bound side) off of Rt 4. Household goods, small appliances, kids and baby items and much, much more! 8 am to 1 pm.

MOVING SALE

Prime Rib • Seafood • Sunday Brunch Banquet & Meeting Facilities 23418 Three Notch Road • California, MD 20619 www.lennys.net

Rain or Shine – Saturday September, 24 7:00 am till Dark 37950 Hatchet Thicket Road • Avenue, MD 1968 Plymouth Fury 1979 Ford Dump Truck 1984 Winnebago – with actual mileage Fishing boat with motor Jacuzzi Tub And many household items for sale.

Important

27301 Three Notch Rd. Mechanicsville, MD

301-884-3701

Sun, Wed, Thur: 12 – 9 Fri, Sat: 12 – 10 • Closed: Mon and Tues

The County Times will not be held responsible for any ads omitted for any reason. The County Times reserves the right to edit or reject any classified ad not meeting the standards of The County Times. It is your responsiblity to check the ad on its first publication and call us if a mistake is found. We will correct your ad only if notified after the first day of the first publication ran.

The County Times

CLUES ACROSS

ner

e i d d i K Kor

1. Early European people 5. P&G soap bar brand 10. Goes with cola 14. Fencing sword 15. Sonia __, Brazilian actress 16. 6th Hebrew month 17. Mother of Zeus 18. Any watery animal fluid 19. One point E of NE 20. Farm state 21. Consumed 22. 6th tone of the scale 23. Bureaus 27. Lowest male voices 30. 89301 NV 31. Turns into noun 32. Burial city of Wm. the Conqueror 35. Stone parsley 38. Grabs 42. Winglike structures 43. Tennessee 44. Touchdown 45. Swiss river 46. On the positive side 47. Diplomatic agent (var. sp.) 49. A light two-wheel carriage 50. Computer-aided manufacturing 52. Though (informal usage) 54. Cuts all ties 56. So. Pacific loose skirt

Thursday, September 22, 2011

59. One of the blood groups 60. Soft shell clam genus 62. Exclamation of surprise 63. Small water craft 66. Put an end to 68. Hillside (Scot.) 70. Prefix for internal 71. Twain _____, CA 95383 72. Proceeding rate 73. “Love Story” actor O’Neil 74. Excavate things buried 75. Gremlins

CLUES DOWN

1. Contains cerium 2. Kor = 10 X 3. Side sheltered from the wind 4. Green or Earl Gray 5. “Sunday Morning” network 6. = length x width 7. Belonging to TV’s Stewart 8. Chills and fever 9. Edible tuberous root 10. Common soup container 11. A lyric poem of some length 12. A telegram sent abroad 13. Regions 24. Grow old 25. Atomic #81 26. Groups of physiologically

related organs 27. Robbers 28. Public promotion of a product 29. E. Kennedy was one 32. Something serving as a cover 33. Every 34. Cologne 36. Hostelry 37. Word element meaning “ear” 39. Swiss river 40. Women’s undergarment 41. 9th calendar month (abbr.) 48. Island name with 7 down 51. Atomic #18 53. Expresses surprise 54. Stout sword 55. Black wood 57. Civil Rights group 58. Clarified Indian butters 60. Not kind 61. __ Spumante (Italian wine) 64. Dentist’s organization 65. 2000 pounds 66. NYSE symbol for China Unicom 67. Records electric brain currents 68. Characters in one inch of tape 69. A male sheep

Last Week’s Puzzle Solutions

Thursday, September 22, 2011

The County Times

Wanderings A Journey Through Time of an Aimless

Min

By Shelby Oppermann Contributing Writer

Fall… At Last

It was nice to walk outside this morning and not get bombarded with mosquitoes. Some of them must be getting ready to retreat for the cooler weather. Thank goodness fall is finally here…did I say how much I love Fall? That means we can again enjoy leisurely nights by the firepit either by ourselves or with friends and family. Not this weekend though. I am excited to be going to a Pampered Chef / Dove Chocolate party. I had just started looking into the new chocolate, and chocolate and wine parties advertised in the magazines. Now a friend is having one on Friday. My husband should probably be going instead of me since he loves anything-chocolate…dark chocolate primarily, but I will suffer through for the family honor. In fact, the last thing I made before the power went out during Hurricane Irene was a Devil’s Food cake with homemade cocoa frosting. Well, you have to eat don’t you? Saturday will be an evening trip to the County Fair with, I hope, all four grandkids, and then a sleepover. Two of my grandkids love to make crafts, so I better get some crafts in mind. Every child sees something different when they see grandparents – ours see crafts with BeBe (that’s me). Two of our grandkids have not yet had a craft night, so I hope we can fit it in. Sunday is church and football. Not a bad weekend at all. I must add that the County Fair seems to improve and look better every year. I don’t think John and Ann Richards will ever be allowed to quit. As beautiful as today is, I would enjoy nothing more than staying outside all day on my day off, but lists call. I’m sure I will find my way back outside later on. I am halfway done on organizing the extra bedroom (when you can see the bed) /storage room. Only so many grandkids can fit on the couches. While going through my sons’ old school papers, and lots of other items that have found their way into the storage black hole, I came across two folded up, and hidden report cards from 2003, and a check that my ex-husband wrote for school pictures that same year. I know Ryan is 24, working and on his own, but I told him he was on restriction. I also left a message for my ex saying he could write off that check now. The mystery of the missing class pictures has been solved. I reminded Ryan of the missing egg he was supposed to babysit for a class project one year. After a short time that case was solved too. The backpack had to be thrown out however. Tidbit had an anxious moment this morning. We came out the front door and she immediately noticed two black balls of fur on the ground. The balls were black and ginger colored, but didn’t move or anything. We both cautiously edged towards them, and then Tidbit stuck her nose right in the middle of one. When it didn’t move, I kneeled down to look closer. I had wondered what had happened to Tidbit’s stuffed squirrel that had been mercilessly shredded by my husband “the mad lawn mowing machine”. Apparently the birds or squirrels had gathered the pieces, added twigs and such and made nests. Little feathers were stuck inside the hollowed out parts. They sort of reminded me of The Cole Slaw dolls I saw on GMA years ago that a clever crafter created to contrast with Cabbage Patch Dolls. The Cabbage Patch Dolls or something like them were shredded and put in plastic boxes. You would see an eye or nose along with all the shredded stuffing. I thought it was pretty funny, but my sense of humor is warped. I don’t think they ever made it to store shelves. Tidbit kept going back to the shredded stuffed squirrel nests throughout the day. It is sort of like me when I go back and look at the shredded remains of my mosquito lantern, bug spray, and the leg of a plastic lawn chair – all victims of the “mad lawn mowing machine.” Pretty soon my husband won’t need to mow. Like I said, thank goodness for Fall! To each new day’s adventure, Shelby Please send your comments or ideas to: shelbys.wanderings@yahoo.com

The

Chronicle

John Hebb, Pt. II By Linda Reno Contributing Writer “Whirling his cutlass above his head, Travis called upon his men to repel boarders, taking up his position beside the executive officer [Hebb], who stood by the gangway, bravely defending that position. A second volley from the cutter’s crew staggered the opposing force for a moment, but, excited and nerved on by the exhortations of their officers, they swarmed over the rail amid a rattling fusillade of small-arms, and a hand-to-hand conflict ensued along the dark, wet, slippery deck of the Surveyor.” Although outmanned (77 vs. 19), the crew of the Surveyor fought on, “every inch of the deck was contested….the first lieutenant [Hebb] was bleeding profusely from a cutlass wound.” Four of the Surveyor’s crew had been captured, six wounded, one severely. Captain Travis was called upon to surrender his sword and finally did, realizing that further resistance would be useless. While some of his crew had been injured, none had been killed. The British had three men killed and six injured. He and his men were now prisoners of war and “within 10 minutes, the Surveyor was underway to join the British frigates in the Chesapeake Bay.” The next day, June 13, 1813, Lieutenant John Cririe who had led the British siege of the Surveyor, returned the sword of Captain Travis, with a note:

“Your gallant and desperate attempt to defend your vessel against more than double your number, on the night of the 12th inst., excited such admiration on the part of your opponents as I have seldom witnessed, and induces me to return to you the sword you had so ably used, in testimony of mine. Our poor fellows have suffered severely, occasioned chiefly, if not solely, by the precautions you had taken to prevent surprise; in short, I am at a loss which to admire most, the previous arrangements on board the ‘Surveyor’, or the determined manner in which her deck was disputed, inch by inch. You have my most sincere wishes for the immediate parole and speedy exchange of yourself and brave crew, and I cannot but regret that I have no influence that way myself, otherwise it should be forthcoming.” Captain Travis was released in early August. Some of crew went to confinement at Halifax [Canada], while others were released. Seven crewmen “all found to be British subjects, despite listing American places of birth, were sent to an English prison.” John Hebb was exchanged from Halifax on December 17, 1813. Another freed seaman caught my attention. John Lynch, John Hebb’s brother-in-law, was exchanged from Halifax on July 23, 1814. Nine days after the Surveyor was captured, the Treasury Department determined that she could be of no use because of the British blockade and control of the Chesapeake Bay. The officers and crew “are to consider themselves as being no longer in the service of the United States…their right to wages exists only to that time [of capture], or the time at which they are informed of their discharge.” To be continued.

will learn about the resources and services the library offers while meeting other homeschooled families.

Library Items • Teleconferencing now possible at Lexington Park Teleconferencing is now possible in Lexington Park’s meeting rooms as a result of a federal grant for $89,000 awarded the library to upgrade the audio/video equipment. Other upgrades include a HD projection system with oversized screens, integrated AV controls, and microphone options. The rooms can be used by nonprofits free of charge or by businesses for a fee. • Children can create tornadoes and more Children ages 7-12 will have fun creating tornadoes, rainbows and more while learning about weather at the Wacky Weather program scheduled this Friday, Sept. 23 at each branch. Two sessions are being offered at each branch. Children can register for either the 10:30 a.m. or 2 p.m. session. The program is free. • Workshop planned for homeschooled families A workshop for homeschooled families will be held at Charlotte Hall on Sept. 26 at 10 a.m. and at Leonardtown on Sept. 27 at 2 p.m. Students and their parents

• Crafternoons return A fall crafternoon will be offered on Sept. 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Charlotte Hall and Lexington Park. Children ages 4-12 can drop in and complete an All About Me craft. Supplies will be furnished. • Poets can share poetry or come and listen A Poetry Open Mic will be held at Leonardtown Library on Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m. Poets of all ages can share a favorite poem or one they have written or just come and listen. No sign-up is necessary. • College library cards available There is still time for community members to apply for a library card from College of Southern Maryland and St. Mary’s College at any branch. The branches are issuing the cards through Sept. 24 as part of a partnership with the colleges. • Art contest under way for Teens Teens have until Oct. 15 to submit artwork at any branch for the Teen Express Yourself Art Contest. The artwork must be flat, no larger than 8 ∏ x 11 and original. It can be pencil, paint, photography, or even computer generated. A winner from each branch will be announced at the Gallery Showcase on Oct. 24 at Lexington Park. Full details can be found at the libraries or on the Teen Programs webpage.

The County Times

Thursday, September 22, 2011

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• AmeriCorps Position Available! Serve approximately 20 - 25 hours per week and receive $5,900 paid out in bi-weekly installments throughout the program year. AmeriCorps members directly serve in their community. Position requires that the member serve with St. Mary’s County Dept. of Aging’s nutrition program and complete additional AmeriCorps requirements. Member will serve lunch to seniors residing in a local senior housing facility in Leonardtown and assist with the Meals on Wheels program. Hours are flexible, generally, M - F, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Upon successful completion of the program year member will receive an education award of $2,675. For additional information about the position please contact Alice Allen at 301-4754200, Ext. 1063. For additional information about AmeriCorps position requirements please contact Michelle Bard at 410-535-0817. • Barn Party at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds Kick off the autumn season with an old fashion barn party at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds planned by the Garvey Senior Activity Center on Friday, October 7 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Enjoy country music and food in a country setting. Tap your feet while listening to live country music by Billy Hill and Friends, twirl your partner around the dance floor, and enjoy a barbeque chicken meal. Ticket price is $8. Tickets are available in advance at all senior activity center locations. For more information, call 301.475.4200, ext. 1050.

St. Mary’s Dept of Aging

Programs and Activities

• Garvey Center Collecting Handbags for Swap Swap your handbag out for a better one… it’s a lot of fun! The Garvey Senior Activity Center is accepting gently used handbags though September 23. Handbags should be in good condition – staff will inspect the bags. Receive a ticket for each bag donated and then “shop” for a new bag on September 28 from 10 a.m. until noon. For more information, call 301.475.4200, ext. 1050. • Latin Line Dance Instructor, Linda Miller, will teach Latin style line dance at the Garvey Senior Activity Center on Fridays, September 30 – Dec 2 from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (no class November 11 & 25). Linda has been dancing and teaching dance for over forty years and has taught dance in St. Mary’s County for over five years. The dances she teaches include Meringue, Rumba. Salsa, Hustle, Tango, Cha Cha, and Samba. The fee for this 8 week session is $40, make checks payable to Linda Miller. For more information, call 301.475.4200, ext. 1050. • Northern Center Yard Sale The Northern Senior Activity Center Council will be holding a Yard Sale open to the public on Friday, October 14, from 1-4:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 15, beginning at 6:30 a.m. (rain/shine) at the Northern Senior Activity Center in Charlotte Hall. Proceeds will benefit the Northern Senior Activity Center. Donations (no clothes please), they can be dropped off Friday, October 14 between 8 and 10 a.m. at the Center. For further information call Pat Myers 301-884-8714.

Loffler Senior Activity Center 301-737-5670, ext. 1652; Garvey Senior Activity Center, 301.475.4200, ext. 1050; Northern Senior Activity Center, 301.475.4002, ext. 1001; Ridge Nutrition Site, 301.475.4200, ext. 1050.

Visit the Department of Aging’s website at www.stmarysmd.com/aging for the most up-to date information.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Sp rts

The County Times

BMX Champs

A View From The

Bleachers White Knights By Ronald N. Guy Jr. Contributing Writer

Send comments to rguyjoon@yahoo.com

Winners from the Maryland State BMX Championship pose for a picture after the event held at Chesapeake BMX track in Severn on Sept. 18.

Limi te

Last year, like so many parents before and inevitably after me, I had the pleasure of two extended stays at Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C. Most parents at least experience a worried and white-knuckled trip to the Children’s E.R.; the lucky few get to stay awhile. It’s a great place – I mean that…I feel compelled to say so because I recognize it’s often hard to tell where the sarcasm ends and the truth begins. The staff is incredible, the doctors are tireless and the joint – from the decorum to the activities and 24/7 in-room kid-friendly network - is simply amazing. Collectively it’s a facility completely committed to its primary mission: comforting and treating sick children. Still, it’s a hospital. It’s the last place a parent wants their child. And a few weeks of foldout couches, lukewarm showers, cafeteria fare and endless middle-of-the-night doctors visits can take a toll on you. What’s worse, of course, is waking up every morning to your sick child lying in a hospital bed attached to as many wires as an HD T.V. In that semi-delirious moment it hits you again, just like it had the day before: it’s not a bad dream, it’s reality and you have to deal with it. Fortunately my family’s adventure had a reasonably happy ending. Self-pity certainly wasn’t a problem (Children’s hospitals are an effective antidote). During our second stay, the room had a birds-eye view of the hospital’s helicopter pad. Whether I wanted to or not (and I didn’t), I was acutely aware of every departure and arrival. It left me with only my imagination to consider the terrible circumstances surrounding the helicopter’s dispatch. Certainly some parent, similar to me, was instantly dealing with something far worse than I was. In another very poignant moment, your weary (or so he thought) sports guy, nearly two weeks deep into his stay, entered an elevator where two women were talking openly. It was impossible not to ascertain that this wasn’t their first meeting. As the elevator arrived at one of the their destinations, the other asked, “how long have you been here now?” As the doors opened she turned back in mid-stride and answered, “12 weeks…hopefully only a couple more to go.” In that moment I, only two weeks in, was the closest I hope to ever be to the feeling Lou Gehrig had when he famously said, “Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.” Like I said, parental self-pity is fleeting in a children’s hospital. A hospital seemed an odd place to intersect with my beloved world of sports, but meet we did. Such has been my relationship with sports. Unlike many things in life, it has always been there and has rarely let me down; this challenging period was no different. During our stays, we were fortunate to catch visits from Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and then-closer Matt Capps and D.C. native and Miami Dolphins cornerback Vontae Davis. All three gentlemen couldn’t have been more gracious. Watching each patiently paint, draw, sign autographs and interact with sick kids was the antithesis of the sensationalized media profile of pro-athletes. The propaganda we’re fed portrays them as self-absorbed, spoiled, disconnected millionaires who have little concern for the plight of the average family. Like most broad brushstrokes, there’s truth in that accusation. However, there are plenty of exceptions to the after-hours brawls, mindless tweets, violent acts against women, steroid use and general debauchery that dominants the sports news fans are force-fed. I met three such exceptions. Like white knights they took time out of their schedules to give back their communities and produced smiles (from children and parents) where few existed and many were needed. They did so likely knowing that their acts wouldn’t be publicized. To my knowledge, they weren’t. The darks acts of the few often overwhelm the good acts of the many. In these moments, with our confidence in human nature wavering, it’s important to remember the positive work being done. Of course it helps the resolve when the acts of kindness are received personally and when you need them most.

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Sp rts Little Sabres Hockey Registration Open Registration now open for the Southern Maryland Sabres Hockey Club's Little Sabres program. For ages 4 - 10, Little Sabres is a four-level program that teaches children the fundamentals of ice hockey. Each level includes four, 45-minute sessions of skills-based instruction on ice. Children receive equipment at the end of each level so they have everything needed by the end of the program. The cost is $50 per four-week session. Annual USA Hockey Insurance Required ($35.00) (Free for ages 6 & under) Sessions begin Oct. 1 at the Capital Clubhouse in Waldorf, MD Level 1: includes helmet, stick, jersey & gloves Level 2: includes elbow pads, shin guards & bag Level 3: includes hockey socks, pants & garter belt Level 4: includes shoulder pads & $40.00 voucher for skates at Mike’s Sporting Equipment at the Capital Clubhouse Register online at www.somdsabres.org . Online registration is still open for the Sabres recreation hockey program. For more information and rates, visit www. somdsabres.org. For more information, please contact Rec Director Jaime Cantlon: recdirector@somdsabres.org

The County Times

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Irene Couldn’t Keep Them Away By Bettie Sperty Contributing writer

The day’s race participants included. back row: Lane Knox, Dianna, Ned Johnson, Ron snow, Bob Land, Brian Sperty, Fred Garrett, Michael Danko, Melissa Snow, Kevin McCoy and Sean; front row: Mark Land, Dave Reed, Mike Denko and Harry Mullen.

Breton Bay Estates’ annual Labor Day Picnic and Regatta had the most participants ever this year. Every year the small, close-knit community gathers with family and friends for a delicious potluck meal, casual visiting, fun and games- the highlight of which is the Annual Regatta. This year saw Breton Bay Estates’ first female participants! Lane Knox’s granddaughter, Dianna, partnered with her grandfather as a team while Melissa Snow ran the second race with young resident Michael Danko. Our youngest participant was David Land, 9, who partnered with his grandfather, “Capt. Bob” Land. Once again this year Michael Danko, acting as captain in both races, took first place in both events. Michael paired up with resident Fred Garrett for the first heat and with Melissa Snow in the second. Due to Michael’s substantial sailing abilities, there was playful chatter of a forced handicap for Michael next year. One suggestion was to have him tow a third party in an inner tube behind his boat. Lifelong friends Ron Snow and Brian Sperty had the new experience of running the race as a team this year. Both have acted as first mates in past years, but this year they manned a vessel themselves in the second race. These rookies did manage a smooth start and a proud, albeit distant finish. But, in the spirit of the day, they shared a great time and many laughs along the way. As always, the annual event was all in fun, bringing the Breton Bay Estates community together in fun and celebration. Festivities lasted well into the evening with everyone enjoying this last hurrah of the summer season. First race results this year are as follows: Finishing in first place: Michael Danko and Fred “Ski Daddy” Garrett Second Place: Capt. Dave Reed and Mark “Chopper” Land Third Place: Lane Knox and granddaughter, Dianna Fourth Place: Kevin McCoy and good pal Sean Fifth Place: Capt Bob Land and first time first mate David Land Last, but not least: Mighty Ned Johnson and his neighbor Ray McKean.

First Place winners of the first heat, Fred Garrett and Michael Danko.

Rivals Join Forces for Common Cause

Rival field hockey teams, Chopticon Lady Braves and Leonardtown Lady Raiders, at last week’s Pink Out game on Sept. 14 at Leonardtown High School. “Stick it to Cancer“ was the game’s theme. Many in the crowd also wore pink to bring awareness to help fight breast cancer. Submitted photo

Thursday, September 22, 2011

The County Times

Sp rts

Bucket List Fish

Bowles Farms 2011 Corn Maze & Pumpkin Farm Southern MD’s Largest Corn Maze & Pumpkin Harvest is BACK!!!

“Come see why getting lost is so much family fun” Operating Dates: September 24th to October 30th, 2011

The Ordinary

Angler

Hours Of Operation Mon – Fri: By Appointment Only Saturday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

By Keith McGuire First of all, let me apologize to all of my friends and associates who have seen the picture and heard the story. I know, I know, I can really go on when I’m excited about something; but please, bear with me. This is significant! You may recall that in my article two weeks ago, I announced that I was headed to Cape Charles to fish the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and other prime locations in the vicinity. I did that, and have since returned. What a trip! My Bucket List Fish fishing buddy, Richard, and I left the County and headed that way on Monday, September 12, and arrived in time to fish the afternoon and evening. We also fished September 13 through 15, before heading back on September 16. Richard and I have made this trip a few times, so we always expect too much wind on at least one day, and sometimes more. This time, we got to fish every day. Our primary target on this trip was flounder. We managed to find keeper flounder on one day of the four day venture. Five keepers were caught and the biggest was 23 inches, none of which were caught by me. We caught sand sharks, bluefish, croakers, and toadfish – really big, mega oyster toads – in addition to the flounder. Five big flounder and a few decent bluefish were all we needed to call this trip a success. After all, at least one good flounder meal when we got back home validated the time and expense. We normally fish for flounder with a 2-ounce bucktail and a small spinning rod. We dress the bucktail with a small strip of cut bait or one of the new fancy Berkley Gulp™ artificial baits. I use a medium weight, fast action 7’ St Croix Triumph rod with a Shimano Stradic Ci4 3000 reel, spooled with 15 pound test Power Pro™ line. So, you can imagine my surprise on Thursday when I hooked something that took off for the other side of the Bay. Thankfully, my drag was set correctly as I fought the fish. Not knowing what it was, I was surprised to see a really big, copper colored fish flash by the boat at the end of my line. I told my buddy that we were going to need the big net for this one. Twenty minutes later he netted my 48” Red Drum. Chaos ensued! He couldn’t lift the fish into the boat.

It took both of us. In the boat, the fish was very well behaved, which is a good thing because we were panicked! How would we get it out of the net? How would we get the hook out of its mouth? Where was the tape measure that could measure something this big? Where were the fish-handling gloves (Fish-Off Gloves™)? How would I pick up something this heavy for a picture? (Richard had to help.) Thankfully, we managed to solve all these problems and relaxed as we released the fish to swim again. Red Drum cannot be kept unless they are more than 18” and less than 26” in Virginia waters. Similar restrictions apply in Maryland. I didn’t care if it didn’t provide a meal. I had the picture and the experience, and I was happy! I can now scratch “Catch a Big Red Drum” off my bucket list… or can I? Maybe I’ll just change the entry to “Catch a Bigger Red Drum!” Meanwhile local fishing hasn’t been bad in spite of the bad weather and awesome influx of freshwater in the Bay. Stripers are biting big time! This week’s cold snap should cause the Spanish mackerel to move on. Flounder have been caught at the south end of the County. Bluefish, croakers, white perch, spot and speckled trout are also out there to be caught. Don’t forget to take a picture of your catch and send it to me with a report at the email address below. riverdancekeith@gmail.com. Keith has been a recreational angler on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries for over 50 years; he fishes weekly from his small boat during the season, and spends his free time supporting local conservation organizations.

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Thursday, September 22, 2011