2011-11-23 Calvert Gazette

November 23, 2011

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Gazette Calvert

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Everything Calvert County

Two Injured In Calvert Plane Crash Page 10

Photo By Frank Marquart

The Calvert Gazette

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On T he Cover

Also Inside

An aerial view of the Chesapeake Ranch Estates airport. The inset photo is one of several photos from the scene that have appeared on several websites on the Internet on Sunday and Monday with conflicting attribution. The Calvert Gazette was unable to confirm the photographer on the scene with emergency responders as of presstime this week.

County News

8 Crime 10

Feature Story

November 23, 2011

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12 Education 13 Letters

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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Gazette Calvert

NOW WEEKLY!

Everything Calvert County

local news

Santa hops aboard the “RDream” anticipating the Lighted Boat Parade that highlights the Annual Solomons Christmas Walk, which runs on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2 – 3.

14 Business 15 Obits 16 Games

10 Two Injured In CalverT Plane Crash Page

17 Newsmakers 18 Entertainment 19

Out and About

Photo By Frank Marquart

out & about business

The demolition of two, aging bayfront buildings in the Town of North Beach last week marks the next step in what a local developer hopes will be revitalization for the town.

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The Calvert Gazette

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Calvert Declared Agricultural Disaster Zone

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer After widespread reports locally of significant crop failures and losses in Calvert and St. Mary’s counties following drought in the summer and Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, the federal government named the two counties along with 14 others as disaster zones.

The declaration made Nov. 16 makes all affected counties eligible for low interest emergency loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a statement from the agency said.

Farmers now have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for the loans to help cover the losses from decimated crops, with the agency’s Farm Service Agency taking into account which crops were affected and to what extent as well as the individual farmer’s ability to repay the loans.

Patrick Goode, with the Calvert County Farm Service Agency, said Prince Frederick and Huntingtown were among the worst hit by the drought over the summer months, though

by June the whole county had suffered to some extent.

That heat coupled with the winds from Hurricane Irene toppled large swaths of the corn crop, he said.

“Our corn loss was greater than 30 percent, about 33 percent,” Goode told the Calvert Gazette.

Heavy rains and standing water also damaged vegetables and fall produce such as pumpkins, he said.

“They were going to bust out and rot because of all the water,” Goode said.

Still farmers did not record a total loss in all their crops, he said, with soybeans actually providing something of a bumper crop.

In neighboring St. Mary’s, the situation was much the same, with high winds blowing down a large portion of the corn crop, which is actually more extensive than in Calvert and used for sale as chicken feed on the state’s Eastern Shore.

Soybeans there also fared better than expected, said Amy Farrell of the farm service agency in Leonardtown.

“The rain actually helped us with double crop beans,” she said. “The farmers soybeans have turned out at least average; that’s good news.”

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said the agency was committed to helping farmers recover.

“Maryland producers can continue to count on USDA to provide emergency assistance during difficult times,” Vilsack said.

“America’s farmers and rural communities are vitally important to our nation’s economy, producing the food, feed, fiber and fuel that continue to help us grow.” guyleonard@countytimes.net

COUNTY NEWS

Why Calvert is On the Map as Best Community for Young People

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer The Calvert Collaborative for Children and Youth (formerly Calvert Crusade for Children), Calvert’s Interagency Council, the public school’s service learning program and Twilight School are the reasons Calvert County stood out to America’s Promise Alliance’s which awards the 100 Best Communities for Young People Award.

Community leaders gathered at the College of Southern Maryland Prince Frederick campus last Thursday to receive the award for the second year in a row. American’s Promise Senior Director Jordan LaPier said he represented the founders of the organization, General Colin Powell and his wife Alma, when he came to speak that day.

Over 300 communities throughout the United States, including Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico, submitted applications to be considered for the award. This year 29 communities received it for the first time. Only two communities in Maryland received it. Calvert and Salisbury/Wicomico County.

“In our search we look across several sectors. These communities are committed to improving the high school dropout rate, facing issues facing the youth and preparing students for college and the 21 century workforce,” said LaPier.

One of the primary considerations for the award, according to LaPier is the community’s commitment to pull together in mutual participation. “They don’t have to be the richest or even the best, they just have to show a commitment to improve.”

Marie Andrews, from Calvert Collaborative, said the journey to the award began 15 years ago when the League of Women Voters completed a two year study and presented it to the county’s Board of Commissioners. The commissioners asked then Calvert Crusade for Children to be the liaison between it and all the businesses, government agencies, non-profits and faith communities. The same year, America’s Promise Alliance held their first convention at the Baltimore Convention Center.

“You all know what happens when you go on a bus together,” laughed Andrews.

The beginning of the process to address the problems facing the youth in the county.

Ten years ago, at the Presidents' Summit for America’s Future, a challenge was issued to make children and youth a national priority.

Out of that challenge, America’s Promise Alliance was established to ensure that all young Americans have access to five fundamental resources — the Five Promises — in their lives: • Caring Adults • Safe Places • A Healthy Start • An Effective Education • Opportunities to Help Others The Alliance, founded by General Colin Powell, has grown from a few partners in 1997 to more than 120 partners today. Partners have worked tirelessly to improve the odds for youth, but there is much work left to do. In honor of its 10th Anniversary, America’s Promise Alliance renewed its commitment to our nation’s young people by launching its 15 in 5 Campaign — with the goal of delivering more Promises to 15 million disadvantaged youth in five years.

Jordan LaPier, senior director for the America’s Promise Alliance, presents Marie Andrews with a plaque naming Calvert one of the 100 best communities for young people.

Photos By Corrin M. Howe

They did this developing a survey which identified 40 assets youth need to become successful. The survey went out to 60 local organizations serving the community. The goal was to identify and close the gaps in the assets.

“It takes a county to raise a county,” said Andrews.

“This is the most prestigious award a county can receive. It is evidenced by the number of corporate benefactors who find this important enough to support,” said Calvert County Public School Board of Education President Bill Chambers. “This positive recognition will be attractive to businesses looking to do business in our county.” corrin@somdpublishing.net

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COUNTY NEWS Attorney: Controversial ATM Decision ‘Ridiculous’

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer In a Nov. 16 decision of the Calvert County Planning Commission, the Bank of America at 55 Commerce Lane in Prince Frederick will be allowed to keep their new ATM without submitting architectural review, but they will be required to paint the structure a similar shade to the brick building behind it.

The Bank of America was in front of the planning board on Oct. 19 to discuss the placement of an ATM at their location in Prince Fredrick and whether a permit should have been issued a permit without a variance.

When the permit was issued, the Bank of America was not required to go through the architectural review committee, an oversight that was discovered later.

The board’s decision was to get an official definition of the difference between and building and a structure, and which category the ATM falls into.

The official finding was that the ATM meets “both the definition of a structure and building per Article 12 of the Calvert County Zoning Ordinance.”

Staff recommended approving the ATM as constructed, even though there are precedents that conclude that a permit issued in error can be revoked by the county and can not be relied on by the recipient.

The Planning Commission’s decision was to allow the ATM to stay as constructed and act as a sign for the building, as there is no Bank of America sign on that side of the bank, with the stipulation that the bank paint the ATM. Mark Davis, attorney for the Bank of America, said the requirement is “ridiculous” but his client is “willing to paint it, let’s be done with it.” sarahmiller@countytimes.net

The Calvert Gazette

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

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Solar Farm Decision Appealed to Circuit Court

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Citizens of Abington Shores are going to circuit court with their appeal to stop a solar farm from being constructed in their backyards.

Calvert County’s first large-scale passive solar panel array was met with trepidation from the community and, despite several people coming to the Oct. 6 Board of Appeals meeting to oppose the panels being placed in their neighborhood, the board granted Solis Energy Solutions permission to plan and build the solar panels.

The panels being appealed are to be constructed in Abington Shores, on a 2.1 acre piece of farm property owned by Donald Bow-

en in Huntingtown.

Roxana Whitt, Board of Appeals Planner, said by living in the area the citizens have the right to appeal the issue.

Whitt said board members are restricted from speaking to the media outside the hearing room. She said the petitions the citizens submitted appealing the solar field were given due weight in the board’s decision.

No hearing dates for the Abington Shores Civic Association’s appeal have been set, though the petition has been filed with the circuit court under case number C11-1289. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Christmas Walk Back for 27th Year Residents can begin their holiday celebrations with the annual Solomons Christmas Walk on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2 - 3, from 6 – 9 p.m. In addition to all of the attractions on the island, from the Garden in Lights to the lighted boat parade, the Calvert Marine Museum is serving up its own smorgasbord of holiday delights for visitors of all ages.

On Friday evening, celebrate First Free Friday as the museum hosts a trio of local performers in the museum. Beginning at 6 p.m. is the Cosmic Flute Choir, taking the stage at 7 p.m. enjoy the sounds of Patuxent Voices, and closing the evening at 8 p.m. is Stephen Godfrey and Robert Pfeiffer.

On Saturday evening, the entertainment kicks off at 6 p.m. with The Good Stuff, followed at 7 p.m. by Southern Maryland Sound, and Patuxent Pearls will close the walk celebrations from 8 – 9 p.m.

Santa will be on hand both nights to hear the children’s secret wishes and watch for the appearance by the museum’s otter. Kids may create a holiday craft to take home. Enjoy punch and cookies on Friday. On Saturday, Santa’s Coffee House will be open with compliSanta hops aboard the "RDream" anticipating the Lighted Boat Parade that highlights mentary coffee, hot cocoa, the Annual Solomons Christmas Walk. and holiday cookies.

Boat captains and crews are invited to participate in the Solomons Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday evening, Dec. 3. All boats, any size, shape, or make are welcome to decorate your ship’s starboard side and more to show your holiday spirit. Prizes will be awarded for Best Original Theme, Best Sailboat, Best Power Boat, and Best of Show.

A captains’ meeting will be held on December 3 at Solomons Yachting Center’s Club House from 5 – 6 p.m. to cover the route of the parade, safety issues, and the rules for judging.

The parade will wind behind Molly’s Leg and head out to the Patuxent River and up along the boardwalk at approximately 7:15 p.m.

Captains, crews, and guests, along with SIYC members are invited to the post-parade celebration at the Solomons Island Yacht Club for refreshments and the announcement of winners.

For more information about the 27th Annual Solomons Christmas Walk or to register for the Photo by Ken Perigo, parade, visit www.solomonsmaryland.com or call Sherry Reid at 410-326-2042, ext. 19.

Patuxent River Sail and Power Squadron

Student Leaders Take Stance Against Financial Literacy Requirement

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Calvert Association of Student Council’s (CASC) President Jordan Goldstein took the chance during the Nov. 17 Board of Education meeting to not only update the board about CASC’s progress but to address the needs of the group.

Goldstein said CASC is looking for a bus to transport students to their annual Lobby Day Feb. 27 in Annapolis.

He said the lobbying day presents a unique problem because the district wants to have enough committed to going on the trip to fill a bus before sending a bus, but the students won’t commit unless they know there’s transportation. Historically, because they have to arrange their own transportation, Goldstein

said only a handful of students from Calvert County go to the Lobby Day. At this year’s Lobby Day, Goldstein said the students will be speaking out against Senate Bill 264 and House Bill 335, which propose a mandatory standalone financial literacy class as a graduation requirement.

Goldstein also briefed the school board on a plan for the Southern Maryland Leadership Conference, which had hit a roadblock due to the students being told they cannot access Calvert County schools because they are closed on Saturdays, a fact that came as a surprise to the school board. Superintendent Jack Smith said the board would be willing to help make the conference happen.

“If you identify a school in this system on a Saturday, that

will not be a barrier,” Smith said.

Goldstein said CASC plans to visit more middle schools and get students to attend meetings and CASC events.

“We want to welcome student to step up their involvement,” Goldstein said.

Once they get a person to come to one meeting, Goldstein said students often want to get involved. There are also siblings who get involved in CASC. Goldstein himself has a sister involved, and said the students in CASC count each other as family.

“It brings in a lot of family and it becomes a family,” Goldstein said. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

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MHBR No. 103

The Calvert Gazette

COUNTY NEWS

The Calvert Gazette

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

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Festival of Tress Back for 23rd Year

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer The Calvert Hospice Festival of Trees Steering Committee invites everyone to join them after Thanksgiving to remember and celebrate those who died during the year.

“It’s not about the money. Of course we will take the money and use it. (The Festival) started off and really has been about the community. The funds are the cherry on top,” said Ann Lavezzo, Director of Community Services.

The event boasts being “the true beginning of the holiday season in Calvert County.” The 23 year-old festival started off with a concert the week prior to the traditional opening activities.

On Saturday, the Hospice’s largest fundraiser of the year started with a “Rock Opera” at Mary Harrison Cultural Arts Center.

“Our future goal is for it to be a weeklong celebration,” said Lavezzo. The organization which provides quality care to terminal patients and support to their families, hopes to enlist other community organizations into holding fundraisers during Thanksgiving week.

“It would be nice if people could play Bingo at the firehouses and eat at a different restaurant each night,” she said.

“We all feel the economy. We are trying to find different ways for everyone to be able to participate,” said Janel Young Community Relations. For this reason there are a number of raffles available this year.

Those people who can’t afford to make any kind of payment can volunteer in a number of ways. It takes over 1,000 volunteers to pull off the event. The Steering Committee promises volunteers will have plenty to do.

Lavezzo said they are trying to be more “green” and more “electronic.” The result is the Festival of Trees is on Facebook. Their online presence is making them aware how far reaching the event is outside the county borders. A woman who donates a Redskin afghan for raffle moved to Colorado two years ago but still sends her donation. A family

from Kentucky asked for a tree to be decorated to remember a fallen solider and a woman from Australia logged onto the Hospice Facebook page to see the tree decorated for her great aunt.

“We’ve had out of town visitors who came with someone in Calvert and tell us as they leave, ‘We’ll be back next year,” said Sherry Scott, longtime volunteer and head of tree decorations.

“I started as a tree decorator because there was a tree that needed to be decorated. Now it’s become a family affair. It is a way to celebrate life.”

According to Young, there are still spaces available for the event’s most popular activity – breakfast or lunch with Santa.

For $7, a child can spend 75 minutes eating, making a craft, playing games, having their face painted and a photo with Santa. Parents can leave their children in this area knowing their child will receive one-on-one attention of high school and College of Southern Maryland students dressed as elves.

Apparently there are so many high school students volunteering during the Festival of Trees that this year the Calvert County Board of Education sent the service learning hours volunteer form directly to Lavezzo to fill out instead of having the students bring them in.

The event is at Huntingtown High School the weekend after Thanksgiving. The doors open on Friday from 6-8 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.

For more information, click the Festival of Trees logo at www. calverthospice.org.

Ways to support Calvert Hospice’s Festival of Trees • Be a Sponsor by purchasing a tree ranging from $500 to $800 • Decorate a Tree • Purchase a Poinsettia for $25 • Purchase a key chair ornament for $5 • Pay admission $5 for adults, $3 for Seniors and $1 for children • Come volunteer.

corrin@somdpublishing.net

Local Organizations Offer Thanksgiving Meals

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer SMILE is celebrating for the holiday season by offering free meals for the community on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The Thanksgiving dinner will be at Catamaran’s Nov. 24 from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Mary Ann Cheston with SMILE said 150 people came out to the dinner last year, and the offerings include turkey, potatoes, Southern Maryland stuffed ham and pumpkin pie, along with other traditional Thanksgiving food.

A volunteer with the Healing and Delivery Community Experience of the Holy Spirit loads boxes of food into a truck.

Catamaran’s will be ordering and preparing the food, Cheston said, while SMILE foots the bill. She said SMILE is grateful to Catamaran’s for allowing use of their restaurant and kitchen for the cause. Between 13 and 16 turkeys will be cooked for the Thanksgiving meal alone.

As a new outreach this year, Cheston said dinners will be delivered to Southern Pines Senior Center to provide meals to shut-ins and people without transportation. She said Southern Pines provided a sign up list, and SMILE will provide meals to everyone who signed up.

The meals are free to anyone who wants one, no questions asked, Cheston said. Many people come simply so they don’t have to be alone on the holidays.

“It’s all good. Everybody helps everybody,” Cheston said.

SMILE also handed out Thanksgiving baskets with turkeys and all the fixings for a holiday meal. SMILE had over 400 turkey baskets to give out Nov. 19, which went to registered SMILE clients.

The Christmas Dinner will be at the American Legion Post in Lusby from 11:30 a.m. through 3 p.m., and is also free and open to the public.

The Healing and Delivery Community Experience of the Holy Spirit in Prince Fredrick will also be hosting a Thanksgiving brunch in the Panoramic View Room of the church at 2400 Solomons Island Road. The brunch begins at 10 a.m.

Deborah Stewart, an outreach coordinator with the church, said they also gave out 25 boxes with the fixings for a full Thanksgiving meal, along with other staples like cereal and potatoes. Each box also came with a turkey.

Stewart said the brunch and the boxes are ways for the church to give back to the community. She said it’s important to

Photos by Sarah Miller SMILE volunteers Peggy Duffy and Joan Silvester hand out bags of Thanksgiving fixings to families.

give back because a person never knows when they will be the one in need.

“God has blessed us to bless others,” Stewart said. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

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Troopers Will Be Out in Force for Seatbelt Enforcement

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Maryland State Police in Calvert County plan to be out in force this Thanksgiving holiday season to strictly enforce seat belt laws, according to an announcement from the Prince Frederick Barrack.

“Whether you’re going across town or across the state this Thanksgiving, make sure you and everyone riding with you are wearing their seat belts” barrack commander Lt. Randy Stephens said in a statement. “You may be enjoying the holiday, but rest assured that Maryland state police will be out looking for seat belt violations as part of this year’s Click It or Ticket campaign, making sure your road trip is as safe as it can be.

“A special effort will be directed to nighttime violators.”

Seat belt usage in Calvert County has risen to 94 percent, state police figures showed, and there has been a concurrent drop in the number of fatalities versus several years ago.

But those statistics take a turn for the worse around this time of year, state police say.

“However, November is typically a high crash month averaging several fatal crashes each year,” Stephens said.

“Motorists should drive sober, aware of what others are doing around them on the roadway and have all occupants in appropriate seat belt or child safety seat restraints.”

Troopers said that seat belt tickets can cost motorists $25, but that multiplies by the same amount for occupants not wearing their belts; also if child safety seats aren’t installed in vehicles when they should be motorists can face even higher fines.

For more information on the Click It or Ticket campaign, visit the website www.TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov.

For information on local efforts call Debbie Jennings at 410-535-2200. guyleonard@countytimes.net

Man, Juveniles Facing Bomb-Making Charges

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Brandon Wesley Kitchen, 19, of Chesapeake Beach, faces as much as 25 years in prison and $250,000 in fines for allegedly making explosive devices and detonating them Nov. 8.

According to charging documents filed in Calvert County District Court by Deputy Fire Marshal Melissa Bean, a citizen who lives in Chesapeake Beach near the incident complained to law enforcement when they heard a loud noise similar to a shotgun being fired; the citizen told law officers that they saw two young boys running away form the noise into the yard of a residence on St. Andrews Drive.

The citizen confronted the young people, charging documents stated, and after they questioned them repeatedly they told them that they had set off “a bomb.”

When Bean spoke with one of the juveniles involved about the incident, the juvenile suspect said he was at Kitchen’s residence earlier that afternoon and watched him make an explosive device with a bottle, aluminum foil and toilet cleaner.

Kitchen then handed the device to one of the juveniles and he along with the second juvenile threw it in the woods where it detonated, charging documents alleged.

When law officers spoke with the second juvenile, he told them that Kitchen had told them “it was only a little bomb.” The second suspect juvenile told law officers that the first juvenile had gotten parts to make the bomb from his house, charging documents state.

When he was interviewed later, Kitchen said that he had made what was known as a “works bomb” and threw it in the presence of one of the juveniles, court papers stated.

The juveniles then took the parts used to make the first bomb — that he had left on his front porch — and replicated the first device, charging documents alleged.

Aside from being charged with constructing an explosive device, Kitchen also faces two counts of reckless endangerment.

The two juveniles, both 11 years old according to state fire marshals, were both charged with the manufacture, use and possession of a destructive device. guyleonard@countytimes.net

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POLICE BLOTTER Pills taken in burglary On Nov. 16 at 10:42 am, Trooper Esnes responded to the 1300 block of Sark Court in Prince Frederick for a reported burglary. The victim’s residence was entered and Percocet medication was stolen. The investigation continues.

Two arrested, charged with pill possession On Nov. 17 at 4:55 pm, Trooper First Class West stopped a vehicle for alleged traffic violations on Route 4 south of Calvert Beach Rd. in St. Leonard. The driver, Daniel F. Parks, 26, of Broomes Island, was arrested for an open warrant through Anne Arundel County. A search revealed that Parks was in possession of pills, police alleged. He was incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.

On Nov. 18 at 11:26 pm, Trooper First Class West stopped a vehicle for alleged traffic violations on Route 4 at Dares Beach Rd. in Prince Frederick. A search of the vehicle revealed that passenger, William D. Sims, II, 24 of St. Leonard, was in possession of percocet that he did not have a prescription for and other drug paraphernalia, police alleged. He was charged and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.

Two charged with marijuana possession On Nov. 19 at 12:47 am, Trooper First Class Evans stopped a vehicle for traffic violations on Rt. 4 at Fox Run Blvd. in Prince Frederick. During a search of the vehicle, Marrio R. Williams, 40, of Bowie and Teresa J. Tolotta, 44, of Jessup, were found to be in possession of marijuana, police alleged. They were charged and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.

Man arrested for trespassing On Nov. 19 at 8:52 pm, Trooper First Class West responded to the 1200 block of Prince St. in Dunkirk in reference to a trespasser. Jaime E. Tirado Mendez, 24, of Laurel, was attempting to contact his ex-wife at the residence and had been given prior warnings that he was not allowed on the property, police reported. He was arrested and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.

Thefts from Vehicles Under Investigation

Overnight between Nov. 16 and 17 someone stole two Garmin Nuvi GPS’s and a wallet from inside two unlocked vehicles parked outside a home on Coster Road in Lusby, police reported. An unlocked vehicle on McCready Road was also entered and a Garmin Nuvi was stolen. An unlocked vehicle at another home on Coster Road was entered and rummaged through but nothing taken. An unlocked vehicle on Lake Drive had a Magellan GPS stolen from within. DFC J. Smith is handling all of these investigations.

Dep. C. McDonough took a report from another victim on Lake Drive who advised that during the same timeframe, their unlocked vehicle was entered and a Pioneer satellite radio and three CD’s were stolen. DFC C. Johnson took a report from a victim on Laurel Way in Lusby who stated that during the same timeframe his unlocked vehicle was entered and a Radio Shack brand fire department scanner and a Samsonite briefcase were stolen. Anyone with information regarding any of these thefts is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 410-535-2800 or Calvert County Crime Solvers at 410-535-2880.

Home burglary suspect sought

A home on Daylily Road in Port Republic was burglarized sometime between Nov. 2 and 16. Nothing appears to have been stolen. Sgt. J. Hollinger is handling the investigation.

Two charged in Wal-Mart theft

On Nov. 19 at 2:45 p.m. DFC P. Wood responded to the Prince Frederick Walmart store for the report of a theft. The store security officer had two suspects in custody for allegedly stealing items and also squirting liquid dishwashing soap on the floor throughout the store. Sophia Marie Burgos, 18, of Huntingtown, was arrested and charged with theft under $100, maliciously defacing the personal property of Walmart causing damage less than $500, recklessly engaging in conduct creating a substantial risk of death or physical injury, and possession of marijuana, police reported. The second suspect was identified as a 16-year-old male from Dunkirk. He was charged on a youth report with theft under $100, reckless endangerment and destruction of property and released to a parent. He was also cited for possession of tobacco products by a person under the age of 18, police said.

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STORY

Steve Waugh, Son, Flown From Plane Crash at Ranch Estates Airport

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Sunday evening, Stephen Waugh and his son Phillip Waugh-Merkley made their final approach to the airport in the Chesapeake Ranch Estates, the end of a four-hour journey from Chicago, when something went wrong.

According to John Eney, Chesapeake Ranch Estate volunteer airport manager, said he witnessed the entire event.

At approximately 6:15 p.m. he heard a small aircraft pass low overhead, a cue that an airplane is about to make an approach and land. He said he took his radio and went outside to watch the landing approach and advised the pilot that the wind conditions were calm. He said Waugh sounded calm when he acknowledged the radio.

He said when he went out, Waugh had activated the runway lights with his radio, as is standard procedure, and he was coming at the landing strip from the wrong direction and getting lower.

“I heard the frightening sound of him clipping trees,” Eney said, adding that is sounded like branches being fed through a wood chipper. Like when a car hits a guardrail, Eney said when a propeller hits tree branches, the aircraft isn’t going much further.

“For some reason, he didn’t make it on the runway,” Eney said.

He said the plane hit the grassy part at the north end of the runway, and slid off the east end onto Double Tree Lane, landing in a wooded ravine at the side of the road.

Eney said the lights should not have been a problem, especially if the pilot lined up his

craft properly.

Because of vandalism after Hurricane Irene, the first 400 feet, or 20 percent, of the runway is lit by dim solar powered lights that are designed to be vandal proof. The remaining 80 percent is brightly lit with the normal lights. He said for a normal approach, there should be no issue lining the aircraft up with the runway.

Waugh is very familiar with the landing strip, and has made numerous landings both during the day and at night, Eney said. Waugh is a former pilot for the U.S. Marines and attended the U.S. Naval Academy.

Eney said he can’t say what went wrong.

“I don’t know what make him choose the course he did,” Eney said.

The airport has a continuous problem with vandals, who tear the lights out of the ground and disrupt the underlying wires, Eney said. There are 18 lights in the first 400 feet of the air strip.

The Solomon’s Volunteer Fire and Rescue Quad was the first on the scene and Chief Jim Taylor assumed command, a press release from SVRFD states.

The press release states Taylor confirmed one small private aircraft down in the woods with two patients with serious injuries.

“Patients were packaged by Solomons and St. Leonard EMS crews and were transported to a landing site at the CRE airport,” the press release says. “MSP Trooper 2 flew both patients to Prince Georges Hospital Center in serious but stable condition. Two volunteer firefighters were transported to Calvert Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.”

The Maryland State Police, along with

These photos from the scene have appeared on several websites on the Internet on Sunday and Monday with conflicting attribution.

The Calvert Gazette was unable to confirm the photographer on the scene with emergency responders as of presstime this week.

the FAA and the NTSB are continuing the investigation into the accident. Waugh’s craft, a Beech single engine fixed aircraft, has since been cleared from the crash site.

Lt. Randy Stephens, commander of the Maryland State Police Prince Frederick Barrack confirmed that Waugh “overshot the runway and went into the woods.” Waugh suffered a broken leg and his son only had minor injuries.

Attempts to get in touch with Waugh or his family were unsuccessful. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

The Calvert Gazette

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The Calvert Gazette

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Getting the Most Out of MOST

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer Ellie Mitchell, Director of Maryland Out of School Time (MOST) introduced her organization’s purpose and goals during a meeting with about a dozen representatives of Calvert County groups working with children and youth.

“We are about increasing the quality and quantity of good programs for kids which don’t happen during school.”

MOST started a few years ago with a $1.5 million matching grant from the Charles Stanley Mott Foundation, according to their website, and is about “building strong communities through collaboration provides a basis for positive change. As we have found, the most effective solutions often are those devised locally, where people have the greatest stake in the outcome.”

“It is an indisputable fact that if you increase attendance in school, you’ll increase the number of graduates. While it is not necessarily a one-to-one relationship between kids who go to after school programs don’t end up in jail, there is research a correlation between after school care and school attendance,” said Mitchell.

The MOST meeting was held at the College of Southern Maryland, following the presentation of America’s Promise Alliance’s award to Calvert County for being in the 100 Best Communities for Young People.

Those in attendance represented Calvert Alliance Against Sub-

Ellie Mitchell, right, and Jim Dailey were panel members for the Maryland Out of School Time discussion.

Annual Science Fair Reengineered

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer

stance Abuse, Board of County Commissioners, Calvert Collaborative for Children and Youth, Boys and Girls Clubs, Community Resources, Core Services, and Calvert County Public Schools.

The meeting was an opportunity to introduce MOST to local organizations and for the representatives to begin a dialog. corrin@somdpublishing.net

Warming Up for The Big Show

Brendan Malone, left, from Calvert Middle School, and Tyler Digra from Southern Middle School, warm up for the Middle and High School All County Orchestra concert held at Patuxent High School on Nov. 17.

Raising Money for Scholarships Carla Zinn, left, and Martha Maratta load a truck with donated clothing. Zinn is dropping off while Maratta is representing the Patuxent High School Parent Student Teachers Association.

The money raised will fund scholarships for graduating seniors, teacher appreciation, Reflections and grants for the other classes.

The goal is $500.

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The Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program at Calvert County Public Schools is more than a class. It’s more than a program; it’s “really an umbrella to produce productive, creative and innovative students who are critical thinkers, according to Yovonda Kolo, Supervisor of Science and STEM. So far the national curriculum called Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is running in four middle schools and two high schools in the county but will be phased into all middle schools and high schools soon. Furthermore, the district is integrating the principles and techniques into classroom instructional units where it makes sense, according to Kolo.

Current teachers must interview to teach the engineering and bio-medical courses. If they are accepted, they receive two weeks of intense training in PLTW materials before they can teach it.

The website for PLTW states, “Students create, design, build, discover, collaborate and solve problems while applying what they learn in math and science.

They’re also exposed to STEM fields through professionals from local industries who supplement the real-world aspect of the curriculum through mentorships and workplace experiences.”

Providing after school clubs such as Robotics, MESA, Math Counts and Legos offers additional opportunities to engage students in critical thinking and problem solving.

February 2012 CCPS will expand the traditional Science Fair to showcase some of the STEM offerings within the schools.

Now renamed the Science and Engineering EXPO, science students will still have their traditional “back board set up” and display projects from the science and engineering classes. For example, the engineering students may build a robot and the bio-medical students bring in an iron lung.

Because this is the first year, Kolo does not expect every class and discipline to make an entry. Instead, she sees the first EXPO as a “snippet from each type of class. Hopefully it will grow each year. It will be an opportunity for parents and students to know what is available and to raise early awareness so students can prepare.”

Next year Calvert High School will graduate its first group of students who took PLTW courses all four years.

The Science and Engineering EXPO will be held at Calvert Middle School on Feb. 25, 2012. corrin@somdpublishing.net

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

The Calvert Gazette

The Founders and Thanksgiving

By Kenyn Cureton When principles - like the one in Somerville, Massachusetts - are trying to ban holidays like Columbus Day, Halloween and Thanksgiving from being celebrated, something is wrong with our view of American history. The principle wrote of her decision to ban Columbus Day: “For many of us and our students celebrating [Christopher Columbus] is an insult and a slight to the people he annihilated. On the same lines, we need to be careful around the Thanksgiving Day time as well.”

But this argument ignores what the first Thanksgiving was originally - and still is - about. Thanksgiving was a time to give thanks to God for his bountiful blessings.

Among the first American settlers, the Pilgrims were faithful to give God thanks. Pilgrim Edward Winslow expressed their gratitude in the fall of 1621: “God be praised, we had a good increase of corn ... by the goodness of God, we are far from want.” Winslow also records: “Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling (turkey hunting), so that we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors” (Dwight Heath, ed., Mourt's Relation: A Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, [Bedford, MA: Applewood Books, 1963], 82). The Pilgrims invited Chief Massasoit and his tribe for three days of feasting, games and celebration. The good relations the Pilgrims (and Puritans) enjoyed with the Natives lasted some 50 years.

That tradition of Thanksgiving grew in colonial New England, and eventually spread. In fact, the Continental Congress issued a number of thanksgiving proclamations, like the one issued after the discovery of Benedict Arnold's treason that also offered gratitude to God for “prospering the labours of the husbandmen, and causing the earth to yield its increase in plentiful harvests; and, above all, in continuing to us the enjoyment of the gospel of peace” (Journals of the Continental Congress 1774-1789 (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1907-37), 18:950-51).

A day after the first Federal Congress approved the Bill of Rights, which some claim includes the doctrine of “Separation between Church and State” in the First Amendment, they voted to ask President George Washington to proclaim a “National Day of Prayer” to thank God for the establishment of our government and for His blessings. On October 3, 1789, Washington issued the following: “Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the twenty-sixth day of November next, to be devoted by the People of these United States ... That we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks ... for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed...” (Jared Sparks, ed., The Writings of George Washington; being His Correspondence, Addresses, Messages, and Other Papers, Official and Private, Selected and Published from the original Manuscripts, 12 vols., [Boston: American Stationer's Company, 1837], 12:119.)

The problem with the Somerville principal's reasoning for banning Thanksgiving is that by claiming political correctness and sensitivity, one could easily forfeit nearly every holiday and celebration in America: The 4th of July could be condemned because the Declaration of Independence didn't go far enough since it did not eradicate slavery; Veterans Day because of innocents unintentionally becoming casualties of war. Where does the PC madness stop? Instead of allowing our flaws to drive what we think about ourselves, how about celebrating what makes America great? Like the time-honored and entirely appropriate celebration and tradition of Thanksgiving!

Kenyn Cureton is vice president for church ministries at the Family Research Council.

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Guest Editorial:

Politicians Above The Law

By Marta Hummel Mossburg It should be no surprise that state Sen. Ulysses Currie, a Democrat from Prince George’s County, was found not guilty of corruption in federal court.

It will also be no surprise if the legislature throws him an acquittal party in January when the 2012 session convenes. After all, taking $250,000 from Shoppers Food Warehouse, not reporting it as required on financial disclosure forms, and advocating on the company’s behalf through his position in the legislature is not a big deal in the scheme of political self-dealing.

In fact, the pittance extracted from the company between 2002 and 2008 almost proves his defense strategy -- that he is really dumb.

If he were smart he would be making millions as a member of Congress.

As Michael Snyder writes in “12 facts about money and Congress that are so outrageous that it is hard to believe they are actually true,” in “The Economic Collapse Blog,” the overall net worth of members of Congress went up by 25 percent between 2008 and 2010 when the economy collapsed along with Americans’ collective net worth.

While many members of Congress always speak of the need for belt-tightening, few have any idea of what it means. The average net worth of a member of Congress is $3.8 million, and more than half are millionaires -- making them not just the 1 percent, that the members

of Occupy Wall Street despise, but something more like the .01 percent.

Perhaps most strikingly, Snyder reports that the net worth of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who grew up in Baltimore, increased by 62 percent to $35.2 million from 2009 to 2010. Democrats were not the only beneficiaries of wild good fortune, however, while the rest of us watched years’ worth of savings evaporate.

Snyder, with whom I spoke on WBAL’s “Ron Smith Show” last week, says that U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa, a California Republican, saw his net worth grow by 37 percent from 2009 to 2010 and that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s wealth grew 29 percent in the same time period.

Reading “12 Facts” was a great primer for the piece on the CBS newsmagazine “60 Minutes” Sunday, which outlined the incredible good fortune so many members of Congress achieve while in office.

One of the main reasons they do so well is that insider trading is not illegal for members of Congress -- unlike everyone else. Raj Rajaratnam, a former hedge fund manager, was just sentenced to 11 years in prison for activity deemed perfectly legal for those who represent us.

Members have had multiple opportunities to pass a law against insider trading since 2004, when a bill was first introduced by Reps. Brian Baird and Louise Slaughter, both Democrats, but have not. As Baird noted on “60 Minutes,” their bill had maybe six co-sponsors and no chance of passage.

If members of Congress flagrantly flout ethics codes the rest of us must follow and are given a free pass to enrich themselves while in office, why should we expect any more of our state elected representatives?

Marta Hummel Mossburg is a senior fellow at the Maryland Public Policy Institute.

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P. O. Box 250 . Hollywood, MD 20636 The Calvert Gazette is a weekly newspaper providing news and information for the residents of Calvert County. The Calvert Gazette will be available on newsstands every Thursday. The paper is published by Southern Maryland Publishing Company, which is responsible for the form, content, and policies of the newspaper. The Calvert Gazette does not espouse any political belief or endorse any product or service in its news coverage. Articles and letters submitted for publication must be signed and may be edited for length or content. The Calvert Gazette is not responsible for any claims made by its advertisers.

The Calvert Gazette

Peppers Pet Pantry On the Move

Mary Beth Gates

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer After four years at a location that has gone from perfectly sized to too small, Peppers Pet Pantry is preparing to move to a larger location just down the street.

The new location will be in Solomons Towne Centre behind the CVS, in what used to be Blair’s Video. The 4,000 square foot building will be almost twice the size of the current location.

Pepper’s owner Mary Beth Gates said they are looking at an early December opening date, once all the paperwork has gone though Calvert County Planning and Zoning.

The new location will allow Pepper’s to offer wider selections and better service its customer base. There will also be three self-serve dog wash stations in the store.

“I’ve always wanted to own a self serve dog wash,” Gates said.

She said the shampoos, conditioners, aprons and hairdryers will be supplied for the customers.

“They come in with a dirty dog, leave with a clean dog and leave us the mess,” Gates said.

While customers will be able to wash their dogs, Gates said they will not be offering grooming services. She has groomers that she is willing to recommend for things like nail trimming and coat maintenance.

She said Peppers prides itself on catering to the customers, and carrying products that are requested by people shopping there. The store specializes in cats and dogs, as well as carrying non-pet related gifts.

Pepper’s will be celebrating its fourth anniversary on Nov. 25. For more information, visit www.pepperspetpantry.com. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

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Town Buildings Demolished to Make Way for Revitalization

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The demolition of two, aging bayfront buildings in the Town of North Beach last week marks the next step in what a local developer hopes will be revitalization for the town.

Ron Russo, head of RAR Inc. told the Calvert Gazette that a planned conference center would include restaurant space as well as hotel suites and a 212-space parking garage.

There are also 18 town homes planned in the project, Russo said.

The conference center itself would be about 10,000 square feet in size with four or five stories, Russo said, but the exact size will depend mostly on market conditions.

“We’re just about finished with our economic viability study, that will give us a better idea of what the market will bear,” Russo said Friday.

The first floor of the project is set for retail, mostly restaurant space, Russo said, and the second floor will house the conference center portion.

The third, fourth and fifth floors would be for the remaining hotel suites. Russo said, to fill out what would be known as the North Beach Conference Center.

Russo said he was unsure for a long time about what to do with the aging buildings in town, Photos By Sean Rice but the conference center seemed the best idea.

“I’ve been playing around with the uses for that space … it just seems like it makes all the sense in the world,” Russo said.

The town makes most of its money from tourists and visitors who come during the spring and summer months, but with the economy dragging for years now businesses have struggled in town to stay solvent.

Several have closed up shop in the past few weeks, town officials have reported.

Russo said he had hopes that a conference center in town would encourage people to visit the town and stay overnight while putting their dollars into a needy town economy.

“We want an energy center for the town, where people spend money and have a good time,” he said.

John Hoffman, town engineer, said that review of the plans for the project have stopped since Russo has told officials he wanted to change aspects of it. The town received preliminary plans last spring, Hoffman said.

“We’re waiting for him to modify his plans so we can continue planning commission review,” Hoffman said. guyleonard@countytimes.net

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15

The Calvert Gazette

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Bradley Bohrer, 18

Dorothy Jones, 90

Bradley David Bohrer, 18, of North Beach, MD passed away November 11, 2011 at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Bradley was born April 30, 1993 in Washington, D.C. to Terri Marie (Reatherford) and Sean D. Bohrer.

He lived in Lothian, MD and attended Lothian Elementary, and moved with his family at age 6 to North Beach, MD. He attended Windy Hill Elementary and Middle Schools, and Northern High School. Bradley’s many interests included motorcycles, fishing, his PlayStation, watching movies and television, especially Animal Planet, Sons of Anarchy, Intervention and Survivor, listening to music, eating crab legs, animals, especially his three dogs, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Bradley was preceded in death by his mother Terri.

He is survived by his father Sean D. Bohrer of North Beach; grandparents Elizabeth and Buddy Ricketts of Lothian and Margaret and Finley Reatherford of Owings, MD; an aunt Christina Ricketts of Tampa, FL and uncle Matt Bohrer of North Beach; cousins Troy, Todd, Tazz, and Brandi Bohrer of North Beach; and numerous Reatherford family aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends and family were received on Thursday November 17 from 7-9 PM at Rausch Funeral Home, Owings. A funeral service and a celebration of Bradley’s life was held at AM 11:00 on Friday November 18, 2011 at Lower Marlboro United Methodist Church, Lower Marlboro, MD. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Bradley’s name may be made to Elizabeth T. Ricketts, Trustee, Bradley D. Bohrer Memorial Fund, 1040 Lower Pindell Road, Lothian, MD 20711.

Dorothy A. Jones, 90, of Huntingtown, MD passed away on October 27, 2011 at her residence. She was born on June 3, 1921 in Calvert County, MD to the late Magnolia and Houston (Hance) Jones.

Dorothy was united in holy matrimony to the late Benjamin L. Jones on November 28, 1939. From this marriage they were blessed with 6 children. Dorothy was educated in the public schools of Calvert County, MD. She joined Patuxent United Methodist Church, Huntingtown, MD at an early age and was a faithful member and then recently joined the Church of God in Huntingtown, MD. She was a faithful worker at the Church. Dorothy was wonderful and she was known for her potato salad, cabbage, rice pudding, coconut cake and sweet potato pie. She also taught many others how to cook, she never went by a recipe, she would tell you in minute, “just put a little of this and a little of that and then taste it!” She was a hard worker and helped many people retain work. Dorothy enjoyed cooking, baking, talking on the phone, and she loved gardening. She also enjoyed Gospel music, riding out, and entertaining family and friends.

She was known as Dorothy, Doris, Mama, Grandma Dottie, Grannie, Sister, Grammie, and Grandma Dorothy, Mother Hen and Time Keeper.

Dorothy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and met no strangers.

Dorothy leaves a legacy of love, generosity and devotion that will be missed but never forgotten. Those that know her will miss her love and giving spirit.

Dorothy leaves to cherish fond memories, 3 sons: John William (Deceased), Sidney (Cynthia), Timothy (Deceased), 3 daughters: Margaret LaRose, Novena Jones Gross (Irvin-Deceased), and Robin Jones Holland (George). Ten grandchildren: Ronnie Jones (Shelly) , Towanda Wallace (Wayne), Keith, Renada Gross Ferguson (Tony), Shannon Jones, Trina Gross Williams (Raymond), Sidney Jones, Jr., LaTisha Jones, America Gross, Tiffany Holland. Sixteen Great-Grandchildren: Shanaee, Nadine, Wayne, Jr., Destiny, Melania, Tranae’, Taylor, Aryanna, Journey, Justin, Keonia, Aniya, Moses, Kavon, Trishcana, La’Zheri. One Great-Great-Grandchild:Ekundayo.

One Sister: Vivian Brown (Chick-Deceased), 5 brothers: Sidney (Deceased) (Ethel), George (Clara), Leslie (Marie-Deceased), Carroll (Gloria), Vernon/Butch (Sylvia). Butch was her baby brother but she raised him as her very own son. Vivian was her sister and her close friend. Alice Parran was her best friend (Deceased) and her special nieces were Ruby and Zara Jones. They faithfully visited on a weekly basis and would take her on joy rides on the weekend. And a close cousin Benjamin Jones that called everyday (twice a day). Special thanks to her daughter-in-law, Cynthia for her dedication and love, and being with her until the end. an thanks to special and faithful friends Emma Santifer and Mary Claggett and Phyllis Fletcher Moreland. Many thanks to all the In-home Care Givers: Phyllis Fletcher Moreland, Monica Steward, Rochelle Jones and Cherie Duley.

Funeral service was held on Friday, November 4, 2011 at 12:00 PM at Church of God Christian Bible Center, Huntingtown, MD with Elder Leonard Graves officiating The interment was at St. Edmonds UM Church Cemetery, Chesapeake Beach, MD. The pallbearers were Russell (Buddy) Reid, Archie Gorman, Larry Brown, William Edward Jones, Harold Jones and Paul Jones. The honorary pallbearers were Todd Jones, Rodney Brown, Michael Brown and Lorenzo Jones.

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

Ralph Buckmaster, 74 Ralph Vivian Buckmaster, 74, of Owings, MD passed away November 3, 2011 at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, MD. Ralph was born March 28, 1937 in Prince Fredrick, MD to Bessie (King) and Ralph V. Buckmaster, Sr. He was raised in Calvert County where he attended public school.

He was employed as a carpenter in homebuilding and general construction, and retired in 2009 from Herrington Harbour in Rose Haven where he had worked for 18 years. Ralph enjoyed working, fishing, attending yard sales, and spending time with friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Ruth Buckmaster and Catherine Lamphere, and brothers Herbert and Julius Buckmaster. He is survived by daughters Sandra Lynn Buckmaster and Carol Anne Buckmaster, both of New Smyrna, FL; sisters Mary Shifflett and Bessie Conner, both of Prince Frederick; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; step-children Jimmy Carroll of Huntingtown, MD, Nancy Sears of Lusby, MD, and Linda Peifer of Delaware; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

Friends and family were received on Monday November 7 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Rausch Funeral Home, Owings, where a funeral service and celebration of Ralph’s life was held Tuesday November 8 at 11:00 AM. Pastor Robert Mayes of the First Baptist Church of Deale officiated. Interment followed the services at Wesley Cemetery, Prince Frederick, MD. Pallbearers were Micky Shifflett, William Shifflett, Jr., Josh Shifflett, Sam Roa, Shane Peifer and Thomas Peifer. Honorary pallbearers were Jimmy Carroll and Jack Chaillet.

with his family to Marlow Heights, MD. He graduated from Crossland High School in 1965, and worked as an electrician for several years. He began a career as a mailer and forklift operator with the Washington Post newspaper, retiring in 2010. He was married to Patricia Mangum and they lived in Shady Side, MD. After the death of his wife Frank lived with his brother Bill until moving to Chesapeake Beach in the early 1990’s.

Frank was a fan of the Washington Redskins and the Washington Nationals, was fond of raising tropical fish and his dog Leroy, and had enjoyed bowling and playing American Legion softball in his youth.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife Pat, and is survived by siblings William W. “Bill” Mangum and wife Karen of Shady Side, and sisters Susan J. Nebeker and her husband Gary of Alexandria, VA, Evelyn McGuire of York, PA and Doris McArthur and husband Duncan of Pensacola, FL. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation was held Friday November 18, 2011, at Rausch Funeral Home, Owings, MD. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton, MD will be private.

Memorial contributions in Frank’s name may be made to the American Lung Association, 211 E. Lombard Street # 260, Baltimore, MD 21202.

Esther Mowry, 97 Esther Gertrude Day Mowry of Huntingtown died on November 17, 2011 at her home, surrounded by her loving daughters.

She was born November 15, 1914 in Washington D.C. to Clarence and Della (Curry) Day. Esther spent her early years in Congress Heights, Washington D.C., until marrying Howard Francis Mowry of Rhode Island on July 17, 1931. They then moved to San Diego, CA before returning to the Washington area in 1934. After Howard’s retirement as Deputy Chief of Police, MPDC, they lived in Abell, MD before settling in Huntingtown in 1976. Esther devoted much time to her church before losing her sight in 1983. She could always found in the kitchen of Congress Heights Baptist Church helping with the dinners.

She led the youth groups and taught the toddlers.

She was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church From 1976 until transferring to Dunkirk Baptist Church in 2005. Esther was devoted to her family, who lovingly knew her as Gram. At large family gatherings she and her husband would marvel at what they had started.

She was preceded in death by her husband who died in 1992 after 62 years of marriage, and one daughter Mary Louise Mowry Wright, who died in 1987.

She is survived by four daughters, Barbara Taylor of Huntingtown, Ellen Wright of Ft. Meyers, FL, Sally Moore and her husband John of

Inez Sullivan, 93 Inez Althea Sullivan, 93, passed away November 17, 2011 at the Calvert County Nursing Center in Prince Frederick, MD where she had resided for the past six years.

Inez was born August 20, 1918 in Washington, D.C. to Valerie (Germann) and Harry Waters.

She was raised in Takoma Park, MD where she attended public schools. She married George A. Sullivan and lived in Takoma Park and later in Chillum, MD. She was employed as a presser at a dry cleaning facility in Takoma Park, and in her leisure time enjoyed ceramics, Bingo, reading, board games, word search puzzles and spending time with family.

Her husband George W. Sullivan Sr. passed away in 1976, and Inez had resided with her son George, Jr. in Friendship, MD from 1984 until 2002, and then had moved to Kearneysville, WV where she lived with her daughter Shirley for three years. Inez had been a resident of Calvert County Nursing Center for the past six years.

She is survived by her daughter Shirley L. Bonifant and husband Paul of Kearneysville, WV; a son George W. Sullivan, Jr. and wife Debbie of Friendship, MD. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, one great-greatgrandson and one great-great-granddaughter.

Friends and family were received at Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., 8325 Mt. Harmony Lane, Owings on Monday November 21, 2011 from 11:00 AM until the time of funeral services at 12:00 Noon. Interment followed at Ft. Lincoln Cemetery, Brentwood, MD at 2:00 PM. For information visit www.RauschFuneralHomes.com.

Arrangements by Rausch Funeral Home, 8325 Mount Harmony Lane, Owings, MD

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Frank Mangum, 64 Frank Leroy Mangum, 64, of Chesapeake Beach, MD, passed away November 15, 2011 at his residence. Frank was born January 19, 1947 in Washington, D.C. to Lois Ruth (Violett) and William Walter Mangum, Sr. He was raised in Anacostia, S.E. Washington, D.C. and later moved

Springfield, VA, and Frances Fairbrother and her husband Blair of Forest, VA; a sister Libby Mathieson of St. Mary’s City, MD and two sisters-in-law Mildred Tobin and Barbara DeVerna of Rhode Island. She also leaves twelve grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and numerous loving friends.

A celebration of Ester’s life was held Sunday November 20, 2011 with Pastor Rick Hancock officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in Esther’s name to Calvert Community Church’s Food Pantry, P.O. Box 1334, Huntingtown, MD 20639 or to Calvert Hospice, P.O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678 or online at www.calverthospice.org.

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ner

e i d d i K Kor

CLUES ACROSS

1. Peruse a book 5. Eating houses 10. Semitic fertility god 14. Protoctist genus 15. Lower in esteem 16. Having sufficient skill 17. Copyread 18. More lucid 19. Bleats 20. Baltimore footballers 22. Removes writing 24. Six (Spanish) 26. Santa & Rancho Santa 27. Computer memory hardware 30. Bangles and beads 32. (Latin) e’around time of 35. Saudi citizens 37. Ladies’ undergarment 38. Evoke or elicit 40. The central part of the Earth 41. Small amount 42. Off-Broadway theater award 43. Related on the mother’s side 45. Opposite of beginning 46. Afrikaans 47. A very small circular shape 48. Material

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

51. Bill the Science Guy 52. Segregating operation 53. Small sleeps 55. Dispoiling a country in warfare 58. Any digit of a vertebrate 62. An apron 63. Island in Bay of Naples 67. Not at home 68. Of a city 69. Daughter of Asopus & Metope 70. Camera apertures 71. Tip of Aleutian Islands 72. Profoundly wise men 73. Ice hockey feinting

CLUES DOWN

1. One who feels penitence 2. Name meaning “God knows” 3. Tel __, Israel city 4. Palm fruits 5. Coarse cinnamon bark 6. Goat and camel hair fabric 7. Sport devotee 8. Point midway between E and SE 9. Imperturbable 10. Spongelike cakes 11. Arabian outer garments 12. Winglike structures

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13. Smaller quantity 21. Beaks 23. Tear down 25. Hidden meaning 26. His magic lamp 27. Had a contest of speed 28. 04473 ME 29. Murdered in his bathtub 31. 14027 NY 32. A citizen of Havanna 33. Very coldly 34. Singer Della 36. Wager 39. Arrived extinct 44. British School 46. The Education Project Asia 49. Raises 50. Madames 52. European Capital of Culture: Romania 54. Burn with a hot liquid 55. __-__-la-ma-ding-dong 56. Be next to 57. British beer unit 59. Overly precious (British) 60. An American 61. Cause cell destruction 64. Satisfaction 65. Small pin of wood 66. Relative Biological Effectiveness

Last Week’s Puzzle Solutions

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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

The Calvert Gazette

‘Me and Snack McGhee’

Newsmakers

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer Local author Peter Abresch, 82, said his ninth book is his best yet.

The book entitled “Me and Snack McGhee” is five different novellas interconnected with one another. The characters have names such as Chance, Snack McGhee, Jinx, and a female cat called Al Capone.

One adventure starts at the local library’s Books and Bubbly with a murder that sends the characters looking for stolen feet and stolen body parts used to make the Peter Abresch perfect woman. Another tale is about Happy Tomatoes and a millionaire recluse who resembles Chance. Or is it that Chance resembles the recluse? Either way, the two team up for Chance to pretend he is the millionaire.

Abresch worked on the novella for about three years. He wanted it to have local sites that Calvert County residents would recognize.

For example, the woman, whose “boobs and butt” are being targeted for theft, lives in Scientist Cliffs. Two of Abresch’s characters conspire to break into the Drum Point Light House. Readers will also see references to Chapline Place, Solomons and the Prince Frederick library branch.

The novella is “about a regular guy and things happen around him. But he always rises.”

Chance is a character from a previous book Abresch book called “If They Ask For A Hand, Only Give Them A Finger.”

Abresch started writing in the 1960s. He sold his first novella to Analog Magazine in 1968. He originally started looking for an agent, but went with a small publisher first.

After he established a fan base, he decided to self publish.

“It takes a lot to learn how to write novels. I wasn’t building characters. I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I

was a computer programmer for the government and I was building a house for retirement,” said Abresch. “Without knowing the basics of writing it takes a lot longer than knowing the footsteps on the path.”

After he retired he took a couple of classes at Georgetown. As he learned about writing he started sending out a Book Marc to fellow writers. A publisher in Texas saw them and talked Abresch into compiling his Book Marcs into a book. This lead to “Easy Reading Writing” which all the Calvert Library branches have a copy available along with his other titles, some he’s made his own audio recordings.

When he’s not writing, he’s taught writing, he’s reading or listening to books from other authors and co-leading Writers By The Bay, a local writing critique group.

Abresch is selling and signing copies of his latest book at the Prince Frederick Library on Dec. 1 starting a 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served and Abresch will answer any questions about writing and publishing. corrin@somdpublishing.net

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The Calvert Gazette

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

18

The Calvert Gazette is always looking for more local talent to feature!

To submit art or band information for our entertainment section, e-mail sarahmiller@countytimes.net.

Raw, Original Community Theatre

By Carrie Munn Staff Writer Southern Maryland Originals 2011 wrapped a five-show run at College of Southern Maryland’s Leonardtown Campus on Sunday. With works from six local playwrights and performances of original songs, musical composition, poetry and spoken word, the production was a community collaboration bringing the arts to life in St. Mary’s County.

The Originals producer, Gloria Ranta, said 40 people were involved in the show directly. She explained how the small but active local theatre community made a collaborative effort to showcase a variety of talent.

Among the local playwrights, Trish Cole, accomplished author of the award-winning social drama Butterfly, offers a one-act centered on a future where the last lesbian on Earth is chained and about to be transported to a segregated planet. Cole said, “Essentially, [Life on Mars] is universal in its themes of saying goodbye to one’s home, never to return.”

With a very simple set, the work was carried by three actors.

Rick Eccleston, as a lawman forced to question his own orders, Sarah Pollard, a young actress playing the lesbian prisoner speaking out about home and human connection, and Amanda LePore, as the reporter carrying a piece of the future in her pocket drew the audience in to the carefully-crafted fictional reality.

George R. Johnson’s Twit! is a sequel to his first try at playwriting, The Importance of Being Hairy, an audience favorite at Three Notch Theater’s One-Act Festival last year. The work follows Harry, played by Jeremy Leissner, and a cast of flawed characters through the trials and tribulations of a speed dating session.

Leni Weisl, a veteran actress new to Southern Maryland, pulls off the character Camille, with a flirtatious ridiculousness one might expect of a speed dating madam and deaf actress Reena Williams, in her first appearance on stage, portrays Helen, a deaf woman struggling to communicate with her hearing table partners.

“Reena adds so much to the part that a hearing person couldn’t,” Johnson said.

Johnson himself appears in Twit! as Stewie, the stuttering sweetheart who finds a perfect match by the play’s end. He said he turned to playwriting after unsuccessful auditions for acting roles and is now working on the third installment of his Harry series, which he calls Farces.

Three other writers and directors whose work was featured as part of Southern Maryland Originals were participants in a 10-minute

playwriting workshop hosted at CSM last semester, which Cole led.

Joanne McDonald’s debut play Beacon was born of that and was beautifully performed by actresses Missy Bell and Ellynne Brice Davis. A distant lighthouse, unseen by the audience, serves as a symbol of shared memories for the lost loved one of two very different women. McDonald has directed many shows and founded The New Direction Theater. Beacon was selected as the winner of the CSM Ten-Minute Play Festival this past spring From its quirky introduction to its poignant social message, Instant Disconnect by Tasnim McWilliams provides an entertaining look at the misuse of cell phones. Leissner, in another SMO role, is left hanging thanks to a friend and love interest’s attachment to all channels of communication but the one sitting in the same room. This was also McWilliams’ first opportunity to see her script come to life.

Leonardtown resident Lois Stephenson flexed her creative muscle at this year’s Originals, writing, directing and starring in Losing It! as well as sharing a piece of original poetry. In the semibiographical play, Stephenson plays the comical grandmother surrounded by a kooky cast of characters who can’t keep their composure in front of their daughter’s Navy beau.

Stephenson’s daughter, Jessica Magno, plays Nadine, the mortified daughter of the wacky family certain they will scare off her suitor. When her service man turns out to be shallow, she sends him packing and the play moves from the comedic to the dramatic with the peaceful exit of Grandma Irene.

Newcomer to the world of theater John Hunt plays the embarrassing dad, with mother-daughter duo Andrea and Sabrina Hein rounding out the cast as a flustered mom and the angelic Amanda.

Hein said she and her seventh-grade daughter enjoyed sharing the stage, adding, “It was a really rewarding experience because we were bringing local artists’ visions to life.”

R. DaSilva’s For King and Cabbage was no doubt directed by Bob Elwood, who also served as the show’s host. Billed as a pointless farce, the play featured active actor, DJ and host of “The Buzz” James LePore in his third role of the production as Rolf, the lying executioner. His wife, Griselda, played by second-year Originals participant Rebecca Masters along with Mark Masters as the lusty miller and his oblivious wife, Tallulah, played by LePore’s daughter Amanda in her second role for the production, deliver continuous puns and propel the play to a most nonsensical finale.

While the actors, directors and crew could be seen changing the stage settings, the creativity was kept continuous with a heartfelt spoken word from Magno, an original guitar piece by Alex Holden, who assisted his dad, Steve, with the production’s sound equipment, and two original songs by singer-songwriter Michael Bell.

Another local musician, David Norris’ music was played during the preshow and intermission.

With props and set pieces borrowed from Three Notch Theater, local theater lovers and area businesses, along with heaping support from CSM, those who poured their hearts and hours into it hope Southern Maryland Originals will become a long-standing tradition.

Cole said the production is a non-threatening arena to start in, as local creators of all experience levels are welcomed and encouraged to get involved in playwriting, acting, costume design or behind-the-scenes work. Those interested in taking part or testing the waters of local theater should email SMO.Producer@gmail.com. carriemunn@countytimes.net

Correction

Last week’s article in The Calvert Gazette featuring Sam Grow neglected to give proper photograph credit for the live shot of Sam Grow. The photo was courtesy of Mike Batson Photography.

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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

The Calvert Gazette

Calvert County Events – November 2011 • View one-of-a-kind ornaments at the 4th Annual Ornament Show & Sale at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center. These beautiful hand-crafted ornaments are created by talented artists from across the region. Beginning Nov. 23, Annmarie Garden makes a great stop for your holiday shopping. Find special gifts in their amazing gift shop. For more information, visit www.annmariegarden.org.

• The Calvert Marine Museum will present the musical performance “Rosie” on Sunday, Nov. 20. “Rosie” will take you back to the days of rationing, the housing shortage, spies, and women going to work outside their homes for the first time in the 1940s. Salute the women of World War II at 2 p.m. in the museum auditorium. This free program is sponsored by Northrop Grumman.

• The 23rd Annual Festival of Trees will host a special kick-off event on Saturday, Nov. 19. “A Lot More Zep” is a rock opera featuring the music of Led Zeppelin and performed by the Sojourner Band. The concert begins at 8 p.m. at the Mary Harrison Cultural Arts Center, Northern High School, Owings. For more information, call 410-535-0892 or visit www.calverthospice. org.

• The Hospice Festival of Trees will be held Friday, Nov. 25 through Sunday, Nov. 27 at Huntingtown High School. The festival features beautifully decorated Christmas trees and the Festival Shoppes with wonderful vendors offering merchandise, art and unique crafts – great for holiday presents. On Saturday, Nov. 26, children can enjoy either breakfast or lunch with Santa which includes food, photo with Santa, crafts and a whole lot of fun (reservations required). School, church and community vocal and instrumental groups will perform throughout the festival. All proceeds benefit Calvert Hospice. For more information, visit www.calverthospice.org.

• Patuxent High School Band is holding there annual Pointsetta Sale from now until 12/5/11. We will be taking orders on Friday 11/25 (Black Friday) at Starbucks from 10-2 and Dunkin Donuts also on Friday 11/25 from 9-1. These plants are being purchased through Tidal Creek Growers, which is one of the top nurserys in the state. All proceeds will help offset costs incurred during the 20112012 band season.

The plants come in 4 sizes and 4 colors 6 " 4-5 blooms $11 7" 8-10 blooms $14 8" 12-16 blooms $20 10" 16-20 blooms $24 Colors are red, pink, white and marble. We are also offering glittering for 1.75 a plant. Delivery date will be Weds Dec 7 between 4-7 at the PHS Cafeteria. To Order please call Kym Mitchell at 410-231-2784 or you may e-mail her at kimmitchell@gmail.com You may also order by calling the PHS Band office at 410-535-7806 • Chesapeake Beach lights up the town for the holidays on Sunday, Nov. 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. when tens of thousands of holiday lights will twinkle in Chesapeake Beach making it the “Brightest Beacon on the Bay.” Bring your family to the official start of the holiday season where all of the lights are lit magically from the Chesapeake Beach

Out&About

Town Hall by our own "Mother Christmas.” Ride through Town to enjoy the holiday sights which will be displayed until the week after the New Year. www.chesapeake-beach. md.us.

• Tans Cycles and Parts will once again put together an incredible Lionel model train display. These amazing exhibits draw people from afar; we are lucky to have them right in our backyard!

The Halloween Train Display runs thru Nov. 20, weekdays 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays noon to 5 p.m. The Holiday Train Display begins Nov. 25 and runs thru January 14, weekdays 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays noon to 5 p.m.; special times on December 24 and 31 (noon to 5 p.m.) and December 27 thru 30 (noon to 8 p.m.). Tans is located at 9032 Chesapeake Avenue, North Beach. For more information, call 410-257-6619.

• Can You Eat, Shop, & Give to Charity All At The Same Time? Yes you can. In Nov., Olde Bay Tavern will host a shopping party each Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

During this time you can come to eat, shop or purchase raffle tickets for amazing drawings. All raffle proceeds will go to End Hunger in Calvert County. In addition there will be collection boxes for End Hunger in Calvert County where you can donate nonperishable items.

The collection boxes will be available throughout the month of Nov.. Sunday shopping details include: - Nov 6 – Thirty One (handbags, purses, accessories). Raffle: Thirty One bag full of OBT goodies – pickles, applesauce, peaches, jam, and an OBT tee shirt.

- Nov 13 – Lia Sophia (jewelry). Raffle: Two homemade peanut butter pies made with love by Colleen.

- Nov 20 – Avon (makeup, jewelry, home, & more).

Raffle: Cute coin purse filled with an OBT gift certificate worth $25 - Nov 27 – Scentsy (wickless candles). Raffle: Dinner cooked for you and three of your friends by Chef Norman Griese and OBT Owner Doug McClair at your house.

Olde Bay Tavern is located at 4114 7th Street. For more information, please call 443-964-5261.

• View great art at Annmarie Sculpture Garden with the exhibit Toys: Re-Invent, Re-Imagine, Re-Discover which continues through January 8, 2012. This exhibit showcases toys and children’s playthings as the inspiration and subject matter for the artwork displayed. In the Mezzanine Gallery, the Imagine a World… exhibit takes people on a journey of personal expressions and global issues. Made up of three woman artists, each piece tells a story such as family traditions, cooking, natural habitations, or sailing. The Imagine a World…exhibit is currently open and continues through January 29, 2012. (www.annmariegarden.org) • There is still time to make special holiday gifts. Annmarie Sculpture Garden offers great classes for adults and children. The Nov. schedule includes classes on rag rugs, Nuno scarves, mosaic tiles, pocket sketching, sea glass and clay. Bring a friend to a “Girls’ Night Out: Wine & DISH!” A complete schedule of classes can be found at their website www.annmariegarden.org or call 410-326-4640.

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

Light Up the Holidays at North Beach • On Friday, December 2nd at 7 pm: Gather on the pavilion as we light up the town for the holiday season. Enjoy Christmas carols and sip on hot chocolate!

• On Saturday, December 3rd from 12 to 3 pm: Watch the annual Christmas parade from the boardwalk as we await the arrival of Mr. & Mrs. Claus.

Children can sit on Santa's lap and share their wish list. Each child will receive a special treat!

• Also, on Saturday, December 3rd from 5 to 6 pm: Celebrate the Season: An Evening with the Arts. Gather at Town Hall to watch the performance of The Abigail Francisco School of Classical Ballet Youth Performance Ensemble and Students and to listen to the songs of Calvert High School Chorus, Windy Hill Elementary School Choir, and Wyatt Garrett performing on the piano.

• On Saturday, December 10, at dark, there will be the 2nd Annual Luminary Holiday Walk. Join the Town of North Beach and the North Beach Business Loop for an evening of holiday shopping, caroling and cheer. The streets will be lined with candles and businesses will be open late with specials, holiday refreshments and more.

Sing along with local carolers and let the holiday spirit take over.

• On Sunday, January 1, 1 pm - Polar Bear Plunge. Take a dip, splash or swim in the frigid Chesapeake Bay with fellow plungers!

All participants receive a t-shirt and a certificate of participation and can warm up by the bonfire, drink hot cocoa and roast marshmallows. This event draws hundreds of brave participants and spectators.

Shop Local

LUSBY TOWN SQUARE Holiday Open Houses & Customer Appreciation Days

Michelangelo’s Hair Salon & Day Spa: December 7th • 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Special Rates on Sunkissed Tanning: December 10th • 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Memberships Express Fitness of Lusby: December 10th • 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. & Tanning Refreshments, Food

Considering educational options for your child?

Our Lady Star of the Sea School A Private, Co-educational Catholic School for Grades K-8 Located on Historic Solomons Island.

Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision. Our Lady Star of the Sea offers an integrated academic curriculum in a faith-based environment.

• • • • • • •

Academic excellence High test scores Fully-accredited program Certified teachers Small class sizes Character development Extra-curricular activities and athletics

Come see for yourself!

P.O. Box 560, 90 Alexander Lane Solomons, MD 20688 www.olsss.org

Drop in on the second Wednesday of any month or call 410-326-3171 to schedule a visit and sit in on classes.

Upcoming Events at OLSS: November 19 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Christmas Shopping Bazaar December 10 6 p.m.

Candy Canes & Cocktails Silent Auction December 17 9 a.m.

Winter Seahawk 5K Run/Walk January 20-28 6 -10 p.m.

Alumni Dinner Theatre