2011-12-01 Calvert Gazette

December 1, 2011

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Deliver After Festival of Trees Page 10 Photo By Frank Marquart

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, December 1, 2011

On T he Cover

Also Inside

3 County News 8 Community 9 Crime 10 Feature Story 11 Business 12 Education 13 Letters 14 Obits 15 Newsmakers 16 Games 17 Health 18 Entertainment 19 Out and About

Donald Cox, left, James Wood, deliver a Christmas tree to the Calvert Hospice House in Prince Frederick on Monday. Cox and Wood were one of three crews delivering Christmas trees in a Bob Hall, L.L.C. beer distributing truck after the Festival of Trees last weekend.

local news

Cub Scout Pack 451 Leader Carol Trudo and Sgt. Hyde with the four boys selected to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Liam Trudo, Kole Koerper, Joshua Sanchez and Logan Truax.

out & about community

Santa and Mrs. Claus pose with carolers during last year’s Christmas Tree Lighting in Lusby. The event is back on the calendar this year. See the Out and About sections for holiday events across the county.

FOR EVENTS HAPPENING IN YOUR AREA, CHECK PAGE 19 IN OUT AND ABOUT

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Thursday, December 1, 2011

MHBR No. 103

The Calvert Gazette

COUNTY NEWS

Budget Work for 2013 Already Getting Started

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer

2012 isn’t even here yet, but work on the fiscal year 2013 budget is already getting underway.

With numerous groups vying for funding from the county, Department of Finance and Budget Director Tim Hayden said there is a process the department follows to begin prioritizing where funding goes.

He said they will estimate the amount of income the county is to receive – 65 percent of which comes from property taxes and another 25 of which comes from income taxes.

The remaining 10 percent comes in from several other sources, such as the state and other taxes and licensing fees Priorities are given to the county schools and public safety, Hayden said. The county did have an agreement with the school board to use a formula to determine the funding for the school district. The formula expired in FY2012, and the county will be entering into negotiations for a new agreement with the Calvert County Board of Education.

Gail Hoerauf-Bennett, Calvert County Public Schools policy and communication specialist, said the county funding formula for the school system is ”the prior year appropriations, multiplied by the change in student enrollment, multiplied by the Consumer Price Index, multiplied by an adjustment factor of 1.25 percent.”

Schools Superintendent Jack Smith said the funding calculation the county uses worked fine in FY 2004, during the first incarnation of the calculation, but in the future, with cuts from the state, they may need to work out a way that makes sure the schools have the finding they need.

Budget planners also determine funding for the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which is planned through 2018 so the county can get a picture of what its working toward, Hayden said. For capital projects, a great deal of commitment is required when the budget is adopted. Hayden said the county sells bonds to help fund CIPs, and the bonds are paid back over 15 years. The loan payments also come into play when planning the budget.

Government salaries are also calculated early in the budget process. In FY 2011, government employees received a 0.5 percent Cost of Living Assessment (COLA), but in FY 2012 they received no increase. Hayden said COLAs are considered carefully because once they raise the base amount that amount becomes the new base. Salaries are reviewed and calculated as fixed charges, Hayden said.

After education, public safety and salaries, Hayden said there is a “significant remainder amount” that goes to fund operating budgets for individual departments.

Entities like food banks and shelters depending on county funding are also calculated as operating budgets. Those groups receive quarterly payments throughout the year. Hayden said his Department has been trying to tie funding to performance, but doing so is easier said than done.

“It’s been pretty difficult,” Hayden said.

The fiscal year begins July 1. Before then, the budget is reviewed and commented on many times before being officially adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, December 1, 2011

4

New Video Will Show Horrors of DWI

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer Monday evening, Calvert County D.A.R.E. Officer Mike Bomgardner demonstrated a computer software program that puts local teenagers in the middle of a tragedy involving driving while under the influence.

“This presentation hopefully will show them that their decision (to drink and drive) wasn’t just going to affect them,” Bomgardner told the Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse Board (CAASA) of Directors.

Using money provided by a CAASA mini-grant, Bomgardner purchased Fatal Reflections, an interactive computer program based on 12 true scenarios of accidents involving drunk driving.

Bomgardner showed how he can take pictures of four teenagers during a presentation, such as a mock traffic accident. Then he can enter other localized information which will generate a television news style story of what happened.

The scenario Bomgardner chose involved four teenagers that partied all night and were headed to classes when the driver plowed into a bicyclist.

The three to four minute video starts off with the investigating police officer describing what happened, a news reporter’s voice over while people carry caskets out of a church, a picture of a newspaper with the headline “Two Calvert High School Students Dead” and a personal defense attorney recommending the teenage driver accept the 22 year jail sentence offered as opposed to going to trial. The attorney even hands parents paperwork to

file for bankruptcy because their insurance wasn’t going to cover all the costs related to the injuries, deaths and trials.

Bomgardner’s plan is to take this program to the high schools when they hold a mock traffic accident which consists of two parts: an indoor presentation and then an outdoor demonstration.

“It is as close to real life as we can make it,” said Sheriff Mike Evans.

Bomgardner agreed, telling the CAASA board how a mother of one of the actors found herself emotionally devastated even though she knew it was just an act.

“Our numbers are down,” Evans said of the number of teenage fatal traffic accidents.

CAASA Board President Chris Comer asked staff and Bomgardner to look into the possibility of showing some of these scenarios on the public access cable channel. Student Representative Jacob Cook and County Commissioner Evan Slaughenhopt suggested YouTube or Facebook might be a better way of reaching the teen audience.

In other board business, a representative from the Optimist Club thanked CAASA for their annual support of Shop with a Cop and talked about the agenda from the event scheduled for Dec. 10. The Comedy Show Planning committee announced the two comedians scheduled for the February fundraiser for Project Graduation and sought board direction on incorporating some new ideas into the program. corrin@somdpublishing.net

Local Organizations Make Sure Everybody Gets a Thanksgiving Meal

Robin MaRshall

Life • Disability Income • Farms • Businesses Home • Auto

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INSURANCE

Photos by Sarah Miller From north to south county, groups got together to make sure everyone had a place to eat during the holiday by offering free meals on Thanksgiving. The SMILE Thanksgiving dinner, above, was at Catamaran’s in Solomons from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and the offerings included turkey, potatoes, Southern Maryland stuffed ham and pumpkin pie, along with other traditional Thanksgiving food.

The Healing and Delivery Community Experience of the Holy Spirit in Prince Fredrick held a Thanksgiving breakfast for the community.

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Thursday, December 1, 2011

COUNTY NEWS

The Calvert Gazette

Cliff Homeowners May Get Financial Help Group Similar to SMILE Starting in North End

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer

Through the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the county is applying for Hazard Mitigation and Pre-Disaster grants to help cliff side homeowners by potentially buying them out, helping them to move their homes or shoring up the cliff side to make it more stable.

Virginia Haskell, the chairperson for the Calvert Cliff’s Advisory Committee, said the county applies for the grants on behalf of the homeowners. The hazard mitigation grant can only be used to move the houses or buy out the property, which she said would then belong to the state. Hazard mitigation monies can only be used to help homeowners whose property is already showing signs of damage from the cliff erosion.

Bobby Fenwick, division chief of Calvert County emergency management, said there are less than a dozen people whose homes and properties qualify for help under the disaster mitigation grant.

Haskell said individuals have to be asked to be considered in the grant at the time of application, but they can withdraw their names from the list at a later date.

They just have be on the list at the time of application to be considered if the money comes to the county.

The pre-disaster mitigation grant money can be used to help prevent erosion, and prevent damage to the properties. Haskell said, if the county gets the grant, they will be working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to find viable options for erosion control and prevention.

Some parts of the cliffs are more stable than others, Fenwick said, and in some locations the less stable soil has eroded to a more firm layer. The grant will provide money to determine the soil types and what can be done to help homeowners and locate areas to preserve for the Puritan tiger beatles.

The pre-disaster mitigation grant application was completed and submitted Nov. 28, Haskell said, and the application for the disaster mitigation grant was submitted in January. She said they hope to hear something about the hazard mitigation grant soon. She said the applications go to MEMA first, then MEMA sends them on to FEMA. Because there are limited funds to give out for the grants and so many people applying for them, Haskell said applying is not always a guarantee of getting money.

The next meeting of the Cliff Advisory Committee will be Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. in the Courthouse Square building. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Skateboarders Need a Place to Go

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Aiming to fill a gap left by the closing of Catholic Charities in Prince Fredrick, churches in northern Calvert County are banding together to form the Community Ministries of Calvert County (CMCC).

Rev. Charles Harrell of Trinity United Methodist Church, and a member of the steering committee for the ministry, said the CMCC has been under construction for about a year. He said the group will offer financial and emergency aid to families in need in northern Calvert County beyond SMILE’s service area in the south end.

He said with organizations like the CMCC, other needs in the area often become apparent as the group becomes more established, and they will address further needs in the community as they arise.

Currently, CMCC is working on establishing their board of directors, Harrell said, and the group will begin fundraising as soon as they get nonprofit status.

The six founding churches of CMCC are All Saints Episcopal Church, Christ Church, Smithville United Methodist Church, St. Edmonds United Methodist Church, St. John Vianney Catholic Church and Trinity United Methodist Church. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

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Auto Accidents

With no skate park to go to in southern Calvert County, youths have been looking for places to go with their skateboards, often finding locations that are less than desirable, such as the sidewalks in Workers’ comp front of stores.

• Divorce/Separation Sheriff Mike Evans said the kids aren’t typically malicious, but “when they get together and • Support/Custody they’re bored, they get into mischief and that’s the problem,” Evans said.

• Domestic Violence While some of the young people come across as “discourteous” and rude when somebody asks • Criminal/Traffic them to leave, Evans said that is a small percentage.

• DWI/MVA Hearings “Most of the time, we tell them to move along and they do,” Evans said.

Power of Attorney He said the highest frequency of calls concerning skateboarders comes from south of Prince Scan this “Times Code” Fredrick, especially in Lusby and Solomon’s Island. The skateboarders frequently congregate behind with your smart phone • Name Change • Adoption the Giant in Lusby • Wills • Guardianship “Sure, it’s an issue,” he said, and encourages people to call in if a skateboarder is trespassing on Accepting: private property.

99 Smallwood Dr. Waldorf, MD • 206 Washignton Ave. LaPlata, MD In north county, there are a significantly fewer amount of incidents concerning skateboarders SERVING CHARLES • ST. MARY’S • PG • CALVERT (301) 932-7700 (301) 870-7111 trespassing, which Evans said correlates with the fact that there is a skate park in Dunkirk.

“I think the county needs to find a place for them to be,” Evans said.

Calvert County Recreation Chief Doug Meadows said there are places for the young people in the county to be and things for them to do, but they often don’t take the time to find them. The department of parks and recreation puts together several programs and activities for young people to get involved in.

“I’ve been in the business for 30 years and people always say there’s nothing for kids to do,” Meadows said.

“There’s tons of things for kids to do.”

Meadows said the money to plan the skate park for Cove Point park is there, but parks and recreation is waiting for the money to build as well, so they can plan and build in as short a time span as possible.

“Right now, we’re just in a holding pattern,” he said.

He said the skate park would be built in a space that Gary Simpson was once designated for a roller hockey rink. He said the Matt Laidley skate park was suggested when the master plan for parks Katie Facchina and recreation was formed 10 years ago, when they weren’t 7480 Crain Highway sure if skateboarding would just be a fad or become a fixLa Plata, MD 20646 ture in youth culture.

301-934-8437 “This isn’t just something new that just got dropped,” Meadows said.

Security at the Dunkirk skate park isn’t an issue, and April Hancock Meadows said he doesn’t see it being a problem in the PO Box 407 An Independent Agent Representing: ERIE INSURANCE GROUP Cove Point skate park.

Standing: Dan Burris, Jake Kuntz, Seated: Lisa Squires, Bryans Road, MD 20616 Susan Ennis, Donna Burris “The kids very much police themselves,” Meadows 301-743-9000 said.

Both Evans and Meadows said there hasn’t been any problems at the north county skate park during the past Auto - Home - Business - Life summer, and Meadows said the last incident he remembers Leonardtown, MD • Bus: (301) 475-3151 from the skate park was approximately two years ago. www.danburris.com

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COUNTY NEWS

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, December 1, 2011

6

Oyster Die Off Puts Pressure on Local Fishery

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Heavy rains have contributed to an intense but relatively limited oyster die-off in the northern portion of the Chesapeake Bay, officials say, pushing oyster harvesters farther into Southern Maryland waters and putting more pressure on the local fishery.

But state fisheries experts say that most of the oyster population is untouched throughout the bay despite the die-off, and that lower salinity in the bay resulting from heavy spring rains have helped reduce oyster decimating diseases.

“It was a very small area it impacted,” said Mike Naylor, deputy director of Maryland Department of Natural Resourc fisheries division.

“It represented only about one to two percent of the overall population.”

Some oysters bars in the northern portion of the bay have seen between 85 to 100 percent loss of oysters due to fresh water washing salt from those waters, Naylor said, but southern waters have not been affected.

Naylor said reports he has heard from watermen have been good, reporting healthy oysters.

“Right now they’re doing pretty well in

southern waters,” Naylor said.

The less harsh reduction of salt in southern waters helped fight the resurgence of diseases that can destroy oyster populations, Naylor said.

Tommy Zinn, president of the Calvert County Waterman’s Association, said watermen harvesting locally have been able to make a living this season but not much more than that.

“Patent tongers are getting about six to seven bushels per man,” Zinn said. “The guys are able to make a day’s work.”

But with watermen having to share more of the southern waters, he said, finding oysters

Rain Barrel Sales Help the Community

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer By producing rain barrels and compost barrels and selling them, the Northern Calvert Lions Club provides a way for people to help their environment and community at the same time.

Jim Daniels said his club has been making 55 gallon rain barrels for about three years and started producing compost barrels about a year ago.

“Rain water harvesting is important because it decreases the high demand for domestic water in which residential irrigation can account for up to 40% of consumption. By collecting rain water and storing it in a ran barrel you’ll have water for future use, whether it’s for watering the garden or just keeping it handy for emergency situations,” according to the club flyer.

The club uses recycled barrels, mostly from food processing plants. After locating containers which never stored toxic materials, the members have a “party” to insert a gutter nozzle and two spigots into the barrels.

The process takes about 90 minutes to wash, drill holes and attach equipment.

“We’ve got to hunt and search for non-toxic barrels,” said Daniels. While they aren’t competing with the Bowie Lion’s Club for income, they might be compet-

ing with them for the 55 gallon drums companies are willing to donate.

Since the club started making the rain collectors they have sold about 200.

The compost barrels take about four hours to build since they are creating a frame as well as painting it black to enhance the decommission process. Sales of the compost barrels are usally event driven, according to Daniels.

For example, the Lion’s Club was at Herrington Harbour on Nov. 19 for a green expo. Rose Haven’s new deli Honey’s Harvest planned to purchase a compost unit to use with their garden.

The rain barrels are $80 and the composts are $148.

They will deliver free in the Southern Maryland and Anne Arundel areas. For more information contact Jim Daniels at 301-494-3173 or jimdani@ gmail.com.

“Hundred percent of the profits go back to the community,” said Daniels.

Among some of the things the local group supports financially are preschool vision screening, youth activities, scouting, environmental issues, and blood drives. corrin@somdpublishing.net

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Public Comment Window Closing on Major SMECO Project

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Southern Maryland residents have until Dec. 12 to comment on the SMECO Southern Maryland Reliability Project.

The project will include two miles of underground construction beneath the Patuxent River.

Erica Schmidt, project manager with the Army Corps of Engineers for the Southern Maryland Reliability project, said SMECO originally applied for the permits needed from the state April 8, but the project went to the Maryland Department of the Environment’s regulatory authority and was sent on to the Corps of Engineers on April 22.

According to information supplied by the Corps of Engineers, the project will be constructed in areas that include “tidal and nontidal waters, including unnamed tributaries and wetlands contiguous and adjacent to that Patuxent River, Fishing Creek, Mattawoman Creek, Hunting Creek, Parker Creek, Battle Creek, St. Leonard Creek, St. Mary’s River, Hunting Creek, Parker Creek, and St. Leonard Creek in Calvert and St. Mary’s counties in Maryland.”

Once the public comment period is closed, Schmidt said the corps of engineers will take all comments under review and work with SMECO and the agencies expressing concerns to work out kinks in the plan. Then the corps of engineers will approve, revise or deny the permit.

SMECO spokesperson Tom Dennison said the permit is only one of many procedures SMECO has had to go through to get the multi-county project off the ground. He said in the end, they will be laying a 230 kV transmission line to complete a loop between Calvert and St. Mary’s counties. Other things they have had to do is work with each county to get local grading permits and work with the Maryland Public Service Commission.

He said SMECO has been trying to “work with customers along the way” and hold open houses to get information about the project out.

For more information, visit https://www.smeco.coop/reliability/ index.html. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

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“It’s a burden on our stock, they guys can’t work their own areas so they have to move,” Zinn said.

Larry Simns, president of the state waterman’s association, said watermen have requested that the state open up some of the recently closed oyster sanctuaries to let them recoup their losses from this season, but he has not received a positive response.

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The Calvert Gazette

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The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, December 1, 2011

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Santa Will Usher in Lusby Tree Lighting The Lusby Business Association presents the Lusby Town Center’s 2nd Annual Tree Lighting on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Bank of America.

The community event will include a visit from Santa Claus, who will arrive in grand style courtesy of the Solomons Fire Department. Santa, along with local business will kick off the holiday season with an official tree lighting of the town’s tree. This year activities will also include fire truck rides, live music, pictures with Santa Claus, and local business giveaways.

“Last year nearly 100 people braved the cold to witness the town’s first tree lighting. We’re so excited to be able to do the tree lighting again this year,” Nance Pretto Simmons, president of the Lusby Business Association, said in a press release.

“This event is an opportunity to add a more personal touch in the Lusby Town Center.”

The Lusby Business Association (LBA) was founded in 2009 for the purposes of providing a local forum for businesses in Lusby to strategize and partner with fellow local businesses to improve and stabilize the local economy by participating in collab-

orative endeavors. The LBA seeks to promote public awareness on the importance and value of buying local to improve the vitality of businesses in Lusby.

The event is free and open to the public.

The event is courtesy of the Lusby Business Association, Bank of America, the Optimist Club, and local businesses. The town tree will be on display until Jan. 1, 2012. For information on the tree lighting, festival of trees or the Lusby Business Association visit www.shoplusby. com or contact Simmons at nance@shoplusby. com.

Art Walk 2011 Art Walk Prince Frederick 2011 will take place on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 12 to 5 p.m. Get on your walking shoes and take the walk from Church Street to Main Street, to Duke Street and the Prince Frederick Shopping Center.

Along with an art and jewelry exhibit or music, every business this year will be holding a special $1 raffle to benefit Safe Harbor.

Artwalk goers will be able to visit each business on the map and buy as many raffle tickets as they wish, then will put these in specially wrapped “raffle” gift boxes located next to prize of their choice. Drawings will be held at 4:30 p.m. by each business (you do not need to be present to win). There will be live music, art receptions, and artists on hand with their work, and open houses at all participating businesses.

Bead Boutique will be celebrating its anniversary and having a Bead-a-bracelet event. CalvART will have an open house and art reception, and will also be hosting Tuba Santa this year. Dream Weaver will be open with special treats and beautiful art on it’s walls and live music. Parran Collery will be holding an open house at Eartha Handmade Tile Studio (behind old Main Street Gallery). Chesapeake Art and Frame and Aggro Joes will be having an open house. GH Clark will have an open house with Terry Quinn’s wonderful photography. The Linden House will be participating this year with an open house and art exhibit. Calvert Hospice will have

an open house, and right down from them, Prince Frederick Printing and Graphics will be holding an open house and have announced that they will demonstrate their Art Quality Epson Wide Format Printer and raffle a 24” X 36” print to the raffle winner. Calvert Commercial will be teaming up with the Bead Boutique with Christmas Karaoke.

Maps will be available at all participating businesses. To find out more details about Art Walk Prince Frederick 2011 and who’s participating this year check out our website at http://www.artwalkprincefrederick.com.

Pancakes With Santa

The annual Patuxent High School Band Pancakes with Santa event will be this Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the PHS cafeteria.

Pancakes, sausage and milk will be served along with live entertainment from the PHS Jazz Band playing your holiday favorites. Free arts and crafts for the kids and for the adults, crafters and vendors will be on hand to help finish your holiday shopping.

And the event of the day – Pictures with Santa. Costs are $6 for ages 6 and up, $4 for ages 3-5 and free for children 2 and under.

Pictures on Santa’s lap will be $5 per print.

Hope to see you there!

9

Thursday, December 1, 2011

POLICE BLOTTER Items Pilfered From Vehicles

On Nov. 22 at 10:55 p.m., Trooper First Class Johns responded to the 4200 block of Broomes Island Rd. in Port Republic in reference to a reported burglary. A Stihl Chainsaw, Hatachi cordless drill, and other tools were stolen from the open bed of a truck. The investigation continues.

On Nov. 23, at 4:23 a.m., Trooper First Class Johns responded to the 7700 block of Pine Blvd. in Lusby for a reported theft from a motor vehicle.

A wallet and its contents and a bike were removed from the victim’s vehicle.

Home Burglarized

On Nov. 24 at 8:31 p.m., Trooper Esnes responded to the 11200 block of Lakeside Dr. in Dunkirk for a reported theft. Numerous tool items were removed from the residence and a walk-in closet ceiling was damaged. Investigation continues.

Assault On Police Alleged

On Nov. 24 at 11:59 p.m., Trooper First Class Lewis and Trooper Barlow stopped to assist a motorist on Rt. 261 west of Rt. 260 in Chesapeake Beach.

The passenger, Teresa A. Linton, 42 of Chesapeake Beach, became very combative and kicked TFC Lewis in the leg, police alleged. She was arrested and incarcerated to the Calvert County Detention Center for processing.

Traffic Stops Lead To Drug Charges

On Nov. 23 at 11:49 a.m. Dep. G. Gott conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Round Up Road at Catalina Drive in Lusby. He found the passenger, William T. McLaren, 29 of California, to be in possession of suspected drugs and charged him with possession of marijuana.

On Nov. 25 at 12:10 a.m., Trooper Esnes stopped a vehicle for alleged traffic violations on Rt. 4 west of Dares Beach Rd. in Prince Frederick. A search of the vehicle revealed that the driver was in possession of alleged marijuana, police said. Andrew A. Nichols, 21, of College Park was arrested and incarcerated in the Calvert County Detention Center.

Copper Stolen

On Nov. 26 at 10 a.m., Trooper First Class Landis responded to the 8700 block of E St. in Chesapeake Beach for a reported theft. Copper lines were stolen from the inside of two air conditioning units.

Police: Suspect Tossed Weight At Vehicle

On Nov. 26 at 1:15 p.m., Trooper First Class Saucerman responded to the 500 block of Stamper Ct. in Prince Frederick for a reported destruction of property. The suspect, police said, threw a three-pound dumbbell at the victim’s vehicle, causing damage.

Man Charged With Pot Possession

On Nov. 26 at 7:46 p.m., Trooper Lewis responded to the 400 block of Dogwood Dr. in Lusby to check the welfare of the occupants of a residence, police reported. Christopher M. Staley, 20, of Lusby, became very irate and argumentative, police reported, and when troopers made contact with Staley and during their contact with him, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were observed in the room. He was arrested and charged.

Money Stolen From Desk

On Nov. 27 at 11:40 a.m., Trooper First Class Saucerman responded to the 2000 block of Park Chesapeake Rd. in Lusby for a reported theft. A large sum of money was stolen from the victim’s desk. Investigation continues.

The Calvert Gazette

Traffic Stop Leads to Cocaine, PCP Arrest

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer A traffic stop for what police called illegal window tinting in Dunkirk last week netted almost 15 grams of cocaine as well as PCP and some paraphernalia in what the local Maryland State Police Barrack commander called a significant seizure.

The defendant in the case, Phillip Quincy Lewis, 29, of Upper Marlboro, was arrested and charged on numerous counts including possession of narcotics with the intent to distribute them as well as possession of drug paraphernalia.

In all, Lewis faces a maximum nearly 20 years in prison if convicted on all counts against him plus additional fines.

Lt. Randy Stephens of the Prince Frederick barracks said that the amount of crack cocaine seized from the vehicle amounted to little more than a golf ball-sized amount but that much can still go a long way on local streets.

“It’s pretty good,” Stephens said of the seizure amount. “For a traffic stop its larger than most.”

According to charging papers filed in county Dis-

trict Court, a trooper executed the traffic stop on Route 4 near Yellow Bank Lane in Dunkirk on Nov. 20; the 2001 black Cadillac Deville had temporary tags and window tinting.

That tinting, which court papers stated was illegal, is probably what led to the traffic stop in the first place, Stephens said.

The car’s driver Artavius Donnell Cox, did not have a valid driver’s license, charging papers stated, and neither did Lewis or another passenger, identified as Bertina Marie Thompson.

The trooper also found that the person to whom the vehicle was registered, Tasha R. Upchurch was not among those in the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle turned up 14.7 grams of crack cocaine valued at $1,470, charging documents stated, as well as two viles of phencyclidine, also known as PCP, a digital scale with cocaine residue and small baggies.

Charging documents also alleged that Lewis had $714 on his person during the stop divided into denominations “indicative to a person selling narcotics.” guyleonard@countytimes.net

Troopers Write Hundreds of Tickets in Holiday Campaign

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The commander of the Maryland State Police Prince Frederick barrack reports that troopers dedicated solely to the task of looking out for seat belt violators, drunk drivers and speeders have been writing tickets consistently for the past week since the Click It or Ticket campaign started for the holiday season.

And so far all the citations troopers have given out seem to be working, said Lt. Randy Stephens.

“Our guys have written a lot of citations … it’s well into the hundreds in Calvert County,” Stephens told The Calvert Gazette. “We haven’t had any fatal [accidents], that’s our goal.”

Calvert has also seen few serious accidents so far during the holiday season, Stephens said.

“We haven’t had them so far, so hopefully it’s working,” he said.

Most of the citations have been for speeding and aggressive driving, he said, but there have been cita-

tions for driving under the influence and seat belt violations.

Stephens said federal grant money helps pay for the Click It or Ticket campaign, meaning that troopers took shifts after normal hours and took no other calls for service so that they could concentrate only on seat belt violators, speeders and aggressive drivers.

State police information showed that Calvert’s seat belt usage rate was well over 90 percent, but the holiday season is often a time for serious accidents due to speeding and drunken driving.

Troopers said seat belt tickets can costs 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

Police: Deputy Assaulted

On Nov. 26 near 11:30 p.m. while on routine patrol in the North Beach area Cpl. A. Moschetto observed a group of people outside Neptune’s Seafood Pub. Moschetto heard one man yelling profanity and racial slurs. When the officer contacted the suspected offender, the man swung at Moschetto and the two ultimately fell to the ground in a scuffle, police alleged. Additional units responded to assist and the suspect was subdued and arrested.

Robert A. Reid, 48, of Chesapeake Beach, was charged with the second-degree assault of a woman inside Neptune’s, disorderly conduct, second-degree assault of Moschetto, intentionally causing physical injury to a police officer in the performance of his duties and resisting arrest.

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

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, December 1, 2011

10

STORY

After the Festival of Trees, The Work Begins Load Them In And Less Than Two Hours Needed Move Them Out to Take Down Festival of Trees

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer “No room for errors, that’s my motto,” said Jack Smack, who has been coordinating the delivery of decorated trees the day after the Festival of Trees for “19, 20 or 21 years now.”

Two weeks prior to the annual event, Smack starts getting the paperwork and making his calls. The first to his former employer Bob Hall, L.L.C. which owns the beer trucks with separate compartments for storing each tree.

“Every year I call and every year Bob Hall says, ‘How many trucks and how many drivers do you need?’ They are a very caring company who supports the community,” said Smack.

In fact the company’s support of the community is how Smack first got involved with the Festival of Trees to begin with. As an area manager, he was involved in 14 other organizations as part of his job. However, he retired about Photos by Corrin Howe eight years ago and has continued to volunteer with the Festival of Trees.

Bob Hall unloads the trucks, cleans them and gases them up and has them ready on Sunday morning for Smack and volunteer drivers to pick up and park outside the venue for the festival. Then the company pays the truck drivers to deliver the trees across the county and beyond on Monday morning.

“I have to be honest with you. This is a very generous donation. If you think about it three trucks is about $450,000 in equipment,” said Smack.

In the past two or three years, local business owner Mike Bresmahan has provided a smaller truck to deliver trees to “tighter spots” like private driveways.

Part of delivering trees is calling in volunteers to bag them and load them on Sunday. Smack says he calls about 50 people hoping 25 to 30 show up. This year he had a good turnout. His wife, daughter, granddaughter and neighbors, who called upon some friends, were part of the crew.

“We set a record this year. We were done in one hour and five minutes.”

While men of all ages dressed in jeans, t-shirts and ball caps worked feverishly to pull white plastic garbage bags over the decorated trees, and either load them onto carts or carry them to the staging area, Smack’s wife stood with her clipboard in the lobby for the first quality control check.

Each tree has a sign attached to it with the name of the tree, which truck it should be on and which slot it should be in. Although, Smack does this ahead of time, he said he’ll get changes all the way up to loading. “I got a call today saying one of the trees was renamed so I had to make sure all the paperwork reflected the change.”

Smack is the last check. “It won’t be any good if the driver is in Bowie thinking he delivered his last tree and opens up a compartment and finds a tree that needs to go to Solomons.”

While two of the company drivers this year finished their deliveries before noon on Monday, Smack didn’t get home until after 3 p.m. from his deliveries to Prince George’s County. In all 62 tress this year were delivered, “not too far off normal” considering the economy, he said.

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer Amazing.

That was the general consensus five minutes after 5 p.m. Sunday evening as the halls of Huntingtown High School filed up with students and adults as if they were changing classes. Only everyone was there to disassemble the 23rd Annual Festival of Trees. To undo in less than two hours what took 24 hours to accomplish.

“If you walk in here, I’ll put you to work,” Jean Bozmann, Hospice volunteer told a middle age man who stepped into the lobby after 5 p.m. She already had David Allman and Rohan Ramon, HHS Honor Society members, in tow on the way to the back hall to put them to work rolling up the fleece snow between trees.

Julie Brinlee already stood on her step stool and was wrapping the ornaments at the tops of her two tress that she decorated, one for her employer Calvert Internal Medicine.

“You,” she called out to Chris Hawkins, who was standing nearby. “You’re tall. Come over here and help me wrap this.”

As she busily set out to protect her trees for transport, she talked about her yearly involvement.

“We buy decorations all year and I come up here Friday morning and get it all decorated. We are already talking about next year’s theme so we can collect over the year. We like unique ornaments.”

This year their tree had ornaments made out of natural items, like pine cones made into animals such as porcupines.

Phil and Judi Camero came in to literally wrap the “Christmas Carousel” in clear plastic wrap before it was loaded up and to be delivered to Rod ‘n’ Reel. After the tree was secured, Judi announced proudly that Missy Poole handmade all the ornaments in the theme of 1920s carousel and amusement park patrons.

At the front of the high school an assembly line worked frantically pulling poinsettias off the wall, moving them to a table, where two women bagged them and another boxed them. The poinsettias were on their way back to the Calvert Hospice office for their purchasers to claim beginning Monday.

As of press time, the only numbers Calvert Hospice had for the weekend were the approximate number of 3,500 tickets sold. They were still counting money from the raffles and sales.

11

Thursday, December 1, 2011

The Calvert Gazette

Sustainable Agriculture Awards Presented To recognize the contributions that local agriculture makes toward a more sustainable community, the Calvert County Sustainable Agriculture Workgroup presented the second annual Sustainable Agriculture Awards at the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners meeting Nov. 15, according to a press release.

The Sustainable Agriculture Awards were presented in four categories. The Sustainable Farmer of the Year Award went to Jim and Patty Bourne of The Lamb’s Quarter in Owings. The Bourne family has been farming the same land on Bourne Road since 1690. Good stewardship and a love of the land runs in their blood.

Four years ago the Bournes started a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operation that now includes 90 shareholders. The shareholders buy in to the program and receive boxes of produce on a weekly basis. Shareholders are also given priority to purchase the farm’s eggs, beef, pork, chickens and lamb fresh from the farm.

The 2011 Green Grocer of the Year Award was presented to Chesapeake’s Bounty of St. Leonard. William Kreamer runs the business and sells local produce, seafood, meat, baked goods, canned goods, dairy, honey, nursery plants, Christmas trees and firewood. Local products are featured heavily at Chesapeake’s Bounty and many products are grown on site. A pickyour-own strawberry patch accompanies crops such as tomatoes, okra, eggplant and peppers.

The Buy Local Restaurant of the Year Award for 2011 went to Dee and Ricky Hardesty of Hardesty Haven Catering.

With the support of their children, Blake and Holly, the Hardestys created a family catering business that has been active for five years. Dee is a third-generation farmer and strives to bring her love of farmfresh food to the catering business.

The Hardesty’s mobile farm kitchen

and catering trailer allows them to cook on site and serve immediately. The farm kitchen is also a great resource for the 4-H “Dirt to Dinner” group that Dee started and leads, which allows children to see farm products turned into meals.

A new Sustainable Agriculture Award category this year - Sustainable Meat Producer of the Year – resulted in a tie between two local providers. Debbie and Dale Jones of Windy Willow Farm in Sunderland share the award with Chris and Bryan Dowell of Crooked Branch Farm, also in Sunderland.

Both farms treat their animals humanely, never feed animal by-products, only use antibiotics if medically necessary for the health of the animal and do not use growth implants. The farms also have Nutrient Management Plans and Soil Conservation Plans.

The Jones of Windy Willow Farm are third-generation farmers working the remaining acreage of what was once a 175-acre farm owned by Dale’s grandfather. They raise beef, lamb and goat. The Jones have more than 30 regular buyers and many more occasional purchasers who buy directly from the farm. They also have a following at the North Beach Farmers Market where they often sell out.

The Dowells at Crooked Branch Farm also come from a long line of Calvert County farmers. Crooked Branch breeds and raises its beef on the farm and boasts approximately 45 acres of pasture and hay. Their beef operation feeds primarily grass and hay with a grain finish. Cattle are moved between summer and winter pastures to allow the land to rest and grass to recover between grazing. All the hay needed for winter forage is also produced onsite. Crooked Branch sells custom butchered beef that is cut to the customer’s specifications.

Chamber Goes on Annual Retreat

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer The Calvert County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors met for a day and a half retreat on the Eastern Shore to discuss ways to improve the value of the services their members receive.

Paying their own expenses to stay overnight at HarbourTowne Resort and Conference Center overlooking the Miles River, the 2012 board held their regular meeting on Friday night and then spent the following morning and early afternoon on their annual retreat.

Always asking themselves “What is the value to our members?” they narrowed their focus down for the next year to three areas: implement Weblink, energize chamber activities and events and improve Calvert’s participation in local, regional and state chamber legislative and business issues.

WebLink International is a company which boasts it is “the leading provider of chamber software or membership management software and web site design for chambers of commerce” The chamber plans to purchase the software program and services which will allow them to electronically invoice members. At the same time members can go online to pay their annual membership dues, register and pay for events, and update their information. Weblink will also eliminate multiple entry as well as interface with QuickBooks. Board members had the opportunity to view Weblink’s and

Charles County Chamber’s website prior to the meeting and seemed enthusiastic about the potential of the programs to improve the daily chamber business.

Next the board went through all the current activities and events the chamber offers throughout the year. At the same time their CEO Carolyn McHugh, who attended a conference of other executive chamber officers the day prior, was able to talk about what other Maryland chambers were doing. Instead of adding new activities and events, the board decided to look at all the current offerings with an eye to improving the value to their members.

For example, the Business Over Breakfast (BOB) has not been well attended; however, the Commissioner’s Breakfast and Legislative Breakfast, where businesses can interact with policy makers, have been very successful. Two board members agreed to look into bringing in government and chamber of commerce speakers to address issues of concern or interest to Calvert business men and women.

The board developed goals for each area, set timelines for presentations to the full board and assigned a board member to be accountable to follow through.

In other business, the board welcomed and indoctrinated new board members: Mark Reaser of Dominion, Martha Rymer of Rymer & Associates, Christi Lombardi of Community Bank of Tri-County and Patrick Welton of Hilton Garden Inn Solomons who will serve one year terms as Chair Appointments.

Commissioner Evan Slaughenhoupt, right, presents the Buy Local Restaurant of the Year Award to Hardesty Haven Catering. From left are Tony Hardesty, Blake Hardesty, Rick Hardesty and Dee Hardesty.

Jim and Patty Bourne of The Lamb’s Quarter accept the Sustainable Farmer of the Year Award from Commissioner Jerry Clark.

The Calvert Gazette

Spotlight On

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Technology Students Work on Holiday Projects Ms. Carnucci, Instructor at the Career and Technology Academy (CTA) led the charge for her nursing students to participate in Treats for Troops activity in early November. The students were busy working with the food production class to bake cookies and other treats to be packaged and shipped overseas to the troops.

Students were actively engaged in the activity and it gave them a sense of pride to be able to do something for the soldiers and service men who may not be able to spend time this holiday season with family and loved

ones, A press release states. CTA staff members also made donations to this project.

The Angel Tree Project was organized

by Skills USA . The CTA staff and students who participate in the Angel Tree Project purchase gifts, toys and clothing for students and their siblings who may not receive gifts for Christmas. The students at the Career and Technology Academy are encouraged to participate and be involved in community activities and to give back to the community.

The welding and carpentry programs worked together to build the sleigh that will

be used again this year for pictures with Santa. The sleigh will be stopping at Barstow Elementary School and at several locations throughout the county for parents to bring children to have pictures taken with Santa.

The students pictured working on the sleigh had to use their problem solving skills and make an adjustment to the steps. Because the sleigh was such a popular item last year, the instructors decided to add wheels to it so that it would be easier to transport to various locations.

12

Turkey Trot Fundraiser

Submitted photo

Photo by Sarah Miller Last year, the our Lady Star of the Sea School students decided to get involved in the fundraising efforts to keep their school open and independent. Because of that desire, they held the first Turkey Trot the first school day after Thanksgiving. This year, the students continued the new tradition, getting sponsors for the second Turkey Trot on Monday afternoon.

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Thursday, December 1, 2011

The Calvert Gazette

Thank You Hospice Volunteers I wish to send out my sincere thank you to all those who assisted in bagging, wrapping, and loading the 60-plus Calvert Hospice Christmas trees at Huntingtown High School Sunday evening, November 27th.

More than 50 people volunteered to help with this single portion of the event, and many more cleaned the school and assisted in loading the other Hospice items into other vehicles.

As we are aware, the Calvert Hospice is one of the largest in Maryland, and is always there to help in the time of need for everyone with serious health issues.

To all the volunteers, your cooperation and assistance is greatly appreciated.

By Mark Underwood

In the 1970s Ricky Nelson song, “Garden Party, one of the refrains goes, “You can’t please everyone so you’ve got to please yourself.” That may ring true to you if you’re constantly stressed about making everyone around you happy.

Have you ever wondered how some people are able to conquer worrying about everything all the time? First off, they probably know that worry, stress and anxiety can lead to fear, tension, anxiety, anger, and exhaustion. That’s why they’ve decided to make changes in their lives.

Some studies have shown that changing lifestyle practices can help decrease stress and improve the quality of your life even beyond your best expectations. According to the American Institute of Stress, over 110 million Americans take medication for stress related causes every week. Those numbers go up when the holidays come along. People who are already predisposed to stress often find themselves feeling blue and more stressed out than usual at this time of year.

Worry less, enjoy life more Most of us worry about things that make us feel stressed, but some people spend an excessive amount of time worrying about tomorrow. Someone once said “Don’t tell me that worry isn’t good for you. I know better. The things I worry about don’t happen.” Many chronic worrywarts probably wish they could change the way they view the world, but they simply don’t know how to stop worrisome thoughts.

Stress is a natural reaction to an enfolding possible problem. When we feel stressed and start worrying, those thoughts trigger an alarm in the brain, telling our bodies that something may be wrong. The fight or flight response calls in the nervous system and ask it to respond. Hormones are released, jolting the body into action. Muscles become tense, pulse increases, and breathing increases. Heightening the senses during a crisis is essential to survival. This is a natural and important biological response.

The problem is some people can’t shut off worrying. Keep in mind our bodies are designed for short bursts of stressful activity, but ongoing daily stress often means that the system has been left ‘on’ to respond. If you often feel stressed and tired, you may be getting signals that your body is over-worked. Stress varies from person to person, but it can involve, mental, physical or behavioral changes. If you have difficulty concentrating, have headaches, tight muscles or have difficulty sleeping, these may be stress signals you shouldn’t ignore. Some people may experience a combination of signals. Ultimately, if stress and anxiety are not resolved, it may impact your ability to work effectively. It can also increase the risk of injury and disease.

Make new lifestyle choices Learn relaxation and mindfulness techniques.

Have a healthy diet. When we have a healthy diet and get adequate rest, we tend to remain healthy and feel positive about ourselves. Good sleep and nutrition also help maintain more steady levels or our so-called stress hormones which keep us more stable emotionally.

Exercise. For people who are prone to anxiety there’s real evidence that regular, moderate exercise can have anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects.

Maintain a positive attitude. Stay focused on the good things going on in your life.

Reflect on your successes instead of things that are out of your control.

Write down your worries. Journaling what worries you may help pinpoint the real core of some problem so you can work on them more objectively.

Take time out for you. Engage in activities that make you feel energized and rejuvenated. That may be as simple as taking a quiet walk, practicing yoga or learning a new hobby. The important thing is to find things to do that give you pleasure instead of sitting around worrying. You can manage stress by averting your attention to new lifestyle choices. This will help you live a better life while coping with life’s pitfalls.

Mark Underwood is a neuroscience researcher, president and co-founder of Quincy Bioscience, a biotech company located in Madison, Wisconsin focused on the discovery and development of medicines to treat age related memory loss and the diseases of aging. Mark has been tapped as an expert in the field of neuroscience for The Wall Street Journal Morning Radio, CBS and CNN Radio among others. More articles and tips for healthy aging can be found at www.TheGoodNewsAboutAging.com.

Editor

Guest Editorial: Moms and Dads May Die if Taxes Are Not Raised

By Marta Hummel Mossburg

Jack Smack, Hospice Tree Delivery Chairman Huntingtown, MD

You Can’t Please Everyone

TER T E to the

S

L

13

Gov. Martin O’Malley often talks to Marylanders as if they were kindergartners.

His favorite trope is that we share “one” Maryland and that we are all in this together. As the mother of small children I am reminded of the songs of a perennial kiddie favorite, Raffi, when he speaks.

“One Sun,” and “The more we get together,” which informs listeners, “the happier we’ll be,” are two songs with particular resonance.

O’Malley’s style wouldn’t be such a problem if I could turn him off like Raffi and if state government did not have the power to take my money by force of law. But that is not the case.

His latest example of talking down took a dark turn last month when he told hundreds of the state’s mayors and local elected officials at a Maryland Municipal League meeting: “Bridges are not like trees; they don’t grow stronger with age ... They crumble. And that’s why they need to be repaired before moms and dads die on their way to work and they collapse in rivers.”

Perhaps he is taking a cue from Vice President Joe Biden, who scares small children with political rhetoric. On Oct. 18 Biden basically told fourth-graders at Goode Elementary School in York, Pa., that their school had to fire teachers because rich people are not paying enough in taxes.

If only fixing schools were as simple as taxing the rich more and lowering the unem-

ployment rate a question of “investing” ever more in public employees and infrastructure.

Decades of throwing money at public education shows big spending doesn’t guarantee a good education. And the performance of the economy in the past few years illustrates that the economy cannot be controlled like a classroom of small children.

Besides, a nation that expects the government to do everything for it is one destined to fail. An individual’s problems in that kind of society will always end up being someone else’s fault, and few will take responsibility for themselves.

Matt Welch, editor of Reason magazine, wrote, “Adult human beings have agency, the ability (even responsibility!) to run their own cost/benefit analyses and choose accordingly.”

That is what we should be hearing from our elected officials on a regular basis, not about what is going to happen to us if the government can’t have more power and money.

But I am not holding my breath. When the former head of the state Senate’s Budget and Taxation Committee defends himself in federal court from corruption charges by trying to prove his stupidity, what hope does the average citizen have for any common sense in Annapolis?

This year, moms and dads will die if the gas tax is not raised to pay for bridge repair.

Next year it could be small children who will die if free day care isn’t provided to those below a certain income threshold. Who knows?

The only constants are more so-called emergencies that never end no matter how much we pay in taxes and the childlike credulity of Maryland voters who believe those lies are true.

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

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

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Calvert Gazette

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

Condolences may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.

Mary Bartlett, 89 Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Bartlett, 89, of Solomons, MD passed away on November 19, 2011 in Prince Frederick, MD. She was born on March 3, 1922 in Brockton, MA to the Late Claude Bertram and Enis E. (Soder) Thomas. She was the loving wife to Harry Richmond “Bud” Bartlett whom preceded her in death on May 10, 1964.

Betty was a Music Teacher in Oakland, CA for a number of years. She was an avid sailing enthusiast, enjoyed playing Bridge, and was a member of the Solomons Yacht Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers, Gordon Thomas, Myron Thomas, and Richard Thomas. Betty is survived by three nieces; Deborah, Sally, and Ann, a nephew; Richard, and cousins; Edward Leonard and John Leonard.

Services will be private.

Arrangements were provided by Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Lusby.

Pietro Bello, 76 Pietro Antonio Bello, 76 of Tall Timbers, MD died on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at the St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. Born May 24, 1935, he was the son of the late Michael Bello, Sr. and Anna Maria Torrillo Bello. He retired from PEPCO in 1991 after 35 years of service.

Pietro was an avid fisherman and after his retirement he loved to go fishing with his best friend Ron Darr.

He is survived by his wife Audrey E. (Stokes) Bello , his children Anna Maria Bello of Virginia Beach, VA , Joseph M. Bello (Deborah) of Leonardtown, MD and Pietro Bello of California, brother Michael Bello, Jr. of Dunkirk, MD. He is also survived by four grandchildren Tiffany Bello, Rachel Swisher, Hannah Bello and Nicholas Bello.

The family will receive friends for Pietro’s Life Celebration on Thursday, December 1, 2011 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. with Deacon George L’Heureux officiating. Interment will be private.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Second District Vol. Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1, Valley Lee, MD 20692.

Roland Beverly, 69 Roland N. Beverly, 69, of Lusby, MD passed away on November 14, 2011 at his residence.

Roland Nathaniel Beverly was born on September 15, 1942 in Lusby, Maryland.

He received his education in the public schools of Calvert County. He graduated from William Sampson Brooks High School in June 1960.

Roland served in the United States Army (active duty in South Korea) from March 1964 to March 1966 with an Honorable Discharge.

Over the years, he worked at Patuxent River Navy Base, Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant and Calvert County Public Schools at Northern High School. Roland was a life-long member of St. John United Methodist Church. During the years he served as a member of the United Methodist Men, Men’s Choir and PRIDE Committee.

Roland married Myra Virginia Commodore on August 14, 1971.

In his spare time, Roland loved to look at (John Wayne) Westerns, Sanford and Son, and the Three Stooges. He also loved photography, recording and listening to music. His favorite hymn was “I’ve Got One Thing You Can’t Take Away.”

Mae R. and Thomas H. Lee preceded him in death. Among those continuing to cherish his life is his wife, Myra; three children, Roland Beverly, Jr. (Charmaine), Sharon Williams (Nathan), and Matthew Hawkins; two grandchildren, Denzel and Kendall Beverly; two sisters, Brenda Gray (Tim), and Joyce Lee; two brothers, Steven Lee (Geraldine), and David Lee (Hurlaine): two Godchildren, LaShanna Young and Shanae Gray; eight sisters-in-law, Vera Johnson (Charles), Roberta Waul, Alberta Waul, Christine Waul, Gloria Diane Waul, Agnes Waul, Diane Commodore, and Carolyn Commodore; one brother-in-law, Arthur Commodore, Jr.; two aunts, Thelma Foote and Flora Lee Bryant; three uncles, Irvin Beverly (Eilene), Francis Beverly (Helen), and Malcolm Beverly (Barbara), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, co-workers, and friends.

Funeral service was held on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at 11:00 AM at St. John UM Church, Lusby, MD with Rev. Dr. Samson Y. Nortey officiating. The interment was at St. John UM Church Cemetery, Lusby, MD. The

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David Gebhardt, 56 David Alan Gebhardt, 56 of Avenue, MD died November 21, 2011 at his residence.

Born May 10, 1955 in Washington, DC, he was the son of Joseph Gebhardt and the late Fay (Wood) Gebhardt.

David was an excavation contractor. He was a man among men who loved people and his collection of yellow machines. David was a member of the Seventh District Optimist Club and St. Clement’s Hundred.

David is survived by his wife Connie, his children, David Gebhardt of Davidsonville, MD, Casey Lynn Gebhardt of Huntingtown, MD, Christopher Simpson of Alexandria, VA, Sarah Simpson of Denver, CO and John Simpson of MD, one grandchild and one on the way.

He is also survived by his siblings, Mary Jo Gebhardt, Lynn Poole, and Edmund Gebhardt.

In addition to his mother, David was preceded in death by his brother, John Gebhardt.

The family received friends for David’s Life Celebration on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

A funeral service was conducted by the Reverend Harry Harper. Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions may be the Seventh District Optimist Club, P.O. Box 53, Bushwood, MD 20618 or the Southern Maryland Food Bank, P.O. Box 613, Hughesville, MD 20637.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

Allen Perrie, Jr. 71 Allen Preston Perrie, Jr. 71 of Leonardtown, MD died peacefully November 27, 2011 at Hospice House of St. Mary’s.

Born January 18, 1940 in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Allen Preston Perrie, Sr. and Naomi (Lusby) Perrie.

Allen lived locally in Southern Maryland, graduating from Surrattsville High School in 1957. He began working for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission and retired from there in October 1989 as a Division Manager in the water and sewer departments. After retiring, he came to St. Mary’s County and served two terms on the Board of Directors at the Metropolitan Commission. He completed two major projects, including the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Compton Sewer Project, saving thousands of dollars and surpassing estimated schedule completion dates.

He spent his free time fishing, farming, boating and hunting. Allen loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends.

Allen is survived by his wife, Carol, his children, Terry Hynson of Mechanicsville, MD, Michael Perrie (Debbie) of VA, Bonnie

14

Hanger (Kevin) of Waldorf, MD, David Perrie (Cheryl) of Afton, VA, eleven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, siblings, Doris Hartdagen (Gerald) of York, PA, Benson Perrie of Compton, MD, and Jimmy Perrie (Joyce) of Edgewater, MD. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathy Perrie.

Family will receive friends on Friday, December 2, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A Funeral Service will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel by Father John Mattingly. Interment will follow in Immanuel United Methodist Cemetery, Baden, MD. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 or the Immanuel United Methodist Church, Baden, MD. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

Mabel Wall, 94 Mabel Brooks Wall, 94, of Solomons, MD, formerly of Lanham, MD passed away on November 21, 2011 at Asbury~Solomons Health Care Center, Solomons, MD. She was born on September 13, 1917 in Morrisville, VA to the late Alonzo and Lulu Embrey Brooks. She was the beloved wife of Ralph Wall who preceded her in death in 1960.

Mabel graduated from Washington Lee High School in Arlington, VA. She was a bookkeeper from many years with a commercial construction company. In 1997 Mabel moved to Calvert County from Greenbelt, MD. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings, Ernest Brooks, Clifton Brooks, Elsie Burleigh, Herman Brooks, Wilbur Brooks, Marvin Brooks and Martha Rudolph.

Mabel is survived by a daughter, Shirley Havelka and her husband Joseph of Lusby, MD; sons, Roland Pearson and his wife Linda of Ocean City, MD and Tim Wall of Lusby, MD; seven Grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

A Life Celebration Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 2, 2011 at 10:30 AM in the Asbury – Solomons Auditorium with Pastor Randall Casto officiating.

Inurnment will be held at a later date in Ft. Lincoln Cemetery, Brentwood, MD. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Asbury~Solomons Benevolent Care Fund, Attn. Melissa Carnes, 11100 Asbury Circle, Solomons, MD 20688 or to S.M.I.L.E. www. smileinc.org P.O. Box 1276, Solomons, Maryland 20688.

Arrangements provided by Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Lusby, MD. www.rauschfuneralhomes.com.

To Place a Memorial, Please Call 301-373-4125

15

Thursday, December 1, 2011

The Calvert Gazette

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – Through the Eyes of 11-Year-Olds

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer On a sunny October morning, representatives from Cub Scout Pack 451 in Lusby went to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, VA. The following is a report on the event as told the Calvert Gazette in the words of the four boys who placed the wreath.

After Pack Leader Carol Trudo gave stern instructions to

Marine Guard keeping watch after Cub Scout Pack 451 placed a wreath during the ceremony to remember the fallen and unidentified soldiers from all American Wars buried at Arlington Cemetery.

be polite and respectful to the reporter, they each introduced themselves. Patiently spelling their names – Liam Trudo, Logan Truax, Joshua Sanchez and Kole Koerper.

Sanchez said they rode up on the subway that day, while Truax made it clear that it was the “subway and not the sandwich.”

Their first impressions of that experience: “It was really nice ...”

“Yeah, it was really nice, but it was really sad too.”

“There is a house in the middle of the cemetery which looks like marble but it’s made out of wood.”

“Yeah, the house belonged to a general of some war.”

“Could it have been General Robert E. Lee’s from the Civil War?” said parent Tom Dunn, trying to help them out.

“Yeah” “Yeah.”

Koerper said: “The day we went the American Flag was at half-mast…”

A private discussion broke out between them about whether it was always at half-mast or if that day was special. There was no clear agreement.

Truax said: “There was this guy who loved cannons. He always worked with cannons. His tomb stone was a cannon.”

“Yeah, but now they stopped doing artifacts. Now they only have grave stones.”

At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Koerper said there was a “guy, who wasn’t yelling but he had a loud booming voice saying, ‘You in the yellow hat be quiet.’”

The boys split the duties of holding the wreath and setting it. They determined their roles in the traditional and time honored way. Rock, paper, scissors.

“Ours was at the back of the Tomb,” said Liam Trudo, who managed to finish a sentence for the first time because of his more chatty friends.

All four boys talked at the same time about the Marine Guards at the Tomb … on duty even during hurricanes … having to keep their hair cut a certain length at all times … spending three hours between shifts cleaning guns and picking lint off uniforms … pausing during their march for 21 seconds before returning … taking 21 steps … or was it 60? And don’t forget the 21 gun salute … the parade for a nearby funeral with a … “what’s that box with the body in it called? … Yeah, coffin, with an American Flag covering it.”

About the Tomb itself, Koerper said: “One unknown

Newsmakers

soldier they ID’d. One of the moms said, ‘This is my child.’ They did this scientific thing from a hair on his brush and matched the ID.” President John F. Kennedy’s grave also captured their attention.

“JFK came and stood in one spot and surveyed the area and said, ‘This is where I want to spend eternity.’ That’s why there is an eternal flame on his grave,” one said.

Their field trip was a Scouting Project, but not for a badge. They were not clear what the purpose of the project was, but they learned some about Arlington Cemetery in a meeting the week prior to their travels, according to a group discussion.

Again Liam Trudo slipped in another full sentence. “We walked a good amount. It counted for a hiking stitch.”

At some point during the day, the boys said they stopped to eat lunch by the “sign.”

Cub Scout Pack 451 Leader Carol Trudo and Sgt. Hyde with the four boys selected to place the “We had two hamburgers with wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Liam Trudo, Kole Koerper, Joshua Sanchez and Logan Truax. pickles.”

“She doesn’t care about what we ate.” corrin@somdpublishing.net

Marine Sgt. Hyde waits with the boys before the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery.

The Calvert Gazette

ner

KiddKioer

CLUES ACROSS

1. Head coverings 5. Most eaten avocado 9. Harry: the boy who lived 11. Traveled on water 13. Revolves 15. Spanish saloon 16. Popular nail lacquer 17. Conditions of balance 19. Pharaohs’ cobra 20. Being dried & withered 22. Seamen 23. Distress signal 24. 1st state (abbr.)

25. Female sheep 26. Dutch colonist 28. Dress belts 31. Autos 32. Paper-thin tin plate 33. Husk of wheat 34. Airplanes 35. Campaigns 37. Manufactured 38. An association of criminals 39. Radioactivity unit 41. Big London clock

Thursday, December 1, 2011

42. Indian dress 43. Original cosmogony matter 45. A single unit 46. Picture taker 49. In the past 50. Marks of shame 53. Tall cactus 55. Someone from Seoul 56. Exaggerated a role 57. College army 58. Scrape or shave

CLUES DOWN

1. Enclosed 2. Dresses up 3. School organization 4. Units of tennis play 5. Principle Chinese ethnic group 6. Little island (British) 7. AKA’s 8. Detector 9. Paid athletes 10. A way to soak 11. Impudence 12. Dips lightly

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14. Satiny cotton fabric 15. Fleshy covering on a birds’ beak 18. Wood cutting tools 21. Full of high-spirited delight 26. Bleats 27. Cantankerous 29. Satiate 30. Not hers 31. Superior grade wine 33. Young children 34. Rio de ___ 35. Crocus bulb 36. Eastern greetings 37. Teacher & guide 38. Dutch name for Meuse 40. Temperature measure 41. Small wooded area 42. Glance over 44. A prevailing attitude 47. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

48. Used as a gelling agent in foods 51. Obtain 52. A waterproof raincoat 54. Actress Thurman

Last Week’s Puzzle Solutions

17

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Debra Meszaros is a Certified Sports Nutritionist and Bio-feedback practitioner with further educational studies in Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Orthomolecular Nutrition and additionally holds fourteen U.S. patents. Through her extensive health education, and experience of 20-plus years in cellular biology, she has developed an all-encompassing Holistic health service that allows individuals to discover their biochemical uniqueness, allowing them to fine tune their health. The basis of her service is to facilitate access to information that will help your understanding of health processes and elements that are within your area of control. Her services are available in Maryland, Virginia and South Carolina.

She can be reached at (540) 622 – 4989 Monday through Friday.

By Debra Meszaros CSN If I could ask the question, “What do you feel is the greatest contributing factor to your overall health”? I would expect a variety of answers but probably not “the human digestive system”. Actually, we are not only what we eat, but what we digest, assimilate and utilize.

For the most part, digestion starts in the mouth and where we often make our first mistake in the digestion process, since we eat too fast and do not chew our food very well. Why is that important? There are enzymes in our saliva that are needed to break down our food, especially when it comes to carbohydrates.

Carbohydrate enzymes are first released in the mouth, not the stomach. The more you chew, the more enzymes are released making it easier to digest what you have eaten. Some may notice the lack of sufficient enzymes through

Rules of The Stomach

the body’s language of feeling bloated. How well the stomach mixes the food in an acid bath, breaking up the nutrients, will determine the outcome of assimilation and utilization. The pylorus valve at the base of the stomach will open once the PH of the stomach reaches 5.5. Then the food is passed along to the primary digestive organ; the small intestine.

Nature has provided us with a nervous system that regulates the digestive process but has a preference that places muscle action over digestion. When a threat or stress comes to us after a meal, our body will shift its energy from digestion to the muscles; hence our nerves can stop the digestive process. Managing stress during mealtime is essential; otherwise the stomach may empty its contents prematurely. Another reason for premature release of food is the actual food groups combined during a meal. Either reason will place stress on the small intestine, since the food is not properly prepared for digestion, and large undigested proteins and fats can be absorbed into the lymphatic system. They then enter the free fatty acid and amino acid pool and either clog up the lymphatic system or be used to make cells; cells which will now be made of poor quality parts. This can be a problem if this becomes a way of life.

Additionally, many people constantly use anti-acids, drink coffee, milk, or too much

liquid at mealtime, which can empty the stomach too early. These actions have long term effects on nutrition and are very detrimental to health. Choosing to follow the rules of the stomach can maximize nutrition. Choosing to violate the rules seriously increases the development of dysfunction and a host of various diseases. So, let’s review the rules.

• Fluids alone (no more than 4oz. of fluid with a meal, or for two hours after a meal).

Proper Hydration is achieved when liquid consumption is ingested in small amounts of liquid over the course of the day, not in large quantities two or three times a day.

• No coffee at meals (wait for 1.5 to 2 hours after or 1 hour before eating) • No milk with meals (wait for 1.5 to 2 hours after or 1 hour before eating) • Fruits alone (wait for 2 hours after or 45 mins. before eating) • Melons alone, separate from other fruits as well (wait for 2 hours after or 45 mins. before eating) • Concentrate on smaller meals focused on the quality of the foods actual nutrition not quantity.

• Slow eating habits so you can savor, enjoy, rejoice, and celebrate the meal.

• Eat for nutrition not for stimulation. Eat when hungry, not when bored.

• Rest comfortably after eating for at least 35 to 45 min to maximize stomach function.

• Make and eat food with love and kindness, no violent or negative emotions.

• Eliminate the use of anti-acids.

• Do not sleep for 3 hours after eating.

• Chewing ice cubes or drinking very

cold liquids with foods slows digestion • Do not mix meat proteins with sugars [example steak & apple pie or fruit juice] Some signs of a weak stomach are: craving fluids with a meal, bloating after a meal, itching skin especially rectum, belching, gas and difficulty digesting raw vegetables.

We must understand the true value in assimilation and utilization of the nutrients from our food and realize by breaking the rules of the stomach, you may be increasing the development of disease and dysfunction and hindering your body’s potential to heal itself.

Disclaimer: When you read through the diet and lifestyle information, you must know that everything within it is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. I am making no attempt to prescribe any medical treatment. You should not use the information here for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. The products and the claims made about specific products have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Confirm the safety of any supplements with your M.D., N.D. or pharmacist (healthcare professional).

Some information given is solely an opinion, thought and or conclusion based on experiences, trials, tests, assessments or other available sources of information. I do not make any guarantees or promises with regard to results. I may discuss substances that have not been subject to double blind clinical studies or FDA approval or regulation. You assume the responsibility for the decision to take any natural remedy.

You and only you are responsible if you choose to do anything with the information you have read. You do so at your own risk. Use your intelligence to make the decisions that are right for you. Consulting a naturopathic doctor is strongly advised especially if you have any existing disease or condition.

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The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, December 1, 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.

Westlawn Inn Gets in Touch with Roaring 20s Roots

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer From being a boarding house in the late 1920s, at the height of the Prohibition Era, to a restaurant opened in 2004, the building housing the Westlawn Inn in North Beach has a long history of being a gathering place.

Owner Lee Traverse is capitalizing on that history in bringing jazz bands to the restaurant every Saturday night.

“It fits the room really well,” Travers said.

There are four jazz groups that rotate through the Westlawn Inn – The Creole Gumbo Jazz Band, The Redwine Jazz Trio, the Not So Modern Jazz Quartet and Diane Daly. Travers said he is also planning to have music on Friday nights more regularly starting in De- Jim Ritter, and the Creole Gumbo Jazz Band cember. The Friday nights will “deviate from the Saturday night jazz,” Travers said, featuring soft rock, country and other genres to bring in different crowds.

Diners get preference for seating, Travers said, but he welcomes anybody who just wants to come in and hear live jazz music. He started hosting the weekly jazz music in 2005 and “it has just kind of taken off.”

He said the room is regularly packed for the jazz performances, bringing people in from out of town as well as locals.

“We’re a destination restaurant,” Travers said.

While the bands come from all over in the area, including Washington D.C., Travers said at least one person in each band lives locally, and are often patrons of the restaurant themselves.

Jim Ritter, with the Creole Gumbo Jazz Band, comes regularly and became friends with Travers before putting a band together and playing regularly at the Westlawn Inn. The Creole Gumbo Jazz Band is comprised of Ritter, Tom Holtz on tuba, Ben Redwine on clarinet and Rick Rowe on banjo. All of them have been involved in music since childhood, and all of them have been involved in bands and projects outside the Creole Gumbo Jazz Band.

Ritter is the director of the band, or “traffic cop” as Holtz refers to him. Ritter picks the music, often jazz standards and melodies and leaves a lot of room for improvisation.

“It’s very much a jam session,” Holtz said. “It’s a lot of ‘wait and see what happens’.”

Because they are all professional musicians and it’s a small group, Holtz said the lack of structure isn’t too much of a challenge.

“We can stay together no matter what happens,” Holtz said.

Ritter has an extensive library of music from the 1920s and 1930s that he pulls from. The band never plays the same set twice. Ritter said the goal is to get people actively involved and engaged in the music, and will often start people clapping in time to the music and keep the crown entertained between songs by telling jokes and introducing the next pieces. Ritter himself composes some of the music for the Creole Gumbo Jazz Band.

Coming up this weekend is a Special Music Friday with Kappa Danielson and Paul Larson, and on Saturday night the Redwine Jazz Trio. Friday and Saturday night performances typically start at 8 p.m.

For more information, visit www.westlawninn.com. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

19

Thursday, December 1, 2011

The Calvert Gazette

Calvert County Events – December 2011 Solomons Christmas Walk

Solomons celebrates the 27th annual Christmas Walk on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2 and 3.

Stroll luminary-filled streets and enjoy seasonal sights and sounds. It is a fun-filled evening of children’s activities, crafts, a live puppet show and business open houses. Santa will light the tree at the Solomons Riverwalk Pavilion at 6 p.m. on Friday. On Friday and Saturday, the Calvert Marine Museum will host Christmas crafts for kids, refreshments and live holiday music from 6 to 9 p.m. The Southern Maryland Sailing Association will have boat building for kids and a special visit from Santa.

Children can give their wish lists to Santa at “Breakfast with Santa” on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 8 to 11 a.m. at Isaac’s Restaurant located in the Holiday Inn Solomons. Reservations are required – call 410-326-6311. Cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under.

On Dec. 3 and 4, see a live Nativity scene at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and cruise the pet adoptions as Carmen’s Gallery from 6 to 9 p.m. The Solomons Lighted Boat Parade begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Solomons Yachting Center (weather permitting). It goes up Back Creek for judging, winds behind Molly’s Leg and finishes in the Patuxent River along the boardwalk.

Visit online for a complete events list: http://www.solomonsmaryland.com/Christmas_ Walk_2011.pdf

Holiday Parades

Everyone loves a parade – and Calvert County has two great parades that herald in the holidays. On Saturday, Dec. 3, Santa makes a grand entrance at the Bay Business Group Holiday Parade in North Beach. Parade watchers should be in place along the boardwalk by noon to see bands, floats, antique cars and motorcycles, kids on bikes and pets with their owners march along Bay Avenue from 1st to 7th Streets.

After the parade, the Town of North Beach lights its holiday tree on the boardwalk. Children can climb on Santa’s lap to give him their wish lists. Enjoy roasted marshmallows over a bonfire on the beach then walk along the decorated streets and enjoy “hassle-free” shopping at the many charming stores and antique shops offering unique gifts for the hard-to-buy-for person on your list.

On Sunday, Dec. 4, the Optimist Clubs of Calvert County and the Calvert County Fair Board team up to welcome Santa to Prince Frederick. The parade, held at Fox Run Shopping Center, begins at 2 p.m. and includes marching bands, ROTC and scout groups, 4H clubs, floats and fire trucks. Of course the big man himself will be there to bring joy to all the little girls and boys. Because it is difficult to fly a sleigh without snow, Santa will arrive in fashion atop one of the county’s fire trucks!

Holiday Calendar

Tens of thousands of holiday lights twinkle in Chesapeake Beach to make it the Brightest Beacon on the Bay. Take the family and ride through Chesapeake Beach to enjoy holiday lights displayed until the week after the New Year. (www. chesapeake-beach.md.us) Make a stop at Tan’s Cycles to visit their free Holiday Train Garden. The train garden is on a 20’ X 20’ platform with five levels, 30 trains, seven super streets, a carnival, waterfall, construction

site, disappearing trains, tunnels, bridges and much more. The Holiday Train Display begins November 25 and runs through January 14, weekdays 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays noon to 5 p.m.; special times on Dec. 24 and 31 (noon to 5 p.m.) and Dec. 27 thru 30 (noon to 8 p.m.). Tans is at 9032 Chesapeake Avenue, North Beach. For more information, call 410-257-6619.

Surround yourself with one-of-a-kind, handmade creations at Annmarie Garden’s annual Garden in Lights. Mythical creatures, spectacular wild animals, illuminated works of art, hidden beasts, romantic dancers and more will delight all ages. Don’t forget to ask for a “holiday I spy” program. After your walk, enjoy a hot drink, entertainment, the Ornament Show and the Celebrations Glass Exhibit in the Arts Building. Garden in Lights runs through January 1, 2012. Check the website for more information: www.annmariegarden.org.

On weekends through Dec. 11, the Twin Beach Players will present “A Christmas Carol” at the North Beach Firehouse banquet hall. This allchildren’s musical performed by the Twin Beach Players Youth Troupe will put you in the holiday spirit. The Twin Beach Players Youth Troupe includes students in the first through 12th grades who are interested in learning all aspects of the theater, from acting to working as stage manager.

Friday and Saturday the show begins at 7 p.m.; Sunday matinees are at 3 p.m. For more information, visit online: www.twinbeachplayers.com.

On Friday, Dec. 2, find that one-of-a-kind gift at the Winter Bazaar sponsored by Windy Hill Elementary School PTA. The annual bazaar will be held at the school at 9550 Boyds Turn Road, Owings, from 6 to 8 p.m. Local vendors will showcase their wares and the PTA will host a family book fair and the WHES Art Show. There will be a very special visitor for the children. For more information, visit www.whespta.com.

Annmarie Sculpture Garden hosts Maker’s Market on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The Maker’s Market is a farmer’s market and more. It is the place to find handmade, homemade or homegrown products including arts and crafts, hanging baskets, organic skincare products, cut flowers, batik and fleece clothing, handmade soaps and candles, herbal teas, ornaments, folk art and more. Admission is free. (www.annmariegarden.org) Looking for that perfect gift? Consider art created by one of our local artisans. Throughout Dec., CalvART features “Gifts for a Lifetime.”

Meet the artists at an opening reception on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Artworks @7th is an artist coop in North Beach. Come see their all-artist show in Dec..

There are wonderful decorations for your home, jewelry to sparkle for the holidays and gifts galore.

Meet their artists at an opening reception on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Antique stores throughout Calvert County will offer an Antique Christmas Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3-4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The stores offer novel antiques, quilts, unique gifts, china, tools, furniture, glassware, books and other collectibles. Participating stores include Chesapeake Antiques Center, Nice &

Out&About

Fleazy Antiques Center, Willetta’s Antiques, A-1 Antiques and Collectibles, Grandmother’s Store, Island Trader Antiques and Grandmother’s Too. The stores will offer complimentary refreshments and special discounts. For more information, call 410867-3277 or 410-326-3582.

Make a beautiful holiday wreath at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum’s Holiday Wreath Making Workshop on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The workshop includes greens from JPPM’s Point Farm Gardens including magnolia, boxwood, holly, pinecones and magnolia seed pods. The grapevine base, bows and ornaments are included in the fee of $25 per person. Space is limited and reservations are required. Call 410586-8501 or email jppm@mdp.state.md.us for more information.

Friends of the Chesapeake Beach Railroad Museum will host their annual Holiday Open House on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 1 to 4 p.m. Celebrate the season with family and friends as you gather at the Chesapeake Beach Railroad Museum that will be decorated in style for the holidays. The Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum is housed in the former Chesapeake Beach train station that sat at the end of a 32-mile track originating in Washington, DC. www.cbrm.org Visit Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum on the first Wednesday of every month for backto-back tours of the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory (MAC Lab) and Point Farm’s house and gardens. Point Farm was the estate home and retreat of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson Patterson. The Colonial Revival brick house and many of the outbuildings were designed by noted female architect Gertrude Sawyer. Discover JPPM with state-of-the-art science, local history and lore. The next tour date is Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 12:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.jefpat.org.

Join the Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch for Calvert Conversations on Thursday, Dec. 8, at 10 a.m. This is an informal discussion of local history of interest to both long-time and new residents. Complimentary coffee and tea will be served so come, relax in our living room, share your memories or learn something new. For more information, call Joan Kilmon at 410-257-2411 or visit www.calvert.lib.md.us.

The American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT) will host a Greens Sale Prep Day and Wreath Making Workshop on Friday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For $25 you will make at least two wreaths, one to take home and one for donation to the annual Greens Sale. If you donate both wreaths, you can join them for free! Lunch is provided and registration is required. Contact the office at 410-4143400 or visit online, www.acltweb.org. All proceeds from the sale go to Parkers Creek Preserve managed by the American Chestnut Land Trust.

The frost is on the pumpkin and Christmas is around the corner. All Saints Church will hold their annual Christmas Market on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Craftspeople will help with all your Christmas shopping. To add to the holiday spirit you will find baked goods, hot chocolate and glühwein. Lunch will be available. Rain, snow or shine, of course!

For more information, call 410-257-6306 or visit www.allsaints1692.org.

Looking for unique holiday gifts? Come to the Northern High School annual Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the school’s campus, 2950 Chaneyville Road, Owings, from 9 a.m. to 3

p.m. Local vendors will showcase unique gifts and crafts. The event benefits the Northern High School Music Boosters.

The Calvert Artists’ Guild members will hold a meeting in the art room at Calvert Pines Senior Center, 450 West Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 10 a.m. After CAG board member elections, Gerry Wood will provide a water color demonstration. Members are asked to bring “finger foods” (no cutting required) to share. Free to the public. For additional information, contact Lonnie Harkins at 410-326-7199, baronvansmoogle@netscape.net or Gerry Wood at gbwood2@verizon.net, 301-863-7199.

Looking for a traditional wreath for your door? Attend the Greens Sale & Beach Hayride at the Parker’s Creek Preserve managed by the American Chestnut Land Trust on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Purchase fresh-cut decorative evergreens, drink hot cider and take the family on a beach hayride. The greens sale benefits the Warrior’s Rest Sanctuary. For more information, visit www.acltweb.org.

Discover downtown Prince Frederick on Saturday, Dec. 10, at Artwalk. Enjoy shopping, great food, art and music as you explore stores, galleries and nonprofit organizations along Main Street, Duke Street and in the Prince Frederick Shopping Center from noon to 5 p.m. Participating businesses will offer donated art, coupons and gifts for a $1 raffle ticket drawing at each business. Artwalk attendees can visit each business on the map and buy as many raffle tickets as they wish, putting the ticket in specially wrapped raffle gift boxes located next to the items of their choice. Raffle proceeds benefit Safe Harbor. Drawings will be held at 4:30 p.m. at each business. Winners will be notified the following week. For more information on participating businesses and to download a map, visit www.artwalkprincefrederick.com.

The Lusby Business Association presents the Lusby Town Center’s tree lighting on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Bank of America. Santa Claus will arrive in grand style courtesy of the Solomons Fire Department and kick off the holiday season with the official tree lighting. Other activities include live music, pictures with Santa Claus and local business giveaways. The event is free and open to the public. www.shoplusby.com Saturday, Dec. 10, join the Town of North Beach and the North Beach Business Loop for an evening of holiday shopping, caroling and cheer.

Beginning at dusk, 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. See you at the beach! For more information, visit www.northbeachmd.org.

On Sunday, Dec. 11, Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church will host the 10th annual TUBACHRISTMAS concert at 4 p.m. Local musicians look forward to this unique holiday celebration.

All low brass players in the local area are welcomed to play in the group. TUBACHRISTMAS features traditional Christmas carols arranged for tuba and baritone horn players. The performance is open to the public and free. www.tubachristmas.com

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