Thursday, December 1, 2011
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The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2011
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County News 16
Cover Story 26 Games
7 Editorial 18 Newsmakers 27 Columns 8 Money 20 Community 28 10 Obits 22
Senior News
Community Calendar 29 Health
12 Crime 24 Entertainment 30 Sports Business Directory 31 Hunting
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14 Education 25
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A Burchoil truck crashed on Medley’s Neck Road on Wednesday morning, spilling home heating oil and forcing the closure of the road from both directions.
- Debbie Walsh, founder of Packages for Patriots. entertainment
A fan jams out to the band Synergy during a show the day after Thanksgiving at Toot’s Bar in Hollywood. The band is gaining steam in Southern Maryland.
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Phyllis Clark, mother of Deondre “Gus” Hawkins, holds a picture of her son who was killed Aug. 24 when he was shot while driving on Sell Drive in Lexington Park.
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Thursday, December 1, 2011
The County Times
McKAYS
The County Times
DONATE YOUR VEHICLE. Donate your full size minivan, midsize sedan or SUV in good operating condition and possibly receive Full Blue Book value for tax purposes. We accept vehicles in any condition. Help your local agency help individuals with disabilities. Call The Center for Life Enrichment at 301-373-8100, ext. *824 or contact us on the web at www.tcle.org. Prince Frederick
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Hours M-F 9-5:30pm • Sat 9-5pm Sun. 10:30-3:30pm
Hours Mon. - Sat. 9-5 Sun. CLOSED
The Center for Life Enrichment www.tcle.org
CHRISTMAS
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Route 235, Hollywood, Maryland • One mile north of the Route 235 & 245 intersection (just north of the Hollywood Fire Department) 301-373-8100
Sale begins November 26th, 2011 Monday thru Friday 8:00am ~ 7:00pm Saturday & Sunday 10:00am ~ 7:00pm
Freshly Cut Trees Douglas Fir Fraser Fir
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*Check out our Craft & Bake Sale on Saturday & Sunday too! The Center for Life Enrichment is a not for profit agency Serving adult individuals with disabilities in St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties
Help support individuals with disabilities!! We are a United Way agency
Thursday, December 1, 2011
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ews County to Start News Channel By Sean Rice Editor The county’s public information office announced Wednesday that Metrocast channel 95 is being re-launched as a continuous content government news channel. In addition to technical upgrades being provided by Metrocast as part of its franchise agreement with St. Mary’s County government, a county press release states that a host of new programming is being planned. Public Information Officer Tony Jones, who is also taking the title of station manager, said in a press release the new content will include “local weather updates, news headlines, stock market information, traffic reports, sports news, scores and schedules as well as daily historical tidbits and information.” In addition to existing broadcast of government meetings, Jones said new programming will also include interview segments with county commissioners, segments with employees and updates on current county programs and events.
St. Mary’s County Commissioner President Francis Jack Russell, when contacted Wednesday said he was unaware of exactly what changes will be taking place on the channel. He said Jones is, “just doing some different things.” “I don’t know that they’re doing local news on channel 95,” he said. “I know they’re expanding it a litte bit.” Russell said he believed the public information office has exsisting funds to make the changes. St. Mary’s County has at least three established newspapers, local radio stations and at least four news websites that serve the public. Russell said he doesn’t believe the channel 95 changes are designed to compete with theses outlets. “I don’t think they’re doing anything that’s in competition with local business or a local paper or anything like that,” Russell said. Reporter Sarah Miller contributed to this story.
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 has helped reduce oyster decimating diseases. “It was a very small area it impacted,” said Mike Naylor, deputy director of Maryland Department of Natural Resources fisheries division. “It represented only about one to two percent of the overall population.” Some oyster 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 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 is getting more competitive. “It’s a burden on our stock, the 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. “It means they won’t do it, in my estimation,” Simns said. guyleonard@countytimes.net
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Thursday, December 1, 2011
The County Times
UPGRADED HOLLAND CLIFF SWITCHING STATION
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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 Maryland Department of the Environment’s regulatory authority on April 8 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 saidPROPOSED the permit is only one of SMECO 230KV LINE UPGRADED (APPROX. 28 MILES) many procedures SMECO has had to go HOLLAND CLIFF SWITCHING STATION through to get the multi-county project off
F ATION
The task force appointed late last year by Gov. Martin O’Malley to examine options for managing growth of septic sewerage systems across the state voted last week to adopt a fourtier regulation strategy. A bill in last year’s legislature that sought to virtually ban the installation of new septic systems ran into stiff opposition from both Republicans and Democrats, many from rural counties, where septic systems are widely used and a moratorium on them could spell the same fate for continued growth. That bill failed but the task force’s mission was born out of it. Fred Tutman, a member of the task force and the Patuxent Riverkeeper, said the panel was made up of many diverse opinions on the value of septic systems and their impact on the environment. For his part, Tutman, who lives in Upper Marlboro, said that the damage septic systems present to the environment varies in proportion to their numbers in certain areas and the maintenance they receive. While septics can prove harmful in some circumstances, they are not always so. He said in his research, he has not seen how septic systems are proven to be universally harmful. “I’ve never seen the science settled on
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SWITCHING STATION be finalized, have the first tier as “priority funding areas” that al- RIVER CROSSING TO BE ready have dense development OPTIONS EXISTING RIVER CROSSING EVALUATED HEWITT ROAD OPTIONS TO BE and infrastructure as the most EXISTING SWITCHING STATION EVALUATED HEWITT ROAD restrictive against new septic SWITCHING STATION EXISTING systems, Trumbauer said. SMECO 230KV LINE RIVER CROSSING GNISSORC REVIR The second tier would enOPTIONS TO BE EB OT SNOITPO EXISTING GNITSIXE EVALUATED DETAULAVE compass areas that have dense HEWITTDAROAD OR TTIWEH SWITCHING NOITATS GNISTATION HCTIWS development but are not priority EXISTING SMECO 230KV EXISTING funding areas and would allow LINE SMECO 230KV Map provided by SMECO for a little more leeway in allowLINE ing septic systems. The third tier appears to be EXISTING GNITSIXE the most accommodating for septic systems, SMECO 230KV VK032 OCEMS LINE ENIL with areas far removed from development districts and with few constraints like rural legacy programs, easements or resource preservation zoning. The fourth tier would again be restrictive because it encompassed more remote areas that do have environmental resource constraints. QUALITY MEATS AND PRODUCE SINCE 1957 The details of how to achieve regulations within the recommended tiers are still in - COUNTRY the works, Trumbauer said, but it represents a framework that drew consensus from the members. “We signed off on the concept of where - COUNTRY we’re going,” Trumbauer said. HO SU LLYWO BST ATI OD ON
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PRODUCE SAGE SAUSAGE
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Consignments of farm equipment and new furniture/crafts are being accepted. Contact Brian at 301-475-1633.
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PROPOSED this,” Tutman told The Times. “I SMECO 230KV County LINE (APPROX. 28 MILES) don’t think we could find a one-size-fits-all approach.” Calvert County Commissioner Evan Slaughenhoupt (R-Dunkirk) said Calvert residents, by a great majority, use septic systems and there is great interest in keeping flexibility to allow for more of them. “When you have commercial water and sewer that sets up for higher density,” Slaughenhoupt said. “The majority of residents want to have some distance between themselves and their neighbors.” Septic systems allow for that space, he said. St. Mary’s County Commissioner Dan Morris (R-Mechanicsville) said the task force’s recommendations appear much less stringent than previous efforts to regulate the sewage treatment systems. “I think it’s more of a softer approach, as it should be,” Morris said. “It’s much more agreeable … It sounds more promising, at least for St. Mary’s County.” Chris Trumbauer, an Anne Arundel County Council member who sat on the taskforce, said the agreed-upon framework that will go to O’Malley for approval will take the shape of a four-tier system that has varying levels of restrictions based on levels of development and land preservation. The recommendations, which have yet to
Holiday Display Contest It’s that time of year and the Lexington Park Business and Community Association is hosting the Third Annual Holiday Display Contest for businesses and organizations located within the boundaries of the Revitalization District. This year’s celebrity judges include Susan Fowler, Principal of the Lexington Park Elementary School, Commissioner Todd Morgan and Bill Scarafia, President/CEO of the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce. Let’s light up the town with the holiday spirit. For contest details contact Sarah Bolton at 240-298-6364.
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sarahmiller@countytimes.net
New Septic Rules Almost Finished By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
HO SW LLA ITC ND HIN CLI FFS G STA TIO N
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.
PROPOSED SMECO 230KV LINE (APPROX. 28 PROPOSED MILES) SMECO 230KV LINE (APPROX. 28 MILES)
UPGRADED HOLLAND CLIFF SWITCHING STATION
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The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2011
6
ews
Small Businesses Get Tips on Dealing With NAVAIR Dates & Times
Seasonal FLU VACCINATIONS Check out when Health Connections will be in your neighborhood:
OCTOBER Oct. 21; 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. ......Hollywood Firehouse, Hollywood Oct. 24; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. .............................. McKays, Great Mills Oct. 25; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m........................... DCS, Corp., Lexington Park Oct. 26; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m ............................ Wyle, Lexington Park Oct. 29; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m ............................McKays, Leonardtown Oct. 31; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m ........Harry Lundeberg School, Piney Point
NOVEMBER Nov. 2; 12:15 p.m. – 3 p.m........................ AVIAN, Lexington Park Nov. 4; 10 a.m. – 1 p.m............................. Library, Charlotte Hall Nov. 5; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.................................. McKays, California Nov. 9; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m........ Center for Life Enrichment, Hollywood Nov. 14; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. ......................... McKays, Charlotte Hall Nov. 16; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. ............... Sierra Mgmt & Tech, California
DECEMBER Dec. 2; 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.............................. Library, Leonardtown
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The cost for the flu shot is $20. Medicare, cash, check, MasterCard & Visa are accepted. We provide vaccines for individuals 18 years of age or older. Flu Mist for children 10 years of age or older while supplies last. Please call 301-475-6019 to confirm availability.
*FLU VACCINE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY*
For more details about these flu vaccination times or locations, please contact Health Connections at 301-475-6019.
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Representatives from businesses both small and large around the county crammed into a conference room at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center on Wednesday morning to get an understanding on how to get a foot in the door to doing business with the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command Ken Carkhuff, with the Office of Small Business Programs for NAVAIR, gives pointers to local small businesses about how the contracting process works. – NAVAIR. The conference businesses need to let them know if there is a was geared toward showing small businesses Navy contract out there they can fill. how get into the acquisition process for con“We don’t know everything,” he said. “Let tracts between $3,000 and $150,000 — NA- us know you’re out there and how you can help VAIR is required by law to have set asides for us.” small businesses as well as simplified proceJack Pappas, a Navy veteran who owns a dures that make it easier for those entities to small business in Lexington Park, said the acget a share of business done by the U.S. Navy’s quisition process is daunting and sometimes acquisition arm at Naval Air Station Patuxent discouraging. River. He said he served as a senior acquisition Ken Carkhuff, with NAVAIR’s Office of specialist for the Navy and knows the frustraSmall Business Programs, said that in fiscal tion in dealing with regulations goes both ways. year 2011, there was $1.7 billion allocated solely Conferences like the one sponsored by to small business contracts, showing just how county government are valuable to help small lucrative it can be to do business with the Navy. businesses new to dealing with the Navy unCarkhuff said NAVAIR wants to work derstand what they are getting into, he said. with small businesses, but they “needed to do “The government guys are as frustrated their homework” about just what the acquisi- by this as we are,” Pappas said. tion giant wants and what the smaller contracThe real value of the conference was it altor could really provide. lowed small businesses the chance to partner “Know where the opportunities are and with larger contractors who can make it easier how best to fit them,” Carkhuff said, adding to get a piece of the navy contract pie, he said. that NAVAIR’s mission is to get the best equip“That’s one of the benefits of conferences ment to war fighters as quickly as possible. like this, linking with the big guys,” Pappas “We need to be able to fight today,” he said. said. NAVAIR does not know what every small guyleonard@countytimes.net business around is capable of, Carkuff said, so
Delegate: Tax Increases May be in Store By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Tax increases may be in the future; the unemployment rate is higher than people have been led to believe; and the state will continue raiding money from dedicated funds – these are a few points Delegate Mark Fisher (R-27B) warned of during a town hall meeting this week. Fisher, in the first of three town hall meetings in Northern Calvert County in December, updated North Beach citizens Tuesday night on his forecast for the 2012 legislative session starting in Annapolis next month. “There are few people who are going to tell you what I’m going to tell you,” Fisher said. Fisher warned that unless action is taken to stop it, the Democrat-controlled Maryland legislature will continue to borrow money from “trust funds” built up by tax money specifically designated to go to things such as road maintenance. Fisher said there is legislation in the
works that would increase taxes, which would add to the trust funds being raided to balance the state budget. He said he supports legislation that would put a lock on the trust funds and prevent the state from taking further monies from dedicated funds, but that legislation is not the most popular in Annapolis. He said while Maryland’s unemployment rate is officially upwards of 7 percent, the people only working part-time but seeking additional or alternative employment and people who have gotten discouraged to the point of not even looking for work are not counted. With those factors included, he said, the true unemployment rate in Maryland is closer to 13 percent. Fisher’s two additional town hall meetings are set for Dec. 1 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Northeast Community Center in Chesapeake Beach, and Dec. 6 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Calvert Pines Senior Center located in Prince Fredrick. sarahmiller@countytimes.net
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Thursday, December 1, 2011
The County Times
To The Editor
Legal Notice: Three Things to Fix a Broken Democracy
Election Day 2011 has passed and the “big one,” Election Day 2012, is just 12 months away. Regardless of your political persuasion, I think everyone thinks the 2012 election will have significant consequences that some will say are good and other will rue the day. If I read tea leaves correctly most of us will be selecting from the lesser of evils rather than being proud of those we decide to support. For a country that prides itself on our democratic system, we have sure got ourselves into a political mess. Since I don’t like feeling helpless, I’m going to suggest we all take a good look at our broken political system and see if we can break it down into manageable pieces that will lead us to where we would like to be, even if it will take several election cycles to get there. We didn’t get here overnight, so I doubt if we can straighten things out in the blink of an eye. There are three basic changes in our political system that would greatly improve the system: Term limits; public funding of campaigns; and, a provision whereby all laws apply equally to elected officials, with no sweetheart deals of exceptions, would be a good start to solve some of the problems. Term limits have become necessary and are long overdue. In reality, our career politicians are there for one reason – it’s a lucrative job. If you believe all this stuff about public service as their motivation, I’ve got a bridge to sell you. They get elected, make friends, get and give favors, protect their political hind parts at all costs, and get rich. If they help constituents in the process, it’s a bonus. The longer they stay in office, the more infatuated they become with themselves, the more they relish the power they have at their disposal, the more they become obligated to those who greased the shoot for their reelection, and the more wealthy they become. How many poor politicians do you know except those who got caught in some scam and have been sent to jail or narrowly missed an indictment? Eliminating the gravy train would eliminate the bottom feeders. I hate the thought of using my tax dollars to fund political campaigns, but in the end it would probably save money. Let’s face it, money talks and money wins elections. In reality, our elected officials are bought. Without public disclosure, we don’t even know where the money comes from. Deep pockets rule and, as we have learned, the deep pocket elite is a very small segment of the electorate. The current system hardly represents a true democracy. My vote may be a drop in the ocean, but collectively our votes can raise the tide. That will only work if we are accurately informed and not fooled, brain washed, to totally confused by the special interest who control the political dialogue. Getting the free flow of private and corporate money out of politics should help clean up the political dialogue so we know who we are voting for. If my taxes have to go up to get honest government, I’ll do my part and hope minimizing corruption saves me money in the long run. I am also a firm believer in the concept that all laws should apply to everyone, even our politicians who seem to believe a halo comes with the job. One public retirement system should fit all in public service. My public health care system should apply to those who “dedicate” themselves to public service as an elected role. If my congressman gets a free gym, all those on public payroll get a free gym. After all, our elected officials often tell us “we’re all in this together,” but why aren’t we riding in the same boat. I’m tired of riding in the row boat while those who gobble up my tax payment are riding in the yacht. Since politicians act like they walk on water, they shouldn’t be afraid to join us in the dingy. I would also expect full disclosure of the total value, including any perks, of the compensation paid to our elected officials. This disclosure should be made annually and available at any time. How do we bring about term limits? Get the big money our of campaigns and make the laws apply equally to everyone. It could start by asking every candidate for public office, “Do you support and will you subscribe to and work for, term limits, public funding for political campaigns with no outside money and a provisions that makes all laws apply to elected officials equally as they do to the electorate?” If they don’t say yea, don’t vote for them. If we do this at every level, municipal, county, state and national, sooner or later we’ll get what we deserve, dedicated elected officials. The recent sit-in movements indicate that corporate greed is not a popular notion and discontent is widespread. The success of the Tea Party movement, whether you like it or not, did show that there is a genuine desire for some different thinking and contempt for the status quo. Perhaps the time is right for each of us to start demanding accountability and perhaps it is time for each of us to take a step toward political reform. If anyone is interested, I prepared a simple questionnaire asking their position which I plan on sending to my representative that I will provide to everyone who wants one. If anybody would like a copy you can contact me at 301-373-8572 or email me at dryan@md.metrocast.net. David A. Ryan Hollywood, MD
IN THE MATTER OF BARBARA ANNE TIDD FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO BEAR LEVI TIDD In the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County, Maryland CIVIL NO.: C-11-1510 The above Petitioner has filed a Petition for Change of Name in which he/she seeks to change his/her name from Barbara Anne Tidd to Bear Levi Tidd. The petitioner is seeking a name change because: I am transgender. Any person may file an objection to the Petition on or before the 15th day of December, 2011. The objection must be supported by an affidavit and served upon the Petitioner in accordance with Maryland Rule 1-321. Failure to file an objection or affidavit within the time allowed may result in a judgment by default or the granting of the relief sought. A copy of this Notice shall be published one time in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least fifteen (15) days before the deadline to file an objection. JOAN W. WILLIAMS, Clerk of the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County Maryland 12-01-11
Keep Children First The following is my own opinion and in no way reflects that of others. I am currently serving my first term on the board of education and have filed to run for my second. My considerable experience gained from twenty-five years of teaching, serving on various committees such as the Budget Advisory Committee to the Board of Education, the Citizens’ Advisory Committee for Special Education to the Board of Education, and the Superintendent’s Teachers’ Forum have given me an excellent perspective on educational matters. Since 1971 when I first came to St. Mary’s County I have seen a great deal of change, and I must say that it has been for the better. Let’s us quickly examine the history of the issue of testing. Is it a good or bad thing? When I reentered the system in 1990, twenty-one years age, we started giving the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP). Indeed, the students and teachers at that time thought a stem and leaf plot must look like a tree. Since my peer group did very poorly, we won $10,000 that year as an incentive to do better. After ten years of the MSPAP, only 50% who took it passed it so bye, bye, I must say that the majority of students could solve problems and explain how they got their answers. However, the terminology in the grading was not objective and it took too long to grade it. Then with George W. Bush came No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the Maryland School Assessments. They were much shorter as evidenced by Brief Constructed Responses (BCRs). What is going on now? National Standards are being developed for the entire country so all children will graduate college or career ready. Each state can carry out the standard as it sees fit. Go to the Maryland State Department of Education website and read more. Also, you can Google it. Above all “Keep Children First.” Our county has done an excellent job with all of these endeavors and will continue to do so in the future. Marilyn Crosby Lexington Park, MD
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James Manning McKay - Founder Eric McKay -Associate Publisher..................................ericmckay@countytimes.net Tobie Pulliam - Office Manager..............................tobiepulliam@countytimes.net Sean Rice - Editor....................................................................seanrice@countytimes.net Angie Stalcup - Graphic Artist.......................................angiestalcup@countytimes.net Sarah Miller- Reporter - Community..............................sarahmiller @countytimes.net Guy Leonard - Reporter - Government, Crime...............guyleonard@countytimes.net CarrieMunn-Reporter-Education, Entertainment.........carriemunn@countytimes.net Sales Representatives......................................................................sales@countytimes.net
for the love of
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The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2011
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New Boutique Smells Sweet on Leonardtown Square
By Carrie Munn Staff Writer A new delightful-smelling little shop on Leonardtown Square held its grand opening Saturday. After about a half a year’s practice and growing popularity at area craft shows, Christine Saulter, a.k.a. Chief Candlemaker, and her partner Gary Tharaldson opened the doors to Ruberry Candle Company on Park Avenue. Saulter said the company and its signature candle scent “Ruberry Pie” are named for her almost two-year-old daughter, Ruby. She and Tharaldson, who reside near the Leonardtown Wharf, hand pour all the candles and add the dyes and fragrances in their garage. They’ve taken notes throughout the process to perfect the craft and have listened to the suggestions of customers and family as well. “I love that these candles are better for the environment,” Saulter said, explaining how her soy-based products are nearly 100 percent natural, helping local soybean farmers and burning cleaner with hemp wicks. She also emphasized the importance of the candles being Americanmade, poured into an old-fashioned U.S product – mason jars. The candles burn very evenly and leave very little black soot, Saulter explained. The soy candles have a very strong scent throw, the crafter explained, meaning it carries well across the room, and lasts longer than the paraffin-based variety, since it burns at a lower temperature. The Ruberry owner said this means
that long burning times won’t rapidly deplete the candle. With a plethora of scents like “Banana Bread,” “Grapefruit Mango” and “Country Cabin” in sizes from tarts to large jars for under $20, Ruberry Candle Co. offers an earthfriendly alternative to other expensive designer candles, she said. The shop currently has several seasonal scents available for the holidays. Saulter said they also sell candles online and have started doing custom orders for events like weddings and baby showers. Because they make the labels themselves, they can craft candles in requested scents and colors with personalized messages. To provide the cozy, boutique atmosphere she wanted to create, Saulter teamed up with local artisans Katrina Griffis, of Pink Koala Design, and Samantha Salzman, of Ava Bug Accessories. Griffis designs and creates unique bags in a variety of sizes and styles and Salzman hand crafts one-of-kind accessories. Locally-crafted and found jewelry are also available. Saulter said so far, she’s Christine Saulter
really happy with her location on the Square, adding that other Leonardtown business owners have been very helpful and friendly. “It’s still a work in progress, with more and new products to arrive in coming weeks,” she said. Saulter and Tharaldson will continue to take their products to craft shows, but are happy to have a new store in a bustling area.
Stop in to see, smell and shop the new, local, small business during Leonardtown’s First Friday, Dec. 2 or Monday through Friday, Noon to 7 p.m., or Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more details on products from Ruberry Candle Co., visit www.RuberryCandles.com. carriemunn@countytimes.net
Photo by Carrie Munn
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The County Times
Winifred Barnes, 87
MD 20650. A funeral service was conducted on Monday, November 28, 2011 in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Keith Schukraft officiating. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
Pietro Bello, 76
friends for Pietro’s Life Celebration on Thursday, December 1, 2011 from 1 to 2 p.m. At the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A memorial service will be conducted at 2 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. Condolences may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com
Thomas Brock Jr., 81 Winifred Irene Barnes, 87 of Leonardtown, MD passed away Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at St. Mary’s Nursing Center. Born August 24, 1924 in Allegheny County, PA, Irene was the daughter of the late Walter Guy Clark and Frances Kane Clark. Irene enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; a good book, quiet times with family and friends. She was quick with a smile and witty remark. She was thoughtful, kind, and considerate. She loved planting f lowers and enjoyed their beauty. She will be thought of often and always missed. She very much enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her five children, Roger David Barnes and wife Lou of Franklin, OH, Charles Lee Barnes and wife Susan of DeGraff, OH, Sherri Ann Guy and husband Roy of Clements, MD, Bruce Lee Barnes and wife Cathy of Clements, MD, and Rhonda Barnes-Riche and husband Richard of St. Mary’s City, MD. Irene is also survived by nine grandchildren, Tony Barnes, Roger David Barnes, Derrick Barnes, Kate Harris, Noelle, Michelle and Julia Barnes, Emmilee Guy and Rachael Riche. Family received friends on Sunday, November 27, in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown,
Thursday, December 1, 2011
grandchildren, Jessica, Timothy, Christopher, Kimberly, Cara, and Samuel Jay, and his 2 great grandchildren, Cameron and Hayden. He is also survived by a special niece, Louise Morgan. Family will receive friends for Visitation on Thursday December 1, 2011 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622, www.brinsfieldecholsfuneral.com. Prayers will be held at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 2, 2011 at Immaculate Conception Church, 28297 Old Village Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659. Interment will follow to St. Mary’s, Bryantown Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Immaculate Conception Church or Knights of Columbus Immaculate Conception Council, #8159.
David Gebhardt, 56
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
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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. 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 was 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.
Shirley Hoffman, 76 Thomas “Russell” Brock, Jr., 81, of Mechanicsville, MD, died on November 27, 2011 at St. Mary’s Hospital with his family by his side. He was born on July 8, 1930 in Wilmington, NC. He was the son of the late Thomas Russell and Evelyn Rogers Brock. Russell served in the U.S. Navy and retired from the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office after 34 years of service. After retirement, he got his captain’s license, captained a sport fishing boat, and delivered boats up and down the coast. Russell is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margaret Ann Welch Brock; his 4 sons, Daniel Montgomery, Timothy Brock, Eddie Brock (wife, Sara), and Gregory Brock (wife, Faye); his 6
Ca ! l ll 30 a i or 1-373 m e -4125 to Place a M
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
Shirley Hoffman, 76 of Great Mills, MD died November 22, 2011 at The Solomon’s Nursing Center in Solomons, MD. Born April 12, 1935 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Marcus and Minerva Selingman. Shirley was a Registered Nurse, proudly taking care of many patients for over 40 years at the Stone’s River Hospital in Tennessee. Shirley is survived by her son, David Hoffman (Susan) of Great Mills, MD and her daughter Renee Williams (Matt) of Marlboro, Vermont. She is also survived by five loving grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Allen Hoffman. A graveside service was held on Tuesday, November 29, 2011
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Thursday, December 1, 2011
The County Times
Continued at Har-Nebo Cemetery, 6061 Oxford Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19149. 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
from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A Funeral Service will be conducted at 12 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.
William Scriber, 73
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 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
William H. Scriber, 73 of Lexington Park, MD, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on November 22, 2011. “Diddy” as he was affectionately called, was a giving, caring, and to the point person-he didn’t sugarcoat anything. He loved teasing, having fun and talking to family, friends and even unfamiliar faces. He once stated in conversation that he would put a bleeding person in his car. He said it wouldn’t matter to him. He would do it any time to make sure he helped save a life. He befriended everyone whom he came in contact with and always greeted everyone with a smile. He was an avid Wrestling fan. He will be truly missed by all that knew him. Diddy is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sarah Scriber; four children-William, Eleanor ( Sue), Francis, and Mary (Jenny) Scriber, six grandchildren- Lamont, Darwin, Latoya, Kenyada, Eboni, and Ashley, six great- grandchildren; Tamara, Deomantae, Ka’viantae, Jamarion, and Justyce, sister Catherine (Dinkey) Herbert, brother James (Dingum) Armstrong, brother in-law Joseph (Fizz) Herbert, sister in-law, Rashel Armstrong, special friends Ronald Blackwell, and William Stevens, Jr. and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents James Tyer and Catherine Scriber and one sister Mary E. Wilder. The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 3, from 10 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at Holy Angels Roman Catholic Church, 21340 Colton’s Point Road, Avenue, MD 20609. Interment will follow immediately after service at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Bushwood, MD. Arrangements by BriscoeTonic Funeral Home, 2294 Old Washington Rd., Waldorf, MD. 20601
Marguerite Smith, 97
Marguerite Wise Smith, 97 of Leonardtown, MD died November 29, 2011 at St. Mary’s Hospital. Born February 15, 1914, she was the daughter of the late Clarence Wise and Ruth (Wilkenson) Wise. Marguerite is survived by her daughter, Jean Curry of Annapolis, MD, her grandchildren, Kimberly Anne Vasco and Robert Trenton Vasco (Dawn) and great-grandchildren, Troy, Shelly, Bobby, Laura, Ashley
and Travis. Family will receive friends on Thursday, December 1, 2011 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Prayers will be recited at 7 p.m. by Deacon Bill Nickerson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 2, 2011 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 16555 Three Notch Road, Ridge, MD 20680 at 11:30 a.m. Msgr. Karl Chimiak will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Michael’s Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael’s School, P.O. Box 429, Ridge, MD 20680 or Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 456, Ridge, MD 20680. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
Wayne Waid, 53
Wayne Ray Waid, 53, of Mechanicsville, MD, died on November 27, 2011 at Bay Ridge Nursing Home in Annapolis, MD. He was born on November
3, 1958 in Washington, DC. Wayne was the son of William Ray Waid and Barbara Ann Waid (Paul). Wayne loved going to church and spending time with his family and friends. Wayne is preceded in death by his grandmother Pearl Green and his grandfather Willy Waid. Wayne is also survived by his son, Wayne Waid, Jr.(Ashley) of Hollywood, MD; his 3 brothers, Gary Waid (Sherri) of Mechanicsville, MD; Robert Waid(Tammy) of Hartford, NC; and Richard Waid of Mobile, AL; his 2 nieces, Kristen Waid of Mechanicsville, MD and Sierra Waid of Hartford, NC; and a host of many other family members and friends. Family will receive friends for a church service at 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at Patuxent Baptist Church, 22614 Chancellors Run Road, Great Mills, MD 20634. All arrangements are being handled by Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622; (301) 472-4400; www. brinsfieldecholsfuneral.com Memorial Contributions may be sent to the Patuxent Baptist Church, 22614 Chancellors Run Road, Great Mills, MD 20634.
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The County Times
Briefs Felony Assault Alleged
On Nov. 28, at approximately 5:30 a.m. deputies responded to a residence on Budds Creek Road in Clements for an assault report. Investigation revealed Christina Marie Wedding, 26, of Clements became involved in an argument with the victim. The argument escalated when Wedding allegedly slapped the victim and then retrieved a knife from the kitchen and stabbed the victim on his arm. Corporal Patrick Handy arrested Wedding and charged her with first-degree assault, second-degree assault and intentionally injuring a person with a dangerous weapon.
Disorderly Conduct
On Nov. 26, at approximately 7:30 p.m., deputies responded to a report of a fight in progress on Piney Point Road in Callaway. As Deputy Rogers was checking the area for the fight, he located Delonte Deangelo Harvey, 19, of Callaway. Harvey began yelling profanities and causing a disturbance that drew the attention of other neighbors, police alleged. Police reported Rogers ordered Harvey several times to stop yelling and quiet down, but Harvey refused. Rogers arrested Harvey and charged him with Disorderly Conduct.
Troopers Make Warrant Arrests
On Nov. 24, at 12:40 a.m., Trooper. E. T. Reuschling served an arrest warrant on George Neal Stauffer, 29, of Charlotte Hall. The warrant was issued on July 27, 2011 with an original charge of malicious destruction of property by the District Court of St. Mary’s County. Stauffer was located and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center where he was served and held pending a bond review with the District Court Commissioner. On Nov. 24, at 1:15 p.m., TFC J. A. Pilkerton served a bench warrant on Jeffrey Brandon Junge, 23, of Hollywood. The warrant was issued on Nov. 5, 2011 by the District Court of St. Mary’s County for driving while impaired by alcohol. Junge turned himself into law enforcement personnel and was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was served and held pending a bond review with the District Court Commissioner.
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Second Defendant In St. John’s Robbery Indicted By Guy Leonard Staff Writer A man police allege was involved in the armed robbery of St. John’s Pharmacy with a partner earlier this year has been formally indicted in Circuit Court, just two weeks after his partner was sentenced to a local jail term for the crime following a guilty plea to robbery. Marcus Paul Cannon, 23, of Hughesville now faces charges of armed robbery, robbery, conspiracy to commit both armed robbery and robbery after his indictment was unsealed Monday. Cannon was originally only charged with robbery. Jody Sanna, 33, of Indian Head, is now serving an 18-month sentence for the robbery, during which he took several bottles of prescription narcotics by implying to store staff that he was armed. Cannon, believed by police to be the getaway driver in the pill heist, was arrested later in Hughesville after his alleged partner had been taken into custody by police. Sanna later admitted to detectives that he had planned the robbery the night before with Cannon, who was to share in the proceeds of the robbery as payment for his services as the
getaway driver, charging papers state. Police found Cannon in his Camaro in the area of the robbery just after it had occurred, and he told troopers that his car had broken down on the side of the road. Marcus Paul Cannon Troopers then went to the ditch along Route 235 where Sanna had been located and when they went back to the car, they found Cannon gone, police reports state. BCI detectives later caught up with Cannon however, and during an interview, he confessed to conspiring with Sanna to commit the robbery, charging documents state. Maryland State Police found Cannon in Hughesville Nov. 23 and served him with the armed robbery indictment. guyleonard@countytimes.net
Fuel Spill Blocks Medley’s Neck Road By Guy Leonard Staff Writer A transport truck carrying fuel oil careened off the side of Medley’s Neck Road Wednesday around 10 a.m., sheriff’s deputies reported, spilling home heating oil and forcing the closure of the road from both directions. According to a statement from the sheriff’s office, the truck, part of Burch Oil International’s fleet, was traveling westbound when it left the roadway on the right hand shoulder, overcorrected to the left and overturned near Medley’s Neck Lane. Leonardtown volunteer fire fighters and hazardous materials specialists from Charles County responded to the crash along with officers from the Maryland State Police and crews from the State Highway Administration. A state police helicopter took the driver of the truck to Med Star for treatment. The crash is still under investigation. Thomas A. Mattingly, Sr., a member of the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department who was on the scene of the crash said as of about 1:20 p.m. the truck was back on its wheels and most of the clean-up efforts had concluded. Mattingly said that preliminary estimates had the loss of oil at between 100 and 300 gallons, but firefighters and hazardous material units were able to lay down special absorbent pads to soak up some of the spill. “Most of it was contained pretty well, but they’ll have to measure the amount of fuel they got back to get a better number,” Mattingly said. The driver sustained nonlife threatening injuries in the crash, Mattingly said. Sonny Burch of Burchoil
said the driver was wearing his seatbelt during the accident and while some oil was spilled, most remained in the truck’s storage tank. Burch explained that the hatches on the tank were designed to prevent spillage in the event of an accident, but that a hole torn in the tank during the roll over allowed some to escape. When the truck came to rest, Burch said the hole was facing upward, keeping the oil inside. “There was very little spillage overall,” Burch said. Burch said he had been unable to contact the driver, a 58-year-old from Great Mills, or his family after the accident, but he appeared to have escaped serious injury. “We just think he was badly shaken up, they’re pretty sure he’ll be released,” Burch said. Tony Jones, spokesman for county government, said the Maryland Department of the Environment was still assessing damage from the spill but was able to stop oil that had spilled into the nearby creek from reaching Breton Bay. Sheriff’s deputies reported that eight mailboxes were also damaged as a result of the accident.
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Thursday, December 1, 2011
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Education
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Thursday, December 1, 2011
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More Cameras, Security Precautions In Schools
By Carrie Munn Staff Writer Last month the St. Mary’s County Board of Education approved a contract that would put more security cameras in Leonardtown Middle School, as part of its limited renovations. Additional upgrades and enhancements are also taking place to integrate digital systems with more memory, explained Mike Wyant, safety and security director for the schools. He told the board and superintendent a new hub server would provide a system-wide enhancement, calling the contract to Mona Electric Group, Inc. based in D.C, “a very worthwhile and economical investment.” Wyant said camera systems are currently in
16 of the 27 school sites, adding that the older analog systems may be repurposed and utilized in the elementary schools. Security cameras have been in use for the past several years, predominantly in the middle and high schools, and funding to keep up that equipment and expand its coverage is included in the annual budget for security. Video footage is often useful in resolving disputes about student conduct or criminal activities, Wyant said, adding it seems to curb some negative behaviors and destruction of property and is significant to the safety and security of students. Superintendent Michael Martirano agreed, stating, “The cameras are working.” He said having them aboard buses and
strategically placed throughout the schools, particularly at entrance and exit points, ensures the security of what he called “sacred entities within our community, where we house and educate our many children.” “We don’t want to take anything for chance,” he said, adding that while St. Mary’s is viewed as a very wonderful and safe area to live, bad things can still happen to good people. In a letter Martirano released in mid-November, following the allegations of abuse to minors at Penn State, he stated, “As a society, we must react and be called to action … It’s one of our main job requirements to protect kids.” Martirano explained how measures like intensified screening of school volunteers, mandatory staff participation in child abuse and sexual
harassment training, as well as stringent reporting procedures help to ensure the safety of the county’s 17,000-plus students. While the precautionary steps may garner some complaints from parents, Martirano said, “I’d rather have a parent upset with me over the inconvenience of sign-ins and more stringent security policies than for something bad to actually happen.” Both Wyant and Martirano said the school system will continue to be vigilant in making sure the schools remain safe and secure, while educating staff and students when possible. Future programs geared at young driver safety and dating violence will be presented later in the school year. carriemunn@countytimes.net
Local Woman Proves It’s Never to Late to Learn By Carrie Munn Staff Writer American businessman Henry L. Doherty (1870 – 1939) said, “Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life.” Often when we think of students, we conjure up an image of young children, teenagers or college kids. These days, there are students of all ages, from all walks of life pursuing additional education. Kathleen Sweet, who volunteers her time as a tutor, shared a story of one 60-year-old St. Mary’s County woman, who, despite learning disabilities that prevented her from completing her primary schooling decades ago, is determined to continue her education. After the mother and grandmother raised a family and watched her son earn his G.E.D, she decided she too would make that a goal. When Rosalie was a child, there was very little understanding of or support for the learning disabled, Sweet said, and she repeated elementary grades numerous times before stop-
ping school completely. As a result, she never learned to read or write. Sweet said she and other volunteers worked with Rosalie to improve her reading and writing skills over the past few years. Three autobiographical paragraphs penned by the student show, regardless of age, the determination to learn can be a very rewarding cause. “It is never too late to learn because learning is forever,” Sweet said, “Just ask Rosalie. Here is her story …” “My name is Rosalie and I live in St. Mary’s County. I have a husband James, three sons, Steve, Kevin and Howard and a daughter, Cindy. When one of my sons got his GED, I wanted to learn more too. I am studying math, writing, reading comprehension and poetry. I really enjoy learning new things. “I like art and music very much. I enjoy singing and dancing. When I walk outside with my husband, James, we really like to hear the birds sing. “I like people and I like talking Photo by Carrie Munn
SMCPS Director of Career and College Readiness, Theo Cramer presents an award to Melinda Brown, Coordinator of Adult Basic Education and the GED program, as she retires after 12 years of dedicated service. “It will be hard to replace you,” Cramer told her. More than 50 students graduated from the GED program and 11 attended the ceremony Tuesday evening. Many speakers praised their dedication and decision to complete their education and proceed with more opportunities opened to them.
with them. Visiting with my friends and family makes me very happy. I often take care of my grandkids Trevor and Tyler and I can share
my studies with them and my granddaughters Summer Marie and Emily Rose. It is a very nice life for me.”
50-Plus GED Graduates Honored
The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Know
In The
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Education
Defense Pipeline Poises Students for Success By Carrie Munn Staff Writer The Patuxent Partnership (TPP) hosted an education forum Tuesday morning, which addressed the local effort to support what St. Mary’s County Public Schools Superintendent Michael Martirano calls, “home-growing our own talent.” Department of Defense and higher education officials were joined by about 50 students involved in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs in St. Mary’s County schools and community members. Martirano commented on the benefits to students TPP has provided through peripheral programs that support the STEM initiative, contributing more than $100,000 since 2008. Dr. Darryll Pines, Dean of the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland, spoke of the engineering profession as one often invisible, but doing things that truly benefit society. He shared details about the program that has produced the talented engineers behind such technologies as the common UPC bar code system, SMS text messaging, and hybrid electric car engines, telling the students how graduates experience a high rate of job placement with competitive salaries. Pines encouraged what he called “a seamless vision for Southern Maryland,” with the support of the Navy, legislators and connectivity between the College of Southern Maryland, University of Maryland and the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center. Delegate John Bohanan said the state set a goal to have 55 percent of students obtain additional education or training beyond high school graduation by 2020, and while that goal is a ways from being met, he stated, “The future is bright for those of you going into these programs.” Bohanan said the Southern Maryland Higher Education Council is working on a game plan involving all stakeholders
on how to meet the needs of the workforce through partnerships and possibly more brick and mortar investments in the region. CSM’s President Brad Gottfried and Pre-Engineering Program Coordinator Robert Marino discussed the ability to get a start toward their engineering career with an Associate of Science degree through the co-op program with the University of Maryland and the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). Graduates of the program right now, Marino said, are obtaining a 100 percent success rate of gaining immediate employment. Dave Barrett, NAWCAD’s director of engineering education and research programs explained how the outreach efforts through STEM programs from elementary school levels into the community college, apprenticeship programs and Department of Defense research scholarships are the successes that show, “the investments are starting to pay off.” NAWCAD physicist Frank Narducci and St. Mary’s College of Maryland physics professor Josh Grossman talked about
the work being conducted at their lab, where burgeoning technologies that could substantially benefit society and the defense community are being developed, studied and tweaked. Narducci explained how applied physics is the bridge that moves these big science experiments into the engineering phase, creating new products and technologies. His lab offers opportunities to highly-qualified students where they can develop real world experience, doing the research and learning to communicate it clearly. Martirano commented with a direct linkage to the local workforce, STEM Programs begin in fourth grade and enable student to be essentially getting a college education in high school. He said there are close to 400 students enrolled and said he hoped after graduation would take advantage of CSM, the “two plus two” program at University of Maryland, get that good job and stay here. carriemunn@countytimes.net
Photo by Carrie Munn From left is St. mary’s College of Maryland physics professor Dr. Josh Grossman, NAWCAD physicist Dr. Frank Narducci, Delegate John Bohanan, NAWCAD engineering education and research director Dr. Dave Barrett, Patuxent Partnership Executive Director Bonnie Green, Dean of UM’s Clark School of Engineering Dr. Darryll Pines, CSM Pre-Engineering Program Coordinator Robert Marino, CSM President Dr. Brad Gottfried and Superintendent of St. Mary’s County Public Schools Dr. Michael Martirano.
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The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2011
16
Photo by Frank Marquart
STORY
Mother Ups Reward to Find Son’s Killer By Guy Leonard Staff Writer On Aug. 24, Deondre “Gus” Hawkins, 20, was found suffering from what turned out to be a fatal gunshot wound after his car crashed into a utility pole on Sell Drive in Lexington Park. Since then, police have been working the case, but have made no arrests in the killing and have appealed to the community for more information. Hawkins’ mother Phyllis Clark, has undertaken her own efforts to help solve the mystery surrounding her son’s death and has now added to the $1,000 Crime Solvers reward for leads in the case. “I put up $2,000 on Friday and I’m putting up another $2,000,” Clark told The County Times. “I’m trying to get it up to $5,000. It’s been a struggle to get there.” As of Wednesday, Clark said, she had given $3,000 of her own money over to Crime Solvers. “There’s going to be additional monies by Friday,” Clark said. Lt. David Yingling, deputy commander of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, said that detectives are continuing to follow up leads in the case. “It’s still a very active investigation, we need reliable information from the public to help in the investigation.” Clark, who has since moved out of St. Mary’s County in the wake of her son’s death, has blamed petty jealousies in the community against her son as contributing to his murder. She said her son was not involved in local criminal gangs or drugs, but was able to make money while unem-
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ployed because he used his unemployment checks to buy cars and then resell them. His ability to be prosperous without connection to “territorial” groups here, she believed, led to scrutiny from local criminal gangs – she believes her son was set up to die. “I personally feel like someone he trusted set him up for this,” Clark said, pointing to the place her son died as an area he usually avoided since his rivals could often be found there. “There was no reason for him to be over there,” Clark said. “Somebody told him something. He knew who his enemies were.” Her son was never part of any particular group but was naturally gregarious and tried to make friends with everyone. “And you can’t be friends with everybody, not down there,” Clark said. “It’s very territorial. It was hard for him to make friends without people getting jealous.” Tributes to Hawkins can even be found online in the form of videos on YouTube and she has started to post signs in the community in the hopes that someone will come forward with more information. Despite the lack of arrests in the case, Clark said she believes police are gaining ground on finding a suspect. “They’re actively working on it, they just need someone to come forward,” Clark said. guyleonard@countytimes.net
Phyllis Clark, mother of Deondre “Gus” Hawkins, holds a picture of her son who was killed Aug. 24 when he was shot while driving on Sell Drive in Lexington Park.
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Thursday, December 1, 2011
The County Times Irene Parrish B. Realty Irene Parrish Broker
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Newsmakers
The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2011
18
Packages for Patriots Packed with Local Love By Carrie Munn Staff Writer “It’s hard to believe that all of this stuff fits into one box,” said Debbie Walsh, founder of Packages for Patriots. For the third year, Walsh and her extended family and friends put their best packing skills forward and make such a pile of loot fit neatly into a flat rate priority box headed overseas to a soldier for the holidays. She said there’s a “soldiers’ room” in her home that has been steadily filling up with food, toiletries and comfort items that will let the troops know folks back home are thinking about them and hopefully lift their spirits. Packages for Patriots is unique in that, on top of requests from priority local parents and friends of deployed service men and women, they also reach out to the many who receive little mail and benefit greatly from a box full of support from back home through the military’s chaplains. “They need to hear from people,” Walsh said, adding that after talking to many soldiers, she discovered the weakened economy has left many military families strapped for cash and unable to send care packages to their loved ones in harm’s way. Walsh said while her Army son isn’t currently deployed overseas, she’s seen first-hand the sacrifice the troops make. “They are facing situations that few of us
have ever experienced and it is a lonely time for them,” she said. She began the Packages for Patriots program out of her intention to reach out and thank these soldiers in a meaningful way. Last year, she sent over 150 packages chocked full of useful goodies and heartfelt letters to let those far from home know they are loved. Walsh created a specific list of items that will not only delight the troops receiving them, but will also be useful in the field. Many don’t realize how harsh it is, and how cold it gets overnight, she said. In a letter of gratitude from 2010, Lt. Col. David May included an Afghanistan Remote Operations Cryptologic Center poker chip, he said was given only to those individuals who have gone above and beyond their normal duties and sacrifices. “Your generosity is an example of this dedication,” he wrote to Walsh. May said many in his unit were experiencing first-time deployments and told Walsh, “The kindess of your gifts gas shown us the remarkable spirit and patriotism of the American citizen is abundantly strong and that we are truly cared for.” The Walsh family and friends began the meticulous process of packing the boxes the Saturday following Thanksgiving and through a partnership with Life Community Church of God in Great Mills and activity in other area churches, intends to fill and send as many boxes
as possible this year. A Dec. 15 deadline for the first round of packages for patriots is fast approaching, but Walsh said, “It’s never too late … it keeps going beyond that date.” It costs $50 to sponsor a box and $12.50, through a special rate with the U.S. Postal Service, to mail the boxes to the troops. The effort is 100 percent volunteer and tax deductible. Walsh and her large family have also contributed bags
of candy to other troop care package projects. “As long as it gets to our guys,” she said, adding she’s been very inspired by the people who have joined in the volunteer efforts. To get details on this project, join the Walsh family in thanking our service men and women or to submit the contact information of a currently deployed member of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard, send an email to packagesforpatriots@gmail.com.
The
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27056 Mt. Zion Church Rd, Mechanicsville, MD 20659 301-884-8118 - Open 7 Days a Week
19
The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Betty’s Art & Antiques Antiques, Collectibles and Estate Jewelry Betty & Chuck Harless
(301) 863-5363
NAVTRAK NAUTICALS at the MARYLAND ANTIQUES CENTER
Nautical Instruments & Gifts 301.872.4262 301.980.9402
navtrak@qis.net www.paxp.com/mac/navtrak
We specialize in: Octants Sextants Watches Compasses Binoculars Nautical Gifts
Specializing In American Furniture of the 1800’s
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fine new and re-sale clothing Melissa Walton 240-237-8135
The Maryland Antiques Center
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, December 3rd M ic P 5 0 1 l Mus ents •
m Refresh
Santa will be visiting us from Noon until 2:00 p.m.
Seasona
On Select Items
Cards & Stationary Vintage Jewelry & Gifts
Williamson Antiques Fine Furniture & Decorated Art Linda & Rick Williamson 410-570-4970
A collection of classic and chic. Antiques * Painted Furniture * Linens * Handbags
Janet Dunphy 757.617.7510
jdunphy@md.metrocast.net
. .. g n i m o c s i a t San . .. G N I M O C S I SANTA
Route 5 • Leonardtown, MD 20650 • 500 Yards South of Rt. 243 Intersection
Art Galleries & Shops
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Bonita Wagus 301-994-2888
Bella Antiques & Interiors
Please join in the merriment of our Open House Saturday, December 3rd
Antiques, etc. Bella Antiques & Interiors Betty’s Art & Antiques Chicken Tracks Creek Side Gallery Marietta’s Art Gingham and Lace
TREASURES GALORE
Glen Larson Bookseller La Posh Leonardtown Galleria Lynn’s Cafe & Catering Co. Mohun Custom Finishes Navtrak Nauticals Riverside Antiques
Open Daily: 10 - 5 p.m.
Southern MD Craft Guild Sue’s Stuff The Right Mix Treasures Galore Tuppence A. Bagg Vivian’s Simply The Best Williamson Antiques
Lynn’s Cafe 301.475.1980
“Where Cooking is a Family Tradition” 24569 Hollywood Rd. Hollywood, MD 20636
Creek Side Gallery two dimensional fine art photography woodwork gourd art, jewelry watercolorsbysue@comcast.net dkelsey@md.metrocast.net
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Route 5 • Leonardtown, MD 20650 • 500 Yards South of Rt. 243 Intersection
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301-904-2532 MD Antiques Center ~ Bldg. 2 ~ 26005 Point Lookout Rd ~Leonardtown, MD 20650
The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2011
20
Community THEATRE FALL MuSiCAL La PLata CamPus Fine arts Center theatre
REuNiON: A Musical Epic in Miniature
Book by Jack Kyrieleison story by Jack Kyrieleison and ron holgate traditional music adapted by michael O’Flaherty
november 17 - 19 8 p.m. (reserved seating) $15 - adults $12 - seniors/ military with iD/ youth (high school and below)
MUSIC La PLata CamPus Fine arts Center theatre
257th Army Band
December 3 | 7 p.m. the band will perform its holiday concert. Free, but reservations are encouraged to save your seat.
Music Students Honors Recital December 8 | 2:30 p.m. (Free)
CSM Jazz Ensemble Concert December 8 | 8 p.m. tickets are $5 for advance purchase; $7 at the door
CSM Latin Ensemble and CSM Chorale Concert December 9 | 8 p.m. tickets are $5 for advance purchase; $7 at the door
CSM campuses are accessible to patrons with disabilities. Audio description for the visually impaired and sign language interpretation for the hearing impaired are available with a minimum two-week advanced notice. If you are interested in these services, please contact the ADA coordinator at 301-934-7614.
SPECIAL EVENTS Turkey Trot 5k Run/Walk and 1 Mile Walk
First Ever ‘Fill The Boat’ Planned
november 20 | 9 a.m. La Plata Campus, Physical education Center (Pe Building) All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer society.
Fall 2011 Connections Magazine Publication Reading December 2 | 7:30 p.m. La Plata Campus, Center for Business and industry (Bi Building), room 103-104 Contributors to the Fall 2011 Connections Literary magazine will read and discuss their published works.
CSM FiRST Robotics Challenge
December 3 | 9 a.m. La Plata Campus, Physical education Center (Pe Building)
ATHLETICS Congratulations to the CSM’s Men’s Soccer Team!
the hawks have earned a trip to the national Championship tournament in arizona. this is only the second time in the history of Csm’s soccer program that it has advanced to nationals.
Go hawks!
Visit www.csmd.edu/athletics for the results!
wwwwww. .cc ss mm dd .. ee d u
U.S. Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes is taking an opportunity to serve our community in a different capacity than what they're used to – distributing new toys and non-perishables to the greater Washington area with the Salvation Army, National Capital Area Command. The USCG Station St. Inigoes and the Salvation Army are teaming up in their first annual "Fill the Boat" event. Taking place Saturday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 10, Station St. Inigoes will stage two 25foot response boats in the Giant and Chick-fil-A parking lots in California, MD. Donations of non-perishables and new, unwrapped toys for 10-12 year olds will be collected and distributed in the National Capital Area. Chick-fil-A coupons will be distributed to the first 250 donators both Saturdays for a free kids chicken nugget or eight piece chicken nugget. Toys will be distributed beginning Dec. 16 by the Salvation Army, and the non-perishables will be handed out throughout the holidays. “We are very grateful to Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes for providing us with this unique opportunity to help the Salvation Army to continue doing the most good in the greater Washington area,” Ken Forsythe, Communications Manager, Salvation Army National Capital Area Command, said in a press release. Station St. Inigoes Officer in Charge, Senior Chief Philip Robinson, is excited about serving the community in a greater capacity than the Coast Guard mission normally requires. “Although our station eagerly serves the community in maritime safety, search and rescue, we are thrilled to recognize a great need in this area and help provide the resources to meet it. Our desire is to continue to be a large asset to this community on many levels,” Robinson said. Since its start in London in 1865, The Salvation Army has touched millions of people in their darkest hours. The Salvation Army National Capital Area Command helped more than 62,000 individuals last year from families living across the Greater Washington region by providing help and hope through a diverse range of social services.
Help Needed Feeding the Less Fortunate By Michael Schwartz Director, Mikes Food Fund Christmas is on its way. It’s a time for family and charity. It’s a time to celebrate the birth of the savior. So every year since 1983, I have been raising money buying turkeys and trimmings for needy families in St. Mary’s County. Last year we delivered over 1,800 baskets. This year there are more homeless and more needy than ever. I need your help. The cost of food has gone up. Each basket including a 12-14 lbs turkey, 10 lbs of potatoes and some canned goods will cost about $25. I would like to help 2,000 households this year. This will take a lot of money and a lot of helpers. The people on my list that I get from
the Human Services Department in Leonardtown are not helped by other groups. If they don’t get anything from Mikes Food Fund they will not have anything for Christmas. I am the last chance for a good holiday meal. If you would like to donate please send a check to Mikes Food Fund, 21310c Great Mills Road, Lexington Park MD, 20653. If you would like to volunteer to help we will start boxing and delivering baskets on Monday, Dec. 12, from 4 – 8 p.m. at Zion United Methodist Church on Route 235 south in Lexington Park. We will be working out of the church from Dec.12 - 16. After that, we will be working out of Mikes Bikes through Christmas eve. For more info call 301-8637887. Your help is needed.
21
The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Community
Flash Mob Promotes Upcoming ‘Holly Jolly’ Shows By Carrie Munn Staff Writer The crowd dining at the Ruddy Duck in Solomons on Saturday was pleasantly surprised when a “flash mob” broke out in dance in the middle of the restaurant. Joined by many costumed characters. The covert performance was to promote the sixth annual performance of “Holly Jolly Musical.”
The holiday-themed show which features dancing, singing and humor was created and written by Grace Myles, owner of Gracie’s Guy and Gals Dance Studio in Hollywood, with her son Justin Myles serving as director and artistic advisor. “Holly Jolly Musical” is a fundraiser for the dance troupe with parents making props, stage decorations, costumes and some even participating as cute costumed characters. “It is a very professional show with lots of scenery changes and fun choreography,” Myles said. The kids in the troupe and their parents have been traveling all over St. Mary’s and Calvert counties to drum up, or rather dance up, interest in the production. Myles said this is her studio’s 24th year in business in St. Mary’s. Offering recreational opportunities and professional training for dancers, the show troupes from Gracie’s have become a fixture at community events like the Blessing of the Fleet and the Christmas Tree Lighting on Leonardtown’s Square. The group also performs at many charitable events like Bluegrass for Hospice and Relay for Life. The musical features a cast of wacky characters like Elf’is, the Elvis of Elves, Jingles the comical horse, Santa Mouse and the Grinch and promises to be an entertaining holiday show combining song, dance, acting and performance to bring cheer to audiences for the holidays. The show goes on at Chopticon High School Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2 and 6 p.m. and then on Saturday, Dec 10 at the Mary Har-
rison Center in Owings at 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Information on obtaining tickets can be found by emailing HollyJollyShow@ aol.com or by calling (301) 475-5265. To see a preview of the high-energy show or find out about the opportunities to hone dance skills at Gracie’s studio, visit www.graciesguysandgalsdancestudio.com. carriemunn@countytimes.net
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The County Times
Thursday, Dec. 1 • Poetry Reading Daugherty-Palmer Center, St. Mary’s College of Maryland (18952 E. Fisher Rd., St. Mary’s City)– 8 p.m. Poet and author Zach Savich will read from his collected works at this event is sponsored by the college’s Department of English and the VOICES Reading Series. It is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served following the reading. • Lunch Buffet and Benefit Outback Steakhouse (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a lunch buffet featuring caesar salad, steak, chicken, rice bread and drinks for $15. Funds support Little Flower School. Call (301) 994-0404 for tickets. Walk-ins also welcome.
Friday, Dec. 2
• 11th Annual Gingerbread Auction Lettie Marshall Dent Elementary School (37840 New Market Turner Rd., Mechanicsville) – 6 p.m. Join the school’s fifth and second grade “Book Buddies” as they display and auction their too-sweet-to-eat gingerbread creations. All proceeds from the event go to help local families during the holiday season. For more information, contact the school at (301) 472-4500. • 25th Annual Holiday Exhibit and Open House North End Gallery (41652 Fenwick Street) – 5 to 8 p.m. Hand-made treasures from 32 of Southern Maryland’s best artists and artisans will be available for purchase. The Gallery will be participating in Leonartown’s First Friday event along with other local businesses. For details visit www. LeonardtownFirstFridays.com or call the North End Gallery at (301) 475-3130. • Garden In Lights Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center (13480 Dowell Rd., Solomons) – 6 to 9 p.m. The annual holiday handmade light sculpture event takes visitors on a magical trip along the pathways through the glittering woods. Nightly entertainment and fun activities will be avail-
able during that show that runs from Dec. 3 to Jan. 1. Special nights for military, teens and pets are among many special nights during Garden in Lights. For a full listing of specials and schedules, visit www.annmariegarden.org. Admission is free for members and $5 for others. Kids 4 and under are free. • Holiday Bazaar and Craft Show Evergreen Elementary School (43765 Evergreen Way, California) – 6 to 8 p.m. Vendors and crafters will at the school’s second annual holiday bazaar in the gym and cafeteris will provide a variety of gifts for that holiday shopping list. A holiday shop for the kids, games, karaoke, raffles and more make the event fun for the whole family.
Saturday, Dec. 3
• Annual Christmas Bazaar and Craft Show Golden Beach Fire House (29848 Therese Circle, Mechanicsville – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Golden Beach/Patuxent Knolls Civic Association will host the event featuring more than 25 vendors, door prizes, and baked goods and food for sale. Santa will arrive at 11 a.m. and kids can have a picture taken with him for $5. Non-perishable food items and new, unwrapped gifts are being collected and will be donated to needy families in the area. Vendors and anyone seeking additional information can contact Kathy Owens at (301) 884-8432. • Family Plantation Christmas at Sotterly Sotterly Plantation (44300 Sotterly Lane, Hollywood) – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A full day of wonderment and Christmas spirit will feature visits with Santa and treats from Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, carol sing-a-longs, holiday craft-making and horse-drawn carriage rides. Seasonal greens and hand-crafted items from Sotterly’s Garden Guild and unique holiday gifts can be found at the museum shop and at Santa’s Secret Shop for kids. For animal lovers, there will be a petting zoo and Patuexnt Voices, a women’s acapella group, will perform Christmas favorites from throughout history from 1 to 2 p.m. The cost is $5 per person at the gate. • Hospice of St. Mary’s Festival of Tress 2011 James A. Forrest Tech Center (24005 Point
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Lookout Rd., Leonardtown) – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The community is invited to participate by sponsoring a tree, decorating a tree, participating as a vendor or coming out for the holiday fun. There will be entertainment, visits with Santa and holiday shopping. Sponsorship and vendor forms can be found at www.hospiceofstmarys.org. For more info, please contact the Hospice Office at (301) 994-3023. • Live Candy Land Game St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds (42455 Fairgrounds Rd., Leonardtown) – Noon to 6 p.m. Come out for some family fun at the beginning of the holiday season while helping in the fight against breast cancer. The “Thanks for the Mammaries” Avon Walk for Breast Cancer team is bringing the wonderful, candylicious board game that we played as kids to life in a live-action board game. Join King Kandy, Princess Frostine, Princess Lolly, the Duke of Swirl and all of the other beloved Candyland characters along with the Thanks for the Mammaries team in celebrating the holiday season and visit with the jolly ole’ man himself at the end. Pictures with Santa, family-friendly vendors with cash-and-carry items and snacks will be available. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. For moreinformation, please email thanksforthemammaries@gmail.com. • Santa Visits Carroll’s Carroll’s Equipment (17723 Three Notch Rd., Dameron) – 9 a.m. to Noon Free pictures with Santa on a Gator, 12V Gator and tractor races in the service department and discounted ERTL toys at the event. Kids can also decorate their own Christmas cookie. The toy sale continues through Dec. 10. Call (301) 872-5553 for more information.
Sunday, Dec. 4
• All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast with Santa Father Andrew White School (22850 Washington Street, Leonardtown) – 8 to 11 a.m This all-you-can-eat “Breakfast with Santa” is sponsored by the Father Andrew White School Home and School. Come visit with the whitebearded special guest and enjoy a delicious menu featuring eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits with gravy, pancakes and more. Cost is $8 for those 13 and older, $4 for those 4 to 12 and free for
CHURCH SERVICES DIRECTORY Running the 2nd & 4th Week of Each Month
To Advertise in the Church Services Directory, Call The County Times at 301-373-4125
ANGLICAN
BAPTIST CHURCH
THE ANGLICAN MISSION OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND
HUGHESVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH
Sundays - 9:30 AM 41695 Fenwick Street Unit 3 Leonardtown, MD 20650 301/997-1235 www.amosm.net
BAHA’I FAITH BAHA’I FAITH God is One, Man is One, and All Religions are One
Discussions 3rd Wed. 7-8 Lex Pk Library, Longfellow Rm 301-884-8764 or www.bahai.org
UNITED CATHOLIC METHODIST
A member of the Southern Baptist Convention 8505 Leonardtown Road, Hughesville, MD 20637
Sunday, December 11, 2011 at 6 p.m. the Psalm Singers (Children’s Choir) will be presenting the musical “The Greatest Christmas Giveaway – The Gift Goes On”. Sunday, December 18, 2011 at 10:30 am the Adult Choir will be presenting “Down for His Glory – The Love Story of Christmas”. On Christmas Eve, December 24, 2011 Hughesville Baptist Church will have a Christmas Eve Candlelight service at 7 p.m. At 11 pm a Christmas Eve Candlelight and Lord’s Supper Service.
All are invited to attend these services. For more info, please call:
301-884-8645 or 301-274-3627
Pastor Keith Corrick • Associate Pastor Kevin Cullins
CATHOLIC CHURCH St. Cecelia Church 47950 Mattapany Rd, PO Box 429 St. Mary’s City, MD 20686 301-862-4600 Virgil Mass: Sunday: Weekday (M-F): Confessions:
4:30 pm Saturday 8:00 am 7:30 am 3-4 pm Saturday
Offering worship and serving opportunities at… First Friendship campus – Ridge 9:00 am Traditional worshipc St George Island campus – Piney Point 9:45 am Children and Adult Sunday School 11:00 am Traditional worship St. Paul’s campus – Leonardtown 8:05 am Traditional worshipna 9:15 am Contemporary worshipnca(ASL Interpreted) 10:45 am Contemporary worshipnca 6:00 pm The Refinery (interactive worship)nc n – nursery provided c- children’s Sunday school also available a- adult Sunday school also available
www.firstsaints.org 301.475.7200
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those 3 and younger. Call (301) 475-9795 for more information. • Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair at Wildewood Wildewood Community Center (22961 Wildewood Drive, California) – 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Holiday shopping galore featuring more than 20 vendors offering unique gifts such as kitchenware, handmade crafts, dolls, jewelry, handbags, perfume and much more. • Holiday Home Tour from Health Share of St. Mary’s County Leonardtown – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. One of Southern Maryland’s most popular holiday events, this tour of beautiful, private homes joyfully decorated for the holiday season and 100 percent of the proceeds benefit Health Share, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the working poor of St. Mary’s County obtain medical treatment. All seven homes on this year’s tour are conveniently located within five miles of each other in the Leonardtown area off Rt. 244 and Breton Beach Road in the Medley’s Neck area. Signs indicating the homes will be clearly displayed on the roadway. Tickets may be purchase on the day of the event for $50 per person for all homes or $10 per house. Lunch by Kevin’s Korner Kafe will be available for purchase at one of the homes. All purchases are tax deductible. Contact Mary Leigh Harless (301) 862-5584 or smibintc@gmail.com for details. • Holiday Vendor Show Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad Building (21530 Colton’s Point Rd., Avenue) - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Special gifts for the special people offered by multiple widely-rcognized vendors, along with works of art and hand-knitted scarves will be available. A cash raffle with a first prize of $300 and second prize of $200, a 50/50 and gift raffles and food, drinks and baked goods will also be included at the fundraising event for the Seventh District Rescue Squad Auxiliary.
Monday, Dec. 5
• No Limit Texas Holde’Em Bounty Tournament St. Marys Elk’s Lodge (45779 Fire Department Lane, Lexington Park) – 7 p.m. Anyone can join or play at any time (no cost other than your buy-in to each tournament). Buyin $25 for $3,000 in chips. Blinds start at $25 to $50 and progress from there every 20 minutes. Earn points for every tournament you participate in. Number of points you earn is determined by how many people eliminated before you. Those accumulating the most points will receive a free roll to the $100 Leaderboard Challenge Tournament scheduled for February. Side games available. Food and beverage available for purchase. Please enter through the side of the building. Contact the lodge for details at (301) 863-7800.
Tuesday, Dec. 6
• Weight Loss Challenge Callaway Baptist Church (20960 Point Lookout Rd., Callaway) – 6:30 p.m. 25 people are wanted for a 12-week weight loss challenge. Win cash, prizes and have fun. $35 for personal coaching, educational and nutritional classes. The group meets each Tuesday night over the course of 12 weeks. Call (301) 247-1322 for more information.
Wednesday, Dec. 7
• Line Dance Holiday Kit House of Dance (24620 Three Notch Rd., Hollywood) – 6 to 8 p.m. Here’s your chance to get down, get funky and have a blast at the next party or wedding you attend. Learn the old standby line dances that are currently out plus some new and exciting ones such as “The Wobble”, “The Baltimore”, “Mississippi Slide” and many more. Complimentary 30-minute practice session (and review of the line dances we learned that night).The cost is $20 at the door.
What’s
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Thursday, December 1, 2011
n O g n i Go
The County Times
In Entertainment
Thursday, Dec 1
Live Music: “No Green JellyBeenz” - Acoustic The Greene Turtle (6 St. Mary’s Avenue Suite 104, La Plata) – 8 p.m. Live Music: “HydraFX” – Acoustic The Blue Dog Saloon (7940 Port Tobacco Road, Port Tobacco) – 7 p.m. Live Music: “Just Us” Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 8 p.m. Live Music: Chamber Music Concert Auerbach Auditorium (18952 E. Fisher Rd., St. Mary’s City) – 8 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 2
Dance Featuring “The Wanderers” Bowles Farm (22880 Budd’s Creek Rd., Clements) – 8 p.m. Live Music: “Anthony Ryan & Renegade Grid Iron Grill (20855 Callaway Village Way, Callaway) – 8 p.m. Live Music: “Jesse Lynch Trio” Great Mills High School (21130 Great Mills Rd., Great Mills) – 7 p.m. 257th Army Band Holiday Concert CSM La Plata Campus Fine Arts Center (8730 Mitchell Rd., La Plata) – 7 p.m. Live Music: “Vendetta” Apehangers Bar and Grill (9100 Crain Highway, Bel Alton) – 8 p.m.
Live Music: “Anthony Ryan & Renegade” Hole in the Wall Tavern (24702 Sotterly Rd., Hollywood) – 9 p.m.
Live Music: “Full Steam” Hotel Charles (15110 Burnt Store Road, Hughesville) – 9 p.m.
Live Music: “Smooth Country” Loveville Tavern (28275 Point Lookout Rd., Leonardtown) – 9 p.m.
Live Music: “Miles from Clever” Cryer’s Back Road Inn (22094 Newtowne Neck Road, Leonardtown) – 8 p.m.
Live Music: “Michael Bell” First Friday on the Square (22760 Washington Street, Leonardtown) – 5 p.m.
Live Music: “T.D. MacDonald” Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 8 p.m.
Live Music: “Allana and Joe Huffman” First Friday on the Square (41655 Fenwick Street, Leonardtown) - 5 p.m. Live Music: “Joseph Norris” First Friday on the Square (second floor, 22660 Washington Street, Leonardtown) – 5 p.m. Country Dance Nights Hotel Charles (15110 Burnt Store Road, Hughesville) – 7:30 p.m. St. Mary’s College of Maryland Jazz Combo and Jazz Band’s Fall Concert Auerbach Auditorium (18952 E. Fisher Rd., St. Mary’s City) – 8 p.m. Live Music: “On Tap” Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 8 p.m. Live Music: “Pandora’s Box” Island Bar and Crab House (16810 Piney Point Rd., Piney Point) – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 3 Live Music: “No Green JellyBeanz” Vera’s White Sands Beach Club (1200 White Sands Drive, Lusby) – 9:30 p.m. Southern Md. Antique Power Association
Sunday, Dec. 4 16th Annual Jones Thompson Concert featuring “Bluegrass Gospel Express” Hollywood Church of the Nazarene (24710 Sotterly Rd., Hollywood) – 6:30 p.m. Live Music: “The Paul Adkins Band and Port Tobacco Pickers” (local bluegrass) American Legion Post 238 (6265 Brandywine Rd., Hughesville)– 2 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 5 $2.50 Margaritas All Day Big Dogs Paradise (28765 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville) – 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Dec 6. Open Mic Night Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 7 Live Music: “Sam Grow” Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 8 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Harry Big Dogs Paradise (28765 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville) – 8 p.m.
PET of the Week CAT of the Week Hi Everyone, my name is Kobi and I am a beautiful 5 year old chocolate lab. I have had a hard life as my first family didn’t want me after I grew out of the cute puppy stage. As I got older, I was banned to the basement in isolation and was very sad. I needed a family and some friends and had none. Then my family decided I was in the way and gave me away to Second Hope Rescue. I am a love bug and want a family to call my own. I would really make a great companion to a retired couple who want a dog to love. I am ok with other dogs and would do better in a home with children over 10 years old. I am neutered, current on vaccinations and identification micro chipped. Please if you have room in your home and your heart for me contact lora@secondhoperescue.org or call 240-925-0628. Please Adopt, Don’t Shop.
“STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE” My foster mom went to the shelter to rescue a Siamese cat because she knows that they are usually the first to be adopted. The people at the shelter didn’t know me at all. I was just really scared to be there. One of the ladies told my foster mom that I was going to be euthanized really soon because they didn’t have time to help me to trust people and would she take me home because I had no chance. Lucky for me she did take me home and she found out that I can be a little lover boy. I still don’t like when she comes over to pick me up but if she lays on the couch or the bed, that is when I make my move. I jump up on her and she will pet me for a good half hour. I push my head against her face and love all over her. I have a really loud purr. She has only had me for 4 weeks and I am a sweetie pie. Won’t you give me a chance to love you? If you would, please fill out an application at www.feralcatrescuemd. org or email my foster mom at moonandhunt@hotmail.com if you have questions. Her phone number is 301-481-0171. I know she would love to find a home for me so she can rescue more kitties. Hopefully yours forever, Nate
Your Online Community For Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties New to the area? Lifelong resident?
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The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2011
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The County Times is always looking for more local talent to feature! To submit art or band information for our entertainment section, e-mail carriemunn@countytimes.net.
Synergy Gains Momentum in Southern Maryland Music Scene By Carrie Munn Staff Writer Charlotte Hall resident Robert Smith is a die-hard drummer. He has performed across the nation and the world as a member of the military for 15 years and said he’s been drumming every chance he’s gotten since the fifth grade. When not playing in the Air Force Band, he’s the beat-man and driving force behind Southern Maryland’s “Synergy”, a variety band of five seasoned musicians. Smith explained the name of the band says a lot, as synergy is defined as, “The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.” Forming up originally as “Lockedn-loaded,” the group started anew in 2011, selecting a new name that represented the efforts of Bobby Thomas, formerly of the well-known local band “Hot Ice,” who plays keyboards, rhythm guitar and sings; lead guitarist George Gillum; bassist Bruce Tyler and female vocalist Julia Oberti, all who previously made a name as “Captain Woody,” and drummer Smith. Synergy’s members have decades of collective musical experience and have shared the stage with popular local groups like The Sam Grow Band, No Green JellyBeanz and Hate the Toy. Playing a wide-reaching variety of songs, from classic rock tunes to a rap and soul dance medley, Smith said the five players each bring different musical influences and tastes to the group. The band members can also learn new material quickly and like to give a lively show, “with one song leading right into another without a lot of dead air,” Smith said. Synergy’s rendition of the Santana jam song, “Black Magic Woman,” showed off the band’s chops during a show the day after Thanksgiving at Toot’s Bar in Hollywood. From mellow grooves to a hard-hitting cover of Drowning Pool’s “Bodies,” the band offered something to suit a plethora of tastes. Oberti’s raspy, rocker-chick voice sounded spot on during the Joan Jett and 4 Non-Blondes songs, while Thomas showed an adaptive vocal range able to carry the rock ballad, the heavy metal intensity and a James Brown-esque funk mash-up. Several of the band members sing backing vocals and play multiple instruments through a Synergy performance, including Smith who, while drumming, also controls the band’s in-ear monitors and light show. “If I could just have a computer going, booking the next week’s gigs …” he joked.
The father of three said he manages the band and handles marketing and booking tenaciously with the support of his wife of 16 years. “We’ve been blessed and lucky that we’ve been steadily making a name for ourselves … seeing the crowds at our shows grow … and are excited to have already booked Vera’s, Hotel Charles and Gilligan’s Pier for the upcoming year,” Smith said. With a tight, professional sound adaptable to the size of the venue, Synergy plays with no amps on stage, eliminating extra noise and working with a sound technician to ensure a high-quality sound. With a playlist based off of audience feedback – what gets people singing along, dancing, or pumped up – Synergy focuses on musicianship and keeping the crowd engaged. Synergy recently picked up the sponsorship of Bully Bling Energy Drink, whose promotional help, along with Facebook networking and Smith’s pavement pounding, have led to the band playing all over the tricounty area and beyond. Band t-shirts will come out at Synergy’s Dec. 10 show at Hotel Charles with the Sam Grow Band and will celebrate their official first birthday as a band at Lisa’s Pub in Indian Head this New Year’s Eve. The group also plays private parties and special events and can be reached for booking details at SynergyBand@ymail.com. “It’s a busy life,” Smith said, “But totally worth it.” carriemunn@countytimes.net
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The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Business
Directory Phone 301-884-5900 1-800 524-2381
Phone 301-934-4680 Fax 301-884-0398
To Place a Classified Ad, please email your ad to: classifieds@countytimes.net or Call: 301-373-4125 or Fax: 301-373-4128 for a price quote. Office hours are: Monday thru Friday 8am - 4pm. The County Times is published each Thursday.
Classifieds Real Estate Own for less than rent. Great Starter Home! Nice 3 BR 1 BA Rambler on corner lot. Newer HVAC system Large country kitchen with lots of cabinets and room for table. Laundry room off of kitchen. Open floor plan with large great room. Sold as is but shows well. Seller says bring offers. This property is eligible for 100% Financing. Contact me for more details, 301-862-2169. Equal Housing Opportunity. Price: $134,900.
Cross & Wood
AssoCiAtes, inC. Serving The Great Southern Maryland Counties since 1994 Employer/Employee
Primary Resource Consultants Group & Individual Health, Dental, Vision, AFLAC, Life, Long Term Care, Short & Long Term Disability, Employer & Employee Benefits Planning
12685 Amberleigh Lane La Plata, MD 20646
Deadlines for Classifieds are Tuesday at 12 pm.
28231 Three Notch Rd, #101 Mechanicsville, MD 20659
26 wooded acres with 2 percs and abundant wildlife. Property is great for hunting as well as a home in the woods. Possible owner financing. House with 12 acres also available. 240-298-7032. Price: $190,000.
Real Estate Rentals
Pub & Grill
301-866-0777
Heating & Air Conditioning
23415 Three Notch Road California Maryland
“THE HEAT PUMP PEOPLE” 30457 Potomac Way Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 Phone: 301-884-5011
www.dbmcmillans.com
114 Days Till St. Patrick’s Day Entertainment All Day
Est. 1982
snheatingac.com
Lic #12999
For All Your Real Estate Needs.
Addie McBride
Cell: 301-481-6767 Home: 301-737-1669 www.addiemcbride.com addiemcbride@verizon.net
Helping Good People Find Good Homes.
Franzen Realtors, Inc.
Cutting Close Lawn Care Service “A beautiful lawn doesn’t happen by itself”
House, Sidewalk, Siding, Decks
Outside Home Maintenance Gutter Celaning
Mowing Trimming Edging Blowing
Waverly Crafton • Owner
2 Bedroom, 1 Bath, top floor of duplex located at the end of Goddard Road in Great Mills, MD (only 4 houses on road, very quiet & private setting). New boat launch to St. Mary’s River for small boats. Large storage shed. Close to shopping & NAS Pax River (approx. 10 min.). Heat Pump A/C system. Appliances included (stove/oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher). No pets, non-smokers, pls. No Section 8 or HUD. Application/references and current employer information with one year lease required. Available immediately. E-mail current employer information and how many occupants would be occupying the apartment to jennyboothe@md.metrocast.net. Rent: $850.
General service automotive technician position available. Must have experience preforming oil changes, tire replacement/tire repair, and general maintenance. Must be professional and motivated ! call Art 301-467-2973.
22316 Three Notch Rd. Lexington Park, MD 20653 Office: 1-800-848-6092 • Office: 301-862-2222 • Fax Office: 301-862-1060
Pressure Washing
Apartment Rentals
Employment
www.franzenrealtors.com
Services Provided:
One Bedroom/bath cottage, large livingroom, bedroom, kitchen, bath and front porch. 5 mins south of Pax River NAS. All utilities, satellite and trash service included. No washer/dryer or hookup. One year lease required. No smoking or pets. Call after 6pm 301-737-2749. Rent: $695.
Flower beds General yard cleanup Tree Planting
(240) 561-1471
301-737-0777
Prime Rib • Seafood • Sunday Brunch Banquet & Meeting Facilities 23418 Three Notch Road • California, MD 20619 www.lennys.net
CAPTAIN LEONARD’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Part time evening janitorial position in the Hollywood area: consists of restroom cleaning; approximately 2.5 hours per day, Monday through Friday. Part Time evening janitorial positions in California and Lexington Park areas: Vacuuming, dusting, emptying trash, sweeping and mopping floors, cleaning restrooms; approximately 2.5 hours per day, Monday through Friday. Background check will be performed. Must have own transportation. Serious applicants please email: bandbmaintenance@chesapeake.net or call 301-769-2300. Experienced dental/medical scheduling supervisor wanted for well established fee for service practice in Mechanicsville. Experience preferred but will train the right person! Monday through Friday hours no weekends. Excellent salary, 401k, profit sharing, medical insurance, and leave benefits. Please email resume to stmarysdental4employment@hotmail.com or download application from our website at www.stmarysdental.com
Important 27301 Three Notch Rd. Mechanicsville, MD
301-884-3701
Sun, Wed, Thur: 12 – 9 Fri, Sat: 12 – 10 • Closed: Mon and Tues
24-Hour Towing Light/Medium/Heavy Duty • Major and Minor Repairs Diesel Is Our Specialty • Chrome Refinishing 37720 Manor Road • Chaptico, Maryland 20621
The County Times will not be held responsible for any ads omitted for any reason. The County Times reserves the right to edit or reject any classified ad not meeting the standards of The County Times. It is your responsiblity to check the ad on its first publication and call us if a mistake is found. We will correct your ad only if notified after the first day the first publication ran.
The County Times
n er
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 42. Indian dress
Thursday, December 1, 2011
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 14. Satiny cotton fabric
26
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
27
The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Wanderings of an Aimless
d
Min
Changing up on Tradition
By Shelby Oppermann Contributing Writer ***I must have spent way too much time in distilleries while I was in Kentucky because when I was outside with Tidbit this morning, the damp earth had a distinct bourbon smell. Hmm…. I don’t think I’d give up my regular cocktails of choice for bourbon ever, but the smell was rich and comforting.*** Speaking of comfort, we are going to change the decorations on our Christmas tree this year. You know how I feel about change. I wasn’t really ready to do this for a long time, I’m still slowly getting used to the change my husband made with the living room furniture. Surprisingly, I am having very little trouble with the change to our Hyundai Santa Fe from my old, Olds Silhouette minivan. I sometimes miss the huge cargo area in the back, but having the ability to know you can get from point A to point B without the van not starting or something falling off of it is really nice. But as to Christmas decorations, I tend to like what I’ve collected over the years. Last year, we decided to pare down, and had very few ornaments on the tree. Consequently, I didn’t get the same warm Christmas feeling of years past. This year we are making a drastic change, we are switching to a silver, soft blue-green, and even softer aqua, with maybe a few purplish-gray accents. If you all knew mat color numbers I could just rattle those off easier. I am not really a blue person, so leaning towards green will make me happier. We also have plans to gather some of our abundant pinecones in the yard and tip them with silver paint, faux snow, and some glass glitter. We did buy 90 feet of wide soft blue-gray ribbon to wind in and around the tree. I think it will look pretty neat. Our living room has a soft sage green contemporary L-shaped sofa that will blend nicely. I believe this change of decoration came about from our trip last weekend to The American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore. What a cool place! The main building is three floors of the most unusual art you’ve ever seen. Everything from 6 feet tall by 7 feet wide sculptures made of toothpicks, to 3D artwork, robot families, and anything else you can or can not imagine. One of our own talented creative artists, Candy Cummings has a fairly large wall full of her recycled creations. The museum is a very inspiring place. My husband sort of nodded at me when we came to the room labeled OCD art (obsessive-compulsive disorder art). I glared back at him, and told him that if I had OCD our house would be cleaner. I do get in those manic painting or writing phases upon occasion. I am sort of in that phase now. I guess it’s like that AARP commercial out now, where the older man is riding his motorcycle really fast and says “He wants to leave this life exhausted.” The problem is that I am already exhausted, and well on my way to delirium. But I really was inspired and wondered for the rest of the day what I could create. I loved the mirrored garland that one artist was selling and also was giving classes on how to make. All this time I have been throwing out my smallest glass and mirror pieces, and I could have been making Christmas tree garland…for $9 a foot! That’s the thing. I don’t think of these outside the box visual creations. I have to see it to make it normally, though I have painted about four abstract paintings. Anyhow, it was a unique experience, and I would recommend the museum to anyone. I asked my husband later that evening if he liked anything he saw in the museum, and he said not too much was to his liking. It could have been because he was a touch exhausted – we did have to park quite a few blocks away, and afterwards we walked up the side of Federal Hill, and then walked around Fell’s Point for another five hours after that. This was all after walking around downtown Baltimore since 10 a.m. that morning. I then asked him if he liked any of my abstracts, and his reply was, “Well, I have to like yours I’m married to you.” Great ending line for our tenth anniversary getaway. To each new day’s adventure, Shelby Please send your comments or ideas to: shelbys.wanderings@yahoo.com
A Journey Through Time The
Chronicle
By Linda Reno Contributing Writer Aaron Stacey was born March 17, 1760 in St. Mary’s County. He was the son of Bennett Stacey and Sarah Hoskins. About 1771 his family moved to Brunswick County, Virginia and then shortly thereafter to Granville County, North Carolina. In 1778 Aaron enlisted for the first of four enlistments during the Revolutionary War. Fighting in the southern campaign was different--not only did the soldiers have to the fight the British but the Tories too. During Aaron’s first enlistment, his company was marched to “the Island Ford on the Yadkin [River] …to surprise a band of Torries that had assembled at the shallow ford of the Yadkin. We arrived … just as the firing commenced between the Torries and a Company of which who had surprised them. We arrived in time to see the results. There were 19 Torries slain and the Captain who commanded the Whigs was killed in the engagement.” From there his company marched into South Carolina. They marched to “where a group of Torries had assembled under the command of Col. Rudesly. We decided storming the fort and took one horse and five Torries and their Colonel. I marched as one of the guards of said prisoners to Salisbury in North Carolina where they were confined.” Aaron’s second term of service “commenced a short time before the battle of Guilford [Court House] …and I furnished my own horse and gun.” His company was sent to carry meal to General Nathaniel Greene’s camp. They encountered an old man and asked for directions. The man complied, but fortunately they later encountered a woman who told them they were headed directly for Lord Cornwallis’ Army. They escaped. Shortly after the battle, the same old man attempted to pass through General Greene’s camp. “We were all called in as witnesses who identified him as the man who had attempted to sidewind us into the camp of Cornwallis. He was executed on a limb and the army marched under him as he hung.” During his third enlistment, the hunt for Tories continued. “We found and took Twelve Tories prisoners who informed us of a company of Torries that were concealed at Rafte Swamps. We marched on immediately and sur-
Library Items • Libraries will be closed this Friday All three libraries will be closed this Friday, Dec. 2, for Staff Development and Volunteer Day. The Internet branch, www.stmalib.org, will be open. • Storytelling at its best! Back by popular demand is professional storyteller Janice Curtis Greene. She will present a program of holiday and Kwanzaa stories this Saturday, Dec. 3, at Lexington Park library at 1:30 p.m. The program is free. A book signing of her recently released book, “Thema and the Wonderful Black Gourd,” follows with copies being available for purchase.
prised them – killed three picket guards and four men.” After three voluntary enlistments, Aaron was drafted to serve a relatively uneventful fourth time and was discharged at war’s end. On December 13, 1779 Aaron married Nancy Bullock. Nancy, daughter of James and Sarah Bullock, was also born in St. Mary’s County and her family had moved to Granville County about 1768 when she was just eight years old. Aaron Stacey died June 17, 1834 and is buried in Burke County, NC. His tombstone reads “In Memory of Aaron Stacy who died with a good hope of heaven June 17th, 1834 aged 74 years and 3 months. Sleep sweetly Father until we meet thee in heaven.” Thank you to Dennis Stacey of Glen Allen, Virginia for sharing information on this family and for providing the accompanying photo.
• Holiday Surprise planned at libraries Holiday stories; crafts and fun are planned for children of all ages at the upcoming holiday parties at each branch. Charlotte Hall’s will be on Dec. 13, Lexington Park on Dec. 15 and Leonardtown on Dec. 22. Each program starts at 6 p.m. The programs are free but registration is required. • Libraries now have Kindle Fires Each branch has the new Kindle Fire along with a NOOK Color, iPad, Kobo, and Pandigital reader for customers to use within the library. Staff can demonstrate their use and the downloading process from the library’s eBook collection. An eBook Workshop is scheduled at Charlotte Hall branch on Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. An overview of the various eReaders will be given and the downloading process demonstrated. Registration is required. Customers are reminded that a NOOK Color will be given away at each branch and a Kindle countywide in a drawing on Dec. 17. Any customer who inquires about eReaders or attends the workshop will be entered. These eReaders were donated by Southern Maryland Regional Library Association.
The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2011
SENIOR LIVING • Remembering Pearl Harbor On Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 1 p.m., in remembrance of the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, a special program will be held at the Northern Senior Activity Center. Gather in the warmth of the social room for a ‘fireside chat’ when President Roosevelt announces on the radio the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Step back in time and be part of this historical event. A documentary video will be shown at 1:30 p.m. Call 301-475-4002, ext. 1001 by Tuesday, Dec. 6 to reserve a seat as space is limited.
Join the fun! Make new friends! Improve your health!
• Bring us your (ever)greens! Loffler Senior Activity Center staff and volunteers are gearing up for the annual St. Mary’s County Department of Aging Christmas party and will be making centerpieces on Dec. 6 and 7. We love to use fresh greenery and would be very happy to receive some trimmings from your yard! Greenery donations can be dropped off at the center anytime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday - Friday through Dec. 5. Thanks for supporting our efforts to make this event extra special. Call 301-737-5670 ext. 1658.
EnhanceFitness is a group exercise class for ages 50 and above that improves endurance, strength, balance, flexibility, bone density, and coordination.
In a typical class, here’s what you’ll experience:
When signing up for EnhanceFitness, please arrive 1/2 hour early to complete registration materials.
• Christmas Gifts Shop The Northern Senior Activity Center Council is sponsoring several vendors on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Northern Senior Activity Center in Charlotte Hall. Consider giving the gift of a versatile Miche (MEE-chee) bag which is found in hand and shoulder styles with interchangeable bag covers (or shells) and handles. Although available through special television offers, Internet and designer stores, there will be a sales representative to show the products and take orders for the
• Ten to 20 people close to your own level of fitness • A certified instructor with special training in exercise for older adults • A 5-minute warm-up to get the blood flowing to your muscles • A 20-minute aerobics workout that gets you moving • A 20-minute strength training workout • A 10-minute stretch to keep flexible your muscles cool-down • A 5-minute • Balance exercises throughout the class
Times include evenings and weekends!
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Garvey Senior Activity Center, Leonardtown, 301.475.4200, ext. 1050 Loffler Senior Activity Center, SAYSF, 240-725.0290 Northern Senior Activity Center, Charlotte Hall, 301.475.4002, ext. 1001
Good for ONE FREE ADMISSION to an “Enhance Fitness” Class at any Senior Activity Center Name:
holidays. There will be wallets, purse charms, purse hangers, purse organizers, closet organizers and more to choose from. In addition to the bags, you’ll find Sterling Silver jewelry and ceramic gifts for purchase. Please contact Pat Myers 301-884-8714 with any questions. • Gift Donations Needed for Christmas Gift Bingo New items for our Christmas gift bingo are being gratefully accepted at Loffler Senior Activity Center Mon-Fri between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The bingo will be held on Friday, Dec. 16, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. If you’ve bought or made something in the past year and found that you didn’t use it after all or received a gift that doesn’t quite work out for you maybe you would like to donate it to our annual Christmas gift bingo. (Please, no candles, expired foodstuff or shopworn items - our players give these as gifts to their loved ones.) And while you’re bringing things by, sign up to play Christmas Gift Bingo yourself! THANK YOU!!! For more information call 301-737-5670 ext. 1658. • Christmas Gift Bingo Do your Christmas shopping while playing Bingo at Loffler Senior Activity Center on Friday, Dec. 16. The fun starts at 10:30 a.m. and continues until 1:30 p.m. (There will be a brief break for lunch.) Cost to play is $5 for three cards. Some very nice things have been donated already and we are continuing to take donations. To sign up call 301737-5670 ext. 1658 or stop by the reception desk. Please indicate if you wish to order a lunch.
Christmas Here, There and Everywhere – Global Celebrations!
Fitness Card: $30 for 10 classes
Programs and Activities
Visit the Department of Aging’s website at www.stmarysmd.com/aging for the most up-to date information.
Cost:
St. Mary’s Dept of Aging
Loffler Senior Activity Center (SAYSF), 240.725.0290; Garvey Senior Activity Center, 301.475.4200, ext. 1050; Northern Senior Activity Center, 301.475.4002, ext. 1001; Ridge Nutrition Site, 301.475.4200, ext. 1050.
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Date:
Expires 12/15/2011
Brought to you by the Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary’s County: Francis Jack Russell, President; Lawrence D. Jarboe; Cynthia L. Jones; Todd B. Morgan; Daniel L. Morris and the Department of Aging.
Although the traditions and foods associated with Christmas vary with culture and country, the spirit of the day transcends all such differences. This year, celebrate the season by partaking in crafts, games, and customs of the Christmas season from countries worldwide at the Garvey Senior Activity Center’s Annual Christmas Party on Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 12 – 2 p.m. Sing Christmas carols from around the globe and feast on a traditional American Christmas dinner of spiral sliced ham with pineapple slices, dinner rolls, candied sweet potatoes, sugar snap peas, and peach cobbler with ice cream for dessert. Cost for lunch is by donation for those ages 60 and above and $5 for those under the age of 60. To sign up, call 301.475.4200, ext. 1050.
Off the Shelf On Monday, Dec. 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Northern Senior Activity Center enjoy a day dedicated to everything about books – reading, writing, publishing and more. If you have literary leanings and interests, you will enjoy our information, presentations and guest speaker. Faith Tydings, is a local Christian book author, who will discuss her published work, “A Little Yellow Star” and the world of publishing from her perspective. She will also be available for book signings and discounted sales. Library Services for Seniors is held in partnership with the Charlotte Hall Library and explores the traditional neighborhood library and the enhanced offerings such a e-Books, audio books, genealogy database access and more. Meet our book club leaders and get information on book clubs and our lending library. Please contact the Center at 301-475-4002 ext. 1001 by noon on Dec. 9 to sign-up for the session and/or roast beef sandwich lunch. This event is designed as a kick-off for our Author’s Series which will continue to bring in local authors to the Center.
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Thursday, December 1, 2011
The County Times
Rules of The Stomach 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 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 emp-
ty 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.
Limi te
By Debra Meszaros MXSportsNutrition.com
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The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Sp rts
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A View From The
Bleachers The Hangover By Ronald N. Guy Jr. Contributing Writer At any moment, everyone is dealing with some combination of positive and negative issues in their lives. Such is life, and the psychological approaches to deal with the variables of human existence are many. Once such theory suggests that when the opposing forces of good and bad are unbalanced, when life is oddly smooth or nearly unbearable, something will happen to reset our world – a life reboot if you will – to snap us back to the middle. I don’t buy it … not completely, anyway. It dismisses an individual’s ability to chart his or her path, to influence their life’s course. Karma is real, and we all control far less than we’d like to think, but we’re not simply blowing in the wind and riding it to whatever pleasant or dark destination it takes us. There’s at least some fraction of this great journey we can influence. Regardless of what approach you’ve adopted to negotiate life’s fickle ways, this much is universally true: every decision unfurls opportunities and bears the opportunity cost of the path not taken. There’s the school we attended, the person we married, the children we had, the career we pursued…and those we didn’t. In that substantial population of un-traveled paths reside great consequences. Sometimes the consequences can be assessed, but more often they are poorly estimated at decision time, revealing themselves some time later, if at all, and only to those with the tendency to seek an explanation of the present by considering the past. I’m guilty as charged of such nostalgic wiring. With that long-winded, marginally comprehensible dribble having run dry, the pathetic state of D.C. sports and its stark and previously unexplainable contrast to the period between 1978 and 1992, makes a lot more sense. What is there to say about the home teams? The NBA lockout may be ending, which only means that the Wizards can begin anew their annual quest for a ticket to the NBA Draft Lottery. The once mighty Terps, with coaches Gary Williams and Ralph Friedgen gone, have barely over a handful of scholarship basketball players (and were trounced by Iona…IONA!) and a football program in complete disarray. How long ago 2002’s national championship in basketball and ACC championship in football seem now. The ‘Skins, who are difficult to speak about, are as bad as they’ve been in my lifetime. The Caps, the one bright spot in recent years, are imploding after a 7-0 start and recently fired coach Bruce Boudreau. Far more serious than these nauseating on-field escapades is what has befallen the Nationals this off-season. Wilson Ramos, their starting catcher and member of a bright young core, was kidnapped…kidnapped…in his home country of Venezuela. Fortunately he was found unharmed. It’s hard to remember, but it wasn’t always this bad. Between 1978 and 1992, D.C. won its lone NBA championship (’78), saw its adopted baseball team – the Orioles – win the World Series (’83), enjoyed the Caps’ annual trips to the NHL playoffs and celebrated three Super Bowl wins. It all seemed so easy. Winning was common. All our teams were good and the ‘Skins were regular title contenders. Being an early-70’s baby and member of a sport-crazed clan, I can – thank goodness – remember this success vividly (if you can’t, I’m so very sorry). Winning is all we knew, though, so making sense of the last 2 decades of nearly exclusive losing has left me perplexed and downtrodden; but I have it figured out now. At a fork in the road – a decision point - years ago, a horned beast propositioned us. This wasn’t a fiddle challenge for a golden fiddle or our soul, as the song suggests, but an offer to win - briefly - beyond our wildest dreams followed by an inadequately considered period of abysmal darkness. We took the deal and it produced a Mardi Gras-like period followed by its apparent consequence: a 20-year and running raging hangover. Perhaps I’ll subscribe to the aforementioned “natural order” theory – the one that suggests excessively good or bad times will self-correct – and await the goodness. Just in case I’ll keep the aspirin nearby on game day. Send comments to rguyjoon@yahoo.com
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Thursday, December 1, 2011
The County Times
Sp rts
Makes Scents To Me
Fur and Feathers By Keith McGuire Contributing Writer I’m busy hunting this week, so I thought I would offer an article from last year that gets to the point of most interest to deer hunters now. My Dad worked two jobs and weekends, but when it came to hunting season in 1964, he decided that it was time to introduce his boys to the woods. He went to the local hardware store and bought three shotguns; a new one for himself and one each for my brother and me. That year, we loaded into the family Ford late on Friday night and headed for Green Ridge State Forrest in Allegany County for the season opener the next day. My brother was lucky enough to bag a small buck. He and I were hooked and everyone was happy! Today I can’t sit in the woods without remembering that first
adventure. We were just plain lucky! My deer hunting skills are more refined than they were in those early days. Based on my own observations, I certainly understand the deer a little better. I’ve engaged in many discussions and experiments about the most effective techniques, and I’ve employed several of them in my almost daily ventures during the season. I’m convinced that the modern deer hunter is among the cleanest individuals on the planet. Many take a shower with scentfree soap every morning, air their clean clothing outdoors to remove any scent from scent-free laundry detergents, and spray themselves with scent killer sprays before heading into the woods. These and other measures to control scents that are unnatural in a deer’s environment are used each time a deer-hunter heads into the woods. In the woods, a good deer hunter determines the location of his hunt based on wind direction so that any residual scents are downwind of where the animals are likely to travel. It takes years to correctly calculate the way deer habitually move through a particular woodland area before a good location for a tree stand or ground blind can be determined. When possible, several locations should be picked so that choices can be made based on the wind direction for a given day. The second most important technique is to control motion. It’s easy to say, “Don’t move!” But, let’s be real. Herky-jerky motion will scare everything in the woods. Sit still and move in slow deliberate ways when you have to move. The legal fluorescent
orange requirement has no effect on deer when movements are controlled. A lot of folks use commercially developed scents to cover their own scent or to attract deer. Cover scents are scents that stand out before human scent. Skunk urine used to be popular, but has pretty much been abandoned by modern hunters for obvious reasons. Vanilla extract is the one in vogue now. Attractant scents are usually [said to be] derived from deer urine, but can be designed to imitate the smell of something that deer like to eat, such as corn or apples. Use these scents according to the directions that come with them. Most successful hunters employ some or all of these techniques. Even hunters who smoke can benefit if they know the patterns of deer movement for a particular area and play the wind so that their location is not revealed by their own scent streaming into the path of an approaching deer. If you are hunting and not harvesting, try these methods. Refined skills beat dumb luck every time. Make scent control your priority and don’t move! If you have a particularly interesting hunting story and a picture (I’m still looking for a Snipe hunting story!) please drop me a line at riverdancekeith@gmail.com.
I’m convinced that the modern deer hunter is among the clean est individuals on the planet. While Keith hasn’t had much luck lately, Chad Day, of Hollywood, took this 8-point buck on opening morning of shotgun season during an outing in the 7th District.
QBH Grandview County Times Full Ad_BASE 11/16/11 3:14 PM Page 1
The County Times
MHBR No. 103
Thursday, December 1, 2011
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