2012-04-05 Calvert Gazette

Gazette Calvert

April 5, 2012

Priceless

Everything Calvert County

Vera’s Dream Oasis Lives On

Page 8

The Calvert Gazette

Also Inside

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Thursday, April 5, 2012

2

On T he Cover

County News

6 Community 8

Feature Story

10 Obits 11 Letters

community

Carol and Roger Clark try the crab dip at Solomons Pier on Saturday during the 12th annual Solomons Business Association’s Taste of Solomons.

12 Education 13 Newsmakers 13 Business 14 Entertainment 15 Sports

local news

This photo of the blaze was included in the 121-page report on the Soper Road fire from March 2011 that completely destroyed a Huntingtown mansion and injured 10 firefighters.

Vera’s White Sands co-owner Lisa Del Ricco, left, and manager Casey St. John show off the revamped business and grounds.

Three generaTions of collecTive knowledge and experience converge righT here.

Our team value's your business and will help to answer any questions about our services.

Taylor Gas Company has been providing the many communities of Southern Maryland with a valuable resource since 1950. Taylor Gas Company was the first utilitiy company in St. Mary's County to fully realize the potential of propane gas energy over 60 years ago as an environmentally friendly and cost effective energy solution. We currently provide propane energy solutions for residential, commercial and agricultural customers as well as provide excellent and personable service with an in-depth knowledge of propane equipment and accessories.

Taylor Gas Company Inc. was founded in 1950 by Francis Taylor Sr. and his wife Loretta (better known as Tiny). Since its very humble beginning, Taylor Gas Company demonstrated what would become a long history of lending support to the community.

This support came through a deep sense of connection both Francis and Tiny had with the St. Marys community.

With parents such as Francis and Tiny Taylor to model both business leadership and personal community involvement, there is little wonder that their commitment continued into the second generation at Taylor Gas Company. We now excitedly look forward to the transition into our third generation as a family business.

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The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Drum Point Member Not Impeached

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer The situation was tense at the Drum Point Property Owner’s Association (DPPOA) general meeting Saturday, as Board of Directors member Dan Mathias sought fellow member Tricia Powell’s ejection from the board.

Both members made cases against each other during the meeting, reading prepared statements to the board and the standingTricia Powell room-only crowd.

Powell said Mathias has been bullying and intimidating her, to the point that she went to Prince Frederick to get a peace order against him in January. She claimed the impetus for bringing a peace order against him was an argument during which Mathias had to be physically restrained and she was afraid for her safety.

She called the board of directors a “cabal” and a “rogue board,” and said she personally fought projects that were not in the best interest of the community. She said she has come under fire because of her refusal to just go with the other members of the board, and claimed she serves at the pleasure of the community, not the board.

Mathias said he initiated the removal proceedings after Powell applied for the peace order. He said he works at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Plant, and had to report the incident to his superiors and go through psychological evaluation. His security clearance was suspended in the process. Had the company psychologist not been on site that day, he would have missed multiple days.

Had Powell’s request not been denied a few days later due to lack of evidence, he would have lost his job, he said.

Powell said the reason there was a lack of evidence was because the board members who testified perjured themselves. She said one member, Duane Heidemann, moved to protect her during the incident, but told a different story at the peace order hearing.

During the meeting, Heidemann said he was not protecting her but approached her to ask a question, and he never saw Mathias being restrained.

Board of Directors President Gary Heal said Powell is “totally uncontrollable” and has made a habit of making unfound- Dan Mathias

ed accusations against him and the board.

Mathias said he never threatened Powell and never had to be restrained.

After the alleged incident, Powell claims Mathias said ,“I’m going to get you,” while Mathias said he only told her he would take action to have her removed if she continued to make unfounded accusations, in accordance with the board’s bylaws.

“I don’t make idle threats,” Mathias said. “That was a promise.”

According to Heal, the action to remove Powell from the board was initiated by Mathias alone, and the only involvement the board had was to bring the issue to the general property owners’ meeting for the crowd of members assembled to vote on whether to have a community-wide ballot to consider removing Powell from the board.

Heal said he doesn’t believe Powell was ever in any danger from Mathias.

“They don’t see eye to eye on just about anything,” Heal said, adding that Powell has a habit of trying to change her vote once it has been cast, and her position on issues is constantly changing. He also said former board members have refused to come back because they do not want to serve with Powell.

Powell said the whole thing is a “smear campaign” designed to hurt her chances of running for a board seat after her term expires in June. Mathias said the goal was to simply bring her actions to light before she runs for a seat again.

The assembled members voted not to send the matter to a community wide ballot, and Powell will retain her seat until her term expires.

In addition to the potential removal of Powell from the board, community members seeking to fill upcoming openings on the board introduced themselves and announced their candidacy.

Heal said the friction between Mathias and Powell hasn’t driven people away from the board, and one candidate even told Heal that he was running because he wanted to help run things more efficiently and work on problems in both the community and on the board.

COUNTY NEWS

O’Donnell Sweeps Ballot

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer As the primary vote numbers rolled in Tuesday night, Delegate Tony O’Donnell gathered with friends, family and colleagues to watch as the polls closed, votes were counted and the primary winners were revealed.

In Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties, O’Donnell trounced his competitors, getting 85 percent of the Calvert Republican Tony O’Donnell, center, watches vote results come in Tuesnight with Della Stull, left, Deb Ray, Terry Laverenz vote and 77.22 of St. Mary’s, and day and Steve Waugh. getting 73.22 percent of the district-wide vote. about what he has accomplished over O’Donnell said he is “humbled and the past three decades, and show voters pleased with the level of support” from that he can help elicit change in the right the voters, and believes it shows the com- direction. munity is ready and excited for a change During a speech at his campaign in leadership. party, O’Donnell said “we have a chance When commenting on the outcome to take out one of the most corrosive forcof the primary, he said “you don’t assume es” in the state by beating Hoyer. the outcome,” but you can work hard and O’Donnell said Republicans and hope for the best.

Democrats need to work together to adHe said the next step will be a sev- dress problems the state is facing. en-month campaign to discuss important “We need to have an honest discusissues, like jobs, the economy, immigra- sion about what each view point brings to tion control and state debt. O’Donnell the table,” he said. said he looks forward to engaging Congressman Steny Hoyer in discussions sarahmiller@countytime.net

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COUNTY NEWS Report Critiques Mansion The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, April 5, 2012

4

Blaze Response

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

An expert panel of firefighters from around the region compiled a report that gives insight into what the Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department could have done better during an enormous mansion blaze last year that left 10 firefighters hurt, with two of them facing life-threatening injuries.

The fire took place on Soper Road on March 19 in a chimney that was later found to have a firewall that had corroded, allowing the fire to spread throughout the 10,000-square-foot structure burning it to the ground.

Jonathan Riffe, chief of the Huntingtown VFD, wrote in a letter prefacing the report that he wanted the experts to produce the report so firefighters could improve their procedures and training.

“In the history of the Calvert County fire/rescue/EMS service there has never been a fire of this magnitude resulting in so many injuries, two life-threatening,” Riffe wrote.

The summary of the report stated that once Huntingtown volunteers began to fight the fire inside the huge structure the situation “deteriorated on the second floor as the main body

of heavy fire in the attic and void spaces dropped down on operating personnel.

“This rapid change in conditions forced an emergency evacuation of the second floor.”

Some of the fire fighters had to jump out of windows, four of the 10 who were injured suffered serious burns.

The study team, headed by Billy Goldfeder, deputy chief of the Loveland-Symmes, Ohio Fire Department, reported that the firefighters on call that night had only seconds to react to a lethal situation.

But the report showed that firefighters need more training in several areas such as how to deal with fires in relatively lightweight structures like the one on Soper Road because of its susceptibility to fire.

The report also criticizes that fact that had firefighters been trapped in the structure that night as it collapsed, rescue would have been too far away.

A unit had been assigned that task but it had arrived too

late to be effective, the study revealed, “therefore they were not in a position to carry out This photo of the blaze was included in the 121-page report. [rescue] functions.”

Also there were just simple communications problems between firefighters on the scene, according to the report, which made conditions less safe.

Certain personnel on the scene also did not have adequate radios to go around, the report said.

“Numerous miscommunications occurred during the fire at 3380 Soper Road,” the report stated. “There was confusion over initiating the water supply at the split in the driveway and at times there was misleading and conflicting information as to where personnel were operating and under whose supervision and what their tactical objectives were.” guyleonard@countytimes.net

Plans to Move Library to Solomons on Fast Track

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer In under a year, plans call for the opening a new southern branch library in the former Woodburn’s Food market location in Solomons.

The Calvert Library Foundation is working to make sure the Solomons Island Library is as advanced as the Prince Frederick Library. President Kip At Lee said the founda-

tion’s goal is to raise $200,000 by June. Of that, the foundation is “well on the way” with $74,000 is pledged so far.

“We need a lot of help to get the rest,” he said.

Rent on the building will be $94,240 per year, according to County Administrator Terry Shannon. She said until the space is currently prorated for a lower rent rate.

The money the foundation raises will help to provide computer equipment, upgrade

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and provide furnishings and help improve “quality of life aspects,” At Lee said.

Another focus will be on providing additional services for children. At Lee said the current facility is too small, but the new library will be equipped with an “imagination station” and a full children’s section. The imagination station will help children learn with hands on activities.

The library will also have areas that can be dedicated, like rooms and a patio similar to the one at the Prince Frederick branch, where bricks can be purchased and inscribed.

“It’s a really nice way to remember special people,” At Lee said.

In addition to furnishings, Library Director Pat Hoffman and Capital Projects Supervisor Anita Jones briefed the Calvert County Commissioners on the progress being made with the new library. Along with the additions to the children’s section, the number of computers will be increased from 15 to 26.

The entire building will be three times the size of the current southern branch library, from 3,000 square feet to 9,600.

Current plans also include adding windows to allow more natural lighting, and Jones said the architectural design is approximately 50 percent complete. She said plans should be going to bid in June to be tentatively completed by the end of the year.

County Commissioner President Jerry Clark said such a delay would be unacceptable in the private sector, and such a project should

only take two or three months to complete. He asked if there was any way the library could be up and running by Sept. 1 to coincide with the start of the school year. Jones answered with a simple “no sir.”

“We need to move it forward and light a fire under the guys who are doing the drawings,” Clark said.

The Calvert Library Foundation is a 100 percent volunteer run organization dedicated to raising money for the libraries, At Lee said.

According to the organization’s website, an upcoming fundraiser will be an Awards Dinner to benefit the Library. In addition to the traditional awards, the foundation will be unveiling a new award to be presented yearly.

The first recipient will be Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, “a consistent supporter of Calvert Library, at a festive awards dinner April 28 at the Solomons Island Yacht Club. Sen. Miller, a Calvert County resident, has served in the state legislature since 1971 and was instrumental in securing funding for Calvert Library Prince Frederick,” the website states.

Dinner tickets are $100 each; all proceeds will be used to support the Calvert Library. For further information, contact Margaret Fahs, mpfahs@verizon.net.

For more information, or to donate to the library, visit calvertlibraryfoundation.com. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

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COUNTY NEWS

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Man Jumps to Death From Motel Roof

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Police say a man with serious personal problems climbed to the top of the Super 8 Motel in Prince Frederick on Saturday and threw himself off.

The man fell to his death, said Lt. Steve Jones, commander of the Calvert Investigative Team, from the peaked roof of the twostory motel.

“Obviously he had some metal issues,” Jones told The Calvert Gazette.

The victim was Joseph Kirk Nguyen, 44, according to police and was a guest at the motel. The man jumped from the building at about 1:22 p.m. March 31, police said.

Police were called to the scene and found

Nguyen on the roof of the building talking on his cell phone; he ignored commands to go back inside the window of the motel.

“He was relatively quiet, we really didn’t have a way to communicate with him, we tried but he jumped,” Jones said.

According to police, members of the critical incident negotiator team tried to use a phone to contact Nguyen but failed; they also tried to use a fire department ladder truck to ascend to Nguyen but he refused to talk.

Police reported that Nguyen was unconscious and unresponsive after the fall; he was flown to the University of Maryland’s Shock Trauma unit were he was pronounced dead at 2:18 p.m. guyleonard@countytimes.net

Library Fines Increasing Calvert Library hasn't raised fines in over 20 years, so it seems that the time has come, a press release states. The main purpose of fines is to encourage customers to return their items so another customer can use them. The library uses the money generated by fine collection as part of the budget for the purchase of books, movies, music, and more.

To help ease the transition to higher fines, Calvert Library will be sending out email notifications three days prior to an item's due date so customers can avoid fines altogether by returning or renewing.

The library will also remind customers via email if their holds have not been picked up after they have been on the hold shelf for five days. This will help ensure that custom-

ers get the benefit of the item they requested rather than it being sent back to its home location without having been used.

“If you do not currently receive your library notifications via email and would like to take advantage of this new service, please call your branch. It’s an easy way to avoid fines,” said Circulation Supervisor Patti McConnell.

The overdue fine for books will go from $.10 per day to $.25 per day with a $10 maximum. The fine for late audiobooks, CDs, DVDs and eReaders will stay at $1 per day.

The new fine structure will be effective Thursday, April 12. The full fine schedule is on the library website at calvert.lib.md.us/ loan_policy.html, or call 410-535-0291 for more information.

Lusby Master Plan Moving Slowly

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Work on the Lusby Town Center Master Plan update has all but ground to a halt since the public forums in 2009.

Principal Planner Jenny Plummer-Welker said the update was put on hold with pressing deadlines from Sustainable Communities and PlanMaryland. The nature of the projects, in addition to the deadlines, meant they got some higher priority over the master plan update.

The original deadline for a draft of the update was the end of March. PlummerWelker said that deadline has been pushed back to June.

The plan includes a town green, which Plummer-Welker said brings the plan in line with the Calvert County Comprehensive Plan. According to the plan, each town center should have a park or central green, a trail or bike system, outdoor public facilities for team sports and an indoor community center for all age ranges.

The Lusby Town Center Master Plan is one of three started at the same time – along with master plans for the Huntingtown Town Center and St. Leonard Town Center. The updates come on the heels of having updated the Solomon’s Island master plan in 2009.

The St. Leonard master plan is on its third draft and another public hearing will be held in the future. The Huntingtown master plan is on hold until a State Highway Administration study of the 2/4 corridor is completed.

Calvert County Board of Commissioners President Jerry Clark said the commissioners are not in a rush for the studies to get finished.

“It’ll take however long it takes,” Clark said.

He said it is better for Planning and Zoning to get the job done right so the master plan won’t be revisited every other year. He said the idea is to have master plans that are only re-evaluated every 15 to 20 years.

All the current town center master plans pre-date the current Board of County Commissioners. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Community

The Calvert Gazette

County Land Preservation

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer With efforts to clean up the Chesapeake Bay moving forward, including the state mandated Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP), county officials are trying to benefit from years of keeping Calvert County green.

Planning and Zoning Rural Planner Veronica Cristo said the county has one of the longest standing TDR programs in the country, having implemented it approximately 30 years ago.

With a goal of 40,000 acres of land in preservation programs, the county is more than halfway there with 26,838 acres currently in preservation programs, Cristo said.

Developers have been encouraged to build in “clusters,” keeping the houses near each other in order to maximize the amount of land left untouched. She said there has been a “very conscious decision” to keep Calvert County surrounded by woods. At one point, she said Calvert County had a seven percent growth rate, when two percent is considered high, and such measures were needed to keep Calvert County’s rural flavor.

Director of the Calvert Soil Conservation District Bill Clark said preserving land is not necessarily synonymous with reducing the amount of nutrient runoff, though it doesn’t hurt matters any.

He said one positive effect of the clustering is it will make it easier to hook

more houses up to public sewer and water without laying lots of pipe, which is expensive to get to only one house.

When it comes to the WIP, Clark said the agricultural portion is right on target. To track their progress, state keeps track of two-year milestones and reports their findings.

The land preservation had another positive effect on the WIP. Because Calvert left much of its forest untouched, they get credit from the state. Forest is considered the least polluting of land, said Principal Planner David Brownlee.

He said they are currently looking at the state maps to see how they calculated the amount of forestland in Calvert County and the subsequent credit the county gets.

Brownlee agreed with Clark, also saying it is easier and cheaper to connect clustered groups of homes to public water and sewer. The cost prohibitive nature of several projects was mentioned in the recent WIP Phase II. “Basically, the plan said we couldn’t meet the goals because of the cost,” Brownlee said.

The county doesn’t have the money to go through and convert all septic systems and wells to public sewer and water, or to do all the storm water management needed for the urban art of the WIP, and Brownlee said the county is reluctant to ask the community to pay for it. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

2012 Concert Season Kicks Off with Bret Michaels

Bret Michaels, pop culture icon and lead singer of the band Poison, will perform live at the Calvert Marine Museum’s PNC Pavilion on Sunday, May 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now for museum members, and for the public on Tuesday, April 10, at 10 a.m. Tickets for the show are $50 for premium seats and $40 for reserved; additional service fees apply. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 1-800-7879454, in person at Prince Frederick Ford/ Dodge, or online at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com.

Michaels will play his own hits as well as many Poison favorites. Become a Calvert Marine Museum member for special perks and the opportunity to purchase the best seats at http://www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/membership, a press release states.

As a rock and reality TV star, businessman, philanthropist, and father, Bret Michaels does more jobs in a single day than most do in an entire lifetime, the release states. Best known for hits like “Nothing But a Good Time,” “Talk Dirty to Me” and his #1 single and 80's Rock anthem, “Every Rose Has It's Thorn,” his current solo tour “Get Your Rock On” is selling out venues across the country.

His reality TV Series “Rock of Love”

is one of the most successful shows in VH1’s history and Michaels emerged as the winning contestant on Donald Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice.” Bret Michaels is an advocate and spokesman for diabetes and supports an array of other charities and causes.

Proceeds from the summer concert series support the education and preservation efforts of the Calvert Marine Museum.

This event would not be possible without the generous support of many local businesses. Waterside 2012 sponsors include Prince Frederick Ford/Dodge, PNC Bank, Coors, Coors Light, Killians (Bozick Distributors), All American Harley-Davidson, GTMR, Inc., Quality Built Homes, Isaac’s Restaurant, The McNelis Group, Directmail.com, WSMD 98.3 Star FM, WMDM 97.7 the Rocket, Southern Maryland Newspapers, Bay Weekly, Quick Connections, Comcast, United Rentals, Jay Worch Electric, Roy Rogers-Solomons, and the Holiday Inn Solomons.

Gates open at 6 p.m. with music, food, and drinks available on site. Chairs and coolers are not permitted. For additional information and to purchase tickets, please visit the museum’s website at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com. To reach a staff person, please call 410-3262042 x 16, 17, or 18.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

6

Solomons Restaurants Show Off Their Goods

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Solomons Island restaurateurs opened their doors for people to sample their most popular menu items during the 12th Annual Solomons Business Association’s Taste of Solomons.

Fifteen restaurants all over Solomons, from Grill Sergeant BBQ next to the Tiki Bar to the Ruddy Duck participated in the afternoon event on Saturday.

Vickey Root, who has been coming to Taste of Solomons for the past five years, said she enjoys sampling restaurants before going there for dinner. She said it’s a way to try restaurants and foods that she would not think of otherwise.

Don Ward echoed Root’s comments, saying that he found a restaurant that he Dylan, left, Vickey and Deon Root Sample food outside didn’t know existed on the island and was the Blue Heron. happy to try the food.

Taste of Solomons also brought in visitors from outside Calvert County, like Carol Gallagher who lives in St. Mary’s County and Fred Bunker, who said he lives on a boat during the summer.

“I love it,” said Bunker. “The island’s pretty, the food’s good and the drinks are awesome,” So many people came through that on the doors of some of the restaurants, like Bistro Belle Maison, has signs on the door saying they had run out of food, though beverages were still available for sample.

Proceeds from the afternoon went to benefit the Solomons Business Association’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks show. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Museum Sets Capital Campaign Goal at $750,000 The Calvert Marine Museum Society (CMMS) Board of Directors launched the public phase of the Coming of Age Capital Campaign last October to expand and renovate the Exhibition Building.

Support from board members, museum staff, volunteers, members, friends, and the business community has been astounding. To date over $650,000 has been raised in pledges and donations towards the newly established $750,000 goal, according to a CMMS press release.

“The support from local individuals and businesses is not only important in building the foundation of our campaign, but it also demonstrates our community’s belief in the project. With every day, and every new donation, we move closer to bringing to life this vision of more space and flexibility to educate and accommodate the community,” said museum director, Doug Alves. The campaign ends on June 30 and every donation counts.

The exhibition building was completed in 1989, and other than normal maintenance and the installation and updating of exhibits, nothing has been done to the building in 23 years. Annual visitation has grown by more than 91 percent to over 75,000 people in 2011.

Educational programming has expanded greatly since those early years, and last year a rich selection of educational programs served more than 22,000 people of all ages.

“We are not building so they will come – they are here, and we need to respond,” said deputy director, Sherrod Sturrock.

The renovation plans include redefining the lobby to create a new 20-seat orientation theatre, expanding the Museum Store, and transforming the auditorium to accommodate programming and event space. The new space

will continue to be used as a lecture hall and performance space, but will also be a gathering place for large school groups, a community space that can be subdivided for meetings or workshops, a banquet hall, or temporary exhibit space. The expansion of the mezzanine level will create three modern classrooms, one of which will serve as a distance learning studio, and a science and technology lab that will offer immersive environmental education, summer science centers, internships for students, and teacher professional development.

A tough economic climate is always challenging for launching a capital campaign for new construction, so the museum is working within the existing footprint and maximizing use of the existing space to enhance and expand the ability to serve the public.

The Calvert Marine Museum asks the public to help push the Coming of Age campaign over the finish line. Visit the website at www.calvertmarinemsueum.com or call Vanessa Gill at 410-326-2042, ext. 18 to make a pledge.

7

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, April 5, 2012

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The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, April 5, 2012

8

STORY

An Ocean City Experience Without The Travel Or Expense

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer

Lisa Del Ricco and Casey St. John.

Photos By Frank Marquart

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Vera’s Beach Club in White Sands is a landmark. Longtime Calvert County residents probably remember it best for its Polynesian atmosphere and quirky owner.

Those who haven’t been there in the past six years have missed the metamorphosis initiated by its new owners.

Steve Stanley, wife Lisa Del Ricco and manager Casey St. John get together on a weekly basis to brainstorm new ideas to make Vera’s Beach Club family-friendly, economical, community-responsive and a ‘stand out’ from all other restaurants in the area.

In fact, Vera’s is more than a bar and restaurant. In addition it has a private beach and swimming pool, marina, boat slips and catering.

“We like to say around here, ‘You’re always on vacation at Vera’s,’” said Del Ricco. “It’s a great place for people who have limited funds to spend their time here instead of going to Ocean City.”

Depending on who is talking, Vera’s Beach Club is either an unknown jewel off the Patuxent River south of St. Leonard or well marked by its sign on Southbound Route 4 about a mile south of the nuclear power plant. Either way, it is exactly two miles at the end of White Sands Drive.

Overlooking historic St. Leonard’s Creek, Stanley said the current view will never change as all the surrounding property is in preservation or land trusts.

“It’s a million dollar view. We have a lot of people who come to the parking lot and look out over

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the view when we are closed,” Stanley said.

Stanley said that the property was “quite a mess when we bought it.” Virtually everything but the name has been changed in the six years he and his wife have owned it. They have done all the work themselves when they aren’t running their paving company in Annapolis.

“We chose to keep the name because it was a landmark and to remember Vera,” said Del Ricco.

Stanley agreed, “The biggest thing is it has always been here and we brought it back to life.”

Under the original owner, Vera Freeman, it was a hobby, a place to display all her artifacts collected from her world travels.

She only opened seasonally to play the grand hostess. However, she wasn’t always gracious, according to word-of-mouth, Internet reviews and Stanley.

“To know Vera is to love her.

She was a hard person but had a heart of gold,” said Stanley.

Bar But all that has changed. Stanley said Vera’s is open year-round with the exception of two weeks.

Stanley said it is all about changing with the times. One of the first things they wanted to address was providing entertainment.

“At the time, no one else was offering,” Del Ricco said.

During the day the bands are family friendly. To punctuate their point, Jimmy Buffett’s songs were playing in the background of the outside seating area near the front door during their interview with the Calvert Gazette on Thursday.

Vera’s offers a unique service for its customers: a van that will transport customers for free within a 15-mile radius to and from the club.

In order to address their customers being stopped after leaving the club, they bought a van. A patron can call ahead for reservations. St. John said the driver carries a cell phone so getting the van to pickup and return people is not an issue. And even if it became an issue of availability, the owners said they would pay out of pocket for additional transportation.

“We’d rather our customers spend their money with us and not on lawyers. For the cost of a tank of gas each weekend, it is worth it,” Stanley said.

“All we ask is that they tip the driver,” St. John added.

Restaurant Next, Stanley said the county had “a great need for a different venue of food.” He felt that almost all the restaurants in Calvert offer the same thing and no one really stands out.

Both owners and the manager are on the same page when it comes to talking about how they plan to rise above others through their weekly brainstorming sessions.

The restaurant is open Thursday through Sunday, and occasionally Monday holidays.

On Thursdays they offer an “All You Can Eat Buffet” for adults at $18.99 and for kids under 12 at $8.99. The buffet features surf and tuff entrées and sides one can expect at a beachfront restaurant.

Throwback Fridays meets many of their overall goals. The

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The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, April 5, 2012

STORY

menus is “mama’s home style cooking,” which offers adult comfort and kid friendly foods at a pocket friendly $9.99 a plate.

The four offerings are Country Fried Steak, Meatloaf, Battered Catfish and Pork Chops.

Saturdays is “full menu” including Prime Rib with two sides for $14.95 and $17.95 or Prime Rib and All You Can Eat Oysters for $21.95.

Solo Cup Sundays is $3 frozen drinks in a Red Solo cup and draft beer for $1.50.

There are also seafood specials.

On the weekends they also open for a breakfast buffet.

Manager St. John recently visited Florida and came back with the idea of a Bloody Mary Bar. In conjunction with breakfast, a person can buy a shot and make their own Bloody Mary. She said this is a popular offering.

Community Being responsive to the community is also a high priority, St. John said. “We’ve raised over $100,000 in local charity fundraisers.”

In fact, one flier on the table at the entrance of the restaurant is for The Calvert

Casey St. John

Cure Baseball and Relay For Life Team on April 21.

All day a portion of the sales go to the organization. Various drink and Kids Ballpark Specials run throughout the day, and the evening wraps up with The Sam Grow Band.

St. John said a number of outage workers for Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant requested Vera’s open for breakfast onthose outage days. Although they normally only open from breakfast on the weekends, they did meet the request of the customers. In return Vera’s had good business those mornings.

Using fresh produce from local farms is another way they support the community.

Unlike another restaurant and bar in a residential neighborhood, Vera’s owners said they haven’t had many complaints. The few they’ve had they’ve dealt with quickly.

“We have security and no tolerance,” Stanley said when it comes to people leaving the bar making noise and honking horns.

Non-food Vera’s Beach Club is also a marina, with boat slips offering many amenities.

The slips range from no power to lifts. The services include, but aren’t limited to bathhouses with private showers, a fuel dock, a convenience store, free WiFi and a dock office.

“In these hard economic times we want to work with people,” St. John said. They are offering payment plans for the boat slips and “custom built” parties through their new catering business.

“You don’t have to spend $1,000 to have a party,” said St. John. The catering menu lists room rentals from the entire restaurant itself, to the Mermaid Deck, to the private beach. The variations of food presentations include “stationary assortments,” hor d’oeuvers, buffet style and seated dinners.

The facilities are available for reunions, graduations, weddings and the like.

“We don’t want to be known just as a bar with drinks,” said St. John. “We want to be known for being the best at everything:

face painting, coloring contests, renting slips, catering parties …”

Change in Ownership

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Stanley purchased property in White Raise Cash Against Valuables You Already Own. Sands about 12 years ago. He wanted to buy property on the water, but Annapolis and We offer generous loans on your valuables: other areas were too expensive. At the time, Jewelry, Tools, Electronics, he found Calvert more affordable. His home Musical Instruments, was “eight doors down from Vera’s.” He became friends with her. When it came time Laptops, to sell, Vera sold it to Stanley and Del Ricco Sterling Silver, about six years ago.

Video Game They also purchased Vera’s home and are preparing to open it soon for tours. Stan- Systems ley said that 90 percent of the artifacts that & more… were in the restaurant, including the throne and her gong, are now in the house.

“The amazing thing about (Vera Freeman’s) story is that she built an oasis which closed in on her. It was a place to gather and display her trophies, but her stepson didn’t want them,” Stanley said.

She and her husband, optometrist Effrus “Doc” Freeman, purchased 800 acres to create White Sands Community. Her restaurant opened 1953. Her husband died in www.calvertpawn.com 410-535-0488 1980 and she died at 92-years-old in 2007.

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The Calvert Gazette

Jean Allen, 88 Jean Allen, 88 of Solomons, MD, formerly of Prince Frederick, MD passed away peacefully on Palm Sunday, April 1, 2012.

She was born on May 14, 1923 in Chillicothe, Ohio to the late Thea Hawk. Jean was married to the late Edward J. Allen on Mar 8, 1952.

Jean was a member of St Pauls Episcopal Church in Prince Frederick where she was actively involved since moving to Prince Frederick in the 50’s. She was a devoted wife and mother who served the Lord in any capacity she could. While Jean would tell you she was a housewife to the normal person she was a farmer always helping out on the farm in whatever needed accomplishing. She and her late husband, Eddie, traveled greatly in their retirement seeing all parts of the world and enjoying many cruises as well.

She is survived by her son Bruce of Snellville, GA; daughter Bonnie of Chillicothe, OH; six grandchildren, Michael of Port Republic, MD, Allen of Chillicothe, OH; Benjamin of Snellville, GA; Emily of Jacksonville, NC; Amy of Cobb Island, MD; and Zachary of Snellville, GA; and 10 great grandchildren: Sean, Allen Jr, Haley, Nathan, Skye, Gabriella, Maureen, Stephen, Shane and Angelina.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 6, 2012 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Rausch Funeral Home, 20 American Lane, Lusby, MD. Funeral services will be held at the Rausch Funeral Home on Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 10 a.m. followed by the internment at Epiphany Church in Forestville, Maryland.

School in 1984. He later graduated from Lincoln Tech Institute to further his vocation as an auto mechanic. He later furthered his career by earning the title of Senior Master Ford Technician earning a cruise and multiple prizes and awards. He worked at various Ford dealerships before his last and final position as a mechanic for the Metropolitan Police of Washington, D.C., being humbled by them driving Impalas.

Billy enjoyed fast cars, boating, camping, skiing, cruising and selling items on Ebay. Most of all, Billy loved spending time with his family and his dogs, especially his soul mate English bulldog he called Meathead. His family and dogs were always the highlight of his life making sure he was always there for them, as he knew that time was precious to him. He would respond to his very worst day as being “on top of the world.”

Billy is survived by his parents and two sisters Kimberly Dove of Manassas, Virginia, Lanita Hance of Prince Frederick, Maryland and five nephews. He was a loving son, brother and uncle whom one could always depend on. He expressed his faith in God, looked up to his parents, looked after his sisters and mentored his nephews expressing the importance of respect, gratitude and appreciation to everyone. Billy will be greatly missed.

Family and friends were received on Thursday, March 29, 2012, at Rausch Funeral Home, 4405 Brooms Island Road, Port Republic, Maryland, Funeral services were held at the Full Gospel Assembly of God Church in Prince Frederick, Maryland on Friday, March 30, with Pastor Todd Marple officiating. There was an additional service held at the Jerusalem Christian Church in Warfordsburg, Pennsylvania on Saturday, March 31, with Pastor Delmas Bard officiating. Interment followed in the Church Cemetery.

Wayne Jones, 52

Billy Davis, Jr., 45 Leslie William Davis, Jr., 45, of Port Republic, Maryland passed away at his residence the week of March 26, 2012.

Known as Billy, he was born April 10, 1966 in McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania to Rev. William E. and Nita Lee (McKee) Davis.

Billy graduated from Calvert High

Wayne A. Jones, 52, of Baltimore, MD passed away on March 15, 2012 at Lochraven Veterans Community Hospice Center, Baltimore, MD. Wayne Arthur Jones was born March 16, 1959 in Prince Frederick, Maryland to the late Charles Arthur & Dolores Graham Jones.

Wayne was educated in the public school systems of Calvert County, MD. He began to follow in his father's footsteps by becoming a laborer in the construction field. Wayne later changed his direction by enlisting into the United States Armed Forces - Army. He was stationed in Germany for most of his service years, and later received an Honorable

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He continued his education and trained in refrigeration, heating & air conditioning, and became a certified HVAC Technician.

In his later years, Wayne continued to take classes on-line at Strayer University.

Wayne enjoyed the nature of God. Wayne also loved to fish and cook. Some of his dishes were great and creative, but others, you dared to guess or taste! He enjoyed working on cars as an auto mechanic. The more historical, the more the challenge. He was an exceptionally strong young man. In his high school years, he played football as a running back. One game in particular; he carried most of the opposing team down the field and scored the winning touchdown!

Wayne had some turmoil in his life but was a remarkable young man. He put his past behind him and started life anew. Wayne met a wonderful lady named Lisa Mobely, and her two children, Dierra and Jermaine.

They were planning to marry in June of this summer, 2012. When Wayne was first diagnosed with cancer, Lisa provided her love and dedication to aid his needs. When Wayne was transferred at the Veteran's Community Hospice Center, Lisa was there by his side.

Wayne always had good family support and best friends; Dickie and Bunny from Calvert County, MD, and Lucky and Willie from Baltimore, MD. One of his favorite sayings was, "What's Up Dog"? His favorite football teams were the Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens. I know you can imagine what went on when the Redskins played the Cowboys!

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Dolores Jones and sister Paula Jones.

He leaves to cherish their memories: fiancé, Lisa Mobley,and her children – Dierra Johnson and Jermaine Mobley, of Baltimore, MD; his Cat - Mister, of Baltimore MD; his sister Robin Foote (Robert), of Lusby MD; brothers Charles Darryl Jones, of Queens, NY; Kevin Jones (Judy), of El Paso, Texas; Eric Jones (Clovette), of Lusby, MD; Stephen Jones, of Lusby, MD; Corey Jones, of Virginia Beach, VA;. Nieces - Taylor Jones, Aniya Watson, & soon to be born - Jailen Jones; Nephews - Jerald A. Harris, Jr., Devon R. Perez, Joseph Smith, Rhakeim Miller, Nicholas Jones, Derrick T. Jones & Kyree Lowe. Great Aunts - Grace Graham, Margaret Parran, Annie Parran; Great Uncle - George Savage; Aunts & Uncles; Thomas Jones (Luther), Bertina Jones, Vivian Dargan (Gene), Yvonne Swift, Ellen Hicks, Gervine Somers (Gary), half sister - Marilyn Jones & Children; One most beloved Sister - Jerniece Jones; The Freeland Family - Uncle Mudd, Sis Julia, Clark, Saunders, & Bunny; The Ijams Family - James, Ms Clara, Dickie, Agnes, Sherman and Elton; The Spriggs Family - Uncle Morris & Sis Helen; The Long Family - Ms Mazie; and a host of cousins, relatives, and friends.

Funeral service was held on Monday, March 26, 2012 at 11:30 AM at Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD with Elder Darnell Easton officiating. The interment was at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD. The pallbearers were family and friends.

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

Leona Seymour, 85 Leona H. Seymour of Owings, Maryland, died on Sunday, April 1, 2012, at the Calvert Nursing Center, in Prince Frederick, Maryland, at the age of 85.

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She was born on February 15, 1927 in Decatur, Illinois to William and Mabel (Wright) Pier. She was one of 11 children.

After World War II, Leona came to Washington, DC to work for the Navy Department, where she met the man of her dreams. For over 30 years she was the wife of the late Allen Seymour, Sr. She later moved to the Williamsburg, Virginia area and then to Owings, Maryland eight years ago.

She was the mother of Cassandra Bollino, Patricia Jenkins and Allen Seymour, Jr. Leona was the devoted grandmother of Sonya and Joseph Bollino, Jr., Kristin and Patrick Jenkins, Sarah and Allen Seymour, III.; and the great-grandmother of Gabrielle Lash and Joseph Bollino, III. She was dedicated to her home and family.

Leona was a member of the Executive Secretary Association and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post 108 in Cheverly.

Family invites friends to Lee Funeral Home Calvert, 8200 Jennifer Lane (Rt 4 & Fowler Road), Owings, MD 20736 on Saturday, April 7 from 4 p.m. until start of Memorial Service at 5:30 p.m. for a Memorial Gathering. Interment will be private.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Leona’s name to the Calvert County Nursing Center Activities Fund, 85 Hospital Drive, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

Pete Watson, 82 Robert Edward “Pete” Watson, 82, of Leonardtown, MD, a former longtime resident of Friendship and Fairhaven, MD, passed away March 27, 2012 at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, MD. Pete was born Jan. 13, 1930 in Owings, MD to Samuel W. and Bertie M. (Catterton) Watson.

He was raised in Owings and attended Calvert County public schools. He served in the US Army, and married Jacqueline Louise Bittner Jan. 29, 1949. They lived and raised their family in Friendship and Fairhaven, MD. Pete was employed as a refrigeration and plant engineer at the Meadow Gold ice cream plant in Alexandria, VA, retiring in the mid 1980’s. He had also been a longtime farmer raising tobacco and livestock for many years. He and Jacqueline were divorced after 25 years of marriage. Pete had lived in Tracy’s Landing, MD for the past 20 years. In his leisure time Pete loved playing golf, and also enjoyed crabbing.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Evelyn Bowen and Helen Humphrey, and brothers Samuel and Vernon Watson.

He is survived by six children: Judith A. “Judy” Neiswenter and husband David of San Angelo, TX, Robert V. “Bobby” Watson of Prince Frederick, MD, P. Michael “Mike” Watson, Sr. and Carole of Leonardtown, MD, Deborah J. “Debbie” Dickerman of Prince Frederick, MD, Victoria L. “Vicki” Avila and husband Ralph of Roseville, CA, and Daniel E. Watson and wife Rebecca of Harwood, MD. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial visitation was held on Saturday, March 31, 2012, at Rausch Funeral Home, Owings. Inurnment followed at Mt. Harmony United Methodist Church Cemetery, Owings, MD. For additional information visit www.

RauschFuneralHomes.com.

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, April 5, 2012

The Huntingtown High School No Bull Challenge Video Team would like to thank the following supporters of our video which has been entered into a National contest: Calvert Memorial Hospital; State’s Attorney Laura Martin; Attorney Tracy Delaney; Tracey A. McKirgan, Master of Juvenile Relations and Domestic Causes; Lee Funeral Home of Owings, Floral Expressions of Owings, the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, the Calvert County Courthouse; Huntingtown High School Vice Principal Nancy Miller; Mr. and Mrs. Berstler of Huntingtown; Mr. and Mrs. O’Neill of Chesapeake Beach, Mr. and Mrs. Williams of Huntingtown; Mr. Huls of Chesapeake Beach; Ron Butler of Huntingtown; George Kinchen of Dunkirk; Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jack Smith; and the entire Huntingtown High School staff and student body.

Our video has been submitted to the No Bull Challenge at www.nobullchallenge.org . It is entitled: “I AM” by George.

George was our editor and placed it on the site.

It begins with a birth scene at Calvert Memorial Hospital. It is the story of a young girl, named Madi, who becomes the victim of bullying at school.

The project was undertaken to help educate the community about the consequences of cyber bullying and to teach the team the true costs of cyber bullying. The students involved learned a great deal and will be the future leaders of a bully-free world.

Bullying is a huge problem in school systems all across America; let’s solve it!

If you have ever been a victim of bullying or just want to help the cause, please “View and Vote” for our video once per day until April 15. The top 15 vote getters will go to California for the final competition this summer.

It was our pleasure to help such a great cause, and we are truly grateful for all of the wonderful support we received from our school and our community. We hope to represent our county in California in July.

Mrs. Lynne Gillis, Teacher, and the Huntingtown High School Team: Madison Williams, Priscilla Berstler, Shannon Braswell, Steven Bailey, Kayla O’Neill, Alissa Manley, Kierra Butler, AJ Polesel, Travis Cratty, Cameron Wilson, Peter Klausner, and David Huls.

Guest Editorial

Crony Capitalism Rises in Annapolis

By Marta Hummel Mossburg One week after Maryland received a D- for corruption risk on a national report, legislators are poised to cement crony capitalism into the state code.

Allegedly designed to expedite major developments and create jobs, legislation supported by Gov. Martin O’Malley outlining rules for public-private partnerships passed the House on Monday. The amendments in HB 576 — which give public-private partnerships special legal status, and do it retroactively — show this legislation is about one project near and dear to the O’Malley administration: State Center.

As a refresher, the $1.5 billion taxpayer-financed project in Baltimore City is stalled due to a lawsuit by a group of downtown business owners who claim the state circumvented the competitive bidding process to choose developers. The state tried to dismiss the case and failed — and then, outrageously, countersued plaintiffs for $100 million and failed again. So far, the state has refused to provide documentation on the project as required by court order.

And this legislation, if it passes the Senate, means the state could avoid pesky due process and appeal directly to Maryland’s Court of Special Appeals without having to let the case exhaust itself in circuit court.

Del. Maggie McIntosh, a Baltimore Democrat, said speeding up the legal process is necessary because, “Time is money when you are trying to get a business into Maryland.”

But as Del. Luiz Simmons, Democrat of Montgomery County, said of the bill, “What we are about to do is to become legislators in a banana republic where they routinely interfere with the judicial process on behalf of special interests.”

And they are not just any special interests but close allies of Governor O’Malley. A long list of political supporters would benefit from the State Center development, including lobbyist Sean Malone, Mr. O’Malley’s labor commissioner during his time as mayor of Baltimore. He represents State Center LLC, as well as other organizations that stand to gain from this legislation, including East Baltimore Development Inc., the secretive, taxpayer-funded organization overseeing the haltingly slow redevelopment of land around Johns Hopkins Hospital.

The lobbyist’s influence on the legislation was so strong that Mr. Simmons said he was told to “work it [his objections] out with Sean Malone.”

Jon Laria, managing partner of Ballard Spahr’s Balti-

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Editor

more office, development lawyer and member of Mr. O’Malley’s gubernatorial transition team, is another person with a lot to gain from the project. He is counsel for State Center LLC and vice chair (with Ms. McIntosh as chair) of the governor’s Task Force on Sustainable Growth and Wastewater Disposal. Cozy, isn’t it?

Everyone knows having friends in high places is good for business, but should it allow supporters of Mr. O’Malley to have an entirely different set of rules?

Special interests winning favors is only one bad part of the legislation, however.

The Maryland State Bar Association objects to the retroactivity of the bill because it could invalidate contracts and conflict with other laws. Plaintiffs in the State Center case say that provision unfairly targets them. “This retroactive amendment is a transparent end run around the State Center case in the midst of discovery and prior to a trial on the merits,” said Alan Rifkin, lead counsel.

It also would allow some of the biggest state projects to be exempted from procurement laws and make it impossible to find out how taxpayer dollars are being used through the Public Information Act. In addition, it would circumscribe decades of laws designed to ensure an open and transparent bidding process in a state already rife with pay-to-play scandals. Type Jack Johnson, Ulysses Currie and Thomas Bromwell into a web search engine for a few recent examples.

Worse, if adopted, it sets a terrible precedent for favoring development over the rule of law. What’s to stop those who want to use eminent domain in the name of building a “sustainable, transit-oriented” development, for example, to also request and receive legislation for their projects? Very few people have the deep pockets of Orioles owner Peter Angelos, who is financing the State Center plaintiffs, to fight the government.

As Mr. Simmons said, “the O’Malley administration is sowing the seeds of corruption” and creating a “debacle waiting to happen” with this legislation. The only remaining question is whether state senators are such sycophants of our ambitious governor that they would trample the 99 percent of Marylanders whose rights are crushed by this bill.

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

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TER T E to the

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Bullying is a Problem; Let’s Solve It

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Calvert Gazette

P. O. Box 250 . Hollywood, MD 20636

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

Spotlight On

The Calvert Gazette

Patuxent High Getting Students Into Electives

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer With everything to offer from photography to German and even band and choir, Patuxent High School is working to get information out to students and parents about various electives through videos posted on the school’s website.

Patuxent High School Guidance Councilor Erik Deahl said students have been making the videos for the past few years, and they were shown in an assembly, during homeroom and at other points during the school day, but this is the first year they are shown on the website.

He said the elective classes are “jockeying for students” and most of the electives, like foreign languages and even art classes, can cumulate in an AP course where a student can earn college credit.

He said posting the videos will allow parents to see them as well, something that wasn’t possible when they were only shown during the school day.

This affords parents and students the opportunity to be informed and discuss options and scheduling for the next year.

Art teacher Marie Miller said it is important

for students to be able to take electives they are interested in.

“I feel high school should be a little bit of an exploration,” Miller said.

In art courses, she said the AP courses include creating a portfolio and demonstrating growth in their chosen medium, like 2D, 3D or sculpture.

In addition to the videos, electives teachers use signs throughout the school and other tactics to draw students to their classes.

For more information, or to see the videos, visit phsweb.calvertnet.k12.md.us. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Snakes, Lizards and Turtles – Mister Tom Has it All

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer For birthday parties and other special events, some people bring in clowns, face painters or other traditional entertainment. Others call Mister Tom to come out with his van full of reptiles.

Tom Baldwin currently takes care of approximately 100 animals. In addition to native animals, like red-ear sliders and box turtles, his collection includes a blue-tongued skink, an albino Burmese python and a monitor lizard.

The menagerie doesn’t just consist of reptiles.

Baldwin’s zoo also has chinchillas, a rabbit and guinea pigs – and he’s looking for a small goat to round out the petting zoo.

The animals live in the Critter Cabin, and Baldwin offers tours for parents and children to come and see the animals. He can also be found at carnivals, fairs and charity events throughout the summer, sometimes attending as many as three events per day.

For nearly everything but birthday parties and some school visits, Baldwin said he is not paid for the work he does. Instead, he sets out a jar and accepts donations, which help feed and care for the animals. He said he charges $100 to $150 for scheduled appearances, like birthday parties, but the price is negotiable.

Baldwin has gone to daycares, senior homes and even Calvert County Schools with his reptiles.

Unlike some other exhibits, people can handle all of Baldwin’s animals. He said he shows people how to handle them safely, and often people who are afraid of the snakes when he first arrives will have one of the biggest on their shoulders before he leaves.

He rotates the animals to keep them from getting tired or jumpy from being handled too much, though his signature albino Burmese python is one of a kind in his collection and is present at the majority of his appearances.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

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Banding Together to Stop Underage Drinking

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer On Feb. 4, the county sheriff’s office, including Sheriff Mike Evans, broke up a party that ended with 16 juvenile being cited for underage drinking, along with the citation of the 22-year-old who supplied the alcohol.

This incident, detailed in a Calvert County Sheriff’s Office press release, is just an example of an incident that was reported and caught, Evans said. Many instances of underage drinking go on without parents or authority figures being the wiser, until the teens are talking about it later, when it’s too late to take any legal action.

Legal action or parental punishment is the least of the worries the young people drinking should have.

“The consequence could be death,” Evans said.

At the beginning of the year, Evans said there was a presentation given to the Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA) and himself detailing the formation of a the Underage Alcohol Abuse Reduction Team – a coalition to study underage drinking in Calvert County and determine what steps should be taken.

Maryland Strategic Framework Monitor Anna Black, employed through CAASA, is in charge of monitoring the grant that made the coalition possible – $33,000 per fiscal year for five

years through the Maryland Strategic Prevention Framework. This year will be the first that the money will be available, Black said.

She will be working with LaTisha Hawkins, Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator with Calvert County Health Department.

Evans said parents willing to look the other way if they don’t think drinking is going on in their home, or their neighborhood, aren’t helping the problem. He said the coalition is a step toward raising awareness about underage drinking and helping address the problem.

The makeup of the coalition will be “as diverse as Calvert itself” Black said, and the goal is to get people from all walks of life to help address underage drinking.

In addition to Evans, she said they have been talking to the public schools and members of the school board and the local DARE officer. She said getting information to students and parents is the first step in change.

She said the first step is an initial assessment to identify the areas that need work, and then the coalition will plan and implement steps to help those areas.

The coalition’s first meeting was March 28. For anybody interested, the next meeting will be April 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Prince Frederick Library. For more information, e-mail Black at blackac@ co.cal.md.us. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Teacher Contract Negotiations on Hold Photo By Sarah Miller

Baldwin is looking for sponsors to help him continue his operation. Currently, he is paying for most of the operation out of his own pocket, and sponsors would allow him to continue taking his animals to charitable events free of charge.

Many of the animals are rescues. Baldwin said he gets calls from people to come get the animals, often from bad situations where they are hurt or the owners don’t want them anymore. He said he doesn’t ask any questions but just comes out to pick the animal up. Sick animas he nurses back to health, and he makes sure each animal is tame before he brings them on the road with him.

Baldwin’s history with reptile shows goes back to his childhood, when he would catch snakes and lizards and charge 10 cents for people to come in and see them. He has come full circle, and is happy to be doing what he loves.

“This is what I’m gonna do the rest of my life,” Baldwin said.

For more information, or to schedule an appearance, call 443-975-9307 or mail P.O. Box 362, St Leonard, MD. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer After going back and forth with negotiations on an updated teacher contract, the Calvert Education Association (CEA) and Calvert County Public Schools bargaining teams have agreed to put things on hold until the end of the month.

The standstill is due to the lack of final numbers on school system funding from the state and County Commissioners’ budgets, according to a school press release.

There will also be a staff member going through Interest Based Bargaining training to act as a mediator in the negotiations, something that the CEA requested, according to Deputy Superintendent Robin Welsh.

She said the goal it to pinpoint underlying priorities and work together with a facilitator to address the most important things first. In the case of requests like salary wage increases, where 84 percent of the schools budget is spent on salaries, Welsh said there could be alternative methods for added compensation, like extra pay for extra duties.

“The push is really to be creative,” Welsh said.

She said there have been several proposals, but none they could agree on so far.

All negotiation teams have mutually decided to forego any negotiation sessions until, at least, the week of April 23 when budget figures will be available. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

13

Thursday, April 5, 2012

The Calvert Gazette

Newsmakers

Making the Invisible Visible Through The Power of Film

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer

Through Internet searches he He said Charlottesville recently Stefanie Carey, Congressman Steny Hoyer’s found films all over the world that saw 800 people come out to watch Constituent Liaison, and Nkishi Free, Developdealt realistically with the subject the films; however, this is the excepment Public Relations Director for Arc of Southern Maryland, talk about their favorite films.

Stefanie Carey said the only time she got teary-eyed dur- matter of living with disabilities. tion rather than the rule. Even in New ing the 2012 Sprout Film Festival was when one of the women That’s when he decided to have a York City, the films only receive a with developmental disabilities said if she could change one film festival. A selection committee minimal amount of attention. reviews about 250 films a year with thing in her life, she’d like to be married.

“It’s hard enough to get the choir Representing Congressman Steny Hoyer at the Arc of the following criteria in mind. The to come,” Di Salvo said.

Southern Maryland’s fundraiser, Carey said she would’ve film has to be something the general When he first imagined the film public enjoys, it has to be a realistic come even if her boss could have made the festival. festival, he thought it would be well “My mom has worked with developmentally disabled portrayal and the actors have to have attended by special education teachpeople all my life. That last film got to me – To know that developmental disabilities. If the film ers, social workers and families. they (developmental disabled) want the same things I want,” is narrated, there has to be people Harriet Yaffe, Executive Direcwith developmental disabilities in said Carey. tor for the Arc of Southern Maryland, Anthony Di Salvo, Executive Director of Sprout and the film. This year films came from a said she purposely selected films founder of the film festival, said he filmed ‘One Question’ dozen countries. which did not depict perfect lives.

The committee selects 40 to be by asking three groups of people what would they change if She mentioned she was concerned by they could. His intention was to prove that everybody wants shown in New York City at the Metroone particular film about a dancing the same things. Instead he was surprised. One group con- politan Museum of Art. This year the troupe made up of people with Down sisted of developmentally disabled, another was a group of festival will be held April 27 through Syndrome.

20-somethings without disabilities and one group of senior April 29. After the showing, the films “Some of the dancers were too will go into the citizens. The young group was interestgood to be in a troupe made up of online library at ed in cosmetic changes while the other only people with disabilities. I quesAnthony Di Salvo, Executive Director of http://sproutflix. two groups either didn’t want to change tion why is it that way?”

Sprout, leads the question and answer org for people anything or wanted to be nicer people.

Jerry Adams pointed out that period after each film session. to view. Some The film showed a number of develthe various musicians in the films of the films are opmentally disabled adults want things were only playing to crowds for such free and some require a small fee. Half events as “Autism Awareness Day.” that others take for granted, such as drivthe fee goes to the filmmaker, a quarter ing a car, being independent, marriage “They are singing to the choir,” said Adams. of the fee will come back to the Arc of and earning a college education.

Di Salvo agreed. “It is really difficult to get into the Southern Maryland when using code mainstream. Then you throw Down Syndrome into the mix.”

The theme of this year’s Sprout #1203C and the final quarter maintains Film Festival is “Making the Invisible Both Di Salvo and Yaffe mentioned taking a different the website.

Visible,” according to Di Salvo. approach in the future and trying to take these films into Di Salvo tours the United States the schools and colleges. Di Salvo recently had 300 middle Sprout is a vacation program for for organizations interested in having a schoolers in Eugene, Oregon surprise him by their reactions adults with developmental disabilities.

Sprout Film Festival. The national Arc and questions after watching some films.

Di Salvo said about 10 years ago he ofhas teamed up with Sprout Film Festival fered a vacation where the first 10 who “Kids stood up in front of 300 students and said they to educate the public about people with were recently diagnosed with Aspergers or that a sibling had signed up could make a film to educate developmental disabilities. others about disabilities. At first he used Down Syndrome and they didn’t appreciate others making “It’s always a struggle to get people fun of them. It was powerful.” students from New York Film Institute to come. They think they will hear defor their technical expertise; however, pressing and sad stories and say, ‘Why corrin@somdpublishing.net he soon discovered they weren’t condo I want to hear more problems? I have necting with their subjects. So Di Salvo enough of my own’,” said Di Salvo. started filming on his own.

Tattoo Artist Inks New Deal For Solomons Branch

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer After starting out in his home, local tattoo artist Roger “Glen” Chin is preparing to open the first storefront location for Deja Vu Tattoo and Piercings.

Chin said he has been working out of his home for the past six to eight months before moving into the former location of Underground Tattoo, on the west side of Route 2/4.

He said the location is ideal not only because of the reputation of the preceding business but because it is easily accessible and visible from the road.

While there are a large number of self-taught tattoo artists, Chin said it is traditional to go through a five-year apprenticeship under an established tattooist. He said in a formal apprenticeship, a person has the chance to learn both the art and the business.

Chin said he has worked with more than 200 clients, and makes it his goal to please every customer.

“You want everyone to leave with a smile on their face,” Chin said.

He said he likes to work with customers to put a personal touch on their tattoos so they don’t see the same thing on dozens of other people.

Chin said his specialty is black and grey realist designs, though he is always willing to take on a challenge.

“There hasn’t been a tattoo I turned down,” Chin said.

The price of the tattoo depends on several factors, in-

cluding the colors used, the complexity of the design and the amount of time it takes.

“You get what you pay for,” he said.

With a mind for safety and sanitation, Chin said they only use disposable needles and bits, which they open in front of the customer. The state fire marshal’s office will be in late this week and, if all goes well, they will open the same day.

In an effort to bring local tattoo artists together, Chin is working on a convention in late October where they can show off their designs and network. He said there is a lack of communication in the tattoo world, due in part to jealousy over each other’s work. He said the artists should have a more open communication between them.

While Chin has his specialty, he said he is willing to recommend other artists if he and the client can’t agree on a design. He said the most important thing is to make sure the customer gets what they want.

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

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, April 5, 2012

14

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

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

From Baroque to Broadway

St. Maries Musica Prepares for Spring Season

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Starting this Friday, St. Maries Musica is getting into the full swing of their spring concert season.

St. Maries Musica is not the average community chorus. The bylaws of the group limit the number of singers to 24, with a director and additional support instrumentalists as needed. With the exception of the director and the accompanist, the group is wholly volunteer, and some have been in the group for more than 20 years. Each member auditions for a part in the choir, and the group only holds auditions once or twice per year, as needed.

Ed Forsman has been in the group since 1978. He said they originally came together as a group of people who wanted to sing madrigal music. Because he had sung in various groups all his life, he was happy to get involved with Musica. He said having a small group of people makes it easier to blend voices and get the sound right.

Mike Judd joined the group in 1975, taking a break between 1995 and 2000 when he was in Memphis. He said he never auditioned. “I just kept showing up,” he said, and the chorus never asked him to leave.

He said he initially joined the group because he was looking for a serious group of musicians. In St. Maries Musica, all of the singers are experienced musicians with several years of singing

experience under their belts.

Forsman said several members are also instrumentalists, with some playing the flute, the guitar and the saxophone.

Director Krystal McCoy has been with the group for two years.

She said the timing was perfect, with the position opening shortly after she and her family moved to Southern Maryland. She said she likes the variety of music the group can handle, with the current season as an example with music from Vivaldi to Rogers and Hammerstein. She said the singers are impressive, and she enjoys working with them.

“They’re just so dedicated,” McCoy said.

The selection of music and singers, when auditions are held, are done by committee.

Musica Chairperson Susan Duby said there is a second benefit to the smaller group size. During their winter season they dispose of the formal choir attire and don period costumes to perform at the Madrigal Dinners. If the group were to be larger, even as many as 50 people, they would not fit into

Photo By Sarah Miller

the venue. Duby said they would have to split up into smaller groups, which would be detrimental to the chorus.

St. Maries Musica will be offering a traditional performance of “Miserere Mei Deus” at the 7 p.m. Good Friday service at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in at 16566 Three Notch Road in Ridge.

The next community concert will be the SMILE Benefit Concert April 29 at 3 p.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catho-

lic Church in Solomons.

Concerts are free, but donations are requested. Proceeds from the concerts pay for sheet music, the director and the accompanist.

For more information, including a complete list of upcoming concerts, visit www.smmusica.org. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

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15

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Sp rts

The Calvert Gazette

Mind Numbing

The Bloomin BesT For All oF Your eAsTer Flowers & GiFTs

The Ordinary

Angler

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Mixed Baskets & Color Bowls

Easter Lilies

By Keith McGuire Contributing Writer If you spend much time in tackle shops or attend a fishing club function, you might get the impression that there is only one fish to be caught in our area of the Chesapeake Bay – Rockfish. I have a theory about why this is true. It’s called mind numbing regulations.

Ask any recreational angler when the Maryland Trophy Rockfish season starts and the minimum size fish we are allowed to keep and they will immediately tell you.

It starts on April 21st and you can keep one fish per person over 28 inches.

Now ask a group of 10 recreational anglers the season, size and creel limit for another species like croaker or flounder, and you will likely get 10 different answers. Combine the issue of seasons, sizes and creel limits with the other regulations that anglers must follow – like who needs to buy a license and who needs to register in the National Saltwater Angler Registry – and our minds begin numbing.

We won’t go into the differences between the regulations for the tidal portions of the Chesapeake and the coastal regions of Maryland – at least not this week.

In St. Mary’s County, we have to concern ourselves with Potomac River regulations because the entire western border of the county is on that river. The regulations for seasons, sizes and creel limits for many species are different! If we leave Point Lookout at the southern end of the county and travel across the mouth of the Potomac to Smith Point, we find ourselves in Virginia waters and another entire set of regulations with different seasons, sizes and creel limits. Whew!

Lucky for you, I get to write this column every week where I frequently go over some of these regulations to help keep you out of trouble with “The Fish Police!”

Since it is now April, let’s take a look at the regulations for the fish that you might catch this month.

Striped Bass: In the main stem of the Chesapeake Bay (no tributaries) and the Potomac River up to the Harry W. Nice Bridge (Rte 301) it is the Spring Trophy Season. You may catch and keep one fish per person per day of no less than 28 inches in length from April 21st through May 15th.

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Croaker: In Maryland, croakers have to be at least 9 inches long and you may keep up to 25 per person per day. In the Potomac, there is no minimum size limit and you may keep up to 25 per person per day.

Summer Flounder: In Maryland the season begins on April 14th and continues through December 16th. A summer flounder has to be at least 17” and you may keep 3 per person per day. In the Potomac, the season is open year round, a flounder has to be at least 16 ½” and you may keep 4 per person per day.

Stay tuned for more mind numbing regulations for other fish in the coming weeks.

If you go fishing and catch something slightly more worthwhile than a cold, be sure to take a picture and send it to me at riverdancekeith@gmail.com.

Keith has been a recreational angler on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries for over 50 years; he fishes weekly from his small boat during the season, and spends his free time supporting local conservation organizations.

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b u l C h c a Vera’s Be The Calvert Gazette

tion!”

Vaca “Where You’re Always On

SANDWICHES

APPETIZERS Nikki’s Nachos Tortilla chips layered with seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, olives, green onion, and a side of sour cream & salsa $10.50 guacamole add $1.00 Crab & Spinach Artichoke Dip Jumbo lump crab in a delightful cream cheese dip with fresh spinach and artichokes $14.50

Ferrari Calamari Fresh calamari lightly dusted with seasoned flour flash fried and served with marinara sauce $13.50

Pub Fish Local flounder hand battered with irish stout and tartar sauce $11.50

Crab Cake Miniatures Our famous crab cake split into three served with lemon rosemary tartar sauce $14.50

Reuben Classic corned brisket on thick sliced rye, with swiss, 1000 island and sauerkraut $9.50

Chesapeake Wings or Southern Hot Wings They’re to die for, served with celery and bleu cheese dressing $10.50

Kahuna Burger 7oz Braveheart black angus ground beef topped with American cheese, bacon and mushroom $10.50 Make it a Blue Cheese Burger topped with Crumbled bleu cheese add .50

Ahi Tuna Sesame crusted and served with crispy wonton, seaweed salad and sesame ginger sauce $11.50

Chase’s Chicken Strips $10.50 Cheeseburger Sliders $9.50 Tessa’s Shrimpy Basket $11.50 Beer Battered Haddock $9.50

ENTREES

All entrees are served with your choice of two sides

Vera’s Signature Sirloin 8oz Braveheart Black Angus Beef $15.50

Ribeye 12 oz Braveheart Black Angus Beef $25.50 Chicken Chesapeake 6 oz Chicken Breast topped with crab imperial $23.50

SOUPS

Tuna Sesame Crusted and served with sesame ginger sauce $20.50

Grilled Steak Sandwich Sirloin, sautéed onions, and provolone cheese $15.50

Crab Cake dinner 5 oz Jumbo lump cake served broiled $25.50 Shrimp Imperial Butterflied jumbo shrimp topped with crab imperial $27.50 Flounder Imperial Local filet topped with crab imperial $27.50

Oyster Po’ Boy Local Hand Breaded to order on Hoagie Roll with Creole Aioli $9.50 Buffalo Chicken Wrap Chicken tossed in hot sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheddar and ranch dressing in a flour tortilla $10.50

SALADS

Add on to any salad

Grilled Chicken……………..$3.50 Grilled Salmon ……………..$6.50 Grilled Shrimp……………....$6.50 Blackened Tuna………........$6.50 Jumbo Lump Crabmeat...…$8.50 Grilled Steak……….............$8.50

Chicken Fajita Wrap Grilled Chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheddar, grilled onions, peppers with sour cream, salsa in a tortilla $10.50

Casey’s Wedge Iceberg, tomato, bacon, red onions, bleu cheese drizzled with Balsamic Vinegar $6.50

Fried Oyster Dinner Local and hand breaded served with creole aioli $20.50

All You Can Eat Buffet!!!

5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Buffet Features Oyster (Fried & Steamed) Shrimp (Fried & Steamed) Broiled Fish Chicken Alfredo Prime Rib Baked & Seasoned Chicken Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Hush Puppies Cole Slaw Green Beans Garlic Bread

All you can eat crab legs for an additional $8.99

THROWBACK FRIDAY’S Only $9.99

Vera’s is brining back mama’s home style cooking every Friday!!!

Country Fried Steak

Meatloaf

Catfish

Pork Chops

SATURDAY SPECIALS Prime Rib Served with 2 sides 14oz Queen Cut $14.95 17 oz King Cut $17.95

SIDES

Veggie of the Week, Baked Apples, Hush Puppies, Cole Slaw, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Sweet Potato, Baked Potato, Onion Rings, Fries

ASHLAN’S CORNER

Served fries, veggie of the day or baked apples

Mac –n- Cheese $6.50 Chicken Tenders $7.50 Fish Bites $6.50 Grilled Cheese $6.50 Sliders $7.50

VERA’S BREAKFAST MENU Served every Saturday & Sunday 8:00am – 12:30pm

Momma D’s Stuffed Tomato Whole vine-ripe tomato stuffed with jumbo lump crab salad served over a bed of field greens, diced onions with balsamic vinaigrette $14.50

Two Eggs, any Style Two eggs with choice of meat, choice of toast and home fries $6.50

Crab & Spinach Salad Jumbo lump crab, red onions, oranges, cucumbers, served with warm bacon mustard dressing $14.50

One Egg Sandwich Toast or English muffin, home fries With cheese $4.50 with meat $5.50

Caesar Classic Dressing, Parmesan Cheese and croutons $8.50

Italian Omelette Three fluffy eggs folded over Italian meatballs topped with mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce, served with home fries and choice of toast $11.50

Dressings 1000 Island, Bleu Cheese, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Bacon Mustard, Sesame Ginger, Buttermilk Ranch, French, Oil & Vinegar

EVERY THURSDAY

Salmon Jerk glazed served with pineapple relish $21.50

Turkey Burger $9.50

Three Egg Omelette Shredded cheddar cheese folded into three fluffy eggs.

Served with a side of home fries and choice of toast $6.50 Add ham, bacon, sausage, scrapple $1.50 Add crab meat or shrimp $3.50 Additional fillings $.75 each

EGGS BENEDICT Traditional~ An English muffin topped with poached eggs, Canadian bacon and our creamy Hollandaise sauce. Served with a side of home fries $9.50 Vera’s Way~ Two poached eggs over slices of grilled sirloin. Served openfaced on an English muffin topped with Hollandaise sauce and garnished with broccoli and sliced tomatoes $13.50 Pancakes A stack of three warm pancakes and choice of meat $6.50 Sausage Gravy, Biscuit & Eggs 2 Buttermilk biscuits topped with our own sausage gravy with two eggs and style $8.50 Creamed Chipped Beef Enjoy creamed chipped beef over your choice of toast or buttermilk biscuits $8.50 Steak & Eggs Signature Sirloin and juicy eggs served with home fries and choice of toast $13.50

1200 WHITE SANDS DRIVE, LUSBY MD 20657 410-586-1182 WWW.VERASBEACHCLUB.COM

16

What’s New at Vera’s

Hot Garlic Crab Legs Alaskan crab legs tossed with fresh garlic and hot butter $22.50

Heather Bell Grill Grilled chicken, topped with bacon, cheddar cheese served with warm bacon mustard $10.50

Cherie’s Cream of Crab $6.50 Vera’s Red Crab $6.50

Garden Salad Tomato, red onion, green pepper, cucumbers, croutons and cheese $6.50

BASKETS

All Baskets served with French fries and cole slaw

Crabby Melt Down Toasted English muffin, jumbo lump crab imperial topped with tomato & cheese $16.50

Beach Fries Fresh cut potatoes fried, topped with old bay $6.50

Crab Imperial Mushroom Caps $13.50

Old Bay Peel n Eat Shrimp 1/2 pound $11.50, 1 pound $19.50 Oysters 1/2 dozen $6.50, 1 dozen $12.50

Crab Cake 5 oz jumbo lump crab cake served with lemon rosemary tartar sauce $20.50

Salmon BLT Grilled Salmon bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado & basil aioli on Kaiser $14.50

Chicken Quesadilla Flour tortilla stuffed with Monterey jack cheddar cheese, Tomatoes, green onions, jalapeno peppers, side of salsa & sour cream $10.50 guacamole add $1.00

RAW AND STEAMED

Served with Chips or cole slaw Upgrade French Fries add $1.00 Onion Rings $1.50

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Prime Rib & All You Can Eat Oysters ONLY $21.95

SUNDAY Family Day Kids eat off the children’s menu for FREE!!!

Crab Leg Dinner $17

1 lb. Crawfish 9.99

1 lb. Jumbo Shrimp $12

Oysters $.50 each

Red Solo Cups $3

Restaurant Hours Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Friday 11:30 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Saturday 8 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Sunday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.