2012-04-19 Calvert Gazette

Gazette Calvert

April 19, 2012

Priceless

Everything Calvert County

Legal Wins Give Tiki Bar e 12 g a P Much to Celebrate

Photo By John Douglass

The Calvert Gazette

Also Inside 3 County News 8 Business 11 Newsmakers 12 Feature Story 13 Letters 14 State 15 Obituaries 16 Education 17 Newsmaker 18 Community 20 Entertainment 21 Out & About 22 Games 23 Sports

Thursday, April 19, 2012

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On T he Cover

county

During the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce’s annual legislative wrap up, Delegate Mark Fisher holds up a chart for Del. Anthony O’Donnell that illustrates the increase in spending in Maryland over the past few years.

county

A time capsule in the cornerstone of the former Calvert Middle School contained a letter, an old penny and an object so damaged by rust it has not yet been identified.

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As many as 20,000 people are expected to converge on the Tiki Bar this weekend for the bar’s 32nd annual opening event.

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The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, April 19, 2012

COUNTY NEWS

Officials Dedicate Wetland Overlook Park State, county and town elected officials attended a ceremony Tuesday to dedicate the rebuilding of the public works facility for North Beach, as well as the new Wetlands Overlook Park.

The project was in a partnership between the town and the state, which passed a bond bill to make the redevelopment of the property a reality.

North Beach Mayor Mark Frazer said the property had come a long way from the “muddy, dumpster ridden, disorganized area” it was to what he said was “probably the most beautiful spot in the town of North Beach.”

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller said that the project was a plus for the town as well as for the nearby Chesapeake Bay.

“I’m glad to see the tax payers saw the wisdom in this,” Miller said. “It protects the environment, it protects the bay.”

Town Councilmember Gwen Schiada said the project represented the great potential the town has as a tourist attraction

but also as an environmentally conscious community.

She said North Beach was “becoming one of the best small towns in American.”

“We just keep inching our way,” she said. — Guy Leonard

Police: Man Crossed Counties in Sex Assault Spree

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

the victim told police she was with her grandmother shopping for groceries when she Police in both Calvert tried to reach a carton of eggs and St. Mary’s counties have and realized someone was becharged David Allen Dobbs, hind her breathing on her neck.

The suspect, who police 56, of Lusby with multiple said was later identified as Dobbs, counts of sex offense and asthen rubbed the victim’s behind, sault for allegedly fondling jucharging documents stated. venile girls in Wal-Mart stores David Allen Dobbs The victim and her guardin both Prince Frederick and ian reported the assault two days after the California.

Dobbs is currently incarcerated at actual incident, but detectives say that the St. Mary’s County detention center on they have identified a second victim who charges that he fondled a 13-year-old girl was assaulted at the same store on April 4.

The most recent allegations are not April 7, but Dobbs has also been charged with a similar assault just a few days prior the only incidents involving Dobbs as he has been charged with a nearly identical at the Prince Frederick store.

Detectives allege in charging docu- crime from back in January.

In that incident Dobbs is alleged to ments that Dobbs came up to two young girls in the toy aisle in the Prince Fred- have fondled an 11-year-old girl who had erick store while their adult guardian had ventured to the meat counter at the Nick’s left them alone for a few minutes and be- of Calvert store with her mother but mogan brushing up against them, laughing mentarily got away from her side.

Dobbs is alleged to have fondled the as he did.

One young girl told police that the child in a similar manner, charging docuperpetrator, who was later identified from ments alleged, and the victim told police a surveillance photo to be Dobbs, police that he followed her and her mother to the alleged, put his hand down one of her cash register and pointed at her.

The victim told police that she did back pants pockets while no one else but not tell her mother what happened beher friend and Dobbs were in the aisle.

A few days later, St. Mary’s police cause she was scared.

Police stated in court papers that alleged that Dobbs committed a similar sex assault in California when he encoun- video surveillance confirmed the victim’s tered a young victim in one of the grocery recounting of events. aisles at the Wal-Mart on Route 235.

According to charging documents, guyleonard@countytimes.net

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COUNTY NEWS

The Calvert Gazette

Business Women Learn How to Improve KASH Flow

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer Local business women met at the Springhill Suites in Prince Frederick to hear Chris Daniel talk about improving their KASH. Daniel, a coach and business consultant, was invited back for a second time to share his knowledge with the Calvert Chamber of Commerce Women to Women’s monthly group.

He wanted to talk to them about KASH – knowledge, attitude, skills and habits.

Most businesses send their employees out to receive training in knowledge and skills, but fail to address their attitude or habits.

“How many in here have had to fire someone?” he asked the audience. “Did you fire them for their knowledge and skills or their attitudes and habits?”

The consensus was employees most often are fired because of their attitudes and habits because these are the hardest to change.

Daniel defined attitudes as “a pattern of thought.” There is no in-

trinsic value to attitudes themselves, but whether or not they are acted upon. Habits, he said, can “limit you from being where you want.”

In a recent Forbes magazine article he read about the top 25 executives, Daniel was struck by 19 of the 25 didn’t have educational degrees but were successful because of their attitudes and habits.

After dividing the women into groups for a short exercise, Daniel suggested they use the same KASH box technique at work with employees, managers, and themselves. He said it is a great performance appraisal tool to help employees.

The Calvert Chamber of Commerce Women to Women meets monthly on the second Wednesday of the month. The meeting is open to Chamber Members for free. To find out more about the details of the meeting (location, time, fees and whether to bring own lunch) call 410- 535-2577, email calvertchamber@calvertchamber.org or go to their website. www.calvertchamber. org corrin@somdpublishing.net

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Chamber Hosts Legislative Wrap-up

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer The so-called “Doomsday Budget”, gambling legislation and the transportation infrastructure were topics touched on during the Chamber of Commerce’s annual legislative wrap-up.

Speakers at the breakfast included Senator Roy Dyson (29), Senate President V. Mike Miller (27), House of Delegates Minority Leader Anthony O’Donnell (R-29C) and Delegate Mark Fisher (R-27B).

In discussing local transportation, each speaker touched on the need for a replacement for the Thomas Johnson Bridge and the lack of funding for it.

Dyson said the bridge is a “critical issue” and recently was in a situation where traffic was backed up for a mile or more on each side of the bridge because of a car with radiator problems. He said an entire highway network should not shutdown because of one car with engine problems.

Miller echoed Dyson, saying the bridge is a number one priority for the state. He said the bridge’s replacement is not only a quality of life issue, but an economic issue, with the Navy base on one side and Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant on the other.

The reason the issue has not gone further than planning stages is because the transportation funds have been raided to balance the general fund, O’Donnell said. He said transportation revenues have been “raided for too long” and introducing a gas tax, while it ultimately failed, was not the answer with gas prices hovering around $4 per gallon already.

Fisher said all legislation intro-

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duced to lock the trust funds to keep them from being raided for the general fund was defeated.

He said something needs to be done, and the state needs to be prevented from “getting an increasing share of their [Maryland residents] decreasing income” through further taxation.

Special Session O’Donnell was alone amongst the speakers in saying he sees no need for an additional session.

“Don’t buy into the doomsday rhetoric,” O’Donnell said.

The “Doomsday budget” stills shows a two percent increase in spending over last year’s budget, he said.

“We have a budget, we should live with it,” he said.

Miller anticipates the session to reconvene for a couple days in the coming months to make adjustments as needed, though the session won’t be recalled until everyone is nearly ready to vote. He said they would have come up with an agreement during the regular session but the house and senate ran out of time.

“I think somehow the general assembly has lost its way,” Dyson said.

Dyson said the assembly spent too long on social issues, like the same sex marriage bill, and not long enough on balancing the budget.

The legislators also talked about gambling in the state. Fisher said the changes that were made regarding slot machines will “pull the rug out from under the current locations.”

In 2008, he said there were five locations identified to house slot parlors, and changes to the locations or the number of location allowed will send a bad message to the businesses planning to build in Maryland.

O’Donnell said there is a need to compete against Delaware and West Virginia, which both have casinos and draw people and revenues away from Maryland. The money from other states casinos goes to help schools and other initiatives, and rather than benefiting Maryland, Maryland resident money is going to help other states and students.

Photo by Sarah Miller Del. Fisher holds up a chart for Del. O’Donnell that illustrates the increase in spending in Maryland over the past few years.

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Thursday, April 19, 2012

The Calvert Gazette

COUNTY NEWS

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Calvert Middle School Time Capsule Unearthed

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer When demolition began on the old Calvert Middle School, contractors were asked to save the cornerstone.

What the county got was more than a large block of stone from 1947 – hidden inside was a 65-year-old time capsule.

The capsule is the size of a loaf of bread, said General Services Director Wilson Freeland, and inside were three objects – a 1948 penny, a letter and a third item that was “rusted beyond recognition.” The rusted item was possibly a token or school emblem, Freeland said.

He has helped to place several capsules, but this was the first time in Freeland’s 30year career with the county that he witnessed a time capsule uncovered, he said.

The cornerstone is being set aside to be used in a monument once the demolition is finished and the land is developed. The rusted item has been sent to the Maryland Archeological Conservation Laboratory at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, and the penny and the letter have been sent to the Calvert Historic Society.

Historic Society office manager and research historian Leila Boyer said this is the first time capsule to be exhumed in the county to her knowledge. She said time capsules are more popular now that they were 20 years ago and before and while several institutions may have them, they won’t be discovered until the building is demolished.

The corrosion of the mystery object was also detrimental to the letter, wearing holes in it and making it unreadable in places. The majority of the letter is still readable.

The letter details the fight to get funding to build the school, which was originally a high school. The letter calls the fight “one of the most interesting developments of recent local history” and starts with a request to the Public Works Administration for funding in 1937.

“Though there was popular support for this project, the request was denied,” the letter reads.

“A small group of citizens, acting through political channels, managed to have this grant withdrawn. The Board of Edu-

cation was thus stopped in its effort to obtain the school at a minimum of cost to the county,” the letter reads.

In 1941 Senator J. Wilmer Johnson sponsored and introduced an act to provide $100,000 to construct a proposed high school, which the letter says became law due to the active sponsorship of George Owings in the House of Delegates.

“The County Com m issione r s refused the request of the Board of Education to finance the construction of the high school as authorized by the 1941 law,” the letter reads.

In 1945 “… the late Senator J. Frank Parran, Mr. Maurice Lusby, Jr., and Mr. John W. Hall cooperated in having an enabling act passed, authorizing an additional $262,000 to be utilized…” and in 1946 the County Commissioners issued $220,000 in bonds under the 1941-1945 authorizations, according to the letter. In 1947 Senator Goldstein authorized an additional $500,000.

“Upon the urgent request of the Board of Education the County Commissioners in 1948 issued the $500,000 in bonds. [This] issue, together with the issue of 1946 for $220,000, enabled the [Board of Education] to embark upon the most ambitious School Building [Program in the history] of Calvert County,” the letter reads.

Boyer said members of the society are currently looking into old issues of the Calvert Independent to flesh out the letter’s story and public feeling surrounding it. From research so far, she said the process was “surreptitious” and the new building wasn’t announced until it the process was nearly finished, and there was a letter to the editor encouraging keeping people in the dark to have as few as possible involved.

She said future research will involve delving into school board records and even talking to people about going to school here and finding what oral history still exists.

For more information, or to see the letter and penny personally, visit the Calvert Historic Society at 70 Church Street in Prince Frederic or call 410-535-2452. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

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COUNTY NEWS

The Calvert Gazette

Free Programs Help Basic Family Law

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer Free programs offered by Calvert County Circuit Court help citizens navigate through the basics of family law.

Every Wednesday, on a first come first serve basis, a volunteer attorney is available for a free consultation from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sign-up begins at 8:30 a.m.

“The intent is to help self-represented litigants navigate the court system,” said Rose Naughton, Family Services Coordinator.

Members of the local bar can provide limited legal advice on divorce, custody, visitation, child support and name changes. The attorneys can answer questions about the process, assist in completing paperwork and answer specific questions about ongoing cases for those who don’t have an attorney.

The consultation is brief – 20 minutes. The attorneys are also there to advise self-represented litigants if it is in their best interest to hire an attorney.

Naughton said this program is well used and available for citizens from any Maryland county. In fact, if Calvert residents can’t make the Wednesday sessions they go online to check other local jurisdictions. St. Mary’s, Charles, and Anne Arundel counties offer similar programs on different days. Calvert provides an additional session once a month on Saturdays for two hours for those who can’t make the weekday offering.

In addition to the weekly sessions with an attorney, Naughton said the courts offer a once a month

Tuesday Clinic which she called ‘Family Law 101.’

The two-hour course orients litigants on topics such as Family Law, Forms, Courtroom Procedure, Courtroom Demeanor and general questions and answers.

A local attorney also runs this session but does not provide consultation. Naughton said this is a good course for those who are undecided about whether or not they need legal representation.

The programs are funded through a grant from the Maryland Administrative Office of Courts.

Naughton said these programs help both the citizens and court staff.

“Many people call the court house seeking help for their legal situation. There is a line between legal information and legal advice that we (court staff) can’t cross and it is sometimes frustrating to people.

It isn’t that we don’t want to be helpful but only attorneys can give legal advice.”

A similar program exits for civil law as well, according to Naughton. However, Calvert citizens will have to travel to Charles or Anne Arundel to receive free consultation on Landlord/Tenant, Home Owners Associations, Wills, Estates, and Administrative Agency Appeals.

For more information: • Calvert County Family Services Office 410-5351600 x-2516 or x2524 • Family Law Hotline Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 to 4:30. Call 1-800-845-8550 • Peoples-law.org is a self-help website for Marylanders

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Counties Warned of Wildfires

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Fire and rescue officials in Calvert County say there have been no wildfires or big brush fires so far this season but with the dry climate and all of the forestry debris downed by heavy storms late last year the danger of spontaneous blazes is high.

They say that residents should obey the state’s current open burn ban to ensure fires don’t grow beyond their control.

“The fire food is there,” said Wayne Hardesty, assistant coordinator for fire, rescue and EMS in Calvert. “There’s a constant wind, the potential for a fire is always there.”

So far any fires in Calvert have not resulted in larger blazes, he said.

“We get a couple of small fires a day, but so far no big brush fires,” Hardesty told the Calvert Gazette.

Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee which hit last August devastated large swaths of forest and woodlands in the Southern Maryland area leaving trees downed all over both Calvert and St. Mary’s counties.

While the tree damage that socked in many communities was quickly cut and transported away, much of it was left lying in the woods.

“All that stuff is good and dry now,” Hardesty said, adding that brush fires are easily set.

“If it’s a brush fire it’s usually caused [intentionally or unintentionally] by a person; sometimes by things like burning leaves.”

Wildfires have increased in frequency across the state, officials said.

“Currently, the combination of warm temperatures, low humidity, high winds and dry forests have caused many wildfires to quickly burn out of control,” said Department of Natural Resources Fire Supervisor Monte Mitchell. “Elevated fire conditions in Maryland have been in effect for more than a week and are expected to continue through the weekend.

Outdoor burning accounts for 30 percent of all wildfires that occur, state sources said.

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Thursday, April 19, 2012

The Calvert Gazette

COUNTY NEWS

Local Film Expert Gives Screen-writing Tips to Local Authors

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer Last Thursday local writers crammed into the middle meeting room of the Prince Frederick Library to learn about screen-writing from a local expert.

Willoughby Joy, graduate of New York Film Institute and founder of The Director’s Focus Group at the Boston Film Foundation, attempted to pass on his 16-hour screen-writing seminar in 90 minutes.

He literally set the stage of his condensed course with lights, cameras, props and copies of his presentation in the form of a script. The meeting started off with a brief video of the greatest scenes in movies before Joy passed on “tried and true Hollywood principles” to aspiring screenwriters as well as novelists.

“If you can apply these principles to novels, it will be a fascinating writer’s experience,” Joy told about 20 in attendance.

He summarized his lesson in these words, “Enable a sympathetic character to overcome a series of increasingly difficult, seemingly insurmountable obstacles and achieve a compelling desire.”

There are five essential elements to a script, according to Joy. These are Hero, Identification, Motivation, Conflict and Courage.

The first 10 minutes of the script or 10 pages of a book should introduce the hero with whom the audience/reader can identify.

This can be through putting the character in jeopardy, not necessarily death, but humiliation, a relationship or a job. Another technique is to make the character sympathetic, having been a victim of undeserved misfor-

tune or the character can be likable, funny, good at what they do. The character doesn’t necessarily have to be good.

The script hero needs a “visible outer motivation” a clearly defined end point that the audience will recognize him as obtaining or failing by the end of the movie. Without conflict and obstacles, there is no tension.

There is no drama, according to Joy. “Desire (motivation) moves the story forward. Conflict gives the story emotion,” said Joy. Finally, a screenplay needs courage. The hero must risk something.

Joy shared six elements which will help a writer sell their script. First, it has to have a “high concept” such as courtroom dramas, humor, excitement, sex, etc.

Then there is the balance between finding something original but still familiar, according to Joy. His experience is that executives are leery of something new but bored with the same ole stories. Joy suggests “a new twist on an old idea.” He said Star Wars was a remake of The Wizard of Oz, Karate Kid is Rocky and The Flintstones are The Honeymooners.

A contemporary setting is a must these days. Not many executives are going to look at musicals, westerns or period pieces. These may sell to independent film makers.

Scripts need to have some audience drawing genres such as action/adventure, suspense/thriller, comedy and romance. In fact, romance, by itself is an essential element, according to Joy. Joy said the reason knowing how to write a “tight script” is a great skill for novel writers, is because a script has a very rigid

New Soup Kitchen Seeking Participants

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer Vernell Brooks retired from the Calvert County Public Schools system with an extensive background in food preparation. She didn’t want to let that go to waste.

So she paired her experience with her passion to serve others to start a soup kitchen called ‘Acts of Kindness.’

She and her nine recruits have been preparing meals Valerie Brooks and Antwaun Smith prepare spaghetti in Calvert for those needing one once Lighthouse’s small kitchen. a week for the past few Monday evenings. Unfortunately the first time they opened the kitchen no one came.

However, the men and women at Calvert Lighthouse, a church off Clay Hammond Road in Prince Frederick, cheerfully prepared the meal on a recent Monday, manned the greeting station and set the tables as if they expected a crowd.

Brooks said they have tried to get the word out by sending in notices to the local media, posting flyers around town and touching base with the shelters. They have even stood at public bus stops and walked around known areas for homeless people to hang out.

“Our next step is to contact all the local churches to tell them about Acts of Kindness,” said Brooks.

Her passion and desire are such that she’s even willing to send transportation to those who want the meal but can’t get to the church.

Acts of Kindness serves the community on the last Monday of the month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For those that want more information or can help spread the word, contact Brooks at 410-535-5515.

Will Joy shares how to support a screenplay through the use of his “golden script”

format.

Using a piece of shiny gold cloth, which he likened to the “Golden Script,” Joy demonstrated the structure of a screenplay. In the beginning he pinned the cloth only at the ends of a piece of rope. The material sagged to the floor in the middle, “Like many scripts.”

Joy walked through the process of creating six stages during the story with five turning points. The stages set up the turning points, which were the point a clothes pin gripped the piece of gold cloth. Joy likened it to the “supporting structures.”

After the meeting broke up, there were

requests and discussion on Joy coming back again to share more of his experience and knowledge.

Joy said that if anyone wants to talk more with him, he is a regular at Writer’s By the Bay writing group which meets on the first Tuesday of the month at the Prince Frederick Library from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and the third Friday of the month at Smithville United Methodist Church in Dunkirk starting at 7 p.m.

To be added to the Writer’s By the Bay email list, contact Peter E. Abresch at Peter@ sidewalkbooks.com.

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The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, April 19, 2012

8

Loving Care for Seniors is Top Priority

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer Providing a loving, peaceful atmosphere to seniors is Lisa HeightGross’ priority when running her business, Loving Care Senior Services, Inc. From her logo of a heart over a teacup to her tagline “From our Hearts to Yours,” Height-Gross is dedicated to making her ‘residents’ feel at home.

“I’m more concerned about the care than the costs – even though (the Lisa Height-Gross costs) are always in the back of my head,” said Height-Gross.

Having 25 years experience in the field, she wanted to open her own assisted living home. She said she had been collecting items for such a home over the years and storing them all over.

“I had been buying for years. I didn’t know what I was going to have, I just knew I was going to have one (an assisted living home).”

Then the day came when she gave two weeks notice from her job and opened up her four-bed home in White Sands, Lusby in 2010.

Most of her four residents have been there for awhile, one since November 2010.

“My folks are very active. The want to do Bingo on Monday nights, their own grocery shopping and go to church on Sundays.”

And that is the kind of care Height-Gross wants to continue providing, not only to her residents, but to future clients. She believes that her residents ought to feel at home.

Because of that, she doesn’t have file cabinets or office features in the living areas of the home. In the future she would like to offer a transportation service to seniors where the driver is their companion.

“I don’t want them (seniors) to be dropped off and picked up later. I want my staff to interact with the residents like they are family.”

Until recently, Height-Gross lived at the home. Now she has an administrator and seven part-time workers to keep the home running. Her goal was to be able to spend Sundays at home with her immediate family.

She has a nurse come in every 45 days to check on the residents, but for the most part, the residents’ families are responsible for taking them to their doctor appointments.

“We get paperwork from the doctors, but we try to stay out of the medical care as much as possible. We don’t want to take the chance that something important isn’t communicated,” she said.

Loving Care Senior Services is a non-profit organization with a board of directors. It has expanded its services into Nurse Referrals, Social Security Representation and one respite bed for families needing care of a loved one over a weekend or vacation.

Height-Gross is looking for CPR and First Aide certified contractors to provide a pool of care for when clients call for in-home care or aide. For example, she has some

clients who need someone a couple days a week or the hospital will request someone sit with a patient for a few hours.

Since it is a non-profit, she recently hired a grant writer. She is looking for vehicle donations for her future desire to help seniors who can no longer drive. She would also love to find a way for an “86-year-old resident to be able to get some teeth.”

In the past they have received community help.

“God sends people to help us. Some employees at Patuxent River called one Christmas and asked for wish lists for the residents, who got everything they wanted.”

Height-Gross said her dream of being able to provide loving care to seniors wouldn’t have been possible without her family, friends, staff and board of directors. And she’s looking forward to the ribbon cutting on her new office in Prince Frederick on June 1 at noon.

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We Carry Wholesome Foods and Treats, Fun Toys, Leashes and Collars and so Much More!

www.pepperspetpantry.com

9

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Earth Day: Open 11- 8 with full Sunday Brunch/ Dinner menu plus specials of Vegetarian Pasta w/Vodka Sauce, Wild Mushroom Vol-au-vent, Warm Brie & Poached Pear Salad

LUNCH: Tues. - Fri. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DINNER: Tues. - Sat. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Sun. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Closed Mondays

Chef-owned and operated LoÏc and Karleen Jaffres

Classic Country French Dining in a casual, relaxing atmosphere.

• Piano every Friday and Saturday night • Jazz cabaret/dancing on special evenings • 3-course prix-fixe dinner menu $23.95 available until 6 pm daily and all night on Wednesdays!

• $8 lunch & beverage special daily • Sunday brunch á la carte items • “Le Salon” (private room) available

SOMD WINNER OF

• Best Restaurant • Best Fine Dining Restaurant • Best Dessert

41655 Fenwick Stret, Leonardtown web: cafedesartistes.ws email: cafedesartistes@somd.us

301-997-0500

A. Shane Mattingly, Esquire Attorney at Law

Law Office of A. Shane Mattingly, P.C. 301.475.9101 301.475.9035 (F) 41645 Church Street Post Office Box 1906 Leonardtown, MD 20650

301-475-8040 Fax: 301-475-8658

Located on the Square in Leonardtown HOURS OF OPERATIONS: Monday – Friday: 7am – 3pm Saturday – Sunday: 8am – 3pm

***Buffett served on Saturdays and Sundays***

301-475-5151

on the

Leonardtown Square Sunday, April 22, 2012

Knit, Dye, Weave, Crochet, Bead, Felt

12:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Live Music & Entertainment Children’s Nature Crafts & Puppet Show Energy & Water Conservation and Recycling Information Animal Welfare and Rescue Yoga Demonstrations (bring your mat!)

Canoe & Kayak Rides on Breton Bay Food & More!

For more information call 301-475-9791 Sponsored by the Leonardtown Business Association and the Commissioners of Leonardtown, with funding in part by a grant from the St. Mary’s County Arts Council

Celebrate Earth Day at the Leonardtown Arts Center.

Meet and greet with the artists.

Reception in the gallery.

Special guest, former Poet Laureate of Maryland Michael Glaser at 1:00 PM followed by an open mic poetry event.

Rain or Shine

T 301 475 5775

22660 WASHINGTON ST. 2ND FLOOR. LEONARDTOWN, MD 20650

41658 Fenwick St. Leonardtown, MD 20650

COMIC BOOKS, GAMES AND STUFF Ice Cream Sundaes Smoothies Gamer Grub Hot/Cold Drinks Overstuffed Subs Hot Dogs and Sausages 22745 Washington St Leonardtown, MD 20650 Open 7 Days A Week

21541 Great Mills Road Lexington Park, MD 20653 (301) 862-1000

www.taylorgascompany.com

The Law Office of D. Anne Emery & Associates, LLC MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9:30 TO 7 SAT. 9:30 TO 5 SUN. 12 TO 5

301-475-9995 • Fax: 301-475-9997 dae44@md.metrocast.net daemerylawoffice.com

41660 Courthouse Drive, Suite 200 The Proffitt Building P.O. Box 1960 • Leonardtown, MD 20650

Joyce's Paint'n Place Painting Classes Available

No artistic ability needed to learn to paint with this method. You just need the desire to paint. Gather up some friends for a "Girls Night Out" and lets paint.

For more information, email craftguildshop@verizon.com

www.craftguildshop.com

301-997-1644 • 26005 Point Lookout Rd. Rt. 5, (back of Ant. Center) • Leonardtown, MD 20650

The Calvert Gazette

ATH HOME STARTS ROPEN PATHHOUSE HOME STARTS

10

YOUR PATH HOME STARTS AT OUR OPEN HOUSE

n April 21 &HOUSE 22 UR OPEN

us on April 21 & 22 A GREAT TIME TO BUY!

IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!

NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY! 1565 BYRON COURT PORT REPUBLIC, MD 20676

$379,900

Curtis Homes IMMEDIATE DELIVERY and priced to sell! Beautiful 4 bedroom home with Granite, 9 foot ceilings and Closing Help Incentives!

Directions: South of Prince Frederick, take route 2/4 to Right on Broomes Island Rd, to Left onto Byron Court to first home on your left.

Saturday - Sunday Juan Aranda: 571-262-1845

356 ENGLISH OAK LANE PRINCE FREDERICK, MD 20678

47330 GREENWAY STREET LEXINGTON PARK, MD 20653

Prices starting from the mid 200’s!

Prices from the 280’s

Visit our Decorated Model and take a sneek peek at Curtis Homes newly designed 2 car and oversized 1 car garage townhomes! Ask about the Curtis No Money Moves You In Incentives.

Directions: Route 4 North, Right on Dares Beach Rd, Right on Fairground Rd, Left at Park N Ride onto Silverwood Dr.

Saturday - Sunday Jen Olexa: 240-298-4014

See Curtis Homes decorated model and ask about our IMMEDIATE DELIVERY HOMES and $0 Money Down, $0 Money moves you in incentives! Some restrictions apply so visit soon!

Directions: Just minutes from PAX, take 235 South, Right on Hermanville Rd to the serenity of GREENBRIER on your right.

Saturday - Sunday Lisa Riggleman: 410-507-1233

18057 WILLIAM HOWARD WAY TALL TIMBERS, MD 20690

4385 LANCASTER

41393 PHILIP LANE LEONARDTOWN, MD 20650

23619 PLACID HILL PLACE CALIFORNIA, MD 20619

Pricing from the 300’s

Tour Curtis Homes decorated model and enjoy the QUALITY and an incredible standard features list! New section coming soon, so hurry in!

Directions: From the light at 235 and 4, take 4 north, left on Patuxent Blvd., to The Woods AT Myrtle Point on your left.

40965 KNIGHT ROAD LEONARDTOWN, MD 20650

$440,000

SUPER SPACIOUS Cape on 3 acres in Breton Bay. Over 3100sqft plus full finished basement.

2 car attached and 1.5 detached garages Directions: Rt 243, left on Bull Road, left on Knight Road, home on right.

Saturday - Sunday Lisa Riggleman: 410-507-1233

Saturday – Sunday Hosted by Robin & Mike 301-904-9365 • 240-538-4042

23136 SILVERBERRY WAY CALIFORNIA, MD 20619

17787 GRACE LANE TALL TIMBERS, MD 20690

499,900.00

$790,000

$348,000

Saturday-Sunday Cindy Ballard: 240-925-0259

Saturday Barbara Blades: 301-862-2169

Beautiful WATERFRONT! Relaxing sunrise/ sunset views. Private pier. Never has waterfront property been so affordable!

Directions: Rt 243 to left on Bull Road, Left, Right on Philip to end of cul-de-sac.

17651 WHITESTONE DRIVE TALL TIMBERS, MD 20690

4 bedrooms 2 ½ baths in great central location. CA7718411 Directions: Take the 4 North/Patuxent Beach Road turn left onto Lancaster -house will be on your right hand side

46040 ADAMS COURT LEXINGTON PARK, MD 20653

BEAUTIFUL POTOMAC WATERFRONT!!

Complete with dock, boat lift, rip rap and sandy beach. Enjoy the large deck in the evening to watch the gorgeous sunsets over the Potomac.

Directions: Route 249 In Callaway (Piney Point Rd) 5 Miles Right Onto Tall Timbers Rd. Left Onto River Shore Drive. Turn Right Onto William Howard Way (Un Paved) House On The Left

Sunday Anne Cullins: 240-925-4477

Saturday - Sunday Beverly Guy: 301-481-2764

$353,000

Southern charm abounds in this home.

Hardwood maple floors with 9’ ceilings and crowing molding throughout. Unique picture molding in main rooms. So much detail in this home on corner lot. This house is impeccable!

Directions: Wildewood Blvd. to Wildewood Pkwy. Turn right on Wildewood Pkwy. Turn left on Cypress Drive. Follow to Silverberry Way.

Sunday John Gatton, Jr.: 301-904-6939

$674,900

Beautiful waterfront home on St. Georges Creek, with over 450ft of shore, private dock, boatlift. 1.22 acres Directions: Route 5 to Route 249 to (L) on Clarke Road to (L) on Grace Lane. Last house on the (L).

Sunday Jennifer L Goddard: 301-481-2696

43992 FRESIA LANE CALIFORNIA, MD 20619

ABINGTON MANOR DRIVE HUNTINGTOWN, MD 20639

D

CANCELLE

e.

$519,900

Brand new construction, available May 1st. Hardwoods, granite, stainless, trex Lexington Park, MD deck and deededStafford, boat slip. VA Directions: Rt 5 540-659-1450 To Rt 249 To Right Into 301-862-2169 The Landings At Piney Point To Right Lusby, MD On Whitestone Drive, Waldorf, MDSign.

Left At Stop VA Lexington MD Stafford, VA Home OnPark, (R) 410-326-1700 301-870-8400

home.

g,

Thursday, April 19, 2012

$785,000

$593,000

Unique Waterfront Home W/Spacious Floor Plan & In-Law Suite At The Head Of Lewis Creek!

5Br/3Fb/2Hb. Open Floor Plan W/Wood Flrs; Ss Appliances, Lg Rec Room, Tons Of Storage, Deluxe Master Suite & Multiple Decks W/Access From Several Rooms. Solar Heated Pool W/New Liner. Great House For Entertaining. Apt Over Gar W/ Fb, Fully Equipped Kitchen, W/D; Sep. Entrance & Parking. Video Surveillance System.

Search SM7793370 On Realtor.Com Open 1-4

Waterfront on Abington Cove! Four Finished Levels. Shows Like a Model Home! Approx.

30 Miles to DC. Directions: From Solomons Island Rd South , Take a R on Old Town Rd, L on Hunting Creek Rd, Left on Holland Cliff Rd (2.8 miles), R on Abington Manor Dr.

Saturday - Sunday Monique Hailer & Wendy King 443.532.5407 • 301-518-2331

$479,000

This beautiful home in Wildewood has it all!

Lots of space and tons of upgrades.Hardwood throughout fully finished basement and wooded backyard. Directions: Wildewood Parkway To Right On Dahlia Drive To Left On Tallwood To Right On Canna Right On Fresia Lane.

Saturday - Sunday Chris Hill 410-610-9032 Hosted by Alan Smith 301-481-8495

301-862-2169 540-659-1450 Saturday Washington McLean, VA D.C. Jennifer L Goddard: 301-481-2696 Lusby, MD Waldorf, MD 703-556-4222 202-546-0055 410-326-1700 301-870-8400 Woodbridge, VA McLean, VA Washington D.C. VA Alexandria, 703-491-9570 ntly 703-556-4222 202-546-0055 703-922-4010

Centreville, VA 703-818-0111

Culpeper, VA 540-825-1613

Fredericksburg, VA 540-373-2000

MD 410-266-9005

Columbia, MD 410-730-8888

Dunkirk, MD 301-855-5900

Gainsville, VA 703-753-7910

dependently ender.

Woodbridge, VA 703-491-9570 Annapolis,

Directions: L on Millstone Landing; L on Esperanza; L on Lake; Very First L on Adams Court to the end.

© Copyright 2010 CENTURY 21® New Millennium. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Equal Housing Lender.

11

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, April 19, 2012

YOUR PATH HOME ST AT YOUR OUR OPEN PATHHOUSE HOME

JOIN US ON April 21 & 22 12 - 3 p.m.

JoinAT usOUR on April 21 &HOU 22 OPEN

Join us on April 21 & NOW IS A GREAT TIME T

NOW IS A GREAT TIM

VISIT c21nm.com TO FIND YOUR PATH HOME! WHITE OAK ROAD LEONARDTOWN, MD 20650

2035 BAY THORN ROAD PRINCE FREDERICK, MD 20678

90 DANIELLE’S WAY

23623 KINGSTON SHORES LANE CALIFORNIA, MD 20619

23690 WEST PATUXENT BEACH RD CALIFORNIA, MD 20619

NTRACT UNDER CO $399,900

$274,900

Check out this beautiful contemporary in Society Hill. 3 very spacious bedrooms with large closets and a balcony.

Directions: Route 5 To Newtowne Neck Road In Leonardtown. To Left On Bull Road To Right On White Oak House Is On The Right.

Saturday - Sunday Chris Hill: 410-610-9032

Check out this Amazing Deal in College Station!

Gourmet Kitchen with Granite Counters! YOU HAVE TO SEE ALL THE UPGRADES! Directions: From Route 231 To JW Williams Road To Baythorne Road. Go Around First Circle Follow Baythorne To Second Circle.

House Is Directly On The Circle.

Saturday - Sunday Chris Hill: 410-610-9032

$368,900

Beautiful new subdivision close to Solomons with 2 story foyer including 3500 finished square feet 4 bedrooms, and 3.5 bathrooms. (9 lots left!!)

Directions: Route 4 to Dowell Road, right on Dannielle’s Way, Model Home on Right.

Saturday - Sunday Veronica Kolterjahn: 301-672-0840

23244 HICKORY NUT DRIVE CALIFORNIA, MD 20619

12731 MILL CREEK DR. LUSBY, MD 20657

Refreshments Provided

Custom Built Home with plenty of WOW factor! 3.4 Acres with 300 ft. frontage on deep water. 3 car garage.

$675,000

Directions: Rt 235 N. Right on Rt 4, Left on Kingston Creek Rd., Right on Gross Drive, Left on Kingston Shores Lane. First house on Left.

Charming Cape Cod on 3.78 Acres which include a separate buildable lot. Great view, deep water, minutes to Patuxent River.

Directions: From Rt 235,Rt 4 North, last left before bridge, immediate left to driveway at end.

278 VALERIE LANE LUSBY, MD

45231 WOODSTOWN WAY CALIFORNIA, MD 20619

Sunday Glenda Lytle : 301-904-0889

48493 HERITAGE HILL LANE ST. INIGOES, MD

Sunday Roy Hart: 301-904-0889

$299,900

Updates galore, including granite counters, upgraded baths, new roof! Fireplace, 4 BRs, 2 1/2 baths, 2-car garage--charming and comfortable--come see!

Directions: Rt 235 to Wildewood Blvd, at Wildewood Shopping Center. Right at stop onto Wildewood Pkwy, right on Hickory Nut, home on right at corner of Oak Crest.

$424,000

One of the best Views in Mill Creek! Deep Water! 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath, Boat lift, New Septic and Well Directions: Rt 4 to 760 right on Anchor bear left on Mill Creek Dr house is on the left

House open 12-3 Sat. and 1-3 Sunday DeAnna Pinno: 240-925-9863

Saturday - Sunday Susan Stachelczyk: 240-298-3970

40813 MEADOW DRIVE LEONARDTOWN, MD 20650

$449,500

Gracious home located within the Breton Bay Comunity Upgraded kitchen with Quartz Cabinets, 5 BRm 3 FBs 2 HBs, 2 CAR garage and includes a first floor MIL/AuPaur suite Directions: rt. 5 in Leonardtown, turn on 243, Left on Bull, follow through to Society Hill Rd, take L at Potomac View Drive, Turn right on Meadow and continue straight. The home is on the left on the corner.

Sunday 305-797-1171 Hosted by Gabriela Agostinelli

$379,900

Saturday Tracey Summers: 240-298-8917

Sunday Tracey Summers: 240-298-8917

Better than new! 4 bed,3.5 baths, sunroom, plus fully finished basement w/ 2nd kitchen.

Open 2-4pm.

Directions: South on Rt 5 past St Mary’s City to Left on Heritage Hill Lane

22384 DOUGLAS COURT GREAT MILLS, MD 20634

{Insert Name} | {Insert Title} {Insert Address} {Insert{Insert City, State ZIP} Name} | {Insert Title} {Insert{Insert Phone/Fax} Address} {Insert{Insert Email}City, State ZIP} Phone/Fax} Visit{Insert c21nm.com $268,400to find your {Insert Email} New Homes in Greenview West by

$350,000

Sunday Susan Tyner: 301-904-1449

Beautiful Waterfront Priced Below Market!

Spacious home, One Car Garage, Florida Rm, Full Finished Basement, Pier, & more!

Directions: Olivet Rd to Rousby Hall Road to 2miles to Right on Valerie Lane

GREENWOOD HILLS NOW OPEN

21764 POTOMAC VIEW DRIVE LEONARDTOWN, MD 20650

Lovely home situated on hill in Breton Bay Community located within walking distance to the Breton Bay Golf Course, Beach or Playground. 3 BR, 3 Full Bath, Finished Basement with Large Brick Fireplace perfect for family gatherings. Directions: Rt 5 in Leonardtown, Turn L on 243, Turn L on Bull, follow through to Society Hill Rd, Turn L onto Potomac View Drive. House is on the left.

$165,000

$389,800

Alexandria, VA 703-922-4010 Starting in mid 400’s

Upgraded end-unit 3 bedroom 2 and ½ bath. Freshly painted, new stove, new flooring, new carpet… Nothing to do here!!! Just move in!!! You won’t be disappointed. Agent on site. Directions: 235 South, right on Old Rolling Rd, Left into laurel Glenn, to right on Woodstown Way, end unit on left see sign

Saturday Mike Tennity: 301-481-8197

25656 POINT LOOKOUT RD, LEONARDTOWN, MD 20650

$289,900

What a find! Located on 2.23 ac with an in path home. town setting & an inground pool. Renovated

in 2010/2011 new roof, new kitchen, new SOUTHERNWOOD HOMES! Stunning home appliances and Great sun porch Columbia, MD Fredericksburg, VAMUCH more!

Lexington Park, MD Staffo plans with distinctive finishes. Quick delivery that can be opened to a screen.

410-730-8888 540-373-2000 540-6 homes available!

Directions: north on 235 301-862-2169 to left on St. Andrews Directions: Route 235 in Great Mills to to right on Rt.5 to 2nd driveway past Moakley st .

Culpeper, VA Gainsville, VA Lusby, MD Waldo Run Rd, Right onto Longfields (Singletree) with sign.

VAChancellor’s Columbia, MD Fredericksburg, VA Lexington Park,301-8 MD 540-825-1613 Blvd, Left onto Douglas Ct, Model on Left.703-753-7910 Saturday - Sunday 410-326-1700

Visit c21nm.com to find your path home.

Open 1-4 Saturday and Sunday.

Annapolis, MD Directions: Rt 5 in Leonardtown, Alexandria, 410-266-9005 next to Ford dealer

703-922-4010 Saturday -410-730-8888 540-373-2000 301-862-2169 Saturday - Sunday Candela VA Centreville, VA Dunkirk, Sunday MD La Plata,Listed MD By Mary AdaMcLean, Wash Annapolis, MDJosh Culpeper, VA Gainsville, VA Lusby, MD Hosted by Casey Edmondson: 301-904-7128 Sam Wentworth:703-818-0111 240-925-7827 Yowell: 301-904-5773 301-855-5900 301-609-9000 703-556-4222 202-5

La Plata, MD 301-609-9000

Lusby, MD 410-326-1700

Lexington Park, MD 301-862-2169

McLean, VA 703-556-4222

410-266-9005

Centreville, VA Stafford, VA

540-825-1613

703-753-7910

Dunkirk, MDWashington La Plata, MD D.C.

© Copyright 2010 CENTURY 21® New Millennium. Each Office Is Independently 703-818-0111 301-855-5900 301-609-9000 540-659-1450 Owned And Operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. 202-546-0055 Equal Housing Lender.

410-326-1700

Wood McLean, VA 703-4 703-556-4222

MD Woodbridge, VAIs Independently ©Waldorf, Copyright 2010 CENTURY 21® New Millennium.

Each Office Owned And Operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Equal Housing Lender.

301-870-8400 703-491-9570

© Copyright 2010 CENTURY 21® New Millennium. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Equal Housing Lender.

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, April 19, 2012

12

STORY

Tiki Bar Loosing Biggest Opponent

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer The ongoing saga between Dr. Ronald “Chip” Ross and the Tiki Bar may be coming to an end as the Tiki Bar’s 32nd annual opening weekend kicks off tomorrow.

Ross and his wife, Faith, have put their house on the market with plans to move to Florida. Ross said they decided to make the move several years ago. He said he already has a Florida license, and a house there.

While the preparations for the Tiki Bar’s opening day move on as scheduled, the establishment faces one less opponent and the probability they will no longer be entangled in litigation over where the patrons can sit, where bar spaces can be and even what locations are labeled parking lots and patron areas.

The issues have been dragged out for so long that there are only three people who know the full history between Ross and the Tiki Bar, and “one is in the nuthouse,” said Tiki Bar attorney V. Charles Donnelly.

The Calvert County Board of Appeals determined the open space between buildings can be used for purposes other than parking at a Feb. 2 meeting, in one of the most recent decisions in the years-long Ross vs. the Tiki Bar fight. That same afternoon, Ross already filed a petition for judicial re-

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view of the decision.

Ross said his issues with the Tiki Bar didn’t exist until the present owners took over and tried to make a 15,000 square foot establishment to a 50,000 square foot bar without getting the proper permits.

Ross has lived in the county for 30 years and works in the emergency room at Calvert Memorial Hospital. He moved to the county in 1981 and moved into his current home overlooking the Tiki Bar in the 1990s.

The Board of Appeals decision was a follow-up to the meeting in January after Circuit Court Judge Albert W. Northrup remanded the case to the Board of Appeals.

Donnelly said the Tiki Bar has spent between $300,000 and $500,000 on attorneys, architects and legal fees over the years the company has defended itself from Ross.

He said he doesn’t know how much Ross has spent on court fees, appearances before the appeals board, or lawyers because he often represents himself.

Each petition is $135, and Ross said he has filed more than six such petitions. The money is a drop in the bucket compared to the money he could have spend on attorneys, which he said would have cost between $30,000 and $70,000.

The Tiki Bar has been through six

Board of Appeals meetings with seven different members, a whole new liquor board and even the district court, but Ross keeps coming at them, Donnelly said.

The attorney said all the Tiki Bar wants is to be left alone and afforded the same rights allowed other establishments.

Several decisions have been made, all completely or mostly in the Tiki Bar’s favor.

Ross’ multiple allegations have hurt the Tiki Bar’s business, he said.

Donnelly said the Tiki Bar has also contributed more than $100,000 to charities in the county, and the venue has hosted fundraising events several times in the past, including the annual Dog-Gone Tiki Bar Family Pet Day. “He’s on a personal mission,” Donnelly said of Ross. “It’s an obsession.”

Even with multiple decisions made in favor of the Tiki Bar and various agencies saying they are doing nothing wrong, “Dr. Ross doesn’t accept it,” Donnelly said. “It’s the world according to Dr. Ross.”

He said there are pictures of Ross having a good time at the Tiki Bar, and he believes the root of the issue is not any violations the Tiki Bar has committed, but the fact that the new owners of the Tiki Bar did not give Ross “the proper respect.”

He referred to Ross’ continuous actions

as an “adult version of Whac-A-Mole.”

Ross is the main voice of dissent against the Tiki Bar, according to Tiki Bar General Manager Joe Kurley. They heard recently about the possibility of the couple moving, and he admitted they are “pretty excited about it.”

He said the people at the Tiki Bar are on a first name basis with most of the surrounding property owners, and if they have a problem with something going on at the bar they just come down and talk to Kurley about it.

To make them feel welcome and included in the annual festivities at the Tiki Bar, Kurley said they go door to door and hand out VIP passes and newsletters about the upcoming season. He said they have also have neighbors ask for banners to hang on their homes to help celebrate the Tiki Bar’s opening weekend.

This year, the Tiki Bar anticipates 20,000 people to come out, though Kurley said the number is largely dependent on the weather.

“Weather is everything in Tiki Town,” he said.

This year, Kurley said King Tiki will

General Manager Joe Kurley

arrive via helicopter. In other years he has come by boat and even atop a Clydesdale team to toast the opening and the first day of the summer season.

“They are coming by land, sea and air this year,” Kurley said.

To help ensure the safety of the patrons, Kurley said there are numerous security guards on duty, counting off duty cops among their number, and a lot of preparation goes into the opening weekend. He said opening weekend used to be a “free for all” but that has changed.

Most first-timers to opening weekend expect chaos, but despite the number of people, Kurley said, “it’s surprising how calm it is.” sarahmiller@countytimes.net

13

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, April 19, 2012

L

General Assembly Elevates the Trivial, Neglects Pension Reform

By Marta Hummel Mossburg State legislators often prioritize important legislation the way kindergartners rank vegetables among the food groups.

They focus on mediafriendly social legislation instead of structural reform requiring time and effort to understand and craft. Why, for example, did they pass gay marriage and a law regulating how long a child must face rearward in a car seat but not figure out the budget until the absolute last minute? And why didn’t they spend time this year on how to pay the pensions of the 373,000 people in the state retirement system?

A big part of the problem is that very few of those in each chamber have owned a business — or more basically, understand math — as evidenced by budgets that continually outpace state revenue. It is a major problem that keeps getting worse, with tax policy looking each year more like an escalating game of Whac-A-Mole.

Electing representatives with more apt job experience is necessary but does not eliminate the need to address pressing financial issues like the management of the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System. A few get it. Del. Andrew Serafini, a Washington County Republican, is one of them.

Mr. Serafini, a financial adviser, knows that if the pension system does not achieve the returns it sets for itself, taxpayers will be on the hook for shortfalls. Paying for those will make this year’s alleged “doomsday” budget look like a lavish Vegas buffet for social programs and state agencies.

And we have a lot to worry about. For years, legislators have been underfunding the pension system and relying on rates of return that 401(k) holders and the state’s own books show to be delusional. Barring needed reforms, properly funding the pension system would require new tax brackets for everyone — not just millionaires — in Maryland, as the system is less than 65 percent funded.

There are some bright spots. Reform passed last year requires state employees to work longer and contribute more for their benefits, a step legislatures around the country are taking to ensure the solvency of their state plans.

But a lot more needs to be done to make the system solvent for the long run. A method of funding retiree ben-

efits that makes it legal to shortchange the system must be terminated.

Mr. Serafini pinpoints another issue ripe for change: investment management. He proposed outsourcing the duties of the chief investment officer (CIO) to a consultant. It makes sense. As he said, “Clearly, we don’t have the skill set to manage some of these complex and intricate strategies. Our pay system is not consistent with the industry. It may be consistent with other states, but it means that we always will be the farm system for the big leagues or the place for those that cannot make it to the big leagues.” The state’s former CIO, Mansco Perry III, is a case in point. Under his leadership, the fund lost billions while he earned “performance” and “effectiveness” bonuses.

On top of that, the pension board is mainly filled with career bureaucrats and union officials with limited financial expertise, making it very unlikely they have the ability to really question pension allocation strategies, particular investments and fees. It shows. Maryland’s performance is in the middle of the pack in relation to its peers and trailed overall markets. For example, over the past 10 years, Jeff Hooke of the

Editor

S

Guest Editorial

TER T E to the

Maryland Tax Education Foundation has shown, the state’s investment performance lags its peers by about 1 percent annually, which translates to $3 billion in lost revenue over that period at the state’s $37 billion fund. The state’s performance is also significantly lower than large mutual funds, including the Vanguard Wellesley Income Fund and the John Hancock Strategic Income Fund.

Mr. Hooke, an investment banker, recommends indexing the portfolio to save money on Wall Street fees, ($1.5 billion over 10 years) and to guarantee an average investment return. But the real issue is performance.

State employees and retirees, who are banking on a steady stream of income in their later years, and taxpayers, who are responsible for their benefits, deserve a real debate about the best way to manage the money important to millions of lives. This is not a Republican or Democratic issue but a generational one. Our children shouldn’t pay for false promises of today’s politicians.

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

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Calvert Meals on Wheels Seeks Volunteer Treasurer Calvert Meals on Wheels is in need of a volunteer treasurer to fill an upcoming vacancy. Duties include depositing donations and payments, paying bills, sending out monthly statements to clients, managing the bank accounts, attending the Board of Directors meetings held on the 2nd Monday of every month, and reporting the financial status of the organization to the Board. The software currently used is QuickBooks.

A financial background would be a plus, however a desire to assist our neighbors in need through a long standing, well functioning non-profit organization is the main criteria. The candidate will be trained by the current Treasurer.

Interested applicants may call the Calvert County Office on Aging at 410-535-4606 or reply online to calvertmealsonwheels@comcast.net.

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Calvert Gazette

P. O. Box 250 . Hollywood, MD 20636

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

The Calvert Gazette

STATE NEWS State Officials’ Ethics Disclosures to Go Online

By Daniel Menefee MarylandReporter.com State lawmakers and their executive appointees would now post their required ethics statements and financial disclosure reports on the Internet beginning January 2013, if the governor signs the bill as expected.

“We’ve passed the Online Disclosure Act and brought our ethics regime into the 21st century,” said Sen. Jamie Raskin, D-Montgomery, minutes after its passage. He said 29 other states have some form of online disclosure for elected officials.

The new law passed just moments before the official end of the 2012 legislative session.

A Senate amendment that added county executives and their appointees to the online requirement was scrapped by the House Environmental Matters Committee over privacy concerns of lawmakers in small jurisdictions.

Friends and neighbors could access mortgage and credit card information that an average citizen normally wouldn’t share with a close friend, said

Les Knapp, associate director of the Maryland Association of Counties.

“We believe there is a different level of power and geographic scope,” said Knapp, “A county official wields commensurately less power and affects a smaller geographic area than a state official.”

He believes there is no legitimate reason for a resident of far western Maryland to need information on a local official on the lower Eastern Shore.

Knapp said MACo was not against financial disclosures readily available at the local level–where citizens can request and get the disclosure information from county and municipal offices.

A new law passed in 2010 requires local officials to file the same disclosure statements as state lawmakers–beginning April 30 of this year.

“Local residents will be able to go to the nearest municipal office and get this information,” Knapp said.

The law also creates a joint committee to oversee implementation of the new law, McIntosh said.

Dan@MarylandReporter.com

New Stormwater Fees Approved

By Justin Snow MarylandReporter.com Despite a Republican filibuster attempt in the Senate, the General Assembly successfully passed legislation last week that would implement a stormwater pollution fee to raise revenue to cleanup the Chesapeake Bay. Approved by the Senate and House of Delegates minutes before the end of the legislative session, the bill requires nine counties and Baltimore City to establish a watershed protection and restoration program. No Southern Maryland counties were affected.

Local governments would charge property owners a fee based on the amount of pavement on their property.

It would be at the jurisdiction of the local governments to determine the size of those fees.

Counties and municipalities would take various steps, such as planting trees, to reduce watershed pollution caused by stormwater runoff.

Sponsored by Del. Tom Hucker, DMontgomery, survival of the bill was questionable as it became bogged down in the Senate. Debate on the bill was delayed several times as the Senate considered various conference committee reports on the budget package.

Republicans, who have labeled the bill a $6 billion tax on counties based on the projected funding needed over 13 years, launched prolonged debate of the bill by proposing a number of unfriendly

amendments.

Senate Republican Leader E.J. Pipkin proposed 12 amendments, none of which were adopted. Pipkin said the bill was essentially an attempt to tax rainwater.

Sen. Paul Pinsky, D-Prince George’s, argued Republicans should like the bill, noting it gave power back to the counties to determine the fee and held them responsible for pollution caused at the local level.

Democrats broke the filibuster by approving a motion to limit floor debate to 20 minutes per side. The chamber approved the bill 33-14 to applause from the gallery, which was quickly stifled by Senate President Mike Miller who was eager to move onto other issues on the agenda.

Although Republicans were unsuccessful in their attempts to amend the bill, an amendment proposed by Sen. Jamie Raskin, D-Montgomery, was adopted by the Senate. Raskin’s amendment excluded properties owned by state or local governments and volunteer fire departments from being subject to the fee. Raskin argued the amendment was part of the “public-private principal” and that it did not make sense for the government to tax itself.

With only 20 minutes remaining before adjournment, the amended bill was sent to the House, which approved the legislation 91-45. Gov. Martin O’Malley is expected to sign the legislation into law.

Justin@MarylandReporter.com

Thursday, April 19, 2012

14

Maryland Metal Scrap Law Has Holes

By Sarah Hogue Capital News Service They've robbed graves and construction sites, churches and schools. They've taken statues from bases and ordinary pipes right out of the walls -- but even a new law designed to curb these scrap metal thieves seems to barely slow them down.

Brian Sclar, the president of the metal recycling business Frederick Reliable, has his workers follow the law -- viewing and recording full identification of sellers and photographing all the scrap they're selling -- but said it doesn't seem to have put a dent in the problem.

“I don't think it has been a huge deterrent,” he said, referring to the number of copper thefts in Maryland. “But I do think it has been very effective in solving a number of copper theft crimes.”

In February, six men were arrested for the theft of about $31,500 worth of copper wire belonging to Verizon in Aspen Hill, the most recent in a long string of copper thefts in Maryland. The suspects were caught in the act, using a bucket truck to take more than 1,800 feet of copper wire from telephone poles.

Copper theft -- striking many utilities and other businesses -- has been common in Maryland since sharp price increases took the price of copper from about $1.25 per pound in January 2009 to about $4.50 per pound in May 2011.

“Copper theft is an issue that is very important and something that is very dangerous for the public at large,” said Thomas Dennison, the public affairs officer at the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative.

“It's a dangerous issue, it's illegal and it could really disrupt service for a large number of people,” said Dennison, who said he's seen an uptick in thefts starting two years ago, coinciding with skyrocketing copper prices.

“It's always disheartening,” said Connie Stommel, a real estate agent for Exit 1 Stop Realty in Dunkirk, explaining how “frustrating” it is for homeowners trying to get their vacant homes sold, only to find out that the copper pipes have been stolen.

The Maryland General Assembly took note of the problem and passed in May 2011 more stringent restrictions on scrap metal sales and created the Regional Automated Property Information Database, called “RAPID,” to collect data about sales and sellers.

The law requires scrap buyers to: • Note a description, including the weight and grade, of the scrap.

• Take a picture of the scrap.

• Record the date and time of the transaction and the money paid to the seller.

• Record the name, date of birth, address, driver's license number, license plate number of the vehicle used to transport the metal, and the physical description of the seller as seen on their ID. • Send the information to local and state police.

• Some scrap buyers say it has helped, but not enough.

“It's stopping them now,” said James Gotman, an employee at Metro-Re-Uz-It Scrap Recycling Center in Hyattsville, explaining that while they don't ask where the scrap came from, the detailed information taken from the clients keeps less-truthful

sellers away.

“In general, accountability is a deterrent. If people know they can be traced, they're less likely to try to steal something,” said Bill Toohey, the communications director for the Maryland Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention.

Documenting the scrap that comes into recycling businesses is not a foolproof way to track stolen copper. Once the metal is removed, it's rarely identifiable and usually mixed with other scrap.

“There's no way to tell where any of the copper came from,” said Robert Chapman, a Maryland plumbing contractor.

“Unless they're caught in the act, there's not a way for people to get caught recycling.”

In his business, Chapman ends up with a lot of used metal earmarked for recycling.

“We'll stockpile it 'til we have a full truckload,” said Chapman, adding that it isn't worth the gas to sell scrap each time he collects it from a client.

The Regional Automated Property Information Database Fact Sheet for 2011 mentions major scrap metal thefts in six counties in Maryland as well as Baltimore City and includes a case where about $2.5 million in total of scrap metal was stolen.

Police jurisdictions in as far away as Australia aided in the recovery of the metal.

RAPID had these successes through ideal cooperation with scrap recyclers. But not all scrap dealers are as cooperative as his crews, said Sclar.

“So if the criminal only had legitimate, law-abiding scrap dealers to go to, that would be a bigger deterrent,” he said.

“But based on the fact that there are some scrap dealers out there that don't play by the rules, that allows the criminal with an outlet for the material.”

When the stolen copper happens to be unique, like a family heirloom, Detective Sgt. Al Paton of the Frederick Police said the likelihood of busting the thief is much higher.

The only way to see if the law's restrictions are cutting down theft is to talk to Lt. Dalaine Brady of the Maryland State Police, who is in charge of producing RAPID's Fact Sheet that shows the year's accomplishments.

“When a law enforcement agency makes a case using RAPID, they call and tell me,” she said. “They're using it more and they're making many more cases.”

RAPID's 2011 Fact Sheet touts 642 arrests, 882 cases closed and $5.2 million recovered in stolen property. It does not show figures for copper crime prior to 2011.

According to Maryland law enforcement, copper theft is not a specifically classified kind of crime. It falls under property crime, which makes it difficult to compile statistics about copper theft.

“So the law doesn't say RAPID at all, it just says that these dealers will report electronically in a format that's acceptable to the primary jurisdiction,” said Brady.

“Other states don't have the uniform program like RAPID,” she said.

With all this information going to either the local law enforcement jurisdiction or the Maryland State Police, RAPID increases the chances of returning stolen property and the authorities have help apprehending copper thieves and have the evidence available to them to prosecute them.

15

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Leatha Mae Harrod, 64 L e at h a Mae Harrod, 64, of Huntingtown, MD passed away on April 1, 2012 at Anne Arundel Medical Center, Annapolis, MD. L e at h a Mae was born in Calvert County, Maryland, on Dec. 13, 1947, to Mary Ellen Jones and the late Arthur Sylvester Jones.

She graduated from William Sampson Brooks High School in 1965. While in high school she participated in many school activities.

Leatha Mae accepted Christ and was baptized at Bethel Way of the Cross Church under the leadership of the late Bishop Jacob A. Green. She loved God and loved the Bible. She also enjoyed talking about the Lord with her family and friends for hours.

She was united in marriage to the late Almous Leroy Elliott Harrod on August 27, 1969. They were blessed with seven children: Todd, Glenda, Alva, Almous Jr., Monique (Tootie), Marsha, and Troy. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Having love and taking pride in her work, Leatha was employed as a Domestic Engineer for many years. She also was an aide at the Calvert House Nursing Home in Prince Frederick. She was a very dedicated employee, and her employers loved her as family.

She was preceded in death by her husband Almous (Pudney), sister Catherine, brother Samuel, and her father, Arthur.

Leatha Mae leaves to cherish and be blessed by her love and devotion seven children: Todd, Glenda, Alva, Almous Jr., Monique, Marsha, and Troy; nine grandchildren: Bertram (BB), Jamar, Delonta, Dalya, Todd Jr. (TJ), Mya, Jalon, and Bryce; one great grandchild, McKenzie; one godson, Page Fletcher Jr.; her mother Mary; one daughter-in-law, Vanessa; five brothers: Arthur (Curley), Russell (Sally), Daniel (Elsie Mae), John and Grafton; nine sisters: Lillie, Sadie (Maryon), Alberta, Gladys, Mattie, Evangeline, Virginia, Leila, and Bertina (Herbert); father-in-law, George Harrod; three brothers-in-law, Harry (Goldie); seven sisters-in-law: Arlene (Alphonso) Brooks, Gladys Harrod, Marion (Glenwood) Brooks, Darlene and Carlene Harrod, and June Holland. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.

Funeral service was held on Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Bethel Way of the Cross Church, Huntingtown, MD with Elder Charles Hall officiating.

The interment was at Chesapeake Highlands Memorial Gardens, Port Republic, MD. The pallbearers were Glenwood Brooks, Jr., Alonzo Brooks, Eugene (Rex) Jones, Maurice Jones, Samuel

The Calvert Gazette

Pumphreys, Jr. and Gary Harrod. The honorary pallbearers were Todd Harrod, Troy Harrod, Leonard Green, Anthony Tyrone Brooks, George Rory Harrod and Dawain Sutton.

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

Sarabeth Janey, 71 Sarabeth Louise Janey, 71, of Lusby, MD passed away on April 5, 2012 at Calvert Memorial Hospital, Prince Frederick, MD. She was born on Jan. 9, 1941 in Calvert County, Maryland to the late Ethel Gough-Chase and Albert Chase Sr. Sarabeth was united in Holy matrimony to Theodore Janey Sr. on April 14, 1962. Upon Theodore’s death, they were married for 48 years. From this union they were blessed with seven children that she loved so much. She was educated in the Calvert County School System.

Sarabeth loved cooking, doing crossword puzzles, watching soap operas, walking, and collecting pictures of family and friends. She enjoyed buying movies and her dog “Snowflake”.

Sarabeth was preceded in death by her parents Ethel and Albert Chase Sr.; grandparents Emily Jane Bishop-Gough and John Parran Gough; husband Theodore Janey Sr.; mother-in-law Hattie Gross; father-in-law Lawrence Janey; 2 sisters Helen Stewart and Victoria Jefferson; 2 brothers Thomas “TC” Chase Sr. and William “Hucker” Chase Sr.; 6 sisters-in-law Carolyn “Fee-Fee” and Shirley Chase, Marguerite Broome, Louise, Elizabeth and Evelyn Janey; 6 brothers-in-law James “Popcorn” Gross Sr., Alexander “Sonny” Broome, Lawrence “Boobie”, Augustus, John and Johnson “Brownie” Janey; niece Pauline Chase; 3 nephews Ricky Gross, Carroll Jefferson Jr. and Sherman Jefferson Sr.; 4 aunts Blanche Gough-Foote, Arlene, Cornelia and Ida Gough; 9 uncles Leonard “PopPop” Foote, Albert, Melvin, Calvin, Bennie, Thomas, Joseph, Burnes and John Gough.

Sarabeth leaves to cherish her memories: 2 daughters, Louise Young and Hattie Janey; 5 sons, Theodore Jr. “Teddy”, Joe, Dean, Albert “Button” and William Janey; 29 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 3 daughters-in-law, Anita Reid, Teresa and Lawanda Janey; son-in-law John Young; 2 sisters, Jeanette Savage, Eva Gross; 3 brothers, Albert “Junior”, Calvin and Preston Chase; 3 sisters-inlaw, Annie, Teresa and Joanne Chase; 2 brothers-in-law Leroy Savage, Carroll Jefferson Sr.; 3 aunts, Helen Chin, Virginia and Drusilla Gough; devoted friend James “Chin Chong” Polk and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral service was held on Thurs-

day, April 12, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD with Pastor Irvin Beverly officiating. The interment was at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD. The pallbearers were Calvin Chase, Michael Chase, Ronnie Chase, Sr., David Daniels, James Gross and Tony Height.

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

Manford Smith, 79 Manford T. Smith, 79, of Lusby, MD passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2012 at Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D. C. Manford was born on June 19, 1932 in Chickasaw, PA. He was the last son of the late Clinton and Lula Reinholtz Smith.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife Eleanor Nolte Smith and by his four sisters and three brothers.

Manford served his country in the United States Navy from 1952 to 1954. He worked in sales for numerous years.

Manford is survived by his sister Lois Llewellyn of Sewickley, PA. Services and interment are private.

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

Larry Waldroop, 58 Larry Keith Waldroop, 58, of Lusby, MD passed away April 11, 2012 at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD. Larry was born on April 1, 1954 in Dayton, Ohio to Daniel and Erma Waldroop.

He loved gardening, camping, hiking, and anything to do with outdoor nature.

Larry is survived by his wife Wanda, Mother Erma, and two brothers Kirk and Doug.

He was preceded in death by his Father Daniel.

Services and interment are private.

Should friends desire memorial contributions may be made in Larry’s memory to: Stepping Stones, Attention: Angela Duckworth, Liver Transplant Social Worker 600 N. Wolfe Street, Carnegie 100, Baltimore, MD 21287.

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

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Spotlight On

Thursday, April 19, 2012

16

School Bus System Set for Updating Beach Elementary Gears Up for Annual Fundraiser

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Donations are gathered, an auctioneer is ready and raffle ticket sales are rising – all signs that Beach Elementary School’s eighth annual Beach Bay Luau is this Saturday at the Chesapeake Beach American Legion Post.

“We invite our friends and neighbors to join us,” said Beach Elementary PTA Auction Chairperson Sandy Hunting, adding the event is free and open to the public.

More than 150 items are up for grabs, including gift certificates, hotel stays, sports memorabilia, car care packages, original artwork and themed baskets supplied by individual classrooms.

The 17 live auction items will include dream vacations including a trip to the mountains of West Virginia, a condo stay in Orlando and a resort adventure in Cancun, Hunting said. She said there is something for everyone, including items that will go from $5 to $1000.

The auction brings in between $13,000 and $16,000 per year, which goes to benefit the school, Hunting said.

Live and silent auctions will be divided into sections, with a few items at a time being offered. For the live auctions, Hunting said Steve Jones will be the auctioneer.

She said there will also be several raffles, including a teacher time raffle for students. Hunting said teachers have donated chunks of their time for any number of things, from private tutoring to chess matches. Students have the opportunity to buy tickets for teacher time during school, and Hunting said there are several students hoping they win some one-on-one time with their favorite teacher.

Though the evening is an adult event, meant to be a night out for teachers and parents to mingle out of the school and without students, the drawing for the teachers time will be done with the rest of the raffles.

Babysitting services will be offered with Prime Time Children's Center. The auction is at the Chesapeake Beach American Legion Hall starting at 6 p.m. There will be light refreshments offered.

Hunting said the school has been working with the American Legion for years, and they donate the use of their hall for the auction.

“It’s a really wonderful partnership,” Hunting said.

For more information, e-mail Hunting at orionpublications@yahoo.com. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Students Learn of Oscar and Olive Osprey Photo by Sarah Miller

Our Lady Star of the Sea School students got a break in their normal school day to meet local author Janice Suss and learn about ospreys through her book “Oscar and Olive Osprey – A family takes flight.” Suss’ book was published in 2009 and is a Mom’s Choice Silver award recipient.

The educational book is about an osprey family that came to live at the end of her dock. Suss said she often appears in different schools and even the Calvert Marine Museum, teaching children about an animal that they may see often but may not know much about.

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer From transitioning the radios from analog to digital, installing surveillance cameras on busses and even inspecting busses quarterly, Calvert County Public Schools is working to make sure bus transportation remains safe for students and worry free for parents.

Director of Transportation Ed Cassidy briefed the Board of Education on ongoing initiatives, and future plans for the county’s school busses.

He said the county provides transportation services to more than 13,000 students, with busses traveling more than 17,000 miles a day to all the public schools in addition to 12 non-public schools. He said there are 20 contracts and more than 200 drivers involved in getting students to and from school.

Over the last couple of years, Cassidy said the department of transportation has added to the instructional day by revising and tightening up the amount of time a student spends on the bus.

To help bus drivers communicate with each other and the main dispatch center, they have upgraded the two-way radios on the busses and added antennas on top of Calvert Memorial Hospital and the Patuxent Business Park water tower.

Another success story Cassidy shared with the Board of Education was the addition of surveillance cameras on busses. He said in the first year they launched the pilot program at four schools and got

77 requests for the film to be pulled. This year, the second year of implementation, 130 requests were submitted for information. Cassidy said the highest number of requests were in November, while in December the number dropped. Cassidy said the recordings are available for 6-10 days before the camera begins recording over it. If the film is needed for longer than that, a replacement hard drive can be put in the camera, Cassidy said.

Parents can not watch the videos, but they can see still images with surrounding students faces blurred out, Cassidy said.

He said they are also working on routing software. Currently, routing is done by hand using maps and colored pieces of yarn.

The problem is getting the software to the necessary level of accuracy without having stops every quarter mile. Cassidy said that is too many stops, especially in communities like the Chesapeake Ranch Estates and Drum Point. He said it is in the county’s best interest to continue working on the software.

“The end result and payoff will be well worth it,” Cassidy said.

Continuing challenges include the rising price of diesel fuel and implementing new state laws. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Schools Recognize Outstanding Employees

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Representatives from all 25 Calvert public schools and members of the administration gathered at the Rod ‘n’ Reel last week to celebrate the Teacher of the Year and the Educational Support Person of the Year.

Windy Hill Elementary Instructional Assistant Deborah Xinis was named the Educational Support Person of the Year and Windy Hill Middle School Math teacher Dawn Caine was named Teacher of the Year.

Assistant Director of Human Resources Victoria Karol presided over the evening, saying it was an opportunity to give recognition to employees who are “respected by [their] colleagues, loved by [their] students.”

Last year’s winners, Julie Morrison and Jennifer Hillman, were also in attendance, having been on this year’s selections committees.

Director of School Construction George Leah was on the committee to select the educational support person. He said staff members put in applications for consideration and are interviewed by the Dawn Caine committee. Their responses are given points, which are put in a matrix with other factors to determine a winner.

“We don’t just randomly select somebody,” Karol said.

Speakers at the ceremony included Senator Mike Miller, Delegate Mark Fisher, County Commissioner President Jerry Clark and Board of Education President Rose Crunkleton.

“We are extremely proud of the Calvert County School system,” Clark said.

Stefanie Carea, a representative for Congressman Steny Hoyer, said the evening’s festivity was doubly special. She delivered Hoyer’s comments, and then took a moment to tell the audience her mother was one of the nominees and wished her luck.

Caine said being named Teacher of the Year is “quite an honor” and had no acceptance speech prepared because she didn’t think she would get the title.

In addition to the laptop and plaque given to the Teacher of the Year and the Educational Support Person of the Year, Caine got the keys to a new car with a lease free for a year. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Deborah Xinis

Photos By Sarah Miller

17

Thursday, April 19, 2012

The Calvert Gazette

Newsmakers Local Mother Starts Food Allergy Support Group

WentWorth’s #1 stop For LaWn, Garden and Landscape care

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Imagine not being able to eat anything made with milk, eggs or peanuts. Any contact with those substances can cause you to stop breathing and even die. Cut out of your diet forever would be peanut butter, ice cream, Cheetos, omelets and even pizza.

Now imagine having a child barely over a year old to keep away from all those substances. Having to contend with a toddler’s penchant to put everything and anything in their mouths and tendency to scream when things are taken away, even if it is in their best interest. This is what Bethany and Marc Harrington have had to learn to do when their son, Luke, was diagnosed with severe allergy to milk when he was six Photo By Sarah Miller months old. By the time he was a year old, eggs Bethany and Marc Harrington with son Luke and peanuts had been his allergies, she said Luke could not get added to the list. into day care because the daycare providTo help families of children with food ers could not assure he would not come allergies, Bethany Harrington has started into contact with the substances. Other a monthly support and playgroup for chil- children, not knowing about his allergies, dren between the ages of 6 months and could offer to share some of their snacks 12 years old. She said families from Cal- and the result could be fatal, Harrington vert and St. Mary’s counties are welcome said. to join. She and her husband alternate the Taking Luke to a playground offers meetings from one side of the bridge to the similar dangers. Harrington said before other to allow families the chance to join they get Luke out of the car, she and her in. The first meeting was April 15 at Dors- husband survey the area to see if anyone ey Park in St. Mary’s County. is having a picnic, or who has snacks and Harrington said a common miscon- drinks. She said they have to stay “five ception is food allergies only cause stom- steps ahead” to make sure Luke doesn’t achaches or a rash. In Luke’s case, he ac- come into contact with his allergens. cidentally ingested milk when he was 8 As he gets older, Harrington said months old and went into anaphylactic she and her husband will help Luke learn shock. She said he was turning blue from to control his allergies, but until he’s old oxygen depravation before he started re- enough to tell people what he’s allergic sponding to medication. to and stay away from them, she said he “It was the most terrifying thing in my doesn’t go to birthday parties or other such life,” Harrington said. events.

Contributing to the misconception is The idea for a support and playgroup people who will say they have food aller- came from living in California, Harrington gies just to keep items like onions or toma- said. There were several large support toes out of their food at restaurants. This groups on the West coast, but when she and leads people to think food allergies are a her husband moved to St. Mary’s County, minor inconvenience, Harrington said. she could find nothing. So she decided to She and her husband are learning take matters into her own hands and put from scratch what to keep out of the house something together. and how to keep Luke safe. She said there For more information, including the is no history of food allergies on either side date of the next meeting, visit www.faceof the family, and scientific studies about book.com/PAAKofSOMD or e-mail paathe food allergies are constantly occurring kofsomd@google.com and new information is always coming out.

Because of the severity and nature of sarahmiller@countytimes.net

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The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, April 19, 2012

18

More than 600 Cyclists to Takeover Calvert Roads to End Hunger

Keepsake Bricks Available from Old Calvert Middle School As demolition nears completion at the old Calvert Middle School site in Prince Frederick, former students, teachers and other residents have expressed interest in obtaining mementos from the building.

Members of the Calvert County High School class of 1963 have volunteered to coordinate distribution of keepsake bricks from the school.

The demolition contractor is setting aside 1,500 bricks from the school’s façade to be available for pick-up at the site on May 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Distribution will be held on the Armory Road side of the school site.

Those who wish to receive bricks should bring, in writing, the following for each person requesting a brick: · The person’s name and the dates they were associated with the school · The nature of the school affiliation (student, teacher, support staff, friend, etc.)

Details from those requesting bricks may be used for compilation by the Calvert County Historical Society. For more information, contact Lyndall Garner Aurand at 410-394-6419 between 6 and 11 p.m.

End Hunger In Calvert County is set to host its 4th Annual End Hunger Bike Ride on Saturday, April 28.

That morning, hundreds of cyclists from throughout the metropolitan area and as far away as Maine will be mounting up and hitting the roads of Calvert County to support one mission: end hunger in Calvert County.

There are four riding routes laid out; 63 miles for seasoned riders, 35 miles and 48 miles for intermediate riders, and 16 miles for beginners. A bike leader leads the beginner route.

All cyclists will start and end at Chesapeake Church in Huntingtown, where a post-ride cookout will take place following the ride. For more information and to register, go to endhungercalvert. org/bike.

“It’s more than a bike ride. It’s an opportunity for cyclists to do what they love and make a difference while they do it,”

Robin Brungard, Director of Programs for End Hunger In Calvert County, said in a press release. “Now in our fourth year, our riders participate with understanding that they are a direct part of making a real difference in the lives of Calvert County residents.

The four routes were intentionally designed to display the natural beauty of Calvert County. Riders will travel through the woods of Sunderland and Chesapeake Beach, alongside the waters in North Beach, and across the rolling farm hills in Huntingtown.

Last year, the event attracted over 500 cyclists and raised $22,000 for Calvert County food pantries. This year, End Hunger In Calvert County is hoping to increase its efforts because the need in our county is even greater than this time last year. All money goes directly to helping re-stock the shelves of affiliated End Hunger In Calvert County food pantries.

Yet, more than raising money, these cyclists also hope to raise awareness. As the economy has worsened, the number of county families needing assistance continues to grow. In the last year, food pantries have seen a 40% growth in the number of families seeking help. For a list of End Hunger In Calvert County food pantries visit endhungercalvert.org.

In addition, End Hunger In Calvert County needs your help. If you would like to volunteer for the event, volunteers are needed on both Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28. Friday volunteers can support in administrative areas as well as in hospitality and pre-event setup. On Saturday, volunteers are need for administrative areas, route flag assistance, hospitality, photography, rest stop support, and postride take down. To sign up and for more information on how you can help please visit the volunteer page at endhugnercalvert.org/bike

Maertens Honorary Chair of Inaugural Award Dinner “Some of my best memories of school were trips to the library. ness training that will help people in their My mom would take me to do my projects,” said Calvert County careers – close to home. native Heather Maertens, owner of Maertens Fine Jewelry & Gifts, The first Calvert Library Foundation Lusby, and Honorary Chair of the upcoming Calvert Library FounAward will be given to Sen. Thomas V. Mike dation Award Dinner.

Miller, Jr., President of the Maryland State “I love books, so I am a fan of an actual library,” Maertens Senate and a consistent supporter of Calvert said in a press release, adding that “libraries aren’t just for books.

Library, at a festive awards dinner planned They are great, family-oriented meeting places. The library helps for April 28. Sen. Miller, a Calvert County the young ones—they resident, has served in the state legislature are the future of our since 1971 and was instrumental in securing Heather Maertens county.” funding for Calvert Library Prince Frederick.

Maertens highly Donnie Radcliffe, a former Calvert Library trustee and Founsuggests a visit to Cal- dation board member who served tirelessly in promoting the new vert Library in Prince library in Prince Frederick, will be honored posthumously at the Frederick for anyone dinner. Donnie was a Calvert County resident and a former news who has not yet seen reporter for The Washington Post who died in 2010 after a lengthy this branch to help illness. She covered the White House and authored two books, Simthem understand a ply Barbara Bush, A Portrait of America’s Candid First Lady and need for an expanded Hillary Rodham Clinton, The Evolution of a First Lady. library in southern Please join Calvert Library Foundation in celebrating the beCalvert County. She stowing of its first award to Sen. Mike Miller and in honoring the said she supports hav- memory of Donnie Radcliffe on Saturday, April 28, at the Soloing resources that a mons Island Yacht Club. library can offer for Tickets are $100 for individuals. All funds will be used to supeveryone – from book port Calvert Library, to include major improvements to Southern clubs looking for a Branch. For more information, visit Calvert Library Foundation place to meet to busi- Web site, http://www.calvertlibraryfoundation.com.

Buy Your Mom A Block!

To be placed in the May 10th publication.

$25 With No Picture $35 With Picture Please Contact: Matt Suite

mattsuite@countytimes.net 301-399-6417

Jennifer Stotler

jennifer@somdpublishing.net 301-247-7611

Mickey Ramos

mickeyramos@countytimes.net 240-298-0937

PlanMaryland Info Forum Set Have you heard about PlanMaryland?

Do you know what it means for our community? The League of Women Voters of Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties will present a community information forum on Tuesday, April 24 at 7:00 pm in Asbury~Solomons Island auditorium, 11100 Asbury Circle, Solomons, MD. Co sponsors for the event are St. Mary’s College of MD’s Center for the Study of Democracy, Concerned Black Women of Calvert County and the American Association of University Women, Patuxent River Branch.

PlanMaryland evolved from a requirement from the Maryland General Assembly that a state development plan should be prepared by the newly created Department of Planning.

The plan is about achieving the best practices in smart growth, protecting our environment, enhancing our communities

and achieving the vision set forth by the legislature. PlanMaryland wants to promote growth in cities and towns where people can live, work, shop and play and be less car-dependent to do things.

Addressing the issues surrounding PlanMaryland are Rich Josephson, Director of Planning Services, MD Department of Planning, Charles Johnston, Director of Planning & Zoning, Calvert County and Phillip Shire, Director of Land Use & Growth Management, St. Mary’s County.

These experts will provide information and answer questions from those in attendance.

Asbury~Solomons Island is just north of the Thomas Johnson Bridge on Rt. 2 & 4.

Turn at the light on to Patuxent Point Parkway and park in the EVENTS parking lot on the left where a shuttle will be available to the site.

For more information about the League of Women Voters go to www.lwvmd.org.

19

Thursday, April 19, 2012

The Calvert Gazette

SMECO Competes in Lineman’s Rodeo Southern Maryland Electric CoSMECO lineman operative (SMECO) had 13 linemen Bryan Wilson competing in equipment operations, competes in a apprentice, and journeyman events at pole top rescue. the 10th annual Gaff ’n’ Go Lineman’s Rodeo held at the Caroline County Agricultural Fairgrounds in Ruther Glen, Va., on March 31.

More than 80 linemen from 13 electric utilities located in Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, Kentucky, and South Carolina participated in events that tested their agility, skill, and safe work practices. All of the competitive events are timed to determine the winners. Events included single-person competitions and three-member team competitions.

Teams were given 18 minutes to complete the competition for replacSubmitted Photo ing a failed underground service line.

The line ran from a pole-mounted transformer down the utility pole, into the ground, and back up to a meter box. In this event, one lineman climbed a utility pole and disconnected the line from the transformer, while two others on the ground disconnected the meter box, removed the failed line, and fished a new line into the underground conduit and back up to the transformer. Other events included grounding of lines, climbing skills on utility poles, and replacing failed capacitors, which are devices that maintain the quality of the electric power.

In keeping with the electric cooperatives’ emphasis on safety, linemen competed in the hurt man rescue, CPR with an automated external defibrillator (AED), and the bucket truck rescue events. These particular challenges dramatize a situation in which a fellow lineman is injured atop a utility pole.

Linemen must strap on a safety harness and spiked boots to climb a pole, then use a rope and pulley to lower the “injured” worker to the ground.

SMECO linemen Jeremy Green, Daniel Hutchins, and Will Robertson placed first in the Climbing Skills Demonstration for journeyman linemen. Competition was so tight that in this event, 10 teams of linemen achieved a perfect score of 100 points. The trio placed fourth overall among the journeyman lineman teams, scoring only two points less than the leaders’ perfect score of 500 points. In the competition for changing out failed capacitors atop utility poles, SMECO linemen Scott Gagliardi, James Hewitt, and Michael Niland came in third place. Linemen who competed in events also included Michael Brown, Tyler Compton, Tim Olinger, and Bryan Wilson.

The Rodeo also featured a second set of competitions in handling utility equipment, the Terex Equipment Operator’s Rodeo. Green, Hutchins, and Robertson placed second in the Bucket Truck Rescue competition and third in the Failed Transformer Replacement competition. Gagliardi, Hewitt, and Niland placed third in the Bucket Truck Rescue. Bobby Hamilton, Gary Peck, and Josh Reithmeyer also competed in the equipment rodeo.

Co-op employees served as judges for the Rodeo events and included Peck, Joe Day, and Robert Wood. SMECO employees who helped to set up utility poles and other equipment before the rodeo included Scott Horn, Steve Maddox, Gary Peck, Brian Rawlings, Hal Spence, and Tony Suttle. Mike Nygaard, SMECO’s job training and safety director, serves on the Rodeo planning committee throughout the year.

FOURTH ANNUAL SOUTHERN MARYLAND HUNGER CONFERENCE Please join us for the 4th Annual Southern Maryland Hunger Conference. If you are a food service provider such as a pantry, soup kitchen, shelter, non-profit or government agency, then we encourage you to attend for a day of learning and fellowship !

This event is being hosted by the Southern Maryland Food Bank.

The Hunger Conference will consist of 3 workshops and guest speakers relating to the increasing issues of hunger in Southern Maryland. Included in our day will be a program fair and exhibits that will provide helpful information on services and resources in our area. It will offer a great opportunity to network with fellow providers in and around Southern Maryland!

Date: April 25, 2012 Where: St. Mary’s County Fair Grounds 42455 Fairground Road Leonardtown, MD 20650 Time: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm Program Fair: 8:00am - 9:15am (sign in during this time) Guest Speakers & Workshops begin at 9:30am Light Lunch Provided Seating is limited, to register for this FREE event or for more information please call 301-274-0695 or email Hungerconference4@gmail.com RSVP by April 18th!

Together We CAN Make A Difference!

www.smfb.somd.com

Everything Amish MATTRESS SALE Going on Now

Non-Profits Win PRAD Grants The 2011 Patuxent River Appreciation Days (PRAD) Committee is pleased to announce the awarding of two grants aimed at raising awareness and concern for the productivity of the Patuxent River and its life.

The PRAD committee, through proceeds from its annual October festival, makes grant awards to non-profit organizations that either provide educational programs or conduct research activities focusing on the Patuxent River or Patuxent River Basin.

The 2011 recipients were the Calverton School, which is running ongoing scientific sampling and discovery of the Patuxent River and the newly formed Purple Martin Club which will be located at the Calvert Marine Museum. Purple Martins have been pushed out of their habitat and require specific manmade housing to survive in today’s environment. Also awarded was the Patuxent Naval Air Museum for a War of 1812 exhibit.

Awards are made on a competitive basis by the PRAD, Inc. Board and do not exceed $1,000 per organization in any one year. The PRAD, Inc. Board includes members of the Calvert Marine Museum, Calvert Artist Guild, the Pa-Po-Peake Shrine Club, SMILE, and the Calvert County Watermen's Association.

Funding for this year’s PRAD grants will provide a host of programs to the community in efforts to help educate citizens about how to protect and about the importance of the Patuxent River to not only people but to its creatures as well.

Information for next year’s grants will be forthcoming in February of 2013.

301-932-4164

THER

APEDIC

www.EverythingAmish.net

Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Sunday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

7700 Leonardtown Road•Hughesville, Maryland 20637 • 1/2 Mile North of Hughesville Bypass

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, April 19, 2012

20

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.

Dinner and a Show ‘On Golden Pond’

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Using only a few pieces of furniture and a handful of props, the New Direction Community Theatre brings to life a summer cottage on the lake during their dinner theatre production of Ernest Thompson’s “On Golden Pond.”

“On Golden Pond” will premier at

Adam’s Ribs on April 21 at 6 p.m. and will run through May 6. Tickets are $30 and include dinner and a show.

The play is an introspective piece, not driven by a mystery or sudden twist but by the characters. For that reason, the actors have to portray believable people.

Randy Geck and Joanne McDonald are a great match as Norman and Ethel, an aging couple that are visiting to their summer home on Golden Pond.

McDonald and Geck bring the script to life, bantering back and forth like the old married couple they’re supposed to be – an “old poop” whose favorite topic of conversation is his imminent death and his wife, a strawberry picking woman who loves the loons on the lake and her husband, even when he’s getting on her nerves.

As the couple gets ready for Norman’s 80th birthday, they get word that their daughter Chelsea (played by Peggy Thomason) will be coming to visit.

She arrives with her new boyfriend Bill Ray (Dutch Detchemendy) and his son, 13-year-old Billy Ray, Jr. (Clark Elliott). When Billy Ray Jr. is left with Norman and Ethel for a month while his Bill Ray and Chelsea travel to Europe, he has a chance to bond with Norman in a way that Chelsea wished she could have

APRIL 27: PRIME RIB NIGHT WITH DOMINIC, BENJI, & FOX!!

Back by popular demand!!!

You asked for them, and we brought them back!!

Show starts at 8pm!

NO COVER! Delicious, juicy Prime Rib Dinner served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and sauteed vegetables!!

SOLOMONS, MARYLAND • Dowell Rd and Route 4

410-FYI-DUCK • www.RuddyDuckBrewery.com

Photos By Sarah Miller

done. Her own relationship with her father is strained to the point that she calls him by his first name.

Greg McMinn rounds out the cast as Chelsea’s old boyfriend Charlie.

The New Direction Community Theatre is a wandering troupe, performing in various venues throughout the county, but without a home stage. Director Phil Cosman said the group is hoping to find a permanent home in the future.

Currently, the group is going through “Hell Week,” Cosman said, where they do back to back dress rehearsals and iron out remaining kinks before the opening night.

The group in “On Golden Pond” is a mix of seasoned performers and newer faces. For stage manager Kelly RogersElliott, this is her first time in the posi-

tion. She said the whole thing has been a learning experience, and has been one of the first plays she has done since high school.

Thomason has been acting for seven years, often with the Alumni Actors for Our Lady Star of the Sea School fundraisers, along with McMinn. McMinn said he has been acting since he was 14.

“On Golden Pond” will be his second show in Southern Maryland.

McMinn said he and Thomason tried out for the play together.

“We sort of dragged each other to auditions,” he said.

Tickets are still on sale. There are 6 p.m. dinner performances and 2 p.m. lunch matinees.

“It’s never too late to buy tickets, we can always fit another person in,” Cosman said.

Adams Ribs is located at 2200 Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick.

For more information or reservations, call 443-624-4484. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

21

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, April 19, 2012

• Annmarie After Hours

Annmarie After Hours is set for Friday, April 20, 6 to 9 p.m. to celebrate the opening reception of My African-American Community: A Collection of Photographs and Stories, 2000-2010. This beautiful exhibit features the photography of William Poe, who has spent the last decade documenting the local African-American culture. If you are seeking an alternative, quieter outing from the grand opening of the Tiki Bar, come to Annmarie Garden.

Live music by Renée Fabian and light hors d'oeuvres by Canards Catering will make for an enjoyable and memorable evening.

Admission is $5 for non-members; $4 for members; reservations are not required. To learn more visit www.annmariegarden.org or call 410-326-4640.

• Free Rabies Vaccinations

The Calvert County Health Department is sponsoring rabies clinics in April offering a free three-year rabies vaccination for county pets.

Free clinics will be held at Patuxent High School on Saturday, April 21; and Huntingtown High School on Saturday, April 28. Clinics will be open from 12 to 2 p.m. Proof of prior vaccination is required.

Eligible pets include cats, dogs and ferrets in carriers or on leashes and muzzled if necessary. Feral or stray animals cannot be accommodated.

Calvert County pet licenses will also be available at the rabies clinics. Pet licenses are $7 for spayed or neutered pets (proof required) and $20 for those not spayed or neutered. For more information, call the Calvert County Health Department at 410535-5400 or 410-535-3922. Visit online at www.calverthealth.org.

• Vessel Exam

There will be a Vessel Exam Station in place on April 21, 2012 at The River’s End Marine Store located at 30 Shining Willow

Way La Plata, Md. The hours are 10 am to 2 pm.

Vessels Exams are free and the information stays with the boat owner. It is one of the first steps in being safe water. So if you can trailer your boat to the River’s End Store or just want stop by to talk about the Vessel Exam process, please do we would be very happy to see you. For more information, contact James Shawn Moore at 301 247-7238.

Free Comedy Night feat. David Wingfield and Jesse Thomas DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 8:30 p.m.

Live Music: “Mike Mead” Vera’s White Sands Beach Club (1200 White Sands Drive, Lusby) – 7 p.m.

Live Music: “No Green JellyBeanz” Olde Town Pub (22785 Washington Street, Leonardtown) – 7 p.m.

Friday, April 20 Live Music: “Renegade” Toot’s Bar (23971 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood) – 8 p.m.

Live Music: “Under the Covers” Vera’s White Sands Beach Club (1200 White Sands Drive, Lusby) – 8:30 p.m.

Live Music: “No Green JellyBeanz” Dew Drop Inn (23966 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood) – 9:30 p.m.

cious spaghetti supper at Our Lady of Sorrows Church on Sunday, April 29, 3-7pm.

Choose from 4 sauces and garlic bread and salad. Don't miss the bake table, plant raffle, and silent auction! Adults $10 advance / $11 at the door; Children 4-12 $5; family discounts.

Our Lady of Sorrows is on Owensville Road in West River. 410-867-1128.

• Sheriff’s Office House • PlanMaryland Info Forum Open Sheriff Mike Evans The League of Women Voters of Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties will present a community information forum on Tuesday, April 24 at 7 pm in Asbury~Solomons Retirement Community auditorium, 11100 Asbury Circle, Solomons, MD. Addressing the issues surrounding PLANMaryland are Rich Josephson, Director of Planning Services, MD Department of Planning; Charles Johnston, Director of Planning & Zoning, Calvert County; and Phillip Shire, Director of Land Use & Growth Management, St. Mary’s County.

These experts will provide information and answer questions from those in attendance.

For more information about the League of Women Voters go to www.lwvmd.org. or call Dr. Anne Mychalus, 410-326-6784.

• SMILE Benefit Concert

Put inspiration and vigor in your Sunday afternoon and attend the SMILE benefit spring concert by St. Maries Musica on Sunday, April 29 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Historic Catholic Church, Solomons, 3:00 p.m.

Billed as “Dazzling Brilliance: From Baroque to Broadway.” The concert is FREE but, as always, donations for SMILE are accepted gratefully.

• Everyone Loves Spaghetti

Help South County Faith Network to assist needy seniors by enjoying a deli-

Entertainment Calendar Thursday, April 19

Out&About

invites you and your family to join him and his staff on May 5, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Open House.

Please join us for live demonstrations from our K-9 Unit, Police Motors Unit, and Mountain Bike Patrol. There will be static displays and information tables from our Public Safety partners, Sheriff’s inspection, food court, vendors, dunk tank, fast pitch, and many other fun activities for children of all ages.

There will be plenty of convenient parking, so mark your calendar, and spend a fun filled day with Sheriff Evans and the men and women of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office at 30 Church Street Prince Frederick, Maryland.

dening questions and advice about plants suitable for your yard. There will also be planting activities for the children and rain barrels and compost bins for sale by the Calvert Lions Club.

• 3rd Annual Fallen Heroes Remembrance Ceremony

Join local EMS and Volunteer Firefighters in a remembrance ceremony honoring our fallen heroes on Saturday, May 19th at 10am. There will be a dedication for the newly installed Firefighters/EMS Memorial.

The Calvert County Fire and EMS Pipes and Drums will perform the song “Amazing Grace”. Reception will follow.

Rain or shine. Location is 3270 Broomes Island Rd. Port Republic, MD Direct all inquires to Chesapeake Highlands Memorial Gardens at 410-257-0544. www.chesapeakehighlands.com

• Master Gardeners Plant Sale

The Calvert County Master Gardener’s (CCMG) Annual Plant Sale and Gardening Fair will be held Saturday, May 5 from 8 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of the Community Resources Building, 30 Duke Street, Prince Frederick, across from the Prince Frederick Post Office. The plant sale will be held rain or shine.

This year’s plant sale will feature hundreds of plants grown

by Master Gardeners including perennials, herbs, annuals, heirloom vegetables and native plants. Get answers to your gar-

Dinner Theater: “On Golden Pond” Adam’s Ribs (2200 Solomon's Island Road, Prince Frederick) – 6 p.m.

Live Music: “No Luck for Landes” Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 8 p.m.

St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds (42455 Fairgrounds Road, Leonardtown) – 10 a.m.

Live Music: “Smoke Creek Rounders” Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 8 p.m.

Live Music: “The Sam Grow Band” Vera’s White Sands Beach Club (1200 White Sands Drive, Lusby) – 9:30 p.m.

Monday, April 23

Live Music: “Firm Roots” The Westlawn Inn (9200 Chesapeake Avenue, North Beach) – 7:30 p.m.

Live Music: “Pounding Sand” Cookie’s Hometown Sports Bar & Grill (41566 Medleys Neck Rd., Leonardtown) – 8 p.m.

Live Music: “One Louder” Calypso Bay Crab House (120 Charles Street, Solomons) – 6 p.m.

Saturday, April 21 Live Music: “Hydra FX” Rustic River Bar and Grill (40874 Merchants Lane, Leonardtown) – 8 p.m.

Live Music: “The Piranhas” Cryer’s Back Road Inn (22094 Newtowne Neck Road, Leonardtown) – 9 p.m.

Live Music: “R & R Train” Hole In the Wall Tavern (24702 Sotterley Road, Hollywood) – 9 p.m.

Comedy Night feat Mike Diesel and Dionne Alexander The Lexington Restaurant and Lounge (21736 Great Mills Road, Lexington Park) – 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 22 Free Concert feat. The St. Mary’s College of Maryland Choir, Chamber Singers & Orchestra Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (22375 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park)- 4 p.m.

19th Annual Blessing of the Bikes, Southern Maryland feat. “Snakebite”

Open Mic Night Rustic River Bar and Grill (40874 Merchants Lane, Leonardtown) – 5 p.m.

Team Trivia Night DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 24 Live Music: “Fair Warning” DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 5 p.m.

Open Mic Night Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 25 Free Screening: Tom Shadyac’s “I Am” Historic St. Mary’s City Visitor’s Center Auditorium (18751 Hogaboom Lane, St. Mary's City) – 6 p.m.

The Calvert Gazette

ner

e i d d i K Kor

CLUES ACROSS

Thursday, April 19, 2012

1. 1965 PGA Champion David 5. Pesetas (abbr.)

9. So. Am. treeless grassland 14. A fencing sword 15. Do over, as of a house 16. Confederate general Richard S. 17. Seamen 18. Honey bee genus 19. City in central Poland on the Mleczna 20. E. M. Forster novel 23. Jenny __, Swedish soprano 24. Illumined 25. Escargots 28. Surgical clamp 33. Maize 34. Ngerulmud is the Republic’s capital 35. __ Jima, WW II battlefield 36. Master copies 39. Jack of little fat 41. Apple or lemon meringue 42. Actress Zellwegger 43. At this place 44. Remunerations 46. Removes writing 48. Fit out a ship with sails, etc.

49. Elinor __, British novelist 50. M. Ali’s famous boast 57. Damascus is the capital 58. Worldly rather than spiritual 59. Winglike structures 60. Indicating silence 61. Myanmar monetary unit 62. 100 = 1 tala 63. Translucent, greenish variety of chalcedony 64. Impudence 65. Netherlands river

CLUES DOWN

22

1. Denotes change of position 2. So. Am. armadillo with 3 bands of bony plates 3. About aviation 4. Repairing worn shoes 5. Decapods 6. Having moderate heat 7. Almost horizontal entance to a mine 8. Somalian shilling (abbr.)

9. Penetrable 10. To be in store for 11. People of ancient Media 12. A way to work the soil 13. Air-launched missile 21. 1/1000 of an inch 22. ___ Mater, one’s school 25. Old English poet or bard 26. Persian wheel used to raise water 27. Spirit in “The Tempest” 28. Drag, cart or haul 29. If not; otherwise 30. Coverings for wheels 31. Having cognizance 32. Lugs 34. Sheet of glass in a window 37. Cause annoyance in 38. Sound of a horse 40. Apparition 45. Military land forces 46. Selects by votes 47. A shag rug made in Sweden 49. Anchovy pear tree 50. 8th Jewish calendar month 51. Blood clams genus 52. Benevolent and Protective Order of ____ 53. Birthplace of Buddhism Bodh ____ 54. Ancient Greek City aka Velia 55. Capital of Yemen 56. Golf ball pegs 57. Engine additive

23

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Trophy Season

By Keith McGuire Contributing Writer

The Ordinary

Angler

It’s kind of pointless for me to discuss anything but stripers this week because Saturday, April 21st, marks the beginning of the Trophy Rockfish Season in Maryland portions of the Chesapeake Bay (minus the tributaries) from Brewerton Channel south to the Virginia state boundary. The Potomac River Trophy Season is also starting this weekend from the Harry W. Nice Bridge (U.S. Rte. 301) south to the mouth of the river at Point Lookout. I hope you’re ready!

Reports are that there are plenty of fish out there to be caught. Those anglers who have participated in the catch and release season have hooked plenty of fish up to 46” long south to Point Lookout in the Bay and the Potomac River. Most of the pictures of spring stripers on Buzz’s Marina’s website (www.buzzsmarina. com) appear to be post-spawn beauties, which is a good thing for the fish.

There is some skepticism about whether the big fish will be here for long because of the early spring weather conditions. Other theories, based on a lack

A View From The

of sea lice on the fish and the mild winter that we’ve experienced, might indicate that the big girls have been here all winter and that they may move out in the first week or two of the trophy season. A few sage theorists have concluded that the big spawning migration hasn’t happened yet, which could mean a longer than normal season. We get the same prognostications every year as the fever to fish builds to opening day. My theory – We’ll know when we know!

I don’t have a good photo to include with the article this week. Many of you will, no doubt, have stories next week of a great fishing trip during the Trophy Season. Remember, a story without pictures is, well, just a story! If you catch a nice trophy and want to send me a picture, I will do my best to print the best ones in a future article. Here are a few tips for quality photos: - Hold the fish high across the angler’s chest (if that’s possible), and try to hold it at arm’s length (again, if possible). If the fish is held vertically, bring the head up high so that the whole fish is in the picture.

- Make sure the angler can be seen. Try not to cut off the top of the angler’s head.

- Make sure there are no obnoxious words or slogans on the angler’s hat or clothing.

- If it is sunny, make sure the sun is behind the person taking the picture. If

Bleachers

By Ronald N. Guy Jr. Contributing Writer

It’s been a shameful few weeks, sports fans. Instead of behaving like role models, our heroes have resembled boorish frat boys with an intelligence-sapping beer buzz and a thirst for mischief.

The figurative police blotter reads something like this…

The New Orleans “Saints”…how oxymoronic…are mired in the smelly wake of former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ tenure. Williams’ bounty system – a disturbing pay-for-injury program – scored him an indefinite suspension from the NFL and has left the Saints without their head coach for the season (Sean Payton was suspended for the upcoming season).

Ozzie Guillen, the habitually pottymouthed manager of the Miami Marlins, spewed ignorance and cultural insensitivity when he inexplicably praised Fidel Castro’s ability to survive 60 years of opposition. For his “enlightened”

rhetoric, Guillen was suspended for 5 games and will be left with the massive chore of healing his relationship with the Latin community.

Arkansas head football coach Bobby Petrino, a 51-year-old married father of four, wrecked his motorcycle and initially neglected to mention that his 25-year-old mistress was aboard. When faced with the release of the police report, Petrino finally came clean. Classy. His introduction now goes something like this: “Hi, I’m Bobby Petrino…I’m a liar, a cheating husband…and a recently unemployed football coach.”

And then there’s the cherry on the top of the sports world’s boob sundae: Tiger Woods. Once upon a time Woods’ performances at The Master’s were synonymous with record-setting performances, fist pumps and slipping on green jackets. This year, in the midst of an on-course meltdown, Woods paid homage to his inner “terrible two” and dropped kicked his club after an errant

Sp rts the angler’s face is darkened by shadow, have the angler remove his cap, or force the camera flash to work as the picture is taken.

- Unlike most of my photos, ask the angler to remove his or her sunglasses.

- Make sure the angler smiles like they’ve just won the lottery! A big smile highlights the accomplishment like nothing else can.

- If you’ve got one of those cameras that includes a date stamp in the photo, please turn it off.

Flounder season opened in Maryland last Saturday. I have no reports from our section of the Bay at this early point in time, but the coastal regions are red hot!

Croakers continue to be caught by shore anglers off Point Lookout, and the commercial guys are rumored to be catching good numbers in their nets.

Snakeheads are being caught all over the Charles and Prince George’s County sections of the Potomac.

Remember to take a picture and send me your story at riverdancekeith@gmail. com. riverdancekeith@hotmail.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.

Expectation Management

shot. Ahhh yes…Tiger Woods… the ultimate gentlemen for a gentlemen’s sport.

Interesting then that the mature counterbalance to this collection of pompous gray-bearded scoundrels that ought to know better is two youngsters not quite at the dawn of their professional careers. That dawn will arrive with the first two picks in the upcoming NFL Draft when Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III (RGIII) are selected - likely in that order. It seems the Colts and ‘Skins, holders of the first two picks, will acquire the rarest of NFL assets: an ultra-talented young quarterback without a blemish on his character resume. In the intense spotlight of today’s sports coverage (one I’m glad won’t illuminate my past), both young men consistently say and do the right things and, given the absence of dirt on either one, apparently have always done so. They are remarkable and refreshing young lads, particularly considering the behavior of the aforementioned stooges (all apologies to Larry, Curly and Moe).

After two miserable decades of very sporadic success and bad quarterback play, RGIII’s likely arrival in D.C. has ‘Skins fans in a full lather. Anticipating his diverse skill-set in burgundy and gold has inflated the hope-meter to levels not seen since Joe Gibbs returned – and rightfully so. RGIII behind center, in this quarterback-dominated era,

raises the possibility that the ‘Skins will become something they haven’t been since Gibbs’ first tenure: perennial contenders. Gasp! I know, right? Crazy talk. The ‘Skins have had good quarterbacks…long, long ago…but never anyone with the skills of this guy. RGIII is more mobile than Joe Theismann, has a deep ball as sweet as Mark Rypien’s, appears to have Sonny Jurgensen’s bravado and is as unflappable in the moment as Doug Williams (I’ll withhold any comparison to Sammy Baugh until I see him punt and play cornerback).

With that said, I’ll offer this plea: pump the brakes on the expectations sled. The hysteria makes it easy to forget RGIII will arrive as a 22-year-old rookie with a lot to learn and, despite his poise, no comprehension of ‘Skins nation’s justifiable desperation for a franchise savior. The adjustment will take him, like any new arrival to a team or organization, time. Permit him this. Be patient. Create an environment that promotes his comfort and growth. Ignore the radio and print sharks that will inevitably pick him apart like the great fish in Hemmingway’s Old Man and Sea. RGIII will succeed – his talent and intangibles are too great not to – as long as our expectations don’t overwhelm him.

Send comments to rguyjoon@yahoo. com

Choose Your Route to Savings The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, April 19, 2012

24

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