2012-05-24 Calvert Gazette

Gazette Calvert

May 24, 2012

Priceless

Everything Calvert County

‘Because Their Spirits Aren’t Broken’ Page 12

Photo By Sean Rice

The Calvert Gazette

Also Inside 3 County News

Thursday, May 24, 2012

2

On T he Cover

10 Newsmaker 11 Education 12

Feature Story

14 Obituaries 16 Letters

education

Prince Frederick Rotary Scholarship Committee Chairman Gene Karol, left, with scholarship winners Alexandria Vendemia, Kelly Collins, Emily Allan, and Carol Keller. Each student received a $2,000 scholarship.

17 Business 18 Community 20 Entertainment 21

Out & About

22 Games 23 Sports

county

QBH St M County TImes Half Ad:Layout 1 3/1/11 3:28 PM Page 1 Members of the Calvert County Republican Central Committee and guests talk at the 2012 Lincoln Reagan Day Dinner on Thursday at the Hall in Huntingtown.

Joyce Darnell, center, launched Pets With Disabilities after one of her dogs suffered a broken back and putting the down was the only alternative offered. At right is Sharon Sirkis, who coordinates fundraising for the non-profit.

MHBR No. 103

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Thursday, May 24, 2012

COUNTY NEWS

The Calvert Gazette

Audit Claims Chambers Acted Inappropriately

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The decisions of Calvert Board of Education vice chair William Chambers while acting as the top manager at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro have been scrutinized and found to be highly questionable in an audit report from the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

Chambers retired from the management position at the arena abruptly last year after 32 years with the organization.

According to the audit, Chambers authorized as much as $40,000 over a six-year period to be used to benefit many charitable and non-profit groups, but none more than the United Way of Calvert County at $9,276.

That organization is under the leadership of Chambers’ wife, Kelly Chambers.

The report outlined these numbers as evidence of “improper and excessive hospitality expenditures.”

One instance found by auditors showed that the arena incurred hospitality expenses

William Chambers

for a staff members’ family party to celebrate a high school graduation, “which is obviously an improper expenditure.”

The report went on to say the costs were reimbursed during the investigation but the incident “nevertheless suggests a dangerous sense of personal entitlement.”

That incident did not detail those involved but the audit immediately follows up by chiding Chambers directly for his management decisions.

“Similarly, although we have no doubt that the work of the United Way of Calvert County is laudable, the president and CEO of this organization is the spouse of the former Show Place manager who authorized the hospitality expenditures as indicated above for that group,” the audit reads. “According to the documents we reviewed, the organization has rented the Show Place Arena for several years to hold an annual fundraising gala, and the revenue generated for these events is about $11,000 in recent years.

“Apparently, the facility manager would routinely provide an open bar during part of these events without charge, costing the facility an average of $1,300 per year for the seven years included.”

Chambers said that the arrangement with the Calvert United Way was “100 percent above board” and that rate structures and fees charged to any entity were approved by the park and planning commission.

He said that during the investigation he was never allowed to see any of the findings until they were released to the public.

“I served honorably for 32 years … everything was above board,” Chambers said. “I would stand by the decisions made in advertising and marketing.”

Chambers said that the arena grew to become a venue that had between $25 million to $30 million in economic impact for Prince George’s and surrounding counties.

“It started out as a real white elephant and turned into a

real economic engine,” Chambers said.

The United Way also received Bowie Baysox tickets, according to staff e-mails reviewed by auditors, “for the stated purpose of rewarding the staff of the facility manager’s spouse.”

This was often accomplished by a process of “bundling” in expenses that personally benefited arena staff with those that were deemed legitimate advertising packages, some of which may not have been improper, the audit stated.

Still much of this was accomplished because of a lack of oversight, the audit stated.

Some of these advertising transactions, however, were questionable at best, the report stated.

These included “valuable tickets” for sporting, social and political events that were intentionally bundled into payments for advertising packages. Sometimes these tickets found there way into the hands of arena staff’s family members, the report stated.

Staff also “coached third parties into composing invoice language and terms in ways that effectively concealed the true nature of advertising payments — bundling valuable tickets, golf apparel and undocumented travel expenses under advertising sponsorship.”

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extended to concealing the true nature of advertising payments that actually covered open bars, booze cruises, memberships and charitable donations, the audit showed.

The audit was first sparked by an employee whistleblower who made allegations of policy violations at the arena back in July 2011. The Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s Internal Audit Division (IAD) then began an investigation.

Eventually six members of the arena staff were placed on paid administrative leave, three promptly retired.

By September of last year, however, IAD reported to their superiors that it intended to terminate the investigation because of “the potential for undue influence and threats resulting in impaired independence — all originating outside of the Commission.”

The threats were not specified in the report, but the audit revealed that there were efforts by arena employees to deliberately hinder the investigation by deleting related e-mails.

Officials at park and planning then hired the law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer and Feld LLP to take up the work were IAD had left off.

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COUNTY NEWS

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, May 24, 2012

4

Court to Interpret Dominion/Sierra Agreement

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer

Gary L. Sypolt in a statement. “We have a long history of working with our environmental partners at Cove Point. Although the Sierra Club has chosen not to work with us in this instance, we are confident we are right and believe the best time to resolve this issue is now.”

Sierra Club Associate Attorney Craig Segall said the Sierra Club prepared for a day in court.

“It’s not surprising, obviously we disagree over what the contract means,” Segall said.

He said the Sierra Club expects to be able to express their complaints along with Dominion, then a judge will make the final ruling.

Dominion Spokesperson Dan Donovan said they will be moving ahead with the project while waiting for the official ruling. He said as part of their pre-filing with the Federal Energy Regulation Commission, Dominion will be holding a series of informational

The saga between Dominion Energy Cove Point and the Sierra Club continues as Dominion seeks a judgment regarding the Sierra Club’s authority to block its proposed expansion.

Dominion filed a complaint Friday for declaratory judgment in response to an erroneous claim by the Sierra Club that the club has the authority to block the expansion, a press release reads.

The plain language of a 2005 agreement, to which Dominion and the Sierra Club are parties, specifically permits all the activities related to the planned liquefaction project, Dominion said in a complaint filed with the Circuit Court of Calvert County.

“This project is of immense value to Calvert County, the state of Maryland and the United States,” said Dominion Energy CEO

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Construction of the liquefaction project is expected to begin in 2014, with an in-service date in 2017.

At the end of March, Dominion signed binding precedent agreements with two

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The North Beach Town Council will get a briefing at its June meeting on a vital project that aims to construct a protective dike on 9th Street in the northern stretch of town to prevent flooding of nearby homes.

John Hofmann, the town’s project engineer, said the review will bring the council up to speed on the project, which is currently in its engineering and planning phases.

Hofmann said the project should be under $250,000 in costs.

“Hopefully it will be far below that,” he said.

Town Council member Randy Hummel said the dike project is part of the

overall wetlands restoration project that protects the marshlands that the town recently acquired as part of an U.S. Army Corp of Engineers effort.

Planning for the dike started about 10 years ago, Hummel told The Calvert Gazette, but had fallen away from interest in the intervening years.

However, with continued beach erosion it has become easier for water to flood over into the marshland which in turn impacts several homes, making the project essential, he said.

“It’s gotten progressively worse over the years,” Hummel said. “But [the dike project] should cut back on nuisance flooding.” guyleonard@countytimes.net

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By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Twin Shield’s Golf Course is slated to become a housing development, once the community and the developer come to an agreement about which road will be used for construction traffic.

In a submitted petition, 113 homeowners asked to make Roarty Road a public road and to confine all construction traffic to it. Several homeowners from Lyons Creek Hundred, Twin Shields Estates and other adjacent properties said the existing public road, Shields Drive, would need to be upgraded before it can handle the additional construction traffic and, eventually, traffic from the subdivision.

Department of Public Works Director Terry Carlson said it is easier said than done to make the private access road, designed for light traffic, into a public road.

“We don’t support or deny a subdivision,” Carlson said.

“We look out for public safety.”

The developer agreed to table the subject in order to conduct further safety studies and discuss possible options for inflow and outflow of construction traffic.

In the latest of a long list of things to review and revise, Rural Planner Veronica Cristo brought forward the Agriculture Preservation Rules and Regulations for a long overdue update.

“We’re blowing the dust off them and we’d like to revise them,” Cristo said.

She said some of the changes will clean up language and close loopholes in regard to the county’s Transferred Development Rights (TDRs).

“It’s a neat program to administer,” Cristo said, adding that she has spoken to people from Canada, North Carolina and even Australia about the county’s TDR program.

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The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, May 24, 2012

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The Calvert Gazette

Textile

Recycling

Collection Day

Saturday, June 2•8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Huntingtown High School

• Fabrics • Clothes • Shoes • Bed Linens • Stuffed Animals • And more

Thursday, May 24, 2012

COUNTY NEWS

6

Teen Steps Up To Help Other Teens

Clothing and other materials must be clean and dry.

Damp or mildewed items will not be accepted. Textile recycling is accepted year-round at all of the county convenience centers.

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Miranda Reichard, left, Kaitlin Harbin, Cameron Forrest and Juliet Collins sell Chinese wish lanterns to those coming to Vera’s Beach Club.

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer Miranda Reichard had two friends commit suicide leaving her feeling helpless and frustrated.

“No one wants to hear about someone who feels the need to take their life,” said Reichard. “I would have done anything if I’d known they were feeling hopeless.”

She discovered while there is a Teen dedicated Crisis Hotline in Calvert County, funding to keep it open 24/7 was lacking so she and her mother, Susan, decided to plan a fundraising event.

On Sunday, the owners of Vera’s Beach Club provided the space for community members to come in and sell their wares, provide information and generally raise awareness about the availability of the crisis hotline.

“I didn’t know there was a hotline, I figured most other teens don’t either,” Reichard said.

Reichard’s grandmother, Rita Kovak, came up from Florida solely to support Reichard.

“I’m so proud of her,” said Kovak Part of the activities to raise funds included a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, donations from the vendors and a tour of Vera Freeman’s home.

Jessica Koehn said she makes cake pops and “cowboy and cowgirl” cookies to raise money for various causes – mostly Relay for Life. She came out to support her friends, the Reichards.

Initially only three hours of tours where scheduled, however towards the end of the day Reichard said, “The tours are so popular that we are thinking about adding a 4 o’clock (tour).”

Bernadette Villa-Morris, Community Health & Guidance Educator, manned the Calvert Health Department booth at the fundraiser.

“We are finding teens who have no hope. We are here today to tell everyone about our programs helping the young people to know that it is okay to ask for help,” said Villa-Morris.

The Calvert County Teen Crisis Hotline is 410-257-2216.

Reichard hopes to start a club at Patuxent High School next year to support teens who feel hopeless – whether from abuse, depression, bad home situations, or stress – that there are people and resources available.

Joy Kolenda, independent consultant for Thirty One, is one of several local businesses which came to help raise money for teen suicide prevention.

corrin@sompublishing.net

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Thursday, May 24, 2012

The Calvert Gazette

COUNTY NEWS

What to Expect As a Juror In Calvert County

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer (This is Part 1 of a two part series about jury duty in the county.)

“We try our best to make sure you have something to do,” Bonnie Weise recently told a pool of approximately 100 potential jurors receiving orientation prior to an attempted murder trial.

These men and women had already gone through the first “qualification” process. Weise sends out about 300-325 notices each month in order to have between 100 and 150 jurors for the attorneys to question and select for both civil and criminal jury duty.

“We only have about two or three trials per month. If we don’t have to call (citizens) in, we try not to,” said Weise.

Kathy P. Smith, Clerk of the Courts, said that some jurisdictions have the policy called “One trial, one day.” However, since Calvert doesn’t have enough citizens to pull from, Smith said they cannot offer this.

Currently, once a year her office

pulls names out of a database populated with names from the Department of Motor Vehicles and Voter Registration. These names are the ones draw from throughout the year. The four weeks of potential jury duty runs from the third Monday of the month to the second Friday of the month.

“We’ve considered having a pool available for two weeks at a time, but that also means that people could be called in more often,” said Smith.

Just because a citizen comes into court and sits through several jury selection processes doesn’t exempt them from being called back again later in the year.

“They have to serve on a jury before they can be exempt. It is possible to be called in five times. It all depends on whether they (the attorneys) want you are not,” said Weise.

“We just have to make sure they have a pool,” said Weise, who indicated after she confirms they all have arrived and receive their orientation, she leaves the rest to the judge and attorneys.

After pulling names for the year, and then from that pool each month, Weise sends out a qualification questionnaire.

During the initial qualification process, a person will check one of the boxes which indicate they are not qualified to serve on a jury in Calvert. Things which will disqualify someone include no longer being a resident of the county, not being a citizen of the United States, currently in the judicial system for civil or criminal cases, and medical issues. All of the disqualifications need documentation.

There are exemptions too. These include being a full-time college student, active duty military, an elected official to the federal legislative branch, or deceased.

Citizens can request exemptions because they are over 70 years old or have served on a jury in the past three years.

However, they can also choose to remain in the jury pool.

Finally, someone can request a postponement or excusal.

“Maybe it is a bad month for them, or they have travel plans,” said Kathy P. Smith, Clerk of the Court. “We try to work with everyone.”

Because her office pulls data from voter registration and department of motor vehicles, they find most citizens feel it is

their civic duty to participate in jury duty.

It is when jurisdictions pull from income tax records or other sources, that resistance to jury duty comes.

“Whether we pull from voter registration or tax records, it is still their civic duty,” laughed Weise.

Smith said it is rare to call in the sheriff’s office to hunt down unresponsive potential jurists. But if they have to, a deputy will track them down. It may be they moved or are deceased. However, if they are just reluctant, the deputy comes with the questionnaire in hand and waits for the citizen to complete it before bringing it back to the Clerk’s office.

On the day of jury selection, if they don’t appear, Weise said a phone call is often enough to remind them to come to court. But again, a sheriff’s deputy can be dispatched. Then the citizen could face fines and jail time.

The Clerk’s website has very detailed information about jury duty at http://www. courts.state.md.us/clerks/calvert/index. html corrin@somdpublishing.net

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COUNTY NEWS

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer When the state first began talking about shifting the cost of teacher pensions to the local level, the counties braced for the inevitability high cost to come.

Now, after a special legislative session, the so-called Doomsday Budget is gone, the pension shift has happened, and the counties are dealing with the fallout.

In Calvert, the shift was anticipated and already worked into the budget. Calvert Director of Budget and Finance Tim Hayden said the outcome was “the one we were betting on” and will cost the county an additional $2,835,938 next year.

Some of the revenue will come from income tax increases, Hayden said. Between the state and the county level, Calvert is anticipating $1.7 million in additional revenue from that source, Hayden said.

He said the pension shift model that was passed was the one that was nearly passed in April when legislatiors ran out of time, and the county had already written it into the budget.

In a big win for the schools, the Geographic Cost of Education Index (GCEI) was put back into the state’s budget.

“That’s the good new that comes

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, May 24, 2012

8

Win-Loose Situation From Special Session

out if it,” Hayden said, adding Calvert’s schools stand to get $2.3 million through CGEI. Calvert County Public Schools Policy and Communication Specialist Gail Hoerauf-Bennett said the GCEI is additional money for schools in areas with a greater cost of living, such as in the Washington, D.C. metro area. She said the funding was in the governors proposed budget, but not in the “Doomsday Budget”.

She said the shift is on par with what had been nearly decided in April and didn’t have any surprises.

“From Calvert County’s perspective, it’s good they recovered and got it done,” Hayden said.

Delegate Tony O’Donnell (R-29C) said he wasn’t pleased to see the shift happen.

“It didn’t need to happen,” he said.

“Unfortunately, shifting of teacher pensions at this time, in my opinion, will force local governments to increase taxes.”

He said even without the extra GCEI funding, school funding is at historically high levels. The increased taxes will only serve to increase economic pressure on taxpayers, and he said the legislation should be balancing funding edu-

cation against not bankrupting the state community.

He said the shift was not uniformly seen as a good thing, with a final vote of 77 for and 60 against.

“The opposition was bi-partisan,” O’Donnell said, adding that measures to

decrease the impact to local governments will only last one year before they too are gone, asking even more money of them in the next year. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Prosecutors Hope High Court Will Settle DNA Issue

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Local prosecutors expect state Attorney General Douglas Gansler to take the issue of collecting criminal suspects’ DNA to the U.S. Supreme Court after Maryland’s own Court of Appeals announced Friday it would not reconsider its verdict that states taking and cataloguing suspects’ DNA who have not yet been convicted is unconstitutional.

“I’m not surprised, I think it will go to the Supreme Court,” said Calvert State’s Attorney Laura Martin. “We’re all going to be watching that case.”

Martin said that there are more than 20 states that allow DNA collection from suspects charged with violent crimes and taking away that tool from law enforcement hampers their efforts to link suspects with other unsolved cases.

The Court of Appeals decision brought a halt to such collection last month with widespread protests not only from prosecutors but from police departments as well.

Martin said she believes the nation’s High Court would bring down the state’s ruling.

She said she did not see any difference between taking DNA samples and the established practice of taking fingerprints.

“It won’t be the first time the Supreme Court has overturned a Court of Appeals decision,” Martin said.

The case that led to the courts decision, King v. State, involved a man from Wicomico County arrested on charges of first- and second-degree assault. When DNA taken from Alonzo King on those

initial charges, without conviction, was used to link him to a 2003 sexual assault it eventually resulted in his being convicted of rape and sentenced to life in prison.

But a majority of the court ruled that “an arrestee’s expectation of privacy to be free from warrantless, suspicionless searches of his/her biological material outweighed, on the facts of this case, the government’s purported interest in using a second method to identify King, when, in actuality, the obtention of the biological material was intended by the state to be used for general investigatory purposes.”

The dissenting judges stated the majority of the court erred in “over-inflating” the arrestee’s expectation of privacy in the case.

St. Mary’s State’s Attorney Richard Fritz said a Supreme Court decision would settle once and for all the debate between the states that allowed the collection of DNA and those that banned it on a Fourth Amendment protections basis.

“It’s something the Supreme Court should take up. There’s a split of authority and it does involve a constitutional issue.”

“The question is whether it’s [taking a swab from someone’s mouth] invasive or non-invasive,” Fritz said, noting that strip searches being a requirement for entrance into prison was accepted by the courts while a simple sampling had caused so much controversy.

“But you can’t put a swab in someone’s mouth?” Fritz asked. “How is it invasive?”

“It’s no more invasive than what you have to go through to get on an airplane.” guyleonard@countytimes.net

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Thursday, May 24, 2012

The Calvert Gazette

COUNTY NEWS Republicans Rally at Annual Dinner

Photos by Sarah Miller Members of the Calvert County Republican Central Committee gather at the Annual Lincoln-Regan Day Dinner.

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer

Delegate Mark Fisher (R-27B)

Delegate Anthony O’Donnell (R-29C)

Candidate for US Senate Dan Bongino

Local Republicans were fired up about the recently concluded special session and the upcoming elections during the 2012 Lincoln Reagan Day Dinner on Thursday at the Hall in Huntingtown.

“We’ve got to send Obama back to Chicago,” said Calvert County Republican Central Committee (CCRCC) Frank McCabe during his opening address to the crowd.

He said there has been a steady increase in the number of registered voters in Calvert, and registered Republicans overall.

Delegate Mark Fisher (R-27B) briefed the crowd on the special session, telling them legislation passed showed the Democrats are “against expansion,” passing bills that increase taxes, especially for individuals in a higher earning bracket, and “discouraging growth” in general.

“This has got to stop and this has got to stop right now,” Fisher said.

Delegate Tony O’Donnell (R-29C) echoed Fishers address, saying that unless action is taken to prevent it, “there is no guarantee that we can save this nation, this world, from slipping into 1,000 years of darkness.” Between the teacher pension shift from the state to the counties and increased taxes, the state is in a downward spiral, and there will be nothing left for the coming generations.

Keynote speaker and Candidate for the US Senate Dan Bongino said the democrats always use the argument of what’s fair and unfair, but nothing about the current administration is fair to the average citizens.

“This is our fight, the fairness fight,” he said.

Under the Democratic administration, he said it a guarantee that the nation’s children and grandchildren will be “buried in debt.”

“We’re spending money with no value behind it whatsoever,” he said. “We don’t have it.”

He said he’s confident the country can get turned around. “We’re Americans,” he said. “We can fix everything, we always have.” What worries him is the path to turn the economy around.

He said he is also concerned about rising energy prices, and said instead of using tax money to build windmills that may or may not work, he said the focus should be on getting prices under control.

Also during the meeting, the CCRCC named their man and woman of the year, Judy Randall and Calvert Steuart. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Newsmakers

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, May 24, 2012

‘Tea inCELEBRATION the Garden at Point Farm’

10

The Songbirds, a quartet plus one, was one of entertainment acts for the afternoon.

While the formal ‘Tea in the Garden at Point PLANNING GUIDE Farm’ did not require formal attire, nearly 100

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer

Women, grandmothers, mothers and daughters sipped tea and nibbled on cucumber sandwiches while overlooking the Patuxent River at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum on sunny Sunday afternoon.

women (and two men) did come dressed for high tea. Most of the women wore floral dresses, straw hats topped with flowers, and fancy hair pieces.

Two women wore silk gloves up to their elbows and both men wore pastel colored shirts in keeping with the spirit of the tea and Jefferson Patterson’s

Photos by Corrin M. Howe

MedStar St. Mary’s is hosting its

25th National Cancer Survivors’ Day Picnic on June 3 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on the hospital grounds and you’re invited.

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Come learn how surviving cancer is an attitude about life and living each day to the fullest.

You’ll find our community’s event filled with joy, camaraderie, hope, and love as we honor cancer survivors. We will also recognize the contributions of their families, friends and healthcare providers.

Good Southern Maryland cooking will be available

formal garden.

Betty Seifert, curator, said the tea in the garden is an annual fundraiser.

This year the money raised will help purchase wrought iron gates and possibly refinish the wrought iron sunroom furniture in the Pat- Toni Healy, in pink, goes through the buffet line with her daughter, Patra. terson home.

“The gate at the formal entrance was struck by a truck,” she said.

The other gate was at the entrance of the garden, off to the side of the home’s entrance.

Rose Greely, the first female licensed architect in Washington, D.C., designed the gardens for the Patterson’s Point Farm home during 1933-1935.

Seifert said volunteers have given their time working in the garden but bigger projects require financial and in-kind support. The goal is to complete restoration of the garden and make it available to the public, and for special occasions.

Former Maryland Delegate Sue Kullen said she had picked up poison ivy after spending about five hours in the garden. Her husband, Steve, was one of the two men who sat down to tea, while the other men on the grounds seemed to prefer to be in the background carrying items back and forth to the tent.

Arleen Strider brought her two daughters, Emma and Erin, who said they were enjoying the tea very much.

Patra Healey, who wore black silk gloves, has participated in teas in London and New York with her mother, Toni.

Seifert was pleased with the turnout, saying that while they had requested ticket sales in advance, a good number of guests purchased tickets at the door and everyone was able to receive enough tea and food.

For additional information visit www.jefpat.org. Or call Betty Seifert at 410-586-8578. corrin@somdpublishing.net

for all! For more information call 301-475-6070.

Left to right: Arleen Strider, Emma Strider and Erin Strider, chose to sit under a tree instead of the banquet tent.

11

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Golden Key Society Inducts Local Student Kyle McQuighan of Chesapeake Beach has accepted membership in Golden Key International Honour Society and was honored during a recent ceremony at University of Maryland.

“It is only fitting that a top academic achiever like Kyle be recognized

by Golden Key,” said William W. Asbury, Board of Directors Chair. “Our members are inspired and motivated not only to achieve exceptional academic accomplishment, but also to make a positive impact on our world through the Society’s commitment to service.”

Kyle McQuighan is a 2008 graduate of Huntingtown High School, son of James and Priscilla McQuighan of Chesapeake Beach. He will graduate from the R. H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland in College Park in May 2012.

Golden Key International Honour Society provides academic recognition to top-performing college and university students, as well as scholarships and award, career and internship opportunities, networking, service and leadership development opportunities.

For more information on Golden Key, please visit www.goldenkey.org.

Northern High Students Show their Financial Chops

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Four Northern High School (NHS) seniors got one last hurrah in before leaving school - Kerry McGowan, Mary Brooke Umhau, Photo courtesy of Martha Umhau Katherine Stiles and Alexander Kerry McGowan, Mary Brooke Umhau, Katherine Stiles Fowler placed and Alexander Fowler at the Personal Finance Challenge. third in the national Personal Finance Challenge in St. Louis.

The national competition on May 14 came after the students took first in the state challenge April 17 under the tutelage their teacher sponsor, NHS Business Department teacher Bernadette Hager. Media Center Instructional Assistant Martha Umhau and NHS Vice Principal Trey Sirman accompanied the students on the overnight trip to Missouri.

Martha Umhau said the students were tested individually and as a group, and tied for third place among the teams from 14 different states.

“The National Personal Finance Challenge is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge of Personal Finance by competing with other students across the nation in a three-round competition,” the Personal Finance Challenge website reads.

Students were tested in knowledge of insurance, credit card debt and other personal finance areas.

“It’s more than just how to balance your checkbook,” Umhau said.

She said the students’ showing in the competition demonstrated how strong the Personal Finance courses are in the county. Next year, Calvert will be joining other counties statewide to make a personal finance component mandatory for graduation. Umhau said the class of 2017 will be the first to graduate with the requirement.

Getting the students to Missouri was a group effort, Umhau said. The Maryland Council on Economic Education underwrote the cost for the flight and hotel, and the NHS administration helped with the rest of the costs.

For more information, visit www.financechallenge.org. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

The Calvert Gazette

Spotlight On

Appeal, Patuxent Elementary Host First Combined Yard Sale

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer

event for the schools, Owens said. A similar event is the fall fair in October with safe trick or treating for children and activities for families.

Appeal and Patuxent Elementary School split up nearly all the children from the Chesapeake Ranch Estates, Owens said, with Patuxent taking Kindergarten through second grade and Appeal taking third through fifth grade. All totaled, Owens said the school divides approximately 1,000 students.

Appeal and Patuxent are the only schools in the county that subdivide the elementary grade students, she said.

Taking advantage of the warm weekend, the ParentTeacher Associations from Appeal and Patuxent Elementary hosted the schools’ first ever combined yard sale Saturday morning.

Families paid for their spaces at the sale, and the money went directly to benefit the schools, said Kim Owens with the Patuxent PTA. Profits from the items sold went to the seller. The PTA also took donations and sold scented pencils, Photos by Sarah Miller something Owens said is a hot Anthony Shir makes a sale to Barbara sarahmiller@countytimes.net item among students. She de- Matthews. scribed the yard sale as an effort to let the community know the schools work closely together.

This sale raised $115 to be divided between the schools. Kathy Patton, Vice President of Appeal’s PTA, said they weren’t sure what to expect form the sale.

“We tried to advertise as much as we could … we were probably hoping for a little more, but I didn’t really have any [expectations],” she said.

She said there were listings on SOMD.com and Facebook to advertise the sale and encourage people to buy spaces.

The yard sale was the first combined spring The Appeal and Patuxent Elementary inaugural spring yard sale.

Prince Frederick Rotary Recognizes Students

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer The Rotary Club of Prince Frederick took time to highlight outstanding youths from local high schools during their regular meeting Monday evening.

For students preparing to enter college, finding money is a challenge. The Rotary Club awarded four graduating students with $2,000 scholarships.

“We believe all children should be educated to the limit of their ability,” said Scholarship Committee Chairman Gene Karol. He explained the students each had to submit essays with their applications and they were chosen out of a pool of more than 100 applicants. Those were whittled down to eight, then the four award recipients.

The students receiving the scholarships represent “the best of the best” of Calvert students, Karol Photo by Sarah Miller said. He said the Rotary Club, as well as the students’ Rotary Scholarship Committee Chairman Gene Karol, left, parents, were proud of how much the students have with scholarship winners Alexandria Vendemia, Kelly Collins, Emily Allan, and Carol Keller. achieved before even graduating from high school.

The scholarship winners were Huntingtown as officers for the Patuxent High School Interact Club High School seniors Emily Allan, Alexandria Ven- with the help of Interact Club Supervisor and Patuxdemia and Carol Keller and Calvert High School se- ent Spanish Teacher Anna Price. nior Kelly Collins.

Patuxent High School NJROTC student Ricardo Allan and Vendemia will be attending Univer- Fabila also received special recognition during the sity of Maryland College Park, Keller will be attend- meeting. Past Rotary Club President Stovy Brown ing Cornell University and Collins will be going to gave Fabila the community service award in recogniGettysburg College. tion of his 87 hours of service.

“Our club’s extremely proud and pleased to Fabila said he has volunteered at Appeal Elaward these scholarships,” Karol said. ementary School, Annmarie Gardens and “anywhere In addition to the scholarship awards, Rotary that I was needed.”

President Martha Canfield oversaw the installation of Ruth Cooper, Sophie Lellis-Petrie and Kate Barrett sarahmiller@countytimes.net

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, May 24, 2012

12

STORY

Pets with Disabilities Founded ‘Because Their Spirits Aren’t Broken’

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer A large white dog with tan patches paces inside the double gate entry with her tail wagging eager to great guests. Megan was the first to the fence as Joyce Darnell, her owner, and Annie, a golden haired mix, followed behind.

Megan enthusiastically greets the guest to Pets with Disabilities’ home in Prince Frederick. Once she is done, she runs off ahead of everyone, as the party returns to the barn to meet the other rescued disabled pets awaiting homes.

“Megan is our temperament dog,” said Darnell, co-founder of the organization. “A dog comes in that Megan doesn’t like, the dog doesn’t stay.”

Megan is blind, but it is hard to tell by the way she navigates the yard and barn.

Darnell said Megan is the self-appointed Mayor of Pets with Disabilities taking it upon herself to greet all guests – human or canine.

Annie and Ernie, two wheelchair dogs, were also among the greeting party. Ernie is a medium size white ball of fluff. Annie has the face reminiscent of a German Shepherd but is golden like a Retriever and runs like a Greyhound despite not having use of her hind legs.

“Annie comes to us from Granada,” said Darnell. “A veterinary school was clos-

Joyce with Ernie

ing for a break and was faced with a decision of finding her a home or euthanizing her. They went on line and found us. I’ll take animals from anywhere as long as they can get them to me.”

With a glowing face and smile Darnell said she was able to rescue and adopt out 50 dogs this year. However, later in the hour she also swallowed hard and admitted this had been a tough month as a number of her ‘seniors’ died. One was due to cancer.

Duke was the beginning

Darnell said something good always comes out of something bad. In this case, she and her husband, Michael Dickerson rescued Duke, a six month old white headed shepherd mix. He broke his back while playing two months later. When Darnell and Dickerson couldn’t find anywhere to turn for help, they started their own campaign to raise awareness and be a resource for others.

“Wheelchair dogs are always the first to be euthanized.”

Duke’s injury was in 2000. By 2003 they formed a non-profit organization.

Dickerson continues to work full-time to support his family, while Darnell provides full-time care for the dogs.

In their backyard is a two story barn which houses some of the pets waiting for their “forever homes.” Most people might call the sections dividing the dogs’ living

Megan is blind.

space “stalls” or “pens” but Darnell calls them “apartments.” Once inside the barn it is easy to see why.

Above each apartment hangs framed colored photos of dogs and decorative shelves of collectible lunch boxes. Looking over the wooden walls into the apartment one sees a futon like bed with bedding and a steel water bowl. More than that, the lightcolored wood floors are immaculate. Then the realization sinks in. The ‘barn’ doesn’t smell like a barn at all. In fact, it doesn’t smell like animals live in the structure.

In the back of the barn, behind the apartments, are racks of towels and bedding, a washer and dry set, and a room off to the side that secures all the food and medication for daily care of the dogs.

Darnell gives every “apartment” a top to bottom cleaning – daily. She also does intermittent cleaning three times a day. Morning, afternoon and evening. As she cleans, the dog has the chance to play outside in the large fenced in area.

Annie

And a significant amount of time is spent keeping the peace. With as many as 20-25 dogs in her care at any time, she said their personalities are bound to clash.

She has two Border Collies living in her house that bicker like a married couple.

The female is wheelchair bound while the male is deaf. The barking, she said, can be overwhelming at times. Therefore she has a trailer on the property for human guests to stay, instead of in her house.

A number of the dogs must stay in her house because of the close monitoring they need. The five wheelchair dogs she has can’t control their bodily functions and are more prone to infections and health issues.

“We have everything here between a one eye-dog to one who can’t use half its body,” deaf dogs, blind dogs and even two cats with a feline disease.

A Toast to Pets with Disabilities

Five years ago, Sharon Sirkis was in a doctor’s office waiting for an appointment when she picked up a copy of the Ladies’ Home Journal to read a story about a couple rescuing pets with disabilities.

“After 30 years of working in the government, I finally found what I wanted to do,” said Sirkis.

She said she could connect with the story because she was suffering debilitating back problems. In fact, she recently retired after another round of emergency surgery.

Never having been a fundraiser or event planner, Sirkis has taken on the responsibility of helping to raise money which allows Darnell to take care of the dogs. One of the first things she did was get the organization listed with the government’s Combined Federal

13

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, May 24, 2012

STORY

A Toast

“A Toast to Pets with Disabilities” fundraiser is at the Running Hare Vineyard in Prince Frederick on Friday, June 1, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The cost of tickets is $65.

The organization would prefer people order in advance through their website, but they will also sell tickets at the door.

Campaign, which withdraws money out of paychecks, at the employee’s request, and sends it to an organization of their choice.

Then Sirkis started smaller events. For example, she discovered the Orioles baseball team has community booths set up during the games. Sirkis picked the days which the team sets off fireworks because of the crowds drawn. Each game Pets with Disabilities has been able to collect about $500.

Darnell said it costs about $2,000 to take care of each dog, this includes the vet bills.

This year will be the third annual fundraising event at Running Hare Vineyards in Prince Frederick on June 1.

“It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Darnell. “It’s like a wedding reception only without the bride and groom.”

Though they cannot bring the animals themselves, Sirkis and Darnell have tables set up for the dogs which include photos and videos.

The event is on the first Friday in June, a donation the owners of Running Hare offered half way through the first fundraiser, according to Sirkis.

“They said we could have this date and the hall free of charge for as long as we needed it,” said Sirkis.

During the evening, attendees can come casual, drink all the beer they want, receive a $10 bottle of wine from the vineyard, eat buffet style, dance (with hula hoops possibly), and participate in a silent auction.

Darnell said they already have about 50 people coming in from out of state, which means the local hotels and restaurants are also benefiting from the fundraiser. Over a hundred other tickets were sold to locals already.

But there are plenty more tickets available for purchase.

How People Can Help

“We need a grant writer,” said Sirkis.

Someone who is willing to donate their time and expertise to apply for grants to help fund the organization.

Also, Sirkis would love to have volunteers to help with event planning, administra-

Daisy

tive duties and fundraising.

“Joyce is really the only one who can take care of the dogs.”

So the more people who can take on other responsibilities, allows Darnell to continue giving the loving care she each one needs.

Mark your calendars for June 7, and go online to vote in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good contest where voters will decide which 100 out of 500 non-profit organizations will receive new vehicles. Pets with Disabilities would like an SUV to help transport their animals. https://apps.facebook.com/carsforgood/ Also, when the Pets with Disabilities Facebook page receives 2,000 ‘Likes’ a potential donator has agreed to give them “a lot of good stuf.” Their page is http://www.facebook.com/PetsWithDisabilities.

Finally, go to their website. There are pictures, stories, videos and more ways to help get involved. www.petswithdisabilities.org. corrin@somdpublishing.net Daisy, who is deaf, with Sharon Sirkis

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The Calvert Gazette

Sharon Chase, 59 Sharon Yvette (Fenwick) Chase or "Mickey", as she was fondly called by her family, 59 of District Heights, MD., (formerly of Chaptico, MD), departed this earthly life to ascend into glory on Sunday, May 13, 2012, surrounded by her loving family. Born December 18, 1952 in Leonardtown, MD., she was the fourth child born to the late Harry “Buck” P. Fenwick and the late Edna E. Fenwick (Dent).

Mickey attended public schools in St. Mary’s County. She married George P. Chase, Jr. in March 1978, and has two daughters: Sherri L. Young and Tonya L. Chase.

She worked at Regency Nursing Facility in Forestville, MD. Mickey was currently working as the Resident Manager at Spanish Village Apartments, and was one of the most well respected resident managers that they could have ever had.

Mickey was quite the comedian; you could count on her to make a not so bad situation into something humorous. She enjoyed gambling. There wasn’t a slot machine that wasn’t her friend, or a family friendly card game that she wasn’t coming out a winner. Traveling with her family was special to her; Rehoboth Beach, visiting family in North Carolina, and enjoying a Thanksgiving cruise to the Bahamas. Her favorite time was the weekend spent with her granddaughter and husband, adventuring to many shopping centers, restaurants, and parks. There was nothing that gave her more pleasure than shopping for and spoiling her granddaughter Sheridan. Mickey was fun-loving and always willing to give a helping hand to anyone whether it was sharing one of her wonderful home cooked meals or just being there to listen when it mattered the most.

Mickey leaves fond memories in hearts of many, including her loving and devoted husband George P. Chase, Jr.; daughters Sherri L. Young, Tonya L. Chase, and a beautiful grand-daughter Sheridan L. Young.

Four brothers, Harry P. Fenwick, Jr.(Pat) of District Heights, MD; James V. Fenwick (Diane) of Lusby, MD, Paul A. Fenwick (Lisa) of Bushwood, MD; Chris O. Fenwick of Lexington Park, MD; five sisters, Mary “Susie” A. Somerville (Woodley) of Hollywood, MD; Diane M. Fenwick of Hollywood, MD;

Dorothy L. Fenwick of District Heights, MD; Terri L. Fenwick of District Heights, MD; Toni F. Blackwell (Tim) of Lexington Park, MD; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mickey was preceded in death by her parents and one brother James “Sonnyboy” E. Dent.

Family and friends gathered for visitation from 9 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Morganza, MD. Interment immediately followed at Sacred Heart Church Cemetery, Bushwood, MD. Arrangements by Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home.

Vincent Dickens, 75 Vincent George Dickens, 75, of Lexington Park, MD, also known to others as “Pipe or Vince”, quietly entered into eternal rest on May 15, 2012. Vincent was born on June 26, 1936, to the late James O. Dickens and Viola M. (Greene) Dickens in St. Georges Island, MD. He was the third oldest of eleven brothers and sisters.

Vincent received his education at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Ridge, MD. He was a member of St. Georges Catholic Church until his illness began in December 2011.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1965. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he was employed with Local Union 657 in Washington, DC, Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant and Patuxent River Naval Air Station until his retirement.

In his past time Vincent enjoyed listening to gospel music, and watching the Redskins and the Baltimore Orioles.

Vincent leaves to cherish his memories one son, Stanley J. Robinson; four sisters, Cecelia Young (Joseph), Mary Stewart (George), Elaine Frederick and Elizabeth Barnes; four brothers, Ernest Dickens (Frances), James Dickens (Annette), Paul Dickens and Francis Dickens. He is also survived by a friend of many years Darlene McDowney, and her five children Kirsten (Pebbles) McDowney, Robert Lee McDowney, Corey McDowney, Damien (Shortstop) Bonds, Eric Bonds, and her two grandchildren Kemya

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(Moochie) Rhodes and KeAndre Gant. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Joseph and Russell Dickens; and his paternal grandparents, Henry and Bessie Dickens, who raised him.

Family and friends will unite on Friday, May 25, 2012 for visitation at 10 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am at St. George's Catholic Church, 19199 St. George's Church Road, Valley Lee, MD. Interment following in the church cemetery.

Arrangements by Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home, Mechanicsville, MD

Paula Hobb, 55 Paula Marie Hebb departed this life on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at Specialty Hospital in Washington, D.C. She was born on September 5, 1956 to the late Thomas Leroy Hebb and Margaret Briscoe Hebb in Washington, D.C. She was the second of five children born to this union and was loved dearly by her parents. Paula was an extremely outgoing child, who loved hanging out with her family and friends. Her smile would light up the room and she loved making people laugh.

Paula graduated from Anacostia High School and attended the University of the District of Columbia. She worked at the Smithsonian Institute and later at the U.S. Postal Service for more than 30 years, until she retired in 2011.

As a young child, Paula was involved in Karate and joined the community softball team. She later joined an acrobatic team, the Flying Nesbitts, which appeared as an opening act for various R&B groups and other social events around the D.C. area. While attending Sousa Jr. High School, Paula, her sister, and a group of friends decided to dance to the song “Shaft” in the school’s talent show.

The group enlisted the help of a community dance instructor, who immediately advised the group that Paula should be the lead dancer as “Shaft”, because of her personality. They entered the talent show and came in first place. The audience came alive to her performance and she became known as “Shaft” around school. We all teased her about it for years!

Paula was very protective over her family and had a heart for those who were unable to defend themselves. The family use to joke with Paula, that she could beat us up whenever she pleased, but no one else could touch us. She would show her big smile, for which she was known, and say, “you got that right!”

Also, anyone who knew Paula knew that she lived to play Bingo. Her love for Bingo was another running joke in the family. She would laugh at us and say, “yeah, ya’ll can laugh while I’m counting my money too,” which was an understatement, because she did very well at winning in Bingo!

Paula leaves to cherish her memory, her loving son, Michael S. Gallion, Jr. (Jennifer), her grandchildren, Michael III, Mariah, Tynia, Malique, Marcel, Martinus, Monyae, Maciah, Manny and Michaela; sister, Deborah; brothers, Thomas “Petie”, Jr., Charles “Brian”, Sr. (Wanda) , Kevin (Mia); nephews, Thomas “Putt” (Edwina), Charles “BJ”, Jr., Elliott (deceased); nieces, Makeeta (Steve), Nikia, Kaya (Kyle), Tania, Tiffany and Bre-

14

anna; great-nieces and nephews, Thomas, Ravyn, Stephen, Lauryn, Kira, Charlie, Kyle, Jr., Kori Lynne; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Thomas Leroy and Margaret Briscoe Hebb.

Family and friends will unite for visitation on Thursday, May 24 from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. at Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home, 38576 Brett Way, Mechanicsville, MD. Interment following at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Compton, MD. Arrangements by Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home, Waldorf, MD

Halston Jones, 70 Halston Jones, 70, of Great Mills, MD passed away on May 13, 2012 at his residence. Halston Jones, son of the late John and Virginia Jones, was born on December 1, 1941 in Calvert County, MD. Halston was known to his family and friends as "'Hal".

He received his education in Calvert County Public School and graduated from Brooks High School. After graduation, Hal pursued his career as a Licensed Boiler Engineer. He performed engineering services for many years for apartment complexes throughout the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area.

Hal was known for his neat appearance, his clothes and especially his cars. His first car was a black 1963 Ford Galaxy 500 with a white convertible top. When the road was muddy leaving from the house, Hal would drive his car to the end of the road and wash it. Then he would walk back to the house; get dressed and then tip toe back to the car, so he would not get his shoes and clothes dirty. Hal also managed a local band in Calvert County during the good ole days.

He was preceded in death by one sister Vivian Ella (Jones) Wills and two brothers, Emory and Kenneth Graham Jones.

Hal leaves to cherish his loving memory, one daughter, Tina Renee Jones, one son Jermaine Jones and two granddaughters, Ariana and Asia White; one sister, Lucy Viola (Jones) Kent, one brother Clifton Jones (Magnolia), sister-in-law Delores Jones (Emory), a devoted nephew Rodney Jones and a host of relatives and close friends.

Memorial service was held on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD with Pastor Ronald Titus officiating. The interment was Private.

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

Tyrone Jones, 44 Tyrone Anthony Jones, 44, of Temple Hills, MD passed away on May 15, 2012 at Tate Hospice House, Linthicum, MD. Tyrone Anthony Jones was born October 6, 1967 to the late Mervin Jones, Jr. and the late Elizabeth Mae Jones.

Tyrone graduated from the Calvert County Public School System. He later joined

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The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, May 24, 2012

the Navy. He was employed with American Chemistry Council as an Emergency Service Specialist. He loved his two dogs, Blanket and Prince. Tyrone enjoyed singing, planting his flowers, Wal-Mart, the Green Bay Packers and being with his family and friends.

Tyrone leaves to cherish his four brothers: George (Delore), Donald (Lavata), Carlton (Marcel) and Preston (Tucksandra); four sisters: Velma (Howard), Mable (Preston), Barbara (William) and Josephine (Kenneth).

He also leaves a very special friend, dear to his heart, Armanda Long, a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Memorial service was held on Monday, May 21, 2012 at 6:00 PM at Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD with Bishop Darnell Easton officiating.

The interment was private.

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

Melvin Kaplan, 79 Melvin David Kaplan, 79, of Port Republic, MD passed away on May 21, 2012 at his home. Melvin was born March 31, 1933 in Washington DC to the late David and Elizabeth Kaplan.

Besides his parents, Melvin is also predeceased by his sister Shirley Barletta.

He was the beloved husband of Hattie A. Kaplan, of Port Republic, MD and father of Anna Kostelni and her husband Jeff. of Williamsburg, VA. Brother of Frederick L. Kaplan of Port Republic, MD and Bobby Kaplan, of Mechanicsville, MD. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Samantha and Christopher Kostelni, Lauren Caldwell and Melissa Pierce and three great grandchildren, Brandon Pierce and Christopher and Mikey Erwin.

The family received friends on Wednesday May 23, 2012 at the Rausch Funeral Home, 4405 Broomes Island Road, Port Republic, MD where services followed.

Interment will take place on Tuesday May 29, 2012, 3PM at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham MD. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvert Hospice, P.O. Box 838 Prince Frederick, MD 20678

Marion Lewis, 90 Marion Sebree Lewis, 90, of Martinsville Va., formally of Broomes Island, Md. He was affectionately known as "Whitey" or "Pop" to all who knew him. Born on a farm outside Cincinnati Ohio April 4th 1922, his favorite stories were of his life growing up on the farm.

"Pop" was a WWll Navy Vet., a gunner’s mate who crewed on several "Liberty Ships." He retired after 33 years working for the B&O Railroad. He was a 30-year life member of the Glen Burnie Elks Lodge and current member of Calvert Lodge #2620. He loved to go crabbing and fishing for flounder on the eastern shore in Md. and the outer banks. Many will remember talking to him

at the coffee counter in Don's General Store every morning.

He is preceded in passing by his wife Bessie May and daughter Anna May, brother George and sister Betty Sue and father Ralph and mother Mattie.

He is survived by his daughter Patricia (Don) Goehle; son Marion S. (Kathy) Lewis Jr.; four grandchildren, Michael Lewis Goehle, Wendy Kirkpatrick, Marion Steven Lewis and Kimberly Brooks; and 8 great grandchildren, Nicholas and Carter Goehle, Stevie and Rayne Lewis and Maliyah, Madison, and Makayla Brooks and Emma Kirkpatrick.

The family received friends on Monday May 21, 2012 at the Rausch Funeral Home, 4405 Broomes Island Road, Port Republic, MD, where services were held on Tuesday May 22, 2012. Interment followed in Meadow Ridge Memorial Park, Elkridge, MD .

Lenny Parness, 81 Leonard “Lenny” Parness of North Beach, Maryland, died on May 14, 2012, at home. Lenny was born on September 22, 1930, in Bronx, New York, Eli and Sally Parness.

For 26 years, he was the beloved husband of Elizabeth Parness and the loving father of Deborah Gittleson and her husband, Gary; Holly Parness; Scott Parness and his wife, Karen; Justine Gulledge and Kristine Kelly.

He was the devoted grandfather of Stacie, Brett, Blake, Jodie, Katie, Kevin, Sammy, Dylan and Shannon. He was the great-grandfather of Austin, Kelcie, Adison and Parker. Lenny is also survived by one brother, Myron Parness.

Lenny and Elizabeth moved to North Beach, Maryland four years ago from Seabrook, Maryland.

Lenny served in the Korean War from 1951 to 1955. He was a member of the North Beach Senior Center and loved playing cards, horse races, traveling, spending time in the pool and he was a New York Yankee fan.

Family was the most important thing in his life, followed by lifelong and new friends he met at the Senior Center. Nothing brought him greater joy, than being with family and friends.

Albert Robinson, 70 Albert L. Robinson, 70, of Prince Frederick, MD passed away at his home on May 20, 2012. Albert was born in Prince Frederick, MD to the late James Briscoe and Della Gatton Robinson.

Albert was a typical old time Calvert County man, he was born here, lived here all his life, farmed during the season and worked as a carpenter when not farming. He was also the first Chief of Huntingtown Vol. Fire Dept. Co. #6.

Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his siblings, James B. Robinson and Nellie Mae Carpenter.

Albert is survived by his wife, Linda Lou Robinson, of Prince Frederick, father of David D. Robinson and his wife Cathy of Sunderland, and Tania D. Milstead and her husband Roy of Prince Frederick.

Grandfather of Nathan and Kelsi Robinson, Justine, Allison, and Kacie Milstead, he is also survived by Sister Marion Puntigan and Brother Charles O. Robinson.

The family received friends on Tuesday May 22, 2012 at the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., 4405 Broomes Island Road, Port Republic, MD, where services were held on Wednesday May 23, 2012. Interment is private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Calvert Hospice, P.O. Box 838 Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

Bill Rowe, 82 William David “Bill” Rowe, 82, of Chesapeake Beach, MD passed away May 16, 2012 at Inova Fairfax Hospital, Fairfax, VA. He was born January 7, 1930 in Newark, New Jersey to Milton and Pauline (Strauss) Roethler.

He was educated in New Jersey schools and graduated from Columbia High School in Newark, class of 1948. He attended Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, graduating in 1952. He then received his MBA from the University of Pittsburg, an in 1973, and later his Ph.D. in Business Administration from American University in Washington, D.C. He also received a diploma in theological studies. Bill was employed as an environmental consultant for Peak Performance of McLean, VA. He formerly was a self employed consultant operating Rowe Research and Engineering.

Bill resided in northern Virginia until moving to Chesapeake Beach in 1995.

He was an accomplished musician, managing and playing the drums for The Not So Modern Jazz Band. Bill was a member of the Masonic Order and Kena Shrine in Fairfax, VA, the Potomac River Jazz Club, and the Kiwanis Club of Northern Virginia. He was also a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Sunderland, MD. He was involved with the Twin Beach Players, Treasure of the Bay Business Group and often performed at the Wine and Arts Festival at All Saints Church. He was a brew master who enjoyed making his own beer. Bill was also very athletic and enjoyed jogging, lifting weights, swimming and biking.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by four children William D. Rowe, Jr. and wife Teresa of Annandale, VA, Andie Rowe and husband Robert Jones of Germantown, MD, Dede Rowe of Savannah, GA and Ryan Rowe and wife Sandra of Ft. Myers, FL. Also surviving are six grandchildren and a brother Howard Rowe of Indianapolis, IN. A memorial service for family and friends was held Monday, May 21, 2012 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 100 Lower Marlboro Road, Sunderland, MD. Interment is private.

Memorial contributions in Bill’s name may be made to the North Beach Boys and Girls Club, 9021 Dayton Avenue, North Beach, MD 20714.

Isidora Ware, 102 Isidora Ware, 102, of Huntingtown, MD passed away on May 9, 2012 at Lucille Brown's Assisted Living Home in Huntingtown, MD. She was born in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, June 30, 1909.

After Isidora's birth, her mother went to Washington, DC to work, leaving Isidora with her mother's father. Her mother returned to West Virginia as often as she could to visit her father and her daughter.

Her mother stayed in Washington until her death. Isidora was an only child, born to parents who were only children. Isidora finished her high school education and attended Storer College, after which she left home and went to D.C to work and live. She later met and married Jesse Ware. They owned and operated a store on Benning Road, N.E., which sold fresh chickens and fish.

After they retired, they traveled frequently, going on cruises and to Japan, China, and Hawaii. Jesse died June 21, 1982.

While in D.C., she was a member of Pisgah Baptist Church of Washington, where she served on the usher board. As an avid bowler, she and friends bowled twice a week. In the latter part of December 1999 her "Calvert County extended family" moved her from her apartment in D.C., where she had been living alone for 17 years following her husband's death, to the home of Myrtle Patterson, a friend of more than 67 years. By January 2000 Isidora was moved into an apartment at Calvert County Senior Pines where she resided until 2005.

While at the Pines she joined a bowling team that she played on well into her 90's.

Mr. & Mrs. Desmond Burton graciously transported her each week. Isidora joined Patuxent U.M.C Church in 2000.

All who met and knew Isidora will always remember her for her wonderful smile and her easy going manner. She was truly a sweetheart and had the disposition of an angel. She loved stuff animals and during the time she was bedridden, she held on to a black and white dog given her by Darlene Long on her 100th birthday.

She leaves to mourn her death, her long time friend Myrtle Patterson, Alice Sewell, her part-time companion, Bessie Moore, Betty Reynolds, Darlene Long, and Christine Long, who visited her, and Patuxent's church family who inquired about her well being frequently. Lucile Brown, her caregiver and friend, took Isidora wherever she went. Isidora enjoyed going for rides.

Lucille's personality was a perfect match for Isidora. Deborah Harvey was also a companion for Isidora. We all have been blessed to have had Isidora in our lives.

Funeral service was held on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 10:30 AM at Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD with Rev. Bryan Fleet officiating. The interment was at Harmony Memorial Park, Landover, MD. The pallbearers were family and friends.

L

Editor

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, May 24, 2012

16

COMMISSIONER CORNER

S

TER T E to the

Responsible Stewardship Requires Investment

Special Session is Self-Inflicted Wound on Job Growth

By Susan Shaw Calvert County Commissioner, 2nd District

As the news about the recent actions of the Maryland General Assembly in the Special Budget Session hit the press, I have decided to discuss priorities.

To re-cap, in shorthand, the Maryland Maryland Business for Responsive Government characterized the concluLegislature used the recent Special Session sion of the special session as yet another self-inflicted wound on the state's busion the budget to raise taxes on individuals, ness climate. The outcome of this special session, enabling the state to collect couples, and products including tobacco and $264 million in additional revenues, comes mostly through increases in the on banking transfers called I-Dots or indemindividual income tax. New tax brackets and reduced exemptions will hit those nity deeds as well as passing the teacher penwith annual incomes of $100,000 or greater and comes on the heels of such sions to the Counties along with so-called legendary ill-conceived tax policies including the 2007 tech-tax and its replaceoffsets, which are some of the effects of the ment - the millionaire's tax. just listed tax increases, as well as removal of “This latest self-inflicted wound on our business climate could have been the requirement that the Counties pay back avoided if our state government lived within its means, “ said MBRG President their own portion of income tax revenue that Kimberly M. Burns. ”Instead, our top elected officials chose the politically exthe state “borrowed.” All of these contorted pedient route of continuing government spending at record levels and avoiding budgetary actions were to allow the state the difficult choices required of a fiscally-responsible approach to governing.” to spend 2.7% more this fiscal year that beOver 80,000 businesses filed S-corporation tax returns in Maryland in gins July 1st with a projected $500 Million 2010, according to the state comptroller's office. Income from S-Corporations, structural budget deficit for the following fisLLCs, and sole proprietorships are taxed at personal income rates. Many busical year. 2.7% of Billions of dollars (about nesses will simply reduce employment levels or reduce costs elsewhere. $35.5 Billion) is a LOT of money. The state Robert Bauman, President of Trusted Systems, Inc. in Carroll County, and legislative leaders said that these budget aca member of MBRG, said businesses will adjust to tax increases in any number tions were necessary, in part, to maintain of ways including layoffs, pay cuts, raising prices or identifying other costthe State’s AAA bond rating. Clearly, the saving measures. actions of the state government demonstrate “Many people don't realize that with this increase in the individual income that their priorities were to spend more, to tax, you are essentially taxing businesses at higher levels as well,” said Baueliminate pension funding obligations and to man. “It's foolish to think that won't impact hiring and stunt private sector job preserve the State’s AAA bond rating. Raisgrowth.” ing taxes proves to the bond rating agencies that the state can afford to spend more, as does reducing the state-incurred pension obligations, so all three are intertwined.

Are your priorities as a voter and a state resident aligned with those of the state government?

What about Calvert County priorities?

Given that the state has the power to make or break county budgets and has been doing so E-mail letters to: info@somdpublishing.net regularly for the last several years, and given that the economic downturn has resulted in sharpPublisher Thomas McKay ly decreased Associate Publisher Eric McKay county tax revEditor Sean Rice enues, meaning Graphic Artist Angie Stalcup that there is less Office Manager Tobie Pulliam available money Advertising sales@somdpublishing.net to spend for the Email info@somdpublishing.net foreseeable fuPhone 301-373-4125 ture, how does a County CommisStaff Writers sioner prioritize Guy Leonard Law Enforcement Sarah Miller Government, Education where to direct Corrin Howe Community, Business that limited revCarrie Munn Staff Writer enue? We cannot eliminate penContributing Writers sion funding obJoyce Baki Keith McGuire ligations. What Susan Shaw P. O. Box 250 . Hollywood, MD 20636 about the other Sherrod Sturrock two state priorities of spending The Calvert Gazette is a weekly newspaper providing news and information for the residents of Calmore and prevert County. The Calvert Gazette will be available on newsstands every Thursday. The paper is serving the bond published by Southern Maryland Publishing Company, which is responsible for the form, content, and rating? policies of the newspaper. The Calvert Gazette does not espouse any political belief or endorse any The Calvert product or service in its news coverage. Articles and letters submitted for publication must be signed County Board and may be edited for length or content. The Calvert Gazette is not responsible for any claims made of County Comby its advertisers.

Do you have something to say?

Would like your voice to be heard?

Send us a letter telling us what’s on your mind!

Calvert Gazette

missioners (BOCC) has clearly demonstrated that maintaining our AAA bond rating is a high priority. It is analogous to you maintaining your high credit score.

Doing so provides you options. Inability or failure to do so eliminates or reduces options about where you can live, what car you can drive, and what you have to pay in interest.

Calvert County’s AAA bond rating was just re-affirmed, allowing us to sell bonds (borrow money over time) to pay for Calvert High School, the second building of the College of Southern Maryland, and other capital (building) projects at an interest rate below 2%. This low interest rate saves the taxpayer millions of dollars over time.

The remaining state priority is to spend more and to raise taxes to pay for the additional spending. The Calvert County BOCC has not endorsed that priority. Despite the urging of some groups that we do so, we are holding the line on spending. That decision to spend less means that we can’t take on more continuing expenses beyond the ever-increasing burdens with which the state legislature has saddled us, like the teacher’s pensions, unless we can find a new funding source. Examples might be an increase in the commercial tax base through business expansion or new business location. Or another example might be an increase in tourism, which expands the local tax base. Consequently, one of my priorities is expansion of the local business and tourism economy.

An additional priority is to maintain the exceptional quality of life that Calvert is blessed to have. Maintenance is a key word.

Just like you have to maintain your property and your car to keep its value, and because replacement costs are often much higher than maintenance costs, the county government has to maintain its buildings and infrastructure. When the useful life of your property or car has been exceeded, and the cost of maintenance is more than the value or safety is compromised, then you must make decisions about replacement and what kind of replacement is affordable. County government makes similar decisions. Calvert High School was cheaper to replace than to renovate. Northern High School has reached that milestone where maintenance requires renovation and where renovation is more costly than replacement. Responsible stewardship requires an investment. A homeowner who chooses other priorities or who can’t afford repairs may end up living in a dilapidated home whose value has been lost. My priority is to continue to invest in maintaining what makes Calvert County a valued place to live, work, visit, and raise a family.

I hope that the priorities of the majority of Calvert Countians mirror those of your Commissioners.

17

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, May 24, 2012

LSM Celebrates Wilson Parran

By Carrie Munn Staff Writer Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) welcomed guests to the grounds of Sotterley Plantation on Thursday to honor Wilson H. Parran with its inaugural Heritage Award.

“We wanted to create an award that really honors one person from our region that has mastered that leadership, service and mentoring that is so important, someone who really represents those qualities.” LSM Executive Director Karen Holcomb told the Calvert Gazette.

This year’s president of the organization’s board of directors, and the first LSM graduate to take on the role, Susan Vogel, told guests the annual Hertiage Award will use the acronym LSM- leadership, service, mentoring- and select a recipient that exemplifies one of those traits at the regional level.

Vogel likened LSM to oyster cultivation and Parran, a life-long Calvert County resident and leader, received a polished pearl in a crystal shell as well as his plaque for Excellence in Leadership.

Parran, LSM Class of 2009, said his travel throughout the region and the state as a Calvert County Commissioner and member of the local and state school boards, seeing different perspectives, made him realize “how blessed we are to have our strong Southern Maryland region.”

“Thank all of you out there, because we now have a group of 138 people that have gone through LSM, and all of you have not only significantly contributed to your community before that point but I know you’ll continue to contribute in the future,” he said.

“Wilson was definitely the example, the very perfect first person to receive this award,” Holcomb stated, adding it was gratifying that Parran, even after completing Leadership Maryland, joined LSM, making a statement about how important it is to have that regional platform of communication and

Leadership Southern Maryland’s board of directors’ president Susan Vogel presents the group’s inaugural Heritage Award to Wilson H. Parran, honoring his excellence in leadership which has impacted the region.

Photo by Carrie Munn

cooperation.

“In reality, we share common issues across these three counties and we share the ability to make to make a difference as well,” Holcomb said.

The Class of 2012’s 35 graduates became LSM’s fourth graduating class earlier in May. After their completion of the nine-month tuition-based program where local issues are at the forefront, Holcomb said, “We are confident these individuals will apply their LSM experience in positive and dynamic ways to benefit the region.”

For more information on Leadership Southern Maryland, visit www.leadsomd.org. carriemunn@countytimes.net

LSM’s recently-graduated 35-member Class of 2012

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Community Posture Screenings, Fingerprinting and a Magic Show

Photo by Sarah Miller Mickey Bailey fingerprints Dilan Welch

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer To balance health and safety awareness with a fun day out, the Alexander Chiropractic Center opened the doors of its Solomons Island office to welcome families to the 12th Annual Kids Day. Alexander Chiropractic Center Receptionist Melissa said this is the second time the Kids Day has been held at the Solomons Island office. She said they did it once before, but the facility was too small and they held it in their California office. Now, after expanding the office, they decided to try again.

During the span of the day, 200 kids and 400-500 people came through the center. They had their fingerprints taken, got free posture and vision screenings and dental care information from Tidewater Dental.

It wasn’t all business during the afternoon. Between cotton candy, pictures in a fire truck and a comedy magic show

by SuperMagicMan Reggie Rice, there was plenty to keep the children entertained outside.

Dr. Larry Smallwood, one of the doctors performing posture screenings, said the afternoon is a way to interact with the community and introduce people to the benefits of chiropractors. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, May 24, 2012

18

Sidewalk Sale Benefits Calvert Libraries

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer With hundreds of titles, many for $0.50 and $1, readers has a chance to pick up some new books without breaking the bank at the annual Friends of the Library Gently Used Book Sale in Prince Frederick.

Friends of the Library President Martha Grahame said last weekend was one of three large sales they hold per year – outdoor ones in May and September and a three day indoor sale in January.

This sale raised approximately $2,000, said Library Public Relations Coordinator Robyn Truslow.

Truslow said a lot of work goes in from the Friends to sort the book donations. Donating books is a great way for people to get rid of books they don’t want while supporting their local libraries, she said.

The Friends of the Library raise money along with the Calvert Library Foundation, which Truslow said runs the higherdollar fundraisers, such as the awards dinner in April. The foundation also approaches larger corporate donors for the libraries. The friends “run the kind of fundraisers that everyone can participate in.”

She said anyone can come buy a book for a dollar, but not everybody can afford $100 dinner tickets or $10,000 donations.

She said it is important for people to know they can be involved and support the libraries no matter how they do so.

All money from the book sale goes to the libraries to fund projects and programs

Photo by Sarah Miller Stephanie Marcino picks up some books at the Friends of the Library Gently Used Books Sale in Prince Frederick.

outside the capital budget. She said the money has gone to fund teen and “tween” programs.

“I like to think we put the cream and sugar in the coffee,” Grahame said.

The May sale is the only outdoor one that spans two days. She said they set up on Sunday in May to combine with a community event that takes place in the area between the Prince Frederick library and Panera Bread.

For individuals disappointed because

they missed last weekend’s sale, there is no need to wait until September for another chance to buy quality books cheap. There is a Friends of the Library room at the Prince Frederick library, and small bookstores at other branches, that is continuously re-stocked with gently used books at the same price as the used book sale.

Grahame said the money all goes to help the library. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Crooked I Supports Skills USA The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office thanked Crooked I Gaming Center of Chesapeake Beach for its recent donation of $500 to the students of the Calvert Career and Technology Academy to assist them in attending the Skills USA competition conference in Kansas City.

The students are this year’s Maryland State winning State Team.

Skills USA is a national nonprofit organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. It was formerly known as VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America).

The Crime Scene Investigation competition is a component of the Calvert County Public Schools’ Criminal Justice program. The students learn the proper procedures for processing mock crime scenes at their individual high schools throughout the school year. They are taught such skills as measuring, photographing, sketching, and processing crime scenes.

Their skills are then displayed and judged at a tri-county competition between Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties. The three top teams from the tri-county competition move on to a Maryland State competition where they compete against the top schools from across the State of Maryland. The single winner from the Maryland State competition will advance to a National competition in Kansas City, where they will compete against the top teams from across the United States.

If there are any other organizations or individuals who like to contribute to this wonderful cause, they can make checks payable to the Calvert Career and Technology Academy. Checks can be dropped off at the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office to the attention of Sgt. Ronald Naughton or they can be taken directly to the Calvert Career and Technology Center, 330 Dorsey Road in Prince Frederick.

19

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Memorial Day

By Joyce Baki Contributing Writer Memorial Day will be celebrated on Monday, May 28, 2012. It is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. On this day thousands of volunteers across the nation place an American flag on the graves of those who have fought in our wars and a national moment of remembrance will take place at 3 p.m. local time.

How did this tradition begin? After the Civil War, ladies in the South decorated graves of the Confederate dead. In 1868, General John A. Logan, commander-inchief of the Grand Army of the Republic, a veterans’ organization, designated a day for the graves of Civil War soldiers to be decorated, calling it Decoration Day. It was observed the first time on May 30 and this date was chosen because it was not the anniversary of a battle.

Twenty years later the name was changed to Memorial Day and became a holiday dedicated to the memory of all war dead. Memorial Day was declared the official name by federal law in 1967. Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill on June 28, 1968, moving three holidays from their traditional dates to a specified Monday to create three-day weekends.

These holidays were Washington’s Birthday (which is now celebrated as Presidents Day), Veterans Day and Memorial Day. This law moved Memorial Day from May 30 to the last Monday in May. The law took effect at the federal level in 1971.

Many Americans view Memorial Day as the unofficial beginning of summer. For this reason, the Veterans of Foreign Wars advocate returning the celebration of Memorial Day to May 30. The VFW stated in a 2002 Memorial Day Address: “Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. No doubt, this has contributed a lot to the general public’s nonchalant observance of Memorial Day.” Since 1987, Hawaii’s Senator Daniel Inouye, a World War II veteran, has repeatedly introduced measures to return Memorial Day to its traditional date of May 30.

In 1996 “No Greater Love,” a humanitarian organization, asked children why they thought there was a holiday on Memorial Day. The responses were all associated with barbecue and weekend parties, with one child saying that it was the day swimming pools opened. The organization lobbied for a “National Moment of Remembrance” to remind people of the real meaning of Memorial Day. Established by Congress, the “National Moment of Remembrance” requests Americans, wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time to pause in an act of national unity for one minute. While not replacing traditional Memorial Day events, this act allows all Americans to honor those who died in

Community Museum Concert Season Kicks Off This Weekend

service to the United States.

On Memorial Day, services will be held at the Veterans Memorial in Chesapeake Beach at 10 a.m. and on the lawn of the Calvert County Courthouse at 1 p.m. Participating in the services will be members of the American Legion Calvert Post 85, American Legion Stallings-Williams Post 206, American Legion Gray-Ray Post 220, American Legion Arick L. Lore Post 274, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8133, Veterans of Foreign Wars Twin Beaches Post and the Calvert County Fire & EMS Pipe and Drums.

Calvert County has lost many fine men and women during wartime. On the courthouse lawn there are three memorials to those fallen soldiers. A visit revealed the following names: World War I – George Armiger, Solomon Barnes, Alonza Brown, James Butler, Wallace Curtis, William T. Dorsey, John Gross, Thornton Gorman, Joseph S. Jones, Benjamin Kent, Arick L. Lore, William N. Marquess, Thomas J. Osborne, Murray A. Sherbert, Irving R. Stallings, Harry Sunderland and Charles W. Tongue.

World War II – Ralph Atkins, Philip D. Bowles, Mark Edward Buckler, Joseph M. Coates, Paul H. Cordell, Benson Curtis, C.O. Deakyne, Carlisle Denton, Henry F. Dodd, Isham Ford, Howard Andrew Fowler, Harvey Elliott Gray, Norman A. Gray, Edgar Hardesty, James Heigh, Felbert Jones, John Reese Kent, Ernest V. Kessler, William B. King Jr., James Monroe, Roosevelt Ray, August Siefried Jr., John L. Slivenick, James F. Stallings, Frederick C. Webster, Ralph L. Pierce Jr., Benjamin Earl Morsell, Orville Bellfield Putnam, William Van Arsdale Wilson, Jesse W. Williams, Maurice I. Bowen Jr. and James O. Reinhardt.

Vietnam – James Allen Parker, Stewart Charles Emerson, Robert Lee King, Sherwood Reynolds and William J. Sewell.

At 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, stop what you are doing and reflect for a minute - say a prayer for our fallen and a word of thanks to the many brave men and women serving in our Armed Forces around the world.

Good seats are still available for Bret Michaels, pop culture icon and lead singer of the band Poison, performing live the Calvert Marine Museum’s (CMM) PNC Waterside Pavilion on Sunday.

Michaels will play his own hits as well as many Poison favorites. Special guests include local band One Louder performing 80’s rock covers. Also appearing will be regional favorite Driven Livid, a CMM press release states.

Tickets to see these three bands are $50 for premium seats and $40 for reserved; additional service fees apply. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 1-800-787-9454, in person at Prince Frederick Ford/Dodge, or online at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com.

As a rock and reality TV star, businessman, philanthropist, and father, Bret Michaels does more jobs in a single day than most do in an entire lifetime. Best known for hits like “Nothing But a Good Time,” “Talk Dirty to Me” and his #1 single and 80's Rock anthem, “Every Rose Has It's Thorn,” his current solo tour “Get Your Rock On” is selling out venues across the country. His reality TV Series “Rock of Love” is one of the most successful shows in VH1’s history and Michaels emerged as the winning contestant on Donald Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice.” Bret Michaels is an advocate and spokesman for diabetes and supports an array of other charities and causes.

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

Show time is 7:30 p.m. and gates open at 6 p.m. with music, food, and drinks available on site. Chairs and coolers are not permitted. For additional information and to purchase tickets, please visit the museum’s website at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com. To reach a staff person, please call 410-326-2042 x 16, 17, or 18.

Prince Frederick Ford/Dodge presents

7:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 27

PNC Waterside Pavilion

at the Calvert Marine Museum Tickets: $40 & $50 (additional fees apply)

Buy tickets at: 1-800-787-9454 www.calvertmarinemuseum.com

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, May 24, 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.

Power Lineup Performs for Fundraiser

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer It was a capacity crowd at the Ruddy Duck as band after band took the stage during a recent Cystic Fibrosis fundraiser.

Ruddy Duck co-owner Michael Kelley said May 16 was “pretty unique” among the fundraisers the restaurant typically helps with. Most of the time, he said the restaurant donates five percent of the total sales, and the entire profit from certain items. In this case, they donated the money, but this was the first time there was such a large musical lineup during the evening as well.

The evening’s lineup consisted of the Sam Grow Band, The Piranhas, Jukebox Thieves and Hydra Fx. Kelley said these are bands who don’t often share a stage, but they came together for the fundraiser. He said between the capacity crowd and the money raised, the benefit was a “big success.”

Team Delta Member Katie Howeth, with the Leonardtown branch of the Great Strides walk, said the group has been together since last year’s walk, and the Ruddy Duck event was a fundraiser for this year’s walk. She said there are 10 members on the team, all of whom worked to make the fundraiser a success. She said the final amount raised at the Ruddy Duck was $2,026.89. In total, the group raised more than $3,600 for the walk last Saturday, which marked the second year for both Team Delta and Leonardtown’s Great Strides Walk.

Howeth said planning for the Ruddy Duck evening started a couple months ago and between bands donating their time and vendors donating raffle items, “it all kind of fell into place.” Fourteen raffle items were donated from places such as Papa Johns, Tastefully Simple, Sports Clips and Celebrity Nails, in addition to private donations of wine and handmade jewelry and even guitar lessons.

Sam Grow Band drummer Joe Barrick said they were contact by Justin Myles of The Piranhas to come out and play during the fundraiser. He said they were interested the moment they heard the pitch.

“Any chance we have to give back to the community, we love to be part of that,” he said.

He said there is a network of the bands all over Southern Maryland and anytime there’s a chance to help a good cause raise money, “everyone’s all over that.”

“You can’t ask for a better location than Southern Maryland,” Barrick said.

He said the Sam Grow Band plays several shows per week, but they still make sure to play at two or three charity events every month.

Myles said Howeth is a friend of the band and approached them first to be the evening’s entertainment.

“Somewhere along the line we said ‘why don’t we Photos by Sarah Miller blow it out of the water’,” Myles said.

The Jukebox Thieves kick off the night.

He said the Piranhas began calling around to other bands, asking them to donate an hour of their time for fundraiser every six months, along with other fundraisers throughout the year. She said the group is “still trying the fundraiser.

“No one hesitated,” he said. “They said ‘yes, to get into the groove of things,” but they hope to begin fundraising and planning earlier for the next walk. absolutely’.”

He said the fundraiser was a team effort, with evsarahmiller@countytimes.net eryone pitching in to make it a hit.

Howeth said the evening was such a success that the Ruddy Duck has already agreed to do another one in the future. Howeth said they hope to hold a Ruddy Duck

The Piranhas Dylan Galvin tunes up.

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21

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Friday, June 1

Saturday, June 2

• First Friday Tours of the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory (1 p.m.)

Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, 10515 Mackall Road, St. Leonard. 410-5868562 • www.jefpat.org.

Enjoy a free behind-the-scenes tour of the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility that houses over 8 million artifacts including collections from every county in Maryland.

The guided tour allows visitors to get up close and personal with our conservators and our collections. Reservations are not required.

• Maker’s Market (9 a.m.-noon) Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, 13480 Dowell Road, Solomons.

410-326-4640 • www.annmariegarden.org The Maker’s Market is the place to find handmade, homemade or homegrown products…crafts, hanging baskets, organic skincare products, farm fresh produce, cut flowers, baked goods, batik and fleece clothing, handmade soaps and candles, herbal teas, ornaments, folk art, handmade gifts and more!

• First Free Friday (5-8 p.m.)

Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Road, Solomons. 410-326-2042 • www.calvertmarinemuseum.com.

The museum is open and free to the public. Entertainment will be provided by the musical duo Bob Pfeiffer and Eric Skow playing acoustic guitars and occasional harmonica. The galleries and Drum Point Lighthouse are open with trained interpreters on hand to answer questions. Free 30-minute cruises on the Wm. B. Tennison, sponsored by M&T Bank.

• Chesapeake Bay Moonlight Cruise (7:30 p.m.)

Rod ‘N’ Reel, 4165 Mears Ave., Chesapeake Beach. 410-257-2230 • www.chesapeake-beach.md.us The Town of Chesapeake Beach invites you to take a 2012 Moonlight Cruise on the Chesapeake Bay aboard the Miss Chesapeake Beach. Contact the Chesapeake Beach Town Hall to sign up for the cruise of your choice.

• Guided Canoe Trip (Noon-3 p.m.)

American Chestnut Land Trust, Warriors Rest Sanctuary, Port Republic. 410414-3400 • www.acltweb.org Depart from Warriors Rest and enjoy a scenic tour of Parkers Creek. Canoe trips are physically strenuous, requiring paddling for three hours (frequently against wind and tides) and may require participants to help carry a canoe for up to one-quarter mile over sand to access the creek. Rain date is Sunday, June 3. Registration required.

• Kid’s Pirate Pizza Cruise Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Road, Solomons Dress like a pirate and eat pizza on board the W.B. Tennison! Cost is $12 per person. Registration is required by Thursday, May 31.

Saturday, June 2 – Friday, August 31 • Solomons Splash! Fire Hydrants that Make a Splash Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, 13480 Dowell Road, Solomons.

410-326-4640 • www.annmariegarden.org Enjoy a walk around Solomons as you

Entertainment Calendar Thursday, May 24 Live Music: “Rusty in the Middle” Toot’s Bar (23971 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood) – 8:30 p.m.

Live Music: “No Green JellyBeanz” Vera’s White Sands Beach Club (1200 White Sands Drive, Lusby) – 7 p.m.

Live Music: “Jennifer Cooper & Carl Reichelt” Stoney’s Seafood House (14575 Solomons Island Rd. South, Solomons) – 5 p.m.

Friday, May 25 Live Music: “Joe Martone Band” Sea Breeze Restaurant & Crab House (27130 S. Sandgates Rd., Mechanicsville) – 8 p.m.

Live Music: “No Pants Dance” Vera’s White Sands Beach Club (1200 White Sands Drive, Lusby) – 8:30 p.m.

Live Music: “ Jennifer Cooper, Carl Reichelt & Alex Dean” Running Hare Vineyard (150 Adelina Road, Prince Frederick) – 6 p.m.

Live Music: “Dylan & Rusty” Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 8 p.m.

Live Music: “Country Memories Band” St. Mary’s Landing (29935 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall) – 7 p.m.

Live Music: “R & R Train” Dennis Point Marina (46555 Dennis Point Way, Drayden) – 6:30 p.m.

Live Music: “Three Days of Rain” Toot’s Bar (23971 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood) – 8:30 p.m.

Live Music: “A Day Off Earth” OCI Pub (45413 Lighthouse Road, Piney Point) – 8 p.m.

Karaoke with DJ Coach Scheible’s Restaurant (48342 Wynne Rd., Ridge) – 9 p.m.

Saturday, May 26 Live Music: “The Anthony Ryan Band” Toot’s Bar (23971 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood) – 8:30 p.m.

Live Music: “Facedown” Sea Breeze Restaurant & Crab House (27130 S. Sandgates Rd., Mechanicsville) – 8 p.m.

Downtown Tunes Summer Concert Series: “Jennifer Cooper & Groovespan” Leonardtown Square Mainstage (Downtown Leonardtown) – 6 p.m.

Live Music: “Bluegrass Gospel Express” Leonardtown Church of the Nazarene (340 Washington Street, Leonardtown)– 7 p.m.

Live Music: “A Day Off Earth” Rustic River Bar and Grill (40874 Merchants Lane, Leonardtown) – 8 p.m.

First Bikini Contest & Live Music: “The Sam Grow Band” Vera’s White Sands Beach Club (1200 White Sands Drive, Lusby) – 3 p.m.

Out&About

look for all the fire hydrants painted with Chesapeake Bay inspired designs.

Sunday, June 3 • Children’s Day on the Farm (11 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum (JPPM) will welcome back Children’s Day on the Farm with a mix of classic favorites and new attractions. The event is free and offers a wide range of hands-on activities and demonstrations centered on Southern Maryland rural traditions.

Children’s Day on the Farm will feature opportunities for visitors to learn about, and try their hand at many traditional rural skills, such as corn shelling, butter-churning, and weaving. Animal lovers will enjoy multiple petting zoos set up by local farms and 4H clubs, which will include chickens, goats, dogs, horses, and more. Oxen cart rides and pony rides will round out this day of barnyard fun!

Antique tractors, cars, trucks, and farm machinery will be on display throughout the day. Little barrel train rides, pedal tractors, and small engines will complement the antique equipment.

Musical performances by artists such as Ray Owens and Jay Armsworthy and Eastern Tradition will take place throughout the day. Live children’s entertainment will include the Blue Sky Puppet Theater, storytelling with Horn’s Punch and Judy Show, magic with Ken the Magician, and the award-winning Old MacDonald Farm Heritage Show.

For more information about Children’s Day on the Farm, contact us at 410-5868501 or jppm@mdp.state.md.us. Children’s Day on the Farm will be held rain or shine.

• North Beach House & Garden Tour and Art Show (1-5 p.m.)

The Town of North Beach, 8916 Chesapeake Ave., North Beach. 410-257-9618 • www.northbeachmd.org

The first Sunday each June visitors flock to the North Beach House & Garden Club Tour and Art Show. The purpose of the tour is to share the architecture, garden designs and lifestyles of “North Beachers” and to promote tourism. The tour includes about eight houses, public buildings and refreshment stops.

Saturday, June 9 • Movie on the Beach: Cars (Dusk) The Town of North Beach, 8916 Chesapeake Ave., North Beach. 410-257-9618 • www.northbeachmd.org • Point Farm Garden Restoration (9 a.m.-noon) Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, 10515 Mackall Road, St. Leonard. 410-5868536 • www.jefpat.org Point Farm was the country retreat of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson Patterson. In 1983 Mrs. Patterson donated the property to the state in honor of her late husband, creating Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum (JPPM). Join the JPPM Garden Club as they recreate the splendor of the main house gardens using the original plans of noted landscape architect Rose Greely.

• Founder’s Day and Opening Day for Summer Exhibit Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum, 4155 Mears Ave., Chesapeake Beach. 410257-3892 • www.cbrm.org • 4th Annual Car, Truck and Bike Show (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)

Fox Run Shopping Center, K-Mart Parking Lot, 835 North Solomons Island Road, Prince Frederick. 410-610-0454 • www.pfvfd.org Join the Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department for a car, truck and bike show! Enjoy food, music and door prizes.

Admission is free! All proceeds benefit PFVFD.

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

Live Music: “Don’t Call Me Shirley” Toot’s Bar (23971 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood) – 8:30 p.m.

Live Music: “Too Many Mikes” The Green Turtle (98 Solomons Island Rd., South Prince Frederick) – 9 p.m.

Live Music: “Bret Michaels” Calvert Marine Museum (14200 Solomons Island Rd., Solomons) – 6 p.m.

Live Music: “Miles From Clever” Cryer’s Back Road Inn (22094 Newtowne Neck Road, Leonardtown) – 8 p.m.

Monday, May 28

Live Music: “Three Notch Country” Anderson’s Bar (23945 Colton Point Road, Clements) – 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 27 Live Music: “The Three Amigos” Morris Point Restaurant (38869 Morris Point Rd., Abell) – 5 p.m.

Live Music: “Patty Reese” Vera’s White Sands Beach Club (1200 White Sands Drive, Lusby) – 3 p.m.

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

Live Music: The 25th Hour Band” Tall Timbers Marina (18521 Herring Creek Road, Tall Timbers) – 4 p.m.

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

Live Music: “Slow Jim” Vera’s White Sands Beach Club (1200 White Sands Drive, Lusby) – 3 p.m.

Tuesday, May 29 Open Mic Night Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 6:30 p.m.

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

Trivia with Cash Prizes Rustic River Bar and Grill (40874 Merchants Lane, Leonardtown) – 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 30

Live Music: “Three Day Ride” Sea Breeze Restaurant & Crab House (27130 S. Sandgates Rd., Mechanicsville) – 6 p.m.

Live Music: “Mason Sebastian” DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 5 p.m.

Live Music: “The Piranhas” Toot’s Bar (23971 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood) – 3 p.m.

Auditions for New Direction Theater’s “The Murder Room” Southern Community Center (20 Appeal Lane, Lusby) – 7 p.m.

The Calvert Gazette

ner

KiddKioer

CLUES ACROSS

1. Irish mother of gods 5. Provides weapons 10. Hyperbolic cosecant 14. Kilt nationality 15. Mexican artist Rivera 16. Circle of light around the sun 17. What a clock tells 18. To condescend to give 19. Chocolate cookie with white cream filling 20. Harry Potter star 23. Without (French) 24. A dissolute man 25. Resecure a book 28. Blanketlike shawl 32. Opaque gem 33. Biblical name for Syria 34. Mail call box abbreviation 35. Mined metal-bearing mineral 36. Mild yellow Dutch cheese 38. After a prayer 39. Baseball’s world championship 42. Knights’ tunic 44. Small pigeon shelter 46. Meredith, Johnson & Shula

Thursday, May 24, 2012

47. 20th U.S. President 53. Pitcher Hershiser 54. Sans _____: typeface 55. High water tide 57. Sew up a falcon’s eyelids 58. Mexican plant fiber 59. Taxis 60. Fermented rice beverage 61. A mode of living 62. Formerly (archaic)

CLUES DOWN

1. Fall back time 2. Has a sour taste 3. Gangrenous inflammation 4. Spoon or fork 5. What is added to the augend 6. Cambodian monetary units 7. Golda __, Israeli P. M. 8. “Walk Don’t Run” actress Samantha 9. Often the last movements of a sonata 10. Contaminated water disease 11. Indian dress 12. Musical pitch symbol 13. Horse foot sheath

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21. 007’s Flemming 22. A billiards stick 25. Catches with a lasso 26. 3rd part of a Greek ode 27. Elephant’s name 29. Distinctive odor that is pleasant 30. A small sharp fruit knife 31. Improve by critical ediiting 37. Droplet in a colloidal system 38. Failure to be present 40. Winged goddess of the dawn 41. Static balance between opposing forces 42. Treacle candy 43. Black tropical American cuckoo 45. Discharge from the body 46. Training by multiple repetitions 47. A Chinese image in a shrine 48. Length X width 49. Mild and submissive 50. Affectedly artistic 51. Tragic Shakespeare king 52. Taps gently 56. Time in far western states

Last Week’s Puzzle Solutions

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Thursday, May 24, 2012

The Calvert Gazette

Sp rts

Snakehead in St. Jerome’s Creek The Ordinary

Angler

By Keith McGuire Contributing Writer Christy Henderson at Buzz’s Marina (www.buzzsmarina.com) in Ridge has been doing spring reconnaissance on the snakehead population in St. Jerome’s Creek. She has seen at least 3 different fish, maybe more! On Monday morning her husband, Mike Henderson, decided to take a short kayak trip with a spinning rod rigged with a spinner bait to the head waters of the creek near their marina to make a few casts to see if he could roust out one of the beasts.

In no time he had a snakehead on the hook and flipped out of the yak! Undaunted, he walked back to the dock with the fish, rod and kayak in tow and climbed up on the bank to pose for the picture taken by Christy. The fish stretched the tape at 30 ½” and weighed 8 lbs 7 oz on his scale. The girth was 13 ¾” – as big as a coffee can!

Snakeheads have been chasing min-

nows around the Buzz’s Marina dock all spring. Mike said that they herd the minnows right up onto the beach and gobble several of them up before they have the chance to flip back into the water. Mike caught a smaller snakehead last year.

The occurrence of snakeheads in St. Jerome’s Creek defies the behavioral characteristics described by Maryland DNR. They have reported that the most common places to find snakeheads are in brackish and fresh water areas. St. Jerome’s Creek is a saltwater creek, and has tiny freshwater streams feeding it. Apparently, these streams provide enough fresh water to sustain the adaptable snakeheads around Buzz’s Marina.

The wind blew badly last weekend, keeping most of us ashore. Those who did venture out found fish or crabs willing to take their baits.

Mike Henderson - Snakehead Hunter

The meetings that I told you about last week were indeed worth the time. I can recall two meetings recently that were absolutely the most beneficial presentations that I have ever seen. One was last month’s meeting of the Patuxent River Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association where Captain Dennis Fleming gave a presentation on the Potomac River. His presentation outlined many subjects of interest about the river including the history of the river, the role of the Potomac River Fisheries Com-

mission, and the best locations to catch stripers, flounder, hardhead, white perch, shad, and catfish. I have never witnessed a more comprehensive collection of valuable information on the Potomac River. Learn more about fishing with Captain Fleming at http:// www.fishamajigguideservice.com.

The other meeting that was most beneficial was the Southern Maryland Chapter of the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishing Association held last Thursday evening. At this meeting, Captain “Walleye” Pete Dahlberg and Captain Brady Bounds teamed up to give a presentation on light tackle fishing tactics and techniques that would rival any video or book that you can buy. The information they provided was truly unmatched in terms of useable information for catching fish in our area. The only thing that might teach you more is to spend a day with either of these Captains. You can checkout Captain “Walleye” Pete at www.walleyepete. com. You can call Captain Brady Bounds at 301-904-0471 to talk about a trip. If you’re an experienced kayak angler, ask Captain Bounds about his new services for kayakers.

Remember to take a picture of your catch and send it to me with your story at riverdancekeith@gmail.com.

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

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The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, May 24, 2012

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