2012-06-14 Calvert Gazette

Gazette Calvert

June 14, 2012

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Karsyn’s Karnival Aims To Increase Awareness Page 12

Photo By Frank Marquart

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Also Inside 3 County News

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On T he Cover

10 Newsmaker 11 Education 12

Feature Story

14 Obituaries 16 Letters

education

Seventh graders Bayleigh Hooper, Jocelyn King, Alexis Postell, Herleigh White and Jordan Welch during the Windy Hill Middle School Mini Relay for Life.

17 Business 18 Community 20 Entertainment 21

Out & About

22 Games 23 Sports

newsmaker

Both the Patuxent River Rugby Club and Pets for Vets pose for pictures at the “Putts for Pups” fundraising event at Chesapeake Hills Golf Course in Lusby.

Liam and Aidan Fockler compete using water guns to get rubber ducks up the slide during the third annual Karsyn’s Karnival. The carnival was named for Karsyn Sloan, a 3-year-old girl with Down syndrome, and aims to raise awareness about Down syndrome.

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COUNTY NEWS

Council Strives to Have Healthy Impact

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer In a strategic change of direction, the United Way of Calvert County changed the way it dispersed its funding to other nonprofit agencies. Previously the United Way collected information from each agency every year and determining how much to give, if anything, to that particular agency.

Now the organization plans to fund agencies addressing the county’s most pressing issues and its underlying causes, according to Jennifer Moreland, Director of Impact Councils.

These critical issues were determined from a county-wide survey of community leaders and organization in 2004.

The local United Way will focus on the following areas over the next five years: School Readiness, Youth Engagement, Financial Stability, and Healthy Lifestyles.

“In order for negative trends to be reversed, we will focus our efforts and strate-

gies on bringing people, agencies, businesses and resources together. It’s imperative to have the whole community together on this,” said United Way of Calvert County CEO & President Kelly Chambers.

Each of these areas has a “community impact council” made up of representatives from local government agencies, nonprofits, civic organizations and businesses.

The Health Impact Council was formed to address the underlying causes of citizens’ unhealthily lifestyles.

“An impact council is a team of partners that have come together to focus around a specific result area and share in the responsibility of improving people’s lives in the community,” according to the Impact Council’s Fact Sheet. “These impact councils act to achieve results through advocacy, leveraging resources and engaging volunteer resources.”

The primary way to address heart disease, diabetes and other health issues is to tackle weight management and lack of exer-

cise, according to Moreland.

What the health impact council found is that Calvert already offers a number of free resources to residents. The issue was not having a centralized resource center. A recent grant pays a part-time person in the county health department to start collecting information and centralizing this kind of information.

Calvert Memorial Hospital received a grant to provide free and low-cost fitness and nutrition programs to the at-risk population, estimated around 500 people.

Chesapeake Cares Food Pantry conducts nutrition classes and customizes healthy food needs for its pantry clients.

Calvert Healthcare Solutions offers health risk assessments and referrals to nutrition and fitness programs for approximately 60 clients per year.

Nearly 150 county Girl Scouts are learning about healthy eating, self-esteem and physical exercise.

The United Way partnered with Fami-

lywise to reduce the cost of medications for families within the county.

“There is a lot of collaboration between agencies. The energy is infectious. The members (of the impact council) are active and invested in the mission,” said Moreland.

The goals and objectives are to impact the overall trends during the next five years, said Moreland, these include lowering weight, increasing the number of adults and children meeting the daily minimum exercises levels. Many of the grants require tracking the metrics to prove the programs are working.

The partners on this impact council include Calvert County Health Department, Parks and Recreation, Southern Maryland Community Network, World Gym, the Arc of Southern Maryland, the Office on Aging, End Hunger, United Way and the Humane Society.

Non-Profit Narrowly Misses Chance to Win Toyota

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer In May Toyota launched a Facebook campaign called 100 Cars for Good. Local non-profit group Pets with Disabilities entered for a chance to win a Highlander and lost by one percent last Thursday.

“It was a phenomenal night,” said Joyce Darnell, founder of the Prince Frederick organization. The tone in her voice sounded like she hasn’t come down from the excitement of the evening.

“My husband voted at 11:50 p.m. that night and we were behind by one percent.”

Photo By Sean Rice

Toyota’s campaign to give away 100 of its vehicles over 100 days began on May 14 and ends on Aug. 21. Each day the special Facebook page contest lists five new organizations from around the nation. The organization receiving the highest votes that day receives the vehicle they chose from a list of possible prizes.

“Our little organization was up against one a lot bigger than us,” Darnell said.

Pets with Disabilities, a disabled dog and cat rescue, provides temporary care for animals normally euthanized because of infirmities. The organization fosters these pets until “forever homes” can be found for them. Darnell can only handle about 20-25 at a time.

Feed My Sheep out of Gulfport, Miss. won that day. It is an organization that provides 14,000 warm meals a month to homebound residents. Feed My Sheep’s application stated the organization was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina, when it was needed most.

Darnell said that her organization still received $1,000 from Toyota which will go into the operating budget. Pets with Disabilities’ own Facebook page grew from approximately 400 to 1,500 likes during the day increasing awareness and brought in a few other donations.

“We are going to try again next year,” Darnell said. corrin@somdpublishing.net

COUNTY NEWS

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, June 14, 2012

4

iPads Coming Soon to the Sheriff’s Office

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Apple’s iPads are slowly but surely being deployed throughout Calvert County leadership.

Five months after iPads were distributed to all five county commissioners, it’s too soon to know how effective they will be and what permanent place they will have in county government, said Department of Technology Services Director Joe Klausner.

“They’re new for us,” he said.

The iPads were purchased from the commissioners and technology services operating budgets, Klausner said, at a cost of between $600 and $800 per unit, depending on the memory size for the device.

The novelty of the iPads caused contention when the sheriff’s office wanted to get a couple with a Department of Justice grant to test their effectiveness in the field. Initially,

the department of technology services was against the sheriff’s office getting the iPad. In a May 3 memo to Director of Finance and Budget Tim Hayden, Klausner states his department “currently does not have the capability to manage a fleet of iPads other than the test devices already in place.”

Commissioner Evan K. Slaughenhoupt Jr. said until they got iPads, each commissioner had a personal computer assigned to them. So far, he thinks having the iPads is “an experiment” that has been “working well.” He said the miscommunications about the sheriff’s office getting iPads was the result of “unnecessary cloudiness” at a staffing level.

On Monday, Klausner told the Calvert Gazette he is trying to familiarize himself with Research in Motion (RIM) software and its capacity to manage a fleet of devices.

He said he would have to see how well RIM works before deciding to use it specifically.

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He said the county currently uses RIM Fusion server products and “they have been pretty stable.” He said if RIM is unfeasible, he is “sure there are other or will be other vendors providing similar functionality.”

“I need more time, more training, to get a handle on it,” he said, adding that he has concerns about deploying iPads in large numbers before he is sure they can keep track of all of them. If one were to get lost, he said he wants to be sure they can either locate it through the device’s GPS or, if it cannot be recovered, be able to remotely access it and wipe the data from it to prevent sensitive information from being released.

He said he also worries about the iPads Apple-based operating system being able to successfully integrate with county government’s Windows-based operating system.

He said they may find it would be easier to use Windows based tablets, such as the ones released by Toshiba and HP. Assistant Sheriff Lt. Colonel Thomas C. Hejl said the sheriff’s office iPads won’t need Technology Services s u p port, and the iPads h a v e apps specifically f o r use by

law enforcement. He said the iPads will help investigators in the field with everything from identifying and recoding evidence to doing paperwork without having to come back to the office. The iPad purchase was approved by a 3-2 vote by the county commissioners.

The grant is divided among the criminal justice program at Calvert High School, the detention center, the state attorney’s office and the sheriff’s office, according to Calvert County Grants Analyst Melissa McCoy. Money also went to the highway safety program when it existed at the county level.

McCoy said everyone with an interest in the grant is involved in discussions about spending it.

“Everyone comes to the table saying this is what I’d like to use it for,” McCoy said.

Normally they have some time to discuss the different ways to use the grant money, but this year the $18,772 allotment was announced March 28, with a May 21 deadline for submitting a plan for using the grant.

McCoy said she makes recommendations to the group, but it is ultimately their decision about what to present to commissioners.

In the past, the grant has been used to purchase breathalyzers, cell phones, overhead projectors, forensic tables, rifle sights, Tasers and cartridges and software to retrieve data from cell phones. Without the grant, these are all things that would have to come out of the county’s funds, McCoy said.

Slaughenhoupt said he supports the sheriff’s office’s having iPads.

“It certainly seems to make sense,” he said. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Police Seek Robbery Suspect

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Calvert detectives are searching for a black male who reportedly robbed the Shell gas station in Lusby on Monday at about 11:15 p.m.

Lt. Steve Jones, commander of the Calvert Investigative Team said that the black male entered the store and brandished a handgun and demanded money.

The suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash towards the area of Jake and Al’s restaurant.

No one was injured in the incident, Jones said.

Police have no further description of the assailant and say that there appears to be no surveillance footage of the crime. guyleonard@countytimes.net

Correction An article published in the May 24 edition of the Calvert Gazette entitled “Petition Seeks Special Construction Road” incorrectly stated that Twin Shield’s Golf Course is about to become a housing development. The article implied that construction of a housing development on the property which is now Twin Shields Golf Club would begin as soon the question of which road will be used for construction traffic is resolved.

While a subdivision plan has been approved by Calvert County, the approval carried a 7-year wait. Therefore, no development of the course could begin prior to 2015. Twin Shields is open for business and has no plans to close.

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The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, June 14, 2012

COUNTY NEWS

Navy Employee Charged in Handgun Assault

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Calvert County police have charged a security guard at Patuxent River Naval Air Station in St. Mary’s County with pointing a handgun at a victim outside a Solomons Island restaurant over the weekend.

According to charging documents filed in county District Court, Damien Feliciano was in one of two groups arguing outside the Calypso Bay bar and crab house June 9 when he pulled a gun on Shelby Maurice Kerrick.

Two witnesses seemed to corroborate Kerrick’s story, charging documents stated, with one saying they saw an undetermined object in Feliciano’s hand while another said they saw him holding the gun in his hand.

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Feliciano, who is employed by the U.S. Navy, said he retrieved the gun from his vehicle because Kerrick threatened him, charging documents stated.

Kerrick told police that Feliciano pointed the gun at him and cocked the hammer.

Officers responded to the Solomons establishment after a citizen reported seeing a man point a handgun at another person.

When police arrived they found two groups in the parking lot of the restaurant separated but arguing, and as they approached one officer reported seeing Feliciano drop a loaded handgun magazine on the ground and kick it under a vehicle.

The officers drew their handguns, charging papers stated, and ordered Feliciano to the ground and handcuffed him.

When officers questioned the defendant he told them that the handgun was in the car; officers looked inside and found a silver-colored handgun in the passenger side of the car and unloaded it, police said.

Feliciano said he had kicked the magazine under the car after he became afraid of the police coming towards him, court papers stated.

Feliciano faces charges of first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, possessing a dangerous weapon with the intent to injure, having a handgun in his vehicle as well as on his person and using a handgun in a violent crime.

He has since been released on bond, court records show. guyleonard@countytimes.net

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COUNTY NEWS

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Thursday, June 14, 2012

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Jury Duty: The Selection Process

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer

(This is Part 2 of a two part series about jury duty in the county.)

The particular type of case the attorney has will determine the kind of juror desired to “seat” on the panel, according to local attorneys.

State’s Attorney Laura L. Martin said if it is a child abuse case she will look for parents. If she has a criminal case, she will look for those familiar with law enforcement experience.

On the flip side, several local attorneys said they might look for people who have had bad experiences with law enforcement for cases involving traffic stops, possession of illegal substances or driving while under the influence.

Local defense attorneys, not wanting to give away their trial strategies, agreed to share general information with the Calvert Gazette if names weren’t used. Most of their comments were confirmed in interviews with the Martin and her Assistant State’s Attorney Frances Longwell.

Feelings toward law enforcement can be important when most of the witness testimony comes from police officers. Another

question asked during the selection process is whether a juror would give more authority to a law enforcement officer.

If the citizen has had a history of criminal activity and has had bad experiences and harbor ill feelings can potentially bias a juror one way or the other, according to Longwell.

“Defense attorneys will chose someone biased against law enforcement,” Longwell said.

For this reason, some of the questions asked of potential jurors include possible affiliations with organizations that support law enforcement such as the National Rifle Association and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Cases involving alcohol may have jurors who have a problem themselves or have known people with alcohol problems, either way, the citizen will bring that experience into the jury room with them.

According to Martin, all attorneys receive basic information about the jury pool.

This includes names, ages, marital status, levels of education, occupations and spouses’ occupations. The questions asked in the courtroom help the attorneys even further to find the best people to sit on the panel.

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ber of alternates depends upon the type of case it is. An alternate is treated like a juror throughout the trial. Unless an original juror is replaced for some reason, alternates will not participate in the deliberation process.

However, Circuit Court Judge Marjorie L. Claggett told a jury pool last month that she regularly uses alternates during trials because things come up.

During the selection process the state receives about half the number of “strikes” as the defense attorneys. These strikes are called “peremptory” and the attorney does not have to give a reason. However, they cannot strike for race or gender.

“Sometimes I want to run after them (a juror who has been struck) and say ‘It’s nothing that you did wrong.’ Often it is because the person behind them matches better,” said Martin.

The “court” can also have strikes, these are called “for cause” and can be related to a potential juror admitting he can’t be impartial, serving on the jury puts her into an adverse financial situation or schedule conflicts, to name a few.

Besides vital statistics and experience, the physical presentation of a potential juror can make a difference. Martin looks for eye contact, smiles and a desire to serve on a jury.

Longwell said she read where a female juror seemed to almost flirt with John Edwards during his trial for campaign finance fraud. Such a juror could be beneficial to the defense.

“We bring them up to the rail,” Martin said after all the questions have been asked and answered.

As each juror’s number is called the attorney’s trade back and forth the first opportunity to accept or decline a citizen for the panel. If either one declines, the potential juror is thanked and excused for that particular trial. Once all the juror seats are full, the rest of the pool is thanked and dismissed as well.

“Sometimes it’s just a feeling about them,” Martin said.

Martin said that her experience is that from judge to attorneys, everyone appreciates the citizens who come in for juror selection.

“Jury duty does take people from their normal lives. We really appreciate them.

They are absolutely necessary for us to do our jobs.

Clerk of the Court Kathy P. Smith said that because a juror is not selected for one trial does not mean they are excluded from the rest of their month long responsibility to call in. Only service on a trial ends their obligation to the court.

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COUNTY NEWS

Dominion Seeking Permit for Second Discharge Point

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Dominion Cove Point held a hearing Monday night as part of their application to renew their permit to discharge to surface waters, bringing out several community members as well as representatives from Maryland Department of the Environment.

Acting Division Chief for the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Michael Richardson was the mediator for the evening. He explained that as long as Dominion Cove Point meets laws and regulations pertaining to the permit, MDE is bound to approve it. That’s not to say they won’t listen to people’s concerns though. If questions are submitted or public hearings requested “we have to respond to them,” he said.

While they don’t plan on denying the permit, Richardson said they will take citizen concerns into account when applying restrictions on the permit.

He said the permit has to be renewed every five years, and if a permit expires while Dominion is applying for a renewal they are allowed to continue operations until the renewal is granted. Currently, Dominion Cove Point has one discharge pipe that empties into a tributary of Grey’s Creek.

Photo by Sarah Miller A second discharge pipe empties into an area where there Members of the community and representatives from Dominion Cove Point and MDE gather to discuss Dominion Cove Point’s permit to discharge to surface waters. are springs that go into the marsh.

Dominion Cove Point Director of Media Relations The permit will also give Dominion Cove Point three amounts before the three year mark, and possible solutions Dan Donovan said the second discharge pipe is in use, but years to cut down on the metal residue in their discharge, include shipping the discharge to a treatment facility or onit’s under the 10,000 gallon discharge limit where a permit is required, though MDE is putting it under the new permit. which was an issue community members came back to of- site treatments.

He said if the permit were to be denided, they would look at ten as a point of concern.

Donovan said Dominion intends to cut those trace sarahmiller@countytimes.net alternate ways to get rid of the discharge.

Study: Power Plants Beneficial for Ducks

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

both sites on the river] than any where else.”

Part of the study, according to the conservation group’s annual report, was to analyze the amount of invertebrates, like slugs and other mollusks at the bottom of the river at the two sites.

Apparently, Stewart said, the amount of those invertebrates, which the ducks feed off of, was also much larger than usual.

The warm water bloom that comes out of the plants as a result of their operations attracts all the invertebrates, Stewart said the study suggested, which led to more ducks flocking to the greater concentration of food.

“It just provided a much better habitat for them,” he said.

A partnership between regional power plant operators and a conservation agency have culminated in a study that shows the outflow of warm water from both Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant and the conventional power plant at Chalk Point seem to benefit local water fowl, specifically ducks.

Officials with the Southern Maryland Resource Conservation and Development, Inc. (RC&D) say a preliminary draft of the study, which should be available to the public by the end of the month, shows that ducks really do benefit from the warmer water.

Al Stewart, spokesman for the RC&D, said that GenOn, the operators of the Chalk guyleonard@countytimes.net Point plant, proposed the study.

Stewart said there was ample anecdotal evidence to show that ducks flocked there to the two sites in larger numbers than anywhere else on the Patuxent River.

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COUNTY NEWS

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, June 14, 2012

8

House Gutted by Fire A Nuisance For Neighbors

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer

Photo By Corrin M. Howe

On April 4, units from Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department responded to a house fire at 139 Cove Point Road in Lusby.

State Fire Marshals are investigating the blaze, which is believed to have been intentionally started in the basement game room area of the house but investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fire.

The fire took 44 firefighters from Solomons, St. Leonard, Prince Frederick and Bay District fire departments 40 minutes to control.

Nearly two months later, the house remains virtually in the same burned-out condition the fire department left it.

Neighbors, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, are concerned about the condition of the house. The house is directly across the street from the county’s Cove Point Park, although the park is fenced in and the entrance is further down the road from the destroyed house.

“You know how kids can be, I worry about some getting curious and checking it out,” said one neighbor.

Another neighbor has called the county a number of times to find out what is going on with it. Of particular concern is the activity of people who don’t appear to have a reason to be on the property. Two different occasions young men with a U-Haul truck were inside the burnt out structure.

“I called the sheriff’s department and they told me they couldn’t come out here. They said write down the tag number of the truck and call them back,” said a nearby homeowner.

Someone else, who travels down the street on a daily basis saw the same U-Haul truck and thought the driver didn’t look like he belonged on the property.

After the first time the U-Haul left, neighbors discovered the home’s refrigerator/freezer had been upended and all the spoiled contents left on the driveway, attracting buzzards.

“I called the courthouse. They were so kind and got me to the right person to talk to,” said the resident. “A couple people wearing those (hazmat) suits came and cleaned up the mess.”

The person didn’t know which department was responsible for removing the waste which was giving off pungent smells and attracting predatory birds and bugs.

The Calvert Gazette attempted to contact county planning and zoning. Representatives from that office did not respond to messages left prior to press time Tuesday.

Lt. Steve Jones, commander of the Calvert Investigative Team, said detectives have no active investigation going in the aftermath of the blaze, though they have responded to the house numerous times in the past for drug complaints.

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The neighbors agreed that there was a time when law enforcement vehicles were regularly at the house; however, they said that it has been over a year since police have been there.

Deputy Fire Marshal Caryn McMahon said that aside from the arson investigation, fire marshals have not investigated the other complaints.

“We’ve had phone calls about that, but it’s not part of our investigation,” McMahon said about complaints about the condition of the house.

The neighbors have heard conflicting reports about the future of the ravaged house. They heard from county officials that the homeowner doesn’t have any insurance. However, other neighbors report the homeowner was recently spotted on the property with a contractor and she plans to rebuild.

According to county code 115.1 “Buildings, structures or equipment that are or hereafter become unsafe, shall be taken down, removed or made safe as the code official deems necessary and as provided for in this code.”

Mark Volland, county public information specialist, provided the following information on actions that could be taken under the county’s unsafe buildings laws: • A code official will complete a report on the unsafe condition and provide written notice to the owner or agent. The notice explains the structure has been deemed

unsafe and what the county requires with regard to repairs, improvements or demolition. These actions must be completed in a stipulated time frame. Upon receiving notice, the person must declare immediately whether they accept or reject the terms of the notice.

• If the code official has determined the structure is dangerous, unsafe, unsanitary or otherwise unfit for human habitation, the owner as the option of repairs or to demolish and remove. If the owner fails to comply with a demolition order within a prescribed time, the code official can have the structure demolished and place a lien for the cost against the property.

Because the Calvert Gazette was unable to reach a code official as of press time, it is unknown where this house fits in this process.

After numerous calls from the Calvert Gazette to county officials following up neighbor complaints during the last four weeks, on Tuesday the front door and basement windows were boarded up, although the main structure continues to be exposed.

A house nearby damaged from a more recent fire on H.G. Trueman Road, has already been boarded up. That fire is also under investigation for arson.

Staff Writer Guy Leonard contributed to this article.

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COUNTY NEWS

The Calvert Gazette

North Beach Hosts First unite@night Walk

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Dozens of people turned out in show of solidarity and support for the Chiari and Syringomyelia Foundation on the boardwalk in North Beach on Saturday.

Photos by Sarah Miller Michael (left), Braden and Kristin Means introduce Dr. Fraser Henderson Sr.

Huntingtown resident and North Beach walk coordinator Shirley Cleaver said they raised approximately $6,000 for the Chiari and Syringomyelia Foundation.

Though the condition is relatively rare, Cleaver said there are a couple people with Chiari in Calvert alone. She said Chiari is a malformation of the brain where the brain is too large for the skull and part of it gets pushed down toward the spinal column. She said symptoms include headaches, dizziness, vertigo and nausea. The symptoms can mimic a migraine or other conditions, and are often misdiagnosed.

Currently, the only treatment includes brain surgery, Cleaver said. She had surgery in 2010 and the symptoms began getting better. She said she feels blessed and lucky to have been diagnosed and successfully treated.

Some of the local Chiari and Syringomyelia patients turned out to join the walk.

“You just don’t meet somebody with it,” said North Beach Resident Joanna St. Clair. She said she was recently diagnosed with Chiari and was happy to find a support group and get involved in the walk.

Fraser Cummins Henderson Sr., M.D., a neurological and spine surgeon who has treated and lectured on Chiari and Syringomyelia country wide, came out to be the keynote speaker.

“When I look at this disease, I don’t see anything that’s hopeless,” he said during his talk.

He said new treatments and surgeries

Young Firefighters Excel at Competition Calvert County high school student and volunteer firefighter Phillip Ward won first place in the firefighting category recently at the 39th annual SkillsUSA Maryland Leadership and Skills Conference at the Anne Arundel County Training Academy in Millersville.

Ward, a volunteer with the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad and a senior at Northern High School, will go to Kansas City on June 23 to compete at the national SkillsUSA event.

Calvert County students Greg Foard and Willie Gray, both seniors at Calvert High School, placed second and third respectively in the competition as they competed against high school students from throughout the state of Maryland.

Foard is a member of the Benedict Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad and Gray is a member with the Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department.

The students competed in the firefighting contest which evaluates the contestants’ preparation for firefighting careers through hands-on skill demonstrations and both written and oral presentations. Areas tested included safety,

breathing apparatus, fire control and emergency medical care and rescue.

The firefighting category is one of 60 career and technical vocational areas featured in the SkillsUSA competition. Each year, the Maryland skills championships showcases over 800 career and technology education students as they compete for medals, scholarships and prizes, a press release states.

Ward, Foard and Gray are in the Fire Science and Emergency Medical Services program available to Calvert County high school students through the Career and Technology Center. The program is a joint venture between the Calvert County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and the Calvert County public school system. The program is open to high school students age 16 years and older and includes emergency medical technician and firefighter instruction provided by the University of Maryland’s Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute. To learn more about Calvert County’s Fire Science and Emergency Medical Services program, call 410-535-1600, ext. 2668 or call the fire/rescue station nearest you.

Henderson and some of his patients

are being discovered and implemented, and he looks forward to what the future holds.

“I see brilliant futures for all of you,” he said. “I hope to be part of that.”

Cleaver said she was happy with the

turnout, and looks forward to next year’s walk.

“I’m sure there’ll be more,” she said. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

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The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, June 14, 2012

10

One Local Non-Profit Raising Money for Another

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer Patuxent River Rugby club held a fundraiser this past Saturday; however, they weren’t raising money for their organization. Instead the benefit was for the regional chapter of Pets for Vets.

The club, established in 1990 to promote the sport as well as safe competition, held a “Putts for Pups” event at Chesapeake Hills Golf Course in Lusby.

The money was for the Washington, D.C. area chapter of Pets for Vets which serves Maryland, Virginia and D.C. On Saturday, families parked and followed “Putts for Pups” signs around back to the Grille and putting greens. The DJ had “Walking on Sunshine” playing as the smell of grilled hamburgers filled the air. Under a tent, families sat, ate and visited with one another. The event encouraged families to bring “Fido, but he must be on a leash.” At the beginning of the fundraiser, scheduled from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., a dozen dogs participated with their owners in putting tournaments, eating,

Photos By Corrin M. Howe

Both the Patuxent River Rugby Club and Pets for Vets pose for pictures at the “Putts for Pups” fundraising event at Chesapeake Hills Golf Course in Lusby.

raffles, sales and donations.

Brittany Sovine, director for regional chapter of Pets for Vets, said the organization rescues shelter dogs and trains them specifically for a returning war veteran who suffers physical and emotional injuries related to military service.

“If a veteran is anxious about people coming up from behind, the dog is trained to let him know someone is approaching,” Sovine said.

The money helps the organization train the dogs and provide the new owner with everything they need to start taking care of their new pet.

Sovine said her chapter is new and it took some time to find a trainer meeting the requirements of the national Pets for Vets organization. So far the chapter has rescued two dogs but one of the veterans was not able to take care of it.

“That’s the unique thing about our organization, if it can’t go to a vet, it stays until we find it a home,” Sovine said.

The other dog is currently being trained for a veteran in Hagerstown.

“We don’t bring the rescue dogs to

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Diego stands by while his owners Abrea and Luis Rodriguez play one of the games available for families.

fundraising events because our goal is to rescue them and as soon as possible place them. In order to do that, it must stay with the trainer all the time.” Sovine said.

Justin Thomson, president of Patuxent Youth Rugby, said his club searches for other non-profits that they can help.

Thomson met Sovine in November during a 5k run at North Beach.

The rugby club’s members come from both Calvert and St. Mary’s county.

He estimates 25-35 serve or have served in the military. In the past, 10 members have gone to Afghanistan and all are dog owners.

“We had one member who returned and his kids were excited for the first five minutes. His dog was excited for 25 minutes,” Thomson said.

In the past five years, Patuxent Rugby has raised over $8,000 for other organizations such as the American Red Cross and Wounded Soldiers. Raising money for Pets for Vets was a natural fit, according to Thomson, who added the club did not need to spend money to put on the fundraiser, practically everything

was donated.

“When we do this we make sure our members pay for everything because every hot dog or soda they didn’t pay for translates into a leash or dog collar,” Thomson said.

Both Thomson and Sovine sang praises for the other’s organizations as they enjoyed the late afternoon breeze.

Teaming together benefits both non-profits by raising money and awareness for their causes and sports.

Jean Petruncio, from Oakton, Va., is a volunteer for Pets for Vets. She came down for the day and was glad she did saying how she really loved the area.

“This was so well organized. The families had so much to do. Pax Rugby went above and beyond for this event. I’m looking forward to working with them again in the future,” Petruncio said.

For more information about Patuxent Rugby check out www.paxrugby. com. For more information about Pets for Vets go to www.Pets-for-Vets.com. corrin@somdpublishing.net

11

Thursday, June 14, 2012

The Calvert Gazette

Board of Education Adopts Final Budget The Board of Education on June 6 unanimously adopted a $192.6 million budget that provides school system operating funds for next school year. This budget contains significant changes from the budget originally proposed by the Board of Education and the superintendent, a press release from Calvert County Public Schools states.

Funding for the school system comes primarily from two sources – the State of Maryland and the Calvert County government.

In May, the Maryland General Assembly decided to begin passing a portion of teacher pension costs to school systems. This new cost, which was not in the proposed budget, will be $2.8 million for this coming year. The board added this new pension obligation to the budget before adopting it on June 6.

The state will send additional revenue to the Calvert County government in this initial year to cover the new pension cost. The county, in turn, allocated the additional funds to the school system, as required by law, the release stated.

In addition, the school system will receive approximately $1 million less in state funding this year largely due to declining school enrollment.

School system funding from Calvert County fell short of the board and superintendent’s request by $4.5 million. The Calvert County Commissioners met its manda-

tory maintenance of effort funding level and continued to fund the previously agreed to collaborative grant to the school system.

In order to balance the newly adopted Fiscal Year 2013 operating budget, the Board of Education reduced the proposed budget by $3 million and carried over $1.5 million from the current budget.

In a budget message, Superintendent Jack Smith said the school system “is a highly efficient and effective school system that provides a tremendous return on investment. As recently as January 2011, a national study by the Center for American Progress found Calvert County Public Schools to be one of the most efficient and effective school systems in Maryland and in the nation.”

He continued to explain that “the school system reduced 61.5 staff positions from FY 2011 to FY 2012 and will need to cut an additional 30 regular education teaching positions from FY 2012 to FY 2013. These staff cuts will be difficult for an already efficient organization,” the release states.

Most of the reductions in the size of the teaching force will be accommodated through retirements and resignations.

“But make no mistake; we will have fewer teachers providing service to students, and this will affect the classroom,” Smith said.

Windy Hill School Hosts Mini Relay For Life

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer

During last year’s relay, there were more than 750 students involved who Despite the heat last Monraised $2,500. This year, day, the students at Windy Hill the student population Middle School took to doing dropped to 699, but Tayman laps around the school during said sponsors stepped in to the fourth annual Mini Relay fill the gap, and she anticifor Life. pates having raised another Reading and Language $2,500, at least, once the fiArts teacher Stephanie Taynal total is counted. man coordinated the Mini Eighth grade student Relay for Life. She said the Trevor Bellotte said the Photo by Sarah Miller students made a donation to mini relay is fun, and thinks graders Bayleigh Hooper, Jocelyn King, participate, and the school Seventh Alexis Postell, Herleigh White and Jordan Welch. the Relay for Life is a good finds sponsors for students cause to raise money for. who can’t afford to make a donation. She said everyReading and Language Arts teacher Claire one in the school is given the opportunity to join in. Murray echoed Tayman, saying “the kids always In addition to the walk itself, which circles the have fun” and the mini relay has become an anticischool, students had the chance to participate in a pated event at the school. kick ball game, cupcake walk and Minute to Win “Mrs. Tayman is an amazing fundraiser,” MurIt, buy Italian ice provided by Rita’s and soak their ray said. favorite teachers, and even the vice principal, in the This year’s Relay for Life will be tomorrow at dunk tank.

6 p.m. in Hallowing Point Park. According to the Tayman said the students look forward to the Relay for Life’s Calvert County webpage, as of TuesMini Relay for Life every year, normally held from day, 128 teams and 1,676 participants have raised 1-3 p.m. This year’s event was held a little later in $258,633 for the American Cancer Society. the year than normal, Tayman said, and was timed to coincide with the end of the year celebrations. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Tidewater School Welcomes New Principal

Summer Reading Programs Encourage Continued Learning

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer In conjunction with the county library, Calvert public schools is encouraging students to get involved in the summer reading program which kicks off next week.

Supervisor of Elementary Instruction, Social Studies, Family Life, and Service Learning Leanne Meisinger said school representatives have met with the libraries about the theme for the summer reading program and different game boards and activities students can complete.

While the school libraries are closed during the summer, Meisinger the libraries stock plenty of copies of the most popular selections and librarians are always willing and able to help students find books they want.

Youth Services Coordinator Beverly Izzi said it is important for students to read during the summer to keep their reading skills sharp. She said it’s also a good thing for children to get the chance to read books of their own choosing. Letting them pick books they want to read can help reluctant readers become more confident, she said.

For several AP classes, there is a list of required summer reading.

Those books also can be found at the libraries, Meisinger said.

At the end of the summer, elementary school students can bring signed reading logs to get a certificate of completion from their teachers.

Middle and high school students can bring in their completed projects during the first couple weeks of school to earn extra credit. Students who choose not to participate in the summer reading program will not be penalized, Meisinger said.

Last summer, more than 3,000 students participated in the summer reading program, Izzi said. So far, more than 400 have registered already this summer.

She said being involved in the summer reading programs continues the momentum of student learning during the summer and helps student become lifelong learners.

Information about summer reading programs can be found on each school’s individual website and on the Calvert County’s library website at www.calvert.lib.md.us. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Spotlight On

Photo by Sarah Miller Grace Yannakakis is ready to start her first year at the Tidewater School.

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer The school year may be winding down, but Grace Yannakakis is just getting warmed up to start her new position as head of the Tidewater School on June 15.

Yannakakis will be coming to the Tidewater School after four years as the lower school principal at the Calverton School. She said she has been in education for 17 years, entirely spent in independent and private schools. Before the Calverton School, Yannakakis was the assistant head of school at Green Hedges School in Virginia, an independent school offering Montessori preschool and traditional education for grades 1-8.

Yannakakis said she is a fan of the Montessori education employed at the school. She first learned about it when she was teaching in Ohio, while working on a graduate degree to support

and promote non-profit organizations. She said one of the organizations she studied was a Montessori school.

She said she has been watching the Tidewater School since she moved to Calvert and is excited for the opportunity to work with them. She said she hopes to make the public more aware of the school and possibly increase enrollment. She said until now the Tidewater School has been “a very well-kept secret” and it is time to let the secret out.

Her predecessor left some big shoes to fill, but Yannakakis has already been meeting with families and alumni to learn the history of the school and make the transition as smooth as possible.

At the Tidewater School, there are no traditional grade levels. Instead, students are divided into kindergarten, lower elementary, encompassing grades 1 and 2, and upper elementary, encompassing grades 3-5. Students work at their own pace, Yannakakis said, and chose the lessons they want to work on. Teachers are there to guide and support the students rather than spend their day lecturing to a classroom. Classes are small, with between 10 and 14 children at a given time.

Even with students choosing their pace, they still have milestones to meet, assessments to take and report cards to receive.

Yannakakis said students who

leave the Tidewater School have all successfully entered middle school in both the public school system and private schools.

She said the school is referred to as a “hand knit community,” made with a lot of love and designed to last a long time with attention to detail.

Rather than worksheets, there are several materials and “manipulatives” for students to get hands on experience.

“As an adult, I want to work with them,” she said.

Materials include geometric shapes that students can pick up and handle and counting beads for addition, subtraction and multiplication.

From the outside, except for the school’s sign, the Tidewater School looks like any other house in the neighborhood it is situated in. Inside, they use lofts to create “kid sized spaces” and reading nooks, Yannakakis said, aiming to make the children to feel comfortable at the school.

“We pride ourselves on a homelike environment,” she said.

The Tidewater School offers full day programs and half-day kindergarten programs. Tuition is $10,000 per year for a full day program.

For more information, including enrollment opportunities, visit www.thetidewaterschool.org. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, June 14, 2012

12

STORY

From Birthday Party to Carnival

Karsyn’s Karnival Growing Roots as Non-Profit

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer With music, snacks, a variety of games for all ages and no foul weather to contend with, the third annual Karsyn’s Karnival attracted more than 400 people to Cove Point Park on Saturday morning,

Tyler Ruttkay blows bubbles

Photo by Frank Marquart

raising more than $2,600 to help promote Down syndrome awareness.

This year was full of firsts for Karsyn’s Karnival – it was the first year that the carnival turned a profit, it was the first year volunteers from all four Calvert County high schools were involved and the first year the carnival was a registered non-profit organization.

Karsyn’s Karnival began as a birthday party for Karsyn Sloan, who was born with Down syndrome. On her first birthday her parents, Erin and Justin Sloan, put together a small carnival to pull together other Down syndrome families in the area.

Erin Sloan is a speech pathologist at Patuxent High School. She said some of her favorite students have had Down’s. Though she understood the condition, after Karsyn was born she said she felt “kind of alone.” She wanted to connect with other Down syndrome families in the area. Since the first year, the project has “mushroomed,” Erin Sloan said, adding that the carnival has been steadily growing.

“Everybody kind of embraced this idea,” she said.

Erin and Justin Sloan are both teachers at Patuxent High School, and their students have been helping with the carnival since it began. This year, the carnival had more than 100 student volunteers from Calvert, Huntingtown, Patuxent and Northern high schools and even Great Mills and Leonardtown high schools from St. Mary’s County.

Patuxent High School junior Rachel Herzog said the National Honor Society is always looking

Hannah Bruno launches a catapult.

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Thursday, June 14, 2012

The Calvert Gazette STORY

Photo by Frank Marquart

for service projects, and they signed up when the Sloans advertised the carnival at the school. She said it was her first year volunteering with the carnival, and thinks the Sloans do a good job of setting up an afternoon everyone can enjoy.

It was also Merrie and Larry Olsen’s first year volunteering at the carnival.

They spent their time making balloon animals to pass out to kids. Merrie said they are friends with the Sloans.

Their grandson is on the autism spectrum, and they understand the need for events like Karsyn’s Karnival. She said when they were asked to help, “we said yes right away.

It sounded like fun.”

Some volunteers were even Patuxent High alums who came back to help with the carnival and support the Sloans.

Great Mills High School junior Emily Kwasniak said it Eric Heisler tries out ski ball with his son, Max, while his wife and daughter look on. was her second year working at the carnival. She heard about it last year from Karsyn’s Karnival. Erin Sloan said they haven’t her best friend, who baby-sits Karsyn, and when decided what to do with the money yet, but ideas the time came around she decided she wanted to do include sending teachers to conferences, sending it again this year. She said she also volunteers with children to camp in Washington, D.C. and hiring a speaker to come in and talk about Down syndrome.

Special Olympics.

Before Karsyn’s Karnival came along, chil- Justin, Erin and Karsyn Sloan at Karsyn’s Karnival Kwasniak said events like Karsyn's Karnival are “great opportunities to play games, socialize dren with special needs attended the same carniand learn about Down syndrome.” She said she vals as everyone else in the county, said Brandy likes seeing events where the whole community Watson with Solomons Daycare Center. She said can get involved and have fun without any barriers. it is nice to have a yearly event provided by people Patuxent High School freshman Lea Hum- who understand the adaptations needed to include phreys also returned for her second year as a vol- children with special needs. During the carnival, unteer. She said her sister and mother also come Solomons Daycare Center took time to involve kids in a demonstration of the songs and dances along, making the carnival a family activity.

“It’s really fun,” she said. “It’s really good for they have at the daycare center. Karsyn goes to Solomons Daycare Center, and Watson said they let the community to raise awareness.”

The games, like mini golf and the Duck Race, her pick her favorite songs for the demonstration.

Along with having a fun day that everyone are specially designed and constructed by Allen Price, vice president of Karsyn’s Karnival. Price can be involved in, Erin Sloan said they use the teaches with Justin Sloan in the English department carnival to educate the public about Down’s syndrome and children who have it. at Patuxent High School.

“They can do anything anyone else can do,” He said the growth of the carnival has been evident even in the amount of games needed every Erin Sloan said.

Karsyn’s Karnival became an official nonyear. One mini golf course has turned into seven, and every year Price said he designs and introduces profit organization in April. Erin Sloan said they started the process a year ago, when businesses new games to the carnival.

“We’ve been blown away by community sup- told them they couldn’t donate to their cause unless they had non-profit status. She said there are eight port,” Erin Sloan said.

Local community members are not the only board members who organize the carnival every ones who came to the carnival this year. Tammy year, and they will work together to decide what to Roberson from Anne Arundel County said this was do with the money raised this year.

Erin Sloan said they would also like to orgaher second time at the carnival. She said Karsyn’s nize another fundraiser for the fall. One idea for Karnival is “amazing.”

“It’s a great opportunity to meet other Down the second fundraiser is a family Olympics, Erin Sloan said. She said the goal is to have two fundsyndrome parents,” she said.

Another out-of-towner at the carnival was raisers per year.

“It would be great to get together a little more Sherry Kileman from Pennsylvania. She said she often,” Erin Sloan said. has known the Sloans for a long time, and she and They are already planning for the fourth anher grandson come down every summer.

In addition to the volunteer support, Justin nual Karsyn’s Karnival next June. Erin Sloan said Sloan said they have been gathering more and more she wants to thank all the volunteers and sponcorporate sponsors. Chick-fil-A was back again, sors for the carnival who helped make this year a and new supporters included Calvert Marine Mu- smashing success.

“We couldn’t ask for anything more,” she seum and Walgreen’s. Justin Sloan said while in years past they have had to actively pursue every said.

For more information, visit www.karsynskarsponsor, this year they have become well known nival.com. enough that some sponsors contacted them.

Being a fundraiser was another first for sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Photo by Sarah Miller

The Calvert Gazette

Charlotte Bright, 83 Charlotte Eliza Bright, 83, of Port Republic, MD passed away on May 24, 2012 at Calvert Memorial Hospital, Prince Frederick, MD. Charlotte, known to many as “Nanny”, was born on March 13, 1929 in Island Creek, MD to the late John Gourley and Carrie Naomi Johnson. She was the second eldest of 11 children.

Charlotte was educated in the Calvert County Public School system. As a child, she joined Brooks and continued to serve and fellowship throughout her life. She worked various jobs such as clam shucker, domestic care provider, baker, and a community worker for the public schools.

On April 3, 1948, Charlotte was united in holy matrimony to John W. Bright, Sr. From this union, 12 children were born.

Charlotte was a woman of strong faith and very active in the church. She was a member of various committees, such as Willing Workers, Busy Bees, Floral Club, Helping Hands, United Methodist Women and Communion Stewardess. Charlotte was very passionate about singing, which was evident in her commitment to The Brooks Chorus and The Gospelettes.

Charlotte loved to spend time with her family and especially enjoyed her visits with her sisters-in-law Jean and Mazie. She looked forward to “Bright Nights” which were special times shared on Fridays with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and other neighborhood family and friends. Charlotte would often stay up until 2-3am until everyone went home. She was a mother to many in the community and shared all that she had with those in need.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents Gourley and Carrie Johnson; her husband John W. Bright, Sr.; her children John W. Bright, Jr., Alice Barnes, and Johnson “JayBee” Bright; and her siblings Herbert, Edward, Joseph, and John Gourley Johnson, and Aleise Brooks.

She leaves to cherish her memories two daughters, Sarah Brown and Cynthia Coates (Edward); seven sons, Melvin, James (Katrina), Franklin, Dean (Susan), Don, Howard Sr., and Mark (Renee) Bright; 28 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren

and one great-great grandson; a son-in-law, Donald Lee Barnes; three sisters, Mabel Johnson, Roberta Andrews (Sidney), and Iris Harris (Ford); two brothers, Enoch and Wilson (Marie) Johnson; eight sistersin-law, Hattie Davis, Mary Buck, Myrtle Bryant, Lucille Thomas, Ellen, Josephine, Sylvia Jean, and Mazie Johnson; two brothers-in-law, Charles Bright and John Brooks; three special friends, Madeline Chase, Edith Mason, and Marian Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Special thanks are given to her grandson, Shavenson Jeffrey Johnson, for being her daytime primary caretaker.

Funeral service was held on Friday, June 1, 2012, at Brooks UM Church, St. Leonard, MD with Pastor Jason L. Robinson officiating. The interment was at Brooks United Methodist Church Cemetery, St. Leonard, MD. The pallbearers were Shavenson Johnson, Donald A. Barnes, Avan Smith, Kelly Bright, Sr., Gary Bourne and Vincent Savoy II. The honorary pallbearers were Abel Johnson, Travis Bright, Dereck Barnes, Terrance Thomas, Howard Bright, Jr., and Travious Bright.

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

Peggy Brooks, 57 Peggy Ann Brooks, 57, of Lusby, MD passed away on June 2, 2012 at Hadley Hospital, Washington, DC. Peggy was born on Sept. 4, 1954 to the late Johnny and Magdalene Gist.

She entered the Army in 1979, where she met and was joined in holy matrimony with Marcus Brooks I, on Sept. 26, 1981.

She served 15 years in the Army, with 5 years of Foreign Service in Germany and the remaining time in Fort Bragg, NC. She had reached the ranking of a Sergeant E-5 and was a decorated officer, receiving numerous awards such as Army Service Ribbon, Army Lapel Button, National Defense Service Medal, Army Accommodation Medal-Three Leaf Clover, Army Achievement Medal-Two Leaf Clover, Army Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon,

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She was preceded in death by two sisters, Ada & Edna Gist of Spartanburg, SC and one brother John Wesley Gist also of Spartanburg, SC. She leaves to cherish her memories her devoted husband, Marcus I; three sons: Marcus II (Tiffany), Ahman and Darius and one daughter, Shoshoni all of Lusby, MD. She also leaves to cherish her grandchildren Marquan, Ashad, Aakailah, Aajailah, Taraji, & Kendall, all of Lusby, MD; three sisters: Anne, Shirley, and Karen Gist, all of Spartanburg, SC; one brother: Willie (Arlene) Gist; one sister-in-Iaw: Imagene; one Aunt: Edna Stroble; Special Niece: Audrey (Franklin) Tate of Gaffney, SC; Godson: Javier Jones of Spartanburg, SC; Godsister: Deveda English also of Spartanburg, SC; a host of sisters-in-law, brothers-inlaw nieces, nephews, and special friends: Mary Wood, Annie Creek, Isaiah & Lucille Brown, and Mrs. Hattie.

Funeral service was held on Tuesday, June 12, 2012, at Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD with Elder Lowell Thomas eulogist. The interment was at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD. Pallbearers were Kim Murray, Eric Murray, Sheron Taylor, Javier Jones, Nathan Coates and Ronnie Stroble. Honorary pallbearers were James Brooks, Steven Brooks, Samuel Brooks and Vada Brooks.

Violet Graham, 86 Violet Victoria Graham, 86, of Lusby, MD passed away on June 1, 2012 at her residence.

Violet, affectionately known as "Vi-Tee" was born on June 24, 1925 to the late James O. Gross and Martha R. Coates-Gross of Lusby, Maryland. Violet lost a courageous battle with cancer and slipped peacefully into eternal rest at the age of 86.

Violet was a graduate of Brooks High School in Calvert County. During her education, she cherished her teacher the late Miss Alice Stamper. Shortly after graduation, she began her employment at Catholic University as a cook and a childcare provider. She then moved to New York where she was a family caregiver. Violet worked as a head cook at Bowen's Inn Restaurant in Solomons, Maryland, Amber's Restaurant in Lusby, MD and was an active Senior Companion for over 21 years.

Violet was like a mother to everyone she met. Her family included many additional children who were not related by birth. She welcomed them into her home with loving open arms. Vi-Tee had a smile that would warm your heart and brighten your day. She extended unconditional love to all who knew her, always ready and willing to help in whatever way she could.

We all recall Vi-Tee sitting at her dining table playing a hand of Spades or Hi Lo Jack. She always kept a piece of paper, pen and a deck of cards nearby. Among her other hobbies were cooking and baking for her family and friends. Her famous apple butter, homemade root beer and biscuits will be in our memories forever. She took

14

pleasure in family gatherings especially sitting out on the porch enjoying the sunshine.

In a spur of a moment, she would break out into a dance. To most, she appeared as an angel in disguise. Violet had a natural nurturing soul.

On Oct. 26, 1946, she united in marriage to the late Joseph Lester Graham. She leaves to cherish precious memories; seven children, William Orie (Burnadette) Gross, Marvin (Maude) Graham, James (Maxine) Graham, Gary (Marshann) Graham, Wendy (Victor) Hawkins, Trudy (Terry) Johnson, and Dean (Shirley) Graham; three sistersin-law, Grace Graham, Elizabeth Graham and Attrew Gross; three brothers-in-law, Asia Broome, Chester Louers and Johnny Burnett; 15 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, four god sisters, Elise, Alberta, Celeste Weems and Constance Johnson; three god brothers Samuel, Stewart and Charles Weems, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Violet was preceded in death by four brothers: Oliver, John Frank, Thomas and Robert Gross and four sisters: Dorothy Broome, Louise Burnett, Annie Louers and Edna Marcus.

Funeral service was held on Friday, June 8, 2012, at Greater Mt. Zion Church, Prince Frederick, MD with Pastor Irving Beverly officiating. The interment was at St. John United Methodist Church Cemetery, Lusby, MD. The pallbearers were Alfred Bishop, Jr., Ronald Clark, Sr., Sherman Gross, Phillip Hutchins, Terry Hutchins and Jeffrey White. The honorary pallbearers were her nephews.

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

Ernest Hardesty, 84 Ernest Benjamin Hardesty, 84, of Lothian, MD passed away June 5, 2012 at Doctor’s Hospital in Lanham, MD. He was born June 1, 1928 in Ritchie, MD to Benjamin and Mary Pauline (Seay) Hardesty.

He was raised in Prince George’s County where he attended public schools. Ernest married Ella Marie Wilson on May 17, 1947 and they made their home in Upper Marlboro, MD for 32 years until moving to Lothian where they have resided for the past 33 years. Ernest was employed as a truck driver for Frisco Lumber Company for 40 years, retiring in May 1994. He was also a lifelong farmer, raising tobacco and a vegetable garden.

In his retirement he drove a parts delivery truck for Brinkley Auto Parts in Crofton, MD. Ernest enjoyed fishing, gardening, duckpin bowling, watching baseball and spending time with his family.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Virginia Richards, Audrey Duncan, Barbara Jameson, and Richard, Irving, Carroll and Daniel Hardesty.

He is survived by his wife Ella M. Hardesty of Lothian; son Roger D. Hardesty, Sr., of Great Mills, MD; and daughters Joyce A. Jameson and husband Lewey of Owings and Brenda J. Chase of Lothian.

Also surviving are six grandchildren, An-

15

Thursday, June 14, 2012

gie Hooper, Kimberly Burch, Roger Hardesty, Jr., Stacey Blazek, Eddie Brickerd and Ashleigh Horn; 18 great-grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren; and sisters Geraldine Hardesty of Baltimore, MD, Annie Griffith of Hague, VA and Mary Saunders of Tennessee; and a brother Ralph Hardesty of Lothian.

Family and friends were received Friday, June 8, 2012, at Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Owings, MD, where services and a celebration of Ernest’s life were held Saturday June 9. Interment followed at Ft. Lincoln Cemetery, Brentwood, MD. Arrangements by Rausch Funeral Home, 8325 Mount Harmony Lane, Owings, MD

Pork Chop Heller, 36 Michael Allan “Pork Chop” Heller, 36, of Lusby, MD passed away suddenly on June 4, 2012 in California, MD. He was born on Nov. 8, 1975 in Silver Spring, MD to Stanley Paul Heller and Sandra Lee Heller Cowan.

Pork Chop graduated from Calvert High School and went on to join the Marines where he served for three years. He was currently employed with Subway in Food Service Management. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed cooking, hunting, and gardening.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather Cecil Odom.

Pork Chop is survived by his grandmother, Susie Farmer Davey of Indian Head, MD; mother, Sandra L. Cowan of Lusby, MD; step-father, Nathan E. Cowan of Lusby, MD; son, Holden Kirby Heller of Leonardtown, MD; brothers, John Deitzel of Waldorf, MD and James Deitzel of Germany; uncles, John Odom of Indian Head, MD and Gary Odom of LaPlata, MD and a multitude of other family and friends.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2012 at the American Legion Post 274, 11820 H.G. Trueman Rd., Lusby, MD. Arrangements provided by Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Lusby, MD.

Clyde Holland, 68 Clyde William Holland, 68, of Prince Frederick, MD passed away on June 3, 2012 at Anne Arundel Medical Center, Annapolis, MD. Clyde was born on Oct. 27, 1943 in Calvert County, Maryland. He was the oldest child born to the late Edward Holland and Grace Hicks.

Clyde was educated in Calvert County public school system. He worked as a laborer in construction for about 25 years.

Clyde was a member of St. Matthews Free Gospel Church where he was also

The Calvert Gazette

baptized.

Clyde always had a smile on his face.

He is known for helping people whenever they were in need. He found great joy in spending time with family and friends.

He loved to visit his family and friends, he never missed a family gatherings and he loved to eat.

He will always be remembered for cheering on the Dallas Cowboys. Clyde loved to play pool with his friends at Calvert Pines. He also liked to hang out at McDonald's with his friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Holland and Grace Hicks; a sister, Selena Smith; and three brothers, Edward G. Holland, Nathaniel Holland, Carroll Holland.

He leaves to cherish his memory, four sisters, Ida A. Chambers (Carroll), Mary Helen Jones, Theresa E. Holland, Mary L. Holland-Savoy (James); two brothers, Wilson L. Holland, George C. Holland; and two aunts, Dorothy Pinkney, Laura Holland.

Funeral service was held on Saturday, June 9, 2012 at Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD with Bishop Daniel Jones eulogist. The interment was at St. Edmonds UM Church Cemetery, Chesapeake Beach, MD. The pallbearers were Delante Scott, Jamil Jones, Julien Jones, Neal Jones, Derwin Scott, Pondell Beverly, Philander Holland and Mark Adams. The honorary pallbearers were George C. Holland, Harold Smith, Wilson Holland and Jessie Parker.

Arleen Mayhew, 90 Arleen Elizabeth Mayhew, 90, of Huntingtown passed away June 4, 2012 at her residence.

She was born June 5, 1921 in Meadows, MD to John Wesley and Kate Elizabeth (Tudge) Ferguson.

Arleen was employed as a meat wrapper with Safeway Grocery until her retirement.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Stanislaus X. Mayhew and her brothers Harvey and Claude Ferguson.

Surviving are three daughters, Brenda Simpson Locklear and her husband Mack of Glendale, MD, Wanda Hoge and her husband Greg of Salem, VA and Nancy Adams and her husband Canie of Moneta, Va.; one son Ronald Mayhew of Huntingtown, MD.; 14 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; and 8 great-great grandchildren.

Friends were received on Thursday, June 7, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. until services and celebration of Arleen’s life at 11 a.m. at Rausch Funeral Home, Owings, MD. Interment followed at Ft. Lincoln Cemetery in Brentwood, MD. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Route 3 North, Bldg A, Gambrills, MD 21054 or American Lung Association of Maryland, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004

Patricia Owens, 76, Patricia Ann Owens, 76, passed away on Feb. 28, 2012 at the home of her niece in Columbia Falls, MT. She was born in Lexington, KY on Feb. 21, 1936 to Houston and Stella (Reynolds) Edger.

The family moved to Oxon Hill, MD when she was a child and Patricia received her education in Prince George County Schools. She married Roland Lee Owens February 21, 1951.

They resided in Prince Georges’ County until moving to Huntingtown in 1984. Her husband Roland preceded her in death on September 5, 1988. Patricia was the manager of the lunch counter at Lord Calvert Lanes in Huntingtown until her retirement.

She resided in LaPlata for 10 years before moving to Montana in 2011 to be cared for by her niece Nancy Burns and her husband Donald.

Surviving are three sons, James Robert Owens of Annapolis, MD, Ronald Lee Owens of Gettysburg, Penn., and Scott Allen Owens of Columbia Falls, MT. Patricia is also survived by seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A service and celebration of Patricia’s life will be held 10:00 A.M. Friday, June 15, 2012 at Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., 8325 Mt. Harmony Lane, Owings, MD. Interment will follow at Southern Memorial Gardens, Dunkirk, MD. Memorial contributions may be made to any Hospice organization.

Jacqueline Thorne, 72, Jacqueline Lee Thorne, 72, of Sunderland, MD passed away June 6, 2012, at Hospice of St. Mary’s in Valley Lee, MD. She was born Feb. 26, 1940 in Greensburg, Penn., to Charles Howard and Mary Jane (Keefner) Plate.

Jacqueline was raised in Armburst Hill, Penn. She attended county schools and was a 1958 graduate of Hempfield High School. Jacqueline was married to Bing David Thorne Oct. 15, 1960 in New Stanton, Penn. They resided in Waldorf since 1985.

Jacqueline moved to Sunderland in 2009.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bing on Aug. 19, 2009, a son Dale Allen Thorne and a daughter Darcy Diane O’Donnell.

Surviving are three children Dana Lee Thorne of Las Vegas, NV, Dirk David Thorne and his wife Sherri of Sunderland, MD, and Dray Adam Thorne and his wife Teresa of Mechanicsville, MD, seven grandchildren Brittany M, Nick D, Felicia, Hunter, and Mackenzie Thorne, Gabrielle Ames and Page O’Donnell, a sister Kathy Lynn Pilgrim of Cola, SC, a brother Eric Vaughn Plate of Greensburg, Penn., and

a half sister Amy Louise Huibregtse of Chicago.

Friends were received on Sunday, June 10, 2012, at C. Richard McCauley Funeral Home, Youngwood, Penn., where services were held Monday, June 10, 2012. Interment followed at Westmoreland Cemetery.

Arrangements by Rausch Funeral Home, 8325 Mount Harmony Lane, Owings.

Buck Ward, Jr., 45 Charles Arthur “Buck” Ward, Jr., 45, of Annapolis, MD passed away June 2, 2012 in Annapolis, MD. He was born April 10, 1967 to Charles A., Sr. and Marion (Knott) Ward.

He was raised in Southern Maryland and graduated from Chopticon High School in 1985. He was employed as a carpenter and most recently resided in Annapolis, MD. Buck enjoyed music, fishing and spending time with his friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by a brother John Raymond Ward.

He is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Family and friends will be received Thursday, June 14, 2012, from 7-8 p.m. at Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., 8325 Mt. Harmony Lane, Owings, where a memorial service and celebration of Buck’s life will follow at 8 p.m.

Arrangements by Rausch Funeral Home, 8325 Mount Harmony Lane, Owings.

Helen Yencho, 88 Helen Ann Yencho, 88, of Lothian, MD passed away June 7, 2012 at Calvert County Nursing Center, Prince Frederick, MD. She was born July 4, 1923 in Pittsburg, Penn., to Frank and Anna (Marszalek) Domino. he was raised in McKeesport, Penn.

Surviving are her husband Michael K. Yencho, a daughter MaryAnn Wadginski and her husband James of Mechanicsville, MD, three grandsons Michael Joseph Pena and his wife Stephanie of Glenelg, MD, Kenneth John Pena and his wife Carlene of Columbia, MD and Patrick James Pena of Middle River, MD; four great grandchildren and a sister Bernice Lako of McKeesport, Penn.

Relatives and friends were received at Rausch Funeral Home, Owings, MD, on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 from 11 a.m. until time of service at noon. Interment followed at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham.

L

Editor

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, June 14, 2012

16

S

TER T E to the

Right to Repair Act Supports Military Families

COMMISSIONER CORNER

Are You Comfortable With More of The Same? I’m Not

By Evan K. Slaughenhoupt, Jr. Calvert County Commissioner, District 3

Some claim our budget is testimony to the county bond ratings; distinguish The American Military Society (AMS) urges budget presentation awards, Congress to pass the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right and awards for accounting. to Repair Act (HR 1449) on behalf of its memberBond ratings are essenship which includes active, reserve, National Guard, tially credit scores indicatretired and veterans of the uniformed services, their ing our ability and willingfamilies and survivors. ness to pay our debts more Right to Repair levels the competitive playing so than reflecting the quality field for motoring consumers and between new car of the budget. dealerships and independent repair shops by requirPresentation awards reing that car companies provide full, fair access at a flect a document that serves reasonable cost to all non-proprietary service inforas an operations guide, financial plan, mation, tools and safety-related bulletins needed to and communications device. This repair today’s high-tech motor vehicles. award is less so about the quality of When local repair shops are denied access to the budget. non-proprietary repair information from the car comAccounting awards indicate panies, competition is limited. All consumers benefit we properly document expenditures from competition, but those serving our country and consistent with the budget. It demontheir families at home derive particular benefit from strates that funds are “accounted for”, being able to obtain affordable, effective and convenot the quality of the budget. nient repairs for their vehicles.

These awards are welcomed, As cars become more complicated with more computer systems, the problem becomes more acute. earned, noteworthy, and clearly deMilitary personnel and their families are often staserving for our staff; yet even in totioned in remote locations far from any dealerships, tal do not mean we have the proper relying on independent repair shops to service their budget. vehicles. Most do not have the time to find the nearFY13 budget had too little supest dealership, drive all the way there and wait for port for new ideas. A continued detheir sole source of transportation to be repaired. If pressed economy, warning signals, critical repairs go unperformed, then safety may be and recklessness in Annapolis did not compromised. stop our adherence to the past.

The American Military Society encourages all My opposition is more than simservice members, their families and all Americans to ply opposing the process. I am not visit www.righttorepair.org to send a letter to each of saying “Do it my way, or the hightheir Senators and their Representatives, urging them way”, nor “If you don’t play the game to support this legislation. the way I want to; I’m taking my toys home.”

Col. Charles C. Partridge, USA (Ret) Taking a previous year’s budget American Military Society and aligning expenses to projected Upper Marlboro, MD income prevents needed detailed examination by elected officials. This Publisher Thomas McKay approach prevents the Associate Publisher Eric McKay level of transparency our Editor Sean Rice citizens deserve.

Graphic Artist Angie Stalcup I disagree that we Office Manager Tobie Pulliam have a “conservative Advertising sales@somdpublishing.net budget.” I do understand Email info@somdpublishing.net we error on the side of Phone 301-373-4125 the taxpayer when making estimates which is Staff Writers consistent with conserGuy Leonard Law Enforcement Sarah Miller Government, Education vative budgeting practicCorrin Howe Community, Business es as described in bond Carrie Munn Staff Writer rating agency reports.

A conservative budContributing Writers get is more than making Joyce Baki Keith McGuire conservative estimates.

Susan Shaw P. O. Box 250 . Hollywood, MD 20636 It starts with the basics Sherrod Sturrock by base-lining truly needed activities and The Calvert Gazette is a weekly newspaper providing news and information for the residents of Calfunctions. Conservative vert County. The Calvert Gazette will be available on newsstands every Thursday. The paper is budgets ensure that only published by Southern Maryland Publishing Company, which is responsible for the form, content, and required activities and policies of the newspaper. The Calvert Gazette does not espouse any political belief or endorse any functions are funded. I product or service in its news coverage. Articles and letters submitted for publication must be signed support building a budand may be edited for length or content. The Calvert Gazette is not responsible for any claims made get from the basics. by its advertisers.

On Tuesday, June 5, I voted against adoption of the Calvert County FY-13 Budget. The following statement was read into the record: I oppose this budget. My preference is otherwise.

Staff worked long hours making a balanced budget. An actual decrease of $7 million from last year, it includes various user fee increases, but no tax rate increases. The workforce does not expand, and unfortunately for county employees salaries remain flat. I suspect sufficient votes exist for adoption.

Last year’s budget was largely from the previously elected board as three newly elected commissioners’ involvement was towards the tailend. After our initial few months of orientation, we made slight adjustments. This budget is the first completely built by this board.

In the 2010 campaign when I visited over 3200 homes, voters told me they wanted new faces, new blood, new personalities; and new ideas.

Sadly, this budget lacks new ideas.

Some may say our efforts are not perfect; improvements could be made; and that we could always do better. Citizens expect that we actually make improvements rather than selecting the status quo.

Calvert Gazette

We should articulate genuine guidance at the beginning of the build. Instead, departments do “salami-slicing” to reach the budget bottom line (now for a third year in a row).

The current process lacks detailed prioritizations. We should have greater front-end insight to more objectively determine what specific items should, or not, be funded.

We should seek ways of reducing duplicative costs to include the Sheriff’s Office and Board of Education. We should focus on cost savings for the taxpayer by targeting similar functions and services such as procurement, fleet maintenance, and IT services. A transportation expert indicated 25% savings in maintenance if we take a different approach.

Citizens ask why educators request more money while declining student enrollment since 2006, continues downward through 2016. Hiring more deputies and staff over the past years means less money for salary increases.

One citizen’s look at the school budget questions less than explicit expenditures of over half-million dollars, and if $6.6 million is really appropriate for custodial support.

I oppose a budget where I cannot readily see rationale explaining 1.

Why we need the number of requested employees, 2. Why we need the identified amount of income, and 3.

Why we need the identified resources such as buildings and equipment.

I am not critical of past budgets.

During economic expansion, the process created reserves that assisted during economic contraction. Given the prolonged stagnant economy, is it not appropriate to consider relooking our build process?

For the newer commissioners, are we truly comfortable with this budget; have a firm handle on all the items it contains, recognize any impact we made? Can we honestly respond to our constituents and defend this budget to the level of detail they may ask? I cannot.

We need a different process; one with goals of reducing tax rates, identifying and eliminating duplication, ensuring greater transparency for the citizens, and our increased interaction throughout the entire build.

Therefore, I cannot in good conscience vote in favor of the FY13 budget; and I end with this one question for our citizens. Are you comfortable with more of the same, or desire improvements? Thank you for listening to my concerns and suggestions.

17

Thursday, June 14, 2012

The Calvert Gazette

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In an effort to provide relief to businesses dealing with a tough economic climate, the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to adopt a measure that extends approvals for building projects – without relieving approved projects from complying with all laws, including town center master plans, a county press release states. The ordinance grants a twoyear extension to project approvals and, as the economy improves, will allow projects to move ahead without having to revisit the approval process.

The measure is a response to the decline in the construction industry and in residential and commercial real estate development. Property owners, builders and developers continue to experience weak demand and a tightening credit market that are delaying completion of construction and development projects, the release states.

The ordinance tolls, or suspends, the expiration of approvals for subdivision, site plan, building and grading permits; extends special exceptions granted by the Calvert County Planning Commission; extends ap-

provals and defers payment of water and sewer capital connection and minimum user fees; and allows the transfer of sewer taps between commonly owned projects in the same sewer service area.

Project approvals with expiration dates beginning Jan. 1, 2008, (the date the Maryland legislature recognized the current poor economic conditions) through July 1, 2012, are granted an extension until July 1, 2014.

Projects gaining approvals between July 1, 2012, and July 1, 2014, will be granted an additional two years.

The Calvert County Planning Commission held a public hearing on the measure May 16 and kept the record open for public comment until May 30. At its June 6 meeting, the commission recommended the BOCC approve the ordinance.

For more information, contact the Calvert County Department of Planning and Zoning at 410-535-1600 or 301-855-1243, ext. 2356, or email PZ@co.cal.md.us; or the Department of Public Works at 410-5352204 or email Public.Works@co.cal.md.us.

Family Auto Announces Staff Accomplishments Family Auto Mercedes, BMW & Lexus in Owings announces Erin Ciok has accepted the position of Assistant Service Manager. Erin worked many years in the service department at Mercedes of Annapolis and brings exceptional dealership service experience and personal management talents to the counter for Family Auto's clients. Located on Skinners Turn Rd in North Calvert Co, Family Auto Care is local family owned and has Calvert's only factory trained master certified Mercedes, BMW and Lexus technicians, a press release states.

• Certified Master Technician Charlie Shaffer completed with honors a BMW Diagnostic and Update training and certification held in San Diego, Calif., in late March. Charlie's ongoing technical education is highly focused to suit his specialty of Mercedes Benz and BMW service.

• Shaffer also completed with honors an annual Mercedes Benz Diagnostic and Update training and certification held in Vienna, Va., in early March.

• ASE Certified Master Technician Christopher King was brought on as a member of Family Auto’s service team in May. King is a Master Level Automotive Technician who is double certified by Automotive Service Excellence and is also factory trained and certified by both Mercedes Benz and Lexus. King’s factory training allows Family Auto to offer the same dealer level service for Lexus as they already provide for Mercedes Benz and BMW.

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Community

The Calvert Gazette

Hornick Named Nurse of the Year Registered nurse Tammy Hornick was named by Calvert Memorial Hospital as Nurse of the Year for 2012. Hornick, who joined CMH in 1983, is noted for her teamwork, compassion and dedication to providing exceptional patient care.

“This has been an amazing year for nursing at Calvert and Tammy exemplifies the forward movement of the professional nurses here at the hospital,” Bob McWhirt, vice president for patient care services at CMH, said in a press release.

In addition to her work in preadmission testing, Hornick serves as a forensic nurse examiner. These specially trained nurses treat victims of sexual assault and help collect evidence. She is also certified in ambulatory perianesthesia nursing and has achieved RN IV status at Calvert, reflecting her advanced clinical expertise, leadership and community service.

Hornick has earned the nickname “magic” from her co-workers for her willingness to help others on the unit and her assistance with blood draws and other emergencies. She is often referred to as a

“walking encyclopedia” and is frequently used by staff as a resource for questions, the release states.

The 29-year nursing veteran serves on multiple committees at CMH including the nursing clinical ladder, professional development council as well as the health ministry team network. She also volunteers to do blood pressure screening at her church and has been captain of her Relay for Life team for the past 10 years.

“Ms. Hornick is an advocate for both patients and staff,” said her supervisor Anne Lockhart. “She receives many compliments for her care and compassion and is an ambassador for outstanding customer service.”

The other nominees were Steven Colvin, Level 2; Susan Perciasepe, interventional radiology; Pam Hurley, Level 2; Cindy Hogan, transitional care unit; Joann Robinson, Level 5 and Sharon Ryon and Vonda Stamp, emergency department.

“Their leadership role in their respective departments is critical in making this hospital the very best it can be,” CMH President and CEO Jim Xinis said in the release.

Queen of The Tall Ships Coming to Solomons In association with the Calvert what it is really like to sail a Tall Ship.

Marine Museum, Kalmar Nyckel, And, what a special way to experience queen of the tall ship fleet, will be on Solomons Island by sailing the beautiSolomons Island offering public sails ful Patuxent River up to the mouth of the and tours June 22-24.

Chesapeake Bay!” said Catherine ParThe Kalmar Nyckel will dock at sells, Kalmar Nyckel Foundation ExecuWatermen’s Wharf, Solomons, located tive Director. next to the Chesapeake Biological Lab Kalmar Nyckel serves as a vital Visitors Center and will offer pirate education resource for schools and the sails from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and community. In the last two years, the sunset sails from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. both ship has hosted over 5,800 students for its Friday and Saturday. On Sunday the ship and shipyard education programs.

Kalmar Nyckel will host free ship tours The original Kalmar Nyckel sailed open to the public from 10:00 a.m.to from Sweden to the New World in 1638, 1:00 p.m. and a pirate sail from 3:00 – leaving her passengers to establish the 5:30 p.m. All sails are $60 for adults and first permanent European settlement in $40 for ages 17 and younger. For tickets the Delaware Valley, at Fort Christina and more information, please contact in present-day Wilmington, Delaware. the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation office Because of her historical accuracy, Kalat (302) 429-7447 (toll free at 866-659mar Nyckel was featured last year in Na7447 or www.kalmarnyckel.org. tional Geographic Television’s “Return Kalmar Nyckel is an authentic of the Ghost Ship,” which aired in 124 re-creation of a 17th century Dutch countries around the world. This docubuilt vessel, one of America’s pioneermentary explored a “ghost ship” from the ing “Tall Ships” that brought some of Photo by Andrew Hanna 1630’s found intact at the bottom of the the earliest permanent settlers to the Kalmar Nyckel, Tall Ship of Delaware, sets sail for Baltic Sea. colonies. The ship’s historical accuracy Solomons Island this June.

The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation is reflects the sailing methodology of the grateful to the support of the Calvert Maearly 1600’s, which passengers can experience for themselves. rine Museum Association and the Calvert County Watermen’s The ship has 8 sails, 8 miles of rigging, and a crew of dedicated Association. volunteer sailors to make the trip exciting for all, a press release For tickets and more information, please contact the Kalmar states.

Nyckel Foundation office at (302) 429-7447 (toll free at 866-659“A sail on the Kalmar Nyckel is a unique way to learn about 7447) or www.kalmarnyckel.org. the ship’s maritime and cultural history as well as experience

Thursday, June 14, 2012

18

17th Annual African American Family Community Day Come and hear Gospel recording artist Isaiah Thomas, comedian Sean Sarvis, Obsession Go-Go Band, 410 South Boyz, I Am Nezzy, and other local entertainers.

Participate in children’s activities including art, storytelling, moon bounce, face painting, etc. View displays and exhibits from community organizations. Qualify for door prizes and enjoy scrumptious food.

WHO: Everyone Invited – FREE EVENT WHAT: A day of Family Fun WHEN: Saturday, June 16, 2012, From 11:00 am until 5:00 pm WHERE: Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, 10515 Mackall Road, St. Leonard, Maryland 20685 WHY: • Opportunity for families to enjoy riverside trails and many free family oriented activities offered throughout the day.

• Use this event as a setting to hold a summer social or picnic.

• Many food vendors will be available to satisfy all of your tastes.

• View merchandise vendors • Enjoy day long entertainment • Enjoy Fun, Food, Fellowship with many residents of the Calvert County community.

Sponsored by the NAACP Calvert County Chapter and other community organizations. For more information call 410-535-2730.

Perigeaux Winery Opens Tasting Room

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners celebrated the opening of the new tasting room at Perigeaux Vineyard and Winery with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The winery, first opened in 2002, has won more than 30 awards for its locally produced wines. At center with the scissors are Perigeaux co-owners John Behun and Mark Flemming.

19

Thursday, June 14, 2012

The Calvert Gazette

2012 Maritime Performance Series Returns The Maritime Performance Series returns for the third year giving guests the perfect reason to spend a warm Friday evening in Solomons at the Calvert Marine Museum. The series features three performances showcasing accomplished musicians performing in a traditional acoustic style.

Beautiful harmonies accompanied by amazing acoustic instruments will begin at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. Tickets are $5 and sold only at the door, cash or check. No advance ticket sales, a press release states. Starting at 6 p.m. wine and beer will be for sale, and in July and August, “lite bites” prepared by Lotus Kitchen will also be available for sale. Guests are invited to picnic at the tables overlooking Back Creek before the concert.

Community One Hundred Percent of Calverton Graduates Accepted to Colleges

• Friday, June 15 – Yankee Frolics: Songs and Tunes from the War of 1812 Era

Judy Cook, Peter Brice, and Lisa Null are accomplished musicians and singers of traditional song who have come together to create Yankee Frolics. Peter Brice, a ballad singer and button accordionist from Annapolis, Maryland, holds a B.A. in Irish Traditional Music and Dance from the University of Limerick and is the director of the New Century American Irish-Arts Company. Lisa Null has an extensive performing background at venues ranging from Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” to museums, nightclubs, festivals, and coffee houses. Judy Cook tours throughout England and the United Sates singing the traditional songs of America and the British Isles. Together, they create an exceptional blend of musical styles and traditions with an historical bent.

• Friday, July 20 – Pint & Dale

Seattle duo William Pint and Felicia Dale have boundless enthusiasm for creating music and sharing it with their audience. With guitar, hurdy-gurdy, mandolin, violin, whistles, harmony, joy and pure energy Pint and Dale bring listeners an insight into another age, offering both humor and drama in equal measure. They have produced ten recordings together, as well as recording with other artists. In performance, William Pint’s emotionally expressive singing is complemented by his powerful guitar and mandola work with which he can supply settings of great delicacy or wild, driving rhythms. Felicia’s striking vocal harmonies are matched by her creative use of the hurdy-gurdy and Irish pennywhistles, taking these traditional instruments far beyond their usual roles. Drawing on several cultures, Pint and Dale perform traditional and modern music and songs reflecting the immense vitality of those who live and work on the sea.

• Friday, Aug. 24 – John Cronin and Mac Walter

Returning to the Calvert Marine Museum for their third performance, cousins John Cronin and Mac Walter bring a combined acoustic fingerstyle virtuosity that is remarkable. Both are talented in their own right but when they play together, the synergy and harmonies they project always leave an audience on their feet and wanting more. Three-time WAMMIE <http://www. wamadc.com/wama/the_ wammies.html> winner Mac Walter has toured with Johnny Winter and Deanna Bogart as well as playing with other DC legends including Danny Gatton and Roy Buchanan. John, who settled in British Columbia, has toured extensively with Canadian musical icon Ian Tyson as lead guitarist.

John’s boisterous folksy enthusiasm is infectious and a perfect foil for Mac’s golden tones. CMM is delighted to bring these talented cousins back to Solomons!

Nearly 100 percent Calverton School graduates were accepted to four-year colleges, with one graduate opting for a career of service in the United States Marine Corps and one attending a twoyear college.

The graduating class is comprised of students from Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s Counties, as well as International Students from China and South Korea.

Plein Air Festival Offers Fresh Look of Solomons

Fresh air, art and family fun will offer a festival atmosphere for visitors to the annual Plein Air Festival, sponsored by the Solomons Business Association (SBA) with the College of Southern Maryland June 13 to 16 in Solomons, a press release states.

This year’s Plein Air Festival will include a competition of plein air artists, culminating on June 16 with a Quick Draw competition open to the community. Saturday events will also feature a Street Fair, a Collectors’ Preview Champagne Reception and a public reception “An Affaire of the Arts,” featuring the winning plein air pieces for viewing or purchasing.

For this year’s Plein Air Festival, artists from Connecticut to Georgia will be found painting throughout Solomons and the Dowell community on June 13-15. Their pieces will be judged on June 16 and displayed at the closing receptions at Carmen’s gallery in Solomons.

For those in the community who want to sample the plein air experience, a Quick Draw competition will be offered along the Solomons Riverwalk from 10 a.m. to noon, June 16. Registration for the Quick Draw will begin at 9 a.m. in the Solomons Pavilion, with an entry fee of $25 per person to paint. Visitors are encouraged to watch the artists at work. Judging of the Quick Draw entries will be at noon at the Celebration tent located in the Lighthouse Inn parking lot, followed by sales of these paintings at 1 p.m.

In addition to the Quick Draw, the Street Fair will offer artisan booths, refreshments and a variety of games for children and adults from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The preview reception in Carmen’s gallery from 5 to 6 p.m. will offer the first opportunity to view the plein air competition paintings and to chat with the participating artists. Cost to attend is $100 per person, which may be applied toward any plein air competition painting purchased during the reception.

The festival closes with An Affaire of the Arts Public Reception at Carmen’s gallery from 6 to 9 p.m. when competition winners will be awarded. Their artwork may be purchased as well as the 2012 collectible plein air poster. Artists and Festival Judge Dee Beard Dean will be present, and Dean’s oil paintings will also be on display and available for sale.

The event will include music by CSM’s Ritmo Cache and refreshments.

All proceeds from the Plein Air Festival will benefit SBA’s signature events including the Plein Air Festival, July 4th Fireworks, Christmas Walk and the Taste of Solomons, and proceeds from the poster sales will benefit a scholarship through the CSM Foundation.

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, June 14, 2012

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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.

Ignite the Night – Back for Round Five

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer This year’s Ignite the Night is scheduled for June 16, and there will be a couple changes to the popular Christian music festival, the biggest being a shift from being a day-long music festival to an evening event starting at 5:30 p.m. and ending at 11 p.m.

Among the headliners during this year’s event at the St. Mary’s County Fairground in Leonardtown will be 2012 Dove Award nominee Ashes Remain and hip-hop artist Curvine.

There will also be drama performances and spoken word messages with Chris Bernstorf. Every year local talent is also included in the lineup. This year local sibling trio The Bartons will be returning for their second Ignite the Night engagement. Also performing will be Finally Here and Area 42.

Ignite the Night founder and coordinator Vicky Bailey said they generally invite local bands to perform with them for two years, and then they try to bring in new talent.

“We don’t want to look the same each year,” she said.

In addition to performing Saturday night, Curvine will be doing a meet and greet at Life Community Church of God tomorrow night from 7-9 p.m. and sharing music and ministry at the Leonardtown Church of the Nazarene at the 10:45 a.m. service Sunday.

Entry is free, but donations are welcome to help offset operational costs. Ignite the Night it is not geared toward one specific age group, but meant to be an evening for the whole family to enjoy.

“Its purpose is to provide a night of fun and fellowship with a positive message for everyone,” the Ignite the Night website reads.

Bailey said for the past couple of years Ignite the Night has been held on hot days, and the shift in Photos by Sarah Miller

Local band The Bartons will be back for a repeat performance during Ignite the Night June 16 starting at 5:30 p.m. Headliners include Ashes Remain and Curvine.

time is to help alleviate the effect of the sun. Another change this year will be a salute to the military to kick off the night.

“We want to let the military know we love them,” Bailey said, adding the military is often in the thoughts and prayers of the community.

Other additions include a classic car and motorcycle show. Bailey said some other changes this year are being kept under wraps until the night of the concert, but she is “really excited” about them.

Local youth groups and churches will be selling food, drinks and snacks. All seating is on the lawn, and people are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs, though they are asked to leave large umbrellas, tents and canopies at home. Alcoholic beverages and glass containers are also prohibited. Because Ignite the Night will happen rain or shine, it is recommended to prepare for any kind of weather by bringing things like sunscreen and raincoats.

For more information about Ignite the Night, visit www.ignitethenight.com or e-mail info@ignitethenight.com. For more information about the artists, visit www.ashesremain.com, www.myspace.com/ curvine and www.facebook.com/chrisbernstorf.

Ignite the Night is still looking for volunteers wanting to help out Saturday night. To volunteer, call Vicky or Mike Bailey at 301-373-9731.

Bailey said Ignite the Night’s organizers are looking for area’s youth to get involved in the planning of the event.

“We’re looking for the younger generation to step up and take over Ignite the Night,” Bailey said, adding they are hoping to transition youths into running the concert and allow the small core group to step back into advisory and support roles. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

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Thursday, June 14, 2012

The Calvert Gazette

Library Events Wednesday, June 13 • Creative Memoirs: Reinventing a Life. 2:3:30pm. Join author and editor Elisavietta Ritchie as she encourages the art of creative memoir writing. Bring 12 double-spaced copies of your piece of memoir, 500-800 words, to work on and share with the group. Calvert Library Prince Frederick, 850 Costley Way, 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.

• Summer Reading Kickoff Evening Storytime: 7-8pm. Kickoff the Summer Reading Program with an Evening Storytime. No registration necessary. Theme: Dream Big: READ. For children of all ages. Calvert Library Prince Frederick, 850 Costley Way, 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.

Thursday, June 14 • Summer Reading Program Kickoff Storytime. 6:30-7:15pm. Kickoff the Summer Reading Program with an Evening Storytime. No registration necessary. Theme: Dream Big: READ. For children of all ages. Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch, 3819 Harbor Road, Chesapeake Beach, 410-257-2411.

• Summer Reading Evening Storytime.

7:00-8:00pm. Come help us kick off the Summer Reading Program at an evening storytime celebration. Calvert Library Fairview Branch, Rt. 4 and Chaneyville Road, Owings, 410-257-2101.

• Docent Training. 7 8:30pmLincoln and the Constitution Exhibit Docent training. Must complete an application and attend an Opportunities & Expectations meeting, prior to attending.

Please register. Calvert Library Prince Frederick, 850 Costley Way, 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.

Friday, June 15 • On Pins & Needles. 1:00-4:00pm. Bring your quilting, needlework, knitting, crocheting, or other project for an afternoon of conversation and shared creativity. Calvert Library Prince Frederick, 850 Costley Way, 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.

Saturday, June 16 • Garden Smarter: Homegrown Herbs.

10:00-11:30am. Planting, growing, and harvesting herbs that grow well in this region is easy and rewarding. A personal herb garden is convenient for cooking and a decorative addition to your landscape. Calvert Library Prince Frederick, 850 Costley Way, 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.

• Brain Games: Mahjongg, Scrabble & more.

12:00-2:00pm. Want to learn Mahjongg? Hope to make your Scrabble skills killer? Games are a great way to keep your brain sharp while having fun! Join us! Calvert Library Prince Frederick, 850 Costley Way, 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.

Monday, June 18 • Monday Morning Movies. 10:00-11:00am.

Bring the little ones for a movie and a story. Calvert Library Prince Frederick, 850 Costley Way, 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.

• Calvert Eats Local. 7:00-8:30pm. Encourage local agriculture, discover ways to eat locally, and share resources, energy, and good ideas for great food! We will make plans for Buy Local Challenge Week. Calvert Library Prince Frederick, 850 Costley Way, 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.

Out&About

Saturday, June 2 – Friday, August 31

serve as a touchstone to the past and brings to life these classic works of art that once ruled the highways.

• Solomons Splash! Fire Hydrants that Make a Splash Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, 13480 Dowell Road, Solomons. 410326-4640 • www.annmariegarden.org Enjoy a walk around Solomons as you look for all the fire hydrants painted with Chesapeake Bay inspired designs.

• African American Family Community Day (11 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, 10515 Mackall Road, St. Leonard. 410-5868501 • www.jefpat.org.

The Calvert County branch of the NAACP hosts this multicultural family event where you can enjoy live entertainment, exhibits and displays, children’s arts and crafts, games, food and merchandise vendors, prize drawings and more!

Wednesday, June 13 – Saturday, June 16 • Solomons Plein Air Festival Solomons Island. 410-326-2549 • www. solomonsmaryland.com The Solomons Plein Air Festival is an exciting competition for both artists and viewers. This year artists will paint from Wednesday until Friday with the Quick Draw held on Saturday morning. Saturday also features a street fair from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. including artisan booths, refreshments and games for children and adults. The culminating event on Saturday evening is the “Affaire of the Arts,” where the competition paintings will be judged and displayed for sale. Awards will be presented and the event, open to the public, will feature refreshments, a bar and live musical entertainment. The 2012 collectible poster will be available at the event as well. Artists will be in attendance.

Thursday, June 14 • Bay Breeze Concert Series (7:30 p.m.)

Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum, 4155 Mears Ave., Chesapeake Beach. 410257-3892 • www.cbrm.org Each summer the museum is pleased to present a series of four concerts featuring the best talent around. The concert is held the second Thursday of each month from June through September on the museum porch.

These concerts are brought to you by the generous support of the Town of Chesapeake Beach.

Friday, June 15 – Sunday, August 26 • Treasured: Honoring Precious and Vanishing Worlds Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, 13480 Dowell Road, Solomons. 410326-4640 • www.annmariegarden.org This exhibit reveals the beauty and vulnerability of the endangered and the threatened. From disappearing plant and animal species to vanishing languages and cultures and threatened ecosystems, the exhibit highlights the intricacies and fragility of precious and vanishing worlds.

Friday, June 15 • Campfire on the Beach (7 p.m.)

The Town of North Beach, 8916 Chesapeake Ave., North Beach. 410-257-9618 • www.northbeachmd.org Join us for a campfire!

Saturday, June 16 • 37th Annual Tobacco Trail Antique Automobile Meet (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)

Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, 13480 Dowell Road, Solomons.

This is the main event of the National Capital Region (NCR) of the Antique Automobile Club of America. The meet showcases more than 100 antique and classic cars that

• Fossil Field Experience (9 a.m.-2 p.m.)

Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Road, Solomons. 410-326-2042, ext. 41 • www.calvertmarinemuseum.com Come and explore the fossils of Calvert Cliffs. For ages eight and up. Cost is $20.

Space is limited. Registration is required.

• Guided Canoe Trip (Noon-3 p.m.)

American Chestnut Land Trust, 676 Double Oak Road, Prince Frederick, 410-4143400 • www.acltweb.org.

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 Father’s Day, Sunday, June 17. Registration required.

• Father’s Day Fling: Catapults and Fine Art (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)

Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center Families build catapults and fling paintcovered objects at a large canvas to create original art.

• Eat • Drink • Go Local (Noon-6 p.m.)

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

The Town of North Beach will become a culinary and wine connoisseur’s paradise!

This “go local” movement brings together farmers, chefs and wine in a casual, openair farmers market feel. Swirl, sip and stroll as you browse local produce from regional farmers and enjoy cooking demonstrations. Entry is free; tasting passes may be purchased.

• Art Show (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

The Calvert Artists' Guild will hold a 2-day event at the Asbury - Solomons facility. The show will be held in the main auditorium at Asbury (please follow the event parking signs) on Saturday, June 16 and Sunday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Participating artists will display paintings, sculpture, collage, ceramics, jewelry and more. This event is a perfect time to meet the artists and take home original artwork or jewelry for your home. Free Admission. For more info, call 410-326-7199 or baronvonsmoogle@netscape.net; (CAG website: www.calvertartistsguild.org).

Sunday, June 17 • Sunday Afternoons with the Pattersons Tour (2-3:30 p.m.)

Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, 10515 Mackall Road, St. Leonard, 410-5868501 • 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.

Join us for a guided tour of this beautiful 1933 Colonial Revival brick, house and gardens designed by noted female architects

Gertrude Sawyer and Rose Greely.

• Father’s Day Brunch Cruise (11:30 a.m.1 p.m.)

Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Road, Solomons, 410-326-2042, ext. 41 • www.calvertmarinemuseum.com Dads love being out on the water; it’s a perfect way to say “you’re the best.” Cost for adults is $25, children 12 and under $15.

Registration is required by Wednesday, June 13.

Saturday, June 23 • Free Concert on the Pavilion: The Commodores U.S. Navy Band (6 p.m.)

North Beach Pavilion, North Beach 410-257-9618 • www.northbeachmd.org

Friday June 22-24 • Kalmar Nyckel Tours In association with the Calvert Marine Museum, Kalmar Nyckel, queen of the tall ship fleet, will be on Solomons Island offering public sails and tours June 22-24.

The Kalmar Nyckel will dock at Watermen’s Wharf, Solomons, located next to the Chesapeake Biological Lab Visitors Center and will offer pirate sails from 10 a.m.

– 12:30 p.m. and sunset sails from 5 – 7:30 p.m. both Friday and Saturday. On Sunday the Kalmar Nyckel will host free ship tours open to the public from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a pirate sail from 3 – 5:30 p.m. All sails are $60 for adults and $40 for ages 17 and younger. For tickets and more information, please contact the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation office at (302) 429-7447 (toll free at 866659-7447 or www.kalmarnyckel.org.

Wednesday June 27 • NARFE Meet and Greet (12 p.m.)

The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), Calvert County Chapter, will meet on June 27th at 12 p.m. at the Dunkirk Park, Shelter #4.

Meet and greet fellow federal employees and neighbors and enjoy a summertime meal of chicken or BBQ. This is a joint affair with the Bay Area Chapter. Members, non-members, current federal employees and guests are welcome. Bring a salad, side dish, veggie or dessert to share. For NARFE membership Information and Application, Call 410-586-1441

Saturday, June 30 • Movie on Main Street: “The Muppets” (8 p.m) Duke and Main Streets, Prince Frederick, 703-577-3044 View “The Muppets” under the stars!

Burgers, hot dogs, soda and candy will be provided. Don’t forget to bring something to sit on!

• Lighthouse Adventure Cruise: Northern Bay (7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)

Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Road, Solomons, 410-326-2042, ext. 41 • www.calvertmarinemuseum.com Lighthouse lovers are invited to this popular Lighthouse Adventure Cruise aboard a private charter vessel. Enjoy the northern route and visit Cove Point, Thomas Point, Sandy Point, Bloody Point and Sharpe’s Island lighthouses. The lunch location is to be determined. Participants will meet at the Calvert Marine Museum under the Drum Point Lighthouse. The cost is $130; museum members pay $120. Space is limited.

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, June 14, 2012

ner

KiddKioer

CLUES ACROSS

1. One point E of due S 4. Picture border 7. Having negative qualities 10. Inner surface of the hand 12. Spanish appetizers 14. Large burrowing rodent of S and C Am. 15. A profane state 16. Sharp narrow mountain ridge 17. Cain and __ 18. Tranquil, calm 20. Removes writing 22. A Mississippi tributary 23. Exactly suitable 24. Extended blockade 26. Encomium 29. Dreaming eye movement 30. Principle vein 35. Japanese apricot 36. ___ Speedwagon: band 37. Fish eggs 38. Ethiopian capital 43. Considerate care 44. Units of loudness 45. Yemen capital 48. Body fluid circulation tube 49. Actress Lupino

50. Gets up 53. Moved contrary to the current 56. Stretched tight 57. Dark brownish black 59. Syrian goat hair fabrics 61. One of the Great Lakes 62. Gull-like jaegers 63. Taps gently 64. Hamilton’s bill 65. One point N of due E 66. No (Scottish)

CLUES DOWN

1. Seaport (abbr.)

2. Bleats 3. Czech & German River 4. Female horse 5. Large tailless primate 6. Modern London gallery 7. Baseball’s Ruth 8. Breezes through 9. Decaliter 11. Genus uria 12. Built for two 13. Mexican men’s shawl 14. Pale & soft in color 19. Records the brain’s electric currents

21. Three banded armadillo 24. Plant germ 25. Relating to imides 27. Main artery 28. City in north-central Zambia 29. Royal Military Academy 31. Shape of a sphere 32. Earl Grey or Orange Pekoe 33. Fireplace shelf 34. Old world, new 39. Request attendance 40. Oceans 41. Determine the court costs of 42. Digressions 46. Form a sum 47. Greek river nymphs 50. Swiss river 51. Laying waste 52. Japanese rice beer 53. Ardor 54. Israel’s 1st UN delegate 55. Aba ____ Honeymoon 56. Vietnamese offensive 58. Slang term for man or boy 60. Point midway between S and SE

Last Week’s Puzzle Solutions

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The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, June 14, 2012

The Croaker Wave The Ordinary

Angler

By Keith McGuire Contributing Writer Several devoted readers contacted me with concerns that I had abandoned ship. Naw! I was out of town with three fishing buddies for six days last week to fish the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and lower Bay hotspots for flounder. We managed to make the trip worthwhile with enough fish to make everyone happy.

Meanwhile, in our area the fish of the week has been croakers – hardhead – because they’re here for all of us to catch. They can be caught in the Potomac and Patuxent Rivers and from Point Lookout all the way up the bay to buoy #76 with concentrations in the usual hotspots. Croakers to 19 or 20 inches have been reported by anglers fishing

the evenings in shallow waters up to 10 feet deep.

If you want to target hardhead, use bloodworms, squid, Fishbites™, or small pieces of cutbait, and fish over oyster bars and rough bottom. The best times are early mornings or evenings on a high tide. With all the fish that are being reported, you should be able to catch them anytime.

White perch are also on the structures in the rivers. They’re most aggressive on a high tide in the shallows, but a falling tide will find them around dock pilings and oyster bars. The perch are big this year, presenting opportunities to catch a mess of 9” and bigger fish for those who pursue them. White

A View From The

favorite method is a “Carolina Rig” baited with minnow. Speckled trout make wonderful table fare!

The disappointment so far this season is flounder. I haven’t seen any reports of flounder catches in our area. I have seen several reports of unsuccessful attempts to catch them here. I think they’re coming, but they seem to be slow in moving to our northern reaches of their range. Based on what I found at the Chesapeake From left, Richard Everson, Bill DeLorme, and Bill Luke – the Ordinary Bay Bridge Tunnel, I think Angler Cape Charles crew catches their Flounder Limit. that when they come we’ll perch will take a small jig or spinner bait, but have plenty. the most popular baits are bloodworms, FishThe bonus for us is that the bluefish are bites™ and peeler crab or soft crab pieces. here. They’re easiest to find in schools of There are lots of stripers being caught breaking fish on the Bay. Those folks trollin the area as they begin their summer pat- ing for stripers are also catching them. Some terns. Late evening and early morning high are quite big for this time of year, running as tides will have the rockfish chasing baitfish big as 5 lbs. on the surface. They can also be caught by Spot are here but not in numbers that jigging over and around structure. Top water live-liners would like. If you catch spot, they plugs are beginning to produce in the usual make great bait whether live-lined whole or hotspots. used for cut bait.

Speckled trout continue to be caught Remember to take a picture of your around the Eastern Shore islands, and a few catch and send it to me with your story at have been caught by knowing anglers on riverdancekeith@gmail.com. this side of the Bay. The folks at Buzz’s Marina (www.buzzsmarina.com) have posted Keith has been a recreational angler pictures of speckled trout that were report- on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries edly caught at the inlet of St. Jerome’s Creek. for over 50 years; he fishes weekly from his Small bucktails or jigs dressed with Gulp!™ small boat during the season, and spends work well on speckled trout. Storm Shad™ his free time supporting local conservation and similar baits also work well. Another organizations.

Bleachers

By Ronald N. Guy Jr. Contributing Writer

In sports, momentum is as mysterious and elusive as it is powerful. Call it your asset and victory will likely follow; if it remains your stubborn liability, defeat will be a familiar bedfellow.

Having a game’s momentum is as exhilarating as a bike ride down a smooth mountain trail. Combating it is as arduous as pedaling back up that same slope where every bump, traction-sapping section of loose dirt and energydraining patch of soggy earth – none of which you noticed on descent - are felt acutely in your burning, lactic acidflooded quadriceps.

Every individual competitor or team is just a few big plays from acquiring momentum’s swell or wrestling it from the anxious hands of one’s desperate opponent. Sounds simple enough, but executing a string of such plays into an identifiable reflection point is difficult and the source of momentum’s transitory properties.

This time of year, with the stressful NBA and Stanley Cup Playoffs winding

to a close and the baseball season taking shape, the fickleness and tremendous end-state influence of momentum is acted out nightly. Last Friday, for example, Nationals’ ace Stephen Strasburg was cruising with a 7-2 lead over the Boston Red Sox entering the 6th inning.

After retiring the leadoff batter, Strasburg surrendered a single, double and a walk, in succession, to load the bases.

Suddenly my beer tasted a little more bitter and I was on the edge of the couch, not comfortably sunk into its doughy depths. Strasburg promptly struck out the next batter and got a borderline strike called on a 3-2 pitch to Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis to end the threat. For a minute there though, momentum was heavily flirting with the Red Sox and the game’s outcome was in serious question.

And then there’s sports’ most emotionally perilous ride: the NBA...where 10-point swings are commonplace.

During NBA playoff games, momentum, playing the role of an emotional polygamist, whimsically passes be-

Sp rts

Charles Darwin Was A Sports Fan

tween teams as quickly and naturally as a gigolo bounces between girlfriends. This year alone, the Oklahoma City Thunder overcame a 0-2 series hole and a double-digit deficit in Game 6 to win the Western Conference and the inconsistent Boston Celtics vacillated between “wise and experienced” and “old and slow” on a game-to-game basis.

Which all means what, exactly?

Well, nothing if you simply acknowledge that peaks and valleys exist at nearly all levels of athletic competition.

But there’s more to momentum’s waxing and waning during the course of an athletic contest than its mere existence and randomness. The “more” is the human reaction to it; and, specifically, the reaction of those combating momentum’s challenge.

Charles Darwin once said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives…It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.” At the time he uttered these words, Darwin sought only to describe the ability of surviving species to produce appropriate physical responses to changes in climate, food supply, etc. His evolutionary axiom carries, if not greater, then at least broader application today. Where the animal kingdom’s great survivors change with a changing environment, the most adap-

tive athletes react to stress - to changes in momentum - with no noticeable response at all.

Think about it: the very best athletes - the one’s that win Superbowls, NBA titles, hoist Stanley Cups or win World Series’ - combat inevitable negative swings in momentum with nothing more than calm, steely resolve. There are no childish facial contortions, immature stomping of feet or classless berating of officials. There’s only the next pitch, possession or play…in other words, the next chance to reacquire that mysterious force of momentum and end on the victorious side of the final ledger.

Think about something else: doesn’t the same apply in all facets of life? Aren’t we better spouses and parents when we react to family challenges with a calm, solution-oriented approach?

Aren’t we better supervisors when we’re consistent, levelheaded and logical?

And aren’t we better workers when we accept the latest icky, delegated project with confidence and determination?

Charles Darwin: scientist, evolutionary theorist…and (apparently) analytical sports fan and commentator on the modern human condition.

Send comments to rguyjoon@yahoo. com

The Calvert Gazette

MHBR No. 103

Thursday, June 14, 2012

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