Thursday, August 8, 2013
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“The crime prevention will come from what we’re doing. With six deputies concentrating their efforts… it will make a big impact on the area where we’ll be patrolling.”
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Thursday, August 8, 2013
- Sgt. Clayton Safford, commander of a new community policing unit for Lexington Park
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Construction crews are busy finishing parking lot renovations to Mechanicsville Elementary School before the next school year. The school is planning a ribbon cutting for Aug. 19
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With SMECO President Austin Joseph “Joe” Slater at the helm since December 2002, the organization has gone through several technological and operational advancements, all designed to better serve SMECO’s customers.
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The County Times
Thursday, August 8, 2013
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COUNTY NEWS
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New Unit Set to Police Lexington Park By Guy Leonard Staff Writer For years, Lexington Park has been the most affected by crime in St. Mary’s County but a new unit of sheriff’s deputies is preparing to use novel techniques to help curb that reputation by stopping crime before it starts. The new community policing unit, will consist of six officers who will be doing the kind of work most patrol officers wanted to do. They will take up residence in a store front on Shangri-La Drive before it finally moves into its full time headquarters in the old Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad building on Great Mills Road, will consist of six officers who will be doing the kind of work most patrol officers wanted to do. Officers will build closer ties to the community to better understand the problems that can give rise to crime like blight and even to know who suspects in certain crimes might be. Using these ties to the community will allow officers to help better the conditions in communities to prevent the conditions that are necessary for crimes. These kinds of strategies can make smaller numbers of officers able to accomplish missions disproportionate to their numbers. “Arrests really are short term solutions,” Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron said. “This will be a highly focused unit. “I’m very exited about its potential.” Officers who wanted to take part in the unit had to undergo an interviewing process, Cameron said, to ensure experienced and qualified officers would be at its core. Those people have already been selected, he said, and so has its commander, Sgt. Clayton Safford. Safford, a veteran sheriff’s deputy re-
mains a member of its tactical team and has considerable experience as a detective in the Bureau of Criminal Investigations that handles major criminal cases. Safford is also a veteran of the war in Afghanistan as part of a U.S. Navy Reserve unit. Safford said his deputies will concentrate on building relationships with the community and businesses concentrated mostly on Great Mills Road; the second portion of the unit’s plan will be pure law enforcement. Safford built relationships working with a civil affairs unit in Afghanistan that helped reconstruct villages and improve the quality of life of Afghanis. By doing this, he said, many village elders were comfortable with giving his unit information about enemy movments and placement of improvised explosive devices. By making close relationships with the Lexington Park community, Safford said police will reap similar dividends from the community to fight crime. Safford said he got the idea from a state trooper in Massachusetts who was a special forces operator overseas who used similar counterinsurgency techniques in law enforcement. The only difference here, Safford said, would be the absence of military tactics and equipment. “The crime prevention will come from what we’re doing,” Safford said. “With six deputies concentrating their efforts… it will make a big impact on the area where we’ll be patrolling.” The key, Safford said, would be to establish trust with the neighborhoods and businesses. “If we’re not in touch with the community, what are we doing?” guyleonard@countytimes.net
Mike Batson Photography
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Thursday, August 8, 2013
The County Times
COUNTY NEWS
Mega Corp Amazon Buys Washington Post, Local Papers
This Weekend!
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Local newspapers like The Enterprise, Calvert Recorder and Maryland Independent recently owned by The Washington Post Company now fall under the ownership of Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon.com. the pioneer for much of the world’s online business. Both Bezos and the Washington Post, which has operated under the Graham family for nearly a century, made the announcement late Monday. The Graham family sold the newspaper company, famous for its breaking of the Watergate scandal that brought down the Nixon Administration, for $250 million. Local observers say that the change will likely energize the Washington Post as a whole but local news coverage may suffer as a result. Bob Schaller, an economics professor with the Florida Institute of Technology, which operates a local campus, said local content seemed to reduce when The Enterprise, formerly owned by the Chesapeake Publishing Company was bought out in 2001. That trend may grow stronger with the new ownership being such a large, mulitnational operation, he said, particularly since the emphasis on news reporting may go to electronic formats. “The content… wasn’t grassroots as much,” Schaller said of the affects of the 2001 merger. “As they find effiencies deeper into the Washington Post structure that’s where you might find changes.” Schaller said the local content might be replaced by other items or the paper itself may become smaller. “In the end it’s less content,” Schaller said. “The paper you hold in your hand will be smaller… it’s got to go online. “We’re guessing about a lot of this, but it will be good for the Washington Post. But local content is not going to increase.” In a letter to readers of The Washington Post, publisher and CEO Katharine Weymouth said the sale presented great opportunities for the future of the newspaper.
SOLD Personalized Touch Catering “Mr. Bezos knows as well as anyone the opportunities that come with revolutionary technology when we understand how to make the most of it,” Weymouth wrote. “Under his ownership and with his management savvy, we will be able to accelerate the pace and quality of innovation.” The Washington Post, despite being a standard bearer in journalistic excellence, has suffered along with other print publications with regards to revenue. In a letter to Post employees, Donald Graham, the paper’s chief executive said the flagship paper’s revenues have declined seven years in a row. Bezos’s statement about the purchase of The Washington Post companies confirmed that news reporting would still be the main goal of their publications. “The values of the Post do not need changing,” Bezos said. “The paper’s duty will remain to its readers and not to the private interests of its owners.” Schaller said the costs of newspapers doing business versus their ability to bring in revenue accounted for the low selling price of $250 million. “That’s a reflection of the current value of newsprint,” Schaller said. “It’s approaching a fire sale.” guyleonard@countytimes.net
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COUNTY NEWS
The County Times
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Legislative Proposals Now Being Accepted
Second St. Inigoes Murder Trial Begins
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer County prosecutors say that Andre Bowman, the second man accused in the murder of Robert Lee McDowney, 37, of St. Inigoes, is just as guilty as his accomplice James Kenneth Clay eventhough he did not pull the trigger one night in February. Clay was found guilty of first-degree felony murder and second degree murder as the trigger man last month in connection with the Feb. 7 home invasion for drugs and money. Bowman faces similar charges because of his alleged complicity in the crime that took place in a trailer on Beachville Road. For the second time in as many months, McDowney’s girlfriend Alisha Marshall took the stand for the prosecution and testified she saw two men, one holding a gun and the other wearing a mask suddenly kick in the door that night. She ran back to the bedroom while the masked man demanded money and drugs while McDowney was in the front of the trailer with Clay who sometime during the invasion fired once and killed McDowney. She said she could not positively identify Bowman, of Laurel, by his face but said the masked assailant matched his build and skin color. At the opening of the trial State’s Attorney Richard Fritz told jurors that Bowman was on a surveillance camera at a local gas station the night the home invasion took place, proving he was in St. Mary’s County that night with Clay, another alleged accomplice Joseph Medley III and the driver of the silver Ford Focus identified as the car that brought the suspects to the
trailer, Oshia Lewis. Lewis is a witness for the state who claims she did not know a robbery was going to take place until Bowman and Clay started to have conversations about it in her car as they drove down from Laurel. Bowman’s defense attorney Franklin Olmstead assailed Lewis’ credibility in his opening statement Tuesday as likely having full knowledge of Bowman’s and Clay’s plans making her just as guilty. “The only person pointing a finger at him [Bowman] is Oshia Lewis,” Olmstead said. “The evidence will tell you that Oshia Lewis doesn’t tell the truth… the testimony she will give you is bought and paid for.” Fritz said Lewis had originally believed Bowman wanted to visit his grandmother in St. Mary’s as the reason she initially consented to give him a ride. Fritz said several things incriminated Bowman, including his cell phone which was found at the scene of the crime. Bowman left a message on the phone, Fritz said, that said he had been robbed of his cell phone and that it would take time for him to get a new one. Fritz said, though, that the most convicting evidence were recorded phone calls from the county detention center from Bowman to those he knew saying he was not the one who fired the shot that killed McDowney. Fritz said Bowman’s involvement, however, sealed his guilt. “If you’re in for a dime you’re in for a dollar,” Fritz said.
The Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary’s County is now accepting proposals from the public for the development of the Board’s 2014 Legislative Package. BOCC approved proposals will be forwarded to the St. Mary’s County Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly. Only proposals specific to St. Mary’s County can be considered. Citizens are asked to send written comments and suggestions to George R. Sparling, County Attorney, P.O. Box 653, 41770 Baldridge Street, Leonardtown, Maryland 20650. The deadline for submissions is October 4. The Board of County Commissioners will review legislative proposals at a legislative workshop, during their regular business meeting, on Tuesday, October 29. The Commissioners will hold a joint public meeting with the St. Mary’s County Delegation on Tuesday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room inside the Chesapeake Building. Commissioners are tentatively scheduled to discuss and vote on the legislative proposals during their business meeting on Tuesday, December 3. For more information, please contact Angela Blondino, Paralegal, at 301-475-4200 ext. 1701.
guyleonard@countytimes.net
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The County Times
Thursday, August 8, 2013
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From the English gardens, to the vegetable gardens, to the pond, and out door sitting areas this lot screams 'HOME'! Once you enter the home you will feel as if you have found the place of your dreams. There is plenty of space and yet you still have a cozy feeling. From the wine cellar to the au pair suite, this home has it all.
COUNTY NEWS Children’s Day to Offer Fun, Food, and Festivity The Museum Division of St. Mary’s County Department of Recreation and Parks will hold its annual Children’s Day on Saturday, August 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event will take place at the St. Clement’s Island Museum in Colton’s Point Museum staff and volunteers will provide kids with heritage games, face painting, crafts and free sno-cones.
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Guests can enjoy music and magic by Reggie Rice, known as the Super Magic Man, throughout the event. The museum’s water taxi service to St. Clement’s Island will begin at 10 a.m., weather permitting. The fee for children will be waived the entire day for this special event. The fee for adults is $7 each. It’s a great opportunity to take your kids to see the replica of the Blackistone Lighthouse, now open for tours! Representatives from the St. Mary’s County Library will offer story time and the MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital Health Connections will provide great heath tips for families. Free balloons will be provided by the ladies from The Delicados. The Seventh District Optimist Club will offer a boy’s and girl’s bike giveaway (need not be present to win), a kiddie tractor pull, and a special 50-cent per item lunch menu. Bring your camera for pictures with Filip the Frog, mascot of Community Bank of Tri-County. Also, meet community heroes from the fire de-
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partment, rescue squads and St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. Free t-shirts will be available for the first 100 kids courtesy of the following event sponsors: Chesapeake Custom Embroidery, Cullins Pool Water, Combs Drury Reeves Insurance Agency, Nanny On Call of Southern Maryland, Tidewater Dental Associates, Concepts & Connections, Macaroni Kid, Your Journey Photography Studio, Erin Harrigan Arbonne Representative, Ultimate Therapy, Community Bank of Tri-County, Delegate Johnny Wood and a private donor honoring the memory of former Museum Division Trustee, Viola Gardner. The St. Clement’s Island Museum is located at the end of MD Route 242 at 38370 Point Breeze Road in Colton’s Point (nine miles south of Clements intersection). The museum and grounds are handicap accessible. For more information, please call 301-769-2222 or log onto the Museum Division website at www. stmarysmd.com/recreate/museums.
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The County Times
Thursday, August 8, 2013
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COUNTY NEWS
The County Times
Thursday, August 8, 2013
10
National Night Out Provides Fun and Crime Prevention Awareness
Home Show Coming to Hollywood Photos by Kalnasy Photography The Country Lakes Pavilion hosted a cookout with music and dancing as well as a formal meet and greet with St. Mary's County police officers and the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad.
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The Great Big Home Show will make its first appearance in St. Mary’s County when it opens Aug. 10 and 11 at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department. The home show is an expo for home accessory and improvement items ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to outdoor improvement products. Aside from wide range of products that will be available expert advice on home improvement will also be available. Doors open at 10 a.m. both days and close 7 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday respectively. guyleonard@countytimes.net
Department of Emergency Services & Technology to Utilize CodeRed Emergency Notification System EMAIL US TO FIND OUT OUR ADVERTISING SPECIAL! sales@somdpublishing.net
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The St Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services & Technology will utilize the CodeRed Emergency Notification System on August 9, at approximately 11 a.m. to call the entire community. The calls will start at 11:00 a.m. and will continue until the entire database has been attempted. The Department of Emergency Services & Technology recommends everyone opt in to the CodeRed Weather Warning system and also suggests all individuals and businesses to take time and visit the website to add contact information. This information should include cellular phones and other non-traditional phones as well as email and text addresses (for use by the CodeRed system). Others who should register include businesses, individuals with unlisted phone numbers and those who have recently changed their phone number. Also, anyone who uses a cellular phone exclusively or have VoIP phones (such as Vonage) as their primary numbers. The Department of Emergency Services & Technology urges citizens to log onto the St Mary’s County website at www.stmarysmd.com and follow the CodeRed link at the bottom of the page. Those without Internet access may call 301-475-4200 ext.2150 and leave a message with their contact information. Required information includes a physical street address (no P.O. boxes) for location purposes and a primary phone number. Additional phone numbers, email and text addresses may also be entered. Additional information about the CodeRed Warning system can be found on the website. For further information please call 301-475-4200 option 6 then option 3.
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The County Times
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Playing With Fire By Kimberly Alston Contributing Writer Opal Fine Arts Gallery is mostly compiled of artwork from its three owners, Cynthia Rosenblatt, Angela Wathen and Jane Rowe. The gallery opened October 5, 2012 after the three came up with the idea of having a small venue to exhibit their work. In addition to their pieces, the gallery also invites guest artists to host their own work intermittently. Periodically, the trio hosts themed shows throughout the year, with local as well as outside artists featured, that are enhanced with different cultural elements, relevant to the theme, such as musical performances, poetry and dancers. “Art works together,” Rosenblatt said. When deciding the work to exhibit in these shows, the gallery hosts an open call out to artists in the area, choosing the pieces that fit into the theme. Mindy Campenchi, an abstract surrealist, was the first featured guest artist that the gallery invited last year. Campenchi’s work incorporates text that “comes out of a dreamlike state,” according to Rosenblatt, and from that text, her art stems out of her interpretations of the words. Since Campenchi’s feature, the gallery has hosted as many as 15 to 20 other artists in the past year. The theme for the month of August is “Play-
ing with Fire”. “All three of us use fire in one form or another,” Rosenblatt explained. As a metal smith, she uses fire to aid in the bending of her materials. As a ceramicist, among other talents, Wathen uses fire to set her pieces, and being an encaustic painter, Rowe uses fire to melt down beeswax before adding pigment to the oil to paint. In addition to the pieces that the owners have chosen to exhibit, guest artist Martin Hughes, from Cambridge, has been chosen to feature his work as a welding sculptor. For the opening of the show, Cinnabar, a fusion candle dancer, performed belly dancing while balancing lit candles on her head. The Opal Fine Arts Gallery is “always open to new ideas,” Rosenblatt said, “we’ll take the gallery as far as it will go”. A unique feature about Opal Fine Arts is that they do not sell reproductions of the pieces featured in the gallery. “They’re all original works,” Rosenblatt said. Opal Fine Arts Gallery is located at 41625 Park Avenue in Leonardtown. The gallery is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., but additional hours are available upon request. For more information, call 302-438-1629, or email the gallery at opalfineart@aol.com news@countytimes.net Photos Courtesy of Jane Rowe
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Spotlight On
The County Times
Thursday, August 8, 2013
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Parking Project for Mechanicsville St. Mary’s Schools Committed to Purchasing School Near Completion Green Cleaning Products By Sarah Miller Staff Writer An established habit of purchasing green cleaning supplies has made life easier for St. Mary’s County Public Schools. When the house passed HB 1019, mandating schools create policies for purchasing green product cleaning supplies when available and cost efficient, SMCPS didn’t have to change much to create their policy, according to Director of Operations Ashley Varner. Because green cleaning supplies are in such demand, the prices are comparable to traditional products. Years before the policy was passed, SMCPS was using eco-friendly floor polish and maintaining floors rather than stripping and resurfacing them, Varner said. Three years ago, schools endorsed a same-area manner of cleaning, encouraging custodians to coordinate maintenance activities, allowing them to leave lights off when possible. The legislation didn’t come as a surprise to Varner, who had seen a growing trend toward using green supplies. When creating the policy, he looked at the structure of similar policies throughout the state and used pre-existing SMCPS practices. The policy is approximately two thirds of the way complete. The next step will be to give it to the policy review board, then adopt and implement it. For more information, visit www.smcps.org. sarahmiller@countytimes.net
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer A major outdoor renovation project at Mechanicsville Elementary School is almost finished, school officials say, and they plan a ribbon cutting for Aug. 19. The aging elementary school, first built in 1951, had long had insufficient parking for both parents picking up and dropping off their children as well as for school buses. J. Bradley Clements, deputy super- Construction crews are busy finishing parking lot renovations to Mechanicsville Elintendent for public ementary School before the next school year. schools, said the school “We would have parents parking along system had been in talks with parents for sevRoute 5… which is quite unsafe,” Clements eral years about the problems and were finally said. “The whole site has been reworked.” able to get the funding to make the changes. Parking has also been upgraded to allow After the renovations to the parking plan, parents to more readily park on the property all the school buses will be parked behind the to drop off and pick up students. school on Old Village Road in a di“We’re putting parents closer to the front agonal formation. This will allow school adminis- entrance,” Clements said. This necessitated trators to see the doors of every bus moving the old play ground, he said, but that had already been completed by the time conwhile parked there. “That’s the safest way to park struction began earlier this year on the parkbuses and load students,” Clements ing situation. The entire project cost $1.6 million, acsaid. cording to school system estimates. Under the old method buses were parked in front of the school which guyleonard@countytimes.net left little parking for parents.
Local High School Students Win Saint Michael’s College Book Award The following local high school students were awarded the 2013 Saint Michael’s College Book Award for Academic Achievement with a Social Conscience: Dakota Allen of Leonardtown, a student at Saint Mary’s Ryken High School. Emma Madden of Leonardtown, a student at Saint Mary’s Ryken High School. The award recognizes students who demonstrate a commitment to leadership in volunteer service and academic achievement. Saint Michael’s, located in Burlington, Vermont, one of America’s top 10 college towns, was founded on the belief that serving others is part of its Catholic tradition, and through the award seeks to honor those who demonstrate the true spirit of volunteerism. Award recipients, named at schools throughout the country, are high school juniors who are inductees of the National Honor Society or an equivalent school-
sponsored honors organization. They must demonstrate a commitment to service activities in high school or community organizations, taking leadership roles in these activities. Winners were presented the book First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers (HarperCollins 2000) by Loung Ung, a 1993 Saint Michael’s College graduate who has become a widely acclaimed author. In “First They Killed My Father,” Ung gives a powerful autobiographical account, from a child’s perspective, of surviving captivity during the genocidal Pol Pot regime in Cambodia. She reveals an indomitable spirit in the face of profound suffering, including the loss of both her parents and two of her siblings. Ung has written a riveting memoir about a family’s survival, and in turn, about the development of Ung’s on-going crusade for a landmine free world.
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The County Times
Thursday, August 8, 2013
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The County Times
Spotlight On
Thursday, August 8, 2013
14
Where Dreams Come True The Dreams Studio of Dance Show Troupe Wins the 2013 Star Power National Championship By Kimberly Alston Contributing Writer The Dreams Studio of Dance opened its doors to Southern Maryland in 2008. Since then, owner and Director Tara Anderson, along with her staff of instructors, have focused on furthering the technique and love of dancers at both a recreational and competitive level. Dreams Studio of Dance is home to over 200 recreational dancers from the tri-county area. The season for recreational dancers starts in September, where they focus on one genre for the season in one to two 45 minute sessions per week. At the end of the season in June, the dancers perform in an end of year recital showcase where they show off the techniques they have learned throughout the year. Recreational dancers have the option to audition for Anderson at certain times throughout the year for the opportunity to compete in the show troupe, dream team, or mini- competitive line in the studio. If selected, those dancers must take a technique class at least three hours a week as well as receive specialized training an extra three to six hours a week. During the summer, competitive teams participate in a “summer intensive,” composed of ten hour per week classes in which dancers learn the technicalities that make up different genres specifically. This year, the show troupe competed in and won the Star Power National Championship in Ocean City, for the category All Star-Line ages 9 to 1. The troupe was composed of 20 dancers total in their first ever Nationals appearance performing “Under the Big Top”. The Dream Team also
placed in this year’s Nationals Competition, fourth overall, with their performance of “Booty Swing”. Both of these performances as well as most other dances that the studio competes with are choreographed by Anderson, with special consideration to age level and intensity that the dances hold. While Dreams Studio of Dance has been competing for the past four years and was qualified to go to Nationals, Anderson stated that this was the first year that they were prepared for the competition, but from this year on, they will compete every time they qualify. This year, Anderson has also implemented a mini competitive line for ages three to five where they will be preforming in competitions focusing mostly on learning tech-
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nique and the basics of lyrical, jazz and tap dancing. The fall season registration begins Sept. 9 at the studio. Auditions for the competitive teams will also take place at the same time. Both registration for recreational dancing and auditions for competitive dancing will take place once a week, with times scheduled for the specific class of interest. There is a onetime $25 registration fee for dancers new to Dreams Studio, and a $20 fee for returning students, as well as a costume deposit. For more information, visit www. dreamsstudioofdance.com or call 301-884-8842 news@countytimes.net
St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ Bus Stops for the 2013-2014 School Year St. Mary’s County Public Schools advises parents that bus stops will not be printed in the newspaper this year. Parents and students can locate their school bus stop by visiting the St. Mary’s County Public Schools website at www.smcps.org and clicking on the Bus Stop and School Locator link or the Bus Routes link. The Bus Stop and School Locator link will allow you to type in your address and your student’s grade level and then be provided with your bus stop location, bus stop time, and bus number. The Bus Routes link will provide you with the traditional list of each school bus’s route and the stops each school bus makes. If you have any questions, you can contact the St. Mary’s County Public School’s Department of Transportation at (301) 475-4256, extension 2.
July Work Hard and Be Nice Award Recipients Announced
St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ (SMCPS) Work Hard and Be Nice Award recognizes distinct and extraordinary accomplishments of school system employees in connection with official employment. Dedicated employees contribute to the success of the school system and our students. Award recipients enhance both the success and the reputation of the school system through their extraordinary actions. Each month, staff members are recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty. Dr. Michael J. Martirano, superintendent of schools, is proud to announce the award recipients for the month of July 2013:
David Chilson Angela Fulp Charles Holton Shonda Hutcherson Kelly Kent Marissa Kinkaid Cheryl Long Adrianne Mathis Leyla Mele Scott Szczerbiak
For more information about the SMCPS Work Hard and Be Nice Award program, or to nominate a school system employee, visit http://www.smcps.org/ super/work-hard-and-be-nice-awards.
The County Times
Thursday, August 8, 2013
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15
To The Editor
The County Times
16
Make Fitness a Family Affair this Summer, Says TOPS
In Response to J.P. Cusick When I read Mr. J.P. Cusick’s rebuttal to my letter to the editor of the County Times, I realized right away that he wasn’t responding to the letter I had written, to the points I had made. And unable, apparently, to make a logical argument opposing mine, he resorted to the ancient debating tricks of name calling and defamation of character. Though Mr. Cusick’s rantings were baseless and corrosive, I will, however, compliment him on the final sentence of his letter: “Both President Lincoln and our American General Sherman knew exactly how to deal with the racist traitor mentality, and that was at the end of a bayonet hoisted by Federal troops, and that is what Joyce Bennett and her group needs (sic) to be reminded of.” In spite of the awkward syntax, this was
Thursday, August 8, 2013
well said Mr. Cusick. Your words sum up the real purpose of the “Civil War.” The evil institution of slavery, which created unholy fortunes for Northerners, Southerners, the British, the French, Cherokee Indians, Arabs and even the Africans who sold their own brothers into chattel bondage for profit, was not the root cause of the war. It was, as you so aptly put it, the desire of the North to establish the supremacy of a federal government that can silence dissenters with hoisted bayonets to the moronic approbation of those who do not know—or have forgotten—what it means to be free. Joyce Bennett Chairman Maryland League of the South Clements, Maryland
School’s out and children have plenty of free time that can either be spent inside, lounging – or outside, making the most of the season. There are many simple ways to incorporate fitness into your family’s summer plans while still having fun together. TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, offers the following tips for a summer filled with family fitness. Lead by example An effective and easy way to get your family to be more active is to show them how. Simple activities can go a long way in teaching the importance of fitness and increased movement. When shopping together, take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. On nice days, park as far away from building entrances as possible. Walk and bike to places nearby - instead of hopping in the car. Little changes like these will motivate kids to opt for more active habits on their own. Sign up for a run/walk Summer is full of run/walks for various causes and nonprofit organizations. Decide together on some events in which you’d like to participate, whether it’s for the cause it benefits or the pure fun appeal. 5Ks are perfect for beginners, and you can train together as a family, too. Liven up your chores list Instead of having your children help with the typical indoor chores, get them involved in outdoor tasks. Gardening, raking, push-mowing, and anything that incorporates some movement are great ways to keep kids moving while enjoying some sun. Be smart about gifting When giving gifts to your family, choose things associated with activity. Some practical items disguised by fun include sports balls and nets, Slip ’n Slides, Frisbees, bicycles, inline skates, and anything that makes outdoor exercise enjoyable. The novelty factor of the “new” item can be a catalyst for getting outdoors, and it’s a convenient way to be thoughtful while also promoting physical fitness. Remember to provide protective equipment such as helmets, wrist pads, or knee pads. Make after-dinner walks part of your routine A simple way to get your family on the fitness track is by making a tradition of afterdinner walks. Take several fast-paced walks around the block and enjoy the opportunity to be active together as a family, while burning off some dinner calories. Also look for routes that offer a combination of inclined and flat paths, so that strong walkers are challenged but slower walkers get a rest.
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Contributing Writers: Joyce Baki Eric Franklin Ron Guy Laura Joyce Debra Meszaros Shelby Oppermann Linda Reno Terri Schlichenmeyer Editorial Interns: Kimberly Alston
17
Thursday, August 8, 2013
The County Times
NAVY NEWS
Furlough Days to Be Cut By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced Tuesday that furlough days for civil servants working in the defense sector would be cut from 11 days to 6 days citing approvals from Congress and cost management strategies from within the defense department. Hagel announced the furloughs May 14 when the defense department faced an $11 billion shortfall, according to a statement he released Aug. 6. The furloughs would have helped save $2 billion. “Since then Congress has approved most of a large reprogramming request that we submitted in mid-May, giving us flexibility to move funds across accounts,” Hagel wrote. “The military services have been aggressive in identifying ways to hold down cost and we have been successful in shifting savings, including furlough savings, to meet our highest priority needs.” A civil servant who works on the base, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the news was welcome but emotions were still mixed. “It’s being well received… it cuts the monetary impact by about half, which is good,” the civil servant said. “But there’s a lot of cynicism about next year’s budget and what will happen there. “People are still worried that this was just a test run for the new normal.” Defense workers are worried that the
conditions of sequestration — across the board cuts due to Congressional intransigence on the federal budget — will continue into next year’s budget cycle. If that happens Congress may only pass a continuing resolution which would only fund programs at their previous levels. This, the source said, would likely cause the mission defense workers fill to be compromised since they would not have the funds they need or even the confidence that some funds would continue to come in. In his letter Hagel outlined the same problems. “However, even with these improvments, this is a military whose readiness remains seriously degraded as we head toward the budgetary uncertainties of [fiscal] 2014.” Local business leaders and elected officials were worried that furloughs would have a damaging affect on both prosperity and tax revenues. County Commissioner Todd Morgan, who also works for a local defense contractor, said the cut in furloughs “could a reprieve from what’s to come.” He said he had not seen any major economic impacts so far from furloughs locally, though he had been told of personal hardships. “It’s not a pretty picture for 2014,” Morgan said. “2014 could change the whole story.” guyleonard@countytimes.net
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Crime&
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The County Times
Prosecutor’s Son Charged in Car Crash
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Jack Nathan Fritz, son of State’s Attorney Richard Fritz, faces charges of driving while intoxicated after police say he lost control of his 2004 Honda S2000 Sunday night as he was driving on Flat Iron Road and struck several trees. Fritz, 22, was found by Dep. Lacey Johnson in a field on the side of Flat Iron Road after leaving his wrecked vehicle apparently unharmed. Johnson wrote in charging documents against Fritz that his car “had disabling damage from hitting numerous trees.” Johnson went on to write that Fritz admitted to “tasting a couple of drinks” at a friends home before driving. Johnson said he smelled a strong odor of alcohol emanating from Fritz when he first encountered him. Fritz refused to submit to field sobriety tests, court papers stated. When he began interviewing Fritz, Johnson read him his rights under the law with regards to motorists stopped for suspicion of driving under the influence, according to charging papers, and asked Fritz if he had changed his mind about submitting to the tests.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
18
Man Charged in Vehicular Manslaughter Case
Johnson wrote that he asked Fritz if he could understand what was being read to him; Fritz did not say whether he could understand. Fritz then asked if Johnson would read it to him again; Johnson said he would not, charging papers stated. Fritz again refused to take the breathalyzer test and was placed under arrest. Police sources said that Fritz was sequestered from the general population at the county detention center by being put in a holding cell alone. Another police source said it would be difficult to prosecute Fritz in court for driving under the influence because there was little evidence of his intoxication other than an alleged strong odor of alcohol coming from his person. They said, however, that Fritz’s license would likely be suspended because of his refusal to submit to field sobriety testing. The county’s chief law enforcement officer declined to comment save that no one from his office would be prosecuting the case. “A special prosecutor will be selected for that case,” Richard Fritz said. “We will not be choosing the special prosecutor, the court will.”
Prosecutors released an indictment this week against a man they allege caused a motor vehcile collision that killed a U.S. Navy officer. Randy Phillip Whiten, 40, of Mechanicsville, faces charges of negligent manslaughter and criminally negligent manslaughter in the death of Keith Raymond Hanson, a lieutneant commander who resided in Frisco, Texas but had previously lived in Hollywood. Law officers say Whiten was “grossly negligent” the night of June 30, 2012 when his vehicle collided with the one Hanson was driving. Hanson’s wife and daughter were also in the crash and were seriously injured; all three were flown by helicopter to separate trauma centers. Assistant State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling said Hanson was at the intersection of First Colony Boulevard and Route 235 in California when he got a green traffic signal to turn left. As he executed the turn Whiten is alleged to have “blown through” the red light for south bound traffic on Route 235 and crashed into Hanson’s vehicle. “Part of the facts show the defendant running through a solid red light,” Sterling told The County Times. “He never tapped his brakes.” Sterling said the evidence in the case supported a charge of gross negligence on Whiten’s part in the collision which had a very high burden of proof in court.
guyleonard@countytimes.net
guyleonard@countytimes.net
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19
The County Times
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Crime&
Punishment
SHERIFF’S BLOTTER
The following information is compiled directly from publicly released police reports.
Violation of Protective Order and Warrant Service
On August 4, the Emergency Communications Center received information about two subjects who exited a vehicle, a short distance from a residence Lyon on Hill and Dale Drive in Mechanicsville, Md. The subjects were observed walking through the woods to the residence. The anonymous caller did not recognize the subjects and believed they were breaking into the residence. Upon the arrival of Deputies, they located Jonathan Daniel Lyon, 27 of Hughesville, Md., exiting the residence. Deputies learned of an active Protective Order issued by the District Court of Maryland, commanding Lyon not to enter the residence of the victim on Hill and Dale Dr., Mechanicsville, Maryland. Lyon was arrested and charged with Violation of Protective Order. Lyon also had an active Bench Warrant for his arrest and was served with the warrant at the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. Cpl. Deborah Milam was the arresting Deputy.
2nd Degree Assault
On August 3, Deputy Artina Manns responded to the intersection of Mechanicsville Road and Old Village Road in Mechanicsville, Md., for an assault. Deputy Johnson Manns made contact with the victim who advised she was in an argument with Michael Koran Johnson, 30 of Forestville, Md., while traveling in his vehicle. The victim stated she exited the vehicle when it came to a stop. Johnson then exited the vehicle and attempted to physically place the victim back into the vehicle, causing injury to the victim. Johnson was arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Assault.
Trespassing: Private Property
On August 4, Deputy Vincent Pontorno responded to the rear parking lot of Millison Plaza in Lexington Park, Md., for a disturbance. Upon Deputy Pontornos arrival, he recognized the subJones ject causing the disturbance as Keith Griffith Jones, 26 of Prince Frederick, Md. Jones was issued a “Notice Not to Trespass” for Millison Plaza on August 3, by Deputy Gaskill. Jones was in violation of the notice and was arrested and charged with Trespassing.
Violation of Protective Order
On August 3, Deputy Blaine Gaskill responded to a residence on Trinity Church Road, St. Mary’s City, Md., for a violation of a protective order. Deputy Gaskill made contact with Clarke the victim who advised while at an event at St. Mary’s College, Christopher Shawn Clarke, 49, of Hollywood, Md., sat down next to her and began talking to her. Victim stated she told Clarke to leave, and he did so without incident. The victim advised there is an active protective order issued by the District Court of Maryland, commanding Clarke to have no contact with the victim. Clarke was located and arrested for Violation of a Protective Order.
4th Degree Burglary
On August 2, the Emergency Communications Center received a report of a subject inside of a vacant residence on Barringer Court, California, Patterson Md. Deputy Jason Kerns responded to the
Bureau of Criminal Investigations Blotter The following information is compiled directly from publicly released police reports.
The St. Mary’s County Bureau of Criminal Investigations is an investigative team comprised of Detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland State Police, Leonardtown Barrack. The unit was established on July 1, 2003 and is based in Leonardtown, Md. On August 2, a female victim contacted the Sheriff’s Office to report her 2012 Hyundai Sonato had been stolen from her residence. The victim further advised her credit card was located inside the vehicle when the vehicle was stolen. On August 4, 2013 the stolen vehicle was located in the area of Three Notch Rd. and St. Jerome’s Neck Rd. in Dameron by patrol deputies. Patrol units determined the victim’s credit card had been used at several business establishments in the Lexington Park area and contacted BCI detectives for assistance. On August 6, BCI detectives located and arrested Daniel J. Ball, age 43, of St. Inigoes, Md. after identifying Ball from photos taken at businesses while Ball was attempting to utilize the victims credit card. Ball was charged with Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle, Theft under $1,000, Credit Card Theft and incarcerated in the St. Mary’s County Detention Center under a $25,000 full bond.
residence in question and located Stephen Michael Patterson, 48 of California, Md. Deputy Kerns made telephone contact with the rightful owner of the residence, who advised no one had permission to be inside of the residence. Patterson was arrested and charged with 4th Degree Burglary.
2nd Degree Assault
On August 2, Deputies responded to a residence on Iverson Drive, California, Md., for an assault in progress. Deputies made contact with the victim, who advised Gould she had been in an argument with Justin Anthony Gould, 28 of California, Md. The argument escalated when Gould began to assault her causing injury to the victim. Prior to Deputies arrival Gould fled the residence. Deputies located Gould on foot in the area and upon Deputies approach, Gould fled
on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, Gould was apprehended. Gould was arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Assault.
Violation Protective Order
On August 4, DFC Timothy White responded to the parking lot of Giant in California, Md., for a disturbance. DFC White met with the victim who advised she was contacted by Raymond FranChase cis Chase Jr., 59 of Lexington Park, Md. Victim advised Chase is the respondent of an active Protective Order issued by the District Court of Maryland, commanding he have no contact with the victim. DFC White confirmed the Protective Order was active and made contact with Chase at his residence. Chase was arrested and charged with Violation of Protective Order.
The County Times
Thursday, August 8, 2013
20
STORY
Joe Slater The Blue Collar CEO By Sarah Miller Staff Writer In Southern Maryland, SMECO is a household name – the Southern Maryland Electric Co-Op, the only place to get electricity in the area. With SMECO President Austin Joseph “Joe” Slater at the helm since December 2002, the organization has gone through several technological and operational advancements, all designed to better serve SMECO’s customers. Slater earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Shepherd College, now Shepherd University, and his Master of Business Administration from George Washington University. The Annapolis native started working for SMECO in 1979, after hearing about an opening for an accountant. When he left in 1994 he was the senior vice president. He left because he was feeling restless, and unhappy with the direction of the company. He felt it wasn’t progressive enough, and took a job with National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). While with NRECA, he traveled to 37 states working with electric co-ops, including one in Kaua‘i where, after a series of bad storms, an electric company was pulling out of the island. He coordinated the islanders’ buyout of the company and helped them set up a new co-op. In August 1997, Slater took a position as the CEO of Tideland EMC in Pantego, NC. That company covered an area four times the size of SMECO’s while serving only a fourth of the number of customers. When he heard Wayne Swann was about to retire, he decided to apply for the job and return to the area he loved. He returned to SMECO in 2003 with “some strong ideas” for technology and operations, formed through his time working with a variety of co-ops throughout the country. One of his first challenges was “the process of making it one SMECO.” In 2002, SMECO had three distinctive districts – St. Mary’s County, Charles County and Calvert and Prince Georges counties. With the breakdown, SMECO lost the advantages of its size. There were gaps in maintenance, and
customer service suffered, Slater said. One longtime employee joked upon Slater’s return that the only thing that changed in SMECO was the calendar on the wall. There were three areas Slater wanted to focus on when taking on leadership of the company – business process reintegration, organizational redesign and implementing new technology. The need for technological improvements became evident during Hurricane Isabel, when SMECO didn’t have an automated outage system, Slater said. For every outage reported a piece of paper was printed out, and employees would group them by substations and feeders, making piles of papers spread out over twenty or more tables. Now, outages are handled digitally. Each service truck, line truck and collection vehicle has a laptop computer they can receive work orders and addresses through, in addition to a GPS tracker monitored at the operations center in Hughesville, which maximizes effectively placement and deployment of work vehicles. SMECO is using a second generation of outage maps, which can pinpoint outages to locations and estimate times of power restoration for customers. SMECO Board Chairman Joe Stone, a resident of California, Md., called working with Slater the highlight of his five-year tenure on the board, which will end with the election of a new board at the annual SMECO meeting. “He has absolutely taken us to a next generation of power,” Stone said. Stone lauded SMECO for building a portfolio to purchase energy instead of going through an auction. SMECO has long-term contracts to provide a base level of energy coverage and they enter into additional contracts to fill in the gaps, Slater said. This method allows SMECO to purchase energy at a lower rate and pass savings on to the customers. Currently, SMECO’s portfolio is approximately $950 million, Slater said. He gave Slater the nickname “blue collar CEO” because of the time Slater takes to understand all the jobs SMECO employees do. Slater makes sure he knows what people
Photo by Sarah Miller The operations center features a digital representation of SMECO’s entire coverage area.
Joe Slater
are doing and how they’re doing, Stone said. Showing employees they are appreciated has resulted in a number of initiatives, including a free gym for SMECO employees’ use, tuition reimbursement and medical screenings. Paying attention to the health of employees results in improved morale and productivity and fewer sick days used, Slater said. The SMECO workforce has some large projects on the horizon. One of SMECO’s biggest current projects is the Southern Maryland Reliability Project. In September, SMECO will begin drilling underneath the Patuxent River to run new electric cables between St. Mary’s and Calvert counties. The drilling will start on SMECO-owned land in Town Creek on the St. Mary’s side of the river and end at the Navy Recreation Center in Solomons. They will drill during daylight hours, except for two days in October and two days in December when we will need to work for 48 hours straight to pull the pipe under the river. As of July, SMECO had more than 180 new 230-kV poles installed in Calvert County from Holland Cliff to Sollers Wharf. The next phase of construction will connect Sollers Wharf with Hewitt Road in St. Mary’s County using the Patuxent River crossing. Construction of 230-kV poles in St. Mary’s is set to begin in November along Route 4 and Route 235, and should be complete in July 2014. The new 230-kV poles will replace the 69-kV poles along that route. SMECO began installing smart meters on March 15, 2011, in one section of Waldorf and at Patuxent River Naval Air Station. Customers who participated in the first phase received letters in February, notifying them that a smart meter would be installed. Participants were invited to SMECO’s open house
Photo Courtesy of SMECO
on smart meters on February 23 at the Huntington Neighborhood Center. Customer-members who have a smart meter don’t have to do anything special. They will receive their monthly bill like everyone else, and there is no additional charge for the smart meter. Smart meters are one step in the process of implementing technological improvements to our electric system. Smart meters measure energy usage data and communicate that data to the utility. Their technology provides two-way communications with smart meters, which enables functions such as voltage monitoring, outage detection, and ondemand meter readings. The current meter system is unable to provide these functions. The new meter’s technology pays for itself through operational savings. With standard meters, whenever someone moves into or out of a house, SMECO has to send a truck to turn the meter on or off. Sometimes we have to make two trips in the same day. With smart meters, SMECO can perform those tasks remotely, saving time, gas, and labor costs, according to the SMECO website. Customers will be able to program their meters to work with appliances in their homes, such as the refrigerator and HVAC system, to cycle them off during peak hours. Customers may soon be offered time of day pricing, which will feature rate cuts for customers who limit usage during peak hours, according to SMECO spokesperson Tom Dennison. The Annual Members' Meeting will be Aug. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Registration starts at 3 p.m. at Blue Crabs Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf. For more information, visit www.smeco.coop. sarahmiller@countytimes.net
21
The County Times
Thursday, August 8, 2013
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Design Diaries is a bi-weekly segment; meant to inspire, influence and educate homeowners that are ready to make a change to their homes but just don’t know where to start.
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So many times we meet clients that are ready to move forward with their kitchen remodel but just don’t know where to begin. My first word of advice is HIRE A PROFESSIONAL! Too many clients have horror stories from their friends and neighbors about a kitchen remodel gone bad. In most cases it boils down to poor planning. When you hire a professional, be it a kitchen designer or even better, an interior designer, you are already ahead of the pack. Working with an interior designer doesn’t have to mean high dollars. An interior designer’s job is to help you maximize space planning, aesthetics, form and function within your budget capacity. A good designer will help you allocate your funds to create the space that you desire and will also let you know if your dreams versus reality are possible. As a designer one of my biggest concerns is making sure that the clients needs versus wants find a happy medium. As with all jobs, budget is always a struggle - it doesn’t matter how big or small the budget, we all seem to want more that the budget will allow. it is my job to help my clients spend the money where it will make the biggest impact. My clients will agree that spending money upfront for my services and expertise is a vital part of the process. I am able to create an environment for them that will allow for the best use of space and not just “replace cabinets”. The cost of my services is usually less than 5% of the total project and most times pays for itself within the first meeting when I can show a client something they have never thought of.
SERVICES: • Custom, Semi Custom and Budget Friendly Cabinets • Countertop Replacements • Tile Backsplash/Flooring • Color Consultations • Custom Furnishings • Space Planning for both Commercial and Residential • Full Service Interior Design Studio • Custom Window Treatments • Design Interiors for Commercial Space, Residential and Yachts • We will work with your contractors or our licensed contractors
In short, I would suggest before you move forward with a big remodel project, involve designer to save you time and money. Visit my website at www.skdstudios.com or call 443-404-5686 for an appointment.
We Only Look Expensive! Call today for the kitchen or bath of your dreams.
www.skdstudios.com 443.404.5686
From my Backyard to our Bay A St. Mary’s County Resident’s Guide to Improving Our Environment and Drinking Water
From My Backyard to Our Bay was first developed by the Baltimore County Soil Conservation District. From there, the booklet was given to each of the Soil Conservation Districts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed area for customization. If the 17.5 million residents who live in the watershed area of the Chesapeake Bay read this booklet, and took to heart its suggestions and best practices, the Chesapeake Bay would see a dramatic increase in health. Obtain a FREE copy of the booklet by going to the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association, smrwa.org and downloading it. The booklet is available at Wentworth Nursery in Charlotte Hall; Chicken Scratch in Park Hall; The Greenery in Hollywood; Good Earth Natural Food; and the St. Mary’s Soil Conservation District in Leonardtown. Join your local watershed association and make a difference for Our Bay!
smrwa.org
Backyard Best Management Practices Lawn Care Tips
More Tips, Continued from Last Week…
• Mow at an appropriate height to maintain a healthy lawn. Maintaining grass height of at least 2 ½ inches helps keep the soil cool and provides drought protection. Mowing too short may reduce root and stem development and encourage weed problems. Proper mowing height helps to reduce weeds by as much as 50–80%. • Mow with a mulching blade to fertilize the lawn naturally with grass clippings. Routinely leaving grass clippings on the lawn lowers nitrogen fertilizer applications by 25% or more. • Cool season grasses naturally go dormant in summer. Watering your lawn during the dormant season may cause undue stress to your lawn. For a healthy lawn, do not water between July 4th and Labor Day. • In the spring or fall, watering slowly to wet the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches will prevent runoff from leaving your property. Early morning is the best time for watering. Light, frequent watering or watering in the evening
can actually damage your lawn. • For some areas (like steep slopes and shady places), ground cover or planting islands (areas with groupings of trees, shrubs, and flowers) may be a better choice than turf grass.
The “Urban Forest” Though you may not realize it, your yard is part of the “Urban Forest.” “Urban Forestry” is the term commonly used to describe the care of individual yards, street trees, and parks, as well as forest fragments like wooded parkland, unimproved lots, and outparcels. The urban forest is critical to the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Deep root systems anchor trees, control erosion, and take up pollutants that would otherwise enter the Bay via groundwater. Leaf canopies help reduce the erosive effect of heavy rains. The forest floor with its layers of twigs, leaves, and understory vegetation acts like a sponge for stormwater. Trees also provide important wildlife habitat – many animals and birds depend on trees for a place to live and for food. Trees also store carbon
and intercept airborne pollutants. Trees can contribute to energy savings, too. The shade from trees planted at a proper exposure near a home can reduce summer cooling costs by 40%.
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are you Bay-Wise?
Bay-Wise landscapes minimize negative impacts on our waterways by using Plant Native Trees. Trees and shrubs smarter lawn management native to St. Mary’s County are good techniques and gardening choices for adaptability to the local practices. The University environment and for attracting wildlife. of Maryland Extension Some common choices are red and Master Gardener Bay-Wise white oak, willow oak, loblolly pine, red- program in St. Mary’s bud, eastern red cedar, yellow poplar, County offers hands-on sweet gum, sycamore, and red maple. help with managing your landscape by providing Care for Your Trees. Pruning and information, a site visit, and thinning tree branches correctly when landscape certifications. they’re damaged can improve the Our yardstick checklist is health and lifespan of your urban forest. easy to understand and Contact a licensed tree expert for adfollow, and our team of vice and assistance, particularly if you trained Master Gardeners live in the Critical Area. Most healthy can help guide you trees do not need fertilizer. through it while offering suggestions to improve both the appearance Where to get help with… and sustainability of your URBAN FORESTRY landscape.
• Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources, dnr.state.md.us/forests/programs/ urban/newfapguide.asp and dnr.state.md.us/forests/nursery
This is the twelfth in a series of articles that Mary Ann Scott (maryann.scott58@yahoo.com) has adapted from From My Backyard to Our Bay in the hopes of increasing awareness of the powerful booklet that could do so much to help the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Look for the next article in next week’s County Times!
Call Now & Schedule a Visit!
301-475-4120 extension.umd.edu/baywise
Start a Movement in Your Neighborhood…Be the First to be Certified Bay-Wise!
The County Times
Thursday, August 8, 2013
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The County Times runs complimentary obituaries as submitted by funeral homes and readers. We run them in the order we receive them. Any submissions that come to news@countytimes.net after noon on Tuesdays may run in the following week’s edition.
Benedict I. Aud, 90 Benedict I. “Dickie” Aud, 90 of Leonardtown, Md., died July 29, in Leonardtown, Md. Born September 24, 1922 in Valley Lee, Md., he was the son of the late Michael I. Aud and Agatha Aleene Matthews. Dickie is a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County. He was a member of the Second District Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors and helped to establish and build the Second District Volunteer Fire Department in Valley Lee, Md. He proudly served in the United States Navy from November 11, 1942 until his honorable discharge on April 29, 1952. After his military service had ended he turned his passion for carpentry into a career, establishing his own construction company. He took great pride in the houses he built, including his own lifelong home. In his free time he built many beautiful doll houses for his daughters and granddaughters. In addition to carpentry, his pastimes included travelling with his wife, crabbing, and playing cards. The two things he loved most in the world were a full belly and giving to his family (which is why he loved the holidays.) Regardless of the occasion, however, he loved spending time with his daughters and grandchildren — whether it was a dinner, a trip to the ice cream parlor, or watching TV.
After the death of his wife in 2000, Dickie spent more time with his siblings Betty Anne and Reggie, making a hobby out of trying every seafood restaurant in the TriCounty area. Occasionally, rather than going out, Dickie would go to Betty’s home to enjoy a home-cooked meal. Betty Anne and Dickie shared a love of sports; if there were a late game on, he would stay over. He enjoyed many years like this, loved and supported by his family. Dickie moved to Cedar Lane Independent Living Facility in 2008. He was able to enjoy playing cards again with his new friends. Due to decline in his health he moved into Assisted Living at Cedar lane and was given wonderful care by Support Services staff and Kathy Hayden DN from Oct. 2010 to May 2013. In March of 2013 Dickie asked to come home. He moved into his youngest daughter Susan’s, home and was cared for by the “Angels” from Always There Companion Care: Donna Terry, Damita Butler, Vantaya Briscoe, Vickie McCarson, Shawn Curtis and Dawn Harris. These caregivers adopted Dickie and his family as one of their own. They gave the best care they could to him every day while helping his family with everyday tasks: they would cook dinner, care for the pets, and even offer a shoulder to cry on. They made the last chapter of his life a beautiful one to be remembered. In his final days he was watched over by the caring, supportive staff from Hospice of St Mary’s. Dr. Schmidt, Jamie Eckman, and Cindy Wolfe made his final days
peaceful before joining his beloved wife Anna Mae. Dickie is survived by his daughters, Diane Aud Carroll (Ed) of Lexington Park, MD and Susan Mattingly (Gary) of Leonardtown, Md.; his grandchildren, Ryan Carroll, Amy Carroll, Katelyn Mattingly; and his siblings, Regina Brookbank of Glen Burnie, Md., and Betty Ann Norris of Leonardtown, Md. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Anna Mae Aud; his sister, Christine Stone, St Inigoes, Md., Hazel Turner of Westminister, Md., Reggie Aud of Leonardtown, Md., and his brother, Donald Aud. Family recieved friends for Dickie’s Life Celebration on Monday, August 5, from 5 to 8 p.m., with prayers recited at 7 p.m., at Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Reverend Calis on Tuesday, August 6, at 11 a.m. at Holy Face Catholic Church. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Senator Roy Dyson, J.C. Dyson, Johnny Adams, Michael Adams, Ed Carroll, Jack Cullison, and Barry Norris. Memorial contributions may be made to Second District Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 1, Valley Lee, MD 20692; Second District Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1, Valley Lee, MD 20692; and Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
Bruce Kentzing Robey, 65
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Bruce Kentzing Robey, 65, of Indian Head, Md., lost his battle with Lung Cancer on July 26. He died at his St. Mary’s County home. Born September 15, 1947 in Norfolk, Va., he was the son of the late Kentzing Carver Robey and Peggy Ruth Robey of Lexington Park, Md. Bruce was a retired member of Teamster Local 639. He was a nature lover and delighted in spending time outdoors watching wildlife. He had a squirrel named “Binky” that visited him every day. He said he felt most peaceful when he was sitting on a waterfront enjoying nature. Bruce loved animals and at one time cared for eleven dogs. He very much enjoyed playing Keno at the local store and socializing with the owners and patrons. Bruce had a huge heart and always went out of his way to help those in need. In addition to his mother, he is also survived by his son, Bruce Shawn Robey of Waldorf, Md.; his sisters, Jill Robey Conner of Lexington Park, Md., Paula Robey Ewen of Alexandria, Va., and brother Barry Robey and sister-in-law Faye Robey of Waldorf, Md. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Robey. All services are private. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
Linda Jean Russell, 63 Linda Jean “Nana” Russell, 63 of Lexington Park, Md., died peacefully on July 24, at her residence, surrounded by her family. Born August 18, 1949 in Leonardtown, Md., she was the second oldest child of the late Erma Jean (Keefer) and Charles Rufus Moore, formally of St. George Island, Md. Linda, (most affectionately known as “Nana”) loved her family, especially doting on her daughter and her grandchildren. She loved family vacations in the Smokey Mountains, Ocean City, Florida, Skyline Drive and Virginia Beach. She loved getting out and going places. Her favorite activities in life were playing bingo, shooting pool, a good game of horseshoes and sharing some steamed crabs. Along with the laughter of children, she loved listening to music, especially that of Vince Gill, Conway Twitty, Brad Paisley and George Jones. Her favorite movie was “Dirty Dancing”, and she loved listening to the soundtrack with one of her favorite songs, the “Time of my Life”. Her life was enriched by her family and close friends. She will always be remembered for her generous spirit of helping others with caring, giving, and loving ways. She is survived by her daughter, Dawn Hierstetter (Brad) of Great Mills, Md.; her sisters, Charlotte Pixley of Miami, Fla., and June Robrecht (Bruce) of Great Mills, Md.; her brothers Kelly Moore of Valley Lee, Md., and Tim Moore (Carolyn) of California, Md.; her grand children, Taylor and Brady Norris, Jarod, Abigail and Jake Hierstetter, all of Great Mills, Md.; and many nieces and nephews. Services were held at the Brinsfield Funeral Home. For those desiring in lieu of flowers, those desiring may direct memorial contributions to: The Hospice House of St. Mary’s, PO Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
Rosemary Louise Quinn Sneed, 82 Rosemary Louise Quinn Snead of Golden Beach died Tuesday, July 30 at Georgetown University Hospital. She was 82. Mrs. Snead was born on Easter Sunday, April 12, 1931 at the old Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. She was the daughter of Michael T. Quinn, an Irish immigrant, and the former Louise E. Becker, who was of German ancestry. Mrs. Snead grew up in the District of Columbia and its suburbs, the eldest daughter in a family of six children. As the eldest girl, she was frequently given the task of taking care of her younger brothers and sisters. She graduated from Anacostia High School in 1949. While still a high school senior, she was recruited to work as a ste-
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Thursday, August 8, 2013
nographer for the federal government after graduation. Mrs. Snead began working for the Central Intelligence Agency in 1949. As a federal employee, she also worked at the Post Office Department and the Census Bureau. In 1950 she married Charles L. Snead and continued to work for several years, but her real passion became family, motherhood and homemaking. The couple lived with their young children in Hyattsville until 1965 when they moved to Golden Beach. Thus began more than 45 years of country life and the enjoyment of being near the Patuxent River. She was a member of the Golden Beach Homemakers’ Club. Mrs. Snead was known by everyone around her as a devoted wife whose greatest desire was to assist her husband in his many endeavors, including home and auto improvement projects, boating, fishing, and piloting his small airplane. The marriage lasted 60 years until his death in 2010. She was a dedicated mother to her two children, and a talented cook who was modest and did not want to be in the limelight. She frequently helped others but did not want to take credit for it. She was a sweet, private person who loved her family deeply. Mrs. Snead is preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Louis M. Quinn, John Morris, Jr., and Frederick Morris. She is survived by a brother, David P. Morris and his wife Ann Morris of Easton, Maryland, a sister, Marie E. Morris of Pinion Hills, California, a daughter, Christina Polk and her husband Richard Polk of Greensboro, Maryland, a son, Daniel R. Snead and his wife Bernadette Snead of California, Maryland, a granddaughter, Sarah Jane Polk of Parsonsburg, Maryland, a grandson, Aaron Snead and his wife Julie Snead of Garner, North Carolina, and a step-granddaughter, Mia Carroll of California, Maryland. A memorial service will be held at Cheltenham State Veteran’s Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 8, with Rev. Timothy McNutt officiating.
Andre Harris Proctor, 56 André Harris Proctor, 56 of Mechanicsville, Md., passed away peacefully at his residence on August 2. On November 2, 1956, André was born to the belated Blanche Bernice”Sis” and Thomas Leo Proctor in Washington, DC. André was the 10th of 12 kids. He grew up in Oxon Hill and was educated in the Prince George’s County School System. In 1974, he graduated from Crossland High School. A year later he married his high school love, Belinda Caroline and was blessed with twin boys, Andre Marquelle and Harris Linnielle; seven years later, a daughter, Rhosheeda Aundreya. All three children held a piece of his name and this was not just a coincidence; his wife and children were his world. In 1986, he moved his family to St. Mary’s County, where they called home. André was always known as a hard worker. He performed electrical work at Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) and also on the side for friends
The County Times
and family. He loved to work in his garden and go fishing and crabbing with his family. André loved his coffee from 7-11 and Wawa. The kids in the family and neighborhood loved to jump on the back of his truck to tag along. When they returned, everyone would have a slurpee and chips or candy. This “tradition” continued with his grandchildren. In May 2005, after 29 years, André retired from WSSC. He spent the first couple of years of retirement gardening, fishing and taking care of his grandchildren. In 2008, André became ill and even through his sickness, he continued to make sure that his grandchildren were well taken care of. No matter the situation, André was always there to lend a helping hand. André is preceded in death by his mother, Blanche Bernice “Sis” Proctor; father, Thomas Leo Proctor and brother, David Proctor. André Harris Proctor leaves to mourn his wife, Belinda; two sons, Andre and Harris; daughter, Rhosheeda; four brothers, Thomas Jr.(Corny), Michael, Avery and Timothy Proctor; six sisters, Sharon Harley, Wanona (Pat) Harley, Cynthia Newman, Felicia Proctor, Marketa (Keesie) Thompson and Sarita Smith. He has nine grandchildren and one on the way, Aiyonna, Tierra, Tamara, Monique, Joshua, Adrianna, Devin, Amira and Destiny. He also leaves a host of brothers and sisters -in-law, nieces and nephews. Viewing was held at Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home on Thursday, August 8, from 6 to 8 p.m., with prayers recited at 7 p.m. On Friday, August 9, 2013, viewing will be at 9:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 28297 Old Village Rd., Mechanicsville, Md. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, Md. Arrangements by Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home, Mechanicsville, Md.
Raymond Hammett Stone, 85 Raymond Hammett Stone, 85, of Park Hall, Md., died August 4, at his residence surrounded by many loving family members. He was born August 31, 1927 in Pearson (now Pax River) Md., and was the son of the late Dorothy Elizabeth Hammett Stone and Ernest Leo Stone, Sr. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Mary Catherine Hill Stone of Park Hall, Md.; children Mary Ann (Paul) Bean of Mechanicsville, Md.; Ernest Francis (Kathie) Stone, Teresa Kaye (J. Wayne) Wood, Elizabeth Lynn (Thomas) Klug, all of Park Hall, Md.; John W. (Deanna) Stone of Lexington Park, Md.; and daughter-in-law, Joyce Ann Stone Bean of St. Mary’s City, Md.; 18 grandchildren, Tony, Steve, and Tommy Bean; Paul, Danny, Jason and Shawn Stone; Jimmy and Keith Stone; Chuck, Christy, Kevin, Ricky, Jeanette and Denise Wood; Lynn and Peter Klug; and Johnny Stone; 12 great-grandchildren; Nichole and Michael Bean; Katie, Kevin, Adriana and Angelina Bean; Brandon and Corey Bean; Paul Stone, II, Jason and Amelia Stone, and Archer Ashworth; brother Robert L. Stone (Catherine) of
Park Hall, Md., and many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Hammett was preceded in death by his son Raymond Martin Stone; brother Ernest L. Stone, Jr., and sister Martha Pilon. Hammett and Mary Catherine met in fifth grade at St. Michael’s School in Ridge, Md., and both graduated high school in 1945. They married Oct. 12, 1946 at St. Michael’s Church, began their family at Rosecroft farm in St. Mary’s City, and eventually moved to and owned Little Snow Hill Farm in Park Hall. Hammett worked at the family business of E.L. Stone and Sons feed and grain store, farmed and gardened all his life, was ground maintenance foreman at St. Mary’s College for 23 years, had a Master Certificate in horticulture, and was always involved in church and community. He was the former president of St. Cecilia’s parish council, was a church usher and Eucharistic minister, attended daily Mass, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Serra Club, and Farm Bureau. He was known and loved for his sharp wit and sense of humor; loved animals and raising his own beef and hogs. The family received friends on Thursday, August 8, from 5 to 8 p.m., with prayers recited at 7 p.m. in St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, St. Mary’s City, Md. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 9, at 10 a.m. in St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, St, Mary’s City, Md., with Fr. Scott Woods officiating. Interment will follow in St. James Cemetery. Pallbearers are his grandsons Tony Bean, Paul Stone, Jimmy Stone, Chuck Wood, Peter Klug, and Johnny Stone. Honorary pallbearers are other grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, Md.
Ilene Elizabeth Hays, 65 Ilene Elizabeth Hays, 65, of Waldorf, Md., passed away July 29, at her residence. She was born July 19, 1948 in Washington, D.C. to Dudley and Matilda (Patrak) Tatem. Ilene was raised in Northeast D.C. and attended Holy Name School, St. Patrick’s and Chamberlain High School. She married Carlton Edward “Curly” Hays and they lived in Landover and later Oxon Hill, Md. Mr. Hays passed away in 1996, and Ilene has lived in Waldorf for the past eight years. She was employed as a dispatcher with the Washington, D.C. Fire Department and the Riverdale Police Department, retiring in the mid 1990’s. Ilene loved going to the beach, surfing the internet and listening to music, especially Motown. Ilene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Carlton and a sister Dorothy Evans. She is survived by sons Michael E. Hays of Waldorf and Brian A. Hays and wife Terri of Owings. Also surviving are grandchildren Joey,
Christopher, Michael, Jr., Kevin, Anthony and Robert Hays, and sisters Terese T. Mullican of Annapolis, Kathy Cox of New Carrollton, and a brother Paul Tatem of Georgia. A memorial visitation was held, Saturday, August 3, from 12 noon until 2 p.m. at Rausch Funeral Home, P.A. Interment was private. To leave condolences visit www.rauschfuneralhomes. com.
Myrta Pauline Reinhart, 87 Myrta Pauline Reinhart, 87, resident of Solomons Nursing Center, Solomons, Md., and formerly of Meadow Vista, Ca., died July 28, at Specialty Hospital Washington-Hadley. She was born June 3, 1926 in Norfolk, Va., to the late George and Louise (Dye) Arnold and raised in Ohio. After WWII, the family moved to Modesto, CA. Pauline enlisted in the U.S. Navy January 3, 1949 and was honorably discharged October 29, 1951. Pauline considered her service in the Navy one of the most important and exciting periods of her life. As part of her duties as a flight orderly in Air Transport Squadron Three, Pauline flew to Honolulu, Hawaii, Kodiak, Alaska, and Wake Island in the Pacific; and because of the stories she would tell of her adventures, all three of her children enlisted the Navy as well. Her picture and service details can be found in the Navy Log on the Navy Memorial website www.navymemorial.org. Pauline retired from the U. S. Post Office as a postal clerk on May 1, 1991 but stayed active as a volunteer in her community and church. Pauline was a “people person” and thrived when surrounded by other people. She loved to travel and had many opportunities to see new sights and visit new places around the country and the world. A long-time member of Faith Lutheran Church in Meadow Vista, she transferred her membership to Trinity Lutheran Church, Lexington Park, MD when moved to Lusby, MD to live with her daughter and son-in-law. She is survived by, daughter and son-in-law, Victoria and Keith Sandvig, Lusby, Md.; daughter, Pamela Hill, Orange Park, Fla.; son, James Reinhart, Orange Park, Fla.; and grandchildren, Calvin Randall, Justin Hill, Kaitlyn Reinhart, and Marissa Reinhart. Memorial services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lexington Park, 46707 Shangri La Drive, Lexington Park, MD 20653 on August 21, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Roger P. Schoolcraft officiating. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO BOX 758517 Topeka, KS 66675. Arrangements were handled by the Rausch Funeral Home, Lusby, MD.
Sp rts
The County Times
Southern Maryland Shockers Win 2013 World Series The Southern Maryland Shockers are World Series champs again. The Shockers, consisting of 11 softball players age 13 to 15 from Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties, outlasted 53 other teams and won all 10 of their games to capture the 2013 USSSA Class B 16-and-under World Series title Aug. 3 in Salisbury, Md. They won the USSSA 14-and-under Class B World Series last year. “All but one of our girls could have played 14U again this year, but we decided to keep the team together and move up everyone to 16U this year,” said Bobby Rawlings, the Shockers’ manager. “They love playing together, and they’re a great group of girls.” The Shockers defeated the Howell Heat from New Jersey 11-4 in the title game at Harry S. Parker Sports Complex. Valerie Hammett, an All-County shortstop as a freshman at Chopticon, was named the tournament’s most outstanding offensive player. She hit a two-run homer in the championship game and had a three-run homer earlier in the tournament. Andrea Davis, who won 16 games for Chopticon in the spring (the most for a Braves pitcher since 1985), was named the tournament’s best pitcher. Davis was the winning pitcher in eight of the team’s 10 tournament games. Janae Lyles (Stoddert Middle) and Emma Thompson (St. Mary’s Ryken) each had 13 hits in the tournament for the Shockers. Shanna Peters (Chopticon) had 11 hits and Alyssa Bilodeau (La Plata) had 10. Center fielder Courtney Taft (Chopticon) had nine hits, including a leadoff homer against the Brandywine Blast from Wilmington, Del. Left fielder Gabby Sandy (Lackey) had eight hits, including a two-run
homer against the Junior Pride Crusaders from Monroe, N.Y. Third baseman Jolie Rawlings (Chopticon) had a .560 on-base percentage, and second baseman Samantha Donaldson (McDonough) reached base safely 15 times. “Winning the World Series is a great accomplishment, and I feel it really started when we got through some tough games in the state tournament,” said Rawlings, whose team had a 54-16-1 record this season. Back in June, the Shockers won all six of their games to win the USSSA Class B 16-andunder state tournament at Rockburn Branch Park in Elkridge. The tournament featured 18 teams from across the state. The Shockers defeated the Forest Hill (Harford County) Heat 5-0 in the winner’s bracket final and beat them again 12-4 in the championship game. The final game was tied 4-4 after six innings, and the Shockers scored eight runs in the seventh to seal the title. Bilodeau was the winning pitcher in the state title game. She gave up eight hits in the first six innings, but shut down Forest Hill 1-2-3 in the final inning. “Alyssa really stepped up for us in that game, as well as the entire tournament,” Rawlings said. “Andrea was sick that weekend, so we had to depend on Alyssa. She came through for us by winning five of the games.” The Shockers began the state tournament with an 11-1 victory over the Harford Diamonds, then beat the top-seeded Southern Maryland Ospreys 5-1. The Shockers then slipped past the Olney Cougars 4-3 in eight innings and Terror Fastpitch White (Frederick County) 7-3 before meeting Forest Hill.
The Southern Maryland Shockers — Top row (left to right): Chuck Donaldson (coach), Courtney Taft, Allison Mattera, Valerie Hammett, Alyssa Bilodeau, Janae Lyles, Andrea Davis, Bobby Rawlings (manager). Second row: Gabby Sandy, Shanna Peters, Samantha Donaldson. Front row: Jolie Rawlings, Emma Thompson.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
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A View From The
Bleachers Avoiding The Despicable You, Too
By Ronald N. Guy Jr. Contributing Writer The Nationals and Orioles are off limits as column topics. In spring training I lauded the Nats’ potential and romanticized about a fairytale season. That looks smart, huh? Idiot sportswriter. Last month, I cast my written word spell on Orioles first baseman Chris “Crush” Davis by recklessly celebrating his 37 first-half home runs with a hearty Natty Boh toast. It prompted a 10-game homer-less streak after the All Star break. Chris, I’m sorry, hon. Davis has warmed up recently, though, evidence that my “Crush Curse” lacks the omnipotence of my “Nats Enchantment.” Whew. Moving on… A few years ago, in the wake of the movie The Despicable Me’s release, I wrote an article for this very column that identified Barry Bonds as “the despicable you.” The piece, written during Bonds’ perjury trial was a scathing, open letter of sorts, summarizing the juiced slugger’s considerable sins and soiled baseball legacy. Bonds’ most lasting scar on baseball history occurred on August 7th, 2007 when he broke/defiantly relieved himself on the irreproachable Hank Aaron’s hallowed record of 755 career home runs. As Bonds’ 756th bomb sailed over the fence, the only shred of peace I could find amidst the mockery was that Bonds wouldn’t be long for the home run throne. There was a guy “on pace” to surpass Bonds’ ultimate tally. When he did, baseball’s most sacred record would again test negative for Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs). That “guy” was Alex Rodriguez. By 2007, Rodriguez, then 32, had hit 518 home runs. As time would tell, on Bonds’ record-breaking night I had sought respite from one cheater by turning to another. In 2007, Rodriguez emphatically denied PED use on “60 Minutes” in a polygraphbusting performance worthy of Lance Armstrong. Two years later he admitted what had become obvious: his performance was “enhanced.” Rodriguez, as of this writing, is currently in negotiations with MLB regarding his connections with Biogenesis – a juice joint in Florida – and a lengthy suspension seems likely. Fool me once (Bonds), shame on you. Fool me twice (ARod), shame on me. With the recent release of The Despicable Me 2, I guess ARod’s officially my “despicable you too.” Wonderful. Despite his transgressions, Rodriguez proved recently that he’s reached a level of delusion unique to PED abusers (think Roger Clemens blaming his wife for HGH possession and Rafael Palmeiro’s Congressional finger point) by claiming in a Sports Illustrated piece that he still wants to be a role model. Excuse me? Oh ARod is a model – of a disturbing trend in baseball. As salaries have waxed, the need, or even the inclination to do the right thing has waned. Suspensions, ruined reputations and the promise of a reclusive and vilified retirement – the stuff that moves most people to goodness are often inadequate deterrents to the $10s of millions of dollars at stake for performance boosts. And unlike Gen-1 ‘roiders Mark McGwire and Bonds, Rodriguez and cronies like Ryan Braun knew the ramifications of PED use – and it didn’t matter. Regardless of profession, human frailties will surface. Len Bias’ and Dexter Manley’s poor decisions broke my young heart; but that disappointment was counteracted by men-among-men like Cal Ripken and Art Monk. However, the transgressions of modern athletes are so prevalent and so significant that it threatens to sour the entire batch. It’s enough for a kid seeking his or her Cal Ripken to give up and…just adopt Cal Ripken. What do we say to those kids? What do we say to OUR kids? That there are good guys in baseball, of course. They lurk below the headlines – so do your homework. I personally watched Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman spend considerable time with sick kids – my daughter included - at Children’s Hospital in D.C. There were – shocker - no cameras and no press coverage. Such things likely occur regularly in every Major League town. How many are reported? Right. Welcome to life in the information age. Role models are out there - but shop with caution. That’s what I’m going tell my kids. Oh and good luck avoiding a “despicable you” or “you too” to call your own. Send comments to rguyjoon@yahoo.com
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Thursday, August 8, 2013
Ninth Annual Lawnmower Races at Bowles Farm
Mike Batson Photography
Mike Batson Photography
Mike Batson Photography
CORRECTION: The County Times old like to apologize for mistakes made in last week's article titled “Revving Engines Lawnmower Style,” which addressed the Lawn Mower Races that took place at Bowles Farm this past weekend. This event’s proceeds benefited the Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad and the Seventh District Optimist Club. The article mistakenly said that the proceeds were going to Great Mills Trading Post and United Site Services, who were actually major sponsors to the event.
The County Times
Sp rts
Leadership Southern Maryland to Host First Annual Golf Tournament Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) announces that the first annual LSM golf tournament will be held on Thursday, September 19, at the Breton Bay Country Club. The rain date is September 26. The event will benefit LSM. Golfers may sign up to play for $125 per person or $450 for a foursome; 18 holes, a cart and lunch are included. Individuals can pre-register by submitting the online registration form, calling 240-725-5469 or emailing leadsomd@verizon.net. Registration, along with a continental breakfast, begins at 8:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Those who do not play golf can support the tournament as well. LSM invites and welcomes community members, local business owners and individuals to sponsor the tournament. Sponsorships are available at the following levels: · Pin: $50 (includes signage and name and logo at the hole) · Silver: $1,000 (includes golf foursome, signage including name and logo at the hole, sponsor-provided promotional items in goodie bags, name and logo on event banner and in the event program) · Gold: $2,500 (includes two golf foursomes, starting hole choice, signage including name and logo at two holes, sponsor-provided promotional items in goodie bags, top billing on event banner and event program). For more information, to register or to sponsor the event, please visit www.leadsomd.org, or by calling 240725-5469 or via email, LeadSOMD@verizon.net. Leadership Southern Maryland is a nine-month tuition-based program specially designed to develop leaders from the Southern Maryland area for regional collaboration. The LSM program is dedicated to building a cadre of informed regional leaders, prepared to address common issues and bring long-term benefit to their neighbors and
communities and incorporates a cross-section of the region to include diversity of geographic location, profession, ethnicity and gender.
Sp rts
The County Times
Thursday, August 8, 2013
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Moreland Out Duels Spence in Potomac Slugfest Raleigh Repeats in Street Stocks
By Doug Watson Contributing Writer Waldorf Md.’s Kenny Moreland, the defending Potomac Speedway Late Model track champion, was victorious in last Friday nights 35-lap Bobby Allen Memorial. The win for Moreland, worth $2000, was his second Potomac feature win of the season and first since his opening-day triumph back on March 23. Moreland and outside front-row starter Jamie Lathroum brought the field down for the initial green flag of the event. Lathroum, looking for his second Potomac win in a row, zipped into the race lead as the mob raced off turn-two with Moreland in tow. Lathroum would only lead 2-laps as a flat tire sent him to the pits, handing the top-spot to Moreland. As Moreland lead, 6th starting JT Spence was on the move, as he reached second by lap-3. Moreland and Spence thrilled the Potomac faithful as the duo raced door to door and in and out of lapped cars for the final 32-laps with Moreland taking the checkered flag, for his 5th career Late Model win at the track, by a car length over Spence at the finish. “I had to work hard for that one.” Moreland stated in
his post race interview. “That was a great race with JT and I knew he’d run me clean, he’s a class act, I hope the fans enjoyed that one.” Once again the Potomac surface was spot-on, which aided in Moreland’s winning drive. “The past month or so this place has been just about perfect.” Said Moreland. “My car was getting a little tight towards the end, but you could still move all over, it was real racy.” Dale Hollidge collected third, David Williams was fourth with Lathroum rebounding from his early misfortune to take fifth. Heats went to Hollidge and Moreland. Mike Raleigh scored his second win of the season in the 16-lap Street Stock feature. Marty Hanbury lead the first 9-laps before Raleigh took over on lap-10. From that point on, it would be a race for second as Raleigh would take the win by a wide margin over eventual runner-up Barry Williams Sr. Scotty Nelson was third, Troy Kassiris took fourth with Johnny Oliver rounding out the top-five. Nelson was the heat winner. Kerry King Jr. took his first career Potomac feature win in the 15-lap Crate Late Model event. King shot into the race lead on lap-1, and would dominate all 15-circuits, to score the breakthrough win over eventual second-place finisher John Imler. Race Al-
Preliminary Results in from St. Mary’s College’s 40th Annual Governor’s Cup Yacht Race On Saturday morning, sailing enthusiasts from up and down the East Coast sailed into St. Mary’s City—from starting points in Annapolis, Md., and Dahlgren, Va.—for St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s Governor’s Cup Yacht Race. Doug Savage and his wife, Liz from Alexandria, Photo Provided by PhotoBoat.com Va., on Dark Star, Pictured is Resolute, which came in tenth in the PHRF A2 class; had their fastest Francis Albert is skipper Gov’ Cup race of smcm.edu/govcup/Results2013/st12 that they’ve completed. “We had marys_govcup2013_race1.html to good winds the whole night, all the view the preliminary results of the way up to and across the finish line,” Annapolis starting point, and visit said skipper Doug Savage. Dark Star smcm.edu /govcup/ Resu lt s2013/ came in ninth in the PHRF A2 class. GovernorsCupPotomacLeg _race1. This year marked the 40th run- html for the preliminary results of ning of the oldest and longest race the Potomac leg. down the Chesapeake Bay. Visit
ton was third, Richard Harden took fourth with Darin Henderson completing the topfive. Imler took the heat race win. Matt Tarbox won for the third time this season with his win in the 15-lap Hobby Stock feature. Greg Morgan lead the first 5-laps before he pitted with mechanical issues. Tarbox was the new leader and would go on to lead the distance taking the win over 12th starting Jamie Sutphin. Jonathon Raley was third, Bobby Miexsall collected fourth with Brooks Lawson filling the frontfive. Heats went to Tarbox and Jerry Deason. Ray Bucci became the only 2-time winner on the season with his win in the nightcap 15-lap Strictly Stock main. Bucci took the lead from Ed Pope Sr. on lap-6, and would lead the remaining laps to post the win. JJ Silvious was second, John Hardesty placed third, Nabil Guffey was fourth with 12th starting Buddy Dunagan rounding out the top-five. Dunagan was the heat winner.
Late Model feature finish
1. Kenny Moreland 2. JT Spence 3. Dale Hollidge 4. David Williams 5. Jamie Lathroum 6. Larry Ramsey 7. Dominic DeFino 8. Randall Paxton 9. Brandon Long 10. Rich Marks 11. David Pettyjohn 12. Travis
Larouqe 13. Keith Jackson (DNS) 14. Kerry King Sr. (DNS)
Street Stock feature finish
1. Mike Raleigh 2. Barry Williams Sr. 3. Scotty Nelson 4. Troy Kassiris 5. Johnny Oliver 6. Stephen Quade 7. Dale Reamy 8. Darren Alvey 9. Teddy Dickson 10. Mike Latham (DNS) 11. Marty Hanbury (DQ)
Crate Late Model feature finish
1. Kerry King Jr. 2. John Imler 3. Race Alton 4. Richard Harden 5. Darin Henderson
Hobby Stock feature finish
1. Matt Tarbox 2. Jamie Sutphin 3. Jonathon Raley 4. Bobby Miexsall 5. Brooks Lawson 6. Kirk Evans 7. Tommy Randall 8. Ed Pope Jr. 9. Gage Perkins 10. Race Alton 11. Greg Morgan 12. Jerry Deason 13. Kenny Sutphin
Strictly Stock feature finish
1. Ray Bucci 2. JJ Silvious 3. John Hardesty 4. Nabil Guffey 5. Buddy Dunagan 6. Paul Jones 7. Justin Meador 8. Johnny Hardesty 9. Joseph Meador 10. Ed Pope Sr. 11. Jimmy Suite 12. Robbie Cairns (DNS)
X275 Friday Night at MIR This Friday night, August 9, MIR will host the Speed Unlimited Midnight Madness series. The Midnight Madness series is a great place to check out street legal drag racing, hang out with your friends, enjoy great food, meet new people, and cruise the pits. You can even enter your own streetcar or street bike into the event for time runs, grudge runs, or trophy racing. It’s safe, fun, affordable, and legal. Plus, this Friday night will feature the X275 Drag Radial heads-up class. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. and first round eliminations will start at 10pm for all classes. General Admission for adults is $10, and kids 11 & under are free. Race Entry Fee is only $20. On Saturday, August 10 MIR will host the Speed Unlimited ET series featuring a special Junior Dragster Open in the morning. The event will feature the Southern Outlaw Top Sportsman series, Top ET, Mod ET, Motorcycle ET, Junior Dragster, and Test & Tune. MIR will also hold a Pit Bike challenge on Saturday. Come and check out the action with your family this Saturday and
see a competitive sport with the whole family involved. Gates will open at 8:30 a.m., and the Junior Dragster Open program will start at 9:30 a.m. The 2nd race for Junior Dragster will begin at 2:30 p.m. The Speed Unlimited ET Series time runs will start at 2pm, and eliminations will begin at 6pm. This will be an awesome day of racing with something for everyone and $15 gets you in for the whole day. On Sunday, August 11, MIR will host another full day Test & Tune. Time runs, grudge runs, testing, and tuning all day long! MIR will also have a free $1,000 to win gamblers race for the bracket racers. So bring your grudge matches, street cars, pro cars, bracket cars, imports, motorcycles, and Jr. Dragsters to MIR! Gates open at 10am, eliminations begin at 3pm, and the test & tune is over at 6pm. Admission is just $15. For more detailed information on these events call the 24-Hour Dragline Hotline at 301884-RACE or visit us at www.mirdrag.com
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The County Times
Thursday, August 8, 2013
St. Mary’s Department of Aging Programs and Activities
Weight Management Classes to start at the Loffler Senior Activity Center Medstar St. Mary’s Hospital Health Connections will present a ten week class at the Loffler Senior Activity Center, Simple Steps to a Fit & Healthy You. This class will be held on Wednesdays, from 1-2 p.m. in the Senior Lounge, starting Aug. 21 and continuing until Oct. 23. Simple Steps is a management program featuring nutrition education, exercise guidance and behavior modification. This opportunity to get fit and healthy is being offered free of charge. For more information or to sign up, call 301-737-5670, ext. 1658. Tennis starting up at the Loffler Senior Activity Center Curtis Dennis, a certified tennis instructor will be coordinating a 50+ Doubles Tennis League at the Loffler Senior Activity Center on Tuesdays, September 3 - October 22 from 9-11 a.m. The league is open to all skill levels--no need to be an ace. The cost to play will be a one-time payment of $10 per person to cover the cost of supplies. Participants must be 50 years of age or over. Fitness waiver required. Call 301737-5670, ext. 1658 for more information or to sign up. Take a Trip to Williamsburg, VA to see the Grand Illumination Get your Christmas season off to a high-spirited start by going on this three-day, two-night trip to Colonial Williamsburg to experience the sights and sounds (and smells!) of the glorious holiday season Dec. 7-9. The cost is $610.00 per person. This trip is full of activities, which includes lunch in a colonial tavern, wine tasting, an evening at Christmas Town, a Busch Gardens Celebration, an opportunity to go
SENIOR LIVING
to Sunday Mass or a visit to a local coffee shop, a Guided Tour of Colonial Williamsburg, some free time to explore the town’s museums or go shopping in Merchant’s Square. On Sunday evening Colonial Williamsburg, kicks off the Grand Illumination, which will include fireworks, musical entertainment, dancing, caroling and dramatic presentations. The final day begins with a shopping trip to the Williamsburg Pottery which has recently been renovated. This tour includes deluxe motor coach transportation, two nights’ accommodations, baggage handling, two deluxe continental breakfasts, one lunch, two dinners, all admissions and guide services, taxes and tips. NOTE: This trip includes activities which require considerable mobility, because the grounds in Williamsburg are often unpaved and there is lots of walking all three days of this trip. Call Joyce Raum, 301-737-5670, ext. 1656 to learn more.
ing lot. An old fashioned drive-in diner cheeseburger lunch with lettuce, tomato, onion and sweet pickles fixings, oven cooked fries, cole slaw, baked beans and soda pops will be served at noon. Purchase your ticket before noon on Thursday, August 22, at the Northern Senior Activity Center. The cost is an $8 suggested donation price which will cover your meal, dancing and taking in the Antique Car Show. Door prizes and lottery raffle too!
Bridge Group Forming at the Garvey Senior Activity Center The Garvey Senior Activity Center Bridge Group is forming a substitute list. If you would like to sub for this group which meets at 10 a.m. on Thursdays at the center, please contact Kathy Mather at 301-475-4200, ext. 1072
“Team Trivia” Night Out at Fitzie’s The Department of Aging & Human Services will host Team Trivia night on Thursday, August 15 from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. Team Trivia is a live hosted Trivia Game played in teams (who are registered upon arrival.) Each team will be given time to answer questions selected by the host and prizes will be awarded. The event will be held at Fitzie’s Marina on 21540 Joe Hazel Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Enjoy a fun night of trivia, great music, great food and prizes. Tickets are $20.00 which includes: party appetizers, cheese/cracker/ cocktail platter, veggie platter, crab ball platter, shrimp cocktail platter, chicken wings, chicken tenders, meatballs, tea, soda, water and a cash Bar. Tickets can be purchased at any senior activity center through August 5. For more information call 301-475-4200, ext. 1050.
50’s Sock Hop and Antique Car Show On Friday, August 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the fifth annual 50’s Sock Hop and Antique Car Show will be held at the Northern Senior Activity Center. Have a fun time bogeying around the dance floor with 1950’s Sock Hop music by our favorite DJ, Mean Gene. There is plenty of time to check out the numerous varieties of antique cars shown in the park-
Mediterranean Diet On Thursday, August 15, at 10:30 a.m., Donna Taggert, certified dietician with MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, will discuss the many benefits and menu choices that come from a ‘Mediterranean Diet’. Find out why this has been a very successful dietary plan. Reservations not required, walk-ins are welcome.
Loffler Senior Activity Center 301-737-5670, ext. 1652; Garvey Senior Activity Center, 301-475-4200, ext. 1050 Northern Senior Activity Center, 301-475-4002, ext. 1001 Visit the Department of Aging’s website at www.stmarysmd.com/aging for the most up-to date information.
A Journey Through Time The
Chronicle
Joseph “Ford” Thompson, Jr. By Linda Reno Contributing Writer As you may recall, last week’s article was about Dr. Joseph Ford Thompson who became a wellknown and respected physician in Washington, D.C. For many obvious reasons his only son should have met or exceeded his father’s achievements, but as too often happens, he didn’t. Joseph “Ford” Thompson, Jr. was born January 7, 1870. In 1898 he was termed Major Ford Thompson who had commanded the Engineer Corps of the District of Columbia National Guard and had served in that post for the previous nine years. This group was brought into Federal service April 1898 to fight in the Spanish-American War and it was noted that Thompson was a member of Colonel Roosevelt’s Rough Riders. This would appear to have been the only real “job” he ever held. “He was educated, not only in schools in this country, but also in Paris. He had traveled extensively, having spent considerable time in Egypt, where he did archaeological investigating. His paintings were better known in Paris than this country…” Ford moved in the highest social circles in Washington and in 1907 he married Florence Conrad, former debutante, in Geneva, Switzerland. They honeymooned in Italy. Florence filed for divorce in 1915 stating that Ford had a serious drinking problem. About 1919 Ford began making frequent trips to the Hotel Slagle in Emmitsburg (Frederick Co.), Maryland.
He began focusing his attention on Mary Sneeringer, waitress and niece of the hotel owner. Mary was just 16. He told her of his travels and adventures throughout Europe, attempted to teach her French and other foreign languages, and promised to send her to a fashionable school for girls in Washington. It wouldn’t be long until Mary fell in love. “Thompson’s control over the girl was apparently so great that starting last March she gave up all religious beliefs and remained away from the church. Until the couple met she was a regular attendant at the Catholic church here and a devout worshiper. Thompson, from the trend of his letters to the girl, was an aethist. He sent Miss Sneeringer books on this subject and gave her others written in criticism of Catholicism.” This ill-fated romance would end in death. On August 11, 1920 Ford and Mary went for a walk in the countryside each taking a pistol with them. At 5:30 p.m., at the exact hour and on the exact date they had met a year before, each put their gun to their head and pulled the trigger. Newspapers all over the country covered the suicides. The reasons varied a bit but it basically centered around them being unable to marry for one reason or another. One of the attending physicians offered the possibility that Ford had killed Mary and then himself. Nevertheless, Mary was a willing participant and had left a note in her room saying “To the loved ones left in this decadent world. May God bless and cherish your souls as His very own. Give everything I have left to my mother, dear. Please give her everything, please.”
Community
The County Times
Thursday, August 8, 2013
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Health Department Offers Free Assistance To Quit Smoking The St. Mary’s County Health Department is offering a series of free smoking cessation classes to St. Mary’s County residents who are 18 years and older. Classes are offered one hour per week for eight weeks, along with free medication to assist participants with quitting. These classes provide group support and understanding which are important in the quitting process. Class participants will gain knowledge about their smoking habits, along with behavioral modifications, stress management and quit smoking techniques. The next smoking cessation class is scheduled to begin Aug. 13 at the Health Department, with other sessions
scheduled throughout the fall and winter in the Leonardtown and Lexington Park areas. To register for classes, please call 301-475-4316, or visit www.smchd.org to learn more about upcoming classes and locations. Maryland’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) also offers the Maryland Tobacco Quitline, a free, confidential and anonymous resource to help smokers achieve their goal of quitting. The Quitline provides a “Quit Coach”, a professional trained to assist with quitting tobacco use by creating a personalized plan for each individual. Quit Coaches are available seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 3 a.m., to provide encouragement and offer advice
28th Annual Chaptico Classic Race & Walk Start the last weekend in August off with a bang and a race or stroll along scenic country roads. The 28th annual running of the Chaptico Classic, described by Running Times as “one of the best county road races,” will take place on Saturday, August 31. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and races start at 8 a.m. Run a 5K or 10K T.A.C. certified course to score an award -- prizes will be awarded to the top male and female racers in several age categories for each event -- or walk for the fun of it. Everyone will take home a commemorative t-shirt and other goodies and enjoy healthy snacks. While you’re at it, you’ll be supporting Southern Maryland charities. This year the race will benefit St. Mary’s Caring, Mary Lou Gough Food Pantry at Our Lady of the Wayside Church, Three Oaks Shelter, and Southern Maryland Caring Network. Registration is $30 ($35 on race day) and $15 for high school runners. Pre-register by visiting www.active.com, calling 301-475-2886, e-mailing info@chapticoclassic.org, or sign up beginning at 7:00 a.m. on the day of the race. Download a course map, view past winners, and learn more about the race at www.chapticoclassic.org. Join us on August 31 at Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall (37497 Zach Fowler Road, Chaptico) and run, walk, boogey, or crawl for the common good in the 28th annual Chaptico Classic.
during moments of tobacco cravings. “Using tobacco and exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to heart problems, different types of cancer, lung disease and death,” states Jane Dodds, Tobacco Use Prevention Program Coordinator at the Health Department. “Although quitting may be hard and take multiple tries, the smoking cessation classes and the DHMH Quitline do work and quitting is worth it for you and your family!” To learn more about the DHMH Quitline, please call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit http://www. smokingstopshere.com
Sheriff’s Office Receives 3rd Award of Accreditation The Saint Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the receipt of their 3rd Award of Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). The programs, practices and policies of the agency were reviewed in April 2013, by a team of certified law enforcement accreditation assessors, who submitted an excellent report to CALEA. This report was the basis for a commission hearing in Columbus, Ohio on August 3rd, 2013, before a panel of four (4) executives from across the nation; all acknowledged the excellence of the operations St. Mary’s Co Sheriff’s Office, and unanimously agreed that this coveted international recognition and award was deserved. The St. Mary’s County team was led by Sheriff Timothy Cameron, who not only recognizes the significance and importance of Accreditation for his agency, but welcomes the critical review and transparency of operations that result from it; building on community partnerships. An award that he stated was “hard won, and easily lost”. The Sheriffs Office Accreditation program is managed by Pamela McKay; a certified CALEA assessor and Law Enforcement Planner, and is serving her third term as President of CRLEAA, a regional
Law Enforcement Accreditation Alliance (MD, DE and DC). If you are interested in learning more about the Accreditation Program of the St. Mary’s Co Sheriffs Office or becoming involved in the process, please contact the Accreditation Office at (301)475-4200 ext. 1928.
Land Preservation Workshop This is the year to preserve farmland in Southern Maryland! The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) and the Maryland Environmental Trust (MET) will hold a workshop to discuss exciting opportunities for land preservation in Southern Maryland. The workshop will take place at the SMECO Auditorium, 15035 Burnt Store Road, Hughesville, Md. on September 3 at 6 p.m. Recently, the state increased funding in the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program and the Rural Legacy Program. Most significantly, the federal government increased the tax break for easement donations in 2013. After a donation of an easement to MET, landowners may deduct up to 50% of adjusted gross income from their federal income tax and they can continue to take the deduc-
tion for another 15 years, or until they reach the value of the easement. Landowners may deduct up to 100% of their adjusted gross income per year if the majority of their income comes from farming, ranching, or forestry, until they reach the value of the easement. In previous years, the maximum deduction was 30% of adjusted gross income and it is likely to be no higher than that in the foreseeable future. Information about the MET tax break was featured in SMADC’s weekly blog on March 21. The majority of the workshop will concentrate on MET easement donation because of the one-time jump in the percentage of adjusted gross income deduction. As easement donation does not suit all landowners, information on alternative county land preservation programs will
also be provided. Light refreshments will be served. Those who plan to attend should RVSP by September 28th by emailing Greg Bowen: gbowen@smadc.com or calling: 301-274-1922 ext. 1.
The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) is committed to: a) a market-driven and sustainable farming future as Maryland transitions away from tobacco. b) a Maryland where farmland preservation, and environmental stewardship positively impact the quality of our air and water and c) cultivating awareness among consumers and leaders of the vital role our farms play in a balanced community, safe, nutritious food and a cleaner and healthier environment. To learn more about additional programs and resources, contact SMADC, P. O. Box 745, Hughesville, MD 20637; phone: 301-274-1922, Ex. 1, fax: 301-274-1924; email cbergmark@ smadc.com; or visit www.smadc.com.
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Thursday, August 8, 2013
The County Times
Community
Despite Rain, the Leonardtown Beach Party on the Square Had a Large Turnout
Photos By Chris Kalnasy
Newsmakers
The County Times
Thursday, August 8, 2013
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SMAC’s Depth Yields Strong Showing at State Champs By Erik Collins Head SMAC Coach Southern Maryland Aquatic Club (SMAC) wrapped up it’s third – and most successful- year with a strong showing at the Maryland Swimming Long Course State Championships this past weekend. The meet was held down at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, August 1-4, where SMAC finished 14th out of 32 teams. The other clubs finishing in the Top 20 are all well established clubs with a long history in Maryland Swimming. The following SMAC student-athletes qualified for the meet: Margaret Foulkes, Laurel Gallaudet, Nyah Hartwell, Abby Johnson, Bekah Johnson, Emma Kuhaneck, Kelly Moton, Connor Currie, Nolan Dennes, Isaiah Johnson, Michael Scott. Every SMAC student-athlete swam at least one personal best time during the course of the meet. Laurel Gallaudet and Nyah Hartwell were swimming in the State Champs for the first time, and handled the new experience with confidence and aplomb. Incredibly, half the SMAC contingent scored at the meet: Nolan Dennes, Abby Johnson, Bekah Johnson, Isaiah Johnson and Kelly Moton all scored points for the club. Notably, Nolan Dennes- who won five events in the 11-12 age group at the meet, became the first SMAC student-athlete to swim a National Reportable Time Standard; he went 59.63 in the 100 Meter Freestyle. Congratulations to all the SMAC swimmers for their strong showing this past weekend, and to the entire SMAC program for such an outstanding year! SMAC is sponsored by the Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation. We train year-round at the Hall Aquatic Center in Prince Frederick. For more information on our club, follow us online at www.smacswimming. info. For specific questions, email the Head Coach directly at erikcollins19@ gmail.com
Photos Courtesy of mdswim.oeg
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The County Times
Thursday, August 8, 2013
n O g Goin
What’s
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In Entertainment
Thursday, August 8
Sunday, August 11
• Dave Norris DB McMillan’s ( 23415 Three Notch Rd., California) – 6 p.m.
• Deathtrap Three Notch Theatre (21744 South Coral Drive in Lexington Park) 3:30 p.m.
• Mixed Business Ruddy Duck (13200 Dowell Dr., Dowell) – 8 p.m.
• Karaoke with Lori Wyatt Toot’s Bar (23971 Mervell Dean Rd, Hollywood) – 9 p.m.
Friday, August 9
• R&R Train Mechanicsville Moose Lodge (Mechanicsville) – 8 p.m.
• Furlough Fridays Sotterley Plantation (44300 Sotterley Ln Hollywood) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Deathtrap Three Notch Theatre (21744 South Coral Drive in Lexington Park) 8 p.m. • R&R Train Dew Drop Inn (Hollywood) - 7:30 p.m. • Mike Starky Band Ruddy Duck (13200 Dowell Dr., Dowell) – 8 p.m.
Saturday, August 10 • Summer Song Saturdays, Featuring Erin Tennyson Port of Leonardtown Winery (23190 Newtowne Neck Rd., Leonardtown) 5 to 8 p.m. • Deathtrap Three Notch Theatre (21744 South Coral Drive in Lexington Park) 8 p.m. • Broken Dolly Band Ruddy Duck (13200 Dowell Dr., Dowell) – 8 p.m.
POOL PARTY for Special Needs Children Sponser by our Youth Group the “Young Bucks” at Elks Lodge 2092
This event is free to all Special Needs Children and their families. There will be swimming, pool games and the Elks Lodge 2092 is donating a pizza party and drinks.
• Charlie Thompson & The Bottom County Bluegrass Seabreeze Bar and Restaurant (27130 S Sandgates Rd Mechanicsville) – 3 to 7 p.m.
Date: Saturday, August 31st, 2013 Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Location: Elks Lodge 2092 Address: 45779 Fire Department Lane Lexington Park, MD
Monday, August 12 • Team Trivia DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Rd., California) – 6:30 p.m.
Please RSVP Patty Sparks at psparks428@aol.com if you would like to come by Aug 24th!
Tuesday, August 13 • DJ Tommy and DJ OT Hard Times Café (1220 Smallwood Drive, West Waldorf) – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 14
• Wolf Blues Jam Londontowne Pub (726 Londontowne Rd., Edgewater) – 8 p.m.
Thursday, August 15 • Deathtrap Three Notch Theatre (21744 South Coral Drive in Lexington Park) 8 p.m.
The County Times is always looking for more local talent to feature! To submit art or band information for our entertainment section, e-mail news@countytimes.net. Please submit calendar listings by 12 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to our Thursday publication.
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To submit your event listing to go in our Community Calendar, please email news@countytimes.net with the listing details by 12 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to our Thursday publication.
All Month Long • Creek Side Gallery Invaded by Wildlife Maryland Antiques Center, Leonardtown Wild life carvings by local artisans Warren and Maxine Brown will be on display at Creek Side Gallery through August 28. “Realistic” carvings of Baltimore orioles, ducks, moose, eagles and more by this husband and wife team of carvers showcase their talent in this increasingly popular medium. Creek Side Gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and until 8 p.m. on First Friday, August 2.
Friday, August 9 • Excavating the Ocean Floor Lexington Park Library, 1:30 p.m. Kids ages ten and up will discover how archaeologists excavate underwater. Presented by growingSTEMS. Free. Registration required. 301-863-8188 www.stmalib.org • Deathtrap Murder Mystery Three Notch Theatre, Lexington Park, 8 p.m. The Newtowne Players will perform murder mystery “Deathtrap,” by Ira Levin, Aug. 2-18, 2013. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors (65+), students, and military, and $10 for children (12 and under). Thursday shows are $10 general admission. Group rates also available. Reservations are recommended; call 301-7375447 or visit www.newtowneplayers. org.
• Erin Tennyson on her keyboard Port of Leonardtown Winery, 5 to 8 p.m. Port of Leonardtown Winery invites the public to Summer Song Saturdays every Saturday in August. Enjoy relaxing live music while you unwind with a cool glass of award winning wine. The cost is $5 for wine tasting up to 6 wines and a souvenir glass. For more information go to http://portofleonardtownwinery.com/
• MetCom to hold Informational Meeting Bay District Volunteer Fire Department, 36900 Shangri La Drive, Lexington Park, 7 p.m. The St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission will hold an informational meeting regarding water meter. Customers who attend the meeting can review the nature of the work in, on and around their property. Some installations will require excavation and an • COUNTRY DANCE. easement will be required. Easements American Legion 206, Ballroom, Ches- must be signed by all property owners apeake Beach 7 p.m. in the presence of a Notary Public. NoFor a fun time, come to the Coun- taries will also be in attendance for this try Dance at the American Legion 206. purpose. If you can’t dance, teachers will be available to give instruction. One hour To learn more about the project, lessons commence at 7 p.m. followed by visit METCOM’s website at www.metdancing from 8 p.m. until midnight. The com.org. Click on the Engineering tab Modest price of $15 per person includes to the left under the General heading soft drinks or draft beer and light then choose the AMR Project Page to munchies. Hosted by the American Le- the right under the Information heading. gion 206 on Route 260. Public warmly welcomed. For information call 301855-6466. www.ALPost206.org • Business and Community • The Annual Southern Maryland Association Bike Fest Bay District Volunteer Fire Department St. Mary’s County Fairground, 2 p.m. Social Hall, 6:30 to 8 p.m. to 12 midnight Lexington Park Business and ComTickets are $10 in advance, and $15 munity Association meets on the secat the door. For more information, visit ond Wednesday of each month. www.somdbikefest.com
Wednesday, August 14
Sunday, August 11 • Breakfast All-You-Can-Eat 2nd district Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad 8 to 11 a.m. Cost for adults is $8.00, children from age 6 – 12 is $4.00, and children 5 and under are free.
Saturday, August 10
Monday, August 12
• THE CRUISERS U.S. NAVY CONTEMPORARY ENSEMBLE IN CONCERT Leonardtown Square, 6 p.m. Join us on the Square in historic downtown Leonardtown for a lively mixture of jazz, blues, pop, rock and original compositions. Bring a blanket or a chair to sit on, or reserve an outdoor table at a local restaurant. Sponsored by the Commissioners of Leonardtown with a grant from the St. Mary’s County and Maryland Arts Councils. 301-475-9791.
• Pax River Quilters Guild Monthly Meeting Good Samaritan Lutheran Church, 20850 Langley Road, Lexington Park, 6:30 p.m. The next monthly meeting of the PRQG. This meeting features a lecture and trunk show by fiber artist, Misty Cole https://www.facebook.com/misty. cole1?directed_target_id=0; . Guest are asked to pay $5 on speaker night. Show & Tell features holiday themed table runners so bring one to share. Also bring a Christmas ornament and ideas. Our Sept. meeting will be devoted to making ornament for the Hospice tree. New members and guest are welcome! Email timsbiggirl@gmail. com for more information. Look for our group page on Facebook.
• 5K/10K Run/Walk to Benefit Women in Defense and Leadership Southern Maryland’s Youth Leadership Program Scholarship Funds 23248 Cedar Point Road, Leonardtown, 8 a.m. Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM), in cooperation with Women in Defense (WID) Chesapeake Bay Chapter, announced they will host a 5K/10K run or walk at 8:00 a.m., Cedar Point Golf Club, Patuxent River Naval Air Station. All proceeds from the event directly benefit the WID and LSM’s LEAD Youth Leadership Scholarship funds.
Tuesday, August 13 • On your own Typing Lexington Park Library, 2 p.m. Hunt and peck no more. Learn typing basics including hand placement and proper techniques using an online program that incorporates exercises and games. Ages 7 and up. Registration required. 301-863-8188
Thursday, August 15
• Brown Bag Series 22309 Exploration Dr., Lexington Park, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Patuxent Partnership invites members and the regional community to the sixth of the Strategic Thinking “Brown Bag” Series with Dale Moore, Director, NAVAIR Strategic Initiative Coordination & Execution Assistant to Commander, NAWCAD for Strategic Operations. The event will be held at the Wyle Conference Center North, 22309 Exploration Dr., Lexington Park. There is no cost for this program. Bring your bagged lunch. Doors open at 10:45 a.m. To register and for more information, go to www.paxpartnership.org/index. cfm?action=CL2&Entry=1164. • JobSource Recruitment Announcement Charles County One-Stop Career Center, 175 Post Office Rd., Waldorf, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Our company is looking for LOVE IN “in home” care providers with a CAN, GNA license for Maryland, all different shift work. Please see job order numbers 296124, 296399 and 296401. Must live in Charles, St. Mary’s or Calvert County. Must have a valid driver’s license, social security card, current TB results and current CPR certificate. All candidates must be enrolled with the Maryland Workforce Exchange to attend this event. Go to www.mwejobs. maryland.gov.
Friday, August 16 • Leonardtown Business Association Meeting Leonardtown, 8:30 a.m.
All Leonardtown Businesses are invited to attend the monthly Leonardtown Business Association (LBA) meetings. For more information, and to join the LBA, please visit www.thelba.org or call Dan Norris at 240-538-5221 or email dan.norris0707@gmail.com. • AMERICAN LEGION 206 MEMBERSHIP MEETING. American Legion Post 206, 7 p.m. The regular monthly meeting of the American Legion Stallings-Williams Post 206 members will be held. Got something to say? This is your chance. All members are encouraged to attend. (301)855-6466. www.ALPost206.org • NARFE Chapter 969 Luncheon Meeting Olde Brenton Inn, Leonardtown, 11:30 a.m. The NARFE National Treasurer, Mr. Dick Theissen will speak to members of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), St. Mary’s Chapter 969, during their August Luncheon/Meeting. Reservations are required; if you have not already confirmed reservations, please contact Bev at 301-752-1131 by Tuesday, August 13. The Luncheon/Meeting includes a full course lunch prepared by Bailey’s Catering Service. Not a member? Contact Judy Loflin for membership details 301-872-0064. See you there!
Saturday, August 17 • Yard Sale- PSA Mechanicsville Vol. Fire Department Social Hall, 7 a.m. to noon The Mechanicsville Vol. Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary is hosting their Annual Indoor Yard Sale. Tables are $10 with limited numbers available. To Rent your table or for more Information please email MeghanneT@yahoo. com • Sunrise Yoga at the Leonardtown Wharf Leonardtown Warf, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Join Evolve Yoga and Wellness for Sunrise Yoga at the Wharf, third Saturdays of summer, June through August from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Please bring a yoga mat, bottle of water and a canned good to donate to a local charity. This year’s dates: June 15, July 20 and August 17th. For more information call 301-862-1236. • Gospel Stage Play Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, 44219 Airport Rd., California, 2 p.m. Tickets purchased online at sinsofthefather.eventbrite.com • Harmony Grit Port of Leonardtown Winery, 5 to 8 p.m. Port of Leonardtown Winery invites the public to Summer Song Saturdays every Saturday in August. Enjoy relaxing live music while you unwind with a cool glass of award winning wine. The cost is $5 for wine tasting up to 6 wines and a souvenir glass. For more information go to http://portofleonardtownwinery.com/
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Thursday, August 8, 2013
• Top Vegan and Vegetarian Spots Waldorf, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Forever Eden Presents Food TV Network and Top Vegan & Vegetarian Spots DC, MD & VA Healthy Eats Tour. The tour will leave from Waldorf. The cost is $25 per person. Please register online at www.myForeverEden. com/eat.aspx or call 301-863-7611. This event is open to everyone.
The County Times
• Children’s Day to Offer Fun, Food, and Festivity 38370 Point Breeze Road, Colton’s Point, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Museum Division of St. Mary’s County Department of Recreation and Parks will hold its annual Children’s Day on Saturday, August 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event will take place at the St. Clement’s Island Museum in Colton’s Point Museum staff and volunteers will provide kids with heritage games, face painting, crafts and free sno-cones. Guests can enjoy music and magic by Reggie Rice, known as the SuperMagicMan, throughout the event. The museum’s water taxi service to St. Clement’s Island will begin at 10 a.m., weather permitting. The fee for children will be waived the entire day for this special event. The fee for adults is $7 each. It’s a great opportunity to take your kids to see the replica of the Blackistone Lighthouse, now open for tours!
Representatives from the St. Mary’s County Library will offer story time and the MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital Health Connections will provide great heath tips for families. Free balloons will be provided by the ladies from The Delicados. The Seventh District Optimist Club will offer a boy’s and girl’s bike giveaway (need not be present to win), a kiddie tractor pull, and a special 50-cent per item lunch menu. Bring your camera for pictures with Filip the Frog, mascot of Community Bank of Tri-County. Also, meet community heroes from the fire department, rescue squads and St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. Free t-shirts will be available for the first 100 kids courtesy of the following event sponsors: Chesapeake Custom Embroidery, Cullins Pool Water, Combs Drury Reeves Insurance Agency, Nanny On Call of Southern Maryland, Tidewater Dental Associates, Concepts & Connections, Macaroni Kid, Your Journey Photography Studio, Erin Harrigan Arbonne Representative, Ultimate Therapy, Community Bank of Tri-County, Delegate Johnny Wood and a private donor honoring the memory of former Museum Division Trustee, Viola Gardner. For more information, please call 301-769-2222 or log onto the Museum Division website at www.stmarysmd. com/recreate/museums.
Library Items Summer Reading Programs Ending Kids and teens are reminded that the library’s Summer Reading Programs end this Saturday. Any child completing the game board will earn a book. The last meeting of the Camp Green Lake book group that meets on Wednesdays at the Lexington Park Library will be Aug. 14.
Excavating the Ocean Floor
Using hands-on activities, children ages 10 years and older, will explore and discover how archaeologists excavate underwater in brackish water. The program presented by NAWCAD Education Outreach Office and growing STEMS will be held tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. at Lexington Park branch. Registration is required.
Entries Due for Teen Writing Contest Entries for the Teen Writing Contest must be submitted this Saturday to stmateens@ stmalib.org and are to be either an original story or poem answering the question, “What’s beneath the surface?” The winner will receive magnetic poetry and Natalie Goldberg’s book, “Writing Down the Bones.”
Kids Can Sample New Recipes
Kids ages 8-12 will make and sample a new summer recipe at Kids Can Cook at Lexington Park branch on Aug. 13 at either 3:30 p.m. or 4:15 p.m.
Mobile Career Center Visits Libraries
Southern Maryland JobSource Mobile Career Center will be at Leonardtown library on Aug. 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Coordinator will help job seekers register and use the Maryland Workforce Exchange.
Classes Offered on Writing Research Papers
Adults will learn the basics of writing a college-level research paper and formatting using Word 2010 at a class offered at Leonardtown branch on Aug. 19 at 2 p.m. Registration is required.
Opening Reception Scheduled for Artist
An opening reception for local artist Carrie Patterson, whose artwork is on display at Lexington Park Library Art Gallery this month, will be held Aug. 19 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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The County Times
Thursday, August 8, 2013
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The Newtowne Player’s Deathtrap By Kimberly Alston Contributing Writer On Thursday, August 2, the community theatre troupe, The Newtowne Players, preformed in their opening of “Deathtrap”, by Ira Levin. Deathtrap is commonly described as, “a play within a play” and, according to the players, has “provides twists and turns and sudden shocks in such abundance that audiences will be held spellbound until the very last moment. Deathtrap is composed of two acts and five characters. The play centers around Sidney Bruhl, a playwright with terrible misfortunes in the fact that he is struggling to come up with a new play that will revive his shortage of funds that has come about due to his lack of new writing materials. “He is prepared to go to any lengths to improve his fortunes,” the players said. Deathtrap holds the record for longest running comedy-thriller on Broadway since
its opening in February of 1978 where it played for almost four years. The play had 1793 performances in its running until it closed in June of 1982. Deathtrap was also nominated for four Tony awards in its first year. The Newtowne Player’s adaptation of the play features James LePore as Sidney Bruhl. LePore has acted with the Players in several performances, and has also appeared in five of Southern Maryland’s Original One-Acts at the College of Southern Maryland. He is a professional voiceover artist and a Senior Ambassador of Rock (DJ). LePore said that he is “honored to work with the fantastically –talented Deathtrap cast”. The Player’s Peter Klug preforms as Clifford Anderson in Deathtrap. Klug poses as first student and victim in the play, before becoming antagonist and fellow conspirator. As Anderson, Klug introduced the play within the play while drafting “Deathtrap” the script, while act two of “Deathtrap” the
Photos By Kimberly Alston
The Newtowne Players will perform
Go to www.newtowneplayers.org for tickets Three Notch Theatre: 21744 South Coral Drive, Lexington Park, Md. 20653
play is going on. Klug makes his return to the Newtowne Players, as Anderson, after a three year hiatus in which he earned a degree in Theater Arts in New York. Deathtrap is Klug’s first “non-academic” venue, and he expresses his pleasure at the opportunity. Jennifer Carnahan, director of Deathtrap, makes her directorial debut with the play and is,” very glad to have the opportunity to works with such an amazing cast and crew. Carnahan has been involved in theatre for 13 years, as an actress and has been a part of the Newtowne Players for the past two years. The technical crew in Deathtrap could not be forgotten as it is apparent that much time went in to the design and timing of the lights, sound, and special effects. Without the added assistance of the technical crew, the suspense of the play would not have had the same effect. The Newtowne Players perform Deathtrap Thursdays through Sundays from Au-
gust 8 to August 18. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances start at 8 p.m.; Sunday shows begin at 3:30 p.m. Performances at held at the Three Notch Theatre on 21744 South Coral Drive in Lexington Park. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students, senior citizens and the military. Thursday shows are $10 general admission. Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Light refreshments and beverages are available for purchase at the theatre. Reservations are recommended. Please make reservations for the show by calling 301-737-5447 or by visiting www.newtowneplayers.org For more information about volunteer opportunities or other upcoming programs by The Newtowne Players, visit www.newtowneplayers.org or www.facebook.com/ newtowneplayers news@countytimes.net
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Thursday, August 8, 2013
The County Times
After 40 Years, Bad Company Still Rocks the Stage By Scott Loflin Contributing Writer On Friday night, Bad Company took the stage at Calvert Marine Museum PNC Waterside Pavilion. The classic rock band is touring in support of its 40th year performing. Friday night’s performance of 15 songs covered most of the 12 albums the band has released over the years since its formation in 1973.
Mike Batson Photography
While the band has had a few lead singers over its career, this tour marks the return of the original front man Paul Rodgers. They opened up with Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy from their fifth album, Desolation Angels. From the opening chord the crowd was on its feet for the rest of the evening. Fists pumping in the air to the beat of the music, Paul Rodgers played the crowd like a pro. With mic stand twirling in one hand and microphone in the other, Rodgers covered the stage with energy and enthusiasm. The band backed Rodgers legendary vocals with tight riffs. While the songs have been played for years, on Friday night the band embellished their songs with Mick Ralphs, formerly with Mott the Hoople, picking up the mandolin for a few numbers. After a dozen songs were played, the band took a short break. The break was cut very short by the thunderous crowd cheering and screaming for more. With that, Bad Company came back out and treated the crowd to the classic rock standard Bad Company. After so many decades of performing Bad Company, along with many other bands of the era, the band has gone from being called the “Monsters of Rock” to the “Dinosaurs of Rock”. With that said, Paul Rodgers was the T. Rex prowling the stage roaring for the crowd. Let’s not forget that the dinosaurs were the Kings for far longer than any other animal and Bad Company continues to wow audiences.
Mike Batson Photography
Lil Margaret’s Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival St. Mary’s County’s Best Kept Secret
Lil Margaret’s Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival is a tribute in memory of locals, Joseph and Margaret Goodard's daughter, who tragically died in an auto accident 26 years ago. She loved to listen to music all the time and that was the inspiration for the festival. This year is the festival's 25th Anniversary, and will be taking place August 8, 9 and 10. On site are four permanent covered pavilions to get you in and out of the sun or rain and one large kitchen (health department inspected) in which home cooked meals are prepared and ice cream is served. Food, drinks, ice and ice cream are sold on site. Campsites are available on site with electric and water in 30 amp and 20 amp hookups and are available for first come, first serve. The campsites are 20-foot by 40-foot size. A dump station is also available on site.
Mike Batson Photography
Ticket holders can leave and return as needed by showing their armbands at the gate. Armbands are given to ticket holders to be worn and visible at all times. There is plenty of free daily parking in the field available for the one-day ticket holders. Just bring your favorite lawn chair, sit back in one of the permanent pavilions and enjoy the good music and the entertaining show on the amphitheater stage. The main pavilion is set up like an amphitheater so everyone has a good view. Other activities to enjoy include Banjo and Mandolin workshop on Friday and plenty of good “Parking Lot Picking” by talented individuals. There is fun to be had for everyone. No drugs or alcohol are allowed at this event. For more information, visit lilmargaretsbluegrass.com.
The County Times
Thursday, August 8, 2013
CLASSIFIEDS Placing An Ad
Email your ad to: sales@countytimes.net or Call: 301-373-4125 or Fax: 301-373-4128. Liner Ads (No artwork or special type) Charged by the line with the 4 line minimum. Display Ads (Ads with artwork, logos, or special type) Charged by the inch with the 2 inch minimum. All private party ads must be paid before ad is run.
Real Estate for Sale 2.8 secluded acres overlooking a pond. Hardwood floors. Fireplace in family room is great place to spend the holidays. The kitchen has many stainless upgrades and over looks the family room. Separate dining room and living room. Large master with a room that could be used for an office. Large detached 3 car garage/shop w/ 800+ sq ft overhead storage. Hot tub and large back deck. Price: $439,000. Call 240-561-2144.
Real Estate Rentals Rambler for Rent in Mechanicsville: Freshly painted clean home, country kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood floors. Non smoking home, no pets, no section 8 please. Please call Janette at (301) 884-3853. Rent: $1,250.
Publication Days
The Calvert Gazette is published each Thursday. Deadlines are Tuesday at 12 noon Office hours are: Monday thru Friday 8am - 4pm
Apartment Rentals Large 2BDRM apartment with sep kitchen and living room area. 20mins from Waldorf and Lexington Park. Electric included with monthly rent. Pets are allowed, no yard access. Price: $1200. Call 301-399-0413 or email bbmangel36@gmail.com. Prince Frederick, Maryland (Calvert County). Nice room in private home with 2 closets and storage area. Less than 1 mile to all shopping, and CSM. Public transportation across the street. Includes utilities, AC, WIFI, and cable. Available immediately. Call Rick 443968-4727. Rent: $600.00
Important Information
The Calvert Gazette will not be held responsible for any ads omitted for any reason. The Calvert Gazette reserves the right to edit or reject any classified ad not meeting the standards of The Calvert Gazette. It is your responsiblity to check the ad on its first publication and call us if a mistake is found. We will correct your ad only if notified after the first day of the first publication ran.
Employment
Employment
Local Refuse Company is looking for a P/T Driver w/CDL class B for Roll-Off and rear load Trash Truck, must have a least 2 years experience. Some knowledge of heavy equipment good but not necessary. Must have own transportation. 301-855-3078. somdrecycling.com
Office Manager, 15 hours a week, proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, ability to work independently, and high level of written and verbal communication skills. Send your resume to calvertkids@chesapeake.net or to CCCY P.O. Box 138 St. Leonard, MD 20685
We are looking for a full time cashier/ receptionist to begin immediately! Seeking a very responsible, outgoing, self-motivated team player with great customer service skills! Experience is plus! We offer excellent benefits including health care, competitive salary (with experience), paid holidays/vacations and a fun work environment! If you are interested, please contact Turk at #301449-5900 or email your resume to turk@ clintoncycles.com.
Carpenter needed for a local Home remodeling company. Must know all the aspects of home remodeling. Send resume to dipietricontractors@ hotmail.com or fax to (301)855-2584.
Equipment Operators Must be able to operate Loaders & Dozers. Also must be able to excavate a basement. Call 410-991-3864
TEL: 301-373-4125 • FAX: 301-373-4128 • sales@countytimes.net
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Thursday, August 8, 2013
Business
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The County Times
1. S.A. grassy plain 6. Condemnation 11. Twitter or Facebook 14. Chest muscle (slang) 15. Changed ocean level 16. Cause bodily suffering to 18. Red Jamaican tropical fruit 21. 3rd largest Swiss city (alt. sp.) 23. Bluish greens 25. Billowing clouds 26. Duchy princes 28. Sarcasms 29. Equal business associate 31. State certified accountant 34. Swiss river 35. Winged goddess of the dawn 36. Not a jet airplane 39. Ethically 40. Dark brownish black 44. Removed writing 45. Skill in an occupation or trade 47. Standard unit of length 48. Indescribably bad 50. ___ Lanka 51. Locution 56. Printing liquid
57. Small travel cases 62. Old Norse poems 63. Mammy’s partner
CLUES DOWN
1. Scarred face 2. Atomic #89 3. Great Lakes state 4. Tap gently 5. Boxer Muhammad 6. Quilting or spelling 7. Confined condition (abbr.) 8. Expression of sympathy 9. The Show Me State 10. Expunctions 11. Subdivision of a denomination 12. Peace Garden State 13. One who causes death 14. The Keystone state 17. Hawaiian garlands 19. Cologne 20. Large northern deer 21. Montana’s 5th largest city 22. Compound containing NH2 24. Small unit of time (abbr.) 25. Auto 27. Saponaceous
28. Gulf of, in the N.E. Aegean 30. Golf score 31. A disease remedy 32. Dark gemstone 33. More competent 36. Matador 37. Not new 38. Political action committee 39. Microelectromechanical systems (abbr.) 41. Woman’s undergarment 42. Enacted legislation 43. A representation of a person 46. Large casks for liquids 49. Abbr. for 50 across 51. Nursing group 52. Roman god of the underworld 53. Silver 54. Group health plan 55. The 7th Greek letter 58. -__, denotes past 59. Rural delivery 60. Oil company 61. Associated Press
Last Week’s Puzzle Solutions
KiddKioer
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CLUES ACROSS
Thursday, August 8, 2013
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The County Times
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Wanderings of an Aimless
d
Min “It Is There
When You Need It”
By Shelby Oppermann Contributing Writer I suppose I overdid a bit listening to the band last Saturday night, especially since I even got out and danced to a few songs. Sunday morning I was moving a bit slower than usual – which with the present state of affairs in my body was 100 mph behind the speed of sound. I’m not really used to that yet. I’ve always pushed past the pain and tried to do more than 5 times the speed of sound. But I’ve seemed to come to a grinding halt the last eight months, and yes, I’m having my own little pity party, thank you very much. But, just as in the stages of death, I believe you also go through stages of grief when your body is fighting you every step (literally) of the way. So Sunday morning I was in a heavy pity party stage of grief/anger/hatred of my joints, and lying in bed with tears in my eyes. As anyone who knows me, knows, I am my most productive in the morning, and up until last year sometime, was hell on wheels in the morning creating paintings, writing, and making jewelry, etc. I could still jump, relatively speaking, out of bed and roll like wildfire through my day. Now, just the thought of putting feet on the floor takes a few moment’s contemplation and pep talks. Not every day is like this. Believe me if I wake up, and think, Hey, I feel pretty good – I roll until exhaustion…and pay for it later. You can see the state of my mind anyway by Sunday morning 35 minutes before the 10:30 church service was set to begin. My husband was coaxing me into hopping in the shower so we could leave. All he heard in return was, “Noooooo, I don’t wanna’ go” Like a petulant, whining teenager. I got myself together and we made it to church very close to being on time. We have a wonderful Priest who gives us lively, engaging sermons, so I was looking forward to a little learning and laughing at the same time. Instead we found that a Ms. Joey Rick was slated to give the sermon. Ms. Rick is a vibrant, young (well a little younger than me) woman, who you would think at first glance has had the world at her feet her whole life, but of course as she said after recounting her career, and the fun filled life of her early 20’s in NYC, “Life happened”. Ms. Rick had such a heartfelt and optimistic spin on rethinking your blessings in life by likening all the sad and tragic events to a mantle we wear that eventually begins to define us. She spoke beautifully about bringing joy back into her life. I know I am wearing a heavy mantle right now, and I need to turn this around. I want the simple joy of living to course through me again. Her sermon I hope was a turning point for me. I have asked if she would lead one of our women’s retreats – I’m ready now. This sermon resonated so much to me, especially since after church we were heading to a Virginia hospital to visit a friend with terminal cancer. Yes, many of us do that quite often, what was so hard is that both husband and wife have cancer; though to visit them you feel in every cell of your body their optimism, humor, and love. They found joy in every moment. I used to always feel that everywhere I was is not where I was truly meant to be – I didn’t always feel present in the moment. My feelings on that changed when I spent every day for months with my Mother in the hospital as she was dying 13 years ago – I began to live in every moment. Sunday, was one of those days where everywhere I was, was where I was meant to be. I wish for us all more days like this; to be present, to be joyful, and to be right where we are supposed to be. To each new day’s adventure, Shelby Please send your comments or ideas to: shelbys.wanderings@ yahoo.com or find me on facebook: Shelby Oppermann
Who We Are Laura Joyce Contributing Writer A few years ago I read a post on Facebook in which its author talked about what the world would be like if everyone wore a sign—I imagined the signs like giant pendants dangling from each person’s neck, the first thing we’d see when we looked at each other. As we went about our business each day, these signs would tell the real story about our life. One sign might say, “I’m about to lose my home,” and another might read, “My husband died defending our country last year.” Others would be more mundane: I just got a speeding ticket; I’m coming down with a nasty cold; my teenagers act as if I’m invisible (gee, where did that last one come from?!). The idea of the posting was that each of us has a story and a set of experiences that not only contribute to who we are, both within ourselves and in relation to others, but that these stories and experiences might explain our behavior at any given time. I’ve thought about this idea ever since, especially when I encounter someone who seems inexplicably angry; we all know people like that, who seem to operate from a place of bitterness and disappointment. They often project their rage onto others, seeing anger or meanspirited intentions in another’s actions when, in reality, that person is kind and well-meaning. The test of this seems simple to me: when only one person experiences you in this dark light, and when they seem to have similar negative interactions with many others, you can be fairly certain that they are seeing themselves reflected in the mirror that is you. Knowing this makes it easier to disengage from the hostility and negativity that is projected
onto you. More important, though, seeing the damaged person inside of another—the unloved child, the insecure adult, the rage-filled person who has been betrayed or disappointed by life—makes it possible to feel sympathy, and even empathy. Sympathy, which can imply a subtle superiority on the part of the person feeling sorry for another, is a starting point, but empathy, which involves stepping into another’s experience, the proverbial ‘walking in another’s shoes,’ is far more challenging, and yields a far greater connection, I believe. Still, it’s hard to be empathic when someone glares at you or yells obscenities after they cut you off in traffic; it’s even harder when someone causes you ongoing hassles or heartache when you’ve done nothing but occupy the same space they do. I’m working on trying to see the message when that happens, trying to visualize a big, neon sign worn like a sandwich board that advertises their suffering. Sometimes I succeed. Sometimes, I can see the sign flashing the words, “I’m hurting, and I don’t know what to do about it.” In those moments, the other’s hostility and bad behavior, and my own desire to strike back in some way, if only in my thoughts, recedes into the background. Seeing what someone else is truly feeling and experiencing may not excuse their bad behavior, but it does make it easier for me to turn the other cheek. Even more, it reminds me to be grateful for the fact that my own signboard, despite containing the usual human share of challenge and fear and grief, also has a postscript (in big, bold letters) that says, “I have family and friends who don’t need a signboard to see who I am, and they fill my life with blessings.” I love hearing from you; feel free to contact me at thewordtech@md.metrocast.net if you have comments or questions about the column.
M E G A Y A RD S ALE To Bene f i t Local Shel t e r Leah’s House a local Women & Children’s Shelter is sponsoring a MEGA YARD SALE stocked with lots of goodies, large and small Location: 45200 Happyland Rd., Valley Lee, MD Be sure to stop by—
Date: Saturday AUGUST 10, 2013 Time: 7:00 AM until 12:00 Noon
Contact person: Belinda at 301-994-9580 Sponsored by Leahs House Volunteer Staff & the very special Friends of Leah House Remember proceeds are to benefit the shelter
The County Times
Thursday, August 8, 2013
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r u 301-290-1074 o Y e k a M e Inside Broad Creek Kitchens W s n o i h s u C d Ol 27215 Three Notch Road • Mechanicsville, MD
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