2014-01-16 The County Times

Thursday, January 16, 2014

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Thursday, January 16, 2014

Thursday January 16, 2014 27

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“I don’t believe four-story buildings promote that small town atmosphere.”

— Leonardtown Councilman Thomas Collier on allowing construction of four-story structures in Leonardtown.

The County Times

Local

News Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron

4

Cameron Seeks Another Term as Sheriff

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

Archived Photo by Frank Marquart

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron filed for reelection to the Office of the Sheriff late last week. He is seeking a third term; he ran unopposed in the last election in 2010.

Cameron said he enjoys the job and working at the agency but he also has more things he wants to accomplish as leader of the organization.

“I love the job, this is my home,” Cameron said. “I love the people I work with and I love the community.”

He said the agency under his leadership has been successful in transforming to a data and intelligence driven police organization as well as making strides in training and equipment modernization.

“That has definitely paid dividends for us,” Cameron said. “I want to continue to refine that process.”

Still, the agency faces challenges, he said.

Those include continued high numbers of vehicle burglaries and some to residences, he said, as well as community worries about high profile homicides that took place last year and an apparent attempted murder

suicide just last week in Hollywood that the state police are investigating.

He said statistically the numbers for such violent crimes are low but worries persist among residents as do concerns over the spread of illegal prescription drugs and heroin use.

Many burglaries and subsequent thefts of property are directly linked to feeding drug habits, he has said.

“We still have challenges in the drug arena,” Cameron said. “It’s hard to say [the streets] are less violent; the numbers can sound very hollow.”

But he said his detectives and deputies have had success in closing many burglary cases and the agency’s formation of a dedicated community policing unit in Lexington Park has cut sharply into nuisance crimes like loitering, pan handling and public drunkenness, he said, which can lead to more serious offenses.

“It’s a proof of concept for other parts of the county,” Cameron said. “The future of community policing is critically important.” guyleonard@countytimes.net

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The County Times

Campaign Finance Reports Out

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Recent filings by local candidates seeking office show some are flush with cash while others have yet to fully file their financial status.

Many candidates, however, who did not have previous campaigns, were not required to file by this week’s deadline since they have only filed in recent weeks.

In the race for District 29 senate seat currently held by Sen. Roy P. Dyson, the incumbent’s latest campaign finance report claims he has $48,460 in the bank while County Commissioner Cindy Jones, who has announced her intentions to run against him, has just $5,140, filed reports show.

Steve Waugh, a Calvert County Republican who nearly unseated Dyson in the 2010 election where many Democrats had close calls has yet to file an on-line report.

Instead Waugh has a campaign finance affidavit from 2013 stating his campaign had not received more than $1,000.

Waugh said he would file an updated report Wednesday and that he had raised a total of about $25,000 combined from in-kind contributions and personal funds.

For the District 29 house of delegates races Del. John Bohanan (D-Dist.29 B) has nearly $67,000 in campaign coffers compared to his GOP opponent Deb Ray’s $5,102.

In the Dist. 29A race three candidates have thrown their hats into the ring but an on-line

search showed that Matt Morgan, Daniel Slade and Bryan Barthelme had yet to file an updated report that was available for public viewing.

Morgan had a report available for viewing but it was dated Jan. 9 of 2013 and had a total of $195 in his campaign account.

Morgan said he had in fact filed a current report with the state.

“It’s going to show just about $9,900 in in kind donations and about $8,900 in cash on hand,” Morgan said. “If it’s not available now it should be soon.”

For the District 29C race Republican incumbent Anthony J. O’Donnell has a little less than $5,300 in his campaign war chest.

For the races for the Board of County Commissioners President Francis Jack Russell (D-St. George Island) has $10,109 to spend on his campaign while Commissioner Todd Morgan (RLexington Park) reported $8,662.

On-line reports were not available for Merl Evans and Tom Jarboe, who are both running for the District 1 seat nor were they available for the District 2 race where Robert Schaller and Mike Hewitt were vying for that seat.

In the District 3 race where Joseph St. Clair and John O’Connor are contending for the seat on-line reports were not available either.

Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron filed a campaign affidavit for his reelection bid while State’s Attorney Richard Fritz reported he has $1,015 available currently to run. guyleonard@countytimes.net

Local

News Leonardtown Town Council Votes to Allow Four Story Buildings in Town

By Kay Poiro Staff Writer At the Leonardtown Town Council meeting on Monday, Jan. 13, the council reviewed Leonardtown Zoning Text Amendments 159-163. Of particular note was text amendment 160 allowing for buildings for multi-family use to be constructed to fourstories instead of three.

Councilman Hayden Hammett’s concern over language regarding the density bonus in the amendment and permitted use for the buildings sparked discussion that lasted nearly an hour.

Contractors wanting to build up to four storeys in Leonardtown would be required to petition the planning commission prior to construction. Mayor Dan Burris noted that this wouldn’t affect density, but it would allow contractors to build on a smaller footprint, thereby allowing for more open space.

Councilman Thomas R. Collier vehemently opposed allowing the four-story structures, saying that, among other things, it would ruin the small town feel of Leonardtown. He cited the Comprehensive Plan for the town of Leonardtown, which calls for maintaining Leonardtown’s small town character while balancing the needs of the town.

“I don’t believe a four-story building promotes a small town atmosphere,” Collier said.

The text amendment was eventually approved with Collier as the only “nay”.

Public hearing was held on these text amendments but no comments by the public were made. kaypoiro@countytimes.net

The County Times

Local

News

Thursday, January 16, 2014

6

Slade Files for Dist. 29A Seat

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Daniel Slade, 40, a Leonardtown-based attorney says he wants to help ensure state government works to help small businesses and average citizens instead of imposing continual taxes; to that end he has filed to run for the seat long-serving Delegate John F. Wood will vacate this year.

Slade said he is a conservative Democrat much like Wood and wants to find ways for the state to promote small businesses and improve education.

“I’ve got three kids and I want to help ensure they get the American Dream… to do better than their parents,” Slade, whose father Judge John Slade served as a state delegate for St. Mary’s years ago, said. “We’ve got to focus on education and we’ve got to focus on small businesses.”

Slade said that St. Mary’s County can no longer rely on the base at Patuxent River Naval Air Station to be the sole driver of the local economy; the state must find ways to promote local businesses so the economy can be diversified.

Slade said small business owners are taxed too heavily in Maryland; he owns his own law prac-

tice and his wife owns three tax preparation businesses, he said.

“You see how hard it is,” Slade said. “I just want to see people be able to take care of their families.”

Slade said he wants to continue in much the same vein as Wood, himself a business owner, who was widely popular in his district but nearly lost his reelection bid in 2010 to a Republican newcomer in Matt Morgan.

Morgan has already filed to run for Wood’s seat.

“Johnny Wood did a wonderful job, he actually listened to his constituents,” Slade said. “I’m going to try and follow in those footsteps.”

Slade said he wanted to find ways to protect the environment and especially the Chesapeake Bay watershed but he also wanted to ensure it could be used responsibly as a natural resource.

“We have to take a common sense approach” to environmental protection, Slade said. “We have to protect the watermen and we have to protect the farmers.” guyleonard@countytimes.net

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The County Times

Local Governor News Unveils Fiscal 2015 Budget

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Gov. Martin O’Malley released his final budget for Maryland Wednesday with a $39 million spending plan that he claimed closed about $584 million in deficits without raising new taxes or fees but raises the cost of education by 3 percent at the state university system level.

According to his budget proposal funding for public education is increased to $6.1 billion from $5.9 billion over fiscal 2014 but cuts $457 million in spending which included $163 million from a sale of old state owned helicopters, fund transfers and other deferred payments, budget documents stated.

The proposal claims to close the state’s structural deficit by half in fiscal 2015 and completely close it out by fiscal 2017 with a projected surplus of $31 million in that same budget year.

O’Malley also said the state was able to save $172 million this budget cycle by extending payments to pension funds, contributing to overall spending cuts.

Other spending in the budget claims to support 48,000 jobs throughout the state through public school construction, transportation projects and other capital spending.

He also noted savings in retiree and health costs, which he called a “wellness windfall” for employees.

“This jobs budget puts us on the path to eliminating our inherited structural deficit by 2017, with no tax or fee increases,” O’Malley said. “This fiscally responsible budget builds on the tremendous progress we’ve made as a state, strengthening our economy by supporting 48,000 jobs, protecting our No. 1 in the nation schools with record investments in education and upgrading our transportation infrastructure with modern investments.”

Despite noting cuts in spending the fiscal 2015 budget is about $2 billion higher overall than last year’s budget.

Del. Anthony J. O’Donnell (R-Dist.

29C) said the governor’s claims of no new proposed taxes or fees this year could ring hollow, saying the governor has actually increased spending year over year by about $11 billion despite his claims of cutting a cumulative $9.1 billion since 2007.

“This budget hasn’t gone down a nickel,” O’Donnell said. “He can say that but the fact is the budget has increased [this year] by about 4 percent, that’s a lot of money.

“We ought to be cutting spending to provide tax relief.” guyleonard@countytimes.net

County Government Offices to Close Jan. 20 in Observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day St. Mary's County Government Offices, as well as all three St. Mary's County Libraries, will be closed Monday, Janu. 20 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Offices and libraries will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

The St. Andrews Landfill and the six Convenience Centers will be open for normal hours of operation on Monday, Jan. 20. In addition the STS Public Transportation System will operate its normal schedule, routes and hours of operation. The SSTAP program for the Senior Activity Centers and SSTAP trips will not operate on Monday, Jan. 20.

All Department of Aging Senior Activity Centers will be closed for the holiday and additionally, there will be no Meals on Wheels deliveries.

The County Times

Local

News

Thursday, January 16, 2014

8

Private Practice Care, Large Network Benefits

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer In order to empower the private practice model, which studies have proven delivers the most efficient, compassionate and highest-quality care, 128 leading orthopedic physicians have united to form The Centers for Advanced Orthopedics (CAO).

Facing mounting pressure to join large institutions and hospitals, where a Medical Group Management Association study found physician productivity can fall as much as 25 percent, The Centers was founded to preserve the personalized patient focused service and standard of care that can only be found in the private practice model, according to a Jan. 7 press “As doctors, our vision has always been focused on how to improve the patient experience and provide the best possible care,” said Dr. Nick Grosso, President of The Centers for Advanced Orthopedics in a press release. “Through strength in numbers and a unified vision, we can bring all the advantages of the personal care that patients expect from private practice, combined with the efficiencies and resources of one of the nation’s largest orthopedic networks.”

The Centers for Advanced Orthopedics includes more than 45 state-of-the-art locations throughout Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

Dr. Shaheer Yousaf with the Center for Advanced Orthopedics in Hollywood, Md. is the local CAO affiliate. He said individuals in Southern Maryland can benefit from the partnership by receiving quality care typical of a small practice, but with the resources and information available to a larger facility.

Yousaf has been practicing in St. Mary’s County since 1981. Other practices have formed small alliances, but the CAO is the first alliance he has seen of its size, he said.

The Centers brings together the region’s most recognized and skilled orthopedic physicians in every musculoskeletal specialty, many of whom are consistently noted as “Top Doctors”, are affiliated with most major regional hospitals, treat professional and local sports teams and pioneer new research and medical techniques within their sub-specialties.

Given the size of the organization, The Centers creates a unique opportunity for sharing best practices in the delivery of medical care and collaboration between caregivers to improve patient education and orthopedic research.

The organization was formed in 2013 to provide patients with the same personalized service and superior care they have come to expect from a private practice, while benefiting from the efficiencies, resources, accessibility and broader insurance options of the region’s largest orthopedic network.

For more information, visit CFAOrtho.com. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

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The County Times

Cops & Courts State Police Investigating Possible Attempted Murder, Suicide

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer State police are trying to ascertain the motive behind a husband’s apparent attempted murder of his wife late Jan. 9 before turning the gun on himself.

A medical examiner has ruled that James Daniel Dean’s death from a single gunshot wound to the head was a suicide, state police spokeswoman Elena Russo said, while his wife Angela Dean, 43, remains in intensive care after being shot in the arm and the chest.

James Dean, 48, used a .38 caliber revolver in the shooting in the 43000 block of Johnson Road in Hollywood, Russo said.

The couple had only been married about a year, Russo said, and there were no records of police ever responding to the resi-

dence for domestic violence complaints of any kind.

Police reported that shortly before midnight last Thursday that the county emergency communication’s center received a 911 call from Angela who was having an argument with James, who was loading a gun.

The phone call lasted less than a minute, police said, but they could hear what sounded like gunshots in the background.

Both state troopers and county deputies responded to the scene and found James lying on the floor suffering from a self inflicted gunshot wound, emergency responders pronounced him dead on the scene.

Angela was flown out to Prince George’s Hospital Center’s trauma unit by state police helicopter, police said. guyleonard@countytimes.net

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Quade Murder Trial Set for May found the victim dead,” charging documents stated.

Charging docuThe defense counments state Quade told sel for John M. Quade, police he was “bloody Jr. the man accused after the confrontation” of killing Moneta Jo but that it was not his Strickland in August of blood, and had a rock last year as she was jogwith blood on it that he ging on the Three Notch threw away.

Trail, asked for a waiver Quade Police say Quade of the rule this week that would have required a trial for the tried to destroy evidence of the defendant within 180 days of his be- crime and found proof of those actions when they searched his vehicle ing charged.

Gerald Riviello, Quade’s pub- and his residence shortly thereafter.

Police initially had no suspects lic defender, told Judge Michael J. Stamm, that the defense still has in the case when Strickland’s body was found just off the trail near the evidence to review in the case.

Stamm granted the request and community park in Laurel Grove the opposing sides later agreed to a but just one day later they had developed Quade as their prime suspect May 6 trial start date.

“We are still in the process of after finding surveillance footage of reviewing the DNA report,” Rivi- his car parked at a nearby business that put him close to the scene of the ello said.

Quade, a registered sex of- crime.

A witness also told police they fender, admitted to being on the trail and confronting Strickland had seen a man matching Quade’s the day of her death, according to on the trail around the time Stricka statement of probable cause filed land was there.

Quade faces charges of firstby police last year but told them “he did not remember exactly what hap- degree murder as well as attempted pened to her,” police wrote in court first-degree rape in Strickland’s death. documents.

“He stated he blacked out during their confrontation and then he guyleonard@countytimes.net

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

Death at Point Lookout Park Under Investigation

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Investigators with the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) are waiting for the results of an autopsy to determine the cause of death of a Maryland Environmental Services employee who was found at Point Lookout State Park Monday morning.

NRP information states that a co-worker of Donald Lloyd Gothard, 56, of Lusby found him at the base of a ladder at the park’s waste water treatment plan; Gothard had logged in at the plant Sunday morning, NRP stated, but when he failed to return home from his shift his wife called police.

Police labeled him a critical missing person because of unspecified medical issues.

NRP does not believe foul play is involved in Gothard’s death.

Capt. Steve Jones, commander of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office patrol division said the deceased’s wife called their agency at about 10 p.m. Sunday night after her husband failed to return home.

Per a mutual aid agreement Calvert asked St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office to go to his last known location, the park, and located Gothard there the following day, Jones said. guyleonard@countytimes.net

11

The County Times

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Cops & Courts

Judge Gives Child Sex Abuse Defendant More Jail Time

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer A county Circuit Court Judge sentenced Mark Jenkins, of Huntingtown, to 10 additional years in prison for having sex with a 16-year-old girl who was under his care nearly two years ago.

Jenkins is currently serving a 10-year sentence in a state correctional facility for having sex with the same girl back in 2012 but in Calvert County during a camp outing.

Judge Michael J. Stamm sentenced him to a consecutive prison sentence for committing a sex act with the girl while in St. Mary’s County.

Assistant State’s Attorney Julie White told Stamm Jenkins had researched the law diligently regarding the age of consent in Maryland but failed to realize that having sex with the girl even though she was of age was illegal because she was in his custody.

“Many people would argue this was consensual,” White said. “But he did a lot of legal research before engaging in sexual relations with [the victim.]

“He quite knowingly lured this girl into a sexual relationship.”

Jenkins even had sex with the girl while they were at her family’s home on one occasion, White said, adding that he had told her he would run off with her when she turned 17.

Later, when Jenkins came under law enforcement scrutiny for his illicit activities with the girl, who was the daughter of family friends and Jenkins’ son’s own girlfriend, he started to blame her for the incident, White said.

“He’s on tape calling the victim a whore,” White told the judge.

Jenkins’ daughter, who testified at his sentencing hearing Monday on his behalf, said her father had exhibited changes in his behavior after he had undergone surgery to relieve him of his longtime obesity.

He may have engaged in the illicit sex acts because his wife did not pay as much attention to him as she did after the surgery, the daughter testified.

Jenkins, who was slim when he appeared in court, had once neared 400 pounds she said.

“We all miss him terribly at home,” Jenkins’ daughter said.

But White questioned her about her trying to contact the victim in the case, trying to get her to speak on Jenkins’ behalf and asked Jenkins’ daughter about a Calvert County judge’s order to not contact the victim in the case.

Jenkins’ daughter said she did not remember the judge giving the order.

“I felt the way she acted… that it was a consensual relationship,” she said of the victim’s sexual relationship with her father.

Public Defender Sean Moran told Stamm that at the time of the incidents, which took place over a period of four months between both counties, that Jenkins had entered into the sexual relationship believing the law, at least, was on his side but has since come to grips with his guilt.

“Mr. Jenkins didn’t think he was doing anything illegal, immoral maybe, but not illegal,” Moran said.

“He wasn’t fully appreciative of what he was getting into.”

Jenkins turned to face the family of his victim in court and apologized for his actions.

“I hope someday you can forgive me,” Jenkins said. “You have a right to be mad at me… I’m sorry I’m the cause of all your pain.”

Stamm told Jenkins that his choice to have sex with the young girl while she was under his care was his downfall.

“You premeditatedly did this,” Stamm said. “You were the custodian of this child, that’s what put you here.

“You’ve lost everything.”

Stamm said Jenkins’ actions were “horrific.”

“For your own selfish reasons you made a victim of this child.” guyleonard@countytimes.net

SHERIFF’S BLOTTER The following information is compiled directly from publicly released police reports.

On Jan. 10 Deputy Lance responded to a residence located in the 20000 block of Piney Point Road in Callaway for an assault. The victim alleged suspect James Edward Burks, 25, of Callaway, pushed the victim down by the neck causing scratches during an argument. Burks was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 2nd Degree Assault.

On Jan. 8 Deputy Flerlage responded to the Belk Department Store in California for a shoplifter in custody. Store loss prevention personnel observed a female customer ask to see a pair of shoes. A sales clerk obtained the box of shoes and gave the box to the female customer. The customer walked around the store and then entered a fitting room. After exiting the fitting room without the shoes, loss prevention checked the fitting room and found the empty shoe box. The customer then exited the store and was stopped by loss prevention. Betty Jo Francis, 61, of California, was charged with Theft Under $100 by criminal citation.

On Jan. 10 Deputy Bowen responded to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center for a fight between inmates. The investigation revealed inmate Eugene Terrell Harris, 22, of no fixed address, began hitting

the victim inmate during an argument. The victim attempted to walk away only to be repeatedly attacked

by Harris. Harris was able to grab a telephone from the wall and strike the victim in the head with the receiver several times. Eventually, the victim pinned Harris to the wall ending the assault. Harris was charged with 1st and 2nd Degree Assault.

On Jan. 11 Deputy Tirpak responded to a residence on Hilton Drive in Lexington Park for a domestic assault. The victim alleged suspect Candice Anne Robey, 22, of Lexington Park, slapped and punched the victim during an argument. Deputy Tirpak observed fresh evidence of injury on the victim. Robey was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. She was charged with 2nd Degree Assault.

On Jan. 13 Corporal Moritz responded to a residence in the 46000 block of West Bayview Terrace in Lexington Park, for a domestic assault in progress. On his arrival, a vehicle was leaving the drive way at a high rate of speed. Corporal Moritz stopped the vehicle at which time the operator quickly exited and appeared to prepare to flee on foot. The operator was quickly detained and identified as Sean Michael Wylie, 35, of Lexington Park. Corporal Moritz located the victim

inside the residence who alleged Wylie grabbed the victim around the neck and began banging the victim’s head on the floor during an argument over Wylie’s alleged drug use. Corporal Moritz observed numerous injuries on the victim’s head face and neck from Wylie strangling the victim. The victim was transported to MEDSTAR St. Mary’s Hospital by ambulance for treatment. Wylie subsequently attempted to flee on foot while handcuffed and continued to pull away from Corporal Moritz. He ignored all verbal commands to stop and had to be subdued by force. Wylie was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center and charged with 1st and 2nd Degree Assault and Resisting Arrest.

On Jan. 14 Deputy Upright responded to a residence in Loveville, for an assault. The investigation revealed the victim and suspect Doris Elizabeth Thomas, 49, of Loveville, engaged in an altercation. Both were intoxicated however, Deputy Upright determined Thomas to be the aggressor. Thomas was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. She was charged with 2nd Degree Assault and Disorderly Conduct.

Your Online Community For Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties www.somd.com

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Business News

Planning Commission Approves New Sonic Restaurant

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer St. Mary’s County could be the first jurisdiction in Southern Maryland to host a Sonic drive-in style fast food restaurant now that the county’s Planning Commission has approved construction of a new store at the Lexington Village shopping center in California.

The shopping center already has Kohl’s department store and Dick’s Sporting Goods as tenants as well as numerous restaurants and other shops.

Planning Commission Chair Howard Thompson said the Monday vote at the board’s regularly scheduled meeting went without much debate.

The vote was unanimous. “They did they’re homework,”

Thompson said of the Sonic corporate representatives who made their presentation. “They’ve got a good location and a good intersection and that doesn’t happen often.”

The new store is already listed on Sonic’s corporate Website but the next nearest location in Maryland is in Annapolis.

Some Sonic drive-in style restaurants have a drive-thru window but they all have individualized menu boards that allow customers to order while they sit parked in their cars.

Carhops then bring their orders out to customers.

Some Sonics also have inside seating and all have highly customizable menu items that allow mixing and matching of condiments. guyleonard@countytimes.net

Dominion Power Awards MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital with Grant Dominion Power presented MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital with $9,000 last week to implement an electronic medical record for Get Connected to Health patients and $3,239 to install new computers onboard the Dr. J. Patrick Jarboe Mobile Health Center. The MedStar St. Mary’s Get Connected to Health mobile health center provides primary medical care to underserved residents of St. Mary’s County.

“We are pleased to award this grant to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital,” said Hunter Applewhite, president of the Dominion Foundation. “The hospital’s Get Connected to Health mobile medical program brings health care to those most in need. We have no doubt about the positive results an electronic medical record capability will produce, and we feel privileged to partner with them.”

“MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital knows the many patient safety benefits that come from an electronic medical record,” said MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital Vice President Joan Gelrud. “With a new centralized electronic record, our providers will have immediate access to patient records complete with unlimited access to the latest literature and opportunities to provide the highest quality clinical care.”

Electronic health records provide immediate access to patient records and education materials; direct information entry by provider, eliminating transcription errors; standardization of documentation; facilitated identification and documentation of chronic conditions; improved immunization management; customizable clinical documentation templates; and a regularly updated drug database which indicates potentially dangerous drug interactions.

Get Connected to Health provides low cost, primary adult health care serves those who need it most. Onboard the unit, care providers offer flu shots, laboratory testing, pregnancy and blood sugar tests, and much more to patients. Instead of going untreated, patients receive the care they need right in their own neighborhood.

Appraiser Fair

Saturday, January 25 - 10 am to 3 pm St. Clement's Island Museum

38370 Point Breeze Road • Colton's Point, MD 20626 What is worth? Bring your precious heirlooms or yard sale curiosities to the experts!

Fees and limits apply so call ahead. Appraisers on hand for fine arts (paintings, ceramics, pottery, glassware, etc.), Jewelry, Antique Dolls, and U.S. Coins.

Call or go online for details at

301-769-2222 or www.stmarysmd.com/recreate/museums St. Mary’s County Museum Division of Recreation and Parks - St. Mary’s County Board of Commissioners

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Thursday, January 16, 2014

The County Times

Business Profile Amy Gavin Graphic Design: Lexington Park Goes Worldwide

By Kay Poiro Staff Writer “Do you think you could do some branding for us?”

This was the question that a neighbor posed to Amy nearly two years ago. That neighbor is the current president of Precise Systems in Lexington Park and Amy Gavin’s “yes” started her on her current road to sucPhotos Courtesy of Amy Gavin Graphic Design cess. It’s a road that doesn’t take lightly.

“Graphic design is branding. It’s a Following a face-to-face meeting with nonverbal expression of not only your busi- the client, Amy presents them with an array ness concept, but your dream,” she says. of graphic designs from which the customer The Carroll County native spent her ear- can choose. From those, the client together ly adulthood traveling the world as a military with Amy, refine the product to satisfaction. spouse. However, after having worked for the Even though of her work can be done prestigious Philadelphia Museum of Art and electronically, Amy would rather sit down as Art Director at the Florida Sun, she was over hard copies of the design with her local finding it increasingly difficult to maintain clients. her career relocating. Only after settling for “You’re not hiring a faceless agency in good in St. Mary’s County did she decide to Washington, D.C.,” Amy says. “There is no start her own graphic design company. middle man. If you hire me, you will work “I took a course with the Southern one-on-one with me.”

Maryland Business Association, got my tax Noting a gradual but definite shift from ID number, converted a room into a studio print design to digital marketing, Amy has and just rolled.” expanded her business to meet the demand.

Today, Amy’s local clients not only in- In addition to graphic logo design, she now clude Precise Systems but Concepts & Cre- designs customized banners for email corations and the Women’s Institute of Leader- respondence, as well as desktop layout and ship. With clientele as far flung as Hawaii and publishing.

Florida, Amy Gavin Graphic Design is truly “Commercial printing houses can offer international. Still, they’re small businesses 250 business cards for $20, so some clients and that’s the way she likes it. just want a logo and that’s fine,” she says.

“My clients are awesome,” she says. However, most notice after working with “There’s no judgment, only an open exchange her that graphic design that there’s a lot more of ideas.” She adds that having such personal- potential for personalization in the brandized service frees the business owner up to ing process. Amy is also quite comfortable run their business. working through the entire process with her In an economy where support services clients, from designing the logo to acting as a are underfunded or cut altogether, it’s easy liaison between the client and printer. for businesses to view graphic design as a For more information about Amy luxury. When the President of a company Gavin Graphic Design, visit http://www.agsays, “we need a new brand,” most people gd.com. on a business’s staff aren’t trained to do that.

That’s where Amy Gavin Graphic Design kaypoiro@countytimes.net comes in.

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The County Times

Letters to the

Thursday, January 16, 2014

14

Faith Bible Church Breaks Ground for New Expansion

Editor

The War on Babies The annual March for Life protesting the Roe vs. Wade and Doe vs.

Bolton Supreme Court decisions will be held on the Washington D. C. Mall on Wednesday 22 January 2014. Other pro-life activities will also be held either in Washington or other cities..

The pro-abortionists will probably oppose those activities, calling them part of the War on Women, one of the most deceitful propaganda ever conceived against pro-lifers. The “war on women” is actually a War on Babies. Although it has been going on for a long time, it was officially declared and legalized by the above-mentioned decisions on 22 January 1973. Those decisions authorize every pregnant woman, sometimes a teenager, to have the innocent, helpless baby in her womb aborted for any or no reason.

The pro-abortionists accuse pro-lifers of waging a war on women because they try to keep most women from aborting their babies, half of whom are probably baby girls who would have grown up to be women (whom the pro-lifers are at war with?). Pro-lifers are also trying to prevent women from becoming murderers when they use chemicals such as the morning-after pill, or accomplices when they deliver their babies to the abortion facility.

So far the casualties in this war are babies - 56,000,000, and women - unknown, but certainly less than the babies. Some women have died from abortions: others have been physically or medically harmed by them. Many women and men have also suffered emotionally and spiritually from their involvement with abortions.

Although the federal government has legalized the murder of unborn babies, God hasn’t. In Exodus 21:22-24 KJV, He set the punishment of “...life for life, eye for eye...” for anyone killing or injuring a baby in the womb. Pray that the pro-abortionists who either had or condoned/encouraged/legalized abortions, or voted for a pro-abortion candidate or party will repent and ask God’s forgiveness before they face Him on Judgment Day. If you can’t attend the March for Life or other activity, please support the pro-lifers in whatever way you can and help us end this War on Babies.

Robert Boudreaux Waldorf, Md.

Faith Bible church congregants witnessed the groundbreaking and prayer dedication.

On Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, Faith Bible Church of Mechanicsville held a brief ceremonial groundbreaking and dedication for their new sanctuary between their second and third church services. The church is building the addition to accommodate their growing congregation. To symbolize the current and future church’s thanks to and reliance on the church’s past, current pastor Rob McNutt handed the shovel to former pastor Rod Spade to officially break the ground. The ceremony was attended by approximately 200 of the church’s congregation.

Since 2008, FBC’s weekly attendance has doubled in number. To accommodate growth, the church first responded by offering additional services in its current sanctuary, which has a maximum capacity of 164 people, and they have been offering three morning services ever since. As the church body continued to grow through 2010, church leaders began the planning and saving to expand the facilities. The church has done no specific fundraising for the project. All funds for the building were and will continue to be raised through the congregation’s weekly tithing after securing a line of credit with the Community Bank of the Chesapeake.

The new sanctuary will seat approximately 450 worshippers, enough to bring the entire congregation into one service together. Known primarily for its familial feel, congregants were dismayed by the fact that first service attendees rarely got to see third service attendees: the new sanctuary is planned to bring back that family feel. The lower level will feature a new fellowship hall that will seat around the same numberas well as new classrooms for the church’s Sunday school, youth program, and weekday small groups. At the completion of the construction, the current sanctuary will be used for the church’s KIDS Church program for children in grades one through six that will run concurrent with the regular service.

Faith Bible Church will continue its current weekly services without interruption throughout the building process, and all in the community are welcome to attend. They look forward to continuing to serve the community of St. Mary’s County and beyond, and trust that this new construction will aid them in their ability to impact and assist the community in a positive manner.

Maybe the Air You Breathe in 2014 is Just a Little Cleaner Again we have seen solar installations and production in our SMECO footprint approximately double in 2013 as it has in each of the previous four years? There are now over 400 substantial electrical systems, growing both in number and size, producing over 5,500,000 kilowatt-hours annually. In 2008 there were only 10 or so substantial electrical systems in the SMECO footprint. This production does not count the large SMECO solar farm in Hughesville. This also does not count the many hot-water systems. If you are in Mechanicsville or Hollywood area, you now probably know someone with solar. The financial and environmental attractions of these systems for both residential and commercial properties will likely continue this trend. Some of the most attractive and still untapped prospects are those many overheated, poorly shaded asphalt parking lots scat-

tered throughout our area.

Maybe the air you breathe in 2014 is just a little cleaner and maybe solar helps that along.

The bare-bones payback is still in the neighborhood of 5 to 6%, however, with incentives, the higher your tax rate, the better your return. The return on the net investment after the 30% federal tax credit, the now smaller state grant, and the many miscellaneous advantages is normally in the 15% to 20% range for residential and even higher for commercial.

There are now 20 or so solar contractors ready to help you spend your money, so it is even easier to get several proposals and use comparisons to decide what is best. Most of these companies have a history of delivering excellent installations, some do not. Many owners do not seek more

than one proposal. It is best to get at least 3 proposals to shake out the ones overpriced and the ones poorly engineered. Making a significant long-term investment in solar with expected long-term rewards is not to be taken lightly.

It pays to do your homework, get good advice and hire a good contractor.

As more owners become aware of the environmental and financial rewards, I expect the current trend to continue through 2016 when the 30% federal tax credit is scheduled to expire.

James Manning McKay - Founder

Eric McKay -Associate Publisher..................................ericmckay@countytimes.net

P.O. Box 250 Hollywood, Maryland 20636 News, Advertising, Circulation, Classifieds: 301-373-4125

www.countytimes.net

Mike Thompson Hollywood, Md.

Contributing Writers:

Angie Stalcup - Editorial Production Manager...........angiestalcup@countytimes.net

Kimberly Alston

Guy Leonard - Reporter - Government, Crime...............guyleonard@countytimes.net

Laura Joyce

Tobie Pulliam - Office Manager..............................tobiepulliam@countytimes.net

Ron Guy Debra Meszaros

KayPoiro-Reporter-Business, Education, Entertainment..........kaypoiro@countytimes.net

Shelby Oppermann

KaseyRussell- Graphic Designer.......................................kaseyrussell@countytimes.net

Terri Schlichenmeyer

Sarah Miller- Reporter - Community..............................sarahmiller @countytimes.net Sales Representatives......................................................................sales@countytimes.net

Linda Reno Doug Watson

15

Thursday, January 16, 2014

The County Times

Letters to the

Editor

No Relevant Information...

This is in response to Mr. Cusick’s latest nonsensical rant “History Column is Troubling.” Since he has no relevant information, not to mention facts, he has now stooped to a new low, even for him.

“Racist” is a term used far too often these days as a weapon to intimidate. It’s used, whether relevant or not, to shut people up when they don’t agree with someone. If a minority is involved, it’s “racist.” Am I a racist? That’s for you to prove, Mr. Cusick and you haven’t, regardless of how you have attempted to twist my words.

The minority employees I directly supervised during my tenure as Executive Officer for the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) in the U.S. Department of Education between 1979-2000 would undoubtedly find your

comments surprising. Many of them worked with me my entire tenure in those jobs and remain my friends today.

My former supervisors (some of whom were minorities) who assigned me, in addition to my other responsibilities, the review and settlement (as appropriate) of discrimination complaints and gave me “outstanding” at each performance review might also be surprised. This responsibility encompassed all of the Office of Postsecondary Education, involving several thousand employees. An additional responsibility was the development, implementation and oversight of affirmative action plans in OPE. I don’t sit at my desk, dream up an article, and then write it how I want it to be. I research the material thoroughly and I don’t rely on what has necessarily been writ-

ten by the so-called historians who tell us, for instance, that Plymouth Rock (1620) was the first English settlement in the new world.

You say in your letter “In her article she makes a petty reference to ‘revisionist history’ and yet that is exactly what we need to do…..” Really, Mr. Cusick? And you want to debate facts?

I do not intend to defend my research to you. You need to do your own and by the information you’ve presented, quite a lot.

Linda Reno A Journey Through Time The Times Chronicle Contributing Writer

Still Laughing at the Call for Volunteers First, my apologies for the delay in sending this opinion piece. However, I was so overcome with uncontrollable laughing, that I am only now able to give the following topic the attention it deserves.

I refer, of course, to the “third call” for volunteers to populate a citizens’ committee to discuss and hopefully create alternative ideas for diversifying the St. Mary’s economy. According to your article, the project cannot move forward because (and despite the fact that some 40 persons have volunteered their time and talents) the volunteer pool lacks someone from “labor” and “minority” representation. I would not have thought either of those two “deficiencies” would be enough to delay the committee from beginning its work, until it was revealed that until both “labor” and “minorities” were represented, it would not be possible to move forward on writing and submitting a grant seeking Federal funding for the committee’s work.

Have we lost our cotton picking’ minds? Is not the purpose of the committee’s efforts devising ideas for how we can diversify away from having essentially a “one note” economy (i.e. over reliance on Federal funding), and we can’t move forward until we secure Federal funding?

As for “labor” being represented, are all the current volunteers retirees? If not, then we would assume anyone going to work is a laborer of some type, unless “labor” has to be defined as a card carrying union member. And I don’t even want to guess what an acceptable Federal-level definition of “minority” is, but

it must be really narrow to cause the whole effort to bog down on that point.

But let’s assume for a moment that the Federally Approved pool of volunteers can be assembled. Here is my probable scenario for the rest of the project: 1. With the pool assembled and acceptable, attention will turn to writing the grant request.

2. Assuming a perfect “first effort”, the grant request gets submitted.

3. Assuming the grant request is accepted “as is”, the grant is approved, subject to certain “conditions” of course.

4. The pool of volunteers will be “vetted” through some mysterious and probably opaque process.

5. Leadership of the remaining pool members will be selected and committees and subcommittees established.

6. Since Federal grant monies have to be accounted for, a bookkeeping system will be devised, overhead allocated, and a grant administrator chosen.

7. The grant administrator will, of course, receive payment as part of the grant approved overhead.

8. A “Request for Proposals” (RFP) will have to be written and disseminated to attract consultants to hire on to help with the project.

9. Responders to the RFP will have to be interviewed, and a provider chosen.

10. A contract describing the scope of work and the end project deliverables will have to be written and signed by the chosen firm of consultants as well as the

grant administrator.

11. The consultants, duly hired, will pretty much do what most consultants do: search out and access currently available, publicly accessible information and write a report. In keeping with the best definition I know of a consultant (“someone who comes from over 100 miles away, borrows your watch, and tells you the time”) the report (“beautifully typed and colorfully bound, full of pie charts and bar charts) will be hailed on one hand (“Visionary!” and “Just what we needed.”) and derided on the other hand (“We paid HOW MUCH for this?”) Multiple copies will be presented to the Citizens’ Committee, various local politicians, etc.

Why not just go with what we’ve got and NOT make a “Federal case” out of this, as my late, Federal attorney father used to say. I think about $5,000 for coffee, donuts, and some Xerox copies from Staples should about cover it. Anything more expended on an effort which truly does not require more to deliver a report is not only a waste of time, but also a waste of tax payer dollars. And possibly more importantly, it makes a mockery of the notion that we can’t figure out how to wean ourselves from the public trough unless and until we can secure a Federally funded grant, probably of 6 figure proportions.

Sorry, got to go - I’m getting all giggly again.

John A. Walters Leonardtown, Md.

Why I Am Endorsing Bryan “Puff” Barthelme A couple of months ago I received a call from Bryan Barthelme; he asked if he could come and talk with me. “Sure”, I said and the next day we met. He was here to seek my support for his campaign for Delegate in 29A. My first question was “Aren’t you a Democrat”? He went on to explain he changed his party registration 10 years ago after serving on the Democrat Central Committee. He said, “it was like visiting the home you grew up in, the outside was familiar but nothing inside was the same. Everything had changed and he realized he no longer belonged. I guess my Party left me, I didn’t leave it.” I appreciated his honesty.

With that and listening to the issues he plans to run on, my decision was easy. Yes “Puff” I will support you, work on your campaign and endorse you in the Primary….but Delegate Johnny Wood and I go

back a long way. Both as colleagues and friends. If he runs well needless to say…..He understood and we moved on.

When Johnny made his announcement on Monday that he would not be seeking re-election it was received with mixed emotion. Delegate Wood is a true conservative, Never forgot his constituents, Never forgot where he came from and Represented St. Mary’s County and 29A with great zeal, hard work and honesty, ALWAYS!!! Delegate Wood and Barbara, enjoy your retirement. Thank you for your many years of service to our County and to the State of Maryland.

You both deserve all the gratitude you have and will receive in the upcoming days.

Today, I am committed to helping elect Bryan Barthelme as Delegate for 29A both in the Primary and the General Elections. Bryan “Puff” Barthelme,

as a conservative who followed his convictions, has a working knowledge of the issues facing the County and the State. He is a dedicated citizen of St. Mary’s county, having served on numerous Boards and Commissions. As a concerned lifelong county resident, he knows the importance of giving back to his community, for years he has been involved in the above mentioned Boards and also in many Civic and Fraternal Organizations.

I am a true Reagan conservative, and so is Bryan “Puff” Barthelme. I ask all of my friends, supporters and family to consider supporting and voting for Bryan “Puff” Barthelme Delegate 29 A. Frances P Eagan Former County Commissioner (4th District) Avenue, Maryland

The County Times

Education

By Kay Poiro Staff Writer On Jan. 14, the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Expo was held at the James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center. From 4-7 p.m., parents, students and community members interested in the St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ STEM academy asked questions of STEM faculty and current students. On display were current STEM projects from 5th through 8th grades, as well as science fair projects that were moving on to compete at the county level.

Board of Education member Marilyn Crosby was on hand, chaperoning her 11 year old granddaughter, who is a second year STEM student. Crosby says her granddaughter loves it.

“STEM is so important,” Crosby says. “It challenges the kids in the best ways possible.

They’re all rising to the challenge.”

Superintendent Martirano was also in attendance, interacting with the students and Tweeting from the event.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

16

STEM Expo Highlights Best and Brightest of SMCPS “Our school system is predicated on matching student’s interests with their abilities and ultimately giving them the opportunity to thrive,” says Superintendent Martirano. “This makes me so proud.”

Jake, an 8th grade STEM student from Spring Ridge Middle School said STEM was just what he had been missing.

“I really wanted to do something different. Regular school is just worksheet after worksheet,” he said. “I’m going to be a scientist. I hate monotonous work. I could never be an accountant.”

Upcoming STEM-related events include a STEM Day Information Session on Feb. 4 at Lexington Park library from 5- 7 p.m. On March 15, STEM Day demonstrations will be held at the College of Southern Maryland, Leonardtown Campus. Students will have the opportunity to make an electric motor, use acids and bases to produce color and other activities. Cost is $10. kaypoiro@countytimes.net

Photos by Kay Poiro STEM 8 students Ally Myers, left, Natalie Wolfe, Lexi Myers and Kailey Chase show off their project

Farm Bureau Makes Case for Agricultural Science Curriculum at Legislative Dinner

By Kay Poiro Staff Writer The Farm Bureau of St. Mary’s County hosted its legislative dinner on Jan. 10 at Olde Breton Inn. About 50 farmers, community members and politicians were on hand to hear remarks by officers of the farm bureau. Senators Roy P. Dyson (D-29) and Anthony J. O’Donnell (R-29C) were in attendance, as well as Delegate John Wood (D-29A) and Board of County Commissioners President Francis Jack Russell (D).

An important topic of the evening was the proposed agriculture science and technical education program at the high school level. Young Farmers Chair Michael Hayden made his case to the audience.

“The average age of a farmer in St. Mary’s County is 56,” Hayden said. He went on to say that the eight 4-H clubs in the county are nurturing the next generation of farmers, so “we need agricultural science at the high school level.” Hayden also said the current horticulture program at the James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center could be expanded to include animal husbandry and agronomy.

During his State of the School System address last November, Superintendent Martirano advanced the idea of CASE (Curriculum of Agriculture Science Education) to be housed at the James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center in the near future.

Farm Bureau directors touched on the tobacco buyout, Agricultural Preservation, Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs), while O’Donnell attempted to explain the unpopular “rain tax,” a proposed tax on storm water collected in municipal drains.

Delegate Wood acknowledged that, though it may be uncomfortable, farmers must travel to Annapolis to advocate for themselves in person.

“You come to Annapolis when you need to and

Schools Welcome New Financial Specialist

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer

Photos by Kay Poiro Delegate John F. Wood (D-29A) urges farmers to use their voice in Annapolis

then leave and I understand that. Nobody wants to talk to those guys,” he joked. “But the legislators want to hear from you, the farmers. They need to hear from you.”

Senator Dyson remarked that the professionalism of the farmers was appreciated, noting that, “you do a great job feeding not only our country but one-third of the world. God bless you.” kaypoiro@countytimes.net

St. Mary’s County Schools will welcome Tammy McCourt as the newest addition to the SMCPS staff on Feb. 3.

McCourt holds a Bachelor’s degree from University of Maryland University College and is a Certified Public Accountant. Her new position, Deputy to the Assistant Superintendent of Fiscal Services and Human Resources, will be dissolved once she steps up to Assistant Superintendent of Fiscal Services and Human Resources Gregory Nourse’s position, according to SMCPS Superintendent of Schools Michael J. Martirano. Nourse will retire on July 1.

McCourt is currently serving as the Chief Budget and Business Officer with Calvert County Public Schools, a position she had occupied since 2008, according to a Calvert County Public Schools press release.

Martirano described McCourt as “extremely knowledgeable and personable” with a “high intelligence and a high ability to build relationships” and he is looking forward to working with her.

Nourse remembered when he took his current position; his predecessor had been gone for a few months. He requested McCourt begin while he was on hand to train her, a request which was granted. He said McCourt’s prior experience working with a local Board of County Commissioners and a similar school structure to SMCPS would benefit her during the transition to St. Mary’s County.

McCourt will benefit from Nourse’s guidance, Martirano said, adding she will have an opportunity to observe the St. Mary’s budget building process and cross train before stepping into her assistant superintendent position.

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

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Thursday, January 16, 2014

The County Times

By limiting construction noise, traffic and other potential inconveniences, we’ll protect what makes Calvert County unique.

Dominion’s Cove Point project will have a very positive impact on the local economy.

Thousands of construction jobs, 75 high paying permanent positions and tens of millions in annual county revenue will add to what’s already been a four-decade commitment to Calvert County and protecting the Chesapeake Bay. Plus, since the project will definitely be built somewhere, it’s nice to know that the people who live and work here will enjoy its economic benefits.

Cove Point—another great solution for Southern Maryland.

To learn more visit dom.com/covepoint

@Dom_CovePoint

The County Times

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Thursday, January 16, 2014

Newsmakers

18

Gardening Made Easy

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Spring is right around the corner, and Instant Organic Garden affiliate Eric Eitel is ready to help people all over Southern Maryland to kick-start with vegetables garden they’ve always wanted.

When Eitel moved to Southern Maryland from Kansas, he had the idea to put his background in farming to work by starting gardens for others. Before getting too far with his plan, he did some Internet research to see if someone was doing anything similar. He came across Instant Organic Garden, founded by Don Rosenberg, who runs the Charlotte, N.C. Instant Organic Garden affiliate.

“You can’t put a price on someone telling you all the mistakes they made to get where they are,” Eitel said.

Put simply, Instant Organic Garden creates a paint by numbers garden for individuals who have always wanted to begin a garden.

Three factors generally prevent individuals from planning a garden – time, space and knowledge. Eitel gets gardens started, putting plants in raised beds using only nutrient rich, weedless soil.

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By using vertical space, the plants Eitel starts take up less space than a traditional garden, packing 800 square feet worth of produce into a 50 square foot space. He creates plans so gardens will be productive year-round.

“My goal would be for everybody to have their own produce department in their backyard,” Eitel said.

Homegrown, fresh picked produce is healthier than even organic products offered at grocery stores. The longer produce is held between being picked and being served the more nutrients are lost.

Eitel is well versed in creating a successful garden, from choosing the correct vegetables to plant to planting them with complementary vegetables, such as pairing carrots and tomatoes together. After a garden is planted, Eitel is available for support services. He can

help address challenges facing any gardener, such as deer and rabbits raiding the garden, in ways that are all natural.

Even with the challenges inherent in gardening, using Instant Organic Gardening can save individuals from difficulties such as weeds sprouting up to native soil.

In addition to starting gardens, Eitel gives talks and trainings on gardening by reservation.

“These talks are a great service for gardening centers to offer to their customers,” Eitel said. Any group wanting Eitel to come talk to them should contact him by phone at 443-771-3003 or e-mail eric@instantorganicgarden.com.

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

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Thursday, January 16, 2014

The County Times

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The County Times

Thursday, January 16, 2014

20

Feature Story

Photos by Frank Marquart

St. Mary’s County Libraries Lead The Way with Education, Fun

By Kay Poiro Staff Writer More than just musty books and outdated computers, libraries are fast becoming the community’s central information hub. St. Mary’s County’s libraries are no different, providing cost-effective, not to mention climate controlled, fun that the entire family can enjoy.

Kathleen Reif, Director of St. Mary’s County libraries, is proud of what the county’s libraries have been able to accomplish.

“We have four branches and each one of them does so much with so little,” Reif says.

Doing more with less is business as usual for the St. Mary’s County library system. The main library in Leonardtown is currently housed in a 1952 former National Guard Armory and badly in need of renovation. For years, the Leonardtown library was on track for a complete overhaul. That was until 2010 when the strongest supporters of the new building left the Board of County Commissioners. The following year, funds earmarked for the new library were pulled.

“Regardless of our facilities, our services remain top of the line,” Reif points out. That top of the line service includes circulating around 1.4 million books and 30,000 downloads a year, giving St. Mary’s County libraries the highest circulation in all of Southern Maryland. In fact, St. Mary’s County ranks 4th in circulation per person for the entire state of Maryland.

In addition to traditional library services, they also offer outreach like the WoW! Van and continuing education and enrichment programs, all three branches offer rich program for children, as well.

The Charlotte Hall branch’s Children’s librarian Catherine DiCristofaro has worked for the St. Mary’s County library for five years and says she loves being a children’s librarian.

“I like working with people, but kids are especially interesting. I also love children’s literature, so when I can match these really interesting books with these re-

ally interesting people, that’s special,” she says.

Our libraries are also on the cutting edge of early literacy, participating in Every Child Ready to Read (2nd edition) program put out by the Public Library Association and American library services for Children (ALSC). Available to care providers and parents, the program includes activities to do with pre-readers to make them better readers when the time comes.

Speaking about what makes quality children’s library programming, DiCristofaro says the intention is to make the activity both fun and education.

“We don’t want to be school at the library but at the same time it’s not a free-for-all,” she says. “If children leave thinking they were just having fun, they’re more likely to return to explore more of the library. We also have resources available for parents to extend those activities at home.”

St. Mary’s County libraries try hard to maintain equity of services between all three of their branches.

The main factors that drive their program decisions are customer convenience and the various sizes of our meeting rooms. The decision to offer a program at more than one branch is determined by the topic of the program, the cost, and even the amount of staff time required for the program.

“Offering programs at multiple locations allows our customers to attend the programs close to home or have the option of attending the program at another branch if they cannot attend at their branch,” says Marilyn Lash, the library’s Publicity Specialist. For example, both Leonardtown and Charlotte Hall have small meeting rooms, so most large meeting requests are funneled to the Lexington Park library.

Not only does the library take suggestions from the community on what programming to present, but also from those in the community interested in presenting.

“We have a Program and Outreach Team comprised of staff from each branch that meets annually to plan the program calendar for the upcoming year,” says Lash. “Program suggestions are evaluated as to

whether the program meets the goals of our strategic plan, that is, does it inspire people to learn and engage with our community? We also take into consideration staff time involved, target audience, cost, and possible partnerships.”

The library relies on those partnerships to help produce the programs and promote them. Some partners present the program such as growing Stems, Naval Air Warfare Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) and Jefferson Patterson Park did this past summer with the

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The County Times

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Feature Story

Our Libraries www.stmalib.org

Charlotte Hall Library

37600 New Market Rd, Charlotte Hall 301-884-2211

Leonardtown Library

23250 Hollywood Rd, Leonardtown 301-475-2846

Lexington Park Library

21677 FDR Blvd, Lexington Park 301-863-8188 STEM programs. The Paying for College program is presented by the Director of Financial Aid at St. Mary’s College and the guidance counselors from the local high schools. Others provide volunteers to assist with the programs, supplies, or snacks. Some partners provide financial support.

“Without these, our Summer Professional Performances wouldn’t happen,” says Lash.

Long-standing partnerships with UCAC, NAACP, and the Minority Outreach have helped bring exceptional Black History Month programs to the branches.

Local Master Gardeners have been providing plant clinics twice a month at each branch from April to October for many years.

“We are always on the lookout for new partners,” Lash says.

Together with their partners, the St. Mary’s County libraries are moving forward. Friday, Jan. 17, children of all ages are encouraged to drop by the Charlotte Hall and Lexington Park library branches to play live Angry Birds. Participants are invited to build towers and catapults while being introduced to the physics of force and motion. On Tuesday, Feb. 11, the Lexington Park

library hosts Kids Can Cook. Fans of the undead can participate in Zombies vs. Humans in late February.

Still, for all the activities planned, those who just want a quiet corner and a good book, the library is still that place.

Catherine DiCristofaro says, “St. Mary’s County libraries are that third place- behind home and work-

where you can feel comfortable. We are that welcoming community space.”

For the latest in what’s happening at your library, visit www.stmalib.org. kaypoiro@countytimes.net

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

Water Resources & Recreation Power Boating

Recreation on St. Mary’s County’s many lakes, creeks, rivers, and the Bay includes a variety of power boats.

Marinas abound in almost every cove or bend and they provide safe harborage as well as services. For those who trailer their boats, well-maintained ramps can be found in all of the larger waterways. Some locations charge fees. Most ramps are public access and free.

For more information, visit the county Web site or visit Maryland Park Service.

To get a copy of St. Mary’s County Water Trails Guide and much more, visit: www.visitstmarysmd.com

St. Mary’s County Guides

• Destination Guide • 2013 Calendar of Events • African-American Historic Sites of St. Mary’s County • Group Tour Planner (for tour operators and group leaders) • Historic Churches and Religious Sites of St. Mary’s County • Leonardtown Walking Trail • Water Trails in Western St. Mary’s County • Three Notch Trail

Southern Maryland Guides

St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles Counties • Patuxent Wine Trail • Religious Freedom National Scenic Byway Brochure • Southern Maryland Map and Guide • Southern Maryland Trails Guide • Southern Maryland War of 1812 Map and Guide

From

My B

ackya

A Improv St. Ma ing Oury’s Co r Env unty Re ironme sident nt and ’s Gu Drinki ide to ng Wa ter

rd to

Our

Bay

are you Bay-Wise?

Bay-Wise landscapes minimize negative impacts on our waterways by using smarter lawn management techniques and gardening practices. The University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Bay-Wise program in St. Mary’s County offers hands-on Where to get help with.. help with managing your WATER RESOURCES QUESTIONS landscape by providing information, a site visit, and • Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources, landscape certifications.

Fishing Regulations, dnr.state.md.us/ Our yardstick checklist is fisheries/regulations/regindex.asp easy to understand and • Maryland Dept. of Environment, Con- follow, and our team of sumption Guidelines, mde.maryland. trained Master Gardeners gov/programs/water/fishandshellfish/ can help guide you through it while offering pages/programs/waterprograms/ fish%20shellfish%20programs/index. suggestions to improve both the appearance aspx and sustainability of your • St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks, landscape.

Paddling, www.co.saint-marys.md.us/ recreate/paddling.asp

• Sailing Center Chesapeake, www. sailingcenterchesapeake.org

This is the thirty-first in a series of articles that Mary Ann Scott (scottmaryann9@gmail.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, January 16, 2014

22

St. Mary’s Department of Aging Programs and Activities Massage and Reflexology Therapy Available at Loffler

The Loffler Senior Activity Center has an experienced massage and reflexology therapist available three days a week. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 301-737-5670, ext. 1658 for more information.

Living Well with Chronic Disease

Give yourself something priceless--improved well-being. The Loffler Senior Activity Center is conducting a six week workshop on how to manage your chronic condition. The class will meet at the center on Thursdays, Mar. 6-Apr. 10. This is an evidence-based program that was developed by Stanford University to help people with chronic conditions take charge of their life by developing self-management skills, including dealing with depression and fatigue, pain management, working with health care providers and more. If you have a chronic condition and are serious about improving the way you feel, this is the workshop for you. There is no charge for taking this class; however, a commitment to regular attendance is needed for good results. For more information or to sign up call 301-737-5670, ext. 1658.

Core and Abs Class on Wednesdays

Do you want to strengthen your core muscles which may help with lower back pain and maintain posture and balance? Certified fitness instructor Dave Scheible teaches this class on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. at the Loffler Senior Activity Center. You

SENIOR LIVING can try your first class for free and if you like it you can continue coming by using a fitness card. Fitness cards are $30 and are good for 10 fitness classes of any type at any of the St. Mary’s County Senior Activity Centers. For more information call 301-7375670, ext. 1658.

decision regarding your health care coverage. Appointments are available at the Garvey, Loffler, and Northern Senior Activity Centers by calling 301475-4200, ext. 1050.

Book Clubs Welcome New Members

The Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP) is available to men and women, ages 55 years and older, who are unemployed, meet established low-income guidelines and desire an opportunity for training and employment. Individuals are given a training assignment which closely matches their personal goals for employment. Training assignments are coordinated with non-profit or government agencies, also known as “Host Agencies” and are 20 hours per week, at the established minimum wage hourly rate, $7.25 Applicants are not required to have previous work experience. SCSEP provides subsidized training and employment for a period of up to two years. The goal of the program is to help older workers develop workplace skills which will enable them to obtain permanent, unsubsidized employment, either with their Host Agencies, or with other non-profit, government or private sector employers. Garvey Senior Activity Program, located in Leonardtown, Maryland is currently looking for a receptionist under this training program to work 8 a.m.-12 p.m Monday through Friday. Some computer skills are necessary. For further information, call Kathy Mather at 301-475-4200, ext.1072.

Membership is open for two different book clubs at the Northern Senior Activity Center. The ‘Book Chatter’ club will meet on Thursday, Jan. 23, at 11 a.m. It’s a relaxed atmosphere that reviews everyone’s take on what they have read and sometimes meets outside of the center. The ‘Page Turners’ book club is a structured meeting with questions to review while reading the book and share at the next meeting.

Pre-selected books are decided by members of both clubs, however they are different books. The ‘Page Turners’ meets the fourth Monday of the month at 1 p.m. while the ‘Book Chatter’ group meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 11 a.m. If interested in joining, call 301-475-4002, ext. 1003 for more information.

New to Medicare?

If you are new to Medicare this year you may have many questions regarding how Medicare works.

The Department has trained staff to assist you during this transition and can schedule individual appointments to answer questions you may have regarding Medigap policies, Part D plans, and basic coverage and costs concerns. Call us today to make the best

Senior Community Services Employment Program

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.

Dr. Jerningham

By Linda Reno Contributing Writer While I “thought” I was finished, at least for the time being, with Dr. Jerningham I got a call from my friend Pete Himmelheber who reminded me of some very unusual provisions in the will of the good doctor.

Most wills, those of yesterday and today, make provisions for the burial of the deceased and generally say “to be buried at the discretion of my executor in a decent manner.” Some go on to specify the burial ground and direct a tombstone be placed at the site. Dr. Jerningham was much more specific: “It is my will that my son Charles see my body buried in the following manner, being first opened

by Dr. Craig*, Medcalf and Sims, my bowels put in a box with quick lime at my feet the trunk of my body to be filled up with lime and my coffin also--to be buried in the garden by my children--at the family’s

A Journey Through Time The

removal my bones and those of my children are to be taken up and carried with them in a decent box painted black and interred on the lands in which he will have a fee simple.”

Eats flesh and bone away It eats the brittle bone by night And the soft flesh by day It eats the flesh and bones by turns But it eats the heart away -Oscar Wilde, The Ballad of Reading Gaol, 1898 So what happened to the bones of Dr. Jerningham and his children? I don’t know. His son Charles died in 1777. His widow, Catherine (Rozier) Jerningham moved to Charles County to presumably live with one of her married daughters (Helloisa who married John Lancaster; Ann Edwardina who married Joseph Queen; and Olivia who married Henry Hammersley). Catherine died in 1790.

Moving the remains of our dearly departed is not a good idea. Cremation makes them more “mobile” I suppose. I’m aware of one family where

Chronicle

the wife died here and her ashes were interred in the front yard. The husband has now moved three times—the latest place being South Carolina and her ashes made each move too, but what happens when he dies? Another family dispersed ashes of the same man in Texas, Tennessee, and West Virginia. When my own husband died last year, a friend of his asked if he could, prior to the burial, have a little bit of his ashes for his golf bag. Are you kidding me? The answer was absolutely not. You just have to look at these people sometimes and wonder “what are you thinking?” *I believe the Dr. Craig referred to was actually Dr. James Craik (born 1730 in Scotland; died 1814 in Fairfax, VA. Dr. Craik settled first in Virginia and then shortly after the end of the French and Indian War, opened a medical practice at Port Tobacco in Charles County and moved there in 1760. Dr. Craik was a personal friend of George Washington and was one of the attending physicians at the time of Washington’s death.

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The County Times

Thursday, January 16, 2014

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The County Times

Obituaries

Gabino “Gabby” Rodriguez, 55

Gabino “Gabby” Rodriguez, 55, of Lexington Park, Md., passed away on Jan. 4, at Washington Hospital Center. He passed surrounded by his wife and children. Born on April 22, 1958, in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was the son of Gabino and Maria Rodriguez of Stafford, Texas.

He was the loving husband of Debra Rodriguez (Boldt), whom he married on June 27, 1979. Gabby is survived by his children, Jaclyn Goddard (Bill) of Spring, Texas, and John Rodriguez (Jillian) of Fairfax, Va.; a sister, Irma Knox (Kerry) of Keansburg, N.J., and many nieces and nephews.

In 1997, Gabby retired from the Air Force after serving 20 years and moved to St. Mary’s County. Over the next 17 years, he worked for Wyle and later Imagine One. Gabby enjoyed golf and photography and was an auto and computer enthusiast. He enjoyed going to car shows and taking road trips, and he belonged to the Southern Maryland Camaro Club.

The family received friends on Jan. 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, Md. A private funeral service will be held at a later date in Stafford, Texas. Interment will be private.

Beulah Gaines Edwards, 86

Beulah Gaines Edwards, 86, of California, Md., died Dec. 31, 2013, at Hospice House of St. Mary’s in Callaway, Md. She was born February 11, 1927, in South Pittsburg, Tenn., to the late Washington Gaines and Laura Lovey Johnson.

On June 6, 1946, Beulah married her late husband, George W. Edwards. They were married for 16 years before his death in 1962.

She was a practical nurse for Moccasin Bend Mental Hospital until her retirement. She was a longtime member of Second Missionary Baptist Church and served in various capacities. Beulah loved to travel across the United States. She particularly enjoyed attending class reunions and family reunions. Her hobbies included fishing, gardening, trying new recipes and crafting of all kinds, especially crocheting and quilt and blanket making. She was a people person, volunteering as a senior citizen companion for many years. She also enjoyed attending activities for senior citizens, playing cards and board games.

Beulah is survived by her children, Laura D. Ward (Lavanders) of LaVergne, Tenn., and Chryll E. Edwards of California, Md.; her brothers, Carl Gaines of Baton Rogue, La., and Laster Gaines of Chattanooga, Tenn.; her sister, Beatrice Franklin of Bronyx, N.Y., and her grandson, Charles Thomas Cooke. In addition to her parents and husband, she is also preceded in death by her son, George Edwards

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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.

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Services

Jr. and her siblings, Ruby Searcie, Josephine McCrorey, Mille Williams, R.Z. Gaines, Williard Maxwell and Randolph Gaines.

A memorial service will be held at noon on March 29, at Second Missionary Baptist Church, 2305 East Third Street, Chattanooga, TN 37404.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Second Missionary Baptist Church’s Mission Benevolent Fund, 2305 East Third Street, Chattanooga, TN 37404.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, Md.

Perry Frederick Stiegleiter, 99 Perry Frederick Stiegleiter, 99, of California, Md., died Jan. 5, at his home.

He was born Dec. 10, 1914, in Aurora, Ill., to the late George Stiegleiter and Ruth Dyer Stiegleiter.

Perry was employed by Commonwealth Edison, making electric repairs for over 30 years. While working for Commonwealth Edison, he also owned the Fruit Juice House, which he and his wife successfully ran for over 11 years. It was a small restaurant specializing in many juices, which also served lunch and delicious ice cream treats. On April 17, 1937, he married the late Dorothy Stiegleiter. Together, they were happily married for 72 years before her death in 2009. He was an avid reader, but also enjoyed bowling, boating and woodworking.

He was a talented builder who built his retirement home in Wisconsin. Perry was always a devoted family man. He volunteered for over 20 years with Washington Island Coast Guard Auxiliary in Wisconsin. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 15 and the Hollywood United Methodist Church.

Perry is survived by his children, Perry George Stiegleiter of California, Md., and Penny Ruth Hall (Tom) of LaPlata, Md.; his foster daughter, Judy Holem of Dyer, Ind.; his brothers, George Stiegleiter of Aurora, Ill., Arthur Stiegleiter of Aurora, Ill., and Robert Stiegleiter of Camden, Tenn.; 10 grandchildren, Kristina Moon, Kari Kober, John M. Stiegleiter, Misty Kozabo, Diane Wendt, Danny Romane, Rick Romane, Brian Holem and Amanda Holem; and 17 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he is preceded in death by his grandson, Kurtis Hall.

A graveside service will be conducted by the Rev. Sheldon Reese on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 10:30 a.m. at Asbury Cemetery, 3630 Hallowing Point Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

Memorial contributions may be made to 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.

Melvin Charles Yost Sr., 74 Melvin Charles Yost Sr., 74, of Ridge, Md., died peacefully Jan. 5 at his home in Ridge surrounded by his family.

Born February 2, 1939, in Bethlehem, Pa., he was the son of the late Harry Q. and

Neva May Yost.

Melvin moved to St. Mary’s County from Bethlehem, Pa., in 1946. He attended Leonard Hall Jr. Naval Academy and graduated from Great Mills High School. He played goalie for the Great Mills High soccer team in 1957. Melvin married Mary Billie (Rock) Yost on September 17, 1960.

He was presently married to Pamela Nunn Yost of Ridge, with whom he spent the last 19 years of his life.

Melvin was employed at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, first at the commissary and then at the Public Works Transportation Department.

Melvin had a passion for helping people select the right car. He has worked part time at several county car dealerships, including Bill Cairns Pontiac, Don Megby Pontiac, Aldridge Ford and Lexington Park Ford, where he was still employed upon his death.

He was a devoted and hard-working husband and father, and a loving and proud grandfather. He had a love for cars and especially for his family.

In his early years, Melvin had a passion for drag racing, which led to him volunteering at Budds Creek Dragway, now Maryland International Raceway, where he helped Bill Cairns resurrect the racetrack. He played softball in the county from the 1960s through the 1990s.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Pam; his son, Melvin Jr. of Lexington Park, Md.; his daughter, Roberta Yost Doyle of Dameron, Md.; his brother, Harry H. Yost of Crownsville, Md., and his four loving grandchildren, David James Yost of Elkridge, Md., William Charles “Billy” Yost of Elkridge, Md., Gloria Jean Yost of Middleburg, Fla., and Mary Beth Doyle of Dameron, Md. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry Q and Neva May Yost, and his wife, Mary Billie.

The family received friends on Sunday, Jan. 12 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, Leonardtown, Md. Prayers were recited at 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, Jan. 13 at 10 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Ridge, Md. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to 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.

Janet Marie Blundell, 81 Janet Marie Blundell, 81, of Solomons, Md., died Jan 6 at St. Mary’s Nursing Center in Leonardtown, Md. Born July 6, 1932, in Niskayuna, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Agnes and Harry Crookes.

Janet graduated from Oneonta State Teachers College (SUNY - Oneonta) in 1953 and married Robert A Blundell in the fall of the same year. Janet taught first grade for six years before she and Robert started a family. Janet moved to Bucks County, Pa., in 1967. In 1970, she began a career in banking, which lasted until her retirement. Janet and Bob moved to New Bern, N.C., during retirement. Janet was an active in the Methodist Church, at both St Paul’s in Warrington, Pa., and Trinity United Methodist Church in New Bern, N.C.

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Thursday, January 16, 2014

The County Times

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.

Janet was a devoted wife, loving mother and proud grandmother. She was kind and considerate, full of grace and gratitude, strong in her faith and patient with everyone. She took joy in preparing for every visit from her children and grandchildren, whether baking cookies or planning fun, but educational, trips with the family. Her favorite days were spent poolside with her grandchildren, swimming and sharing snacks.

Janet is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Blundell (Brian) of Greenville, Ind., and her son, Chris Blundell (Colleen) of Leonardtown, Md., as well as her grandchildren, Laura Marie Blundell of Washington, D.C., and Dustin James Blundell of Raleigh, N.C. In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Ralph and Leroy Crookes.

A Christian funeral service was held Sunday, Jan. 12 at 1 p.m., with Pastor Faith Lewis officiating, at Olivet United Methodist Church, Lusby, Md. Janet’s Celebration of Life and a lunch reception followed the service in the Good News Center of Olivet United Methodist Church. Interment will be held at a later date at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Veterans Cemetery in Saratoga, N.Y. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary’s Nursing Center, 21585 Peabody Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, Md.

Erin Lynn Kimler, 25 Erin Lynn Kimler, 25, passed away in her sleep on Wednesday, Jan. 8 in Saint Leonard, Md. She was born to Randy P. Kimler and Patria A. Kimler of Great Mills, Md., on Dec. 13, 1988, in Bath, Maine.

She was survived by siblings Ginger M. Kimler of Eastham, Mass.; Dominick P. Kimler of Great Mills, Md.; and Carol A. Green of Mechanicsville, Md. A 2006 graduate of Patuxent High School, where she also earned her cosmetology license, Erin was active in cheerleading and loved spending time with her friends and family as a teenager. Upon graduating high school, Erin entered cosmetology full time. She spent the last six years as a master colorist at Michelangelo’s of Lusby, Md., where she built a second family.

Erin could most often be found playing with her computer tablet, getting a custom tattoo from Lucky Bird of Annapolis, Md., spending time with her family, cooking, hanging out in her pajamas, eating junk food (especially gum balls!), attending bonfires with her friends, knitting or cross stitching. She was also dedicated to raising awareness for breast cancer. Her last months were her happiest, as she found and moved in with the man of her dreams, Matthew Gwynn of Saint Leonard, Md. She was loved by many and will be missed greatly.

The family received friends on Sunday, Jan. 12, at the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Lusby, Md. To leave the family a condolence, please visit www.rauschfuneralhomes.com.

Florine Cecelia Price, 54 Florine Cecelia Price, 54 of St. Inigoes, Md., passed away on Jan. 9. Family and friends will unite on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014, for visitation at 10 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, 16922 St. Peter Claver Road, Ridge, MD. Interment to follow at the church cemetery.

SCPO Bruce Calvin Colby, 69 SCPO Bruce Calvin Colby, USN (Ret.), 69, of Lexington Park, Md., died Jan. 10 at Hospice House in Callaway, Md. He was born September 18, 1944, in Norwood, Mass., to the late Charles S. Colby and Pauline M. Crooker.

Bruce proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1962 to 1986 and retired at the rank of Senior Chief. After his retirement for the Navy, he worked for the Federal Government as a senior analyst in the area of Manpower Personnel and Training until his retirement in 2007. After his retirement from the Federal Government, he continued his work as a senior analyst with Information Resources Management Limited and L3 Communications until 2013. On June 19, 1966, he married his beloved wife, Carmen Ponce-Alloza. They celebrated 47 wonderful years together. His hobbies included fishing and flying remote-control airplanes. He was a dedicated and loving family man and enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his loved ones. He is a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

In addition to his wife, Bruce is survived by his children, Pilar Crook (Richard) of St. Leonard, Md., and Carolyn Armstrong (Dean) of Lexington Park, Md.; his brother, Kenneth Colby (Dottie) of Kittery, Maine; his sister, Barbara Band (Carl) of Groveland, Mass.; three grandchildren, Lisa Summerlin (Matthew), Amy Crook and Luke Armstrong and two great grandchildren, Matthew Summerlin and Taylor Summerlin. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Family received friends for Bruce’s life celebration on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014, from 6 to 7 p.m., with prayers recited at 7 p.m., at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Lexington Park, Md. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Father Zygmunt Kurzawinski on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 22375 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, MD 20653 or 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.

Obituaries

Lawrence “Larry” W. Smith, 68

Lawrence “Larry” W. Smith, 68, died Jan. 7 at home in Lexington Park, Md., after a battle with liver duct cancer.

Larry was born in Bremerton, Wash., on Dec. 31, 1945, to Lawrence and Eileen Smith. He lived in the same house on Erlands Point, Wash. for the first 18 years of his life, attending Central Kitsap schools until he graduated high school in 1964.

Larry served as a medic and lab technician in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, deploying in country twice. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simpson College in San Francisco, Calif., both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education from Central Washington University, and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of San Francisco.

In 1967, he married his high school sweetheart, Patricia “Patty” Ann (Scott) and they were a team for the past 46 years.

During most of that time they were serving as missionaries in education ministries in Ecuador, Honduras, South Korea, Egypt, Afghanistan, Japan and Malaysia. They also served in numerous Christian ministries here in the United States. Larry’s Christian character reflected his love of Christ to those around him. Larry’s honesty, hard work and positive persistence were an inspiration in many different situations.

He will be greatly missed.

Survivors include the his wife, Patty; two children, Lisa of Leonardtown, Md., and Eric of Bakersfield, Calif.; four grandchildren; his sister, Carole Roberts of Bonney Lake, Wash.; two nephews and two nieces.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Patuxent Presbyterian Church, California, Md., at 1 p.m. on Jan. 18.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorial donations be made to the Network of International Christian Schools (NICS), 3790 Goodman Road E., Southaven, MS 38672. (www.nics.org) Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, Md.

Marian Jean Sorrells, 91 Marian Jean Sorrells, 91, died peacefully Jan. 9, at her home in Callaway, Md., surrounded by her loving family.

Marian was born August 15, 1922, in Kansas City, Mo., to the late Frank George Bryant and Mary Elizabeth Wylie Bryant.

On June 10, 1943, Marian married her late husband, William Lee Sorrells. Together they celebrated 66 years of marriage before his death in 2009. She was an avid bowler, participating on a travel league that took her and her family to many new destinations. She also enjoyed singing and dancing, and she was an excellent cook.

Her greatest passion was spending time with her family. She enjoyed her time with them and the outings they had together.

She was a member of the Oxon Hill Baptist

Church and the Order of the Eastern Star.

Marian is survived by her children, Vance B. Sorrells (Jean) of Houston, Texas, Carolyn A. Hall (John) of Salisbury, Md., Kyle W. Sorrells (Jane) of San Diego, Calif., and Helen Sorrells-Bean of Callaway, Md.; five grandchildren, Cassandra D. Dougherty, Christine L. Hall-Foster, Steven P. Hall, David B. Hall and Collin B. Sorrells; five great-grandchildren, Jacob Hall, Tyler Hall, Olivia Foster, James Foster and Katherine Dougherty; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. In addition to her parents and her husband, she is preceded in death by her brother, James W. Bryant, her sister, Mary Frances Marino, and her son-in-law, James. F. Bean Jr. All services will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House 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.

Ruby Lorraine Chapman, 94 Ruby Lorraine Chapman, 94, of Wichita, Kan., passed peacefully on Jan. 13 at Diversicare Nursing Center in Haysville, Kan. She was born July 17, 1919, in Galesville, Md., to the late Herman Albert Woodfield and Bessie Mae Sears Woodfield.

Ruby was married to her late husband, John Grant “Jack” Chapman, for 30 years before his death in 1979. She worked in clothing as a sales clerk for 18 years for Park Men’s Shop. She was a volunteer for United Way, Hope and the Loffler Center.

Ruby was a people person. She enjoyed spending time helping others. Her hobbies included cooking and enjoying good crabs.

However, her greatest enjoyment was in spending time with her family.

She is survived by her son, John Grant Chapman (Barbara) of Leonardtown, Md.; her son-in-law, Bob Newson of Wichita, Kan.; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, John Grant “Jack” Chapman; her daughter, Rebecca Lorraine Chapman; and her eight siblings.

Family will receive friends for Ruby’s Life Celebration on Monday, Jan. 20, 2014, from 9 to 11 a.m., with a funeral service at 11 a.m., officiated by Reverend Elizabeth Jackson, at Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Lexington Park, Md. Pallbearers are John Chapman III, Billy Woodfield, David Newson, Eddie Voorhaar, Bill Chapman and Brandon Chapman.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Second District Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1, Valley Lee, MD 20692 or the Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 339, Lexington Park, MD 20653.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

The County Times

Thursday, January 16, 2014

26

In Our Spring Valley Apartments Now Community

Offers Market Rate Units

By Kay Poiro Staff Writer As of Aug. 1, Spring Valley Apartments in Lexington Park is no longer a 100 percent tax credit community.

That is, there is no longer a cap on the amount of money a person can make to live in the apartments.

“We still offer affordable units, but now we can accommodate those who we have turned down in the past because they made too much money,” manager Shelia Mackall says.

Spring Valley Apartments is currently undergoing major renovations. Upgrades include new kitchens and bathrooms, new HVAC systems and energy efficient appliances. Mackall notes that, although some changes are aesthetically pleasing, the real benefit lies in the energy efficiency of the new appliances.

“Relatively low rent coupled with the energy efficient appliances helps to keep overall out-of-pocket costs to the residents low,” Mackall says.

Currently, Spring Valley has 25 apartments set aside to rent at market rate. The amenities in these apartments are the same as those in the other units.

Spring Valley has 128 units, seven of which are handicap-accessible with doorways and storage spaces meeting Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines.

New exterior siding on the buildings

kaypoiro@countytimes.net

Photos courtesy of Angela Cameron Granite countertops, new cabinets and energy efficient appliances are upgrades included in the renovation

Seniors at Play: Northern Stars Theatre Group Serves up Laughs

By Kay Poiro Staff Writer The Northern Star Theatre Group isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

The theatre group, started by Bill and Barbara Fleming in 2006, is the only senior theatre company in St. Mary’s County. Membership numbers fluctuate, but the Northern Star Theatre Group has half around dozen core members.

Betty Hill, the group’s current secretary, started with the group in 2006. Alice Barber has been acting with the Northern Starts for three years. The newest member Patricia McKinney has been with the group for a year, but has already lent her talents as both actress and director.

Most of their performances are held at the Northern Senior Activity Center in Charlotte Hall. They have been known to take their shows- plays like “The Corpse in the Cave” and “Down by the Crawdad Hole”- on the road to the county’s other senior activity centers.

Wrenn Williams, Senior Program Specialist for the Northern Senior Activity Center, pitches in by creating and distributing the flyers and even acting on occasion. Although she’s in charge of programing special events for the center and overseeing organizations like the Bike Club and weekly bingo, she’s content to takes a back seat to the theatre group officers.

“The Northern Stars were already up and running when I got here,” she says. “They lead themselves.

They know what they’re doing.”

To date, the Northern Stars have staged 12 short plays. The group seems to favor comedies with the occasional murder mystery thrown in. They’re always looking for new material, but the hunt can prove challenging.

“We use plays that don’t have a lot of characters or take a lot of memorizing,” says Betty. The actors usually circumvent the memorization issue by staging radio plays, recruiting friends to pen material for them or simply ad-libbing.

“During one play, I’d forgotten my line,” Betty remembers. “Well, I looked out the window and said ‘It’s snowing!’ because it was. Luckily, that was my line!”

Pitching in is the name of the game for the Northern Stars. Betty acts as de facto Master of Ceremonies for the shows, while her husband Dallis does much of the backstage work.

The Northern Star Theatre Group has staged at

Photos submitted by Northern Stars Theatre Group

least one show a year since the beginning and they’re looking forward to their next production in the fall.

Betty says the group is always looking for new actors, writers and directors.

For more information about the Northern Star Theatre Group, contact Wrenn Williams at Wrenn.

Williams@stmarysmd.com. kaypoiro@countytimes.net

27

Thursday, January 16, 2014

The County Times

In Our Community

“Our Town Award” Goes to Men at Two Guys Collision Center At the Jan. 13 Leonardtown Town Council meeting, the Commissioners of Leonardtown presented the "Our Town Award" to Charlie and Chris Guy of Two Guys Collision Center for their outstanding contribution to the promotion of Leonardtown Events.

Annually, the Commissioners of Leonardtown recognize a group or individual who has demonstrated service, commitment, leadership, and pride for our Town and is making a real difference in our community, by presenting the "Our Town Award".

This national program is sponsored locally for the Town of Leonardtown by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Michael K. Gardiner, President/Funeral Director.

The Council recognizes Two Guys Collision Center's service to the Community through their contributions of media sponsorship and event support.

Partnering with the Town in their efforts to promote Earth Day, Beach Party on the Square and the Christmas Tree Lighting and Christmas on the Square, Two Guys Collision Center has invested an amount exceeding $10,000 a year for the past two years to completely cover the costs of radio advertising, live remotes and appearances by on-air personalities.

By providing County-wide advertising and live coverage of Leonardtown events, Two Guys Collision Center assists the Town in continuing the proud tradition of offering quality, family-friendly, large-scale events free to the public.

LIBRARY ITEMS Kids can play life-sized Angry Birds

Kids can drop in and build towers and catapults then play life-sized Angry Birds this Friday, Jan. 17, at Charlotte Hall and Leonardtown libraries.

All ages can attend Charlotte Hall’s program from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. At Leonardtown branch, kids 5-10 years old can attend from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and youth 11 years old and older can participate from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Lexington Park will offer the program on Feb. 21.

Apps explored at “Appy” Hour

Adults are invited to “appy” hour to explore new apps or to share their favorite apps that pertain to health and fitness at the Lexington Park branch tonight, Jan. 16, at 6 p.m. or at the Leonardtown branch on Jan.27at 3 p.m.

Registration is required.

Mobile Career Center visits libraries

The Maryland JobSource Mobile Career Center will be at Lexington Park branch on Jan. 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Job seekers can receive assistance with job related needs and get registered with the Maryland Workforce Exchange.

Word and Excel classes offered

Charlotte Hall branch will offer an introductory class to Word 2010 on Jan. 23 at 2 p.m. Adults will need basic computers skills to register.

Adults can register for an intermediate Excel 2010 class scheduled at the Leonardtown branch on Jan. 29 at 5:30 p.m. Basic Excel skills are required.

Art contest underway for teens

Teens can design a new cover for a book for the Teen Coverflip Art Contest. Entries are due March 1 and must be flat, no larger than 8 ∏ x11 and original. They can use any media from pencil to photography to computergenerated. The original book title and author must be included on the entry.

The artwork will be displayed in the Art Gallery at the Lexington Park branch during the month of March. The public will have the chance to vote for their favorite for the Viewer’s Choice award. An overall winner will be selected by judges for the Library Choice award. Winners and prizes will be awarded at the Closing Reception on March 31.

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The County Times

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Thursday, January 16, 2014

The County Times

Applications for Conservation Stewardship Program Due Feb. 7 USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Maryland is encouraging producers to sign up for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) in fiscal year 2014. Now until Feb. 7, producers interested in participating in the program can submit applications to NRCS field offices statewide.

“Through CSP, farmers and forest landowners are undertaking additional conservation activities to conserve our nation’s resources,” said NRCS State Conservationist Jon Hall. “Through their conservation actions, they are ensuring that their operations are more profitable, productive and sustainable over the long run.”

The program emphasizes conservation performance — producers earn higher payments for higher performance. In CSP, producers install conservation enhancements to make positive changes in soil quality, soil erosion, water quality, water quantity, air quality, plant resources, animal resources and energy.

Conservation enhancements in Maryland include planting cover crop and cover crop mixes, using deep rooted crops for soil compaction, and leaving standing crops for wildlife, among others that benefit soil and water quality and wildlife habit. A complete list of enhancements is available on the NRCS website. Eligible lands include cropland, pastureland, and nonindustrial private forest land; participants must enroll their entire agricultural operation in CSP. Eligible landowners and operators in all states and territories can enroll in CSP through Feb. 7 to be eligible during the 2014 federal fiscal year. While local NRCS offices accept CSP applications year round, NRCS evaluates applications during announced ranking periods. To be eligible for this year’s enrollment, producers must have their applications submitted to NRCS by the closing date.

A CSP self-screening checklist is available to help potential applicants determine if CSP is suitable for their operation. It is available from local NRCS offices and on the Maryland NRCS website. As part of the CSP application process, applicants work with NRCS field personnel to determine their conservation performance, which will be used to determine eligibility, ranking and payments.

Learn more about CSP by visiting the NRCS website or a local NRCS field office.

In Our Community

Loss of Child Conference for Parents

Hospice of St. Mary’s is hosting “Shattered Hearts,” a free conference for parents who are dealing with the aftermath of the loss of an infant, youth or adult child. The program is Feb. 8 and will be held at the Patuxent Presbyterian Church at 23421 Kingston Creek Rd. in California, Md. Melinda Ruppert of Mechanicsville, Md., will be the featured guest speaker. Ruppert is a well-known community member who lost her 11-year old son to cancer in March 2012. The program is specifically for the parents and is not at an appropriate level for siblings or others.

Sponsored by the Hospice Bereavement Center, the conference is from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with registration at 8:30 a.m. Lunch is available for $5 per person. Advance lunch reservations and payment is required by Jan. 25. Hospice will have child care available free of charge for participants For more information and to register, please call the Hospice Bereavement Center at 301-994-3078 by Jan. 25.

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The County Times

In Our Community

By Kimberly Alston Contributing Writer On Thursday, Jan. 23, the Calvert County Public Library Twin Beaches Branch will be hosting “An Evening of Romance with Author, Mary Blayney”.

Blayney is most known for her romance novels, of which she has written 19.

The evening will consist of Blayney speaking of the history and evolution of romance novels in the past 20-30 years and how it has affected reading habits, while in a coffee/ dessert style evening, ending with a question and answer session with the author.

Blayney said that she began writing romance novels in the 80’s as a way to incorporate “happy endings” into her stories. As a history major in college, Blayney was very interested

Thursday, January 16, 2014

30

Romance in the Regency Period

in the Regency Period (1810-1820) in England and because of that; several of her books are set in that time period.

In addition to that, because of authors like Jane Austen, the Regency period is one of the most popular periods in the romance genre.

Blayney started writing romance novels after writing for a while. After the success of her first two books, Blayney said that she sold nothing for the next 12 years. When one of her friends suggested that she would be good at writing romance novels she decided to give it a try.

As a way to keep her stories original yet vaguely similar, Blayney centers her stories around families and not just the romance factor itself. For each of her books, Blayney creates character sketches for the hero and heroine in each book and treats her characters as

individuals with each character developing their own personalities.

Blayney encourages all of those who are interested in writing and having their creations published to try to stick to either a common theme or a common genre in order to avoid hardships that come with trying to find a traditional publisher.

When writing a series of books, Blayney said that she tries to keep one element the same throughout the series. For example, in one of her series, Blayney kept a magic coin, which granted wishes according to what the coin perceived the wishes to mean.

She also makes each book stand alone, meaning that while the books could continue, and sometimes do, they could end with the prevalent issue being resolved.

Blayney will be making an appearance at the Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch, 3819 Harbor Rd, in Chesapeake Beach at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23. Many of her books are available for checkout at the Calvert Libraries. They will also be available for signing and purchase at the event.

Photos courtesy of Mary Blayney

For more information, contact the library at calvert.lib.md.us/twin.html or 410-257-2411. kimberlyalston@countytimes.net

CAT OF THE WEEK

My name is Raven and I am one lucky girl. One of the FCR volunteers had just gone up to the kill shelter to rescue some kitties. She got the number she came for, but I was brought in with my two babies named Sammy and Davey. There were only 4 weeks old and the shelter can’t hold kittens that young because it takes too long for them to become adoptable. Adults are rarely chosen over kittens and black cats have even less of a chance of being adopted. People have their superstitions. We were doomed. Lucky for us, diane took us home and we have been with her ever since. I jumped into her lap and purred because I was so happy. I am about one or two years old and I am very friendly. I hope my lucky streak will continue and that I will find a home of my own. Since I am an adult, I only cost $75 and I am fully vetted. If you are interested in adopting me, please fill out an application at http://www.feralcatrescuemd.org/uploads/2013_Adoption_Application.pdf and email it to Diane at diane@ feralcatrecuemd.org.

At this time Feral Cat Rescue has free spay/neuter grants for cats in zip code 20659. We lend traps so the feral cats can be caught and vetted.

Call 301-475-5059 for grants.

Thanks, Raven

31

The County Times

Thursday, January 16, 2014

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

Oyster Aquaculture

Oysters are filter feeders – they filter the water eating algae and microscopic animals, while constantly removing sediments from the water column and placing them onto the bottom. An adult oyster (about 3-4 inches long) filters 60 gallons of water a day. Historically, oysters could filter the entire Chesapeake Bay waters in about three and a half days – today it takes more than half a year. Oysters, with their ability to cleanse our bays and tidal rivers, are an essential component in the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay.

Additionally, oysters create threedimensional habitats called reefs that attract a diverse assortment of plants and animals. Many of these animals are also filter feeders such as barnacles and shrimp. Blennies and Skilletfish abound in the oyster reef colony feeding on the smaller filter feeders, all the time trying not to become dinner for larger fish. Mature oysters bars are excellent places to fish for perch, rockfish, speckled trout, and croakers.

Oysters grown under residential docks provide miniature oyster reef habitats.

Growing oysters is an excellent way to help clean the water and, in time, enjoy eating one of the Chesapeake Bay’s finest culinary treats.

Maryland residents can receive income tax credits of up to $500.00 per taxpayer to offset the cost of growing oysters at home under their dock.

Marylanders Grow Oysters The Marylanders Grow Oysters program is active in three rivers in St. Mary’s County – the lower Patuxent River, Wicomico River, and St. Mary’s River. Volunteers steward baby oysters through their first vulnerable year of life by tending them in cages tied to their dock. The year-old oysters are then placed onto a sanctuary reef within that river.

To learn how you can volunteer, visit: smrwa.org/mdgrowoysters.html Where to get help with...

OYSTER AQUACULTURE QUESTIONS • St. Mary’s River Watershed Association, 301-737-2903 or SMRWA.org/ mdgrowoysters.html

This is the thirty-second in a series of articles that Mary Ann Scott (scottmaryann9@gmail.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!

From

My B

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are you Bay-Wise?

Bay-Wise landscapes minimize negative impacts on our waterways by using smarter lawn management techniques and gardening practices. The University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Bay-Wise program in St. Mary’s County offers hands-on help with managing your landscape by providing information, a site visit, and landscape certifications.

Our yardstick checklist is easy to understand and follow, and our team of trained Master Gardeners can help guide you through it while offering suggestions to improve both the appearance and sustainability of your landscape.

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The County Times

Thursday, January 16, 2014

32

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.

Thursday, Jan. 16 Decompression Night Patuxent River Naval Air Museum (22156 Three Notch Road, Lexington) - 4 p.m.

This is an evening reception and a chance to “kick back” after work.

Tickets are $6 for Association members and $8 for nonmembers. A ticket will get you music provided by Billy Breslin, appetizers from Quality Street Catering, non-alcoholic beverages and more. Wine and beer will be available for purchase for $4 per glass of wine or bottle of beer. There will be a great selection of beverages from Blue Wind Gourmet. Tickets will be available from PRNAMA Board of Directors, Event Committee members, at the PRNAM Flightline Gift Shop, as well as at the door on the night of the event. You can also email PRNAMAEVENTSCOMM@ gmail.com for information.

Friday, Jan. 17 Angry Birds Leonardtown Library (23250 Hollywood Road, Leonard) – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Children ages five to 10 can drop in and build towers and catapults, then play life-sized Angry Birds.

301-475-2846 Horse Camp for a Day Greenwell State Park (25450 Rosedale Manor Lane, Hollywood) - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Greenwell Foundation offers one-day horse camps that coincide with days off from St. Mary’s County Public Schools. These camps are similar to our summer program.

Campers ride in the morning, do crafts related to horses, have a horse care talk, play games and explore the erinG PlAc e

A GAth

park. Cost is $60 per camper or $50 per rider per sibling. For ages 7 to 14.

Saturday Jan. 18 DAR Work Shop Lexington Park Library (21677 FDR Bd., Lexington Park) - 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Registrar of Major William Thomas Chapter DAR is conducting a workshop for women who are interested in membership in the National Daughters of The American Revolution. If you are interested, please contact Lorrie Wallace before January 16th. Reservations not required but space is limited.

Phone: 301-475-2205 or E-mail: lorrieb@xecu.net Southern Maryland Decorative Painters Charlotte Hall Branch, St. Mary’s County Library (37600 New Market Road, Charlotte Hall) - 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

This chapter of the Society of Decorative Painters offers opportunities to learn the art of decorative painting, known to some as tole painting. We hold business meetings on alternate months followed by a “paint-in” or class. During the other monthly meetings, we paint the entire time. Guests are welcome to visit and participate at two meetings per calendar year prior to joining. Anyone interested in painting with us is welcome to check us out. For more info, please contact Debbie Williams at dwilliams36800@gmail.com or 240-298-6474.

Sunday Jan. 19 Turkey Shoot Mechanicsville Moose Lodge (27636 Mechanicsville Road, Mechanics-

THIS WEEKEND!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16TH B & B Express A great duo to dance to!

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17TH Pounding Sand Their last show!

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18TH

Motown at Night! • The Winstons Trio!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19TH D.J. Dogg 3 - 7 P.M.

301-373-2955 • 23971 Mervell Dean Rd • Hollywood, MD 20636

ville) - noon to 3:30 p.m.

Sign up starts at noon and shoot starts 1 p.m. Shoot for prizes, money, and more. Call Jimmy Suite at 240417-5767 for further info.

Herbalife Shake Party Nutrition Hot Spot (45370 Alton Lane, California) - 1 to 3 p.m.

Don’t let the winter weather get you down, because, before you know it, summer will be here and you may wish you had gotten in shape and felt your best! So come check out all of our all-natural products. Bring a friend, share this and, if anything, come to learn about healthy nutrition and try some samples. No pressure, no commitments, just fun. The products, including a specific men and women’s product line and a skin line, help with weight loss, weight management, athletic performance, heart health, digestive health and increasing energy. For more information or questions, please contact Christie Heard-Rawlings at 301-904-9471 or christie.rawlings@live.com.

Southern Maryland Bridal Expo Bay District Volunteer Fire Department (46900 So. Shangri La Drive, Lexington Park) - 11:30 a.m.

Southern Maryland’s Premier Bridal Show, featuring 32 vendors, door prizes and a grand prize of a wedding gown up to $1,000 in value, compliments of BDVFD, from Today’s Bride. Only Brides are eligible to win prizes and must be present to win. All proceeds benefit the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department.

Please register in advance online at www.bdvfd.org. You can still fill out the registration form at the door the day of the show. Admission is free.

Monday, Jan. 20 10th Annual Southern Maryland Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s J. Frank Raley Great Room (18952 E. Fisher Road St. Mary’s City) - 6:00 a.m.

St. Mary’s College of Maryland, the St. Mary’s County Human Relations Commission, St. Mary’s County Public Schools and the College of Southern Maryland sponsor the Prayer Breakfast. Breakfast, which is $10 at the door, begins at 6 a.m.

The program, which is free and open to the public, starts at 8 a.m.

Dyslexia Support Network of Southern Maryland Patuxent Presbyterian Church (2341 Kingston Creek Road, California) - 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Parents, teachers and caregivers of students who struggle to read and write are invited to network and learn more about how to help students with dyslexia.

For more information, contact Laura Schultz at 703-477-4847.

Horse Camp for a Day Greenwell State Park (25450 Rosedale Manor Lane, Hollywood) - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Greenwell Foundation offers one-day horse camps that coincide with days off from St. Mary’s County Public Schools. These camps are similar to our summer program.

Campers ride in the morning, do crafts related to horses, have a horse care talk, play games and explore the park. Cost is $60 per camper or $50 per rider per sibling. For ages 7 to 14 years old.

Mike Batson Photography

Freelance Photographers

Events Weddings Family Portraits 301-938-3692 mikebatsonphotography@hotmail.com https://www.facebook.com/mikebatsonphotography

33

The County Times

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Children’s Choir Auditions St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (4535 Piney Church Rd, Waldorf) – 6 p.m.

Schubert Singers, a concert choir for children, is open by audition to girls and boys with unchanged voices, ages 5 to 17, who like to sing beautiful music. It is comprised of the Preparatory Choir for beginner singers, the Schubert Ensemble for intermediate singers and the Schubert Chorale for experienced singers. The singers learn and perform folk songs, spirituals, rounds and music by classical and contemporary composers that is especially suited to the young voice. Parents of interested singers may visit our website, schubertsingers.org, or contact Paula FitzGerald at 301-512-1183 or schubertsingers@ gmail.com to register their children for an audition time.

Tuesday, Jan. 21 Meet & Greet St. Mary’s Ryken (22600 Camp Calvert Road, Leonardtown) - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Want to know more about

St. Mary’s Ryken and our college-prep curriculum?

St. Mary’s Ryken invites you to a “Meet and Greet” in Romuald Hall.

This is a great opportunity for families to meet the administration.

Prospective students who attend the event will receive a free ticket to the SMR Varsity boys’ basketball game against Archbishop Carroll at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.smrhs.org/admissions or contact the admissions office at 301-373-4183/4184.

Wednesday, Jan. 22 Eat Wings. Raise Funds.

Buffalo Wild Wings, (46370 Lexington Village Way, Lexington Park) - 5 p.m.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake is holding a monthly fundraiser at Buffalo Wild Wings® on every fourth Thursday of the month from 5 p.m. to closing. Everyone is invited to gather for dinner or a snack. On this day, 10 percent of all food purchases will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great-

er Chesapeake. Proceeds will benefit children and youth in St. Mary’s, Charles and Calvert Counties.

Thursday, Jan. 23 Chili Night VFW 2632 (23282 Three Notch Rd, California) - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Warm up with a delicious cup or bowl of Chili. Get a cup $2 or a bowl for $5. You can add toppings for 50 cents each, such as cheese sauce, shredded cheese, Fritos, fresh onions or sour cream. There will also be fries for $2 and chili fries for $4. The chili is homemade and won’t disappoint you!

Saturday, Jan. 25 Dreams Studio of Dance Designer Bag Bingo Mechanicsville Rescue Squad (28120 Old Flora Corner Rd, Mechanicsville) – 1 to 4 p.m.

Please help the dancers raise competition fees for the 2014 season. All proceeds go to the dancers. Doors open at noon and games start at 1

p.m. Tickets are $25. For advance reservations, email denkat2012@yahoo.com. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. There will also be baked goods, a silent auction, raffles, door prizes and 50/50 drawing. For additional information, contact Tara Anderson at dreamsstudioofdance@yahoo.com.

Breton Bay Polar Bear Plunge Breton Bay Beach (at the end of Society Hill Road, Leonardtown) - 1 to 2 p.m.

This is a free event. Bring a canned or dry food, or a monetary donation, to benefit St. Mary’s Caring Soup Kitchen. Bring a shareable snack or appetizer and drink of your choice to the post-plunge party, which is immediately afterward at Avenmar Community Center off of Bretmar Drive, in Leonardtown. Good music and a roaring fire are provided. Find us on Facebook at Breton Bay Polar Bear Plunge or email bonesinpax@ gmail.com for more information.

CHURCH SERVICES DIRECTORY Running the 1st & 3rd Week of Each Month

To Advertise in the Church Services Directory, Call The County Times at 301-373-4125

ANGLICAN

BAPTIST CHURCH

THE ANGLICAN MISSION OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND

HUGHESVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH

Sundays - 10 AM 41695 Fenwick Street Unit 3 Leonardtown, MD 20650 301/475-9337 www.amosm.net

BAHA’I FAITH BAHA’I FAITH God is One, Man is One, and All Religions are One

Discussions 3rd Wed. 7-8 Lex Pk Library, Longfellow Rm 301-884-8764 or www.bahai.org

A member of the Southern Baptist Convention 8505 Leonardtown Road, Hughesville, MD 20637 301-884-8645 or 301-274-3627 Transitional Pastor Dr. Ron Blankenship Associate Pastor Kevin Cullins

• Sunday Morning Worship • Sunday School (all ages) • Sunday Evening Worship & Bible Study • Wednesday Discipleship Classes (Adults, youth & Children)

10:30am 9:15 am 6:00 pm 7:00 pm

CATHOLIC CHURCH St. Cecelia Church

47950 Mattapany Rd, PO Box 429 St. Mary’s City, MD 20686 301-862-4600 Vigil Mass: 4:30 pm Saturday Sunday: 8:00 am Weekday (M-F): 7:30 am Confessions: 3-4 pm Saturday www.stceciliaparish.com

BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH Victory Baptist Church 29855 Eldorado Farm rd CharlottE hall, md 20659

301-884-8503

Order Of gOOd news services sun schOOl, all ages…...............10:00 sun mOrning wOrship.............…11:00 sun evening wOrship….................7:00 wed evening prayer mtg.........…7:00

ProClaiming thE ChangElEss word in a Changing world.

Jesus saves victOrybaptistchurchmd.Org

The County Times

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Entertainment

34

My Own Religion

By Kimberly Alston Contributing Writer As an artist, who has been living out his passion for making music since the age of seven, Von Tae is both a singer and a songwriter who has made himself known through websites such as Twitter, YouTube and the like.

Growing up in foster care from an early age, Von Tae is no stranger to struggles and hard times. His first album, “Broken Boundaries of Existence,” released those struggles in an open forum, as it was focused on the emotions from living in the program. Von Tae is set to release his sophomore promo album, “My Own Religion” independently, through his website, on Jan. 21. He said that this album will focus on the bottled up emotions from “living under someone else’s thoughts and opinions” while in the foster care system as well as from others that didn’t believe that he could achieve his goals.

Growing up, Von Tae was always surrounded by music. He feels as though that passion may have been in his blood as he has found that several members of his family, including his grandmother, who was a part of a female singing group, had been involved with either singing or dancing in some way or another.

Von Tae feels as though he has evolved as both an artist and a person. In his professional life, his music has evolved from taking a pop/R&B type of style and integrating some of his roots as a poet, producing more of a hip hop influenced creation. He has tried to create empowering music, aimed at those who may feel as though they are “less than” and encourage them to live their life and own their own destiny.

He said that there is a definite message in the music on this album, which comes across in certain songs

Photos courtesy of Von Tae

in particular. The second single, “Natural Born Sinner” Von Tae feels can speak to most anyone and according to him, basically says that, “you can’t always been as perfect as society wants you to be, and that’s okay”. In addition, the title track, “My Own Religion” gives the message of, “This is my life and I’m going to live it my way”. He went on to say that he wanted to know that whatever happened in his life was because of him. “If I fail, I want to know that it was because of my decisions and not because of what someone else wanted for me,” he said.

While still a relatively new artist, Von Tae has

gotten at least some exposure as his first album, released in 2012 helped his earn a “Male R&B Artist of the Year” nomination by the All Star Music Awards.

The album, Von Tae said, “is very honest and comes from a deep place. It is authentic, from the heart and self-written. It’s bigger than me, I want everyone to be liberated.” “My Own Religion” will be released Jan. 21, solely on Von Tae’s official website as a free download. For more information, visit www.theofficialvontae.com kimberlyalston@countytimes.net

A Festival of One Acts

By Kimberly Alston Contributing Writer The Delaplane Performing Arts Center Mount St. Mary’s University will host the 2014 Maryland Community Theatre Festival on Jan. 17 through the 19. The festival will feature several performances written and acted out by various members of the community.

One such member is Kay Poiro, who wrote the play

“Slick Dame” which will be performed during session two of the festival. “Slick Dame” follows the story of a husband and wife on Valentine’s Day, that are continually interrupted by their children. Poiro said that the play, a comedy, was written in only about three hours and is a comedy that was, “inspired by a coat rack”, as a prop that she wrote around.

Poiro has had plays performed all over the United States and every continent except Africa and South

America.

The Deleplane Performing Arts Center is located at 16300 Old Emmitsburg Road in Emmitsburg,. Tickets are $15 per person. There are three sessions that encompass the festival, approximately one per day. For more information, call 301-447-5308 kimberlyalston@countytimes.net

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The County Times

Thursday, January 16, 2014

n O g n Goi

In Entertainment

Thursday, Jan. 16

Anthony Kearns Severna Park High School (60 Robinson Rd, Severna Park) – 7:30 p.m.

Swamp Candy Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Rd, Dowell) – 8 p.m Comedy Night DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 8:30 p.m.

B&B Express Toot’s Bar (23971 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood)

Friday, Jan. 17 Musician Protection Program Westlawn Inn (9200 Chesapeake Avenue, North Beach) – 7:30 p.m.

Three Amigoes Chiefs (44584 Tall Timbers Rd Tall Timbers ) - 8 to 11 p.m.

Lissie & Brian Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Rd, Dowell) – 8 p.m Pounding Sand Toot’s Bar (23971 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood) – 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Saturday, Jan. 18 Jim Ritter and the Creole Gumbo Jazz Band Westlawn Inn (9200 Chesapeake Avenue, North Beach) – 7:30 p.m.

Miles of Clever The Tavern (4975 St Leonard Rd, St Leonard) – 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Black Friday Cryer’s Back Road Inn (22094 Newtowne Neck Road, Leonardtown) – 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Motown at Night Toot’s Bar (23971 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood) The Winstons Trio Toot’s Bar (23971 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood)

Sunday, Jan. 19 Blues Concert Parish Hall of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (25 Church St, Prince Frederick) – 2 to 3:30 p.m.

D.J. Dogg Toot’s Bar (23971 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood) - 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 20 Team Trivia Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Karaoke Night Toot’s Bar (23971 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood) – 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Now Arriving

SpriNg LAwN & pAtio

FurNiture At outlet Discount pricing

Tuesday, Jan. 21 Jim Bennett Motown Live Martini’s Lounge (10553 Theodore Green Boulevard, White Plains) – 7 to 10 p.m.

Open Mic Anthony’s Bar and Grill (10371 Southern Maryland Boulevard, Dunkirk) – 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.

John Shaw The Tavern (4975 St Leonard Rd, St Leonard, MD 20685) – 6 to 9 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 info@ somdpublishing.net. Please submit calendar listings by 12 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to our Thursday publication.

Email in your Engagement Announcement Today!

It’s Free! angiestalcup@countytimes.net

Seasonal OUTLET CENTER McKay’s Plaza, Charlotte Hall

301-884-8682 • 301- 274-0615 Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat: 10 am - 7pm Sunday: 10am - 4pm Closed Tuesdays

The County Times

Thursday, January 16, 2014

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 Rentals Peaceful 3 Bed Room, 2 1/2 Bath Split Foyer with a f lat fenced in backyard.

Excellent for family with children. On a no thru street. House is located in White Sands Development approx .5 miles from Route 4, and about 20 miles from Pax Air Station. Quiet friendly, neighbors. Large Master Bedroom with walkin closet. Huge attic with lots of storage space, Full size laundry room with washer and dryer. Recently remodeled bathrooms. New f looring on first f loor. 8x8 wooden shed for storage. Pets on case by case basis. For more information please email kirks. est.2004@gmail.com or call Mark at 301-751-9309.

Publication Days

The County Times is published each Thursday.

Deadlines are Wednesday at 12 noon Office hours are: Monday thru Friday 8am - 4pm

Important Information

The County Times will not be held responsible for any ads omitted for any reason. The Ccounty Times reserves the right to edit or reject any classified ad not meeting the standards of The County Times. 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

Employment

L

everything amish

Wine & Craft Beer Position

Seeking Dynamic Assistant Football Coaches

for Freshman, JV & Varsity HS football program. Need dedicated individuals with specialty skill sets to include D-line and WR training. Ability to teach and transfer knowledge to athletes a must.

These positions are time intensive. Must be available @ 3pm sharp.

Only serious applicants need apply.

Must possess the ability to pass criminal background check required to work with youth.

Send resume and qualifications to LHSQBC2013@gmail.com.

are you looking for a new career?

WE ARE HIRING

we are looking for YOU to join our team of sales professionals in our St. Mary’s and Calvert Publications

call us right away!

301-373-4125

Furniture For Life

Help Wanted Furniture Sales

Requirements: Some Computer Skills Full Time Position Come in and Fill Out an Application Contact 301-932-4164 1/2 Mile North of the 231 Bypass

7700 Leonardtown rd. hughesville, mD 20637

(Calvert County)

Maryland Wine & Craft Beer distributor looking for qualified and experienced sales person for Calvert County territory. We offer comprehensive salary with eventual conversion to commission (when territory generates more commission than salary). We offer monetary support for cell phone and car use. We offer medical and dental insurance and a 401K plan with generous matching funds.

Please email resume and salary history to Lax422@aol.com ATTN H/R Sales

www.everythingamish.net

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR The St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission (MetCom) provides water and sewer services for residents and businesses in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. MetCom has a customer base of over 16,000 and exceeds $20 million in annual revenues. There is an immediate opening for an Assistant Director.

The Assistant Director works very closely with the Commission’s Executive Director on a day-to day basis; assists the Executive Director with the management of the Commission’s operations and the oversight of its employees by ensuring that the Executive Director’s directives and assignments are carried out in an expedient and professional manner. The position provides direct administrative support to the Executive Director; represents the Executive Director before various county, state, and federal agencies, committees, commissions, and elected and appointed officials; and serves in the Executive Director’s capacity when the Executive Director is absent for extended periods of time.

This position prepares the Administrative Department’s annual operating budget and coordinates the preparation of the MetCom annual operating budgets and capital improvement budgets by the other Departments.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in related discipline plus seven or more years of relevant experience; or Master’s degree in related discipline plus five or more years of relevant experience; Financial and budgetary experience a plus.

Salary: Minimum starting salary $90,050 DOQ. Excellent benefit package.

Applicants are strongly urged to request a copy of the position description to review the complete list of employment requirements.

Position is open until filled. Applicants must complete a MetCom application.

MetCom does not discriminate on the basis of race, marital status, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental handicap, political affiliation, or other non-merit factors.

Send e-mail, fax, or mail resume and salary requirements to the following:

or e-mail us at info@countytimes.net

St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission Attn: Director of Human Resources 23121 Camden Way California, Maryland 301-737-7459 (fax) mchr@metcom.org

TEL: 301-373-4125 • FAX: 301-373-4128 • sales@countytimes.net

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Thursday, January 16, 2014

Business

The County Times

Directory Phone 301-884-5900 1-800 524-2381

Phone 301-934-4680 Fax 301-884-0398

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AssoCiAtes, inC. Serving The Great Southern Maryland Counties since 1994 Employer/Employee

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Your Online Community For Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties www.somd.com

REGULAR PRICE: $65 Per Week In Each Newspaper Contact Cindi: 301-373-4125 sales@ countytimes.net

TEL: 301-373-4125 • FAX: 301-373-4128 • bizdirect@countytimes.net

The County Times

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Games

49. Stuart Little’s author White 51. Male sheep 52. Indian dresses 54. Pears 56. Tardy arriver 60. Smudge of ink 61. Youngsters 62. About aviation 63. Small ornamental ladies’ bag 64. Unreturnable serves 65. Fante and Twi peoples 66. Round shape 67. Of she 68. Beard lichen genus CLUES DOWN 1. Strikes lightly 2. Fencing sword 3. Hooked pericarp 4. Entreats 5. Edison’s Corp.

6. Cooks in an oven 7. Amounts of time 8. Tooth caregiver 9. Spellbind 10. Solo opera piece 11. Audible exhales 12. Siddhartha author

14. Coach’s game area 17. Gross revenue 20. Toff 21. 1896 Italian defeat (alt. sp.)

23. Auto fuel 25. A woven structure 26. Reveal a secret 27. Hawaiian geese 29. Brings into being 30. Displaced liquid 32. Frigid Zone 34. Newsman Rather 35. Prefix for inside 37. Short-billed rails 40. Sensory receptor 42. Egyptian temple ___-Ombo 43. Challenges 47. Photograph (slang) 49. Declined gradually 50. Tilapia nilotica 52. One-edge sword 53. Wets 55. Small coins (French) 56. Twine together 57. The middle point 58. Sea eagle 59. Activist Parks 61. Humbug 65. Atomic #79

Last Week’s Puzzle Solutions

e i d d i K Kor

ner

CLUES ACROSS 1. Correct code 6. Foundation 9. A pulpy condition 13. Venezuelan river 14. Orange-red chalcedony 15. The shallowest Great 16. Floating ice mountain 17. Japanese cervids 18. Special Interest Groups 19. Divertimentos 21. Indian wet nurses 22. Flatfishes 23. Haitian currency (abbr.)

24. Southeast 25. One point N of due W 28. 10 decibels 29. Wild oxes of SE Asia 31. Ancient Greek City of SW Italy 33. A passing glancing blow 36. Marriage announcement 38. Tandoor bread 39. Mag_____: Time 41. Portended 44. Alicante’s 7th city 45. Gulf of, in the Aegean 46. Strike 48. Hill (Celtic)

38

39

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Wanderings of anAimless

d

Min

“35 Years Already?”

By Shelby Oppermann Contributing Writer Yes, I just received that highly anticipated, yet highly dreaded notification: It’s time to plan for our 35th high school reunion! Oh No!!!! It’s this year? Really? I wrote back on the facebook post that I must not have been paying attention – and I meant that.

Marilynda, our reunion coordinator, is organized and on the ball. She has already set the date for the planning meeting at the end of the month. Everyone sounds ready. Well if this doesn’t kick start diet mode into action I don’t know what will. I’ve already started drinking more water when I think I feel hungry. What about my hair?! And I am a bit lumpier and bumpier now than I was five years ago – but I am who I am. All I can hope is that we have low lighting and lots of pre-dinner cocktails.

As our Surrattsville High School archivist; the keeper of all things paper and photographic no matter how trivial or small, except for the actual “Great Class of ‘65’s” winning basketball, I usually bring some sort of display. Our class specific reunion display won’t be 30 feet long like the All Class Reunion display. I may not bring anything to display. I think it was the 20th reunion that we had at The Colony South Hotel in Clinton where it took me so long to set up the display and then show curious classmates memorabilia that I missed the dinner.

I went back to my seat and the $50 plate full of food was gone! I’d like to be able to enjoy the night.

Our 30th reunion was held in a hall in Annapolis, and was a fun night of dancing and catching up. My husband wanted to dance more than I did – which is very unusual. We blended two years at that reunion – so we had ’78 graduates plus our ’79 grads. I don’t know why I was so scared to dance – I think it was because the upperclassmen/women were there and I was in frozen mode – upperclassmen are still the people you look up to. I was fairly shy in high school, and didn’t talk a whole lot. I had my best friends and a group of friends that I did things with. My husband finds it so hard to believe that I didn’t talk a lot then. I tell him it’s his fault for always asking me what’s on my mind. I knew he wouldn’t really want to know.

I run into so many people from school here in St. Mary’s County, and our surrounding counties that the reunion won’t be too surprising. And of course, with facebook, you get to know what people are doing through the newsfeed. I did embarrass myself at Bert’s Diner a week or so ago by asking someone if they were so and so from Surrattsville. All four people just laughed and never really answered me. I won’t ask anyone again I suppose.

I took a circuitous route through high school, another one through my college years, and an even more circuitous route to where I am today. I’ve earned every lump and bump, every pound, and the right to look back at who I was in each stage with compassion, understanding, and gratefulness for all that was good. The trick now is to feel that same way about who I am today and to enjoy and understand this time in my life…and of course to dance, no matter who will see.

To each new year’s adventure, Shelby Please send your comments or ideas to: shelbys.wanderings@yahoo.com or find me on facebook: Shelby Oppermann

The County Times

Book Review

“The Invention of Wings”

by Sue Monk Kidd

c.2013, Viking • $27.95 / $32.95 Canada • 373 pages

By Terri Schlichenmeyer OW contributor Your best friend has been all a-flutter about something lately.

You haven’t seen much of her, in fact. She’s been sticking close to her nest but that’s okay.

Next time you get together, it’ll be just like you were never apart.

That’s the way a long-time friendship is: no matter how much you don’t see one another, you know your friend is somewhere and, as in the new novel “The Invention of Wings” by Sue Monk Kidd, she’ll come flying when you need her.

Eleven-year-old Sarah Grimké did not want to own a human.

Already at that age, she understood that it was wrong to have slaves but Mother insisted. The Grimkés were one of Charleston’s finest families.

It would be unseemly for a proper young lady to be without her own handmaid. So for Sarah’s birthday, Mother gave her Hetty, also known as Handful.

For most of her nine years, Handful figured she’d be a seamstress like her mauma, but it wasn’t to be. After she was given to Miss Sarah, she was told that she was to sleep outside Miss Sarah’s bedroom, like a personal servant would do. But most nights, Handful crept away to Mauma, where she listened to stories of her granny-mauma, and laid beneath quilts that gave her dreams of flight.

Though Sarah tried to give Handful her freedom, it wasn’t allowed by law so she did the next best thing: she taught Handful to read, which was

also illegal. They would both be punished for it: Handful, by lash and Sarah, by banishment from her father’s library. It was the final straw for Sarah, who suddenly understood that she would never become a lawyer like her brothers.

No, society was where Sarah belonged, though she thought it dreadful. Once she entered a world of dances and parties, she rarely saw Handful. Sarah didn’t need a handmaid any more and Mother was happy to have Handful back. Handful had become quite the seamstress.

But Handful had also found life outside the homestead walls, sneaking out as much as she could - though if caught, punishment would be swift and harsh but she wasn’t afraid. They could own her body. They would never own her mind.

Sweeping, reaching, and maybe just a tad too long, “The Invention of Wings” is one of those books that pulls you into another world and makes you believe.

That’s because, as you’ll learn by reading the author’s notes, Sue Monk Kidd based a lot of this novel on reality. Yes, there really was a Sarah Grimke, about whom Kidd says she wanted to write a “thickly imagined story….” She succeeds at that endeavor by adding Handful and her mauma. The anger that bubbles just beneath these two characters’ lives, the hopes they harbor and the plotting they do makes this book what it is.

And what it is, is near-perfect. For book clubs and Saturday afternoons, bedtime and lunchtime, if you’re looking for the years’ first great novel, here you go. “The Invention of Wings” absolutely soars.

DECOMPRESSION

Night at the Museum!

Light the Night at the Museum!

Special lighting at the museum will give a new look to our well-loved artifacts and memorabilia.

Start the weekend at the museum’s evening reception on January 16. Festivities start right after work and continue to 2000. We will be ready to serve you at 1600.

Billy Breslin will brighten your evening with his music.

MACH Combat & Flightline Gift Shop are open throughout the event.

Appetizers sponsored by Quality Street Catering.

Wine and Beer available from Blue Wind Gourmet.

Tickets are $8.00 for non-members, $6.00 for members.

Wine & Beer $4.00 For tickets or more information, please contact PRNAMA at 301-863-1900 or PRNAMAEVENTSCOMM@gmail.com

©Hank Caruso

Blue Wind Gourmet

Est. 2004

The County Times

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Cuddle up in your comfortable, energy-efficient home.

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Stay warm while saving energy and money.

Take a whole-house approach to energy efficiency. Get rebates up to $2,750 for improvements with SMECO’s Home Performance with ENERGY STARŽ program.

1. Start with a $100 home energy audit (a $400 value).

2. Review recommendations and potential savings.

3. Have your contractor make the improvements you choose.

4. Take advantage of SMECO rebates up to $2,750.

5. Relax in the increased comfort of your energyefficient home.

Book your audit today! Find a contractor at SMECO.coop/homeperformance or call 877-818-4094.

These programs support the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act.