2014-03-20 The County Times

Thursday, March 20, 2014 g Celebratin

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Thursday, March 20, 2014

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Thursday March 20, 2014 27 28

“We ending up paying the doctor to treat conditions that are preventable. So in the end, you either pay the farmer or pay the doctor.”

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— KC Schnitker, co-owner of Cristo Rey Farm .

4 Local News 10 Cops & Courts 12 Business 14 Letters 16 Education 22 Feature Story 24 Newsmaker 25 Navy News 26 Obituaries 28 Sports 30 History 30 Library Items 31 Home Page Community Calendar 32 34 Entertainment Entertainment Calendar 35 36 Community Business Directory 37 38 Games 38 Classifieds 39 Wanderings of an Aimless Mind 39 Health 39 Joyce to the World

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News

Newtowne Neck Residents Look to Park’s Future

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

The meeting took place Sunday but another with state officials from the Department of Natural Resources is planned for April 16, said Sen. Roy Dyson.

Dyson, who attended the parish meeting, said the state still had much to do to ensure that the park land would be safe but said the local residents would have a say in the park land’s future.

“They are going to be involved with the master plan,” Dyson said, adding that the community’s desire to keep the parkland, which surrounds the church that has stood since the 1700’s, “was probably going to be inevitable.”

He said the state would likely prohibit metal detectors at the park site because of the possible presence of munitions; visitors might not even be permitted to thrust an umbrella into the surf on the beach.

“There’s not an absolute guarantee they’ve gotten all the ordinance out,” Dyson said.

Dyson said the state fire marshal’s office would sweep the park one more time before the park reopens.

Newtowne Neck residents are continuing their push to ensure that they will have a seat at the negotiating table when it come to the future of the hundreds of acres of park land the state now owns there.

Members of the St. Francis Xavier Church parish and community members met over the weekend with local leaders to talk about their hopes for the park; many want to keep the park land there as undeveloped as possible to maintain its largely untouched condition.

Lynn Delahay, one of the community activists who pushed for the meeting, said local residents were wary of the state’s activities at the park since it has been closed for nearly two years due to the discovery of World War II-era ordinance.

She said getting information from the state on its plans for the park’s future has been difficult.

“We’re still fighting to get that master plan,” Delahay said. “We keep getting trickles of information.

“We just want to be at the table to help make decisions.”

guyleonard@countytimes.net

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House Passes Wind Turbine Moratorium

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The Southern Maryland delegation is one significant step closer to ensuring that wind turbines on the Easter Shore they say would interfere with critical air operations at Patuxent River Naval Air Station won’t be built anytime soon.

House Bill 1168, which puts a one year moratorium on a 25-unit wind turbine project in Somerset County, passed the full house vote by a 117-to-17 margin, said Del. John Bohanan, head of the St. Mary’s County delegation and a key proponent of the moratorium.

“It’s a good, strong vote to send the bill to the senate,” Bohanan said. “We now need to get it passed in the senate.”

The project is expected to come up with about $40 million of revenues over the 30 year life of the project for Somerset which is obviously a major consideration for them, but the operations at the naval base put $4.5 billion into the state’s coffers each year and supports jobs across the bay, moratorium proponents say.

But from the point of view on the Eastern Shore, where unemployment is much higher and salaries lower, the financial windfall from the project would be significant and even the state’s bureaucracy believes that a one-year moratorium could doom the project.

“While the bill places a one-year delay on construction, it may result in project failure if certain federal incentives expire or contractual timelines are not met,” an analysis of the bill’s fiscal impact states.

Commissioner Todd Morgan said the bill’s passage was a testament to the lobbying efforts of the regional delegations and to the fact that many believed the economic impact of the base greatly outweighed that of the potential turbine project.

The delegation isn’t against wind energy, it’s the position and distance to the base” that was the problem.

The proposed project put the wind turbines within a 46-mile radius of the base and the height of the towers — 600 feet — would play havoc with the sensitive radar systems used to control and monitor air traffic from the base and Wallops Island for naval aircraft undergoing testing, moratorium proponents have stated.

An amendment to the bill removes the requirement that wind turbines be no higher than 50 feet, instead turbine heights are allowed to increase the farther away they are positioned from the air base. guyleonard@countytimes.net

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Commissioners to Hold April Public Forum in Charlotte Hall The Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary’s County will host its April Public Forum at the Northern Senior Activity Center in Charlotte Hall. The forum will take place on Tuesday, April 1 at 6:30 p.m. The center is located at 29655 Charlotte Hall Road in Charlotte Hall. Citizens are invited to attend the forum and address the members of the Board of County Commissioners. This forum is a make-up from the originally scheduled March 4 forum, which was canceled due to snow.

The Public Forum will be videotaped and broadcast on Sunday, April 6 at 7 p.m. on St. Mary’s County Government TV 95 (SMCG TV 95) on Metrocast Cable. The forum will also be available for online viewing on the county’s website at www.stmarysmd.com. Simply click on SMCG TV 95 icon on the upper right of the screen. Once on the Channel 95 page go to the Board of County Commissioners video tab to the right of the screen and select 4/1/14 pm to view.

Anyone wishing to speak at the Public Forum will be allowed up to three minutes to address Commissioners. Those wishing to provide more detailed comments may do so via email or regular mail.

The Board of County Commissioners can be reached by e-mail at bocc@stmarysmd. com or by mail at Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary’s County, P.O. Box 653, Leonardtown, Md. 20650.

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Thursday, March 20, 2014

The County Times

Mikulski Visits BAE Systems

News

April Budget Hearing Set

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

Photo by Guy Leonard

Sen. Barbara Mikulski, right, speaks with BAE Systems Vice President Mark Keeler during a visit to their facility located in California during a jobs tour of Southern Maryland.

Much of the work BAE Systems does includes advanced communications systems of military, special operations forces and emergency responders and employee 750 people in Southern Maryland.

Local

County residents have several weeks to peruse the new budget the Board of County Commissioners have formulated for fiscal 2015; the public hearing for the $220 million budget is set for April 15 at Chopticon High School.

The recommended budget is about $6 million lower than what was requested and leaves property tax rates and the income tax rates unchanged at 85.7 cents for every $100 of assessed value and three percent respectively.

The budget does include a slight increase for the fire and rescue tax for the Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department from .044 to .056.

The commissioner board passed the budget with a 3-to-2 vote with Commissioners Lawrence Jarboe and Daniel Morris voting against it.

Morris said he was against many of

the new full time employees included in the proposed budget.

“My concern is with hiring the [full time employees] across the board,” Morris said.

The budget includes four more emergency call center dispatchers and allowances for up to 25 more employees for the school system.

Both the Board of Education and the sheriff’s office received increases in their budgets; the school board got an extra $4 million while the sheriff’s office got an extra $1 million for which vehicle replacements are intended.

Commissioner Todd Morgan voted in favor of the budget and said that the $805,000 in the public hearing reserve was a healthy one.

“I’m satisfied with where we are today with taking this budget to the public hearing,” Morgan said. guyleonard@countytimes.net

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News BENEFIT FOR RICHIE BOWLES MARCH 30,2014

NOON UNTIL…. $5.00 donation @ door @ THE DEW DROP INN, HOLLYWOOD MD 301-373-2301

Please join us in a fundraising event to help our dear friend Richie Bowles to get a prosthetic leg. Richie is a hardworking and well-loved person in our community. He has spent days on end in the hospital battling DIABETES and other medical conditions. Recently they had to remove part of his leg due to this disease. It is our goal to raise the money necessary to purchase the prosthetic leg as his insurance will not cover the expense. Our goal is $20,000.00

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Thursday, March 20, 2014

6

Changes to MetCom Moving Ahead

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Two bills that modify the ability of the Metropolitan Commission (MetCom) to collect unpaid water and sewer bills by taking property owners to tax sale have passed the state House of Delegates.

The first bill would require MetCom to establish procedures whereby a customer who was delinquent in their payments to apply for a waiver or a time extension for their overdue charges; the bill also allows customers to file an appeal with the Board of County Commissioners.

The first bill, HB 1530, was amended to remove the clause that effectively stripped MetCom of its ability to take delinquent homeowners to tax sale.

Del. John Bohanan, leader of the St. Mary’s County delegation and key proponent of the bill, said that the bill essentially gives the county’s water and sewer provider more options to collect bills instead of the one option of taking the property to immediate tax sale.

“That was one of the things MetCom told us was that they did not have those options before,” Bohanan said.

The other bill, HB 1531, would exempt public facilities like fire stations and rescue squads from service charges will they are used for “public purposes,” according to the text of the proposed laws.

Bohanan said the bill that gives more options to

homeowners to prevent tax sale was a reasonable one.

Before it becomes law, however, it must pass the full senate.

“MetCom… can prevent a homeowner from going to tax sale,” Bohanan said. “It leaves teeth in the law, it allows MetCom to recoup their losses.”

MetCom officials said publicly that losing the authority to use the tax sale option could cost them up to $2 million in accounts receivable every year.

The bill does not actually strip MetCom of its ability to use the tax sale option but instead allows homeowners to file for an extension to pay their back bills if they have fallen on financial hardship.

If the MetCom Board of Directors does not find that the extension plea is worthy then the homeowner can appeal that extension to either the Board of County Commissioners or to a body the commissioners designate to hear the appeal.

The issue came to a head late last year when 88-yearold Combs Toney, who lives on Hollywood Road in Leonardtown, faced losing his home to tax sale for some $700 in sewage services charges he had stopped paying.

For years Toney had paid for the sewage maintenance charge for a line running in front of his house that he was not even hooked up to.

“It’s a reasonable solution,” Bohanan said of the bill. guyleonard@countytimes.net

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Thursday, March 20, 2014

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The 31st annual St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks’ Easter Egg Festival features a number of changes this year for the enjoyment of all.

First, this year’s event will take place on Saturday, April 12. In past years the festival occurred between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Also, the festivities are moving to a new location ... the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds! The hours of the rain or shine event are being pushed back to 12 noon until 4 p.m.

The Easter Egg Festival has become a staple of the entire Southern Maryland community each spring featuring egg hunts for all ages, photos with the Easter Bunny, amusement rides, live entertainment, free arts and crafts, egg decorating contest, face painting and goods and services for sale by local area vendors.

For $5 attendees can participate in the egg hunt, have a photo taken with the Easter Bunny and enjoy local music and fun entertainment. Photography will be provided

by Lifetouch photography.

Additional fees apply for amusement rides and various on-site food vendors. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Recreation & Parks main office Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For a limited time, those

purchasing tickets in advance will be entered to win a $100 Recreation & Parks Gift Card.

Space is available for local vendors to participate. Recreation and Parks is also seeking donations and sponsorships. Please call for additional details.

This year Recreation and Parks is excited to announce Southern Maryland Oil as its event title sponsor. They will also return as the Gold Sponsor of the Scott Verbic Memorial Tournament.

Net proceeds from the Easter Egg Festival, along with the Scott Verbic Memorial Golf Tournament, are used to fund the Recreation & Parks Scholarship Program, which provides qualified individual applicants the opportunity to participate in an activity at a 50% discount of the registration fee.

For more information please visit www.stmarysmd.com/recreate/easter or call 301-475-4200 ext. 1800.

Recreation and Parks Seeks Summerstock Set Builder/Designer The Department of Recreation and Parks is currently accepting applications for the position of Summerstock Set Builder/Designer. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and have better than average skill set in carpentry, preferably with musicals.

Summerstock is an annual musical which is held over two weekends in the summer. Performances have taken place for the past 31 years and are designed for performers up to 21 years of age, to experience acting, singing and dancing in community theatre. This year’s shows will be held July 18 to 20 and July 25 to 27.

Auditions will be held in April and rehearsals are slated to occur beginning late May until the first show in July, Mondays through Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m.

To learn more go online to St. Mary’s Recreation and Parks webpage at www. stmarysmd.com/recreate/ and click on Job openings at the bottom of the page. Then click on applications and forms to download an application. Applications with a resume are preferred. You may e-mail your application and resume to Gary Reed at gary.reed@stmarysmd.com or mail them to Recreation and Parks, c/o Gary Reed, P.O. Box 653, Leonardtown, Md. 20650.

9

Thursday, March 20, 2014

The County Times

Over 3,000 jobs and $40 million in new annual county revenue are building on a 40-year legacy of delivering economic benefits to the community.

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. With the nation’s commitment to natural gas exports, 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.

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Cops & Courts

The County Times

Suspect Charged in Attempted Murder-Suicide

Maryland State Police criminal investigators have charged a suspect in connection with an attempted murder-suicide that occurred earlier this week in St. Mary’s County.

James M. Young, 32, of the 22000-block of Washington St., Leonardtown, Md., was arrested on a warrant by troopers from the Leonardtown Barrack this morning upon his release from Medstar St. Mary’s Hospital. He is charged with attempted first degree murder, first degree assault, and second degree assault. Young is currently being held without bond in the St. Mary’s County Detention Center.

Young is charged with the attempted murder of his girlfriend, Lashawn M. Hurley, 34, with whom he lived. Hurley continues to receive medical treatment for her injury at the Prince George’s Hospital Center.

Troopers were called to the apartment Young and Hurley shared shortly after 8:30 p.m. on March 17. Hurley had sustained a stab wound in the back.

Young was with Hurley when troopers arrived and was kept under guard while in the hospital. He told troopers he had ingested pills in an apparent suicide attempt.

Investigators consulted with St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney Richard Fritz throughout the investigation. Advice was provided regarding criminal charges against Young.

The investigation is continuing.

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Thursday, March 20, 2014

10

Casino Owner Takes Plea Deal

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The owner of a casino in Charlotte Hall who was charged with several theft counts last December agreed to concede that prosecutors had evidence he illegally ran a casino in Charlotte Hall. He did not admit any guilt outright.

George Wells, the owner of TPR Casino, was sentenced to one year of incarceration as a result of the plea deal but that sentence was suspended with a ruling of probation before judgement.

Wells said he operated the casino to benefit a charity in Upper Marlboro, Thorougbred Placement Resources, Inc., that sought to rescue thoroghbred horses headed for slaughter; prosecutors said the charity never received any of the proceeds from the gambling operation.

He said he was happy that the case against him was over.

“I took an Alford plea,” Wells said Tuesday. “On the advice of my counsel I decided to put this behind me.

“I was satisfied with everything. Anytime you can walk out of the courtroom it’s a good thing.”

According to the indictment against Wells the case had two parts: that employees who worked for Wells in operating the casino received proceeds from the games there and that Wells deliberately planned to withhold money from the charity that was supposed to go to them.

According to Maryland law all proceeds from gambling-style fundraisers must go to the charity; those who operate the games are not supposed to receive any financial remuneration.

Assistant States Attorney Daniel White said that as part of the plea agreement Wells forfeited $20,000 in a police evidenciary raid that took place last October to the TPR Inc. charity.

He also forfeited all of this gambling tables and equipment, White said.

White clarified that gambling operations can only function only under strict circumstances.

“Only a charity can run a gambling operation or the state,” White said. “The charity is supposed to run it not him.

“He [Wells] paid TPR Inc. zero, not a dime.”

White said Wells made about $875 a night during the casino’s operations and that was against the law.

“It’s $66,000 over five months,” White said.

Wells also paid employees who ran the games a total of $70,000 and paid off another investor to the tune of $41,000, White said. guyleonard@countytimes.net

ARRESTS The following information is compiled directly from publicly released police reports.

ASSAULT ON INMATE – On March 8 Deputy Phelan responded to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center for a fight involving inmates. The investigation revealed suspect Walter Dennis Cooper, 31, of Hollywood, struck the victim with his fists during an argument over cleaning a sink. Cooper was charged with 2nd Degree Assault DOC Employee (inmate).

DISORDERLY CONDUCT – On March 9 Deputy First Class Knott responded to a residence on Castaway Circle in Lexington Park for a civil dispute. On his arrival, DFC Knott found suspect Tracy Evan Hemsley Jr., 19, of Lexington Park, standing on the sidewalk yelling. DFC Knott attempted to discuss the problem, however; Hemsley began to yell at another individual involved in the dispute. DFC Knott told Hemsley to stop yelling and Hemsley began to talk to DFC Knott about the dispute. A short time later, Hemsley started to yell again and told DFC Knott to lock him up. Hemsley was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Failure to Obey a Lawful Order.

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FIRST DEGREE ASSAULT – On March 9 Deputy Wesner responded to a residence on Hawthorn Way in Lexington Park for the report of a subject with a knife.

The investigation revealed suspect Nicholas Lane Maddox, 26, of Lexington Park, and the victim were inside a residence consuming alcohol when they began to argue.

Eventually, the argument resulted in a mutual fight. At the conclusion of the fight, Maddox and the victim reconciled and continued to drink. As everyone was leaving, Maddox became enraged again toward the victim and produced a knife. Maddox began to waive the knife toward the victim in a threatening manner. Maddox was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 1st Degree Assault.

11

Thursday, March 20, 2014

The County Times

Cops & Courts

Petition Drive Urges Hate Crimes Charges in Disabled Assault Case

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer An on-line grass roots petition drive started by a community activist in Oregon is pushing for hate crimes charges against two girls who were charged with assaulting and humiliating a mentally disabled young man.

Debbie Catalina said that the allegations against 17-year-old Lauren Bush and another 15-year-old girl are so heinous that they deserve more extreme measures; incidents against the disabled happen with some frequency, she claims, but are often not punished to the fullest extent of the law.

“What does it tell people who have disable children?” Catalina said. “What these girls have done is over the top.

“There’s a lack of awareness.”

Catalina’s petition drive started

Monday and has just 152 signatures but many of those claim to be from as far away as the United Kingdom, Germany, South Africa and even the Russian Federation showing that the story has reached international levels of concern.

Police reports alleged that the two girls used cell phones to record the abuse which included Bush, who has been charged as an adult, holding a knife to the victim’s throat, dragging him by his hair and even kicking him in the groin.

Police say that the assaults on the young male occurred in his own Mechanicsville home.

Other videos showed the victim being recorded on video while sitting nude on a bed performing a sex act with the 15-year-old defendant sitting behind him, police said.

Police alleged that both defendants

assault, false imprisonment were trying to coerce the and solicitation of child male victim to commit an pornography. act of bestiality.

Assistant States AtA third video shows the torney John Pleisse, who is two defendants urging the handling the case, said he victim to go ever further has filed hate crimes chargout onto a frozen pond to es in other cases that inretrieve a basketball; when volved juveniles but they ofpolice interviewed both of ten fall short of having any the defendants they learned real impact since the statute that the victim actually fell was “watered down.” through the ice several times He said in the case but was able to pull himself Bush against Bush the charges she out of the water without any help from the defendants, police re- faces were far more serious than what the hate crime statue would afford. ports stated.

But he said it was still an option.

Charging documents further stated “I hadn’t considered that but now that Bush admitted to participating in the videos and in the incidents but said we’ll examine it,” Pleisse said. “it was simply a game.”

Bush and the 15-year-old girl each guyleonard@countytimes.net face charges of first-and-second-degree

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Cristo Rey Farm Looks to Educate Future Farmers

By Kay Poiro Staff Writer

When KC and Ed Schnitker moved to their Leonardtown farm in late December of last year, they did so with a vision to produce food and spread the love of organic farming through education and community involvement.

Located off Newtowne Neck Road in Leonardtown, the 128 acre farm is a continuing labor of love for California natives KC and Ed Schnitker. KC says she started thinking about growing food after noticing tooth decay among her children. When she took them to the dentist, she was told that a “supermarket diet”- primarily processed foods with low nutritional levels- has been known to be a factor in dental Photos courtesy of KC Schnitker problems. The more KC learned about where food comes from, the more she became in farming.

These days, Cristo Rey Farm raises broiler (meat) chick- Aerial view of Cristo Rey Farm ens. The first shipments of layer (egg producing) chickens, as for less than six months, KC has already made ties with inwell as pigs and turkeys are scheduled to arrive in the coming ternational charities Little Sisters of the Poor and Servants of months. the Lord and the Virgin of Matara. KC says 10% of the farm’s To offset the costs of running the farm, KC will start production will be donated to the hungry. a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program by Ultimately, KC says, she and her family hope to particiwhich community members can purchase shares in the farm pate in the reinvigoration of the farming community in Southin return for an amount of produce every week. “It helps the ern Maryland. farmer because it spreads the risk out a little bit.”

“So many people appreciate the natural beauty of the This summer, Cristo Rey Farm plans to take the model county. There’s such a peaceful happy feeling and we’re a step further by instituting a Participatory CSA (PCSA). A working to preserve that,” she says.

PCSA is primarily for livestock and meat instead of produce.

While admitting that buying organic can be costly, KC “People can have their chickens here at our farm and points out that “we ending up paying the doctor to treat condiparticipate in the production of their food,” explains KC. tions that are preventable. So in the end, you either pay the “Watch the animals being fed and know that they’re eating farmer or pay the doctor.” the foods that are good for them. They’re not stressed and the For more information about Cristo Rey Farm, contact meat is better.”

KC Schnitker at (301) 475-8160.

KC is also looking forward to opening her farm to interns, apprentices, and the public. However, she has not lost kaypoiro@countytimes.net her charitable focus. Although the farm has been in existence

McKay’s Food Stores Announces Relocation of its Great Mills Road Business

McKay’s Food Stores has announced that it will relocate its food store business from its Great Mills, Maryland location to its Leonardtown store located just north of Leonardtown on Rt. 5 and its Hollywood store located on Rt. 245 between Hollywood and Leonardtown, both of which are well equipped to service the food and beverage business from the Great Mills location.

McKay’s has served the local Lexington Park community for more than 45 years and wishes to thank its many customers for their loyalty and patronage and hopes to continue serving our customers at one of the other nearby McKay’s stores.

Over that time chain stores including Safeway, A&P, Grand Union, and Foodtown have all vacated Lexington Park. McKay’s and the Navy Commissary remain the only two grocery stores in business today that were there 45 years ago. McKay’s store on Great Mills Road represents the last major retail investment to take place within the central business district of Lexington Park over the past 20 years.

The food industry today has largely relocated to the California area with stores like Giant and Food Lion which are owned and controlled by foreign country entities, by large box stores like Wal-Mart and BJ’s and by a never ending array of chain restaurants, dollar stores and drug stores.

McKay’s is currently working with several organizations to repurpose its Great Mills facility in order to grow jobs in the community and enhance the Great Mills Road corridor.

McKay’s looks forward to continuing to serve the St. Mary’s and Charles County communities with our three competitive locations and dedicated staff of associates.

Press Release Submitted by McKay’s Food Stores.

Ed Schnitker rounds up chickens on the farm.

13

Thursday, March 20, 2014

The County Times

Business News

Firehouse Subs Extinguishes Hunger in Lexington Park With First Restaurant Firehouse Subs announces the grand opening of its first location in Lexington Park on March 15. The award-winning fast casual restaurant chain is famous for serving premium meats and cheeses steamed piping hot and piled high on a toasted sub roll, which is served “Fully Involved®” with fresh produce and condiments. Founded by former firefighting brothers, the restaurant’s firehouse décor is based on the founding family’s decades of fire and police service, and the new location is decorated with local firefighter memorabilia from several local fire departments, including Bay District, Leonardtown and Hollywood Fire Departments.

The restaurant is located at 22755 Maple Road and is open Sunday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Local owners Darrin Atlas and Dennis Atlas lived near a fire station growing up and are thrilled to bring Firehouse Subs’ unrivaled taste and flavor to Lexington Park.

Firehouse Subs restaurants boast a custom, hand-painted mural that pays tribute to the local community. The Lexington Park mural features the Leonardtown Fire Department extinguishing a fire at the family’s historic Bell Motor Company, the second oldest Chevrolet dealership in the United States. Chief Mural Artist Joe Puskas and his team paint every mural from his studio at Firehouse Subs Headquarters. Since the opening of the first Firehouse Subs in 1994, Puskas has painted more than 750 murals.

Firehouse Subs extinguishes guests’ hunger with medium and large hot specialty subs, including the number one selling, Hook & Ladder® sub, served with smoked turkey breast and Virginia honey ham smothered with Monterey Jack cheese. Other top sellers include the Smokehouse Beef & Cheddar Brisket™ loaded with USDA choice beef brisket smoked for at least 16 hours in an authentic Texas smokehouse and topped with melted cheddar cheese and a special combination of sauces, including Sweet Baby Ray’s® Barbecue Sauce. Inspired

by New York delicatessens, the New York Steamer® combines corned beef brisket and pastrami topped with melted provolone. All large specialty subs boast a half-pound of meat.

Unique to Firehouse Subs is Captain Sorensen’s® Datil Pepper Hot Sauce, named in honor of the founding brothers’ father, Rob Sorensen, a 43-year retired fire captain. The sauce has a spicy-sweet flavor from the datil pepper, a hot pepper similar to habaneros but with a sweeter taste. Firehouse Subs, the largest user of datil peppers in the world, will produce more than 60,000 gallons of its signature hot sauce this year. Additionally, each restaurant offers an assortment of 50+ complimentary hot sauces.

The touch-screen operated Coca-Cola Freestyle® fountain is available in every restaurant and offers 120+ sparkling and still beverage brands with 70+ regular and low-calorie options. Choices include the top selling non-carbonated fountain drink, Cherry Lime-Aid™ and Cherry LimeAid™ Light, exclusive original recipes by Firehouse Subs, served with fresh squeezed lime.

In 2005, Firehouse Subs created the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation® with the mission of providing funding, life-saving equipment, and educational opportunities to first responders and public safety organizations. Many first responders make do with older equipment and have limited or no access to needed resources, but Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has given $8.3 million to hometown heroes in 39 states and Puerto Rico, including more than $65,636 in Maryland. Local fundraising initiatives include recycling empty five-gallon pickle buckets and selling them to guests for $2 each, a Round Up Program allowing guests to “round up” their bill to the nearest dollar, and spare change donation canisters.

About Firehouse Subs Firehouse Subs® is a fast casual restaurant chain with a passion for Hearty and Flavorful Food, Heartfelt Service and Public Safety. Founded by brothers and former firefighters Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen, Firehouse Subs is a brand built on decades of fire and police service, steaming hot subs piled higher with the highest quality meats and cheeses, and its commitment to saving lives through the creation of Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation®. The founders are the real deal, the food is their creation, and the company is built upon a family of franchise operators who share their same passion for serving others. Firehouse Subs consistently ranks No. 1 among fast casual brands in the categories of food quality, friendly service, and taste and flavor; for the last two years Franchise Business Review named Firehouse Subs No. 1 in franchisee satisfaction, and in 2013 Firehouse Subs was ranked No. 1 in growth by Nation’s Restaurant News.

Budd’s Creek, MD

kicking off our 41st year of racing on

friday march 21, 2014

at the 3/8th mile, high banked clay oval

pit gates open at 5 pm warm-ups at 7:30 pm green flag will wave at 8 pm to kick off the 2014 season budweiser super lates models running the 35 lap cody endicott memorial

paying $2500 to the winner hoosier tire only

three mules welding supply’s

crate late models the coors light

street stocks the Quality autobody & collision

hobbystocks

the marshall & associates

u-cars

pit admission is $30 adult general admission is $15 seniors and military $13 with id children 12 and under are free to the grandstand area For more information visit www.potomacspeedway.com or call Denise Hollidge at 301-481-8855

The County Times

Letters to the

Editor

Thursday, March 20, 2014

14

Perpetual Incumbency

We were not surprised to read that Todd Eberly endorsed John Bohanan for the state legislature. Smart people can disagree over the issue positions of the candidates vying for office. What did perplex us, however, was his reasoning. Mr. Eberly did not say he supported Mr. Bohanan because they shared the same belief system. Instead, Mr. Eberly urged the voters of St. Mary’s County to vote for Mr. Bohanan because, well, he is already there.

Wow…talk about a strange position for a political science professor to take. We should vote for candidate X because his party is in power and he will have more say in what happens. However, what if that candidate

has used that power to do more harm than good to his own area? What if an in-depth review of Mr. Bohanan’s voting record shows he seems more concerned with the citizens of Baltimore than those who live in his own county? Maybe Mr. Bohanan has influence in the workings of his own majority party in Annapolis. However, he has not used that influence to steer his party away from policies and laws that harm those of us who live outside the big city and right here in his own district.

Mr. Eberly’s line of reasoning amounts to an endorsement of perpetual incumbency. However, we believe in something better. Competition does not just work in the business world; it also works in the realm

of politics and government. It is time for Maryland to have a government of two parties, and not just one. The citizens of District 29B deserve to have a legislator who looks out for their interests and pays attention to what they want and need.

Deb Rey would be such a legislator. Clearly, John Bohanan is not.

Mary Burke -Russell GOP Chairman , St Mary's Republican Central Committee and members Julie Burk Greer, Ellynne Davis, Kevin Cioppa, Patrick Burke, John Johnson, Joe DiMarco , Louis Sierra

Bryan “Puff” Barthelme Has Our Best Interest at Heart I know Bryan “Puff” Barthelme (R) to be an honest, sincere, energetic, member of the Saint Mary’s Community. Bryan is a candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates, District 29A. His all-encompassing background makes him an excellent candidate for delegate. For example Bryan has been extremely involved in our community in several ways. He served on the Metropolitan Commission for six years, and was chairman in 2002. He has been on the Planning Commission. Bryan served as an alternate on the Board of Appeals.

Bryan is a board member at Jude House of Charles

County. Jude House supports recovering alcoholics and drug addicts, who are attempting to quit. It is an organized program of recovery operated by both professional staff and volunteers. Jude House offers whatever treatment services seem most necessary.

Presently, it is a nonprofit and has a long-term/live-in/ work-out format. They also have outpatient treatment.

After attending the Drug Summit, where I spoke to Bryan, I am convinced Bryan is on the right track for this community.

Bryan has been active with the youth including the Northern Soccer League, t-ball, little league, Babe

Ruth League, and youth basketball.

Bryan’s wife has taught school for twenty-six years. My own husband will tell you that the spouse of a candidate gives the candidate an excellent understanding of their field. In this case it is all important education.

Bryan has our best interest at heart and would be an excellent choice for this community!

Marilyn Crosby Lexington Park, Md.

LEGAL NOTICE Commissioners of Leonardtown Notice of Request for Bid Proposal For Port of Leonardtown Public Restroom Design and Construction Notice of Rescheduling of Pre Bid Meeting

In the Interest of Justice

The Commissioners of Leonardtown will be accepting bids for design and construction of public restroom facilities at Port of Leonardtown Park in Leonardtown. The request includes design and construction services to construct restroom facilities in an existing building.

Interested bidders shall obtain a copy of the RFP by contacting Laschelle McKay, Town Administrator, Commissioners of Leonardtown, POB 1, 41660 Courthouse Dr., Leonardtown, Maryland 20650 or by calling 301-475-9791 or emailing laschelle.mckay@ verizon.net .

Bids are due no later than 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 28, 2014.

A mandatory pre bid meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2014 at the Leonardtown Town Office. The Commissioners of Leonardtown reserve the right to reject any and all bids and proposals, and to accept any proposals deemed to be in the best interest of the Town.

3/20/2014

In the interest of justice, I am writing with regard to the article written in the Enterprise and County Times about the loss of funds at St. Francis Xavier Church. I am appalled at the accusations leveled against Father John, and find them inflammatory and without basis. My wife and I have been friends with Father John for more than 20 years, and the accusations do not fit the man. Father John is a rebel in the eyes of the Catholic Church. His greatest desire has always been to serve his parishioners. He is a good man undeserving of the onslaught of accusations, which the archdiocese has been threatening him with for three years. There are no financial irregularities except those manufactured by the archdiocese to pillory Father John. The newspaper article is their way of accusing him in public without benefit of a court of law. So why do they not gather evidence to use against him? The answer is that there is no evidence. The documents were destroyed after Father John was medically retired. I challenge the Cardinal Wuerl and his henchmen to prove their case or apologize to Father John and all of the parishioners. They have committed a grievous offense against a good man by bearing false witness.

Larry and Mary Ludwig Leonardtown, Md. James Manning McKay - Founder

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

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

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

Linda Reno Doug Watson

15

The County Times

Thursday, March 20, 2014

The Compensation Package We Are Paying For I don’t know how many of your readers saw the article in the March 14, 2014 edition of the Calvert Recorder but if they are interested in education or a taxpayer they may want to check it out (available on line). Evidentially some newly elected members of the Calvert County Board of Education got curious about the compensation of former school superintendent Jack Smith. They questioned how his reported salary of $169,000 grew to over $300,000 in the final year of his employment. Evidentially he used one of his contract perks and cashed in on his unused leave to the tune of over $130,000. In prior years, between 2008 and 2013, his recorded salary also grew by amounts ranging between $26,000 and $150,000 each year for a total of over $450,000. They also questioned how he gave contractual arrangements to his executive staff with similar perks which he claims the Board authorized but according to the article that may also be in dispute. One Calvert County Commissioner was quoted as saying he felt the board members “were naïve and liberal in what they negotiated”.

It is still an open question as to why Mr. Smith left his position with one year remaining on his contract to take another position with the State Department of Education. His departure was granted by the Board and coincidentally coincided with the probing by the new board members.

What may be of concern to St. Mary’s County residents is our school superintendent has some of the same perks given him by our Board of Education. I believe it was reported that the St. Mary’s County superintendent gets an annual allotment of 38 days sick leave, a generous amount by any standard, plus annual leave which can all be turned into cash so you can’t believe that the recorded salary is an accurate measure of the compensation we are paying for. To me, this is a slight of hand measure intended to obscure the recoded salary which is already the sixth highest in the State. Another interesting point raised in the article is Mr. Smith’s chief budget and financial officer, Ms. Tammy McCourt, has also left the Calvert County school system and is now employed by the St. Mary’s County Board of Education.

Everyone wants the students to get a good education and is willing to pay for it but it has also been reported that despite the well touted 91.5 % graduation rate,

students going on to college require remedial course work to get up to speed. This has been reported in the media and I have also heard it from teachers and instructors from the Community College. Anyone who has ever heard Mr. Martirano talk knows he could sell ice to the Eskimos.

When it comes to selling himself he is a real artist but perhaps the initials of a popular baccalaureate degree should be included to describe his artistic talent.

Since he is a member of the School Board I imagine the chronic charisma flows unabated at meetings of the Board. Recently I was at a meeting where school board member Brooke Matthews boasted that if he is reelected he would do his best to see that Mr. Martirano gets another four year contract. I asked him when was the last time the teachers got a pay raise and after some hesitation he said two years ago. I told him I believed that was a cost-of-living adjustment and inquired again when was the last time the teachers actually got a pay raise. He couldn’t answer my question. We should all be concerned if our Board of Education has fallen under the spell of the superintendent and don’t have a clue of what has happened to the teachers compensation package.

I have brought the Recorder article to the attention of the County Commissioners and the Board of Education so I expect to hear a barrage of justifications for the healthy compensation package we are paying for but I hope somebody outside the education establishment takes a good look at the facts. St. Mary’s County will be getting at least one new member to the School Board and evidentially that was the only way the Calvert scam came to light. If I have it my way there will be two new members to the Board. The educational budget will always be insatiable but to spend tax dollars on inflated compensation contracts and programs that look good on paper but don’t get results is a waste of hard earned money. In a recent presentation by Mr. Martirano he used the word “theoretically” no less than six times when explaining one of the presently used evaluation methods for student achievement. I don’t mind paying a fair price for results but the hypothetical should come free of charge.

Editor

Time to Move Out of the Dark Ages Mr. Boudreaux Well I see Robert Boudreaux is still at it in your March 13 issue, changing his focus every time someone calls him to task for being illogical, bigoted, racist, or confused. He is now apparently focusing his arguments on the Old Testament. Although he seems to interchange it with the Bible, which I was always taught included the New Testament as well, he only quotes Books of the Old Testament.

The Bible (Both Parts) was assembled over time by men who were products of their time. The Gospels of the New Testament do not include any of the non-selected Gospels written by women (i.e. Gospel of Mary Magdalene), any stories about Jesus’ mother prior to His birth, or several other Gospels that did not meet with the approval of those clerics deciding what the Bible should contain. In other words, it is a product of it’s times and, as such, needs to be taken with “a grain of salt.” I’m sure Mr. Boudreaux has now had a seizure if he reads those words but, at least for me, there are too many inconsistencies and contradictions in It to take every word as “Given from the mouth of God.” For example, he quotes, “An eye for an eye” and “a life for a life” while the New Testament urges Christians to “Love one another as you do yourselves” and to “Turn the other cheek.” Was this God having second thoughts?

Does this make Him fallible?

Taking the Old Testament less selectively, it considers that women should remain barefoot and pregnant, prohibited from sitting with men at the Temple, and that slavery was an acceptable practice. Perhaps he believes that these practices should also be re-introduced. While he referred to slavery as an abominable practice in an earlier letter, this seems incompatible with his view that we should return to the time of the Old Testament when slavery was a commonly accepted condition. I think we have progressed and become more civilized since 4,000 B.C. He may never have learned in school that the Africans selling their “brothers and sisters” to the European slave traders got just as rich as the traders. Originally used as cheap labor on sugar plantations and later on cotton and corn plantations, these people had basically the same rights as the European indentured servants who were sold to recoup the cost of their passage to the colonies. Are we again to enslave each other; prohibit women from holding a job, owning property and voting; and require that the brother of a man killed in battle or otherwise dying be responsible for providing for the dead man’s wife and children? While these practices would certainly solve the current unemployment issue, those are not the times in which we now live. If there was no income tax in those days, does he advocate not paying them now? Time to move out of the dark ages Mr. Boudreaux. You are entitled to believe anything you want, just don’t try to force the rest of us to treat you like the “all knowing OZ.” I’m sorry you don’t like this country. Maybe you can find another one more to your liking.

Glenn Weder Hollywood, Md.

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LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD To Submit a Letter to the Editor, Email your letter to news@countytimes.net or mail to The County Times • P.O. Box 250, • Hollywood, MD 20636

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The County Times

Education

Arc Offers Practical Job Experience Opportunities

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer A program started in Calvert County to help high school students transition smoothly into the working world and their adult life, served by the Arc of Southern Maryland, has expanded to St. Mary’s County.

Career Starters started as a partnership between the Arc of Southern Maryland and the Calvert County Department of Parks and Recreation, according to Arc of Southern Maryland employee and People on the Go facilitator Crystal Haislip.

The program was so successful that the Arc expanded it to St. Mary’s County, which currently underway.

The class is one day per week for four weeks. During the course, participants learn about job opportunities that they may not have previously considered. The current class being offered in St. Mary’s County is centered around careers in hotels.

During the first week, participants brainstorm job ideas in hotels, such as working in housekeeping or at the front desk. The second week involves role-playing – participants get practice making beds to hotel standards, answering phones appropriately and putting information into computers. For the final two weeks, participants have the opportunity to talk to and shadow individuals in the positions they have learned about.

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

Thursday, March 20, 2014

16

College Chooses New President

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The leadership at St. Mary’s College of Maryland has chosen a scientist to be the institution’s next president.

Tuajuanda Jordan, a Maryland native, was selected out of field of three finalists by the college’s board of trustees and will officially take the position July 1.

Jordan, 53, currently serves as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon and is also a professor of chemistry.

Hailing from Forestville, Jordan has broad experience in both academia and in the private sector.

Before taking her current position at Lewis and Clark College Jordan was the director of the Science Education Alliance of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Chevy Chase.

Her efforts led to scientists and educators working together to increase science literacy.

She also worked for the National Genomics Research Initiative in 2008 that allowed college freshman the chance to experience genetic research.

Jordan’s background was just what the college needed, said one professor, since the very concept of a liberal arts education was under attack as expensive, impractical and lacking in real world skills for students to take to a competitve job market.

“Her background in science shows how liberal arts and science work together,” the professor said. “It’s a pretty exciting choice actually.

“I think we needed someone who could show the relevance [of liberal arts].”

The professor also said Jordan’s ties to Maryland

Jordan

were crucial to establishing her bona fides in Annapolis, where the college’s future funding was made or broken.

“We needed someone who could go there and fight for that,” they said.

In a prepared statement Jordan said the college was poised to take advantage of a bright future.

“St. Mary’s College is an institution where individuals have a strong sense of their history, an understanding of their mission and an eye toward the future,” Jordan said. “It is an institution where committed leadership, creativity, innovation, collaboration and integrity are expected of and appreciated by everyone in the community.”

The college has faced many challenges in recent months with its freshmen class counts diminishing and being forced to make some $3.5 million in cuts to its budget to make up for the tuition shortfall.

The crisis lead to one president leaving and the installation of Ian Newbould as the college’s interim president. guyleonard@countytimes.net

Basic Training for St. Michael’s Little Giants On Saturday mornings at St. Michael’s School (SMS) in Ridge, twenty “little giants,” aged four to nine years old, are learning basketball basics. How to pass, catch, dribble, shoot and guard are just some of the skills being taught. The coach of the school’s boys’ varsity basketball team, Jeff Barickman, planned the basketball camp to begin in January and end during March madness. He recruited Brian Adkins, former SMS players and members of the SMS varsity teams so they could provide individual, hands-on assistance to the campers. Barickman says his goal is for everyone to have fun and benefit from the experience, “The varsity players are learning coaching and mentoring skills while the younger players are learning the game.” Other SMS students also benefit because $1300 collected in camp fees is put toward tuition assistance via the Archangel Scholarship Foundation. The foundation was formed in 2008 with the sole mission to provide financial assistance for children desiring a Catholic education at St. Michael’s School.

Press Release Submitted by St. Michael’s School.

Wyatt Taylor and Ashlee Gorman running a ball handling drill.

First graders Kyle Kovich and Dillon Adkins are learning the basics.

Demetrius Barnes leads the campers in the slide drill.

17

Thursday, March 20, 2014

The County Times

Teacher Increases, Drug Education Supported

by County Commissioners

By Kay Poiro Staff Writer The St. Mary’s County Board of County Commissioners’ overwhelming support for teacher increases at their budget work session last week took some by surprise.

EASMC President Anna Laughlin says she is “pleased to hear unanimous support from the Commissioners for us. It’s time to recognize the sacrifices and the efforts of the teachers.”

Although support did not translate to a specific dollar amount, several commissioners made strong statements for ensuring that teachers were fairly compensated, as well as warning against overloading them with extra technology and additional mandates.

Negotiations are ongoing, but Board of Education member Mary Washington says she is “very encouraged that the Board of County Commissioners showed overwhelming support for the teachers’ raise. This is great news.”

The proposed board of education budget calls for a one step increase for eligible employees and a 1% COLA for all employees.

President of the St. Mary’s County Commissioners Jack Russell told the County Times, “The responsible people on this board are going to do as good as we can for the teachers.” However, he cautions that “words are nice, but at the end of the trail, supporting the budget means voting for the budget.”

Russell added that the commission has approximately $800,000 in “public hearing reserve”. The re-

Education

serve is money that isn’t currently allocated to other projects or entities.

In addition to compensating teachers, Russell mentioned combatting the county’s growing drug problem through education and other avenues.

“We need to look at the drug issue in St. Mary’s County,” says Russell. “Drugs play no favorites. They don’t care what you look like. We commissioners need to address it.”

The County Commissioners public forum is scheduled for April 15, 6:30 p.m. kaypoiro@countytimes.net

Archdiocesan School Selected to Place a Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Mother Catherine Spalding School was selected to a lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery on March 7. Many of the students from the school attended the ceremony which was conducted after the changing of the guard. Four children were chosen as the school ambassadors to be escorted by the Honor Guard to the tomb. Carridad Guy, grade 8, Tucker Ritchey, grade 7, Madison Major, grade 5 and AJ Woodland, grade 2 were chosen by the faculty to represent the school.

Mrs. Linda Miedzinski, Principal interviewed the children as to why this was such an honor to place a wreath at Arlington. AJ Woodland in 2nd grade commented that he was chosen because he is a good boy. After he placed the wreath, he stated how much fun he had and suggested to his family to take a vacation to Arlington. Tucker Ritchey in 7th grade said he and his parents discussed what an honor it was to have this opportunity. He has many people connected to the military and this makes me proud to be an American. Carridad Guy in 8th grade spoke about her father being away on deployment for 2 tours in Afghanistan. Many families give up so much and it is not always easy when they are away from home. Madison a 5th grader was nervous but excited. She loved the experience. Madison stated it was so cool.

The children met the guardsmen and they were briefed on the rules of the ceremony. The wreathlaying occurred amid an orchestrated changing of the guards, the playing of “Taps” and a salute. It was such a beautiful and moving experience to see our children honoring our men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Mrs. Miedzinski felt this was a once in a lifetime experience for our entire student body.

Press Release Submitted by Linda M. Miedzinski, Mother Catherine Spalding School.

Forrest Center SkillsUSA Chapter Hosting Ford Drive 4 UR School Event

The SkillsUSA Chapter at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center is working with Leonardtown Ford to host a Ford Drive 4 UR School Event on Saturday, March 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event takes place in the parking lot at the Forrest Center, which is located at 24005 Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown, across from the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds.

The chapter is in need of licensed and insured drivers who are 18 or older to test-drive a Ford vehicle. Ford makes a donation to the school’s SkillsUSA chapter for each drive. The chapter’s goal is to get 300 people to test drive, the maximum allowed for this event, to help raise funds to send students to state and national competitions.

The Forrest Center’s SkillsUSA chapter is among the most successful in the state and annually must fundraise over $25,000 to cover the cost of leadership training, chapter activities and regional, state & national competitions.

For more information, contact Mrs. Bonnie Skinner at 301-475-0242, x28201 or at bjskinner@smcps.org or contact Mr. Eric Millham at 301-475-0242, x28224 or at epmillham@smcps.org.

Please note: This event may be recorded and presented on SMCPS Channel 96, the school system’s educational cable channel, and the internet.

The County Times

Thursday, March 20, 2014

18

Education

National Academy of Finance Seeks to Place Interns in Community

By Kay Poiro Staff Writer The St. Mary’s County Public School’s National Academy of Finance (NAOF) seeks to place 24 students in internships around the county this summer.

The internships will take place in the summer between the students’ junior and senior years.

Chopticon High School assistant principal and NOAF School Coordinator Tammy Burr says this is the sixth year for their internship program. Over the years, students have been placed with Patuxent Partnership, Community Bank of the

Chesapeake, Arc of Southern Maryland and the NAVAIR contracts office.

Students have completed classes in finance and accounting and they often benefit from working in a variety of departments and/or settings within an organization.

“The goal of the internship is to help students bridge the gap between school and the professional workplace,” says Burr. “A valuable internship is one where the students can use what they’ve learned in the textbooks so far.”

Although academic merits of the internship are clear- one recent intern is currently attending college and still working

for the company that hired her as an intern years prior- Burr points out that some interns return to school with confidence that extends beyond their skills in the workplace to themselves as young adults.

Interns are expected to work approximately 125 hours over the course of the program in exchange for either an hourly wage or a small stipend at the end of the summer.

“We ask that employers give the students an authentic workplace experience with guidance and training,” she says, adding that they should be treated like any new company employee. “But, keep in mind that these are high school students

so although they have the knowledge, for some of them, this may be their first work experience.”

Hiring companies are also asked to provide constructive feedback throughout the internship and complete a brief performance evaluation at the end, as students receive school credit and a grade for completing the program.

For more information about the National Academy of Finance or to find out how to hire an intern, contact NAOF School Coordinator Tammy Burr at tjburr@smcps. org or 301-475-0215, ext. 38114. kaypoiro@countytimes.net

Leadership Southern Maryland Selects New Executive Director

Southern Maryland Native, Helen Wernecke Selected as New Leader The Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) board of directors announced today that Ms. Helen Wernecke was selected as the new Executive Director. Ms. Wernecke was selected ahead of the anticipated retirement of the organization’s first Executive Director, Ms. Karen Holcomb.

Ms. Wernecke will join LSM later this spring and comes with 25 years of diverse civil service leadership experience supporting naval aviation at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. She also brings notable and recent experience working with non-profit organizations in Southern Maryland. Wernecke holds a Bachelors in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources. Ms. Wernecke is a lifelong resident of Southern Maryland and currently resides with her family in Leonardtown.

“I cannot express how excited I am to have been selected for the Executive Director position,” said Helen Wernecke. “I am excited to be part of the LSM family and look forward to assisting the board of directors in the further advancement of leadership in Southern Maryland. I cannot wait to get started.”

“The LSM executive search committee conducted an exhaustive search for a new leader,” said Charles “Bert” Johnston, President, LSM. “The board of directors was extremely pleased with the applicant pool and interest in the position. I thank all those who were interviewed and interested in leading LSM.”

On retirement, Ms. Holcomb stated, “this has been a wonderfully unique experience for me. It has been my honor and privilege to serve LSM and our Southern Maryland Region. With the board’s leadership and guidance we’ve been able to do remarkable work, establishing, growing and sustaining LSM through the first six years.”

“We are also setting the pace to reach our next milestone in 2018, as well as the launch of Southern Maryland’s only regional youth leadership program – LEAD. This has been tremendously rewarding and I am honored to have been a part of LSM.” “We were fortunate to have Karen join forces with the board to help sculpt LSM’s future and our vision to develop collaborative leaders across Southern Maryland,” Johnston said. “Working together to enrich our communities and the lives of our neighbors is a primary goal for our organization and Karen has helped move us in that direction.”

Holcomb, who has served as Executive Director since 2008, is credited for building successful partnerships in the Southern Maryland region to spur interest and support for the LSM program while leading the organization through its first six years of operations.

For more information about LSM, please visit www.lsmlead.org or contact Karen Holcomb, Executive Director Leadership Southern Maryland, at 301-481-2727 or via email at LeadSOMD@verizon.net.

2014 Mathcounts Individual And State Qualifiers For The Southern Maryland Chapter

On Feb. 1 middle school students from Esperanza, Leonardtown, Margaret Brent, and Spring Ridge Middle Schools represented St. Mary’s County Public Schools at the Southern Maryland Chapter MATHCOUNTS Competition at Theodore G. Davis Middle School in Charles County. A mix of nineteen public and parochial middle schools from Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties consisting of over 100 students - participated in this event sponsored by the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SMECO). Middle school teams that finished in the top 5 overall and individual participants that scored in the top 25% at the regional competition were invited to participate in the MATHCOUNTS Maryland State Competition to be held on Saturday, March 15 in Hodson Hall at Johns Hopkins University.

Leonardtown Middle School, coached by Nic Cox, finished third overall in the team competition. Official team members were: Rosa Bates, Danielle Gore, Kaitlyn Ng, and Raymart Tuazon. Raymart Tuazon finished 5th overall and placed in the top 25% of all individual participants.

Margaret Brent Middle School, coached by Craig Modrzejewski, finished eighth in the team competition. Official team members were Austin DeStefanis, Tommy DeStefanis, Jacob Dolinar, and Alex Oliver. Individual participants were Ben D ’Angelo, Alessandra Huerta-Hernandez, Sydney Rye, and Noah Tack.

Spring Ridge Middle School, coached by Bridget Dunbar and Dr. Gary Robinson, finished eleventh in the team competition. Official team members were David Cannavo, Hannah Cha, Andrew Nixon, and Lisa Sipe. Individual

participants were Adam Abril, Kailey Chase, Kaela Dothard, and Victoria Voellm. David Cannavo, who finished 12th overall, qualified for the state competition by placing in the top 25% of all individual participants.

Esperanza Middle School, coached by Gabrielle Sivak and Chris Adams, finished twelfth overall in the team competition. Official team members were Andrew Feddersen, Josh Grafil, Margaret Holmes, and John Ronquillo.

Individual participants were Rachel Appleby, Matthew Bobrowski, Amanda David, Allison Robinson, Slade Scriber, and Emme Staats. Esperanza students that qualified for the state competition and placed in the top 25% of all individual participants were: Margaret Holmes (14th overall), Emme Staats (18th overall), Josh Grafil (20th overall).

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Thursday, March 20, 2014

The County Times

PUBLIC WORKSHOP # 2: SOUTHERN MARYLAND

Public Workshop on Land Use Study around NAS Patuxent River The public is invited to participate in an interactive workshop in support of developing the Joint Land Use Study (JLUS).

The JLUS is a cooperative planning effort between Naval Air Station Patuxent River (NAS PAX) and communities in the region. The objective of the study is to develop a set of recommendations that will promote well-suited compatibility growth and economic development compatible with military training and operations being conducted by NAS PAX. The purpose of the second public workshop is to provide an update on the JLUS project, present the NAS PAX military mission footprint, and to obtain input from the public on prioritizing the compatibility issues, such as, land use, noise, frequency interference, aircraft safety zones, vertical obstructions, and interagency coordination.

The second set of workshops will be held throughout the region in four different locations, and each workshop will be tailored to the specific location it is being conducted in.

The Southern Maryland region workshop will be held for St. Mary’s County, Charles County, and Calvert County on: Date: Time: Location:

March 27, 2014 - Thursday 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Southern Maryland Higher Education Center 44219 Airport Road California, MD 20619

The public is encouraged to attend this workshop. It is critical to obtain input from the community in order to develop a plan that is responsive to local needs. Please join us to hear about the JLUS and provide your input on local land use issues relevant to the JLUS. For more information, visit the project’s website at: or contact: Phone: E-mail:

www.paxjlus.com George Clark, CCTM, MWD-BS Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland 301.274.1922 gclark@tccsmd.org

The County Times

Thursday, March 20, 2014

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Feature Story

A Life of Service to Others

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer After 34 years with the Arc of Southern Maryland, Executive Director Harriet Yaffe has announced she will retire this May. Yaffe has served as executive director since 1998 and has been affiliated with the organization since 1980. She started out as a program director from 1980 to 1985 then served as a Board of Directors member from 1987 to 1985. She accepted her current position as executive director in 1998.

Yaffe started working with the Arc after moving to Calvert County. When she started, the organization was under the direction of Jerry Kiracofe.

“I knew I could learn a lot from him,” Yaffe said, adding that under Kiracofe’s leadership, she “learned about being a servant-leader,” learned the basics of building and maintaining budgets, and found out what it means to be mission-driven in the field she is working in.

Yaffe has a background in working with people with mental illnesses, and wanted to put her experience to work helping others, she said. She wanted to make a difference in her community.

The Arc of Southern Maryland promotes community involvement, independence and personal success for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization’s Arc of Southern Maryland Executive Director Harriet Yaffe will retire on core belief is that “those who receive ser- May 2.

When asked, Yaffe said she can’t choose one sinvices should have as much control of their own lives as possible. We strive to help all achieve their gle highlight from her time with the Arc, saying there individual goals and expand their horizons,” according are too many achievements and moments to be proud of to pick just one. to the Arc of Southern Maryland website.

“It’s been a really long road in a good way,” she The Arc’s focus is providing services in the tricounty area. The organization is part of a larger net- said.

Siegel called Yaffe an extraordinary leader, both work, including 10 chapters in Maryland and several in the Arc of Southern Maryland and all the activities other Arc chapters nationwide.

The Arc of Southern Maryland began providing she is involved in throughout the community.

“We are really going to miss her,” Siegel said. services in 1975.

After her retirement, Yaffe intends to travel, play Currently, the Arc is an advocate for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities golf and pursue her ambitions as a musician. She has no living and working in Southern Maryland. The Arc intention of leaving everything she helped build. Yaffe provides an array of services including residential, sup- has accepted a part-time position at Sproutflix, a New ported employment, respite care, day support services York based film distributor for media projects featuring people with developmental disabilities as subjects. and behavioral support services.

The individuals Yaffe works with on a daily basis These projects range from documentaries, cartoons want to be actively engaged in all aspects of the com- and music videos to feature films.

The Arc of Southern Maryland Board of Direcmunity, she said.

Yaffe too strives to be involved in all aspects of the tors appointed Terry Z. Long as the new executive dicommunity. She is a founding member of Leadership rector, effective on May 2.

Finding a new executive director has been a chalSouthern Maryland, has been involved in the Calvert Arts Council, and President of the Maryland Associa- lenge, Siegel said. The Board of Directors spent seven months combing through resumes and conducting intion of Community Services, among other activities.

“It’s like everyone knows her,” said Arc of South- terviews before naming Long.

There are a number of ways to get involved in the ern Maryland Board of Directors President Gail Siegel.

During Yaffe’s time with the Arc of Southern Arc, Yaffe said. Individuals can volunteer at one of the Maryland, services offered expanded to include job Arc offices in the tri-county area, make a donation, atcoaching and training for high-school students with tend a Sprout Film Festival, or play in the annual golf developmental disabilities. Coaching begins in high tournament. This year’s golf tournament, the 12th Anschool, with the goal of making the transition from nual Pat Collins Golf Classic, will start at 7:30 a.m. school into the workforce as smooth as possible. Ac- at the Twin Shield’s Golf Club. For more information cording to Siegel, Yaffe has been instrumental in bring- about the golf tournament, e-mail jparran@arcsomd36. ing the Arc of Southern Maryland to the community’s org, fax 410-535-4124, call 410-535-2413, ext. 123 or mail Jennie Parran at The Arc of Southern Maryland, awareness throughout the tri-county area.

“I don’t think that people realize how many peo- P.O. Box 1860, Prince Frederick, Md., 20678.

For information on The Arc of Southern Maryple we serve,” she said, adding that the Arc supports the families and caregivers of individuals with devel- land, services and programs call 410-535-2413 or visit opmental disabilities in addition to offering a number www.arcsomd.org. of programs. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Arc of Southern Maryland History September 3, 1975: Calvert ARC is incorporated in the State of Maryland.

1976: Calvert ARC' first employee (Margaret Smith) is hired.

1977: Calvert ARC' first Executive Director (Tom Fisher) is hired, and the Calvert Learning Center is established to serve 18 adults with mental retardation.

1978: Calvert ARC applied for and received HUD 202 funds to purchase and/or build eight homes, scattered throughout Calvert County.

The Residential Program begins when the agency rents three houses and serves 9 adults.

1979: Calvert ARC expands and changes its focus from adult learning to employment, shifting from arts & crafts to developing work habits.

Jerry D. Kiracofe is named Executive Director of CARC. 1980: Calvert ARC receives funding to provide residential supports and services. Southern Maryland Project begins, an effort to serve people labeled severely and profoundly mentally retarded in the community in order to prevent another institution from being built.

1981: Calvert ARC begins its Community Education & Family Support Services program.

1983: Receives the Governor's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped Barrier-Free Design Award for wheelchair-accessible residences.

1984: Calvert ARC establishes its Individual Support Services to people who are living in their own homes or with family members. A fully-integrated day care center is opened, the first of its kind in the State.

1985: Calvert ARC begins its Supported Employment program. The agency develops the Cooperative Summer Program with the Board of Education and Parks & Recreation.

1986: Calvert ARC changes its name to ARC/Calvert. Vocational services are moved into a brand new building on West Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick. (This building is funded through both Calvert County and the State of Maryland). Family Services Department is selected as a model program by the Center on Human Policy in Syracuse, New York.

Kate Rollason is named Executive Director for the ARC/Calvert.

1987: ARC/Calvert sponsors its first Golf Tournament to raise funds for the development of a children's residence.

1988: Agency establishes strong legislative network with Southern Maryland Delegation. The agency first enclave is established at a local business (Direct Mail). CDS is awarded a DORS grant to enhance its Supported Employment program.

1990: ARC/Calvert receives three-year accreditation through CARF. The agency's Employee Incentive Program begins. The agency's principle office moves to 268 Merrimac Court, Prince Frederick, Maryland.

The Arc/Calvert hosts the State Convention.

1991: The Quality of Life Committee was established (formerly named "Parent Monitoring Committee").

1992: The long-awaited Children's Residence opens in February. In September, The ARC/Calvert merges with the St. Mary's ARC, expands services into Charles County, and is renamed The Arc of Southern Maryland.

1998: The Arc of Southern Maryland hires Harriet Yaffe as new Executive Director 2001: Opens office in Leonardtown, begins the re-design process for West Dares Beach location 2008: Begin renovations on West Dares Beach location – Embarks on Capital Campaign 2010 (January): Moves into newly renovated West Dares Beach location Courtesy of www.arcsomd.com

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Newsmaker

Thursday, March 20, 2014

24

Local Lady Makes USA World Shoot Team

By Kay Poiro Staff Writer St. Mary’s County resident Cindi Thomas was recently named one of six women to represent the United States during the 2014 World Shoot XVII. Sponsored by the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA), the World Shoot brings together the world’s best practical shooters. For eight days, they compete on up to 30 timed stages where they’re required to shoot for time around walls, through windows and at swinging targets.

Cindi Thomas says she wasn’t originally drawn to the sport. “My passion was always horses,” she says. “One day, I went to Sanner’s Lake (Sportsman Club) with my husband (Steve Thomas) and tried shooting. I thought ‘this is pretty cool, but I’ll never take it seriously.’”

Six years later, Cindi is the USPSA Maryland State Champion with hundreds of matches under her belt. It took two years for Cindi to qualify for the World Shoot and now her teammates include champion Sara Dunivin and Maggie Reese, who was recently featured on the History Channel show Top Shot.

Cindi shoots with a Swiss-made Sphinx, one of only a few in the United States. She hopes to bring more USPSA- sanctioned matches to Maryland, but admits that it will be an uphill battle because of the recent laws restricting the capacity of gun magazines Marylanders could purchase.

“People are scared to death to come into

Photo by Chad Goodrich

Maryland with our mag laws,” Steve says. The Thomas’ meeting with State Delegate John Bohanan (D) about the recent law didn’t help.

According to Steve, “Bohanan said, ‘we’re not limiting equipment for sportsmen or hunters, but this is a sport. He basically told us we were collateral damage.”

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“Going in to a world shoot with a handful of magazines and not being able to purchase any backup is ridiculous,” says Cindi. “This isn’t a gun that someone is going to commit a crime with. This is fine tuned machinery.”

“I’m shooting for time and if the magazine doesn’t line right up, my overall performance suffers.”

Cindi says her only other option is having friends loan her equipment that isn’t specially tuned for her weapon during the competition.

Despite restrictive laws, Cindi Thomas continues to practice, both at Sanner’s Lake and on her farm. Between now and the world shoot in October, her travels will take her from Erie, Pennsylvania to North Carolina before the World Shoot in Florida in October.

Cindi, whose father is former Oakland Raider Rod Sherman, says she’d never found a sport she liked before, so it was extra sweet to be able to tell her father that she’d made the team.

Cindi says, “I thought I’d never be able to do this and now I’m going to the Superbowl of shooting!”

With all the enthusiasm, Cindi remains serious about the sport aspect of practical shooting.

“A firearm is a tool and handling that tool is a useful skill set,” she explains. “I’m also comfortable in the knowledge that if anything were to happen to me, I could successfully defend myself and my family.”

So passionate is she about empowering woman to learn to shoot that she currently volunteers with Women on Target, a National Rifle Association (NRA)-sponsored class offered at Sanner’s Lake aimed at teaching women the fundamentals of shooting in a nonthreatening environment.

The Thomas’ are such advocates of the sport that they teach introduction to competition classes on their 15- acre property. To date, they’ve trained over 100 women from all over. They’ve supervised clients firing their first weapons, as well as had some make it to competition and Cindi Thomas couldn’t be prouder.

“The women are here,” she says. “And guess what? We’re going to shoot, too.”

The World Shoot is scheduled for October 2014. For more information about the United States Practical Shooting Association, visit www.uspsa.org. kaypoiro@countytimes.net

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Thursday, March 20, 2014

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By Kay Poiro Staff writer The NAVAIR Comptroller’s message to the audience at the NAVAIR Budget Update this Tuesday was clear: it could have been worse.

Sponsored by The Patuxent Partnership and held at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, the presentation included remarks by Patuxent Partnership Director Gene Townsend and NAVAIR Comptroller Theodore “Jerry” Short, Jr. Short told the mostly defense-affiliated audience that much of the focus of the fiscal year 2015 budget was to fix issues from the fiscal year 2013 budget and manage risk for the upcoming year. Those risks, he said, include maintaining operational readiness and procurement efforts.

Short pointed to the Bipartisan Budget Act, a two year agreement providing billions of dollars in sequester relief which covers fiscal years 2013 through 2015, as the saving grace of the current budget.

According to Short, NAVAIR was challenged to cut 20 percent of its headquarters staff from its fiscal year 2015 $22.8 billion budget. Even with cuts, Short claims NAVAIR is moving ahead with its hiring plan. The 2013 hiring freeze and a current attrition rate of six to eight percent make recruitment necessary for engineering and logistics related positions.

Additionally, NAVAIR looks to cut 21 percent of Contractor Service Support positions by fiscal year 2016.

“We’re actively looking to balance efficiencies with potential program risk,” Short says.

Short told the audience, “It could have been worse. The BBA has helped but there are still challenges ahead.”

The Patuxent Partnership is scheduled to host a presentation on Thursday, April 3 focusing on financial management from a contract perspective. For more information, visit www.patuxentpartnership.org.

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The County Times

Obituaries Herbert Lee Courtney, 70 Herbert Lee Courtney, 70, of Leonardtown, Md. passed away on March 18 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown, Md. Herbert was born on Feb. 29, 1944 in Leonardtown, Md. He was raised by his parents the late Joseph Edward and Elsie Frances Berry. Herbert graduated from Carver High School in 1962. He joined the U. S. Army in 1967. He married Agnes Holt in 1968. He later began working at St. Mary’s Hospital where he worked for 31 years. Herbert was a loving husband and wonderful father. He and his wife raised 7 children. He enjoyed playing basketball in his earlier years and then attending games as his children played and his grandchildren. He would explain to them the tricks of the game. He would catch every game he could. He was a Baltimore Ravens fan. He enjoyed watching football games and basketball on the big screen. He loved sports overall. He liked quiet walks with his children and enjoyed the views at Solomons Island. He enjoyed family gatherings with his children and with his brothers and sisters. He liked playing cards. He would often tell stories about what it was like when he watched over his sisters and brothers. He always had a good story to tell. He truly cherished all his family.

Herbert is survived by his six chil-

Thursday, March 20, 2014

26

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.

dren Anthony Holt of Leonardtown, Herbert Wayne Courtney (Bernita) of Great Mills, Sherlene Courtney of Lexington Park, James Matthew Courtney (Bernice) of Charlotte Hall, John Courtney of Leonardtown and Joseph Courtney of Callaway, Md. He leaves behind 17 grandchildren. He is also survived by his seven brothers and sisters, Mary Frances Hudson, Joseph Edward Berry, Agnes Jacqueline James, Dinnette Ozella Briscoe, Linda Pauline Berry, Wayne Dennis Berry. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Agnes Courtney, his son Mark Courtney and his sister Jane Harrell.

A funeral service will be held on March 25 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Morganza, Md. with Father Kevin Woods officiating. Visitation will be at 9:15 a.m. and mass will be at 10 a.m.. Burial will follow at St. Charles Memorial Gardens in Leonardtown. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home in Leonardtown, Md.

Francis S. Anderson, 88 Francis S. Anderson, 88 of California, Md. died Friday, March 7 at the Calvert Hospice House in Prince Frederick, Md. Born May 3, 1925 in Columbus, OH, he was the son of the late Francis S. Anderson, Sr. and Mary Grubic Anderson.

From September 1943 to March 1946,

Francis proudly served in the United States Army Air Corp. During his service he earned the WW II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and American Theater Ribbon. In 1949, he married his beloved wife, the late Beulah Anderson. They were married over 65 years, before her passing in August 2013. Francis worked for Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO) for over 32 years as a general supervisor. When not working, he enjoyed camping with his wife and children, especially taking trips to their land in Fredricksburg, Va. Francis is survived by his children, Crystal Lennon of California, Md., Kenneth Anderson (Joan) of Solomons, Md., and Gerald Anderson (Mary) of Newmarket, NH; five grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Sheffield.

Family will receive friends for Francis’ Life Celebration on Friday, March 21 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. A Funeral Service will be celebrated by the Reverend Joe Orlando at 12 p.m. A Graveside Service will follow at 2 p.m. at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, Md. 20623.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Southern Maryland Office, P.O. Box 1889, LaPlata, Md. 20646.

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

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

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Virginia Marie “Ginny” Colvin, 77, of Charleston, WV died March 12, 2014 at her home in Hollywood, Md. Born May 12, 1936 in Charleston, WV, she was the daughter of the late George Fleming Weekly and Tacey Marie Fluharty Weekly.

In 1955, Ginny married her beloved husband, John Melvin “Sonny” Colvin. Together they spent 58 wonderful years together. She worked in the cafeteria as a cook at James Ryder Randall elementary school in P.G. County for over 16 years. Before that she babysat for years. Ginny was famous for her fried chicken and devilled eggs. She enjoyed family cookouts and reunions. She loved to play Bingo and back in the day quarter yahtzee and pinocle. She loved to watch sports, the Washington Redskins and NASCAR racing. Her greatest love was for her family, she especially enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She was a member of the American Legion Post 259 and the VFW. In addition to her beloved husband, Ginny is survived by her children, Alan Colvin (Lisa) of Waldorf, Md.; Bret Colvin (Cheryl) of Churchton, MD; Cindy Weber (Mark) of Mechanicsville, Md., and Michael Colvin (Suzy) of Mechanicsville, Md.; her siblings, Bob Weekley (Judy); Nora Novak; George Weekley (Peggy); and Kay Clarke; her grandchildren, Leigha Colvin, Eric Colvin, Kristin Colvin, Christopher Colvin, Deanna Weber, John Weber, Katy Colvin, Laura Colvin, and Meghan Colvin; and her great grandchildren, Cayden Colvin

and Avorie Brotherton. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her siblings, John Weekly and Jo Wilt.

Family will receive friends for Ginny’s Memorial Service on Wednesday, March 19 from 3 to 6 p.m., with a Service of Remembrance at 5 p.m., at Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Interment will be private.

Condolences to the family at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com Arrangements provided by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.

Judith Coville Conrad, 81 Judith Coville Conrad, 81 of Leonardtown, died peacefully at her home on March 6.

She was born in Washington D.C., the daughter of the late Perkins and Emily Coville, and spent her youth in Arlington, Virginia. In 1953 she graduated from the Parsons School of Design in New York City, and in March 1954 married Ensign Peter C. Conrad, U.S. Navy. For the next 32 years she accompanied him in his Navy career and raised their three children: Emilie Griffin (Frank) of Carpinteria, California, Paul Conrad (Teresa) of Los Alamitos, California, and Kate Spooner (Tom) of South Deerfield, Massachusetts. In 1982 Judy purchased property in St. Mary’s County for their retirement home so that they could be reasonably close to the family farm in Charlotte Hall and to have room for her Newfoundland dogs to swim in the Potomac.

Judy was an accomplished artist and gardener, and a member emeritus of the North End Gallery in Leonardtown, where she held various positions. She specialized in oils and pastel paintings of still life, landscapes, seascapes, and flowers.

She also spent many hours on her floor loom weaving fabric for a variety of uses including the making of clothing which she designed, and she was an avid knitter, always employing with dexterity and skill the use of her hands. She took on the deer and other Saint Mary’s wildlife to achieve some success in growing a vegetable garden, which she loved. She was a dedicated reader who would regularly take out half a dozen books from the wonderful Leonardtown Library, read them, and got them back on time.

Judy is survived by her husband of 60 years, her three children, her granddaughters, Victoria Conrad (Carl Bauer), Christina Conrad (Francis Czerner), Casey Griffin, Alexandria Conrad, Erin Griffin, and Phoebe Conrad, sister-in-law, Bobbye Jean Coville, brothers-in-law, Charles F. Conrad and Bernard Byrne and members of their respective families.

A memorial service will be held on March 22 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady’s Catholic Church, Leonardtown, Md. In lieu of flowers it is requested that memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Md., the Catholic Relief Society, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, Md. 21297-0303, or the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, 295 Wood Road, Beach Hall, Annapolis, Md. 21402-5001.

Condolences to the family may be

27

Thursday, March 20, 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. made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.

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

Robin Lee Goldstein, 49 Robin Lee Goldstein, known to many as “Rockin’ Robin”, was born on August 26, 1964. She was the beautiful wife of Andrew Goldstein and beloved daughter of Margaret Haney. Her most treasured roles were that of being a mother to her two children, Candice Lee Vallandingham-Adam and Robert Boothe Vallandingham, and Granna to her grandson, Jamison David Adam. Her family grew to include her son-in-law, Nick Adam, and her daughter-in-law, Natasha Mills. And who could forget, Robin’s little Chihuahua, Lacey Girl, deemed a third child. She passed on March 11, just before the birth of her next two grandchildren.

Robin had a successful career with the U.S. Government for 22 years, but her most recent passion was the work she did for Walden Sierra’s Beacon of Hope. She committed wholeheartedly to her sobriety and found fulfillment in helping others pursue theirs. She was also a dedicated Avon representative, winning awards for her prolific sales. For recreation in her younger days, she played women’s softball and pool league.

Robin loved her family, her friends, and her AA family. She was the glue that held people together. She came to love life in a great, big way. Those who were lucky enough to know her, felt her enthusiasm and boundless energy. She has forever changed the lives of so many. She will be greatly missed, but the love and compassion she shared will continue to live on in the lives of those she touched.

Family received friends for Robin’s Life Celebration on Tuesday, March 18 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Remembrances were shared at 7 p.m. Interment was private.

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

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

Frances A. Greene, 74 Frances A. Greene, 74, of Leonardtown, Md. died March 10 at the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center, La Plata, Md. Born March 16, 1939 in Beckley, WV she was the daughter of the late Ralph C. Carter and Ruby D. (Pegram) Carter.

Frances moved to the DC area in 1958, where she worked for the FBI until her children were born. She spent the next 50 years working alongside her husband in several businesses they owned together. She also began as a client and then became a twenty year employee for Weight Watchers.

Frances loved flowers and gardening and working crossword puzzles, as well as spending time with family at their cabin

in the mountains in West Virginia.

Frances is survived by her husband, Edmond K. Greene whom she married in Beckley, WV, on June 19, 1959; her children, Shelly R. Greene-Warfield (Marc) of Waldorf, MD and E.K. Greene of Florida/ Mass.; grandchildren, Heather L. Cook, Lindsey A. Groff and Kacie R. Groff; and sister, Rebecca Mendelson (Ira) of Bethesda, Md. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Regina Osteen and Reta Hoke.

Family will receive friends for Frances’ Life Celebration on Saturday, March 22 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. A Memorial Service will be held in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel at 4 p.m.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148.

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

Viola Grace Miller, 86 Viola Grace Miller, 86, of Leonardtown, Md. went to be with Jesus on March 12.

Grace was born Dec. 20, 1927 in Lance, MD; she was the daughter of the late Murray Clifford and Minnie Alice Brown Harbaugh.

Grace is survived by her husband Frank J. Miller, her daughter, Teresa Weeks (Rick) of Hollywood, MD, a brother Walter Harbaugh of Cascade, MD, granddaughters, Allyson Marie Bachmann and Haylee Nicole Yeatman and a grandson, Brent Michael Weeks.

A Memorial Service was held on Wednesday, March 19 at 2 p.m. at Leonardtown Baptist Church, 23520 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, Md. In lieu of flowers it is requested that memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Md. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.

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

Obituaries

nis Oliver, granddaughter Wanda Michelle Oliver, and brother Louis “Sonny” Copsey. She was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, MD and graduated from Margret Brent High School. Jennie operated the J and C Discount stand at the farmers market in Charlotte Hall, Md. Jennie enjoyed playing pitch, shopping, watching “Dancing with the Stars” and her baseball team “The Nationals” play, and spending time with her family.

The family received friends on Monday, March 17 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with prayers recited at 7 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, Md. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, March 18 in Christ Episcopal Church Chaptico, Md. with Reverend Barry Harper officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers; Brett Reed, Jamie Hepner, James Reed, Tommy Copsey, Kenny Oliver, and Henry Oliver. Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s P.O. Box 625 Leonardtown, Md. 20650.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

William Johnson “Wink” Quade, Sr., 83 William Johnson “Wink” Quade, Sr., 83 of Avenue, Md. died March 2 at his residence.

Born Jan. 30, 1931 in Leonardtown, MD he was

the son of the late Alton Monroe Quade, Sr. and Lucy Catherine (Russell) Quade.

Wink enjoyed watching baseball and football, especially the Orioles and the Redskins. He enjoyed playing bingo and cards and spending time with his family. In his younger years, he loved working on the farm.

Wink is survived by his wife Edith (Combs) Quade; his children, Melissa F. Holt (Donald) of Lexington Park, Md., Kimberly D. Holland of Lexington Park, Md., William J. Quade, Jr. of Avenue, Md. and Wendy A. Burch (George) of Lexington Park, Md.; eight grandchildren; one great grandchild; siblings, John F. Quade of Chaptico, Md., Alton M. Quade, Jr. (Bertha) of Mechanicsville, Md., James B. Quade of Avenue, Md., and Alice L. Dornes (Bob) of Brandywine, Md. In addition to his parents, Wink was preceded in death by his siblings, Catherine H. Hall, Harry M. Quade, Matthew E. Quade, and Joseph A. Quade.

All services will be private.

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

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

Virginia “Jennie” Elizabeth Oliver, 81 Virginia “Jennie” Elizabeth Oliver, 81, of Mechanicsville, Md. passed away surrounded by her loving family on March 14 at her home. Born on July 21, 1932 in Leonardtown, Md., she was the loving daughter of the late Louis and Helen Lupus Copsey. Jennie was the loving wife of the late Edward Herman “Bumpsie” Oliver whom she married in Christ Episcopal Church, Chaptico, Md. Jennie is survived by her son Edward Oliver of Mechanicsville, Md., daughter in law Jackie Lathroum (Ricky), granddaughters; Cassie Howsare, and Krystle Lathroum, and 4 great grandchildren. Siblings; Robert (Crow) Copsey of Charlotte Hall, Md., Richard Copsey and Thomas (David) Copsey both of Mechanicsville, Md., and Peggy Latham of Chaptico, Md. She is preceded in death by her son Den-

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The County Times

Thursday, March 20, 2014

28

Sports

News

It’s All About The Fans: Blue Crabs Set Fan Fest for April 12 Annual Fan Fest will include first ever Crustacean Nation Softball Face-off featuring Blue Crabs Players and Coaches

Paying tribute to the constant support from the Southern Maryland community, the Blue Crabs have announced plans for their annual Fan Fest set for Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. With the 2014 season theme of “Your Town, Your Team,” the 7th annual Fan Fest will be a Crustacean Celebration and include new interactive fan-friendly activities and our first ever Crustacean Nation Softball Faceoff. This year’s event will also feature the 4th annual St. Charles Running Festival.

The Crustacean Celebration is being made possible by Chickfil-A and is completely FREE for all fans.

Along with live music and attractions around the ballpark, the Crustacean Celebration will give fans the chance to be up close and personal with their favorite players. Throughout the day, Blue Crabs players will be helping out at the various tables and booths along with working in the Blue Crabs box office and Crab Shack Team Store.

New manager, Lance Burkhart, will hold a “fans only” press conference on the concourse in which he will field all questions from the Crustacean Nation fans. Fans can use this as their opportunity to ask whatever they want and to get to know the new skipper of their hometown team.

Season ticket and mini-plan holders can get their hands on their ticket packages for the first time that day. Chick-fil-A Backfin Buddies members and Hearing Professionals Silver Sluggers members will also be able to pick up their ticket plans and merchandise at Fan Fest. The concession stands and Crab Shack will be open so that fans stock up on new Blue Crabs gear for the 2014 season.

New for the 2014 Fan Fest, the Blue Crabs will host the first ever Crustacean Nation Softball Faceoff. The Softball Faceoff will give 16 fans the opportunity to team up with Blue Crabs players and be coached by Jeremy Owens and Joe Gannon in a charity softball game. The first 16 fans to enter will be divided into two teams, one team coached by Owens and

one team coached by Gannon. To sign up, fans are asked to make a donation of at least $35. With the $35 donation, fans will receive a spot in the softball game, (4) tickets to Opening Day at Regency Furniture Stadium, and on-field recognition during the Opening Ceremonies of the 2014 season on Thursday, April 24. The Blue Crabs will match the money raised by the two teams and donate the proceeds to a charity of the winning teams choosing. For more information on the Crustacean Nation Softball Faceoff and to sign up, please contact Kevin Kelley at 301-374-1136 or kkelley@somdbluecrabs.com.

“We were really going for something different this year when planning our fan fest. We wanted to go back to our roots and really appreciate the reason we were here, because of our fans. We truly want to make this a fest for our fans,” said Assistant General Manager of Marketing & Special Events Courtney Knichel. “It will be a neat experience for all as the baseball players will be on the front lines doing everything from distributing season ticket packages, working in the Crab Shack, and selling ticket in the box office.”

The box office at Regency Furniture Stadium will be open throughout the event, as April 12th will also mark the first day single-game tickets for all 70 Blue Crabs home games will go on sale.

Always an event for kids, this year’s Fan Fest will be no exception. Kids can ride the bumper boats in Crabby Cove and play on the inflatables in the Stadium Kids Zone for absolutely FREE. Fans will also have the first chance to meet the 2014 Blue Crabs Team in its entirety during the full team autograph session that will take place on the concourse at 11:30 a.m.

For a fourth year in a row, the Blue Crabs Fan Fest will also feature the St. Charles Running Festival. The festival will consist of three different distances (10 miles, 5K, and a kids fun run) and proceeds from the event will benefit Special Olympics

Maryland.

The festival will lead runners throughout the roads of Charles County with Regency Furniture Stadium serving as the focal point. The preliminary design of the scenic and mostly flat 10-mile course has runners starting at Regency Furniture Stadium, and then proceeding north up Piney Church Road, west on Billingsley Road, and south on St. Charles Parkway.

The second half of the race continues south on Radio Station Road, east on to La Plata Road, then back on to Piney Church Road once again before finishing at the stadium.

The 5k course starts and finishes at the stadium and is a basic up and back loop on Piney Church Rd. The Chick-filA Kids Fun Run will be contained inside of the stadium. For more information or to register visit www.stcharlesrunfest.com or call 410-605-9381.

For more information about the Crustacean Celebration Fan Fest at Regency Furniture Stadium presented by Chick-filA, contact Courtney Knichel at cknichel@somdbluecrabs.com or call 301-374-1130.

The Blue Crabs play 140 regular season games in the Atlantic League, considered the highest level of Minor League Baseball. Atlantic League players are “Major League ready” and in the last 15 years, over 600 players have graduated from Atlantic League clubs to Major League organizations, making the League a preferred route for experienced players to be scouted by Major League Baseball. The Blue Crabs play at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, Md. The franchise will look to open its 7th season on Thursday, April 24. Please call 301-638-9788 or visit www.SOMDbluecrabs.com for more information and to save your seat at the ballpark today!

Test and Tunes at MIR This Weekend

On Saturday, March 22, Maryland International Raceway (MIR) will host a full day Test & Tune. Time runs, grudge runs, testing, and tuning all day long.

MIR will also have a free $1,000 to win gamblers race for the bracket racers. So bring your grudge matches, street cars, pro cars, bracket cars, imports, motorcycles, and Jr. Dragsters to MIR. Gates open at 10 a.m., eliminations begin at 3 p.m., and the test & tune is over at 6 p.m.

Admission is just $15.

On Sunday, March 23, MIR will host another full day Test & Tune. Time runs, grudge runs, testing, and tuning all day long. MIR will also have a free $1,000 to win gamblers race for the bracket racers. So bring your grudge matches, street cars, pro cars, bracket cars, imports, motorcycles, and Jr. Dragsters to MIR. Gates open at 10 a.m., eliminations begin at 3 p.m., and the test & tune is over at 6 p.m.

Admission is just $15.

For more information on these events call 301-884-RACE or visit mirdrag.com

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The County Times

Thursday, March 20, 2014

A View From The

Bleachers Living…On Life’s Terms

By Ronald N. Guy Jr. Contributing Writer The Atlantic Coast Conference started with a seven-school gang Clemson, Duke, North Carolina, North Carolina State, South Carolina, Wake Forest and Maryland – in 1953. There have been a few membership tweaks in the 60plus years since, but with the exception of South Carolina (who departed in 1971), all original members remain today. They feel as familiar as old sneakers and, with rivalries six decades long, possess the hostility of ultra-competitive brothers.

The old, tightly woven family is about to change.

With Friday’s loss to Florida State in the conference’s basketball tournament, Maryland’s run in the ACC is essentially over. Starting with the 2014-15 athletic year, Maryland will take up residence in the Big 10 Conference.

This is not new news, of course, but the reality is now undeniably real. The end of the football season stung a little. But with basketball being the ACC’s primary identity, the curtains falling on Maryland’s ACC basketball association is a lot more uncomfortable. Maryland’s Big 10 move is a money-grab, an irresistible chance to patch the athletic department’s financial hemorrhage and reside in a more lucrative neighborhood. Such is life in college sports today.

So it is what it is. I don’t like it, but I understand it. Will I come to hate Michigan or Ohio State – Big 10 crown jewels – like I hate Duke and North Carolina? I doubt it - but maybe that’s good for my overall health and mood. My wife is nodding her head.

Still, despite the known reality, this hurts. I suppose you harbor disdain for your brother…until life parts your paths. The freshly sounded final buzzer on Maryland’s ACC basketball membership left me awash in nostalgia. Racing through the significant memories (some good, some bad), I realized this spring marks the 40th anniversary of Maryland’s 103100 overtime loss to N.C. State in the 1974 ACC title game, perhaps the conference’s greatest game.

That ’73-’74 Maryland squad, with players like Len Elmore, Tom McMillen and John Lucas, was

Maryland’s most talented if not its all-time best. The loss was particularly painful because, in 1974, atlarge NCAA tournament bids didn’t exist (unreal… and unjust). N.C. State, by the narrowest of margins, went on to the big dance and, eventually, the national championship; the Terrapins swallowed hard and went to…College Park (home).

The memory of that team reminded me of Comcast’s fabulous “My Life” piece on John Lucas. Lucas, an All-American and the first overall pick in the 1976 NBA Draft, is a fascinating subject. Racked with drug and alcohol addictions, his vagabond NBA career is a tale of unfulfilled promise, the standardbearer for a drug culture that infected sports in the 1980s.

In the “My Life” feature, Lucas identified several causal factors for his disease. Having always dreamed of being an NBA player, he struggled with the “now what?” after being drafted by the Houston Rockets. Lucas also feared failure, life without sports and getting older. Sounds familiar, huh? For Lucas, cocaine made all those worries and all that internal conflict subside – temporarily.

Lucas summarized his one-time mental state with this profound statement: “An addiction wasn’t my problem, life was my problem…I couldn’t live life on life’s terms.” Individuals exert tremendous influence on their personal odysseys, but a vast component of contentment and happiness is dealing effectively with inevitable unknowns or the random cards that life deals. To a person, we all struggle with this challenge to some extent; John Lucas succumbed to it – but only temporarily.

This spring wasn’t just the 40th anniversary of that epic Maryland-N.C. State game; March 14th marked the 28th anniversary of John Lucas’ sobriety and a second, “clean” act that has included tremendous work with athletes afflicted with addiction.

When asked what saved him, Lucas noted the love of others and that, “I’m very honest with myself; I’m always under self-examination as to what my motives are.”

Hunter S. Thompson once wrote, “…with every sunset we get a little older and a little less honest.”

John Lucas is getting older, but he remains brutally honest with himself. It’s a trait that has sustained his wellness. It is also darn good advice.

Send comments to rguyjoon@yahoo.com

Natural Resources Career Camp —NRCC Sunday, July 20 – Saturday, July 26, 2014

At the Hickory Environmental Education Center in Garrett County, Maryland Join high schools students from across the Mid-Atlantic at this fun week-long camp to explore careers and college studies in natural resources. NRCC is a perfect experience for students interested in a career in the fields of forestry, arboriculture, wildlife, ecology and natural resources management. The Program Director is an Allegany College Professor in Forestry. Field activities include GIS boundary data collection, climbing trees with arborist equipment, conducting a stream survey exercise and touring a sawmill. Throughout the week students work in teams. Each team creates and presents a forest management plan. At Career Night, natural resource professionals— forestry, wildlife, urban forestry, fire control, fisheries, bear management, and more— share their job experiences. Meet representatives from the University of Maryland, Penn State, West Virginia University, Allegany College of Maryland, Frostburg University and Garrett Community College. Students have the option (fee required) to earn 2 college credits for successful completion of the week of studies and projects.

Apply now! Find information, photos and application at www.marylandforestryboards.org. Go to the NRCC tab.

Sports

News

Blue Crabs Add Two New Faces

Blue Crabs Sign Outfielder Ollie Linton, Catcher Gustavo Molina Continuing to build his roster as Opening Day rapidly approaches, manager, Lance Burkhart, announced on Tuesday the signing of catcher, Gustavo Molina and outfielder, Ollie Linton. It will be the first season for Molina and Linton in Southern Maryland.

Molina, 32, joins the Blue Crabs after spending all of last season with the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League. In 83 games with the ‘Stormers, Molina hit .221 with 14 doubles and 30 RBIs. Behind the dish, Molina threw out 39% of potential base stealers.

Prior to the 2013 season, the Venezuela native had spent time in the Majors with the Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees. He made his Major League debut at the age of 25 on April 2nd, 2007 with the Chicago White Sox. In 4 years in the Majors, Molina recorded a .128 average in 26 games.

The 6’1”, 245-pound catcher was signed by the Chicago White Sox as an amateur free agent in 2000. In 14 professional seasons, Molina has compiled a .233 batting average while throwing out opposing base runners at an impressive 40% clip.

Linton, 27, joins the Blue Crabs after splitting time last season in Arizona Rookie Level and Double-A Mobile of the Southern League.

In five professional seasons, Linton has compiled a .287 batting average with 84 stolen bases and 238 runs scored in 421 games.

Prior to the 2013 season, the Culver City, Ca. native played across four levels of the Arizona Diamondbacks farm system. Arguably his best statistical season came in 2009 with High-A Visalia of the California League. With Visalia, Linton hit .295 with 28 stolen bases and 81 runs scored.

The 5’8”, 160-pound outfielder was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 13th round of the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft. In five professional seasons, he has reached as high as Double-A Mobile (2010-2012).

The Blue Crabs play 140 regular season games in the Atlantic League, considered the highest level of Minor League Baseball. Atlantic League players are “Major League ready” and in the last 15 years, over 600 players have graduated from Atlantic League clubs to Major League organizations, making the League a preferred route for experienced players to be scouted by Major League Baseball. The Blue Crabs play at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, Md. The franchise will look to open its 7th season on Thursday, April 24. Please call 301-638-9788 or visit www.SOMDbluecrabs.com for more information and to save your seat at the ballpark today!

Mike Batson Photography

Freelance Photographers

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

The County Times

Thursday, March 20, 2014

30

A Journey Through Time Dr. John Wise Hebb The

By Linda Reno Contributing Writer Last week we talked about the four sons of John Clinton Wise who left St. Mary’s County in the 1830s and moved south into Mississippi and Louisiana. In 1861 James Calvert Wise, one of the sons, “organized Company B, First Louisiana Regiment, Blanchard’s Brigade, Huger’s Division, Army of Virginia. In 1862 he was promoted to major of the regiment, and in 1864 was appointed quartermaster general of the State of Louisiana by Governor Henry W. Allen. He served in that capacity until the war terminated.”

While Major Wise was serving as quartermaster general of the State of Louisiana, one of his nephews went to Louisiana and joined him. This was Dr. John Wise Hebb, son of Ann Caroline Wise and Thomas William Hebb. John was born in St. Mary’s County on April 1, 1839 at “Tower Hill”, the family home near Great Mills. In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, First

Maryland Infantry (CSA) as assistant surgeon, was shortly reassigned to the 7th Louisiana Infantry, and then resigned having received a position under his uncle James Calvert Wise in the Louisiana Quartermaster General’s office in November of the same year.

By early 1862 John was then a second lieutenant in the Virginia Partisan Rangers. His service record is confusing but perhaps that could be expected because he was actually a spy who was hunted throughout the war by Lafayette Baker, the Union’s chief spy hunter.

He was captured on November 2, 1863 but escaped before year’s end. He continued to operate but managed to elude authorities throughout the war.

According to one writer, he was at Buffalo Springs (in Virginia), “a training camp for spies, funded by the British.”

While at Buffalo Springs he was involved with training two of his St. Mary’s County neighbors, James R. Milburn and Charles W. Milburn, sons of Robert Nelson Milburn and his wife, Susanna Richardson.

As the story goes, Dr. Hebb met his wife Sallie Gaither (of Howard County) during the war. “There is a local story that Dr. Hebb was delivering a message

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to General Lee at Gettysburg when he was captured

by Union forces and imprisoned at Fort McHenry, sentenced to death. The night before the order was to be carried out, a Union soldier imprisoned with Dr. Hebb died, and the doctor exchanged uniforms with the dead man in order to escape from the prison. On his way back to Gettysburg, Dr. Hebb stopped at Washington Gaither’s farm, where he met Sallie. Unfortunately, this seems to be a romantic invention.” Romantic invention? Maybe not.

Dr. Hebb married Sallie about 1871 and they lived in their home they called “Mount View”, located in West Friendship, Howard County. “The property was acquired by Howard County in 1973 and Dr. Hebb’s former home was renovated for 7 offices. The historic old building now houses the Howard County Antique Farm Machinery Club.”

Dr. Hebb died at his home on May 18, 1910 and is buried beside Sallie at the Mount View Cemetery in Howard County.

LIBRARY ITEMS Mo Willems’ Characters And Books Celebrated

Games, stories and crafts based on the characters and books of Mo Willems are planned at the More Mo program at the Leonardtown branch on Mar. 22 at 10:30 am.

BMX racing basics to be explained

Mike Schwartz of Mike’s Bikes will cover the basics of BMX racing including where to go and how to get started at a program offered at Lexington Park branch on Mar. 22 at 10 a.m. If weather permits, members of his racing team will demonstrate various stunts.

A zombie or human?

Those attending the Zombies vs Humans program at the Lexington Park branch on Mar. 27 will become either a zombie or survivor, participate in Zombie Fear Factor, get survival tips, and maybe be a part of a flash mob. Costumes are encouraged. The fun begins at 6 p.m.

JobSource Mobile Career Center visits

Southern Maryland JobSource Mobile Career Center will be at the Lexington Park branch from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mar. 26, Charlotte Hall branch from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Apr. 3. And the Leonardtown branch on Apr. 11 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Job seekers can get job counseling and resume help, search for jobs, and get registered with the Maryland Workforce Exchange.

Introductory genealogy class offered

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Adults will explore free websites, the library’s online resources, U.S. Census, Social Security Death index, and more at a class offered at the Lexington Park branch on Mar. 27 at 5:30 p.m. Knowledge of the Internet is needed. Registration is required.

Workshop focuses on grant writing

An overview of researching grant opportunities and the grant writing process will be presented by library and College of Southern Maryland Nonprofit Institute staff at a free workshop on Mar. 29 at 10 a.m. at Lexington Park branch. The workshop will focus on the strategy of applying for grants, with hands-on practice in writing a needs statement and an evaluation/sustainability section. Registration is required.

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Thursday, March 20, 2014

The County Times

AT

Presenting the professionals' favorite properties on the market.

Tackle Spring Cleaning with the Environment in Mind Spring is a time of year when many people resolve to give their homes or apartments a thorough cleaning. Spring cleaning projects help people revitalize their homes for the warm months ahead, when windows are once again opened, fresh air pervades homes and items that might have accumulated over a dark and dreary winter have become a distant memory.

Many families have spring cleaning rituals that allow them to efficiently clean their homes in a single weekend. But it’s just as important for spring cleaners to place as great an emphasis on the environment as they do on efficiency when cleaning a home.

Eco-friendly spring cleaning practices produce less waste and rely on less chemicals to rejuvenate a home and get it ready for those seasons when huddling inside under the covers takes a backseat to lounging around the house as fresh air washes into the home.

The following are a handful of ways to efficiently clean a home while also protecting the environment.

• Clear out the clutter. Clutter is an enemy to homeowners and the environment alike. That’s because addressing clutter is often an inefficient process in which homeowners methodically go through items that have accumulated over the years, individually choosing which items to keep and which items to discard. Clutter can also prove harmful to the environment because rooms filled with clutter tend to collect dust, reducing air quality and leading to more indoor air pollution that can prove harmful to human health.

When sifting through clutter in a home, discard those items that have gone ignored for years, as they likely have little or no financial value and it’s safe to assume they serve no practical purpose as well. Once clutter has been cleared out, prevent more of it from accumulating by making a conscious effort to discard items once they no longer serve any practical purpose. This includes old newspapers and magazines, as well as any other items that are likely to sit in a pile or on a shelf for months on end. Preventing the buildup of clutter reduces the amount of time you need to spend spring cleaning next year while also improving indoor air quality.

• Use cleaners only when windows are open. Many people get a head start on spring cleaning in late winter, when the weather might have started to warm up but has not yet warmed to the point when windows throughout the home can be opened. Though there’s nothing wrong with starting early, avoid using cleaning products on days when you can’t open the windows. Many cleaning products contain ample or even just trace amounts of chemicals that can compromise indoor air quality and may exacerbate existing medical conditions like respiratory ailments. When using cleaning products, try to do so only when the windows are open and fresh air can enter the home.

• Ensure appliances are working at peak efficiency. Spring cleaning is a great time to

Featured Homes of the Week

Realtor’s Choice

30 American Lane, Lusby, 20657 | $536,000 BE PART OF THE LUSBY TOWN CENTER EXPANSION! 7 acre Town Center (TC) Village Edge parcel allows for multiple uses. Veterinary Hospital, Trade School, Crematorium, Meeting Hall, Bowling Alley, Skating Rink, Movie Theater, Car Wash, R and D Facility, Worship, Etc. EXISTING 60 ft Right of Way off of MD Rt 765. PUBLIC WATER AND SEWER AVAILABLE.

Homeowners should periodically inspect their appliances, including vacuum cleaners, to ensure they are working at peak efficiency and not expending excess energy.

inspect appliances to make sure they are operating efficiently. Clean or replace filters on window air conditioning units. Dusty or dirty filters will force the air conditioner to work harder and use more energy to cool a room. In addition, dirty or dusty filters make units less efficient, which means rooms won’t cool as quickly on those scorching summer afternoons. Appliances forced to work harder also cost more money, and those costs can be considerable.

When checking appliances, be sure to check the refrigerator as well. Refrigerators are plugged in all day long, and those that are not operating at peak efficiency can cost you a lot of money in the long run. Periodically clean the coils on the back of your refrigerator so it can operate more efficiently, saving energy and money.

Vacuum cleaners should also be inspected before each use to make sure reels are not covered in hair, which can make it nearly impossible for the machine to collect dirt and dust from the floors.

• Use reusable cloths. Another way to turn spring cleaning into a more eco-friendly affair is to forgo using paper towels in favor of reusable cloths. Reusable wash cloths can be just as effective at wiping down counters as paper towels, which require more and more trees to be cut down and eventually end up in landfills. If you are feeling especially eco-friendly, you can go the extra mile and create your own reusable cleaning cloths out of old clothes or linens, saving you money and making use of items that might otherwise have been headed straight for a landfill.

Spring cleaning can rejuvenate a home after a long winter. Emphasizing eco-friendly techniques when cleaning can ensure your home’s revival is as beneficial to the environment as it is to the home’s inhabitants.

CHRIS MCNELIS | BROKER | OWNER | 410.394.0990 14488 SOLOMONS ISLAND RD, SOLOMONS, MD 20688 www.mcnelisgroup.com

You will love this 3 bedroom 2 bath cape. Full walkout Basement. New Porch, Roof, Windows and HVAC system.

New siding with 50 year warranty. All this and a convenient Wildewood location.

23317 Laurel Hill Dr, California SM8143802

$247,900

Gloria Abell Sales Master Coldwell Banker Jay Lilly Real Estate 22811 Three Notch Road, California, MD 20619 E-mail: gabell@mris.com • Office: 301-863-0300 Ext 1311 Toll Free: 800-257-6633 • Cell: 301-904-6808

To list a property in our next Realtor’s Choice edition, call Jennifer at 301-373-4125.

The County Times

Thursday, March 20, 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, March 20 Color and Light Society of Southern Maryland Spring Show and Sale Annmarie Sculpture Garden’s Murray Building in Solomons (13480 Dowell Rd, Solomons) - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The CLS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit comprised of artists from Southern Maryland.

Participating artists will display paintings, sculpture and more. For additional info, contact carolepurcell@hughes.net or go to the Annmarie Sculpture Garden website www. annmariegarden.org.

Diamonds Green Holly Elementary School (6060 Millstone Landing Rd, Lexington Park) - 12:30 p.m.

Students Only - A group for 4th and 5th grade girls that focuses on enhancing girls’ social skills. Girls will develop skills to enhance self-image and self-confidence.

SMHEC Open House Southern Maryland Higher Education Center (44219 Airport Rd., California) - 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Widen your horizons at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center’s (SMHEC) Open House. For more information, go to www.smhec.org or call 301-737-2500.

After School Program Youth Center- Jarboe Education Center (21161 Lexwood Drive Suite B, Lexington Park) - 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Develop problem solving and decisionmaking skills, control emotions, foster social skills, self-efficacy, knowledge of healthy lifestyle choices, proper nutrition and exercise. Homework assistance is available.

Step On Up/Best Foot Forward Youth Center- Jarboe Education Center (21161 Lexwood Drive Suite B, Lexington Park) - 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Middle and High School Boys and girls will explore issues related to responsible behaviors, self esteem, character development, and building healthy relationships. Community volunteers will present information on decision making for a successful future.

March Madness - Salsa Dance Class House of Dance (4620 Three Notch Rd, Hollywood) - 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Throughout March, starting March 10, we will have adult drop-in classes for outrageous prices - Only $10 each! For more information, visit www.thehouseofdance. org or call 301-373-6330 or email admin@ thehouseofdance.org.

Historic St. Mary’s City Archaeology Lectures: Ghostly Images in the Soil HSMC’s Visitor Center Auditorium (18751 Hogaboom Lane, St. Mary’s City) - 7 p.m.

As we prepare to celebrate the founding of Maryland in 1634, HSMC archaeologist, director of research, and Maryland Heritage Scholar Henry Miller, Ph.D., will explore the broader long-term history of Maryland’s founding site and first capital. Miller will present Ghostly Images in the Soil: Reading a 500 Year Story of St. Mary’s City.

This free, illustrated talk will feature a synthesis of the place’s landscape before, during, and after colonial settlement. Using extensive archaeological survey evidence, maps, and aerial views, the complex story of this remarkable place will be traced down to

the present day. Each episode of human use has left faint traces of their presence, often traces that overlap each other. HSMC continues to make a concerted effort to discover and unravel this intricate mix of clues to understand when and how people have lived at, used, and shaped the grounds of this significant place over the centuries.

Historic St. Mary’s City is a museum of living history and archaeology on the site of Maryland’s first capital in beautiful, tidewater Southern Maryland. For more information about the museum contact the Visitor Center at 240-895-4990, 800-SMC-1634, or info@DigsHistory.org.

Friday, March 21 Shadow Day at MCS School Mother Catherine Spalding School (38833 Chaptico Rd, Helen) - 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

This is for anyone interested in a Catholic school education. For more information, please call (301) 884-3165.

NARFE Chapter 969 March Luncheon Meeting Olde Breton Inn (21890 Society Hill Rd, Leonardtown) - 11:30 a.m.

Cathy Vestraci, RN, will present information and a demonstration on Reflexology - learn how reflex points correspond to different body organs and systems. This information will be shared at the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), St. Mary’s Chapter 969, March 21 Luncheon/Meeting. Cakes will also be raffled and reservations are required; if you have not already confirmed reservations, please contact Bev at 301752-1131 by Tuesday, March 18. The Luncheon/Meeting includes a full course lunch prepared by Bailey’s Catering Service. Not a member? Contact Judy Loflin for membership details 301-872-0064. Check us out on Facebook and like our page! www.facebook.com/NARFEMD969StMarys. See you at the meeting!

Anger Management Youth Center- Jarboe Education Center (21161 Lexwood Drive Suite B, Lexington Park) - 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

This is an 8-week group for middle and high school students that will focus on positive communication, handling stress and anger, and developing strategies to address conflict. Call 301-566-5332 for more information.

American Legion Post 221 Steak, Shrimp, & Fish Dinner American Legion Post 221 (21690 Colton Point Rd, Avenue) - 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The American Legion Post 221has a Steak, Shrimp, & Fish Dinner Night on the third Friday of every month. This is an excellent opportunity to get out and meet people in the community. There are several menu items for the adults and kids to enjoy at a reasonable price. You can call (301) 884-4071 for further information. You can also visit our website at http://www.alpost221.webs. com/.

St. Mary’s Ryken Spring Gala Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall (24801 Three Notch Rd, Hollywood) - 6 p.m.

Glamour, Glitz, Gala! The St. Mary’s Ryken Spring Gala “A Knight in Hollywood” features dinner, dancing and a si-

lent auction. The event is black-tie optional or come dressed as your favorite celebrity.

Tickets are $150 per person. For reservations and sponsorship opportunities, contact the SMR Advancement Office at 301-373-4182 or advancement@smrhs.org.

Barnacle Cup Sailors Spring Dinner Meeting Fitzie’s Marina & Pub (21540 Joe Hazel Rd, Leonardtown) - 6:30 p.m.

We will be meeting to discuss the up coming seasons events, rules, and regattas.

If you have a sailboat or just an interest in sailing this is a meeting to attend. You will be able to meet the skippers, hear all about how to race and who is looking for crew.

Most of all it will be about having fun on the water, safely. If you are interested please call Shawn Moore at 301-247-7238 or Buzz Ballard at 240-298-1211.

Saturday, March 22 Indoor Yardsale and Bakesale Trinity Lutheran Church (46707 Shangri La Drive, Lexington Park) - 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tables are still available! For more information, contact Rose 301-752-2034.

Mulch Sale Mother Catherine Spalding School (38833 Chaptico Rd, Helen) - 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hardwood shredded mulch will be available by the bag (3. Cu. Ft.) or pallet. Place your pre-sale order by contacting DJ Buckler on 301-481-1096. For more information, visit the Mother Catherine Spalding School website at www.mothercatherine. org.

Relay Festival Lenny’s Restaurant parking lot (23418 Three Notch Road, California) - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Please join Relay for Life as our teams hold a variety of fundraisers, including yard sale items, food and refreshments, crafts and vendor items.

Vendors not currently on a team may purchase space for a $25.00 donation.

All net proceeds from participating teams will benefit the American Cancer Society.

For more information, contact Jenifer Kearns at fundraising@stmarysrelay.org or visit our website at www.stmarysrelay.org.

SoMD Sudoku Tournament 2014 St. John’s School (43900 St Johns Rd, Hollywood) - 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

4th annual to be held at St John¹s School in Hollywood to benefit the school scholarship fund. Players can register and start anytime from 9 am to 12 noon. How good are you? How good are your friends? There will be Cash Awards in the Novice, Intermediate, Advanced and Expert levels. Free refreshments. Details available on the web at SoMD Sudoku Tournament 2014 or on the school website at http://www.sjshollywood. org/AboutSJS/SoMD-Sudoku-Tournament. aspx. Come join us for a little friendly competition.

Celebrate Maryland Day at HSMC Historic St. Mary’s City (18751 Hogaboom Ln, St Marys City) - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Celebrate Maryland where the state began. Historic St. Mary’s City (HSMC) will commemorate the 380th anniversary of the founding with ceremony, song, a kids’ craft tent, and free admission. Living history sites

will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Begin your visit in Town Center. We’ll employ March winds and wide open spaces to enjoy a very old sport – kite flying. Join the colonists in Chapel Field beginning at 10 a.m. and B.Y.O.K. (Bring Your Own Kite) or purchase one at the museum’s Shop at Farthing’s Ordinary. Plan to visit the Godiah Spray Tobacco Plantation, the Indian Hamlet, the Maryland Dove, and the St. John’s Site Museum. Save time for lunch -- Expressions of St. Mary’s will be serving on site. PING, St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s a capella choir, will perform under the direction of Larry Vote in the Brick Chapel at noon and 2:30 p.m.

The Maryland Day ceremony will take place near the Visitor Center (18751 Hogaboom Lane) at 1 p.m. Keynote speaker Christine Bergmark, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, will consider how the local economy has evolved away from tobacco to meet changing societal needs. Burton Kummerow, author, lecturer, historian, president of HistoryWorks, Inc., president of the Maryland Historical Society, and former HSMC executive director, will receive the museum’s highest honor, the Cross Bottony. The program will close with the Ceremony of the Flags, a perennial crowdpleaser, when children representing each Maryland jurisdiction present their county colors. Historic St. Mary’s City is a museum of living history and archaeology on the site of Maryland’s first capital in beautiful, tidewater Southern Maryland. For more information about the museum contact the Visitor Center at 240-895-4990, 800-SMC-1634, or info@DigsHistory.org All Kinds of Recovery: Faces Beacon of Hope Recovery and Wellness Center (21800 N. Shangri La Drive, Lexington Park) - 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

All Kinds of Recovery (AKoR) Faces Meeting: a peer group introducing an inspirational or informational profile of a personal recovery experience. Group is free and open to any adult practicing any form of recovery related to any form of addiction, mental health challenges or traumatic experiences.

Meetings are free and open to the public.

Call 301-997-1300 x 804 or e-mail beacon@ waldensierra.org for more information.

KCA Spring Dinner Auction The King’s Christian Academy (20738 Point Lookout Rd, Callaway) - 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Join us for a formal evening of silent and live auctions as well as a dinner catered by one of Maryland’s finest chefs. Tickets will be available at the school’s front office as we draw closer to the date.

Mechanicsville Optimist 29th Annual Fantasy Night Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall (28165 Hills Club Rd, Mechanicsville) - 6:30 p.m.

Open to the public, $130 per couple for a full dinner catered by Rita B, dancing to the sounds of the Full Steam Band, Open Bar for the night and a chance to win $7400 in prize monies, spread out to 25 lucky couples. Only 200 tickets will be sold, so it is recommended to purchase your tickets in advance. Tickets will be available at the door until the event is sold out.

Contact Dennis Reed at 301-884-3268 for more information, or email mechanicsvilleoptimist@yahoo.com, or go to mechanicsvilleoptimist.org for more details.

33

The County Times

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Sunday, March 23 PaxSpace Spring Open House PaxSpace (44178 Airport View Dr. Building 2, Bay 13, Hollywood) - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

PaxSpace Inc. is a community-operated physical space, where people can meet to collaborate and work on projects. Our purpose is to create a sharing environment that provides education and scientific awareness to Southern Maryland. We offer workspaces and storage for use by members to pursue projects related to art and technology. Member projects may include electronics assembly, soldering, wood working, and computer programming. PaxSpace aims to bring back the American spirit of ingenuity by building a community of makers instead of just consumers. We hope to inspire lifelong learning and innovation, while also strengthening our local community. For more information please contact vicepresident@paxspace.org Jennifer Cooper, Carl Reichelt, Rick Humphreys, Paul Christian (GrooveSpan Quartet) at Southern Maryland Annual Bridal Showcase Holiday Inn (155 Holiday Dr, Solomons) - 12 p.m.

The GrooveSpan Quartet will provide live entertainment for this “Vintage” themed Bridal Showcase event. Must be a registered Bride to attend. Contact Shannon Schulze (Director of Catering Sales, Hoilday Inn Solomons) for more info at sschulze@hisolomons.com.

SOMD BMX Track Chaptico Park (26600 Budds Creek Rd Mechanicsville) - 12 p.m.

SOMD BMX is a non-profit BMX track sanctioned by USABMX. Riders of all ages are welcome, from 2yrs - 60 yrs+.

Come ride or race at your own comfort level.

Great family environment!! visit us at www. somdbmx.com or on facebook at www.facebook.com/somdbmx. all you need to race is a BMX bike, full face helmet, long pants and long sleeve shirt. Contact for additional details or with question.

Basket Bingo to Benefit the 2014 BECA High School Scholarship Program Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall (28165 Hills Club Rd, Mechanicsville) - 12:30 p.m.

The Charlotte Hall & Leonardtown Rotary Club will host a Basket Bingo to benefit the 2014 BECA High School Scholarship Program. Games start at 2 p.m.. All regular games will have a liner/and or protector and will be filled with Longaberger products, pottery or wrought iron. There will be 20 regular games...5 specials...pull tabs for baskets...basket raffle...door prizes... refreshments & more. Please call Shirley Mattingly at 240-298-3885 to be included in the drawing for the 2014 Lend A Hand Basket. The group leader with the most reservations will win the 2014 Easter Basket color of your choice. To reserve a table for six or more please call Shirley Mattingly at 240-298-3885 or email Shirley.mattingly@ verizon.net.

Katie Moose Speaking at Sotterley Sotterley Plantation in the Barn (44300 Sotterley Ln, Hollywood) - 3 p.m.

Katie Moose takes part in the 2014 Speaker Series at Sotterley. An important community outreach, this series is yet anoth-

er way that this National Historic Landmark fulfills its mission of preserving, researching, and interpreting Sotterley Plantation’s diverse cultures and environments and to serve the world as an educational, cultural, and community resource.

Because of the ongoing generosity of The Boeing Company, dedicated to promoting education and the arts within the Southern Maryland community, the Speaker Series at Sotterley is free to the public. Due to limited seating, advanced reservations are required. Call 301-373-2280 for reservations.

Gretchen Richie…Jazz Cabaret Café des Artistes (41655 Fenwick Street, Onthe-Square, Leonardtown) - 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

‘Sunday Jazz & Requests’. Come on out tonight for a relaxing early evening of dinner and music. Randy Richie on keyboard & Dan Hones on acoustic bass. Reservations recommended! No Cover. 301-997-0500.

Monday, March 24 Republican Women St. Mary’s Meeting Front Porch Restaurant (22770 Washington St, Leonardtown) - 11 a.m.

Lunch may be purchased from the menu (optional). New guests and members welcome. Scheduled speaker Delegate candidate Matt Morgan. Questions call Deb Rey at 301-997-4183 or email deborah.rey@jeffndeb.com.

St. John’s Bingo St. John’s School (43900 St Johns Rd, Hollywood) - 6 p.m.

All regular games of bingo will pay $150 each and if we have over 140 paying customers we will add $100 to each of the regular 50/50 special games. Doors open at 5 and play starts at 6.

Tuesday, March 25 Diamonds Lexington Park Elementary School (46763 South Shangri La Drive, Lexington Park) 12:30 p.m.

Students Only - A group for 4th and 5th grade girls that focuses on enhancing girls’ social skills. Girls will develop skills to enhance self-image and self-confidence.

Maryland Day St. Clement’s Island Museum (38370 Point Breeze Road, Colton’s Point) - 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The St. Mary’s County Board of Commissioners and the Museum Division of the Department of Recreation and Parks will host its annual Maryland Day program. This one-hour commemorative program is offered in honor of the first brave Marylanders who founded the Maryland colony at St. Clement’s Island on March 25, 1634. This event is free and open to the public.

The one-hour program will feature remarks by the St. Mary’s County Board of Commissioners and keynote speaker Captain Benjamin Shevchuk, commanding officer of the Patuxent River Naval Air Station.

Captain Shevchuk will share and connect his family’s emigration from the Soviet Union to the United States with the emigration of the first colonists from England to the New World, specifically to St. Clement’s Island.

A wreath-laying ceremony will follow the commemorative program at the St. Clement’s Island historical marker. In the event of inclement weather, this outdoor pro-

gram will be held inside the museum; space will be limited.

All visitors attending this day are invited to enjoy free admission to the museum, orientation film, and the renovated museum store. The site also offers a 19th-century one-room schoolhouse and exterior dory boat exhibit.

Maryland Day also marks the beginning of the summer season for the St. Clement’s Island Museum and the Piney Point Lighthouse, Museum and Historic Park in Piney Point. Both museums will be open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The St. Clement’s Island Museum is managed by the Museum Division of St. Mary’s County Department of Recreation and Parks and the St. Mary’s County Board of Commissioners. The museum and grounds are handicap accessible. For more information call the museum at 301-7692222 or log on to www.stmarysmd.com/ recreate/museums.

After School Program Youth Center- Jarboe Education Center (21161 Lexwood Drive Suite B, Lexington Park) - 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Develop problem solving and decisionmaking skills, control emotions, foster social skills, self-efficacy, knowledge of healthy lifestyle choices, proper nutrition and exercise. Homework assistance is available.

Youth Leadership Development Youth Center- Jarboe Education Center (21161 Lexwood Drive Suite B, Lexington Park) - 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Develop your leadership potential by building your skills in communication, teamwork, leadership style, self-esteem, professionalism, and project management and use your new skills by engaging in a community service project.

March Madness - Swing Dance Class House of Dance (4620 Three Notch Rd, Hollywood) - 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Throughout March, starting March 10, we will have adult drop-in classes for outrageous prices - Only $10 each! For more information, visit www.thehouseofdance. org or call 301-373-6330 or email admin@ thehouseofdance.org.

Wednesday, March 26 Spaghetti Family Style Dinner Youth Center- Jarboe Education Center (21161 Lexwood Drive Suite B, Lexington Park) - 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Family ACCESS Center invites families in the Lexington Park area to a Family Night. Enjoy activities, and learn about services from different community organizations while enjoying a FREE spaghetti family style dinner.

Call Amanda Dugas at 301-866-5332 to register.

March Madness - R&B Line Dance Class House of Dance (4620 Three Notch Rd, Hollywood) - 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Throughout March, starting March 10, we will have adult drop-in classes for outrageous prices - Only $10 each!

For more information, visit www.thehouseofdance.org or call 301-373-6330 or email admin@thehouseofdance.org.

Thursday, March 27 Southern Maryland Professional Women’s Forum: Opening the Door to Small Business Opportunities Bay District Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall (46900 S Shangri Ln Dr, Lexington Park) - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Speakers: Mr. Garry Newton, Deputy Commander, NAVAIR, Ms. LeAnn Delaney, Assistant Director, Contract Assistance Office, Government Contracting, U.S. Small Business Administration, “How We Got Where We Are Today and How to Go Further” Panel. Watch website for more details.

PRISM Lunch: Creating a Compelling Marketing Strategy Leonardtown Grille (25470 Point Lookout Rd., Leonardtown) - 11:30 a.m.

Price: $20 for members, $25 for nonmembers. Use PayPal at www.prismonline. info or mail a check in advance to PRISM, P.O. Box 352 Solomons, Md. 20688 Send lunch order to Beverly Brown by Monday, March 24.

Diamonds Green Holly Elementary School (6060 Millstone Landing Rd, Lexington Park) - 12:30 p.m.

Students Only - A group for 4th and 5th grade girls that focuses on enhancing girls’ social skills. Girls will develop skills to enhance self-image and self-confidence.

After School Program Youth Center- Jarboe Education Center (21161 Lexwood Drive Suite B, Lexington Park) - 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Develop problem solving and decisionmaking skills, control emotions, foster social skills, self-efficacy, knowledge of healthy lifestyle choices, proper nutrition and exercise. Homework assistance is available.

Step On Up/Best Foot Forward Youth Center- Jarboe Education Center (21161 Lexwood Drive Suite B, Lexington Park) - 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Middle and High School Boys and girls will explore issues related to responsible behaviors, self esteem, character development, and building healthy relationships. Community volunteers will present information on decision making for a successful future.

Grocery Auction to Benefit MCS School Mother Catherine Spalding School (38833 Chaptico Rd, Helen) - 5:30 p.m.

A large variety of items will be available. We never know ahead of time what items we will get for the auction. However, expect anything found in a grocery store such as candies, snacks, sodas, frozen meats, frozen vegetables, frozen pizza, canned goods, dry goods, dairy products, cleaning supplies and just about anything else in between. There will be some great deals so don’t miss out. We suggest you bring your cooler for any frozen items purchased. Payment can be made by cash or check. For more information, call 301-884-3165.

March Madness - Salsa Dance Class House of Dance (4620 Three Notch Rd, Hollywood) - 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Throughout March, starting March 10, we will have adult drop-in classes for outrageous prices - Only $10 each! For more information, visit www.thehouseofdance. org or call 301-373-6330 or email admin@ thehouseofdance.org.

The County Times

Entertainment

Let’s Get Quackin’

Ruddy Duck Hosts Second Annual Fundraiser Benefiting Reaching for the Stars Foundation

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer

Live music, good food and tons of prizes – all for a good cause.

The Ruddy Duck is gearing up for the second Let’s Get Quackin’ Fundraiser to benefit the Reaching for the Stars Foundation, a Cerebral Palsy nonprofit foundation led by parents, with a focus on the prevention, treatment and cure of Cerebral Palsy.

The organization is “committed to serving the needs of children with Cerebral Palsy, their families, and the care givers involved in their care,” according to the foundation’s website, reachingforthestars.org.

The fundraiser starts at 5 p.m. on March 26, a percentage of all food and beverage sales will go to the foundation. Additionally, there will be a silent auction and raffle going on. 100 percent of the proceeds from the silent auction and raffle will go to benefit the Reaching for the Stars Foundation, according to Ruddy Duck Brewery and Grill Advertising and Promotions Manager Stephanie Abrams.

The driving force behind Let’s Get Quackin’ is the Searle family, including Brad Searle.

“When our son, Jacob, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP), we were shocked to see there were barely any resources available to help guide parents while raising a child with CP,” he said in an e-mail. “It’s hard to believe that there is no dedicated federal funding for CP research when CP is the most common motor disability in children impacting over 800,000 Americans and 17,000,000 people worldwide. Research for CP, particularly in children, is under-supported and severely under-funded.

More research would mean the possibility of prevention and earlier diagnosis, more effective treatment options, and eventually the possibility of a cure. In the end, we are just trying to do our part as a family of a child living with cerebral palsy. We need to show the world we care about Cerebral Palsy. This means letting medical institutions, the media, lawmakers, the general population, neighbors and friends know this is an important public health issue.

If we don’t show that this is important, why should anyone else? If we don’t speak up about Cerebral Palsy, no one else will. I’m not sure about the past, but one thing I know for sure is that we are changing this for the future.

Last year’s event was geared toward children, la-

beled a fun-raiser, Abrams said. This year, the fundraiser is aimed at a more diverse group. There will be a musician showcase starting at 7 p.m., featuring Hydra FX, The Piranhas, the Justin Myles Experience, the Mike Starkey Band and Funkzilla. Before the larger bands take the stage, there will be various acoustic performers.

“We have a lot of really incredible talent in the area,” Abrams said.

In addition to the musical offerings, there will be a photo booth to allow attendees to create memories with friends and family. The auction and raffle items have been donated by community members.

“Our local community has always been very supportive,” Searle said. “As this event grows larger each year, we are just amazed at their generosity when given the opportunity to contribute. Without our local community, we wouldn’t have all the great raffle and silent auction prizes.

This year we have received more great raffle and auction donations from Personalized Therapy LLC, Bella Salon, and many more. The charter fishing trip and Harley Davidson jacket also proved to be very popular last year.”

This year’s fundraiser is sponsored by Personalized Therapy, LLC, an outpatient therapy center with branches in Calvert and St. Mary’s counties.

“I want to personally thank Carlos Yanez, Michael Kelly, Stephanie Abrams and everyone else at the Ruddy Duck Brewery & Grill for their continued friendship and support,” Searle said.

For more information about the Ruddy Duck, visit www.ruddyduckbrewery.com. For more information about Personalized Therapy, visit www.personalizedtherapyllc. com. For individuals unable to attend, donations can also be made through www.ReachingForTheStars.org.

The fundraiser will be preceded by an opportunity to raise awareness on a national level.

“As a fellow board member of Reaching for the Stars, we are also excited to announce our invitation to testify in Washington DC before the House Appropriations LHHS Committee, on March 25, the day before the fundraiser, about the need for Cerebral Palsy research funding. We’ll also be meeting with Senator Isakson (GA) while we’re in DC to personally thank him, and Senator Casey (PA), for co-sponsoring the National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day Senate Resolution,” Searle said. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad Second Annual Bluegrass Festival Mark your calendars for a day of great live Bluegrass music! The members of the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad are proud to present their Second Annual Bluegrass Festival at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds from noon til on Saturday, April 5. Artists performing include: The Bluegrass Brothers, California Ramblers, Smoke Creek Rounders, Spoon Creek and 15 String Band. The fairground gate will open at 11 a.m.

Tickets are $20 in advance and may be purchased at the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad’s website www.hvrs.org and select the “Donation” button until March 20 or $25 at the gate. We accept all major debit and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover) and payments from PayPal accounts.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase. We are pleased to announce Blackstone Marina is our beverage sponsor for this year’s festival. All proceeds will benefit the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad. Donations including in-kind donations are greatly appreciated and may either be sent to the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc., P.O. Box 79, Hollywood, Md. 20636 or visit our website www. hvrs.org select the “Donation” button.

No coolers are permitted. There will also be raffles for 50/50 and a cooler of cheer along with a silent auction. Numerous vendors will be on-hand to showcase their products. Get ready for a day of toe tapping to fantastic bluegrass music!

For more information or to make donations, please contact Barbara Wible 240-298-7443 or Brenda Pruett 240-298-5019 or 301-373-3131.

Press Release Submitted by Brenda Pruett, Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad.

MARYLAND DAY Tuesday, March 25 • 2 p.m.

St. Clement’s Island Museum 301-769-2222 • Colton’s Point, MD Join us for a one-hour ceremonial tribute to Maryland’s founding on March 25, 1634. Keynote speaker Capt. Ben Shevchuk, Commanding Officer of NAS Patuxent River.

Outdoor event on the lawn - dress for the weather!

Call the museum for more information.

Presented by the Museum Division of SMC Department of Recreation and Parks, the St. Mary’s County Board of Commissioners and Friends of the St. Clement’s Island and Piney Point Museums.

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The County Times

n O g Goin Thursday, March 20, 2014

In Entertainment

Thursday, March 20

Sunday, March 23

Dave Norris DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 6 to 10 p.m.

Higher Standards Brunch Buffet Ruddy Duck Seafood and Alehouse (16810 Piney Point Road, Piney Point) – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Swamp Candy Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 7:30 p.m.

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

Friday, March 21 Dave Norris DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 6 to 10 p.m.

Joe Parsons Ruddy Duck Seafood and Alehouse (16810 Piney Point Road, Piney Point) – 8 p.m.

Tracy Allen Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 8 p.m.

Spoon Creek Band Anderson’s Bar (23945 Colton Point Road, Clements) – 8 to 11 p.m.

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

Saturday, March 22 Fair Warning DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 6 to 10 p.m.

Kappa Danielson and Paul Larson Westlawn Inn (9200 Chesapeake Avenue, North Beach) – 7:30 p.m.

Tracy Allen Ruddy Duck Seafood and Alehouse (16810 Piney Point Road, Piney Point) – 8 p.m.

One Louder Vera’s White Sands Beach Club (1200 White Sands Drive, Lusby) – 9:30 p.m.

Kappa Danielson and Paul Larson Westlawn Inn (9200 Chesapeake Avenue, North Beach) – 7:30 p.m.

Motown with The Winstons Toot’s Bar (23971 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood) – 3 to 7 p.m.

Peaceful Living

IN A QUIET SETTING, EXCELLENT SCHOOLS

301-862-5307

13 month with 1st FULL month FREE / 25 month with first 2 FULL months FREE!

Jazz and Requests Café des Artistes (41655 Fenwick Street, Leonardtown) – 5 to 8 p.m.

Motown Night with The Winstons Vera’s White Sands Beach Club (1200 White Sands Drive, Lusby) – 9:30 p.m.

QUIET SAFE CONVENIENT

Monday, March 24 Team Trivia Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 7 p.m.

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

Tuesday, March 25

$150.00 Deposit With This Ad!

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Call For More Information: Bella Bailey, Marketing & Leasing MGR.

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Fair Warning DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 5 to 9 p.m.

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Open Mic Toot’s Bar (23971 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood) – 8:30 p.m.

Don't forget to advertise in our next special section on April 10th, 2014.

Wednesday, March 26 Mason Sebastian DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 5 to 9 p.m.

Let’s Get Quackin’ Fundraiser Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 6 p.m.

Advertising Promotes Business!

Spring

Home and Garden

Team Trivia Toot’s Bar (23971 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood) – 6:30 p.m.

Musician’s Showcase Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 7 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

Contact An Advertising Representative Today!

301-373-4125 sales@countytimes.net

www.countytimes.net

The County Times

Thursday, March 20, 2014

36

In Our Community

Lexington Park Lions Looks Forward to Hospital to Celebrate Doctors’ Day Annual Golf Tournament

MedStar St. Mary’s will celebrate National Doctors’ Day on Friday, March 28, to thank the talented and highly skilled men and women who dedicate their lives to the practice of medicine.

Our hospital is proud of our Medical Staff’s high quality and qualifications, as well as their dedication to our patients and to the community as a whole. The celebration will include a breakfast, special gift and proclamation from the St. Mary’s County Board of Commissioners and the Leonardtown Commissioners.

“I am grateful to all of the men and women who share such a high level of commitment in caring for patients,” said Barbara Thompson, chairman of the MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital Board of Directors. “Their impressive dedication to the practice of medicine has not gone unnoticed.

The efforts and skill of our Medical Staff make me especially proud to be associated with MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital.”

The first Doctors’ Day observance was March 30, 1933. Since then, it is celebrated annually to commemorate the anniversary of the first use of general anesthetic in surgery on the same date in 1842 by physician Crawford Long. In 1990, President George Bush signed a resolution designating March 30 as National Doctors’ Day, the first of which was celebrated in 1991. MedStar St. Mary’s is celebrating its medical professional on March 28 this year. In addition, the red carnation was established as the symbol for National Doctors’ Day because it denotes the qualities of love, charity, sacrifice, bravery and courage.

Lexington Park Lions are gearing up for their annual golf tournament, Thursday, May 8, at the Wicomico Shores Golf Club in St. Mary’s County. Tee time 9 a.m. with a shotgun start.

Proceeds from the tournament fund the Lions vision and hearing programs benefiting those in need in the Lexington Park area. The tournament is open to all golfers, but preregistration is required. Sponsorships are available. The Lexington Park Lions Club is a 501(c)3 organization; donations are tax deductible. Entry forms and additional information can be found on the Lexington Park Lions Club website: www.lexingtonparklions.org. Or, if you prefer, give one of us a call: Buzz Shelley, 301-904-3809, buzz.shelley@yahoo.com, or Jess Davis, 301-904-0352, jbdavis@md.metrocast.net.

CONGRATULATIONS Douglas Hamilton and Debra Kane On Your Marriage On March 19, 2014 I Love You Mom and Dad. Wish You Many More Years To Come! After 35 Years You Finally Decided To Make It Official!

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Thursday, March 20, 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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*COMMIT TO 12 WEEKS IN BOTH NEWSPAPERS AT GREAT DISCOUNTS! REGULAR PRICE: $65 Per Week In Each Newspaper Contact Us: 301-373-4125 sales@ countytimes.net

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

Games

CLUES ACROSS

CLUES DOWN

1. Former ruler of Iran 5. Tax or levy 9. St. Vitus dance 11. A bog 13. Mushroom rib structure 15. One-sided 16. Before 17. Extemporaneously 19. About aviation 21. Macaws 22. Refuge room 23. Court case 25. Conical kiln 27. Media mogul Turner 28. Cancer sign 30. Fit into 32. Somali supermodel 34. Expires 35. Trapped 37. Stabilizes 39. Plea urgently 40. Leg joint 42. Nothing (Latin) 45. Bleat 46. Poi plant 48. Loudness unit 49. Deep blue color 54. Fiddler crab 55. About retina 56. Nail protein 58. Replace ammo 59. Most sensible 60. Brooklyn team 61. Father

1. Someone who takes part 2. Relating to Homer 3. They __ 4. Helicopter 5. Coagulated milk 6. This (Spanish) 7. Moved on a log track 8. Closed hermetically 9. Nautical rope fastener 10. __ Romeo, car

The County Times 11. All peoples of the Earth 12. “Three Weeks” author Elinor 14. Hairstyle 15. Moved along 18. UCB Business School 20. Paddling 24. Tibetian Buddist monk 26. E. Timor cloth 27. Latin for witness 29. Dog sound 31. 13-19 33. Involving the mind 35. Washington city

Thursday, March 20, 2014

36. Beloved 38. One who yells 39. Whalebone 41. The Phantom of the Opera 43. Cut 44. Bent away from vertical 45. He killed A. Hamilton 47. Digits 50. Public violence 51. Freshwater duck genus 52. Angry 53. Amounts of time 57. Cuckoo

Last Week’s Puzzle Solutions

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.

Publication Days

Important Information

The Calvert Gazette is published each Thursday.

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

Real Estate for Sale

Real Estate Rentals

Looking to build? Wonderful & wooded three+acre building lot in Hollywood with three conventional perc sites. Beautiful and private homesite just waiting for you and your dream home. Conveniently located to Pax River, Leonardtown, & easy commute to Waldorf, St Mary’s City, NESEA, etc. Call for plat or appointment to preview property.

804-241-5374 or 301-690-2544. Price: $99,900.

Quiet, private area in Valley Lee. 3 BR, 1.5 BA, Lrg Kitchen, Living/Dining Rm, plenty of closet space. W/D, Heat Pump/ CAC. Extra storage. Asphalt Parking. Cable TV is furnished. Dumpster for trash on site.

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Real Estate Rentals

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1-Bedroom - Central in-town location. All electric appliances and heat. Landlord pays water, trash removal, and sewage. 1-year lease required. References required. No pets and no children. Call 301-475-8787 for further details. $650/month.

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N/P, N/S, No Sec 8 500.00 /month less utilities 1 month Sec Dep month to month Ideal 2 people 301-880-3206-Tom

The Calvert Gazette will not be held responsible for any ads omitted for any reason. The Calvert Gazette reserves the right to edit or reject any classified ad not meeting the standards of The Calvert Gazette. It is your responsiblity to check the ad on its first publication and call us if a mistake is found. We will correct your ad only if notified after the first day of the first publication ran.

Employment Insurance Agents NEEDED!!

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Life / Disability insurance to protect the homes of your clients in the event of death or disability. We provide and support a program in which you may work from home and set your own hours. If you are self-disciplined, teachable, and enjoy sales, we can offer you a minimum income of $75,000 + first year by coaching you to effectively use and follow our PROVEN System and we own our lead generation company so NO COLD CALLS!!

Availability: There are very limited openings due to our exclusive leads system.

We limit the number of representatives in a determined area to insure maximum coverage and profitability of our representatives. The State requires our representatives to have a current Life insurance license. If you are currently not licensed, you may still be eligible in this area for this opportunity and we will assist you in the easiest way to obtain this license. (Can be obtained in 1 week) - Willing to train the right people that would be assets to our team***** Email your resume today to set up an Interview: Dovefinancial@outlook.com Serious Inquiries only please.

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

39

The County Times

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Wanderings of an

Aimless

d

Min

“A Different World”

By Shelby Oppermann Contributing Writer

Last week was a busy week with two trips to Baltimore for Doctor’s appointments. On the first trip, we thought about driving through Greek town – which my friend Barbara told me about.

But the waitress at The Broadway Diner, on the hill above, said it was best to see it at night. Next time I guess. I really love Little Italy, and would like to do an appetizer crawl through each restaurant – ending with cannoli at Vaccaro’s Bakery. Who wouldn’t?

On the day of the second trip, we found that my husband didn’t need a second test that had been ordered, so we had about 8 hours to kill before we had to get to the Verizon Center for a concert. My sons had given us tickets to see Paul Simon and Sting as a Christmas present. Eight hours to wander around! We love having time to get lost in a city, especially a big city. There are over 200 hundred neat little neighborhoods in Baltimore, and we have wandered through quite a few over the last few years.

Some of the neighborhoods are so much fun, like Fells Point, Federal Hill, and of course any area around the Inner Harbor. But, unfortunately, last Thursday was freezing and the wind was crazy. It was not a day to walk around anywhere. We did drive to Fort McHenry which neither of us had been to since our PG County elementary school days in the 1960’s. We had a great tour in their beautiful Visitor Center. If you have a chance to go there don’t miss the large movie room with light and sound effects describing Fort McHenry’s role in thwarting the British, and how Francis Scott Key was involved in the war and how he came to pen his famous poem. The end will bring tears to your eyes.

One area we found, by accident, was not so beautiful or full of people. We took a left when we passed the main campus of Johns Hopkins and wandered into a ghost town, referred to as Old Town; one of a few Baltimore neighborhoods that are abandoned and decayed. Nearly 16,000 abandoned homes are on record in Baltimore, with some estimates as high as 47,000. We felt like we had driven into a deserted movie set – which in fact we had.

An episode of “Homicide” and quite a number of episodes of the TV series, “The Wire”, set in Baltimore, were shot in this area. In reading about “The Wire”, it does not sound like the crew had to do much set design – everything was already in place.

It was the eeriest place. There were bags of trash in the middle of the street, several churches with caved-in roofs and shattered stained-glass windows, beautiful old row houses that all leaned dangerously to one side or another, and corner stores that still displayed their last sales. We only saw four living souls walking or standing around there on that windy, bitterly cold day. The sights can be so painful. It truly is a different world.

When we finally arrived at the Verizon Center later that same evening, and waited in the lobby – I looked out front to see a woman leaning on a light pole, who looked, at first glance, like a teacher I used to have, but when I looked closer I realized her coat was a large black trash bag, and the scarf around her head was several small clear trash bags tied together. She was smiling the whole time. These are all images burned in my mind. I know the saying is, “There but for the grace of God go I”, but to me that comes off as arrogant – that I am special- and that I must blame the woman for her fate. I heard my Mother say that saying a thousand times. I won’t hear it in my head in that form anymore.

There, but for a second’s difference, would have been me.

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

Top Foods That Drain Your Energy and Increase Weight

By Debra Meszaros CSN www.MXSportsNutrition.com Do you believe your weight gain is from eating too much?

Are you trying to find the reason you lack energy?

Could something you are doing everyday be causing these issues?

Losing weight and increasing your energy might be easier than you think.

I’m not about to suggest you join a gym or count your calorie intake, what I’m about to discuss is simply adjustments to your lifestyle that can really make a difference. You have to disregard the media advertising and forget what they preach as healthy food. Don’t get confused about the many supplements they claim to test; they are not needed anyway.

If you want to feel better and allow your body to adjust to its ideal weight, read on.

Being active is of course good, but more than likely the following foods have more of an affect on energy and weight than you may think. Processed foods are addictive; they contain substances that create cravings. Don’t try to validate consumption by using the excuse they are convenient. There’s nothing more convenient than fresh food!

It’s all about the start of your day.

Sorry Carb lovers, we eat way too many grains. Bagels, most cereal, muffins, commercial yogurt, and orange juice are choices that will encourage weight gain. They all in one way or another create a sharp rise in blood sugar levels, a sure way to kick your liver into manufacturing fat. Excess sugar means excess fat. Coffee consumed black may have some health advantages but one mocha coffee purchased from your favorite coffee shop can contain very large amounts of sugar.

Fruit is a healthy food.

Fruit smoothies are NOT healthy. They are indeed made from a healthy source but what remains in the process is highly concentrated sugar. You like fruit? Eat it as if you just

picked it from the tree. You can make homemade smoothies with a healthier twist if the smoothie is mainly greens and vegetables with a small amount of fruit.

Energy drinks do not provide lasting energy.

The artificial ingredients, caffeine, and sugars present in most drinks give you a short term “high” followed by stress that is then placed on the body that can cause immediate lack of energy or longer term weakness.

A Subway to deception.

Submarine sandwiches have been viewed as a healthier option than fast food when in actually there is no difference between the two. These processed breads and reconstructed, processed meats and vegetables are packed with addictive ingredients that have multiple negative affects on the body and since they are refined carbohydrates again increase blood sugar levels and your body fat content.

Don’t pop that top!

There is no healthy amount of this beverage, soda contains multiple cancer causing ingredients and both diet and regular versions are linked to weight gain. Some contain large amounts of caffeine that rob your body of energy shortly after consumption.

If you’re trying to increase your energy or burn body fat simply replace your grain carbs and sugars with healthy fats. Trade them for: avocado, palm oil, coconut oil, raw nuts, olives, unheated nut oils, nut butters {not peanut butter!}, raw butter from grassfed cows and pastured organic eggs.

©2014 Debra Meszaros MXSportsNutrition.com. All rights reserved; no duplication without permission.

DISCLAIMER: When you read through the diet and lifestyle information, you must know that everything within it is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. I am making no attempt to prescribe any medical treatment. You should not use the information here for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. The products and the claims made about specific products have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Confirm the safety of any supplements with your M.D., N.D. or pharmacist (healthcare professional). Some information given is solely an opinion, thought and or conclusion based on experiences, trials, tests, assessments or other available sources of information. I do not make any guarantees or promises with regard to results. I may discuss substances that have not been subject to double blind clinical studies or FDA approval or regulation. You assume the responsibility for the decision to take any natural remedy.

You and only you are responsible if you choose to do anything with the information you have read.

You do so at your own risk. I encourage you to make your own health decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

Helping Hands Laura Joyce Contributing Writer How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard…

Winnie-the-Pooh The long and difficult journey my family has been on with my stepmom, Luann, a journey of illness and treatment, hope and despair, and more recently, coming to accept the inevitable, came to an end when she slipped away on Friday morning. We knew her death was imminent by last week: she was so tiny toward the end, so exhausted from fighting both the cancer and the chemo that we’d hoped might save her in a more optimistic time. Earlier that morning, she and my father exchanged “I love you’s”, as they did every morning, and not long after, she quietly passed from here to there.

You make a temporary family, of sorts, forming connections with strangers and close bonds with acquaintances, when you go through something like this. This is especially true in the intense final days, as you negotiate your way through so much that is unknown. Life is reduced to a small room and the background murmurings of doctors and nurses and the artificial light that makes everyone look worn out and a little frightened, except you really are—worn out and frightened—so who’s to say if it’s the light, or the loss that’s coming at you like a freight train? After Lu’s death, word spread quickly through the unit and out into the huge, impersonal halls of the University of Maryland Medical Center, filtering down elevator shafts and stairwells and making the place seem small and familiar. When my father and I walked through the hospital later that morning, we were approached time after time by nurses, doctors, schedulers and cafeteria workers and valet parking attendants, some tearful and some more contained, but all offering genuine sorrow, and a hug or a touch on the arm, personal condolences and memories of Lu that had formed in such a short time. Dad and Lu were well-liked there, which doesn’t surprise me: their patience and their humor made them memorable in a place where neither quality is often in attendance, for understandable

reasons. It was their devotion to each other that really did it, though: my father’s tender, around-the-clock care for his wife of 33 years, was at once so beautiful and so heartbreaking that you couldn’t look away.

The genuineness and open hearts of the people that traveled through this difficult, sad last week helped my father immeasurably: I was only there briefly, but I could see that grief is the most natural thing in the world on the 13th floor, and that creates a place where families are safe whether loss comes hurtling toward you or creeps in quietly. Either way, it up-ends life as you know it, and the team that surrounds families there faces down that chaos of death and makes it just a little bit less overwhelming. Over the past year, Lu received superb care, but when there was nothing more that could be done medically, the people from the 13th floor turned their efforts toward helping my father say goodbye. And on Friday, after losing the woman he had loved for so much of his life, they were still there for my father, an unobtrusive but unmistakable cradle of support, somehow both gentle and strong as steel. I can’t imagine the courage it takes to do this work day after day, to see families in their saddest moments, as grief descends, but I saw the courage in action, and I admire it deeply.

In the spaces around my grief for my father’s loss, for my own loss, for my family’s loss, I am filled with admiration for the people who step into the storm with others, offering the shelter of empathy. The doctors and nurses and hospice workers and others who surrounded my father and stepmother, open-hearted when they could so easily have chosen to face grief from the safety of clinical distance, are heroes to me: I imagine them reaching out to help, as our changed family sets out on this new road together, learning how to carry our grief; they are lifting the sharp, heavy pieces of the heartbreak from my father’s full hands, making the journey ahead just a little bit lighter, and my gratitude is endless.

I love hearing from you; feel free to contact me at thewordtech@md.metrocast.net if you have comments or questions about the column.

The County Times

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Build in Energy Efficiency from the ground up Make SMECO’s ENERGY STAR® for New Homes program your blueprint for year-round savings and comfort.

This winter’s icy blast pushed energy use and costs through the roof. ENERGY STAR Certified Homes offer energy-saving features that make them up to 30% more efficient than standard homes. That means you will save on heating and cooling costs—the biggest chunk of your monthly energy bill.

ENERGY STAR Certified Homes typically have: • Effective insulation • Tight construction and ducts • High-performance windows

• Efficient heating and cooling equipment

You’ll save money on energy and maintenance costs, plus your home will be more comfortable and have improved indoor air quality.

Learn how SMECO’s ENERGY STAR for New Homes program can help you build energy efficiency into your next home. Go to SMECO.coop/save or call 877-818-4094 for details and to find a homebuilder.

This program supports the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act.

www.smeco.coop/save

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