Thursday, April 16, 2015
Leonardtown’s
Vision
With 400 new undeveloped acres, Leonardtown’s master plan includes room for a Library and Convention Center. Story on page 17
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The County Times
Thursday, April 16, 2015
On the Cover
INSIDE
River Cleanup
pg. 9
“I’d love to see it, it would add a lot to our community,” ~ said Robin Sullivan, a Leonard’s Grant resident, which is the community that would sit near the new library.
pg. 27
CONTENTS Local News
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Gala In The Garden
pg. 17
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The County Times
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Funding for Third University Building Out of State Budget By Guy Leonard Staff Writer As the dust is settling from the end of Monday night’s legislative session in Annapolis St. Mary’s County appears to have lost out on construction money for the design phase of the third building at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center. Since state funding is not available — the cost of the design phase was put at $3.85 million — except for about $700,000 in supplemental and grant funding, county commissioners are considering whether to try to fund the project on their own. Commissioners Mike Hewitt and Todd Morgan expressed interest in putting up county funds to at least get the design phase of the project moving. “This building’s worth fighting for,” Hewitt said Tuesday but he said he was wary of putting up county money unless there was a guarantee that the building would be constructed. The $3.85 million in design funds is just the beginning since the final cost for constructing the facility will be more than $70 million. Commissioner Tom Jarboe said that though there may be a desire to use county funds for the project there has been no firm decision to do so. “We don’t have firm numbers on this,” Jarboe said, adding that commissioners needed more information on the situation. The commissioners had already offered to put $1 million in tax payer funds to ensure the
building design went ahead if the state put construction money back in the budget. With the $700,000 in state money and the commissioner funds, another $2.1 million is needed to design the building. Joe Anderson, head of the Board of Governors of the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, said the board would support the commissioners help in getting the third building constructed. “It would send a strong message to everybody,” Anderson said. “It would mark these commissioners as one of the most progressive and forward thinking group of commissioners we’ve ever had.” Some political observers have doubted the commitment of state officials and even the University System of Maryland in really being supportive of the project but Anderson said the system was in full favor of the project. “The university system is totally behind this project,” Anderson said. In the weeks leading up to the end of the legislative session the university system found about $2.4 million in its own funds that could have gone to the project but was reprogrammed by law makers. “It wasn’t their decision, it was the legislature’s decision,” Anderson said. “The competition for capital funding is extremely high.” Anderson said he still believed there was hope for the project to move ahead in fiscal 2016. guyleonard@countytimes.net
C O L L E G E o f S O U T H E R N M A RY L A N D F O U N D AT I O N
7-11 P.M.
Splash for Scholarships is a poolside evening of fun to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of our Wellness and Aquatics Center at the Leonardtown Campus with all proceeds supporting CSM student scholarships.
Tickets are available for $50 each. (Food and drinks are included with the purchase of a ticket.) Purchase tickets online at www.csmd.edu/Foundation/Splash or call 301-934-7647.
www.csmd.edu/Foundation/Splash
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The County Times
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Local News
Commissioners Hear Requests For More Funding By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Teachers and police were among the public servants, along with school system support staff who asked the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County for more money in this coming fiscal year at Teusday night’s annual budget public hearing. The commissioners have crafted a $221.1 million operating budget that allows for one step increase for all county employees but teachers, school administrators and police wanted two step increases. School officials have signaled their desire for two extra step increases privately in the weeks coming up to the public hearing of the budget. Schools Superintendent J. Scott Smith came out in favor of increased funding from the county government at Tuesday night’s hearing. He praised the commissioners for providing a budget that allowed for opening a new elementary school, covered increased health costs and one extra step increase for employees. “But we’re asking for further consideration,” Smith said. He asked that the commissioners provide an extra $1.6 million so the board of education can pay off technology leases and in turn use the money from their own coffers to fund greater salaries for employees. If the county commissioners do not provide extra funding for the school system, Smith said some employees “will be three steps behind.” Justin Fiore, a volunteer at Chesapeake Public Charter School, said the commissioners had about $22 million in fund balances that could be used to help alleviate salaries for public servants, teachers especially. “I don’t want to hear we don’t have the money,” Fiore said. “You have an opportunity to stand up for these teachers.
“Full funding for teachers is full funding for education.” But another major debate — the location of the new library and the senior center replacement projects — was a key concern of citizens. Many came out in favor of the commissioner consensus of putting the library at the Hayden property on Hollywood Road. “I’d love to see it, it would add a lot to our community,” said Robin Sullivan, a Leonard’s Grant resident, which is the community that would sit near the new library. Stacy Hazuda, a school system media specialist, said the Hayden sight was “the ideal spot” since it could serve other communities like Mechanicsville and California. Still others said that putting the new library in the the downtown area was more appropriate; others feared that putting the library away from the town center would draw economic development away from an area needful of revitalization. “I have a fearful vision for the next five years for Leonardtown,” said Randy Ritchie, secretary of the Leonardtown Business Association. “I see Café des Artistes gone, Ye Olde Town Café gone, The Good Earth natural food store gone.” Mike Mummaugh, a Leonardtown based home builder, said economic development interest would focus on the new library site if was located at the Hayden Farm. “The town square will be left behind because of that,” Mummaugh said. The commissioners will now take public comments back to the table for consideration on how to disperse money; the commissioners public hearing reserve, aside from the $22 million in fund balance, is about $680,000. The deadline for finalizing the budget is May 12.
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The County Times
Local News
Study: St. Mary’s Women’s Pay Disparity Greatest in the State
According to the study, women earn just 67.6 cents for every dollar that a man earns in St. Mary’s County. “Women in St. Mary’s County… face a 32 cent wage gap. In Somerset County, they face a 24 cent gap. The data are clear: women in Maryland face a wage gap in virtually every county,” said Liz Watson, director of Workplace Justice for Women at the National Women's Law Center. "This stark fact has real consequences for women and their families. It means that women are losing significant wages each year that cut into household budgets. It’s an issue of fairness and it’s an economic necessity. More money in women’s pockets will strengthen families and Maryland’s economy.” Advocates say they plan to push for a pay equity bill in the Maryland legislature next year.
A study issued by the National Women’s Law Center states that pay for women is significantly lower than those of men in Maryland and that the widest gap is in St. Mary’s County. The study, called Long Overdue: Equal Pay for Maryland’s Women and Families, states that the wage gap in Maryland is, on average, much less than in other states across the country but power is still debilitating to their earning power. The study states that a woman’s median earnings are only $50,211 compared to a man’s median income of $58,746. In St. Mary’s County, according to the study, the wage gap is 32.4 cents, which is more than three times that of the gap in Charles County. The study shows that the median income for women in St. Mary’s is $45,110 while for men the median income is $66,751.
By Lauren Procopio Staff Writer
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
guyleonard@countytimes.net
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Fatal Collision in Leonardtown
6
A Chaptico woman succumbed to her injuries following a car accident Friday morning. On April 10, around 11 a.m., deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Point Lookout Road in the vicinity of Radio Station Way in response to a serious car accident. According to police, preliminary investigation revealed Barbara Elaine Lacey, 69, of Chaptico, was traveling southbound on Point Lookout Road in a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire; she decelerated in order to turn left into the park and ride near Radio Station Way. Allison Brooke Williams, 18, of Mechanicsville, was traveling southbound on Point Lookout Road in a 2001 Chrysler Sebring, and failed to slow down, causing her to
strike the back of the Sunfire. Lacey was initially transported to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, but was subsequently transported to Washington Hospital Center Trauma Unit, where she succumbed to her injuries, police affirmed. The St. Mary’s County Collision Reconstruction Team members responded to the scene and assumed the investigation; currently, alcohol and speed are not considered to be contributing factors in the collision. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash and has not already provided a statement to police is encouraged to contact Deputy First Class Brandon Foor #235 at 301-475-4200, ext. 2265. lauren@somdpublishing.net
NRC Sends More Inspectors to Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Plant By Guy Leonard Staff Writer After another dual plant shutdown at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant in Lusby last week the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is sending inspectors to delve deeper into the causes of the latest mishap. The shutdown was listed as an unplanned one, according to the NRC. When a transmission line from the power grid feeding electricity into the plant failed, it caused the shutdown of the two fission reactors. After the shutdown, reactor No. 2’s backup electrical generator activated to provide power but “tripped” just 11 seconds later, the NRC stated. “This same diesel generator failed to start in 2010 after a loss of off-site power,” an NRC statement reads. “In addition, one of three saltwater pumps on Unit No. 2 failed to automatically restart when power switched to the emergency diesel generators. Per procedure, operators manually started the pump, which provides cooling water to certain plant equipment.” This shutdown is the latest in a string of shutdowns caused by various equipment at the facility, which has drawn criticism from nuclear energy watchdog groups. The Union of Concerned Scientists was critical of the handling of the shutdown of reactors No. 1 and No. 2 by Exelon Corporation on two occassions last year and differed with the finding of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that the plant personnel could not have prevented it. Those two incidents, which resulted
from snow being blown into critical electrical systems, were part of a group of four incidents that have taken place since 2010. “Twice within the past five years, precipitation leaked into the Calvert Cliffs nuclear plant and shorted out electrical power supplies, causing once reactor to automatically shut down and components to malfunction that should have protected the second reactor from automatically shutting down,” the report released in March said. “Precipitation occurs all across the United States and its dozens of nuclear power plants, but none — except Calvert Cliffs — have experienced multiple reactor shutdowns due to similar intrusions of moisture. “In other words, other plant owners have successfully prevented even on intrusion event while Calvert Cliffs has been uable to prevent repeated events.” Exelon, the company which owns the plant, said that the shutdown caused last year by the driving snow was not just simple precipitation and the NRC had been satisfied by their response at that time. The inspection team arrived at the Calvert Cliffs site Monday to begin their work. “While there was no impact on public health and safety, the issues with the emergency diesel generator and the saltwater pump warrant a closer look,” said Dan Dorman, NRC Region I Administrator. guyleonard@countytimes.net
The County Times
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Seats For Some Students at Mother Catherine Academy Could Be Free The parent council that is now running Mother Catherine Spalding Academy in Helen is set to offer the same tuition rates for larger families who want to bring their children there for a Catholic education as they would for just a family of two children, members of the parent council now running the school say. The officials there say that the school is still planning to reopen its doors after the summer break even though the Archdiocese of Washington has dropped the school from the ranks of those it supports financially and administratively. Marcos Lindekugel, spokesman for the parent council, said Monday that the council plans to unveil its tuition plan at an open house April 19. The plan is simple, Lindekugel said. The school has a surplus of seats left over from a season of reduced enrollment, which lead in part to its being dropped by the archdiocese. This surplus of seats mean that the school can take on extra students without any great increase to its costs, Lindekugel said. The tuition cost for one child for one year at the school is about $5,000 Lindekugel said, while the costs for two children to attend is about $9,000. The rate for a family of more than two children or more would be held at about $9,000 as well, Lindekugel said. “We have the open seats now,” Lindekugel
said. “As long it doesn’t get to the point where we need more teachers… it makes Catholic education available to families who wouldn’t even look at it before.” The plan would essentially make educating some children in larger families free, Lindekugel admitted, but because the tuition for families of two children has not risen significantly the smaller families will not be subsidizing the larger ones. “We’re not doing this at the expense of smaller families,” Lindekugel said. Officials at the school have told The County Times that the archdiocese, under the leadership of Cardinal Donald Wuerl, has begun to develop an arrangement that could allow for the leasing of the building currently in use on Chaptico Road for $1 a year to the parent board. Tom Cavanaugh, the head of the council, said the council has also looked to participate with home school groups as the school reopens. “Several families in the homeschooling community have shown interest in many unique opportunities for cooperation once Mother Catherine opens as an independent school next year,” said Cavanaugh, president of the academy’s board of trustees. “We are excited to open the dialog and learn what we can do to support them. Our focus will be to create engaged, well educated, Catholic citizens.”
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
guyleonard@countytimes.net
Local News
7
Leonardtown Looks To Alcohol Licenses By Lauren Procopio Staff Writer During their April council meeting, the Leonardtown Town Council approved the request for a local restaurant to obtain a liquor license; the council also came to a mutual agreement on the Growler Liquor License change; and Town Administrator Laschelle McKay informed the council about a matching grant for the Arts and Entertainment District. Attorney Dan Slade requested a letter of support for Pho Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant and Bar, LLC to sell wine, beer, and liquor in the establishment; the letter of support also included the extension of the premises for outdoor tables at the back of the restaurant. The council unanimously approved the liquor license and extension for the local restaurant during their meeting. The council also approved the new Growler Liquor License law for restaurants – the statewide law allows restaurants that have an on and off sale to use refillable containers for draft beers. “This is a refillable container for draft beers, typically craft beers. We do have a couple of restaurants that
have requested this to be added to their license. It’s something that is going to be statewide and is another product to be offered in restaurants. I hate to see them be able to offer less than any other restaurants in the area,” McKay said to the council. McKay also updated the council on a new addition to the Arts and Entertainment District. The town received a matching grant in order to add banners in the town square. “A lot of businesses, galleries, and such have been asking about it. It’s something more visual when you come to town about the Arts and Entertainment District, so I’ll be able to go forward on those now. I have money in the budget for banners to match it,” she said. The matching grant for the banners is $878. The Leonardtown Council meets the second Monday of each month at 4 p.m. in Town Hall, located at 41660 Courthouse Dr. For more information on Leonardtown, visit www.leonardtown.somd. com. lauren@somdpublishing.net
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The County Times
Local News
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Hogan And Legislators Veered Close, But Wound Up Far Apart By Len Lazarick Len@MarylandReporter.com
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Gov. Larry Hogan and the Maryland legislature were so near, but yet so far. An amended version of the governor’s $40 billion budget passed overwhelmingly several weeks ago – drawing strong Republican support and thank you letters from Hogan’s budget Gov. Larry Hogan talks to reporters outside the State secretary. House in the final hours of the General Assembly But on the last day of the session, the session. final version working out differences between the House and Senate passed on a strictly party line vote. After meet- off” for schools to fully fund the $68 ing with Hogan Monday morning, all million for the Geographic Cost of the GOP senators and delegates who Education Index. (CORRECTED 11:30 had backed the earlier version voted a.m.) against the final one. But the legislature was taking no Hogan had preached bipartisanship chances and rushed through legislation since his election, but he ultimately on the last day that will force Hogan rejected compromises he had initially to spend the extra money. But Hogan favored. could veto that bill, SB183. CLARIFICATION, 3 p.m. It is more Hogan himself was not declaring accurate to say that Hogan rejected victory in his first legislative session, compromises on the budget Democratic but he did cite progress in restraining legislators believed he had accepted, spending growth while enacting no new but his staff members said he had never taxes. fully agreed to. “We did not get everything we wanted and the legislature did not get everySlices of a modest agenda thing it wanted, but Marylanders will The Democratic legislature in turn benefit from the passage of the repeal of gave the new Republican governor just the rain tax, important improvements in a couple slices of his modest agenda. our charter school law, and tax relief for The legislature repealed the “rain retired military,” Hogan said. tax” overwhelmingly, without really reA key sticking point for Hogan was lieving the pressure to fund stormwater the legislature’s cutting of a supplemenremediation projects in a bill the Chesa- tal $75 million into the state pension peake Bay Foundation said “caps a re- system. markable session for the Bay.” Hogan proud, legislators disappointed Military retirees over 50 will now “While I have reservations about the get a $10,000 income tax exemption on General Assembly’s actions on the budtheir pensions, up from $5,000. But Ho- get, I am proud to have ended the sesgan wanted to exempt all of their retire- sion on a high note by reining in spendment pay phased over four years. ing, cutting taxes, providing record inHis proposed changes to expand the vestment in education and changing the number of public charter schools were overall trajectory of the state,” Hogan stripped of key provisions that would said. have allowed non-certified teachers “I firmly believe we have changed the who weren’t unionized. debate in Annapolis and will be able to Tax breaks for businesses contribut- take steps to address our concerns on ing to public and private schools went spending in the future.” nowhere, while the legislature added Democratic lawmakers, including more funding for private schools in the House Speaker Michael Busch exfinal budget. pressed far more disappointment than A tax break for small businesses ex- Miller with Hogan’s performance. empting them from the personal propSen. Jim Rosapepe, Prince George’s, erty tax did not pass. Hogan’s attempt part of the Senate’s progressive wing, to repeal automatic increases in the gas told his colleagues. “Now we get to tax went nowhere. the eleventh hour and the governor just In one small success, Hogan’s propos- can’t take yes for an answer,” with the al to reinstitute the income tax check- legislature approving the vast majority off for the public campaign finance of his spending plan. fund that helped him get elected did get “It’s my way or the highway,” was enacted. Hogan’s attitude, Rosapepe said. “I’m A freshman governor very disappointed.” “He’s a good guy,” said Senate Presi“There’s blame on both sides,” Miller dent Mike Miller, an old friend of the countered. Hogan family. But “he’s a first-year governor” and never held elective office be- Len@MarylandReporter.com fore. “He’s got to understand what we’ve done…We want to work with him.” Miller is hopeful Hogan will actually use the money the legislature “fenced
Thursday, April 16, 2015
The County Times
Murder Victims and the Missing To Be Honored Statewide This Month 26th Annual Statewide Memorial Services
In honor of Maryland’s murdered or missing crime victims, four annual statewide memorial services of hope and remembrance will be held in Carroll, Harford, St. Mary’s and Wicomico Counties on Sunday, April 19. The annual Memorial Services will unite families and friends of crime victims, victim service professionals, and public officials for the 26th annual event. The memorial services are sponsored by the Maryland State Board of Victim Services and the State's Attorney's Offices in each of the four regions. Each year, the services mark the beginning of Maryland's observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and feature inspirational speakers, musical performances, and quiet reflection. Family members and advocate volunteers will read the names of over 2,000 Maryland homicide, vehicular manslaughter, and missing crime victims. Memorials will be held in four locations, hosted by local States’ Attorney’s Offices and the Maryland State Board of Victim Services: NORTHERN REGION Aberdeen High School 251 Paradise Road Aberdeen, MD 21001 2 to 4 p.m.
Local News
9
Cleaning Up St. Mary’s
Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore, Cecil, Harford, Howard
EASTERN REGION Dove Pointe 1225 Mt. Hermon Road Salisbury, MD 21804 2 to 4 p.m. Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, Worcester SOUTHERN REGION Waldorf Jaycees 3090 Crain Highway Waldorf, MD 20602 1 to 3 p.m. Calvert, Charles, Prince George's, St. Mary's WESTERN REGION The Portico at St. Johns Catholic Church 430 Monroe Street Westminster, MD 21157 1 to 3 p.m. Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Montgomery, Washington
Gina Chen and Simran Kaur, of the La Plata High School Key Club, joined dozens of other students from elementary to college
level in the river clean up at Point Lookout State Park April 11 in partnership with the Kiwanis Club.
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Cops & Courts
The County Times
Deaths of Chaptico Women Called Homicide, Suicide By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Officials with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office say the deaths of two women in Chaptico last month were the result of one woman shooting the other before turning the gun on herself. Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron confirmed Monday that the it was Janet Little, 45, who fatally shot Victoria Reeves, 58, in a home on Rivendell Way. Cameron declined to speak in depth about the motive behind the killings but said money was a motivator. “It appears to be related to financial issues,” Cameron told The County
Times. He said the investigation into the homicide/suicide is continuing. Both women, who lived at the same address, were found dead suffering from single gun shot wounds to the head, according to Bruce Goldfarb, public information officer for the Medical Examiner’s Office. Police sources with knowledge of the investigation said a note was found at the home March 8 where the two women were found telling whoever found it to call the police and not enter the home. guyleonard@countytimes.net
Thursday, April 16, 2015
SHERIFF’S BLOTTER The following information is compiled directly from publicly released police reports.
Citizens with information on the following crimes or any criminal activity in Calvert County who wish to report it anonymously can now access the St. Mary’s County Crime Solvers link through the Sheriff’s Office website.
Assault – On April 11, 2015, Deputy Jason Smith responded to a residence on North Essex Drive in Lexington Park, for a domestic assault. The victim alleged suspect Dennis Paul Register, age 49, of Lexington Park, Register struck the victim in the face with his fist during an argument that started over dishes. Deputy Smith observed fresh injury on the victim. Register was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 2nd Degree Assault. CASE #20445-15 Violation Protective Order – On April 11, 2015, at 2:30 PM, Deputy Bare responded to a residence in the 23000 block of Hollywood Road in Leonardtown, for an unrelated call Miller for service. Deputy Bare found Paul Eugene Miller III, age 45, of Leonardown, unresponsive in the driver’s seat of a vehicle parked at a residence. Miller was woken up by first responders. A short time later, the victim, who is the protected party in an active protective order against Miller, arrived at the residence. The investigation revealed Miller was at the residence in violation of the order. Miller was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with Violation of Protective Order. CASE #20484-15 Miller was arrested again on April 11, 2015 at 11:30 PM, after he responded to the victim’s residence and knocked on the window in violation of the protective order. Miller was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with Violation of Protective Order. CASE #20596-15 First Degree Assault – On April 11, 2015, DFC Teague responded to a residence on Millstone Landing Road, for a disturbance involving a knife. The victim alleged suspect Aja Sewell Keyyanna Sewell, age 25, of Lexington Park, engaged in an argument over the front door being left open. The argument escalated when Sewell grabbed a knife from the kitchen and swung the knife at the victim. A third party was able to separate the victim and Sewell. Sewell was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. She was charged with 1st and 2nd Degree Assault. CASE #20494-15 Assault – On April 11, 2015, Deputy Logue responded to a residence on Cambridge Avenue, for a reported domestic assault. The victim alleged suspect Dwann Errol McClary, age McClary 31, of Lexington Park, slapped the victim across the face for no apparent reason. Deputy Logue observed fresh injury on the victim’s face. McClary was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with 2nd Degree Assault. CASE #20523-15
Go to www.co.cal.md.us/residents/safety/ law/sheriff/ and click on the Crime Solvers link to leave an anonymous tip on-line. Information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect could result in a $1,000 reward.
Theft – On April 11, 2015, Deputy McCuen responded to the Maryland International Speedway located on Budds Creek Road, for a reported theft. The victim alleged he observed suspect Jeffrey Lynn Thomas Thomas JR., age 19, of Waldorf, get into his 1996 EZ GO Golf cart and drive off. Thomas proceeded to drive the golf cart through the barrier chain causing minor damage. Thomas later got out of the golf cart and fled on foot into the woods. Thomas was located and placed under arrest. He was charged with Theft $1,000 to $10,000 and Property Destruction Under $1,000. CASE #20589-15 Theft – On April 12, 2015, Corporal Rogers responded to Kohls for a reported theft. An employee observed suspect Amy Gillian Crook, age 30, of St. Leonard, place items of merCrook chandise inside a WaWa shopping bag. Crook then attempted to return the items for store credit. The value of the merchandise was over $370.00. Crook was charged with Theft Under $1,000 by criminal citation. CASE #20798-15 Violation Protective Order – On April 12, 2015, Deputy Siciliano responded to a residence on Liberty Street in Lexington Park, for a reported domestic issue. The emergency commuGross nications center advised suspect Darius Devaughn Gross, age 23, of Lexington Park, was the respondent in an active protective order and not allowed to have contact with the petitioner. Gross was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. He was charged with Violation of Protective Order. CASE #20671-15 Assault – On April 12, 2015, Deputy Muschette responded to a residence in the 15000 block of Point Lookout Road in St. Inigoes, for a reported assault. The victim alleged suspect JenPrice nifer Maria Price, age 33, of St. Inigoes, struck the victim in the face with a fist. Deputy Mushette observed fresh injury on the victim’s face. Price was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center and charged with 2nd Degree Assault. CASE #20810-15 Assault – On April 13, 2015, Deputy LaFave responded to a reported assault located in the 18000 block of Three Notch Road in Demeron. The victim alleged suspect Kathleen Mary Denaro Denaro, age 55, of Dameron, cut the victim’s hand with a knife and struck the victim in the upper arm and chest with her hands during an argument. Deputy Lafave observed a fresh cut on the victim’s finger. Denaro was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center. She was charged with 2nd Degree Assault. CASE #21062-15
The County Times
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Thursday, April 16, 2015
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14
Obituaries
Jacquelene “Jackie” Ann Holt-Herbert, 52 Jacquelene “Jackie” Ann Holt-Herbert, 52 of Lexington Park, Md., passed away on April 2. Jackie was born on Dec. 15, 1962 to the late Paul L. Holt and Helen T. Holt. She is survived by her husband, Aloysius Herbert; son, Mark A. Holt; her siblings, Maxine Holt, Edith McCloud, Clara Sanderfer, Sheila Barber, Thyris Miles, Vernon Holt and Ralph Holt and a host of nieces and nephews. Family and friends united on Friday, April 10 for visitation at 9 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 29119 Point Lookout Road, Morganza, Md. Interment followed at Queen of Peace Cemetery, Helen, Md. Arrangements by Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home.
Daryl Dennis Clippinger, 65 Daryl Dennis Clippinger, 65, of Hollywood, Md., formerly from Waterville, N.Y., passed away on April 10 at his residence. Born on June 18, 1949 in Utica, N.Y., he was the son of the late Mary Alyce Clippinger, and Allen Edward Clippinger. Daryl is survived by his wife Luann Clippinger whom he married on June 26, 1976 in Church of the Ascension Roman Catholic Church Pittsburgh, PA. He is survived by his siblings; Allen E. Clippinger of Nashville, Tenn., Scott Clippinger of Smyrna, N.Y., and Charles P. Clippinger of Columbus, Ohio. Daryl graduated from Notre Dame H. S. in 1968. Daryl served in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1989 retiring after 21 years as a Chief Petty Officer. While serving in the Navy he was a Seabee during Vietnam. He moved from San Diego, Calif. to St. Mary’s County, Md. in 1980. After his retirement from the United States Navy he worked at Lowes in California, Md. as a Plumbing Department Manager, and his hobby was working on cars.
The County Times
Thursday, April 16, 2015
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.
The family received friends on Tuesday, April 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. with prayers recited at 7 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, Md. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, April 15 at 10 a.m. in St. Johns Catholic Church Hollywood, Md. with Father Ray Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, VA. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
Benedict Andrew “Jack” Mattingly, 99 Benedict Andrew “Jack” Mattingly, 99, of Helen, Md., formerly from Leonardtown, Md. passed away at his home on April 10. Born on Jan. 2, 1916 in Beauvue, Md., he was the son of the late Nettye Wise Mattingly and Andrew Johnson Mattingly. Jack is survived by his sister Marie M. Davis of Helen, Md. He was preceded in death by his siblings; Marguerite M. Bond, James Virgil “Booker” Mattingly, and Mary M. “Biggie” Connelly. He was a lifetime St. Mary’s, Md. resident. Jack enjoyed; praying the rosary, listening to the radio, especially “Paul Harvey” and the “Farm Report”. He loved farm life, animals, and spending time with family. The family received friends on Tuesday, April 14 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Morganza, Md. A Mass of Christian Burial followed at 10:30 a.m. with Father Keith Woods officiating. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens Leonardtown, Md. Pallbearers were: Virgil Mattingly, Richard Curry, Jim Robrecht, William Ford Connelly, John Mattingly, and Will Phillips. Honorary Pallbearers were: Capt. Robert L. Combs and Stephen Wilson. 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.
Margaret Louise Morgan It’s hard to believe four years has passed, Mom, since you went to heaven. Also April 7, you would have been 88 years old. We miss you so much. Not a day goes by that we will not think of you, your smile and your caring heart. Keep watching over your family. We know you are an angel in heaven. Love, your son Glenn, your children, grandchildren, great-grand children and family and friends
Evelyn Loraine Alls, 89 Evelyn Loraine Alls, 89, of Clements, Md. passed away Wednesday, April 8, at her home surrounded by her loving family. Born on Dec. 12, 1925 in Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of the late Clayton Spencer Fields, Jr. and Gladys Mae Hawkins. Evelyn was employed for over 22 years of dedicated service as an administrative legal assistant at the State’s Attorney’s Office until her retirement in 2000. During her tenure Evelyn ran the Bad Check Program for the county. During World War II, she took in, cared for and loved many children whose parents were serving in the War. She loved children and adopted three to add to her growing family. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and playing piano. She enjoyed listening to the music of Ella Fitzgerald, Glen Miller and Tony Bennett. She had a beautiful collection of lighthouses. Evelyn was proud to be a 20 year Cancer survivor. Her greatest love was spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren. Evelyn is survived by her children, Brice Manuel (Louise) of Warrenton, N.C., Alan Manuel (Shelly) of Annapolis, Md., Sue Manuel of Clements, Md., Evelyn Aquino (Ricky) of Fairfield, Calif., Carolyn Guy (Randy) of Clements, Md., and Adam Alls (Wendy) of California, Md.; her sister, Janet Vierling (Robin) of Kensington, Md.; nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husbands, Harry B. Manuel and Charles A. Alls; and her daughter, Sondra Lee Manuel. Family received friends for Evelyn’s Life Celebration on Monday, April 13, from 5 to 8 p.m., with prayers recited at 7 p.m., at Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. A Graveside Service was celebrated by Pastors George and Donna Jarboe on Tuesday, April 14 at 1 p.m. at Monocacy Cemetery, 19801 West Hunter Road, Beallsville, Md. 20839. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.
Benjamin Perry Johnson, Jr., 60
Sunrise
Sunset
April 7, 1927
April 9, 2011
Benjamin Perry Johnson, Jr. 60, of Lexington Park, Md. passed away on April 10 in Callaway, Md. Born on April 4, 1955 in Leonardtown, Md., he was the son of Veronica M. “Boots” Johnson of Leonardtown, Md. and the late Benjamin P. “Johnny” Johnson, Sr. Ben was the loving husband of Bonnie Johnson of Lexington Park, Md. and who married on April 6, 1979 in Leonardtown, Md. Ben is survived by his
children: Steven Johnson of Bethany, Ok, Trishawnna Johnson of Lexington Park, Md., Amber Lyn Johnson of Piney Point, Md., 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Siblings: Debra I. Johnson of Harper’s Ferry, W.Va., Leonard W. Johnson of Great Mills, Md., and Karen M. Johnson of Milwaukee, Wis. He was preceded in death by his sister Veronica L. Johnson of Loogootee, Ind. Ben worked as a Lead Emergency Services Dispatcher for Patuxent River Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. Ben was born and raised in St. Mary’s County, Md. and spent his life enjoying all it had to offer. He was a quiet man who lived a full life. His wife Bonnie and he enjoyed countless hours fishing, crabbing, and just being on the water in their many years together. Ben’s love for his wife of 36 years and his children knew no bounds. He was happiest when surrounded by all. He was very proud of their many accomplishments. Ben was known far and wide for his love of all things spooky, scary, and Halloween. For many years, he helped create and coordinate haunted houses around the county. If you were chased down a dark alley with a chainsaw after leaving a haunted house, you probably have Ben to thank. Throughout the years, Ben volunteered at Bay District VFD and Lexington Park Rescue Squad. As Lead Emergency Dispatcher at NAS Pax River, he was awarded the EMS Stars of life from MIEMSS. Through calm instruction, Ben and his dispatch partner saved the life of a 20 month old child who was not breathing and turning blue. Ben had a lifelong love of Harley Davidsons. Although later in life, he couldn’t ride he was always a Harley Davidson man at heart. As Ben’s health was compromised by COPD, he spent countless hours enjoying movies with his daughters Trishawnna and Amber. He also spent many hours playing the online game “Borderland” with his son Steven in Oklahoma. In addition to his immediate family, Ben is survived by many nieces and nephews, and Bonnie’s loyal and loving family Bubby Johnson, Pat Sweitzer, Mary Nestegard, Ruth Schumacher, Dottie Joy, and Polly Quade. Ben chose to spend his final days being cared for at Hospice House in Callaway, Md. The staff at Hospice House gave Ben and his family great peace and comfort at a difficult time. The family received friends on Tuesday, April 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, Md. A Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, April 15 at 10 a.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel with Brother William Combs officiating. Interment followed in Holy Face Catholic Cemetery Great Mills, Md. Pallbearers were; Art Dahlberg, Roger Nestegard, Ed Voorhaar, and Representatives of the Red Nights Anthony Thomas, Joe Gould, and Patrick Stanley, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers were; Sam Bakeley and Jeff Urness. Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s P.O. Box 625 Leonardtown, Md. 20650.
15
The County Times
Thursday, April 16, 2015
In the April 2 issue of The County Times, it was reported that the secretary of the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) David Craig sent a letter to the County Commissioners to express his support for locating a new public library on the 3-acre parcel on Lawrence Avenue. In this letter, he cites the findings of the MDP staff. I think it is important for your readers to know that I have been the Director of the St. Mary’s County Library system for the past 12 years and I have never been contacted by MDP staff to determine why I and the Library Board members believe that the Leonard’s Grant site (which is in Leonardtown) is the best location for the new library. The MDP staff have also never contacted the county staff who have been working with the Library Board to find the most appropriate location for the library. I have left messages and sent emails to the MDP staff; however, they do not reply. Why are state staff expressing an opinion on a local decision without talking to all the parties involved? In his letter, Secretary Craig also mentions several other libraries in the state that have a “downtown” Library. I have visited all of these libraries and talked with every one of the Directors. In all of these situations, the decisions about the location and funding were made through a collaborative process between the county, library, and town or city officials. Unfortunately, this has not happened in St. Mary’s County. Please understand that your Library Board and Library staff are making decisions to meet our responsibility to provide library services which are cost ef-
EDITOR
fective and convenient for the entire county. We have created a Fact Sheet which explains the rationale for the Library Board’s decision. For a copy go to www. stmalib.org or get a copy at one of your libraries. As your Library Director, I welcome any conversation about possible locations for the new library which will be convenient to the residents of the Hollywood, California, Mechanicsville and Leonardtown areas of the county. Please feel free to contact me at kreif@stmalib. org or 301-475-2846 ext 1013. Finally, and most important, THANK YOU to the current Commissioners of St. Mary’s County who have recommended the expenditure of $10 million on a new library. This will be a significant enhancement to the educational resources of our county for generations to come. The location is an important decision and the Commissioners need to hear what you think….please get involved.
Local Library Input Should Be Considered by State Planners
Letters to the
Kathleen Reif, Director St. Mary’s County Library
Plans to Provide Services in Hollywood and California
•Four full service-libraries for St. Mary’s County by the year 2017 •By 2010 build a new Leonardtown Library •By 2016 build a new Branch 4 in the California/Hollywood/Lexington Park area The current Board of County Commissioners has removed the Leonardtown Library renovations project from the Capital Plan and replaced it with a new library to be built in the Leonard’s Grant area. This decision leaves many unanswered questions. Is a new library going to be built in the Hollywood/ California area to serve the residents that are currently underserved? If not, is it fair to make these residents continue to drive to Leonardtown or Lexington Park indefinitely to receive library services? Couldn’t library services be offered in one of the many vacant California-area retail locations through a lease or lease-to-buy arrangement? If we commit to building a second library, can we afford to build two new libraries and a new senior center and not raise taxes? The “Hayden Farm” was purchased for the purpose of providing land to fill future school needs. Due to zoning limitations and the large parcel size needed for a school, it has become increasingly difficult to find land for schools in St. Mary’s County. Is putting a library and senior center on the “Hayden Farm” the best use of county resources? Unless sufficient answers are provided to these questions, I believe our Commissioners may be making a multimillion-dollar misstep.
In 2006 Providence Associates performed a countywide Libraries Facility Study for the St. Mary’s County Libraries, including a comprehensive analysis of the library system, the current levels of service and the needs through 2015. Their findings were presented at two public meetings held on Jan. 30, 2007. Cindy Jones They found that the Hollywood/California area is St. Mary’s County currently being underserved and made the following recommendations:
TOWN OF LEONARDTOWN, MD ORDINANCE NO. 169 Notice is hereby given that on April 13, 2015, the Leonardtown Town Council passed, and the Mayor approved, Ordinance No. 169 (the “Ordinance”). The Ordinance authorizes and empowers The Commissioners of Leonardtown (the “Town”), for the purpose of financing, reimbursing or refinancing costs of Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) upgrades and improvements to or benefiting the wastewater treatment plant and related costs, to issue and sell from time to time, upon its full faith and credit, one or more series of (i)(A) general obligation bonds and (B) general obligation bond anticipation notes, each in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed Fourteen Million Dollars ($14,000,000.00), and (ii) general obligation refunding bonds, provided that the aggregate principal amount of any series of refunding bonds shall not exceed one hundred thirty percent (130%) of the aggregate principal amount of the bonds refunded therefrom; determines that any such series of bonds be sold to the Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration (the “Administration”) by private sale, without public bidding; authorizes the approval by resolution of one or more loan
agreements with the Administration and, with respect to any such loan agreement, acknowledging the Administration’s rights thereunder, makes a pledge of certain revenues receivable from the State of Maryland, and acknowledges certain payment responsibilities of the Town; provides that the Council by resolution shall determine or provide for certain details of any such series of general obligation bonds, bond anticipation notes or refunding bonds (each, a “series of obligations”), including any debt service reserve account required by the Administration; provides that any such series of general obligation bond anticipation notes or refunding bonds will be sold by private sale unless the Council by resolution determines otherwise; identifies or provides for the determination of the sources from which debt service on any such series of obligations will be payable in the first instance; pledges the Town’s full faith and credit and unlimited taxing power to payment of any such obligations and provides for the levy of ad valorem taxes upon all real and personal property within the Town’s corporate limits subject to assessment for unlimited municipal taxation to pay any such obliga-
tions; authorizes the Council by resolution to provide for post-closing modifications affecting any series of bonds; provides that certain of such obligations may be consolidated with other obligations of the Town; authorizes and directs officials and employees of the Town to take any and all action necessary to complete and close the sale, issuance and delivery of any such series of obligations and to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Ordinance; and otherwise generally relates to the sale, issuance, delivery and payment of and for any such series of obligations. The Ordinance shall become effective on May 4, 2015, subject to the provisions of Section 211 of the Charter regarding petition to referendum rights. The Ordinance may be inspected in Town Hall between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday (except holidays). THE COMMISSIONERS OF LEONARDTOWN By: Laschelle E. McKay Town Administrator
James Manning McKay - Founder
Eric McKay - Associate Publisher..................................ericmckay@countytimes.net
P.O. Box 250 Hollywood, Maryland 20636 News, Advertising, Circulation, Classifieds: 301-373-4125
news@countytimes.net
www.countytimes.net
Tobie Pulliam - Office Manager..............................tobiepulliam@countytimes.net Kasey Russell - Graphic Designer.......................................kaseyrussell@countytimes.net
Nell Elder - Graphic Designer..................................................nellelder@countytimes.net Guy Leonard - Reporter - Government, Crime...............guyleonard@countytimes.net Lauren Procopio - Reporter - Business, Community...........lauren@somdpublishing.net
Sarah Miller- Reporter - Community..............................sarahmiller@countytimes.net Sales Representatives......................................................................sales@countytimes.net
Contributing Writers: Emily Charles Megan Conway Haley Wood Ron Guy Laura Joyce Debra Meszaros Shelby Oppermann Linda Reno Terri Schlichenmeyer Doug Watson
16
The County Times
Thursday, April 16, 2015
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17
The County Times
A Library for Everyone
INDEX 18
Fact Check
19
Leonardtown Conceptual Plan
20-21
Supporting the Town’s Vision
22
Concept Plan for Hayden Farm
Artists photo conception of Library on Fenwick Street in the Heart of Leonardtown
18
The County Times
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Hayden Farm
Leonardtown Educational and Recreational Site Master Plan
±73.641 ACRES
As presented to the Town Council during the Annexation Process CEM
ETE
RY ROA D
(40 ' R/W )
CE
ME
TE
Pond
Na
tu
RY
RO AD
(4 0' R/ W)
re Tr a
il
Stadium/ Track Softball Field
Softball Field
ces
Spa 15 ±1
Multi-purpose Field
Multi-purpose Field
Future Car Parking
Future Car Parking ± 135 Spaces
Paved Play Area Future
Bus Loop
NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Paved Play Area
Playfield
Bus Lo op
24 Sp aces
Softball Field
18 S pace s
Multi-purpose Field
Drop Off
Softball Field
Playground Area
FUTURE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Car Park ing 60 Spac es
LEON
Bioretention Drainage Swale
ARD'
S G RANT
PARK
Multi-purpose Field
Multi-purpose Field
WAY
Commercial Property
Playground Area
Playfield Public Use Space
0 50' 100'
200'
NORTH
Leonardtown Educational and Recreational Site Master Plan School Site Refinement
Rt. 245
Car Parking
105 Spaces
D R I V E B E L M A R
LEONARD'S GRANT
FUTURE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Future Park & Rec Parking
Fronting the County Property
Softball Field
The County Times
Thursday, April 16, 2015
19
Library Location Fact Sheet As Published on the St. Mary’s County Library Website
Fact check courtesy of government and community sources
Library Location Criteria
Leonard’s Grant Parkway
Lawrence Ave & Fenwick St
Fact Check
County owned property
Yes. The county owns 170 acres at this site.
No. This is a 3 acre donation from a developer.
Proximity to utilities (water, sewer, cable, fiber, electric)
Yes. including access to “dark fiber” which is necessary for high speed access to the Internet.
No. This site does not have access to “dark fiber” which is necessary for high speed access to the Internet. It will cost approximately $25,000 to install this.
2 - Very misleading. The Leonard’s Grant Parkway site has access to all utilities as does the downtown site. “Dark Fiber” (High Speed Broad Band Fiber Optics) actually runs along the entire front of the downtown site. All utilities, including dark fiber will cost less to access at the downtown site than at the Leonard’s Grant Parkway site.
Creates join/ shared use possibilities
Yes. The proximity of the Duke Elementary School will allow for a variety of joint activities between the library and school staff to enrich the education of the students. Since the county owns 170 acres at this site, it would allow for a Senior Center, if the Commissioners decide to move forward with that capital project.
No. The limited acreage does not allow for an adequate library much less other services. The Mayor’s letter states that it could be a “multi- use” facility to include a Performing Arts Venue. Since the acreage is too small for an adequate library, it could not accommodate a larger facility to meet these new functions described by the Mayor.
3 - The Leonard’s Grant Parkway site creates the potential for shared use with a very small cross section of our community. The downtown site creates extraordinary potential for shared uses from the diversity of business and cultural activities, the socialeconomic economy that is emerging in the town, and the diversity of citizens that visit downtown. The proximity to many schools, such as Leonardtown Elementary, Father Andrew White, Duke Elementary, Leonardtown Middle, Leonardtown High, St. Mary’s Ryken and the College of Southern Maryland, allows for better shared use with students.
Space Flexibility and Expansion Potential
Yes. The Capital project sheet states that the project assumes a “30,000 gross square foot one-story facility will be constructed with a flexible design that allows for future expansion, if needed.” The county owns 170 acres at this site; thus, there is sufficient space to expand.
No. The Capital project sheet states that the project assumes a “30,000 gross square foot one-story facility will be constructed with a flexible design that allows for future expansion, if needed.” A 3-acre site is not enough for what is needed today, much less in the future.
4 - There are not 170 acres available at the Leonard’s Grant Parkway site. Approximately 95 acres are available for site development, of which Duke Elementary is utilizing approximately 30 acres. Of the remaining 60 acres, 40 are planned for a new middle school, and the remaining 20 acres are planned for recreation field uses. Actually, there is no land available for the construction of a library unless other planned uses are relocated or eliminated. The downtown site contains up to five acres of land to be donated to the county. This site will easily accommodate 50,000 square feet of use with appropriate parking.
Visibility and accessibility from main roads, land use and adjacent community compatibility
Yes. It will be visible from Hollywood Road (RT 245 ), a main cross-county thoroughfare. It will be located 1⁄2 block off of this road. Currently, 70% of the Library’s customers live in Hollywood, California and Mechanicsville; thus, this location will be more convenient for them. This location will allow for many walkers and bikers from the neighboring developments.
No. This location is not visible from any main thoroughfare. Currently, there are 8001,000 people per day who visit the library. When we build a new library, this will increase significantly. All of these cars will have to drive through the business area of Leonardtown or several blocks on the narrow Lawrence Avenue. The library Board is also concerned that this is located on the same road as the funeral home, the Fire House and the Rescue Squad building; thus, at unpredictable times, there would be restricted access to the library due to funeral processions and emergency vehicles. The Mayor states that there are plans to build a Fenwick Street Extension which will connect to Route 5; however, this will be very costly and we don’t see any evidence that it will happen in the near future.
5 - Actually, the Leonard’s Grant Parkway site will not be visible for a new library as it will sit 1200 feet or more off the road depending upon what other planned uses are eliminated from the site to make room for a library. Additionally, commercial development will take place within the 1,200-foot setback, making visibility for the library practically impossible. Additionally, the site is accessible only from Leonard’s Grant parkway. The downtown site is accessible from three different roads, Lawrence Avenue, Fenwick Street, and Washington Street, all feeder roads from Rt. 5 and Rt. 245. This site also has access from the county’s vast waterways, making access from north, south, east and west convenient. This site is one of the most pedestrian accessible sites in our county. The site is visible from the town square and, as part of the expanded town center, the library will serve as a focal point. The argument that funeral processions and emergency vehicles will interrupt access to the library is stretching the imagination. Funeral possessions leaving Mattingley/Gardiner always leave by way of Washington Street. With a second funeral home located on Rt. 245, there would be more disruptions of traffic at the Leonard’s Grant site as opposed to the downtown site.
Adequate Parking Yes. The current library has 60 Spaces parking spaces. A 5-acre site would allow for 149 spaces, which is the projected need in the Facilities Study
No. This site would allow for only 94 spaces. An additional problem is the funeral home across the street. Their parking lot can become quite crowded in the evening and mornings. We are concerned that their visitors will use the library parking lot.
6 - The Leonard’s Grant Parkway site, if five acres were to be available for a library would most likely be able to accommodate 149 spaces for parking. The downtown site of five acres is available for a library and would be able to accommodate 149 or more spaces. While it is true that neighboring uses may at times use some of the library spaces, after school and recreational uses associated with the Leonard’s Grant site would create the same shared parking opportunities.
No. This site would require a 2-story building which requires additional staff and utility costs; thus, increasing annual operating costs.
7 - Misleading once again. The downtown site would not require a two-story building and therefore would cost no more to operate.
Cost effective design
Next to Duke Elementary School
Yes. A 5-acre site will allow for a one story building which requires less staff than a multistory library; thus, reducing annual operating costs.
Across from funeral home
1 - It is true that the county owns the Leonard’s Grant Parkway site, however unless the county plans to secede from the state and its regulations concerning wetlands disturbance and steep slopes, there are only 95 buildable acres. The site already has agreed upon uses that include a new elementary school, a new middle school, and recreational fields. There is not five acres identified or agreed to for a library use. The downtown site includes acres that the owner of Tudor Hall planned development owns and would donate to the county. This site could be as large as five and a half acres.
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The County Times
This illustration provides potential land uses that capitalize on Leonardtown’s existing major assets. The plans include the land from Rt. 5 down Washington Street to the Wharf at Breton Bay and west of Washington with a new street linked back to Rt. 5 and through adjacent lands, including Tudor Hall. The map suggests land uses that would be placed on existing building inventory as repurposed uses with new infill buildings and amenities extending the town from under-used real estate and development land use voids. The mixed uses suggested are inclusive varieties of retail, housing, and public spaces providing a balance of demographics and habitats by senior and youth populations; retail business would be supportive of the new developments town-wide, including a new conference Center; and public access to the waterfront remains paramount as a town and county economic opportunity. Legend A. Gateway at Rt. 5 & Washington Street 1. Existing apartments - provide additional units built around new courtyard 2. Connect Washington Street to elementary school 3. Improve commercial business area - encouraging existing business to remain in the downtown market B. Fenwick Street - mixed-use corridor 4. Retail development continues west on Fenwick to provide a variety of retail uses: food, pharmacy. Larger buildings would front on Fenwick. 5. Residential opportunities would include a variety of multifamily housing options C. New neighborhoods provide the direct connection from the new “Town Connector” (Rt. 5 to Fenwick) in the form of: 7. Single family cottages which would extend the existing historical cottages (with potential to rehab existing stock.) 8. Multifamily (3-types) with higher density units on Breton Bay
9. Single family (large lot housing D. Gateway - Washington St. to Inn-Conference Center Honoring the history of Leonardtown with the preservation of historic buildings (i.e., Tudor Hall) and or adaptive reuse of existing buildings Developing a streetscape to encourage pedestrian links through mixed land uses, that will form neighborhoods ad create public amenities. 10. Existing forest becomes a neighborhood park, allowing pedestrian flow from the Inn to Town Square 11. Inn and Conference Center
-200 room Inn -3 to 4 story Inn and extended stay buildings, indoor pool, conference center 20,000 SF, 300 parking spaces 12. Amphitheater recreational park -Woodland pathways - Trail network connecting Inn Conference Center, Town Center, Wharf, and additional parking The existing Town Center The proposed expansion of the Central Business District Future residential as part of Tudor Hall Additional Town owned property
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Leonardtown
Thursday, April 16, 2015
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The County Times
Conceptual Land Use Vision
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The County Times
Thursday, April 16, 2015
The Future Is Ours; Whether We Plan For It or Not By: Thomas McKay Publisher; Former President St. Mary’s County Commissioners
The Story A new library built in the town of Leonardtown will play a major role in forging forward the vision and master planning that has taken place over the past 20 years. That library should be built downtown according to the master plan and not on the outskirts as proposed by some. The master plan protects the character and existence of the small town by developing a new social-economic economy, bolstered by key anchors such as a new library and performing arts center, a new amphitheater, a waterfront park, local restaurants, wineries, local art galleries, local shops, a new hotel and convention center, all supported by well planned new residential communities featuring neo-traditional designs and new commercial opportunities within the town of Leonardtown. The Untold Story Most people don’t even know a master plan exists for Leonardtown. Because of this, most often people by default ignore the plan rather than add to it, modify it, and implement it. When people think about a library in downtown they might think about problems like parking, but those are addressed in the town’s master plan. The library, part of the masterplan, is one of the
keys to a growing and vibrant downtown. Boosting the Downtown Economy There are numerous studies all across America that point to the positive impact locating public facilities in downtown business districts can have in the face of continued sprawl outside of downtown districts. Robert Gibbs of the Gibbs Planning Group states “a typical public library draws 500 to 1500 people a day. That’s close to the draw of a small department store. These people help to enliven the sidewalks and put money in the cash registers of nearby stores and restaurants. In addition, public buildings add to the authenticity of a town. They make it less of a shopping center and more of a town center. As Wayne Senville, Editor of Planning Commissioners Journal notes, “not only do libraries provide valuable services for residents of all ages, incomes, and ethnic backgrounds, but they can also inject a healthy dose of vitality into downtowns, main streets, and neighborhood centers. A University of Illinois report says, “Thousands of libraries and communities, millions of citizens, are paying a penalty today for grievous errors in judgement in locating and designing libraries.” “Actual cases demonstrate that the library belongs and will serve best in the area where most people trade or congregate, in what might be called the “center of gravity” of downtown shopping and office worker pedestrians.” “The public library should not be
Proposed Site Plan showing new Library downtown
placed in or near a school or college, because these are almost always located away from pedestrian centers, and by no means is the library especially for their use”. While both the current Maryland Secretary of Planning as well as the former Secretary have publically supported locating the library downtown. Former Secretary Richard Hall said that Maryland Department of Planning supports the downtown location because “we know that location of a public library in a downtown area has met with success in other communities in Maryland including the City of Frederick, Bel Air and Rockville.” More locally, we can point to Prince Frederick, Solomon’s, and Chesapeake Beach in Calvert County. The Proposed Leonardtown Site Located at the corner of Fenwick Street and Lawrence Avenue, the proposed site would act as the anchor to the expansion of the downtown district. It would encompass as much as 5 acres for the library with plenty of parking and opportunity for expansion. It could be easily accessed by three main corridors existing today, from north on Rt. 5 patrons would turn on to Lawrence Avenue and have direct access. From south on Rt. 5 patrons would turn on to Fenwick Street and drive directly to the library. And for those coming from the east the access would be straight on Rt. 245 to Fenwick Street with the library being one
block down. Of course those coming from the west would arrive by boat making the Leonardtown library accessible from the county’s vast waterways. The site keeps with the towns smart growth principals and utilizes land already within the town limits to provide better services and infrastructure so that other in town properties will increase in value, creating more incentive for private sector investment and to grow the tax base through redevelopment rather than spreading new development outside of town with the development of yet more rural property. All utilities including water, sewer, high speed internet, roads, are in place and available for use today. Combined with numerous amenities, restaurants, and other downtown services along with the newly acquired designation as an “Arts and Entertainment District” this site would pull our new public library into the many community events including First Friday’s, Earth Day, Veteran’s Day, Beach Party and the like. The support the library would receive from the numerous organizations in Leonardtown including the Leonardtown Business Association would make the library’s numerous activities and events even more beneficial to our community. By being part of a larger community of organizations, businesses, and governments, this site offers our county library the opportunity to make a difference in more lives. The Proposed Former Hayden Farm Site Located on Leonard’s Grant Parkway off Rt. 245, this site is approximately one and a half mile outside the downtown, the site would act as an anchor to commercial sprawl outside the town. This site, formerly outside the town limits, was recently annexed into the town of Leonardtown by the Town Council at the request of the former Board of County Commissioners. The County Commissioners at the time proposed to the town council that the site would be used for a new elementary school, a new middle school, and recreational playing fields. The site was not proposed for a library use. With the addition of a library to the site, it is believed that one of the other two planned uses would have to be eliminated or go elsewhere. The site does not have frontage on Rt. 245 and visibility will be limited by both distance from the highway and the sprawling commercial development that will take place on commercial parcels located between the highway and the site. The addition of funds to build a new library at this site has already created activity on commercial sites located in front of this property with for sale signs going up over the past few weeks and requests to have additional property annexed into the town. Access to the site regardless of the direction you are coming from is singular, all traffic will have to take Rt. 245 to Leonard’s Grant Parkway to another road off the parkway leading to the site. Maryland Department of Transportation will have to approve the access off of Rt.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
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The County Times Aerial shot of existing land use of Downtown Leonardtown Proposed Sites: 1. Amphitheater 2. Convention Center
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3. Library
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245 and could require road improvements. Those who are familiar with Rt. 245 and intersections that exist today such as Doctor’s Crossing are well aware of the traffic issues facing this area of Rt. 245. Most of the existing problem areas benefit from the slower 30 miles per hour zone. The library site would be located in a higher speed zone undoubtedly creating more traffic concerns. The site would stand alone during most of the evening and weekend hours of operation, not visible from the highway, with few if any other activities surrounding. Buy Local Is More Than a Slogan When one looks at the growth of Rt. 235 through California, you can’t help but notice the presence of nearly every chain store and restaurant seen in similar developer planned communities elsewhere. The presence of Wal-Mart, Target, Lowes, Giant and so on spurred the growth of chain restaurants like Olive Garden, Texas Road House, Red Robin and so forth. Anchors, sprawling out away from the central business district of Lexington Park not only created the onslaught of other chain related development, it crushed the viability of locally owned businesses downtown. In many respects, the emergence of California as the “Center of Retail” in St. Mary’s County has served the needs of our community well. Access to these stores and restaurants are what many enjoy on a regular basis. Leonardtown offers the chance for our county residents to enjoy an alternative lifestyle. Filled with local stores and restaurants, Leonardtown by design and years of planning is the small town that hangs on today, offering entrepreneurs like Loic and Karleen, owners of Café des Artistes a chance to fulfill a dream and bolster a community. 15 years ago, Loic and Karleen took a chance that Leonardtown was planning for a future that would fit their business, and they invested not only money but untold hours of labor and love. Other local entrepreneurs were encouraged and given hope.
Retail shops such as The Good Earth and Fenwick Street Used Books and Music and restaurants such as Café des Artistes, The Front Porch, Olde Town Pub, Oga’s, The Rex, Ye Olde Towne Café, Kevin’s Corner Kafe and others are working endless hours to promote the dream of Leonardtown. The placement of a key anchor, the new Leonardtown Library is part of what these and so many other dedicated community members have spent countless hours keeping the master planning of Leonardtown in focus and moving it forward. The library is just the kind of anchor that brings Leonardtown’s emerging social economic economy to life and shows the community’s commitment to “shop local”. The Misconceptions Unfortunately there has been lack of accurate information about the placement of the library and spinning of the facts in an attempt to misguide the decision regarding this once in a lifetime opportunity as to where a new library should be constructed. We have provided under a separate title “Library Board Matrix vs. The Facts”, it speaks for itself. Yet it is not hard to understand why the Library Board is reluctant to supporting a new library in town. It’s important to note that just because the Library Board makes a recommendation, it is not necessarily a good one. As an example, in 2002 the Library Board had determined that pornography should not be blocked from computers in the county libraries and that while it was not desirable for children using a library computer to be exposed to pornography on display beside them, the principal of freedom of speech and freedom of information in our libraries was more important than the exposure to minors. Fortunately, the Board of County Commissioners, who had a much broader responsibility to the community looked at it quite differently. Additionally, our newly hired county library director, Kathleen Reif was a breath of fresh air from the for-
mer director who had served admirably although perhaps too long as her ability to see our community going forward was tainted by the inner workings of the library system she was exposed to everyday. Ms. Reif provided the foundation of change and progressive ideas as well as an energetic leadership style that has made it possible for St. Mary’s County to benefit from one of the finest library systems in the state of Maryland today. Yet for the past 12 years Ms. Reif and her staff have fought hard to maintain a safe harbor for library patrons at the Lexington Park library where safety has been an ongoing concern. The obvious conclusion they have drawn is that the Library Board’s support of the construction of the Lexington Park Library at its current location was a mistake, and they don’t want to make the same mistake again. The same arguments used back then to promote the location for the Lexington Park library are being used again today to promote the argument for locating the new library in town. So the library board is understandably cautious. Unfortunately, the argument that a new library would lift the troubled Lexington Park neighborhood up was not based in years of master planning and public investment, rather it was derived from the common mistake of believing one decision at a time would solve the problem. Because of the challenges endured at the Lexington Park library, the Library Board unfortunately, has attempted to label Leonardtown as “unsafe”. It is not true and our community should be outraged, the unintended consequences could be forever damaging to the health and welfare of businesses operating downtown. A mere look at the demographics revealing income levels, home ownership, family size, and education levels surrounding the library site in Lexington Park versus the proposed site in the town of Leonardtown reveals the difference. Any professional site analysis can recognize why investment in the Leonardtown site is preferred.
More importantly, a look at criminal activity in and around Leonardtown does not support the Library Board’s claim. It does show however, what crime does occur around Leonardtown is more likely to occur in the outlying areas rather than the downtown area. Leonardtown, “A Most Convenient Place” A lot of people, even those we elect to serve in public office are not always aware of the governing structure of Leonardtown, a Maryland municipality. With its own elected Mayor and elected Council (elected only by the tax paying residents of Leonardtown), the town of Leonardtown derives its governing authority directly from the state of Maryland, not the local county commissioners. In the same way that Calvert County does not have the authority to govern over and plan for the growth of St. Mary’s County, the county government of St. Mary’s does not have the authority to govern over or plan the growth of Leonardtown. Yet, just as Calvert and St. Mary’s must work together to plan regional growth, so to must the town and county work together to plan the growth both in town and outside the town limits to the benefit of all the residents and businesses. The town of Leonardtown, like many municipalities across Maryland benefit from a stable, well experienced, well informed group of elected leaders and staff. Benefiting from the more manageable size of the municipality, Leonardtown’s core strengths are grown and developed over time by people who are equally professional and often more visionary than counterparts outside the town government who look at issues one at a time, in the short term, and without the benefit of the “big picture”. It is the long vision that keeps Leonardtown on track to being “a most convenient place” as it has been for over 300 years. The Anchors In the early 80’s Leonardtown’s traditional small town economy began to dry up as did many across America. Fueled by the Rt. 5 bypass away from the town square, Mattingly’s grocery store, Western Auto, Ben Franklin, Breslin’s Pharmacy, Sparling’s Junior Department Store, Blair’s Jewelry, to name a few begin closing their doors or leaving the town square. Buildings were boarding up and the future was uncertain. What would be forever the challenge to save the town and grow a new economy began with the town government working to save some of the public anchors. County government made plans to move the Court House to property outside of town, the federal government made plans to move the Post Office to property outside of town. The town leaders knew that if there was
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hope of a new economy for Leonardtown over the ensuing 50 years, it lay in the preservation of existing anchors and the creation of new anchors. After much debate outside the town, mostly from folks who were unaware of the “vision” for Leonardtown, the town leaders finally were able to get the message through and the Court House and Post Office were not only kept in town, but they were both renovated and enlarged. With these two anchors secured, more anchors would be needed over the next century to secure the long term future. Plans were put in place to incorporate large tracts of land adjoining the town square to take advantage of the towns waterfront location as well as the ability to expand the business district and add additional anchors to the town. Plans that are there today but few are aware exist. Sharing the Inspirations of the Town As a newly elected County Commissioner in 2002 I was more concerned about what I did not know than that which I knew. While the task of planning for and managing the county’s affairs loomed large on my plate, the task of understanding the vision of others more experienced than myself would be most helpful. Regular monthly meetings with key stakeholders in our community were scheduled, including the Mayor of Leonardtown, “Chip” Norris. Norris would often describe in grand detail the vision of the town of Leonardtown. He talked about ongoing efforts to receive a coveted state designation as a “Maryland Arts and Entertainment District”. He talked about the master planning extending through hundreds of acres of land and the key components to success. We talked about a new waterfront park, a new library, performing arts center, new schools, a new winery, and later an amphitheater and convention center as key anchors moving forward. The agreement was if the town could provide the land the county would assist in building the key public infrastructure. First the town acquired the land for the waterfront park and the county proceeded to assist with a new waterfront park that pro-
The County Times
vides much needed waterfront access to all St. Mary’s County residents. The County agreed to renovate the existing elementary school as the town sought to find property for a second elementary school. As part of a new residential development, Clark’s Rest, the town was able to preserve some 26 acres for a new elementary school. Unfortunately this property was later rejected by county government as the Hayden Farm was purchased instead to provide a site for not only a new elementary school but a middle school and recreational fields. The town acquired property for a new winery and the county proceeded to help build the facility helping provide not only for Leonardtown’s new economy but help-
ing preserve a traditional economy of St. Mary’s as some farm land would be transitioned from tobacco to grape vineyards as a new agricultural economy would emerge. And the town acquired property for the new library, ideally located where the town’s vision for the future intersects with the towns existing center of commerce. With as much as 5 acres of land being donated in this key location, the vision was becoming a reality. Time for Folks to Come Together and do the Right Thing We don’t get a do over on this one. We don’t get a second chance to do the right thing. This issue, plagued by the untold
Thursday, April 16, 2015
story, has become to many what may seem to be a dividing issue. The truth is, this is the kind of issue that has the chance to bring our community together, to make us all proud of our small town with big ideas. It has the chance for you and your family to walk one evening through town, visit with family the strong and commanding public facility, the library, enjoy entertainment, local food, local crafts, and say to others, we came together to build this, we came together to recreate this town to be cherished forever.
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Thursday, April 16, 2015
The County Times
CSM Talons Head to World Championships April 16-18 The College of Southern Maryland collegiate robotics team, the Talons, are heading to compete in the 2015 VEX U World Championships April 16-18 in Louisville, Kentucky. The team and its faculty sponsor, CSM Professor Bernice Brezina, are upbeat and feel prepared to face competitive teams from Rice University, Michigan State University and Purdue University as well as teams from New Zealand, Bahrain, Mexico, Spain and Canada. “They have worked through the Heading to Louisville, Kentucky, for the 2015 VEX U World engineering design process and Championships April 16-18, are members of the collegiate spent much time improving their robotics team, the Talons, including CSM Professor and team robot designs through an iterative mentor Ronda Jacobs, John Hamel of Mechanicsville, Cody improvement process. They have Graham of Great Mills, Jonathan Frank of Indian Head, Ryan Achterberg of Lusby, John Ingram of Leonardtown, Allison been applying engineering con- DeCarlo of Charlotte Hall and CSM Professor Bernice Brezina, cepts learned in their classes to do the team’s faculty sponsor. this,” said Brezina. “[CSM Professor and Student Success Center Director Ronda Jacobs] and I enjoy being on hand legiate events. During the month of each week to see them logically work through April, Spotlight on STEM hosted by CSM and other key partners, includes a problems like professional engineers.” At the World Championships, the teams number of community outreach events compete on a 12-foot-square field-of-play using and activities including the Junior Ditwo robots. The goal of this year’s competition vision LEGO championship, Women + “Skyrise” is to assemble vertical towers using Math for girls ages 13-20 and a Regioninterlocking pieces and to then gather and stack al Conference for educators to learn objects on the towers. One robot is designed to about best practices in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathassemble and the other robot to stack. The team of John Hamel of Mechanicsville, ematics) education. These are expected Jonathan Frank of Indian Head, Cody Graham of to draw more than 3,500 students, eduGreat Mills, Allison DeCarlo of Charlotte Hall, cators and industry leaders. Supporting STEM programs and acJohn Ingram of Leonardtown and Ryan Achterberg of Lusby began building and programming tivities at CSM are sponsors including, Platinum Sponsor CSM Foundathe robots in September. “Before graduation and their first jobs in engi- tion; Silver Sponsor The Patuxent neering and computer programming, these stu- Partnership for robotics programs; dents will have many opportunities to challenge Bronze Sponsors BAE Systems and their ingenuity, creativity and problem-solving PNC Foundation; Event Partner Sponskills on equipment that doesn’t cost millions sors Exelon Generation Calvert Cliffs of dollars. They are building leadership and col- Nuclear, Lockheed Martin Foundation, laboration skills along with the intellectual skills Sabre Systems, Inc. and Vyalex Manthey will need to be successful in their careers. agement Solutions. For information on robotics and They are also building confidence,” said Brezina. CSM has been a longtime supporter of ro- STEM events at CSM, visit www.csmd. botics outreach including hosting K-12 and col- edu/STEM.
Denny Named Agnes Meyer Award Winner
Michael Denny, a Social Studies teacher at Leonardtown High School was recently named St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ recipient of The Washington Post 2015 Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award. The Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award was established in 1983 by The Washington Post Company Educational Foundation to recognize teachers who exemplify excellence in teaching and is named after Agnes Meyer, a staunch supporter and defender of public education, and the wife of Eugene Meyer, who purchased the paper in 1933. “Mr. Denny has a wonderful rapport with people of all ages, especially students. His ability to connect with his students and his talent at teaching rigorous concepts are truly superior,” wrote Leonardtown High School Principal Maureen Montgomery in her letter of support for Denny. “He is a most valuable member of our staff and is a consummate professional.” Denny earned his Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies Education from University of Maryland College Park and currently holds an Advanced Professional Certification for teaching by the Maryland State Department of Education. Denny began his teaching career in 1976 as a Social Studies teacher in Charles County Public Schools.
Education
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Presenting the professionals' favorite properties on the market.
Featured Homes of the Week
Realtor’s Choice
To list a property in our next Realtor’s Choice edition, call Jennifer at 301-373-4125. Since joining St. Mary’s County Public Schools in 1981, he taught for 7 years at Chopticon High School before moving to Leonardtown High School in 1988. Denny has coached various sports including football, basketball, tennis and lacrosse. He has also been recognized for his dedication to the Model General Assembly, Model Congress, Model United Nations and various other student organizations throughout his tenure with St. Mary’s County Public Schools. “Mr. Denny is an integral part of education not only at Leonardtown High School, but also throughout the school system. He encourages students to strive for excellence both in the classroom and outside the classroom,” said Interim Superintendent of Schools, J. Scott Smith. “Mr. Denny is very deserving of this award and we are very fortunate to have Mr. Denny as part of our school system. I applaud his continued dedication to his students.” Denny and other recipients, representing local public and private schools throughout Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, will be recognized on Tuesday, May 19 at a ceremony hosted by The Washington Post. Submitted by St. Mary’s County Public Schools
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Education
The County Times
Countywide Pre-Kindergarten/Head Start Open Enrollment
St. Mary’s County Public Schools is pleased to announce open registration for Prekindergarten/Head Start to determine eligibility for school year 2015 - 2016. All schools will hold open registration from Monday, April 13, 2015 through Friday, April 24, 2015 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. The goal of the Prekindergarten/Head Start program is to provide initial learning experiences to help children develop basic skills and concepts necessary for successful school performance. A child must be four years old on or before September 1, 2015, and come from a family with an economically disadvantaged background. If vacancies remain after children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds have been enrolled, the remaining vacancies will be filled using locally determined atrisk criteria. Parents of children who will be three years old by September 1 and are eligible for placement in the Head Start Program should also register at the school assigned to their physical address during the open enrollment period. The process for registration has been revised for the 2015-2016 school year. Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) may go to the school assigned to their legal address on any of the designated registration days to complete the registration paperwork. Families that are part of the redistricting for the 2015-2016 school year should register at their current home school. Children are not required to be present for registration. Required documentation includes evidence of birth, proof of residency, proof of income, a copy of the child’s immunization record, any court papers regarding custody of the minor
child, and a completed application. Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) must also bring photo identification when registering their child. Proof of income must be provided in order for a child to be registered as an income eligible child. Proof of income documentation includes one of the following: W-2 form; Copies of the last 3 paycheck stubs; or, Proof of temporary cash assistance (the letter indicating the amount of temporary cash assistance is required). Documentation which indicates the current physical address of the child will be accepted as proof of residence. Proof of residence will include, but is not limited to, one of the following: a. Mortgage/deed/rental agreement with 911 address assignment; b. Current utility bill with parent/legal guardian name, 911 address of residence, and service address (no post office box is accepted - and wireless telephone bills are not acceptable); and, c. Patuxent River Naval Base housing form NOW-NATC-1110-1/15, Assignment to Public Quarters, that identifies bona fide residence in St. Mary’s County. Each elementary school will conduct open enrollment for the children residing in their zone. Questions regarding which school serves your residential area should be directed to the Department of Capital Planning at 301-475-4256, option 6. Questions about the program and registration may be directed to Cynthia Kilcoyne, Coordinating Supervisor of Early Childhood Programs at 301-475-5511, ext. 32218.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Wauchilue Adams Named Distinguished Educational Leader
Wauchilue Adams, Principal of Green Holly Elementary School, has been selected as St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ recipient of The Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award. The Distinguished Educational Leadership Award was established in 1987 by The Washington Post Company Educational Foundation to honor principals who go beyond the daily responsibilities of their position to create an exceptional environment through dedicated leadership. Adams was nominated by a several members of her faculty for this award as well as some students. “Mrs. Adams’ work ethic is legendary. She is dedicated, committed, and happy in her work. Her experience, talents and skills qualify her as an exceptional candidate for this prestigious award,” said Kelly Hall, Executive Director of Elementary Schools and Title I Programs. Adams holds two Bachelor degrees from Hood College in Sociology and Spanish along with a Master’s degree in Guidance and Coun-
seling from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. She is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree from the University of Maryland College Park. She taught Spanish in Somerset County Public Schools for 10 years prior to moving into administration. She has served as an Assistant Principal in both Somerset County and Wicomico County. She began her tenure as a principal in 2002 in Wicomico County before joining St. Mary’s County Public Schools in 2009 as principal of Green Holly Elementary School. “Mrs. Adams leads a vibrant school community striving for excellence in multiple programs,” said Interim Superintendent of Schools, J. Scott Smith. “Mrs. Adams is a professional in every aspect and works with the students, staff, parents and community to provide a safe, positive, and inviting learning environment.” Adams and other recipients, representing local public and private schools throughout Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, will be recognized on Tuesday, May 5 at a ceremony hosted by The Washington Post.
St. Mary’s Bar Association Accepting Scholarship Applications The 2015 St. Mary’s County Bar Association Scholarship application is ready! The St. Mary’s County Bar Association established a scholarship fund to reward a St. Mary’s County graduating high school senior who demonstrates meritorious achievements in high school by providing him or her with a one-time scholarship to continue his or her academic endeavors. This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors residing in St. Mary’s County who will be attending a four-year college or university, a community college, or a technical college. Scholarship applicants are evaluated on academic achievement, school and/or community activities, social awareness, and appreciation of the law. Applications are judged by a committee of impartial attorneys selected from the members of the St. Mary’s County Bar Association. Gender, nationality, national origin, or ethnicity will not be used by any committee member to influ-
ence the ranking of applicants. Scholarship applications have been forwarded to all public and private St. Mary’s County high schools. Completed applications must be received by the Scholarship Committee no later than May 29. Send completed applications to: St. Mary’s County Bar Association Scholarship Committee c/o Marsha L. Williams Legal Aid Bureau, Inc. P.O. Box 249 Hughesville, MD 20637 If a student needs an application or would like more information, contact Marsha L. Williams, Esq. by phone at 240-230-3130 or via email at mwilliams@mdlab.org. Submutted by the St. Mary’s County Bar Association
Over 250,000 Southern Marylanders can’t be wrong! Your Online Community for Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties
www.somd.com
The County Times
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Sponsorship Opportunities for The 2015 Gala in the Garden
Mid-June marks the beginning of our signature events season with the 6th Annual Gala in the Garden ~ Morocco e are looking to partner with individuals and businesses to help support this fundraising event, which benefits our important educational programming at this National Historic Landmark. Your support is vital in enabling us to continue our mission of preserving, researching, and interpreting Sotterley Ps diverse cultures and environments and to serve the world as an educational, cultural, and community resource. To support the 2015 Gala in the Garden at Historic Sotterley Plantation through sponsorship, please contact Nate Ryon, Development Manager: development@ sotterley.org. For more information, we welcome your phone call: 301-373-2280. Imagine this: Our Colonial Revival Gardens will be transformed into a Moroccan souk bursting with exotic treasures on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Guests will be swept away to this far away land of tantalizing colors, luscious spices, nectarous cocktails, and
dazzling dancers! Our souk will be filled with extraordinary auction items for bid in both the Silent and Live Auctions. Previews of auction items will be available online at www.sotterley.org. Press Release from Sotterley
Peaceful Living
LIBRARY ITEMS May the 4th Be With You The Lexington Park branch will hold ‘May the 4th Be With You’ for all ages on Monday, May 4 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. May the fourth be with you as you travel to a library not so far, far away to destroy the Death Star, participate in Jedi Archives trivia, and more. Ask a Master Gardener! The St. Mary’s County Master Gardeners will hold free plant clinics at each branch from April to October. Anyone with questions about growing vegetables, soil conditions, mystery insects, invasive weeds, heirloom plants or more can come and get answers. Plant samples are welcome. Lexington Park branch will host the Master Gardeners each first and third Tuesday form 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Leonardtown branch will host the Master Gardeners each second and fourth Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Charlotte Hall branch will host the Master Gardeners each first and third Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Music with Mar Children ages 8 months to kindergarten are invited to come to Lexington Park branch on Thursday, April 30 at 11:30 a.m. for music, movement and fun! Children will enjoy songs, pup-
In Our Community
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IN A QUIET SETTING, EXCELLENT SCHOOLS pets, rhythm instruments, sign language and more! Music with Mar is an internationally respected music program for preschool-aged children and their caretakers. Based on the latest brain research, Music with Mar classes seek to develop the child socially, emotionally and cognitively through music. Please register children ages 1 year and older on the library website, www.stmalib.org.
301-862-5307
13 month with 1st FULL month FREE / 25 month with first 2 FULL months FREE!
El Dia de los Ninos, El Dia de los Libros Lexington Park branch will celebrate the international holiday of ‘many children, many cultures, many books!’ on Friday, May 1. A bilingual storytime will be from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A drop-in craft will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Follow StMarysLibrary on Instagram Happy Library Week! To celebrate, the St. Mary’s County Library is launching a new Instagram page. Follow @StMarysLibrary to find fun #ThreeWordBookReviews or even #GetCaughtReading! Post a #shelfie of yourself in front of your favorite bookshelf and tell @StMarysLibrary why you love the library!
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The County Times
In Our Community
Thursday, April 16, 2015
CSM’s March Ward Virts Performance Rescheduled
Holly Roadfeldt to Perform May 31
Lights, Comedy, Action Help The LHS Band Get The Last Laugh!
Kevin Lee (HBO, Comedy Central) Headlining • Opening act, hilarious juggler Michael Rosman • Emcee and sharing his magic of laughter, Reggie Rice • Lights Comedy Action! is a great professional show For more information about Lights Comedy Action! and how to help this organization, check out: facebook.com/redbrickroadevents and www.redbrickroadevents.com to purchase tickets.
The Band Boosters work all year to raise funds to cover expenses associated with competition fees, uniforms, props, instruments, and music. Bring the whole family over to the Leonardtown High School Auditorium to see these national acts “Lights Comedy Action!” Variety Comedy Show and we can all raise some fun. It’s a unique, high-energy experience to bring families, friends and neighbors together for guaranteed enjoyable evening. • Superstar Stand Up Comedian
Pianist Holly Roadfeldt’s performance as part of the College of Southern Maryland’s Ward Virts Concert Series has been rescheduled from March 1 to May 31, due to an earlier weather cancellation. The performance, which begins at 3 p.m., will be held at the Prince Frederick Campus, Building B Multipurpose Room, 115 J.W. Williams Road, Prince Frederick. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Roadfeldt made her orchestral debut with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra at the age of 13. She has been an active pianist and chamber musician ever since, performing standard and eclectic works in the United States, Europe and Asia. As a chamber musician, Roadfeldt has performed with members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Montreal Symphony, the Rochester Philharmonic, the Colorado Orchestra and the Utah Symphony as well as with concert artists Alexa Still, Bonita Boyd and Marcia Baldwin. As a soloist, Roadfeldt has premiered over 75 solo and chamber works. She has presented solo recitals at Kent State University, Lafayette College, Westminster College, Youngstown State University and the University of Albany as well as participated in the World International Competition held in Santa Fe, New Mexico as one of 12 selected pianists. Roadfeldt is co-founder of the contemporary piano duo, duoARtia, which she formed with Jeri-Mae Astolfi in 2012. She has collaborated with the Marie Chouinard Dance Company
Pianist Holly Roadfeldt will perform on May 31 as part of the College of Southern Maryland’s Ward Virts Concert Series.
from Montreal, giving a live performance of Chopin’s 24 Preludes at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. Roadfeldt teaches at Lafayette College, has a private studio in New York City and serves as a master piano faculty member with distinction at the Music School of Delaware. She has taught at her alma maters, the University of Colorado Boulder and Indiana University, as well as at the University of Delaware, Susquehanna University and Gettysburg College. The Ward Virts Concert Series is presented by sponsors Dr. and Mrs. Henry Virts, Edward and Patricia Mehosky, The Southern Maryland Chain Chapter of The Links, Inc., Stovy and Anne Brown, Exelon GenerationCalvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant and the CSM Foundation. Admission is free and seating is open but limited. For information, contact 443-5506011, rfleming@csmd.edu or http://csmd.edu/ Arts/WardVirts/index.html. Press Release from CSM
The County Times
Pets of the Week
I’m Ryan. I was born in the summer of 2009. I am a quiet, kind of guy. I would really like to finally find a home of my own. I know my foster mom adores me, but it really is time to move on. I am a little shy at first but trust me, once I open up, I am the biggest bundle of love you will ever meet. So how about it? Can you give me a try? I am neutered, current on my vaccines, micro-chipped, and I am negative for FeLV and FIV. My adoption fee is $75. You can fill out an application at www.feralcatrescuemd. org send it to Diane at moonandhunt@hotmail.com. I hope we can meet.
up costing roughly the same if you buy a better quality cat food for your feline friends. I am off on a tangent. Let’s get back to me. I am usually at the Petco in California on Saturdays and Sundays. You can see me between 11am and 3pm. You can fill out an application there or at www.feralcatrescuemd. org and email it to diane@feralcatrescuemd. org. You could also foster to adopt me to see how terrific I am. I can’t wait to be your arms.
My name is Kate. I am incredibly sweet and affectionate. I am roughly 4 years old. It is thought that there is Mainecoon in me. I have beautiful long hair. I have lived with dogs and cats and do well but definitely don’t like to be chased. I am not an alpha cat. I love to sleep in between my foster mom and foster dad. I love to be close to them. Currently I am on a diet and will need to be on one until I get to a healthy weight. Dry food has more calories than wet food and when people buy poor quality dry food, you have to eat more to get the nutrition you need. Who knows? It might even wind
Love you forever, Kate
In Our Community
Southern Maryland Youth Choir (SMYChoir) Announces Spring Performances
Ryan
Love always, Ryan
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Kate
If you are feeding an outside cat, please contact Feral Cat Rescue at 301475-5059 or email Diane to get info on help with spay/ neuter. Feral Cat Rescue also lends traps.
The Southern Maryland Youth Choir (SMYChoir) is pleased to announce its spring concert, Sounds of Spring. The performance will take place on Thursday, May 7, 7 p.m., at Hollywood United Methodist Church. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-12; children under 5 are free. Tickets will be available at the door. The group will be performing a diverse program of seasonal music. The concert will include “Blue Skies” by Irving Berlin, “Lightning!” by Greg Gilpin, and “Just Beyond the Rainbow’s End,” by Audrey Snyder. The directors are Laurel Dietz and Lori Beth Sink. Additionally, SMYChoir will be performing alongside the Festival Chorus and the Symphony Orchestra of Arlington for the final concert of St. Maries Musica’s spring season on Saturday, May 2, 7 p.m., at Leonard-
town High School auditorium. Tickets will be $10 at the door. About SMYChoir The Southern Maryland Youth Choir is a two-tiered ensemble for students in St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles counties. Any young musician entering grades 2-8 who loves to sing may audition for SMYChoir. No prior musical training or experience is necessary. SMYChoir, in conjunction with its partner organization SMYOrchestra, seeks to expand the musical opportunities available in our communities and to nurture, develop and advance young talented musicians in quality music programs. For more information, please contact: Kristina Dronenburg, Choir Manager at smychoir@gmail.com or www.smychoir.org.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
By Susan Bisson Lambert
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The County Times
Business
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Information Preservation
By Emily Charles Contributing Writer Many businesses are going paperless these days as a cheap, easily accessible way to save time and resources. However, there’s still a lot of information on paper, stored in folders in filing cabinets, haphazardly organized and difficult to utilize. Balance Imaging Solutions, LLC, located in California, is working hard to digitize all sorts of files and documents for businesses large and small. Established in 2011 by CEO Deborah Rumple and Vice President James Rumple, Balance Imaging Solutions, LLC handles clients’ materials with care and ease, customizing their service to suit their customers’ needs. “One of our key points is assuring our customers that their materials are in good hands while they’re being digitized, that we’ll care for them properly,” said James Rumple. “We’ve handled some very rare items,” Deborah Rumple added. Some of these items include books from the Senate library, dating back to the 1800s. “For certain types of materials like that, sometimes we’ll receive restrictions, like we can only borrow 40 books from a library at one time,” James Rumple stated. “Sometimes we’re given instructions that we can only open a book 40 degrees. Our clients trust us, they know that we’ll handle their materials properly,” Deborah Rumple said. These materials can be anything from blueprints to old books to health records, stored on paper or on microfiche according to Deborah Rumple. No matter the material, Balance Imaging Solutions, LLC will meet your requirements in record time. Due dates for projects are decided by the client. Currently, the business’
shortest turn around rate is about two hours after receiving a document, according to James Rumple. In one instance, Balance Imaging Solutions, LLC completed a 3 million page scan over the time span of about a year, Deborah Rumple said. “We work with clients to find out what they’d like to accomplish and make recommendations to help them do that. Each project is its own program. We’re set apart by our ability to adapt unique programs. I personally oversee every project,” James Rumple said. “We customize our service to the customers,” Deborah Rumple stated, “We’re unique in that we can take on a jumble of different things at once and we can accommodate their different sizes and restrictions.” All products handled by Balance Imaging Solutions, LLC are returned to their owners or properly disposed of as requested upon completion of their projects. On site scanning is available for scans of considerable size or concerning rare or secured documents, Deborah Rumple said. Materials clients would like to have scanned can be picked up personally by the Rumples or can be dropped off or shipped to Balance Imaging Solutions, LLC. All materials are scanned in a nondestructive manner, including books, which can be returned to their owners with pages and binding intact. “Our services go above and beyond just turning a book or a document into a digital copy,” James Rumple said. “Sometimes when we’re scanning things we’ll find missing bills and pages or duplicate pages. It’s surprising how much a client might not know about their own stuff.” Both Deborah and James Rumple find the job to be enjoyable and interesting. “I enjoy working with the actual documents. It’s interesting to see just how many different types of documents there are,” Deborah Rumple said.
“I’ve always enjoyed and found satisfaction in preserving information for the future,” James Rumple added. Balance Imaging Solutions, LLC is working hard to uphold a wealth of information from businesses all over the country. The business pays special attention to its local clients, often offering special promotions based on the product they require. Photo courtesy of “We try to give local www.balanceimaging.com businesses special considerations on pricing. Typically, we offer a discount to local businesses depending on the nature and size of their project,” James Rumple said. With all the information Balance Imaging Solutions, LLC has processed in its years of service, the Rumples have learned a thing or two. “We want to share that there’s a lot to know about information and digitizing. I won’t ever know everything about a client’s document, but I’ll be able to interpret what I see. We consider ourselves a company that offers not only digital products, but digital solutions,” James Rumple said. If your business is looking for a digital solution to a paper problem, be sure to get in touch with Balance Imaging Solutions, LLC. For more information about Balance Imaging Solutions, LLC, call 240-237-8051, email scanning@balanceimaging.com or visit www.balanceimaging.com. contributing@countytimes.net
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BLEACHERS
SPORTS
A View From The
The Yips
By Ronald N. Guy Jr. Contributing Writer I’ll start where the last column ended - with Tiger Woods. Show of hands. Who read it? To those reaching for the heavens - assuming you aren’t shameless liars - thanks. Hopefully you were entertained. For those fiddling with phones and refusing to make eye contact, you have some explaining to do. To assist, “I was north of Antarctica on a Greenpeace vessel battling illegal whaling”, is a good excuse, but I’ll need proof. “Trust but verify”, a wise man once advised. Why Tiger? The alternative was a loathsome diatribe on the punchless Washington Nationals, a team currently scoring as often as a World Cup soccer team. Such depressing things could threaten a community’s spring groove and he who dares interrupt the spring groove after a heinous winter invites the people’s wrath. Of course Woods’s story is hardly uplifting. The once incomparable Woods entered The Masters last week ranked a 111th in the world, sandwiched between Tomohiro Kondo and Hennie Otto. Who coulda thought such things? Tiger Woods? Fourteen majors? Greatest golfer of his generation? 111th in the world? That’s two more “1’s” in his ranking than we are used to. The long descent from numero uno to 111th took a while and was filled with enough drama to fuel a reality show. Woods lost his father Earl, a significant influence on his life and career, in 2006. He had reconstructive knee surgery in 2008 and detonated his marriage a year later. Woods dumped his long-time caddie, Steve Williams, in 2011, has rifled through swing coaches like mistresses and had his schedule disrupted by nagging injuries and last year’s back surgery. While Woods hasn’t won a major championship since 2008, he has remained competitive and shown flashes of dominance despite that burdensome personal and professional chronology. This year, however, Woods has been inconsequential. He finished seventeenth at the Hero World Challenge in December, missed the cut at the Waste Management Open in January and withdrew from the Farmers Insurance Open in February due to non-competitive
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Thursday, April 16, 2015
play. “Non-competitive” is being nice. Woods lost the ability to strike a golf ball flush with a wedge. He sent balls ripping past the hole or launched chips over the green altogether. He looked…like me! Tiger Woods had the yips. His days as one of golf’s best appeared over. My wife asked me once when I learned the rules of football. I’m sure I did – no one is born being able to identify illegal procedure – but for the life of me I can’t remember not knowing the game. I doubt Tiger Woods, once featured on That’s Incredible! as a five-year-old golf prodigy, ever remembers not being the alpha dog on a golf course. Yet there he was in February, completely lost on the links, his lifetime haven. He was a suit-less Iron Man, Sampson without his hair, Superman adorned in kryptonite. It was equally fascinating and disturbing. Work, save for the few who pursue their passion professionally, is not typically the desired human condition. Recreation, hobby-indulgence or sleep are preferred. But work we do, to meet obligations, pay the bills or to just pacify our consciences. We teach, build, supply, farm and engineer and procure defense systems. In time, we get quite good at it – what we do – and assume that our skills and the opportunity to continue our craft will persist. The professional yips? An afterthought. Fortunately, golf - as any golfer will attest - is far more mercurial than the average job. Woods, with a solid performance at The Masters last week, appears to have rebounded. Still, the site of Tiger lost with a golf club in his hand was jarring. Oh, look at the time. I need to end there. It’s past my bedtime and work beckons tomorrow. My commitment is renewed. Bills are inbound and retirement is a distant dream. I have to drill it down the middle when I “tee off” tomorrow…and the next day, and the day after that. Hope you do the same. I suspect a case of the professional yips for either of us would be far more consequential than a double-bogey or a missed cut. Send comments to RonaldGuyJr@ gmail.com.
The Outlaws are Headed to MDIR for Door Wars! This weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 17-19 MDIR will host the 7th annual Door Wars! The event will feature 5-second, 240+mph The Northeast Outlaw Pro Mods, Outlaw 10.5, Outlaw Drag Radial, X275, Ultra Street, and the 422 Motorsports Nostalgia Super Stockers. Close to 100 Top Sportsman cars will battle it out in the Top Sportsman “Pros vs Joes” $5,000 to win shootout each day on the 1/8 mile, plus a $1,000 to win Index Challenge for 9.50, 10.00, 10.50, 11.00, and 11.50 cars each day on the 1/4 mile. MDIR has posted over $55,000 in prize money and the best of the best from all over the country will be here to take home victory. This will be an action packed weekend of wheels up side by side racing action! On Friday the gates will open at 9 a.m. and there will be an Early Bird Test Session from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and an evening Test & Tune from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. On Saturday the gates will open at 8 a.m., and qualifying for Top Sportsman and the Index Challenge will begin at 10 a.m. The Northeast Outlaw Pro Mods, Outlaw 10.5, Outlaw Drag Radial, X275, Ultra Street, and the 422 Motorsports Nostalgia Super Stockers will qualify at noon, 4 p.m., and 8 p.m. the first round of Top Sportsman and the Index Challenge will begin at 3 p.m. On Sunday the gates will open at 9 a.m. Top Sportsman and the Index Challenge will get one qualifying shot 10 a.m. for Sunday’s race. Eliminations for all classes will begin at 12 noon.
Photos Courtesy of MDIR
Friday admission is $20, Saturday or Sunday Admission is $25, a 2-Day pass for $40, and a 3-Day pass is $55. Children 6 to 11 are $5 per day, and kids 5 & under are free. For more information on these events call 301-884-RACE, visit us at www. RaceMDIR.com or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ RaceMDIR.
Mike Batson Photography
Freelance Photographers
Events Weddings Family Portraits 301-938-3692 mikebatsonphotography@hotmail.com https://www.facebook.com/mikebatsonphotography
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Thursday, April 16, 2015
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.
April, Month Long Register for Summer Youth & Adult Classes The House of Dance (24620 Three Notch Rd., Hollywood) Summer is right around the corner, and with our variety of classes for youth and adults, you can have fun all summer! For more information, or to register, please call 301-373-6330, Email admin@thehouseofdance.org, or visit www.thehouseofdance.org. Horseshoe Casino Trip Bookings Horseshoe Baltimore Casino (1525 Russell St., Baltimore) – Bus leaves 9 a.m. on May 1 Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad is sponsoring a day trip to the 2nd largest casino in Maryland - Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore on Friday, May 1. Price is $51 per person on a first come/ first served basis. We urge you to book early. The price includes: coach bus, water, package ($30 Coin), pull tabs, video and 6 hours of gambling. The bus will depart from the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 1. Other pick up stops are Charlotte Hall and Waldorf. The bus will return at approximately 7 p.m. To book your trip to the Horseshoe Casino call Brenda Pruett at 240-298-5019. Early Opening for Historic Sotterley Plantation Historic Sotterley Plantation (44300 Sotterley Ln., Hollywood) In anticipation of a fabulous 2015 season, Historic Sotterley Plantation is set to open earlier than ever before – a month earlier, to be exact! Beginning on Saturday, April 11, the site will be open for Self-Guided Audio Tours and Guided Tours of our 1703 Plantation House on weekends only. Saturdays – April 11, 18 & 25 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours: 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. (Beginning May 1, this will be the regular schedule for Tuesdays through Saturdays through Oct. 31) Sundays – April 12, 19 & 26 11:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours: Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. (Beginning May 3, this will be the regular schedule for Sundays through Oct. 31) This year promises to be an exciting one for Historic Sotterley Plantation and we hope you and yours will take advantage of our early start. Visit us soon and often! Film Festival Submissions Film makers from the Tri-County area are invited to submit original productions to the Southern Maryland Film Festival, to be held Saturday, July 11 in Leonardtown, Md. All ages and experience levels welcome. No submission fees. Prizes will be awarded in several categories. Submission deadline is April 30. For submission and volunteer information, visit www.smdfs.org. For sponsorship information, contact Theresa at fotlt@outlook.com.
Dog Obedience Classes Leonardtown Fairgrounds (42455 Fairgrounds Rd., Leonardtown) Saint Mary’s County Department of Recreation and Parks Dog Obedience Classes Puppy Kindergarten Start: April 15 and Ends: May 20 Days: Wednesdays Time: 7 to 7:45 pm Fee: $45 (6 weeks) Basic Obedience Start: April 13 and Ends: May 25 Days: Mondays Time: 7 to 8 p.m. (no second class offered) Fee: $50 (7 weeks) Advanced Dog Obedience With CGC Training. Start: April 15 and Ends: May 27 Days: Wednesdays Time: 8 to 9 p.m. Fee: $50 (7 weeks) FMI: 301-475-4200; ext 1801 www.co.saint-marys.md.us/recreate/index.asp “Fire and Ice” North End Gallery (41652 Fenwick St., Leonardtown) - to April 26, First Friday on April 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. Winter is hopefully behind us but we still have vivid memories of the cold and snow and ice. And, with these beautiful and bright images of winter in mind the North End Gallery will continue their popular All Member show “Fire and Ice “. This show will hang until April 26. Put it on your calendar to visit the Gallery during this time and also plan to join us for the First Friday celebration on April 3 at the Gallery. The North End Gallery may be reached at 301 475 3130 and the web address is www.northendgallery.org. 18th Annual Old Line State Classic (Jarrettsville, Md.) Team registrations are now being accepted for the Central Maryland Soccer Association’s 18th Annual Old Line State Classic. The event is scheduled for the weekend of May 2nd & 3rd in Jarrettsville (Harford County) Maryland. The Classic is an open USSF youth affiliated event through the Soccer Association for Youth; and is open to all SAY, US Club and reciprocating USYSA school, recreation travel and club teams within the mid-Atlantic region. Separate male and female competitions are available in the single age levels of U8 through U14; and the dual age high school levels of U16 and U18. The tournament features a roundrobin format with all teams being guaranteed a minimum of three games with playoffs where applicable. The first and second place finishers in each division will receive team and individual awards. The tournament registration deadline is April 20th. Registration forms are available on the tournament’s web page located at www.cmsasoccer. com. For additional information, e-mail scorenews@aol.com or call Skip Apple at 443-255-0521.
Friday, April 17 Stroke Survivors’ Support Group Medstar St. Mary’s Hospital (25500
Point Lookout Rd., Leonardtown) – 5:30 p.m. The MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital Stroke Survivors’ Support Group gives survivors and their families a chance to connect with other survivors in the community. Join us the third Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. for speakers and a light dinner. Our next group meets April 17 on the second floor of the Out Patient Pavilion on the grounds of Medstar St Mary’s Hospital. This group is free to attend. For catering purposes please call to register 301-475-6019. Steak, Shrimp, & Fish Dinner Night American Legion Post 221 (21690 Colton Point Rd., Avenue) – 5 to 8 p.m. American Legion Post 221 has 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 (alpost221.webs.com/steakshrimpfishmenu.htm)You can call 301-884-4071 for further information. You can also visit our website at www.alpost221. webs.com/
Saturday, April 18 Coastal Arts Market Port of Leonardtown Park (23190 Newtowne Neck Rd, Leonardtown) – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit www.coastalartsmarket.com for details Spring Open House Craft Guild Shop (26005 Pt. Lookout Rd., Leonardtown) – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Spring Open House at Craft Guild Shop, Saturday, (Rt. 5, next to Maryland Antique Center). The Craft Guild Shop of Leonardtown will host its Spring Open House. Come on by and shop from a wide variety of unique, handmade items for yourself or those special people in your life. Keep in mind fast approaching holidays and numerous celebrations for gift giving. For more information, please call 301-997-1644. “Cancer Crusades Capers” St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (44078 St. Andrews Church Rd., California) – 7:30 p.m. The Sanford Concert Series We will present Cancer Crusades Capers … a program where all proceeds will go to support our local cancer agencies in their battle against this disease. Several of the local groups will combine to present an evening of fun and good music. Join us and Two Rivers Harmon, The Sax Appeal, Off Handed String Quartet, St. Maries Minstrels and The PDQ Chorus for an evening of music and laughter. Our closing selection will be a closing to remember. The cost is a minimum of $10 so mark this on your calendar as a “not to be missed” program. Seating is limited so reservations are recommended. Call Lyn Schramm at 301-863-2315.
Sunday, April 19 CPR and First Aid Class (42356 Rescue Ln., Hollywood) – 9 a.m. The Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad is conducting a CPR and First Aid Class on Sunday, April 19 beginning at 9 a.m. The class will be at 42356 Rescue Lane in Hollywood. Cost is $75 per person. Deadline to enroll is April 16. Call Brandi 240-682-9939### Leonardtown Earth Day Celebration 2015 Historic Leonardtown Square and Leonardtown Warf Park – 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Talk to experts in soil and water conservation, animal rescue, solar energy, gardening, and recycling. See bee keeping and yarn spinning demonstrations and visit live animal exhibits. Head to the Wharf for a waterman boat tour – only $5 per person – and free nature walks, kayak rides, moon bounce for the kids, and samples of organic ice cream (ticket required). Many Leonardtown businesses and restaurants will be open and offering Earth Day specials and menus. Stop by the Leonardtown Arts Center for the 3rd Annual Recycled Art Show. Earth Day on the Square is sponsored by the Leonardtown Business Association, the Commissioners of Leonardtown, and the St. Mary’s County Arts Council. Call 301475-9791 or visit www.leonardtown. somd.com for more information. “Life on the Shuttle” Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center (13480 Dowell Rd., Lusby) – 1 to 2:30 p.m. A Gallery Talk with NAVAIR Test Flight Engineer, Laura Slovey “Life on the Shuttle.” When astronauts are in space, there is a large team on the ground supporting everything they do. Even with a well-established vehicle, like the Space Shuttle, engineers were constantly learning new ways of how its systems can perform. Regular maintenance; as well as, unplanned maintenance, was required by the astronauts during a mission. Learn about the daily life of an astronaut on the Space Shuttle, and what happens when things don’t go as planned. Admission to the event is free. Field Trip Meet at Bryans Road Burger King (3165 Marshall Hall Rd., Bryans Road) – 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Leaders: Carol Ghebelian and Lynne Wheeler The Indian Head Rail Trail is one of the best locations for Red-Headed Woodpeckers in the state! We will also bird Smallwood State Park, Marbury, Maryland for early migrants and emerging flora. Meet up is at 7:30 a.m. at the Bryans Road Burger King. RSVP to Carol at 301-753-6754 or Ghebelian@ comcast.net or Lynne at 301-743-3236 or comstockel@aol.com Quarter Auction St. Mary’s Fairgrounds (42455 Fairgrounds Rd, Leonardtown) – doors open at noon, auction begins at 1 p.m. Fundraiser for Southern Maryland
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Thursday, April 16, 2015
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. Vacations for Vets A program that offers free weekend retreats, here in Southern Maryland, for our recovering Service members and their families including our Charlotte Hall Vets. To date we have hosted over 200 vets and their families. $3 per paddle or 2 for $5 All rounds are “pick a prize”, which means you “pick your own prize”. In addition to the many Vendors we will also have: “Pick a Star” Cash / gift card prizes, 50/50 raffle Refreshments Available for purchase Brown Bag Auction To reserve your seat, please contact Connie at cdpennington@icloud.com or 301-904-0707
Monday, April 20 Bible Study “Genesis to Jesus” St. John’s Catholic Church (43950 St Johns Rd, Hollywood) – 7 p.m. Bible Study “Genesis to Jesus” to be held at St John’s Catholic Church in Hollywood on Mondays at 7 p.m., starting April 13 to June 1. All are welcome, from beginners to more advanced students of Scripture. The series is based on the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology course. For more details go to the St. Paul site and look under “Studies, Journey through Scripture”. Contact Mike at 301-373-8545.
Tuesday, April 21 A Short History of a Long Study in CBL’s Backyard Chesapeake Biological Laboratory,
Bernie Fowler Lab, Room 1101 (146 Williams Street, Solomons) – 7 to 8:30 p.m. Our local water quality The Chesapeake Biological Laboratory has studied the water quality of Solomons Harbor since 1987. This talk provides an overview of this work and the patterns and change scientists have documented over the past twenty-seven years of monitoring. Come learn about the health of our local waters! Speaker: Dr. Lora Harris All seminars are free and open to the public. Light snacks and beverages will be provided. Additional information and updates are available at: www.umces. edu/cbl/outreach-seminars. Actions for Having a Ball (Better and Longer Life) Ye Old Town Cafe (22685 Washington St., Leonardtown) - 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come to the monthly third-Tuesday luncheon meetings of two 501(c)(3) nonprofits (first the Potomac River Association meeting and then the Community Television in St. Mary’s meeting). Help the Community-Television nonprofit start a website used only for ongoing dialogues by text messages that can include URLs to cite videos, with each dialogue being on a topic for deciding on actions to keep increasing St. Mary’s quality of life. Contact Dudley Lindsley (dalindsley@gmail.com) for Potomac River Association information or David Triantos (mtriantos@erols.com) for Community Television in St. Mary’s information.
Homeschool Day: “Tidewater Plantation Life” Historic Sotterley Plantation (44300 Sotterley Ln., Hollywood) – Learning opportunities starting 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Experience what it was like to grow up on a Tidewater Plantation during an era gone by at Historic Sotterley Plantation on Tuesday, April 21, 2015. The “Tidewater Plantation Life” program will offer four unique learning opportunities at various locations on site: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.: Schoolhouse – North Gatehouse Noon and 3 p.m.: Garden – Colonial Revival Garden 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.: Laundry – Spinning Cottage Noon and 3 p.m.: Games – Portico of the 1703 Plantation House Make a day of it! Pack a picnic lunch, hike our nature trails, birdwatching, and enjoy! Admission: $5 per person, Children under age 5 free. One adult per family free. Purchase tickets at our Visitor Center. No reservations necessary. Rain or shine event.
Wednesday, April 22 St. Mary’s Ryken - Spring Open House St. Mary’s Ryken High School (22600 Camp Calvert Rd, Leonardtown) – 4 to 6 p.m. Please join us for the SMR Spring Open House! This event is geared to-
ward all prospective students and their families. Whether you are a current 8th grader, a potential high school transfer student or in 6th or 7th grade, this is an excellent opportunity to check out St. Mary’s Ryken and all that we have to offer. School administrators will be on hand to discuss SMR’s mission, vision and values as well as the admissions process. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet faculty from all academic departments, hear from school counseling about SMR’s proven success in college preparation, and learn about our unique iPad program. The campus ministry department will be open, and coaches will be on hand to discuss SMR’s athletic programs. Current students will provide tours of our beautiful college-like campus. All families should check in at Romuald Hall on the lower campus. This is a “meet & greet” format so stop by any time between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Web address: www.smrhs.org Contact Info: 301-373-4184
Thursday, April 23 Little Minnows Calvert Marine Museum (14200 Solomons Island Rd. S, Solomons) – 10 to 11 a.m. Animals in Motion - Can you walk sideways like a crab or hop like a frog? Explore animal movements while watching the river otter swim. For children ages 3 to 5 years. Members are free; $5 for non-members.
CHURCH SERVICES DIRECTORY Running the 1st & 3rd Week of Each Month To Advertise in the Church Services Directory, Call The County Times at 301-373-4125
ANGLICAN
BAHA’I FAITH
BAHA’I FAITH God is One, Man is One, and All Religions are One
Discussions 3rd Wed. 7-8 Lex Pk Library, Longfellow Rm 301-884-8764 or www.bahai.org
CATHOLIC CHURCH St. Cecilia Church
Sundays - 10 AM 23928 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood MD, 20636 • 301-997-1235 www.redeemersomd.org
St. John's Anglican Church SUNDAY MASS 10 a.m. 26415 North Sandgates Rd. Mechanicsville, Md 20659 www.facebook.com/ StJohnsAnglicanMD stjohnsanglicanchurchmd.com
47950 Mattapany Rd, PO Box 429 St. Mary’s City, MD 20686 301-862-4600 Vigil Mass: 4:30 pm Saturday Sunday: 8:00 am Weekday (M-F): 7:30 am Confessions: 3-4 pm Saturday www.stceciliaparish.com
BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH
NON-DENOMINATIONAL
Victory Baptist Church 29855 Eldorado Farm rd CharlottE hall, md 20659
301-884-8503
Order Of gOOd news services sun schOOl, all ages…...............10:00 sun mOrning wOrship.............…11:00 sun evening wOrship….................7:00 wed evening prayer mtg.........…7:00
ProClaiming thE ChangElEss word in a Changing world.
Jesus saves
METHODIST
victOrybaptistchurchmd.Org
Hollywood United Methodist Church
HUGHESVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH
24422 Mervell Dean Rd • Hollywood, MD 20636
301-373-2500
Rev. Sheldon Reese, Pastor Sunday Worship 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages 9:45 a.m. All of our services are traditional. Child care is provided. Sunday Evening Youth Group Christian Preschool and Kindergarten available
A member of the Southern Baptist Convention 8505 Leonardtown Road, Hughesville, MD 20637 301-884-8645 or 301-274-3627 Senior Pastor Dr. J. Derek Yelton Associate Pastor Kevin Cullins
• Sunday School (all ages) • Sunday Morning Worship • Sunday Evening Worship & Bible Study • Wednesday Discipleship Classes (Adults, youth & Children)
9:15 am 10:30 am 6:00 pm 7:00 pm
Greetings from the Bible Temple Church family in Mechanicsville Maryland. Here at Bible Temple, we believe that in this life it is important to have strong and healthy relationships 1. A relationship with Christ 2. A personal relationship with family and friends Through these relationships, we develop the characteristics of love, understanding and forgiveness; the true heart of Christ. “ Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).
We invite you to experience the change… the transformation with us. Just bring your heart and God will supply the rest. Come grow with us in a place, “Where the Word Reaches the Heart!” Everyone is Welcome! Leadership: Pastor Joseph and First Lady Marilyn Young Sunday School for all ages: 9:00AM Sunday Morning Worship: 9:45AM Bible Study: Wednesdays at 7:30PM Address: 29050 New Market Village Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659 Website: www.bibletemplechurch.org Phone number: 301-374-9110
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The County Times
Entertainment
A Picnic at the Three Notch Theater!
n O g Goin
In Entertainment
Thursday, April 16
By Haley Wood Contributing Writer How does a small town react when a mysterious riff-raff rolls into town? Find out at the Newtowne Players latest production- Picnic! Picnic is written by William Inge, produced by Lisa Gregory and Thom Esposito, and directed by Lisa Gregory. Picnic tells the story of an intriguing young man, Hal, who finds his way to a backroad town in Kansas. Hal has a wild aura to match his wild backstory, which draws in the eyes of two very different sisters. Millie Owens, the witty but not-sogirly sister, has little experience with boys, but wishes to know more about the penniless new-comer. Madge Owens, the beautiful and soughtafter sister, spends her days with the wealthy Alan Seymour; who just happens to be a college friend of Hal’s. Once intentions are uncovered, the love triangles become inevitable in the twisted lives of the tiny Kansas community. Beyond all this is an equally as interesting plot featuring an elderly couple that explores the possibilities and consequences of different future pathssomething Madge and Millie are too naïve to notice. Erika Rowe, who portrays Madge Owens, said that in order to get into character she did a lot of research. “Everything you need to know about the character is in the script,” she explained, and thinks that the cast and crew’s hard work has definitely paid off. Wendy Heidrich, the actress who plays Madge and Millie’s worried mother, Flo Owens, founded the theater after her fair share of working professionally in Los Angeles for 10 years. “This show wasn’t such a stretch for me because I do have a daughter,” Heidrich said. “I think this cast in particular has a nice chemistry,” she said, and that the connection with cast members on this production has made it that much more fun to participate in. Picnic will be played April 17 to May 3. Performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday will begin at 8 p.m., and Sunday’s performances will begin at 3:30 p.m. Tick-
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Swamp Candy Ruddy Duck (13200 Dowell Rd, Dowell) – 7:30 p.m. Weekly Wine Down Wednesday Anthony’s Bar and Grill (10371 Southern Maryland Blvd) – 9 a.m.
Ruddy Duck (13200 Dowell Rd, Dowell) – 7 p.m. The Nighthawks Ruddy Duck (13200 Dowell Rd, Dowell) – 7:30 p.m. Weekly Wine Down Wednesday Anthony’s Bar and Grill (10371 Southern Maryland Blvd, Dunkirk) – 2 p.m.
Thursday, April 23
Team Trivia Leonardtown Grille (25470-C Point Lookout Rd, Leonardtown) – 7 p.m.
Friday, April 17
Trivia and Karaoke Anthony’s Bar and Grill (10371 Southern Maryland Blvd, Dunkirk) – 7 p.m.
Friday, April 24
Shades of Gray Band Leonardtown Grille (25470-C Point Lookout Rd, Leonardtown) – 7 p.m. Latrice Carr
Jacked Up Band Anthony’s Bar and Grill (10371 Southern Maryland Blvd, Dunkirk) – 9 p.m.
Saturday, April 25
Ruddy Duck (16810 Piney Point Road, Piney Point) – 7:30 p.m. Too Many Mikes Toot’s Bar (23971 Mervell Dean Rd, Hollywood) – 9 p.m.
Saturday, April 18
Photos courtesy of Tia LePore
news@countytimes.net
Father Andrew White School (22850 Washington Street, Leonardtown) – 7 p.m. DJ
Karaoke
Anthony’s Bar and Grill (10371 Southern Maryland Blvd, Dunkirk) – 8:30 p.m.
Leonardtown Grille (25470-C Point Lookout Rd, Leonardtown) – 7 p.m.
Karaoke
Sunday, April 19 ets are available for purchase on the Newtowne Players website up to 90 minutes before the show and at the door. For more information on the Newtowne Players, visit them online at www.newtowneplayers.org, or call at 301-737-5447. The Three Notch Theater is home to the Newtowne Players at 21744 Coral Pl., Lexington Park Md.
Pirates of the Chesapeake
Joe Martone Ruddy Duck (16810 Piney Point Road, Piney Point) – 11 a.m.
Monday, April 20 Team Trivia Ruddy Duck (13200 Dowell Rd, Dowell) – 7 p.m.
Tuesday, April 21 DJ Spitfire Memories Bar (2360 Old Washington Road, Waldorf) – 9 p.m.
Applebee’s (45480 Miramar Way, California) – 9 p.m. Funkzilla St. Leonard’s Tavern (4975 St. Leonard Road, St. Leonard) – 9 p.m.
Sunday, April 26 Higher Standards Ruddy Duck (16810 Piney Point Road, Piney Point) – 11 a.m.
Monday, April 27 Team Trivia Ruddy Duck (13200 Dowell Rd, Dowell) – 7 p.m.
Wednesday, April 22 Open Mic Night
The Calvert 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.
CLUES ACROSS 1. Harsh grating sound 5. American Resource Bureau (abbr.) 8. Fiddler crabs 11. Mex. soccer goalie Guillermo 13. After B 14. Jai __, sport 15. Brief ad or notice 16. Certified public accountant 17. Vexation 18. Rough gemstone 20. Annual grass of Europe and N Africa 21. Metal cooking vessels 22. Suspiciousness 25. “Purple Haze” musician 30. In a way, built up 31. Runner used for gliding over snow 32. In a way, initiated 33. Was inclined 38. Divides evenly into 41. Born early 43. The Ocean State 45. Rifle blades 47. Whale ship captain
49. Scientific workplace 50. Fill with high spirits 55. Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea 56. 7th Greek letter 57. Peoples of the Middle East 59. Height x width 60. A way to drench 61. Artificial waterway 62. Possessed 63. Turns into noun 64. Capital of Yemen CLUES DOWN 1. Take by force 2. Liberal rights organization 3. Avoid and stay away from deliberately 4. Meat from a pig (alt. sp.) 5. Harmoniousness 6. Fixes 7. A member of the Beat Generation 8. Arm bones 9. Abel’s brother (Bible) 10. Small Island (British) 12. __ Dhabi, Arabian capital 14. Egyptian cobras
The County Times
19. Overly precious (British) 23. Not or 24. Foreigners 25. Stab 26. Frost a cake 27. Microgram 28. George’s brother composer 29. Famished 34. Snakelike fish 35. Doctors’ group 36. Anais ____, author 37. CNN’s founder 39. Bad water disease 40. Given 41. Favorite 42. Lift 44. Discuss opposing points 45. Bleated 46. Swedish rock group 47. Indian housemaid 48. Israeli dance 51. Insect secretion used in shellac 52. Macaws 53. Source of the Blue Nile 54. Abba __, Israeli politician 58. Patti Hearst’s captors
Last Week’s Puzzle Solutions
GAMES
KiddKioer
ner
Thursday, April 16, 2015
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The County Times
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
The St. Mary’s County Times is published each Thursday. Deadlines are Monday at 12 noon Office hours are: Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Important Information
The St. Mary’s County Times will not be held responsible for any ads omitted for any reason. The St. Mary’s County Times reserves the right to edit or reject any classified ad not meeting the standards of The St. Mary’s County Times. It is your responsiblity to check the ad on its first publication and call us if a mistake is found. We will correct your ad only if notified after the first day of the first publication ran.
Employment
Furniture
For Sale
Great home for a 1st time buyer or retirement home in Chesapeake Beach. Qualifies for USDA, 100% financing.The rooms in the home are all good sized, big kitchen, orig hardwood flooring and newer bathroom. All on one level. Awesome rear deck with steps that lead to the big back yard, play house and storage shed/ workshop. Awesome potential to build up or out. Price: $214,000. Call 301-832-1165.
Directional Drill Crew Needed – Annapolis, MD, Exp. Foreman, Operator, Truck Drivers-CDL, Laborer 410-320-5484 E.O.E.
One Couch, One Wing Chair, One End Table And One Entertainment Piece For Sale!
NICE 5 HP NISSAN OUTBOARD MOTOR 2 Stroke Shop Manual
LAND
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4327 Dalrymple Rd.
Assessed Value: $125,000 Sale Price: $98,000 Contact: Mary
410-257-9638
Real Estate
Drivers w/ CDL:
The Ethan Allen couch is 84" x 42" raisin color and the chair is a wingback with shades of green. We want $300 for the couch OBO and $100 for the chair OBO. We don’t have pets and they are not sun faded. We also have an oval Broyhill solid oak end table asking $50 OBO, the entertainment piece is also solid oak, it has four doors facing front with the end doors opening to space for DVDs and middle doors open to space for DVD player and other devices to connect to TV. We are asking $300 OBO for this piece.
Drivers Wanted
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301-862-2511 CO. 58K + per yr. Excellent Home Time AND Benefits Newer Trucks. Regional. CDL-A. 1yr.exp. Also hiring Owner/Op's
From my Backyard to our Bay A St. Mary’s County Resident’s Guide to Improving Our Environment and Drinking Water
From My Backyard to Our Bay was first developed by the Baltimore County Soil Conservation District. From there, the booklet was given to each of the Soil Conservation Districts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed area for customization. If the 17.5 million residents who live in the watershed area of the Chesapeake Bay read this booklet, and took to heart its suggestions and best practices, the Chesapeake Bay would see a dramatic increase in health. Obtain a FREE copy of the booklet by going to the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association, smrwa.org and downloading it. The booklet is available at Wentworth Nursery in Charlotte Hall; Chicken Scratch in Park Hall; The Greenery in Hollywood; Good Earth Natural Food; and the St. Mary’s Soil Conservation District in Leonardtown. Join your local watershed association and make a difference for Our Bay!
smrwa.org
Are you a Bay-Wise Homeowner? The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure and a vital part of the state of Maryland. Yet, the Bay is in trouble due to population pressures from pollution and sediment runoff which affect its watershed. Most Maryland residents live within a half-mile of a drainage ditch, storm drain, stream or river. Most of those waterways eventually drain into the Chesapeake Bay. What we do to maintain our own landscapes can affect the health of our local waterways, the Chesapeake Bay and our environment. The overuse and misuse of pesticides and fertilizers, soil erosion and poor plant selection have all damaged Maryland’s streams, rivers and the Bay. Environmentally sound gardens and yards combined with sustainable gardening practices can help improve water quality and conserve our natural resources for future generations. We all need to do our part to take care of our waterways and environment. By changing a few simple landscape practices, you and your family can help keep Maryland communities healthy.
The University of Maryland’s Bay-Wise “yardstick” measures how your yard protects the Chesapeake Bay. With the help of trained Master Gardeners, you will learn more about: 4 Controlling Stormwater Runoff; 4 Encouraging Wildlife; 4 Protecting the Waterfront; 4 Mowing Properly; 4 Watering Efficiently; 4 Managing Yard Pests with Integrated Pest Management (IPM); 4 Mulching Appropriately; 4 Recycling Yard Waste; 4 Fertilizing Wisely; and 4 Planting Wisely. When your yard “measures up,” you’ll be proud to display this Bay-Wise sign in your yard!
For more information about Bay-Wise in your county contact your local University of Maryland Extension office. Residents may find contact information for their local UME office at http://extension.umd.edu/ or extension.umd.edu/baywise. This is the thirty-fourth and final article that Mary Ann Scott (scottmaryann9@gmail.com) has adapted from From My Backyard to Our Bay in the hopes of increasing awareness of the powerful booklet that could do so much to help the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Thank you, County Times, for dedicating this space to help the Chesapeake Bay!
From
My B
acky
ard
A Improv St. Ma ing Oury’s Cou r Env nty Res ironme ide nt and nt’s Gu Drin ide to king Water
to O
ur B
ay
are you Bay-Wise? Bay-Wise landscapes minimize negative impacts on our waterways by using smarter lawn management techniques and gardening practices. The University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Bay-Wise program in St. Mary’s County offers hands-on help with managing your landscape by providing information, a site visit, and landscape certifications. Our yardstick checklist is easy to understand and follow, and our team of trained Master Gardeners can help guide you through it while offering suggestions to improve both the appearance and sustainability of your landscape.
Call Now & Schedule a Visit!
301-475-4120 extension.umd.edu/baywise
Start a Movement in Your Neighborhood…Be the First to be Certified Bay-Wise!
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Business
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The County Times
DIRECTORY Phone 301-884-5900 1-800 524-2381
Phone 301-934-4680 Fax 301-884-0398
Cross & Wood
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8 ce 194
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rn Ma Southe
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The County Times
Thursday, April 16, 2015
St. Mary’s Department of Aging Programs and Activities Free Movie and Information Day – “Bringing Community Together” The St. Mary’s County Department of Aging and Human Services’ Aging & Disability Resource Center/ Maryland Access Point will sponsor a FREE movie and information day on Saturday, April 18 at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, 44219 Airport Road, California, MD 20619, Building 1, Room 133. This event is open to the public. Two movies will be shown. Both are true stories focusing on non-fictional characters with disabilities that overcame obstacles and achieved their goals with hard work and determination. Vendors will share information about available programs and services for individuals with disabilities. Special accommodations will be made to ensure this event is accessible for those experiencing a disability. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Maryland Access Point Coordinator by April 18 to ensure reasonable accommodations or auxiliary services to be made. For movie times or to make a movie reservation call Monika Williams at 301-475-4200, ext. 1057; visit www.stmarysmd.com/aging or easily register online at eventbrite.com/event/15834626795/. Living Well with Chronic Disease The Loffler Senior Activity Center will be conducting a six-week workshop on managing your chronic health condition. The class will meet at the center on Thursdays, May 7- June 11 and will be led by Alice Allen and Shellie Graziano. This is an evidence-based program developed by Stanford University to help people with chronic conditions take charge of their life by developing self-management skills, including dealing with depression and fatigue, pain management, working with health care providers and more. If you have a chronic condition and are serious about improving the way you feel, this is the workshop for you. There is no charge for taking this class; however, a commitment to regular attendance is needed for good results. For more information, or to sign up call 301-737-5670, ext. 1658 by May 1. 4th Annual Book Sale The Garvey Senior Activity Center’s annual used
book sale fundraiser will be held on Wednesday, April 22 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. All funds raised will go towards special events and entertainment at center events. Prices are $1.00 for hardcovers, $0.50 for paperbacks. To learn more, call 301-475-4200, ext. 1050. Piano/Keyboard Part 2 If you have taken Dr. Jefferson’s Piano/Keyboard class at the Loffler Senior Activity Center and would like to take it to another level, he is offering a continuation class on six consecutive Tuesdays from May 5 through June 9 at 1 p.m. The cost for the six sessions is $100. No new materials need to be purchased. For questions or more information call 301-737-5670, ext. 1658. Bankruptcy 101 The Triad/SALT (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) council is sponsoring a “Bankruptcy: 101” presentation at the Northern Senior Activity Center, Thursday, April 23 at 1:00 p.m. The presenter will be Daniel Guenther, an attorney who has represented thousands of clients throughout Southern Maryland. This presentation will answer questions such as why file for bankruptcy? Which chapter should I file? You will also have the chance to learn about chapter 7, 11, 12 & 13, and wills/power of attorney. Registration not required; but encouraged. To register call 301-475-4002, opt. 1/ext. 3101. Earth Day Cycling Adventure The Northern Senior Activity Center will have a cycling workshop as part of our Stewards of the Earth recognition for Earth Day on April 22. At 10 a.m. there will be a beginner’s cycling course teaching trail etiquette held on the Three Notch Trail and will be approx. five miles long at 8 mph. There is a second, off-site ride being offered in partnership with the Oxon Hill Bike and Trail Club. This ride is for advanced cyclists and will follow the Wilson Bridge Trail and will be twenty miles round trip at 12-13 mph. For both sessions, participants will need to bring their own helmet and bicycle. Signups are required and being taken at this time. For more information or to sign up, please call 301-475-4002, op-
tion 1/ext. 3101. Container Garden Class To continue with our Stewards of the Earth recognition for Earth Day, there will be a container garden class at the Northern Senior Activity Center on April 22. University of MD Extension Master Gardener of St. Mary’s County, Debra Mayfield, will be giving a presentation at 1 p.m. on how to start and maintain a container garden. A free packet of seeds will be given to every participant so that they can begin their garden. Space is limited, so sign up today! For more information or to sign up for this free presentation, please call 301-4754002, option 1/ext. 3101. Zumba Gold Toning The Zumba® Gold-Toning program combines the enticing world rhythms of the Zumba Gold® program with the strength-training techniques of the Zumba® Toning program, creating an easy-to-follow, health-boosting dance-fitness program for the active older adult as well as beginners. This class is being offered by Geno, a trained instructor, at the Garvey Senior Activity Center on Fridays, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Take your first class for free and then purchase a fitness card for $30.00 which is good for ten sessions. For more information, call 301-475-4200, ext. 1050. Friday Morning Softball Spring is in the air and it’s time to dust off that bat and glove and head out to Miedzinski Park for a pick-up game of softball, Fridays, beginning April 17 at 10:00 a.m. Men and women ages 50 and above are welcome. Call the Garvey Senior Activity Center at 301-4754200, ext. 1050 for more information. Potting Shed Activity at Loffler Head over to the Loffler Senior Activity Center on Friday, May 15, at 10 a.m. with your favorite flower pot or hanging basket and a few packs of annuals or perennials. Mix and match with others to create your own live bouquet. We’ll supply the dirt. Call 301-737-5670, ext. 1658 or stop by the reception desk before May 12 to sign up.
Loffler Senior Activity Center 301-737-5670, ext. 1652 • Garvey Senior Activity Center, 301-475-4200, ext. 1050 Northern Senior Activity Center, 301-475-4002, ext. 1001 Visit the Department of Aging’s website at www.stmarysmd.com/aging for the most up-to date information.
John Greenwell By Linda Reno Contributing Writer John Greenwell, son of Charles Greenwell, Jr. and Eleanor Abell, was one of our Revolutionary War heroes. State of Kentucky, Green County. On September 11, 1834 personally appeared John Greenwell, aged 74 years October next, who deposes that he entered the service of the United States as a soldier of the revolution in St. Mary’s County, Maryland in April 1781as a volunteer in the militia in a company under the command of Capt. Samuel Juniper (Samuel Jenifer) and that Capt. Juniper’s company were called minutemen. Greenwell served as a minuteman in said company for not less than three months, though he thinks it was more than three months, and that this service was rendered in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, in guarding Town Creek warehouse which was situated on the Patuxent River and they succeeded in saving it from the ravages of the enemy who burnt and destroyed several of the
other warehouses in that quarter of the country. John Greenwell says he entered the service again in St. Mary’s County in August 1781as a substitute in the place of George Combs who had been drafted for a tour of four months. He entered into service in the militia and marched under the command of Capt. John Mills from Leonardtown to Annapolis. Capt. Mills resigned and Capt. Mangers took the command of the Company. He served under Capt. Mangers in the 3rd Maryland Regiment commanded by a Colonel whose name he cannot now recollect. There was a Major, he thinks, by the name of Oxburg (Alexander Roxburg) commanding a Battalion in said Regiment. He marched under Capt. Mangers from Annapolis to Georgetown, from thence to Alexandria, thence to Williamsburg, and from thence to Little York where they remained until after Cornwallis surrendered. After the surrender of Cornwallis, he served out the residue of his tour under the command of Sgt. Wise and was employed most of the time in guarding prisoners. At the end of the tour, he returned with
Sgt. Wise to Annapolis and was discharged. Greenwell said that he has no record of his age, but from the best information he has, he was born in St. Mary’s County, Maryland on the 2nd day of October in the year 1760. He moved from St. Mary’s County to Kentucky about 36 years ago and has lived in Kentucky ever since and for the past 32 years in Green County, Kentucky. He stated that he had seen General Washington and some of the other regular officers but was not personally acquainted with them. State of Kentucky, Green County. On September 11, 1834 personally appeared Richard Greenwell who deposes that he is now in his 68th year; that shortly after the surrender of Cornwallis, his brother John Greenwell returned home from the war and it was then said that he was in the war when Cornwallis was taken…He well recollects seeing their mother cry on account of John’s being in the army. John Greenwell date of death is not known but he was living in 1840.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Wanderings of an
Aimless
Mind
Celebrating Our Earth…and Yes, Even The Squirrels
By Shelby Opperman Contributing Writer
Is everyone enjoying this beautiful, blooming, week of superlative (sneeze, sneeze) spring weather? I hope so (sneeze). I know I really am (cough, sneeze, rub nose) enjoying it. I love seeing our dogwoods and the massive pussy willow bush/tree with their lime green (cough) blooms. Really, I do love it. I love the Earth. I appreciate every bloom, bud, floating thingy that drops in my hair, and frog & bird song. My eyes may be watery but I can see most everything. I can’t wait for our dogwoods to be in full bloom with their pink and white flowers. If we don’t do something about our Carpenter Ant problem soon, there won’t be any dogwoods, or trees for that matter. That is a research project for the next week. I am sure there are sprays that will halt or slow the ants progress, but I want to find the safest means. Of course I worry about run-off, but I am also concerned about Tidbit’s paws, the birds that peck on or near the trees, and our little thieving, pansy rippingout, cute squirrels. Does it sound like I have an issue with squirrels again……just hide any rotten fruit or vegetable projectiles and open windows form me. I find my pansies either thrown out of the planters, or often times, disappeared…without a trace. Tidbit tries to chase the squirrels, but she can’t see as well now, or run quite as fast. On the nicer side, I encourage everyone to be a part of two local events; Earth Day on the Square in Leonardtown, where I hope you will come on out this Sunday, April 19 and join my wonderful, loving friends, Greg, Debs, and Bob {and roadie Anneliese : )} in the local band, Folk Salad Trio in celebrating Earth Day on the Square in Historic downtown Leonardtown, Md. They start playing at 3:30 - but come early, there’s lots to see and do, both on the square and down at the Leonardtown Wharf Park. Learn tips for gardening, conservation of natural resources, recycling, reducing energy use, and healthy living. Event also includes live music, entertainment, arts and crafts, face painting, live animals, kayak and canoe rides and more! The event is free and runs 12:30-4:30 p.m.
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I enjoyed taking my sons to Earth Day when they were a bit younger. And the second event, a slightly newer one, but maybe not as well known yet, is Calvert County’s Calvert Green Expo and Craft Fair at Annmarie Garden’s Sculpture Garden and Arts Center in Dowell on May 2nd. I went with my friend Debs and was so impressed. I learned so much. If you are interested in bee keeping, organic gardening, fair trade coffees, chocolates, food, recycled and upcycled crafts, food and ice cream trucks, beauty, and health items, live music, and maybe a walk around the beautiful paths at Annmarie Gardens, then this is the fair for you. Debs and I normally go to the fairy and gnome home festival on April 26th at Annmarie Gardens to get amazed and become inspired by the creativity of the people, and families who submit the fairy houses. It takes quite a few hours to see (and find) all of the unique fairy and gnome homes. I keep saying I want to make one, but always forget about the March 1st deadline. Next year. If you have trouble walking for a long time like I do now, they do have seating along the paths to rest and breathe in the smells of the forest. It’s a lovely exhibit. And there is an area where children can make their own fairy houses with donated and natural materials. I can’t wait. I have always been teased about my ability to see “green people” at night…and yes, that is without anything to drink! I even saw one on a white horse one time while driving by Sonny Burch’s house. Please don’t tell anybody. The family knows already though and humors me. Hey, now I know what I will make for next year’s fairy house…and the fairy will be green with a white horse! 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
Home How To Keep Connected Kids Safe The popularity of mobile devices and smartphones has produced more tech-savvy kids. Based on a 2013 survey by Scratch Wireless, nearly one in five kids uses a mobile device every day. Other children regularly go online through tablets, laptops and home PCs. Connectivity is ever more in reach - and often outside of the watchful eyes of parents and other caregivers. Although statistics vary, Symantec, maker of Norton Internet Security software, estimates that at least 20 percent of kids will receive harassing, hateful or insulting messages via the Internet. That's not the only hazard of browsing the Internet. According to the Journal of Adolescent Health, 65 percent of online sex offenders use social networking sites to gain home and school information about their victims and 82 percent of online sex crimes against minors originate from online social information. The Internet also can put children in touch with age-inappropriate media content and pornographic or racy imagery. Mobile devices can provide a distraction for teenagers, which can be dangerous when used while they are driving. While parents worry about their kids going online, smartphones enable families to stay readily in touch, and many students turn to the Internet for school assignments. Parents who want to protect their youngsters from less reputable online elements can take certain measures to reduce the risk that their kids will come across questionable people and/or content when surfing the Internet. Set up parental controls Parental and security controls are built into most devices that connect to the Internet. Parents can customize the settings, limiting what kids can and can't do on each particular device. Websites with questionable or adult content can be blocked, and location services or chatting may be turned off. Security settings also enable parents to set up passwords so that purchases can be prevented or that certain applications require entry of a password before they can be accessed. Keep personal information to a minimum Whenever children and even adults create new online accounts or profiles, they should limit the amount of personal information they provide. Try not to set up usernames that include full first and last names. Avoid any mention of birthdays, addresses, phone numbers, and names of schools. Vague profiles protect user information and make it more difficult for online predators to target people. Turn off geolocation services Many mobile apps use something called geolocation to automatically share a person's location with others. Other apps may require location information for maps or to provide directions or recommendations for businesses in the area. In addition, some photos taken with geolocation services activated may be geo-tagged, meaning the digital image is imprinted with a code that
can tell others where it was taken. Location services can identify where a child is and put this information in the hands of people trolling for personal information online. Use hotspots cautiously Wi-Fi hotspots provide free Internet connectivity when customers are at restaurants, parks or other areas with Wi-Fi service available. Hotspots can be particularly attractive to kids with limited data plans. However, hotspots are less secure than home Internet connections, and WiFi hotspot users are vulnerable to cyber criminals. Kids should never share personal information, account numbers or other intimate details when using a hotspot. Avoid compromising photos The "selfie" craze invites people from all over to post pictures of themselves on social media sites. While it can be fun to share images over the Internet, availability of photos can lead to trouble. Photos could give others clues to where kids go to school, work or live. Images posted while on vacation may alert others that someone is not home. Compromising or suggestive photos can harm a child's reputation or even lead to exploitation. Stress to children that they should only take photos they would be willing to share with their parents and that they should keep posted photos to a minimum. Exercise caution whenever posting images, and rely on security measures to limit who can view those images. Be on alert for malware A program or app may contain malware that steals information behind the scenes. Only download content that can be verified as valid. Free offers and email messages that advertise software for download or Web links should be avoided. Don't interact with online strangers The Web puts many people who live all around the world in instant contact with one another. Children should never send information or interact on a personal level with someone they do not know. Parents should stress the importance of avoiding strangers online just like they do when teaching kids to avoid strangers in public. The Internet has changed the way parents must safeguard their children from dangers in the world. Practicing common sense and employing safety measures and software can limit kids' vulnerability to the dangers that lurk online.
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Thursday, April 16, 2015
Stay safe around power lines With the return of spring, many people are excited to head outdoors and get started on some projects around the house and yard. It’s important to stay safe and be aware of overhead power lines. Look up. Never climb power poles or transmission towers. Never climb trees near power lines. Keep equipment away from overhead lines when carrying ladders, pool skimmers, and pruning tools. If you are doing work close to power lines—such as trimming trees, working on your roof, or doing exterior renovations—keep yourself, your ladder and anything you are handling a safe distance from the power line. In addition to overhead lines, SMECO has many underground electric lines. Call Miss Utility at 811 before you dig.
Contact SMECO to disconnect power if you are doing work that requires close contact with overhead lines attached to your home. Use a licensed electrician for all electrical work.
Plant trees away from power lines. Download our free mobile app or use our texting service to report an outage or pay your bill.
www.smeco.coop/SMECO247