2015-06-25 St. Mary's County Times by Southern Maryland Online

County Times

Thursday, June 25, 2015

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Thursday, June 25, 2015

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ALSO INSIDE: Fire Consumes Cars at St. Mary’s City Watermen See Glimmer of Hope This Crab Season Summer Camps Now Open at Annmarie Garden Man Arrested for Allegedly Setting Multiple Fires Superhero Academy: Where Superheroes Are Made

Photo by Guy Leonard

The County Times

Thursday, June 25, 2015

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Summer Camps at Annmarie Garden pg. 14

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Thursday, June 25, 2015

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Thursday, June 25, 2015

Water, Sewer Connections Costs Set To Rise Sharply

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer As rates for regular customers of the Metropolitan Commission (MetCom), the county’s public water and sewer provider, are going up, the costs for connecting a home or business to public water and sewer are projected to increase significantly as well. From fiscal 2016 to fiscal 2021 MetCom projects that costs for hooking up a home to water and sewer will go from more than $14,000 to more than $22,000. For the same period of time the costs of hooking a business up to public water and sewer are set to increase from just under $14,000 to more than $27,000 in just five years. A commissioner on the MetCom board said the new estimates were high but necessary since the provider was preparing to undertake several major construction projects aimed at rebuilding or replacing aging infrastructure. Mike Mummaugh, MetCom board member and home builder, said the muchincreased costs would likely come to average consumers in the form of increased prices on goods and homes. “You have to pass it along,” Mummaugh said. “You have to do it.” One of the major infrastructure projects the increase in hookup costs was designed to support was the replacement of the water system at St. Clements Shores near Compton that has long plagued home and property owners. Mummaugh said that about 150 septic

systems were failing or near failure and had to be replaced. While the water system is going to cost about $12 million to be replaced, he said, the sewer portion’s cost has yet to be determined. “People want to hook up but nobody knows how much that [the sewer replacement] will cost,” Mummaugh said. One of the critical tasks to be completed before a mass hookup of residents there to public water and sewer is the upgrading of the St. Clements Shores waste water treatment plant. The higher costs projected to come with hooking up to central water and sewer are designed to pay down the debt service on the money MetCom will borrow to accomplish these projects, Mummaugh said. The higher cost projections, though sure to cause sticker shock for some, are a product of better cost projections on capital improvement projects over previous years, he said. Back in 2013 MetCom’s projections for costs to hookup to water and sewer were much reduced from the reality today. For fiscal 2016 they projected that it would cost $5,412 for residential water and $5,217 for residential sewer; for commercial properties they projected the costs at $6,495 for water and $6,260 for sewer. The actual fiscal 2016 rates for residential water and sewer are $7,708 and $6,348 respectively, and on the commercial side the costs are $9,250 for water and $7,618 for sewer, according to MetCom documents. “We’re doing a better job on project estimates,” Mummaugh said. guyleonard@countytimes.net

Watermen See Glimmer of Hope This Crab Season By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The president of the Maryland Watermen’s Association says this year’s blue crab harvest is shaping up to be better than last year’s catch and is giving watermen some hope of turning a decent profit. “It’s starting to pick up as we speak,” Robert T. Brown, of Avenue, told The County Times Wednesday. “They [hard crab] took there time… but I’m optimistic we’ll have a better season than we did last year.” Watermen are not returning to docks laden with crabs, Brown said, but they are returning with a few more bushels than last year. The past several seasons of crabbing have been dismal for watermen and many have looked to the oyster season in the fall and winter months to make any money. Brown said that the lower portion of St. Mary’s County had been seeing better crabbing than the northern portion so far. And while the crabs appear to be in greater numbers this year, Brown said customers should not expect to see any reduction in prices in retail outlets.

With the 4th of July weekend coming up soon, he expected prices, which were high for large or jumbo male crabs, to stay elevated. “You won’t see [price reductions] on the retail end,” Brown said. One Leonardtown-based seafood distributor priced jumbo crabs at $65 a dozen with large males going for $40 a dozen. Large males were priced at $240 a bushel. The state’s Department of Natural Resources numbers from the last winter dredge survey of local waters showed that levels of crabs had improved somewhat. The abundance of spawning age female crabs has increased from last year’s levels when they were considered dangerously depleted, while the amount of juvenile crabs has also increased substantially. But the numbers of females, the gauge by which scientists measure how healthy the crustacean population is, is still low. Spawning age females now number about 101 million but that is less than half of the 215 million the state says is the safe level for the population. The total population of crabs in the Chesapeake Bay and watershed is above 400 million, according to the dredge results. guyleonard@countytimes.net

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Gov. Pledges to Forge Ahead Despite Cancer Diagnosis

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Governor Larry Hogan announced this week that he will continue to lead the state in his economic and tax reform agenda even after he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a type of cancer of the lymph nodes. At his Monday announcement, surrounded by family, Hogan, 59, said he was unaware of the condition until after his return from a recent trade mission to Asia. “We’ve learned a lot more about it in the last 10 days,” Hogan said at the Annapolis press conference. “This cancer is very advanced and very aggressive. “But it responds to aggressive chemotherapy. My odds of getting through this are much better than my odds were of beating Anthony Brown.” Last November Hogan pulled off an upset victory over the former lieutenant governor and Democrat, who was viewed as the heir apparent to outgoing Gov. Martin O’Malley. He said his medical condition is such that he was seeking immediate medical treatment. His treatment will include an aggressive 18week chemotherapy regimen with the first four days being spent in the intensive care unit of a

hospital. Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford will stand in for Hogan while he is incapacitated to make all pertinent decisions. Todd Eberly, professor of political science at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, said Hogan’s announcement was as open and honest as could be expected from an elected official. “He was incredibly forthcoming in the details of his diagnosis,” Eberly said. “He was completely transparent… that’s rare in politics.” Though Hogan’s condition was serious — he said he is in the third stage of cancer of the lymph nodes — he should still be able to serve effectively in the state’s highest elected office. “There’s no reason to believe that he can’t govern and govern effectively,” Eberly said, noting that Article 2, Section 6 of the state constitution allowed Hogan to rely on Rutherford and his executive staff to help run the government. “It allows Hogan to delegate authority as needed,” Eberly said.

Investigators with the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office are still trying to ascertain the cause of a grass fire at a field in Historic St. Mary’s City that destroyed four cars parked in a freshly mowed field. The four cars that were consumed in the field fire were just a few of the many vehicles parked there for a beer festival to benefit the historic city. Regina Faden, director of St. Mary’s City, said the fire was highly unusual. “We’ve parked people on that lot for 30 years and never had a problem,” Faden told The County Times. “It was a highly unusual event.” Faden said that the fire likely started in tall grass that had just been recently cut and left in the field. It was the usual practice for grass that was cut to be left to dry and be picked up in advance of an event there, Faden said, but heavy rains the week prior to the beer festival hindered the schedule of cutting and thus the time to pick up the grass.

“They’re not sure if it was a cigarette or the grass,” Faden said of the fire marshal’s investigation. “At least it was in a portion of the field where there were fewer cars and not in the middle where most of the cars were parked.” The Ridge Volunteer Fire Department responded to the blaze as did nearby campus security with the St. Mary’s College of Maryland; no injuries were reported from the fire. Faden has not received notice from any of the owners of the destroyed vehicles that they would seek damages. “Any action they take would be with the State of Maryland,” she said. Greg Syler was the owner of one of the destroyed cars; he said he arrived at about 2 p.m. June 20 and just half an hour later he found his car had been consumed in flames. “It was really an overwhelming experience,” Syler said.

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Choral Crescendos

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Maries Choral Arts next year. It’s super exciting,” Rickard McCoy said. “We’re undergoing a huge expansion. We’re making a lot of changes this year, coming up. We’re starting a children’s choir next year. For the summer, we’re going to have a couple of Summer Sing nights, and so they’re going to be free nights where kids can come and we’re going to do some getting-to-know-you games, we’re going to do some general music activities, we’ll have them sing together and we’ll prepare for what is not a hard audition, just prepare them for auditions… By starting the children’s choir we’ll be serving singers all the way from 2nd Grade to adulthood.” St. Maries Musica will also be creating an internship program, which will be open to high school students and graduates. “We also have another new program that we’re starting, this summer is wild, I’m starting an internship program, a singing intern

Summer weather is making flowers bloom, and local organizations are blooming too! One such organization is St. Maries Musica Choral Singers of Southern Maryland, who will be greatly expanding in the coming months, beginning with the establishment of a Board of Directors. “We have an Executive Board now that is within the group, and you know, holding the positions of chair, treasurer, secretary, and that group does a lot of the artistic direction choices for St. Maries Musica, but now that we’re expanding, we would like to create some more outside direction. It’s really an advisory board, an external advisory board. It will just be a good way for us to make sure we’re connected with the community. We’re going to try to look for someone with accounting experience, someone with law experience, so that we’re doing all the right things,” St. Maries Musica Director Krystal Rickard McCoy said. St. Maries Musica is looking for community members outside of its current group of musicians to become a part of this Board and to guide the group in the right direction as it expands from St. Maries Musica into something more. “It will be the officers of our current Executive Board mixed with outside people, definitely we want outside people so that we really get community membership involved, a community response. For instance, one of our members already on that advisory board, his name is Greg Wallace, and he’s actually a member of Cosmic, which is our local community orchestra, but he will serve on our board just

to give us that perspective of someone who participates in a music ensemble that is not a choir but is still in Southern Maryland.” Rickard McCoy said. “The main responsibility is to provide information regarding the structuring of our system, the inner workings of the system. For instance, with the person who is experienced with law or experienced with accounting, when we have a question regarding insurance we have contacts who are aware of our organization who can provide us with good advice…and to provide inspiration and keep us connected with the community.” St. Maries Musica was established in 1971 as the Madrigal Concert Ensemble, changing its name to St. Maries Musica ten years later. Still happy to embrace change, next year, the group will become a part of a larger organization, to be known as St. Maries Choral Arts, an umbrella organization that will host multiple choirs and will provide more singing opportunities to the surrounding community. “St. Maries Musica Choir is going to continue, but we’re actually going to be expanding into an organization called St. Maries Choral Arts, and that organization is going to host multiple choirs. Currently, we have three different singing choirs, or ensembles, and next year we’re going to have five. We’re really expanding to be not just St. Maries Musica, but a choral organization that offers singing opportunities for everyone in the county. St. Maries Musica is an auditioned ensemble…and has no more than 24 members, so it’s pretty select. When I moved down here five years ago, I realized there are probably more than just 24 people that want to sing in a group, so that’s why, little by little, we’ve been expanding, and why we’re going to go by St.

By Emily Charles Contributing Writer

Thursday, June 25, 2015

ship. It’s available for students who are either in high school or graduates of high school, and the internship offers them the opportunity to sing with St. Maries Musica as intern members, so it gives them the experience of singing with St. Maries Musica,” Rickard McCoy said. At the moment, Leonardtown High School (LHS) serves at St. Maries Musica’s “home,” and rehearsals will be held there every Monday from September to May, hosted by assistant director Kylie Oosterink, who is also the choir director at LHS, Rickard McCoy stated. Change is on the horizon for St. Maries Musica, and they would love you to be a part of it. For more information about St. Maries Musica, email Krystal Rickard McCoy at director@smmusica.org or visit www.smmusica.org/index.html. contributing@countytimes.net

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Thursday, June 25, 2015

Superhero Academy:

Where Superheroes Are Made By Kaitlin Davis Contributing Writer

super-hearing and a shooting range where they could take down villains. They could also craft suYoung superheroes and their perhero headbands and bracelets parents participated in the first to complete their costumes. Once ever Superhero Academy at the their costume was complete, the Leonardtown Library on June 23, superheroes could take a photo at from 2 to 4 p.m. the photo spot that featured a fan Aspiring superheroes tested for effect. their strengths with a training “I think it’s just a ton of fun for obstacle course, a sensory box, the kids who love superheroes...it objects to shake that tested their gets the kids in and boosts them registering for a summer program and using their library card,” said Eric Variz, the Assistant Branch Manager at the Leonardtown location. The creation of the superhero academy was inspired by the current summer reading program, “Every Hero Has A Story.” Summer reading programs start June 22, and run until August 15. After registration, young superheroes are able to collect badges as they complete challenges. Upon collecting three power badges, Photos by Kaitlin Davis participates would com-

plete the program, get a free book and be entered into a grand prize drawing for a Kindle Fire. Is your child a brave superhero? Collect all seven badges and they will become a summer reading super hero! “These programs are super important because while they are out of school, it’s good to keep them coming to the library and keep their brain juices flowing,” said Variz. Lexington Park and Charlotte Hall will also be hosting this event. The Lexington Park Library will have the Superhero Academy on Friday, July 24, at 10:30 a.m. The Charlotte Hall Library will have theirs Tuesday, August 4, at 10:30 a.m. Grab your superhero and attend this funfilled academy! For more information, contact St. Mary’s County Library by phone 301-475-2846 ext. 1012, visit their website www.stmalib. orgmore or stopinformation in at the Leonardtown For about the concerts, or to be a sponsor of this unique location 23250 Hollywood Road, go to www.chesapeakeorchestra.org or call Southern Maryland tradition, Leonardtown, Md. 20650.

301-848-5309. You may also visit the Facebook page at contributing@countytimes.net www.facebook.com/ChesapeakeOrchestra

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Wit, Humor and Brilliance G. Rossini G. Rossini G. Rossini

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Thursday, June 25, 2015

St. Mary’s County Commission on Aging Meeting FRESH BLUEBERRIES By Crista Dockray Contributing Writer

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The Department of Aging and Human Services held their monthly Commission on Aging Meeting at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 22 at the Victory Woods Senior Apartments in Lexington Park. Discussed was the progress of the seven concerns of the county sent in the annual January letter to the commissioners, including realistic transportation options, lower taxes and affordable housing. According to the Commission on Aging, the progress within each of the seven concerns are being addressed exceptionally well, however, there is a concern with the progress of transportation for seniors within the tri-county area. Private buses are being requested for transport to and from local stores for medical, social, and food related trips. With only the offer of public busing, seniors from Victory Woods for example, are forced to take two buses to get to WalMart. This trip, which is roughly three minutes by car and two to three miles

away, can take up to three hours of busing for a one hour outing. There are other volunteer run and on-demand transportation options, but none are free. The Commission of Aging has been working hard to fulfill the void, but feels their hands are tied on the situation. Participants of the meeting wish to voice their concerns to the commissioners about senior villages. Senior villages would be complexes either on or near the campus of the senior living communities that would hold a variety of stores within walking distance, for their convenience. A woman expressed that many other senior communities in various states have this option and they do not. The last issue discussed was the availability of knowledge about options for seniors. This includes volunteer classes and services offered by LIFE and RSVP down to help with VA benefits and Medicare. Although there is a lot of information offered in libraries, newspapers and senior centers it can be difficult to consolidate information. The head of the Commission of Aging, Cindy Williams advised

seniors to contact the Garvey Center with any and all questions and they will help answer and connect for whatever needs are made known. She also mentioned the Roadshow, a 45-minute to an hour presentation about all that the Department of Aging and Human Services has to offer for the senior community. Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of every month. The next meeting will take place at 1 p.m. on July 27 at the Garvey Senior Activity Center in Leonardtown. For more information, call 301475-4200 ext. 1050.

regularly scheduled business meeting. The purchase proposal includes electronic white boards, projectors and small computers to be installed at the new school for a total cost of about $260,000, according to board documents. More than 340 of what are known as Lenova Tiny Computers were set for distribution among other elementary schools.

A purchase of about $53,000 for monitors to go with those computers was also up for review. The board was also set to consider the purchase of $285,000 in Dell laptops for use by students and staff at Capt. Walter Francis Duke elementary.

contributing@countytimes.net Commission of Aging Annual Concerns: • Garvey Replacement • More Geriatric Doctors in the Area • Realistic Transportation Options • Lower Taxes for Seniors • Affordable Housing • Resources for Behavioral Health Concerns • Secondary Health Insurance

Board Mulls Tech Purchase For Elementary Schools

Marvin Steiner

301-373-4530 or 301-997-4714 23905 Hollywood Rd. Hollywood, MD 20636

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The county school board was set to review Wednesday the purchase of computers and other technology equipment for elementary schools, particularly for the new Capt. Walter Francis Duke Elementary school in Leonardtown, at its

guyleonard@countytimes.net

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Thursday, June 25, 2015

Girl Scouts Just Wanna Have Fun!

By Kaitlin Davis Contributing Writer

Camp Girls Just Wanna Fun began Monday, June 22 and will be a weeklong camp for girl’s grades kindergarten through fifth grade who are not currently enrolled in Girl Scouts. Held at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, girls arrive at 9 a.m. and stay until 4 p.m. Through the day, each unit of girls spends 35 minutes at each of the five stations set up in various buildings, under the pavilion and on grassy fields around the fairgrounds. As girls move from the craft station, to the STEM station to the games station, they are creating various things, such as a bubble blower, a sponge bomb and t-shirts that the girls draw on and use rubbing alcohol on the colors to make a tie-dye creation. One station that the girls will experience teaches the rich traditions that Girl Scouts holds. Girls will learn the Girl Scout Promise, Law and other important aspects of the organization throughout the week. Washington Gas sponsors the final station, the WGL station, where girls learn about renewable versus nonrenewable resources, how coal miners mine and how to save energy in their homes. During the week, the girls make solar box ovens out of pizza boxes and paper based bracelets at this station. Many of the stations offered at the camp give the girls a preview of what’s to come, according to Council Spokesperson, Nancy Wood. As they grow in girl scouting, the girls will become more proficient at specific skills and will earn badges for those skills. “It’s a nice overview of the girl scout experience,” said Wood, adding that the camp unplugs the girls from their games and television sets and provides them with a good experience. Girls participate in games, crafts and various activities that help them look at particular topics differently. “We want to introduce them to girl scouting and offer them a great Girl Scout experience,” said Membership Specialist Lauren Mohler. “Girl Scouts camp and have camped for years, so it’s something that we love and we want to share that with as many girls as we possibly can. Our hope is that they will have a great experience at camp and that they will want to join troops and that we can encourage

The County Times

their parents to become involved in their Girl Scout experience.” Alongside the stations, the camp had a water day on Wednesday, June 24, and will have a camp spirit day with a carnival afterwards on Friday, June 26. Free Being Me, a self-esteem program that helps girls find the uniqueness and beauty within themselves, sponsored the camp’s Dove Programming on Tuesday, June 23. When asked what the most rewarding part of the camp of is, Paula Kennedy, Area Membership Specialist, responded, “Just seeing the joy in the little girls faces, just some of the simple things they do like standing in front of the mister. I think also giving them the opportunity to become a Girl Scout from [age] five until they are in high school or college. It gives them a very rich experience and the opportunity to learn a lot of things about how to grow and become a leader in the community.” Currently, the camp has 55 kindergartens through fifth grade girls enrolled. The girls are broken down into units based on their date of birth. The cost for the camp is 50 dollars for the whole week, which includes bus transportation, a registration fee to become a Girl Scout member and the program supplies needed for activities. Buses leave from Charlotte Hall Library, Chaptico Market, Benjamin Banneker Elementary School, Lexington Park Elementary School, the Wildewood Shopping Center and Dorsey Park. 24 teens grades six through 12 are on hand helping the girls at each station throughout the day and performing other services for the camp. “The girls really grow throughout the week of camp,” said Mohler. “We saw them yesterday and some of them won’t say two words or they don’t know anyone. By Friday, they are best friends. They are sharing phone numbers with each other to set up play dates and sleepovers. Some of them yesterday by lunch had made best friends and they are buddies. They just really grow. It’s five days, but from Monday to Friday to watch them change and see how camp really effects them is great.” All girls at the camp do pay the registration fee to become a member of Girl Scouts and with that, they are able to attend various camps, both day and sleep away camps, and any other Girl Scout

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Photos by Kaitlin Davis

events of their choosing. Girls interested in becoming involved in Girl Scouts and are not currently members are able to register and join a troop at any time. Currently, early bird registration is occurring until June 30 for the fall. In addition to day camps, Girl Scouts can also attend four different resident camps, Camp Winona, Camp Potomac Woods, Camp Coles Trip and Camp May Flather. There are also various community camps that members can partake in. Camping for the Nation’s Capital Council can be found all over, each offering different programs and activities for every Girl Scout. “This community is important to girl scouting,” said Wood. “We have a long

history of girl scouting in this region. It’s basically our volunteers that make it happen and we are an organization that accepts new volunteers, we train our volunteers, there’s a sisterhood and a mentoring process for our volunteers and we want to keep that strong in this region. It’s an important part of the community.” For more information regarding Camp Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, contact Lauren Mohler via email lmohler2@gscnc. org. For more information regarding the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital, call 202-237-1670, email info@gscnc. org, or visit their website www.gscnc.org. contributing@countytimes.net

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Auction every Friday at 6 p.m.

Enjoy a unique shopping experience in a country setting. Our market is made up of an oasis of 100 small shops in four buildings on five acres. We specialize in antiques and collectibles, but have an endless variety of lovely gifts and crafts.

Quality Consignments Accepted for Auctions

Annual 4th of July Antique & Collectible Auction

Saturday, July 4th • 9 A.M. Look for photos on our website or on

www.chesapeakeauctionhouse.com

5015 St. Leonard Road • St. Leonard, Md 20685

www.chesapeakemarketplace.com

Marketplace: 410-586-3725 Auction House: 410-586-1161

Letters to the Editor

The County Times

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Catchup or Continuing Spending Spree? The recently passed St. Mary’s County budget has something in it for “everyone”. Let the good times roll and let’s have a party! Contrary to previous Commissioner Boards, both Republican and Democrat, this Board seems to believe that budget surpluses are not a priority. Budget surpluses are good! Every household, every business, and the government should have adequate surpluses to operate from a position of strength and to cover emergencies. St. Mary’s County just got good grades from Bond Agencies, but this was based upon past fiscally conservative actions. According the media sources, Jeanette Cudmore, St. Mary’s Co. Director of Finance, pointed out to the Commissioners that the recent rapid depletion of fund balances to pay for non-recurring expenses could be a problem. It was also reported that Natural average of fund balances was near 25 percent whereas St. Mary’s Co. is now at 12.35 percent with this new budget.

Is this the early alarm bell? If this newly elected Board continues the present fiscal trends, will our Bond ratings remain as good as they are now going forward? Will the next Board have to raise taxes to compensate as demands for services grow? This could all be compounded by the fact that this new budget was based upon optimistic assumptions regarding revenue increases in face of uncertainties regarding growth at Pax River, the main driver of our economy. Are these new Commissioners the Fiscal Conservatives that they claimed to be during the election campaign? Are these Commissioners “playing catchup”, or will the spending spree continue? The jury is still out on these questions, but we will know before the next election. Joe Wible Sr. Leonardtown, Md.

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month My godfather Charles “Chuck” Thomas lost his battle to Alzheimer’s disease in 2004. I personally witnessed the devastating emotional and physical impact of this illness on my dear Uncle Chuck, and also my godmother. As my godfather’s memories slowly slipped away, I learned valuable lessons of compassion, dedication, and love from my godmother, as she took on the difficult task of caregiving. My godparents were like many Maryland families facing the heartbreaking reality of Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates there are more than five million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, and 15.7 million Alzheimer’s caregivers. In Maryland alone, there are approximately 99,000 people with Alzheimer’s disease, and 289,000 unpaid dementia caregivers. The number of Maryland residents with Alzheimer’s will increase by 31.3 percent in 2030. Alzheimer’s is currently the 6th leading cause of death in the US. Additionally,

Alzheimer’s is the most expensive disease in the nation, costing $226 billion in 2015. That cost will rise to $1.1 trillion in 2050, potentially bankrupting Medicare in the process. In Southern Maryland, we need more resources to tackle this growing epidemic. I urge Congressman Steny Hoyer to support an increase of $300 million in Alzheimer’s research funding, and ask him to co-sponsor the HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act. The HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act (H.R.1559/S. 857) will provide critical care planning services to people newly-diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org/nca to take the Purple Pledge to raise Alzheimer’s awareness, and get involved with the fight to end Alzheimer’s. Kesia Wheeler Waldorf, Md.

Notice of Public Hearing - Commissioners of Leonardtown

The Leonardtown Mayor and Town Council will hold a public hearing on August 10, 2015 at 4:15 p.m. in the Town Office, 41660 Courthouse Drive, Leonardtown, MD. The purpose of the hearing is to present Annexation Resolution No. 5-15, Proposed Annexation of 241.42 acres +/- of land along Hollywood Road in Leonardtown, MD, for public review and comment. Copies of the proposed Resolution and Annexation plan are available for review at the

Town Office. All interested parties are encouraged to attend or may submit written comments to the Commissioners of Leonardtown, P.O. Box 1, Leonardtown, MD 20650 no later than August 10, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. Special accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities upon request. By Authority: Laschelle E. McKay Town Administrator

County Times

St. Mary’s County • Calvert County

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

news@countytimes.net

www.countytimes.net

Notice of Public Hearing - Commissioners of Leonardtown

The Leonardtown Mayor and Town Council will hold a public hearing on July 13, 2015 at 4:15 p.m. in the Town Office, 41660 Courthouse Drive, Leonardtown, MD. The purpose of the hearing is to present Ordinance No. 170, Leonardtown Forest Conservation Ordinance, for public review and comment. Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for review at the Town Office.

All interested parties are encouraged to attend or may submit written comments to the Commissioners of Leonardtown, P.O. Box 1, Leonardtown, MD 20650 no later than July 13, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. Special accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities upon request. By Authority: Laschelle E. McKay Town Administrator

James Manning McKay - Founder

Eric McKay - Associate Publisher..................................ericmckay@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 Ron Guy Laura Joyce Debra Meszaros Shelby Oppermann Linda Reno Terri Schlichenmeyer Doug Watson Taylor DeVille Crista Dockray Kaitlin Davis

Man Arrested for Allegedly Setting Multiple Fires By Lauren Procopio Staff Writer A Lexington Park man has been apprehended by police for allegedly setting multiple fires throughout the Lexington Park and Great Mills area. Deputy Fire Marshal Don Brenneman charged Tracy Braswell, 20, with seconddegree arson; second-degree malicious burning; unlawful taking of a motor vehicle; theft less than $1,000; and malicious destruction of property valued at $1,000, according to online records. Braswell is implicated in the intentional burning of a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado, as well as the recent incendiary fires in apartment 310 within the Foxchase apartment complex. According to officials from the State Fire Marshal’s Office, on Feb. 11, at approximately 12:45 a.m., approximately four volunteer firefighters from the Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) responded to Signature Lane in Lexington Park after a citizen discovered the Chevrolet truck ablaze. The truck was found in a wooded area of Signature Lane and was reported stolen from ACSI Concrete Company in Lexington Park. Officials said the fire caused an estimated $20,000 in damage to the vehicle and stated the fire originated in the in-

Cops & Courts

The County Times

Thursday, June 25, 2015

terior of the truck. Officials have identified Dennis Atlas as the owner of the Chevrolet. Braswell is also a suspect in the numerous fires set in an unoccupied apartment in the Foxchase Apartment complex, according to officials. According to officials from the State Fire Marshal’s Office, on June 14, at approximately 12:55 a.m., authorities responded to the Great Mills apartment complex after Braswell allegedly forced his way into the apartment and allegedly set multiple fires in the bedroom and living room. The incendiary fire caused an estimated $5,000 in damages. According to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, investigators acted on two search warrants and subsequently arrested Braswell at his Lexington Drive residence. Police transported the suspect to the county’s detention center, where he is awaiting bond review before a District Court Commissioner, officials confirmed. The second incident remains under investigation with the potential of additional charges. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the Fire Marshal’s Office with the investigations. Braswell is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in District Court on July 17.

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THE STUDIO CHALLENGE A SUCCESSS

Friends of Cedar Lane

FEATURED DESIGNERS

VISIONARY SPONSORS

INNOVATOR SPONSORS BEVERLY STICKLES & EDWARD WRIGHT

CREATIVE GENIUS SPONSORS TARA & JAMES ANDREACCI CHRISTINE STERLING SENESE BECKY & TOM STEVENS VERNITTA & REGINALD TYSON

CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS

lauren@somdpublishing.net

LAW OFFICE OF

DANIEL A. M. SLADE, L.L.C. LOKER BUILDING

41650 COURT HOUSE DRIVE, SUITE 301 • P.O. BOX 288 LEONARDTOWN, MARYLAND 20650

PHONE: 301-475-5150 • FAX: 301-475-6909

The County Times

Thursday, June 25, 2015

The County Times

Feature

Mechanicsville Volunteers Set To Build New Fire Station By Guy Leonard Staff Writer In about two weeks, the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department station house that has stood on Hills Club Road in Mechanicsville will be no more as the current occupants hope to get a demolition permit to raze nearly all of the aging structure and build a much larger 17,773 square foot station. William Smith, president of the Mechanicsville volunteers said July 6 is the date when they plan to invite the entire community to the demolition to witness a new beginning for the fire company that has served the community since 1934. Only the social hall of the fire station will be left, he said, and even that will be renovated. The project will take place on a little more than five acres at the fire house's current location and will take the two-story station and bring it down to just one but the footprint will be vastly expanded. The project could take a whole year to complete, Smith told The County Times, and necessitates two steel structures being built on the property to ensure the volunteers can still answer calls for service and have administrative and living space. It won't be cheap, either. The total cost of the project is estimated at $7.3 million, with $2 million coming from a low interest loan from the Maryland State Firemans Association for a 30-year term. The volunteers are augmenting that amount with $3 million of their own money, and $1 million from a revolving loan fund from the Commissioners of St. Mary's

County for a 15-year term. Smith said the local Community Bank was also willing to lend the volunteers $1 million for emergency construction funds. Smith said the need for the building is urgent. "We have outgrown it and the building is falling down around our feet," Smith said. Getting community donations has also been difficult. Last month the volunteers sent out a letter to the community asking for donations totaling $800,000 in the hopes of securing a loan to begin the project, but the letter mentioned nothing about the nearly complete demolition of the building but instead called it a renovation. Smith defended calling it a renovation because the fire company was keeping the social hall, which was built at the expense of a group of volunteers within the company years ago, he said. "In our builder's eyes it's a renovation," Smith said. Sonny Burch, a member of the board of directors of the Mechanicsville volunteers, said the rebuild was needful but could not find a reason for calling the virtual rebuilding of the fire station a mere renovation. "I don't know why they termed it that way," Burch, the CEO of BurchOil, said. "I don't like the way they termed it. I had some reservations about how it came out." The same letter spoke of the aging facilities and the need to answer the call for the rising service demands; but the volunteer's own website shows a decline in the number of calls they have answered in the past four years. Starting in 2011, Company 2/22 answered 874 calls for service but in 2012 that number

Photo by Guy Leonard

dropped to 862 and by 2013 the number had dropped to 830. Last year the Company 2/22 answered 797 incidents. So far this year, acccording to statistics available on the volunteers' website, they have responded to 480 calls for service. While the rebuilding project is set to begin soon in Mechanicsville, a similar project to either renovate or replace the old fire house in Valley Lee, the Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, has stalled. Earlier this year leadership of the fire and rescue company had beseeched the public and the county government for support but the public balked at the projected $8 million price tag, especially after a study commissioned by the Valley Lee fire company showed that their calls for service had dropped in recent years. The leadership of the Valley Lee company soon after told the Commissioners of St. Mary's County that they were withdrawing their requests for support. Smith said the call to the community only netted about $20,000. The problems an all-volunteer service fac-

es, just like the one that has protected citizens in St. Mary's County for decades, is that it is likely not sustainable, Smith said. He said that the entire tri-county area would have to face the fact that someday they would have to go to some level of career, paid fire and rescue service. If not to supplant volunteers, then to augment them especially in the early morning between the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. "Sooner or later we're going to have to ask tax payers to pony up for some kind of career system," Smith said. "The volunteer service cannot continue to cover during those critical hours." He said that calls for the Mechanicsville area were often going beyond first and second due responders, those closest and next closest, but to the ninth and 10th due, from as far away as Waldorf on some occassions. The new building might help to attract new volunteers to bolster the ranks at Company 2/22, he said. "I'm hoping this helps," Smith said. guyleonard@somdpublishing.net

The County Times

Thursday, June 25, 2015

BUSINESS Directory Mike Batson Photography

Freelance Photographers

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

KNUDSEN CONTRACTORS Heating & Air Conditioning “THE HEAT PUMP PEOPLE” 30457 Potomac Way Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 Phone: 301-884-5011

Est. 1982

snheatingac.com

POOL OPENING

Lic #12999 POOL CLOSING

Softub Dealer, Above Ground Pools and All Your Spa & Pool Needs Loop-Loc Luxury Liners & Safety Covers, Hayward Pumps, Filters, Polaris Cleaners & More Free Water Analysis! Free Quote On Liner And Cover Installation!

4501 Bonds Place Pompret, Md. 20675 301-934-9524 Off 301 - 6 miles from Waldorf

29050 New Market Village Rd. Mechanicsville, Md. 20659 301-884-8484 On Rt. 5 S - Across from ADF Bingo

Classic Powerwashing DOING BUSINESS IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND FOR OVER 25 YEARS

Call Today For A Free Estimate • 410-610-9566

SPECIALS

Hire A Painter for $200 A Day

Power Wash $150-200 A Day

Dry Wall Repair & Installation Small Carpentry Jobs Any & All Home Improvements

303

(30

(301) 456-4348 •eddieknudsen33@gmail.com

NEXT TO THE FAIR GROUNDS

Benjamin Moore 301-475-0448

Leonardtown, MD

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

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

Cross & Wood

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

Primary Resource Consultants Group & Individual Health, Dental, Vision, AFLAC, Life, Long Term Care, Short & Long Term Disability, Employer & Employee Benefits Planning

12685 Amberleigh Lane La Plata, MD 20646

28231 Three Notch Rd, #101 Mechanicsville, MD 20659

The County Times

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Loretta's

Marble, Granite, Limestone, Quartz Engineered Stone, Slate, Soapstone And Recycled Materials

Country Sausage and Meats Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30-6:00 • Sat 8:00-5:00 • Sun 8:00-1:00

ts gs ts

• Mild/Hot Country Sausage • Mild/Hot Half Smokes • Mild/Hot Italian Sausage • Polish Sausage • Pepper Bacon • Kunzler Bacon • Rind on Bacon • Scrapple • Mexican Chorizo Sausage • Ham Hocks • Smoked Country Side • Salt Side • Turkey Necks

• Country Ham • Souse • Head Cheese • Fat Back • Rind on Sharp Cheese • Pepper Jack Cheese • Fresh Produce • Local Honey • Eggs • McCutcheon's Preserves, Jams, Jellies, Relishes, Beets, Pickles and More!

30385 Three Notch Rd. • Charlotte Hall, Maryland (301) 884-4600 • www.lorettascountrysausage.com

Solid Rock Southern Maryland's Original Source For Stone Countertops And More

Local Craftsmanship At Its Best! 301-375-8300

www.solidrockco.com 4205 Ray Drive, La Plata

0 8

1 9

DEAN & SON

PAINTING • Residental •Commerical • Wall Coverings • Power Washing 38 YEARS IN BUSINESS LICENESED & INSURED

Anna Mae Dean - annadean7@aol.com

301-994-1841

301-994-1513 (f) • 301-481-4182 (c)

Looking to advertise in our business directory?

301-373-4125

16Handcrafted Items & Gifts Produced by Local Fiber Farmers & Artisans

The County Times

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Friday July 3 5 -8 PM



The Maryland Antique Center is in the Heart of Leonardtown, MD

We Have It All...Over 30 Dealers!

Gifts • Primitives Collectibles • Yard Art Vintage Painted Furniture Antique Furniture Lamps and Clocks!

(301) 690-2074

www.MarylandAntiqueCenter.com

Cafe des Artistes

NORTH END GALLERY

Classic Country French Dining

301-997-0500

Art, Shopping & Fun!

Route 5 Leonardtown, MD

in a casual, relaxing atmosphere

41655 Fenwick Street, Leonardtown email: cafedesartistes@somd.us

www.cafedesartistes.ws Chef-owned and operated by Loic and Karleen Jaffres

41652 Fenwick Street, 301-475-3130 Visit the North End Gallery to see magic and glamour of Hollywood as expressed by North End Gallery’s member artists in the “Silver Screen” show. Enter the Mystery Box drawing for a chance to win a piece of art produced by a gallery member. The winner will be announced at the end of the evening; no need to be present to win. Join us for our reception 5 until 8 PM at the Gallery

GOOD EARTH NATURAL FOODS COMPANY

41765 Park Avenue, 301-475-1630 The Good Earth is celebrating the 4th of July and First Fridays with patriotic smoothies that will put a fireworklike smile on your face! Join our very own Maria in the demo kitchen 4-8pm, July 3rd, to get your own 12oz coconut smoothie, blueberry smoothie, and/or red fruit/veggie juice. You’re sure to walk away just as happy as our founding fathers!

CAFE des ARTISTES

Free S'mores every First Friday!

Come Check Out Our

SpeakeaSy Bar Behind the Bookcase!

Come Try Our Great Coffee, Smoothies, Frappes & Food Menu

Monday 6 am – 6 pm • Tuesday - Thursday 6 am – 10 pm Friday 6 am – Midnight • Saturday 7 am - Midnight • Sunday 8 am – 2 pm

41658 Fenwick Street Leonardtown, MD

(301) 475-2400

41655 Fenwick Street, 301-997-0500 Moules Marinara, Toasted Sourdough Bread & French Fries! (Euro Hot Dogs will also be available) Enjoy the sounds of Randy Richie on the Piano! Café des Artistes is Leonardtown’s original neighborhood bistro with French Country Charm, a casual and friendly atmosphere, fine food and excellent service. Creative, comforting dishes are Classic French with an American flair and pair perfectly with the great variety of wines, from Leonardtown to France. Alfresco dining available on our sidewalk.

FENWICK STREET USED BOOKS AND MUSIC

41655A Fenwick Street 301-475-2859. For nearly four centuries, St. Marys County has been called the land of pleasant living. The countys fertile fields and pristine waters invite visitors and natives alike to revel, relax, and renew. As the Mother County of Maryland, St. Marys has a rich written history dating from 1634,

when George and Leonard Calvert established the first American settlement founded on the principle of religious tolerance. After surviving British raids during the War of 1812 and divided loyalties in the Civil War, the county leapt into the modern era when the US Navy established Naval Air Station Patuxent River, the Navys premier flight test center and test pilot school. Today, millions of Americans trace their roots to Southern Maryland and are welcomed home as Sons and Daughters of Old St. Marys.

PORT OF LEONARDTOWN WINERY

Off Rt. 5 at 23190 Newtowne Neck Road, 301-690-2192 Celebrate the Winery’s 5th anniversary! Toast the Taste of Southern Maryland Sample our special anniversary Red and White and the release of our new Traminette in our special blue-bottle. Local artist, Dave Norris will be playing 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. First Friday. For more information and instant updates, see our website or like us on Facebook.

CRAZY FOR EWE

22715 Washington Street, 301-475-2744 We’ll be starting Quicksilver, a beautiful and colorful wrap in three colors. Fun to knit, and perfect for summer. I’m suggesting Hempathy because it’’s great for summer wear, and because its fabulous color range gives that you have all sorts of stunning combinations. So, come First Friday to choose your palette and get started with us! First Friday is also the last day of our Summer Sale! Enjoy 20% off all summer yarns.

CAUGHT MY EYE

22760 Washington Street, Unit #1, 301-475-6805 For First Friday enjoy red white and blue savings! $5 off on burgundy skirts from India $1 off on white scarves $3 off on blue earrings

Make Leon

For First F

41675 Park Avenue

www.le

Thursday, June 25, 2015

The County Times

HRed White

17 Hours: Monday-Friday 3 -10pm

Next Week!

& Blues!

Saturdays/ Sundays by Appointment

New LocatioN! 41665 Fenwick street unit 17 Leonardtown, MD 20650

bellamusicschool.com

301-247-2602

Vinyl lettering

Banners

SIGNS & DecalS

Yard signs

Wall Wraps

www.heritageprinting.com

301-475-1700 www.heritageprinting.com

Live Music!

Join us July 3rd for the Blue Eyed Blues live on The Square followed by a rockin’ Blues Jam with Bob Schaller. Musicians are invited to Jam with Bob Schaller and Friends during Leonardtown’s First Friday event. A great way to kick off the holiday weekend.

301-475-1700

wick Street Fesn ed Books & Musi U

Karen Grubber will sign copies of her book St. Mary’s County (Postcard History Series) Friday, July 3 from 5-7 PM www.fenwickbooks.com 41655A Fenwick Street Downtown Leonardtown, MD

301-475-2859 Blue Eyed Blues

BLACK MARKET INTERIORS

41665 Fenwick Street, (240) 309-4074 Summer clearance Sale! Save 25% on Potting planters as well as the Ella Vickers Recycled Sailcloth Bags - in stock merchandise only, while supplies last! Come see our brand new custom upholstery line, Black Market Interiors HOME COLLECTION, made in America.

THE YELLOW DOOR ART STUDIO 22795 Washington St. (240) 925-1888 Friday Open Studio - Every Friday All Summer from 5:30 - 7:00 $10.00 drop in fee per participant

On the first Friday of every month, historic Leonardtown’s art galleries, restaurants, cafes, gift shops, antique shops, bookstores, etc. open their doors to showcase local artists and/or serve specials at their establishments. You are invited to a fun evening of live entertainment, demos, receptions, hands-on activities, and seasonal promotions.

nardtown “Your Place” Every First Friday!

Friday Updates and Event Locations visit

leonardtownfirstfridays.com

Quality Yarns • Stylish Designs Lessons and Classes For All Levels 22715 Washington Street 301-475-2744 Leonardtown, MD 20650 www.crazyforewe.com

To Place Your Ad On This Page, Contact Our Sales Department at 301-373-4125 or email sales@ countytimes.net

The County Times

Obituaries

Thursday, June 25, 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 Mondays may run in the following week’s edition.

On Thursday, June 18, Hope Patrice Douglas, at the age of 34, entered into eternal rest in Laurel, Md., following an extended illness. Hope, the daughter of Howard and Catherine Douglas, was born on May 2, 1981, in Calvert County, Md. Hope attended Chopticon High School, Morganza Md. Hope accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior during her stay at Southern Maryland Hospital. Hope had several hobbies and interests. She loved to dance, play cards and kept a running list of phones numbers because she enjoyed calling everybody she knew. You also knew when she was dancing because her music was so loud, the walls would shake. Hope possessed the skill and talent to put her thoughts and feelings into words by writing poems. She loved to write poems and was very good at doing so. Hope was employed as a cashier until she was overcome with Huntington disease. Hope leaves to cherish her memories her father, Howard Douglas; mother, Catherine Douglas; stepmother, Donna Douglas; two sons, Karl Ragsdale, Jr. (KJ) and Eugene Ragsdale; two sisters, Yalonda Douglas and Kimberly Douglas; four brothers, Sheron Chase, Sheron Gudger, Andre Gudger and Howard Douglas, Jr. (Patrick); a special friend, Karl Ragsdale, Sr. and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Family and friends will unite on Tuesday,

June 23 for visitation at 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. at Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home, 38576 Brett Way, Mechanicsville, Md. Interment to follow at Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, Md.

William Robert “Bill” McElwain, Jr., 74 BMC William Robert “Bill” McElwain, Jr., (USCG, Ret.), 74, of California, Md. (and Pinellas Park, Fla.), passed away Monday, June 15, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 15, 1941, in Detroit, Mich., to the late William Robert McElwain, Sr. and Beulah Zelpha Campbell. On June 17, 1958, Bill proudly enlisted in the United States Coast Guard when he was 17 years old. He dedicated 20 years of service to his country until his retirement and honorable discharge in July 1978. While serving he earned the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star. He was a true American patriot and he loved helping others in need. He enjoyed traveling in the United States and abroad, with the Coast Guard and in his retirement. He once toured Europe on bicycle, traveling to France, Spain and England. He also enjoyed visiting the New England states, Hawaii, Texas, Florida, and Louisiana. He enjoyed studying

history and visiting historical sites. He was a remarkable host and entertainer, with a talent for cooking many different types of cuisines. He had an amazing sense of humor, and often played pranks on people. He liked to fish, dive for seafood, including lobster, and camp. He admired his father and grandfather, and they were role models for him. In turn, his family was his greatest love and he enjoyed spending his time with them. He is a remarkable role model and inspiration to all of them. Bill is survived by his children, Rhonda Maureen McElwain of Clinton, Wash., William Robert McElwain, III (Kevin Dean) of Long Beach, Calif., and Ian Scott McElwain of California, Md.; his sister, Roberta McElwain (Peter Filzmaier) of Bushnell, Fla.; his grandchildren, Jessica Irene Aguilar of Long Beach, Calif. and Nicholas Valance McElwain of San Ramon, Calif.; his nieces, Erin Pangle, and Sharon Miller; his great niece, Morgan Miller; and his step-sons, David McNichols of Virginia Beach, Va., and Michael McNichols of Elizabeth, N.J. He is preceded in death by his parents. Family will receive friends for Bill’s Life Celebration on Monday, June 29, from 1 to 2 p.m., with a Memorial Service celebrated by Rev. Joe Orlando at 2 p.m., at Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Interment will follow at later date scheduled by the United States Coast Guard. Memorial Contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kan. 66675. Condolences may be made to www.brinsfieldfuneral.com Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.

Charles Aloysius Thompson, 76 Charles Aloysius Thompson ,76, of Jackonville, Ark., passed away on May 23. Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on July 2 at St. George Catholic Church, Valley Lee, Md.

Elise Bowman, 93 Elise Bowman, 93, presently of Chaptico, and originally of St. George Island, St. Mary’s County, Md. Born March 17, 1922, the daughter to the late George M. & Lollie Stephens Thomas. Elise Bowman was the wife of LeRoy Wilson Bowman, whom she married May 30, 1971, at St Georges Episcopal Church in Valley Lee, Md. Mrs. Bowman is predeceased by one sister, Margaret L. Pringle, and survived by one niece. Elise is the granddaughter of the late Margaret H. Thomas (Aunt Mag), Midwife on St George Island in the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s. Aunt Mag was the primary midwife to St. George Island’s women prior to the building of the bridge connecting it to the mainland in the early 1920’s. The one available doctor, Dr. Hooper Lynch, lived in Valley Lee. Aunt Mag would summons him for help and he would be met at Swann’s Wharf and transported by boat to her side to assist. Elise Bowman graduated from Great Mills High School in 1938 and from Temple Secretarial School in Washington D.C., in 1939. She was employed in Washington, D.C. as a clerktypist until 1943. She then returned to St. George Island, where she worked as secretary to the County Health Officer in Leonardtown. In 1944 she moved to the Naval Medical Dispensary at NAS Patuxent River. She then transferred in 1951 to the NAS Supply Department where she remained until 1967. She then accepted a promotion to Naval Supply Systems Command, Washington D.C., where she remained until retirement in July 1973. She retired to Chaptico, St. Mary’s County, Md. After retirement, Elise returned to work at NAS Patuxent River in 1975, and retired a second time in 1986. Her career expanded 38 years, began as a Stenographer GS-2, developed to Management Analyst and then to Supply Systems Analyst. In 1970, she was promoted to GS-13 and classified into the “5% Club”, recognized as the elite group of Civil Service women achieving this grade and ��

Faye Ann Johnson Pixton, 79

Ann is survived by her children, Mark Richard Pixton (Robbi) of Centennial, Colo., Steven Edgar Pixton (Marva) of Tomball, Texas, Rebecca Faye South (Alan) of Falls Church, Va., and Jeffrey Seth Pixton (Tina) of Barboursville, Va.; her sisters, Linda Rae Ficklin of Spokane, Wash., Sharon Lee Stevens (Marv) of Mattawa, Wash., Brenda Kay Morris (Ray) of Salt Lake City, Utah; her brother, George Johnson (Evelyn) of Sunnyside, Wash.; 17 grandchildren, 2 great granddaughters; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents. Family will receive friends on Saturday, June 20, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 22747 Rolling Road, California, Md 20619. A Funeral Service will be celebrated by Bishop Mike Martinez at 11 a.m. Interment will be held at a later date at Culpepper National Cemetery, 305 U.S. Avenue, Culpepper, Va. 22701. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Temple Patron Assistance Fund, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150. Condolences may be made to www.brinsfieldfuneral.com Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.

An Independent Family-Owned Funeral Home Serving Southern Maryland for over 100 Years Michael K. Gardiner, C.F.S.P., C.P.C. Funeral Director/President

Providing trusted service to the community for over 100 Years 41590 Fenwick Street • P.O. Box 270 • Leonardtown, Maryland 20650

www.mgfh.com

(301)-475-8500

Faye Ann Johnson Pixton, 79, of Great Mills, Md., passed away, Sunday, June 7, at the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Va. She was born on September 14, 1935, in Everett, Wash., to the late Edgar F. Johnson and Ann Haubrich. She was the oldest of five children. Faye Ann graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. She was employed by the public school administration in Washington, Utah and Colorado. On June 29, 1959, she married her beloved husband, Richard Brewer Pixton at the Salt Lake Temple of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Salt Lake City. Together they celebrated over 55 wonderful years together. She devoted her life to her strong faith, in which she served her church and also did ordinance work throughout the states and in Japan and Canada. She was a talented artist, giving many beautiful pieces to display to her family and friends. She loved flowers, especially yellow ones. She also enjoyed traveling, particularly to visit her family, who were her pride and joy. She was a devoted lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In addition to her beloved husband, Faye

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Hope Patrice Douglas, 34

The County Times

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Theodore Astor Viverette (Ted) of Cali� fornia, Md., passed away Sunday, June 21. He was born May 13, 1932 in Washington, DC and was the beloved son of the late Roy and Beulah Viverette, and brother to the late Mary Lambert, Sidney Viverette, and Pow� ell Viverette. He is survived by his loving wife, Alice Viverette, his three daughters, Mary Shatrowsky, Lisa Viverette, and Pa� tricia Hoover, his two sons in law, David Shatrowsky and Paul Hoover, two grandchil� dren, Lauren and Thomas Hoover, and his dear sister, Lucy Hicks. Ted grew up in Hyattsville, Md., and had many adventures from getting hit by a car at age six to getting thrown into a barbed wire fence from an ex racehorse as a teenager. Ted was also an excellent pool player and enjoyed many games with family and friends. He met his lovely bride, Alice, in 1952, and they wed on June 20, 1953. He joined the Marine Corp during the Korean War and was a dedicated veteran. Ted held many jobs to support his family including banker, police officer, head of security at Kings Dominion, but ultimately worked in dosimetry at Baltimore Gas, and Electric Company where he retired in 1990. Ted and Alice enjoyed many retirement years in Selbyville, DE. In 2010 they moved back to Maryland to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Ted recently converted to Catholicism and had his wedding vows renewed with Alice on June 20, their 62nd anniversary. The family will receive friends on Thurs� day, June 25 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in St. Johns Catholic Church, Hollywood, Md. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. with Father Raymond Schmidt of� ficiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contri� butions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Md. 20659 Ar� rangements provided by the Mattingley Gar� diner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, Md. -

Marion Cecilia Garner, 91, of Hollywood, Md., passed away on Thursday, June 18, in Hollywood, Md., surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 5, 1923, in Hollywood, Md., she is the daugh� ter of the late Philip Paul Clarke and Helen Marie Norris. Marion married her beloved husband, Thomas Irvin Garner. Together, they enjoyed 42 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in December 1984. She had a flair for style and enjoyed decorating homes. She often assisted her husband, who was a home builder, in designing the new homes. Her house was impeccable, and she took great pride in keeping it cleaned and decorated. She dressed very fashionably and cut her own hair with great precision for over 42 years. She en� joyed dancing, taking daily walks, camping and her flower garden. She was an excellent cook, and hosted regular family dinners. She enjoyed food and believed it was a good way to bring everyone together. She was known for her homemade brownies. Her family was her pride and joy, and she loved to spend her time with them. She found particular pleasure in telling stories about her children’s childhoods. She made sure to pray for them on a daily ba� sis. She was a devoted Catholic with a strong faith. She was a lifelong member of St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church in Hollywood, Md. Marion is survived by her loving children: Tommy Garner (Carol) of Hollywood, Md., Charles Garner (Millie) of Hollywood, Md., Lynn Lancaster (David) of Hollywood, Md., Jimmy Garner (Cathy) of Hollywood, Md., Gary Garner (Kelli) of Hollywood, Md., Don� na Hurley (John) of Hollywood, Md., Debbie Norris of Hollywood, Md., Beverly Bowles

Theodore Astor Viverette (Ted), 83

Marion Cecilia Garner, 91

(Allan) of Hollywood, Md. and Kent Gar� ner (John) of San Diego, Calif.; her siblings, William Bernard Clarke of Hollywood, Md., Lucy Ada Krug of Laurel, Md.; 26 grandchil� dren and 25 great grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband she is also pre� ceded in death by her siblings, Thelma Abell, Philip Clarke, Helen Marie Krug; her son in law, Bernie Norris; and her grandson, James Bacon. Family will receive friends on Monday, June 22, from 5 to 8 p.m., with a Prayer Ser� vice and Rosary at 7 p.m., at Brinsfield Funer� al Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonard� town, Md., 20650. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, June 23 at 10 a.m. celebrated by Rev. Raymond Schmidt at St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church, 43927 St. John’s Road, Hollywood, Md., 20636. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Troy Gar� ner, Robbie Norris, Krystie Fluery and Allan Bowles. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren. Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonard� town, Md., 20650. Condolences may be made to www.brins� fieldfuneral.com Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.

NOTICE OF DEATH Brian T. McLaughlin of Hollywood, Md. died Friday June 19, 2015. Full obituary will follow in next week’s paper.

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Bryantown Bryantown Post Office

Bushwood Bushwood Post Office Captain Sam’s Murphy’s Town & County Store California Sears ProFitness Gym Mei’s Hair Care DB McMillians Dr. Khun’s Lennys Subway Wawa 235 Starbucks Chic Fil A Giant KMART Cracker Barrell Dunkin Donuts Laquinta ABC Liquor Cedar Point Maximum Gym Shoppers California Post Office Hewitts Service Center Jerry’s Bistro Twist Wine & Spirits Lexington Village Liquors Victory Woods Callaway Foodlion A & W Mobil The Corner Charlotte Hall SMC Welcome Center Charlotte Hall Veterans Home Easy Wash Pizza Hotline Charlotte Hall Post Office Charlotte Hall Bus Stop Fred’s Liquors Exxon Golden Beach Dunkin Dounuts April Pool & Spa Wawa Charlotte Hall Ledos McKays Charlotte Hall 7-11 Charlotte Hall South side Clements Clements Post Office Abell’s Dinner ABC Gas Station Chaptico Chaptico Post Office Village Liquors Chaptico Market

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above. Elise Bowman served as Secretary/Trea� surer of St. Georges Episcopal Church build� ing fund from 1958 to 1967. During this time the historical church was restored, additional land was acquired and a hall and parish were constructed allowing the church to maintain its own minister. A brick wall was erected between the road and the cemetery as a buffer from increasing traffic. Elise T. Bowman and her husband LeRoy W. Bowman were involved with defeat of the referendum for a petroleum refinery to be es� tablished in Piney Point, Md., in 1974. The refinery jeopardized the environment of the Chesapeake Bay and the way of life for region� al waterman and farmers and the beauty of St. Mary’s County. Elise was the Secretary/Treasurer to the Historical St. Mary’s City Coalition from 1987 to 1996. She was instrumental in organizing local interest groups and corresponding to An� napolis, to earn recognition for St. Mary’s City as a historical landmark. The efforts of this Coalition were key to the preservation of his� torical landmarks, as we enjoy them today, in the founding mother county of Maryland. She edited a newspaper for the coalition to facili� tate information and fundraising campaigns. Elise was the Secretary/Treasurer and news� paper editor for the St. Mary’s County Repub�� lican Women’s Club from 1975 to 1985. She also enjoyed animals and the preservation of wildlife, dancing, reading, gardening and home making in her spare time. Memorial contributions may be made to the St Georges Episcopal Church (William and Mary Parrish): P.O. Box 30, Valley Lee, Md. 20692 Condolences may be made to www.brins� fieldfuneral.com Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.

Colton’s Point Colton’s Point Post Office

Compton Compton Post Office Dameron Dameron Post Office Caroll’s Equipment Drayden Drayden Post Office Great Mills CVS County Liquors Foodlion Chesapeake Shores Nursing Home Quik Shop Sheetz Great Mills Post Office Brass Rail Hollywood Gattons Mckay’s St. Johns Pharmacy Dean Lumber Toots Bar Early Bird Higher Education Center Burchmart Hollywood Hollywood Yoga and Fitness Hollywood Post Office Snellmans Hughesville Hughesville Post Office Leonardtown Governmental Center Bus Stop Senior Center St Mary’s Hospital Board Of Ed Office St Mary’s Nursing Center Ledo’s Leonardtown Grill Exxon Subway Centre Liquors RiteAid Leonardtown McKay’s Bernies Salon True Value Sunoco Burchmart Leonardtown Post Office Ye Olde Towne Café PNC Bank Printing Press Courthouse Town Cleaners Newtown Village Community Cedar Lane Apartments Leonardtown Library Dee’s Lexington Park WAWA Town Plaza Suites

Smokey Joes Lexington Park Adult Comm Shell Station Pegg Road Fairfield Inn Home 2 Suites IHOP Comfort Inn Donut Connection Linda’s Café Lexington Park Post Office Hal’s Coles Travel Lexington Park Library Family Dollar St. Mary’s Lighting St. James Deli Loveville Third Base Loveville Post Office Mechanicsville Thompson’s Seafood Wawa Mechanicsville St. Mary’s Landing Mechanicsville Post Office Burchmart Mechanicsville Berts New Market SMC Library Citgo Oakville Ridgell’s Service Center Brandywine Auto Parts Boatmans Korner Karryout Park Hall Cooks Piney Point Piney Point Market Piney Point Post Office Ridge Ridge Market Ridge Post Office Ridge Hardware Store Buzz’s Bay Market Store St. Inigoes St. Inigoes General Store St. Inigoes Post Office Rod n Reel St. Mary’s City St. Mary’s City Post Office Tall Timbers Dent Store Tall Timbers Post Office Valley Lee Valley Lee Post Office Betty Russell’s

Education

The County Times

SMECO Awards College Scholarships Southern Maryland Electric Coopera- to keep up with her questions, which made tive (SMECO) has awarded four scholar- me a better clinician. Melanie showed a disships to high school seniors for 2015. Each tinct passion for our work in the clinic, but year, SMECO awards four $1,500 college more importantly, she has an incredible cuscholarships to students who riosity and passion for learnlive in the Co-op’s service ing. I know that Melanie will area. Scholarships are based not only succeed, she will elon the applicants’ scholastic evate those around her.” Lipachievement, financial need, pert plans to study biology at and school and community the University of Richmond involvement. SMECO has in Virginia. awarded scholarships to 92 Annie Rose Yates, daughstudents over the past 22 ter of Ronald and Mary Yates Jordan Parker years. Each of the following of Solomons, graduated from students will receive a $1,500 St. Mary’s Ryken. She recollege scholarship. ceived the president scholar Jordan Parker, daughter of award and was a member of Robert and Stephanie Parker the National Honor Society. of La Plata, graduated from Yates participated in varsity McDonough High School. lacrosse and swim teams, and An accomplished pianist, she is involved with ChristParker’s talent for composing mas in April projects, Best Melanie Lippert and playing music enables Buddies Club, tutoring, and her to perform for residents of fundraising for her club and the Genesis Health Center on church activities. “Annie disweekends. She participated in plays an acute analytical mind the varsity swim team, Enviwhen delving into any scirothon, and It’s Academic, and ence problem. Her research, she tutors Spanish-speaking experimentation skills, and English language learners. attention to detail far exceed According to Bradley Snow, what I normally see in an AP McDonough High School student,” said Susan McEvoy, Annie Rose Yates principal, “Jordan has created science teacher at St. Mary’s a balance between her passion Ryken. Yates plans to study for the arts while maintaining elementary/special education academic rigor by participatat Loyola University of Marying in some of our most challand in Baltimore. lenging courses. She has disRicardo McNutt, son of played exceptional leadership Robert and Iliana McNutt of qualities in school and in exLexington Park, graduated tracurricular activities.” Parkfrom The King’s Christian er plans to attend St. Mary’s Academy. McNutt participatRicardo McNutt College of Maryland in St. ed in varsity soccer, varsity Mary’s City to study English education. track, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Melanie Lippert, daughter of Richard and and the National Honor Society. He has travCatherine Lippert of St. Leonard, graduated eled to the Philippines and Ecuador for misfrom Calvert High School. She competed in sion trips. He is interested in computers and varsity soccer, tennis, and swim teams. She coding, and he loves to play and write muparticipated in Key Club, National Honor So- sic. According to Kevin Fry, Administrator ciety, Future Business Leaders of America, at The King’s Christian Academy, “Ricky is and the Community Mentorship program. gifted in many ways, including a high intelLippert received several honors and awards, lect and a penchant for problem solving. He including Minds in Motion Scholar Athlete, has taken our most challenging class load, AP Scholar with Distinction, and Calvert and he has excelled in the arts, as well. His High School Change Maker. She volunteers interests and abilities are extremely diverse.” with the Mechanicsville Optimist Club and McNutt plans to study music and computer the Calvert Animal Welfare League, and she engineering at Liberty University in Lynchhas interned at the Calvert Recorder news- burg, Virginia. paper and Calvert Physical Therapy. Mark SMECO provides scholarships to local Vorensky, physical therapist, said, “Mela- students who excel academically and who nie redefined the term ‘job shadowing.’ She show promise in their chosen field of study. asked questions that were thoughtful, chal- Past scholarship winners include teachers, lenging, and relevant. I was always pushed nurses, and a medical doctor.

Lunch And Learn 2015 Summer Programs St. Mary’s County Public Schools and the St. Mary’s County Judy Center Partnership are hosting free summer Lunch and Learn programs for children ages birth - 18. Children’s meals are free; adult meals may be purchased for $3.50. The programs will take place Monday – Thursday, June 29 – July 30. The programs

are being held at two locations: Lexington Park Elementary School (from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and G.W. Carver Elementary School (from noon to 1:30 p.m.). Meals are provided by the USDA Summer Meals Program. For additional information, call the Judy Center at 301-863-4068.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Summer Camps Now Open at Annmarie Garden By Taylor DeVille Contributing Writer There are countless summer camps for kids who love sports, swimming and the great outdoors, but what about camps for creative kids who love building, drawing, painting and sculpting artwork while enjoying the beauty of nature? If that sounds like something your child would enjoy, then look no further than the Annmarie Garden summer camps. “We value the arts here and we think that an arts education really helps strengthen critical thinking skills,” said Jaimie Jeffrey, curator of education at Annmarie Garden. “Socially it helps them grow as well.” This summer, Annmarie Garden offers 28 weeklong camps for kids in preK, grades one to three, and grades four to six; “tweens” from grades seven to nine; and teens from grades 10 to 12. The classes vary by age group. “If it’s not messy, we don’t tend to keep it in our curriculum,” Jeffrey laughed. “We like to encourage creativity to spread beyond the confines of what [the kids are] used to having in school and home.” For instance, the Creative Construction and Woodworking camp (for tweens grades seven to nine) allows campers to design and build unique wooden items. In the afternoon, the campers construct catapults and use them to fling water balloons and paint objects. “We like to encourage [the campers] to leave their mark somehow,” said Jeffrey, motioning to the hand-painted floor tiles and door. “We also have playhouses built by campers from previous years.” For teens, Annmarie Garden offers camps for creating things “that you don’t

get in school”, according to Jeffrey. Those camps include working with airbrush, stain glass, and torched glass beads. The younger kids will enjoy camps involving creative sculpture, art history mysteries, clay/pottery, and mixed media. In addition to having fun with the arts, campers also have the opportunity to aid in Annmarie Garden’s philanthropic work. “We really do infuse nature and the environment into everything that we do,” Jeffrey said. “We have a vegetable garden called our Community Garden. Every summer, campers help us grow produce in that garden, and then we donate it to local food banks. It’s just a feel-good project that every kid is involved in.” Annmarie Garden also offers camps in

Photo by Taylor DeVille

the winter and spring. The weekly camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are also morning (9:15-11:30 a.m.) and afternoon (1:30-3:30 p.m.) preschool camps available. Annmarie Garden offers extended care from 3-4:30 p.m. For a list of available camps and to register, visit www.annmariegarden.org/annmarie2/ kids_summer_camp. contributing@countytimes.net

Benjamin Banneker Elementary School Students Earn Money For Their School Benjamin Banneker Elementary School Reaches First Level in TerraCycle® and Capri Sun® Contest

Benjamin Banneker Elementary School students earn money and prizes for their school by collecting and recycling the drink pouches used at home and in the lunchroom. Benjamin Banneker Elementary School has just reached the first level of TerraCycle and Capri Sun’s Drink Pouch Brigade milestone contest by collecting more than 10,000 drink pouches. The students have earned over $600 for their school by collecting the drink pouches. The Drink Pouch Brigade is a free recycling program that rewards people for collecting and sending their waste to TerraCycle to be recycled or upcycled. Since 2007, Drink Pouch Brigade participants have kept almost 235 million drink pouches out of landfills and raised more than $4.5 million for charity. With the milestone program, in addition to the money earned for each piece of waste collected, participants can win prizes made from

recycled drink pouches, such as storage bins, a playground and other fun rewards. “The milestone program is meant to inspire individuals and organizations to collect more waste while receiving prizes for their achievements,” said Tom Szaky, CEO of TerraCycle. “It is rewarding to see the students and administration get so involved in making this work. It’s an incredible achievement to have kept so many pouches out of the waste stream.” Thousands of other schools and organizations across the United States participate in the Drink Pouch Brigade. To learn more about the program or to sign up, visit www. terracycle.com. The program is free to any interested organization or individual, and all shipping costs are paid. In addition, for each piece of waste received, participants earn money for a charity of their choice.

The County Times

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Away from the Hospital, On the Water By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Wounded Warriors from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center came down to Solomons to spend a day away from the hospitals and on the water. The American Legion Post 274 and the Calvert County Watermen’s Association hosted the event. Captain Robbie Robinson volunteered his boat, Miss Regina II, to visiting soldiers and their

guests for the day out on the water, and charter boar captain Loch Weems offered his services to help out for the day. Lunch on the water was supplied by the KFC/Taco Bell of Solomons, and the Calvert County Watermen’s Association donated and steamed a bushel of crabs for a picnic at the American Legion following the fishing trip, according to trip organizer John Tierno. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

In Our Community

“RAIN OR SHINE”

THESE FIREMEN ROCK !!

‘FRANKLIN SQUARE BAND’

SUMMERSEAT FARM!

2 GREAT LOCAL BANDS

DAVID NORRIS & “THE LONG TIME FRIENDS BAND” AT SUMMERSEAT FARM, 22665 THREE NOTCH RD, MECHANICSVILLE MD (RT 235)

Photos by Sarah Miller

LIBRARY ITEMS Library Holiday Hours All three branches of the St. Mary’s County Library will be closed on Friday, July 3; Saturday, July 4; and Sunday, July 5 for the Independence Day holiday. All branches will be open regular business hours on Monday, July 6. Magician Reggie Rice Professional Performance Magician Reggie Rice will be coming to St. Mary’s County on Monday, July 6. Reggie Rice will be at Margaret Brent Middle School (29675 Point Lookout Road, Helen) at 10 a.m., at Leonardtown Elementary School (22850 Duke Street, Leonardtown) at 12:30 p.m., and at the Lexington Park Library (21677 FDR Blvd, Lexington Park) at 3 p.m. All ages are welcome to join for a show filled with magic, music, and comedy full of adventure, pure fun and excitement. Intermediate Excel 2013 Lexington Park branch will hold an Intermediate Excel 2013 class on Thursday, July 9 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will learn intermediate formulas, work with rows, columns, and worksheets. Basic Excel skills are required. Adult computer classes are limited to ages 16 and up and require registration online: www. stmalib.org. Stamped Leather Wristbands Lexington Park branch will hold a stamped leather wristband and table top gaming activity for ages 11 years and older on Wednesday, July 8 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Participants can make a stamped

leather wristband craft, creating unique leather wristbands using metal embossing stamps and paint! All supplies will be provided. A variety of table top games will be available to choose from, including Munchkin, Tsuro, and Ticket to Ride. Minecraft Mania – Lexington Park Lexington Park branch will host a Minecraft Mania program on Tuesday, July 7 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for ages 6 to 9 years old. Players will share strategies with other Minecrafters, explore new terrain, gather raw materials and create amazing structures. Registration is required and will open two weeks before the program on www.stmalib.org.

GATES OPEN AT 2 P.M. --- BANDS PERFORM FROM 4 – 8 P.M. TICKETS $20 / AGE 12 & UNDER $10 – TICKETS AVAILABLE AT BROWN PAPER TICKETS. LINK @ www.summerseat.org. NO COOLERS ALLOWED Summerseat Farm, Inc. is an IRS designated 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

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Minecraft Mania – Leonardtown Leonardtown branch will host two Minecraft Mania programs on Friday, July 10. Ages 6 to 9 years old will be from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and ages 10 years and older from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Players will share strategies with other Minecrafters, explore new terrain, gather raw materials and create amazing structures. Registration is required and will open two weeks before the program on www.stmalib.org. Preschool STEM Explorers Lexington Park Library will host a Preschool STEM Explorers activity on Friday, July 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. It’s the best of Preschool STEM! Join us to read science and math stories, then explore our favorite activities with magnets, counting and measuring, and colors. Ages 3-5 with an adult; registration required.

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In Our Community

The County Times

Don’t Debate and Don’t Be Late, Come to Leonardtown to Fabricate!

Book Review

“The Breaking Point” by Jefferson Bass

c.2015, William Morrow • $26.99 / $33.50 Canada • 384 pages By Terri Schlichenmeyer Contributing Writer

FREE *************

Food will be provided

The Community Alcohol Coalition (CAC) and Walden will be hosting a 90 minute preview session of a locally developed facilitated discussion guide for the Maryland “Don’t Be a Friend, Be a Parent” underage drinking video. We welcome local public, private and non-profit stakeholders and community members in St. Mary’s County who maybe interested in becoming a facilitator to implement this workshop in their respective communities/ programs. Participants will have the opportunity to preview the workshop first-hand and then decide at a later time if they would be interested in presenting it to their own community. Attendance doesn't imply a commitment, so please feel free to stop by and check it out! About the workshop Part 1 (the first 45 minutes) will be focused on providing education and insight mainly focused on the factors behind decision making in the adolescent brain. Part 2 (the second 45 minutes) includes a screening of the film on social hosting “Don’t Be a Friend, Be a Parent,” followed by a facilitated discussion.

Health Connections in the Outpatient Pavilion at Medstar St. Mary’s Hospital 6/29 @ 5pm OR Beacon of Hope in Lexington Park 6/30 @ 12pm ___________

Must RSVP by June 28th to Kendall Wood at (240)-434-7659 or Kendall.E.Wood@medstar.net

and the media howled… Brockton was used to that. Media loved their scandals, after all, but the onslaught in California and new allegations back home were almost unbearable – especially when another, more deadly bombshell entered his life. Having read quite a number of the Body Farm novels, I have to say that I was surprised by “The Breaking Point.” Authors Jon Jefferson and Dr. Bill Bass (who write together under this collective pseudonym) step back in time here to give fans a bit of history for their hero, Brockton, in a twist that takes a little getting used to but turns out to be rich in story. Not only is that a bonus for anyone who’s familiar with this smart, authentic (Bass was the creator of the real-life Body Farm) investigator, but it also makes this book a great place for new fans to start the series. Bursting with red herrings and creepy bad guys (and a hint of the next book, perhaps?), this mysterythriller is a whodunit lover’s dream. Be warned though: start a novel like “The Breaking Point,” and it could crack your schedule.

Pets of the Week

Meet Sabrina, Jill and Kelly at the California Petco This Weekend Between 11 & 3

Feral Cat Rescue’s Angels They were rescued when they were first opening their eyes so they have been around humans for a long time and are very sweet. They crawl into their foster mom’s lap for love and have a wonderful time playing together. They are spayed, combo tested for aids and feline leukemia, vaccinated, microchipped and dewormed. They cost $125 each to cover the vetting.

Please check out the cats and kittens available at petco this weekend. Feral cat rescue has spay/neuter grants right now and traps to lend. Please spay and neuter cats you are feeding or see hanging out At your house. Email info@feralcatrescuemd.org for help. Check out faq button at www.feralcatrescuemd. org for options.

Help address underage drinking in our community.

“Don’t Be a Friend, Be a Parent” Workshop

is partnering with the St. Mary’s County Arts Council, the St. County Tourism office and The Leonardtown Business Association to host the event. Pre-registration and pre-payment will be required for planning purposes. As details become available, they will be posted on the St. Mary’s County Arts Council website, www. st mar ysar tscou ncil.com /. Artists in the tri-county area who would like to submit a proposal for teaching a hands-on workshop will be able to download the application form and further details from the same site.

When it comes to your job, you’re a crackerjack. You have quite the reputation for doing your best, in fact, which is why colleagues come to you for help. Nobody busts a move like you: smooth, efficient and done right. Yep, when it comes to your job, you can’t be beat. Except when you can. Except when everything points somewhere else and you’re ripped off-track, as in the new novel “The Breaking Point” by Jefferson Bass. Within the philanthropic world, Richard Janus was known for his speed. When tragedy occurred anywhere in the world, before most governmental entities could even get organized, Janus was on the scene aboard his private jet filled with water, first aid, and other supplies. Earthquake, tornado, hurricane, flood, it didn’t matter; Janus’ humanitarian efforts helped save lives. It was therefore a shock to his supporters and donors when Janus

lost his. The fireball was, by all accounts, huge: that’s what happens when a Citation jet slams into the side of a mountain near San Diego at four hundred miles an hour. There wasn’t much of Richard Janus left to identify, but the FBI needed the best forensic expert they could hire to try. They contacted Dr. Bill Brockton. As a leader in forensic anthropology and the founder of the U of Tennessee’s Body Farm, Brockton was well-known for his expertise in identifying bodies and determining time of death. The Janus case, however – and Brockton hesitated to call it a “case,” since it seemed to have been an accident – would almost bust his chops. Judging by a nearly full set of teeth found at the site, Janus had been killed by the crash; a second set of teeth momentarily sidelined the investigation, but were explained by a bizarre coincidence. Janus, during his nighttime flight, had apparently missed a mountain and died for his mistake. But then reports surfaced that Brockton had missed an important dental clue,

Anyone who is artistically curious should reserve Saturday, Sept. 12, on their calendars for the first Art*Work*Shop in downtown Leonardtown. The event is a follow-up to the A&E First Friday Art Walk on Sept. 4, but this time the artist is you! Explore art venues and studios around Town for a full day of hands-on, educational, creative workshops with professional artists. Brush up on your skills, gain some experience, or try something completely new! Included in the cost of each seminar are materials and instruction for a creative project that you can take home with you that day, including drawings, paintings, jewelry, fiber arts, food, music, dance and so much more! The Leonardtown Arts & Entertainment District

Thursday, June 25, 2015

The County Times

Made. Grown. Found. By Crista Dockray Contributing Writer

Featured Homes of the Week

Realtor’s Choice

Photos by Crista Dockray

are USDA certified and free of antibiotics and growth hormones. “They are healthy, happy animals and they get to live a happy life,” said Webb. “Found” is given its title by the two pickers sent out to estate sales, yard sales and local mom and pop shops to find vintage, antique and slightly used items looking for a new home. This can go anywhere from furniture to vintage matchbooks. Keepin’ It Local offers around four to five events a year. At Christmas time they offered a candy cane making demo and throughout the rest of the year they offered a Beekeeping class, a How to Keep a Backyard Chicken class, and an art show with an ice cream tasting. They are open to hosting other small classes taught by the local community, but space is limited. Webb has enjoyed her time with the store and says she has learned a lot from the experience. She enjoys the people she interacts with and the smiles she is able to put on people’s faces. She is even known to go out into the fields and help fill buckets of produce herself. “I’ll go out in the fields and pick, I might come back all smeary, but that’s how you’re going to get me the rest of the day,” said Webb. For a one of a kind gift, an unusual piece of furniture, or just a sweet treat, Keepin’ It Local offers a little bit of everything for everybody. “Come see the unique little store, you just might get a friendly hello,” said Webb. Keepin’ It Local is open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at the corner of Rt. 5 and Rt. 242. For more information, call 301-475-7888, email keepingitlocalst.marys@gmail.com or visit www.keepinitlocal.biz. Also, look for the business on Facebook and Pintrest. contributing@countytimes.net

Presenting the professionals' favorite properties on the market.

Made, grown, found – this is the concept behind owner Debbie Webb’s Keepin’ It Local, a marketplace in the heart of Morganza. Repurposed in the Historic Old Post Office, Keepin’ It Local offers two floors, nine rooms and a front porch full of items from 100 different craftsmen, artisans and growers, almost all from neighboring counties and the State of Maryland. “Whatever you can make, we sell here, ” said Webb. The business, started in June 2012, is taking a turn into its fourth year this month. The inspiration sprouted from Webb’s interest in the Historic Old Post Office, which had been sitting vacant for three years. Built in the late 1800s, the Post Office was the second oldest in the county, also serving its time as a bar and General Store. The building is now classified under the Rural Preservation District and is restricted to a choice number of uses. One of the approved selections was a farmer’s market and Webb said this helped to shape the idea behind her business and what they have become today. “It just fell into place. They say ‘if you build it, they will come,’ and that’s really what happened,” said Webb. “A lot of people were so happy that we didn’t tear it down and put a Wawa here.” “Made” is defined by around 75 artisans and craftsmen that help fill each nook and cranny of the store. From dried flowers, local sea glass, jewelry, art and photography, repurposed wine bottles, wind chimes, candles, soaps and lotion, there is no shortage of artsy and unique items. Two things are hardly ever the same. “Grown” comes from the 25 to 30 growers that cover everything from meats, cheeses, produce, fruit, baked goods and candy. They even offer a variety of teas and coffee. Many of these items are grown just down the street and a portion are from certified organic famers. Keepin’ It Local is a member of the Southern Maryland Meats Program and all meats

Business

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

Community

The County Times

Calendar

June Month Long Free Books at Non-Profit Angel Wings & Things Thrift Store Angel Wings & Things Thrift Store (16560 Three Notch Rd, Ridge) — open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays Angel Wings & Things is located beside St. Michael’s Church in Ridge, 11 miles south of Lexington Park. The non-profit store offers unique collectibles, dishes, baby items, small appliances, toys and crafts. All proceeds benefit St. Michael’s School tuition assistance program. Throughout June, all books of every genre are free! Also during June, the thrift store will not be accepting donations. Art in the Park: ARTcade Flag Ponds Nature Park — open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. until June 28. More than 40 artists from across the region are showing their work in Nature’s ARTcade, an art exhibition at Flag Ponds Nature Park. Nature’s ARTcade will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. until June 28. River Concert Series St. Mary’s College of Maryland — gates open at 5 p.m., concert begins at 7 p.m. The Chesapeake Orchestra will begin the 17th season of the River Concert Series on June 19 at St. Mary’s College of Maryland with the community enjoying the 17th season with the classical music of Mendelssohn, Stravinsky and Resphigi on the banks of the St. Mary’s River. The inaugural concert will begin at 7 p.m. with the gates opening at 5 p.m. A new concert will be held every Friday for 6 weeks on the colleges Townhouse Green. Concert guests who attend this free event are encouraged to bring their own picnic or purchase food from various vendors. Southern Maryland Film Festival — Volunteer Orientation Commissioners of Leonardtown ( 41660 Court House Dr, Leonardtown) — 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteers are needed to staff the first-ever Southern Maryland Film Festival coming to Leonardtown, Md. on July 11. Several shifts and positions are open throughout the day, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Interested parties can send an email to smdfilmfest@gmail.com to receive the link to Sign-up Genius. The next volunteer orientation session for preparation of the event will be held Saturday, June 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the conference room of the Leonardtown Commissioners on Courthouse Dr. For more information, please contact Theresa Wood at 240-298-0183 or email smdfilmfest@gmail.com.

Thursday, June 25 TPP/ANA “Maintaining 5th Gen Fighters, F-35B/C, in the Naval En-

vironment” Panel & Reception Patuxent River Naval Air Museum — 5 to 7 p.m. RADM Randolph L. Mahr, USN, Deputy Program Executive Officer (DPEO), F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office. Mr. Dennis West, SES, Deputy Commander for Fleet Readiness Centers, NAVAIR 6.0. CAPT Bryant Hepstall, USN, Director, Weapons Systems Logistics, F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office. CDR Christian Sewell, USN, Government Flight Test Director; Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 & Operational Test Liaison; Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 9. Senior Chief Mark Barnhardt, Pax River ITF Mx, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23. RAF Chief Aviation Technician David Briggs, RAF F-35 Lightning II Field Service Engineer, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23. Gutbuster Cheese Steaks at VFW 2632 23282 Three Notch Rd, California — 5 to 8 p.m. Ditch the cooking tonight and swing by the VFW for a delicious Philly Style Cheese Steak. Choose steak or chicken and add mushrooms, peppers, onions, cheese and sauce—we make them your way! All orders come with fries for only $8—eat in or take them to go. Open to the public! Mother County Republicans Meeting Southern Maryland Higher Education Center (44219 Airport Road, California) — 7 p.m. Carroll County Commissioner Richard Rothschild will present “Agenda 21: In Their Own Words” at the Mother County Republicans meeting Thursday, June 25 at 7 p.m. at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, Building 1 Room 100. Please note new location for this event. For more information, email mothercountyreps@gmail.com.

Friday, June 26 Grocery Auction St. Michael’s School (16560 Three Notch Rd, Ridge) — 6 to 9 p.m. Farrell Auction Services will be hosting a grocery auction at St. Michael’s School. Items arrive a refrigerated truck from distribution centers and include anything that could be found in a grocery store. Bring your coolers and stock up for your summer parties, family celebrations and picnics. Save money, spend time with friends and family, have fun and get some great deals. A portion of the proceeds benefits St. Michael’s School. Payment – cash or check and will include a ten percent buyer’s premium. River Concert Series - Wit, Humor, and Brilliance St. Mary’s College of Maryland —

Thursday, June 25, 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.

gates open at 5 p.m., concert begins at 7 p.m. The Chesapeake Orchestra will perform the 17th season of the River Concert Series at St. Mary’s College of Maryland with the community enjoying the classical music of Rossini and Mozart on the banks of the St. Mary’s River. On June 26, the season’s second concert will present an evening focused around “Wit, humor, and brilliance,” with guest Nathaniel Silberschlag on horn. Open Mic Christ Church Parish Hall (37497 Zach Fowler Road, Chaptico) — 7 p.m. The Southern Maryland Traditional Music and Dance HomeSpun CoffeeHouse will sponsor an Open Mic at the Christ Church Parish Hall on Friday, June 26. This is a great event with many varieties of music and lots of friendship, so if you haven’t been to an SMTMD event before, this is a great time to start! Doors open at 7 p.m., and the music starts at 7:30 p.m.. The admission fee for this event is only $7, and performers are admitted free. Light refreshments will be provided (donations are suggested). For additional information, or to sign up to perform, please contact John Garner at garner@wildblue.net or call John at 301-904-4987. Visit www. smtmd.org for directions and more information.

Saturday, June 27 “Adults Only” at the Plantation Godiah Spray Tobacco Plantation (18751 Hogaboom Ln, St. Mary’s City) — first tour 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., second tour 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Take an after-hours tour of the Godiah Spray Tobacco Plantation and learn about subjects of a more “adult” nature. Ages 18+. $14 per person ($12 Friends members). Two tours: 5 – 6 p.m., or 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Reservations required: call 240-8954990 or email info@hsmcdigshistory. org. Hollywood Bluegrass Festival St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds — 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Live Bluegrass Music featuring Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass, The Bluegrass Brothers, The California Ramblers, Charlie Thompson & Bottom County Bluegrass and more... Gate opens at 10 a.m. Adults pay $25, 10-21 pay $12, Under 10 are free. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Bring a lawn chair. No coolers. Kids Activities. Sponsored by Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Sunday, June 28 Sacred Heart Church Annual June Dinner Sacred Heart Church (23080 Maddox Rd, Bushwood) — 12 to 4 p.m. Sacred Heart Church will be hosting their Annual June Dinner on Sun-

day, June 28th, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Menu includes crab cakes, fried chicken, country ham, potato salad, cole slaw, green beans, rolls, tea and coffee. The price for an adult is $25, children 12 and under are $6, and drive-thru/carry-outs cost $25. The church will also have a bake table, country store and raffle. For more information, call 301-769-3100. All’s Well That Ends Well Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Art Center — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In a delightfully abstract exploration of topics ranging from alien encounters to zombies, Joshua Owen presents his most recent paintings in the Community Gallery at Annmarie Garden. No cost to attend this event, however should you choose to access the rest of the facility, normal admission fees apply. International Mud Day! Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Art Center — 1 to 4 p.m. Visit Annmarie Sculpture Garden and celebrate International Mud Day! Kids of all ages are encouraged to stomp, splash and get dirty! There will be a giant mud play area, along with artsy “mud-themed” activities for everyone. Dress for a mess, bring a change of clothes, a beach towel, and a lawn chair, and join us! Youth (6-17) are $3; Adults are $5; Seniors (65+) are $4; Military are $4; AMG members and children under 5 are free! No reservations required--just drop in! For more information, call 410-326-4640 or visit www.annmariegarden.org.

Monday, June 29 Adventure Camp Greenwell State Park, (25450 Rosedale Manor Ln, Hollywood) — June 29 to July 2, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Campers at this Greenwell Foundation summer program explore their environment on land and water as they help create their own adventures. Extended care available. Elks Holdem “Bounty” Tournament St. Mary’s County Elks Lodge (45779 Fire Department Lane, Lexington Park) — 7 p.m. No Limit Holdem Poker Tournament $25 Buy in = 4,000 chips $5 add-on = 1,000 chips and raffle drawing Tournament is part of Elks Lodge Spring/Summer Leaderboard Challenge. This session will run for 20 weeks. Earn a BOUNTY chip worth $5 dollars for every person that you bust out of the tournament. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Cash games will start as soon as there are enough players that are interested. Holdem : $1 - $2 no limit Omaha Hi/Lo : $.50 - $1 no limit Please enter through the side of the building. For more information, call James

The County Times

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Dean at 240-577-0828 or email jdeanjunior@yahoo.com.

Tuesday, June 30 Little Leaps Greenwell State Park (25450 Rosedale Manor Ln, Hollywood) — 10 a.m. Little Leaps is for young children with disabilities. Activities are for children 4-7 years of age who are too young to ride in our program. Activities will be offered at the barn with horses, goats and small animals. This program is also a great way for parents to better understand their children and to have a chance to connect with others who may be facing similar challenges. Little Leaps is held every Tuesday at 10 a.m. Each session is $10 per child; parents/guardians and siblings may attend at no cost.

Wednesday, July 1 Rock the Dock Live Music Series featuring Joe Martone Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa (4165 Mears Ave., Chesapeake Beach) — 6 to 10 p.m. Live music seven days a week now through Labor Day. Enjoy a variety of music genres with your feet in the sand while sipping cool drinks and dining on our local seafood and other fare. Choose your favorite music type or experience something new while dining and dancing on the beach. Visit www.rockthedock.

com for a complete list of artists and bands playing throughout the summer or call 866-312-5596. Joe Martone will preform every Wednesday except for 7/22 and 7/29. Ticket prices vary and some bands are free. If the event is ticketed, tickets are for sale online. If the event does not sell out, additional tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

Thursday, July 2 Rock the Dock Live Music Series featuring Brothers Osborne Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa (4165 Mears Ave., Chesapeake Beach) — 8 to 9:30 p.m. Live music seven days a week now through Labor Day. Enjoy a variety of music genres with your feet in the sand while sipping cool drinks and dining on our local seafood and other fare. Choose your favorite music type or experience something new while dining and dancing on the beach. Visit www. rockthedock.com for a complete list of artists and bands playing throughout the summer or call 866-312-5596. Ticket prices vary and some bands are free. If the event is ticketed, tickets are for sale online. If the event does not sell out, additional tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

Capture That Critter Flag Ponds Nature Park (1525 Flag Pond Parkway, Lusby) —10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Maryland Biodiversity Project needs help documenting all the plants and animals of Maryland. Kids and teens (ages 10 to 13) will have fun exploring the park as they capture animals on camera. Program Fee: free for Society members. Nonmembers pay $8 per person.

Friday, July 3 Barenaked Ladies, Violent Femmes, and Colin Hay Perform Last Summer on Earth Tour Calvert Marine Museum’s PNC Waterside Pavilion (4200 Solomons Island Road, St. Leonard) - 6:30 p.m. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to see Barenaked Ladies, Violent Femmes, and Colin Hay perform live in Solomons when they open the Last Summer on Earth Tour! Tickets for all three acts are $49 for reserved seats and $59 for premium seats and are on sale now. River Concert Series — Superman, Sousa, “Saturday Night Live”, and Fireworks St. Mary’s College of Maryland — gates open at 5 p.m., concert begins at 7 p.m. The Chesapeake Orchestra will perform the 17th season of the River Concert Series at St. Mary’s College of Maryland with the community en-

joying the classical music of John Williams, John Philip Sousa, and Tchaikovsky on the banks of the St. Mary’s River. On July 3, the season’s second concert will present an evening focused around “superman, Sousa, and Saturday Night Live,” with fireworks and featuring Lawrence Feldman, original member of the NBM Saturday Night Live Band. Small Fry Fridays! Sotterley Plantation (44300 Sotterley Ln, Hollywood) — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FUN learning opportunities at Historic Sotterley Plantation are coming up every Friday during the month of July! Join a costumed docent portraying a Sotterley person of the past while enjoying some kid-friendly activities! On July 3, croquet and games on the lawn will be available to play at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Cost is $5. Call 301-373-2280 for more information.

Saturday, July 4 Knights of Columbus Summer Classic Car Show St. John’s Church and School (43950 St.John’s Church Road, Hollywood) — 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vehicles must be 1989 or older. All proceeds benefit Local Knights of Columbus Charities. No alcoholic beverages allowed. Registration Fee is $20 at the gate (open until noon), pre-registration is $15 (Pre-registration form must be received by June 27). Vendor fee is $25. For more information, call 301-373-8609.

CHURCH SERVICES DIRECTORY NOW RUNNING IN EVERY ISSUE! CATHOLIC CHURCH St. Cecilia Church

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

BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH

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

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

ANGLICAN

METHODIST

victOrybaptistchurchmd.Org

St. John's Anglican Church

Hollywood United Methodist Church

HUGHESVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH

24422 Mervell Dean Rd • Hollywood, MD 20636

SUNDAY MASS 10 a.m. 26415 North Sandgates Rd. Mechanicsville, Md 20659 www.facebook.com/ StJohnsAnglicanMD stjohnsanglicanchurchmd.com

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

Entertainment

The County Times

SOMD Film Festival

Full-Day, Half-Day and Children’s Passes Available

Advance tickets are now on sale for the first-ever Southern Maryland Film Festival coming to Leonardtown, Maryland on July 11. Tickets may be purchased online at www.smdff. org until July 10, and then picked up at the ”Will Call” window at the Box Office on the Square in Leonardtown the day of the event. Advance tickets are $20 for a full-day adult pass, $12 for a half-day adult pass, $10 for a full-day pass for children 13 and under, and $7 for a half-day children’s pass. Tickets are also available the day of the Festival at slightly-higher, cashonly prices ($25 adult full-day pass, $17 adult half-day pass, $15 children’s full-day pass, and $12 children’s halfday pass). Full-day passes allow movie-goers to see as many films as they wish between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.; while AM Half-day passes are only valid between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and PM Half-day passes are only valid between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Event organizers are in the process of finalizing the movie and venue schedule, and will soon post details on the website and Facebook page to help potential audience members decide between full and half-day selections. A generous number of small venues – The Leonardtown Arts Center, Heritage Printing

and Graphics, Crazy for Ewe, Big Larry’s Eatery, Marrick Homes at Clark’s Rest Model Home, and The Rex – will be screening select movies and hosting Q&A sessions with the filmmakers. Because of limited, first-come, first-serve seating at these venues, all films will also be shown at either St. Mary’s Ryken High School or the College of Southern Maryland – Leonardtown Campus, where there is a larger number of seats available. With valid passes, moviegoers may also stop by casual meet & greet sessions with the filmmakers at Opal Fine Art, North End Gallery, Café des Artistes and other venues. All passholders are invited to St. Mary’s Ryken High School for the closing awards and appreciation event at 6 p.m., which will also include the screening of a short film not shown at any other venue during the day. Free and open to the public are panel discussions regarding Film as Art, Film & the Community and Getting into the Film Industry to be held a the College of Southern Maryland – Leonardtown Campus, as well as “Celebrating the Silver Screen”, and filminspired exhibit at North End Gallery. For more information on the event, volunteering or sponsorships, please visit www.smdff.org or email smdfilmfest@gmail.com.

Celebrate International Mud Day & Come Get Muddy! Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center in Solomons, Maryland, is calling all kids to get muddy! On June 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. come and celebrate International Mud Day! Regular admission rates apply. Kids of all ages are encouraged to Activities include: • Mega Mud Tarp • Mud Pies and Seed Cakes at the Mud Cafe • Mushy Mud Pools • Squish-a- Face Forest • Magic Mud Painting • Sprinkler Rinse-off Station. Helpful Hints for Maximum Mud Day Enjoyment • Dress for a mess! Mud day is DIRTY!

stomp, splash and get dirty! There will be a giant mud play area, along with artsy “mud-themed” activities for everyone. Dress for a mess, bring a change of clothes, a beach towel, and a lawn chair, and join us! • Wear old clothes to play in the mud. We suggest swimwear, old tshirts, and flip-flops. • There will be a sprinkler rinse off station, so bring a towel to dry off. • Don’t forget your camera! The most memorable days end with the dirtiest clothes. • Remember your sun screen and bug spray! • Picnics, blankets, and lawn chairs are also welcome.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

n O g n Goi

In Entertainment

Thursday, June 25 Thursday Jazz Jam Eaglewood Sports Lounge (105 Crain Hwy, Upper Marlboro) – 8 to 11 p.m. Tracy Allen Ruddy Duck (13200 Dowell Rd, Dowell) – 8 to 11 p.m.

Friday, June 26

Redwine Jazz Trio: Traditional Instrumental Jazz Westlawn Inn (9200 Chesapeake Ave, North Beach) – 7:30 to 10 p.m. Muddy Ruckus Ruddy Duck (13200 Dowell Rd, Dowell) – 8 p.m. Karaoke with DJ Tommy T & Friends Applebee’s (45480 Miramar WayS, California) – 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Rock n Roll Night Westlawn Inn (9200 Chesapeake Ave, North Beach) – 7:30 to 10 p.m. (seating limited) Joe Molina & Josh/Abby Live Acoustic

Sunday, June 28 6th Year Anniversary Party Ruddy Duck (13200 Dowell Rd, Dowell) – 3 to 7 p.m.

Dennis Point Marina (46555 Dennis Point Way, Drayden) – 6 to 10 p.m.

A Taste of Maryland

Crafts & Campfire on the Beach

Port Tobacco Courthouse (8430 Commerce St., Port Tobacco) – 4:30 to 6 p.m.

North Beach (8916 Chesapeake Avenue, North Beach) – 6:30 p.m.

Monday, June 29

The Musician Protection Program: Rock N Roll

Pizza & Pint Night

Westlawn Inn (9200 Chesapeake Ave, North Beach) – 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Ruddy Duck (13200 Dowell Rd, Dowell) – 4 to 7 p.m.

Tracy Allen

Team Trivia

Ruddy Duck (16800 Piney Point Rd., Piney Point) – 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Ruddy Duck (13200 Dowell Rd, Dowell) – 7 p.m.

Kajun Kelley Band Anthony’s Bar and Grill (10371 Southern Maryland Blvd, Dunkirk) – 9 p.m.

Saturday, June 27

Tuesday, June 30 Taco Tuesday Ruddy Duck (13200 Dowell Rd, Dowell) – 4 to 7:30 p.m.

Gary Rue & Jeff Farias Patuxent Pub & Grill (258 Town Square Drive, Lusby) – 7 to 10 p.m.

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.

The County Times

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Sports

Lathroum Ends Potomac Win Drought A View From The With Friday Late Model Triumph Hills Clicks for Second LLM Score

Late Model feature finish 1.Jamie Lathroum 2. Kenny Moreland 3. Nick Davis 4. Kyle Lear 5. Walter Crouch 6. Deane Guy 7. Jacob Burdette 8. Stevie Long 9. Ryan Hackett 10. Jason Covert 11. Dale Hollidge 12. JT Spence (DNS)

Limited Late Model feature finish 1.Daryl Hills 2. Derrick Quade 3. Tyler Emory 4. Sommey Lacey 5. Billy Tucker 6. Kurt Zimmerman 7. Brian Wright 8. Ray Cicarelli 9. James Sparks 10. Megan Mann 11. Jimmy Jesmer Jr. 12. Andy Della

Street Stock feature finish 1. Mike Franklin 2. Chuck Bowie 3. Scott Wilson 4. Jeremy Tinsman 5. Jerry Jenkins Jr. 6. Dale Reamy 7. Billy Hill 8. Mike Raleigh 9. Mike Latham 10. Lloyd Deans 11. Sam Crouch

Hobby Stock feature finish 1. Ed Pope Jr. 2. Greg Morgan 3. Ryan Clement 4. Buddy Dunagan 5. Jonathan Raley 6. Jerry Deason 7. Ed Pope Sr. 8. Billy Crouse 9. John Burch 10. Tommy Randall 11. Matt Stewart 12. Luke Lukinic 13. Sam Raley 14. Ray Reed 15. William Ellis 16. Rob Jones

U-Car feature finish 1. Corey Swaim 2. DJ Powell 3. Jermy Pilkerton 4. DJ Stotler 5. Brian Coe Jr. 6. Mikey Latham 7. Erica Bailey 8. Savannah Windsor

Mechanicsville’s Jamie Lathroum drove to his first win of the 2015 season in last Friday nights 35lap Late Model feature at Potomac speedway. The win for Lathroum, worth $3000, was his 12th career division win and his first at the track since 2013. The re-draw placed Lathroum and defending track champion Jason Covert on the front row for the start of the event with Lathroum assuming control as the field raced into turn three. Covert stayed with Lathroum during the early going until transmission issues forced Covert from the event on lap nine. As Lathroum continued to lead, the battle for second was intense as Nick Davis, Kenny Moreland and Kyle Lear all waged hand to hand combat with Moreland securing the spot on the last lap as Lathroum streaked under the checkered flag for his overall 60th career Potomac feature win. “It’s nice to finally get one here at home.” Lathroum stated during his post race interview. “It helped starting up front tonight, but with the luck we’ve had here lately, I had to keep on my toe’s because there were some pretty good cars behind me.” The ever humble Lathroum was pleased in reaching the 60-win plateau at the speedway. “I’ve been hearing you say 59 for what seems like a long time.” Lathroum said with a laugh. “It’s always nice to win but I couldn’t do this with out all the great sponsors we’ve had over the years and all the people who help.” Nick Davis scored his careerbest Potomac finish in third, Lear settled for fourth with Walter Crouch rounding out the top-five. Heats went to Lathroum and Davis. Current point leader and former track champion Daryl Hills scored his second win of the season in the 20-lap Limited Late Model headliner. Kurt Zimmerman lead the first five laps before defending class champion Tyler Emory, steering a brand new race car, slid into the race lead on the sixth circuit. As Emory lead Daryl Hills rode in second and made the eventual winning pass on the on the 18th

lap after a crowd pleasing duel for his 14th career division win. Derrick Quade rallied late for second, Emory settled for third, 12th starting David Williams took fourth with Billy Tucker completing the top-five. Heats went to Hills and Williams. In support class action current point leader Mike Franklin drove to his seventh win of the season in the 20-lap Street Stock feature, Ed Pope Jr. drove to his fourth of 2015 in the 15-lap Hobby Stock contest and Corey Swaim scored his third win of the year in the nightcap 15-lap U-Car main.

By Doug Watson Contributing Writer

Truck Mania at MDIR on Saturday!

custom truck show, a $1,200 daisy duke contest, a 300 mph jet dragster, vendor midway, and a burnout contest! We will also have a big wheel race and school bus rides down the 1/4 mile for the kids! Gates open at 11 a.m. Admission for adults is $20, Juniors 12 to 15 are $10, and Kids 6 to 11 are just $5. Racer entry fee is $40 and Truck Show Entry is $30. On Sunday, June 28, MDIR will host a full day Test & Tune. Time runs and grudge racing all day long! A $1,000 to win gamblers race will also be held for E.T. bracket racers. So bring your grudge matches, street cars, pro cars, bracket cars, imports, motorcycles, and Jr. Dragsters to MDIR! Gates open at 10 a.m., eliminations begin at 3 p.m., and the gates close at 6 p.m. Admission is just $15 and kids 11 & under are free. Test & Tune entry fee is $30 and No Time entry fee is $40. For more information on these events call 301884-RACE, visit us at www.RaceMDIR.com or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @RaceMDIR.

This Friday night, July 26, MDIR will host the Speed Unlimited Midnight Madness Series! The Midnight Madness series is a great place to check out street legal drag racing, hang out with your friends, enjoy great food, meet new people, and cruise the pits. You can even enter your own streetcar or street bike into the event for time runs, grudge runs, or trophy racing. The event will feature Pro Street, Super Street, Hollyrock Customs Diesel Shootout, Motorcycle, and the Outlaw Drag Radial class. It’s safe, fun, affordable, and legal. Plus, this Friday Night we have a live performance by “Almost Kings” on the Hitchcock Autoworks stage! Gates will open at 6 p.m., racing starts at 6:30 p.m., and eliminations start at 10 p.m. General Admission for an adult is $10, and kids 11 & under are free. Racer entry fee is just $20. On Saturday, June 27, MDIR will host the 21st annual Truck Mania event! This is the only All Truck event of the year at MDIR! The event is bigger and better than ever, and will feature the Big Rig Outlaws and the Pro Street Trucks! The event will also host all truck drag racing,

BLEACHERS The Birds By Ronald N. Guy Jr. Contributing Writer Good evening. Birds in nature: beautiful, melodic and peaceful creatures. Birds, under interpretive genius: grotesque, swarming, vicious, psychopathic killers. That was the bizarre premise behind Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1963 horror movie “The Birds.” But why take my word for it? Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 96% on the Tomatometer and offers this critique: “Proving once again that the build-up is the key to suspense, Alfred Hitchcock successfully turned birds into some of the most terrifying villains in horror history.” Hitchcock’s birds: nothing like we knew or could have imagined. He turned a gift of nature into a star of horror. If only this avian alter ego had remained confined to the big screen. If only… A friend of mine is a Pittsburgh Pirates fan. Me? The Nats…despite warts, wounds and October performance-anxiety. We are proud loyalists. Aside from that shared and arguably foolish trait, our sports discussions rarely find common ground – with one exception. We both hate – in an “I can’t stand their goodness” way - the St. Louis Cardinals. Here are a few excerpts from our “The Birds” horror flick. In 2012, the Nationals led the fifth and final game of the NLDS 6-0 after three innings. Print the NLCS hats and shirts. Ice the champagne. It’s over. Party time, D.C. It was 6-3 after the fifth inning. By the eighth it was 7-5. Gulp. After nine it was 9-7… Cardinals. My buddy has better justification. After suffering through two decades of hideous postBarry Bonds baseball, the Pirates snagged playoff berths in 2013 and 2014. The Bucs were a wildcard team – a position with a more arduous path to the World Series – because they finished second in the NL Central…to the Cardinals…both years. And in 2013, the Pirates lost the NLDS 4-2 to…do I even need to say it? Chirp, bleeping chirp. Tweet, bleeping tweet. In hate there is often an element of admiration. After a few beers, my buddy and I would admit as much about the Cardinals. They are…an amazing franchise. Over the years, we watched long-time manager Tony LaRussa retire, future hall-of-famer Albert Pujols sign with the L.A. Angels and ace pitchers Adam Wainright and

Chris Carpenter suffer serious injuries. Yet the Cardinals keep winning. Since 2000, St. Louis has won two World Series’ and missed the playoffs but four times. They currently have the best record in baseball. St. Louis’ fifteen-year win/loss excellence compares to that of Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots’. After a recent ethical breech, the Cards are now the Patriots’ baseball synonym. The Cardinals saw the Patriots’ “Spygate” and “Deflategate” controversies and raised them one “Hackgate.” It seems Cardinals front office personnel have been breaking into the information systems and stealing player evaluation data from the Houston Astros – a team whose General Manager, Jeff Luhnow, worked for St. Louis from 2003 through 2011 - since roughly 2012. The story is evolving. The FBI is investigating. It’s a hot mess. This is life in 2015. Baseball’s rascals used to poach an occasional sign, use too much pine tar, cork bats or scuff the baseball. So cute. Then the mischievousness went rogue during the steroid era. Now, in the information and analytics age, it’s disintegrated into blatantly stealing organizational trade secrets. When Cardinals hack/attack: Hitchcock’s once horrifying and extreme portrayal of birds now seems…appropriate. Holy cyber warfare, Batman. It is routine shtick for graybeards to embellish childhood tribulations and playfully criticize the current generation’s softness. We worked harder in years past, trudged through snow in newspaper-wrapped shoes to get to school and always cleaned our plates – vegetables and all. Right. The truth is, the world and life in it gets more complicated as time passes. I was 14 when Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Niekro tried to inconspicuously toss an emery board from his pocket, only to be busted by an umpire. It was more hilarious than offensive. If you’re 14 now you’re dealing with the best organization in baseball intentionally launching a cyber attack to steal proprietary information. Sorry about that, kids. As it was in 1963, so it is in 2015: when birds attack, it can be quite disturbing. Send comments to GuyJr@gmail.com

Ronald-

The County Times

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Thursday, June 25, 2015

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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 Conservations Districts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed area for customization. If the 77 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 from your local library; 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

The Chesapeake Bay is threatened What’s threatening the Bay?

Nitrogen. Phosphorus. Sediment. These are the major factors responsible for the decline of water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

that falls on St. Mary’s County will make its way to the Bay or one of its tributaries. Along the way it will pick up and carry with it the things that we put on the ground.

Nitrogen and phosphorus are nutrients. They serve as essential food for living things, but too much can be lethal to the Bay. Too many nutrients spawn the growth of algae that can be toxic to marine life, pets, and humans. When those algae die, they remove life-giving oxygen from the water and create “dead zones” where fish, oysters, clams, and crabs can’t live because they can’t breathe. Sediment is soil that washes into the Bay when it rains. It clouds the water and prevents underwater grasses from growing. These grasses produce oxygen and provide a place for young fish and crabs to develop and thrive.

So who’s responsible?

Every one of us. Every drop of water

From http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3046/

What can I do?

From My Backyard to Our Bay offers tips for living in harmony with the Bay. It explains how you can contribute to the health of your local watershed,

This is the first in a series of articles that Mary Ann Scott (maryann.scott58@yahoo.com) has adapted from From My Backyard to Our Bay in the hopes of increasing awareness of the little booklet that could do so much to help the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Look for the next article in next week’s County Times!

From

My B

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

are you Bay-Wise?

maintain an environmentally-friendly lawn, and manage stormwater runoff, wells, and septic systems – all in ways that will reduce the flow of nutrients and Bay-Wise landscapes sediment into the Bay. minimize negative impacts on our waterways by using Restoring the Chesapeake Bay smarter lawn management techniques and gardening The Chesapeake Bay is a national practices. The University treasure that desperately needs our of Maryland Extension help. Experts agree that there is only Master Gardener Bay-Wise one way to restore the Chesapeake Bay, and that’s “one river at a time.” But program in St. Mary’s County offers hands-on the problems don’t start in the rivers; help with managing your they start on the land surrounding the landscape by providing rivers – their watersheds. You live in a information, a site visit, and watershed. We all do. The way we treat landscape certifications. the land in our watersheds affects the Our yardstick checklist is health of our streams, our rivers, and easy to understand and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. follow, and our team of trained Master Gardeners What is a Watershed? can help guide you A watershed is all the land area through it while offering that drains to a given body of water. suggestions to improve Topography (the elevation and the both the appearance contour of the land) determines where and sustainability of your landscape. and how fast stormwater runoff will flow and eventually drain to a surface Call Now & water body such as a stream, creek, Schedule a Visit! or river. Every resident of St. Mary’s 301-475-4120 County lives in a watershed that drains extension.umd.edu/baywise to the Chesapeake Bay or one of its Start a Movement in Your tributaries. Neighborhood…Be the First to be Certified Bay-Wise!

Games

Thursday, June 25, 2015

CLUES ACROSS 1. Sunscreen rating 4. Military mailbox 7. 12th month (abbr.) 10. Sunrise Mount of Shandong 11. Escape from the law 12. Similar suffix 13. Pyrrole 15. Anger 16. Blue-billed diving ducks 19. J.K. Rowling’s pseudonym 22. Projecting part of a rampart 23. What St. Helens did 24. Large integers 25. Adhesive or digital 26. Writing providing information 29. Inscribed upright stone slabs 33. The night before 34. Black tropical American cuckoo 35. Heartache from loss 39. Hush money payer 42. Geological times 44. Types of fish eggs

45. Young pilchard 48. Lack of momentum 52. “Blue Bloods” A.D.A. actress 54. Rust fungi 55. Make lace 56. Small larids 57. Energy Savings Measure 58. Before 59. __ Lilly, drug company 60. Comic book character rooted in Japanese mythology 61. Radioactivity unit 62. Tear apart CLUES DOWN 1. Posts or stumps (Scot.) 2. Painter’s board 3. Containing more fire 4. In a way, adjusts 5. 1/100 Serbian dinar 6. Breakfast egg dish 7. Throw into disorder 8. Prisoner on the lam 9. 1st Hindu month 13. Treats high blood pressure (abbr.)

The County Times

14. A plural of zoon 17. Ouray Res. Tribe 18. Doctor of Philosophy 20. Large quantities 21. Ladies undergarments 26. Foot (Latin) 27. Macao monetary unit 28. Prefix denoting “in a” 30. Research workplace 31. Midway between NE and E 32. Title of respect 36. Somewhat crimson 37. Folding paper art 38. Gradually diminish 39. Too osseous 40. Go in again 41. A citizen of Israel 43. Irish, English or Gordon 44. Had a wild disturbance 45. Helps little firms 46. They __ 47. Brown, wild & long-grained 49. Thysanopterous insect 50. Gandalf actor 51. Initials of Dannielynn’s mother 53. “Dragon Tattoo” actress Rooney

Last Week’s Puzzle Solutions

The County Times

St. Mary’s Department of Aging

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Programs and Activities Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Booklet Distribution The 2015 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program booklet distribution for St. Mary’s County will take place at the Garvey Senior Activity Center in Leonardtown on Tuesday, July 7, beginning at 10 a.m. until all coupon booklets are distributed. Eligibility requirements: (1) must be 60 years of age or older and able to provide proof of age. (2) Must be a St. Mary’s County resident. (3) Financial qualification is based on entire household. For a one person household, the monthly income cannot be above $1,815 per month, a two person household monthly income must be $2,456 or less combined. (4) Individuals receiving checks must sign a Federal Affidavit indicating that they meet the qualifications. Intentionally making false statement can result in civil or criminal prosecution under State and Federal law. For more information regarding the qualifications or distribution, call 301475-4200, ext. 1072. The Role of Hearing on Safety & Hearing Aid Gimmicks The Triad/SALT Council will host a hearing screening and presentation at the Lexington Park Senior Apartments on Thursday, June 25 at 2 pm. Learn about hearing loss and its implications on safety when not addressed - you may be endangering yourself as well as those around you whether it’s at home, driving, or in a public place. In addition, learn about the various hearing aid gimmicks disguised as “ads, coupons sales, deals and specials offers.” To register for this presentation call 301-4754200, ext. 1073. July Special Event Tickets Now On Sale The Midsummer Celebration will be

held at the Loffler Senior Activity Center on Wednesday, July 15 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. This party is for you and your grandchildren to celebrate together. It features ice cream from Bruster’s, Karaoke by Scarlet Plus Entertainment, plus opportunities to create art. Cost is $3 for adults and free for children. This party is limited to 100 people and tickets are required (including the free children’s tickets). Stop by the Loffler Center to get your tickets before they are all gone. For more information call 301-7375670, ext. 1658. Learn To Use Your Camera Professional photographer, Beth Graeme will be at the Northern Senior Activity Center on July 8 from 9 a.m. to noon working with small groups in one hour sessions so you can “get to know your camera.” She will show you how to navigate the features on your camera, smart phone, or tablet, demonstrate what they can do, and allow you to practice your new skills. The class cost is $5 and payment is due at the time of sign up. For more information, please call 301-475-4002, opt. 1/ext. 3101. Monitoring Your Blood Glucose On Thursday, July 9 at 10 a.m., Medstar St. Mary’s Hospital Health Connections staff will be at the Loffler Senior Activity Center to discuss blood glucose and insulin, blood glucose targets, symptoms of high and low blood sugar, A1C, what makes blood sugars go up and down, as well as using monitoring results. Sign up for this free presentation by calling 301-737-5670, ext. 1658 or stop by the Loffler reception desk. Loffler Luau Tickets Now On Sale The eighth annual Loffler Luau will be celebrated on Thursday, July 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Loffler Senior Activity

Center. This wildly popular event features the favored trappings our partygoers love, including Mean Gene DJ, staff-prepared Huli-Huli Chicken, rice pilaf, pineapple skewers, sesame cabbage salad, cucumber salad, and key lime pie. Wear your favorite tropical garb and we’ll give you a lei that will look smashing with it. Tickets are available at the Loffler Center for $8. Seating is limited to 100. Call 301-737-5670, ext. 1658 for more information. Stay Youthful With Yoga Experience the healing benefits of yoga. Yoga for Everyone is offered at the Northern Senior Activity Center every Monday at 9 a.m. and alternating Fridays at 8 a.m. This ancient discipline is used as both an exercise to increase flexibility and strength as well as a method of relaxation. Cost is $3 per class, or you can purchase a $30 fitness card good for 10 sessions. Try your first class for free! For more information, please call 301-475-4002, opt. 1/ext. 3103. Ceramic Tile Coasters Come to the Loffler Senior Activity Center on Friday, July 10 at 10 a.m. to make ceramic tile coasters. Cost for this project is $4 for set of 4 and can be paid the day of the class. Sign up by calling 301-737-5670 ext. 1658 or stop by the Loffler reception desk. Tai Chi For Arthritis Starting Back Up at Loffler Starting Monday, July 13 the Loffler Senior Activity Center will be offering refresher classes for anyone who has completed a series of Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention. Classes will be held on Mondays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. through the remainder of July.

July Hot Dog Celebration In celebration of National Hot Dog Month the Garvey Senior Activity Center will serve a hot dog meal on Wednesday, July 8 at Noon. In addition to hot dogs, the lunch menu includes baked beans, coleslaw, fresh strawberries with whipped topping and juice/milk/coffee/tea. Lunch will be served at noon; entertainment will be provided at 12:30 p.m. by David Norris. Enjoy your favorite old time country music. Sign up in advance by calling 301-475-4200, ext. 1050. Ice Cream Social Fundraiser Need to cool off this summer? Take a break from the heat and help raise funds for entertainment and special events at the Garvey Senior Activity Center on Friday, July 10 from 2:30 – 4 p.m. In celebration of the invention of the ice cream cone in July of 1904, the Garvey Senior Activity Center will serve ice cream on your choice of cone; waffle, sugar, or wafer. Cost per cone: $2. Also available will be ice cream sundaes for $3 and brownie sundaes for $4. For more information, call 301-475-4200, ext. 1050. Series on Decorative Painting Techniques The Northern Senior Activity Center will be having a series on decorative painting on Wednesdays, July 1 – Aug. 5, from 1-3 p.m. The instructor, Debbie Williams, will be teaching proper brush stroke skills to help improve detail work that can be applied to canvas, crafts, and ceramics. The class cost for the series is a one-time payment of $5. Materials will be provided by the Center for use. It is important to attend all six classes to receive the maximum benefit from this series. For more information, please call 301-475-4002, opt.1/ext. 3101.

Loffler Senior Activity Center 301-737-5670, ext. 1658 • Garvey Senior Activity Center, 301-475-4200, ext. 1050 • Northern Senior Activity Center, 301-475-4002, ext. 13101

Visit the Department of Aging’s website at www.stmarysmd.com/aging for the most up-to date information.

The Daughters of James Bowles, Pt. III By Linda Reno Contributing Writer Jane Bowles, the third and last daughter of James Bowles and Rebecca Addison, was born about 1726 in St. Mary’s County. Jane is briefly mentioned in a letter from John Lewis to Capt. Lawrence Washington (George’s half-brother) dated June 28, 1742-“Mr. Wormeley and Col. Charles Carter has lost their Ladies. Mr. Wormeley is making his addresses to Miss Bowles, of Maryland — how it may fare with him I cannot say.” Ralph Wormeley (1715-1790), the widower, was successful and married Jane Bowles just a few months later on December 11, 1742. They made their home at “Rosegill” in Middlesex County, Virginia. Ironically, the first wife of Ralph Wormeley was Elizabeth Tayloe, sister of John Tayloe, Jr. who married Rebecca Plater (Jane’s half-sister and daughter of George Plater and Rebecca Addison) in 1747.

“For generations the home of ‘Wormeley of Virginia’…is perhaps the least popularly known of Virginia’s colonial estates. In the third decade of the seventeenth century Christopher and Ralph Wormeley ‘came out’ to Virginia and founded their first home in York County, each becoming a member of that ‘Virginia House of Lords’—the governor’s Council of State. In 1649, Ralph Wormeley patented a tract of land wonderfully situated on the Rappahannock River—in what is now Middlesex County… establishing ‘Rosegill,’ ‘passing’ in the year of our Lord 1651…Agatha (of the name and family of “Eltonhead of Eltonhead”)*, widow of the first Ralph Wormeley (who was her second husband), took unto herself a third mate—the distinguished Sir Henry Chicheley, Knight, a cavalier officer, member of the Governor’s Council in Virginia and deputy governor of the Colony—who made Rosegill his home throughout the remainder of his days.” Jane’s son, Ralph Wormeley (1744-

1806),” in a letter to John Randolph Grymes, dated 4 April, 1776, expressed himself quite freely in ‘loyal terms’; the letter was intercepted, and Wormeley was ordered by resolution of the Virginia Convention to be confined to the county of Berkeley and that part of his father’s estate which was in the county of Frederick, and not to depart the limits thereof, and to give bond for £20,000. For two years his movements were thus restricted. After his release he returned to Rosegill, where, in 1781, oh, irony of fate! his estate was pillaged and he robbed, by the crew of a tory privateer, of thirty-six valuable slaves, silver plate, jewelry, watches and wearing apparel, some of the property, however, being later returned on application to General Leslie, the English officer then commanding at Portsmouth.” Despite this, after the war he became a member of the Virginia House of Delegates and the Virginia Convention of 1788. Jane (Bowles) Wormeley died at “Rosegill” on October 21, 1793.

Courtesy of Virginia Historical Society, online

*Agatha Eltonhead had several St. Mary’s County connections. Her brother, William Eltonhead, married Jane Fenwick (he was her third husband), sister of Cuthbert Fenwick. He was captured and executed by the Puritans at the Battle of the Severn in 1655. Agatha’s sister was Jane Eltonhead who was the second wife of Cuthbert Fenwick.

The County Times

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Wanderings of an Aimless Mind Summer Days By Shelby Opperman Contributing Writer Oh my, I think I am craving sweet corn for breakfast now. I think I will have to find a recipe for corn pudding. Someone made one at either our church refreshment hour or a church event in the last year. I need to find out who made the delicious concoction. Maybe some of you have a recipe you might share. So far all the ears of corn we have purchased have been delicious. Tidbit thinks so anyway. Her eyes grow large when we are eating corn on the cob. She waits eagerly staring a hole in our foreheads until the cob is ready for her to eat outside. Tidbit closes her eyes and enjoys it – just like she does with Dixie Cups. I just can’t imagine living anywhere else. We have sweet corn and other other home grown veggies, crabs, oysters, local beef, stuffed ham: What more do we need? We are surrounded by water, still can see farm land, and we can get to three major cities in less than two hours. St. Mary’s County is “The Land of Pleasant Living” indeed. It doesn’t mean that I don’t like to travel. I do enjoy exploring around in Virginia – there is so much to do and see there too. For our birthday weekend, this past weekend, my husband and I made our annual trip to Ingleside Winery’s Rock and Roll Oldies on Saturday night. You’d be amazed how many St. Mary’s County residents you see over there. We stopped after we got over the 301 bridge and bought picnic fixings to enjoy by their beautiful fountain in the courtyard. We also had made reservations at a Bed & Breakfast at Colonial Beach called River Terra Retreat; only 15 minutes from the winery. We went to Colonial Beach first to drop off a few things at the B & B. It’s a lovely old home from 1911 that is still in the family. It’s a good thing we did go there first, because I had it in my head that the B & B was on the opposite side of town. My husband didn’t seem to thrilled that I couldn’t find the B & B. Map quest was not helping at all with no connec-

tion. But we eventually found it. Apparently, this was the last room anywhere in the Northern neck since a huge Blues Fest was going on all weekend and then a classic car show on Sunday. When we arrived at the winery, It was hot, but a light breeze made the evening bearable. Lots of fun beach and dance music filled the air, and everyone enjoyed their wine and picnic lunches. Lovely. Then the wind picked up, and everyone started receiving alerts on their phone. When the tornado – take cover alert came through on everyone’s phones, then the staff and owners had everyone go in the event building. Promptly after that – the power went out. But did that stop a hundred people drinking wine from having a good time? No, candles were found, some tables used their phones for music and sang. It was like being at summer camp – I loved it. The evening was great. I did ask one of the owners that if the storm got really bad would he let us stay in the wine cellar. The look I received said it all. We all waited until the storm finally passed by before leaving. What an exciting night Downed trees and debris was everywhere all the way back to Colonial Beach, but the power was on. In the morning, our innkeeper made the most amazing breakfast with homemade blueberry and ginger smoothies, a baked egg, cheese, and potato dish in ramekins, along with bacon, and small fruit filled tiny pancakes. I keep hoping I left something there so I can go back this weekend in time for breakfast. There goes all the heat related weight I’ve lost! 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

Another Guns & Bad Guys Story By Laura Joyce Contributing Writer On a hot summer day a year or two back, early in the evening, I was driving into my neighborhood with Tim and Benji in the car. We’d been somewhere or other together, and were returning home on Route 235. The traffic was heavy, and the driver in back of me was clearly frustrated, riding the bumper of our car, speeding up and then braking suddenly, making his irritation known with gestures that made words unnecessary. If it had been possible, I’d have gotten out of his way, but I couldn’t go anywhere; there was a solid wall of cars in front of me and beside me, with no shoulder, and I was just turning into our neighborhood. When the light changed, creating a small amount of space between cars, the outraged driver suddenly sped up and cut around us, then slammed on his brakes and stopped squarely in the middle of the road. The moment seemed frozen. Everything had happened so quickly; I had to stop abruptly to avoid hitting him or anyone else, and cars around us were all paused, as their drivers tried to figure out what was going on. There I was, stopped in the middle of the intersection, unable to move, with the boys in the car. I was still trying to absorb what was happening when the angry driver jumped out of his vehicle and ran back to where we sat. He reached our car and started screaming obscenities at me, leaning his head in the window, which was down because it was a warm evening. His face was just inches from mine. I was so stunned that I didn’t say a word. Perhaps it was the sight of the boys, who are big, or maybe it was Ben telling him in a firm and steady voice—one that sounded far older than his years—to get back in his car, but after a few more seconds of cursing and threatening, he ran back to his car and took off. I’ve thought about this many

times since it happened. Mostly, I’ve thought about how grateful I am that none of us were harmed. He didn’t hit me, even though his hands were curled into tight fists that seemed ready for action, and the boys weren’t within hitting distance. I’ve also thought about how grateful I am that he didn’t have a weapon. In the weeks following the incident, as I have many times—after Sandy Hook, after the Colorado movie theater shooting, and, most recently, after the horrifying massacre at a church in South Carolina—I thought about who should have guns, about the kind of guns that are necessary for hunting and self-protection, and so on. It’s a subject that has been on my mind not just because of the tragedies that keep occurring, but also in a distinctly personal way, ever since Benji and his friend Jackson were held at gunpoint by a homeowner in our neighborhood. At the time, Ben was doing nothing more threatening than walking on the sidewalk in Wildewood looking for Jackson, who was lost and had wandered through a common area trying to find our house. I could give you statistics about how much less safe we are these days, with assault weapons in the hands of anyone who wants them, and I could make a compelling argument about the slippery slope we’ve gone down with the NRA veering farther and farther away from representing what a majority of Americans actually believe, which is that sensible gun control is more necessary than ever. Sensible gun control doesn’t mean taking away people’s hunting rifles, or the guns with which they arm themselves in order to protect their families, should it be necessary. But, if you believe that the 2nd Amendment means that every adult in this country should be allowed to own any type of gun they choose, including assault weapons that fire multiple rounds in seconds, then I’m not going to convince you with reassurances that those of us in favor of gun control are overwhelm-

ingly in favor of you keeping your guns. We’re in favor of this because you’re a sensible citizen. You’re the one who is trained in the use of firearms. You’re the person who keeps them locked up so a child can’t stumble upon them. You’re not the one who uses guns to work out your cop-wannabe fantasies when an unarmed teenager strolls by. You’re also not the one who uses a gun to ruin a family’s life when their police officer-husband and father shows up to serve a subpoena, and you’re not the one who signals his disapproval with a gun when his wife or girlfriend doesn’t get dinner on the table fast enough. You’re not the one who sits with a kind and welcoming group of people during a Bible study and then turns on them with hatred and violence. You don’t need me to tell you, though: that person exists—and he’s plenty scary enough without a weapon. That guy was in back of me, entering Wildewood. That guy was in Connecticut on a cold December day, slaughtering innocent children, and he was in South Carolina last week murdering peaceful worshipers. Maybe he was enraged because the traffic was heavy and he had somewhere to be, or maybe he was delusional and paranoid from an untreated mental illness (although, let’s be clear, the vast majority of people with mental illness are not violent). Maybe he carries hate and evil in his heart. There are perhaps as many reasons for the massacres as there are people carrying them out. Whatever his reasons, that guy is carrying around rage like weight he can’t lose, an extra 20 pounds he can’t shake that seems to flare up in a split second because his moment, his day, his life isn’t going exactly as he wants it to. He’s the one I’m worried about when it comes to guns and gun control, and you should be too. I love hearing from you; feel free to contact me at thewordtech@ md.metrocast.net

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