Thursday, December 1, 2016
The County Times
1
December 1, 2016
www.countytimes.somd.com
Comptroller Gives $298,000 Back To Leonardtown
Franchot’s Office Misallocated $12.7 Million In Income Taxes Across State IN LOCAL
P.G. Man’s Body Washes Ashore
Photo by Guy Leonard
IN LOCAL
O’Connor Testifies in Hearing Against P.G. Officer
IN LOCAL
Commissioner Salary Increases Proposed
2
The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2016
IN LOCAL
Cover Story Page 14
“
The county has never considered paying the ransom.
”
Bob Kelley, the county IT director.
CONTENTS
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Thursday, December 1, 2016
The County Times
County Government Hit by Ransomware Attack By Dick Myers Staff Writer
It was not exactly the way a group of St. Mary’s County employees had intended to spend their Thanksgiving weekend. At about 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day the county’s computer system was the victim of a ransomware cyber-attack. Almost a week later on Wednesday morning, Director of Emergency Services and Technology Bob Kelly described his department as “still in recovery mode.” Ten employees, just about Kelly’s entire department, were involved throughout the weekend and into the following week trying to restore the system. The work put in by the county staff was praised by the commissioners and passed on to Kelly during the commissioners’ Nov. 29 meeting. According to Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, “Ransomware is computer malware that installs covertly on a victim’s computer, executes a cryptovirology attack that adversely affects it, and demands a ransom payment to decrypt it or not publish it.” Kelly also secured the help of the state’s director of cybersecurity. In investigating Kelly said it was determined that the attack against the county’s computer system was similar to one that occurred over the weekend against the San Francisco Transit Authority. That attack affected transit ticketing capabilities. According to press reports, a ransom demand was made of the agency for
100 Bitcoins, equivalent to about $73,000. The county is not releasing what ransom demands were made to them. But Kelly said, “The county has never considered paying the ransom. We have an information technology team in place that can restore our systems, and staff is concentrating on recovering these systems as quickly as possible. Existing backup systems allowed us to get most affected computers up and running on business yesterday (Tuesday, Nov. 29).” Kelly said, “The malware used encrypted some systems mainly affecting office computers, as well as access to various systems. No data was accessed from any of our servers.” The county reported on Friday, Nov. 25 that two county operations were being affected by the cyber-attack: St. Andrews landfill and Great Mills swimming pool. At the landfill a flat fee was charged because the scale was down and at the swimming pool, credit cards weren’t accepted because that system was down. Everyone in county government is scratching their heads wondering why the county was targeted. Public Information Officer Tony Jones pointed out that often such ransomware attacks are indeed random. The attacks themselves are often computer generated instead of by human decision.
Body of Missing Man Washes Ashore at Point Lookout By Dick Myers Staff Writer A Calvert County photographer and his son and nephew got the shock of their lives Sunday at Point Lookout State Park. The son saw it first. A body had washed up on the causeway rocks. The body has been identified as Ashley Vaughn Thompson, 31, of Temple Hills in Prince George’s County. Thompson had been reported missing on Nov. 13. According to Maryland Natural Resources Police spokesperson Candy Thompson (no relation), Ashley Thompson’s car was discovered Nov 15 parked beside the boat launching ramp at the state park. There was no boat trailer attached to the car and no boat has been found. A two-day Natural Resources Police coordinated search ensued of the park ground and the nearby water involving air, land and water operations, with no success The Natural Resources Police were called in again after the body was found. The investigation into the man’s death is now in the hands of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO). The Prince George’s County Police Department is handling the missing person portion of the investigation. A SMCSO press release said, “On November 27, 2016, the St. Mary’s County Emergency Communications Center received a call from a citizen who located a deceased subject at Point Lookout State Park in Point Lookout, Maryland. “Patrol deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded and initi-
ated the investigation. Detectives and Crime Lab personnel of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division continued the investigation with the assistance of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police and the Prince George’s County Police Department. “Deputies arrived on scene and located a deceased subject, later identified as Ashley Vaughn Thompson, age 31, of Temple Hills, partially in the water at Point Lookout State Park. The investigation revealed, Thompson was reported as a missing person to the Prince George’s County Police Department a few weeks prior, and around the same time, his vehicle was recovered on the property of Point Lookout State Park. “The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office recognizes the Prince George’s County Police Department and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police for their assistance with the investigation.” St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Jennifer Stone said there was no additional information available since the initial release and she emphasized that her department was handling the criminal investigation. The Prince George’s County Police Department was unable to supply any additional information as to their portion of the investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact SMCSO Detective Skyler LeFave at 301-475-4200, ext. *1983.
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Thursday, December 1, 2016
Mechanicsville Woman Killed in Waldorf Crash
By Dick Myers Staff Writer
A Mechanicsville woman was killed as the result of injuries in a Thanksgiving Day two-vehicle collision on Billingsley Road in Waldorf. Sherry Lynn Bunnell, 46, of Mechanicsville was a font-seat passenger in an SUV which was attempting to make a left-hand turn onto St. Charles Parkway when it was struck by a car. According to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), the Chevy Equinox was going westbound on Billingsley Road when it failed to yield the right-of-way while making the left turn and was struck by a Mercedes which was traveling eastbound on Billingsley Road.
According to a CCSO press release, “Three people in the Equinox were seriously injured: The driver – a 46-year-old woman, and a front seat passenger – were flown to a hospital.” The press release reported that Bunnell died the following day at the hospital. A backseat passenger in the Chevy Equinox was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The Mercedes driver, a 43-yer-old Waldorf male, was treated at the scene. The investigation into the accident is continuing by CCSO Cpl. B. Saunders.
Kitchen Still Stumbling Black in Senior Center Design By Dick Myers Staff Writer
The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County are still stuck on what type of kitchen, if any, should be included in the new Garvey Senior Center being designed with a colocated library in Leonardtown. The commissioners deferred a decision after being given several options at their Nov. 29 meeting. Commissioner President Randy Guy wanted Commissioner John O’Connor, who was no at the meeting, to be part of the ultimate decision. Concern was raised at an Oct. 20 meeting about the proposed size of the planned commercial-grade kitchen. Several of the commissioners complained that the kitchen was taking away from space that could be used for programs. Commissioner Mike Hewitt led the charge against the kitchen. At the Nov. 29 meeting architect Anthony Rebelo of Grim and Parker consulting firm presented three possible design changes to the commissioners. All removed a break room for senior center staff. Two of the designs reduced the 1,786-square foot commercial kitchen by 700 square feet, leaving a smaller kitchen able to handle current use but leaving little room for future expansion. That 700-square feet saved could create another room for programs. However, Guy noted that St. Mary’s was projected to have one of the fastest growing senior populations in the state by 2030, He said the growth was projected to be 258 percent by then. Meals for the existing Garvey Center and for the Meals and Wheels Program are currently prepared by a contractor at the Cedar Lane Apartments in Leonardtown. St. Mary’s Office on Aging Director Lori Jennings-Harris supports the full commercial kitchen. She said in the past her agency has had difficulty securing a private vendor and the commercial kitchen would give the flexibility of providing the food service in
house. The current vendor prepares meals for both the county and Cedar Lane. By contrast, the Garvey Senior Activity Center Council supports a reducedsize kitchen as long as it is “an operational kitchen with stove, sinks, freezer, fridge, etc.” A kitchen consultant told the commissioners that the reduced-size kitchen (about 1,000 square feet) would allow for the preparation of the 225 dinners now being served but not much more. He was unable to give an exact number of dinners, saying that depended on what was being cooked. With the reduction in the kitchen size and elimination of a break room in the option chosen by the council, President Dale Taylor said they were “extremely pleased with picking up two additional good sized activity rooms for enhanced fitness training, men’s and co-ed strength training, kick boxing, etc”. Consultant Rebelo said that even with the commercial kitchen, the proposed center gains more than four times the usable activity space of the current senior center on the grounds of the St. Mary’s Country Governmental Center. Some staff of Jennings-Harris’ department will remain at that existing facility. Hewitt pointed out that the savings in money with reducing or eliminating the kitchen could be used for an entranceway canopy for the joint library/senior center building. That canopy is currently an alternate in the plans. But Director of Public Works and Transportation George Erichsen told the commissioners that there was enough money in the proposed construction budget to do the canopy. In delaying the decision on which senior center design option to choose, Guy said the decision would be brought before the commissioners at their Dec. 6 meeting.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
The County Times
O’Connor’s Complaint Against PG Officer Fails
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
The past employment of St. Mary’s County Commissioner John O’Connor as a police officer — and how it ended — was part of testimony at a hearing in Prince George’s County involving another police officer against whom O’Connor had filed an official complaint. The Prince George’s law officer, Cpl. Jeremy Allen, was charged with conduct unbecoming for allegedly telling a judge in open court that O’Connor was a “fraud” and that he was currently employed as a liaison between the county’s police department and Optotraffic, which has the contract for Prince George’s traffic cameras. After a four-hour hearing in Largo before a Prince George’s police captain Monday, Allen was acquitted of the charge. Allen had been ticketed by an Optotraffic camera two years prior to going to court for the fine last year. Judge Gregory Powell dismissed the charge of speeding because he could not read the tag number in the image. Attorney’s for Prince George’s County had accused Allen of calling O’Connor a fraud and possibly even of being a thief related to a large sum of money found near O’Connor’s place of employment in Prince Georges last year. Allen and his counsel, former Prince George’s police lieutenant Phil Constantina, argued that Allen had asked to speak to Powell about O’Connor and Optotraffic after his case had been dismissed. Constantina argued that Maryland legal precedent protected speech spoken before a judge in court. “I told the judge that the camera company employed an officer that had been terminated who had been caught drunk driving, slashed his tires and lied about it,” Allen, an 11-year veteran of the agency testified at the hearing. “To not tell the judge would have been conduct unbecoming.” O’Connor, who testified immediately before Allen, admitted that it was “absolutely true” that he resigned from the Prince George’s agency in September of 2009 with sustained charges against him from an internal affairs investigation. The incident that led to O’Connor’s departure centered around an event known as Police Week at which he admitted to becoming intoxicated from drinking and crashed his police cruiser while leaving the Greenbelt Metro Station. “I damaged the other two tires by cutting them,” O’Connor testified at the hearing. In a later interview O’Connor said he could not remember all of the events of that evening. The question of the money found in the parking lot near O’Connor’s place of work last year revolved around a large stack of bills bundled in rubber bands and left laying in there. A man who worked in a nearby building, Thomas Aylward, found the money — which turned out to be $10,000 — and went to the receptionist in O’Connor’s building and asked if they dealt with that much money. It was then that O’Connor came into the lobby and walked out with Aylward and talked for a time while waiting for Prince George’s police to come and collect the money. Aylward said he was the one who called police.
“He [O’Connor] told me he was a retired police officer from one of the smaller towns,” Aylward said in a phone interview with The County Times. “He flashed a badge.” At the hearing Nov. 28 O’Connor testified that he did show Aylward a badge from the Town of Brentwood. O’Connor also testified that he was armed at the time when he met Aylward. According to information from the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services O’Connor worked from August to September of 2009 for Prince George’s police, from May to November of 2010 for The Town of Fairmount Heights, from January to September of 2011 for the Town of Seat Pleasant and from September of 2013 through April of 2015 for Brentwood. O’Connor testified that he had worked for Prince George’s from 2007 to 2009 and confirmed that he was retired from service to Brentwood. “It was a mutually agreed upon outcome between the town and myself,” he said in a later interview. It was revealed at the hearing that narcotics officers took over an investigation as to the nature of the money. One narcotics officer testified that “it seemed suspicious… but we weren’t able to tie anything together.” During his testimony, Allen said that it was “common knowledge” in the department that O’Connor had been part of the investigation into the finding of the $10,000. In a statement given to Sgt. Carlton Jones, working in the Prince George’s internal affairs unit, O’Connor said “when he said something about the $10,000 I didn’t know what he was talking about.” That statement was given Sept. 4 of last year but in a letter from O’Connor to the Prince George’s chief of police, dated July 23 of last year, he laid claim to the money found in the parking lot. Aylward said he was the first person to find the money and he eventually laid claim to it and was awarded it by the police department. In his testimony this week, O’Connor said he meant that he did not know anything about accusations of $10,000 being stolen; at the time the money was found he said he did not know exactly how much was there. Jones’ investigation showed there was no theft of the $10,000 and O’Connor denied any wrongdoing. In his testimony, Allen said: “In the letter he [O’Connor] said he found the $10,000, he did not.” In a later interview O’Connor said that Allen was “trying to twist the facts in the case to get a favorable outcome.” The allegations against Allen began when a Prince George’s officer, Sgt. Lisa Garland, was in the courtroom with Allen as he was on trial for the speeding ticket. Garland, who works in the department’s Automated Enforcement Division, testified that she had told her supervisor, who in turn told O’Connor, of Allen’s alleged comments that day to Powell. Garland is an admitted friend of O’Connor’s who works with him and said that O’Connor had trained officers to read the speed camera tickets. “I felt like he [Allen] was calling us a fraud
… by calling John O’Connor a fraud,” Garland testified. She also testified that Allen was becoming loud in the court but Powell, who testified at the hearing on Allen’s behalf over a cellular phone, disputed that. Two bailiffs who testified for the prosecution said that they did not have to deal with Allen in court. “He was polite and respectful at all times,” Powell testified, adding that his conversation with Allen about O’Connor and the speed
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cameras lasted about 20 seconds. Allen testified that he did not make an internal complaint about his concerns with the speed camera system because “it was not safe to.” Allen said that people who were on good terms with O’Connor were working within the speed camera office. “The people he was friends with were a much higher rank than me,” Allen testified. guyleonard@countytimes.net
Salary Increases for County Commissioners to be Presented to Legislators By Dick Myers Staff Writer
St. Mary’s County’s legislative delegation will be asked to introduce bills to increase the salaries of the county commissioners, county treasurer, and members of the school board. The requests for salary adjustments are made every four years by a Compensation Review Commission. The compensation commission report was presented to the commissioners Nov. 29 by commission Chairman Pat Dolan. The recommendations. which had only one dissenting vote, call for the county commissioner president’s salary to be increased from $44,746 next year to $50,000 yearly and the four county commissioners from $39,544to $44,000. The county treasurer’s salary would increase to $74,100. Board of Education chair and member salaries would increase $1,000, to $8,000 and $7,000 respectively. All of the salary increases would become effective after the next election in 2019. The recommendation calls for $1,000 annual increases after that for each county commissioner and a 2.5 percent annual increase for the treasurer. School board members get a $250 annual increase for every year they serve. The compensation board is made up of seven members, with three appointed by the county commissioners, two by the legislators and one each by the Democratic and Republican central committees. Dolan, who described himself as a “Libertarian” and “a retired sailor” said it would have been counterintuitive for him to support the pay increases. But he said he came to believe that the increases were necessary because of the rising costs of running for office. He said he feared that only those who could afford to serve as “a hobby” would run. In the transmittal letter to the commissioners, the compensation board noted that the recommendations for commissioners’ salaries were a recognition of the duties of the office and also an attempt to close the disparity with the salaries for the Charles County Commissioners. Compensation board member Joe St. Clair, a candidate for county commissioner in the last election, disagreed with his fellow commission members, saying their reasoning was “insufficient.” The decision to forward the request to the county legislative delegation was on a 3-1 vote, with Commissioner Mike Hewitt opposing it. “I don’t need raises,” Hewitt said. He added that the county commissioner job was part-time and it becomes what each person makes of it. For his own part, he said, “I think I am overpaid.”
Commissioner President Randy Guy pointed out to Hewitt that he may not need the pay increase but the next person sitting in the job might need it. The salary requests will be part of a 16item legislative package to be discussed with the county legislative delegation at a special meeting Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the county commissioners’ hearing room. Another item on the list is a request to increase the county’s bonding authority. Last week the commissioners had indicated a desire to seek an increase of $53 million, to cover the capital budget needs for the next two fiscal years. Chief Financial Officer Jeanett Cudmore told the commissioners that $26.3 million would cover the first year. Hewitt pressed to reduce the request to $25 million but Commissioner Tom Jarboe said he didn’t like coming up with some arbitrary number. Commissioner Todd Morgan said all the two-year amount of $53 million did was give the commissioners the authority and didn’t mean they were going to use it. Morgan said many projects cover multiple years and it made good fiscal sense to plan for it. In the end the commissioners unanimously agree to compromise on the $26.3 million increase to cover the needs for one fiscal year. Several of the commissioners said they doubted that the legislators would go for the $53 million amount anyway. Also on the legislative list are proposed changes in the code involving the Metropolitan Commission (MetCom). A committee of MetCom board members and county commissioners met and reached some consensus on a few items. One watered down the proposed commissioners’ authority to remove a MetCom board member. The commissioners have appointment but not removal authority. The compromise allows the commissioners to remove MetCom board members for “inappetence or misconduct.” Morgan said he had problems with the word incompetence because that could be subject to wide interpretation. Commissioner Jarboe, who was on the committee, said the proposed legislation is not intended to be a “power grab” on the part of the commissioners but to just make MetCom job easier. One issue still to be resolved by the legislators is whether to give the county authority to review MetCom’s operating budget as they now do for the capital budget.
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Natural 1 to Complement Conservation and Enforcement Efforts With deer hunting season and oyster harvesting reaching their peaks, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has added a new conservation enforcement tool to its fleet: its own helicopter. The black-and-gold aircraft, Natural 1, has resumed its place after a seven-year absence on the department’s roster. The helicopter will be used as a surveillance platform to assist Natural Resources Police officers as they patrol 17,000 miles of waterways and nearly a half-million acres of public lands. The police aviation unit, founded nearly 70 years ago, was eliminated by the previous administration in 2009. The helicopter was then transferred to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and painted deep blue. About a year ago, the 1972 Bell Jet Ranger became available and Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton became determined
to bring it back home. His effort to restore the department’s aviation capability received the strong support of Governor Larry Hogan. “Once we heard that the helicopter was available, we jumped at the opportunity to bring it back to the department to aid our conservation and enforcement activities,” said Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton. “Natural 1 will assist our officers patrolling our public lands and waters ensuring the safety of our guests and visitors as well as the protection of our most precious natural resources.” After a year of refurbishing, the helicopter returned to service last week with one of its original pilots at the controls to carry out oyster enforcement patrols as well as aid in the search for two missing people. From Department of Natural Resources
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8
Crime
The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2016
St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Arrest and Charge Suspect for Sexual Relationship with Juvenile
On September 9, 2016, detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division with the assistance of the Special Operations Division began investigating Kimberly Ann Lashley, age 44, of Leonardtown for a reported criminal sexual relationship with a male juvenile. Information received by the Sheriff’s Office suggested Lashley was actively involved in an ongoing sexual relationship with a male juvenile who was residing with Lashley in the Leonardtown area. The investigation conducted by Detective Corporal Robert Merritt revealed evidence of a sexual relationship between the juvenile and Lashley, beginning in the summer of 2016 and continuing through the onset of the investigation. Detective Merritt also
discovered that during the summer months of 2016, Lashley hosted numerous parties where alcohol was available to several juveniles in attendance and witnesses stated Lashley purchased alcohol for the juveniles. Witnesses also reported that on several occasions, Lashley consumed alcohol with them at her home. Lashley was charged with her sexual relationship with the male victim, and she pled guilty to one count of a Fourth Degree Sex Offense and one count of a Second Degree Assault on November 11, 2016, during an appearance in front of St. Mary’s County Circuit Court Judge Karen Abrams. Lashley’s sentencing has been deferred pending the completion of a Pre-Sentence Investigation. From St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff’s Crime Report
Burglary – An unknown suspect fled from a residence on the 29000 block of Richard Circle in Mechanicsville. DFC K. Flerlage is investigating the case. CASE# 61107-16 Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) entered a residence and stole property in the 18000 block of Windmill Point Road in Drayden. DFC C. Beyer is investigating the case. CASE# 61120-16
Attempted Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) attempted to force entry into a residence in the 21000 block of Enterprise Road in Lexington Park. Troopers from the Maryland State Police are investigating the case. CASE# 61214-16 Theft – Unknown suspect(s) entered a residence and stole cash in the 38000 block of Little Ranch Lane in Mechanicsville. Dep D. Holdsworth is investigating the case. CASE# 61240-16
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Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) forced entry into a residence and stole property in the 45000 block of Chancellors Run Court in Great Mills. Dep. M. Beyer is investigating the case. CASE# 61245-16 Breaking and Entering to a Motor Vehicle – Over the weekend, unknown suspect(s) removed property from multiple motor vehicles parked at Metcom in Hollywood. Deputy G. Muschette is investigating the case. CASE# 60901-16 Breaking and Entering to Motor Vehicle – Unknown suspect(s) entered a motor vehicle in the 22000 block of Fox Ridge Road in Lexington Park. Nothing appeared to be missing from the vehicle. Deputy J. Bush is investigating the case. CASE# 60272-16
The County Times
Crime
Care that’s tailored to your changing life.
CDS Violation – A daytime cleanup worker at the St. Mary’s County Adult Detention Center found suspected marijuana and related paraphernalia inside a female hygiene disposal box. Deputy T. Siciliano is investigating the case. CASE# 60397-16 Breaking and Entering to Motor Vehicle – Unknown suspect(s) entered a motor vehicle and stole property in the 38000 block of Robert Lacey Road in Abell. DFC C. Beyer is investigating the case. CASE# 60398-16 Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) forced entry into a residence in the 25000 block of Arrowhead Court in Chaptico. Cpl. S. Kerby is investigating the case. CASE# 60523-16 Reckless Endangerment – Dep. D Smith was investigating a burglary when he heard what appeared to be a gunshot fired behind the Weiss on Great Mills Road. A check of the area revealed a casing and a search for the suspect was performed with negative results. Dep. D. Smith is investigating the case. CASE# 60712-16 Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) entered a residence and stole property in the 46000 block of Chapman Drive in Lexington Park. The case is being investigated by Dep. D. Smith. CASE# 60702-16
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Burglary to Motor Vehicle – Unknown suspect(s) entered a motor vehicle in the 23000 block of Upland Drive in Bushwood. Nothing appears to be removed from the vehicle. Dep. A. Manns is investigating the case. CASE# 60694-16
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10
Education
The County Times
Commissioner Todd Morgan (l) talks to Library Director Michael Blackwell before the joint meeting at which the White House Library Challenge was ratified.
Commissioner Tom Jarboe talks to Board of Education Vice Chairman Mary Washington before the Nov. 29 joint meeting.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Commissioner President Randy Guy (right) and Commissioner Todd Morgan huddle with County Administrator Dr. Rebecca Bridgett before the joint meeting between the commissioners and school board
Commissioners, School Board Endorse Student Library Card Program By Dick Myers Staff Writer
The St. Mary County Board of Education and the Commissioners of St. Mary’s say “Count us in!” The two boards have formally endorsed the White House Library Challenge, an initiative by President Obama. In announcing the program last year, Obama said it was intended “so every child enrolled in school can receive a library card.” The program endorsement came Nov. 29 at a joint meeting of the boards.
At the meeting, St. Mary’s County Library Director Michael Blackwell explained that special library cards are being made available to every second-grade student in the school system. The students are told that there is no financial penalty for unreturned books. The cards can be used for books and other instructional materials but not CD’s or DVD’s.
Blackwell said after the meeting that the cards, once given to the second graders, can be used throughout their time in the school system. He said early usage has been brisk for the 18 second-grade classes that have received the cards; other students have come in and requested them. “Reading really is good for you,” Blackwell insisted at the joint meeting. He said scientific studies have proven reading has value for living longer, reducing stress and making the reader aware of the world around them. “Without the ability to read, kids won’t have the opportunity to go very far,” said Commissioner Todd Morgan in advocating for the school system to emphasize reading. School Superintendent Scott Smith, a former high school English teacher, wholeheartedly concurred. The joint meeting also featured a presentation by Assistant Superintendent of Support Services Dr. Jeff Walker on the proposed school construction projects for the next several fiscal years. Almost onemillion dollars is earmarked in the current fiscal year for planning for a new elementary school in the central part of the county. Construction for that project has been moved to fiscal years 2020 and 2021. Smith admitted that enrollment in elementary school had slowed in the more than 18,000-student school system. But, he said there were some variables on the horizon that could potentially impact elementary schools, including the possibility of the closing of some parochial schools. In response to a question from Commissioner Mike Hewitt, Walker said there were 1,900 of the system’s students currently in trailers, an indication of the need for additional permanent spaces. The new school will have room for 691 students. Planning monies are in this year’s budget so that the state can give an okay to proceed with the project. The current fiscal year’s capital budget is more than $4.4 million, of which the biggest project is $1.1 million to replace the roof at Piney Point Elementary School. Also in this year’s budget is almost $170,000 for planning a new Instructional Technology
(IT) facility and warehouse. These monies are for preparing for the renovation of the former Bethue Elementary School in the Seventh District. This building is currently used as an office. Construction of the IT facility is the biggest item in the school system’s FY’18 budget, taking up $3 million of the total of almost $6 million. The rest of that year’s budget includes several HVAC and other building infrastructure projects. The new IT facility is a recognition of the expanding role of technology in the school system’s instructional program. Budget surplus monies are being used this year, according to Walker, to “refresh” the elementary school technology and upgrade the high schools. A “refresh” of the middle schools is slated for FY ’19. The technology upgrades include a conversion to Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) for the telecommunication systems in the schools. More than a thousand handsets are in use. Smith also noted during the presentation that a decision was expected in January, after considerable vetting with parents and students, on how the school system is going to cope with Gov. Larry Hogan’s directive for school to start after Labor Day. Smith also expressed concern, as he has in the past, about the Partnership for Assessment for College and Career Readiness (PARCC) tests that are being used as a requirement for graduation. He noted that two of every three students aren’t making the grade. He asked for those hard-working students, “Is that really a valid message?” The PARCC testing is a state mandate, but Smith also noted the uncertainty of what might happen with the change in the federal government. He said everyone will just have to wait and see. The commissioners asked few questions and listened attentively. Smith observed that the school system needed the commissioners’ support for what was being presented. What eventually shakes out will become clear next spring as the budget for the next fiscal year unfolds.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
The County Times
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12
MHBR No. 103
The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2016
The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Handling the Moment
Bob Dylan came to me in a dream. We were seated at an ornate iron table, just the two of us, under a trellis in an outdoor garden. Despite the serene setting, I was nervous, but maintained a calm façade. My mind was racing (Bob Freaking Dylan!!!). Be cool, I thought. Don’t disintegrate into fan-boy mode. Act like you belong. Act like this is just another afternoon with greatness. Act like you’re not flirting with incontinence. My rational brain was confident that I could handle this extraordinary moment. I’m no expert, but I know music pretty well and I’m respectably conversant in Dylanspeak. It helped that my dream delivered a 40-something version of the legend – a peer; the brilliant, young and enigmatic Dylan at his creative zenith or the current grandfatherly Dylan, fresh off receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature, would have been far more intimidating. I had another ally: The copious amounts of adult elixirs we had consumed. The mental lubrication arrested my anxiety and tempered the annoyance Dylan would have otherwise felt toward his strange, unworthy acquaintance. Dylan can be a tough conversation; he communicates best with mere mortals through music or written word. For some reason, my unconscious mind had put me one-on-one with him – hilarious (not really). There wasn’t even a background band to critique or fill the inevitable pauses in our conversation while I fished for engaging queries. I’m my own worst enemy apparently. But I did okay. Dylan was polite and captivating. He was unmistakably pleased to be talking to me about his poetic music and place in history. I know, I know… ”How can the life of such a man be in the palm of some fool’s hand?” Maybe I fooled him by how good my head felt under my “leopard skin pill-box hat”? Had this crazy dream been reality, it wouldn’t have gone so well. The moment would have proven too big. I would have lost my poise and Dylan’s graciousness would have run short. Departing Dylan’s company with a signed “Blonde on Blonde” record and dry pants – if not my dignity would have constituted a victory. I was reminded of my imaginary Dylan encounter on Thanksgiving Day while watching a much younger man flawlessly handling a much bigger, more significant and very real NFL moment. This is going to hurt. QB Dak Prescott, a fourth round selection of the Dallas Cowboys in the April NFL Draft, is (unfortunately for rival fans) re-writing the recent trajectory of the franchise. After starter Tony Romo and
backup Kellen Moore were injured in the preseason, Prescott, originally envisioned as a third-string project, was thrust into a starting role. Panic initially swept through Cowboys camp. A season seemed lost and a trade inevitable. Rumors swirled about Dallas acquiring embattled San Francisco QB Colin Kaepernick. At the time, the reaction and scuttlebutt were understandable: It was unfair to expect Prescott, despite a name right out of central casting, to be the starting quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, one of the most glamourous and scrutinized positions in professional sports. The situation should have consumed the young Prescott; it most certainly has not. In 11 starts, Prescott has averaged 258 yards passing per game, completed 68% of his passes, thrown 18 touchdowns and only two interceptions, rushed for five scores and notched 10 wins. That’s not human for a rookie fourth round pick; it’s a Tom Brady stat line. No one saw this coming. Entering the draft, Prescott wasn’t considered NFLready. His NFL.com draft report was unflattering: slow reads, poor footwork and inconsistent accuracy. Prescott’s ceiling in 2016 was said to be limited to short-yardage packages. Yeah…he’s been a little better than that - like, in-the-MVPconversation better. From his first opportunity, Prescott has produced and calmed a cataclysmic situation. His poise has been remarkable; his lack of drama or need for unnecessary attention – his professionalism - has been refreshing; his performance has been amazing. Prescott provides an inspiring story for anyone facing an overwhelming challenge. Unfortunately, because he plays for the Cowboys, it isn’t a work of fiction, such as a novel, a movie or a dream. Send comments to RonaldGuyJr@gmail.com
Sports
13
The Tackle Box Fishing Report By Ken and Linda Lamb Special To The Calvert County Times
The rockfish are schooled up in the bay and rivers and feeding on change of tides. Bay trollers and jiggers are finding stripers in the 22 to 32 inch range feeding on top drawing plenty of gulls seeking a free meal. Gannets are also active marking bigger fish and putting on an air show diving from high in the sky. The location of big schools varies from day to day as the fish chase the bait, but they are always feeding somewhere and it is our job to find them. There were gannets from buoy 72A to buoy 70 showing where lots of hefty rock were eager to hit trolled jigs and bucktails on Thursday, Thanksgiving. Friday they had moved north on a line from the PR buoy to the Targets. Saturday was a blow out. The winds lay down on Sunday and the rockfish cooperated most everywhere. There are still lots of fish from the Gooses to the mouth of the Choptank that are working their way south. Trollers and Jiggers are finding 30 inch fish off the Gas Docks and across the bay on the eastern side at Buoy 76 to Hooper’s Island Light, and at the HS buoy. The area straight out the mouth of the Patuxent from Cove Point to the HI buoy is rich with fish. There are consistent breakers from south of buoy 70 to 65 and on down into Virginia,
but they are dominate in small, undersize fish. That does not mean that keepers in excess of 20 inches will not show up at anytime. Pockets of big fish on struture are being targeted by jiggers with excellent results. The Potomac and Patuxent have good sized rockfish and plenty of them on the oyster bars and edges. Persistent fishermen are trolling them up everyday the wind is calm enough. The Patuxent fish love the “8 Ball” bucktails with black heads with both white and yellow hair. There have been a couple of ocean run fish in the 40 to 50 pound class that we have heard of. The big fish should be infiltrating our area along the division of Maryland and Virginia waters at Smith Point anytime. Reports of Virginia netters finding them south of the Rappahanock were received this week. Bottom fishermen are gettng white perch by the cooler full in the Patuxent from Broome’s Island to Drum Point. The fish are suspended in 40 to 50 feet of water on the hard bottom. A couple of dozen bloodworms will produce a hundred fish culled at 9 inches. There are still plenty of big catfish in the Potomac and Patuxent.
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Feature Story
The County Times
Comptroller Misallocated $12.7 Million in Tax Money
Thursday, December 1, 2016
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
An audit commissioned by Comptroller Peter Franchot of his office’s own operations regarding the collection of income tax revenue showed that across the state his office gave too much back to some municipalities and not enough to others, according to a report from the Maryland Municipal League (MML), to the tune of nearly $13 million. Laschelle McKay, town administrator for the Town of Leonardtown, said that the state owed the town $298,000. “We’d been questioning the amount of taxes we were given each year for the last several years,” McKay told The County Times, adding that the town believed it should have been getting more income tax revenue back based on its growth. “We weren’t expecting so much so that’s a good thing,” McKay said. Jim Peck, a spokesman for MML, said that the audit revealed that the state gave too much tax revenue back to the Town of North Beach and too little to its neighbor, the Town of Chesapeake Beach as well. “For those who were under-allocated they’re going to get a check from the comptroller pretty fast,” Peck said. “For those
that got too much they will have a lengthy period to pay it back.” The comptroller’s office is allowing municipalities that got too much income tax revenue from the state to wait up to seven years before beginning to remit their payments and even then they will still have an additional 10 years in which to pay the money in full, Peck told The Calvert County Times. According to a municipal bulletin from MML the comptrollers office had admitted to errors when it came to distributing income tax revenues, which prompted Franchot to have an outside audit conducted regarding disbursements to Montgomery County and its municipalities. The audit found that the office had mistakenly paid out $8.6 million to Montgomery County alone; a second state-wide audit found that the comptroller’s office had misdirected an additional $12.7 million throughout the state from 2010 to 2014. The MML also signaled in their bulletin, dated November 28, that there could be legislation introduced in the upcoming state government session in Annapolis to forgive balances owed by some towns or cities.
“If there is legislation introduced… you can be assured that MML will vigorously support that legislation come January,” the bulletin read. Joanne Hunt, treasurer for North Beach, said over a four-year period they were overpaid by $140,141 or about $35,000 each year. “There was no previous indication at all,” Hunt told The Calvert County Times. “We weren’t even aware of any overpayments until they notified us.” Hunt explained that the state comptroller office was the one who directly assessed and collected income tax from town residents; the town government did not have such data. The realization that the town would have to eventually pay back the money came as a surprise, Hunt said. “It is a big shock,” she said. “But we have a long time to pay it back interest-free. “That’s because it was their error, not ours.” The annual operating budget for North Beach is $2.75 million. On Wednesday the Town of Chesapeake Beach announced that it had received
$283,069 for the four years that had been the subject of the audit. Peter Hamm, spokesman for the Franchot’s office, said that Calvert County government will also owe money back to the state, as will neighboring St. Mary’s County. Hamm said state law prohibited the comptroller’s office from divulging amounts of disbursement to or payments from counties, but jurisdictions could release the information on taxpayer funds. guyleonard@countytimes.net
The County Times
15
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What’s Your Story?
We purchased Anthony’s Bar and Grill on January 30, 2012. Four years later, we’re not only hosting karaoke,
trivia and ladies’ night through the week, but also bringing live music to the northern section of Calvert County on Friday evenings to jump-start the weekend. Our customers also know to come to us for an always-intriguing selection of craft beer, cocktails and fantastic food — 7 days a week. We have a very community-oriented environment. Ours is the best staff, from the kitchen in the back, to our friendly wait staff and bartenders who make everyone feel welcome and eager to come back.
–Charlene and Ronald Ward Jr., Owners
OUR ITE A F VOR ? H S I D ops
Ch ted Pork toes Marina ed Pota sh a M h s! Wit en Bean And Gre
Tell us about your food Our menu is based upon good ole comfort food. Whether you’re coming back for our famous Cuban sandwich, stopping in for the mouth-watering Pork Chops, or our well known Classic Reuben you will be greeted with a smile and most likely see your neighbors or maybe make some new friends.
Anything new? The New Year brings more fundraising with our community, as well as Craft Beer Trivia and a possible Comedy night. In addition to our twice-a-week World Tavern poker games, area-wide dart league, trivia, karaoke and Paint Uncorked, we have a Corn Hole League (spring, summer and fall).
Call ahead for Carryout Orders 410-257-2438 • Open For Lunch Thursday-Sunday • Late Night Menu Available Check us out on the web www.anthonysdunkirk.com And be sure to friend us on Facebook Located in Dunkirk Town Center next to the Dunkirk Post Office • 10371 Southern Maryland Blvd. Dunkirk, MD 20754
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The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2016
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The County Times
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18
Obituaries
The County Times
The County Times runs complimentary obituaries as submitted by funeral homes and readers. We run them in the order we receive them. Any submissions that come to guyleonard@countytimes.net after noon on Mondays may run in the following week’s edition.
Robert “Bob” Michael Kohut Robert “Bob” Michael Kohut was born on June 19, 1957 in St. Mary’s County, Maryland to Joseph Michael Kohut and Kathleen Mae Peterson. He went to Heaven on Thursday, November 10, 2016 surrounded by his loving family at his home in Oklahoma. Bob graduated from Great Mills High School. He went into the Merchant Marines after high school for a year. He lived in Maryland for many years before moving to Florida in 1999. He then moved to Oklahoma to be near his children in 2001. Bob was so full of life and an amazing dad and pop-pop. He had many passions but his family always came first. He loved to tell jokes and had a wonderfully contagious laugh and whenever you were around him, he always made you smile. He modeled responsibility and excellent work ethic for his children all their lives and nothing made him happier than watching them succeed in whatever they chose to do. He did the same for his grandchildren and enjoyed being there for all of their accomplishments. He never left his family without a big hug and without saying “I love you”. His concern and generosity toward others were his trademarks and whatever needed to be done, he did it. All anyone had to do was ask.
Bob was mechanically inclined and musically gifted from a young age. He taught himself to play bass guitar even though he was nearly deaf in one ear. He was a lover of music and played the bass guitar in a number of bands; the most recent being The Dirt Road Detours in Oklahoma for many years until his passing. He also had a passion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles and owned many throughout his life. He worked on his motorcycles and vehicles and used his mechanical expertise to help many of his friends and family. Bob worked at Trigon, Inc. for 15 years as a Construction Superintendent and was well respected and the best at what he did. He did everything with excellence and liked to help others rise to their potential. He was affectionately called “Bob the Builder” at work. He took pride in everything he did and many of his projects can be seen throughout Tulsa and the surrounding areas. Prior to joining Trigon in 2001, Bob had extensive experience in the metal framing and drywall industry. At Trigon Bob began as an Assistant Superintendent and due to his outstanding performance, he was promoted to Project Superintendent. He had been the lead Superintendent on projects such as Rogers State University, Temple Israel, and many other projects, most recently Ardmore Public Schools. Bob is preceded in death by both parents; Joseph and Kathleen Kohut, younger brother; Ronald Kohut, and three neph-
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In Remembrance
ews and a niece; Michael, Joey, Alan, and Brittany. He leaves behind three children, daughters; Erin Kohut and Gina Stanford and a son; Ronnie Kohut. He also leaves five sisters; Nancy Griffin, Patricia Flanagin, Jean Kohut, Sandra Miller, Donna Kohut, and a brother; Richard Kohut. He also has eight grandchildren; Hannah, Laell, Autumn, Kaylee, Lucas, Conner, Khloe, and Carter as well as many family and friends whom he loved dearly. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, November 18th, 2016 at 2:00pmat Floral Haven in the Rose Chapel. We ask that everyone do acts of kindness in honor of Bob to continue the legacy he left us. One that he lived everyday - to use the gifts God has given us to bless others and make this world a better place - just as he did. #BeLikeBob A celebration of Bob’s life is being planned for 2017 in MD. Please contact Nancy at (301) 884-5839 for details.
Wallace “Whitey” Clarke Coflin Wallace “W h itey” Clarke Coflin, 82 of Hollywood, MD passed away on 18 November 2016. Whitey was born in 1934 in Warrenton, Virginia to the late James and Gertrude “Gertie” Coflin. He was happily married to his wife, Pamela for 23 years. Whitey graduated from George Washington High School in 1952. He served our country as an Air Traffic Controller for the U.S. Navy for 30 years (active 24 and reserved 6) and fully retired in 1 January 1984. Several of his duty stations were Grosse Point, MI; Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico and finally settled at NAS Patuxent River, MD. He was deployed twice on Aircraft Carriers, first on the USS Intrepid (CV-11) during the Vietnam War and then the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67). After Whitey left the Navy, he continued with his previous love – horses. He went to school to become a farrier and blacksmith. He furthered his love of horses, which he shared with his wife Pam and his kids Scott and Blythe, by being a part of the De La Brooke Foxhounds as both a member and then as professional Huntsman for six years. In the past few years, he enjoyed practicing Tai Chi and volunteering at the Garvey Senior Activity Center. He also was an avid bird watcher. Whitey is survived by his children (from previous marriage to Susan) daughters Vicki Thompson and Blythe Thomas and son Scott Coflin and wife Monika. His 5
grandchildren: Lizbeth, Rhett, Amber, Raina and Sierra and 6 great-grandchildren: Kameron, Stephanie, Ethan, Gracie, Jaxson and Aviana. He is further survived by his much-loved sister Harriet (Coflin) Dudley and husband Francis, nieces Kimberly (Jon) and Kelly (Trey), as well as beloved feline and canine babies. A Life Celebration was held on 22 November 2016. Interment was at Bethel Cemetery in Alexandria, VA. His family requests in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Garvey Senior Activity Center, 41780 Baldridge St., Leonardtown, MD 20650 or Hollywood Rescue Squad, 23469 Rescue Lane, Hollywood, MD 20636.
Alexander Theodore Moser Alexander Theodore Moser, age 24, of Great Mills, MD died 17 NOV 2016 at his home. Alex was born 20 JUN 1992 at Wr ight-Pat terson AFB, Ohio. He is the son of Robert and Kelly Moser, and the brother of Rachel Moser. Alex graduated from Hickory High School in Chesapeake Virginia, Class of 2010. He has worked in many places and jobs, but gravitated most to the restaurant business. He was employed as a cook at Cheeseburger in Paradise at the time of his death. From the age of four through to high school, Alex played soccer and later refereed. He loved the game and the kids he played with on his various teams. He made many friends and memories throughout the years. He had a great smile and a quick wit. He was loved by all, and is greatly missed. In addition to his parents and sister, Alex is survived by his grandparents Ted and Diane Kiel, and Marcia D. Moser, and a multitude of aunts, uncles, great aunts and uncles, and cousins. Family will receive friends for Alex’s Life Celebration on Wednesday, 30 Nov 2016, from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at Brinsfield Funeral Home, 229554 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Memorial Services will be held at Apostles Lutheran Church, Chesapeake Virginia, on Saturday 3 Dec 2016 from 11:00AM to 12:00PM. Reception to follow at the church, with graveside burial at 1:30PM. Memorial Contributions may be made to the charity or church of your choice, in Alex’s name. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
To Place A Memorial, Please Call 301-373-4125 or send an email to guyleonard@countytimes.net
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Legal
The County Times
19
Legal Notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING COMMISSIONERS OF LEONARDTOWN The Town of Leonardtown will conduct a public hearing to obtain views of citizens on a grant application to be considered for submission to the MD Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). This grant (if received) will be used to install an elevator at 22670 Washington Street, site of the new Leonardtown Town Offices, and to add fire sprinklers to the building. Citizens will have the opportunity to discuss proposed projects and to provide input on other needs to be considered. The hearing will be held at the Town Office, 22670 Washington Street, Leonardtown, at 4:15 pm on December 12, 2016. Citizens will be furnished with information including but not limited to: • The amount of CDBG funds available for State Fiscal Year 2016; • The range of activities that may be undertaken with CDBG funds; and • The proposed project under consideration by Leonardtown. The MD CDBG program is a federally sponsored program designed to assist governments with activities directed toward neighborhood and housing revitalization, economic development and improved community facilities and services. It is administered by the Dept. of Housing and Community Development. The MD CDBG program reflects the State’s economic and community development priorities and provides public funds for activities which meet one of the following national objectives, in accordance with the federal Housing Community Development Act of 1974, as amended; 1. benefit low and moderate income persons and households; 2. aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; 3. meet other community development needs of an urgent nature, or that are an immediate threat to community health and welfare. Efforts will be made to accommodate the disabled and non-English speaking residents with 5 days advance notice to 301-475-9791. By Authority: Laschelle E. McKay, Town Administrator
LANDS END Comfort and Consolation PROPERTIES OWN, Don't Rent!! “ God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no ore death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” Revelation 21:4 In times of sorrow, we shed bitter tears. Tender ties are broken: hearts are left alone and sad.
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In Our Community
20
The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2016
The Holly Jolly Musical
A Family Friendly Christmas Show The Holly Jolly Musical Revue is a delightful family show, with life-size costume characters, lots of singing and dancing, and many jokes, plus audience participation. The story line this year is about a boy who has been naughty not nice, and he is threatened that Santa will only bring him rocks and stones for Christmas for being so bad. When his father leaves for work at the Jingle Bell Cabaret, the boy is so tired the falls asleep by the toy chest, and all his favorite stuffed toys come to life, and are big, and start singing and dancing. The boy becomes part of his father’s musical revue at the Jingle Bell Cabaret along with Max, Popsicles, and Beethoven. His favorite stuffed animal, Jingles the horse, is even big and interrupts the show by telling many jokes. It’s a fun-filled show with lots of surprises, geared towards the children, but is a delightful show sure to entertain all ages. If
you love tap dancing, hip hop and ballet, plus all the holiday songs, you’ll love this show. In the past, even young children sit through the entire show with their mouths open wide and in amazement. Special guest appearances by the king of rock and roll, and a very popular motown boys band, can you guess who they are? The show is followed by a visit from Santa Clause, and The Grinch, and a Meet and Greet with Santa and all Santa’s friends. This is a fundraiser for the GG Show Troupe, at Gracie’s Guys and Gals Dance Studio. The show is by no means a recital. It is an actual musical revue, and is professionally done. Tickets available at www.5southeventcenter.com/ holly-jolly-musical-revue
New Direction Community Theater Sets “Annie Junior”
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New Direction Community Theater will present its annual kid’s holiday show, “Annie Junior,” with an all-youth cast on Friday and Saturday evenings, December 2-3 and 9-10 at 7 p.m. at the Long Beach Community Center, 5845 Calvert Boulevard, St. Leonard, MD 20685. There will also be matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday, Decmber 3-4 and 10-11 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students, and may be purchased by visiting NDCT’s web site, http://ndctheater.org. Tickets may be purchased at the door, but reservations are advised. “Annie Junior” is the Broadway hit musical “Annie” as specially adapted for performance by actors teen-aged and lower. The plot is the same: Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie eventually foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations, finding a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.
Included in the cast are Angela Arnold, Caroline Artz, Emma Curtin, Elizabeth Foster, Gabriella Gray, Leah Kanny, Taylor Kanny, Walker Kanny, Abigail King, Holly King, Wyatt King, Philip Mervine, Lorelei Moss, Virginia Moss, Emma Noel, Logan Patton and Emily Rollins.
Emily Rollins is Grace Farrell, Emma Curtin is Annie and Philip Mervine is Oliver Warbucks in NDCT’s “Annie Junior.”
The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Community
Calendar
Month Long Mechanicsville Optimist Club Annual Christmas Tree Event (Location: McKay’s Food & Drug Store Rt. 5 North Charlotte Hall, Md and Mechanicsville Carnival Lot) November 25, 2016—December 23, 2016 Monday—Friday: 5:00 - 9:00 PM Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Presents it’s 32th Annual Christmas Tree All proceeds go to support our community’s youth! For more information call 240-925-0341 or 240-298-1653 www.mechanicsvilleoptimistclub.org/ 10th Annual Piney Point Lighthouse Museum Holiday Exhibit (Location: 44720 Lighthouse Road Piney Point, MD 20674) 12 Noon - 4:00 PM Enjoy a poltically-themed exhibit in both the museum and the Keeper’s Quarters. • Shop at the Crab Claw Museum Store for holiday gifts, ornaments & décor! • 10th Annual Piney Point Lighthouse Holiday Exhibit —December 1 through January 2nd • Holiday Winter Hours begin—December 23rd—10:00 am to 4 pm daily through January 2nd • Piney Point Lighthouse Museum Open House—PPLM—December 10—12 noon to 4 pm • Christmas—County Holiday Sunday, December 25—BOTH SITES CLOSED Annmarie Garden In Lights!(Location: Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center) 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Winner of Maryland Life Magazine’s Finest Holiday Tradition Award, Annmarie Garden In Lights is a magical tour that takes visitors on a beautiful trip through the glittering woods. As you stroll the protected path, you will be transported to a fantastical place of spectacular lights and amazing “light sculptures.” Guests will be surrounded by mythical beasts, wild animals, airplanes, pirates, princesses, circus performers, dinosaurs, and more. Because all the “light sculptures” are made at Annmarie, the designs are one-of-a-kind; nothing in this show is commercially available. It is all made just for visitors to Annmarie Garden In Lights! Enjoy the “Holiday I Spy Game,” nightly entertainment, special discount nights, sweet treats, and other fun activities. Start your tour in the Arts Building where you will also find the Ornament Show & Sale, nightly entertainment, exhibits, a spectacular gift shop, and the Holiday Cafe. And don’t forget to ask for a “Holiday I Spy” program. For more information and a complete schedule of special nights and activities, visit www.annmariegarden.org 31st Annual Christmas Doll & Train Exhibit (Location: 38370 Point Breeze Road Colton’s Point, MD 20626) 12 Noon - 4:00 PM • Enjoy antique dolls, toys and working miniature trains. • Featuring exhibits by Southern Maryland Doll Club, Black-eyed Susan Doll Club and the Hammett Family highlighting how St. Mary’s County celebrated the holidays in the past and how it celebrates it today.
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Calendars
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To submit your event listing to go in our Community Calendar, please email timescalendar@countytimes.net with the listing details by 12 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to our Thursday publication.
Shop at the Crab Claw Museum Store for holiday gifts, ornaments & décor! 31st Annual Christmas Doll & Train Exhibit—SCIM—December 1 through January 2nd Holiday Winter Hours begin—December 23rd—10:00 am to 4 pm daily through January 2nd St. Clement’s Island Museum Open House—SCIM—December 10, 12 noon to 4 pm Christmas—County Holiday Sunday, December 25—BOTH SITES CLOSED
• “The Game’s Afoot/Holmes for the Holidays” (Location: Three Notch Theater 21744 South Coral Drive L exington Park, MD 20653) 8:00 PM *** This event runs three weekends December 2—18 *** Tickets are available at www.newtowneplayers.org/tickets.html Thursdays—Saturdays 8:00 PM Sundays 3:30 PM Adults General Admission $15 Students/Seniors/Military $12 Children $10 It is Christmas Eve, 1936. William Gillette, an actor famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast-members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. Then it’s up to Gillette himself, as he assumes the persona of his beloved Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears. This glittering whodunit has murder, infidelity, wit, and surprises—something for everyone.
Thursday, December 1 St. Mary’s Sunshine Center LuLaRoe Fundraiser Location: 25600 Point Lookout Road Leonardtown, MD 20650 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM St. Mary’s Sunshine Center will be hosting a LuLaRoe Fundraiser. There will be lots of merchandise to choose from, with 6 different vendors. Join us at the Sunshine Center School Age House. The Sunshine Center is a 501c 3 nonprofit children care center, that cares for children 6 weeks to 12 years of age. All proceeds go to benefit the education and development of the children attending the Sunshine Center. Thank you for your support! 53rd Annual Senior Christmas Dinner Party (Location: St Michael’s School 16560 Three Notch Road, Ridge, MD) 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM Come join us for the 53rd Annual Senior Dinner! A full Christmas Dinner with all of the trimmings, family, friends and tradition. Turkey, Stuffed ham, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, green beans, and more. Hosted by Ladies of Charity with St Michael’s Church Choir, the dinner also features entertainment, including a Children’s Procession and Live Nativity. All are welcome!
Am. Legion Post 221 Meeting (Location: AL Post 221; 21690 Colton Point Rd; Avenue, MD) 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM American Legion Post 221 invites all active duty personnel and veterans to join us for our monthly meeting on the first Thursday of each month at 8:00pm. Visit our website at http://www.alpost221.webs.com/ or e-mail us at alpost221@netscape.net. Call (301) 884-4071 for more information. Tell them you saw the announcement on the County Times Calendar
Friday, December 2 Solomons Christmas Walk (Location: Calvert Marine Museum) 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Stroll the luminaria lit streets and begin holiday festivities with the annual Solomons Christmas Free Addmission! Enjoy local musical entertainment on Friday, December 2: 6 p.m.—7 p.m. - COSMIC Flute Choir 7 p.m.—8 p.m. - Patuxent Voices 8 p.m.—9 p.m. - Patuxent High School Choir Santa will be visiting both nights and the museum otter will also join in on the holiday cheer. Children can create a holiday craft to take home. Enjoy punch and cookies on Friday and Santa’s Coffee House on Saturday offering complimentary coffee, hot cocoa, and holiday cookies. “Annie Jr.” Performance
(Location: Long Beach Community Center, 5845 Calvert Boulevard, St. Leonard, MD 20685)
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students. To purchase tickets, visit ndctheater.org. May be purchased at the door. “Annie Jr.” is the specially adapted version of “Annie.” The story is the same: With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a nextto-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie eventually foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations, finding a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.
Saturday, December 3 Solomons Island Jingle Bell Run (Location: 155 Holiday Drive, Solomons, MD 20688) 7:00 AM -10:00 AM Be part of the largest holiday-themed 5K race series anywhere—and join the movement to conquer arthritis! The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run is a fun way to get out, get moving and raise funds and awareness to cure America’s #1 cause of disability. In communities nationwide, this annual event brings together people from all walks of life to shout “Yes, we will live life to its fullest while searching for a cure!” As a Champion of Yes, kick off your holidays by helping conquer arthritis once and for all! Wear a holidaythemed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Show off your ugly Christmas sweater. Complete a 5-kilometer run or walk with your team members, spreading
smiles, good cheer and a winning spirit … and be a Champion of Yes! Register by visiting, www.jbr.org/solomonsisland Fees: General Adult Registration: $35.00 Timed race, $5 Fee increase on Nov 19 Child Registration: $20.00 For Children 17 & Under, Timed race Rudolph Romp: $5.00 Kids 12 & Under. Untimed So. Md. Farm & Country Community Christmas Auction (Location: 25111 Colton Point Road, Morganza, MD) 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Locally-made live, evergreen wreaths and centerpieces; handmade furniture, crafts and quilts; farm machinery and tools; new outdoor furniture; antiques and collectibles and more! Food and refreshments available (food proceeds help support Mother Catherine Academy). This auction event showcases the great items Southern Maryland (St. Mary’s County) has to offer. Auction preview is on Friday, December 2, 2016 from 3 pm till 7:30. Also available is Southern Maryland Stuffed Ham Sandwiches (provided by McKay’s Finer Foods). A St. Mary’s County Community Tradition. For more information go to www.farrellauctionservice.com. This auction provides a venue for local growers, farmers and craftsmen—join us! -Holiday Market (indoor) (Location: Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center) 9:00 AM INDOORHolidayMarket.Admissionisfree! Just in time for the holidays! Annmarie’s Holiday market is just the place to find wonderfully handmade and thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list...crafts, skincare products, small batch foods, batik and fleece clothing, handmade soaps and candles, herbal teas, ornaments, folkart, handmade gifts, and more! Delight in the local treasures to be found here! Tiny Elves & Santa’s Workshop (Location: Hollywood Recreation Center, 24400 Mervell Dean Rd, Hollywood, MD) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM With the holiday season fast approaching thoughts of sugarplums will be dancing in the heads of children all around St. Mary’s County. What better way to prepare them for the holidays than with the annual Tiny Elves & Santa’s Workshop? Children, ages 14 and younger, are welcome to enjoy the Tiny Elves and Santa’s Workshop. All children will receive a professional photo 5 x 7 photo with Santa and must be pre-registered to attend as space will be limited. The Tiny Elves Workshop costs $15 per child. Santa’s Workshop will take place from 12—5 at a cost of $30 per child, $25 for each additional sibling. Santa’s Workshop provides parents a chance to enjoy a kidfree shopping day. Children will take enjoy holiday themed crafts, gift making, games, and activities. Pizza and other snacks will be provided. The big man himself will make an appearance and every child will have their picture taken with him. All children must pre-register as space will be limited. To register online go to www.stmarysmd. com/recreate or in person at the Recreation & Parks office in Leonardtown. For more information Tiny Elves and Santa’s Workshop call 301-475-4200 ext. *1800 or *1801.
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In Our Community
Community
Calendar
Play in Clay: Family Holiday Giftmaking Workshop (Location: Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center) 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM For ages 6-up with adult Join us in the clay studio to create a few unique gifts to give just in time for the holidays! From ornaments to coffee mugs, to cookie plates, and more. Each person will come away with 3-5 unique creations. Choose from the AM Session (9:30am1pm) or the PM Session (1:30pm-5pm) Registration required. COST IS FOR ADULT / CHILD COUPLE— Additional family members may be added for extra charge. To register, visit www.annmariegarden.org. Golden Beach/Patuxent Knolls Christmas Bazaar & Craft Show (Location: Golden Beach Fire House, 29848 Therese Circle, Mechanicsville, MD) 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Bring the kids to have their picture taken with Santa. Santa will arrive at 11 AM. Sorry no pets allowed. Kids do your Christmas shopping for your family at our Kids Table. There will be several vendors; door prizes and food for sale. Vendors—rent a table for $35. Please pre-register for the table by calling Kathy Owens at 301-884-8432. Please bring a non-perishable food item or a new unwrapped gift to donate to needy families in the area. SummerseatFarmChristmasOpenHouse (Location: Summerseat Farm, 26655 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville, Md.) 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM $5.00 per family. Enjoy holiday cookies and cider, visits and photos with Santa, Christmas music, a Christmas raffle, Craft Room for the kids where they’ll make their own ornament to take home, guided Manor House tours, hay rides, visits with the farm animals, including our “baby” buffalo, Indy, with an opportunity for the kids to feed a snack to the animals. Colonial Christmas (Location: Historic St. Mary’s City) 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Town Center (meet at The Shop at Farthing’s Ordinary), 47414 Old State House Road, St. Mary’s City, MD 20686. This light-hearted tour follows a newly freed servant (and his fellow colonists) as he tries to employ holiday traditions and the goodwill of the season to win a young lady’s heart. $10 adult; $9 senior; $6 youth; free to ages 5 and younger, and to Friends members. Tours depart hourly. (240) 895-4990 or info@HSMCdigshistory.org. www. HSMCdigshistory.org Cat Adoption Event—Rescue Angels of Southern MD (Location: Waldorf Petco) 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Thinking of getting a cat for Christmas? Bring the whole family to meet the cats and kittens that Rescue Angels of Southern Maryland has for adoption! This may be the day you meet your purrfect match. Fill out an application in advance to speed up the process! Find the form here: www. rescueangelssomd.com
The County Times
Holly Jolly Musical Revue (Location: 5 South Event Center : 21030 Point Lookout Road : Callaway, MD 21020) 12 Noon - 3:00 PM For more info email: HollyJollyShow@aol. com $15 per person ages 2 and up ADVANCE PRICE $20 at the door INCLUDES LUNCH. Doors open 11:45am Fundraiser for GG Show Troupe of Gracie’s Guys and Gals Dance Studio Live band • Meet and greet with Santa (you can take as many pictures as you want) Delightful musical show • Jingles the famous horse with her jokes plus many costume characters that tap dance, hip hop and do ballet along with national championship dancers: GG Show Troupe. “Annie Jr.” Performance
(Location: Long Beach Community Center, 5845 Calvert Boulevard, St. Leonard, MD 20685) 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM & 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students. To purchase tickets, visit ndctheater.org. May also be purchased at the door. “Annie Jr.” is the specially adapted version of “Annie.” The story is the same: With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie eventually foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations, finding a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy. Solomons Christmas Walk (Location: Calvert Marine Museum) 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Stroll the luminaria lit streets and begin holiday festivities with the annual Solomons Christmas Walk. Free Addmission! Enjoy music on Saturday, December 3: 6 p.m.—7 p.m. - Bruce Rider & Friends 7 p.m.—7:30 p.m. - Calvert High School Chamber Orchestra 7:30 p.m.—8 p.m. - Patuxent High School Chamber Orchestra 8 p.m.—9 p.m. - Robert Pfeiffer and Stephen Godfrey Santa will be visiting both nights and the museum otter will also join in on the holiday cheer. Children can create a holiday craft to take home. Enjoy punch and cookies on Friday and Santa’s Coffee House on Saturday offering complimentary coffee, hot cocoa, and holiday cookies. Las Posadas Celebration at St Michael’s Church (Location: St Michael’s School 16560 Three Notch Road, Ridge, MD) 6:00 PM -10:00 PM Procession, music, food, games & piñatas Super Bingo Mother Catherine Academy COSMIC Holiday Pops Concert (Location: Patuxent Presbyterian Church, California MD) 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Students and Kids are FREE this season. COSMIC presents some of the most beloved music of the holiday season including excerpts from The Nutcracker and Swan Lake as well as favorite festive fun. Tickets can be bought at the door or on line at www.cosmicsymphony.org.
Sunday, December 4 Breakfast with Santa & Santa Shop (Location: Father Andrew White School—Leonardtown, MD) 9:00 AM - 12 Noon Breakfast with Santa: Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa Claus will be making a special visit to Father Andrew White School on Sunday, December 4th from 9am—12 noon. Enjoy a delicious breakfast of eggs, pancakes, sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy, potatoes, fruits and pastries! Then get a chance to sit on Santa’s lap. Cost: Adults: $8, Children 4-12: $6, 3 and under: Free While you’re there, allow your children to feel the joy of giving this Christmas when they buy presents at the Santa Shop. All gifts are $3. Shop for parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, and pets! After shopping, the gifts will be wrapped and ready to go under your tree. 2016 Holiday Craft Fair (Location: 3785 Leonardtown Rd) 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM The Humane Society of Charles County will be hosting the 2016 Holiday Craft Fair on Sunday, December 4th, from 10:00-4:00pm. Many local area crafters will be on hand, as well as the Humane Society’s very own White Elephant Sale, Baked Goods Table, and a visit from a very special guest! Holiday Home Tour—Health Share of St. Mary’s (Location: Piney Point/Tall Timbers area) 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Tour 6 beautiful, private homes joyfully decorated for the holiday season. Gather a group of friends for a fun afternoon exploring and enjoying these exceptional homes. Each residence is unique with architectural details and décor that will charm, fascinate, inform, excite, and occasionally amuse you. All homes in Piney Point/Tall Timbers area. Take Route 5 (Point Lookout Road) to Callaway. Turn on Route 249 and follow to Lighthouse Road and Tour signs to House A. Call Sheryl 301-904-2810 for more information. Signs indicating the homes will be clearly displayed on the roadway. Tickets may be purchased on the day of the event at any of the 6 home locations. Tickets are $50 per person for all homes or $10 per house, cash or check. Holiday Multi Vendor Shopping Event (Location: 11040 Charles St Laplata MD 20646) 12 Noon - 3:00 PM I am excited to announce a stop and shop event with several different vendors. We will have Lularoe, Katie’s Cupboard (country primitive decor), Jamberry, Rodan and Fields, Thirty One and Cottage Chic Boutique Baby and children’s style clothing!! This will be Sunday December 4th from 12-3!! Winter Wonderland Vendor Show (Location: Dreams Studio of Dance-28967 Three Notch are. Mechanicsville, MD) 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM Craft & Vendor show, we are still in need of both… $30 table-if you would like a spot please email wendijreese@gmail. com or contact the studio 301-884-8842 -Silent Auction-Door prizes -Santa & Mrs Clause
Thursday, December 1, 2016
CSM FAFSA Completion Workshop (Location: CSM, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata) 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, Francis P. Chiaramonte, M.D. Center for Science and Technology (ST) Building, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata. The Financial Assistance Department will provide one-on-one assistance to students and parents as they complete the 2016-17 or 2017-18 Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form is the primary application for federal, state and institutional financial aid programs. Staff will assist families in completing the application. Students and parents need to bring 2015 tax information (W2 forms for parents and student, and federal tax form 1040, 1040A or 1040 EZ) and records of untaxed income, Social Security benefits and child support received or paid. Snow date Dec. 11. Email finaid@csmd.edu. 4-H Quarter Auction (Location: St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, Tolerance Hall) 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM The St. Mary’s County 4-H program will be holding a Quarter Auction to benefit the 4-H Youth Development Program on Sunday, December 4, 2016, at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds. This event will feature over 15 vendors with the opportunity to win items for only 1 to 2 quarters. Doors will open at 1:00 pm and the Auction starts at 2:00pm. For more information and reservations, contact Barbara Dobbins in the 4-H Office at 301-475-4478. University of Maryland Extension is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access program. Quarter Auction Benefit (Location: St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds) 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Doors open at noon Proceeds benefit 4H Ropes N Wranglers Paddles are $3 each or 2 for $5 All bids are between 1 - 4 quarters, and over 15 different companies will be on hand with over 100 prizes for you to pick from! Never been to a quarter auction? No problem! Bring your quarters, bring your friends, and get ready for a fun afternoon - we’ll show you how the game works! For info or reservations, call 410-474-2958. American Legion Bluegrass Concert Series (Location: American Legion Post 238, Hughesville, MD) 2:00 PM ALL STAR LINEUP The Gibson Brothers Presented by Jay Armsworthy and the Sons of the American Legion’ 50/50 Raffles, Door Prizes Dinner special served before each show starting at Noon. For more info or tickets: www.americanlegionbluegrass.com 301-737-3004 Elks “BIG GAME” Poker (Location: St. Mary’s County Elks Lodge) 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM No Limit Holdem Poker Tournament $120 Buy in = 15,000 chips ($80 to prize pool, $20 Bounty and $20 to charity) earn a $20 dollar Bounty every time you knock someone out of the tournament Top ten percent places paid. Food and Beverage are available for purchase. Cash
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Community
Calendar
games will be available: Holdem : $1- $2 no limit (start when we have enough interested players) Omaha Hi/Lo : $.50—$1 no limit 301- 863- 7800
4pm) Please enter through the side of the building 301- 863- 7800 Questions: James Dean 240-577-0828 Email: jdeanjunior@yahoo.com
“Annie Jr.” Performance (Location: Long Beach Community Center, 5845 Calvert Boulevard, St. Leonard, MD 20685) 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students. To purchase tickets, visit ndctheater.org. May also be purchased at the door. “Annie Jr.” is the specially adapted version of “Annie.” The story is the same: With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie eventually foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations, finding a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.
CSM Jazz Ensemble Concert (Location: CSM, Leonardtown) 7:30 PM College of Southern Maryland, Leonardtown Campus, Building A., Room 206, 22950 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown. CSM’s Jazz Ensemble Solid Brass, directed by Randy Runyon, will perform an assortment of holiday classics in the big band swing style. $5 in advance, $7 day of event. bxoffc@csmd.edu, 301-934-7828, www.csmd.edu/Arts.
Monday, December 5
Pax River Quilters Guild Meeting/ Christmas Party (Location: Good Samaritan Lutheran Church, 20850 Langley Rd., Lexington Park) 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Pax River Quilters Guild—the next monthly meeting will be held Monday, Dec. 5th, 6:30pm, at Good Samaritan Lutheran Church, 20850 Langley Rd., Lexington Park, MD. Join us for our annual guild Christmas Party! There will be games, food, fun and fabric. Grab bags, FQ raffle, ugly Christmas sweater contest, holiday head wear contest are planned. Bring food for the food pantry raffle, 2 1/2” strips for a strip raffle and a quilting related gift (optional), $15 limit, for our gift exchange. New members and guest welcome. Pax River Quilters Guild is a 501(c)(3) organization and is open to the public. Visit us on Facebook or our website www.paxriverquiltguild.com. Wine and DISH! Holiday Giftmaking Clay Workshop (Location: Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center) 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM 2-class series. Create one-of-a-kind gifts using clay slabs and pinched pottery. Choose from an assortment of project ideas. Decorate your pieces with textures, glazes, and more. A fun evening out— bring your favorite beverage and join us! Second class meets Dec 19th, 6:30-9:30pm for glazing your finished pieces. Registration required. To register, visit www.annmariegarden.org. Elks Holdem “BOUNTY” Tournament (Location: St. Mary’s County Elks Lodge) 7:00 PM No Limit Holdem Poker Tournament $25 Buy in = 4,000 chips $5 add-on = 1,000 chips and raffle drawing Earn a BOUNTY chip worth $5 dollars for every person that you bust out of the tournament. Food and Beverage 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 (starts at
Calendars
The County Times
Tuesday, December 6
Pet of the Week
23
Meet Charles & Jill
Charles was born in August and Jill was born in May. They are super friendly and love to snuggle with their foster mom. They are cute purr babies who also love to play with their toys and the other kitties. They are combo tested for aids and feline leukemia, vaccinated against rabies, spayed or neutered, had 3 distemper vaccines, dewormed and microchipped. They cost $125 each.
As you know they are looking for someone to love them and be kind to them forever. You can meet them at Petco from 11 to 3 every Saturday and Sunday.
SELF-SERVE DOG WASH FULL SERVICE GROOMING NATURAL PET FOODS GOURMET DOG BAKERY HIP TOYS & ACCESSORIES
Sea Squirts at CMM Location: Calvert Marine Museum 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Free program for children 18 months to 3 years old and their caregivers. This month’s theme is Backyard Winter Animals. LVRSA Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser (Location: Texas Roadhouse in California MD 2061) 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM For the Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad to receive a % of your purchase please provide your server with a copy of our fundraiser flyer which can be found at www.lvrs.org. We hope you see you there and we thank you for your continued support!
Let us take care of it! PROFESSIONAL GROOMING
Full-service, professional groomers Your pet stays with one groomer from start-to-finish, NO ‘production line’ grooming Call to ask about the full range of services offered and to schedule an appointment
SAN SOUCI SHOPPING PLAZA
22598 MacArthur Blvd. California, MD 20619 301.917.WASH (9274)
WAGNWASH.COM PROUD TO BE LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
Wednesday, December 7 Line Dance Lessons (Location: Hotel Charles - 15110 Burnt Store Rd, Hughesville, MD 20637) 7:00 PM Free line dance lessons taught by the Southern Maryland Boot Scooters. Beginner lessons 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM. Intermediate lessons 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM. “The Marriage of Figaro” at St. Mary’s College
(Location: Bruce Davis Theater, Montgomery Hall, on the St. Mary’s College of Maryland campus)
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM “The Marriage of Figaro,” Pierre de Beaumarchais’ fast-paced comic romp across one day in Count Almaviva’s castle of Aguafrescas, runs December 7-10 at 8 p.m. and December 11 at 2 p.m. in the Bruce Davis Theater, Montgomery Hall, on the St. Mary’s College of Maryland campus. An informal talk-back with cast and crew follows the opening night performance on December 7. Ticket prices are $4 for teachers, students, St. Mary’s College staff, senior citizens, and Arts Alliance members; $6, general admission. To make reservations, email the Theater Box Office at boxoffice@ smcm.edu or telephone 240-895-4243. “The Marriage of Figaro” is produced by St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s Department of Theater, Film, and Media Studies and is directed by faculty member Mark A. Rhoda.
DECEMBER 3RD & 4TH 11am-4pm
Come celebrate the holidays with Leonardtown PetValu! Bring your furry loved ones in, to take a picture with Santa!! Play some games and test your luck on some of our local business raffles! We will have adoptable dogs and cats, as well as meet and greets with your local pet businesses! Hope to see you then!
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Calendars
The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2016
n O g n i o G Library Calendar In Entertainment
Southern Maryland JobSource Mobile Career Center at Charlotte Hall Library
The Southern Maryland JobSource Mobile Career Center will be at the Charlotte Hall Library on Thursday, December 1st from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Job seekers can stop by for job counseling and resume help, search for jobs, and to get registered with the Maryland Workforce Exchange.
Handmade at Your Library
Lexington Park Library will host Handmade at Your Library on Saturday, December 3rd from 2 to 3 p.m. A craft program for beginner and experienced do-it-yourselfers. Join us one Saturday a month to make unique handicrafts. We’ll supply the instructions and materials, and you bring the creativity. This month we’ll be making dip ornaments. This is an adults only program. Registration required on www.stmalib.org or call 301-863-8188.
Introduction to Google Drive
Leonardtown Library will host Introduction to Google Drive on Monday, December 5th from 2 to 4 p.m. Learn how to use Google Drive to enhance productivity by improving search skills and sharing documents. Adult classes are limited to ages 16 and up. Registration required on www.stmalib.org or call 301-475-2846.
Teen Tech Space
Lexington Park Library will host Teen Tech Space on Tuesday, December 6th from 4 to 6 p.m. Open computer lab use for teens and tweens ages 11 to 17. Play Minecraft, Wii, games, computers, and make crafts. Hang out, bring your friends! No Registration.
eReading Basics
Leonardtown Library will host eReading Basics on Wednesday, December 7th from 2 to 4 p.m. A one hour overview of Overdrive, Hoopla, and Zinio, followed by one hour of guided help. Use a library device or bring your own. Adult classes are limited to ages 16 and up. Registration required on www.stmalib.org or call 301-475-2846.
College Q&A: You Have College Questions, We Have Answers
Lexington Park Library will host College Q&A on Wednesday, December 7th from 6 to 7:30 p.m. A casual discussion and Q&A session about preparing for college from writing your admissions essay and choosing a school to figuring out FAFSA and picking a major. All students, parents, and community members are welcome!
Charlotte Hall Book Discussion
Charlotte Hall Library will host a book discussion on Monday, December 5th from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. They will discuss “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry” by Gabrielle Zevin. Copies of the book are available for checkout prior to the discussion. New members are always welcome! No registration.
Publisher Associate Publisher Office Manager Advertising Phone Graphic Artist Sarah Williams Staff Writers Guy Leonard Interns Miranda McLain
Thomas McKay Eric McKay Tobie Pulliam jen@countytimes.net 301-373-4125 sarahwilliams@countytimes.net guyleonard@countytimes.net mmclain@smcm.edu
Photographer Frank Marquart Contributing Writers Laura Joyce Ron Guy Linda Reno Shelbey Oppermann David Spigler Doug Watson
Thursday December 2
Trivia Anthony’s Bar & Grill, Dunkirk MD 8:30pm www.anthonysdunkirk.com
Friday December 2
Jingle and Mingle Happy Hour Toy Drive Hard Times Cafe’, Waldorf MD 6 -10pm Free entrance with a new unwrapped toy. Email 2ndvp@dstfwac.org. Texas Hold’em Tournament VFW Post 2632,Three Notch Rd. 7:00 PM $50 Buyin ($40 Prize Pool + $10 Charity) Optional $10 Add-On (Receive an extra $1000 and 50/50 Entry) For more information or to pre-register contact Brian: Email: poker@ vfw2632.com Cell: 240-925-4000 Ryan Forrester Trio The Ruddy Duck, Solomons MD 8pm DJ Rickie Anthony’s Bar & Grill, Dunkirk MD 8:30pm www.anthonysdunkirk.com
Denim & Diamonds: A Holiday Affair Waldorf Cultural Center, Waldorf MD 9pm Dress in your best denim attire for an evening filled with great music, hors d›oeuvres, a silent auction and door prizes. www.southernmarylandtlod.org
Saturday December 3 5th Annual Toy’s for Tot’s Rock n Roll Toy Drive. Anthony’s Bar & Grill, Dunkirk MD 8pm 3 bands. $10 entry or unwrapped new toy. www.anthonysdunkirk.com Karaoke w/DJ Tommy T & Friends Applebees, California, MD 9pm Come and join Local Phenom DJ Coach for Southern Maryland’s Longest Running Karaoke Show! Under 18 can sing until 10pm. 301-862-1573 www.instantpartyanddj.com
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 sarahwilliams@countytimes.net. Please submit calendar listings by noon on the Tuesday prior to our Thursday publication.
The St. Mary’s County Times is a weekly newspaper providing news and information for the residents of St. Mary’s County. The St. Mary’s County Times will be available on newsstands every Thursday. The paper is published by Southern Maryland Publishing Company, which is responsible for the form, content, and policies of the newspaper. The St. Mary’s County Times does not espouse any political belief or endorse any product or service in its news coverage. To be considered for publication, articles and letters to the editor submitted must include the writer’s full name, address and daytime phone number. Submissions must be delivered by 4 p.m. on the Monday prior to our Thursday publication to ensure placement for that week. After that deadline, the St. Mary’s County Times will make every attempt possible to publish late content, but cannot guarantee so. Letters may be condensed/edited for clarity, although care is taken to preserve the core of the writer’s argument. Copyright in material submitted to the newspaper and accepted for publication remains with the author, but the St. Mary’s County Times and its licensees may freely reproduce it in print, electronic or other forms. We are unable to acknowledge receipt of letters. The St. Mary’s County Times cannot guarantee that every letter or photo(s) submitted will be published, due to time or space constraints.
County Times St. Mary’s
P. O. Box 250 • Hollywood, MD 20636
The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2016
g n u o Y at eart H Enhance Fitness classes offered for FREE during the month of December
Join us at a senior activity center near you for a well-rounded fitness class that incorporates aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility components in a one-hour workout. Enhance Fitness is being offered during the month of December at the Garvey, Loffler, and Northern Senior Activity Centers FREE of charge to all participants (normally $3/class). Whether you already regularly participate in Enhance Fitness, or have been wanting to give it a try, here’s your chance for free if you are 50 years of age or older. For more information, call Alice at 301475-4200, ext. *1063.
Gift Donations Needed for Christmas Gift Bingo
Every year at the Loffler Senior Activity Center we offer a special day of Bingo in which Christmas shopping items are the prizes. We will have a full house of 50 players and are looking for donations of gifts for our prize table. Donations should be new items, not shopworn or expired foodstuffs, but items that are suitable for gift-giving. They should not be gift-wrapped. Donations can be dropped off at the Loffler Senior Activity Center Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. now through Dec. 12. If you have questions call 301-737-5670, ext. 1658.
Mason Jar Succulent Terrarium
A succulent terrarium makes an excellent gift for the plant lover in your life. They are easy to care for and make great home accent pieces. Attend this workshop at the Garvey Senior Activity Center on Monday, Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. There is no fee to attend this workshop; however, advance sign up is required. To register, call 301-475-4200, ext. *1050.
AARP Smart Driver Course
As a result of evidence-based research findings, this course, held at the Garvey Senior Activity Center on Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. includes a focus on areas where older drivers could benefit from additional training, including: roundabouts, pavement markings, stop-sign
Calendars
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St. Mary’s Department of Aging Programs and Activities
compliance, red-light running, and safety issues such as speeding, seatbelt and turn-signal use. The cost is $15 for AARP members, $20 for nonmembers, payable to AARP. Members must show their membership card to get the member rate. Advance sign up is required. Lunch is available at the Center; cost is a donation for ages 60 and above and $6 for those under the age of 60. Call 301-475-4200, ext. *1050 to register for the class and for the lunch menu and to make lunch reservations.
Tax-free Investing
Avia Cumberbash, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, will be at the Garvey Senior Activity Center on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. to offer a tax-free inventing educational workshop. The program is designed to inform individuals of the benefits and considerations of choosing investments that offer tax advantages. Topics to be discussed include key steps to financial success, types of municipal accounts bonds, retirement accounts and life insurance. This presentation is for educational purposes only; there is no pressure to buy, no transactions will take place. Sign up in advance by calling 301-475-4200, ext. *1050.
Razzle Dazzle Christmas Party
It’s time to get your tickets for the annual St. Mary’s County Dept. of Aging & Human Services Christmas Party which will take place on Friday, Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Loffler Senior Activity Center. We will Razzle Dazzle you with our festive atmosphere as well as the delightful music of DJ Mean Gene, and a feast which will feature Garden Salad; Glazed Ham; Seasoned Greens; Scalloped Potatoes; Dinner Roll with butter; Fruit Juice Punch and Bread Pudding with Warm Vanilla Sauce. In addition, there will be all the other elements which help make this event magical like raffles, door prizes, dancing, party favors and more. Advance tickets are required and may be purchased at any senior activity center in St. Mary’s County for a suggested donation of $13. For additional information call 301-737-5670, ext. 1658.
Social Contract Bridge
There is interest is starting an informal, social contract bridge group at the Garvey Senior Activity Center on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month beginning Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Interested players must be familiar with the game and able to keep score. To sign up, call 301-475-4200, ext. *1050.
Free Christmas Show
The Charles County Show Troupe will perform their holiday show, “Christmas Spirit,” at the Northern Senior Activity Center on Monday, Dec. 12 from 10:3011:30 a.m. Audience members must be age 50 and above. To reserve a seat for the show and to request lunch please call 301-475-4200, ext. *3101.
Breakfast Café
Last breakfast for 2016! Celebrate the holiday the season with us by coming to breakfast on Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 9-10 a.m. at the Northern Senior Activity Center. Breakfast will consist of sausage gravy, biscuits, home fries, and fruit. The cost is $2 and is due at sign up. To sign up and pay for the class in advance, please visit the front desk.
Natural Wreath Making
On Thursday, Dec. 15, learn how to make a beautiful, all-natural evergreen wreath complete with bow, as taught by artisan Carol Davis, from Your Journey Studios at the Loffler Senior Activity Center. Class meets from 9-11 a.m. Participants can customize their own wreath with an assortment of cypress, evergreens, magnolia, boxwood, pine and holly. Bring your own snips for trimming. Plastic gloves and all wreath making materials, including ribbon, are provided. For more information, or to register, call 301-475-4200, ext. *1063. Fee of $30 includes instruction and all wreath making materials.
of all skill levels. All supplies, including snacks and beverages (alcohol free), are provided and you will leave with a 16x20 canvas of your acrylic painting at the end of class. Cost is $25 and is made payable to St. Mary’s Wine & Design. To sign up and pay for the class in advance, please visit the front desk. For more information regarding the class, please call 301-475-4200, ext. *3101.
Make a Sock Snowman
Here’s a simple little craft or gift you can make-a snowman made from a sock and other simple materials you probably already have on hand. Learn how to make these adorable creatures on Friday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. at the Loffler Senior Activity Center. There is no cost for this project but seating is limited. Call 301737-5670, ext. 1658, or stop by the reception desk to sign up.
Christmas Movie at Loffler
On Thursday, Dec. 22 at 10 a.m., take a break from your holiday preparation and treat yourself to a classic Christmas movie. We will be showing the delightful Miracle on 34th Street. Though this movie had a lovely remake in 2000, we are going to go back in time to the 1947 version with Maureen O’Hara and the young Natalie Wood. Nibble on some sweet and salty kettle corn and enjoy an ice cold drink on us, sit back and enjoy. 16 seats available, reserve yours by calling 301-737-5670, ext. 1658, or stop by the reception desk.
Wine & Design at Northern
Enjoy the fellowship of friends, food, and fun at the Northern Senior Activity Center for our St. Mary’s Wine & Design event on Thursday, Dec. 15 from 9:3011:30 a.m. Learn to paint a Maryland blue crab with a Santa hat from a professional artistic instructor. The picture is pre-sketched to guide you during the painting process and is perfect for artists
Brought to you by the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County: James R. Guy, President; Michael L. Hewitt; Tom Jarboe; Todd B. Morgan; John E. O’Connor; and the Department of Aging & Human Services 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. 3101
Visit the Department of Aging’s website at www.stmarysmd.com/ aging for the most up-to date information.
Games
CLUES ACROSS
1. Famed Spanish General’s nickname 5. Drink alcohol 11. Savings for soggy days 14. Kleenex, Puffs are some 15. Moved in a circular way 18. Pile of stones 19. Drenched 21. Talk to you (abbr.) 23. World’s longest river 24. Thoughts 28. Stake 29. Lawrence Taylor’s nickname 30. Coat or smear 32. Comedian Josh 33. Cost, insurance, freight (abbr.) 35. Royal Bank of Canada 36. Polyvinyl chloride
39. Lifeless 41. Doctor of Medicine 42. Former Saudi Arabian king 44. River along border of India and Nepal 46. German widow 47. Administrative review board 49. Small tower 52. Central American fruit 56. Cigar 58. Bring to life 60. Linked together in a chain 62. Marinara, BBQ are two 63. Mail
CLUES DOWN
1. Expression of creative skill 2. Nonclerical 3. Credit card company
The County Times
4. Ancient Chinese city 5. Personas 6. More (Spanish) 7. Close to 8. Nigerian City 9. Pals 10. Internal 12. Type of tent 13. Beloved Princess 16. Supplementing with difficulty 17. Region in Mississippi 20. Brave act 22. 36 inches 25. -__, denotes past 26. Swiss river 27. Submersibles 29. Portable computer screen material 31. Binary-coded decimal 34. Supervises flying 36. Represents dull, abrupt sound
37. Deformity involving a limb 38. Map 40. Dominican Republic 43. Breed of hogs 45. District attorney 48. Light Russian pancake 50. Selfs 51. Rock songstress Turner 53. American Music Awards 54. Partner 55. Egyptian Sun god 57. European money 58. Consumed 59. Doctor of Education 61. Actinium
WORD SCRAMBLE
H C L I Y L
Last Week’s Puzzle Soalutions
Word Scramble: Gobble
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Thursday, December 1, 2016
Kiddie ner Cor
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Letters to the Editor To The Editor, BLUEGRASS FOR HOSPICE-2016, BEST YEAR YET!! This year’s Bluegrass for Hospice raised $38,298.91! In 8 years, it’s the best yet, with a total raised of $192,000.00. On Saturday October 22, around 450 attendees enjoyed live Bluegrass music while raising money for our local Hospice of St. Mary’s, Hospice House. Bluegrass for Hospice-2016 was held at Bubby Knott’s Flat Iron Farm in Great Mills, MD. In spite of the family emergencies and cancelation of the original scheduled headline act, which was TLC Televisions Network’s, The Willis Clan, the show went on with no complaints of the replacement entertainment. Featured on America’s Got Talent, the Mountain Faith Band came through and entertained the more contemporary crowd while The Larry Stephenson Band were there to entertain the more traditional folks. I would like to thank each and every one of you who attended and all of the kind words that were given about the event. Maybe you purchased a raffle ticket, bought a Silent Auction item, or purchased a vendor space at the Bluegrass For Hospice; it all went to a worthy cause and was appreciated. Congratulations to our money raffle winners, Alan Hunter and Joy Potter. I would like to take this opportunity to publically thank the many volunteers that contributed their time to help make the event run smooth and successful as well as the sponsors, and businesses in St. Mary’s County who so generously donated items for the silent auction and door prizes. It’s great to see how the community of St. Mary’s County comes together with generosity. I hope I don’t forget you, but please forgive me if I do. Your name may be overlooked, but please remember your work and participation was appreciated. Thanks to the ‘behind the scenes’ folks: the Amish/Mennonite Community for their generous handcrafted items; my Dad, Johnny Armsworthy, Denise & Michael Bragg, Max McConnell, and Tina Williams for collecting door prizes and silent auction items; Barbara Robinson for making the phone calls; and Chesapeake Wholesale. Thank you Troy Jones for your dedication to me for over 11 years doing sound for all of my events. I don’t know what I’d do without you!! The IIIrd District Optimist Kruzin Kafe› for being the food vendor; Bubby Knott for providing the Flat Iron Farm every year, not to mention Mickey who does all the work getting the facility ready; McCormick Spice Company for donating the Spice Basket; and Old Line Bank. A special thanks to the Printing Press, Jesse & Kerry, for your continued support and dedication to this event; to Sheetz in Great Mills; and Ed Vogt of the Eastern Shore for donating the small wagon that was filled with various Bluegrass items, AND the life size John Deere wagon. Now to the many volunteers who were running around all day selling, overseeing, or just being there to do whatever was needed. You may feel that you didn’t do much, but believe me, you were a big help. Thanks to: Barbara Anderson; my Mom, Lorraine Armsworthy; Jim & Martha Bailey; Jan Barnes; Tony & Cindy Beakes; Joe & Denise Bragg; Michael Bragg; Synda Buckmaster; Nina Campbell; Jeni Carrico; Tara Dooley; Nga Nguyen-Felton; Pam Ferris; Suzanne Henderson; Mikul Holder; Muriel
Letters
The County Times
Homesack; Diane Hoyns; Debbie Johnson; Terry Larus; Eve Love; Debra Morgan; Charles Nickless; Elisa Norris; John Potts; Vince & Pat Roche; Jack & Peggy Tippett; Randy Whiten; and Janice Woehrer. Putting the icing on the cake, the one and only Michelle Armsworthy!!! Everyone was a big help but it couldn’t run without her! To the local talent, who never give me a hard time or tell me they can’t perform, thank you for your dedication: Recycled Bluegrass, Bluegrass Gospel Express, Bubby Abell & Spoon Creek, and 15 Strings. This year’s event was in memory of Charlie Thompson and Jay Russell. Jay was a big supporter of Bluegrass for Hospice and would always show up early willing to lend a hand with anything that was needed. Charlie was a long time Bluegrass musician and friend to many. He never turned down the opportunity to play for the Bluegrass for Hospice. He is missed, not only me, but many in the Southern MD Bluegrass community. I’d like to thank his brother, Ronnie Thompson, as well as Guy Herbert, Jerry Weaverling, Billy Thompson, and Stu Geisbert who joined me on stage for a nice tribute and reunion of Charlie’s “Bottom County Bluegrass Band” to close out this year’s Bluegrass for Hospice. On behalf of the Helping Hands Food Pantry, they certainly appreciated the amazing amount of food that was collected. And a great big thanks to the sponsors who supported Bluegrass For Hospice-2016: Great Mills Trading Post, Karen Garner, Jan Barnes-Realtor for Century 21 New Millennium, Mr. John Felicitas & Ms. Christine Wray, Old Line Bank, along with Salsa’s Mexican Café, Associated Insurance Centers, FGS, ABC Liquors & Lounge, Chiefs, W.M. Davis, Bob Taylor Engineering, Chick Fil A, St. Mary’s County Arts Council, The County Times, Southern Maryland Women’s Magazine, and the Holiday Inn Express in California, MD. Also thanks to Joan & Stanley Williams, Three Mules Welding Supply›s, TDE Incorporated, A & T Enterprises, Luke Morgan, DDS & Associates, John R. Bean Construction & Home Improvement~N~Stuff, Dorsey Law Firm, Quality Built Homes, Guy Distributing Co, IAMAW William W. Winpisinger Education Center, Dean Lumber Company, Wildwood Medical Care-Dr. John Scott Tidball, Friends of Tony O›Donnell, Virginia Lee Baines, Fitzgerald Auto Mall (Park Dodge Chrysler Jeep), along with Bell Boys Bus Service, Cedar Point Federal Credit Union, Hancock Refrigeration Co., Vidsec Systems, Cather Marine, Take-ItEasy Campground, Anne and Ernie Bell, Lil Margaret›s Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival, Thomas & Son Transport, J.F. Taylor, Community Bank of the Chesapeake, Kieyos, Parrans Flooring Center, Patuxent Dental, C & C Plumbing & Septic, Aloft Solutions, St. Mary›s Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Tom Hodges Auto Sales, Tire, & Service Center, and Dyson Building Center. Again, thanks to every one of you for making this event what is has turned out to be and for supporting live bluegrass music! Sincerely, Jay Armsworthy Bluegrass for Hospice Event Coordinator/Promoter
Dear Sir: The recent election campaign having started approximately 600 days prior to its ending, it is no wonder weary voters were muttering “are we there yet?” Given the outcome, my answer would have to be “not yet”. This election will be sliced and diced for years, but I think it comes down to a simple explanation; people were tired and disgusted with the old and were more than ready to try something new. So with the ball rolling in that direction here are my suggestions for items to address as still unfinished business. America needs a Constitutional Convention. And I have three fairly simple ideas for what I think should be accomplished. We can start with an easy one. “Congress and members therefore shall not be exempt from any law, rule or regulation otherwise applicable to any other organization or individual.” Moving Forward: “The term for a member of the House of Representatives shall be limited to six years, with one sixth of those seats being up for election every year. The term for a member of the Senate shall be limited to six years,, with one sixth of those seats being up for election every year. No member of Congress shall be eligible for election, reelection or appointment to either the House or the Senate without having first been out of Congress for a time equal to their respective term of office. Any member of Con-
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gress having already served for a period onger than or equal to the above term limits at the time of ratification of this Amendment, may complete the term then serving, but shall not be eligible to continue in office without first having been our of office for the required length of time. Any state or territory having multiple representation in Congress shall not be subject to having that representation expire simultaneously except on a staggered basis. Lastly: “Congress shall not set for itself or be entitled to any perquisite of office not considered to be generally available to the American public as a whole.” (If the last suggestion is a little obtuse, that means no in-house gyms or barber shops/ beauty salons at public expense; no unfettered, front of the line access to military medical facilities unless entitled to such access by virtue of military service; no two years of service to be fully vested in a life time pension; no automatic pay increases, ect. Members of Congress are public servants, they should act accordingly and not like heaven selected royalty subject to the Divine Right of Kings) “Are we there yet?” No, we are not. Onward! Sincerely, John A. Walters
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Contributing Writers
The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Tip of the Week Place small crochet hooks hook into a soft cork therefore, the hook will not catch on the project and pull the threads apart. From Craft Guild Shop
Rethink, Repurpose
Ignatius Knott In November 1832, Ignatius Knott, a resident of Stonelick, Clermont Co., OH applied for a pension based on his service during the Revolutionary War. He said he was 85 years old and was born April 17, 1747 about two miles from Leonardtown in St. Mary’s County. In November 1833 he added more details, saying he entered the service Hagerstown in 1776. “As the necessary wagons and provisions could be obtained, we marched from thence to meet Gen. Washington’s Army…on the Delaware River within the state of PA…the British prisoners that had been taken at Princeton and Trenton [were taken to Flemington] where we remained but a few hours. We marched to Morristown where we stayed three weeks and thence to Quibbletown where we remained the balance of the winter. “I then returned home to Washington County and remained there but a short time before being pressed into service…to go to Hagerstown where we…were employed [for about three months] in butchering for the prisoners that were then at Ft. Frederick on the Potomac River. “In October 1777, at Hagerstown, I was drafted and we marched to old Lancaster in PA and remained there for two days and then got our arms and ammunition. The British was then in possession of Philadelphia. From Lancaster we marched hard to Gen. Washington’s army at White Marsh Hill and there we joined the army and remained 3-4 days before Gen. Gates’ army joined Washington’s and in a few days a part of Gen. Gates’ army, under the com-
mand of Gen. Morgan, were engaged in fighting the British one whole day. We remained under arms all the time…The British retreated to Philadelphia. “Cold weather then came on. From White Marsh Hill, we marched to Valley Forge to winter quarters. On our march, we crossed the Schuylkill River by making a bridge of our baggage wagons. At Valley Forge, we were ordered to build huts. “In September 1779 I was ordered to go to Ft. Frederick to guard the prisoners. We remained there about five months and a half. “[In 1781] Col. Richard Davis called for volunteers to go with him to catch Tories. We took about 180 of them prisoners and found a quantity of arms concealed in a church. We took them to Frederick County jail and kept them there til Gov. Johnson had them tried by the Court. Fletcher Soomon [Peter Sueman] and Pleccor [Yost Flecker] was convicted and hanged. Some of the rest was sent to Nova Scotia.” Note: These men were found guilty of high treason. The sentences were unusually brutal. “You shall be carried to the gaol of Fredericktown, and be hanged therein; you shall be cut down to the earth alive, and your entrails shall be taken out and burnt while you are yet alive, your heads shall be cut off, your body shall be divided into four parts, and your heads and quarters shall be placed where his excellency the Governor shall appoint. So Lord have mercy upon your poor souls.”
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And in my never-ending series on our local trash and recycling convenience centers and all that they take and offer to our local residents, I am focusing on a very inventive local recycler. She has asked that I do not use her name, so I will call her the VIW for “very interesting woman”. The VIW was referred to me by Donnie at the Charlotte Hall Convenience Center. Donnie was telling me how she used some items found at the recycling center to create unique structures for her yard. One of VIW’s mantras for her finds is, “If its structural it gets painted black, if its decorative it gets painted gold.” She sent me some photos of two of her finds that were perfect for the yard and a repurposed items duck which she purchased. I, of course, think Donnie is great as well; such a creative man, and he and all the other convenience center attendants keep everything so organized. You never know what Donnie has created or added or painted at the Charlotte hall location. I really think local school children would benefit from class trips to the convenience center to see what can be recycled and also what is unfortunately thrown away. We all always think of aluminum cans first, and that is great, but there is so much more beyond that. And speaking of cans, IW said that cans are more valuable then we think. Aluminum is made of Bauxite and aluminum cans and their pop-tops are full of it and very valuable to companies like Alcoa™. A few nights ago, VIW and I were able to talk on the phone, and she told me how Donnie finds and saves interesting items for her to work with. One of the things VIW stated was, “Is an item really garbage or is it something someone else could use?” VIW gave lots of good ideas for some of the things she sees thrown away. If you don’t already take your used items to Vintage Values or Hooks and Hangars, then consider donating things like egg cartons, glass jars, puzzles and games to our local Amish and Mennonite friends, or the puzzles and games could go to one of our senior centers. The senior center also like cards for patrons to rework. I know personally that the Northern Senior Center has an an amazing art room because I go to some of the “Crafternoons” that a friend offers there. They may be able to use those craft and art supplies that you’ve never gotten around to using. VIW emphasized “Rethink, Repurpose”.
Hanging plant pots can be used to transfer plants like Geraniums inside during the winter instead of going in the dumpster. I, for, one didn’t even think about taking my Geraniums inside. She also said that things like CD towers and such can be great for climbing vines. It isn’t long before they are covered over. Generally, she feels that there is a place for everything and with a little research or a phone call or two, you can find somewhere that can use your discards, and end up with only a small amount of true trash to take to the convenience center. The passion and commitment she felt on the subject was evident in her many ideas. I also spoke to Nick Zurcan, Director of Solid Waste and Recycling at Public Works (always helpful and a wealth of knowledge) about the status of recycling plastic grocery bags. You probably know that you have to dump everything out of your plastic bags now at the recycle machine and leave your bags in another container since they were clogging up the next step of the process. I told Mr. Zurcan that I was a bit worried that some people might not be doing as much recycling because of this extra step. He responded that solutions are in the works to solve this problem from acquiring their own baler and machine to partnering with large companies who repurpose the bags into lumber, but he advised that for us, the small recyclers, most of the grocery stores still have a recycling container for plastic bags, because they are able to recycle them. So, if any of you are recyclers extraordinaire like VIW let me know. Again; “Rethink, Repurpose”. I’ll try harder too. To each new day’s adventure, Shelby Please send your comments or ideas to: shelbys.wanderings@yahoo.com or find me on facebook: Wanderings of an aimless mind.
The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2016
By Erika McConnell
“Cara’s Kindness”
by Kristi Yamaguchi, illustrated by John Lee c.2016, Sourcebooks $16.99 / $23.99 Canada 32 pages Everybody thinks you’re a pretty nice kid. And that’s a great thing. Being kind to others is fun, it feels good, and it helps brighten someone’s day. It’s also very easy and, as you’ll see in “Cara’s Kindness” by Kristi Yamaguchi, illustrated by John Lee, when you’re nice, it often comes back to you. Cara the Cat simply could not find the right music for her skating routine.
She tried all different kinds of songs but nothing seemed quite perfect enough. She was spinning on the ice and listening to yet another song when she spotted a sad little guy sitting in the skating rink bleachers. His name was Darby the Dog, and he told her he was sad because he didn’t know how to skate. But that was okay. Cara cares, so she helped Darby learn to skate. When he felt confident enough to do it by himself and he didn’t fall so much anymore, Cara told him to “pass on the kindness!”
Contributing Writers
All that skating made Darby hungry, so he sat down to eat his lunch. He’d almost bitten into his peanut butter sandwich when he met Pax the Polar Bear, who’d left his lunchbox at home. Pax was starving! Darby happily shared his lunch, and when the last crumb was gone, he told Pax to “pass on the kindness!” Walking home from the skating rink, Pax saw Marky the Monkey, who was in a bit of a fix. His ball had fallen in the cold water, so Pax got it out for him because polar bears don’t mind cold water at all. When Pax gave Marky the ball, Pax smiled because helping made him happy. He said, “Pass on the kindness!” And so Marky passed on the kindness to Samantha Skunk, who’d just moved to town and didn’t know a soul. Samantha passed on the kindness to Milo the Mole, who loved hockey very much but couldn’t see it well enough to know what was happening and who was cheering. And as for Milo…? He had one last kindness to pass on.
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Ever since your child was old enough to understand words, you’ve tried to teach empathy and compassion. Sometimes, though, it might take a big-eyed kitten in skates to bring the message home, which is why you need “Cara’s Kindness.” With a Pay-It-Forward-type message that even the littlest child can understand, author and Olympic medalist Kristi Yamaguchi shows kids that good begets good in this simple story. But that’s not the only message here: Yamaguchi’s characters also display patience and perseverance as well as inclusion, all with a gentle bit of humor inside the difficulties they encounter. Add beautifully vivid artwork from illustrator John Lee, and you’ve got a book that kids will love to page through as they hear the story read. I think this is a great group-read for older toddlers, although children ages 4-to-7 may appreciate it more. For any kid who needs a reminder that “caring makes a big difference,” “Cara’s Kindness” is a nice little book. .
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The County Times Presenting the professionals' favorite properties on the market.
Realtor’s Featured Homes of
the Week
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To list a property in our next Realtor’s Choice edition, call
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To place an ad on this page contact Jen Stotler at 301-247-7611 or jen@countytimes.net
The County Times
Thursday, December 1, 2016
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Only ts ke c i T 400 ted! Prin
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