2017-03-02 St. Mary's County Times by Southern Maryland Online

The County Times

Thursday, March 2, 2017

County Times St. Mary’s

March 2, 2017

www.countytimes.somd.com

More Space to Fly County Taking Next Step To Expand Airport IN LOCAL

SEX ED CLASS DRAWS FIRE

IN LOCAL

MORE TRAFFIC SIGNS FOR CLEMENTS

IN LOCAL

COACH’S DEATH UNDER INVESTIGATION

CONTENTS

The County Times

Local News Letters Crime Sports Education Feature Obituaries In Our Community Community Calendar Entertainment Calendar Library Calendar Senior Calendar Games Contributing Writers Classiﬁed Ads Business Directory

Thursday, March 2, 2017

FEATURE

3 9 10 12 14 16 18 29 22 24 24 25 26 28 30 31

“

IT’S OUR FIRST REAL ATTEMPT AT PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS TO EXPAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE COUNTY. -COUNTY COMMISSIONER TODD MORGAN

”

On The Cover Page 16

In Education Page 14

In Community Page 20

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

For staff listing and emails, see page 29

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Thursday, March 2, 2017

Local News

The County Times

Sex Education Class at Library Cancelled after Public Outcry By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

Officials at the St. Mary’s County Library have cancelled a sex education class at the Lexington Park branch open to young people from the ages of 12 to 17 years old after parents from around the county became concerned over the potential content to be discussed, as well as the instructor slated to teach. “We heard from a number of people who raised concerns about the presenter of the program,” Michael Blackwell, director of the county library system, told The County Times. “We decided to take a more slow approach… with their views in mind.” Blackwell said that the presenter, Bianca Palmisano, a sex educator based in Washington, D.C., “might have different political views and value system than they [the parents] had.” Palmisano operates a consulting business called Intimate Health Consulting which is described as “a health consulting company for hospitals, clinics, businesses, non-profits, and healthcare professionals to grow their LGBT and sexual health competency,” according to its Facebook social media page. Palmisano has also produced at least one video uploaded to social media, which review adult sex related products. Georgia Kijesky, a Great Mills resident, who was one of the most vocal parents speaking out in opposition to the class, was livid at the prospect of such subjects as “sexual health… birth control, lubricant, STI testing and LGBTQ relationships,” as advertised in an announcement from the library system. Upon further investigation, The County Times found that high-level officials in the library system said they knew little to nothing about the program that had been scheduled for March 4. Kijesky found the announcement in the calendar section of The County Times Feb. 23 edition.

“If I didn’t take this to the level I did the kids would be getting this garbage,” Kijesky said. “The classes never should have happened to begin with.” Palmisano said that she found it difficult to understand exactly why her event was cancelled. She said a similar event in Charles County was also cancelled. “I was definitely disappointed it was cancelled,” Palmisano said. “There have been mixed signals coming my way.” Parents were concerned that Palmisano had advocated for the legalization of prostitution and would share information on sexual bondage and masochism at her class. “I think that sometimes there’s a knee jerk reaction to my politics,” Palmisano said. “But my politics have absolutely nothing to do with my classes.” Palmisano said if a young person were to ask a question about such activities as bondage or masochism she would “give a developmentally appropriate answer.” “I’m not advocating for young people to be into BDSM,” Palmisano said. “At the end of the day I’m a social worker who gives medically accurate information.” Blackwell said that the idea to bring Palmisano in to teach the class came from the staff because “we had heard great things from other libraries” where Palmisano had been featured. Blackwell said that he had left much of the particulars surrounding the event up to the staff. “I wasn’t aware of some of the details involving this,” Blackwell said. Carolyn Guy, president of the county Library Board of Trustees, also said the board did not know about this specific planned program. “The board trusts the staff to do their work and they do an excellent job,” Guy said. “It has the board’s full support for programming.” Guy said she believed that many people in the community “would probably appreciate the class.” Guy confirmed, however, that the class had been cancelled. “Inappropriateness was the general feeling,” Guy received from the public regarding the class, she said. The advertisement for the class was billed as a forum for young people to ask any “sexual health questions” and get an answer. The advertisement also stated that “free safer sex kits” would be made available to

attendees as well as information about local clinics. No mention was made in the notice about parental consent or parental waiver forms for the class. Blackwell said that the information at the course “would have been presented in a sensitive way” but sexual aids being handed out to minors would not have been permitted. The notice, he said, had actually been written by the program sponsors and not directly by library staff. “We do not require parental consent,” Blackwell said, referring to program availability at the libraries. “We rely on parents knowing what their kids are doing. “But we would never exclude parents from activities at the libraries.” Blackwell said he was “taken by surprise… by the controversy” surrounding the sex education class but said the library was committed to being “sensitive to county values.” “We will not have classes from this particular person,” Blackwell said.

Elected leaders, who also said they were unaware of the program until the controversy broke among residents, were taken aback by such content being programmed for public libraries. “There’s a time and a place for everything,” said County Commissioner Todd Morgan. “This is not something that should be held in our libraries or public spaces. “I’m just glad it’s cancelled.” County Commissioner Tom Jarboe said a permissive atmosphere around the country likely promoted such classes in public venues with little concern, but St. Mary’s County was different. “Just because at the federal level things have been liberalized, it doesn’t mean those values translate down here,” Jarboe said. “Kids don’t need to be exposed to this. “This is not a liberal bastion.” guyleonard@countytimes.net

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The County Times

Local News

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Thursday, March 2, 2017

No Indications of Foul Play in Mechanicsville Man’s Death By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

Maryland State Police investigators looking into the death of a man found ﬂoating in a pond behind his home Saturday in Mechanicsville have not reported any foul play associated with his death. A telephone interview with an employee in the criminal investigation division of the Leonardtown barrack showed that detectives so far have found no indication of foul play in their investigation. The deceased, James O’Grady, 53, was a local businessman and football coach who mentored athletes from youth levels through the high school years, according to his obituary. O’Grady was pronounced dead on the scene but an autopsy has yet to be conducted, police said.

Police ﬁrst learned of concerns about O’Grady when his wfamily called 911 to report him missing at about 9 p.m. Feb 25. Information from the Leonardtown barrack indicated that O’Grady had been missing since the evening of Feb. 24 and that his family members were concerned that he had fallen into the pond on his property off of Baptist Church Road. According to details from the police barrack indications are that O’Grady fell into the pond and drowned. guyleonard@countytimes.net

More Trafﬁc Signs For Clements Road By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

Following a traffic speed study conducted on Dr. Johnson Road in Clements the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County voted to approve extra stop signs in an effort to stop chronic speeding. “There is indeed a speeding issue on Dr. Johnson Road,” said public works director John Groeger. Groeger said the traffic analysis of the road, which sits directly across from Chopticon High School, showed that the average speed was between 40 and 47 miles an hour but some reached as high as 50 to 56 miles. The speed limit on the road is 40 miles per hour, with some vehicles reportedly reaching upwards of 70 miles an hour despite recent speed sign boards placed by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office warning people about the speed they were actually driving. Commissioner John O’Connor, who first brought up the issue of speeding on Dr. Johnson Road several months ago, particularly by students from the high school, said the sign boards may have actually encouraged some young drivers to see how fast they could go down the narrow residential road.

L I S T I N G P R I

Groeger confirmed the results of the speed boards. “The sheriff’s speed boards did little to slow people down,” he said. Accidents involving vehicles driving off the road were also found to be a significant problem in the area of Mt. Sterling Road, officials said. The new stop signs are to be placed at each of the four points of intersection at Blossom Drive and Leon Drive with Dr. Johnson Road at a cost of about $2,000, according to the new county ordinance. A memorandum from the public works department, however, dated February 1 stated that despite the accidents and speeding, “none of the warrants for installation of multi-way stop controls are met at this time.” A research compilation from the public works department stated that: “multi-way stop signs do not control speed except under very limited conditions.” guyleonard@countytimes.net

Local News

The County Times

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MHBR No. 103

The County Times

Thursday, March 2, 2017

The County Times

Cardin Blasts Trump on Bathroom Bill

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) released the following statement after the Trump Administration’s Departments of Justice and Education reversed Title IX guidance supporting transgender students. “As adults, we have a basic responsibility to ensure that no child should ever be fearful of going to school or discriminated against when in the classroom. Today’s withdrawal of civil rights protections afforded to transgender students under Title IX by the Departments of Education and Justice is a tragic step backwards for these children. It is alarming that the priCardin

mary enforcers of federal civil rights protections for students have chosen to turn their back on some of the most vulnerable children in our classrooms. Regardless of a student’s zip code, they deserve a safe learning environment where they are able to reach their full academic potential. “As with other rushed decisions from the Trump Administration, it may have been helpful to think through the repercussions of their actions prior to releasing such a harmful directive. I wish the Trump Administration would have considered the mental and physical wellbeing of the transgender students being targeted by this action rather than appeasing his political base.” Press Release from Office of U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin

Fisher opposed Physician Assisted Suicide House Bill 370, known as the End-ofLife Option Act, authorizes physician assisted suicide. Del. Mark Fisher (R: 27C) is adamantly opposed to it. In his weekly posting from Annapolis, Fisher said, “This is a dangerous bill! While the language of the bill may seem humane and ethical, the likelihood of abuse is certain.” Fisher asks: “Is there a connection between Obamacare and Physician Assisted Suicide?’ He answers the question thusly: The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) has forced many insurance providers out. Prior to Obamacare, there were seven insurance companies in Maryland. Today there are only two. As a result of little or

no competition, insurers are increasing prices and decreasing access to medical care. Now, with HB 370, there is an incentive to ration care even further. “This bill is a potentially dangerous option for large insurance companies, as they may be emboldened to recommend physician assisted suicide. After all, it saves money and there are few competitors. “As prices and care have become unaffordable and inaccessible, it’s very unsettling how government is suddenly sanctioning physician assisted suicide. “Think of it this way: First, Government controls your healthcare. Second, Government approves laws that permit physicians to end your life.”

Sheriff’s Office Offers Citizens Reporting Tool The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is now offering citizens a web-based method to report minor crimes where there is no suspect information or other investigative leads. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Online Reporting System can be used to report any suspicious incidents, lost property, theft, or vandalism, where no suspect is known or seen. Residents should use the Online Reporting System to report suspicious incidents, lost property (such as cell phones, wallets, and other items of value), theft and vandalism – so long as there is no suspect or investigative information. Otherwise, residents should continue to call the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 301-475-8008 for a deputy to be dispatched. As always, if there is an emergency, a crime in progress, or an immediate need

for medical assistance, dial 9-1-1. “The online reporting system is a valuable adjunct to direct contact with the Sheriff’s Office in situations where the citizen reporter does not know who committed the crime,” said Sheriff Tim Cameron. “This new program will save the community time when reporting, and allow deputies to perform their investigations more efficiently.” Citizens can access the reporting system by entering the following address in their internet browser, www.firstsheriff.com/ citizenreport, or through the Sheriff’s Office website at www.firstsheriff.com on the home page or under resources. Anyone with questions is asked to contact the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 301-475-8008. From Jennifer Stone, Sheriff’s Office PIO

Local News

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Benjamin Bradlee Distinguished Lecture in Journalism

March 8, 7:00 p.m. Michael P. O’Brien Athletics and Recreation Center Political commentator for NPR’s “Morning Edition” and ABC News. Roberts is included in the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame, and considered by the American Women in Radio and Television to be one of the ﬁfty greatest women in broadcasting history. Books for sale and signing to follow the event This event is free of charge and open to the public. For more information, visit www.smcm.edu

The County Times

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Letters to the Editor Debate Over Impact, Future of Obamacare Continue

In a letter to the editor on February 9, Richard Adams states that when the majority of St. Mary’s County voters cast their ballot for Donald Trump last November, they also made a decision that will lead to the dissolution of St. Mary’s Hospital. Nothing could be further from the truth. St. Mary’s Hospital existed and thrived for a century before Obamacare was implemented and it will remain a pillar of our community long after Obamacare is gone and a new health care law takes its place. Therein lies one fundamental flaw in Mr. Adams’s thought process. He implies that when Obamacare is repealed nothing will succeed it. If that were true, the Republican-controlled House and Senate would have already revoked this flawed law, since they now have a president who agrees with them. They have not done so because they are putting the final touches on what will come afterwards. While Obamacare may have been well-intentioned, it led to significant premium and deductible increases for many hard-working Americans. This must be fixed and President Trump is attempting to do that as quickly as possible. Mr. Adams talked glowingly about the Shah family and their medical practice in his letter. I absolutely agree. Their reputation in our county is excellent and I know many people who have received high quality care from their fine physicians and medical providers. He uses this example to illustrate the many wonderful traits that immigrants can bring to our country and points out that our history is built on the efforts and talents of immigrants throughout the years. I agree with this, as well. However, a country also has the right and duty to man-

age its immigrant influx to fit its particular needs, financial situation, and security at any given time. In doing so, it does not dishonor the contributions of its immigrants, past and present; it merely asks that people enter this country legally and through the correct process, as the talented Shah family and many others have done. Lastly, after Mr. Adams tells us he has personally apologized to all of the Shah Medical Group doctors for the decision of St. Mary’s County voters to choose Donald Trump, he goes on to state how we should act when we have our next medical appointment. “Maybe you will humble yourself enough to say “thank you,” in advance, to ensure that the procedure goes well. After all immigrants are human beings too, and when you disrespect, you get disrespect in return.” Is Mr. Adams saying that the Shah Medical Group doctors will not give proper medical care to those who disagree with them politically? This is absolutely ridiculous and impugns the integrity of the many fine medical providers who work for this excellent family. Although some members of the Shah family have contributed significantly to Democrat politicians over the years, they would never give subpar treatment to the patients who disagree with their political beliefs. And neither would most health care providers, immigrant or not. For Mr. Adams to imply otherwise is irresponsible and disrespectful. He should know better.

Trump’s Policies Impact SMC Health Services

and loss of revenue? If closure becomes a reality, do you think that you or any other emergency victim would survive an ambulance commute from SMC to So. MD Hospital, or a D.C. Hospital; or, must a loved one lose their life in transport to shock you into reality? Regarding immigration and the potential impact on health care services, countless immigrants have greatly enhanced, and continue to provide vital medical services to SMC and across the US. Speciﬁcally, I publically applaud and extend my highest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to Med Star Shah Medical Group and Associates for their commitment to the peoples of SMC for over the past 40+ years. Not only have the Shah’s provided healthcare services, but they are a major employer of the peoples of SMC. At present, there are family members of Shah Associates in Medical Schools pre-

Did you seriously consider how Trump’s actions on Obamacare and immigration would impact Health Services at SMC before you voted? Chances are you did not even give this a second thought and bubbled in a ballot based on your own biases, personal feelings or partisanship loyalty. The worst-case scenario is that the loss of Obamacare could cost SMC the closing of St. Mary’s Hospital and other local rural hospitals, since these health facilities rely on funding and payments from this program to stay aﬂoat. The dilemma we face will be severe over-crowdedness and longer wait times in the ER treating uninsured patients with no resources to self-pay. Even those with insurance will be subjected to delay in services based on trauma care priorities. How long do you think SMH or the ER will survive under these circumstances

Letters

The County Times

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Kevin Cioppa Vice-Chair, St. Mary’s County Republican Central Committee

paring to succeed the current doctors once they retire. Do you realize a vote for Trump and his immigration policies could severely impact the future medical services of SMC and these successor physicians who may be here in the US on Temporary or Student Visas? Not to say anything about their families and loved ones. I have felt the need to personally apologize to each of the Shah Medical Group doctors who provide services to me and my family members, on behalf of the majority voters of SMC who ignored these impacts, and have in their voting choices shown their lack of gratitude and disappointments in this matter. Give this serious thought the next time you need an Endoscopy, a Colonoscopy, a Bronchoscopy or other procedure or have the occasion to require these physicians service and care. Maybe you will humble yourself enough to say “thank You”, in advance, to ensure that the procedure goes well. After all immigrants are human beings too, and when you disrespect, you get disrespect in return. Regarding Prompt Care, Urgent Care, and other non-emergency services, the Med Star Shah Medical Group remains SMC’s

best option for any future medical services should their be any local hospital closings. Who knows, Shah Associates may someday open an intermediate Trauma Center to stabilize accident victims for transport to primary trauma centers in D.C. Just in case, you cannot or could not ﬁgure it out for yourself, quality health care services in SMC is a higher priority than the threat of terrorism by alleged illegal immigrants. In another matter, be reminded that numerous good, law abiding, tax paying immigrants are now owner/operators of some of the primary alcoholic beverage dispensaries in SMC. You may also desire to thank and treat these human beings with more gratitude and respect in the future. Finally, keep in mind that if you are not of “Native American Heritage” then you yourself are also an i=immigrant or a descendant of immigrants who would not even be in the U.S. today if it were not for past and current U.S. immigration policies affording, rather than denying opportunity.

RAISE THE IMPACT FEE Our County Commissioners just voted 4 to 1 to raise the $ 4,500 Impact Fee for building a new home by 5% or $225 per year. This fee has not been raised since the year 2000, and comes nowhere close to covering the impact costs that a new home places upon schools, roads, and services. This 5% is too little, and it is insignificant in the amount of revenue that it will generate and insignificant in any financial burden on builders/developers and new home buyers. At a 5% annual increase it will take well over 20 years, maybe more, for the fee to get to a fair and reasonable level or where it needs to be to cover current impact costs which continue to rise. It was reported that Commissioner Hewitt would not vote for even this token increase??? Because of these unrealistically low Impact Fees, existing Homeowners must subsidize the impact of new home construction through taxes. The Impact Fee should be raised at a more accelerated rate to get it to where it should be and make it fairer for existing homeowners. As a minimum, it should be raised $1,000 per year until it gets to where it needs to be. Maybe double what it is now would be a start which would

still be reasonable by comparison to other jurisdictions. This $1,000 annual increase is not much on a new house costing several hundred thousand dollars. Also,raising the Impact Fee would help existing home sales that must compete now with new home sales that are being subsidized. Helping existing home sales may also slow development which also has many pluses. The Commissioners need to “balance the scales” and raise the Impact Fee to realistic levels sooner rather than later. Any of these Commissioners who consider the Impact Fee to be a “Political Hot Potato” must realize that there are more existing homeowners who vote than there are builders/developers and new home buyers. Also with many spending projects in the pipeline, and these Commissioners spending down funding surpluses, increasing the Impact Fees seems like a fair and benign way to increase revenue without raising our future taxes. If you want to dance,somebody has got to “pay the ﬁddler”!!! Contact the Commissioners by email at CSMC@stmarysmd.com to let them know how you feel about this “unfair” situation. Joe Wible Sr/ Leonardtown

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The County Times

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Cross County Heroin Conspirators Indicted By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Two women have been indicted for allegedly running a heroin distribution scheme centered in Southern Maryland but with distribution points spread farther throughout the region. Both Latece Greer, 28, of Lexington Park and Shaquetta Dotson, 26, of Prince Frederick were arrested and charged last week, according to Maryland State Police, with Dotson being incarcerated in Calvert’s adult detention center and Greer being placed in the corresponding facility in St. Mary’s. The investigation started in St. Mary’s County with sheriff’s narcotics detectives uncovering evidence of a larger drug distribution ring; both Greer and Dotson face

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multiple charges of heroin possession with the intent to distribute. From the initial investigation state troopers from the Central South Region became involved and found the ring operated throughout the region distributing heroin, police reported. “This was exactly how these investigations are going to be successful,” said Capt. Daniel Alioto, commander of the St. Mary’s narcotics unit. “We found they were moving a high amount of heroin they were getting from the Annapolis area and scattering it as they were coming back down. “We deﬁnitely cut out a good heroin source by locking these two people up.” State troopers reported that during the investigation spanning multiple counties evidence led them to one residence in Calvert County where both Greer and Dotson lived. Police executed a search and seizure warrant and conﬁscated numerous pieces of evidence including heroin, drug paraphernalia and ammunition. guyleonard@countytimes.net

Greer

Dotson

Sheriff’s Ofﬁce Incident Reports 2-13-2016 – Burglary – Deputy A. Budd responded to the 46000 block of Lynch Lane in Lexington Park for the report of a burglary in progress. The victim stated the suspect, Carlonte Antoine Knott, age 25, of Hollywood, entered the residence without permission. A probable cause search was conducted on Knott, which revealed suspected Adderall in the suspect’s possession. The investigation revealed Knott did not have a prescription for the pills. He was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center where he was charged with Fourth Degree Burglary, CDS Possession – Not Marijuana, and Theft Under $1000. CASE# 8311-17

2-15-2017 – Possession – Deputy M. Mccuen responded to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center for the report of a controlled dangerous substance violation. The suspect, Samantha Marie Shadrock, age 34, of Mechanicsville, was at Medstar St. Mary’s Hospital being treated for a medical condition in the custody of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce. It was discovered during the hospital visit, that Shadrock was attempting to conceal a baggie containing various pills including suspected Xanax and Suboxone. She was charged with Possession in a place of conﬁnement and CDS Possession – Not Marijuana. CASE# 8594-17 Shadrock

2-20-2017 – Possession – Deputy D. Potter was conducting a motor vehicle stop for a cracked windshield on Route 246 and Sheriff Miedzinski Way in Lexington Park when he observed an open package of suspected Suboxone in the passenger seat of the vehicle. During the vehicle stop, the driver, Justin Darrell Biscoe, age 29, of Leonardtown was found to be in possession of suspected Suboxone not prescribed to him. Biscoe was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center where he was charged with Possession: CDS Not Marijuana. CASE# 9735-17 2-20-2017 – Child Biscoe Abuse – Deputy G. Muschette responded to the 20000 block of Poplar Ridge Road in Lexington Park for the report of an assault. The victim alleged the suspect, Ralph Nicholas Lafollete, age 37, of Lexington Park slapped the juvenile victim in the face with an open hand, placed the victim in a headlock, and then strangled the victim. Lafollette was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center where he was charged with Child Abuse Second Degree and Second Degree Assault. The victim was removed from the home. CASE# 9807-17 Lafollete

Crime

The County Times

Thursday, March 2, 2017 2-18-2017 – Assault – Corporal J. Stone responded to the 21000 block of Great Mills Road in Lexington Park for a reported assault. The victim alleged the suspect, Ashawna Nicole Baker, age 25, of Lexington Park, assaulted the victim during an argument causing physical injury. Baker was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center where she was charged with Second Degree Assault. CASE# 9322-17 Baker 2-19-2017 – Disorderly Conduct – Deputy J. Davis responded to the 48000 block of Mayﬂower Drive in Lexington Park for the report of a domestic disturbance with no assault. The suspect, Nikema Maranda Cunningham, age 38, of Lexington Park, was outside of a home in a residential neighboorhood during the early morning hours being very disruptive. Several neighbors were disturbed and came outside to observe. Cunningham continued to act in a disorderly fashion and refused to be handcuffed. Cunningham was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center where she was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Failure to Obey Lawful Order, and Resist/ Intere with Arrest. CASE# 9479-17 Cunningham 2-15-2017 – Theft – Deputy D. Potter responded to the Walmart in California for a reported theft. The suspect, Jessica Nicole Michael, age 26, of Charlotte Hall attempted to conceal merchandise and exit the store, but was stopped by an asset protection employee. While being arrested, it was discovered Michael was in possession of suspected Suboxone and paraphernalia, including hypodermic needles. Michael was arrested and charged with Possession – CDS Not Marijuana and Theft Under $100. Michael CASE# 8690-17 2-21-2017 – Possession – Deputy J. Bare responded to PNC Bank located in the 21000 block of Great Mills Road in Great Mills in regards to trespassing. Witnesses observed the suspect, Steven Wayne Carter, age 58, of Mechanicsville, knocking on the door prior to the bank’s opening. Carter

had an active notice not to trespass at the bank. Carter left before deputies arrived and he was located walking down Great Mills Road with an open alcohol beverage in his hand. A search of Carter revealed suspected crack cocaine in his possession. He was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center where he was charged with Trespass: Private Property, CDS Possession – Not Marijuana, and Consume Alcoholic Beverage. Carter CASE# 9874-17 2-24-2017 Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) entered two vehicles in the 45000 block of Strickland Road in Great Mills; nothing appeared to be stolen. Deputy T. Siciliano is investigating the case. CASE# 10451-17 Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) entered a residence in the 39000 block of Doctor Johnson Road and stole property. Deputy First Class K. Flerlage is investigating the case. CASE# 10453-17

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Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) entered a residence in the 26000 block of Dixon Way in Mechanicsville and stole property from the shed. Deputy T. Payne is investigating the case. CASE# 10491-17 2-26-2017 Burglary – Between 2/19 and 2/25, unknown suspect(s) forced entry into a residence and stole property in the 23000 block of Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown. Deputy J. Bare is investigating the case. CASE# 10763-17

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Theft – Unknown suspect(s) stole property from a residence in the 17000 block of Piney Point Road in Piney Point. Deputy M. Beyer is investigating the case. CASE# 10779-17 Burglary – Unknown suspect(s) entered a residence and stole property in the 23000 block of La Grande Estates in Leonardtown. Deputy M. McClure is investigating the case. CASE# 10918-17

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Sports

The County Times

Thursday, March 2, 2017

2016-17 High School Basketball Results

#32 David Oliveras (All-County Second Team) of Great Mills defending Westlake’s Jeff Simmons

#24 Miguel Everetese (All-County Second Team) of Great Mills goes for layup against Westlake

2016-17 OVERALL FINAL STANDINGS 2016-17 PRE- SEASON COACHES POLL 1. Westlake

1. Westlake

2. Huntingtown

2. North Point

3. Lackey

3. St. Charles

4. North Point

4. Huntingtown

5. St. Charles

5. Great Mills

6. Calvert

6. Thomas Stone

7. Thomas Stone

7. Leonardtown

8. Great Mills

8. Lackey

9. Northern

9. McDonough

10. Patuxent

10. Northern

By Zach Hill Contributing Writer

11. Leonardtown

11. Calvert

First Team

Second Team

12. La Plata

12. Patuxent

13. Chopticon

13. La Plata

#32 David Oliveras Position: Point Guard/ Shooting Guard Team: Great Mills

14. McDonough

14. Chopticon

#10 Wynston Tabbs Position: Guard Team: St. Mary’s Ryken Other Honors: All-WCAC First Team

* Coaches poll was based off an average of various anonymous surveys of SMAC coaches

#22 Dee Barnes (All-County First Team) of Kings Christian Academy going up for a dunk

All-County Boys Basketball First and Second Teams

#22 Dee Barnes Position: Guard Team: Kings Christian Academy #24 Stephan Petett Position: Forward Team: Leonardtown #15 Nick Snyder Position: Forward Team: Chopticon #35 Jalen Sauls Position: Center/ Forward Team: Kings Christian Academy

. #20 JD Gaddis (All-County Second Team) of Leonardtown taking a short jump shot

#24 Stephan Petett (All-County First Team) of Leonardtown works his way around a Patuxent defender

#24 Miguel Everetese Position: Point Guard/ Shooting Guard/ Power Forward Team: Great Mills #15 Mekhi Long Position: Forward/ Guard Team: St. Mary’s Ryken Other Honors: All-WCAC Third Team #20 JD Gaddis Position: Forward Team: Leonardtown #22 Aapeli Syrjamaki Position: Center/ Forward Team: St. Mary’s Ryken

These selections were based off of overall statistics and performance in the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference(SMAC), Maryland Independent School Athletic League(MISAL), and the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference(WCAC).

last three seconds – one which was blocked and another which went wide at the buzzer. The Pacers claimed a 2-1 advantage after the first quarter and then used a 5-2 run in the second to stake a 7-3 halftime lead. Each side scored once in the third. For St. Mary’s (0-3) Groen led the Seahawks with careerbests of two goals and three points while Long finished the night with two goals aced St. Mary’s with three goals while chipped in a goal and an assist. Sophomore midfielder Michael Bucci (Davidsonville, Md./Severn) controlled the X for St. Mary’s, winning 11-of-17 face-offs with a game- and team-best six ground balls. Senior midfielder Colin Tiffey (Columbia, Md./Wilde Lake) also grabbed a career- and team-best six ground balls plus causing a career-high three turnovers. Senior defenseman Jack Elliott (Lafayette, Calif./La Salle) contributed on defense with career-bests of four caused turnovers and three ground balls. Alderman came up with seven saves and three loose ball pickups. As a team, the Seahawks outshot Marywood, 42-33, and won the ground ball battle, 37-33, while posting 12-of-21 face-off victories. For Marywood (2-1) Scorers (G-A): Matt Casto (3-1), Zach Beja (2-2), Rob Maini (1-0), Eric Morin (10), Brant Junge (1-0), Sean Higgins (1-0) Goalie: Biancardi (20 saves, 8 GA, 60:00) From St. Mary’s College of Maryland

Field Resurfacing Completed Ahead Of 2017 Season

Blue Crabs Announce Project In Anticipation Of 10th Anniversary The Blue Crabs announced the completion of a playing surface makeover at Regency Furniture Stadium. The project is part of the buildup in anticipation of the 10th anniversary season. This is the first time the field has undergone such makeover in the Blue Crabs nine years as a part of the community. The ten-day makeover was completed on Thursday, February 23rd by DeLea Sod Farms of Long Island, NY. The revamped playing surface will benefit players, improve drainage, and give it a fresh look for the fans. The company accomplished the same project in Long Island at Bethpage Ballpark in December 2016.

The ﬁeld has been refurbished with fresh Kentucky Blue Grass. “This project was important to us going into our 10th season in Southern Maryland,” said Courtney Knichel, Blue Crabs General Manager. “We are excited to see the fresh green grass at Fan Fest and Opening Night.” A full album of photos and progress reports can be viewed anytime on the Blue Crabs Facebook page. The Blue Crabs open up the 2017 season on April 20th in Waldorf, MD versus the Long Island Ducks. For information regarding tickets and other team news, visit http://www.somdbluecrabs.com or call 301-638-9788. From Southern Maryland Blue Crabs

N G I DA N E

Seahawks Lacrosse Team Falls Short

The St. Mary’s College of Maryland men’s lacrosse team outscored Marywood University, 4-1, in the fourth quarter but ran out of time as Marywood held on for the 9-8 non-conference victory Saturday night. St. Mary’s 8, Marywood 9 How It Happened St. Mary’s entered the fourth period down 8-4 but quickly cut the deficit to three as junior attacker Dan Long (Mechanicsville, Md./St. Mary’s Ryken) found the back of the net with 14:07 left in the game off a pass from sophomore midfielder Ray LaPlaca (Owings, Md./Calverton). The Pacers regained a four-goal cushion at 9:50 behind first-year midfielder Eric Morin’s (Waldwick, N.J./Waldwick) only score of the game. Sophomore midfielder Connor Benhoff (Baltimore, Md./Dulaney) came through for the Seahawks with a man-up goal off an assist from senior midfielder Luke Eshleman (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck) for a 9-6 score at 8:56. LaPlaca tallied one of his own at 4:59 to close the gap to two. Then sophomore attackman Max Groen (New Haven, Conn./ Choate Rosemary Hall) notched his second of the night off a feed from senior captain Mike Becraft (Rockville, Md./Good Counsel) to pull St. Mary’s within 9-8 at 3:31. The Seahawks won the ensuing face-off but then turned the ball over. After a save by senior captain Max Alderman (Lutherville, Md./Calvert Hall), LaPlaca fired off a shot with 57 seconds on the clock but was denied by sophomore Vinny Biancardi (Commack, N.Y./St. Anthony’s). Another Marywood turnover gave St. Mary’s two more shot opportunities in the

Sports

The County Times

Thursday, March 2, 2017

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Education

The County Times

CSM Scholarship Gets Boost from Grandson’s Birthday Charles K. Walsh Scholarship Honors Local Educator Eight-year-old Evan Walsh Gurklis of Red Lion, Pennsylvania, could not wait to celebrate his birthday in November. He planned to invite teammates from his fall baseball league team and friends from his second-grade class. He begged his parents to have the party at a large sports complex near his home. And his plans had nothing to do with himself. Instead, Evan’s birthday plans would have a faraway impact on the College of Southern Maryland. Rather than bringing gifts, Evan asked his birthday guests to donate to a CSM scholarship fund, the Charles K. Walsh Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was established in 2016 to honor Evan’s “Paw Paw,” a much-loved grandfather and a much-loved, longtime educator in Southern Maryland who passed had away in April 2016 and would have celebrated his 77th birthday this February. Evan’s friends responded with enthusiasm to his request, with $300 given for Evan to gift to his grandfather’s memorial scholarship. The Charles K. Walsh Memorial Scholarship was established by Walsh’s three children, Dr. Kathleen Walsh (Evan’s mother), Thomas Walsh and Julie Fiol, “to help students at the College of Southern Maryland to realize their passion, potential and future with financial assistance for tuition, fees, and books.” The scholarship supports Southern Maryland residents who demon-

strate financial need with a preference for St. Mary’s County students majoring in STEM, teacher education, human services or social sciences and who are traditionally underrepresented in their field of study. Commemorating their father with a scholarship was an ideal way to honor the longtime educator, according to Kathleen, or “Kat,” Evan’s mother. Charles Walsh was interested in everyone having a chance to succeed, she said, describing him as incredibly dedicated to his craft. Even after 50 years in education, “he was still trying to be better,” she said. “I love that.” His 50-year career in math and chemistry education included years teaching at both private and public schools in the region, more than 20 years with St. Mary’s County Public Schools (including service as supervisor of mathematics) and as an adjunct and then associate professor at CSM. The inaugural Brick Recognition Ceremony at the Leonardtown Campus held last year on April 27, not long after Charles Walsh passed away, included a brick placed in Walsh’s memory. “The CSM Brick Program provides both a way to memorialize and pay tribute to loved ones and members of the community who are our true champions,” said Dr. Tracy Harris, vice president and dean of the Leonardtown Campus. Ironically, Walsh had bought one of those bricks for himself, which, after his death, became a memorial brick in his honor. The Walsh

The Inaugural Presidential Lecture Series Presents

Walter Mosley Novelist and Social Commentator

“The Only True Race is the Human Race” March 7, 2017 Auerbach Auditorium, St. Mary’s Hall St. Mary’s College of Maryland Program: 8:00 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m.) Books for sale and signing to follow event

The event is free of charge and open to the public. For more information, visit: www.smcm.edu

Evan Walsh Gurklis,

family members who had gathered for his funeral attended the Brick Recognition Ceremony first and then his funeral service. Evan, who like his “Paw Paw” loves math and spent hours with him on the phone and on FaceTime talking about his homework, participated in the service by reading “The Starfish Story.” The story is about a boy laboring to save a multitude of starfish that had washed ashore by throwing them back into the water, one by one. When a passerby tells him he is wasting his time, the boy responds that he would do what he could to save as many as possible. It is the story of a dedicated educator like Evan’s grandfather. “He was sobbing through the whole thing,” Kat said of her son. Setting up the memorial fund has provided an outlet for the family as they mourn, Kat said. It allowed Evan to remember and honor his “Paw Paw” in a tangible way. In addition, as members of the community participate in the scholarship fund by giving, the family is reminded over and over of the generations of Southern Maryland families that Charles Walsh affected. “It’s … amazingly touching,” Kat said of learning from the college about all the people who have donated. “It’s probably one of the only things I’ve found comforting. So many people respected my dad.” Shortly after Evan’s birthday, the CSM Foundation publicly launched its $10-mil-

Thursday, March 2, 2017 lion “Make An Impact” campaign Nov. 29, 2016, on Giving Tuesday, giving the community a chance to participate in the campaign that will benefit scholarships, programs/facilities and entrepreneur partnerships at the college. It was during that event when Evan donated his $300 in birthday gifts to the Charles K. Walsh Memorial Scholarship. He was not alone. The Walsh scholarship brought in more than $2,500. Altogether, the event raised $70,152 from 271 donors. CSM math professor Susan Strickland, a former coworker with Walsh, was one who donated toward the Walsh scholarship on Giving Tuesday. “It means a lot to me to be able to contribute to a scholarship in Charlie’s name,” Strickland said. “Charlie spent his entire life involved in education, whether as a teacher, an administrator, or a professor at CSM. He would be deeply humbled at having a scholarship in his name, but knowing that the money could benefit a student who might not otherwise be able to enroll at CSM would mean the world to him.” The Walsh Scholarship is one of the many scholarships that have been created in memory of CSM faculty and staff, which include: the Professor William “Bill” Montgomery Memorial Annual Scholarship, established by CSM faculty and staff in memory of CSM Professor Bill Montgomery, and an endowed scholarship named after the professor, established by his wife, Susan Montgomery, to provide financial assistance for CSM students who demonstrate financial need and have overcome a hardship; the Susan N. Behmke Legacy Scholarship, established by the CSM Health Sciences Division in honor of former CSM Nursing Professor Susan Behmke to assist first- or second-semester students from the tri-county area in the Practical Allied Health/Nursing, Nurse or Associate Degree Nursing programs; the Renee Munday Math Scholarship, established by CSM staff in memory of CSM staff member Renee Munday to provide financial assistance for non-traditional aged students residing in Charles County who are enrolled at CSM as a part-time student; and the Sidney John Francis Waugh, Sr. Memorial Scholarship, established by the Waugh family in memory of CSM Staff Member Sidney Waugh, Sr. to provide financial assistance for both credit and continuing education students who reside in Bel Alton or Newburg in Charles County. “These scholarships truly reflect the close family we become as faculty and staff at CSM and demonstrate the CSM love that goes beyond the workplace,” said Development Director Chelsea Brown. “These people made such an impact on the lives around them that others turn around and create a scholarship in their memory.” She added that celebrating the stories behind the many memorial scholarships at CSM is particularly appropriate in February, as the college celebrates CSM Love, a month-long effort for the college to show extra appreciation to CSM students, staff and community members for their contribution to student life and the college family.

Evan Walsh Gurklis, 8, stands behind the walkway brick commemorating his grandfather, Charles K. Walsh, at CSM’s Leonardtown Campus. Dr. Kat Walsh, stands behind, holding Liam Walsh Gurklis, 4, with Mike Gurklis, in back. Rose Walsh Gurklis, 11, is in front, with Julie Fiol of Bel Air and her husband, Mike Fiol.

From College of Southern Marland

Thursday, March 2, 2017

The County Times

Education

CSM Scholarships Aid Criminal Justice Students Mary Shasho Remembered with #CSMLove A local businessman has established two scholarships at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) in honor of his late wife, Mary Shasho, a woman he describes as “gentle.” She is remembered as a habitual volunteer and an enthusiastic supporter of all levels of Scouting. Harry Shasho of Shasho Consulting, a Southern Maryland commercial real estate brokerage, pledged $25,000 to create both the Mary I. Shasho Memorial Annual Scholarship and the Mary I. Shasho Memorial Endowed Scholarship at CSM. These scholarships will support residents in the tri-county region who are studying in the field of criminal justice. The annual scholarship will be awarded to CSM students for the first time this coming fall. In awarding the scholarships, a preference will be given to veterans and to students who have been a part of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Explorers program. It is this latter preference that is the direct connection to Mary, who helped start the Charles County Sheriff’s Explorer Unit 1658 in 1986. The Explorers are a senior Boy Scout unit for teenagers, Harry said, and Mary worked with the program for about 10 years. Harry wanted the scholarship to make that connection, if possible, “since that was one of the things she liked the most,” he said. Mary died in 2014. She and Harry had been married for 42 years. “As far as I’m concerned, I’m still married,” he said during a phone interview this month. Mary would have been 65 this week on her birthday, Feb. 27. The Shashos’ son, Chris Shasho of La Plata, was too young to be in his mother’s Explorer program. But he remembers going to many of the events with her and how all the Explorer members would visit the house and confide in his mother. “Everybody just kind of gravitated toward her,” Chris said. “Everybody loved her there. They all treated her like she was their mom.” Both Chris and Harry remember Mary participating in the role-playing scenarios that are part of the Explorer training. “She would get in to the roles so much,” Chris said. “She loved doing it and loved getting involved.” Jeff Holter, a 27-year police officer with the Charles County Police Department, also remembers those scenarios and Mary’s part in them. “I was one of the original group that started the Explorer post in Charles County,” Holter said. In addition, he said he was the first Explorer hired in Charles County as a corrections officer in 1989. “When the Explorers first started, it was Cpl. [Jerry] Torres and Mary Shasho running the post. … Jerry being a police officer had a quasi-military approach. Where Mary was the lighter side and understood kids and young adults,” Holter said. “Mary was easy to talk to and guided the post. I could tell Mary had a heart for young people and wanted to help them succeed.”

Front row from left, Eileen Parry, Dylan Pauley, Rachel Kagle, Amanda Mason, Megan Attick, Maria Davenport and Ashleigh Maloney and, in back, Rebecca Mueller, Erin Park, Michaela Friason, Hannah Heathman, Holly Miller, Sana Qureshi, Naomi Logue and Dana Stewart.

Mary and Harry Shasho

CSM Nursing Students Inducted into Honor Society

The College of Southern Maryland inducted 15 students into its associate nursMary went far beyond just helping with the post. She continued to assist the young ing degree honor society at a ceremony at people as they moved into the next phase of CSM’s La Plata Campus. Calling them “15 their lives, Holter said. “Personally, Mary of our finest students,” Clinical Simulation was an important influence on two fronts. Coordinator Linda Goodman served as the She convinced me to apply to Charles mistress of ceremonies as each of the secCounty instead of other jurisdictions, and ond-year students was called forward to reI believe she heavily influenced the then- ceive a pin and an honor cord that they will Sheriff Jim Gartland to take a chance and also wear when they graduate this spring. Amanda Mason of Lexington Park, one hire me. I truly believe she was the key in of the inductees and incoming president the start of my career. I know Mary went on to influence many others who moved on of Alpha Omega, which is CSM’s chapter in their law enforcement careers as well as of the Organization for Associate Degree keeping the Explorer post moving forward. Nursing (OADN) Alpha Delta Nu Honor Mary grew up in Washington, D.C. Society, spoke at the event about the his“Mary always had an affinity for law en- tory of CSM’s chapter. Mason described the service project forcement,” Harry said. “Her father, Joseph the 15 inductees designed and carried out DeNaves, was a guard at a D.C. jail.” She and Harry were married in 1973 and as part of their activities leading up to the moved to Charles County in 1976. There, induction. For the project, the students put they raised their two children. Both Mary together a comprehensive presentation on and Harry worked in the commercial real CSM’s nursing program, which they gave estate business. “She really helped a lot to hundreds of biomedical students at both of people in real estate,” Harry said. “She La Plata and Thomas Stone high schools. “We broke down the process for them, wouldn’t let go [when helping a client]. She was very gentle, but tenacious.” But fam- from start to finish, from applying to ily and work weren’t the only focus of their the college all the way to sitting for the lives. Their Catholic faith was important, NCLEX,” Mason said in her speech, retoo, Harry said. “Absolutely. We went to ferring to the nurse’s licensing exam. “We church every Sunday.” And that faith was demonstrated a nasogastric tube insertion at least part of the motivation for her life of and discussed the reasons why a patient might require one.” At the end of the preservice, he said. “Mary, basically, was a full-time volun- sentation, the nursing students answered teer,” Harry said, laughing. “She’s helped questions from the high school audience. “Our hearts were in it, and it showed,” pretty much any organization you can think of.” She worked with the homeless, Mason said of the project. Lifestyles, Explorers, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Kiwanis, and assisted with the Charles County Chamber of Commerce, among other groups. The Explorers were a group she particularly enjoyed. Both of the Shashos’ children work in the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperafamily business. Chris is the office manag- tive (SMECO) is offering college scholarer and an agent. Teresa Shasho Clark, the ships for the 2017-2018 school year. Four Shashos’ daughter, attended the College high school seniors will be awarded $1,500 of Southern Maryland, where she earned each. Students are eligible to apply if they the Dean’s Cup and went on to graduate live with parents or guardians who are from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. She SMECO customer-members. Seniors must now uses her background in banking and be enrolled or plan to enroll full-time in mortgage officer experience to assist the an accredited college, university, or trade Shasho business. Harry and Mary have school. The deadline for students to apply four grandchildren. for college scholarships is Monday, April 3, For information on donating to these 2017. For more information, or to obtain an scholarships or creating your own scholar- application, go to www.smeco.coop. ship at the College of Southern Maryland, To be eligible for SMECO scholarships, visit foundation.csmd.edu/ students must have maintained a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a From College of Southern Maryad 4.0 scale. Four $1,500 scholarships will be awarded based on scholastic achievement, financial need, and community and school

The path to induction in the honor society involves nursing students becoming provisional members at the beginning of their third semester of study. They must maintain a cumulative 3.0 grade point average, earn a “B” or higher in all courses required for the nursing program with no previous nursing course failures, and reflect sound moral and ethical values with professionalism and integrity of the highest caliber. The newest members of CSM’s Alpha Omega Chapter of the OADN Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society in addition to Mason are Megan Attick, Maria Davenport, Michaela Friason, Hannah Heathman, Rachel Kagle, Naomi Logue, Ashleigh Maloney, Holly Miller, Rebecca Mueller, Erin Park, Eileen Parry, Dylan Pauley, Sana Qureshi and Dana Stewart. CSM faculty advisers for the Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Delta Nu are Nursing Professors Janice Bonham, Lynn Kennedy and Dr. Karen Russell. The honor society was established to promote scholarship and academic excellence in the profession of nursing. “The objective of the OADN Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society shall be to recognize the academic excellence of students in the study of Associate Degree Nursing,” according to the honor society’s website. “The society shall encourage the pursuit of advance degrees in the profession of nursing as well as continuing education as a life-long professional responsibility. Additionally, the society shall participate in the recruitment of qualified individuals into the profession of nursing.”

SMECO Offers Scholarships involvement. As part of the application process, students must submit an essay on “Why is a College Education Important to Completing My Lifetime Goals?” Scholarship finalists will be interviewed on Saturday, April 22, 2017. Students may obtain an application from their school’s career counselor or by calling SMECO at 1-888-440-3311, extension 4340. Applications are also available online at www.smeco.coop and at the customer service desk in SMECO’s Leonardtown and Hughesville offices. Completed application packages with all items submitted together may be taken to a SMECO office or mailed to the attention of Bernadette Lewis, SMECO, P.O. Box 1937, Hughesville, MD, 20637. When mailing, please allow time for delivery.

Feature Story

The County Times

Thursday, March 2, 2017

County Looking to Expand Airspace By Guy Leonard Staff Writer County government officials will meet with property owners close to the St. Mary’s County Airport Friday to begin negotiations for property rights that will eventually allow for the longawaited expansion of the local airfield. “The airport needs to protect its airspace,” said Gary Whipple, the county’s director of airport operations. “There can be no objects penetrating the approaches for aircraft and the main culprit are trees. “Essentially we’re working to obtain rights for basic tree removal.” For years the county has looked to expanding the runways at the airport to bring in more commercial air traffic and bring the facility up to its potential as an economic development tool. The acquisition of property rights to remove obstructions for more aircraft are one of the key steps in making the expansion of the facility at the end of Airport Road in California a reality, Whipple said. But the impact to local landowners would not reach the level of them having to vacate their properties, he said. “We’re not buying from or moving property owners, we’re acquiring easements,” Whipple said. This means that the county would be buying access to the properties to remove obstructions to incoming aircraft.

There are three small properties that the county will look to buy outright — one will be to help with eventual connection of Airport Road to Lawrence Hayden Road, which must also be moved. “It’s [Airport Road] a dead end and its not good for first responders or for general traffic flow,” Whipple said. There are then 19 other properties that the county will attempt to gain access rights to, Whipple said, for a total of a little less than 60 acres. The connection of Airport Road and Lawrence Hayden Road are also expected to help with increasing economic development, Whipple said. He estimated the costs of buying the easements would be between $500,000 and $1 million. Aside from expanding the airport’s runways for additional airplane landings, the expansion will also bring more hangar space. Already the airport has seen major expansion in hangar space to take on different jobs including storage of aircraft and maintenance and repair. AeroMaryland, a program of businesses banded together to seek contracts from the Department of Defense that need to be fulfilled quickly, through the Naval Air System’s Command’s rapid prototyping office, is one such project. Expansion of services available at the county’s airport has been seen as vital to the venture’s success. Officials believe that if these businesses can be successful in finding more defense industry money in rapid prototyping of equipment and maintenance of aircraft, instead of trying to vie for dwindling money to develop completely new projects, that they can begin

to eventually attract work from the private sector. The airport now also hosts the University System of Maryland’s Unmanned and Autonomous Systems (UAS) test site, which has been active in developing civilian uses for robotics and aerial drone technologies traditionally used by the military. All of this activity meant that the county’s focus continued to shift towards ensuring that it would not have to remain dependent on strictly military spending — such as at Patuxent River Naval Air Station and NAVAIR —which has been the norm for decades, said County Commissioner Todd Morgan. “I look at the airport as part of the Lexington Park Development District, which it is,” Morgan said. “This board is looking for economic development opportunities. “The airport is one of the legs on that stool, it’s the strong leg we have today.” Still, county leaders are anxious to see results, particularly with ensuring state funding for the University System of Maryland’s facility to be attached to the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, also on Airport Road, is received. That new facility would be a hub for autonomous device and robotics research and development as well. “There are a lot of public/private partnerships down there at the airport now,” Morgan said. “It’s our first real attempt at public/private partnerships to expand economic development in the county. “You can’t just wave a wand and get it done. It’s a laborious process.” guyleonard@countytimes.net

Thursday, March 2, 2017

The County Times

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.

Mary Ozella Lacey Mary Ozella Lacey, 90, of Abell, MD, died February 10, 2017 in Leonardtown, MD. She was born April 17, 1926 in Dynard, MD to the late Catherine E. Harris Thompson and Louis Marshall Thompson. Mary (Dickie) married Joseph Robert Lacey on May 3, 1943 in Bushwood, MD. Together they spent 70 wonderful years of marriage before his death in December, 2013. Mary was a housewife, farmer and restored antique furniture for a living. She enjoyed to crab and yard sale for antiques. She loved to dance and was a former member of the Country Music Club. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her family. Mary is survived by her children: Bernard Aloysius Lacey (Tina) of Abell, MD, Robert Thomas Lacey of Columbia, MD, Sharon Ann Choate of District Heights, MD, Joseph Leroy Lacey (Laura) of Abell, MD, and Sandra Lee Massari (John) of Lincoln University, PA; sisters: Gertrude Osborne of King George, VA and Susan Vallandingham (Joe) of Bushwood, MD; 13 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and

5 great great grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents she is preceded in death by her siblings: Catherine Hall, Louis Thompson and Louise Bryant. Memorial Contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsﬁeldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsﬁeld Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

Mary Regina Lynch Mary Regina Lynch, 89 passed away February 20, 2017 at her home in Valley Lee, MD, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 8, 1928, in Baltimore, MD, she was the daughter of the late George J. Jones and Mary Regina (Selway) Jones. Mary was a full time home maker, where she dedicated her life to raising her children as well as a number of her Grand-children. Family was always her number one priority. She also enjoyed cooking, camping, crabbing and ﬁshing. Mary is survived by her children,

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Thursday, March 2, 2017

In Remembrance

Charles F. Lynch (Laney) of Hollywood, MD, Thomas J. Lynch (Mary) of Tehachapi, CA, Nancy M. Coxon (David) of Valley Lee, MD, Donald E. Lynch (Robin) of Hollywood, MD, and Kimberly A. Bostwick (Isaac Oakley) of North Port, FL; her Sister-in-Law, Patricia A. Allen (John) of Finksburg, MD; 16 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Charles L. Lynch and her parents, she is also preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Kathleen Lynch; and her siblings, Evelyn M. Jones Norton, Marie R. Jones Kenney, George L. Jones, John E. Jones, William J. Jones, Helen L. Jones Matusky, James R. Jones, and Elmer T. Jones. Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsﬁeldfuneral.com

John “Buddy” Huriah Ridgell John “Buddy” Huriah Ridgell, 73, of Scotland, MD, died February 19, 2017 at his residence. He was born June 22, 1943 in Leonardtown, MD to the late D. Theodore Sr. and Alice Lilburn

Wheatley Ridgell. Buddy was employed for over 32 dedicated years for the federal government as a mechanic until his retirement in 2005. He enjoyed spending his summers on the water fishing and crabbing. He had family crab feasts on Friday’s and oyster scalds in the winter. He enjoyed gardening and giving his harvest away to family and friends. He was an avid traveler especially to Chiwncoteague and Sky Line Drive. If he wasn’t on the water or in his garden he could be found in his shed tinkering with something. His family was his greatest love and he enjoyed spending time with them. Buddy is survived by his children: Robin Earnshaw of Ridge, MD, Barbara Dunbar (William) of Lexington Park, MD, and John “BJ” Ridgell, Jr. (Tonya) of Ridge, MD; his grandchildren: Caitlyn Earnshaw Rasel (Brian), Ashlyn Earnshaw, Josephine Earnshaw, Zachary Ridgell and Quinton Ridgell; his sister, Selina Unkle; and many nieces, nephews extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his wife, Annette (Ann) Ward Ridgell; his brothers, Carl Ridgell and Dominic “Junior” Ridgell; and a granddog, Scruffy Dunbar. Memorial contributions may be made to: Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, Post Office Box 520, Ridge, MD 20680 or Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, Post Office Box 456, Ridge, MD 20680, or St. Mary’s County Emergency Friendly Fund, 20937 Black Duck Court, Callaway, MD 20620. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.

Merrill Lee Dement, Sr. Merrill Lee Dement, Sr. 81, of California, MD passed away on February 1, 2017 in Washington, DC. Born on November 5, 1935 in Great Mills, MD, he was the son of the late Doris Louise Pilkerton Dement and George L. Dement. Merrill was the loving husband of Lois Ann (Potsie) Bell Dement, whom he married on August 19, 1966 in Our Lady’s Church Medleys Neck. Merrill is survived by his son Merrill Lee, Jr. of California, MD, 2 grandchildren: Ellie Dement, and Lenny Dement. Siblings: Leonard “Tinky” Chester Dement, Mary Broadhurst, and Melva Abell. He was preceded in death by his daughter Doris Marie Dement, siblings: James Lynwood Dement, Leon Russell Dement, Mildred Juanita Hampton, and Delores Vernell Zucharo. He was a lifelong St. Mary’s County, MD resident. Merrill worked at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship as a security ofﬁcer, retiring after 22 years in 2005.

Clifford McFarland Hateley Clifford McFarland Hateley, 78, of Leonardtown, MD, died January 31, 2017 at Hospice House of St. Mary’s in Callaway, MD. He was born January 13, 2017 in Mississippi. Clifford served four years in the United States Marine Corp until he was Honorably Discharged. He was employed for many years as a maintenance repairman until his retirement. He enjoyed drawing, collecting coins and arrowheads, and woodworking, including building bird houses. He loved to sing country music at karaoke. He spent over 28 wonderful years with his loving companion, Mary Philyaw. In addition to his loving companion, Mary, he is also survived by his children, Vicki L. Sibley and Mark T. Hately; his step-children, Pamela Lynn Wood and Jeannie Mae Wathen; his sisters, Betty Black and Geraldine Hateley; and four grandchildren: Toby Wood, Travis Wood, Jacob, Wathen, and Jenna Herbert. He is preceded in death by his parents. All services will be private. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsﬁeldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsﬁeld Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

The County Times

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Pet of the Week MEET PEARL

My name is Pearl. I was born in June of 2016. I was rescued by Feral Cat Rescue. I am a purr girl and a lap kitty. I am currently trying to get attention from my foster mom as she is typing this bio as I dictate it to her. We started over

already because we had some of it and I caused her to hit something which erased the whole thing. You can meet me at the Petco in California Md on most Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 to 3. I don’t show especially well there. I prefer to be at home lounging on a bed in front of a sunny window. You can ﬁll out an application at www.feralcatrescuemd. org and email it to diane@feralcatrescuemd.org I hope to have a home of my own soon. Will it be with you? Love, Pearl

“Caring is our Business”

Charles Memorial Gardens

Cremation Urn Niches Now Available

Charles Memorial Gardens in Leonardtown is adding a Cremation Niche Wall Garden to our meticulously maintained Perpetual Care Cemetery. We are dedicated to providing a cremation inurnment alternative that honors the memory of your loved one in a beautifully crafted stone and granite columbarium wall. Each 12” x 12” niche is available for double or single urn inurnment.

A Family and Veteran Owned Business for over 40 Years PO Box 427, 26325 Point Lookout Rd, Leonardtown, MD 20650 CharlesMemorialGardens@verizon.net | 301-475-8060

In Our Community

The County Times

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Brandon Cullins Shines in Texas Rodeos

By Zach Hill Contributing Writer

Hiding in one of the smaller but growing communities in Maryland comes a man with a unique talent. His name is Brandon Cullins and he is now perhaps now known as the greatest horse barrel racer in Maryland or one of the best in the country. The Clements resident most recently had the opportunity to go to Texas for a successful qualifying tournament at Stockyard Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth. Following that came a rather successful championship run in “RFD-TV’s The American Rodeo” at AT&T Stadium. “600 people qualify for [all events in The American Rodeo qualifier] nationally” Brandon’s Mother Anne Mary Cullins described. “Brandon qualified three different horses but was only allowed to take two of them to Texas.” His two selected horses included “VQ Sucker Punch” which he refers to as “Rocko” and his original first choice horse which goes by “KN Fabs Mist of Fame”. On the first round of the qualifier, Brandon secured a top 30 spot by riding KN Fabs Mist of Fame against the other 178 opponents in his field. Earning a 28th place finish from that run, Cullins made it to the top 30 semifinals by the skin of his teeth.

Following that round, Cullins made the impulse decision to ride his other horse, Rocko, which had just finished slower with a 34th place finish and a time of 14.140 econds. Cullins said that he felt more comfortable with Rocko and knew he could get a faster time out of him. After making his adjustments for the top 30, Cullins managed to accomplish an amazing feat. Cullins went on to win the semifinal round with a time of 13.833 seconds, thus securing a top 10 spot to the final round which would be held three days later at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The 10 people that advanced from the qualifier to the championship round, including Cullins, are all considered to be amateurs in the field and would be competing for a $1 million divided prize. However, the qualifying group wouldn’t be able to get that money so easily however as they would be faced against 10 invite only professional barrel racers who were competing for there share of a smaller $100,000 divided prize. On February 19th, Cullins would ride his way ahead of 16 other riders with a time of 14.681 and he would make it to the top four shoot out finale.

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Pictured: Brandon Cullins. Photo provided by Anne Mary Cullin

Unfortunately, the shoot out would be the end of the road for Cullins as he would hit a barrel in his final run. While hitting the barrel adds a five second addition to your time, Cullins still managed to get a third place finish in the shoot out with a time of 19.683 seconds. Had he not hit the barrel and been given the five second addition of time, Brandon Cullins would have been RFD-TV’s Amer-

ican Rodeo Barrel Racing champion by just 6 thousandths of a second. Fortunately enough for Cullins, he managed to walk away with a smaller sum of money and some fame and recognition in the barrel racing community. He is the first person in at least the last decade from Maryland to get a top five finish at RFD-TV’s The American Rodeo in this event.

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) is pleased to announce new Director, Shelby Watson-Hampton. Shelby is a Southern Maryland farmer, an Agricultural Marketing Specialist, and an active member of the Maryland farming community. In her previous position at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, she worked in the Marketing Department promoting and marketing Maryland products, farmers, and farmers markets, as well as running the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Shelby is an active member of many agricultural associations and committees. She also farms on her family farm in Brandywine, Maryland, where they grow wine grapes and host private events in their barn venue. Shelby is a 2007 graduate of the University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and a 2015

Graduate Fellow of the LEAD Maryland Class VIII. When asked about her new position, she replied, “I am so honored, grateful, and excited to have this opportunity to work for the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission. As Director, my mission will be to work towards fostering a truly cohesive farming community in Southern Maryland, which brings out the best in all farmers and all production types. We need every farm we have; large, small, conventional, organic, traditional, niche, agritourism and value-added. It takes all agricultural types to have a diverse and successful farming economy.” “As an individual with family farms in both Prince George’s and Charles Counties, ties to the Southern Maryland farming community across all ﬁve counties, and an afﬁnity for promoting an inclusive and cooperative atmosphere, I will strive to continue and to expand the tradition of a strong and prosperous farming community in Southern Maryland.” Shelby joins SMADC with a wealth of experience and commitment to the farming community in Southern Maryland. The Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland (TCCSMD) board, and the SMADC board and staff welcome Shelby as the newest manager of our Economic Development team. Shelby will start in her new position on March 6.

New Regional Ag Director Appointed

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County Times St. Mary’s County l Calvert County

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Contact Jen Stotler at 301.247.7611 or jen@countytimes.net

From Southern Maryland Agriculture Development Commission Shelby Watson-Hampton

Thursday, March 2, 2017

The County Times

In Our Community

Connections Series CSM Children’s Theatre to Features Sunil Yapa Present ‘Knufﬂe Bunny’

When College of Southern Maryland Associate Professor Krista Keyes heard Sunil Yapa present at a conference in 2016, she knew the author would be the perfect addition to CSM’s Connections Literary Reading Series. The annual series highlights artists who exemplify the purpose of Connections – to bring art and literature to life for the people of Southern Maryland. Yapa is the author of “Your Heart is a Muscle the Size of a Fist,” a debut novel about protest and civil unrest that has arrived on the market to critical acclaim. It’s been called one of Time Magazine’s Best Books of the Year; one of Amazon’s Best Books of the Year; a Barnes & Noble Great New Writers Pick; and an Indies Next Pick. Yapa will be featured at the March 3 Connections program at the Prince Frederick Campus, starting at 7:30 p.m. in the Flagship Building, Room 119. The book is about the World Trade Organization protests in Seattle, Washington in 1999. For Keyes, the book is the perfect addition to the Connections Series because it deals with a timely topic – protest and civil unrest. Keyes said she tries to present to her students an accurate and full picture of how literature reﬂects current events and how it can affect their perception of the world. She has been using Yapa’s novel in her class “Introduction to the Novel,” because its theme is so topical. “This novel is exactly what the Connections series is all about because it allows us to make vital connections between American history and current events,” Keyes said. “The novel reminds us of two important things: the history and impact of nonviolent protest, and the fact that underneath our political ideologies, we’re all just humans who want to be loved and accepted.” The timeliness of the novel, in fact, is a bit of an anomaly. Yapa, speaking over the telephone from Pennsylvania, said he started writing in 2009, long before protests like Occupy Wall Street, Ferguson, Missouri and Baltimore ever happened. By 2014, he had begun the long process of editing the book with his agent and the novel ended up hitting the market at the most serendipitous time possible when it comes to current events as protest and civil unrest become a part of Americans’ daily lives. “If you try to write a relevant novel, that’s not really the purpose of a novel. It just takes

Novelist Sunil Yapa

too long. There’s no way to respond to current events,” he said. “A novel is about expressing what it feels like to be human in this moment.” Yapa chose to write about protest because, as he sees it, joining a protest is a way of joining a family. In his novel, seven people from very different places are all searching for something, and they all collide in Seattle. “When I look at protest, it’s something that may not even change things politically, but the people who participate feel a powerful connection to each other,” he said. “In that moment, they feel less lonely, less disconnected, less alienated.” Keyes considers literature a tool that can bring people together, if used correctly. She says that we cannot always travel to different places and see things through the eyes of other people, but with literature, anyone – whether they have a passport or not – can understand the experiences of people on the other side of the world. “I try to show my students how literature can increase their sense of empathy, and Sunil’s book does that,” she said. Yapa said his novel is about emotion, and it goes beyond the initial anger and grief that his characters feel. “When we get angry, our anger burns out. So what can we ﬁnd beyond that anger? Can love and listening overcome the divisions between us?” When he comes to CSM, Yapa said he hopes to convey a message to the Connections audience that even though we live in a cynical time, it’s OK for us to care. “Yes we should question everything, but don’t be afraid to care about things,” he said. The son of a Sri Lankan father and a mother from Montana, Yapa has lived around the world, including The Netherlands, Thailand, Greece, Guatemala, Argentina, Chile, China and India, as well as London, Montreal and New York City. Yapa received his MFA in Fiction from Hunter College in New York City in 2010, where he studied with Colum McCann, Peter Carey and Clare Messud and was a Hertog Fellow for Zadie Smith. The winner of the 2010 Asian American short story award, Yapa’s work has appeared in American Short Fiction, Guernica, O Magazine, Poets & Writers, The Margins, Hyphen, Slice, LitHub and others. He has received scholarships to The New York State Summer Writers’ Institute, The Norman Mailer Writers’ Center, Bread Loaf Writers Conference and Aspen Words. He currently teaches at the Center for Fiction in New York City. Tickets for the Yapa reading are $3 in advance, $5 at the event, or $3 with a CSM student ID. Yapa’s novel is available at any CSM College Store. For advance tickets, contact the CSM Box Ofﬁce at bxoffc@ csmd.edu or call 301-934-7828. There are two more Spring 2017 Connections Literary Series events following the Yapa reading, both of which will be held at the La Plata Campus. Poet Frank X Walker will read from his work on April 7. The Connections Literary Magazine Publication Reading, where the contributors to the magazine read and discuss their published works, will be held May 5. Visit www.csmd.edu/Connections for more information. From College of Southern Maryland

The College of Southern Maryland Children’s Theatre will present “Knufﬂe Bunny: A Cautionary Musical,” a play by Mo Willems about a girl and her father dealing with the loss of a beloved stuffed animal. Performances will be held at the CSM Fine Arts (FA) Center Theatre on the La Plata Campus at 8730 Mitchell Road at 7 p.m. on March 10 and at 2 and 7 p.m. on March 11. The cast includes Eva De Leon of Lexington Park as Trixie, with Joshua Pierre of

Bryans Road playing the father and Sabrina Martin of Waldorf playing the mother. Puppet 1 will be performed by Andrew Geier of Waldorf, Puppet 2 by Frank Bowles of Mechanicsville, Puppet 3 by Holly Sinnett Coelho of La Plata, Puppet 4 by Gershawn Mason of Indian Head, Puppet 5 by Kehle Hatch of Waldorf and Puppet 6 by Kai Hyser of La Plata. Morgan Kline and Jillian Kline, both of Waldorf, will portray the choir. The play will be directed by Sherry Santana. Michael Santana is the music director, and Katie Kwiatkowski is the choreographer. The play, which was commissioned by and first produced at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, is about what happens when a young girl named Trixie and a favorite stuffed bunny set off with Trixie’s father for a trip to the laundromat. The trip brings wonder, excitement and joy to the lively toddler, until she realizes she has left her Knuffle Bunny at the laundromat. Trixie does everything in her power to make her father understand the emergency, but her father fails to see the urgency. “Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. From College of Southern Maryland

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Thursday, March 2 Free Tax Preparation And Electronic Filing Church of the Ascension, 21641 Great Mills Road, Lexington Park, Maryland 9:00 AM-4:00 PM The AARP Tax-Aide program is providing free walk-in tax preparation and electronic filing for low-to middle-income taxpayers, with special attention paid to those ages 60 and older, at the Church of the Ascension, 21641 Great Mills Road, Lexington Park, MD. Taxpayers do not need to be a member of AARP. Taxpayers must bring their SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS and picture IDs, as well as a copy of their 2015 tax returns and all income and tax related information including names, SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS, and birth dates for everyone who will be listed on the return. Taxpayers must also bring health care benefits and insurance information, including Form 1095-A if health insurance was obtained through the Marketplace or Exchange. We are not able to prepare tax returns involving businesses, farms, rental properties, or partnerships. Additional information is available at: smctaxaide.org. Living Well with Chronic Conditions Loffler Senior Activity Center, 21905 Chancellors Run Road, Great Mills 12:30 PM-3:00 PM Let early spring be the time you do something wonderful for yourself: improving your life even while dealing with a chronic health condition! While there are a very wide variety of chronic health conditions, many of the symptoms and emotions experienced by the sufferers are the samefatigue, pain, depression, frustration, etc. Living Well with Chronic Conditions is an evidence-based program developed by Stanford University. It is a workshop that consists of 6 sessions taught by trained lay-leaders and is designed to teach sufferers skills that can be used to better manage symptoms and improve one’s outlook. St. Mary’s County Department of Aging & Human Services, in conjunction with Health Connections has been offering this periodically over the last seven years with updates to the program that make this workshop even more effective. New sessions will begin at Loffler Senior Activity Center on March 2 and will continue through April 6. If you are serious about learning new ways to manage your symptoms, make daily tasks easier, communicate effectively with your doctors, lessen frustration, fight fatigue and get more out of life, then this is for you! If you have any questions, or wish to sign up call 301-475-4200, ext. *1658, or stop by the reception desk. Gut-buster Cheese Steak Fundraiser @ VFW 2632 23282 Three Notch Rd, California, MD 20619 5:30 PM-8:00 PM Stop by and enjoy one of our delicious GUT-BUSTER Philly-Style Cheese Steaks. All Cheese Steaks served on a hoagie roll or wrap with your choice of cheese and grilled veggies, and served with American Fries for only $8.00. Choose from CHICKEN or STEAK. Eat here or take one to go

Ladies Bible Study Hollywood Church of the Nazarene, Sotterly Rd. Hollywood MD 7:00 PM Ecumenical Ladies Bible Study. Free event and open to all ladies. We are currently studying “the Women of the Bible” Please join us for this wonderful time of sharing. You are welcome to bring your craft projects, such as knitting, crocheting,embroidering, to work on while the discussion is being presented. Beverages provided. For more information contact the church at 301-373-2130 Am. Legion Post 221 Meeting 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 www.alpost221.webs.com/ or e-mail us at alpost221@aol.com. Call (301) 884-4071 for more information. Tell them you saw the announcement on the SoMd Internet Calendar!

Friday, March 3 First Friday in Leonardtown, MD-Youth Art Jam Various locations throughout Leonardtown 5:00 PM-8:00 PM Be sure to join us on First Friday for a fun evening of Art & Entertainment - a featured highlight of this exciting event will be activities based on the theme “Youth Art Month”. Stop by the Leonardtown Arts Center at 22660 Washington St. to view original pieces created by talented young artists from the community and enjoy live music performed by the Southern Maryland Youth Orchestra & Choir. Members of the SMYOC will also be playing at other nearby locations in the Downtown Leonardtown area and there will be oneevening-only First Friday specials offered at participating shops and restaurants. For more details about this event check the Leonardtown First Fridays page on Facebook or our website: www.firstfridaysleonardtown.com. Fish Dinner, All you can Eat St George Catholic Church, 19199 St George Church Rd, Valley Lee, MD. 4:30 PM-11:00 PM Suggested Donation $10.00 POC Brian Werring 240-925-5668 Celebrate Recovery Our Father’s House—45020 Patuxent Beach Rd, California, MD 7:30 PM-9:30 PM Please join us for Celebrate Recovery, a free Christian-based 12-step program for adults 18 & up struggling with any hurt, hangup, or habit, meets Fridays at Our Father’s House Assembly of God Church in California, Maryland. A large group lesson 7:30-8:30pm and gender-specific small groups 8:30-9:30pm are followed by refreshments. For more information e-mail OFHCR4U@gmail.com. We’d love to meet you!

Thursday, March 2, 2017

To submit your event listing to go in our Community Calendar, please email zach@countytimes.net with the listing details by 12 p.m. on the Monday prior to our Thursday publication.

Saturday, March 4 Free Tax Preparation And Electronic Filing Church of the Ascension, 21641 Great Mills Road, Lexington Park, Maryland 9:00 AM-12 Noon On Saturdays, for taxpayers arriving from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (NOON) , the AARP Tax-Aide program is providing free walk-in tax preparation and electronic filing for low-to middle-income taxpayers, with special attention paid to those ages 60 and older, at the Church of the Ascension, 21641 Great Mills Road, Lexington Park, MD. Taxpayers do not need to be a member of AARP. Taxpayers must bring their SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS and picture IDs, as well as a copy of their 2015 tax returns and all income and tax related information including names, SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS, and birth dates for everyone who will be listed on the return. Taxpayers must also bring health care benefits and insurance information, including Form 1095-A if health insurance was obtained through the Marketplace or Exchange. We are not able to prepare tax returns involving businesses, farms, rental properties, or partnerships. Additional information is available at: www.smctaxaide.org Kids Expo at 5 South Event Center 21030 Point Lookout Road, Callaway, MD 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Our Kids Expo is a diverse experience for all things child related. This event is for families looking for information on child health, wellness, education and enrichment programs. We will have activities, demonstrations and exhibits throughout the day. Please join us to learn what our local area has to offer! Browse dozens of vendors and see live presentations! 5 South Event Center located at 21030 Point Lookout Road, Callaway, Maryland 20620. Information online at www.5southeventcenter.com/ kids-expo. Vendors Wanted! If you would like to put your products and services in front of interested families our expo is for you! Information, rental agreement and payment options available at www.5southeventcenter.com/ kids-expo or call John at 240-538-1984. COSMIC Symphony Family Concert Patuxent Presbyterian Church, California MD 4:00 PM-6:00 PM The Concert will feature the winner of the annual Young Artists Competition. In addition, the orchestra will perform the North American premier of Mieczyslaw Weinberg’s “The Suite of 1950”, Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Capriccio Espangol”, and Prokofiev’s “The Montagues and Capulets” from Romeo and Juliet. Children are free and adult tickets can be purchased at the door or at cosmicsymphony.or Spaghetti Dinner (all you can eat), Silent Auction Hollywood Church of the Nazarene, Sotterly Rd. Hollywood MD 5:00 PM All you can eat Spaghetti dinner, menu to include meatball sauce, Alfredo sauce, broccoli, bread and salad, Tea, coffee, water. $10.00 per person. Desert table available (donation appreciated). Silent Auction.

This is a fund raiser to benefit different programs around the church. For more information contact the church at 301-373-2130 Bag Bingo to benefit Piney Point PTA Second District Volunteer Firehouse 45245 Drayden Rd, Valley Lee, MD 20692 6:00 PM-9:00 PM Bag Bingo to benefit Piney Point Elementary PTA Sat March 4th. Doors open 5PM, Bingo begins at 6PM. SCOUT and VERA bags, filled with great prizes. $20 admission book, $5 additional books Email—alyshas@gmail.com to reserve seats or a table for large groups. Benny C. Morgan Recital Series: The Southern Maryland Chambe CSM, Leonardtown 8:00 PM 8 p.m., March 4, College of Southern Maryland, Leonardtown Campus, Auditorium of Building A, 22950 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown. Members of the ensemble are teachers from Charles and St. Mary’s counties who work in the public schools, at CSM or at private studios. Free. Call 301934-7828 or visit www.csmd.edu/Arts.

Sunday, March 5 All Saints Episcopal Church 375th Anniversary Celebration All Saints Church and Hall 22598-21656 Oakley Rd., Avenue, MD 10:00 AM-2:00 PM All Saints Episcopal Church, Oakley Parish is proudly preparing for a celebration of 375 years of worship, inclusion and community service. The day will begin at 10 AM with services at the Church led by our Bishop Marianne Budde and Priest in Charge Harry Harper. The celebration will continue at the Parish Hall that will include lunch prepared by the congregation and music. The opportunities to visit the beautiful little church, explore its aged cemetery and enjoy a congenial repast are priceless and may even inspire you. Artists bring your sketch pads. Musicians bring your voices. Children bring your laughter. All can bring open hearts and a willingness to enjoy this historic occasion. We hope to see you there. (22598 Oakley Road., Avenue, MD 20609) if you are interested in tour of the church and cemetery send a text or leave a VM at 301-651-0650 with your name and contact information. Quarter Auction Benefit—St. Mary’s Elks St. Mary’s Elks Lodge 45779 Fire Department Lane, California, MD 12 Noon-3:00 PM Doors open at noon; auction starts at 1:00PM Benefit: Charities of the St. Mary’s Elks Paddles are $3 each or 2 for $5. Bids are 1—4 quarters depending on the value of the prizes to be won. Concessions and cash bar will be available. For info or reservations, call 410-474-2958. Follow us on Facebook at Quarter Auctions in SOMD.

Thursday, March 2, 2017

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The County Times

Community Mechanicsville Moose Lodge Turkey Shoot Mechanicsville Moose Lodge 495 12 Noon-4:00 PM TURKEY SHOOT SIGN UP STARTS AT NOON IST ROUND STARTS AT 1:00 pm shoot for money and prizes call jimmy suite at 240-417-5767 there will not be a turkey shoot on Sunday 2/26/2017 regular scheduled turkey shoot starts march 5, and every Sunday there after. Hymn Sing Hollywood Church of the Nazarene, Sotterly Rd. Hollywood MD 6:00 PM Do you like singing the hymns of the church? Or have you ever heard of the hymns of the church? Then you need to come and join us for an hour of hymn singing. This is an ecumenical and free event open to the community. We provide the pianist, hymn books, and song leader. You provide the voice. You also get to pick your favorite hymns to sing. For more information please call the church at 301-373-2130

Monday, March 6 Ledo Pizza Fundraiser in Leonardtown 4:00 PM- 8:00 PM The Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary will be sponsored by the Leonardtown Ledo Pizza on March 6th. 20% of all sales associated with SDVRSA will be donated. This offer applies for Dine-In or Carry-Out and be sure to mention who its for. Free Film Screening Lexington Park Library- Room B 21677 FDR Blvd, Lexington Park, Maryland 20653 6:00 PM-7:30 PM Join us for a free public documentary screening of the acclaimed film “Groundswell Rising” to learn more about the reality of hydraulic fracturing (aka Fracking) and what the dangers are for the future of our environment and public health. We will have a Q&A before and after to be prepared and educated on the topic of fracking to be effective at the St. Mary’s County Commissioners Public Forum March 7th 6:30pm in the Chesapeake room in Leonardtown. The goal for the commissioner’s public forum March 7th is to have as many people who support the ban on fracking present so that they will pass a local ban on fracking and send a letter of support to the state house. We’re trying to have speakers who are homeowners, engineers, parents, realtors, both military and local families, watermen, educators and business owners to show broad community support. Hosted by the Southern Maryland Sierra Club.

Tuesday, March 7 Free Tax Preparation And Electronic Filing Church of the Ascension, 21641 Great Mills Road, Lexington Park, Maryland 9:00 AM-4:00 PM The AARP Tax-Aide program is providing free walk-in tax preparation and electronic filing for low-to middle-income taxpayers, with special attention paid to those ages 60 and older, at the Church of the Ascension,

21641 Great Mills Road, Lexington Park, MD. Taxpayers do not need to be a member of AARP. Taxpayers must bring their SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS and picture IDs, as well as a copy of their 2015 tax returns and all income and tax related information including names, SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS, and birth dates for everyone who will be listed on the return. Taxpayers must also bring health care benefits and insurance information, including Form 1095-A if health insurance was obtained through the Marketplace or Exchange. We are not able to prepare tax returns involving businesses, farms, rental properties, or partnerships. Additional information is available at: smctaxaide.org. Art Classes by Jamie Naluai Loffler Senior Activity Center, 21905 Chancellors Run Road, Great Mills 10:00 AM-12 Noon $85; Swing into spring with some art classes! Jamie’s classes are suitable for beginners as well as intermediate level students. She teaches drawing, painting and other mediums in four 2-hour sessions per month. Learn many drawing and painting techniques to create pieces of artwork for each session. Cost of these classes includes enough paint and supplies to get you started. Payment may be made to instructor on the first day of class. Call 301-475-4200, ext. *1658, to sign up or to learn more. Walter Mosley Lecture Michael P. O’Brien Athletics and Recreation Center at St. Mary’s College of Maryland 8:00 PM-10:30 PM The Inaugural Presidential Lecture Series presents Walter Mosley, “The Only True Race is the Human Race,” at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. An audience question and answer period will take place immediately following the event and a book signing will begin at 9:30 p.m. Seating is firstcome, first-served and the event is free of charge and open to the public. The novels “Devil in a Blue Dress” and “Black Betty” will be available for purchase during the book-signing portion of the event.

Wednesday, March 8 History and Educational Video Series: Accidental Inventions Loffler Senior Activity Center, 21905 Chancellors Run Road, Great Mills 10:00 AM-12 Noon This 84-minute video tells the stories behind ten extraordinary inventions that came about as the result of accidents, including Teflon, Velcro, stainless steel, and dynamite. Register for this video by calling 301-475-4200, ext. *1658, or stop by the reception desk to sign up. (Seating is limited to 16.) Book Discussion at Garvey Garvey Senior Activity Center, 41780 Baldridge Street, Leonardtown 10:30 AM-12 Noon Join the book discussion group at the Garvey Senior Activity Center! The group will be discussing “The Storyteller,” by Jodi Picoult, on March 8, at 10:30 a.m. To learn more or to borrow a copy of the book, call 301-475-4200, ext. *1050

Freedom Therapy Solutions Nutritional Presentation Garvey Senior Activity Center, 41780 Baldridge Street, Leonardtown 1:00 PM-3:00 PM Physical Therapist Lisa Mesmer from Freedom Therapy Solutions will be at the Garvey Senior Activity Center to do an informative presentation on nutrition for National Nutrition Month. Come join us and learn! Call the Garvey Senior Activity Center at 301-475-4200, ext. *1050 for more information and to reserve your spot. Cokie Roberts Lecture Michael P. O’Brien Athletics & Recreation Center at St. Mary’s College 7:00 PM-9:00 PM Cokie Roberts is a political commentator for NPR’s “Morning Edition” and ABC News. She has been in broadcasting for over forty years and has won three Emmy Awards. Roberts is included in the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame, and considered by the American Women in Radio and Television to be one of the fifty greatest women in broadcasting history.

Thursday, March 9 Health Presentation: Leg Works Loffler Senior Activity Center, 21905 Chancellors Run Road, Great Mills 10:00 AM-12 Noon The Center for Vein Restoration will present Leg Works, a one-hour program that

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discusses Venous Insufficiency, the cause of varicose veins and spider veins, which affects 50 percent of women over 50 and 30 percent of men over 50. Besides offering information and demonstrations on this hot topic, there will be an opportunity to ask questions of the staff from The Center for Vein Restoration. Register for this presentation by calling 301-475-4200, ext. *1658, or stop by the reception desk to sign up. CSM Alumni & Friends Connection Dinner CSM, Leonardtown 6:00 PM CSM alumni are invited to the CSM Alumni & Friends Connection for dinner and to share insights at one of three focus group sessions. Ideas shared will directly March 9, Leonardtown Campus, Building C, Room 216, 22950 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown; and 6 p.m., March 14, Prince Frederick Campus, Flagship Building, Room 119, Prince Frederick. Free. A $50 gift card will be raffled at each event and there will be door prizes. RSVP by March 3 at csmd.edu/alumni. The college is also interested in hearing from alumni who can’t attend at csmd.edu/whereareyounow.

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The County Times

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Thursday, March 2

Steve Nelson Anglers Seafood Bar & Grill, Solomons 6:00 -10:00 PM anglers-seafood.com Dominic Fragman The Ruddy Duck, Solomons 8:00 PM www.ruddyduckbrewery.com

Friday, March 4

Karaoke & DJ Night Brass Rail Sports Bar, Great Mills More Songs then you can sing in a month of Sundays but you can have fun trying. 104,750 song to choose from! 8:00 PM – Midnight Ryan Forrester Trio The Ruddy Duck, Solomons 8:00 PM www.ruddyduckbrewery.com

Kicking off 2017 with a new beat and in shape! Come out and enjoy a completely FREE and fun, high energy fitness class that will be sure to leave you feeling powerful and strong. We will get 24FIT and learn about Nutrition and why it's paired perfectly with fitness.

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Thursday, March 2, 2017

Karaoke Anglers Seafood Bar & Grill, Solomons 9:00 PM-1:00 AM anglers-seafood.com DJ Ray Anthony’s, Dunkirk 9:00 PM www.anthonysdunkirk.com

Saturday, March 5

“Rockin’ The Rail” Brass Rail Sports Bar, Great Mills Put your dancing shoes on and join in the fun! (DJ ONLY) 8:00 PM - Midnight “Wicked Weekend” Anglers Seafood Bar & Grill, Solomons 8:00 PM- Midnight

Thursday, March 9

Cowboy Crossing The Ruddy Duck, Solomons 8:00 PM www.ruddyduckbrewery.com

Library Calendar Microsoft Office: Introduction to Word

Leonardtown Library will hold Microsoft Office: Introduction to Word on Monday, March 6 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Learn how to open, create, format, print, and save documents using Microsoft Word 2013. Prerequisite: Basic skills in using the mouse & keyboard. Adult computer classes are limited to ages 16 and up. Registration required on www.stmalib.org.

Cloud Computing 101

Lexington Park Library will hold Cloud Computing 101 on Thursday, March 9 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Have you heard of the Cloud, but you’re not quite sure what that means or where to go to access it? Take a look at some common cloud applications and learn how easy and convenient cloud computing can be. Adult computer classes are limited to ages 16 and up. Registration required on www.stmalib.org.

Preschool Music Explorers

Leonardtown Library will hold Preschool Music Explorers on Friday, March 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Join us as we explore music and interpretive dance by playing simple instruments, moving our bodies, and creating art inspired by classical pieces! For ages 3-5, Please register on www.stmalib.org.

Southern Maryland Math Circle

Lexington Park Library will host the Southern Maryland Math Circle on Saturday, March 11 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The Southern Maryland Math Circle provides fun, fascinating math activities to middle- and high-school students (and their families!) Run by the faculty at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, this monthly gathering is sure to inspire a love of mathematical exploration to everyone who comes. Snacks will be provided. No registration required.

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The County Times

Thursday, March 2, 2017

St. Mary’s Department of Aging Programs and Activities Energy Assistance Applications Available

National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month and to celebrate at the Garvey Senior Activity Center invites you to dine with us throughout the month. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends Americans eat a well-balanced diet of protein, grains, dairy, fruit and vegetables. At Garvey, we invite you to “travel” around the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “My Plate” food guide. Each week during lunchtime you will be given fun tips and tricks for meeting the nutritional guidelines recommend for a healthy lifestyle, including easy recipes. Small gifts related to the weekly topic will be given for individuals who dine with us. Get your Nutrition Passport stamped each time you attend lunch. Rack up those stamps to be entered into the grand prize drawing at the end of the month! To make a reservation for lunch, call 301-475-4200, ext. *1050.

Loffler Senior Activity Center 301-475-4200, ext. 1658 Garvey Senior Activity Center, 301-475-4200, ext. 1050 Northern Senior Activity Center, 301-475-4002, ext. 3101

Visit www.stmarysmd.com/aging for the most up-to date information

Tai Chi for Arthritis 2

2017 energy assistance program applications are being accepted through the end of March. Persons who have not applied for the program since July 2016 are eligible to apply. Eligibility is determined by gross household income 30 days prior to the date of application (one person $1,733 per month, two persons $2,336). Persons age 60 years and over may contact the Department of Aging & Human Services at 301-475-4200, ext. *1050. All others may contact the Tri-County Community Action Committee, Inc. at 301475-5574, ext. 200.

The second level of Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention will take place at the Loffler Senior Activity Center on Mondays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. beginning Monday, March 13. Students who attended the Tai Chi 1 classes in January and February are already enrolled in this new session. Also welcome to enroll is anyone who has completed Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention 1 at any of the St. Mary’s County Senior Activity Centers within the past three years. It is also acceptable to join these classes if you have already completed Tai Chi for Arthritis 2 or 3. If you are eligible and wish to sign up, call 301-475-4200, ext. *1658, or stop by the reception desk.

Research Your Irish Roots

Interested in learning more about your personal Irish heritage? Louise McDonald will lead a class at the Northern Senior Activity Center on how to research your Irish roots on Tuesday, March 14 from 9-11 a.m. This class will be taught in the computer lab and basic computer experience using an internet browser is required. Space is limited. To sign up for this series in advance, please visit the signup table or call 301-475-4200, ext. *3103.

Freedom Therapy Solutions Nutritional Presentation

Physical Therapist Lisa Mesmer from Freedom Therapy Solutions will be at the Garvey Senior Activity Center to do an informative presentation on nutrition for National Nutrition Month on Wednesday, March 8 at 1 p.m. Come join us and learn! Call 301-475-4200, ext. *1050 for more information and to reserve your spot.

Coloring Group at Northern

Do you like to color in adult coloring books? Adult coloring books are a fun way to keep a focused mind while relaxing and enjoying the nostalgia of coloring. The Northern Senior Activity Center will have its first coloring group meeting on Monday, March 6 at 1-2 p.m. in the Craft Room. Bring your colored pencils, markers, and coloring books/pages to enjoy working on your projects with friends. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity please call 301-475-4200, ext. *3103.

Educational Video at Loffler

The video Accidental Inventions will be shown at the Loffler Senior Activity Center on Wednesday, March 8 at 10 a.m. This 84-minute video tells the stories behind ten extraordinary inventions that came about as the result of accidents, including Teflon, Velcro, stainless steel, and dynamite. Register for this video by calling 301-475-4200, ext. *1658, or stop by the reception desk to sign up. Seating is limited. Free.

Health Presentation at Loffler

On Thursday, March 9, The Center for Vein Restoration will present Leg Works, a one-hour program that discusses Venous Insufficiency, the cause of varicose veins and spider veins, which affects 50 percent of women over 50 and 30 percent of men over 50. Besides offering information and demonstrations on this hot topic, there will be an opportunity to ask questions of the staff from The Center for Vein Restoration. Register for this presentation by calling 301-475-4200, ext. *1658, or stop by the reception desk to sign up. Free.

Photo/Jar Luminary

Print out a favorite photo on regular copy paper (no bigger than 3”x3” for best results) and bring it to the Loffler Senior Activity Center on Friday, March 10 at 10 a.m. Make a unique luminary using a glass jar, some Mod Podge and a little bit of paint. Though you will be bringing in the photo, we will supply the rest of the materials. Call 301-475-4200, ext. *1658, or stop by the reception desk to get in on the fun. Pre-registration is required.

Reflexology

Our Reflexologist will be at the Garvey Senior Activity Center on Wednesday, March 8, at 10 am. Sarah Strain is ARCB Board Certified and visits the center regularly. Reflexology helps relieve stress and tension as well as improve sleep, digestion, immune functions, and metabolism. Each 45 minute session is $40. To makes a reservation, call 301-475-4200, ext. *1050.

Wearin’ of the Green Bash at O’Garvey

For the luck of the Irish, join us at our Annual St. Patrick’s Day bash at the Garvey Senior Activity Center on Friday, March 17, at noon! Enjoy a traditional meal of Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Soda Bread, steamed cabbage and a yummy dessert. Irish tunes to be performed by John Pomerville, singer of traditional Irish pub tunes. Cost for lunch is by donation for those ages 60 and above and $6 for those under the age of 60. To make reservations, call 301-475-4200, ext. *1050, by noon on Thursday, March 16. Remember to wear your lucky green!

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

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Games

CLUES ACROSS

1. Package 7. Wear away 13. Joins a leaf to a stem 14. Worsen 16. Promotes international cooperation (abbr.) 17. Your folks 19. Publicity 20. Moves up 22. Dept. of Labor 23. Physicist Enrico 25. Whitney and Manning are two 26. Human foot (pl.) 28. Coral is an example 29. Extended error correction 30. Small amount 31. Dash 33. The greatest of all time 34. Middle Eastern country 36. Ravine 38. Cup-like cavity

40. Chemical substances 41. Extremely stupid behavior 43. He built Arantea 44. Beverage beloved by Brits 45. Cereal plant 47. Signal 48. A bar bill 51. Comedienne Faris 53. Preface to a book 55. Stores grain 56. In a way, medicated 58. Small island (British) 59. An Indiana-based hoopster 60. Measures width of printed matter 61. Riders use this to transport goods 64. Once more 65. Thin layers 67. Says again 69. Cleans thoroughly 70. Warnings

The County Times

CLUES DOWN

1. Relating to male organ 2. Indicates position 3. Covers with frost 4. Makes a soft murmuring sound 5. Wood 6. Type of fuel 7. Confused 8. Where you go at night 9. Canadian flyers 10. Type of birch tree 11. Beloved Welsh princess 12. Coated 13. Smooth substance of crushed fruit 15. Improves intellectually 18. A sign of assent 21. Island-based Italians 24. Pragmatic 26. Peter’s last name 27. A bag-like structure in a plant or animal

WORD SCRAMBLE

30. Mexican city 32. Sir Samuel __, Brit. statesman 35. Summer Olympics were just here 37. Fiddler crabs 38. Southern military academy 39. Tumors 42. Speaks incessantly 43. Sacred sound in Indian religions 46. Transactions 47. Et-__ 49. Reminders 50. Doesn’t interest 52. Norse gods 54. Canola is one type 55. Beloved sportscaster Craig 57. Irish mother goddess 59. Daddy 62. Press against lightly 63. Sound unit 66. Master of Ceremonies 68. Morning

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Kiddie ner Cor

Color Me!

TA U G R I Last Week’s Puzzle Solutions

Word Scramble: Yarns

Thursday, March 2, 2017

The County Times

Contributing Writers

The County Times acquainted and whom he has now known intimately ever since. He has often heard Jackson recount his services as a soldier in the Rev. War…He has always considered Jackson a man of the strictest veracity and honor and that he ﬁrmly believes he was a soldier and served as he has stated. 6/15/1833: Statement of Rev. Thomas F. Mulledy, President of the Catholic College

Abednego Jackson 8/29/1833: Abednego Jackson, a resident of the District of Columbia, aged 76 years, states he entered the service in the year 1777, he thinks [it was 1778] in the month of April, being a resident of St. Mary’s County and subject to militia duty, which he was frequently called on to perform on account of the very exposed situation of that County to depredations from the British cruisers by which they were much infested, he determined with many of his acquaintances in that country to the number of about 50 or 60 to enroll themselves as volunteers to join the Army of Gen. Washington in the Jerseys at that time, as he understood was in great need of men; and being enrolled by Col. Barnes of that County, they set out from Leonard Town …for Annapolis where they remained for some time… From Annapolis, they proceeded to the head of the Elk, from whence they marched to Brunswick [NJ] where they joined the Army… From this time, they were employed in the various movements of the Army until they arrived in Trenton. He was with the Army during the cannonade

of this place and the Battle of Princeton. He will never forget the roaring of cannon in that time which remained in his ears for a long time afterward. .. The names of many of the men who volunteered with him he well remembers, viz., Richard Sweany, Francis Wheatley, Sylvester Wheatley, James Barrett, Joseph Reswick, William Chatley, Joseph Fields, Robert Greenwell, James Wimsatt, Barton Goddard, and some others. He has been in the employment of the Catholic College [Georgetown University} for a great number of years which did not allow him any leisure to visit his native County, consequently cannot tell whether there be any one of them alive at this time to prove his service. Were he now at leisure, the effects of old age would prevent him from going, being scarcely able to crawl along, and very poor in his circumstances. 6/15/1833: Statement of Zachariah Goddard [born in St. Mary’s County] of George Town who states that he came to George Town to reside in 1807 and rented a home, part of which he let to Abednego Jackson with whom he, at that time, became well

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Thursday, March 2, 2017 of Georgetown. States he was educated at this college, entering it at an early period of his life--when he ﬁrst became acquainted with Abednego who has been in the College’s employment ever since. He has heard Abednego talk about his war time service many times, believes he did serve and that he is an honest and truthful man.

“Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit / The Farm Saver”

Two unrelated topics, but are they? I have wondered for the last few years why I keep seeing “Rabbit, rabbit” pop up on Facebook quite often, slowly I started to notice that it was on the 1st of the month that this mysterious wordage appeared. It bothered me because I hate to miss out on anything. Was this some new fad? Something that the teens were using to mean something else? So, of course in my own fashion I had to finally look it up many years later and found lots of great answers, but the NPR interview with Martha Barnette, host of A way with words, I liked the best. From an NPR Weekend Edition show: “There are different variations of it [Rabbit, Rabbit]. I mean, some people say rabbit, rabbit. In the U.K., it’s quite common to say white rabbits. Gilda Radner was someone who was known to say bunny, bunny on the first day of the month; to ensure, as she put it, laughter, love and peace…It ensures luck. And we don’t know why, you know, rabbits have been associated with luck of one sort or another - usually good luck - for more than 2,000 years. But it’s only in the early 1900s that we see written references to this superstition.” I will try to say Rabbit, Rabbit from now on every first day of the month first thing in the morning. The best way that I read to do this is to place a sign on your bedroom wall, or I would think by placing a small stuffed bunny by your pillow would work as well. Of course, I could sleep down in the “bunny room” aka guest room downstairs on the last day of each month to ensure I would awaken to a few interesting rabbits I have acquired or have been given

as gifts over the years. And when you think of rabbits you normally think of lawns and farms where they can romp, hop, and play. Many of you may not have known Nancy Wolfe of Lower Brambly in Chaptico, but maybe you’d like to say a soft thank you or blessing this weekend in her name as she is laid to rest. Nancy was a member of our church, Christ Church, Chaptico for many years, but also an avid member of the Grange; a nationwide organization that according to Maryland State Grange “is a community organization firmly based in agriculture with family values and hometown roots.” You might have seen her at the St. Mary’s County or Charles County Fairs in some of her many roles as the baby contest judge or in the Arts and Crafts Building, or you may have even been recruited by her a time or two to help. There are so many good things that Nancy did for the benefit of women in need and for the many groups to which she belonged. I knew Nancy as one of my first friends in the church, who as an Altar Guild member or probably just as a good person, offered to help me with bows and flowers and whatever else I needed for my wedding. We became friends and antiquing buddies and had great adventures from here to Pennsylvania. But what Nancy’s legacy will truly be is that of saver of farmland from development. Nancy quietly acquired beautiful land, some with older homes which she rented to families or left in their pristine condition. It is to this that I say my blessing as I see yet another development rising in two centuries old farmland around Charles and St. Mary’s Counties. God’s peace to you, Nancy. So, I say to you all, “Rabbit, rabbit March”, God’s peace, and hope that the month and year is good to you. 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, March 2, 2017

CHURCH SERVICES

DIRECTORY CATHOLIC CHURCH

St. Cecilia Church

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

St. GeorGe roman CatholiC ChurCh St. George Church: Saturday, 5:00 p.m. • Sunday, 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m.

BAPTIST CHURCH

ANGLICAN CATHOLIC

Victory Baptist Church

St. Anne’s Church

29855 Eldorado Farm rd CharlottE hall, md 20659

301-884-8503

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

ProClaiming thE ChangElEss word in a Changing world.

St. Francis Xavier Chapel: Saturday, 7:00 p.m. (Memorial Day-Labor Day)

Jesus saves

Weekday Mass Schedule: Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, 1st Sat: 9:00 a.m.

victOrybaptistchurchmd.Org

301-994-0607 • www.saintgeorgeromancatholicchurch.org

EPISCOPAL CHURCH Christ Episcopal Church King & Queen Parish founded 1692 25390 Maddox Road | Chaptico, MD 20621

www.cckqp.net

301-884-3451

Sunday Worship 8:00am Holy Eucharist, Rite I 10:30am Holy Eucharist, Rite II, Organ & Choir

All are Welcome

Publisher Associate Publisher Ofﬁce Manager Advertising Phone Graphic Artist Sarah Williams Staff Writers Dick Myers Guy Leonard Interns Zach Hill

Thomas McKay Eric McKay Tobie Pulliam jen@countytimes.net 301-373-4125 sarahwilliams@countytimes.net dickmyers@countytimes.net guyleonard@countytimes.net zach@countytimes.net

Photographer Frank Marquart Contributing Writers Laura Joyce Ron Guy Linda Reno Shelbey Oppermann David Spigler Doug Watson

HUGHESVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH A member of the Southern Baptist Convention 8505 Leonardtown Road, Hughesville, MD 20637 240-254-2765 or 301-274-3627 Senior Pastor Dr. J. Derek Yelton Associate Pastor Kevin Cullins

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

Charlotte Hall Road, Charlotte Hall Sundays - 10:00 am - Holy Eucharist Traditional Anglican Worship

“First Millennium Faith for a Third Millennium World” (301)934-6873

METHODIST CHURCH Hollywood United Methodist Church

24422 Mervell Dean Rd • Hollywood, MD 20636

301-373-2500

Confessions: Saturdays: 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. or by appointment

19199 St. George Church Road • Valley Lee, MD 20692

Meeting at Dent Memorial Chapel

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

To place an ad on this page contact Jen Stotler at 301-247-7611 or jen@countytimes.net

Katie Paul, Pastor Sunday Worship 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages 9:45 a.m. All of our services are traditional. Child care is provided. Sunday Evening Youth Group Christian Preschool and Kindergarten available

PENTECOSTAL CHURCH

21800 N. Shangri-La, Dr. #8 PO Box 1260 Lexington Park, MD 20653 301-866-5772 Pastor James L. Bell, Sr.

21800 N. Shangri-La, Dr. #8 21800 N. Shangri-La, Dr. #8 PO Box 1260 PO Box 1260 Lexington Park, MD 20653 Lexington Park, MD 20653 301-866-5772 301-866-5772 Pastor James L. Bell, Sr. Pastor James L. Bell, Sr. Church Schedule Church Schedule Sunday Sunday Morning Prayer 9:30 a.m. Morning Prayer 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 10 a.m. Morning Worship 10 a.m. Tuesday Tuesday Evening Prayer 6:30 p.m. Evening Prayer 6:30 p.m. Bible Study 7 p.m. Bible Study 7 p.m.

21800 N. Shangri-La, Dr. #8 PO Box 1260 Church Schedule Lexington Park, MD 20653 Sunday Morning Prayer 9:30 a.m. 301-866-5772 Morning Worship 10 a.m. The St. Mary’s County Times is a weekly newspaper providing news and information Pastor James L. Bell, Sr. Tuesday for the residents of St. Mary’s County. The St. Mary’s County Times will be available Evening Prayer 6:30 p.m. on newsstands every Thursday. The paper is published by Southern Maryland Publishing Bible Study 7 p.m. Church Schedule 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 Sunday service in its news coverage. Morning Prayer 9:30 a.m. To be considered for publication, articles and letters to the editor submitted must include Morning Worship 10 a.m. the writer’s full name, address and daytime phone number. Submissions must be delivered Tuesday by 4 p.m. on the Monday prior to our Thursday publication to ensure placement for that Evening Prayer 6:30 p.m. week. After that deadline, the St. Mary’s County Times will make every attempt possible Bible Study 7 p.m. 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 mate rial submitted to the newspaper and accepted for publication remains with the author, but St. Mary’s 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 County Times St. Mary’s cannot guarantee that every letter or photo(s) submitted will be published, due to time or space constraints. P. O. Box 250 • Hollywood, MD 20636

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The County Times

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Business

DIRECTORY CROSS, WOOD & WYNKOOP AND ASSOCIATES, INC. Serving The Community Since 1994

Group Health Insurance - Individual Market Health Insurance, Dental - Vision- AFLAC Life Insurance - Short & Long Term Disability, Payroll Services

Julie E. Wynkoop

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301-884-5904 Fax 301-884-2884

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Francis A. Balta Inspector MD. License and Insured

19228 White Oak Farm Ln. Valley Lee Md. 20692 301-481-8371

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President Vice President Customer Service Mgr. 301.884.5900 - 301.934.4680 - Fax 301.884.0398- info@crossandwood.com

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Thursday, March 2, 2017

Grand Opening Celebration

You’re Invited! JOIN US MARCH 27TH AT OUR NEW SHOWROOM FOR FESTIVITIES & GIVEAWAYS! Snacks and free goodies available all day, ribbon cutting at 4 pm, car drawing at 6pm Don’t be late, you must be present to win!

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