Thursday, January 4, 2018
The County Times
County Times St. Mary’s
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Thursday, January 4, 2018
www.countytimes.somd.com
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Happy New Year IN LOCAL TAINTED FOOD SICKENS STUDENTS IN COPS & COURTS MAN WANTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER IN COMMUNITY EVENT FOR ENTREPRENEURS SET
2017 2018
The County Times
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CONTENTS
Local News 3 Education 7 Sports 8 Cops & Courts 13 Feature 16 Obituaries 20 Community Calendar 22 Senior Calendar 24 Library Calendar 24 In Our Community 25 Games 26 Contributing Writers 28 Worship Directory 29 Business Directory 30
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LOCAL
Thursday, January 4, 2018
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“IT’S NOT GOOD IN ANY FASHION, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT SEEMED TO BE A HARMLESS CANDY.”
— SCHOOLS SECURITY CHIEF MICHAEL WYANT ON POSSIBLE CANNABIS EDIBLES AT SPRING RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL.
Education Page 7
In Sports Page 12
In Community Page 27
Do You Feel Crabby When You Get Your Insurance Bill In The Mail? P.O. Box 250 • Hollywood, Maryland 20636 News, Advertising, Circulation, Classifieds: 301-373-4125 www.countytimes.net
For staff listing and emails, see page 25
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Thursday, January 4, 2018
The County Times
Local News
3
Suspected Cannabis Edibles Send Students to Hospital By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
Emergency responders had to take five students from Spring Ridge Middle School to the emergency room Tuesday after they ate food likely laced with chemicals derived from marijuana plants, police said. Five students, one of whom brought the suspect food from home and shared it with the other four while at school, complained of feeling ill after they consumed it. The school resource officer and rescue squad personnel began treating the children after school administrators learned that all five had consumed the suspect food. Mike Wyant, schools security chief, said both the system and vice/narcotics detectives were still trying to confirm the substance the children ingested was linked to a marijuana derivative. Also, they were still trying to find out where the substance came from and how the child obtained it. “It’s an ongoing criminal investigation,” Wyant told The County Times
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
Wednesday. “They’re literally tracking that down now.” After they were rushed to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital and treated, the children were released to their parents and guardians; sheriff’s office vice/narcotics officers as well as child protective services workers are continuing the investigation into the suspect food. Sean Davidson, chief of the Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad, said the incident affected four boys and one girl. Two ambulances from his unit, along with one from Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad responded to take the children to the hospital. He said seeing five students treated at once for intoxication at a school was “not in my experience.” Wyant said officials were relieved that the substance involved was not opioid based, but the other substances’ presence in a school was still disturbing. “It’s not good in any fashion, especially when it seemed to be a harmless candy,” Wyant said. guyleonard@countytimes.net
Water Main Break Closes, Briefly, Leonardtown Library The Law Office of
Troy C. Hansen, LLC
t roy hansenl aw.com A minor water main break immediately across from the Leonardtown Library led to the facility’s being shut down. Tony Wheatley, public works director for the Town of Leonardtown, said the repair job took between 90 minutes and two hours to complete on Hollywood Road. “It was a minor break and we dug it up and fixed it,” Wheatley said of the town employing contractor AB&H Excavating, Inc. of Callaway to do the job. The town owns the water main that ruptured, Wheatley said. Despite the water main being repaired quickly the Leonardtown Branch remained closed. “Since we made the decision to close we just remained closed,” said Amy Ford, director at the Lexington Park branch. “We didn’t know how long the repairs would take.” The Leonardtown branch could only remain open if customers had access to working lavatory facilities, Ford said. Wheatley said the break caused no damage to the facility. guyleonard@countytimes.net
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The County Times
Local News
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St. Mary’s County’s first baby of 2018 arrived in the early hours of Jan. 2. Angelique Ford and Maurice Queen Jr. of Lexington Park welcomed Maurice Queen III at 1:30 a.m. Jan. 2 at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown.
He weighed 5 pounds, 15 ounces, and measured 19 inches long. Baby Maurice joins two older siblings. —MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital
Warming Centers Available to the Public Temperatures around St. Mary’s County are forecasted to drop below 32 degrees over the next few days. Several warming centers have been established for residents to stay warm. These warming centers will be open during regular hours at each location. Residents who need to take refuge from the cold weather can go to one of the following locations: Garvey Senior Activity Center Loffler Senior Activity Center 41780 Baldridge Street 21905 Chancellor’s Run Road Leonardtown Great Mills 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday Charlotte Hall Library 37600 New Market Rd Charlotte Hall 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday 1 – 5 p.m. Sunday Leonardtown Library 23250 Hollywood Rd. Leonardtown 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday - Saturday
Lexington Park Library 21677 FDR Blvd. Lexington Park 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday – Saturday
L I S T *Times listed above are normal business hours and may change based on the particular event. I The St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services urges citizens to N check on neighbors and the elderly during this cold weather snap G —St. Mary’s County PIO P R I
Thursday, January 4, 2018
The County Times
Local News
5
SMECO Approved for Distribution Rate Reduction Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) received approval from the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) on Dec. 28 to reduce its Distribution Service charges for customers. The lower rates—set to go into effect in Jan. 2018—result from a redistribution of SMECO’s transmission costs that will save SMECO customers $10 million per year. The distribution rate will be an average of six percent lower for all SMECO customers and, along with lower energy rates established in Aug., will reduce residential bill costs by four percent as compared to last year’s. The Jan. change will put residential rates at $0.043 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and base energy charges at $0.072 per kWh, dropping the average monthly resident bill of 1,300 kWh by more than $7 from Jan. 2017 prices.
“SMECO’s energy rates are as low as they were 12 years ago, and that’s good news for all of our customer-members,” said Austin J. Slater, Jr., SMECO president and CEO. “When reduced energy costs are bolstered by reduced rates on other parts of the bill, customers will be able to save even more.” These lower rates come thanks to SMECO’s own reduced cost-of-investment in high-voltage facilities, paid for by distributed expenses to all customers in the region who use it. “SMECO was registered as a transmission owner in Jan. 2017. Since the entire region benefits from SMECO’s high-voltage facilities, customers throughout the region will share the cost of those facilities. In addition, SMECO has taken cost-cutting initiatives, such as reducing staff, decreasing the number of vehicles in its fleet, and consolidating offices,” Slater explained. “As a result, our customer-members will have a lower monthly bill.” Press release by SMECO.
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6
Local News
The County Times
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Highlights of the New Tax Reform Law
It’s always good to get your taxes done as early as possible, advises Robert Askey, partner of the Leonardtown CPA firm of Askey and Askey Associates. Of course, if you are getting a deduction you will get it quicker. But, also because of the tax law changes, if you must pay more than expected, you’ll have more time to round it up. Askey said that also late filers historically have been more prone to ID theft. The biggest challenge Askey said, is the loss of the personal exemption. Where heretofore some taxpayers, including businesses have been able to itemize, this year they may not. For instance, the hone office deduction is now out the window. The impact on individual and business taxpayers depends on one’s own personal situation. Here’s a rundown on the changes as prepared by Askey and Aske and Associates for their clients: The new tax reform law, commonly called the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (TCJA), is the biggest federal tax law overhaul in 31 years, and it has both good and bad news for taxpayers. Below are highlights of some of the most significant changes affecting individual and business taxpayers. Except where noted, these changes are effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. Individuals Drops of individual income tax rates ranging from 0 to 4 percentage points (depending on the bracket) to 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37% — through 2025
Near doubling of the standard deduction to $24,000 (married couples filing jointly), $18,000 (heads of households), and $12,000 (singles and married couples filing separately) — through 2025 Elimination of personal exemptions — through 2025 Doubling of the child tax credit to $2,000 and other modifications intended to help more taxpayers benefit from the credit — through 2025 Elimination of the individual mandate under the Affordable Care Act requiring taxpayers not covered by a qualifying health plan to pay a penalty — effective for months beginning after December 31, 2018 Reduction of the adjusted gross income (AGI) threshold for the medical expense deduction to 7.5% for regular and AMT purposes — for 2017 and 2018 New $10,000 limit on the deduction for state and local taxes (on a combined basis for property and income taxes; $5,000 for separate filers) — through 2025 Reduction of the mortgage debt limit for the home mortgage interest deduction to $750,000 ($375,000 for separate filers), with certain exceptions — through 2025 Elimination of the deduction for interest on home equity debt — through 2025 Elimination of the personal casualty and theft loss deduction (with an exception for federally declared disasters) — through 2025 Elimination of miscellaneous itemized deductions subject to the 2% floor (such as certain investment expenses, professional fees and unreimbursed employee business expenses) — through 2025 Elimination of the AGI-based reduction of certain itemized deductions — through 2025 Elimination of the moving expense deduction (with an exception for members of the military in certain circumstances) —
through 2025 Expansion of tax-free Section 529 plan distributions to include those used to pay qualifying elementary and secondary school expenses, up to $10,000 per student per tax year AMT exemption increase, to $109,400 for joint filers, $70,300 for singles and heads of households, and $54,700 for separate filers — through 2025 Doubling of the gift and estate tax exemptions, to $10 million (expected to be $11.2 million for 2018 with inflation indexing) — through 2025
Businesses Replacement of graduated corporate tax rates ranging from 15% to 35% with a flat corporate rate of 21% Repeal of the 20% corporate AMT New 20% qualified business income deduction for owners of flow-through entities (such as partnerships, limited liability companies and S corporations) and sole proprietorships — through 2025 Doubling of bonus depreciation to 100% and expansion of qualified assets to include used assets — effective for assets acquired and placed in service after September 27, 2017, and before January 1, 2023 Doubling of the Section 179 expensing limit to $1 million and an increase of the expensing phaseout threshold to $2.5 million Other enhancements to depreciation-related deductions New disallowance of deductions for net interest expense in excess of 30% of the business’s adjusted taxable income (exceptions apply) New limits on net operating loss (NOL) deductions Elimination of the Section 199 deduction, also commonly referred to as the domestic production activities deduction or manufacturers’ deduction — effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, for noncorporate taxpayers and for tax years beginning after December 31, 2018, for C corporation taxpayers New rule limiting like-kind exchanges to real property that is not held primarily for sale New tax credit for employer-paid family and medical leave — through 2019 New limitations on excessive employee compensation New limitations on deductions for employee fringe benefits, such as entertainment and, in certain circumstances, meals and transportation More to consider This is just a brief overview of some of the most significant TCJA provisions. There are additional rules and limits that apply, and the law includes many additional provisions. Contact your tax advisor to learn more about how these and other tax law changes will affect you in 2018 and beyond.
The County Times
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Education
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CSM Announces New Tuition Payment Policy The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) has announced changes to its payment policy, effective with the spring semester. Students taking classes in the Spring Semester, either of the Spring Minisessions or the 12-Week Session are no longer required to pay 20 percent down at the time of registration, but must pay their tuition in full by Jan. 11, using one of the following options. Students can log on to their my.csmd account to pay by credit card or pay in person at a bursar’s office at the Prince Frederick, La Plata or Leonardtown campus. Students may also choose to sign up for CSM’s tuition payment plan by logging on to my.csmd, and in online services, clicking on “Current Students” and under Student Finance, choosing “View Account and Make Payments.” Students receiving financial aid are asked to log on to my.csmd to view their award and ensure they have no outstanding balance. If their aid has not been awarded or there is a balance, the student must pay in full or sign up for the college’s payment plan by Jan. 11. Nonpayment by the Jan. 11 deadline will result in a student being dropped from all registered classes. Students who register on or before Jan. 10 must pay by Jan. 11. Payment is due immediately for students who register on or after Jan. 11. For information on tuition and fees at CSM, visit www.csmd.edu/stopthedrop.
The College of Southern Maryland (CSM), which includes, from left, the Prince Frederick Campus, La Plata Campus, Leonardtown Campus and, not shown, the Regional Hughesville Campus, has announced changes to its payment policy. Students taking classes in the Spring Semester, either of the Spring Minisessions or the 12-Week Session are no longer required to pay 20 percent down at the time of registration, but must pay their tuition in full by Jan. 11.
Press Release from CSM.
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8
Sports
The County Times
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Maryland Deer Hunting Season Reopens Jan. 5
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the winter opening of the firearm deer hunting season Jan. 5 in Deer Management Region B, including all the state but its westernmost counties. Hunters with valid hunting licenses may use firearms to harvest sika and whitetailed deer during this season. The season opens Jan. 5 and 6 in all Region B counties and Jan. 7 – on private lands only – in Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Washington (Zone 1) and Worcester counties. On Jan. 7, shooting hours end at 10:30 a.m. in Kent and Montgomery counties. “The winter season is a popular one as it provides another opportunity to hunt with a firearm after the holidays,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “The hunt helps us meet our deer management goals of stabilizing the population in targeted areas.” Bag limits for the season (including any deer taken during the previous firearm season) are: One antlered white-tailed deer (statewide limit); Ten antlerless white-tailed deer; Three sika deer, no more than one antlered. Region B hunters may also take one
bonus antlered white-tailed deer per license year in the weapon season of their choice after purchasing a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp and taking two antlerless white-tailed deer during any season. New to this year’s firearms season is the legalization of certain air guns in deer hunting, defined as any gun that fires projectiles—including arrows, balls, bolts, and bullets— with non-ignited compressed air or other gas. An air gun must shoot a 0.40 caliber or larger ball or bullet that generates at least 400 foot-pounds of muzzle energy, or shoot an arrow or bolt at least 18 inches in length with a minimum speed of 300-feet per second. Arrows or bolts must be tipped with a metal broadhead with a minimum cutting width of 7/8 inches. Please note that when checking in deer harvested with an air gun, hunters should choose “other” for their chosen game weapon. The Apprentice Hunting License Program, also new to this year’s season, allows first-time hunters a lowercost opportunity to explore the sport with an experienced and licensed guide. The antler point restriction remains in effect for the coming hunting season. Hunters may harvest up to two antlered white-tailed deer within the yearly bag limit that do not have at least three points on one antler; any additional antlered deer taken within the established bag limit must meet the minimum point restriction. Licensed junior hunters are exempt from this restriction. Hunters should always carefully inspect all tree-stands and wear a full-body safety harness while using the stand. The department strongly recommends using a sliding knot, commonly known as a prussic knot, attached to a line secured above the stand to keep the hunter safely tethered to the tree immediately after leaving the ground. Press Release from MD DNR.
The County Times
Thursday, January 4, 2018
BERINGER WINE ASSORTED VARIETIES
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The County Times
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The County Times
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Sports
11
Chaney Named CAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week The ladies of St. Mary’s basketball should have one resolution going into the new year: keep doing what they’re doing. For the second time in three weeks, a St. Mary’s College of Maryland women’s basketball player has been selected as the Capital Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Week. This time around, junior Kobe Chaney (Edgewater, Md./ South River) earned the weekly conference honor for the week of January 2. Chaney was selected as the CAC Player of the Week after pouring in career-bests of 20 points and 18 rebounds in leading the Seahawks to a 73-60 non-conference win over Penn State Behrend on Friday. She owned a first-half double-double on 10 points and 11 boards to lead all scorers at halftime. The 5-11 forward also contributed a career-high 10 field goals (10-for-18; 55.6%), a season-high five assists, three blocks and two steals in the victory. The double-double was Chaney’s third of the season, helping St. Mary’s to its fourth win of the season and a two-game win streak. She is currently second in the conference with 11.2 rebounds per game and 2.0 blocks per game. Chaney also ranks 32nd in the nation with 8.0 defensive rebounds per game and rebounds per game while coming in 45th with 112 rebounds, 52nd in blocks per game, and 53rd with 20 blocks. St. Mary’s (4-6, 0-4 CAC) looks to continue its winning ways in 2018 when the Seahawks welcome SouthKobe Chaney
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ern Virginia University (8-2, 2-2 CAC) to the Michael P. O’Brien Athletics & Recreation Center Arena tomorrow, Jan. 3 on Military Appreciation Night. Tipoff is 6:00 p.m. Facebook: StMarysAthletics Instagram: @smcseahawks, @smcm_wbb Twitter: @smcseahawks, @SMCM_WBB Hashtags: #SweepTheSheds, #GoHawks 2017-18 CAC Women’s Basketball Players of the Week Nov. 20 – Victoria Diggs, Frostburg State, So., G Nov. 27 – Katie Garrish, Southern Virginia, Fy., F Dec. 4 – Regan Lohr, Marymount, So., G Dec. 11 – Kendall Parker, Mary Washington, Sr., G Dec. 18 – Olivia Nowlin, St. Mary’s, Sr., G Dec. 26 – Stacey O’Neale, Wesley, Jr., G Jan. 2 –Kobe Chaney, St. Mary’s, Sr., F
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Sports
The County Times
Thursday, January 4, 2018
St. Mary’s Women Notch Victory
The St. Mary’s College of Maryland Lady Seahawks basketball team defeated Peen State Bernard on December 29 by a 73-60 score. The Basics Score: St. Mary’s 73, Penn State Behrend 60 Records: St. Mary’s (4-6), Penn State Behrend (4-7) Location: St. Mary’s City, Md. – Michael P. O’Brien ARC Arena The Short Story: Juniors Kobe Chaney (Edgewater, Md./South River) and Katie Robey (Kensington, Md./Georgetown Visitation) combined for 32 rebounds and 32 points in leading St. Mary’s College of Maryland women’s basketball team to a 73-60 non-conference win over Penn State Behrend Friday afternoon. The Seahawks now head into the New Year on a two-game win streak. How It Happened The first quarter featured backand-forth action with neither side establishing more than a three-point lead until Chaney and first-year guard Kyaira Priest (Lexington Park, Md./Chopticon) fueled a 7-0 run to give St. Mary’s a 17-13 lead with 1:11 left. Ally Dillman made it a two-point
Kobe Chaney ‘19 - Photo Credit: David Sinclair
game with her jumper with 55 seconds to go. Behrend claimed its lead of the game at 8:59 in the second period on an Autumn Byes jumper before Robey sparked a 13-5 run which put the Seahawks on top, 30-24, at 3:32. The Lions closed the gap to three before Chaney’s jumper in the waning seconds of the half sent the Seahawks into the locker room with a 33-28 advantage. Chaney led all scorers at the break with a first-half double-double on 11 rebounds and 10 points while Erika Woll paced the visitors with nine points and six boards. St. Mary’s controlled the temp in the third stanza, building a 14-point lead at 3:21 on a pair of free throws by senior captain Kerri Kline (Hagerstown, Md./ Saint James). The Seahawks headed into the final quarter up 10 after back-toback jumpers by Byes and Nicole Boyer. The hosts shot an impressive 70-percent in the fourth and led by as many as 15 at 3:21 after Kline knocked down her third three-pointer of the day. Inside the Box Score St. Mary’s put up season-bests of 54 rebounds and 16 assists while notching season second-highs of 26 field goals made and a 39.4-field goal percentage. Chaney poured in career-bests of 20 points and 18 rebounds for her third double-double of the season while making a career-high 10 field goals. She also added a season-best five assists plus three blocks and two steals. Robey finished the afternoon with a career-best 14 boards and 12 points for her second double-double of the year to go along with a season-high five steals. Kline contributed 12 points, three caroms, and season-best three assists while first-year forward Hallie Persell (Pasadena, Md./Chesapeake) also chipped in a dozen points plus five rebounds and season-highs of two helpers and two steals. Three players scored in double figures for the Lions with Woll leading the way with 18 points and 10 boards. Facebook: StMarysAthletics Instagram: @smcseahawks, @smcm_wbb Twitter: @smcseahawks, @SMCM_WBB Hashtags: #SweepTheSheds, #GoHawks By Nairem Moran · nmoran@smcm.edu for SMCM.
The County Times
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Wanted on Attempted Murder Charges
Cops & Courts
13
Nationwide Officer Fatalities Dropped in 2017
The number of law enforcement professionals nationwide who died in the line of duty in 2017 dropped to its lowest level in four years, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), a nonprofit group that has long tracked officer fatalities. The St. Mary’s County SherThe NLEOMF announced in its 2017 iff’s Office is currently seeking Preliminary Law Enforcement Fatalities the whereabouts of James RegiReport that 128 federal, state, local, tribal and territorial officers died in the line of nald Flanagan, age 21, of Temple duty over the past year, the lowest annual Hills. figure since 2013 when 117 officers died. On November, 11, 2017, depuThe 128 officer fatalities in 2017 repreties from the St. Mary’s County sents a 10 percent decrease over the 143 Sheriff’s Office responded to the who died in the line of duty last year, and area of River Bay Townhomes, in reversed three consecutive years of inLexington Park, for the report of creases in officer deaths. a shooting. Through the course of Traffic-related incidents claimed the the investigation, Flanagan was lives of 47 officers in 2017, a 13 percent developed as a suspect. Flanagan drop compared to the 54 officers killed in the same incidents in 2016. However, is currently wanted on the followthere was an increase in the number of ing charges: officers killed in single-vehicle collisions—accounting for 42 percent of Attempted 1st Degree Murder all 2017 fatal crashes—with 14 officers killed compared to 11 in 2016. nd Attempted 2 Degree Murder The number of officers struck and killed while outside of their vehicle deAssault 1st Degree creased 40 percent over last year, with nine in 2017 compared to 15 in 2016. Assault 2nd Degree Over the past 20 years, traffic-related inJames Reginald Flanagan cidents have been the number one cause of officer fatalities. Use of a Firearm in the ComForty-four officers were shot and killed mission of a Felony 3333, or text a tip to “TIP239” plus across the country in 2017, which repreyour message to “CRIMES” (274637). sents a 33 percent reduction over 2016 Wearing a Handgun on Person Through the Crime Solvers program, when 66 officers died as a result of guntipsters are eligible for an award of fire. Seven of these fatalities involved Anyone with information on the in- up to $1,000 for information leading officers responding to a domestic disturcident or whereabouts of Flanagan is to the arrest and conviction of James bance, the number one circumstance of asked to contact the Criminal Inves- Reginald Flanagan. f irearms-related tigations Division at (301) 475-4200 deaths. T h i r t y- s e v e n extension *1950. Citizens may also officers died from contact the Sheriff’s Office at (301) other causes in 475-8008, Crime Solvers at (301) 4752017. Sixteen of those deaths were
attributed to job-related ailments, mostly heart attacks (10). Seven officers died as a result of being beaten. Five drowned while working during hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Four officers died as a result of an illness contracted during the 9/11 rescue and recovery efforts. Two officers died in a helicopter crash. Two died in boating accidents. One officer was stabbed to death. Among the states, Texas had the highest number of officer fatalities at 14, followed by New York and Florida with nine, California with seven, and Georgia and North Carolina each with six. Twelve correctional officers died in the line of duty in 2017. There were five federal officer fatalities in 2017, along with five who served with territorial agencies, three with tribal agencies and two who served with university departments. Nine of the fallen officers in 2017 were female, compared to seven in 2016. Among the officers who died this year, the average age was 42, and the average length of service was 13 years. “After three consecutive years of rising deaths in the law enforcement profession, this year’s decline offered some encouraging news,” declared NLEOMF CEO Craig W. Floyd. “Sadly, though, the 128 officers who lost their lives in 2017 reminds us that public safety comes at a very steep price and we must never take the service and sacrifice of our policing professionals for granted, nor should we ever forget the officers who died and their families.” Press release by the National law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
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Cops & Courts
The County Times
LEGALS Legal Notice
Thursday, January 4, 2018
St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Arrests
False Statement- On December 20, 2017, at approximately 1:30 AM, DFC. Steinbach observed Suspect Matthew Joseph Hatcher, age 32, of Mechan-
NOTICE PURSUANT TO MD RULE 2-121 (C)
Cole fled into the woods, but was located a short time later and charged with Violate Exparte/Protective Order. CASE# 67368-17 Assault- On December 20, 2017, DFC. Roszell responded to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, in Leonardtown, for a report of an assault between two inmates. Investigation revealed Suspect Christopher Michael Wall, age 42, of
EILEEN E. KERNS AND VERNON L. MISKIMON, JR. PLAINTIFF V. DINA MARIE NORTH DEFENDANT IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR BALTIMORE COUNTY CASE NO.: C-17-010975 ORDER OF PUBLICATION Pursuant to MD. Rule 2-121 (c), this is to give notice that Eileen E. Kerns and Vernon L. Miskimon, Jr. have filed a complaint for custody as Logan M. and Dylan M., both minor children against Dina Marie North. The complaint seeks custody of both minor children. It is this 11th day of December 2017 by the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, ORDERED that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in a newspaper having a general circulation in Leonardtown, Maryland one a week for 2 successive weeks, providing notice to the defendant of the complaint. Unless an answer to this complaint is filled on or before January 31, 2018, a default judgment may be entered against the Defendant. Judge Keith R. Truffer Filed Dec. 14, 2017
icsville, walking in and out of the roadway in the 27000 block of Budds Creek Road, in Mechanicsville. DFC. Steinbach stopped to check his welfare at which time Hatcher provided false identifying information to avoid apprehension for open warrants. DFC. Steinbach was able to positively Hagerstown, grabbed the victim and identify Hatcher and he was arrested attempted to strike the victim. Wall for the following: FTA/Child Support, was charged with Assault 2nd Degree. FTA Violate Exparte Protective Or- CASE# 67435-17 der. Subsequent to his arrest, Hatcher was found to have CDS paraphernaAssault- On December 20, 2017, lia and suspected cocaine residue Dep. McClure responded to the 46000 on his person. Hatcher was charged block of Hilton Drive, in Lexington with CDS- Possess- not Marijuana Park, for a report of a disturbance. and CDS- Possess Paraphernalia, Upon arrival contact was made with and False Statement to Peace Officer. a victim who indicated Suspect OliCASE# 67337-17 ver Glenn Malone, age 40, of LexingViolation of Protective Order- On December 20, 2017, DFC. Maguire responded to the 18000 block of Matthews Drive, in Lexington Park for a report of a violation of a protective order. Suspect Darren Edward Cole, age
ton Park, had assaulted the victim by grabbing the victim’s arm. Injury was observed to the victim and Malone was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree. CASE# 67503-17 30, of St. Inigoes, was on the victim’s property after being served an order prohibiting him to be on the premises.
The County Times
Thursday, January 4, 2018
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16
Feature
The County Times
Thursday, January 4, 2018
St. Mary’s County’s 2017 Year in Review – July-December By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
July
Fritz
St. Mary’s came together in July to remember those lost in a tragedy no one expected until it crashed, literally into their backyards. A U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter on a routine training flight out of Fort Belvoir, Va. had crash landed on the greens at the Breton Bay Golf Course in April severely injuring two of the crew and killing one. Immediately after the crash, residents risked their own safety to attempt a rescue. Local firefighters, rescue squads, sheriff’s deputies and neighborhood members all tried to help bring the three-member crew out of the UH-60 helicopter after it crashed next to Fairlane Drive. Witnesses who saw and heard the helicopter crash described a smoking aircraft spiraling down to the ground. The helicopter came down just outside of the Jaffurs’ family backyard. “It was pretty low,” said Gina Jaffurs, who saw the helicopter just before it crashed. “It started spinning and there was a lot of smoke coming from it. “It just hit a tree and it crashed. It sounded like a bomb.” Gina’s brother and her father Alex Jaffurs both ran to the wrecked aircraft and found two of the crew still strapped in to their seats. “There were people running in from all directions to help,” Nick Jaffers told The County Times less than
an hour after the crash. “We pulled one guy out and he was screaming and his face was covered in blood; his leg was out of place.” By July the U.S. Army memorialized the site of the crash and the crew member, Spc. Jeremy Darrell Tomlin, of Chapel Hill, Tenn. Tomlin’s wife and mother-in-law placed a U.S. Flag at his memorial site as dozens gathered to pay their respects. Drugs continued to be a thorn in the side of law enforcement, or a soothing tonic to chronic pain sufferers. It depended on who was asked. State’s Attorney Richard Fritz vowed in summer to bring depraved heart murder charges against peddlers of opioids whose wares had caused fatal overdoses; he would make good on his promises. “We’re getting ready to turn up the heat big time,” Fritz, 70, told The County Times in July. “For fatal overdoses we’ll be seeking convictions for seconddegree depraved heart murder. “You distribute drugs and someone gets killed you’re going to prison.” Fritz said the new strategy was designed to put the onus directly on drug dealers in an effort to stem the tide of illicit, and often deadly, opioids. Fritz, who had announced his last re-election bid, said he wanted one final opportunity to attack the local drug problem. “I’ve worked a substantial period of time on the drug problem,” Fritz said. “And St. Mary’s County is suffering now more than anytime that I’ve seen in the last 33 years. “I’m going to spend the next four years attacking the heroin distribution chain.” Just as law enforcement was set to turn up the heat, the county’s first medical marijuana dispensary was set to open in Mechanicsville. “We’ve pursued all three licenses,” Charlie Mattingly told The County Times in July. “We only won the dispensary license at this time but next year we’re confident we’ll be able to get all three.” The state had made medical marijuana legal to grow, process and distribute, but only under tight controls. And the number of such facilities was capped for each senatorial district. Mattingly had said it took his new business interest five years to finally get the distribution license from the state. Mattingly, a farmer who lives in Abell, said he was
Helicopter Crash Memorial
prompted to go into the business after becoming better educated about medical marijuana and because he had a friend with a tumor in her stomach that was killing her. “It was a wasting syndrome,” he said. “At first she was getting the cannabis illegally… but it saved her life and now she’s 100 percent cancer free.” Mattingly’s dispensary later opened in late fall.
August
The war on opioids and drug dealers continued with Gov. Larry Hogan visiting St. Marys’ County just as State’s Attorney Richard Fritz announced the indictments of eight defendants accused of second-degree depraved heart murder connected to fatal overdoses. They were joined by Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron at a joint press conference to announce the indictments. “This crisis is destroying lives and tearing apart families and communities,” Hogan said at the press conference, adding that he wanted the rest of the state
Christina Grandos McCauley
to know that what is being done here in St. Mary’s County should be done everywhere. In August Fritz said: “The drug dealers have to pay the consequences. For $50 (the cost of the drugs) they don’t mind killing our brothers and sisters, or sons and daughters.” He added. “The drugs that we are seeing on our streets are horrifying.” Later in the year, the first two to be tried, Regina Malvalee Clagett Brown and Christina Grandos McCauley, would escape conviction on the murder charges but would be incarcerated on lesser counts. A jury found that McCauley was guilty of manslaughter. Hogan had told reporters his visit to a county upon the announcement of criminal indictments was unusual but he wanted to lend weight to the fight against the opioid epidemic. It would not be the only announcement by Hogan that was widely embraced in St. Mary’s, a bastion of rural support that helped carry him to the governor’s
The County Times
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Regina Malvalee Claggett-Brown
office in 2014. As the summer was coming to a close, Hogan announced an executive order that effectively scuttled the unpopular statewide land use program called Plan Maryland, from the previous administration of Democrat Martin O’Malley. The new plan, to be called Better Maryland, would restore local land use planning authority and allow for differences between rural and urban counties. “As I have traveled across Maryland, local elected officials have repeatedly asked for a plan that better reflects the needs of our state,” Hogan said to the Maryland Association of Counties meeting in Ocean City. “One that will improve coordination between state agencies and local governments, support thoughtful growth and infrastructure planning, stimulate economic development and revitalization in existing and planned communities, and will conserve and enhance the state’s natural and cultural resources.” County Commissioner Todd Morgan heartily supported Hogan’s executive order. “If it’s a pro-growth policy, I’m totally in favor of it,” Morgan said. “The one message everyone got at MaCo was that Maryland is open for business.”
The college reported the allegations of a sexual assault that occurred in a campus residence Sept. 3 of last year. There were two other sexual assaults alleged in the fall of 2016 as well. The campus alerts, which were put out to students and faculty but not to local police, were part of law and policy under the Cleary Act, college representatives stated. “It’s worth noting that policies that would require a school to automatically report sexual assaults to police could deter people from coming forward, since the victim/survivor would have no control over what happened next,” said Michael Dunn, the colleges Title IX coordinator. Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron said he understood the fears victims may have about lax prosecutions and retaliation, but the reality in St. Mary’s County from a law enforcement perspective was the opposite. “That doesn’t characterize what happens here in St. Mary’s County,” Cameron said noting the “vigorous prosecution by the state’s attorney’s office and sensitive way in which victims are dealt with.” Autumn was also a time for mysteries to be solved; at least partially. After years of believing that the U.S. Army had found the remains of World War II fighter pilot and ace Capt. Walter Francis Duke, crashed in Burma after a dogfight with Japanese combat planes, the truth was revealed. The Army had not found, nor had they any idea where, the Leonardtown native’s remains were. The County Times reported in 2012 that family members of Duke had said the Army was, at that time, taking DNA samples from family members to ascertain whether remains found in the Burmese jungle were in fact the lost ace. Duke was a P-38 pilot, an aircraft distinguished by its twin tales, long-range capability and heavy firepower. But in 2017 the Army told a different story. “The Army has never found his aircraft and we have no remains we believe are his,” said Greg Gardner, chief of the Past Conflicts and Repatriation Branch at Fort Knox in Kentucky.
September
Investigations into sexual assaults alleged at St. Mary’s College continued in the fall with some being resolved but some still under scrutiny. The college, often viewed as the jewel of higher education of Southern Maryland, was named in 2015 among about 100 other colleges and universities for possible violations of federally mandated Title IX rules, which prohibit sexual discrimination. Of the five sexual assaults under investigation by the Office of Civil Rights, part of the Department of Education, only one has been resolved, officials at the college confirmed to The County Times in September. According to a website which tracks such cases around the country, Title IX The Chronicles of Higher Education, the resolved case started in June of 2012 and finished almost exactly a year later. The other four cases were opened in February and March of 2015, according to the site. These assaults were not the only ones that have occurred at the college in 2017 and the year prior.
Capt. Walter Francis Duke
Feature
17
Terry Clarke
Gardner said the Army has about 34,000 cases of missing in action soldiers from World War II that they are still working on resolving — they are roughly split in half between ground warfare losses and Army Air Corp losses. “We’re trying to get DNA for all the World War II cases that we can because family members are dying,” he said. “If we wait to collect DNA we’ll be dealing with nieces and nephews and other descendents whose connection genetically is not as close as siblings or children.” The decision to collect DNA might have come from a defense related agency, officials said, but was not due to Duke’s remains, or even his plane, being found. St. Mary’s also lost a well-known resident this past year in Tiki Bar owner Terry Clarke. The Tiki Bar is known world-wide for its spring opening that draws thousands to Solomons Island. Clarke was also owner of the short-lived Southern Maryland Today newspaper, an attempt to cover all three Southern Maryland counties in one edition. Clarke also had a troubled history with local law enforcement. He was a convicted felon stemming from a 1986 drug conviction. He was found in possession of an AR-15 rifle and many other firearms when he was accused of firing on a group of young duck hunters in December of 2007 near his home in California. After the hunters had shot several waterfowl, charging documents stated, they waded into the water to retrieve them. It was then that Clarke appeared on the shoreline and began firing at them. Victims alleged in the charging documents that Clarke fired at them 25 to 30 times and that the rounds impacted some 30 to 40 yards away from where they were. Charging documents went on to state that when deputies contacted Clarke about the incident, Clarke said he was in possession of the AR-15 and had fired “several rounds” into the ground trying to “scare the ducks.” Avoiding the full brunt of a 41-count indictment against him, Clarke pleaded guilty to several counts of second-degree assault and possession of illegal firearms.
18
Feature
October
The County Times
“This community doesn’t need a Taj Mahal for a fire station,” Verbos said. “The only solution to you is a new fire station. “All you want is a bright, new, shiny toy.” Michael Hallett was one of the few who supported the tax increase. “I love to pay taxes,” Hallett said. “I want to pay my part… so my kids and grandkids don’t have to pay anymore.” The leadership at the firehouse is expected to make their formal request on the tax increase to the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County this month. But the news was not all bad for October. The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County voted to move ahead with the construction on an independently run animal shelter. The push for a county animal shelter came earlier this year when Charles and Calvert counties openly moved to create their own facility instead of continuing to fund the Tri-County Animal Shelter. Calvert County had already purchased the land upon which their new shelter will be built. A feasibility study presented to commissioners back in August presented several different options to move to an independent shelter. County staff recommended a hybrid model as the one that splits the difference between the most economical and efficient to run and most supported by the community. The hybrid model that most commissioners supported would mean building a shelter that would allow space for the low/no kill option but be run with the funding model of a standard shelter.
Thursday, January 4, 2018
As fall progressed county government and the public school system were bombarded with political and social problems. A fiasco at a high school football game between Great Mills and Leonardtown high schools sparked calls for investigations into racism at school functions. Janice Walthour, head of the county chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), said she had received reports from multiple sources claiming that students from Leonardtown High School arrived at the game carrying proPresident Trump signs and chanting “USA” during the game as part of a patriotic-themed night encouraged by the school system. She said the mood took a turn for the worse with Leonardtown students actively started taunting Great Mills students with Confederate flag t-shirts and even racial epithets. “Some students were actually called the ‘N’ word,” Walthour said, relaying reports to her organization. “Some students from Leonardtown High School chanted [expletive] Great Mills. “We can’t tolerate this in our community.” A school system investigation found the problem came down mostly to one student. That student wore a shirt that had a Confederate flag design on it that school system and some attendees at the game deemed offensive, particularly because he deliberate went over to students on the Great Mills side. Other students in the Leonardtown section also shouted “[expletive] Great Mills” at the game, confirmed Deputy Superintendent of Schools Maureen Surgeon General Jerome Adams Montgomery at a later interview. “The principal and other administrators heard it two ning just minutes before a call came in for an infant or three times” before the behavior was stopped, she in Lexington Park in cardiopulmonary distress; units said. arrived to try to save the baby’s life but the infant died Montgomery told The County Times that simply on the scene. wearing a Confederate-themed article of clothing at This sparked a backlash from first responders, County government acted quickly to bring stability school was not a violation of the dress code but using it claiming their complaints about faults in the system to its troubled Emergency Services and Technology dehas a tool of harassment or intimidation was. had gone unheeded and the department’s director, Bob “The key is that it has to cause a disruption,” Mont- partment in November by splitting back into two sepaKelly, had created a “toxic” working environment. gomery said, though noting that some were offended rate entities following an explosion of complaints from Commissioner President Randy Guy said at the time first responders about the emergency radio system. by Confederate symbolism. that the investigation into Kelly had turned up no eviThe dispatch system had begun to malfunction in In Valley Lee, controversy brewed not over racial dence substantiating the allegations against him made the early hours of Oct. 24 but was back up and runepithets, but over something more by emergency responders. substantial, proposed tax increases. “Since he’s been over there, there have been only The community served by the Secfour minor disciplinary complaints,” Guy said in Noond District Volunteer Fire Departvember. “In all the time I’ve been here only one [emerment and Rescue Squad got their gency responder] has called me with a complaint about chance to speak out on proposed fire Kelly.” and rescue tax increases to support a Guy went so far to say Kelly was the victim of charnew fire station and defray increased acter assassination. operating costs. “That’s what I believe,” Guy said. “We found nothThey were, almost all of them, not ing documented about what they’ve [emergency resupportive when speaking at a comsponders] have said.” munity forum at the station. The eventual bifurcation of the department put Kelly “I really don’t want another tax,” in charge of Information Technology and Steve Walksaid Julie Thomas. “It’s a burden er, his deputy, in charge of Emergency Services. on the elderly and those on fixed Southern Maryland still had cause to rejoice, though, incomes.” as a native son had ascended to the highest levels of the Thomas openly doubted one of the federal government to combat the nationwide opioid claims of the firehouse membership: crisis. that a new building would help atVADM Dr. Jerome Adams, Surgeon General and St. tract new members. Mary’s County native, came to the Prince Frederick “If a person really wants to join… campus of the College of Southern Maryland to stratthey would have done it already, no egize on how to deal with the crisis. matter what the building looks like,” He advocated for the solution he used while chief Thomas said. public health official in Indiana to curb the spread of Ron Verbos said the firehouse HIV from intravenous drug use. membership had also not provided “I’d advocate for more tools in the tool chest to fight evidence to support another key this epidemic,” Adams said. “Syringe exchange proclaim: that a new firehouse would grams are scientifically proven effective. allow them to reduce their response “But they only work with community support.” Emergency Landing times.
November
The County Times
Thursday, January 4, 2018
St. Mary’s County Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron said he might consider the option if local health leaders thought it would work to alleviate the crisis. “It certainly is a viable option, regardless of my personal feelings about it,” Cameron said. “At the same time you would work hard to get people into treatment.” A syringe exchange program without an avenue for treatment and recovery was an option Cameron said he would not support. As November drew to a close one story stood out as seizing life from the jaws of disaster. County residents, and those around the region, would pay witness to some skillful flying, as a veteran civilian pilot landed his plane, without functional landing gear, at St. Mary’s County Regional Airport in California with virtually no damage. “He did a very good job,” said airport manager Gary Whipple of Anthony James Capozzi’s landing. “It was a picture perfect emergency landing.” Capozzi circled the airport for hours to burn off fuel in his plane before landing, said Whipple, who works for the county public works department. When Capozzi came in for a landing in his 1966 Piper PA 30 twin-engine airplane he glided down smoothly onto the runway, creating a “continuous scraping sound” as he ground to a halt. Capozzi walked away uninjured from the ordeal and even got out of the plane calmly to survey any damage.
Feature
“The plane had minimal damage,” Whipple said. “He left little to no FOD (foreign objects or debris) on the runway.” The landing was so smooth, Whipple said, that he only found a few pieces of the aircraft’s fuselage on the runway.
December
With the year coming to an end the compassion of a few continued. At St. Mary’s Caring’s Soup Kitchen in Lexington Park they were near to serving more than 38,000 meals to the needy for 2017. And they did it all on donations from residents, local businesses and just $3,000 a year from the county government. “The best thing about this soup kitchen is that whoever comes through those doors gets fed,” said Kristine Millen, director at the soup kitchen. “We don’t check on social security or anything like that.” The soup kitchen sees all sorts of people coming in for help including from Calvert and Charles counties, Millen said. “Some people have walked and hitchhiked just to come down here to get a meal,” according to Millen. guyleonard@countytimes.net
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19
20
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.
Malcolm Luther Butler Malcolm L u t h e r Butler, 19, of Lexington Park, MD passed a w a y peacefully on December 20th, 2017 at his residence. He was born on January 20, 1998 in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Gloria and Stephen Butler Sr. of Lexington Park, MD. Malcolm was the youngest of four children. Those who loved him called him a “Gentle Giant”. He was autistic and didn’t talk to many people, but he was always willing to help others. He was a senior at Great Mills High School. He did well in school and always made his teachers and classmates smile. Malcolm enjoyed the Special Olympics and music. In addition to his loving parents, he is also survived by his brother, Rahsaan; sister, Myanka; brother, Stephen Jr.; and his nephew, Denzell. Malcolm also has many uncles, aunts and cousins who love him and will miss him dearly. Gods speed Malcom, we will always love and remember you.
A Graveside Service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Condolence to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.
Dennis James Maher Dennis James Maher, 67, of Lexington Park, MD passed away on December 28, 2017 in Leonardtown, MD. Born on March 3, 1950 in Arlington, VA, he was the son of the late June Patricia Maher and John Charles Maher. Dennis was the loving husband of June Rice Maher whom he married on February 13, 1993 in Patuxent River, MD. Dennis is survived by his children; Jamie Yeatman of Lusby, MD, Jody Yeatman (Kristy) of Hollywood, MD and Jennifer Fairfax (Jeff) of Lexington Park, MD. Siblings; Kathy Ross of Springfield, VA, Beth Engelmann (Bruce) of Alexandria, VA, Nita Jakubisin (Chuck) of Charlotte, NC and Jack
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In Remembrance
Maher of Charlotte, NC. 5 Grandchildren; Haylee Yeatman, Corey Yeatman, Piper Yeatman, Reese Fairfax and Scarlett Fairfax. Dennis graduated from Virginia Tech University in 1972 with a Degree in Engineering. He was employed as an Engineer for the United States Government in St. Inigoes, MD for 40 years retiring in 2011. Dennis enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, traveling, playing golf, listening to music, watching classic movies and reading. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 5, 2018 from 5:00-7:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 10:00 AM in the Funeral Home Chapel with. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Pall bears will be; Steve Boggs, Steve Lichtenberger, Fred Bailey, and Bruce Engelmann. Honorary Pallbearers will be; Laura Ross, Mark Jakubisin, Katelyn Jakubisin, Lauren Jakubisin, Kevin Engelmann, and Kylar Engelmann. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad P.O. Box 339 Lexington Park, MD 20653. Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD 20650.
Thomas Erik Pinekenstein Thomas Erik Pinekenstein, 39, of California, MD died December 28, 2017. Erik was born on November 6, 1978 in Charlottesville, VA to Mark H. Pinekenstein (Susan) of California, MD and Joyce Dodson Pinekenstein Weston (George) of Great Mills, MD Erik is a graduate of Leonardtown High School. He enjoyed working with electronics and was employed by Verizon for over five years. He was an avid reader, and enjoyed cooking and gardening. Erik’s jovial personality and love of Reggae music was treasured by his many friends. The beach brought him great comfort and he loved to spend time on the water. He was an avid sailor and also enjoyed swimming. He resided on a sailboat at Fort Walton Beach, FL for four years, and always hoped to return there. He loved his fam-
ily deeply, especially his son, Devan. In addition to his parents he is also survived by his son, Devan Pinekenstein, his siblings, Bradley Pinekenstein (Kelly) of Vienna, VA and Rebecca G. Lilly (Martin) of Laurel, MD; nephew, Schark Pinekenstein; and many extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his sister, Sara Rae Pinekenstein. All services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Walden Sierra, 3007 Business Center Drive, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.
Rowena Tan “Wheng” De Guzman Rowena Tan “Wheng” De Guzman, 48, of Lexington Park, MD died on December 24, 2017 at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown, MD sur rounded by her loving family. She was born on March 30, 1969 in the Philippines, to Gloria Tan and the late Lamberto De Guzman. Wheng was born and raised in the Philippines. She is a graduate of Villa Roman High School. In 1992 she moved to Southern Maryland and became a permanent resident. Family was very important to her and she enjoyed living near them. She was employed as a food server at McDonald’s in California, MD for the past 10 years. She was friendly to all who knew her. She enjoyed shopping and cooking. She was a beautiful singer and loved to sing karaoke. In addition to her mother she is also survived by her siblings: Florencia Farquhar, Imelda De Guzman, Eduardo De Guzman, Rogelio De Guzman, Marietta Singh, Emily Tan Riebel, and Carmelita Montes; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends. In addition to her father, she is also preceded in death by her brothers, Ludivico De Guzman and Manuel De Guzman. Condolence to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.
Shanda Kay Brewer Shanda Kay Brewer “Gammy” 65, of Mechanicsville, MD formerly from Southern California passed away on De-
Thursday, January 4, 2018
cember 26, 2017 in her home. Born on August 25, 1952 in Santa Barbra, CA. She was the daughter of the late Delano Ruth Faught Cheatwood and Henry Edgar Cheatwood. Shanda is survived by her children; Jussandra Drake of Solomon’s, MD, Bryan Brewer of Mechanicsville, MD, 2 grandchildren; Kaythn Diaz of Solomon’s, MD and Andrea Drake of Solomon’s, MD. She graduated from Ventura High School in 1969, and attended Saddleback Valley Community College. She moved from California to St. Mary’s County, MD in 2002. Shanda was a training instructor for NAS Patuxent River, and Booze Allen Hamilton for 45 years. Shanda volunteered for Summerseat Farm, and St. Mary’s Caring Soup Kitchen. She enjoyed gardening, and reading. She was a member of the United Nations Missions to Native American Reservations. Shanda’s granddaughter wrote a message upon hearing the news of her death; “Until now, I’d never known loss, heart break, or death. I’d give anything to hear your voice for one more second, hug you for one more minute, snuggle you for one more hour, hangout with you for one more day, travel with you for one more week, learn from you for one more month, and watch you grow for one more year. I can only remember everything now, and one thing I will never forget is you bringing me to God. I never thanked you for that but I’m sure He has. You used to tell me I had the biggest heart but no one’s heart was as big as yours. You have always been so calm, patient, and loving. I can only pray to become half the woman you were. I can only imagine what a beautiful angel you make. May God have a lovely garden in heaven just for you. Rest beautifully now, my angel.” Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A. Leonardtown, MD.
Roy David Ashley, Sr. Roy David Ashley, Sr. passed away on Saturday, December 23, 2017, at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife Helen Ogle Ashley.
The County Times
Also survived by his children; Roy D. Ashley Jr, Donna Ashley Tennis and Teresa Ashley Krosnick. Grandchildren; Amelia Michelle Ashley, Ryder Monroe Ashley, Ava Margaret Tennis, Erin Lilian Tennis, Laura Ashley Krosnick Walker, John Carl Krosnick III. Great grandchildren; Graham Leif Krosnick and Jordan Tyler Walker. His love of all people, his kind smile his ability to blend humor with his strong Christian faith will be remembered. He was born in Charlottesville, VA on September 29, 1928 he was the son of the late Lillian Adeline Ashley. His beloved mother passed when he was 2. He served in the Airborne Division of Army in the Korean War and Navy Reserves until the age of 60. He graduated from the Hargrave Military Academy in 1951 with a BS in Chemistry, MS in Safety Engineering and PhD in philosophy at the University of Maryland in 1994. He was an Industrial Hygienist for EPA and Health and Human Services. He taught at the University of Maryland for 10 years and served on the board of trustees at UMUC. He moved to Leonardtown, MD in late 1990s and volunteered at Saint Mary’s Hospital until 2014.
Janice Marie Carter Janice M a r ie Car ter, 83, of Da me ron, MD died on December 27, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loving family. S h e was born on July 23, 1934 in Coffeeville, MS, to the late George Edward McMahan and Lucy Dale Parker. On March 24, 1955 she married her beloved husband, John D. Carter, in Pittsboro, MS. Together they celebrated over 62 wonderful years of marriage. Janice was an avid gardener, and loved red roses. When she was 9 years old she began her love of cooking. She was a wonderful cook and fixed many delicious meals for her family and friends. Quilting was her favorite pastime. Family was her greatest love, and she especially loved spending her time taking care of them. She was an active member of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church.
In addition to her beloved husband, she is also survived by her children: Janice Ann Merritt (Bill) of Ridge, MD; Johnnie Jean Liggett of Lexington Park, MD and Jackie G. Herbort (Ken) of Allen Park, MI; her brothers, Kenneth McMahan of Grenada, MS and Billy McMahan of Big Creek, MS; her grandchildren, Tapestry Dalrymple (Steve) and Rebecca Fischer; her great grandchildren, Kayley Dalrymple and Kellie McCarson; and many extended family and friends. In addition to her parents she is also preceded in death by her siblings: Nell McMahan, Hazel McMahan, George McMahan, James McMahan, Carl McMahan, Buford McMahan and Douglas McMahan. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Condolence to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.
Roger Allen Bruce Roger A l l e n Br u c e “ Po p Pop”, 66, of New Market, VA (form e r l y of St. George’s Island) died on December 24, 2017. He was born on July 23, 1951 in Riverdale, MD to the late Roger Wallace Bruce and Betty Pruitt Bruce. On October 17, 1970, Al married his beloved wife, Mary Agnes Bruce, at St. Joseph’s Church in Lutherville, MD. Together they celebrated over 47 wonderful years of marriage. Al was employed for over 40 years as a transmission expert; beginning with Northeast Ford and spending the last 17 years with Cottman Transmissions in Waldorf, MD. In retirement he worked part time as a tractor trailer driver for Van Whyte Trucking. He was a “handy man” and was able to fix most things. He was an avid wood worker, making many beautiful pieces including a spice rack, kitchen island, planter boxes and bird houses. He and his wife enjoyed travelling, which included trips to Cancun and Barbados, but he especially loves the Rocky Mountains. He was very social, never met a stranger and had a terrific sense of humor. He also enjoyed boating and fishing. However, family was his greatest love and he loved to spend time with his grandchildren.
Obituaries
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In addition to his beloved wife, he is also survived by his children: Michael Allen Bruce (Karen) of Coltons Point, MD; Samuel Wallace Bruce (LaPlata, MD) and John Edward Bruce of New Market, VA; his siblings: Cherry Lea Leith (Robert) of LaPlata, MD, Lonnie Darnell Bruce (Amy) of Waldorf, MD and Angela Marie Baker of LaPlata, MD; his grandchildren: Kacey Marie Daily, Rachel Marie Bruce, Mikey Allen Bruce, Luke Bruce, and Savanah Asley Bruce; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216. Condolence to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.
Margaret Adele McHenry Margaret Adele McHenry, 86, of L e o n a rdtown, M D , for merly of Camp Spr i ngs, M D , passed peacefully after a long battle with dementia on December 23, 2017. Margaret was born in Walla Walla, WA on October 22, 1931and received a degree from Washington State University. She was employed as a realtor with Coldwell Banker until her retirement from the P.G. Board of Realtors. She always loved gardening, reading, and playing bridge with numerous bridge clubs. Margaret is survived by four children, Kim Riddle of Haymarket, VA, Jonathan of Prince Frederick, MD, Christopher of Owings, MD and Scott of Lusby, MD; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Interment will be at a later date in Walla Walla, WA. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, National Capital Area Chapter, 3701 Pender Drive, Suite 400, Fairfax, VA 22030 or at www.alz.org. Condolences to the family may be made at www.rauschfuneralhomes.com.
Calendars
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Community
The County Times
Calendar
Thursday, January 4 American Legion Post 221 Meeting 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/ Call (301) 884-4071 for more information. Tell them you saw the announcement on the SoMd Internet Calendar
Thursday, January 4, 2018
To submit your event listing to go in our Community Calendar, please email timescalendar@countytimes.net with the listing details by 12 p.m. on the Monday prior to our Thursday publication.
can Legion. Tickets are available at the door for $20.00 per person, under the age of 12 admitted free with a paid adult. Although not required, non-perishable food donations will be collected for the Helping Hands Food Pantry of Southern Maryland. For more information on the show, please call 301-737-3004 or visit the website at www.americanlegionbluegass.com.
Tuesday, January 9 Zumba Fitness Classes No Contract, No Membership!
46925 Crocus St., Lexington Park, Maryland Zumba Fitness Classes No Contract, No Membership! 20653 46925 Crocus St., Lexington Park, Maryland 20653 6:00 PM-7:00 PM Happy new year to you and all the Zumbera’s and Zumbero’s Start 2018 off on the dance f loor. Zumba Fitness Classes are back! It’s time to start that new year’s resolutions with some great Zumba Fitness classes! Come and check out our NEW LOCATION!!
Friday, January 5 TEXAS
6:00 PM-7:00 PM Happy new year to you and all the Zumbera’s and Zumbero’s Start 2018 off on the dance f loor. Zumba Fitness Classes are back! It’s time to start that new year’s resolutions with some great Zumba Fitness classes! Come and check out our NEW LOCATION!!
Wednesday, January 10
Sunday, January 7 Nothin’ Fancy and Remington Ryde Concert
American Legion Post 238 on the corner of MD Rte. 381 & Rt. 231 in Hughesville 2:00 PM-4:00 PM Two headlining groups on the National Bluegrass circuit, Nothin’ Fancy and Remington Ryde will perform one big show. Presented by Jay Armsworthy and the Sons of the American Legion, the show gets started at 2:00 pm. The doors open at Noon at the American Legion with food available for sale by the Sons of the Ameri-
Thursday, January 11 No Sew Fleece Pillow Cover Northern Senior Activity Center, 29655 Charlotte Hall Rd, Charlotte Hall 10:30 AM-11:30 AM With the cold weather setting in you need something warm and fuzzy to cuddle. Why not cover your favorite pillow with snuggly f leece? Make your own no sew f leece pillow cover with fringe for free. You bring the pillow and we provide everything else. You can bring anything from a throw pillow to a king-size; no body pillows please. Space is limited.
Zumba Fitness Classes No Contract, No Membership! Educational Video Series: Surviving 46925 Crocus St., Lexington Park, Maryland Progress Loff ler Senior Activity Center, 21905 Chancel-
HOLD’EM TOURNAMENT lors Run Rd, Great Mills (VFW 2632) 10:00 AM-11:30 AM VFW Post 2632, 23282 Three Notch Rd 7:00 PM-11:00 PM NO LIMIT TEXAS HOLDEM TOURNAMENT. $50 Buyin ($40 Prize Pool + $10 Charity). Optional $10 Add-On (Receive an extra $1000 and 50/50 Entry). Sign In is from 6:20 PM to 6:45 PM, Tournament starts at 7PM. Early Bird Bonus: Register and PAY by 6:45 PM and receive an extra $500. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required. We will accept late players until the end of the 1st break. (~1 hour) One Re-Entry is available until the end of the first break. If you decide to re-enter, you will receive a full starting chip stack and be re-seated; you are treated as a new player entering the tournament field, with a full buy-in added to the prize pool with each re-entry. Payouts are determined by the number of entries.
Center. Throughout the class they will be discussing symptoms and stages of kidney disease (CKD), treatment options, eating well with CKD, coping with CKD and building your support network. They will also discuss the financial impact and what assistance is available to you. This class is the best way to learn that you’re not alone and to have many of your questions answered. Class size is limited so sign up early!
Technological advancement, economic development, population increase—are they signs of a thriving society, or too much of a good thing? Executive produced by Martin Scorsese, ‘Surviving Progress’ is a provocative documentary that explores the concept of progress in the modern world, guiding through the major ‘progress traps’ facing civilization in the arenas of technology, economics, consumption, and the environment. Register to see it by calling 301-475-4200, ext. *1658, or stop by the reception desk to sign up. Book Discussion Group Garvey Senior Activity Center, 41780 Baldridge St, Leonardtown 11:30 AM-1:30 PM We want you to join us. If you have a love for reading and are enthusiastic about sharing your thoughts about what you’ve read, this is the group for you. In January, the group will discuss “Circling the Sun” by Paula McLain.
Kidney Care Class
Garvey Senior Activity Center, 41780 Baldridge St, Leonardtown 1:30 PM-3:30 PM The Fresenius Kidney Care group will be offering a free Kidney Care class at the Garvey Senior Activity
20653 6:00 PM-7:00 PM Happy new year to you and all the Zumbera’s and Zumbero’s Start 2018 off on the dance f loor. Zumba Fitness Classes are back! It’s time to start that new year’s resolutions with some great Zumba Fitness classes! Come and check out our NEW LOCATION!
Engagements & Weddings
Share the love with a wedding or engagement announcement!
To place an announcement: Call 301.373.4125
The County Times www.countytimes.net
Thursday, January 4, 2018
The County Times
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Calendars
The County Times
St. Mary’s Department of Aging Programs and Activities
Thursday, January 4, 2018
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
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
A Matter of Balance
The Garvey Senior Activity Center will be offering A Matter of Balance on Tuesdays from 1:30-3:30 p.m. starting January 9- February 27. A Matter of Balance is a nationally recognized, award-winning time-tested program for people over 60 designed to help manage falls and increase activity levels. In this class, participants will learn to: View falls and fear of falls as controllable Set realistic goals for increasing activity Make changes to reduce falls at home Exercise to increase strength and balance Classes are two hours in length and are held once a week for eight weeks and are led by two trained coaches in the Matter of Balance program. Class format is mostly lecture/discussion with approximately 30 minutes of exercise each session. All materials are provided. To sign up for the course, call 301-475-4200, ext. 1050. Space is limited so sign up early.
Kidney Care Class
The Fresenius Kidney Care group will be offering a free Kidney Care class at the Garvey Senior Activity Center on Wednesday, January 10 at 1:30 p.m. Throughout the class they will be discussing symptoms and stages of kidney disease (CKD), treatment options, eating well with CKD, coping with CKD and building your support network. They will also discuss the financial impact and what assistance is available to you. This class is the best way to learn that you’re not alone and to have many of your questions answered. Class size is limited so sign up early! To make reservations, call 301-4754200, ext. *1050.
No Sew Fleece Pillow Cover
With the cold weather setting in you need something warm and fuzzy to cuddle. Why not cover your favorite pillow with snuggly fleece? The Northern Senior Activity Center will have a no sew fleece pillow cover class on Thursday, January 11 at 10:30-11:30 a.m. Make your own no sew fleece pillow cover with fringe for free. You bring the pillow and we provide everything else. You can bring anything from a throw pillow to a king-size; no body pillows please. Assorted colored and pattern fleece will be provided. Space is limited. To sign up for this craft in advance, please visit the signup table or call 301-475-4200, ext. *3103.
Zumba Gold at Northern
It’s 2018 and this is your year! Get moving on your fitness goals and try your first class for free. The Northern Senior Activity Center offers Zumba Gold on Tuesdays at 10-11 a.m. Getting fit was never so fun, as you dance to upbeat music while meeting friendly and welcoming people. Keep going to class by purchasing a fitness card. Fitness cards are $30 for 10 sessions and are available at the front desk. For more information about this program, call 301475-4200, ext. *3103.
Healthwatch Presentation
Loffler Senior Activity Center will offer a free presentation by Linda Weintraub on Thursday, Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. called Tests Needed for Mature Adults. This topic will cover some of the medical screenings and tests people over 50, 60 or 70 should get and how often they should get them as well as the kind of problems that can be avoided or lessened by regular screenings and tests. To sign up call 301475-4200, ext. *1658, or stop by the reception desk.
All three branches of the St. Mary’s County Library will be Closed Monday, January 15 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. All branches will be open regular business hours on Tuesday, January 16.
form is the first step toward getting federal aid for college, career school, or graduate school. Completing and submitting the form is free and quick, and gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to help pay for college or career school. If you don’t fill out the form you could be missing out on a lot of financial aid. A representative from College of Southern Maryland will be on hand for two one hour sessions to help you with the completion of your FAFSA form. Registration required on www. stmalib.org.
Leonardtown Library will hold ‘Completing the FAFSA Form’ on Wednesday, January 10. Two sessions will be held, one at 5 p.m. and one at 6 p.m. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Lexington Park Library, in partnership with the St. Mary’s County Health Department, will hold the first of a six-part Opioid Learning Series: Kickoff with a screening of
Library Holiday Closings
Completing the FAFSA Form
Opioid Learning Series: Kickoff with Screening of ‘Chasing the Dragon’
Swing Dance Lessons
Fun, fitness and style, all in one place! Swing Dance Lessons will be offered at the Loffler Senior Activity Center on Thursdays Jan.11-Feb 8 from 1-2:30 p.m. (5 sessions). These classes are taught by Henry Brown. Cost is $50/pp payable to the instructor on the first day of classes. Partners are recommended, though not required. Register for this class by Jan. 8 by calling 301-475-4200, ext. *1658, or stop by the reception desk.
AARP Safe Driving
The next AARP Safe-Driving course will be held at the Loffler Senior Activity Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (with an hour lunch break at 11:30). This program includes emphasis on roundabouts, pavement markings, stop-sign compliance, red-light running, and safety issues such as speeding, seat belt and turn signal use. The cost is $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members, payable to AARP on the day of class. Pre-registration is required and can be accomplished by calling 301475-4200, ext. *1658 or stop by the registration desk at Loffler by Monday, Jan. 15. Please mention if you wish to order a lunch from the center. The cost for lunch is $6 if you are under 60 and by donation for those 60+ years of age.
Rummikub
Try something new and come learn to play Rummikub at the Garvey Senior Activity Center on Tuesday, January 23 & 30 at 10 am. This is a wonderful game to learn to help increase brain function and become more socially involved. Bettie Broadhurst is the instructor so you are guaranteed to have fun! To sign up, call 301-475-4200, ext. *1050.
Chasing the Dragon on Thursday, January 11 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. In an effort to combat the growing epidemic of prescription drug and heroin abuse, the FBI and DEA have released “Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict,” a documentary that explores the dangers of addiction. This session will feature a screening of this powerful documentary followed by a guided discussion on the opioid epidemic.
I Didn’t Know the Library Had That!
Charlotte Hall Library will hold ‘I Didn’t Know the Library Had That!’ on Thursday, January 18 from 2 – 4 p.m. Did you know that you can learn a language, do research, prepare for a school or career exam, and more online with your library card? Explore the library’s online resources including Rosetta Stone, Explora, Learn-
ing Express Library, Lynda.com, and Hobbies and Crafts. Adult computer classes are limited to ages 16 and up. Registration required on www. stmalib.org.
Computer Basics 1: Introduction to Computers
Charlotte Hall Library will hold Computer Basics 1: Introduction to Computers on Wednesday, January 17 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Part one of a four-part series. Learn the components, terminology, and general use of a computer. Learn how to use a mouse and keyboard. Adult computer classes are limited to ages 16 and up. Registration required on www. stmalib.org.
The County Times
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Regulatory Reform Commission Publishes 2017 Report The Regulatory Reform Commission, established by Governor Larry Hogan and tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of Maryland’s regulatory climate, issued its final report on Dec. 28, identifying 657 total regulation to be streamlined or eliminated. Governor Hogan promptly announced that the administration would implement all recommendations. To fulfill one of the recommendations, Hogan issued Executive Order 01.01.2017.33, requiring agencies to use guidelines adopted by the Advisory Council on the Impact of RegMaryland Gov. Larry Hogan ulations on Small Businesses in estimating the regulations’ compliance costs and economic impacts for small businesses. Creating a common sense regulatory environment for Maryland’s hundreds of thousands of small businesses, many of which are minority- or women-owned enterprises, is critical to growing the state’s economy. “The primary focus of our administration has been on growing our economy, putting people back to work, and creating an environment of economic opportunity for every single Marylander,” said Governor Hogan. “These common sense reforms to cut red tape and bring state government into the 21st century will help Maryland job creators – especially our small businesses – grow, thrive, and put even more people back to work.” Reforming state government is a top priority of the Hogan-Rutherford administration. In July 2015, the governor signed an executive order creating the Regulatory Reform Commission to conduct a top-to-bottom review of every regulation on the books to improve upon bureaucratic efficiency. The administration eliminated or streamlined another 187 regulations identified in the commission’s 2016 report, bringing the total number of reformed regulations since taking office to 844. “This is the first comprehensive, exhaustive review of Maryland’s regulations in a generation, and delivers on Governor Hogan’s promise to reform state government to be more responsive to the citizens of our great state,” said Lt. Governor Rutherford. “We thank the Commission, numerous state agencies, and the Advisory Council on the Impact of Regulations on Small Businesses for the countless hours of work that went into this report, enabling our administration to eliminate or streamline hundreds of regulations.” Among the reforms in the report is a repeal of 224 obsolete or redundant Department of Health violations and expunging of a $500 fee charged by the Maryland Transportation Authority to tow companies seeking permits. The Department of the Environment was the recipient of a few regulatory changes to its procedures, including the removal of a requirement that only small businesses with privately owned water and sewer systems—not those with public systems-- place capital into Publisher Associate Publisher General Manager Al Dailey
In Entertainment
Thursday, Jan 4
Tuesday, Jan 9
Billy Yeager
Ben Connelly
The Ruddy Duck, Solomons 7:30 PM http://www.ruddyduckbrewery.com
Anglers Seafood Bar & Grill, Solomons 6:00 - 9:00 PM www.anglers-seafood.com
Trio Taco Tuesday
Friday, Jan 5 Karaoke
Anglers Seafood Bar & Grill, Solomons 9:00 PM - 1:00 AM www.anglers-seafood.com
Coastline
The Ruddy Duck, Solomons 4:00 PM http://www.ruddyduckbrewery.com
Wednesday, Jan 10 Wild Card Trivia
The Ruddy Duck, Solomons 7:30 PM http://www.ruddyduckbrewery.com
Anglers Seafood Bar & Grill, Solomons 7:00 - 9:00 PM www.anglers-seafood.com
Entertainment
The Brass Rail Sports Bar, Great Mills 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM
DJ RAY in the House
Thursday, Jan 11 Iz’em with Mike Damron
Anthony’s Bar & Grill, Dunkirk 9:00 PM www.anthonysdunkirk.com
The Ruddy Duck, Solomons 7:30 PM http://www.ruddyduckbrewery.com
Monday, Jan 8ia The Ruddy Duck, Solomons 7:30 PM http://www.ruddyduckbrewery.com
an escrow account for 20 years equal to costs to construct or expand the system and allowing the department to issue a joint permit for toxic substances and pesticide application rather than two individual ones. The report highlights additional Hogan-Rutherford administration initiatives to make government more accessible and responsive to Marylanders, including the Governor’s Customer Service Initiative, the Governor’s Office of Performance Improvement, and Maryland Business Express, an online portal to optimize services for the hundreds of thousands of businesses that interact with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation. Governor Hogan signed an executive order establishing the Regulatory Reform Commission in July 2015. The commission is chaired by Abba David Poliakoff and includes the Lt. Governor as an ex-officio member, plus eight additional members appointed by the governor with a range of experience in various sectors representing regions across the state. For more information, please visit http://governor.maryland.gov/ltgovernor/home/regulatory-reform. Press Release from Office of Gov. Larry Hogan
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the residents of St. Mary’s County. The St. Mary’s County Times will be available on newsstands every Thursday. The paper is published by Southern Maryland Publishing Company, which is responsible for the form, content, and policies of the newspaper. The St. Mary’s County Times does not espouse any political belief or endorse any product or service in its
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news coverage. To be considered for publication, articles and letters to the editor submitted must include the writer’s full name, address and daytime phone number. Submissions must be delivered by 4 p.m. on the Monday prior to our Thursday publication to ensure placement for that week. After that deadline, the St. Mary’s County Times will make every attempt possible to publish late content, but cannot guarantee so. Letters may be condensed/edited for clarity, although care is taken to preserve the core of the writer’s argument. Copyright in material submitted to the newspaper and accepted for publication remains with the author, but the St. Mary’s County Times and its licensees may freely reproduce it in print, electronic or other forms. We are unable to acknowledge receipt of letters. The St. Mary’s County Times cannot guarantee that every letter or photo(s) submitted will be published, due to time or space constraints.
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n u F & GA M E The County Times
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Thursday, January 4, 2018
GUESS WHO? I am a singer born on January 10, 1953 in New York. I quit my bank teller job when I saw Liza Minelli in concert and became a singer. I sang opera before gaining fame as a rock singer.
Puzzle Solutions
1. Put within 6. Learned person 12. Resistance 16. Female title 17. Logical basis for a belief 18. Of I 19. Indicates position 20. Article 21. Insignificant organizational member 22. __ route 23. Expression of disapproval 24. Microelectromechanical systems 26. Ponds 28. Satisfy 30. Dad 31. Spanish soldier “El __” 32. Pouch-like structure 34. Obscure unit of measurement 35. Okinawa prefecture capital 37. Platforms 39. Jazz singer Irene 40. Benefits 41. Hellenistic governors 43. Brownish-green fruit 44. Needed to see
45. Political action committee 47. Fast plane 48. Bahrain dinar 50. Urgent request 52. Raccoon genus 54. Millisecond 56. Atlanta rapper 57. Rural delivery 59. Intrauterine device 60. The Wolverine State 61. Free agent 62. For instance 63. Reduces 66. Lincoln’s state 67. Quit 70. Midsections 71. Bullfighting maneuvers CLUES DOWN
1. The arch of the foot 2. Canadian peninsula 3. Koran chapters 4. Abba __, Israeli politician 5. Youngster 6. Burns 7. Comedienne Gasteyer 8. Valley 9. Belongs to sun god 10. Nickel 11. Great in salads 12. Leader
13. Forced through a sieve 14. Entryway 15. Support pillars 25. Aquatic mammal 26. __ Farrow, actress 27. Unhappy 29. Holds molecules 31. Thrifty 33. French dynasty 36. Scottish port 38. Irish militant organization 39. Dawn 41. Musical group of seven 42. Used to fry things 43. Carrot’s companion 46. Rough stone landmarks 47. Fourth son of Jacob and Leah 49. Goes against 51. Passion 53. Hard white animal fat 54. Soybean pastes 55. Beckon 58. Mountain and morning are two 60. Self-referential 64. Data executive 65. Retirement plan 68. Star Trek character Laren 69. You and I
Guess Who: Pat Benatar
CLUES ACROSS
Last Week’s
26
Kid'S Corner
The County Times
Thursday, January 4, 2018
In Our Community
27
Metropolitan Commission Employees Support Christmas in April On Dec. 21, MetCom employees participated in an annual holiday pot-luck luncheon marking the completion of fundraising efforts for Christmas in April St. Mary’s County, Inc., the company’s selected charity for 2017. Christmas in April St. Mary’s County, Inc. is a 501(c)(3), exempt status charity that partners with the community to rehabilitate lowincome homes, focusing on the elderly and disabled, and allow their owners warmth, safety, and independence. Since 1990, the charity’s St. Mary’s volunteers have repaired over 724 homes and made home repairs worth more than $7.5 million to improve the living conditions of those in need in the community. Joy Potter, MetCom’s Procurement Agent, chaired this year’s fundraising with a team of employee volunteers kicking off efforts in early summer. Various events were held throughout the year including 50-50 raffles, a pulled pork sandwich sale, a lasagna luncheon, bake sales and an annual Soup Cook-Off challenge. Fundraising efforts concluded at the holiday
luncheon with an in-house auction of various handmade and donated items as well as hand crafted evergreen centerpieces. MetCom’s executive director, George Erichsen, announced that the year’s efforts raise $2,726 and declared how “very proud” he is “of the support, generosity and kindness that our employees show every year. It’s pretty amazing.” On behalf of the fundraising committee and Metcom employees, a ceremonial check from the fundraising committee was presented to Christmas in April’s executive director Darene Kleinsorgen and President Howard Thompson. Contributing to a local charity has been a longstanding tradition at the Metropolitan Commission in conjunction with the annual employee potluck luncheon. To learn more, or to volunteer with Christmas in April St. Mary’s, please visit their website at www. christmasinaprilsmc.org or email darenek@christmasinaprilsmc. org. Press release by MetCom.
A ceremonial check presented to Christmas in April St. Mary’s Executive Director Darene Kleinsorgen (second from left) and President Howard Thompson (center) by MetCom’s Executive Director George Erichsen (second to right), Procurement Agent Joy Potter (left), and board member Steve Willing (right).
Help Available for Crab St. Mary’s Treasurer Pot Competition Accepting 2017 Real Estate Tax Overpayments
Due to increasing requests from citizens, the St. Mary’s County Treasurer is accepting overpayments for 2017 real estate taxes to be applied to future tax liabilities. Overpayments are being accepted in the treasurer’s office and by mail. Property owners should understand that the St. Mary’s Treasurer and staff are not providing tax advice by offering an option for overpayment of 2017 real estate tax liabilities. Each property owner should contact their own tax advisor with questions on Federal and State tax liabilities. All owners making walk-in overpayments will receive a receipt with the date of overpayment and the amount of their overpayment. Those making mail-in overpayments must include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) to receive a dated receipt. Overpayments received by the
treasurer’s office will be provided a receipt in their SASE with the date of their postmark. Overpayments should be addressed to: St. Mary’s County Treasurer P.O. Box 642 Leonardtown, MD 20650 Tax bills are available at www.stmarysmd.com/treasurer/taxes/ Once tax liabilities for 2018 are made available, any shortfall is the responsibility of the individual taxpayer. If the overpayment is greater than the 2018 real estate tax liability, the overpayment will be applied to future tax account liabilities. For further information about the 2017 overpayment offer, please contact the St. Mary’s County Treasurer’s Office at 301-475-4200, ext. *3300.
New and emerging businesses owners, who plan on entering the annual Crab Pot pitch competition, will have help available to refine their startup pitch.Southern Marylanders can enroll in the Crab Pot Accelerator program which will fine-tune their concept, business model and presentation skills. Free interactive workshops will give current and future entrepreneurs a crash course in customer discovery, product design, business models and public speaking. The workshops also offer a great opportunity to network and learn from a diverse set of peers across Southern Maryland. Participants will also have access to one-on-one mentoring to help mold their business proposals and pitches. The Crab Pot Accelerator is designed to prepare Crab Pot contestants for the annual competition, scheduled for Thursday, May 10, 2018. The St. Mary’s County Department of Economic Development is a sponsor of the Crab Pot, which began in 2015 by PaxSpace and the Southern Maryland Innovation &
Technology Initiative (SMIT) with support from the Department of Economic Development. Over the last three years, more than 40 Southern Marylanders have competed in Crab Pot. Winners and runners up have gone on to compete in statewide competitions, receive see funding and launch their businesses. The College of Southern Maryland will host Crab Pot Regional Accelerator workshops at their campuses in Leonardtown, La Plata and Prince Frederick and will consist of two sessions. At CSM Leonardtown, session 1 (Validating Your Problem and Solution) will be held Monday, February 19, 2018, from 6 – 9 p.m., in Building C, room 322. Session 2 (Pitching Your Solution and Strategy) will be held Monday, March 12, from 6 9 p.m., in Building C, room 322. To learn more about the Accelerator and sign up go to www.paxspace.org/ crabpot. Press Release from St. Mary’s County Government.
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The County Times
Thursday, January 4, 2018
“Before I Let Go” by Marieke Nijkamp c.2018, Sourcebooks $17.99 / $24.99 Canada 368 pages Home is where your heart is. You’ve probably heard that before but is it true? Home is where you put your stuff. It’s where you sleep most often, chill sometimes, and eat now and then. But is it where your heart is – or, as in the new book “Before I Let Go” by Marieke Nijkamp, is it a place you can never go again? Corey barely knew how to breathe anymore. How could she, when she’d just learned that her best friend, Kyra, had frozen to death in a gruesome suicide? How could she, when nothing would ever be the same? Had it been just seven months since she’d last seen Kyra? Yes, and Corey carried a lot of guilt for that: though Kyra had faithfully written letters each week, Corey was away at school and rarely wrote back. Really, how do you tell your best friend that you’re happier elsewhere than you were with her? Heading home, the airplane touched down in Lost, Alaska , and Corey wanted answers. Kyra never felt accepted in Lost, even though her family had lived in the tiny town since forever. The towns-
people avoided her, were even cruel to her, partly because Kyra suffered from depression and mania. Lost was not good for Kyra, but it wasn’t worth killing herself. So how had things had changed? In the seven months since Corey’d last been home, the people of Lost had suddenly decided that Kyra was “magic.” Her artwork and paintings were everywhere, and townsfolk said that she had some sort of gift, an ability to see into the future. They said that Corey didn’t belong in Lost anymore, and they’d embraced Kyra as one of them. Did that scare Kyra to death? No, something wasn’t quite right. Throughout their entire friendship, Kyra shared her hopes and dreams with Corey and those dreams didn’t include Lost. The girls grew up together, learned about themselves together, Kyra was Corey’s soul, and the townspeople didn’t understand. They didn’t know Kyra’s heart. And they didn’t know about the secret place where Corey found diaries, and the truth… You know the story about the race between the tortoise and the hare? Well, there is no “hare” in “Before I Let Go.” No doubt, this is one of the slowest novels I’ve had in my hands in awhile. A hundred pages in, and I still didn’t care about any of the characters because too much time is spent on inconsequentials: repetition, go-nowhere conversations, musings, and memories that are longer than the points gained from reading them. Except for Kyra’s mother who’s not in the story much - the adults in this book are laughably zombie-like, and fierce about something that doesn’t seem one bit well-founded or reality-based. Even the ghost-story aspect of this book feels halfhearted. Heavy sigh. Author Marieke Nijkamp leapt out of the chute with last years’ stellar “This is Where It Ends,” and if you haven’t read it, get it now. As for “Before I Let Go,” it’s barely worth taking home.
“Flying Through the Years”
***Dear Readers, last week’s column title was supposed to be: “The great stocking disaster of ‘17*** How many times have you heard, “Wow, this year just flew by” or something to that effect. I know I have, and have said that many times. We’ve even said that to our grandkids while also giving them the time-honored words of wisdom, “Enjoy your life now while you don’t have adult responsibilities, every minute of it, because when you grow up it will seem like you don’t have time to do everything you want or need to do because the time will just fly by too fast.” And I am sure I heard all that when I was younger and barely took notice, or heed, of those same words of wisdom. How many of us did? There have been a few days this month where January felt like it was last month instead of next month. It’s hard for me to believe that my organization and clutter control month is only a few days away. I’m hoping that the organizational expert from TV and blogs, Peter Walsh, has some different types of organizational challenges for this January. I do want to get my clothes closet back to the way it looked last year like in the photo. But how many junk drawers and closets can you declutter and rearrange anyway? Okay, that’s true, there are always more drawers and closets to organize and always will be. It’s just like laundry; you think to yourself, “Didn’t I just wash this and/or catch up on this pile of laundry yesterday??” YES, you did, as the universe sardonically laughs. Is this what hell is really like; a neverending pile of laundry baskets? It seems that I have lots of questions. January is always good for that. This is when you normally ask the questions like, can I change a certain bad habit,
can I be a better, thinner, or happier person? I am not even going to try and make written or stated resolutions since I never follow my own recom mend at ions anyway. I think this year I might like to learn something new. Not sure what yet, though. There are so many ideas to choose from. It might be a great benefit to learn how to read music for when my husband and I are in choir practice at church, so I think I will try and find a “Learn music for dummies” book. Learning a language might be nice, and I should start with English. Those old college books on grammar must be here somewhere. Unfortunately, I didn’t pay attention like I should have back then. Well, really, I got lost on the grammar and also the geography train long before that. I still have trouble figuring out where all the states are located on the US map. And why are dangling participles and ending with a preposition so bad? I realize we need rules for grammar just as we do with life. Actually, I have been toying with the idea of learning a musical instrument for years, but it, of course, has to be something my fingers are willing to work with. (Uh Oh, ended my sentence the wrong way again). A recorder flute may be nice. Wouldn’t my husband and Mindy love that. I always liked playing the harmonica when I was a teen, so that could be a good choice too. I don’t know, there must be something to learn that I am really enthused about. Ball room dancing sounds fun. Or, taking an art class somewhere to learn a new medium is most likely the best idea. Let me know what new things you would like to try or learn in the new year. Maybe we can be online student buddies for support and encouragement. Happy New Year! To each new year’s adventure, Shelby Please send your comments or ideas to: shelbys.wanderings@yahoo.com or find me on facebook
The County Times
Thursday, January 4, 2018
29
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
EPISCOPAL CHURCH Christ Episcopal Church King & Queen Parish founded 1692 25390 Maddox Road | Chaptico, MD 20621
www.cckqp.net
301-884-3451
Sunday Worship 7:45am Holy Eucharist, Rite I 11:00am Holy Eucharist, Rite II, Organ & Choir
All are Welcome
BAPTIST CHURCH
PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
Victory Baptist Church 29855 Eldorado Farm rd CharlottE hall, md 20659
301-884-8503
21800 N. Shangri-La Dr. # 8 Lexington Park, MD 20653 301-866-5772 Pastor James L. Bell, Sr.
Order Of gOOd news services sun schOOl, all ages…...............10:00 sun mOrning wOrship.............…11:00 sun evening wOrship….................7:00 wed evening prayer mtg.........…7:00
ProClaiming thE ChangElEss word in a Changing world.
Jesus saves victOrybaptistchurchmd.Org
ANGLICAN CATHOLIC
St. Anne’s Church Meeting at Dent Memorial Chapel 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
Seek Shelter Your Soul
21800 N. Shangri-La Dr. # 8 Church Services Lexington Park, Sunday MD 20653 f�� Morning Prayer 9:30 a.m. 301-866-5772 Morning Worship 10:00 a.m. Pastor James L. Bell, Sr. Tuesday 21800 N. Shangri-La Dr. # 8 Lexington Park, MD 20653 301-866-5772 Pastor James L. Bell, Sr.
Evening Prayer 6:30 p.m. Pastoral Teaching 7:00 p.m.
Church Services
Church Services
METHODIST CHURCH Sunday Morning Prayer 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 10:00 a.m.
Sunday Hollywood United Methodist Church Tuesday Morning Prayer 9:30 a.m. Evening Prayer Dean 6:30 p.m. 24422 Mervell Rd • Hollywood, MD 20636 Pastoral Teaching 7:00 p.m. Morning 301-373-2500 Worship 10:00 a.m. Katie Paul, Pastor Sunday Worship 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Tuesday Sunday School for all ages 6:30 9:45 a.m. p.m. Evening Prayer All of our services are traditional. Pastoral Teaching Child care is provided. 7:00 p.m. Sunday Evening Youth Group Christian Preschool and Kindergarten available
TO PLACE AN AD ON THIS PAGE contact The County Times AT 301-373-4125
30
BusinessDIRECTORY The County Times
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Mike Batson Photography
Freelance Photographers
Events Weddings Family Portraits 301-938-3692 mikebatsonphotography@hotmail.com https://www.facebook.com/mikebatsonphotography
46924 Shangri-La Drive • Lexington Park, MD
301-863-9497 www.coletravel.biz
Let us plan your next vacation!
SHOP LOCAL!
DAVE’S ENGINE SERVICE Now Stored Inside
“Where Service Comes First” Sales & Service
Farm Equipment • Machine Shop Home & Industrial Engines • Welding
Truck Load Sale
$271.35 Per Ton • 40 Pound Bag $6.65
Last Seasons Prices Continue
27898 Point Lookout Road • Loveville, Md • 20656
301-884-5904 Fax 301-884-2884
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
John F. Wood, Jr.
Katie L. St. Clair
President Vice President Customer Service Mgr. 301.884.5900 - 301.934.4680 - Fax 301.884.0398- info@crossandwood.com
• Signs • Banners • Wall Wraps • Logo Design • Vehicle Wraps • Decals/ Stickers • Custom Clothing • Trade Show Design Mention This Card And Recieve 10% Off Your Order!
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Trees &
The County Times
Thursday, January 4, 2018
31
BusinessDIRECTORY
-50% Sashvopepin3g0at% our location by
PINE HILL
TECHNOLOGY PARK
Cream of the Crop Nursery Wholesale to the Public Red Tips $12 3 gallon
Leyland Cypress 3 gallon for $10
Do you need lower office overhead costs?
Ornamental Cabbage & Kale $2.50
Native Plants, Shrubs, Trees & Perennials Available!
Fall Blowout Sale Lowest Prices of the Season
Excellent Selection of Perenials, Trees & Shrubs While They Last
Most Plants Grown On-site! Open 7 Days a Week Mon.-Sat. 8am-5pm | Sun. 9am- 4pm
Adjacent to the Charlotte Hall Farmers Market
Contact Jim for more info at 301-542-4430
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1200 to 6,000 sq ft available including lab/conference space
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3660barbara@gmail.com
48015 Pine Hill Run Road, Lexington Park. MD 20653
Over 250,000 Southern Marylanders can’t be wrong!
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www.somd.com
The County Times
32
Thursday, January 4, 2018
THE KING'S CHRISTIAN ACADEMY PRE-K - 12th grade Enjoy a private campus tour on January 9
• • • •
STEM Robotics Fine Arts Athletics
• • • •
Safe, Christian Campus Dual College Enrollment Before/After Care Financial Aid Available
OPEN HOUSE EVENT
January 9, 2017 4-6 p.m.
THE KING'S CHRISTIAN ACADEMY £;<ceffence in £cfucafion. Christ-fike in character. www.KCAEAGLES.org • 301-994-30&0 PRE-K - 12th grade
Learn why KCA is one of the fastest growing Christian schools in Southern Maryland!
Enjoy a private campus tour on January 9
• • • •
STEM Robotics Fine Arts Athletics
• • • •
Safe, Christian Campus Dual College Enrollment Before/After Care Financial Aid Available
Learn why KCA is one of the fastest growing Christian schools in Southern Maryland!
OPEN HOUSE EVENT
January 9, 2017 4-6 p.m.
£;<ceffence in £cfucafion. Christ-fike in character.
www.KCAEAGLES.org • 301-994-30&0