Thursday, December 27, 2018
FR
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The County Times
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County Times St. Mary’s
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018
WWW.COUNTYTIMES.SOMD.COM
w e i v e R n i r a e Y A 2018
The County Times
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CONTENTS
“
LOCAL
Thursday, December 27, 2018
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“STATES ARE BETTER THAN THAT – AND SO TOO IS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.”
GOV. LARRY HOGAN ABOUT FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AFTER THE “TRUMP SHUTDOWN.”
Local News
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Cops & Courts
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Community 10 14 In Local Page 5 Obituaries 18 Year in Review
Oyster recovery monies made available
Community Calendar
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Senior Calendar
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Library Calendar
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Business Directory
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In Cops & Courts Page 8 San Souci fire causes smoke damage
In Community Page 10
Do You Feel Crabby When You Get Your Insurance Bill In The Mail?
Museum to close for renovations
P.O. Box 250 • Hollywood, Maryland 20636 News, Advertising, Circulation, Classifieds: 301-373-4125 www.countytimes.net
For staff listing and emails, see page 23
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The County Times
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Local News
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‘The Trump Shutdown’ How Will it Affect St. Mary’s? By Dick Myers Editor
St. Mary’s County is heavily dependent of federal spending, so if the so-called Trump Shutdown is prolonged, the impact will likely be significant. St. Mary’s County looked at the effect of the sequestration several years ago, according to Director of Economic Development Chris Kaselemis. The report concluded: “St. Mary’s County experienced first-hand how decisions and issues at the national level affect our local economy when sequestration legislation started in 2013 and triggered a 20 percent reduction in spending across all federal departments, with the exception of foreign military operations. “The impact of reduced federal spending on St. Mary’s County’s economy was immediate and dramatic. Government travel was restricted, civil servants furloughed, and Pax River temporarily closed. Hotels, reliant on government business, saw revenue losses of 25-30 percent. Government contracts were cut short or simply not renewed. Trip wires, a notto-exceed hourly rate for private contractors, and Navy contracts based on the Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable Source were established. Layoffs and pay cuts became the norm within the defense industry. Thus, St. Mary’s County’s tax revenues flat-
$4.25 per Square Foot, inStalled!
National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees (left) poises with NARFE Chapter 969 President Boyd Loflin at their annual Christmas party at Olde Breton Inn.
tened, and elected officials began to discuss the need for St. Mary’s County to diversify its economy.”
“And, as you know, when wages are reduced, and workers are unsure about the future, their dis-
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Local News
cretionary spending is typically pulled back, which negatively affects restaurants, services, and other establishments. These spending reductions have a ripple effect on the local economy. “ Even a short shutdown can have an irreversible effect, even if the workers are eventually paid for their time off. While workers are sitting at home, the money they would have spent for their commutes to work never gets spent. It’s not like they drive around the block to make it up. Gas stations are out that lost revenue. Grocery money that might have been spent on steak instead gets spent on hot dogs and when they go back to work, it’s not like they are going to buy two steaks instead of one. That weekly trip for the family to the movies is deferred out of fear that the shutdown will be prolonged. When work resumes, that movie may resume but the one that was deferred is again lost forever to the movie theater owner. The impact on some workers is unclear. For instance, the Federal Communications Commission has enough money to remain open this week but will shut down Jan. 2 if the shutdown continues. Other agencies vary depending on their source of revenue. Rep. Steny Hoyer issued a statement on Saturday after the shutdown commenced. He said, “Tonight, President Trump and Republicans chose to end their House Majority the way they have governed over the past two years, rejecting bipartisan compromise and embracing extremism, to the detriment of our country. They are shutting down a large part of the federal government because the Congress wouldn’t spend $5 billion in taxpayer dollars on a border wall that won’t make Americans any safer. As a result, the well-being and security of the
The County Times
Thursday, December 27, 2018
American people are at risk, with hundreds of thousands of federal employees – including law enforcement, TSA screeners, Forest Service firefighters, food safety inspectors, and others – furloughed or forced to work without pay. “Make no mistake: Democrats have done everything possible to prevent this shutdown, offering multiple compromises, including one agreed to unanimously in the Senate. President Trump and House Republicans rejected them all. The American people know who is responsible for this unnecessary and costly shutdown - all they have to do is listen to President Trump’s statement from December 11 that he would be ‘proud to shut down the government.’ Governor Larry Hogan and Governor Steve Bullock (D-MT) called on Congress and the Trump administration to reach an agreement to fund the federal government to avert a partial government shutdown. Governors Bullock and Hogan serve as Chair and Vice-Chair of the National Governors Association (NGA). In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Paul Ryan, and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Governors Hogan and Bullock state that “a federal shutdown is indicative of a government that is not working.” “Governors compromise every day. We must work with partners in our legislatures and with stakeholders throughout our states. It is not a choice; it is a necessity to ensure the citizens we serve in our states – the same ones you represent at the national level – have access to the basic functions that allow them to lead good lives,” wrote the governors. “Governors are not able to entrench ourselves and enter stalemates that shut down our governments.
States are better than that – and so too is the federal government.” Governor Hogan has consistently called for the federal government to take action to avert a shutdown. Earlier this week, he issued the following statement: “It’s unacceptable to punish hardworking federal employees because Washington can’t get its act together It’s time for our leaders to end the dysfunction and come together to find common sense solutions instead of shutting down the government. Enough is enough.” The President of the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Ken Thomas was in St. Mary’s County on Friday, Dec. 21 as the shutdown was looming. He attended the annual Christmas party of NARFE Chapter 969 St. Mary’s County at Olde Breton Inn. He urged attendees to single out those responsible for the shutdown and not vote for them in the next election. In a statement issued later in the day, he said, “The use of government shutdowns as a political bargaining chip is unacceptable.” He added, “We cannot allow middle class federal employees and the critical services they provide to become collateral damage in political battles. Lehislators and the president should not value winning political fights over the delivery of indispensable government services to the American people. Shutdowns, partial or otherwise, will only ever harm the American people and the dedicated workforce that protects them.” dickmyers@countytinmes.net
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The County Times
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Perc Testing to Begin for 2019 Season Due to high seasonal groundwater levels, the St. Mary’s County Health Department will begin wet season perc testing on January 2, 2019. Perc testing was suspended in April 2018 due to declining groundwater levels. Perc test applications received since April 2018 which were not able to be conducted are being scheduled first. This includes the perc test applications that were received during the wet season in 2018 that were not able to be accommodated due to unusually low water table levels. While the levels are high enough for testing, the testing may not run continuously through the winter and early spring. The water table may recede causing the testing to be suspended – testing would be resumed when tables rebound to wet season ranges. The health department’s Environmental Health Division staff conduct soil evaluations for the construction of residential and commercial septic systems. The application for a new construction perc test is located at the St. Mary’s County Department of Land Use and Growth Management (LUGM) and requires a fee. The LUGM Department is located in the Patuxent Building on the
Local News
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Board of Public Works Approves Oyster Recovery Monies Funding Includes Marylanders Grow Oysters
Governmental Center Campus in Leonardtown. The application may be downloaded at the St. Mary’s County Government’s website at www.stmarysmd.com. Click on the Land Use and Growth Management link under Public Agencies. All permit applications are available for download from the Permits webpage. For more information, please contact the St. Mary’s County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division at 301-475-4321 or the St. Mary’s County Land Use and Growth Management Department’s Permit Services at 301475-4200 x1500, or visit the health department’s website at www.smchd.org. Press Release from St. Mary’s County Government
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has been approved to invest more than $3 million in oyster recovery and restoration activities in Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, following unanimous support from the Board of Public Works. The board, consisting of Governor Larry Hogan, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp, approved three contracts to the Oyster Recovery Partnership aimed at collecting oyster shell, constructing oyster reefs and planting hatchery-reared oysters. “Through this funding we will continue to enhance and rehabilitate native oyster habitat and populations in Chesapeake Bay,” Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “These contracts are key to reestablishing a selfsustaining oyster population and meeting our watershed goals.” One contract will construct and re-
store oyster reefs in direct support of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement that calls on Maryland to restore native oyster habitat and populations in five tributaries by 2025. In Maryland, these large-scale restoration projects are focused in Harris Creek (completed) as well as the Little Choptank, Manokin, Tred Avon and Upper St. Mary’s rivers. Another contract will fund construction and restoration of oyster reefs in support of the department’s new initiative to enhance oyster restoration efforts in other state sanctuaries beyond the five largescale projects, namely the Nanticoke and Severn rivers. Approximately 70 million oysters will be planted in the Nanticoke Sanctuary as part of this contract. And an additional contract will aid the Marylanders Grow Oysters program to construct and restore oyster reefs in sanctuaries. A minimum of six million hatchery oysters will be produced and delivered to participating waterfront residents throughout Maryland in support of this community-driven oyster recovery and restoration effort. Press Release from MD DNR
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The County Times
Local News
Thursday, December 27, 2018
$3 Million Approved for Rural Legacy Program St. Mary’s Projects Included
The Board of Public Works today apseparate conservation easements proved Rural Legacy Program grants totaling more than 165 acres. These totaling $3 million that will provide properties include more than 5,800 dedicated state funding to permanently linear feet of forested and vegetated protect working farms and forests, and stream buffers on tributaries to the provide vegetative stream buffers to imMonocacy River and Gunpowder prove water quality in designated areas Falls. across the state. • Manor Conservancy, Inc. will acWorking through local governments quire a 33.36-acre conservation and private land trusts, the Maryland easement in Harford County to proDepartment of Natural Resources actect valuable agricultural land and quires conservation easements from woodlands. It will also protect wawilling landowners to preserve large, ter quality through riparian buffers contiguous tracts of land that conto a tributary of the Lower Susquetain valuable agricultural and natural hanna River watershed and Chesaresources. peake Bay. “The continued boost in funding for • Patuxent Tidewater Land Trust, Inc. the Rural Legacy Program has helped will acquire a 123.4-acre conservasignificantly expand our ability to pretion easement in St. Mary’s County Exclusive serve and protect Maryland’s unique to protect valuable agricultural and Hallmark Melissa landscape and watersheds,” Maryland forest lands and provide water qual- Upper Patapsco Rural Legacy Area ornaments and Dougbuffers Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belity protection by riparian buffers of ies of the St. Mary’s and Potomac Pike as well as riparian Open Christmas Christmas Eve Eve 8am 8amto to1pm 1pm••Closed ClosedChristmas Christmas Day Day ton said. “Combined with Hours: theHours: continuedOpen tributaries to Locks Swamp Creek. Wooden Toys rivers. along the Monocacy River. on are Sale! generosity and stewardship of land• Southern Maryland Resource Con• Frederick County will acquire a Rural Legacy Areas designed to owners and partners, this support will servation and Development Board 298.58-acre conservation easement protect working landscapes supporting yield positive benefits for generations to will acquire two separate conservato protect productive agricultural a critical mass of resourcecome.” tion easements totaling more than and forest lands, provide viewshed The following projects are funded 183 acres in St. Mary’s County, inprotection to Catoctin and SugarPress Release from MD DNR with today’s vote: cluding more than 5,500PORCH linear feet TREES PORCH TREES loaf mountains and Buckeystown • Carroll County will acquire two of riparian buffers along &&tributarCHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS
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The County Times
Cops & Courts
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The following bussinesses encourage you to celebrate responsibly this holiday season & do not drink & drive.
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Cops & Courts
The County Times
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Shooting Investigation- Silent Angel Tree on Display Suspect Identified Marcus Anthony Mills, 31, with no fixed address, has been identified as a suspect in the shooting that took place on December 19, 2018. Mills currently has an open warrant for the charge of Attempted Murder. Citizens are asked to contact the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at (301) 475-8008, or 911 if information is known on Mills’ whereabouts. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Detective Austin Schultz at (301) 475-4200 extension *1953 or by email at Austin.Schultz@ stmarysmd.com. On December 19, 2018, at approximately 10:30 p.m. deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 46500 block of Expedition Drive in Lexington Park, for the
reported motor vehicle collision. Upon arrival it was discovered the victim, a 33 year old male from Callaway, was suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was inside his vehicle at the time of the shooting. The victim was transported via helicopter to an area trauma center, and is in stable condition. The investigation is being continued by the Criminal Investigations Division. At this time, the shooting does not appear to be a random act of violence. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Detective Austin Schultz at (301) 475-4200 extension *1953, or by email at Austin. Schultz@stmarysmd.com. Citizens may remain anonymous and contact Crime Solvers at (301) 475-3333, or text a tip to “TIP239” plus their message to “CRIMES” (274637). Through the Crime Solvers Program tipsters are eligible for an award of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in St. Mary’s County that leads to an arrest or indictment. Press Release from SMCSO
The 17th Annual Silent Angel Memorial ceremony was cancelled earlier this month because of inclement weather. However, the Silent Angel Christmas Tree is on display at the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office headquarters lobby through next week along with the ceremony program and keepsakes. The Sheriff’s Office headquarters is at 23150 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown. The Silent Angel Memorial ceremony is held for the survivors of those lost over the years to homicide.
San Souci Plaza Fire
An electrical malfunction that originated on the exterior of San Souci Plaza in California on Dec. 20 in the covered area above the sidewalk caused smoke damage to adjoining spaces. Damage was estimated at $25,000. Mission BBQ at the end of the shopping center opened to serve food to the first responders.
The County Times
Thursday, December 27, 2018
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In Our Community
The County Times
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Calvert Marine Museum to Close for Renovations
The Calvert Marine Museum (CMM) will be temporarily shutting its doors, beginning January 1, 2019, for renovations on the Mezzanine level of the Ex-
hibition Hall. Construction to revitalize the museum and expand educational spaces will last through the winter, with doors reopening in March and project
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! With best wishes to our customers for a great holiday season and a healthy year ahead.
completion scheduled for May. The construction project is the second part of a two-phase plan that included the renovation of the Harms Gallery and Lobby in 2014. Goals of Phase II include the creation of two large classrooms for educational programming, a new unisex bathroom, improved handicap access to the exhibit area, and expanded work space for education staff. The new classrooms are an especially exciting addition. Each will have the capacity to hold up to 30 students and the dividing wall separating these rooms will be able to fold down and create one large programming space. The classrooms will also come equipped with sinks, storage, and state-of-the-art smartboards. “I am very excited about finally getting proper spaces for our Education Department. This is the largest department at the museum, and the one that produces most of the programming. With this renovation, they will have space specially designed for programming, as well as adequate office and storage space,” says CMM Director, Sherrod Sturrock. She adds, “It’s been a long time coming, and will help us continue to offer exceptional programming to our visitors.” Since 2005, CMM’s education program attendance has increased by 382%.
In addition to school field trips, this includes a wide range of educational opportunities available to children, such as preschool sessions, Homeschool Days, Special Needs Nights, Chesapeake Field Lab experiences, and programming on school holidays. Additionally, the museum offers much for adults, including the Road Scholar program, annual lecture series, and many interest-specific clubs. After the Phase II expansion is complete, CMM will be better suited to continue to serve the community as one of Southern Maryland’s largest education providers. During the closure, CHESPAX field trips will continue to take place offsite and the Patuxent Small Craft Guild will be operating. However, the majority of programming will pause and the museum and Museum Store will be closed to the public until March. A complete list of March events and activities will be available in February. In the meantime, members and non-members alike are encouraged to stay connected with the museum online, through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and CMM’s website: calvertmarinemuseum.com. Press Release from CMM
n o t g n e i v x i t e L ark Ault cCommunity P Ad NOW Available 1 & 2 bedroom apartments
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Thursday, December 27, 2018
The County Times
In Our Community
11
Homes for Heroes Now Available in St. Mary’s
Inspired by the tragic events of 9/11, Homes for Heroes was started in Minneapolis, MN at the beginning of 2002. In 2009 it grew to become a national
organization that has since helped over 20,000 heroes and given back over $32,000,000. Homes for Heroes’ mission is to pro-
vide extraordinary savings to heroes who provide extraordinary services to our nation and its communities every day. Heroes include: firefighters, law enforcement, military (active, reserves and veterans), healthcare workers, EMS and teachers. Homes for Heroes is comprised of affiliate real estate and lending specialists across the country along with local and national businesses committed to providing Hero Rewards, which are easy ways for heroes to save significant money on a home. When working with Homes for Heroes real estate and lending specialists specifically, heroes are able to receive significant savings when they buy, sell or refinance a home. Hero Rewards is our way to say “Thank You.” “We’re committed to giving back, serving and saying thank you to our local community heroes because they do so much to make our great community what it is today.
They tirelessly serve and sacrifice for us so we feel it’s the right thing to do, and we’re excited to be able to give back and say Thank You in such a meaningful and positive way,” says Jimmy Hayden, local Homes for Heroes Real Estate specialist in Leonardtown, MD. Jimmy’s affiliate webpage can be viewed at http://www. homesforheroes.com/affiliate/jimmyhayden . About Homes for Heroes Homes for Heroes, Inc., was established shortly following the tragic events of 9/11 as a way to give back and say “Thank You” to our nation’s heroes. Homes for Heroes is the largest nationwide network of affiliate real estate specialists, lending specialists and local businesses who provide easy ways for firefighters, law enforcement, military (active, reserves and veterans), healthcare workers, EMS and teachers to save money when buying, selling or refinancing a home. Every time a hero uses Homes for Heroes for their real estate transactions, they are helping heroes in need because Homes for Heroes donates a portion of their earnings to the Homes for Heroes Foundation, a nonprofit that provides assistance to heroes in need. Press Release
SERVICE
Taylor Gas Company offers full service installation and repair for a breadth of propane related systems.
DEPENDABILITY
The customer is our top priority here at Taylor Gas. We provide 24 hour emergency service and deliveries to the Sourthern Maryland area.
EXPERIENCE
Combining extensive training with 68 years of on-the-job experience, you can be sure that you’ll be getting the best service available.
The County Times
12
Thursday, December 27, 2018
WWW.BOURBONANDBOWS.COM
22725 DUKE ST. LEONARDTOWN, MD
w o t d r a n o e L n In Downtow
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For January 2019, The Good Earth Natural Foods Company will be celebrating New Year, New You, New Smoothie Menu! From 5-8 PM on Friday January 4, 2019, ALL smoothies on our brand new smoothie menu will be 10% off! Our smoothies are made with organic whole fruits and vegetables and are $6.99 for 12 oz. Everything in the Healthy Lifestyles Kitchen is made with Vegan and Gluten Free ingredients. The HLK also features recipes of all our famous soups, salads, sides, and smoothies; they are 100% free so stop in on First Friday for New Year, New You inspiration! Looking for Vegan, Gluten-Free, Paleo, or Whole30 foods? The Good Earth has you covered!
New Year, New Dimensions: Spotlight 3-D
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Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
22715 Washington St. 301-690-0704 20% off bookings for First Friday
41652 Fenwick St. 301-475-3130
Add a new dimension to your life with a unique piece from this special “New Dimensions” collection of thirteen local 3-D artists including Mickey Kunkle who will demonstrate her jewelry making on a 3-D printer during the First Friday reception on January 4 from 5-8pm. Refreshments will be provided. The public is invited. The collection that includes 3-D functional and decorative artwork and jewelry made of silver, gemstones, copper, clay, glass, wood, and mixed media will be on display throughout the month.
22715 Washington St. 678-640-2130 Come try out Piloxing, a non-stop, cardio fusion of standing pilates, boxing and dance that will push you past your limits for a sleek, sexy, and powerful you! The class is from 6PM7PM. The studio will also be open for questions, meet and greet, and tour.
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Thursday, December 27, 2018
The County Times
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ESCAPE ROOMS SOUTHERN MARYLAND 22715 Washington Street www.escaperoomsomd.com
FENWICK STREET USED BOOKS & MUSIC 41655 Fenwick Street www.fenwickbooks.com
PORT OF LEONARDTOWN WINERY 23190 Newtowne Neck Road www.polwinery.com
SHEPHERDS OLD FIELD MARKET 22725 Duke Street www.shepherdsoldfield.com
OPAL FINE ART 41625 Park Avenue
THE GOOD EARTH NATURAL FOODS CO. 41675 Park Avenue www.goodearthnaturals.com
ROOT SUP & FITNESS Inside Shepherds Old Field Market www.rootsupfitness.com
BETH GRAEME PHOTOGRAPHY 22760 Washington Street www.bethgraeme.photography
2 BROKE GIRLS BOUTIQUE Inside Shepherds Old Field Market
THE HAIR COMPANY 22740 Washington Street www.thehaircompany.biz SOCIAL COFFEEHOUSE 41658 Fenwick Steeet www.socialcoffeehouse.company CARRIE PATTERSON 22715 Washington Street www.carriepatterson.com JESSIE’S KITCHEN 22845 Washington Street
ST. MARY’S ARTS COUNCIL 22660 Washington Street www.stmarysartscouncil.com SPICE STUDIO 22715 Washington Street www.somdspice.com WHITE RABBIT 25470 Point Lookout Road
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LBA
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The LBA gratefully acknowledges the generous support of our Platinum Sponsors
14
Feature
The County Times
Thursday, December 27, 2018
2018 Year in Review By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
The year 2018 was a tumultuous one in St. Mary’s County. Issues over land use and personal politics shook the community but more than that, it was a year marked by tragedy and terrible loss of life. Elected leaders, pursuing public agendas, had to stop and reassess school security after the tragedy at Great Mills High School where two students were killed; parents were shocked and feared there were no safe places left for their children. Deaths from violence, though, didn’t match the much greater loss of life from the continuing battle against the opioid crisis. Its continued power to addict cost the county dozens of lives and public health officials believe it is only getting worse. Through all of the pain and suffering in St. Mary’s this year, voters still went out to the polls to choose their elected leaders and came together to heal their collective wounds in the face of sadness.
January
St. Mary’s County Health Officer
Dr. Meena Brewster.
In January public health officials learned that the opioid epidemic had not only gotten worse from the standpoint of fatal overdoses but that it had morphed into a fight against a deadlier drug than either oxycodone or pure heroin; fentanyl. Many times more powerful than either drug, fentanyl became the leading cause of fatal drug overdoses in St. Mary’s County. Dr. Meena Brewster, the county’s chief health officer, said that for 2017 there were about 29 county residents who died from opioid overdoses. Those numbers would continue to spike for 2018 as well. “Fentanyl is now the main player in opioid deaths,” Brewster said. “It’s responsible for the incredible spike in fatalities.” Health officials have said that often times the first use of fentanyl illicitly can be the last.
By last year 328 county residents had to visit some emergency room for care related to opioid abuse, according to county figures. Brewster reiterated the need for addicts to get as much treatment as they could as quickly as possible. “There are chemical changes in their brains that compels them to keep using unless they get the treatment they need,” Brewster said. The number of opioid prescriptions filled in St. Mary’s County went down but the amount staggered some commissioners; in 2017 there were 89,480 prescriptions filled. Back in 2015 there were 106,127 opioid prescriptions filled. “That’s enough for almost every person in St. Mary’s County,” Commissioner Tom Jarboe said. January was the start of the state legislature and the political season; incumbent Sen. Steve Waugh of District 29 would vote to override one of Gov. Larry Hogan’s vetoes; a bill that would have stopped colleges and universities from investigating applicants’ criminal backgrounds at their initial admissions attempt. It was the beginning of a months-long battle between the two that eventually resulted in Waugh’s ouster. Waugh voted for the bill last year on the basis that it actually only eliminated the question about criminal backgrounds on initial applications. “It only says don’t ask about it during the initial applications,” Waugh told The County Times. “When someone who has a record but is rehabilitated looks at that question, many of them assume any criminal history is a disqualifier.” Waugh said his vote for the bill last year necessitated his vote to override the veto. “It was a matter of integrity for me,” Waugh said. “I want to see Gov. Hogan reelected. “But he doesn’t need lap dogs, he needs bull dogs.” Del. Matt Morgan (R-Dist.29 A) disagreed with the so-called “Ban the Box” legislation as eliminating a key indicator to colleges and universities of an applicant’s past. “In my opinion he made a mistake,” Morgan said. “It’s a horrible bill.” Despite the winter chill January brought, there were heartwarming moments, such as the rescue of a beloved dog by his owner, a friend and first responders. Ray Raley, a Ridge resident, is the owner of three prized black Labrador retrievers at his home that sits astride St. Jerome’s Creek; during the bitter cold that Sen. Steve Waugh gripped the county he nearly lost one of them to icy waters. But with the help of Mike Henderson, the owner of Buzz’s Marina that sits just behind his
Ripkin was rescued from frozen St. Jerome’s Creek
home, he was able to extricate Ripkin from the frozen waters of St. Jerome’s Creek where somehow he had gotten stuck. The two men had to race against time, and deal with Henderson’s recently fractured right arm to pull the dog from the ice. It started when Raley noticed that Ripkin, a competitive sporting dog, was nowhere to be found, especially since he was about to feed his canines. “That’s not like him to be gone for so long, especially when there’s food around,” Raley said. “I really started to get worried.” Raley’s neighbor, Henderson, said he had gone down to the wharf at his marina to check on boats when he heard a noise of an animal in distress; he began to look around and found that it was Ripkin stuck in the ice. What was worse, the sun was going down and the temperature continued to drop. “All I saw was two glowing eyes looking at me,” Henderson told The County Times. The two men quickly scrounged a boat, got on board and had to break ice to get over to the trapped Ripkin Raley said Henderson had him hold his legs so he could lean out of the boat far enough to grab Ripkin and pull him free at last. “He risked his life to save my dog,” Raley said. Four members of the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department came to render aid to Ripkin, Henderson said: Bruce and Lori Raley and Ray Mercure and his 15-year-old son Tyler Mercure.
I Thursday, December 27, 2018
February
Charlotte Hall Veterans Home
In February hopes grew for a new medical clinic for veterans living locally, though it would take months for the final contract award for its construction Then Calvert Commissioner President Evan Slaugenhoupt, who was also the chair of the Tri-County Council’s Veterans Regional Advisory Committee told the gathered Tri-County Council meeting in Annapolis that the U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) had been expected to award the contract in December. “We even had a press release ready,” Slaugenhoupt said. “We’re still expecting it to be awarded at any moment.” Slaugenhoupt said a disagreement between the VA and the builder ensued over the cost of rent for the new facility. A Community Based Opportunity Clinic (CBOC) is currently operating at the Charlotte Hall facility but it is surplus space there that even the management has said is not adequate for the needs of veterans seeking medical care. The CBOC is an important facility for the region’s large veteran population as it allows them to get medical care without traveling long distance to either Washington, D.C. or Baltimore. Initial plans for the CBOC would be approved at the county’s planning commission, to be situated across from the veterans home in close proximity. At St. Mary’s College the campus was rocked briefly when four basket ball players who had matriculated there were charged with armed robbery and assault when they allegedly broke into the dormitory room of a marijuana dealer and threatened him with a gun and stole drugs and money.
March In March St. Mary’s County wept. On March 20 a teenage gunman and student at Great Mills High School brought a handgun to school and shot Jaelynn Willy to death, wounding another student in the process before turning the gun on himself. As he did the school’s resource officer arrived on the scene and fired just as the shooter appeared to try to take his own life. The massive response to the school shooting at Great Mills High School brought out the best from
The County Times
Feature
15
law enforcement, emergency tion Center, was medical personnel and the coma project worth munity at large, during one of supporting but the worst tragedies ever experithe financial picenced here, said Sheriff Timothy ture just was not K. Cameron. right for the Uni“It was a tremendous response versity System of from police, fire and rescue,” Maryland. Cameron said, noting that ofThe system is ficers responded from all over slated to run the Southern Maryland, even from autonomous sysPrince George’s County. tems-focused fa“We had a uniformed Prince cility; it also was George’s sheriff’s deputy on to take over the scene, I think he actually lives governance at the here,” Cameron said. “He saw higher education what was going on and just center but that efStudents consoled each other after Great Mills pitched in. fort has also been shootings “We needed everyone we put on hold. had.” “We’ll certainly Cameron said law officers continue to concooperated from all levels, fedsider it again this eral, state and local. next fiscal year,” “There was an immediate inMiller told The tegration of all law enforcement assets,” he said. “At County Times. “It’s a worthy project [the third buildone point I stepped back and watched amazing work ing] and it needs to happen.” being done.” But before the building can begin construction, Cameron praised the quick, potentially life-saving the university system must address is own budget response of the school resource officer, Dfc. Blaine problems, Miller said, as well as enrollments in key Gaskill, who confronted the shooter, 17-year-old Aus- majors. tin Wyatt Rollins, within seconds. “There’s a decline in enrollment at the engineering The following weeks the community rallied around school,” Miller said, citing a recent report from the Willy’s family and each other to cope with the after- Department of Legislative Services recommending math, calling for greater school security and mental pulling the $28.4 million to begin construction. health services for all county residents, especially The senate pulled the funding during the session young people. and it will likely stay out until the next year’s session. The tragedy continued the following week when The lack of a signed memorandum of understanding a house fire in Loveville killed two small children; (MOU) between the higher education center board of there were no smoke detectors in the house. governors and the university system about how the The children who died were two and three years merger would progress also scuttled the effort this old. year, Miller said. Life went on St. Mary’s and the political season Cost overcontinued to heat up; the county commissioners awarded the contract to build the much anticipated new Leonardtown Library/Garvey Senior Center Project and approved an increase to the impact fee for newly built homes. Gov. Larry Hogan, on a visit to Southern Maryland, quipped that then Sen. Steve Waugh would not remain in office for long. “Many of his Republican colleagues are upset with him,” Hogan said. “I don’t think the Republican Senate Caucus is interested in him returning.” Hogan said Waugh was the only GOP senator to vote to override his veto of the college application criminal history bill. “Anyone who votes like that is probably going to have trouble getting reelected.” Sen. J.B. Jennings, the Senate Minority Leader from Baltimore, refuted the governor’s claims. “Sen. Waugh is a member of the caucus in good mas V. “Mike” Miller standing,” Jennings told The County Times. “He’s a Senate President Tho vital part of it. “I look forward to helping him with his reelection.”
April The legislative session in Annapolis was winding down and it appeared as though a much sought after capital project, the autonomous and unmanned research building at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, was not to be. At least not yet. Sen. President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller had said that the proposed research facility, known as the third building, at the Southern Maryland Higher Educa-
runs also contributed to the issue, he said. “These things need to be tied down,” Miller said. “It started as a $15 million project and now it’s up to $76 million. Spring time also meant baseball and the local Little League teams geared up to celebrate the 50th anniversary of youth baseball in St. Mary’s. “We teach the fundamentals of baseball but it’s also
ert
16
The County Times
Feature
to learn about community and leadership,” said Bart Ludlow, president of St. Mary’s Little League, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Every young person, from the ages of 4 through 16 years old, takes a little league pledge, Ludlow said. “They pledge to trust in God and love their country,” Ludlow said. “And they pledge to, win or lose, always do their best.” Ludlow’s son, 11-year-old Ryan Ludlow, has been playing for the past four years and is a dedicated member of the local Cleveland Indians baseball team. He liked the fact that Little League helps forge team work. “I like supporting them throughout the season,” Ryan Ludlow said. The league also makes sure that talent is spread out among the age groups so one team does not become too dominant. “One of the best things about little league is that they organize groups of ages so you’re not playing someone who’s really good and then someone who just got started,” Ryan said. His sister Ashley, 9, was right along side her brother but she plays on a different field. She was fond of wearing her face protector throughout practice. “I like softball,” Ashley said. “My favorite thing is making friends with my team mates and going over our mistakes so you know what you can do next time. “I like to make new friends.”
Payne’s and many other Caps fans’ loyalty was rewarded as the Caps won their first Stanley Cup and received a hero’s welcome in the District. The political season continued in Leonardtown as town elections brought in an almost entirely new set of town commissioners. Mary Slade, a small business owner, got the highest number of votes with 200 cast in her favor followed by Christy Sterling-Hollander who earned 153 votes. Sterling-Hollander serves as the chief engineer for
Counting votes in Leonardtown
May On the national stage the Washington Capitals hockey team was deep into a battle with the Las Vegas Knights for the Stanley Cup. The Capitals had never won a hockey championship but they looked to break the curse of Washington, D.C. sports teams. Super fans like Jack Payne, a former sheriff’s office deputy and now teacher at James A. Forrest Technology and Career Center for the criminal justice program, waited with anticipation for a final victory. “It’s soul crushing,’ Payne said of being a Caps fan. “They’ve been around for 45 years and I’ve been a fan for 40 years, since I was 14. “This is only the second time they’ve been to the playoffs in that time.”
County Times
301-373-4125 • WWW.COUNTYTIMES.NET
fight back. In June the county received consultation from lawyers who wanted to sue the pharmaceutical industry on their and other jurisdiction’s behalf to seek damages for the harm caused by the rapid addiction to synthetic opioids. Later that summer the county commissioners agreed to retain their services and sue for damages. Jonathan Novak, a Maryland-based attorney who used to prosecute cases for the Drug Enforcement Administration, said that recent changes in law make it easier for drug companies to skirt punishments if they distribute too many opioids to communities. He used to prosecute cases that got $80 million settlements that also shut down opioid distributions by big companies, but that has now changed. All these companies now must do, according to Novak, is create a remediation plan and write a letter of apology. “$80 million isn’t much for a company that makes $190 billion a year,” Novak said. “This is why the DEA isn’t doing anything to stop this.” Novak said his team would not accept a settlement from pharmaceutical companies unless the county commissioners agreed with it, that it was commensurate with the money and resources spent to combat the epidemic locally. Commissioner Tom Jarboe was impressed with Novak’s plan to sue; if the county did seek remedy in the courts he wanted to use any awards solely for drug abatement and treatment. “The sense I was getting is there are enough votes to pursue it litigiously and I think we should,” Jarboe said.
the Metropolitan Commission and also serves on the town’s planning and zoning commission. Tyler Alt, a senior logistician who serves as an alternate on the zoning board of appeals for Leonardtown, was the third highest vote winner with 136 ballots in his favor.
June As the county continued to struggle with its portion of the opioid crisis, it began to strategize on how to
Wishing our readers a happy & healthy New Year! St. Mary’ s
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Proud to be your local newspaper
d.
An emu was on the lam in Hollywoo
On the lighter side of events, an escaped emu, a giant flightless bird native to Australia, was wandering around Hollywood for days when The County Times happened to come upon it on Vista Road and call in its location to county animal control authorities. Officials said they had received multiple sighting reports of the bird but its movements kept it out of their reach for a time. It was eventually returned to its owner. guyleonard@countytimes.net
Letters to the Editor
The County Times
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Thanks From Leonardtown To the Editor: On behalf of the Commissioners of Leonardtown, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the participants and the generous sponsors and contributors who helped make Christmas on the Square and Annual Tree Lighting on Friday, November 23, 2018 in Leonardtown Square, such a wonderful event. Thanks to the generous sponsors and contributors noted below, the event was free and open to the public and the majority of the exciting activities were included at no cost. It is estimated that 9,000-10,000 people of all ages attended the familyfriendly event and enjoyed the live entertainment, rides, face painting, living nativity, food and much more! Highlights of the evening were the horse and carriage rides provided by Suttler Post Farms, Firetruck, sleigh and train rides provided by the Leonardtown Fire Department, story time, cookies and entertainment in Mrs. Claus tent, which included balloon art, face painting and face tattoos courtesy of Kreative Kharacters, and a special Make and Take Craft courtesy of St. Mary’s College of Maryland community art students who donated their time and love to create the craft with seniors at Cedar Lane Senior Living Community with guidance and assistance from Wine & Design, and CP Art Studio, and of course Santa’s arrival and the lighting of the Town Christmas Tree! Thank you again to everyone who at-
tended the event and the kind supporters below who helped make the day possible: Sponsors: WKIK Radio Broadcast and Live Radio Remote sponsored by: Boothe’s Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing; Financial and In-Kind Sponsors: Marrick Homes, Winegardner Automotive, Quality Built Homes, PJ’s Towing & Recovery, College of Southern Maryland, Southern Maryland Publishing, SOMD This is Living, SMECO, The Printing Press, Ace Hardware, Bay Country, Benny Knott & AB&H Excavating, Olde Town Pub, and Horse & Carriage rides sponsored by: Burris’ Olde Towne Insurance, Funded in part by a grant from the St. Mary’s County Arts Council’s Community Arts Development Grant Program and the Maryland State Arts Council. Contributors and Supporters: Mock Mattingly, Mickie Suite, Bethany Yeh, Michelle Gordon, Wayne Mast & Suttler Post Farms, Cindy Nicolaou & Milford Meadow Farms, Tommy Bowles, Frank Trossbach, Carter’s Bus Service, SMC States Attorney’s Office, Jimmy Herbert & SMECO, Howard Thompson, Tom Orzechowski & Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Casey Hoy & Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Papa John’s Pizza, College of Southern Maryland, St. Mary’s Ryken High School, St. Mary’s County Public Schools, St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic Church, Mattingly Gardner Funeral Home, Donnie Burch, Burch Oil Company, & Tri County Rent-A-
Sell it - Buy it at Real Estate │ Business & Inventory │ Personal Property/Estates │ Farm Equipment & Machinery │ Livestock │ Storage Units │ Benefits/Fundraisers Personal Property Appraiser EXCITING FUN │ ● Certified FAST ● EFFICIENT ●
EXCITING We will be assisting at the
William “Hoof” Mattingly Estate Auction Saturday – Dec. 29th – 9 am 37915 Lockes Crossing Road Mechanicsville, MD Farm Equipment, Heavy Equipment, John Deere Combines, Tractors, Trucks, Trailers, Shop Equip. & More Go to www.CochranAuctions.com for more info. Farm Fresh Winter Meat Auction Saturday – January 19th – 3:30 pm Russell Brothers’ Farm 25111 Colton Point Rd – Morganza, MD Steaks – Roasts – Hamburger – Bacon Sausage – Ham – Scrapple & More If you have real estate, equipment, surplus inventory, vehicles and other quality consignments, give us a call as we are now scheduling auctions for 2019!
A Southern Maryland Professional Auction Company www.FarrellAuctionService.com 301.904.3402
Tent, ACE Hardware, Daniel Goode & Bay Country, Alaina B. Kissinger & Kreative Kharacters, Community Art Students from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Beverley Stickles & Residents from Cedar Lane Senior Living Community, Veronica Jordan & Wine & Design, Carrie Patterson & CP Art Studio, Leonardtown Church of the Nazarene, St. Michael’s School, Nell Elder, Joi Lowe, Caitlin Wakefield & St. Mary’s County Arts Council, Piney Point Elementary School, St. Peter Claver Dance Ministry, Chopticon High School Peace Pipers, Bella Music School Belcanto Strings, Gracie’s Guys & Gals Dance Studio Show Troupe, Boot Scooters, Danin’s Showbiz Boutique, T&T Street Sweeping and Porto-let, Affordable Refuse Trash Services, St. Mary’s Rod & Classic Car Club, Southern Maryland Corvette Car Club, Southern Knights Rod & Custom Car Club, Trophies by Design, St. Mary’s County Library, The Printing Press, McKay’s Grocery, The County Times Newspapers, The Enterprise
17
Newspapers, Aram Nersesian & Panoplanning, Ron Bailey Photography, Ron Ciecka and James Hobbs, our Sound Technicians, Dillon Bishop and The Stuckert Family. Special thanks to the cooperative efforts of Town officials, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Mary’s County Emergency Management Division, Maryland State Police, St. Mary’s County Fire and Rescue Chiefs, the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department & Auxiliary, Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad & Auxiliary, Leonardtown Merchants and Businesses, Leonardtown Business Association, Leonardtown’s Mayor Dan Burris, Commissioners and Staff, All of our Performers, Volunteers, Participants & Vendors! Brandy Blackstone Public Relations & Events Coordinator Commissioners of Leonardtown
PET FOOD DRIVE DEC 1 - DEC 31
All Donations will go to Animal Relief Fund Drop Off Canned or Dry Dog & Cat Food at our Hollywood Location and you will receive a $5 OFF coupon valid for any full groom or bath plus an additional coupon to give to a family member or friend.
301-769-2363 25741 Three Notch Rd. • Hollywood MD
Pet
OF THE WEEK
MEET FRECKLES
Looking to start the New Year with a WONDERFUL NEW ADDITION to your active family? Hi, Freckles is my name and having fun is my game! I’m a BEAUTIFUL 1/12 year old male Pointer mix. Pointers are FUN LOVING, INTELLIGENT, LOYAL and CLEAN. We LOVE CHILDREN and are PATIENT, FRIENDLY and AFFECTIONATE. We have boundless energy and love jogging, biking and hiking. So if you have a fast paced family, I am the perfect dog for you! I aim to please and will be a quick learner! I love, love, love to be active! So if you’re looking for a happy fellow who will enjoy your active lifestyle then you can BE MY MIRACLE!
PLEASE CHOOSE ME! And remember, if there is room in the heart, there is room in the house! Come meet me and the wonderful gang at Tri-County Animal Shelter (6707 Animal Shelter Road, Hughesville) or call 301-932-1713 for more information. To see more of my amazing friends available for adoption, “like” us on Facebook @ Tri-County Animal Shelter Southern MD.
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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.
David Edward Altvater
David Edward Altvater, 66 of Mechanicsville, MD passed away at his home in Mechanicsville, MD on December 18, 2018. David was born to the late Milburn Edward Altvater and Anna Mae Brown on April 25, 1952 in Cheverly, MD. David enjoyed cross-
word puzzles; daily devotionals; working around the house; birds, being a Redskin fan; spending time with family; taking walks and car rides with his dogs, Rudy; appreciating the fall leaves, snow and everything Christmas and camping. David worked as a Program Analyst for the Federal Census until his retirement in 2007. David is survived by his loving wife, Darlene Michelle Altvater of Mechanicsville, MD; his mother Anna Mae Brown Altvater of Linden, VA; his sons, Ryan of Raleigh, NC, Brandon of Baltimore, MD and his daughter, Michelle of Leonardtown, MD and two grandchildren. Family received friends for David’s Life Celebration Visitation on Saturday, December 22nd from 10am to 11am at The Brinsfield Funeral Home, 30195 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622. A funeral service was held at 11am in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Alden Laird officiating. Interment will follow at Charles Memorial Gardens, 26325 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Memorial donations may be made in David’s name to: Care Net Pregnancy Center of Southern Maryland, 25482
Remembering our loved ones this Christmas Caring for the Past Planning for the Future Traditional Funerals, Cremation Services, Memorial Services, Direct Burials, Pre-Need Services and Commitment Through After Care.
The Brinsfield Funeral Homes is owned and operated by the Brinsfield family And like any good friend, we understand the importance of providing a comforting hand in a time of grief. We recognize that every individual and family we serve has lived a life that is uniquely their own. We take the time to learn about their lives and help them plan a funeral or memorial service that reflects the lifestyle and final wishes of their loved one. FAMILY-OWNED & OPERATED
www.brinsfieldfuneral.com Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. 30195 Three Notch Road Charlotte Hall, Maryland 20650 (301) 472-4400 Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. 22955 Hollywood Road Leonardtown, Maryland 20650 (301) 475-5588
Thursday, December 27, 2018
In Remembrance
Point Lookout Road, suite 201A, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangement by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, Charlotte Hall, MD.
Dorothy Elizabeth Purcell
Dorothy Elizabeth Purcell, 91, passed away peacefully at her home in Lexington Park, MD on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 2, 1927 in Leonardtown, MD to the late Herbert Joseph and Elizabeth Burch Higgs. Dorothy was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County. Her family was her greatest love and she enjoyed spending time with all of them. She loved dancing, cooking, and baking. She enjoyed spending time outside feeding the birds and squirrels and having picnics with her great grandchildren. She was quite the fashionista and enjoyed shopping, especially buying new shoes. She was a devoted Catholic and prayed the rosary every day. She was a life time member of St. George Catholic Church, Valley Lee, MD. Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Diane Flanagin and Jean Babcock, both of Lexington Park, MD; her siblings, Betty Unkle of Clements, MD and Francis Higgs of Callaway, MD,; her five grandchildren: George Hibbs (Ann Margaret) of Newtown, PA; Donna Lacey (Joe) of Hollywood, MD, Kristin Hibbs of Lexington Park, MD, Debbie Stone (J.F.) of Callaway, MD, and Phil Connelly of Great Mills, MD; her eleven great grandchildren: Lauren Boron (Stan) of Hollywood, MD, Arianna Tiger of Lexington Park, MD, Britney Walter (Kyle) of Hollywood, MD, Taylor Connelly of Leonardtown, MD, Alayah Hibbs of Lexington Park, MD, Dominic Connelly of Lexington Park, MD, Christian Taylor of Lexington Park, MD, George Jr, Margaret, Katharine, and Daniel Hibbs all of Newtown, PA, and, and her seven great-great grand-
children: Tyler and Lily Boron of Hollywood (MD), Joshua and Drake Gordon of Lexington Park (MD), Gracelyn and Mason Clements of Leonardtown (MD), Camden Walter of Hollywood, MD and many extended family and friends. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husbands, Eugene Michael Purcell and James Lampkin; her daughter, Pamela Sue Hoff, and her siblings: Audrey Cusic, Gladys Knott, and Herbert Higgs. Family received friends on Saturday, December 22, 2018 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Reverend Paul Nguyen at 10:00 a.m. at St. George’s Catholic Church, 19199 St. George’s Church Road, Valley Lee, MD 20692. Interment will follow in the Church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were be: George Hibbs, Phil Connelly, Dominic Connelly, Joe Lacey, JF Stone, Stan Boron, and Kyle Walter. Condolences to the family may be made at http://www.brinsfieldfuneral. com Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.
Pamela Jean Crawford
Pamela Jean Crawford, 62, of Lexington Park, MD passed away December 21, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 7, 1956 in New Castle, PA to Betty Pander Bonanni of Estreo, FL and the late John Bonanni. Pam was a loving mother and grandmother. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and she enjoyed spending her time with them. She is survived by her mother, Betty Bonanni of Estero, FL; her daughters, Heather Sites (Matthew) of Chambersburg, PA and Christina Connerty (Zachary) of Woodlawn, TN; her siblings: Butch Bonanni (Laura) of Shippensburg, PA, Linda Walker (Samuel) of Es-
Thursday, December 27, 2018
tero, FL, and John Bonanni (Francie) of Jackson Center, PA; her grandchildren: Noah Barnhart, Mackenzie Sites and Eden Sites; her loving companion, David Crawford of Lexington Park, MD; and many extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her father and younger brother David Bonanni. All services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Condolences to the family may be made at http://www.brinsfieldfuneral. com Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.
Tippett, Michael Case and King Norris. Honorary pallbearers will be: Robert Case and Travis Case.
Ellis Eugene “Sonny” Tolbert
Kenneth “Kenny” Leon Smythers
Kenneth “Kenny” Leon Smythers, 62 of Hollywood, MD passed away on December 15, 2018 at his residence. Born October 9, 1956 in Leonardtown, MD, he was the son of the late Ethel Irene Smythers and Vivian Leon Smythers. Kenny is survived by his son Kenneth Michael Smythers of Hollywood, MD, granddaughter: Lilly Smythers, siblings: Caroline Bowen of Lusby, MD Richard Smythers of Hollywood, MD, many nieces nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother: Robert Allen Smythers. Kenny was the owner of Ken’s Construction, retiring in 2005. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM in the MattingleyGardiner Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, December 27, 2018 at 10:00AM in the Funeral home chapel with Bishop William McClean officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be: James Bowen, Billy Bowen, Pat Goldsborough, James
Obituaries
The County Times
Ellis Eugene “Sonny” Tolbert, 81, of Chaptico, MD passed away after a long illness on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at Taylor Farms in Bushwood, MD surrounded by his loving family. A small private memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Last Chance Animal Resue, 8500 Bensville Road, Waldorf, MD 20601; St Mary’s Animal Welfare League, P.O. Box 1232, Leonardtown, MD 20650 or AMVETS, http://amvets. org. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.
olic Church, Hollywood, MD. He is also survived by his children: Barbara (Dennis) Hengenmihle of Cobb Island, MD, Patrick Cooper of California, MD, Kathy (Don) Sheehan of Leonardtown, MD and Joseph (Joyce) Cooper of Silver Spring, MD, his brother: Wayne King of FL, 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Earl King of OR. Joe graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in 1955, St. Mary’s College of Maryland in 1964 with an Associate’s Degree and the University of Maryland in 1967 earning a Bachelor’s Degree. He moved to St. Mary’s County in 1950 from Washington, DC. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 until 1962 and his duty station was at the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River. Joe was an Electronics Technician for 30 years with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division retiring on April 3, 1992. Joe was a lifetime member and held various leadership positions with the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department, Southern Maryland Firemen’s Association, and the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. He was selected to the
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Maryland State Firemen’s Association Hall of Fame in 2002. He was a past president of the Jaycee’s, and a life time member of the National Rifle Association. He and his wife enjoyed traveling in their RV, riding his motorcycles and playing with his huskies, (Mikki, Nikko and Nikki). The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 27, 2018 in the Bay District Fire Department from 5:00PM to 8:00PM with prayers recited at 7:00PM a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 28, 2018 at 10:00AM in St. John’s Catholic Church with Father David Beaubien officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Freddie Bailey, Tony Matthews, Dean Cooper, Scotty Nelson, Mike Mattingly and Larry Miedzinski. Honorary pallbearers will be: Lisa Marshburn, Jessica Nelson, Jessica Priola, Kelly Darrell, Amy Matthews, Shannon Davison, Donnie Sheehan, Blake Cooper, Logan Cooper and Ava Cooper. Contributions may be made to the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 1440, California, MD 20619
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Joseph “Joe” Arthur Cooper, 81 of California, MD passed away on December 22, 2018 at his residence. Born March 18, 1937 in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Joseph Cooper and Helen Peters King and Rupert King. Joe was the loving husband Jean Cooper of California, MD who he married on September 8, 1956 in St. John’s Cath-
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Calendars
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Community ONGOING
Calendar
Christmas Doll & Train Exhibit St. Clément’s Island Museum Daily 12:00–4:00 PM through January 6 An exhibit of unique antique and collectible dolls, trains and toys at this festive holiday display. $3 adults, $2 seniors and military, $1.50 children. 5 and under free. Holiday Display Piney Point Lighthouse Museum Daily 12:00–4:00 PM through January 6 This year’s theme is “Reading Lights the Way.” Visitors view Lighthouse Digest cover exhibit, Flying Santa exhibit, and a number of other exhibits. $7 adults, $3.50 seniors, students and military. Children 5 and under free. Garden In Lights Annmarie Sculpture Garden, Dowell Rd., Solomons Nightly 6:00-9:00 PM through January 1 A magical holiday light experience that takes visitors on a beautiful walk through the glittering woods. $7 ages 3 and up. Under 2 are free. No smoking. No vaping. Pet Night, Jan. 1. Detailed schedule: www.annmariegarden.org.
UPCOMING Class Reunion Chopticon High School Class of 1969 is planning its 50th class reunion for the fall 2019. Members and teachers of this class are requested to contact us
Stop by the County Times today to pick up your
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To submit your event listing to go in our Community Calendar, please email timescalendar@countytimes.net with the listing details by 12 p.m. on the Monday prior to our Thursday publication.
to update contact information. Sarah Blackistone Richardson, 240-925-1119, TheMightySBR@msn.com. Norwood Graves, 301-848-9525, Saramy1@verizon.net.
Friday, December 28 New Year’s With the Lighthouse Keeper Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Take a step back in time and visit Mrs. Goeshy, the keeper’s wife at the Drum Point Lighthouse. Play period games and help decorate the lighthouse for the New Year! Check the daily events schedule at the museum desk for special tour times. Free with museum admission. 410-3262042. Calvertmarinemuseum.com Elks Texas Hold’em Tournament St Mary’s County Elks Lodge, 45779 Fire Department Lane, Lexington Park 6:00 PM $60 Buy-in = 7,000 chips. Optional $5 add-on =1,000 chips Food and drink for purchase. James Dean 240-577-0828. Email: jdeanjunior@yahoo.com Celebrate Recovery 45020 Patuxent Beach Rd, California 7:30 - 9:30 PM A Christian-based 12-step program for ages 18 and up struggling with absolutely any hurt, hang-up or habit. Email: OFHCR4U@gmail.com for more info.
2019
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Saturday, December 29 Bingo Every Saturday Mother Catherine Academy, 33883 Chaptico Road 6:30 PM Doors open 5:00. $10 includes one regular book. $50 Early Birds. Concessions. 301884-3165. Visit: www.mothercatherine. org for Jackpot and Moneyball update.
Sunday, December 30
Family Game Night Annmarie Garden, Dowell Road, Solomons 6:00 – 9:00 PM Enjoy a variety of family-friendly games! Included with price of light show admission. 410-326-4640. www.annmariegarden.org
Turkey Shoot New Year’s Eve Bingo Moose Lodge, Mechanicsville Mother Catherine Academy, 33883 12:00 – 4:00 PM Chaptico Road, Mechanicsville Sign up at noon; first 6:30 PM round goes off at 1:00. Guaranteed $2019 jack pot. Envelopes Shoot for money and prizes. Jimmy with money inside or a free admission. Suite, 240-417-5767. Receive a laminated tote with a velcro
Monday, December 31 New Year’s Eve Members Only on New Year’s Eve Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM The museum is open exclusively for CMM members. 410-326-2042. Calvertmarinemuseum.com Members Only NOON Year’s Eve Party Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM In the Harms Gallery! Make a party hat, New Year’s Wish Ornament, and join the dance party with our otter mascot. Toast in the NOON Year with sparkling ginger ale and fishy snacks when
closure and rope handle. $20 reserves a seat. Info and reservations call 240538-5244. No free passes chicken dinner $6.00
New Year’s Eve Dance 2nd District, Company 6 aka Valley Lee VFD & RS 45245 Drayden Road 9:00 PM – 1:30 AM Music by: “BAR DOGS.” Hors d’oeuvres and midnight breakfast. Cash bar, door prizes and $50/50 raffle. $35/ person in advance; $45/person at the door. Must be 21 and older to attend. Info and tickets contact: Dee Dee J.— 240-561-2750. Georgia W.—301-3129176. Cathy C.—301-904-3854. Hosted by 2nd District VFD&RS to benefit new building.
Tuesday, January 1 New Year’s Day
Scenic
Southern Maryland
Pet Night @ Garden In Lights! Annmarie Garden, Dowell Road, Solomons 6:00 – 9:00 PM Bring your well-behaved pet for the last night of our holiday light show! Must be on a leash 6’ or shorter. Special organizations and vendors will be joining us for the evening! 410-326-4640. www.annmariegarden.org
Thursday, January 3
free 2019 Calendar
the ball drops at high noon. Family program for ages 4 and older. The museum is closed to the public. 410-326-2042. Calvertmarinemuseum.com
American Legion Post 221 Meeting 21690 Colton Point Road, Avenue 8:00 - 9:00 PM All active duty personnel and veterans are invited to join us the monthly meeting. www.alpost221.webs.com or e-mail us at alpost221@aol.com. Call (301) 884-4071 Photo submitted by Keith Burke
County Times St. Mary’s County l Calvert County
43251 RESCUE LANE • HOLLYWOOD • MD 20636
Calendars
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Thursday, December 27, 2018
St. Mary’s Department of Aging
Programs and Activities
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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
Free Enhance Fitness in January
Take advantage of Enhance Fitness during the month of January when it is offered free of charge at all three Senior Activity Centers! Enhance Fitness helps older adults at all levels of fitness become more active, energized, and empowered to sustain independent lives. In a typical class, participants will experience: - A certified instructor with special training in bringing out the physical best from older adults - A warm-up to get the blood flowing to the muscles - A low-impact aerobics workout that gets participants moving - A strength training workout with soft ankle and wrist weights - A stretching workout to keep the muscles flexible
Make-up with Therese: A New Year, A New You
Let’s ring in the New Year with a makeup session! Mary Kay expert Therese Simons will be here at the Garvey Senior Activity Center on Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 10 a.m. to show you what colors work best for you and the proper technique to apply makeup to enhance your best features. We will have a delicious selection of breakfast pastries, non-alcoholic mimosas and coffee from the local coffee house. Space is limited so be sure to sign up early! Cost for the class will be $5. Payment is due at the time of sign up. For more information please call 301-475-4200, ext. 71050.
Video to be shown at Loffler
The documentary He named me Malala will be shown at the Loffler Senior Activity Center on Wednesday, Jan. 9, at 10 a.m. This video shows an intimate portrait of Malala Yousafzai, who was wounded when Taliban gunmen opened fire on her in Pakistan’s Swat Valley. The shooting of the then fifteen-year-old teenager sparked international media outrage. An educational activist in Pakistan, Yousafzai has since emerged as a leading campaigner for the rights of children worldwide and in December 2014, became the youngestever Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. Register to see this video by calling 301-475-4200, ext. 71658, or stop by the reception desk to sign up. 88 Minutes. Free.
Health Watch presentation at Loffler
Linda Weintraub will present Assessing Your Mental Health as part of Loffler’s monthly Health Watch Program on Thursday, Jan. 10 at 10 a.m. When asked how you are feeling, it’s not always easy to truthfully answer this seemingly simple question! Nevertheless, we would benefit from taking stock of what’s going on in our lives and ascertain just how we are doing. Call 301-475-4200, ext. 71658, or stop by the reception desk to sign up for this free presentation.
Personal Security & You
are about to be arrested, or similar type calls? Is your email cluttered with notices from banks telling you that you owe them money or that your account has been compromised and to “click this link” to reset your account? What about when you go to the grocery store or have to go out at night: ever been frightened by the circumstances you found yourself in? Join us for a presentation by Harold “Harry” Tafe, a retired police detective and international banking security expert to discuss these and other related security subjects at the Garvey Senior Activity Center on Friday, Jan. 11, at 10 a.m. Mr. Tafe has a very unique style of presentation where he involves his audience in addressing their concerns. This will be time well spent. Advance registration required. Call 301475-4200, ext. 71050 to register.
R&B Line Dancing at Northern
For the first time at the Northern Senior Activity Center, welcome Marie Bond and Catherine Bush for their first session of R&B Line Dancing on Fridays, Jan. 11-Feb. 22 from 1-2 p.m. These ladies will guide you step-by-step as you learn some of today’s trendiest line dances; including dances such as the Cupid Shuffle and the Wobble. Payment of $12 for 6 classes/$2 per class is made directly to instructors the day of class. To sign up for this 6 session class in advance, please visit the signup table or call 301-475-4200, ext. 73103.
Are you being flooded with phone calls telling you the IRS is coming for you, you
Art On Your Own Terms
Noon Year’s Eve Parties
Leonardtown Library will hold a Noon Year’s Eve Party on Friday, December 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and Lexington Park Library will hold a Noon Year’s Eve Party on Monday, December 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All the fun of a new year’s party for our young friends with early bed times! Count down to a happy NOON year with songs, crafts, and awesome activities. No registration required.
Library Holiday Closings
All three locations of the St. Mary’s County Library will be closing early at 5 p.m. on Monday, December 31 and remain closed on Tuesday, January 1. All locations will be open for regular business hours on Wednesday, January 2.
Lexington Park Library will hold Art on Your Own Terms on Monday, January 7 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Dark, winter months got you feeling down? Come brighten your day with a little ‘art therapy’, and use creativity as your outlet for stress! Experiment with a variety of art supplies, and make a project to take home. Materials provided. Ages 18 and up. No registration required.
Healthy Cooking with Chef Gayle
Leonardtown Library will hold Healthy Cooking with Chef Gayle on Wednesday, January 9 from 12 – 1 p.m. Chef Gayle Owens of Catering 2 You, will demonstrate healthy cooking with farmers’ market produce. Cooking samples will be enjoyed by all. Learn new techniques for healthy, inexpensive and easy meals. Registration required on www.stmalib. org.
Completing the FAFSA Form
Leonardtown Library will hold two sessions of Completing the FAFSA Form on Wednesday, January 9, the first from 5 – 6 p.m., and the second from 6 – 7 p.m. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form is the first step toward get-
Beginner’s Piano/Keyboard class coming up
Dr. Robert L. Jefferson, the author of the “How to Play Gospel” book series and a leading expert on teaching gospel music (Check out his website at Jeffersonprsents. com) will again offer beginner piano/keyboard classes at the Loffler Senior Activity Center starting Tuesday Jan. 15 and continuing through Feb. 19. The cost for the lessons is $100 for 6 sessions and includes instruction, texts and corresponding cd. Additionally you will need to invest in an inexpensive keyboard ($50-$100+ available at local stores and online.) Payment for the lessons can be made directly to Dr. Jefferson on the first day of class. Preregistration is required by Jan. 8. For questions or to sign up, call 301-475-4200, ext. 71658, or stop by the registration desk at Loffler.
Diabetes Self-Management
Living with diabetes is a full time job. The Garvey Senior Activity Center will offer a Diabetes Self-Management class on Tuesdays from Jan. 22-Feb. 26 at 1:304 p.m. The Diabetes Self-Management workshop gives attendees tools needed to take control of their disease. Topics covered include nutrition, stress management, medication management and many more! Space in the class is limited. Register by calling 301-475-4200, ext. 71050. There is no fee to attend; however, attendance at all six sessions is highly recommended.
ting 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.
Southern Maryland Math Circle
Lexington Park Library will hold Southern Maryland Math Circle on Saturday, January 12 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. The Southern Maryland Math Circle provides fun, fascinating math activities to middleand high-school students (and their families!) Run by the faculty at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, this monthly gathering is sure to inspire a love of mathematical exploration to everyone who comes. Snacks will be provided. No registration required.
State of the St. Mary’s County Library
The St. Mary’s County Library invites the public to a State of the St. Mary’s County Library presentation on Wednesday, January 16 from 6 – 7:45 p.m.
The County Times
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Thursday, December 27, 2018
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The County Times
Thursday, December 27, 2018
23
TAX DEDUCTIONS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS-PART 2 Many business owners entitled to tax deductions relating to their business fail to take them. The usual reason is failure by the business owner to document the deduction. With the New Year upon us, now is the time for business owners to maximize their deductions by setting up systems to track them. This is the second of two articles discussing tax deductions for business owners. Thank you to Joseph Bencivenga, CPA specializing in tax and accounting services for small businesses and individuals, from Annapolis, Maryland for his helpful comments on the article. What are the deductions available to business owners? Equipment and Furniture. Computers, printers, desks, other office equipment, all can be deducted by business owners. IRS Publication 587 sets for the procedures used to claim furniture and equipment including he “more than 50% use test”, depreciation and recordkeeping. Office Supplies. Yes, your business cards, printer inks, pens, envelopes and folders are deductible. So is the cost of setting up your website, maintaining your Linked-In or Facebook presence, etc. Your receipts for these purchases are all you need to maintain for backup. Fringe Benefits. Health insurance, dental insurance and related perks may be tax deductible. Health insurance expenses are 100% tax deductible, but are
not allowed if you were eligible for your spouse’s health plan. So, if you are a business owner with no other alternatives except to purchase your own health insurance, you can deduct 100% of the cost. Utility Costs. A cell phone or telephone used exclusively for your business is deductible. That includes buying a new cellphone or deducting your regular cellphone or landline bills. That’s an easy one. But, how about if you use the cell or landline for both personal and business purposes? Again, you can apportion the usage if you have some sort of backup. Let’s say you have dropped your landline (as many have) and now rely exclusively on your cellphone for business purposes, and you have a business card that recites your cellphone number. Hard to argue that the calls you make and receive on that cellphone are not business related. Travel Expenses: Travel expenses including airfare, hotel, train, bus, car rental, even tips to hotel people, are deductible so long as you have receipts for your expenditures. Remember that the costs of multiple trips to Maui for “business” purposes can only be deducted if you can prove the business purposes. Retirement Planning: Legal fees for business planning, retirement planning, business succession planning, and tax planning all can be deducted by the business owner if business related. If you fund your own retirement plan, those funds can be
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deducted. Educational Materials: Books, magazines, subscriptions to online services, costs of courses taken to improve your business skills, costs of seminars, webinars, etc. all can be deducted if they have an educational purpose. How to Document Your Business Expenses? Your best move is to keep a logbook. Keeping track of all your business expenses in one place makes the most sense. Absent that, try manila folders for each category of deductions—simply throw your receipts into the appropriate folder and tally up at tax time. Of course, there are also online programs to make your task easier. To find out more about deductions, check out the IRS website or any number of other online resources. Remember, if you own a business, you are entitled to take tax deductions related to that business. Make maximum use of these deductions by documenting them. Join me on January 16th at 11am for a free estate planning seminar at my office at 8906 Bay Avenue, North Beach, MD 20714. Just call 301-855-2246 to reserve a spot. The Law Office of Lynda J. Striegel is a law firm focused on estate planning and business law located in North Beach. Nothing in the foregoing represents legal or tax advice. Readers are urged to consult their own counsel.
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County Times St. Mary’s
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The County Times
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Thursday, December 27, 2018
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