MAY/JUNE 2021
SOUTHERNMARYLANDWOMAN.COM
ST. MARY’S COUNTY EDITION
NEW LOOK! STILL FREE!
HOPE & HEALING PSYCHOTHERAPY FOUNDER
BREAST HEALTH:
RESTAURATEUR
PAT BENJASAKUL ON CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF EZ THAI
KNOW YOUR RISK FACTORS
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5 SIGNS YOU MIGHT BE A DOORMAT
AND HOW TO FIX IT PHOTO BY BETH GRAEME PHOTOGRAPHY
MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital
We are now part of MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute. Our name has changed. The specialized care and dedication to your fight has not. MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital has joined MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute as its eighth location across the Baltimore/Washington region, providing local access to a range of specialty services close to home. As part of the Institute, MedStar St. Mary’s continues to offer outstanding care to patients treated for a wide variety of cancers with advanced access to the latest therapies, research, and clinical trials through a diverse group of renowned specialists.
We’re here to offer the latest treatments—and hope. Scan the QR code at right to learn more about MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute.
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Big changes are coming soon to MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center.
New emergency department and front entrance opening spring 2021 Our hospital is nearing the completion of our exciting expansion and renovation project—the largest in our more-than-40-year history. Once complete, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center will have a state-of-the-art emergency department (ED) to provide our community with the best care, as well as a beautiful, new front entrance. Here are some of the things you can look forward to: • A total of 40 ED treatment rooms— almost 50 percent more than before • 18,000 more square feet of space in the ED, for a total of 70,000 square feet • Designated space for behavioral health patients • A better waiting room • Easier access for EMS personnel • A separate area for patients who may have been exposed to pathogens • A new front entrance with a 24hour café for patients and visitors Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time of transformation.
Stay Up to Date! We look forward to sharing the renovation’s progress and completion with you! For more information and updates, follow us on social media, or visit MedStarSouthernMaryland.org/ Construction.
ON THE COVER MARYL THERN SOU
Charles Edition
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St. Mary’s Edition
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.COM OMAN ANDW
If you’re feeling ashamed, lost, afraid, or alone – help is just around the corner. Hope and Healing Psychotherapy is a local practice serving families and children touched by trauma. Read on to learn how their team of passionate experts can help you to cope and retrain your thought process. Flip to page 14.
NE Y/JU MA
MARYL THERN SOU
NEW ! LOOK STILL! FREE
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ST BREALTH: HEA YOUR OW ORS KN FACT RISK
HO HO R PSYCFOUNDE
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MARYL THERN SOU
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KUL PATENJASA st A I B 1 T H ANT R
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& Hope otherapy Psych
A Community Publication Proudly Inspiring, Educating & Connecting Southern Maryland Women Since 2007.
Publisher Oda Solms Editor Rachel Lytle
Calvert Edition
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1 NE 202 MAY/JU
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For women everywhere, maintaining overall wellness means keeping a close eye on breast health. University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Group — Breast Health can help you understand and reduce your risks of breast cancer. Get an added peace of mind by turning to page 10.
AU R E ST ert County in Ca
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PHOTO
OTO E PH AEM H GR BY BET
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Graphic Design Dave Schindler Dana Foody
From the moment she held her first job in America, Pat Benjasakul always had dreams of opening her own restaurant. This year, she celebrates her 10-year anniversary as EZ Thai owner and the first Thai restaurant in Calvert County. Go to page 27 to read her story.
Photography Beth Graeme Photography Distribution Christian Solms Carlisa Kent John Cook
IN THIS ISSUE 8 13 19 21 23 24 30
5 Signs You Might be a Doormat Oh Baby! Pregnancy and Dental Health
Every issue produced in loving memory of Melissa Solms-Baruth
SOUTHERN MARYLAND WOMAN MAGAZINE PO Box 1656,Leonardtown, MD 20650
Incapacity Planning: What You Need to Know The Short Years: A Parenting Column Macaroni Kid Celebrates Sweet, Sweet Summertime
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health&wellness By Deborah Duley, MSW, LMSW
Are You a Doormat? 5 Signs You Might Be I think most of us women struggle with this at some point in our lives. There are men that struggle with this too but since we only work with women, we’re talking to you! We’ve been taught our whole childhood that we have to be “good girls” or “nice.” How many times did we hear this growing up and STILL hear it? Ugh! Having this message as part of our emotional landscape will sometimes create a very compliant personality, which causes us to ignore our wants and needs, and to always please everyone around us. We might shrink at the hint of conflict or do everything we can to avoid an argument. So, what IS a doormat exactly? Other words you might have heard to describe this term might be “people pleaser, too Reopening for in-person sessions May 1
WHERE YOUR
story
IS OUR STORY! Empowered Connections is excited to announce their 2nd location, now in Dunkirk to offer more care and support for our community
nice, pushover, wussy” … you get the drift! Next, how do you know (or suspect) that you might be a doormat? Here are 5 signs that you could be one: If you feel resentment simmering beneath the surface during an activity or event that you agreed to do despite your inner voice telling you NO
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Feeling like you are always compromising in your relationships
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Always being the one who everyone expects will contribute to something, even without asking
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You always and immediately give in at the first sign of conflict
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WELCOMING NEW THERAPISTS Elizabeth Wilkinson, LCSW-C seeing girls 8 to 18 in Leonardtown Mindy Hill, LGPC Seeing girls & teen girls in Leonardtown
Specialized counseling services for women and girls starting at 8 years old
Schedule a session by calling 301-690-0779 Ext 700 or emailing us at hello@empoweredconnections.net 25482 Point Lookout Road | Suite 201A | Leonardtown, MD 2972 Penwick Lane | Suite 101 | Dunkirk, MD
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May/J u n e 2 02 1 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
Having a consistent and yucky feeling of never having your needs met or feelings heard
5
Now look, there’s nothing wrong with compromising and saying yes to something when you know it will make your partner, friend, or loved one happy. Do I always want to go look at wood shops with my husband? Not really, but I know he loves it and it is a small price for me to pay for his happiness. And he does the same for me. BUT, there is a fine line between compromise and doormat behavior. It comes down to the ALWAYS verses sometimes behavior. Do you always say yes even when you’re exhausted and want to say no? Then you may be a doormat. Do you always agree to do whatever your partner wants even though you’d much rather do something else and are afraid to speak up? Then you may be a doormat. Do you always suffer in silence at family events even though they know you hate board games/roast beef/ whatever it is, because you don’t
want to cause an issue? You might be a doormat, girl. So, how do you fix this? This is where we come in! Our new program Empowered Connections Coaching is a great space to look at this nasty little habit alongside your Empowerment Coach, to figure out why you do it and then to begin helping you change your behaviors that support this way of thinking. Essentially, we’ll teach you to give zero hoots about what everyone else around you thinks and does! You don’t have to stay a doormat – let us work with you in eradicating this annoying behavior. Why? Because you deserve to have your feelings and needs met. You deserve to have a life where you feel confident that others are not taking advantage of you! With this program, you will learn how to put yourself first (most of the time) and really feel good about the choices and decisions you make. Changing this behavior will literally change your life! Stay tuned for more information on our beta launch of EC Coaching in early summer 2021 at www.myeccoach.com. See you there!
If you need some extra support, we’ve got you! Schedule online easily at www.empoweredconnections.net Empowered Connections has provided therapy to hundreds of women over the years and we love it! Based on the growing need of empowered support and years of research, we have developed an empowerment coaching program designed specifically for the high achieving, high functioning woman that is feeling overwhelmed, not good enough, and/or is juggling multiple roles. The woman who wants to increase their self-esteem, grow their resilience, get clear on who they are as humans and finally leave all the crap behind, that no longer serves them. Our program is designed to figure out WHERE that comes from, WHY and HOW to change it. No need to relive painful memories or experiences like we do in the traditional therapy room. Boom! So empowering! Our coaches are mental health professionals that have been specially trained with our EC curriculum to deliver this content to you in a way that gets results and we’re so excited to offer this program alongside our traditional therapy services! Stay tuned for more information at www.empoweredconnectionscoaching.com.
Full-Spectrum Breast Cancer Services New Providers Offer Additional Support for Local Patients Breast cancer is an overwhelming diagnosis. To make things just a little bit easier for patients and survivors in Southern Maryland, local care is now possible. With a new Breast Surgeon and Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist at UM Charles Regional, our expert team is fully-equipped to provide quality care every step of the way. Explore our complete lineup of breast cancer services today.
UMCharlesRegional.org
UM Charles Regional Rehabilitation 5 North La Plata Court, Suite 102, La Plata, MD 20646 | 301-609-5494 Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
UM Charles Regional Medical Group – Breast Health 5 North La Plata Court, Suite 103, La Plata, MD 20646 | 301-609-6363 | Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Better Breast Health Through a Healthy Lifestyle THE IMPORTANCE OF LIMITING YOUR RISK FACTORS
For women everywhere, maintaining overall wellness means keeping a close eye on breast health. Understanding your breasts and what is normal is the first step. Regular self breast exams, often overlooked, are the single best tool you can use. In addition to monthly self breast exams, women can also help reduce their risks of breast cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, limiting alcohol consumption, and not smoking.
MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT
LIMIT ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
While it’s not fully understood why there is a connection between weight and breast cancer, we do know that women who are obese are more likely to develop breast cancer. It is believed that the production of estrogen after menopause is the primary issue. In addition, women with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher are more likely to have an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis.
Women should limit their alcohol consumption to just one drink per day, according to research. Even a modest increase to two drinks per day adds risk. The type of alcohol is not important. Rather, it is the quantity of alcoholic drinks that contributes to the elevated risk of breast cancer. A serving of an alcoholic drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1 ½ ounces of hard liquor.
EXERCISE REGULARLY According to research, women who are physically active are 25% less likely to develop breast cancer. Regular exercise boosts immune function, lowers levels of estrogen and insulin, and helps fight obesity. “Exercise is a powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer,” says Dr. Charity Dugan, breast surgeon and head of the UM Charles Regional Medical Group - Breast Health team. “In addition to lowering your risk for cancer, it can help if you are diagnosed, as well, because regular exercise boosts bone density, which is something that may be depleted during treatment.”
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STOP SMOKING Smoking is linked to an increased risk of a number of diseases, including breast cancer in premenopausal women. Smoking can also increase complications after surgery for breast cancer. Therefore it’s important that you not smoke. If you currently smoke, it is important that you quit. Both the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Society have smoking cessation programs that may help you quit if you currently smoke.
‘
BEAT BREAST CANCER Even if you follow all of the tips above, there is still a chance that you could receive a breast cancer diagnosis. In fact, 1 in 8 women (13%) will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. When women receive a breast cancer diagnosis, it can be overwhelming at first. The potential treatments, procedures, recovery, and more can all be intimidating. It’s likely they won’t even know where to start.
‘‘ ’’
We want to make it comfortable and convenient for the women in our community Dr. Charity Dugan recommends that you look for resources close to home, if possible. “From your breast surgeon, to rehabilitation and support groups, you will be spending a lot of time on this journey. Not having to spend hours in the car to go to appointments is not only a time saver but can help your mental health as well.” In Southern Maryland, we are fortunate to have all of those resources together. “We want to make it comfortable and convenient for the women in our community affected by breast cancer,” emphasizes Dr. Joseph Moser, Chief Medical Officer at University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center.
BREAST CANCER REHABILITATION IS ALSO RIGHT HERE With breast cancer, it’s critical to see experts in every phase of the journey. Recovery is actually most effective when started prior to treatment. A pre-surgery appointment allows the provider to take initial measurements that will be used for comparison during rehabilitation.
Added peace of mind for breast cancer survivors One of the primary areas of concern for breast cancer survivors is lymphedema, a common side effect of treatment. The new lymphedema therapist at UM Charles Regional specializes in upper extremity breast cancer rehabilitation. This makes seamless continuation of care easy and offers added peace of mind for breast cancer survivors as they navigate their recovery. To learn more about Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, visit UMCharlesRegional.org/Lymphedema.
To learn more about available Breast Health services, visit UMCharlesRegional.org/BreastHealth.
May/June 2021 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
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The Power of the Purse Reach over 35,000 local women readers with
S O UT H E R N MA RY LA N D
WOMAN
For more information on upcoming events or to register, visit the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce at
www.calvertchamber.org
upcoming
Events MAY 12
May Meeting Noon • Free for Chamber Members; $10 for Non-Members
MAY 20
Chamber Connect Hosted by No Thyme To Cook – 5 p.m. Free for Chamber Members; $10 for Non-Members
MAY 28
25th Annual Golf Classic 8 a.m. Registration / 9 a.m. Shotgun Start Chesapeake Hills Golf Course, Lusby, MD
MAY 28
3rd Annual Sip & Swing Presented By Exelon Generation – Calvert Cliffs • 10:30 a.m. Chesapeake Hills Golf Course, Lusby, MD
Email Oda@SouthernMarylandWoman.com or call 301.904.3366 for Media Kit & Rates.
health&wellness By Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Oh, Baby! Pregnancy and Dental Health Are you pregnant or planning Oral Health Problems for Mom During Pregnancy to become pregnant soon? During pregnancy, it is essential you don’t neglect your oral health. Pregnant women are much more prone to gum disease due to the hormonal fluctuations that take place during pregnancy. Those hormonal changes cause gum tissue to become inflamed, which allows dangerous bacteria to take hold. Forty percent of pregnant women have some form of periodontal bacteria that could be affecting their overall health and the health of their pregnancy. That number rises in women of color and women with less access to good quality dental care over their lifetime.
Oral health should be considered an important part of prenatal care. When periodontal conditions such as gingivitis and periodontal disease are present during pregnancy, they can lead to poor health outcomes for mom. Nearly 60 to 75% of pregnant women have gingivitis. This is an early stage of periodontal disease. The gums become red and swollen from inflammation that may be aggravated by changing hormones during pregnancy. If left untreated, the bone that supports the teeth can be lost, and the gums can become infected.
Teeth with little bone support can become loose and may eventually have to be extracted. Periodontitis has also been associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight. How periodontitis may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes is not yet fully understood, but researchers are working hard on this every day. How Oral Health Conditions Can Affect Your Baby
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The Academy of General Dentistry suggests a link between gingivitis and having a preterm or low-birthweight baby. If an expecting mother has gingivitis, it can cause bacteria to enter in the bloodstream and travel to the uterus. The bacteria themselves trigger chemicals that may induce early labor. Maintaining good oral health is important in combating problems during pregnancy and if it is discovered, can be managed with the help of your dentist. Without proper treatment, gingivitis can lead
to other health issues that not only affect you, but also your pregnancy. Keep yourself and your child safe by having a consultation with a periodontist before or during your pregnancy. We also recommend you bring your new baby to a pediatric dentist in their first year of life so they can teach you how to care for their mouth and gums, and also to get started on the path to a healthy dental life. Dr. Karl Smith has been in dental practice for more than 34 years. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1981. He retired from the US Air Force as a Lt. Col, in 1996. Dr. Smith has advanced education in the specialty of Periodontics with additional training in Sedation and Dental Implants. He is consistently voted TOP DENTIST by his peers and listed in several publications including Washingtonian Magazine.
May/June 2021 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
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Build
Start Healing.
Are you feeling ashamed, lost, afraid, alone? We sat down with the team at Hope and Healing Psychotherapy, a local practice serving families and children touched by trauma. Read on to meet the founder, St. Mary’s County native Jennifer Voorhaar, LCSW-C, and find out how the Hope and Healing team can help you retrain your thought process and learn skills for coping. PHOTOGRAPHY BY BETH GRAEME
hope Find Strength.
A CONVERSATION ON COPING WITH
HOPE AND HEALING PSYCHOTHERAPY Tell us about yourself and your background: Jennifer: I am a St. Mary’s County native and love the small-town family atmosphere of our community. I attended undergraduate school at Frostburg State where I pursued a degree in psychology with hopes of going into the field of forensics. As time went on, the path became a bit clearer and instead of chasing the offender I sought to help the survivor. I received a Master of Social Work degree from University of Maryland Baltimore – School of Social Work. What inspired you to start your practice?
Jennifer Voorhaar LCSW-C
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Jennifer: Over the course of my career, I have served survivors of trauma in varying capacities. In the most recent position I held, I was faced with supervising workers who struggled to connect our clients with providers trained in treating trauma. I decided instead of complaining about a problem I would create a solution.
Patti Raymond ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Alison Thir PSYD
You serve children and families touched by trauma; what other services does your team specialize in? Jennifer: Our providers have a vast array of experience, knowledge, and expertise. I personally enjoy blending faith-based ideals into wellness in heart, mind, and body. Anastasia has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety, depression, and difficulties navigating transitions in life. Meredith has experience in treating all different types of anxiety, from phobias and panic attacks to general anxiety, with all ages. Dr. Thir has experience working with children, adolescents, and their parents, as well as adults, with depression, anxiety, and other emotional/behavioral problems. Kristen has experience in working with teens and adults who are struggling to adjust to life’s challenges and with individuals impacted by depression and anxiety. And Megan has experience in helping adolescents navigate the many difficult transitions they go through. She can assist with multiple areas of significance to adolescents, including self-confidence, identity, body image, learning difficulties, communication difficulties, navigating peer and relationship difficulties, and supporting future aspirations/goals.
Anastasia Newberry LCSW-C
“One of the best ways to help someone you know may simply be to ask them how you can help and offer them a listening ear. This can help them recognize that they are not alone in their journey of healing.” What types of therapies are available? Jennifer: We provide services to individuals beginning with children as young as 4 years old. We also work with families and couples in navigating the complexities of relationships. We offer traditional talk therapy using cognitive behavioral techniques, play therapy, art therapy, evidenced based trauma modalities (cognitive process therapy post-traumatic stress disorder and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy), as well as faith-based counseling. What area of therapy are you most passionate about and why? Meredith: While I appreciate working with all types of people and their issues, I am most passionate about trauma-based therapy. The treatment is typically very
Meredith Drumm LCPC
structured, which helps because a lot of people like having something concrete to do with their therapy sessions. I have also found significant results when trauma treatment is completed: symptoms decrease dramatically, clarity overall is improved, and self-esteem and self-worth increase as a result. Often other symptoms that people do not think are related to their traumas go away or decrease as well. I often tell my clients if we treat the trauma first, there may not be much leftover to work on, which is a great thing. Your team offers therapy appointments outside of the office setting - tell us more about meeting patients where they are at: Anastasia: Sometimes sitting in an office, making direct eye contact with one another, can be very intimidating for some people. When you walk or jog next to each other, it allows for engagement without the pressure of looking at one another. Moving your body, being exposed to the fresh air, are both components to improving your mood. By offering a variety of clinical options, including walk and talk therapy, we allow the client to feel more comfortable in the clinical setting, and realize that therapy isn’t so scary.
“With the option for telehealth sessions, clients and clinicians have more flexibility in scheduling, and can find time to attend sessions regularly, without having to factor in travel time.” May/June 2021 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
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There are many different signs of mental health disorders many may or may not realize, and reactions can be as varied as the person experiencing them.
LCSW-C
What should someone do if they think their loved one needs help? Alison: The recognition and realization that a loved one may need help can be daunting and difficult. It is important to educate yourself on the resources in your area and to remain calm and considerate when you approach them of your concerns. Not everyone is able to recognize their problems. One of the best ways to help someone you know may be simply just by asking them how you can help and offer them a listening ear. This empowers them and by offering your support, it can help them recognize that they are not alone in their journey of healing. You can offer to help find the resources they need by searching for counselors and support groups in your area. You can refer them to crisis lines/text options (calling 211, texting 741741 or calling the local crisis center hotline number at 410-535-1121) and of course offer your number as a number to reach out as well. Of most importance, if you need help and feel that your loved one is at risk to harm themselves or others, please call 911. Tell us one piece of advice you would give to someone struggling right now who does not know what to do next? Kristen: Reach out for support! You are not alone in your struggle. Whether it means reaching out to a loved one or reaching out for therapeutic support, help
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is available. We know that taking that first step in asking for help can be extremely challenging at times, so when you ask for support, you should feel empowered about taking action toward change. The therapeutic setting is a judgement free and supportive environment, so no matter your challenge, concern, or struggle - you can feel comfortable knowing we are ready to help. What additional resources does Hope and Healing Psychotherapy offer? Jennifer: In additional to therapeutic services, we also offer social media content for quick reference and education purposes as well as a blog with helpful hints for living well. We are also excited to partner with a local faithbased wellness center, Four Wellness, LLC, in offering not only psychotherapy services but fitness and yoga classes, massage, acupuncture, nutrition coaching and information, bible studies and so much more! How has the past year dealing with the pandemic altered how you help your clients? Anastasia: The pandemic has allowed our practice to expand our virtual options and allowed us to get more creative with interventions. With the option for telehealth sessions, clients and clinicians have more flexibility in scheduling, and can find time to attend
LCSW-C
sessions regularly, without having to factor in travel time. Is there really hope for recovery? What does recovery look like? Meredith: Absolutely, there is always hope for recovery! So much of that depends on the person’s state of mind and confidence level, but I always believe that it is possible. Recovery is dependent on the person. What recovery looks like to me, may look very different to you. For most people, recovery looks like a significant decrease in the symptoms that first brought them to therapy – depressive thoughts, panic attacks, low self-esteem, problems with interpersonal relationships, etc. A very important part of recovery is acknowledging that symptoms may never go away completely, but your expectations around them have changed and you know how to cope with them better.
Coping Strategies to Last a Lifetime 41650 Courthouse Drive, Ste 301 Leonardtown, Maryland 20650 patti@hopehealingtherapy.com (301) 690-8404
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For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land. DEUTERONOMY 15:11
SIERRA CLUB MOTTO:
TO EXPLORE, ENJOY, AND PROTECT THE PLANET The Maryland Chapter of Sierra Club has more than 70,000 members and supporters and our local group in Southern Maryland always needs volunteers! Our organization is unique in that much of the work is done by volunteers, supported by a small number of paid staff for the whole state. We work together to protect the environment in Maryland, and we cannot do it without you. Please consider a gift of any size today.
“The Sierra Club Maryland Chapter is an inclusive and diverse organization that prioritizes both people and the planet. They have created a resilient community that is always looking for new ways to learn and grow, even during a pandemic. I will continue to support the Chapter; it is an honor to volunteer surrounded by so many powerful women.” - Ashley Cobaugh, volunteer social media coordinator
GO TO SIERRACLUB.ORG/MARYLAND TO JOIN, RENEW, DONATE, VOLUNTEER AND CHECK OUT YOUR LOCAL SOUTHERN MARYLAND GROUP!
finances By Stephanie Taubert
How to Put Your Home’s Equity to Work One of the best perks of being a homeowner is the ability to build equity over time. Home equity is the difference between how much you owe on your mortgage and how much your home is worth. As you make payments on your mortgage, your home’s current market value could be higher than what you owe on the mortgage. That dollar difference can be a great asset, helping you pay for life’s big expenses through a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). A HELOC is a line of credit secured by the home you own. It allows you to borrow money as needed up to an approved credit limit, much like a credit card. Many financial institutions have temporarily stopped accepting
HELOC applications due to high demand, but Cedar Point Federal Credit Union is still accepting applications! Whether you need funds to renovate your home, send your kids to college, pay off debt, or cover unexpected expenses, a HELOC is an excellent option for many homeowners.
A Home Equity Line of Credit allows you to borrow money as needed much like a credit card. Here are some more reasons why a HELOC from Cedar Point may be right for you:
Low Interest Rates With rates as low as 3.99% APR, you could save on interest expenses from high-rate credit cards or loans.
Return on Investment Using a HELOC to renovate your home? Investing in your home is a smart idea because it could possibly increase your home’s value, which could help your home sell more quickly and for more money.
Flexible Borrowing You can use as much or as little money as you need and only pay back what you use.
multiple payments to various lenders into one convenient payment per month.
Credit Score Boost Having high credit card balances relative to your limits can hurt your credit score. Reducing those balances by transferring that debt to a HELOC could improve your credit score over time.
The HELOC experts at Cedar Point are here to help. Call to speak with a Mortgage Service representative at 301-863-7071 or get started online at cpfcu.com/home-equity.
Quick and Easy With Cedar Point’s inhouse equity experts ready to assist you, estimates of what you qualify for can be determined in as little as one business day. Plus, their online application makes applying a breeze.
Streamlined Payment Using a HELOC to consolidate debt? Simplify your finances by consolidating
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Stephanie Taubert Dali is the Marketing Communications Specialist at Cedar Point Federal Credit Union. She has lived in Southern Maryland for most of her life, currently residing in St. Mary’s County. Stephanie is an active member of the Newtowne Players, a nonprofit theatre group in Lexington Park.
law By Attorney Laura Curry
Incapacity Planning When you think about protecting and providing for your loved ones, the possibility of your death is not the only reason to have an estate plan in place. What happens if you become incapacitated tomorrow? Do you have a plan in place that protects you and your loved ones for that potential scenario? If not, you should. Isn’t Incapacity Planning for the Elderly? When many people think of the possibility of becoming incapacitated, they think of someone who is in their retirement years suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. While dementia certainly does lead to incapacity, you do not have to be older nor suffering from dementia to be incapacitated.
On the contrary, you could become incapacitated at any age and for any reason. Consider the following facts and figures: • More than 1 in 4 of today’s 20-year-olds will become disabled before they retire • A typical 35-year-old has a 24 percent chance of becoming disabled for 3 months or longer during his or her working career. Moreover, that same worker has a 38 percent chance that the disability would last 5 years or longer, with the average disability for someone like him or her lasting 82 months. What Happens If You Do Become Incapacitated? While you can certainly
hope that you never suffer an incapacitating event, the reality is that a catastrophic car accident or a debilitating illness could render you incapacitated tomorrow. If that happens, are you prepared? Can you answer the following questions? • Who will make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot make them? • Who will take over control of your assets and property? • Who will handle paying your bills and monitor your finances? • Who will make personal decision for you such as where you will live? If you cannot answer these questions, you are not prepared, and you need to consider adding an incapacity planning component to your overall estate plan.
Who will make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot make them? What Is Incapacity Planning? A well-drafted and comprehensive estate plan should accomplish a wide range of inter-related goals. Creating a blueprint for the distribution of your estate assets when you are gone is just one of those goals. For many people, incapacity planning is an integral component in their overall estate plan. Consequently, estate planning lawyers can certainly help you create your incapacity plan. Exactly what you include in your incapacity plan will have to be decided during a consultation with your estate planning attorney; however, a popular incapacity
planning tool is a revocable living trust. As the creator of the trust, you name yourself as the Trustee, and create the trust terms. You also name the individual you wish to take over control of your assets in the event of your incapacity as the Successor Trustee. You then transfer major assets into the trust. In the event of your incapacity, the person you named as the Successor Trustee will take over your role as Trustee automatically. By doing so, he or she will also gain control over your most important estate assets. Whether you decide a revocable living trust is right for your plan or not, the important thing is to include an incapacity planning component in your estate plan. Laura T. Curry first became interested in estates and trusts when practicing as a family law attorney at the start of her career. It was quickly apparent to Laura that each family had their own dynamics which shaped their goals and desired outcome. She focuses her practice on estate planning, incapacity planning, and elder law issues. Laura was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 2009, and is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association. She is also a member of the Women’s Bar Association and a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. Laura is dedicated to educating the public on the estate planning choices they can make to provide both financial and emotional security for their families and loved ones. She is currently offering a popular Wills and Trusts seminar online so you can watch from the safety of your own home. To view the details and register for an upcoming webinar, please visit: www.spgasior.com/webinars
May/June 2021 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
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Enjoy SABRINA CABADA
SABRINA@SABRINACABADA.COM WWW.SABRINACABADA.COM | 703.629.5751
the
little things
THE
short YEARS
wickedGAMES BY MEGAN JOHNSON
I
t’s a family story shared so often, its exact details have long gone soft from handling. It’s also the basis for one of the earliest facts I accepted about myself — a characteristic as basic as, say, having brown eyes. My name is Megan. My singing is generously described as “off-key.” And I’m afraid of the Wicked Witch of the West. Desperate to contain a busy child circa 1988, my mother was flipping channels on our old box TV. She stumbled upon “The Wizard of Oz” in all its Technicolor glory and parked my curly-haired self in front of it. I’ve long constructed a mental scene of this particular morning, given I was too little to actually remember a thing. As I get older, I find myself examining it now through my mother’s eyes: her dashing back to the bedroom, relieved I was still watching “a children’s movie” and hadn’t swallowed any pennies. There I was: wide-eyed, openmouthed, rooted to the floor. And there was Dorothy, sucked into the twister with that terrifying, cycle-riding Miss Gulch. I was 3. When you talk about the creepiness of “The Wizard of Oz” (and I do, quite frequently), folks always jump to the flying monkeys. But day after day, week after week, it was only the “Wick-ah Witch” I spoke about — with such persistence and passion that my parents, somewhat understandably, came to confuse fear with love. “It was a classic!” Mom exclaims, still seeking absolution for this accidental crime. “I just needed a quick shower!” And that’s it, really: the lynchpin of this saga. The part I never understood until I, a new mother myself, was grappling for something — anything — to safely distract my young children and buy me 10 minutes of quiet. Months passed. Mom and Dad set up their video camera — heavier
If I’m not careful, I conjure a knobby green finger crooking into the threshold of our darkened bedroom. I squeeze my eyes shut, then try to picture kittens (I’m 35). Megan Johnson has never met a cupcake she didn’t like. Author of the long-running “Right, Meg?” column in Southern Maryland Newspapers, she is a 30-something coffee drinker, voracious reader, and editor-turnedcommunications professional. Megan lives with her husband and two children in Charles County. Follow her on Instagram at @writemeg.
than I was, no doubt — to record our Christmas morning, particularly my reaction to their big gift: a set of “Wizard of Oz” dolls, anchored by Dorothy in her trademark blue gingham. I tore into a final, separate package: a Wicked Witch doll with those beady, unseeing eyes (bone-chilling cackle not included). My little round face registers shock, then confusion . . . then betrayal. Thick, utter betrayal. The doll made its way around the house for a while, eventually settling onto an unassuming bookshelf with my parents’ DVD collection. Dad still texts me a photo every so often. Decades have passed. I’ve never watched the movie more than halfway through. And though I have no difficulty scaring myself with much more realistic “what-ifs” these days, that gnarly nosed witch still crops up in my nightmares. If I’m not careful, I conjure a knobby green finger crooking into the threshold of our darkened bedroom. I squeeze my eyes shut, then try to picture kittens (I’m 35). While I was once embarrassed by all this, I’ve come to see it as a quirky sidebar to my life story. We all have our things, don’t we? The flying monkeys, the crystal ball, the falling house – tornadoes. I now use my own fears to start conversations with my son and daughter — imparting, I hope, that parents are human, too. I’m not brave all the time. Not even half the time! And never, ever when green hands are involved. It’s true that the movie also shaped me in other ways. I realized my lifelong obsession with red shoes — even worn at my wedding — has probably been a subconscious longing for my own ruby slippers. See? Who said I need therapy! So, I might not have been able to move on, exactly, but I have grown to laugh at myself. To cackle, even. Just, you know . . . not around the kids. May/June 2021 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
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home care By Gene Wright
Why do Odorous Ants Love Your Southern Maryland Home? Are you noticing tiny ants around your Southern Maryland home? There is likely a reason they are sticking around. There are more than 13,000 ant species throughout the world, but none quite wrinkle the nose as much as odorous house ants. As the name suggests, these ants release a strange odor when they are crushed. The smell is often described as similar to blue cheese, rancid butter, or rotten coconuts. Do not let these ants rent out a room in your beautiful Southern Maryland home! Read this guide
to learn more about how to get rid of and prevent odorous ants.
How Do I Get Odorous Ants? Odorous house ants are native to the United States. They live in colonies of up to 100,000 ants. These ants are characterized by: • A size between 1/16” to 1/8” • Brown or black in color • A segmented, oval body shape • Six legs These ants eat dead insects, sugary sweets, and meats. You might find odorous ants around your home after a party. Leaving food out can attract these critters into your household.
These ants also make their homes in: • Exposed soil • Under stones • Logs • Mulch • Debris Odorous ants often target kitchen pantries, cupboards, and nest in wall and floor cracks. Make sure you are keeping these areas clean and crumb-free, otherwise, you are bound to find these ants in your Southern Maryland home.
How Serious Are They? Odorous house ants do not pose a threat to your health. However, they can contaminate the food or waste you leave around your house. They also stink when they are crushed. Odorous ants often invade kitchen storage areas, like your cupboards. This gives them the chance to ruin your food, which could cause frustration and wasted money. These pests also bite. While it will not cause much pain, it can become irritating.
How Do I Get Rid of Them?
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May/J u n e 2 02 1 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
Using “over the counter” liquid or aerosol insecticide my cause more of a problem than a solution for these ants. These products will kill the ants they touch but will often cause the main colony of ants to scatter and create new nests. The best way to get rid of odorous house ants is to call a professional. Specialists utilize productchemistries specific for these ants and can develop a custom plan to keep your home bug-free.
You can also prevent odorous house ants from crawling around your home in the future: 1. First, make sure you eliminate standing water around your home. Ants are attracted to moisture. Look for any puddles or leaking sources of water near your house. 2. Next, make sure to cut back any tree branches or plants that are near your home. Sometimes, ants use these branches to get inside. They might also use cracks or little openings to crawl into your home, so close those gaps! 3. Check that any firewood, yard debris or building materials near your home are stored away. Pests, including odorous house ants, build their nests in these materials. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, with these or other pests, we are here to help! Gene Wright is the president of Planet Friendly Pest Control, a locally owned and operated pest exterminator company focused on providing their clients with the very best in pest control, rodent extermination and termite control, while reducing the overall impact on the environment.
Celebrate SWEET, SWEET
Summer Time By Megan Allen
As spring comes to an end and summer makes its way to Southern Maryland, getting outside and exploring the area is the perfect activity before the hot summer days arrive. Checking out playgrounds, eating ice cream and preparing for summer camps is just the ticket for family fun in our area.
Camps
Playgrounds
Don’t forget to sign your kids up for summer camps. Signing up early is a smart way to plan ahead as many camps start in June and run all summer. Summer camps are a great way for your kids to try something new, nurture unique interests and meet new friends. Looking for a way to get your kids involved in an activity and learn about local history? Check out the St. Clement’s Island Museum Art Kids. This camp will allow your young artist, ages 7-17, to understand how art can impact a society in positive and impactful ways while learning to sketch, paint, draw and more. For more information and to register, visit St. Clement’s Island Museum’s Facebook page @SCIMuseum or call them at 301-761-2222.
One of our family favorite ways to burn energy is with a trip to a playground! St. Mary’s County has 16 public playgrounds and Calvert County has 11 public parks and recreation areas. Two of our favorite playgrounds are the Robert Miedzinski Community Park in Leonardtown and Cove Pointe Park in Lusby. Both parks are open from sunrise to sunset. Please note face coverings are required as well as social distancing if you and your family can’t maintain distance from others outside of your household. For the full list of playgrounds in our area, visit stmarysmd.com and calvertcountymd.gov.
Tasty Treats While we think ice cream is a good idea anytime during the year, the warmer weather has us craving it on a daily basis, especially since we stopped in at The Salted Scoop! This darling new ice cream shop is in Shepherd’s Old Field Market in Leonardtown. They have so many tasty flavors to choose from like Almond Joy, honey lavender, mint chip, green tea, chocolate marshmallow, and our personal favorite cotton candy. Can’t pick just one? Then order an ice cream flight, which lets you pick six different flavors to try. How cool is that? They also have sorbet, which makes for a great dairy free option. For hours and a list of their flavors, find them on social media @the_salted_scoop.
Looking for other tasty stops?
Check out Mrs. Moo’s Corner (@mrsmooscorner) in Prince Frederick, we love their funfetti cake batter specialty milkshakes. Another favorite is Heritage Chocolates (@heritagechocolates) in Leonardtown. Not only are they our favorite place to pick up handmade chocolates, but they also have amazing freshly made Gelato. Cone Island (@coneislandsolomons) on Solomon’s is also a favorite spot for us. The soft serve cones with sprinkles can brighten anyone’s day. Plus, its location on the boardwalk next to the playground makes it the perfect afternoon stop.
How will you be enjoying Southern Maryland’s last spring days? Macaroni Kid Calvert - St. Mary’s is a free weekly newsletter and website that focuses on fun family events and information in both Calvert and St. Mary’s County, Maryland. Visit us at https://calvert.macaronikid.com to subscribe and see events happening in our area.
May/June 2021 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
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finances By Carlisa Kent
Your Ideal Budget: Spend, Save, Give Remember getting an allowance, birthday money, babysitting money, or your first job? Do you wish – back then – that someone would have told you the importance of spending, saving, and giving? As a kid, we like to spend the money we get right away. When we are in the store with our mom, we know exactly what we are going to buy “now that we have our own money.” As an adult, investing seems to be the best place to put our money. Now, we are thinking seriously about retirement. But the market fluctuates; sometimes our investments
are high, other times it seems as though we are losing all our money. Just like the game of Monopoly, we buy Park Place, just so we have something to sell when our bank is low. But when we incorporate spending, saving, and giving into our monthly budget, it frees us to be responsible to pay the bills, prepare for future events, AND give us a little extra to give with our heart. My story is quite simple, but as I was doing it, I did not know how it would impact my future crisis. As a young kid around 11 or 12, I decided to take all the “change” I had and place it in a jar (most can relate). EVERY weekend, I emptied my pockets
Contact Me Today to Change Your Tomorrow Carlisa Kent | 240-528-1743 linktr.ee/Carlisacares Zoom Appointments Available
• Create a starter emergency fund • Pay off all debt • Save 3-6 months of household expenses • Invest 15% of your household income • Begin a college fund for kids CARLISA KENT Financial Coach • Pay off your home early
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May/J u n e 2 02 1 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
from babysitting and put that change away.
I was never told the value of investing.
When I started my first paying job, I leveled up. I took the “excess” from my paycheck and put that in a savings account. For example, if my paycheck was $431.25, I saved $31.25 from that check. This was in addition to continuing to put my pocket change away. As a mom, I set the example of giving every Sunday at church and to one charitable organization each year.
So where do we start? Right where we are.
Then my crisis hit. I was in a car accident. The doctors told my family they did not think I was going to make it. After 10 days out of surgery and an induced coma, the doctors told me I may not ever walk again. I had three kids at home, this was not ok. Six weeks after my accident, I still could not move my legs. My girls visited me and told me they were “paying the bills” with the change in my jars. Three months later when I finally went home in a wheelchair, I was faced with no job and no income. But I had my savings. My family lived two years on the little pocket change I saved and the “excess money” from paychecks I received over the years.
Make a plan today to start a budget. Add spending, saving, and giving to the budget. Remember, it is not a place we want to be, but sometimes the storm comes, and we need to be prepared. As a mom, a survivor, and yes… a financial coach, I am here to help you take those first baby steps. The storms may be raging all around us but let us plant a hedge of protection around our family. Contact me today and set up a time to go over your plan and how to best execute it. The best plans are the ones we put into motion. My calendar link can be found at https://linktr.ee/ Carlisacares. Carlisa Kent Ramsey Financial Coach. Helping Individual’s conquer their finances in a smart and sustainable way. Graduate of Trinity College, Washington DC. Mother of four. I have lived through a financial crisis and learned to save for my future before a crisis hit.
business By Tracie Daniels
How Transparency Can Lead to Equity In this time of uncertainty, we are certain about one thing – the impact of transparency in an organization. Research overwhelmingly suggests that transparency is a low impact way for leaders to make a significant impression on employees. In our current social justice climate, we see many examples of how positive changes can occur when leaders are willing to be transparent and own up to mistakes. From implementing new policing strategies, standing in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, exploring opportunities for reparations, to addressing the inequities
in our healthcare system – highlighted by the Covid-19 pandemic – it is clear equity is a result of transparency. How does that concept translate into the workplace?
Equity is made possible when leaders are willing to invite everyone in the conversation but also make them apart of the solution. Hearing perspectives from all sides can be an immensely powerful tool.
Transparency provides the opportunity for every employee to have access to information within an organization. A key strategy for improving transparency is effective communication. Many leaders are holding more employee town halls and providing more opportunities for employees to weigh in on how their organization can be improved. More leaders are willing to listen to their employees, not just collectively, but also individually. Valuing that individual perspective improves equity. We view equity as removing barriers to ensure that each employee has the necessary access needed to achieve their potential. Equity is made possible when leaders are willing to invite everyone in the conversation but also make them apart of the solution. Hearing perspectives from all sides can be an immensely powerful tool. Here are some examples of how leaders can increase transparency to directly impact equity:
1
Ask for input
Employees want to feel needed and giving them the opportunity to provide input into organizational decisions meets that need and builds trust.
2
Admit mistakes
While it can be difficult for leaders to admit that they were wrong, employees will view leaders as “human” and will develop more confidence in the leadership.
3
Give employees the “why”
Sometimes leaders may feel they do not need to explain their actions or decisions. However, when leaders provide the “why,” employees are more likely to buyin and respect their perspective. Improving transparency is not a difficult task. It requires commitment and humility, which most leaders possess because just like every other employee, they to want to do a good job. Take the first step today to increase transparency within your organization and I guarantee you that the rewards will far outweigh the risks. Tracie Daniels has more than 20 years of experience as a leader in the human capital management field. She has worked in various sectors including government, financial services, non-profit, telecommunications, and legal services. Mrs. Daniels has managed several high-profile projects including spearheading the education and awareness initiatives for the Obama Administration’s National Making Home Affordable Program of 2009 – 2015. Mrs. Daniels is the President of Synergy Consulting, a human capital management consulting firm, which specializes in strategic planning and executive management, diversity and inclusion, organizational assessment and design, performance management, and leadership development consulting. Mrs. Daniels holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in counseling. Mrs. Daniels has served as board member for several non-profit organizations.
May/June 2021 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
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FIRST THAI RESTAURANT IN CALVERT COUNTY
Story
A
STAFF/FOOD PHOTOS PROVIDED BY EZ THAI
ON
FOOD, FRIENDSHIP LOVE
&
I was born and grew up in Thailand. When I arrived in Maryland, I barely spoke any English at all and tried to get jobs everywhere,” she said, “But it is hard to get a job when you barely speak English.” Pat’s mother took her to her mother’s favorite restaurant in Fort Washington, Maryland. “I got to talk with the owner, and she gave me a huge opportunity to work at her restaurant. That meant a lot to a young, 19-year-old girl who was denied from every other place she went.”
PHOTO BY BETH GRAEME PHOTOGRAPHY
From the moment she held her first job in America, EZ Thai owner Pat Benjasakul always had dreams of opening her own restaurant.
“I wanted to share part of my culture, the foods of Thailand, with those in Southern Maryland.” The day Pat received that job, she made a promise to herself that when she is in the position to offer a similar opportunity, she will. “From a waitress with no experience, I grew to be a good server and my manager introduced me to all of her regular customers. I got to know all of them and felt the love from their eyes. I realized this place is not just a restaurant; this place created relationships between people, very strong relationships – like a family.” Not long after, Pat also made a goal of having her own place where she could share her experiences, her love, and her passion for the customers that come through her doors. “I also wanted to share part of my culture, the foods of Thailand, with those in Southern Maryland. I wanted people to understand the value of Thai food,” Pat said.
May/June 2021 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
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Delicious FOOD GREAT Prices QUALITY Ingredients It is not easy for a restaurant to cook with quality ingredients on a limited budget, but it can be done. “I believe customers deserve the best dishes. To me, this means I want to find them the best quality food with an affordable price that meets their expectations.” Pat wanted to create delicious meals costing between $11 to $15. “This is a continuous challenge for me. But when I make this happen, it means I can create more love and create more relationships with customers,” she said. Pat was only 22 when she opened her first restaurant. “Despite the small size, it was a lot of responsibly at such a young age,” she recalls. Luckily, she had her family’s support since the beginning. “I began with a 900 squarefoot buffet-style restaurant in King George County, Virginia. Two years later, a friend called me and invited me to check out EZ Thai’s current space that had been vacant for years in Calvert County. At the time, I knew nothing about Calvert, but I seized the opportunity.”
28
Pat soon realized the people in Southern Maryland were looking for a place to get authentic Thai food because there were no Thai restaurants here yet. “This excited me. So, I decided to immediately sell my small restaurant in King George and started a new journey in Maryland,” Pat said. On May 5, 2011, Pat and her two friends established the first Thai restaurant in Calvert County, EZ THAI. “We all shared the same dream; to open a Thai restaurant and introduce more people to the Thai cuisine.” The first few years brought their crazy dreams to reality. “It gave us the opportunity to meet people that wanted to try Thai food, which was so important to us,” she said. “We spent valuable time together – made many mistakes, learned everything from
Thai food does not have to be spicy as many people may think and it is mostly served with rice or noodles.
May/J u n e 2 02 1 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
scratch, and had many successes.” Though the trio has since parted ways, leaving Pat the sole owner, their legacy lives on in the success of the restaurant. “They showed me full support as I was the one who always came up with crazy ideas and these two always supported my ideas!” Pat said. “Though their goals in life changed, I would never be where I am without their support.”
Q&A
PAT BENJASAKUL WITH
What do you find most rewarding and satisfying about owning your restaurant? The biggest reward is the feedback I get from my customers. I always want to deliver the best customer service, quality products with affordable prices, and my customers talk about my restaurant the exact way I originally set it out be. Our reviews bring me confirmation that I am doing what I set out to do. How have you managed during the pandemic? To be honest, it was super hard. The fear and concern in people’s eyes told me how serious the pandemic was, as well as the sad news from media. I still remember the first two weeks; my sales were nearly at 20 percent, so few cars were out on Route 4, and the parking lots were empty. I started seeing many businesses shutting down. I gave myself one day to worry about this pandemic and then I started asking: What can I do for myself, for my family, for my employees, my customers, and my community? I started taking action by first understanding all the CDC and health department guidelines. Secondly, I made sure to keep myself and my team healthy. And third, I worked on providing the restaurant with the supplies, all the sanitizers, and anything that our business needed to keep our doors open. My goal was to keep all of my employees, if they choose to be with me. My staff is my asset, not a liability. My suppliers’ prices went up to the highest prices that we have ever experienced, but I knew this was not the time to increase the price for the customers. And then I focused on contact-free deliveries. Over the past year, we have created many delivery friends from the pandemic. This situation taught me to think clearly, put together an action
OWNER OF EZ THAI RESTAURANT
plan and support my community. We are now stronger than ever! Why do your customers keep coming back? Our customers keep coming back because we over-deliver. I think of our customers as our friends and treat them the same way I treat my staff and my family. For someone unfamiliar with Thai cuisine, how would you describe it? Fresh and flavorful, that’s Thai. Thai food does not have to be spicy as many people may think and it is mostly served with rice or noodles. With Thai, you find super flavorful dishes with fresh vegetables and other ingredients. Of course, the best way to become familiar is to come on over and try it out! Ninety-nine percent of our firsttime customers had never tried Thai food before, and most of them turn out to be our newest friends and family. What is your most popular dish? The most popular dishes for us are pad Thai and drunken noodle. Drunken noodle is for people who enjoy a little spice and love noodles. The flavor of the fresh garlic and chili peppers impress many of our customers. For people who love this flavor but don’t want any noodles, we offer Ka Prao fried rice, also known as basil fried rice. If you love rice but want more sauce, then we offer a different dish called Pad Ka Prao or spicy basil, fresh vegetables sautéed with your favorite choice of meat and served with steamed jasmine rice. I can go on and on about my menu – I can always be reached on our restaurant social media accounts and my staff is more than happy to recommend a good dish to start with. What do you recommend from your menu to those who have never experienced Thai food before? A few things. If you
Tell us about your food truck: This was one of my crazy ideas! I just wanted to reach new people who had never tried our food. I also wanted EZ THAI to be mobile, so I can go anywhere, and to be part of the action; part of the fun. My goal is to cook food around happy people. This is why our tagline is “WE SERVE HAPPINESS.”
What is your favorite Thai dish? I can eat Pad Ka Prao every day. love curry, the curry menu is a MUST. Pad Nam Prik Pao is also a perfect dish for customers who love lots of fresh vegetables – something flavorful but not too spicy. It is a little combination of everything you could imagine. We hear you are celebrating 10 years in 2021! What is next for EZ THAI? That is right! On May 5, 2021, we will have been in business for 10 years. What’s next? Going back to my original goal of creating strong relationships with customers, I’ve had many customers tell me they need to be on gluten free diets, slow down on carbs, or want vegan foods. I want to be able to take care of all of these requests. So far, we have mastered gluten free foods; we use those fresh vegetables, gluten free soy sauce and sauté with our magic wok. On top of that, I want my products to be in people’s pantries. I want EZ THAI to offer the products for people to cook or prep their meals at home. I want to be able to share the cooking experience with customers who are willing to learn to cook Thai food, so that they can cook for their families at home. Our friends can stay tuned for upcoming products! Note: Responses edited for clarity
Visit EZ THAI today! Dine in, order food online for takeout & delivery
120 Solomons Island Road S., Prince Frederick, MD
ezthairestaurant.net (443) 975-7477 @ezthairestaurant
May/June 2021 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
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pa ion profile ENVIRONMENTALIST
MELISSA TOWLES AND FOUNDER OF CLEAN IT UP SOMD
ON YOUR PASSION: I’ve had a love for animals starting at a young age; after being exposed to a lot of reptiles and amphibians as a child, my personal family pets, to watching countless episodes of the Irwins and Jeff Corwin on TV. These were the very first moments that inspired me. I’ve always wanted to make a difference for animals and people alike. I spent several years working at a local veterinary hospital, where I loved my hands-on experience getting to work with the animals. I spent some time working as a State Park Naturalist, which was my first exposure to working with the community in public outreach, educating about the local environment and the wildlife surrounding. I also spent several years working at the National Aquarium. I am slated to earn my Master’s in Environmental Management in 2022. My goal as an environmentalist is to help make Earth a better place for people and animals. I believe we are all connected and need to support one another to help each other survive. I believe no person or effort is too small to make a difference. I’m hosting cleanups to make our community look and feel great. With this initiative I’d also really like to help people think of the bigger picture and make the connection between pollution/litter and our daily choices. Are we buying products we can use for 5 minutes or 5 years? What happens to a product after it’s fulfilled its use? When we are done with it, we may throw it away, but it doesn’t just disappear. It will probably live on the planet for another 50 to 100 years, end up on the side of
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Sometimes, after a successful cleanup of an area, I go back and notice trash there again just days later, sometimes more than before. It can be very frustrating and discouraging, but I do my best to remember the important benefits we’ve provided and just keep going.
the road, be eaten by an animal, or live at a landfill (if it makes it there). These are the kinds of things going through my head each time I see litter on the side of the road. ON YOUR MOTIVATION: I kept noticing trash in some of my favorite places in the community and I was tired of feeling like I couldn’t do anything about it. I started to notice it every time I would get in the car and drive somewhere: trash on the side of the road, in that tree, all around the parking lots. I knew I wanted to get it cleaned up, but I wasn’t going to be able to do it all by myself. I wanted to allow other people to get involved, and I’ve never really seen cleanup events take place in our area other than individuals. I was motivated to fill that void in our community, so I just started inviting people on Facebook, and Clean It Up SOMD was born.
I am Melissa Towles. I am a wife, and a mom of 2. I work full time and I’m a full-time grad student studying environmental management. I love animals, science, fishing, camping, and long naps on the beach. I want to show my kids they can do anything in life that they want to do, and this motivates me to work hard in everything I do. I started Clean It Up SOMD in February of this year as a fun little side gig and I look forward to seeing where it goes!
ON LAUNCHING A MOVEMENT: The experience of seeing people show up to a voluntary event that I’ve hosted to clean up other people’s trash... it’s so rewarding. I love being able to connect with like-minded people who have the same beliefs and wants for our community as I do. People who show up to these events are the do-ers, you know? We’re all really busy with families, school, work, etc. To see people who want to spend their spare time helping this cause is a special feeling. I’ve had people stop their cars and thank me on the side of the road… those are the moments that keep me going and remind me of the big picture that I get to be a part of. One of the struggles is the beast that we’re up against, which is trash: litter, debris, junk, plastic bags, food containers, straws, cups, bottles, etc. Trash is a huge problem. It’s neverending, and I mean that literally. Sometimes, after a successful cleanup of an area, I go back and notice trash there again just days later, sometimes more than before. It can be very frustrating and discouraging, but I do my best to remember the important benefits we’ve provided and just keep going.
Follow the Clean it Up SOMD Journey: @cleanitupsomd Contact: trashfreesomd@gmail.com
ON LESSONS LEARNED & ADVICE TO OTHERS: Just take the first step. Start. Forget about all those negative voices in your head that are asking you “but what if…” and making excuses. We all have those thoughts of failure, but they’re just noise. Those thoughts often stop us in our tracks before we even begin. If you want it bad enough, you will find
the time. People are out there who will support you. It’s just up to you to find them and the only way to do that is to get started. Also, don’t wait to perfect all the little details before you start. You’ll have time to grow and learn along the way. That first step is the hardest, but also the most important. Once you take it, the hard part is over.
Debris, junk, plastic bags, food containers, straws, cups, bottles, etc. Trash is a huge problem. It’s never-ending, and I mean that literally.”
ON WHAT’S NEXT? I started this initiative in February 2021 so Clean it Up SOMD is very new. I’m excited to get the word out and get as many people involved as possible. The more who show up, the more successful the organized trash and recycling cleanups will be. I encourage others to just show up to the events, even if you can’t stay long. If you show up and only pick up
one piece of litter, you’ve still made a difference and helped the mission. All of our upcoming events can be found on our Facebook and Instagram pages. The community is always welcome to suggest locations that may benefit from a community cleanup. I review all of the submissions before scheduling to ensure they’re plausible and safe for volunteers. May/June 2021 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com
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