145 Waldorf, MD
Index
Encroachment A-2
See Fatal Accident page A- was killed April 4 in an automobile accident on Sunnyside Road in Clements.
Civic Group Continues Fight With County, Developer Over Myrtle Point
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The Potomac River Association is going head-to-head with the county government and a local developer in Circuit Court next month over their claim that the county ignored its own zoning law to allow houses to be built on lots in Myrtle Point. The court case marks the latest round in a battle that goes back to last year in which civic activists sought to stop housing developments they say cause soil erosion in critical watershed areas thus damaging the environment. The county doesnt seem to have a high priority for saving the creeks [at Myrtle Point], said Erik Jansson, president of the Potomac River Association [PRA]. Somethings got to give here. The countys basically decided to violate the law on behalf of a developer. At the core of the associations argument, according to papers filed at the Circuit Court, is that the county Department of Public Works and Transportation erroneously issued grading permits to developer P.F. Summers Myrtle Point LLC to build homes on six lots out of a total of 55 that had slopes with a greater than 15 percent grade. The county Board of Appeals disagreed, court papers stated, and upheld the decision of the department to issue the permits in June of 2006. Their interpretation stated that the law allows the county to issue such permits if See Myrtle Point page A-3
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Commissioners review plans for a text amendment to the countys comprehensive zoning ordiance at Tuesdays meeting.
the Navy since the AICUZ, said Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly Sr. (D- Leonardtown). Some underestimate the commitment that has been made Its been 25 years in the making. By direction of the commissioners, the text amendment would exclude the 702 dwelling units currently spread out over the 1100 acres of APZ zone two. All residents with dwelling units that currently exist, or are vacant, but recorded, would still be allowed to make changes to their properties. The intent of the commissioners back on Feb. 13 was to be sensitive to existing residences that might be altered, improved or replaced,
said Canavan. The main thrust is to reduce the likelihood of new residences in APZ-2. However, sound-reducing measures must accompany all new construction in APZ-2. With the addition of the Joint Strike Fighter to Pax River in the comming months, and growing operations, Canavan said the there will be a greater noise impact on surrounding communities - more so than in the 1970s when the airport installation compatible use zones (AICUZ) were first implemented. Canavan added that thicker windows, and other vesting management practices could be used to reduce interior noise levied by the base.
While the text amendment for APZ-2 is not part of the Cooperation Agreement between the commissioners and Pax River, both have had continuing dialogs in the past months to draft the document, which according to Canavan should be signed later this month in front of House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer and Marylands Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown. The six terms and conditions outlined in the document include twice yearly meetings between the county and the Navy, a Navy technical advisor to review all development proposals in the vicinity of Pax River and Webster Field, a collaboration on efforts to inform county residents on
encroachment threats, a collaboration on analyses and data collection, an agreement to protect from encroachment threats beyond the county, and a continuing of work to identify easements or other mechanisms to ensure protection of Webster Field. County Administrator John Savich called the document an opportunity for some partnership to be defined and finalized. They know we have to protect the outside of that gate so the Navy can do their mission, said Commissioner Daniel H. Raley (D- Great Mills). I know this board is committed, but we are going to do it procedurally the right way.
One point of contention Tuesday was a plan for a 58 dwelling unit subdivision on 34 acres inside the APZ-2 zone. The subdivision, Essex Woods South, received preliminary plan approval, according to Canavan, however it could be stopped if the commissioners pass a text amendment without a specific exemption. If that were to happen before the subdivision receives its building permits, or digs its footings, the development would not be allowed to proceed in its proposed location. The Commissioners did not say Tuesday what their plans for Essex Woods South would be.
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Section A -
number of its own bills pass both chambers by the end of the session. A bill to increase the maximum fine on illegal alcohol sales to $1,000 unanimously passed the House and Senate. A bill authorizing the St. Marys Board of County Commissioners to transfer property no longer needed for a public purpose with or without consideration to any private nonprofit organization in the county, or to the county Housing Authority, also unanimously passed both floors. Further, a bill exempting any county properties that were deeded before Jan. 1, 1994, and improved with a residence before Jan. 1, 2007, from specified subdivision regulations for purposes of constructing additions to the residence or accessory buildings, unanimously passed both chambers.
Annapolis Buzz
Legislative Wrap-Up
By Adam Ross Staff Writer As the Maryland General Assembly wrapped up its 90-day legislative session late Monday evening, leaders in the Senate and the House of Delegates pushed forward a number of looming issues only none of them addressed their fundamental divides. Issues such as immigration and the abolition of the death penalty made little headway in the closing hours of the 423rd legislative session. Neither the slot bill, the green fund bill nor the bill to expand health care to low-income workers and children made it to the floor of the Senate. Both chambers did approve Gov. Martin OMalleys $30 billion budget plan, but did so with no clear indication of how OMalley will close a $1.5 billion gap between revenues and expenditures that will likely be revisited next year. The House voted 133-5 in favor of OMalleys budget, and the Senate did as well with a 40-7 vote. The budget plan gives OMalley nearly all of the money he requested for stem cell research, higher education
Myrtle Point
Continued from page A-1 30 percent of the land of the overall parcel or lot is less than 15 percent grade. The county attorney, Christy Holt Chesser, in court papers, said the PRA has ignored the full meaning of the law to suit its own agenda. You have to view the ordinance as a whole, Chesser said. The board [of Appeals] felt the director [of DPW&T] made the right decision, that it was a reasonable decision. Christopher Longmore, the attorney for the developer, supports the countys interpretation of the zoning ordinance. The petitioners have picked one isolated subsection of the ordinance as the sole support of their arguments in this appeal, Longmore wrote. The PRA, the county and the developer will have their day in court to hash out the law May 25. Jansson and the associations legal counsel acknowledge that the time may be past to do anything about the construction at Myrtle Point because the work on the lots under dispute is already underway. But, they say, the important thing is to prove a point. If things stay as they are there is no steep slopes law, said PRA attorney Douglas Hollman who has represented the civic group in the past. You can just build where you want by claiming you can push dirt around to make steep slopes go away. Hollman said that while the outcome of the case would be critical to ensuring that land with erosion-prone soil would be protected from too much development, there was no guarantee of victory. We believe theyve misinterpreted the steep slopes law; it looks black and white to us, Hollman said. But judges always disappoint somebody. Someone always wins and someone always loses. The residents who live in Myrtle Point say that their community has already suffered from the development. They claim that the project has contributed to massive amounts of soil erosion that threatens to clog up waterways and degrade the wildlife habitat. Kellie Gofus, who lives on Cove Manor Road in Myrtle Point, said that since the development began, the waters around her development have become muddier, especially when it rains or high tide comes in. When [the soil at Myrtle
On May 3, 2007 The County Times will publish a special pull-out section to honor Mothers Day! We would like you to write to us in 50 words or less, why your mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, etc. are so special to you. Deadline for copy is April 19th.
Mail To: 4251 Rescue Lane, P.O. Box 250 Hollywood, Maryland 2066 Or Email To: eileenmcdonald@countytimes.net
this with a four-wheeler or that and he would say The hell I cant. Hed find a way to make it happen. Lee Payne, of Mechanicsville, said he knew Bacon only one year on the job but they became good friends because of their shared love of off road riding. I only knew him about a year, but after we met the next thing we were riding four wheelers. Bacon was especially skilled at popping wheelies on his four-wheeler, Payne said. He was a good guy, Payne said. A real good guy. Ellie said that Bacons interests also went to the backwoods where he loved to shoot and hunt. He loved to shoot guns; he had a whole arsenal at his house, Ellie said of his friend. He was a die hard country boy. Harris remembered someone who was quiet but extremely friendly, who could make acquaintances right on the spot. If you met him and you didnt like him then you werent worth liking yourself, Harris said. Services for Kenneth Bacon will be held this Saturday at Sacred Hearth Catholic Church in Bushwood at 10 a.m. More information about the funeral arrangements are available on-line at www.mattingleygardiner.com.
Point] is dry its like talcum powder and when its wet its like yogurt. It just washes Continued from page A-1 away, Gofus said. Breaking up the trees and brush [to someone who loved his own make way for development] and others children deeply. makes for more erosion. Bacon leaves behind a Residents there are also wife and two children. He is worried that continued devel- survived by Debra Jean Lathopment will make the erosion roum-Bacon, whom he marproblems worse. ried in 2005, his seven-month P.F. Summers LLC has old daughter Kennedy Reyne come to the county with a plan and step-daughter Kylie Bryto build more homes in the anna Duncan, according to Myrtle Point community in information from the family two more phases. The plan is obituary. only in the preliminary stages When he found out he and has not been approved by was going to be a father he the county government. was ecstatic, Susan Bacon Alan Schick, Gofus said. And he was so wonderneighbor, said on some days ful with his step-daughter. in the past two years since the She recounted a story in development had begun there, which her son bought his 7that he has not been able to year-old step daughter a minlower his boat launch all the iature toy four-wheeler she way into the creek behind his could drive herself. house because of the silt that He would run behind her has washed down from the holding a tether line attached development. to the motor, Susan Bacon He said he praised the said, that would shut it off if developers efforts to control she drove to fast and broke the the soil erosion while work connection. continued but that it was not She just looked so cute enough. her little pink helmet, SuNothing they do besides san Bacon said. She used to not developing [the site] is drive it around right here in going to stop it eroding and my yard. flowing down into the creek, Bacon worked at DLC Shick said. Fabricators in Hollywood Calls relayed to the devel- making countertops, his cooper through Longmore went workers said. unanswered. They mourned his death but also remembered a friend, patriot and fearless country boy. He worked hard everyday, said Justin Ellie of
Kenneth Bacon
Clements, who remembered growing up with Bacon who was born in Virginia but moved to St. Marys County in 1987 and eventually graduated from Chopticon High School. He was a really good father to his kids. His friends said Bacon joined the U.S. Army just two weeks after his high school graduation in 2001 and served in several stations across the country before going to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Bacon was assigned to the 103rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division and drove a HUMVEE from Kuwait to the Baghdad Airport in March of 2003 to take control of it. The day we crossed the line, he crossed the line, said Jesse Harris, a co-worker and friend from Hollywood who also served in the Iraq campaign with Bacon. The day we took Baghdad, he took Baghdad. He was my best friend and the only person I could talk to. Harris said that Bacon enjoyed talking about and working on all kinds of vehicles, but it was driving them that he especially enjoyed; usually in the most audacious way possible. There was not a single bit of fear in him, Harris said of his lost friend. You would tell him that he couldnt do
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Section A -
now, forgetting their fate until the bartender - turned law enforcer -says all smokers need to take their butts outside and not just for today, but, forever. Forever is a long time to freeze. The worst part is that cold is always painful. Its not like after a few years of surviving wintry conditions with a cigarette in hand will make anyone more fit to handle the pain. The cold will always be painful, which is why I cannot understand why advocates By Adam Ross s i o n of the bill think that it wont only banned smoking; Staff Writer Monday, lawmakers approved theyve implemented a license negatively affect business for a smoking ban on all bars and to freeze. bars and restaurants in the Ladies and gentlemen, restaurants throughout the In the summer, the smok- beginning at least. black, white, yellow or pur- state. The measure includes a ing ban might actually be celAnd Im not saying its a ple, tall or short, fat or skinny, ban on all private clubs. No ebrated because its another bad bill because it hurts busibuy a warm coat because next one is exempt, unless a busi- reason to go outside and en- nesses, Im just saying people winter if you enjoy smoking a ness owner can prove sub- joy the nice weather. But that that deny this fact are foolish. cigarette after a hearty meal stantial capital loss from the wont come until after the law Maybe New York City is difor a cold drink youll have to new law. makes its way through an ar- ferent because the atmosphere do it outside. And smokers alike, now duous winter season. The bill is predicated on nightlife In the waning moments of from New York to D.C., to will go into affect on Feb 1. in part because apartments The Maryland General As- Maryland, along with a handI can just see smokers rarely exceed 300 square feet. semblys90-daylegislativeses- ful of other states have not
Smoking Stinks
But for a place like Maryland, namely Southern Maryland, where people have nice homes, decent liquor cabinets, and thankfully for them, a license to smoke inside - they might as well be considered plant life, because theyre not moving. Its going to hurt business and its going to create chaos when a never ending stream of economic hardship waivers find its way to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. But for all the pain, confusion and frozen feet the smoking ban creates, it will all be worth it if it saves just one employee from cancer associated with secondhand smoke, or motivates one smoker to quit. The addiction of smoking is more powerful than anyone who doesnt smoke could realize. It might be that the only way to curb the general publics propensity to light up
is to take drastic measures. And while money will always be a driving force in much of the legislation that comes to fruition, the Assembly really got this one right. Saving lives and people from the pain associated with smoking are advantages that will go largely unrealized, but will be forever indebted by the people who have held the straight and narrow the non-smokers. Smoking kills: its just that simple. Bars and restaurants will adapt, and patrons will reemerge from their holes as time goes by. Its hard to say how long the financial ramifications of the smoking ban will linger, but it all falls back on our priority scale. For money or for health? Maybe its just me, but I pick health. From one smoker to the next I say; buy a warm coat; winter is only five months away.
To the Editor
In response to Marcia Lent, it was not my intent for this issue to become a health problem. I do not want people to get sick, You state you just want to breathe. Smoking has been around for centuries and the people addicted to smoking also have rights. I never quit but I gave it up for Lent and then I decided; how long can I go without a cigarette? It has been 48 years since I have had a cigarette. Most people who smoke are addicted to tobacco and cannot set their mind to actually quit. Some people say smokers are sick people. It is sad that the large number of smokers are so heavily taxed. A lot of the smokers can barely afford to buy cigarettes. They would give up food rather than cigarettes. To cut them off com-
pletely would be cruel. I have no desire to stone anyone. You state maybe the horse and buggy sellers should have stoned Henry Ford for converting people to cars. This is very interesting as the car is heavy polluter of our air. In some cities the exhaust fumes are so thick you can hardly breathe. Solution: ban the cars and trucks. It matters not whether I want the ban on smoking or not. Just give everyone a fair shake. Be aware that the Federal, State and Local governments depend on smokers to supply this source of revenue. They are considering a tax increase of a dollar a pack to help people without Medicare. If the tobacco tax revenue ceases, they must tax something else to get the lost revenue. No stoning anyone.
Every law passed for our own good takes away more of our freedom. For everything we do, we must have a license, a permit or pay a tax or fee. Our freedom is slowly being taken away. Once the governments ban one thing completely, they will seek another item that you love dearly. What happens then? Daniel J. Wilson 22486 Budds Creek Road Leonardtown, MD 20650 Phone: 301-475-9670
James Manning McKay - Publisher Tobie Pulliam - Office Manager ...........................tobiepulliam@countytimes.net Adam Ross - Government Correspondent ..............adamross@countytimes.net Andrew Knowlton - Sports Correspondent ...... andrewknowlton@countytimes.net Guy Leonard - Community Correspondent................guyleonard@countytimes.net Jimmy Hayden - Advertising Director ..............jimmyhayden@countytimes.net Eileen McDonald - Advertising Rep...............eileenmcdonald@countytimes.net
P.O. Box 250 Hollywood, Maryland 20636 News, advertising, circulation, classifieds: 301-373-4125
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Obituaries
Hector C. Avelar, 68
Hector C. Avelar, MCPO USN RET, 68, of Lexington Park, Md. died April 5 at his residence. Born February 16, 1939 in Sonora, AZ, he was the son of the late Maria Guadalupe and Pedro Avelar. His Navy career began in June 1958. Service years included NTC San Diego, Ca., NAVTECHTRACEN Norman, Okla., NAAS Port Isabel, TX, PHOTOCOMPRON SIX THREE/LIGHTPHOTORON SIX THREE, NAS Miramar, Ca., U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team BLUE ANGELS in Pensacola, Fl., NSD Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, FITRON TWO ONE, ATKRON TWO SEVEN, NAS Miramar, Ca., FAIRECONRON ONE NAS Agama Guam, USS Ranger CV-61, NAS North Island, Ca., FAIRECONRON TWO NS Rota, Spain, AIMSO NAS Patuxent River, Md., NAMO NAS Patuxent River, Md. Numerous awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (two awards,) Navy Achievement (two awards,) Meritorious Unit Commendation (two awards,) Battle E Ribbon (two awards,) Seven Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Sea Service Ribbon (with Service Star,) and the Overseas Deployment Ribbon. Naval Retirement took place in August of 1988. He then began a new career with SWL in Vienna, Va. as a Logistics Analyst. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation, American Legion Post 0297, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and The Disabled American Veterans Association. He also was an avid baseball player and fan. He is survived by his wife, Roberta Avelar of Lexington Park, Md. and his daughter, Michelle H. Avelar-Schnell of Pasadena, Md., brothers, Jose Trinidad J.T. Avelar and Peter C. Avelar, both of Kearny, AZ, sisters, Sr. Mary Bereniece Avelar of Tucson, AZ, Jovita Jovie Corral of Mesa, AZ, and Maria Eliza Licks Ramirez of Kearny, AZ, sisters-in-law, Theresa Teddy Avelar, Mercedes Mercy Avelar, and Miriam Avelar, brothers-in-law, Alex Cano Chiquette, Eddie Corral and Daniel Ramirez, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 12 from 2- 8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md. Prayers will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 13 at 11:00 a.m. in St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church, Hollywood, Md. Father Ray Schmidt will be the celebrant. Interment will be on Tuesday, May 1 at 11:00 a.m. in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. Serving as pallbearers will be Collin J. Schnell, Thomas E. Krzyzanowski, Robert S. Krzyzanowski, Walt Thio, Steve R. Avelar, and Mark A. Avelar. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Gregory P. Krzyzanowski, Leonard J. Avelar, and Roger Aveler. Memorial contributions may be made to HOSPICE House c/o HOSPICE of St. Marys, Inc., P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Kenneth Bacon, 24
Kenneth Kenny Bacon, 24, of Leonardtown, Md. died April 7 in Leonardtown, Md. Born March 4, 1983 in Virginia Beach, Va. he was the son of Linda Susan Bacon of Clements, Md. and Robert Benjamin Bacon, Jr. of King George, Va. He is survived by his loving wife, Debra Jean Lathroum-Bacon whom he married on October 21, 2005 in Leonardtown, Md. He is survived by his seven-month old daughter Kennedy Reyne Bacon and his step-daughter Kylie Bryanna Duncan, both of Leonardtown, Md. and his sister Heather Nichole Generous of Bradenton, Fl. Mr. Bacon moved to St. Marys County in 1987 from San Angelo, TX. A graduate of Chopticon High School, Class of 2001, he entered the United States Army on June 28, 2001 and served until October 18, 2004 and was stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., Fort Huac Huca, AZ, Fort Stewart, Ga. and Operation Iraqi Freedom War. He was employed as a Fabricator/ Installer for DLC Fabricators and enjoyed drag racing, four wheeling, hunting, fishing and target shooting. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 13, 2007 from 5 8:00 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, with Prayers being said at 7:00 p. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 14, 2007 at 10:00 p.m. in Sacred Heart Catholic Catholic Church, Leonardtown, Md., with Fr. Early officiating. Pallbearers will be Dwayne Pilkerton, Gary Griffin, Ben Clarke, Bobby Long, Justin Elle and Marck Generous. Honorary pallbearers will be Jesse Harris, Jay Young, Bob Lishness, Matthew Wood and Brett Shores. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, Md. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
Section A -
In Your Community
The status of Americas healthcare system will come under review at the College of Southern Marylands Friday Night Lecture Series April 20 at the La Plata Campus. Panelists Sandy Genrich, chair of CSMs nursing and health technology department, Bob Schaller, chair of CSMs business, economics and legal studies department, and Alan
CSM Presentation
A. Buster Jr., vice president at St. Marys Hospital, will discuss the condition of healthcare in Healthcare in the U.S: Play Now or Pay Later. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m., at the La Plata Campus, Learning Resources Center, LR102
is final show of the season. This Sunday April 15th, well have Bluegrass music by Ernie Bradley & Grassy Ridge along with Wayne Taylor/Keith Arneson & Appaloosa. The music will start at 2:00pm and a Spaghetti dinner will begin a noon. Tickets for the show will be $12 per person, and the dinner will be $6 Live Bluegrass per plate. Well have 50/50 The American Legion Bluegrass Series is presenting raffles, CD giveaways, door
prizes, tickets for upcoming shows, and give a way a Red White & Blue American Guitar. Chances for the guitar are $5 each or three for $10. Lots of surprises too. Its going to be a fun day for all!
The public is invited to join Education Curator Christina Barbour at the Northern Senior Center in Charlotte Hall, at 11 a.m. for an education program. The topic will be Marylands Animals Great and Small. From the waters of the Chesapeake Bay to the mountainous region of the panhandle, learn about the animals that are part of our Maryland environment. Animals from the Museum Divisions taxidermy collection will be available for a hands-on experience. Those 55 and older will be seated first. Call the Museum Division at 301-769-2222 for additional information.
Educational Program
Mark your calendars for the 2007 National Cherry Blossom Festival Saturday April 14. The day will begin with the annual parade. It is a spectacular event for children of all ages. Talented marching bands compete for 16 coveted spots in the parade and provide colorful musical entertainment. Dance and drumming performance teams from Japan and the United States highlight the art of taiko drumming. The National Cherry Blossom Festival All Star Tap Dance team and Choir perform musical numbers for eager audiences. Clowns, horses, antique cars and mascots all add to the merriment on parade morning. The fee is $28 per person; call Sandie Greene for more information at 301-475-4200 ext. 1801.
Awards Breakfast
The 20th Annual Human Relations Awareness Day and Awards Breakfast will be held at the Harry Lundeberg School at 9:00 a.m. The cost for the event is $12. Please reserve your seat by calling 301-475 4200, ext. 1849. Nomination are being sought to recognize companies and/or individuals who work to further the American ideal of equality and justice for achievements in the area of human rights within St. Marys County. Nominations can be mailed into the Division of Community Services, P.O. Box 653, Leonardtown, MD 20650.
Hyperspace invites you to an afternoon of family fun and excitement April 15, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Joins us for a spring chopper fling when we raffle off a custom built mini chopper, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to benefit the fight against breast cancer. Kids of all ages are encouraged to bring their bikes for our Bicycle Rodeo. Come look at Southern Marylands most beautiful Haleys in Harley Bike Show and Contest. Kids pick the winner! For more details or questions call us at 301-373-6210.
National Alliance on Mental Illness for So. MD will host a walk Sunday, April 29, 2007. Walker check in: 10AM, Walk Start Time: 11AM Centennial Park, Ellicott City, MD Lunch will be provided for all walkers & volunteers. For more information call 301-904-9926 or email NAMIWalksSoMD@ aol.com.
301-475-2531
301-862-7702
301-884-5636
301-866-5702
Camp For Kids In Solomons. June 18 August 17, 2007 At SMSA clubhouse on Solomons Harbor Kids 8 to 15 years old $250 - $265 per child, per week ( members get up to a 20% discount) Contact Tom Moulds at tmoulds@dtiweb.net or write to: SMSA Sailing Camp, 17695 Saint Inigoes, Road, St. Inigoes, MD 20684
Section A - 7
gathered at the vigil shared in the fate that they would see Ethan Chewning again in the hereafter. My family will never be together completely until were in Heaven, Quade said tearfully. But I really think hes up their looking down on us. We just have to thank God for giving him to us for 16 years. Ethan Chewning will be buried this Friday at Christ Church Cemetery in Chaptico. The preceeding service for him will take place at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bushwood at 11 a.m.
Fatal Accident
Continued from page A- cause of the tragedy but later decided it was the right thing to do. I thought I cant do that to these kids, Quade told The County Times. It was a tough call I had to make but I went ahead with it. We must have had about 30 or 40 people come here, it was a little overwhelming sometimes. I had to go into my room and calm down for about 10 or 15 minutes but I got back out there and got right back into the pace of things. The accident that claimed Chewnings life happened April 4 as he and two other boys were riding in a car on Sunnyside Road in Clements when the driver, Sean Gibson, 17, of Mechanicsville, lost control of the vehicle, police reports said, and struck another car head-on as it veered into the opposing lane. Chewning died on the scene, police said, and Gibson and the other passenger, Nathan Fitch, 16, of Clements were injured. Gibson was only incapacitated, police said, while Fitch sustained life-threatening injuries and is now in stable condition. Police say that driver error and speed were likely contributing factors.
Extreme Makeover
Care Credit
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Continued from page A- ports manager, and director of Public Works and Transportation put those concerns to rest Monday. We looked at the accident data, location, risk, constructability of the school to help mitigate noise, said Erichsen. If noise does become a problem we can change our patterns, but the patterns adopted do not present an issue to the school. Erichsen added that when the airport went through its environmental assessment with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), both entities specifically studied the Wildewood site and found no significant impact from
the airport. Eighty percent of accidents occur within 500 to 1000 feet of the airport, the school site is located roughly 6000 feet away from the centerline of the runway. This is part of the reason that a school site is considered permitted use within the Airport Environs zone four of the countys comprehensive zoning ordinance, concurrently the zone which SMCPS 0606 would be located in. Furthermore, from a noise standpoint air traffic at its worst rate would see about two landings per hour, most occurring over the weekends and after 5 p.m., according to Erichsen. Our airport is still somewhat a recreational airport,
added Erichsen. The worse case scenario is the two per hour The Hollywood school is also in the flight path and there have been no registered complaints of noise so far. Because the airport has been approved for runway expansion, which in the future could bring in noisier aircraft, Erichsen said the options to change the approach pattern or strengthen the voluntary Fly Quiet Program could be evaluated. The Fly Quiet Program outlines guidelines for pilots to reduce their aircrafts noise levels on the surrounding community: Approaching the runway at a higher altitude, and gradual assents on takeoff. Shelby P. Guazzo and Susan P. McNeill, both of whom
were skeptical of the schools location contributed to the unanimous vote of approval for site plan, after Erichsens explanation. Kimberly Howe, supervisor of capital planning for the public schools, said in January the building is planned for occupancy at the start of the 2009-2010 school year. The $26,621,000 million concept includes an elaborate and modern design that focuses on limiting its impact on the ecosystem. SMCPS 0606 achieves this by the way of a rainwater harvesting system that stores rain runoff and filters it to toilets, and a rooftop made up of a highly reflective substance to naturally cool the building.
Medical surgical microscope allows for attention to detail when performing advanced restorative denistry.
301-843-1200
Send completed entry form into The County Times @ P.O. Box 250 Hollywood, MD 20636 no later then June 1, 2007. We will take all correct entries and have a drawing on June 16, 2007 at Thompsons Furniture Citys HUGE anniversary sale.
Rules: All entries must be post marked no later then June 1, 2007. Employees of The County Times, Southern Maryland Publishing Company, and Thompsons Furniture City and their families are not allowed to participate in this contest. Winner is responsible for all taxes on winnings. Winner is responsible for picking prize up from Thompsons Furniture City no later than 10 days of notification. Words that are not in Websters Dictionary will not be allowed. One Entry Per Person. Copied entries are allowed. Letters are to be used no more then the amount of times they appear in Thompsons Furniture City.
Section A -
RPD
Azaleas rts -Tips from our expe
Continued from page A-1 land preservation problems. He and Philip H. Dorsey, III even went as far as calling TDRs a gimmick, but assured members they werent against the program. TDRs are a gimmick in part that you are basically compensating landowners, not with money coming out of tax payers pockets, but instead with those that buy new property that come into the county said Hahnel. It makes sure people coming into the county are paying for the rural eye candy, he added. The discrepancy is leading the task force to consider one of three different options for moving forward. If the APF and TDR proposals are passed, the first option would be to wait three years and see how they work. The task force could then prepare recommendations for further changes, it is apparent they are necessary to adequately protect land of high agricultural and environmental value in the RPD. The second option is to create agricultural and preservation zones in specific parts of the RPD encompassing roughly 60,000 acres. Option two would then downzone land in the preserves dramatically, in exchange for full financial compensation. To the distaste of the other task force members and Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly Sr., who was in attendance, Hahnel fully supported this option, which with Hahnels explanation would not only support the encouragement of selling TDRs, but also mandate it. I know mandatory is a nasty word, added Hahnel. The full financial compensation would be achieved by leaving a base density permitting 25 acre farmettes for which there is a lucrative market, awarding more TDRs per acre for land in the preserves, and increasing how many TDRs are required for various zoning upgrades in development districts to raise the price of all TDRs. However, with the concept of a mandatory program, Hahnel invited large amounts of criticism from his colleagues, due in large part to the communitys unwillingness to be forced into selling TDRs. At one point, Mattingly held up the countys comprehensive zoning package and said that it took four years to pass because of the communitys unwillingness to be mandated into things. Maybe part of the reason we are not protecting land is because the community hasnt understood what will work, said Hahnel and what will not work It might be residents of St. Marys County cannot preserve their rural character because thats what they think. According to Hahnel, his plan would not impose a financial hardship on the average county landowner, but rather offer a credible financial compensation that was so attractive it looks like a gift. Dorsey said he would love to, implement a full compensation package. The third option was originally crafted by Land Use and Growth Management Director Denis D. Canavan, which creates voluntary, floating, land preservation zones in the RPD where landowners who are contiguous can opt for the same kind of full financial compensation in exchange for a similar down zoning. No recommendations were made at Mondays meeting, and the task force will continue to meet weekly.
Azaleas- Plant in rich well drained soil. They should not be planted too deeply. Azaleas prefer soft shade, such as under tall oaks or pines. They are shallow rooted plants and should be mulched to a depth of 2 to 3 with shredded Hardwood or Pine Bark. During dry spells, insert and prune water deeply to encourage deeper root growth. Fertilize after flowers bloom with an acid based fertilizer such as Hollytone. Valerie Grimm -Garden Center Manager
301-373-2573
301-863-7700
Monday-Saturday 9-5 Sunday 10-4
The Rural Preservation Task Force meets for the first time, and reviews government documents pertaining to transferable development rights and adequate pubic facilities.
Obituaries
Continued from page A-5 Engineering. His working life at sea began at age 12 aboard his fathers commercial fishing trawler the Lucky Star. He joined his father in marine construction, pile driving and on drill boats. He was a retired ocean-going tugboat captain holding a U.S. Coast Guard Masters license in the U.S. Merchant Marines. He enjoyed his varied and extensive work experiences especially the camaraderie of his crews, the tug Mariner/ Dredge Long Island jobs, breaking ice for ship travel in the Hudson River and a crossAtlantic trip to Turkey. From his mother, he gained a love of cooking a variety of cuisines. He enjoyed entertaining, travel, and activities with family and friends; especially his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Locals 25 and 4, and a past member of the Seafarers International Union. He volunteered with the St. Marys County Department of Aging and the St. Clements Island Museum water taxi. He is survived by his wife, Grace-Anne Dohrman of California, Md., five children; Lester T. Ted Vickers, III and his wife, Robyn of California, Md., David Vickers and his wife, Patty of Medford, Ma., Danny Vickers and his wife, Jamie of West Roxbury, Ma., Richard Vickers of Everett, Ma., and Lilith Guerrera and her husband, Frank of Boxford, Ma., two sisters; Lillian T. Gross and her husband, Billy of Falmouth, Ma. and Judith Rich and her husband, Fred of Sanbornton, N.H., eight grandchildren; Connor and Cameron Vickers, Alex and Christina Vickers, Sophie, Nicholas, Cassie and Drew Guerrera, an aunt, uncle, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to HOSPICE of St. Marys, Inc., P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Md. 20650 and/ or Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 339, Lexington Park, Md. 20653. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650.
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