Thursday march 17, 2011

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Search & reScue

Private team StriveS to be Go-to reScue GrouP

Split of Seized Drug Money in Question

Story Page 4

Plan Reached for Buzzs Campground Issue

Story Page 5
Photo By Frank Marquart

Whats Inside

The County Times

Thursday, March 17, 2011 ON THE BACK

Former St. Marys County resident Vickie Berkshire battles Gabrielle Holloway during a Mixed Martial Arts match Saturday night in Fredericksburg, Va.

On T he Covers
ON THE FRONT
Calvert K9 Search Team Commander Ted Carson works with Teyla, a German shepherd that is training in Human Remains Detection and tracking-trailing.

Were not talking about millions of dollars here, but even if it were I still think it should go into the account for enforcement because it lessens the budget impact.
Angel Systems Inc.

- St. Marys Sheriff Tim Cameron, talking about what to do with seized drug money.

www.ANGELSYSTEMS.com
P.O. Box 304 20775 Old Great Mills Rd. Great Mills, MD 20634
Decorations swarm your tree this season!

Weather

Watch
education
Jacob Breck, one of the students recognized at the last Board of Education meeting, shows off a piece of his work to school board member Cathy Allen. SEE PAGE 15

1.800.NO.BUGGS

Dont let unwanteD

On Sunday, Michael Wardian of Arlington broke the Guinness World Record for running the Fastest Marathon in a Superhero Costume during the Lower Potomac River Marathon in St. George Island. SEE PAGE 30

county
St. Marys Sheriff Tim Cameron wants to ensure that proceeds from illegal drug seizures are reused to combat illegal narcotics by helping fund enforcement, while county officials say some of that money should go to the countys general fund. SEE PAGE 4

Dan Burris

Gary Simpson

4 7 8 10 12 14 16 18 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 31

Also Inside

County News Crime Money Editorial Obituaries Education Cover Story Newsmakers Business Directory Community Calendar Columns Entertainment Calendar Entertainment Games Sports Desk Fishing Sports News SMCM

events calendar
Auto Home Business Life

Auto Home Business Life

Auto Home Business Life Auto Home Business Life

April Hancock

For The CommuniTy Calendar See Page 22 For evenTS haPPening ThiS Week.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

The County Times

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The County Times

Thursday, March 17, 2011

ews
Glenn will be the speaker April 13 at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum Association (PRNAMA) fundraiser, An Evening with John Glenn. Earlier that day, winners in the St. Marys County Science Fair, which was held Feb. 5, will be honored at the museum. The first event will focus on the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programs in education. Science projects from all levels from the fair elementary, middle and high school will be on display at the museum. As Sen. Glenn has stated, The most important thing we can do is to inspire young minds and to advance the kind of science, math and technology education that will help youngsters take us to the next phase of space travel. The formal program will start at 4 p.m. with brief remarks from Sen. Glenn. After those remarks, he will present certificates to each of the participants. The program will conclude at 5 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. The later fundraiser, which celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation, will be 6-9 p.m. at the Rivers Edge Catering and Conference Center, on the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. Tickets are $100 per person, and the event benefits the PRNAMAs Capital Campaign Phase II. For more information, call 301-863-1900. For invitation information, visit http://paxmuseum.com/events/ an-evening-with-john-glenn.

John Glenn Coming Split of Drug Money in Question toFormer Astronaut andMuseum By Guy Leonard Pax River U.S. Senator John Staff Writer
For about a year now, officials with the sheriffs and states attorneys offices have been trying to broker a deal with county government on how best to divide up assets and cash seized in drug cases. Law enforcement officials want to ensure that the proceeds are reused to combat illegal narcotics by helping fund enforcement, while county officials say that the question remains whether some of that money should go to the countys general fund. Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron said that a draft proposal from the county attorneys office suggested that up to a certain dollar amount, the sheriffs office and states attorney should divide seized assets once cases were adjudicated, but anything above that amount should go to the countys general fund. Cameron said he did not begrudge the county a cut of the proceeds but wanted confusion cleared up as to which accounts would actually hold the money. The sheriffs office has used these funds for investigation and enforcement of narcotics, that includes training and equipment and the whole gamut, Cameron told The County Times. Good public policy is to invest that money in narcotics enforcement. I want to make sure that the money is held and distributed according to the law to have maximum effect for drug enforcement. Cameron said that asset seizures have not reached into the level of millions of dollars, but any money seized would actually help the county by relieving pressure from the sheriffs operating budget. Were not talking about millions of dollars here, but even if it were I still think it should go into the account for enforcement because it lessens the budget impact, Cameron said. We [sheriffs office and States Attorney Richard Fritz] agree this is something we need to get done. Fritz said he was concerned that the county attorneys office wanted to become involved in the actual asset forfeiture process in civil court, which has traditionally been the purview of his office. If that happened it could have a negative impact on criminal drug cases, he said.

Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron

Forfeitures is a law enforcement function that makes absolute sense, Fritz said, adding that he supported using drug proceed forfeitures for enforcement. County Administrator John Savich said that the split of the assets has yet to be determined but that the agencies all had to work together to find the answer. The great object, he said, was to ensure the assets were all properly tracked. We cant have money thats not accounted for, Savich said. Were looking for the best way to account for it. It just hasnt been resolved yet but theres no reason why we wouldnt, he said. Savich said that one of the questions that needs to be answered in the process is whether the money should automatically go back to law enforcement or if the county should have the ability to dole out some of the funds if it was an unusually large amount to other shortfalls in the budget.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

The County Times

ews
Legal Battle Over Buzzs Camping Subsides For Now
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Both sides in a dispute over a campground at Buzzs Marina in Ridge have suspended a potentially costly battle in court by seeking to attain a conditional use permit for the property through county government channels. Mike and Christy Henderson, owners of the marina, recently filed a civil suit in circuit court challenging a ruling by the countys Board of Appeals late last year that said their campground had to shutdown. Now, Mike Henderson said, they are working with the county to come to an accommodation. Were going to try this route, Henderson said. Were going to put aside [the civil suit] for now. Campgrounds are allowed in the rural areas of the county with a conditional use permit that must be granted by the Board of Appeals, which requires public hearings on the issue. The Hendersons had tried to keep their campground open by going before the appeals board Dec. 9, but their case for being grandfathered because camping there has occurred since before the 1974 zoning ordinance was not heard by the board. A majority of the board said that their application for relief was not completed in a proper or timely fashion and it also ruled that a previous decision by the county land use director that allowed the campground to stay open was not proper. Land use Director Derick Berlage reinstated the camping use there after a prior ruling said it was non-conforming use to the zoning code; he later saw evidence that the grounds had been in use since before the zoning code was adopted and reversed his ruling. Berlage said that the Hendersons had yet to apply for a conditional use permit, but it was expected. Applying for a conditional use has always been an option, Berlage said. A statement from county government released Tuesday afternoon said that campgrounds such as Buzzs Marina were a valuable tourism resource, and business owners in South County have been worried that the demise of camping there could hurt their profits as well. The statement also said that the campground would continue to operate for the duration of the application for the conditional use permit. Buzzs Marina and campground, as well as many other marinas of the county, are valuable assets to be carefully managed with the rights of all property owners, the statement from the county commissioners read. guyleonard@countytimes.net

Vandals Scrawl Graffiti at Town Wharf

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Town officials are worried over a spate of graffiti found at the pavilion building at the Leonardtown Wharf property over the weekend and have vowed to have those responsible prosecuted if found. The graffiti was covered up by white tape by Monday, but crude and obscene messages could still be seen under the covering. The messages were scrawled on the wall facing Breton Bay as well as on posts at the building; one message was found on the curb at a parking space. There is some horrible graffiti there, said Mayor J. Harry Norris at the Monday town council meeting. This is no small deal. It looks like this was more than two people. Norris said other problems there have included people throwing life rings kept at the wharf for safety into the water, never to be retrieved, at a cost of hundreds of dollars. Council Vice President Walter Wise said that the town should proceed with prosecuting violators if they are caught, as an example to others who might consider destroying property. We ought to make it plain, Wise said.

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The County Times

Thursday, March 17, 2011

ews
By Sarah Miller Staff Writer

Wants State Support For New Nuclear Reactor Neighborhood Project EDF Leonard By Guy Commerce, the third reactor project is one of many across Staff Writer the country that is costing jobs and economic growth beUnderway cause of the delays associated with the project.
Gov. Martin OMalley (D) is considering initial proposals from EDF, the French nuclear power plant builder that wants to construct the third Calvert Cliffs reactor, to lend financial assistance to the project so it can get started, aides have said, though the he has made no commitments. In the past two weeks EDF officials and OMalley had discussions regarding the reactor project, which has stalled for want of funding as well as a U.S. partner since Constellation Energy pulled out of the process to secure federal loan guarantees late last year. Federal law prevents a foreign company from maintaining control of a nuclear plant on U.S. soil. Theyve been clear that they need the buy-in , financially or otherwise, from the state, said administration spokesman Shaun Adamec, adding that state support for major projects such as this was not unprecedented. Were still in broad discussions. Adamec said. The governor hasnt agreed to anything yet but he is listening. According to a recent study by the U.S. Chamber of Estimates of the projects worth to both St. Marys and Calvert counties include 4,000 temporary construction jobs with an additional 400 or so permanent operational positions at the new reactor. The state would also receive an infusion of over $100 million in tax revenues with the construction of the project. The total cost of construction has been put at about $10 billion over a 10-year period. But with the fear of multiple plant meltdowns in Japan following last weeks massive earthquake and tsunami there, anti-nuclear groups have resumed their calls to stop building nuclear power plants. The OMalley administration still supports the project, Adamec said, for the same reasons the jobs it could create and reducing our dependency on volatile oil markets overseas. It [the crisis in Japan] gives increased emphasis on safety, Adamec said. guyleonard@countytimes.net

The residents in Colony Square are taking it into their hands to improve their neighborhood and make it safer for the residents both present and future. The community is responding real well, said Marc Herbert, the neighborhood organizer for the Colony Square initiative. Herbert said attendance at monthly meetings has more than doubled since the neighborhood initiative started and it keeps growing with each month. For the past six months, the residents of Lexington Parks Colony Square neighborhood and other groups in the county have been working on improving Colony Square and making it safe. Since the effort started, there have been two neighborhood cleanups and, with the help of Habitat for Humanity, work has been completed to weatherproof houses in need. The weatherproofing, which included new windows and insulation in the attics, helps prevent warm or cool air from leaking from the house and helps the residents save money on their monthly electric bills. Herbert said one of the biggest projects on the horizon is the installation of lights in the neighborhood to make is safer for the residents. The 13 lights they want to install will cost approximately $43,000. Rob Martin, who has been a resident of Colony Square since 1989, said the neighborhood has been serving as low income housing since the county leveled the Flat Tops neighborhood and relocated several families to Colony Square. When I first moved back here, it was your standard, typical townhouses, he said. He said the neighborhood initiative would go a long way toward making Colony Square safe for the children and families, as well as improving the neighborhood s reputation. People back here need to know there are people back here who care, Martin said.

Habitat Building Lots Get Tax Credits

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The Patuxent Habitat for Humanity organization has received a tax break from the county on 13 lots in St. Marys County to spur the eventual building of new homes for low-income families in need. Three of the lots are located at the Fenwick Ridge development, with the other 10 being at the aging Patuxent Park neighborhood in Lexington Park. Don Parsons, executive director of Patuxent Habitat of Humanity, said the tax credit comes at a time when the home building agency was trying to increase its production. Weve never built more than two [homes] in a year, Parsons told county commissioners at their regular Tuesday meeting. Were really starting to ramp up what were doing. Parsons also said the organization has not purchased any foreclosed properties for renovation or rehabilitation because the banks holding those properties are often in other states, and, coupled with the high costs of even those properties, it made the purchasing process difficult. The group would have to purchase the homes at either half or even at onethird of the named price to make the project feasible, he said. As yet weve not purchased any, Parsons said. We dont have the cash; we do have a long line of people waiting for what we do. County documents show that the impact of the tax credit amounts to $6,442.87 against county coffers. guyleonard@countytimes.net

Town Council to Tackle Blight Ordinances

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The Leonardtown town council voted Monday to send to a public hearing several new ordinances that would push property owners to dispose of derelict buildings, illegal signs and even old vehicles. Town officials said they will hold the first public hearing next month before the towns planning commission. In May, the town council will hear public comments. The drafting of the ordinances was brought on after repeated attempts by town leadership to convince property owners to either renovate or raze blighted buildings dating back more than a year. Weve talked about it since Ive been on the council, said councilmember Leslie Roberts. And its becoming more of a problem. Illegal signage has also become a problem, town officials have said, including at the intersection of Route 5 and Hollywood Road where numerous organizations have for years placed signs. [The signage issue] is not getting any better through voluntary working its getting worse, Mayor J. Harry Norris said. It truly does look bad. Norris was in recent talks with a local developer to tear down several properties on Route 5 just outside of downtown but said the developer was not ready to undertake the project. The talks with developer Wayne Davis to raze the buildings goes back about a year. The towns actions correspond with what county officials believe is a growing problem with blighted buildings and commercial properties by attempting come up with zoning ordinances of their own. Right now they dont have a way to force anyone to tear them down, said DeAnn Adler, town planner. guyleonard@countytimes.net

Thousands Protest Education, Pension Cuts in State Budget

ANNAPOLIS (AP) Thousands of union members rallied before the State House on Monday night, vowing to protect their employee pensions and public school funding. Taking part were members of the states largest unions, including the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the Maryland State Education Association, which represents teachers. They rang bells, banged plastic thunder sticks and chanted Keep the promise. Gov. Martin OMalley has proposed changes to address $19 billion in unfunded pension liabilities and $16 billion in retiree health liabilities. It would require increased contributions from state employees. This is the guy that likes you, and look what hes doing to you, said Thomas Corkran, a retired corrections maintenance officer, who spent 21 years teaching Maryland inmates to do repairs on state buildings. OMalley, a Democrat, also cut $94 million from the states public schools in the budget plan he submitted to the General Assembly in January. Those moves brought a mix of long-time state workers and teachers to pour in. A trio of Southern Maryland teachers said they came because they want lawmakers to understand the pain they would feel if their pensions were slashed. Weve worked hard and now were told the moneys not there, said Angela Baker, a 28-year veteran math teacher at La Plata High School. Hey Annapolis! Give us YOUR pension! Pension Equity! read the sign Baker held above her head. Kathy Miles, a math teacher at La Plata High who has taught for more than 30 years, and Barbara Pennington, a 37-year veteran physical educator at John Hanson Middle School, joined Baker. We wouldnt mind them (lawmakers) taking the same medicine they give to us, Miles said. The thousands of people who filled the streets was a departure for Annapolis, where protests have been frequent during this years 90-day session of the General Assembly, but much smaller. Ive never seen anything like this, said Department of General Services Secretary Alvin Collins, as he watched union members march from the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium almost a mile away. OMalley spoke brief ly in a surprise appearance at the end of the rally. Weve got tough decisions ahead of us, he said. None of us has all the answers, but you know what? We are committed to stay at the table and to figuring this out, and moving together as one Maryland.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

The County Times

SMECO Looking To Halt Copper Thefts

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) has announced that it will partner with the Crime Solvers tip line to get information on perpetrators of copper thefts that have plagued the utility in recent months. Copper thefts have become prevalent in the entire Southern Maryland region, detectives in the jurisdictions have said, because of the faltering economy and the sometimes easy nature of being able to steal a valuable metal whose price continues to climb. SMECO officials are now offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and indictment of copper thieves stealing the precious metal from the regions electric distribution system. The thefts not only hurt the cooperative, but the customers as well, said the organizations president in a prepared statement. As owners of the cooperative, the cost of replacing the stolen copper, the cost of the manpower needed to repair damaged systems and the cost of increased security is reflected in the electric bill of every customer on the system, SMECO president and CEO Austin J. Slater, Jr. said. Detectives in St. Marys County recently made a major arrest involving a Suitland man who they allege was responsible for the theft of about $100,000 in copper and other property since December, while another man was arrested last week for allegedly stealing copper coils from air conditioning units at a Leonardtown business. There are also safety hazards associated with stealing the copper directly from an electrical system, one SMECO official said, which have occurred commonly on neutral wires found on poles and substations. When someone cuts the neutral wire, it interrupts the path of electricity and that person can be the next best path to the ground, said Mike Nygaard, SMECO job training and safety director. For a couple of dollars, its not worth it. The thefts could also lead to system disruptions, power outages and fires from power surges, the release stated. Lt. Steven Jones, commander of the Calvert Investigative Team, said that thefts of copper have in recent months amount to perhaps $50,000. Weve been hit with quite a few of them, too, Jones said of the thefts from SMECO, as well as houses still under construction. Its a tri-county crime. Jones said that the regional law enforcement intelligence gathering unit, the Southern Maryland Information Center (SMIC), is working to track thefts of precious metals and recent laws now compel pawn shops and scrap metal dealers to log who is selling them metals like copper. But tracking the thefts is difficult, Jones said, because thieves are going out of state to avoid new laws here, which means police must cast an even wider net to catch theft suspects. guyleonard@countytimes.net

Briefs
Detectives Make Drug Arrest, Recover Cocaine, Pills
Vice/Narcotics Detectives located Thomas Emanual Gross, 25, of Lexington Park, who was recently indicted for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, police state. Uniformed deputies assisted in the arrest of Gross. Detectives say they located nearly $1,000 worth of crack cocaine, oxycodone pills, two cell phones and more than $1,200 in cash. Gross currently has several other unrelated charges pending to include firearms violations, police said. Additional charges are pending a States Attorneys Office review.

Man Arrested, Charged In Copper Theft Case

On March 9, deputies responded to the Family Adventure Center in Leonardtown for a report of a suspicious vehicle. Police say Steffen Gerald Farmer, 34, of St. Leonard, was at the center claiming he was working on the air conditioning units, but investigation revealed the information Farmer provided was false, police state. Farmer was in possession of burglary tools, broke into and removed copper coils from the air conditioning units, police alleged. Farmer was arrested and charged with burglary and theft.

Traffic Stop Leads To Arrest On Marijuana Charges

On March 11, Corporal C. Dodson stopped a 2011 Lexus on Great Mills Road. The driver, identified as Patrick Bradley Johnson, 21 of Lexington Park, failed to stop at a stop sign, police state. Upon contact with Johnson, Dodson reports he detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana emitting from Johnsons person. Dodson also states he observed suspected marijuana on the seat and on Johnsons lips. Further investigation revealed Johnson was in possession of a glass smoking device containing suspected marijuana, police say. Johnson was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, suspected marijuana and possession of controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia.

Mattingly Agrees to 90-Day Suspension

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Former Democratic candidate for states attorney John Andrew Mattinlgy, Jr. has agreed to a 90-day suspension of his law practice following an investigation by the state Attorney Grievance Commission. Mattingly was found not guilty of numerous counts of theft, land fraud and witness tampering that stemmed from a two-year investigation into his real estate business dealings as a Leonardtown attorney. Glenn Grossman, bar counsel for the Attorney Grievance Commission, said that the suspension was based on a joint petition that both the commission and Mattinglys counsel agreed upon. According to the affidavit signed by Mattingly and his lawyer, Clarke F. Ahlers, Mattingly filed deeds for six properties sold by Graydon Sears LLC, his company, with the deeds being notarized but the notary was not there to witness the signatures that had supposedly been notarized. Although the respondent knew or should have known that the deeds contained improper notarizations at the time the deeds were filed, he did not take any action that was motivated by a dishonest desire for an unwarranted advantage, the affidavit stated. In the affidavit Mattingly stated that there was sufficient evidence to sustain the misconduct allegations against him. Attempts to reach either Mattingly or Ahlers as of press time were unsuccessful. While Mattingly was cleared of all wrongdoing last year, his real estate partner Daniel Jason Brown was convicted on one count of conspiring to affix an illegal seal to a deed as well as conspiring to influence witnesses to a 2007 shooting. But Mattingly was criticized from the bench by visiting Prince Georges County Judge Sean Wallace, who oversaw his trial, by saying that both Brown and Mattingly did operate a business corruptly and falsely to cheat other people, referring to their operations under the Graydon Sears LLC real estate business label. Mattingly has maintained his innocence during the whole affair and had said he was disappointed in Wallaces comments during Browns sentencing hearing last year. Mattingly has also maintained that the case against him, with the initial indictments coming from States Attorney Richard Fritzs office, were based on a political vendetta. Mattingly has subsequently filed a civil lawsuit in Anne Arundel county claiming that both Fritz and Assistant States Attorney Daniel White defamed him, specifically by White filing a complain with the Attorney Grievance Commission in October of 2010. The factual and legal allegations made by White contained outright falsehoods designed to inflict harm against Mattingly, the suit reads. Mattingly makes a similar allegation against Fritz for an August filing the states attorney made to the commission, the lawsuit reads. I would say that if any hoodlum that thinks they can dissuade me from my lawful duty by cockamamie lawsuits or threats against me and my family, they should think again, White said in response to Mattinglys lawsuit.

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Money
By Sarah Miller Staff Writer While Sotterley Plantation has its Riverside Winefest, Historic St. Marys City is gearing up for its first ever Beerfest. A beer festival made a lot of sense, said Samuel Baldwin, a member of the Historic St. Marys City foundation. He said the idea for the beer festival came up when they were trying to think of fundraisers for the city, and ways to bring people into the facility who would not normally visit. He said the beer festival was something new and different for the city. It was also an opportunity to take advantage of a really nice setting, Baldwin said. He said there are about 60 days left until the beer festival, scheduled for May 22 from noon until 6 p.m. There are already two bands lined up, The Geezers and 25th Hour Band. There will also be tours of the Van Sweringens Ordinary exhibit and a beer making demonstration, as well as a cider press demonstration. All proceeds will go towards the education programs at the Museum. Its a big event to do, under any circumstances, Baldwin said. He said the museum is already planning for next years event and how to make it better and run smoothly. Susan Erichsen, the director of development for the foundation for Historic St. Marys City, said the community response has been amazing and the city is really looking forward to the event.

for the love of

The County Times

Thursday, March 17, 2011

First-Ever Beerfest Set for St. Marys City

She said the event should be good for the county as well, because people have to drive through St. Marys County to get to St. Marys City, which means stopping for food and gas in the county and possibly even spending the night. We were trying really hard that wed have something that would fit all aspects, Erichsen said. In addition to the event, Baldwin said they have requested a state law change, which has already been approved in the House of Delegates and is now before the Senate. Baldwin said the event will happen whether the law change is approved or not. What the proposed law seeks is to allow microbrewers to participate in the event and sell directly to the public, similar to wineries during the event at Sotterley plantation. The legislation is more for the brewers than it is for us, Baldwin said. In addition to the Historic St Marys City foundation, outside venues have gotten involved in the beerfest, including the Ruddy Duck Brewery in Solomons, the Barefoot Graphics has launched a new e-commerce website: www.BarefootGraphics.net. only brewery in the tri-county area. Michael Kelley, a co-owner of the The new website is of interest to anyone who desires to make their business or organizations brewery, said that being involved with the printing purchases local, online and at a reduced cost and risk. We have been hard at work for over a year creating a website that will be both useful to beer festival just made sense. our customers while automating the ordering process, Josh Frauenfelder, Barefoot Graphics Vice I think it has great potential, it is a President, said in a press release. great venue, Kelley said. Barefoot Graphics has provided advanced printing solutions for Southern Maryland since 2007. The storefront is located at 22685 Three Notch Rd., Suite C in California. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Barefoot Graphics Launches E-Commerce Website

St. Marys Shines in Magazine Poll

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer In the first ever Free States Finest Readers Poll by Maryland Life Magazine, several locations in St. Marys County were named as readers favorites. Carolyn Laray, St. Marys County tourism manager, said the listings show that people in and around St. Marys County enjoy the offerings and locally-owned restaurants in St. Marys County. People in the region vote for places they really enjoy visiting, Laray said. One location that was listed not once but several times was Caf Des Artistes in Leonardtown. We were absolutely elated, said Karleen Jaffres, the co-owner of the restaurant. She said they were told to encourage people to vote for their local favorites, though Laray said there was no pre-set list that people were obligated to choose from. Jaffres said that to have had so many people take the time to vote for them proves they have a loyal customer base. It also shows the quality and care they take with both their food and their customers to make sure everybody is happy and goes away satisfied. The state was split into five regions, with one winner from the group of counties in each region selected and published in the monthly magazine. It says were a fabulous place to shop, eat, dine, visit and enjoy, Laray said. Dan Patrell, editor and publisher of Maryland Life, said ballots were available on line and in paper for people to vote for their choices. There were approximately 2,000 people who submitted ballots, and they had to submit their names with the ballot as a safeguard to prevent people from double voting. Patrell said the magazine is already preparing for next years poll, which will be available from September until December. For more information, visit www.marylandlife.com.

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Thursday, March 17, 2011

The County Times

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To The Editor:
The failures of our state and federal legislators should be clear to all by now. Certain taxes and accounts were originally established to provide guaranteed funding for certain programs. Over the years our duly elected representatives commandeered these revenues and threw them in their respective General Funds so they could look good to constituents rather than seriously addressing their responsibilities to properly and fairly manage the budgets they were creating. On the federal level we see the results of raiding the dedicated Medicare Fund. We hear endless discussions of when Medicare will collapse, how to fix the revenue stream, and what, if any, benefits will need to be cut. On the state level, we have two examples: teachers pensions and the Highway Fund. All of a sudden Annapolis is telling us the counties may have to share in the funding of teacher pensions. A look at the county highway infrastructure, i.e. the roads we drive on, makes it clear that highway maintenance funding is no longer being provided by Annapolis. For years our elected representatives have depleted funds specifically established to be dedicated to an identified program. One must agree that some other programs have received

The County Times

Thursday, March 17, 2011

10

We Need to Stop Theft of Funds

unfair windfalls as the above programs guarantees were being stripped from them. It is time to support measures that return those missing funds to the teacher pension and Highway Funds. If other programs have to be eliminated or restricted in the meantime, so be it. They have been receiving stolen funds for years. It is time for our representatives to be fiscally responsible and shoulder their budgetary commitments rather than forcing the counties to raise additional taxes. For years, rather than operating within their annual revenues, they have been ignoring the unfunded pension obligations and abandoning our highways. This is just another example of a government being fiscally irresponsible and expecting our children and grandchildren to shoulder an unfair economic burden. Please contact your local Maryland Delegate and Senator to request they support a law to re-establish this dedicated funding that also establishes a timetable for the return of all funds. Your children and grandchildren may one day thank you. If not, at least you will have the peace of mind from doing the right thing. Glenn Weder Hollywood, MD

Do we Want Kids in School, or Kids in Jail?

This letter is to the 30,000 + voters who are missing in action when it comes to the current concerns of their own childrens public school education. It is also information for the rest of the residents of St. Marys County who care about a quality public education. If you have been following the education budget in the paper, you realize that our school system is in dire straights financially. If the county commissioners do not fund education at a level where our schools can survive, your childrens education will be at risk. The county is giving a total of about $280,000 in additional funds (maintenance of effort), which amounts to barely covering the increased costs of bus fuel. That number does not take into consideration any increase in student population. I would like to give you some facts that should warrant your attention: St. Marys county is the 11th richest county in the state; St. Marys County ranks 24th out of 24 in school funding from the local government. If I were a commissioner, I would be totally embarrassed; Prior to 2002 the county portion of education funding was near 53%; 2002 funding dropped to 46.2%, the state was at 45.2%, pupil enrollment was 14,822; the per pupil expenditure in our county was $3,616 and state was $3,545; and our county exceeded the state by $71 /pupil expenditure; 2005 county funding again fell to 42.6%; while the state went to 49%; pupil enrolled was 15,894; per pupil expenditure for county $3,753; the state was $4,316; and the state exceeded the county by $563 /pupil expenditure; 2008 funding again fell to 41.6% while the state went to 52.7%; pupil enrollment was 16,125; per pupil expenditure for county was $4,825; the state was $6,113; the state exceeded the county by $1,288 / pupil expenditure; 2011 funding again fell to 38.8% while the state went to 55.3%; pupil enrollment was 17,271; per pupil expenditure for the county was $4,664; the state was $6,651; the state exceeded the county by $1,987 / pupil expenditure. These are the facts that have been occurring in St. Marys County. It is quite obvious that education in the commissioners eyes is not, and has not been a priority in the county. It appears that education is nothing but a financial burden. You, the citizens, have chosen to elect commissioners who have continually under funded education. One of the new commissioners has been criticizing how we need an educated work force to fill high tech jobs in our community. After the person was put into office, suddenly amnesia occurred and education is not so important. You the voting parents are the only people that can change the embarrassment of continually under-funding education. Unless you, the parents, become active and publicly tell the commissioners that this is not acceptable, St. Marys Countys public education will be in grave jeopardy of not maintaining the current high rate of success. On April 26th there will be a public hearing on the budget at Great Mills High School. Unless the auditorium is filled with parents to overf lowing, and parents tell the commissioners of their displeasure with the funding of education, under funding will continue. While it costs $4,664 in county dollars to educate one child for one year, it cost $28,097.70 to keep one individual at the detention center. In other words you could educate six children for the price of one inmate. The $28,097.70 in 2009 is the cost to house an inmate for one year. Between 70 and 90% of the inmates are high school dropouts. The number of dropouts will only increase without the funding to ensure that programs continue to keep these students in school. The county has the money to adequately meet the true educational obligations without raising taxes. Without this necessary money, 17,271 children will have their future jeopardized. The choice belongs to each and every pubic school parent and concerned citizen in St. Marys County. These children are our future. Harold Siskind California, MD

I Need a Bank Loan for Gas

I just took a trip to the credit union to refinance my loan so I could borrow enough to get a couple of gallons of gas. It reminds me of back in the 70s when the inflation rate was so high that my wife would go to the store and rent a steak. We couldnt afford to buy one, but she would bring a small one home and wed lay it on the table and everyone would take a long look and then shed take it back to the store. I heard that our brilliant Leader of the Republic is thinking of pulling some oil out of our strategic oil reserve so we can lower the price at the pump. That sounds like the kind of move a real genius would make. STRATEGIC OIL RESERVE Thats the oil we keep in reserve in case of a major catastrophe like war, or major earthquake. If we empty it, or just put a big hole in the amount we have in the bank, well be able to use it for a short-term fix and bring the gas prices down for a month or two. Then well be back at square one with rising gas prices and NOTHING IN THE BANK FOR AN EMERGENCY. However, drawing down the strategic reserve makes a lot more sense than simply opening up our vast in-ground oil reserves by allowing drilling. Doing that would provide us with years of energy self-sufficiency, allow us to retain our strategic reserves, and provide not only immediate jobs for our unemployed, but boost our economy. But I guess thats not what our socialist administration and bleeding heart environmentalists want to see happen, is it? James H. Hilbert Mechanicsville, MD

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Forum Will Explain Watershed Changes

Dr. Richard Eskins presentation to the county commissioners on March 8 was packed with information and may have been difficult to follow. Basically, he said that the EPAs would be taking enforcement actions against polluters, should they fail to stop polluting the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries by the year 2025. No one is exempt from this mandate. As a result, the states (in our case Maryland) will be implementing Watershed Implementation Plans, or WIPs, in order to significantly reduce pollution in our waterways. These WIPs will impact every person who lives in St. Marys County. Targeted areas for pollution reduction will be agriculture, runoff from impervious surfaces and lawns, sewage treatment plants, and septic systems. Everyone will have to step up and make changes in their lifestyle and property use. In many cases these changes will be expensive and may have significant impacts on how your go about your daily routines and future pursuits. The St. Marys River Watershed Association, working with the Center for Watershed Protection, will hold a public meeting on Tuesday March 29 at the Lexington Park Library Room #A to answer your questions and hear your concerns. We will cover local development and its impact on our waterways, the health of fish and water quality in the River, and the EPAs new mandate for pollution reduction or TMDL. We encourage everyone to attend one of two sessions either at 2 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP to (301) 737-2903 or info@stmarysriver.org. For more information, go to www.SMRWA.org. Bob Lewis, executive director St. Marys River Watershed Association

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11

Thursday, March 17, 2011

The County Times

To The Editor:
benefits from completing FDR BLVD. Completing FDR now will be at tremendous expense (who pays), and will not solve all of these problems until the traffic congestion at the Rt. 235 and Rt. 4 intersection along with the bottle neck at the Solomons Bridge are addressed with help from the State. A new jail is also going forward, but there is no sewage capacity to support this in Leonardtown, so it has been proposed that treated sewage be sprayed or dripped on the Hayden Farm where a school is planned, a conflicting use that flies in the face of common sense. Why not look for ways to decrease the need for more jail space by ensuring that proper sentencing guidelines are being followed so that long-term inmates are sent up the road rather than serving back to back sentences here. Also, implement a strict, tough, meaningful Community Service Program for non violent crimes rather than jail time. Work toward joint efforts to increase Leonardtowns Sewage Plant capacity. A new Library would be nice, but can we afford it at this time? Maybe it should be placed on a back burner until the uncertainty with the economy clears some, which would give more time to select the best site. Are these Projects going to require tax increases or cause unmanageable debt? As budget battles progress, the Commissioners must understand that it was not the vocal special interests that elected them, but it was the Silent Majority who want fiscal restraint. Joe Wible Sr. Leonardtown, MD

There is a Place
America is a special place, where someone you may not know will give you their blood, save you from drowning or provide you with shelter. In 1943, President Roosevelt recognized the American Red Cross as a true reflection of that humanitarian, volunteer spirit and proclaimed March as Red Cross Month, a tradition that has been honored by every president since. The Southern Maryland Chapter of the American Red Cross has dedicated this month to recognizing some of the countless people who make the lifesaving work of the Red Cross possible in Southern Maryland. Although hurricanes, tsunamis and earthquakes make the headlines, the day-to-day work of the Red Cross is centered on communities like ours and done by volunteers. This year, our neighbors volunteered thousands of hours through the Red Cross. In honor of their service to our community, we commend them. Many of them remain silent about their service to the community not looking for notoriety but just wanting to help. None of this would be possible without the generous help of donors and supporters. We commend them for providing the monetary resources to be able to complete our mission. Through the American Red Cross, there

is a place families can turn to for food, shelter, and comfort, when fires and other emergencies strike. This year, we want to thank the volunteer fire departments and EMS squads as our partners in helping families in emergencies. As Director of our local Red Cross, I believe we can take great pride in what weve done together. Thanks to your support of the Red Cross, there was a place where thousands of our neighbors could go to learn first aid and CPR, and even how to save lives with automatic external defibrillators (AEDs). This year, the Red Cross was also the place where hundreds of families separated by military service, were able to stay connected and exchange messages about family emergencies. Thousands of our neighbors chose their Red Cross as the place to give blood, the gift of life. Much has changed since that first Red Cross Month in 1943. But one thing has not. Southern Maryland is still a place where neighbors help neighbors, and your support of our Red Cross is a true reflection of that spirit.

Press Continues to Miss Real Story

A recent headlined article that states St. Marys schools rank last again in per-student funding reeks of a Wisconsin-esque agenda to squander the countys limited resources on needlessly larger budgets (read: teacher pay and benefit packages) based on the mythological premise that more money equals better education. First some sobering math: $12,034 per student works out to healthy $288,816 dollars for my childs class of 24 students at Banneker Elementary. We could fund two $100,000 pay and benefit packages and still have $88K left over to pay one classrooms share of the lighting and heating bill and buy all the glue sticks and sani-wipes you want. Sure sounds like that should be plenty of money. And in fact, the article goes on to admit that the state average is only $14,351 per pupil and just over $15,000 for the best funded systems. These are not appreciably larger budgets considering the waste and excess typical of union operations. Has anyone maybe thought that our county has simply found a more efficient way to fund our public education? The Maryland School Assessment (MSA) report card for Benjamin Banneker that came home in my daughters book bag definitely fails to confirm the misguided supposition that our low ranked funding levels will result in low ranking performance. Quite the contrary. Our countys schools outperformed the state averages in each and every academic category tested. Further, Banneker met all Adequate Yearly Progress metrics and our county schools exceed state averages for graduation rates, teacher quali-

County Commissioners Russell, Morgan, and Jones just approved going forward with completion of FDR blvd, a curious 3/2 split decision, and the Commissioners also approved going ahead with a new jail and library. These maybe worthwhile projects, but the Commissioners have not told us how we pay for them. Spending is out of control at the National level as well as the State level. BIG changes must to made at the National level if we are to save the Republic and remain a Super Power, and these necessary, painful changes will trickle down to our local level. So, our Commissioners must be extremely cautious going forward with the uncertainty of things to come. The last election was a mandate for this Board of Commissioners to be Fiscal Conservatives. The 4 Republicans (Jones, Jarboe, Morris, Morgan) had Democrat opponents who were perceived as liberal tax and spenders, associated with the School System or Local Government, and the voters rejected them. Commissioner Russells Republican opponent was a conservative businessman who was more conservative on all issues except education spending, a big chunk of our budget, and this swung enough conservative votes to Mr. RusMike Zabko, president sell to get him re-elected by a thin margin. The American Red Cross Southern Maryland School System should be funded at no more Chapter than the amount required by statute, and they must tighten their belt and set priorities like everyone else. There is no doubt that FDR Blvd should have been completed long before now and before all of the Development and stop lights up Rt fication and even attendance. Granted, state stan- 235 with the associate traffic problems. We long dards arent exactly high-bar, but we are far from ago missed the opportunity to maximize the a failing system. The really frustrating part is imagining how much more money the tax base in our county I agree with Tommy Zinn, President of could afford to spend on our own kids if we elimithe Calvert County Watermens Association nated our state and federal departments of eduon Mr. Combs request to use Myrtle Point wacation and the bureaucratic waste and immoral terways for a private aquaculture project that distributive ends thereof. These agencies reprewould keep the public from using the park as sent onerous strings attached to that fraction of it was intended. our tax revenues returned to us (if were lucky) in I cannot understand why the St. Marys state and federal funding. John Savich and ComCounty government has not taken a stand for missioner Russell are right in that the per-student the people in St. Marys County against this funding metric is very misleading taken without request of Mr. Combs. The County Commissioners, Parks and the context of the frugal manner in which our school system is evidently run. So lets instead, celebrate the tremendous win represented by our cost-benefit situation in What a quandary our country is in, all beSt. Marys county. Its probably safe to say we cause of people elected to serve in Congress. dont have a lot of waste - nor should we - but They are elected to manage taxpayers monies the thought of throwing money at a problem that and to spend it wisely. really doesnt exist smacks of everything thats It seems our elected Congresspersons do wrong all over the country. not have the necessary skills or capability to I suspect the union folks depicted in vigil do their jobs. They dont know how to negotiin the March 3 edition will be making as much ate, how to bargain, or what the word bipartisan hay as possible out of this rather irrelevant sta- means. They do know how to give taxpayers tistic; unfortunately any hay made too often monies to other countries. amounts only to higher tax bills, better Viagra How do people like this get to run our coverage in teacher health plans and not neces- country? They spend millions of dollars to get sarily ANY performance improvement in the elected to a position that provides compensation of $174,000 per year. How? By bad mouthing classroom. opponents with all the dirt they can find and presenting it on television or radio. These presentaRoland Baringer tions distort the truth about their opponents. If Leonardtown, MD any of these radio and TV presentations were true, we would not elect either of them to office.

Worthwhile Projects, But Who Pays?

Park Land is Not the Place for Private Business

Recreation, the Department of Land Use and Growth Management should take a stand against this request for a private business on a St. Marys County Public Park. Is everyone in St. Marys County waiting for this to be approved and then say we do not want our taxpayers public park used for a private business? Donald Ervin Hollywood, MD Most politicians share the same traits and they need the power that comes with being elected. All politicians, local state and federal, are in this career for the same reason. Whats in it for me? However they are good managers of their own money. Once they serve time in Congress, they emerge as millionaires. These elected people show that they are capable of managing their own money. Why not show the same skills managing the taxpayers monies. Thats why they were elected. If the Federal Government shuts down, it shows how incapable our elected officials truly are. These are career politicians who cannot do their job. God Help America! Daniel J. Wilson Leonardtown, MD

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The County Times

Thursday, March 17, 2011

12

Carrie Balenger, 49
Carrie Balenger, 49 of Prince Frederick, MD died on Wednesday, February 9, 2011. Born November 30, 1961 in Webster Springs, WV she was the beloved daughter of Von Eslinger Maddox, Prince Frederick, MD and the late Jack Maddox of Hollywood, MD; mother of Travis Balenger, 14, and sister of John Roland Maddox, both of Prince Frederick. Her brother Timothy Maddox of Clinton, MD and Washington, DC, and husband Ted Balenger of Charlotte Hall, predeceased her. Carrie resided in Clinton, Waldorf, and Prince Frederick. She went to school at Stephen Decatur, Surrattsville, and Prince Georges Community. Carrie worked as a legal secretary and nursing home aide. Carrie enjoyed life, made people laugh, watched movies and forensics shows, liked home decorating, and read nonfiction. She attended and helped at her son Traviss basketball, football and baseball games. Survived by Carrie are Aunts and Uncles Trudy and Eric Eslinger of Glenmont, NY, Nancy and Ralph Calvano of Port Charlotte, FL; Margie and Ron Horton of Englewood, FL; cousins Stephen Calvano, Oxford, PA, David and Daryl Calvano, Mechanicsville, MD; Karen Thompson, Port Charlotte, FL; Donald Horton, Dallas, TX; Mark Horton, Bushwood, MD, Scott Horton, Englewood, FL, Oliver Eslinger, Pasadena, CA; and Laura Lynn, Glenmont, NY; in-laws Jerry and Janice Balenger and sister-in-law April Davis of Charlottesville, MD. Carrie was a member of Corkran United Methodist Church, Temple Hills, MD. Funeral services were held at the Huntt Funeral Home, Waldorf, MD on Tuesday, February 15 with Dr. Priscilla Boswell officiating. Interment was at St. Marys Catholic Church Cemetery, Bryantown, MD. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the American Heart

Association.

Joseph Biscoe, Jr., 77

Joseph Walter Biscoe, Jr., 77, of Great Mills, MD died on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at his residence. Born May 13, 1933 in Drayden, MD, he was the son of the late Joseph W. and Margaret Adams Biscoe, Sr. He is survived by his siblings John Louis Biscoe (Louise) of Great Mills, MD; Carolyn Wooden of Ft. Myers, FL; and Charles Biscoe of Summerfield, NC. He is also survived by his many loving nieces and nephews. A Graveside Service was held on Monday, March 14, 2011 at St. George Catholic Church Cemetery, Valley Lee, MD with Deacon George LHeureux officiating. To send a condolence to the family please visit our website at www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD.

Beach, FL, Barbara (Ronnie) Prasser of Indian Head, MD, and Vivian (Bobby) McMeans of Crofton, MD, Also survived by 11 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. In addition to her parents Joyce was preceded in death by three siblings, Thomas Harry Colona, Anne Piper, and Evelyn Barry. Family received friends on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD. A Funeral Service was conducted on Thursday, March 10, 2011 in All Faith Episcopal Church, Mechanicsville, MD with Reverend Catherine Swann officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Virginia, P.O. Box 2098, Tappahannock, VA 22560

Maria Gardiner, 85
M a r i a Lou Briscoe Gardiner, 85, of Hollywood, MD and formerly of Rockville, MD died March 7, 2011 at her residence. Born on October 27, 1925 in Leonardtown, MD, she was the daughter of the late John H. T. and Hilda Jane Maddox Briscoe. Mrs. Gardiner was the loving wife of John F. Gardiner, Jr. whom she married in St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Leonardtown, MD. She was also survived by her children; John F. Gardiner, III of Severna Park, MD, Walter H. Gardiner of Vienna, VA, Marian Gardiner Fegeley, Maria Gardiner Steppe both of Hollywood, MD and Ron Gardiner of La Plata, MD, her 10 grandchildren and siblings; John Hanson Briscoe of Hollywood, MD and Meme Briscoe Gillaspy of Spencer, IN. She attended St. Marys Academy and Strayer Business College. Mrs. Gardiner was born and raised in St. Marys county but moved to Rockville, MD in the 1950s and returned to St. Marys County in January of 1979. She was a homemaker and enjoyed donating her time to the Sotterley Foundation and Meals on Wheels. The family received friends on Saturday, March 12, 2011 in St. Johns Catholic Church, Hollywood, MD where a Mass of Christian burial was celebrated with Fr. Raymond Schmidt officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Chris Gardiner, Vince Gardiner, Hugh Gardiner, John Gardiner, IV, Jason Steppe and Michael Fegeley. Contributions in memory of Mrs. Gardiner can be made to Hospice of St. Marys, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650, St. Johns Catholic Church, 43950 St. Johns Road, Hollywood, MD, 20636 and/or the Sotterley Foundation, 44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood, MD, 20636. To send a condolence to the family please visit our website at www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Joyce Coombs, 66
Joyce Marie Coombs, 66, of Montross, VA, formerly of Indian Head, MD, passed away on March 6, 2011 at her residence. Born July 25, 1944 in Indian Head, MD she was the daughter of the late Thomas J. and Catherine V. Unkle Colona. Joyce moved to Montross, VA nine years ago. She was a Preschool Teacher for KinderCare. Joyce also taught Sunday school, she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Joyce is survived by her beloved husband, James Sid Coombs of Montross, VA, children, Daniel (Vicki) Coombs, of Lusby, MD, Patricia (Tim) Treat of Marietta, GA, Stacy (Christina) Coombs of Lusby, MD, and Candy (Todd) Treat of Suffolk, VA, siblings, Charles Colona of Pasadena, MD, Betty Frey of Cocoa

Brigantee. He married his loving wife Kathleen Ann Gioffre on June 24, 1967 at St. Margarets Catholic Church in Seat Pleasant, MD. Joe graduated from Bladensburg High School in 1950 and went on to serve in the Army for two years during the Korean War and was honorably discharged. He moved from Largo, MD in 1972 to Calvert County, MD where he was a successful businessman. He belonged to the Calvert Elks Lodge #2620 and American Legion Post 274. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 43 years Kathleen Ann Gioffre of Lusby, MD; two children, Joe Gioffre and his wife Janice of LaPlata, MD and Debbie Waxman and her husband Paul of Great Mills, MD; siblings, Anna Malone of Bowie, MD, Connie Benefield of Prince Frederick, MD, Nick Gioffre of Waldorf, MD and Josie Boertlein of Dunkirk, MD, and three grandchildren. The family received friends on Sunday, March 13, 2011 in the Rausch Funeral Home, Lusby, MD where a Elks service was held. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, March 14, 2011 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Solomons, with Fr. Thomas Gude officiating. Interment followed in the Chesapeake Highlands Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Port Republic, MD. The family request contributions to be made in Joes memory to the Our Lady Star of the Sea School S.O.F.T., P.O. Box 560, Solomons, MD 20657.

Francis Herold, 75
Francis Frank Clement Herold, 75 of Mechanicsville, MD died March 12, 2011 at Hospice House of St. Marys. Born December 31, 1935 in Passaic, New Jersey, he was the son of Francis Hyacinth Herold and Marian Alda Cromley Burrows. Francis honorably served in the US Army from 1957 to 1960. He was a welder/steamfitter by trade and a member of Union Local 602. Francis loved fishing, boating, gardening and especially growing vegetables for the neighbors. Besides his parents, Francis was predeceased by his brother, Harry Burrows. He is survived by his wife, Pien Terry; stepmother, Rose Ann Herold of New Port Richey, FL; son, Frank W. Herold of Indian Head, MD; daughter, Stephanie L. Herold and husband, Mark J. Faherty of University Park, MD; sisters, Margaret Peg Blitch and husband, Brooks, of Homerville, GA, Alda Herold of Reston, VA and Ann Russell and husband, Bill of New Castle, DE. The family will receive friends for Francis Life Celebration on Saturday, March 19, 2011 from 2 - 4 p.m. at the Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Rd., Charlotte Hall, MD. Interment will be private. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice House of St. Marys, P.O. 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

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Joseph Gioffre, 79
TIMELESS TRIBUTES AS UNIQUE AS THE LOVED ONE THEY HONOR
Joseph Stephen Joe Gioffre, 79 of Lusby, MD formerly of Largo, MD passed away on March 7, 2011 at Washington Hospital Center. He was born on March 31, 1931 in Largo, MD to the late Fortunato Giuffre and Maria

Ida Kendrick, 95
Ida Kendrick, 95 died in her home at Cedar Lane Apartments in Leonardtown, Maryland on March 10, 2011. She was born Ida Etheridge on Sept. 4,

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Thursday, March 17, 2011

The County Times

Continued
1915, the fifth of six children, into a working farm family in Back Bay, Virginia. From the beginning, she loved nature and embraced the excitement and surprises of a life lived outdoors. When she was eighteen, she married Daniel McKenney, and together they raised four boys, whom she mothered with devotion and enthusiasm. At the end of a school day, she was a great person to come home to. When the last of her children were in high school, she prepared for the next phase of her life by going to college at what is now Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia and earning her degree in Education so she could teach high school, which she did with considerable success for twenty five years thereafter. It was during this time that she became an inveterate world traveler, eventually visiting every inhabited continent - not a bad resume for a geography teacher. In 1980 she married Lawson Kendrick, and together they traveled, danced and laughed through 14 extraordinarily happy years until Lawsons death at the age of 94. For the next ten years, she didnt miss a beat, always traveling, tending her beautiful flowers, playing a wicked bridge game, enjoying the widest circle of friends and forever present for her descendants births, graduations, and weddings, however distant. Even at the end, living in an assisted living facility, and with limited mobility, she made life look like a holiday. Long before the rise of Womens Lib, she showed that there were no limits to what a woman can do, or how much she can contribute to others. She modeled a life that was an inspiration to everyone whose lives she touched, and they were legion. She was an Episcopalian and a member of Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority of Virginia. In 2006 she moved to St. Marys County, Maryland to be close to her family and immediately became an active resident member of the Wildewood Retirement Community. She is survived by three sons, Daniel W. McKenney, M. Robert McKenney, and Shepard McKenney; five grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 26th at 3 p.m. at West Saint Marys Manor in Drayden, Maryland. Her family wishes to express their gratitude to Hospice of St. Marys and all of Idas Earth Angels at Cedar Lane. Arrangements provided by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD Memorial donations may be sent to: Friends of Cedar Lane, 22680 Cedar Lane Court, Leonardtown, Maryland 20650. Her last request to her mourners was, Dont send flowers, plant some! years to Christine (Haight) Latham, who preceded him in death on July 17, 2002. JK is survived by a daughter, Nora Latham Vandevender of Lakeland, FL and a son Larry M. Latham of Gaithersburg, MD, sister, Judy Latham Abell of Alexandria, VA, and brother, William Mark Latham, Jr. of Woodbridge, VA. He is also survived by a grandson, Michael Kopel, II of Plant City, FL and granddaughter, Felicia A. Vandevender and two great grandsons, Justin Bean and Brayden M. Kopel, several nieces, nephews and special friends. Family received friends on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 from at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650 where a memorial service was held Stephen Updegrave, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lexington Park, MD officiated. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

Joseph Norris, III, 54

Joseph Joey Brennan Norris, III, 54 of Mechanicsville, MD passed away on March 13, 2011 at his residence. Born December 19, 1956 in Alexandria, VA he was the son of Joseph Norris, Jr. and Ruth Ann Norris of Mechanicsville, MD. Joey was a Plumber. For those who knew Joey, know he was one of those rare people that would lend a hand to you regardless if he knew you for just a moment or many years, or if you had two legs or four. Joeys brilliant mind, crazy heart, and free soul will be remembered fondly with all who loved him. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. His children will continue to keep his spirit and dreams alive. In addition to his parents Joey is survived by his children; Kara A. Norris of Frederick, MD, Brittany N. Norris of Mechanicsville, MD, and Joseph B. Norris, IV of Mechanicsville, MD, siblings; Gail E. Peterson of Creswell, NC, Stephen H. Norris of Charleston, SC, and Cynthia A. Edelen of Clinton, MD. Family will receive friends for Joeys Life Celebration on Sunday, March 20, 2011 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD with prayers recited at 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 21, 2011 at 10 a.m. in St. Josephs Catholic Church, Morganza, MD with Father Keith Woods officiating. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the St. Marys County Humane Society, 19649 William Franklin Ln., Leonardtown, MD 20650

Ellen Rossignol, 92
Ellen A. Rossignol, 92 of Leonardtown, MD passed away on Friday, March 11, 2011 at her residence. Ellen was the devoted wife of the late Douglas Rossignol, and the loving mother of Melinda RossignolAshworth, Grant Rossignol, Kenneth Rossignol, and Lee Rossignol. She is survived by 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Family will receive friends for Mrs. Rossignols Life Celebration on Thursday, March 17, 2011 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD with prayers recited at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 18, 2011 at 10 a.m. in Our Ladys Catholic Church, Medleys Neck with Father Lawrence Young officiating. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Silver Spring, MD. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of St. Marys, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD and/or Our Ladys Catholic Church, 41348 Medleys Neck Rd., Leonardtown, MD 20650

James Marsh, Sr., 70

James Edward Jim Marsh, Sr. 70, of Hollywood, MD died March 12, 2011 at the Hospice House of St. Marys. Born November 10, 1940 in Charlot tesville, VA, he was the son of the late Russell Marsh and Nellie Frances (Walton) Marsh. Jim was an ironworker. He had been a member of the Hollywood Moose Lodge since 1979 and was a Redskins fan. Jim was very close to his dog Midnight, who also passed away on March 12, 2011. Jim is survived by his wife, Connie L. Marsh of Hollywood, MD, children; Debbie Pool of Hollywood, MD, James Marsh, Jr. of San Diego, CA, Linda Andrade of Frederick, MD, Cyndi Beall and Nancy Beall of Chesapeake Beach, MD, Sue Thompson of Margate, FL and Roni Gemma of Hollywood, MD, ten grandchildren, siblings; Dorothy Kitty Callahan and Peggy Phillips of Port Charlotte, FL. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Russell Al Marsh. Family will receive friends for Jims Life Celebration on Saturday, March 19, 2011 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of St. Marys, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

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John Latham, 85
John Keith JK Latham, 85 of Gaithersburg, MD formerly of California, MD died on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at Shady Grove Hospital in Rockville, MD. Born July 1, 1925 in Clements, MD, he was the son of the late William Mark Latham and Helen Wilhelmina (Graves) Latham. JK served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He retired from C & P Telephone Company after 37 years of service. JK was married for 47

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Standardized Testing Underway

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer St. Marys County Public Schools, along with all districts in Maryland, are in the midst of the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) tests. Tony Marcino, the supervisor of assessment for St. Marys County Schools, said the tests are given to students in third through eighth grades and in high school. The MSAs were implemented in 2002 with the No Child Left Behind Act. Marcino said the students are given tests in math and reading and can achieve one of three levels advanced understanding, proficient understanding or basic understanding of the material. Students in fifth and eighth grades also take an online test in science. Marcino said the science test is the only one proctored on the computer and is given to approximately 2,500 students. The tests are used to measure the effectiveness of the curriculum and help the school district locate areas that need improvement, he said. Its the only measure that we have at this point, Marcino said. Whether its an accurate measure has yet to be determined at this point. While the theory behind giving the tests is meant to be useful, Marcino said it is difficult to have one test, during one day of a students school year, stand for the overall effectiveness of the school district and the teachers. In the future there is a chance that the tests may become a factor in teacher evaluations. That is the way that its going, Marcino said. Whether I agree or disagree, it has no merit. Jeffrey DiRenzo, principal of Mechanicsville Elementary School, said the students are tested in their classrooms, and there were pep rallies and other activities to get the students jazzed for the tests. Denise Eichel, principal at Leonardtown Elementary School, said they also had a pep rally, and they gave students little songs to remind them of the testing techniques they have learned over the years. They also give students incentives for taking their time during testing, and for using all the time they have. All student test scores are averaged together to get the percentage for the county and the score is figured into the states Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) report cards. On the last round, St. Marys County had the highest AYP report card in the state. Other factors, like the school dropout rate and student absenteeism, are figured into the report card as well. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

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The County Times

Thursday, March 17, 2011

14

Ryken Students Participate in Project X

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer At the end of their junior year, St. Marys Ryken students participate in two projects the Poverty Project and Project X. Currently, the students at St. Marys Ryken are in the midst of Project X. The X stands for Xaverian, and the project itself has both a local and a global outreach component. Patrick Farrell, the campus ministry director, said one of the goals of the projects is to show the students they are citizens of the world, and should try to help people all over the planet. When were talking about community, were talking about the entire world, Farrell said. He said when they start Project X, they have to choose two components they will participate in the Easter Food Drive or the Fair Trade Chocolate Sale, and, Operation Rice Bowl or the Food Fast. The Rice Bowl option involves the students giving up their lunch twice a week for five weeks and put the money they would normally spend on their lunch in a fund to be used to feed less fortunate kids. The goal is to collect at least $30 per student involved in Project Rice Bowl. In the Food Fast option, the students who are participating go to the school during a weekend and go 25 hours without any food. In the middle of the night, the students take their sleeping bags and any other belongings they brought with them and go out onto the campus to try to make it from one location to another without getting caught. Farrrell said in Africa it is a nightly occurrence for children to avoid getting caught and pressed into military service. That seems to be the most popular thing they do, Farrell said. Its also the most scary thing. Farrell said the projects are geared toward the junior level theology, which has a moral and a social justice theme. Some of the students who were involved in Project X last year are involved in this years projects as volunteers. I had no idea last year what I was getting into, said St. Marys Ryken senior Liz Smith. Jack Donnelly, another senior, said one thing the students getting involved in Project X have to do is keep an open mind. They have to be willing to learn from the experience and not just look at the Rice Bowl Project or the Food Fast as inconvenient moments in their lives. They should accept the projects for what they are, and, if they keep an open mind, theyll have no regrets. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

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Thursday, March 17, 2011

The County Times

In addition to the month-long, nation-wide celebration of student artists, St. Marys County Public Schools will be hosting a fine arts day camp for elementary and middle school students. March is Youth Art Month, but the celebration and encourMorgan-Smoot said the camp started eight or nine years agement of students involvement in the arts does not end in ago and there are several core content areas the students can March. concentrate on, such as music or theatre. There is also a reading Currently, there are exhibits with student work in the three and writing segment during the day and a movement segment. libraries in St. Marys County, the Southern Maryland Higher Morgan-Smoot said all the activities the students will be Education Center and the SMECO building, among other places. involved in are geared toward a theme, which has yet to be It gives the students the opportunity to exhibit their art, determined. said Lynn Morgan-Smoot, the supervisor for instruction of the The dates for the camp are June 27 through July 1 for stufine arts with St. Marys County Public Schools. We have some dents completing grades 3, 4, and 5 and July 11 through 15 for very talented students in the county. students completing grades 6, 7, and 8. Both camps will be held at Leonardtown High School from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Morgan-Smoot said the instructors for the camp are fine arts teachers from the school district. Theyre all highly qualified, Morgan-Smoot said. In addition to the teachers, Morgan-Smoot said there are students in high school who help with the camps. Freshmen and sophomores are allowed to be student volunteers and juniors and seniors have the opportunity to be paid for their work. The tuition for the camp is $140 for in-county students and $190 for all other students. There are a limited number of scholarships available. Students attending private schools are encouraged to attend. Applications for the Summer Fine Arts Camp can be downloaded by visiting the St. Marys County Public Schools Web site, www.smcps.org. Under For Students tab, click Summer Activities for Students. A link is also available under the Fine Arts section. For more details, contact Morgan-Smoot at 301Board of Education member Cathy Allen admires a piece by Jacob Breck, one of the 475-5511, ext. 112.
students recognized at the last Board of Education meeting.

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer

Youth Art Month Not Just a Month Thousands Violate

Drivers are bypassing the stop arms on school buses at an alarming rate, a Maryland State Department of Educationsponsored survey has revealed. A total of 7,028 violations of school bus stop arms were recorded on a single day last month. Nearly 4,000 were oncoming drivers who ignored the stop arm, 2,665 drivers moved past a stopped bus on the bus drivers side of the vehicle and 366 drivers passed a stopped bus on the door side. It is simply illegal to pass a bus with its stop arm extended and its lights flashing, no matter the circumstances, said State Superintendent of Schools Nancy Grasmick. MSDE coordinated the survey along with school transportation directors in all 24 school systems. It is considered a snapshot of illegal activity on the roads. More than 4,712 school bus drivers took part in the survey, representing 65 percent of the school bus drivers in the State. Large systems noted the most violators. Baltimore County school bus drivers tallied the most drivers ignoring the stop arm, with 1,723 drivers tallied. Baltimore County is followed by Montgomery County with 1,645, Baltimore City with 897, Anne Arundel 845, and Prince Georges with 745. In St. Marys County, 85 buses responded, with 41 drivers side vehicle passes from behind; 43 drivers side vehicle passes from the front; and, 2 door side drive-bys. The survey was undertaken at the behest of a number of members of the Maryland General Assembly, which is considering several bills designed to strengthen school bus safety. The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services is coordinating surveys of this type in all 50 States.

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The County Times

STORY

Thursday, March 17, 2011

16

17

Thursday, March 17, 2011

The County Times

STORY

Calvert K9 Search Team Working to Become Areas Go-To Rescue Team

By Corrin M. Howe Contributing Writer A highly qualified and low key search and rescue team based in Calvert County that is not connected to any fire department or police agency has been proving its effectiveness for more than a year, and strives to becomes the go-to team for search missions in Southern Maryland. The Calvert K-9 Search Team, established in Jan 2008, is made up of trained dogs, their handlers, and trained First Aid and Wilderness First Responders. The entire team, which is split between St. Marys and Calvert counties, trained for almost two years with the National Association for Search and Rescue standards in order to meet Marylands requirements to operate within the state. The Department of Natural Resources Police and the Maryland State Police granted the team a provisional operational Search and Rescue (SAR) team status in November 2009. The group was told it would probably be a few months before they were called upon to help search for missing persons. We were called out the next day, said Deputy Commander Mike Maher. Just before midnight one day in 2009, they received a call to locate a patient who had walked away from Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. They sent nine team members and three dogs to search at night for about two and a half hours before the patient walked out of the woods their own. A month later, the team received its official status. According to Commander Ted Carson, the team decided they did not want to become FEMA assets which would allow the team to search and rescue outside Maryland as well as to search collapsed buildings, which requires more specialized training. Originally the team did not intend to train their dogs to locate deceased bodies either. However, now they have two dogs in training for that, realizing that sometimes their subject may no longer be alive when they are called out.
Logistics Chief Katy White works with Bailey a catahoula leopard mix.

Carson said generally they are the third party called in to search for a missing person, who most likely turn out to be children or elderly subjects. First the neighborhood does a search, then calls go to the police who will search for awhile before calling in an SAR team. Most likely their team is called because the search has gone into the evening hours or is in rugged terrain, which local police are not always equipped to handle. Currently, Calvert K-9 members say they have developed a good working relationship with St. Marys Sheriffs Office, and they are working on creating a relationship with the Calvert County Sheriffs Office. [St. Marys officials] are starting to call us right away so that we can start preparing before we arrive, which gives us an advantage, Maher said. The team is in the process of finalizing a memorandum of understanding with the Calvert County Sheriffs department, which would result in the SAR team training together with the Sheriffs Office. Carson said their team takes two different roles during searches. If they are called locally, they generally take the lead and coordinate all the search efforts. If the state calls them, they become assets and generally just show up at the scene and do whatever is asked. The team was called in as an asset on March 6, when they were called to the Eastern Shore to help locate an Alzheimers walk away who was missing for six hours. The man was found alive. So far this year, the team has been called to assist with searches in Annapolis, Upper Marlboro and Golden Beach. The Calvert K-9 Search Team is an all volunteer non-profit organization and depends on the resources of their own team members, grants and donations. The team members purchase their own gear. A grant from American Kennel Club allowed them to purchase a GPS system. Cheeseburger in Paradise, in Wildewood Shopping Center, is also a local sponsor. For more information about the team or how to donate go to their website at http://www.calvertk9search.org
Photo by Frank Marquart

the worse it is for the dogs, said Carson. Wet, windy, cool days are great for dogs to pick up scents. I guess on a day like today they will only have a 20 percent probability of finding their subjects within the hour and a half I allotted them. Team Jett has a potential new dog handler and rescue team member shadowing it during the exercise. Steve and Debby Sanford of Calvert County have a four month old Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. I have a puppy who needs a job, chuckles Sanford. He has visited the team training four or five times now to see if this is something that will work out. He said he does a lot of backpacking anyway. Scott is confident the Sanfords will be a good addition to the team. 12 p.m. Team Jett headed out to their assigned area only knowing they were looking for a subject by the name of Jamie. They dont know there will be a second hiker to find once they get out there. Carson wants to give Jett the extra person to find since the dog will be attempting to earn his NASAR certification in a few weeks. At the same time teams Starbuck and Georgia also start their weekly training assignments, while Commander Carson stayed back at the trailer monitoring the progress of the teams on his Doggie TV. The black handheld GPS devise which looks like a walkie-talkie at first glance has maps of each teams search area programmed in. Since the dog, a member of the team and the inserted subject are all wearing GPS tags, he can watch the search even though everyone is out of sight. (The GPS) was originally made for hunters, but Search and Rescue immediately recognized the potential, Carson said. 12:25 p.m. Team Jett radios to base that they found their subject. They immediately give their grid coordinates so the base knows where they are. A few minutes later they advise their person is injured and will need a litter in order to carry them out. In the meantime the team also discovers their victim was not alone. Carson advises he will send in aQBH St M County to carry Half team with a board TImes out the injured party and for all but the WFR to immediately start their search for the second hiker. Earlier in the morning as the teams were first formed, someone jokingly said Team Jetts WFR Randy Larsen was qualified to do surgery and dental work if necessary. Youre in great shape. Randy could save you with a pen. A professor at St. Marys College when not part of the K-9 search and rescue team, Larsen said his training to receive the WFR designation included a multi-day 60 hour training course which included written and practical tests. I was looking for some way to help. I looked at what I like to do. Im comfortable in the woods because of my military background and as a teenager I was part of an Explorer Unit specializing in search and rescue, said Larsen about his involvement on the team. 12:33 p.m. According to Doggie TV at the base, Jett has found the second subject. Jetts GPS collar sends information every half a second. The handheld monitor reports every five seconds. The program is so sensitive it actually shows a small black dog on the screen sitting down, which reflects what Jett has done in the field. Hes what Carson calls a bark and stay dog. Different dogs have different personalities which are incorporated into their training. In Jetts case, he prefers to be rewarded with a toy and play after he finds his subject. So he will stay with the victim barking his location until he receives his prize. Starbuck, a German Shepherd, is also a bark and stay dog. Starbucks bark apparently can be intimidating, so the volunteer subject who was eventually found by Starbuck was warned ahead of time that the dog would get up in her face and bark until his handler Fran Carson caught up to him. Georgia, the third dog being trained that

subject 45 minutes after start. 12:36 p.m. The GPS indicates that Team Jett members caught up to the dog to discover the second subject. During the final debrief at the end of training, Jetts handler will inform the team of her discovery that Jett doesnt bark if the subject pets him. This is a problem she will have to train Jett to overcome. We cant assume all our subjects will be unconscious or staying in one place. Some may be wandering around (like the Alzheimers patient the previous weekend). We may have kids screaming when the dogs come up and start barking at them, said Scott. Therefore, the weekly training session with the dogs help the handlers know how the dogs will respond under different scenarios. Ultimately they want the dogs to behave the same way no matter what the condition of the subject. 12:38 p.m. Team Jett calls into base indicating they found the second hiker and hes injured. Earlier, when Carson dispatched a litter to pick up the first injured subject, he would have sent in another WRF since Larsen would be required to stay with his patient until handed over to the local EMS. The update on the second victim would include their grid coordinates which will help the second WFR locate the rest of the team. Navigation skills are paramount to being part of the team. Besides one GPS device per team, each team member carries their own paper map and compass. They have to know where they are at all times and be able to report back to base where they searched. Photo by Frank Marquart
Teyla, a German shepherd that is training in Human Remains Detection and tracking-trailing, practices during a recent training session at Kings Christian Academy.

The team conducts training exercises twice a week in Calvert and St. Marys counties. The following is a look into one of their most recent training missions conducted last Sunday at Calvert Cliffs State Park.

day, is what Ted Carson called a Find Refind dog. Her subject was told she would jump giving a hug before taking off to find her handler Linda Mullins. Georgia actually has to find three times. She has to find the subject, find Ad:Layoutthen find the subject again, said Carson as he watched Georgia run Linda and 1 3/1/11 3:28 PM Page 1 back and forth on his Doggie TV when he realized Team Georgia found their

12:45 p.m. Team Georgia reports to base that theyve found their subject. Carson tells them to complete their assessment of the victim and then return to base as the exercise is complete. The volunteer victim, Susan Thorp of Calvert, said about her time waiting to be found. I picked off leaves, played with branches and called my mom.

Main Training Exercise

11:45 a.m. Calvert K-9 Search Team gathers around their red command trailer for their team assignments. Each of the three teams will be deployed to search a separate 40 acre wooded terrain in Calvert Cliffs State Park. Theyll have 90 minutes to find their subjects which were inserted while the teams went through their preparations. Commander and Trainer Ted Carson developed three different scenarios the night prior and determined where each team would search as well as where the victim subject will be sitting waiting to be found. Team Jett is comprised of a two year old Border Collie, his handler Ashley Scott, and a Navigator, a Communications specalist and a Wilderness First Responder (WFR). Jett has been in training since he was nine weeks old. Hes both a tracking and air scent trained dog but currently can only be used in local searches because he has not been tested for National Association of Search and Rescue (NASAR)certification. A tracking dog is trained to follow a specific scent and a specific path while kept on a leash. An air scent dog follows any human scent and is let go to run freely. Scott, a resident of Great Mills, gathers her team to discuss her plan of action once they get to the beginning of their assigned search grid. I want to go high first with this weather. The way he (Jett) works, I need the team to stay close together in a V pattern behind me. We might have to start the opposite when we get out there. Scott has two things to consider prior to setting Jett free to find his subject. First her search area and starting point bump up against another search teams. The two leaders will have to coordinate so their dogs dont pick up the scents of the other team. Next, she has to worry about the weather. It was a clear day with little to no breeze, which makes it hard for dogs to pick up scents. The better it is for the humans on the team

MHBR No. 103

Newsmakers
By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Sara Cochran, an eight grader from Leonardtown Middle School, was diagnosed with scoliosis in the spring of 2009. But, rather than let it get her down, she joined online support groups and, eventually, she found a group called Curvy Girls. Curvy Girls is a support group that began in Long Island, and is growing to be a national movement for girls with scoliosis to turn to when they need to talk to somebody who knows what theyre going through. Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine, making it bend in an S or a C shape and often necessitating a brace or even surgery to correct the problem. There are many difficult struggles, both mentally and physically, when you get a brace, Cochran said. She said she has an idea of starting a group that wasnt just online, so she went to the curvy girls website and contacted them to find out how to start a group. The person she got in touch with told her what to do to start the group, gave her some ideas of conversations to have with her group and e-mailed her a flier that she could modify for her group.

The County Times

Thursday, March 17, 2011

18

L ibrary Items
Friends Book Sale is this weekend The Friends of the Library annual book sale is this weekend, Mar. 18 to 20, at the county fairgrounds. The book sale will be open on Friday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. for Friends members only, with membership available at the door. The sale is open to the public on Sat, Mar. 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sun, Mar. 20, from noon until 4 p.m. Tweens to discuss The Invention of Hugo Cabret Tweens, ages 8-11, can discuss Brian Selznicks book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret at Chapter Chats on Mar. 22 at 6 p.m. at Lexington Park. Registration is requested. Free movies, Game Fun and Legos planned Families can drop in for a free PG movie at Lexington Park on Mar. 31 at 3 p.m. and at Leonardtown on Apr. 1 at 2 p.m. Lexington Parks movie is about Hiccup, a teenager who encounters a dragon that challenges him to see the world from an entirely different point of view. Leonardtowns is about a bandit, Flynn Rider who hides in a tower and finds Rapunzel. Snacks are provided at both showings. Charlotte Hall will offer a gaming extravaganza with snacks on Mar. 31 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. for all ages. LEGO Fun is planned at Charlotte Hall on Apr. 1 for children ages 3-6 from 10-11:30 a.m. and for children ages 6 and older from 1-2:30 p.m. Lexington Park will offer LEGO Fun for ages 6 and older on Apr. 1 from 2-3:30 p.m. LEGOs are provided at both libraries.
Photo Courtesy of Sara Cochran Sarah Cochran shows off her new Curvy Girls tee shirt. Curvy Girls is a support group for girls dealing with scoliosis.

Local Student Starts Scoliosis Support Group

Anna Staats, a sixth grader in Esperanza Middle School, said she found out she had scoliosis in May of 2010. She said the group helped her realize she wasnt alone in her situation. It was really good, she said. Its a great help. Cochran said another woman is in the group who had scoliosis when she was young, rounding the group out with somebody from all points on the spectrum for scoliosis and the treatment of it. Cochran said she doesnt have a number in mind for her group to hit. She will welcome anybody, as many or as few as they may be. As long as Im making a difference in one persons life, then thats enough for me, she said. Cochrans mother, Jennifer Cochran, said she is happy with her daughters initiative. She kind of really took the lead and made something positive out of something that could have been challenging, she said. For more information, visit www. curvygirlsscoliosis.com. To contact Cochran, e-mail curvygirlsofsm@gmail. com. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Real Estate Group Helps Local Heroes

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer A local realtor group is doing their part to help heroes. Celia Agostinho, an employee with EXIT Landmark Reality, said they are just one of several real estate agencies nationwide to get involved in the Homes for Heroes initiative. This is a real big, important thing for us, Agostinho said. Homes for Heroes provides for people who have served in the military, in a police force, as firefighters or rescue workers and several other service-oriented fields. Agostinho said the initiative recently added medical professionals and teachers to the list of people who qualify as heroes. Homes for Heroes works with realtors, lenders and other real estate related services to provide substantial rebates and discounts to the heroes who serve our nation and its communities every day. Theyve helped a tremendous amount of

Poets can share poems Poets young and old are invited to come and share a favorite poem or an original one or just come to listen at the Poetry Open Mic on Apr. 1 at 6 p.m. at Leonardtown. Local poet, Wendy Kibler, will be the opening reader.

Simmons, Gretton Set to Wed

Andy Gretton and Allyson Simmons announce their engagement. The bride-to-be is the daughter of Robert and Karen Powell. She is a high school graduate, who went into Cosmetology. She has been a stylist for 16 years and still is a stylist in the Charles County area. The groom-to-be is the son on Robert and Teresa Gretton, he is a graduate from Thomas Stone High School and University of Maryland - UC. He runs his own professional youth soccer training business in the southern MD area. The couple was engaged March 14th, 2010 in Cape May, NJ. Their wedding is planned for May 9th, 2011 in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos . The couple resides in La Plata.

heroes, Agostinho said. In addition to the rebates and financial assistance for their homes, Agostinho said the heroes who work with EXIT Landmark Reality also receive discount cards to present at area stores and restaurants for additional savings at those venues. According to www.homesforheroes.com, this program was created after the tragic events of 9/11 as a Thank you to the men and women who have given so much. Heroes across the country register on our website every day looking for the savings. We match them with the Homes for Heroes affiliates in their area. Homes for Heroes is now expanding its discounts beyond the home buying and selling process with our Friends of Heroes program. EXIT Landmark Reality held a ribbon cutting Wednesday at their home office in Charles County to celebrate their involvement with the program, with plans to have ribbon cuttings in Calvert and St. Marys Counties because of the business they do in those counties as well as Charles County. Agostinho said they can help the heroes to save as much as $4,000 to $5,000 on the cost of their new homes. The benefit for us is were helping the community, Agostinho said. The Heroes get big deals because they can use some support and help on the home front, Agostinho said. She said she and the real estate company are happy and honored to get involved in Homes for Heroes. Its our way for saying thank you for those who sacrifice their lives, she said. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

19

Thursday, March 17, 2011

The County Times

The County Times & These Fine Merchants Would Like to Join Our Readers in Celebrating

ST. PATRICKS DAY

www.brandywineparts.com 301-863-6433 www.dbmcmillans.com 301-866-0777 www.Snheatingac.com 301-884-5011 www.carrollsequipment.com 301-872-5553 www.pnc.com 301-737-3700 www.brinsfieldfuneral.com 301-472-4400 301-475-5588 www.laserlube.com 301-737-1102 301-475-3151 301-885-9145 www.patriotmedicaltransport.com 301-290-0502

410-326-3909

301-475-2811

240-237-8228

301-997-1700

DEAN LUMBER
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ardiner
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FUNERAL HOME, P.A.

www.dean-lumber.com 301-373-2111 www.servpro.com 301-862-9500 www.thegreenerynursery.net 301-373-2573

www.mgfh.com 301-475-8500

Fenwick Street Used Books and Music

www.fenwickbooks.com 301-475-2859

Maryland State Delegate, District 29A 301-884-2345

John F Wood Jr

www.gobrewinggrounds.com 301-475-8040

Brewing Grounds

www.ricksjewelers.com 301-737-4241

www.threemules.com 301-863-8803

Charles Memorial Gardens www.charlesmemorialgardens.com 301-475-8060

Thompsons Seafood Corner Market

Mechanicsville, MD 301-884-5251

www.martinsautotech.com 301-373-2266 worldgym.somd.com 301-884-8096

Martins AutoTech

The County Times

Thursday, March 17, 2011

20

UBLE DO OLLAR D YS G DA
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Serving

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21

Thursday, March 17, 2011

The County Times

Deadlines for Classifieds are Tuesday at 12 pm.

DireCTory
Phone 301-884-5900 1-800 524-2381 Phone 301-934-4680 Fax 301-884-0398

Business
Cross & Wood

To Place a Classified Ad, please email your ad to: classifieds@countytimes.net or Call: 301-373-4125 or Fax: 301-373-4128 for a price quote. Office hours are: Monday thru Friday 8am - 4pm. The County Times is published each Thursday.

Classifieds
Real Estate
A 20 acre lot, with perk, mostly cleared flat land backed with trees- great for a single family with lots of privacy and plenty of room for pasture with a stream running along edge of property, or can be subdivided. In a great location in the middle of Hollywood on a private road in a quite neighborhood. If interested call 301-373-8462 or e-mail jlaowens@aol.com. Price: $349,900.

Want Personal Local Service?

AssoCiAtes, inC. Serving The Great Southern Maryland Counties since 1994
Employer/Employee Primary Resource Consultants Group & Individual Health, Dental, Vision, AFLAC, Life, Long Term Care, Short & Long Term Disability, Employer & Employee Benefits Planning

12685 Amberleigh Lane La Plata, MD 20646

28231 Three Notch Rd, #101 Mechanicsville, MD 20659

Mary Clifton
Financial Advisor

Retirement Planning Stocks Bonds Mutual Funds IRAs CDs

CALL 301-884-4575 for Consultation
Member SIPC

Real Estate Rentals

Cozy 2 bedroom, 1 bath home nestled in wooded area. Living Room with gas fireplace and beautiful bright sunroom. Hardwood floors. Large open kitchen with ceramic tile. Shed with power and light. Walk to lake, fishing, beaches close by. On a cul de sac. 1200.00/mo. 410-610-7072.

28103 Three Notch Road Mechanicsville

P Hotchkiss & Associates .A.

WHERE YOUR LEGAL MATTER-MATTERS

Law Offices of
Since 1987

Apartment Rentals

Auto Accidents Criminal Domestic Wills Power of Attorney DWI/Traffic Workers Compensation
301-870-7111 1-800-279-7545 www.pahotchkiss.com

Heating & Air Conditioning THE HEAT PUMP PEOPLE

30457 Potomac Way Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 Phone: 301-884-5011

Small unfurnished one bedroom apt, $900.00 per month, Utilities included. Washer & Dryer on premises. Garage Parking, No Section 8, No Pets, Non Smoker. Minutes from PAX River. Lease and security deposit required. Applicants subject to background check. If interested, call Dana @ 301737-1257 or email dwcullison@smcm.edu

Accepting All Major Credit Cards

Serving the Southern Maryland Area

Employment
Bldg Service Worker Must have exp in commercial cleaning. Drug free environment. Must have valid Drivers Lic. & clean criminal background. Send resume to rtlawnmaint@ aol.com or fax to 301-863-3366 Sparkling Touch Janitorial Service. Ground Maintenance Tech. Experience in ground maintenance a plus. Valid DL Required. Background check and drug testing required. RTs Lawn Maintenance. 301-863-5199.

Est. 1982

snheatingac.com

Lic #12999

301-866-0777

Pub & Grill

23415 Three Notch Road California Maryland

Yard Sale
YARD SALE SAT 3/12 & SAT 3/19- 7 til 1 (((2 wks in a row))) Many items: dishes - glassware - tools - clothes - knickknacks - books NO KIDS clothes/toys @ 45101 Knotts Dr. CALLAWAY

Today, March 17th is St. Patricks Day

Entertainment All Day

www.dbmcmillans.com

Pet of the Week

Hello Everyone, my name is Princess and I am a sweet and wonderful black labrador retriever mix. I get along with children, love people and would probably be better in a house with male dogs or just being the center of attention. I am in good health and am really looking for a home where I can spend my golden years. I am pretty spunky girl and 10 years young. I have lots of love and wonderful qualities to share with someone. I am house trained, crate trained and walk great on a leash. I am spayed, current on vaccinations, heart worm negative and identification micro chipped. Please contact lora@secondhoperescue.org or call 240-925-0628 to make me a part of your family. Thanks so much. Please Adopt, Dont Shop.

Boats & Recreation

301-737-0777

Deep Water Slips & Boat Lifts Available. Leonardtown Area. 301-475-2017. www.combscreekmarina.com

Prime Rib Seafood Sunday Brunch Banquet & Meeting Facilities 23418 Three Notch Road California, MD 20619 www.lennys.net

Important
The County Times will not be held responsible for any ads omitted for any reason. The County Times reserves the right to edit or reject any classified ad not meeting the standards of The County Times. It is your responsiblity to check the ad on its first publication and call us if a mistake is found. We will correct your ad only if notified after the first day of the first publication ran.

Ca ll 30 Ad! 1-373 r -4125 to Place You

Advertising That Works!

The County Times

Thursday, March 17, 2011

22

The Suttler Post Farm Clydesdales made their way to sunny Florida last month to compete in the 2011 Florida State Fair in Tampa. The 18- hour drive down, with one flat tire, seemed like an eternity but they finally made it and were greeted with 70 degree weather. The first day down there, the six horses that made the trip got baths, sunshine and plenty of rest to prepare for the next two days of the driving competition ahead. The first day of driving started with rain in the morning which moved all driving events into the indoor arena starting with the six horse hitch,

Clydesdales Compete in Florida State Fair

which Suttler Post Farm took third in the class followed by the unicorn and team driving. The competition was tough and experienced, but the St. Marys County Clydesdales hung in there and gave them a run for their money. Day two started early with halter classes, which Tony received Reserve Grand Champion Gelding to start the morning. They followed with the four-horse hitch, cart and tandem to finish out the day. There were several

Thursday, March 17
Wounded Warrior Fundraising VFW 2632 (23282 Three Notch Road, California) 11 a.m. Celebrate St. Patricks Day at the VFW and help raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project. Live Music by Just Jones from 4-8 p.m. They will also be raffling off a variety of items to raise funds the Wounded Warrior Project. The VFW will also be serving up corn beef and cabbage meals all day for $6 per meal. For more information, visit www.vfwpost2632.com. Living From the Heart Advanced Meditation Joy Lane Healing Center (43288 Joy Lane, Hollywood) 11 a.m. Living from the Hearts Advanced Meditation with Carol Marcy is an ongoing event every Thursday. The cost $180 for 8 weeks or $25 drop-in with permission from Carol Marcy. To register, call 301-373-2522 or email info@ joylanehealingcenter.net.

is hosting a Choose Your Prize Basket Bingo in the school gym in Leonardtown. Doors open at 6:00 pm and bingo begins at 7:00 pm. Admission is $20 for 20 games and all prizes are Longaberger products - many from the brand new Spring and Summer WishList. Specials are $1 each and prizes available are picnic basket, set of 3 Sisters purses, Newspaper basket set and Party Tub basket. The Grand Raffle is a filled pamper yourself Blanket Basket. Dinner and snacks will also be available for purchase. For more info or to make reservations call Denise Pietsch at 301-904-1062.

Tuesday, March 22
Nature Time at Greenwell Greenwell State Park (25450 Rosedale Manor Lane, Hollywood) 10 a.m. Enjoy the wonders of nature at Greenwell State Park through games, crafts, stories, movement, and exploration. Nature Time is a program for young children and their families/caregivers. This weeks theme is Secret Garden. Pre-registration (no later than 24 hours in advance) is required via email at lpranzo@greenwellfoundation.org or by calling the Greenwell Foundation office at 301-3739775. Visit www.greenwellfoundation.org or call 301-373-9775 for the schedule and for more information. Special Olympics Poker Bennett Building (24930 Old Three Notch Road, Hollywood) 7 p.m. $1-$2 blinds cash game. Dealers will be provided and the high hand is paid nightly. Drinks will be free. Proceeds go to benefit the St. Marys Special Olympics and the Center for Life Enrichment. People who would like to help with the Special Olympics should call Mary Lu Bucci at 301-373-3469 or 240-298-0200. For more information about the poker game, call Jim Bucci 301-373-6104 before 7 p.m. and 240-298-9616 after.

Southern Maryland folks that stopped by to see the horses, even in Florida. No one got hurt and the horses did extremely well coming off of winter break, said Daniel Mast of Suttler Post Farm of Mechanicsville.

Sunday, March 20
Drive-Thru Chicken Dinner Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad (43256 Rescue Lane, Hollywood) 11 a.m. The menu will include four piece fried chicken, parsley potatoes, green beans, roll and cookies. The price is $12 per dinner per person. Wedding Show at Greenwell Rosedale Manor in Greenwell State Park (25450 Rosedale Manor Lane, Hollywood) 11 a.m. The Greenwell Foundation will be hosting the annual Wedding Show at Greenwell. Admission is free. Inside the manor and in a large tent on the surrounding grounds, brides-to-be can meet local wedding vendors who can help plan a special day. The Shark Handbook Calvert Marine Museum (14200 Solomons Island Road South Solomons) 2 p.m. Sunday Conversations with Chesapeake Authors will feature Nick Caloyianis and The Shark Handbook a comprehensive handbook that is a must have for anyone interested in sharks. Caloyianis, the photographer for the book, will be on hand to share his incredible stories and video from his travels around the world to photograph these amazing creatures at in the auditorium. This event is appropriate for anyone over age 7 and free of charge. Book signing will follow the presentation.

Color & Light Society Holding Programs for Artists

The Color & Light Society of seums murals, and more. Southern Maryland, Inc. held its first of The Color and Light Society of eight educational programs for 2011 on Southern Maryland is comprised of diMarch 2. The members and guests gath- verse Calvert, St. Marys and Charles ered at the home of Sue Stevenson, who county visual artists who are dedicated presented a program on artists promo- to artistic development and creation of tional techniques, including developing original works of art. The groups puran effective artist biograpose is to encourage artists to phy and artist statement, become more involved in the techniques to establish a art community, to develop broad customer base, and their skills, and to provide supexposure through commuport for emerging, as well as nity connections. established artists. Educational proThe Color and Light Sograms are held on the first ciety works to provide venues Wednesday of each month for showing and selling origifrom March through nal works. The group also November. volunteers their artistic skills Upcoming venues at various events throughout include a Gallery Hop; the year. member demonstrations If you would like furof sky painting techniques, ther information about First working with tile, tips for Wednesday programs or joindigital camera settings, ing the Color and Light Soand graphic design basics; ciety, please contact Carole a behind-the-scenes tour Sue Stevenson explains Thieme at 410-394-0326. promotional techniques of the Calvert Marine Mu- for artists.

Friday, March 18
Steak and Shrimp Dinner American Legion Post 221 (21690 Colton Point Road, Avenue) 5 p.m. The menu includes New York strip steak, steamed shrimp and burgers. Platters and sandwiches are both available for eat-in or carryout service. For more information, contact Everett Cooper at 301-769-2220 or 301-769-4346 on the day of the event or visit http:// www.alpost221.webs.com. Young Professional Initiative Meeting DB McMillians (23415 Three Notch Road, California) 6 p.m. The meeting will include a general body meeting, June meeting information, committee briefs and welcoming of new members.

Wednesday, March 23
Canasta St. Marys County Loffler ( SAYSF) Senior Activity Center (46544 Rue Purchase Road, Lexington Park) 9 a.m. This fun group does more than just play Canasta- they also share refreshments and play Shanghai as well as other card games. New members have been coming in lately and find that they have been warmly welcomed. For more information call 240-725-0290. National Expert Speaks on Menhaden St. Marys County Elks Lodge (45779 Fire Department Lane, California) 7:30 p.m. The future of menhaden and how it impacts fishing in the Chesapeake Bay will be discussed by one of the Atlantic Coasts foremost authorities on fisheries management during the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Marylands Patuxent River Chapter meeting. The meeting is free and open to the public. Richen Brame, South Atlantic and Atlantic States Fisheries Director, CCA, will lead the discussion. Brame, who has worked on the CCA National staff for 22 years, represents the association on the Atlantic State Marine Fisheries Commission and works with federal and regional government to protect the interests of recreational anglers. He holds a BS and MS in fisheries and wildlife science from North Carolina State University.

Saturday, March 19
Multi Family Yard Sale Good Samaritan Lutheran Church (20850 Langley Road, Lexington Park) 7 a.m. Huge multi-family yard sale includes lots of toys, books and clothes for babies and children, high chairs, boppie pillows, crib bedding, strollers, maternity clothes, men and womens clothes, household items, books, electronics and much more. All proceeds go to support The Crib a non-profit providing services to single parent families in critical situations in St. Marys County. They are also accepting item donations, and all donations are tax deductible. Email info@cribhome.org or visit www. cribhome.org to schedule item pick up or to get more information. Basket Bingo Father Andrew White School (22850 Washington Street, Leonardtown) 7 p.m. Father Andrew White school

Girls Spring Camps Offered

Spend your spring break at camp with the Girl Scouts. All girls in grades K 12 are invited to join us for a fun filled week. Campers do not need to be Girl Scout members to come to camp. All Spring Camps offer supervised fun, hands-on activities, games, songs, crafts, adventure and excitement for all girls. Join us for an amazing spring break. Bus transportation is available for all locations. The spring camps this year are: Charles, Calvert and St. Marys Counties The Sweet Life April 18-21, 2011 Camp Winona, Hughesville. Charles County Its A Girls Life April 18-21, 2011 William B. Wade Elementary, Waldorf, MD Prince Georges County Camp Wonderland April 18-21, 2011 Bowie High School Annex, Bowie, MD Adult and teen volunteers are always welcome. Registration is limited, so register soon! Visit http://www.gscnc. org/camping/SDEP.html or contact Lori Davis at 1-800-834-1702 or ldavis@gscnc.org for more information.

Monday, March 21
Monday Night Yoga Joy Lane Healing Center (43288 Joy Lane, Hollywood) 11 a.m. Beginning Yoga Level I is a basic Yoga class that emphasizes body-mind-spirit health. The class begins with a brief peace chant to create a peaceful tone and moves into a series of poses called asanas that balance the body and mind. The class ends with deep relaxation, pranayama- breathing, and closes with a peace chant. Bring a yoga mat and water. Monday night Yoga with Jaya is $72 for six weeks or $15 to drop in. To register, call 301-373-2522.

23

Thursday, March 17, 2011

The County Times

1814. We cannot close this letter without giving you an account of the heroism displayed by two men from this neighbourhood, in the capture of a barge and five prisoners at St. Clements Bay. The men alluded to are Matthew Guy and John Woodward, who were in a small schooner belonging to the latter, getting a load of oysters in the neighbourhood of Blackistones Island. The day on which the affair took place, they were underway landing up the river, when a schooner was observed in chase coming up fast. It was deemed prudent to make for the shore, which the tender observing dispatched a barge with 5 men to intercept them. Guy loaded his musket and placed himself on the point of a little creek. The barge coming within hail, ordered him to lower his main sail, which he refused--they still continued their suit, and having to pass very near the position Guy had taken, were, as soon as they came opposite, fired at by him-the execution done by the single shot was almost incredible, the commander of the tender was wounded dangerously with buck shot, and three others so disabled that they immediately surrendered to Guy, who delivered them up to the inhabitants to be carried to Washington. They brought the barge home with them... From the January 14, 1815 issue of the Union: A man by the name of Matthew Guy, a native of the town of Dumphries, lately captured alone one British midshipman and four seamen, in the following extraordinary manner: He was in an oyster boat in the neighborhood of Chippewanzie, into which he was pursued by a British vessel; and, after he got into the creek, a barge was sent after him with an officer and four men. Guy, finding he must be overtaken, went ashore in a small skiff and concealed himself on the margin of the creek with his duck gun, directing a mulatto man who was the only person in company with him, to pursue his way up the creek. The mulatto man, accordingly, steered up the creek, under a sharp fire from the barge which was in pursuit. When the barge passed within a convenient distance, Mr. Guy discharged his gun towards it with such a steady aim as to wound four out of the five men on board, who immediately cried for quarter; which being readily granted, they pushed ashore whilst Guy was loading his gun a second time. On finding the inferiority of force to which they had surrendered their arms, the prisoners were disposed to attempt a rescue; but their captor presented his piece a second time towards them, and they deemed it proper to submit, the officer and three others being already wounded. The brave man who performed this exploit delivered his prisoners up to the militia in St. Marys county, by whom they have been brought to Philadelphia. To be continued.

A Journey Through Time

The
By Linda Reno Contributing Writer In January 1815, the following newspaper accounts appeared. What really happened? From the January 11, 1815 issue of the National Aegis: A Barge and Five Men Captured by One Man. Extract of a letter from a gentleman to his friend in the House of Delegates, dated Dumfries, 23d December

Chronicle

Wanderings of an
Aimless

Min

By Shelby Oppermann Contributing Writer To me, there is nothing so pretty as coming out into the living/dining room area of my home in the mornings. The lemony yellow walls make it feel as if it is warm summer even on the coldest days. Soft sage green furniture keeps the serene, comfort feeling, no matter what the day brings. I never have been able to enjoy white walls as much. Even though I do love the look in magazines of all white rooms, especially shabby chic rooms. They are beautiful just as long as I dont have to live with it everyday. The living room has ivory shabby chic end tables and coffee tables, which gives me the, light, breezy accents I need without a stark, cold atmosphere. The style is actually Nantucket with bead board and bun feet. I love the look so much that my husband and I are planning on refinishing our kitchen cabinets the same way. Sounds like a great spring project we havent had a good argument in a long time anyway. Working together on a home project sounds like a sure-fire way to get the blood racing and tempers flaring. What gives me the most pleasure though, is looking into the dining room on a sunny, spring morning. I normally cant wait until the actual Spring Equinox to switch out all of the winter-themed dishes on my sideboard to some of my collection of rose-covered Bavarian China. This year is no exception at a certain point in the early morning, when all the house lights are still off, the sunlight streams through our Eastfacing bay window and lights up the beautiful china. The lovely April Cornell yellow rose fabric runner underneath gives the impression of all the china springing up from a beautiful garden. I could stand there for hours watching and enjoying light play off the roses and leaves. Occasionally, I have my morning tea in one of the dainty porcelain cups, where the china is so thin you can see the shadow of your hand as you drink. I swear that tea tastes better in this porcelain than it does in a thick ceramic mug. Maybe its all in my head, probably is. The only downfall is that by three or four sips you have finished your tea. But, that problem can be solved by using my small, rose-covered porcelain teapot. In fact, I am going to make a pot

of Irish Breakfast tea to take me through this beautiful morning very fitting for the week, which includes St. Patricks Day. My husband is not fond of antiques, so gradually we have evolved to a more contemporary theme, or rather country contemporary. Everything is soft and livable, not hard, metallic and cold. The one antique, well actually it is considered vintage still at this point, is one 1930s solid mahogany bookcase. I always think of it as a ladys bookcase. It stands only four feet tall of solid mahogany with a waterfall inspired style. The bookcase has garnered a few nicks here and there, which place it in a furniture style category, which I have named shanky. Shanky is a blend of shabby chic and antique. Possibly a better spelling would be shanquey. My hope chest is shanky too. At one point my Mother decided she didnt need all of the family heirlooms and antiques and began selling them to local antique shops in and around Clinton. This was about the time I was in college. Every time I came home, I would think somethings missing, but I couldnt always put my finger on what. It wasnt hard, however, to notice that my Grandmothers hope chest was gone. I was very upset that it had been sold, and had to pay $50 to get it back. The hope chest will always bring back loving memories of my Grandmother, and I would have paid anything to keep an object that when looked upon brings such happiness. Not surprisingly, I hold on to the few heirlooms that I saved. I quickly took the old book case as soon as I was married, and will never let that go at least until the day one of my sons would like it in a home of their own. It contains all my Fathers old books; my sole inheritance from him, so I am hoping that will be a nice treasure for them. It is true that the simplest things in life can give so much pleasure. Just like in The Wizard of Oz, everything I truly need to be happy can be found right here at home. I hope you find the same comfort and happiness each morning of your life. To each new days adventure, Shelby Please send comments or ideas to: shelbys.wanderings@yahoo.com.

Just Comfort

d Book Review
c.2011, Viking
By Terri Schlichenmeyer Contributing Writer Somebody should be ashamed of themselves. Whoever it was, they forgot a basic tenet of kindergarten: if you make a mess, you clean it up. But there it is, trash all over the place. Paper bags, plastic sacks, crumpled aluminum, debris you dont want to think about, all scattered on the ground. Somebody or a lot of somebodies missed the trash can and they ought to be ashamed of themselves. But when that somebody is a large corporation and the mess cant be easily contained, what happens? In the new book Moby-Duck by Donovan Hohn, the answer isnt always clear. One late night in March 2005, while teacher and part-time archaeologist of the ordinary Donovan Hohn was grading papers written by his journalism students, a particular essay caught his imagination. The student wrote about a ship carrying a load of plastic toys bound for Tacoma in 1992. When the vessel encountered a storm, several shipping containers fell overboard, spilling 28,800 yellow ducks, red beavers, green frogs, and blue turtles into the Pacific Ocean. It was believed that ocean currents would eventually carry the toys north and around the continent to New England beaches. Intrigued, Hohn learned that at least one duck had allegedly been spotted in Maine in the years between spill and essay. But what about the other 28,799 plastic animals? He had to know Though his wife was very pregnant with their first child, Hohn figured there was time for

Lost at Sea and of the Beachcombers, Oceanographers, Environmentalists, and Fools, Including the Author, Who Went in Search of Them by Donovan Hohn
$27.95 / $35.00 Canada 402 pages, includes notes
a beachcombing sojourn near Sitka, Alaska, where dozens of the toys had landed years before. The current had bestowed lots of debris upon the coast, but he hadnt enough time to pursue plastic: Hohn had to return to Manhattan for the birth of his son. Two years later, the search was back on when Hohn joined a clean-up group near Alaska, where trash was so thick, moss and humus grew atop it. From there he joined a crew exploring the Eastern Garbage Patch near Hawaii, looking for tiny bits of poly amid plankton. He went to China to see where the toys originated, came home aboard a cargo freighter, then went north to the Arctic Circle, all the while wondering: could plastic ducks really make it through the Northwest Passage? Worried about global warming, polar bears, ice melts, and ducks? This book wont give you much good news, but it explains things you may be wondering if you can just stick with it. Author Donovan Hohn is lighthearted throughout his book, and his curiosity is infectious. He gives Moby-Duck an adventurous feel, but he tends to get off-track quite often in this tale of a search for bathtub toys. Those digressions, though they arent out of place, can be lengthy. Some readers may find them enlightening; others, like me, may struggle in staying focused. Still, I think this is a book that every politician, plastic-producer, and polluter should read before taking out the garbage this week. For them and for anyone concerned about our environment missing whats inside MobyDuck would be a dirty shame.

Moby-Duck: The True Story of 28,800 Bath Toys

The County Times

Thursday, March 17, 2011

The Blue Dog Saloon (7940 Port Tobacco Road, Port Tobacco) 9 p.m.

24

Thursday, March 17
Dave Norris DB McMillans (23415 Three Notch Road, California) 5 p.m. St Patricks Day Celebration with Pond Scum Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) 7 p.m. Special Olympics No Limit Poker Night Bennett Building (24930 Old Three Notch Road, Hollywood) 7 p.m. Bingo American Legion Post 82 (6330 Crain Highway, La Plata) 7 p.m. Auditions for the Bayside Singers Middleham Chapel Parish Hall (10210 H.G. Trueman Road, Lusby) 7 p.m. Jerry Burch Solo St Marys Landing (29935 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall) 7 p.m. Salsa Thursdays House of Dance (24620 Three Notch Road, Hollywood) 7:30 p.m. $10 All You Can Drink Ladies Night with DJ Chris Big Dogs Paradise (28765 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville) 8 p.m. St Patricks Day Celebration Martinis Lounge (10553 Theodore Green Boulevard, White Plains) 9 p.m.

Harlen Simple Apehangers Bar and Grill (9100 Crain Highway, Bel Alton) 9 p.m. Karaoke Dance Party Bowie Applebees (4100 NW Crain Highway, Bowie) 9 p.m.

Road, Solomons) 7:30 p.m. St. Patricks Day Dance Hotel Charles (15100 Burnt Store Road, Hugesville) 7:30 p.m. All You Can Drink Night with DJ Chris Big Dogs Paradise (28765 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville) 8 p.m. Casual Sets Rustic River Bar and Grill (40874 Merchants Lane, Leonardtown) 8 p.m. Karaoke Competition Issacs Restaurant at the Holiday Inn Solomons (155 Holiday Drive, Solomons) 8:30 p.m. John Luskey Solo The Blue Dog Saloon (7940 Port Tobacco Road, Port Tobacco) 9 p.m. DJ Mike Apehangers Bar and Grill (9100 Crain Highway, Bel Alton) 9 p.m. 360 Martinis Lounge (10553 Theodore Green Boulevard, White Plains) 9 p.m. Highest Veras White Sands Beach Club (1200 White Sands Drive, Lusby) 9 p.m. 80s and 90s Music Catamarans Resturaunt (14470 Solomons Island Road South, Solomons) 9 p.m.

Too Many Mikes and Tell you Monday Cadillac jacks Nightclub (21367 Great Mills Road, Lexington Park) 9 p.m. Full Steam Apehangers Bar and Grill (9100 Crain Highway, Bel Alton) 9 p.m. 360 Martinis Lounge (10553 Theodore Green Boulevard, White Plains) 9 p.m. Surreal Veras White Sands Beach Club (1200 White Sands Drive, Lusby) 9 p.m. Karaoke with DJ Tommy and DJ T California Applebees (45480 Miramar Way, California) 9 p.m. Sharper Image Big Dogs Paradise (28765 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville) 9:30 p.m.

Friday, March 18
Dave Norris DB McMillans (23415 Three Notch Road, California) 5 p.m. Live Music with Just Us Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) 6 p.m. Annmarie Garden Mezzanine Show Annmarie Gardens (13480 Dowell Road, Solomons) 6 p.m. True Blue Country St Marys Landing (29935 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall) 7 p.m. Ladies Night No Limit Poker Bennett Building (24930 Old Three Notch Road, Hollywood) 7 p.m. Texas Hold Em Tournament VFW Post 2632 (23282 Three Notch Road, California) 7 p.m. Billy Breslin Leonardtown Grill (25470 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown) 7 p.m. Anthony Ryan Country Stoneys Kingfisher (1442 Solomins Island

Sunday, March 20
True Blue Country St Marys Landing (29935 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall) 4 p.m.

Monday, March 21
Mason Sebastian DB McMillans (23415 Three Notch Road, California) 5 p.m. Trivia, Pizza and Pint Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 19
Fair Warning DB McMillans (23415 Three Notch Road, California) 6 p.m. Spring into Spring Paella Party Port of Leonardtown Winery (23190 Newtowne Neck Road) 6 p.m. David and Mary Slood Morris Point Restaurant (38869 Morris Point Road, Abell) 6 p.m. Anthony Ryan Country and Line Dancing Hole in the Wall Tavern (24702 Sotterly Road, Hollywood) 7 p.m. Jim Ritter and the Creole Gumbo Jazz Band The Westlawn Inn (9200 Chesapeake Avenue, North Beach) 8 p.m. Karaoke Contest and Fundraiser for the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department Auxilary Abners Crab House (3725 Harbor Road, Chesapeake Beach) 8 p.m. The California Ramblers Andersons Bar (23945 Colton Point Road, Clements) 8 p.m. Dee Jay Christian

We post nightlife events happening in Calvert, Charles and St. Marys counties. To submit an event for our calendar, e-mail sarahmiller@countytimes.net. Deadline for submissions is Monday by 5 p.m.

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Tuesday, March 22
Fair Warning DB McMillans (23415 Three Notch Road, California) 5 p.m. Open Pool Tables and a List of Specials Big Dogs Paradise (28765 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville) 7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 23
Mason Sebastian DB McMillans (23415 Three Notch Road, California) 5 p.m. Anthony Ryan Country Band Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) 7:30 p.m. Band in a Box St Marys Landing (29935 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall) 7:30 p.m. Wolfs Hot Rods and Old Gas Beach Cove Resturaunt (8416 Bayside Road, Chesapeake Beach) 8 p.m. Comedy Night Martinis Lounge (10553 Theodore Green Boulevard, White Plains) 8 p.m.

Call For More Information: Bella Bailey, Marketing & Leasing MGR.

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For family and community events, see our calendar in the community section on page 22.

g On Goin

In Entertainment

25

Thursday, March 17, 2011

The County Times

The County Times is always looking for more local talent to feature! To submit art or band information for our entertainment section, e-mail sarahmiller@countytimes.net.

New Country Band on the Scene

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Theres a new country band on the scene taking Southern Maryland by storm. Weve been playing together since last fall, said Rodger Tellis, the bass player for the Anthony Ryan Country Band. Were starting to get a nice local following. Tellis said he heard about the band from an advertisement that Anthony Ryan, the founder and lead vocalist, put on www.somd.com. The rest of the lineup includes drummer Roy Easter and lead guitarist Joe Huffman. Ryan was in the Navy for eight years and had a band previously in Hawaii, where he was stationed before getting out of the service. That band played together for a year. Ryan said he was on the 2008 season of Nashville Star and made the top 40 in the Colgate Country Showdown, and he was eager to start a band when he got to Maryland. He said the band had a rough start, but finally got a break with the Ruddy Duck Brewery. The bands first weekly standing gig was at the Ruddy Duck Brewery, where they play every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. During their sets, the band plays a mix of classic and contemporary country. This mix includes songs such as Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash, Country Fried by the Zac Brown Band, Should Have Been a Cowboy by Toby Keith and Burning Both Ends of the Night, by Garth Brooks. Ryan also said the band is planning to add Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off by Joe Nichols to their line up. The Anthony Ryan band is the epitome of a cover band, playing no original songs. Unlike some cover bands though, that make every song sound the same or play louder to cover up a lack of talent, the men in the Anthony Ryan Cover band know what theyre doing. We have a lot of songs geared toward the opposite sex, Ryan joked during Saturday nights gig. Ryans vocals lean toward the smooth side, without the gravely undertones that are characteristic of other country singers, and are well suited for the variety of songs they play during the night. Ryan and the rest of the band members know how to keep the mood and energy up during their performance, and choose songs wisely so they flow from one to the other without any sudden changes in the feel or the mood of the set. While most bands take the 15 or 20 minute break between sets to knock back a drink, address issues that may be coming up during the first set or talk to a couple people in the audience, the Anthony Ryan band does something a little different they teach line dancing. Linda Easter, a self proclaimed groupie for the band, said Ryan is a good line dancing teacher because he takes things slow and adds steps in gradually so anybody, no matter what their skill level, can get on the dance floor and have some fun. Hes a wonderful person with a heart of gold, she said. Ryan said country music is a common genre on the radio in Maryland, though there are people who would deny that country is as prevalent as it is. People are starting to realize country music is the most popular in Southern Maryland, Ryan said. This certainly is true judging by the crowd that was jammed into CJs Backroom Saloon Saturday night for the bands first performance there. The space in the saloon is a little small for a lot of people to get on the dance floor, but that didnt stop anybody from pushing tables together and back against the wall to make room to dance. And line dancers werent the only ones who took to the floor. Its starting to take off finally, Ryan said. For more information, or to book the band for a performance, e-mail anthonyryan@ hotmail.com or call 808-206-6005. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Anthony Ryan and the Anthony Ryan Country Band perform at CJs Backroom Saloon for the first time.

The County Times

Thursday, March 17, 2011

26

ie KiddKor

ner

CLUES ACROSS
1. Possesses 4. Mortar trough 7. Exclamation: yuck! 8. Filmmaker ___ B. de Mille 10. Constrictors 12. Peaceable 13. Radioactivity unit 15. Pasturage 16. Coral reef island with a lagoon 17. A fisher cat is one 18. Trimming scissors 21. Away from 22. ___ wit 23. Teletype (Computers) 24. Principal ethnic group of China 25. Extinct flightless bird of New Zealand 26. Not good 27. Deceptive action

34. Greek geometrician 35. About lobe 36. Broken into many pieces 38. Spanish friend 39. Shares the suffering of 40. Employee stock ownership plan 41. Expressed pleasure 42. Center of the storm 43. Used to be United __ 44. Not happy

CLUES DOWN

1. Wheel cover 2. Genus Dasyproctas 3. Actress Stone 4. President Hoover 5. Mains 6. Ring-a-___ 8. Impossible to evade 9. Side sheltered from the wind

11. Fabric from cocoon threads 12. Sung outside a womans window 14. ___ Lilly, drug company 15. Expresses surprise 17. Mountain standard time 19. Famous persons 20. Goes with a gal 23. Slightly insane 24. Possessed 25. More timid 26. Where you sleep 27. Life terminations 28. Covers a can 29. Flower petals 30. Capital of Togo 31. Wood storks 32. Central Honshu city 33. Grabbed at 36. A health resort 37. Missing soldiers

Last Weeks Puzzles Solutions

27

Thursday, March 17, 2011

The County Times

Thurs., Mar. 17
Baseball St. Johns at St. Marys Ryken, 4 p.m. Golf Bishop Ireton vs. St. Marys Ryken at Breton Bay, 3:15 p.m.

SPORTS DESK
By Chris Stevens Staff Writer The inevitable has happened as the NFL Players Association has decertified and the owners have ceased all day-to-day business operations, leaving the players officially locked out. The earliest there can be any movement is April 6 when a judge rules whether the owners locking out the players is illegal because the union is no longer certified. Drastic times calls for drastic measures and NFLPA head DeMaurice Smiths calculated gamble to decertify looks like a stroke of genius in light of the owners refusal to turn over the financial books of the past 10 years to the NFLPA. With the owners and the league trying to bully the players into two extra games for less money (the sides are almost 200 million dollars apart on revenue sharing), it really comes down who the fans believe is wrong in this equation. According to a survey of over 48,000 (and counting) football fans conducted by ProFootballTalk.com, nearly 38 percent believe the players are at fault, while only 24 percent believe the owners are too blame and 37 percent believe both sides have caused the current labor conditions. With that in mind, its dangerous and almost silly to blame the players for being locked out because they cannot lock themselves out that is what the owners have chosen to do as the Collective Bargaining Agreement expired almost two weeks ago. Also, the billionaires vs. millionaires argument doesnt make any sense because while there are many players that have multimillion dollar salaries, saying the 53rd man on 32 NFL rosters is making major coin may be one of the most ridiculous notions ever. The owners refusal to turn over the books to the players is evidence of a dishonest nature prevalent in big business related and unrelated to sports. The leagues owners want to have a 325 million dollar share of NFL revenue going forward, but wont show the players why that extra 325 is needed. Maybe because it IS NOT needed. Its also unfair to expect the players to play 18 game seasons when theyre already paying a heavy physical price in a normal 16 game season as is. I will always remember when former Philadelphia Eagles safety Andre Waters (nicknamed Dirty Waters by Dan Dierdorf) committed suicide in 2006 at the age of 44. Tests by Univer-

From The

Owners look real suspicious in NFL lockout

sity of Pittsburgh doctor Bennet Omalu and former WWE performer Christopher Nowinski of Waters brain tissue showed that said tissue had deteriorated to that of an 85-year old man with symptoms of Alzheimers disease. These guys are in miniature car wrecks 16 to 25 weeks a season and to ask them to add anymore chances to get jacked up with minimal pay and shady insurance (remember, NFL contracts are NOT guaranteed) is just too much. Also, the owners refusal to turn over the books highlights the fact that they dont exactly trust each other either. Jerry Jones and Dan Snyder would be mad as all get out to find out that Zygi Wilf and Wayne Weaver arent exactly as broke as they claim to be. All in all, the lockout is a messy situation that has the potential to be even messier when the NFL players anti-trust lawsuits hit courtrooms later this spring and summer. But before you blame the players and call them greedy, just remember that they dont have the keys to the locks. Questions? Comments? Complaints? Send em all to Chris at chrisstevens@countytimes. net.

Fri., Mar. 18
Girls Lacrosse Calverton at St. Marys Ryken, 6 p.m.

Sat., Mar. 19
Baseball DeMatha at St. Marys Ryken, TBA Boys Lacrosse DeMatha at St. Marys Ryken, 7 p.m. Softball St. Marys Ryken at Northern High School Play Day, 10 a.m.

Mon., Mar. 21
Baseball McDonough at Great Mills, 4 p.m. Calvert at St. Marys Ryken, 4 p.m. Boys Lacrosse Chopticon at Patuxent, 6:30 p.m. La Plata at Leonardtown, 6:30 p.m. Girls Lacrosse St. Marys Ryken at Fredericksburg Academy, TBA Softball McDonough at Great Mills, 4 p.m. Elizabeth Seton at St. Marys Ryken, 4 p.m. Tennis McDonough at Great Mills, 4 p.m.

Sabres Hockey Registration is Open

Online registration is now open for the Southern Maryland Sabres Ice Hockey Spring Skate Sessions. 8 Sessions - 1.5 hours each 45 minutes - Skills with Skating Skills Instructor Brian Magill 45 minutes - Scrimmage $ 140.00 Sign-up today online at www. somdsabres.org Please register at your USA Hockey age for next season 2011-2012 Atoms, Mites (8:30 - 10:00 am) Saturday Apr 2, 9, 16, 23, 2011 Sunday May 1, 2011 Saturday May 7,14, 21, 2011 10:30 - 12:00 pm Saturday June 11, 2011 Squirts (6:15 - 7:40) Tuesday March 29, 2011 Tuesday April 5, 12, 19, 26, 2011 Tuesday May 10, 17, 24, 2011 Pee Wee (6:15 - 7:40) Thursday Mar 31, 2011 Thursday April 7, 14, 21, 28, 2011 Thursday May 12, 19, 26, 2011 Bantam (7:50-9:15) Tuesday March 29, 2011 Tuesday April 5, 12, 19, 26, 2011 Tuesday May 10, 17, 24, 2011 Midget (7:50-9:15) Thursday Mar 31, 2011 Thursday April 7, 14, 21, 28, 2011 Thursday May 12, 19, 26, 2011 USA Hockey 2011-2012 Age Groups Mite 2003-2004 Squirt 2001-2002 PeeWee 1999-2000 Bantam 1997-1998 U-16 1996-1996 U-18 1993-1994

Tues., Mar. 22
Boys Lacrosse St. Marys Ryken at Calverton, 4:30 p.m. Boys Tennis St. Marys Ryken at DeMatha, 3:30 p.m. Girls Lacrosse Patuxent at Chopticon, 6:30 p.m. Leonardtown at La Plata, 6:30 p.m. Track and Field Chopticon/La Plata at Leonardtown, 4 p.m. Thomas Stone/Lackey at Great Mills, 4 p.m.

Silver Stars Accepting Registration For Tryouts

The Pax River Silver Stars AAU girls basketball team will be holding tryouts Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at Esperanza Middle School. Tryouts for girls in the fifth, sixth/, seventh and eighth grades will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and tryouts for girls in the ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth grades will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The fee is 20 dollars and is non-refundable. For more information, contact Savannah Webb at 301-247-3152 / 301-737-1792 or savweb@msn. com or visit http://www.leaguelineup.com/paxriversilverstars/

Tennis Night in America taking place on St. Marys Colleges campus

The St. Marys USTA will have Tennis Night in America, March 28, 2011, 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Marys College of Maryland. Free Event for all kids ages14 and under. Win prizes and have fun in 14U and 10U divisions. Contact Derek Sabedra at ddsabedra@smcm.edu or 410-610-4300.

Pax River Rugby seeks players for adult rugby league

The Pax River Men and Womens Rugby clubs are looking for new players with no experience necessary. We will teach you all you need to know about playing one of the nations fastest growing sports. Free medical insurance during all practices and matches. More details can be found on paxrugby.com or by calling Justin Thomson at 732-492-9760 or 1-877-806-7775.

Wed., Mar. 23
Baseball Patuxent at Chopticon, 4:30 p.m. Boys Tennis Don Bosco Cristo Rey at St. Marys Ryken, 4 p.m. Girls Lacrosse Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart at St. Marys Ryken, 4 p.m. Softball St. Marys Ryken at Paul VI, 4 p.m. Patuxent at Chopticon, 4:30 p.m.

USTA Junior Team Tennis Registrations Begin Next Month

Registrations Begin for Junior Team Tennis, April 1, 2011. 10U, 14U, and 18U divisions. Please contact Derek Sabedra at ddsabedra@smcm.edu or 410-610-4300 for further information on locations and dates. Season begins May 25, 2011! Sign-up at http://jrteamtennis.usta.com/

USTA Kids Campus Day Takes place in April

First Annual Kids Campus Day, April 2, 2011, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. Mary's College of Maryland. Free Event and Tournament! Win prizes, 14U and 18U divisions. Contact Derek Sabedra at ddsabedra@smcm.edu or 410-610-4300.

Sp rts
By Chris Stevens Staff Writer

The County Times

Thursday, March 17, 2011

28

Former County Resident Mixes it Up in MMA

fighting and put my life into it, she said. The serious nature of training appealed to Berkshire, who attended Chopticon in her Needing something to occupy her time, freshman and sophomore years of high school Mechanicsville-born Vickie The Victorious before graduating in West Virginia. She also Berkshire walked into a gym in Fredericks- worked as for the town of Leonardtown as a burg, Va. to study boxing and walked out a secretary. mixed martial arts fighter. Its an intense sport physically, mentally I was always into boxing and I started and spiritually, she explains. Youre training doing that, then I got involved with MMA for four to six hours a day, theres a lot of cardio and rolling around on the ground its just a very intense sport. It began as just something to pass the time, but Berkshires trainer told her on no uncertain terms that she could go places in MMA. So she began fighting professionally over a year ago, including two matches with Gabrielle Holloway, a younger fighter that currently has a 6-0 record after her victory over Berskshire in this past Saturday nights Barbarian Fight Club Sacrifice I card at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds. Berkshire believes that her mistakes were not being in the fight mentally and stepping up 15 pounds in weight class for a rematch with Holloway. I definitely know to have my mind right for a fight and not go in at 15 pounds heavier, she said. Berkshire, at the age of 30, has gotten off to a late start in her MMA career, but looks forward to a long career, citing the ages of many of the UFCs top competitors as being in their mid to late 30s. Those guys are in their 30s and Im seeing that Im just as capable as people in their 20s are, she said. Ive found out Im good at Photo by Frank Marquart this and Im going to go as far as I can.
Mechanicsville native Vickie The Victorious Berkshire is looking to make her mark in Mixed Martial Arts. Vickie Berkshire lands a kick to the leg of her opponent Gabrielle Holloway in Saturday nights MMA fight. Photo by Frank Marquart

chrisstevens@countytimes.net

Digging Worms
By Keith McGuire Contributing Writer Theres a lot of anxiety associated with this time of year for most anglers. The weather teases us with the first hints that warm weather is on the way. There are breaks from cold, the snow is gone, the trees are budding, forsythia is beginning to bloom, pollen is emerging, and the grass is getting green. This is a time that I like to call wormdigging time. Worm digging is not necessarily the task of collecting worms, but if you wanted to, I suppose there are plenty available for digging as spring emerges. Instead, this is a time to get all of those odd jobs done that need to be done before the real fishing season begins. The name comes from the days when I used to keep a vegetable garden, and this is the time of year that I turned the soil for the first planting of the season. This is the time to clear out the leaves from garden and landscaped areas around the house. It is the time to do the annual lawn mower/lawn tractor maintenance. While you change the oil, filters and spark plugs, be sure to clean the cup holder so its accommodating to a cool can of beer on the hot grass-cutting days to come. As Ive mentioned before, the biggest fishing show is coming to our area on March 26 and 27 at the Solomons Fire Hall. Some of your worm-digging time should be spent get-

The Ordinary

Angler

ting ready for the show. Round up all of your fishing tackle and boating gear and take inventory, discarding worn and superfluous material and supplies. Keep a list of what you need for a perfect start to the season and take it with you to the show. This is important! If you go to the show without the list you may buy many things that you already have, and you could miss buying things that you didnt know you needed. While youre at it, grab a warm day or two and cats, or the upper Potomac near Fort Washington for some do the start-up maintenance on your boat. Check the safety giant blue cats. gear first to make sure it is clean and in serviceable condition. Catch and release striper fishing is allowed on the main Clean the boat now and put on the coat of wax that you know stem of Bay through 15 April, and some folks are catching it needs. The pollen will get worse as the oak trees begin a lot of big fish now. Pick your days carefully. One of the to pop, making the job more difficult later on. Remember best locations in our area is the warm-water discharge at the your fishing buddies those folks who fish with you every Calvert Cliffs nuclear power plant. Check the regulations for time your boat leaves the dock are suffering through wormthe appropriate gear. digging time, too! Ask them to give you Enjoy the anxiety of digging a hand with the boat prep chores. Keith with an early season Potomac catfish. worms! The yellow perch run is winding down. The white perch spawn has startriverdancekeith@hotmail.com. ed in the same places where the yellow perch spawn occurred. This is a great Keith has been a recreational angler time to load up on some great white on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries perch. for over 50 years; he fishes weekly from his Fishing for catfish is also great at small boat during the season, and spends this time of year. Try cut herring on his free time supporting local conservation a bottom rig near the discharge at the organizations. Chalk Point power plant for pan sized

29

Issued Marriage Applications for February 2011

February 1, 2011 Michael Ray Dixon, Jr. 22 Mechanicsville, Md Heather Ann Gibson 22 Clements, Md February 3, 2011 Charles Edward Brooks, Jr. 37 Great Mills, Md Elizabeth Ashley Croyle 27 Great Mills, Md Daniel Allen McKamey 43 Mechanicsville, Md Donna Sue McKamey 39 Mechanicsville, Md February 4, 2011 Ronald Theodore Parrish 41 Waldorf, Md Christine Michele Holston 38 Waldorf, Md Michael Eric Adams 39 Lexington Park, Md Jennifer Ann Anderson 32 Lexington Park, Md Timothy Steven Marge 24 Lexington Park, Md Amanda Millener Killebrew 23 Lexington Park, Md February 7, 2011 David Lewis Roberts, III 36 Mechanicsville, Md Cheryl Lynn Mudd 40 Mechanicsville, Md Mark Mimay 43 Lexington Park, Md Ashley Ann Sutphin 24 Lexington Park, Md Robert Earl Thompson 21 Mechanicsville, Md Megan Nicole Starling 19 Mechanicsville, Md February 9, 2011 John Richard Gregory 29 Lexington Park, Md Karena Yvette Briscoe 28 Lexington Park, Md John Nicolae McCracken 25 Lexington Park, Md Marcela Olmedo 26 Lexington Park, Md Joseph William Goldsborough 26 Leonardtown, Md Christina Marie Russell 30 Leonardtown, Md February 10, 2011 Christopher Alfonso 25 Rockingham, Nc Sara Jade Efird 23 Rockingham, Nc February 11, 2011 Robert Regis Gary Holmberg 38 Mechanicsville, Md Stephanie Ann Carlson 20 Mechanicsville, Md February 14, 2011 David Lee Sorrells 37 Mechanicsville, Md Billie Jo Underwood 32 Mechanicsville, Md Ronald Wayne Walker, Jr. 27 Mechanicsville, Md Elizabeth Anne Dixon 21 Mechanicsville, Md February 16, 2011 Antonio Johnathan Ray Washington Paige 23 Mechanicsville, Md Lauren Nicole Tawney 21 Mechanicsville, Md Dwight Alan Bradford 37 Mechanicsville, Md Lisa Virginia Matthews 37 Mechanicsville, Md February 18, 2011 Christopher Antonio Bradley 27 Lexington Park, Md Ciara Dominique Scott 25 Port Tobacco, Md Calvin Phillip Hernandez 22 Peabody, Ma Amanda Louise Lavoie 23 Peabody, Ma Jerry Lee Quade 43 Bushwood, Md Cheryl Ann Osborne 41 Bushwood, Md Gary Aron Winters 28 Leonardtown, Md Reta Lynn Caldwell 30 Leonardtown, Md February 23, 2011 David Joseph Hockaday 48 Lexington Park, Md Cassandra Bechas 49 Lexington Park, Md February 24, 2011 Joseph Stephen Proctor, Jr. 27 Mechanicsville, Md Suzanne Elizabeth Gannon 25 Mechanicsville, Md February 25, 2011 Robert Darnell Willett 48 Hollywood, Md Melissa Marie Davis 33 Hollywood, Md James Barnard Epp 28 Mechanicsville, Md Lisa Elaine Magill 30 Mechanicsville, Md February 28, 2011 Shawn Ian Kusztos 34 Hollywood, Md Doralee Anne Stauffer 27 Hollywood, Md Rudolph Lorayne Robinson, Jr. 54 Brandywine, Md Anita Renee Pickeral 47 Great Mills, Md

Announcin

Thursday, March 17, 2011

The County Times

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Engagement & Wedding Announcements

Sp rts
By Chris Stevens Staff Writer The 38th season of auto racing at Potomac Speedway kicks off tomorrow night with the green flag coming down on five division points races over the course of the evening. Three local drivers and the tracks general manager are ready for the start of the season. I dont think youll go anywhere and find a better track to watch a race, says Mechancsvilles Tommy Wagner Jr., defending Late Model class champion. Its a competitive, fun and fast track, thats what Ive always liked about it. Its a pretty competitive place, adds David Williams, the defending Super Late Champion. Its a place where you can manhandle the car and have a lot of fun. There arent a lot of tracks out there like that. Speedway General Manager Denise Hollidge, in her third year presiding over track operations, believes that the local drivers are very important to Potomac Speedway, but also hopes that some newer events will draw even bigger crowds to the already-popular track. Our local drivers keep us going week in and week out and were trying to do different things such as tractor pulls and lawnmower racing, Hollidge says. The lawnmower racing program will take place Friday

The County Times

Thursday, March 17, 2011

30

Drivers Ready for New Season at Potomac

April 1. We wanted to do something different to try and pull different crowds in. Its also a family tradition for Hollidge, whose son Dale also races at Potomac, taking after his father. It keeps the family close, she says. My husband raced for over 20 years and Dales been doing it for five years now. Its really exciting. The younger Hollidge, runner up to Williams in the Super Late Model Class is looking forward to the Super Late Model season and hopes to have consistency on the track, much like the 2010 season. We didnt have any bad runs or anything like that last year so were hoping to pick it up this year, he says. With the competition being as thick as ever, the drivers understand that it will take a lot of effort to remain on top. It takes a lot of people to put a car out on the racetrack, Williams says. Theres always good competition at Potomac, anyone can win at any time. Every time I hit that track, I try to win thats always been the philosophy, Wagner said. We dont go out there just to race. chrisstevens@countytimes.net
Cars that will race at Potomac Speedway this season are lined up in front of the Harley Davidson rest stop in Hughesville during Saturdays season-opening event. Photo by Chris Stevens

Wardian Spins a Superhero Record at Lower Potomac Marathon

By Liza Recto Contributing Writer You can always count on an exciting race when Michael Wardian of Arlington, VA comes to town for the Lower Potomac River Marathon. The 2008 champion arrived 15 minutes late for the 2009 race but charged through the pack for a 2nd place finish, while wearing a 15lb backpack in training for a grueling six-day race across the Sahara. For Sundays 7th Lower Potomac River Marathon, Wardian, 36, arrived in Piney Point in plenty of time to prepare for his attempt to break the Guinness World Record for Fastest Marathon in a Superhero Costume. Dressed as Spiderman, complete with head cover masking his trademark ponytail and wearing bib #1, Wardian took his place at the front of the pack for the 26.2-mile race over St. George Island and along Rte 249. Wardian led the pack, with three-time champion John Piggott of Williamsburg, VA on his heels for the first eleven miles over St. George Island and Lighthouse Road. Wardian widened his lead as they ran west on Lighthouse Road, then north on Rte 249. At the turnaround at the top of Rte 249, 18.8 miles into the race, Spiderman was well ahead of Piggott, with Karsten Brown, 36, of Front Royal, VA, closing in on Piggott. Dealing with increasing temperature inside his padded head-to-toe costume and breathing through a small slit in the mask, Wardian ran almost blindly, with bright sunlight glaring through the masks synthetic mesh eyeholes. He maintained pace as he continued south on Rte 249, and the small crowd at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship had cameras ready as he entered the campus with the world record and marathon win in easy reach. The clock displayed an orderly 2:34:56 as Wardian broke the tape and shattered the old Superhero Marathon by nearly 6 minutes. The previous record had been set by Ian Sharman at Californias Napa Valley Marathon only a week before. Karsten Brown surged ahead of Piggott to take second place in 2:44:20, and Piggott was third in 2:44:20. Karen Meraw, 25, of Shelby Township, MI, the first woman to run the Lower Potomac River Marathon in under three hours, won the womens division handily in 2:58:25. Rebecca Gallaher, 36, of Gambrills, MD, was second in 3:20:03, followed by Lindsay Hein, 27, of Indianapolis, IN. Among local runners, Vic Papagno, 42, of Hughesville, MD, was top Master (over 40) in 2:57:59, recapturing the title of Club Champion of Chesapeake Bay Running Club, producer of the marathon. Papagno last held the title in 2008. Defending club champion Perry Rapp, 45, of Lexington Park, was second in the 40-49 division with a personal best of 3:13:21. Charlene Staats, 48, of Lexington Park, successfully defended her Club Champion title in 4:25:08. Scottie Morris-Fuchs, 35, of Lexington Park was 8th overall in the womans division, finish in 3:38:22 for 3rd place in the 3039 division. Competition has become increasingly stronger since the inaugural race in 2005, when only three of the field of 100 runners finished in under three hours. Optimal weather conditions, with light winds and temperatures between 45 and 55 degrees, contributed to many personal bests Yesterdays field of 168 runners represented twenty-five states and the District of Columbia, Canada, and England. The race, hosted by the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, benefits the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum and Chesapeake Bay Field Lab. For complete results, go to www.cbrcmd.org. -Liza Recto, 301-481-0832

Sabres Under 18 Midget Team Wins League Championship

The Sabres Midget U18 team took home the CBHL Patrick Lower A Division Championship trophy on March 6 by defeating the Metro Maple Leafs 7-3. Under the leadership of firsttime head coach Brian McCarthy, assisted by coaches Dean Schultz and Brian Keelan, the Midgets finished the regular season in 2nd place behind the Virginia Wild after losing only two games all season. The championship weekend kicked off with a 10-1 win over the Bowie Bruins in the semi-final round, with just about every Sabre scoring a point and without incurring a single penalty minute. After the 1st seed Wild fell to 4th seed Metro on Saturday, the stage was set for the championship match on Sunday. Metro scored first but the Sabres followed it up with 5 unanswered goals and overwhelmed Metro with a total of 43 shots. Goalies Jeff Fuhr and Brett Kibler did a superb job minding the net and together stopped a total of 23 shots. Matt Fischer (not pictured) was unable to play due to injury but was nonetheless a valued contributor on defense during the regular season. The Southern Maryland Sabres Hockey Club is based in Waldorf, Maryland and draws players from Charles, St. Mary's, Calvert, Prince George's counties and beyond. Travel teams play in the Chesapeake Bay Hockey League (CBHL) and recreational teams play in the Capital Corridor Hockey League (CCHL). The Sabres also offer Learn to Play Hockey, Little Stars, Spring and Summer Skating Skills programs, goalie clinics and summer camps at the Capital Clubhouse in Waldorf. For more information, visit www.somdsabres.org

Michael Wardian glides down Rte 249 in his attempt to set new Guinnness World Record for Fastest Marathon in a Superhero Costume. Photo by Claire Chiamulera, Chesapeake Bay Running Club

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Thursday, March 17, 2011

The County Times

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Seahawk Mens Hoops Season Ends in Elite Eight

The goal of the St. Marys College mens basketball team was to go one step further than their previous three trips to the NCAA Division III mens basketball tournament. Even though they missed out on a national championship, they still made it one game past the Sweet 16, defeating Buffalo State College Friday afternoon before falling to Middlebury (Vt.) 65-50 Saturday night in the national quarterfinals. The game ended a very successful season for the Seahawks, finishing with a record 25-6. Over four years, weve been able to take the program to heights, I didnt were possible, said senior guard Alex Franz, who closed out his career with 16 points, five assists and four steals. Sophomore guard Chris Hutchinson was the only other St. Marys player to reach double figures in scoring with 10 points and he also grabbed five rebounds. Before the match-up with Middlebury, the Hawks did battle Friday afternoon with Buffalo State College and seemed poised to cruise to victory as Christian MacAuley scored six points on dunks in helping St. Marys open a 13-4 lead. That was just the beginning as the Bengals quickly caught up to the Seahawks and took a 62-60 lead on a Jake Simmons threepointer with just under seven minutes remaining in the game. St. Marys responded in kind with a 15-4 run over the next four minutes, taking a ninepoint lead and holding off BSC for their first Sweet 16 victory. Besides that run in the second half, we never let them get full control of the game, said senior forward Sam Burum, one of four Seahawks in double figures with 12 points. We just had a really good game plan and got some big baskets late. In the second game, St. Marys was thwarted on the interior by Middleburys 6-foot-10 center, Andrew Locke, who blocked six shots to go along with 13 points and nine rebounds for the Panthers, who ran their record to 28-1 on the season. You dont see too many 610 guys at a Division III level, the 6-foot-8 Burum said. It was tough to deal with a guy like that really long arms. As Saturday nights loss meant the end of their careers, Burum and Franz were happy with how theyve been able to build the mens program into one of the top Division III teams

Seahawk mens tennis team falls to Dickinson College

Hilton Head, S.C. The St. Marys College mens tennis team suffered their second loss of the season as the Seahawks (5-2) dropped an 8-1 decision to Dickinson College (2-0) in their second match on Monday. Dickinson jumped out to a 5-0 lead by claiming all three doubles as well as the first and second singles before first-year Andrew Gear (Westminster, Md./Winters Mill) notched St. Marys lone point with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over sophomore Christian Mueller-Wolf (Hamburg, Germany/Pennington School [N.Y.]) at No. 3 singles. The Red Devils stretched their lead to 6-1 with a Dixon Blue (Westminster, Md./McDonogh) win at No. 5 singles. Sophomore Kyle Feeley (Baltimore, Md./Mount Saint Joseph) lost a hard-fought battle at No. 4 singles as senior Kurt Mendelson (Wilmington, Del./Brandywine) handed Feeley a 7-5, 6-4 loss. First-year Jay Guzzone (Columbia, Md./Hammond) also had a gutsy match for the Seahawks as Guzzone notched a 7-5 win in the first set before junior David London (Chevy Chase, Md./Maret School [D.C.]) came back with a 6-1 triumph in the second. London then outlasted Guzzone, 11-9, in the third and decisive set.

Alex Franz scored 16 points as St. Marys College lost to Middlebury 65-50 Saturday in the NCAA Division III Elite Eight.

on the East Coast. When we all came in as freshmen, we had guys like Tyson Lesesne, Calvin Wise and Mike Smelkinson pave the way for us, Burum said of that first NCAA tourney team in 2008. We wanted to work as hard they did and to leave in the Elite Eight is very successful. Basketball is who Ive been for 22 years of my life, Franz says. If this was going to be my last experience, then it was the best. The best decision Ive ever made was coming to St. Marys College. chrisstevens@countytimes.net

Dover, Del. The SMC baseball team (10-8, 3-5 CAC) took one from Wesley College (14-3, 2-2 CAC) Saturday afternoon to snap Wesleys five-game win streak in Capital Athletic Conference action. St. Marys rallied with three runs in the seventh inning to claim a 4-3 victory over the host Wolverines, overcoming a 2-1 deficit. The Wolverines won the firts game 3-0 and held a 2-0 lead after three innings before the Seahawks finally got on the scoreboard in the fourth. Junior Eric Gronbeck (Owings, Md./ Northern) reached on an error by senior Kevin Murphy (Middletown, Md.) and then advanced on sophomore Corey Napiers (Leon-

St. Marys splits baseball doubleheader with Wesley

ardtown, Md./St. Marys Ryken) ground out to third base. Gronbeck plated the run on senior Joey Kavanaghs (Huntingtown, Md./ Huntingtown) two-out single to left center. The 2-1 Wesley lead held until the seventh when Napier connected on a two-run double to score sophomore Mike Schmidt (Burtonsville, Md./Blake) and senior Matt Baden (Huntingtown, Md./Huntingtown) and give the Seahawks a 3-2 lead. Gronbeck scored St. Marys fourth run as he came in on junior Keith Johnsons (Great Mills, Md./ Great Mills) sacrifice fly. Eisenberg (2-0) wrapped up his second win of the season with 2.0 innings of relief, giving up one run on one hit.

Spring Break Basketball Camp at St. Marys College

The Chris Harney Basketball School at St. Marys College will hold a two-day Spring Break Basketball Camp for boys and girls ages 7-18. Thursday April 21st and Friday April 22nd from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Fee is $75. For info contact Coach Nick Wilson, nawilson@smcm.edu or (240) 895-4318.

SMCM Accepting Registration for One-Day Fielding and Baserunning Camp

St. Marys College will host a one-day fielding and baserunning camp Monday, April 18 for players in grades 1 through 12. St. Marys College head coach Lew Jenkins will direct the program in conjunction with U.S. Baseball Academy. The session will last for three hours and cover numerous aspects of playing infield, outfield, and running the bases. The cost is $50 using discount code RUN. Space is limited. Registration is now under way at www.USBaseballAcademy.com. For more information, call toll-free 866-622-4487.

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riter ypew r om T Fr te g hage 28 ge Fi P to Ca

THURSDAY March 17, 2011

Group Working to Clean Up Colony Square

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New Country Band Making a Name for Themselves

Photo By Frank Marquart

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