2011-03-03 The County Times

www.somd.comThursday march 3, 2011

Photo By Frank Marquart

Story Page 16

A.C.T.S. of PubliC ServiCe

GrouP ProvideS equiPmenT To loCAlS in need

Story Page 6

Story Page 4

Public Says No to Treated Sewage on Hayden Land

Jarboe Says FDR Blvd Will Draw Undesirables

Thursday, March 3, 2011 2The County Times

WeatherWatch

The Chamber Orchestra of Southern Maryland in Concert (COSMIC) is getting ready for the annual family concert featuring the winners of the Young Artists Concerto Competition. SEE PAGE 25.

“I’m looking for economic development that produces taxes from tax assessments and I’m looking to create

jobs for people who will be paying taxes.”

- St. Mary’s County Commissioner Todd Morgan

On The Covers

events calendar

ON THE FRONTON THE BACK

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

Also Inside4 County News7 Editorial8 Money9 State News10 Crime11 Obituaries14 Education16 Cover Story18 Newsmakers20 Community21 Business Directory22 Community Calendar23 Columns24 Entertainment Calendar25 Entertainment26 Games27 Sports News28 Hockey30 Basketball31 Fishing

What’s InsideWhat’s Inside

county

education

Auto - Home - Business - LifeServing Southern MD

Leonardtown (301) 475-3151LaPlata (301) 934-8437

Bryans Road (301) 743-9000www.danburris.com

S

PECIAL CONTRACTORS PROGRAM

AUTO • HOME • BUSINESS • BONDS • WORKERS COMPENSATION • LIFE •ANNUITIES

COMPARE YOUR PREMIUM WITH THIS PROGRAM!

General Liability Rates are based on a per employee rate rather than payroll or receipts. This is ideal for

small contractors! Estimate your own premium*. Multiply the rate below by the number of full-time

employees. Part-time rates are also available.*Premium is subject to a policy minimum which varies based on coverage

amount selected. Eligibility requirements apply.

Burris’ Olde Towne Insurance

April HancockPO Box 407

Bryans Road, MD 20616301-743-9000

An Independent Agent Representing: ERIE INSURANCE GROUP Standing: Dan Burris, Jake Kuntz, Seated: Lisa

Squires, Susan Ennis, Donna Burris

Gary SimpsonKatie Facchina

7480 Crain HighwayLa Plata, MD 20646

301-934-8437

Hollywood watermen J.P. Nelson, left, and Melanie Wheeler, harvest oysters from the bottom of the Patuxent River after the area had been closed for four years to allow planted oys-ter spat to grow. SEE PAGE 5.

Union members teachers, parents, employees, the superinten-dent of schools and board of education members gathered be-fore the budget forum to hold a funeral ceremony for High Qual-ity Education, a casualty in the budget cuts. SEE PAGE 14.

Charlie Yates of Leonardtown moves the puck past Washington County’s Zach Kimmel during Monday’s MSHL co-op state championship game.

Sam Brown, current president of ACTS, exempli-fies the type of equipment that ACTS loans out free of charge to members of the community.

Angel SystemsInc.

www.ANGELSYSTEMS.com

1.800.NO.BUGGSP.O. Box 304

20775 Old Great Mills Rd. Great Mills, MD 20634

Don’t let unwanteD Decorations swarm your

tree this season!

Thursday, March 3, 20113 The County Times

of aNursing Home Alternative

FINALLY!A one of a kind full care

Assisted Living Facility. Come see why The Village at Taylor Farm is the fastest growing Assisted Living

in Southern Maryland.

Call today and enjoy the peace of mind The Village offers.301-769-3702 or visit us on the web at [email protected]

ASSISTED LIVING located in St. Mary’s County

Taylor Farm provides a beautiful place for our residents to live.

We Offer A New Approach to Alzheimer’s & Dementia

All Private RoomsBest Caregiver To Resident ratioVisiting DoctorNon-Institutional Freedom in a peaceful country setting...

A nicer place for less money.

1625708


ews Factun

Jarboe Says FDR Boulevard Will Attract Poor PG Residents

Local Legislators Brief Chamber at Breakfast

By Guy LeonardStaff Writer

Commissioner Larry Jarboe (R-Golden Beach), who has opposed the taxpayer funding of construction that would connect the various portions of FDR Boule-vard from St. Andrews Church Road to Willows Road, said that the completed project would create a prolifera-tion of low income, subsidized housing and amounted to a boon for developers.

“As homes sit empty due to foreclosure in almost every county neighborhood, developers will now be subsidized with road infrastructure to build more high density condo and apartment complexes,” Jarboe wrote in his online blog on Feb. 24. “[Prince George’s] County section 8 recipients will have a new place to move to.”

Jarboe also warned of “costly cultural ramifica-tions” as well as an increase in the county’s debt to complete the project, which has been in the planning stages since 1968.

“The FDR $48 million developer subsidy will be-come the Hayden Farm deal of the present [BOCC] that no amount of deodorant can cover up,” Jarboe’s posting continued.

Jarboe has said the connection of FDR Boulevard should be paid for by developers.

Commissioner Todd Morgan, one of the strongest proponents for completing FDR Boulevard to relieve traffic congestion and promote vital infrastructure, countered by saying that low income housing along the thoroughfare was highly unlikely, and that developers have already paid to have the sections of FDR Boule-vard on their property constructed.

“One of the responsibilities of government is to

promote infrastructure,” Morgan said. “They’ve [de-velopers] built a lot of this already.

“I’m looking for economic development that pro-duces taxes from tax assessments and I’m looking to create jobs for people who will be paying taxes,” Mor-gan said.

He also said that having developers pay for infra-structure improvements amounted to nearly another tax on county residents.

“If I charge the developer, he’ll just charge the end user,” Morgan said.

Commissioners and other county officials took a bus tour of the segments of FDR Boulevard Tuesday. Jarboe did not attend.

[email protected]

By Sarah MillerStaff Writer

More than 100 people packed into Lenny’s Restaurant in California on Monday morning for the St. Mary’s Chamber of Commerce’s annual legisla-tive breakfast.

State legislators representing St. Mary’s County addressed the assembled business community members and offi-cials on what they think will be the major state issues facing the county in the com-ing months.

In addition to their speeches, the state delegates and senator took questions from the audience, which were written on cards and presented to the legislator.

Issues that each of the legislators talked about included a bill under con-sideration that would ban personal septic systems in subdivisions of five homes or more, and the funding cuts facing St. Mary’s County Public Schools.

Delegate John Bohanan (D-29B) said the restrictions on septic systems and the requirement that more homes and businesses be connected to public water and sewer systems would be both expensive and difficult because of the sheer acreage of rural area in St. Mary’s County. Lines would have to be extended by thousands of feet, which is a venture

the county may not be able to afford.He also said the requirement would

inflate the price of housing in the area, because it would cost more to plan and build developments. In some cases, the developments may not even go ahead be-cause of the increase in cost connecting the homes to public water and sewer.

“It would significantly reduce the ability for residential development,” Bo-hanan said.

He also addressed the fact that, though St. Mary’s County was one of only two counties in Maryland to see positive personal income revenues, the amount of money that went to the school district from the local government was reduced by $3 million.

“The county is now in a position to pay more for education,” Bohanan said.

“We really appreciate the elected officials taking the time to come in and brief us,” said Tom Dennison, the chair-man of the legislative committee for the chamber of commerce.

Dennison said Monday’s event was a good dialogue and a good opportunity for the community and the delegation to have a dialogue and, if not agree on a stance, understand where everyone is coming from.

[email protected]

A giraffe can clean its ears with its 21-inch tongue.

Allen Settles, an engineer with the county’s Department of Pub-lic Works and Transportation, talks with county commissioners and planners during a tour of the segments of FDR Boulevard.


ews


A middle-of-the-night enforcement action at two campers at the Buzz’s Marina property in Ridge has the owners fuming and county of-ficials looking at how the zoning ordinance can be adjusted to make operating a camp ground less of a hassle.

Mike and Christine Henderson, owners of the marina, say that a county code enforcement officer came to the campground portion of the property at about 1:19 a.m. Sunday, with two police officers and told the campers they were not supposed to be there, though they were not compelled to leave.

The Henderson’s are appealing a recent county decision that effectively ends camping at their property at the Circuit Court level, but in a letter to the county government they stated that they felt wronged by the authorities during the most recent incident.

They claim that a section of the county’s zoning ordinance gives them three years to comply with the county’s recent decision against camping there, which was rendered Dec. 9.

“For more reasons and with more emo-tions than I can possibly convey… I am ap-palled, upset and frankly outraged by this event,” Christy Henderson wrote.

Derick Berlage, director of the county’s Department of Land Use and Growth Manage-ment, said that a neighbor of the Henderson’s called him at 9:30 p.m. Saturday and said the campground was back in operation.

He said that the county’s recent ruling had to be upheld but the way it was handled, par-ticularly the late hour “is regrettable.”

He said the enforcement officer, Adam Knight, was accompanied by police because of the late hour; Berlage has since ended all code enforcement after dark until his staff has com-pleted a review of enforcement procedures.

“We need to respond to complaints but in a sensible and reasonable manner,” Berlage

said. “I suspect we will modify our procedures in the future … I’m carefully reviewing the ac-tions in this case.”

For decades campers have been part of the landscape at Buzz’s Marina but recently a Board of Appeals decision stated camping was a not a legal use for the property because the owners did not have a special use permit.

The Henderson’s said before the board’s ruling that evidence showed that the camp-ground should be grandfathered as a legal non-conforming use and does not require a special permit. After some investigation, Ber-lage agreed because of aerial photography he had seen showing that camping existed there before the 1974 adoption of the county’s zoning ordinance.

But the Board of Appeals ruling over-turned Berlage’s decision.

“While not everyone agrees with it [the board’s decision] … until it’s overturned by a judge it is the law of the land,” Berlage said.

Berlage said he could not comment on the Henderson’s claim that they had three years to conform to the board’s ruling, but he did say that their argument that their court appeal stayed the board’s decision was not correct.

Berlage said he would meet with the Hen-derson’s and county legal staff to clarify what uses are legal on the property while it’s being decided in court.

The Henderson’s complaint came up for discussion at the Board of County Commis-sioners meeting Tuesday, with Commissioner Lawrence D. Jarboe (R-Golden Beach) saying that entire ordinance regarding camping, and not just in Ridge, needed to be resolved.

He said that property owners who had been denied the camping usage on their land were still paying taxes for the use and deserved action.

“They deserve a reasonable resolution from this board,” Jarboe said.

[email protected]


Watermen from all over South-ern Maryland had a week to harvest oysters planted four years ago by a federally funded oyster restoration project even though it was inside a state-mandated sanctuary area.

Tommy Zinn, president of the Calvert County Watermen’s Asso-ciation, said that the Oyster Recov-ery Project seeded nearly 30 acres of the Patuxent River near the Benedict bridge back in 2007 in hopes of bol-stering the area’s dwindling bivalve population.

The project placed an estimated 26 million oyster spat on the river bottom, which was then closed off until now.

“They’ve got to give us a chance to harvest them, because they were planted with federal money,” Zinn told The County Times

Zinn said that the state’s recent closing of prime oyster habitat to harvesting has pushed water-men out of their traditional working areas.

High winds on Monday meant that only about a dozen wa-termen came out on their boats to hand tong the seeded oysters.

Yields that day were mostly low, Zinn said, since the weather conditions drove many of the watermen away.

“They’re not breaking any records,” Zinn said.He hoped that conditions would improve to allow more

harvesting, or that an extension of the harvesting time would be granted by the state’s Depart-ment of Natural Resources due to bad weather.

“It’s going to be a boost for watermen at the end of the season,” Zinn said of the one-time harvesting opportunity.

J.P. Nelson, a Hollywood watermen, said that the brief opening represented a good opportunity for him, since the closing off of much of the St. Mary’s River took away much of his business.

When harvesting in the Wicomico River he only gets about two or three bushels, he said.

“I hope they keep doing more recovery openings like this,” Nelson said after taking 15 bushels Monday. “They’ve taken so much from us we’ve got to take whatever we can get.”

[email protected]


Coming on the heels of the 2010 United States census, which saw St. Mary’s County being named as the fastest growing coun-ty in Maryland, another kind of count is underway. Only, instead of people, it is the reptiles and amphibians in Maryland that will be located and counted.

Kyle Rambo, the conservation director for natural resource programs with Naval Air Station Patuxent River, said this is a dream come true and a far cry from when he collected frogs and snakes as a child.

He said this is the first time since the 1970s that a systematic survey has been done of the amphibians and reptiles in Maryland. To make the task a little more manageable, the state has been broken down into blocks, which are subdivided further in some cases. In St. Mary’s County, there are approximately 70 blocks with 57 of them being completely on land.

The group in charge of the statewide census is the Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas project, a joint effort between the Natural History Society of Maryland and Maryland’s Depart-ment of Natural Resources. The project got underway in January and is planned to continue for five years.

According to the project’s website: “Surveys are based upon a statewide grid system … [and] volunteers choose their region, conduct field work and document the roughly 95 species and sub-species of frogs, toads, salamanders, turtles, lizards and snakes known to occur in Maryland.”

The count on these creatures will help determine if the trend is true that the number of amphibians and reptiles is declining, or if they are holding their own.

Rambo said getting the general public involved in the census is important because of the scope of the project and because there are blocks that are contained on private land which Rambo would have to get permission to go on and look for the reptiles and am-phibians. Getting the people who own the land involved would make it easier.

The project will also address concerns about habitat loss, disease and climate change and the impact it’s having on amphib-ian and reptile life in Maryland.

He said people don’t have to fill out paper work or anything so formal to be involved in the project. If people see a frog in their back yard, or a box turtle crossing the highway or even a dead snake, they are encouraged to get in touch with Rambo with a location, date and time and a picture if possible.

“We are interested in all sightings,” Rambo said.People don’t have to be trained in biology or anything either.

Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and all varieties of independent individu-als are welcome to get involved with the Atlas Project.

“All kinds of people are getting involved in this,” Rambo said.

For more information, contact Rambo at 301-904-1724 or at [email protected].

[email protected]

Late Night Campground Raid Enrages Owners

Public Help Sought in Counting Critters

41650 Courthouse Drive, Suite 200, PO Box 1307, Leonardtown, MD 20650

♦ Project Management♦ Development Services♦ Grants Administration

♦ Technical Assistance♦ HUD 203K Consultant

Your project goals are our business.MBE Certified Company

Call 301-475-2272 or e-mail [email protected]

www.cheseldine.org

Oystermen Get Shot at Harvesting Inside Sanctuary

Hollywood watermen J.P. Nelson, left, and Melanie Wheeler, harvest oysters from the bottom of the Patuxent River after the area had been closed for four years to allow planted oyster spat to grow.


ews


After years of citizens needing to travel all the way to the Camp Springs area in Prince George’s County to get services, the federal Social Security Administration has announced that a new office will open in Charlotte Hall on Business Center Drive.

A letter from Michael Weakland, area director for the benefits administration, to County Commissioner Cindy Jones (R-Valley Lee) stated that the Landover office would be moved to the northern end of the county by April 11.

“This state of the art, full-service fa-cility will serve its home county as well as Calvert and Charles Counties,” Weakland’s letter states, adding that the current practice of offering alternatives to full service of-fices, like contact stations open only one day per month for no more than five hours at a time, was not sufficient to meet the grow-

ing demands of the population of Southern Maryland.

“This has not provided an adequate level of service for the residents of the Suit-land district,” the letter went on to state. “By opening an office in Charlotte Hall, the residents of Southern Maryland will receive daily full-time service with significantly less waiting time than found in the contact stations and save an average of 40 miles round trip.”

Because of the office’s opening in Charlotte Hall, the contact stations will be eliminated by May 31 of this year, Weak-land stated.

Those stations that will be eliminated include the ones in Prince Frederick at the county’s Office of Aging, the College of Southern Maryland in Leonardtown and at the Richard R. Clark Senior Center in La Plata.

[email protected]


Twice every year the company in charge of maintaining and managing the Wildewood community in California gives officials in county government a briefing on the continued construction there, but Commissioner Todd Morgan said that the public needs a comprehensive update that covers many of their concerns about the largest planned unit develop-ment (PUD) in the county.

Morgan called for the public review of the continued build out of Wildewood on Tuesday amid continued community complaints over traffic congestion, disap-pearing green space and lack of informa-tion on when major construction was tak-ing place.

Morgan said the two meetings each year did not adequately address those concerns he has heard both publicly and privately.

“I think it’s time… for all of us to sit back and see where that PUD is headed,” Morgan said. “They [residents] deserve a fair day to see what’s going on in their neighborhood.”

Derick Berlage, the county’s director of Land Use and Growth Management,

said that his office had heard many of the same complaints.

“There is a concern over diminishing open space and increased traffic,” Berlage said. “And there’s a concern about overall density.”

The Wildewood community, which goes back to the 1960’s as far as planning stages, has been under construction since the 1970s under an agreement with the county to reach an eventual build out.

And while the county cannot restrict the developer from continuing construc-tion as part of the agreement reached more than 30 years ago, Berlage said the county can investigate ways to address the com-munity’s worries, including finding ways to preserve green space, reduce traffic congestion and make the density more at-tractive and manageable as construction continues.

County records show that there are currently 2,099 dwelling units in Wilde-wood, with another 1,693 units still avail-able to be built.

Of the total of 331,858 square feet of commercial space allowed, 278,598 have been completed with just over 53,000 square feet remaining.

[email protected]


Some Southern Maryland watermen are op-posing a project that would bring oyster aquaculture to the waters off Myrtle Point, saying that both the oyster floats and underwater cages upon which lar-val oysters would be placed to grow would take away valuable crabbing areas.

Tommy Zinn, president of the Calvert County Watermen’s Association, which claims membership from both St. Mary’s and Calvert counties, stated in a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers and the state Board of Public Works that the proposal would take away one of the few legal methods left to watermen and recreational crabbers in the waters of the Patux-ent River near Mill Creek.

“Trotlines are one of the few means by which commercial watermen can legally harvest crabs in the Patuxent River tributary; crab pots are not per-mitted,” Zinn wrote. “The cages and floats described in the proposal would stop watermen from using trot-lines in these protected waters.”

Zinn claimed in his letter that trotlines would become entangled with tackle used for the aquacul-ture project proposed in public waters.

“The inability to trotline in these areas will adversely affect the personal income of watermen,” Zinn stated.

According to project maps from the corps of engineers, the project consists of three separate ar-eas where the oyster seed would grow: two of them

would be in Mill Creek, one close to the Patuxent River with the other close to Sam Abell Cove. The third site would be placed right off the shoreline of Myrtle Point Park in the Patuxent River.

In total, the oyster growing areas encompass about 11 acres of either river bottom or surface water.

The lead on the project is Hollywood resident Raymond Combs, Sr. who has, with his family, sought for years to put an oyster aquaculture project in local waters.

The first growth area is planned for floating aquaculture of oyster seed, project documents state, with a minimum of 20 feet between each row tied together and anchored by ground tackle.

The other sites would be for growing more ma-ture oysters below the river surface, about one foot from the actual bottom tethered by line and more ground tackle, documents read.

Combs denied that his project, which keeps with the state’s push for more aquaculture, would interfere with crabbing in the waters in and around Myrtle Point, but a state official with the Maryland Depart-ment of Agriculture disagreed.

“It [trotlines] could get tangled in the cages,” said Karl Roscher, aquaculture coordinator. “It wouldn’t be practical to set a trotline underneath floats.”

Combs said that he has offered to address the watermen’s group’s concerns, but only now are they trying to derail the project when it seems ready for approval.

[email protected]

Social Security Opening New Full-Time Office in St. Mary’s

Residents Call For Closer Look at Wildewood

Watermen Oppose Myrtle Point Aquaculture Project

Hayden Property Use Under ScrutinyBy Sarah MillerStaff Writer

What started out as a run of the mill planning commission meeting ended up turning into something that looked like a public forum when about 50 members of the community came to sit in on the meeting and sup-port the 10 people who chose to speak up against the idea of disposing treated sewage on county land known as the Hayden Property.

The meeting wasn’t originally meant to be about the Hayden property. As the community members came forward to speak the focus shifted from the ab-stract idea of whether land application of treated sewage should even be considered an option, to the more con-crete issue of the community members being uniformly against it being sprayed or dripped onto the Hayden property.

Right now, there are four sites being considered for the drip or spray irrigation. One of the sites is the Hayden property.

The public at Monday’s four-hour meeting was not happy with the thought of using the Hayden property in such a way.

“I don’t think anybody wants to live next door to a sewage plant,” said Pat Guy who, along with her hus-band and a few others, took the opportunity to speak out against the use of the Hayden property for waste-water disposal.

Guy said, and several members of the community

echoed, concerns about the potential health risks hav-ing wastewater released so close to a residential area. There is also a potential school planned for the property, which members of the community said should cause the placement of the irrigation system to be moved somewhere else.

“We think it should be put at the governmental center,” Guy told The County Times.

The governmental center is one location that was considered, but dismissed during the meeting because there is a fragipan layer, which is a layer too hard to al-low water to penetrate, which covers the absorbent soil.

Guy said the members of the community were not informed there were any other sites being considered other than the Hayden property.

“That’s not what the letter said,” Guy said.No recommendation was made during the meet-

ing, but the next forum communit members can make comments on the issue be in front of the Board of Coun-ty Commissioners at an undetermined date.

“Last night, things got off track,” Meiser told The County Times.

While the evening was supposed to be about the question of whether drip of spray irrigation should even be considered an option and not where it should be or how it would be implemented.

“The where, when, how and if should have been a whole different day,” Meiser said.

[email protected]


Small, independent businesses, some of them with deep roots in St. Mary’s County, have struggled to compete with newer, larger businesses and one restaurateur has proposed that county leaders look at charging a fee for operations that want to expand here.

Dan Rebarchick, owner of Lenny’s Restaurant and the Sleep Inn next door to the establishment, said that the county already exacts impact fees from new homes built here and that new busi-nesses should be no different.

A new business impact fee would help raise money for the county, he told commissioners at Tuesday’s evening public forum in Leonardtown, but would also allow struggling businesses to compete with their larger neighbors.

“It would help the small mom and pop [businesses] to com-pete before they get run out,” Rebarchick told commissioners.

He said that commissioners should consider the proposal in light of costs for building much needed infrastructure like FDR Boulevard, and the fact that they should study it now because it would take time to implement the fees, if necessary, through the state legislature.

In a subsequent interview, Rebarchick said that he did not believe that impact fees would discourage larger businesses from coming to St. Mary’s but they would cut back on their ability to out-price smaller, homegrown businesses.

“It would make them consider being more competitive in the market,” Rebarchick said. “If they have that cost of doing business then the county benefits from that tax.

“I’m not talking about millions of dollars,” he said.

Rebarchick is the president of the St. Mary’s Independent Business Association, but he said his comments were not made on behalf of the organization and were his personal ideas.

He said at the public forum that other businesses associ-ates would not be happy with his proposal, but he thought it was necessary.

Bob Schaller, director of the county’s Department of Commu-nity and Economic Development, said that Rebarchick made some compelling arguments for both raising revenue as well as saving the traditional appeal of the county, but it was not all positive.

“It’s a disincentive for new businesses,” Schaller said. “It would not be popular; but it’s worth considering given the eco-nomic and community development challenges we have.”

[email protected]

Commissioners Asked to Consider Impact Fees For New Businesses


To The Editor:

P.O. Box 250 • Hollywood, Maryland 20636News, Advertising, Circulation, Classifieds: 301-373-4125

James Manning McKay - FounderEric McKay - Associate Publisher..................................ericmckay@countytimes.netTobie Pulliam - Office Manager..............................tobiepulliam@countytimes.netSean Rice - Editor......................................................................seanrice@countytimes.netAngie Stalcup - Graphic Artist.......................................angiestalcup@countytimes.netSarah Miller - Reporter - Education, [email protected] Stevens - Reporter - Sports......................................chrisstevens@countytimes.netGuy Leonard - Reporter - Government, [email protected] Representatives......................................................................sales@countytimes.net

Send to:The County Times

P.O. Box 250 • Hollywood, MD 20636Make sure you include your name, phone # and the city you live in.

We will not publish your phone #, only your name and city

Do you have something to say?Would like your voice to be heard?Send us a letter telling us what’s on your mind!E-mail letters to: [email protected]

Can’t is Not in My Dictionary

Legal Notice

Editorial

In the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County, MarylandCivil No. 18-C-08-001550Martin L. GoozmanAndJeffrey W. Bernstein Substitute TrusteesPlaintiffsv. Mark R. PittmanAndKarin Mitchell PittmanDefendants

SecondNotice

Notice is hereby given this 8th day of February, 2011, by the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County, Maryland that the sale of the property mentioned in these pro-ceeding and described as 24271 McGlue Road, Chaptico, Maryland 20621, will be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 11th day of March, 2011, provided a copy of this NOTICE be published at least once a week in each of three successive weeks in some newspaper of general circula-tion published in said County before the 11th day of March, 2011.

The report states the amount of the sale to be $225,000.00.

Joan W WilliamsClerk of the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County, Maryland

02-17, 24, 3-3-2011

With rare exceptions (NJ’s Chris Christie and Sheriff Arpaio being two of them) politicians are great at promising, threatening, prevaricating, and talking, but you don’t see many of them actually doing anything effective.

I’ve been watching the Wisconsin teacher “sick out” and the Democratic senatorial “bug out” with great interest. I’ve heard a lot of talk, but actually, little action. The kids aren’t in school and the government isn’t fully functioning. What to do? Oh, woe, what to do?

Here are a couple of suggestions:1) Give the teachers 48 hours to get

their butts back in the school room and start teaching the kids. Any teacher who has not been at work during the sick out will be docked their wages for days missed. No give backs at a later date. Any teacher who produces a doctor’s excuse must also produce a doctor’s diagnosis of the illness suffered, the treatments given, and the cost of those treatments. That should put a spike in the fraudulent excuses handed out at the rallys. Any teacher not report-ing for work as ordered will be fired. No re-hire at a later date. I’m sure there are a lot of qualified teachers out there that would be willing to replace those who are

terminated.2) With regards to the senators who

are hiding out of state, they, too, should be ordered to report to their workplace in the capital within 48 hours. Those who refuse to do so should be placed in contempt and appropriate steps should be taken for ei-ther their recall or a special election to re-place them. If they refuse to do the work their constituents hired them to do, then they should be replaced. Those senators who return to their jobs as ordered should be docked a pro-rated portion of their sala-ries to cover the days they failed to be at work.

Please explain to me why the above actions should not be taken. And please, PLEASE, don’t tell me definitive actions CAN’T be taken. Can’t is a word that doesn’t exist in my dictionary. In my mind, anyone who would oppose positive actions to restore schools and government to its proper function is, in my mind, condoning and supporting coercion, extortion, and il-legality for the purpose of fulfilling a po-litical and anti-democratic agenda.

James H. HilbertMechanicsville, MD

As Goes Lexington Park, So Goes St. Mary’s County

Downtown Lexington Park, home to the United States Navy’s world class research, de-velopment and testing facility, the 13th largest employer in the state of Maryland, one of the best military facilities in the world. Downtown Lexington Park, home to world class technology companies, employing thousands of engineers and technicians supporting private and public sector high tech needs around the world.

Downtown Lexington Park, home to St. Mary’s County’s largest commercial district and many of our county’s most established business-es, from Taylor Gas, to McKay’s Food Stores. From Linda’s Café, to Raley’s Furniture. From Millison Development to Maryland Bank & Trust. The list goes on and on, many founded in Lexington Park and doing business there for 50 or more years.

Downtown Lexington Park, home to our county’s largest and most modern library, home to modern schools, the county’s newest fire sta-tion featuring one of the county’s finest social halls. And home to our county’s oldest housing communities, our oldest hotels, our oldest parks, and our oldest shops.

And then there is downtown Lexington Park, home to our county’s largest homeless population including our largest homeless shel-ter. Home to our largest crime district, our larg-est criminal drug district, our largest population of unemployed and unemployable. It is home to the majority of the county’s Section 8 govern-ment subsidized housing and low rent proper-ties. It is home to the county’s largest population of high school drop-outs, single parents living off government subsidies, and children growing up in single parent homes.

Downtown Lexington Park, home to our largest community of vacant office and com-mercial space, and home to some of our coun-ty’s most distressed commercial and residential properties. And home to the county’s largest population of citizens living at or below the pov-erty level.

Downtown Lexington Park, where few new businesses decide to locate to, where few middle income families choose to move to, and a place where the private sector, over the past 10 years has invested very little. Some small investments, such as a new WAWA and a new conference center were given tax waiver incen-tives to locate in Lexington Park; only to vacate

or change the use of those properties 10 years later after the tax incentives ran out.

Nearly 80% of our county’s local economy is positively impacted by the employment and businesses in downtown Lexington Park. That is why we believe, as goes Lexington Park, so goes St. Mary’s County. And from our vantage point, it appears the bright side of Lexington Park, and the dark side of Lexington Park is on a collision course.

The time is now for St. Mary’s County to better manage the dark side to avoid such a col-lision. And the only way to avoid that collision is to successfully improve the social-economic conditions that are creating the problem in the first place.

Public investment in infrastructure such as roads, schools, parks and public utilities certain-ly plays some role in avoiding such a collision. Wasting valuable public resources by nearly tri-pling the size of the county jail only serves to speed up that collision. Sure, there are criminals in our community who represent such a danger to society that only one solution exists, incarcer-ation. But that is not the overriding problem in Lexington Park.

The more people we incarcerate, the big-ger problem we ultimately will have. For those whom education, job training, jobs, life coach-ing, tough love and hope could have saved, put-ting them in jail will only serve to make them hardened criminals. Six months in jail affords them no job, no job training, and more contacts with the dark side of our community. The end result is that we are training a larger population of criminals, of which 7 out of 10 will return back to jail.

It is hard to accept that this county, filled with world class jobs, world class education, and world class people is content with the same old solution to social-economic challenges, the same solution that has failed repeatedly throughout the ages, throughout our country.

It is time that we recognize the problem and time for both the public sector and the private sector to bring real, creative solutions to our community. It is not just a Lexington Park prob-lem; it’s a St. Mary’s County problem, because if that collision occurs, it will be a collision felt around our entire county, and even the state of Maryland.


Moneyfor the love of

Join St. Mary’s Hospital and College of Southern Maryland at the Health & Fitness Expo.

This is the first time some of the best healthcare professionals and providers will be together under one roof in Southern Maryland. The Expo offers an exciting

array of activities and seminars. BayNet Radio will be broadcasting live all day. Join the fun and learn

to take better care of yourself all in one visit!

ACTIVITY SPONSOR TIMESpinning CSM 10 a.m.

Nutrition/Mediterranean Diet SMH 10:30 a.m.

Pilates CSM 10:45 a.m.

Relationship Talk Dr. Carol Drury 11 a.m.

Zumba Dance Party! CSM 11:30 a.m.

Varicose Veins SoMd Vascular Institute 12 p.m.

Sleep Studies Lecture SMH 12:30 p.m.

Circuit Training CSM 1 p.m.

Live Concert BayNet Radio 1:30 p.m.

Yoga CSM 2 p.m.

Advances in Vision Correction Dr. Mark Whitten/SMH 2:30 p.m.

Live Concert Continues BayNet Radio 3 p.m.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation SMH 3:15 p.m.

Fibroid Lecture SoMd Vascular Institute 3:30 p.m.

Get Fit Challenge Launches SMH/BayNet Radio 3:30 p.m.

THIS SATURDAY / 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Don’t miss out! Enter the contest for a chance to win

FREE LASIK with Dr. Mark Whitten!

For more information visitwww.stmaryshospitalmd.org

St. Mary’s Hospital an-nounced the addition of Dr. Mark Whitten to its medical staff and Eye Physicians of St. Mary’s practice in Charlotte Hall.

Dr. Whitten, a board-cer-tified ophthalmologist and one of the first eye surgeons in the United States to perform the groundbreaking LASIK sur-gery, will provide patients with the latest in vision correction procedures, featuring state-of-the-art LASIK, cataract and implant lens surgery, as well as general ophthalmology consultations, a press release states.

Dr. Whitten has more than 30 years of eye care and surgical experience and is one of only three surgeons in the country to have performed more than 100,000 LASIK proce-dures — an outpatient procedure to treat near-sightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism using a laser to reshape the patient’s cornea. As a resident of St. Mary's County, he will now bring the very latest in technique and technol-ogy for high quality vision correction to the Southern Maryland area.

Sports figures, celebrities and government officials have all chosen Dr. Whitten as their eye surgeon. He has performed surgery on six golf Masters Champions, including Tiger Woods, as well as hundreds of other golf professionals like Maryland native Fred Funk.

Currently, Dr. Whitten serves as a clinical instructor for VISX (technology used for laser surgery), where he teaches surgical techniques to ophthal-mologists across the nation. He

is a former council member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and previously served as chairman of the board of the Medi-cal Society of the District of Columbia. He is a recipient of several national awards and was recognized by VISX as being one of the top 10 surgeons in laser vision correction. He has re-ceived national recognition and has appeared on various television shows including NBC's “Today” and programs on The Golf Channel.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Whitten, call Eye Physicians of St. Mary’s at 301-290-5915.

Renowned LASIK Surgeon Joins St. Mary’s Hospital

Dr. Mark Whitten

Patriot Medical Adds Ambulance

Patriot Medical Transport System an-nounced the addition of a new BLS ambulance to its fleet, designated A14, a press release states.

The new ambulance is based on the Mer-cedes Sprinter chassis and the ambulance conversion is done by Miller Coach in Spring-field, MO. This new unit is fuel efficient, get-ting more than two times the fuel mileage of a standard ambulance. Also, it is an environ-mentally friendly design with low emissions. Patriot expects to reduce ambulance operating costs by as much as 50% by using this new de-sign. Although this vehicle has been used by businesses for the last several years, this is the first Ambulance conversion, of this design, to be licensed in the State of Maryland.

The ride of this ambulance is unequaled for smoothness and comfort and crews are re-porting that it “rides like a car”, instead of a truck. This will give patients a smoother and more enjoyable ride. The new unit was put in service Friday Feb 11.

This brings the current number of vehicles in Patriot’s fleet to six and includes Advanced Life Support ambulances, Basic Life Support ambulances, Wheelchair equipped Vans, and Sedans.

Patriot Medical Transport System began service in 2008 and is located in Mechanics-ville. Patriot currently employs a staff of 32, many of which are dedicated EMS and Fire volunteers in the Tri-County area.


STATE NEWSSTATE NEWS

DONT DELAY CALL TODAY!!!

Don’t pay

DONT DELAY CALL TODAY!!!

Erie Insurance Beats the Competition...

your auto insurance yet!Don’t pay

ERIE INSURANCE EXCHANGE $441 $1,043 $1,484

Nationwide Insurance $757 $1,500 $2,257

Allstate Property and Casualty $1,107 $1,597 $2,704

State Farm Fire and Casualty $547 $1,683 $2,230

Top Row: Carolyn Quade, Shirley Mattingly and Barbara Livingston. Bottom Row: Betty West, Steve Mattingly and Alice Kingsley

Phone: 301-884-5904Stephen D. Mattingly Insurance28290 Three Notch RoadMechanicsville, Maryland 20659

HOME AUTO TOTAL

HOME AUTO TOTAL ERIE INSURANCE EXCHANGEERIE INSURANCE EXCHANGEERIE INSURANCE EXCHANGE....................................$441$441$441 $1043$1043$1043 $1,484$1,484$1,484

Nationwide Insurance.........................$757 $1,500 $2,257

Allstate Property & Casualty ............ $1,107 $1,597 $2,704

State Farm Fire & Casualty .................$547 $1,683 $2,230

Home Scenario 2 and Auto Scenario 9 The rates above developed by the Maryland Insurance Administration. Based on 2 vehicles and 2 drivers, with a multi-car discount companion homeowners discount. For full

details see the Homeowners and Auto Comparison Guide to Rates. St Mary’s County, MD. February 2009.

Stephen D. Mattingly Insurance, Inc. 28290 Three Notch Road

Mechanicsville, MD 20659

(301)884‐3904 www.MattinglyAgency.com

Erie Insurance Beats the Competition... Erie rewards safe driving, and you could be eligible for ERIE’s Safe Driver Discount. This discount rewards new auto Policyholders who are loss‐ and violation‐free. Call us today for a no‐obligation quote and coverage review and see if you are eligible for ERIE’s Safe Driver Discount or any of the other numerous discounts we offer.

Apple BasketThe

27056 Mt. Zion Church Rd • Mechanicsville, MD 20659 • 301-884-8118 • Open 7 Days a Weekwww.applebasketantiques.com

introduces Miss Chamilia, an exciting, new bead line for young girls & teens.

Gay Marriage Vote Back on Track

MD Senators Seek Streamlined

Oyster Farm Permits

New Septic Ban Facing Delays

ANNAPOLIS (AP) — A bill to legalize gay marriage is back on track after a delegate who held it up relented and agreed to show up for a vote. Ad-vocates of the bill said Wednesday that a key com-mittee is poised to approve it.

Delegate Tiffany Alston forced the House Judi-ciary Committee to delay a vote on legalizing same-sex marriage Tuesday after she and another delegate skipped a session. Alston, who is co-sponsoring the bill and a member of the committee, said Wednes-day she's ready to vote on it, but did not say whether she will support it.

Delegate Heather Mizeur, D-Montgomery, says gay marriage advocates have the 12 commit-tee votes they need to advance the bill to a final vote. Mizeur is one of the chamber's six openly gay members.

Delegates, including Mizeur, said they did not know when a new vote would be scheduled.

Delegate Jill Carter, D-Baltimore, another co-sponsor, said she is still withholding support for the gay marriage bill because she wants $15 million in funds for Baltimore City schools restored in the budget.

“Education in Baltimore City Public Schools and throughout the state can no longer afford to take a back seat to any issue either,” Carter said in a state-ment e-mailed to the Associated Press Wednesday morning. “The political leadership in Annapolis must act swiftly today to secure the number of votes to safeguard educational funding just as they have

done for marriage equality.”Carter said Tuesday that Alston also wanted

more funding for public schools. But Alston did not explain her concerns as she walked away from a group of reporters Wednesday morning.

“I said I'll vote, and that's it,” she said.House Speaker Michael Busch called Carter

and Alston into a closed-door meeting for 90 min-utes after the two skipped the Tuesday morning vote. Speaking after the meeting, Carter said an agreement had been reached on school funding. But both Busch and Alston denied that claim.

The Maryland Senate approved extending full marriage rights to same-sex couples on a 25-21 vote last week. Gov. Martin O'Malley has said he would sign it into law.

Mizeur called Tuesday's drama a “hiccup” in a bill that has otherwise sped through the General Assembly. Most legislation is not approved by the chamber until the last few weeks of the 90-day session.

“Most members of the body believe that issues related to civil rights aren't issues to be horsetraded with,” Mizeur said.

Baltimore schools supporters lauded Carter on her Facebook page Tuesday, while commenters said they would not have voted for her if they knew she would hold up the gay marriage bill.

“I resent being made the scapegoat here,” Cart-er said on her Facebook page Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Maryland's two U.S. senators are asking the Army Corps of Engineers to streamline the oyster aquaculture permitting process.

Sens. Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin said Tuesday that they had written a letter in support of a general permit for Maryland waters which would be used in-stead of individual permits. The senators say general permits are used when similar conditions need to be met and the risk of environmental harm is relatively low.

The senators said in their letter that they believe oyster aquaculture can benefit the bay and its tidal waters in a variety of ways and asked to the corps to develop a "one-stop shop" system that would allow oyster farmers to go to the state to obtain all necessary permits.

ANNAPOLIS (AP) — A key lawmaker is recommending that an outright ban on septic systems for major new subdivisions should be delayed for further study, because lawmakers from both parties have expressed concerns about the ban’s eco-nomic impact.

Delegate Maggie McIntosh, a Baltimore Democrat who chairs the House Envi-ronmental Matters Committee, is recommending in a letter to Gov. Martin O’Malley that a task force study the idea first.

McIntosh recommended in her letter dated Monday that a task force report back by the end of the year.

O’Malley, a Democrat, has backed a bill to have homebuilders install top-grade septic systems in new developments as part of an effort to control rural growth and pollution in the Chesapeake Bay.


Briefs

Philip H. Dorsey IIIAttorney at Law

-Serious Personal Injury Cases-

LEONARDTOWN: 301-475-5000TOLL FREE: 1-800-660-3493

EMAIL: [email protected]

www.dorseylaw.net

Man charged in Wal-Mart theftsOn Feb. 26, deputies responded to the Wal-Mart store in California for a report of a theft in

progress. A lookout was broadcast for a male leaving the store pushing a cart of items, which he had allegedly not paid for. The suspect left the store prior to the arrival of deputies but a detailed description of the suspect was provided to the deputies by Wal-Mart’s loss preven-tion officers. The suspect, later identified as Craig Andrew Kennedy, 46, of California, was located a short distance from the store. The loss prevention officers identified Kennedy as the individual who had allegedly committed the theft. Kennedy was arrest and charged with theft scheme and theft.

Police: Man drunk, disorderly and combative at Elks LodgeOn Feb. 26, deputies responded to the Elks Lodge in California for a disturbance. Investi-

gation revealed James Raymond Harris, 23, of Hollywood was intoxicated and yelling profan-ity in the parking lot, police reported. Harris was asked several times to lower his voice and stop yelling, police said, but Harris refused and his disorderly behavior attracted the attention of others in the parking lot. Harris was told he was under arrest for disorderly conduct. As deputies attempted to handcuff him he flailed his arms and resisted, police alleged. After a brief struggle Harris was controlled and placed in handcuffs. He was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Possession of a Controlled Dangerous SubstanceOn Feb. 27, at approximately 6:30 p.m. Deputy Wood was conducting a patrol check of

Lancaster Park, which closes at dusk and trespassing is prohibited. Wood observed a 1998 Toyota truck parked near the end of the park with its lights and engine turned off. Deputy Wood investigated and as he approached he noticed the passengers moving around inside the truck as if they were attempting to conceal something. Wood identified the occupants of the truck as Joseph Arnold Johnson, 61, of Lexington Park and Vernon Edward Freeland, 44, of Lexington Park. Further investigation revealed Johnson to be in alleged possession of suspected marijuana. Johnson was arrested and search of the vehicle incident to the arrest revealed an empty cigarette pact containing suspected oxycodone and a glass smoking device with suspected marijuana residue. Both Johnson and Freeland were arrested and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia.


The federal Drug Enforcement Admin-istration (DEA) has outlawed five chemicals that have been used in making “fake pot” products that local narcotics officers have already cracked down on.

The federal agency issued the order Tuesday, and it will be in effect for one year, with the possibility of a six-month extension.

This order comes after the DEA issued a previous warning in November stating that they were considering banning the chemi-cals used in products known as “K-2” and “Spice.”

“Except as authorized by law, this ac-tion makes possessing and selling these chemicals or the products that contain them illegal in the United States,” a statement from the DEA read. “This emergency action was necessary to prevent an imminent threat to public health and safety.”

Following the alert from the DEA, nar-cotics officers here warned businesses that selling the products was illegal.

Often the products were sold as incense and had become popular with teens and

young adults, narcotics officers reported.The smokeable products, which were

coated with chemicals which approximated the high associated with real marijuana, were not approved for consumption, accord-ing to the DEA.

“These chemicals… have not been ap-proved by the FDA for human consumption, and there is no oversight of the manufactur-ing process,” a DEA press release stated.

“Emergency room physicians report that individuals that use these types of prod-ucts experience serious side effects which in-clude: convulsions, anxiety attacks, danger-ously elevated heart rates, increased blood pressure, vomiting, and disorientation.”

Capt. Daniel Alioto, commander of the Vice/Narcotics Division of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, said that several stores here that were selling the synthetic marijuana have taken it off the shelves after learning of its status under the law.

“We identified some places who had it and they complied with getting rid of it,” Alioto said.

[email protected]

DEA Bans Synthetic Marijuana

Officers Arrest Three in Drug RaidsBy Guy LeonardStaff Writer

Three recent ar-rests of defendants suspected of dealing drugs and possess-ing drug parapherna-lia have netted vice/narcotics detectives thousands of dollars in evidence seizures, reports from the drug interdiction arm of the county sheriff’s office state.

The largest of the seizures saw the ar-rest of Michael DeAngelo Davis, 26, of Redgate, vice/narcotics information stated, after investigators received information that there was alleged drug activity occurring in the 22000 block of Point Lookout Road.

Detectives obtained a search and sei-zure warrant and raided Davis’ home, court charging papers stated, and found marijua-na, a digital scale with what they suspected was marijuana residue on it as well as oxy-codone pills.

Vice/narcotics detectives stated that they seized one pound of marijuana from Davis as well as $12,000 in cash.

Detectives say that on the day previ-ous to Davis’ arrest, Feb. 24, a search war-rant they executed on Baja Lane in Great Mills led to the arrest of Reginald Delante Thomas, 20, of Great Mills and the seizure of $4,500 in crack cocaine as well as packag-

ing material, items used in the drug-making process and $400 in cash.

Detectives stated that Thomas attempt-ed to flee his home through a window but was caught by members of the county sheriff’s tactical team as it advanced on his house.

The third drug arrest, which took place the same day as that of Thomas, brought Keith Anthony Young, 44, of Lexington Park into custody when detectives raided his home on Chapman Drive.

Detectives allege that Young was selling various narcotics out of his house.

In that operation detectives seized co-caine, marijuana and 31 hydrocodone pills as well as more than $1,200 in cash, according to detectives.

Charging documents filed against Young allege that detectives also found a dig-ital scale they said had cocaine residue on it.

[email protected]

Michael DeAngelo Davis Reginald Delante Thomas Keith Anthony Young

Maryland State Fire Marshals have charged a 14-year-old with deliberately pulling a fire alarm during a regular fire drill at Great Mills High School Wednesday.

“The fire alarm pull station was activated by the student during a scheduled fire alarm drill, causing the alarm to continue sounding until the pull station could be located and deactivated,” a fire marshals’ press release stated.

The male juvenile was charged with causing a false alarm and was released into the custody of a parent, the press release read, and he faces a maximum penalty of five years in jail and a $5,000 fine if convicted.

Teen Charged With School False Alarm


James Adkins, Sr., 62

James G. (Jim-my) Adkins, Sr., 62, of Lexington Park, MD died February 23, 2011 in St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonard-town, MD. He was born on May 16, 1948 in Washington, DC. Mr. Adkins was the son of the late Au-brey Adkins and Nel-

lie Oliver. Mr. Adkins was loving husband of Jackie Adkins. He is survived by his children; Brian L. Adkins (Vicki) of Clements, MD, Denise V. Adkins and James G. Adkins, Jr. all of Mechanicsville, MD, step-children: Laurie Edwards, James Munson and Jessica Munson, as well as his siblings; Doris Harris (Paul), and Noble Oliver, Jr. (Debbie) of Brandywine, MD and ten grandchildren. Mr. Adkins was pre-ceded in death by his sister Barbara Curtain (Arnold) and stepfather Noble E. Oliver, Sr.

Mr. Adkins attended Fredrick Douglas High School, Upper Marlboro, MD. Mr. Ad-kins was self-employed with L&G Billiards in Lexington Park, MD for two years. He enjoyed hunting, and shooting pool.

The family received friends on Sunday, February 27, 2011 in Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD with Rev. Kathleen Price officiating.

Interment was private. To send a condolence to the family please

visit our website at www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Matting-

ley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Gertrude Carruth, 94

Gertrude M. “Granny” Carruth, 94, of Hollywood died on February 28, 2011 at St. Mary’s Nursing Home.

Born October 8, 1916 she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Ethel (Shires) Clements.

Gertrude retired after many years of ser-vice as a Health Inspector in Washington, DC. She loved to spend time with her family and when she was able to, she also loved to play cards and crochet.

She is survived her daughter Stephanie Edwards of Lexington Park, and her son Dan-ny Carruth of Mechanicsville. Also survived by eleven grandchildren, Rae Lee Deguzman, Dale Carruth, Randi-Lynn Thompson, Warren Carruth, Kim Emory, Sammy Craddock, Mi-chele Wills, Mark Carruth, Carrie Kelly, Amy Poore, and Bobby Edwards; sixteen great-grandchildren; and four great great-grandchil-dren. Preceded in death by two sons, Bobby G. Carruth and Johnny Carruth; and one grand-son, Billy Snyder.

Family will receive friends for Gertrude’s Life Celebration on Friday, March 4, 2011 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with prayers recited at 7 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 10 a.m. in St. John Francis Regis Cath-olic Church with Father Raymond Schmidt of-ficiating. Interment will follow in the Charles Memorial Gardens. Serving as pallbearers will be, Warren Carruth, Sammy Craddock, Mark Carruth, Bobby Edwards, Stephen Sandridge, Billy Thompson and Robbie Thompson. Con-dolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.

Katie Dombroski, 83

Katie Elva Dom-broski, 83, of Leonar-dtown, MD died Feb-ruary 27, 2011 at the St. Mary’s Nursing Center. Born May 6, 1927 in Arlington City, VA, she was the daughter of Phillip Spencer Johnson and Katie Elva Emmons Johnson. She worked for many years as a manager for Bell

Atlantic/Verizon. Besides her parents, Katie was prede-

ceased by her husband, Albert Dombroski, Sr.; son, David Davidson; brother, Phillip Spencer Johnson, Jr. and grandson, Albert Dombroski III. She is survived by sons, Walter Davidson of Colombia, MD, Andrew Davidson of Florida, Albert Dombroski, Jr. of Riverdale, MD and Michael Dombroski of Olney, MD; daughter, Phyllis Dietz of Waldorf, MD; brother, Arthur Johnson of Fort Washington, MD; sister, Laura Redmond of Lexington Park, MD; 8 grandchil-dren and 13 great grandchildren.

The family received friends for Katie’s Life Celebration on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at the Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Rd., Charlotte Hall, MD. A Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at Brinsfield-Echols. Interment took place at All Faith Episcopal Church Cem-etery, 38885 New Market Turner Rd., Mechan-icsville, MD.

Edward Gutzler, 88

Edward John “Pop Pop” Gut-zler, 88, of Lex-ington Park, MD died February 23, 2011 peacefully at home from kidney complications.

Edward was born August 20, 1922, the 9th of 16 children in Thorn-dale Texas. He was the son of the late

Edward John Gutzler and Hattie (Placke) Gutzler. Edward joined the Civilian Con-servation Corps in 1940 at the age of 18 and served until July 1942. He then joined the Navy in October 1942. He married the love of his life, Rosa Lee Smith on August 14, 1948 in Covington, KY. He served his coun-try honorably for over 30 years with many duty stations from Rhode Island to Hawaii and back again, finally retiring at Patuxent River, MD as a Senior Chief in 1973. He started working a year later as a civil service employee in 1975 and retired from that ca-reer in 1987.

He enjoyed gardening, bowling, bird watching, watching baseball and football and was a lifelong fan of the Dallas Cowboys.

Edward is survived by his wife, Rosa Lee (Smith) Gutzler, his children; Donna Wheatley (Harry), Judy Owens (Bud), and Sarah Bolton (Willie) all of Lexington Park, MD, six grandchildren, nine great grandchil-dren, sister; Barbara “Snookie” McCord of Kingman, AZ. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Nan-cy Fox as well as seven brothers.

Family received friends for Edward’s

Life Celebration on Friday, February 25, 2011 in Trinity Lutheran Church, Lexington Park, MD. Prayers were recited. A graveside ser-vice was held on Saturday, February 26, 2011 in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD.

Serving as pallbearers were be Harry Wheatley, Bud Owens, Willie Bolton, An-drew Owens, Ronnie Barnes, and Mark Simonelli.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bay District Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 1440, California, MD 20619, Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 339, Lexington Park, MD 20653 or Hospice of St Mary’s, 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.

Shirley Holloman, 88

Shirley Dar-win “Holly” Hollo-man, 88 of Lexing-ton Park, MD died February 24, 2011 at his residence.

Born May 16, 1922 in Harrels-ville, NC, he was the son of the late William J. Hollo-man and Ethel L.

(Coleson) Holloman.At 17 he joined the Civilian Conserva-

tion Corps in Tampa, FL. He enlisted in the Navy at age 18 and served honorably for 29 years. Shirley was a WWII and Korean War veteran. In WWII he participated in the Pacific Theater where he earned the Presi-dential Unit Citation. In his time of early service, he participated in the liberation of the Philippine Islands and was part of the Asiatic Pacific Campaign in support of op-erations in China. In his later service years, he fished his way from various duty stations in Hawaii, California, Florida and finally in 1969 retiring from Patuxent River Naval Air Station.

After retiring from the Navy, he spent 25 happy years at the Tackle Box in Lex-ington Park, MD. As a child in Florida and through all his life, fishing with his friends and being with his family was his greatest joy.


Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

William Oglesby, 83

William Mills Oglesby, 83, of Leonar-dtown, MD died February 25, 2011 at his home.

Born June 29, 1928 in New York City, he was the son of the late William Albert Oglesby and Myrtle Mann Oglesby.

“Caring is Our Business”FOR OVER 50 YEARS, THE COUNTY’S MOST

TRUSTED SOURCE FOR QUALITY

26325 Point Lookout Road • Leonardtown, MD 20650301-475-8060

charlesmemorialgardens.com

Granite & Bronze Monuments & EngravingPet Cemetery and Memorials

Charles Memorial Gardens, Inc.Perpetual Care Cemetery


He is survived by three sons, John M. Oglesby of Mount Pleasant Mill, PA, James A. Oglesby of Hudson, FL and William D. Oglesby of Budd Lake, NJ, two brothers; Francis L. Oglesby of Princeton, NJ an Al-bert M. Oglesby of Brattleboro, VT. Also survived by six grandchildred and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Vilma Elise Bungenstabb Oglesby a brother James Oglesby.

The family received friends on Wednes-day, March 2, 2011 in Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonard-town, MD with funeral service.

Graveside service will be held Thurs-day, March 3, 2001 at 1 p.m. in the Vail Cem-etery, Parsippany, NJ

Arrangements made by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., in Leonardtown, MD.


Francis Spears, 84

F r a n c i s Adolph Spears, 84, of Hollywood, MD died February 21, 2011 in Southern Maryland Hospital Center, Clinton, MD. He was born on February 12, 1927 in Hollywood, MD, the son of the late Joseph Alex-ander and Idola Marie Fenwick Spears. Mr. Spears

was loving husband of Regenia Frederick Spears. He is also survived by his children; Brenda Spears of Cheverly, MD and Mi-chael Spears of Hollywood, MD as well as his siblings Gene Spears of Ridge, MD, Le-roy Spears, Marie Spears, Mary Spears and Blanche Spears all of Lexington Park, MD. Mr. Spears attended Phyllis Wheatly School.

He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1947 and served four years before he was

honorably discharged. Mr. Spears was a truck driver for the Department of the Navy and worked at the Indian Head Naval Base for 36 years before his retirement in 1990. He loved to work outside in the yard, cut grass, plant trees and enjoyed growing his garden.

The family received friends on Tues-day, March 1, 2011 in St. John’s Catholic Church, Hollywood, MD where a Mass of Christian burial was celebrated with Fr. Eamon Dignan officiating. Interment fol-lowed in St. John’s Cemetery, Hollywood, MD.

To send a condolence to the family please visit our website at www.mgfh.com.

Arrangements provided by the Matting-ley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Grace Stabler, 75

Grace Mary Ellis Stabler, 75 of Abell, Maryland, died February 26, 2011, at Washing-ton Hospital Cen-ter in Washington, D.C.

Born April 11, 1935, in Leonard-town, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Alma Ellis and the wife

of Allen Wayne Stabler.Mrs. Stabler grew up in Oakley. She

attended Holy Angels Elementary School and graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in 1952. After graduating from St. Maryís Academy, she attended St. Maryís Seminary Junior College and graduated with an As-sociate of Arts degree. She then completed her studies at the University of Maryland in College Park, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in English.

After graduation, Mrs. Stabler worked at Service Test at Patuxent River NATC as a Technical Librarian. She was also employed by the St. Maryís County Board of Education

as a Media Specialist at Bethune and Dynard Elementary Schools, retiring after 30 years.

She faithfully attended Holy Angels Catholic Church in Avenue and was the or-ganist there for over 50 years, beginning in the seventh grade.

She was also the second grade CCD teacher for many years, preparing numerous children to receive the Sacraments of First Penance and Holy Communion. She partici-pated in every aspect of her church, working at church dinners, as a member of the Pasto-ral Council and as president of the churches Sodality. Mrs. Stabler was awarded the Or-der of Merit by Cardinal Theodore McCar-rick in 2003 for her service to her parish. She volunteered at Maryís Song Soup Kitch-en (now St. Maryís Caring) every Tuesday for eight years.

Mrs. Stabler was active at both Holy Angels Sacred Heart School and St.

Maryís Ryken High School over the 25 years her five children attended these schools, watching hundreds of sporting events, work-ing for the Athletic Boosters and playing the organ at the children’s weekly Mass.

Grace loved her home on St. Clem-ents Bay and the beautiful sunrises every morning. She enjoyed working crossword puzzles, reading to her four grandchildren, cooking and playing the piano and organ.

Mrs. Stabler is survived by her hus-band of over 50 years, Allen Wayne Stabler, whom she married on June 25, 1960. She is also survived by her five children, Susan A. Stabler of Elkton, Gregory D. Stabler of Columbia, Jennifer A. Stabler of Greenbelt, Elizabeth M. Farrell

(Robert) of Helen, and Ruth C. Franklin (Chris) of Mullica Hill, New Jersey; her four grandchildren, Drew Farrell, Emily Farrell, Samuel Franklin and Isaac Franklin; her aunt, Grace Gibson; and numerous cousins.

The family will receive friends for Mrs. Stablerís Life Celebration on Thursday, March 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Holy Angels Church in Avenue, where prayers will be re-cited at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the church Friday, March 4, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. William Gurnee officiating. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Bushwood, with Emory Ellis, III, Andrew Ellis, Jr., John El-lis, Greg Brown, Steve Long and Harry Horn serving as pallbearers.

Memorial contributions may be made to

Mother Catherine Spalding School,38833 Chaptico Road, Helen, MD

20635; Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 7, Avenue, MD 20609 and/or St. Maryís Caring, 20850 Langley Road, Building A, P.O. Box 144, Lexington Park, MD 20653.


Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home in Leonardtown.

Joseph Williams, Jr., 83

Joseph Gwynn “Joe” Williams, Jr., 83, of Mechan-icsville, MD died February 27, 2011 in Edgewater, MD. He was born on July 28, 1927 in Mechan icsv i l le , MD, the son of the late Joseph Gwynn and Mary Jane Williams, Sr. Mr. Williams was the

loving husband of Theresa B. Williams. He is also survived by his children; Jeanie Phillips of Boise, ID, Nancy Williams of Ridgefield, CT, Robert Williams of Eldrige, IA, Dennis Williams of Bozeman, MT, MaryLou Garcia of Winterset, IA, and Joseph Williams, III of Edgewater, MD. Mr. Williams enlisted in the United States Navy and served four years be-fore he was honorably discharged.

The family received friends on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 in Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD where prayers were recited by Deacon Bill Nickerson. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Mechanicsville, MD, on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 with Fr. Peter Alliata officiating. Interment followed in Queen of Peace Cemetery, Helen, MD.

Pallbearers were Dennis Williams, Doug Kunze, and Joe Williams, III. Honorary Pall-bearers were Rob Williams, Ernest Williams, and Donald Williams. Contribution may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, Anne Arundel County Administrative Offices, 445 Defense Highway, Annapolis, MD 21401.

To send a condolence to the family please visit our website at www.mgfh.com.

Arrangements provided by the Matting-ley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

26262 THREE NOTCH ROADBLDG A UNIT B

MECHANICSVILLE, MD 20650

Email Address: [email protected]: www.nationwidememorialsllc.com

“Your source for the HighestQuality Monuments in the

Southern Maryland area. We canprovide hundreds of monuments, custom options and accessories to choose from.

Our knowledgeable and courteousstaff is ready to assist you in creating

an affordable, beautiful, timeless tribute for your Loved one.”

We specialize in Monuments

Continued

To Place a Memorial, Please Call

301-373-4125


22day

saleFriday,

March 11, 201110am - 7pm

Saturday, March 12, 201110am - 6pm

Thursday, March 3, 2011 14The County TimesKnowIn T

he Education


It began with a funeral.Before the budget forum for St. Mary’s

County Public Schools got underway, teach-ers, EASMC representatives, parents, Super-intendant Michael Martirano and even the Board of Education gathered to hold a candle-light vigil to mourn the death of high quality public education.

The eulogy was delivered by Anna Loughlin, the EASMC vice president. During her eulogy, she listed the many things that will vanish along with the money for the budget – continuous improvement, the number one rat-ing, increased participation in AP courses, an educated workforce and local assessments that align with state standards, among other things.

“Now our system is gasping for life and if aid does not arrive we will watch a system we are all proud of sink to mediocrity,” Laughlin said.

After the eulogy, the group crowded into the Board of Education room, quickly filling up the chairs and leaving standing room only in the back, even spilling out into the lobby. Not all of the educators and parents spoke, but they all showed their support to the 15 parents and educators who stood before the Board of Education to have their say.

While the superintendent could have tak-

en the heat of the anger the speakers hurled, much of it was instead directed toward the Board of County Commissioners, who cut lo-cal funding to the school district even though St. Mary’s County was one of only two in Maryland who saw a positive growth in per-sonal income revenues.

One topic that came up was the teacher furloughs. Jeanette Offenbacher, the chair of the English department at Great Mills High School, said that teachers already donate their free time and funds from their own pockets to grade papers, buy materials and teaching aids and even communicate with parents. She said that, at a pay grade of $20 per hour, they are donating upward of $500 worth of free time per year, but she said they can’t continue that way if the answer to the budget issues if fur-loughs and salary cuts.

“Please do not balance your budget by picking the pockets of your teachers,” Offen-bacher said.

Teachers weren’t the only parents to stand and speak. Terri Griest, a parent of two students, has one who is both in the STEM program and has special needs. She said the student is a highly able learner and gets aca-demic rigor from STEM, but also has Asperg-er syndrome. Asperger is an autism spectrum disorder and students with Asperers often need help in social interaction and commu-nication skills, among other things. She said

her worry is that, because her child and other children in a similar situation, are smart and can keep up with a rigorous learning environ-ment their special needs may be overlooked for students who have worse handicaps by teachers who are doing more with less and are overworked.

The next hearing for the budget for St. Mary’s County Public Schools is at the Board of County Commissioners meeting April 26, where Martirano urged the assembled group to get more people and make it standing room only in their boardroom too.

[email protected]

Budget Woes Draw SMCPS Community Together

Pictured in the bottom row are Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy National Junior Honor Society inductees for 2011: Nicholas Gibson, left, William Burcham, and Shannon Smith. In the top row, Mrs. Wimmer, left, stands with National Honor Society Inductees Victor Marquart, Stephen Witkowski and Laura Sutphin. Mrs. Cosimano is on the right.

Leonard Hall National Honor Society Inductees

Photo by Frank Marquart

Union members teachers, parents, employees, the superintendent of schools and board of education members gathered before the budget forum to hold a funeral ceremony for High Quality Education, a casualty in the budget cuts.

Thursday, March 3, 201115 The County Times KnowIn T

he Education

www.esfcu.org • 301.779.8500 • 800.356.6660

california branch location:San Souci Plaza • 22599-122 MacArthur Blvd. • California, MD

individuals who live or work in St. Mary’s county and their immediate family members may join Educational Systems fcU. Employees, students, as well as their parents and immediate family members of Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s and Prince George’s County Public Schools, Prince George’s Community College (PGCC), PGCC Alumni and the College of Southern Maryland may join Educational Systems FCU. Employees of Talbot County Public Schools are also eligible to become members. Please check our website at www.esfcu.org for a list of eligible immediate family members, other schools, employers and groups.

OUr MEMBErS GET GrEAT CD rATES!If you are not a member, maybe you should be…

as high as

3.20% aPY*

on 5-Year certificates

Just compare. We have some of the bESt certificate rates in the country on all terms!!!

3.20% APY*

ContaCt Us today!

* APY=Annual Percentage Yield. 3.20% APY is available on 5-year certificates of deposit for Star Members purchasing a Jumbo Certificate with a minimum deposit of $100,000. For 5-year certificates with a minimum deposit of $500, the annual percentage yield is 3.00%. All certificates are also available as IrAs. Early withdrawal penalties may apply. All rates are subject to change without prior notice. Please ask for details. Please reference promo code: 22211_CTrATES.Your savings are insured up to at least $500,000. The first $250,000 is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. An additional $250,000 of coverage is provided by Excess Share Insurance (ESI), a private corporation. Traditional and roth IrAs are insured up to $250,000 by NCUA and up to an additional $250,000 through ESI, all at no cost to you.


The deadline for applying to take classes at the James A. Forrest Tech center has passed, but applications are still being accepted.

Bob Taylor, the principal of the tech center, said that to be considered for the tech center a student had to both complete an application and go on a tour of the school. The annual Tech Expo in February serves as a tour, though students can also set up private dates.

“This year’s tech expo was the biggest ever,” Taylor said.

If the number of students apply-ing to enter a program is less than or equal to the number of seats available, all of the students will be accepted. If there is a program where the number if applicants exceeds the number of seats available, they are ranked by certain criteria and the high scoring students get priority.

The students are given scores based on attendance, discipline, cred-its earned, courses taken and the rigor of their schedules, among other things, Taylor said.

Students form St. Mary’s Public Schools are also given preference over students from private schools, like St. Mary’s Ryken and Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy. Taylor said this is be-

cause the public school students have to finish a completer course that is not required of the private school students.

He said the sheet metal union is willing to allow students who have graduated from the tech center’s sheet metal program to skip a year in their apprenticeships, which allows them to enter into higher ranked and better paying jobs from the onset. This is true for other vocational jobs in the county, where students from the tech center get positions that normally would not be open to them.

Taylor also said college bound students have scholarship opportuni-ties through programs offered at the tech center, and some students have even received full-ride scholarships.

Some schools which allow the credits earned a the tech center to transfer during the student’s freshman year of college, which gives them the chance to take non-entry level classes in their freshman year.

“That’s the goal, is to home grow the future workforce,” Taylor said.

While it is not too late to turn in applications and take a tour of the tech center, Taylor said the deadline has passed, so students who turned in their information before the deadline will be given preference.

[email protected]


St. Mary’s County Public Schools has been and will continue to implement technology in the class-rooms to prepare students for life after graduation, when being computer and tech savvy is becoming increasingly vital, according to the district’s tech-nology chief.

One thing the county has done is to install donated Promethean boards in all fourth and fifth grade classrooms across the county.

According to Regina Greely, Director of In-structional Technology and Library Media, if there were other interactive whiteboards already installed in a classroom, then school administration made the decision as to which classrooms would get the do-nated boards.

“The Promethean board donation has provided our county with opportunities to expand our teach-ing and learning capabilities,” Greely said.

In addition to the boards, every classroom in the county has at least one computer. In many cases, there is a teacher computer plus additional student computers.

Greely said the distribution of computers de-pends on the instructional focus of the school. Some elementary and middle schools have a computer lab while others have moved the lab into the media cen-ter in order to use the computer lab as a classroom. All high schools have multiple labs.

Technology replacements are determined first by curriculum need, Greely said. Courses that inte-

grate software applications that require higher-end machines are replaced first. Then machines that are the oldest are replaced.

“Being fiscally responsible, we make every ef-fort to utilize our funding to meet the needs of our 21st century learners,” Greely said.

She said the school will try to keep up with technological advances as they occur and keep stu-dents up to date with the latest in information.

“Technology for the future classroom has end-less possibilities,” Greely said. “Twenty-first cen-tury teaching and learning involves technology as a tool by which students take ownership of their learning. Teaching is delivered in a variety of ways in order to reach the learning modalities of stu-dents. Curriculum is currently being redesigned as interdisciplinary.”

Even with the budget crunch facing the school district, Greely said there is a possibility of getting grants and other monies to subsidize the technology in the classroom.

“In the past there were a number of federal and state grants that were available. However, budgets have been altered so that most of these grants are managed by high-need counties and have a very tar-geted objective,” Greely said.

By looking on the Internet, schools can locate grants that could provide opportunities for purchas-es. The only restriction, Greely said, is that schools and staff must understand that the technology needs to align to the system goals.

[email protected]

Forrest Tech Center Making Selections

Technology in the Classroom Has High Priority

Thursday, March 3, 2011 Thursday, March 3, 201116 17The County Times The County Times


Near the Seventh District Optimist Club Baseball field in Bushwood, there sits a building that may be mistaken for a barn. Well, it actually is a storage space but not for any sports team. A Community That Shares (ACTS) uses that building to store convalescent equipment for St. Mary’s County residents in need.

“It’s a very valuable activity for the county and much need-ed,” said Sam Brown, the president of ACTS.

What ACTS does is store items like wheelchairs, motor-ized beds, chair lifts, bedside tables, shower seats, portable com-modes and other tools for convalescence and mobility. It was be-gun in 1993, with its current location having been built in 1995.

As well as storing the equipment, Brown said ACTS gets the items restored. Restoration includes everything from refur-bishing seats in wheelchairs to replacing brakes and fixing elec-trical issues in scooters and the beds.

“It’s safe for the people,” Brown said of the equipment.The equipment is available for everyone who asks, Brown

said. They don’t discriminate on economic status by making the equipment only available to people who couldn’t otherwise af-ford it. Brown said there is somebody on the phones from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. seven days a week to take calls requesting equip-ment. There is also a 24-hour answering service, and calls will be returned within 24 hours.

“Most of the time, we can take care of people on the first call,” Brown said.

The only people ACTS won’t lend equipment to is large or-ganizations, like nursing homes and shelters. They are happy to lend to individuals who reside at the group homes, but the items have to be signed out under an individual’s name.

Individuals who call for equipment will find the process is easy. They make a phone call and speak to a volunteer about what they need. If ACTS has the equipment in stock, ACTS will set it aside and work out a time for the individuals to come pick it up.

“We try to get folks to come to the building,” Brown said.If coming out to the storehouse is not an option, Brown said

ACTS will work out arrangements to drop the items off. When people get the equipment, they also get a tutorial on how to use it safely and properly. Brown said they also tell people to consult their physical therapists and doctors concerning safe use of the equipment.

“We try to accommodate the customer,” said Ruth Hayden, one of the volunteers with ACTS from Sacred Heart Church. Hayden has been involved in the organization since 2008, when a friend of hers talked her into joining.

If an item that is requested is not in stock, the individual will be put on a waiting list until ACTS has it in their warehouse. Brown said it’s not often that people call with a request for just one item. Often, if they call for a bed, they also need a bedside table, a portable commode and possibly a shower bench. Cur-rently, there are about 2,000 items checked out to individuals and 1,000 items registered in the inventory, with another 600 or 700 items that haven’t yet been assigned serial codes.

“You get runs on stuff,” Brown said.Sometimes there is a surplus of specific items, like walkers

or wheelchairs, and then there are times when those very items are impossible to find. He said the high school graduation is a big one for wheelchairs to be checked out because students want their grandparents to come to the ceremony.

Hayden said individuals who are picking up or returning equipment are thankful for the equipment that ACTS offers that they may not have been able to afford otherwise.

“It’s gratifying to know people are so grateful,” Hayden said.

The equipment comes from individuals who only needed an item for a limited amount of time, like crutches and knee caddies, and doctors’ offices and vendors who donate to ACTS. The organization also buys their own equipment when they can. Brown said he can spend up to $500 without the approval of the council. The council includes one voting member from the corporate members and ACTS.

While they will accept anything a person wants to donate, Brown said they are looking especially for lift chairs, which are both hard to come by used, and expensive new.

Most of the doctors’ offices, Hospice of St. Mary’s, pharma-cies and other medical establishments keep information about ACTS in their buildings, like brochures and business cards to refer individuals to ACTS for convalescent equipment.

Brown said there’s no time limit for people who need to borrow items from the ACTS inventory. He’s had people who need a wheelchair for a matter

of days, or even hours, for a visiting relative and there are other instances where equipment has been out for as many as 10 years.

The only paperwork individuals have to fill out is to give ACTS a name and contact information, as well as the address of where the equipment will be.

ACTS gets around 75 calls per week, with some months busier than others. The months after Christmas are often the busiest, Brown said, because people will often have their sur-geries after the Christmas season.

The organization rents land from the Seventh District Opti-mist Club for $1 every year.

ACTS is classified as a 501(c) non-profit organization. They don’t actively do any fundraisers, but they do get money from the United Way, private donations and grants that they apply for on a yearly basis.

Because it is a non-profit organization, ACTS depends on volunteers to man the phones and be at the warehouse to help individuals pick up the equipment. Brown said there are 35 volunteers at the center. A large number of the volunteers

STORYSTORY

MHBRNo. 103

QBH St M County TImes Half Ad:Layout 1 3/1/11 3:28 PM Page 1

Group Quietly Helps Out Residents in Need of Medical Equipmentcome from the 14 corporate members, who have to offer two volunteers, and the rest are community members who wanted to help ACTS. They have even had students from Great Mills High School come in to clean the warehouse to get community service hours for their graduation.

Hayden is one of Monday’s volunteers. She said her job is to take requests and have people fill out their loan forms, as well as keeping track of the equipment coming back and leaving.

The volunteers also call people who have had equipment for a while on an annual basis to make sure they still have the items and that there have been no problems. Sometimes, their calling reminds people to return the equipment.

“Some people just forget,” Hayden said. “They don’t mean to, they just do.”

Hayden said there is also a donation slip for people borrow-ing the items, though the borrowers are not required to make a donation in order to receive the equipment. Often, people make a donation upon returning the items. She said they have also re-ceived donations in remembrance of people ACTS helped who have passed away.

The corporate sponsors include All Saints Church, Ameri-can Legion Post 221, American Legion Auxiliary Post 221, Christ Church, Fourth District Optimist Club, Seventh District Optimist Club, Holy Angels Church, Our Lady of the Wayside Church, Sacred Heart Church, Friends of Saint Clements Island Museum, Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department, Seventh District Fire Department Auxiliary, Seventh District Rescue Squad and the Seventh District Rescue Squad Auxiliary.

Brown said ACTS prefers to work with non-profit organi-zations, but they would never turn down an individual or busi-ness that wants to get involved. If they can’t get involved to the level of the corporate sponsors, Brown said they are given the title Associate Member.

People interested in getting in touch with ACTS should call 301-769-4199.

[email protected]

Sam Brown and Ruth Hayden explain ACTS and its mission.

Ruth Hayden gets wheel-chairs out of storage in preparation for a pick-up.

ACTS Headquarters in Bushwood.Photo by Frank Marquart




Ruth Hayden reaches for one of the many canes kept at ACTS.



Five individuals were recognized as Pil-lars of the Community last Wednesday night during the annual President’s Dinner at St.

Mary Ryken.The people recognized were Anne

Drury Bell, Ernie Bell, Mary Ellen Heinze, Barbara Ives and Retired Naval Captain Glen Ives. The Bells and the Ives received their awards jointly.

Barbara Ives is the current dean of aca-demics with St. Mary’s Ryken.

“I feel very honored and humbled,” Ives said.

She said there are a number of people the school could have looked at and chose who she thinks would be better suited, but she feels privileged and honored to have been chosen. They have put three sons through St. Mary’s Ryken and have been members of the St. Mary’s Community for 10 years. The Ives family has deep roots in the Navy, with Barbara being a member of the first class of women graduates at the United States Na-val Academy and serving in the Navy for 27 years before becoming a math teacher at St. Mary’s Ryken in 2001.

Glen graduated from the United States Naval Academy and the Unites States Army War College. He is a past commander of the Naval Air Station Patuxent River and cur-rently serves as chairman of the United Way, on the board for the College of Southern Maryland Foundation, the St. Mary’s Cham-ber of Commerce, the Patuxent Partnership, the Southern Maryland Naval Alliance and

Annmarie Gardens. He has been selected to lead the Archdiocese of Wash-ington Catholic Schools Task Force to address the current and future vi-ability of local Catholic schools, according to the program handed out at the dinner.

The Bells are both alumni of St. Mary’s and Ryken schools be-fore the two merged and have spent their lives in St. Mary’s County. They have served on boards and councils in St. Mary’s County for sever-al years and have put four sons through St. Mary’s Ryken, with the first of their seven grandchil-dren preparing to start in the fall.

Ernie Bell called the recognition an “un-deserved honor.” Anne Bell echoed his senti-ment, saying they were surprised and humbled, but she could have though of better people.

“Any small part I had to play to the betterment of St. Mary’s Ryken was a plea-sure,” she said.

The people being honored weren’t the only ones pleased with the nominations. Gretchen Heinze-Hardhan, the daughter of Mary Ellen Heinze, at graduate of St. Mary’s School before the merger, said she was hap-py when her mother was told she would be honored as a Pillar of the Community.

“I think it’s great,” Heinze-Hardhan said. “She’s the perfect person to get it. She hates it.”

Because Heinze doesn’t want or need the attention, and her daughter said she would much rather it be showered upon someone else, she is a good choice to be honored as a Pillar of the Community.

Heinze has children and grandchil-dren who are alumni and current students

of St. Mary’s Ryken. She is the chairperson of the F. George Heinze III Golf Classic and Auction, an event held annually in Charles County to raise money for the American Red Cross.

The St. Francis Xavier Society, which selects and honors each year’s Pillars of the Community, was started in 1989 “to recog-nize leadership and financial commitment to St Mary’s Ryken,” according to the program.

Barbara Ives said the people chosen to be honored as Pillars are people who have served St. Mary’s Ryken, either before or af-ter the merger between Ryken and St. Mary’s. “Pillars” is an acronym, which stands for partnership, imagination, leadership, legacy, advocacy, Ryken charism and scholarship. The men and women chosen as pillars are the backbone of the society, she said.

[email protected]

NewsmakersSt. Mary’s Ryken Honors Pillars of the Community

Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa

Bridal Bridal Bridal Show

AL

LIS

ON

MO

RG

AN

PH

OT

OS

March 12, 2011 ✦ 1 to 4 pm

$8 IN ADVANCE$10 AT THE DOOR

TO PURCHASE TICKETS VISITWWW.CBRESORTSPA.COM

866.312.5596

Photo Courtesy of St. Mary’s Ryken



Mary Ellen Heinze is a resident of Charles County who was recognized at the President’s Dinner last week for her service to the community and to St. Mary’s Ryken.

The Ives’ lives have been wrapped up in the Navy and community service. They settled in St. Mary’s County 10 years ago, and have three adult sons.

The Bells have lived their whole lives in St. Mary’s County and are alumni of Ryken High School and St. Mary’s Academy.


When you live at Wildewood, life is easy. Easy to get to work and back, easy to enjoy all the amenities in your community, easy to be carefree and do the things that matter to you.

• Pool and Recreational Facilities• Walking Trails and Parks

The First and Last Name in St. Mary’s County Luxury Living: Wildewood

It’s the most popular, respected, and beloved community of its kind in all of St. Mary’s

County. For more than 25 years, Wildewood has been pinnacle of lifestyle and luxury

here. Perfectly located, with outstanding amenities, Wildewood is ready for you.

live the Low-Maintenance, Low-Stress, High-Quality Lifestyle in st. mary’s county

MHBR No. 3588©Stanley Martin Homes | *Prices and incentives are subject to change without notice. Please see a Neighborhood Sales Manager (NSM) for more details.

• Close to Work, Shopping, and Fun • New Townhomes from the low $200s*

A STANLEY MARTIN HOMES COMMUNITY

StanleyMartin.com/StMary

phone: (240) 895-7900

hours: Mon 12-6; Tues-Sun 11-6

information center: 44144 Azalea Court, California, MD 20619


Community Pet of the Week

The Knights of Columbus from Immaculate Heart of Mary council 9968 presents checks to Special Olympics of St Mary’s and Arc of Southern Maryland in the amount of $2268.17 to each from the Tootsie Roll campaign for the intel-lectually disadvantaged persons. In the photo is Grand Knight Les Pearson, ARC Nkeshi Free, Special Olympics Marcia Bald, and Tootsie Roll Chairman Curt Winters.

Tootsie Roll Campaign Donation

*Currently on sale now!+ Stock liquidation sale!

Abbey Carpetby

Doyle’sPhone: 301-994-3650 20041 Point Lookout Rd • Great Mills, MD 20634 Fax: 301-994-3654

Carpet and Furniture Cleaning

Vinyl*Carpet*Furniture

CeramicHardwood+We sell and install!

The LEXINGTON PARK MERCHANTS

Great Mills

Rd

Great Mills Rd

Westbury B lvd

Forest Run Dr

A ustralia Dr

FD

R B

lvd

N Essex Dr

S Es

sex

Dr

Millison Plaza

Tulagi Place

St. Mary’s Square

Indian Bridge R

d

Chan

cello

rs R

un R

d

Patuxent River NAS

Three Notch Rd

McKay’s

Pacif c

D

r

Shan

gri L

a

Point Lookout Rd

D

D

Encourage You to SHOP LOCAL! Located just minutes outside Gate 2 of PAX NAS, Lexington Park offers a multitude of businesses to serve you.

G

LOW PRICESAll The Time

C

C

E

To Advertise on the Lexington Park Merchants Page, Call Rodney Dean at 301-373-4125

Runs the first Thursday of each Month

Lex ngton ParkSeLf Storage

WE OFFER MILITARY DISCOUNTS!

[email protected] www.selfstorageservicesinc.com

21323 Great Mills Rd.Lexington, Park, MD 20653

301-862-4722301-862-2184

10% discount if you bring coupon in

E

name: phone #: address:

Monday 9am to 6pmTuesday 9am to 5pmWednesday 9am to 6pmFriday 9am to 5pmSaturday 9am to 2pm

coupon

and tanningNEW HOURS

Walk - Ins Welcome!

www.tobysbarbershop.com

21797 D North Coral Drive Lexington Park, MD 20653

301-863-8733

G

G

Hi my name is Jessie. I am a very sweet and loving four-year-old shep-herd mix. I love people and am re-ally friendly with everyone. I am a happy go lucky girl that gets along great with dogs and am fine with cats as well. I don't ask for much and would really love to have a home of my own. I have been patiently waiting for some-one to come along and think that I am that special some-one. I am house trained, crate trained, spayed, current on vaccinations, heartworm negative and identification micro chipped. If you would like to have me as a part of your family please call 240-925-0628 or email lora@secondhope rescue.org. Please Adopt, Don't Shop!!


Classifieds

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 responsi-blity 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.

Important

To Place a Classified Ad, please email your ad to: [email protected] 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.

Deadlines for Classifieds are Tuesday at 12 pm.

DireCToryBusiness

Prime Rib • Seafood • Sunday BrunchBanquet & Meeting Facilities

23418 Three Notch Road • California, MD 20619www.lennys.net

301-737-0777

Since 1987WHERE YOUR LEGAL MATTER-MATTERS

Law Offices of P.A. Hotchkiss & Associates

Auto Accidents – Criminal – DomesticWills – Power of Attorney

DWI/Traffic – Workers’ Compensation301-870-7111 1-800-279-7545

www.pahotchkiss.comServing the Southern Maryland Area

Accepting All Major Credit Cards

Cross & WoodAssoCiAtes, inC.

Serving The Great Southern Maryland Counties since 1994Employer/Employee Primary Resource Consultants

Group & IndividualHealth, Dental, Vision, AFLAC, Life, Long Term Care,

Short & Long Term Disability,Employer & Employee Benefits Planning

Phone 301-884-59001-800 524-2381

12685 Amberleigh LaneLa Plata, MD 20646

Phone 301-934-4680Fax 301-884-0398

28231 Three Notch Rd, #101Mechanicsville, MD 20659

301-866-0777 Pub & Grill23415 Three Notch Road

California Maryland

14 Days Till St. Patrick’s Daywww.dbmcmillans.com

Entertainment All Day Est. 1982 Lic #12999

Heating & Air Conditioning

“THE HEAT PUMP PEOPLE”30457 Potomac WayCharlotte Hall, MD 20622Phone: 301-884-5011

snheatingac.com

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus.

About 1,000 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed each year. More than 70% of patients are diagnosed by age two. More than 45% of the CF patient population is age 18 or older. The predicted median age of survival for a person with CF is in the mid-30s.

When: March 5, 2011

Place to Be: St James Pub48579 Mattapany RoadLexington Park, MD

Time: 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Cost: $10 at the door

ALL money collected goes towards finding a cure.

DJ Coop, 50/50, RafflesLooking for a cure

Call 301-373-4125 to Place Your Ad!

Real Estate

Real Estate Rentals

Newly available, single family home with water views over the Patuxent River and the pier in Lower Marlboro. 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home with updated kitchen is available immediately, pets case by case. Conveniently located off Rt 4 but just far enough away from the rest of world. Washer and dryer,

wood-burning fireplace, new efficient heat pump. Rental application and credit check required. Con-

tact Will at 443-840-9455. Rent: $1675.

Apartment Rentals

Brand new studio apartment, lots of natural light, minutes from Charlotte Hall, 20 minutes from Wal-dorf or Lexington Park. Permits double occupancy. Rent: $750. If interested, please call 301-472-4847.

Employment

We are looking for a positive, enthusiastic, self-motivated individual for a part-time dental assistant position in our

orthodontic office. Must be willing to travel between offices, be x-ray certified, and expanded function qualifed or certified. Please send cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to [email protected]. If you do not have the above qualifications please do not apply.

Vehicles

1998 Dodge Ram 1500 SST 2WD. Has a Strong 5.9L (360 CU IN) just installed. Needs Tranny work. Great

Project Truck. Call James at 240-561-6338. $1200 OBO

Boats & Recreation

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

Advertising That Works!

www.AuctionBrokers.net

TERMS: Deposit: $3,000 due at time of sale. Cash or certified funds. 30-day settle. 10% BP. Broker co-op invited. Visit website for additional terms & conditions. Auctioneer -Charles Parrish L# A-351

P U B L I C R E A L E S TAT E AU C T I O NS T. M A R y S C O U N T y

22334 Enoch Rd, Leonardtown, MD 20650Sunday, March 13th @ 1pM

3BR/3BA +/- 3100 sq ft SFH on +/- .5 acres in Breton Bay w/ FP, CAC, 2-car garage, deck, &

updated kitchen.

Carl Smith 443-370-9987 AUCTIONBROKERS

TM

A CHARLES PARRISH COMPANY

410-426-2622


L ibrary Items• Dr. Seuss birthday celebratedChildren of all ages can celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday on Saturday, Mar. 5, at 10 a.m. at Charlotte Hall and at 2 p.m. at Lexington Park. Leonardtown’s program will be Mar. 19 at 2:30 p.m. Stories, fun activities and songs are planned. The programs are free but registration is required.

• Entries for Teen Video Contest due March 9Teens have until Mar. 9 to submit their entry to the Teen Video Contest. They create either a book trailer or a video on the “awesomeness of reading” (three minutes or less) and post it on YouTube. The grand prize winner will receive a digital camera. Details and the entry form can be found on the library’s teen page. The videos will be shown and the grand prize winner announced at the Video Showcase on Mar. 12 at Lexing-ton Park. Those attending will vote for their favorite to receive the Viewer’s Choice award. The fun begins at 2 p.m. • Friends Book Sale slated for March 18-20The Friends of the Library will hold its annual book sale Mar. 18-20 at the county fairgrounds. The sale will be from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday for members only with memberships available at the door. It will be open to the public on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help before, during and after the sale. In-dividuals wishing to volunteer should contact Amy Harvey at 410-326-2580 or [email protected]. • Local artist to hold opening receptionThe public is invited to meet local artist Faith Gaillot and view her artwork at a reception to be held on Mar. 14 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lexington Park Li-brary Art Gallery. Her artwork which consists of pen and ink drawings and watercolors of historic churches and boats is on display through Mar. 31. • Reception planned for Archaeo-logical ExhibitAn opening reception will be held on Mar. 15 at 2 p.m. for the special archae-ological exhibit installed at Lexington Park. The exhibit developed by the Maryland Historical Trust and Jeffer-son Patterson Park and Museum and funded in part by a Preserve America grant from the National Park Service features archaeological finds from throughout the county and stored at the Maryland Archaeological Conser-vation Lab at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum.

Thursday, March 3• Board of Education Budget Work Session and MeetingCentral Administration Office (23160 Moakley Street, Leonardtown) – 9 a.m.

The Board of Education of St. Mary’s County will hold a budget work session in the Board of Education building. A Board of Education execu-tive session and open meeting will follow the work session, in the same location, from 11:00 a.m. to noon. The purpose of the executive session will be for personnel, legal and negotiation issues (Article 24, Section 4-210(a)1,5,8). Additionally, the Board of Education has tentatively scheduled a budget work session for Monday, March 7, 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the same location. For more information, call 301-475-5511, ext. 177.

• Special Olympics PokerBennett Building (24930 Old Three Notch Road, Hollywood) – 7 p.m.

$5-$5 blinds cash game. Dealers will be pro-vided and the high hand is paid nightly. Drinks will be free. Proceeds go to benefit the St. Mary’s Special Olympics and the Center for Life Enrich-ment. People who would like to help with the Spe-cial 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.

Friday, March 4• Joseph Norris First Friday PerformanceFenwick Street Used Books and Music (41655A Fenwick Street, Leonardtown) – 5 p.m.

Joseph Norris is Southern Maryland born and raised. He and his twin brother David have been performing music since high school and have writ-

ten many of their own songs. Joseph has been a journalist in Southern Maryland for 37 years. He has released three albums: On The Borderline, Mariner’s Compass and Big Blue Ball. His fourth, Waves, should be completed by early summer.

Saturday, March 5• Rock-N-Roll for Rescues featuring The Fabulous HubcapsHoliday Inn Solomons – 7:30 p.m.

The Fabulous Hubcaps - one of the nation’s most sought after oldies show bands - will host a Saturday night fundraiser for the Humane Soci-ety of Calvert County. Tickets are $40. The event includes music, a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. For more information or to purchase tickets, call Gail Prisel, at 410-286-2679 or visit the Fishing Creek Kennel at 2210 Dalyrymple Road in Sunderland (www.humanesocietyofcalvertcounty.org). All proceeds go to HSCC. For information on The Hubcaps, visit www.thehubcaps.com.

Sunday, March 6• Helpful Hooves Mardi Gras Dinner DanceLenny’s Restaurant (23418 Three Notch Road, California) – 3 p.m.

Helpful Hooves will host a dinner dance for their “ Special Friends” with a Mardi Gras theme. It will be an evening full of feathered masks, beads, and Marti Gras fun, which includes a wheelchair line dance. Helpful Hooves is a non-profit organi-zation whose mission is to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities.

• Student Production of The Boardinghouse Three Notch Theatre (21744 S. Coral Drive, Lexington Park) – 3:30 p.m.

In The Newtowne Players’ second annual

student production, join the crazy crew at Home Sweet Home Boardinghouse, where life is any-thing but normal. The show, featuring students ages 8-15, runs until March 13. All tickets are $10 general admission. Visit www.newtowneplayers.org for reservations.

Monday, March 7• Dance For Health DemonstrationGarvey Senior Center (41780 Baldridge Street, Leonardtown) – 3 p.m.

This SINGLES ballroom dance class will get you moving! This class is offered to single danc-ers, who want to learn ballroom dancing, but hesi-tate to take lessons without a partner. The chore-ography of this class enables even single dancers to ballroom dance with a group. Try the demon-stration for free. For more information or to sign up, call 301-475-4200, ext. 1050.

• No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em Bounty TournamentSt. Mary’s County Elk’s Lodge (45779 Fire Department Lane, Lexington Park) – 7 p.m.

Part of the Leaderboard Challenge Spring-Summer Season. Anyone can join or play at any time. There is no need to be part of the points system, people can just play to win. Buy-in is $25 for $3,000 in chips. Blinds start at $25/$50 and progress from there every 20 minutes. Peo-ple earn points for every tournament they partic-ipate in. The number of points people earn is de-termined by how many people eliminated before them. Those accumulating the most points will receive a free roll to the $150 Leaderboard Chal-lenge Tournament. Number of players receiving the free roll will be determined by the amount of money that accumulates in the pool at the end of the season. Side games available. Food and beverage available for purchase. Please enter through the side of the building. For more infor-mation, call the lodge at 301-863-7800 or Linda at 240-925-5697.

Tuesday, March 8• Shrove Tuesday Pancake and Sausage Supper St. John’s School (43900 St. John’s Road, Hollywood) – 5 p.m.

All you can eat. Choice of toppings, including “Happy Face”. Families, friends, grandparents, neighbors and kids are especially invited. High chairs will be provided. Adults 12 and over are $6, children under 12 are $3 and children under 6 are free. Come and enjoy a fantastic meal. Sponsored by the St. John’s Knights of Columbus.

Wednesday, March 9

• AARP Driving Safety ClassGarvey Senior Center (41780 Baldridge Street, Leonardtown) – 10 a.m.

Participants will learn updates to the rules of the road, learn about normal age-related physical changes and how to adjust your driving to allow for these changes. This driver safety class is taught in a classroom setting. Individuals will not be asked to drive. Some insurance carriers give discounts for completion of this course. Pre-registration is required. The course fee is $12 for AARP mem-bers and $14 for nonmembers. Please make checks payable to AARP. Payment is due at the time of registration. For more information, call the Garvey Senior Activity Center at 301-475-4200, ext. 1050.

• Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxialry MeetingHollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad (43256) – 7 p.m.

The volunteer rescue squad auxiliary is look-ing for new members. The regular monthly meet-ing of the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary will be held on at the Rescue Squad building on Route 235 in Hollywood. Anyone wishing to become a member of the Auxiliary is encouraged to attend. For more information, call 240-298-7956.


By Linda RenoContributing Writer

On Saturday, March 12 the College of Southern Maryland is hosting “Share Your History Day: Religious Life in South-ern Maryland” at the Leonardtown campus (Building A) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Churches and individuals are being asked to bring pho-

tographs and other memorabilia related to church life. This could be pictures of catechism classes, church picnics and suppers, wed-dings, funerals. If it happened at a church, we’d like to see it and make it a permanent part of our history. Unfortunately, one of these days, those “treasures” lying in old trunks and attics are going to be thrown away by someone who

may not care as much as you do. Sometimes I “get it.” What’s the point of keeping an old picture if you don’t even know who’s in it?

We’re not asking you to donate anything or to leave any-thing. Staff will be on site to scan the materials and then you can take them home with you, but those who see and enjoy your contributions will know they came from you. In addition, sev-eral churches have indicated they will set up displays for visitors to enjoy.

Sometimes I don’t think that people realize how much others would enjoy seeing pictures from days gone by. To see the face of someone you’ve only heard about before is a thrill, whether you’re related to them or not.

Many years ago when I first began researching my own fam-ily, I visited Mary Levia (Quade) Pilkerton. She had several beau-tiful old portraits hanging on her dining room wall. She pointed to one and said “She was my grandmother.” Well…as it turns out, the woman in the portrait was my great-great grandmother and I was having my first look at her. I was “over the moon” to say the least. Today I am sharing her picture with you.

Ann Levia Morgan, daughter of John Daniel Thomas Mor-gan and Lydia Ann Quade, was born November 21, 1856 and died October 20, 1919. She married James Bernard Russell on April 26, 1876. They had 10 children, one of whom was my great-grandmother, Mary Myrtle Russell.

On another occasion, I went to see Nonnie Ann (Russell) Quade, another daughter of Ann Levia’s. If I’d ever met her be-fore, I didn’t remember, but called her “Aunt Nonnie” anyway. It just seemed right. By way of introducing myself, I told her that my father was Bill Davis (no recognition), so I said “everybody called him Boy Davis” (no recognition). Third try was a charm. “My grandfather was Gorman Davis—did you know him?” She said “Oh yes, honey—he was my boyfriend.” With this she disap-peared into her bedroom and brought out a huge, framed portrait of my grandfather and his second wife, Elsie Owens. She gave me that portrait and I treasure it. A gift from the heart to a girl she really didn’t know.

I will be at the College on the 12th. Stop by to say hello and share your stories. I’d love it!

By Shelby OppermannContributing Writer

In one of the books I am reading, this week’s chapter had quite a bit about clear-ing out things. I have been in this process for some time now and have more Vintage Values donations going out the door today. My hus-band hasn’t even read the book, but he is on a spring-cleaning binge. So far, he has sham-pooed the carpeting, the furniture, the kitchen floor, cleaned the bathroom, raked, sorted pa-perwork, and cooked dinner every night. What a man! It is a little scary when I am not here to see what he has thrown away. But swimming pool season is just around the corner. He will be busy then, and then the roles reverse. This must be why I like the part of the year from November through April so much. I love com-ing home to a home-cooked meal every night. Uh oh, I shouldn’t let all that be known, or some of his softball buddies might tease him. Hey might not let their wives see this article though.

This will be another day of gathering fallen limbs and kindling for the wood stove and the firepit. Hopefully we won’t need the woodstove much longer. For now though we need the kindling. Clearing out for us occurs inside and outside this time of year, as it does for many people. It was a windy February, now I wonder what these first few days of March will have in store for us. The limbs loosen from the trees and make way for all that beau-tiful new growth. The scattered twigs did have a great benefit for us though; we cooked our dinner outside both last Saturday and Sunday night. Beautiful evenings. I love the smell of the wood smoke – it is so comforting. Though sometimes the smoke from our woodstove has other ideas for us other than comfort, like when the smoke backs up into the house. It doesn’t happen very often, thank goodness. A few weeks ago there was a woodstove problem and the house smelled like smoke for a few days. Almost as bad as the time I went outside for way too long while braising a roast.

Spring-cleaning is a nice tradition. You never know what you might find. We found some extra silverware in a back corner of our rolling bar cart. Tops for Rubbermaid contain-ers long since vanished and notes on how to make the perfect chocolatini. That is impor-tant. Once in a while I think what it must be like to have a freshly built new home. One you can fill with a completely new style of furni-ture and colors. It must be exciting, though I

A Journey Through TimeA Journey Through TimeThe Chronicle

of anAimless Mind

Wanderings

Clearing Out

By Terri SchlichenmeyerContributing Writer

There may be a correlation, but you’re not sure.

Do wrinkles directly contrib-ute to crabbiness? Can the sprout-ing of gray hair cause a general miasma? And why do people think “Senior Moments” are so darn fun-ny? You wonder, because you’ve spotted another wrinkle and two more grey hairs, you forgot where your keys are, and there’s nothing humorous about that.

But getting older has its benefits, says Marc E. Agronin, MD. In his new book “How We Age”, he takes a look at aging – not from your body’s POV, but from your brain’s perspective.

Growing up in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, Marc Agronin had a good role model in his grandfather, who was the town’s beloved physi-cian. Watching his grandfather at work inspired Agronin to become a doctor himself.

As a geriatric psychiatrist whose patients battle dementia, Alzheimer’s, depression, and other disorders, Agronin has seen the life-changing, life-threatening issues that come with maturation. But stereotypes and clichés aside, even though our culture is obsessed with youth, his patients also enjoy benefits that come with aging.

Once upon a time, we barely aged. Just a hundred years ago, the average human lifes-pan was around fifty years which means, says Agronin, that aging is “less a product of nature and more of a human achievement wrestled from nature.” Centenarians, in fact, are the fast-est growing age group in today’s world.

But as we pluck gray hairs and worry at wrinkles, we need to remember that physical signs of aging are mere annoyances. The real

issue to focus on is that aging is harshest on our brains. So, despite the inescapable fact that we have no Neuron Fountain of Youth to rely on, can we age well… in our heads?

Agronin thinks so. In this thoughtful book, he writes about patients he’s known who have faced their Golden Years with grace and strength.

There was the wheelchair-bound man who couldn’t remember much personal history, but could carry on an eloquent conversation

in his native Russian language.There was the group of women with early-

stage Alzheimer’s who embraced their own social network, showing Agronin that alone, patients might falter but together, their limita-tions were eased.

And then there was Marilyn and Mac. She accepted aging eagerly. He fought it. But both agreed that with years, came “gifts”: bet-ter judgment, contemplation, mellowness, and sometimes, delight.

Part science, part essay, “How We Age” is not one of those books that blindly celebrates the so-called wisdom of years. Author Marc E. Agronin bluntly writes about dementia, for-getfulness, Alzheimer’s, and other issues that come with Seniority. He’s honest with his read-ers without trying to hide anything.

Then, he balances the bad with soaring stories of the goodness in becoming an elder, including serenity, knowledge, and acceptance. Agronin’s colleagues taught him that aging has no cure. His patients taught him that aging re-ally doesn’t need a cure.

Thoughtful, warm, and wise, “How We Age” is a book for everyone who’s putting on the years, like it or not. For all of us, books like this never get old.

Book Review“How We Age” by Marc E. Agronin, MD.c.2011, DaCapo Press $25.00 / $29.00 Canada 302 pages, includes notes

don’t think that is in our future – or until we de-cide whether we would want to downsize. Just my luck, and my husband will decide he wants to be a part of the tiny house movement sweep-ing across the nation. Some of the houses range from 400 to 900 square feet. My shop is a little over 900 square feet and I don’t feel cramped in that. But then there are not two people living in it at all times. My work is my retreat - when it is just me. I love painting my miniature paintings, but I would not want to live in a house that re-quired miniatures as the only artwork.

It will take a week or more to get the soot off of and out of everything. There are still the curtains to wash, and the cleaning of every little knick-knack in the house. We really have a lot of small pictures I’ve noticed. Right now, just looking at my computer tells me that the heavy duty, detailed dusting needs to begin. And what is Spring with out the smell of Lemon Pledge® or Johnson’s Paste Wax®. I remember my Moth-er having me Pledge everything from the slate on the fireplace grate to the radiators, and base-boards. The whole house smelled like a Florida citrus grove, (that and a bleach factory– no one put more bleach in the wash than my Mother) but I loved it. My Mother also didn’t believe in having wall-to-wall carpeting. We had beautiful hardwood floors that were covered by all but one foot around the outside with deep red carpeting. One of my jobs was to polish, and buff (with old socks) that one-foot reveal in all the rooms. As soon as I take out the Lemon Pledge® here, I get such a warm feeling…and then my knees start to hurt.

Another type of clearing out begins with spring renewal in our minds. Clearing out the clutter of the old thoughts, and starting fresh. I am ready for new, exciting things to learn and explore. This Spring I will be out finding more little known places for others to learn about. I al-ways say we have so much in St. Mary’s County; something in every corner of the county. Some-times it seems like several different worlds with-in one geographic area. I feel very creative right now with my paintings, and poetry, and hope that each one of you finds some special outlet for your talents. I’d love to know what they are.

To each new day’s adventure, Shelby

Please send comments or ideas to: [email protected].

Ann Levia (Morgan) Russell, 1856-1919


Wha

t’s

Thursday, March 3• Dave Norris DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 5 p.m.

• Thirsty ThursdayRuddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 6 p.m.

• Thursday Night QigongJoy Lane Healing Center (43288 Joy Lane, Hollywood) – 6:30 p.m.

• Jerry Burch Solo in the Bar St. Mary’s Landing (29935 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall) – 7 p.m.

• Special Olympics No Limit Poker Night Benett Building (24930 Old Three Notch Road, Hollywood) – 7 p.m.

• $40 Hold ‘Em Tournament R.T.S. Building (21367 Great Mills Road, Lexington Park) – 7:30 p.m.

• Salsa Thursdays at House of Dance House of Dance (24620 Three Notch Road, Hollywood) – 7:30 p.m. • Karaoke with DJ Harry Big Dogs Paradise (28765 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville) – 8 p.m. • Thirsty Thursday and Live Music with the Jennifer Anne Cooper Band Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 8:30 p.m.

• Martini Karaoke with DJ Steve Martini’s Lounge (10553 Theodore Green Boulevard, White Plains) – 9 p.m.

Friday, March 4• Dave Norris DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 5 p.m.

• Joseph Norris Fenwick Street Used Books and Music (41655 Fenwick Street, Leonardtown) – 5 p.m. • Fractal Folk on First Friday Big Larry’s Comic Book Cafe (22745 Wash-ington Street, Leonardtown) – 5 p.m. • Randy Richie on Piano Cafe Des Artistes (41655 Fenwick Street, Leonardtown) – 6:30 p.m.

• True Blue Country St. Mary’s Landing (29935 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall) – 7 p.m. • All You Can Drink Ladies Night with DJ Chris Big Dogs Paradise (28765 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville) – 8 p.m.

• Bob Wire and the Fence Posts Cheeseburger in Paradise (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 8 p.m.

• Student Production of The Boarding-house Three Notch Theatre (21744 S. Coral Drive,

Lexington Park) – 8 p.m.

• Chyp and Andrea Live at the River Rustic River Bar and Grill (40874 Mer-chant’s Lane, Leonardtown) – 8:30 p.m.

• Anthony Ryan at Jake and Al’s Chop House Jake and Al’s Chop House (258 Town Square Drive, Lusby) – 8:30 p.m.

• Legends Martini’s Lounge (10553 Theodore Green Boulevard, White Plains) – 9 p.m.

• Nothing We Conquer, Sordid, Saint Dia-blo and ArabellaMemories Nightclub and Bar (2360 Old Washington Road, Waldorf) – 9 p.m.

Saturday, March 5• Fair Warning DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 6 p.m. • Elk’s Big Game Texas Hold ‘Em St. Mary’s County Elk’s Lodge (45779 Fire Department Lane, Lexington Park) – 6 p.m. • Randy Richie on Piano Cafe Des Artistes (41655 Fenwick Street, Leonardtown) – 6:30 p.m.

• Not So Modern Jazz Quartet The Westlawn Inn (9200 Chesapeake Av-enue, North Beach) – 8 p.m.

• Karaoke at Hole in the Wall Hole in the Wall Tavern (24702 Sotterley Road, Hollywood) – 8 p.m.

• Karaoke Contest and Fundraiser for the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary Abner’s Crab House (3725 Harbor Road, Chesapeake Beach Road) – 8 p.m.

• Full Steam Martini’s Lounge (10553 Theodore Green Boulevard, White Plains) – 9 p.m.

• Backstage Pass Big Dogs Paradise (28765 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville) – 9 p.m.

• Karaoke and DJ Lexington Restaurant and Lounge (21736 Great Mills Road, Lexington Park) – 9 p.m.

• Rock BottomMemories Nightclub and Bar (2360 Old Washington Road, Waldorf) – 9 p.m.

• American Giant Hotel Charles (15110 Burnt Store Road, Hughesville) – 9 p.m.

• Karaoke with DJ Tommy and DJ T California Applebee’s (45480 Miramar Way, California) – 9 p.m.

• Cazhmiere Vera’s White Sands Beach Club (23415 1200 White Sands Drive, Lusby) – 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 6• Blues Brunch The Blue Dog Saloon (7940 Port Tobacco Road, Port Tobacco) – 12 p.m.

• The California Ramblers Mechanicsville Moose Lodge (27636 Me-chanicsville Road, Mechanicsville) – 2 p.m.

• Country Memories St. Mary’s Landing (29935 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall) – 4 p.m.

Monday, March 7• Mason SebastianDB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 5 p.m.

• Salsa Night Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 8• Fair Warning DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 5 p.m.

• Fat Tuesday Martini’s Lounge (10553 Theodore Green Boulevard, White Plains) – 6 p.m.

• Fat Tuesday with The Neil Tracy TrioRustic River Bar and Grill (40874 Mer-chant’s Lane, Leonardtown) – 7 p.m. • Open Pool Tables and List of Specials Big Dogs Paradise (28765 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville) – 7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 9• Mason Sebastian DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 5 p.m. • Karaoke with DJ Harry Big Dogs Paradise (28765 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville) – 7 p.m.

• Karaoke with Band in a Box St. Mary’s Landing (29935 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall) – 7:30 p.m. • Live Music with the Anthony Ryan Country Band Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 7:30 p.m.

• Wolf’s Hot Rods and Old Gas Open Blues Jam Beach Cove Restaurant (8416 Bayside Road, Chesapeake Beach) – 8 p.m.

• Karaoke Martini’s Lounge (10553 Theodore Green Boulevard, White Plains) – 9 p.m.

Going OnIn Entertainment

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

We post nightlife events happening in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties. To submit an event for our calendar, e-mail [email protected]. Deadline for submissions is Monday by 5 p.m.

23314 Surrey Way • California, Maryland 20619Fax: 301-737-0853 • [email protected]

Owned and Operated by 301-737-0737 Call For More Information:

Bella Bailey, Marketing & Leasing MGR.

301-862-5307

Discounted Cable

Playground

Free on Site Storage

with Every Apartment

Walk to Shopping/

RestaurantsAmenity Package Available

$150

Lim

ite

d Time Only!

Move - In Special


The County Times is always looking for more local talent to feature! To submit art or band information for our entertainment section,

e-mail [email protected].

COSMIC Tunes Up For Spring ConcertBy Sarah MillerStaff Writer

The Chamber Orchestra of Southern Mary-land in Concert (COSMIC) is getting ready for the annual family concert featuring the winners of the Young Artists Concerto Competition.

This year’s young concerto winners are Katelyn Lyons for the junior division and Eliza-beth Krimmel for the senior division.

Krimmel will be featured on the flute in “Poem” by Charles Griffes and Lyons will be playing violin in “Violin Concerto No. 3 in B mi-nor” by Camille Saint-Saëns.

“I’m excited about it,” Krimmel said.She said the concerts this weekend are the

culmination of work she has been doing since last summer, when she began the process of rehears-ing and memorizing the concerto she will be playing. This weekend will be the first time she has played a concerto with an orchestra, Krim-mel said.

Jackie Hahn, the secretary and assistant con-cert master with COSMIC, said that the group began seven years ago with a small group of peo-ple wanted to play music, but had chosen other professional careers to pursue.

“It provides those of us who have chosen not to become professional musicians a place to play,” Hahn said.

She said they play for and with the commu-nity, making COSMIC a true community effort.

The orchestra is comprised of members of the community, including students in high school, members of the military, college students and all manner of amateur musicians – even the concert master and the assistant concert master. Traditionally, the first and second chair violins hold those positions.

Hahn said community members are always welcome to audition for a spot in the orchestra.

“We hold auditions all the time,” she said.There are around 50 people in the orchestra

at the moment, though Hahn said there’s no cap on the number of people in the group.

“The more the merrier,” Hahn said.The pieces being performed at the concerts

Saturday and Sunday will be “Overture to Merry Wives of Windsor” by Otto Nicolai, “Symphony

No. 8 in B minor” by Franz Schubert and “Hun-garian Dance No. 6” by Johannes Brahms.

The family concert is one of a set of four that make up the season for COSMIC. The other three are the season finale in May, the fall concert and the Christmas concert usually featuring music from Handel’s “Messiah” or the Nutcracker.

Hahn said the attendance at the concerts has usually been between 200 and 300, but they’re looking for ways to grow that attendance because they use venues that can hold up to 700 people.

“Those people that come never fail to ex-press their delight,” Hahn said.

There’s definitely an audience for the kind of music COSMIC has to offer, Hahn said. The Riv-er Concert Series draws in thousands of people every summer. Hahn said COSMIC just needs to tap into those people and explore more ways of promoting themselves, which is a challenge be-cause they are a non-profit group.

According to the group’s website, www.cos-micmusic.org, “COSMIC Symphony, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, relies solely on grants, corporate and private donations and membership fees.”

The orchestra performs under the baton of Vladimir Lande, an alum of St. Petersburg Con-servatory of Music. He emigrated from Russia to the United Stated in 1989 and has worked with COSMIC since 2003, according to the orchestra’s website.

The first concert will be Saturday at 7 p.m. at Great Mills High School, located at 21130 Great Mills Road in Great Mills. The second concert will be Sunday at 4 p.m. at Huntingtown High School, located at 4125 Solomons Island Road in Huntingtown.

Tickets are available at www.cosmicmusic.org, Educate and Celebrate, Allegro Music, Ste-vens Studio and at the door. They are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students and $25 per family.

People interested in joining COSMIC or do-nating to the group can call 410-326-6082, e-mail [email protected] or send a letter to COSMIC Symphony, P.O. Box 1323, California, MD 20619.

[email protected]


CLUES ACROSS 1. Russian ruler (alt. sp.) 5. Cola brand10. Scottish tax14. Long-eared rabbit15. Sir _____ Newton16. Thin piece of wood17. Shock treatment18. Hokey19. Frost a cake20. Not Jr.21. Companion animal22. Expresses surprise23. Locked boxes26. Devil worship30. Soak fibers in liquid32. Tax advantage savings acct.33. Young women’s association35. Green regions of desert38. Picasso’s mistress42. Netherlands river43. 3rd note44. Cathode (abbr.)45. Intercontinental ballistic missile46. Literary language of Pakistan47. Former Senator Spector49. British thermal unit50. Tell on52. Indicates near54. Wrestling point maneuver

57. Cavalry sword60. Atomic number 1361. Ad ___, unplanned63. 2001 Spielberg movie64. Fiddler crabs66. Tossed or Cobb68. Million gallons per day (abbr.)69. Precisely executed71. A way to excuse72. Small amount of residue73. Counterweight74. Not relaxed75. Bog down

CLUES DOWN 1. Popular old board game 2. Wedge shaped vertebrae (pl.) 3. Fine or visual 4. Atomic #75 5. PC graphics file format 6. Employee stock owner-ship plan 7. Muscular weaknesses 8. Mr. Claus 9. Covered with ice10. Atomic #5611. ___ Lilly, drug company12. Securities firm Goldman _____13. Diffused boiled water24. Expunction

25. Point midway between S and E27. Herbal tea28. Accounts receivable29. Windhoek is the capital31. Fruit eaten as a vegetable33. Freshwater fish of N. America34. Not happy36. The space above the ground37. Supplement with difficulty39. Play a role40. ___ Dhabi, Arabian capital41. Reichsmark42. 12th Greek letter 48. Salve51. In the year of Our Lord53. Note appended to a letter 54. Verbally tease55. Dillenioid dicot genus56. Largest mammal58. Showing keen interest59. 1st Homeland Security Sec. Tom62. Taxis65. Swiss river66. Posed for a portrait67. Small game cubes68. Scan done with magnets70. Atomic #5272. Decimeter

Last Week’s Puzzles Solutions

erKiddieKor n


Wed., Feb. 23Boys’ Basketball

Washington Catholic Athletic Conference play-in game

St. Mary’s Ryken 72, Bishop Ireton 56

Girls’ Basketball

Washington Catholic Athletic Conference play-in game

St. Mary’s Ryken 69, Bishop O’Connell 52

Fri., Feb. 25Boys’ Basketball

3A South Regional Playoffs – First Round

Lackey 61, Chopticon 51

4A East Regional Playoffs – First Round

Great Mills 52, South River 49Meade 60, Leonardtown 39

WCAC QuarterfinalsGonzaga 66, St. Mary’s Ryken 51

Girls’ Basketball

3A South Regional Playoffs – First Round

Chopticon 67, Crossland 59

4A East Regional Playoffs – First Round

Great Mills 53, Glen Burnie 30Broadneck 56, Leonardtown 25

WCAC QuarterfinalsSt. John’s 87, St. Mary’s Ryken 70

Sat., Feb. 26Swimming

4A-3A State Championship Meet

Boys8. Leonardtown 115

14. Great Mills 5923. Chopticon 7

Girls6. Leonardtown 166

13. Chopticon 4024. Great Mills 0.5

Wrestling

4A-3A South Regional Meet3. Leonardtown 93.5

5. Chopticon 8615. Great Mills 16

Mon., Feb. 28Hockey

MSHL Co-Op State Championship GameWashington County 6,

Leonardtown 3

Tues., March 1Boys’ Basketball

4A East Regional Playoffs – Quarterfinals

Glen Burnie 89, Great Mills 65

Girls’ Basketball

3A South Regional Playoffs - Quarterfinals

Chopticon 58, Westlake 53

4A Regional Playoffs - QuarterfinalsBroadneck 39, Great Mills, 26

Lower Potomac River Marathon Returns Soon

Sabres Hockey Registration is Open

Silver Stars Accepting

Registration For Tryouts

Ramp up your mileage, runners! The Lower Po-tomac River Marathon is only nine weeks away. The 26.2-mile race, presented by Chesapeake Bay Run-ning Club and hosted by the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, returns for the 7th running on March 13, 2011.

Top runners will compete for modest cash prizes, and age-group awards will be presented to the top three finishers in ten-year divisions.

For more information, contact Liza Recto, 301-481-0832 or [email protected].

St. Mary’s College will host a one-day fielding and baserunning camp Monday, April 18 for players in grades 1 through 12. St. Mary’s 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.

The Pax River Silver Stars AAU girls’ basketball team will be holding tryouts Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at Es-peranza 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 Savan-nah Webb at 301-247-3152 / 301-737-1792 or [email protected] or visit http://www.leaguelineup.com/paxriversilverstars/

SMCM Accepting Registration for One-Day Fielding and Baserunning Camp

Adult indoor hockey registra-tion underway for ages 18 and up. Registration dates Mondays March 21 and 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Leonard Hall Recreation Center – cost is $55.00 program begins on Monday April 4th at the Leonard Hall recreation Center for more in-formation call Kenny Sothoron at 301-475-4200 ext 1830.

Online registration is now open for the Southern Maryland Sabres Ice Hockey Spring Skate Sessions.

8 Sessions - 1.5 hours each45 minutes - Skills with Skating Skills Instructor Brian Magill45 minutes - Scrimmage$ 140.00 Sign-up today online at www.somdsabres.orgPlease register at your USA Hockey age for next season 2011-2012

Atoms, Mites (8:30 - 10:00 am)Saturday Apr 2, 9, 16, 23, 2011Sunday May 1, 2011

Saturday May 7,14, 21, 201110:30 - 12:00 pmSaturday June 11, 2011

Squirts (6:15 - 7:40)Tuesday March 29, 2011Tuesday April 5, 12, 19, 26, 2011Tuesday May 10, 17, 24, 2011

Pee Wee (6:15 - 7:40)Thursday Mar 31, 2011Thursday April 7, 14, 21, 28, 2011Thursday May 12, 19, 26, 2011

Bantam (7:50-9:15)Tuesday March 29, 2011Tuesday April 5, 12, 19, 26, 2011

Tuesday May 10, 17, 24, 2011

Midget (7:50-9:15)Thursday Mar 31, 2011Thursday April 7, 14, 21, 28, 2011Thursday May 12, 19, 26, 2011

USA Hockey 2011-2012 Age GroupsMite 2003-2004Squirt 2001-2002PeeWee 1999-2000Bantam 1997-1998U-16 1996-1996U-18 1993-1994

Adult Indoor Hockey

Registration Underway

By Chris StevensStaff Writer

Corey Wins 125 Pound Regional ChampionshipLeonardtown junior Sam Corey followed up his Southern Maryland Athletic Conference championship with a regional gold medal in the 125-pound weight class Saturday in the 4A-3A South Regional Meet at Bowie High School.Corey pinned Jermaine Ferguson of Lackey and Wise’s Malachi Edmond on pin falls in the first period of each match and won by forfeit over Thomas Stone’s Tanner Saluder, the same wrestler he defeated a week earlier in the SMAC championship.Corey will now move on the 125-pound state championship, held at Maryland-College Park’s Cole Field House this coming Friday and Saturday.

Leonardtown Swimmers Crack Top 10 In State MeetThe Leonardtown boys and girls swim teams each finished in the top 10 in Saturday’s 4A-3A state championship meet at Eppley Recreation Center on the campus of the University of Maryland-College Park.The Raider boys finished eighth out of 24 teams with a total of 115 points while the girls finished sixth with a total of 166 points.

Ryken Boys And Girls Eliminated From WCAC Title Contention

The St. Mary’s Ryken boys and girls basketball teams both won their Washington Catholic Athletic Conference play-in games last Wednesday night before falling to higher-seeded teams in the conference quarterfinals Friday night.The Ryken boys were defeated by Gonzaga 66-51, ending their season with 18 wins, tying the school record set last season. Treveon Grahama and Deon An-drews led the Knights in their finals games with 18 and 13 points respectively.The girls fell to top-seeded St. John’s 87-70 Friday night, finishing their season at 11-13.

High School Sports Briefs



LAUREL – The season didn’t end on a winning note, but it ended happily for the Leonardtown hockey team.

The Raiders were defeated by Washington County 6-3 in the Maryland State Hockey League’s Co-Op cham-pionship game Tuesday night, but in the eyes of most, the entire experience was a win-win.

“This was an exciting event for everyone, we had to get our intensity level up,” said senior forward Gordy Bonnel, who scored his 25th goal of the season in the final minute of his final high school game.

“It means a lot to us,” said senior captain Robert Reinhold of Chopticon (Co-op rules state that teams can have players from other high schools). “We’ve been play-ing together for four years and the closest we came before this was the Chesapeake Cup. It’s a great way to end the season.”

“I think it is remarkable what the team has accom-plished this year given the experience level of the play-ers and the skill level of the competition,” Raiders head coach Rob Barthlemes said. “I definitely think it was a successful season.”

The Raiders (10-5-1) defeated defending Co-Op champion Fallston 3-2 and MSHL Southern Division Ri-val La Plata 6-4 to advance to the finals against the North Stars, who jumped out to a 3-0 lead after one period of play and would eventually go up 5-0 in the second.

“They did a better job of playing the blue lines than

we did,” Reinhold said. “It was frustrating trying to clear it out of the zone and there they were.”

Leonardtown finally broke through nearly 11 minutes into the second period when freshman Cul-len Bonnel slapped home the loose puck in the middle of a wild scrum for the Raiders’ first goal.

“We were shell-shocked at first,” the younger Bonnel admit-ted. “We just had to pick it up and I think we played good after the first period.”

“We had a conversation after the first period and said ‘We’re

here to play hockey,’” Barthlemes said. “We were able to make some adjustments and that allowed to stay with them in the second and third periods.”

Nicholas Pontorno also scored for the Raiders, who weren’t able to catch up to the North Stars, but were still excited that the first playoff trip in the team’s eight-year history ended as the state’s second-best Co-Op team.

“It’s great that they got this far,” Cullen Bonnel said of the 10 Raider seniors. “Hopefully we can be right back here next year.”

“It’s an emotional time – I love every kid on this team and I’m going to miss playing with them,” Gordy Bonnel said. “This season couldn’t have ended any better – except for first place.”

[email protected]

Sp rtsRaiders Fall Short in State

Championship Hockey Game

Hockey

Leonardtown’s Nicholas Pontorno collides with a Washington County player in Monday’s MSHL co-op state championship game.

Raiders goalie Brett Kibler tries to stop a shot by the North Stars’ Keith Koontz in the first period. Photo by Frank Marquart



Seahawk Men Rout Wesley, Repeat as CAC Champions

Sp rtsSMCM


ST. MARY’S CITY – Anything that could go right did just that for the St. Mary’s College men’s basketball team Sat-urday afternoon.

Sparked by a barrage of three-point shots, the Seahawks erased an early lead by visiting Wesley College and cruised to a 97-65 victory in the Capital Athletic Con-

ference championship game, earning their second straight trip to the NCAA Division III national tournament and third appear-ance in four years.

“When everybody’s hitting the way we were today, I don’t know who can beat us,” said senior forward Sam Burum, who scored 18 of his game high 20 points in the decisive first half.

“All it takes is one or two shots,” added junior guard James Davenport, who con-

nected on four of his five three point at-tempts (13 points total) on the afternoon. “That gets the crowd into it and every-body’s confidence is sky high.”

The Seahawks (22-5) got off to a slow start, watching Wesley (17-10) storm out to a 7-0 lead in the first three minutes of action. Then, St. Mary’s responded in waves, going on a 47-13 scoring tear to end the first half, with Burum capping off a wild sequence of three consecutive three-point shots as time expired. The Wolverines would never re-cover as St. Mary‘s shot a blistering 13 of 23 (56 percent) from beyond the arc.

“Sam Burum and James Davenport love to show up in these championship games,” said senior guard Alex Franz, who compiled another all-around game with 12 points, four assists and four steals. “Wes-ley’s a good team, we knew they were going to have their run and we had ours.”

The Hawks were surprised they were able to put Wesley away early, but were sat-isfied with the outcome.

“We’re relieved and happy to move on to the next step,” said redshirt junior Mike Fitzpatrick, who also scored 12 points. “We knew this was going to be a grudge match and we just rode our home crowd.”

“Wesley’s a great team - talented play-ers, well-coached. I was shocked,” Hawks coach Chris Harney said. “Our guys made a statement and took the game plan to an-other level. You can only dream about the things we had happen out there today.”

And SMC’s dream of a national cham-pionship begins Friday at the Michael P. O’Brien RAC Arena when they host Med-gar Evers College in an NCAA first round game at 7:30 p.m.

“We had two goals - one was to win CAC and the second is to win the national championship,” Franz said. “We have one goal left.”

[email protected]

York, Pa. – Senior midfielder Aubrey Mirkin (Ashton, Md./Sherwood) repre-sented the St. Mary’s College of Maryland women's lacrosse team as Mirkin was named the Capital Athletic Conference Women's Lacrosse Offensive Player of the Week for the week ending February 27.

Mirkin helped the Seahawks to a 2-0 week with league victories over Wes-ley College and Frostburg State University. She tallied five goals and eight assists while checking in as well with nine ground balls, six draw controls and five caused turnovers.

She started the week by scoring three goals and adding a career-high three as-sists in the mid-week 18-4 win over Wesley. Mirkin followed up by contributing two goals and career-best five assists for a career-high seven points in Saturday’s 13-9 triumph over Frostburg State.

Mirkin is currently leading the conference with eight assists and seven caused turnovers while ranking second in points (15) and ground balls (12). She is also fourth in goals (7) and draw controls (11).

The St. Mary’s College baseball team (5-4, 1-2 CAC) dropped the final game of their three-game series with Capital Athletic Conference opponent, Frostburg State University (5-2, 2-1 CAC), by a 4-3 decision Sunday afternoon after squandering a 3-0 lead.

Frostburg State’s game-winning run came in the sixth when junior Garrett Price (Eldersburg, Md.) plated a run on a throwing error by junior starter Michael Victory (Westford, Mass./Westford). After leading off with a double down the leftfield line, Price advanced to third when junior Adam Summerfelt’s (Gambrills, Md.) fouled out to right field before coming home following senior Daniel Heatwole’s (Dayton, Va.) squeeze play bunt. Victory fielded the bunt and went for the play at home but over-threw sophomore catcher Stefano Muscatelli (Warwick, R.I./Toll Gate).

Victory (1-1) picked up his first loss of the season as he allowed four runs (two earned) on nine hits in 6.0 innings of work with three strikeouts.

The Seahawks started the game offensively charged with three runs in the first inning for a 3-0 lead. Senior second baseman Matt Baden (Huntingtown, Md./Hun-tingtown) opened the inning with a single up the middle before stealing second. After junior designated hitter Eric Gronbeck (Owings, Md./Northern) was hit by a pitch, sophomore shortstop Corey Napier (Leonardtown, Md./St. Mary’s Ryken) doubled to centerfield to score Baden and Gronbeck.

Following Napier’s lead, junior third baseman Keith Johnson (Great Mills, Md./Great Mills) connected on a double as well to bring home Napier. FSU starter Josh Davis (Freeland, Md.) held St. Mary’s to just three runs as Davis got the next three batters to ground out twice and strikeout looking.

Frostburg knotted the game at 3-all in the fifth when senior Matt Ridenour (Hag-erstown, Md.) tripled to centerfield to score senior Matt Greene (Westminster, Md.) who had doubled down the leftfield line as the inning’s second batter. Ridenour then crossed home plate on an error by Napier.

Six different Seahawks collected hits with Napier and Johnson both recording doubles.

Seahawk Baseball Falls to Frostburg

Mirkin Picks Up League Honor



MORGANZA – Less than 72 hours after a weird 39-36 win over Lackey to end the regular season, the Chopticon boys’ basketball team were out-rebounded and dominated by the visiting Chargers in the 3A South playoffs, dropping a 61-51 decision in Friday night’s first round game.

“We didn’t do a good job on the boards in the first half,” Braves coach Terry Mumau said. “They were much more ag-gressive and got back to that brand of Lackey basketball ev-eryone is used to seeing.”

“We had a hard time crashing the boards and they had a good trap defense,” said junior guard DeAngelo Bannister,

who led Chopticon with 13 points.The Braves (7-16) led 17-13 early in the second quarter,

but the Chargers ended the frame on a 19-2 burst and went ahead by as many as 20 points on a Fred Mason lay-up three minutes into the third quarter. Mason led all scorers with 20 points, while Shawn Bostic added 11 for the Chargers.

“That run in the second quarter was hard to come back from,” Mumau admitted. “They must have had 10 or 12 points in that run on put-backs alone.”

Chopticon was able to make it interesting late behind Bannister and fellow junior Chris Miles, who scored 12 points.

“We were able to get some good shots late,” Miles rea-soned, “But we just ran out of time.”

“It’s about the team, but I was trying to get us back in the game and I was feeling it,” Ban-nister added.

Miles converted a four-point play and Josh Reeves nailed another three-pointer to bring Chopticon to within seven points (56-49) in the final minute, but Lackey got a basket and three foul shots to fall for their final tally.

Mumau parted with five seniors after the game and was proud of the way they played not just this season, but for their entire careers.

“They never quit or gave up,” Mumau said of Rashaud Dent, Jeff Gagnon, Kyle Washington, Greg Lamoria and Kharon Mitchell. “Even as freshman, it would’ve been easy for them to tank it, but they’ve always played hard. Perseverance would be the word I use to describe this class.”

“They’ve given us great advice,” Miles said. “Just come out to play hard and fight until the end.”

[email protected]


WALDORF – Looking at the bench and seeing starting point guard Tyaira Priest and center Ashya Short with four fouls each, things weren’t looking good for the Chopticon girls’ basketball team Tuesday night.

Instead, junior guard Kirstin Norris took over, scoring eight

of her 15 points in the fourth quarter and the Braves held off sec-ond-seeded Westlake 58-53 in the 3A South regional quarterfinal game.

“She was calm, cool and collected out there,” Braves coach Judy Evans said. “She definitely hit the shots when we needed her to.”

“We just want to further this play-off run,” Norris said. “We’re not ready to lose our seniors yet, so we’re doing this all for them.”

The seventh-seeded Braves (now 16-8 on the season) jumped out to a 15-8 lead after one period of play, but West-lake rallied to knot the score at 26 at half-time. Chopticon got in some foul trouble as Priest and Short both collected their fourth fouls in the third quarter.

Instead, the Braves got key min-utes from reserves Sandra Bynaker and Taryn Eaton and senior guard Anesha Yorkshire scored seven critical points in the third quarter to keep the Braves in it.

“We definitely cheered them on from the bench because we knew they could fill our spots,” said Short, who tied Norris for the team lead in scoring with 15 points.

With about four minutes to go, Ev-ans sent Priest and Short back in and the gamble paid off as the Braves’ ball-han-

dling and rebounding returned to form.“We just had to play hard and play smart,” Short explained.A back-and-forth final quarter finally stayed in Chopticon’s

favor when Norris cut across the lane and banked home an eight-footer with 1:24 to go to give the Braves a 54-53 lead. After a Bree Brown lay-up extended the lead to three, Jas-mine McLaughlin’s tying three-point attempt went long for Westlake and Short collected the rebound, along with two free throws for the final margin. Evans was excited with how her team responded in a hostile envi-ronment, especially two weeks after defeating the Wolverines 62-58 in double overtime at home.

“Oh my goodness, everybody did such a great job of responding to adversity,” Evans said. “Everyone stepped up and did a great job.”

“Evans told us it was going to be crazy and we had to be calm,” Norris said. “She had faith in us.”

The Braves move on to the semifinals, where they will travel to face third-seeded Friendly tonight at 7 p.m.

[email protected]

Sp rtsBraves Can’t Keep Lackey Off The Boards, Lose In 3A South First Round

Norris’ Clutch Fourth Quarter Keys Chopticon Girls’ Second Round Victory

High School Basketball

Photo by Chris Stevens Photo by Chris Stevens

The Braves’ Kharon Mitch-ell streaks toward the basket during Friday’s 3A South boys’ basketball first round game.

Kyle Wash-ington of C h o p t i c o n goes up for two points during the Braves’ 61-51 loss to Lackey Friday night.

Photo by Victor Marquart

Photo by Victor Marquart

Chopticon’s Tyaira Priest passes under pressure from Westlake’s Kim Brown during Tuesday’s 3A South quarterfinal game.

Kirstin Norris, who led Chopticon with 15 points, tries to pass around Jasmine McLaughlin of Westlake.


Sp rts

By Keith McGuireContributing Writer

Once again I am reminded how difficult it is to clean Yellow Perch. They have skin and scales that are so tough a suicide bomber would be jealous. The females are so loaded with roe that it’s impossible to get them to lay flat on a cutting board. Still, it is great to invite a few to dinner when the freezer stock of the fish of the fall has been depleted.

I was raised to pre-pare pan fish by scaling, heading and remov-ing the entrails before breading and popping the whole thing into a deep skillet of cooking oil. Today’s catch is still fried, but precisely filleted with a surgi-cally sharpened steel filet knife – boneless and tasty. Even so, six or seven nice Yellow Perch, along with ap-propriate side dishes of fries and cole slaw, provide a more than adequate meal for my wife and me.

The Yellow Perch run has begun! They can be caught at the usual ceremonial places to mark the beginning of spring: Allen’s Fresh Run, Nanjemoy Creek, Mattawoman Creek and other creeks in Charles County. Wayson’s Corner in Prince George’s County, and other shallow water branches of the Patuxent are also good places to tease the fish with minnows or small jigs. I can’t think of a single place to go in St. Mary’s or Calvert County, but I’m sure someone will fill me in.

The limit is 10 fish per person per day. The minimum size is 9”. Still, I would encourage anyone to keep only enough for dinner and let the rest go. To help DNR monitor the catch, it would also be helpful to report your catch on the Volunteer Angler Survey for Yellow Perch at http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/survey/in-dex.asp?page=yellow_perch.

Yellow Perch spawn at or very near to the tidal/non-tidal boundaries of several small creeks in the area. You would do well to make sure you have the appropriate license before pursuing them. At Allen’s Fresh Run, for ex-

ample, one side of the bridge is considered tidal where a Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport Fishing License is required. The other side of the bridge is considered non-tidal requiring a Non-Tidal Fishing License.

Freshwater anglers can enjoy excellent crappie fishing at this time of year. The best places to try are water impoundments like St. Mary’s Lake. The best baits are live minnows and small jigs floated under a bobber. Crappie are very tasty and much easier to clean than yel-low perch.

Die hard striper anglers can enjoy some catch and release fish-ing before the spring trophy season begins on April 16. This fishery is limited to the main stem of the Bay. Spawning rivers (like the Patux-ent River) and the Up-per Bay spawning area are off limits until June 1 to striped bass fish-ing. This preseason catch and release season

comes with some additional restrictions: Stinger or trailing hooks are

prohibited. Barbless hooks are required when

trolling. Non-offset circle hooks or J hooks

with a gap of less than a half-inch are required when using natural bait. Eels may not be used for bait.

No more than 6 lines may be used when trolling regardless of the number of an-glers on board.

Now is the time to dust off some of that stored fishing gear and get out there. Local tackle shops are ready to help you with new line and new tackle as you need it, and they already have a good supply of the bait that you’ll need to get after them!

[email protected].

Keith has been a recreational angler on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries for over 50 years; he fishes weekly from his small boat during the season, and spends his free time sup-porting local conservation organizations.

Angler AnglerThe Ordinary

Early Season Fishing

OUTLET CENTERSeasonal

SpriNg LAwN & pAtio FurNiture

At outlet Discount pricing

Closed TuesdaysSunday: 10am - 4pm

Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat: 10 am - 7pm

301-884-8682 • 301- 274-0615McKay’s Plaza, Charlotte Hall

Scott McGuire with Yellow Perch for dinner.


THURSDAYMarch 3, 2011

Photo By Frank Marquart

Story Page 6

Story Page 18

New Social Security Office Opening in SMC

Ryken Honors Pillars of the Community

Skating for State GloryPage 28

Documents

2011-03-03 The County Times