Bowiegaz 041014 by The Gazette

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Thursday, April 10, 2014

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Dog attack prompts community concerns

Gliding through

County Animal Management Division doesn’t track neighborhoods with recurring loose animal problems

BY CHASE COOK STAFF WRITER

Debbie Slack’s mother was outside of her Bowie home Sunday when her neighbor’s American bulldog, Buddy, attacked her so viciously she had to have several surgeries and spent time in intensive care. “It looked like she had been scalped,” Slack said. “She had cuts on her head, her neck. The only thing the dog missed was her face and chest be-

ALICE POPOVICI/THE GAZETTE

Mitchellville school holds 20th annual Challenge Day ALICE POPOVICI STAFF WRITER

When John Barrows worked as an adaptive aquatics instructor at C. Elizabeth Rieg Regional School in Mitchellville, he helped start the Special Olympics Challenge Day to give students with severe disabilities an opportunity to participate in a team-building event and showcase their abilities. Twenty years later, the event is still going strong at the school, and Barrows, who has since retired, comes back every year to help students and staff prepare. “It’s just a celebration of the kids’

personal best,” said Barrows of Bowie, as he watched a group of students compete in a kickball event during the Challenge Day on Friday. “It’s where they start and how they can improve.” About 100 students ages 5 through 21 participated in the three-hour event as music played in the school’s gym and parents took pictures of their children completing challenges such as football, water polo, water safety and hockey. “It is an event for parents to reﬂect on their student’s abilities, strengths, just how far they’ve come,” said Patrice Watson, the school’s principal. “We’re looking for that moment of inspiration.

Homeowners to showcase restoration efforts, unique features BY

ALICE POPOVICI STAFF WRITER

Brian Callicott was trying to ﬁx a loose floorboard in the bedroom of the historic Upper Marlboro home he shares with his girlfriend, Patti Skews, when he started digging underneath and found a trove of artifacts including buttons, pins, a buckle and a lead stopper from a doctor’s vial. Outside the house, the couple found more old pieces including rusted keys and rings, old glass bottles and a sleigh bell from a horse, Callicott said.

NEWS

SPREADING THE WRITTEN WORD Bowie reading program expands drop-off locations.

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Some of these items will be on display April 26, when the couple will open Content — as the house is known in historical documents — to participants in the Prince George’s County portion of the 77th annual Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage. The self-guided tour, which features Upper Marlboro properties, follows the route British soldiers took in 1814, when they marched through the county on their way to capture Washington, D.C., said Jack Thompson Jr., the organizer of the event. Designed to coincide with the statewide commemoration of the War of 1812 bicentennial, the county’s portion of the tour will include

See TOUR, Page A-6

For many area residents, National Harbor is a popular destination for dinner, shopping and live entertainment, but Joyce Thorpe and other nearby Fort Washington community members say the development has been a nuisance to their once-peaceful neighborhood and expect the problem to get worse once another major attraction is installed by this summer.

See ATTACK, Page A-6

Thorpe, a retired lawyer and neighborhood activist who has been ﬁghting the development for years, said residents have dealt with noise from a hotel laundromat, waterfront music festivals, the odor from portable toilets, crowds and the trafﬁc. Now, as National Harbor gears up for spring and summer, Virginiabased developer Peterson Cos. is preparing to open a 176-foot tall Ferris wheel it describes as a “world-class icon” similar to those in Paris and London. But Thorpe and some of her neighbors see it as one more nuisance from the developer they say has been

See NOISE, Page A-6

Accident led to career advancement in county ﬁre/ EMS department n

BY CHASE COOK STAFF WRITER

Some people find their life’s calling through college courses or following in a family member’s footsteps. For Alicia Francis, it took a head-on collision. “It was Christmas of 1990. ... An inattentive driver took a left turn and hit me head on,” said Francis, 48, of Bowie. “I was knocked unconscious and my right leg was nearly severed. It took me two years to learn how to walk again.” Now the woman who wasn’t sure if she would walk again is the first female director of the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department’s Training Academy. She is responsible for overseeing the county’s firefighter recruit training, she said. “I love the everlasting education of the job,” Francis said. “If I don’t know something, I’m going to look it up.”

ALICE POPOVICI/THE GAZETTE

Patti Skews (right) and her boyfriend, Brian Callicott, of Upper Marlboro will open their 1787 home to visitors during the Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage on April 26.

Eleanor Roosevelt grad helps UConn win the men’s basketball national title.

cause she went face down.” The attack has frightened area residents, who said they have seen loose dogs running around from time to time and are concerned that another attack could happen to them when they go outside. Virginia Clemons, who lives on

Bowie woman makes history

See CHALLENGE, Page A-7

CHAMPS!

ALICE POPOVICI STAFF WRITER

Being able to display what we do on a daily basis.” Maria Gumanoy of Hyattsville watched her son, James, 10, complete water safety exercises during Challenge Day and said he had been practicing three times a week to prepare. “He’s so happy,” she said. The school’s special education staff — including adaptive aquatics specialists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and paraprofessionals — were present to help students along the way. In the school’s indoor

SPORTS

Ofﬁcial says company is working with residents BY

Upper Marlboro sites featured in tour n

Debbie Slack, daughter of victim

Neighbors upset about National Harbor noise

Tracy Babicka (right), the adaptive aquatics teacher at C. Elizabeth Rieg Regional School, coaches Donovan Hemans, 9, of Bowie through a water safety event Friday morning during the Mitchellville school’s Special Olympics Challenge Day. In the background, paraprofessional Lois Chambers instructs James Gumanoy, 10, of Hyattsville.

“It looked like she had been scalped.”

Automotive Calendar Classiﬁed Community News Entertainment Opinion Sports

BILL RYAN/THE GAZETTE

Assistant Fire Chief Alicia Francis, director of the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Academy, is ﬁrst woman in the post.

Recruits said Francis has a handson approach that has helped them work on their grades. “It makes you want to be the top

See FRANCIS, Page A-6

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PEOPLE& PLACES

money and diapers will be donated to Bowie Interfaith Food Pantry and the MOMS International Mother-to-Mother Club, she said.

More online at www.gazette.net

Upper Marlboro resident on ‘The Price is Right’

Bowie nonproﬁt hosts puppet show fundraiser

Bowie High student places third in poetry competition

Lenny Nyangwara of Upper Marlboro was recently featured on

The MOMS Club of BowieNorth is hoping to get to the bottom of a community problem one diaper donation at a time. “I know in particular there isn’t an active diaper facility in the area,” said Nicole Bartels, MOMS Club of Bowie-North president. “You can’t buy diapers as a low income person.” As part of an effort to increase diaper supplies in Bowie, the club is taking 40-plus packages of diapers as an admission fee — or $5 per child — for a children’s music and puppet show, which will take place 10 a.m. April 17 at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, Bartels said. MOMS, which stands for Mothers Offering Mothers Support, Club is an international nonproﬁt group that creates program to help mothers, more speciﬁcally stay-at-home moms, Bartels said. The show is targeted for children ages 6 months and up, and

A Bowie High School student placed third in a state poetry competition after winning her grade, school and county level competitions. Aquilah Nelson, a junior, placed third at the Poetry Out Loud state competition where the winner, Akash Menon of Frederick County will represent Maryland in the competition’s ﬁnals. Poetry Out Loud is a competition where contestants recite poetry from an anthology of more than 700 classic and contemporary poems, according to the news release.

the television show “The Price Is Right.” The episode featuring the respiratory therapist who works at Anne Arundel Medical Center aired March 27. Nyangwara said he attended a live taping of the show during a visit to Los Angeles in November, and was surprised and excited when he was one of the audience members selected as a contestant. A longtime fan of the show, Nyangwara won a couple of rounds of the game, by guessing the price nearest to the actual price of the item. He won an Xbox game system with games and a cookware set. “It was fun, it was exciting, and it’s really the experience of a lifetime,” he said, adding that he likes watching the game show because he likes the idea of being able to win something by “simply guessing the price.”

EVENTS County Council District 7 Candidate Forum, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Hunter

Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church, 4719 Silver Hill Road, Suitland. Contact wilkaren@comcast.net.

APRIL 11 Small Fry Club, 10 to 11 a.m., Wat-

kins Nature Center, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro. The little ones will enjoy stories, crafts, games and hikes. The theme for this class is exploring trees. Pre-registration through SMARTlink encouraged. Cost: resident, $3; non-resident, $4. Contact 301-2186702; TTY 301-699-2544.

Silence the Violence Charity Basketball Game, 7 to 9 p.m., Central

High School 200 Cabin Branch Road, Capitol Heights. Men Aiming Higher in collaboration with Mentoring to Manhood. Cost is $5. Contact 516-398-7080 or Dphyall@m2minc.org. Stop Kiss by Diana Son, 8 p.m. (on the 11th and 12th, also showing on the 13th at 3 p.m.) at Charis Center for the Arts, 13010 8th St., Bowie. A poignant and funny play about the ways that lives can change irrevocably. Cost: $15. Call 301-262-1183 or emma.chariscenter@gmail.com.

APRIL 12 Prince George’s County Association of Realtors David Maclin Memorial Scholarship Fund 5K Fun Walk/Run,

Two students from Upper Marlboro were recognized by the Com-

cast Foundation for their leadership skills, academic achievement and community service.

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Send items at least two weeks in advance of the paper in which you would like them to appear. Go to calendar.gazette.net and click on the submit button. Questions? Call 301-670-2070.

APRIL 10

County students win leadership scholarships

8 to 11:30 a.m., Marlboro Ridge Club House, 11401 Marlboro Ridge Road, Upper Marlboro. $25, adult, through April 4; $30, adult, after April 4 and Race Day; $5, child (younger than 12 years of age). Contact 301-306-7900 or jostenso@pgcar.com.

100 Black Men of Prince George’s County: Prayer Breakfast, 8:30 to

11 a.m., District Heights Municipal Center, 2000 Marbury Drive, District Heights. This third annual prayer breakfast is the annual MLK Prayer Breakfast and fundraiser. Almost all of the money raised by this volunteer mentoring organization goes directly to programming and scholarships. Cost: $30. Contact 240-535-3346 or wkirkland@live.com. Easter Egg Hunt, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 8040 Woodyard Road, Clinton. Contact lrkfoltz@yahoo.com.

Asphalt Angels 2014 Spring Car Show, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 15505 Annapo-

lis Road, Bowie. Rain Date April 19. Location: Glory Days Grill Parking Lot. Vehicle registration 9 a.m. to noon. Vehicle registration: $15 at the gate. Spectators welcome free of charge. Children encouraged to attend with responsible adult. Contact 443-812-3184 or greaser60@gmail.com. Bowie Green Expo, 1 to 4 p.m., Kenhill Center, 2614 Kenhill Drive, Bowie. Learn why and how to “go green.” Tons of green family fun. Contact BowieGreenExpo@verizon.net.

Seventy-ﬁfth anniversary of Marian Anderson’s Lincoln Memorial Concert,

2 p.m., Bowie Library, 15210 Annapolis

TUES

Nature Scavenger Hunt, 10:30

a.m. to noon, Clearwater Nature Center, 11000 Thrift Road, Clinton. Cost: resident, $2; non-resident, $3. Contact 301-297-4575; TTY 301699-2544.

MORE INTERACTIVE CALENDAR ITEMS AT WWW.GAZETTE.NET Road, Bowie. Contact 301-262-7000. Chess Club, 2 p.m., Accokeek Library, 15773 Livingston Road, Accokeek. Learn to play or improve your game. Contact 301-292-2880.

APRIL 14 Accokeek Women Writers Group, 1 p.m., Accokeek Library, 15773 Livingston Road, Accokeek. Contact 301292-2880.

Friends of the Hillcrest Heights Library Meeting, 7 p.m., Hillcrest

Heights Library, 2398 Iverson St., Temple Hills. Contact 301-630-4900.

Teen Advisory Board (TAB): Make a Difference @ Your Library, 7:30

p.m., Oxon Hill Library, 6200 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill. Join us for snacks, brainstorming, discussion and more. Bring your friends and ideas. Contact 301-839-2400.

APRIL 15 Creature Feature: All About Reptiles Event, 2 to 3 p.m., Watkins Nature

Center, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro. Advance reservations required. Cost: resident, $2; non-resi-

Ashley Jones-Quaidoo, a senior at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro and Brina Olunkwa, a senior at Riverdale Baptist School in Upper Marlboro, were each awarded $1,000 scholarships through the Comcast Founders Scholarship, in honor of Ralph J. Roberts, founder and chairman of Comcast Corporation during a March 25 event at the Historic Inns in Annapolis.

Clinton woman aids musical A Clinton woman is helping to put on a musical that sets the life of Jesus Christ in modern times. “Hero: The Rock Opera,” a twotime Dove Award-winning musical, sets the life of Jesus Christ in modern-day Brooklyn, where rival gangs are ﬁghting against a ﬁctitious world government organization, according to a church press release. “It’s a vibrant production,” said Sabrae Derby of Clinton and a member of South Potomac Church and spokeswoman for the event. “It’s very upbeat in terms of the music and the message is one of hope and salvation, and really inspiring.” Performances begin at 8 p.m. on Friday. Call 301-392-5730 or visit www.southpotomac.org. dent, $3. Contact 301-218-6702; TTY 301-699-2544. Cherry Blossom Festival, 4 p.m., Oxon Hill Library, 6200 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill. Join us for stories, crafts, activities and special treats celebrating cherry blossoms and Japan. Ages 6-12. Contact 301-839-2400. Boys Read, 4 p.m., Oxon Hill Library, 6200 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill. Grades 3-4. Find out about the latest books, share your favorites, and practice your reading with games and other fun activities. Contact 301-8392400.

A&E

Jazz ﬂutist Sherry Winston to perform at Montpelier. SPORTS Longtime powerhouse programs Eleanor Roosevelt and Gwynn Park face off Friday in baseball and softball. Check online for coverage.

For more on your community, visit www.gazette.net

ConsumerWatch If you’ve replaced credit cards after a data breach, how do reissued cards affect your credit score?

APRIL 16 Family Campﬁre, 10 to 11:30 a.m.,

Watkins Nature Center, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro. Enjoy a fun nature program while roasting marshmallows. (Roasting sticks and marshmallows will be provided.) You may bring hot dogs and beverages. Pre-registration through SMARTlink encouraged. SMARTlink#: 1396720. Cost: resident $3; non-resident, $4. Contact 301-218-6702; TTY 301-6992544. Family Fossil Hunt, 1 to 3 p.m., Clearwater Nature Center, 11000 Thrift Road, Clinton. Van/carpool to a local fossil site to collect these unique specimens from the past. Bring a sturdy bag to hold your ﬁndings and boots that can get wet. Registration encouraged through SMARTlink; programs may be canceled due to low enrollment. Cost: resident, $3; nonresident, $4. Contact 301-297-4575; TTY 301-699-2544. Master Gardener Program, 4:30 p.m., Baden Library, 13803 BadenWestwood Road, Brandywine. Edible weeds. Contact 301-888-1152.

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LOCAL

Bowie reading program expands drop-off locations

Camera chat

n Donations will be given out for free during festival BY CHASE COOK STAFF WRITER

More books may be available for children during Bowie’s annual city festival thanks to an increase in donation locations for a popular reading program. The city’s Education Committee runs the Bowie Reads program, which was established several years ago to promote reading among youth, said Annette Esterheld, city liaison to the Education Committee. Esterheld said books are offered during Bowiefest, the city’s annual festival held the first Saturday in June. Additionally, the committee’s education booth features information for parents and guardians about the beneﬁts of reading for children, she said. “We have hundreds of children stop by the education booth, so we need hundreds of books,” Esterheld said. The Bowie Reads program originally only collected children’s books at Bowie’s Tulip Grove Elementary School, but due to the program’s popularity, requests have been made for more donation locations, she said. This year’s donations of

GREG DOHLER/THE GAZETTE

Donation boxes for used books have been stationed around Bowie, including this one at Samuel Ogle Middle School. The books will be distributed to youth at Bowiefest in June. new and gently used children’s books can be made at Tulip Grove, 2909 Trainor Lane; Samuel Ogle Middle School, 4111 Chelmont Lane; and Benjamin Tasker Middle School, 4901 Collington Road, she said. Boxes are in the school ofﬁces. Donations can be made from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday until the end of May. Susie Fousheé of Bowie said her son, a ﬁfth-grader at Bowie’s Yorktown Elementary, picked out a book at Bowiefest three years ago. There was an “electricity” at the booth, with all of the children excited to take home a

book, she said. “For me, being a mom, to see children excited about books and reading, it was great to see,” Fousheé said. Ingrid Michele Johnson, principal at Benjamin Tasker, said her school was happy to supply space for a donation box. “We all know that for kids to do well in reading, they have to be exposed at an early age,” she said. “As a parent, the ﬁrst thing I did was read to my children and expose them to books.” ccook@gazette.net

Libraries offer free tax ﬁling aid Service available at all county branches n

ALICE POPOVICI STAFF WRITER

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System is offering free online tax

return ﬁling support to taxpayers this year, in a partnership with MyFreeTaxes.com. Library customers will be able to access the free service and ﬁle their taxes from computers at branches throughout the county, according to a press release from the library system.

To use the service, individuals and families must have had a combined income of no more than $58,000 in 2013, according to www.myfreetaxes. com. For more information, visit www.pgcmls.info/taxforms. apopovici@gazette.net

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Aaron Gilchrist, from news channel NBC4, speaks to the TV studio class Monday at Bowie’s Benjamin Tasker Middle School as part of Career Day activities.

Schools receive snow day waiver Academic year extended six days due to closings

BY JAMIE ANFENSON-COMEAU STAFF WRITER

The last day of school for Prince George’s public school students will be June 13, as students need to make up six snow days following the approval of a

two-day waiver from the State Department of Education. The last day of school was originally scheduled for June 5, barring closings due to inclement weather. The school calendar allowed for the school year to be extended by four days to make up for any closings; however, schools have closed a total of eight snow days so far this school year. Only the state education de-

partment can approve waivers for school closings in an effort to fulﬁll a state mandate of 180 days of instruction per year. “Really, they’re giving us 178 school days, and then they’re including two free days with the waiver,” said school system spokesman Max Pugh. janfenson-comeau@ gazette.net

Bowie candidates face off at forum Audience can ask questions at event

BY CHASE COOK STAFF WRITER

Candidates representing Bowie will be participating in a Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce forum to tell residents about their views on im-

portant issues facing the area. “It is important for people to meet these people and hear them talk about their vision for the county and to be able to ask questions,” said Kelly Pierce, Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce’s executive director. The 2014 Primary Election Candidate’s Forum will take place 6:30 p.m. on May 19 at the Kenhill Center, 2614 Kenhill

Drive, and is a free event open to the public, Pierce said. Candidates will take about what they feel are important issues and audience members will be able to ask questions, Pierce said. Candidates will square off in the upcoming primary election, which takes place June 24. ccook@gazette.net

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Volunteers make over Bowie school Anniversary event honors victims of violent crimes Six ﬂat-screen televisions among donations from area church BY CHASE COOK STAFF WRITER

When Samuel Ogle Middle School students and staff went home March 28, their school’s gardens had weeds, some of the window trim paint was chipping and TVs were being pushed around on carts for classroom use. But when they returned March 31, new ﬂatscreen TVs had been installed in some classrooms, the gardens were spruced up and their school colors, maroon and navy blue, were painted throughout the school. “It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen,” said school librarian Pamela Thornton. About 200 volunteers from Bowie’s Cornerstone Church and Ogle came together March 28 and 29 to clean up the school’s grounds. School officials said the makeover was free for the school as the church paid for the work and materials. Mark Lehmann, Cornerstone Church’s lead pastor, said the makeover cost the church about $8,000, but it was a price worth paying. “We wanted to do something close to our church,” Lehmann said. “It was fantastic. We are hoping to do one a year.” Seventh-grader Joshua Olekanma, who attends Cornerstone Church and Ogle, said he participated in the event because he wanted to help his church give back to his school. “We love Bowie and we want to spread the word of God,” Joshua said. “It was nice for me to make a difference in the community.”

Loved ones gather from across Maryland’s southern region n

STAFF WRITER

PHOTOS BY GREG DOHLER/THE GAZETTE

Assistant Principal Glenise Marshall said the school needed the makeover as weeds had taken over the gardens and the paint throughout the school was dark and chipped. In addition to painting the school, volunteers replaced basketball rims and backboards, raked leaves, built a stone pathway near the parking lot and donated six ﬂatscreen TVs, Marshall said. “We were pushing TVs on carts into classrooms,” Marshall said. “Now some of the classrooms have a TV installed for morning announcements and other uses.” Eighth-grader Bennet Varghese, 13, of Bowie said he helped during the weekend makeover and enjoyed watching his fellow students’ reactions when they returned to school. “We never knew there was such great people in this com-

Sixth-graders Amir Barnes (left) and Jaedyn Webb, both 12, read while sitting on a new bench at Samuel Ogle Middle School in Bowie. The bench was a part of landscaping and other improvements made by Cornerstone Church and Ogle volunteers. (Left) Landscaping in one of the gardens at Samuel Ogle Middle School in Bowie is among the improvements made by Cornerstone Church and Ogle volunteers. munity who would do so much great stuff and do it for free,” Bennet said. “I’d like to thank Cornerstone Church for their warm hearts and what they have done.” Ogle’s makeover isn’t over yet. Kathleen Vaughan, the school’s secretary, said the ofﬁce will get a new granite countertop, an upgrade over the previous countertop covered in old tape and announcements.

The new countertop should arrive in the next week or so, she said. Marshall said the school appreciated the help. “They did so much,” she said. “When they said they would come help the school, they came in and did so many things that we did not expect.” ccook@gazette.net

Student robotics team wins in regional contest Group will compete in robot world championship n

BY JAMIE ANFENSON-COMEAU STAFF WRITER

While the robot designed by Greenbelt-based high school robotics group Team Illusion won’t be giving Lebron James any problems, the team’s “Table-Slayer” can deﬁnitely play ball. Team Illusion, comprised of 18 high school students and their mentors, were winners in the Greater Washington D.C. Regional For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, or FIRST, Robotics Competition, held in Fairfax, Va. on March 27-29. This year’s game, called Aerial Assist, requires robots to work in teams of three to move a large ball across a 54-foot ﬁeld to shoot or push it into a goal, guarded by another trio of robots in a hybrid of basketball and soccer. Team mentor Eli Barnett, 21, a mathematics student at the University of Maryland, College Park, said Table-Slayer earned its nickname after driving full-speed into a table during testing. After securing the victory, the team earned a spot in the FIRST Robotics World Championship, held April 24-26 in St. Louis, Mo., where they will compete against approximately 400 other teams from around the country. “The competition is a lot

SARAH FLEISCHMAN

JAMIE ANFENSON-COMEAU/THE GAZETTE

of fun,” said Chenelle Foster, 14, a homeschooled freshman from Mitchellville and member of Team Illusion. “You ﬁnally get to see what all of your work has led up to.” The FIRST competition season begins in January, when teams receive an encrypted PDF containing the rules to a new game to be played by robots, Barnett said. Teams then have six and a half weeks to design and build a robot capable of competing in the game. “It is essentially a full-time job for six and a half weeks,” Barnett said. During the build season, the group meets regularly in Greenbelt to work on the robot. Foster said her favorite aspect of the program is when she and her teammates are in the midst of the build season. “I really like the challenge of creating something new and then you get to see how it works, that’s amazing,” Foster said. “It’s stressful, but it’s a lot of fun.”

CHRIS SCHAEFFER

Barnett said that after the ﬁrst four matches, their robot took damage to its throwing arm, disabling its ability to throw the ball for a time during the competition. Team Illusion began over a year ago through a homeschooling listserv, but now includes public and private school members from Prince George’s and other counties, said Caleb Schaeffer, 16, a homeschooled sophomore from Bowie. The competition isn’t just about building a better robot, Barnett said. There are a number of dif-

Members of Team Illusion (from left) Chris Schaeffer (mentor), Chenelle Foster, Caleb Schaeffer, John Kyler (mentor), Joe Buckley (team captain), Joseph Cashmore and Eli Barnett stand in their “pit” at the Chesapeake Regional FIRST robotics competition. At left, Team Illusion’s robot competes in Aerial Assist at the Greater DC Regional FIRST robotics competition. ferent roles team members can play, he said. “This is not a program that is strictly for science and math nerds. It’s got something for everyone — graphic arts, design, business,” Barnett said. Foster said she enjoys the challenge of building the robot. “It takes very hard challenges and forces you to complete them under a very short amount of time, under a lot of pressure,” Foster said. janfenson-comeau@ gazette.net

Almost 12 years ago, Donald Lee Staples Jr. was fatally shot on a back road in Prince George’s County. His mother, Judith Staples, still is coming to terms with her loss. Staples, of Laurel, said the identity of the person who killed her son May 21, 2002, still is a mystery. “I don’t know who to be mad at,” Staples said. “And keeping that grudge means I don’t move on.” But Staples said she ﬁnds comfort in the yearly memorial services sponsored by the Maryland State Board of Victim Services each spring for victims of crimes and their families. For 25 years, the services have been a way to honor the memories of those whose lives have been lost to violent crimes. The 25th annual southern regional service, held Sunday and themed “Something Beautiful Remains,” was hosted by Calvert County at the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department. Typically at the services, the names of those whose lives have been lost simply are displayed from a projector. This year, each table took turns lighting candles and saying the names of their loved ones out loud. This practice was new to the southern regional event this year, said Gail Wikoff, Calvert County State’s Attorney’s Ofﬁce victim witness advocate. The service featured poetry readings, interpretive dance, musical selections and a keynote address by Jennifer Morton, Calvert County Assistant State’s Attorney. In the past 30 years, she said, there have been great strides statewide and nationally for the rights of victims of violent crimes and their families. Often, she said, the developments were spurred by loss and tragedy, like the passing of a federal Megan’s

Investigation underway to determine cause of accident BY CHASE COOK STAFF WRITER

A Clinton man was killed Sunday night after the motorcycle he was driving struck a Hyundai on Indian Head Highway. Michael Marquis, 32, of the 5500 block of Trout Run Road in Clinton was traveling along Indian Head Highway at about 10:15 p.m. Sunday when he struck a Hyundai turning out of a parking lot at the 8400 block of Indian Head Highway, said Nicole Hubbard, a Prince George’s County police spokeswoman. Marquis was pronounced dead on the scene, and police said pre-

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Mary Kauffman holds a photo of her brother, Michael Patten, and his friend, Leah Anne Brown, who were killed June 10, 2001, in Fort Washington.

Law in 1996, which requires every state to notify residents if a sexual predator lives in their neighborhood, according to the Ofﬁce of Justice Programs website. Megan’s Law came about after the abduction, rape and murder of 7-year-old Megan Kanka in 1994. Locally, the murder of Stephanie Roper in 1982 led to the establishment of what is now the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center and the passage of dozens of state laws, Morton said. Joyce Bishop Graves of Bowie said after her son, Ricardo Conte Bishop, was fatally shot 14 years ago by a friend, each day is a struggle. “It’s never far from my mind,” Graves said. “There’s not a day where I don’t think about my son. The pain is always there. It’s never gotten easier. Every day is a journey.” Mary Kauffman of Owings has attended the annual event since 2002, after her younger brother, Michael Patten, and his friend, Leah Anne Brown, were killed June 10, 2001, in Fort Washington. “It’s the one chance where he can be remembered, and all of us as a unit can meet and share the pain and grief of losing a loved one,” she said. sﬂeischman@ somdnews.com

Clinton motorcyclist killed in collision

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liminary investigation shows the Hyundai allegedly failed to yield for Marquis during its turn. Two passengers from the car were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, she said. The police department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit is investigating the crash to determine whether charges will be ﬁled against the driver of the Hyundai, police said. Anyone with information on this crash is asked to call the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit at 301306-5640. Callers can contact Prince George’s Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-8477, send “PGPD” along with a text message to 274637 or submit a tip online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com. ccook@gazette.net

THE GAZETTE

Thursday, April 10, 2014 bo

Oxon Hill man arrested in connection to homicide

POLICE BLOTTER

District 2 Headquarters, Bowie, 301390-2100 Glenn Dale, Kettering, Lanham, Largo, Seabrook, Woodmore, Lake Arbor, Mitchellville and Upper Marlboro.

MARCH 31 Theft from vehicle, 9800 block Lake Pointe Court, 2:12 a.m. Vehicle stolen, 16000 block English Oaks Ave, 5:31 a.m. Theft, 10200 block Prince Place, 6:40 a.m.

Commercial property breakin, 13100 block Annapolis

Road, 7:39 a.m.

Theft from vehicle, 2400

block Kinderbrook Lane, 8:29 a.m. Vehicle stolen, 4700 block Boston Way, 9:03 a.m. Theft, 3500 block Church Road, 11:54 a.m. Theft, 14700 block Governor Oden Bowie Drive, 12:44 p.m. Residential break-in, 1000 block Arbor Park Place, 1:32 p.m. Theft from vehicle, 10500 block Beacon Ridge Drive, 1:57 p.m. Theft from vehicle, 12300 block Kembridge Drive, 4:07 p.m. Theft, 16200 block Penterra Way, 4:13 p.m. Residential break-in, 700 block St. Michaels Drive, 4:56 p.m. Assault, 13900 block Fareham Lane, 6:59 p.m.

ONLINE For additional police blotters, visit www.gazette.net block Crandall Road, 1:22 p.m. Theft, 2200 block St. Josephs Drive, 1:28 p.m. Robbery, 5600 block Whitﬁeld Chapel Road, 3:36 p.m. Assault, 9600 block Lottsford Court, 11:01 p.m.

APRIL 4 Vehicle stolen and recovered,

11300 block Kettering Terrace, 2:38 a.m. Theft from vehicle, 9600 block Underwood St., 7:14 a.m. Vehicle stolen, 9900 block Park St., 11:16 a.m. Residential break-in, 12200 block Millstream Drive, 5:48 p.m. Theft from vehicle, 3900 block Elan Court E, 7:11 p.m. Assault, 1000 block Largo Center Drive, 8:07 p.m. Theft, 4100 block Northview Drive, 9:08 p.m.

APRIL 5 Theft from vehicle, 1600

block Kings Valley Drive, 2:27 a.m. Theft from vehicle, 8900 block Crandall Road, 4:31 a.m.

block Kern Court, 12:48 a.m. Theft from vehicle, 12600 block Princes Choice Drive, 2:37 a.m. Theft from vehicle, 6200 block Erland Way, 6:43 a.m. Theft from vehicle, 12100 block Millstream Drive, 6:55 a.m. Vehicle stolen, 8300 block Quill Point Drive, 6:59 a.m.

Commercial property break-

in, 9400 block Annapolis Road,

8:06 a.m.

Theft from vehicle, unit block of Bannington Drive, 1:59 p.m. Theft, 9300 block Annapolis Road, 2:36 p.m. Sexual assault, 4300 block Block Crain Highway, 3:15 p.m. Break-in, 10100 block Martin Luther King Jr Highway, 4:19 p.m. Theft, 10200 block Lake Arbor Way, 7:01 p.m. Theft, 13200 block Sweet Ginger Place, 8:03 p.m.

BY CHASE COOK STAFF WRITER

Family members of an Accokeek man killed April 2 say he was a loving father who donated his time to his church and his community. Vincent Toussaunt Kyler, 35, of the 3300 block of Saint Mary’s View Road in Accokeek, was killed April 2, according to Prince George’s County police. Police said they found Kyler in a car, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds, at about 5:15 p.m. on April 2 in the 600 block of Audrey Lane in Oxon Hill. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Odel Quarles III, 24, of the

Commercial property breakin, 1400 block Golf Course

Drive, 11:23 a.m. Theft, 3800 block Chapel Forge Drive, 1:38 p.m. Vehicle stolen, 11000 block Lanham Severn Road, 2:10 p.m. Theft, 8800 block Greenbelt Road, 5:52 p.m. Theft, 15500 block Emerald Way, 6:50 p.m. Theft, 13000 block Payton Drive, 7:17 p.m. Theft from vehicle, 6100 block Glenn Dale Road, 8:20 p.m. Theft, 9100 block Basil Court, 8:42 p.m.

not wish to speak, but the family as a group released a statement. “He was known to all for his kindness and willingness to help everyone around him,” Kyler’s family said in the statement. “He was not just a good dad; he was a true family man.” Police are investigating the case and don’t have any further information at this time, said Cpl. Maria McKinney, a county police spokeswoman. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call the county police department’s Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. If the caller wishes to remain anonymous, call Crime Solvers at 866-411-8477, or text “PGPD” and the message to 274637 or go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com. ccook@gazette.net

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APRIL 6 Residential break-in, 16300 block Elkhorn Lane, 11:25 a.m. Theft, unit block of Wat-

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APRIL 2 Theft from vehicle, 6000 block High Bridge Road, 7:53 a.m. Assault with a weapon, Carlene Drive/Duck Court, 11:40 a.m. Theft, 8400 block Old Marlboro Pike, 12:23 p.m. Theft from vehicle, 9400 block Largo Drive W, 12:53 p.m. Theft from vehicle, 800 block Largo Center Drive, 1:17 p.m. Theft, 900 block Largo Center Drive, 2:14 p.m. Theft from vehicle, 9100 block 6th St., 3:53 p.m. Theft from vehicle, 9400 block Largo Drive W, 5:27 p.m. Theft, 800 block Capital Center Blvd, 7:06 p.m. Vehicle stolen and recovered, 1600 block Pebble Beach

Court, 11:38 p.m.

APRIL 3 Robbery, 1300 block Northern Lights Drive, 3:14 a.m. Theft from vehicle, 500 block Largo Center Drive, 4:07 a.m. Vehicle stolen, 9100 block Tuckerman St., 5:19 a.m. Commercial property breakin, 12100 block Central Ave,

6:35 a.m.

Commercial property breakin, 6836-B Race Track Road,

8:51 a.m.

Theft from vehicle, 5400 block Barker Place, 12:03 p.m. Theft from vehicle, 9200

5300 block of Kenmont Road in Oxon Hill, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder April 3 for his alleged connection to the homicide, according to police. Quarles is charged with first-degree murder and first-degree assault and remains in custody with the Department of Corrections and does not have a lawyer, according to online court records. Kyler’s cousin, Marlene Patton, of Virginia said the family was “devastated” to learn of his death. The family wants everyone to know that Kyler wasn’t just a statistic, Patton said. “This was not just a random person,” Patton said. “This was a real stand-up guy who loved his family. He had a 2-month old daughter and wife.” Patton said Kyler’s wife did

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Theft from vehicle, 14100

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Commercial property break-

APRIL 1

Theft from vehicle, 12300 block Open View Lane, 6:42 a.m. Theft from vehicle, 11500 block Joyceton Drive, 7:38 a.m. Theft from vehicle, 12300 block Kings Valley Court, 8:00 a.m. Theft from vehicle, 200 block Essenton Drive, 10:15 a.m. Theft, 10100 block Elgin Cir, 10:44 a.m. Theft, 10500 block Greenbelt Road, 11:02 a.m.

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This activity report is provided by the Prince George’s County Police Department as a public service to the community and is not a complete listing of all events and crime reported.

Page A-5

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THE GAZETTE

Page A-6

Thursday, April 10, 2014 bo

Lanham woman competes in ‘Tonight Show’ truck contest Auto saleswoman takes on nine others in televised showdown n

BY EMILIE EASTMAN STAFF WRITER

Laurel car saleswoman Nicole Smith assumed she’d gone though all the lengths to sell a vehicle until she found herself on an aircraft carrier and her sales tactics limited to her finger endurance. Smith was one of 10 Ford salespeople selected from across the country to take part in the “Fingers on a 4x4” contest, sponsored by “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” On his late night television show, Fallon said he would buy the first 2015 Ford 150 King Ranch truck from the salesperson who could remain touching the truck for the longest amount of time. Smith and the nine other contestants took their places aboard an aircraft carrier on the Hudson River in New York on March 31, with referees keeping a close watch and video cameras streaming the entire contest live. “It was an awesome experience,” Smith said. “It was hard...I’m not going to say it was an easy thing. It was very cold – the first night was brutal.” Smith said she was prepared to stand in the cold with no sleep for several days, but was eliminated after about five

TOUR

Continued from Page A-1 about a dozen properties including homes, churches, a cemetery and a one-room schoolhouse. Callicott and Skews’ home was built in 1787 as a three-story Federal-style house, according to the couple’s historical mate-

FRANCIS

Continued from Page A-1 of the class,” said Matthew Tippett, 24, of Hollywood, Md. “I think that it is good she is aware of where we are standing. She deﬁnitely leans on us to help each other out.”

Nicole Smith of Lanham (right) poses with late night television show host Jimmy Fallon.

hours when she touched the truck just a few seconds after the allotted ﬁve-minute break time. Smith said she set her watch, but that the calculation must have been slightly off from the contest clock and she didn’t hear a referee announce the time. “I was like, okay, it is what it is. I don’t want to let something like that overshadow the whole experience,” she said. Smith said two other con-

testants were eliminated a few hours after she was for accidently taking their hands off the truck. The contest winner, Pete Porzio of Frankfort, Ill., lasted for 38 hours and 52 minutes. Smith has worked for Academy Ford in Laurel for eight years, and sold plenty of F-150s, she said. Before working for the dealership, she was in the catering and food service industry, which she said helped her become a better saleswoman.

“If you can deal with the bridezillas on their wedding day, then you can deal with a customer who may or may not know what kind of vehicle they want,” she said. Smith found out she was selected for the Fallon contest on March 28 and said the next few days were hectic and included meeting Jimmy Fallon and The Roots band, touring the NBC studio and getting to know her competitors.

“Jimmy Fallon is a trip,” she said. “It was a good time. We almost developed somewhat of a fraternity among the contestants.” Smith said she exchanged numbers with her fellow contestants and left New York with a bag of “Tonight Show swag,” including a hooded sweatshirt with earphones built into it. Back in Smith’s home state, friends and coworkers were watching the live feed of the competition and cheering Smith on, said Rebecca Smith (no relation), marketing director for Academy Ford of Laurel. “There was a lot of buzz at the dealership, everybody was excited,” she said. “We had some of her customers en-

rials. “You can see how houses change over the course of two centuries,” said Callicott, referring to the lines on the ﬂoor that indicate where a stairwell once ended or where a wall began. Patrick and Nancy Clagett have detailed records for their Upper Marlboro home, going back to around 1730, when it

was built by a wealthy merchant. At that time, Kingston — as the house is known in archival records — featured elegant interior details such as a an archway in the hallway, wood paneling on the walls and plaster inside the ﬁreplaces, according to the Clagetts. When Patrick Clagett’s greatgrandfather bought the house in 1858, he remodeled the colonial

structure in the Victorian style of his time, adding decorative details, a separate wing and a wide porch. The Clagetts, who moved into the house three years ago from Dallas, Texas, worked with a preservationist to restore many of the home’s original interior features. “We refinished the floors, sanded them all down, waxed them ourselves,” Nancy Clagett

said, and they worked to ﬁnd and restore many of the older features visitors will have a chance to see April 26. Patrick Clagett said he wanted to remove the decorative detail that adorns the gables of the house. He said it was not part of the house’s original design, and he likes “the colonial, spare look more than the decorative, Victorian look.”

Clagett said he mentioned the idea to the historic preservationist, who advised him against the change. “I was told, ‘you absolutely cannot do that. It’s like ripping a chapter out of a book,’” he said. For more information on the tour, visit www.mhgp.org.

Francis said she originally wanted to become a doctor, but her crash gave her a new passion. “They told me I was going to be okay ... they saved me,” Francis said. “I knew after that I had to give back. That this was what I wanted to do.” After two-years of challenging rehabilitation, Francis

said she applied for the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS department in 1992. She didn’t hear back from the county for three years until she received a letter to join a recruit class as a paramedic, someone who focuses on riding the ambulance rather than ﬁghting ﬁres. Becoming a member of PGFD presented many chal-

lenges, Francis said, some of which were handling the pressure of being a woman in a male-dominated field. PGFD is made up of about 80 percent men, said Mark Brady, Fire/EMS spokesman. “I was told bluntly by a lieutenant after a year on the job that he felt women shouldn’t be in the ﬁre department,” Francis said. “As long as you show that you care capable of doing the job, you will get the respect. And sometimes we have to prove ourselves even harder than the average person.” Francis climbed the ranks

of PGFD with promotions coming about every two years since 2006. She most recently served as Fire Chief Marc Bashoor’s executive ofﬁcer, a position where she worked closely with the chief as an administrator. After serving in that position, those assistant ﬁre chiefs get to pick their job as a reward for working in the hectic chief’s office, Brady said. Some may pick easier administrator jobs, but Francis went for a tougher decision, Brady said. “She could have picked any job she wanted, and she took this one,” Brady said. “This isn’t

a plum position.” And Francis said she has no plans to stop even as she nears the 20-year mark, a time when fire fighters can retire. She cited her passion for knowledge and love for her job as motivators to continue working. She might even make it to the top and serve as fire chief, a position a woman has yet to achieve in Prince George’s County. “I’m going to keep going,” she said. “I’ll never say no.”

NOISE

that separates his home from the waterfront event area doesn’t prevent people from cutting through the neighborhood to go to the National Harbor. “All the guys go through here,” Yasin, who owns a carpentry business, said as he pulled at the fence to show how the metal bends. Yasin said he discovered on April 3 someone had slashed tires on one of his cars and three of his neighbors’ cars. According to Prince George’s County police, crime in District 4, which includes the surrounding National Harbor communities, is down over 20 percent with residential burglary is down 46.9 percent, assaults are down

38.8 percent and citizen robbery is down 26 percent. “We’re trying to always be a good neighbor,” Digby said. “We are growing. We’re adding great assets to the county.” Digby said the development has already contributed more than 7,000 new jobs. As for the Ferris wheel, he said the ride’s gondolas will circle slowly, giving people an opportunity to see landmarks such as the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument from a new perspective. “The observation wheel gives a historical perspective of the [Potomac] river,” he said.

monitor which neighborhoods have continuing problems, but is working on a system to track those areas. If residents do see a loose dog or an attack they can call animal management at 301-7807200 or 911 if it is an emergency, Taylor said. The best way to ensure an owner is held responsible is ﬁnd out where the dog lives and share that information with animal management, he said. He said animal control laws allow animal management to take dogs and other animals off the street if they are dangerous. An animal is deemed dangerous if it continues to hurt and injure others without being provoked, Taylor said. Buddy’s owner, Gilbert, — who declined to provide his ﬁrst name — said he understood why his dog was taken and he “regretted” the attack. Gilbert said Buddy wasn’t normally ag-

gressive and he didn’t know why the dog attacked the woman, but he was conﬁdent the county wouldn’t put him down. “He’s never attacked anyone before,” Gilbert said. “When they took him away they didn’t need to muzzle him or anything.” Tosh Patterson, who lives near Elon Court, said Animal Management Division should make itself more visible to residents, especially in areas that just suffered an attack. She said she didn’t know about the division until after the attack, and if more residents know who to call, they could possible prevent future attacks by getting loose animals off the street. “It makes you not want to go outside,” Patterson said. “Maybe if they passed out a ﬂier or something, that would be helpful.”

PHOTOS FROM ACADEMY FORD OF LAUREL

The sales team from Academy Ford of Laurel poses with foam ﬁngers on a 4x4 truck to show support for saleswoman Nicole Smith, who competed in the ‘Tonight Show’ competition, Fingers on a 4x4.

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Continued from Page A-1 a troublesome neighbor. During festivals, “They put the speakers so that they face our homes,” Thorpe said. “And then we have ﬁreworks — in a residential neighborhood.” Kent Digby, Peterson Cos. senior vice president in charge of the National Harbor, said the company consistently makes an effort to engage with residents about their concerns and that the company uses sound meters to ensure noise levels at outdoor events are “to the limit that is allowable.” Parhat Yasin said the fence

ATTACK

Continued from Page A-1 Elon Court, said she always walks with a stick and her husband walks with a bat. Clemons said she limited her walks to her local neighborhood several years ago after coming upon loose dogs. The most recent attack reinforced her concerns. “They should euthanize these dogs,” Clemons said, referring to dogs that run loose. “I only walk down my street and come right back up, doing loops.” Buddy was taken away by the county’s Animal Management Division, which handles loose animals and dog attacks, said Rodney Taylor, Animal Management Division Chief. While residents have complained of recurring loose dog incidents, Taylor said the county doesn’t

courage her through Facebook and Twitter.” Academy Ford owner Michael Lynch said he was glad Smith was able to participate and represent the dealership in the contest. Lynch said the company supplied Smith with hand warmers, foot warmers and gloves before sending her off to the competition in New York and planned a celebration for her return on April 4. “[Smith] ranks at the top of our sales list every month,” he said. “She probably has the most product knowledge [of any] sales person I ever met. We’re so proud of her.” eeastman@gazette.net

apopovici@gazette.net

ccook@gazette.net

apopovici@gazette.net

ccook@gazette.net

THE GAZETTE

Thursday, April 10, 2014 bo

Page A-7

Clinton bus driver charged after students injured near school n

Police: Mechanical error has been ruled out

BY CHASE COOK AND JAMIE ANFENSON-COMEAU STAFF WRITER

A bus driver has been arrested after he allegedly left his bus unattended Monday morning in Beltsville and it drifted across the street and struck a student waiting on the corner and injured four other students on the bus. At about 7:15 a.m. Arturo Harris, 61, of the 6900 block of Northgate Parkway in Clinton parked his bus at the 3600 block of Powder Mill Road near High Point High School and then allegedly left the vehicle unattended, Prince George’s County police reported. Harris was not home as of press time, but Pam Garrison, who said she was Harris’ sister, said he is taking the accident hard. “Oh my goodness, he is dev-

astated,” Garrison said. “He’s a good guy. This is a horrible accident. He is really sad and heartbroken. Thank God the kids weren’t hurt.” Drivers may not leave a bus unattended with children on it, according to Max Pugh, Prince George’s County Public Schools’ spokesman. The bus drifted across Powder Mill Road, stopping at the entrance to an apartment complex at Glen Shell Road, where the bus struck an elementary school student waiting at a bus stop, said Pfc. Nicole Hubbard, county police spokeswoman. “We’re still investigating why the bus driver left the bus unattended, and why it drifted into the road,” Hubbard said. The struck student, who was

pulled out from underneath the bus, suffered serious, but nonlife-threatening injuries while the four students who were still on the bus suffered minor injuries, Hubbard said. Harris has been charged with reckless endangerment, leaving a child unattended and other traffic-related charges, said Hubbard, adding the cause of the bus drifting across the road is still under investigation. Pugh said Harris has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation. Pugh said the bus is a newly purchased 2014 model and mechanical error has been eliminated as a factor in the bus drifting across the road. ccook@gazette.net

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pool, adaptive aquatics instructor Tracy Babicka worked with several students on water rescue exercises, showcasing water safety and listening skills they have been working on all year. Babicka said she chose to focus on water safety and teamwork for Challenge Day because her class had been excelling in these areas. “Our ultimate goal is that they become comfortable” and continue to overcome challenges and fears, Babicka said. “We focus on their ability, not their disability.” At the end of the event, each contestant received an ofﬁcial Special Olympics medal.

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Gazette-Star OUROPINION

Forum

2006 GAZETTE FILE PHOTO

Then-Lt. Gov. Michael Steele (R) vows not to concede to his Democratic opponent in the U.S. Senate race in 2006. Many Prince George’s Democrats who endorsed Steele were criticized for crossing party lines.

The scarlet letters of politics It’s easy to forget there is more than one political party in Prince George’s. About 80 percent of the county’s 568,591 registered voters are Democrats, and every single county and state representative for Prince George’s is a Democrat. It makes perfect sense that voters elect leaders who reflect their political views and ideas, and having a bloc of similarly minded legislators provides for a generally united effort in Annapolis — but that isn’t always a good thing. Top leaders should bring diverse ideas and opinions to the table, challenge each other to try new strategies BELIEVE and consider different viewIT OR NOT, points. Some would say that DEMOCRATS having people with opposing views keeps leaders honest in AREN’T THE ONLY ONES WITH part since shady, backroom deals are more likely to be reGOOD IDEAS vealed when everyone isn’t in agreement. Fortunately, there are candidates from a mix of parties running for office in the county’s upcoming elections — even though many of those who aren’t Democrats believe they don’t stand a chance of winning. And, unfortunately, they are probably right. Similar to author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, “The Scarlet Letter,” in which a woman who has an adulterous affair is forced to wear a scarlet letter “A,” any letter behind a candidate’s name that isn’t a “D” is treated like a symbol of shame. Few will forget when then-Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele, a Republican and county native, ran for U.S. Senate in 2006. County Democrats who dared to support him were considered by many to be traitors, not just because of Steele’s politics, but largely because he wasn’t a Democrat. Voting should be based on which candidate has the best experience, ideas and strategies to make life better for residents — but all too often, those without the Democrat label aren’t even considered. As a result, some Democratic candidates seem to take the county’s votes for granted, occasionally bypassing Prince George’s during general election campaign stops since they assume voters will cast ballots along party lines. A similar challenge is showing itself in Washington, D.C., where many are already referring to Muriel Bowser, the Democrat who won the mayoral primary election last week, as the mayor-elect. It’s assumed she will win the general election — even though she is facing a challenger who is running as an independent — because the District is so heavily Democratic. It’s as though voters aren’t expected to even consider any other parties, regardless of the candidates’ qualifications. It’s not to say Republican, Green, Libertarian, unaffiliated or other political party members have better plans than the Democrats who are holding or seeking office. But it’s irrational to think that there isn’t a single member of any other party living anywhere in the county that has good ideas and a strong record of achievement to back it up. After all, about 20 percent of the county’s voters are not registered as Democrats; surely, they should have a voice in the county, too. Perhaps other parties aren’t stepping up to the plate and doing enough to help their strongest candidates shine — or perhaps they have come to believe it would be a waste of money, time and effort. Either way, voters must push for greater diversity and ideas from the candidates running for office. It would be a shame for great plans to be silenced simply because the candidates behind them aren’t being heard. Prince Georgians must insist on debates and forums so all candidates — not just those with the most money and popularity — can provide input on the county’s future. Once that occurs, it’s possible Democrats will still retain most, if not all, the offices, but at least residents will be better informed and candidates will be sure to work for their votes.

Douglas S. Hayes, Associate Publisher

Page A-8

Restroom issue is problem with Fairness act

Letters must include the writer’s name, address and telephone number. The phone number will not be published; it is for veriﬁcation purposes only. We reserve the right to edit all letters. Letters selected may be shortened for space reasons. Send letters to: Editor, The Gazette, 13501 Virginia Manor Road, Laurel, MD 20707. E-mail them to princegeorges@gazette.net.

I am 10 and writing about the bill, the Fairness for All Marylanders Act of 2014, which says that people who are one gender but feel as if they are the other should be able to use the restroom that they feel like they are. There are many ﬂaws in this. First of all, would any parent want their child going into a public restroom and ﬁnding someone of the other gender in there? Second of all, if you wanted to go in the restroom with your child of a different gender than you because having someone of a different sex in there made you uncomfortable, you could not go into that bathroom. Someone of the same gender as you could

Ken Sain, Sports Editor Dan Gross, Photo Editor Jessica Loder, Web Editor

go into that bathroom if they felt like they were a man when they were a woman or vice versa. Most people do not feel like they are a different sex than they are born. How is this a “Fairness Act” if the majority is now inconvenienced? The different bathrooms are separated by body parts, not feelings. If we’re going to start having men in the women’s bathroom, and the other way around, why have separate bathrooms at all? That defeats the purpose. This would make me and other children very awkward and uncomfortable, and we wouldn’t want to use public restrooms.

Elizabeth Ludwick, La Plata

Don’t sacrifice teacher quality Corporate profiteers continue to drive the debate around education reform. Many contend that replacing highly qualified educators with less-experienced ones is an effective strategy for staffing challenged schools. Please, do not believe this agenda is educationally sound or in the best interest of children! It is more about creating exploitable COMMENTARY space in education KENNETH HAINES budgets and pillaging the public coffers to pad the bottom line. To accomplish this goal, one need only destroy the public’s confidence in those who devote their lives to children. Their mission is nearly accomplished. Teaching is more difficult than most

imagine. Great teachers usually require six to eight years to attain peak efficiency. However, most reject the lifestyle of nearconstant labor and abandon the profession long before achieving mastery. Today, career educators are advancing the cause of more rigorous teacher preparation standards, peer assistance and review programs, and certification by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. Unfortunately, much of the public appears willing to accept the premise that a few weeks training will suffice for entry into the teaching profession. Welcome to the world of Teach for America. Touted as part of the solution for supplying teachers in difficult-to-staff schools, Teach For America candidates receive a few weeks of training in pedagogy prior to entering the classroom. Then, they spend a couple years in the most challenging education environments imaginable. Un-

fortunately, TFAs are not immune to the well-documented travails of beginning teachers. A case might be made for the program if these “alternatively certified” teachers demonstrated better practice in their first year, or more resiliency in the long term, than do “classically trained” educators. Unfortunately, as a cohort, they do neither. Nor do these marginally prepared educators staff America’s highest-performing schools. Instead, communities whose children exhibit the greatest need for highly effective, experienced educators find themselves where they have always been: recruitment fairs and employment agencies seeking to replace the career teachers they should have worked harder to retain in the first place. Kenneth B. Haines is the president of the Prince George’s County Educators’ Association.

The curious case of Julius Henson Julius Henson is a street hustler and a thug. He grew up in Lafayette Courts, one of Baltimore’s worst low-income housing projects, and completed Morgan State University’s course work but couldn’t graduate due to an unpaid bill. After a spotty career during which he sometimes lived out of his car, he found his calling in 1975 when he ran, unsuccessfully, for clerk of the court. “That’s what got me into politics,” Henson said. “I vowed to never lose another election.” Since then he’s made millions runMY MARYLAND ning nearly 100 political campaigns, BLAIR LEE with a 90 percent success rate. And despite his reputation as a political hit man (he calls himself a “pure warrior”), Henson’s clients have included governors, congressmen, mayors, state lawmakers and local officials. His breakthrough win was Baltimore’s 1999 comptroller’s race, when Henson got his girlfriend, Joan Pratt, elected in a stunning upset against the establishment candidate. Henson’s specialty is street tactics, dirty tricks, smears and whatever else works. “Henson has a level of enthusiasm and brass knuckles that Baltimoreans are not used to,” observed the late Art Murphy, one of the city’s savviest politicians. “He runs an in-your-face campaign and does an excellent job. He is by far the best; he wins the big ones.” A Henson detractor, the late Del. Pete Rawlings, put it differently: “Like war, politics is not a genteel game, but there are rules of engagement and Julius violates them.” Here’s how Henson describes his unorthodoxy: “The people who made that rule are the ones in office and they want us to follow rules that benefit them. ... I’m not going to play their game.” Despite Henson’s unsavory tactics, a host of otherwise reputable Democrats including Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Parris Glendening and Elijah Cummings put him on their campaign payrolls. But in 2010 Julius Henson made a big mistake: He hired out to Republican Bob Ehrlich’s gubernatorial comeback against Martin O’Malley. Being a hired hit man for Democrats was one thing, but doing it for Republicans, particularly Ehrlich, was unpardon-

able. “What Henson did is akin to Karl Rove working to elect Democrats or James Carville flipping to the Republican side,” observed Frank DeFilippo, dean of Maryland’s political pundits. And for his unpardonable sin Henson paid a steep price. Not surprisingly, it was Henson who came up with the Ehrlich campaign’s infamous last-minute robocall message advising 112,000 Baltimore and P.G. County black voters to relax and stay home because Obama and O’Malley had already won (Obama wasn’t even on the 2010 ballot). Subsequently, Henson and Ehrlich’s campaign manager, Paul Schurick, were tried, separately, first for voter suppression, and second because the robocalls failed to include an “authority line” (i.e., every political campaign ad must identify the political sponsor). Maryland’s voter suppression statute says “no person can willfully and knowingly influence or attempt to influence a voter’s decision whether to go to the polls ... through use of force, fraud, threat, menace, intimidation, etc.” I’m good with all but the “fraud” part. Clearly, Henson’s and Schurick’s phony robocalls attempted to keep black voters from going to the polls. But where do you draw the line? Aren’t most political ads fraudulent? And aren’t political “dirty tricks” common in all campaigns? Turns out, however, that it didn’t matter, and here’s where the story gets really slimy. Schurick was convicted on all counts, but Henson’s jury, 10 AfricanAmericans and two whites, acquitted him on the voter suppression charges and merely convicted him of conspiring to produce a political ad (robocall) that lacked an authority line, a misdemeanor. Apparently, Henson’s jury was sympathetic to his claim that he was being targeted by the Democratic establishment “for jumping over the line.” Leaving the courthouse, a beaming Henson said he was “elated” and “grateful and thankful” for everyone’s support. If he’d known what was about to happen, he wouldn’t have been so happy. The Baltimore Sun called the verdict “disappointing,” adding, “The judge has the chance to set things right at sentencing. Mr. Schurick got 30 days of home detention, 500 hours of community service and four years of probation for his offences. Mr. Henson deserves to be treated exactly the same ... .” Well, Schurick, the

13501 Virginia Manor Road, Laurel, MD 20707 | Phone: 240-473-7500 | Fax: 240-473-7501 | Email: princegeorges@gazette.net More letters appear online at www.gazette.net/opinion

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white man convicted of voter suppression, and Henson, the black man convicted of being party to a political ad that didn’t have a tag line, were not treated the same. The judge threw the book at Henson: 60 days in jail, 30 days of home detention, 500 hours of community service and four years of probation during which Henson was prohibited from volunteering or working in any political campaigns. That’s right, a man actually went to jail because a robocall he was hired to produce failed to say “I’m Bob Ehrlich and I approve this ad,” a common infraction for which no one is prosecuted, much less sent to jail. The judge, an O’Malley appointee, blatantly ignored the jury’s verdict and treated Henson as if he’d been convicted on all counts. But wait, it gets worse. Always on the prowl for a headline, Attorney General Doug Gansler piled on by suing Henson for violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act because the robocalls failed to identify the name and phone number of the party placing the call. Gansler won a $1 million verdict against Henson while deciding not to bring the same suit against Schurick, who was convicted of the same violations. Having served his jail sentence and being barred from making a living as a campaign consultant, Henson decided to run this year for the state Senate in one of Baltimore’s most impoverished, destitute districts. Henson’s sentencing judge tried to rule Henson’s candidacy a probation violation, but it appears Henson will win on appeal. So Henson is challenging Sen. Nathaniel McFadden, a steadfast ally of Senate President Mike Miller. Henson calls Miller “a jerk” who rewards lawmakers “who are going to kiss his tail. I’m not going to kiss his tail. The only thing Mike Miller is interested in is making himself and his family richer.” The die is cast: the Democratic establishment, the media and Mike Miller are going to make Julius Henson’s defeat their top priority. None of them want to see another person in the state Senate as smart, as talented and as ruthless as Miller. Blair Lee is chairman of the board of Lee Development Group in Silver Spring and a regular commentator for WBAL radio. His past columns are available at www.gazette.net/blairlee. His email address is blairleeiv@gmail.com.

POST COMMUNITY MEDIA Karen Acton, Chief Executive Ofﬁcer Michael T. McIntyre, Controller Donna Johnson, Vice President of Human Resources Maxine Minar, President, Comprint Military

SPORTS

GAMES ON GAZETTE.NET

Posted online by 8 a.m. the following day. Schedules subject to change. BASEBALL: Gwynn Park at Eleanor Roosevelt, 4:30 p.m. Friday Two traditional county powerhouses face off for ﬁrst time as division foes.

SOFTBALL: Eleanor Roosevelt at Gwynn Park, 4:15 p.m. Friday TRACK AND FIELD: Woodward Relays at Georgetown Prep, Saturday

BOWIE | LARGO | UPPER MARLBORO | CLINTON | FORT WASHINGTON

www.gazette.net | Thursday, April 10, 2014 | Page A-9

Quenching n

A THIRST

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT GRAD SOAKED UP KNOWLEDGE, THEN WON A NATIONAL TITLE

PHOTO BY TIN NGUYEN

Elizabeth Seton High School’s Javonne Antoine jumps at Saturday’s Waldorf Invitational Classic.

Seton sprinting toward another WCAC crown n

Aiming for an eighth straight title, Roadrunners have many stars BY

TRAVIS MEWHIRTER STAFF WRITER

PHOTOS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

Eleanor Roosevelt High School graduate Lasan Kromah was a key player for the University of Connecticut men’s basketball team. He helped the Huskies to the national title on Monday. BY

KENT ZAKOUR

STAFF WRITER

hen Lasan Kromah played basketball at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, he used to have long conversations with coach Brendan O’Connell about the sport during car rides home from practice. There, the 2009 graduate of the Greenbelt school learned about the nuances of basketball as he picked the brain of the longtime coach.

“When I think about Lasan, I think about all the hours we spent together when I drove him home from practice just talking — everything and anything — about basketball,” O’Connell said during a phone interview Saturday. “He ate, slept and breathed basketball. He didn’t live that far from school — just across the street — but ... it would be an hour later before I dropped him off.” All of the discussions may have paid off for Kromah. On Monday, he helped the University of Connecticut men’s basketball team win its fourth national championship in 15 years. He scored four points, but made a pair of crucial free throws with 25 seconds left — the ﬁnal

points of the game — to help the Huskies hold off Kentucky in the 60-54 victory at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. “It’s just one of those moments you will cherish for the rest of your life,” Kromah said of playing in the Final Four during a phone interview Monday prior to the title game. Kromah is the ﬁrst Roosevelt product to play in the Final Four and win a national title, according to O’Connell. Delonte West played in the 2004 Elite Eight with St. Joseph’s University and Darnell Dodson participated in the 2010 Elite Eight with Kentucky.

See THIRST, Page A-10

Outﬁelder started in school’s camps and has been waiting years to start BY TED BLACK STAFF WRITER

After three years of playing minor roles for one of the best baseball programs in the area, Riverdale Baptist School senior Brandon Ernest is having a big impact on the Crusaders this spring, his first as a full-time starter. Ernest, who plans to play baseball for Division III Farmingdale College in New York next season, is no stranger

to the baseball facilities at Riverdale Baptist. When he was 5, he began attending longtime Riverdale Baptist coach Terry Terrill’s camps each summer and has not missed one since. His decade-long dedication to the program is ﬁnally paying dividends. “I still remember the first time I went to one of Riverdale’s baseball camps,” Ernest said. “I was just hoping to learn as much as I could from the coaches and then someday come back and play for them. I made the team my freshman year, but the ﬁrst three years I mainly came in and ran the bases and tried to steal a few bags, here and

See RIVERDALE, Page A-10

See SETON, Page A-10

Foundation helps at-risk youth get into the game Region non-proﬁt group donates sports equipment to 35 area youth programs

BY JENNIFER BEEKMAN STAFF WRITER

Riverdale Baptist senior completes long journey n

The names just kept on coming out of Omar Wilkins’ mouth. Elizabeth Seton High School’s track and ﬁeld coach has had deep teams before, enough to win seven consecutive — and counting — Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championships. And yet, somewhat frighteningly, this team is what he says is without a doubt the deepest one he has ever had. “We have quite a few,” the coach said. “We have our seniors, Ricca Graham especially, our sophomore Nina Crawford, our sophomore T’Reyah Johnson, who both run the 400 [meters], Autumn Johnson and then of course Javonne Antoine, who does an extraordinary job in the jumps. And then we have a freshman in Lauren Morgan and we have about four very talented freshmen who are hopefully going to come out of this group. We have a very large number.” Large enough that he was able to split his team in half last weekend — one portion to the Largo Lion Invitational, the other to the Waldorf Track and Field Classic — and still have Roadrunners returning home with a decent haul of medals. At the Waldorf meet, freshmen Jacqueline Simmons and Gabriella Johnson ﬁnished second and

TOM FEDOR/THE GAZETTE

Riverdale Baptist School’s Brandon Ernest lays down a bunt against host Georgetown Prep on April 3.

There was a time when youth sports were mostly a recreational outlet for children; friends gathered in the park for a pick-up game of baseball, soccer or basketball. But as more emphasis is placed on early specialization, elite travel teams and college scholarships, as youth sports become increasingly commercialized, expenses to participate have risen. “Sports must not become a province of the rich and privileged,” says a banner across the website for Kids Play USA Foundation, a Laurel-based nonprofit organization founded in 2012 by Darryl Hill aimed at breaking the financial barriers that stand between many underserved youth and participating in organized sports. But, for many such organizations geared toward helping children enjoy the benefits of extracurricular activities, the cost for the necessary equipment alone can be a major obstacle. Enter neighboring Montgomery County native Max Levitt and his non-profit, Leveling the Playing Field, Inc. Levitt founded the organization, which provides at-risk children living in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area with sporting equipment in an effort to increase their athletic involvement. The idea for such an organization came to Levitt while he was serving as the Syracuse University

See FOUNDATION, Page A-10

THE GAZETTE

Page A-10

RIVERDALE

Continued from Page A-9 there. I got to play the outﬁeld last year, mainly in left because Matt McPhearson was in center. I tried to watch him and learn from him how to get better at the position.” Riverdale Baptist is 9-1

THIRST

Continued from Page A-9 “[O’Connell] is a great coach to play for and I appreciate everything,” said Kromah, who still maintains a close relationship with his high school coach. They exchange text messages frequently throughout the season. “I learned a lot from him and he really helped me out. ... He was always preaching about just playing hard and not taking any plays off.”

FOUNDATION

Continued from Page A-9 football team’s equipment manager from 2009-11. Most college athletics programs have contracts with certain equipment manufacturers, Levitt said, and the more high proﬁle the program, the money it is worth. For Syracuse, Nike sent about $2 million of equipment annually to spread across its teams. That money doesn’t roll over year after year, so Levitt’s ﬁrst job when he returned to school each summer was to clear out the football team’s equipment shed to make room for new shipments. NCAA regulations make it difficult for colleges to make donations on their own unless approached by an organization; the waste of perfectly good sporting equipment did not sit well with Levitt, he said. Though Leveling the Playing Field is based in Montgomery County,

SETON

Continued from Page A-9 third in the 100 meters in times of 12.56 and 12.65 seconds, re-

Thursday, April 10, 2014 bo

heading to the Cal Ripken Tournament in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Ernest has been a staple of the squad, batting leadoff and playing center ﬁeld in all 10 games. “Brandon really is almost like the embodiment of what our program stands for,” Terrill said. “I can still remember him when he started coming to the

camps. He was always just this small kid that wanted to chase down fly balls, run bases and he could handle the bat. ... He loves the game and he’s an unselfish baseball player.” Ernest, who is hitting .368 with eight runs scored and eight runs batted in, has five sacrifice bunts and stolen six bases. “I just love playing baseball,”

Ernest said. “There are going to be some days when you lead off every time up and you get to swing the bat and then run the bases, maybe steal some. But then there are other days ... when you just have to do the little things to help the team like sac bunts that move guys over. I like when coach gives me the bunt sign. I know that if I lay

down a good bunt I can beat it out and move the runners over.” “He’s such a hard worker, on the ﬁeld and in the classroom,” said Riverdale Baptist assistant coach Ryan Terrill, a former Crusaders’ center fielder who has worked with Ernest the past three seasons and coach’s son. “He’s a 4.0 student and he just shows up every day and prac-

tices hard and plays hard. He doesn’t mind being one of the smallest guys on the team. He plays hard every game and he’s worked very hard to be our starting center ﬁelder and leadoff hitter. Farmingdale is the perfect ﬁt for him next year. He’ll go there and he’ll do really well.”

It was also the third straight year a high school alumnus from Prince George’s County played in college basketball’s premier event at the Final Four (DeMatha Catholic graduate Jerami Grant played in 2013 with Syracuse and former Riverdale Baptist star Thomas Robinson went to the 2012 Final Four with Kansas). “It’s a big deal for us as a program,” said O’Connell, who said he watched several of Kromah’s games this winter on television. “We’re all excited and it

has been awesome watching him change and mature through the years. He’s on the court in crunch time, pressure situations. “His freshman year at Roosevelt he wasn’t even eligible to play. He then finished high school as an honor roll student and five years later, he’s going to have a degree from George Washington and UConn and play in the Final Four. That is pretty cool.” Kromah, a 2009 All-Gazette first team selection as a senior

at Roosevelt, began his journey to a national title at George Washington University, where he started for the most part of three years. He missed the entire 2010-11 season as a sophomore due to a Lisfranc sprain in his left foot. The injury, however, proved to be a blessing since it opened up a year of eligibility he would eventually use to transfer to Connecticut. Kromah, who earned a degree in criminal justice at George Washington, used a NCAA rule that allows for im-

mediate eligibility for ﬁfth-year transfer graduate students that have a year of eligibility remaining. While pursuing a Master’s degree in Education Psychology: Cognitive, Instruction and Learning Technologies, the 6-foot-6, 201-pound guard/ forward immediately became a major contributor at Connecticut. He played in all 40 games for the Huskies, starting 17 and averaging 22.4 minutes and 6.1 points per game. Former George Washington coach Karl Hobbs is an assistant

for second-year Connecticut coach Kevin Ollie. But Kromah, who hopes to play professionally somewhere next season, said his decision to transfer to Connecticut went beyond that; he just had “good conversations” and felt “real comfortable” the program. “Not really,” Kromah said when asked if he could have imagined playing in the Final Four. “... I’m happy with the decision.”

its presence is now rapidly growing in Prince George’s. Levitt said he has an interest in aiding Title I (improving academic achievement of the disadvantaged) schools and has already made equipment donations to the William W. Hall Academy in Capitol Heights. Levitt said he has also been in contact with Hill and is on the brink of working relationships with Kids Play USA, Prince George’s County Boys and Girls Club and the United States Tennis Association, which has a national training center in College Park. “I did a lot of volunteer work with the Jewish Federation growing up and I’ve gone into areas where a lot of kids would kill for [what we were throwing away at Syracuse],” Levitt said. “I started looking deeper into it and in doing research I found out that the cost of sports equipment is a huge barrier for nonproﬁts.” Levitt said he found that

one in ﬁve underserved households are not getting their kids involved in athletics because of the price of equipment. Aside from physical ﬁtness — obesity rates have tripled in the last three decades, according to Level the Playing Field’s news release — athletics possess important mental benefits. According to Levitt, children who participate in athletics are 60 percent less likely to drop out of school. In just a short time, what started off as a small collection of equipment Levitt stored in his parents’ basement has turned into an organization that has donated more than 5,000 sporting items to 35 youth programs in the Washington, D.C., area and impacting nearly 5,550 children, Levitt said. That number is set to rise exponentially after Levitt and Level the Playing Field volunteers cleared out the Montgomery County Recreation Department’s warehouse Sun-

spectively. Morgan claimed gold in the 200 (24.92) and Crawford third in the 400 (59.46). The 400-relay, comprised of three freshmen and a junior, also ﬁnished ﬁrst (48.85) while the

800-relay took bronze (1 minute, 51.82 seconds). Antoine won both the long and triple jumps (17 feet, 7 inches and 39-00, respectively) and added silver in the high jump (4-10).

Prince George’s County Office of Central Services & Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation present

BILL RYAN/THE GAZETTE

Margie Glancz, of Rockville, and project organizer Max Levit collect sports equipment Sunday for Level the Playing Field. day. Leveling the Playing Field was given nearly 4,000 pieces of equipment no longer being used by the county. Sporting equipment costs can add up to thousands of dollars, Levitt said. Lynique Murray with Linkages to Learning in Montgomery County said Leveling the Playing Field’s donations have helped open up the

program’s budget. Whereas Levitt used to spend time calling around for whatever pieces of equipment he could ﬁnd, an average of two organizations per week reach out to him these days, more and more coming from Prince George’s County. In addition to Syracuse, Levitt’s organization has working relationships with

Even with many of the top runners at the Southern Maryland meet, the Largo-bound Roadrunners managed to place fourth in the 1,600-relay (4:13.48), making their mark at both meets on the same day. “Even our freshmen — our babies — and our sophomores are doing really well,” said Graham, who expects to be running for the University of Maryland, Baltimore County next year. “I really like it because it gives everyone an opportunity to run and I don’t have to run in every event. It’s pretty cool.” Most every coach who hopes to win a championship in any league or conference will be

forced to slot his best athletes in the maximum four events allowed. Wilkins’ roster is so replete with top-level talent that this near-unanimous strategy doesn’t apply. “We’re so deep that we can have runners in open events and others in the relays,” he said. “That’s outstanding when you can do that, when you don’t have to have to use your top athletes in the open and relays.” His biggest weakness? The middle-distance events, namely the 800 and 1,600, and even in those two, “that’s probably [eight points], not a 10,” he said. “This will be by far my deepest and most talented team

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kzakour@gazette.net the University of Maryland, College Park, Towson, Gallaudet and Goucher College and he said he intends to add to that list. While donations aren’t an issue, Levitt said seeking corporate funding will be important as his organization and programs continue to grow. He has also joined forces with professional athletes and local teams, including the Washington Redskins and D.C. United, to provide a life skills component with his donations, Levitt said. “Sport is a really good vehicle for teaching,” Levitt said. “There’s always something that can relate to real life. One lesson we’re trying to get across is when facing adversity the last thing you want to do is put your head down, with hard work and determination you can get out of your situation. That goes hand in hand with sports. If you’re losing a game you’re certainly not going to come back if you put your head down and feel bad for yourself.” across the board,” he said. “Bar none.” If the results between the Largo and Waldorf meets were not convincing enough, consider these numbers: Morgan is the top 100 runner in Maryland while Jasmine Robinson, a junior who teams with Morgan on the 400-relay team, is 18th; only ﬁve 100-hurdlers and four 300-hurdlers have logged faster times than Kennedy Holton. Two of the top four triple-jumpers, Antoine and Autumn Robinson, don the Seton red and black as do a pair of the top 12 shot putters, Jourdyn Beverly and Lauren Coleman. “It’s cool,” Morgan said. “I’ve never been a part of an elite team because I did [Catholic Youth League] and CYL wasn’t that competitive.” Sufﬁce it to say that Seton, being the seven-time reigning conference champion, has been officially established as elite. It’s a program that Graham has done her part in building for the past four years, and when she packs up for UMBC, she knows she’ll be leaving it in good hands. “Even our babies — our freshmen — are doing really well,” she said. “It’s great. Lauren [Morgan] is amazing. She’s so good and I’m so proud of her. I can’t wait to see what she’s doing in four years when she is a senior.” tmewhirter@gazette.net

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Tuesday, April 29th, 2014 Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm Location: Bowie Public Library 15210 Annapolis Rd. Bowie, MD 20715

ESTATE PLANNING - No longer are Trusts just for the wealthy! “Will” planning is not enough! Become educated on Probate Avoidance, Federal Estate Tax Avoidance, and Legacy Planning. Decide to choose your own “Legacy”. Have all of your Estate Planning questions answered. LEGACY PLANNING – Allows “you” to decide how an inheritance shall be used whereas it has the greatest impact on a beneficiary’s life and not spent or used haphazardly. ** Call or Email to RSVP seating will be limited **

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1911776

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MOVIE REVIEW

HIGH-FLYING FLAG “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is a soaring, sensational crowd-pleaser.

The Gazette’s Guide to

Arts & Entertainment

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“DIE FLEDERMAUS” COMES TO THE CLARICE SMITH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

PHOTOS BY DYLAN SINGLETON

Katie Baughman plays as Adele and Keith Browning stars as Dr. Falke in the Maryland Opera Studio’s production of “Die Fledermaus” at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. BY

WILL C. FRANKLIN

STAFF WRITER

e’ve all been there — a friend does something that really, really embarrasses you and you vow sweet, sweet revenge on them. Sometimes the plan can be simple. Other times, the plot is extremely elaborate, involving multiple parties and scenarios. When Eisenstein leaves his drunken friend, Dr. Falke, in the middle of town to be mocked and laughed at the following morning, Falke spends a year coming up with the perfect revenge. That Falke was dressed up like a

DIE FLEDERMAUS n When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Wednesday and April 19; 5 p.m. Sunday n Where: Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, College Park n Tickets: $10-$25 n For information: 301-405-2787; claricesmithcenter.umd.edu

giant bat when he was left to be ridiculed probably didn’t help his ego. Thus puts in motion Johann Strauss II’s hilarious operetta, “Die Fledermaus,” which is being brought

See BEWARE, Page B-3

Not just another jazz star n

Popular ﬂutist Sherry Winston to entertain at arts center

BY SAMANTHA SCHMIEDER SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

HERITAGE FILM FESTIVAL

The Heritage Film Festival returns to Bowie this weekend, showcasing short ﬁlms created by ﬁlmmakers of all ages.

Heritage Film Festival returns n

‘Generational’ program attracts ﬁlmmakers young and old BY SAMANTHA SCHMIEDER SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

The Ninth Annual Heritage Film Festival will return to South Bowie Library on April 17 with the theme “Looking to the Future/Honoring the Past,” featuring short ﬁlms created by students and adults from Prince George’s County and

around the world. The ﬁlm festival runs Thursday evening to Saturday with the average piece having a run time spanning from one to ten minutes. Founder and director O.F. Makarah, a transplant from Los Angeles, launched the festival when she was new to Prince George’s County, and desired to be surrounded with ﬁlms once again. “I’m from L.A. and I so very much

See HERITAGE, Page B-3

Sherry Winston plans to mesmerize the audience at the Montpelier Arts Center on Friday with her jazz-fusion ﬂute renditions of popular songs, such as Beyonce’s “Naughty Girl,” as well as some classics. Winston said that she plays smooth, light, melodic jazz, which she thinks is something that everyone can enjoy, including children. While the kids may PHOTO BY PINDERHUGHES

really want to hear some Beyonce, others can get excited for her rendition of “Another Star” by the legendary Stevie Wonder. “I just want people to enjoy the music and have fun,” Winston said. Although originally from

New York, Winston now lives in Connecticut and explained that she regularly travels to the Washington, D.C. area to play at private events, but hasn’t had a public show here for a while. Winston is often hired to be the musical entertainment at private parties, receptions and dinners for different companies and non-proﬁt organizations. “I’m pretty much my own agent. I reach out to people, I

See JAZZ, Page B-3

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY’S ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR For a free listing, please submit complete information to noravec@ gazette.net at least 10 days in advance of desired publication date. High-resolution color images (500KB minimum) in jpeg format should be submitted when available. THEATER & STAGE Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Maryland Opera Studio: Die Fledermaus, 7:30 p.m. April 11; University Chorale: Spring Concert, 8 p.m. April 11; Shared Graduate Dance Concert, 3 p.m. April 12; Maryland Opera Studio: A Night in Old Vienna, 7 p.m. April 12; Shared Graduate Dance Concert, 7:30 p.m. April 12, University of Maryland, College Park, claricesmithcenter.umd.edu. Harmony Hall Regional Center, Concert and Casino Night, 7:30 p.m. April 12, call for prices, 10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, 301-203-6070, arts.pgparks. com. Greenbelt Arts Center, alight dance

company, season preview and dance concert, 8 p.m. April 11-12, call for prices, Greenbelt Arts Center, 123 Centerway, Greenbelt, 301-441-8770, www.greenbeltartscenter.org. Joe’s Movement Emporium, More Than I Expected, 7 p.m. April 10; Boundless Eclectic presents Journey into Freedom, 7 p.m. April 11; Climate Change and Food Gardening, 4:30-6 p.m. April 13, 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mount Rainier, 301699-1819, www.joesmovement.org. Laurel Mill Playhouse, “You Can’t Take it With You,” to April 15, call for ticket prices, times, Laurel Mill Playhouse, 508 Main St., Laurel, 301-452-2557, www.laurelmillplayhouse.org. Montpelier Arts Center, Chelsey Green and The Green Project, noon, April 10; Sherry Winston, Contemporary Jazz Flute, 8 p.m. April 11, 9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, 301-377-7800, arts.pgparks.com. Prince George’s Little Theatre, “The Fox on the Fairway,” May 2-18, call for tickets and show times, Bowie Playhouse, 16500 White Marsh Park Drive, Bowie, 301-937-7458, www.pglt.org. Publick Playhouse, Global Beat: Washington Korean Dance Company, 4 p.m. April 12, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly,

301-277-1710, arts.pgparks.com. 2nd Star Productions, “Hello Dolly,” May 30 to June 9, Bowie Playhouse, 16500 White Marsh Park Drive, Bowie, call for prices, times, 410-757-5700, 301-832-4819, www.2ndstarproductions.com. Tantallon Community Players, “Annie,” May 23 to June 8, Harmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, 301-262-5201, www.tantallonstage.com.

VISUAL ARTS Brentwood Arts Exchange, “Exchanged III:” New work by Graduate and Undergraduate students at George Mason University and James Madison University, April 26, 3901 Rhode Island Ave., Brentwood, 301-277-2863, arts.pgparks.com. David C. Driskell Center, “Charles White - Heroes: Gone But Not Forgotten,” to May 23, University of Maryland, College Park. www.driskellcenter.umd.edu. New Deal Cafe, Jenny Chau, March through April, opening reception from 7-9 p.m. March 30, 113 Centerway Road, Greenbelt. 301-474-5642, www.newdewalcafe.com. University of Maryland University Col-

Complete calendar online at www.gazette.net

lege, Printmaking: Faculty Art Invitational 2014, to June 1, 3501 University Blvd., Adelphi, 301-985-7937, www.umuc.edu/ art.

NIGHTLIFE New Deal Café, Mid-day Melodies with Amy C. Kraft, noon, April 10; Open Mic with James and Martha, 7 p.m. April 10; John Guernsey, 6:30 p.m. April 11-12; InTone Nation, 8 p.m. April 11; Bruce Kritt, 4 p.m. April 12; ilyAIMY, 8 p.m. April 12; Fez Tones Halfa, 6 p.m. April 13, 113 Centerway Road, 301-474-5642, www. newdealcafe.com. Old Bowie Town Grill, Wednesday Night Classic Jam, 8 p.m. every Wednesday, sign-ups start at 7:30 p.m., 8604 Chestnut Ave., Bowie, 301-464-8800, www. oldbowietowngrille.com.

OUTDOORS Dinosaur Park, Dinosaur Park programs, noon to 4 p.m. ﬁrst and third Saturdays, join paleontologists and volunteers in interpreting fossil deposits, 13200 block Mid-Atlantic Blvd., Laurel, 301-627-7755. Mount Rainier Nature Center, Toddler

Time: hands-on treasures, crafts, stories and soft play, 11 a.m. to noon Thursdays, age 5 and younger free, 4701 31st Place, Mount Rainier, 301-927-2163. Prince George’s Audubon Society, Bird Walks, 7:30 a.m. ﬁrst Saturdays, Fran Uhler Natural Area, meets at end of Lemon Bridge Road, north of Bowie State University, option to bird nearby WB&A Trail afterward; 7:30 a.m. third Saturdays, Governor Bridge Natural Area, Governor Bridge Road, Bowie, meet in parking lot; for migrating and resident woodland and ﬁeld birds, and waterfowl. For beginners and experts. Waterproof footwear and binoculars suggested. Free. 410-765-6482.

ET CETERA College Park Aviation Museum, Peter Pan Club, 10:30-11:30 a.m. second and fourth Thursdays of every month, activities for pre-schoolers, $4, $3 seniors, $2 ages 2-18; Afternoon Aviators, 2-4:30 p.m. Fridays, hands-on aviation-themed activities for age 5 and up, $4, $3 seniors, $2 ages 2-18, events free with admission, 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park, 301-864-6029, www.collegeparkaviationmuseum.com.

Cinderella story gets remixed at Imagination Stage Psalmayene 24 rounds out trilogy with message of girl empowerment

BY KIRSTEN PETERSEN SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

Imagination Stage in Bethesda is putting a new spin on the Cinderella story, transforming the traditional rags-toriches tale into a celebration of girl power with its upcoming production of “Cinderella: The Remix.” The show, which opens for previews Wednesday, is the story of a young girl who is talented on the turntables but is forbidden from mixing beats beyond her step-mama’s basement — she lives in Hip-Hop Hollywood, where girls aren’t

allowed to DJ and “fronting,” or acting like something you’re not, is a crime. When the famous performer J Prince holds auditions for his Jam — Hip-Hop Hollywood’s equivalent to a ball at the castle — Cinderella disguises herself as a boy to get a shot at pursuing her dream of becoming a DJ. “In this version, Cinderella learns she doesn’t need to lean on a prince to rise above her station and live out her dreams,” said Katy Carkuff, who plays Cinderella’s best friend, Chin Chilla. “She ﬁnds the strength and the talent within herself.” “Cinderella: The Remix” is the ﬁnal production in The HipHop Children’s Trilogy, a trio of shows written and directed by playwright Psalmayene 24 that explores the past, present and future of hip-hop culture. The

CINDERELLA: THE REMIX n When: April 9 to May 25 (contact theater for show times) n Where: Imagination Stage, 5908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda n Tickets: $10-$30 n For information: 301-280-1660, imaginationstage.com

ﬁrst play, “Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth,” is a fictional account of how hiphop got its start. The second, “P.Nokio: A Hip-Hop Musical,” is a hip-hop adaptation of Pinocchio, but this time the puppet is a video game character who also aspires to become a “real boy.”

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“Cinderella” explores Psalmayene 24’s vision for the future of hip-hop. He believes that a stronger presence of girls and women participating in hiphop music would encourage a positive and healthy future for hip-hop culture. “Right now the numbers are pretty sad in terms of boys to girls and men to women in hiphop,” Psalmayene 24 said. “If we have more girls involved we would just get a wider breadth in terms of subject matter, and I feel like that would help the culture grow in ways that I don’t think are really possible without women being involved.” “Cinderella: The Remix” is not a traditional musical — hiphop beats will be mixed during the show and instead of singing, the actors will be rapping, Psalmayene 24 said. The show was written for young children, so Psalmayene 24 knows he’ll also have parents and grandparents in the audience who may have preconceptions about hiphop music. “What is gratifying is actually having the opportunity to use hip-hop music in a way that people haven’t heard it articulated before,” Psalmayene 24 said. “It’s sort of like a hip-hop appreciation class for people who are not in the culture because they get a chance to hear it with new ears.” Psalmayene 24 said a conﬁdent, diverse cast is essential to conveying the message of empowerment to young girls. “They’ll see women on stage

IMAGINATION STAGE

Chocolate Ice (Mark Hairston) likes the beats Cinderella (Paige Hernandez) is playing in ‘Cinderella: The Remix’ at Imagination Stage April 9 to May 25. who are not only excellent actors but who also have a great facility for hip-hop performance,” Psalmayene 24 said. “I think oftentimes you don’t see people who look like you or are the same gender or color as you or from the same background as you. I want girls to feel like they have the ability to enter this culture of hip-hop and not secondguess themselves or think, ‘It’s not for me.’” This is especially important for Paige Hernandez, who plays Cinderella. She said she was exposed to the arts as a child but did not see people on stage “that looked like me or talked like me.” “What I enjoy most about performing for young children is the seeds I’m able to plant

in their very impressionable minds,” Hernandez said. “Being an adult artist and bringing this all to the stage is important to me.” Hernandez said she hopes her performance will show young girls that there is always a time to be yourself and that individuality makes you beautiful. “I think this is a fantastic fairy tale to re-imagine, especially with the way Psalm has done it because it’s not a romantic story at all. It’s about empowerment and that’s what hip-hop is all about — empowering the community and blurring the lines,” Hernandez said. “Even if you feel like you’re fronting and putting up a facade, there’s nothing wrong with being yourself and having your own perfect ending.”

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THE GAZETTE

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BEWARE

Continued from Page B-1 to life by the Maryland Opera Studio as part of the School of Music at the University of Maryland in College Park. The show, being staged at the Kay Theatre at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, is set to run four nights, starting Friday. “Dr. Falke [plots revenge], and sets about this in a number of ways,” said director Nick Olcott, who serves as the interim director of the Maryland Opera Studio. “[He gets] Eisenstein’s wife to a party, his maids to a party and he has him humiliated by both. His wife is pretending to be a Hungarian countess that [Eisenstein] tries to seduce, and his maid is pretending to be a grand lady who he insults.” One of the interesting aspects of “Die Fledermaus,” is that unlike most operas, there is actual dialogue to accompany the songs. For the performance at Clarice Smith, the spoken parts will be in English, but the songs will be sung in German. Keith Browning, who plays Falke, said his knowledge of the German language has increased exponentially since his involvement with the show.

JAZZ

Continued from Page B-1 have many rolodexes ﬁlled with names,” Winston said with a laugh. For the Montpelier show, a six-piece band made up entirely of D.C. area musicians will accompany Winston. She said that during her performances she enjoys walking out into the crowd and getting everyone invested in the music. “I try to have a message for the audience, something that’s uplifting,” Winston said. “Besides just playing music I try to tell stories about the music I’m playing.” Winston was surrounded by jazz music her whole life and played flute all throughout school. As a senior in high school she realized she wanted to study music and decided to attend Howard University because she wanted to be at a traditionally black university. Although she entered the school playing classical jazz, she ended up shifting her focus towards the jazz-fusion she plays now. “I really like meeting people afterwards and hearing how they feel about the music and if they’ve been affected one way

HERITAGE

Continued from Page B-1 missed the community of artists that I was associated with there,” Makarah said. “Sometimes if you want something done, you have to do it yourself. I had an idea, I thought about it and developed it.” Makarah brought her idea to Robert Barshay, the former dean of liberal arts at Prince George’s Community College, and he immediately wanted to get behind it. The festival was held at the college for seven years until Barshay’s retirement, when The Heritage Film Festival moved to the South Bowie Library. “One thing that makes us unique, and I’m very proud of this, is our festival is free for people to attend,” Makarah said, adding that in lieu of admission, guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Bowie Interfaith Pantry and Emergency Aid Fund. Makarah explained that planning a film festival is a year-round effort and she is already planning for next year’s tenth anniversary. Opening ceremonies for this year’s fest are at 6 p.m. on Thursday followed by its newest program, “Viral Video Viewing: Our Best Picks from the Web,” at 2 p.m. Friday. The Heritage Film Festival will conclude at 2 p.m. Saturday with a Student Film Program, featuring short films from students ranging from elementary school to universities. “We try to show as much student work as possible. It’s rough sometimes, but it never fails. After every piece from a student, the audience claps and yells, no matter what it was like, and you see the look on their face and they’re so happy about it,” Makarah said. She explained that the film festival draws participants of all ages, calling it “generational.” Makarah said that they really consider this a festival for every-

“This language happens to be my favorite language to sing in,” Browning said. “It hasn’t really been work. It’s just been more enjoyable to work on a language that I actually enjoy singing and speaking in.” All of the students in the show were required to take a German diction class. Browning, who has plans to move to Vienna in a few years to work, is also taking private lessons from a German tutor. “Opera singers don’t usually have to speak lines in their own language or in another language,” Olcott said. “That is a big challenge for them. Actors, of course, do it all the time. Opera singers don’t. We really had to work on the dialogue much more than you’d have to with actors. “However, opera singers are very used to going from one language to another and it becomes almost seamless. Part of our program’s emphasis is making sure that when they’re singing in another language, they know exactly what they’re saying and that they’re using the words the way a native speaker would.” More than anything else, Browning said he’s had a great time playing the “puppet master” in the show. Of course, it’s also the first show in which

Browning has had to act completely drunk, too. “It’s a really fun experiment to just let everything go and act as crazy as you would, like a New Year’s Eve party, on stage in front of everyone just completely plastered,” Browning said. “In terms of other aspects of the show, I’m having a lot of fun doing something opera singers don’t usually do [with spoken dialogue] … This has been a great exercise for all of us.” Olcott said the show does have a reafﬁrming feel for all those involved, especially Falke and his wife. Unlike most revenge operas, however, “Die Fledermaus,” just provides a silly, good time for all. “So many operas are about deep, dark, bloody revenge. This one is just about someone who’s just getting even for a practical joke on a friend. It has a very lighthearted look on friendship.”

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DYLAN SINGLETON

Alec Donaldson stars as Gabriel von Eisenstein while Madeline Cain takes on the role of Rosalinde in the Maryland Opera Studio’s production of “Die Fledermaus.”

JAZZ FLUTIST SHERRY WINSTON n When: 8 p.m. Friday n Where: Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd., Laurel n Tickets: $25 per person n For information: arts. pgparks.com/Our_Facilities/ Montpelier_Arts_Center.htm

or another, or affected by something I’ve said on stage,” she said. In addition to her shows and recordings, Winston is also working on a book, “For Lovers Only.” She explained that the book is something she has been working on for a while and is guide, of sorts, on what to do when a guest comes over and how to make a home feel warm and inviting. During her concerts, Winston likes to bring up following dreams and going through with the things that people really want to do in life, as she is. “I talk a lot about living your dream and if what I have to say inspired them to start to really go after that, I feel really happy about that,” Winston said.

THE HERITAGE FILM FESTIVAL n When: April 17-19 n Where: South Bowie Library, 15301 Hall Road n Tickets: Free, but attendees are encourages to bring a non-perishable food donation n For information: http://www. heritageﬁlm-videofest.org/

one because everyone can ﬁnd something they like. “You may be watching a piece that you can’t get into, but then if you wait a minute there may be something that strikes you,” Makarah said.

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CITY OF MOUNT RAINIER NOTICE OF PROPOSED REAL PORPERTY TAX INCREASE The Mayor and City Council of the City of Mount Rainier, Maryland, proposes to increase real property taxes. 1. For the tax year beginning July 1, 2014, the estimated real property assessable base will increase by 0.9%, from $337,420,516 to $340,586,039. 2. If the City of Mount Rainier maintains the current tax rate of $0.86 per $100 of assessment, real property tax revenues will increase by 0.9% resulting in $27,223 of new real property tax revenues. 3. In order to fully offset the effect of increasing assessments the real property tax rate should be reduced to $0.8520, the constant yield tax rate. 4. The City is considering not reducing its real property tax rate enough to fully offset increasing assessments. The City proposes to adopt a real property tax rate of $0.86 per $100 of assessment. This tax rate is 0.9% higher than the constant yield tax rate and will generate $27,223 in additional property tax revenues. A public hearing on the proposed real property tax increase will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 in the City Council Chambers – Upper Level at Mount Rainier City Hall, One Municipal Place, Mount Rainier, MD 20712. The hearing is open to the public and public testimony is encouraged. 1884565

Persons with questions regarding this hearing may call (301) 985-6585 for further information.

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AT THE MOVIES

Truth, justice and the ‘Captain America’ way Steve Rogers keeps his courtly charm, but violence escalates

MICHAEL PHILLIPS CHICAGO TRIBUNE

“Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is a better-than-average Marvel superhero bash, intriguingly plotted and pretty clever in its speculations about 21st-century life for Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, the greatest of the Greatest Generation warriors, as he contends with contemporary American geopolitical ideals run amok. The movie does its duty. It’s a reliable commodity, delivered efficiently and well, like pizza. In its frenzied action style and overall visual approach, the film is interestingly different from the first “Captain America,” my favorite of the Marvel franchisees alongside the first “Iron Man,” which has been carbon-dated to a time when Robert Downey Jr. seemed like novel casting. But I’d be lying if I said I enjoyed “Captain America” 2 as much as I did “Captain America” the first. Many are praising the sequel for its harsh realism and frenetic approach to hand-to-hand

combat, both in staging and editing. The directors are siblings Anthony and Joe Russo, who haven’t made a feature since “You, Me and Dupree” eight years ago, but who are about to become big deals in Hollywood thanks to the inevitable success of this thing. (They’re already attached to a sequel.) The new “Captain America” copies the pummeling sales tactics of “The Avengers,” which made a billion-and-a-half dollars worldwide two years ago. May 2015 brings the sequel to that all-star variety show, to be titled “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” It’s beginning to feel as if the Age of Ultron, which could be another name for Hollywood’s Marvel-dominant era, will never end. Long after life on Earth has been extinguished, there’ll still be an “Iron Man” sequel coming out the following spring. This “Captain America” works for several reasons, beginning with the script by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. It pauses occasionally to remind us that these are supposed to be human beings, however genetically enhanced, coping with real-world problems of trust and job insecurity, and battling trauma and ﬁsh-

PHOTO BY ZADE ROSENTHAL

Chris Evans stars as Captain America in “Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” out-of-water loneliness. Chris Evans is back as Rogers, who is now 95 years old but looks 30ish thanks to the deepfreeze process initiated by his S.H.I.E.L.D. overseers, led by eye-patched and anger-fueled Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), whose temperament suggests he’ll someday be revealed to be the real Incredible Hulk. The ﬁrst “Captain America” was set in and around World War II, with Cappy and his boomerang-y shield ﬁghting the sinister forces

of Hydra. “The Winter Soldier” follows Cap into the present day, alongside Scarlett Johansson’s wily S.H.I.E.L.D. operative Black Widow. Their nemesis is the Soviet supersoldier known as the Winter Soldier, who is in fact none other than … a fellow named Spoiler Alert. There’s the tiniest hint of a romance, though Black Widow is plainly too much for Rogers’ emotional circuitry to handle. The new day that Rogers/Cappy must negotiate is one of rampant,

escalating paranoia — never much of an aphrodisiac. Robert Redford lightens the film’s load as the trusted, respected, well-tailored S.H.I.E.L.D. overseer who’s mixed up in the World Security Council. America’s latest secret weapons, hiding deep beneath the surface of Washington, D.C., are a trio of flying battleships armed to the teeth and able to kill “a thousand hostiles a minute,” Fury mentions to a skeptical Rogers. Soon our hero is hung out to dry by his own team, and like a Redford character in a ’70s thriller, he doesn’t know whom to believe. The short list of the trustworthy includes an Army paratrooper played by Anthony Mackie. With a pair of sleek metal wings he transforms into the Falcon. Mackie’s a real asset here, and in general the cast is fully engaged, with only trace elements of sequel-itis afflicting the tenor of the storytelling. They find ways to deliver the welcome wisecrack or the leavening zinger just so, before the next round of slaughter begins. The worldwide success of these movies is in their superheroics, of course, and in the crazy degree of overkill involved. There is no “just

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER n 3 stars n PG-13; 136 minutes n Cast: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Redford n Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo

enough” in today’s computergenerated Marvel marvels; there is only “too much.” And there’s a stealth element of hypocrisy in a ﬁlm like “The Winter Soldier,” which bemoans America’s bloodthirsty, weapons-mad impulses even as it exploits all the hardware and an obscene body count for fun and proﬁt. Something about even a good Marvel movie is starting to feel a little bit enough-already. But in “Captain America” 2 at least our own skepticism and ambivalence regarding where it’s all going is mirrored by a protagonist who favors swing-era standards, even if his buddy Falcon has the excellent taste to recommend he give Marvin Gaye’s “Trouble Man” a listen, too.

Everything shipshape at Port City Brewing Since 2011, Alexandria brewery has expanded capacity each year to meet growing demand n

Port City Brewing was the ﬁrst bottling brewery to open in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area since the close of Old Dominion Brewing. The

BREWS BROTHERS STEVEN FRANK AND ARNOLD MELTZER brewery’s name derives from Alexandria’s origins as an important colonial seaport, which later became a major brewing center. Owner Bill Butcher recognized that Washington was the only large metropolitan area without a production brewery and decided to ﬁll that vacuum, opening in February 2011. Jonathan Reeves, a brewer with 17 years experience, was Butcher’s first hire. Reeves helped design and install the brewery and develops the beer recipes. Since its opening, brewing at Port City has increased

from 3000 barrels the ﬁrst year to about 9000 barrels in its third year of operation. Port City has expanded its capacity each year to meet this growing demand and now is able to produce 14,000 barrels at its Alexandria industrial area location. The facility has a tap room with between 8 and 14 different beers on draft for visitors, which average about 800 to 1000 each week. The brewery is open for visitors and tours on ThursdaySunday with hours posted on its website, http://www.portcitybrewing.com. The tapping area provides a tasting glass and six samples for $9, as well as pint. About 40 percent of Port City’s beer is bottled, with the remainder distributed in kegs and sold in growlers at the brewery. Port City’s distribution includes the metro area, South Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, New York City and Quebec, Canada.. Port City brews ﬁve beers on a year around basis: Essential Pale Ale, Monumental IPA, Porter, Optimal Wit and Downright Pilsner. Periodically, the brewery makes an oyster stout using 3000 locally grown oysters

BREWS BROTHERS

Port City is the Washington, D.C. metro area’s ﬁrst production brewing facility since the closing of Old Dominion. and oyster shells per batch, with part of the proceeds going to an oyster recovery program for the Chesapeake Bay. Seasonals include Tartan Ale (Scottish Ale) in the spring, an American-style Bitter for the summer, Oktoberfest in the fall and a spiced Tidings Ale, using Maryland wildﬂower honey as its holiday

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offering. Optimal Wit, a bottle conditioned beer and the brewery’s best seller, won a gold medal at the 2013 Great American Beer Festival. The brewery also took four other medals. Porter (7.2 percent alcohol by volume, ABV) has an alluring aroma of roast, coffee and dark fruit which leads into a front showing muted roast, a splash of dark fruit and a soupcon of chocolate. The roast increases a tad in middle while adding both a nuanced vinous quality and a tempered bitterness. The roast and coffee grow to medium in the finish with restrained dark fruit emerging. All blend into the aftertaste with roast and dark fruit continuing and a subtle chocolate appearing. Ratings: 8/8. Monumental IPA (6.3 percent ABV) has a bitter hop, fruit and citric bouquet. The slight bitter and sweet malt front continues into the middle with the malt coming to the front. In the finish, the bitter hops battle back with some added floral hops to see-saw with the sweetness of the malt. Both last through the aftertaste and linger in this balanced IPA. Ratings: 8.5/9. Essential Pale Ale (5.5 percent ABV) has a grapefruit and bitter hop nose. The soft, sweet caramel malt front segues into a middle where the malt increases and mild bitter hops join along with notes of grapefruit. The hops grow to medium in the complex finish but are nicely balanced by the malt while the grapefruit flavor becomes quite strong. The malt fades in the aftertaste as the bitterness and grapefruit linger. Ratings: 8/8. Optimal Wit (5 percent ABV) is the brewery’s top seller. Optimal Wit had a nose of yeast, orange zest, lemon and coriander. The light lemon front grows slightly in the middle joined by a touch of orange sweetness. The finish adds a hint of pepper. A note of clove arises in the AT as the lemon and pepper remain. Ratings: 7/7.5.

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THE GAZETTE

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THE GAZETTE

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Thursday, April 10, 2014 bo

Being Green

NOT TO BE

missed

Chelsey Green and The Green Project

CHELSEY GREEN

Chelsey Green

will perform in concert at noon today as part of the Smooth Sounds for Seniors at Montpelier. Green, a violinist, Peabody Conservatory alumna and former Strathmore Artist-in-Residence, combines classical sounds with original works and styles spanning R&B to soul and Latin to gospel, among many others. Tickets are $12. Green also will perform in concert on July 19 at the Bethesda Blues and Jazz Club in Bethesda, Md. For more information, visit arts.pgparks.com. Visit chelseygreen.com.

Acoustic rockers ilyAIMY (I love you And I Miss You) will perform in concert on Saturday at the New Deal Cafe in Greenbelt. Hot off the release of the double disc set “Another Life / Another Live,” the Baltimore-based band — founded by Rob Hinkal and Heather Lloyd — recently celebrated their 10th year of touring the United States. Also performing will be Eli Conley. The show begins at 8 p.m. For more information, visit newdealcafe.com.

‘With You’ always Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman’s uproarious Pulitzer Prize-winner “You Can’t Take it With You” closes this weekend at the Laurel Mill Playhouse. Join the affable, aloof Sycamore family for

one last hurrah, as they entertain the well-to-do Kirby’s in the name of true love. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. For more information, visit laurelmillplayhouse.org.

Points of view Artwork created by George Mason and James Madison University students will remain on view to April 26 as part of the exhibit “Exchanged III” at the Brentwood Arts Exchange. The acclaimed

exhibit has culled students from both universities together in the Gateway Arts District for the ﬁrst time for an eclectic collection running the gamuts of both media and viewpoints. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, visit arts.pgparks.com. JENNIFER WHITE-JOHNSON

Rob Hinkal and Heather Lloyd are the duo at the heart of ilyAIMY, performing Saturday at Greenbelt’s New Deal Cafe.

Professional Services Call 301-670-7106

BANKRUPTCY THE LAW OFFICES OF

RICHARD B. ROSENBLATT, PG

1910559

1910556

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LOAN MODIFICATION

• Chapter 7, 11 & 13 • General Litigation • Tax Debt • Divorce • Traffic/DUI-MVA • Criminal FREE CONSULTATION • PAYMENT PLANS SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

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FREE CONSULTATION * PAYMENT PLANS GD27311

301-279-0303 ext. 368 Also representing clients in Personal Injury and DUI cases.

1910557

We are a debt relief agency.We help people file for bankruptcy relief.

Thursday, April 10, 2014 bo

Page B-7

Classifieds Call 301-670-7100 or email class@gazette.net

FARM: SPORTSMANS LAND BARGAIN.

Large 1 BR, 1B, Parking, Pool, TC, $1200, UTILITIES INCLUDED!!! Please call: 301697-1867

SILVER SPRING : Dwntwn Flower Ave. Unfurn 2br 1ba Apt. HOC Welcome $1250 202-246-1977

FREDERICK:

16.17 ACRES just $64,832 TOP-OF-THE WORLD VIEWS! NEAR RIVERFRONT PARK Just in time for spring turkey hunting! This large acreage parcel has stately hardwoods and level land. Only 3 miles to river with all the bass you can catch, plus a short drive to blueribbon trout fishing. Perfect for camp or cabin. New perc, survey, ALL mineral rights & warranty deed for peace of mind. Easy financing for easy ownership. CALL NOW 1-800-888-1262.

Large Luxury Condo Frederick MD 3 Bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, 1944sf condo in private setting just minutes from Wegman’s! This condo is 4 years old with many upgrades and includes a breakfast room/den, large balcony,on site storage room, washer and dryer, central air, SPRING LAND additional storage unit SALE! 2+AC only on property, huge walk $21,900 PUBLIC in closets, master bath WATER. 14 AC Just with dual sinks, as- $59,900 River Access. signed underground Level, mountain top parking, elevator, parcels w/park - like community pool and hardwood & sweeping sports area. (and great mtn/valley views. Enneighbors) Please call joy easy access to 301-228-2938 for ap- boating, skiiing, fishing, shopping, more. pointment. $315,000 Includes all mineral rights & warranty deed. Just in time for spring outdoor enjoyment! Little down fiADELPHI: 2 Br 1BA nancing, great rates. large condo. $1295 uti CALL NOW 1-800inc + SD & Move In 888-1262. Fees, Front Desk. Ref req. 240-418-5693

ADELPHI: 2Br, 1Ba,

w/balcony, $1300 + elec. (inc water & gas) DISCOVER 1 mon SD, 301-503- DELAWARE’S RE1421 or 301-385-4802 SORT LIVING Avail. 05/17 WITHOUT RE-

OXON HILL

1BR

Condo $1100/mo + sec, all utilities. Partially furnished. Call Wayne 301-343-2427.

SORT PRICING!

MYRTLE BEACH:

Condo 3br 2ba, Slps 8. HDTV & free wifi Free Golf, Tennis & Ammens. $785/per week. 301-977-4227

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com ORL/DISNEY: 3mi frm Disney 5br/4fba furn home daily/wkly slps 12/Pool www.floridasu nshine.com/quintero. htm or Quintemar2 @gmail.com

ADOPTION- A Lov-

ing alternative to unplanned pregnancy. You choose the family for your child. Receive pictures/info of waiting/approved couples. Living expense assistance. 1-866236-7638

TOP CASH PAID FOR OLD GUITARS ! 1920’s thru

1980’s. Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D’Angelico, Stromberg, and Gibson Mandolins/Banjos. 1-800-401-0440

WANTED TO PURCHASE Antiques & TOP CA$H PAID FOR OLD ROLEX, PATEK PHILIPPE & CARTIER WATCHES! Daytona, Submariner, GmtMaster, Explorer, Milgauss, Day Date, etc. 1-800-401-0440

Fine Art, 1 item Or Entire Estate Or Collection, Gold, Silver, Coins, Jewelry, Toys, Oriental Glass, China, Lamps, Books, Textiles, Paintings, Prints almost anything old Evergreen Auctions 973-818-1100. Email evergreenauction@hot mail.com

CITY OF SEAT PLEASANT LEGISLATION ADOPTED CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL SESSION MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2014 RESOLUTION R-14-11 Acquisition of Real Property – 5718 Martin Luther King, Jr. Highway

DAMASCUS: 3BR

rm in SFH, $550/mo utils incl Free Cable. It’s Available now! Call: 301-509-3050

City Hall 6301 Addison Road Seat Pleasant, Maryland 20743-2125 (4-10-14)

INDIVIDUALS WITH GOOD COMMUNITY/ SCHOOL CONTACTS wanted to

place and supervise 15 students from Spain for short term program in July or August in your own community. Good additional income. Email resume or letter of interest to: GLOBAL FRIENDSHIPS, INC. FAX -410-861-8144 EMAIL jtarlow@globalfriend ships.com

GERM: Male 1Br in

$2,000.00+ Per Week! New Credit Card Ready Drink-Snack Vending Machines. Minimum $4K to $40K+ Investment Required. Locations Available. BBB Accredited Business. (800) 962-9189

w/ priv ba in SFH for female only $650/m util incl.mins to AAFB call (301) 856- 0849

MITCHELLVILLE:

SFH, 5Br, 3.5Ba, 3 lvl, fin bsmt, 2 car grg, nr school, lrg deck/yrd, $2900 301-343-1470

TH Share bath & kitchen $450 ut inc Nr MARC/Buses, Ref’s Req. 240-370-2301

GREENBLT: M shr n/s/p sfh $450+$475+ $495+quiet,conv, Maid Serv, Sec Dep, walk to NASA 301-983-3210 HYATTSVILLE: 2

Br, 1 Ba, Kitchenette in bsmt. Close to Metro & Shops. N/s, N/p $1,100. 240-505-2335

20 ACRES $0 Down, Only Rm in LANHAM$119/mo. Owner bsmnt with/priv bath, Financing, NO CREDIT shared kit/laun, $650 CHECKS! Near El utils inclu, near metro Paso, Texas. Beautiful call 240-640-2585 Mountain Views! Money Back Guarantee. LAUREL: 2BR & Call 866-882-5263 Full bath on top floor Ext. 81 www.sunset of home. Share kitchranches.net en laundry. $900/MO + dep 301-379-3402. WATERFRONT LOTS Virginia’s Eastern Shore SIL SPRG: bsmt apt pvt entrance, full kit, Was $325K Now from bath, LR, BR, $875 util $65,000 - Community incl; sec dep $250 Center/Pool. 1 acre+ NS/NP 240-353-8746 lots, Bay & Ocean Access, Great Fishing, Crabbing, Kayaking. SILVER SPRING: Near Forest Glen MetCustom Homes ro $450 avail www.oldemill 4/15.Shared Util,Kitch, pointe.com 757-824bath (301)404-2681 0808

Basement Systems Inc. Call us for all of your basement needs! Waterproofing? Finishing? Structural Repairs? Humidity and Mold Control FREE ESTIMATES! Call 1888-698-8150

ALL THINGS BASEMENTY!

Basement Systems Inc. Call us for all of your basement needs! Waterproofing? Finishing? Structural Repairs? Humidity and Mold Control FREE ESTIMATES! Call 1888-698-8150

$19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 800-278-1401

Copies of this legislation are available from the Office of the City Clerk at:

$1400/ 2BR $1150 +util NS/NP, W/D New Carpet, Paint, Deck & Patio, 301-250-8385 CLINTON- Furn bdrm w/ priv ba in SFH for OLNEY: 3 bedroom, female only $650/m 2 and 1/2 bath util incl.mins to AAFB Townhome. NO PETS, call (301) 856- 0849 NO smoking in unit . $1,900/mon. Call 301922-4190 leave a GERMANTOWN Mature Male, Furn message. BRs. Util not incl. Near 61 Bus Line. Maria 301-916-8158

CLINTON- Furn bdrm

ALL THINGS BASEMENTY!

FOR the purpose of ratifying, confirming, and approving The City of Seat Pleasant’s (the “City”) purchase of the real property located at 5718 Martin Luther King, Jr. Highway owned by Jean Marie Gaskins and Crusaders World Revival Church (the “Property”); ONE CALL, DOES ratifying, confirming, and approving the March 6, 2014 Contract of IT ALL! FAST AND Sale for the purchase thereof in the amount of $430,000; ratifying, RELIABLE ELECconfirming, and approving the leases for the Property to the exist- TRICAL REPAIRS ing tenants; and authorizing the City Administrator to do all things & INSTALLAnecessary and incidental to consummating the City’s purchase of TIONS. Call 1-800908-8502 the Property and the City’s lease thereof to the existing tenants.

Milder winters & Low Taxes! Gated Community,amazing amenities! New Homes mid $40’s. Brochures available 1-866-629-0770 or www.coolbranch.com

BOWIE: Furn/Unfurn

April 19, 2014 10-4pm Furn, China, decor, Excercise Equip, Books, Tapes & more. 14905 Westbury Rd.

DISH TV RETAILER . Starting at

BURTONSVILLE:

3BR, 2.5BA TH, Fireplace, Finish Bsmt, $1725 + utils, No Pets. 202-236-4197

ROCKVILLE , Sat

MAKE UP TO

NOW HIRING!!! $28/HOUR. Under-

cover Shoppers Needed \\ $300/DAY Typing Companies Advertising Online. We provide the training & the jobs to perform. Genuine Opportunity. PT/FT. Experience Unnecessary. www.HiringLocalHelp. com

NOW HIRING!!! $28/HOUR. Under-

cover Shoppers Needed \\ $300/DAY Typing Companies Advertising Online. We provide the training & the jobs to perform. Genuine Opportunity. PT/FT. Experience Unnecessary. www.HiringLocalHelp. com

NURSING CAREERS begin here -

Dining Table Oak pedestal table. 42" Get trained in months, round, extends to 42" x 61" oval. 4 chairs. Exnot years. Small classes, no waiting list. cellent condition. $350 Financial aid for quali- or best offer. 301-8027343 $350 fied students. Apply now at Centura College Richmond 877205-2052

CHIL DCARE: Seeking a Family Daycare provider with children of the same age group as my 8 yr old, be MUST flexible, organized & within 3/mi of New Carrollton Metro. Days, Mon-Fri. CALL: 301-807-3468

on Aviation Career. FAA approved program. Finanical aid if qualified - Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 877818-0783.

PARROT:

$500 REWARD Pet African Grey Parrot, grey with red tail, about 12 inches long lost in Lanham New Carrollton vicinity offi of Annapolis Rd. May fly a mile or even much further. Very friendly, name is Ari. Please call immediately, Jeff 703-201-2173 or Regina 404-7130900.

Experienced Concrete Form Carpenters. Good Pay and Benefits. Apply in person Monday thru Friday from 9:00am - 12 noon @ 4842 Rugby Avenue, Bethesda MD 20814. EOE/AA/M/F/VET/DISABILITY. We are a drug-free Company.

CASH FOR UNEXPIRED DIABETIC TEST AT&T U-VERSE FOR JUST $29/MO! STRIPS! Free ShipBUNDLE & SAVE with AT&T Internet+Phones +TV and get a FREE pre-paid Visa Card! (select plans). HURRY, CALL NOW! 1800-256-5149

ping, Friendly Service, BEST prices and 24hr payment! Call today 877-588-8500 or visit www.TestStripSearch. com Espanol 888-4404001

CASH PAID - UP TO $25/BOX for

unexpired, sealed Over 140 channels on- DIABETIC TEST ly $29.99 a month. STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYOnly DirecTV gives MENT & PREPAID MY COMPUTER you 2 YEARS of savshipping. BEST PRIWORKS Computer ings and a FREE CES! Call 1-888-389problems? Viruses, Genie upgrade! Call 0695 spyware, email, printer 1-800-279-3018 issues, bad internet connections - FIX IT MEDICAL GUARDIDISCOVER THE NOW! Professional, AN - Top-rated mediSATELLITE TV U.S.-based technical alarm and 24/7 DIFFERENCE! cians. $25 off service. medical alert monitorLower cost, Better Call for immediate Quality, More Choices. ing. For a limited time, help 1-800-681-3250 get free equipment, no Packages starting at activation fees, no $19.99/mo. FREE commitment, a 2nd HD/DVR upgrade for waterproof alert button new callers. CALL for free and more NOW!! 877-388-8575 only $29.95 per month. KILL ROACHES! 800-617-2809 BOWIE DAY CARE Buy Harris Roach PROVIDER has im- Tablets. Eliminate PROBLEMS WITH Roaches-Guaranteed. THE IRS OR mediate openings for No Mess. Odorless. STATE TAXES? infants & up. Call for Long Lasting. AvailaSettle for a fraction of info 301-249-3161. ble at ACE Hardware, what your owe! Free and The Home Depot. face to face consultations with offices in your area. Call 855970-2032

L/I. Laundry, cleaning & cooking, 3 schl age children. Apprx 45hrs/ wk. Driving a plus. Olney 301-873-4753.

CDL-A DRIVERS:

Higher Pay and Big Opportunities! New Century is Hiring Exp. Drivers, both Solo and Team Operations. Competitive Pay Package. Sign-on Incentive. Pets Welcome! Call (888) 903-8863 or apply online at www.drivenctrans.com

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. This is a great career opportunity for the right individual. Please email or fax resume to: hrjobs@gazette.net or fax to 301-670-7138. EOE

VETERANS NEEDED Use your GI Benefits NOW for training in Healthcare. JOB PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE Offered.

Call Now 1-888-3958261 Dental/ Medical Assistant Trainees Needed Now

DRIVER Comprint Printing, a division of Post Community Media, LLC, has an immediate opening for an experienced CDL Licensed Driver. Candidate must possess a clean MVA report, clear criminal background, and pass DOT physical and drug test. Ideal applicant should have strong communication skills and professionalism. Post Community Media, LLC offers excellent benefits, including medical and dental coverage, life insurance, 401(k) and tuition reimbursement. Salary commensurate with experience. If interested and qualified, send salary history and resume to: mdelia@gazette.net or fax to 240 473 7567. EOE

Comprint Military Publications publishes 8 newspapers each week and the only website dedicated to the military in the DC region is looking for energetic, organized, computer savvy sales representatives to sell advertising into military newspapers and online. Job requires previous infield and telephone sales experience; prefer military veteran or military spouse with BA degrees. Must be customer service oriented and consultative seller. Candidates must be able to create ads for customers and work well under weekly deadlines and pressures of meeting sales goals. Great for prior military or spouses with experience. Sales territory located in Northern VA, headquarters in Gaithersburg, MD; telecommuting allowed 3 days per week (Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays).

Dental/Medical Offices now hiring. No experience? Job Training & Placement Assistance Available 1-877-234-7706 CTO SCHEV

Pharmacy/ Phlebotomy Tech Trainees Needed Now Pharmacies/ hospitals now hiring. No experience? Job Training & Placement Assistance Available 1-877-240-4524 CTO SCHEV

HELP

WANTED:

Elderly Care, Live-in Only, Off every other weekend, WILL TRAIN!! $1500/mo, Call: 301-728-7377

to advertise call 301.670.7100 or email class@gazette.net

C.W. Wright Construction Company, LLC offers full time employees a competitive compensation package, a great work environment, and great growth opportunities. Benefits package includes Medical, life and disability insurance, paid holidays and vacation and an excellent company contributed 401(k) plan. For more information about these and other exciting opportunities both locally and nationally visit our website at: www.cwwright.com In House Lineman 3 Year Journeyman Training Program

Provided to Employees (w/Pay) *Some Requirements for entry into training program

Current position openings include:

Underground Utilities • Foremen • Crew Leaders • Laborers • Equipment Operators • Truck Drivers - (CDL A & B License)

GERMANTOWN:

Sat & Sun April 12-13, 9-3, furn, ar,t mirrors, stat. decor 11108 Knights Ct,

Other Positions: • Concrete Foundation Foremen • Concrete Carpenters • Sub Station Construction

YOUR RETIREMENT. Avoid market risk & get guaranteed income in retirement! CALL for FREE copy of our SAFE MONEY GUIDE. Plus Annuity. Quotes from A-Rated compaines! 800-6695471

We offer an excellent benefits package that includes life, medical, dental, disability, a 401K and profit sharing plans. For job detials go to: http://careers.gazette.net/jobs/trussassemblers-forklift-operators-woodbinemaryland-21797-63075228-d. Call 240364-0284 or fax resume to 301-840-3539. EOE

Comprint Printing, a division of Post Community Media, LLC, is seeking a dynamic individual for a roll prep operator (tender) for a Mitsubishi Diamondstar double wide press. Applicant must be able to operate a forklift with paper clamp attachment. Some computer and mechanical knowledge preferred. Must be able to work any shift and overtime when required.

ASHTON:

Everything must go!! Furn. yard equip.misc household goods, toys, books-and more! Sat 04/12 8am-3pm 130 Crystal Spring Drive Ashton MD

Truss Assemblers & Forklift Operators

Roll Prep Operator

Advertising Sales

matter who you bought it from! 800934-5107

DIRECTV - 2 YEAR SAVINGS EVENT!

begin here - Get FAA approved Aviation Maintenance training. Housing and Financial Aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 800-481GUARANTEED 8974. INCOME FOR

AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Train for hands

LOST

Miller & Long Concrete Construction

APPLIANCE REPAIR - We fix It no

NANNY/H S K P R

AIRLINE CAREERS

AKC Black Lab Puppy All vaccines, dewormed and microchiped. 301338-4348 $550

Concrete Form Carpenters

1918363

DIAMOND

*Top Rates Dependent upon Actual Individual Experience and qualification levels An Equal Opportunity Employer

Overhead Electric Transmission / Distribution • First Class Linemen - Electric • Second Class Linemen / Apprentices - Electric • Groundmen / Laborers • Equipment Operators • Heavy Equipment Operators • Foremen • Crane Operators RT/Hydraulic’s

$37.44/hourly* $23.00/hourly* $15.00/hourly* $24.45/hourly* $30.00/hourly* $37.00/hourly* $32.00/hourly*

Please forward resumes to:

C.W. Wright Construction Company, LLC 9750 Doctor Perry Road, Ijamsville, MD 21754

Ijamsville, MD Upper Marlboro, MD Seaford, DE

Fax: 301-874-2031

301-874-6959 301-736-2396 410-397-3181

Email: Larry_Young@cwwright.com

Page B-8

Thursday, April 10, 2014 bo

Classifieds Call 301-670-7100 or email class@gazette.net

BRICKLAYERS • MASON TENDERS • FORKLIFT OPERATORS & SCAFFOLD BUILDERS Matthews & Pierce Masonry, Inc., located in White Plains, MD is seeking experienced bricklayers, mason tenders, Rough Terrain forklift certified operators and Scaffold Builders experienced with Mast Climbers. These opportunities are full time positions within the surrounding DC Metro area. Current valid driver’s license is required. Must provide own transportation. MUST be a US Citizen (documentation will be needed during application process). Please contact our main office at 301-645-6534 for more information

Part-Time

Work From Home

National Children’s Center Making calls. For more info please call Weekdays between 9a-4p No selling! Sal + bonus + benes. Call 301-333-1900

Career Training Need to re-start your career?

Automotive

Page B-9

Call 301-670-7100 or email class@gazette.net

CA H

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED! Top

$$$$$ PAID! Running or Not, All Makes! Free Towing! We’re Local! 7 Days/Week. Call 1-800-959-8518

FOR CAR !

DONATE YOUR CAR TO VETERANS TODAY! Your DONATE AUTOS, TRUCKS, RV’S. LUTHERAN MISSION SOCIETY.

ANY CAR ANY CONDITION

WE PAY TOP DOLLAR-FAST FREE PICKUP! SELL YOUR CAR TODAY! CALL NOW FOR AN

INSTANT CASH OFFER

(301)288-6009

G559781

CASH FOR CARS!

Any Make, Model or Year. We Pay MORE! Running or Not. Sell Your Car or Truck TODAY. Free Towing! Instant Offer: 1-888-545-8647

Your donation helps local families with food, clothing, shelter. Tax deductible. MVA licensed. LutheranMissionSociet y.org 410-636-0123 or toll-free 1-877-7378567.

vehicle donation will help US Troops and support our Veterans! 100% tax deductible Fast Free pickup! CALL 1-800-709-0542

93 HONDA CIVIC SI for sale by original owner. Good condition Int & Ext. $1500 OBO. Wheaton, MD area. 301-466-5268.

Looking for a new convertible? Search Gazette.Net/Autos

YOU ALWAYS GET YOUR WAY AT OURISMAN EVERYDAY

SPRING SALE!

OURISMAN VW

BIGGEST SAVINGS OF THE YEAR

2013 MODEL SALE

2014 JETTA S

2014 GOLF 2.5L 4 DOOR

2014 BEETLE 2.5L

#7380482, Power Windows, Power Locks, Keyless Entry

#30001704, Automatic, Power Windows/Power Locks, Keyless Entry, Heated Seats, Bluetooth, Cruise Control

#1693378, Automatic, Power Windows/Power Locks, Keyless Entry, Sunroof

MSRP $21,085

MSRP $17,810 BUY FOR

14,999

2014 PASSAT S #9009449, Power Windows, Power Locks, Keyless Entry

MSRP $22,765 BUY FOR

18,999

OR 0.9% for 60 MONTHS

BUY FOR

17,995

MSRP $24,490 BUY FOR

18,795

2013 GTI 4 DOOR

2013 BEETLE CONVERTIBLE

#4116048, Automatic, Power Windows/ Power Locks, Keyless Entry

#2824647, 2.0 Turbo, Power Windows/ Locks, Power Top

MSRP $26,960

MSRP $30,365

BUY FOR

22,955

OR 0% for 60 MONTHS

BUY FOR

23,933

2014 JETTA SE HYBRID

2014 PASSAT SE TDI

2014 TIGUAN S 4WD

#7229632, Automatic Power Windows, Power Locks, Sunroof

#9009850, Automatic, Power Windows, Power Locks, Sunroof

#13543457, Automatic, Power Windows, Power Locks, Keyless Entry

MSRP $28,350

MSRP $29,465

BUY FOR

23,999

BUY FOR

24,998

MSRP $28,936

BUY FOR

24,999

OURISMAN VW WORLD AUTO CERTIFIED PRE OWNED 23 Available...Rates Starting at 2.64% up to 72 months

2006 Chevrolet Cobalt....#V406575B, Green, 97,004 Miles.....$6,991 2008 Jetta MT..........#V272778B, Red, 63,409 Miles...............$10,391 2010 Passat Sedan..#VP0046, Black, 86,098 Miles................$11,991 2010 New Beetle CPE. #V606150B, Gray, 50,127 miles................$11,993 2012 Jetta SE...............#VPR6113, Silver, 34,537 miles.................$12,594 2008 GLI...................#V272695A, Gray, 58,369 Miles..............$13,792 2012 Nissan Versa. #V221107A, Silver, 21,215 Miles..............$13,991 2011 Jetta SE.........#V405443A, Black, 51, 598 Miles.............$13,991 2010 Honda Accord SDN......#V508537B, Silver, 48,011 Miles......$16,491 2009 Jetta TDI.........#VP0043A, Black, 68,842 Miles...............$16,992 2012 Nissan Juke..#V257168A, White, 57,565 miles.............$16,994 2013 Jetta SE............#VPR0030, Silver, 4,340 miles................$16,994

2013 New Beetle..........#VPR0038, Silver, 4,549 miles..................$17,694 2013 Passat S...........#VPR0026, Black, 6,891 miles................$17,994 2011 CC.....................#VP0035, White, 38,225 miles................$18,754 2011 GTI...................#V239376A, Gray, 52,553 Miles..............$18,991 2014 Passat Wolfsburg...#VPR0040, Grey, 5,227 miles.................$19,394 2014 Passat Wolfsburg. .#VPR0041, White, 2,878 miles................$19,754 2012 Mini Cooper County....#V241376B, Blue, 38,350 Miles........$21,991 2011 Tiguan............#V008756A, White, 47,559 Miles.............$21,991 2012 Nissan Maxima. .#V073708A, Gray, 47,457 miles..............$22,494 2013 Dodge Charger.#V411396A, Black, 19,344 Miles..............$26,491 2013 Nissan Pathfinder #V266506A, Gray, 4,735 Miles........$27,991

All prices exclude tax, tags, title, freight and $200 processing fee. Cannot be combined with any previous advertised or internet special. Pictures are for illustrative purposes only. See dealer for details. 0% APR Up To 60 Months on all models. See dealer for details. Ourisman VW World Auto Certified Pre Owned financing for 60 months based on credit approval thru VW. Excludes Title, Tax, Options & Dealer Fees. Special APR financing cannot be combined with sale prices. Ends 04/30/14.

Ourisman VW of Laurel 3371 Fort Meade Road, Laurel

1.855.881.9197 • www.ourismanvw.com Online Chat Available...24 Hour Website • Hours Mon-Fri 9 am-9 pm • Sat 9 am-8 pm

G557850

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