www.sOmd.cOm
Thursday, OcTOber 1, 2009
solaR inVestment offeRs hope of DiViDenDs Page 18
Domestic Violence on the Rise Story Page 4
elections DiRectoR RetiRing Story Page 5
man gets 40 YeaRs afteR Death of caRjacking Victim Story Page 17
Photo by Frank Marquart
The County Times
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Thursday, October 1, 2009
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Your Paper... Your Thoughts Do you think installing solar panels on houses is a good way to reduce energy costs? Jonathan Nelson, 39, said he thought solar panels were a great idea. “It’s a great idea, I can’t see how it wouldn’t be. Not only are you bringing down your costs, but I hear of people actually producing enough energy where they can pay into the system with a combination of solar and other things … but the truth is the power companies really don’t want us to do that because there’s no way they can regulate the sun.”
C h r i s t i n e Basham, 42, from Town Creek, had a mixed response. “I think it probably takes too much money to invest in that in the short run. If you’ve got enough money to put solar panels on your house, then you probably aren’t too worried about how much energy it’s costing you anyway, but it might be great as a long term solution.”
County Wide Poll 80 70 60 50 40
Yes
No
Not Sure
30
73%
1%
26%
20 10 0 While The County Times makes efforts to make our polls random and representative of the county’s diverse population, the poll results listed here should in no way be considered scientific results, and should not be viewed as such.
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The County Times
Thursday, October 1, 2009
On T he Covers
“
Adam Phifer kicks off during the Raiders’ 14-6 win over Thomas Stone Friday night. SEE PAGE 39
Weather
Watch
It’s 10 times safer to have your baby in Ireland than it is here … We waste $400 billion a year on things that have nothing to do with healthcare like marketing and CEO salaries.”
ON THE FRONT
Mike Thompson of Hollywood installed new solar energy equipment on his home this spring with help from a $10,000 state grant.
ON THE BACK
Leonardtown’s Jessica Morris prepares to send a shot back over the net in Tuesday night’s volleyball match with Huntingtown.
around town
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul held its second annual Friends of the Poor walk in Leonardtown on Saturday, raising $15,000. SEE PAGE 6
- Margaret Flowers, a pediatrician with the group Physicians for a National Health Program
Stock Market
FOR WEEKLY STOCK MARKET CLOSING RESULTS, CHECK PAGE 10 IN MONEY
entertainment
Dave Norris jumps into a tableside rendition of his song, “The Drunkard of the Town,” SEE PAGE 24
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Also Inside
County News Town News State News Editorial/Opinion Money Defense and Military Obituaries Education Crime and Punishment On The Cover Health Home History Entertainment Going On Food Wandering Minds Community Community Calendar Newsmakers Sports Desk Blue Crabs Volleyball High School Football
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The County Times
ews
Thursday, October 1, 2009
In 1982, a cactus in Phoenix, Arizona killed a man. David Grundman fired two shotgun blasts at a giant saguaro cactus that ended up falling on top of him.
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Funact
SMECO Predicts Lower Electricity Rates Domestic Disputes, Violence On The Rise By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
Ratepayers in the tri-county area can expect to see a reduction in their electric bills next year, because the cost of energy has dropped during the economic downturn, officials with the Southern Maryland
Electric Cooperative told the Board of County Commissioners Tuesday. “Right now the prices are the lowest we’ve seen in the three years,” said Sonya Cox, chief financial officer for SMECO. “It’s about a six-and-a-half percent decrease on their bill our customers should see in 2010.” According to figures from SMECO, the cost of buying power from the PJM power pool, of which it is a part, will run from $30 per megawatt hour in September of this year to a projected $55 per megawatt hour in August of 2010. Those costs are far below those of 2007 and 2008 into the first half of 2009.
From 2007 to 2008 the costs ranged from $60 a megawatt hour to about $80 a megawatt hour. From 2008 into 2009 it was slightly more expensive. The pricing translated into a cost of about $.15 per kilowatt hour of electricity this year, which is expected to drop to about $.14 in 2010. Small and large commercial customers can expect to pay less next year as well, with costs of $.13 and $.12 a kilowatt hour respectively. SMECO officials also provided an update on their project to take over running the power plant at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Webster Field and the Solomons Island annex. The plan stretches out over five years and will result in the modernization of aging facilities and utilities on the base. SMECO technicians will install or update new meters on the base and modernize utility vaults on the base that do not meet the cooperative’s standards for safety. “We’ll invest about $20 million in these campuses,” said Ken Capps, chief operating officer. guyleonard@countytimes.net
For All Your Real Estate Needs.
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
Both the frequency and severity of domestic violence incidents is increasing in St. Mary’s County, and it is spreading to all social and economic classes during tough economic times, says the director of Walden Sierra, Inc., the county’s main substance abuse and crisis intervention group. Kathleen O’Brien, head of the organization, said the number of new hotline calls for help has increased about 20 percent over last year and that the number of repeat callers in increasing. In July 2008 there were 46 domestic violence hotline calls to Walden Sierra, statistics show, but in July of this year that number jumped to 70. Those who appear to be at the most risk, she said, were people in relationships where unemployment has hit the family, causing tensions to rise as well as the level of violence. “We’re seeing an escalation of violence and the frequency of the abuse,” O’Brien told The County Times. “The economy doesn’t create domestic violence, but unemployment places victims at higher risk of lethality.” O’Brien said that first responders from law enforcement, as well as crisis counselors at Walden Sierra, are seeing more threats made against victims using weapons and that attacks such as choking, which can be more life threatening, were supplanting striking in some cases. There were close to 600 incidents of domestic violence in the county in 2008, and so far in fiscal year 2009 there have been 29 women victims of domestic violence sheltered in the county, according to Walden Sierra. Domestic violence is not only found in the lower levels of economic status, but also in the higher levels where a member of the family has just lost a job, O’Brien said. Persons with poor coping skills sometimes
react badly to such an abrupt change in status, she said, and that can also lead to violence. So far, there have been no actual deaths attributed to domestic violence this year, said O’Brien, who credits the county sheriff’s office with taking the lead with lethality assessments which are done when suspected victims of domestic violence make a 911 call. If the victim answers in the affirmative to certain questions on the assessment, then a crisis counselor responds to the incident immediately to provide counseling and get the victims into a continuum of services to deal with their problems. “They’re having us talk to them right there in the field, and I think that’s saving lives,” O’Brien said. Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron confirmed that the number of calls over simple domestic disputes (arguments that do not involve violence), was also rising, as were the number of assaults. “Some can certainly be attributed to arguments over economic conditions,” Cameron said of the increase in domestic violence calls. According to numbers from the sheriff’s office there were 585 domestic disputes in 2007, 581 in 2008 and 454 in just the first nine months of 2009. There were 130 calls for service for violation of protective orders in 2007, 104 in 2008 and already 72 from January to September of this year, Cameron said. For actual domestic assaults records show there were 452 in 2007, 374 in 2008 and already 326 in nine months time. Cameron said that this year’s numbers looked to equal or surpass those of last year. Statistics from the county’s Family Violence Coordinating Council show that in July of last year there were 110 domestic violence 911 calls, with 102 calls in that same month this year. guyleonard@countytimes.net
Options Laid Out For Health Care Reform By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
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A three-person panel of experts on the health care system offered their take on efforts to reform the nation’s already stressed methods of providing for the sick. The St. Mary’s College of Marylandsponsored event on Monday showcased views ranging from more consumer choice eschewing government intervention in health care to full support of a publicly-run, single payer option. Margaret Flowers, a pediatrician with the group Physicians for a National Health Program, said that the free-market system that the health care system works under had proven to be unsuccessful at controlling costs and providing health coverage for those in need. “We’re the only industrialized nation that doesn’t follow the human rights model for health care,” Flowers said. “We ration the ability to access health care based on the ability to pay.” She also said that despite the amount of money spent on health care, the care was not always the best or safest. “It’s 10 times safer to have your baby in Ireland than it is here,” she argued. “We waste $400 billion a year on things that have nothing to do with healthcare like marketing and CEO salaries.” “The market has failed in terms of health-
care,” Flowers said, arguing that the single-payer system had inherent cost control measures. But Greg Scandlen, of Consumers for Health Care Choices, said that putting the government in charge of the health care system, which could eliminate some ability to choose procedures and insurance companies, was likely a big mistake. One idea of putting the government in charge of information technology for health care “would be disastrous,” Scandlen said. He pointed to a similar system in the United Kingdom that he said was 600 percent over budget and five years late. But he also said that the current system of patient, doctor and insurance company making the payments for services was inherently inefficient. He said that direct payments from patients to physicians was far better. “Empowering consumers is the way to go in health care,” Scandlen said. But Karen Davenport, of the Center for American Progress, said that a purely free market approach could be hazardous; she argued that health care costs had risen three times faster than wages. “We have to be careful with putting all of our eggs in one basket,” she said. guyleonard@countytimes.net
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The County Times
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Today’s Newsmaker In Brief
The county’s school facilities were rated third in the state for their condition
Rumors that convenience centers for trash collection might be closing
That doesn’t happen by “accident, it’s by design.”
“The Board of County Commissioners is not closing any convenience centers.”
Schools Superintendent Michael Martirano
Commissioner Daniel H. Raley (D-Great Mills)
ews
Burch Retiring From Board Of Elections After Nearly A Quarter Century Of Service
By Guy Leonard Staff Write
Since 1985 Brenda Burch has worked for the Board of Elections here in St. Mary’s County and now, after serving as its director for the past two years, she’s looking forward to her retirement. Wednesday was her last day on the job. “It’s good to retire at 55,” Burch told The County Times. “What’s next for me is not having a schedule. All I ever wanted to do was be a wife and mother.” But when she took the job so many years ago, she was a single mother with two daughters and had to make ends meet. She started as the registrar for the Democratic Party, she said, and then moved on to being an administrative assistant, then deputy director and then again to the top slot at the agency. She said the 2008 elections “went off without a hitch” and that she was happy to end her time with the agency now. “I feel like I’m going out on a high note,” Burch said. Times have also changed since she started,
she said, since back then election workers used voting machines with levers and curtains. They then went to paper ballots read by a machine and in the past several years to touch-screen voting machines. Now the state is moving back to paper ballots, she said, and there will be two types of voting machines in each polling place, one for
paper and the other with a touch screen. The touch screen will be handicapped accessible, she said, while the state will push other voters to use the paper ballots to leave a documented trail. That will likely cause problems, she said. “You’ll have two different sets of totals from two different machines,” Burch said. She can remember all the time she and other workers had to plan and prepare for elections, getting materials out to the poll workers crammed into small suitcases was one of the many challenges in her job. “We had to sit on the cases to get them to close,” Burch said. “We laughed and we laughed and we laughed.” Then there were other times that weren’t quite so funny. She remembered sitting in the hallway of the old governmental center building in Leonardtown counting absentee ballots because they had run out of space in the room they were assigned.
Tallying of those kinds of votes could go on until midnight sometimes, but then overtime was just part of the job working at the elections board. “Those were some late nights,” she said. “You know when it’s going to be final and you can be let go.” Burch said she did not know exactly know how many people had applied for her job, though two from her office, Deputy Director Susan Julian and Wendy Adkins, an information technology technician with 11 years of service, have applied. The final choice will be made by the local election board, though Julian will take her place in the interim, she said. Burch said she would continue to have fond memories of her job. “I enjoyed the people, I enjoyed getting to know the poll workers,” she said. “I was very proud do serve St. Mary’s County.” guyleonard@countytimes.net
Photo by Guy Leonard Brenda Burch is retiring from the county’s Board of Elections after nearly 25 years of service and after serving two years as its director.
Another Candidate Files
Nearly half a dozen candidates have already filed to run for office in St. Mary’s County. The primary will be on Sept. 14, 2010, to be followed by the general election on Nov. 2, 2010.
Lawrence D. Jarboe
District Boundaries 3
Running for: Commissioner, District 3 Party: Republican Address: Golden Beach Age: 56
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Past or current elected positions: Currently county commissioner, served in same capacity from 1994 to 1998 and from 2002 to 2006. Occupation: Business owner, lumber company Reason for running: “To continue to be a voice to promote tax relief, open government and common sense leadership.”
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Candidate Files for Commissioner Cindy Jones, head of the Republican Women’s Club of St. Mary’s County, has filed as a candidate for the county commissioner seat in District 1 currently held by Kenneth R. Dement, also a Republican. Jones, of Valley Lee, joins fellow Republican Richard Johnson in challenging Dement for the seat. There have been no candidates to file in the Democratic primary for the first commissioner district race. Also election board workers have reported that Dan Morris, a former candidate for county sheriff, has picked up papers to file for election in the second commissioner district but has not filed as of Wednesday.
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Town
The County Times
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Town Streetscape Project Past Halfway Point By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
Photos by John Burroughs
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul held its second annual Friends of the Poor walk in Leonardtown on Saturday, raising $15,000 to help five societies in St. Mary’s County and three in Charles County. Participating were 212 walkers, who designated which society, which are associated with local churches, was to receive their pledge. Last year, when the walk was not competing with the St. Mary’s County Fair, 220 walkers raised more than $20,000.
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The project to install major renovations on Leonardtown streets is nearing completion and staying within its $3.7 million budget, but it won’t be finished until next year, according to state highway officials. “Some of the resurfacing we won’t get done this year nor some of the plantings,” said David Buck, spokesperson for the State Highway Administration. Right now work is centered on finishing handicapped accessible ramps at the intersection of Route 245 and Route 5, as well as storm drains, curb and gutter and new guard rail on Fenwick Street, Buck said. Resurfacing of Washington Street should be completed by Thanksgiving, but other resurfacing projects on Fenwick Street will have to wait until next spring, he said. The main concern was over the temperature, which needs to stay at about 50 degrees throughout the day and night for the asphalt to set properly, Buck said. “The temperature is almost too cool right now at night,” he said, adding that roads leading into town required the most coordination with businesses to allow them time to stay open.
“You don’t tend to make too much progress when you get into a congested urban area,” Buck told The County Times. But construction crews have nearly completed some new median strips along Washington Street and have also marked out new turn lanes designed to help calm traffic and speeding. Buck estimated that the entire project was about 60 percent complete. The project was delayed earlier this year when town and state officials realized that new sidewalks did not comply with width requirements laid down by the Americans with Disabilities Act and had to be taken out and reconstructed. State highway officials have said they were late in getting the requirements to the contractor and that their mistake was the cause of the faulty construction, not that of the contractor. Mayor J. Harry Norris said that the project was a worthwhile addition to the town, but that its delays and disruptions had been costly in some respects. He said that while some have complained, residents have tried to be understanding of the project’s shortcomings. “I have to say they’ve been gracious,” Norris said. “But in the short term it has been disruptive to business.” guyleonard@countytimes.net
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Thursday, October 1, 2009
The County Times
You Might Never Know Which Flu You Have
By Megan E. Gustafson Capital News Service
ANNAPOLIS - If you come down with a nasty cough, a fever over 100 and other flu-like symptoms this fall, do you have the new 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus or the regular, get-it-every-year seasonal flu? Your doctor might take a culture, but, chances are, you might never know the results. If you’re not part of a group Governor’s Office photo that’s traditionally considered at Martin O’Malley had never gotten a flu shot - until Monday. high risk for flu complications, such Gov. In a bid to encourage Marylanders to do the same, the governor as those with chronic respiratory ill- stripped down to his undershirt and allowed a nurse to inject the ness or the immune-compromised, seasonal flu vaccine into his shoulder. it’s unlikely your doctor will need used antiviral drug Tamiflu, said Rene Najera, to determine which specific virus is making an epidemiologist and the flu surveillance coyou sick. Knowing what you have isn’t likely to ordinator for Maryland’s Department of Health make a difference in how you will be treated, and Mental Hygiene. anyway. For example, a particular strain of seaThe reason for this judicious use of diag- sonal flu, also an H1N1, is expected to circunostic testing is two-fold, said Andrew Pekosz, late this flu season and has for the last couple of associate professor of molecular microbiology seasons. This seasonal H1N1, distinct from the and immunology at The Johns Hopkins Uni- novel 2009 H1N1 commonly known as “swine versity Bloomberg School of Public Health. flu,” is resistant to Tamiflu, Najera said. One, obtaining a conclusive identification For the high risk or the hospitalized, testof 2009 H1N1 is labor-intensive and capabili- ing may help inform doctors about how best to ties for doing so are limited. And two, testing fight the virus. Besides Tamiflu, other antivipriority must be given to high-risk groups and ral drugs are available, said Najera, and some those who are seriously ill because in those physicians may choose to test patients in those cases a definitive diagnosis may help pinpoint circumstances to help make the best treatment the appropriate medication. choice. A “reasonable turnaround time” for test But most won’t need to know the exact results needs to be maintained for those with cause of their illness, and experts are in agreethe most serious cases, Pekosz said. ment that most infected people will recover Not every strain of the flu expected to from 2009 novel H1N1 within days, without circulate this fall is sensitive to the commonly medical treatment.
Foundering Small Businesses Running Out of Options David M. Johnson Capital News Service BEL AIR - For some struggling small businesses, all the Harford County Small Business Development Center has to offer these days, literally, is a box of tissues. At the center, counselors offer advice to clients who ask for help before their business hits rock bottom. For those who wait until it is too late, there is not much more than a shoulder to cry on. Monthly statistical increases in auto, gasoline and retail sales around the country have led Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke to say the recession is technically over. However, many small businesses have used all their available resources to ride out the storm and are now flooding Small Business Development Centers around Maryland with calls for help. “We do have tissues in the office if we have to tell them, ‘There is no way you’re going to be able to survive,’” said the Harford Center’s director Russell Teter. “Unfortunately we are the last place they come in a lot of cases. Usually at that point it is too late.” The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed by Congress in February created a $35,000 loan for small businesses facing immediate financial hardship, but only 14 businesses have been able to take advantage of it according to the Maryland Small Business Association.
“In my region, clients have received them but it’s a very small niche, because the banks get to determine whom they use the ARC loan for,” Teter said. “If there is the right person, right situation and right bank it will work.” Brad Watts, vice president of loans at Easton Bank and Trust said only one loan application has gone through his bank so far. According to him, many banks are not participating in the program because of the administrative work involved. “We’ve had a number of inquiries from people outside our market because their banks are not offering the program,” Watts said. “The application process is difficult -- it’s a small loan and the amount of paperwork is the same as if the loan were for $1.5 million.” Harford County is not the only Small Business Development Center to notice a blizzard of clients in need. Reports from around the country are similar, said Craig Panos, a counselor in the Towson office who just returned from the Association of Small Business Development Centers annual conference in Orlando, Fla. “Consensus is small businesses are in more trouble now because they have been holding on, exhausting resources, and run out of options,” Panos said. “The recession has lasted a bit too long for some of them.”
Attorney General Moves for Even More EdF Hearings ANNAPOLIS (AP) - Maryland’s attorney general requested more hearings on Constellation Energy’s proposed sale of nearly half of its nuclear energy business to France’s EdF. Attorney General Doug Gansler said Constellation and EdF waited until the close of evidentiary hearings that ended Monday before disclosing final terms of the transaction. Gansler wrote in a request to the state’s Public Service Commission that regulators essentially have been put in the position of making a final decision without a complete administrative record. Gansler, who is representing the state in the case, is asking the PSC to extend the schedule of the case by two weeks to allow for more hearings. Gansler wrote that the new transaction terms appear to be significant.
For example, he said the new terms appear to increase EdF’s power in the Constellation corporate structure. He also said the terms appear to insulate EdF from risks associated with a Constellation bankruptcy or other financial distress. It appears the transaction price has been lowered, which could lower the amount of taxes the state could collect, Gansler wrote. He said the purchase price of interests in Constellation’s nuclear power plants appear to have been reduced from $4.5 billion to $3.8 billion. Rob Gould, a spokesman for Constellation, disputed any change in the price, and he said Constellation “provided drafts of the documents to the parties during the discovery process.” “The value of the transaction has not changed,” Gould said.
Low Jobless Fund Could Mean Tax Hike For Employers
ANNAPOLIS (AP) - Maryland businesses could face much higher tax rates next year to help boost the state’s dwindling unemployment fund. State officials expect the annual calculation of the fund balance on Wednesday to show that the largest allowable increase is needed to replenish the fund. The fund’s balance fell from nearly $900 million a year ago to $341 million this month,
while the unemployment rate grew from 4.5 percent a year ago to 7.2 percent last month. Labor Secretary Thomas Perez says based on the current balance that employers will jump from the second-lowest rates to the highest. The increase varies depending on employers’ history, ranging from an additional $136 per worker for companies that haven’t laid off in recent years to an extra $383 per worker for employers with many layoffs.
The County Times
Thursday, October 1, 2009
8
Vision of Hospice House of St. Mary’s Realized On behalf of the Hospice of St. Mary’s board of directors and staff, our heartfelt thanks to the St. Mary’s County community for its generosity and unwavering support in our efforts to have a hospice house, locally. From governmental officials, organizations, construction contractors, to individual donors, you all were instrumental in achieving this very special occasion for the county. Those of you in attendance at the Sept. 16 dedication ceremony and open house are well
aware of the impressive addition that now exists in our community to enhance the hospice services that can be offered. Your donations were integral to success, and you should be so very proud of what you’ve contributed to make Hospice House of St. Mary’s a reality. Vince Merz Hospice House Committee Chair HOSM Board of Directors
Thanks to Oyster Spat Volunteers On Saturday, Sept. 19, the Wicomico Scenic River Commission distributed almost 500 containers of oyster spat to 84 Charles County and St. Mary’s County pier owners on the Wicomico River. The effort was part of the state Department of Natural Resources’ Marylanders Grow Oysters initiative, a habitat and water quality restoration project. William Barger of the Cobb Island Citizens Association was instrumental in the planning and execution of the project. We would also like to thank the Quade family of Quade’s Store for their assistance and use of their pier. We are grateful to our volunteers on the day of distribution: Charlotte Sampson, Jeannie and Doug Ping, Tom and Linda Green, Martha Cle-
ments, Tom Cordell, Linda Goodman, Sean Hays and Ryan Hays. And we thank the Potomac River Association for financial and labor contributions. Most importantly we thank the citizens who are performing the work of nurturing the oysters over the next 12 months. Over the winter we will be locating a suitable location where the oysters will be deposited to establish a self-sustaining habitat and continue their work of filtering the river. Bob Elwood, Project Coordinator Wicomico Scenic River Commission
Current Congress is Useless And now we come to the end of Fiscal Year 2009 with the appropriations for Fiscal Year 2010 still not passed by Congress and/or signed by the President. See the following link. http://thomas.loc. gov/home/approp/app10.html. I have a proposal for an addition to the Constitution, which would change this nonfeasance. The below letter was written in March 2009. The sentiments it expresses still hold. These people are not doing the primary job we ask them to do. We pay them over $170,000 per year plus a fund of millions to run their offices and what do we get: obfuscation, delay, posturing and many other undesirable adjectival acts. My Congressman is the Majority Leader of the House of Representative and he still can’t get the job done. Of what use is he to the country in this job? Little or none apparently. Nice guy and all that but, when the time comes for his bi-annual job rating he’s near the bottom of the list. Vote for the other person in 2010. Bye the way, I haven’t won the Mega Millions either. The following is an open letter to the Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and more specifically to Senators Barbara Mikulski, Benjamin Cardin and Majority Leader Representative Steny Hoyer of the Congress of the United States. The last three being my representation in Congress: So, you’ve finally passed the budget for fiscal year 2009. Just five and one half months late. Loaded with special interest pork and your President will sign it, no matter he decries such shenanigans, because this needs to be “gotten out of the way” so he can ”clean-up the process”. I wrote you in emails last fall stating I believed you have been failures in the passing of timely budgets for years and years. Since that is your prime raison d’être you should be fired. As additional evidence of your inability to handle your job I point to the fact that in extreme is you have appropriated over one and a half trillion dollars, which we don’t have, without proper hearings or safeguards as to the distribution of the funds. Now, you and your minions, blame the administrators of those appropriations for not providing safeguards for its use. And of course you all refuse to take any blame for creating the crisis which precipitated the need to, “Do something, anything!” It all reminds me of Will Rogers comment on his political party affiliation, but, changed somewhat. Ergo, “I don’t belong to any organized society, I am a United States citizen.” If I see one more separate
bill brought forth in either body of Congress wasting the time of the Congress to name or praise some obscure building or person I will become physically ill. There is no reason such minor things cannot be combined into one grand piece of legislation. As in “For other purposes!”. Yeah, it’s a tough job running this government, but, you said you could do it. Now, do it. Next election I’m not voting for any of you. Bring on the radicals. They couldn’t do worse. Any bets on a 2010 fiscal year budget being in place by September 30th this year? About the same odds as winning Mega-Millions. - James M. Blass Mechanicsville PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES SECTION 1. The annual budget, appropriation and tax laws shall be made law no later than sixty days before the beginning of the fiscal year. SECTION 2. Any other budget, appropriation or tax law which has a period in excess of one year shall be made law at least sixty days prior to its fiscal beginning, except in case of declared war under Article 1, Section 8 or natural disaster. SECTION 3. Should the Congress and the Executive not complete those actions of Sections 1 and 2 above by the date specified in Sections 1 and 2, none in those elected offices shall be allowed to be elected to a Federal office for twelve years succeeding the end of the term of office in which they are serving. SECTION 4. The beginning of the fiscal year may not be adjusted within ten months prior to its next beginning. SECTION 5. No changes in tax law may be made except in those years not evenly divided by a factor of two, nor be made retroactive. SECTION 6. The budget of the United States shall be in balance in each year the enumeration of the citizens is accomplished as required by Article I, Section 2 and modified by Amendment 14, Section 2, of the Constitution, beginning with the year 2010 or the enumeration after the ratification of this amendment, whichever is later. SECTION 7. Should the requirements of Section 6 not be complied with, all Federal elected officials incumbent at the time shall not be allowed to be elected to any Federal office for fifteen years after said non-compliance. James Blass Mechanicsville, Md
Editorial:
Jarboe and Gang Representations Misleading and Harmful
County Commissioner Larry Jarboe and the group of commissioner candidates he and his long time political boss, the publisher of the slanderous, attack laden rag St. Mary’s Today tabloid, Ken Rossignol, have put together seem to be already ushering in their version of “take no prisoners” campaigning. St. Mary’s County is a better place than this, we have no intention of standing idly by and watching the 2010 election turn into a battle of name calling, character assassination, distortions, and the reckless degradation of good St. Mary’s County people and their families for political expediency. This weekend, this group led by Jarboe, along with Kenneth Booth, Rich Johnson, and Dan Morris displayed a political sign in the St. Mary’s County Fair. The sign could be taken as an attack on a local family and other county commissioners, and appears to insinuate these folks acted in some underhanded and dishonest way. The sign, which among other things read: “Hayden Farm Deal Stinks” lead to a recent incident where a school student asked another student if she was “one of the stinky Hayden’s?” These men may not have intended to attack the Hayden family, we don’t know. If this was not their intentions, then their action were irresponsible in associating the names of people with this type of characterization. Regardless of how one feels about policy decisions made by the current board of county commissioners, there is no reason to believe any of them have acted in a dishonest way. Most importantly, no matter how you feel about the commissioner’s decision to purchase the Hayden Farm near Leonardtown, there is absolutely no evidence that the Hayden family did anything wrong or proceeded any differently than any other good St. Mary’s County family would have acted. The County Times raised serious concerns about the processes and policies utilized in the acquisition of the Hayden property. We still believe the commissioners were fiscally irresponsible with tax payer dollars by not being able to produce a certified property appraisal that represented the value of the property comparable to what they paid. Secondly, we believe the commissioners used poor judgment in not holding a series of public meetings to allow citizens an opportunity to voice concerns. In matters this large, the public should always be given ample opportunity to be heard. We also question some of the commissioner’s reasons for the purchase and the planned uses. There are still many unanswered questions, and we believe the commissioners have shown limited vision and have compromised “Smart Growth” principles with their plans for this property. With that said, there is no place in this discussion about public policy and the procedures used surrounding the purchase of this property to characterize the purchase as something that smells “fishy” or like “rotten crabs” or that “stinks”. And to associate the Hayden family with such terms is disgraceful. Vincent (deceased) and Janice Hayden are two of the finest people you would ever want to meet. Farmers their entire life, they served their community in many positive ways, including significant service to the Farm Bureau. Their children and grandchildren have chosen diverse careers, yet all are accomplished in their own way. Some might say the Hayden’s should have expected to be drawn into a public debate surrounding the purchase of their farm, we agree. However, we also maintain that families seek to get the best return they can on their property and assets. If they are offered an amount of money that they find acceptable, why would they not sell? For this they should not have to lose their good name.
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The County Times
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Legals:
Speaks
IN THE MATTER OF MYRA ANN COLLINS FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO MYRA SCRIBER ADAMS In the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County, Maryland Case No.: 18-C-09-001379NC The above Petitioner has filed a Petition for Change of Name in which she seeks to change her name from Myra Ann Collins to Myra Scriber Adams. The petitioner is seeking a name change for the following reason: Personal preference, Any person may file an objection to the
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NAMI Southern Maryland Observes Mental Illness Awareness Week Mental Illness Awareness Week will be observed from Oct. 4 through Oct. 10 this year. Established by Congress in 1990, its purpose is to promote public awareness and education about serious mental illnesses such as major depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Other illnesses include post-traumatic stress disorder – one of several serious anxiety disorders; obsessive-compulsive disorder and borderline personality disorder. One in four adults – about 60 million Americans – experience mental health problems in any given year. One in 17 lives with the most serious conditions. “Mental illnesses are medical illnesses,” said Connie Walker of NAMI Southern Maryland, a regional affiliate based in Lexington Park of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. “That is the starting point for understanding, as well as treatment and recovery. Mental illness does not discriminate. No one is immune.” In October, PBS stations across the country will air “Minds on the Edge: Facing Mental Illness”, an exceptional program that challenges the current state of mental health care in America. In Maryland, “Minds on the Edge” will air on PBS channels on Oct. 30 at 11 pm. The program will be available for viewing on www.pbs. org the entire month of October. The U.S. Surgeon General has noted that stigma is a major barrier to people seeking help when they need it. On average, people with serious mental illness live 25 years less than the rest of the population. One reason is that less than a third of adults and less than half of children and adolescents with a diagnosed illness receive treatment. Half of all lifetime cases begin by age 14. Long delays occur – as much as a decade – between the onset of symptoms and getting help. “Treatment works if you can get it,” said Walker. “Overcoming the unwarranted stigma
that has surrounded these illnesses, so that people are OK with reaching out for help, is a challenge that requires action. Aw a r e n e s s and education are the first steps. That’s what M I AW is about – taking steps forward to strengthen our community.” NAMI Southern Maryland provides support, education, and advocacy for individuals whose lives are affected by mental illness – either as consumers of mental health services; family members and caregivers; or community stakeholders. The affiliate offers an array of nationally recognized family education and peer recovery education programs and support groups, led by state trained and certified family members and consumers of mental health services. It also provides information and referral services through its office in Lexington Park and via its mobile line at 301-904-9926; as well as informational materials and resources at community health venues. Volunteer opportunities are available. NAMI SoMD is affiliated with the United Way of St. Mary’s County and is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. For more information, call 301-737-1988 or visit NAMI Southern Maryland at www.namisomd.org. You may also visit www.nami.org. Submitted by NAMI Southern Maryland
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un Fact
New Consignment Event to Sell Brand-Name Clothes By Virginia Terhune Staff Writer
Last year you bought that Ann Taylor suit and wore it a few times, but it no longer fits and now it just sits in your closet, taking up space. What about that designer bag that someone gave you for Christmas that you’ve never had much occasion to use? One option may be to sell the items at the first-ever Elly’s Closet consignment event on Oct. 22-24 at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds. The event will be a chance for women to sell brand-name clothes, shoes and accessories to women who want them but may not be able to find them in local stores. The event is being organized by Eleanor Hunt, a St. Mary’s College graduate and lawyer at Dugan, McKissick, Wood & Longmore in Lexington Park. Although designed as a for-profit event, part of the proceeds Eleanor Hunt will go to Health Share, a county nonprofit that helps people without insurance pay their medical bills, Hunt said. What doesn’t sell at the event will be returned to consignors or given to local women’s programs to help women dress for job interviews. Donations of clothes and canned goods are also welcomed and will be distributed to shelters. “I think that this event will truly be a winwin for the women in the tri-county area,” wrote Hunt in an e-mail. “Consignors can make some additional money on the side and shoppers can get a great deal on some otherwise costly items. Both stay-at-home moms and professionals can
revamp their closet without breaking the bank. Consignors can also opt to have their unsold items donated to local women’s programs, so there is also a direct benefit to local women in need.” Hunt has modeled the event after Leprechaun Lilly’s, a consignor that is having a children’s wear consignment show at the fairgrounds a week earlier on Oct. 9-10. Anyone who wants to participate as a consignor in the Elly’s Closet event must register on the Elly’s Closet Web site by midnight on Tuesday Oct. 7. The procedure is to go online to set up an account, pay a registration fee of $10 and build an inventory of the items to sell, including setting the price. Once the inventory is completed, Elly’s Closet will print tags to put on the items. The items can be dropped off at the fairgrounds on Oct. 20 from 2-8 p.m. and Oct. 21 from 2-8 p.m. Consignors will receive 60 percent of the final sales price (excluding sales tax), unless they ask Elly’s Closet to do the tagging, in which case they receive 40 percent. The event is also looking for volunteers to work in four-hour shifts from Oct. 20-25 doing things like setting up clothing racks and handing out goody bags in exchange for a chance to shop at the event before the general public. For more information, go to www.ellyscloset.com.
Redskins Return to Calvert Fair
Former members of the Washington Redskin’s football team are again expected to pay a visit to the Mark’s Electronics booth at the Calvert County fair, which will be held this weekend in Barstow. Based in California in St. Mary’s County, the store repairs TVs, VCRs, stereos and other equipment. For more than 10 years, owner Mark Flaherty, who lives in Leonardtown, has invited Redskin players to spend time at the booth. This year, he’s expecting Mike Nelms, Charlie Brown and Dexter Manley to drop by on Saturday afternoon between about 4 to 7 p.m. Flaherty said he first got to know some of the Redskins players years ago through some charity work he did in St. Mary’s County with Dave Spigler, also known as “Spiggy.” Spigler is one of the Redskins “Hogettes”, a group of male Redskins fans who wear dresses, wigs and snout noses to cheer on the team and also raise money for charity.
Mark Flaherty with former Redskin Dexter Manley
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Thursday, October 1, 2009
The County Times T H E PA R L E T T FA M I LY i N v i t e s yo u to
St. Mary’s CAP Cadet Receives Solo Flight Scholarship By 1st Lt. Don Van Wormer Civil Air Patrol Cadet Eashan Samak of the St. Mary’s Composite Squadron has been accepted into the 2009 Maryland Wing Cadet Solo Flight Scholarship Program. Samak was one of six cadets selected from throughout the Maryland Wing for the program. The Maryland Wing Cadet Solo Flight Scholarship Program provides the selected cadets with full tuition for ground school and up to 15 hours of flight instruction towards a private pilot license. Cadet Samak is a junior at Leonardtown High School and serves as the squadron Cadet Executive Officer. Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with more than 56,000 members nationwide. The organization performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and was credited by the AFRCC with saving 90 lives in fiscal year 2008. Its volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and counter-drug missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to the nearly 22,000 young people currently participating in CAP cadet programs. Civil Air Patrol has been performing missions for America for more than 67 years.
There are approximately 1,300 members in Maryland. Last fiscal year wing members flew 34 search and rescue missions and were credited with 23 finds. For information about the Maryland Wing of CAP, visit http://mdcap.org/ or listen to weekly episodes of “Civil Air Patrol Today” broadcast every Sunday morning on the following radio stations: • Annapolis, MD - WYRE-AM 810, 8:00-8:30AM ET • Baltimore, MD - WFBR AM 1590, 8:00-8:30AM ET • Ocean City, MD - WKHZ-AM 1590, 7:00-7:30AM ET • Potomac, MD - WCTN 950 AM, 6:006:30AM ET • Rockville, MD - WLXE-AM 1600, 7:00-7:30AM ET • Washington, DC - WZHF-AM 1390, 7:00-7:30AM ET In addition, programs may be listened to at the Maryland Wing Web site at http:// mdcap.org/radio/ and can also be subscribed to as a podcast. The St. Mary’s Composite Squadron meets Wednesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. at the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport, in the Capt. Walter Francis Duke terminal building, 44200 Airport Road, in California. The squadron is commanded by 1st Lt. David Webster. For information, go the squadron’s web site at http://www.capstmarys.com.
SAIC to Support NAVAIR Aviation Training Systems
About 200 people attended the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance annual membership meeting and dinner at Historic St. Mary’s City on Monday. Presented was a painting by local artist Mary Lou Troutman that commemorates the county’s 375th birthday with an image of the Dove, the ship that brought the first English colonists to the county in 1634, and the joint strike fighter soon to be tested at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Photo courtesy of the Navy Alliance
Science Applications International Corp., based in McLean, Va., with offices in Lexington Park, announced Tuesday that it has been awarded a task order by the Naval Air Systems Command to provide technical support services to NAVAIR Program Management Activity (PMA) 205 integrated product teams. The task order has a four-and-a-halfmonth base period of performance, four one-year options, one seven-month option and a total value of more than $29 million if all options are exercised. It was awarded under the Naval Sea Systems Command SeaPort-e contract. PMA 205 delivers training systems products and services to the U.S. Navy. It manages acquisition category and acquisition programs for operator and maintenance training devices. Under the task order, SAIC will provide programmatic support to the IPTs through all phases of naval aviation training system acquisition including research, design, development, engineering, procurement, testing and evaluation; and in-service engineering and logistics support. SAIC will also provide program administration, financial management, systems engineering and logistics support as required. “We look forward to providing NAVAIR and PMA 205 with quality services to help provide program managers and the Fleet with the technical support they need to accomplish their critical missions,” said Debbie James, SAIC senior vice president and business unit general manager, in a press release.
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The County Times
Thursday, October 1, 2009
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Thursday, October 1, 2009
Mary Isabel Bowles, 91 Mary Isabel Bowles, 91, of Leonardtown, MD died September 28, 2009 at St. Mary’s Nursing Center. Born May 16, 1918 in Leonardtown, MD, she was the daughter of the late William A. and Lula Johnson. Mrs. Bowles was a homemaker. In addition to her parents Mrs. Bowles was preceded in death by her husband, John R. Bowles, Sr. She is survived by her children; John R. Bowles, Jr. of Sunset Beach, NC and Gloria J. Swearingen, siblings; William Johnson of Texas, Luke Johnson of Golden Beach, MD and Janice Oliver of Avenue, MD. Family will receive friends on Thursday, October 1, 2009 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD where prayers will be recited at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, October 2, 2009 at 10 a.m. in St. Josephs Catholic Church, Morganza, MD with Father Keith Woods as the celebrant. Interment will follow in Queen of Peace Cemetery, Helen, MD In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Nursing Center, 21585 Peabody Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650 Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral. com. Arrangements provided by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
Mary Ann Jarczynski (Jim) of Lexington Park, MD, Bonnie Zimmerer (Steve) of Canton, MS, Michael A. Dooley of Columbia, MD, Jennifer Brandel of Mechanicsville, MD, Stacey Dawson (Doug) of Lusby, MD, grandchildren; Jeff and Karen Jarczynski, Amy Jarczynski and Ryan Jarczynski, Hope Zimmerer and Steve Zimmerer, Patrick Angleton, Joseph Dawson and Steven Brandel, great-grandchild, Justin Jarczynski, siblings; Robert Miedzinski, Jimmy Miedzinski, Pritzi Klear Ely, Jane Bussler, Dolly Abell and Phyllis Miedzinski all of Leonardtown, MD. She was preceded in death by her son, Stephen Dooley, and siblings; Charles V. Miedzinski and Billy Miedzinski. Family will receive friends on Thursday, September 24, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A Memorial Service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. by Reverend John Mattingly. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral. com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
The County Times
Beall (Mattie), Robert Beall (Mary), Ada V. Ammann (Pat), Aloysius Beall, Teresa Van Ryswick (Pete) and Jimmy Beall. Catherine moved to St. Mary’s County in May of 1972 from Prince George’s County, MD. She attended St. Patrick’s High School in Washington, DC and was a homemaker. She was the family matriarch and babysitter. A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 28, 2009 at 11:00 AM in Our Lady’s Church, Medley’s Neck Rd., Leonardtown, MD with Fr. Young officiating. Interment will be private. Contributions may be made to Solomons Nursing Center, P.O. Box 1509, Solomons, MD 20688. To leave a condolence for the family visit www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the MattingleyGardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
Gertrude Gwendolyn Getz Gass, 89
Catherine “Cakky” Vinette Dovell, 97
preceded in death by her siblings, Harold Getz (Angie), Henry Getz ( Vivian), Horton Getz, Irving Getz, John Getz, William Getz (Sarah), Beatrice Getz and one son in law, Jimmy Goldsborough. The family received friends on Monday, September 28, 2009 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the MattingleyGardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers were said at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 10:00 AM in Holy Angels Catholic Church, Avenue, MD with Fr. William Gurnee officiating. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers were Mrs. Gass’ grandsons, Mike Goldsborough, Kenny Goldsborough, George Morgan, James Morgan, Jason Bowles, Geoff Hammett and Chris Hammett. Honorary pallbearers were her granddaughters, Michelle Bean, Ann Barber, Amy Harrell, Sarah Tyson, Gwen Murphy and Sharon Ann Lathroum, as well as her greatgrandchildren. Contributions may be left to the 7 th District Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 7, Avenue, MD 20609 and/or St. Mary’s Nursing Center Activity Center, P.O. Box 518, Leonardtown, MD 20650. To leave condolence for the family visit www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
James “J.C.” Claude Vallandingham, 80
Roberta A. Dooley, 73
Roberta A. Dooley, 73, of Leonardtown, MD passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 surrounded by her family in her daughter’s home after more than a two year battle with colon cancer. Born March 16, 1936 in Leonardtown, MD she was the daughter of the late Robert Miedzinski and Lillian Hayden Miedzinski. Roberta loved her family, enjoyed reading, talking with people, travelling with her children and grandchildren and food. She and her husband have been the owners of Dooley’s Furniture in Leonardtown, MD for forty years. Roberta is survived by her husband, Roy B. Dooley, her children;
Catherine “Cakky” Vinette Dovell, 97 of Leonardtown, MD and formerly of Prince George’s County, MD, died September 23, 2009 in Solomons Nursing Center. Born April 19, 1912 in Washington, DC she was the daughter of the late Robert and Caroline Loveless Beall. She was the loving wife of the late Ernest P. Dovell whom she married on March 15, 1929 in Takoma Park, MD and who preceded her in death on February 23, 1964. She is survived by her sister Rita Pummill (Warren) of Altoona, PA as well as 32 nieces and nephews, 99 greatnieces and nephews, 126 great-great nieces and nephews and 13 greatgreat-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Bernard Beall (Ethel), Joseph
Gertrude Gwendolyn Getz Gass, 89, of Abell, Maryland died September 24, 2009 at St. Mary’s Nursing Center. Mrs. Gass was a lifelong homemaker. She was born in the Township of Sugarloaf, Columbia County, Pennsylvania on May 29, 1920. She was the daughter of the late Joseph Harold Getz and Lillian Bluebell Giberson Getz Vognetz. Mrs. Gass was preceded by her husband of 65 years, George Frederick Gass, who passed way earlier this year (April 13, 2009). Mr. and Mrs. Gass were married on December 25, 1943 at Holy Angels Church in Avenue, MD. Gertrude Gass was a loving mother, who held a special place in her heart for animals, especially her kitty “Peaches”. She is survived by five daughters and four son-in-laws: Lillian Goldsborough of Hollywood, Regina Morgan and her husband Andy of Compton, Eleanor Tyson and her husband Stan of Compton, Karen Bowles and her husband Randy of Clements and Ruth Hammett and her husband Robin of Clements. Mrs. Gass was preceded in death by her twin daughters, who died at birth. She enjoyed 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 1 greatgreat granddaughter. Her surviving siblings are Edith Butts, Eleanor Warfield and Clyde Getz. Gertrude’s surviving sister in laws are Colleen Getz, Ann Getz and Mary Getz, all of Pennsylvania. She was
James “J.C.” Claude Vallandingham, 80, of Waldorf, MD, died September 26, 2009 at his residence. Born July 7, 1929 on Calvert’s Rest in Ridge, Maryland he was the son of the late Claude I. Vallandingham and Mary Virginia (Curley) Davidson. J.C. attended school in both Ridge and Great Mills, graduating from Great Mills High School on June 13, 1947. He went to work right out high school at the Patuxent River Naval Base in the Sheet Metal Shop of Public works as a helper for one year. He then went on to work for Ship Services as an assistant manager. Two years later J.C. was promoted to manager of Ship Services and continued on there for another
eight years. After leaving Ship Services he took over as the manager for the Sunoco Station at Park Hall, Maryland working there for the next two and one-half years before moving to Waldorf in 1960. Upon his arrival in Waldorf he became an owner/operator of J.C.’s 301 Sunoco on Rt. 301 until 1977. During that time he was also an owner of 3 fleets of U-Hall Rental trailers beginning in 1966. J.C. moved back to Ridge in 1977, bought a grocery store/bar/ liquor store which was called J.C. & Betty’s Grocery and the Hideaway Bar. He eventually sold the business in 1979 and moved back to Waldorf. J.C. finally retired after many years of service with Rudd’s Pest Control in Waldorf. He was member of the Waldorf Lions Club for many years up until 1977, and a long time member of the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, who along with his brother Sam both joined in 1950. J.C. is survived by his wife Ida Elizabeth (Betty) Vallandingham; a son, James (Jimmy) Claude Vallandingham, Jr. and his wife Adeline (Addie) Regina Vallandingham of Port Tobacco, MD ; three daughters, Brenda Sue Salvas and her husband Frank King Salvas of Damascis, MD, Mary Virginia (Ginger) Barnes and her husband Timothy James Barnes of Mechanicville, MD, and Terry Lynn Budaj and her husband Richard Budaj of Bunker Hill, VA; 11 grandchildren, Catherine Nicole (Niki) Barnes, Michael Aaron Barnes, Christopher Allen Barnes, Elizabeth Joy Barnes, Matthew James Salvas, David Gerald Salvas, Amber Lynn Bowling, Ryan Anthony Bowling, Misty Dolene Jones, Maria Ann Jones, and John Ludwig Jones. Also survived by seven great-grandchildren. Preceeded in death by his only brother, Samuel Booth Vallandingham. Family will receive friends for J.C.’s Life Celebration on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD, where prayers will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with Msgr. William Parent officiating. Interment will follow at Trinity Episcopal Cemetery, St. Mary’s City, MD. Pallbearers will be: Catherine Nicole (Niki) Barnes, Michael Aaron Barnes, Christopher Allen Barnes, Matthew James Salvas, David Gerald Salvas, Ryan Anthony Bowling, Lewis Wayne Matz, and Travis Mitchel Jones. Honorary Pallbearers: Elizabeth Joy Barnes, and Amber Lynn Bowling Memorial contributions may be made to Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 520, Ridge, MD 20680 or Hospice of Charles County, P.O. Box 1703, La Plata, MD 20646. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral. com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
The County Times
Thursday, October 1, 2009
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Continued Bernard Alexander Willams, 86 Bernard Alexander Willams, 86, of California, MD, formerly of Silver Spring, MD died Sept. 29, 2009, at his residence, surrounded by his loved ones. Born March 15, 1923 in Roanoke, VA, he was the youngest of 7 children of the late Walter Ernest Williams and the late Mary Coffman Williams. He was a life-long car enthusiast, working for Ford Motor Company throughout his career. He first came to St. Mary’s County in the ’50s, spending weekends enjoying boating, fishing and crabbing, as well as racing his stock car, number “00”. After he retired in 1977, he and his wife became full-time St. Mary’s County residents. In later years, he was an avid Nascar fan and enjoyed watching sports on TV. He was an active member of the Solomons United Methodist Church. He was the husband of the late Betty Armentrout Williams, whom he married on April 10, 1943. They celebrated 61 years of marriage before her death in 2004. He is survived by his children, Brenda Simmons and her husband, Jim, of Chestertown, MD and Kathleen Williams of Columbia, MD; 6 grandchildren, Richard Gordon and his wife, Wendy, of Ingleside, MD, Christopher Gordon and his wife, Debbie, of Columbia, MD, Scott Gordon of Port Republic, Ryan Gordon and his wife, April, of Centreville, MD, Jenny Helmbold of Chicago and Andrew Helmbold and his wife, Kristen, of Salisbury, NC; 12 greatgrandchildren, Zachary, Christopher, Laura, Mitchell, Madeline, Sophia, Brooke, Wade, Andrew, Brice, Faith and Reagan; close family
members Frank Gordon of Owings, MD and Richard Helmbold of Frederick, MD. A memorial service will be held Friday, October 2, 2009 at 11 a.m. at Solomons United Methodist Church, Rev. Dr. Phillip Logan officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
To Place A Memorial Please Call: 301-373-4125
New Radio Station Coming to Forrest Center By John Hunt Contributing Writer Teachers and advisors spent Wednesday talking about plans for a new radio station, TC Radio, at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center in Leonardtown. The new station will allow students to be taught by radio professionals in the community. Future radio announcers, technicians, writers and producers will learn about all the aspects of making a radio station run effectively, while having their own daily and weekly shows. Equipment has been installed in the new Radio Studio that is located across the hall from the office of Eric Millham, who heads the TV/Radio division of the Communications Department. “This will be a tremendous opportunity to teach the kids all about the in-
soon.” Members of the Advisory Committee will be available to help with the growth of this radio station with their experience in the fields of rere porting, comput computers, technology and broadcasting. The lunch meeting and discussion Wednesday was to go over the curriculum and growth of the various programs offered. The Tech Center offers pro-
Tatiana Mieux, seated, and Brittany Cassini test out the new radio equipment.
side workings of a real radio station,” Millham said during a meeting of advisors on Wednesday. “ I am excited about the project.” Members of the Advisory Committee discussed and learned about the project, which should be completed over the next few months. Millham and the committee are hoping to launch TC Radio “sometime very Rich Fuller, president of the Southern Maryland Wine Growers Co-op, and Commissioner Daniel Raley look at some crushed grapes in fermenting vats at the new winery in Leonardtown. Commissioners toured the new winery, publicly funded by more than $500,000 in grant money, Tuesday.
Photo by John Hunt
grams in fields such as Culinary Arts, Graphic Design, and Television/Radio Production. John Hunt is a member of the professional advisory committee for the Communications Department at the tech center. His son is in Millham’s TV and audio production class.
Photo by Guy Leonard
Thursday, October 1, 2009
un Fact
In the U.S. the most common excuse made to get out of paying a ticket is to say they missed the sign.
The County Times
Know
In The
15
Education
SMCPS To Look Into Upgrading Athletic Facilities CSM Hosting The plans would also in-
By Chris Stevens Staff Writer
College Majors Fair
clude a review of tennis courts, practice fields and the gyms. The process of leveling the While the wheels have been playing fields in Southern Maryland set into motion, there is still a On Sunday Oct. 6, the College is still in its infant stages, but it’s a long way to go before these imof Southern Maryland will host a start. provements can take place. SMcollege majors fair at the Center for At the St. Mary’s County Board CPS will assemble a committee Business and Industry, Room BI-113 of Education meeting on Tuesday, Dr. that will be charged with the at the La Plata Campus. ProspecAndrew Roper, director of physical task of thoroughly studying the tive students interested in a particueducation and athletics for St. Mary’s condition of the current athletic lar field of study or students unsure County Public Schools, presented a facilities at the high schools and about which major to select will be plan to the board that would take a deciding which facilities need able to meet with attendees and learn very thorough look at improving ath- the most repair, with a final reabout various majors and the differletic facilities at each of the county’s port due next May. ent degree programs and requirehigh schools, with synthetic grass Many seem to be on board ments. Career and academic advisors fields topping the upgrade list. with the school system’s plan. will be on hand to answer questions. “The intent was to provide the “I don’t believe there was The event is free. Call 301-934-7533, board with information in order to much opposition,” Roper said 240-725-5499, 443-550-6199, 301determine what improvements can when asked of possible dissent 870-2309, Ext. 7533 or visit www. be made,” Roper said about the pre- about the plan. “We had parents, csmd.edu/careerservices for more sentation. “There will be a long- term coaches and medical experts information. plan about what items should be ad- speak – they wanted to move dressed first.” forward with the turf.” The Great Mills high school football team lines up against Lansdowne High School in BalThe first priority seems to be Funding is a major concern, timore County last month. SMCPS is looking into turf fields among other upgrades for its synthetic grass, which, according to but with the facilities upgrade public schools. a presentation file posted on the SM- plan still in its early stages, RopCPS website, would cost $800,000 to er believes identifying the needs and install at all three schools. sore spots is the main priority. The wear and tear that the Chop“[Funding] is a major concern, ticon, Great Mills and Leonardtown but with any project, we want to find about 105 percent. That doesn’t sound like a recipe for stadiums receive over a sports season out what our needs are first,” he said. By Andrea Shiell Staff Writer bringing in more students.” prompted Roper, Brad Clements and “We’re looking at what we’d like to Mary Ann Baenninger visited the college the previsuperintendent Michael Martirano to do and seeing what is possible.” The two remaining finalists under consideration for ous Thursday and told those assembled about her history put together the plan. the presidency of St. Mary’s College visited the campus as a first generation college student, graduating with a “Our stadiums have various chrisstevens@countytimes.net to meet with students, faculty and community members Ph.D. in psychology from Temple University. She taught uses for multiple sports, and it’s more this past week. psychology for 10 years at the College of New Jersey in than the grass can handle,” he says. Joseph Bruno was the last to visit the campus, where Ewing, before moving on to teach at Philadelphia Unihe cited his experience as vice president of academic af- versity and then at Washington College in Chestertown. fairs at Wesleyan University in Middleton, Conn., a posi- She has been president of the College of Saint Benedict, tion he has held since a private liberal arts college northeast of Minneapolis, 2006. Starting out since 2005. as a chemistry proBaenninger admitted that since most of her career fessor with a Ph.D. had been spent at private universities, she had very little from Northwestern experience dealing with state legislators to secure fundUniversity, he joined ing for higher education, but she referred to her skill sets Wesleyan in 1984 in fundraising and dealing with private entities that would and later became influence her ability to connect with officials at the state dean of natural sci- level, as well as helping her supplement state funding with ences and math from private fundraising efforts. 2003 to 2006. One person questioned her decision to remove her Bruno said he name from the list of candidates for the presidency of Ithwould market the ica College in 2008, saying that her decision to not pursue college by enhanc- the position seemed incongruous with her decision to aping summer recruit- ply for the office at St. Mary’s College. ment efforts. Baenninger said that she had removed her name be“That’s when cause she did not feel that she was the best fit for that posistudents tend to be tion at the time. Students gathered for a photo with Superintendent Michael Martirano and stilt-walker freer to think about “Some things Dick Haines at the St. Mary’s County Fair on Friday. The school system manned a booth Joseph Bruno opportunities for in life are incongruall weekend for the promotion of school programs. college, and are ous,” she said. more likely to be on the road, and it’s also the time when When asked one could imagine different programs to attract them to how she viewed the campus,” he said. college’s footprint When asked how he would deal with state legis- in relation to its latures, Bruno said he had dealt with state politicians at success, and if she Wesleyan, which is a private institution, by inviting them planned to expand On Saturday, Oct. 17, the College of Southern Maryland will host a va- to campus and showcasing the school’s economic impact the college, she said riety of workshops from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Center for Business and on the community. He said he would try to showcase sim- she would have to Industry, Room BI-113 at the La Plata Campus. ilar impacts to the state legislatures if chosen as president weigh considerStudents will explore the fields of health science, computer science, archi- of St. Mary’s College. ations against the tecture, chemistry, pharmacy, financial services, astrophysics, radiology and Bruno said he planned to engage students by involv- overall mission of mathematics in a variety of workshops led by women working in these areas, ing them in every level of decision-making at the college. the school. She said followed by group activities. Olivia Mellan, an author, money coach, psycho“Any time a president has to … reach a decision, he she would want to therapist and business consultant who has appeared on “Oprah,” the “Today has to be informed by all the constituencies on campus,” preserve the small Show” and “20-20,” will be the keynote speaker. The event is free to young he said. size of the campus Mary Ann Baenninger women 8th grade and up, and math teachers. Breakfast and lunch are included. When asked if he planned to expand the college or and its student body as much as possible, since she felt it Those interested in attending can register online at add more students, Bruno said he probably would not was one of the school’s biggest selling points. http://www.csmd.edu/Women&Math/registration/index.htm and stu- consider it. “You’re not there to have an Oedipus complex,” she dents that register by Oct. 12 will be automatically entered in a drawing for a “I see no reason to imagine changes like that,” he said. $50 gift certificate. For more information, contact Sandy Poinsett at 301-934- said. “The estimate I heard sometime today in terms of 7808, Sandrap@csmd.edu or visit http://www.csmd.edu/Women&Math/. occupancy of residents is that St. Mary’s is running at andreashiell@countytimes.net
Last Two Finalists Visit St. Mary’s College
Upcoming: Upcoming: Women Women + + Math Math = Infinite Options
The County Times
Thursday, October 1, 2009
16
St. Mary’s County Elks Lodge #2092 Supports the Wounded Warrior Project
2009/2010
UpCoMing EvEntS:
To Benefit Wounded Warrior Project
th 24 October
November 7th Nov 14th & 15th November 21st Charity Ball Fishing tournament 5K Walk/Run
Location – Cheeseburger In Paradise
oktoberfest Starting at 3:00PM Comics on Duty at 8:00PM Four Comedians
Registration at 7:00 a.m. Start time 8:00 a.m.
All pavement course closes at 9:15 a.m.
$25 entry fee Pre-register at bpoe2092.org
Location – Buzz’s Marina Ridge, Maryland @ buzzsmarina.com Date – November 14th & 15th Times – Dawn to 3:30PM Entry Fee - $125.00 Cash Prizes
(Black Tie Dinner)
Pre-register @ bpoe2092.org Call Buzz’s for more details at 301-872-5887
Dinner: 6:00 p.m. Presentation: 7:00 p.m. Entertainment: 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $5 entry fee to Octoberfest (food & beverages available) $20 for comedy show
LoDgE # 2092 St. Mary’s County, MD.
301-863-7800
The Greatest Casualty is Being Forgotten... !
k All of Our Spon n a sor Th e s W
Support Our Mission at bpoe2092.org
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Thursday, October 1, 2009
The County Times
Crime&
Punishment
Man Sentenced To 40 Years For Carjacking Where Victim Later Died
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
Stephen J. Brown-Santos, the man who last year carjacked an elderly man with a host of medical problems [the victim later died], received a sentence of 40 years in prison for his crime in county Circuit Court Wednesday. Brown was found not guilty of firstand second-degree murder at his trial but received guilty verdicts for armed robbery, armed carjacking, kidnapping and using a handgun during the commission of a felony. Judge C. Clarke Raley said that while Brown-Santos would have to pay heavily for his crimes, he said that the defendant was not a hardened criminal, rather someone who thought he could solve his financial problems with a gun. “He’s not the person who is a full-blown thug you expect to live a life of crime,” Raley said. Raley said that Brown-Santos’ history in his native Puerto Rico showed he was intelligent and did very well in his studies, but when he moved to the United States with his girlfriend, with whom he had a 4-year-old daughter, he was able to get only low-wage work and was being pressured to do more. That was when he hatched a plot to carjack and rob a victim, which turned out to
Stephen J. Brown-Santos
be Gurley, 75, whom he kidnapped at gunpoint at a dentist’s office parking lot in June of 2008. He took Gurley to a nearby shopping center parking lot, robbed him of $37 and a ring, and left Gurley there in the lot. Gurley returned to the dentist’s office and reported the crime as well as chest pains; he was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital where he later died of a heart attack. Court testimony later revealed that
Brown-Santos told his girlfriend what he had done and that Gurley had died. That conversation was overheard and soon detectives learned of Brown-Santos’ suspected involvement. He was arrested days after the incident. “It’s amazing what can happen when someone arms themselves with a weapon … and goes out and sticks it in someone’s face thinking that will solve their problems,” Raley said. “Exactly the opposite happened here.” Throughout the legal process, BrownSantos had expressed remorse for what had transpired. He begged the forgiveness of Gurley’s family, though he seemed to understand he would not get it. “I apologize to the family members for the pain I caused them,” Brown-Santos said. “I cannot take back what I did, I cannot take it back but I wish I could.” State’s Attorney Richard Fritz read statements from two family members of Gurley’s, a daughter and granddaughter, about how his death had devastated the family. “My grandfather would have helped somebody if there was a need,” Valerie Vale, Gurley’s granddaughter had written. “No gun required.” guyleonard@countytimes.net
17-Year-Old To Be Tried As An Adult In Rape Case By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Shawn M. Clark, 17, who was charged over the summer with the seconddegree rape of a 19 yr. old female, will be tried as an adult, a Circuit Court judge ruled Monday. Clark, and his lawyer, public defender Luke Shawn M. Clark Woods, were pressing for approval of a waiver that would have sent him back to juvenile court, but Judge C. Clarke Raley declared at the end of the proceedings that extensive treatment by the Department of Juvenile Services over the past seven years seemed to have no affect on Clark’s past alleged criminal behavior. “I can’t find one scintilla of evidence … that he should be tried anywhere but in adult court,” Raley said. “Nothing has worked, nothing will work. You’re beyond that, Mr. Clark.” Court testimony during the hearing showed
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
that Clark had been involved with the juvenile justice system since he was 10 years old and that he had repeated behavioral and drug problems, though he had never been found guilty of any crime of violence. His record showed one charge of seconddegree assault, but that case was dropped several years ago, according to Woods. Woods argued that Clark had never been assessed as a sex offender in regard to the rape case against him and that his state of mental health regarding the case had not been determined. Woods called the assessment from the Department of Juvenile Justice that recommended Clark be tried in adult court a “rubber-stamped waiver investigation.” Jeff Morris, a caseworker with the department who had worked with Clark for the last several years, according to his testimony, said that the charges against Clark for allegedly participating in the massive property destruction incident at Elms Beach park earlier this year showed that Clark’s behavior had only gotten steadily worse after being in the juvenile system “His delinquency was to such a degree that he would not be amenable to treatment in a juvenile facility,” Morris said of Clark’s record.
Lumpkins Sentenced
Robert Lumpkins, of Piney Point, owner of Golden Eye Seafood LLC, will spend the next 18 months in prison for aiding commercial fisherman in the illegal harvesting and false reporting of rockfish catches from 2003 to 2007. Lumpkins received his sentence Sept. 25 in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $36,000 and $164,050 in restitution. Lumpkins had pleaded guilty to both con-
spiracy to violate and violation of the Lacey Act by falsely recording the amount and weight of striped bass harvested by local fishermen involved in the scheme through his seafood wholesale business. More than a dozen defendants have either pleaded guilty or been sentenced to prison terms for their participation in the conspiracy, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Federal authorities estimated the value of the poached rockfish to be on the order of about $2.15 million.
Briefs First Degree Assault On Sept. 25, 2009, Deputy Scott Ruest responded to Great Mills Road in Lexington Park for a report of an assault. The victim pointed towards Robert Gregory Carson, 20, of Lexington Park and alleged that Carson had just pulled a knife on him. Deputies approached Carson who took off running but was caught and detained after a short foot chase. Investigation revealed Carson was in a verbal dispute with the victim. The verbal dispute escalated when Carson grabbed a knife and allegedly threatened to cut the victim. The victim fled and contacted the police. Carson provided a false name to the deputies but was identified during the booking process. Carson was arrested and charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault and making a false statement to a police officer.
Man Charged In Domestic Assault On Sept. 25, 2009, deputies responded to a residence on Circle Road in Mechanicsville for a report of a domestic assault in progress. Investigation revealed Joseph Michael Griffith, 46, of Mechanicsville was in a verbal dispute with the victim, which escalated into a physical assault when Griffith allegedly struck the victim in the arm and face. Griffith fled prior to the arrival of the deputies but was located a short time later, arrested and charged with second-degree assault.
Philip H. Dorsey III Attorney at Law
-Serious Personal Injury CasesLEONARDTOWN: 301-475-5000 TOLL FREE: 1-800-660-3493 EMAIL: phild@dorseylaw.net
www.dorseylaw.net
Cover On The
The County Times
Thursday, October 1, 2009
If you go …
House Tour Shines a Light on Solar Panels
By Virginia Terhune Staff Writer
Mike Thompson of Hollywood doesn’t much like the idea of the United States having to spend money overseas to buy fuel to power our economy. “I didn’t want to feed money to Saddam Hussein to buy his oil,” Thompson said. “I think we’re wasting our wealth when there’s something we can do here.” That’s one reason why he recently invested more than $30,000 in a sun-powered system to reduce his demand for electricity produced by burning fossil fuels. One of the other reasons is because he wants to leave as small a footprint on the environment as possible. “I have a lot of respect for what God has given us, and I don’t want to make things worse,” said Thompson, one of six homeowners in St. Mary’s and Calvert counties who have volunteered to host visitors for a free, selfguided tour this Saturday as part of a national campaign to educate the public about the benefits of going solar. Visitors may go the houses (four in St. Mary’s and two in Calvert ) on Oct. 3 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Hosts ask that visitors bring a copy of the tour brochure, which includes address and information about the solar panel systems. The brochure can be downloaded by going to www. solartechinc.net. Solar Tech Inc, based in Hollywood, installed most of the systems available for viewing. Richard Schmidt, who served in the Air Force, runs the company with his daughter, Shannon Schmidt, a graduate of St. Mary’s College. This is the second year the company has hosted the tour in association with the American Solar Energy Society. Solar Supporter Thompson is such an advocate for solar panels that he has asked the St. Mary’s County commissioners to consider granting a property tax credit to homeowners who install them. “They’re looking into it,” he said about the request. Thompson and has wife Barbara installed solar panels on the house they built in 1981 and used them to heat water and help heat the house. At the time, they had four children and the system helped them lower their electricity bills during the spring and summer months. The system finally ran its course about three years ago, and the Thompsons started looking around for a replacement that would take advantage of new technology. Thompson invested about $55,000 up front, but the system actually cost him about $34,300 after factoring in paybacks from a Maryland state grant, a Federal tax credit, the savings on his SMECO bill and state mandated Renewable Energy Credits. He said he was paying between $100 and $120 per month for electricity before he installed the system, but has paid nothing this summer going back four months.
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In fact, he’s generating a little more electricity than he uses, which goes back into the electricity grid for use by others. But as winter approaches, he knows he’ll start to pay more again, as daylight hours begin to dwindle. Thompson estimates that over the course of a year, he can save about $1,200 in electricity costs, added to a payment of about $1,800 a year he will receive from SMECO for using ‘green energy.’ The systems depreciate somewhat over the 25-year life of the system, but that is offset by what they add to the value of a house. “The technology was there, we built the stuff and it works,” he said about his nearly 30 years of experience with them. And the look of them on the roof is not an obstacle. “Some people think f lowers are beautiful, I think this is beautiful,” Thompson said. Hooked technology
on
Visit between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3 In St. Mary’s County (Hollywood area), the houses are: • Allston Lane (Schmidt) • Blackistone Circle (Lauver) • Thompson Farm Lane (Thompson) • Drum Cliff Road (Dollarton) In Calvert County, they are: • Beech Road, Saint Leonard (Clarke) • Coster Road, Lusby (Roscoe) To download the tour brochure with directions, go to www.solartechinc.net. In upper left, click on “Southern MD Solar Tour.” “Reducing the loads by 60 percent – that would be tremendous,” he said. More than 5,000 homes, schools and businesses around the country are participating in the 14th annual ASES National Solar Tour this year. Last year the tours attracted more than 140,000 people around the country, according to ASES. For more information, go to www.NationalSolarTour.org.
T h o m p s o n’s system was installed by Solar Tech Inc. which Richard Schmidt started in 1998 inter because of his interest and background in technology. “It’s fascinating how well it works,” said Schmidt, who first worked on microwave systems in the Air Force years ago. Schmidt and Thompson are of like minds as to why they trumpet sun-driven electrical and heating systems. “We got to do something about the environment and stop sending money overseas to buy oil,” said Schmidt, who has done about 140 installations, including some in his home state of Nebraska and some in St. Mary’s County. The company has installed several systems in local schools, including the new Evergreen Elementary School, Leonardtown Elementary and at Windy Hill Elementary in Owings in Calvert County. “All three are tied to the grid with permission from SMECO,” he said. Schmidt estimated a typical 6 KW system could be installed for less than $50,000 and that it would generate enough electricity to meet 60 to 65 percent of a households needs. And while the cost may be daunting to some, the cost is offset by cash payments and tax credits. If for example, someone spent $48,000 for a system, they could subtract the value of an $8,000 Maryland grant and take a 30 percent federal tax credit on the $40,000 balance, which translates into paying $12,000 less in taxes that year, he said. “This is not a science project, this is real stuff,” Schmidt said. “It’s practical and real good, as far as I’m concerned.” Some say the more realistic answer to the Photo by Frank Marquart country’s energy needs is building more coal and Shannon Schmidt of Hollywood displays some of the sun-powered solar panels nuclear plants, but Schmidt argues that if everyone that her family’s company, Solar Tech Inc., installs for homeowners who want to installed solar panels and cut their demand for fos- reduce their reliance on electricity generated by fossil fuels. sil-fuel electricity, it would make a difference.
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Thursday, October 1, 2009
The County Times
MedStar Health Just Got
Healthier
We’re delighted to announce that
St. Mary's Hospital has joined MedStar Health, and that’s a
welcome shot in the arm for the region’s leading healthcare system. This new partnership is a perfect match—St. Mary's Hospital shares MedStar Health’s
commitment
to providing the highest quality
health care, shares our not-for-profit mission, and shares our dedication to improving the health and
quality health care across a range of specialty areas, St. Mary's Hospital is a vital addition to MedStar Health, the provider of choice
well-being of the communities that surround us. Offering
for more than half a million people throughout Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region.
MedStar Health is a not-for-profit, community-based healthcare system, which includes Georgetown University Hospital, Montgomery General Hospital, National Rehabilitation Hospital, St. Mary's Hospital, Washington Hospital Center, Franklin Square Hospital Center, Good Samaritan Hospital, Harbor Hospital, Union Memorial Hospital, MedStar Family Choice, MedStar Health Visiting Nurse Association, MedStar Physician Partners, MedStar Research Institute and other affiliate members. To contact a MedStar physician, go to www.medstarhealth.org
The County Times
FALL LAWN & PATIO
FURNITURE At Outlet Discount Pricing
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Heal h Health Care You Can Count On By Congressman Steny H. Hoyer
Photo By Guy Leonard
Now Arriving
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Health insurance reform is essential for our families, our businesses, and our country. Our families are being strained by skyrocketing premiums. If we do nothing, the average Maryland family can expect to spend nearly $25,000 per year on health care premiums by 2016, up from $12,000 now. Across America, families are dealing with the same out-of-control costs: this decade, premiums have risen three times faster than wages, meaning that health care eats up a bigger and bigger share of your budget every year. Our businesses are also struggling under the burden of an outdated system. Starbucks spends more on health care than coffee; GM spends more on health care than steel. American companies pay twice as much for health care as their foreign competitors—a serious handicap that can send jobs overseas. And small businesses continue to struggle to cover their workers; their premiums going up by 129% in this decade. Finally, our country will face a dire fiscal future without reform. In 2006, health care costs ate up 16% of our economy. If we do nothing, by 2025, health care will take up a quarter of our economy—and within this century, one out of every two dollars spent in America will eventually be going to health care. Health care reform has been on the national agenda since the days of Teddy Roosevelt—but today, we are closer than ever to achieving the goal. All five congressional committees with jurisdiction have come forward with bills, and we are now in the middle
of an extensive public debate about various proposals. While some issues remain under discussion, there are many fundamental ideas that most agree need to be part of a final reform bill. First, reform will build on the current system of employer-sponsored health care. It adds to that system greater peace of mind for workers: if they lose or change jobs, they will still be guaranteed affordable, high-quality insurance through a national health insurance exchange where private plans will compete for their business. Second, reform will provide security and stability for the middle class. We will protect families from medical bankruptcy and limit out-of-pocket costs. We will also end insurance companies’ denial of coverage for those with pre-existing conditions - everything from cancer and diabetes to pregnancy and asthma. And we will eliminate caps, so that no insurance company can tell a patient that they have gotten too sick for the coverage they paid for. Third, reform will bring coverage to America’s uninsured. Not only will a healthier country provide an economic boost; broader coverage will end the “hidden tax” of about $1,100 in each family’s premium that goes to subsidize the care of the uninsured. Fourth, if you have Medicare, your health care will not change and reforms will strengthen the program by ending the prescription drug “donut hole” that arbitrarily cuts off many seniors’ prescription drug coverage, eliminating cost-sharing for preventative care and enhancing access to your doctors. Fifth and finally, the insurance exchange helps small business owners get lower rates on insurance. By leveraging the purchasing power that now is only available to their larger competitors, small businesses will find it easier to cover their employees. From those who have every been denied coverage for a pre-existing condition, or have seen their health care costs eat up more of their budgets every year, and everyone who has struggled with the inefficiencies and inequities of our current health care system, these commonsense reforms are long overdue.
The County Times welcomes comments both in agreement or opposing this viewpoint.
Seasonal OUTLET CENTER McKayʼs Plaza, Charlotte Hall
301-884-8682 • 301- 274-0615 Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat: 10 am - 7pm Sunday: 10am - 4pm Closed Tuesdays
Screenings Crucial in Breast Cancer Detection Breast cancer screening means checking a woman’s breasts for cancer before there are signs or symptoms of the disease. Three main tests are used to screen the breasts for cancer. Talk to your doctor about which tests are right for you, and when you should have them. • Mammogram: The most effective means to detecting breast cancer, a mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. Mammograms can detect breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. If you are age 40 years or older, be sure to have a screening mammogram every one to two years. • Clinical breast exam: A clinical breast exam is an examination by a doctor or nurse, who uses his or her hands to feel for lumps or other changes.
• Breast self-exam: A breast self-exam is when you check your own breasts for lumps, changes in size or shape of the breast, or any other changes in the breasts or underarm (armpit). Having a clinical breast exam or a breast self-exam does not decrease risk of dying from breast cancer. If you choose to have clinical breast exams and to perform breast self-exams, be sure you also get regular mammograms. Breast cancer screenings are typically available at clinics, the local hospital or a doctor’s office. If you want to be screened for breast cancer, call your doctor’s office. They can help you schedule an appointment. Most health insurance companies pay for the cost of breast cancer screening tests. For more information on cancer prevention and control, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at www.cdc.gov/cancer.
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The County Times
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Fact
un At some fast food chains, both in U.S. and in other countries, managers are rewarded bonuses when they reduce employee wages to save money.
A House is a Home
Smartest Improvement? A Safety Renovation Installing a new roof, updating a kitchen, adding another room to a home -- these are the things that come to mind when one thinks of a home-improvement project. However, what good are these improvements if you don’t also renovate the way you think about safety in the home? A safety hazard can quickly escalate and ruin all of your hard work. According to recent accident statistics from the National Safety Council, the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control and other advocacy groups, approximately 45 percent of unintentional injury deaths occurred in and around the home. Unintentional home injury deaths to children are caused primarily by fire and burns, suffocation, drowning, firearms, falls, choking, and poisoning. It is important to keep safety in mind with everything you do as a homeowner. Therefore, take the time to assess these areas of potential concern as part of any home-improvement plans: • Periodically check your hot water tank, washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator icemaker to see if they are secure and leak-free. • Keep supplemental heating sources, such as wood-burning stoves, or kerosene, propane or electrical heaters at least 3 feet away from flammable items including draperies and clothing. • Don’t store flammable items, or just about
anything too close to furnaces or hot water tanks. • Carefully monitor the electrical system for shorts and sparks. Do not run cords under rugs or heavy furniture, and do not overload electrical outlets. • Keep chemical cleaning products, homerepair items, like paint and mineral spirits, and tools under lock and key or out of reach of children. • Do not store combustible materials like newspapers and rags in the basement or garage. • Burn only dry, seasoned hardwood in your fireplace, and regularly have the chimney inspected and cleaned. • Install a working smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector on every floor of the home. • Inspect surrounding trees and cut down any dead limbs. If a tree doesn’t seem sound to you, bring in an expert tree service to remove it. You don’t want a tree crashing down during a powerful storm. • Make sure steps, both indoors and outdoors, are level and intact. Install better lighting at entryways to improve safety. • Install a safety fence around a pool with a locked gate.
October 10 and 11 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. It’s ALL FREE! Fun for Everyone!
Free Boat Rides
Great Food
Toy Boat Building
Games
Arts & Crafts Fair Live Music Pony Rides (fee charged) Pet Adoption
New on Saturday: Taste the Bounty of the Patuxent with wine tasting and local goodies to taste and buy PRAD Parade Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons, MD www.pradinc.org or www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/events
The County Times
NOTICE
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Thursday, October 1, 2009
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Thursday, October 1, 2009
The County Times
A Journey Through Time The
By Linda Reno Contributing Writer
ALL-IN-ONE REDEFINED.
Chronicle
Alvey wouldn’t stay out of trouble for very long. Later that year, based on information provided by Walter Peake (aka Pake) he was in court again, this time for stealing a cow belonging to Col. William Evans. He claimed innocence but when his house was searched, there was found “ fresh beef, newly killed, and the hide of a beast, without ears, hidden under Corn husks in the hen house.� At Alvey’s trial, Daniel Hammond, his teenage stepson was compelled to testify. Daniel said that on the night of 19 December 1665 Alvey went outside with an axe and that when he came in again he told Daniel’s mother that he had “done his business for he had Cut off a beasts Legg in the hen house. Even without one leg the heifer was eating husks like mad, and therefore Alvey went out again with the axe and knocked her in the head.� Alvey was found guilty with the jury saying the cow was worth a lesser price, attempting to save him from hanging. They were
Indentured servants made up the majority of the population in early Maryland. For payment of their passage, they agreed to serve 5-7 years and to work 10-14 hours a day, six days a week. Should they live long enough to complete their service, they would receive one suit of clothes, a couple of tools, corn and 50 acres. These servants were almost completely at the mercy of their master. There were good masters and then there was Pope Alvey, the worst of the worst. On February 29, 1664 Alice Sanford was beaten to death by her master, Pope Alvey. Her body had been “beaten to a Jelly.â€? John Bessick testified he had heard someone “hollowâ€? in the woods. He went to Pictured here is St. Margaret’s of Antioch located at Knotting, Bedfordshire, investigate and found England where Arthur Alvey, the grandfather of Joseph and Pope, served Alice and Pope. Alice as rector from 1591-1644. told Besseck to take notice that her master had killed her. Pope ordered to reconsider their verdict having “a said “This Damned whoare‌.I cannot get her Speciall Care in what they did.â€? This time the along noe further then I baste [beat] her.â€? verdict was guilty. Despite Alice’s assertions she could not Alvey again attempted to claim benefit walk, Alvey continued beating her. “Alvey of clergy but was denied as he’d already used swore that he would make her go farther, lifted that. He was sentenced to be hung but several up her waistcoat, and beat her on her bare people (unidentifed) “appeared and on their back. When he had broken three sticks on her knees humbly begged the court to reverse the she raised her hand to ward off the blows, but judgment and save Alvey’s life.â€? Alvey held her hand under his foot and beat Although Alvey was released, the death her again.â€? sentence remained in effect and could have At last Bessick intervened, carrying Al- been reinstituted had Alvey misbehaved. He ice on his back for a while. After resting for a was also ordered to serve as hangman at least bit, Alice was put on her feet again to no avail. once and he did. His victim was Walter Peake The beating resumed. At last they arrived at who had caused Alvey’s arrest for stealing the the Roswell plantation where Alvey dragged cow. Peake, found guilty of murder, asked to Alice inside. When she cried out in pain Alvey be hung in front of his own house where he “tooke her by the nose & stopped her breath.â€? had committed the murder. His request was He then took a “porringer of hominy, held Al- granted and Alvey hung him on December 17, ice up and opened her mouth with a payre of 1668. Tobacco Tonges, poured hominy broth into her Pope Alvey did thereafter stay out of troumouth, and laid her down again.â€? Alice imme- ble and was pardoned in 1674. diately died. Alvey lifted her head up and said, If you are a member of the Alvey family, “I thinke really that shee is dead.â€? don’t despair. Pope Alvey had no children. Charged with felonious killing (man- You are descended from Joseph and Elizabeth slaughter), Alvey was found guilty but claimed Alvey who were transported to Maryland in and was granted “benefit of clergy.â€? The court 1657 as indentured servants to Robert Cole. ordered he “be forthwith burnt in the brawn of Joseph Alvey, who acquired 300 acres by the his Right hand with a Red hot Iron.â€? time of his death in 1679, named one of his In 1665 another Alvey servant died under properties “Knottingâ€? for the place of his birth. mysterious circumstances, but there was not Joseph was, however, the younger brother of enough evidence to charge him--regardless, Pope Alvey.
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The County Times
Thursday, October 1, 2009
For Norris, the Song is the Story By Andrea Shiell Staff Writer
settle on a particular genre, though the majority of his songs have been performed by bluegrass musicians including IIIrd Tyme Out, Blue Highway and Seldom Seen. A crowd of happy-hour regulars filtered into DB McFor Norris, songs have been a vehicle for his storytelling, Millan’s Irish Pub in California on Friday as Dave Norris sat the inspiration for which tends to strike him at odd moments, among them at the bar, sipping a pint of Guinness and grin- he said, explaining how he got the idea for “The Drunkard of ning at his comrades. the Town.” For this St. Mary’s County native, who was about to strap “I wrote the first two verses of the song after getting the on his acoustic melody, and guitar for a set described this of Irish and simcharacter to a T. ilarly inspired I said okay there tunes, the scene he is, so I woke was a welcomup at about three ing one. o’clock in the “I was born morning runand raised here ning for the guiin the county, tar, and the soin a little town lution was that called Chaptico. he got in a fight It’s got more with the devil hidden history … the songwritthan any town in ing process, I the U.S. It was a guess, is differcolonial town ent for different established in styles of music,” like 1634,” he he said, launchsaid. Chaptico ing into an imis an Indian promptu version word, it means of the song. deep water, and It may be there’s only one just those caChaptico on thartic moments the face of the at 3 a.m. and the earth, and we’ve run-ins with old got it right here timers with famPhoto By Andrea Shiell ily stories to tell in St. Mary’s.” Norris has Norris jumps into a tableside rendition of his song, “The Drunkard of the Town,” a folksy bal- that keep Norris a twin brother lad about a town drunk who gets into a brawl with the devil. inspired to keep named Joe, who his pen moving, is also a musician who plays with him on occasion. He said he writing virtual novels into stanzas while he crafts his melodies even swapped places with his brother once when they were in in his sleep, but of course it’s anybody’s guess. grade school. Dave Norris now performs regularly at DB McMillan’s “I guess we were in second grade, maybe, and we got Irish Pub in California on Thursdays and Fridays. He will be caught because someone answered in the wrong person’s seat. playing with Jay Armsworthy, Recent Addition, Joey Tippett But we were identical. It was really hard to tell us apart,” he & the California Ramblers and other local bluegrass artists on said, explaining that it was also difficult to separate the two Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Bluegrass for Hospice Music Festival when it came to their love of music. at Flat Iron Farm on Flat Iron Road in Great “We’ve been writing songs since we found out you were Mills. For more information allowed to … when we were little, we would sing our dreams and performance schedto each other when we woke up in the morning, I mean we ules, go to http://daalways, since the time we were little, had vivid imaginations,” vid nor r ismusic. said Dave, explaining that he could draw left-handed, but he com. plays his guitar right-handed, a quirk he said he has only encountered in other musicians. andreashiThe first song he ever got published was called “He ell@countyWalked All the Way Home.” “It was one I wrote about a story times.com that an old man told me in Southampton, Va. His great grandfather, he was walking home the day that Lee surrendered, and he was following prisoners along the Confederate railroad, and when it was announced the war was over, he started walking home and he met his future bride on the way home,” he said, smiling. Photo By “He stopped by a farmhouse to get a drink of water, and Andrea Shiell this southern widow who’d been widowed by the war told him he had the prettiest blue eyes she’d ever seen. And he thought Dave Norris about that and thought about that, and a month later he hunted playing Irish tunes her up and asked her if she wanted to get married and at DB McMillan’s she said yes.” Irish Pub in California. Dave said he could never quite
ary’ M
St.
s
Entertainment
Get Out & Have Fun Right Here in St. Ma ry’s
County!
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‘Surrogates’ is a Robotic Retread By Jake Coyle AP Entertainment Writer “Surrogates” is itself a surrogate, a kind of stand-in for many of the sci-fi movies of the recent past: In it, you’ll recognize the ideas of “Blade Runner,” “Minority Report” and even “WALL-E.” The Bruce Willis action flick opens with two murders – the first in years in a quasi-present day Boston. Technology has advanced enough so that nearly everyone has a surrogate – or “surry” for short. While reclining at home and plugged into a machine, people control a robotic version of themselves that safely maneuvers through the world in all of its slings and arrows. The surrogates are a fantasy version of one’s self – cosmetically perfect, thinner, younger and sometimes of the opposite sex. (This means, most importantly, that we have a blond Bruce Willis on our hands.) Yes, like James Bond, John McClane has gotten the Ken doll treatment. For an aging action star, the pseudo Willis is almost a pun, a wink at moviegoers’ need for stars that never age. Willis is a police detective named Greer who, along with his partner (Radha Mitchell), is trying to solve the murders which, though committed on surrogates, also “liquefied” the brains of their human operators. The police, too, have surrogates. When Greer – himself, not his doppelganger – rolls out of his bedroom after a long night as himself, the attractive surrogate of his wife (Rosamund Pike) sighs at the sight of her bald and wrinkly husband. The surrogates are a clear metaphor for the virtual reality that’s already upon us. It’s a subject popular in Hollywood these days, given the recent Gerard Butler film “Gamer” and James Cameron’s upcoming film “Avatar.” Having a robotic stand-in has some obvious perks: Sexuality is less inhibited. If you fall, you don’t scrape your elbows. And if your helicopter crashes, you don’t die. But this crime-less utopia is also a superficial wasteland, devoid of meaningfulness. As the investigation into the murders goes deeper, a plot to destroy the network becomes unfurled. It has something to do with VSI, the company that created surrogates. (Its slogan: “Life ... only better.”) One of the founders of VSI (James Cromwell) is having inventor’s remorse. Some also choose to live in humanonly areas; the leader of these renegades is played by a dreadlocked Ving Rhames. “We’re not meant to experience the world through a machine,” Rhames’ character announces. It’s an ironic sentiment coming from a film projector beamed into a state-of-the-art movie theater. “Surrogates,” directed by Jonathan Mostow (“Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines”), is adapted from a graphic novel by Robert Venditti. If anyone hasn’t noticed yet, graphic novels are – for better or worse – the new pulp fiction. Like those hard-boiled novels of the 1940s that Hollywood couldn’t get enough of, graphic novels are fueling what once would have been called B-movies. At its best, that’s what “Surrogates” is: a quality B-movie, pulpy and very much reflective of its times. The film isn’t shy about its feelings about technology – it’s time to unplug. It laments a culture that medicates pain away and has its head in virtual realms. It’s hard to miss the message or the nihilistic glee the film takes in seeing a world of robot surrogates suddenly collapse – a Second Life apocalypse that effectively forces society to unplug and step outside. The Internet, though, is here to stay. Dreams of a computer-less society are as much fantasy as a blonde Bruce Willis. (A Walt Disney Co. release. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence, disturbing images, language, sexuality and a drug-related scene. Two stars out of four.)
The County Times is always looking for more local talent to feature! To submit art or entertainment announcements, or band information for our entertainment section, e-mail andreashiell@countytimes.net.
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The County Times
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Thursday, Oct. 1 • David Norris DB McMillan’s Irish Pub (California) – 6 p.m. • Progressive Salsa Levels 1 & 2 House of Dance (Hollywood) – 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Open Blues Jam Fat Boys Country Store (Leonardtown) – 8 p.m. • United States Navy Band CSM Fine Arts Center (La Plata) – 8 p.m. • Absinthe Memories (Waldorf) – 9 p.m.*
• Save the Ta Ta’s Bikini Contest for Breast Cancer Survivors Buffalo Wings & Beer (Leonardtown) – 8 p.m. • Roadhouse Band VFW Post 10081 (Bel Alton) – 8:30 p.m.*
• Gretchen Richie Vincenzo’s (Calvert Marina) – 6:30 p.m. • The Craze Drift Away Bar & Grill (Cobb Island) – 9 p.m.*
• Ladies Night with DJ Pablo and DJ Marc Shubrooks Hula’s Bungalow (California) – 8 p.m.
• Pianist Alessandro Magnasco and Violinist Andrea Cardinale St. Mary’s College (Auerbach Auditorium, St. Mary’s Hall) – 8 p.m.
• Guilty As Charged Apehanger’s Bar (Bel Alton) – 9 p.m.
• Country Memories Band @ Blessing of the Fleet St. Clements (Colton’s Point) – 12:30 p.m. • Newtowne Players: “Harvey” Three Notch Theater (Lexington Park) – 3:30 p.m. • Gretchen Richie at Sotterley’s WineFest Sotterley Plantation (Hollywood) – 4 p.m.
• Hightest Blue Dog Saloon (Port Tobacco) – 9 p.m.*
Monday, Oct. 5
• Karaoke w/ DJ Tommy T & DJ T Applebee’s (California) – 9 p.m.
• Asian Film Series Presents “Slumdog Millionaire” St. Mary’s College (Cole Cinema) – 8 p.m. The 2008 Oscar-winning film, Slumdog Millionaire, will be shown at Cole Cinema of the Campus Center at St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) as part of the college’s Asian Film Series. The movie examines the troubled life of a Mumbai teen as he is on the cusp of winning a fortune on India’s version of Who Wants to Be A Millionaire.
• Karaoke Club 911 (Mechanicsville) – 9 p.m.
• Sloe Jim Cryer’s Back Road Inn (Leonardtown) – 9 p.m.
• Karaoke w/ DJ Steadyrockin’ Cadillac Jack’s (Lexington Park) – 9:30 p.m.
• Too Many Mikes Vera’s White Sands Beach Club (Lusby) – 9 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 2
Saturday, Oct. 3
• Wicked Rosie Cryer’s Back Road Inn (Leonardtown) – 9 p.m.
• Gretchen Richie St. Clements Island Museum (Colton’s Point) – 5:45 p.m.
• Captain John DB McMillan’s Irish Pub (California) – 5:30 p.m.
• Auditions for “Some Enchanted Evening” CSM Fine Arts Center (La Plata) – 6 p.m.
• Dance Club Night Cadillac Jack’s (Lexington Park) – 9:30 p.m.
• David Norris DB McMillan’s Irish Pub (California) – 6 p.m.
• Randy Richie (jazz pianist) Café Des Artistes (Leonardtown) – 6:30 p.m.
• Pool Tournament Big Dogs Paradise (Mechanicsville) – 7 p.m.
• Randy Richie (jazz pianist) Café Des Artistes (Leonardtown) – 6:30 p.m.
• Car 54 Hotel Charles Party Room (Hughesville) – 8 p.m.
• Newtowne Players: “Harvey” Three Notch Theater (Lexington Park) – 8 p.m. To reserve tickets or for more information, call 301-737-5447. • Karaoke w/ DJ Steadyrockin’ Cadillac Jack’s (Lexington Park) – 9:30 p.m.
• Dezy Walls (music and comedy) Black Box Theater (Indian Head) – 8 p.m.
• Jah Works Hula’s Bungalow (California) – 8 p.m.
• Matt Garrett Acoustic Cheeseburger in Paradise (Hollywood) – 8 p.m. • Newtowne Players: “Harvey” Three Notch Theater (Lexington Park) – 8 p.m.
• Legend Vera’s White Sands Beach Club (Lusby) – 9 p.m.
• Funny Money Hula’s Bungalow (California) – 8 p.m. • Matt Garrett Acoustic Calypso Bay Crab House (Solomons) – 8 p.m. • Naked Hotel Charles Front Bar (Hughesville) – 8 p.m. • Newtowne Players: “Harvey” Three Notch Theater (Lexington Park) – 8 p.m.
• Full Steam Big Dogs Paradise (Mechanicsville) – 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 6
• Middle Ground Crooked 1 (Chesapeake Beach) – 9:30 p.m.
• Tavern Poker Big Dogs Paradise (Mechanicsville) – 7 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 4
• Karaoke w/ DJ Steadyrockin’ Cadillac Jack’s (Lexington Park) – 7:30 p.m.
• Celtic Concert Series St. Mary’s Ryken High School (Leonardtown) – 7:30 p.m. Master Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser, a performer and tutor throughout the U.S and Scotland, and Natalie Haas, a young cellist, recording artist and teacher, will return to Southern Maryland. Fraser will also offer an afternoon workshop from 2- 4 p.m. to fiddlers/violinists of all levels on Celtic music/Scottish fiddle, while Haas will offer a workshop to cellists and violists focusing on accompaniment styles and techniques. Admission $25.
n O g n Goi
What’s
• Margarita Mondays Fat Boys Country Store (Leonardtown) – 12 noon
In Entertainment
For family and community events, see our calendar in the community section on page 31.
Show Times Now Playing
Shows and Rating Provided By Yahoo Entertainment. Check Local Listings For Show Times.
AMC Loews, Lexington Park 6, (301) 862-5010 Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs PG, 81 min
The Informant! R, 108 min
Jennifer’s Body R, 102 min
Pandorum R, 108 min
Wednesday, Oct. 7 • Captain John DB McMillan’s Irish Pub (California) – 5:30 p.m. • R&B Line Dancing House of Dance (Hollywood) – 5:30 p.m.
Surrogates PG-13, 89 min
• Karaoke w/ DJ Harry Big Dogs Paradise (Mechanicsville) – 7 p.m.
Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All by Myself PG-13, 113 min
• DJ Katie Chef’s American Bistro (California) – 8 p.m. • Open Blues Jam Beach Cove Restaurant (Chesapeake Beach) – 8 p.m. • Open Mic Night Hula’s Bungalow (California) – 8 p.m. * Call to confirm time
Zombieland R, 81 min Starts on Fri, Oct 2
Cuisine
The County Times
Thursday, October 1, 2009
On The Vine
& More
Riverside Winefest at Sotterley
On The Menu
Fresh Take on Eggplant Parmesan, Sans Red Sauce By J.M. HIRSCH AP Food Editor Greasy, fried, overcooked and drowning in red sauce and too much cheese. It’s the typical experience with the classic eggplant Parmesan, or eggplant alla parmigiana. The usual suspects involve breading and frying slices of eggplant, then dumping on tomato sauce and piling on cheese before baking or broiling the whole thing to oblivion. Yum! For this recipe, I opted for a more casual approach that lets the supposed star ingredient shine. Eggplant slices get a simple brush with olive oil and a dash of seasonings, before landing on the grill. After grilling, the slices are stacked with tomato slices (hold the sauce, please), a bit of Parmesan and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. It’s a lighter, more flavorful way to enjoy late-season eggplant and tomatoes.
GRILLED EGGPLANT PARMESAN
Start to finish: 20 minutes 1 1/2-pound eggplant (or multiple smaller eggplants), ends trimmed, cut into twelve 1/2-inch slices 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon dry oregano 2 large slicing tomatoes, ends trimmed, each cut into 4 thick slices 1 large ball fresh mozzarella, cut into 4 thick slices Balsamic vinegar 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Heat a grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates. Sprinkle the eggplant slices with the salt. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper and oregano. Use a basting brush to coat both sides of each eggplant slice with the oil
Servings: 4 mixture. Grill the eggplant for about 4 minutes per side, or until lightly browned. Heat the broiler. Lightly coat a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray. On the prepared baking sheet, arrange 4 slices of the eggplant. Top each with a slice of tomato, then a slice of the mozzarella cheese. Top each with another slice of eggplant, followed by another slice of tomato and a final slice of eggplant. Drizzle each stack with balsamic vinegar, then top with Parmesan cheese. Broil on the oven’s bottom rack until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Nutrition information per serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 497 calories; 351 calories from fat; 39 g fat (15 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 55 mg cholesterol; 16 g carbohydrate; 24 g protein; 7 g fiber; 1,023 mg sodium.
Healthy Bites
Whole-Grain Pasta is Getting Easier to Love By JIM ROMANOFF For The Associated Press Not so long ago, whole-wheat pasta tasted too much like the boxes it came in. Much has changed. At many grocers, the whole-wheat or multigrain pasta selection can take up more than a quarter of the section, and the quality and taste have improved considerably. This is good news because whole-grain pastas, compared to their white-flour equivalents, are a much better source of the fiber and nutrients that get stripped away when grains are refined. If you have a hard time switching from your favorite refined pastas, experiment with brands until you find one that has a satisfactorily mild flavor. Or transition by mixing half whole-grain and half refined pastas when preparing your favorite dishes. Of course, the flavors of some dishes are specifically created for whole-grain flavors, such as bigoli (a traditional Italian buckwheat pasta) with caramelized onions and anchovies. The key to such dishes is the bold flavors that are brought in to match the assertiveness of the whole-grain pasta. Whole-grain pasta with shrimp, tomatoes and feta cheese is another delicious example of this kind of flavor pairing. Healthy, low-in-fat shrimp, acidic tomatoes, pungent garlic, oregano and salty olives and feta cheese balance out whole-grain linguine. To complete the meal, serve with a salad of romaine lettuce dressed with a lemon juice and olive oil vinaigrette.
26
October 3rd & 4th While close to home the new Port of Leonardtown Winery in Leonardtown begins making its first wines from this fall’s harvest of locally grown grapes. On the other side of the Thomas Johnson Bridge, Calvert County is now home to five wineries along the Patuxent Wine Trail. All five of these blossoming wineries will be among 17 wineries that will showcase their favorite wine selections at this weekend’s Riverside Winefest at Sotterley. The two day event brings its visitors wine tastings, exhibits, demonstrations, food, artisan vendors, live music and children’s activities all set in a breathtaking scenery on Historic Sotterley Plantation in Hollywood. The event begins at 12 noon until 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. This is a great opportunity to come out and sample many of the great wines you may have seen in local markets but haven’t been able to taste. You may find a favorite that will help you plan your next weekend daytrip! Participating wineries include Solomon’s Island Winery, Cove Point Winery, Perigeaux Vineyards and Winery, Running Hare Vineyard and Friday’s Creek Winery all located in neighboring Calvert County. Also attending will be Basignani from the Piedmont area of Maryland, Penn Oaks Winery from Silver Spring, Orchid Cellar Winery in Thurmont, Woodhall Wine Cellars in Parkton, Cygnus Wine Cellars in Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Baltimore Counties, Fiore Winery in Pylesville, Boordy Vineyards in Hydes, Frederick Cellars in Frederick, Berrywine Plantations and Linganore Winecellars in Mt. Airy, Elk Run in Mt. Airy, Bordeleau Vineyards and Winery in Eden and Far Eastern Shore Winery in Pikesville. What better way to spend your weekend than supporting Maryland Wineries and enjoying your favorite wines in a beautiful atmosphere close to home?
WHOLE-GRAIN PASTA WITH SHRIMP, TOMATOES AND FETA CHEESE Start to finish: 50 minutes (30 minutes active) Servings: 6 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, chopped, with 2/3 cup of the juice reserved 1/2 cup dry white wine 3 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley, divided 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1 pound medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 12 black olives, coarsely chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt Ground black pepper, to taste 1 pound whole-grain linguine 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
In a large saucepan over medium, heat the oil. Add the onion and saute until it begins to color, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds more. Add the tomatoes with reserved juice, wine, 2 tablespoons of the parsley and the oregano. Bring to a simmer. Cook over low, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While the water heats, add the shrimp,
olives and lemon zest to the tomato sauce and simmer until the shrimp are opaque at the center, about 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the linguine according to package directions. Drain and serve topped with the sauce and sprinkled with the feta cheese and the remaining 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley. Nutrition information per serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 494 calories; 121 calories from fat; 13 g fat (3 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 126 mg cholesterol; 58 g carbohydrate; 31 g protein; 13 g fiber; 889 mg sodium.
27
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The County Times
Book w e i v e R
Banging your head against a wall uses 150 calories an hour.
Wanderings
“Heaven’s Keep” by William Kent Krueger c.2009, Atria Books
$25.00 / $32.99 Canada
By Terri Schlichenmeyer Contributing Writer you.
Pucker up. Gimme a hug. I love
What do you do when you say goodbye to a friend or loved one, just even for a few hours? Do you exchange a quick kiss, knowing that you’ll be together again shortly? Do you bump foreheads, knuckles, or shoulders as a warm way of farewell? Or do you say “g’bye” and leave without a thought or a look behind? Corcoran “Cork” O’Connor will forever regret what happened when his wife, Jo, left. In the new book “Heaven’s Keep” by William Kent Krueger, he wishes he could take it all back. A hundred times a week, Cork O’Connor imagines what her last day on Earth was like. Jo was on her way to a conference in Seattle, her briefcase full of recommendations on government oversight for Indian gaming casinos. She was flying there with friends and new acquaintances. And Cork hoped she wasn’t still angry with him in the aftermath of an argument. He would always wonder. The plane went down in a snowstorm over the Wyoming Rockies, an area filled with gullies and peaks, arroyos and canyons. Local police thought they knew where the plane had gone down, but long searches indicated that there was no trace of it anywhere. They’d have to wait til the snow melted and search again. Cork mourned and postulated, but never forgot for a minute. In the meantime, he did his best to raise his thirteen-yearold son, Stephen, who was fast becoming a man. He became a go-between for the wives who lost their husbands in the plane crash that also took Jo. And he forged a strong friendship with the man whose company started the argument Cork had with Jo all those months ago. But as winter turned to spring back in Minnesota, Cork had two unlikely visitors: the widow of the plane’s pilot and her lawyer-friend came to Cork with strong suspicions. Becca Bodine was sure her husband wasn’t behind the plane’s controls. He wasn’t the cause of the crash.
un Fact
336 pages
If Bodine wasn’t flying the plane, who was? Were the Wyoming police and the Arapaho hiding something… or someone? And who – in two states – wanted Cork to stop looking? Sometimes, when you get ahold of a good mystery, it’s natural to think you’ve got it solved before the killer is revealed. You can forget all about that here. Author William Kent Krueger doesn’t insult his readers with early transparency, which makes “Heaven’s
Keep” a good, solid novel. Stepping from his usual setting of Way North Minnesota and into Way Remote Wyoming is new ground for Krueger, and it’s a nice, satisfying stretch. Fans of past Cork O’Connor novels will be happy to see many old friends in these pages, and readers unfamiliar with the series will find a new favorite author. If you’re used to ho-hum mysteries that reveal too much, too soon, and you’re tired of knowing mid-book whodunit, you’ll find something very different (and very pleasant) here. Pick up “Heaven’s Keep” and happily kiss a few evenings goodbye.
of an
Aimless
d
Min mnʼs Glories
Autu
By Shelby Oppermann Contributing Writer The Autumn light is beautiful this morning. I can look out the front windows and see the Joe-Pye weed’s leaves are already turning burnt orange and amber. Still green Dogwood trees caught my eye this weekend with the arrival of their beautiful deep red berries. The birds and butterflies have abundant food sources in the yard. Out beyond the Joe Pye weeds and Dogwood trees, the morning light has given the grass a soft lemon-lime glow. A sparkly dew covers all. The Black Walnut tree in the back yard is almost totally bare. It is the first to lose its leaves in our yard. Yesterday we spent some time gathering the large, green, black walnuts which had fallen in a huge circle around the tree, so my husband could mow. We are at four industrial sized buckets and counting. I took a few moments longer than my husband because I love to pick up the walnuts and smell them. Many of the nuts fall in the back of the pickup truck or hit the top of my van with a loud whack. Sometimes I forget to check the van roof for the nuts before I leave the house, then I hear them roll loudly back and forth in the roof rack all the way to work. Local artist Charles Wolf created several of his best-known drawings, using walnut ink that he made himself. We are giving the nuts we collected to a friend, whose wife makes him black walnut cake. I think my appreciation of the weeds and trees grows every year. As my son and I walked through all the buildings at the County Fair this past weekend, I really stopped to admire the entries in the flower and garden, farm and garden, and the 4-H buildings. The care and nurturing that gardeners put into their plants and displays is wonderful to behold. I must say that the entire County Fair gets better and better every year. I don’t know how John and Ann Richards do it every year. They would probably say, “With a lot of help”, in their humble way. I asked my son if he minded walking around the food court before we left for the day. I love to smell all the different food stands. The blending of stuffed ham sandwiches, sausages smothered in peppers and onions, barbecue, crab cakes and funnel cakes, you would think would be overpowering, but I love it. When my younger son was in charge of County Fair recycling, we spent hours around the food court and all over the Fair diving in trash cans for cans and bottles. I never tire of the Fair or it’s many delights. The County Fair is our entryway into the Fall season. After the Fair, begins the Fall rite of Fall Festivals and Fire House, Lodge and Church Dinners. The frantic flurry of activity around each of
these events is worth the end result of keeping traditions alive. The first weekend of October we have the Sotterley Wine Festival with an array of Maryland wines to choose from. Many types of music can be heard all through the day, and every type of art, photography, and craft can be enjoyed. The wine festival is set on beautiful terraced land and is such a fun day of tastings of wine and food. The Blessing of the Fleet is another of our well-known traditional county festivals, featuring the abundant seafood the local waters have to offer. I love the boat ride over to the island after walking through the St. Clements Island museum. The reconstructed Blackistone Lighthouse will be a new treat. The weekend of October10th and 11th is loaded with great events: The Parlett Farm-Life Festival celebrates and showcases the great farming culture of St. Mary’s County, and the gifts of it’s bounty. Arts and Crafts, engines and the antique tractors are a great treat for young and old alike. The village of Chaptico hosts a Chaptico Festival weekend, starting with Christ Church’s 138+year old Fall Festival and Dinner on Saturday at the parish hall, featuring an old ham, baked ham and oyster dinner, and trimmings of the closely guarded recipe of Bertie’s Relish. An oyster scald is set-up outside. Arts and Crafts are available to get your Christmas gifts early or a find for yourself. and trunk and treasures is back this year. Sunday is Our Lady of the Wayside’s 2nd annual Apple Festival, with music, arts and crafts, hayrides, and all sorts of Autumn themed games for children. The festivities wind around the outside and the inside of Loretto Hall. Why not submit a recipe in their apple recipe contest. This is just a small sampling of all the events that will be going on all over the county on any given Fall weekend. Soon the pungent but comforting smell of burning Fall leaves, and the sound of chainsaws cutting wood for the Winter will be heard, and a new season with it’s center of Thanksgiving, and goodwill toward all mankind will be upon us. Fall is the transition time to enjoy all that is offered outside our homes. In Winter we shift to home entertaining and full nesting. I hope you take the time to visit many of the Fall events available in St. Mary’s County, or take a walk exploring nature’s gifts in your own yard. I have heard from visitors that there is nothing like our dinners and festivals where they come from; that ours really take them back to the notion of oldfashioned hospitality. But, hospitality will never be old-fashioned to me. To each new day’s adventure, Shelby
Please send comments or ideas to: shelbys.wanderings@yahoo.com.
The County Times
CLUES ACROSS 1. Invests in little enterprises 5. 12th Jewish month 9. Hebrew dry measure 14. Hunted animals 15. Interpret 16. Express mirth 17. Stalemates 18. ____ten: be shiny 19. Made a mistake 20. Encourage balloting 23. The content of cognition 24. 4 quarts (abbr.) 25. Countries 28. Not exoteric 33. = to 100 tetri 34. Crust of tiny crystals 35. Point midway between E and SE 36. Take part in a rebellion 38. Not or 39. Clear plastic wrap 41. School organization 42. Sheets of glass 44. Blats 45. First lights 47. Probability 49. ___kosh, B’gosh 50. Popular rubber shoe
Last Week’s Puzzle Solutions
ner
KiddKioer
Thursday, October 1, 2009
51. Buddleia 57. Genus lophophorus 58. Jai ___, sport 59. Ramona cooking herb 61. Chosen above others 62. Actor Sean 63. Oaksey Park Airport 64. Palm fruits 65. Unsheared sheep 66. Lay aside
CLUES DOWN
1. Seaport (abbr.) 2. A ship’s jail 3. Where electrical engineers meet 4. Inflammation of the bladder 5. Quarrels 6. The 4th Greek letter 7. Nearly horizontal mine passage 8. The 20th Hebrew letter 9. Moves to a higher place 10. Prisoner’s conditional release 11. “Body Heat” actor William 12. “A Death in The Family”
28
author 13. Hogshead (abbr.) 21. A lyric poem 22. Conscious identities 25. Open handed hits 26. SE Estonian city 27. One born under “The Ram” 28. Sea eagles 29. Soapy water 30. Showed old movie 31. Sir _____ Newton 32. Odorize 34. A citizen of Denmark 37. Formal missives 40. Calculating machines 43. USTA stadium 46. Revolve 47. Weeping 48. ___goblin: folklore creature 50. Loud metallic noise 51. Cord tie 52. An individual group 53. Undivided attention 54. Take to one’s heels 55. Epic story 56. Popular home channel 57. ___ student, learns healing 60. Female sheep
29
The County Times
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Business
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Deadlines for Classifieds are Tuesday at 12 pm. To Place a Classified Ad, please email your ad to: classifieds@countytimes.net or Call: 301-373-4125 or Fax: 301-373-4128 for a price quote. Office hours are: Monday thru Friday 8am - 4pm. The County Times is published each Thursday.
Classifieds Real Estate
All brick rambler located in the highly sought after Town Creek area. 3 bedrooms and 1 full and 3 half baths. 2 bedrooms have a half bath. Large laundry room. Hardwood floors throughout with carpet in hallway and bedrooms. Real wood burning fi replace for cozy nights and over an acre of land with mature trees and 2 fi re pits for summer fun. 1 car fi nished garage and 2 large sheds. Jacuzzi. Enclosed heated/cooled breezway. Close to shopping, restaurants and PAX. Community pool and playground with no HOA. Call for more info. Bill 301-769-8875. Price: $265,000.
Real Estate Rentals Clean One Bedroom, One Bathroom, Living Room, Kitchen, Screen in Porch with furniture. Quiet waterfront development close to Solomons. Electric included. Gas fi replace in Living room. Year Lease, Non-Smoker, One person only, good credit. No Pets. Call Kim at 410-4748789. Price: $800. Private lot, 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, washer/dryer, central A/C, cable tv, dumpster for trash on site. All utilities included, 1 year lease required, no pets, no section 8, references required. $1000 month plus $1000 security deposit required. 301-994-2908.
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Creating your Digital Memories Ridge, Maryland 20680 (301) 872-4656 (301) 481-9606 coopandcoopphotography@gmail.com www.candcphotography.org
Prime Rib • Seafood • Sunday Brunch Banquet & Meeting Facilities 23418 Three Notch Road • California, MD 20619 www.lennys.net
ELECTRICIANS HELPER - 2 years minimum active experience in residential service and repair work. Must have a valid drivers license. Must be dependable - 0 tolerance for tardiness and absentism. Must be clean shaven and have good hygene. 90 day trial probation period. Send resume by fax 301-449-0647 or email to rick@misterelectric.net The Center for Children is seeking a regular, full time evening receptionist for our LaPlata office who will be responsible for a multi-line phone system, scheduling of clients, monitoring schedules, eligibilities, intakes, filing and pulling charts, making charts, accepting payments, and other duties as assigned. The incumbent should have a minimum of one year experience with scheduling in a medical type setting along with one year experience with general office duties, be hard working, dependable and a team player. Hours would be Monday thru Thursday, 11:30 to 8:00 and Friday 8:30 to 5:00. Please email resume to king@centerfor-children.org or fax 301-609-9091.
Vehicles 2005 Acura TL. Car in excellent condition, lots of fun to drive and gets great gas mileage. Email brandi@md.metrocast.net or call 301-884-4684 if you have any questions, want to see pictures or set up a time to see the car. Price: $15,995 / OBO. CORVETTES WANTED! Any year, any condition. Cash buyer. 1-800-369-6148.
Important The County Times will not be held responsible for any ads omitted for any reason. The County Times reserves the right to edit or reject any classified ad not meeting the standards of The County Times. It is your responsiblity to check the ad on its first publication and call us if a mistake is found. We will correct your ad only if notified after the first day of the first publication ran.
Community
The County Times
Thursday, October 1, 2009
30
Oysters Moved to Sanctuary
BELLA
“Hi, my name is Bella and I’m an adorable approximately three year old female German Shepherd Dog/Black Labrador Retriever mix. I have a wonderful personality and I’ve never met a stranger. “Friendly” is my middle name! I get along great with children and other dogs but I’d be happier in a home without cats. I’m a fully grown and weigh about 40lbs. I’m up to date on vaccinations, spayed, house trained and identification micro chipped. For more information, please email katmc@secondhoperescue.org or call 240-925-0628. Please Adopt, Don’t Shop!”
The Patuxent River Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association Maryland recently completed the final phase of its first oyster restoration project by transferring more than 31,000 adult-sized oysters to a sanctuary on Hellen Creek north of Coster in Calvert County. The oysters had been grown at the St. Thomas Creek Oyster Company, owned by Bob Parkinson, on St. Thomas Creek in Hollywood in St. Mary’s County. Additionally, approximately 19,000 oysters were moved from homeowner’s piers in Hellen Creek to the sanctuary. “This weekend’s work was the culmination of a two-year effort that brought together recreational anglers, homeowners concerned with marine resources, aquaculturists and local businessmen to help cleanse water in the Patuxent River watershed,” said Scott McGuire, chapter president. “More than 900 volunteer hours went into the work in Hellen and St. Thomas Creeks.” The oysters grown in St. Thomas Creek were provided by two local aquaculturists – Jon Farrington, Johnny Oyster Seed Co. of St. Leonard, and Richard Pelz, Circle C Oyster Ranchers’ Association of Ridge – and were transferred to the sanctuary on a barge provided by Magnum Boat Lifts. “This cooperative project is a great example of the difference that can be made in marine resources when various groups come together,” McGuire said. “As adults, each of the oysters will filter up to 50 gallons of wa-
Submitted Photo
Volunteers work on the placement of oysters onto the oyster sanctuary in Hellen Creek in Calvert County.
ter a day, ridding the water of harmful sediments and algae. Potentially, they will benefit the Patuxent watershed and everyone who uses it for years to come.” The oysters at St. Thomas Oyster Company were placed in floats March 2008 and the Hellen Creek oysters were placed in floats in July, 2008, at the piers of 27 homeowners. CCA volunteers and homeowners flipped the floats every three weeks during the summer to eliminate algae.
2007 International Framing Champion
Mattedi Gallery Fine Art & Custom Framing Wildewood Shopping Center 301-866-5477
Submitted by the Coastal Conservation Association
L ibrary Items
Horse Show Sept 1st thru Oct 30th
In the two years of its oyster restoration work, the Patuxent River Chapter has distributed more than 1.5 million oysters in St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties and is looking for property owners on creeks who would like to participate in the continuing project. McGuire can be reached at PatuxentRiver@ ccamd.org.
• Evening story time Local author Rita Porterfield will read her book, “House of Babadoos”, at Leonardtown’s evening story time on Oct. 1. Evening story time will also be held on Oct. 1 at Charlotte Hall. Lexington Park will offer a bilingual story time, English and Spanish, on Oct. 7. All three start at 6:30 p.m. • Computer basics at Lexington Park Lexington Park will offer free basic computer classes on Saturdays during October from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The classes are: Introduction to Computers on Oct. 3; Introduction to Windows on Oct. 10, Introduction to the Internet on Oct. 17 and Introduction to e-mail on Oct. 24. Registration is required.
• State-wide community read A book discussion of James McBride’s book, “Song Yet Sung”, will be held on Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. at Charlotte Hall. McBride’s book is being read throughout Maryland during the months of September and October for the One Maryland One Book community read. Books, audio books, and reader’s guides are available at the libraries. • Works of Mo Willems Stories, themed snacks, a play, games and crafts based on Mo Willems’ works and his loveable characters will be enjoyed by children at the program, “Stories with the Pigeon.” Lexington Park‘s program will be Oct. 6 at 2 p.m.; Leonardtown’s on Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. and Charlotte Hall’s on Nov. 9 at 5:30 p.m.. Registration is requested. • Teenagers meet The libraries’ TAGs (Teen Advisory Group) will meet on
Oct. 6 at Lexington Park at 4 p.m. and on Oct. 8 at Charlotte Hall at 5 p.m. and at Leonardtown at 5:30 p.m. • Artist discusses exhibit Carrie Patterson will discuss her art exhibit and project, “Sensing the Sacred in Southern Maryland,” on Oct. 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lexington Park. Her exhibit, which includes photographs of local historic landmarks and abstract paintings, is on display through the end of Oct. in the library’s art gallery. She will explore how the viewer experiences both space and place in sacred architectural sites. • “Who Done It? mystery for kids Children ages 7 to 12 can explore the science of forensics while solving a fun “Who done it?” mystery at a science program scheduled on Oct. 16 at 2 p.m. at Lexington Park. Registration is required for this free program.
31
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Thursday, Oct. 1 • Southern Maryland Mobile Compassion Center St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Mechanicsville) – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Compassion Center provides food, clothing and spiritual care to people in need. Basic need items are provided free of charge to those seeking assistance. Nominal donations for items are requested from visitors who can afford it. For more information, 301-884-5184. • Leah’s House Garage sale 45200 Happyland Road (Callaway) – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Clothing, dishes, pool table, toys, A/C units, industrial equipment. For more information, call 301-994-9580 or go to www.leahshousemd.org. • Fall Harvest Art Show Leonardtown – 5 p.m. Creek Side Gallery at the Maryland Antiques Center opens Fall Harvest Art Show featuring local scenes by local artists. Reception 5 to 8 p.m. sponsored by the two art galleries, Creek Side and Leonardtown Galleria. The Maryland Antiques Center and the Vineyard Café and Tea Room will be open late with a free raffle drawing for a gift certificate to the Center. For more information, contact Marta Kelsey, 301/373-3671. • Lecture: “The History of Pets and Why It Matters” St. Mary’s College (Auerbach Auditorium) – 4:30 p.m. Expert Katherine C. Grier, professor of history and director of the museum studies program at the University of Delaware, will give a talk, “At Home with Animals: The History of Pets and Why It Matters.” Free and open to the public. • Oyster Scald Leonardtown Wharf – 5 p.m. Tickets are $25 per guest if purchased in advance or $30 at the event. The event will feature live entertainment, oysters, light appetizers and beverages included in admission price. For more information, call Kirk MacKinnon at 301-904-1461. • American Legion Post 221 Meeting AL Post 221 (Avenue) – 8 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 2 • Southern Maryland Mobile Compassion Center St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Mechanicsville) – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Fuzzy Farmers’ Market So. Md. Artisans Center (Leonardtown) – 4 p.m. See sheep and alpaca. Buy hand-made scarves, shawls, rugs, and blankets. Find hand-spun yarns,
funky fiber art, and much more. Join the Knit-In to benefit area shelters, buy a chance for a woven shawl, and make donations of scarves, hats, and gloves, non-perishable food, and cash to area shelters and food bank. Watch spinners and weavers in action. A great family event. • Leah’s House Garage sale 45200 Happyland Road (Callaway) – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. • St. John’s School Spaghetti Dinner St. John’s School (Hollywood) – 5 to 8 p.m. All-you-can-eat menu features spaghetti (meat or meatless), lasagna, tossed salad, French bread, coffee, ice tea, wine and Kool-aid. Bake sale table and carry outs available. Adults, $8; children ages 6-12, $5; children 5 and under, free. • FOP-7 Poker Leader Board Challenge FOP-7 Lodge (Great Mills) – 7 p.m. • Texas Hold’Em Tournament VFW Post 2632 (California) – 7 p.m. • Lecture: “Toy Story: The Themed Playset in Post-War America” St. Mary’s College (Cole Cinema) – 8 p.m. Toys are not just a billion dollar industry; they also are a telling reflection of a country’s culture and ideology. Jeffrey Hammond, St. Mary’s College English professor and the George B. and Willma Reeves, Distinguished Professor in the Liberal Arts and regular River Gazette columnist, goes back to his childhood to reminisce about “Toy Story: The Themed Playset in PostWar America,” the topic of the annual Reeves Lecture. • United States Navy Band CSM Fine Arts Center (La Plata) – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 3
The County Times
truccelli, a St. Mary’s College student killed by a drunk driver as he was riding his bike, is open to all and consists of a cross-country 3.1-mile running course through the trails of Historic St. Mary’s City. The walk is 1.5 miles on level ground on the paved paths through Historic St. Mary’s City. Students $10; alumni, parents, friends, community $20; logo T-shirts $5; all registrants on race day $25. Race-day registration and packet pick-up for pre-registrants begins at 7:15 a.m. at the Rectory, across the street from HSMC State House. Race results, awards, and refreshments will conclude the race at 9 a.m. • Yard Sale, Father Andrew White School Father Andrew White School (Leonardtown) – 8 a.m. to noon Father Andrew White School in Leonardtown is sponsoring a “Fall into Winter”yard sale on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 8 a.m. to noon. Vendor/sale tables are available ($20 per table or $30 for two tables). For reservations or information, e-mail Jody Cacko at jacacko@msn.com. • Blessing of the Fleet St. Clements Island Museum (Colton’s Point) – 10 a.m. Seafood, music, children’s fun. Take a boat ride to St. Clements Island and tour Blackistone Lighthouse. Fireworks on Saturday. Celebrate 375 Birthday event. Admission $7, children under 12 free. Call 301-769-2222, 301-769-2019, or go to www.7thdistrictoptimist.org for more information. • Point Lookout Lighthouse Open House Lighthouse in Point Lookout State Park – 10 a.m. • SMAWL Pet Adoptions PetCo (California) – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Southern Maryland Mobile Compassion Center St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Mechanicsville) – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Church Bake and Yard Sale First Friendship Fellowship Hall, – 8 a.m. to noon. Ridge, Route 5 near Wynne Road. Sponsored by First Friendship UMW First Saints Community Church.
• St. Mary’s College Board of Trustees Meeting St. Mary’s College (Glendening Hall Annex.) – 11 a.m. The Board of Trustees will meet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at their next quarterly meeting, during which they are expected to announce their selection for the next president of the college. Contact Tom Botzman at 240-895-4413 for more information.
• Riverside WineFest At Sotterley Plantation in Hollywood. Oct. 3 and 4, noon until 6 p.m. both days.
• Pianist Alessandro Magnasco and Violinist Andrea Cardinale St. Mary’s College (Auerbach Auditorium, St. Mary’s Hall) – 8 p.m.
• Petruccelli Memorial 5K Run/Walk Historic St. Mary’s City – 8 a.m. The run, in honor of John Pe-
• Roast Beef Dinner The Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary is sponsoring a Roast Beef Dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Rescue Squad build-
• Garage Sale, Leah’s House 45200 Happyland Road (Callaway) – 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
ing on Route 235. The menu will be: Roast Beef, Potatoes, Carrots, Green Beans, Beets, Biscuits, coffee and tea. The cost will be adults (eat in or carryout) $13; children 512, $6; and children under 5 years of age free. • Community Yard Sale The Northern Senior Activity Center Council will be holding a Yard Sale beginning at 6:30 a.m., (rain/shine) at the Northern Senior Activity Center in Charlotte Hall. There will also be some crafters and vendors. Proceeds will benefit the Northern Senior Activity Center. If you have any donations (no clothes please), they can be dropped off Friday, October 2, at the Center. For further information, call Pat Myers 301-884-8714. • Annual Scholarship Yard Sale The Lexington Park Lions Club will hold their Annual Yard Sale for their Scholarship Program. It will be held in the parking lot of the McKay’s Food and Drug Center on Great Mills Road, Rt. 246, in Lexington Park, Maryland from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by and check out the variety of items that will be on sale. All proceeds will go to the scholarship fund. Cash donations can be made at the yard sale.
Sunday, Oct. 4 • Community Breakfast at FAW Father Andrew White School (Leonardtown) – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Menu features eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits with gravy, pancakes and more. Ages 13 and up, $7; ages 8-12, $5; ages 5-7, $3; under 5, free. • Blessing of the Fleet St. Clements Island Museum (Colton’s Point) – 10 a.m. • Benefit Cookout for Melanie Downs and Family Gracie’s Guys and Gals Dance Studio (Hollywood) – 3 p.m. • Blessing of the Animals Trinity Episcopal Church in St. Mary’s City will be hosting a Blessing of the Animals beginning at 10 a.m. Bring your dogs, cats horses, giraffes, llamas, hamsters, frogs, turtles, pet chickens, bunnies … whatever. If it looks like rain, leave the critters at home and bring yourself to Trinity. The Bishop of Washington will preside. There will be no 9 a.m. chapel service this Sunday.
Monday, Oct. 5 • No Limit Texas Hold’Em St. Mary’s County Elks Lodge (California) – 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 6 • Nature Time at Greenwell Greenwell State Park (Hollywood) – 10 a.m. This week’s theme is “Micro Hike.” Participants are welcome to pack their own picnic lunch and explore the park on their own after the program. Pre-registration (no later than 24 hours in advance) is required via e-mail to lpranzo@ greenwellfoundation.org or by calling the Greenwell Foundation office at 301-373-9775. • CSM College Majors Fair CSM Center for Business and Industry (La Plata) – 2:30 p.m. If you’re interested in a particular field of study or unsure about which major to select, then attend the CSM’s College Majors Fair, where attendees will learn about various majors, the different degree programs and requirements. For those unsure of a field of study, career and academic advisors will be on hand to answer questions. Free. 301-9347533, 240-725-5499, 443-550-6199, 301-870-2309, Ext. 7533 or www. csmd.edu/careerservices. • Relay For Life St. Mary’s Planning Committee Meeting Leonardtown Middle School Media Center – 6 p.m. • Special Olympics No Limit Texas Hold’Em Bennett Building (24930 Old Three Notch Rd, Hollywood) – 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 7 • Lions Club Meeting The Leonardtown Lions will hold their October 2009 meeting at the Olde Breton Inn. Lions District 22C Governor Bill Thomas will be our guest speaker for the meeting. He will bring our Lions up to speed on the accomplishments, and goals of our District and Lions International. There will be a Board of Directors Meeting at 6 p.m., social period at 6:30 p.m., followed by the dinner/ meeting at 7 p.m. • Forum: The State of Health Care in St. Mary’s County Chesapeake Building (41770 Baldridge St., Leonardtown) – 7 p.m. The public is invited to a Forum on the State of Health Care in St. Mary’s County sponsored by the League of Women Voters of St. Mary’s County. Panelists Christine Wray, President and CEO of St. Mary’s Hospital, Dr. William Icenhower, St. Mary’s County Health Officer, and Ella May Russell, President of Health Share and St. Mary’s County Director of Human Resources, will share their insights. Visit www.smc.lwvmd.org for more information. • Special Olympics No Limit Texas Hold’Em Bennett Building (24930 Old Three Notch Rd, Hollywood) – 7 p.m.
The County Times
Bowles Farms 2009 Corn Maze & Pumpkin Farm Southern MD’s Largest Corn Maze & Pumpkin Harvest is BACK!!! This year’s 2009 maze design will celebrate St. Mary’s county 375th Birthday Operating Dates: September 26th to October 31st, 2009
Children’s Barrel Rides
Pumpkin Painting
Thursday, October 1, 2009
32
ewsmakers Porterfield Publishes First Children’s Book By Andrea Shiell Staff Writer
Hours Of Operation Mon – Fri: By Appointment Only Saturday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Rates Admission: $10.00 3 and Under FREE Croup Rates Available (15 or more)
Come see why getting lost means having fun.
Admission To The Farm Includes
Petting Zoo
Corn Maze, Petting Zoo, Wagon Rides, Mini Straw Maze, Children’s Corn Box, Children’s Barrel Rides, Straw Mountain Crop Displays, Special Weekend Events
Wagon Rides
We have acres and acres of pumpkins of every shape & size available for a small additional fee.
Decorating Supplies: Mums, Corn Stalks, Straw, Gourds, and Indian Corn
Pick Your Own
Food & Refreshments On-Site Large Covered Picnic Area Air-Conditioned/Heated Restrooms
Host Your: Team Building Event or Birthday Party Here!!
Directions: The farm is located at: 22880 Budds Creek Road, Clements, MD 20624 For More Details Visit Us At: Office: 301-475-2139
www.bowlesfarm.com
Email: bowlesfarm@rcn.com
Rita Porterfield grinned as she signed a copy of her recently published children’s book, “The House of Babadoos”, for a couple of ladies visiting her at the Cedar Lane retirement home in Leonardtown. As a member of the Patuxent Writers Club who has contributed poetry to a published book named “Silver Ripples,” Rita said she was no stranger to writing; however, “The House of Babadoos” is her first children’s book. The story is about a house where wild animals gather, but where they also must observe strict rules for politeness and civility. She will be reading from “The House of the Babadoos”, along with other poetry she’s written, at the Leonardtown Library Thursday, Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m. A Florida native, Rita graduated from Barry College in Miami with a degree in Submitted Photo English and a minor Rita Porterfield, a Cedar Lane resident and member of the Patuxent in Art, and she was Writers Club, recently published her first children’s book, “The House a member of the Chi of Babadoos” using the pen named “Granny Porterfield.” Delta Phi National Literary Society. Afstories in rhyming verse. ter graduation she flirted with the idea These days Rita says she has problems of modeling to earn money but went into with her eyesight, but she has people come teaching instead. in to help her type her stories, which she “I graduated from Barry College in is publishing under the pen name “Granny Miami … and I had a friend down there Porterfield.” She said she hopes the name who was a model, and she said, ‘Why don’t will catch on as a brand name so that her you just come back here and model with stories will be recognized as “Granny” me?’ because I was very pretty in those books. days. Rita said the book took approximately “So I went home to my father … I said six months to complete and she has another ‘Daddy I’m going back to Florida to be a story that she’s currently sending to pubmodel, and he got on the phone and called lishing agents for consideration. the school superintendent and got me a Copies of “The House of Babadoos” job teaching,” she said, laughing as she can be purchased directly from her, and explained her experience teaching eighth she says they will soon be available at Bay grade before getting married and subse- Books at the Wildewood Shopping Center. quently retiring from the work force. They are also available through Dorrance Rita said she had always been inspired Publishing Company at www.dorranceby children’s poetry, “and from that time publishing.com. I’ve always liked to read and write.” She said it may have been her love of children’s andreashiell@countytimes.net poetry that has inspired her to write her
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Thursday, October 1, 2009
Mechanicsville’s McLaughlin, Cox, Lang and Goforth Winners at MIR Submitted by Larry Crum Feld Enertainment BUDDS CREEK – Brian McLaughlin of Mechanicsville (Hot Rod) was among the winners as at the IHRA President’s Cup Nationals at Maryland International Raceway Sunday, Sept. 27, in Budds Creek. McLaughlin won the Hot Rod portion of the Ironman program with a time of 10.919 seconds. World records and multiple wins highlighted final eliminations after a soggy start gave way to a beautiful afternoon of racing. Del Cox Jr. (Top Fuel) and Kenny Lang (Pro Modified) won for the fourth and third time in a row respectively and Cary Goforth (Elite Motorsports Pro Stock) returned to victory lane for the first time since April as the championship battles in each of the three professional classes reaches a frenzied pace with one race remaining. While Lang has all but wrapped up his second consecutive IHRA Pro Modified world championship, the battles in Top Fuel and Elite Motorsports Pro Stock are still far from over. While Cox controls his own destiny with a comfortable 74-point lead over Bruce Litton in the Top Fuel title chase, the Pro Stock championship is still wide open. John Montecalvo has overtaken Frank Gugliotta by 33 points in the battle of the mountain motors as both search drivers seek out their first career championships. Two-time champion Pete Berner is just 61 points behind in third. In Sportsman action, several former champions and multipletime winners highlighted the classes as Bruce Thrift (Top Sportsman), Chad Traylor (Top Dragster), Anthony Bertozzi (Super Stock), Myron Piatek (Stock), E.J. Parker (Quick Rod), and Calvin Butler (Super Rod) all claimed Ironman hardware. While there were many great races on Sunday, the highly anticipated Elite 8 Pro Stock Shootout was postponed due to a washout on Friday. The eight qualified drivers for the $40,000 showdown will now face off next month at the IHRA World Finals in Rockingham. Along with the Elite 8 Pro Stock Shootout all 10 IHRA championships will be decided at the IHRA World Finals next month in North Carolina.
Trossbach Co-Ed Tournament Looking For Teams The 12th annual Trossbach family memorial co-ed softball tournament will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, and Sunday, Oct. 18, at Chancellor’s Run Regional Park in Great Mills. Registration is still open, but there is a 16-team maximum for the tournament. The rain dates are Saturday Oct. 24, and Sunday, Oct. 25. The tournament, dedicated to the memory of David Trossbach and Bobby Wood, will hand out male and female MVP awards as well as sponsor trophies handed out to the top four teams. For more information, call Chip and Mary Lee Raley at 301-862-2024.
Registration for Girl’s Lacrosse Diesel Lacrosse will be hosting a girls lacrosse clinic for 9th-12th graders on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 9:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Dorsey Park in Hollywood. Cost is $90. For more information, go to www.diesellacrosse.com or www.leaguelineup.com/ somdwomenslaxclub for sign-up sheet and clinic schedule and high level girls lacrosse staff.
The County Times
St. Inigoes’ Owens Inducted In Softball Hall of Fame By Chris Stevens Staff Writer A lifetime of involvement in the game of softball earned St. Inigoes resident Aggie Wilkinson Owens a great honor this past April, as she became the first woman from St. Mary’s County, and only the fourth woman in history, to be inducted into the Maryland Slow Pitch Hall of Fame. “All of the people I played with growing up, we always wanted to play softball,” said Mrs. Owens, who recalls being seven or eight years old the first time she played the game. “I’ve been involved all my life, playing, coaching my daughters’ teams, and playing in high school.” Mrs. Owens played at the former Margaret Brent High School (“The only thing left standing is the gym,” she says with a chuckle), then took on coaching before resuming active competition when the St. Mary’s County Women’s Softball League was established in 1969. As well as competing, Mrs. Owens has held a variety of offices within the local softball community, including president of the Women’s League, cochairwoman of the St. Mary’s County
women’s softball Hall of Fame and was one of the founders of the St. Mary’s County Softball Hall of Fame. Mrs. Owens applied for nomination in 2008 at the suggestion of County Commissioner Kenny Dement and was inducted this past April as the first woman from St. Mary’s to gain entrance into the state’s Hall of Fame. Mrs. Owens recalls a friendlier atmosphere when she played, as opposed to the league right now, which she still keeps an eye on these days. “It was a lot more relaxed than what it is now. Everybody played to win, but there was little animosity,” she said. She believes that softball in St. Mary’s County is still a major part of the area’s charm because of the social aspect of it, but more importantly, the passion for softball. “There is a lot of camaraderie, because people enjoy getting together and it’s for the love of the Photo Submitted By Lorie Clarke sport,” she says. Aggie Wilkinson Owens of St. Inigoes was chrisstevens@countytimes.net
inducted into the Maryland Slow Pitch Softball Hall of Fame this past spring.
The County Times
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Until 1859, the umpire sat behind home plate in a padded rocking chair.
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un Fact
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The m o
SPORTS DESK
County’s Public Schools Should Explore Stepping on New Turf By Chris Stevens Staff Writer Two weeks ago, I covered the Great Mills football team as they took on Lansdowne High School in Baltimore County, and was surprised to find that the school, located in Halethorpe just off of 695 North, had a very nice synthetic grass field. The Hornets, used to playing on choppy dirt and natural grass fields, reacted like kids who see that Santa Claus stopped by their houses on Christmas Eve and trounced
the Vikings 45-0, using enhanced speed and quickness on both sides of the ball to get the win. This is what could happen more often in St. Mary’s County if turf fields are installed at all of the county’s public high schools. In this disaster of an economy, it’s certainly easy to say that turf fields (an estimated cost of $800,000 per field) for athletic programs would rank low on the list of priorities for public schools to spend money on, but turf is truly an expense that pays for itself in the long run.
With natural grass, wear and tear is imminent. When you have no less than nine sports teams using a stadium in the fall, and five more in the spring (certainly, grass doesn’t grow too much during the winter months), you’re sure to see some divots and dirt patches. Also, natural grass and unpredictable weather leaves teams at the mercy of Mother Nature, as some fields are hit hard by rain and take days to recover. Rainouts and delays would be a thing of the past with the durability synthetic fields pos-
sess. That would cut down on the nightmare of rescheduling that most coaches and athletic directors have to deal with when a game is postponed by inclement weather. Also, the competition factor cannot be understated when talking about turf. Routinely, St. Mary’s County has some impressive regular seasons in sports such as field hockey, lacrosse and soccer because they’re on a pretty even playing field with their Southern Maryland Athletic Conference counterparts (save for North Point, which has turf at Eagle Stadium). However, after the regular season concludes and the regional and state playoffs take shape, the county schools will often do battle with programs from Anne Arundel, Prince George’s and Howard counties, which have turf fields. The fields make the speed and pace of games, field hockey in particular, significantly quicker, leaving the schools in this county at a huge disadvantage. The addition of synthetic grass at the high school stadiums would, to use a cliché, level the playing field and give the local teams a better chance of advancing in the regional playoffs and winning state championships if they have the facilities to compete with teams throughout the state of Maryland. The benefits of turf are great in number, but as those of us with bills and rent/mortgage payments are clearly aware of, money is not great in number. Coming up with ways to pay for these fields three times over will be the challenge that the schools will face as time marches on, but in the interest of fielding teams that can compete statewide and cut down on maintenance and weather issues, there’s no time like the present. Comments, questions, complaints? Send ‘em all to Chris at chrisstevens@countytimes.net.
10/1-7/2009 Thurs., Oct. 1
Leonardtown at Huntingtown, 6 p.m.
Boys’ Soccer Patuxent at Great Mills, 6 p.m.
Tues., Oct. 6
Field Hockey St. Mary’s Ryken at Sidwell Friends, 4 p.m. Girls’ Soccer Leonardtown at McDonough, 6 p.m. Girls’ Tennis St. Mary’s Ryken at Elizabeth Seton, 4 p.m. Volleyball Great Mills at Patuxent, 6 p.m. Leonardtown at McDonough, 6 p.m. Good Counsel at St. Mary’s Ryken, 6 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 2 Boys’ Soccer Bishop O’Connell at St. Mary’s Ryken, 4 p.m. Field Hockey McDonough at Leonardtown, 4 p.m. Football McDonough at Chopticon, 7 p.m. Lackey at Great Mills, 7 p.m. Leonardtown at Westlake, 7 p.m. Girls’ Soccer St. Mary’s Ryken at Bishop O’Connell, 4 p.m. Volleyball Paul VI at St. Mary’s Ryken, 6 p.m.
Sat., Oct. 3 Boys’ Soccer McDonough at Leonardtown, 6 p.m. Field Hockey St. Mary’s Ryken at The Calverton School, 12 noon
Mon., Oct. 5 Field Hockey North Point at Chopticon, 4 p.m.
Boys’ Soccer St. Mary’s Ryken at DeMatha, 4 p.m. Calvert at Chopticon, 6 p.m. Leonardtown at Westlake, 6 p.m. Field Hockey Great Mills at Lackey, 4 p.m. Girls’ Soccer Elizabeth Seton at St. Mary’s Ryken, 4 p.m. Chopticon at Calvert, 6 p.m. Lackey at Great Mills, 6 p.m. Westlake at Leonardtown, 6 p.m. Girls’ Tennis Paul VI at St. Mary’s Ryken, 4 p.m. Golf Great Mills at Cedar Point, 12 noon Volleyball Lackey at Great Mills, 6 p.m.
Wed., Oct. 7 Boys’ Soccer Chopticon at Great Mills, 6 p.m. Cross Country Lackey/Huntingtown at Chopticon, 4 p.m. Leonardtown/ Thomas Stone/North Point at Westlake, 4 p.m. Great Mills/Patuxent at Northern, 4:30 p.m. Field Hockey Calvert at Chopticon, 4 p.m. Leonardtown at Westlake, 4 p.m. Girls’ Soccer Chopticon at Thomas Stone, 6 p.m. Volleyball Chopticon at Calvert, 6 p.m. Westlake at Leonardtown, 6 p.m. St. Mary’s Ryken at Paul VI, 6 p.m.
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The County Times
Thursday, October 1, 2009
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Crabs Survive Ducks, Advance to Atlantic League Championship Series The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs survived a twogame rally by the Long Island Ducks, winning Game Five of the Liberty Division playoffs 7-5 Tuesday night at Citibank Park. The win gave the Blue Crabs a 3-2 series win and a berth in the Atlantic League Championship Series. The Crabs jumped on top early with three runs in the top of the first inning off Ducks’ starter Troy Cate. Patrick Osborn’s RBI sacrifice fly and Michael Tucker’s two-run homer did the damage. Four more runs in the fourth helped Southern Maryland extend their lead to 7-0. RBI doubles by John Ramistella and Mike Just highlighted the inning. Long Island inched closer with a run in the fourth and two more in the fifth off Crabs’ starter John Halama. Johnny Hernandez’ RBI single in the fourth and two errors in the fifth John Halama picked up the win as the Blue Crabs defeated pushed the score to 7-3. the Long Island Ducks 7-5 Tuesday night, winning the Liberty The Ducks rallied in the Division Series 3 games to 2. The Crabs will face the Somerset ninth, plating two runs on a Ray Patriots in the Atlantic League Championship Series starting Navarrete single and brought Thursday. the winning run to the plate in The Blue Crabs will now head to the Raul Gonzalez. With Franklin Atlantic League Championship take on the Gracesqui summoned from the bullpen, the lefty struck out Gonzalez and nailed down Somerset Patriots, who defeated the Newark Bears 3-1 in the Freedom Division playoffs. the save. The series is schedule to begin tonight John Halama (2-0) picked up the win, firing seven and two-thirds innings, yielding at TD Bank Park in Somerset, NJ. The first one earned run, while punching out eight. pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The series Cate (0-2) suffered the loss surrendering shifts to Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf on Saturday, with first pitch expected to seven runs in three and one-third innings. be thrown 6:35 p.m.
Atlantic League Championship Series Schedule Thurs., Oct. 1 Game One Southern Maryland at Somerset, 7:05
Sun., Oct. 4
Fri., Oct. 2
Game Four (if necessary) Somerset at Southern Maryland, 2:05 p.m.
Game Two Southern Maryland at Somerset, 7:05 p.m.
Sat., Oct. 3 Game Three Somerset at Southern Maryland, 6:35
Mon., Oct 5 Game Five (if necessary) Somerset at Southern Maryland, 7:05 p.m.
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The County Times
Thursday, October 1, 2009
36
Volleyball
Raiders Play Hurricanes Tough, But Fall Short By Chris Stevens Staff Writer LEONARDTOWN – In a battle of Southern Maryland Athletic Conference volleyball powerhouses, Huntingtown High School was just a bit more powerful Tuesday night. With a decisive height advantage and aggressive defense, the Hurricanes continued their unprecedented run of sweeps, defeating the Raiders three sets to none, moving their record to 7-0 on the season and 5-0 in SMAC play. “They’re just a good team,” said Raiders head coach Steve Correll. “I felt our girls played extremely well, and showed a lot of heart. We made them earn every game.” Leonardtown (5-1 overall, 4-1 SMAC), who had only lost one set all season prior to Tuesday night, came out ready to battle, taking several leads in the first set (9-8, 15-14, 19-17, 21-20 and 24-23) on the strength of several aces by servers Jessica Morris and Stephanie Hall, but the Hurricanes had an answer (a common theme for the match), and won the first set 26-24. “Leonardtown is a team that is not going to back down,” Hurricanes head coach Shari Turner said. “They went out, executed and did what they had to do.” After a decisive 25-17 win in the second set, the Hurricanes started to show some
Photo By Frank Marquart
Photo By Frank Marquart
Roni Peters of Leonardtown digs a ball.
chinks in the armor, as Leonardtown rallied to take a 1716 lead and tie the set at 21 all. However Huntingtown, led in the middle by 6-foot-tall hitters Tara Santarmes and AnneMarie Roper were able to finish off the Raiders and their 21st straight set to start the season. “We just knew we had to play hard,” Correll said of the preparations for the contest. “We knew they had a good middle, they blocked a lot of balls, but we dug a lot of balls too.” In spite of the tough loss, Correll is confident his team c a n a n d will move on as their continue their goal of reaching the class 4A state playoffs. “We feel really good about ourselves,” he said. “Huntingtown is a great program, and we did make some mistakes, but I’m very proud of the way the girls played as a team.”
Photo By Frank Marquart
Leonardtown’s Jessica Hair prepares to spike the ball.
c h r i s s t e v e n s @ c ou n t y times.net
The Raiders’ Lauren Day meets Huntingtown’s Tara Santarmes at the net for the block.
Seahawks Roll to Sweep of Hood St. Mary’s City, Md. – Senior middle blocker Jen Lamar (Collegeville, Pa./Spring-Ford) and freshman outside hitter Jenn Rindone (Crofton, Md./Spalding) combined for 22 kills in leading the St. Mary’s College of Maryland volleyball team to a 3-0 (25-12, 25-9, 25-13) sweep of Hood College in Capital Athletic Conference action Tuesday night. The win improved St. Mary’s to 10-7, 2-1 CAC on the year, while the loss dropped Hood to 1-10, 0-3 CAC. Rindone led all attackers with her first career doubledouble on match-highs of 12 kills and 15 digs while serving up her first career ace. Lamar recorded 10 kills and a .333 hitting percentage, while notching two block solos and one dig. Registering her seventh double-double was junior setter Katie Obal (Olney, Md./Sherwood) as Obal dished out 35 assists and had 10 digs. Senior outside hitter Sarah Gregorini (Ellicott City, Md./Centennial) contributed 13 digs, eight kills, and a match-best four aces as the Seahawks finished the match with 10 service aces. Hood never attained more than three kills in a set as senior outside hitter Leah Garland (Union Bridge, Md./ Francis Scott Key) paced the Blazers with five kills. Defensively, junior libero Chelsea Weaver (Hagerstown, Md./ South Hagerstown) tallied 11 digs. The Seahawks will return to action this Saturday, October 3 as St. Mary’s welcomes Elizabethtown College to the ARC Arena for a non-conference match at 1:00 pm. Submitted By St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s Office of Sports Information
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Thursday, October 1, 2009
The County Times
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Knights Fall Short In Comeback Attempt Wed., Sept. 23 Boys’ Soccer Chopticon 3, Lackey 0 Great Mills 7, McDonough 0 Leonardtown 2, Thomas Stone 1 Paul VI 2, St. Mary’s Ryken 1 Field Hockey Huntingtown 3, Great Mills 1 Leonardtown 5, Thomas Stone 0 Girls’ Soccer North Point 3, Chopticon 1 Leonardtown 2, Thomas Stone 0 Golf Chopticon 159, La Plata 161, Leonardtown 165 McDonough 145, Stone 174, Great Mills 200, Lackey 204 Volleyball Huntingtown 3, Great Mills 0 Leonardtown 3, Thomas Stone 0 Bishop O’Connell 3, St. Mary’s Ryken 0
Thurs., Sept. 24 Photo By Chris Stevens
Amanda Taylor (15) and Megan Ligday (9) of St. Mary’s Ryken control the ball during Monday’s WCAC field hockey match.
By Chris Stevens Staff Writer LEONARDTOWN – So close, but so far away has been the story of the St. Mary’s Ryken field hockey season so far. It only took two shots on goal from defending Washington Catholic Athletic Conference champion Holy Cross to defeat the Knights 2-1 Monday afternoon at Ryken. “We were right there with them, we just couldn’t get over the hump,” head coach Tara Everly said. “I thought we dominated in the circle, we had more time in there, but they were more productive.” The Tartans got both of their goals from Katie Cecere, with one minute remaining in the first half and two minutes and three seconds into the second half. Senior Annie Buddenbohn, returning to the line-up after time Photo By Chris Stevens missed due to an illness, scored the Annie Buddenbohn scored for St. Mary’s Ryken, who lost a close 2-1 match to Holy Cross Knights’ lone goal with three min- Monday afternoon. utes and three seconds left in the Cross and Elizabeth Seton, last year’s championship game figame, as Ryken attempted to even nalists. “We just have to find a way to get it done.” the score. Buddenbohn felt that the Knights’ close calls with Holy “We seem to work a lot better as a team,” Buddenbohn said. “I wouldn’t have been able score that goal if weren’t for Cross and Seton (who the Knights defeated 1-0 last Monday) is cause for hope as the season progresses. the rest of the team.” “It’s definitely a confidence booster because we haven’t The Knights frantically fought for field position in the final three minutes to even the score, but the Tartans held on done that well against them before this year,” she said. “We to run out the clock for their second one-goal win over Ryken just have to work on some things and keep playing together because we have a lot of hope this year.” this season. Holy Cross won 1-0 at home on September 11. “It’s great, but it’s frustrating at the same time because we’re so close,” Everly said of Ryken competing with Holy chrisstevens@countytimes.net
Girls’ Soccer McDonough 2, Great Mills 1 Volleyball Chopticon 3, Lackey 0 Great Mills 3, McDonough 1
Fri., Sept. 25 Football North Point 27, Chopticon 7 Great Mills 14, Northern 12 Leonardtown 14, Thomas Stone 6 St. Mary’s Ryken 27, Sidwell Friends 0 Volleyball Bishop Ireton 3, St. Mary’s Ryken 1
Sat., Sept. 26 Boys’ Soccer St. Mary’s Ryken 8, Huntingtown 1
Mon., Sept. 28 Boys’ Soccer Patuxent 2, Chopticon 0 Field Hockey Holy Cross 2, St. Mary’s Ryken 1 Girls’ Soccer Patuxent 2, Chopticon 1 Girls’ Tennis Bishop Ireton 9, St. Mary’s Ryken 0
Tues., Sept. 29 Girls’ Soccer Sidwell Friends 4, St. Mary’s Ryken 0 Volleyball Huntingtown 3, Chopticon 0
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The County Times
Thursday, October 1, 2009
38
High School Football
Hornets Slip by Patriots By Chris Stevens Staff Writer With another outstanding defensive effort leading the way, the Great Mills football team won its second straight game Friday night, outlasting Northern 14-12 to improve to 3-1 on the season, 1-1 in Southern Maryland Athletic Conference play. “Our defense definitely kept us in the game,” said senior linebacker Derrick Petett. “We shut them out in the first half, they drove on us a bit in the second half, but we were able to hold it down.” “Our defense has just been great and kept us in games all year long,” head coach Bill Griffith said. “We were able to overcome four turnovers on offense and win a tough game.” Petett attributes the success of the improved Hornet D, allowing an average of eight points a game through the first four weeks, to the less-is-more theory applied by the coaches. “It’s the simplicity of it,” he says. “Last year we had four different formations and 10 plays for each formation. Now that it’s a lot simpler, and everybody knows where they have to be, we’ve done well.” The Hornets led 14-0 before Northern made it interesting with two late scores, but failed on both conver-
sion attempts that would’ve tied the game. The Great Mills’ points came courtesy of a 25-yard touchdown pass from Brian Jenner to sophomore running back Aaron Wilkerson, and Jenner scoring on a 16-yard run. Petett and Griffith both gave kudos to senior place-kicker Nikita Alleyne, who converted both extra point attempts to provide the Hornets with their winning margin. “If he misses those, the score’s 12-12, so who knows what could happen then,” Petett said. “You have to
Great Mills 14, Northern 12 Great Mills (3-1) Northern (1-3)
1 7 0
2 0 0
3 7 0
4 0 12
Final 14 12
Great Mills – Wilkerson 25 pass from Jenner (Alleyne kick) Great Mills – Jenner 16 run (Alleyne kick) Northern – N/A (conversion failed) Northern – N/A (conversion failed) give him credit for making those.” “Nikita’s been improving for us week to week, and he kicked them straight and right down the middle,” Griffith said. “You can’t ask for anything better.” The Hornets will host SMAC contender Lackey, who dropped a
Photo By Chris Stevens
Brian Jenner (left) ran and threw for a touchdown and Derrick Petett led the defensive effort as Great Mills defeated Northern 14-12 Friday night.
35-6 decision to Urbana last Thursday night, for homecoming Friday night at Hornets Stadium. Game time is 7 p.m.
“We’re going to learn about what they do offensively and defensively,” Petett said of preparations for the Chargers. “We’re going to get to
work and hopefully give them another loss.” chrisstevens@countytimes.net
Martin Steps in to Lift Knights Over Sidwell Friends By Chris Stevens Staff Writer LEXINGTON PARK – Peter Martin, by all accounts, is the jack-of-all-trades for the St. Mary’s Ryken football team. So when starting quarterback Chris Rixey left Friday’s game against Sidwell Friends with a concussion, Bob
Harmon knew to whom he could turn. “I didn’t hesitate to put Peter in there,” Harmon said after Martin threw two touchdown passes in the Knights’ 27-0 win, their second straight home win at John G. Lancaster Park. “He works his tail off and is a pretty good quarterback.” “Once I got in there, I knew I had to step up,” said Martin, who also intercepted a pass from his free safety position on defense. “I didn’t play so well against this team last year, so this time was definitely payback.” Payback began after Rixey, who started the scoring with a six-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, left the game and was taken to the hospital as a precaution. On his first series under center, Martin rolled to his right and fired a 44-yard scoring toss to senior receiver Wayne Hicks to open up a 14-0 lead late in the
second quarter. After the Knights’ defense, allowing just 16 points per game in its first five contests, forced Sidwell to punt, Martin and Hicks connected again on a 50-yard score, with help from a spectacular block by Will Fejes. “Nothing scares us anymore,” said Hicks. “We got hurt a lot last year, but this summer, we hit the weight room and got stronger.” Another key was the return of junior running back Marlowe Wood. Absent for three games due to a knee injury, Wood ignited the Ryken rushing attack with 125 yards on 15 carries. “It feels good to be back,” Wood said. “I missed my team and I missed my line.” “Marlowe adds something to our team when he’s in there,” Harmon said. “We’re trying to get that ground game going, that WCAC style of football, and he’s an enthusiastic kid. That is great to have.” The Knights are now 2-0 at their temporary home field, and in Hicks’ eyes, it has helped the team 1 2 3 4 Final gain some success. “It’s better than getSidwell (2-2) 0 0 0 0 0 ting booed every week,” Ryken (2-3) 7 13 0 7 27 he said. “Playing in front of our family and friends, it’s Ryken - Rixey 6 run (Anderson kick) a huge difference for us.” Ryken - Hicks 44 pass from Martin (Anderson kick) Ryken - Hicks 50 pass from Martin (kick failed) Photo By Chris Stevens chrisstevens @ count y - Peter Martin stepped in for injured quarterback Chris Ryken - Link 1 run (Anderson kick) times.net Rixey and threw two touchdown passes in the Knights’
St. Mary’s Ryken 27, Sidwell Friends 0
Photo By Chris Stevens
Marlowe Wood ran for 125 yards as the Knights won their second straight home game, defeating Sidwell Friends 27-0 Friday night.
27-0 shutout of Sidwell Friends.
39
The County Times
Thursday, October 1, 2009
High School Football Raiders Get in the Win Column by Upending Cougars
By John Hunt Contributing Writer
Sp rts
Eagles Soar Over Chopticon
Leonardtown 14, Thomas Stone 6
The Leonardtown Raiders football team, despite their 0-3 start, had been showing signs of improvement each week on offense and Coach Anthony Pratley had faith that his student athletes could turn things around.
Stone (0-4) LHS (1-3)
1 0 0
2 0 7
3 6 7
4 0 0
Final 6 14
Leonardtown – Carpenter 49 pass from Wysocki (Phifer kick) Thomas Stone – Ryan run (conversion Failed) Leonardtown – M. Allen 10 run (Phifer kick) Carpenter made his first catch of the season count, a 49-yard bomb from sophomore quarterback Drew Wysocki. Wysocki had another effective game controlling the offense, completing five of nine passes to five different receivers, for 61 yards and rushing for another 45 yards on eight carries. After a Thomas Stone three yard rushing score by James Ryan in the third quarter, Martez Allen scored in the fourth quarter on a 10-yard run to complete the scoring. Allen finished the game with 50 yards on 10 rushes and Leonardtown was led on the ground by Darren Reed with 144 yards rushing on 23 carries. Pratley’s pistol-spread offense was running very smoothly as the Raiders finished the contest with 302 total yards. The Raider defense was led by Anthony Cucinotta’s six tackles and John Connor’s five tackles and a blocked punt. Leonardtown had hoped to gain one or two more victories to begin the season and Pratley knows that his schedule does not get any easier as his team has upcom-
Photo By John Hunt
The captains of Chopticon and North Point meet at midfield before Friday night’s SMAC football game at Braves Stadium.
By John Hunt Contributing Writer
On an overcast but comfortable night for football, North Point came The Raiders’ Zach Stiefvater makes an attempt to interto Braves Stadium in Morganza a bit Photo By Frank Marquart cept a pass during Friday night’s football game against worried. Leonardtown’s Thomas Stone. Before the game, Coach Ken David Gallagher Lane talked about losing 37 players Earlier in the week, Pratley said that his is upended by to graduation last year and despite offense was “starting to move the ball and the Cougars’ their 3-0 record, said he had a “strugneeded only to protect it for an opportunity Princeton gling offense” and commented about to win.” Phillips. Chopticon’s ability to “always play With no turnovers and the ability tough at home.” He went back to Walto control the clock, the Raiders did just dorf with a dominating 27-7 victory. that, defeating winless Thomas Stone 14The Braves played tough football 6 Friday night at Raider Stadium. for 40 of the 48 minutes, but big plays After a scoreless first quarter, Matt by the Eagles hurt them. The first 10 minutes of the game was a field position game with no scoring. With under two minutes left in the first quarter, Chopticon QB Cody Douglas threw an interception to Jan Allen that was returned 42 yards for a touchdown to begin the 1 2 3 4 Final scoring. Less North Point (4-0) 14 13 0 0 27 than a minute Chopticon (0-4) 0 0 0 7 7 later, Douglas attempted ing games against a handoff on McDonough and North Point – Allen 42 interception return (Dempsey an end around North Point and kick) that was both of the big North Point – Hutchings 38 pass from Dempsey fumbled and county rivalry (Dempsey kick) recovered by games against North Point – Onakoya 89 run (Dempsey kick) North Point. Great Mills and North Point – Crowell 1 run (Dempsey kick) T h r e e Chopticon. ToChopticon – Gray 17 pass from Douglas (Palmer plays later, morrow night his kick) Jalen Hutchteam faces Westings hauled lake (3-1) after a in a 38-yard tough defeat last TD reception from quarterback Dan Photo By Frank Marquart week courtesy of Huntingtown. Game Time in WalDempsey. Dempsey came into the dorf is 7 p.m. Adam Phifer kicks off during the Raiders’ 14-6 win over game only completing 27 percent of Thomas Stone Friday night. johnhunt@countytimes.net Photo By Frank Marquart
North Point 27, Chopticon 7
his passes on the year, but had a good game, completing nine of 17 passes for 126 yards. The second quarter started off with North Point scoring quickly as the fullback Emanuel Onakoya ran up the middle for an 89-yard touchdown. The Braves had been keying on star running back Arlando Scott, who ended the game with nine carries and 94 yards after averaging over 160 yards per game previously. Onakoya ended the night with five carries and 153 yards. Connor Crowell capped off the North Point scoring with a one-yard TD run. A bright spot for the Braves was the receiving work by WR Josh Gray. Gray finished the night with seven catches for 70 yards as Douglas was able to find him open in the soft part of the zone all night. Gray also had a great catch over double coverage in the end zone with about 1:30 remaining in the game for Chopticon. The running game behind Aaron Makle started strong as he gained 65 yards on 10 carries in the first half. Makle, who had been injured for most of this season hurt his ankle again in the third quarter, and was unable to finish the game. Douglas finished the game 14 of 28 passing for 129 yards. He was pressured most of the game and was sacked five times. The Braves will be home tomorrow night for Homecoming against McDonough. The Rams come into Braves Stadium with a swarming defense and has started the season 2-2 after a dominating 34-14 victory over Patuxent. Game time is at 7 p.m. johnhunt@countytimes.net
THURSDAY October 1, 2009
SMECO Says Rates Will Drop Story Page 4
Last Two Finalists Visit St. Mary’s College Story Page 15
There’s Only One Chaptico on the Face of the Earth Story Page 24
LEONARDTOWN BATTLES HURRICANES
Photo By Frank Marquart
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