2011-09-29 Calvert Gazette

September 29, 2011

Priceless

Gazette Calvert

Everything Calvert County

A Look Inside:

The Life of a Private E ye age 12 P

Photo by Frank Marquart

On T he Cover Roquel Norris is a former Prince Georges County police officer who runs a private investigation business out of Huntingtown. She said the Private Eye business is not as glamorous as popular belief.

Also Inside 3

County News

8

North County News

9 Community 11 Education 12

entertainment

Josh Harrison (Doug Graupman) and Senator Joseph Dolan (James LePore) butt heads during a rehearsal for the murder mystery dinner “A Murder in DC and More”, coming to DiGiovanni’s resturant on Oct. 4.

Cover Story

14 History 15 Letters 16

Crime & Punishment

17

Out & About

18 Obituaries 20 Newsmakers 21

On Water

23 Entertainment

out & about

history

Our 125th annual County Fair runs from Wednesday, September 28 to Sunday, October 2. There is something for everyone at the Calvert County Fair.

FOR EVENTS HAPPENING IN YOUR AREA, CHECK PAGE 17 IN OUT AND ABOUT

Sept. 29 - Oct. 2 2011 land s I s n o Solom eport Tide R

Day

High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time /Low Time Feet Sunset Visibl

% Moon

F 30 High 4:25 AM 1.5 7:01 AM Rise 10:52 AM 30 Low 10:27 AM 0.1 6:51 PM Set 8:55 PM 30 High 5:18 PM 2.1

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Sa 1 Low 12:22 AM 0.4 7:01 AM Rise 12:00 PM 1 High 5:17 AM 1.4 6:49 PM Set 9:49 PM 1 Low 11:16 AM 0.1 1 High 6:14 PM 2.1

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Su 2 Low 1:26 AM 0.4 7:02 AM Rise 1:02 PM 2 High 6:13 AM 1.3 6:48 PM Set 10:49 PM 2 Low 12:11 PM 0.2 2 High 7:14 PM 2.0

October 7 - 9 2011 Day

High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time /Low Time Feet Sunset Visibl

F 7 Low 6:08 AM 0.4 7:07 AM Set 2:57 AM 7 High 11:32 AM 1.4 6:40 PM Rise 4:19 PM 7 Low 5:51 PM 0.4

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Calvert Gazette

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% Moon 76

Sa 8 High 12:10 AM 1.6 7:08 AM Set 3:55 AM 8 Low 6:47 AM 0.4 6:39 PM Rise 4:46 PM 8 High 12:28 PM 1.5 8 Low 6:48 PM 0.4

84

Su 9 High 12:51 AM 1.6 7:09 AM Set 4:53 AM 9 Low 7:20 AM 0.4 6:37 PM Rise 5:12 PM 9 High 1:18 PM 1.6 9 Low 7:39 PM 0.4

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Sheriff Urges Citizens to Call 911

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer A white SUV traveled Northbound on Route 4 south of Ball Road in St. Leonard. It drifted slightly around its lane for a few miles, just enough to bring images of distracted driving to mind. Maybe talking on the phone, texting or even changing the radio station.

Suddenly the vehicle swerved to the left, driving over the raised ridges along the shoulder and into the grass almost striking the metal guardrail in the median. The driver managed to return to the road in a controlled manner instead of jerking the SUV back onto the road. The incident should have caused the driver to start paying more attention. However less than a mile later the vehicle drifted to the right across the center line almost side swiping a red compact vehicle.

The cars behind the driver slow down and traded hand signals and exaggerated mouth movements expressing concern.

What can other drivers do in a situation like this?

“A vehicle can kill in a matter of seconds,” said Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans. “It’s a matter of safety. Call 911.”

According to Evans, the emergency dispatchers receive approximately 20 to 30 calls a day about erratic driving. Emergency personnel will ask the caller to stay on the line, follow the vehicle at a safe distance until a law enforcement vehicle can meet up with them.

“About 10 percent of the calls turn out to be drunk drivers or a diabetic episode. The rest are distracted drivers,” said Evans.

Either way, it is important to the health and safety of both the driver and others around them to check out dangerous drivers.

Although the Sheriff said to call 911, the caller in the incident above called the non-emergency number for the sheriff’s department 410-535-2800 and received an equally prompt response from a Maryland State Trooper in the area. info@somdpublishing.net

SMECO Files for Solar Power Project

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) wants to build its own solar power-producing facility in Hughesville and it is asking the state to waive the lengthy approval process to get the project done quickly.

The regional utility announced Monday that it had filed a request with the state’s Public Service Commission for an exemption from the certificate of public need process, which is generally a requirement for any applicant who wishes to build any kind of electricity producing facility.

SMECO is required by state law to purchase three percent of its load capacity from producers using renewable resources; a portion of that percentage must be solar power.

SMECO officials have said that sometimes it is cheaper to purchase renewable energy credits or even pay a penalty since the cost of energy from solar power is sometimes too expensive.

Utilty spokesman Tom Dennison said the project, which would take 47-acres of SMECO owned land to produce 5.5 megawatts of power, is designed to solve that problem.

“SMECO will own the facility, that’ll allow us to use the output as part of our portfolio,” Dennison said. “That will be more cost effective than buying credits on the open market.”

Dennison said that the facility’s power output was projected to save SMECO customers about $10 million over its 20-year life span.

SMECO expects the project to be completed and running by 2013, and co-op officials want to start the project by the end of the year so it can qualify for federal funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The utility plans to use the money to cover 30 percent of the construction costs, a SMECO news release stated.

SMECO’s filing with the public service commission was based on a portion of the law which states that certain on-site generating facilities can be exempt from lengthy approvals processes if at least 10 percent of the power produced will be used at the site and the facility overall does not produce more than 25 megawatts.

SMECO stated it meets both requirements because the facility will produce power that would be used at its adjacent engineering and operations facility.

COUNTY NEWS Meeting Notes Calvert County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday voted to add a new category for “Day Care Centers, eight clients or less” to the Calvert County Zoning Ordinance under “industrial use.”

The unanimous vote will allow the eight current pending applications and all future qualifying applicants to go into business without seeking approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals, which adds additional time and fees to their start up costs.

The commissioners accepted the zoning committee’s recommendation to add this new category as a Conditional Use in all districts except wetlands. Another change to the same section of the ordinance adds the condition that private elementary and secondary schools have to meet the same conditions as those imposed on Day Care Centers, which are regulated by the state.

The Planning Commission recommended the commissioners wait for the legally advertized public comment period to expire before ruling on a proposal to reduce the maximum signage size for day care facilities from 16 square feet down to 4 square feet, which is the current allowed size of any other home based business operating within the county. By Corrin M. Howe

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Calvert Gazette

Thursday, September 29 -2011

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COUNTY NEWS

Auto Shops Donate Van to Family

By Sean Rice Editor A plan that started as an idea to give something back to the community came to fruition last week when Val Spencer, owner of Laser Lube Auto Repair in California, handed a set of keys and a vehicle title to Sam Huffman of Lexington Park.

Photo by Sean Rice Val Spencer, owner of Laser Lube Auto Repair in California, hands a set of keys and a vehicle title to Sam Huffman of Lexington Park. At left are Sam’s parents, Catherine and Stephen Huffman, and Lexington Park NAPA Manager Jimmy Kerns is at right.

Spencer, with the help of the local NAPA and AutoZone stores, solicited a donated vehicle, which Spencer worked on to get road-ready to be donated to a family in need.

Nominations were sought from community members in Calvert and St. Mary’s counties for a person in need of a vehicle that would have the greatest impact if they were assisted.

Spencer said she chose Huffman because he is a member of the St. Mary’s Special Olympics team and there is currently no vehicle at his household.

Huffman said in addition to helping his family, the vehicle would also

be used to transport some of his fellow Special Olympians.

Huffman is a member of the soccer team that won a Gold Medal this summer for the United States during the Special Olympics World Games in Greece.

“I’ve been here a long time, so I wanted to reach out and help somebody in the community,” Spencer told The Calvert Gazette.

Jim and Jeanine Sanford donated the 1997 Ford Aerostar, Spencer said.

It required some minor body work, brakes, a radiator and a few other minor repairs before passing inspection.

State to Focus on Smaller Transportation Projects

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Maryland Secretary of Transportation Beverley K. Swaim-Staley told Calvert County Commissioners last week that there is only enough money to tackle relatively minor transportation and road projects, because federal funding is not reliable enough to ensure that work can continue on the bigger ticket items such as the replacement of the Thomas Johnson Bridge.

This means that county and state leaders will have to find new ways of funding key projects with what Swaim-Staley called nontraditional means.

“We’re really going to have to think about it in a different way,” Swaim-Staley said, offering up ideas such as joint ventures and public/private partnerships to get projects completed.

Commissioner Gerald Clark (R-Lusby) said that the secretary’s ideas were short on details and doubted that they would become a reality in Southern Maryland, especially for constructing the bridge between Calvert and St. Mary’s, which is the region’s top priority.

Clark said that he and other commissioners had yet to talk about what kind of partnerships could come up, but he did not hold out much hope for them in building a

new bridge that could cost upwards of $1 billion.

“We haven’t had any discussion … as to how you would pull off a public/private partnership to build a bridge across the Patuxent River,” Clark told The Calvert Gazette. “The reality of that being done in Southern Maryland is pretty slim; I don’t see that as being a great option.”

State Highway Administration Deputy Administrator Doug Simmons said that preliminary work on the bridge continues.

“We’re moving forward with planning studies,” Simmons said, adding they wanted to have a preferred option for the bridge selected in the next several months.

By Susan Shaw President, Calvert County Commissioners

Last weekend, while attending a fundraiser at Jefferson Patterson Park, I was approached by a friend asking me to consider the individual’s spouse for a County job. Other Commissioners were also asked “to put in a good word.” Is this how an employee gets hired by Calvert County government?

NO. If you or someone you know is seeking employment, please go to the Calvert County website at: www.co.cal. md.us On the left side of the home page is a link for Employment Opportunities. That link will take you to the CORE page which looks like this: Welcome to CORE, the online recruitment and employment system for Calvert County Government.

CORE will help you find the job that you are looking for, faster and easier.

The page is self-explanatory. There is a listing of open jobs. As I am writing this column, only one fulltime job is open to the public: Project Engineer II in Public Works. Some jobs are listed as in-house jobs to allow current employees to apply first. This is the method by which promotions occur. An opening is posted. If a current employee applies and is hired, that person’s former job may well become a job advertised to the public. If no current employees apply, or if none are hired, the job can

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Thursday, September 29-2011

be posted for public applications. Some jobs are posted both in-house and public simultaneously. The decision about how the job is posted is made in consultation with Personnel and is based on whether there are a number of qualified applicants in-house or not.

So, how does a qualified applicant for a publicly posted position get hired? In order to make the hiring process as fair as possible, and to remove undue influence, there is a grading system. Each application is screened to see if it meets the qualifications. Those that qualify are assigned a numerical score based on the information provided by the applicant. This step is the one that is critical to getting an interview. The more detailed information provided that meets the qualification requirements, the higher the score is likely to be. Once scored, the qualified applications are sent to the hiring employee, who again screens the applications. Interviews are scheduled with the highest scoring applicants. Depending on the level of the job, a manager may interview and hire. For higher level jobs, an interview panel is assembled. For example, Calvert County recently hired a new County Attorney.

Calvert Gazette

corner

CORE and County Employment

State surveys have showed that a majority of Southern Maryland residents want a completely new bridge replacement for the aging span.

State highway officials told commissioners that they continued design work on expanding and improving Route 2-4 in Prince Frederick, which would help to facilitate traffic flow and numerous intersections but, Clark said, the state had that project on its books for years and he wasn’t expecting them to get it done anytime soon.

“That’s been an item for many years,” Clark said. “They’ve done mostly design and engineering work … when that becomes a project remains to be seen.”

commissioners

The interview panel consisted of the County Administrator, 2 other department heads and a State’s Attorney. The interview panel selected, using a numerical scoring grid, the top 3 applicants for the Board of County Commissioners to interview. We hired one of those top 3. Had we not been satisfied with the top 3, we could have interviewed more applicants, or we could have re-advertised the position.

Some positions are difficult to fill. Others result in an abundance of very highly-qualified applicants. Several years ago, a job for a receptionist/ telephone answerer/ clerk was posted. 800 applicants applied. Those applicants that listed the equipment used to answer the main courthouse telephone number scored highest and were interviewed. An applicant called me, irate that she did not get an interview. However, she had not listed the equipment on her application, and thus, scored too low to get an interview.

Of course, references and all the normal processes for getting a job are important also.

There is very little turn-over in most County jobs.

However, retirements occur regularly. There are seasonal and part-time positions. Keep checking the Calvert County website if you are job-hunting.

COUNTY NEWS

‘Beautiful’ People Honored at Volunteer Ceremony The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners honored 22 outstanding community volunteers during the county’s annual Calvert You Are Beautiful program Sept.

20. Bill Stanton was named Volunteer of the Year for his years of work at Project ECHO, Calvert County’s homeless shelter.

The Calvert You Are Beautiful nominees touched the lives of county residents in myriad ways, including through organizations such as 4-H, local fire and rescue squads and the American Chestnut Land Trust. Others were recognized for dedicating countless hours to working for local causes while juggling the demands of everyday life.

The 2011 Calvert You Are Beautiful nominees are: • Marie Louise Andrews, for her work with the Calvert Collaborative for Children and Youth; • Francis “Ed” Baker, Jr., for his work with Calvert Hospice; • Paul Berry, for his work with American Chestnut Land Trust; • Christa Conant, for her work with the Calvert Marine Museum; • Sally Jean Donaldson, for her work with the Town of North Beach; • Shirley Jean Havelka, for her work with the SMILE Ecumenical Ministries; • Stanis Inscoe, for her work with the Prince Frederick Volunteer Rescue Squad; • J. Evans “Van” Ireland, for his work with Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum; • Jeff Klapper, for his work with the American Chestnut Land Trust; • Heather Maertens, for her work with the United Way and local animal rescues; • Denise Golato Moroney, for her work with the University of Maryland Master Gardener program; • Ginny Murphy, for work with the American Chestnut Land Trust; • Jôseline Pretto Simmons, for her work on behalf of

earthquake victims in Haiti and an anti-bullying campaign; • Nancy Radcliffe, for her work with the University of small gift.

Maryland Master Gardener program; Judges for the Calvert You Are Beautiful program were • Norman H. Rea, IV, for his work on behalf of the Carrie Lovejoy of The Calvert Recorder, Sandra O. Martin Solomons Volunteer Fire Department; of Bay Weekly, Sean Rice of The Calvert Gazette, Sally • Ken Romney, for his work with the American Chest- Lounsbury of the Voice of Southern Maryland and Wanda nut Land Trust; Hassler, the 2010 Calvert You Are Beautiful recipient.

• Paula Rosnage, for her work with the American CanFor photos of all the Calvert You Are Beautiful nomicer Society, Maryland Relay for Life and Calvert County nees, along with the nomination narratives, visit www.

Lions Club; co.cal.md.us/News/cyab.asp. To learn more about the Cal• William “Bill” Stanton, for his work with Project vert You Are Beautiful program, contact the Calvert CounECHO, Inc.; ty Department of Economic Development at 410-535-4583 • Christine Stelloh-Garner, for her work with the Cal- or email info@ecalvert.com. vert County Historical Society; • Volunteer Counselors at Birthright of Prince Frederick, for their work at the Prince Frederick crisis pregnancy center; • Gerard “Jerry” P. Worrell, for his work with Calvert County 4-H; and • Nancy Zinn, for her work with the Calvert County Board of Education, Calvert County Fair Board, 4-H,.SMECO and Christ Church.

Volunteer of the Year winner Bill Stanton was honored for helping to feed and shelter the homeless of Calvert EMPOWERMENT FOR FAMILIES County at Project ECHO in Prince Frederick since 1997. He has volunteered ARE YOU GAMBLING WITH YOUR hundreds of hours, not only to helping FINANCIAL FUTURE? run and manage the shelter, but also gave countless hours to the creation of the new shelter, ECHO House, which opened in October 2009.

In her nomination, Executive Directors Trisha Gipson said that “Bill led our community by example of humility and grace to simply stand by those less fortunate and love them.” She credits his efforts, in large part, as the driving force for getting the new 14,000 square feet shelter built.

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Thursday, September 29 -2011

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COUNTY NEWS Growing Grapes for Wine Grants Available The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) is once again offering grants to farms in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties to aid in the purchase of wine grape vines.

These funds are being made available as a continuation of SMADC’s Growing Grapes for Wine Program which was established to encourage and support the development of a competitive wine industry in Southern Maryland.

The grant program offers matching funds for the purchase of grape vines compatible with the region.

The Grapes for Wine Program is offered together with the University of Maryland Extension which will provide ongoing training and production expertise.

To be eligible an applicant must own or be coapplicant with the owner of at least 5 acres of land currently in agricultural use. The site must to be suitable (determined by a UME educator) and the soils tested for nematodes. Soil samples must be taken this fall and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The grant application and guidelines detail procedures and provide a list of laboratories.

Existing grape growers and new growers may apply, unless the farmer is a prior recipient of a SMADC Farm Viability Grant awarded specifically for vineyard enhancement. Past participants of the Growing Grapes for Wine cost-share program are eligible.

Awards will be made based on satisfactory test results and pending availability of funding. Grant applications are due to SMADC by December 2, 2011.

To download the grant application and guidelines Click here or visit www.smadc.com or contact SMADC staff at: (301) 274-1922 Ex. 1.

Local in The Running for CBS Writers Mentoring Program How many people racing to middle age have finally figured out what they want to do with their lives and are willing to enter an unpaid mentorship program to get started?

Local College of Southern Maryland English teacher, Preston Ford finds himself in this position.

Preston Ford “I’m one of the millions kicked out of their careers. Downsized. Reduced.

After some soul searching I realized I had an opportunity to put all my energy into pursuing what I wanted to do for a long time,” Ford said.

Ford had already been writing most his life and dabbled in movie scripts. After reading books and doing some Internet research, he came across a CBS television studio Writers Mentoring Program in February 2011.

Part of the application process was to write an original script for a current television show and submit an original story. He chose to write for The Office and a send in a short story he’d written about a broadcast executive who airs a “pay-per-view” concert to signal aliens.

Approximately two weeks ago, Ford received a phone call from CBS scheduling him for an interview as a finalist for their program. Instead of requiring him to fly out to Los Angeles, they interviewed him over the phone.

“It lasted about 30 minutes. I thought they would ask the standard interview questions. What’s your greatest strength and weakness? Instead they asked what inspired the stories I submitted. How long I’d been writing, about my decision to pursue a career in TV, how I would handle the relocation, what area did I want to write or develop?”

How Would You Fix the Bay?

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Writers from all over the greater Southern Maryland area are encouraged to enter the environmental essay contest hosted by the Potomac River Association.

This year’s writers are given the chalApril D. Bowles lenge of writing an essay on what they Photographer would to clean up the Chesapeake Bay if money and resourcAny Occasions, es weren’t limiting Events, Family factors, and everybody had to do “as if Photos & Single they were a king or Shots. queen and their every command had to be obeyed,” said Potomac River AssoAny Booking ciation President Bob Elwood.

By Sept 30 He said the hyWe Can Do Just About pothetical situation, Anything You Want. and the creativity it allows for, is meant to encourage people to have fun with the esadbowles@hotmail.com say. While they’re not

20% OFF

A&D 6

PHOTOGRAPHY Thursday, September 29-2011

“It was a fun interview, if there is such a thing? It was a spontaneous exchange. It seemed very comfortable to me. At least two people asked questions, I don’t know how many were on the phone.”

He will find out next week if he was selected for the program, which according to the CBS website is: “Making an Impact: In its first seven years, a total of 50 emerging diverse writers have graduated from the CBS Writers Mentoring Program. 25 careers have been launched. The goal of the program is to positively impact the presence of diverse writers throughout the industry.”

Last year only four finalists were chosen for the mentor program. Ford did not know how many applications were submitted this year or how many received interviews. If he is selected, he will begin the in the middle of October this year.

“The focus of this six month program is on opening doors: providing opportunities to build relationships with network executives and show runners; to support new and emerging writers in their efforts to improve their craft; and to develop the interpersonal skills necessary to break in and succeed,” according to the program’s website.

Ford said, “Just the idea of being able to earn a living doing what you love. People would pay for an opportunity like this.”

Ford feels fairly confident that he’s in the running for a position. Even if he doesn’t receive it this year, he plans to try again next year and the next. In the meantime, he’s learned that other networks have similar programs to recruit and train their own writers. He will apply to these programs as well.

A copy of the original short story Ford submitted with his application can be found in his book called Impressions in Half-Life found at www.outskirtspress. com/impressionsinhalflight.

For more information about the Writer’s Mentoring Program go to http://diversity.cbscorporation.com/page. php?id=23

443.624.1054

Calvert Gazette

step by step plans for the future of the bay, the essays are designed to find what the community thinks would fix the bay.

“People give us what they thing without worry about how it will play politically,” Elwood said.

Points will be given for how fair the writer is with their rule, and how they compensate people affected by their plan.

He emphasized the fact that this competition is open anybody in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince Georges and St. Mary’s counties, not just students, because the bay is “a community wide problem, and the solutions have to come from the community.”

He said the goal of the essay contest is to “spark discussion in the community” and start a dialogue that is all inclusive.

The judging is done blindly, with the judges reading the essays with no name attached. Submissions must be in English and not more than 5,500 words in length, with the pages numbered. Two copies of the submission must be mailed, hard copy, to Potomac River Association, attn: Essays, PO Box 76, Valley Lee, Md. The deadline is Dec. 1.

The winners will be announced at the next Earth Day celebration in Leonardtown.

Last year, there were fewer that 20 entries, Elwood said, but this year he has “no doubt” there will be more, judging by the interest he has heard about the contest.

For more information related to the essay contest contact Potomac River Association at potomac.org@verizon. net, call 301-769-3840 or visit www. potomacriverassociation.org.

Nuclear Plant Working to Bolster Disaster Mitigation

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer At the request of the Calvert County Board of Commissioners, representatives from Constellation Energy Nuclear Group came to Tuesday’s commissioner meeting to update activities at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Plant. The update primarily focused on lessons learned from several natural disasters locally and worldwide.

CENG Vice President George Gellrich talked about industry lessons learned from the earthquake and tsunami at Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan.

“As a nuclear expert, prior to Fukushima I would’ve said this could never occur. But the fact is that it did occur,” Gellrich said.

He likened the incident and the lessons learned from Japan to those coming out of the Three Mile Island incident in Pennsylvania in 1979. “I expect it will take performance to the next level.”

Although Calvert Cliffs meets or exceeds many of the

industry and government safety requirements, Gellrich said they have identified several long term projects to address what happened in Japan. For example, their emergency response plans didn’t address “multiple unit events,” storage of mitigating equipment, length of time a site can cope without power, flooding beyond design among other points.

One thing Gellrich mentioned others learned from Japan, is that their society is different and a calm, cool and collected response can be taken to extreme.

The first days of September, Calvert Cliffs suffered their own earthquake and hurricane event. Even though the seismic activity was “well below design” and there was no operational impact, the organization did conduct a critique.

Based upon that, an update in seismic monitoring equipment scheduled for 2014 will probably be moved up. Gellrich said he had to learn how to read the print out of the current 1980s equipment. It took a little longer to read than they desired.

As far as Hurricane Irene, the response critic was favorable. They were pleased with the site preparation before

COUNTY NEWS

the storm, the employee response, placing the safety of the plant above their own homes, they sent Calvert Cliffs staff to Calvert County’s Emergency Operations Center.

Although two things Gellrich did find “very disappointing.” First was that a 40 foot section of siding came off during the storm and struck a transformer, and 64 of the 73 sirens were without power forcing them to rely on other methods, which the county implemented. They will be doing a root cause analysis to address these issues in the future.

Finally, Gellrich announced the 2012 Outage is scheduled to last 70 days as opposed to the normal 25 days. This will mean increasing the number of temporary hires from 600 to 1,000 which further generates income for local hotels, restaurants and businesses.

The PowerPoint of his presentation can be found at http://www.co.cal.md.us/assets/PRES-CCNPPUpdate.pdf. info@somdpublishing.net

CSM Hosts Groundbreaking For Phase II of PF Campus Community member and local and state officials gathered Tuesday afternoon for a groundbreaking ceremony for Phase II construction at the Prince Frederick Campus of the College of Southern Maryland.

Officials broke ground with ceremonial shovels after a reception that featured remarks from Maryland Sens. Mike Miller and Roy Dyson, Delegates Anthony O’Donnell and Mark Fisher, Calvert County Commissioner Susan Shaw and Tia

Dickerson, President of CSM’s Stu- others. dent Government Association, among The nearly 30,000-square-foot, twostory facility will have 3,000 square feet dedicated to the Center for Nuclear Energy Training including a training lab and a computer lab, and 3,000 square feet for a flexible multipurpose use

space for concerts, performances, lectures and community events, according to college officials. In addition, the second building will add classroom space, faculty and staff offices, fitness center, computer labs, conference room and tutoring rooms.

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Photos by Corrin M. Howe CSM Development Director Martina Arnold, left, looks at architectural plans for Phase II with Elena Whipple, Member of the CSM Foundation.

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COUNTY NEWS

North Beach Fire Prevention Open House North Beach Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad is hosting an Open house on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. is celebration of October being Fire Prevention Month.

This event is free and open to the public. Join volunteer for food, games and informational demonstrations.

Highlights include Sparky the Fire

Local Meats Now Available at Farms, Farm Stores Calvert County is one of five counties participating in Southern Maryland Meats, a new agricultural program that promotes safe, humane, locally produced meats.

Customers have the opportunity to purchase local meats through the Southern Maryland Meats program on three farms and at two farm stores in Calvert County. The county has also received grant funding from the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) to purchase two freezer cases to be filled with local Southern Maryland meats at the farm stores.

These new choices for consumers are part of a burgeoning trend toward the use of locally sourced food. “Americans are becoming more and more interested in knowing what is on their plate, where it comes from and who produced it,” Dr. Christine Bergmark, executive director of SMADC said in a press release. “Until now, it has been extraordinarily difficult to purchase local meat. Now customers will get a quality, great tasting product and also help support their farm neighbors.”

Southern Maryland meat is available at these county farms:

Dog, Car cut demonstrations, K9 Unit and the county SWAT Team.

For questions or more information, contact Fire Prevention Officer Billy Agambar at 410-257-6564 or 410- 610-6279.

Hankerin’ 4 Hank

Photo Courtesy of Cheryl Emery

The Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa is aiming to revive a local musical tradition with its new Bandshell Concert Series. The resort has constructed a replica of the band shell that stood near that spot nearly 100 years. On Sept. 18, the Hank Williams Sr. tribute band, Hankerin’ 4 Hank performed. The bandshell was christened on Sept. 11 with a performance by music legend impersonator Johnny Rogers, who played tunes by Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Conway Twitty and Buddy Holly.

• Crooked Branch Farm 140 Dalrymple Rd., Sunderland (by appointment only) 410-257-5527; dowellfinancial@comcast.net • Prosperity Acres 5811 Sunderland Ct., Sunderland (by appointment only) 443-964-4972; maryt@prosperityacres.com • Windy Willow Farm 421 Clyde Jones Rd., Sunderland (by appointment only) 301-928-6781; Debbie@windywillowfarm.com

Freezer cases filled with local Southern Maryland Meats are located at these farm stores: • Spider Hall Farm Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

3915 Hallowing Point Rd., Prince Frederick; www.spiderhallfarm.com • Chesapeake’s Bounty Monday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

6415 St. Leonard Rd., St. Leonard; www.chesapeakesbounty.com For more information about the Southern Maryland Meats program, visit www. southernmarylandmeats.com or call the Calvert County Department of Economic Development on 410-535-4583.

Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail Opens in Style The Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail is open for business. Sept. 30, at 4 p.m., the community is invited to attend the formal dedication and ribbon cutting of the trail. The Dedication will take place at the head of the trail, just off Gordon Stinnett Avenue near the Tot Lot. Congressman Steny Hoyer, State Senator Mike Miller and former Mayor Gerald Donovan will join with members of the Chesapeake Beach Town Council, other Town, Coun-

8

Thursday, September 29-2011

ty and State leaders and Railway Museum officials as we officially open this long-awaited trail to walkers, runners, hikers, bicyclers and all citizens of all ages.

There will be food, beverages, music and other activities at the dedication. In addition, experts will be stationed at various locations along the trail to answer questions and provide information about the fish, wildlife, CBOCS oyster program and the history of the Railway Trail.

Calvert Gazette

The Trail runs alongside Fishing Creek in Chesapeake Beach, following the old Chesapeake Beach Railway, and connecting the Town center to Richfield Station and Bayview Hills via walking/bicycling trail.

For more information, visit www.chesapeake-beach. md.us.

Community

Celebrate the Patuxent River

Patuxent River Appreciation Days (PRAD) is celebrating 33 years on October 8 and 9 at the Calvert Marine Museum. The longest running festival in Southern Maryland promises two days of free family fun for all ages from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

On Saturday the “Green Village” features scores of non-profit groups that celebrate the river in a wide variety of ways. See exhibits, demonstrations, displays, and educational activities about “green” products, recycling, oyster restoration, native plants, wildlife, restoration efforts, and more.

The juried arts and craft fair with over thirty artists and local food vendors will be located in the museum’s parking lot both days. The music stage will host live performances including Bob Zentz and other local musicians. Enjoy free boat rides aboard the Wm. B. Tennison and the

Nathan of Dorchester, and rowing in canoes in the boat basin throughout the weekend.

Make model boats with your children on Saturday. Admission is free to the Calvert Marine Museum. Across the street is free parking and pony rides for a nominal fee.

Back by popular demand is Bounty of the Patuxent on Saturday from 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. in the Corbin Nature Pavilion.

Local wineries will offer wine tasting, locally grown produce from the farmers’ market, and other tasty treats will be available to sample and buy.

The Calvert Artists’ Guild will participate in PRAD. Works by Guild artists will celebrate the Patuxent River in various media from oil and watercolor paintings to jewelry and metalwork.

The annual PRAD Parade with a one-mile route along Solomons Island

Road begins on Sunday, October 9 at 2:00 p.m. Non-profit organizations are welcome to join the parade with cash prizes offered for “Best Float” entries.

To enter your float or organization, contact Randy Geck at rgeck@xecu.net.

For more information about PRAD, including a complete schedule of events, visit http://www.pradinc.org, or call 410-3262042 ext. 41.

Soil Conservation District Supervisor to be Appointed

Nominations for an appointment to the Calvert Soil Conservation District Board of Supervisors are being accepted by the Maryland State Soil Conservation Committee.

The appointment will be for a term to expire October 17, 2016 and will fill the expired term of David A. Cox. Nominations should be sent to: State Soil Conservation Committee, Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Room 306, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Any interested individual or organization may submit a recommendation.

Nomination forms are available at the office of Herb Reed, Extension Agent, University of Maryland Extension, 30 Duke Street, Room 103, Prince Frederick, MD 20678. Forms may also be picked up at the Soil Conservation District Office, 65

Duke Street, Kaine Bldg., Room 106, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

Nominations should be received by the State Soil Conservation Committee by October 6, 2011. The form is now available online at www.mda.state. md.us (click on Conservation, then committees). http://www.mda.state.md.us/ pdf/district_nom_form.pdf A supervisor must be a resident of the district. District boundaries are the same as county boundaries. Anyone recommended should be able to attend monthly meetings of the Board of Supervisors, and have knowledge of and a sincere interest in proper land use and the conservation of soil, water and related natural resources. Meetings are generally held the second Monday of the month in Prince Frederick with an occasional special meeting.

MHBR No. 103

Calvert Gazette

Thursday, September 29 -2011

9

Community

Full-Scale Emergency Notification Test

Heritage Area Public Meeting Set The Southern Maryland Heritage Area Consortium announces our first public meeting as a part of our efforts to build the heritage tourism resources of Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s Counties. This year for the first time we will hold an informal Regional Update to discuss our progress with our County Boards of Commissioners and other elected officials, as well as members of the public.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday afternoon, October 4, 2011, 3:00 p.m. in Room 119 at the College of Southern Maryland campus in Prince Frederick. The meeting will be brief and will be open to the public. A presentation of the highlights of the SMHAC annual report will be given, and the 2011 Mini-Grant Awards will be announced.

The mission of the Southern Maryland Heritage Area Consortium (SMHAC) is to enhance the economic activity of Southern Maryland through combining quality heritage tourism and small business development with preservation, cultural and natural resource conservation and education. Contact the Consortium at 301274-4083, or by email, SoMdHeritage@tccsmd.org.

Calvert County Department of Public Safety, Emergency Management Division, will conduct a full-cycle test of the alert and notification sirens throughout southern Calvert and St. Mary’s counties on Monday, Oct. 3, 2011, at 12 p.m.

The full-cycle test includes a three-minute activation of all sirens within the 10-mile area around Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. All citizens are asked to remember the scheduled testing and relay the information to friends, family and neighbors.

The testing is conducted to enhance siren operation and increase public awareness of the alert and notification siren system. If the sirens sound at any other

Fall Ladies Day at the Point Bazaar

Fall Ladies Day at the Point Bazaar at the Drum Point Club in Lusby will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Over 20 artists, crafters, and vendors are participating, and the Lotus Kitchen will be offering lunch items.

Funds from the donated raffle prizes by the vendors will be donated to the SMILE Food Pantry. For more information, please call Carole Purcell @ 410-326-6669 or email carolepurcell@hughes.net.

Directions from RT2/4 MD-760, Lusby: turn onto Rousby Hall Road, cross over H.G. Trueman Road/ MD765 and proceed to roundabout. Take third exit onto MD760/Rousby Hall Road and proceed to Barreda Boulevard on the left (large sign denotes Drum Point). Continue onto Barreda, which will turn into Overlook Drive veering left. Go through gates and drive down to Club House.

and come join the OLSS Family Friendly event. Doors at our school will be opening at 12 noon and games will begin at 1:30. Concessions and Bingo Markers available.

Cost is $20 for first packet of regu-

Our Lady Basket Bingo Our Lady Star of the Sea School Basket Bingo is back.

Mark your calendar for October 23rd

time, residents should tune to one of the local radio stations listed below for information and instructions.

Contact the Calvert County Division of Emergency Management at 410-535-1600, ext. 2638 for additional emergency or disaster preparedness information.

Emergency Alert System stations include: WPTX 1690 AM Mechanicsville, WYRX 97.7 FM Lexington Park, WTOP 103.5 FM Frederick, WKIK 1560 AM La Plata, WKIK 102.9 FM California, WPRS 104.1 FM La Plata, WSMD 98.3 FM Mechanicsville.

lar games, $5.00 each additional packet. $5.00 for specials, $5.00 for each additional packet.

Children may participate at full price.

Great mom’s day out or bring your family.

Prizes include Longaberger baskets

and some will be filled with extra goodies.

Sponsors are welcome.

Call 410-326-3171 or 410-326-9036 to reserve your spot or for more information.

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Thursday, September 29-2011

Calvert Gazette

County SAT Scores Dip Slightly

Spotlight On

Ethics Panel Members Sought

The average composite SAT score for Calvert County Public Schools increased 16 points over the last five years from 1512 in 2007 to 1528 in 2011.

Over that same period, the SAT composite score for Maryland decreased one point from 1493 in 2007 to 1492 in 2011, and the total composite score for all SAT test takers decreased eight points from 1508 in 2007 to 1500 in 2011.

The composite score is the sum of the scores from the critical reading, mathematics, and writing sections of the SAT. The highest possible composite score is 2400.

In 2011, 65% of the Calvert County Public

Schools graduating seniors took the SAT compared to 60% in 2010. Fifty-six percent (56%) of African American seniors took the SAT in 2011 compared to 55% in 2010.

“We encourage all of our students to take the most rigorous courses possible so they are well-prepared to take the SAT,” Superintendent Jack Smith said in a press release. “The SAT opens doors for students since it is often used by colleges and universities as one component of the admissions process.

While some students may choose to pursue other options after graduating from high school, we want them to have the choice.”

The Calvert County Board of Education is seeking residents of central or northern Calvert County to serve on its Ethics Panel.

On Aug. 11, 2011, the Board appointed two members from southern Calvert County and is looking for diversity in geographic representation.

Applicants may not: • Be an incumbent member of the Board of Education; • Be an employee of the Calvert County Public Schools; • Hold an elected or appointed office in, or be a candidate for office in the federal government, the State of Maryland, Calvert County, a municipal corporation, or a political party; • Be employed by a business entity subject to the authority of the Board of Education; • Be a registered lobbyist for any organization in the State of Maryland that may create a conflict of interest; • Be a student in Calvert County Public Schools; or • Be the spouse of any person previously listed.

To apply, send a resume to: The Calvert County Board of Education, 1305 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, MD, 20678, attention: Robin Welsh. Applications will be accepted until the Board fills the vacancy. Once an applicant expresses interest in serving on the panel, he or she will be asked to complete a short questionnaire.

The Board of Education Administrative Procedure 1740.2 Regarding the Ethics Panel describes the responsibilities of the Panel. It is available on the school system’s website at: www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/ departments/administration/policies/policysection.asp?section=1000 For more information call Robin Welsh at 410-535-7220.

Sports Fundraisers a School Year Tradition

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer It’s a scene played over and over – students in sports teams go door-to-door selling candy bars, work concession stands at sports games and persuade friends and family members to buy magazine subscriptions.

Calvert County Athletic Director Brad Criss said most teams have their signature events, and other fundraisers are done by multiple groups throughout the district.

One popular fundraiser picked up by several teams during the year are discount card sales. The gold cards go for $20, and the teams split the profits 50-50 with the organization that prints them. Criss said the company does all the legwork to get stores and restaurants to sign on with the discount cards, and they are individualized for different regions in the county.

“The beautiful thing about it for a coach is there is no up front cost,” Criss said.

The company printing the cards does so for free, and approaches the students to sell them. Teams can raise up to $9,000 selling discount cards, keeping $4,500 to use for team needs.

In the past, some teams would sponsor raffles during games, a practice that Criss said has been dropped due to state regulations.

“By law, we are not allowed to do that,” Criss said.

School-related groups who have formed their own non-profit organization, like the PTSA, are allowed to host raffles and basket bingo nights but groups like the sports boosters are not.

Not being allowed to hold fundraisers that include a form of gambling didn’t mean the teams will have no way to raise funds at all.

“There’s other ways to make money, and our coaches have had to be creative,” Criss said.

Some coaches prefer for their students to do one big fundraiser, or fundraisers that don’t involve selling merchandise.

One mens’ baseball team hosts a dance every year as their main fundraiser, Criss said. The Calvert High School cheer team holds a silent auction every year, which is a lot of work but can be worth it if they get items that go for a large sum. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

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Calvert Gazette

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Charms shown on bracelet are sold separately.

Thursday, September 29 -2011

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Private Eye on the Prowl in Calvert County

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer

     

  

   

   

  

 

   







     

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Thursday, September 29-2011

outs.”

A widowed mother of two boys, Norris begins planning her week on Sunday and Monday.

Roquel Norris is young, petite, spunky and African-Ameri“And by Tuesday everything changes,” she laughs. “It takes a can. Nothing like the stereotypical Private Investigator or process lot of planning for surveillance. Safety is my number one priority.” server people might expect. And she uses it to her advantage as Most of Norris’ cases are ‘domestics’ which normally involve owner of Twin Shield Investigations, based in Huntingtown. cheating spouses, finding missing persons and child support is“Look at me. Do I look like a process server? I look like I’m sues. When she’s following a cheating spouse she doesn’t know lost. They are expecting an older white man,” Norris said. where she’ll end up or how long it will take her to “get my money People being served court paperwork often expect it; there- shot.” fore, they are wary of strangers. Despite her unassuming appearSo her relatives help her with her sons. And her boys know she ance even Norris has to be imaginative in how she approaches tries to be “convenient to them,” working around their football, them. soccer and basketball schedules, but in the end they understand Currently, she has been hired to actually attempt to serve an there is no set date or time for her work. experienced process server, who “already knows all the ins and “Once I followed a guy two hours away and was gone for 24 hours,” she said.

As much as she can control her work, a typical day starts out at 7 a.m. and ends at midnight if she’s lucky. After she gets her kids off to school, she’ll make phone calls and organize her cases. Besides following cheating spouses, she does background checks for three different federal agencies, she interviews witnesses for attorneys, fingerprints for organizations, conducts accident investigations, investigates insurance fraud and much more.

She started off serving four years in the U.S. Army as an administrative assistant and then as a secretary for the federal government.

“I looked out the window one day and realized I needed to be outside helping those people,” Norris said.

So she joined the Department of Natural Resources for three years and then became a police officer for Princes George’s county for 10 years.

An injury on the job caused her to leave. However, she said she wasn’t done with police work.

Fortunately, the state of Maryland will license former police officers as Private Investigators.

With her husband, also a Prince George’s police officer, they began looking for a home in Calvert County with the idea of opening up a PI company. Their plan was for Roquel to start and after he retired, for him to join her. Unfortunately, he died before that could happen.

However, in the process of driving around Calvert, they drove past Twin Shields Golf Course. Norris mistakenly thought Twin Shields was the name of a community, like Dunkirk, Huntingtown or North Beach. She liked the name and decided to name her company it. She did receive a call from the owner of the golf course questioning her decision.

Twin Shields Investigations was established in 2006. Her husband passed in 2008. Her first case was a cheating spouse.

Not having ever experienced a cheating spouse, Norris said she was doubtful when she took the case; however, the wife turned out to be correct.

“You don’t want to do what I do. Sometimes it can be very emotional. After my first three or four cases I had to remind myself this is a business and I can’t become emotional. I hope it’s not true, but I’ve never had a case where it hasn’t been,” she said.

Norris said she likes to think of herself as “helping good people out of bad situations.”

First, she’s never had a cheating wife case. In all Photo by Frank Marquart her cases it has been a husband who has tried to Roquel Norris convince his wife that she is imagining things,

Calvert Gazette

she’s crazy or jealous. Sometimes the wife has proof and sometimes she just has a feeling something isn’t adding up. Either way, if there is a divorce involved, courts require an independent verification of cheating.

“It doesn’t have to be kissing and holding hands. It just has to be being with the wrong person at the right time.”

Norris found that cheating spouses can be difficult to prove.

“They are good. They lie, they tell stories that make no sense.

I’ve learned they stick together like a secret society we can’t get into. I call them the ‘Boy’s Club.’”

She’s found the professionals like doctors, police, and firefighters tend to be able to hide cheating.

When asked how she is able to crack the ‘Boy’s Club’ she smiled and said, “You have to use other means.”

Sometimes, the men aren’t cheating with one particular woman, they pick up many. In those cases Norris will go out to bars to try and catch them. She’s had the ‘target’ hit on her. She discovered early on that her clients don’t like paying her if their spouse tried to pick her up, so she tries to get her money shot with other women.

She has cameras in jewelry and in her baseball cap. But her preference is to be as far away from her target as possible. Keeping in mind three things, “cheaters don’t want to be discovered”, “people are crazy” and “safety first” Norris will try to stay about a small commercial parking lot away from her target.

However, she did have a situation where her target walked right by her as she sat in the car. He even looked directly at her, but had forgotten about her as he walked back by with the girlfriend.

Norris said she has noticed a significant drop in her cheating spouse cases since 2007. She feels women are deciding they can deal with it until the economic times are better. Norris charges $1,500 for a cheating spouse case and asks for $500 up front.

Norris will do background checks on people for clients other than the federal government. She’s done this for those who she calls “serial Internet daters.” These women in particular concern her because people are not who they claim to be. As a result of her years in investigations, she recommends that people find out the Social Security number and/or a date of birth. A correct birth date is often enough for police to locate a person.

She mentioned a police investigation in a nearby county where a husband killed his wife by setting a fire. It turned out she married him not knowing he was in serious financial trouble. He planned to use the insurance money to help him out.

Norris said she has a network of attorneys and other PIs to help her. For example, she had a man who wanted to find his father. She located the father down in Atlanta and asked a local PI to confirm he was still there before contacting him. She gives the lost parent or child the opportunity to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to meeting.

Her recent case involved a boy who last saw his father when he was 3 and was reunited when he was in his 40s.

She had another case where an out of town PI hired her to take him to interview a witness. Since PIs need to have a license to operate in the state, hiring local PIs not only meet the license requirement, it also helps them to know the lay of the land. In her case, Norris had to take the PI into a dangerous neighborhood.

Most of Norris’ business has come by word of mouth and referrals from attorneys. She recently put up her own webpage www.Twinshieldspi.com and has joined local business organizations.

She’s not receiving “so much business that I’m turning business away, but I turn away bad cases.”

She makes her clients sign a three page contract stating they won’t use the information she provides them to harm the target.

She also makes it a practice of not telling her clients anything until she’s written the final report.

At the end of the interview with The Calvert Gazette, she asked: “So do you still think what I do sounds fun?”

STORY

Photo by Frank Marquart

info@somdpublishing.net

Calvert Gazette

Thursday, September 29 -2011

13

The Calvert County Fair

P ages P

ast

By Joyce Baki

The Calvert County Fair celebrates their 125th Anniversary this year! The first Calvert County Fair was held in 1886 on the farm of Dr. Talbott in Smithville, now known as Dunkirk.

Originally the fair was a display of cattle and tobacco, allowing the men of the county a way to get together. Horse racing was also a popular part of the event. Basically social events, these gatherings continued during the early years of the 20th century.

In the early 1900s an organization was developed by John Drury to assist farmers in Calvert County. This organization became the county extension service. The fair grew in popularity as people came to see the results of new methods to raise livestock and crops.

With World War I, the area came upon leaner times and farming was crucial to the war effort. Little was done to promote the fairs during those years.

In the early 1920s, a new agricultural agent, John Morsell, came to Calvert County.

He saw the need to bring farm families together for educational purposes as well as fun and the Calvert County Farm Bureau was organized. County Agent Morsell showed them that the displays and competition would help bring new and effective methods of farming, which would help In honor of the 125th anniversary, the Calvert County Fair sponsored a build a better cash contest to create a special logo. Scott Owens, graphic arts teacher at the Career and Technology Academy, used the contest as a class project. Mr. crop. said it was “great for the students to participate in a ‘live’ work It was deter- Owens project that will be used in the community.” mined the county fair The winner, Jessica Requilman, is a senior at Calvert High School. In her should be held in the third year of the graphic arts program, she took great pride in producing center of the county a logo that related to the Calvert County Fair and not just any random fair. colorful logo will appear on T-shirts that are for sale during the fair. at the end of summer. The Ms. Requilman is the daughter of Amy and Eddy Requilman of St. Leonard.

This would allow the photo Robin Brady, Calvert County Fair board member presents farmers to participate In Jessica Requilman with a T-shirt bearing the logo she created for the 125th because crop harvest- anniversary of the fair. ing, for the most part, would be completed. The first mid-county fair was held at the Prince Frederick Town Hall with the livestock show on Dr. Everett Briscoe’s farm just south of the Town Hall. In subsequent years it was held in front of the Evans Hotel (now Courthouse Square on Main Street), the Town Hall on Main Street, the “Roberts” property and later on school grounds, now the site of Calvert Middle School.

In 1940, several Farm Bureau members including Mr. Morsell, Ellis Bowen and Claude Turner, determined the county fair needed a permanent home. Contacting the local bank for a loan, they personally obligated themselves to the purchase of a permanent site for the fair. Mr. Ellis Bowen, who was then president of the Calvert County Farm Bureau, resigned this position to become the first fair board president. A nine-acre site was purchased from Duke Brightwell on what later became known as Armory Road. As the fair grew, two more parcels were added, bringing the total acreage to 12. Cattle and animal buildings were built as well as a larger hall. Before one fair the cattle buildings mysterimore information, please call: 240-587-7111 or ously burned but the large exhibition hall survived. These grounds were used until the present location was established in Barstow. email: info@SMSCashBash.org The Calvert County Fair Board, Inc., an all-volunteer organization, strives each year to build upon the work begun by those early fair organizers. It is the goal of the Calvert County Fair Board to hold an event that both educates and entertains, reminding the current generation of its agricultural roots and promoting the importance of the agricultural community in the lives of all.

Calvert County’s long rich agricultural history can be viewed each year at the Calvert County Fair. This year, the fair runs from Wednesday, September 28, to Sunday, October addiemcbride@verizon.net 2. Visit the 4-H Building and watch the children who have entered exhibits receive their first ribbons. Tour the Homemakers Building to view some of the finest needlework, home crafts, art and cooking in the country. Enter the pie-eating contest, watch the antique tractor pull, place your bid on a cow or pig at the 4-H Livestock Auction. View entertainment throughout the weekend, including our own “Elvis” Jim Godbold, the Granpa Cratchet 22316 Three Notch Rd. Show and the Calvert Fair Idol Contest. Enjoy the carnival rides and savor great Southern Maryland cooking at one of the many food vendors. See you there!

Lexington Park, MD 20653

NEW EVENT DATE NOVEMBER 5, 2011

For

Tickets Avail At Franzen Realtors

301-481-6767

Addie McBride Franzen Realtors, Inc.

Office: 1-800-848-6092 • Office: 301-862-2222 • Fax Office: 301-862-1060

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Thursday, September 29-2011

Calvert Gazette

Nearly 18 months ago, The Chesapeake Current launched its first edition as a hyper-local publication to serve the northern area of Calvert County.

The Chesapeake Current, a product of Southern Maryland Publishing, Inc., followed the same design standards and marketing plans as those already in place with its sister publication, The Southern Calvert Gazette, which served the southern area of Calvert County. The marketing plan envisioned that a third hyper-local publication, The Prince Fredrick Gazette would be launched at about this time, 18 months later, to serve the center area of Calvert County.

Originally designed as The Northern Calvert Gazette, the product was renamed The Chesapeake Current to avoid marketplace confusion with The Annapolis Gazette because The Current would be serving parts of southern Anne Arundel County as well.

The Chesapeake Current was originally operated under a franchise concept with Bayside Partners, LLC, adhering to the unique design and marketing standards developed by Southern Maryland Publishing, Inc. As of this publication, The Chesapeake Current is no longer authorized to be published under the agreements between Southern Maryland Publishing, Inc. and Bayside Partners, Inc., or any other third party.

Beginning with this publication, September 29th, Southern Maryland Publishing is pleased to announce exciting new plans to greatly enhance both its Calvert County publications, The Chesapeake Current and The Southern Calvert Gazette by merging the two papers into one countywide hometown newspaper – The Calvert Gazette.

This will include more news, more coverage of state and local government, more coverage of education in Calvert County, more coverage of what is going on in your neighborhood and the surrounding communities as well. Best of all, The Calvert Gazette will be published and on newsstands every Thursday morning rather than every other Thursday as they currently are. This will allow us to bring you the latest news, keeping our readers better informed about events and happenings in their community.

Additionally, for our many advertisers and small business partners, beginning with this September 29th publication, your business advertising through our products will now reach nearly three times the number of readers and customers at a cost equal to or less than you are paying now.

Making advertising more effective and more affordable for our local businesses in these difficult economic times is one of the primary goals of this transition.

No matter where your business is located in Calvert County, you can achieve name recognition and reach customers throughout all of Calvert County rather than reaching only a small portion of our county. Additionally, your advertising message will be fresh and relevant with weekly updates if you choose.

Southern Maryland Publishing is excited about this new direction and we encourage our readers to provide input and information about what they would like to see in their community newspaper. And if you think you have some good information to share with your community, we encourage you to contact us. We are always looking for contributing writers as well. So if you think you have writing skills and want to share your thoughts with your community, let us know.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our thousands of readers and hundreds of businesses who have helped make us so successful for more than 5 years now. Our commitment to better serve you is stronger than ever. Soon we will announce other new services designed to bring you the latest in services and information throughout the many communities we serve. Thank you.

Thank you so much for supporting Project Hugs From Heroes. We have just wrapped up our third collection, and we will be sending our third shipment next week! I am happy to report that due to troop draw-down in Iraq, the deployed unit who was in receipt of the first two shipments no longer needs our support.

However, just as we received the news from our first unit, we received a request that same day from not one, but two units, currently deployed in Afghanistan. Once again, Project Hugs From Heroes is proud to be able to support our men and women in uniform, especially the compassion projects they engage in while living and working in the combat field. Just as some of the stuffed animals were distributed to local Iraqi children and Wounded Warriors and service members who needed them, these stuffed animal will also serve a greater purpose. Specifically, some of the stuffed animals we ship will be placed in the hands of local orphans.

In addition to being shipped overseas, the stuffed animals collected have also been distributed to Wounded Warriors families. Project Hugs From Heroes was honored to partner with Operation Hope on The Chesapeake. We are so grateful to them for having a stuffed animal drive at the event. Even more importantly, we were thrilled to be able to play a role, volunteering for the day and for also being able to distribute the stuffed animals to the honored guests and their children.

This weekend, Project Hugs From Heroes will be once again volunteering, present, and distributing stuffed animals to local military children, at a sponsored Deployed Spouses Dinner.

The response to the Call for Stuff

Contributing Writers Joyce Baki Keith McGuire

SOMD Publishing P.O. Box 250 • Hollywood, MD 20636

Animals has been overwhelming! Donations have been received from businesses, church, community groups, students, non-profits and individuals. They have poured in from Delaware, New York, Virginia, D.C., South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Maryland. When this project began, I never imagined that so many wonderful people would come together to make such a positive impact.

And let me share this with you, it may seem like such a small act of kindness. But, from those who are receiving the stuffed animals, the act is very grand and heartwarming indeed! If you had seen the look of joy and excitement on the faces of the children when they were distributed during Operation Hope on The Chesapeake! Their smiles and their instant attachment to their new stuffed animals said all that needed to be said. Our deployed liaison said this about the second shipment: “This an act of America kindness and generosity that the Iraqi people, particularly the children, will leave a positive and lasting impression, long after we have left.” Thank you for making this a reality!

If you would like to learn more about Project Hugs From Heroes, you can follow us on: Facebook at Military Wives Matter: Support for Today’s Military Spouse and at www.silentranksisterhood.com.

Kristen O’Neill, Co-founder Project Hugs From Heroes, sponsored

by Circle of Angels

Government Correspondent Community Correspondent Community Correspondent

Calvert Gazette

P. O. Box 250 . Hollywood, MD 20636

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

Editor

Publisher Thomas McKay Associate Publisher Eric McKay Editor Sean Rice Tobie Pulliam Office Manager Angie Stalcup Graphic Artist Advertising sales@somdpublishing.net Email info@somdpublishing.net Phone 301-373-4125 Staff Writers Guy Leonard Sarah Miller Corrin Howe

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Welcome to The New Calvert Gazette

TER T E to the

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Hugs From Heroes Completes Third Successful Collection

Editorial:

The Calvert Gazette is a weekly newspaper providing news and information for the residents of Calvert County. The Calvert Gazette will be available on newsstands every Thursday. The paper is published by Southern Maryland Publishing Company, which is responsible for the form, content, and policies of the newspaper. The Calvert Gazette does not espouse any political belief or endorse any product or service in its news coverage. Articles and letters submitted for publication must be signed and may be edited for length or content. The Calvert Gazette is not responsible for any claims made by its advertisers.

Calvert Gazette

Thursday, September 29 -2011

15

Detectives Still Investigating Found Skull

CRIME BRIEFS

Home Invasion Reported On Sept. 24, at approximately 10:37 p.m. the Calvert Control Center was contacted in reference to a home invasion that occurred in a basement apartment located on Mattapany Road in St. Leonard.

Units from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office and Maryland State Police Prince Frederick Barrack were dispatched to the scene, where victims advised that two black males contacted occupants of the house in a basement entry way. One suspect displayed a handgun while the other displayed a long gun. A male victim was grabbed from the entry way and thrown against an outside wall. As the suspects contacted the victim outside, the other occupants in the basement ran upstairs as the two suspects fled in an unknown direction. No items were taken from the victim or residence and no one was injured during the incident.

A K-9 track and area search was conducted at which time the track led to the shoulder of a roadway approximately fifty yards south of the residence where it is believed that the suspects entered a vehicle and fled the area.

Det. N. DeFelice responded to the scene and was assisted by Dfc. C. McDonough as interviews and statements were obtained from all occupants within the residence.

This case remains under investigation by Det. N. DeFelice of the C.I.T. Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact him at 410-535-1600 ext. 2669.

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Thursday, September 29-2011

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The county’s chief detective says that law officers are waiting for more results from the state Medical Examiners office regarding a human skull found in Prince Frederick in some woods off of Tate Road, but they are already considering options for how the case might progress.

Lt. Steve Jones, commander of the Calvert Investigative Team said that at least three possibilities exist to explain the discovery of the skull. release this image of where the skull was found in the woods off Tate Road “We have the possibility that it’s Police in Prince Frederick. a crime (homicide) scene, that it was a homeless person who died in the woods or that it was an unearthed a homeless person that was found dead near the Fox grave,” Jones said.

Run Shopping Center about a year ago.

But it may take at least another week, Jones said, “We’re still conducting searches,” Jones said. for the medical examiner to be able to tell exactly what Homeless persons often use wooded areas circumstances brought the skull to its resting place. around Tate Road as a resting place, Jones said, and The skull was found Sept. 16 by a citizen who deputies are sent back there regularly to identify the contacted the sheriff’s office. Jones said that while its homeless people living there, but there have been no gender is undetermined, he believed it was likely the reports of anyone missing. skull of an adult.

Anyone with information regarding the remains Only the top portion of the skull was found, Jones is asked call Det. Sarah Jennigan of the Calvert Invessaid, and the jaw bone was missing. Jones said that tigative Team at 410-535-1600 at extension 2595. animals likely carried off other pieces of the skeleton; police found the same thing happened to the body of guyleonard@countytimes.net

Calvert Gazette

Autumn is here, the leaves are starting to change. Get out and enjoy an event in Calvert County this month!

Annmarie Garden hosts Maker’s Market on Saturday, October 1, from 9 a.m. to noon. The Maker’s Market is a farmer’s market and more. It is THE place to find handmade, homemade or homegrown products including arts and crafts, hanging baskets, organic skincare products, cut flowers, batik and fleece clothing, handmade soaps and candles, herbal teas, ornaments, folk art, handmade gifts and more. Find special treasures – or begin your Christmas shopping early! More than 30 vendors participate. Admission is free. (www.annmariegarden.org) Saturday, October 1, the Calvert Marine Museum will host the J.C. Lore Oyster House Experience from 1 to 4 p.m. Learn all about oyster processing from the time the oysters are brought onto the dock until they are shipped. Learn how heavy a basket full of oysters really is. In the shucking room learn how to shuck an oyster and learn a song to help move the work along faster.

See the giant fabric oyster, “Rock E. Feller” and all the amazing parts of this bivalve.

Free to everyone. (www.calvertmarinemuseum.com) Digiovanni’s Restaurant will present a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater on Tuesday, October 4 at 6 p.m. “A Murder in DC and More” includes a night of live theater, a five-course dinner and a glass of wine for $56.04 inclusive. There is limited space and reservations are required so call 410-3946400. The dinner menu can be found online at www.digiovannisrestaurant.com.

Visit Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum on the first Wednesday of every month for back-to-back tours of the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory (MAC Lab) and Point Farm’s house and gardens. Discover Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum with state-of-the-art science, local history and lore. The next tour date is Wednesday, October 5, at 12:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.jefpat.org.

Patuxent River Appreciation Days (PRAD) marks its 33rd anniversary on Saturday and Sunday, October 8-9. PRAD was created to raise the awareness of the economic, cultural and historical impact

the Patuxent River has on our community.

The festival offers a wide variety of events children’s activities, an arts and crafts show, musical performances, an open house at the Calvert Marine Museum and a parade on Sunday, October 9, at 2 p.m. Free harbor cruises are offered on board two historic vessels: the bugeye Wm. B. Tennison and the sailing skipjack, Nathan of Dorchester.

Back by popular demand is Bounty of the Patuxent on Saturday from noon – 4 p.m. in the Corbin Nature Pavilion at the Calvert Marine Museum. Local wineries will offer wine tasting, locally grown produce from the farmers’ market and other tasty treats to sample and buy. Come hungry – there is a great variety of food vendors! Admission is free. For more information about PRAD, including a complete schedule of events, visit http://www.pradinc.org, or call 410326-2042 ext. 41.

Out&About The College of Southern Maryland Ward Virts Concert Series will host classical pianist Brian Ganz on October 9 at the Prince Frederick campus. A graduate of the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, Ganz has performed with numerous orchestras such as the St. Louis Symphony, as well as annually with the Ward Virts series. The Ward Virts Concert Series celebrates the life and talent of Wart Virts, a talented Southern Maryland pianist who passed away suddenly in 1993. Ward’s friends and classmates conceived the Ward Virts Piano Project in order to bring the love of life, beauty and music that Ward embodied to a new generation of Southern Maryland students, performers and appreciative audiences. The concert will begin at 3 p.m. There is open seating and it is free to the public. (www.csmd.edu/Arts)

American Indians have made and continue to make lasting contributions to the social, political, technological and cultural fabric of this nation. Join Jefferson Patterson Park on Saturday, October 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in their Indian Village as they celebrate the American Indian’s history and culture. Demonstrations include firemaking, basketry, hunting, music, archery, trapping, storytelling and more. Cost is $3 a person or $10 per car. (www.jefpat.org) Friday, October 21, Gordon Bok, American folksinger and songwriter will appear live at the Calvert Marine Museum. Bok’s repertoire consists of a rich trove of ballads of Maine and the Maritimes, songs and dances of the Americas and abroad and stories of boats and sailors. He will also sing his own composition of sea folk tales, contemporary songs and instrumentals. He’s recorded over 20 albums, and plays at concert halls, festivals, and folk clubs throughout the United States, Canada, Great Britain and Scandanavia. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. in the museum auditorium.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information visit www. calvertmarinemuseum.ticketforce.com.

Get to know Calvert County’s rural community by spending the day on three working farms. The 14th annual Farm Tour takes place Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16, rain or shine. It promises to be a great family outing with special activities and educational opportunities at these three local farms: Fridays Creek Winery, 3485 Chaneyville Road, Owings, 410-286WINE or www.fridayscreek.com .

Lucky Cricket Farm LLC, 1935 Emmanuel Church Rd., Huntingtown, 410For additional events visit www.

610-4849 or www.luckycricketfarm.com ecalvert.com.

Spider Hall Farm, 3915 Hallowing Point Road, Prince Frederick, 410-6100094 or www.spiderhallfarm.com Learn about new agriculture methods and the county’s agricultural community. At the various stops you will find demonstrations, hayrides, animals, music, food, children’s activities, produce and pony rides. For more information on the 2011 Cal1 bedroom, 1.5 baths, vert County Farm Tour, visit www.

Medley’s Neck area, $1,100.00 per month. calvertag.com or email info@ecalPlease call 301-475-8318. vert.com.

Cottage for Rent

Alternate contact, 301-475-9304.

Calvert Gazette

Thursday, September 29 -2011

17

William Alfonte, Jr., 87 William “Bill” A. Alfonte, Jr., of Solomons, MD, formerly of Alexandria, VA, died on September 11, 2011, at the age of 87.

He was born on March 25, 1924 in Ft. Benning, GA to William and Josephine Alfonte.

Bill is the beloved husband of Mary A. Alfonte and a loving father of Carol A. Singleton, Jeanne M. Duncan and Helen R. Thompson. He is the devoted grandfather of six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Also survived by a sister, Helen Lind and dear friends, Len and Karen Zusa.

All services will be private.

Allen Bowen, Sr., 82 A l l e n Hutchins Bowen, Sr. “Cuter”, 82, of Prince Frederick, MD passed September 19, 2011 at the Calvert County Nursing Center in Prince Frederick, Maryland.

Allen was born on May 11, 1929 in Calvert County to the late Irving C. and Fannie M. Bowen.

He was preceded in death by his brother John Irving Bowen, two sisters, Daisy Sherbert and Betty Jane Bowen, a grandson, Roy Wesley Bowen, and a granddaughter, Anita Christine Bowen.

He is survived by his wife, Josephine Dresser Bowen, a son, Allen H. Bowen, Jr., a daughter, Jo Ann Bowen with her husband Thomas Leroy Bowen, three grandsons, Daniel Shelton Bowen, Joseph Allen Bowen and Mark Andrew Bowen with his wife Lisa Marie (Abell) Bowen, two great grandchildren, Cameron Wesley Bowen and Carly Denise Bowen, and adopted great granddaughter Virginia “Jenny” Wieman.

He attended Calvert County Schools until the death of his father in 1946 and worked as a serviceman for the Reliable Oil Company in Prince Frederick, Maryland. He was a master plumber and operated his own heating, plumbing and septic business from his residence in Dares Beach for 35 years.

He was a very active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and served as assistant treasurer

18

for many years. He was a member of the Masonic Order, Prince Frederick Lodge No. 142, A.F. & A.M.; former member of the Calvert County Fire Department; and past President of the Southern Maryland Firemen’s Association.

Pallbearers are Mark A. Bowen, Joseph A. Bowen, Daniel S. Bowen, Raymond L. Bowen, Larry I. Bowen, and David F. Bowen.

Richard Van Y and Joseph H. Boss were honorary pallbearers.

The family received friends for a viewing and visitation on Wednesday, September 21, 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Rausch Funeral Home, 4405 Broomes Island Road, Port Republic, MD 20676.

A funeral service was held on September 22, 2011 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Prince Frederick, MD at 11:00 AM. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 99, Prince Frederick, MD 20678; or to the Calvert County Nursing Center, 85 Hospital Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

Vance was a dock man for various freight companies. He was employed by the Teamsters 639 Union for 27 years in the Metropolitan area. He received many recognitions and awards for being a diligent worker and moving the most freight. He retired in 1995.

He and his wife, Betty, moved to St Mary’s County in 2006.

At his request Vance was cremated. Upon moving to St. Mary’s County five years ago, Vance attended church regularly at Southern Calvert Baptist Church.

There will be a Celebration of Vance’s life on October 1st at Southern Calvert Baptist Church in Lusby, MD at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Hospice of St Mary’s County.

Their address is PO Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Local arrangements were provided by the Rausch Funeral Home, P. A., Lusby, MD. www. rauschfuneralhomes.com.

Vance Wayne Burgess, 73

Christopher Patrick Carney, 32, of Lusby, passed away on September 22, 2011 at his residence.

He was born on September 23, 1978 in Washington, DC to M. Murray Carney, Jr. and Charlotte B. Rogers.

Christopher attended public and private schools in Charles Co., Calvert Co., as well as Apopka, FL in his childhood. He later found an interest in college and took classes in electronics and computers where he sought certification and credits in the field of choice as an IT Technician. Christopher worked for Fox Fiber Optics in FL, Comcast Corporation in NC, and Geeks on Call for over ten years. In 2009 he took time off to pursue his own business. Unfortunately, his plans never took off and his health declined along with his dreams and ambitions.

Anxiety and depression are just two elements that have taken his short promising life.

Christopher is survived by his father M. Murray Carney, Jr. of Lusby, MD; mother, Charlotte Rogers of Dallas, GA; sister, Shawn M. Carney of Sayville, NY, and brother, Scott D. Carney of Savannah, GA. The family will receive friends for a Celebration of Life Visitation on Friday, September

Vance Wayne Burgess, 73, passed away on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at his home with his family by his side. He was born August 26, 1938 to the late Kermit and Ruth Burgess in Murfreesboro, Arkansas.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Mac and his son, Donald.

Vance is survived by his wife, of 49 years, Betty Lucas Burgess, one daughter, Sheryl and husband Cliff Hartsfield of Port Republic, MD, one brother Curtis and wife Martha of Guy, AR. Vance is also survived by his three grandchildren, Alex Wayne, Benjamin Owen and Olivia Brooke.

Vance graduated from Jacksonville High School, Jacksonville, AR in 1956, joined the Army in 1958 served 4 years and 27 days. He received an honorable discharge in March 1962; he served in Korea, Ft Belvoir, VA and Ft Lewis WA. Vance enjoyed fishing, hunting and trapshooting. He won many awards and trophies for his trapshooting skills. He enjoyed trips to Montana, Wyoming and Canada where he hunted and fished.

Thursday, September 29-2011

Christopher Carney, 32

Calvert Gazette

30, 2011 from 6 ~ 8 PM in the Rausch Funeral Home Chapel, 20 American Lane, Lusby, MD. Interment will be private.

Lawrence Oberg, 66 L a w rence A. Oberg, 66, of Dunkirk, Maryland died unexp e c t e d ly, September 19, 2011, at his recreational camp in Slate Run, PA. He was born May 10, 1945, in Washington, D.C., to the late Joseph O. & Ruth E. Oberg of Mill Hall, PA. He retired in July, 2003, from the Federal Government.

At the apex of his more than 30 year career, he served as the Inspector General for the National Archives & Records Administration in Washington, D.C. He also served in the United States Naval Reserves from 1966 to 1972, and then the United States Coast Guard Reserves from 1972 until 1990, when he retired at the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

In June of 1970, Lawrence earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a minor in Government & Politics degree from University of Maryland University College. He completed his education with a Master’s Degree in Investigative Techniques from George Washington University in February 1975.

He was a lifetime member of the Silver Hill Volunteer Fire Department in Silver Hill, Maryland and actively involved in all levels of Scouting with his sons. He enjoyed coaching his sons in sports, as well as fishing and hunting with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Dorothy H. Oberg of Dunkirk, Maryland; two sons, Dr. Jeffrey A. Oberg, of Avon, Ohio and Stephen A. Oberg, Esq., of Huntingtown, Maryland; 4 grandchildren and 2 brothers, Joseph O. Oberg, Jr., of Laurel, Montana, and James O. Oberg of Mill Hall, PA. He was preceded in death by his son Brian Douglas.

Family received friends from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 24 at Lee Funeral Home, 8200 Jennifer Lane, Owings, Maryland, where services followed at 2 p.m.

A private celebration of life will be held on Grandpa’s Mountain, Slate Run, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Brown Township Volunteer Fire Company, Attn: Denise, 18118 Rt. 414 Highway, Cedar Run, PA 17727.

Thomas Hance, 57 T hom a s Lloyd “Tommy” Hance, 57, of Huntingtown, MD passed away September 14, 2011 in Huntingtown.

Tommy was born October 26, 1953 in Prince Frederick, MD to William Everett “Dickie” and Gladys Alberta (Catterton) Hance.

He was raised in Huntingtown, attended Huntingtown Elementary and graduated from Calvert High School, class of 1971.

Tommy attended the Diesel Institute of America in Prince George’s County and was employed by the Prince George’s County Board of Education for 32 years as a school bus mechanic, rising to head mechanic. He had lived in Prince Frederick, and for the past 25 years resided in Huntingtown. In his leisure Tommy enjoyed NASCAR, hunting, camping, tubing, and fishing, and was fond of working on and repairing cars.

Tommy is survived by his wife Lois A. Hance, a son Thomas L. Hance, Jr. “TJ” and his wife Jennifer of Baltimore; a daughter Christen Lee Morgan of Prince Frederick; parents William E. “Dickie” Hance of Huntingtown and Gladys A. Jenkins of Port Republic. He is also survived by a brother William E. “Billy” Hance, Jr. and wife Sandra of Huntingtown and a sister E. Carol Masciantonio of Huntingtown; grandchildren Quaid Irving, Ian Stewart, and Sydney Hance; a step daughter Robin L. Davis and husband William of Huntingtown; and step-grandchildren Alyssa, William and Lacy Davis.

Friends were received on Friday September 16, 2011 at Rausch Funeral Home, Owings, where services and a celebration of Tommy’s life were held Saturday September 17. Interment is at Miranda Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, Calvert County Unit: P.O. Box 752, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

Ola Reeves, 95 O l a Reeves, 95, a Labor Department official who served as the Department’s first National Trade Act Coordinator, died August 16 at Asbury Retirement Community in Solomons, MD, where she had lived the past four years. She had suffered a stroke in 2009.

She began her career in government in 1947 with the Massachusetts State Employment Security Service.

From 1951-1962 she worked for the Alaska Territorial and State Employment Security Agency and was the Deputy Director until moving to Washington, D.C. in 1962.

From 1962 until her retirement in 1980, she worked for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Division of Manpower Training.

A series of first accomplishments for women include the first class of stewardesses for Eastern Airlines (1943), the first to serve as an employment office manager (1953) the first Deputy Director of an Employment Security Agency (1956), and the first U.S. Department of Labor Social Administration Specialist (1962). She was also the first person appointed as the U.S. Department of Labor’s National Trade Act Coordinator (1975).

She served as the International Secretary of the International Association of Personnel in Employment Security in 1959.

Following a modeling career in Alabama, she worked for United and Eastern Airlines as a stewardess and Executive Representative from 1941-1946.

She became involved with the Women’s National Democratic Club after her retirement where she served on many committees and on the governing board. She also served as a volunteer with Emily’s List. She was also active

in the Hughes Methodist Hope Circle, the Inter-faith Chapel at Leisure World, and the Asbury Gaithersburg Gift Shop.

Survivors include three children JoAnn Patterson of Dowell, MD., Joseph Reeves of Juneau, AK. and Nancy Reeves of Las Vegas, NV.; two grandsons and four great-grandchildren, and two sisters, Nora McGuirk and Betty Sargent of Fultondale, Alabama.

The family received friends on Tuesday, September 27, from 5 – 7 PM at the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., 20 American Lane, Lusby, MD, where a service celebrating her life was held on Wednesday, September 28, at 11AM with Pastor Randall Casto officiating. Interment will follow at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. Memorial contributions may be made in Ola’s memory to Asbury - Solomons Benevolent Care Fund, 11100 Asbury Circle, Solomons, MD 20688.

Maurice Skillman, 89 M a u rice E. Skillman, 89, of Dunkirk, MD passed away September 20, 2011 at the Gladys Spellman Specialty Care Unit at Laurel Regional Hospital in Laurel, MD. Maurice was born February 2, 1922 in Fayetteville, NC to Raymond and Ruby (Byrd) Skillman.

He moved with his family to the Capitol Heights area in Prince George’s County, MD and attended public schools. He married Nancy V. Turner on February 14, 1956, and they lived in Upper Marlboro, MD until moving to Dunkirk in South Anne Arundel County in 1971. Maurice was an automobile mechanic and operated a gas station in Upper Marlboro for many years. He also worked as a mechanic for the A.C. Young tractor supply company in Upper Marlboro, and was a longtime farmer. During the 1990’s Maurice enjoyed being a newspaper deliveryman for The Capital newspaper. In his leisure time Maurice enjoyed NASCAR, reading, watching football, garden-

ing, housecleaning, and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nancy T. Skillman; four children, Marsha L. Parks and husband Mike of Lothian, MD, Elaine M. Patterson and husband Lester of Manassas, VA, Raymond D. Skillman of North Beach, MD, and Melissa A. Longfellow and husband Robert of Owings, MD; grandchildren Chris and Jason Parks, Sandra Lopes, Chad Patterson, and Ryan, Matthew, and Ashlyn Newton; greatgrandchildren Luke and Brooke Parks and Genna Patterson; and a sister Virginia Wilson of Frederick, MD. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Yettie Jordan and Mildred Hunt, and a brother James Skillman.

A memorial visiting for family and friends was held Sept. 22 Rausch Funeral Home, Owings, where a memorial service and celebration of Maurice’s life was held Friday September 23. Interment will be private.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

Richard Williams, 72 Richard Franklin Williams “Frank”, 72, of Upper Marlboro, MD passed away on September1, 2011 in Prince Frederick, MD. Frank was born in Washington, D.C. to Richard and Ethelyn Williams.

As a professional, his career was in the field of electronics and also the Federal government, working in the Food and

Drug Administration.

He is survived by his wife, Betsy Cox, of Upper Marlboro; and his daughter Vanessa DeVries and her husband, Kevin of Port Republic, MD. He is also survived by his grandchildren Alan Ridgely and Ashtyn DeVries; and by his sister, Betty Riley and brother, John Williams and his wife Rita.

A memorial service was held at the Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department, 4030 Old Town Rd, Huntingtown, MD 20639, on Friday, September 23, 2011, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 6 Herndon Ave, Annapolis, MD 21403.

Arrangements provided by Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Port Republic, MD. For additional information go to www.rauschfuneralhomes.com.

William Zentgraft, Sr., 75 William A. Zentgraft, Sr., 75, of Prince Frederick MD passed away on September 20, 2011 at his home.

He was born on February 15, 1936 on the family farm in Prince Frederick, MD to the late Albert and Thelma Hutchins Zentgraft.

Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his wife of 26 years

who passed away at the age of 44, Elsie Mae Zentgraft, and his sister, Anne Z. Cox. Mr. Zentgraft or Mr. Z, as he was called by many of the students on his bus route, owned and operated school buses for over 40 years. He also worked at farming, raising tobacco and then beef cattle in later years. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Prince Frederick.

He is survived by his children; Genevieve A. Zentgraft of Prince Frederick, William A. Zentgraft, Jr. and his wife Lynette of Owings, Christina L. Rickett of Prince Frederick, and Charles Allen Zentgraft and his wife Tammy of Prince Frederick. Grandfather of; Charles A. (AJ) Zentgraft, Jr., Julia M. Zentgraft, Lindsay M. Rickett, Zackary D. Rickett, William A. (Will) Zentgraft, III and Matthew A. Zentgraft. He is also survived by his sisters, M. Ellen Williams and Mary Frances Harrison both of Prince Frederick and companion Faye Bowen and her family of Prince Frederick.

The family received friends on Friday September 23, 2011 at Trinity United Methodist Church, Prince Frederick, where services were held on Saturday September 24. Interment followed in Central Cemetery, Barstow, MD. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvert Hospice, P.O. Box 838 Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

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Thursday, September 29 -2011

19

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Local Singer, Songwriter Working On First CD

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Amidst the sound reducing panels, professional microphones and the man behind the mixing board, Devante Jones is taking his lifelong dream of singing professionally to the next level.

Jones entered KMH Recording Studio in Lusby for the first time yesterday to lay down his latest album – “Broken Boundaries of Existence.”

Though he has recorded two previous CDs on his own, “Liberation” and “Imperfections of a Rebel,” Jones said his newest CD is his first at a professional recording studio and he hoped to make it his “breakout” album.

He said while he liked his first CDs, he has learned enough from them to make his third something special.

“They’re good, but I don’t think they’re as good as the new one,” he said.

The Southern Maryland native said the professional recording, as opposed to the recordings he made himself where background sound was still audible, will sound more like the type of things music agents and larger recording studios listen for.

“You want people to take you seriously when they listen to your stuff,” Jones said.

Inf luences on Jones’ sound in-

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Thursday, September 29-2011

Calvert Gazette

clude Michael Jackson, Beyonce and Usher, among other musical styles and artists.

Jones said he has been singing since he was 8 years old, but gave it up once he hit puberty and his voice changed. His brother, Tereaz Teylor, talked him into singing again and pursuing his dream.

“I created a monster,” Teylor said.

Jones said he “used to sing other people’s songs,” and began trying his hand at songwriting during the last couple of years. So far, he said he has penned 80 songs, creating a different feel for each CD he put together. His newest CD has a hip-hop and rhythm and blues sound. Previous songs have had pop and rock themes to them.

Jones’ songs are what he calls “anthems” and “empowerment songs” with uplifting messages based on his life experiences.

He considered adding his best song from the previous CDs, but decided against it. The older songs would not have meshed well with the sound he’s creating with “Broken Boundaries of Existence” and if he’s going to use his newest CD as his starting point, Jones said he wants it to all be fresh.

He stays away from techno and club type music, preferring cleaner instruments and less synthetic sounds.

Jones himself has played clarinet, saxophone and f lute, but said he hasn’t picked up any of them in a while. He said he does admire people who can play instruments well and enjoy doing so.

“It’s incredible what you can do with an instrument when you know how to use it,” Jones said.

Keith Harancher, owner of KMH Recording Studio, said he enjoys getting first time recorders into his studio, though he also has recording studio veterans in to record.

“Everyone has to start somewhere,” he said.

The recording studio started as a personal project of Harancher’s in Maine, and moved to Lusby in 1999. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Bucket List Fish

By Keith McGuire

First of all, let me apologize to all of my friends and associates who have seen the picture and heard the story.

I know, I know, I can really go on when I’m excited about something; but please, bear with me. This is significant!

You may recall that in my article two weeks ago, I announced that I was headed to Cape Charles to fish the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and other prime locations in the vicinity. I did that, and have since returned. What a trip! My fishing buddy, Richard, and I left the County and headed that way on Monday, September 12, and arrived in time to fish the afternoon and evening. We also fished September 13 through 15, before heading back on September 16. Richard and I have made this trip a few times, so we always expect too much wind on at least one day, and sometimes more. This time, we got to fish every day.

Our primary target on this trip was flounder. We managed to find keeper flounder on one day of the four day venture. Five keepers were caught and the biggest was 23 inches, none of which were caught by me. We caught sand sharks, bluefish, croakers, and toadfish – really big, mega oyster toads – in addition to the flounder.

Five big flounder and a few decent bluefish were all we needed to call this trip a success. After all, at least one good flounder meal when we got back home validated the

The Ordinary

Angler

time and expense.

We normally fish for flounder with a 2-ounce bucktail and a small spinning rod. We dress the bucktail with a small strip of cut bait or one of the new fancy Berkley Gulp™ artificial baits. I use a medium weight, fast action 7’ St Croix Triumph rod with a Shimano Stradic Ci4 3000 reel, spooled with 15 pound test Power Pro™ line. So, you can imagine my surprise on Thursday when I hooked something that took off for the other side of the Bay. Thankfully, my drag was set correctly as I fought the fish. Not knowing what it was, I was surprised to see a really big, copper colored fish flash by the boat at the end of my line. I told my buddy that we were going to need the big net for this one. Twenty minutes later he netted my 48” Red Drum. Chaos ensued!

He couldn’t lift the fish into the boat. It took both of us. In the boat, the fish was very well behaved, which is a good thing because we were panicked! How would we get it out of the net? How would we get the hook out of its mouth? Where was the tape measure that could measure

Calvert Gazette

something this big? Where were the fish-handling gloves (Fish-Off Gloves™)? How would I pick up something this heavy for a picture? (Richard had to help.)

Thankfully, we managed to solve all these problems and relaxed as we released the fish to swim again. Red Drum cannot be kept unless they are more than 18” and less than 26” in Virginia waters. Similar restrictions apply in Maryland. I didn’t care if it didn’t provide a meal.

I had the picture and the experience, and I was happy! I can now scratch “Catch a Big Red Drum” off my bucket list…or can I? Maybe I’ll just change the entry to “Catch a Bigger Red Drum!”

Meanwhile local fishing hasn’t been bad in spite of the bad weather and awesome influx of freshwater in the Bay. Stripers are biting big time! This week’s cold snap should cause the Spanish mackerel to move on. Flounder have been caught at the south end of the County. Bluefish, croakers, white perch, spot and speckled trout are also out there to be caught.

Don’t forget to take a picture of your catch and send it to me with a report at the email address below. riverdancekeith@gmail.com.

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

Thursday, September 29 -2011

21

Fresh. Fun.

Farm fresh food meets Southern Maryland hospitality.

Visit a Calvert County farmers market for a taste of the good life.

The fall produce is in!

TUESDAYS in Prince Frederick

3-7 p.m. through Nov. 22 Calvert Memorial Hospital Parking Lot adjacent to the Calvert Medical Arts Center and Route 4

THURSDAYS in Solomons 4-8 p.m. through Nov. 17 Solomons Riverwalk parking lot

FRIDAYS in North Beach

6-9 p.m. through Oct. 7 5th and 7th streets between Chesapeake Avenue and Bay Avenue

SATURDAYS in Barstow

7:30 a.m.-12 p.m. through Nov. 26 Calvert County Fairgrounds 140 Calvert Fair Drive

410.535.4583 • 301.855.1880 • www.calvertag.com

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Thursday, September 29-2011

Calvert Gazette

Dinner and a Show With the Whodunnit Players

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer

“It makes it funny when they don’t come in on cue,” CoThe latest dinner and a show Murder Mystery to ryer-Dhu said. come to DiGiovanni’s in Solomons is getting ready to Doug Graupman, begin October 4. playing investigative The mystery, “A Murder in D.C. and More,” is reporter Josh Harthe latest in a line of mystery theater plays written rison, said seeing

by Calvert County local Millie Coryer-Dhu and pro- how the script works duced by the Whodunnit Players. around and with the The play opens during a party hosted by Sena- audience members is tor Joseph H. Dolan, portrayed by James LePore, to part of the fun. celebrate his recent exoneration from the murder of “It’s amazing Christina Moore, an escort from Washington, D.C. what they come out Dianna Burke, played by Joanna Kenlon, was the with,” he said. lawyer with Holmes & Holmes representing SenaSometimes auditor Dolan during his trial. Right from the start, she ence members will expresses her doubts about the senator’s innocence, do exactly as required not sure the not guilty verdict was gotten legitimately. and everything goes She suspects jury tampering, among other things, but smoothly, but other can’t find the evidence to prove her theory. times the audience Flashback scenes to the beginning of the trial al- either adds to their low the audience to make up their own mind on the lines or skips lines. If legitimacy of the trial and the senator’s guilt. And, just the lines skipped are to keep things interesting, it is up to the audience to important to the story ferret out the guilty party in a second murder. line, the actors have to For diners wanting to take a more active role in go back and coax the Robert Dhu and Millie Croyer-Dhu run rehearsals in the Dhu household. the play, there are several small roles Coryer-Dhu has lines out of the audiallocated to be played by volunteers from the audi- ence member while ence. These actors are given their scripts at the begin- making it feel natural.

The more Coryer-Dhu thought about it, the more ning of the evening, and have to pay attention to know Coryer-Dhu said she began writing the mystershe realized that it would be very difficult to afford when it is time to read their lines, though Coryer-Dhu ies after dining with her husband at DiGiovanni’s and the use of dinner theater scripts and the other assorted said the actors don’t get angry if an audience member deciding the restaurant was the perfect location for a costs of getting a full production up and running. misses their entrance. dinner show.

“It was very disappointing,” Coryer-Dhu said.

It was then that her husband, Robert Dhu, suggested she write the play on her own. While at first Coryer-Dhu said she was unsure about that idea, she Josh Harrison (Doug Graupman) and Senator Joseph Dolan (James LePore) butt heads during the celebration at DiGiovanni’s. thought about her history, which involved her father Photos by Sarah Miller being a cop in rural New York and her friend’s father being involved in the court system, and decided she might be able to write a script after all.

For Graupman, this is his first play with the Whodunnit Players. He said he met Coryer-Dhu at the Newtowne Player’s Footlight Festival, and joined up with “A Murder in D.C. and More” out of curiosity.

A couple of the actors are veterans of CoryerDhu’s plays. Gloria Ranta, playing senator’s aid Claudia Hampton has been acting with Coryer-Dhu since she first started productions at the local senior centers. Kenlon also acted with Coryer-Dhu in the now defunct Patuxent Playhouse.

Tickets for “A Murder in D.C. and More” are $56.40 and must be purchased in advance. Tickets include entry into the play, dinner, tax and tip and the first drink of the night. To make reservations, call 410-394-6400. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

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