2012-03-29 Calvert Gazette

Gazette Calvert

Everything Calvert County

March 29, 2012

Priceless Primary Election D ay is Tuesday

O’Donnell Looks to Give Hoyer Toughest Fightge 8 Pa

The Calvert Gazette

Also Inside

3

Thursday, March 29, 2012

On T he Cover

County News

6 Business 7 Community 8

Feature Story

9 Letters 10 Obits

education

Rounding out a spectacular season, the Huntingtown High School Dance Team is heading to a Wizards game this week to perform at the halftime show.

12 Education 13 Newsmakers 13 Sports 14 Entertainment

community

QBH St M County TImes Half Ad:Layout 1 3/1/11 3:28 PM Page 1 Lighthouse lovers are invited to the popular Lighthouse Adventure Cruises on Saturday, June 2, June 30, July 21, and Sunday, Aug. 5 aboard a private charter vessel.

Del. Tony O’Donnell greets supporters during a campaign event at a Leonardtown restaurant.

MHBR No. 103

2

3

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Republicans Having Fun While Raising Funds

COUNTY NEWS Commissioner Pat Nutter’s best magic trick was having Commissioner Susan Shaw, left, and former commissioner Linda Kelley on stage at the same time, with neither talking.

By Corrin M. Howe Staff Writer Ventriloquist Tom Crowl had a room full of Republicans bent over laughing and wiping tears from their faces during an evening of entertainment Saturday at the Prince Frederick Elks Lodge.

For his final act Crowl used human puppets and called to the stage Sheriff Mike Evans and Judy MacWilliams, member of the Central Committee. Crowl had both put on half masks for the lower part of their faces Photos by Corrin M. Howe which he controlled.

Commissioner Steve Weems belts out some Elvis On stage, and off, Evans is an imposing tunes. figure standing over six feet tall with broad dancing. shoulders grey flat top haircut and standing Earlier in the evening, Crowl and military straight.

However, Crowl gave Evans’s character a his puppet ‘Dangerous Duck’ told the story of how high pitched voice, the name ‘Paddi O’Furniture’ they got pulled over by one of Evans’s state trooper and a talent for belly dancing. MacWilliams re- sons. Supposedly when the officer said to Crowl, ceived a low voice, the name ‘George’ and a talent “Your eyes are red, have you been drinking?”

Duck responded, “Your eyes are glazed, have you for singing.

The half masks covered all but Evans and been eating donuts?”

Commissioner Pat Nutter also garnered MacWilliams eyes. For the most part Evans’s eyes appeared to be closed as if he was laughing behind some laughs during his magician’s act. He solichis mask. Or, maybe he was wishing he skipped ited former Commissioner Linda Kelley and curthe event altogether. However, his eyes popped rent Commissioner Susan Shaw to come up and wide open when he discovered his talent was belly assist him. Once they were both on stage Nutter

Calvert Early Voting Turnout Low

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Fewer voters are turning up for early voting during this election year than in the 2010 election season, which was the inaugural year for early voting.

So far, in the fourth day of early elections, 484 voters have come out, with the highest turnout being 242 on the first day.

Compared to the 924 turnout during the 2010 Primary Elections and 1,176 in the General Election, the number is light, according to Elections Office Specialist Mary DePelteau.

“Keep in mind, though, that only Democratic and Republican voters are eligible to vote in this year’s primary, which makes it hard to compare turnout between the two elections,” DePelteau

Florida Antique & Collectable

Friday, March 30 - 6 p.m.

said.

The last day of early voting is March 29. Voting results will be released on the April 3 primary election night.

For elections in Calvert County, DePelteau said this is the first year since there was an elected school board that there will not be a primary election for any of the districts. To have a primary, there needs to be three individuals running for one position, DePelteau said.

This year, Joe Chenelly and Cliff Savoy will be running for district one votes, Rose Crunkleton and Kelly McConkey will be running for district three and Tracey McGuire is running unopposed for the district two seat. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

looked out into the audience and said, “Look, Jerry (Clark), you said it couldn’t be done. I got both Linda and Susan on stage and neither one is talking.”

Commissioner Steve Weems sang to Elvis Presley songs, one number with the wig and one without. A number of people in the audience murmured how good he was after he finished his act.

The evening opened with comedy hypnotist Brian Saunders who had people talking into their shoes and searching for their missing belly buttons.

Committee Chairman Frank McCabe said, “I hope this is the first of many fun filled activities.” corrin@somdpublishing.net

b l C u h c a B e s Ve r"aW'h ere You Are Alw ays On Vacatio n!"

"W

Check Out Our Marina & Boat Slips!

Slips without power starting at

$700

Lift slips are

$3500

Early Bird Special 10%

Sunday, April 1 - 1 p.m.

Nursery Stock

Saturday, April 7 - 4 p.m.

St. Leonard, MD 20685 • 410-586-1161 • chesapeakeauctionhouse.com

Payment Plans Available

OFF by April 1st

• Deep draft slips with no height limitations • Electric Lift Slips • Bathhouse with private showers, clean restrooms and laundry • Fuel dock • Lighted piers • High speed diesel and gasoline pumps • Shore power 120/240 volts 30, 50 amp • Dock office • Restaurant/Bar • Full service Convenience Store • Pump-out station • Free high-speed wireless Internet • Floating jet ski dockage • Private Swimming Pool and Private Beach

Gun Auction

Chesapeake Auction House

Sheriff Mike Evans turned into the human puppet.

410-586-1182

www.verasbeachclub.com

Lusby, MD

COUNTY NEWS

The Calvert Gazette

Jennifer Lynn Mister

4

Police Say Couple Ran Prescription Drug Ring

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

Robert Anthony Mister

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Law officers in both Calvert and St. Mary’s counties say they have put a stop to an alleged illegal prescription drug ring operated by a Chesapeake Beach husband and wife team working in conjunction with other suspects.

Both Robert Anthony Mister, 42, and his wife Jennifer Lynn Mister, 38, were arrested and indicted in the past week on charges they worked to gather prescription medications and then sell them on the streets of both counties.

Detectives say when they arrested Robert Mister in Calvert County he was in possession of large amounts of oxycodone, while Jennifer Mister was arrested on a conspiracy count in connection with the alleged drug network.

Robert Mister operates an amusement ride business out of Chesapeake Beach.

Lt. Steve Jones said that both Misters were arrested last week on the indictments that were based on alleged drug transactions in St. Mary’s County.

The six-month investigation in the operation meant that the Misters were high-profile dealers, Jones said, adding that they were the reputed leaders of the ring.

“It was a joint effort,” Jones said. “He was under surveillance in both counties.”

Mister was arrested by St. Mary’s County vice-narcotics officers back in December.

In that arrest police alleged that they found Mister had more than 100 oxycodone pills in bottles that had either torn or removed labels; the drugs alone had a street value of $2,800, they said.

Detectives also seized $30,000 in cash from Mister on the spot, police stated, while Calvert police raided his Chesapeake Beach home and found two handguns and other evidence, police reported.

Detectives were able to seize an additional $2,300 in cash from the December raid, police reported, and also recovered other prescription medication — suboxone and alprazolam.

Another suspect in the ring was arrested on a Grand Jury indictment: Loveville resident William Edward Burch, 35, was charged with felony drug distribution. guyleonard@countytimes.net

Girl Scouts, Pat Carpenter Honored

Free InItIal ConsultatIon

The law offices of P.a. Hotchkiss & associates

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer

Women from all over Calvert County gathered at the 10th Annual Women of the World Luncheon at Annmarie Garden, prominently local Girl Scouts celebrating the 100th Auto Accidents featuring anniversary of their organization.

Olivia Owen, one of the many Girl Scouts Workers’ comp attending the luncheon, said she was excited to • Divorce/Separation be there.

• Support/Custody “I got to meet some people I that I’d never • Domestic Violence meet,” Owen said, naming Congressman Steny • Criminal/Traffic Hoyer and Girl Scout Chief Operating Offi• DWI/MVA Hearings cer Jan Verhage, the featured speaker for the Power of Attorney Scan this “Times Code” afternoon. with your smart phone • Name Change • Adoption The Girl Scouts weren’t just attendees at the • Wills • Guardianship Women of the World – Ann Morris and Melissa Accepting: Photo by Sarah Miller Jacobs, with the rest of their Girl Scout troop Girl Scout Chief Operating Officer Jan earned their bronze awards by creating the cen99 Smallwood Dr. Waldorf, MD • 206 Washignton Ave. LaPlata, MD Verhage and Congressman Steny Hoyer talk at the 10th Annual Women of the World SERVING CHARLES • ST. MARY’S • PG • CALVERT (301) 932-7700 (301) 870-7111 ter pieces for each of the tables.

The girls were Luncheon. allowed to come up with their own design after getting a rough idea from the Women of the World planners.

“We put our own twist on it,” Morris said. She said the girls decided the colors of the rocks in the flower vases and the number of flowers in each arrangement, and spent three hours putting them together before the luncheon.

Other Girl Scouts posted and retired the colors and sang a few selections of popular Girl Scout tunes. From the little details to integral parts of the afternoon, it was clear that the Women of the World were joining the Girl Scouts in celebrating the “Year of the Girl”.

Verhage’s speech centered on the leadership values instilled in the Girl Scouts, and even the troop leaders. She told a story about a woman who hadn’t gone to college, and was talked into leading her daughter’s scout troop. From there, she worked up to overseeing multiple groups and even became a member of the local school board. She talked about other Gary Simpson, Matt Laidley, Katie Facchina young women who worked with veterans, who took charge 7480 Crain Highway • La Plata, MD 20646 during camping trips and even worked with homeless shelters.

301-934-8437 “These are the experiences that build the leaders of toAn Independent Agent Representing: morrow,” Verhage said.

April Hancock ERIE INSURANCE GROUP She also asked all the women who were Girl Scouts to PO Box 407 stand up, resulting in half the room rising to their feet.

Standing: Dan Burris, Jake Kuntz, Bryans Road, The afternoon was rounded out with various groups recSeated: Lisa Squires, MD 20616 ognizing women who had done something special. Honorees Susan Ennis, Donna Burris 301-743-9000 included Marianne Roberts with the Calvert Collaborative for Children and Youth. Pat Carpenter was honored posthumously with the Commission for Women’s Butterfly Award.

Presenter Linda Bracee said it was only the fifth such award to be given out, and it was accepted by Pat’s husband Bob Carpenter and one of their sons.

Providing Excellent Service For Over 20 Years

Do You Feel Crabby When You Get Your Insurance Bill in the Mail? Give Us A Call.

You’ll Be Glad You Did.

Burris’ Olde Towne Insurance Auto - Home - Business - Life

Leonardtown, MD • Bus: (301) 475-3151 www.danburris.com

sarahmiller@countytimes.net

5

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Businesses Encouraged to Hire Vets Trooper Under Investigation

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer With the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan winding down, veterans in the thousands will be returning to civilian life and they will be looking for jobs, according to federal and state officials who spoke at Patuxent High School in Lusby on Monday.

Vice Adm. David Architzel, commander of Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) located at NAS Patuxent River, said businesses should seriously consider hiring veterans not only because of their technical expertise and their training but because of their dedication and determination.

“More than 100,000 will be returning to the workforce,” Architzel said at the Leadership Maryland conference. “What better way to welcome them home … than to give them full employment.”

Architzel said that while some veterans are finding work upon their return, many were still either unemployed or underemployed.

Alan Crawley, local veterans employment representative for the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, said that many employers don’t understand the benefits available for hiring veterans, especially those who have been unemployed for six months or more.

“There are tax credits for hiring veterans, a lot of employers aren’t aware of that,” Crawley said.

“These credits are extensive.”

Kenneth Shelley, a vice president with Wyle corporation, said veterans make up the backbone of their organization, which is one of the largest Department of Defense contractors.

“About 40 to 50 percent of our people are veterans,” Shelley said.

“If it weren’t for veterans we probably wouldn’t be here.”

Petty Officer Javid Benson said as his career in the U.S. Navy came to a close after being reduced from the force, he was looking for work the same as other veterans.

“We have everything you’re looking for, we’re the people you can rely on,” said Benson, a sailor for nearly 15 years.

Benson said he volunteered to go to Afghanistan for a year tour before an order from the Department of Defense cut him from his unit because it was overstaffed.

He had given away everything in his home so he would have no worries for his overseas tour.

Many veterans are leaving the service so quickly that it puts a real strain on them to find a job so quickly.

“This is a real dire matter,” he said.

David Regan, a former soldier who was badly wounded in an explosion in Iraq, said his injuries were so severe he had to relearn much of what he’d been taught as a child.

“The alphabet was like something alien,” he said of his reeducation following a three-month coma. “I had to learn everything, I couldn’t read, I couldn’t write.”

But he said his recovery showed that veterans made a valuable resource for anyone looking to hire.

“We are resilient,” he said. “Help somebody else start a second chapter.”

Vice Adm. David Architzel speaks on the importance of hiring veterans like former soldier David Regan and Petty Officer Javid Benson.

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer A local waitress alleged last week that a state trooper assaulted her over an undercooked chicken tender meal.

The trooper who is assigned to the Leonardtown Barrack in St. Mary’s County, is under investigation by his own agency as well as the Calvert Investigative Team for the alleged incident on March 22 at Ruby Tuesday’s in Prince Frederick.

Amy Howes, 20, of Lusby, claims she was serving Cpl. Paul Trossbach’s table when he became angry over a chicken tender meal he said was undercooked and eventually slapped her in the back of her arm with a check presenter.

Howes claimed Trossbach became frustrated when she was too slow in returning with his check.

“He threw up his hands and said ‘Didn’t I specifically say to you to make it quick?’” Howes told the Calvert Gazette. “Then he said ‘This is [expletive] ridiculous.’

“Then he slaps the back of my arm with the check presenter and he said ‘Take this and make it quick.’”

Howes said she went back to the kitchen and gave the check and credit card to her manager to handle because she was too upset and “in tears.”

“I’ve worked here almost four years and I’ve never been treated like that,” Howes said. “He never apolo-

gized, nothing like that.

“I would think it’s crazy for a regular person to act this way but for a police officer to act this way is ridiculous.”

Howes said her manager went out to try to calm the customer, but the manager said the man continued to use profanity and claimed he had power to have the restaurant shut down.

She said her manager saw Trossbach get in an unmarked vehicle, turn on his overhead lights and yell at other people in the parking lot warning them not to patronize the restaurant.

Prince Frederick Barrack commander Lt. Randy Stephens would not reveal the trooper’s identity but said an administrative investigation is underway, while the Calvert Investigative Team is investigating criminal allegations.

“It’s in its early stages, it will take time,” Stephens said Tuesday.

“We want to make sure we’re doing this right.”

Calls placed to the Leonardtown Barrack were not returned as of press time.

Lt. Steve Jones, commander of the Calvert Investigative Team, said detectives are still gathering facts in the case.

“We have to determine whether there was a crime committed,” Jones said.

The trooper has not been charged, Stephens said.

THREE GENERATIONS OF COLLECTIVE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE CONVERGE RIGHT HERE. Meet the Taylor team; Scott, Bernard and Frank. These individuals were born and raised in this community, it is with a sense of pride that they serve the St. Mary’s and Southern Maryland communties to provide an alternative green energy product with outstanding personability. The Taylor Gas Company management team has a traditional, people oriented, method of business that was past down and kept alive from Francis Taylor Senior, who started the Taylor Gas Company back in 1950. These traditions are a tenat that is maintained as the company transitions to its third generation as a family business. We feel it is important to note that any enterprise, large or small, is ultimately very connected with the community and giving back to the community enriches both the business and the environment that helped sustain it.

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, March 29, 2012

6

New Oil Change Center Proposed for Lusby Hospital Honors Doctors for Service

Urologist Dr. Shaquat Meraj, second from left, was honored with the Unsung Hero Award at Calvert Memorial Hospital’s medical awards dinner on March 16. Pictured from left is CMH President & CEO Jim Xinis, Dr. Robert Schlager, VP for medical affairs and Chief of Staff Dr. Barbara Estes.

Calvert Memorial Hospital recognized 10 local physicians for their outstanding leadership and exceptional service to the community. Unsung hero honors went to surgeons Dr. Helmut Pfalz and Dr. Emad Al-Banna, psychiatrist Dr. Dipak Shah and urologist Dr. Shafquat Meraj. Dermatologist Dr. Faris Hawit was praised for his skin cancer outreach efforts and emergency physician Dr. Drew Fuller was saluted as a champion of medication safety.

Partnership awards were presented to vascular surgeon Dr. Sean O’Donnell, neurosurgeon Dr. Guy Gargour and breast cancer surgeon Dr. Theodore Tsangaris for their work in bringing tertiary level expertise to our community. Additionally, Dr. David Rogers received special recognition for his 40-year-career as public health officer of Calvert County.

“We applaud the passion with which you, the medical staff, approach your work, and we sincerely appreciate the commitment you make to serve our community and our hospital,” said Sally Showalter, CMH board president, at the annual medical staff awards dinner.

CMH President and CEO Jim Xinis added his thanks, as well. “This is a really special night because it is our chance to recognize the medical staff of Calvert Memorial Hospital, for all you do each day to keep our local residents safe and healthy – and to provide lifesaving intervention when they are in critical need,” he said. “Doctors are the cornerstone of any medical facility and it is truly a great pleasure to work with each and every one of you.”

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Calvert residents will soon have a new place to get their oil changed at a brand new Valvoline in Lusby.

Land owner John Greenwell is planning to locate the Valvoline next door to the old Sunoco in Lusby. He said he sold the Sunoco in 2007 before it went out of business, but he retains the ownership of the land.

During the Planning Commission meeting March 21, the discussion didn’t revolve around the actual business, but the need for a sidewalk in front of it to

prevent customers from walking across the parking lot.

Principal Planner Bill Pittman said the State Highway Administration (SHA) is fine with the plan presented, and any sidewalk would be going on SHA property. He said sidewalks are not an issue for SHA but are a part of the county’s master plan.

Civil Engineer Technician Chris Alvey with Wilkerson and Associates lobbied against adding the sidewalk, stating the land is on a steep grade and even if added, it would be difficult to bring them up to the ADA standards.

Even Planning Commission member

Malcolm Funn was wary about forcing the landowner to have a sidewalk installed.

“This type of business doesn’t create a lot of foot traffic,” Funn said.

Lawyer Mike Davis with Davis, Upton and Palumbo said the sidewalk would not be a “deal breaker” if the planning commission asked for it.

“It’s going to be a nice site, good for the community,” Greenwell said.

As for the gas station, Greenwell said things are still up in the air as far as any plans to reopen go. sarahmiller@contytimes.net

Crooked I Moving Across the Street

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Plans for Chesapeake Beach’s Crooked I to move across the street were unveiled at the Calvert County liquor board meeting.

During the meeting, Ryan Hill and the other managers for Crooked I were seeking a permit for the new location, and he said they will be moving the whole operation, video Bingo machines and all, to the new location as soon as they get final use an occupancy permits.

The liquor license for the new location was granted conditionally upon getting the final use and occupancy permit.

The fate of the current building is still up in the air due to a debate over the interpretation of the lease. In one interpretation, the property will revert back to property owner Kevin York while in another the owners of the Crooked I will control the property until 2014.

York and his wife were seeking their own license, but the issue was tabled until the liquor board’s council could look it over and approve it. The board’s lawyer, Robert Damalouji, was not in attendance.

York said should the interpretation revert the property back to him, he has plans to open another establishment in the same location, though he said he’s not certain whether he will be running the business himself or having somebody else come in.

In addition to the license seekers, members of the public came forward during the meeting to voice concerns about the

current Crooked I location.

Property Owner Ann Drissel spoke to noise in the parking lots and the disruption it causes to people who are trying to relax at home.

“We’re begging you, give us some relief,” Drissel said.

Former liquor board chairman Allen Swann was also at the meeting to speak to the matter of the disturbance Crooked I causes, saying he is sympathetic to the problems the home owners have but sometimes nothing can stop people from being loud in the parking lot when the action, like howling at the moon, is impulsive. He said the homeowners deserve peace, and saw allowing Crooked I to move to Beach Cove, 300 yards away, as a way to help make that happen.

“People that live in the condos, they deserve a good night’s sleep,” Swann said. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Philly Flash Coming to Dunkirk

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Dunkirk will soon be home to a new Philly cheesesteak restaurant.

Annapolis-based Philly Flash will be opening their second location in Dunkirk at the end of April, if all goes according to plan, according to co-owner Geaton DeCeasaris.

He said the Philly cheesesteaks are the restaurants specialty, but they also offer a selection of chicken wings and subs.

DeCeasaris said the new location will most likely not offer pizza on the menu due to its proximity to Ledo’s Pizza.

He said the owner of Ledo’s is a friend of the family, and Philly Flash doesn’t want to go into direct competition with them.

DeCeasaris and his family were before the Calvert County liquor board to get a license to serve beer and wine, which DeCeasaris said will account for two percent of business in the restaurant. DeCeasaris said there will be no stand alone bar, and the liquor board granted the license contingent upon Philly Flash receiving their final use and occupancy permit for the building.

He said his family has a long history in drag racing, even building the Capitol Raceway, and he said the restaurant’s racing theme is an homage to that history.

For more information, visit myphillyflash.com. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

7

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Lighthouse Lovers Invited to Cruise Lighthouse lovers are invited to the popular Lighthouse Adventure Cruises on Saturday, June 2, June 30, July 21, and Sunday, Aug. 5 aboard a private charter vessel. The cost is $130 for the day-long trip; lunch is on your own. Calvert Marine Museum members pay $120. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Call 410-326-2042 ext.

41 to reserve your spot.

On June 2, July 21, and Aug. 5, participants will enjoy the Southern route and visit Point No Point, Point Lookout, and Smith Point Lighthouses, before stopping for lunch at The Bayside Inn on Smith Island. After taking in the local sites, the cruise will continue on to circle Solomons Lump and Hooper Island Lighthouses.

On Saturday, June 30, lighthouse cruisers may enjoy the northern route departing from the Drum Point Lighthouse to see Cove

Point, Thomas Point, Sandy Point, Bloody Point, and Sharpes Island lighthouses. The lunch location is to be determined.

On the journey, cruisers will learn the history of the lighthouses they visit from the museum’s lighthouse expert, along with fascinating stories that make each light unique, from fires to ice floes to ravaging storms.

Bring your sunscreen, camera, hat, and rain jacket, and prepare for a day of fun, state a museum press release.

Participants will meet at the Calvert Marine Museum under the Drum Point Lighthouse at 7:45 a.m.; expected return time to the museum is 4:30 p.m. For information or to register, call 410-326-2042 ext. 41. Register by May 11 for the June 2 cruise, June 8 for the June 30 cruise, June 30 for July 21 cruise, and July 13 for the August 5 cruise.

Space is limited and sold on a first come, first serve basis.

Original Ribs

Honest-To-GoodnessMade-From-Scratch

Stop by and enjoy a taste of our Italian cuisine and come back any time Waterfront Dining Overlooking Solomons Harbor Deck Dining 410-394-6400 www.digiovannisrestaurant.com

Taste Of Solomons Menu: Award Winning Ribs OR Slow Roasted Pork BBQ Homemade Cole Slaw Cajun Bloody Mary

410-326-6050

Grill Sgt, BBQ

REAL ESTATE

Award Winning Craft Beer!

Best Crab Cakes in Southern Maryland!

410-394-3825//410-FYI-DUCK www.RuddyDuckBrewery.com

TICKET BOOTH

Residential • Commercial THE THE Sales & Leasing

MCNELIS TMHECNELIS ROUP LLC ROUP, LLC THE MG CN ELIS , G MCNELIS Gmcnelisgroup.com ROUP, LLC mcnelisgroup.com T GROUP, LLC mcnelisgroup.com M N C

HE ELIS

GROUP, LLC

mcnelisgroup.com

mcnelisgroup.com

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, March 29, 2012

8

STORY

GOP Primary to be Decided in Southern Maryland

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Three Republican candidates are vying for their party’s nomination on primary election day Tuesday to face Democrat Congressman Steny Hoyer in the race for the 5th Congressional District seat in November.

Two Republicans from Prince George’s County, Glenn Morton and David Hill, have addressed traditional conservative red meat issues by supporting lower taxes, less intrusive government and reduction of business regulations to spur economic growth.

Del. Anthony O’Donnell, who represents the state’s 29th District in Annapolis, shares positions on many of the same issues but has a ready made base of support here in Calvert and St. Mary’s counties, where he has represented citizens since 1995.

Political observers say that distinction is important, because when it comes to getting enough votes for the GOP nomination, many of them are in Southern Maryland and a sliver of Anne Arundel County. These are places where O’Donnell is better known.

“It’s a perfect setup for him in the primary race,” said Todd Eberly, political science professor at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. “I fully expect him to win and by a comfortable margin.”

O’Donnell said he is working to gain

Del. Anthony O’Donnell and wife Lori, right, greet campaign supporters.

as many votes as he can in Prince George’s County, a Democratic stronghold and the seat of Hoyer’s voter base. In 2010, Hoyer’s

thern Maryland ou S ng vi er S ns tio ca Lo 2 In Callaway:

20865 Callaway Village Way

Monday - Saturday Closed Sundays

301.994.1460

In Solomons: 13372 HG Trueman Rd

Open 7 Days a Week

Now With Self-Serve Dog Wash 410.326.4006

We Carry Wholesome Foods and Treats, Fun Toys, Leashes and Collars and so Much More!

www.pepperspetpantry.com

opponent Charles Lollar received more votes in Calvert and St. Mary’s counties.

“I’m under no illusions … its going to be very difficult to unseat the entrenched incumbent,” O’Donnell said.

But he said he has been encouraged by his time in Prince George’s and with the reception he has received from those he’s met.

“People are tired of how it’s been managed by the political class,” O’Donnell said.

“And Steny Hoyer is at the top of that class.”

O’Donnell said voters are energized by two key ballot initiatives this election cycle — the same sex marriage act and the Dream Act, which gives illegal immigrants in-state tuition at state universities.

O’Donnell said the same sex marriage act has garnered a great deal of attention in his campaign stops.

“You’d be surprised at the concern over that issue and it gives us a lot of opportunities to speak out … without them we might never have had the chance,” he said.

Eberly said Democrats outnumber Republicans by a 9-to-1 margin in Prince George’s, but the majority African American county is also home to many who opposed the measure that narrowly passed in Annapolis this year.

“It’s not just about energizing the Republicans, but the question is what will the same sex marriage bill do to the African American community?” Eberly said. “Quite a clear majority of the African American community is opposed to it.”

Eberly said African Americans may choose to vote against same sex marriage and withhold their votes from its supporters, such as Hoyer and Sen. Ben Cardin who is also running for re-election.

“But even if everything breaks O’Donnell’s way it’s still going to be a steep hill to climb for a Republican to win,” Eberly said.

Morton, a health insurance specialist, agreed but for different reasons.

He said his expertise in the field makes him uniquely qualified to fight the national healthcare law.

He also believes he could better reach his fellow Prince Georgean’s than O’Donnell, who lives in Calvert County.

“If you can’t win Prince George’s County you can’t win the 5th District,” Morton said. “If you haven’t done it in 26 years how can you do it six months?

“The health care law is worse on the black community than any other.”

Morton explained that many in the black community with lower incomes are more at risk of not being able to buy health insurance or affording the penalties for not doing so.

“Knowing the most about the biggest issue in the campaign is what sets me apart from Tony O’Donnell,” Morton said. “He’s a creature of what I’m trying to change.”

David Hill, a motorcycle technician and a former English teacher in Japan, said his experiences in that country informed him about national health care and different taxation systems.

“I’ve been under national healthcare for seven years and it sucks,” Hill said. “By the time I made $40,000 I was paying $4,000 into national healthcare and that’s with a 30 percent co-pay.”

Hill said he used his experiences in the campaign to warn voters of what awaits them.

On taxation, he called the national system “Byzantine-like” and praised the flat tax he worked under in Japan.

“It was great, it was awesome,” Hill said.

O’Donnell said he is fighting in the legislature against the implementation of the Maryland law that paves the way for Obamacare, citing the extreme expense and the potential demise of private health insurance.

O’Donnell is well known for his opposition to tax increases in the state and has fought successfully to stop the doubling of hunting license fees.

“I’m hoping to do the same thing with the gas tax [increase], which is a horrible idea,” O’Donnell said. guyleonard@countytimes.net

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, March 29, 2012

As I write this column, I had the privilege of attending the Woman of the World (W.O.W.) Annual Luncheon. Originally sponsored by the Calvert County League of Women Voters, and an outgrowth of the Woman of the Year Award Ceremony, the WOW Luncheon has become a way for numerous women’s organizations to recognize a woman leader or leaders of the year.

Participating organizations include the Calvert County League of Women Voters (CCLWV), the Patuxent branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), the Concerned Black Women of Calvert County, the Women’s Commission, the Circle of Angels, The Calvert Collaborative for Children and Youth (CCCY, previously the Calvert Crusade for Children), the Community Mediation Center, the Daughters of Abraham, and last, but certainly not least, the Girl Scouts.

The women who were honored this year include Anne Lusby Harrison, Marianne Roberts, Dr. Sheila Moore, Eleanor Nelson, Lynda Striegel, Pat Carpenter (posthumously), Joan Lucas-Anderson, Nicole S. Cooksey, Beit Chaverim Congregation, Lori Willis, Ashley Marie Zegal, and Elaine Cochran Dunkle (posthumously). Each of these generous women have given their time and talents to better our community, many for a very long time or extensively and expansively.

Please congratulate them when you see them.

Special this year was the recognition of the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouting. We were privileged to be entertained by Jan A. Verhage, Chief Operating Officer of the Girl Scouts of the USA. Ms. Verhage has held this role for two years, but led the Girl Scouts of the National Capital area for the prior 25 years. She regaled us with the story of coming to the 4th District

Rescue Squad in Prince Frederick in 1993 to meet with local Girl Scouts and their leaders in an ambulance bay, a unique and memorable experience. She also talked about meeting one of the original 18 who were part of Juliette Gordon Low’s first Girl Scout Troop, who said, “Girl Scouting has helped me become the person I am today.” It elicits our very best selves.

When the Girl Scouts among the 150 attendees were asked to stand, a large portion of the audience stood, including most of the honorees. Many proudly wore their brownie and Girl Scout pins from decades ago.

The current Girl Scouts in attendance had to be impressed. Clearly, Girl Scouts had helped all of us standing to become the people we are today, and a higher self than we would have been without the Girl Scout experience.

To continue the celebration of the Year of the Girl Scout, a performance called A Celebration of 100 Years of Girl Scouting will be staged at the Calvert High School Auditorium in Prince Frederick on Saturday, March 31st with two performances, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Tickets are $5 at www.calvertgs100.org. All ages are welcome. In addition to an original theater production called “PEARLS”, a fashion show of 100 years of Girl Scout uniforms will entertain along with Girl Scout songs through the years. I will look forward to seeing you there!

The Year of the Girl Scout will culminate on Saturday, June 9, 2012, with Girl Scouts Rock the Mall in Washington, D. C. with a girl led sing along. www.gscnc.org/singalong.html.

Finally, Ms. Verhage shared the bold campaign that will initiate the next 100 years of Girl Scouting. It will emphasize balanced leadership for girls and will involve many national and international partners. Here come the next generation of women leaders!

Over 250,000 Southern Marylanders can’t be wrong!

Your Online Community for Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties

New to the area? Lifelong resident?

• Stay abreast of local happenings • Check our highly popular classifieds • Speak your mind in the forums win terrific prizes

Stop by and see what Southern Maryland Online has to offer!

www.somd.com

Arrogance Annapolis

By Marta Hummel Mossburg Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller laments the fact that legislators will likely reject higher gas taxes this session.

“We’re one of the wealthiest states in the union and we can certainly afford a gas tax -- if it is feasible. Right now, it does not appear to be feasible, but at some point in time in the near future it’s going to have to be feasible so we can move our state forward,” he said.

Miller blames high gasoline prices for stalling legislative action and hopes they will go down by fall to make it possible to raise taxes in a special session.

Let’s leave aside what he can and can’t do this spring for a moment and focus on his first statement.

Maryland may have one of the highest percentages of millionaires in the nation, but outside of Montgomery, Howard and a few pockets in other counties, people here are not rich.

Thirteen of Maryland’s 24 jurisdictions have median household incomes way below the state’s $70,647. A sampling: Allegany County: $37,747; Garrett County: $45,760; Dorchester County: $45,151; Kent County: $50,141; Somerset County: $42,443; and Baltimore: $39,386.

Those incomes leave families with nothing left over at the end of the month after paying for the basics in a state with one of the highest costs of living. And a growing number of people in the state have even less. Poverty in Maryland is at its highest rate in about 20 years at 10.8

Publisher Associate Publisher Editor Graphic Artist Office Manager Advertising Email Phone

Thomas McKay Eric McKay Sean Rice Angie Stalcup Tobie Pulliam sales@somdpublishing.net info@somdpublishing.net 301-373-4125

Staff Writers Guy Leonard Sarah Miller Corrin Howe

Law Enforcement Government, Education Community, Business

Contributing Writers Joyce Baki Keith McGuire Susan Shaw Sherrod Sturrock

TER T E to the Editor

S

commissioners

By Susan Shaw Calvert County Commissioner, District 2

• Enter our contests and

corner

W.O.W.

Guest Editorial

L

9

percent, according to the most recent Census data.

And in Baltimore, about 25 percent of people live in poverty.

Should people who fall into these income groups be asked to make yet another “shared sacrifice” come fall despite a complete lack of fiscal restraint in Annapolis that has pushed the budget to new highs regardless of state income?

What is worse is that the gas tax would follow increases in a range of taxes likely to pass this legislative session hitting rich and poor alike, including those on income and water use. The other issue is that more than half of transportation dollars in the state flow to mass transit, which only a minuscule fraction of people use. So, those who can barely afford the gas they need to go to work will be asked to pay more to subsidize transportation they will never use.

How is that fair?

Legislators could have resolved transportation funding years ago by spending money raised through the gas tax only on roads instead of siphoning it to pay for transit projects and to plug holes in the general fund.

We face a transportation funding problem because of legislators’ abusing the public trust, not because of a lack of money. To then justify raising the gas tax under the lie that Marylanders are rich shows how out of touch and arrogant Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller has become after decades in office.

Marta Hummel Mossburg is a senior fellow at the Maryland Public Policy Institute.

Calvert Gazette

P. O. Box 250 . Hollywood, MD 20636

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.

in

The Calvert Gazette

Ruth Blake, 81 Lou Ruth Blake, 81, of Lusby, MD passed away on March 1, 2012 at her residence. Lou Ruth Blake, known as “Ruth” was born on Oct. 12, 1930, to the late Willie Buck and Lillian Johnson in Calvert County.

On April 23, 1947, Ruth was united in holy matrimony to Leroy Francis Blake, Sr., who preceded her in death. This union of 58 years was blessed with seven children, Philis, Leroy, Jr., Dianette, Lowell (deceased), Lloyd (deceased), Venessa (deceased) and Elaine. They also raised a loving grandson, Donte’ Long, Sr. She was a loving and devoted wife, a nurturing mother and she was a grandmother who knew no equal. She was very proud and took pride in every aspect of her life. Most people who knew her well knew her as a lady with a fashion statement. She applied ageless wisdom to accommodate her family’s every need. Her greatest quality was her optimism and her ability to lighten your every burden with a warming smile. She was truly a treasure, a queen among women, and she will be greatly missed.

Ruth’s hobbies were listening to Gospel music, attending Gospel programs and she loved singing with the Eastern Jubilees, which she joined at a very early age. Ruth was a faithful and supportive member of the Eastern United Methodist Church where she served on many committees. She was highly recognized as a faithful worker for her church. Ruth looked forward to the Gospel Ambassadors’ concert that she sponsored for over 30 years. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Ruth is survived by her three daughters: Philis A. Hurley (Wilbur), Dianette Blake Johnson (Vaughn), and Elaine Blake; one son: Leroy Francis Blake, Jr. (Carolyn); one daughter-inlaw: Desiree’ Blake; 10 admirable grandchildren: Wilbur Hurley, Jr., Tammie Hurley-Howe, Eric Hurley, Nichelle Blake, Vaughn Johnson (Yvette), Tamara Blake-Wallace (Michael), Tiffany Blake, Donte’ Long, Sr. (Marcia), Ashley Long, and Felisha Taylor; 21 gorgeous great grand children: HM3 Wilbur Hurley III, ETSA Blake Hurley, Tyler, Trevor, Travis and Trent Howe, Tiara & Tyresha Wallace, Michael Wallace, Jr., Tranae, Taylor & Jordan Johnson, Dahlia Hurley, Kendrick Wheeler, Donte’, Jr., & Megan Long; Deron Le & DeShauna Long; Dayshaun Ablonczy and Brandee Hall; six great-great grandchildren: Jaylin Hurley, Kadon Mason, Londin Hurley, Zaiveon Wallace, Anthony Buck, Cherish Wallace; three brothers: James Buck (Louise), Richard Buck

and Charles Buck (Patricia); one sister, Beatrice Buck; one step-sister, Angela Bishop; one brother-in-law: Thomas Gray, Sr.; four sistersin-law, Delores Buck, Mary Buck, Alverta Buck, and Marnette Stewart, who was also a devoted caregiver; three very special care giving nieces: Robin Buck, Marlene Stewart and Terrell White; three special phone buddies: Louise Savoy, Alverta Buck and Mary Ellen Weems; a devoted caregiver and friend David Mackall and special friends of the family: Daniel Butler, Sr., and Mr. and Mrs. James Henderson; two special adopted families: Mr. & Mrs. George Johnson and family, Mr. & Mrs. Howard Chase and family; a very dedicated and loving nephew who watched over her, Raymond Barnes, and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Funeral service was held on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Dunkirk Baptist Church, Dunkirk, MD with Rev. Dr. Samson Y. Nortey officiating.

The interment was at Eastern UM Church Cemetery, Lusby, MD. The pallbearers were Raymond Barnes, Carlos Buck, Gary Buck, Nathaniel Buck, John Frank Gross and Leander Lockes. The honorary pallbearers were Dereck Barnes, Vaughn Johnson and David Mackall.

Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.

Fred Blake, 58 Lowell Frederick Blake, 58, of Lusby, MD passed away on March 5, 2012 at Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC. Lowell , known as “Fred” (and also as Howdy Doody by his family in his younger years), was born March 8, 1953 to the late Leroy and Lou Ruth Blake of Calvert County, MD. He was preceded in death by his brother, Lloyd Paul Blake and his sister, Venessa Marie Blake.

On May 10, 1975, Fred was united in holy matrimony to Desiree’ Wallace. From this union of 36 years, they were blessed with one daughter, Nichelle. He was also foster father to numerous teens.

Lowell (Fred) attended Eastern United Methodist Church at a young age. In 1974, he joined Calvary United Apostolic Church. During that time he gave his life to Christ. He was a member of the Young Adult Choir and Male Gospel Choir. In later years, he attended the Holy Truth Apostolic Church in Washington, DC. Lowell (Fred) was a graduate of the Calvert County School System. He later attended the

Where Life and Heritage are Celebrated

During a difficult time… still your best choice.

Affordable Funerals, Caskets, Vaults, Cremation Services and Pre-Need Planning Family Owned and Operated by Barbara Rausch and Bill Gross

www.RauschFuneralHomes.com

Owings

Port Republic

410-257-6181

410-586-0520

8325 Mt. Harmony Lane 4405 Broomes Island Rd.

Lusby

20 American Lane

410-326-9400

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Highway/Bridge Carpenter Training Program in Norfolk, VA. Fred was a skillful masonry worker.

He loved working with his brother-in-law, Wilbur, in many, many masonry endeavors. He also was a master of the concrete trade. He was always willing to help others.

Lowell’s (Fred’s) hobbies were listening to music, singing, gardening, caring for his yard, he loved drawing, assembling model cars, and wood carving. Lowell had a cheerful personality. His laughter brightened up a room and warmed the heart. If you were feeling down or was just not having a great day, he knew how to uplift your spirits.

Lowell (Fred) is survived by his devoted wife Desiree’; his daughter, Nichelle; three sisters, Philis Hurley (Wilbur), Dianette Johnson (Vaughn), and Elaine Blake; one brother, Leroy F. Blake, Jr. (Carolyn); two foster children, Clarice Snowden and Debbie Harvey; four loving nephews, Wilbur Hurley, Jr., Vaughn (Jay) Johnson, Jr. (Yvette), Eric Hurley, Donte’ Long, Sr. (Marcia); five adorable nieces, Tammie Hurley-Howe, Tamara Blake Wallace (Michael), Tiffany Blake, Ashley Long and Felisha Taylor; eight sisters-in-law, Beatrice Roland (Arthur), Irene McRae (Colon); Marion Coates; Ellen Gross (Roland), Lillian Roland (David); Franstine Barnes (Cedric), Ronda Wallace and Glynis Sims (Louis); five aunts, Alverta Buck, Marnette Stewart, Beatrice Buck, Delores Buck and Mary Buck; four uncles, James Buck (Louise), Richard Buck, Charles Buck (Patricia) and Thomas Gray, Sr.; and a host of devoted and loving great nieces, great nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Lowell (Fred) has several devoted buddies, Uncle Charles Buck, George Johnson, Raymond Barnes, Roland Gross and a very special cousin (brother), William H. Blake, Jr. Funeral service was held on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Dunkirk Baptist Church, Dunkirk, MD with Rev. Dr. Samson Y. Nortey officiating. The interment was at Chesapeake Highlands Memorial Gardens, Port Republic, MD. The pallbearers were Raymond Barnes, Carlos Buck, Gary Buck, Nathaniel Buck, John Frank Gross and Leander Lockes. The honorary pallbearers were Dereck Barnes, Vaughn Johnson and David Mackall.

Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.

Venessa Blake, 56 Venessa Marie Blake, 56, of Lusby, MD passed away on March 5, 2012 at Calvert Memorial Hospital, Prince Frederick, MD. Venessa Marie Blake was born on September 7, 1955 to the late Leroy and Lou Ruth Blake of Calvert County, MD. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Lloyd Paul Blake and Lowell Frederick Blake.

Venessa was blessed with a beautiful and loving daughter, Felisha A. Taylor and two grandchildren, Dayshaun Ablonczy and Brandee Hall, whom she adored.

During her childhood and early adulthood Venessa attended Eastern United Methodist Church in Lusby, MD. She is presently a faithful member of Greater Bibleway Church in Prince Frederick, MD. Venessa enjoyed worshipping with her church family and her faith was greatly strengthened by her fellowship with them. She enjoyed listening to family members, especially her Mom, sing hymns; and when the Spirit would fill her, with a loud bellow she would sing out above them all.

Venessa’s hobbies were spending valuable time with her daughter Felisha. She also held dear the time she spent with her adorable grandchildren Dayshaun and Brandee. She loved cooking, listening to music, taking pictures,

10

shopping and decorating her home; which she did with the utmost elegance and design.

Venessa was a graduate of the Calvert County School System. Shortly after graduation she was hired at the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, DC. She also worked at several healthcare facilities. She had a true love of caring for others. Her greatest accomplishments were: wonderful mother, grandmother and homemaker. Venessa’s trademark was her enormous and beautiful smile with which she greeted everyone she met.

Venessa is survived by her daughter, Felisha Taylor; two grandchildren, Dayshaun Ablonczy and Brandee Hall; three sisters, Philis Hurley (Wilbur), Dianette Johnson (Vaughn), and Elaine Blake; one brother, Leroy F. Blake, Jr. (Carolyn); a loving sister-in-law, Desiree’ Blake; four loving nephews, Wilbur Hurley, Jr., Vaughn (Jay) Johnson, Jr. (Yvette), Eric Hurley, Donte’ Long, Sr. (Marcia); four adorable nieces, Tammie Hurley-Howe, Tamara Blake Wallace (Michael), Tiffany Blake and Ashley Long; five aunts, Alverta Buck, Marnette Stewart, Beatrice Buck, Delores Buck and Mary Buck; four uncles, James (Louise), Richard, and Charles (Patricia) Buck and Thomas Gray, Sr.; and a host of devoted great nieces, great nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Venessa had many family and friends but her very best friend was her sister, Elaine (Baby Liz).

Funeral service was held on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Dunkirk Baptist Church, Dunkirk, MD with Rev. Dr. Samson Y. Nortey officiating. The interment was at Greater Bible Way Church, Prince Frederick, MD. The pallbearers were Raymond Barnes, Carlos Buck, Gary Buck, Nathaniel Buck, John Frank Gross and Leander Lockes. The honorary pallbearers were Dereck Barnes, Vaughn Johnson and David Mackall.

Funeral arrangements provided by Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD.

Charles Cook, 88 Charles Edward Cook died of congestive heart failure on March 25, 2012. He was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas on Jan. 27, 1924. His parents moved to Maryland in 1930 and Mr. Cook attended Hyattsville schools through high school.

After two years at the University of Maryland, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served ashore and at sea until released to inactive duty in 1946. He worked for Boeing Airplane Company in Seattle, Washington, as a junior engineer and later attended and graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle.

In 1948, he married Margaret Wright of Kent, Washington. They returned to the Washington, D.C., area in 1949 and Mr. Cook worked for Kitt Music Company, U.S. Army Map Service, U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, and retired from the U.S. Navy Department in 1979.

He retired from the Naval Reserve with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Mr. Cook had three daughters with his first wife; she died in 1985.

Mr. Cook married Grace Creeger Wood in 1988 in Lusby, Maryland. They were able to enjoy travel in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

Mr. Cook always had an interest in music, for which he started lessons at the age of six years. While in the Navy, he played clarinet and keyboard instruments in station bands and in shipboard bands. While stationed at Lawrence College, he studied organ at the Lawrence Conservatory of Music.

He taught keyboard instruments in Seattle and Maryland. After retirement, he became organist at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Prince

11

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Frederick. Before his retirement, Mr. Cook taught evening classes in photogrammetry at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Graduate School in Washington, D.C. Mr. Cook served on the publications committee of the American Society of Photogrammetry and contributed articles for publication.

He was editor of the Society Newsletter. He had a private pilot’s license, maintained a complete wood working shop when he retired to Drum Point in Lusby, Maryland, and was happy to design and construct much of his house there.

He was a member of the Southern Maryland Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), and for a time edited their newsletter. In 2005, Mr. Cook and his wife moved to Asbury-Solomons CCRC, where he was active in the Woodworking Club and contributed to the in-house paper. He also used his musical talents to entertain other residents at

Asbury-Solomons.

Mr. Cook is survived by wife Grace Creeger Cook, children Virginia Cook Thiebaud and her husband Steve Thiebaud, Barbara Cook and her husband John Kittridge, and Margaret (Peggy) Cook Scribner and her husband Gary Scribner, three stepchildren, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2012 in the auditorium at Asbury-Solomons.

Should friends desire, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1041 Route #3 North, Building A, Gambrills, Maryland 21054 www.cancer.org or to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Philip Merrill Environmental Center, 6 Herndon Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403 www.cbf.org in his memory.

Albert Dorsey, 52 Albert Leroy Dorsey, 52, of Prince Frederick, MD passed away on March 13, 2012 at the South River Rehabilitation Center, Edgewater, MD. He was born June 6, 1941 to the late Chesterfield Joshua Dorsey and Helen Merena Bias Dorsey in Greenock, MD. Albert attended schools in Anne Arundel County. He joined Sollers United Methodist Church in Lothian, MD at a young age.

He worked in Bowie, MD at the race track grooming and taking care of several horses.

Albert also worked for Cecil Knighton until he became ill.

He was the baby of 10 children. Albert was preceded in death by his sister, Ada Marie Conway; 8 brothers, Frank, Ernest, James, William, John, Cecel, Leon, and Robert Dorsey. He leaves to cherish his memories 2 sisters-in-law, Lillian Gross Dorsey and Edith Conway Dorsey. Also a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Funeral service was held on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Sewell Funeral Home, Prince Frederick, MD with Bishop Daniel S. Jones officiating.

The interment was at Ernestine Jones Cemetery, Chesapeake Beach, MD.

Jimmy Fowler, 54 James M. Fowler, 54, of Port Republic, MD, passed away on March 25, 2012 in Snake Spring, Penn.

Jimmy was born in Prince Frederick on Oct. 3, 1957 to Raymond E. Fowler and Irene V. Fowler.

He was an avid

The Calvert Gazette

Dallas Cowboy fan and he loved to fish and shoot pool.

He is survived by his daughter, Ashley Fowler of Prince Frederick, MD, his fiancée, Pam Smith of Port Republic, MD, father, Raymond E. Fowler of Prince Frederick, MD, and his mother, Irene V. Fowler of Lusby, MD. Brother of Raymond E. Fowler Jr., of Prince Frederick, MD, Bootie T. Fowler of Lusby, MD, Theresa M. Cranford of Huntingtown, MD, Richie W. Fowler of St. Leonard, MD, and Donny B. Fowler of Huntingtown, MD. He is also survived by nieces and nephews who loved him very much.

The family received friends on Wednesday March 28, 2012 at the Rausch Funeral Home, PA, 4405 Broomes Island Road, Port Republic, MD where services will be held on Thursday March 29, 2012 at 11 A.M. Interment will follow in Chesapeake Highlands Memorial Gardens, Port Republic, MD. Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association.

Kimberly Lambert, 44 Kimberly Dawn Lambert, 44, of Rivesville, WV, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 15, 2012. Kim was born on April 2, 1967 in Cheverly, MD. She was the daughter of Jane Lee Lambert of Rivesville, WV and Nolan C. Lambert, Sr. and wife Nancy, of Kingsport, TN. She is survived by three brothers, Clayton and his wife Alisa, Barry and his wife Beth, and Matthew Lambert, all of Huntingtown, MD, and her maternal grandmother, Margaret Dayhoof, of Bel Air, MD. Kim is also survived by her mother’s lifelong friend, Charlotte Anderson, of Rivesville, WV; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, John T. Dayhoof; paternal grandparents, Nancy Smith and Paul Lambert; and cousins, David Lee and Christopher Bedsaul.

Kim was a registered nurse by profession and took great pride in providing excellent patient care. She enjoyed crafts, movies, country music, spending time in the sun, and vacationing at the beach. Kim was a kind, giving person who especially cherished young children.

A private viewing for family and friends was held on Wednesday, March 21, 2012, from at Rausch Funeral Home, 8325 Mt. Harmony Lane, Owings, MD. Visitation was held Thursday, March 22, 2012, at St. John Vianney Roman Catholic Church, 105 Vianney Lane, Prince Frederick, MD and will be immediately followed by a Celebration of Life, after which lunch will be served at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in Kim’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Ronald McCready, Sr., 62 Ronald Edward McCready, Sr., 62, of Nappanee, IN formerly of Lusby, MD passed away on March 20, 2012 in Indianapolis, IN. He was born on February 8, 1950 in Prince Frederick, MD to the late Hilda Virginia Sadler and James Edward McCready.

He married his beloved wife Hazel Gene McCready on September 20, 1970 in Orange Co., CA and she preceded him in death on June 6, 2007. Ronald graduated from Calvert High School in 1968 and went on to serve in the US Navy during Vietnam and retired in 1985 after 15 years of service. He was a member of the American Legion Post #154 in Nappanee, IN and enjoyed being around Jim and all his best friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother, John Myrick.

Ronald is survived by his children, Ronald E. McCready, Jr. and wife Jennifer of Virginia Beach, VA, John McCready, Sr. and wife Lorraine of Stafford, VA, Rik Schneider and wife Stacy of San Jose, CA, and Jim Schneider and wife Kristina of Raleigh, NC; sisters, Jacquie Brooks of Ozark, AR and Terrie Lownds of Willcox, AZ; 17 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 1:30 PM in the Rausch Funeral Home Chapel, 20 American Lane, Lusby, MD 20657 with Rev. Ruth Dixon officiating. Interment will follow in the St. Paul United Methodist Cemetery, Lusby, MD. Pallbearers will be Arlen Blaylock, Johnny McCready, Lon Crout, Ray “Flexy” Smith, Donnie McCready, and Robbie McCready.

The family request that in lieu of flowers to make contributions in memory of Ronald to Roudebush VA Medical Center,Voluntary Service (135), General Post Fund (7288), 1481 West Tenth Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202 (make payable Indianapolis VAMC and indicate General Post Fund 7288).

John McHenry, Jr., 69 John H. McHenry, Jr., 69, of Solomons, MD, passed away peacefully at his home on March 16, 2012 after a long, courageous fight against liver cancer.

He was born in Baltimore, MD to the late John H. McHenry, Sr. and Jeannette Koons McHenry.

John graduated from Frederick High School in 1960 and Gettysburg College, class of 1965. He worked for Sagner, Inc. in Frederick for five years and then joined his father who owned McHenry Associates, Inc. As the business grew, he became president of McHenry Equipment and McHenry Small Engine.

After he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he retired in 2004 and moved to Solomons Island, MD. He loved his life by the water and quickly became very involved in the community. He volunteered at the Calvert Marine Museum, the bio lab and SMOCS. He also became the “dockmeister” of Oyster Bay, his condo community. He spent many hours restoring the docks with other volunteers and managing the boat slips. He also cooked breakfast at the Four Winds Café on Sunday and enjoyed mingling with all who came.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Amy McHenry, son Tripp McHenry, daughter Kara Sysol and her husband Brad; grandchildren Katelyn, Brandon, Lauren and Ashlyn Sysol. He was the brother of Mike McHenry and his wife Debbie, Pat McHenry and wife Meg and Sara Chase and her husband Hank. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

The memorial service will be held at the Rausch Funeral Home, P. A., 20 American Lane, Lusby, MD on Saturday, March 31 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers we ask that memorial contributions be made to Calvert Hospice, P. O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678. “Donations are encouraged online at www.calverthospice.org “

Clarissa Ogle, 81 Clarissa Angie Ogle, 81, of Huntingtown, MD passed away on March 23, 2012 at her home. She was born April 14, 1930 in Sioux City, Iowa to William Irving and Hazel Ella (Colvin) Britton. She moved to Waysons Corner as a

young woman and lived with her sister.

Clarissa married John Howard Ogle in Epiphany Episcopal Church, Forestville in 1964. Together they operated a farm in Huntingtown. After her husband’s death in 1977 she was employed in the cafeteria of Mt. Harmony School, the cafeteria of Calvert Memorial Hospital and the peach orchards of George Rabbitt.

She attended Emmanuel Baptist Church in Huntingtown. Clarissa enjoyed bowling and for many years was a member of a league, mowing the lawn, baking pies and cookies, jigsaw puzzles, country music, bingo and going out to dinner. For the last ten months Clarissa was pleased to be a resident of Calvert County Nursing Center.

She was preceded in death by her husband Howard, a daughter Pamela Jayne and sisters Ruth Ann Wayson and Thelyia Revere.

Surviving are seven children Carolyn Kay Rodgers of Clinton, MD, Susan Marie Gormley and her husband William of Ridgecrest, CA, John Benjamin Ogle and his wife Sarah of Prince Frederick, MD, Angie Ella Ogle of Prince Frederick, MD, Penny Kay Willis and her husband Gary, Sr. of Huntingtown, MD; Lorraine Saxby of Oxnard, CA and Marion King of Greencastle, PA.; twenty grandchildren Linda Collins, Bob Saxby, Denise Cashmere, Gary King, John King, Kevin King, Ricky King, Kristie Johnson, D.J. Smith, Jr., Heather Dugan, John Ogle, Josh Ogle, Chaz Osbourn, Justin Denton, Tyler Denton, Valerie Mayer, Gary Willis, Jr., Nicki Higgins, Megan Willis and Melissa Willis.; and numerous great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 31, 2012 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3800 Old Town Road, Huntingtown, MD where a service and celebration of Clarissa’s life will begin at 11 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Asbury Cemetery.

Penny Walker, 85 Ruth Marie “Penny” Walker, 85 of Lusby, MD passed away on March 22, 2012 at Bayridge Health Care, Annapolis, MD. She was born on Oct. 9, 1926 in Washington, D. C. to the late Reddie Wright Sweeney and Norman W. Sweeney.

Penny was always known for her compassion, wisdom and understanding. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Norman Evans Walker.

Penny is survived by her beloved daughters, Candis Lee Tewell of Lusby, MD, Ginger Marie Walker and Roxanne Dee Walker both of Silver Spring, MD; grandchildren, Dawn Beckwith of Clements, MD, Brandy Myers of Charlestown, WV and Lindsay Tewell of Prince Frederick, MD; great grandchildren, Starla, Isaac, Christopher, Tommy and Chase; great great granddaughter Emma and her son-in- law Ricky Tewell.

The family will receive friends at the Rausch Funeral Home, P. A., 20 American Lane, Lusby, MD on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 10:30 AM until the time of the service celebrating her life at 12: 30 PM. Interment to follow at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD at 3:00 PM. Should friends desire contributions may be made in Penny’s memory to Autism Speaks, 1060 State Road, 2nd Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540 www.autismspeaks.org.

Spotlight On

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, March 29, 2012

12

It Takes a Village …

Huntingtown Students Heading to Wizards Game

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer What does it take to instill a sense of purpose in young people?

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Rounding out a spectacular season, the Huntingtown High School Dance Team will be heading to a Wizards game to perform at the halftime show.

Coach Rachel Dove is a Calvert County native who performed with her high school dance team at a Wizards game when they were still the Bullets.

“I want to have them have the same experience,” Dove said.

After taking home four first place and two second place trophies from the state competitions, the girls are looking forward to having fun at the game. They will be performing a couple of the routines that got them their trophies.

Sophomore Shannon Thorne said she is looking forward to performing at a professional basket ball game when all they’re used to is high school games. She said she sees the opportunity as a “reward” for showing well at state competitions.

Senior Samantha Barham said the performance will also mean more exposure for the team.

In order to perform, the team has agreed to sell 100 tickets for the game, which averages out to seven tickets per girl, with a couple selling extra tickets. Additional costs will be coming out of the dance team’s budget, Dove said. The girls have also been doing fundraisers, having just wrapped up a candy sale and preparing for a car wash.

The game will be March 30 against the Philadelphia 76ers. Tickets are $25 a piece and people interested can contact Dove at Huntingtown High School for more information at 410-414-7036. sarahmiller@countytime.net

State Looking at Suspension Guidelines

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer The latest in a long line of overhauls to regulations from the Maryland State Board of Education (MSBE) involves regulations guiding suspending students.

The local school district has no problem with the idea of MSBE working on suspension regulations, but they do have an “issue with the means of going about it,” said Calvert County Board of Education General Council Dario Agnolutto.

One of the issues Calvert Public Schools has is with the removal of the definition for expulsion from the suspension regulations.

Agnolutto said the new regulations are a “mixed bag,” and MSBE is trying to create a one-size-fits-all regulation, which doesn’t work.

Another problem with the proposed regulatory changes is the amount of extra work they ask of teachers. The proposed changes make provisions to allow students to make up missed work by requiring the teacher to provide daily assignments, and grade the missed work on a weekly basis. Agnolutto said the state has acknowledged issues with this change, especially when students have to make up assignments based on in class work. He said the teachers are tasked with creating alternate methods to allow the students to make up the work.

Photo by Sarah Miller School board members Bill Chambers and Rose Crunkleton.

The board also expressed concerns about the provisions requiring school districts to process appeals for long-term suspensions within 30 days, and requiring districts to provide the appellant with a list of documents and a witness list five days before the hearing. The proposed requirement also necessitates a decision on the hearing within 10 days.

“It’s going to lead to sloppy process,” said Superintendent Jack Smith.

Executive Director of Administration Kim Roof said the requirement to divulge the information, especially without a corresponding requirement of the student on suspension, “sends a terrible message” to everyone involved.

Agnolutto also discussed MSBE’s push of alternative education, despite data showing that out of school suspenRV OPEN HOUSE! sions do work. Information Chesaco RV is Maryland’s Largest RV Dealer and is having an given during the Board of Education meeting showed that of open house at its newest location in Gambrills, MD. approximately 36,000 students Happy Travelers RV is located on suspended once, approximat842 MD Rt 3 N. Gambrills MD 21054 ly10,000 are suspended a secFriday & Sat 8:30 -5:00 Sunday 11-4 ond time. Of that 10,000, students, approximately 4,000 are suspended and students suspended more than three times is only approximately 2,000.

In addition to being effective disciplinary methods, board member Tracy McGuire said suspensions can also be a signal to parents that there is something going on in their student’s life that needs to be addressed.

Come out and see what the RV world has to offer.

Hot dogs and soda!

Bring the family and come check us out. You will not be disappointed!!!

sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Photo by Sarah Miller Commissioner Susan Shaw, left, Calvert County DARE Coordinator Mike Bomgardner and Calvert Collaborative for Children and Youth Past President Marie Andrews talk about the young people in the county.

Men and women from all over the community gathered at the Prince Frederick library Thursday afternoon to discuss just that, helping young men and women find direction and purpose in life.

The meeting opened with attendees listening to a webinar featuring people who have worked with students and youths in different ways. Among other topics, the webinar addressed what drives students from different racial and socio-economical backgrounds.

Group discussion, moderated by Carol Harvat of the Calvert Collaborative for Children and Youth, revolved around getting parents involved in their lives of their children.

“A lot of kids are now adults, but they don’t know how to be parents,” said Sheila Moore, member of Concerned Black Women and a retied teacher from Calvert High School who has seen children of her students come into the classroom.

Moore said it is also important to respect young people, and to have high expectations of them. She said she always started her year telling her students that they all had an A to start, and it was up to them to keep it. She said it is important to welcome a student into the classroom. If a student knows little is expected of them, they will not work to exceed those expectations, Moore said.

“As an educator, don’t get in the business if you can’t love every child,” Moore said.

In addition to the students getting motivation from the teachers, Moore said it is important for teachers to have older and more experienced teachers mentor them.

Former Calvert Commissioner Michael Moore with Concerned Black Men of Calvert County said neighborhoods and the community need to get back to a mentality where the whole community participates in raising children and offering mentors. Even local businesses can help by offering internships and getting students in to see what the business is about, Michael Moore said.

Calvert County DARE Coordinator Mike Bomgardner said there is a large amount of pressure on students to grow up faster, and they are exposed to more at a younger age.

The group also discussed how to get parents involved in forums and activities at schools. Ideas included incentives, like door prizes and raffles at the end of the event to make sure people stay the whole time.

In addition to getting parents and teachers actively involved in the lives of young people, Brian Davis, from the Department of Social Services, said young people need positive reinforcement in every aspect of their lives and need to be told about all the resources at their disposal, in addition to being taught how to use them.

He said it is also necessary to take the time to connect with young people, because every link, no matter how small, is important.

“We really need to be connecting with kids every chance we get,” Davis said. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

13

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Newsmakers

Counties Gearing up to Celebrate War of 1812

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Two centuries ago, the fledgling United States was embroiled in an obscure and often misunderstood war with Great Britain, and Southern Maryland was right in the middle of it.

This year Calvert and St. Mary’s counties will take part in the National Park Service’s program commemorating the War of 1812, but local historians say the Chesapeake Bay area was the site of savage depredation wrought by the enemy that many are not aware of.

The war began over several issues, one of them being the British practice of pressganging sailors off of American vessels to aid in their war against Napoleon Bonaparte, who had conquered Europe and threatened it with a long reign of despotism.

The nation fought back against British actions chiefly by attacking the British in their Canadian possessions.

When the British brought the war to American shores, the invasion came from Canada and also through the Chesapeake Bay. Here in Southern Maryland, British war ships and soldiers raided and burnt homes and farms, desecrated churches and turned sparsely populated rural areas into battlefields.

“Marylanders don’t really know the significant role they played in the war of 1812,” said Calvert County historian Ralph Eshelman, who has written two books on the war.

“In the Chesapeake theater there were more raids and skirmishes and civil destruction than anywhere else during the war.”

In Calvert, the best-known engagement was the battle between Joshua Barney’s Chesapeake Flotilla against a superior British naval force coming up from the south into local waters.

When Barney realized he was outgunned, instead of seeking battle he retreated to St. Leonard’s Creek and fought a defensive engagement, but his plan to raid the British stronghold on Tangier Island would never come to fruition.

Barney’s shallow draft gun barges were able to damage some of the British warships that bottled him up in the creek, but the engagement could not be counted as a victory.

“Nobody wants to hear this but Barney was never successful in anything he did with the Chesapeake Flotilla,” Eshelman said. “It was the largest naval engagement in Maryland waters.”

Two Maryland battles, the Battle of Baltimore where the “Star Spangled Banner” was born, and the Battle of Bladensburg which resulted in the destruction of the capitol, were to be the most famous contribution by the state.

At the battle in Baltimore, the British were turned back and in conjuncture with their being repulsed in the north, the war eventually came to an official end in 1814 with the Treaty of Ghent, though some hostilities continued into 1815.

In neighboring St. Mary’s County, historians and county staff have worked for the past two years to make sure they were included in the park service’s plan; originally St. Mary’s was excluded from the historical celebration, said Grace Mary Brady, with the Department of Land Use and Growth Management.

Sp rts

The Next Generation

The Ordinary

Angler

By Keith McGuire Contributing Writer Croakers should be returning any day now. There were several discussions at the Fishing Fair last weekend about croakers that have been caught in nets, but nobody knew of any caught by recreational anglers. We should be catching and cooking them soon! Don’t forget, The Tackle Box offers a gift certificate for the first croaker checked in by a recreational angler at the store, and for the largest croaker of the month throughout the year. Really great baits for croakers include shrimp, squid strips and blood worms, and The Tackle Box has a good supply on hand.

As parents, we frequently find ourselves watching our children closely for signs that

She and others had to submit form after form to the federal agency showing that the county qualified to be part of a scenic trail system that people can follow to learn the history behind the war.

“We’re included in all these national trails now,” Brady said. “We’ve accomplished what we set out to accomplish, which was to be included.

“We have a significant part of the story to tell, we’re telling the human side.”

The tale of the war’s impact in St. Mary’s was one of pain and sorrow.

At Christ Church in Chaptico, the British took over and used the church as a stable, according to the historical record, and used tombstones in the cemetery upon which to cook their meals.

One piece of the historical record provided by Charlotte Hall-based historian Linda Reno showed that in July of 1813 the British landed near Point Lookout and raided homes for supplies.

While one newspaper reported that the invaders took only what they paid for and treated civilians well, a letter to the National Intelligencer dated Oct. 5 of that same year said: “so far from treating the inhabitants

they might be interested in certain aspects of life so that we can augment those interests with quality instruction and experiences. Sometimes those interests are beyond our abilities to help and we begin to look elsewhere.

Many tourists and other visitors to the area would tell you that we live in a paradise for outdoor activities, year round. Our children see this, too, knowing that there are natural things to be explored and experienced in our region. That’s where fishing comes into this story.

Working in local tackle shops and boating stores, I learned firsthand that there are many parents out there who have children with interests in water sports. While those parents

– all too often – have very limited experiences to fall back on, they frequently try to get up to speed in a hurry, or learn with their kids as they expend countless dollars and time with marginal results. If you can afford it and have the time, this can be one of the most rewarding adventures that you’re likely to have with your kids.

On the other hand, we happen to live close by to a great program for kids who have interests in fishing: Fishing Camp at Greenwell State Park – On the Patuxent River in Hollywood. The Greenwell Foundation hosts the Fishing Camp to teach fishing skills, responsible catch and release, and crabbing. Campers who already enjoy fishing will join those who have never fished as they enjoy the beautiful Patuxent River shoreline. The folks at Greenwell will find the best fishing spots along their shoreline and campers will learn the “ins and outs” of fishing. The camp is looking for young anglers and fishing enthusiasts ages 7 (by June 1) to 12 to join in the fun. Volunteers from the Southern Maryland Chapter of the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishing Association provide veteran angler assistance to the campers.

There are three weekday sessions of the Fishing Camp: July 23 – 27, August 6 – 10, and August 13 -17. Extended morning and evening care is available to the campers. To sign up parents can register online at www.greenwellfoundation.org, or call 301-373-9775.

The Greenwell Foundation also hosts other camps including Camp Greenwell, Horse

with every mark of civility and attention, and taking nothing without offering pay, there was hardly a house they visited that was not robbed and plundered of all its furniture and a variety of articles besides provisions.”

The letter stated that while higher ranking officers treated civilians well, lower ranks were “under the direction of officers plundering and behaving in the most outrageous manner.”

Brady said this part of history was almost left out of plans to commemorate a war which the United States really did not win but was fortunate to survive without loss of its territory.

Out of that war came not only our national anthem but renewed confidence that the country could defend itself against a world power.

Brady said it was important for the entire tale to be told, including skirmishes here where ordinary citizens tried to protect their homes.

“Our people fought back,” Brady said.

“We have to be vigilant if we want our story told.” guyleonard@countytimes.net 2011 Croakers

Camp, Intermediate Horse Camp, Intermediate Kayak Camp, and Jr. and Sr. Adventure Camp.

The great thing about kids is that you never know their destiny. You could have a future marine biologist or Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources sharing family meals at your house today. Greenwell Foundation’s Fishing Camp could be a first step down that path!

If you go fishing and catch something slightly more worthwhile than a cold, be sure to take a picture and send it to me at 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.

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, March 29, 2012

14

The Calvert Gazette is always looking for more local talent to feature!

To submit art or band information for our entertainment section, e-mail sarahmiller@countytimes.net.

‘The Hunger Games’ Aims to Please

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer There’s a hard balance to achieve when adapting a book into a movie. The producers need to create a film that is understandable for people who haven’t read the book while keeping enough from the book to please those who have.

The Hunger Games movie is a good adaptation as far as the spirit of the book. The casting was spot on. From previews of the movie, movie goers probably already knew who would be playing characters such as Katniss, Peeta and even Rue, three characters whose importance didn’t change from the book to the movie.

With all the reviews out there praising the casting of the teens, who were extraordinarily well chosen, perhaps it’s not uncalled for to draw attention to some of the adult leads.

A stroke of genius in casting was picking Donald Sutherland for the role of President Snow. It’s no surprise that his role was expanded considerably from the book. He takes the character and runs with it.

Wes Bentley also shone in his role as Gamemaker Seneca Crane, another character expanded from the book. While his fate was the same in the end, the manner was more ironic and even poetic.

Taking the cake was Lenny Kravitz as Cinna. His casting, and the way he played Cinna, felt as though the filmmakers took Suzanne Collins character directly from the book and

RICHARDSON PRESSURE WASHING ALL HOMES $199 or Less

Gutter Cleaning $99 or Less

ALL your lawn care needs

Deck Staining • All Home Repair Needs

No Job Too Small, We do it all. Just Call

www.richardsonpressurewashing.com Free estimates 240-561-3374 All Major Credit Cards Accepted

Thursday 22nd

THE PIRANHAS The hottest band in town, they will blow you away!!!!!

Thirsty Thursday from 3 to 7pm. $2.00 off on our beers, house wines and rail cocktails!!!!

410-FYI-DUCK

put him on the screen.

Overall, the changes from the book to the movie were for the better. Actually seeing the way the arena is manipulated and seeing how the choices are made, as opposed to getting Katniss’ suppositions, was a welcome addition.

Also to offset the change from having an all-knowing voice informing the reader of the significance of certain things, like trackerjackers, the film substitutes announcers such as heard at any sporting event. They fill the important role of providing background information and comic relief.

The only nitty-gritty explanation that should not have been left out and was could have been accomplished through them – what is a mockingjay?

For all its merits, the film had two shortcomings. The first is a problem that comes in adapting a book told in first person to the third person film medium. While in the book readers knew what Katniss was thinking, and even got to know other characters though her eyes, the audience in the theatre really doesn’t get the opportunity.

The second shortcoming is the pacing. The exposition took too long, and even with several details cut out, the movie was beginning to drag by the time the tributes got into the arena. Then the pace picked up until the end, which felt rushed to the point that it felt less crafted and more “let’s wrap this thing up.”

Despite this, moviegoers who have not read the book will not be disappointed. “The Hunger Games” manages to condense the movie down in a way reminiscent of the first Harry Potter movie – able to stand alone if the sequels are not made.

All in all, a great movie to kick off the summer season.

For fans of the book, that all depends on their ability to change gears and accept that movies and books are two different mediums. Capturing all the details of the book would call for a four-hour movie, or even two movies. But anyone who can wrap their head around that and go into the movie without expecting a line-by-line reenactment should be able to sit back and have a great time. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Friday 23rd

GROOVE SPAN Ready for some smooth Jazz and Rock, they are awesome!!!!

Saturday 24th

LATRICE CARR & MUSICIANS DEN Latrice has the most beautifull voice, Jazz, Blues and Pop at its best!!!!

GET RUDDY!!! www.RuddyDuckBrewery.com

SOLOMONS, MARYLAND Dowell Rd and Route 4

15

Thursday, March 29, 2012

The Calvert Gazette

The Bloomin BesT For All oF Your eAsTer Flowers & GiFTs

Fern Hanging Basket

2 for $3500

Flowering Azaleas

$

88 68 7 gal. size

68 7 gal. size

Only

$

88

Only

Miss Kim Lilac

Hybrid Tea Roses

Only

Redbud

White Dogwood

2500 Excludes Encore Azaleas

Special 2 for

Mixed Baskets & Color Bowls

Easter Lilies

Hydrangea Sale

Special $ 88 Only 29

1888

$

Butterfly Bush

Save 25 Off

Now

ANY 3 gal. size

Miracle-Gro Potting Mix Feeds plants for up to 3 months!

1000Off

$

Save

ANY 3 gal. size

Rhododendrons

Yoshino Cherry

%

Weed & Feed with GreenSmart

1 cu. ft. bag

5,000 sq. ft.

1588 $ 3988 $

OnLy

9

$ 98

119

$

88

Special

Grub Control

Use on lawns, gardens and planting beds. Repels moles, gophers, voles and more.

10 lb.

5000 sq. ft.

SPECIAL

SPECIAL

1688

$

2988

$

Wentworth Nursery Charlotte Hall

Prince Frederick

301-884-5292 800-558-5292

410-535-3664 1-866-535-3664

30315 Three Notch Rd, 1700 Solomon’s Island Rd, Charlotte Hall 20622 Prince Frederick 20678

2988ea.

$

MoleMax Repellent

One application provides season-long protection from grub damage.

15,000 sq. ft.

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-7, Sat. 8-6, Sun. 9-6

$

Oakville

5 minutes North of Hollywood 41170 Oakville Road Mechanicsville 20659 301-373-9245 • 800-451-1427

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:30-6, Sat. 7:30-5

The Calvert Gazette

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Happy Doctors’ Day

Refer to branding guidelines ... and find Doctor’s photos ...

March 30, 2012

Dr. Francis Floyd Greenwell

Be sure to thank your doctors for their hard work and commitment to providing the very best health care for you and your family.

To celebrate National Doctors’ Day and our hospital’s founding on March 30, we pay tribute to some of the early pioneers in medicine in St. Mary’s County. The following individuals were among the physicians who practiced at St. Mary’s Hospital in 1912, during its first year of service to the community.

Dr. Clayton Brown Dr. Frank A. Camalier Dr. Walter Benjamin Dent Dr. Francis Floyd Greenwell Dr. Leonard D. Johnson Dr. John Oster King Dr. Hooper Lynch Dr. Robert V. Palmer Dr. Levin Johnson Sothoron

Dr. John Oster King

Dr. Leonard D. Johnson

Dr. Robert V. Palmer

Dr. Frank A. Camalier

medstarstmarys.org

16