The County Times -- May 07, 2009

Swine Flu SuSpected in St. Mary’S

in Good HandS witH Holton

Thursday, May 7, 2009Thursday, May 7, 2009

paGe 9

SuMMerS pitcHeS SHutoutStory Page 38

Swine Flu SuSpected in St. Mary’S

Story Page 5

Photo by Frank Marquart

MetcoM rateS to riSe

Story Page 4

Thursday, May 7, 2009 2The County Times

Not Sure

Not Sure

Not Sure

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

17%

22%

35%

26%

52%

22%

74%

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The County TimesThe County Times

RESULTSAre you worried that swine flu could spread to St. Mary’s County?

Do you think our government is doing enough to prepare for this possible pandemic?

Do you think public money should be spent to install artificial turf fields at county high schools?

9%

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ON THE FRONTDeputy Andrew Holton, the school resource officer for Great Mills High School

ON THE BACKRyken beats O’Connell, advances to semis. Ryken’s Will Fejes looks toward the goal in Monday’s WCAC first round game.

Railway Deaths A Problem

Chiefs Bike Coming To

Leonardtown

Nuttin’ Fancy Band SEE PAGE 24

Chancellors Run Road Half Way Done SEE PAGE 5

Page 7

Page 6

ENTERTAINMENT

We did a demographics

study that shows that the average trespass fatality is a 34-year-old

white male who is drunk.

Rob Kulat Federal Railroad Administration

spokesman.


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By Guy LeonardStaff Writer

The two-and-a-half year project to widen Chancellors Run Road in Great Mills is now about 40 percent complete, say State Highway Administration offi-cials and the project is on schedule de-spite recent rains.

“We’re right on target,’ said Da-vid Buck, department spokesman. “It’s gone well … there’s a lot of coordination involved.”

The more than two-and-a-half mile stretch of road is undergoing a major trans-formation. Not only are construction crews widening the road to four lanes but the road itself has shifted to higher ground nearer the intersection with Great Mills Road.

Crews have had to redirect traffic around con-struction and clear away anything obstructing the new road’s path.

Some of the residents at Heard’s Estates have also seen a major change just outside their back-yards – sound barriers.

Usually the province of roads like the Capitol Beltway, the sound barriers were approved by the community by a vote of at least 75 percent, Buck said. They will be placed in the next few weeks.

Making sure residents have access from their homes to the road has been tough, he said.

“It’s challenging,” Buck said. “You have to make sure everyone can get in and out [of their housing communities] all the time.”

The project includes about five houses that State Highway had to purchase that have already been demolished or will be demolished soon, Buck said.

Of the total cost of $55 million for the widen-ing project, about $13.8 million went to purchasing the right of way, which included homeowner prop-erty as well as land from the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, according to Buck.

The original cost of about $62.5 million dropped, according to SHA information, because of reduced right of way needs and favorable court settlements.

The state had to take up 28 acres of land

along the road to keep the project moving, Buck said.

A total of 141 separate properties were af-fected by the project, he said.

Richard Conner, pastor at Patuxent Baptist Church near the intersection of Chancellors Run and Route 235, has seen a large swatch of his church’s front yard taken by the state.

An orange barrier fence cuts out at least a third of it.

But, he said, the state has paid generously for land and for the inconvenience to the church.

“They compensated us for the land, about $115,000,” Conner told The County Times. “It’s our only front yard.”

Conner said that the planned traffic light at the intersection of Amber Drive and Chancellors Run, just across from his church, would be a wel-come safety addition.

“I think it’ll be an improvement having the light out there,” Conner said. “It’ll be easier and safer for folks.”

Signals will be installed along Chancellors Run at Route4 235; Amber Drive at Fire Depart-ment Lane; Military Road at Greenview Parkway; Buck Hewitt Road at Norris Road; Horsehead Road at Chancellor’s Run Regional Park, and Pegg Road, according tot the State Highway Web site.

Chancellors Run Project Nearing Halfway Mark


The eight-percent rate increase for water and sewer services that the Metropolitan Commission is proposing for the fiscal year ending in June 2010 starting July 1 would be used to cover higher op-erating expenses, said the organization’s assistant director.

This is the first rate increase for MetCom cus-tomers in just over a year, said Dan Ichniowski.

“The year before, we had no increase,” Ichnio-wski said. “So it averages out to four percent [each year] over the two years.”

The increases will help pay for operational expenses throughout the water and sewage treat-ment process, Ichniowski told The County Times, including increased costs for energy, employee salaries and health and hospitalization costs for workers.

MetCom currently has about 78 full-time employees, with three more recently authorized by the St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners, he said.

The new positions include a wastewater op-erator, a water operator and a meter technician to meet the demands of an increasing workload, Ich-niowski said.

A public hearing for MetCom customers to speak out on the proposed increases will be held after the May 14 MetCom board meeting, Ich-niowski said. The MetCom commissioner board would then make a decision on the rate increase, Ichniowski said.

No firm date has been set for the hearing, he said.

The increase for an average customer using up to 6,000 gallons of water a month amounts to less than $40 a year, Ichniowski said

“It’s about $21.48 a year for sewer and it’s about $14 a year for water,” Ichniowski said. “We’ve tried to keep the rate increase at four percent or less each year so this averages out.” Anyone using more than 6,000 gallons a year would be charged for the overage, but the time might be coming when all of MetCom’s customers could be put on meters, allowing those who use less to pay less, he said.

“When we get everyone metered, we would look to do an actual monthly bill based on actual usage,” Ichniowski said.

Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly (D-Leonardtown) said the eight-percent increase was needed.

“I’m sure it’s necessary,” Mattingly said. “They wouldn’t be doing it if it weren’t.”

MetCom To Raise Rates

New Fields Revive Park-and-Ride Debate

Plant seeds that have been stored for more than 200 years can be coaxed into new life.


Will three more athletic fields at the county-owned District 5 sports park in Charlotte Hall ex-acerbate parking problems there?

County Commissioner Lawrence D. Jarboe thinks so, and he said that the problem could have been avoided if the county had held onto a plan to place a proposed commuter park-and-ride lot in the park near Lettie Marshall Dent Elementary School.

Jarboe (R-Golden Beach), who voted at Tues-day’s board meeting to approve the three new fields for teams practicing football, lacrosse and soccer, revived the debate over the decision to instead lo-cate the commuter lot on Golden Beach Road.

“Presently there’s a lack of parking [at the Dis-trict 5 park],” Jarboe told The County Times. “It’s jammed up so bad… the fields are in full use.”

Jarboe said that about 6 months ago the com-missioners asked the state to place the planned park-and-ride to Golden Beach Road, which meant that the state would have to buy the land from a devel-oper instead of build the facility on land the county would have donated at the intersection of Route 5 and New Market Turner Road.

“I was quite upset by the change,” Jarboe said. “It wasn’t going to cost the county anything.”

Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly (D-Leonardtown) said he had concerns over the traf-fic as well but said that community opposition was responsible in part for moving the site.

He also said there was fear that the county would lose the funding for the project if it didn’t make a decision about where to place it.

“The project was not intended to support the athletic fields,” Mattingly said. “They [the three

newly approved ones] weren’t on the radar screens at that time.”

Mattingly said that security and safety prob-lems with the Lettie Dent site included the stacking of commuter buses at the facility that would have crammed New Market Turner Road up to the light with Route 5.

Phil Rollins, director of the county’s Recre-ation and Parks Department, said that more traffic was sure to come to the new fields but that parking would likely not present a problem because the new fields are for use on weekends and evenings.

“People will naturally gravitate to the parking in front of the school,” Rollins said.

Jarboe said Golden Beach residents opposed the park-and-ride coming to Golden Beach Road because it would only serve to congest the roadway even more; it also opened up the possibility of high-density development.

“I don’t support that one bit,” Jarboe said.Rollins said that the fields won’t come on line

until about 2011, so there was still time to find a solution if a problem emerged.

“We’re two years away from the fields being in use,” Rollins said. “It’s not going to be a problem immediately.”

Commissioner President Francis Jack Russell (D-St. George’s Island) said that the county had tried to get a park-and-ride entrance near Lettie Dent that was closer to the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home but the state would not agree.

That, coupled with community opposition, and an unfavorable vote by the county planning commission put the site on New Market Turner Road out of the question.

“I don’t see where it’s going to be brought up again,” Russell said.


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It’s very distasteful to me to the point I don’t want to do it,

Commissioner Daniel H. Raley (D-Great Mills)

What should the county do to prepare for swine flu on its own?

We need to consider funding for a supply of Tamiflu for our own use.

Dr. William Icenhower, county health officer

Today’s Newsmakers In Brief

By Virginia TerhuneStaff Writer

The subject of downzoning property is ex-pected to come up at the Planning Commission Monday May 11 when members set aside time at the end of their agenda to talk about the draft Comprehensive Plan for the county.

“We’re scaling back on the size of growth ar-eas,” said Planner Jeff Jackman about proposals in the draft plan, which is scheduled for a public hearing June 22.

In the meantime, Planning Commission members plan to discuss chapters of the plan be-ginning with Chapter 4 (Growth Management) on Monday. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in the Chesapeake Building in Leonardtown.

There are two main reasons for the proposed changes in the Comprehensive Plan, which serves as a guide for future zoning changes.

One is that the county’s current designated growth areas include environmentally constrained areas, Jackman said. The state has also said that some of the county’s growth areas are too large, which could affect future funding from the state.

“We’re proposing rural preservation district zoning for many areas,” said Jackman, adding that notifications to affected property owners about potential changes would go out by about June 1.

In the weeks ahead, Planning Commission members also plan to set aside time to talk about remaining chapters of the draft plan.

Scheduled for May 26 are the environmental sections: Chapters 5 (Resource Protection), Chap-ter 6 (Priority Preservation Areas) and Chapter 7 (Water Resources).

On June 8, members will talk about the rest of the plan: Chapter 8 (Housing), Chapter 9 (Eco-nomic Development), Chapter 10 (Community Facilities) and Chapter 11 (Transportation).

Discussion On Downzoning

The county planning commission granted re-approval to First Missionary Baptist Church, located in Lexington Park south of Patuxent River Naval Air Station, for a concept site plan to build a new church on Pegg Lane.The new, one-story church would be more than 36,000 square feet in size complete with a sanctuary, fellow-ship hall and classrooms for Sunday school lessons. No school for children is planned, however.Pastor Roderick McClanahan said that the church has been trying to get the project started for the past five years and the approvals had lapsed during that time.“We experienced growth and went to two services,” he said of the need for a larger church. “We’re very enthusiastic about it.”

New Building for Church


St. Mary’s County government is looking to see if a suspected case of swine flu is the real thing, said County Health Of-ficer Dr. William Icenhower Wednesday.

Icenhower said that the case was first brought to his attention Monday when a local physician reported it.

Details about the patient are not being released, Icenhower said.

“There’s a case in the county with an influenza-like illness,” Icenhower told The County Times. “We don’t have any-thing lab confirmed. Nobody’s been hos-pitalized to my knowledge.”

Officials with St. Mary’s Hospital re-ported Tuesday that they had 102 doses of Tamiflu available to combat the disease should any patients or employees there contract it; however, Icenhower said that the state has still not yet released the anti-viral drug to county health officials.

“A report stated that they won’t con-sider disbursing it for a least 24 to 36 hours barring an emergency situation,”

Icenhower said. “I wish it was out… we’re playing catch-up now.”

Icenhower told the Board of County Commissioners that they should consider funding an independent stock of anti-viral drugs for the county’s usage.

A vaccine for the swine flu is under development, but Icenhower said that the nature of the disease is mysterious.

“We’re dealing with a new kind of virus that we don’t know its nature, but that’s not very virulent, ” Icenhower said.

So far two people have died in the United States from the swine flu. One was a 22-month-old child from Mexico being treated in Houston, Texas, while the other was a 30-year-old woman from Texas.

The only other deaths have been in Mexico, where 29 fatalities have been con-firmed by the World Health Organization.

The organization also confirms that there are 1,516 cases worldwide in 22 countries.

There are 822 laboratory-confirmed case of the H1N1 virus, the medical term for the swine flu, in Mexico.

Suspected Swine Flu Case In St. Mary’s

Was the proposal for $45 million in bond debt to fund capital projects reasonable?



The good news for local farmers is that the advent of some much needed rain has put an end to a moderate drought, but the bad news is that the soil has become so moist that farmers have had to put off planting key money crops like soybeans and corn.

That means that yields in those crops and others could be lower this year, driving market prices higher.

“I think that maybe two-thirds of the corn in the county has been planted,” said Tommy Bowles of Bowles Farms in Loveville. “I feel that some of these guys will switch over to soybeans; it’s almost too late for corn.”

Bowles said that if local farmers don’t get their crops planted soon in drier ground, prices would al-

most certainly go up come the harvest time.“If we don’t get the acres in, you could see the

prices go up,” Bowles told The County Times. “It’s hard to end up right if you don’t start right.”

Ben Beale, an agricultural educator with the Uni-versity of Maryland’s Cooperative Extension in Leon-ardtown, said that the farming season was still tenuous even with the recent rains.

With farmers maybe planting late and facing the possibility of lower yields, things could only get worse if the summer is as hot as this spring was cool, because the county is still listed as being abnormally dry by drought forecasters.

“It’s been a little frustrating for people planting crops,” Beale said Monday. “This spring we’ve had plenty of rain, but [what farmers] are worried about is that when summer gets here, we’re going to dry out a

lot faster.”If that happens, crops could suffer even more in

unseasonably high heat.“Corn doesn’t like that, that really hot heat,”

Bowles said.The county and nearly all the state suffered heav-

ily in the drought of 2007, when some farmers locally suffered near-100-percent crop loss.

Much of the state was declared a federal agricul-tural disaster area.

If the soil moisture remains good and the weather dries a bit, Beale said, farmers may still have a short window of about one to two weeks to plant for the fall harvest.

“You’ll see a flurry of activity when things start to dry out a little,” Beale said. “There’s still a lot of planting to be done.”

Town

TownAround


The general manager of the Winegardner Chevro-let dealership in Leonardtown, which also deals in the Pontiac motor brand, says that the pending demise of Pontiac – the perennial muscle car – is unfortunate but won’t severely affect the Washington Street business. General Motors, which owns both brands, decided just days ago to stop producing Pontiacs, the make of cars synonymous with the Firebird and Trans Am models.

But there is still a chance to buy a Pontiac brand car before it is too late, said manager Kurt Winegardner.

“They’re not going to phase it out until the end of 2010,” Winegardner told The County Times. “They’ll be doing business until then.”

Still, the demise of the Pontiac brand came as a shock, especially since the manufacturer was coming out with the some popular vehicles in recent years, he said.

“Pontiac has been popular forever,” Winegardner said. “They were heading in the right direction. … The timing [for the shutdown] right now wasn’t good.”

Pontiac brand sales weren’t a big portion of the business in Leonardtown, formerly known as Bell Mo-tor Co. for 85 years, Winegardner said.

Chevrolet customers just seemed to be more numerous.

“Chevrolet seems to sell better than Pontiac,” Winegardner said. “They’re just different kinds of customers.”

Pontiac brand owners will still be able to get their

cars serviced at the local dealership, since General Mo-tors will still be manufacturing parts in the wake of the brand’s demise, Winegardner said.

“Pontiac pretty much started the whole muscle car craze,” Winegardner said. “I hate to see it go.”

The county’s director of economic and commu-nity development, Bob Schaller, couldn’t say for sure the what the economic impact would be for the county, but Pontiac’s phase out could be an emotional one. “People are attached to these brands,” Schaller said, adding that big automakers had to pare down their of-ferings to stay profitable.

“In times like this you streamline,” Schaller said. “The product lines that make money you invest in, the ones that don’t make money, you don’t invest in.”

Still Time To Buy Pontiac


A customized navy blue mo-torcycle with U.S. Navy logos and sporting a ceremonial naval cutlass, known as the “Chief’s Bike” will be on display in Leonardtown May 22 as part of a national tour honoring veter-ans while raising money for the Chief Petty Officers Scholarship Fund.

The bike will also be on display the following day at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station for Air Expo ’09 on May 23.

The Chief Petty Officer’s Schol-arship Fund helps pay for continu-ing education costs for retired Navy chiefs and their children.

The “Chief’s Bike,” which was funded in part by the efforts of lo-cally owned Naval Tees in Leonard-town, was constructed by Intracoast-al Custom Cycles in Florida. It will be raffled off in September.

Proceeds from the bike will be solely for the scholarship fund.

Naval Tees, located on Fenwick Street, is owned by former Navy Chief Petty Officer Jeff Hobrath.

“Chief’s Bike” Coming To

Leonardtown

Rains Delay Planting


By MEGAN MILLERCapital News Service

WASHINGTON Tragedy hit Laurel on April 23, when a 14-year-old boy reportedly taking a shortcut across railroad tracks was struck by a CSX train and died.

Unfortunately, nothing about the fatal accident is all that unusual.

Since 2003 Prince George’s County has averaged slightly more than one death per year from people trespassing on railroad property, according to Federal Railroad Ad-ministration data.

Montgomery County sees the most trespasser fatalities in Maryland, averaging three deaths per year, and claiming 33 per-cent of the state’s 55 total deaths since 2003. It has the highest population of any Maryland county, and sees heavy railroad traffic from both MARC service and freight trains run-ning through Maryland to West Virginia.

Overall, the state has averaged slightly more than nine trespasser deaths per year since 2003.

“Trespassing on a railroad’s private property and along railroad rights of way is the leading cause of rail-related fatalities in America,” said a 2008 report by the Federal Railroad Administration. Nationwide, there are about 500 trespassing-related deaths ev-ery year.

Some of the problem is that people who aren’t paying attention may not hear a train coming, said Rob Kulat, a spokesman for the FRA.

“Locomotives are much quieter now, and also we have what’s called continuous welded rail. The sections of rail are welded together, so you don’t have that ‘clickety-clack’ sound like you did in the past,” Kulat explained. “People who are talking on a cell phone or listening to an iPod aren’t going to hear it. A train going 60 mph takes about a mile to stop, so there’s no way the train can stop in time.”

Transit officials say trespass fatalities happen for a variety of reasons, everything from accidents with people who cross train tracks as a shortcut to people who choose trains as a means of committing suicide.

“We did a demographics study that shows that the average trespass fatality is a 34-year-old white male who is drunk,” Kulat said.

Capital News Service analyzed MARC data on the documented causes of train delays for the period from January 2003 through November 2008. About 40 trespasser-related incidents resulted in MARC train delays dur-ing that six-year period.

Of those delays, about 15 occurred be-cause a trespasser was actually struck by ei-ther a MARC or freight train, according to the data notations.

In the non-accident cases, the trespasser activities varied widely. For example, in the two-year period from January 2005 through the end of December 2006, MARC train trav-el was delayed on nine separate days for tres-passer-related reasons not actually involv-ing an accident. Two were due to apparent suicide attempts -- one person lying on the

tracks, another on a bridge above the tracks. On July 20, 2006, service was delayed due to “juveniles” throwing stones at train cars.

On June 27, 2006, train traffic was de-layed due to people “dancing” on the tracks.

Probably the most bizarre delay record-ed in the MARC data occurred on Aug. 16, 2004, when train travel halted due to police investigating a “human hand found in the switch.”

Any time a trespasser is spotted it sets off a chain reaction along the train line, ex-plained Maryland Transit Administration spokeswoman Jawauna Greene.

The MTA contracts with Amtrak to handle most investigations and inspections of that nature.

Inspectors assess the situation, then take the necessary next step, be it calling in men-tal health experts for an attempted suicide or law enforcement for a security threat.

Of course, the entire process creates transit delays. Everything from scheduling of train platforms to track switching can be affected.

“When trains are late people think, ‘Oh, what the heck are they doing?’ But behind the scenes there could be any number of things going on,” Greene said.

Even fences built along railroad tracks aren’t enough of an obstacle to deter trespassers.

“You can’t fence off every bit of track, and when you try to do that people cut holes in it,” Kulat said. “This is a steady, consistent problem, of deaths that are preventable.”

Railway Deaths a Recurring ProblemBALTIMORE (AP) - Six Maryland schools

closed by confirmed and probable cases of swine flu were set to reopen on Wednesday.

The reopenings come as U.S. health officials stopped recommending that schools close because of swine flu.

Four Maryland residents have been sickened with confirmed cases of swine flu and more prob-able cases are being reported, including one at a sixth school that was closed late Monday because of the virus.

6 Schools Closed for Swine Flu to Reopen

ANNAPOLIS (AP) - The Anne Arundel County Council has voted to delay debate on whether to allow a casino at Arundel Mills mall.

The council’s vote Monday puts off debate until May 18. The bill expires in June and it’s the second time the council has delayed discus-sion on the zoning bill.

Baltimore-based developer Cordish Cos. has proposed a 200,000-square-foot entertain-ment complex at Arundel Mills to house res-taurants, a venue for live entertainment and a casino with 4,750 slot machines.

Councilman Daryl Jones, whose district includes the mall in Hanover, says there are more issues to address before the council takes action.

Any changes made to the bill must be completed during the May 18 meeting and Jones says it’s unclear if all the work can be completed that night.

Arundel Mills Casino in Question


To The Editor: Editorial:Letter To Editor:

Recently, the Enterprise newspaper dedicated an editorial column singling me out as the lone St. Mary’s County Commis-sioner in support of property tax relief. I appreciate the recognition. This is the most appropriate time to clarify some of the edi-torial statements made.

In the 10 years that I have served, four times I have successfully been part of a ma-jority vote to hold the Constant Yield tax rate. This is the state figured calculation that caps property taxes to the previous year’s level. Last year, with the awareness of the coming fiscal fiasco, I again sup-ported this tax relief for our local property owners. This time, I was in the minority opinion.

Admittedly, my effort came late in the process. The Enterprise raked me over the coals. Aware of the nature of the critique, I provided a solution early in the FY 2010 budget process.

Six months ago, during an open budget hearing, I motioned to require two budgets of agencies that request funding from the St. Mary’s County taxpayers. One budget would be level funded while the other would be presented with a five percent reduction. They could, as an alternative, present a sin-gle budget that showed a five percent reduc-tion. Evergreen Elementary School and the jail expansion would be the exceptions to this cap as the Board of Education and the Sheriff must provide these new functions.

My motion was based upon a proven means to cap budgets. The five percent variance gives the County Commissioners a view of less necessary funding requests that we can selectively remove or we may task our department heads to provide this balance.

There was no support or even a second for my motion. Instead, the rest of the com-missioners voted to allow department bud-gets to grow up to five percent. No consid-

eration was granted for the new elementary school.

Soon after, I added a list of department consolidations that would diminish our ex-pensive contracted employment by more than 50 percent.

The public record shows that I was the lone vote against the high priced Hayden Farm purchase and the three quarter mil-lion dollar developer bailout on the Bea-van’s Property. The recent appointment of a new Land Use Director could have been absorbed by the consolidation that I had proposed.

The savings that I have supported in both the Capital and Operating Budgets equate to more than $12 million dollars. Holding the Constant Yield requires less than a $6 million dollar reduction. Do not blame Commissioner Larry Jarboe when you see how much your next property tax bill has increased.

The frustration people are feeling is very real as our incomes diminish and re-tirement savings are disappearing. Rather than use harsh words or wish physical harm on anyone, there are positive cost effec-tive solutions as we anticipate the 2010 election.

On May 30-31, I will be holding the next generation Jarboes Mill Energy Show n’ Tell event. The attendance anticipated is such that we have moved the public dis-play to the Southern Maryland Izaak Wal-ton League Outdoor Education Conference Center in Charles County.

There will be many conventional and new energy technologies that can annually save you hundreds of dollars in savings. In addition to being good for the environment, free or renewable energy sources are gener-ally exempt from taxation as well.

Check out altenergy2012.com for more info.

Larry Jarboe, Mechanicsville

Higher Taxes Not My Fault

Leonardtown High School maintains the highest theft rate over the years. Es-peranza Middle School’s habit of skirting–‘minimizing’ as one parent states—crimes of bullying, drug and/or alcohol abuse on school grounds is another matter that war-rants attention. In an e-mail from John Mattingly Jr. who is to run in the upcom-ing election for Maryland State’s Attorney asked, “If you could, what changes would you suggest for problems like this that may arise in the future?”

School administrators should be evalu-ated on performance at the end of each aca-demic school year by parents, teachers and the student body. Completed forms are to be sent directly to the Board of Education for review. This action will initiate public involvement and give everyone who is a part of that community to have the opportunity to voice an opinion. This is a direct line of communication with anonymity. Everyone from the top to the lowest chain of com-mand will have a say. This limits the need for parents to file a law suit to get their point across.

Crime Solver boxes are a show of for-mative action, but do not address the core of the problem. There is a need to establish trust with consistent open and positive communi-cation between the school administrators, student body, sheriff’s department, parents/guardians and the community. Educating is great—go even farther and be available to create ‘TRUST’ without monetary bribes. Teach what it means to own your chains that will hold one prisoner to the habitual self destructive patterns of behavior.

Responsible adults choose to remain deaf and/or blind to the obvious. Drug and/or alcohol on school grounds are out of con-trol. Students should be given random cost effective & unannounced screens as done in the military, work and other academic sites.

People, especially our kids, must learn that with choices come consequences. One must learn what it means to take responsi-bility for the self and to hold the self ac-countable for the action or act that is made through free will a conscious choice.

Cases where students are taped break-

ing the law on school grounds must be held accountable.

Crimes on tape must be addressed be-fore evidence is automatically removed.

The thefts occur on school property, the school is to take the appropriate action to uphold what is set in place to protect and maintain safety for our kids. It is like Sher-iff Cameron stated to me in a former meet-ing, Schools all have their challenges. Too much goes hidden and unresolved. The victims live with the emotional violation and the juvenile delinquents get a hand smack.

Verizon remained on top of our case to help protect my ID. Maryland is 11th in the nation for id theft/fraud. This case is a good example as to ‘why’. I respect the Sheriff’s department for what they repre-sent. I don’t believe that the victim’s best

interest is at the forefront.I want to see a policy set into place that

discourages school administrators with taking the role of both judge and jury when addressing crimes on school property.

Our youth today, the future of this na-tion, act out that which is out of balance. Look in the mirror, what message are you, we, the adults, and present leaders teach-ing the youth by ‘doing.’ It’s not so much what you say that matters. It is what you do that sends the greater message.

How can you teach your own children about Responsibility if the community’s public policies and system of operation teach ‘double standards?’

Laura Pezold-GallagherLeonardtown

Unreported Crimes Committed on ‘School’ Grounds

Politics often is about being popular; public policy too often is about doing what appears popular. Good public policy, on the other hand, is about having priorities, stan-dards and the backbone to follow principles. Good politicians stand on principle, popular or unpopular, and refine the craft of educat-ing the public about that stance.

When it comes to topics like building new schools, it’s very popular for politicians to tell parents they want to build beautiful new schools for their children. Who wouldn’t want a new school?

Recently the state of Maryland brought some sense of reality to the St. Mary’s Coun-ty Board of Education and to the county com-missioners. The state of Maryland has softly signaled to St. Mary’s County that state fund-ing for public school construction will be slower to arrive than the county plans.

The reality is, growth in St. Mary’s County has slowed considerably; our school system actually has fewer children enrolled this year than last year, and the need for more schools based on enrollment rather than pop-ularity has changed.

Yet it would be publicly unpopular for elected members of the Board of Education or elected county commissioners, or delegates or senators to tell the truth about the need for new school construction. If a politician stands up and says we should wait to build a new school, the education community will decry that individual as being against educa-tion and against what is best for the children.

It happened in 2006 when, with an elec-tion right around the corner, then mayor of Baltimore City, Martin O’Malley, decided to request that Gov. Ehrlich provide an un-precedented level of state funding for public school construction in Baltimore City, where school enrollment had been dropping for sev-eral years.

The Maryland Association of Counties, made up of chief local elected officials from all over the state, jumped on the bandwagon, calling for Gov. Ehrlich to not only fund Bal-timore City at an unprecedented level, but to fund the entire state at unprecedented levels. Only one local official across the entire state rejected the idea, which was St. Mary’s Com-missioner President Thomas F. McKay.

Gov. Ehrlich rejected the idea as well, because the concept was based on popular-

ity rather than individual county needs. The state of Maryland has a funding formula for assessing needs for new school construction; both Ehrlich and McKay felt the funding formula should control school construction funding, not popularity and not an upcoming election.

Both Ehrlich and McKay were scorned by local and state press for not supporting higher levels of spending even though both supported spending within the state’s formu-la. Delegate Bohanan wrote a letter to a local newspaper charging that McKay was against meeting the needs of our school system.

Fast forward to now. St. Mary’s, as well as other counties across the state are request-ing funding for new schools that do not meet the state criteria for funding. The state re-quires that the current schools already have students enrolled over current capacity at a level that would be equal to 50 percent of the capacity of a new school, the idea being that you don’t need to build a new school that would be less than half full.

St. Mary’s is requesting funding for a new elementary school that would house ap-proximately 650 additional students. That means that our current 18 elementary schools should have a combined overcapacity of 325 students. Just the opposite, our 18 elemen-tary schools, including Evergreen which will open next fall, are under capacity by some 650 students. That means we need an addi-tional 975 students to be eligible for a new school. Given recent enrollment changes and current county growth policies, it is likely that it will take up to 10 years to reach that number.

Recently Gov. O’Malley and the Board of Public Works turned down and delayed funding requests from St. Mary’s County be-cause enrollment growth was not justifying the requests. But different than 2006, there is no outcry from the press, no letters from Del-egate Bohanan accusing O’Malley of being anti-education, and there is no election this year. The truth is, they all understand that the request is ahead of its time.

But that doesn’t stop the local politicians from running around claiming they are doing all they can to build your child a new school and they will keep on fighting for you, be-cause it is popular.

Locals Look For Popular Solutions, Rely on State For Real Solutions


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By Andrea ShiellStaff Writer

Deputy Andrew Holton smiled warmly as he opened the door to his office at Great Mills High School, sitting down in front of a wall of plaques to look at the school system’s Web site for updates. For the moment, the hallways were quiet, and he breathed deeply as he savored the sound of silence.

This was one of only a few quiet moments he’d be likely to enjoy.

“I wear this everywhere,” he said, thudding his fingers into his bulletproof vest and grinning.

Though he’s never been shot at since assuming his position as the school resource officer at Great Mills two years ago, he said, “it’s like a gun or a seatbelt, it’s something you just want to have.”

For this lifelong St. Mary’s resident, who grad-uated from Chopticon High School in 1976 and did community police work for more than a decade be-fore coming to Great Mills, the office is only a short resting spot for the rest of the day’s routine, which for him starts as students arrive in the morning, and takes him out into the county after hours for any number of projects with local community fellowships.

“I do St. Mary’s Car-ing, the soup kitchen, and I’ve been on the board of directors for that for a long time,” he said, adding that he is also a member of the Blue Knights motorcycle club, a mentor for troubled youth in the commu-nity, and a member and hon-oree of the Knights of Colum-bus, which recognized him as their 2007 Citizen of the Year.

Andrew said he had box-es full of plaques at home, but the one award that took him by surprise was his Citizen of the Year recognition.

“I’ve been with the Knights of Columbus for about five years,” he said, adding that he had not expected to be recognized at that level so soon after joining, “and I was the first one from St. Mary’s County to get that. It goes through all of the state of Maryland,” he said.

The Knights of Columbus also recognized Hol-ton as their 2008 Police Officer of the Year, citing his work with students and the community at large.

“Andy has the unique ability to be a tough cop and at the same time relate to the day-to-day situa-tions the kids are involved in and guide them away from trouble,” remarked Grand Knight Mickey Dil-low, who added later that Holton keeps himself busy with community outreach, including his work with the Knights of Columbus picking up trash on the

highways, board meetings, basketball free-throws and cooking duties for community events, and fundraisers for the Special Olympics.

“Andy’s a very tenured public servant,” said Sheriff Tim Cameron when asked about Holton. “He went into a very challenging position when he started at Great Mills … but he’s managed to not only be a school resource officer, but a mediator as well.”

His busy schedule has followed him from his days growing up in Mechanicsville, where his fa-ther worked two jobs to support Andrew and his brothers.

“He had two jobs, he was a police officer at night, and I had four other brothers, and in the win-tertime we’d cut firewood, and in the summertime we’d mow lawns and that’s how we made our mon-ey,” he said, “so we were always kept busy.”

It’s keeping busy that forms the cornerstone of Andrew’s philosophy toward area teens, and he added that he tries as best he can to counsel parents

on how to come up with constructive activities for their kids.

“You really just try to talk to them and show them different things,” he said. “A lot of people here say there’s nothing to do, but there’s all kinds of things to do here. You can read a book, you can go to a park … wash a car, help someone else plant flow-ers, go to a movie, go to a sports event in Leonar-dtown … the parents just have to step back, think outside the box, and ask themselves what they can do with their kids, so I try to help with that,” he said.

Andrew said he likes to spend his free time listening to gospel music and doing work with his

church, but he tries to make time for his other hob-bies as well.

“I try to get on my motorcycle, but I haven’t been able to do it lately, but I also teach people how to ride motorcycles,” he said, adding that he divides his free time between teaching motorcycle driving lessons on the weekends and four-wheeling in West Virginia.

Still, a police officer’s job is never done, and when he’s not shepherding more than 1,700 stu-dents (including his son) through their high school years, Andrew can still be seen in the summer with his radar gun on Mervell Dean Road.

“It’s not a cushy job,” he said, laughing, “but it’s very rewarding.”

Holton Tames Great MillsSchool Resource Officer Earns

Praise for Community Outreach

Cub Scout Pack 1786 of Mechanicsville would like to thank the following businesses and individuals for their generous donations for the recent 2009 Southern Maryland Pin-ewood Derby Cup. Without their support, this annual event could not be possible.

Always A Project, Inc.

M&M Welding & Fabrication, Inc.

Sea Breeze Restaurant

Blue Water Physiatry

Susie LaFleur

Thanks again to all of the sponsors who truly made this event a success!

Cub Scout Pack 1786 CommitteeMechanicsville

Cub Scouts Thank You

Photo by Frank Marquart

Deputy Andrew Holton at Great Mills High School.


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Members of the first class of Leadership Southern Maryland are planning a party of their own this graduation season, following nearly 10 months of learning about issues confronting the region and also learning about each other.

The group of nearly 30 local leaders will meet for a reception today in Leonardtown and a graduation banquet in Solomons on Friday evening.

“It’s been a wonderful experience,” said Joan Gelrud, a vice president at St. Mary’s Hos-pital, where she’s worked for 25 years, beginning her career as a critical-care nurse.

In addition to networking opportunities and bonds formed with colleagues, Gelrud said she appreciated the chance to learn more about St. Mary’s, Charles and Calvert counties and the challenges they face.

A resident of Lexington park, she also serves as a St. Mary’s County Housing Author-ity commissioner. Thanks to the program, she gained new insight into the regional transporta-tion system and how it relates to people looking for homes and jobs, she said.

She said the Leadership class also visited the detention center in Charles County, a place many people don’t normally see but which is in many ways like other communities.

“There are so many overlaps in how the detention center compares with other organiza-tions, the way they live, work and eat there, and that they have rules and education and healthcare [services],” she said.

Robert Hor, director of operations for PSI Pax in California, said he appreciated the mix of professional backgrounds in the class, which included a county commissioner from Calvert County and people from St. Mary’s College and local hospitals.

The medical section of the program “really hit home” for Hor, a resident of Hollywood, who learned about regional efforts to recruit nurses and specialists and about how technology is changing within the medical community.

“My focus has been IT, education and de-fense contracting,” he said. “Hospitals were a brand new arena for me.”

Bonnie Bowes, a software consultant who lives in Valley Lee and works for BearingPoint in Lexington Park, said she learned more about the county where she has lived since she was eight years old.

“You can never stop learning and thinking of ways to give back to the area that has done so much for you when you were growing up,” she said.

Like others in the program, Bowes said she was struck by how counties working together can improve the quality of life in the region., for ex-ample: local hospitals working together to attract medical specialists and share them as a way to ex-pand services while keeping a lid on costs.

“When you work as a team, you can defi-nitely overcome barriers that otherwise you’d have to deal with as a single entity,” she said.

Bowes also said she never fully realized the economic impact of tourism on Southern Maryland.

“I hadn’t spent time thinking about it be-fore,” she said. “Before I had taken it completely for granted.”

Chris Longmore, a partner with the law firm Dugan, McKissick, Wood and Longmore in Lex-ington Park, said he particularly appreciated ex-changing ideas with people from other counties.

“I co-chaired a [St. Mary’s-based] taskforce on workforce housing, and I got some great ideas from them,” he said. “It was a chance to talk about things that have worked and haven’t worked. … They were like new sounding boards.”

Longmore, who lives in Great Mills, also said he welcomed the chance to take time out of a busy schedule to think more deeply about issues with the goal of finding solutions.

“I think it re-energized all of us to want to continue to be involved and to find ways we can effectively address community problems,” he said.

For more information about Leadership Southern Maryland, go to www.leadsomd.org.

First ‘Leadership’ Class Graduates

Loiederman Soltesz Associates, a civil engineering firm with an office in Leonardtown, has been ranked No. 382 among the top 500 design firms in the country by Engineering News-Record.

Based in Rockville, the firm specializes in land development and employs about 150 people. Past projects include work on National Harbor, the downtown Silver Spring redevelopment, Fed-Ex Field and various projects for the University of Maryland.

The publication’s “Top 500 Design Firms” are determined through a survey of companies and based on revenue for service performed in 2008.

Firm Makes ‘500’ List

Pool and spa installer Kenny Norleen is hosting an event this Saturday, May 9, to mark the opening of his first retail store – Norco Pool and Spa – located in Mechanicsville.

The grand opening will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the store located at 27671 Three Notch Road.

Planned are games for children, food and

specials on pool and spa chemicals, pumps and filters. Norco spas will also be on display in the parking lot.

Norco Pool and Spa offers a line of BioGuard products to maintain good water quality. It also sells pumps and filters, one-piece fiberglass pools and many lines of aboveground pools and spas.

For more information, call 301-475-3104.

New Pool And Spa Store

St. Mary’s Hospital recently received the BECA Lifetime Sponsorship Award from 1989-2009. The award recognized the hospital for its support, dedication and commitment to the suc-cess of students and schools of St. Mary’s County. The hospital received the award on March 13.

The hospital, a founding member of BECA, has given generously of its facilities and resources over its 20-year sponsorship, said Bob Schaller, BECA president, and director of Economic and Community Development for St. Mary’s County. Hospital employees have continuously volun-teered their time to assist with preparing and fi-nalizing scholarship applications.

Established in 1989, the Business, Education and Community Alliance Inc. helps build part-nerships involving local businesses, the broader community and the school system to improve stu-dents’ success in school and enhance educational opportunities in St. Mary’s County, according to its Website.

BECA’s two key programs include Passport to the Future, an award earned by high school stu-dents for academic achievement, citizenship and attendance; and Passport to Scholarships, which has awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships to students who earned at least five Passports to the Future in high school.

St. Mary’s Hospital Wins BECA Lifetime Award

The typical American eats 263 eggs a year.

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Defense & Military


The Navy base already pays more than $20 million a year to Southern Maryland Elec-tric Cooperative for its electricity supply, but that may eventually change after SMECO also takes over the electricity distribution system.

A privatization pact, to take effect Aug. 1 and last 50 years, is expected in the long run to lower costs for the Navy, and it is not expected

to boost bills for SMECO customers. “This will not cause SMECO to go be-

fore the Public Service Commission to get a rate increase,” said Tom Dennison, co-op spokesman.

Naval Air Station Patuxent River, includ-ing its facilities in St. Iginoes and Solomons, is SMECO’s single largest user of electricity, consuming about 5 percent of the co-op’s sup-ply in 2008.

The takeover is expected to cost SMECO about $19 million over five years, according to President and CEO Austin Slater. In return, SMECO will gain control of the base’s electri-cal assets valued at between $20 million and $24 million.

For the first two years of the agreement, the Navy will also pay SMECO $400,000 a month to manage the distribution system, pre-viously managed by Johnson Controls. After that, SMECO will bill the Navy for individual customers. (SMECO will pick up about 1,200 additional accounts at the three locations, rang-ing from officers’ houses to office buildings, hangars and warehouses.)

“The Navy will pay us to operate and run the base, and we won’t have to invest anything,” Slater said. “We won’t be required to hire more people or buy additional equipment. We can spread our costs.”

The co-op will work with the Pax River public works department over the next three months to gather information and develop pro-cedures. SMECO crews will also be working to make needed safety improvements and to bring the base system up to electric utility standards, Dennison said.

Slater said he did not foresee hiring more than one additional person. However, SMECO crews will need to become acquainted with base facilities, including converting the voltage

used when the base was built in the 1940s to that currently used by SMECO.

SMECO’s billing, me-tering, IT and customer ser-vice departments will also be affected by the takeover, ac-

cording to a co-op press release.Negotiated over seven years through a

competitive process, the agreement resulted from a Department of Defense directive to military bases around the country to do cost-benefit analyses to lower costs.

One of the things SMECO will do will be to install meters at Lexington Park, the Webster Field Annex in St. Inigoes and the Navy Recre-ation Center in Solomons so that the Navy can better control costs, including usage by private contractors on base.

“The agreement will result in great cost control; upgrades to the system will provide greater reliability, safety and permit the Navy to more effectively management energy con-sumption,” e-mailed Jim Brantley, director for public affairs and communications at the Naval Facilities Engineering Command in Norfolk.

The transition, including the metering, is not expected to significantly interfere with base operations or result in any breaks in service.

Electricity users on base, however, will be calling SMECO in the future if their lights go out.

“We take this very seriously, to serve the biggest employer in Southern Maryland [which is] vitally important to our regional economy,” Slater said.

SMECO to Take Over Electrical Grid at Pax River

Last of Swiss Made F-5 Tigers Delivered to Fleet

The last F-5N Tiger II was delivered to the Fleet in a ceremony held in St. Augustine, Fla. April 29.

In a unique reverse Foreign Military Sales program, the U.S. Navy bought 44 former Swiss Air Force F-5Es over a six year period for $50 million. The Swiss Air Force originally bought 110 F-5Es under an FMS program from the U.S. Air Force in 1970’s.

Forty-one were modified into single-seat F-5Ns and three were modified into two-seat F-5Fs in order to keep the Navy’s adversary squadrons flying until at least 2015.

“The F-5E Replacement Program was a

model of success between NAVAIR, the Swiss government and our industry partner, Northrop Grumman,” said Capt. James “Walleye” Wal-lace, program manager for the Support and Commercial Derivative Aircraft program office (PMA-207) in a press release.

“We basically took one of our old F-5E’s and a newer Swiss plane and at the end of the re-furbishment; we had a new plane, the F-5N,” said Jay Bolles, the Integrated Program Team lead for Adversary Aircraft in PMA-207.

Each Swiss F-5E was airlifted from Em-men, Switzerland, to Northrop Grumman’s plant in St. Augustine, Fla., in a U.S. Navy C-130T.


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James Raymond Abell Sr., 69

James Raymond Abell Sr., 69, of Leonardtown, Md., died April 23, 2009, at his residence.

Born Aug. 9, 1939, in Leonard-town, Md., he was the son of the late John Combs Abell and Agnes Eliza-beth (Morgan) Abell.

James was an avid sportsman who loved hunting and fishing.

James is survived by his wife Phyllis Marie (Tippett) Abell of Leonardtown, Md.; his children Sandra Quattlebaum of Yorktown, Va.; Tammy Abell of Leonardtown, Md.; Lori Slusarz, James R. Abell Jr., John C. Abell, all of Ashburn, Va.; and Patrick M. Abell of Avenue, Md.; and five grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Patricia Goldsborough of Hollywood, Md., and Jane Jameson and John Combs Abell, both of California, Md.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wed., April 29, 2009, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with the Rev. John Mattingly presid-ing. Interment followed in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.

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

Charles “Charlie B” Carroll Bassford Sr., 54

Charles “Charlie B” Carroll Bassford Sr., of Ridge, Md., died April 30, 2009, at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Born Jan. 9, 1955, in Leonard-town, Md., he was the son of the late William Francis Bassford Jr. and Mary Ann (Jarboe) Bassford.

Charlie enjoyed poker games at the American Legion hall and the Center for Life Enrichment. He played softball in the county for many years and dearly loved spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Bren-da Lee (O’Neil) Bassford of Ridge, Md.; his children Charles C. Bassford Jr. and his wife Debbie of Chaptico, Md.; Annie Belle Bassford and Ruby Min Bassford both of Ridge, Md.; and two grandchildren, Katherine Virginia Bassford and Chelsea Anne Bassford, both of Chaptico.

Charlie is also survived by his

siblings William F. Bassford III and his wife Brenda of Hollywood, Md.; Connie Beasley and her hus-band Jim of Oakville, Md.; and Michael Bassford of Hollywood, Md. He is predeceased by a brother Ronnie Bassford and a sister Cathy Bassford.

Family received friends Sun., May 3, 2009, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Trin-ity Episcopal Church in St. Mary’s City with a prayer service recited at 7 p.m. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Mon., May 4, 2009, at Trin-ity Episcopal Church with the Rev. John A. Ball presiding. Interment followed in the church cemetery with Bruce Chaney, Keith Mattingly, Bud-dy Ford, Joe Kangas, Otis Wood and Scott Sadler serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbeares were Johnny Ford and Steve Huett.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 207, St. Mary’s City, MD 20686.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, Md.

Loren Baughman, 64

Loren Baughman, 64, of Great Mills, Md., passed away April 27, 2009, at his residence.

Born Sept. 15, 1944, in Morgan-town, W.Va., Loren was the son of the late Raymond Guy and Ruth Chris-tine Baughman. Loren was a resident of St. Mary’s County for the last 29 years. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Brenda J. Baughman of Great Mills, Md., and his longtime companion Mary Fowkes. He is also survived by his brothers Bradley and Connie Baughman of Dresden, N.Y.; Daryl Baughman of Annapolis, Md.; Neal and Elsa Baughman of Stafford, Va.; sisters Dixie and Roger Ward of Penn Yan, N.Y.; Nina Hurlburt of Penn Yan, N.Y.; Babe Snell of Ham-mondsport, N.Y.; Ardell Volpe of Savannah, Ga.; Lynne and Ronald Bonavita of Hollywood, Fla.; Resa and William Kjar of Fredericksburg, Va.; his ex-wife MaryAnn Baugh-man of California, Md., as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Joel Baughman of Oklahoma City, Okla., and his sister Ella Kimbrell of Phoe-nix, Ariz.

Loren made the Navy his career and was a Vietnam veteran who re-tired as a yeoman chief petty officer in 1985. He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 93, Lex-ington Park, Md., the FOP Lodge No. 7, Great Mills, Md., and previously affiliated with the Patuxent Moose Lodge No. 2393, Hollywood, Md.

Loren was a passionate Boston Red Sox and Buffalo Bills fan who also enjoyed playing cards, shooting darts, shuffle board bowling, play-ing softball and umpiring for the Ladies Over 30 League in St. Mary’s County.

Loren made life enjoyable and entertaining for his family and friends with his exceptional sense of humor. He will be remembered as a loyal friend to all he came in contact with throughout the years.

Visitation was on Sat., May 2, 2009, from 9 to 10 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m. Interment will at Arlington National Cemetery on Tues., June 23, 2009, at 10 a.m. Serving as pallbearers will be Er-nest Bernich, Charles Hines, Chris Mast, Edward Ruskowsky and James Yeatman.


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

Nora Ann Cheseldine, 72

Nora Ann Cheseldine, 72, of Avenue, Md., died May 2, 2009, at St. Mary’s Nursing Center. Born Dec. 20, 1936, in Leonardtown, Md., she was the daughter of the late James Walter and Minnie Margaret Farrell Lacey. She was the loving wife of the late John Melvin Cheseldine.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wed., May 6, 2009, at 10 a.m. in Holy Angels Catholic Church, Avenue, Md., with Fr. Wil-liam Gurnee officiating. Interment followed in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Bushwood, Md.

To leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Daniel Decker, 46

Daniel Decker, 46, of Holly-wood, Md., went to his eternal re-

ward Sun., April 26, 2009. Born Oct. 31, 1962, at Malcolm Grow Hospi-tal, Andrews Air Force Base, son of Charles W. Decker Jr. of Cham-bersburg, Pa., and the late Sharon L. Sumner Decker. He is survived by his former wife, Kathy Decker of Hollywood, Md.; a daughter, Lindsey C. Decker and a son Dan-iel Decker Jr., both of Hollywood, Md.; stepdaughters Rebecca Kent and Danielle Cook and a stepson, Shaun Cook, all of Hollywood Md.; sisters, Ardith Young of Hollywood, Md., Michelle Decker of Bryantown, Md. and a brother Charles W. Decker III of Leonardtown, Md., and a very dear and close friend Jill Tichner of Leonardtown, Md., as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

“Onionhead”, as he was called by his family, was a master carpenter and mechanic. He had a God-given talent for working with wood. He was a skilled craftsman and enjoyed working with his hands. Daniel loved playing golf and riding dirt bikes and four wheelers.

Family received friends for Daniel’s Life Celebration on Thurs., April 30, 2009, from 5 until 8 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A Funeral Service was held on Friday, May 1, 2009, at 10 a.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed in Charles Me-morial Gardens, Leonardtown, Md.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Can-cer Society Foundation, 250 Wil-liams Street, Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30303.


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

Margaret Louise Gass, 75

Margaret Louise Gass, 75, of Avenue, Md., died April 30, 2009, at her residence.

Born June 28, 1933, in Mechan-icsville, Md., she was the daughter of the late Harry Joseph and Mary Helen Pilkerton Alvey. She was the loving wife of Charles Kenneth Gass whom she married in Alamogordo, N.M. She is also survived by her chil-dren: Debra A. Gass, Darlene Taylor

and her husband James, Dale Gass and Maxine D. Hynson and her hus-band Ricky, all of Mechanicsville, Md.; Donna S. Hammett and her hus-band Johnny of Chaptico, Md.; Vicky R. Huseman and her husband Franny, and Ronnie E. Gass and his wife Te-resa, all of Avenue, Md., Michael K. Gass and his wife Jennifer Farley Gass of Colton’s Point, Md.; and Ed-ward R. Alvey and his wife Diane of Sebastian, Fla.; her siblings Daniel Alvey of Charlotte Hall, Md., Fran-ces Johnson, Doris Silman, Eleanor Buckler, and William Bernard Alvey, all of Mechanicsville, Md.; as well as her grandchildren Jimmy Gatton, Bryan Taylor, Nicki Hammett, John-John Hammett, Larry Stine, Christy Huseman, C.J. Huseman, Kenny Gass, Steven Gass, Tommy Gass, Aidan Gass, Noah Gass, Corey Hyn-son, Robert Hynson, Ronnie Gass, Taylor Gass, Ryan Alvey, Sydney Al-vey and Lyndsay Alvey, plus one on the way, and six great-grandchildren Kaylee Stine, Kaitlyn Taylor, Felicity Jordan, Dylon Jordan, Hailey Gass and Trevor Hammett.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Nancy L. Gass, her sister Mary Bernice Cargill and her brother Harry J. Alvey.

A lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, Margaret enjoyed her family and friends, being a homemaker and playing bingo and cards. The fam-ily received friends on Mon., May 4, 2009, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Mattin-gley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where prayers were said at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tues., May 5, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. in Holy Angels Catholic Church, Av-enue, Md., with Fr. William Gurnee officiating. Interment followed in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Bushwood, Md. Pallbearers were Bryan Taylor, Larry Stine, Kenny Gass, Jimmy Gatton, C.J. Huseman and Corey Hynson. Ronnie Gass Jr., Steven Gass, Tommy Gass, JohnJohn Hammett, Robert Hynson, Ryan Al-vey, Aidan Gass and Noah Gass were honorary pallbearers.

Contributions may be made to 7th District Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 7, Avenue, MD 20609; Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 or Holy Angels Catholic Church, 21335 Colton’s Point Road, Avenue, MD 20609. To leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Merle Dale Hollinger, 82

Merle Dale Hollinger, 82, of Leonardtown, Md., died May 3, 2009, at his home surrounded by family members.

Born May 30, 1926, in Lancast-er County, Pa., he was the son of the late Martin M. Hollinger and Anna Elizabeth Brendle Hollinger.

Merle enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1943 and served as an avia-tion cadet during World War II. He then served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was stationed in Okinawa where he maintained airborne communications equip-


ment. Following the war he was a member of Civil Air Patrol, 31st Wing Division.

For 13 years he owned and oper-ated a TV and radio repair shop, Hill-side Service Co., in Lancaster, Pa. He began his career with Bendix and its subsidiaries in 1959 at the York, Pa., division, and he arrived in southern Maryland to work as a contractor at Webster Field Navy Base in 1972. He was one of the first contractors to ar-rive in St. Mary’s Co. with Bendix and had the privilege of watching the con-tract and the area grow with amazing speed. He retired from Bendix /Allied Signal following 33 years of service with the company. During his career he worked for the Aerospace, Frieze, and Field Engineering divisions.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Barbara E. (Singley) Hollinger of Leonardtown; his daughter Re-becca L. (Ken) Case of Shady Side; his son Dale M. (Brenda) Hollinger of Tampa, Fla.; his sister E. Marie Snyder of Hainesport, N.J.; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia M. (Smith) Hollinger; his daughter, Cheryl L. Flasher; and two brothers, Arthur E. and Ralph M. Hollinger.

His interests included reading, camping, and spending time with his Italian Greyhounds. He was a good storyteller and loved recounting stories of his road trips in his motor home.

The family will receive friends Sat., May 9, 2009, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, Leon-ardtown, Md., where a memorial service will be held at 7 p.m., with Pastor Mark Garrett officiating. In-terment will take place at Fairview Cemetery in Wrightsville, Pa.

Memorial contribu-tions may be made to Hos-pice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625 Leonardtown, MD 20650; Leonar-dtown Volunteer Rescue Squad P.O. Box 299

Leonardtown, MD 20650; or Lexington Park Baptist Church, 46855 S. Shangri- La Dr.

Lexington Park, MD 20653.Condolences to the family may

be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.

com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield

Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, Md.

Jacob Robert “Sonny” Lorence, 70

Jacob Robert “Sonny” Lorence, 70, of Hollywood, Md., was taken on angel’s wings on Wed., April 29, 2009. He left this life with his cherished loved ones by his side during his final days. Born Aug. 8, 1938, in Baltimore, Md., he was the son of the late Jacob James and Mary Lelia Welch Lorence. He was the loving husband of Patricia Ann Lorence whom he married on Feb. 14, 1959, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church,

Newport, Md. He is also survived by his daughters Elizabeth Gail Lorence of Hollywood, Md., and Cindy Michele Dooley and her husband Bill of Lex-ington Park, Md.; his siblings Rose-mary Boyle of Johnson City, Tenn., and James Melvin Lorence of St. Inigoes, Md., as well as three grandchildren, Ju-lie Katherine Bingman, Brittney Am-ber Dooley and Jarrett Austin Dooley.

Jacob served in the Army Na-tional Guard for eight years and was a telephone technician for Verizon, retir-ing in 1996 after 30 years of service. He also worked at Patuxent River Na-val Air Station for the BASE telephone office for 12 years. He loved God, his family and friends, his dog Annabelle, spring time, cutting grass and a good cup of coffee. The family received friends on Sun., May 3, 2009, from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where prayers were said at 3 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Mon. May 4, 2009, at 10 a.m. in St. John’s Catho-lic Church, Hollywood, Md., with Fr. Raymond Schmidt officiating. Inter-ment followed in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were George Morgan, Joe Purcell, Wayne Dotson, Wayne Ham-mett, David Dement and Dan Venez-iani. John Paul Goddard was an honor-ary pallbearer.

Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. To leave a condolence for the family, visit www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Lewis Xavier Nelson, 44

Lewis Xavier Nelson, 44, of Washington, D.C., and formerly of Chaptico, Md., died April 27, 2009, at his residence.

Born Sept. 16, 1964, in Chaptico, Md., he was the son of Mary Helen Bush Nelson of Chaptico, Md., and the late John Cornelius Nelson Sr. He is also survived by his siblings James Alfred Nelson, John Cornelius Nelson Jr., Helen Theresa Butler, Linda Louise Brock, Dinah Marie Nelson, Lillian Rosetta Nelson, Lawrence Jerome Nel-son and Mary Ann Nelson. He was pre-ceded in death by his brothers William Herman Nelson Sr. and Steven Gerard Nelson.

Lewis received his education in the St. Mary’s County School system and then moved to Washington, D.C., after high school. He worked as a hu-man resources specialist in the Depart-ment of Health and Human Services for the U.S. government for 26 years.

He liked music, from piano clas-sics to rock and roll. Lewis also enjoyed writing and was the author of three books. He loved to travel and traveled the world abroad.

The family received friends on Tues., May 5, 2009, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funer-al Home, Leonardtown, Md. A Mass of Christian Burial followed in Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church, Chap-tico, Md., at 11 a.m. with Fr. Timothy Baer officiating. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonard-town, Md.

Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501

St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To send a condolence to the family, please visit www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Beatrice Agnes Newbold, 95

Beatrice Agnes Newbold, 95, died April 29, 2009, at her home in St. Mary’s City, Md.

Bea was born in Great Mills, Md., on Nov. 24, 1913. She attended Little Flower and Saint Michael’s Catholic schools. She began her career work-ing for the U.S. Senate in Washington, D.C. She also lived and worked in West Palm Beach, Fla.; Springfield Ohio; and Long Beach, Calif. During World War II, Bea was a riveter for the Glenn L. Martin Aircraft Co. in Baltimore, Md.

Bea eventually returned home to St. Mary’s where she and her late sister, Inez McConnell, started a successful tavern business in the early’50s. Bea and her late husband, Earl Barry New-bold, owned and operated the Brass Rail Tavern and Sports Bar in Great Mills for over 35 years.

Bea was a life-long member of Holy Face Church in Great Mills and also attended St. Cecelia’s Church in St. Mary’s City during her later years. Bea remained active and enjoyed par-ticipating in a variety of volunteer and charitable activities supporting her church and the local catholic schools.

Bea became lovingly known as “Granny B” and spent her retirement years enjoying the beautiful St. Mary’s River with her son, Kevin, and his wife Theresa, and her two grandchildren, Spencer and Kate Newbold.

Bea had a wonderfully full and in-teresting life and will be missed by many. Bea is survived by her sisters, Mildred Jurovaty of St. Mary’s City, Evelyn Norris and Delores (Norris) Pinno of Great Mills and Sister Mary Grace of West Hartford, Conn.

The family received friends on Mon., May 4, 2009, at 10 a.m. at Holy Face Church in Great Mills fol-lowed by a funeral mass at 11 a.m. Interment followed in the Holy Face Church Cemetery. A luncheon cel-ebration was held in the Holy Face Social Hall following Internment. Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

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Caring for the Past Planning for the Future


The annual Elementary Math-ematics Challenge Competition, co-sponsored by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative for fourth- and fifth-grade students, was held at Es-peranza Middle School on Saturday,

April 18. Seventeen elementary schools (15 public and two nonpublic) sent teams of seven fourth graders and seven fifth graders to compete.

Placing among the fourth-grade teams this year were Hollywood El-ementary in first place, Piney Point Elementary in second and White

Marsh Elementary in third place. Benjamin Banneker El-

ementary took home first place hon-ors among the fifth- grade teams, followed by Leonardtown Elemen-tary in second place, and Piney Point

in third place.The com-

petition con-sisted of a team portion and an individual por-tion. During the team por-tion, members c o l l a b o r a t e d to answer five mult iple -s tep m a t h e m a t i c s problems. Team members then each took an individual test consisting of 40 multiple-choice

questions. The scores of the top five finishers on the individual tests from each school were combined to make the individual school total. The in-dividual school total was combined with the team score to make the final school team score.

KnowIn T

he Education

Factun

Mechanicsville Elementary fourth-grade student, Stephanie Hintze, was recognized on April 26 at Martin’s West in Baltimore, with a Carson Scholarship and medal for her college education. The Carson Scholars Fund recognizes and rewards students in grade 4 through 11 who strive for academic excellence and demonstrate a strong commitment to their communities.

Carson Scholar Named

Pictured from left to right: Mrs. Katherine Hintze, Stephanie Hintze, Mrs. Ruth Fitzpatrick and Principal Barbara Feeney.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students and two faculty members from Great Mills High School visited St. Mary’s Hospital on April 29, where they analyzed electrical circuits, medical equipment and diagnostic tools. Bottom row (from left to right): Director of Organizational Learning & Research Sharon Main, Katie Ritter, Jackie Riggs, Ashley Poole, Melissa Boughton, Shefali Shah, biology teacher Jean Illingworth. Second row: Director of Imaging Sheila Harrison, Matt Brigham, Zak Monin, Gina Holden, Morgan Ruoff, Danielle Wilkin, Claire Weber, Sonographer Cindy O’Quinn, Operational Specialist Jen Scribner, Teresa Leydon from Organizational Learning & Research, Volunteer Student Services Coordinator Mary B. Cheseldine. Top row: Technician Steve Dowell, Justin Valentine, Greg Lynn, Peter Offen-bacher, Ryan Martin, physics teacher Allen Skinner, Jenn Lyons, multi-skilled technician Lance Owens, Matt Bogdan, Keegan Laessig, Billy Dehn, Jackson Holden, Kevin Norris and Alexis Myers from Organizational Learning & Research.

Math Winners Announced


Hot on the heels of Earth Day, Hollywood Elementary School seems to have come full circle with its green education program, hosting its first “Keeping it Green” day on Tuesday, which saw nearly 650 students getting their hands dirty outdoors while clear-ing weeds, planting native herbs and flowers, studying tadpoles and creating an outdoor butterfly habitat.

“This is our first annual big day like this,” said Melissa Horton, a first-grade teacher at the school and one of the event organizers. “We are a green school, so we’re trying to put environmental educa-tion wherever we can, and we have a lot of outdoor education areas,“ she said.

Students and teachers took a short break for lunch before re-

suming outdoor activities, which included planting and clearing paths along the school’s numerous outdoor education areas.

“We have a pond area, a native herb garden, a butterfly garden, a gazebo area, a meadow, a forest, a wetlands area, as well as a lot of other areas, and an orchard that might be coming,” said Horton, who described the idea for the event growing from a environmental education conference.

“Being a green school, some of us went to the Maryland As-sociation for Environmental and Outdoor Education conference in January,” she said. “And when you go to a conference you some-times get really excited about things, and we heard someone saying they had a ‘green’ day at their school, and before long we were all saying, ‘I want something like that at my school’ … so we started planning and the next thing we knew, it turned into a whole day.”

Students also worked to identify grasses and plants in the

school’s herb garden and to clear a path through the forest area and the meadow to the stream on the school’s property.

Environmental chair Tammy Adams, who is also a kindergar-ten teacher at the school, said that the most extensive project for the day was “putting the butterfly garden back together, and making something of our meadow habitat … we’re putting a path through so that it’ll be more accessible, and maybe then, we’ll be able to see what species actually live there.”

Hollywood Elementary School has been recognized as a ‘green’ school by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation since 1996, hav-ing recertified for the designation numerous times.

“We’ve been recertified so many times that now we’re recog-nized as a model school,” said Horton. “It’s the first year we’ve done things all day long … but we’re trying to keep it this big every year from now on.”

Hollywood Elementary Digs In

Coca-Cola was originally green.

ANNAPOLIS (AP) - A Maryland task force on education has submitted some preliminary recommenda-tions to improve math and science studies in kindergarten through high school.

One of the top goals is to triple the number of teach-ers who graduate from Maryland colleges with degrees in science, technology, engineering and math who go on to teach in state schools.

Now, about 120 teachers graduate each year from Maryland colleges with science-oriented degrees who end up teaching in state schools. The task force wants to boost that to about 360 a year. Part of the strategy includes reaching out to college students in their freshmen year to encourage careers as teachers.

The STEM task force is aiming to finish recommen-dations by June 30.

Task Force: More STEM Teachers Needed

Photo Courtesy of SMCPS



Business education has a global connection for College of Southern Maryland Business and Market-ing Professor Rex Bishop, who has been named the 2009 Region 2 recipient of the Association of Business Schools and Programs’ Teaching Excellence Award. The award recognizes eight individuals who exemplify teaching excellence in the classroom.

“Rex is a true professional and he contributes greatly to the college and our community. He is well-re-spected, energetic and one of the most student-oriented teachers we have on staff here at CSM,” said Jeff Tjipu-

tra, professor and chair of CSM’s business and technol-ogy division.

Bishop, who has been teaching at CSM for more than 24 years, said that he enjoys “helping students discover the career of their choice and helping them learn the skills they will need to get into those careers. Employers are looking for the same skills in potential employees regardless of the economy.” He currently teaches five courses including introduction to business, human relations and business management at the Leon-ardtown Campus.

Bishop Earns Teaching Excellence Award


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BB Gun Does DamageBetween 10 a.m. on April 28, 2009, and 6 a.m. on

April 29, 2009, the Sheriff’s Office received numerous complaints, 15 at the time, of destruction of property. The destruction of properties occurred at various lo-cations throughout Lexington Park. Vehicle windows were shot and destroyed with the use of a BB gun. The investigation identified a witness who gave a descrip-tion of a suspect vehicle, a two-door, dark, mid-1990s Cadillac El Dorado. Deputy First Class Anthony Whip-key observed the suspect vehicle in the area. The driver of the vehicle committed a traffic violation and was stopped. As Whipkey was speaking with the driver, a 17-year-old male from Lexington Park, he observed BBs lying throughout the vehicle. Whipkey asked the driver to step from the vehicle. As the driver was step-ping from the vehicle, Whipkey observed a BB gun, a CO2 cartridge box and a box of Daisy BB’s in the ve-hicle. The juvenile was arrested and charged with five counts of destruction of property and one count of ma-licious destruction of property valued over $500. The juvenile was released to his mother. The investigation is continuing and more charges may be pending.

Man Charged With AssaultOn April 28, 2009, Deputy Kristi Nelson respond-

ed to a residence on Carefree Way in Lexington Park for a domestic assault. The investigation revealed Orbin Hans Carter IV, 24, of Lexington Park, was engaged in a verbal dispute with the victim while standing in the victim’s driveway. The victim asked Carter to leave. He refused and allegedly pushed the victim and struck her in the face. The victim took her son and went into her residence. Carter then allegedly kicked in the door to the victim’s residence and unlawfully entered. The vic-tim continued to tell Carter to leave, which he report-edly refused. A neighbor heard the dispute and arrived at the victim’s residence. The neighbor told Carter to leave, and he complied. A short time later, deputies located Carter at his residence and arrested him for sec-ond-degree assault, first-degree burglary and destruc-tion of property.

Protective Order ViolatedOn May 2, 2009, Deputy First Class K. Meyer re-

sponded to a residence in Leonardtown for a violation of a protective order complaint. Investigation revealed a protective order was issued and served on Paul David Atkinson, 42, of Lexington Park on Sept. 9, 2008. The order directed no contact between Atkinson and the victim. The victim alleged to Meyer she had received telephone calls from Atkinson in violation of the pro-tective order. The victim saved the telephone number that had called her phone. The phone number is listed to Atkinson. Dfc. Meyer located Atkinson, who was in possession of the cellular telephone from which the calls to the victim were made. Meyer arrested Atkinson for violation of a protective order.

Disorderly ConductOn May 2, 2009, Cpl. Charles Earle responded to

the Days Inn in Lexington Park for a report of a distur-bance. Upon arrival Earle made contact with the secu-rity officer, who stated John Thomas Merrill, 48, of no fixed address, was acting in a disorderly manner and yelling in the lobby. The security guard told Earle he asked Merrill to leave but Merrill refused. Earle con-tacted Merrill who was yelling obscenities in the lobby and ordered Merrill to leave the business but Merrill refused. Citizens in the lobby were witnessing Merrill’s obscene language and disorderly behavior. Earle arrest-ed Merrill for trespassing and disorderly conduct.

Briefs

PunishmentCrime &


A Callaway woman was released on bond Monday after being arrested and charged three days earlier for allegedly kid-napping her three-year-old granddaughter from the care of a babysitter, according to state police.

Diane Lee King-Guy, 53, faces charg-es of abducting a child under 12 years old, first-degree assault, third-degree burglary, reckless endangerment and false impris-onment, according to charging documents filed by Officer Matthew Pitcher of the Maryland State Police.

The defendant arrived at a home where two babysitters, Jessica Erin McGolrick and Kristen Renee Billinger, where taking care of the three-year-old child, according to documents.

King-Guy entered the residence unan-nounced, walked into the room where her granddaughter was sleeping, picked her up and brought her into the living room, the documents stated.

Billinger called the child’s mother and told her King-Guy was taking the child; the mother told Billinger she was not to have contact with her daughter, charging documents stated.

When Billinger tried to tell King-Guy she didn’t have permission to take the child, King-Guy went into the kitchen, re-trieved a butter knife and threatened both Billinger and McGolrick, telling them she was taking the child, according to charg-ing documents.

The mother was able to talk to King-Guy by telephone and warned her not to take the child and told her that she was not supposed to be in the residence, charging

documents stated.It was then that King-Guy allegedly

picked up the child, and Billinger’s cell phone, and walked out.

Billinger followed, attempting to get the child and her cell phone back, court papers stated, but King-Guy pushed her away.

The defendant then drove off with the child, but returned when Billinger told her she had called the police.

When the state trooper heard the same events recounted by both witnesses, he placed King-Guy under arrest.

King-Guy claimed that she had per-mission to enter the residence and that she also had permission to take the child with her. She also claimed the child’s mother never told her she did not have permission to take the child.

Woman Charged With Abducting Grandchild


Brandon Danchak, 24, of no fixed ad-dress, remains incarcerated at the county’s detention center on charges that he used a box cutter to rob a man of his cigarettes last Friday night in Lexington Park.

Danchak assaulted the victim in the case while two other witnesses were sit-ting on a bench in the St. Mary’s Square Shopping Center smoking cigarettes, ac-cording to charging documents filed by Deputy Melissa Green.

According to court papers, Danchak said to the victim, “Give me a cigarette!” but when the victim refused and began to walk away from Danchak, the defendant allegedly ran up behind the victim and produced a box cutter, saying “Give me a cigarette or I’ll cut your throat!”

The victim ran away from Danchak, but the defendant tackled him, charging documents stated; the victim claimed that Danchak, while he was assaulting him, stole a pack of cigarettes, a gold chain and

a diamond earring.Court papers stated that the victim

sustained a small abrasion on his right arm and had his shirt torn as an apparent result of the incident.

One of the witnesses identified the suspect initially known only as “Bran-don” because he said he had been incar-cerated with the suspect before and knew his last name, according to charging documents.

Danchak, who reportedly fled on foot immediately after the incident, was found shortly after police arrived.

When police brought Danchak back to the scene, the victim quickly identi-fied him as the suspect in the assault and robbery.

The charges against Danchak in-clude first-degree assault, armed robbery, second-degree assault, theft over $500 and theft of less than $100.

The first-degree assault charge car-ries a possible 25-year prison sentence for Danchak if convicted; the armed robbery charge carries a 20-year penalty.

Police: Box Cutter Used In Robbery

Brandon Danchak

A collision on Route 235 at St. Johns Road in Hollywood snarled traffic May 4 and two pa-tients had to be transported to St. Mary’s Hos-pital with injuries.


Burglaries from vehicles are a continuing problem in the county, according to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and motorists are warned to be cautious and avoid leaving valu-ables in their cars in plain view.

Items taken during the latest car burglaries include purses and wallets, money, cellular phones, global positioning sys-tems and high-dollar electronic devices like I Pods and MP 3 players.

Law officers advise residents to always lock their vehicles and make sure their windows are completely closed secured.

Residents should also lock glove boxes and center consoles in their vehicles as well to discourage thefts, according to the sheriff’s office.

Residents should always avoid leaving valuables out in the open in the car by removing them or placing them in the trunk.

Residents should also watch out for suspicious persons or vehicles in their area and note the physical descriptions and make and model of the car was well as a license plate number.

The sheriff’s office has often found the a single perpetra-tor or group of perpetrators is responsible for a given string of thefts.

Sheriff’s Office Warns Of Continued Vehicle Burglaries


About 180 people attended the Kentucky Derby Day fundraiser for Hospice of St. Mary’s on Saturday May 2 at Sotterley Planta-tion. Brenda Lowe won the best hat contest. Organizers also gave goodie baskets to win, place and show winners. Johnny Cook won first, Jacquie Meiser won second and Ann Cullins Bailey won third. Amaryllis store owners Rick Davis and Christopher Vazquez did the decorating and Best Buy provided two large TV screens so specta-tors could watch the race.

From left to right: Beth Jo-seph, Helen Daugherty, Pam Vietch, Maria Morgan

Elena Hall

Brenda Lowe, hat winner

All Photos by Frank Marquart

Kentucky Derby Day

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Jewelry For The Entire Bridal Party


drurymarina.com

Drury’s Marina

49768 Airedele Rd. Ridge, MD 20680

301-872-4480

& Fishing Center

301-872-5000

16244 Miller’s Wharf Rd.Ridge, MD 20680

poi

ntlo

ok

outmarina.comTranscients welcome, full service department & Spinnaker’s Waterfront Restaurant on site.

Chesapeake Bay Charter Boat FishingWith Capt Dave Bradburn

Aboard the “Ruth D”A 42 foot Bay Built Boat

Located at Drury’s MarinaIn St. Mary’s CountyOn St. Jerome Creek

Just minutes from the ChesapeakePhone: 301-872-4480,

301-872-4288 or 301-872-5217www.captdavesfishing.com

13210 Pt. Lookout Rd.Ridge, MD 20680

Ph. 301.872.0444Fax 301.872.0445

& Diner

Original Location in Leonardtown Square

301.872.0033

16591Three Notch

Rd, Ridge MD 20680

& Bay Market

Store Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8am – 9pm

Fri – Sat: 7am – 9pm • Sunday: 7am – 8pm

Ridge MaRket

We Gladly Accept Food Stamps and Independence Cards

13270 Pt. Lookout RD, MD 20680

Phone (301) 872-5121

• Chinese Food• Liquor & Wine Selection• Bait

(Rt. 5)

Storage, bait, chum, gasoline, ice, ramp

49675 Buzz’s Marina WayRidge, MD 20680

www.buzzsmarina.com

301-872-5887

18080 Point Lookout RoadPark Hall, MD 20667

The Glass Garden shoppe

theglassgardenshoppe.com

Phone: 301.863.7199 • Fax: 301.863.7599Rt. 5, Just North of St. Mary’s City

www.woodlawn-farm.com

16040 Woodlawn LaneRidge, MD 20680

301.872.0555

The Glass Garden Shoppe: A Different Kind of Nursery

peedhop

(301) 863-2111Fax: (301) 863-5531

Speed equipmentHigH perFormance tuning

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p.o. Box 60 • rte. 5, Snowhill rd.park Hall, md 20667

Think back to a time when your local community was smaller and the business-es were small, locally-owned, mom-and-pop establishments. You would be greeted with a warm smile in an inviting at-mosphere. Your shopping ex-perience was a relaxed and en-joyable one, assisted by knowl-edgeable and helpful staff.

Upon entering the door at The Glass Garden Shoppe in Park Hall, this is exactly what you get. Co-owners Ginger Newman-Askew and Shelley Sprague offer up a shopping experience like no other. Ex-pect to be greeted with a warm welcome and sincere interest in assisting you in your quest. The store stocks framed art by local artists, such as Mary Lou Troutman, Christina Allen and Dan Holden and others, exclusive one-of-a-kind handmade glass creations, fresh cut flowers and a wide selection of gifts for the garden and na-ture lover. Whether shopping for yourself or someone else, you won’t leave empty handed.

Have ideas for your summer gardening or land-scaping projects, but not sure where to begin? Stop by and speak with Anita Pannone. She’ll gladly as-sist you in developing your project from concept to completion.

Much more than just a nursery, let them plan your next event. From table settings to floral arrange-ments, The Glass Garden Shoppe will surprise and delight you with an end result that will keep your guests anticipating your next event.

For those who are “hands on”, they offer oppor-tunities to unleash your creativity in glass art, paint-ing, jewelry making and gardening through their var-ious workshops held in the studio and gardening cen-ter. Take part in their Introduction to Stained Glass workshop covering safety, design, glass cutting and

how to use copper foil and soldering. Also offered is a Stained Glass Lamp-Making workshop.

Consider the Intro to Beading, Crimping and Tool Basics workshop with Janet Mahoney. You will learn how to craft your own jewelry using semipre-cious stones and sterling silver. Participants will com-plete one pair of earrings and one necklace to keep.

Local artist Christina Allen will be leading an Introduction to Watercolor Painting workshop that will cover fine drawing skills, brush techniques, color mixing, composition, special effects, historical refer-ences, mounting and matting your work.

Please call 301-863-7199 to register early or for more details. Cost and schedule for each workshop can also be found on their website, theglassgarden-shoppe.com. These workshops fill up quickly, so make your call today.

The Glass Garden Shoppe is uniquely situated in the bones of an old garden center, located just north of historic St. Mary’s City on route 5 in Park Hall. If your interest is in gardening, nature and creating beauty for your home, both indoors and outdoors, this is the place for you. Stop by and see them today.

18080 Point Lookout Road, Park Hall, MD 20667, 301-863-7199 theglassgardenshoppe.com

The County Times Thursday, May 7, 2009 20A House is a Home

Real Estate Tax Advantages

If you own your home, you may not be aware of all of the usual tax breaks associated with being a home owner. Most of us who are taxpayers can deduct the interest we pay on our mortgages. The money we pay for our prop-erty taxes is deductible also. We may qualify for tax credits for certain types of home ex-penses, such as the credit for energy-effi cient additions, perhaps new windows or a new energy star appliance. (See http://www.fool.com/personal-finance/taxes/2007/04/18/be-green-and-save-taxes.aspx.) Then, if you’re married when it comes time to sell, you won’t have to pay capital gains on up to $250,000 each of the appreciation in your home’s value.

However, to experience all of the tax benefi ts that are available to you through real estate, you have to do more than just own your own home. Real estate investors, whether large or small, are eligible for a wide range of tax breaks that make homeowners’ deductions pale in comparison.

When you start researching to do your fi rst real estate investment, you’ll fi nd a num-ber of favorable tax benefi ts that will help you on your way. Most real estate investors got their start by buying a second home or small apartment building and renting their proper-ties out to tenants. Many got into it acciden-tally. They could not sell their home, but they had to move, so they started their fi rst rental. If you do your homework, having rentals can turn into a gold mine. Do not forget, however, it is a time-consuming job.

Some of the appeal of owning rentals are the additional tax deductions that are avail-able. For instance, in addition to expenses like loan interest and property taxes, you’ll now be able to deduct a portion of the value of your property each year as depreciation. Also, ex-penses you incur in managing the property, such as transportation, property insurance, repair and maintenance costs and professional fees, are usually deductible against your rental

income. For many owners, these deductions add up to the point where a substantial portion of their profi ts from their rental properties are essentially tax-free.

Even if you’re not interested in becom-ing a landlord or creating a new subdivision in your neighborhood, you can still get tax benefi ts from real estate investing. One pro-vision of the tax code allows you to exchange your investment real estate for another piece of property without incurring capital gains. This technique, known as a like-kind or 1031 ex-change, can be extremely valuable if you own a highly-appreciated property.

For instance, if you bought a waterfront home 10 years ago for $190,000, and it is now worth $500,000, selling it could cost you a ton of money in federal and state income tax. However, if you use the 1031 tax deferred ex-change for another piece of real estate of equal or greater value, perhaps a small apartment building, then you won’t have to pay capital gains tax. This would allow you to start col-lecting income from your investment without paying the tax from a normal sale.

Do not forget, the 1031 is a tax-deferred program, not a tax-free program; your local lawyer or accountant can help you with that.

It is possible to buy a rental for your child, and maybe sell it just before he or she goes to college. The tenants who lived in it for years possibly paid your kids college education.

If you are interested in joining others who are learning about real estate investing, please contact me to get the date and time off our next meeting.

[email protected].

New Offi ce BuildingDevelopers of Lexington Village in

California plan to build a four-story offi ce building on part of the site of the former National Mobile Home Park in California.

The Planning Commission will re-view the concept plan at its next meeting on Monday May 11 starting at 6:30 p.m.

The building, which would sit on about 6.3 acres off a section of FDR Boulevard still to be built, totals 101,824 square feet, according to plans fi led with the county.

The developer will build two lanes of FDR Boulevard now that will connect to Buck Hewitt Road, and two lanes in the future as the area develops, according to planners.

The offi ce building is part of a larger development now under construction at the southeast corner of Three Notch Road (Route 235) and Buck Hewitt Road.

The site, which includes retail stores, is being developed by CRG Capital based in Rockville. The county has already ap-proved plans for retail stores that report-edly include Kohl’s and Rite Aid stores.

Other projects in the area include a new hotel on the north side of Three Notch Road near the existing Wawa store being built by Baywood Hotels based in Greenbelt.

Further south on Three Notch Road, Annapolis-based developer Osprey Prop-erty is developing Victory Woods, an apartment complex for senior citizens, near the Immaculate Heart of Mary church.

The County TimesThursday, May 7, 200921

25741-C Three Notch RoadHollywood, MD 20636

Our dance camps will have your kids cheering for more with non-stop fun

through imaginative play, creative move-ment, games and much more. Offered for children ages 3-6. Camps are from 9AM to 12 noon. Cost is $99 per week. Daily rates and family discounts available. All camps and classes are held at House of

Dance. More info and online registration available at www.thehouseofdance.org.

Any questions? Please call: 301-373-6330

Beach Blast:June 22 – 26

Cheer Camp:July 20 – 24

Safari Adventure:August 3 – 7

Camp DatesSummer Camps and Classes for the Whole Family!

www.thehouseofdance.org

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The County Times Thursday, May 7, 2009 22A House is a Home

GOOD FOOD, GOOD FRIENDS, GREAT TIMES

SeabreezeRestaurant

301-373-5217Mechanicsville, MD

Located on the Beautiful Patuxent River

OPEN YEAR ROUND

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Today’s swimming pool decks have come a long way in terms of beauty and design. More and more homes with pools now feature the lat-est in elegant hardscape paver designs which can transform a typical backyard into an opu-lent space fi t for royalty.

Be it concrete, natural stone, clay, brick or other choices, hardscape materials are rapidly grow-ing in popularity as the fo-cal point of new elegant pool deck designs. While many of today’s hard-scape materials are excellent options for their environmental qualities, fl exibility of design and their ease of installation, it is their aesthetic beauty that remains their main attraction.

While fi rst impressions are important, creating a beau-tiful lasting space to entertain your friends and family is key and the reason why hardscape experts highly recommend the application of a sealant to all pool deck paver projects to not only protect but enhance the look of your pavers.

According to Rick DeMarchi, director of marketing for Techniseal, the leading manufac-turer of polymeric sand and treatment products

for the concrete paver industry, it’s important to understand the different categories of seal-ants when choosing a product because each category brings its own features and benefi ts with regard to aesthetics, protective qualities and application procedures.

Sealants can be broken down into a few key categories: you

have fi lm-forming versus non fi lm-forming; color-

enhancing (wet look) versus non color-en-hancing (dry look) and solvent-based versus water-based. Most importantly, all are stain-resistant.

“For pool decks it’s recommended

you choose a non fi lm-forming sealant that has

no impact on slip and skid resistance,” explained

DeMarchi. “Also, today’s popular salt water pools can be

corrosive to decking creating the need for a water-repellent sealant to protect the sur-face integrity of the pavers.”

This fi nal layer of protection will not only prolong the life of your deck, but also enhance its beauty and make the pavers easier to main-tain. More information on sealant technology can be found at www.techniseal.com.

A Pool Deck Fit for RoyaltyProtect the Beauty of your Hardscape Pool Deck


By Linda RenoContributing Writer

Basil Hayden was born in St. Mary’s County on Jan. 22, 1744, and was the son of George and Ann Hayden. About 1770 he mar-ried Henrietta Cole, daughter of Robert Cole Jr. and his wife, Ann Greenwell.

In late 1784, with his wife and nine chil-dren, Basil led a group of about 25 Catholic families from St. Mary’s County to a new set-tlement near Pottinger Creek in Nelson Coun-ty, Ky. (near present day Bardstown, Ky.). They would be the fi rst of many more families who would follow in subsequent years.

There were a number of reasons people chose to move. Among them was the suffer-ing that had been caused by the constant raids on our shores by the British during the Revo-lutionary War; the payment of Revolutionary War soldiers with land; and large quantities of undeveloped western land made available cheap. Some also still felt the sting of religious persecution that had existed against Catholics since the Protestant rebellion in 1689.

Making the decision to move must have been torturous. As they said goodbye to their family and friends, they must have known they would never see them again. The trip itself was long and arduous. The wagons would make their way north through western Maryland to Wheeling, W.Va., where they would load onto barges and fl oat down the Limestone River.

The settlers took with them their culture and traditions. We know they took their recipe for stuffed ham, and it is still made in Ky. today, albeit with a different kind of ham than we use here. Some would consider, however, that the most important thing that Basil Hayden took with him was his recipe for good old St. Mary’s County whiskey. It was obviously popular be-cause by 1796 he was known as a Kentucky distiller. Eventually Bardstown, Kentucky, where he lived would become known as the Bourbon Capital of America.

In 1840 Basil’s grandson, Raymond B. Hayden, created a distillery company and be-gan “offi cially” producing the whiskey his grandfather had originally made. Today we know this whiskey as Old Grand Dad, and there’s a picture of Basil Hayden on the label of each bottle. The company has changed hands several times. The Hayden family sold it to the Wathen family (also originally from St. Mary’s County) in 1899. Today it’s owned by the Jim Beam Company and is one of the 10 best sell-ing whiskies in the U.S.

Old Grand Dad has been immortalized in books, songs, and movies. James Bond ordered a glass of Old Grand Dad on the rocks in “Live and Let Die”, and Hank Williams sang “I like

sweet young things and Old Grand Dad” in his song “Women I’ve Never Had.”

While Basil and most of the settlers never returned to Maryland, some regretted their de-cision. In 1860, J. Edwin Coad paid a visit to Kentucky and spoke with some of the descen-dants of the Marylanders. One man told him:

When I was a boy, there was a tradition rife here to the effect that when the old pioneers from this section used to meet Saturday eve-nings in Bardstown as soon as they had shaken hands, one would turn his back to the other and beg him for half a dozen kicks under his coat-tail and when they were duly administered, the other would turn around and ask his friend for his kicking....Not infrequently, half a dozen pairs have been noticed exchanging civilities of this nature, in the course of an afternoon. Why was this done, you ask? Why, in order to get temporal punishment infl icted, to expiate the grievous sin they had committed in aban-doning the peaceful shores of Maryland for the wild forests and savage Indians of Kentucky. But the plunge had been made, the labor and exposure of going forbade the idea of return, and it was a clear case of root hog or die.

Today, the phone book of Bardstown, Ky., has more than just a sprinkling of folks with the surnames Hayden, Mattingly, Medley, Wa-then, Norris to name but a few. All of them with roots in St. Mary’s County.

Before I end this article, there was some-thing else that Marylanders would later take to Kentucky – thoroughbred horses and love of horse racing. Benjamin Tasker Jr. bought a mare named “Selima” who foaled in England on April 30, 1745, and was shipped to Mary-land between 1750 and 1752. She was one of the most important thoroughbred horses in the 1700s and became one of the foundation mares of the American throughbred. Her progeny dominated the 18th century bloodlines and “Lexington”, one of her descendants, domi-nated the bloodlines of the 19th century.

The picture on the label shown above is said to be reproduced from a crayon enlarge-ment of a daguerreotype of Basil Hayden.

Got pictures or stories you’d like to share? Please contact me at: [email protected].

Columnist Linda Reno is a historian and genealogist

specializing in Southern Maryland history. Mrs. Reno is a member of the St. Mary’s County

Historical Society, St. Mary’s County Genealogical Society, Charles County

Genealogical Society, Maryland Historical Society and the Maryland Genealogical

Society. She has authored many books and articles on local history. We

hope you will enjoy these articles and welcome your comments

and suggestions for future subjects.

A Journey Through TimeA Journey Through TimeThe Chronicle

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Basil Hayden

The County Times Thursday, May 7, 2009 24

St. M

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St. M

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17 AgainPG-13, 102 min

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X-Men Origins: WolverinePG-13, 107 min

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For Spirited Callaway Rockers, Nuttin’ Fancy is Needed

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It’s may be fair to say that the latest X-

Men offering is something of a disappoint-ment, but there are many problems that com-pound to make this so, and there might just be a chance we’ve been biased by the other movies in the franchise.

“X-Men Origins: Wolverine” carries us through more than 120 years of the sulky, beefed-up amnesiac’s early history, beginning with a sickly Logan who accidentally kills his own father during a dispute in which he fi rst brandishes his claws as a child, running away to eventually become a soldier fi ghting on the winning side of every major U.S. war since the 1860s.

By his side is his similarly mutated brother Victor Creed/Sabretooth (played by the admirably intense Liev Schreiber), and they appear to be an unstoppable duo, though this is really only manifested by multiple shots of the two snarling at foreign soldiers.

Logan and Victor, who both sport claw-like mutations and the power to heal, amble through decades of war until they are recruit-ed by William Stryker (Danny Huston), who offers them spots on something called “Team X,” a black-ops (covert operations) mutant group in search of a mysterious alien metal.

There they join other mutants includ-ing crack shot Agent Zero (Daniel Henney), teleporter John Wraith (played by Black Eyed Peas front-man Will.i.am), and the katana-wielding, scene-stealing Wade Wilson played by Ryan Reynolds (who is, incidentally, the only one of the bunch worth watching, which is a shame since his role is little more than a glorifi ed cameo).

It is obvious as the movie progresses that Logan is getting tired of life as a brute, whereas fi ghting only fuels his brother’s un-healthy bloodlust. The rift between these brothers comes when Logan starts question-ing Stryker’s orders to kill ci-vilians, eventually leaving his brother and his life as a mer-cenary behind to play house with a pretty school teacher in the mountains.

Logan fi nds himself sucked back into the under-world when his brother Vic-tor starts picking off former teammates, and, eventually, his girlfriend, prompting him to accept Stryker’s offer to bond his skeleton with inde-structible metal to increase his chances of a proper re-

venge. Eventually, Logan/Wolverine learns that Stryker and Victor have been working to-gether, thus forcing him to widen his revenge plot and take on a few helpers.

Cue the reintroduction of Logan’s re-maining mutant allies including Blob and Wraith, and Gambit (Taylor Kitsch), who can do cool card tricks, but whose only function, other than helping Wolverine fi nd Stryker’s hidden base, must have been to please female X-Men readers.

Indeed, one would have to suspend more than disbelief to see this latest addition to the X-Men franchise as truly up to par, because it doesn’t make use of its wonderful characters. Danny Huston does far too little with Stryker, playing the character with an aloof cartoon-quality that’s disappointing compared with Brian Cox’s creepy and complex take on the character in “X2: X-Men United.”

Jackman does well with what he’s given, but it’s disappointing that he isn’t asked to do much more than offer the occasional humor-less quip, snarl at adversaries and offer his tor-tured-action-hero howl to the heavens every time a loved one dies.

The main battle sequences involve Wol-verine and Sabretooth bellowing and charging each other so many times that it becomes irri-tating, and there are several great fi ght scenes, but the green-screen work is obvious, and Wolverine’s claws looked far more realistic in the fi rst three fi lms. For an “origins” story, it’s also disappointing that there is so little charac-ter development.

But then again, who knows? Perhaps the fi rst three movies just spoiled us.

Grade: C(Rated PG-13 for violence, intense sequenc-es of action and some partial nudity; Run-ning Time 107 minutes.)


Chances are most of us have driven down one of the county’s rural roads at just the right time to hear another local band putting the fi nish-ing touches on their latest set, and Nuttin’ Fancy Band, the quartet from Callaway, is no different. In fact, they’ve been doing this for seven years.

So what makes this band, “Nuttin’ Fancy” any-way? They are, after all, seasoned musi-cians with an eclectic song selection in which they manage to espouse every style from Journey and Lynyrd Skynyrd to Merle Haggard and the Beatles.

Lead guitarist and vocalist Ron Sea-graves from Annapolis landed in Southern Maryland several years ago, bringing with him infl uences like Dave Amato with the bluesy meanderings of Eric Clapton and Tom Fogarty thrown in.

From there he joined with friends Ed Emery (percussion) and Mark “UnkleSyk-nyrd” Uncle (bass, vocals), and they’ve been gracing the stages of Southern Mary-land ever since.

“I do remember the very fi rst night the band rehearsed (which was about 7 years ago) the drummer (Ed) and myself just seemed to mesh right from the get-go hold-ing down the rhythm section,” said Uncle when asked about the band’s beginnings. “I knew at that point we were on to something hot and I was right,” he said.

One thing that makes the band’s mix so seductive is the wealth of infl uences they’ve brought with them to the group. Ed Emory said he got his fi rst drum set at age 14, and after meeting a drummer two years later who studied under Gene Krupa (the famously swinging big band drummer who thumped out the heartbeat of Chicago’s jazz scene in the 1920s), and over the years his infl uences have also included Led Zeppelin and Buddy Rich.

Bassist Mark Uncle was born and raised in St. Mary’s County, where he grew

up with a father who worked as a band lead-er for 35 years, and a mom that would lend her own vocal talents, so it may be fair to say that Mark inherited the music bug from his own blood. Mark and his four brothers would have jam sessions in the “back room” where he fell in love with bass guitar, later playing for 18 years with the “Cool Country Band”, developing a style and swagger rem-iniscent of Asleep At The Wheel, George Strait and Dwight Yoakam.

“I grew up in a house that was chock full of musical instruments and brothers and sisters to play them, so it didn’t take me long to know how I wanted to occupy my time,” he said.

Rounding out the group is vocalist and keyboardist Steve Winger, who’s been liv-ing and playing music in Southern Mary-land for 20 years. Steve says he also inherit-ed the music gene from his folks. His father had a band late in the forties, in which his mom played the piano.

And it’s nothing less than a spirited family affair when this foursome takes the stage, boasting one of the most energetic stage shows in the area.

“It’s not uncommon to see myself and Ron (who are wireless) mixed up right in the middle of the dance fl oor with the crowd,” said Uncle, adding later that, “no words can describe the satisfaction that I have at the end of a night knowing that I was able to en-tertain an audience and have them leave the club extremely happy and exhausted from dancing.”

Nuttin’ Fancy Band will be playing next at the Seabreeze in Hollywood, Md. on Saturday, May 9. For more information on the band and upcoming shows, visit them online at www.offi cialnuttinfancyband.com or www.myspace.com/thenuttinfancyband.

Movie Review: Movie Review: ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’

Photo Courtesy of Andrea Shiell


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Happy Mothers DayfromThursday, May 7

• Drop-In SalsaHouse of Dance (Hollywood) – 6 p.m.

• Ladies NightFat Boys Country Store (Leonardtown) – 7 p.m.

• DJ JamieCadillac Jack’s (Great Mills Rd.) – 9 p.m.

Friday, May 8• Bob BandHulas (23900 N. Patuxent Beach Rd.) – 8 p.m.

• DJ HarryBig Dogs Paradise (Mechanicsville) – 8 p.m.

• John Luskey BandFat Boys Country Store (Leonardtown) – 9 p.m.

• Karaoke NightCadillac Jack’s (Great Mills Road) – 9 p.m.

• DJ MangoDragN Inn (Charlotte Hall) – 9 p.m.

• Riot ActMemories Bar – 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 9• 25th Hour Band and Pounding SandBack Road Inn (Downtown Compton) – 5 p.m.

• Nuttin’ Fancy BandSeabreeze (Hollywood) – 8 p.m.

• Karaoke Night w/ DJ Tommy T and DJ TApplebee’s (California) – 9 p.m.

• DJ JamieCadillac Jack’s (Great Mills Road) – 9 p.m.

• Jah Works & Big VizionHulas (N. Patuxent Beach Road) – 9 p.m.

• Less Then BrokenMemories Bar – 9:30 p.m.

• Animal Rescue FairSt. Mary’s Animal Welfare League is hold-ing its fi fth annual Animal Fair at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds in Leonard-town. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be used to benefi t animal-rescue operations. Activities throughout the day include a pet parade, pet games, pet psy-chic, silent auction, pony rides, children’s moon bounce, king and queen contest, equine events and vendors. Attending will be 13 rescue groups with pets for adoption as well as two horse rescue groups. This is a great day to bring your pet and come out to the fair for a day of bonding and fun. If you’re interested in volunteering for a cou-ple of hours, e-mail [email protected].

Sunday, May 10• Mothers Day Walk Annual Mother’s Day outing at Myrtle Point Park from 1 to 3 p.m. where Bob Boxwell will lead his traditional Mother’s Day Walk. Take a leisurely stroll around Myrtle Point Park and look for birds, wild-fl owers, animal tracks and whatever else catches your eyes, ears or nose. Meet in the grass parking lot on the left as you enter the park. For more information, call Bob at 410-394-1300 or Dudley at 301-373-2551. E-mail: [email protected].

• Mother’s Day Brunch All-you-can-eat brunch at Bay District Volunteer Fire Department in Lexington Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $7 for kids 5-12, kids 4 and under are free. For more information, call Me-lissa Gould at 240-298-3305.

• Take Mom To BreakfastThe Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary is sponsoring an all-you-can-eat breakfast on Mother’s Day from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at the Rescue Squad building on Route 235 in Hollywood. The menu will be: sausage, gravy and biscuits, sausage links, bacon, scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, pancakes, escalloped apples, as well as juices, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Cost is $8 for adults; $4 for children ages 5-12; free for children under age 5.

• Breakfast for MomAt the Valley Lee Fire House, Valley Lee, from 8 to 11 a.m. Cost is $8 for adults; $4 for children ages 5-12; free for children under 5. Sponsored (and prepared) by the 2nd District Fire Dept. & Rescue Squad Auxiliary For more information, call Dar-lene Johnson at 240-434-1095.

• Mother’s Day BreakfastAt Chopticon High School from 8 a.m. to noon. Sponsored by CHS Band Boosters, featuring Chris Cakes of Maryland. Bring mom to breakfast for some fast-fl ippin’, high-fl ying, fl ap-jacking pancake fun on Mother’s Day. (To see how much fun this event is, go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-PyazEoqds.) Breakfast includes all the pancakes you can eat with toppings, sausage, juice, milk, coffee and tea. Cost is $9 for ages 13 and over; $7 for ages 5-12; free for ages 4 and under. Water and soda for $1. Pictures with/for mom are $5 for 5x7 photo. Call 301-884-3347 for more information.

Wednesday, May 13• Members NeededRegular monthly meeting of the Holly-wood Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary will start at 7 p.m. at the Rescue Squad building on Route 235 in Hollywood. Any-one wishing to join the auxiliary is encour-aged to attend. For more information, call 240-298-7956.


Today in St. Mary’s County

we have many wonderful options for

dining out. Each week we will feature a local

restaurant and give our readers an overview of what they can enjoy on the menu

at each location. Bon Appétit!

Cuisine& More

CuisineHealthy Bites

Just as the name suggests, at Blue Wind, gourmet food is what you get. Decadent dishes with an extra helping of fl avor are just what own-er/manager Rob Plant serves daily at Blue Wind Gourmet. An extraor-dinary menu to choose from; such as Mediterranean pizza covered in roasted tomatoes and red peppers, basil and feta cheese or an assortment of wraps served in a tomato-basil tortilla or 100 percent organic salads. Blue Wind Gourmet also offers an assortment of tasty sandwiches or a lump crab cake, seared tuna or Cajun catfi sh and shrimp. All these choices can be enjoyed for $12.95 or under.

Browse the extensive wine selection and choose just the right bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal or to take home for later. Wine tastings are offered on site every day. Beer and spirits are also available for your enjoyment.

Catering services and private parties can also be arranged at Blue Wind. For that important business meeting try one of their boxed lunches or platters. Hours of operation are daily from 11 a.m. through 7:30 p.m. Stop by today and delight your taste buds.

On The MenuOn The MenuBLUE WIND GOURMET BLUE WIND GOURMET 22803 Gunston Drive, Lexington Park, Md.22803 Gunston Drive, Lexington Park, Md.

301-737-2714, www.bluewindgourmet.com301-737-2714, www.bluewindgourmet.com

Located in Old Downtown Lexington Park, Outside Gate 2 PAX NASMon - Fri: 6am - 8pm • Sat: 7am - 2pm • Sun: 8am - 2pm

MOTHER’S DAYBrunch

Featuring a Special

Alice White Australian Wineswww.alicewhite.com

Alice White Wines come from the expansive, sun drenched South Eastern Austra-lian winegrowing region. This fertile wine region yields grapes full of rich, bold fl avors that are the trademark of Alice White wines. American wine drinkers have embraced the quality, accessibility and affordability of Alice White wines since their United States introduction in 1996. The bottle and label of each Alice White wine is color coded for easy and quick recognition. Alice White is available in Riesling, Lexia (a sweet white wine with apricot and peach aromas), Chardonnay, Red Lexia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Merlot for well under $10 a bottle. Kick back, relax and have a glass with Alice.

Healthy BitesHealthy BitesBy J.M. HIRSCHAP Food Editor

Perfect for Mother’s Day, this almost no-bake strawberry cheesecake won’t leave Mom feeling guilty for indulging on her special day. It’s also easy enough that the kids can lend a hand. Tra-ditional cheesecakes are made from a blend of cream cheese and eggs, and thus require cooking. This easier version uses gelatin instead of eggs to set the fi lling, so no cooking is needed. Only the tart shell is briefl y baked.

The cream cheese also is

cut with thick, rich, yet fat-free, Greek-style yogurt. This variety of yogurt has had much of the wa-ter drained from it, giving it a sour cream-like consistency. Don’t substitute regular yogurt.

If Mom doesn’t care for strawberries, the recipe can be adapted to the berry of her choice. Just swap out the jam and fresh fruit.

The crust is made from 2 cups of vanilla wafer cookie crumbs. To make that amount of crumbs, you will need about 75 cookies, which is about a 12-ounce box minus 12 cookies.

ALMOST NO-BAKE STRAW-BERRY CHEESECAKE TART Start to fi nish: 2 1/2 hours (30 minutes active)

Servings: 8

For the tart shell: 2 cups vanilla wafer cookie crumbs 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted For the fi lling: 1/4-ounce packet unfl a-vored gelatin 1/4 cup cold water 8-ounce bar cream cheese, softened 3/4 cup sugar 1 cup fat-free Greek-style yogurt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup strawberry jam Fresh strawberries, to serve

Heat the oven to 400 F.

To prepare the tart shell, in a medium bowl, mix together the cookie crumbs and butter. Trans-fer to a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom. Gently press the mixture evenly across the bottom and up the sides.

Bake for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until set. Re-move from the oven and set aside to cool.

To prepare the cream cheese fi lling, in a micro-wave-safe cup combine the gelatin and water. Set aside for 5 minutes, or until the gelatin is dissolved. Micro-wave the gelatin for 30 sec-onds or until it boils.

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and sugar un-til smooth, scraping down the bowl as needed to avoid

lumps. Add the yogurt, gel-atin and vanilla, then beat until smooth.

In a small bowl, use a fork to beat the strawberry jam until mostly smooth. Add the jam to the cream cheese mixture and use a rubber spatula to just barely fold it in, stirring only once or twice.

Transfer the mixture to the cooled tart shell and, if necessary, use a rubber spatula to smooth the top. Cover and refrigerate until fi rm, about 2 hours. Serve with fresh strawberries.

Nutrition informa-tion per serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 415 calo-ries; 180 calories from fat; 20 g fat (11 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 51 mg choles-terol; 59 g carbohydrate; 5 g protein; 1 g fi ber; 232 mg sodium.

On The VineOn The Vine


By Shelby OppermannContributing Writer

Sometimes I wonder how to keep a strong connection with my mother now that she has passed on. Nine years have already gone by. I wish I had asked more stories about her youth or her feelings on life, but I was busy with rais-ing children myself and working.

She was always “Mommie” to us and hat-ed being called Mom or Mother, so that was it forever.

There are still days when I can hear her voice just like yesterday, like when I’m cook-ing and know I might be cutting an ingredient she thought essential, or adding one she would have hated. Her voice so sweet and soothing: “What are you doing adding that brand of to-matoes, you’ve ruined the spaghetti, you might as well throw it out,” or “You only cooked the pot roast two hours, no one will even eat it – it will be too tough.” Warm, fuzzy memories. But I should listen – my mother could cook.

I remember her cigarettes and cups of cof-

of anof an Aimless

Mindfee with “love that red” lipstick stains on the edg-es.; her once-a-week trips to the “beauty shop” and her daily ritual of making sure every hair was in the right place with tons of hair spray; the excitement of spontaneous trips to Williams-burg, Busch Gardens and Virginia Beach. She showed me that a woman could get up and go all on her own. My mother could hook and unhook our 27-foot camper trailer, drive it and winterize it with no one’s help.

She let me play miniature golf and air hockey to my heart’s content and was happy to just sit and watch. I remember our nights of bingo at every church, fi rehouse, and K of C hall from Prince Georges County to Charles County. When one of us was waiting on a number, she’d say you had to sit on the card. My mother would play 30 cards compared to my 10 and still be done and fi nding missed numbers on mine. And early on, it was the slot machines in Waldorf with me in a walker. Nothing was ever boring with my mother. She was such a strong force of nature.

The connection I felt so strongly this past week was a very simple thing, but it distressed me at the same time. I had run out of my make-up remover and found the trusty emergency jar of Pond’s cold cream I still have of my mother’s. It suddenly hit me that this jar had to be at least 15 years old, and I do remember calling Pond’s a year or two ago to ask if cold cream goes bad. I was told my jar was probably fi ne unless it had some awful smell. But mine still had the com-forting creamy smell I loved. That smell was al-ways around her. What distressed me was that I hadn’t noticed how little was left in the jar.

I was surprised that this feeling of loss was so strong and so quick by just holding a jar of cold cream in my hand. But, my mother had used

this jar – a dab of it in the morning and night to wash her face – her whole life. Occasionally she would use a drop of olive oil on her pinky fi ngers on the outside corners of her eyes. She died at the age of 71 without a wrinkle – there must be something to her regimen, I guess. Her voice is again in the back of my head saying, “You need to start this regimen, but it’s probably too late now anyway, you’re going to look like one of those wrinkly dogs.”

What do our mothers give us, besides our very existence? They of course give us comfort, or fi x our cuts. But mothers can tell us like no one else can how our lives should be and what we can do to get there. Do we listen? Not always. How many times out of pride or defi ance do we take that other path not seeing into the future like they do. Sometimes you must go your own di-rection, and it is best. The main thing is a mother will listen when everyone else is busy, and will drop everything at a moment’s notice when you need her. My mother would drop a bingo game in a second if I needed her; she would probably think about the lost big jackpot a minute or two, but she would be there.

As I write this, the comforting smell of Pond’s cold cream envelops me; maybe I can wait a few more days to buy my remover. Love you, Mommie.

Thanks for the adventures, Shelby

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, mothers, grandmothers and mommies out there.

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

(Scripturally based worship)

Sundays - 9:30 AM

Southern MD Higher Ed Ctr (Rm, 108/109)44219 Airport Road, California, MD

301/475-9337 www.amosm.net

THEANGLICAN

MISSIONOF SOUTHERNMARYLAND

(Scripturally based worship)

Sundays - 9:30 AM

Wanderings

Mother s̓ Day Mother s̓ Day ConnectionConnection

Creature FeatureBy Theresa MorrContributing Writer

Can you imagine a creature as large as a passenger jet? A creature with a heart the size of a small car whose aorta is so big around that a child could crawl through it? How about its liver weighing a hefty 2,000 pounds and a tongue at a whopping 6,500 pounds – that’s the size of full-grown African elephant. Whew! Is this creature for real? Yes.

Those humongous body parts belong to the blue whale, the largest animal ever known to exist upon the earth, even bigger than the dinosaurs. And surprise! You’re related to this awesome, bluish-gray giant of the deep be-cause you’re both warm-blooded mammals.

Tons big. Blue whales are immense crea-tures. Adults average around 70 to 100 feet long and weigh an incredible 90 to 150 tons or more. And these guys are also the world’s loudest creatures, too, even louder than a jet plane taking off. Their deep undersea rum-blings consist of repeated, low frequency vo-calizations that can be heard more than 500 miles away. That’s how these whales commu-nicate with other whales, to locate food, and to fi nd mates.

Great gulpers. Blue whales are serious eaters. They lunge into dense schools of krill, their favorite food, with enormous mouths open wide. Several tons of these small shrimp-like animals are engulfed in the whale’s mouth, along with about 50 tons or more of water in one huge gulp. No problem. Pleated throat grooves expand like accordions to hold everything in until water is forced out through special comb-like plates called baleen, or whalebone. Like giant fi lters, these plates trap the krill but let the water out when the whale closes its mouth. The “big blues” gulp down a whopping four tons of krill every day!

Spouts away. Blue whales live about 80 to 100 years and are found in all of the world’s oceans, usually swimming in small groups called pods. They don’t have nostrils like you do, but two blowholes near the top of their heads. Since whales can’t breathe underwater,

they have to surface often; and when they do, a single blow of air and water can rise 40 to 50 feet into the air. And these guys can’t sleep like you do because they’d drown. Instead, whales take short naps while fl oating near the surface of the ocean.

Yummy din-din. During summer, blue whales feed in cold polar waters, but in winter, they migrate to warm tropical waters, where they mate and give birth. Newborns are about 23 feet long; weigh over two tons; and can swim within 30 minutes of being born. The jumbo-sized babies gain about 200 pounds a day by drinking 50 gallons or more of moth-er’s milk, which is said to taste like a mixture of fi sh, liver, milk of magnesia and castor oil. Since the calf cannot suck, mamma whale forces milk from her nipple into the back of the calf’s throat. Ummm good.

But why are blue whales so big? Since 70 percent or more of the earth is covered by ocean water, marine biologists think these whales grow to enormous sizes just because they have so much room to swim in all the world’s oceans, along with an unending sup-ply of krill to feed on. During the late 19th century to the middle of the 20th century, blue whales were hunted almost to extinction. Her-man Melville’s classic novel, “Moby Dick,” provides a look into whale hunting in those earlier times. In 1965, The International Whal-ing Commission was established to protect the dwindling species.

For some really cool underwater pictures of the blue whale, surf over to www.earthwin-dow.com/blue.html. To color your own blue whale, go to National Geographic’s “coloring book” at www.nationalgeographic.com/color-ingbook/bluewhales.html.

Comments to [email protected].

Big Blue

Healthy Bites


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CLUES ACROSS 1. Simba’s uncle 5. Small residue amount 9. Reciprocal ohm12. NBA player Bryant13. Gold measure15. Nourishment16. Journalist Jacob 1849-191417. One Wise Man’s gift18. Freedom from diffi culty19. Corpuscle count (abbr.)20. More colorless22. A large vessel or vase25. C C C26. Subdivision of an act of a play28. Characterized by unity29. Adult male sheep32. Tsetung or Zedong33. Code for Information Interchange35. Santa ___, 9270136. Helps little fi rms37. Cher’s singing partner39. State in S.W. India40. Old world, new41. Heathen43. Auricle44. Cathode-ray tube45. Myriagram46. Pink wines

48. Be apathetic or dazed49. Banned insecticide50. Circular building with a dome54. Swiss river57. Currently fashionable58. Keep up62. Support or hold up64. Tropical Asian starlings65. Labrador tea genus66. Wolf (Spanish)67. Grantor’s legal agent (abbr.)68. A coral ridge69. 73701 OK

CLUES DOWN 1. Swedish krona 2. Coconut husk fi ber 3. One baby apron 4. Save from danger 5. Dekametre 6. A sun beam 7. Make a mistake 8. Horticulture 9. Ancient Dead Sea kingdom 10. Socks, stockings and tights11. River that fl ows into the Baltic

14. A cardinal number15. 2nd month (abbr.)21. Atomic #3323. A nucleic acid 24. Crime fi ghter Eliot25. Metal currency26. Sword with a curved blade 27. Act together, as of organisms29. Finger millet30. Dwarf buffalos31. Picasso’s mistress32. Millisecond34. Printer material38. Equals 3 feet42. The land of sleep45. Most frequent value47. It houses horses 48. Manganese50. Canadian law enforcers51. A Mississippi tributary52. ____ Turner, rock singer53. Fiddler crabs55. Longest division of geo-logical time56. Isidor ____, Am. Nobel physicist59. Fruit drink60. A billiard stick61. Electromotive force63. A long, thin implement

erKiddieKor n


Classifieds

The County Times will not be held responsible for any ads omitted for any reason. The County Times reserves the right to edit or reject any clas-sifi ed ad not meeting the standards of The County Times. It is your responsiblity to check the ad on its fi rst publication and call us if a mistake is found. We will correct your ad only if noti-fi ed after the fi rst day of the fi rst publication ran.

Important

To Place a Classifi ed Ad, please email your ad to: classifi [email protected] or Call: 301-373-4125

or Fax: 301-373-4128 for a price quote. Offi ce hours are: Monday thru Friday 8am - 4pm. The

County Times is published each Thursday.

Deadlines for Classifi eds are Tuesday at 12 pm.

Don’t spend what you don’t have!www.ProfessorMoneyWise.com

(301) 997-8271

SHENSKI LANDSCAPING

Landscaping, demolition, pasture and lawn seeding, sod, irrigation, erosion control, yard drainage, decks, excavation and brush removal, hardscaping (patios, walkways and retaining walls). We also handle

lawn maintenance at affordable rates.

Low – Cost Landscaping & Lawn Care

Jon & Joseph ShenskiOwners MHIC: 98388

36856 Danny’s Inn • Chaptico, MD, 20621 [email protected]

(240) 304-1387 (240) 299-7143

Prime Rib • Seafood • Sunday BrunchBanquet & Meeting Facilities

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

301-737-0777

301-475-8711**410-326-4442**301-885-3000www.tsbtechnologies.comContact us for more details!

Computer & Network Service/SalesSecurity Camera Service/Sales

Serving Southern Maryland

PC Repair Fee: $79-$99Residential Only

No hourly Labor charge!

New “Business Client”

Special!

Est. 1982 Lic #12999

Heating & Air Conditioning

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

snheatingac.com

WINDOWS & DOORSHOME IMPROVEMENTS

301-399-2525

MARSHCONTRACTORS

Apartment Rentals

Vehicles

Yard Sales

General Merchandise

Jasmine Heirlooms Quilting Frame. Barely used, no basting quilt frame. Has short and long rails to accommodate up to a king size quilt. Price: $250. If interested, please call 301-373-4289.

Start Date: Beginning to Middle of MaySalary: Depending on Education and ExperienceLocation: DAU MidAtlantic California, Maryland

Duties and Skills: Support faculty and administrators as required: preparing travel requests; maintaining student guides, textbooks, reference materials, au-diovisual aids; classroom scheduling and maintenance; preparing testing materi-als and media information and performing tasks using proficient technical skills. Candidate must possess the following minimum skills: excellent organizational and problem solving skills; must have operational knowledge of computer hard-ware/peripherals, communication equipment, and audiovisual tools used in the classroom environment; ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously; ability to gather, analyze and present facts; excellent oral and written communication skills; typing 40 words per minute is desired; work in a team atmosphere; ex-tensive working knowledge of MS office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) required; working knowledge of Access Database software; ability to lift 50lbs. BS/BA degree in appropriate field of expertise plus three years of related work experi-ence desired; high school with six years work experience required.

Other positions available with ITG, Inc. in the DC, MD and VA area.

Visit our website at: www.itgco.comTake Charge of Change. ITG can help!Contact: Al Newsome, Project Manager

Phone: 919-815-2558 Fax: 703-684-6912Email Resume: [email protected]

Education Technician Full Time

Maximizing the Potential of People and Organizations

DIRECTORYBusiness

Call to Place Your Ad: 301-373-4125

May 9th 9am

MULTI-ESTATE MOTHERS DAY AUCTION

Charles County Fairgrounds

We have lots of great Antiques, Collectables, Furniture, and Household Treasures!

10% buyers premium- Seating & Refreshments-Major C/cards, cash, check

www.charlescountyauctions.com or call 301-934-1844

Williamsburg Cobalt glass signed pitcher; Antique fruit peel-ers; Antique woodworking tools; 19c Victorian children’s dolls; Majolica style art deco jardinière w/base; Sterling bowl, salt & peppers; sterling (w/hall marks) ice bucket; Waterford crystal; Victorian blue ware teapot; Old 2gl blue on grey decorated crock; Old drug store cast iron mortar & pestle; Signed Steu-ben glass; West German crystal; Cobalt glass dinner ware set (plates, cups & saucers, fruit bowls, cake plates, serving pcs & sugar & creamer, over 50pcs); Depression Vaseline glass ice-cream cups; Collection of Un-opened decanters by Hoff-man; Lots of Antique Collector books, and lots more still com-ing in, including tools & household stuff.

CORVETTES WANTED!Any year, any condition. Cash buyer. 1-800-369-6148.

Spring Valley Apartments

Two bedrooms available 805-1103 Sq. ft. $938-$992

46533 Valley Court301-863-2239 (p) 301-863-6905 (f)

[email protected]

Specials:

One 1 BR AvailableOne 3 BR Available

2 bdrm: $789 3 bdrm: $999Free Application Fee

GRAND YARD SALESaturday, May 9th 7:00am-12:00pm

St. Mary’s County Health Department

21580 Peabody StreetLeonardtown

Furniture-Toys-Clothing-Household-MORE!

Proceeds benefit Health Share


ADPRO, INC410-326-3909

Amish Heirloom Furniture240-237-8228

Big Dog Paradise Bar & Liquor Storewww.bdpbar.com

301-884-9812

Burris’ Olde Town Insurance301-475-3151

Brandywine Auto Parts, Incwww.brandywineparts.com

301-863-6433

Café des Artistes’www.cafedesartistes.ws

301-997-0500

Charles County Auctionswww.charlescountyauctions.com

301-934-1844

Charles Memorial Gardenswww.charlesmemorialgardens.com

301-475-8060

Creative Touch Salon, Spa and FitnessCreativetouchsalonspafitness.synthasite.com

301-997-1145

DRN Environmental Solutionswww.drnenvironmentalsolutions.com

301-475-9300

Fenwick Street Used Books and Musicwww.fenwickbooks.com

301-475-2859

Guy DistributingLeonardtown, MD

301-475-2811

Hunt Ford New and Used Carswww.huntfordmercury.com

301-934-8186

John F Wood JrMaryland State Delegate, District 29A

301-884-2345

PNC Bank301-737-3706

Potomac Speedwaywww.potomacspeedway.com

301-884-4200

Three Mules Welding Supplywww.threemules.com

301-863-8803

Towne Floristwww.towneflorist.net

301-475-2551

THE COUNTY TIMES AND THESE FINE MERCHANTS WOULD LIKE TOWISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A VERY HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!


ewsmakers

Located in California, Maryland, Amish Heirloom

Our showroom is cozy and our service is friendly. Come meet us today.

240-237-8228

AMISH HEIRLOOM FURNITURE

We Have Moved to the Wildewood Center

23415 Three Notch Rd Suite 2038

www.AmishHeirloomFurniture.com

We offer a complete line of hand crafted furniture. This is the furniture that lasts a lifetime.

U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Roger L. Cordell, a resident of California, as-sumed command of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School at Naval Air Station Patux-ent River during a change-of-command ceremony on May 1.

Cordell relieved U.S. Navy Capt. James A. Glass, who had assumed com-mand of the school on Jan. 18, 2008, ac-cording to a press release. Glass will stay at Patuxent River to assume the role of executive assistant to the commander, Naval Air Systems Command.

A native of Lafayette, La., Cordell was commissioned in May 1989 through the Platoon Leaders Course Program. He earned a bachelor of science degree in aerospace engineering from Mississippi State University.

Following 22 months of fl ight train-ing at Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla., Cordell was designated a naval aviator in July 1992 and assigned to VMAT-203 in Cherry Point, N.C., for fl eet replacement training in the AV-8B, after which he re-ported to VMA-223. Three years later, Cordell was assigned to VMAT-203 as an instructor pilot. In August of 1998, he was transferred to Amphibious Warfare School.

In May 1999, Cordell was promot-

ed to major and assigned to Marine Aviation Detachment, Patuxent Riv-er, awaiting the start of U.S. Naval Test Pilot School Class 118. After graduating, Cordell was assigned to VX-23, where he served primar-ily as a Joint Strike Fighter project offi cer.

As project offi cer, Cordell was the Marine Corps developmental test representative responsible for selection of the fi rst digital fl ight control strategy for implementation in a STOVL aircraft. He also served as the Marines’ developmental test representative in all other aspects of F-35 design.

In January 2004, Cordell requalifi ed in the AV-8B before transferring to Okinawa, Japan, where he served as the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit Aviation Com-bat Element command element execu-tive offi cer. Following that deployment, Cordell assumed duties as the First Ma-rine Aircraft Wing current operations offi cer.

In April 2005, Cordell transferred to Marine Aviation Detachment, Patuxent River where he served as executive offi -cer. He completed his master’s degree at

the University of Tennessee in aviation science in 2009.

Lt. Col. Cordell has accumulated more than 2,000 hours in more than 40 models of aircraft. His personnel per-sonal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. He lives in California with his wife Deborah and their son Samuel.

New Commander at Test Pilot School

33QuestionInterview

Interviewing: Marilyn Stimey Marilyn is a retired trichologist who used to have a private practice in Alexandria, Va., treating thinning hair and scalp problems before retiring in St. Mary’s County nine years ago.

CT: What was the hardest part of your job as a trichologist?

MS: I’d say it was always very hard when I was faced with a situation that just couldn’t be fi xed, meaning there wouldn’t be any way of re-growing a person’s hair. I’d always feel this sinking in my stomach when I saw a very scarred scalp, for ex-ample, and the person was holding out so much hope that I’d be able to help them grow their hair back. But it’s not always possible, and it’s hard to tell people that.

CT: What did people see you for most often?

MS: Psoriasis and hair loss, mostly, but I remember one time, several years ago, that I had an entire day of people coming in to ask me questions about spray-can hair treatments. I guess it stuck out because I’d recently seen that infomercial, and I guess they saw it too, about that spray-on hair product made with this fi berglass compound that looked like hair when it dried. I don’t recommend that product, by the way.

CT: Do you have any advice for people dealing with thinning hair?

MS: My fi rst order of advice is to ask people to get their blood work checked for any other conditions that can cause thin-ning hair, like thyroid problems. Avoid using lots of styling products, brush your hair 100 strokes a day, because that really helps, and message your scalp, too. And people can always see a trichologist if the problem isn’t getting better. There are a lot of things trichologists can do. The profession itself has come a long way from spray-on hair.

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Navy

Lt. Col. Roger L. Cordell


www.drnenvironmentalsolutions.com22715 Washington St # 213

Leonardtown, MD.

301-475-9300

Is Your Home or

Office Free from Mold

Infestation ?

We are a Certified Environmental & Ecological company that can test, identify and develop remediation protocols for residential and corporate requirements.

Have you noticed unusual stains or growth in any of these areas of your Home? If so, you could have a Mold infestation that is threaten-ing your family’s health and the value of your residence.

If you feel you have a problem in your home or office call us today.

Over 2500 Satisfied Customers and Counting!Serving Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia

(301) 475-9300

Community

“Hi, my name is Stella and I’m an ador-able approximately two year old female

Basset Hound/Spaniel mix. “Friendly” is my middle name and I’ve never met

anyone I didn’t like on four legs or two! I’m very social and love life. I’d be a great family dog. I’m up to date on vaccinations, spayed, house trained,

crate trained, and identifi cation micro chipped.” For more information, please call Second Hope Rescue 240-925-0628 or email [email protected]

LIBRARY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Libraries Close Friday

All three branches will be closed this Friday, May 8, for the annual staff and vol-unteer day.

Reading TogetherChildren and their par-

ents or caregivers can enjoy six interactive reading activi-ties together at Side-by-Side Reading Fun on May 12 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Leonard-town or on May 13 at either Charlotte Hall from 5 to 6 p.m. or Lexington Park from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Geared for children ages 3-7. Registra-tion is requested.

Teen Writing Workshop

Teens, ages 12-18, can register for a free writing workshop conducted by local author Amber Lough on May 18 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Lex-ington Park.

Help for Job Searchers

Each library has created a Job Search Center to help job seekers. Related com-puter classes will also be of-fered Leonardtown: Using e-mail for job searching on May 2, Using the Internet for job searching on May 9 and a resume building class on May

23. Each class starts at 2 p.m. Registration is required. Ba-sic computer classes are also offered.

Summer Volunteers Wanted

Students entering the sixth grade or higher this fall are needed this summer to help register children and give out prizes for the sum-mer reading clubs. Volunteers commit to one two-hour block of time each week for eight weeks starting in mid-June. Applications are due May 22 and can be picked up at any library or downloaded from the library’s teen page.

Nature photographer Ilya Faden will discuss his work at Greenwell’s Sundays in the Park event on Sun-day May 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Knott Lodge while Rosedale Manor receives a fresh coat of paint.

Born in Odessa, Ukraine, in the former Soviet Union, Faden’s interest in art developed early. His fam-ily moved to the United States when he was a child, set-tling in St. Louis, Mo.

Faden received his fi rst camera and light meter when he was 12 years old. Inspired by his father’s life-long passion for photography, Faden’s college experi-ence directed him to achieve a new level of photograph-ic composition.

Faden’s love of nature and sense of adventure have led him to seek subjects throughout the U.S., from the desert of Utah to the forested mountains of New Hamp-shire, hiking, canoeing, driving and sailing to fi nd unique environments.

Sundays in the Park takes place at Greenwell State Park on the second Sunday of every month.

For more information, go to www.greenwellfoun-dation.org.


Moving accounts of the turbulent 1960s and 1970s in St. Mary’s County compiled from interviews with a dozen local resi-dents is now available in the latest volume of “SlackWater”, a journal produced at St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

Called the “Instant City”, the latest volume of nearly 100 pages explores the social, political and economic events of the era using interviews, photo-graphs and art.

One account, “Bay-onne on the Potomac”, tells the story of the successful battle in 1968 to thwart plans by Steuart Petroleum to build a refi nery at Piney Point. The company promised jobs and tax benefi ts, but residents worried about the effect on fi shing and the environment generally. Thanks to “citizen outrage,” the plan was defeat-ed, according to the story in the journal.

Another account, “Blacks Only,” recounts the efforts by

African Americans to improve access to St. Mary’s Hospital after civil rights laws were passed in the 1960s.

“Black people went around in the emergency department to get admitted to St. Mary’s Hospital,” said activist Fred Tal-bert, who died in 2004, in a 1991 interview included in the volume. “Then, when you

went to visit somebody, you had to go up the fi re escape on the outside.”

When the hospital proposed adding a wing, African Americans of-fered to donate to the hospital – on condition they could walk through the front entrance.

“The black people, you know, they paid their share of it. So they put the new wing on,” Talbert recounted.

The late J. Abell Longmore Jr. talked about his experiences in Vietnam in “We Were Told To Just Forget About It, To Just Get On With Life.” Veteran Frank

Maio wrote about his experi-ence in a poem, “Silver Boxes.”

Some of the other entries in-clude “The Potomac River Compa-ny: Was It Given Away?” and “Na-tional Tragedies, Local Memories,”

“Slackwater” is a publication of the SlackWater Center at the col-lege, which explores issues facing Southern Maryland with input from students, faculty and community members. Earlier issues have looked at the buyout of tobacco farming and the decline of oyster harvesting in the region.

Copies of the latest issue can be purchased for $17.95 at the college bookstore or online at www.smc-books.com.

‘SlackWater’ Brings History to Life

STELLA

Final Casting Call

Nature Photographer at Greenwell

The Newtowne Players announce open auditions for the upcoming production of “Shakespeare in Hol-lywood” by Ken Ludwig.

There are parts for eight men and four women. People interested in helping with the technical and sup-port crew are also welcome.

Final male auditions will be held Tuesday, May 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Three Notch Theatre on 21744 South Coral Drive in Lexington Park. Auditions will be readings from the script; no prepared material is necessary.

Anyone who cannot make these times but wants to work either onstage or backstage for this production, please call director Bill Scarafi a at 301-863-2329 and leave a message for a return call.

The play, a blend of farce, fact and fantasy directed by Scarafi a, will be performed July 24 through Aug. 9.

The men’s characters range in age from mid-20s to late 50s or early 60s. Some of the male characters will play multiple roles, and some include Shakespear-ean characters, as well as some dialects.

The play is about Shakespeare’s most famous faer-ies, Oberon and Puck, who somehow take a wrong turn in their travels and magically materialize on a Warner Brothers Hollywood set.

The two are instantly smitten by the glamour and glitz of showbiz and are ushered on to the silver screen to play none other than themselves. This show takes the audience back to 1930s Hollywood, complete with stars, starlets, gossip columnists and movie moguls. For more information, go to www.newtowneplayers.org.

Photo Courtesy of St. Mary’s

College of Maryland Archives

Bumper stickers refl ect the attitude

of St. Mary’s residents to a prop-

sed refi nery at Piney Point in the

1960’s.


BMXBMXApril 26, 2009

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11 Novice Jake Swanson 1 Mason Visele 2 Jonathan Melton 3 Kyle Bryant 4 Kelsey Sweeney 5

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Class Rider Place

&&RecreationRecreation ParksParksSOMDSOMDSt. Mary’s County Rockfi sh Report

By Ken LambContributing Writer

The rock fi shing is red hot in both

the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River as the spawning run is hitting full stride. The cold winter and spring delayed the bulk of the fi sh run by a couple of weeks. This past weekend seemed like the opening day we had expected two weeks ago when the fi sh-ing was uncharacteristically slow. The action will continue to be very good now until the weather gets consistently hot. The forecast of cool, rainy, windy weather for the next ten days will make the fi sh wild.

We had many fi sh brought in for citations (minimum 40 inches) from the Potomac River, the lower Chesa-peake Bay from Point No Point to Point Lookout, and the northern regions from the HI buoy to the Gas Docks.

The big stripers struck white and green umbrellas, tandem rigs, and big

mojos fi shed on dummy lines. The fi sh seem to be on the top or the bottom, but not much in the middle of the water column. The shallower regions in the 20 to 40 foot depths were best, espe-cially in the Potomac River.

There were reports of good hard-head catches in the mouth of the Patux-ent River and on the Chesapeake Bay shore of the Naval Air Station where surfcasters did very well at night on bloodworms and squid.

A 40 inch rockfi sh was reported caught on a cast Rattletrap lure in the mouth of Goose Creek just south of Ce-dar Point. The big fi sh was landed by a surfcaster after a fi fteen minute battle on light tackle.

A few more spots have shown up, but their main migration has not yet begun.

Contributed by Ken Lamb of the Tackle Box, Lexington Park. 301-863-8151.


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

Wed., Apr. 29BaseballLa Plata 4, Great Mills 2Paul VI 9, St. Mary’s Ryken 1

Boys’ LacrosseHuntingtown 18, Chopticon 4

Girls’ LacrosseHuntingtown 19, Chopticon 9Holy Cross 19, St. Mary’s Ryken 11

SoftballLa Plata 2, Great Mills 1St. Mary’s Ryken 6, Holy Cross 0

Thurs., Apr. 30BaseballHuntingtown 7, Great Mills 6

Boys’ LacrosseNorthern 15, Chop-ticon 1St. Mary’s Ryken 9, Broadneck 8 (Overtime)

Girls’ LacrosseNorthern 15, Chop-ticon 6Leonardtown 12, Huntingtown 3

SoftballHuntingtown 10, Great Mills 0

TennisLackey 5, Chopti-con 4Leonardtown 7, Huntingtown 2DeMatha 9, St. Mary’s Ryken 0

Track and Field

Boys

North Point MeetNorth Point 120Leonardtown 77McDonough 35Calvert 22

Thomas Stone MeetThomas Stone 62.5Chopticon 59La Plata 53.5

Girls

North Point meetNorth Point 116Leonardtown 91.5

Calvert 28.5McDonough 21

Thomas Stone meetChopticon 75.5La Plata 72Thomas Stone 27.5

Fri., May 1BaseballChopticon 5, Great Mills 0Leonardtown 5, St. Mary’s Ryken 2

Boys’ LacrosseHarford Tech 16, Great Mills 0Huntingtown 17, Leonardtown 5

Girls’ LacrosseGreat Mills 13, Cal-vert 3Leonardtown 13, St. Mary’s Ryken 8

SoftballChopticon 2, Great Mills 1

Sat., May 2BaseballBishop Ireton 10, St. Mary’s Ryken 5

Boys’ LacrosseBel Air 16, Chopti-con 4

Girls’ LacrosseSt. Mary’s Ryken 11, Northern 5

SoftballSt. Mary’s Ryken 14, Bishop McNa-mara 0

TennisChopticon 5, Great Mills 4

Mon., May 4Boys’ LacrosseHuntingtown 18, Great Mills 3

WCAC First RoundSt. Mary’s Ryken 17, Bishop O’Connell 7

SoftballLeonardtown 14, Westlake 2

Tues., May 5Girls’ LacrosseLeonardtown 17, Patuxent 7

Boston, Mass. – The sixth-ranked St. Mary’s College of Maryland coed sailing team fi nished third at the 2009 Inter-Collegiate Sail-ing Association (ICSA) Eastern Semifi nals (May 2-3) hosted by MIT at Fan Pier in Boston to earn a spot in the ICSA/Gill Coed National Championship which will be hosted in San Francisco by Stanford University and the St. Francis Yacht Club from June 1-3, 2009.

The Eastern and Western Semifi nals, sponsored by Marlow Ropes, PUMA, and US Sailing, qualifi ed the top nine fi nishing schools from each semifi nal into June’s grand fi nale.

All eight schools from the Middle Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Association (MAISA), including St. Mary’s, qualifi ed for nationals as No. 2 Georgetown University captured the Eastern Semifi nals with 77 points. In the West-ern Semifi nals, No. 5 Yale University edged No. 1 Boston College for the title as Yale totaled 64 points and BC had 65.

No. 12 Tufts University outlasted the Se-ahawks as the Jumbos fi nished second with 84 points, while St. Mary’s tallied 85 for third place.

Sophomore Michael Menninger (Newport Beach, Calif.) skippered the B division boat to a fi rst-place fi nish with junior crew Kelly Wilbur (Ipswich, Mass.) as the Seahawks tallied 34 points, six points ahead of No. 3

Roger Williams’ Cy Thompson and Kaytlin Hall.

In A division, junior skipper Jesse Kirk-land (Warwick, Bermuda) fi nished fourth with

sophomore crew Maddie Jackson (Bain-bridge Island, Wash.) as

the duo notched 51 points.

FINAL RESULTS A division = 8 Races • B division = 8 Races A B TOT 1. Georgetown 28 49 77 2. Tufts 41 43 84 3. St. Mary’s 51 34 85 4. Eckerd 45 45 90 5. Roger Williams 53 40 93 6. Stanford 68 60 128 7. US Naval Academy 51 78 129 8. Boston University 62 68 130 9. Old Dominion 81 60 14110. Vermont 79 63 14211. Miami 88 70 15812. UC Santa Barbara 61 98 15913. Univ. of Washington 92 108 20014. Tulane 90 114 20415. Northwestern 114 100 21416. Minnesota 116 114 23017. Texas A&M Galveston 125 108 23318. Michigan 124 116 240

No. 6 Seahawks Advance to ICSA/Gill Coed National Championship


By Chris StevensStaff Writer

LEONARDTOWN – While Monday Evening’s slow start wasn’t exactly the way the St. Mary’s Ryken boys’ lacrosse team hoped to start its run to a Washington Cath-olic Athletic Conference title, a quick time-out by head coach John Sothoron helped right the ship.

“I just said we weren’t playing with any intensity and [Bishop O’Connell] was,” Sothoron said after the Knights rallied from an early 3-0 hole to win their conference quarterfi nal match 17-7.

“They jumped right on us, but then we started to play good lacrosse.”

After spotting the Knights a three-goal lead, Ryken scored four straight goals to close the fi rst period, with Brian Frank, Connor Cook and Austin Spaulding doing the honors.

Ryken, now 11-3-1 on the season, stayed well ahead of O’Connell with a clinic of dead-eye passing, an exhibi-tion Sothoron called “good team lacrosse.”

The gold standard example of that unselfi sh play was senior attacker Addison Goodley. Although he did contribute two goals to Ryken’s total, his impact was felt through his passing, as he racked up seven assists to help the home team advance to a WCAC semi-fi nal showdown at Our Lady of Good Counsel this afternoon at 4 p.m.

“Addison is one of the most unselfi sh players on the team,” Sothoron enthuses.

“He draws the opposing team’s best defender and gets beat up every game, but he takes the hits, comes through and gets the job done.”

Goodley caught a slight break with O’Connell as their top defender was trying to keep up with Cook, but for him,

his playmaking heroics were all in a day’s work.“Our plays are designed for the next pass instead of a

shot,” he explained.“It just worked well for us.”Now the Knights can prepare for the Falcons, who

earned home-fi eld advantage thanks to an 11-10 over-time victory one month ago. Good Counsel also defeated Ryken in last year’s conference semis.

“We’re pumped,” Goodley said when asked about an-other chance at the Falcons.

“We’re ready to go up there and show them that we deserve this.”

Sp rtsLacrosseRaider Girls Clinch

Fourth Straight SMAC Title


LEONARDTOWN – The drama of whether the Leonardtown girls’ lacrosse team could clinch their fourth straight Southern Maryland Ath-letic Conference title was all wet like the weather conditions at Raider Stadium.

The Raiders jumped out to a 7-0 lead and sloshed their way to a 17-7 win over Patuxent Tuesday night, wrapping up an unbeaten regular season (12-0 overall, 11-0 in SMAC play) and clinching the conference champi-onship, one day after fi nding out they earned the No. 1 seed in the Class 4A-3A East Regional playoffs.

“It’ll be nice to play our games at home because we get to see some-body different,” head coach Ken McIlhenny said of a possible semi-fi nal match-up with South River High School next week.

“We played each other in a scrimmage, so neither team is go-ing to have the advan-tage because we know each other. We’ve got-ten better since then and I’m sure they’ve gotten better as well.”

Before a date with the Seahawks, the Raid-

ers will host the winner of Glen Burnie and Meade

High School Saturday, but for senior midfi elder Shannon Bonnel, the com-fort of playing every game at home is very important for Leonardtown.

“It’s a huge advantage to play on our fi eld,” Bonnel said. “We have our fans to support us, so it’s defi nitely a great accomplishment.”

Krista Tippett, who led the Raiders with six goals in Tuesday Night’s win added that playing the duration of the regionals at Raider Stadium was going to feel “comfortable,” and thought that it would help Leonard-town in their quest to make a trip to the state semi-fi nals.

“Each year, we want to take another step up,” she said.Taking another step up will no doubt mean taking on most, if not all,

of Anne Arundel County’s best. But McIlhenny, in his fi rst year as head coach, feels that his girls are ready for the challenge ahead.

“I don’t know how much better we are from last year,” McIlhenny said of last year’s team that fell short in the 4A-3A East semifi nals, “but we’re moving the ball well, our defense is much better and our offense is smarter. They’re playing together as a team.”

For defender Emily Shafer, a fourth straight conference champion-ship would only be surpassed by the Raiders achieving their ultimate goal of being the best in the state of Maryland.

“Winning the SMAC is always nice,” she said, “but we want to win a state championship.”

Goodley’s Lucky Seven Goodley’s Lucky Seven Helps Knights AdvanceHelps Knights Advance

Photo By Chris Stevens





Connor Cook is checked by a Bishop O’Connell defender.

Ryken’s Austin Spaulding makes his move towards the net.

Addison Goodley’s seven assists helped St. Mary’s Ryken advance in the WCAC playoffs Monday afternoon.

Leonardtown’s Claire Tiffany moves the ball downfi eld while the Panthers’ Erin Mooney defends.

The Leonardtown girls’ lacrosse team celebrates their fourth straight SMAC title after a 17-7 win over Patuxent Tuesday afternoon.

The County Times Thursday, May 7, 2009 36Sp rtsHigh School Sports

Schedule 05/07/09-05/13/09

SPRING SPRING SPORTSSPORTS

Thurs., May 7Baseball

McDonough at Great Mills, 4 p.m.

WCAC First Round

St. Mary’s Ryken vs. Bishop McNamara at PGBG Club Sports Park, 5 p.m.

Boys’ Lacrosse

Class 4A-3A East Regional First Round

Leonardtown at North County, 6 p.m.

WCAC Semifi nals

St. Mary’s Ryken at Good Counsel, 4 p.m.

Track and Field

SMAC Championship Meet at Great Mills, 3:30 p.m.

Fri., May 8Softball

Leonardtown at Severna Park, 4 p.m.

Sat., May 9Class 4A-3A East Regional First Round

Chopticon vs. Meade at Severna Park High School, noon

Girls’ Lacrosse

Class 4A-3A East Regional First Round

Chopticon vs. Huntingtown at Severna Park High School, 10 a.m.

Class 4A-3A East Regional Quarterfi nals

Winner of Glen Burnie/Meade at Leonardtown

Track and Field

SMAC Championship Meet at Great Mills, 9 a.m.

BLEACHERSA View From TheA View From The

Celebrating The Soccer Mom

By Ronald N. Guy Jr.Contributing Writer

Genetics, of course, dic-tate that kids will share certain characteristics and interests with their parents. Aside from the genetic hard wiring though, kids also keep a keen eye and an attentive ear on their par-ents. They watch how mom and dad interact, pick up on sayings and mannerisms (an occasionally unsettling reality for parents when their little 4-year-old tape recorder returns a dead-on delivery of a not-so-attractive phrase that may have slipped out in the heat of the

moment) and are attune to par-ents’ extra curricular interests.

I’m far from a behavioral scientist, but I don’t think it is stretch to say kids have an in-nate desire to be like and spend time with their parents. This desire creates a tendency, con-sciously or not, for kids to take an interest in activities that will create a common bond and will result in more time spent with their mother or father. When it comes to creating an initial interest in sports, dads tradi-tionally get most of the credit. For aspiring young athletes, particularly sons, there’s prob-ably nothing more infl uential than seeing their father com-

peting in a sport. Through the eyes of a seven-year-old boy, a father walking off a softball fi eld dirty, bloodied and victo-rious is proof that superheroes do exist. Following not so far behind that infl uential visual are evenings spent with dad shooting hoops in the backyard and rooting for the home team either from the living room or from seats at the local ballpark. That said, fathers unquestion-ably play a huge role in open-ing the eyes of their children to the incredibly rich, rewarding and educational experiences of athletics. Yet, with all due respect, dads tend to get a little too much press.

Without question, the fam-ily rhythm has changed over the last generation or two. As the pace of society has increased, the division of professional and domestic duties between mother and father has blurred out of sheer necessity. To-day, mothers bring home their share of the bacon and fathers do things around the house that leave fathers of prior gen-erations scratching their heads in puzzlement. Despite the evolvement of the family unit, there’s still a tendency to under-appreciate the role mothers play in dovetailing and sustaining a child’s interest in sports: need-less to say, the role goes way beyond the stereotype of the mini-van pilot making obliga-tory round trips to the weekly soccer games.

First, while it still remains more common for fathers to be the ones involved in and watch-ing sports, the growth of wom-en’s athletics has made it much more likely for mothers to have their own athletic endeavors. So that aforementioned image of the victorious parent/super-hero exiting the fi eld of play is far from being father-exclusive. This expanded personal role in athletics has neither compro-mised, nor has it come at the expense of, the more traditional roles mothers fi ll.

Moms are typically still the ones that ensure uniforms are ship-shape, cleats fi t and the team fund-raisers are sup-ported. Beyond these often overlooked essentials, athletics introduce children to an array of experiences - winning and losing, working within a team concept, dealing with person-alities of teammates or oppo-nents, or the disappointment of not playing a particular po-sition or not making the team – that create questions and stir emotions from kids that de-mand wide-ranging skills from parents.

While dads are good at providing lessons or critiquing performance – such as explain-ing the importance of hitting behind runners on fi rst and sec-ond, the intricacies of the zone defense or why laying up on a par fi ve wasn’t the best play – they…or we…aren’t the most intuitive creatures. Sometimes kids need, at least initially, a big hug or a pat on the back. Dads may be willing to deliver, but when this is what a kid needs, most still turn to their mothers. Maybe that’s why even profes-sional athletes, after a scoring a TD or during a post-game inter-view, always say hi to mom. So for all the moms out there who have done or are doing the drill of keeping our youth smiling and engaged in sports, thank you and happy Mother’s Day.

Send your comments to [email protected]

SPECIAL NOTE:All high school, recreational and

youth league coaches, if you would like the scores, statistics

and standings from your respec-tive games and leagues to be published, contact Chris Ste-

vens at 301-373-4125 or at [email protected]


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MORGANZA – As the regular season winds to a close and the 3A South Regional Playoffs begin later this week, the Chopticon

baseball team feels that their pitching staff measures up favorably to anyone in their bracket.

“Our staff is incredible,” said senior Tyler Summers, who pitched a complete-game shutout as the Braves defeated county rival Great Mills 5-0 Friday afternoon.

“We have three starters and three or four guys who can fi ll in and relief, I think our team ERA is only 1.8 this year.”

Summers helped that earned-run average stay low by limiting the Hornets to just fi ve hits with no runners getting past second base. At the plate, he smacked two solid singles to score runs, one of three con-secutive such hits in the second inning to give Chopticon all the runs they would need.

For Braves coach Steve

Williams, while Summers’ all-around great day played a part in Chopticon’s win, he felt third baseman Austin Murphy’s lead-off single against Hornet ace Carlos Cruz was key for Chopticon’s offensive fortunes.

“I think Austin’s hit set the tone, it let us know that we could hit this kid,” Williams said.

“We beat them the fi rst time playing small ball,” Summers said of Chopticon’s 3-2 sea-son-opening win in March. “Austin battled and when he got that hit, we looked at that and said ‘OK, [Cruz] is hittable.’”

After Murphy’s double, Steven Shorter, playing shortstop this particular afternoon, drove in Murphy with a solid single and sub-sequently stole second base. Summers then brought him home on another single to give Chopticon a 2-0 lead.

Their next turn at bat, the Braves really poured it on as Shorter, Summers and catcher Mitchell Seifert hit run-scoring singles and Chopticon (12-6 overall, 9-6 in Southern Mary-land Athletic Conference action) cruised from there.

“Chopticon played very well,” said Hor-nets coach Steve Wolfe. “They hit the ball well and we couldn’t match their offense. That’s what it came down to.”

Wolfe felt that Cruz’s Friday struggles were due to frustration, a feeling brought out by the umpire’s strike zone.

“He was frustrated with the umpire because when he got the ball up, they started hitting,” Wolfe said.

“If the umpire’s going to call one spot a strike, well then guess what? I’m going to keep it right there.”

Wolfe also believes that the Hornets will be fi ne once they settle down at the plate, as he was encouraged by the hits they picked up in the latter part of Fri-day’s game.

“I think you’ll see that a lot, teams pressing at the plate,” Wolfe explained.

“Once our guys fi gured it out, we started hitting and putting guys on base.”

As for Chopticon, they look forward to the playoff challenge ahead.

“We had a tough week,” Summers said of a four games in fi ve days stretch that concluded with Friday’s win. “We’re almost ready.”

Summers Blanks and Batters Great Mills

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Great Mills’ Will Anderson fouls off a pitch in the fi rst inning of Friday afternoon’s baseball game at Chopticon.

The Braves’ Kyle King follows the fl ight of his sacrifi ce fl y during Chopticon’s 5-0 win over Great Mills on Friday.


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Education, Teamwork Drew Ryken’s Sanusi

to Hartwick


Sure, St. Mary’s Ryken senior Seun Sanusi has a gift for the game of soccer, as evidenced by his plentiful contribu-tions to the Knights’ 12-win season this past fall.

However, his father T.J., like most parents, believes that education is the key.

“That is what I preach in my house-hold, and they [his children] know that,” the elder Sanusi said as Seun signed his letter of intent to play soccer at Hartwick College Thursday, April 23.

“Seun made a good choice because Hartwick is a good school academically, and he’s coming from a small school en-vironment and going to another small school environment.”

“I think I’m ready,” Sanusi says, “because Ryken is like a mini-college anyway.”

Seun also drew interest from George Washington University, but chose Hart-wick, located in Oneota, N.Y., for the small class size and the immediate bond he formed with the returning players on the team during his unoffi cial and offi cial visits.

“When you’re comfortable, when you don’t have a feeling like you don’t be-long there, you play better,” Sanusi says.

The class size, a ratio of 12 students to one professor, was a key factor in his

decision, with his father believing that would help Seun’s transition immensely.

“When you’re at a school that has maybe 250 students to one teacher, kids tends to get lost,” he explains.

Seun doesn’t feel like he’ll be lost so-cially as well as athletically. As a mem-ber of the D.C. United Academy, Sanusi felt the team held its own with the Major League Soccer club, losing by a score of 1-0 in an exhibition game.

Sanusi will be joining a Hawks program that ranks among the Top 10 NCAA Division I schools in tournament wins and fi nished with a record 7-5-7 last year.

Educationally, he will major in ei-ther computer engineering or computer science, as he enjoys working on various software programs.

“I’ve always been interested in com-puters, since I was 10 years old,” he says.

Another added bonus is that because of Hartwick’s close relationship with neighboring Cornell University, Sanusi will head to the Ivy League school for his graduate studies.

With his future awaiting him and a career path set, Seun Sanusi doesn’t plan to stress the opportunity to play soccer professionally.

“If it comes, it comes. If it doesn’t, that’s fi ne,” he says.

“I’m using soccer to get into college. The academics are more important.”


Accompanied by his father T.J., Athletic Directors Mike Vosburgh and Chris Perkinson, St. Mary’s Ryken’s Seun Sanusi signs his letter of intent to play men’s soccer at Hartwick College.

THURSDAYTHURSDAY MAY 7, 2009MAY 7, 2009

Photo By Frank MarquartPhoto By Frank Marquart

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The County Times -- May 07, 2009

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