2013-12-12 The County Times

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The County Times
We cant possibly county everybody, not everybody comes out of the woods and not everyone comes out on the street corners.
Three Oaks shelter Director Lanny Lancaster on counting the homeless in St. Marys County.
4 Local News 10 Cops & Courts 12 Business 14 Letters 16 Education 18 Newsmaker 20 Feature Story 22 Wedding Announcements 23 Sports 24 Obituaries 26 Community 30 Book Review 31 Senior 31 History 32 Community Calendar 34 Entertainment 35 Entertainment Calendar 36 Classifieds 37 Business Directory 38 Games 39 Wanderings of an Aimless Mind 39 Health 39 Joyce to the World
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NEWS
Local
Commissioners Vote for Metro Designation Under Duress

Commissioner Todd Morgan (RLexington Park) slammed the requirement to join the MPO as a mere contrivance of the federal government for purposes of pushing more control down on local governments. Im vehemently opposed to this, Morgan said. This is one of the most ridiculously gerrymandered maps Ive ever seen. Its pure blackmail. According to the federal government the combined communities of Southern Calvert and here in St. Marys in the development district have the population density to be considered a priority transportation planning center. This means the counties are compelled to cooperate together on transportation planning and improvements in the long-term. Elected leaders here protested because to create the area envisioned in the planning area the base at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, which does not abide by local transportation dictates, was included as was Chesapeake Ranch Estates in Lusby which receives no funding for its own road maintenance because it is a private community. Commissioner Cindy Jones (RValley Lee) likened the actions of the federal government to putting a gun to the head of local officials by threatening to cut off funding for transportation projects. County staff showed how the federal government had already been withholding funds in anticipation that the county would sign on to the agreement. Public works Director George Erichsen said that since July the county has been spending money to keep the public bus system the STS running but without the promise of reimbursement from federal and state sources it has long depended on. Of the $3.9 million budgeted for the STS system the county had applied for grants from the federal government, some of which passed through the state government, but had been rebuffed. Erichsen said the federal government had withheld about $1.35 million in STS funding until the agreement had been signed. They returned our requests for reimbursements unfulfilled, Erichsen said. guyleonard@countytimes.net
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The Board of County Commissioners have spent the past year trying to contact state and federal transportation agencies to find ways to avoid signing onto a pact that designates much of the Lexington Park Development District and parts of Southern Calvert County as a federally mandated transportation planning zone. Their efforts failed; Tuesday the commissioners voted to become part of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) required by the U.S. Census Bureau and the federal Department of Transportation on pain of losing transportation dollars. I just want to say for the record this motion was made under duress, said Commissioner Larry Jarboe (R-Golden Beach).
No Permits for Pools

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to approve a text amendment to the zoning ordinance that eliminates the need for a permit to install a portable above ground pool or spa. Commissioners acted to roll back the regulations after dozens of citizens who had been cited by code enforcement officials working for the Department of Land Use and Growth Management complained to elected officials at a public forum. Land use officials said none of the property owners who received citations were actually fined. The pools will still have to abide by the rules set down in the building code but a pool wall of four feet will suffice as a required barrier, land use officials said. In ground pools still require a permit and are not exempted under the new rules; pools that are within 1,000 feet of the critical areas of the Chesapeake Bay watershed may still require an environmental permit, as well. guyleonard@countytimes.net
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Norris Says She Wont Run for Treasurers Seat

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer County Treasurer Janette Norris, 66, said this will be her last term as the chief property tax collector of St. Marys County. After 20 years on the job she has decided not to seek reelection, she told The County Times last week. Im not running again, she said. Im 66 years old Im ready to spend more time with my family. I love this job but its time for someone else to do it. Norris, who is the wife of former Janette Norris Leonardtown Mayor J. Harry Chip Norris, won her last reelection bid against the challenge of Daniel H. Raley, who in 2010 was a termlimited county commissioner. He ran on the platform of modernizing the treasurers office and specifically hit Norris on the fact that her employees do not have any kind of voice mail system at the office. She said the sheer volume of calls her office received, especially around the time when property taxes came due, would have made it impossible for her staff to return all of the voice mails in a timely manner. It was better for customers to continue calling until they got in touch with one of her staff, she said. Norris, a Democrat, handily won her last reelection bid with 4,313 votes to Raleys 1,644; a margin of victory of 72 percent in the primary challenge. There was no Republican challenger that year. The race encouraged her to make some changes to the treasurers office but she steadfastly refused to use a voice mail system. Up until Raleys challenge, Norris had never faced an opponent
NEWS
Charlotte Hall Athletic Field Project Nears Completion
By Kay Poiro Staff Writer Construction continues on the project to add three multipurpose athletic fields adjacent to Fifth District Park and Lettie M. Dent Elementary School. Topsoil and compost installation was completed in October. Final seeding will take place in the fall of 2014. During the Department of Recreation and Parks meeting last Thursday, Brian Loewe, Director of Recreation and Parks for St. Marys County, reported that in addition to county recreation leagues being able to use the fields for their use, nearby schools will also benefit from the additional fields. According to the department, the Charlotte Hall Athletic Fields will be used for youth soccer, football and lacrosse practice to meet the growing demand in the New Market, Charlotte Hall and Golden Beach areas. The new fields are anticipated to be ready for use in Spring 2015. kaypoiro@countytimes.net
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for her seat. Norris started working in the treasurers office years before she actually successfully ran for the seat and called it a good, hard job for little money. She said that whoever ran for the job would have the employees to run an efficient and effective office. I leave behind an extremely professional and well trained staff, Norris said. Im just sorry that no one from the office is going to run. guyleonard@countytimes.net
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NEWS
Morgan Files for Dist. 29A Seat
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Matt Morgan, who nearly defeated Democrat John F. Wood for his Dist. 29 A seat in the state House of Delegates in 2010 is taking another shot at elected office. He filed earlier this week for the same race and now claims St. Marys County residency so he can run for the position after portions of it were eliminated for his former Charles County during last years redistricting process. Morgan, who calls himself a political outsider, is reiterating his message of lowering taxes and restricting spending in Annapolis. But he also said he would work against legislation that chaffed against more conservative values. The problem, of reckless over-spending causing massive tax hikes, that prompted me to run in 2010, still exists and is even worse today, Morgan said in a prepared statement. Our state government is dragging Maryland in a direction that is unsustainable both economically and socially, from the never-ending tax hikes and deficit spending, to the gun-grab legislation and top-down approach of the commoncore curriculum in education. Morgan also favors a two-thirds majority in the legislature before taxes can be raised and also would support a legislative repeal of the restrictive gun law passed this year that bans many assault weapons and restricts handgun sales. If the court doesnt overturn that then the legislature should, Morgan said. It should be repealed in its entirety. He said he supports a popular referendum on the gun issue if the legislature fails to act. The voters have never spoken on it, he said. While he favors economic growth through business development he was wary of heavy residential building in
Forum Encourages Legislation to Fix Unfair Treatment of Pit Bulls

By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Animal welfare activists from all over Southern Maryland came out on Dec. 3 to discuss breed specific legislation in the aftermath of the Solesky v. Tracey court ruling. The St. Marys Animal Welfare League (SMAWL) hosted the event in Leonardtown. Maryland Senior State Director for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS-Maryland) Tami Santelli led the discussion. Attendance was good, with more than 30 attendees, including Senator Roy Dyson, Former Calvert County Delegate Sue Kullen and representatives from the tri-county animal shelter and the Golden Retriever Rescue of Southern Maryland, according to SMAWL Board of Directors President Katie Warner. Community concerns included needed renovations and upgrades to the tri county animal shelter and an increase in the intake of pit bulls following the Solesky v. Tracey court ruling, which singles pit bulls out as being inherently dangerous and making owners liable for all incidents involving the breed, Warner said. In all other cases involving dog bites or attacks, where owners are only held liable if they had prior knowledge of their dogs nature and possible violent tendencies, she said. Following the ruling, shelters saw an increase in the number of pit bulls and pit bull mixes as landlords began forcing the eviction of the breed, Warner said. The group is hopeful legislation will be passed in the upcoming session to address the issues, said attendee Duwane Rager. The forum was the last in a series of eight, Santelli said. In follow-up information sent out to attendees, Santelli urged individuals to call their legislators and set up meetings with them before they go back to Annapolis on Jan. 8, 2014. Many of them have district offices and meet with constituents in their community during the interim, so this is a great time to reach out, Santelli said. For more information, or to find ways to get involved, like B-More Dog on Facebook at www. facebook.com/bmoredog, HSUS-Maryland at www. facebook.com/HSUSMaryland or SMAWL at www. facebook.com/smawl. So much great information is available through social media and its the best way to get up-to-the minute details, Santelli said. For more information about SMAWL, visit www. smawl.org. Humane Lobby Day will be in Annapolis on Feb. 4, 2013. sarahmiller@countytimes.net
Matt Morgan
places like Charlotte Hall where residents have voiced fears that its being named a designated growth area would spoil its more rural nature. On transportation he wanted to ensure road improvements in Charlotte Hall and also wanted to secure funding for improving Route 5 through Leonardtown. guyleonard@countytimes.net
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Numbers of Homeless in County Difficult to Pin Down

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer As the days grow shorter and the nights grow colder social services agencies here are preparing to assess just how many people in St. Marys County are homeless but the varying levels these people live on makes it difficult to find out just how bad the problem is. Next month service agency employees here and in Charles and Calvert counties will conduct what is known as a point in time survey of the homeless in the tri-county area that the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires if any of the jurisdictions are to get grant funding for housing assistance. But social service workers here say it is a poor gauge of the problem. Lanny Lancaster, director of the Three Oaks homeless shelter in Lexington Park, said the survey required by HUD could not possibly account for all the homeless in St. Marys County let alone the other Southern Maryland jurisdictions simply because there were not enough workers to count them in such a limited time. And the homeless were not always there to see. We cant possibly county everybody, not everybody comes out of the woods and not everyone comes out on the street corners, Lancaster said. The point in time numbers for 2013, taken in January, show 297 homeless people in St. Marys, Lancaster said but he believed that the real number could be double that. Not everyone who is homeless is outdoors, either, he said, since some are designated as couch surfers who stay at their friends home or find someone who they can pay to allow them shelter. Once the money runs out, he said, they could then be searching for another home and these types of homeless are not counted in a point in time survey. Three Oaks shelter receives a significant amount of money from HUD each year, about $690,000, which they would not get without completing the survey. But Three Oaks own numbers on the homeless are far more meaningful, Lancaster said. Records show that for fiscal 2013 the shelter served 1,003 people who were in some stage of homelessness, with some eventually finding shelter. Lancaster said Three Oaks is projecting that for fiscal 2014, the current fiscal year, the shelter will assist some 1,200 who are somewhere in the homelessness continuum. Its a moving target, Lancaster said. Laura Webb, community engagement manager for Walden Sierra, Inc., said in the two years that the Beacon of Hope center in Lexington Park has been open all kinds of people have been seeking assistance for drug abuse, domestic violence and homelessness at a steady rate. Of the 450 who have come for help so far this year, she said, about 20 percent claimed homelessness as their main problem but she believed the number who actually suffer that could be higher. She said the number of young people, between the ages of 18 to 25, is significant. Were seeing a lot of scenarios with no one more predominant than the other, Webb said. Sara Martin, administrator for the Lexington Park United Methodist Church and coordinator for the WARM nights program (Wrapping Arms Round Many) said there were an average of 13
NEWS
people staying in church shelters since the program started in November. In the program one church in a cooperative network takes the needy in for one week with about 20 to 25 beds available. There are so many on the verge of being homeless, Martin said, but the number of people who could come to the program is likely to increase as the temperatures drop at night. Towards the beginning of the season were always lighter [on occupancy], she said. guyleonard@countytimes.net
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Prepare for Weather-Related Outages

Keep flashlights and fresh batteries on hand. Stock nonperishable foods and keep a manual can opener handy. The ideal choices are foods that require no cooking, such as fruit, canned tuna, peanut butter, crackers, cereals, cereal bars, canned soup, and bread. Do not stock your refrigerator or freezer with foods that may perish during a power outage. If you plan to use a charcoal or gas grill for cooking, keep the grill outdoors. If your water at home is supplied by a well, store extra water in clean jugs, bathtubs, or laundry tubs. Keep a battery-powered radio with fresh batteries and stay tuned to local news bulletins and weather reports. Keep fresh batteries in your smoke detectors. Make sure that you have a standard phone available. Cordless phones do not work without electricity. If you use a cell phone, an auto adapter may be needed to recharge your phone. If you plan to use a portable generator, use extension cords to connect what you want to power directly to the generator. Place your generator outside, not in a crawl space or in a basement. Make sure your generator is connected safely; a generator that is not connected safely can cause serious injury or death. When your power comes back on, turn off and disconnect your generator immediately. Keep your automobile gas tank above half full. As in preparing for any other emergency, maintain a supply of cash. Credit cards and ATM machines may not work if the power is out.
Southern Maryland faces potential severe weather on Sunday. Area residents may want to take steps to prepare for possible weather-related power outages. Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) is monitoring weather forecasts, and co-op crews are prepared to restore power if outages occur. SMECOs outage restoration policy is to make repairs that will restore service to the most people in the least amount of time. Transmission lines and substations are repaired first, followed by distribution lines that feed neighborhoods. Tap lines and individual service lines are then repaired to restore power to customers who may still be without electricity. Customers can view a two-minute video, Preparing for a Power Outage to help them take steps to get ready in case an outage occurs. Customers can see the video on the co-ops website at www.smeco.coop.
If your power goes out:

Call SMECOs Outage Hotline at 1-877-74-SMECO or 1-877-747-6326. Turn off all the major appliances in your home, especially the heat pump. This will prevent damage to the appliances once the power is restored. Then, try not to turn everything back on at once; turn on appliances gradually so the electric demand does not jump suddenly. Make sure the oven and stove are off to prevent fires if the power comes back on while youre away. Open the freezer and refrigerator as little as possible. This will help food stay fresh longer. Never touch downed power lines or attempt to remove trees from power lines. Contact with live power lines may result in serious injury or death. Let qualified SMECO crews handle the clearing and repair work. Please report downed power lines to SMECO immediately by calling 1-888-440-3311.
The following is a list of steps customers can take to prepare for power interruptions:
If someone in your household depends on electricity to operate life support systems, make plans for alternate sources of power or alternate lodging. Call SMECOs special needs information number: 1-866524-9402. In addition, check with your local fire de partment, which may offer temporary shelter.
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Due to the installation of new flooring the Leonard Hall Recreation Center in Leonardtown will be closed until Friday, Dec. 20. The new flooring will be installed in the arena and adjacent wellness room. All programs will be canceled and the arena and wellness room will be closed during this time. Family Skate Night, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 14, is also canceled. Family Skate Night will resume on Saturday, Dec. 21. For more information regarding current news with St. Marys County Recreation & Parks Department, please visit www.stmarysmd.com/recreate.
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Cops & COURTS Fugitive from Texas Captured Here in St. Marys
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer A man who police say was on the run for aggravated sexual assault of a child in Texas has been captured by local police. Local detectives say they received a warrant from the Liberty County Sheriffs Office and were able to find out where Felix Alexandro Pinto, Jr., 26, of California was staying and arrest him on the Texas charges. Capt. Ken Defoor, of the Liberty County sheriffs office, said Pinto faces two other charges of kidnapping and enticing a child to leave Texas after he allegedly met a 14-yearold girl on the Internet back in May of 2011. Defoor said while the girl communicated with Pinto online she told him that she was dissatisfied with her life in Texas; Pinto said he would come down to Texas to meet her and bring her back to Maryland. Shortly thereafter Pinto and another person arrived in Texas, Defoor said. One day the girls grandmother delivered her to school and she turned right
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around and got into a car with them, Defoor said. The three Pinto were stopped in Gulf Port, Mississippi on a traffic violation and as the investigating deputy asked more questions about where they were going they informed Texas authorities about the girls location. Defoor said DNA evidence taken from Pinto indicated that he had some kind of alleged sexual encounter with the girl, who is now 16, and led to the sexual assault charge being added to the kidnapping and enticing charges. Extradition proceedings are currently ongoing, Defoor said. Pintos father Felix Alexandro Pinto, 57, is currently serving a 40-year sentence after taking a guilty plea in 2010 on charges of sexually abusing a minor several times over a period of years. guyleonard@countytimes.net
Leonardtown Man Charged With Attempted Murder

injuries but police later said that she was able to speak to them regarding the assault. Less than a month ago police arWitnesses say that a man charged with trying to kill a woman rived at Hutchings Deerfield Road at her Valley Lee home Dec. 5 was residence in Leonardtown for allesharpening the knife he used in the gations he had assaulted Hayden. On Nov. 13 she alleged to poalleged attempted murder as they drove him to her residence, all the lice that after an argument he had thrown her against the wall of the while threatening to cut her throat. bedroom of his resiPatrick Hutching, dence and then grabbed 31, of Leonardtown reher by the throat and mains incarcerated at the threw her to the ground, countys adult detention demanding that she center without bail after leave. his alleged assault on his Hutching admitgirlfriend Bridgette Faye ted to the argument but Hayden. denied the assault alHe faces charges of legations, according to attempted murder, firstcharging documents, degree assault and secand reportedly resisted ond-degree assault. Hutching arrest by officers when When police responded to the scene on Lanedon they tried to handcuff him and take Drive they found Hayden laying him to the detention center. Hutching was released on bond on the ground and bleeding heavily from a deep cut in her neck, ac- four days later. His is the second case in recent cording to charging documents filed memory of a man being charged against Hutching in District Court. Police found that just before the with brutally assaulting his girlassault she had been in an argument friend in a domestic violence row over the phone with Hutching, with only to be let out shortly thereafter whom she has a past of alleged do- to continue assailing her. On Oct. 21 John Otha Dickens, mestic violence. Two witnesses, Stacy Sboto Jr. was arrested for allegedly asand Harold Starr, said they drove saulting his girlfriend but the secHutching to Haydens home and told ond and more violent attack police police they saw him sharpen the said occurred the very next day and knife he is alleged to have used and resulted in a veteran sheriffs deputy firing twice at Dickens. threaten to severely injure Hayden. Dickens had been released on After they had dropped him off, police say Hutching called Sbo- bail after the first alleged assault to and told her he had just killed by court commissioners and when the victim and needed their help to he returned to his girlfriend and allegedly assaulted her, her child and get rid of the body. Sboto returned to the residence, a friend, he was arrested after bepolice said, believing Hayden had ing shot and then released from jail been joking; she found the victim again on a lower bail. States Attorney Richard Fritz bleeding out on the ground instead. When police caught up with filed a motion to have Dickens bond the defendant he told them he had revoked for having violated an earargued with Hayden before the as- lier protective order and the defensault, according to charging docu- dant was taken off the streets for a ments, and that he had gotten rid third time to remain incarcerated. of the clothes we had been wearing and the knife he had used after the guyleonard@countytimes.net assault. Hayden was transported to a trauma center for life-threatening By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
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The County Times
Police Charge Man In Home Invasion

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Local sheriffs detectives have arrested a Lexington Park man they say was part of a group that stormed a Sue Drive residence during the spring, severely assaulted the man and woman living there and stole numerous items before leaving. Keyonte Tarez Robinson, 20, remains incarcerated at the county adult detention center and faces charges of first-degree assault, second-degree assault, robbery and first-degree burglary for the April 21 home invasion. According to police charging documents filed in county District Court, Robinson, also known by the street name Killa, along with three other black males broke into the home of Oralia and Mario Hernandez-Gonzalez and began to beat them repeatedly. The four stole several items and fled the residence, police stated in court papers, but the two victims, who did not speak English, did not immediately report the crime. Police found the two victims at MedStar St. Marys seeking treatment. Gonzalez suffered lacerations to her left eye, broken nose and a cut on her leg; further a scan revealed she had severe fractures in her face and had two brain hemorrhages. Hernandez-Gonzalez suffered injuries to his face and had lacerations on his lip, eyebrow and in his eye, police reported, that necessitated his transport to a specialist care facility. Police interviewed the victims who reported the four intruders had stolen several valuable rings, a cellular telephone, a plasma screen television, several necklaces
Cops & COURTS

made of either platinum and gold and $260 in cash. A witness to the crime who lived in a nearby home on Sue Drive and was a member of what police are calling the street gang, told law officers the four suspects came to their residence immediately after the robbery and told them that they had thrown a bicycle at the victims face and beat him up, charging documents stated. The witness identified the four alleged assailants as Robinson, Erick Nathaniel Wilson, Michael Chavez Chuang, and Tabias Lee Robinson. The other three are all suspects in robberies during the summer months, police alleged. guyleonard@countytimes.net
SHERIFFS BLOTTER
The following information is compiled directly from publicly released police reports.
On Dec. 5 Deputy Beishline assigned to the Lexington Park COPs UNIT, responded to the McKays Food Store on Great Mills Road for a reported theft. Loss Prevention personnel observed Kristal Nicole Phares, 26, of Lexington Park, place items of merchandise in her purse then left without paying for them. The value of the items was over $40.00. Phares was charged by Criminal Citation with Theft Under $100. On Dec. 5 Deputy Bankhead was assisting another deputy with an investigation when Denise Lee Nora Strain, 50, of no fixed address, began acting in a disorderly manner causing a crowd to gather. Despite several orders to move away or leave the area, Strain stood in close proximity to deputies as they attempted to place another subject under arrest. Strain was advised she was under arrest at which time she pulled away from deputies and resisted arrest. After a brief struggle, Strain was placed into custody and transported to the St. Marys County Detention Center. She was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest, and Failure to Obey Lawful Order. The subject being arrested at the time of this incident, identified as Walter Jerome Ford, 48, of no fixed address, was in violation of an active protective order. Ford was transported to the St. Marys County Detention Center and charged with Violation Protective Order by Deputy Schultz. On Dec. 6 deputies responded to a residence in Hollywood for a reported domestic assault. The victim alleged the suspect, Paul Allen Unkle, 37, of Hollywood, assaulted the victim with his fists. Unkle then assaulted a male subject when he tried to intervene. The suspect had fled the scene prior to the deputys arrival. Corporal Raddatz and Deputy First Class Green observed fresh evidence of injury on both victims and were obtaining details of the altercation when Unkle emerged from a nearby wooded area. Unkle charged Corporal Raddatz and struck him in the face. A struggle between Unkle and Corporal Raddatz ensued. During the struggle, Unkle attempted to remove Corporal Raddatzs
duty handgun from the holster. Additional deputies arrived on the scene to assist, however Unkle continued to resist. He was eventually taken into custody. Unkle was transported to the St. Marys County Detention Center by Deputy C. Shomper. A secondary search was conducted by detention center staff who lo cated an amount of suspected marijuana in Unkles pocket. Further investigation into the domestic assault revealed, Unkle who is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing regulated firearms, had been in possession of a shotgun and an SKS assault rifle. Unkle was charged with Possession of a Regulated Firearm, Disarm Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting Arrest, 2nd Degree Assault 3 counts, Possess Contraband in place of Confinement, and Possession Controlled Dangerous Substance Marijuana. On Dec. 6 Deputy Lance responded to a residence on Columbus Drive in Lexington Park, for a reported assault. A witness alleged he saw suspect Michael Shane Swales, 41, of Lexington Park, push the victim to the ground during an argument. Deputy Lance contacted the victim and observed fresh evidence of injury on her body and face. Swales was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Marys County Detention Center. He was charged with 2nd Degree Assault. On Dec. 7 Deputy Rogers conducted a vehicle stop in the area of Three Notch Road and Town Creek Drive in Lexington Park. Upon contacting the driver, Deputy Rogers detected an odor of burning marijuana. Corporal Rishel and his K9 partner conducted a scan of the vehicle, which resulted in a positive alert. A probable cause search of the suspect vehicle located an amount of suspected marijuana inside a jacket. The operator, identified as Deontre Trycell Shade, 19, of Callaway, was placed under arrest and charged with Possession Controlled Dangerous Substance Marijuana by Criminal Citation. On Dec. 8 Corporal Connelly responded to the Kohls Department Store in reference to a reported theft. Loss
Prevention personnel observed three suspects select electronic gaming merchandise and enter the fitting room. The three exited the fitting room without the merchandise then exited the store. Deputy Teague was able to identify two of the three suspects, who were juveniles. A short time later, Game Stop in California, Maryland called the Sheriffs Office reporting three suspicious subjects attempting to sell gaming equipment. Corporal Connelly responded to the store and located the three subjects with the stolen merchandise from Kohls. Suspect Kaitlyn Deloris Fraley, 18, of Lexington Park, was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Marys County Detention Center. She was charged with Theft Under $1,000.00. The remaining two suspects were also charged by juvenile petition. On Dec. 7 Corporal Kirkner responded to a residence in Lexington Park, for a reported domestic assault. The victim alleged during an argument, the suspect identified as Keysha Chennell Thomas, 34, of Lexington Park, struck the victim in the face. Thomas also kit the victim in the chest and arm in an effort to prevent the victim from leaving. Corporal Kirkner observed fresh evidence of injury on the victim. Thomas was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Marys County Detention Center. She was charged with 2nd Degree Assault. On Dec. 6 the Emergency Communications Center received a 9 1 1 call for a robbery at the Jug Head Liquors in California, Maryland. Dispatch provided a lookout for the suspect and a description. Deputy Foor located a subject matching the description in the area. The investigation revealed a subject entered the store and used a ruse to cause the employee to move away from the counter and cash register. The employee then saw the suspect behind the counter, the cash register open, and money missing (over $600.00). The subject detained by Deputy Foor, Randy Alan Boarman, 27, of no fixed address, was subsequently identified as the person who committed the crime. Boarman was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Marys County
Detention Center. He was charged with Robbery, Theft Under $1,000, and Theft Under $100.00 by Deputy Flerlage. On Dec. 9 Deputy Bankhead responded to the Kohls Department Store for a reported theft in progress. Loss Prevention personnel observed two suspects select electronic items of merchandise and enter the fitting room. They subsequently exited the fitting rooms without the items. The female then entered the bathroom, removed items of merchandise from packaging, and conceal them inside her purse. The female suspect, identified as Deborah Marie Jackson, 29, of Lexington Park, was located and placed under arrest. The male suspect, identified as Randall Cody Floyd, 22, of Lexington Park, was located outside seated in a vehicle in possession of stolen merchandise. Floyd was placed under arrest. The value of the stolen merchandise was over $900. Both were transported to the St. Marys County Detention Center and charged with Theft Under $1,000 and Malicious Destruction of Property Under $500. On Dec. 9 Deputy Vezzosi responded to a residence in Lexington Park, for a reported assault. During a domestic related argument suspect John Edward Clopper 3rd, 31, of Lexington Park, threw a phone at the victim. The phone struck the victim and cause fresh evidence of injury. Clopper was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Marys County Detention Center. He was charged with 2nd Degree Assault. On Dec. 9 Deputy Shane Cameron responded to the area of Three Notch Road in Mechanicsville, for the report of a theft. The victim reported suspect David William Deangelis, 45, of Huntingtown, Md., had stolen a registration plate from her vehicle and she had seen him operating his vehicle the registration plate attached. Deputy Cameron stopped the suspects vehicle and contacted Deangelis who was operating the vehicle. The North Carolina registration plate was confirmed stolen and Deangelis was charged with Theft Under $100 by Criminal Citation.
The County Times
12
Business News
Precise Systems, Inc. of Lexington Park, Md., announces the return of Pete Williams to the organizations leadership ranks. Williams will take over as Vice President of Technology, where he will be responsible for overall management of the design, development and implementation of organizational information systems, software applications, and knowledge management systems. In addition, he will be responsible for expanding the business base of the engineering and logistics support services offered at Precise Systems. In 2010, Williams left his position as Senior Vice President for Precise Systems, Inc., to expand his expertise and experience with several other Department of Defense contracting companies as an Executive Vice President and General Manager. I look forward to keeping this organization a leader in innovative solutions so that we can enable our customers to be highly successful in the accomplishment of their missions, Williams referenced when asked about his return to Precise Systems. As a Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy, Williams served as the Program Executive Officer, Tactical Aircraft Programs, overseeing five major defense acquisition programs. He also served as the Naval Air Systems Com-
New Vice President of Technology for Precise Systems, Inc.

mand (NAVAIR) Assistant Commander for Logistics and Industrial Operations, as well as the Commander of the Navys Aviation Depots. Previous NAVAIR tours include Systems Engineering Department Head, F-14 Program Manager, and Chief Engineer for the F-14 Pro gram. During his time in the fleet, he made multiple aircraft carrier deployments during a number of F-14 Tomcat squadron tours. Williams attended the University of Maine and then went on to Johns Hopkins University where he attained a masters degree in Systems Engineering. He is a graduate of the U.S. Navys Fighter Weapons School, also known as Topgun, and the Armed Forces Staff College. He currently resides in Leonardtown, Md., with his wife and three sons. Precise Systems, Inc. is an Employee Owned Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) founded in 1990 and headquartered in Lexington Park, Md., with additional offices in the Washington, D.C. area and North Carolina. Precise Systems, Inc. provides innovative solutions and extraordinary service to federal organizations and program offices in the areas of acquisition and engineering; information technology; logistics; and program management.
Pete Williams is the new Vice President of Technology for Precise Systems Inc.
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The County Times
Business News TechFire Hosts First Successful Networking Event

TechFire, a division of the Energetics Technology Center, hosted their first networking event Thursday, December 5th at Grille No. 13 in Waldorf. The event provided an opportunity for TechFires Innovation Network, incubator clients, leadership team, advisors, sponsors, and entrepreneurs to meet and develop relationships. The crowd was greeted at the door by TechFire Director, Keith Gordon and TechFire Coordinator, Theresa Ohle. Attendees were welcomed, presented with a name tag, and introduced to one another. Incubator client LaTonya Barton (of Kingdomware Technolgies) stated, It was great for Kingdomware Technologies to be present at TechFires first networking event. I appreciated the opportunity to spend time talking to some of the TechFire advisors, and that in itself was reason to attend. I believe the relationships I began developing at this event could definitely help my business grow. Keith Gordon explained, The reason we have these networking events is to provide a relaxed environment for our entrepreneurs to meet our team and service providers. Were planning to host many events in the future, all over Southern Maryland. Our hope is that as relationships develop, new partnerships will form and help our companies and our region really take off. Energetics Technology Center (ETC a Southern Maryland based science and technology research and development 501(c)(3) nonprofit), is proud to announce the launch of TechFire the unique combination of an innovation network and a technology business incubator focused on leveraging the intellectual property and talent prevalent in Southern MD. TechFire works with technology-based small businesses (particularly women, veteran, and minority-owned), to diversify the Southern MD economy by developing, commercializing, and mentoring their long-term successes. For more information on how TechFire can help you innovate, incubate, and ignite your business for long-term success, visit www.techfirenetwork. com or call 301-645-6637.
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Letters to the
The County Times
14
EDITOR
Radon Gas: A Cancer-Causing Radioactive Gas

been linked to Brain Cancer, Dementia, Parkinsons, Alzheimers and possibly MS. Approximately 32,000 deaths occur each year due to radon gas exposure where the people were aware it was a problem. The complete number of Lung Cancer deaths connected to Radon Gas will never be known until people are educated about the problem and make that connection. The gas has been found to cause damage to the lung tissue, which explains why there are so many that suffer from Lung Cancer yet they have never smoked. When it enters the lungs, it can also permeate the blood stream and travel to the brain. Radioactive radon decay concentrations in the brains of Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease patients were 10 times greater than in the brain of a healthy human being. Testing for Radon gas in homes is extremely easy, and yet, most people do not know to do it. The best time to test is during the winter, when your heat is on. It is during that time that more radon is drawn out of the ground and trapped in your home. A short term test kit may be purchased to do a quick sampling of two days or as long as 90 days, both are accurate but the longer test gives a better look at the risk of your exposure. The tests use charcoal to absorb the gas to be analyzed in a lab, then further action can be taken, if needed. Long term testing, on the other hand will stay in a home for approximately a year and the results will give you an average radon level in your home. Some homes are tested at the time of resale but unfortunately a lot of those tests are conducted improperly and if the results came in under 4.0 pc, they can legally tell you that the results were negative, even if it is present. Because there is no known safe level of radon gas, a level of 4.0 picocuries (pc) has been set as the hazard level for the United States. The World Health Organization has set the hazard level at 2.2 pc. The process of active soil depressurization (ASD), also known as mitigation, has proven to be an effective and reliable technique for radon reduction. ASD collects radon gas from beneath buildings before it can enter since it is difficult to find and seal all the cracks in a house and normal settling stresses create more cracks, filling them is not an effective method. There is a lot of misinformation about radon gas. The gas can impact you whether your house is old or new, whether it has a basement, slab or a crawl space, is drafty or well insulated or even though your neighbors house was found to not have Radon. The more the public is aware of the Radon Gas, the more can be done to prevent unnecessary deaths in our community, please tell a friend. Students of the College of Southern Maryland Leonardtown
This letter to the editor was prompted by a College of Southern Maryland Sociology 1010 group class project under the direction of the Department Chair, Dr. Patrick Allen. Radon gas is a cancer-causing radioactive gas that cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. It is a naturally occurring gas that comes from the degradation of uranium in soil, rock and water. From the ground, the gas travels up into the atmosphere, breaking down and emitting radiation in the process. It is found all around the world and is present in every state in the United States, yet very few know what it is, and not many are doing anything to protect themselves and their loved ones and prevent its effects. Radon Gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. It has also
LEgal NOtIcE
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS THE COMMISSIONERS OF LEONARDTOWN COMPREHENSIVE COMPENSATION AND CLASSIFICATION STUDY
Sealed proposals will be received by The Commissioners of Leonardtown located at 41660 Courthouse Drive, P.O. Box 1, Leonardtown, Maryland, 20650 until 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 7, 2014. All bids will then be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids must be made on the Proposal Forms and in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. Envelopes containing the bids must be sealed and must clearly show the name and address of the bidder and the statement, Sealed Proposal for Comprehensive Compensation and Classification Study-Do Not Open. The Commissioners of Leonardtown are seeking proposals to update its current job classifications and conduct a salary and compensation study. Copies of the bid documents may be examined and obtained, in person, from The Commissioners of Leonardtown between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Bid documents may be mailed or emailed to those requesting this service. Inquiries concerning bid documents should be directed to Laschelle McKay, Town Administrator, at 301-475-9791 or by emailing Leonardtown.commissioners@verizon.net. The Commissioners of Leonardtown reserve the right to reject any or all bids, to waive irregularities and/or informalities in any bid, and to make an award in any manner, consistent with law, deemed in the best interest of the Town. 12/12/2013
Social Security History Lesson

Here's a little Social Security history lesson and it doesn't matter whether you are Democrat or Republican. Facts are Facts. Our Social Security Program began when Franklin Roosevelt, a Democrat, introduced the Social Security (FICA) Program. He promised that participation in the Program would be completely voluntary, That is no longer the case! He promised that the participants would only have to pay 1% of the first $1,400 of their annual incomes into the Program, It is now 7.65% on over $100,000 and steadily increasing. He promised the money the participants elected to put into the Program would be deductible from their federal income for tax each year, It is now no longer tax deductible. He promised that the money the participants put into the independent 'Trust Fund' rather than into the General Operating Fund would only be used to fund the Social Security Retirement Program and no other Government program. That is no longer true. He promised that the annuity payments to retirees would never be taxed as income. That is no longer true. Under Democratic President Johnson and the Democratically controlled House and Senate, the 'Trust Fund' money was moved to the
James Manning McKay - Founder
General Fund and spent. Under Democrats Clinton and Gore the law was changed so that now up to 85% of your Social Security Payments may be taxed with Al Gore casting the 'tie-breaking' vote as President of the Senate, while he was Vice President of the US . The Democrats also eliminated the income tax deduction for Social Security (FICA) withholding. Under Democrat Jimmy Carter immigrants moving into this country begin to receive Social Security payments at age 62 even though they may never have paid a dime into it! It is hypocritical that, after violating the original contract (FICA), the Democrats turn around and tell you that it is the Republicans who want to take your Social Security away! Unfortunately many uninformed citizens believe it and vote accordingly! Hopefully, as we approach another election, this letter may enlighten some of our citizens as to who in our Government just can't stop taking all their entitlements and spending without end. Glenn Weder Hollywood, Md
Eric McKay -Associate Publisher..................................ericmckay@countytimes.net
Contributing Writers: Kimberly Alston Ron Guy Laura Joyce Debra Meszaros Shelby Oppermann Linda Reno Terri Schlichenmeyer Doug Watson
Angie Stalcup - Editorial Production Manager...........angiestalcup@countytimes.net
P.O. Box 250 Hollywood, Maryland 20636

News, Advertising, Circulation, Classifieds: 301-373-4125
Tobie Pulliam - Office Manager..............................tobiepulliam@countytimes.net Guy Leonard - Reporter - Government, Crime...............guyleonard@countytimes.net KayPoiro-Reporter-Business, Education, Entertainment..........kaypoiro@countytimes.net KaseyRussell- Graphic Designer.......................................kaseyrussell@countytimes.net
Sarah Miller- Reporter - Community..............................sarahmiller @countytimes.net Sales Representatives......................................................................sales@countytimes.net
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15
The County Times
In Response to Drug Test Request

Roy Fedders I found your article to The County Times to be very offensive. You use broad assumptions and no factual information to get your point across; if you even have a point. It sounds more like a personal vendetta to me. Not everyone on public assistance is a substance abuser. And your insinuations are stereotyping at its finest. You never provided any research or details to back up why drug testing is necessary. In actuality Maryland already considered drug testing applicants but each time they have found it is not cost effective. In Florida random drug testing was signed into law in 2011 for the states welfare program, but was soon found unconstitutional by an Orlando district court and later upheld by a federal appeals court for violating the 4th Amendment. Just because someone is seeking help from a state provided assistance program doesnt mean they are on drugs and need to be subjected to a test. During the four months of Floridas mandatory drug testing program, only 2.6 percent of applicants (108 out of 4,086), failed the drug test. Wow? How is that possible? I thought every single person on public assistance was on drugs. And in 2011 Florida was the center of the painkiller epidemic in the nation. Michigan also found drug testing of welfare recipients to be unconstitutional. Marylands welfare program is called Temporary Cash Assistance, which can only be received by an individual for 60 months of their lifetime. I feel as though you are complaining that your tax money is supporting people who are lazy drug users. Only 7% of Marylands State Budget for FY2013 went to Human Services and only 52% of that was for Temporary Cash Assistance. Human Services includes, the Department Of Human Resources, local Departments of Social Services, public assistance, foster care, child welfare, child subsides, rehabilitative services provided through State Department of Education, Department of Aging, and Department of Disabilities. There are more services under this category but I am trying to show you how little of your tax money actually goes to public assistance compared to other expenses. The vast majority of the state budget goes to healthcare, Education, Higher Education, and transport. People forget that we receive services for paying taxes. Our children get to attend public schools; we have police, emergency services, department of corrections, as well as have safe roads to drive on. A number of states have implemented a suspicion based drug testing program. And some states require drug testing for all applicants. I agree with the suspicion based testing as it is more cost effective. A case worker assigned to the case will make observations and determine whether or not the individual is abusing drugs and then a test is administered. Also screenings and questionnaires are very accurate at determining whether or not an individual is abusing drugs. This is a more rational way of testing, because random testing can be ruled unconstitutional and testing 1 million people would be extremely expensive. I think you should be more outraged that 6% of your federal taxes go to paying interest on the national debt. The federal budget for Public Assistance is 12%. The majority of our tax money goes to The Department of Defense, Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Those four programs make up 62% of our federal budget. Medicaid is for low income individuals/families should we drug test them too? Before you carry on about how much of your taxes go to supporting people on public assistance you should be more upset about needless DOD Programs that run in excess of billions of dollars. Fraud in Medicare and Medicaid costs the tax payers billions. If we created accountability on government spending we could probably pay for public assistance programs 10 times over with the savings. For example the Joint Strike Fighter is estimated to costs 1.1 trillion over its lifetime. And we really dont need it. Under youre wish of a random drug testing program for all applicants of public
Letters to the
EDITOR
assistance if they fail do we just terminate or decline that they receive benefits? What about their children? Do we provide substance abusers with treatment like other states with drug testing programs have done? There are policies in place for women who continue to have children while receiving public assistance to limit how much additional money they receive. Public assistance is a state funded program so these rules couldnt be enforced only in St. Marys County. I understand that some people abuse the system and it is frustrating. But people abuse everything and we cant take away these programs for the people who actually need them and use them honestly. Not every father is a deadbeat like you suggested and your stereotypes are just offensive and wrong. Lets do some math since you dont think this will be a burden or inconvenience to pay for drug tests. The average cost of a 5 panel test is $40, not including the lab fees. One test a month for 1 million Human Resource recipients (roughly the amount in Maryland) will equal $480,000,000 a year. That is ridiculous amount of money. This notion that public assistance receivers are on drugs is a myth. The best example of this failure of a policy was in Arizona, which passed a drug-testing law in 2009. In 2012, they evaluated the program, after three years and 87,000 screenings; only one person had failed the drug test, with huge costs for the state, which saved a few hundred dollars by denying benefits, compared to the hundreds of thousands spent to conduct the tests. So before you write an article why dont you do some research on the topic before submitting a poorly written piece of garbage that has no factual information. Get off of your self-righteous high horse and look in the mirror before you bash people who arent as well off as you. Benjamin Aud Lexington Park, Md
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The County Times
Education
16
Board of Education Re-Elects Raspa, Matthews as Chairman, Vice-Chairman

Board member Mary Washington was the first to nominate Brooke Matthews as Vice Chairman. Washington told The County Times, Mr. Matthews is our youngest and newest member of the Board of Education. He is serving his third years as a Board of Education member and he fully embraces the opportunity to serve as Vice Chairperson working with Dr. Raspa and the superintendent of schools. The office of Chairman and Vice Chairman are one-year terms. Other board members are elected to three-year terms. One non-voting student representative serves a one-year term. kaypoiro@countytimes.net
3) as Vice Chairman in open session on Wednesday, Dec.11. This will be Raspas fourth term as Chairman of the Board of Education in St. Marys County. Raspa was nominated by long-time board member Marilyn Crosby and was unanimously approved. Raspa accepted the nomination for Chairman. Photos Courtesy of the Board of Education Just prior to his nomination, Raspa told the CounChairman Sal Raspa ty Times, Ive told my fellow board members Id be Vice Chairman Brooke Matthews more than happy to continue on as Chairman, adding that he also understood that his nomination was not By Kay Poiro guaranteed. Staff Writer Speaking on whether or not he expected current The St. Marys County Public Schools Board of Vice Chairman Matthews to be re-elected, Raspa said, Education re-elected Dr. Salvatore Raspa (Dist. 1) as Mr. Mathews has indicated to me that he would like to Chairman and Mr. William Brooke Matthews (Dist. continue on as vice chairman.
Headstart Students Are Issued Their First Library Cards
Photo by Kay Poiro The Mechanicsville Elementary School headstart program receives their St. Marys County Library backpack and first book on Dec. 11.
Photo by Kay Poiro A Mechanicsville Elementary School headstart student listens before checking out her first book from the Charlotte Hall Library.
28th Annual Christmas Doll & Train Exhibit
St. Clement's Island Museum
Piney Point Lighthouse Holiday Exhibit
Piney Point Lighthouse

Museum & Historic Park
38370 Point Breeze Rd Colton's Point, MD 20626 301-769-2222

Enjoy "A Maryland Christmas" with vintage dolls, toys, and miniature trains. Learn about interesting facts and folklore of Maryland! Museum store open for shopping!
44720 Lighthouse Rd Piney Point, MD 20674 301-994-1471
Come "Home for Christmas" and see a nostalgic look at Christmases long ago. Keeper's quarters filled with holiday eras and vintage items. Play the scavenger game!
Dec. 5 to 20 (Wed - Sun) 12 noon to 4 pm Dec. 21 to 31(Open daily) 10 am to 4 pm Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day FREE OPEN HOUSE DECEMBER 14!
St. Marys County Museum Division of Recreation and Parks - St. Marys County Board of Commissioners
Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day FREE OPEN HOUSE DECEMBER 15!
Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15 (12 noon to 4 pm) Dec. 21 to 31 (Open daily) 10 am to 4 pm
17
The County Times
High school students in their freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior year of study during the 2013-2014 school year are invited to enter into the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, George S. Stella M. Knight Essay Contest. This contest is sponsored by the Thomas Stone Chapter of the SAR and is open to students attending public, parochial, private, or home schooled students in Charles, St. Marys and Calvert counties. Local winner will be eligible for the state contest with the state winner eligible for the National contest. A $2000 prize a medal and certificate of recognition and paid airfare and one night stay for winner and one chaperone at the annual national conference is awarded to the winner of the national contest. In addition, the winning essay will be submitted to the SAR MAGAZINE, for publication. The Maryland winner will received and award of $250. In addition the Thomas Stone Chapter provides a monetary award of $100. The contest is for an original essay written in English. It shall be a minimum of 800 words and not more that 1200. The topic for the essay shall deal with an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution. The Declaration of Independence, or Framing of the United States Constitution. Contest entry deadline is Dec. 31. Rules and other information about the contest can be obtained by contacting Tim Dyson at 301-643-5932 or an email to tdyson2465@aol.com. For additional information concerning this press release, contact Tim Dyson at 301-643-5932.
Education Classic Family Variety Show from Branson, Missouri Sons of the Starring and Featuring American Revolution Essay Contest for High School Students Patty Davidson Dalena Ditto
Saturday, December 14, 2013

Bransons Female
Wonderful 2 Hour
Great Mills High School
$35

Mechanicsville Optimist Club
PE
$15 D L R CHI
Florida Tech Patuxent Site Enrolling for Spring 2014

Classes Start Jan. 6
Florida Institute of Technology extends an invitation to start 2014 with a positive step toward leadership development. The universitys extended studies site at Patuxent-Lexington Park starts its Spring 2014 semester Monday, Jan. 6, 2014. Enrollments for graduate programs in business and public administration; management; computer science; electrical, aerospace, and mechanical engineering; and other workforce-relevant fields will be accepted through the first week of classes. Courses are delivered in a traditional classroom format Monday through Thursday weeknights at the Frank Knox Training and Development Center or at the Florida Tech Patuxent site, both just outside NAS Pax Gate 2. Additionally, many courses are also available online through the virtual campus. To enroll or learn more, visit www.fit.edu/patuxent or stop by the Patuxent office at 21803 Three Notch Rd., Suite A in Lexington Park or contact Dr. Bob Schaller, Site Director at 301-862-1004 or at schaller@fit.edu.
When: December 14, 2013 Where: Meeting at Real Life Church Parking Lot
27399 Old Village Rd Mechanicsville, MD 20659
(Weather Permitting) This will be an OPEN TRAILER HAY RIDE Be sure to dress appropriately, bring blankets, and your entire family to stay warm. The ride will leave Real Life to go through out communities on Old Village Road.
Times:
Meeting at Real Life Church Parking Lot at 4:00pm Ride Leaves at 4:30pm Ride Returns at Approx 6:30pm After Party will start at 7:00pm (Location TBD)
All proceeds benefit youth and community programs in our area!!
For more information about any of our community programs, fundraisers or becoming a member, Please Contact Bill Stone (President 2013 2014) @ (240) 925-0341 or mechanicsvilleoptimist@yahoo.com
The Mechanicsville Optimist Clubs thanks you for your support & extends warm holiday greetings to you and your family this holiday season.
The County Times
Newsmakers Michael Tomassonis Intricate Chesapeake Depicts Maryland Wildlife

By Kay Poiro Staff Writer
18
inspired this series. In addition to the living specimens, he also collects fossils, driftwood and other found objects. From these, he creates sculptures, picThis series is about marine life, 25 year old art- ture frames and more. Tomassoni studied drawing, painting and print ist Michael Tomassoni says. Animals of land, sea and air around the Chesapeake Bay. His current series making at the University of North Florida in JackChesapeake shows Marylands native wildlife de- sonville before returning home to Maryland. But he says most of his skill comes from simply practicing his tailed complexly in pen and ink. Right now, Im five pieces in, he says of the craft everyday. He notes that it was within the last two Chesapeake series. Im presently working on a horse- years that he decided to make the leap to serious artist. He began his Chesapeake series about a year ago. shoe crab. Today, he is one of the artists in residence at WalTomassoni says daily walks on the beach and observation of the animals near his Scientists Cliffs home ters Art Gallery in Leonardtown, located inside Immediate Solution on Courthouse Drive. Michael describes his serendipitous meeting with owner, Helen Dorsey. In 2012, Id hung some pieces in Shelbys Custom Creative Framing and Art in Leonardtown, he says. The day I came in to take them down, the owner of Immediate Solution, Helen, was there. She asked me if that was my art. I said yes. She told me she was opening a gallery space and we went from there. That was this past summer. Although art is his passion, Tomassoni balances it with his day job as a screenprinter and embroidery Photos provided by Michael Guy Tomassoni machine operator. Another passion he finds time for Wind chime by Michael Guy Tomassoni made from fossilized whale bone is art therapy, art as a means of medicine, he exthe Chesapeake series. His goal is to have 12 pieces by plains. When he isnt working on his own drawings September- enough for a 2015 calendar. He also plans or sculpture, Michael can Spiraled Rockfish in pen and ink be found drawing color- to branch out to showing his work along the East coast, ing books for Art With a as well as at the monthly Makers Market on Solomons Heart, a healthcare non- Island. When asked what he hopes the public will get out profit at Wolfson Chilof his work, he says, Just a few seconds of their time. drens Hospital in JackTo view or purchase the artists work, visit www. sonville, Florida. For 2014, Tomas- etsy.com/shop/MGTartworks www.instagram.com/gnomedoor_creations www. soni plans to make his art available in local mu- facebook.com/MichaelGuyTomassoniArt seum gift shops. He also plans to complete a new Join the fun! Make new friends! Improve your health! animal every month for kaypoiro@countytimes.net

During the month of December when classes are Free!

In a typical heres class, experience:

EnhanceFitness is a group exercise class for ages 50 and above that improves endurance, strength, balance, flexibility, bone density, and coordination.
To view or purchase the artists work, visit

www.etsy.com/shop/MGTartworks www.instagram.com/gnomedoor_creations www.facebook.com/MichaelGuyTomassoniArt
what youll
Ten to 20 people close to your own level of fitness A certified instructor with special training in exercise for older adults A 5-minute warm-up to get the blood flowing to your muscles A 20-minute aerobics workout that gets you moving A 20-minute strength training workout A 10-minute stretch to keep your muscles flexible A 5-minute cool-down Balance exercises throughout the class Cost:
Cut Fresh mas Christ Trees!
FREE DURING DECEMBER

Normally, $30.00 for 10 Classes
18080 Point Lookout Rd Park Hall, MD

Were next to The Green Door in Park Hall, About 3 miles North of St. Marys City on Route 5
301-737-3024
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
1 - 2:00 p.m.
Garvey Senior Activity Center, Leonardtown, 301.475.4200, ext. 1050 Loffler Senior Activity Center, Great Mills, 301.737.5670, ext. 1652 Northern Senior Activity Center, Charlotte Hall, 301.475.4002, ext. 1001
Brought to you by the Board of County Commissioners for St. Marys County: Francis Jack Russell, President; Lawrence D. Jarboe; Cynthia L. Jones; Todd B. Morgan; Daniel L. Morris and the Department of Aging & Human Services.
Each child will receive a small treat! Christmas Trees and plenty of Gifts Available for purchase.
Santa is Coming! Saturday, Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Mon-Wed 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Thurs-Sun 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. www.facebook.com/ChickenscratchFeedSeedBead
19
The County Times
I See Dead People

By Kimberly Alston Contributing Writer Marguerite Labbe has written over 18 books in her career, and one of her latest Ghosts in the Wind takes places in Southern Maryland. This book is a product of the, what if question that each person has asked themselves at various points in their lives. As Labbe was driving down highway 95 one day, she realized that there was no one else on the road. That got her thinking what if someone broke down and there was no one around to help them? She ran with her idea from there. With two men celebrating their 10th anniversary, one is heading home after working at the gym he owns when he spots a woman with a flat tire and pulls over to help her. When the womans ex shows up out of nowhere, he kills both her and the man that was trying to assist her, and kidnaps the womans children out of the car. The gym owners significant other, a private detective, is sent to look into the murders and to find the children. As it turns out, the detectives partner is a medium and is able to speak to ghosts. Together, the three of them work together to find the womans ex. And all of that happens in the first 100 pages. The entire story takes place in about a month. Labbe said that she really wanted to tell an incredible love story. In addition to that, I wanted to capture the shock of murder and highlight the problem that minorities have when their kids go missing, she said. She said she wanted to show what happens when love doesnt work out, and felt as though she was able to achieve all of those things. I dont like sticking to one genre, Labbe said, adding that Ghosts in the Wind, is a combination of mystery, drama, horror and romance. The book took her about two years to write, and she tried to tie in the same theme of forbidden love that she works in to all of her books with the idea of a homosexual couple as one of the focal points. There are plenty of romances out there for straight couples, she said. This book was also entered into the Rainbow Awards, part of the Romance Writers of America, and is a finalist in their mystery and thriller genres. This is the best book Ive written, Labbe said.
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Ghosts in the Wind is available at all local bookstores. The paperback editon is $17.99. It is also available on ereader through amazon for $6.99. Labbe released two other books this year, Make me Whole was released in August, and Playing Ball was released in September. For more information, contact the author at margueritelabbe@ gmail.com kimberlyalston@countytimes.net
301-373-4125
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301-373-4125 sales@countytimes.net
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The County Times
20
Feature Story
Pamela Glover
St. Marys County Wine and Design owner Veronica Jordan
Photo submitted by Veronica Jordan
Photos by Frank Marquart
Wine and Design Elevates Art to Entertainment

family, and new acquaintances. Wine and Design classes range from 15 to 20 people. For $30, participants get paint, an apron, and a canvas. Similar to paint-by-numbers, the canvas is pre-traced with a picture ready to color. There is a short introduction where event facilitators remind participants of the Wine and Design rules: there are no mistakes, remember to dip your paintbrushes in water, not wine and have fun. About an hour in, the class breaks for refills, socializing and viewing each others work. The second half of the class is definitely more lively, Tyler Jordan, Veronicas husband and co-owner, says. In the first hour, people are concentrating but by the second hour, theyve let their inhibitions go. Franchise owner Veronica Jordan owns and operates the only Wine and Design in Maryland. Her husband Tyler also helps behind the scenes with accounting and logistics. The two Leonardtown natives hosted their first Wine and Design class in late November 2013 and they say it was an instant hit with both the public and the hosting establishments. Our pub classes sell out, Tyler says, referring to the Olde Town Pub in Leonardtown. Veronica adds that December classes are currently sold out, as well. We added two extra classes to accommodate everyone, she says. Pre-registration is required, as canvases are prepped according to the number of registrants. In addition to events at Olde Towne Pub in Leonardtown, Wine and Design hosts at the Port of Leonardtown winery, Stoneys on Solomons Island and, most recently, Blue Wind located on Rte. 235 in California. While Wine and Design offers sitebased, on-wheels fun for now, Veronica is eagerly anticipating the opening of their own studio in mid-January 2014 on Fenwick Street in Leonardtown. She explains that Leonardtowns arts district designation, as well as its overall small business friendly environment was a perfect match for her enterprise. Being a small business, Veronica notes that social media has been a great complement to her otherwise non-existent marketing budget. Facebook is huge, she says. Were not paying for advertising, so any growth has been through word of mouth and online support. Its very social. Veronica plans to bring that social aspect to the younger set with her childrens division, ArtBuzz Kids. The nowine, just design ArtBuzz Kids includes weekend classes, birthday parties and family fun days for children ages five to 13. ArtBuzz Kids is now available for private parties and will be offered from the Leonardtown studio. Veronica loves the different dynamic children bring and notes that her adult clients tend to ask more questions than the children. With children, we just give them paints and a canvas and they just go to town, she says. Kids and family are important to Veronica. In addition to being a mother of two small children, both she and her
By Kay Poiro Staff Writer Veronica Jordan, owner and studio manager of St. Marys County Wine and Design describes her venture as, "Art
Instruction as Entertainment that promotes socializing and stimulates creativity. We strive to provide a unique and relaxing environment where patrons are able to remove themselves from daily stresses while painting with friends,
21
The County Times
Feature Story
Meredith Buzzeo
husband work full time jobs. Shes currently transitioning to full time Wine and Design and says shes looking forward to the flexibility her new schedule will bring. That flexibility includes adding events in neighboring Charles and Calvert Counties and eventually open more franchises, particularly in Annapolis. Ultimately, Veronica sees class offerings expanding to pottery-making, wreathmaking and other arts. Painting is our bread and butter, but its wine and design. Design can mean so much more, Veronica points out. Well see what the community wants and just run with it. Giving back to her community is something close to her heart. Eventually, Wine and Design plans to provide art outreach to local assisted living homes and fundraisers for favorite causes such as hospice. We call the idea Paint it Forward, says Veronica. Ultimately, were all about impacting the community in a positive way. For now, Veronica is having fun sharing her passion for painting and encourages everyone to give it a try, regardless of artistic ability. Its a totally fun social event, she says. Dont take it too seriously! For the latest information about Wine and Design in St. Marys County, visit www.facebook.com/ wineanddesignsmc. kaypoiro@countytimes.net
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The County Times
22
Issued Marriage Applications for September 2013

SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
Virginia Nicole Anderson 21 Lexington Park, Md Miguel Angel Barajas 22 Lexington Park, Md Daniele Arlene Separa 39 Lexington Park, Md Trevor Hanson Hall 42 Lexington Park, Md Michael Lee Brackett 65 Mechanicsville, Md Frances Hall Jones 62 Mechanicsville, Md Richard Leroy Carroll, Jr., 44 Leonardtown, Md Kimberly Marie Gatton 36 Leonardtown, Md
Announcin
SEPTEMBER 9, 2013
Justin Alexander Crenshaw 24 Mechanicsville, Md Jami Leann Halloway 28 Mechanicsville, Md Sean David Hinerth 29 Lexington Park, Md Lauren Michelle Russell 28 Lexington Park, Md September 16, 2013 Tia Tian Green 28 Lexington Park, Md James Calvin Curits, Jr., 34 Lexington Park, Md Elizabeth Catherine Kyte 22 Mechanicsville, Md Ralph Edwin Bond, IV, 25 Columbia, Md
SEPTEMBER 23, 2013

Kyle David Kebaugh 29 California, Md Theresa Marie Morton 27 California, Md
SEPTEMBER 10, 2013

Amanda Leigh Ryce 25 Mechanicsville, Md Christopher Donald Franklin 26 Mechanicsville, Md
SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

Dawn Marie Bibb 31 Mechanicsville, Md Charles Allan Knott, Jr., 32 Avenue, Md
SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Wendy Lynn Shimmell 41 Lexington Park, Md Carlo Alphonso Croce 44 Lexington Park, Md
SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

James Michael Quade 55 Chaptico, Md Brenda Marie Sandy 51 Chaptico, Md Natosha Nicole Mills 23 Lexington Park, Md Robert Boothe Vallandingham 25 Lexington Park, Md
SEPTEMBER 18, 2013

Brandi Lyn Reece 40 Hollywood, Md Shaun Quinten Tippett 39 Hollywood, Md Aaron William Shipman 22 Mechanicsville, Md Amber Nicole Wertenberger 22 Mechanicsville, Md
SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

Lindsey Nicole OConnell 31 St. Inigoes, Md Michael Warren Owens 45 St. Inigoes, Md Glyn Richard Tilley 53 Northport, Me Lisa Danielle Parker 27 Northport, Me Wanda Denise Hall 38 Lexington Park, Md Nicholas St. George Morris 37 Lexington Park, Md
SEPTEMBER 4, 2013
Tiffany Michelle Eckloff 23 Bushwood, Md Omar Demos Young, Sr., 33 Bushwood, Md Sharon Ross Jones 26 Ann Arbor, MI Jeffrey Marshall Tingen 28 Ann Harbor, MI Alvin Rawlings Thorne, III 58 Lexington Park, Md Rossie Victoria Jaso 52 Lexington Park, Md William Edward King 39 Great Mills, Md Christine Bautista Maranan 40 Houston, Tx
SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Devon Raquel Mays-Word 33 Lusby, Md Jontae Devon Land 28 Lusby, Md Tylynn Alicia Pettrey 20 Joppa, Md Justin Matthew Minner 20 Kingsville, Md Susan Woodburn Fletcher 64 Lusby, Md Barbara Kay Boward 62 Lusby, Md
SEPTEMBER 19, 2013

Mark Jewett Miller 30 Falmouth, Ma Emily Fay Brownlee 25 Falmouth, Ma Krystle Lea Gerhold 29 West Palm Beach, Fl William Mark Andrew Blakefield 32 West Palm Beach, Fl Jennifer Rae Graham 25 Ellicott City, Md Dakota Ivan Stonesifer 22 Knoxville, Md Tammie Lynn Boyle 51 California, Md John Christopher Corbett 49 California, Md Craig Steven Wheeler, Jr., 25 King George, Va Mary Elizabeth Dent 23 LaPlata, Md
SEPTEMBER 26, 2013

Lillian Irene Ricardo 30 North Bethesda, Md David Robert Dicostanza, Jr., 29 North Bethesda, Md
SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Donald Lewis Bryan, Sr., 56 St. Inigoes, Md Mary Elizabeth Young 41 Great Mills, Md Joseline Marie Mroczek 24 Annapolis, Md Evann Andrew Magee 33 Annapolis, Md
SEPTEMBER 13, 2013

Jessica Lynn Aldermann 22 Avenue, Md John Timothy Cusic, Jr., 24 Loveville, Md Erica Renee Stone 23 Avenue, Md Joseph Lee Quade 26 Avenue, Md Candace Nicole Thompson 23 Clements, Md John Andrew Nelson 24 Clements, Md Nelie Joy Fiat Astor Baltero 25 Lexington Park, Md Shaun Michael Kessler 25 Lexington Park, Md Susan Lynn Cavanaugh 26 Lexington Park, Md Christopher James Hovanec 33 Lexington Park, Md
SEPTEMBER 27, 2013

John Allan Flynn 50 Lusby, Md Margarita Rocha 37 California, Md Patricia Danielle Pullen 21 Mechanicsville, Md Matthew Paul Tate 23 Mechanicsville, Md Leavonda Michelle Battle 39 Lexington Park, Md Benjamin Michael Whittle 38 Wilmington, DE
SEPTEMBER 6, 2013
Jennifer Ashley Nalesnik 26 Dunkirk, Md James Samuel Fowler, IV 27 Dunkirk, Md John Allan Pilkerton, Jr., 27 Mechanicville, Md Kelly Lynn Williams 29 Mechanicsville, Md
SEPTEMBER 20, 2013

Jeremy Daniel Olsen 32 Mechanicsville, Md Connie Michelle Parks 33 Mechanicsville, Md Olivia Christine Schnitzer 25 Kensington, Md Jordan Daniel Grant 26 Kensington, Md
SEPTEMBER 30, 2013

Amanda Lynn Tait 22 Dade City, Fl Ashley Nichole Porter 21 Dade City, Fl James Wright Toon, Jr., 39 Great Mills, Md Namulula Mubita 35 Great Mills, Md
Call The County Times to Place an Engagement Announcement - Its Free!
301-373-4125
23
The County Times
BLEAcHERS
An Odd Cast Illustrates A Recurring Lesson
By Ronald N. Guy Jr. Contributing Writer In no particular order, heres the cast: Brooklyn basketball, Robinson Cano, Budweiser, Kobe Bryant and Holden Caufield. Its an odd group, but it will work. Certainly. Maybe? Sports are an entrenched aspect of pop culture. The games are often must-see events (save for those hide-youreyes affairs occurring on Sundays in our nations capital); several occupy slots in primetime and the Super Bowl is the television event of the year. Franchises are worth several hundred million dollars, if not a billion or more. Players are famous, genuine rock stars, and their salaries are analogous to those of their microphone and guitar-wielding demigods. A 35-year-old Kobe Bryant, coming off an Achilles tendon tear, signed a two-year, $48.5 million extension last month. Former Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano, 31, signed a 10-year, $240 million contract with the Seattle Mariners. Its a game of monopoly every year for star athletes only its reality, a gold-plated reality. Of course, unlike the entertainment world where untold riches can be earned by a well orchestrated lip-sync or by simply converting your life into a cartoon and selling it as reality, the world of sports despite the silly-money remains an honest product. The scoreboard makes it so; its an omnipotent but entirely fair judge. Somebody wins and somebody loses (aside from occasional ties). The scoreboard is oblivious to salaries, slick uniforms or cool celebrations; performance is the basis for its verdict. That authenticity maintains certain age-old properties of success. Obey them and the scoreboard will be your friend; neglect them and your on-field product will suffer. Compiling complimentary skills is one of those success-properties. I received a harsh reminder several years ago when my pretty good Pax River softball team decided to participate in the Countys legendary Budweiser softball tournament. A few regulars werent available so we recruited various players based on observed talent, sketchy recommendations, rumors and suspicions. It didnt work. The talent was there; the skills were just misaligned. The team and I use that term loosely - was a Frankenstein cast that lacked emotion and cohesion. We if there was one - had no identity. Name cards were required, along with a few introductions. After the obligatory three games, it was over before it even began. At least the beer was cold. That fatally flawed Budweiser tournament team brings me, somewhat awkwardly, to the main topic: Brooklyn professional basketball. The Brooklyn Nets are disgusting 6-14 and currently avoid the Eastern Conferences cellar only by the courtesy of the slightly more horrific New York Knicks and the moribund Milwaukee Bucks. The Nets are contenders on paper and an abject disaster on the court. The roster includes Darren Williams, Joe Johnson Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce a collection of All-Stars, gold medallists and future Hall of Famers that will earn roughly $67.5 million this year. They arrived in Brooklyn via a hodgepodge series of trades - chemistry be darned with the intent of selling out a new area and establishing the Nets in Brooklyn. Instead theyve won six games in 20 attempts and are a recurring insult to John Wooden, Red Auerbach, Magic Johnson and anyone thats been part of a team whose achievements exceeded the members talent and pay. And that brings me to Holden Caufield, the final member of this odd cast. You might remember him from a summer reading assignment. Caufield is the main character in J.D. Salingers classic The Catcher In The Rye. In one chapter, Caufield sought advice for his fledging life from a Mr. Antolini, a former teacher. Mr. Antolini advised Caufield that a furthered formal education affords a person the opportunity to determine what thoughts suit them, to focus on those thoughts and to not waste time on poorly aligned concepts. In other words, through education, a person learns their strengths and weaknesses and the concept of efficient assimilation. It was sage advice for the individual, members of teams and those attempting to assemble championship or high performing - units. Im wondering if the Nets front office did their summer reading? Regardless, I suppose we could all use a refresher. Send comments to rguyjoon@yahoo.com
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FROM OUR READERS TO THEIR LOVED ONES
Purchase a Holiday Greeting Card Space to Send Warm Wishes To Your Friends and Family in Our
December 19th & December 26th

The County Times
To Mom & Dad, for giving us so much to celebrate this season! Love, Betty & Bob
Thursday, Decem ber 19, 2013
SPECIAL HOLIDAY PUBLICATIONS

4
Greetings of the Season
a chill in There may be hearts are the air, but our of our warmed by thoughts special children at this time of year.
Merry Christ
To: Lucy, Nick & Kevin
mas!
& Dad
Love: Mom
Martirano: Local Rate NEWS Graduation Highest Sheriff: co ents on Re rd Jail Improvem d Moving Ahea But Slowly
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
its many system among of has the school that the readiness members, show children to learn has kindergar ten-aged since 2002, though markedly subject gradu- grownwas a slight drop in most high school there this year. The countys has pierced the 90 last year to year 74 areas from 2013 to 2013 school ready ation rate for Schools Superinte ndent In the 2012 were of young children skills as oppercent mark, told the Board percent of literacy Michael J. Martirano language and oners Tuesday. 2002. Marti- for 39 percent in them were County Commissi highest ever, to the posed to just of the wrote percent between Thats academy A full 76 last school them the joint meeting office citizens Education ners imploring math learning rano said at ready for and Board of percent in 2002; county commissio the improvements commissioners Wicomico Shores Golf year as opposed to 41 getting By Guy Leonard of the to learn science the to act on were ready their first tour Grail. members at Staff Writer 78 percent like the Holy in 2002 as well. done after taking Course. Its said the school systems versus just 26 percent of county kinsince the treatnearly a year percent Martirano voted facility. you enter the medical rooms past five years It has been for the Overall 88 As rate over the Commissioners were ready which two small graduation in the Board of County to expand the county ment [area], there are dergarten students out to 89.3 percent, experience turn around e has averaged the states current aver- entire school learning is to the origi- which you can barely to shelve plans 41 percentag of the looks like it improvements school year, is still above are also slow in and equipment that jail but the and far ahead Titus. 2012 to 2013 2001 to 2002. they promised wrote Frances someage of 84 percentof 73 percent. higher than nal facility the 1950s, kindergar ten-tofor of points told from national averagesaid the rising tide isolation cells The statewide is 82 percent. in coming. space K. Cameron There are two rate work in Martirano the medical Sheriff Timothy that he could see due to hard school readiness system is currently really sick upgrade. was a s one Times graduation The school The County by staff to institute of the tunnel desperately needs an complain about in state grant at the end s for on to the school system the impetus for grad- seeking nearly $30,000 childhood the light genTitus went puts when to needed renovation al ng and the support early since the strategy that and teachers when it came air conditioni his correction money to lack but students especially the waiton at to learn uation nt. school not children be the aging facility all 238 elementar y eral environme they readiness impoverished young nt cannot the inmates starting in suffer with officers and grow, Martiranks of school to ensure This environme or the employstill have to uncontinues to ing until high last count that can be for the inmates you not taking in schools the diploma. healthy to conditions earn their Earth are substanda rd communithe pressure high rano said. not just ees why on lly affluent Ive shifted the of stuIn traditiona safe for both. s are old and action to improve conditions schools from efthe 94 county Creek the number at the elementar y Locking mechanism jail still inmates but said, focusing meals, ties like Town nt and the for the 240 there? schools, Matirano in instructing students on free and reduced school there need replaceme cameras; air condi- employees who work comy the county forts of teachers skills of reading and eponymou s elementar he said. repairs need needs new security A letter from core absent and to Titus stated 38 percent, . dents on the tioning is also roof, tiles, kitchen area missioners in response s and now reaches said Martirano to mastered mathemat ics. for the renovation capiThats shocking, rate is at an all to be made hadnt been 2014 If these skills said, students were the that funding graduation in the fiscal and windows. he While our poverty level is at an all on it but at upgrades was was spread over severby the 3rd grade, too far behind. Were moving nt seems to go time high our tal budget and a total of $9.5 governme at risk of falling read, how can they time high. typical pace said. Meanwhile were al years, amounting to If they cant on, Cameron with degrading condi- million. Martirano said. times.net read to learn, from the countys Early guyleonard@county forced to deal constant need of repair. which in times.net Statistics are parts tions that Advisory Council, even make repair guyleonard@county Childhood They dont s anymore. mechanism for the locking of the sheriffs graduate A recent
Greetings of the Season

There may be a chill in the air, but our hearts are warmed by thoughts of our children at this special time of year.
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To: Lucy, Nick & Kevin Love: Mom & Dad
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Obituaries
Cleo Annette Timmons, 92
Cleo Annette Timmons, 92 of Leonardtown, Md., died December 3, at MedStar St. Marys Hospital. Born October 5, 1921 in Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of the late Marshall Conley Windsor and Bessie Mae (Daniel) Windsor. Cleo married her husband, Leroy Timmons, Jr. on August 29, 1942 in Arlington, Va. She worked for the Department of Agriculture from 1957 until 1965. Cleo and her husband Leroy moved to St. Marys County in 1967 when Leroy retired from the Department of Agriculture. They were the owners and operators of Tims Marina in Coltons Point, Md., from 1967 until 1980. Cleo is survived by her son, Raymond W. Timmons (Vickie) of Leonardtown, Md.; her grandchildren, Carrie Burke (David), Mark Timmons (Donna), and Heather Wilcox (Chris); and great grandchild, Lindsey Wilcox. In addition to her parents and husband, Cleo was preceded in death by her son, Ronald L. Timmons. Family received friends on Monday, December 9, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home. A
The County Times runs complimentary obituaries as submitted by funeral homes and readers. We run them in the order we receive them. Any submissions that come to news@countytimes.net after noon on Tuesdays may run in the following weeks edition.
funeral service was conducted by Pastor Linda Purdy at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Fort Lincoln Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Marys, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, Md. ing a Mustang and promised that she could use his car or he would give her a ride to work. It worked. They were married in September 1968. They left Washington, DC and moved to a new city, Columbia, Maryland, in Howard County, where they lived for 38 years. Due to Tinas illness, she had to quit work in 1988. Joe continued to work until 2008. Joe moved back home to St. Marys in 2008 to a one-story home that was wheel chair accessible for Tinas safety. She loved to sit on the waterfront and watch the sunset. MS continued to degrade her and eventually she became bedridden in 2010. Being the tough woman that she was, Tina fought her disease until the end. She leaves behind her husband, Joseph Francis, of Valley Lee, Md.; daughter, Carolyn Hammonds and son-in-law, Eric , of Evans, Geo.; daughter, Robin M. Taylor, of Columbia, Md.; her sons, Pierre L. Taylor, of Baltimore, Md. and Joseph Michael Fenwick and daughterin-law, Jennifer, of Easton, Md.; 14 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, two sisters, Cassandra Smith of Rocky Point, N.C. and Regina Bass, of Wallace, North Carolina; four brothers,Nathan C. Bass, of Upper Marlboro, Md., Roy A. Smith, Robert Cherry, Jr., and Roscoe Cherry, of Rocky Mountain, North Carolina. Family united with friends on Friday, December 6, at 12 noon until time of service at 1 p.m. at Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home. Interment will follow immediately at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church Cemetery, St. Inigoes, Md. (Lacey) Futra of Pennsicola, Fla., Alice (Lacey) Dunbar of Charlottesville, Va., and Francis Lacey of Hollywood, Md.; 13 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his siblings, Marie (Lacey) Lucas, Richard Daniel Lacey, Hazel (Lacey) Thomas, James Lacey, Mary Margaret (Lacey) Miedinski, Leonard Lacey, Martha (Lacey) Ellis, Christine Lacey, Lawrence Lacey, Eleanora Lacey and Luke Lacey. Family received friends for Roberts Life Celebration on Monday, December 9, from 5 to 8 p.m., with prayers recited at 7 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Reverend Charles Cordovas on Tuesday, December 10, at 11 a.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 21340 Coltons Point Road, Avenue, MD 20609. Interment will follow at Charles Memorial Gardens in Leonardtown, Md. Memorial contributions may be made to the Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 7, Avenue Maryland 20609 Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, Md.
Ernestine Fenwick, 72
Ernestine Tina Fenwick, 72 of Valley Lee, Md., passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 2, after a long fought battle with multiple sclerosis (MS). Her loving husband, Joseph Fenwick, was her caregiver. Tina was born on April 30, 1941 in Wilmington, North Carolina to the parents of William TC Bass and Esabelle McAllister. She moved to Washington as a young teen to be with her father. Tina worked various jobs while raising her three children and taking care of her mother. In 1966, she was hired by a start-up electronic company as an assembler. Tina grew with the company and a senior Electronic Inspector, where she met the love of her life, Joseph Francis Fenwick, who talked her out of buy-
Donald Russell Johnson Mattingly, 69

Donald Duck Russell Johnson Mattingly, 69, of Hollywood, Md., passed away on December 6, in Washington, D.C. Born on May 4, 1944 in Leonardtown, Md., he was the loving son of the late Joseph Olin and Mary Catherine Russell Mattingly. Donald was the loving husband of Phyllis Mattingly whom he married on June 8, 1963 in St. Johns Catholic Church Hollywood, Md. Duck is survived by his daughter Tammy Johnson of Hollywood, Md. and 2 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his children; Tina Marie Mattingly and David Anthony Mattingly and siblings; Joseph Herman Mattingly, William Olin Mattingly and Paul Anthony Mattingly. Donald graduated from Margaret Brent and was a lifelong resident of St. Marys County, Md. Donald was in the United States Army from September 8, 1966 to September 6, 1968 during his tour he earned the Vietnam Service Medal, 2 Vietnam Campaign Medals , 3 Good Conduct Medals, 2 O/S Bars, and 4 National Defense Service Medals. Duck enjoyed playing softball, hardball, pool playing poker with his friend, and spending time with his grandchildren. The family received friend on Tuesday, December 10, from 5 to 8 p.m., with prayers recited at 7 p.m., in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, Md. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, December 11, at 10 a.m., in St. Johns
Joseph Robert Lacey, 91
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Joseph Robert Lacey, 91 of Abell, Md., died December 3, at Hospice House of St. Marys in Callaway, Md. Born May 4, 1922 in Chaptico, Md., he was the son of the late Daniel Webster Lacey and Virginia Lena Hill Lacey. Robert was a lifelong resident of St. Marys County. On May 3, 1943, he married his beloved wife, Mary Ozella (Thompson) Lacey and together they celebrated 70 wonderful years of marriage. Robert was a devoted family man who was a hard and meticulous worker and had several careers during his life, including tobacco farmer, oysterman, and antique furniture restorer. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, attending dances and was a former member of the Country Music Club in Compton, Md. In addition to his wife, Robert is survived by his children, Bernard Aloysius Lacey (Tina) of Abell, Md., Robert Thomas Lacey (Candice) of Ellicott City, Md., Sharon Ann Choate (Douglas) of District Heights, Md., Joseph Leroy Lacey (Laura) of Abell, Md. and Sandra Lee Massari (John) of Chesapeake Beach, Md.; his siblings, Palmer Lacey of Leonardtown, Md., Ruth (Lacey) Norris of Hollywood, Md., Thelma
25
The County Times
The County Times runs complimentary obituaries as submitted by funeral homes and readers. We run them in the order we receive them. Any submissions that come to news@countytimes.net after noon on Tuesdays may run in the following weeks edition.
Catholic Church Hollywood, Md., with Father Raymond Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens Leonardtown, Md. Pallbearers; Jimmy Johnson, Kenny Johnson, Tommy Johnson, Mike Stone, Bill Mattingly, and Glenn Mattingly. Honorary Pallbearers; Duffy Owens, Richard Lacey, Pat McWilliams,Tucker Lacey, Robert Steele Pogue, Jamie Farrell, and Frankie Hodges. Contributions may be made to the Hollywood Vol. Rescue Squad P.O. Box 79 Hollywood, MD 20636, and/or St. Johns Catholic Church 43950 St. Johns Road Hollywood, MD 20636. 1986, but continued working a variety of jobs including as a mosquito control ap plicator and dispatcher for the Maryland Department of Agriculture, a guide at the Visitor Information Center at the St. Marys County Chamber of Commerce office in Mechanicsville, and a tourism specialist at the St. Marys County Welcome Center in Charlotte Hall. Maintaining Placentia Farm was always his joyful second job throughout most of his life, except during his college studies and army deployment and during his final illnesses. Bert was a life-long member of Our Ladys Church at Medleys Neck, where he organized the first group of lay lectors and actively served the parish. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus St. Marys Council No. 1470 in Leonardtown for over 66 years, and served as Grand Knight and in nearly every position in the organization. He was a member and officer of the Knights of Columbus Father Andrew White Assembly No. 377. To support local charitable groups and Catholic schools, Bert volunteered at Knights of Columbus Bingo on Fridays at Father Andrew White, S.J. School from the late 1950s until August 2013. During multiple de cades he served on the Father Andrew White, S.J. School Advisory Board. As a descendant of some of the earliest English settlers in southern Maryland, Bert had an avid interest in local history. He became a charter member of the St. Marys County Historical Society in 1952 and participated in the group for 61 years. In recent years he was one of the final two surviving charter members. Bert served as President of the St. Marys County Retired Teachers Association (now the St. Marys County Public Schools Retirees Association) from 1996 to 1998. Bert was a member of the St. Marys County Farm Bureau and volunteered at the St. Marys County Fair, both when it was hosted by the Xaverian
Obituaries
Medleys Neck. Pallbearers will be Jason C. Abell, Thomas M. Abell, William Smyth Ethelbert Abell, Al Ammann, Charles William Cuffley II, and James W. Mattingly, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. John F. Fenwick, Bernard J. Goldsborough, William Edelin Gough, Jr., Jack Hazuda, Brison Hungerford, Robert B. Norris, Paul S. Perrin, and William M. Russell. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Marys County Historical Society, P.O. Box 212, Leonardtown, MD 20650 or to Our Ladys Catholic Church at Medleys Neck, 41348 Medleys Neck Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650.
Charles Ethelbert Abell, Jr., 87

Charles Ethelbert Bert Abell, Jr., 87, died peacefully at his home at Placentia Farm on Breton Bay in Medleys Neck near Leonardtown on December 7, from complications of leukemia, with his two children by his side. Born on March 20, 1926 in Leonardtown, Bert grew up on the farm, whose major crops included tobacco, wheat, corn, and beans. He attended Our Ladys School in Medleys Neck from 1932 to 1940. He worked on Placentia Farm following high school graduation from St. Marys Academy in Leonardtown in 1944. During the 1940s, while in high school during World War II and beyond, Bert often went on fire calls with the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department. He also was a member of the National Guard in Leonardtown. After four years of working on the farm while older brothers were aviators in World War II and its aftermath, he attended Mount Saint Marys College in Emmitsburg, Maryland, graduating with a BA in history and education in 1952. Following college, Bert served in the United States Army and was deployed in the Army Security Agency at Herzo Base in Germany from 1954 to 1957. Upon returning to Maryland in the late 1950s, Bert began his career in education as a teacher with the Prince Georges County Board of Education in Camp Springs, Maryland. He then worked as a Rural Mail Carrier with a rural route out of the Leonardtown Post Office in the early 1960s, while starting work on his masters de gree in educational administration from the University of Maryland. On August 11, 1962, he married his beloved wife Jane Teresa Ryon, daughter of Allison Ford Ryon and Caroline Olympia Goldsmith Ryon of Waldorf. He was hired by the St. Marys County Board of Education as its last teaching principal, managing his own classroom and leading the entire school. Bert served at Piney Point Elementary School from 1963 to 1966. He had a long career as an elementary school principal including opening Greenview Knolls Elementary School in 1966, where he stayed until 1980. He retired as a principal from Oakville Elementary School in
Brothers at Leonard Hall and later at the St. Marys County Fairgrounds. Bert leaves behind a large number of family members and friends to mourn his passing. He was preceded in death by his dear wife, Jane Ryon Abell (died June 14, 1993); by his parents, Charles Ethelbert Abell, Sr. and Marie Whitney Hungerford Abell; and by two brothers, Col. Joseph Dent Abell of San Antonio, Texas and Charles Whitney Abell of St. Cloud, Florida. Bert is survived by his son Brian Bert Abell of Leonardtown, his daughter Allison Abell Banicki of Austin, Texas, his son-in-law Brian Banicki, and his grandson Elias Ethelbert Banicki. Bert is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Dr. James Esten Abell and Eda Ann Sis Abell of Hyattsville; his sister and brother-in-law Lucille Abell Nunn and Joe Nunn of Rochester, New York; his sister-in-law Rita Ryon Wells of Sangerville, Maine; and his sister-in-law Ann Ryon Perrin Moriarty of Annapolis. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, including his goddaughters Dr. Jeanette Marie Abell of Columbus, Ohio; Patricia Abell Fordonski of Geneva, Illinois; and Debby Abell Hays of Jacksonville, Florida; and his godson Mark S. Nunn of Fairport, New York. The family received friends on Wednesday, December 11, from 5 to 8 p.m., with prayers offered at 7 p.m., at the Mattingly-Gardiner Funeral Home. General prayers will be followed by the recitation of the Rosary and Knights of Columbus prayers from St. Marys Council Number 1470 and the Father Andrew White Assembly Number 377. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 12, at 10:30 a.m., at Our Ladys Catholic Church at Medleys Neck, 41410 Medleys Neck Road, Leonardtown, with the Rev. Lawrence A. Young officiating, assisted by Deacon Thomas C. Spalding, Sr. Interment will follow in the cemetery at Our Ladys Catholic Church in
Concetta Marie Troiano, 89

Concetta Marie Troiano, 89, of Great Mills, Md. formerly of Sarasota, Fla., passed away on December 9, at her sons residence. Born on September 21, 1924 in Manhattan, N.Y., she was the loving daughter of the late Giuseppe and Letizia Cervone Carriero. Concetta is survived by her children; Esta Lamb and Nathalie Randall and Lawrence Troiano all of Calif., Dominick Troiano of Great Mills, Md., Joseph Troiano of N.Y., and sister Mary Dellaccio of Sarasota, Fla. She is preceded in death by her siblings; Frank Carriero, Jimmy Carriero, and Bill Carriero. Concetta was a homemaker and moved from Sarasota, Fla., to St. Marys County, Md., in 2008. She attended St. Marthas Catholic Church in Sarasota, Fla. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 12, from 5 to 6 p.m., in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, Md. A Funeral Service will follow at 6 p.m., with Father John Ball officiating. Interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Woodside, N.Y.
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26
In Our Community
Honey for Health
By Michelle Lea Owner of Gramas Cupboard For centuries, honey has been one of natures culinary wonders. But the value of this golden treat isnt strictly in its sweet taste. Honey also has a long history as a natural medicine, used to treat ailments of the internal organs and the skin. Hippocrates recommended consuming honey for optimal health, the ancient Egyptians used it as a salve to treat wounds, and Cleopatra is said to have considered it a vital part of her daily beauty routine. Today, honey with lemon is still a favorite remedy for colds and sore throats. Wound Healer Honeys wound-healing properties are among its most impressive medicinal qualities. A study published in the journal Burns found honey salve healed superficial burns more quickly and effectively than a standard treatment of silver sulfadiazine (topical for burns). Honey helps heal wounds in several ways. Its thickness provides a protective barrier against germs, and honey naturally absorbs fluids in wounds, helping to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. Raw honey also contains an enzyme called glucose oxidase. When the enzyme mixes with body fluids, it produces hydrogen peroxide and acts as a mild antiseptic. (Please note: Serious topical infections and wounds should be treated by a medical professional. Do not attempt to heal wounds with honey from a jar; it might not be sterile.) Bacteria Fighter A recent study from the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, found that manuka honey fought antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including a strain of staph known as Methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). But honey cannot combat all bacteria. Scientists at Michigan State University added it to fermented dairy products such as yogurt and cheese and found honey enhanced the growth, activity and viability of certain bifidobacteria (probiotic), which are believed to help sustain healthy digestion. Maryland family doctor Ariane Cometa, MD, who describes herself as a holistic practitioner, likes to use a buckwheat honey-based syrup to ease early symptoms of a cold. She says it calms inflamed membranes and eases a cough. In a study that involved 139 children, honey beat out dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant). If youre suffering from a cold or something going on in the throat or upper airways, getting
Taking a Look Inside Gramas Cupboard
on board with honey syrup will help fight infection and soothe membranes, says Cometa, who also recommends a buckwheat honey-based allergy medicine. http://www.webmd.com/diet/ features/medicinal-uses-of-honey?page=2 Treatment with honey is called Apitherapy, which includes replenishing energy, enhancing physical stamina and improving immune systems. Honey is also considered to have a calming effect on the mind and promotes sleep. Honey also helps indigestion and has sometimes been used to treat cardiovascular disease and respiratory complaints. A thin coat of honey can be applied on the skin to disinfect and heal minor skin wounds and chapped lips. http://www. brownielocks.com/honey.html Antioxidants in Honey Honey is loaded with antioxidants, including the flavonoid pinocembrin (antioxidant, antibacterial AND anti-inflammatory), which is unique to honey. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that the antioxidant activity of honey is comparable to that of many fruits and vegetables on a fresh-weight basis. Generally, the darker the honey, the higher its antioxidant content. Substituting Honey for Sugar Because of its high fructose content, honey has higher sweetening power than sugar, which means you can use less to achieve the desired sweetness. When using honey as an alternative to granulated sugar in recipes, begin by substituting honey for up to half of the sugar called for in the recipe. For baked goods, reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees to prevent overbrowning. For each cup of honey used, reduce the liquid called for by 1/4 cup and add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. How about Cinnamon with Honey Whether using cinnamon & honey topically or internally; did you know the combination actually enhances the effectiveness of each individually? This combination is great for treating (but not in place of) Heart Disease, Blood Pressure, Arthritis, Bladder Infections, Toothaches, Stomach aches, Sore Throat, Ulcers, Digestion, Cholesterol, Colds, Immune System, Indigestion, Diarrhea, Skin Infections, Bloating, Longevity, Fatigue, Pimples, and Weight Loss Just to name a few. You can exchange honey and cinnamon instead of using jam, butter, sugar or other condiments. You can drink it in a warm tea or even make a topical paste with it. A Few Varieties of Honey Acacia: Water-white to nearly clear in color, with a delicately light floral flavor. Great for sweetening drinks without altering the taste. Blackberry: Usually light to golden amber in color. Fruity, rich and full-flavored honey is slightly reminiscent of blackberries. Its an excellent all-around honey, especially great for baking. Buckwheat: Color is dark brown. A fullbodied honey with a strong, distinct flavor. Typically contains more antioxidant compounds than most light honeys. Clover: Varies in color from water-white to very light amber with a mild, delicate flavor. Although light in color, research shows clover honey is rich in antioxidants. Orange blossom: Color is extra-light amber with a delightful citrusy aroma and flavor.
(This honey is derived from a combination of citrus floral sources.) Excellent multipurpose honey. Sage: Light and mellow in color and taste. Its taste is heightened by the subtle flavor of sage. Cold & Flu Tea Ginger, Lemon Juice & Honey Courtesy of LearningHerbs.com - Fill up your teakettle and get it boiling. - Meanwhile, grate a one-inch piece of fresh ginger root. - Get a thermos (or any container) out. - Put the ginger in the thermos. - Put a dash of lemon juice in the thermos. A dash is about 4 tablespoons. - Add a dash of honey as well. A dash in this case is about three tablespoons. Basically, add the honey to taste. - When your water is boiled, pour it in the thermos. - Cover it up and let it sit for 20 minutes. Strain into a tea cup and enjoy! *You can vary the amounts as well. Play around so you get a flavor you really like.* BeeWare The health benefits of honey are largely determined by its quality. According to a recent Food Safety News report, a third or more of all the honey consumed in the United States is likely to have been smuggled in from China or India and may be tainted with antibiotics and heavy metals. To ensure your honey isnt tainted, buy from local sources. When possible, choose raw honey. Pasteurization, a process in which honey is heat-treated to prevent fermentation by yeasts and to delay crystallization (when liquid honey turns into a solid mass), may diminish its medicinal properties and nutrients. Whipped honey, produced through a double-heating process, also may be less nutritious than raw honey. Unlike most fresh foods, honey should never be stored in the refrigerator. Cold temperatures quickly crystallize honey. If your honey has crystallized, try placing the container in a pan of hot water and stirring until the crystals dissolve. Store honey in an airtight container in the pantry or other dry location. Never add water to honey in the container; this may cause it to spoil. Warning Do not feed honey (even pasteurized honey) or baked goods containing honey to children younger than 1 year. Honey may contain the botulism agent Clostridium botulinum, which, while inactive in honey, can multiply in a babysundeveloped digestive system. If youre pregnant or breastfeeding, consult yourdoctor before using honey. Courtesy of Mother Earth Living For more information and for a schedule of upcoming FREE classes; contact Gramas Cupboard in the Callaway Village Shopping Center behind A&W (240) 237-8309 or visit www.GramasCupboard.com We offer Holistic Nutrition Counseling and Herbal Health Consulting.
Jennifer Marie Hunt, daughter of Susan and Warren (Bobby) Hunt of Mechanicsville, MD, will marry Jonathan (Bucky) Stone son of Michelle Richards, Scott Richards and Charles (Lucky) Stone of Hollywood, MD on December 28. The ceremony will take place at Christ Episcopal Church in Chaptico, MD with Rev. Dr. Christopher I. Wilkins officiating. The couple met during Hunts junior year at Frostburg State University in 2008. The couple currently resides in Mechanicsville, MD. The bride is the Community Programs & Outreach Manager at the St. Marys County Department of Aging & Human Services. The groom is a Heavy Equipment Operator at Howlin, Inc. The couple is joined in marriage by their two children; Miley and Mason Stone.
27
The County Times
Santa Returns to Leonardtown Square
In Our Community
Antiques, Collectibles, Gifts & Specialty Shops
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Santa and Mrs. Claus return to the Leonardtown Square on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kids, be sure to bring your wish list, and remind your parents to bring a camera for photos. You can even help Toys for Tots give another child a Merry Christmas by bringing in a new, unwrapped toy and dropping it off at Winegardner Automotive. In case of stormy weather, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Winegardner Auto Showroom. Visit www.leonardtown.somd.com or call 301-475-9791 for more information.
Enjoy a unique shopping experience in a country setting. Our market is made up of an oasis of 100 small shops in four buildings on ve acres. We specialize in antiques and collectibles, but have an endless variety of lovely gifts and crafts.
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Local author Barbara Lorton signed copies of her children's book, Sidney Seagull Marks The Lighthouses of the Bay at Fenwick Used Books and Music in Leonardtown during First Friday, Dec. 6.
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The County Times
Christmas by the River
In Our Community
29th Annual Solomons Island Christmas Walk
Boat Parade Winners

Best of Show - Sweet Sue
Photo by David Young
Best Power Boat - Summer Place

Photo by Vandy Young Photo by Vandy Young
By Kimberly Alston Contributing Writer From Dec. 5 to the 7, the Solomons Business Association invited the community to its 29th Annual Christmas Walk. With thousands of candles lighting the path from Roy Rogers to the end of the pier, hundreds of people walked the streets, finding new business, vendors and forms of entertainment throughout Solomons Island. Several venues offered refreshments and special games and events throughout the weekend. There were also Santa sightings and Christmas music galore. On Saturday, Dec. 7, the Lighted Boat Parade also took place as several sailboats lined up and flowed down the Patuxent River. The event was hosted by the Solomons Business Association (SBA), the Solomons Island Yacht Club (SIYC), Solomons Yachting Center
(SYC), Zahniser's Yachting Center (ZYC), Sail Solomons and the Patuxent River Sail and Power Squadron (PRSPS). There were prizes given out for Best Theme, Best of Show, Best Sailboats and others. In addition to that, Our Lady Star of the Sea entertained the public with puppet shows each night. This years Christmas walk was sponsored by the Community Bank of the Chesapeake, Solomons United Methodist Church, Our Lady Star of the Sea, Sail Solomons, Solomons Towne Centre/JBG Rosenfeld Retail Properties, LLC, Back Creek Bistro, Solomons Civic Association, Roy Rogers Restaurant, Calvert Marine Museum and Grandmothers Antiques. For more information, visit www.solomonsmaryland.com or contact President Lisa Frailey at 410-326-4917 kimberlyalston@countytimes.net
Shady Blue - Judges Choice
Utopia as Polar Express
The Black & White Gala Dinner at Back Creek Bistro kicked off the weekend Thursday evening.
Photos by David Young
Solomons Best Decorated House 2013
Best Sail Boat - Airborne
Carmens Gallery Best Decorated Business

Photo by Vandy Young Photo by Vandy Young Photo by David Young
The County Times
30
In Our Community
The Dogs of LIBRARY Christmas
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Preschoolers to be Introduced to Geometry Basics
At the Silly Shapes STEM programs preschoolers will use shapes to create an art project and at the same time be introduced to basic geometry. The STEM program will be held at Leonardtown branch on Dec. 13 and at Charlotte Hall branch on Dec. 16. Both begin at 10 a.m. Registration is required.
Mobile Career Center to be at Lexington Park
Job seekers can The Southern Maryland JobSource Mobile Career Center will be at Lexington Park branch on Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The coordinator will assist job seekers to get registered with the Maryland Workforce Exchange and with other related job needs.
Holiday Celebrations Planned
By Terri Schlichenmeyer OW contributor This Christmas, youre giving up a lot. Youre giving up a corner of your home for a Christmas tree. Youre giving up money to make sure the best gifts are beneath that tree on Christmas morning. Youre giving up time to bake, decorate, send cards, maybe even volunteer. Youre giving up a lot this Christmas, whether you realize it or not. But, as in the new book, The Dogs of Christmas by W. Bruce Cameron, youre getting so much more in return. Josh Michaels didnt want to answer the phone. After Amanda left him for another man, there was barely any reason to even have a phone but he picked the receiver up anyhow, hoping it was her. When he found out who was on the line, he was immediately sorry he did. It was his scruffy neighbor, Ryan, who told Josh a hurried, convoluted story about France and his ex-girlfriends dog, Loose. Blahblah-blah, and before Josh could protest, Ryan left the dog on Joshs porch and, tires spinning, was gone. Loose. As in Lucy. As in, a female dog. A pregnant female dog. Josh had never had a dog, didnt know the first thing about caring for one, and didnt want this tail-thumping German-Shepherd-something. He didnt want puppies, either, but he felt bad when Lucys puppies died. Was it fate that somebody abandoned five tiny pups in his truck while he was at the vets?
A holiday celebration for children of all ages featuring stories, songs and crafts is planned at Leonardtown branch on Dec. 17 and at Lexington Park branch on Dec. 19. Both will begin at 6 p.m.
Downloading Ebooks to Smartphones or Tablets Explained
Adults can learn how to checkout and download library eBooks to their smartphones or tablet at Lexington Park branch on Dec. 18 at 5:30 p.m. Registration is required for this program.
Date Set for Homeschool Science Fair
The Science Fair for homeschoolers will be held at Leonardtown branch on Jan. 21. Details and the registration form are posted on the homeschool page of the librarys website. The registration form is due Jan. 15. Donations of new or gently used scarves, mittens and hats are being collected at each branch until Jan. 4 as part of Tree of Warmth project. The collected items will be distributed to local charities. The branches are also collection sites for Toys for Tots. Donations of new toys can be dropped off until Dec. 18. The libraries also accept food items for the local food pantry year round.
Libraries Collecting Donations
CATS OF THE WEEK

Monroe and Lincoln are about 3 months old. They are both super sweet, instant purr boys. They love attention and are very friendly. They absolutely love to play together. They also love to play with toys. They are fully vetted which means they are neutered, combo tested for aids and feline leukemia, vaccinated against rabies and distemper, dewormed, no fleas and are microchipped. They cost $225 for the pair. This cost also includes their third distemper vaccine. If you are interested, you can fill out an ap plication at www.feralcatrescuemd.org If you have questions, you can call Diane at 301-481-0171 It is the mission of Feral Cat Rescue to help the public to spay and neuter feral cats they may be feeding. At this time Feral Cat Rescue is offering free spay/neuter grants for cats in zip code 20659.
Maybe, and it was a miracle that Lucy adopted them. Dogs were pretty awesome. Still, Josh had lots of questions, so he called the local animal shelter and spoke with a girl named Kerri, who offered to come to his house. He wasnt expecting her to be so pretty or funny. Josh could imagine himself asking her out - and when he finally did, he decided he liked her. Kerri could almost make him forget about Amanda. Almost. But what he couldnt forget was that Lucy was somebody elses dog. Kerri wouldnt let him forget, either, that keeping six dogs was illegal and that hed promised to adopt the puppies out which was something Josh couldnt bear. Hed had enough loss in his life. Could he lose his little dog family, too? Its a good thing you werent sitting next to me while I was reading The Dogs of Christmas. I never cry at novels, but I cried at this one though its really not a sad story. Yes, this book has sad elements in it (ones that dog lovers will completely understand), but it also oozes with humor and charm. Author W. Bruce Cameron introduces us to a wonderfully geeky main character, a sweet-but-socially-inept man to whom bad things perpetually happen. That makes for a delightful story, a perfect plot, and a book thats hard not to love. If you must have a holiday tale to put you in the Christmas mood, this is the one you must have. For whatever little free time youve got left this season, The Dogs of Christmas is worth giving it up for.
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SENIOR LIVING
Sharing Holiday Recipes On Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 10:45 a.m., join Dietitian Barbara Hak, for a nutrition education presentation and share your favorite holiday recipes at the Northern Senior Activity Center. Bring your favorite recipes to share with others. Nutrition Education presentations take place the second Thursday of the month at the Northern Senior Activity Center. Walk-ins are welcome. Healthy Holiday Dessert Demonstration On Thursday, Dec. 19 the Garvey Senior Activity Center will host Registered Dietician, Barbara Hak, for a nutrition education presentation that will show you ways to make your favorite holiday dessert healthier. To sign up for this presentation, call 301-475-4200, ext. 1050. Christmas Classic, Anyone? The holiday season is all about traditions, old ones as well as new. Many people like to watch old classic Christmas movies during this time and at the top of the must-see list is Its a Wonder-
St. Marys Department of Aging

ful Life starring James Stewart and Donna Reed. This movie will be playing in the Senior Lounge at the Loffler Senior Activity Center on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. RSVP for this timeless favorite by calling 301-737-5670, ext. 1658. Gift donations needed for Christmas Gift Bingo We are still in need of new, unwrapped items for our annual Christmas gift bingo at the Loffler Senior Activity Center, now through December 17. The bingo will be held on Dec. 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. If youve bought or made something during the past year and found that you didnt use it after all or received a gift that isnt quite your style or perhaps you took advantage of a sale that had bargains too good to pass up knowing someone could use them, maybe you would like to donate these items to our annual Christmas gift bingo. Please, no candles, expired food, old things from your closet or shopworn items--our players give these as gifts to their loved ones. Items can be dropped off at the Loffler Center during business
Programs and Activities

hours (8 a.m. 5 p.m., Mon-Fri.) Thank you for thinking of us! For more information call 301-7375670, ext. 1658. Living Well with Chronic Disease Start the New Year off with the best gift you can give yourself; improved well-being. The Loffler Senior Activity Center will be conducting a six-week workshop on managing your chronic condition. The class will meet at each Thursday, Jan. 2 Feb. 6. This is an evidence-based program that was developed by Stanford University to help people with chronic conditions take charge of their life by developing self-management skills, including dealing with depression and fatigue, pain management, working with health care providers and more. If you have a chronic condition and are serious about improving the way you feel, this is the workshop for you. There is no charge for taking this class, however, a commitment to regular attendance is needed for good results. For more information or to sign up call 301-737-5670, ext. 1658.
Loffler Senior Activity Center 301-737-5670, ext. 1652; Garvey Senior Activity Center, 301-475-4200, ext. 1050 Northern Senior Activity Center, 301-475-4002, ext. 1001 Visit the Department of Agings website at www.stmarysmd.com/aging for the most up-to date information.
Francis Crawford Frank Armstrong

By Linda Reno Contributing Writer Marguerite E. Saxton, daughter of Robert Saxton (1807-1877) and Mary Elizabeth Cawood (1825-1864) was born 1848 in St. Marys County. At the time of the 1850 census, the Saxtons were living in the Charlotte Hall area where Robert was listed as a manager (farm manager). He worked either for Joseph Ford Shaw or Joshua T. Estep. Between 1852 and 1856 the family moved to Washington, D.C. Through out the rest of his life Robert Saxton worked as a laborer, nothing to be ashamed of, yet according to biographers the Saxtons were supposedly friends with President James Garfield. I think its more likely that President Garfield admired the work of Marguerite Saxton but its doubtful that Garfield was a family friend. Marguerite was obviously well educated. She was an elocutionist, a dramatic arts teacher, and a Shakespearean actress known not only in Washington but across the nation. One of her best known students was Henrietta Vinton Davis, born in Baltimore, an African American Shakespearean actress. Born in 1860, she experienced all of the promise, high expectations, and frustrations experienced by black actors of her generation. She studied elocution with a white tutor, Marguerite E. Saxton, in Washington, D.C.a lady of undisputed ability and a most conscientious teachera lady who knows no one by his color. At the conclusion of her studies, the instructor [Marguerite] wrote a note filled with sentiment: My dearest
A Journey Through Time

The
Chronicle
Pupil: I shall watch with the keenest interest your future career. You have studied diligently, faithfully; you have talent, youth and beauty; in fact, all of the qualifications essential to success, and I have, I think, a right to feel proud of you. Under the tuition and guidance of Marguerite, Henrietta Vinton Davis made her debut on April 25, 1883 in Washington, before a large and critical audience. She was introduced by the Hon. Frederick Douglass, who takes a deep interest in her success. Marguerite never married. About 1908 she moved to Chicago where she died in the Presbyterian Hospital on August 17, 1912. Her obituary appeared in newspapers all over the U.S. OLD-TIME ACTRESS DIES. Marguerite Saxton, Who Supported Edwin Booth, Passes. CHICAGO. Aug. 18, 1912. Miss Marguerite Saxton, who, when James A. Garfield was President, was a leader in Washington so ciety and later became a widely-known Shakespearean actress died last night in poverty in a hospital. Friends said her extensive donations to charity in her prosperous days left her penniless. Worry over her poverty caused a nervous breakdown and hastened her death*. Miss Saxton was best known for her work in the part of the countess in the Two Orphans, which she played with Kate Claxton. Later she was associated with Edwin Booth in Romeo and Juliet. She was born in Maryland 63 years ago. President Garfield was a friend of her family. She was a member of the Round Table Literary Club of Washington, the Southern Womens Club and the Flag Day Association of Chicago. *Her attending physician said that starvation was a contributing factor of her death.
Courtesy, Library of Congress
The County Times
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To submit your event listing to go in our Community Calendar, please email news@countytimes.net with the listing details by 12 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to our Thursday publication.
December All Month Long

St. Clements Island Museum Presents 28th Christmas Doll and Train Exhibit Department of Recreation and Parks, Coltons Point The St. Clements Island Museum in Coltons Point, MD will present the 28th Annual Christmas Doll & Train Exhibit, beginning December 1, for a month-long exhibition. The museum will come alive with antique and collectible dolls, toys and working miniature trains in a holiday setting sure to delight children from one to 101. The St. Clements Island Museum is managed by the Museum Division of St. Marys County Department of Recreation and Parks and the St. Marys County Board of County Commissioners. It is located at the end of Route 242 in Coltons Point. Please call the Museum Division offices at 301-769-2222 for more information or log on to the website at www. stmarysmd.com/recreate/museums. First Friday Celebration 41630 Courthouse Drive. Walters Art Gallery will host a First Friday celebration featuring emerging artist in residence Michael Guy Tomassoni , photographer Bernadette Garner and a special collaboration with Jordan Faye Contemporary Art of Baltimore. presenting artist Lat Naylor INFOTROPY meditations on stop points in a fast world. thru December 30. Jennifer Cooper & GrooveSpan onThe GrooveSpan Christmas Special! Metrocast Channel 10 (St. Marys County) Jennifer, Carl, Paul, Rick and Bill bring holiday spirit right to your home with a 30-minute showcase of wonderful holiday music on The GrooveSpan Christmas Special. From beautiful ballads to goofy grooves, theres something for everyone! Also featuring two original Christmas songs, Candles and Sweet Silent Night by local musician Charles Long, and Together for a While by Carl Reichelt and Jennifer Cooper. Both songs are available at www. cdbaby.com<http://www.cdbaby.com>. So keep an eye out for this holiday treat which airs throughout December, only on Metrocast Channel 10. Schedule: Sundays 12p, 7p. Mondays 1p, 7p. Tuesdays 10a, 8p. Wednesdays 12p, 8p. Thursdays 7p. Fridays 11a, 9p. Saturdays 10a, 6p.
are $6 for adults and $4 with a student ID. Chopticon High Schools Theatre premiered as Bravehouse Productions in 2009 with the fall play Twelve Angry Jurors. Since, Bravehouse Productions has produced several shows including Pippin, Romeo and Juliet, The Music Man, The Mousetrap, CSI: Neverland, Arsenic & Old Lace, and most recently, Disneys Beauty and the Beast. For more information about Bravehouse Productions, please contactChopticons Theatre Director,Mrs. Tracie Young, at 301.475.0215 x38157 Joint Ventures & Teaming Brown Bag Briefing Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, 22156 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. Speaker:John Klein, Associate General Counsel for Procurement Law, U.S. Small Business Administration Co-sponsored with Chesapeake Bay Chapter NCMA Gretchen Richies Jazz Cabaret Caf des Artistes, 41655 Fenwick Street, On-theSquare, Leonardtown, 6 to 9 p.m. Get into the holiday spirit at Leonardtowns friendly, warm & cozy Caf. Gretchen will be performing festive and beloved songs of the season,as well as several sing-along numbers! Randy Richie on keyboard and James Fowler on acoustic bass. This show will be repeated on Sunday, Dec. 22nd. See you there! Reservations recommended. WBB Inc.s Career Building in Defense Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, Building 2, 42219 Airport Rd., California, 4 to 7 p.m.
has produced several shows including Pippin, Romeo and Juliet, The Music Man, The Mousetrap, CSI: Neverland, Arsenic & Old Lace, and most recently, Disneys Beauty and the Beast. For more information about Bravehouse Productions, please contactChopticons Theatre Director,Mrs. Tracie Young, at 301.475.0215 x38157 School Mass & Luncheon Benefit for Philippine Disaster Relief St. Michaels School & Church, 16560 Three Notch Rd., Ridge, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. St. Michaels School children are planning an International Childrens Mass for Philippine Disaster Relief on Friday, December 13th at 10 am. Students will represent the seven continents and read in native languages. The offertory collection will be for the victims. After Mass, at approximately 11 am, a traditional Filipino lunch, prepared by school staff and members of the Filipino community, will be served in the school gym. The community is invited to join us for Mass and/or the luncheon. Donations for the meal will be accepted at the door. All proceeds will go to the Propagation of the Faith,www.givetothemissions.org, which is a Pontifical Society involved in disaster relief efforts. More info, call the school: 301-872-5454. Annual Army-Navy Game Eggs & Legs Breakfast Rivers Edge, 46870 Tate Rd., NAS Pax River, 7:25 to 9 a.m. Co-sponsored by Navy Supply Corps Foundation Patuxent River Chapter & Greater Southern Maryland Chapter USNA Alumni Association. $15 per adult/$7 per child Contra Dance Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 37497 Zach Fowler Rd, Chaptico, 7:30 p.m. A Contra Dance, sponsored by Southern Maryland Traditional Music and Dance (SMTMD), featuring caller Kim Forry, will be held. Please not this is a deviation from the regular 2nd Saturday venue, due to scheduling concerns. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the dancing begins at 7:30. Contra is a traditional American style of social dance and is a huge amount of fun (and exercise)! If youve ever danced a Virginia Reel or been to a Square Dance, you have a good idea how much fun it can be. If you havent, its about time you tried it! Beginners are encouraged to arrive at 7 to get some instruction in the various dances. Admission is $8 for non-SMTMD members; $6 for members (band members are free). No fancy or outlandish clothing is required! You need to be comfortable, to move freely. There will be an ice cream social following the dance. For more information and directions go towww.smtmd.org Moonrise Kingdom Dorsey Law Building, Leonardtown, 8 p.m. The Friends of the Leonardtown Theater, Inc. is proud to present the movie Moonrise Kingdom,. This award-winning Wes Anderson film features a star-packed cast including Bill Murray and Ed Norton. Admission costs $5. Doors open at 7 and the movie starts at 8p.m. Check the St. Marys County Tourism for more fundraising programming dates. Like us on Facebook or go to our webpagewww.fotlt.com
to the World. Patuxent Voices can also be heard December 6, at 7 p.m., in the Calvert Marine Museum as part of the Solomons Christmas Walk. To learn more or see additional performance dates, visit www. patuxentvoices.org or friend us on Facebook. Gretchen Richies Jazz Cabaret The Music of George Gershwin Caf des Artistes, 41655 Fenwick Street, On-theSquare, Leonardtown, 6 to 9 p.m. 301-997-0500 Price: NO Cover. Gretchen performs some of the most beautiful & memorable songs ever written, by the exquisite songwriting team of George Gershwin & his brother, lyricist Ira Gershwin. Accompanied by Randy Richie on keyboard and James Fowler on acoustic bass. Warm & friendly French Cafe atmosphere and critically-acclaimed cuisine, located in an historic waterfront town.Reservations recommended. Family Plantation Christmas Sotterley Plantation, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Its the most wonderful time of the year at Sotterley too! In addition to horse-drawn carriage rides, Garden Guild greens and gifts sale, childrens activities, live music, our Secret Santa Shop, and Elves Marketplace we have manyNEWactivities this year! Join us for Breakfast with Santa from 8 to 10 a.m., limited seating and reservations are required by calling us at 301-373-2280. Also new this year, Christmas trees will be available for purchase on site! $5 per person at the gate. Eartha Handmade Tile Holiday Open Studio 468 Main Street, Prince Frederick, 12 to 4 p.m. Great gifts, food, drinks, friends, fun, tile raffle. For more info please call Parran at 410 610 0456 or emailearthatile@yahoo.com Chopticon High Schools Bravehouse Productions to present The Giver Chopticon High School Auditorium, 6 p.m. Chopticon High Schools Bravehouse Productions will present a thought provoking performance of The Giver in the. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 with a student ID. Chopticon High Schools Theatre premiered as Bravehouse Productions in 2009 with the fall play Twelve Angry Jurors. Since, Bravehouse Productions has produced several shows including Pippin, Romeo and Juliet, The Music Man, The Mousetrap, CSI: Neverland, Arsenic & Old Lace, and most recently, Disneys Beauty and the Beast. For more information about Bravehouse Productions, please contactChopticons Theatre Director,Mrs. Tracie Young, at 301.475.0215 x38157 Christmas Open House at Craft Guild Shop 26005 Pt. Lookout Rd., Leonardtown, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 10% off your total purchase. Bring the kids to visit with Santa from 1:00 4:00pm. Enjoy some snacks and hot cider. Shop from a wide variety of handmade ornaments, decorations, homemade baked goods, and other gift items for those special people on your gift list. Food bank donations welcome. For any additional information, please call 301-9971644) Please join us. Meet the Airplane Patuxent Naval Air Museum, 12 to 3 p.m. We will be featuring the many missions of the C-130 Hercules. View our exhibits and discuss this versatile aircraft with pilots and support personnel. There will be special activities for children - and the flight simulators will be open! A special Christmasthemed craft will be available. 50/50 raffle drawings will be at 1330 and 1500, so dont forget to buy your tickets. Food will be available for purchase from Days Off Catering. The experts will gather for a panel discussion at 1400 in the main exhibit hall where tables will be set up in case you would like to eat while you listen. An Aerocatures print by Hank Caruso will be raffled as well. Each raffle ticket also gives you a discount at Mattedi Gallery! Admittance to the museum is free, but donations are always appreciated. We hope to see you at the 14th at the Meet the Airplane! C- 130 Hercules Event. Your support is appreciated. Santa & Mrs. Claus on the Square
Friday, Dec. 13
Patuxent Voices performs A Musical Journey through the Season All Saints Episcopal Church, Sunderland, 7:30 p.m. There is no admission charge, but donations are welcome. To learn more or see additional performance dates, visit www.patuxentvoices.org or friend us on Facebook Exotic Moves The House of Dance, 7 to 9 p.m. The cost for all of the workshops is $25, and descriptions for them can be found on our websitewww. thehouseofdance.org. We also have some new classes that start on 11/18 and go through 12/14 and those can be seen at our websitewww.thehouseofdance.orgor people can call for more information at 3013736330 Sotterley Christmas Traditions Sotterley Plantation Various times, visitwww.sotterley.orgfor tour times. Visit Sotterleys 300 year-old plantation house beautifully decorated for the holidays and hear about the Christmas traditions of the families that lived here. Make this tour one of your holiday traditions!$15 per person. Advance reservations required, purchase tickets online atwww.sotterley.org. Owl Prowl Myrtle Point Park, 8 to 9 p.m. Youths especially welcome! This annual event attempts to call out the resident owls at a local park. Owls are nocturnal and therefore not easy to spot. We will meet in front of the park gates and attempt to attract owls by having them respond to recorded calls. Please dress for the weather, but avoid noisy clothing (please no snowsuits!). This event is weather dependent. Rain or high winds will result in cancellation. Leader: Bob Boxwell: 410-610-5124; email:bobboxwell@hotmail.com. For additional information: dlindsley@verizon.net or 301-475-1858. Brought to you by The Friends Of Myrtle Point and the Southern Maryland Audubon Society. Chopticon High Schools Bravehouse Productions to present The Giver Chopticon High School Auditorium, 6 p.m. Chopticon High Schools Bravehouse Productions will present a thought provoking performance of The Giver in the. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 with a student ID. Chopticon High Schools Theatre premiered as Bravehouse Productions in 2009 with the fall play Twelve Angry Jurors. Since, Bravehouse Productions
Thursday, Dec, 12
Joint Ventures & Teaming Brown Bag Briefing with John Klein, SBA Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, 22156 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, 12 to 1:30 p.m. The Patuxent Partnership and the Chesapeake Bay Chapter National Contract Management Association (NCMA) invite members of the public, business, and base communities to a Joint Ventures & Teaming Brown Bag Briefing with Mr. John Klein, Associate General Counsel for Procurement Law, U.S. Small Business Administration. Dont forget to bring your lunch and beverage. This is a no cost program.NCMA is comprised of government and industry professionals who have come together with a common goal: To enhance their professional expertise. NCMA is a membership-based, professional society, whose leadership is composed of volunteer elected officers. For more information regarding your Chesapeake Bay Chapter, visithttp://ncmachesa. org/.To register, go towww.paxpartnership.org/index.cfm?action=CL2&Entry=1234 Sotterley Christmas Traditions Sotterley Plantation Various times, visitwww.sotterley.orgfor tour times. Visit Sotterleys 300 year-old plantation house beautifully decorated for the holidays and hear about the Christmas traditions of the families that lived here. Make this tour one of your holiday traditions!$15 per person. Advance reservations required, purchase tickets online atwww.sotterley.org. Chopticon High Schools Bravehouse Productions to present The Giver Chopticon High School Auditorium, 6 p.m. Chopticon High Schools Bravehouse Productions will present a thought provoking performance of The Giver in the. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Tickets
Saturday, December 14
7th Annual Christmas Market All Saints Episcopal Church, Sunderland, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Terrific craftspeople will help with your Christmas shopping. Baked goodies, cocoa & glhwein add to holiday spirit! Rain, snow or shine! No admission fee. Proceeds benefit parish & community projects. Patuxent Voices performs A Musical Journey through the Season Middleham St. Peters Parish Hall, Lusby7:30 p.m. There is no admission charge, but donations are welcome. Kicking off the concert with the perennial favorite Its Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas, this performance promises to get you into the Christmas spirit as you journey from familiar carols, through a swinging Christmas party, to beautiful sacred Christmas music, a special celebration of Christmas Eve, and then welcome Christmas day with Joy
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The County Times
Leonardtown Square, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus return to the Leonardtown Square. Kids, be sure to bring your wish list, and remind your parents to bring a camera for photos.You can even help Toys for Tots give another child a Merry Christmas by bringing in a new, unwrapped toy and dropping it off at Winegardner Automotive. In case of stormy weather, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Winegardner Auto Showroom. www. leonardtown.somd.comor 301-475-9791. 1st Annual Mother Catherine Spalding School Ugly Sweater 5k/2k Fun Run/Walk St. Marys Ryken High School, 22660 Camp Calvert Rd., Leonardtown, 7 a.m. Get in the Christmas spirit and put on your gaudiest Christmas sweater, Santa costume, or Santa hat and run/walk a 5K or 2K. Changed St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, 16922 St. Peter Claver Rd., Indigoes, 3 p.m. A Must see performance, its spiritual, moving and powerful. For more information/ tickets: Delora 301-769-1761, Fran 301-904-6314 or Brenda 240-9256892. Tickets $10 ages 3 and under free. Cookie Sale Hollywood United Methodist Church, 9 a.m. A Christmas cookie sale will be held. An assortment of homemade cookies can be purchased for $10 per container. These make nice gifts for co-workers and friends. For more information call 301-373-2500
There is no admission charge, but donations are welcome. Kicking off the concert with the perennial favorite Its Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas, this performance promises to get you into the Christmas spirit as you journey from familiar carols, through a swinging Christmas party, to beautiful sacred Christmas music, a special celebration of Christmas Eve, and then welcome Christmas day with Joy to the World. Embracing the beauty and joy of this special holiday, Patuxent Voices will make you smile, lift your spirits, and fill your heart with the spirit of the season. This years concert includes some instrumental accompaniment as well, adding to the spice and variety of the performance. Patuxent Voices has been performing since 2004, started by friends who love to sing unaccompanied music. The 11 women who make up Patuxent Voices hail from Calvert and St. Marys counties; the group offers concerts for the Christmas holiday and in the spring. Patuxent Voices can also be heard December 6, at 7 p.m., in the Calvert Marine Museum as part of the Solomons Christmas Walk. To learn more or see additional performance dates, visit www.patuxentvoices.org or friend us on Facebook. Come have your picture taken with Santa! Ridge Vol. Rescue Squad, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Printed 4x6 pictures will be available by 1 Love Photography. For a suggested donation of $5 donation tothe Ridge Rescue Squad Auxiliary. Enjoy doughnuts, coffee and juice St. Johns School Orange & Grapefruit (and Pecan) Sale Pick-up Saturday, Dec 21. Some extras will be ordered. Details are also available on the St. Johns School website or atwww.sjshollywood.org/AboutSJS/Orange-Grapefruit-Sale.aspx. For more information, call 301-373-8545.
Bingo with Santa Mother Catherine Spalding School, 38833 Chaptico Road, Mechnicsville, 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:00 pm. Cost is $5.00 for Children and Adults are fee. Prizes include toys and games. For more information contact 301-884-3164. Quarter Auction Mother Catherine Spalding School, 38833 Chaptico Road, Mechnicsville, 1 p.m. Doors will open at Noon. Great selection of items and last minute Christmas Gifts from multiple vendors. Paddles are $3.00. For more information contact 301-884-3164.
p.m., each evening from Monday Dec 16 to Friday Dec 20th. Great opportunity for community service credit. Please call 301-863-7887 for more info. Thanks for helping out!
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Sotterley Christmas Traditions Sotterley Plantation Various times, visitwww.sotterley.orgfor tour times. Visit Sotterleys 300 year-old plantation house beautifully decorated for the holidays and hear about the Christmas traditions of the families that lived here. Make this tour one of your holiday traditions!$15 per person. Advance reservations required, purchase tickets online atwww.sotterley.org. Wednesday Advent services 46707 Shangri-La Drive, Lexington Park, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Pastor Schoolcraft will be preaching on the Bright Star of Bethlehem. A meal will follow each service. TPPs Annual Holiday Party The Patuxent Partnership Office, 22335 Exploration Dr., Suite 1035, Lexington Park, 5 to 6:30 p.m. *TPP Members Only
Monday, Dec. 16
The Coolside of Yuletide Patuxent Presbyterian Church, 23421 Kingston Creek Road, California, 7 to 8:30 p.m. St. Maries Musica madrigal group presents a concert, 301-994-9441 or www.smmusica.org.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
Zumba St. Marys Sunshine Center, Leonardtown, 6 p.m. A fun energetic aerobic work-out with a Latin inspired routine. Zumba fitness every Tuesday and Thursday evening. The cost is $5.00 per class or $25.00 for a 6 class pass. Volunteers Needed: Mikes Food Fund Zion Methodist Church, Lexington Park, 4 p.m. Mikes Food Fund needs volunteers to help package and deliver over 2000 turkey basket Christmas dinners to those in need in St. Marys County. The deliveries will be staged from Zion Methodist Church located on Rt 235 between Gates 2 and 3 of Pax River NAS. Volunteers are needed from 4 to 8
Thursday, Dec. 19
Sotterley Christmas Traditions Sotterley Plantation Various times, visitwww.sotterley.orgfor tour times. Visit Sotterleys 300 year-old plantation house beautifully decorated for the holidays and hear about the Christmas traditions of the families that lived here. Make this tour one of your holiday traditions!$15 per person. Advance reservations required, purchase tickets online atwww.sotterley.org.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Patuxent Voices performs A Musical Journey through the Season Trinity Church, St. Marys College, 3 p.m.
FROM MY BACKYARD TO OUR BAY

A St. Marys County Residents Guide to Improving Our Environment and Drinking Water
From My Backyard to Our Bay was first developed by the Baltimore County Soil Conservation District. From there, the booklet was given to each of the Soil Conservation Districts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed area for customization. If the 17.5 million residents who live in the watershed area of the Chesapeake Bay read this booklet, and took to heart its suggestions and best practices, the Chesapeake Bay would see a dramatic increase in health. Obtain a FREE copy of the booklet by going to the St. Marys River Watershed Association, smrwa.org and downloading it. The booklet is available at Wentworth Nursery in Charlotte Hall; Chicken Scratch in Park Hall; The Greenery in Hollywood; Good Earth Natural Food; and the St. Marys Soil Conservation District in Leonardtown.
Join your local watershed association and make a difference for Our Bay!
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Bay
Are You Country Living: Sights, Sounds, and Smells of Farming Bay-Wise?
Agriculture is encouraged in St. Marys County, and the County has a Right-to-Farm Ordinance. fully with their neighbors. Although in some cases farmers may be able to accommodate requests to modify their operations, the interface between agricultural and residential neighbors requires some cooperation and understanding on both sides to keep peace in the community. Most farming operations use herbicides and pesticides to control weeds and insects. The Maryland Department of Agriculture requires a Pesticide Applicators License to perform this work. Training and passing an exam are required before a license is issued. Modern pesticides are approved for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after years of testing. Newer generation pesticides are used in very small quantities and are more environmentally friendly. A big part of farming involves working with conditions that people cant control, especially the weather. As soon as the soil warms up and dries out enough to plant, farmers must get their crops in the ground to take advantage of the
Bay-Wise landscapes minimize negative impacts on our waterways by using smarter lawn management techniques and gardening practices. The University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Bay-Wise program in St. Marys County offers hands-on help with managing your landscape by providing information, a site visit, and landscape certifications. Our yardstick checklist is easy to understand and follow, and our team of trained Master Gardeners can help guide you through it while offering suggestions to improve both the appearance and sustainability of your landscape.
maximum number of days in the growing season. Harvesting is a particularly critical time, and farmers work every available hour until the crops are harvested from the fields and processed. Part of the urgency is that crops can be seriously devalued or completely ruined if they get wet during harvest time. While harvesting, farmers may work from dawn to dusk to get their crops in. More on farming next week
As a resident of a largely rural county, you may see, hear, and smell things that are quite different from an urban or suburban area. Many residences have been built in sight of, and perhaps downwind of, farmers fields. Farmers sometimes receive complaints from their new neighbors about routine agricultural operations, dust, noise, and smells. Farming is an occupation and a tradition that is often handed down from one generation to the next. Agriculture is the foundation of rural communities, and farmers expect and hope to live peace-
301-475-4120
extension.umd.edu/baywise Start a Movement in Your NeighborhoodBe the First to be Certified Bay-Wise!
Call Now & Schedule a Visit!
smrwa.org
This is the twenty-sixth in a series of articles that Mary Ann Scott (scottmaryann9@gmail.com) has adapted from From My Backyard to Our Bay in the hopes of increasing awareness of the powerful booklet that could do so much to help the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Look for the next article in next weeks County Times!
The County Times
Entertainment
34
The Works of Chopin

By Kimberly Alston Contributing Writer Artist in Residence at St. Marys College of Maryland, Brian Ganz held a concert on Tuesday, Dec 3., featuring the music of Debussy, Chopin and Beethoven. Ganz has partnered with the National Philharmonics, part of the Strathmore Music Center, to perform the entire works of Chopin over the next decade. The first Chopin concert performed by the partnership was in January of 2001 and the projected end date is scheduled for February of 2014. For Ganz, the opportunity to perform the music of Chopin was a dream come true, Chopin, being Ganzs favorite composer from a young age. While Chopin only wrote six works to be performed with a full orchestra, he also wrote several pieces to be played with just a solo piano. From age 10, Ganz decided that being a pianist was more than just a hobby, it was a calling. Chopin is the language of my soul, Ganz said. Ganz said his love of music was pushed through his really wonderful teachers and created a devote, spiritual nourishment to him. He said that his calling was encouraged by his family, especially his parents and that in general; he was, surrounded by encouragement. Ganz said that he is excited to perform the works of Chopin and said that, it is possible that no one has ever done this before. He said that it has always been a dream of his to play every note that Chopin ever composed. I feel I can communicate most precisely when I am speaking the language of Chopin, Ganz said, adding that, there is something so mysterious and soulful about his music that resonates the soul and depths of my being. Being a teacher at St. Marys College of Maryland as a one on one repertoire piano class instructor as well as giving lecture recitals has given Ganz a way to share his love of music with others. He said that he loves being an artist in residence and while he plays basically classical pieces,
Brian Ganz
Patuxent Voices Performs Holiday Concerts Struggling To Find

That Perfect Christmas Gift?
How about tickets to a concert with an international performer right here in St. Marys County? Internationally acclaimed Irish tenor Anthony Kearns will perform live in concert at St. Marys Ryken on Feb. 9, 2014. Called the voice of the century, Mr. Anthony Kearns is considered to be the best interpreter of Irish music alive today. The concert is on Sunday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. All seating is general admission. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are available now for $59. A discounted rate of $49 is available to St. Francis Xavier Society members. A limited number of VIP tickets are on sale for $100 and include admission to the performance and to a wine and cheese reception with Mr. Kearns following the concert. To learn more about Mr. Kearns, visit www.anthonykearns.com. Proceeds from the concert benefit the St. Marys Ryken Annual Fund. Some sponsorship opportunities are still available. For tickets and more information, please contact the Advancement Office at 301-373-4182 or by email at advancement@ smrhs.org. Romuald Hall Theater is located off of the lower parking lot on the campus of St. Marys Ryken, 22600 Camp Calvert Road, Leonardtown, Md., 20650.
he feels that he can give people and undersanding of music tht they may not have had before. Ganz;s next concert will be performed on Saturday, Dec 14 at the Michael P. PBrien Athletics and Recreation Center (ARC) along with the St. Marys College Choir, and the St. Marys College Orches-
tra, with Larry Vote conducting as they perform Handels Messiah. For more information about Brian Ganz or his music, visit www.smcm.edu/ music/b_ganz.html or www.brianganz. com kimberlyalston@countytimes.net
Patuxent Voices, Southern Marylands premiere womens a cappella group, presents A Musical Journey through the Season this weekend: Friday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m., All Saints Episcopal Church in Sunderland; Saturday, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. at Middleham St. Peters Parish Hall in Lusby; and Sunday, Dec. 15, 3:00 p.m. at Trinity Church, St. Marys College. There is no admission charge, but donations are welcome. To learn more or see additional performance dates, visit www.patuxentvoices.org or friend us on Facebook.
35
n O g Goin
Thursday, Dec 12
Rd., Piney Point) 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The County Times

23971 Mervell Dean Rd Hollywood, MD 20636
301-373-2955
In Entertainment
Monday, Dec. 16
Team Trivia Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Rd, Dowell) 7 p.m.
SUNDAY
1ST $1.50 BEER during the Redskins game!
Joe Martone Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Rd, Dowell) 7:30p.m. Piranhas Acoustic Ruddy Duck Alehouse (16810 Piney Point Rd., Piney Point) 7:30 p.m. Gretchen Richies Jazz Cabaret Caf des Artistes (41655 Fenwick Street-Onthe-Square, Leonardtown) 6 to 9 p.m.
TOOTS DECEMBER 2013 ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

MONDAY TUESDAY Wednesday Thursday
5TH
Friday
Saturday
7th
2nd THE BUD LIGHT KARAPOKE

CHALLENGE!
Tuesday, Dec. 17
Karaoke with DJ Tommy and DJ OT Hard Times Caf (1120 Smalllwood Drive, West Waldorf) 8:30 p.m. $2 Tuesday Toots Bar (23971 Mervell Dean Rd, Hollywood) 11 a.m.
SUNDAY
8th
$1.50 BEER during the Redskins/Rav ens games!
MONDAY
9TH THE BUD LIGHT KARAPOKE
CHALLENGE!
3RD $2.00 Crown, Captain and ALL BEER!

10th
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
11TH TEAM TRIVIA 6:30-8:30 D.J. 9 -1 A.M.
4TH TEAM TRIVIA 6:30-8:30 D.J. 9 -1 A.M.
6TH
Country returns with;
Classic Rock with; THE RUM RUNNERS!
Friday, Dec. 13
The Musician Protection Program The Westlawn Inn (9200 Chesapeake Avenue, North Beach) 7:30 p.m. 4 Friends Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Rd, Dowell) 8 p.m. Rum Runners Ruddy Duck Alehouse (16810 Piney Point Rd., Piney Point) 8 p.m.
Charlie Thompson D.J. 15th

$1.50 BEER during the Redskins/ Ravens games!
$2.00 Crown, Captain and ALL BEER!
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Trivia Ruddy Duck Alehouse (16810 Piney Point Rd., Piney Point) 6:30 p.m. Wolfs Blues Jam Londontowne Pub (726 Londontowne Rd., Edgewater) 8 p.m. Team Trivia Toots Bar (23971 Mervell Dean Rd., Hollywood) 7 p.m.
16TH SEMI-FINALS Of The Bud Light karaoke Challenge! 8:30
17th $2.00 Crown, Captain and ALL BEER!

24th
18TH TEAM TRIVIA 6:30-8:30 D.J. 9 -1 A.M. Merry Christmas!
The Justin Crenshaw D.J. Band! MANGO THURSDAY FRIDAY 8:30-1:00 12th 13TH BIG MONEY CLOW BAND D.J. 8:30-12:30 MANGO 8:301:00A.M. 19TH 20TH B&B EXPRESS COME DANCE!! 26TH TOO MANY MIKES 8:30-12:30 27TH
FAST EDDIE AND THE SLOW POKES
SATURDAY
14TH D.J. EXTRAORDAI NNAIRE CHARLES THOMPSON 8:30-1:00
21ST
R&R TRAIN 28TH
22nd
$1.50 BEER during the Redskins/Rav ens games!
23rd
FINALS
Of The Bud Light karaoke Challenge 8:30
Charlie Thompson D.J.

29th MOTOWN With The Winstons 3-7 p.m.
$2.00 Crown, Captain and ALL BEER!
Saturday, Dec. 14
The Not So Modern Jazz Quartet The Westlawn Inn (9200 Chesapeake Avenue, North Beach) 7:30 p.m.
D.J. MANGO 8:301:00A.M.

1ST 2nd
HAPPY Birthday
WANDA!
3rd
THE PIRANHAS LAST SHOW OF 2013!

4th
30th
31st
Thursday, Dec. 19
Karaoke Applebees (4100 N W Crain Hwy., Bowie) 9 p.m.
Karaoke and D.J. 9:00-1:00
2014
Recover with D.J. Charlie Thompson 2 to 6 p.m.!
A DAY OFF EARTH

Returns!
Sunday, Dec. 15
Jazz Brunch Ruddy Duck Alehouse (16810 Piney Point
WE
SELL
BEER
AND
lIQUOR
TO
GO!
Optimist Club of Mechanicsville
The County Times is always looking for more local talent to feature! To submit art or band information for our entertainment section, e-mail info@ somdpublishing.net. Please submit calendar listings by 12 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to our Thursday publication.
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN!

The opTimisT children's chrisTmas parTy will be held aT: real life wesleyan church 27399 old village road mechanicsville, md 20659
when: Time:
Email in your Engagement Announcement Today!
Tuesday, december 17, 2013 6:00 pm To 8:00 pm
Its Free!
angiestalcup@countytimes.net
ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: PUPPET SHOW, COOKIES AND DRINKS, CRAFT ACTIVITY, AND OF COURSE SANTA HIMSELF WHO WILL BE HANDING OUT GOODIE BAGS TO ALL THE KIDS.
Real Life Church for the use of their church facility for this fun family event. Sponsored by the Optimist Club of Mechanicsville. The Optimist Club of Mechanicsville would like to thank
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Real Estate for Sale

2.8 secluded acres overlooking a pond. Hardwood floors. Fireplace in family room is great place to spend the holidays. The kitchen has many stainless upgrades and over looks the family room. Separate dining room and living room. Large master with a room that could be used for an office. Large detached 3 car garage/shop w/ 800+ sq ft overhead storage. Hot tub and large back deck. Price: $439,000. Call 240-561-2144.
Apartment Rentals
Large 2BDRM apartment with sep kitchen and living room area. 20mins from Waldorf and Lexington Park. Electric included with monthly rent. Pets are allowed, no yard access. Price: $1200. Call 301-399-0413 or email bbmangel36@gmail.com. Prince Frederick, Maryland (Calvert County). Nice room in private home with 2 closets and storage area. Less than 1 mile to all shopping, and CSM. Public transportation across the street. Includes utilities, AC, WIFI, and cable. Available immediately. Call Rick 443968-4727. Rent: $600.00
Employment
Drivers: Start up to $.41/mi., Home Weekly or Bi-Weekly, 90% No-Touch, 70% D&H. CDL-A 1yr. OTR exp. Req.877-705-9261 SALES commercial/industrial to users of diesel equipment truck, equipment, ship. Commission starts at 10% with additional volume bonus. Sales, marketing and sales call support provided. You get paid at the same rate as long as customer buys product. Customers consume the product each day. No territories. Call Chuck 214-316-2711
Employment
DRIVERS:
EPES Transport is hiring Company Drivers & Independent Contractors. For the following positions: Regional OTR, & Part Time OTR Weekends. HomeEvery Week. Competitive Pay, Excellent Benefits, $0.10 Northeast Pay, Paid Holidays & Vacation, Premium + Bonus. CDL-A & 1year OTR Exp Req. 888-293-3232 www.epestransport.com
Real Estate Rentals

Rambler for Rent in Mechanicsville: TraILer FOr reNt Freshly painted clean home, country $500 per month kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood Utilities floors. Non Plus smoking home, no pets, no section 8 please. Please call Janette at No Smoking No Pets (301) 884-3853.301-880-3206 Rent: $1,250. Mechanicsville
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GAMES
38
CLUES ACROSS
1. Binder 5. Move up and down 11. Wild sheep of northern Africa 12. Annoys 16. An upward movement 17. Ducktail 18. Town in central Minnesota 19. Philatelists delight 24. Carriers invention 25. Foreign travellers 26. Aurochs 27. Batter advanced score 28. Show the way 29. Steep rugged mass of rock 30. Valley 31. Digital data device 33. Insert mark 34. Breakout 38. Dissention from dogma 39. Kuhil and clown fish 40. Unconsciousness 43. Czech River 44. Johann Sebastian 45. Flows to the Danube at Belgrade 49. World data organization (abbr.) 50. Comedian Sahl
51. Porch furniture wood 53. Potato state 54. American Pickers 56. Yellow-fever mosquitos 58. Edisons company 59. Axis and offshoot angle 60. Standard 63. Blame (Scottish) 64. Esoteric 65. Pronounces 1. Any wrist bone 2. Baltimore bird 3. Czars nation 4. Regulated food 5. Space next to someone 6. Expunction 7. Trauma center 8. Spanish yes 9. Matters 10. Twist out of shape 13. Toward 14. Renders able for a task 15. An extended social group 20. Article 21. GMA anchors initials 22. Streetcar 23. Summer month (abbr.) 27. Not widely distributed
CLUES DOWN
29. Plays great music 30. Female 1776 descendants 31. Speed gauge ratio 32. Old English 33. After B 34. Expressing sorrow 35. More hearty, firmer 36. Taxis 37. Single pip card 38. 50th state 40. A source of worry 41. Eight sided 42. Highest military valor award (abbr.) 44. Former Harvard Pres. Derek 45. Drinking tubes 46. Loss of coordination 47. Self-love 48. Talus joints 50. Accumulator 51. Rural delivery 52. Lady Souls initials 54. Prefix indicating abstraction 55. Hawaiian goose 57. Prince Williams mom, Lady __ 61. Aid organization (abbr.) 62. Farm state
e i d d i K Kor
Last Weeks Puzzle Solutions
ner
Wanderings
of anAimless
39
The County Times
Min
Healthy Ways to Control Pain and Inflammation

By Debra Meszaros CSN www.MXSportsNutrition.com Since every drug potentially causes adverse side effects, would you rather utilize nutrients and foods to help control your pain? Pain and inflammation are ailments atop the most common complaint list. There are specific foundational drugless options that can help you with controlling pain and inflammation naturally, without adverse effects. Unfortunately the continual use of OTC pain relieving products effect your liver and kidneys, so a better option might be to take a closer look at some natural solutions. Natural options are more effective when we consider the synergistic workings of the body. If we supply the body through foods or supplementation, with the key elements needed, it can control these ailments. Omega 3 fats are just one of the precursors the body utilizes in controlling inflammation. Krill oil is one of the forms of animal omega 3 fats that generally has a higher absorption rate by the body. Krill oil does not need converting by the body to be utilized like flax oil does. Additionally, individuals with digestive issues, may not be getting the benefits from other forms of omega 3 fats because they are not actually be processed and absorbed like krill oil. Some individuals attempting to take omega 3 fish oil supplements experience a burping up of the fish oil, a sign their body is not processing the oil adequately. This is usually not the case when supplementing with krill oil. In clinical studies, Omega 3 fats have shown to posess anti-inflammatory powers. When it comes to dietary adjustments, it is possible to avoid inflammation by eliminating or seriously reducing ones intake of processed grains and sugars, including fructose. Both grains and sugars increase the bodies insulin and leptin levels which result in increased inflammation. If your dietary habits include daily or frequent consumption of tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, or bell peppers, these foods have a tendency to increase inflammation in the body, especially if inflammation to any degree, already exists. Watch out for additives found in processed foods like MSG and aspartame, both have the ability to trigger inflammation. They often cause headaches and migraines. Beneficial herbs can be a choice in inflammatory management; both fresh ginger, either grated into foods or steeped in boiling water, or curcumin, found in the spice turmeric, demonstrate anti-inflammatory abilities. Boswellia, a/k/a indian frankincense, is another herb with powerful anti-inflammory properties. When it comes to natural solutions, Mother Nature always knows best. The negative electrical charge of the Earth has many health benefits to the human body. Simply walking barefoot grounds you to the Earth and in a little over an hour, calms the nervous system, can help maintain healthy heart rates, blood pressure, positively influence your quality of sleep, and lessen pain and inflammation; all by transfering free electrons to your body. Free electrons are some of the most powerful antioxidants and it sounds like a really good reason to take a barefoot walk in the park!
2013 Debra Meszaros MXSportsNutrition.com. All rights reserved; no duplication without permission. DISCLAIMER: When you read through the diet and lifestyle information, you must know that everything within it is forinformational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. I am making no attempt to prescribe any medical treatment. You should not use the information here for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. The products and the claims made about specific products have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Confirm the safety of any supplements with your M.D., N.D. or pharmacist (healthcare professional).Some information given is solely an opinion, thought and or conclusion based on experiences, trials, tests, assessments or other available sources of information. I do not make any guarantees or promises with regard to results. I may discuss substances that have not been subject to double blind clinical studies or FDA approval or regulation. You assume the responsibility for the decision to take any natural remedy. You and only you are responsible if you choose to do anything with the information you have read. You do so at your own risk.I encourage you to make your own health decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
By Shelby Oppermann Contributing Writer
Snowfall or Wetfall?
Tinkle, tinkle, tinkle. I am writing this in my cozy, warm office listening to the tinkle of ice crystals on all the metal surfaces on our house. Tinkle, tinkle. It is a lovely sound as long as I am not out in it. Everything is quiet, no cars, no bussesbut I hear stirrings in our bedroomTidbit is starting to stretch and sigh, and shake her head. Her flappy ears slap, slap, slap against her head and once in a while against the furniture. Shes thinking: I really have to go potty, but I know what that tinkling sound means its wet outside. And good luck to anyone who can get Tidbit, Miss Princess out in the rain. She does love snow though. Tidbit will eat up long troughs of it with tail wagging furiously. Oh wait, I still might be able to get her outside it seems to be slowing down. Tinkle. I am only hearing one or two tinkles now. Tinkletinkle.tinkle.tink. Drop.. Drop, drop. Yup, here it comes. Drop, drop, drop, drop, dropfaster, harder. Our version of snow is coming down fast now. The beautiful crystalline tinkling sound is gone. This is St. Marys County surrounded by water, and the warmth from those waters we bypass snow altogether and head straight from sleet to rain. Tidbit might as well lay back down and dream shes in the desert to hold her for a little while. There is no way Ill be able to get her outside now. She might walk out the back door, but she will put her ears back, narrow her eyes, and huddle by the back door until I let her back in. The meteorologists on the early news are showing beautiful photos of snow that viewers have sent in from all over our region. But St. Marys County wont be sending any photos, unless they want a nice, dreary, cold rain. We really dont get too many snowfalls. Now, watch, we will get a doozy of a snowstorm because I said that. I think Wetfall should be the new term for St. Marys County storm events. I almost said winter storm events, but we are still a week away from winters beginning. Well, rain, snow, or sleet, as I said, its nice and cozy in here. I wanted to get those Funkins (fake pumpkins if you didnt already know) back in the big shed today. And I wanted to get the Christmas tree out of the shed. But, I think Ill wait for a few days on that. Ahhh retirement. Ill work today, but the farthest I will go is out of our basement door about four steps into my workshop where its also warm and cozy. I can listen to my audiobooks or TV while I work on projects. Tidbit has a soft blanket in there, so she can keep an eye on things. In fact, Tidbit has soft blankets or beds everywhere. She has the big one in the bedroom, one in the workshop, one sometimes in the living room, the bathroom rug (when its time for her sauna treatment when Im in the shower), one in front of the woodstove, one in the workshop, and a big, fluffy towel for car rides. Not a bad life for our sweet little doggie. She deserves it every bit. Meanwhile; back to thinking how I can trick that sweet little doggie into getting one of her perfect little Princess paws wet.
To each new days adventure, Shelby Please send your comments or ideas to: shelbys.wanderings@ yahoo.com or find me on facebook: Shelby Oppermann
Happily Ever After

Laura Joyce Contributing Writer Im not sure exactly why, but stepmothers have always gotten a raw deal when it comes to how theyre portrayed. Either theyre written as murderous, witchy women intent on passing off a poisoned piece of fruit as a wise nutritional choice, or theyre presented as narcissistic shrews who spend their time plotting ways to keep the innocent stepdaughter scrubbing the hearth while their own lazy, selfish offspring scheme to steal a prince or two. Even in real life the stereotypes seem to be all you hear about: all too often the stories that get told are about the stepmother who has damaged the relationship between her husband and his children, which is poisoning and prince-stealing all rolled into one. It might make for a good fairytale, and an even better episode of Law & Order, but its not what I see when I look at the complex relationship that exists in most step-families, and certainly not in mine. Admittedly, Im not a stepmom, but I have one, and shes about as far from the stereotypes as a person could be. Ive been thinking about her a lot lately, as she and my father battle a recurrence of a cancer that she fought with incredible grace and courage a dozen years ago. Perhaps because of this, I am more aware than ever of how much she means to me, and how fortunate Ive been. Yet even after all these years, I dont know quite how Id define her or the role she has played in my life for so long. She is motherly, but not my mother: I have a wonderful mom, and my stepmother has always seemed to intuitively understand how to support my moms irreplaceable role in my life and home in my heart, without trying to take it over or compete. Shes nevernot oncebeen that fairytale villain who sacrifices her spouses past in the interests of her own future. For 35 years she has maintained a perfect balance on the tightrope walk that is step-parenting, neither over-stepping nor remaining too distant. She, like so many stepmothers Ive met, is generous in the most important way for a stepparent: she has always graciously made sure that there was plenty of space for my relationship with my father to thrive, even when it meant that she had less time with him. I think back on a trip the three of us took to Greece when I was twenty: now, in hindsight, I realize that it must have originally been planned as a romantic getaway for the two of them, and yet I wasnt once made to feel like I was imposing, or taking something from her. In fact, she was so good-natured about my accompanying them on the trip that it took several decades (okay, so maybe Im a little slow sometimes) for it to even occur to me that perhaps shed have preferred to make the trip alone with my father (at twenty, it rarely occurs to us that our parents might be capable of enjoying themselves fullylet alone morewithout us there). Time passes; we get older, and so do the people we love. Sometimes, were faced with difficult truths, with unwanted change: cells divide in ways we wish they wouldnt, things shift in ways that seem unfair. And yet, this special person part parent, part sister, part friend, all combined into something unique, something without a fitting title, but something morewould not have been in my life except for a difficult time, when my family changed in ways that scared me, and at first made me wish that everything could stay the same forever. Its a reminder that fire tests us, tempers us into something better, stronger, more flexible. Sometimes the moments that take something from us turn out to leave us with more: more understanding, more acceptance, more love. When I think of it that way, our familys story really has been a fairytale: for four decades and countingthanks in no small part to a woman who is everything an evil stepmother is not, a woman who has brought us joy and laughter and love they lived happily ever after. I love hearing from you; feel free to contact me at thewordtech@md.metrocast.net if you have comments or questions about the column.
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2,148 - 6,083 Sq. Ft. 3 - 4 Bedrooms 2.5 - 5.5 Bathrooms From the upper $200s!
1,553 - 1,976 Sq. Ft. 2 - 3 Bedrooms 1 - 2.5 Bathrooms From the $100s!
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WildewoodCommunity.com | 240.895.7900 | 44144 Azalea Court, California, MD 20619

MHBR No. 3588 | Stanley Martin Homes Prices, nancing, and offers are all subject to change without notice. Incentives not available on all homesites in all neighborhoods.Please see a Neighborhood Sales Manager for complete details.

2013-12-12 The County Times

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2013-12-12 The County Times

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013

Photo by Frank Marquart

St. Marys County Wine and Design R Y PA G E 2 0

MENT TO The & The C County Times alvert G azette

The County Times

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Prices Effective Friday, December 13 Thru Thursday, December 26, 2013

MCKAYS CHARLOTTE HALL www.mckayssupermarkets.com

DAVE MCKAY LIQUORS

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Thursday December 12, 2013

The County Times

The Law Offices of P.A. Hotchkiss & Associates

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

Scan this Times Code with your smart phone

SERVING CHARLES ST. MARYS PG CALVERT

(301) 932-7700 (301) 870-7111

Youll Be Glad You Did.

P.O. Box 250 Hollywood, Maryland 20636

April Hancock PO Box 407 Bryans Road, MD 20616 301-743-9000

Burris Olde Towne Insurance

For staff listing and emails, see page 14.

Auto - Home - Business - Life

The County Times

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Commissioners Vote for Metro Designation Under Duress

No Permits for Pools

Mike Batson Photography

Thursday, December 12, 2013

The County Times

Norris Says She Wont Run for Treasurers Seat

HOW DOES A TANKLESS SPACE SAVING CALCULATION WORK?

Taylor Gas Company, Inc

The County Times

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Morgan Files for Dist. 29A Seat

Forum Encourages Legislation to Fix Unfair Treatment of Pit Bulls

Put a Little Sparkle Under Your Christmas Tree

308 San Souci Plaza, California, MD

Thursday, December 12, 2013

The County Times

Numbers of Homeless in County Difficult to Pin Down

ST. MARYS COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE BLOOD DRIVE

may be able to save you up to 30%!!

The County Times

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Prepare for Weather-Related Outages

If your power goes out:

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL SALE

Installation of New Floor to Close Leonard Hall Recreation Center

7700 Leonardtown Road Hughesville, MD 20637

1/2 Mile North of the 231 Bypass

om Sets, Dinin g Table Se And O ts ther Furnis hings !

Inside Broad Creek Kitchens

We Are Back from the Market...

store ...for home decor

COME AND SEE WHATS NEW!

Thursday, December 12, 2013

The County Times

$10.99 each Choose any of our Brick Oven 18 Pizzas, including

$6.99 each Choose any of our Brick Oven 12 Pizzas, including

All Varieties All DayAll For Just

Made to Order Toasted Subs

saturday & Sunday