The

Thursday, August 30, 2007 St. Marys County, Maryland

County

P IN

US EY POINT LIGHTHO

Times
PRSTD STD US Postage Paid Permit No. 145 Waldorf, MD

Established 2006 Volume 2 Issue 35 FREE

Educators Celebrate High School Assessment Data

By Adam Ross Staff Writer For a second straight year, St. Marys County Public Schools achieved gains on all four Maryland High School Assessments, according to data released to the public Tuesday from the Maryland State Department of Education. The scores offered encouraging news that Superintendent Michael J. Martiranos 15-point plan which calls for improved student achievement and elimination of the achievement gap for African American, economically disadvantaged and special education students is working. African Americans saw a narrowing of the achievement gap to their white counterparts on the English, Government and Algebra assessments, with a slight rise in Biology. Meanwhile, special education and economically disadvantaged students narrowed the achievement gap in English, Biology and Government. The achievement gap rose among special education students versus regular education students in Algebra from 42.5 percent in 200 to 4 percent. The data also confirmed that the graduating class of 2009, which is the first class required by No Child Left Behind (NCLB) to pass all four assessments to graduate, is well on its way towards that goal. Of the 2009 class, just 11.3 percent had not passed the Government HSA, 12.3 percent failed to pass the Algebra HSA, 18.1 percent did not pass the English HSA, and 8.4 percent still need to retake the Biology See HSA Testing page A-8

Smoke Alarm Clears Out School

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The smell of smoke wafting through the building at Oakville Elementary School in Oakville prompted students, teachers and building staff to evacuate in the mid-afternoon hours Monday. The following day school system officials said that a component with the heating and air conditioning system was the culprit in causing the offending odor. A drive belt on one of the exhaust fans had slipped off and when they do that they produce a burning rubber odor, said Steve Whidden, director of maintenance with the office of Supporting Services. There was definitely the smell of smoke. One employee at the school said that, ironically, a fire drill had been planned for that day. Children, from the pre-kindergarten levels up to the 5th grade, waited to get back into the school after being led out by faculty and staff at about 2:35 p.m. Students waited under trees for shade to seek relief from the afternoon heat that day as firefighters and rescue personnel inspected the See Smoke Alarm page A-10

The St. Marys County Metropolitan Commission announced at the Board of County Commissioners meeting earlier this month that arsenic levels in drinking water from the Aquia aquifer exceed Environmental Protections Agency regulations.

Photo by Adam Ross

Arsenic Levels in County Water at Dangerous Levels According to EPA

Several Aquia Wells Need Replacing
By Adam Ross Staff Writer Several St. Marys County wells drilled into the Aquia aquifer need replacing because of arsenic levels that are dangerously high according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. New wells in Breton Bay and Mulberry South neighborhoods in Leonardtown and the Hollywood Industrial Park have already been drilled into the Patapsco aquifer, which contains no arsenic. But the St. Marys County Metropolitan Commission is still waiting for state approval to turn them on. [Most samples] range of 12 ppb, said Steven L. King, MetCom director of arsenic samples taken across the wells drawing from the Aquia, not way over the federal standard, but do exceed. King said he was surprised to see the EPA set the 10ppb standard, because numerous studies have shown the standard to be unjustified. King cited a study out of Johns Hopkins that proved 10ppb was too stringent of a standard. Yet, the EPA is currently under discussions to strengthen the standards even more, which would have a far heftier price tag for St. Marys. The EPA contends that drinking arsenic at its current standard over the course of a lifetime could have damaging effects. We are fortunate we have another alternative, King said of tapping into the Patapsco, but if the EPA lowers it to 5 or 3 parts per billion that means a lot more of our wells will then exceed the standard. Meanwhile, Fenwick Manor and Holland Forrest neighborhoods in Hollywood are still drawing from the Aquia where in some cases arsenic levels have reached 20 parts per billion, 10ppb more than the legal amount. Homes effected can install special filters into their See Water Levels page A-5

County to Replace 11 Misspelled Signs

By Adam Ross Staff Writer The 18th century Sotterley Plantation appears to have lost a vowel. Sotterley was misspelled as Sotterly on 11 tourism signs that went up throughout St. Marys County as part of the Maryland State Highway Administrations (SHA) Tourism Area and Corridor Sign Program. Officials in St. Marys County government said they are aware of the misspellings, and have made arrangements to replace the signs. The signs had the correct spelling on the engineers plans that went to SHA, according to Carolyn Laray, the countys tourism manager. The signs were approved as correct, Laray said, but appear to have been installed incorrectly. See Signs page A-

Lexington Park Man Charged With Attempting To Set House Ablaze

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Investigators with the State Fire Marshals office have charged a Lexington Park man with attempting to set fire to the house where both he and his girlfriend lived in connection with an apparent domestic dispute. Keith Leonard Mackall, 44, faces charges of attempted second-degree arson and threat of arson, according to charging documents. If convicted of the attempted arson charge, Mackall could face up to 20 years in prison; the lesser charge of threat of arson carries a possible 10-year term in prison. According to charging documents filed by investigators in the St. Marys County District Court, both Mackall and his alleged victim, Mitzi Higgins, had been living together at an address on Spitfire Court since 2001 when the alleged attempted arson occurred Aug. 22. According to those documents, Higgins said the relationship had become abusive and that Mackall had called her the morning of the alleged incident and said he would burn the house down around either himself or Higgins if she did not return to him. In charging documents the suspect is reported to have told Higgins I will kill you [expletive] if you leave me. The apparent domestic dispute that led up to the alleged attempted arson had been going on for several days prior to the incident, charging documents state, and Higgins had been contacted at a different address regarding the alleged threats Mackall had made. According to the charging documents, Higgins told investigators she had called the defendants brother, Ronnie Mackall, to get the suspect. Higgins told investigators that Ronnie MackSee Dispute page A-

Inside
Go Big B-1
Op.-Ed .......... Page A - 4 Obituaries..... Page A - 9 Community... Page B - 4 Police ............ Page B - 7 Games........... Page B - 8 Classifieds..... Page B - 9

Habitat For Humanity Growing Presence In St. Marys

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Patuxent Habitat for Humanity has been building homes for lower income residents in St. Marys and Calvert counties since 2003, and now they want to make home improvement more affordable for the average homeowner. Starting Sept. 15, the local affiliate of the national non-profit group will open its Patuxent Habitat ReStore at the former location of the Bay District Fire Department in Lexington Park to offer donated framed windows, light fixtures, desks, bookcases, DVD players, VCRs, door frames, locks and almost any other house fixture available on the market for a much reduced price. John Girolamo, manager of the See Habitat page A-5

For Continual News Updates Visit: somd.com

Agnes Kanecallum B-4

Local Weather
Thursday Sunny 86 Friday Iso. T-Storms 82 Saturday Sunny 81 Sunday Sunny 80

Photo by Guy Leonard

Gary Williams, president of Patuxent Habitat for Humanity, works with volunteer Lou Bock to put together storage racks at their discount hardware ReStore facility in Lexington Park in preparation for its Sept. 15 opening.

 Section A - 

The County Times

Thursday, August 30, 007

Farmers Have Limited Time To Graze Animals On Conservation Lands

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer St. Marys County farmers with livestock that need to forage for food are now able to go onto county preserved land provided individual land owners allow the farmers herding them to do so. Amy Farrell, executive director of the countys Farm Service Agency, said the conservation lands will be open to the grazing animals until Sept. 30, and after that those lands will be once again closed to farmers looking for food for their livestock. Its just a short window, Farrell said of the program. The land set aside in the Conservation Reserve Program and the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program was opened up last week because of the continual drought that has plagued the entire state. Six other counties in Maryland have enacted the same program with the land that was originally set aside to improve water quality, protect wildlife habitat and curb erosion. While the drought has opened up opportunities for farmers to graze their deprived livestock, the final word on the grain crops for the county is devastating. We have a lot of fields with zero yield, especially in the North of end of the county, Farrell said. Ben Beale, an agent of the countys Cooperative Extension with the University of Maryland for agriculture, said recent rains have helped grazing lands, but grain producing fields in St. Marys County are probably worse than most of the rest of the state. Pastures have started to green up again but in reality most of our grain crops and forage crops have produced what they are going to produce, Beale said. The damage has been done. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared a drought disaster for 22 counties in Maryland with as much as a 30 to 60 percent loss of crops on average. Beale said that in St. Marys, the losses for grain crops was about 65 to 70 percent on average with some fields being completely devastated by the lack of water and intense heat throughout the summer. Beale said some fields are only turning out about 20 to 30 bushels per acre this season as opposed to the normal 130 to 200 acres of production per year. Its worse among some individual farmers, Beale said. They might have 90 to 95 percent crop loss. They just have to hope for a better year next year. With the disaster declaration last week also comes the availability of federal loans to aid farmers with their losses, but farmers may not be willing to deal with the process to get the loans. Mike Russell, a local Soil Conservation District employee and farmer, said he would not go for the loans and probably wouldnt qualify for them anyway. It doesnt really change the outlook, Russell said. It just gives you another loan you have to pay for. Russell said many farmers have their own insurance to compensate for crop loss because the process for getting the federal loans takes too long to be useful. Moreover, the federal government assesses the crop productions of farmers for the evidence to substantiate their claims against him. Izydore requested the disbarment go forward last month according to documents pertaining to the commissions complaints against him. While the commission was building its case against Izydore, who was a former employee of the Dorsey Law Firm in Leonardtown, he also faced a civil case in Circuit Court filed against him back in July of 2005 brought by the new representatives of the past four years. If they have done relatively well the previous three years then getting the loans now would likely be out of the question. The last three years Id be over the threshold, Russell said. I myself wouldnt qualify. Russell added that farmers are hoping for a better weather cycle to ensure crop growth in the coming months and years. He said a severe drought like this happened on a fairly regular basis over the years and that afterwards growing conditions began to improve. Its just a cycle, Russell said. Youll never recover what you lost, but if youre a farmer you have to be an optimist. We just have to wait and pray and see what comes.

Former Local Attorney Indicted

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Julian Izydore, a wellknown lawyer who formerly practiced law in St. Marys has been indicted after an investigation was submitted to the grand jury according to information from States Attorney Richard Fritzs office. Were working on presenting him to the court, said Assistant States Attorney Daniel White. Izydore, who currently lives in Georgia, has agreed to turn himself in as part of an agreement with the states attorneys office. Prosectors did not reveal the contents of the indictment or what charges Izydore would face as of press time. Were going to keep the indictment sealed until the bond hearing, White said. The County Times learned of the indictment late last week. Izydore was recently disbarred from practicing law in Maryland for unethical prac-

tices stemming from charges that he misappropriated funds from the estate of Gail I. Wood and filed false administration accounts while he served as the personal representative of that estate from 2001 to 2002. The charges were brought by the Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland and Izydore entered an Alford plea admitting that if the case went to a hearing that the commission could produce enough

Wood estate. Izydore lost the civil case and the court awarded the plaintiffs $194,733 in compensatory damages and $25,000 in punitive damages in March of this year. Izydore had been under investigation by the states attorneys office while he was going through civil proceedings against him, according to information from the states attorneys office.

Local Red Cross Pressed By Disaster Responses

21272 GREAT MILLS ROAD
(Right Across From The Wawa) Lexington Park, MD

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The head of the Southern Maryland Red Cross chapter says his organization has responded to more than double the number of single-family disasters this fiscal year than last and his group needs more volunteers and donations to be ready for future disasters. Were playing catch-up to make sure we have enough money for disaster relief, have enough volunteers and making sure theyre trained in CPR and first aid, said Mike Zabko, CEO of the Southern Maryland chapter. Money, blood and time are the three things that we always ask people to give. This past fiscal year the local Red Cross has responded with aid to 86 single family home fires, compared to an average of about half that number per fiscal year. Zabko said his group doled out $41,000 in aid to single family disaster victims this fiscal year while last FY they only gave out $26,000 in aid. Raising those funds is always difficult, Zabko said. That $41,000 we spent is not government money, Zabko said. Were constantly working with people to help make the local Red Cross the organization its supposed to be. Of the 86 local disasters, 34 were in Charles County and 28 were in Calvert County. St. Marys County had the lowest number at 24 disasters, but that number still outpaced what the county usually handles, Zabko

Mechanicsville
28967 Route 5 South

1-800-794-0693
301-884-2513 Fax: 301-884-5382

The DeluxeBed by Tempur-Pedic Therapy and comfort, perfectly balanced.

said. Volunteers, he said, often wanted to help once they heard that the local organization was helping out with the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts or some other large disaster, Zabko said, but once the disaster came under control volunteers began to dwindle. They want that constant adrenaline, Zabko said of needed volunteers. But theres no disasters occurring day in and day out. Volunteer wise its either feast or famine. While house fires are not always in the public eye, Zabko said, families who suffer the devastation of losing their home and possessions deserve the best help they can get. Its not front page news that these families lost everything, Zabko said. But its a Katrina [type of disaster] to them. John Johnson, 69, of Hollywood has been a Red Cross volunteer for 47 years and is still volunteering, he said. Were on standby in case were needed, Johnson said. We respond to all kinds of disasters. Johnson said, however, that the lack of volunteers meant he had to take a two-week standby shift on the Disaster Action Team response unit instead of the usual one week shift. That was ideal when we had enough volunteers, Johnson said. Red Cross volunteers also leave because they have to, Johnson said, and not just to find more excitement with a rescue squad or fire company.

A lot have moved away or [military personnel have] transferred to other places, Johnson said. Some have reached the age where they cant respond well so they retire. Still, the Red Cross offers top disaster relief training, Johnson said, and the benefits of becoming Red Cross volunteer are many. But perhaps the most important, he said, is to be of assistance to [your] fellow neighbor. The Red Cross also facilitates continual blood drives for the Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Blood Services Region, which is critically low on certain types of blood such as O positive, O negative and B negative blood. The ideal supply would last five to seven days, Zabko said, but all three supplies have less than a days worth in storage. Were using more than were taking in, Zabko said. Its a constant use game. Zabko said that people have been reluctant to give blood since the terror attacks of 9/11, where many donated blood but most of it was disposed of because the survivors of the attacks did not require it. But the danger of a disaster always carried the potential need for life-saving blood, Zabko said. Were talking about less than a days supply for some types of blood, Zabko said. If theres a disaster, theres going to be people who arent going to get that blood.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

The County Times

Section A - 3

Ryken Still In Search Of Master Plan

By Adam Ross Staff Writer The St. Marys Board of County Commissioners took its next step in rezoning the land surrounding St. Marys Ryken High School Aug. 21, so that the school can seek annexation into the town of Leonardtown and a future athletic complex. The commissioners unanimously supported the rezoning of approximately 28-acres surrounding Ryken to Intense Development Area (IDA), a classification that would provide sufficient development area for the schools master plan. The decision was made in the wake of a mistake made more than 20 years ago by the countys Department of Land Use and Growth Management, which originally zoned the land as Resource Conservation Area (RCA). For the mistake to officially be corrected, the commissioners recommendation will have to be reviewed by the St. Marys Critical Areas Commission, and approved. The mistake was basically the countys mistake, Commissioner Daniel H. Raley (D-Lexington Park) said at last weeks meeting. When you looked at the Ryken parcel, it looked like a big open parcel, something you would see in RCA, which was very easy to miss. In 1985, planners in LUGM zoned Rykens campus RCA in accordance with the 1984 critical areas law. Planners didnt take into account that Ryken was an institution on property already connected to sewer. Under its current zoning, Ryken is unable to build new athletic fields to improve its athletics department. Ryken is not locked into its current master plan, which is to be unveiled shortly after a final decision on the rezoning is rendered, according to Mary Joy Hurlburt, president of the school. However, an IDA classification would allow Ryken to greatly enhance its current impervious surface limit, and possibly expand its parking lot. Land Use and Growth Management supported the mapping change last week, approximately one year after this process started. The commissioners voted on two motions, one to change the mapping from RCA to Limited Development Area (LDA), and then from LDA to IDA. Thanks for your constant support throughout this year, Hurlburt said to the commissioners just before their vote. Now the plan has to make it thorough the Critical Areas Commission where it has been held up in the past. I dont think the critical areas people look at the overall impact that something like this has, said Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly Sr. (DLeonardtown). This clearly is an extremely strong public benefit to us and the region. A public hearing was held Aug. 15 at the commissioners meeting just before the vote, but nobody signed up to speak. The rezoning doesnt appear at this time to be an issue to anyone in the community. Its kind of ironic that the critical areas commission tied this up for so long, Commissioner Lawrence Jarboe (R-Golden Beach) added. We are in a position trying to clean up the [Chesapeake] Bay, yet these are the students that are going to provide the solutions and answers. We dont need to delay on these types of things; we need to send a message to the Critical Areas Commission of unanimous support. The matter is expected to make it on to the Critical Areas Commission agenda in September, but the process could take it into October.

Photo by Adam Ross

The current athletic fields outside of St. Marys Ryken High School arent ideal for students who hope that after an arduous battle with the county, the school can rezone 28-acres around the building in order to construct a new athletic complex

Sign-up at www.mycommunityrewards.com and let us support your favorite non-profit organization!

Our $60,000 Community Rewards Giveaway allows local non-profit groups the opportunity to earn a share of $60,000 based on your Gold Card purchases. Simply sign up for the program - then use your Gold Card every time you shop! Your Gold Card purchases will be credited to the non-profit group you designate. At the end of the program, McKays will donate $60,000 to registered groups based on the percentage of Gold Card purchases credited to them. Your purchases will be credited to your favorite non-profit group beginning October 1, 2007 through April 30, 2008. Watch for ways to earn DOUBLE CONTRIBUTIONS throughout the year!

Registration is quick and easy - just visit www.mycommunityrewards.com or the courtesy desk at any of our five stores.
Non-profit groups can register their organization starting September 1st Shoppers can register their Gold Card starting October 1st

301-884-5636

Route 5 & Mohawk Drive Charlotte Hall, MD 20622

Wildewood Shopping Center California, MD 20619

301-866-5702

301-475-2531

Route 245 Hollywood, MD 20636

Helping To Build Our Community...

ORGANIZATION TOTAL ST MARYS SCHOOL BRYANTOWN $57,435.33 ST JOHNS CHURCH & SCHOOL $42,361.52 VICTORY BAPTIST ACADEMY $30,564.69 LETTIE DENT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL $26,771.45 T C MARTIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL $19,825.86 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH $18,896.16 MT ZION UNITED METHODIST CHURCH $17,627.58 MOTHER CATHERINE SPALDING SCHOOL $12,756.92 HUGHESVILLE VFD LADIES AUXILIARY $11,924.01 HOSPICE OF ST MARYS $11,225.73 KINGS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY $10,805.59 MARGARET BRENT MIDDLE SCHOOL $8,743.21 AMERICAN RED CROSS OF SO MD CHAPTER $7,751.32 MECHANICSVILLE VOL RESCUE SQUAD $7,630.48 WHITE MARSH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL $7,276.64 LITTLE FLOWER SCHOOL $7,001.95 ALL FAITH EPISCOPAL CHURCH $6,951.97 TRI COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER $6,838.87 HOLLYWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL $6,775.65 LEONARDTOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PTA $6,741.18 CHOPTICON HIGH SCHOOL BAND BOOSTERS $6,624.40 SPECIAL OLYMPICS OF ST MARYS $6,576.63 MECHANICSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL $5,934.65 FATHER ANDREW WHITE SCHOOL $5,741.90 ST MICHAELS SCHOOL $5,645.36 ST MARYS RYKEN HIGH SCHOOL $5,600.00 HOLLYWOOD VOL RESCUE SQUAD $4,786.39 DUCKS UNLIMITED ST MARYS CO CHAPTER $4,753.55 GREAT MILLS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS $4,501.95 SO MD CHILD CARE RESOURCE CENTER $4,467.10 THE CENTER FOR LIFE ENRICHMENT $4,096.58 ST PAULS LUTHERAN CHURCH $3,790.33 OAKVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL $3,764.84 CARE NET PREGNANCY CENTER OF SO MD $3,689.26 ST MARYS COUNTY OFFICE ON AGING $3,669.52 ORGANIZATION TOTAL PINEY POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL $3,662.48 ST ANNES ANGLICAN CHURCH $3,549.35 ST MARYS ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE $3,488.19 ST MARYS HOSPITAL CANCER SUPPORT GROUP $3,295.60 RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL $3,216.83 LEONARDTOWN MIDDLE SCHOOL $3,117.17 SO MD FOOD BANK CATHOLIC CHARITIES $3,098.12 ARC OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND $3,087.21 PARK HALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL $2,994.96 CHOPTICON HIGH SCHOOL $2,973.93 HOLLYWOOD WORSHIP CENTER $2,948.41 GRACE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL $2,863.16 SPRING RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL $2,698.31 ST DOMINICS CHURCH SODALITY $2,462.16 CALVERTON SCHOOL $2,345.26 DYNARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL $2,340.29 ST GEORGES EPISCOPAL CHURCH $1,825.00 ST. MARYS COUNTY LIBRARY $1,790.55 GREENVIEW KNOLLS ELEMENTARY $1,720.85 CHRISTMAS IN APRIL ST MARYS $1,694.72 HOLLYWOOD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH $1,586.53 LUCKY ONES SPCA $1,572.22 GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL $1,521.73 HOLY FACE CHURCH $1,406.46 SECOND DISTRICT VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE $1,371.21 LEXINGTON PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH $1,359.05 AMERICAN KIDNEY FOUNDATION $1,276.99 CITIZENS SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION $1,265.25 HOSPICE OF CHARLES COUNTY $1,216.51 AMERICAN RED CROSS OF CHARLES COUNTY $1,188.72 ST MARYS HELPING HANDS $1,155.04 BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF SO MD $1,087.55 LEONARD HALL JUNIOR NAVAL ACADEMY $1,037.41 PATUXENT ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY $1,037.31 DAUGHTERS OF AMERICAN REVOLUTION $1,029.07

Route 246 & Great Mills Rd. Lexington Park, MD 20653

301-862-7702

301-997-1828

The Shops at Breton Bay Leonardtown, MD 20650

THANK YOU TO ALL THE SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, FIRE DEPARTMENTS, RESCUE SQUADS, AND OTHER NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS THROUGHOUT SOUTHERN MARYLAND WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE 2007 $60,000 GOLD CARD GIVEAWAY ...AND THANKS TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS WHO SUPPORTED THEIR FAVORITE CHARITY BY SHOPPING & SAVING AT MCKAY'S.

Congratulations Community Rewards Recipients 1999-2007

ORGANIZATION TOTAL FAMILY LIFE VICTORY CENTER $1,018.40 FREEDOMS REIN FILLIES & COLTS 4 H $997.75 GIRL SCOUT UNIT 10-2/190-1370 $775.60 IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CHURCH $749.81 TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH ST MARYS PARISH $747.11 LEXINGTON PARK RESCUE SQUAD $743.75 UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY OF SO MD $737.38 LEONARDTOWN HIGH SCHOOL BAND BOOSTERS $713.03 LEONARDTOWN HIGH SCHOOL $677.98 ST MARYS CHURCH & SCHOOL OF PISCATAWAY $632.71 ALTERNATIVES FOR YOUTH & FAMILIES $609.95 HOLY ANGELS SACRED HEART SCHOOL $591.39 CALLAWAY BAPTIST CHURCH $590.95 Dr JAMES A FORREST CAREER & TECH CENTER $555.00 LEXINGTON PARK ELEMENTARY $545.47 ST. MARYS HOME FOR THE ELDERLY, INC. $515.57 CENTER FOR CHILDREN $495.92 ZION UNITED METHODIST CHURCH $486.14 FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH $479.15 HOLLYWOOD OPTIMIST CLUB $468.13 BETH ISRAEL CONGREGATION $468.06 GOSPEL TABERNACLE OF PRAYER CHURCH $461.79 MINORITY BUSINESS ALLIANCE $458.90 WALDEN SIERRA, INC. $414.78 STARMAKER LEARNING CENTER $407.67 UNITED WAY OF ST MARYS COUNTY INC. $378.79 GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER ELEM SCHOOL $377.08 KIWANIS CLUB OF ST MARYS COUNTY $901.45 GREEN HOLLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL $356.02 WOMENS CENTER OF SOUTHERN MD $353.27 GOOD SAMARITAN LUTHERAN CHURCH $347.62 ST MARYS COLLEGE OF MARYLAND $334.47 ST PAULS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH $317.41 CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF SO MD $314.13 HOPE OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND $299.51 ORGANIZATION TRICO CORPORATION CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH & SCHOOL-NEWPORT ST JOHNS ST VINCENT DEPAUL SOCIETY FIRST UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF ST. MARYS INSTITUTE FOR HUMAN GROWTH TRI-COUNTY YOUTH SERVICES BUREAU ST. CECELIA PARISH THE 7:30 CLUB AT IMMACULATE CONCEPTION LEONARDTOWN HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2006 GREAT MILLS HS BAND BOOSTERS ST. MARYS NURSING CENTER INC. CALVERT HIGH SCHOOL PATUXENT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CHESAPEAKE BAY AQUATIC CLUB TOWN CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL THREE OAKS HOMELESS SHELTER CENTER DENTSVILLE EMS & AUXILIARY INC. THE CATHERINE FOUNDATION POTOMAC RIVER ASSOCIATION YOUNG LIFE ST. MARYS BROWNIE TROOP #3541 CHARLOTTE HALL LIBRARY OPIS ST. MARYS HOSPITAL BETHESDA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MECHANICVILLE ASSEMBLY OF GOD CUB SCOUT PACK 420 QUAD COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION UNITED WAY OF CHARLES CO INC. COMMUNITY SUPPORT CENTER KNIGHTS OF ST JOHNS LADIES AUXILIARY SO. MD MOTHERS OF MULTIPLES BAY DISTRICT VOL FIRE DEPARTMENT CUB SCOUT PACK 1634 WALLS OF JASPER TOTAL $291.95 $288.46 $278.08 $274.02 $270.00 $239.94 $239.79 $231.53 $226.43 $197.72 $196.71 $191.02 $190.71 $185.15 $184.34 $180.81 $176.67 $175.59 $166.37 $157.70 $153.92 $151.60 $148.55 $145.68 $140.37 $139.08 $130.09 $125.34 $124.72 $121.28 $121.12 $120.87 $113.28 $109.26 $108.54 ORGANIZATION TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND OF VA. TECH ALUMNI ASSOC. $106.72 ST MARYS CARING, INC. $106.50 PARK HALL TRUE HOLINESS CHURCH $103.41 GIRL SCOUT TROOP #1767 $100.00 ESPERANZA MIDDLE SCHOOL $99.71 PATUXENT HIGH SCHOOL $97.59 GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE OF SO MARYLAND $97.06 SO MD TRI-CO. COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE $85.94 PARENTS WITHOUT PARTNERS CHAPTER 1301 $75.59 MARCH OF DIMES $59.72 MILL CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL $55.59 GIRL SCOUT TROOP #4549 $50.00 I.B.P.O. ELKS LODGE 1120 $50.00 OPTIMIST CLUB OF HOLLYWOOD $50.00 THE LEXINGTON PARK CHURCH OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN $48.05 GREAT EXPECTATIONS GRAYHOUND RESCUE $40.03 AFFILIATED SANTE GROUP $39.52 ORPHANED WILDLIFE RESCUE CENTER $38.88 MECHANICSVILLE OPTOMIST CLUB $28.64 FOOD STAMP NUTRITION PROGRAM $28.13 PASTORAL COUNSELING CENTER $21.41 ST. PETERS SCHOOL $20.00 LADIES AUX. OF FLEET RESCUE ASSOCIATION #93 $15.00 SO MD CENTER FOR L.I.F.E. $15.00 BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF SO. MD $10.00 SMILE SCHOLARSHIP FUND $10.00 SPRING DELL CENTER, INC $10.00

$498,302.36

GRAND TOTAL

 Section A - 

The County Times

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Editorial & Opinion

Fall Into Fun in St. Marys County
With the traditional end of summer, Labor Day only a few days away, nothing brings out the food, fun, history, and culture of St. Marys County better than the fall of the year. St. Marys is well known for our stuffed ham, oysters, fall church dinners, fairs, farm life festivals, social and historical events. With the kids back in school and daily routines getting back to normal, now is the time to begin planning to spend more time with family and friends here in your own back yard. Very few other places offer the combination of local cultures that the entire family can enjoy like St. Marys County. We encourage you to keep a constant check of community calendars where you are sure to find something for everyone. Here is an early look at some of the more popular upcoming events: The season gets an early start each year beginning in late August with Delegate Johnny Woods Annual Golf Tournament and Bull Roast. This is always the political event of the year, not only in St. Marys County; this event is well attended by citizens from all over Maryland. With plenty of local food and beverage you need to squeeze this one in, Johnny is not getting any younger you know! Beginning on the first of September and lasting until November 4, each Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am until dusk, Joe and Mary Wood will be holding their annual Crazy Corn Maze at Forrest Hall Farm in Mechanicville. Located on Rt. 5 just south of the Rt. 5 & Rt. 235 intersection, this corn maze and farm has much in store for the entire family. Rock Concerts your thing? On Saturday, September 1 and Sunday, September 2 St. Marys County will sponsor Park Rock Fest 2007 at Chancellors Run Regional Park. Each day features five stages with more than 12 bands on each stage. Over 125 bands will perform with local vendors and plenty of food. The gates open at 9 am and close at 11 pm. All ages are welcome as the fest is a drug free, alcohol free, and obscenity free event. You can always find plenty to do on the square in Leonardtown. With events all year round, be sure to visit Fall Follies on the Square Sunday, September 8. The large crafts show is full of local crafters and others. Who doesnt enjoy a good ole county fair? St. Marys County has one of the finest you can find anywhere. This years fair begins on Thursday, September 20 and continues thru Sunday, September 23. Fair Board president John Richards and his 100s of volunteers bring you an event each year that you just cannot afford to miss. Filled with exhibits, shows, music, contests, carnivals, food, and so much more, you can spend all four days here. Be sure to visit the livestock auction Saturday evening and take home your own cow or pig. Beginning that same weekend, September 22 and going thru October 31, Tommy and Tina Bowles open their farm to the public for the annual Bowles Farm Amazing Corn Maze. Open each Friday from 4-9 pm, Saturday from 10 am till 9 pm and Sunday from 11 am till 6 pm, there is plenty here for the whole family to enjoy. If you find you need to pick up the pace a bit on September 22 and September 23, one of the biggest sporting events in the world descends upon St. Marys County. Teams from 33 countries around the globe will compete at Budds Creek Motocross Park for the Red Bull FIM Motocross of Nations. The best motocross riders from all over the world will compete in the annual event that returns to the United States this year. October features four major events that celebrate the history and food of our county. Starting on October 6 and 7 with the annual Riverside Winefest at Sotterly. Located in Hollywood on the historic Sotterly Plantation, this has become one of the social events of the year featuring local food and wines from all over Maryland. That same weekend, be sure to be on hand as those hard working good folks from the 7th District Optimist Club host the annual Blessing of the Fleet. Celebrating the history of St. Clements Island, the birthplace of Maryland, this annual event is one of St. Marys best. Featuring boat rides and tours of the Island, dont miss the parade and mass on Sunday. You will also enjoy the local food. Located in Charlotte Hall on Route 6, the Parlett family generously opens their farm to the public each year for the annual Farm Life Festival This years event will take place Saturday, October 13 and Sunday, October 14. Full of exhibits, entertainment, and food, proceeds go to benefit Christmas In April right here in St. Marys County. Dont miss the 100s of antique farm tractors. On Saturday, October 20 and Sunday October 21 Lexington Park Rotary Club will once again host the annual Oyster Festival at the St. Marys County Fairgrounds. Plenty of local crafts yes, but the real reason to attend this wonderful event is the great food. Oysters, Oysters, and so much more. On Sunday, dont miss the national oystershucking contest. We suggest you try the locally farm raised oysters from Circle C Ranch in Ridge and dont forget to get a couple of those famous Southern Maryland Stuffed Ham sandwiches from McKays Markets.

Marys County Commissioners I have talked to said their constituents are furious, as are the County Planning and Zoning people who have to enforce the environmental regulations when St. Marys County citizens are involved. St. Marys City is a beau- and Historic St. Marys City. St. Marys College is I also talked to a very promitiful place. Great pains have been taken over the years to supposed to be a hotbed of nent family and big donor to preserve its beauty and history. Greens, clean water, en- SMC who said, We were all However, the recent construc- vironmental concerns and blindsided and surprised. tion right on the St. Marys protecting the river. Then Any county citizen would be Rivers edge (WETLANDS) how in the devil did they get fined heavily and forced to of a super ugly, modern-look- permission to build right on tear down a building on the ing boathouse does nothing the shoreline despite restric- river if we had done what but ruin the view and create tions and codes that ordinary SMC was allowed to do. Where was the public an eyesore for travelers com- citizens and developers must ing to visit St. Marys County comply with? Several St. hearing on this long-planned

To The Editor:

Shame on Saint Marys College and Maryland

project? Youre right, there was NO hearing. I understand the new MONSTER building (Four times as big) is going to be called the Environmental Center. What an oxymoron- guess they will teach Saving the Environment in a Wetlands building. Im all for the sailing and crew teams having adequate and safe facilities, but that doesnt mean a blank check to violate all of the rules. Maggie OBrien is concerned about the crew carrying their boats a long distance and crossing Route 5. How about the Campus Security, 2 blocks

away, using a patrol car with flashing lights to escort them across Route 5? A pretty cheap solution. Building two huge buildings, cutting down the old cypress trees right on the rivers edge and destroying the view from the large monument to Religious Freedom is downright sickening. Maybe it is time to pull up the reins on a runaway crowd whose intent is just to get their way. Shouldnt a state funded College be the model for environmental concerns rather than a liberal activist podium where the means justify the end. Having Mag-

gie OBrien appoint a bunch of cronies to investigate is like having the fox guard the henhouse! I have asked Senator Roy Dyson to conduct a full investigation (from the State of Maryland) of the entire building project. This way we can see if environmental regulations and restrictions were violated or waived. County residents please call your local and State Representatives if you share my concerns for St. Marys City. Donald e. Beck St. Marys City, MD

Library Thanks Community

The Board and staff of the St. Marys County Library want to thank all those who helped make the librarys 2007 summer programs and reading clubs such a huge success. More than 12,000 children and their parents enjoyed story times, seven different professional performers, and three different reading clubs. This success would not have been possible without our many sponsors. Thanks goes to Target Corporation; Giant Food Corporation; McKays Food & Drug Store; Chick-Fil-A; Eagan, McAllister Associates, Inc.; Boeing Company; SMECO; Wyle Laboratories; Friends of St. Marys County Library, Inc; St. Marys County Arts Council; and Bowie Baysox. We especially thank White Marsh Elementary School and St. Pauls United Methodist Church for allowing us to use their facilities for the professional performances at the Charlotte Hall and Leonardtown libraries. Thanks to The County Times for helping us attract our record breaking crowds! Janis Cooker Youth Coordinator St. Marys County Library

Do you have something to say? Would like your voice to be heard? Send us a letter telling us whats on your mind!
Send to:

The County Times

P.O. Box 250 Hollywood, MD 20636
Make sure you include your name, phone # and the city you live in.
We will not publish your phone #, only your name and city

Letters to the Editor

If you wish to send a letter to the editor, please include your name, address and phone number for confirmation purposes. We will only publish your name and city of residence. We can withhold your name by request if circumstances merit it. We must receive all letters by Monday morning for publication in the next issue. Any letter received later than Monday will be held for the following issue.

E-mail letters to: opinion@countytimes.net

Search Suspended For Vessel That Gave Distress Calls

Edwards said. St. Inigoes crews conducted two search By Guy Leonard be-missing vessel, Edwards man, said that after 15 hours one was in the water at all. patterns that day before Staff Writer of searching using 12 vehiRescue elements from said. being told to leave off the He would not speculate search efforts. cles such as boats and rescue Coast Guard units at St. IniOfficials with the U.S. helicopters over nearly 300 goes in St. Marys as well as to the fate of the craft or We conducted about Coast Guard say they have square miles crews could as in Oxford on the Eastern the people who may have two search patterns for about suspended their search for a find nothing to indicate a Shore participated in the been aboard. seven hours, said Petty Ofvessel and its occupants that boat sank that day. The three broken cell ficer Chris Sinclair of the St. search along with Maryland had sent out distress calls There were no indica- Natural Resources Police and phone calls claiming the Inigoes station. near Calvert Cliffs Nuclear tion of any debris fields, there from a Coast Guard station in vessel was taking on water The search started after Power Plant in the early were no life jackets floating Atlantic City. were first picked up by the the calls were received at morning hours of Aug. 23. in the water or anything like Crews conducted a to- Calvert County 911 center about 1 a.m. was suspended Petty Officer John Ed- that, Edwards said. There tal of 21 search and rescue and were relayed to the Coast by 4:30 p.m. that same day. wards, Coast Guard spokes- was no indication that any- sorties for the believed-to- Guard and the search began, Edwards said that any-

one who chooses to take to the water in a boat or other type of vessel should not rely on cell phone coverage to call for assistance in the event of an emergency. Cell phones batteries would run out or could lose reception too easily, he said. You best method of reliable communication is with a marine band radio, Edwards said. Youre chances of being found are greatly improved.

James Manning McKay - Publisher Tobie Pulliam - Office Manager ...........................tobiepulliam@countytimes.net Adam Ross - Government Correspondent ..............adamross@countytimes.net Andrew Knowlton - Sports Correspondent ...... andrewknowlton@countytimes.net

P.O. Box 250 Hollywood, Maryland 20636 News, advertising, circulation, classifieds: 301-373-4125

Guy Leonard - Community Correspondent................guyleonard@countytimes.net Eileen McDonald - Advertising Rep...............eileenmcdonald@countytimes.net

Thursday, August 30, 2007

The County Times

Housing and Com munit y Development (DHCD) loan. The loans will be paid back in part by a Capital Contribution Charge, a one time fee charged to new customers hooking up to the system for the first time - $702.61 for residential water hook up, $1491.51 for residential sewer hook up, $843 for commercial water hook up and $1,789.81 for commercial sewer hook up. Projects financed by MetCom are now spread out over the entire county instead of paid directly from the beneficiary. Residential customers can expect to pay yearly fees of $702 for water service, and $1,491 for sewer service if the new fees are passed, and commercial customers will pay slightly more a year; $843 for water service and $1,789 for sewer service. The prices were estimated from the next five years of capital projects, 79 already in the pipeline. The new fees are scheduled to begin Oct. 1, after three public hearings are held at Bay District Volunteer Fire Department, and Leonardtown and Chopticon High Schools. The public hearings will address the fee changes, however the state legislature has already approved MetComs plan to spread the cost of the projects countywide instead of concentrating them on developers and beneficiaries of new or improved water systems. The capital contribution charge and the system improvement charge will replace the high benefit assessment charges that many around the county are already paying. Many customers will see a significant decrease in their bills, King added. However, there will be some in old Lexington Park where the bonds are paid off and they are not paying benefit assessment charge, and will see increase to replace their systems. We had a real inequity develop in the last 40 years, we are now beginning to replace the older parts of our system because they are worn out after 60 years. Those old parts served these customers who arent paying any benefit assessment charges. King said MetCom had previously added to the service charges to finance the replacements, which added insult to injury to people who are paying real high benefit assessment charges. By eliminating the benefit assessment charges, everyone is paying the same rate and that particular inequity is solved. King said that arsenic is a natural occurrence that is believed to come from the shells of ancient mollusks and shellfish buried for millions of years in the sediment. Arsenic is a semi-metal element in the periodic table, and it is odorless and tasteless. The Patapsco has no arsenic because there is no marine sediment nor any shells in it. Commissioner Daniel H. Raley (D-Lexington Park) made the motion Aug. 21 to give the countys financial backing, seconded by Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly Sr. (D-Leonardtown).

Section A - 

Water Levels
Continued from page A- wells, however they are very expensive, King said. Its expensive enough to put them in for just the tap, King said, but the entire house would be very expensive. MetCom has already borrowed $630,000 to replace the wells and plans on paying the loan back through a system improvement charge. The system improvement charge is designed to continually replace the sewers and water systems as they wear over time, and is charged to users countywide. The charge will cost residential customers $2.80 per Estimated Dwelling Unit (EDU) a month and commercial customers $3.36 per EDU a month. Residences connected to sewer would pay an extra $8.75 a month and commercial units with sewer would pay $10.50 a month. The St. Marys Board of County commissioners gave their financial backing to the loans last week, but the money will not count against the countys debt capacity, according to a memo submitted to the commissioners from Elaine Kramer, the countys chief financial officer. Another loan is being taken out to replace failing septic systems in Valley Lee on Andover Road and the Andover Estates Neighborhood. MetCom is planning a new pumping station for the project as well. The cost of that project is estimated at $1.2 million with roughly $658,000 financed with a Department of

Unconventional Classrooms Promote Physical Fitness

Most people envision a were once considered radical higher grade point averages similar picture of a classroom: technology can soon become than those who sit in the back. four walls with desks, stu- commonplace and highly Smaller classes can rearrange desks into a circle to promote dents and a teacher at the head practical. That isnt to say that teach- conversation. Larger classes of the class. But as technology evolves and classroom func- ers and administrators have to can reassign desks periodicaltions are analyzed, traditional wait for classroom changes ly so that student placement classrooms may become a to be implemented on a wi- varies. descale level before they can thing of the past. Set up workstations Just ask researchers at the make subtle changes to their Mayo Clinic who redesigned own school districts. There around the classroom so that a classroom last year in Roch- are ways for teachers to revi- students have to mingle and ester, Missouri as part of an a talize classroom learning and move around to complete assignments. Or schedule classyouth anti-obesity initiative. promote exercise and health. room time in the library or a This classroom was chairless, Dont limit learning to larger venue so that students urging students to learn and indoors. Have children ven- can also get up and move interact in new ways. Obesity among the young ture outdoors on school prem- around. is a national epidemic accord- ises to learn more about les Dont underestimate the ing to the national Centers for sons that pertain to surroundDisease Control and Preven- ings. For example, earth sci- importance of physical education. More than 15 percent of ence students can learn about tion class with respect to other children in the United States the fauna and flora in their lessons. Gym class may not are already overweight. It is own towns firsthand instead be considered as important as anticipated that half the chil- of reading information from other classes, but with obesity dren in America are likely to a textbook. A nature walk can resulting in increasing health have weight problems during be educational and physically problems for children, including a staggering rise in type II their lifetimes. A major cul- stimulating. diabetes, previously prevalent prit, along with poor-qual Rearrange the classroom only in adults, one can clearly ity diet, is a lack of activity at school and at home. So if to promote the involvement of see how gym class can play an children could be encouraged students. While there arent important role in physical and to move a little more, chances any firm statistics verifying mental health. are the impact would be ben- that desk location impacts eficial, or at least that was the grades and learning, there is hope of Mayo Clinic research- evidence that students who sit ers, including James Levine, in the front of the class have M.D., Ph.D. who directed the Active Life research team. Dr. Levine, along with fellow researchers, posed a simple question: do children really need to sit at desks while they learn? To find the answer they designed what they believe to be the first chairless classroom - complete with standing desks and a host of sophisticated learning technologies sponsored by Apple Computers. Most important to the equation were the children - whom they found were eager to learn in a new way. Results were measured on how much the children would move around and interact. The Mayo team collected data on their movements using specialized telemetry called Posture and Activity Detectors (PADs). Each child wore a PAD on his or her leg. The PADs measured the time spent standing and walking. Reports of the findings have not yet been made public. Could chairless classes be a part of the school of the future? Chances are it may take some time for traditional classrooms to vanish. But as one can see with distance learning and computer-di- Students in Rochester, Missouri participated in an anti-obesity study last rected classrooms, ideas that year sponsored by the Mayo Clinic, where they were instructed in a chairless classroom.

Habitat
Continued from page A- soon-to-open ReStore, said that walk-ins have already stared coming by the store looking for bargains. Weve had a lot of interest, a lot of people have been calling to find out more about the store, Girolamo said. People from all walks of life come by, plus a lot of Navy people. Windows that would normally go for about $350 new will likely be sold for about $100, Girolamo said, and donations of materials that are new will be sold for 50 cents on the dollar. Its a good deal, Girolomo said. So far, he said he has had to turn some people away who want to buy a stocked item until the grand opening of the store. With enough donations the store will be able to make money to further finance the building of affordable homes for lower income residents; something that is in continual short supply in St. Marys. Recent reports to the Board of County Commissioners show that about twothirds of the countys population is priced out of the home buyers market where the median house price is nearly $350,000. Meanwhile, county officials have become concerned that the availability of affordable housing, such as mobile home parks, is decreasing, meaning that valuable service industry workers will not be able to afford living in St. Marys.

Gary Williams, president of Patuxent Habitat, the local affiliate, said the organization wants to increase its number of homes built each year between St. Marys and Calvert. Weve been building two homes a year and we want to build four or five this fiscal year, Williams said. The money raised from the Habitat ReStore opening will help fuel that, Williams said, but theres no substitute for civic action. We rely on community minded people, non-government organizations, churches and corporations, Williams said. Patuxent Habitat has just linked up with Thrivent Build, a nationally known Lutheran Church affiliate, to help build homes between the two counties. Six Lutheran churches from both counties will help build a house here in St. Marys between Sept. 7 and 8 for a local family. The blitz build, as Williams called it, will get the main structure of the house built within just 48 hours using donated building materials and labor from skilled and volunteer workers. The plan is to boost the interest in helping their fellow man among churches so Patuxent Habitat will have a source of willing volunteers to help do their work. Were kind of building capacity with the churches to do this kind of work, Williams said. Gloria Ranta, a Thrivent Build specialist, said the Lutheran network had already been involved with a four-year agreement to help fund home building with the Habitat for

Humanity International parent group, though this was the first year the local branches of both large organizations had cooperated. A $70,000 Thrivent grant will fund the construction of the home to be built early in September, Ranta said, and there was every indication that Habitat for Humanity would continue to receive Lutheran Church support. Theres no reason we wouldnt do it again because of the success weve had for the last three years, Ranta said. Patuxent Habitat has also partnered with local churches over the past several years to build nine homes between St. Marys and Calvert counties. Homes built by Patuxent Habitat are not free, but they are given to families with a no-interest mortgage to make it more affordable. Laurie Walker is a first hand beneficiary of Patuxent Habitats good work. In 2004 she and her husband moved into a new house after living through a harrowing experience at Burkes Mobile Home Park on St. Andrews Church Road. A young woman was shot and killed there by her boyfriend in a domestic dispute. Police later shot and killed the boyfriend during a stand off. Walker said she and her husband wanted to have a safer home and Patuxent Habitat provided it. You definitely feel safer there, Walker said. That was my big thing then after what happened. I love my new home.

St. Marys City St. Mary's City

DATE Fri. Aug. 31 Sat. Sept. 1 Sun. Sept. 2 Mon. Sept. 3 Tue. Sept. 4 Wed. Sept. 5 Thu. Sept. 6 LOW ---------8/31 11:28 p.m. 12:24 a.m. 1:23 a.m. 2:25 a.m. 3:29 a.m. 4:31 a.m. LOCATION Breton Bay Bushwood Wharf Colton's Point Point Lookout Piney Point Wicomico Beach Solomons Island HIGH 4:23 a.m. 5:12 a.m. 6:06 a.m. 7:05 a.m. 8:11 a.m. 9:19 a.m. 10:26 a.m. HIGH "+31 min." "+45 min." "+50 min." "-48 min." "+9 min." "+58 min." wood LOW 10:40 a.m. 11:24 a.m. 12:12 p.m. 1:08 p.m. 2:12 p.m. 3:21 p.m. 4:29 p.m. LOW "+29 min." "+45 min." "+24 min." "+/- 0 min." "-8 min." "+63 min." "+44 min." HIGH 4:45 p.m. 5:33 p.m. 6:26 p.m. 7:25 p.m. 8:31 p.m. 9:42 p.m. 10:50 p.m.

CallCall us today to start us today to start making your making your advertising campaign advertising campaign a success. a success. Advertise (301) 373-4125 (301) 373-4125

Reaching 11,000 Your households Business! countywide weekly on Thursdays. We are at your service with:

Laurie Walker, who is now a volunteer coordinator with Patuxent Habitat for Humanity, shows off her house built for her in 2004 by Habitat volunteers.

Photo by Guy Leonard

n A professional sales team n Creative ad design service n Competitive rates n A community service oriented publication

 Section A - 

The County Times

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Trial In Playground Shooting Begins Next Week

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Prosecutors in States Attorney Richard Fritzs office will begin their case against defendants charged in a gang land-style shooting that rocked the Suburban Drive community in Lexington Park back in April. The first defendant to be tried, Lamont Drewell Carey, 17, will have his proceedings in juvenile court. He is charged with multiple counts in connection with the shooting that wounded at least one person and endangered children in a nearby playground, according to police and prosecutors. Carey is charged with three counts of first-degree assault, conspiracy to commit first- degree assault, reckless endangerment and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. Prosecutors say they believe that Carey and another defendant, Jarrell Johnson, 19, were the two known defendants to have discharged weapons at rival gang members in the incident. David Densford, attorney for Carey, did not return calls for comment on his clients case as of press time. Johnson, who is set to be tried in late September, faces charges of attempted second degree murder, three counts of first degree assault, conspiracy to commit first degree assault and reckless endangerment for allegedly firing a weapon at rival gang members. Assistant States Attorney Joseph Stanalonis, said that this is one of the most highly anticipated cases to be tried in the county. Its one the community is concerned about because you had a bunch of 18 and 19 year olds going into a community and discharging weapons at another group, Stanalonis told The County Times. If youre carrying weapons around and are willing to use those weapons youre a danger. The gang-land style shooting was perhaps the worst of its kind ever to occur in St. Marys County and Sheriff Tim Cameron initiated a gang task force of combined investigators and patrol officers to work throughout the summer to investigate whether criminal elements in the county actually met the legal definition of an organized gang and assess the threat level. The report of the gang task force is expected sometime next month. According to police reports that describe the shooting incident of April 24, members of a local gang known as the Boom Squad drove down to the mobile home community on Suburban Drive in Lexington Park in several vehicles whereupon approximately 10 to 12 suspects exited the vehicles and began firing shotgun rounds at rival gang members. The shooting apparently arose out of a domestic dispute between a husband and wife, police reports state. The gang members allegedly involved in the shooting allegedly sought to confront the male part of the domestic dispute. Sherron Torrill Bush, 32, suffered wounds to his chest, neck and face from the shooting, police reports state, though no fatalities occurred. Nobody like to think it happens here in St. Marys County, Stanalonis said of the case. Its a very serious case it had the potential to be a nightmare. Three other defendants in the case face trial on various charges in connection with the shooting either later September or in December. Some suspects who were initially charged in the case have also either accepted plea agreements or agreed to testify for the prosecution against the defendants Stanalonis said. James Moore, 19, faces charges of being an accessory to the crime after the fact as does Felicia Butler Brooks, 35, as well as a charge of harboring a harboring a fugitive. Stanalonis said that some suspects who were initially charged in the aftermath of the shooting were not prosecuted and released, though he did say that there was the possibility of bringing charges against other potential suspects in the future as the investigation continues. We decided to go forward with the strongest cases, Stanalonis said. But not all of the people have been charged. There were people out there involved with this and theyre being evaluated.

Between The Shelves: How To Keep Your Childs Bookshelf Vital

Your childs bookshelves are brimming with boundless opportunities to read, learn and imagine. So when it comes time to add new books to the collection, its important to keep your childs home library relevant to his or her age and reading level. This helps to maintain interest and a love for reading, and will help ensure that books come alive for your child. Not only does reading strengthen cognitive development, it also fosters the bond between parents and children. There are so many wonderful books available for young children, says Barry S. Zuckerman, MD, CEO of Reach Out and Read, a national non-profit organization that promotes early literacy by making books a routine part of Reading is a great way to bond with your baby while he or she is still in the womb and after birth. Books of lulpediatric care. Consistently adding va- labies and nursery rhymes are riety and new or new-to-you soothing. books is important to cultivat Newborns learn laning a childs reading skills and guage skills from watching development. parents facial expressions Target has partnered with and listening to voice inflecReach Out and Read to help tion. Choose books that you spread the reading message to can sing to your child or that pediatrician offices throughfeature characters that you can out the nation. Through Reach bring to life through different Out and Read, parents receive voices and animated faces. an age-appropriate book at each well-child visit through Babies show interest in age five. To help with the notbooks by touching, chewing so-simple task of choosing the or throwing them - cloth books right books, Reach Out and are soft on gums and impact. Read and Target have comAs babies become more interpiled tips for parents to help keep bookshelves relevant active, choose books that your for children of all ages and child can hold and turn the pages, with your help. stages: For Crawlers (Birth - 18 Books with bright picmonths): tures, familiar objects and special fabrics and textures that baby can touch and feel are very engaging. Books like Fuzzy Bee and Friends by Roger Priddy help keep their attention and stimulate learning by supporting speech development and increasing vocabulary. For months): Runners (18-36

Select sturdy books for young readers. Board books are a good choice for children under three and can withstand the handling of young readers. Choose books that follow your childs own interests. If trucks, ponies, or princesses interest your child, select books that feature them to hold his or her attention. Books that incorporate concepts into the story are fun and educational. Try Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr. Its a pleasure to read aloud and teaches the alphabet at the same time.

you enjoyed as a child and tell For Adventurers (7-9 your child how you loved the years): book when you were his or her age. Introduce your child to new authors and genres, such Starting school, getting as mystery, adventure and a new pet or sharing toys with historical fiction. However, let a sibling? Choose books that your child decide what interrelate to what is happening in ests them. your childs world. Dont overlook non-fic Stories about issues tion books. Not only do they children face like fears, sepa- encourage reading but they ration or new siblings can be open up new worlds to young gently addressed in well-writ- readers. ten books like Pirates Dont Change Diapers by Melinda Children at this age Long and David Shannon. like to collect things, so series books such as the Junie For Explorers (5-7 years): B. Jones books or the Matt Christopher sports books will Pop-up books, flap appeal to them. books, and readalong stories (books with audio cassettes/ DVDs) provide good reading fun for your child.

Locate books with characters that are your childs age or that share your childs name. Children love characters they can Books that have a lot of relate to. action, pictures and repetition are favorites of this age Explore books featuring your childs group. favorite characters, such as Clifford, For Flyers (3-5 years): Madeline or Dora the Share something spe- Explorer. Learn which books will delight children at evcial by choosing a book that
ery age and help develop a love for reading.

Whether theyre in the market for a new home, apartment, condo or co-op, people still turn to the Classifieds first. Why advertise your goods and services in The County Times Classifieds? Over 11,000 eyes will see your ad. Readers are actively looking for your listing. Potential buyers can clip and save your ad. So the next time you want to sell something fast, get it in writing... Get it in the Classifieds! The County Times Classifieds 301-373-4125

Dispute
Continued from page A- all said his brother had poured gasoline throughout the house that same day. Investigators went to the Spitfire Court address and reportedly found pour patterns on the carpet in the basement of the home as well as the living room area and bedrooms. The second pattern,

charging documents state, was on the second floor between the kitchen and the bedrooms of the split foyer home. Investigators reported finding an empty gasoline can in the shed at the rear of the house that Higgins told investigators Mackall kept full of fuel in his truck because the gasoline gauge was malfunctioning. Samples of the carpet where gasoline was thought to

have been poured were taken for chemical analysis, charging documents state. While no fire was set inside the dwelling, the damage to the house totaled more than $3,000 to the carpet that had to be completely replaced. Mackall was scheduled for a bond hearing in District Court Monday, Aug. 27.

Know whos

your home

entering

Make sure any technician performing heating or cooling service in your home has passed a criminal background check. Its for your safety and the safety of your family. A recent bill introduced in the State of Georgia General Assembly (House Bill 620), advocates criminal record background checks on workers entering your home. If its important enough to be Kelly Weeks, Operations Manager considered for legislation, its important enough for you to make sure you select a company that REQUIRES complete background DONT TAKE CHANCES. checks as well as drug testing of all its technicians who enter your PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY. CALL US TODAY home. At Winters Heating and Cooling thats exactly what we FOR YOUR HEATING AND do. So you can count on us for guaranteed satisfaction as well as COOLING NEEDS. peace of mind. In fact, well email you a photo of our technician scheduled to service your home so youll know exactly who to expect at the time of your appointment.

Winters Heating Cooling and Indoor Air Quality 22100 Point Lookout Rd. Leonardtown, MD 20650

(301) 475-5611

Thursday, August 30, 2007

The County Times

them. I read them like novels and never tire of them. I love everything about them - the illustrations are particularly cool. Its interesting to see what was new and exciting in the culinary world during a particular time and its interesting to note how homemade food was just a fact of everyday life, the very fabric of life. A home-cooked meal every night was the norm, nobody scheduled family night so everyone could eat together. Nostalgia is part of the reason I love those old cookbooks. We all have memories of certain foods that are part of our childhood or are family tradition. Food is a huge part of our home life and sense of family. Im working on a scrapbook of food memories and recipes from the childhoods of myself and my husband. Its great fun finding the old recipes, asking our moms about certain things, getting recipes our grandmothers used. Ive used a color copier to copy the recipes in their original form. Stained, cut from the newspaper, jotted on the back of an envelope theyre authentic and real and some are in the handwriting of people we love. Its incredible, its stirred so many memories and sparked conversations of times past. So mom and I are goold program permitted signs only along areas in a two-mile proximity to major highways. Attractions paid an annual fee for inclusion on the signs, according to a St. Marys County government press release. The states intention via

Section A - 7
ing through recipes, paring down (again), chatting about some of the things we find. Its amazing some of the stuff we had saved, recipes that we both look at it and ask ourselves, what were we thinking? There were recipes that were so old they called for lard instead of shortening (I wanted to save ALL of those) and recipes cut from products that arent even made anymore. Geez, we have such a problem! We did manage to get rid of some but invariably one or the other would say, no, save that one, you never know. We laughed ourselves silly and wondered,what in the world do people who dont cook and save recipes do? The memories they are missing, the food they have missed, the sheer entertainment value of it all. Youre just not going to find a recipe for stuffed calf brains in a modern American cookbook. We had a great afternoon reading, sorting, laughing and talking. Were all inspired now to try out some of our new old recipes. And as soon as the Food section comes out in this weeks paper, well be checking the recipes to see if there are any worth saving. You just never know and you wouldnt want to miss a really great recipe.

Ramblings of a Country Girl

Photo by Adam Ross

Save That Recipe!

Terri Bartz Bowles My mom and I are recipeclippers, really avid recipeclippers. We should belong to Recipes Anonymous. No newspaper, no magazine, nothing is safe, were always on the lookout. Between the two of us, we have, um, an awful lot of recipes stored in all kinds of things boxes, tins, envelopes, baskets. We just cant help ourselves. We could probably try one new recipe a day for the rest of our lives and wed never get through them all. Periodically, we go through and toss some but weve saved more in the meantime, so we never get ahead of it. Its not just single recipes, either. Cookbooks make us pretty happy. I have an addiction to vintage cookbooks and all those great booklets that food and appliance manufacturers have always put out. Anything dated from the 40s to the 60s is prey for me and my shelves are full of marinas. Some St. Marys County Commissioners have expressed concern over the signs, namely the question mark feature that appears on some of them to denote a visitor information center. Although the question mark is the universally accepted symbol for a visitor center, a number of the commissioners said they were not aware of that and it could create some confusion. Two color signs of brown and blue are posted farther away from a tourism area to mark efficient travel routes. Then the solid brown signs are used to trail blaze from these travel routes to the destinations. Corridor signs have gone up in Southern Marylands Potomac Corridor and Patuxent Corridor, Western Chesapeake Shore and the St. Marys Peninsula. In addition to the corridor signs, each county has approximately fifty signs pointing directly to specific destinations. Work on the Tourism Area Corridor Sign Program (TAC) began in Southern Maryland in 2004 under the direction of SHA. The program has already been implemented in Talbot and Dorchester Counties. The program allows more attractions to have signs than the Maryland Tourist Attractions Signs program, which it designed to replace. The

Odd News Signs

ATLANTA - Baggy pants that show boxer shorts or thongs would be illegal under a proposed amendment to Atlantas indecency laws. The amendment states that this new fashion is an epidemic that is becoming a major concern around the country. The city also looks to ban women from showing the strap of a thong beneath their pants, wearing jogging bras in public, or showing bra straps. Debbie Seagraves, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia, thinks, Any legislation that creates a dress code would not survive a court challenge. The law could not be enforced in a nondiscriminatory way because it targets something that came out of the black youth culture. CAIRO- A German has handed in a package containing part of a Pharaonic carving to Egypts embassy in Berlin, with a note saying his stepfather had suffered a curse of the Pharaohs for stealing it. The note went on to say that by returning the carving the man hoped to make amends enabling his late stepfathers soul to rest in peace. The stepfather had stolen the piece while on a visit to Egypt in 2004 and on his return to Germany suffered paralysis, nausea, unexplained fevers and cancer before dying recently. This story is just a reminder of the common believed curses that haunt anyone who disturbs the tombs of ancient Egypt. KUALA LUMPUR - A Malaysian villager who took a second wife has been ordered by a court to compensate his first wife and their children with a buffalo and a pig. The Native Court annulled the mans 10-year marriage to his first wife and granted her custody of their three children. It is a symbolic punishment because he violated his peoples customs by marrying more than once, the District Native Court Chief said by telephone. PARIS - A popular magazine owned by a close friend of President Nicolas Sarkozy doctored a photograph of the French leader to make his waist look thinner. The magazine is said to applied a magic wand to Sakozys love handles in a photograph where his a paddling in a canoe. A presidential spokesman said Sarkozy had not asked for the alteration. But the story highlights charges that the president has enjoyed favorable treatment from some parts of the media because of his ties to wealthy and influential businessmen. Maybe he would be more loved if he kept the love handles.

Continued from page A-

Sandra Dobson, a representative from state highways public affairs office said the mistake was made by SHA because of small type that was misread. Laray watched as the first sign went up on Route 5 in Leonardtown, saying it happened to be the one sign out of 12 that was spelled correctly. The rest of the signs went up over a couple of weeks. Laray said she has been in contact with Sotterley caretakers who have not expressed interest in taking the signs down, only that the mistake is fixed. As far as taking them down or just waiting until they could be corrected, Laray said of the countys decision to leave the signs up, they prefer to have the signs up because most people know Sotterley. The signs could take up to three weeks to be replaced, while the entire program will be fully implemented over the next three years. The program is a supplemental navigational guidance system intended primarily for state right-of-ways. A number of the brown signs have already gone up across the county directing visitors to information booths, area golf courses, wineries and

the TAC program is to provide better guidance to a larger array of participants, maximize the number of facilities which qualify for signing, and minimize the number of sings required along the highway, the release reads.

Signs directing tourists to the over 300-year-old Sotterley Plantation in Hollywood were misspelled, part of the states new Tourism Area and Corridor Program.

Photo by Adam Ross

Grow Green With Your Lawn:

Maintaining a Beautiful Lawn Has Never Been So Easy
Are you often green with envy looking at your neighbors luscious, healthy lawns? The secret to having the greenest lawn on your street doesnt necessarily mean spending the most time caring for it, but rather lies in providing nutrients with lawn fertilizers. The average homeowner only fertilizes their lawn 1.9 times per year when they should be fertilizing every two months. One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make is not providing enough food for their lawns health, said Jennifer Clark, marketing manager for Spectrum Brands, the maker of Sta-Green products. Traditional lawn maintenance can take time, and many busy homeowners dont have the hours it takes for monthly fertilizing and weeding. Homes with attractive yards generally bring a premium price. Real estate agents confirm that theres no bigger edge than a home with top-notch curb appeal. Its the overall impression people get when they first see the property from the street. They must like the outside package before even considering opening the front door. Professional Landcare Network and realtor estimates say landscaping can add up to 15 percent to property value. An article published in the January 21, 2007 issue of the Los Angeles Times found that real estate listings in which the word landscaping was highlighted sold 20 percent faster. Supporting this trend, a 2003 edition of Wall Street Journals SmartMoney magazine stated, If you spend five percent of the value of your home on landscaping, and do it wisely, you might get 150 percent or more of your money back. Landscaping is one of the easiest ways for homeowners to quickly increase their homes value with little cost. Even just planting colorful flowers, grooming a lush lawn and adding greenery and potted plants creates a drastic transformation and higher perceived value. A recent RealEstate.com survey of 500 sellers and 100 real estate agents across the country found both groups agreed that enhancing a lawn or landscape was the top priority for getting a house ready to sell. Half of buying decisions are based on curb appeal, according to the National Association of Realtors, and it is at curbside where your efforts need to start. The makers of Sta-Green products have introduced a new fertilizer that will keep your grass nourished and thriving for up to five months. The new Sta-Green Xtended Feed Lawn Fertilizer 35-5-5 is designed to promote a thick, green lawn and long-lasting performance. This product is guaranteed not to burn your lawn when used according to label specifications, so it works perfectly for almost every species of grass. Xtended Feed Lawn Fertilizer lasts up to five months, which allows consumers to focus their time and energy on other hobbies while still maintaining an impressive lawn. Sta-Green lawn fertilizers give customers the necessary tools to: Grow thick, dense grass to prevent weeds and resist disease or insects Develop strong roots and dark green blades Provide a beautiful green outdoor rug for family play that traps dust, cools the environment and puts oxygen back into the air by lawn fertilizers, will help your lawn to better compete against insects, diseases and weeds - not to mention it will also be greener. Both warm and cool season grasses need attention during the summer. Lawns can be stressed by extreme heat and excessively wet or dry weather. Symptoms of

lawn problems often start as yellow, tan, or brown areas of varying sizes in the lawn. Sta-Green fertilizers, growing media, weed controls and grass seed help keep lawns looking beautiful yearround. Available exclusively at Lowes, these products cost substantially less than other national brands and carry a satisfaction guarantee - making them the perfect solution for lawn care do-it-yourselfers!

The natural supply of nutrients in most soils is not enough to maintain an optimal level of grass growth. Feed the lawn up to five months, with Sta-Green Xtended Feed Lawn An adequate amount of nu- Fertilizer 35-5-5. This allows consumers to focus their time and energy on trients in the soil, as provided other hobbies while still maintaining an impressive lawn.

 Section A - 

The County Times

might come down the states food chain. And it just might happen sooner than later. Martirano confirmed a pilot program based in Howard, Talbot, and Price Georges Counties is being designed to allow students who do not pass an HSA by senior year to do an alternative project to gain mastery in a specific field. Martirano said a task force is going through the process now of setting up the program, but no specific information has yet been made available to the public. With multiple opportunities to pass the HSAs, students are also caught slacking during test time, according to North. North said he and his colleagues actually monitor students closely on test day, sometimes rewarding students for simply trying. Who takes a test seriously when they have eight or more times to pass? North asked. Meanwhile, at the county level Martirano continues to build bridges towards a 100 percent success rate by committing additional content supervisors, curriculum maps, paging guides and county assessments. SMCPS also recently changed the sequence of its Social Studies curriculum by moving government from 9th to 10th grade. James Smith, director of secondary instruction, administration and school improvement said the resequencing has been four years in the making, and would better accommodate freshman

Thursday, August 30, 2007

transitioning to high school. Five other districts across the state have executed the same resequence. Were changing the culture, Martirano said. Students will understand the expectations. Although there was a drop off in the percentage of passing students on this years Government HSA, Smith said it because only 247 students took the assessment compared to 1325 from last year. However, of the graduating class of 2009, 88.7 percent have passed the Government HSA. All three high schools Chopticon, Leonardtown and Great Mills registered gains on the Algebra, Biology and English HSAs. Furthermore, special education students gained a 19.4 percent higher pass rate on the Biology assessment, where the countys overall scores rank fourth highest in the state. Algebra HSA rose from 70.2 percent in 2006 to 83 percent in 2007. English scores jumped from 67.5 percent in 2006 to 79 percent in 2007. I am extremely pleased with the progress we are continuing to make at the high school level, Martirano said. The vast majority of the students in our first graduating class who need to pass these assessments for graduation have met the necessary requirements. It takes purposeful effort and a real commitment on the part of the students, parents, and educators to attain this tremendous level of success.

HSA Testing
Continued from page A-

I was given a sheet with nine HSA. Martirano said he was points on it, Martirano said. extremely pleased with the They said here go teach. overall results, and the class The curriculum today of 2009 is well positioned is for all intensive purposes with two full years left of high an anomaly compared to the school to pass in full. old school of thought, but Each number is a child, students needs and learning Martirano said of the students habits are just as complex, and still in need of passing. We remain as the new school are honing in on them with a curriculums largest retractor. laser light precision to address Not all students learn the their needs. same, something Chopticon Martirano, entering High School Principal Joseph his third school year with North knows all too well. He SMCPS, has now guided two admits that using one test years of steady HSA gains for an entire student popula in part with a firm policy of tion can have its limitations. hiring, training and retaining North regularly keeps his ears highly qualified teachers. To open for new alternatives that hold such a title, teachers must obtain a bachelors degree, advanced professional certificate in a particular subject area, and satisfy other requirements. Of SMCPS staff, 93.3 percent are highly qualified, second best in the state. Were right on with our mission, Board of Education Chairman Salvatore L. Raspa said. We refuse to compromise classroom teachers, we have the best and will continue to get the best. Martirano has also streamlined the states mandatory curriculum into workable pieces of instruction, so that students face as few surprises as possible when its time to test. However, he cautions the curriculum is not aimed at teaching towards the test as some critics accuse the NCLB system of creating. Martirano said he believes in the curriculum, meaning he likely believes in the tests ability to ensure capable graduates who will move on and become productive members of society. Photo by Adam Ross When I was a teacher Board of Education members (left to right) Salvatore L. Raspa, Mary M. Washington, William M. Mattingly, and Gary K. Kessler converse after Tuesdays High School Assessment press
conference.

Calvert Marine Museum

a maritime museum. Later that year, the CCHS designated a maritime museum as The Calvert Marine Mu- a special project. In the early seum (CMM) is one of the 1970s, a request was made premiere visitor attractions to the Calvert County Comin Southern Maryland. More missioners to use the Old than just a museum, CMM Solomons Schoolhouse (also sponsors concerts, offers known as Solomons Elemenmembership opportunities tary School) as the museum. with numerous benefits, holds The building along with four a summer camp for kids, and additional acres of land were gives back to the bay and the acquired and used for permacommunity through research nent museum facilities. and preservation. CMM was officially Before its incorporation as established on October 18, Calvert Marine Museum Soci- 1970. ety, its accreditation by AmerAccording to the CCHS, ican Association of Museums, after incessant communicaand even before it was a sepa- tion by the Society with the rate department of the Calvert General Services AdministraCounty government, CMM tion, Department of Interior was dreamt up, designed and and others, Drum Point Lightbuilt by volunteers. house was finally moved to It was 1968 when the the museum grounds in 1975, Calvert County Historical where it sits today. Society (CCHS) was given It was soon after, in 1979, the Drum Point Lighthouse, that the Commissioners asked which sparked discussion of that the CMM be made into a separate department of the county government. As a department of the county government, CMM has a seventeen member Board of Governors to oversight. According to Doug Alves, Director of CMM, doing this allowed the museum to grow and prosper as an important part of the community and the communitys history by earning more funds for operations, among other things. A big step in the museums development ocPhoto by Emily Finch curred in NovemCMM displays changing and permanent exhibits ber of 1981 when which tell the story of human activity along the they met the critePatuxent River from the seventeenth-century colonial period to present. This permanent exhibit ria set by Ameriexplores a wide range of topics such as river trans- can Association portation, trade, shipping, boatbuilding, commer- of Museums and cial fishing, military engagements, community life, were granted acand recreation.

Emily Finch Staff Writer

creditation. Being an accredited museum puts you on the map, said Sherrod Sturrock, Deputy Director of CMM, and it also reassures the authenticity of the establishment. Never forgetting the ones that started it all, the volunteers, CMM incorporated the Calvert Marine Museum Society in June of 1984. Where were going is deeply rooted in where weve come from, said Sturrock. The Society allows certain rewards to be given to members, including discounts and newsletters, but that is not all. Out of 3,750 members, said Alves, two thirds are from the St. Marys-Calvert area and most are active volunteers. The volunteers at CMM operate the store, and parts of the museum, as well as set up for, run and fund events. Our volunteers do everything for us, said Alves, they put in over a combined 20 thousand hours a year here and are greatly appreciated. Members are not only from the core Southern Maryland region; however, many are from across the United States and even overseas. Alves said Before the Bob Dillon concert, for example, membership numbers rose almost 350 in about two weeks from all over the world. After coming to the area and seeing the concert, though, he said, most of those members are still visiting regularly and contributing generously. Volunteers are not the only ones who run the museum, though. CMM employs 62 researchers, scientists, technicians and specialists, half of which are full time and half are part time. It was originally a place to preserve and interpret the areas history, and CMM still strives to duly fulfill that mission. We tell the story of why our area is special, said Alves, and we show the life

The Calvert Marine Museums is one of the premiere museums dedicated to the Chesapeake Bay. It is located just off Rt. 2 on Solomons Island.

Photo by Emily Finch

in the [Chesapeake] Bay. CMM has something for all ages and, according to Alves, is giving the area a quality product with an educational program and strong community relation-

ship. They offer tours of the museum and Drum Point lighthouse, musical performances, summer camp and weekly educational programs for children, boatbuilding, numerous exhibits and galleries,

and more. For more information on the museum visit www.calvertmarinemuseum.com or call the museum directly at 410-326-2042.

Photo by Emily Finch

Visitors to CMM explore Drum Point Lighthouse, which became part of the CMM in 1975 when it was moved from its old location. It is available year-round, weather permitting, for self-guided tours with admission into the museum.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

The County Times

Section A - 

Obituaries
Robert James Bicknell, Sr., 71
63, of Piney Point, Md., died Aug. 25, 2007 in Georgetown University Hospital. Born January 19, 1944 in Piney Point, Md., she was the daughter of the late John Wooten and Catherine N. Travers Blackwell. The family will receive friends on Saturday, Sept/ 1, 2007 from 9 10 a.m. in St. Lukes U.A.M.E. Church, Piney Point, Md., where a funeral service will be at 10:00 AM with Reverend Rudy Brooks officiating. Interment will follow the church cemetery. A full obituary will appear at a later date. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A. For further information or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.mgfh.com.

Walter F. Dubler, Jr., 80

Walter F. Dubler, Jr., 80, of California, Md., died on Aug. 20, 2007 at Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C. Born Dec. 5, 1926 in Lock Haven, PA and raised in Rutland, Vt., he was the son of the late Walter F. and Edna S. Dubler. Mr. Dubler retired from the Sikorsky Aircraft Division of United Technologies in 1986 after 27 years. Prior to joining Sikorsky Aircraft, Mr. Dubler served in the Navy and worked for Philco Electronics. His career with the Navy and Sikorsky Aircraft took him to various locations across the country and world including California, Hawaii, Austria, and Greenland. Mr. Dubler moved to the Southern Maryland area in 1966. He was an avid golfer and fisherman in his earlier years and for the past 44 years was an active member of the Elks Club in St. Marys; he also remained a member of the American Legion and Masons in Rutland, Vt. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Betty (Goode) Dubler of California, Md., son, Tony and his wife, Joan, two grandchildren, Dustin and Miya Dubler, all of Glen Arm, Md., and sister, Ruth Sharp of Lansing, Mich. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Hope. The family received friends Friday, Aug. 24, 2007 from 5-7 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md., where a Memorial Service was conducted at 6 p.m. Father Keith Woods was the celebrant. Inurnment was private. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glenn Allen, VA 230585216, American Lung Association of MD, Executive Plaza I, Suite 600, 11350 McCormick Road, Hunt Valley, MD 21031 or Tri-County Animal Shelter, 6707 Animal Shelter Road, Hughesville, MD 20637. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, Md.

Robert James Bob Bicknell, Sr., 71, of Leonardtown, Md. and formerly of Riverdale, Md., died Aug. 26, 2007 in St. Marys Hospital. Born March 15, 1936 in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late Roy Nelson and Helen Louise Sutherland Bicknell. He was the loving husband of Bertie Jane Jackson Bicknell, whom he married on July 9, 1955 at St. Francis Xavier Church, St. Georges Island, Md. He is survived by his children; Robert James Bicknell, Jr. of Mechanicsville, Md., and Sandra Jane Bicknell Guin of Summerdale, Ala., his sister, Patty Lee Nicro, his grandchildren; Joseph C. Mascio, Thomas J. Mascio, Kelli Mascio Powell and Mellisa Bicknell Adams; and his great-grandchildren; Andrew Adams, Skylar Adams and Kailyn Powell. He was preceded in death by his infant son Joseph Andrew Bicknell. A graduate of Bladensburg High School, Class of 1955, Bob moved to St. Marys County from Greenbelt, Md., in June of 1992. He was employed as a mechanic for Berwyn Sunoco in College Park, Md. For twenty-four years he coached Little League, Babe Ruth Baseball and Boys Club Basketball for the city of Greenbelt. He was the number one fan of the Dallas Cowboys. The family will receive friends on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2007 from 5 8 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers will be said at 7p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Aug. 31, 2007 at 10 a.m. in Holy Face Catholic Church, Great Mills, Md., with Fr. Joseph Sileo officiating. Interment will follow in St. Georges Catholic Cemetery, Valley Lee, Md. Pallbearers will be Thomas J. Mascio, George E. McKay, Jr., George E. McKay, Sr., Donald J. Hoyt and Loren T. Hoyt. Honorary pallbearers will be Mellisa J. Adams, Joseph C. Mascio and Kelli M. Powell. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Evelyn Alice Sister Clark, 7

Joyce Mae Blackwell, 63

Joyce Mae Blackwell,

Evelyn Alice Sister Clark, 97, of Lexington Park, formerly of Washington, D.C. died Aug. 22, 2007 at home surrounded by loved ones. Born Sept. 8, 1909 in California, Md., she was the oldest daughter of the late Joseph Thomas and Ira Thomas. She was the wife of the late Richley Clark, whom she married in 1937. Mrs. Clark retired from the U. S. Government after 30 years of service. She spent much of her time traveling which was one of her favorite hobbies. She is survived by her brother, James Gormen Thomas of Lexington Park and her sister, Clara E. Thomas of Washington, DC. She also leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends too numerous to name. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, McDowell Thomas and Ogden Thomas and her sisters, Virgie Somerville, Geraldine Chase and Hazel Biscoe. The family will receive friends on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2007 from 9-10 a.m. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Lexington Park, Md., where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Father Jack Kennealy will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, Md.

Mary Ellen Endsley, 68

of Loveville, Md., died Aug. 21, 2007 at her daughters residence surrounded by her family. She was born Feb. 27, 1939 in Loveville, Md., and was the daughter of the late John Bernard and Vivian Love. She is survived by her daughters, Joan Clements and her significant other, Kevin Greene, of Lexington Park, Debra Quade of Loveville, Md. and Jackie Lawrence and her husband, Sid, of Bushwood, Md.; her grandchildren, J.B. Quade, Jesse Taylor, and Amber Jones; two great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Joanne Roberts of Heathsville, and Brenda Thomas of Loveville. She lived most of her life in Loveville and she graduated from Margaret Brent High School in 1956. She was employed as a salesperson for many years in the Tice family furniture business. The Tices were not just employers but very close and dear friends. Mary Ellen had a zest for life and never met a stranger. Her most enjoyable times were spent on the water, boating and fishing with family and friends. She also enjoyed flower gardening and was known to have a green thumb. Mary Ellen was an animal lover and had many beloved pets throughout the years. The family received friends on Friday, Aug. 24, 2007 from 5-8 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, Md. A Memorial Mass was celebrated on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2007 at 10 a.m. in St. Josephs Catholic Church, Morganza, MD. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were J.B. Quade, Jesse Taylor, Matt Thomas and Chris Thomas. Honorary pallbearers were Amber Jones and Garrett Thomas. Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Marys, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD and/or the Seventh District Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 7, Avenue, MD 20609. Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A. For further information or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www. mgfh.com.

Elizabeth Irene Puddin Huseman, 86

Elizabeth Irene Puddin Huseman, 86, of Abell, Md., died Aug. 26, 2007 at her residence. Born July 1, 1921 in Oakley, Md., she was the daughter of the late George Albert and Gertrude Quade Lacey. She was the loving wife of Charles Ross Huseman whom she married on Aug. 23, 1943 in Holy Angels Catholic Church, Avenue, Md. She is survived by her children: Charles A. Al Huseman and his wife Linda of Bushwood, Md., Charlene Norris and her husband Cecil of Mechanicsville, Md., Richard Dickie Huseman and his wife Dianne of Hollywood, Md., Michael Mike Huseman and his wife Millie of Abell, Md., Francis Franny Huseman and his wife Vickie of Avenue, Md. and Jeffrey Jeff Huseman and his wife Theresa of Charleston, S.C.; siblings: James E. Lacey of Chaptico, Md., Gertrude Lorraine Hall of Bushwood, Md., Stephen Lacey, Francis D. Lacey and Helen Seymour all of Avenue, Md.; grandchildren: Charles A. Huseman, Jr., Kimberly Huseman, Richie Huseman, Chris Huseman, Melanie Bateman, C.J. Huseman and Christy Lynn Huseman; Step grandchildren: Larry Stine, Kaylee Stine, Shawn Platter and Devin Platter; great grandchildren: Ryan Huseman, Lacey and Jack Bateman, Felisity Jordan and Dylan Jordan; special friends: Shirley Suite of Bushwood, Md., and Essie Mason of Clements, Md. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Joseph Lacey, George E. Lacey, Thomas Lacey, William M. Lacey, Robert Lacey and Eleanor Russell. Puddin enjoyed saying the rosary and playing pitch with her sisters Lorraine and Helen and special friend Shirley. She was a member of the Ladies Soldality of Holy Angels Church. The family received friends on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007 from 5 8 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers were said at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007 at 10 a.m. in Holy Angels Catholic Church, Avenue, Md., with Fr. William H. Gurnee officiating. Interment followed in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Bushwood, Md. Pallbearers were: Don Cather, Bernie Owens, Charles Al Huseman, Jr., Richie Huseman, Rusty Lacey and Donald Duck Lacey. Honorary Pallbearers were: Chris Huseman, Mike Lacey, Billy Lacey, Wayne Lacey and H.B. Huseman. Contributions may be made to: Hospice of St. Marys, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Arrangements provided by the MattingleyGardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Susan Pressman, 58

Susan Pressman, 58, of Satellite Beach, Fla. died Aug. 9, 2007 at her residence peacefully in her sleep. Born July 7, 1949 in Hollywood, Fla., she was the daughter of Regina J. Karr of Luray, Va. and the late Verlin R. Karr. She sacrificed her own desires, so her children and grandchildren would always be first in her heart. In her recent years, she worked in the medical administration field. Her devotion to her husband, children, grandchildren and family will be greatly missed. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband of 37 years, Michael Pressman of Satellite Beach, Fla., three children, Christian Pressman and wife, Jeanette of Miami, Fla., Joshua Pressman of Melbourne, Fla., and Patrick Pressman of Washington, D.C., brothers, Leslie Karr and wife, Rebecca of Belgium and L. Daniel Karr of Fairlee, Vt., sisters, Penny Shissler and husband, Blaine of Mechanicsville, Md. and Tamiko den Hartog and husband, Clancy of St. Inigoes, Md., three grandchildren, Omar Perez, Christian Chuli Pressman and Caitlyn Riley and over sixty-five nieces and nephews. A Graveside service will be conducted Friday, Aug. 31, 2007 at 9 a.m. in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. Guests will be received from 4- 6 p.m. at the Shisslers home in Mechanicsville, Md. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Marys Animal Welfare League, P.O. Box 1232, Leonardtown, MD 20650 or to your local animal welfare league. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, Md.

To place a memorial ad call 301-373-4125

Mary Ellen Endsley, 68,

Estate Planning More Than a Will

For many, estate planning is a fancy way of preparing a will. However, the two are certainly not one in the same, and the belief that they are is just one of the many common misconceptions about estate planning. Estate planning is one of the most important things a person can do, lest they risk putting the fruits of their lifes labor in jeopardy. With such important consequences, its good for anyone involved in estate planning to consider the following. Understanding probate and what you can do about it. Probate is the legal process wherein a persons will or estate is renewed before title can be transferred from the decedents name into that of the living beneficiaries. Some people believe a good will can avoid probate and that transfer of assets will occur immediately. In fact, a will often mandates probate, and the process of asset transfer can take anywhere from a few months to several years. For people with property in different states, a probate hearing is often required in each state where property is owned. Its important to note, however, that probate can be avoided. Each case is individual, yet there are ways around timely and ultimately expensive probate. Discussing the different avenues available to avoid probate is a good start to estate planning. States can dictate where your assets go if you dont. This is arguably the greatest reason why all people should have a will. Even if youre a young parent in seemingly perfect health, you should have a will. A common misconception is that people with limited assets dont need a will, as common sense will dictate which of their family members will get what they have when they pass away. However, some states have laws wherein a decedents assets are distributed by the state if the decedent does not have a will. Even if your estate is small, your assets wont necessarily be distributed according to your intentions if you dont have a written record of those intentions. Even jointly shared assets require estate planning. Some people feel that jointly shared assets are a way around estate planning. While its true that jointly shared assets can avoid probate (until the last owners death, that is), jointly shared assets might be subject to estate or gift taxes. In addition, jointly shared assets are subject to creditors of all owners, which can create problems. Finally, if a decedent with jointly shared assets did not intend for those assets to be transferred to the other owner upon the decedents death, without an estate plan, the surviving joint owner will have all assets transferred to him.

Estate planning is for you as well. Estate planning is not done simply to ensure your familys financial security upon your passing. While a will is expressly concerned with dividing your estate upon your death, estate planning can (and should) provide for you during your lifetime, should you become incapacitated due to old age, illness or an accident. In addition, estate planning is important so you can establish a durable power or attorney and a medical durable power or attorney. In doing so, youre designating someone who can make financial decisions on your behalf should you fall ill (durable power of attorney) and medical decisions on your behalf (medical durable power of attorney).

Get an attorney. Different states have many different laws with respect to a decedents estate. An estate planning attorney can professionally draft all necessary documents and make sure they conform with your states laws. Such documents are then less open to challenges upon your death. Oftentimes, improperly drawn up wills are invalid in court. To truly protect your family from any added stress upon your death, an estate planning attorney is a worthwhile and not necessarily costly expense. Each and every day, families fall victim to poor estate planning. To avoid such a fate, begin your estate planning as soon as possible.

 Section A - 10

The County Times

the fans, he said. The intensity of the heat has been unexpected. This is the second school evacuation this calendar year. Esperanza Middle School in Lexington Park was evacuated in April when continual power outages caused fans in

Thursday, August 30, 2007

lem was repaired by about 4:30 p.m. Oakville Elementary School was first constructed Continued from page A- in 1966, Whidden said, but the Whidden said that the re- building addition in which the building in search of the cause of the smell. cent heat may have been part equipment failure occurred Tenina Reeves, principal of the problem with the belt happened in an addition constructed 10 years later. at the school, said that the slipping off.

Smoke Alarm

The County Times Is Looking For A Advertising Sales Representative To Join Our Team! Person Must Be Responsible, Dependable, and Willing To Work Hard! Call Now For More Information.

301-373-4125
Photo by Guy Leonard

Firefighters tend to hose lines while responding to a call for the smell of smoke at Oakville Elementary School Monday. The school was evacuated after a exhaust fan malfunction caused the smell of smoke to pervade the building.

students and staff made it out of the school without incident and followed evacuation procedures well. We had hall monitors who made sure everyone was out of the building, Reeves said. About 435 students attend Oakville Elementary school, Reeves said.

More than likely it was from the heat weve been experience because that causes excessive wear, Whidden said. The hotter it is the longer [the HVAC system] runs. Students were let back into the school at about 3:15 p.m. and were dismissed half an hour later. Whidden said the prob-

But the buildings age had nothing to do with the days system failure, he said. Systems are repaired or replaced as needed, Whidden. The heat has kept maintenance crews busy, Whidden said. My guys are continually going out and checking

the school to malfunction. Those malfunctions caused the smell of smoke throughout the building and about 900 students plus about 87 faculty and staff to leave the building. Students were later sent home.

Resumes And Questions Can Also Be Emailed To info@countytimes.net

Hours:
M-Th 9-5pm Fri 9-4pm Sat 9-1pm Evening Appointments Available

Call Us To Floorin day For Your g & Cab i Needs! netr y

Your Dreams Can Change Your World. We Can Make Those Dreams Come True!

Special Financing Available

(301) 475-5600
40955 Merchants Lane, Unit 14, Leonardtown, MD 20650

* Commitment * Dedication * Trust *

I have what you expect in a Realtor
If you are looking for a Realtor, let me put my commitment & dedication to work for you. I work hard for those that put the trust in me to assist with their Real Estate transactions. I have been with the Hollywood VFD for over 15 years and a lifelong resident of St. Marys County. I have been self employed for the past 15 years. Your referrals are also greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!!

Jimmy Hayden, Realtor

301-863-2400 ext. 241 office 240-925-1928 cell Email: jimmy.hayden@obrienrealty.com

Buying, Building, Renting, or Selling

I will work hard for you!!