2012-11-29 the county times

Thursday, November 29, 2012 www.somd.com

Photo Illustration by Frank Marquart

Prescription Drug Abuse’s Impact on Children

Story Page 20

Thursday, November 29, 2012 2The County Times

Auto • Home • Business • Life

Free InItIal ConsultatIon

Auto Accidents Workers’ comp

• Divorce/Separation• Support/Custody

• Domestic Violence• Criminal/Traffic

• DWI/MVA HearingsPower of Attorney

• Name Change • Adoption• Wills • Guardianship

SERVING CHARLES • ST. MARY’S • PG • CALVERT

The law offices of P.a. Hotchkiss & associates Providing Excellent Service For Over 20 Years

99 Smallwood Dr. Waldorf, MD • 206 Washignton Ave. LaPlata, MD (301) 932-7700 (301) 870-7111Accepting:

Scan this “Times Code” with your smart phone

What’s InsideWhat’s Inside

navy

The Fifth Annual Festival of Trees is set to take place Saturday at the James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center.

SMCPS mentor Jamika Lewis reads to students at Carver Elementary for American Education Week.

newsmaker

Protecting identities children and foster care parents, Frank Marquart created a photo illustration of a child

being taken to a foster care home.

“Kids are always collateral damage.”- Capt. Daniel Alioto on the consequences of

prescription drug abuse.Also Inside4 County News

12 Education

15 Crime

16 Newsmaker

17 Navy News

18 Letters

20 Feature Story

21 Design Diaries

22 Obituaries

26 Money

27 Senior

28 Community Calendar

30 Entertainment

31 Entertainment Calendar

32 Classifieds

33 Business Directory

34 Community

36 Games

37 Columns

38 Health

38 Sports

WeatherWatch

On The Cover

Thursday, November 29, 20123 The County Times

The New & Unique

McKay’s Market & Café

Hollywood Road • Hollywood, MD301-475-2531

The first 250 customers will receive a free gift basket. Look inside The County Times for our

grand opening circular and great deals!

Free Cup of Coffee each day during the month of December with Gold Card. Featuring Fresh Roasted Artisan Coffee available at the coffee bar.

www.mckayssupermarkets.com

November 30Ribbon Cutting at 9 am

Sunday, Dec. 2 at 11 am Momma Dietz will visit store as part of the Grand Opening celebration.

FRIDAY


Our new designer lines:

308 San Souci Plaza, California, MD301-737-4241

LADIES NIGHT2nd Annual

Friday, November 30th

4 – 8 p.m.

*Free gift wrapping!

Shop while enjoying hors doeuvres and cocktails, make a wish list for that special someone to use at our 19th annual Men’s Night

Friday Dec. 7, 4 to 8pm

& Angelique de Paris


ews

$10 Off

Concerned About Hair Loss?

www.studio5salon.com • 301-884-355330051 Point Lookout Rd. • Mechanicsville, MD 20659

Tues – Fri: 10-5 • Sat: 9-2 • After 5 by appointment

Like us On facebOOk and receive $5 Off yOur next service!

Schedule An Appointment With Us Today!

free Hair restOratiOn cOnsuLtatiOn fOr Men & WOMen PLus 10% Off bOOked service

free Hair extensiOn cOnsuLtatiOnWalk-in Appointments Also Available.

Hair care PrOduct kit

Several Officials ‘Unhappy’ About a Parole Decision

By Guy LeonardStaff Writer

A man convicted earlier this year of vehicular manslaughter stemming from a high speed crash at Budd’s Creek back in 2010 was supposed to serve an 18-month sentence but only served about two months in jail locally before being sent to home detention.

While the state parole board had the ultimate authority to release Jarron Jen-nings, officials there say local officials did not do the proper paperwork to keep Jennings in jail. Local prosecutors, on the other hand, claim the parole board was at fault when it released Jennings without notifying the victims in the case.

Victim Richard Jackson’s family, as well as local prosecutors, were angered by the apparent decision by the state’s parole commission to release Jennings from confinement for knee surgery and concurrent rehabilitation.

They say that the commission al-lowed the release even after Judge Gray-son McKee, who had sentenced Jennings, denied a request to allow him to leave incarceration to be treated for his injury.

Moreover, prosecutors said the pa-role hearing that led to Jennings release in October was granted without either the State’s Attorney’s Office or the parents of the victims being informed.

Gary Scales, the victim’s father, con-firmed in a letter to The County Times that the family was only told of Jennings’ release after the fact.

“They have a right to be outraged,” State’s Attorney Richard Fritz said. “What kind of justice do we have?”

Fritz continued: “This is an attempt to circumvent the judicial system by the parole commission.”

After Jennings was sentenced, his attorney petitioned the court for leave from the county detention center to have the surgery completed, court records revealed.

His lawyer, Kevin McCants, wrote in his petition that Jennings should be allowed to serve his sentence on home detention.

Assistant State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling said she rejected the idea, saying that Jennings’ sentence had already been reduced enough.

“We did not agree to home deten-tion,” she said. “He got more than a fair sentence.”

The state’s attorney’s office learned about the release from the victim’s family.

Sterling said she was “stunned.” “That was done without notification

to the state’s attorney’s office. They ba-sically dropped the ball, the parole com-mission. They didn’t inform the family.” said Sterling, adding she had two con-versations about the situation with David Blumberg, chairman of the Maryland Pa-role Commission.

Blumberg told her that the victims were not told of the October parole hear-ing at the detention center because a vic-tim notification form was not included with the defendant’s paperwork. Sterling flatly denied this.

In a phone interview with Blumberg on Wednesday, he said they had not re-ceived the victim notification form, and that his office did not have the resources to call every victim family in cases involv-ing manslaughter or homicide that did not have an official notification request.

That piece of paperwork, he said, was critical to allow parole hearings to be opened to the victim’s family in this case and all others.

“It was the State’s Attorney’s Of-fice’s responsibility to provide that, they did not,” Blumberg said. “If we’d had that they’d certainly have been notified.”

Chris Reynolds, one of the commis-sioners present at the hearing, understood the family’s frustration, but said a range of factors such as Jennings’ medical con-dition, his good behavior during confine-ment, his lack of a criminal records prior

to the 2010 crash and his being “genuine-ly remorseful” led to the decision to re-lease him on parole once his five months of home detention ended.

“If I’d lost my son I’d feel exactly the same way,” Reynolds said. “But the fact that they weren’t there [the family] doesn’t lead us to just let someone go.

“Every crime has a victim.”Captain Michael Merican, head of

the correctional division for the county sheriff’s office and warden at the deten-tion center, said that he would have pre-ferred to keep Jennings in confinement but his rehabilitation after the surgery was something the limited facility could not accommodate.

Merican said he proposed a plan to Sterling to have the surgery and rehab done outside the facility which would have allowed Jennings to come back on the inside and serve his sentence there, but the assistant state’s attorney rejected his plan.

Sterling’s notes on conversations with the parole commission show that the jail staff had requested the commission to hold a hearing for Jennings’ release due to his medical condition.

When the parole commission came to hold a hearing, Merican said, they used their authority to grant Jennings’ suit for home detention.

Court records show that his five months of home detention started back on Oct. 26.

“If it had been done the way we had suggested he’d still be in jail,” Merican said. “We tried, we really did.”

Merican said that Jennings was eligi-ble for parole because he was being held locally, which means he need only to have served one-quarter of his sentence.

“Technically he’s still in custo-dy,” Merican said of Jennings’ home detention.

Merican said if McKee had sen-tenced Jennings to a state prison instead of a local jail his surgery could have been

handled while he was still incarcerated.“If he’d have gone to prison they’d

have a medical ward for that,” Merican said. “That’s what happens when you put a long term prisoner in a jail.”

Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron said that he understood how the process could have worked to come to this conclusion but he was not happy with it. He said he would review the case to ensure that a similar incident would not happen again if it were preventable.

He said jail personnel who tried to allow for an initial release of Jennings to allow him to be returned to confine-ment acted properly, but he was still not pleased with the overall end result.

“I’m not satisfied; he didn’t serve his sentence,” Cameron said.

[email protected]

Jarron Jennings

Grand Opening for McKay’s Market & CaféMcKay’s Market & Café is pleased to announce the Grand Opening of their new

facility located on Rt. 245 in Hollywood, Md. McKay’s will officially cut the ribbon on its newly remodeled facility on Nov. 30 at 9 a.m.

While McKay’s Market & Café is excited to bring many new fresh food and beverage choices to the area, McKay’s is especially pleased to offer its customers a full variety of Dietz & Watson high quality meats and cheeses. Known for its quality, Dietz & Watson is recognized as the leader in premium deli products in the Balti-more/Washington market. McKay’s is pleased to bring this quality line of products to Southern Maryland.

As part of the Grand Opening celebration, on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. Momma McKay, (Marilyn McKay, matriarch of the McKay family) will greet Momma Dietz (Ruth Dietz Eni, matriarch of the Dietz family) for a tour of the fabulous new market and café. Momma Dietz will be on hand to greet customers and fans alike.


Group Says County Weak in Rural Preservation


A rural preservation advocacy group says that St. Mary’s County has one of the weaker sets of laws when it comes to protecting green space.

According to a new map released by the 1000 Friends of Maryland, counties are ranked for their ef-forts on rural land preservation by rural zoning for pro-tection from what they refer to as “low density sprawl” and county adherence to new septic system restrictions restricting system proliferation in the rural tier.

The group also analyzes whether a county has in-creased the number of lots allowed in a minor subdivi-sion on rural land.

The group maintains that counties’ increasing the number of lots allowable negates the intention of the Septic Bill, SB 236, to reduce development.

Kim Brandt, local policy director for 1,000 Friends of Maryland, said the county’s efforts thus far have been fairly weak.

“It’s not the worst but it’s our opinion that they don’t do as much as possible to protect rural lands from residential development,” Brandt said. “But we feel like St. Mary’s County is moving in the right direction.”

Brandt said that the county’s intention to place most of its rural land in the most restrictive designation

for septic systems, known as Tier IV, was a good sign of progress in preserving rural acreage.

Commissioner Larry Jarboe (R-Golden Beach) said that the county has a longstanding tradi-tion to preserve the rural portion of the county, which accounts for a large majority of land here.

But the agenda the advo-cacy group was using to analyze the county’s progress was based more on a political agenda from Gov. Martin O’Malley’s admin-istration, which is taking its cues from the Obama Administra-tion’s executive order to clean up the Chesapeake Bay, Jarboe said.

That agenda, Jarboe said, was to restrict property rights to make way for environmental concerns.

Jarboe said that the county has tried to balance the two, while the state’s agenda is fundamentally unbalanced.

“There are two worlds, the urban and the rural and we have reflected the rural world and we’ve done our

best to protect it,” Jarboe said. “This [other] plan makes it easier for the elites to live in rural areas but harder for average people.”

[email protected]

ews

Map by 1000 Friends of Maryland ranking Maryland counties’ efforts to preserve rural land.


Taylor Gas Company, Inc21541 Great Mills Road

Lexington Park, MD 20653(301) 862-1000 or 1-855-764-(4GAS) 4427

CONVERTYOUR

Call us today for a free estimate on converting your hot water system to a more efficient tankless system.

Mention our ad and receive a $500.00 discount on the unit and installation.

TANK TO TANKLESS!

SPACE SAVING CALCULATION

HOW DOESA TANKLESSWORK?The obvious difference between a tank and a tankless is its size. Not only will you gain significant space, but you’ll also get endless hot water with a tankless.

Noritz tankless water heaters last longer than traditional tank water heaters and are backed up with a 12-year warranty.

With a tankless, you won’t be using hot water that is stored in a tank that can accumulate scale and rust over time. Noritz units allow you to set the temperature you want.

STEP 1A hot water

tap isturned on.

STEP 3The computerautomatically

ignites theburner.

STEP 5The Noritz tankless water heater

provides an endless stream of hot water. When the tap is

turned off, the unit shuts off.

STEP 2Cold water enters the

heater & theflow sensor detects thewater flow.

STEP 4Water circulatesthrough the heat

exchanger. The burner heats

the water tothe designated

temperature.

A traditional tank-type water heater takes up to 13 ft2 of space. If 1 ft2 is worth $200, that’s $2,600 (13 ft2 x $200) worth of space you could be saving at Noritz.

* Installation must conform with local codes, or in the absence of local codes, the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223. 1/NFPA 54.


ews

Armored Vehicle Approved for Sheriff

ENTERPRISES

&A TProudly Made In The U.S.A.

TOMMY ALVEY:Lifetime Resident

DistributorMilitary Veteran

ALSO AVAILABLE AT:

Colton’s Point Marina

Guy Brothers Marine

Hodges Tire & Auto

Hollywood Auto Tech

St. Mary’s Automotive

Tall Timbers Marine

Smith & Son Small Engine Repair

40581 Bishop Road • Mechanicsville, MD 20659

Phone: 301-475-8446Cell: 240-538-1761 • Fax: 301-475-8561

DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION AVAILABLE White Plains Corporate Center II

4475 Regency Place Suite 101White Plains, Maryland 20695

301-632-6320 office • 301-632-6323 fax240-925-0440 cell • 301-769-2177 home office

[email protected]

Edward Middleton Commercial Agent

Subdivisions, Commercial Centers, Construction, Large Acreage/Farms, Waterfront Estates

Super Deal

Call Ed For:

Buying • Selling • Leasing

25,000 square foot office building and 5+ acre corner lot in

California, MD for only $1,520,000 Call Ed for details.


The St. Mary’s Sheriff will no longer depend upon neighboring law enforcement to provide tactical advantages in critical situations, said Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron.

The armored vehicle the county sheriff’s office plans to buy with seized assets and cash will offer what the agen-cy heretofore has had to wait for from other neighboring law enforcement agencies.

Last week the Board of County Commissioners ap-proved the use of $267,000 in asset forfeitures from drugs raids to purchase the vehicle.

Cameron said it’s been a long time coming, remember-ing incidents where the armored vehicle could have been useful.

The county has had to rely on armored vehicles from Charles or Calvert counties, or the Maryland State Police, to respond to critical incidents like barricade scenarios or high-risk drug warrant services.

“It’s not uncommon for us to have to evacuate people when we’re dealing with someone in a stronghold with a long gun,” Cameron said. “With the vehicle [police] will have cover and concealment and a place to retreat.”

A Lenco Industries Bearcat vehicle will be built for the agency’s needs but Cameron declined to say just what the exact specifications were. He did say that it will be imper-vious to virtually all kinds of gunfire up to including .50 BMG (Browning Machine Gun) used by the military as a heavy machine gun and anti-material round.

However, he does not expect local law officers to en-counter such powerful weapons; rather, most rounds offi-cers face come from pistols, rifles and shotguns.

“The problem was the cost,” Cameron said of going without such a vehicle, primarily used to provide roving ballistic cover for officers.

The vehicle became an attainable goal once the county, State’s Attorney’s and sheriff’s offices agreed how to appor-tion seized assets.

Cameron said. “It’s fundamental to working critical incidents.”

[email protected]

Two Charged with Major Pill TheftOn Aug 14 a burglary was reported at the New

Market Pharmacy in Mechanicsville. It was discovered that unknown culprit(s) had entered the establishment after hours and stole nearly 1,656 hydrocodone pills car-rying a street value of about $12,000.

On November 19 another burglary was reported to the same establishment; however the stolen pill count was over 11,000, police reported. The pills stolen during this burglary were predominantly Schedule II narcotics, police reported. The street value related to this burglary was more than $275,000.

Vice/Narcotics detectives, Bureau of Criminal In-vestigations detectives and patrol deputies continued to work all leads in both cases and a suspect was de-veloped. Suspect Christopher Aloysius Guy, 27 of Me-chanicsville, was identified as the alleged lone perpetra-tor in the August burglary.

As the investigation progressed, Guy was identi-fied as a co-conspirator who allegedly accompanied Mark Thomas Krenzler, 27, of Wicomico Shores, in the November 19 burglary. A search and seizure war-rant was executed on Guy’s residence and thousands of stolen pills, burglary tools and the safe stolen from the pharmacy were recovered, police said. The Emer-gency Services Team assisted and executed the search and seizure warrant on Krenzler’s residence and items of evidence, to include numerous pills were recovered, according to police.

In total over 7,000 pills were recovered. At the time of this release Guy was being held on $10,000 bond and no bond had been set for Suspect Krenzler.

Photo courtesy of the Lenco Industries websiteThe Lenco Bearcat G3 model can stop bullets up to the type used in .50-caliber machine guns


888-621-2110TRANZON.COM

Tranzon Fox

The County Times & Calvert GazetteROP1/2 page H (9.5w x 6.5h)Thurs., Nov. 29Thurs., Dec. 6

45485 Westmeath Way, Units G24 & G33, Great Mills• 1,174+/-sf • 2BR, 2BA

Dec 14 at Noon

LENDERORDEREDABSOLUTE

2 Residential Condos• 2,418+/-sf • 4BR, 2.5BA

Fully Leased Single Family HomeGlazed Pine, Three Notch RdLexington Park

Mixed-Use Development LandSt. Mary’s County, MD

• 224+/- Acres• Planned for 1,295,004 sf office & retail • Planned for 228 residential units

45550 Fore Edwards Ct., Great Mills


ews

Audit Documents More Problems in SHA

T R O L L B E A D ST H E O R I G I N A L S I N C E 1 9 7 6

Every story has a bead™

Holiday Trunk ShowThursday, NovEmbEr 29Th - Sunday, DEcEmbEr 2ND

The Apple BAskeTWhere among all things old, there’s always something new.

www.applebasketantiques.comFrom Calvert (Pax River) area, take Rte. 235N. from Waldorf take Rte. 235S.

27056 Mt.Zion Church Rd. | Mechanicsville, MD301-884-8118 | Open 7 days a week

(301) 373-3253 • (301) 904-9899 • [email protected]

Owned and operated locally in Hollywood since 1996 by Patty SparksON-SITE, OFF-SITE OR TO GO SERVICES!

Personalized Touch Catering

www.pt-catering.com

CORPORATE EVENTS • SOCIAL GATHERINGS • WEDDINGSLUNCHEONS • BREAKFASTS• HOLIDAYS • AND MORE!

FIDELITY HALL Chancellor’s Run Road

Seats 200 PeopleNon - Smoking Halls • Banquet Tables and Chairs • Dance Floor • Free Ample Parking

On-Site Catering by Personalized Touch Catering • Customized, Professional Menu Planning Linen and China Rental • Full Liquor License and Bar Services On-Site

THE CRYSTAL ROOM Callaway

Seats 400 People

WEDDING PACKAGES

Make the

best of your

holiday parties!


The state’s Office of Legislative Audits released an-other audit that chides the State Highway Administra-tion’s (SHA) handling of contracts in various areas of responsibility from architectural and engineering costs to “procurement and monitoring issues” with traffic cameras that monitor speed.

Prior audits cited the agency for not guarding against undue influence of contracts awarded for engi-neering services to companies which employed recently retired state workers.

That same audit showed these employees oversaw the administration of contracts to the engineering firms that would eventually hire them.

This latest audit brings to light more problems with the agency, which, according to the report, have connec-tions with prior warnings.

“Certain similar conditions were noted in our No-vember 2011 report on our special review of construc-tion inspections services contracts, which is one type of [architectural and engineering] contract used by SHA.”

Del. John Wood (D-Dist.29A) said the SHA has long enjoyed salutary neglect from elected overseers be-cause each year an audit finds fault with their practices but elected officials do little to correct the problems.

“The legislature should do more, SHA has a free hand sometimes,” Wood said. “They have to be reined in. I don’t think they’re monitored the way they should be.”

Specifically the audit showed that SHA did not properly account for why maximum values of contracts were charged, nor did it refrain from spending money for services from other contracts without proper autho-rization or ensure that certain contracts were accurately billed.

“SHA’s process for determining the propriety of [architectural and engineering contracts] billings was not comprehensive as only a limited number of con-tractors were subject to audit to verify costs previously billed to and paid by SHA,” the audit reads.

The contracts audited in the report totaled $431 million.

For the speed cameras, the Maryland SafeZones Program, that monitor speeds in work zones, SHA did not establish performance benchmarks for the program, nor did it stop the program going ahead even though it did not meet with requirements in the contract proposal.

The audit showed that SHA received just one con-tract proposal for the program.

[email protected]

County Commissioners

Want to Hear From Public

The St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners will host a Public Forum on Tuesday, Dec. 4 beginning at 6:30 p.m., in the Commissioners Meeting Room in-side the Chesapeake Building. The building is located at 41770 Baldridge Street, Leonardtown, Maryland. Citizens are invited to attend the forum and address the members of the Board of County Commissioners on any matter they wish.

The Public Forum will air live on St. Mary’s County Government TV 95 (SMCG TV 95) and will also be videotaped for subsequent broadcast. The fo-rum can also be viewed on the county’s website at www.stmarysmd.com. Click on Videos.

Anyone wishing to speak at the Public Forum will be allowed up to three minutes to address Commis-sioners. Those wishing to provide more detailed com-ments may do so via email or regular mail.

The Board of County Commissioners can be reached via e-mail at [email protected] or by standard mail at Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary’s County, P.O. Box 653, Leonardtown, Mary-land 20650.


ewsSeptic System Construction Application Deadline Looms

The St. Mary’s County Health Department has es-tablished a deadline for the submission of Septic System Construction Applications. Wednesday, Dec. 19 will be the last date the Health Department will accept applications for guaranteed processing prior to the Jan. 1, 2013 regulation change.

The regulation, known as the Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Preservation Act of 2012 (Senate Bill 236),

also known as the septic bill, was passed during the 2012 General Assembly session. The Maryland Register (Vol-ume 39, Issue 19) published a final action on Maryland De-partment of the Environment 26.04.02 on Sept. 21.

The Dec. 19 deadline allows Health Department staff the necessary time to review and make determinations on permit requests. An approved site plan, prepared by a Maryland Registered Surveyor, is required prior to the sub-

mission of a Septic System Construction application. The Septic Construction application must be completed and filed on behalf of the property owner by a St. Mary’s Coun-ty Licensed Septic Contractor.

Questions regarding the deadline or the new regulation should be directed to the St. Mary’s County Environmental Health Division at 301-475-4321.


SMCM Hosts Jazz Concert

Spotlight On

Selling for Elmer Brubacher & Julia Brubacher

Horses: (1) 14 yr old Belgium Lead Horses, (1) 10 yr old Belgium Cross, (4) sets of front gears, (1) Bio Breeching Harness, 2-3-4 horse hitch, misc. collar & Bridles

Farm Machinery: IH 1190 9’ haybine, JD 660 rake, Hesston 4 star tedder, Pequea 710 tedder, NH 310 baler (rebuilt by Millwood Machine), Robin 16 hp motor, NH skeleton key elevator,

40hp Lombardini Diesel Motor on 4 wheel cart w/ 540 PTO and 3pth, 31 hp Vanguard on 4 wheel cart w/540 PTO, Iveco 3 cyl diesel (400 hrs, like new), 60” Finish

Mower w/ 20 hp Honda, Wiard 106 plow, Pioneer 14” Sulky plow, (2) flat wagons, 5’ pull-type rotary mower, JD 999 corn planter, 2 section rotary hoe, 3 section JD spring

tooth, 20 blade KBA drag disc w/ sealed bearings, Mechanical transplanter, Pioneer fore cart, One horse fore cart, Produce sprayer w/ new Hypro D30 pump, I & J 1 row riding cultivator, 1

horse I & J garden cultivator, 72” 3pth roto tiller, JD model L manure spreader, Nolt 4’ plastic layer, 3’ raised bed plastic layer, Lely fertilizer spreader, Ontario drill, Pioneer blade, 3pth yard rake like new, woodsman 3pth saw, (2) 8’ Brillion cult packers, homemade Waterwheel planter w/16”, 24”,

and 26” wheels, field sprayer, pull behind log cart, Little Giant C/48 dragline.

Irrigation: 2” IPT pump, Berkley belt drive pump, 500’ of 3” pipe w/ sprinklers, 2000’ +/- of 4” Irrigation pipe, Pipe wagon, misc 4” fitting, (3) Nelson 100 irrigation guns, sand filter, and misc items.

Buggies: Buggy w/ cable brakes, Farm spring wagon, Used gear parts and Axles.

Shop & Misc. Items: Lumber Master 20’ band mill w/ hyd up & down mud saw, 5HP bandsaw, Williams & Hussey molder/planner, misc tools and bolts, flap sander w/ 6 amp air motor,

Craftsman 10” radial saw w/ air motor, Manual bandsaw sharpener/setter, Cats claw setter, Quincy 125 air compressor, fuel tank, planet Jr. Hand push seeder, platform scales, new set of cast grates for coal

boiler, potting soil mixer, approx 1 load of small misc items, some household items and other items too numerous to mention, (1) load of new/used hand tools/gardening supplies form Phares Brubaker, (1)

load of misc hardware from Leonardtown Building Supply: nails, tools, cabinet hardware.

Terms: Cash or Approved Checks Day of Sale.

Horses, Farm Machinery, Dragline Irrigation, Shop Items, Some Household, and Misc.

24025 Brubacher Lane • Leonardtown, MD 20650Sale is directly across from Banneker School along Rt. 5 (St. Mary’s County)

PuBlIc AuctIonSat. December 8th, 2012 • 9:00 A.M.

Auctioneer: Sam Walters III (302) 284-4619 Not responsible for accidents • Lunch served

Owned and Operated by Call For More Information: Bella Bailey, Marketing & Leasing MGR.

23314 Surrey Way • California, Maryland 20619Fax: 301-737-0853 • [email protected]

301-737-0737

301-862-5307

IN A QUIET SETTING, EXCELLENT SCHOOLS

Discounted Cable

Playground

Free on Site Storage

with Every Apartment

Walk to Shopping/

RestaurantsAmenity Package Available

Peaceful Living

By Alex PanosStaff Writer

St. Mary’s College is hosting a classi-cal music-jazz concert hybrid this Saturday,

free and open to the public.Don Stapleson, professor at St. Mary’s

College and a member of the performing group, says the group “Clazzical Jam” plays some of the greatest themes of classical mu-sic, but with a unique twist using a “jazz setting.”

“The musicians are experienced in both worlds,” he said.

The concert will include famous piec-es by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Antoni Dvorak and Frederick Chopin performed using a hint of jazz.

“Even if you don’t recognize all of the titles, you’ll recognize the melodies,” Sta-pleson said, adding the concert will feature three original pieces.

The music selections are to be ac-companied by discussion of the lives of great composers, including Mozart and Beethoven.

The true anecdotes, geared towards educating the audience on the lives of these famous composers, will be followed with hypothetical questions.

He asked, “What if Mozart had spent some time in Rio and had been exposed to the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim? What would it sound like if Dave Brubeck had come up with the main theme from

Beethoven’s ninth symphony?”Stapleson is an experienced saxophon-

ist and flutist who has taken part in many concerts in Italy and has performed with Ray Charles and Wayne Newton.

He says he is looking forward to play-ing with the other talented musicians in the group, and sharing stories about great clas-sical and jazz musicians with the audience.

“The audience should be looking for-ward to learning a little more about beloved musical heroes – from both the classical and jazz world – in a relaxed, informal concert event,” he said.

On guitar Peter Fields, who met Sta-pleson while attending St. Mary’s College, has a repertoire ranging from classical gui-tar to ethnic music from various parts of the world. He and Stapleson have played in a variety of jazz and classical concerts together.

Fred Lieder on cello has arranged many rock tunes for solo cello including works by rock icons Jimi Hendrix and Car-los Santana.

“He may be the only cellist in the D.C. area who has played at such diverse places as the Kennedy Center… but also Blues Al-ley,” says a biography description provided by Stapleson.

“They are two of the finest musicians I know,” Stapleson said.

The concert will be held at 8 p.m. on Saturday in Montgomery Hall room 25. Visit smcm.edu for more information.

[email protected]

Photos courtesy of Kathryn StaplesonFred Lieder on cello

Don Stapleson


• Piano every Friday and Saturday night • Jazz cabaret/dancing on special evenings • 3-course prix-fixe dinner menu $23.95 available until 6 pm daily and all night on Wednesdays! • $8 lunch & beverage special daily • Sunday brunch á la carte items • “Le Salon” (private room) available

SOMD Winner of• Best Restaurant• Best Fine Dining Restaurant • Best Dessert

Classic Country French Dining in a casual, relaxing atmosphere.

SAT. 9:30 TO 5 SUN. 12 TO 5MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9:30 TO 7

North End Galleryin Historic Leonardtown, MD

301.475.3130 www.northendgallery.org

Monday-Saturday 10-5First Fridays 10-8, Sunday 12-4

41658 Fenwick St. Leonardtown, MD 20650

301-475-8040

Fax: 301-475-8658

For all of your advertising needs,please contact our

ad representatives atSOMD Publishing

301-373-4125

COMIC BOOKS, GAMES

AND STUFF

22745 Washington StLeonardtown, MD 20650

Open 7 Days A Week

Ice CreamSundaes

Hot Dogs and SausagesOverstuffed Subs

SmoothiesGamer GrubHot/Cold Drinks

Creative Custom Framing & Art

301-904-2532MD Antiques Center ~ Bldg. 2 ~ 26005 Point Lookout Rd

~Leonardtown, MD 20650

Hours: Tuesday ~ Friday: 10 a.m. ~ 5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. ~ 2 p.m.

AntiquesBreton House

22795 Washington Street,Leonardtown

Open 10-5 Wed. - Sat.Sundays 11-4

Also by appointment, 301-690-2074 Open late for

First Fridays of the month

Knit, Dye, Weave,Crochet, Bead, Felt

Friday, Dec. 7, 2012 5 to 8 PM

leonardtownfirstfridays.com

Make Leonardtown “Your Place”

Every First Friday!

Bella Music SchoolBig Larry’s Comic

Book CaféBrewing GroundsCafé des Artistes

Chez NousCraft Guild ShopColleen’s Dream

College of Southern Maryland

Crazy for EweFenwick Street Used

Books and MusicFuzzy Farmer’s Market

Good Earth Natural FoodsThe Shops of Maryland

Antiques CenterCreekside Gallery

Kevin’s Corner KaféLeonardtown Arts Center

Leonardtown GalleriaLeonardtown Grill

Lynn’s Café and CateringMontparnasse Gallery

and GiftsNorth End Gallery

Oga’s Asian CuisineOlde Town Pub

Olde Towne StitcheryPort of Leonardtown

WineryRustic River Bar and GrillQuality Street Kitchens

Shelby’s Creative FramingSt. Mary’s Macaroni KidThe Farmer’s Daughter

CupcakesThe Front PorchTreadles Studio

Ye Olde Towne Café

First Friday is made possible by these businesses

and other LBA members:

Join the Leonardtown Business Association for Festive First Fridays in December.

Help the LBA bring warm tidings to those less fortunate this holiday season. We’re collecting new hats, scarves, gloves and mittens in November and December for The Three Oaks Center. Look for our special collection box at Fuzzy Farmers,

The Good Earth, North End Gallery, The Craft Guild Shop, and The Port of Leonardtown Winery

BURRIS’ OLDE TOWNE INSURANCEDANIEL W. BURRIS, CIC, PROPRIETORAuto • Home • Business • Life

22720 WASHINGTON STREET • P.O. BOX 707LEONARDTOWN, MD 20650(301) 475-3151 • Toll Free: (800) 872-8010 • Fax: (301) [email protected] • danburris.com

ERIE INSURANCE

GROUP

BURRIS’ OLDE TOWNE INSURANCEDANIEL W. BURRIS, CIC, PROPRIETORAuto • Home • Business • Life


ERIE INSURANCE

GROUPBURRIS’ OLDE TOWNE INSURANCEDANIEL W. BURRIS, CIC, PROPRIETORAuto • Home • Business • Life


ERIE INSURANCE

GROUP

BREWING GROUNDS- 41658 Fenwick Street. Stop by to

enjoy a concert with Leonardtown High School’s Choral groups

performing Holiday favorites start-ing at 6PM. We also have received shipment of our incredibly popular Mara Mugs (they make great gifts), holiday coffees and teas, as well as

your favorite seasonal drinks!

CAFE DES ARTISTES- 41655 Fenwick Street. Featured Dinner

Specials for First Friday: Hanging Tender (aka Hanger Steak) topped

with Classic Bearnaise Sauce. Live music with Randy Richie on

Piano. Leonardtown’s original neigh-borhood bistro with French Country

Charm, a casual and friendly atmosphere, fine food and excellent service. Creative, comforting dishes

are Classic French with an American flair and pair perfectly with the great variety of wines, from Leonardtown to Franch. Alfresco dining available

on our sidewalk.

CEDAR LANE SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY -- Join the Friends of Cedar Lane for their annual raffle

project, this year’s proceeds will benefit the resident dining room

renovation project. Purchase tickets through 12/13 by visiting www.

cedarlaneapts.com.

CRAFT GUILD SHOP- 26005 Point Lookout Road (next to Maryland Antiques Center) . For First Friday and the month of December, our featured artist is Joyce Owen of Chaptico. She is a Tole Artist/

Decorative Artist. Tole painting is a technique used on any surface.

Her medium of choice is acrylics on different surfaces and also pen and

ink with oils on canvas. Her favorite thing to paint is anything Christmas! Joyce will be offering classes on this painting technique. Come out on First Friday or join us during our

Customer Appreciation Open House on Saturday 12/8 with discounts on purchases. Our best wishes to all for a Happy and safe Holiday

Season. The Craft Guild Shop is a co-op of diverse and dedicated local artisans and hand-crafters. We offer traditional and contemporary crafts, unique handmade items, Maryland souvenirs, and a year-round Christ-

mas display. Many of these items are one-of-a-kind. Various classes

offered. Visit our website and online store at www.craftguildshop.com.

Call 301-997-1644 .

FENWICK STREET USED BOOKS and MUSIC- 41655A Fenwick

Street-TBD

FUZZY FARMERS MARKET – 22696 Washington Street. Enjoy

demos from members of our market and take care of some of your holiday

shopping on First Friday. Indulge yourself with goat’s milk soap, unique jewelry, handmade item and luxuri-

ous scarves and shawls. Fill your home with hand painted accents as well as fabulous textiles and pottery. You’ll see how we upcycle discarded objects into fabulous and fun bags,

jewelry and more. Visit us to find out what our cooperative of local women artists and farmers are dreaming up

and creating next!

GOOD EARTH NATURAL FOODS- 41675 Park Ave. Stop by

and meet Dr. Stacey Dent from Har-bor Bay Chiropractic. She will offer complimentary posture screenings.

Come find out how balanced your are. Learn more at

www.harborbaychiropractic.com.

KEVIN’S CORNER KAFE- 41565 Park Avenue, 301-997-1260. Kevin’s features a First Friday Dinner Special

and kids menu. Enjoy homemade desserts and fresh seafood. Stuffed

ham, steamed oysters, stuffed rockfish are regular features.

Holiday party platters available.

LEONARDTOWN ARTS CENTER- Court Square BLDG, 2nd

floor, 22660 Washington St. OFF THE WALL: An Art Market in LeonARTown It’s Off The Wall at the Arts Center on December

First Friday! Stop by for an exciting art market featuring one of a kind,

handmade art objects, prints, paintings, photographs, scarves,

handmade bags, jewelry and more! Joe Norris performs! More than 20

artists on site for First Friday!

NORTH END GALLERY- 41652 Fenwick Street. 26th Annual Holiday Show -- Join the artist as they present

their 26th Annual Holiday Show. Enjoy the festivities with old and

new friends at the gallery. View the fantastic new art and do a little holi-day shopping. First Friday features a Holiday Reception! The show runs

from November 20 through Decem-ber 30th. Do come join us! North

End Gallery offers unique gifts from 32 of Southern Maryland’s best

artists and artisans. Treat yourself or someone you love to a hand made

treasure from your community.

OLDE TOWNE STITCHERY 41610 Fenwick Street (next to Towne

Florist). 301-475-0005. Come in and join us on December 7th, for Leonardtown’s First Friday

Festivities. Enjoy light refreshments, a make and take project where you

can learn to make a holiday greeting card using bits of fabric, and take

advantage of our First Friday special of 20% off all Christmas fabrics,

including yardage and pre-cuts. For the purposes of this sale, we will

also consider any blender or green fabric as Christmas fabric! Our goal is to assist you in making the quilt of your dreams. We offer classes from beginner to advanced and even kids sewing and quilting classes. We stock fabric, books, patterns and notions from many companies as well as selling finished quilts, bags and

table runners. Our staff works hard to offer suggestions when asked,

encouragement when needed, and friendly service at all times.

PORT OF LEONARDTOWN WINERY- off Route 5 at 23190

Newtowne Neck Road . The Winery is open from Noon to 9PM on First Fridays for wine tastings of award

winning wines. Local wine, art and local music make for a great time! For more information and instant

updates, see our website or like us on Facebook. Call 301-690-2192.

ST. MARY’S MACARONI KID - Happy Holiday Fun in December with Macaroni Mama! Visit us at Ye Olde Towne Cafe and make a jingle bell noise maker and a

special holiday ornament for your Christmas tree. Enjoy live music,

decorate holiday cookies and enjoy a family-friendly dinner special from

friendly folks at the Cafe! St. Mary’s Macaroni Kid is a free

weekly e-newsletter and website of-fering all the kid and family friendly

events in the county.

THE FRONT PORCH - 22770 Washington Street.

Enjoy The Front Porch specials: Soup of the Day, Oyster Stew; Appetizer,

Oysters RockafellarFirst Friday Entrees: Slow Roasted Prime Rib with au jus, Maryland

Fried Oysters, Rockfish Stuffed with Local Crab Imperial First Friday

Drink, Spiced Apple Cider Set within the Sterling House, we

offer creative American Cuisine in a casual dining and cozy atmosphere. The menu includes a broad selection of starters, soups, sandwiches, salads, and entrees. We offer daily specials, feature seasonal ingredients, local

produce, and boast an ever changing dessert menu. The “back room” at

The Front Porch showcases over 40 varieties of wine, while our bar pres-ents Specialty Drinks, Boutique Beer,

along with traditional cocktails.

YE OLDE TOWNE CAFE- 22865 Washington Street. Bring your family

out for a night of holiday cheer as we welcome Macaroni Mama from St. Mary’s Macaroni Kid with crafts,

live music from a local band, hot apple cider and gingerbread cookie decorating for all ages. Enjoy Home Cooking with a freshly made dessert at a reasonable price. Family friendly

every day!

T 301 475 577522660 WASHINGTON ST. 2ND FLOOR.

LEONARDTOWN, MD 20650

SCULPTURE - OILS -WATERCOLORS - JEWELRY -

PHOTOGRAPHY AND MUCH MORE!

WATCH ARTISTS CREATEPURCHASE ART - TAKE A CLASS



“Mentors come from all walks of life,” said Sarah Tyson, mentoring pro-gram coordinator. “From military mem-bers, retired people, active and retired teachers, stay-at-home moms, plumbers and even high school students.”

Future Leaders of the World men-toring program, or FLOW, is an SMCPS initiative aimed at fostering relationships between students and community mem-bers. The elementary school FLOW is de-

signed to be a one-on-one program where middle and high school mentoring takes place in a group meeting.

While the activities and styles are different depending on age level, Tyson says students and mentors still connect.

Middle school and high school aged activities focus on giving back to the community while games and arts and crafts are prominent among the elemen-tary schools, she said.

“The models are different, but all programs are highly effective,” she said.

The groups take part in a large va-

riety of activities including homework help, goal-setting seminars, arts and crafts projects and a number of different games.

Tyson says activities in the coming month include making cards and send-ing packages to troops and continuing “penny drives” for victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Mentors and their students are look-ing forward to mentors month in Janu-ary, and going to a basketball game at St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

“We play a lot of basketball,” she said, adding activities are extremely open-ended. “We always try to make it a fun and enjoyable place for them to be.”

Last month, mentors and students worked on completing Veterans Day cards and carving pumpkins at Green-view Knolls Elementary School.

FLOW students at Dynard Elemen-tary organized a food drive for the local food bank and Green Holly Elementary students took part in a penny drive for the

victims of Hurricane Sandy.Mentors and mentees at Chesapeake

Charter Public School played card games while students at Lettie Marshall Dent created self-portraits.

Middle school students at Leonard-town constructed note card castles with their mentors.

Tyson says in today’s complicated world every child can benefit from a mentor because the extra bit of encour-agement can help them overcome chal-lenges– be it academic, social or helping cope with the loss of a loved one.

“We are really fortunate here in St. Mary’s County to have people who give back and support mentoring,” Tyson said.

Mentors can become involved in the program by submitting an application on-line with FLOW and one with St. Mary’s County Public Schools.

Contact Tyson at [email protected] for more information.

[email protected]

Spotlight On

301-373-4125

Spread the news about your business!

Advertise With

Reach more homes in St. Mary’s than any other local paper.

• Competitive Rates • Creative Ad Design Services

• Professional Sales Team

CALL US TODAY TO MAKE YOUR ADVERTISING

CAMPAIGN A SUCCESS!

SMCPS’s Mentoring Program Active

Photos courtesy of SMCPSGina Valentino makes Veterans Day cards with her mentee at Greenview Knolls Elementary School

Ivana Salinas plays cards with students at Chesapeake Public Charter School



Bureau of Criminal Investigations detectives ar-rested a man on two counts of first-degree assault fol-lowing a stabbing incident at the Green Door bar in Park Hall.

William Marko stabbed John Loss in the back for for being in the way of Marko buying a drink for his ex-girlfriend Dana Dreher, according to charging documents filed by police in county District Court. Marko then fled the scene but later showed the knife to witnesses claiming it still had the victim’s blood on it, police said.

The victim told police that as the stabbing occurred he could remember seeing Marko and what he wore, a dark suit with a red shirt.

Other witnesses confirmed the man committing the stabbing wore a red shirt and dark suit.

Police report that the ex-girlfriend initially denied Marko’s presence at the bar and identified him as some-one named Richard William Cable.

However, others at the bar that night familiar with the suspect identified him as Marko. One witness told police that Marko had admitted he had perpetrated the assault.

“The defendant told the witness he stabbed the victim because he wouldn’t move out of the way and because the victim was talking to his girlfriend,” Det. Robert Merritt wrote in an application for statement of charges.

In a later interview Dreher admitted to police that her ex-boyfriend had been at the bar but still referred to him as Richard William Cable, police said.

When police found Marko and interviewed him he “did not deny stabbing the victim but claims to have been intoxicated during the stabbing and does not recall committing the act.”

Police investigation indicates that Marko received several calls the next day after the incident telling him that he was the one who stabbed the victim and, upon hearing this, he tried to dispose of the clothing he wore that night.

Marko was released on bond Nov. 26, according to on-line court records.

Dreher was also arrested and charged with making a false statement to a police officer and hindering the investigation.

[email protected]


Local detectives say a “mostly transient” commercial driver is responsible for stab-bing two men outside a Char-lotte Hall restaurant and bar back on Oct. 26.

Tractor trailer driver John J. McCollum, with addresses in Mechanicsville and Tennessee, became embroiled in a verbal argument that night in the parking lot of St. Mary’s Land-ing Restaurant and Bar.

An argument with victims Charles and Christopher LaRoque led to the alleged physical assault, according to charging documents filed in county District Court.

As the confrontation esca-lated, McCollum pulled out a pocket knife and threatened Charles LaRoque; shortly af-ter he lunged at his victim and stabbed him in the abdomen.

A struggle between all three men ensued and McCol-lum then stabbed Christopher LaRoque in the leg, police said.

All three men were trans-ported to the Washington Hospital Center for treatment of their injuries.

Police found McCollum’s previous charges include one in Virginia for being a felony fugitive from justice and two prior convictions for burglary and intending to kill an animal.

McCollum was charged with two counts of first-degree assault and two counts of second-degree assault.

PunishmentCrime &

41650 COURT HOUSE DRIVE, SUITE 301 • P.O. BOX 288LEONARDTOWN, MARYLAND 20650

PHONE: 301-475-5150 • FAX: 301-475-6909

LAW OFFICE OF

DANIEL A. M. SLADE, L.L.C.

LOKER BUILDING

Man Arrested for Stabbing

Man Charged in Parking Lot Stabbing

Maryland Troopers Out in Force

D. Anne Emery, Esq.By Appointment Only

Phone: 301-475-9995Fax: 301-475-9997

[email protected]

The Law Office of D. Anne Emery

& Associates, LLC

• CivilLitigation• DUI/DWI• PersonalInjury• Divorce• ChildSupport• Custody

41660 Courthouse Drive Suite 200

The Proffitt BuildingP.O. Box 1960

Leonardtown, MD 20650

FREE CONSULTATION WITH THIS AD

301-475-9995

• Adoption• AutoAccident• CriminalDefense• FamilyLaw• Incorporation• WillsandTrusts

Troopers throughout the state made their presence known this Thanksgiving weekend – all 22 state police barracks – with initiatives and additional patrols that yielded significant results.

The Maryland State Police conducted traffic and criminal enforcement initiatives throughout the state during the busiest travel time of the year. Troopers made numerous traffic stops focusing on impaired or distracted drivers, aggressive and speeding motorist, as well as those who were not properly seat belted or refused to put children in safety seats.

Theses efforts resulted in over 8,900 vehicles being stopped by troopers. There were 96 motorists arrested for driving under influence, 56 people were arrested for drug violations and 133 were arrested for various other criminal violations. Troopers recovered three guns during traffic stops. Additional

initiatives will continue through the holiday season.

The Maryland State Police continue to encourage motorists to plan ahead, be cour-teous and be patient while traveling. Always reduce as many distractions as possible when driving. If you find yourself impaired, call a friend or family member, or use public transportation. If you see a driver you think is impaired or driving their vehicle in an un-safe manner, keep a safe distance and con-tact law enforcement.

The additional State Police patrols are in support of the Maryland Highway Safety Office and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initiatives to reduce crashes on the roadways. The overtime funding for additional patrols was provided by grants from the Maryland Highway Safe-ty Office.

Dana Dreher

William Marko

John J. McCollum


NewsmakersSt. Mary’s Hospice Holds

Annual Tree FestivalBy Alex PanosStaff Writer

Community members, families and groups including the Women’s Club of St. Mary’s, hospice staff members and Girl Scouts will gather and furbish the ever-greens during the Festival of Trees at the Forrest Career and Technology Center Saturday.

Decorating companies Apple Basket and Amaryllis Florist and Event Design will be on hand in search of winning the people’s choice award for best-decorated tree.

“It’s kind of like a war of the trees,” said Kathy Franzen, hospice director.

Along with 30 decorated trees, near-ly 40 vendors will set up arts and crafts tables selling handmade jewelry, quilts, and other gift-giving merchandise.

“A lot of shopping will be going on,” Kathy Franzen, said.

Face-painters and story tellers will entertain the kids throughout the day.

Santa Claus is stopping by on two separate occasions, once at 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m., to visit with children and ask what they want for Christmas.

Live music is expected throughout the Festival of Trees. Traditional bands GeeZer, Country Memories and Rum Runners will play as will the Southern Maryland Barbershop group, Gospel Choir and a harpist. Gracie’s Guys and Gals are set to perform dance numbers.

Two stages, at different areas of the tech center, will allow more than one band to perform at a time.

Expected food vendors consist of Sunshine Catering and Dugue’s Louisi-ana cuisine.

Franzen believes people come to the festival to support locals. The money spent goes toward vendors in the county, and to supporting community members in hospice.

She added, the finished products are a sight to behold.

“I think people love to come and see the trees,” she said. “The creativity is a lot of fun.”

The trees are sent “all over the coun-

ty,” according to Franzen, who says mov-ing fully-decorated trees is no easy feat.

They are delivered to St. Mary’s Hospital, Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, Chesapeake Shores, businesses and pri-vate homes.

Some trees are put up for auction, with all proceeds of the sale going to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital Hospice.

“We’re looking to make sure the [hospice] house is financially supported,

and to make sure it never has to close its doors,” Franzen said, adding that due to large capacity hos-pice staff has “toyed with the idea of an addition.”

This year, approxi-mately $135,000 worth of free and reduced room and board has been given to residents at the Hos-pice House.

“As with all hos-pice care, no one is ever turned away for lack of ability to pay,” she said.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. un-til 6 p.m. on Dec. 1. For more information, con-tact St. Mary’s Hospice at 301-994-3023.

The James A. For-rest Career and Technol-ogy Center is located at 24005 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown.

The event is being sponsored this year by Ausley Associates.

a le x p a no s @ c oun t y -times.net

301-737-5447www.newtowneplayers.org

www.facebook.com/newtowneplayers

November 30 - December 16, 2012Three Notch Theatre, Lexington Park

h r i s t m a sC as t o r y

play by Philip Grecian

Play by Philip Grecian, based upon A Christmas Story, ©1983 Turner Entertainment Co., distributed by Warner Bros., written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark, and In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash by Jean Shepherd.

BRAVO!Wack

y and wistful

-

and fresh

as fir!

written by Jean Shepherd,Leigh Brown, and

Bob Clark

Overlooked upon its initial release, the nostalgic 1983 comedy A Christmas Story became a holiday classic. The Newtowne Players stage Philip Grecian’s theatrical version, based partly on the film and partly on Jean Shepherd’s original story collection, In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash.

Photos from St. Mary’s Hospice Website featuring images from previous Festival of Trees.


Navy Wife Makes Rising Star Finals

American Education Week

Pax Partnership Announces New Board MembersKaren Garner, Board President, said, “We are pleased to wel-

come these individuals who bring a breadth and depth of experi-ence, and who will guide the Partnership in its initiatives in sci-ence, technology, workforce development and related activities.”

New Board members include Robert Farinelli, Director, In-stitute for Science, Technology, Science, and Mathematics Direc-tor (ISTEM), College of Southern Maryland, Randy Loyer, Di-rector, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, Robert D. Papak, Corpo-rate Business Development Senior Manager, CACI, Ajay Sehgal, Chief Engineer, Systems, Wyle, and Gene Townsend, owner, GT Financial Services, Inc.

“The members of the Board of Directors play a vital role and are committed to our mission,” said Bonnie Green, Executive Di-rector. “We are fortunate to have Board members who actively support our initiatives.”

Along with the new Directors, the TPP Board includes Karen Garner, RED-INC., Vice President Ed Barrett, Treasurer Mike Dugan, Secretary Linda Vassallo, Department of Economic Development, Calvert County, Executive Committee at-Large Member, Dane Swanson, Modern Technology Solutions, Inc., Joe Anderson, SureTrak, CSC Applied Technology Group, Lee Brad-shaw, Technology Security Associates, Wayne Clark, Tri-Coun-ty Council of Southern Maryland, Karen Holcomb, Leadership Southern Maryland, Al Hovland, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Glen Ives, Sabre Systems, Inc., Gene McHugh, Redblack Com-munications, Dale Moore, NAWCAD, and Steve Wall, Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development.

The Patuxent Partnership works with government, industry and academia on initiatives in science and technology, hosts pro-grams of interest to NAVAIR and the broader DoD community, and supports workforce development including education initia-tives and professional development. Visit www.paxpartnership.org or call 301-866-1739.

NAVY NEWS

DAHLGREN, Va. – Most people have no idea what they were doing on Nov. 13. It just wasn't a very significant day for the average Dahlgrenite.

But for Navy wife Christina Wil-liams, she will always remember where she was and what she was doing when the live streaming video from Operation Ris-ing Star aired and named her as one of 12 international finalists in this year's U.S. Army Entertainment-sponsored singing competition.

Williams, whose husband, Fire Con-trolman 3rd Class Cody Williams is sta-tioned at the Aegis Training and Readiness Center, will now spend the next week get-ting the word out to friends, family and the U.S. Navy that she needs everyone to visit the website, oprisingstar.com, and vote for her to make her dream come true. Wil-liams is the only U.S. Navy entry to make the finals and one of two military spouses in the Operation Rising Star competition.

Williams will leave this weekend to travel to San Antonio, Texas and begin preparation for the finals. She will com-pete live against 11 other contestants from military bases around the world. The com-petition events will be televised on the Pen-tagon Channel and streamed on the Inter-net. Events will begin Dec. 9 and be held the 11, 13, 15, and 17 at 8 p.m. (EST). The public vote will count for 50 percent of the winner's score and voting will be open for two hours after each performance.

A native of Covington, Tenn., she has been a Navy wife for all of six months and turned 20 years old in June. Her parents and two younger sisters back in Ken-tucky are huge supporters of her singing.

"I have been singing since I was a little girl, but I started singing publicly when I was a junior in high school. I sang in school and was a member of my church choir. I also sang at the Opera Memphis Summer Conservatory and the Orpheum Memphis Summer Institute. I would sing to open events held in and around town," said Williams.

Though she hasn't participated in any Rising Star-type competitions, she has auditioned for show parts and for choirs. She is happy to have the opportunity to perform again.

"I try to perform as much as I can, which until Operation Rising Star hadn't been as much as I would have liked," said Williams.

Williams has had many who've provided motivation for her singing along the way.

"I have many personal inspirations," said Williams. "My vocal coach, Dr. Sandra Franks, whom I studied classical music under, is a major reason that I sing today," said Williams.

She also counts her family among those that inspire her. "If it wasn't for the inspiration from my mother I would not be singing at all. My mom has pushed me when I thought I wasn't good enough to do much at all.

"My mom and I have been through a lot together, and I know that no matter what happens in my life she will always be by my side."

Williams also wants to inspire with her music. "I guess I would have to say that I would most like to be an inspiration through my music to young ladies like my vocal coach and my mother have been for me," said Williams.

Should she emerge as the winner, her prizes will include a recording session at a professional studio, as well as a cash prize. This would play right into Wil-liams' singing goals.

"My ultimate goal as a singer would have to be becoming a recording artist that young girls can look up to. If I were to win the competition, I would like to record a mixed style of show tune and pop music. I would like to have my own sound and style, so that I could be different from all of the other artists," said Williams.

To see a past Williams' performance and to vote for her, visit oprisingstar.com.

Navy spouse Christina Williams is a contestant in this year's Operation Rising Star competition sponsored by U.S. Army Entertainment.

Photo courtesy of SMCPSFLOW mentor Jamika Lewis read to students at Carver Elementary for American Education Week.


To The Editor

Legal NoticesLegal Notice

Commissioners of LeonardtownFair Summary of Ordinance

Notice is hereby given that the Commissioners of Leonardtown have passed, and the Mayor has approved, Ordinance No. 156, Town of Leonardtown Code of Ethics. A fair summary of the ordinance will follow:

Ordinance No. 156- For the revision of the Town of Leonard-town Code of Ethics to bring it into compliance with Title 15, Subtitle 8, Annotated Code of Maryland. The Annotated Code was revised in 2010 requiring non-exempt municipalities and counties to enact local conflict of interest and financial disclosure provisions that are equivalent or exceed those applicable to State officials. The State Ethics Commission approved the proposed Ordinance in September 2012.

Ordinance No. 156 will become effective December 10, 2012. Full text of this ordinance may be obtained at the Town Office at 41660 Courthouse Drive, Leonardtown, MD between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday or on the Town website at http://leonardtown.somd.com/.

By Authority: Laschelle E. McKay, Town Administrator

11/29/2012

With an increase of about $2,500 and another suc-cessful year, Bluegrass For Hospice-2012 brought in $22,959.09 from this year’s event. The event was held on Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Flat Iron Farm in Great Mills, Md. The day was enjoyed by many fans of Bluegrass music. There were many door prizes given away, silent auction items, and vendors serving up great food and baked goods. Making their debut in the Southern Mary-land area, The Roys along with Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper were a big hit and put on a fascinating per-formance as well as some of Southern Maryland’s finest Bluegrass bands. There are so many people to thank that it would be hard to mention everyone without forgetting someone. But for you that had a part in this event, your efforts were greatly appreciated.

Thanks to all of the bands that donated their time en-tertaining everyone: David Norris, Wild and Blue, Bubby Abell & Spoon Creek, Charlie Thompson & The Bottom County Bluegrass, Gracie’s Guys and Gals Dance Group (always a hit), and especially to Jerry Thompson and all of The Bluegrass Gospel Express for, not only there fine performance and testimony, but for their generous dona-tion from there CD sales.

Thank you to Katy Crowell and all of the Hospice volunteers. With your help and everyone working to-gether made the day go smoothly; to my Dad, Johnny Armsworthy, Barbara Robinson, and Tina Williams for getting the many door prize and silent auction items; also to the many business’s and to the Amish/Mennonite Community for the many donations. St. Mary’s County is a very generous community in coming together to help one another. Thanks to Bubby Knott for allowing us to use the Flat Iron Farm for the day and to Herbie and Mickey for preparing the arena and providing what was needed. Thanks to Judy Woodburn, Vince and Pat Roche for providing and donating the baked goods and hot bev-erages; also to Toni Long and the Third District Optimist Club’s “Kruzin’ Kafe”. Thank you Debbie Johnson for selling the 50/50s; and Sydna Buckmaster for helping in the last hours of preparation; to John Cameron and Billy Morgan for being there to do whatever was needed when

we asked. Also, thanks to the girls: Ashley Morgan, Ka-limah Richard, and Lisa Norris, our “runners” who were there to get whatever we needed. A big Thank you to Troy Jones and Mark Sullivan for making sure we could hear everything with the great sound job that they do; to my Mom, Lorraine Armsworthy and Frannie Bailey for your help keeping all the door prizes organized and handing them out. Thanks to all who went out and sold tickets. Most of all I owe a special thanks to my wife, Michelle, who was the biggest help of all. Without her, I don’t know how I would have made it through the final days of prepa-ration. Also I’d like to congratulate David Abell for win-ning the raffle.

Our economy is not in the strongest shape this year, but the many sponsors for this year’s Bluegrass For Hos-pice-2012 were very generous in this time of hardship and I want to thank each of you for your contribution: Jan Barnes-Century 21-New Millennium; Bob Taylor Engi-neering, Inc.; Christine Wray and John Felicites; Toyota/Scion of Southern Maryland; C & C Plumbing & Sep-tic, Inc.; Community Bank of Tri-County; ABC Liquors; Simmons Heating and Air Conditioning; St. Mary’s County Arts Council; Patuxent Pump & Well; Linda Davis; Three Mules Welding Supplies; Aloft Solutions; Guy Distributing Co., Inc.; Simms Insurance Agency, Inc.; Ernie and Anne Bell; Quality Built Homes, Inc.; Technology Security Associates, Inc.; Stanley and Joanie Williams; PNC Bank; J.P. Wathan’s Plumbing; W.M. Da-vis; Wildwood Medical Care-John Scott Tidball, MD; DynCorp International-Randy Hughes; Mark and Diane Kestler; County First Bank; John and Vicki Wenke; Blue Heron Services, Inc.; Tom Hodges Auto Sales and Ser-vice; Ziner Tax Service; Clark’s Flooring, Inc.; Stephen D. Mattingly Insurance, Inc.; St. Mary’s Nursing Cen-ter, Inc.; Erin Ross Insurance Agency; Luke M Morgan, DDS & Associates, LLC; Taylor Gas Company, Inc.; J. F. Taylor, Inc.; Waring-Ahearn Insurance; Charles C. Reel, MD; Sterling Insurance Agency; Accutemp Climate Control, LLC; Brad & Linda Gottfried; R.G. Mattingly, Inc.; Senator Roy Dyson-Authority: Linda Vallanding-ham; McBride Enterprises-Addie McBride; Philip Riehl-

State Farm Insurance Agent; Franzen Realtors, Inc.-Carl Franzen & Marv Franzen; O'Brien Realty-Dawn Wood; National Technologies Associates, Inc.; Hearing Professionals-Dr. Lisa Nelson, Audiologist; Chesapeake Potomac Cancer Center. Caldwell Banker-Jay Lilly Real Estate: Paul Fenton; Bob Hall of Hall Insurance Agency; Buck Courtney of Ridge Marine & hardware; and Mary Washington. Also thanks to the candidates who attended the event: Jo-seph Stanalonis, St. Mary’s County Republican Central Committee, Committee to Keep Judge David Densford, and O’Donnell for Congress.

Thanks to Buffalo Wild Wings and Texas Roadhouse Restaurants; Wayne’s Signs; Coun-ty Times; Southern Maryland Woman Maga-zine; Country Inns & Suites, The Printing Press, and Sheetz of Great Mills.

One last “Thank You” – to you – for sup-porting Bluegrass For Hospice-2012 and for your food donations that went to the Helping Hands Food Pantry. I hope that you had a good time with all of the day’s activities. Next year’s Bluegrass For Hospice-2013 is already set for Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013. Mark your calendars now.

Jay ArmsworthyBluegrass For Hospice

Event Coordinator/Promoter

Bluegrass For Hospice Raised Under $23,000

In recent news the NFL seems to have a very big problem on their hands, but instead of con-fronting the problem they are making it worse. Ten players have tested positive for suspected Adderall but since the NFL cannot disclose the true trigger to the test we can only speculate. To say Adderall is a performance enhancer is an understatement. The United States Air Force mandates “Go Pills” or Adderall before long missions. Adderall is a com-bination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine and is used to treat ADHD. Adderall increases the pleasure chemical called dopamine. If you do not have ADHD and take this medication the effects are astounding. Imagine work being exciting and rigorous labor being easily accomplished and you are in the best mood you can possibly be in. You can make split second decisions and difficult tasks become interesting. Your pupils become dilated and you have an overall sense of well being. It’s not a surprise that 37 percent of college students admitted to trying Adderall last year and that is just the ones who were honest. I’m sure the real number is around 60 percent. NFL players using this medication have their senses put on overdrive and endless energy. The energy Adderall gives you is second to none. It came as no surprise to me that players were using Adderall to improve their per-formance. Millions and millions of dollars are at stake in the NFL and one good season at the end of a contract can turn you into a multi-millionaire. The NFL does not allow Adderall without a pre-scription. But if you have a prescription and notify the NFL you are given an exemption. This baffles me. Even if you have ADHD, Adderall is still a performance enhancer because of its capabili-ties of giving you endless energy. It is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It increases red blood cells, allows more oxygen into the lungs, and basically wipes fatigue off the map. I am not bashing Adderall for medical use at all but I don’t think athletes should be using it. I am a 21-year-old who has seen the destruction pre-scription drugs have caused on my generation first hand. And I don’t want the crackdown to happen when a young NFL player takes Adderall without him knowing that he has a pre-existing heart con-dition and dies. The prescription drug epidemic in the United States is worse than anyone can imag-ine. And it is spilling into our sports. Maybe this will be what it takes for everyone to realize that we have a big problem on our hands. Your doctor is your drug dealer now. Adderall is the biggest per-formance enhancer athletes can get their hands on. In my opinion it is more of a performance enhanc-er than steroids. It makes everything about you better and you don’t get fatigued while taking this medication. Performance enhancing drugs are al-ways going to be in sports but allowing the biggest performance enhancer of them all in the NFL is wrong. Teams have doctors, players have doctors and you know how it works, we have seen it time and time again rich powerful people get whatever prescriptions they want. I hope this is a wakeup call for America to realize the problem we have created. Now that it is leaking into sports shows how widespread this epidemic really is.

Ben AudLexington Park

Performance Enhancers in the NFL


To The Editor

P.O. Box 250 • Hollywood, Maryland 20636News, Advertising, Circulation, Classifieds: 301-373-4125

James Manning McKay - FounderEric McKay - Associate Publisher..................................ericmckay@countytimes.netTobie Pulliam - Office Manager..............................tobiepulliam@countytimes.netCorrin M. Howe - Editor....................................................corrinhowe@countytimes.netAngie Stalcup - Graphic Artist.......................................angiestalcup@countytimes.netSarah Miller- Reporter - Community..............................sarahmiller @countytimes.netGuy Leonard - Reporter - Government, [email protected] Panos - Reporter - Education, [email protected] Representatives......................................................................sales@countytimes.net

Packages to Soldier Sent

Densford Writes Time to Unify Community

My deepest thanks to the wonderful people of our community for the generous donations to Packages for Patriots. We collected $444.44 and over 30 bags of the requested items from our wish list. We received shavers, beef jerky, toiletries, cards, tuna kits, crackers, cookies, cough drops, etc. on Veterans Day. Your thoughtful shopping means a brighter holiday for our bravest service-men and women serving far from home, family and the country they love.

This is an extraordinary community to live in, and it was a pleasure to meet and hear stories of so many veterans who have served out nation and those who are still serving. I appreciate your willingness to sacrifice so much for our freedoms.

The managers of Wal-Mart, in California, Md., deserve a great deal of our appreciation for permitting us to collect there and particularly store manager John and managers April and Bri-an. There are so few places that encourage a sense of community as they have.

I want to thank the youth, (adults too), of Grace Chapel Ministries who packed 180 treat bags filled with candy. These will be a part of the care packages we will be sending in the first week of December. These soldiers have waited through a brutally hot summer where sending chocolate was impossible.

This week, boxes with Christmas cards for the soldiers to mail to their families were sent. That is a gift to the people waiting at home as well.

Remember to pray for those serving, help a mom or dad left alone with children to care for while their spouse is deployed and say thank you to a veteran who has or is still serving. May you have a blessed Christmas.

Debbie WalshFounder – Packages for Patriots

Lexington Park

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARDTo Submit a Letter to the Editor,

Email your letter to [email protected] mail to The County Times

P.O. Box 250, Hollywood, MD 20636

County Without Trees?

Hi my name is Annie Linsky. I'm writing this letter because my teacher Ms. Paz has assigned me to do a project about what St. Mary's County would be like without trees. I'm also doing this letter to take care of my Environment. I like the nice shade in the summer. I like the crisp autumn leaves. I like the beautiful nests made by the ospreys. I like the fresh air the trees give us. I like the beautiful habitats the ani-mals live in. Our life would be really hard if all the trees in St. Mary's County were gone. There would be no shade in the summer. There would be less oxygen to breathe. There would be no crisp autumn leaves. There will be no place for the animals to live. No one should cut down too many trees before planting new trees to grow back. We should all plant more trees. We should start taking more care of the trees and the environment so that St. Mary's County can stay a nice place to live.

Annie LinskyLeonardtown

At this Holiday Season, I know of no one who has greater cause to give thanks than I do after a long, hard-fought campaign for Circuit Court Judge. While my spiritual thanks will be personal, please allow me to give loud and public thanks to my supporters, contributors, volunteers, and fam-ily, all leading to the biggest thanks of all – the voters of St. Mary’s County. Those of us who have worked week in and week out since early this year, appreciate the confidence you place with your vote.

Although there was some strong sentiment to put “Thank You” stickers on our signs, nine months of looking at campaign signs is long enough. We concluded it was more important to take down the signs, unify the community, and of-

fer our thanks through the media.While others will examine and parse the elec-

tion results, I was elected on Nov. 6 to go to work and be a judge for everybody. I have and I will continue to do so. Please know that I do so with many thanks from the bottom of a grateful heart.

May the Joy of the Holiday Season be yours and your families’. And may 2013 be prosperous and healthy for all of us in St. Mary’s County.

Again, thank you very much for your kind-ness, your support, your vote, and your very good wishes. Please accept mine in return.

David W. DensfordCircuit Court Judge

‘Hell Is Just Illogical’During the recent endless presidential election there were quite

a few letters arguing obscure religious points with each one claiming to have the answer, the only correct one. It gave me food for thought.

If you look at the development of the concept of Hell under Catholicism through today it strikes me that it was just a scare tactic used to keep the masses in line. Just as in pre-Christian times there was always the ogre, troll, or goblin that would get you if you didn't follow society's rules. Follow the rules and be rewarded. Disobey the rules and be punished.

It seems to me that Satan would not punish those who chose his path, he would reward them. After all, they are following his exam-ple by rejecting the rules and being bad people. It would make more sense that he would reward them than that he would punish them.

The whole concept of eternal punishment in Hell is just illogi-cal. Does God reward those who follow His rules? Would it not fol-low that the Devil would do the same for those who follow his rules? If God decreed that the Devil had to punish those who adhered to his evil ways would not the Devil rebel just as when he was banished from Heaven? It must be one of those faith things. It doesn't have to make sense, it’s just what we believe. Besides, without it Dante would have had to write about something else.

Glenn WederHollywood


Prescription Drug Abuse Impacting Foster Care Programs

STORY


Officials in St. Mary’s and Calvert counties’ say foster care programs are burgeoning with children and that the recent rise in prescription drug abuse, from either legal or illegal sources, is the prime driver of the need to place children into foster care.

Jeanne Schmitt, assistant director for services with the St. Mary’s County Department of Social Ser-vices, said that there are about 150 children in foster care, adding drug abuse in general “has contributed to the growth of children in foster care.”

Prescription drug abuse, a segment of that prob-lem, she said, is a rising trend impacting children whose parents succumb to it.

“Is it a growing number? Yes,” she said.The foster care system and social services of-

ficials often work with families before children are removed from the home: therefore, Schmitt said it is not easy to ascertain just how many children in the county are being negatively affected by the prescrip-tion drug abuse of their parents

“It still places children at risk,” Schmitt said. “But we can still work with those families.”

Ella Mae Russell, the director of the local social services office, said that removing a child from a home into the foster system was a complicated process.

It could only occur, she said, once a judge ruled to remove the child.

“The decision to remove a child has to be made by the court,” Russell said.

Relatives often take the children going into foster care, to the tune of roughly half in St. Mary’s County. Relatives, acting as foster parents, receive benefits, including cash assistance and is ideal in an already difficult situation, according to Social Services.

“We have one of the highest numbers of kinship care in the state and that’s a good thing,” Russell said.

Schmitt said social service workers try to as-certain whether a parent, who is legally prescribed prescription drugs, is abusing them; however, it is difficult because subjects often refuse to allow them access to their medical records.

Prescription narcotics are relatively easy to get because of their medicinal use for pain management, she said.

“People claim things like they have a back ache or are in pain but [doctors] really can’t [disprove] that,” she said.

Schmitt said the range of children now entering foster care is increasing and their age is going down.

Now the children enter foster care as pre-teens and younger rather than as teenagers, officials said, who also warned that sibling groups are being dis-placed more frequently.

“It’s been a steady climb since 2000,” Schmitt said. “But the most growth has been in the last five to seven years.”

In Calvert County, social service specialists say that the foster system has begun to explode with more children needing services.

They have also seen a decrease in the ages of those needing care as well as an overall increase in the number of children.

Deborah Walsh, assistant director for social ser-vices in Calvert, said that prescription drug abuse has undoubtedly contributed to the growth in the need for foster care.

She said that, as of September of this year, of the 103 children in the system 82 percent were removed because of some kind of alcohol or drug abuse in the home.

Of the children removed into foster care eight were newborns exposed to drug or substance, she said.

Seventy-eight percent of the parents interviewed in those cases reported that their drug of choice were prescription opiates, which types of synthetic heroin, she said.

Walsh said there was a “direct correlation” be-tween prescription narcotic abuse and children being placed in foster care.

“Most of our situations are neglect,” she said. “They’re just not able to provide for their children be-cause they are either high or going out to get drugs. It’s a tough battle we have ahead of us.”

The head narcotics detective in St. Mary’s County, Capt. Daniel Alioto, said that when it came to prescription drug abuse, more and more children are paying the price along with their parents who used narcotics.

“The problem is here and it’s here to stay,” he said. “We’re going to lose a generation if we don’t wise up.”

Parents facing conviction and sentencing for pre-scription drug crimes often appear in court with their children to try and get a lighter sentence, he said.

It was just one way children were impacted, he said.

“Kids are always collateral damage,” Alioto said.

[email protected]

SWAT operators, like these taking down a barricade subject in Hollywood, are often called into serve high risk drug warrants including on suspects dealing in prescription narcotics.

Capt. Danile Alioto, commander of the sheriff’s office narcotics division, shows the variety of prescription medications his officers find on raids and arrests

Photos by Frank Marquart


We Only Look Expensive!Call today for the kitchen or bath of your dreams.

www.skdstudios.com443.404.5686

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, most of us are beginning the usual Christmas rush to fin-ish our shopping, attend our party list, and of course “Deck the Halls”. One of my favorite ways to decorate the house is with wreaths. I have shown my absolute favorite wreaths that I have made with my daughters throughout the years. I wanted to give a little history of the wreath and scoured the internet for information. So, here it is: (by the way since I found it all on the internet, you know it must be true!)

Wreaths are commonly made from evergreens as a symbol for the strength of life as these plants are able to overcome even the harshest of winters. Other components of wreaths can commonly be flowers; leaves; fruit; pine; holly, symbolizing immortality; and cedar, symbolizing strength and healing.In ancient Rome and Greece, people used decorative wreaths as a sign of victory and achievement. Greeks used wreaths as crowns of victory at the Pythian Games, a predecessor of today’s Olympic Games. In Rome, wreaths were usually worn by the women as a symbol of pride, and they were usually handmade from flowers, branches, twigs, thread, and laurels. They were also often worn on special occasions, such as wed-dings and the solstice celebrations.The origins of the Advent wreath are found in folk tales of pre-Christian Germanic people who, during the cold and dark winters of Eastern Europe, gathered wreaths of evergreen and lit fires as signs of hope for the coming spring and renewed light. Christians continued the popular tradition, and by the 16th century, Catholics and Protestants in Germany used these symbols to celebrate the Advent of hope in Christ.

1. The Cranberry Wreath – use fresh cranberries to cover a floral form wreath –it is a lot of work, but amazing2. Douglas Fir Wreath –Hung like a chandelier 3. Gingerbread man wreath – These need to be baked in a circle, weave ribbon and hang indoors (any recipe will work) 4. Mountain Laurel Wreath – Get the kids to collect the leaves from the mountain laurel that grows wild here in Maryland 5. The present wreath – just wrap boxes in your favorite wrap and hot glue them to a floral form.

Make sure to visit our blog for more information and details on each wreath at www.skdstudios.com. Happy Decorating! SKD Studios

Decking The Halls...

Enjoy the Benefits ofDesign Diaries...

SERVICES:

Brought to you by Anissa Swanzy of SKD Studios

Design Diaries is a bi-weekly segment; meant to inspire, influence and educate homeowners that are ready to make a change to their homes but just don’t know where to start.

• Custom, Semi Custom and Budget Friendly Cabinets• Countertop Replacements • Tile Backsplash/Flooring • Color Consultations • Custom Furnishings • Space Planning for both Commercial and Residential • Full Service Interior Design Studio • Custom Window Treatments • Design Interiors for Commercial Space, Residential and Yachts • We will work with your contractors or our licensed contractors

1

2

3

4

5

www.somd.com

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

Over 250,000 Southern Marylanders

can’t be wrong!

New to the area? Lifelong resident?Stop by and see what

Southern Maryland Online has to offer!

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


“Caring is Our Business”FOR OVER 50 YEARS, THE COUNTY’S MOST

TRUSTED SOURCE FOR QUALITY

26325 Point Lookout Road • Leonardtown, MD 20650301-475-8060

charlesmemorialgardens.com

Charles Memorial Gardens, Inc.Perpetual Care Cemetery

Granite & Bronze Monuments & Engraving

Pet Cremation, Cemetery and Memorials

Myrtle Abell, 91

Myrtle Aud Abell, 91 of Cali-fornia, MD passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital with her family by her side on Novem-ber 24, 2012. She was born on April 7, 1921, in Dameron, MD to the late Clar-ence M. and Estelle A. Combs Aud. She was the wife of the late Edward A. Abell.

Myrtle was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, she loved the outdoors, cutting grass and working in her flow-ers. She loved decorating for the holi-days, especially Christmas. She also en-joyed spending time with her family and friends. She was an employee of PRB (Northrop Grumman) for 26 years.

She is survived by her daughter, Myrtle Ann Norris (friend Bunky Knott), of California, MD and her son, John (Bubbie), (Sue) Abell of California, MD, and Ricky (Liz) Abell of Lindenhurst, IL, grandchildren; Bob (Coleen) Norris of Smyrna, DE, Crystal Norris and Johnny (Annette) Abell of California, MD, and Jared and Devon Abell of Lindenhurst, IL, also survived by seven great-grand-children and seven great-great-grand-children, siblings; Dorothy Schindler and Marie Trossbach of Hollywood, MD,

Mary Schindler of FL, Francis Trossbach of Leonardtown, MD, Edna Trossbach of NJ, and John Aud of Park Hall, MD. In addition to her parents Myrtle was pre-ceded in death by her siblings; Matthew, Thomas, Combs, and Clarence Aud, Te-resa Trossbach, and Bernice Aud, and son-in-law Robert “Bobby” Norris.

The family received friends on Thursday, November 29, 2012 with prayers recited in the Mattingley-Gar-diner Funeral Home, P.A.; Leonardtown, MD A Mass of Christian Burial was cel-ebrated on Friday, November 30, 2012 in St. John’s Catholic Church, Hollywood, MD with Father Raymond Schmidt of-ficiating. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers were her grandsons; Bob Norris, Johnny Abell, and Jared Abell, great-grandsons; Brandon Norris, Jeremy Norris, and Eric Martin.

Nancy Baird, 74

Nancy Kath-leen Baird, 74, of Lexington Park, MD passed away peacefully at Med-Star St. Mary’s Hospital on No-vember 13, 2012 surrounded by her family following a long battle with

lung disease. Born on August 4, 1938 in Staten Island, New York, she was the younger of two children of the late How-ard Wegener and Kathleen (Gottlieb) We-gener. She graduated from Curtis High School in Staten Island in 1955, and came to St. Mary’s County in 1968, where she has resided since. She enjoyed spending time with her many friends, but found her greatest joy in her family. Nancy is survived by her loving children, David Raymond Hicks, Jr. (Irene) of Boise, Idaho; Robert Hicks of Mt. Vernon, WA; Margaret Anne Upchurch (Gordon) of Bedios, TX; Cathie Gardner (Tommy) of Drayden, MD; James Howard Hicks (Barbara) of Maidsville, WV; Chris Man-grum (Mike) of Lexington Park, MD; Vickie Lynch (Tom) of Salisbury, NC; Edie Dennison (Jeff) of Waldorf, MD; Cheri Tatro (Steve) of Dunkirk, MD; Lisa Beall of Grafton, WV; and Joseph Baird of Bedias, TX; her best friend and sister, Patricia Norris; her dearest friend, Etta Ashman; 36 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren. Nancy was predeceased by the following loved ones, Hunky Rus-sell, Vick Baird, Howard Edward Wegen-er, Robbie A. Hicks, and Heather Kelley.

Family received friends for Nancy’s Life Celebration on Monday, November 19, 2012 in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonard-town, MD 20650. A prayer service was held by Pastor Rob McKnight. Inter-ment was Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, 22020 Chancellors Run Road, Great Mills, MD 20634. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Bible Church, 26325 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

George Bannister, 46

George Ro-land ("G") Ban-nister, Jr., 46, of Clements, MD., was called to be with our Lord and Savior on Wednes-day, November 21, 2012. He was born in Leonardtown, MD, on February 4, 1966, to George and Agnes Nelson-Bannister, Sr. George passed away peacefully at the Hospice of St. Mary's in Callaway, MD., with his beloved wife, family, and friends by his bedside. George attended St. Mary's County Pub-lic Schools and graduated from Chopti-con High School in 1986. George was an outgoing gentleman with a big and cou-rageous heart.

George had an awesome personality and a big smile. He connected to every-body he met. He was the type of man that people loved and enjoyed being around and sharing lots of laughter with. George leaves to cherish his memories to his wonderful wife and soul mate of seven-teen years, Rena Somerville- Bannister; parents, George and Agnes-Nelson Ban-nister, Sr.; two sisters, Patricia Bannister, and Monika Bannister –Savoy; father

and mother in-law, Lawrence and Ella Diggs-Somerville; seven brothers in-law, John, Lawrence, Jr., Kerry and Marvin Somerville, Alfred Thomas, Timothy Sa-voy, and Wilbert Beverly, Jr.; four sisters in-law, Linda Somerville, Janice Jones, Lisa Thomas and Wanda Smith. He also leaves behind ten nephews, nine nieces, and three Godchildren, Aliyah Stevens, Rashad Dent, and Corey Barnes. George was preceded in death by his grandpar-ents Elijah and Emma Bannister, George and Edith Nelson, and his two siblings Jerome and Sharon Bannister.

Viewing and visitation services will be Friday, November 30, 2012 at Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home "Frances Dicker-son Briscoe Chapel", 38576 Brett Way, Mechanicsville, MD from 6 -8 p.m. and Saturday, December 1, 2012 at the Gospel Tabernacle Of Prayer Assembly of Christ (GTOP), 24516 Budds Creek Road, Clem-ents, MD from 10 to 11 a.m. with services starting at 11a.m.

Arrangements by Briscoe-Tonic Fu-neral Home, Mechanicsville, MD

Rose Burroughs, 76

Rose W. Burroughs, 76 of St. Mary’s City, MD died November 24, 2012 at Hospice House of St. Mary’s.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 10 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 47950 Mattapony Road, St. Mary’s City, MD 20686.

A full obituary will appear at a later date.

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

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Fu-neral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

James Clarke, 65

James ”Jamie” Benjamin Clarke, Jr., 65, of Great Mills, MD passed away with his lov-ing family by his side on November 20, 2012 in Balti-more, MD. Born on July 18, 1947, he was the son of James Benjamin Clarke, Sr. and the late Bertha Cecelia (Thompson) Clarke of Lexington Park, MD. After 16 years of courtship he married Lillian Raley on April 1, 2006 in Holy Face Catholic Church, Great Mills, MD. Jamie is survived by his children: Sonie Hubbard of FL, Tabatha Bennett (Bryan) of SC, Kristine “Hubba” Hub-bard (James Keister) and Joshua ‘Bubba” Hubbard both of MD, grandson Garrett Bennett. Jamie is also survive day his siblings: Dennis Clarke of Park Hall, MD. Cecelia Warn of St. Inigoes, MD., and Mary Johnson (Dean) of Lusby, MD. He was preceded in death by his nephew: Kevin Clarke, Mother in law Frances Raley and sister in law Joyce “Darlene” Connelly.

Jamie graduated from Ryken High School in 1965. He served in the United States Army during Vietnam as an Artil-leryman in the 1st Infantry Division and was awarded the Bronze Star, Vietnam


Service Army Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Companion Medal. . For the past 15 years he was employed with Carrolls Equipment in Dameron, MD but held various jobs over the years as a tow truck driver for Dyson's Service Center, an employee of Great Mills trad-ing Post, and he spent 17 years as collec-tions officer at the 1st National Bank of St. Mary’s before retiring. As a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County Jamie had many friends and he would stop and chat wherever he would go. He loved spend-ing time with family. He liked to visit the Big Red One and Vietnam Memori-als in DC, and was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 2632 in California, MD. He enjoyed sports and spent many years coaching and playing softball; he was an avid Blue Crabs Baseball fan, loved spending time with his family. He also enjoyed sports, taking walks, reality T.V., collecting things in his crazy pockets, and being a Grandpa.

The family received friends on Mon-day, November 26, 2012 with prayers re-cited in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 in Holy Face Catho-lic Church, Great Mills, MD with Father Joseph Sileo officiating. Interment was private.

Pallbearers were: Stanley Herd, Duke McQuiggan, James Black, Mat-thew Stauffer, David Norris, Jimmy Wa-then, Francis Russell and Stephen Quade. Honorary pallbearers were: Jessica So-telo, Joseph Bowling, Wendy Border, Ste-ven Harrier, Jimmy Keister, and James “JD” Dews.

Contributions may be made to the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department P.O. Box 1440 California, MD 20619, Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad P.O. Box 339 Lexington Park, MD 20653 and/or VFW Post 2632 23282 Three Notch Road, California, MD 20619.

Chester Deptula, 86

Chester Stan-islaus Deptula, 86, formerly of Cham-bersburg, Penn-sylvania, died No-vember 16, 2012 at St. Mary’s Nursing Center in Leonar-dtown, Maryland with his daughter, Valerie, at his side. He was born on September 27, 1926, the 5th of 7 children born to the late Fran-ciszek (Frank) Deptula and Kazimiera (Catherine) Obremski Deptula who both immigrated from Poland through Ellis Island.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Mr. Deptula served with the Combat En-gineers under the 8th Army in Luzon, Philippines during World War II and was stationed in Japan during the Occupation. After his discharge from the Army he worked for the U.S. Civil Service help-ing to build and repair ships at Yokohama Bay where he also was a tugboat captain. He later became Chief, Depot Mainte-nance Division at the Sagami U.S. Army Depot where he managed thousands of

workers who repaired and rebuilt large armored vehicles damaged during the Vietnam War. Mr. Deptula worked in Japan for over 30 years and it was at the Colonial Club in Yokohama that he first met his future wife, Miriam Prather.

Miriam Prather Deptula, born Oc-tober 5, 1922 in Glendale, Arizona, died in Leonardtown, Maryland on Septem-ber 17, 2011. She was the youngest of 10 children of the late Walter Julien Prather and Nellie Cox Prather. She grew up on a farm in West Texas and was a 1940 graduate of Coahoma High School where she excelled in sports and was given the nickname “Dynamite” on the basketball court. She left home to attend college in Southern California and she became in-terested in joining the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASPS). She attained her pilot’s license and was in training at Quartzsite, Arizona when the WASPS disbanded. She then joined the Women’s Army Corps (WACS) and completed her training at Fort Des Moines, Iowa in Oct. of 1944. She was stationed in a number of locations, including Kansas City, Kan-sas and Long Island, New York. After the war, she was discharged from the WACS and wanted to travel to China but the bor-ders had closed so she instead signed up for a U.S. Civil Service job in Japan as a teletypist. She and Chester were mar-ried on September 12, 1952 in Yokohama, Japan.

Miriam and Chester lived in Japan for many years where they raised their 3 daughters. Chester was an active mem-ber of the Grand Lodge of the Philip-pines, Camp Zama, Japan, the Scottish Rite Grand Lodge, Yokosuka, Japan, the Yokohama Shriners Club, Nile Temple and the Torii Oasis Shrine Club of Japan in Tokyo. Meanwhile, Miriam continued to show an aptitude for sports and her many athletic accomplishments includ-ed a hole-in-one with golf and a perfect score in bowling. She also managed the U.S. Army Japan Riding Club in Fuchi-nobe and was active in the First Church of Christ Scientist Tokyo where she worked in the Reading Room on Wednesdays.

In 1975, Miriam and Chester relocat-ed to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania where Chester served as Chief, Vehicle Shops Division at Letterkenny Army Depot un-til his retirement in 1983. Throughout his career, Chester received numerous awards and citations for achieving out-standing production numbers and im-pressive cost savings.

Mr. and Mrs. Deptula leave three daughters, Dr. Catherine Deptula of Brandon, Florida, Dianne Deptula and her husband, Eric Perkins of Ashland, Massachusetts, and Valerie Deptula of Leonardtown, Maryland. Mr. Deptula is also survived by his sister, Eleanor Podolski and her husband, Stanley of St. Louis, Missouri and their respective chil-dren and grandchildren. Mrs. Deptula is also survived by many nieces and neph-ews and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A graveside service with Scottish Rite and Military Honors was held on November 27 at Parklawns Memorial Gardens, 3218 Philadelphia Avenue in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Miriam’s ashes were buried alongside Chester at

that time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be

made in Mr. Deptula’s memory to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. whose motto is “From Darkness unto Light”.



Catherine Hess, 97

Catherine Estelle Hess, 97, of Holly-wood, MD formerly from Suitland, MD, passed away on November 22, 2012 in Leonardtown, MD. Born on March 15, 1915 in Washington, DC. She was the daughter of the late Karl Frederick and Maggie May Scheytt of Washington, DC.

Catherine was the loving wife of Thaddeus Stevens Hess, Jr. whom she married on June 25, 1934 in Washing-ton, DC. She is survived by her chil-dren: Joyce McCabe of Henderson, NV, Thaddeus S. Hess, III (Janet McGrane) of Newburg, MD, son in-law Merlyn Sou-kup of Laurel, MD, 5 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. Catherine was preceded in death by a daughter Gail Soukup, her siblings: Margaret Cooper, Frederick, Edward Scheytt, and granddaughter Kar-en Schavey. Catherine graduated from Eastern High School in 1933 and moved to St. Mary’s County from Suitland, MD in 1976.

Arrangements will be private.

James Higgs, Sr., 75

James “Vin-cent” Higgs, Sr. of Compton, MD passed away on No-vember 17, 2012 at Hospice House of St. Mary’s, Callaway, MD. Born May 25, 1937 in Compton, MD he was the son of the late Helen Victoria “Pearl” Pilkerton Higgs and John Leon “Happy” Higgs, Sr.

Vincent is survived by his children: Evelyn V. Knox of Allen, TX, Deidre J. Mattingly of Leonardtown, MD, Francis R. Higgs of Beaverdam, VA, Derek V. Higgs of Compton, MD, James T. Higgs of Sumner, IL, and Briana M. Higgs of Leonardtown, MD, siblings; Catherine J. Sieverston of Compton, MD, Mary V. Deagle of Tall Timbers, MD, Elva J. Reeves of Pembroke Pines, FL, Jo-seph L. Higgs of Compton, MD, Walter L. Higgs of Compton, MD, Virginia A. Mattingly of Compton, MD, Janice M. Deagle of Tall Timbers, MD and Carroll U. Higgs of Redgate, MD, 7 children and 6 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Vincent was preceded in death by a son, James V. Higgs, Jr., siblings; John L. Higgs, Jr., and Bernard I. Higgs. Vincent was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County; he was the owner of Vincent Higgs Heating and Air Conditioning Company. Vincent enjoyed fishing, hunting and NASCAR.

Edward Jameson, 87

Edward Wil-son Jameson, 87, of Baltimore, MD., (formerly of Oak-ley, Avenue, MD.), entered into eternal rest on November 18, 2012 at North-west Hospital, Ran-dallstown, MD. Edward, the fourth child out of six, was born on October 12, 1925 in Oakley, MD to Jared and Fan-nie Jameson. He was baptized and made his confirmation at All Saints Episcopal Church in Oakley and was educated in the St. Mary’s County Public Schools.

Edward enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps on December 23, 1943 and was honorably discharged on June 12, 1946. Upon his discharge from the military, Ed-ward worked at various construction jobs and he even ran a nightclub-Club Para-dise. He eventually obtained employ-ment with Cherry Hill Sand and Gravel where he worked for 28 years. Edward retired February 3, 1989.

Later in life, Edward joined hearts with and married Anna Teresa Dyson. From this union, they had one daughter, Marsha Teresa Jameson, who was born on December 25, 1969.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters, Frances Katherine McAllister, Mary Virginia Brown, Clara Viola Hughes and Harriet Lucinda Young.

Edward leaves to mourn, his lov-ing wife, Anna; his devoted and loving daughter, Marsha; loving brother, Jared A. Jameson, Jr.; sister-in-law, Doris Ce-celia Jameson; nephews (who were like his sons), Wayne Stewart Hughes (James-on), Charles Henry Young, Jr. and Ronald Clifton Young and a host of other nieces and nephews, who loved him dearly.

Visitation was on Saturday, Novem-ber 24, 2012 until time of service at All Saints Episcopal Church, 21569 Oakley Road, Avenue, MD. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Arrangements by Briscoe-Tonic Fu-neral Home, Mechanicsville, MD.

Mary Johnson, 91

Mary Elizabeth Johnson, 91, of Leon-ardtown, MD passed away on November 23, 2012 in Leonard-town, MD. Born on September 1, 1921 in Drayden, MD, she was the daughter of the late Oliver and Louise Adams Mil-burn. Mary is preceded in death by her loving husband Ernest Hilary Johnson, Sr.

The family received friends on Tues-day, November 27, 2012 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, at 10:00 AM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Chapel with Father Grego-ry Syler officiating.


Maria Morgan, 47

Maria Michelon Morgan, 47, of Lex-ington Park, MD died November 14, 2012 at the Hospice House of St. Mary’s after fighting a cou-rageous 16-month battle from injuries sustained in an au-tomobile accident on July 11, 2011. Born on May 2, 1965 she was the daughter of Larry and Jessie Mi-chelon of Miller Place, NY.

Maria grew up in Miller Place before moving to St. Mary’s County to attend St. Mary’s College where she graduated with a degree in Mathematics in 1987. She later received her Masters Degree from Florida Institute of Technology in 1991.

Maria was employed by the US Navy as a Mission Planning Environment Inte-grated Product Team Lead for Marine Helicopter programs. Prior to that she was employed by Eagan, McAllister As-sociates, Inc. and Wyle (Veda/Veridian) concentrating on software development and testing for multiple US Navy aircraft programs.

What characterized Maria most was the love for her children Lauren, Andrew and Megan. She was active in many of their activities including ballet, coaching girls lacrosse (SMGLL), Den Mother for Cub Scouts, committee member for the Boy Scouts and an avid sideline fan. She actively participated in parent and fund-raising activities for Honey MacCallum Christian Pre-School, the Kings Chris-tian Academy, Town Creek Elementary, Esperanza Middle and St. Mary’s Ryken High School.

Maria was a deeply religious person. She served as a layreader at the Church of the Ascension, was a long time mem-ber of there alter guild, a Sunday school teacher, Youth group leader and support-ed their Healthshare program.

Maria also focused on the commu-nity. One of her fondest challenges was the building of the Hospice House of St. Mary’s where she served as its founda-tions Vice President. She worked tire-lessly to raise monies to help construct and maintain it. It perhaps is fitting she died in the House she worked so hard to help build.

Maria was always seen with a smil-ing face, kind word and warm embrace to those around her. She was an all round person, athlete and tennis player. She competed in numerous local, State and regional tennis programs winning many awards and recognitions. For over 15 years she was a body pump and aerobics instructor in the local area. She took up cycling as an additional hobby. She loved cooking and had a fancy for enter-taining, no party was too small or large to host. She was an avid beach goer and would spend hours collecting sea glass and sharks teeth while walking her two chocolate Labradors Brody and Apollo. She enjoyed shopping and traveling with her family.

Lastly, she was a devoted and lov-ing wife to her husband Todd. She was

his confident, advisor, campaign man-ager but most importantly, they were best friends.

She is survived by her husband of 22 years Todd, children Lauren, Andrew and Megan; parents Larry and Jesse, sisters Lorraine (Mt. Siani, NY) and Michele (Wilmington, DE) and brother Lawrence (Norfolk, VA). She has 7 nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her brother Michael.

A Memorial Celebration for Maria will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday De-cember 17, 2012 at the Church of the Ascension, Great Mills Rd., Lexington Park, MD. A reception will follow at the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 or the Maria M. Morgan Scholarship Fund, St. Mary’s Ryken High School, 22600 Camp Calvert Rd., Leonardtown, MD 20650.


Arrangements are being handled by Brinsfield Funeral Home in Leonardtown.

Patricia Nagy, 81

Patricia Ann Nagy, 81 of Leonar-dtown, MD passed away on Novem-ber 24, 2012 at her residence.

Pat was born on February 2, 1931 in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Paul Yellig and Mildred (Smith) Yellig.

Pat was a resident of Cedar Lane and graduated from South Hills High School. She was employed as secretary to the Vice President of US Steel and the Chair of the Department of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh. It was there that she met her husband, Jim.

She was a loving mother who taught her children tolerance and the “golden rule”. Her philosophy was “to thine own self be true” and she loved the Lord. “Oh well!” was her version of the Serenity Prayer.

She loved to cook and bake for her family. She could whip up mean pep-peroni scrambled eggs on a camp stove. Camping in Shenandoah National Park was a family tradition. She loved to watch birds and read mystery novels and books about gardening. She and Jim had a craft business called Patience Pine and her specialty was fused glass. She drew all the designs for their wood appliqué. She and her friend Louise sold hand-made Christmas ornaments at local craft fairs. Three generations of her family have craft day the Friday after Thanks-giving, a tradition she started.

She was a member of the Women’s Club in Middle River, Maryland and an officer of the PTA at Kenilworth El-ementary School in Bowie, Maryland. She enjoyed two epic trips in her life; a visit to Paris, France and Switzerland and a solo white water raft trip down the Colorado River. She raised West High-land White terrier show dogs. She pre-

sented her champion, Jason, at Madison Square Garden.

Pat was a cancer survivor and a member of First Saints Community Church, St. George’s Island.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Stuart A. Nagy, of Melbourne, FL, Susan Mc-Cabe, of Leonardtown, MD, Christo-pher V. Nagy, of Charlotte, NC; her grandchildren, Jennifer McCabe, Kate Bluey, Lauren Nagy, Jack Nagy; her step grandchild, Sara Graves; and her great grandchildren, Ellen Bluey, Ada Bluey, and Boden Bluey. In addition to her par-ents, Pat was predeceased by her son, Larry Nagy.

Family received friends for Pat’s Life Celebration on Tuesday, Novem-ber 27, 2012 with a prayer service at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contri-butions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1041 Route 3 N Bldg. A, Gambrills, MD 21054.

Condolences may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.


Marilyn Penyak, 86

Marilyn Mae Penyak, 86, of Leonardtown, MD, died November 3, 2012, at Washing-ton Hospital Cen-ter in Washington, D.C.

Marilyn was born December 20, 1925, in Pittston, PA, to the late Salvatore C. Andaloro and Josephine O’Boyle. She graduated high school in Pittson, PA and received an Associate Degree in Business Studies from the Lackawanna Business School, Wilkes-Barre, PA. She was married to Frank Penyak on November 23, 1946 and she lived in Dunmore, PA for 45 years. Marilyn was a member of the Tatra Club, Purple Club of Scranton, and the Scranton Junior League. She enjoyed supporting charitable activities and sup-porting school events for her children. She moved to Leonardtown in 1991 to be closer to family. She was active in the Society Hill Garden Club and sup-ported other local groups. She was most happy working in her yard and main-taining her home. She dedicated her life to her friends and family and was held in great affection by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. At the time of her death, she was a member of St. Aloysius Church, Leonardtown, MD.

She is survived by her children, Marilyn Moylan (Seamus) of Galway, Ireland and Frances Munley (Cyril) of Leonardtown, MD; a sister, Gloria Anzalone (Joseph) of Pittston, PA; five grandchildren, Aedan Moylan (Denise) of Grey Stones, Ireland, Iarla Moylan of San Francisco, CA, Traolach Moylan (Loamie) of Capetown, South Africa, Maureen Munley (Kaaba) of Arlington, VA, and Stephen Munley (Lydia) of St.

Inigoes, MD; and five great-grandchil-dren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Penyak; her sister, Josephine Adonizio, and her brothers, Cataldo Andaloro and Samuel Andaloro.

Family will receive friends for Mar-ilyn’s Life Celebration on Saturday, De-cember 1, 2012, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the St. Aloysius Church, 22800 Wash-ington Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated by Reverend John Dakes at 1:00 p.m. Inter-ment will be held on Monday, December 3, 2012 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Minooka, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216 Glenn Allen, VA 23058-5216.

Condolences may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.


Mary Readmond, 71

Mary Gertrude Readmond, 71 of Hollywood, MD, passed away on No-vember 23, 2012 in Leonardtown, MD. Born July 25, 1941 in Mechanicsville, MD, she was the daughter of the late Raymond Ernest and Mary Agnes Harding. Mrs. Re-admond was the loving wife of the late John Franklin Readmond, Sr., whom she married on February 4, 1967 in LaPlata, MD, and preceded her in death on Janu-ary 27, 2011.

Mary is survived by her children; Brenda Readmond of Callaway, MD, Frank Readmond of Hollywood, MD, and Ernie Myers of Shenandoah, VA, siblings; Susie Greenwell of Hollywood, MD, Jackie Harding, of Newburg, MD, Johnny Harding and Jimmy Harding both of Mechanicsville, MD, and one grandchild, Sydney Myers of Callaway, MD. In addition to her parents and hus-band Mary was preceded in death by a brother Kenny Harding.

Mary was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County; she graduated from Margaret Brent High School in 1959. She was in sales at the Amish Heirloom Furniture in California, MD; Mary en-joyed shopping, spending time with family and collecting Dolphin figurines.

The family received friends on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 with prayers recited in the Mattingley-Gar-diner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Reverend Sheldon Reese officiating. In-terment will follow in Joy Chapel Cem-etery, Hollywood, MD. Pallbearers will be: Jimmy Hayden, Jimmy Harding, Ricky Harding, Timmy Readmond, Da-vid Readmond, and Charles Greenwell, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Andy Hardy Harding, and Brian Harding.


William Reeves, 68

W i l l i a m Reeves, 68, of Piney Point, Maryland, went home to be with the Lord on November 22, 2012. He was born on July 6, 1943 in Hopkins-ville, Kentucky, from the union of the late X.L. Reeves and Lewis Ella Reeves.

William attended Hopkinsville County Schools and served in the United States Navy.

He retired from the Navy after 20 years and went on to work for DynCorp, Inc. at the Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, MD, where he served 30 years as an Aircraft Mechanic. William was a dedicated employee and a hard worker. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He enjoyed doing yard work in his spare time and spending time with his family. William also had a great passion for playing the organ.

In 1970, William married the late Gail Magdalene Bradley and from that union they had three daughters.

In addition to his parents and wife, William was preceded in death by his brother, Bobby Tyson; two sisters, Vir-ginia Ann Mitchell and Ruthell L. Monroe.

William leaves to cherish his mem-ory, three daughters, Ella Jean Reeves (Cedric) of Piney Point, Dawn Yvette Mackall (Keith) of Callaway, and Janette Annice Cooper (Jeremia) of Leonard-town; five grandchildren, William La-mar Herndon, Joseph Arthur Bond III, Cedric Troy Mackall, Dimitri Trevon Reeves and Jasmyne Magdalene Cooper; one sister, Alberta Moore; two God chil-dren, Armani Chase and Aliah Turner; a special companion, Doris Mackall and a host of other nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, too numerous to mention.

Visitation was on Wednesday, No-vember 28, 2012 until time of Service. at Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home "Frances Dickerson Briscoe Chapel", 38576 Brett Way, Mechanicsville, MD 20659.

Arrangements by Briscoe-Tonic Fu-neral Home, Mechanicsville, MD

Glenn Sanders, Sr., 76

Glenn Dale Sanders, Sr., 76, of Leonardtown, MD passed away sur-rounded by his lov-ing family on No-vember 16, 2012 in Washington, DC. Born October 16, 1936 in Lebanon, PA, he was the son of the late Wallace E. and Glenda Mae Sanders of St. Pete, FL. Glenn is sur-vived by his loving wife Janet M. Sand-ers whom he married on Ogden, Utah on November 10, 1961. Glenn is survived by her children: David V. Sanders (Jennifer) of Leonardtown, MD., Glenn Dale Sand-ers, Jr. (Mary Sue) of Hughesville, MD.,

4 grandchildren: Jessica E. Sanders Del-baum, Christopher G. Sanders, Shelby L. Sanders, and Matthew A. Sanders, and 1 great grandchild Natalie P. Edelbaum. Glenn moved from San Diego, California to St. Mary’s County in 1964, and worked as the owner and operator of Sanders Ap-pliance for 35 years. Glenn served in the United States Navy for 20 years retiring in 1977 as a Vietnam veteran.

A graveside service was held on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 in the Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonard-town, MD.

Clara Thomas, 83

Clara Ev-elyn Thomas, 83 of Lexington Park, MD departed this life after a lengthy battle with cancer on Thursday, No-vember 22, 2012 at her family home in St. Mary’s County, Maryland.

Clara was born on September 15, 1929 in Pearson, MD to the late Joseph Ignatius and Mary Ira (Smith) Thomas. Clara was the youngest of eight children.

Clara was educated in St. Mary’s County Public schools and graduated from Jarboesville High School in 1946. Upon graduating, she attended and grad-uated from the Maryland State Teachers College, presently known as Bowie State University, in 1950. She spent two years teaching in St. Mary’s County before re-locating to Washington DC and becom-ing a permanent resident. Her first job

in Washington DC was with the Federal Government at the Internal Revenue Ser-vice. Her desire to teach was so strong that in 1964 she began her career in the DC Public School system where she taught for 42 years before retiring. Af-ter retirement she spent several years as a substitute teacher in the Prince George’s County school system. She influenced the lives of many through her guidance and teaching.

Clara was a devout Catholic who spent her childhood and young adult life as a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Lexington Park. In 1965, she became a member of the St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church in Washing-ton, DC. In 1989 she was accepted and installed as a Sodality member. She also served on the Parish Council, was a member of the Altar Society and as a Eucharistic Minister. Clara’s Catholic roots were very strong. She was also a member of the DC Retired Teachers As-sociation (DCRTA).

Clara enjoyed life to the fullest. She was very stylish, vibrant and engaging. She was a devoted sister to her brother and aunt to her many nieces and neph-ews. Her hobbies included traveling, sewing and ceramics. She enjoyed mu-sic both listening and playing. As a child she learned to play the organ, guitar and tenor banjo.

Clara leaves to cherish her memory her brother James Gorman Thomas, 18 nieces and nephews and approximately 200 grand nieces and nephews. She also leaves many cousins, friends and her St. Francis de Sales Church family. Clara was preceded in death by her siblings, McDowell Thomas, Evelyn Clark, Virgie

Somerville, Ogden Thomas, Geraldine Chase and Hazel Biscoe.

Family will receive friends on Fri-day, November 30, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 22375 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park MD, 20653. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrat-ed at 12 p.m. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.



David Wallace, 63

David Keith Wallace, 63 of Lexing-ton Park, MD died November 20, 2012 at his residence.

Born July 3, 1949 in Baltimore, MD, he was the son of the late Loranzie O. Wallace and Olga (Hawks) Wallace.

David was a Materials Expediter at Patuxent River Naval Air Station and a past dispatcher for St. Mary’s County. He belonged to the Professional Fire-fighter Club and his favorite hangout was Applebee’s.

David is survived by his brothers, Stephen Wallace of Flat Rock, MI and Michael Wallace; his niece, Stephanie Stokes; and nephew Aaron Wallace. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ernest Wallace.

All services will be private.Condolences to the family may be

made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.Arrangements by the Brinsfield Fu-

neral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

www.somd.com

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

Over 250,000 Southern Marylanders

can’t be wrong!

New to the area? Lifelong resident?Stop by and see what

Southern Maryland Online has to offer!

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


Moneyfor the love of

Restaurant Undergoes Renovations


Laurel Grove Sta-tion restaurant recently changed from a tradi-tional sports bar to a more up-scale, fam-ily oriented atmosphere, says Michael Chance, partner and chef.

The restaurant has a larger menu – bar-food items, such as chicken wings and fries, are now complimented by entrees including steak, seared scallops and Ahi tuna.

The menu now in-cludes breakfast and an array of freshly prepared sandwiches.

All the food is made from scratch and the ingredients come from local ven-dors and farms, according to Chance.

“We started as a family oriented sports bar, but up-scaled it,” he said of the renovations which were motivated to ap-peal the family-crowd in the community.

He believes the environment is now “safer” for children, in the sense that less people will be drinking and screaming in a bar area.

Chance explained, there is no Keno (lottery) play area, and minor changes – such as the addition of table cloths – along with the expanded menu has elimi-nated the bar environment and created a casual dining experience.

Laurel Grove Station is now a great place to grab a steak, while the kids chow down on hamburgers and hotdogs, he said.

“It’s a new quiet and cozy atmo-sphere,” he said.

The change was about the commu-nity, Chance continued, and to show peo-ple don’t need to go to a chain restaurant to experience casual family dining.

“I believe there was more caring and loving from the community in our area,” Chance said.

Pictures on the walls of the old train station give it a continued sense of

small-community.Laurel Grove Station was originally

a train station for the Southern Maryland Railroad. Since the railroad closed, it has been a liquor store and grocery store be-fore finally becoming a restaurant.

The floor, bars and windows are all original, and Chance believes the histori-cal aspect of the building is another rea-son people chose to dine at Laurel Grove Station.

The renovations have begun a new chapter in Laurel Grove Station’s historic timeline.

“We’ve changed the atmosphere,” he said. “We’ve changed the attitude of the place.”

He added, people are unaware of the elimination of the rowdy barroom environment.

“Our biggest lash is we haven’t been open with the new menu and changes long enough for people to come [expe-rience] it,” he said. “They are still wary about if it is safer.”

He did note since the renovations, sales have been slightly up – due to the community’s excitement for “family fresh foods.”

The restaurant offers “full-scale” delivery to customers between Charlotte Hall and around the Leonardtown Li-brary area. Delivery is available between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.

The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. They are closed on Mondays.

Laurel Grove Sta-tion is located in Me-chanicsville at 26945 Three Notch Road.

a lexpanos @ count y -times.net

Oakville5 minutes North of Hollywood

41170 Oakville Road Mechanicsville 20659

301-373-9245 • 800-451-1427

Charlotte Hall30315 Three Notch Rd, Charlotte Hall 20622

301-884-5292800-558-5292

Prince Frederick1700 Solomon’s Island Rd,

Prince Frederick 20678410-535-3664

1-866-535-3664

Wentworth Nursery

Special Christmas Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8-8, Sun. 9-6 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:30-6, Sat. 7:30-5

Sales good thru December 18th, 2012

Great Holiday Savings

From our Greenhouse…

From our nursery…

From our Garden Center…

Great GiFt ideas

From our Christmas shop…

Fresh Cut TreesChoose from Fraser Fir &

Noble Fir

Poinsettias4” Table Top size

5 for $2500

Fire Wood (By the Pallet)

FREE delivery

Artifical Trees$50 to $200 OFF7 1/2’ tall trees and larger

Big Green EggFREE delivery, set-up

& bag of charcoal

Live TreesDecorate Now, Plant Later.

FREE Delivery

Fresh Centerpieces & Cemetery Cones

Wood PetlletsBy the bag or ton

Fountain/Bird Bath Heater Use all winter long to provide

fresh water for the birds or keep your fountains running

Droll YankeeWhipper, Flipper, Tipper, Dipper$2500OFF any model

Fresh Greens, Wreaths & Swags

Starting at $1499

Norfork Island PineMakes a great tabletop

Christmas tree

Portable Fire Pits$25 OFF any style

Karen Didion Tabletops

Save $10 OFF

Rain Barrels

Save $25 OFF

Door Steps & Porch PotsBuy 1, Get 2nd 50% OFF

Cyclamen

6” Special $999ea.When You Buy 3 or More

Ornaments/Decorations

Buy 3 Get 4th FREEOutdoor Bows

Starting at $499

Composters

Save $20 OFFany composter over $75

treat your LandsCape to somethinG speCiaL this year!

Photos by Alex PanosMichael, left, and Silvia Chance have changed the atmosphere at Lau-rel Grove Sation.


New Arts & Crafts Class at Loffler Senior Activity Center

Form-a-Line is a unique method of card embroidery that makes stunning greeting cards and gifts. A simple design is punctured onto card stock then embellished with embroidery floss. Each week a new design is featured. For your first class, bring $4 to cover supply costs. Also, bring a small pair of scis-sors for snipping thread. Each week you will take home a new card. This class meets on Mon-days at 1 p.m. Call 301-737-5670, ext. 1658 to sign up or for more information.

Wine Cork WreathMake your own wine cork

wreath at the Garvey Senior Ac-tivity Center on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 1:30 p.m. Add pop to your dining room or kitchen with wine corks wired to tiny red jingle bells. Cost: $7 and includes sup-plies. Sign up by calling 301-475-4200, ext. 1050.

‘Most Scenic Drives’ Virtual Trip

On Monday, Dec. 3, at 12:30 p.m., a virtual travel session will be held at the Northern Senior Ac-tivity Center. Don’t let the winter blues get to you…take a virtual trip of ‘America’s Most Scenic Drives’ across the United States. A video shown on a large screen will take you down the Eastern Seaboard from Maine via Vermont’s back roads to the Blue Ridge Parkway, to the Great Smoky Mountains and ending in the Florida Keys. On Friday, Dec. 7, at 12:30 p.m., travel to Texas and Yellowstone and through Colorado, Montana ending at Yellowstone National Park. Call 301-475-4002, ext. 1001 for more information and to sign up as space is limited.

Gift donations needed for Christmas Gift Bingo

New, unwrapped items for our annual Christmas gift bingo are being accepted at the Loffler Senior Activity Center Mon-Fri between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The bingo will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. If you’ve bought or made something in the past year and found that you didn’t use it after all or received a gift that doesn’t quite work out for you maybe you would like to donate it to our an-nual Christmas gift bingo (please, no candles, expired foodstuff or shopworn items - our players give these as gifts to their loved ones.) And while you’re bringing things by, sign up to play Christmas Gift Bingo yourself. For more infor-mation call 301-737-5670 ext. 1658.

Button Tree PaintingPaint a simple tree and dec-

orate it with white buttons for snowflakes at the Garvey Senior Activity Center on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. Trees will be painted on white canvas stretch board. Buttons will be provided; however, participants are wel-come to bring their own white buttons to incorporate. Cost: $7 and includes supplies. To sign up, call 301-475-4200, ext. 1050.

Free Massage On Monday, Dec. 10, from

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., free 10-minute massage sessions will be offered courtesy of the Northern Senior Activity Cen-ter Council. Call 301-475-4002, ext. 1001, to reserve a time at the Center with a certified massage therapist. Don’t miss out on the wonderful benefits of having a massage.

“Make a Tasty Christmas Cottage”

Use Pop Tarts to make the cutest and easiest edible house ever! This popular project will take place at then Loffler Senior Activity Center on Thursday, Dec. 6 and Friday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. We will construct the cot-tages on Thursday and let them dry overnight. The next day we will decorate them with bright Christmas candy and royal icing. Cost is $8 payable the first day of the class. Call 301-737-5670 ext. 1658 by Tuesday, Dec. 4 to sign up.

Garvey Senior Activity Center Holiday Celebration

For a special holiday treat on Tuesday, Dec. 11 at Noon, the Garvey Senior Activity Center welcomes back Terry Marsh and her Showstoppers and Chartop-pers show featuring all of your favorite holiday tunes. When Ter-ry was here in 2011, she wowed us with her fast moving program of Big Band numbers and show

tunes. This year, she will sing all your favorite holiday tunes with a touch of blues and Big Band. Fol-lowing the show, we will have a gift exchange. Participation in the gift exchange is optional. Bring a wrapped gift, costing $5 or less to participate in the gift exchange. The lunch menu will feature chicken cordon bleu, mashed po-tatoes, gravy, garden salad with French dressing, peas and carrots, cranberry juice, lemon meringue pie, milk/coffee/tea. Lunch cost is by donation for those ages 60 and above and $5.50 for those under the age of 60. Make reservations by calling 301-475-4200, ext. 1050.

Breakfast Café Let us do the cooking and

cleanup in the morning while you enjoy a great start to your day and good conversation with others. Breakfast is homemade by Paula, and served with complimentary beverages at the Northern Senior Activity Center. On Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 9 a.m., enjoy a breakfast

of cream chipped beef over toast with fruit. Cost is only $2 per person and sign up and payment is due by noon the day before. Please call 301-475-4002, ext. 1001 with any questions.

Dinner Raffle Tickets to Be Sold at Christmas Party

Tickets for a dinner raffle will be available at the annual Christmas Party will be held at the Loffler Senior Activity Cen-ter on Friday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost of the raffle tickets will be $10 each and the winning name will be drawn at the Christmas party. The winner gets a dinner for six to eight peo-ple at the Loffler Senior Activity Center on a weekend evening in January or February. Choice of several appetizers, entrees, side dishes and dessert will be served on Loffler china in an elegant set-ting. Advance raffle tickets are available. For more information call 301-737-5670 ext. 1656.

SENIOR LIVING

St. Mary’s Department of Aging Programs and Activities

Loffler Senior Activity Center 301-737-5670, ext. 1652

Garvey Senior Activity Center301-475-4200, ext. 1050

Northern Senior Activity Center301-475-4002, ext. 1001

Ridge Nutrition Site301-475-4200, ext. 1050.

Visit the Department of Aging’s website at www.stmarysmd.com/aging

for the most up-to date information.

are you looking for a new career?

WE ARE HIRINGwe are looking for YOU to join our

team of sales professionals in our St. Mary’s and Calvert Publications

call us right away!

301-373-4125

or e-mail us [email protected]


Friday, Nov. 30• Holiday Grand Opening & Ribbon CuttingFitzgerald Realty & Auctioneers, 37601 Golden Beach Road, Charlotte Hall, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. (Ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m.)

Eat, drink and be merry. We are a drop-off location for Toys for Tots and the Southern Maryland Food Bank. To help in our efforts to support such wonderful causes, we are asking everyone to bring a new toy and or canned good. (Donate and you will be placed in a drawing to win a dinner for two).

Email [email protected] or give Wanda a call 301-884-7000 and let us know you will be attending.

• “From This Day Forward” - Sotterley Holiday CandlelightSotterley Plantation (44300 Sotterley Lane, Hollywood) - Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 6:30 to 10 p.m.

In this living history production set within the 1703 Plantation House, visitors will encounter Sotter-ley’s past Christmas seasons and the families who lived and worked here. Share love, laughter and sometimes-bittersweet memories at home on the plantation. For the second year, Sotterley Education Director, Jeanne Pirtle has written a script, which audiences are sure to enjoy. Live musical performances from local premiere high school choral groups and complimentary cookies and punch will be available in the historic Barn, prior to the reserved performance time. Advance reservations are required. For more information, visit www.sotter-ley.org. The cost is $15 per person.

Saturday, Dec. 1• Toys for Tots CollectionsWalmart, KMart and Dress Barn in California., 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The local Marine Corps League Detachment (Pax River 1305) and Toys for Tots for St Mary’s County is col-lecting for the 2012 Holiday Season with local events in-cluding “Fill the Van 2012”. For further information on how to sign up to receive toys, as well as information other toy drop-off/collection events/places, please go to www.toys-fortots.org, choose Maryland, then St Mary’s County and complete the appropriate form.

• Child Safety Seat CheckLa Plata Wal-Mart (40 Drury Drive, La Plata) – 10-2 p.m.

The Maryland State Police is hosting a free Child Safety Seat Check. It is a great program free to the pub-lic that helps to educate parents and care givers about their child’s safety seat, making sure it is installed correctly and that it is the correct seat for their child.

Sunday, Dec. 2• Community Breakfast Father Andrew White Home and School Association, 22850 Washington Street, Leonardtown, 8 to 11:30 a.m.

Father Andrew White School Home and School Asso-ciation is sponsoring a community all-you-can-eat break-fast at the school. The menu features eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits with gravy, pancakes and more. Cost: Ages 13 and up - $8 Ages 4-12 - $4 Under three - Free

• 18th Annual Health Share of St. Mary’s Holiday Home TourVarious Locations – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The tour features six homes and St. Clements’ Island Museum, all located off Coltons Point Road. Advance tick-ets available at Cedar Point Federal Credit Unions, Com-munity Bank of Tri County (Leonardtown), PNC Bank (Main and Breton), Apple Basket, Kevin’s Corner Kafe, Lola Belle Co, Traditions of Loveville, TicketDerby.com. or each site on Tour day. $50 all sites or $10 per site. Box Lunches for sale by Thompson’s Corner Kafe & Raffle items. Follow Health Share of St. Mary’s on Facebook or call Anne Bell at 301-475-2129 or e-mail [email protected].

• Eleventh Silent Angel MemorialBay District Fire Department (46900 South Shangri La Drive, Lexington Park) – 6 p.m.

For more information, call 301-475-4200, ext. 9104.

• Jones Thompson ConcertHollywood Church of the Nazarene (24610 Sotterley Road, Hollywood) – 6:30 p.m.

The 17th annual Jones Thompson Concert featuring the Bluegrass Gospel Express and the Hollywood Har-moneers. For more information, cal the church at 301-373-2130 or Jerry at 301-373-8370.

Monday, Dec. 3• St. Maries Musica First Saints Community Church, St. Paul’s Campus (25550 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown) - 7 p.m.

Free community concert. For more information go to www.smmusica.org.

Tuesday, Dec. 4• St. Maries Musica River’s Edge Conference Center, NAS Patuxent River, 7 p.m.

Call the Conference Center at (301) 342-1683 for din-ner reservations before the concert. For more information go to www.smmusica.org.

Wednesday, Dec. 5• Zumba Fitness ClassesMechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall, 7 p.m.

A Fun, Energetic Aerobic work-out routine with a Latin Inspired Atmosphere every Wednesday. Classes are $6 per class or you can purchase punch cards (six classes for $30). Get Fit while having fun and giving back. A por-tion of the proceeds goes to the Mechanicsville Vol. Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. For More information email [email protected] or [email protected].

(across from Chopticon High School)

SPECIAL NOTE: This will be a large, all-day auction with a variety of quality items. We will be selling with several auctioneers at a time – bring your family and friends and be prepared for this arrangement.

TERMS: Cash, check (w/ proper ID/approval from auction staff) VISA/MC. Ten percent buyer’s premium will apply to allcash/check purchases (includes 3% discount); 13% for credit card purchases. We are committed in providing you theopportunity to purchase top quality items at this auction (many items made by local artisans and craftsmen). Thank youfor attending our auction and for supporting our local community. You may pre-register for this auction on Fridayevening during the preview. You may also leave an absentee bid if you are unable to attend the auction on Saturday.

Consignments of farm equipment and new furniture/crafts are being accepted.Farrell Auction Service Russell Brothers Farm

301-904-3402 301-475-1633

For more details & pictures go to: www.FarrellAuctionService.com

Save the Date:• Child Safety Seat Check

The Maryland State Police is having another free Child Safety Seat Check on Dec. 1 from 10 to 2pm in the La Plata Wal-Mart parking lot. The last event was a great success and we appreciate every-one getting the word out for us. It is a great program free to the public that helps to educate parents and care givers about their child's safety seat, making sure it is installed correctly and that it is the correct seat for their child.

• The 13th Annual Holiday Highlights ContestThe 13th Annual Holiday Highlights Con-

test will be held on Sunday, Dec. 16, after 7 p.m. Decorate your home or business for the holidays for your chance to win. This year, there will be two categories. The first category is houses, apart-ments and townhouses. The second category is businesses. Prizes and certificates will be pre-sented to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in both categories.

• Bay State Holiday Indoor Soccer Tournament

Central Maryland Soccer Association is cur-rently accepting team registrations for the 18th Annual Bay State Holiday Indoor Soccer Tourna-ment scheduled for Dec. 27, 28, and 29 in Hamp-stead, Md.

The tournament is open to all school, recre-ation and club level travel teams throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Competition is available for boys and girls teams, 8 thru 18; 18U Coed and Men’s Open. All age groups will take place on the following days; Thursday - 15/16, 13/14, 7/8 Boys and 13-14 and 7/8 Girls; Friday -Coed 18 and un-der, 15/16, 17/18 and 11/12 Girls and 11/12 Boys; Saturday - Men's Open, 17/18, 9/10 Boys and 9/10 Girls.

The deadline for registration is Dec.17. Reg-istration and roster forms are available on the tour-naments page located at cmsasoccer.com. For ad-ditional information, e-mail [email protected].


Chesapeake Auction HouseSt. Leonard, MD 20685 • 410-586-1161 • chesapeakeauctionhouse.com

Gun Auction Sunday, Dec. 2, 1 PM

Consignments Being Taken

4 - .25AC Chaptico - No Perc - $3 to $5,ooo. (with beach privileges)

.19 AC Lusby - Perc - $28,000.20AC Avenue - No Perc - $59,990.

2AC Mechanicsville - Perc - $74,900.5AC Avenue - Perc - $79,990.

1.08AC California - Perc - $100,000.20AC Avenue - Waterfront Farm - $493,000. (2 dwellings & barns)

Fitzgerald Realty & Auctioneers • 301-884-7000 www.fitzgeraldrealty.net • [email protected]

us on Facebook for your chance to Win a $100.00 gas card

LAND/LOT SALE

St. Clement’s Island Museum Holiday Ex-hibit Celebrates 27th YearLocated at the end of Route 242 in Colton’s Point, Md.Dec. 1 to 21, Wednesday through Sunday, from 12 to 4 p.m. Dec. 22 to 31, open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The St. Clement’s Island Museum in Colton’s Point, Md will present its 27th Annual Christmas Doll & Train Exhibit beginning Dec.1 for a month-long exhibition. The mu-seum will come alive with antique and collect-ible dolls, toys, and working miniature trains in a holiday setting sure to delight children from one to 101.

Started in 1985 by former museum direc-tor Mike Humphries, the exhibit was conceived to attract more museum visitors at a time when visitation was low. He conferred with a local doll collector, Trish Guy, also a member of the Southern Maryland Doll Club, who along with members of the club, were able to present the very first Christmas Doll & Train Exhibit.

In the years that followed, the Southern Maryland and Black-eyed Susan Doll Clubs have been the back bone of the exhibit creat-ing themes and using their doll collections to make every year different and attractive. Other private collectors of dolls and trains also share their treasured collections with wide-eyed ap-proval of holiday visitors. The exhibit has be-come a holiday tradition for many as those who visited in years past now bring their own chil-dren or grandchildren.

The year’s theme celebrates “Life in the Good Old Days,” a time before the internet, cell phones and video games. Visitors will learn or remember vintage dolls and toys of the early 20th century, homemade toys, and wintertime on St. Clement’s Island. Children can partici-pate in a hands-on activity and make their own Christmas ornament.

Visitors will also enjoy browsing through the Crab Claw Museum Store which features a myriad of unique gifts, children’s books and toys, clothing, jewelry, Maryland flags, light-houses, souvenirs, and even crab pot Christ-mas trees. All gift shop proceeds benefit muse-um programs, projects and exhibits. Become a museum member and receive a 10 percent dis-count any time you shop throughout the year.

The exhibit will be open Dec. 1 to 21, Wednesday through Sunday, from 12 to 4 p.m. The extended holiday schedule includes Dec. 22 to 31, open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admis-

sion is $3 per adult, $2 for seniors and military, $1.50 for children six to 18 and kids five and under are free. The museum will present an open house on Saturday, Dec. 8 with free ad-mission for everyone.

Please call the Museum Division offices at 301-769-2222 for more information or log on to the website at www.stmarysmd.com/recreate/museums.

Piney Point Lighthouse Museum Offers Holiday Exhibit44720 Lighthouse Road in Piney Point, Md.Dec. 1 to 21, Friday to Monday, from 12 to 4 p.m.

Dec. 22 to 31, open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.The Piney Point Lighthouse, Museum

and Historic Park in Piney Point will present a holiday exhibit set up in the museum and the lighthouse keeper’s quarters, a historic build-ing not usually open to the public. The exhibit theme complements the 2012 Presidential elec-tion year with an extensive exhibit of politi-cal memorabilia. Private and personal collec-tions of local citizens are shared in a holiday atmosphere.

Museum staff and volunteers will offer tours of the exhibit, museum, 1836 lighthouse, and Potomac River Maritime Exhibit filled with historic wooden boats. The lighthouse tower will be available for a climb to the top.

The Lighthouse Lens Museum Store will be open with an array of unique gifts, light-house and nautical items, jewelry, clothing, home décor and children’s items. Don’t miss the new crab pot Christmas trees. Museum gift memberships are the perfect gift for “the one who has everything” and provide a 10 percent discount on museum store items.

The museum and holiday exhibit will be open December 1 to December 21, Friday to Monday, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. The extended holiday schedule includes December 22 to De-cember 31, open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission is $3 per adult, $2 for senior citizens and military personnel, $1.50 for children six to 18, and free for kids five and under.

All are invited to the Christmas Open House on Sunday, Dec. 9 from 12 to 4 p.m. Ad-mission is free for all. Kids should sign up for a boy and girl’s bike giveaway donated by the Tall Timbers Optimist Club. There will be free refreshments and children’s holiday activity in-side the museum.

• St. Maries Musica Historic St. Mary’s City, State House, St. Mary’s City, 7 p.m. Open House. For more information go to www.smmusica.org.

• Digital Tool Box Workshop For Southern Maryland’s Farms & ProducersCalvert County Economic Development (205 Main Street, Prince Freder-ick) – 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

A workshop specifically designed to help farms, markets, farm stores and producers direct market their products and services to consumers will be held for local farmers and producers. Topics include an introduction to the basics of popular social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn), how to list your business on digital databases such as Google Maps, and capitalize on the hardware and digital tools available through the internet. Presented by University of Maryland Extension in partnership with the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC). A fee of $40 per person includes lunch and course materials. Register online by November 30. For more information about this workshop please contact Shannon Dill at [email protected] or Ginger S. Myer at [email protected]

Friday, Dec. 7• Careers in Construction DaySouthern Maryland, Center for Trades and Energy Training (CTET), 17 Irongate Drive, Waldorf. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

This CTET career and job fair brings local business and military orga-nizations together in one place to recruit trades workers in plumbing, elec-trical, HVAC, welding and carpentry for job openings and future workforce needs. Within the highly competitive construction industry, those with cer-tifications and licenses, as well as entry-level workers, are invited to learn about opportunities in Southern Maryland. Participants are encouraged to bring resumes and to be dressed for an interview. Information on CSM training in the trades will be available. Free. For information, contact CSM CTET Director Dr. Ricky C. Godbolt, [email protected] or 301-539-4733.

• St. Maries Musica Historic St. Mary’s City, State House, St. Mary’s City, 6:30 p.m.

Madrigal Dinners. Reservations accepted. Contact 240-895-4991 or [email protected]

• Off the Wall: An Art Market in LeonARTownThe Leonardtown Arts Center (22660 Washington Street, Leonardtown) - 5 to 8 p.m.

The Arts Center pleased to announce Off the Wall: An Art Market in LeonARTown. The market will be held Dec. 7 and will feature one of a kind handmade art objects, prints, paintings, photographs, bags, jewelry, recycled ornaments and more. Local artists and artisans bring a funky fla-vor to the town mixing unusual material with innovative design work. Off the Wall Art Market strives to provide a venue for young emerging artists/artisans as well as professional artists with national exhibition records. If you are looking for a new pair of earrings or an original print for a gift this holiday season, LeonARTown Art Market is the place to be! Music by Joe Norris.

Participating Artists include Kelton Bumgarner, Colby Caldwell, Can-dy Cummings, Erica Daley, Anuli Duru, Catherine Dunn, Nell Elder, Arni-ka Eskeland, Ana Espinoza, Thea Glas, Laura Howard, Dan Holden, Sue Johnson, Elise Kielek, Lisa Kokes, Rose Longfield, Erica Maust,, Moriah Morgan, Carrie Patterson, Koko Olszewski, Bill and Kyong Penn, Nicole Stewart, Allie Snyder and Melody Weed.

RECuRRIng EvEnTS


New Band is Crowd FriendlyBy Alex PanosStaff Writer

Bar Dogs, a new band on the Southern Maryland circuit, has quickly become notorious for crowd interac-tion and cracking jokes during their performances.

“It becomes not all about the band,” lead drummer – and primary cowbell player – Mickey Ramos said. “People really like that.”

Although the group predominant-ly features blues tunes, Ramos says the band manages to keep it “light.” The type of blues songs they play includes funk and uplifting tunes, while drop-ping one liners, leaving the crowd in stitches.

“It should be Bar Dogs and the blues review, but it’s a really funny band,” Ramos said, adding “the leg-endary Fast Eddy” Fuller works the room well. “Eddy is like a stand-up comedian.”

According to Ramos, who plays with GeeZer and Next High Tide in ad-dition to Bar Dogs, the band separates themselves from the typical band in Southern Maryland by playing a va-riety of music, going back 50 years in time covering songs by Muddy Waters and The Rolling Stones.

He says a lot of songs they cov-er get people out of their seats and dancing.

“The band picks out really old throwback songs,” he said rattling titles

off such as “Woolly Bully” and “Hang on Snoopy.”

He continued, “Everybody can sing along to them, even if you can’t sing.”

Joe Gardner, Bar Dogs founder

and current member of Rum Runners band, has over 40 years of experience playing guitar and harmonica – he knows how to fine tune any perfor-mance to a particular audience.

Ramos quipped, “And Joe plays a mean harp.”

Acoustic guitarist Dee “Goldie” Goldbloom and bassist Bob Miller are two new faces to the bar scene. Goldie is returning from a ten year hiatus and Miller is playing in his first band.

Originally it was just Gardner, Goldie and Miller playing together, Ramos said.

“After jamming together every Tuesday, the owner of Chief’s asked Joe to play. From there he called me and added Eddy,” Ramos said.

What started as a fun thing has become a regular gig, he explained, which is why the band continues to keep it light.

In addition to two new members, the group brings up special guest gui-tarists and vocalists, to go along with their traditional blues cover songs.

Ramos says sometimes the guests

know they will be coming up stage, and sometimes it is a surprise – which can produce more laughter and energy from the audience.

Whether it’s a side band for mem-bers such as Ramos and Gardner, a return to playing on the bar scene or someone coming to the stage from the crowd, Bar Dogs is sure to liven the mood on any given night, says Ramos.

“It’s just having a lot of fun,” He said of going out for a night and hang-ing with the Dogs. “And not taking yourself so seriously. These guys are just so down to Earth”

Bar Dogs are playing live on Dec. 7 at Quades Store in Bushwood, Dec. 15 at Chief’s in Tall Timbers and New Year’s Eve at the Leonardtown Grille. All shows begin at 8 p.m. and there will be no cover charge at any of these performances.

To book the band contact Gold-bloom at 240-298-9702.

According to Ramos, Chief’s is their “home base.”

[email protected] Photos courtesy of Mickey RamosBar Dogs Performs

Thursday, November 29, 201231 The County TimesW

hat’sGoing On

In EntertainmentThursday, Nov. 29

Live Music: “GrooveSpan”Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 8 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 30Newtowne Players Performance: “A Christmas Story”Three Notch Theatre (21744 South Coral Drive, Lexington Park) – 8 p.m.

Live Music: “Dave Norris”DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 6 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 1Live Music: “Country Memories Band”Forrest Career and Technology Center (24005 Point Look-out Road, Leonardtown) – 3 p.m.

Live Music: “GrooveSpan”Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 6:30 p.m.

Live Music: “Lake Effects”Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) – 8:30 p.m.

Live Music: “Tonight’s Alibi”Cryer’s Back Road Inn (22094 Newtowne Neck Road, Leonardtown) – 9 p.m.

Newtowne Players Performance: “A Christmas Story”Three Notch Theatre (21744 South Coral Drive, Lexington Park) – 2 p.m.

Newtowne Players Performance: “A Christmas Story”Three Notch Theatre (21744 South Coral Drive, Lexington Park) – 8 p.m.

Live Music: “Pandora’s Box”Big Dogs Paradise (28765 Three Notch Road, Mechanics-ville) – 9:30 p.m.

Live Music: “No Green Jelly Beenz”Vera’s White Sands Beach Club (1200 White Sands Drive, Lusby) – 9:30 p.m.

Live Music: “Fran Scuderi”Running Hare Vineyard (150 Adelina Road, Prince Freder-ick) – 1 p.m.

Live Music: “Redwine Jazz Trio”The Westlawn Inn (9200 Chesapeake Avenue, North Beach) – 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 2Live Music: “Gerry Swarbrick”Running Hare Vineyard (150 Adelina Road, Prince Freder-ick) – 1 p.m.

Live Music: “Country Memories Band”St. Mary’s Landing (St. Mary’s Landing (29935 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall) – 4 p.m.

Newtowne Players Performance: “A Christmas Story”Three Notch Theatre (21744 South Coral Drive, Lexington Park) – 3:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 3Zumba FitnessCallaway Baptist Church (20960 Point Lookout Road, Cal-laway) – 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec 4Live Music: “Fair Warning”DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 5Live Music: “Mason Sebastian”DB McMillan’s (23415 Three Notch Road, California) – 5 p.m.

Free Beginner Line Dance LessonsHotel Charles (15110 Burnt Store Road, Hughesville) – 7 p.m.

Concert and Open House - Live Music: “St. Maries Mu-sica Harmonies”State House (Old State House Rd, St. Mary’s City) – 7 p.m.

GRIFFIN’SBBQ &

Catering

240-249-3490 30090 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622

Open: Wednesday – Saturday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sunday: Noon – 8 p.m.

Entrees come with friesAnd a 20 oz drink

LUNCH SPECIALSWednesday,

Thursday & Friday11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

$7.99Your Choice of:

6 WingsWhiting-2 fillets

1/4 ChickenPulled Beef Sandwich

Pulled Chicken SandwichPulled Pork Sandwich

The County Times is always looking for more local talent to feature.

To submit art or band information for our entertainment section,

e-mail [email protected].


Real Estate

FSBO: 3 BR, 1.5 Bath. Magnificent renovation! New Everything! 2 Story Home in Westlake. Fireplace, Shed,

Washer and Dryer. Quiet neighborhood near schools, shopping, restaurants, etc.

3 blocks from O’Donnels Lake. Bike trail behind home. $174,900 possible owner

financing or rent with option to buy. Call (301) 888-1287, leave messages speak slowly. Current credit report done by

potential buyer. Serious inquiries only.

Real Estate Rentals

Apartment Rentals

Vehicles

For Sale: ‘96 F150 XLT 5.0L AUTOMATIC. 136k Miles. Runs great. Very clean, two-tone. Power locks and

windows. Cold A/C. Call or text (240) 538-1914 for details or pictures. $4,000 obo.

Vehicles

Auctions

1, 2 bedrooms apts availableFitness Center, Beach Access, EHO

301-795-1222www.SpyglassAptHomes.com21620 Spyglass Way, Lexington Park

Professionally managed byOP Property Management, LLC

Corporate address:Aimco

4582 S Ulster St, Ste 1100Denver, CO 80237

Property:Spyglass at Cedar Cove

21620 Spyglass WayLexington Park, MD 20653

SpyglaSS at Cedar Cove

Placing An Ad Publication Days Important InformationEmail your ad to: [email protected] or Call: 301-373-4125 or Fax: 301-373-4128. Liner Ads (No artwork or special type) Charged by the line with the 4 line minimum. Display Ads (Ads with artwork, logos, or special type) Charged by the inch with the 2 inch minimum. All

private party ads must be paid before ad is run.

The County Times will not be held responsible for any ads omitted for any reason. The County Times reserves the right to edit or reject any classified ad not meeting the standards of The County Times. It is your responsiblity to check the ad on its first publication and call us if a mistake is found. We will correct your ad only if notified after the

first day of the first publication ran.

The County Times is published each Thursday.Deadlines are Tuesday at 12 noon

Office hours are: Monday thru Friday 8am - 4pm

I have clients looking for waterfront, lots,

acreage & homes. Call1-800-MR LISTER

(Billy)fitzgeraldrealty.net

LANDLORDSDo you need a tenant?

RENTERSCall us about Rentals!

RENTAL KING301-737-7854

Why advertise your goods and services

in SOMD Publishing? • Readers are actively

looking for your listing.

• Our newspapers are also

online for everyone to see!

• Potential buyers can

clip and save your ad.

• NOW HIRING?• GOT A LAWNMOWER TO SELL?

• AN APARTMENT FOR RENT?• A HOME TO SELL?

People still turn to the Classifieds first.

Calvert Gazette Everything Calvert County

So the next time you want something

seen fast, get it in writing...get it in the Classifieds!

To Place Your Ad Call Cindi @301-373-4125 • countytimes.somd.com

The County Times Serving St. Mary’s

CLASSIFIEDS

TEL: 301-373-4125 • FAX: 301-373-4128 • [email protected]

Nursery Stock AuctionSat. Dec 8th 9am

In conjunction with Brubacher’s225 Containers,

3 gallons and largerBlueberries, Boxwoods,

Azalias, White Pine, Nandinas’98 S10 Pick Up King Cab

All New 4 Cyl Eng w/ Super Charger, Dark Green Spoiler Kit,

Decal Hood, Upgraded Headlights. Inside Tricked Out, Air Bags, Switches to Raise &

Lower and Sprayed in Bed Liner. Asking,$16,000 OBO or $7000

w/ Car Trade. Call 240-561-1564


TEL: 301-373-4125 • FAX: 301-373-4128 • [email protected]

Prime Rib • Seafood • Sunday BrunchBanquet & Meeting Facilities

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

301-737-0777

www.somd.com

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

301-481-3348 • [email protected]

Pulliam Paint Contractor LLC

& Power WashingDickie Pulliam • Owner/Operator

25 Years in

Business

301-866-0777 Pub & Grill23415 Three Notch Road

California Maryland

255 Days Till St. Patrick’s Daywww.dbmcmillans.com

Entertainment All Day Est. 1982 Lic #12999

Heating & Air Conditioning

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

snheatingac.com

Cross & WoodAssoCiAtes, inC.

Serving The Great Southern Maryland Counties since 1994Employer/Employee Primary Resource Consultants

Group & IndividualHealth, Dental, Vision, AFLAC, Life, Long Term Care,

Short & Long Term Disability,Employer & Employee Benefits Planning

Phone 301-884-59001-800 524-2381

12685 Amberleigh LaneLa Plata, MD 20646

Phone 301-934-4680Fax 301-884-0398

28231 Three Notch Rd, #101Mechanicsville, MD 20659

DireCToryBusiness

Advertise in Our

Business direCtOrY

As LOW As $50 A WeekFOr BOtH PAPers!*

reGuLAr PriCe:

$65 Per Week in eACH

neWsPAPer

*COMMit tO 12 Weeks in BOtH

neWsPAPers At GreAt

disCOunts!

Contact Cindi: 301-373-4125

[email protected]

Available at Two Locations: Leonardtown & Mechanicsville

Bring a friend with this coupon and pay just $300.00!!

Evening and Night class available. Call today and save yourself a seat!

Expires November 20th, 2012

Winter Special!

Call To Register: 301-472-1702

Moore’s Driving AcADemy

46924 Shangri-La Drive Lexington Park, MD 20653

301-863-9497www.coletravel.biz

Let me plan your next vacation!

Erica [email protected]


CommunityLocal Hotel Receives State Recognition

‘Justice in the Aftermath of the Holocaust’

Library items

Zombies vs Humans Teens and adults will become either a zombie or survivor at

the Zombies vs Humans program at the Lexington Park library on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. Those attending will receive survival tips and will participate in Zombie Fear Factor and maybe a flash mob. Costumes are encouraged. The program is free and no registra-tion is required.

Workshops focus on eReaders and tablets

Leonardtown branch is offering one-hour mini sessions fo-cusing on specific eReaders. Checking out ebooks on an iPad will be covered on Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. while on Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. it will cover the Kindle Fire. These do not require registration.

The pros and cons of the various eReaders and tablets will be discussed at the eReader workshop at Charlotte Hall branch on Dec. 7 at 2:30 p.m. Individuals interested in buying either an eReader or tablet are encouraged to come and try out the library’s devices and get their questions answered. Registration is required.

Storytimes, holiday parties

Lexington Park branch will hold an evening storytime at 6 p.m. on Dec. 5. Charlotte Hall and Leonardtown will offer eve-ning storytime at 6 p.m. on Dec. 6 followed by LEGO fun at 6:30 p.m.

Holiday stories, crafts and fun are planned for children aged 5 and under at the annual Holiday Surprise programs scheduled at Charlotte Hall on Dec. 10 and at Leonardtown and Lexington Park libraries on Dec. 13. All three will begin at 6:00 p.m.

Parents can enjoy fun activities with their children while learning everyday activities to help their little ones get ready to read at Lexington Park branch on Dec. 11 at 10:30 a.m.

St. Maries Musica Minstrels to performThe public is invited to Lexington Park library on Dec. 10 to

enjoy an evening of music performed by St. Maries Musica Min-strels. The Musica Minstrels, dressed in Renaissance costumes, will sing carols and seasonal music from several different time periods. The free family concert will begin at 7 p.m.

Reception planned for Candy Cummings

A reception for local artist Candy Cummings will be held on Dec. 12 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lexington Park Library Art Gallery. Her artwork will be on display through Feb.

Grant seeking basics to be presented

An overview of the funding research process for those seek-ing grants from foundations, corporations and grant making pub-lic charities will be presented at Lexington Park branch on Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. Registration is required.

Katharina von Kellenbach, a professor of Religious Studies and former Chair of the Department of Phi-losophy and Religious Studies at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, posed the question, “How do families and societies move beyond an event of mass violence, such as the Holocaust?” during her presentation at the Col-lege of Southern Maryland, Oct. 25. Her lecture, "The Mark of Cain: Justice in the Aftermath of the Holo-caust,” sponsored by CSM’s Institutional Equity and Diversity Office and the Maryland Humanities Council, is available online through www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhASXKPPCaw&feature=share&list=ECBE69BC7E510576CD. During the lecture, von Kellenbach draws on personal experience to explore the moral, emotion-al and legal dilemmas of living with perpetrators in the period after a genocide, including how the practices of justice, forgiveness and remembrance can lead beyond the devastation of the past into new relationships between perpetrators, victims and their communities.

Katharina von Kellenbach during her presentation at the College of Southern Maryland, Oct. 25.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Lexington Park Patuxent River NAS was recognized for its con-tributions to sustainable tourism and green travel by the Maryland Office of Tourism Development at the 32nd Annual Tourism and Travel Summit in Cambridge, Maryland. Over 200 hospitality professionals attended the event.

Accepting the award on be-half of the hotel was, Joan Ro-sati, Director of Sales. “It was an honor to accept this award on behalf of Cherry Cove Hospital-ity, and our hotel Team Mem-bers that practice sustainability every day,” said Rosati.

The Maryland Tourism Awards pay tribute to organi-zations that have significantly contributed to the efforts of the tourism office and board to boost jobs and economic impact in Maryland's tourism industry. The awards recognize excel-lence and major contributions

in the following four categories: economic impact, green/sustain-able tourism, cultural heritage tourism and elevating Mary-land’s image as a tourism desti-nation. The Lexington Park ho-tel features innovations in build-ing construction and promoting green practices not only to their employees, but to their guests earned them this distinguished award.

The hotel is owned by Lex-ington Park Hotel Partners III and managed by Cherry Cove Hospitality, LLC. The hotel is the brand's first Leadership in Energy and Environmental De-sign (LEED)-certified hotel in the brand's portfolio.

“Sustainability is a key as-pect for the Home2 brand con-cept and it is a great honor to be recognized by the Maryland Of-fice of Tourism for our contribu-tions to green/sustainable tour-ism,” said Brian Norris, CEO of

Cherry Cove Hospitality.The eco-friendly hotel re-

ceived the second level of LEED accreditation, due in part to the standard Home2 appointments that the brand incorporates to promote sustainability through-out all properties. These include low-flow showers and faucets, CFL light bulbs, dual-flush toi-lets, recycled flooring, saline pools, Energy Star appliances, and carpet, material and surfac-es made from recycled product and other sustainable product se-lections. Home2 properties also use real dishes, glasses and mugs instead of disposable place set-

tings. The landscaping features indigenous plants, which signifi-cantly minimizes water usage and irrigation needs. These in-novative ideas, among many oth-ers, are what earned the Home2 Suites Lexington Park the Mary-land tourism award.

The Maryland Tourism Awards are open to all indi-viduals, private businesses and non-profit organizations offer-ing a tourism product or service in Maryland. A panel of judges representing Maryland's tour-ism community reviews each nomination.

Maryland Office of Tourism Develop-ment recognized Home2 Suites by Hil-ton Lexington Park Patuxent River NAS for its contributions to sustainable tour-ism and green travel.


CommunityLions Club Donates

to Camp Merrick

CSM Robotics Team Brings Home Trophy

The President of the Leonardtown Lions Club, “King Lion” George Kirby, is shown presenting a check for $4,000 to Ms. Heidi Fick, Director of the Lions Camp Merrick. This camp is located near Nan-jemoy, on the Potomac River, in Charles County, Maryland. Lions Camp Merrick, a nonprofit summer camp for blind, deaf and diabetic children, is supported by the Lions Clubs in District 22-C, which includes the counties of Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, and the Dis-

trict of Columbia. Monies raised from the Annual St. Mary’s Crab Festival, which is administered and presented by the Leonar-dtown Lions Club, are used to support nu-merous county and local nonprofit service programs, including Camp Merrick. Our motto is “We Serve!” For more informa-tion on how to, and why you should, be-come a member of the Leonardtown Li-ons Club, please contact the King Lion at 301-475-3188.

The College of Southern Maryland’s collegiate robotics team, the Talons, challenged the Mulhlenburg College of Pennsylvania to the game “Sack Attack” Nov. 3 at the La Plata Campus. “Our first-ever college robotics tournament, with support from the Charles County Technology Council and NAVEODTECHDIV, ran smoothly with some close matches, but the Talons came through in the end with a win,” said CSM Professor Bernice Brezina, the team’s sponsor. “All their hard work is starting to pay off and I couldn’t be more proud of how well the team did and their positive attitude throughout.” The Talons team of Tiffany Lei, of La Plata; Nathan Hancock, of Bryantown; Ngan Than Ngo, of Waldorf; John Hamel and Team Captain Willy Hamel, of Mechanicsville; Stewart Smith, Chiebuka Ezekwenna and Jimmy O’Brien, of Waldorf; Jonathan Frank, of Indian Head; and Jacob Brezina (junior member), of Swan Point, along with team members not pic-tured, Heather Stripling, of Waldorf; Mark Mahan, of Nanjemoy; Elliott Bebee, of Ow-ings and Christopher Williams, of Waldorf, are preparing for the collegiate VEX League ranking sessions and then the League Championship at CSM on Feb. 16 at CSM. For information on CSM’s robotics program, visit www.csmd.edu/istem/events_csmrobotic-sVEX.html.

Historic St. Mary’s City has been awarded funds from the Maryland De-partment of Transportation Recreational Trails Program to purchase two people movers. The solar/electric, 14-seat, street- legal vehicles are slated to go into service in March 2013.

At Historic St. Mary’s City, history covers a lot of territory. Because most of the exhibits are located on actual histori-cal sites, the developed portion of HSMC covers 40 non-contiguous acres. Miles of trails between exhibits can be prohibitive during hot Southern Maryland summers. “The people movers will open up access to the mobility impaired,” said HSMC

executive director Regina Faden, Ph.D. “All members of a group will be able to safely and easily travel together to the liv-ing history exhibits and the St. John’s Site Museum. And I imagine a lift between sites will be welcomed by visitors who ar-rive by boat.” The trams will run during summer weekends, special events, and for scheduled tours.

Historic St. Mary’s City is a museum of living history and archaeology on the site of Maryland’s first capital in tidewater Southern Maryland. For more informa-tion about the museum contact the Visitor Center at 240-895-4990, 800-SMC-1634, or [email protected].

Moving People In St. Mary’s City

PET OF THE WEEKHello Everyone, My name is Garth and I am a sweet and lovable

male collie/beagle mix. I am a little shy and just need someone who can give me lots of love and attention. I was born on July 1, 2010 and am looking for a family who will love and cherish me the rest of my life. Both of our sisters found a home and I still have two brothers and myself who are looking for families to call their own. We would love to have a home really soon. We are current on vaccinations, neutered, crate trained, heartworm nega-tive and identification micro chipped. If you have a place in your heart and home for me please contact [email protected] or call 240-925-0628. Please Adopt, Don't Shop !!!


Last Week’s Puzzle Solutions

erKiddieKor nCLUES ACROSS

1. Light colored cigar 6. A scrap of cloth 9. Fluid used to cool a system 11. Abel’s brother (Bible) 12. Prohibitions 13. River in NE Scotland 14. Beige 15. Strongly opposed 17. Shoelace end 19. French caps 20. Sings jazz improvisations 21. Daisylike fall flower 22. Wild Asian goat 23. Beginning to end (abbr.) 24. Tell on 25. Location of White House 27. 1/60 minute (abbr.) 28. Tailless primate 29. Rt. angle building wing 31. Drunks’ disease 32. Gallivant about 33. To be necessary

35. Frosts 37. Newman’s “Winning” character 39. Dwarf buffaloes 41. Tenant or lessee 42. A citizen of Iran 43. Inner sole of a shoe 44. Tabloid papers 45. Sandhurst abbreviation 48. Egyptian Sun god 49. Give out radiation 50. Gives or contributes 52. Where wine ferments (abbr.) 53. Beaumont, Texas University CLUES DOWN 1. The work of building 2. Misplaces 3. Atomic #13 4. Radioactivity unit 5. Smallest whole number 6. Subspecies (pl.) 7. Redirect 8. Wildebeest

9. Moved headlong at high speed 10. Impart knowledge 11. Early people of Britain 12. Moorings 15. Goat and camel hair fabric 16. Part of a three-piece suit 18. Store for lawn & plants 20. Dulled by surfeit 22. Spanish appetizers 24. Acts with violent anger 26. Frees from dirt 30. Tauon 34. Affaire d’honneur 36. Traveling tinker (Scot.) 38. They ___ 39. Potters white clay 40. Father of the Am. cartoon, Thomas 41. Lariat or lasso 42. Metric foot of two syllables 44. Confederate soldier 46. Mole’s unit symbol 47. Nursing organization 51. Morning time


By Linda RenoContributing Writer

When we take our mar-riage vows, I’m sure we all mean every word we say. Often vows are broken and divorce follows. Had you had been living in colonial days, divorce wasn’t an option.

Rose Tucker, born about 1668 in Westmoreland County, Virginia was the daughter of John and Rose Tucker. Her father died in 1671 and shortly afterwards her mother married Thomas Gerard who settled first in St. Mary’s County and later moved to his property in Westmoreland County (directly across the Po-tomac River from St. Clement’s Manor).

About 1680 Rose married Ebenezer Blackistone of Cecil County. They probably met through Ebene-zer’s cousin Nehemiah Blackistone who married Elizabeth Gerard (daughter of Thomas Gerard by his first wife, Susanna Snow). The marriage was a disas-ter from the beginning.

On June 8, 1681 William Fitzhugh (husband of Rose’s sister, Sarah Tucker) wrote a letter to Kenelm Cheseldine (husband of Mary Gerard and brother-in-law of Nehemiah Blackistone who had married Eliza-beth Gerard).

“Letter to Kenelm Cheseldine, Attorney General of Maryland, from William Fitzhugh. Sir. The cruelty of Mr. Blackston towards my sister-in-law is grown so notorious and cruel that there is no possibility of keeping it any longer private with the preservation of her life, his cruelty already having occasioned her to make two or three attempts to destroy herself, which if not timely prevented will inevitably follow, there-

fore Sir, in relation of my affinity to her, as also at the instance and request of Mr. Newton, to propose some remedy….Mr. Newton can given you a full ac-count of his cruelty and barbarity toward her and has evidences ready to prove, therefore I advised him to consult you for the manner of proceeding therein, and earnestly request you will assist him in it…It can-not properly be called a divorce, but a separation…coverture continues and consequently a maintenance allowed her and dower after his decease…I question not but you are furnished with precedents of like na-ture, therefore your assistance and advice in this af-fair is desired.”

There was no help for Rose. In 1697 she “eloped” with a man named Edward Bathurst. Charges were filed alleging that Bathurst and Rose had “lived to-gether in a wicked and scandalous manner.” The case went to trial in the Provincial Court on April 8, 1700 where Bathurst was found guilty and fined 400 pounds of tobacco (a paltry sum in those days). After this Rose and Bathurst disappear from the records.

Bathurst’s defense attorney was George Plater (1664-1707), the immigrant ancestor, who married Ann Burford (widow of Robert Doyne). Their son was George Plater, Jr. (1695-1755) who married Re-becca Addison (widow of James Bowles) through whom he acquired “Sotterley” and their son was George Plater III (1735-1792) who died just three months after being elected Governor of Maryland. George III married first, Hannah Lee of “Blenheim” in Charles County (now the site of the Morgantown Generating Station, on Rt. 301 to the left just before crossing the Governor Nice Bridge into Virginia) and second, Elizabeth Rousby.

A Journey Through TimeA Journey Through TimeThe ChronicleWanderings

Leftover Thoughts

By Shelby OppermannContributing Writer

I hope every one of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving – maybe even two, like we do every year. We ended up with three turkeys, several types of stuffing and gravies, a ham, my two pies, at least four pumpkin pies, and lots of different wines at my niece’s house in Jeffersonton, Virginia. Then the next day my husband marinated and cooked a delicious beef tenderloin here at the house for his children and our grandchildren. I suppose you, like me, are trying to think up unique recipes to use up those leftovers. This Sunday at church also happened to be potluck refreshments. I nor-mally bring some sort of turkey surprise casserole – which wasn’t bad. Last night it was beef tenderloin surprise over egg noodles.

I think all the leftovers are pretty much gone now – back to normal meals; though I am thinking of starting The Reader’s Digest Diet by next Monday. I’m waiting until then because a few items we just bought, like 2% milk and my half and half, are not allowed. It’s a 21-day plan where the first five days are all shakes and soups. It sounds pretty doable. The hardest thing for me – and Tidbit - to give up would be our morning hot tea with cream and sugar. It didn’t work this morning anyway. My husband said he’s ready to start a healthier diet too. During the summer he’s outside working on pools all day, and he doesn’t need to worry about it. But come wintertime it’s a little harder he says. But he is always busy; either chop-ping wood for our woodstove, or working in his Junior Warden role to keep everything running smoothing for the three buildings of our church. And there is always something that needs attention in a church from 1736. Our house should keep him busy enough. He has several projects going on here as well.

The first day he was completely done with pool work, he said he was going to do nothing and asked me where the chocolate bon-bons were. Luckily (or maybe not) Judy next door to my shop bakes all sorts of cook-ies, candies, and breads to sell at the Crafts Guild. Yes, I came home with bon-bons for my husband, and two loaves of rich, moist pumpkin bread for good measure. Of course he ended up doing plenty of work like usual…but he did eat his bon-bons.

Now, our thoughts turn to Christmas, and thinking about the most perfect gifts for our family members. My friend Debs and I had a won-derful time yesterday wandering around Wentworth Nursery in Charlotte Hall. Every time we thought we had seen every Christmas ornament or one of their beautiful Christmas vignettes, we would find something else we hadn’t seen before. My goal was to find a pine scent for our artificial tree that wouldn’t set off my allergies. I found a very natural, light scent that I can’t wait to use. I got a few small gifts, and then found myself fas-cinated with these sprays of silver glitter glass garland to put in your tree. I was seeing all these possibilities other than the tree, and can’t wait to find a use for them. The area that fascinates Debs and I the most I think is the fairy village area. There are terrariums with miniature-sized plants, min-iature wrought iron furniture, and even miniature gazing balls. Last year I bought the fairy door, and hope to build a little fairy village by one of our old trees soon. It is really hard to leave that section. I’m sure I don’t really need any more projects, but that’s what keeps your mind active and feel-ing young. Well, I don’t know about the young part, but maybe after next Monday I’ll be revitalized and re-energized – all I can do is try. If anyone wants to do the RD diet with me – let me know, we can support each other.

To each new day’s adventure, Shelby

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

Book Review

By Terri SchlichenmeyerContributing Writer

Your life can be tracked by the photos of your pets.

Snap, there’s your first cat, held tightly in your chubby toddler arms. Snap, you with a neighbor’s dog, who always covered you with kisses. Snap, you with your own pup on your tenth birthday. Snap, your first horse, your bird, your aquarium.

Author Lauren Slater has always loved ani-mals, too, wild and otherwise. In her new book “The $60,000 Dog,” she remembers them...

For her ninth birthday, Lauren Slater got a new bicycle.

It was the perfect present for a curious girl from the Golden Ghetto. Many of her neighbors were Ho-locaust survivors, and Slater longed to get away from the city because there were no trees there. She started to ride further and further away from home until one day, she realized that she was in the country. There were cows there; foxes, spiders, and other wildlife.

It was the perfect escape for a child who felt unloved by a mother struggling with mental illness.

Once she was a mother herself, Slater allowed her own daughter to take riding lessons. The proxim-ity to the animals made Slater remember her weeks spent on a horse farm, despite that her mother said “… Jewish people do not ride horses.”

It’d been a magical summer with a real horse-woman in charge. Of twelve girls on the farm that year, Slater had the least amount of experience but she learned a lot: cantering, jumping, falling… and

that grown-ups can be unbelievably cruel.By age 15, Slater had given up horses – perhaps

because her family had given up on her. Through some stroke of luck, she was sent to a foster family that fostered a something good in her, although she didn’t know it until she’d left their home.

But Slater grew up, went to college, and got married to a man who, much to her consternation, wasn’t an animal lover. Undaunted, she got two dogs, which prompted him to figure out what the animals cost.

One of them, it turned out, was $60,000 – and priceless.

Oh, there’s so much to love about “The $60,000 Dog.”

And there’s so much to hate.With some of the richest prose you’ll ever see in

a memoir, author Lauren Slater draws readers into a magical world of forest, a lonely attic room, a subur-ban home filled with frustrated anger, and a lush pas-ture ripe with grassy scent. Slater subtly puts animals just off-center of her stories, yet they’re always there. We can feel them, too.

But this beauty is circled by some of the harsh-est, most painful words in print. A dog is drugged to death. A horse is whipped; pets are lost, denied, or in pain. I cringed, but I couldn’t look away because Slater wouldn’t let me.

And that’s what you need to know about this book: it’s good, it’s bad, and it’s impossible to stop once you start it. And if you’re an animal lover with a complicated, human life, “The $60,000 Dog” is a book you should snap up.

“The $60,000 Dog: My Life with Animals” by Lauren Slater

c.2012, Beacon Press $24.95 / $28.95 Canada 280 pages

Aimless Mind

of anDivorce in Colonial Maryland


The Spark Plugs of Body Function

Great gifts for men and wom-en hoping to get healthier

By Debra Meszaroswww.MXSportsNutrition.com

The ability to stay forever young may seem like a chapter out of your favorite fairytale, but telomere re-search is showing promise in develop-ing a human blueprint for a fountain of youth. Now, who wouldn’t want to slow down or reverse their age if they could?

For now the question is, are you aging faster than you should?

Telomere research might just be proving that chronologi-cal age means nothing, and it is your physiological age that means everything.

Telomeres are the cellular caps at the end of a chromo-some; sort of like the plastic ends to your shoelaces. They pro-tect your chromosomes from damage and most importantly, from fusion to other chromosomes, preventing rearranging. During cellular rejuvenation, cellular replication occurs only a certain amount of times before telomeres begin to shorten, shrinking. Eventually the cell loses the ability to replicate, and dies. We know this as the aging process.

Like thousands of other functions in the body there is an enzyme involved in this process, telomerase. Telomerase is a “ribonucleoprotein complex” and its activation rebuilds the telomere cap of your DNA. Through recent studies we now understand that shortened telomeres impair immune func-tion, allow organs to deteriorate, and are possibly linked to many age-related diseases.

So will lengthening your telomeres lengthen your life?Keeping the body in a state of constantly producing new

healthy cells obviously slows the cellular aging process. It is telomere length that reflects physiological age and your state of true health. Interestingly, telomeres are the only known dy-namic portion of our genes that appear influenced by non-ge-netic factors. Meaning, things such as diet, lifestyle, and state of mental health are all potential role players. Increased ac-tivity in Telomerase seems to correlate with eating a healthy diet, getting exercise, and reduced stress. Psychological suf-fering, depression, anxiety, increased levels of cortisol, and oxidative stress all seem to shorten telomeres.

A nutritional time machine?Oxidative stress is simply an imbalance between the

amount of free radicals vs. antioxidants within the body, as well as the body’s ability to detoxify. No one is exempt from

oxidative stress. Many athletes do not recognize that during their efforts to stay fit and train, they produce an abundance of free radicals. There are many advantages to increasing anti-oxidant intake. It is also very important that the natural detox pathways are kept open. Exploring your options for support-ing the balance between these factors may prove beneficial. Dietary adjustments and certain supplements could possibly aid the body in these functions and perhaps develop a nutri-tional time machine, that one day, may prove to turn back the hands of time.

©2012 Debra Meszaros MXSportsNutrition.com. All rights reserved; no duplication without permission.

DISCLAIMER: When you read through the diet and lifestyle information, you must know that everything within it is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a sub-stitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. I am making no attempt to prescribe any medical treatment. You should not use the information here for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. The products and the claims made about specific products have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Confirm the safety of any supplements with your M.D., N.D. or pharmacist (healthcare professional). Some information given is solely an opinion, thought and or conclusion based on experiences, trials, tests, assessments or other available sources of information. I do not make any guarantees or promises with regard to results. I may discuss substances that have not been subject to double blind clinical studies or FDA approval or regu-lation. You assume the responsibility for the decision to take any natural remedy.

You and only you are responsible if you choose to do anything with the information you have read. You do so at your own risk. Use your intelligence to make the decisions that are right for you. Consulting a naturopathic doctor is strongly advised especially if you have any existing disease or condition.

Although food and presents may be on the minds of holiday hosts and hostesses, they may want to give some consideration to beverages as well. To be ac-commodating to the most num-ber of guests, include sugar-free beverages when celebrating the season.

According to a study by Tala Fakhouri, an epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diet drinks are overtaking sugary beverages among many health-conscious men and women. Research found diet drink consumption has increased over the past de-cade, reinforcing other the belief that regular soda drinking has decreased. Diet drinks include calorie-free and low-calorie so-das, fruit drinks, energy drinks, carbonated waters, and sports beverages.

Sugar consumption in so-das has dropped from around 150 calories a day in 2000 to 91

calories in 2008, indicated study findings. Men are more likely to consume sugary drinks, while 21 percent of diet drinks are con-sumed by women.

Sugary beverages have been under fire for years, particularly because of their suspected link to rising obesity levels. At roughly 150 calories per serving, one sugary soft drink per day can add roughly 1,000 calories to the average person’s diet per week.

When hosting guests for the holidays it is important to make available a wide variety of bever-ages. Water is always the healthi-est beverage, so make that avail-able to all guests. Put filtered water in a pitcher with some cucumber or apple slices for a re-freshing flavor. For those serving soft drinks, have diet varieties on hand for people who are counting calories. All-natural fruit juices may be a wise choice for parties with children in attendance.

Think diet drinks for holiday entertaining

The holidays are synonymous with many things, including get-togethers with family and friends, shopping and, at the tail end of the season, resolutions. One of the more common New Year’s resolutions is a commitment to getting healthier. This year, holiday shoppers can combine the tradi-tion of gift-giving with the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions by giving a loved one who wants to improve personal health a gift that can make keeping that resolution that much easier.

When holiday shopping this season, consider the following gift ideas for that health-conscious friend or family member who’s looking to turn over a new leaf in the new year by adopting a healthier lifestyle.

* Gym membership: Fitness centers tend to see a spike in enrollment at the dawn of a new year, as men and women who want to get healthier take the first step by signing up for a gym membership. The holiday season can be a great time to sign up for a membership, as many fitness centers waive their initiation fees in an effort to attract more customers. When trying to help a friend or family member get back on a healthy track, offer to pay a portion of their membership fees or, if their preferred club is charging an initiation fee, offer to pay that instead. Recipients might feel more obligated to go to the gym if they know a loved one helped pay for it.

* Cardiovascular machine: Many people cite a lack of time as the primary reason they don’t ex-ercise enough. Getting to and from the gym takes time, but having a cardiovascular machine, whether it’s an elliptical machine, an exercise bike or a tread-mill, at home removes this hurdle, increasing the chances that people will exercise more often. And the potential benefits of routine cardiovascular ex-ercise are considerable. According to the American Heart Association, as little as 30 minutes of daily cardiovascular exercise each day can significantly reduce an individual’s risk for heart disease.

* Bicycle: Few activities are more enjoyable and simultaneously beneficial as riding a bicycle. Many people still enjoy riding a bike just like they did when they were children, when they might not have known just how healthy riding a bicycle was.

Cycling improves cardiovascular fitness, lowering a person’s risk for heart disease while helping to build and tone muscles. In addition, men and women with preexisting joint conditions often find riding a bi-cycle is a great low-impact exercise that encourages them to get off the couch in a way that doesn’t ag-gravate their conditions. Many adults received a bi-cycle as a holiday gift when they were children, and those looking to adopt a healthier lifestyle might be just as excited to receive a bicycle once again.

* Cookbook: Adopting a healthier lifestyle does not have to be all about exercise. In fact, eat-ing healthier is just as important as exercising more. A common misconception about eating healthy is that healthy foods don’t boast the flavor of those ir-resistible, yet ultimately unhealthy, foods we can’t get enough of. However, a healthy diet can be fla-vorful, so help health-conscious men and women get started with a cookbook filled with healthy and delicious recipes. Before buying a cookbook, find out if the book’s eventual recipient has any specific dietary restrictions, including if he or she needs to eat gluten-free or has been told to avoid red meat. Then find a cookbook that suits them but does so in a way that allows them to embrace healthy eating.

Subsidizing a loved one's gym membership is a great way to help him or her realize a resolution of living healthier in the year ahead.


By Ronald N. Guy Jr.Contributing Writer

Where? Iowa. When? November 20, 2012.

Ginnell College, a Division III school with less than 2,000 students, secured an unlikely spot among the sports world’s headlines after Jack Taylor, a guard on the men’s basketball team, scored an astonishing 138 points against Faith Baptist Bible Col-lege. That’s right, 138 points in a single game. No, the game didn’t go into dec-uple overtime (Yes, decuple is a word…means “10 parts”…and yes, I had to look it up), it ended in regulation with Grin-nell cruising to an “uneventful” 179-104 victory. Post-game, Taylor’s gaudy tally took a victory lap of sorts as it reverber-ated through the sports world. Kobe Bryant and LeBron James were even asked to offer their awestruck thoughts. Everyone was loving themselves some Grinnell College and Jack Taylor. I’m miffed no one asked my opinion.

Once upon a time, my youth basket-ball coach mandated a certain number

of passes during each possession before a shot was attempted. I hated the rule; so much so that my inner rebel overflowed once and I hoisted a three ball a few passes short of the prescribed minimum. I made the shot. My reward? A prolonged benching. I scoffed at the injustice. It still

bothers me. But my coach, a staunch purveyor of team principles, was on a mission to etch the concepts of personal sacrifice, sharing the ball, working in harmony with your teammates – you know, team basketball – into our imper-vious minds.

I offer that personal nugget to pro-vide some context to what I’m about to say. Jack Taylor’s accomplishment an-noys me. His inorganic pursuit of a re-cord hijacked a competitive basketball game. Taylor’s tacky 138 points were the product of a basketball head coach/mad scientist and a player with a well-condi-tioned shooting arm cooking the books in an athletic lab, not the exemplary feat

of a player performing within the context of a team sport. This record is no more natural than Barry Bonds’ 73 homeruns in 2001. Ginnell vs. Faith Baptist was distorted into “an evening with Jack “The Gun” Taylor.” It’s analogous to attending a Rolling Stones concert and having Keith Richards break off a 2-hour guitar solo in a “to hell with you, Mick” moment. There’s no “I” in team, but there is a “me”, and Taylor proved it.

Look, I know I’m banging on a DIII kid who decided to have a little fun in a game his team had in hand. But there’s enough selfish, “look at me” play pervad-ing team sports and, fair or unfair, I ex-pect college athletics to remain protected habitat for the critically endangered team play. Taylor’s performance was more reminiscent of a NFL wide receiver or a B-list NBA star (see: Carmelo Anthony) than a college athlete. But don’t take my word for it. Let’s channel the spirits of Dr. James Naismith, John Wooden and Red Auerbach for their take on this cir-cus act poorly disguised as a basketball game. Do you think Magic Johnson, a guy whose motive operandi was to share the basketball and make his teammates better, was impressed? And, finally,

what say you of the double standard? Would we laud any NBA star for taking 79 percent of his team’s shots?

Still think I’m being too hard on Tay-lor? Let’s consult a source that doesn’t lie and isn’t influenced by emotion or personal opinion: the box score. Taylor jacked up 108 shots in 36 minutes of play or, stated more obnoxiously, a shot every 20 seconds. The Grinnell player with the second-most attempts was Aaron Levin, who had the audacity to shoot 6 times. Not offended yet? Good. Here’s the ulti-mate rub: Taylor dished out exactly zero – ZERO – assists, an unconscionable number for guard handling the rock that much. 108 shots and zero assists suggest a level of sharing that would flunk you out of Kindergarten. It’s certainly not how you play the game of basketball…at any level. So bask in your shame-less gimmick and every one of your 138 points, Jack Taylor. I’ll remember the of-fending zero on your stat line.

See coach, your lesson finally stuck. Sorry it took me 25 years to buy in.

Send comments to [email protected]

BleaChersA View From The

The Bothersome Zero

Sp rts

By Keith McGuireContributing Writer

My better half absolutely despises this time of year. I suppose, if you are not a hunter, you would agree. On the other hand, if you are reading this col-umn, then you might understand my di-lemma, or at least, harbor some sympathy for either her cause or mine.

As for me, this is a time of year that I live for.

The deer season starts off mildly enough with casual excursions into the woods as the

bugs begin to die off. It’s not long before deer hunt-ing activities begin to build to a point where good, mild-mannered, easy-to-get-along-with husbands rearrange their calendars for more solitude in the woods than a non-hunting wife would ever understand.

Then it happens. A deer is harvested and butchered, and the house begins to take on a different sort of aroma as the venison is cooked into stews, jerky, breakfast sau-sage, meat loaf, chili, and

other concoctions that a man cooks best. Meanwhile, Christmas shopping, craft

fairs and other such holiday preparations take center stage as an escape for a non-hunting spouse.

But, it doesn’t end there. Suppose, for a moment, that the harvested deer was a true trophy; one that would qualify for some-body’s record book. Now things get even more interesting in the “ordinary” household.

The hunter is absolutely sure that the magnificent animal that he has harvested is the best, or among the best – at the very least – that has ever been seen; at least in his household. A full shoulder mount is the only way to show respect to such a fine animal.

The non-hunting spouse is not im-pressed. Just where, exactly, is such a mount

to be displayed? It is designed to be on a wall, but that will not occur in the house where she lives. Perhaps it would look best in the garage, or the shed. Certainly it will not be displayed in the living room, dining room, or any bedroom of the main house; absolutely not.

And so it goes. The hunter who lives for this time of year is scoffed and disregarded as someone who wasted their time in the woods during such a beautiful and busy time of year. How could they!

Mind you, I am not talking about my lovely wife or me. This year’s trophy is be-ing treated as an absolute prize. The meat is being served in sumptuous casseroles and dishes fit for a king. The trophy mount will have a special place in my castle and the dé-cor will be suitably adjusted to fit the spirit of the harvest.

This will last for a month or two. After that, the beast moves to the garage or shed with the rest of the best ever deer mounts.

This reminds me of a good hunting bud-dy of mine who some years ago insisted that every buck that he harvested was spectacular in its own right. If it wasn’t pretty, then he had the taxidermist take some special measures to make it so. (Believe it or not, they can do anything.) The walls of his great room were festooned with many, many bucks, along with ducks, pheasant, foxes, wild turkeys, and other critters. It was truly spectacular. The end of this story is that he is no longer married and, sadly, lives on his own in half the house that he had when he was married.

Keith has hunted wild game and water-fowl in Maryland and other states for more than 45 years. When the fishing season wanes, you will find him in the woods until deer season finishes.

Fur andFeathersFur and

Feathers

enjoy the Trophy

Morgan Thompson harvested her own trophies before deer season.

Photo Courtesy of: Kill Theory Outdoor Video Productions


MHBRNo. 103

2012-11-29 the county times

Documents

county timesews

foster care home

free cup of coffee

free gift wrapping

free gift basket

foster care parents

home detention

grand opening circular