Thursday, March 15, 2012

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Whats Inside
4 9 11 14 16 County News Letters Obits Money Feature Story

The County Times

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Also Inside
18 Education 20 23 24 Community Community Calendar Crime 22 Entertainment Calendar

26 27 28 30 31

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They all wanted to know what he could have possibly done that wouldve caused him to get forced out thats the term I heard.
- Mary Wood, talking about comments from members of the business community about Bob Schaller.

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Community residents and local business people are asking Was Schaller forced out? More than 100 people on Facebook liked this page calling for the county to get Bob Schallers Job back

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Dr. James Patrick Jarboe, 78, died Sunday. He is remembered as a true humanitarian who would go out of his way to help anyone in need. Here he is shown with a patient during one of his humanitarian missions.

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St. Marys County Circuit Court Judge David Densford, left, faces a challenge on the ballot April 3 from St. Marys County Assistant States Attorney Joseph Stanalonis.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

The County Times

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The County Times

Thursday, March 15, 2012

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Community Questions Schallers Abrupt Departure
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The countys public information office announced last week that Bob Schaller, director of the countys Economic and Community Development Department, abruptly handed in his resignation, but business owners who praise him as an strong advocate Community residents and local business people are asking Was Schaller for their interest forced out. More than 100 people on Facebook liked this page calling for were left wonder- the county to get Bob Schallers Job back ing why. Mary Wood, who operates Forest Hall Farm, said Schaller received a standing ovation at one of two community events held last week after his resignation, and that his leaving county government was the topic of the evening. They were surprised, they were confused, Wood told The County Times. While the official statement from the county states Schaller resigned, many in the business community believe he was pressured to leave. They all wanted to know what he could have possibly done that wouldve caused him to get forced out thats the term I heard, Wood said. Schaller has declined to speak publicly about the reasons for his resignation but he did say that attitudes on development progress he held differed from that of the current Board of County Commissioners. Im moving on, Schaller told The County Times. This board, theres a notable change in direction theyre taking. Schaller said a majority of the board has expressed little interest in borrowing money or moving ahead with projects for fear of over extending the county financially. Schaller said he understands the county is in tough financial times but government needs to seek new ways to make progress without straining resources. Ive been a proponent of make-do, but make-do doesnt mean do nothing, Schaller said. Theres a gap between the needs of this growing community and the current development policy of this county. I wish my successor well in helping to close that gap, Schaller said. Schallers resignation is official as of June 6, but he his on administrative leave with pay until then. June 6 is exactly three months after the county commissioners held a closed door executive session for a personnel issue March 6. Schallers salary is $102,000 a year. He is currently seeking another job, such as the economic development directorship in Charles County or the deans position at the Leonardtown campus of the College of Southern Maryland. Local developer John K. Parlett, head of CMI General Contractors, said Schaller is a tireless advocate for businesses. He was the go-to guy, he was always there when we needed him, Parlett said. He was the modern era Buck Briscoe Bob Schaller lives and breathes St. Marys County. I personally find it hard to believe he resigned on his own; he was a perfect fit for the job, Parlett said. Parlett said the commissioners would face a backlash over Schallers leaving, he said they could have done more to keep him if they really wanted him to stay. I think the Board of County Commissioners are going to hear from an awful lot of people who are very saddened to hear this happened and that it was allowed to happen, Parlett said. A Facebook page has already gone up titled Get Bob Schaller His Job Back showing how well liked he is. Wood said Schaller brought a new perspective to the job that focused on all businesses, not just the ones associated with the U.S. Navy at Patuxent River NAS. Prior to Bob Schaller small businesses didnt get much attention, big business was the focus, she said. He really cared, well miss him. Somebody will scarf him up and theyll be happy to have him. Commissioner Todd Morgan (R-Lexington Park) declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding Schallers departure but said he was saddened by it. Im very sorry to see him go, Morgan said.

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Thursday, March 15, 2012

The County Times

ews
Republicans Now Majority in St. Marys
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer For perhaps the first time in local history, St. Marys County is now home to more registered Republican voters than Democrats, an event political observers say is part of a trend that will change Maryland politics in coming years. But political scientist Todd Eberly cautioned that Republicans are not a majority in St. Marys they are only a plurality with just a slim 108 voter advantage over Democrats as of Wednesday afternoon. Unaffiliated voters, which he said are the fastest growing group in the state, still keep the GOP from a clear majority locally, but the trend is undeniable. As of Wednesday, there are 10,939 active unaffiliated voters in the county. Theres no denying its significance, if you look around Maryland this is a trend happening in rural counties. The push from the GOP started during the 2008 presidential election, observers said, and has continued steadily. Chris Quade, information technolQBH ogy specialist with the St. Marys 1 9/6/11 4:41 PM Page 1 Gradview County Times Half Ad_Layout County guyleonard@countytimes.net Board of Elections, said the numbers continue to change and will not be locked down until Saturday when voter registration changes mailed in but postmarked by the Mar. 13 deadline are tabulated. Quade called the shift definitely historic. Active GOP voters now total 24,448, and active Democrats now tally to 24,340. The gap has been closing steadily, Quade said. Eberly said Democrats traditionally have been a big tent party in Maryland where liberal and conservative members were welcomed, but in recent years the state party has more closely emulated the national partys stances on issues, which means those conservative and even moderate Democrats have fled. Its more than a footnote, Eberly said of the St. Marys political change. This is part of the leading edge of whats happening outside of the I-95 corridor. It wont take too many elections before the GOP will have enough seats to make an effective filibuster in the [state] senate. That day is coming, he said.

County Voters Seeing Red

County Approves Deal on Seized Drug Money

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer For months now the county government, States Attorney and Sheriffs offices have been debating terms on how assets from drug seizures would benefit law enforcement. On Tuesday, the Board of County Commissioners approved an agreement that law officers say gets the action back on track. The agreement essentially sets up an account where the proceeds from illegal drug sales are placed and then the sheriff can come before the commissioners requesting an appropriation for training or equipment for narcotics enforcement. County Attorney George Sparling told commissioners he had not spoken directly to Sheriff Tim Cameron about the agreement, but intermediaries in each office worked out the details amicably. The sheriff has executed the agreement, Sparling said. Capt. Daniel Alioto, commander of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations Vice Narcotics Division, told commissioners the agreement is still a work in progress but it was one the sheriffs office needs. Alioto has been outspoken in the past about the need to get more training and equipment for narcotics investigators as well as the manpower shortages. With the rise of illicit prescription drugs and subsequent increase in heroin addictions on the streets, Alioto has said more and more demands are being placed on investigators and resources. This is a starting point and were happy with this starting point, Alioto said Tuesday. Weve been out of the loop on this for the past 11 or 12 years. Alioto later explained that for that period of time narcotics officers had not received any funding from seized drug crime assets. guyleonard@countytimes.net

MHBR No. 103

The County Times

Thursday, March 15, 2012

GRAND OPENING

Tuesday, March 20th

ews
$5 Million Approved For FDR
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

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After decades of being on the backburner, the groundwork for eventually completing FDR Boulevard has been laid after the Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to appropriate nearly $5 million for more land acquisitions and planning. The money is not to fund construction of portions of the road, which runs parallel to Route 235, but Commissioner Todd Morgan said it is a positive start. FDR Boulevard has been touted as a vital road project that could take an increasing traffic load off of Route 235 between Great Mills Road and Route 4, and provide connectivity for communities and commercial businesses in the development district. But, the road lies in unconnected pieces with most of the existing parts built by developers as private roadways to this point. Morgan has been a staunch supporter of completing FDR Boulevard as a critical piece of infrastructure for any

upcoming base realignment and closure activity by the federal government. Federal officials often look at local public facilities and infrastructure when deciding which bases to close and which ones to funnel more programs to, Morgan said. Im really happy, were taking baby steps to get this built, said Morgan (RLexington Park). Hopefully, someday real soon, well get the road built. Commissioners acted Tuesday to move a total of $4,966, 800 towards acquiring land and design planning for two sections of FDR Boulevard but they also voted to remove $887,000 in state funds from the Leonardtown library project that they had voted to shelve. The two sections of FDR that received funding with this weeks vote would run from St. Andrews Church Road to Pegg Road. The first section will run from St. Andrews Church Road to Chancellors Run Road and from there to Pegg Road. guyleonard@countytimes.net

Town Moves to Annex Hayden Farm

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The Leonardtown Town Council on Monday approved a resolution to annex more than 170 acres of the Hayden Farm property just outside of town that would allow the county to use the towns water and sewer hookups to service the property. The county has already made plans to put a new elementary school on the site, with perhaps one more school and ball fields to follow. The action to extend the boundaries of Leonardtown to include the Hayden land must now be followed by agreements from both the county and board of education. Those are expected to follow without any difficulty. Annexing the land into the town is seen as critical to the countys plans to use the Hayden Farm for public benefit, because it could not be developed without water and sewer. Leonardtown Elementary School is one of our highest population schools, its so important that we move forward with this, Schools Superintendent Michael J. Martirano said at the towns public hearing on the annexation. Some Leonardtown residents expressed concerns that development along Route 245 near the property would only serve to clog traffic flows in town as well as exacerbate the towns limited sewage treatment capacity. The town has embarked on an upgrade to its treatment plant and Mayor J. Harry Norris said Monday the town has capacity to accept planned development at the Hayden property. On the traffic situation, town resident Norman Norris said: Its going to be gridlock if we dont do something. Norris said the town would not receive any monetary benefit from the annexation, but it would receive the benefit of greater school capacity. This is not going to generate taxes, Norris said. guyleonard@countytimes.net

Thursday, March 15, 2012

The County Times

The County Times

Thursday, March 15, 2012

ews

Dr. Jarboe Was One of a Kind

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer underinsured. He had a tremendous impact in providing care to those who couldnt afford it, Mattingly said. He had a pasDr. James Patrick Jarboe, 78, died Sunday, but the sion for the less fortunate. community remembers him as one of the finest humanitarJarboe is survived by five children and 17 grandchilians and physicians known to anyone. dren. He was a member of St. Cecilas Catholic Church and He was a wonderful man, said Thomas A. Mattingly, a family doctor for 48 years. former county commissioner. He was known for the qualHe received his medical doctorate in 1959 from the ity of his work in the community and outside the country. University of Maryland in Baltimore and had his own priAmong Jarboes long list of accomplishments, were vate practice for 30 years, according to his family. serving as a medical missionary to Central America, and From 1990 to 2011, he had a family practice with Shah helping found Health Share of St. Marys, which pro- Associates and was the medical director for St. Marys vides short-term health insurance for the uninsured or Nursing Center during the same period. In 1997 he was named the states family doctor of the year and the rural physician of the year in 2011. Jarboe was also active in politics, having served as a county commissioner from 1974 to 1978 and before that he was chairman of the countys Economic Development Commission in 1970. In 1986 he was also appointed by then Gov. Harry R. Hughes to the presidency of the Board of County Commissioners. Mattingly said Jarboe was a rare citizen, one who had a valuable skill but gave of himself freely. You dont see that kind of doctor coming out anymore, Mattingly said. Its a dying breed in the medical field. There were more than 20 pages of written condolences attached to Jarboes online obituary with Brinsfield Funeral Home, including the Photo submitted following:

Dr. Jarboe was my doctor from birth. My mom thought he walked on water, and if [there] was someone in need on the other side, he probably would have. I compare Dr. Jarboes works to Mother Teresa. Caring, compassionate, concerned, giving, but yet so humble. I hope something more than a building is named after him. If I were a politician, I would surely seek to do so. God bless the family in your time of sorrow. Jimmy Hayden, March 13, 2012. guyleonard@countytimes.net

Dr. Jarboe works with a patient during one of his humanitarian missions.

Feds Issue New Orders for Nuclear Reactors

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer In the wake of the Japanese nuclear plant meltdown last year, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued new orders to ensure all reactors in the nation and those yet to be built will be able to withstand earthquake and tsunami forces that devastated the Fukushima Daiichi plant. Constellation Energy Nuclear Group (CENG), which owns and operates Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant in Lusby, has said its facilities would be able to withstand such disaster level conditions. Two orders have been issued specifically to every nuclear reactor; the first is that plant personnel must do a better job in protecting safety equipment that was installed after the 9/11 attacks, and the second calls for more advanced monitoring equipment to be used in the containment pool where spent fuel rods are kept. Another order requires certain reactors that use boiling water as part of their systems to improve venting systems used to prevent serious core damage in the event of a serious accident. Kory Raftery, spokesman for CENG, said in the run up to these orders being released, the company had already taken steps to analyze its own safety conditions as well as buy new equipment such as power generators. We have brought in or are planning for this back up equipment ahead of the spike in demand for these items because the whole industry will be looking for them, Raftery told The County Times. Our top value is safety. Federal officials also want to know a plants ability to use its communication systems in the event of damage or loss of power as well as staffing levels for crisis management if all the reactors at a site are damaged or affected during a disaster. But these requests are not orders, said Paul Gunter of Beyond Nuclear, an industry watchdog, and do not force operators to provide that information. Moreover the orders do not have to be filled until Dec. 31 of 2016, and this flies in the face of the immediacy with which greater safety measures should be enacted, he said. Also, the industry effort to purchase safety gear ahead of what NRC actually mandated might just be an effort to maintain the fiscal bottom line at plants rather than safety. We just dont see tough enough enforcement standards, Gunter said. Were worried that this equipment will only be commercial grade rather than industry grade. guyleonard@countytimes.net

Community Gives, Students Gain

By Carrie Munn Staff Writer St. Marys County Business, Education and Community Alliances (BECA), fourth annual fundraiser was a success, meaning St. Marys County students will feel the benefit. More than 200 attendees enjoyed the causal affair and net proceeds of about $12,000 were raised. BECA President Bob Schaller honored the support of Leadership Southern MaryPhoto courtesy of George Kirby land with the Friend of BECA President Bob Schaller presents BECAs 2012 Friend of Education Education-Commu- Award to Karen Holcomb, Leadership Southern Marylands executive dinity Educator Award, rector at the organizations fundraiser Friday night. which was started in deadline this year is Thursday, March 15. 2009. Visit www.smcbeca.org and send maSince its inception BECA has awarded more than $100,000 to local high school terials, postmarked by the 15th, to BECA, graduates and through the 2007 establish- 46940 South Shangri-La Drive, Suite 100, ment of the common application, has con- Lexington Park, MD 20653. For more innected students with more than $2 million formation, call 301-863-7700. in local scholarships. The common scholarship application carriemunn@countytimes.net

Thursday, March 15, 2012

The County Times

Legal Notices

IN THE MATTER OF ISABELLE LEIGH SHIMKOWITZ FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO ISABELLE LEIGH NEAL-KURYLOWSKI BY AND THROUGH HER MOTHER HAYLEY KURYLOWSKI In the Circuit Court for St. Marys County, Maryland Case No.: CA 12-191 The above Petitioner has filed a Petition for Change of Name in which she seeks to change her name from Isabelle Leigh Shimkowitz to Isabelle Leigh Neal-Kurylowski. The petitioner is seeking a name change for the following reason: Isabelle resides with her mother full-time and mother has cared for her since birth fulltime. Mother was never married to the father. Any person may file an objection to the Petition on or before the 6th day of April, 2012. The objection must be supported by an affidavit and served upon the Petitioner in accordance with Maryland Rule 1-321. Failure to file an objection or affidavit within the time allowed may result in a judgment by default or the granting of the relief sought. A copy of this Notice shall be published one time in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least fifteen (15) days before the deadline to file an objection. JOAN W. WILLIAMS, Clerk of the Circuit Court for St. Marys County Maryland 03-15-12

IN THE MATTER OF MADISON TAYLOR SHIMKOWITZ FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO MADISON TAYLOR NEAL-KURYLOWSKI BY AND THROUGH HER MOTHER HAYLEY KURYLOWSKI In the Circuit Court for St. Marys County, Maryland Case No.: CA 12-191 The above Petitioner has filed a Petition for Change of Name in which she seeks to change her name from Madison Taylor Shimkowitz to Madison Taylor Neal-Kurylowski. The petitioner is seeking a name change for the following reason: Child lives with mother fulltime; mother was never married to childs father. Any person may file an objection to the Petition on or before the 6th day of April, 2012. The objection must be supported by an affidavit and served upon the Petitioner in accordance with Maryland Rule 1-321. Failure to file an objection or affidavit within the time allowed may result in a judgment by default or the granting of the relief sought. A copy of this Notice shall be published one time in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least fifteen (15) days before the deadline to file an objection. JOAN W. WILLIAMS, Clerk of the Circuit Court for St. Marys County Maryland 03-15-12

IN THE MATTER OF SUSAN MARIE RANSON FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO SUSAN MARIE SYDNOR In the Circuit Court for St. Marys County, Maryland Case No.: C 12-359 The above Petitioner has filed a Petition for Change of Name in which she seeks to change her name from Susan Marie Ransom to Susan Marie Sydnor. The petitioner is seeking a name change for the following reason: I am divorced and want to have my maiden name back. Any person may file an objection to the Petition on or before the 31st day of March, 2012. The objection must be supported by an affidavit and served upon the Petitioner in accordance with Maryland Rule 1-321. Failure to file an objection or affidavit within the time allowed may result in a judgment by default or the granting of the relief sought. A copy of this Notice shall be published one time in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least fifteen (15) days before the deadline to file an objection. JOAN W. WILLIAMS, Clerk of the Circuit Court for St. Marys County Maryland 03-15-12

NOTICE GOLDEN GOOSE LLC 401K EMPLOYEE PROFIT Plaintiff v. ALLISON G. WEAVER And ST. MARYS COUNTY And heirs, devisees, personal representatives and executors, administrators, grantees, assigns or successors in right, title, interest, and any and all persons having or claiming to have any interest in the property and premises situate in the County of St. Marys In The Circuit Court for St. Marys County Case No: 18-C-12-000261 The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property in the State of Maryland, County of St. Marys, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of St. Marys and the State of Maryland to the plaintiff in this proceeding: 46648 Midway Drive Lexington Park, MD 20653. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid, although more than six (6) months from the date of sale has expired. It is thereupon this 23rd day of February 2012, by the Circuit Court for St. Marys County; ORDERED, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in The County Times Newspaper having a general circulation in St. Marys County, once a week for three successive weeks on or before the 30th day of April, 2012, warning all persons interested in the said properties to be and appear in this Court by the 30th day of April 2012, and redeem the Property, and answer the Complaint, or thereafter a final judgment will be rendered foreclosing all rights of redemption in this Property and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances. Joan W. Williams Clerk of the Circuit Court for St. Marys County, Maryland 03-15-12
James Manning McKay - Founder Eric McKay -Associate Publisher..................................ericmckay@countytimes.net Tobie Pulliam - Office Manager..............................tobiepulliam@countytimes.net Sean Rice - Editor....................................................................seanrice@countytimes.net Angie Stalcup - Graphic Artist.......................................angiestalcup@countytimes.net Sarah Miller- Reporter - Community..............................sarahmiller @countytimes.net Guy Leonard - Reporter - Government, Crime...............guyleonard@countytimes.net CarrieMunn-Reporter-Education, Entertainment.........carriemunn@countytimes.net Sales Representatives......................................................................sales@countytimes.net

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To The Editor
Judge Race is Supposed to be Non-Partisan
The contest for St. Mary's County Circuit Court Judge took an unfortunate turn recently when the St. Mary's County Republican Central Committee chose to attempt to politicize a non-partisan election by endorsing one of the candidates. Elections for judges are non-partisan elections and both candidates will appear on both the Republican and Democratic primary ballots. These elections have historically been viewed as outside of partisan politics and have been conducted based on assessment of the qualifications of the candidates without regard to political party affiliation. The fact that both gentlemen in this election are registered Democrats is irrelevant and their party affiliation will not appear on the ballot. The endorsement of a candidate in a non-partisan election by elected officials of one party in their official capacity is a very lamentable action as it shifts the focus of the election to political divisions rather than judicial qualifications. However, not satisfied to stop at endorsement of one of the candidates, the Republican Central Committee engages in the type of partisan political name-calling rhetoric which has so poisoned our national politics that we can no longer have an intelligent, civil discussion of the issues and our Federal Government is almost incapable of acting. Statements such as "the Governor's choice for this position has focused more on politics than wisdom" and the Governor's appointment "demonstrates that his leftist agenda is more important to him than the people in Southern Maryland" appear to be intentionally inflammatory and not one bit of evidence is offered to support such statements. They are gratuitous attempts to somehow score political points without regard to the harm such actions cause to the perception of judicial impartiality and fairness. Do we really want judges with partisan political agendas? I think most would say no. The Republican Central Committee has chosen to ignore the importance of conducting nonpartisan judicial elections to ensure the impartiality and balance of the courts in an attempt to score some political points by taking a few shots at the current administration in Annapolis. I hope people will choose to reject this hyper-partisanship, ignore the Republican Central Committee's misguided statements and make an intelligent, informed decision on April 3rd regarding the best candidate to serve the interests of all the people on the Circuit Court of St. Mary's County. John R. Garner Drayden, MD

The County Times

Thursday, March 15, 2012

10

Lets Keep Densford on The Bench

The world of politics doesn't often offer up a candidate worthy of expending quantities of emotional energy related to enthusiastic celebration. As we gaze from afar, the seemingly leaderless parade of candidates for the Office of President of the United States of America provides little hope for the emergence of a truly capable leader to challenge our bright, young, energetic incumbent national executive. Fear not! For right here, hidden from the assault of national news media, on our beautiful historic water washed peninsula of St. Mary's County, we have our own election day - - April 3, 2012. We also are being presented with a candidate not for President of the United States, but for the position (he currently holds) of Judge of the Circuit Court of St. Mary's County, Maryland. Judge David Densford, a native son of St. Mary's County, is asking that we, the voters, continue to receive the benefit of his over three decades of energetic, firm yet compassionate, service as a dedicated officer of our St. Mary's County Courts. Dave is a personable, energetic individual whose sense of humor and outgoing personality invite us to enjoy his presence. His firm, calculated compassion has enabled him, as a trial attorney, to first serve as a public defender for those unable to afford legal counsel. He then served in private practice for 27 more years. This incomparable experience coupled with county and state level leadership in the Bar Associations of his peers, earned him an appointment to his current position, as Judge of the Circuit Court for St. Mary's County. As the incumbent, Judge David Densford is assuring justice with professionalism and, when justified, compassion in his courtroom. He will continue this experienced leadership for the next decade and a half. Let's continue Judge David Densford's leadership, dedication and experience on the bench of our St. Mary's County Circuit Court on April 3. Bill Arick Leonardtown, MD

Vote for Joe Stanalonis

On April 3rd, 2012 we have the privilege of voting for Circuit Court Judge in St. Mary's County. I ask that you join me in voting for Joe Stanalonis. In 2001, I decided to move back to St. Mary's County to raise my family. I never expected to have a need for the States Attorney's office. Several years later my child was a victim in a case prosecuted by Mr. Stanalonis. Despite many obstacles presented throughout the case, Joe was diligent, detail oriented and compassionate. The case was settled with a favorable outcome. His record as Assistant States Attorney speaks for itself. Joe is tough on crime. Joe cares about our community. What more could we ask for in a Judge? Kathleen Boggs Woodington Mechanicsville, MD

More Shell Games in Annapolis

Spring is coming after the mildest winter I can remember. I know that I will be relieved if we dont get a late snow or two that wipes out some of the savings on heating bills, especially at this time of rising gasoline prices. I am hearing rumors that the MD General Assembly (Legislature) in Annapolis may be backing away from their ill-advised plan to raise gasoline taxes. Perhaps they did not think we would notice when our budgets became impossible to balance due to their unwise plans. Perhaps they do not realize that those of us who live in the real world know that with rising gasoline prices, the price of all commodities goes up, and the overall cost of living and doing business becomes untenable. If I sound annoyed, it is because I am. Who on earth do they think they are fooling? Either seven or nine (depending on whos counting and how they are counting) counties in MD were not able to make Maintenance of Effort (MOE), which is to say that they were unable to fund their schools at the same level as the previous year. Of course not!! Counties get their income primarily from real estate taxes, and secondarily, from the piggy back tax (a portion of the income tax). The Legislature must not have noticed that we have been in a deep recession and that house prices have fallen (nationwide) more than they did in the Great Depression, greatly reducing the real estate taxes to Counties. So what kinds of help is the Legislature proposing to provide? Their proposal is to penalize the Counties who couldnt make MOE and make ALL the Counties pay more with the threat of siphoning off the income tax revenues if the Counties fail to magically conjure this extra money out of thin air. (This proposal was authored by Del. John Bohanan of St. Marys County.) Better yet, why not reduce the exemption on interest paid on real estate for those individuals and businesses still getting by? I did not make this up! Or even better yet, in addition to making the Counties commit to additional education spending that they do not have, why not also make them pay for Teachers Pensions? Especially since the Legislature has refused to move to a modern pension plan, and instead, has gouged the teachers, who must pay an additional 2% of their income toward a decreased pension benefit. Oh, but you havent heard the best part yet. The 2% extra went into the General Fund, not the Teachers Pension fund, which is short by $19 Billion dollars! Thats the beauty of shifting the Teachers Pensions to the Counties: the Counties will also get the underfunding on their books, which they will then get to explain to Wall Street when they go for bond ratings. AND, in case your head is not spinning yet, this brilliant plan will force the Counties to pay more in interest on all their borrowing, making the Counties even more desperate for income. The final blow is that the Counties wont be able to fix these cooked books from the state, because the pension liability is rising so fast, at just under 8% per year, that they will never be able to catch up. Just as the state wasnt, which is why the Legislature wanted to shift the Teachers Pensions in the first place. (More info. is available at www.StopTheShiftMD.com) Oh, dear, I dont have enough space to share the good news about tax increases on internet purchases, internet downloads, automobile repairs, tobacco products, boat registrations, hunting licenses, death certificates, and more! By Susan Shaw Calvert County Commissioner, District 2

Zero Tolerance for Racist Acts in Public Schools

I recently attended a school board budget hearing and heard, for the first time, Dr. Martirano's condemnation of the actions of white students who taunted an African-American student using a rope fashioned as a noose. I applaud Dr. Martiranos firm decision to suspend the students at Leonardtown High School who committed this cruel act. We are living in the twenty-first century and there should be zero tolerance for this type of behavior. I am a candidate for a seat on the Board of Education and, should I be elected, I will assiduously work with the Superintendents office to help create a climate of racial harmony and respect for all students attending our schools. James J. Davis, PE Leonardtown, MD

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The County Times

William Curtis, Sr., 79

William E. Curtis Sr., formerly of Valley Lee, MD, passed away on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at the Manor Care of Alexandria nursing home. He was 79, and leaves behind a grieving and loving family, relatives and friends. William was born on January 27, 1933 in Wrens, GA. He was the son of the late Roy C. Curtis and Amanda Alice Stapleton. After graduating high school, William moved to Savannah, GA to study mathematics and biology at Savannah State College. It was in Savannah that he met and married Lillian C. Simmons in 1954. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary one month before her death in August of 2004. In 1954, William graduated from Savannah State, with honors, becoming one of the first people in his family to receive a college degree. After graduation, he began teaching in the public school system in Savannah until he was drafted into the Army in 1956. After serving our nation for two years, he returned to teaching. In 1963, he took a civil service position with the Department of the Navy as a mathematician at Patuxent Naval Air Station in Lexington Park, MD. He worked at Pax River until his retirement in 1993. William was a homebody who enjoyed working around the house, particularly in his vegetable garden each year and barbecuing (his was some of the best you ever tasted). He also enjoyed boating, fishing and just spending time by the water. Between working full-time, working in the yard and his garden, and helping to raise five children, he also managed to be active in the community. He and his late wife were long time members of the local chapter of the N.A.A.C.P., he was a member of Blacks in Government (B.I.G.) and the St. Mary County Economic Development Commission. His philosophy on life was if youre going to be a trash collector, be the best damn trash collector around. It was his wit and directness that people will remember and miss most of all. William is survived by his mother, Amanda Alice Curtis of Wrens, GA; a daughter, Susan Y. Curtis-Rivers of Lake Villa, IL; four sons, William E. Curtis Jr. of Virginia Beach, VA, Michael G. Curtis of Tampa, FL, Reginald D. Curtis of Fort Lauderdale, FL and Anthony Curtis of Accokeek, MD; one sister, Cynthia J. Smith of Wrens, GA; four brothers, James H. Curtis of Columbia, SC, Herman L. Curtis of Augusta, GA, Olin G. Curtis of Wrens, GA and George R. Curtis of Hephzibah, GA; five grandchildren, Lauren D. Curtis, Allison N. Curtis, Timothy W. Curtis, Alexander M. Curtis and Jasmine D. Rivers; two daughters-in-law, Audrey D. Curtis and Lorna C. Curtis; one son-in-law, James Socrates Rivers and a host of other relatives and dear friends. Family received friends on Monday, March 12, at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A Funeral Service was celebrated by Reverend Lawrence Young. Interment followed at St. Georges Catholic Church cemetery. The family suggests that any donations may be made to the Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund in memory of William E.

Curtis Sr. (www.heartlandhospice.org), P.O. Box 10086, Taledo, OH 43699. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

James Jarboe, 78
James Patrick Jarboe, 78, of St. Marys City, died March 11, 2012 at his home. Born February 25, 1934 in Pearson, Maryland, he was the son of the late Virginia Hammett and Thomas Melvin Jarboe. He led a life of Christian faith and service to others. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Margaret Elizabeth Jarboe; their children Karen Mumbert (Don), Barbara Brunner (Bob), Kathleen Cantwell (Chris), Thomas Jarboe (Shannon), and Jessica Crandall (Fred); grandchildren David, Rachel, Daniel and Hannah Mumbert; Kelly and Steven Brunner; Camden, Kent, Corene, and Curtis Cantwell; Nicholas, Christian, and Luke Jarboe; and Alec, Elizabeth, Matthew and Lauren Crandall; and siblings George Jarboe (Donna), Ann Raley (Daniel), and Mary Raley (Ray). He is predeceased by his son Christopher Scott Jarboe and brother Thomas David Jarboe. The family received friends on March 14, 2012 at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650 with prayers to be recited. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on March 15, 2012 at 10 a.m., with Father Scott Woods as celebrant at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 22375 Three Notch Road, Lexington

Walter Cusick, 81
Walter Haycock Buddy Cusick, 81, of Avenue, Maryland passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2012. Buddy is survived by his wife, Laura Hayden Cusick, who he married on May 6, 1961 at Holy Angels Church, in Avenue, Maryland. Also survived by in-laws Paul Cecil Hayden Sr. of Edgewater, MD; Polly Hayden Hall of Abell, MD; Marie Hayden Beavan of Bushwood, MD; Ann Hayden Clark (Bill) of Manassas, VA; Joan Hayden Warczynski of Avenue, MD; Bill McKay of Silver Spring, MD and many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Walter Francis Cusick and Marguerite Haycock Cusick of Washington, D.C. and Wheaton, MD and sisters Mary Jean McKay of Silver Spring, MD and Marguerite McCune of Shepherdstown, WV. After graduating from DeMatha Catholic, Buddy enlisted in the US Air Force. After serving in the Air Force, he was employed with Washington Gas, where he retired, after 35 years of service. Buddy and Laura lived in Wheaton and Silver Spring, MD during the early years of their marriage. After his retirement in 1988, he and Laura moved to the country. He began a second career, as a parochial school bus driver for Swann's Bus Service. Buddy enjoyed interacting with the school children. For years later, they remembered him, with fondness. For his entire life, Buddy was a devout Catholic and very active with his Catholic faith. He was a lector at St. Catherine Laboure Parish for over 30 years, and until this past year, was the faithful lector for the 6:00 a.m. mass every Sunday at Holy Angels Church. He was Past Grand Knight and an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus, Father Rosensteel Council #2169 Silver Spring, MD and former member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Mary's Council #1470 Leonardtown, MD. Two of his closest friends were Frannie Wynn and Rev. Robert B. Reidel, a Catholic priest who passed away on March 15, 2007. Buddy was an active member of the American Legion, Post 221 in Avenue, MD and recently served as Post Chaplain. Buddy appreciated life and enjoyed spending time with family, and his friends at Potomac Gardens. He was a NASCAR fan, and really liked watching the races. Buddy loved talking to people he knew a little bit about everything, had some really good jokes, and was a great storyteller. The family received friends on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at MattingleyGardiner Funeral Hone in Leonardtown, MD. Prayers were recited. A Mass of Christian burial was held on March 15, 2012 at Holy Angels Church in Avenue, MD, with Father Michael Tietjen officiating. Pallbearers will be James Hayden, Martin Warczynski, Norman Stultz and Liam Stultz. Memorial Contributions may be made to Holy Angels Church or the Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad. Condolences to the family can be made at www.mgfh.com Arrangements by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Park, MD. Interment will be private. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of St. Marys County, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650), Health Share of St. Marys (P.O. Box 1208, Leonardtown, MD 20650), or Friends of Cedar Lane (22680 Cedar Lane Court, Leonardtown, MD 20650). Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

Helen Ledford, 93
Helen Pearson Ledford, 93 of Clements, MD died Friday, March 2, 2012 at her residence. Helen was one of eight children born to the late John Thomas Pearson and Mary Edith (Boyd) Pearson in Gastonia, NC on May 31, 1918. Helen married Jean Gaston Ledford on December 25, 1940. While her husband was in the Navy during World War II, Helen worked at the F.B.I until 1948 when her son was born. At the F.B.I, she met her two best friends, Anne Burruss and Levern Farley. After her husband established Southeast Mobile Home Park, she helped with the management. She also helped with his real estate construction business. Helen is survived by her son, Bruce Wayne Ledford (Sirkka) of Clements, MD; three grandchildren, Mark Brian Ledford

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The County Times

Thursday, March 15, 2012

12

Continued
(Caressa) of Grantsville, MD, James Lee Ledford of Clements, MD, and Michael Wayne Ledford of Clements, MD; sisters, Mary John Tino of Chester, SC and Mildred Coker of Gastonia, NC. She was preceded in death by her husband. The family received friends on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A funeral service was held. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

Ann OConnor, 90
Born October 5, 1921, Ann Marie McGarry OConnor was the only daughter of Margaret and Thomas McGarry, who originated from County Mayo, Ireland. Ann was proud of her Irish Heritage and was a lifelong resident of Jersey City, NJ. After graduation with high honors from Saint Michaels High School, Ann attended Paine Hall School in New York City, where she graduated in 1941 as a Medical Assistant and was a member of the Kerri Keon Sorority. She later studied Social Work at Jersey City State College. From 1942 until 1948, she worked as a Medical Assistant for Dr. Samuel Kalb. From 1968 until her retirement, Ann worked as the Fair Hearing Liaison Supervisor for the Hudson County Welfare Board. On December 18, 1948, Ann married James Joseph OConnor of Rahway, NJ at St. Bridgets Church. Together they raised three children. Ann was a devoted Catholic and committed to Catholic education. She was an active volunteer in the Mothers Clubs of Saint Peters Preparatory School and Saint Dominic Academy. Since 1990, Ann OConnor was an active member of the Sodality of the Children of Mary of St. Teresa. She was a Eucharistic minister in her parish of Our Lady of Victories and participated in social functions at St. Aloysius Church. She always enjoyed reading and

was seldom without a book. A loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Ann traveled far and wide to attend family events, graduations, birthdays, and weddings. A bright red lipstick mark on your cheek was a sure sign you had just visited Ann! Ann OConnor is predeceased by her beloved husband James Joseph OConnor (1923-1986), her beloved son Dr. James J. OConnor of Eau Claire, WI (1949-2011), and her infant brother Michael McGarry (1916 - 1918); as well as her beloved parents: Margaret McAndrews McGarry (18811972) and Thomas McGarry (1879-1957). Ann is survived by her loving daughter, Elizabeth Tomaszeski and husband, Steven, of Leonardtown, MD.; her devoted son, Thomas Roderick OConnor and wife, Dorothy, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; her daughter-in-law, Colleen OConnor of Minneapolis, MN; 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren: Grandson Roderick and Molly OConnor of Minneapolis, MN and their children: James, Sean, and Katelyn Grandson Michael and Emery Tomaszeski of Alexandria, VA Granddaughter Katie and Travis Olives of Minneapolis, MN and their children: Gabriela, Amelia, Clara and Maria Grandson James and Rachelle Tomaszeski of Virginia Beach, VA and their son, Logan Grandson Timothy and Carlee OConnor of Madison, WI and their children: Dylan and Jameson Granddaughter Mary and Mark Pierce of Alexandria, VA Grandson Christopher OConnor of Chicago, IL Grandson Michael OConnor of Orlando, FL The family received friends on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, March 9, 2012 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Leonardtown, MD. Interment was on Monday, March 12, 2012 at the Holy Cross Chapel Mausoleum, North Arlington, NJ. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

Grace Ridgell, 93
Grace Evangeline Ridgell, 93 of Ridge, MD died peacefully on March 5, 2012 at St. Marys Hospital. Born September 8, 1918 in Ridge, MD, she was the daughter of the late Clarence Douglas Bradburn and Rachel Pauline (Wilkinson) Bradburn. Mrs. Ridgell was a supervisor for grounds and maintenance at Public Works at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station until her retirement in 1977. She enjoyed gardening, growing flowers and crabbing. Mrs. Ridgell was a member of the Ladies of Charity of St. Michaels Church and the American Legion Auxiliary #255 in Ridge, MD. For years, she decorated the alter of St. Michaels Church with flowers. Mrs. Ridgell is survived by her daughter, Lorraine Patricia Teefey (Thomas) of Ridge, MD, three grandchildren, Thomas John Teefey, III (Martha), Patricia Lorraine Nice (Larry) and Jeannine Marie Teefey (Lisa) and four greatgrandchildren, Tiffany Michelle Lang, Jennifer Lynn Teefey, Melissa Ann Teefey and Brandon Thomas Nice. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Ridgell was preceded in death by her husband, Lester Aloysius Ridgell, sister, Mary Eleanor Balta, and four brothers, Mark Aloysius Bradburn, Joseph Warren Bradburn, Paul Aubrey Bradburn and Harold Luke Bradburn. The family received friends on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at St. Michaels Church, 16555 Three Notch Road, Ridge, MD 20680. A Memorial Mass was celebrated with Reverend Lee Fangmeyer as the celebrant. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ridge Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 456, Ridge, MD 20680 or St. Michaels School, P.O. Box 259, Ridge, MD 20680. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

Charlotte Young, 95
Charlotte Coppage Young, 95, Drayden, MD died on March 11, 2012 at Keswick Multi-Care Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Born May 30, 1916 in Baltimore, MD, she was the daughter of the late Harry Ross Coppage and Mabel Estelle Fallin. Mrs. Young spent most of her earlier years in Baltimore, working as a school teacher. When she and her husband retired in 1976, they built a home on the St. Marys River in Drayden. Mrs. Young was Past President of the Library Board, as well as Cedar Lane Retirement. She was also a founding member of the Holly Society of America, a Red Cross Volunteer at Pax River and longtime parishioner of St. Georges Episcopal Church. Mrs. Young is survived by her son, Charles A. Young III and his wife Christine of Baltimore, MD; sister Gladys Hendrickson of Baltimore, MD; nieces Barbara Dowling of New York, Hope Hendrickson Cobb of New Market, MD, Rachel Hendrickson of College Park, MD; and a nephew Rob Hendrickson of Baltimore, MD. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband the late Charles Amos Young Jr. and her daughter, the late Sally Young. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 15, 2012 from 5 - 8 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650 with prayers recited at 7 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 16, 2012, at St. Georges Episcopal Church, 19167 Poplar Hill Lane, Valley Lee, MD 20692. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Georges Episcopal Church. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

Louis Edward Pulliam, Sr.

We want to thank the many people who stood by the family during these most difficult 5 years. If you visited, sent a card or e-mail, made a phone call, brought food, attended his service or made a donation in his honor we want to thank you. A special thanks to; A Community That Cares (ACTS), Hospice, Brinsfield Funeral Home, R H Design (Ruby) for Prayer cards, C &C Photography (Cheron & Sam) for the video, American Legion Post 255 in Ridge, Senator Roy Dyson, Larry Hills, Charlies Deli who prepared and served the food at his service. Also to the ladies that brought him comfort and support through this time, Cindy Wolf and Lynda Purdy. Many thanks to the people who came to his bedside during his last week, to spend time, he knew you cared and loved him and he felt the same about you, as we cried together and laughed together. He knew then that his time was getting closer but he still did not want to leave us. Although we know his journey is over on this earth, we know he is looking down upon all of us at amazement of how many lives he had touched in his 72 years. Each and every one who had the pleasure of meeting him will never forget his great humor and quick wit. He will live on forever through each and every one of you. So as days and weeks pass remember the laughter that he brought to all and as Spring and Summer approach us, take time to visit his most favorite place The Creek Shore and enjoy the monument that was built and placed there in his honor. Many thanks to all that had a part in making this happen, what a beautiful job. Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time in our lives. - Eleanor Pulliam and Family

From The Family of

March 16th, 1939 Feb. 8th, 2012

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Thursday, March 15, 2012

The County Times

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Thursday, March 15, 2012

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GUY Motors Affiliate Expanding to Calvert

Smolinski said the next steps will include setting a purchase price with the Al-Bannas, obtain the necessary permits and fix the location up before opening the doors. The newest branch of H.D.W is slated to open in Prince In addition to the planned Prince Frederick Branch, Frederick, though various unknowns keep the ribbon cutH.D.W. affiliates include Clinton Cycles, GUY Motors Auto ting date from being set yet. Sales and GUY Motors Auto Repair in Mechanicsville and Waldorf Metal Co. The property also comes equipped with fuel tanks and pumps, though current plans dont involve selling gas at the location. Planning commission members explained that the use of the fuel facilities is a matter for the Department of Planning and Zoning. The facilities were not mentioned in the application to the Board of Appeals and whatever happens here does not validate the use of the gas pumps, said Board of Appeals Your Online Community for Council Carlton Green. Board member John Ward moved Charles, Calvert, and St. Marys Counties to approve the use and the board agreed unanimously. The board also approved the expansion of the Wilson Ennis Clubhouses services to allow for a daycare center taking up to 60 Stay abreast of local happenings Stop by and see what children. The facility will need to be up Check our highly popular classifieds Southern Maryland Online graded to accommodate the children during the day. A representative from the clubhouse has to offer! Speak your mind in the forums explained the children will be kept separate from the regular traffic in the facility. At their March 1 meeting, the Calvert County Board of Appeals approved the application for a special exception to operate an automobile repair and service shop at 3745 Hallowing Point Road. Emad and Randi Al-Banna currently own the property and are in the process of selling to H.D.W. president Don Smolinski.

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STORY

Thursday, March 15, 2012

16

Judge Densford Faces Challenge from Stanalonis for Seat on Circuit Court
By Guy Leonard and Sean Rice On April 3, county voters will have a choice between a long-time, seasoned defense attorney recently appointed to the Circuit Court, or a 16-year veteran of the local prosecutors office to fill the judicial bench for the next 15 years. Judge David Densford will defend his seat against Assistant States Attorney Joseph Stanalonis in the primary election, and if either man gets a clear majority on both Republican and Democrat ballots, the election will be decided and one will take the seat. The County Times recently sat down with each man for an interview about key points citizens should consider when deciding who to vote for in the judge race. The following is a lightly edited transcript from the full interview with each candidate. What are the qualifications that make you uniquely suited to become St. Marys Countys next Judge? David Densford (DD): I think practicing every aspect of law for 27 years, representing parents and children and defendants and plaintiffs, the State of Maryland on all sides of the courtroom, plus temperament and fairness, are what qualify me to be a circuit court judge. I think that a varied experience is important. When I told somebody on the bench that I think St. Marys County Circuit Courts work, a judges work, is about 70 percent non-criminal. The response was I think its closer to 80 percent. As you might imagine, its hard to get a grasp on that. The fact is, that its the criminal that gets our attention, its the criminal that often leads to the front page story, but there are folks that are injured in accidents, there are contracts that are litigated there are just so many civil things. I was public defender for five years and 22 years in private practice. I cannot imagine doing one area of law, no matter how long, and being well-rounded sufficiently to be a circuit court judge. I started teaching at the College of Southern Maryland, and until last year, for 25 years, and I taught business law, and not because I was a great business lawyer. But because I was a public defender, and I did not want to be pigeon-holed as just one kind of lawyer, I chose to be diverse, and I think it bodes well for the folks who appear in front of me. Joseph Stanalonis (JS): I spent my entire career, 16 years, working for the citizens of St. Marys County. This is a judge whos going to hear motions and trials, and over that time period Ive probably had more, I know Ive had more, trials than any of the other prosecutors in the office and probably more trials than most of the defense attorneys in the county. So Ive had a lot of experience with the rules of evidence and with applying the rules of evidence to our cases, having motions hearings and working in the court system. Im in court almost every day and thats what this judge oversees. So, probably first and foremost I would probably say the experience of being in a courtroom on a daily basis for that length of time that would be number one. You have to oversee cases and try to make the system, I think, better. And so I have always tried to find ways to improve how we handle our cases and make things better for victims and witnesses and even for defendants. One of my big hopes is that we can improve how we handle the case management, make the cases expedite through the court system more efficiently. I think that would improve, it would make it less expensive for the county, for the state and for individuals. I want to work on using more of our newer technology to improve the efficiency of the court system, so those are things that Ive done helping with juvenile drug court, adult drug court starting some of those court programs are those are some of the things that Id like to continue to do if I have the chance. What personal qualities do you think it takes to make an exceptional judge? JS: I think you have to be fair. You have to be impartial. You have to look at every single case and evaluate every case based on those facts and circumstances and are applying the law to those facts and circumstances. So I think impartiality is a big one and as a prosecutor on the criminal side we review cases and we have to decide whether or not charges should be filed or not filed. You have to determine what plea offers to make, if a plea offer should be made, and a lot of that is the same thing as a judge you would look at when deciding whether or not somebodys guilty or not guilty, or imposing a sentence so I think that probably number one is always trying to be fair, impartial and applying the correct law to the facts and circumstances that youre presented with. DD: You have to be patient. You have to be fair. You have to be willing to listen to all sides. You have to be compassionate and you have to care about people. You have to understand that very serious things happen in the circuit court, and courtrooms are ratcheted up. When I tried cases, thousands of cases in which I appeared and hundreds of which I tried to a judge or a jury, before a jury was about 30 to 50, its nervous. People are going to lose their liberty, in many occasions. People are going to lose their children, in many occasions. I want to as a judge ratchet it down to the extend possible. Jeff Greenfield, the political fellow, quoted from the Old Testament the phrase a soft answer turneth away wrath. I want folks to leave there feeling theyve been listened to, and that their case has been dealt with fairly. Its nervous enough there are folks who are going to leave that courtroom who are never going to breathe free air again. I take that very seriously, I try not to take my self very seriously. Circuit Court handles criminal and civil cases, how has your experience prepared you for the civil side of the judgeship? DD: When I filled out my application, and I dont make a checklist of heres all the organizations Ive volunteered for and heres all the types of cases Ive tried I got up everyday and went to work and did the best I could with whoever walked through the door and hired me But the fact is I had to when I filled out my application. So Ive done an extradition hearing Ive done a federal case involving Pax River. I went to Pax River a number of times on cases. So I have not limited myself in the areas that I cover. JS: Ive been knocked a little bit for lack of civil experience because Ive been in the prosecutors office for 16 years. In juvenile cases, I was the primary prosecutor for juvenile court for 10 years and juvenile cases are by definition civil cases so theres a completely different set of rules that you follow, different language, different terminology, and so Ive had experience with civil cases. Bureau support enforcement cases, child support cases, child support cases are civil cases so we do have, even as prosecutors, some dealings with the civil side. Now, before I was a prosecutor, I was a law clerk for two years for a private defense attorney who also did civil litigation and I spent a great deal of time preparing pleadings and motions, prepping for depositions and things like that. So, obviously I went to law school, I learned a lot about civil law in law school, I worked for that attorney for two years and learned a lot about civil law and I feel very comfortable being able to do legal research and its the same thing that we would do in a criminal case. What are your views on plea deals? Are there certain cases that should always go to trial? JS: I think plea bargaining is part of the process, there are, I would say probably right now about 90 percent of the cases are probably pled out in one form or fashion. I cant say Ive ever had a case that I didnt contemplate putting together a plea offer, I think thats part of the process that should always be considered. I think the issue that you have is from the defense side most people dont want to plead guilty in front of a judge unless they have some idea of whats doing to happen to them, and so if you dont have a prosecutor whos willing to negotiate a case and figure out whats appropriate or not appropriate then a lot of times those cases end up going to trial because defendants generally want to have some idea of whats going to happen to them if they plead guilty and the more serious the case, the less likely that youd have a plea deal. For example, in a murder case, they arent going to plead guilty and take the maximum penalty so most of your murder cases end up being a trial. However, as the prosecutor for child sex abuse cases for all of these years, for 15 years, there are lost of reasons why a plea deal is appropriate. Subjecting young children to the court process and to have them testify in front of a bunch of people about all the inappropriate things that happened its almost as if youre abusing that child again. I do think plea bargaining is part

Assistant States Attorney Joseph Stanalonis

17

Thursday, March 15, 2012

The County Times

STORY

of the process and it should always be considered, the state has to weigh what is best for the community as a whole and what is best for the victims versus the benefit. DD: Having represented folks charged with cases that could cost them their lives, no cases have to go to trial. Because either side can loose and either side can win. Murder cases sometimes result in acquittals and thats a double whammy in the familys part of the victim. A family member has been killed and then the person was not convicted. Its not my view that any particular case has to be tried. Now prosecutors and defense lawyers will sometimes say this one has to be tried for various reasons, but the professionals in the case, the lawyers in the case have to be bound by their clients wishes. But a lawyer who does not tell his client here are the weaknesses in the case and here are the strengths is making a mistake. It is my view that if lawyers how know their case and are capable lawyers and have worked the case come to me and have an agreement, that my inclination is to ask questions and reach a resolution. Yesterday morning we had a jury waiting to hear a case there the defendant who had no lawyer and intended to plea guilty. Now, she hadnt been talked to, she didnt have a chance to come in and plead guilty before then and quite frankly she hadnt done what she should have done. So we have 36 citizens in the basement of the courthouse being paid $15 a piece and they werent needed. Cases ought to be discussed among the lawyers. Lincoln had a quote and I dont remember the quote precisely but its something like you should persuade your neighbors that the punitive winner is often the real loser in time and money. Its true. Youre going to pay your lawyer win or loose. Thats an expensive proposition not to have a shot at winning so no, I do not believe that there are many cases that have to be tried. With the majority of your experience as a (defense/prosecuting) attorney, how can you ensure that you maintain impartiality when there may be times where you consider cases involving people you may have represented? DD: Well, if theres a statutory conflict, I wont be hearing the case. Im not going to sit in cases where I represented on a similar matter or recently. Im going to err on the side of caution and the appearance of propriety. But as for impartiality, that came up in the interview when I got the appointment. I dont decide cases based on personalities or character. I decided cases based on evidence and based on proof. If the state proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, thats exactly the verdict theyre going to get from me is guilty. And thats the verdict they usually get from juries. JS: Well, obviously, if Ive prosecuted somebody and I remember the person and I know the facts and circumstances of that, then I would not handle the case as their judge. As far as overall, coming from a background of being a prosecutor, the two years I spent with the criminal defense as his law clerk I spent a great deal of time in the Baltimore City jail interviewing people who are charged with every type of offense, from the most minor theft all the way up to murder and everything in between. Those were the cases he represented and so even though I wasnt the attorney of record and I wasnt the person presenting it, I was working for a defense at-

torney and I was spending my time preparing cases for the defense. When I came into the prosecutors office my philosophy has always been I look at every single case based on the facts of that particular case. I dont start any case without any preconceived notions about whether somebody did it or didnt do it. There are plenty of people who were falsely accused or who are charged with something and there is not enough evidence. Can alternative sentencing be successful for non-violent or relatively minor offenses, considering local and state jails are nearing capacity? JS: Well, since Im a founding person on both our juvenile drug court, obviously my answer is yes, for non-violent offenders, I believe very strongly in looking at any alternatives to incarceration if it means that the person is not going to come through our criminal justice system over and over again. Now, does it mean that they wont get incarceration? That would depend on whatever those facts and circumstances were. But if, for example, our drug courts, we have lots of people who come through the system over and over and over again and theyre not bad people theyre people who are addicted to alcohol and drugs and make bad decision when theyre under the influence of those substances and putting them in jail, it might dry them out for a period of time that theyre in jail, but as soon as they get out of jail theyre just going to go right back to using those substances and they commit another crime, and they come through over and over and over again. So I think that alternative programs or alternative dispositions in cases is something that should always be considered. I think, even with for example drug courts, thats a program hats constantly changing because we figure out well this works, and this doesnt work. The fear of going to jail is enough to keep most people from coming back through the system. But when you start coming through the system three, four, five, six seven times or, in some cases 15 or 20 times, thats when as a judge you start looking at what can I do so stop this person from coming through again and re-victimizing people, re-victimizing our community and if theres a program out there that can help to make that work that should be explored if theres not then obviously the alternative is incarceration, absolutely. DD: Were not going to build our way out the problems of crime. The evidence was, 5 or 10 years go, that crime would exponentially increase because of the demographics. Guess what, they were wrong. You dont have to go very far or pick up The County Times too many times to realize that there are folks out here causing traffic jams with weapons and those crimes, when proved, are dealt with seriously. Alternative sentencing, when properly run, is the best use of our money. Its very expensive to keep people in jail or prisons. Theyre not paying any support that they owe; theyre not contributing to society. You do that to protect the public and to take somebody off the street whos not safe to be left on the street. The drug courts, the adult and juvenile drug courts, are very, very helpful. Weve kept a lot of kids alive through project graduation, theres no question about that. There are alternative sentences, there arent enough, theres not enough money, but the drug courts are examples of that and one way that Maryland uniquely addresses this is that

they have probation before judgment. Probation before judgment, particularly for lesser offenses, will keep a record clean. Is there anything a judge can do to reduce the recidivism rate? DD: I wish I knew exactly how long somebody needed to be off the street to be deemed safe or to have a high probability of safety. Judge Bowen used to say the best test of what someone will do is what they have done. If you have somebody who has worked 30 years at Pax River and has done a great job and something comes up that could be punished severely you look at it and say is it likely to reoccur or is it not? JS: I think you have to explore all the options, so I feel strongly about those drug court programs, I think when theyre implemented correctly they have shown that they work, the juvenile program is running about 65 to 75 percent success rate. When you compare that to the juveniles that go through the system, the traditional system, the success rate is 30 to 35 percent. Its almost double. [In terms of coming back] thats just looking at recidivism. Out juvenile delinquency numbers are the lowest they have been in the entire 16 years that I have been a prosecutor and I think a lot of it has to do with getting some of those hardcore drug and alcohol users into intensive programs. Im sure that there are lots of other alternatives out there that need to be explored. One of the things that weve been talking about recently is a DWI court specifically to deal with habitual drunk drivers. Why should the voters choose you? JS: Ive spent my entire career working for the people of St Marys county, both professionally and personally. When I started in the states attorneys office, the first year I was hired to handle the juvenile cases and working in that system I say what an impact that court system can have on crime in St. Marys County. If you can get these children to stop committing crimes or to be rehabilitated at an early age, you see less people in the adult system. Thats why I did that court for 10 years. When after a year I was assigned to handle all of the child sex abuse and child abuse cases and with that came also pretty much all the sex crimes, rapes and things like that. Ive spent my whole like working with the victims and working with people whove had just tragic things happen to them and this is, in my opinion, we need to have judges who have had that experience, whove at across the table from a child and understand how difficult it is for a victim to have to come into a court room and retell whatever the tragic event is that caused them to come through court system and it has nothing to do with not wanting to give a fair trial to the defendant. In my personal life, obviously I became a member of the optimist club because of childrens programs in St. Marys County and I have a pretty broad experience you know both in the court system and outside of the court system and I think that being a judge is a tough job because youre obviously resolving disputes between parties that obviously dont agree. You have to be willing to and able to sit and listen and try to what I think do the right thing, use common sense and apply the law to what youre listening to and try do whats best for the community.

Judge David Densford

And so having all that experience and background and having worked for our community for that long I feel that I would give St. Marys County the best opportunity to have a judge for the next 15 years whos going to continue to work for the community. DD: Theres been an awful lot of talk about who here is protecting the community, Which judge will be better for the community. The fact of the matter is, if you have a judge that hands down draconian or harsh sentences every time, exceeds the guidelines, protects the public above all else, and hasnt paid any attention to the right of the individual, the rights of the accused, the bill of rights to the constitution, then guess what, Annapolis is not going to abide by that because we have appellate courts to make sure we do follow the law. I will follow the law. Ive done so for 27 years, I think it is professionalism to represent somebody and make the state prove their case before a jury or a judge renders a verdict. I will lock people up as necessary to protect the public. But somebody who looks forward to doing that is not the kind of candidate that I would vote for. Is there anything you would like to add or expound on? DD: I think I have been in court about 70 to 80 times a year for 22 years. For the first 5 years, I represented 600 clients a year as a public defender. By my conservative estimate, youre looking at around 7,000 clients, Somewhere around 30-50 jury trials and hundreds and hundreds of district court and juvenile cases. Find out how many jury trials each of us has tried to conclusion. I dont have 9 colleagues who can step in and try a high profile case if I choose not to do so. I believe you will find the number paltry for the contender. I think it will be fewer than 10 juries in 16 years. As a defense lawyer, as a public defender and what I prosecuted, I never turned to someone else and said can you handle this for me, and I never pretended to be what I was not. JS: I think, those were good questions, I feel like youve covered pretty much everything. Thank you.

Spotlight On

The County Times

Thursday, March 15, 2012

By Carrie Munn Staff Writer St. Marys College of Marylands Board of Trustees unanimously moved to increase tuition for fiscal year 2013 at a special meeting Saturday. After the decision was deferred in a late February meeting, the option of adopting a four percent increase became the boards choice. Following last years tuition hike, that equates to a 10 percent increase in two years. The board heard from staff and student representatives that brought up the familiar issue of the college not providing living wages, and the fact that the majority of staff have gone three years without raises. Student and staff advocates pointed out that some employees make less than $25,000 per year, far less than the minimum salary required to meet the

basic needs for themselves and their families, while some top administrators received pay increases during the last three years. The four percent tuition increase will be applied to both in-state and out-of-state tuition, fees and room prices, a 3 percent increase will apply to meal plans, according to Thomas Botzman, the schools vice president of business and finance. Native students, living on campus, will see a sticker price of $25,963 and out-of-state student-residents will pay $38,523 beginning in the fall. Finalization of the budget is anticipated in May. Last year, when St. Marys College was included in lists of most expensive public colleges in the country, President Joseph Urgo countered: For a public college, our price may be high; but we provide an educational

St. Marys College Hikes Tuition Again

environment that more closely resembles a private school, where the cost of attendance may be as much as twice ours. When asked about the decision to increase tuition, Urgo remarked, Its a tough decision for the board, but I think the priority is to make up for a number of years with no salary increases. Associate Professor of Mathematics David Kung, who serves as the faculty finance delegate, spoke to the board about the importance of employee morale and told The County Times, I think that our priorities are not always what they should be I hope this discussion changes the way we spend money in the future.

18

While the vote was unanimous, several board members expressed a desire for more transparency and cutting expenses where possible. Congressman Steny Hoyer, also a trustee, said either way the students or the institution would be saddled with extra debt. The bottom line is, at some point you have to pay, he said. Botzman said the creation of a strategic plan to clarify the key goals for the college over a longer term has been requested and should help drive budget decisions in the future. Board Chair Molly Mahoney Matthews said, The board doesnt want to be in the same position next year without a strategic plan in place.

School Board Candidates Stump at Forum

By Carrie Munn Staff Writer The St. Marys branch of the NAACP and St. Marys Colleges Center for the Study of Democracy partnered to host a forum Tuesday for candidates seeking seats on the countys board of education, giving the community a chance to get to know a bit about the names theyll see on the ballots. With three individuals vying for both the at-large and District 2 spots on the non-partisan board, primary voting will occur to narrow the field. Marilyn Crosby, the boards current vice president, along with avid volunteer, Trisha Post, and engineer and father of five Jim Tomasic are vying for votes to secure the AtLarge seat. Current District 2 board member Cathy Allen is being challenged by 40-year educator David Kelsey and business executive and CSM instructor Jim Davis. Audience-submitted questions were asked of the candidates Tuesday, including why they want the position and what are the most important issues in local public education, their thoughts on the value of St. Marys County Public School System academies, their ideas on increasing the diversity of the schools staff and how to increase the graduation rates of African-American males. Other inquiries concerned what they would do to convince the board of commissioners to provide education funding more proportionate to the countys wealth level and their thoughts on teachers pay being determined by performance-based measures. Education is in my DNA, said Davis, who shared that as a business leader he has run four businesses, created many jobs and is himself an educator, as is his wife and many family members. Davis said working smarter is the way to get the necessary funding and stated, The school room of the 21st century is going to be very different, things are going to change and I think people on the school board need to be visionaries to work with that change. We have to prepare students to meet todays demands, Davis said, remarking on the systems special academies. He said diversity training could be an important tool to help close racial achievement gaps and he is not a fan of a national standard curriculum, adding every school system is different. Marilyn Crosby called attention to the direct correlation between achievement and class sizes, commenting she considers the special academies, like Fairlead, a positive way to provide more attention and better chances of graduation. She shared the statistic that while 85 percent of African-American females graduate, only 75 percent of males do, suggesting maybe looking into options and alternative means of acquiring graduation would be a good idea. Crosby said theres a lot of competition in attracting minority teachers. She said, a closer relationship with the commissioners to better understand the numbers, would be instrumental in getting funding and said teachers she had talked to dont want that. In her closing statements, Crosby said the position on the board requires being in the classrooms frequently takes a lot of time and a lot of heart. Trisha Post, who has kids in the school system and actively volunteers in the community, said, I believe education is a key to a good community, adding the school system has proven theyre not wasteful and should be fully financially support by the county. Post said teachers pay should not be based on performance and that support for the individuals who spend up to eight hours a day with our kids needs to increase, including their compensation. She shared that improving communication and cultural understanding will help with lack of diversity issues, as will providing strong role models of multiple races in our schools. I give a lot of time to local education, its where my heart is its my top priority, Post stated. David Kelsey said hed spent four decades in education, understanding how it works and how to make it better. He shared the view that St. Marys achievement may be fine in the short term, but that in coming years it will stagnate if the funding isnt there. Kelsey said to get funding to adequate levels, theres a need to get away from the bad will Ive seen in past years. He said he is dead set against performance-based pay for educators, commenting that such a concept is not sustainable in the complex culture of a school system and creates a division amongst teachers. He said hes in favor of increasing diversity in the schools because its effective in making a big difference among minority students and suggested that to change achievement discrepancies; We must go outside the schools and work out in the community. Cathy Allen said she is seeking re-election to St. Marys County Board of Education because the training and knowledge she brings to the table is powerful. Allen said everyone has a different idea of what fullyfunded means, but stated the commissioners should put their money into education and public safety, as the community has encouraged. Our effective spending shows what good stewards we are of taxpayers dollars. The academies, Allen remarked, are a great value for the dollar were spending, and said performance-based pay is unfair, with too many variables to effectively assess teachers. Allen nodded to working closely with the NAACP and said supports are needed throughout the school system, at all grade levels to reach kids before high school to improve graduation rates. We have not been successful in making teaching an attractive profession to pursue, Allen said, adding that teaching colleges are not turning out as many graduates, particularly minority teachers that are lacking in the county. James Tomasic said he has a vested interest in our schools and feels that a parent voice is missing from the board. He stated, I feel like I have the experience and leadership to move our schools system forward. He said with his eldest son about to graduate from the STEM Academy, he sees the benefit of the specialized pathways, but said improvements are needed. Tomasic reminded that, however, there are 16,000 kids not in one of those programs, adding, We need to keep everyone in mind. He shared how as a mentor and coach, hes helped students with their homework because they dont have that type of support at home. Race is one of many factors in the achievement gap, he said, adding another important data point is poverty. We need to make every effort to increase diversity and provide early intervention, Tomasic said. As soon as you start talking about money, youre getting into politics, he said, adding hes not a fan of the formula reasoning behind funding and said performance-based pay is like a metric used in factory production and is not to be used in evaluating teachers. Though not on the primary ticket, current board member Mary Washington and Joel Rose, Air Force serviceman and father of SMCPS students, will campaign for the District 4 seat. carriemunn@countytimes.net

Cathy Allen

David Kelsey

James Tomasic

Jim Davis

Marilyn Crosby

Trisha Post

19

Thursday, March 15, 2012

The County Times

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Community
By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Drivers going up and down Route 4 may have noticed signs announcing bridgework to start March 18. The work is expected to last through the end of the year, and includes cleaning and repainting the steel, working on the concrete under the deck and rehabilitating other areas. State Highway Administration (SHA) spokesperson David Buck said the first project, costing $3.2 million, will begin next week with containment being set up to keep contaminants out of the beach and the river. He said containment is the most crucial part of any cleaning and painting job. Once containment is set up, workers will be cleaning and painting steel on the ends of the bridge, where the span is over land. Buck said it will be methodical work that could take until Spring 2013, though the contractor will be trying to finish by the end of the year. In addition to the cleaning and painting, work will be done to the concrete and drainage system. This is proactive maintenance that we do on all our bridge structures, Buck said.

20

Bridge Getting a Facelift

The work means one lane of the bridge will be closed Sunday through Thursday from 9 p.m. through 5 a.m. No work is done Friday and Saturday nights because of safety concerns due to the increased traffic on the bridge, in addition to the higher possibility of drivers under the influence. The second project, costing $2.3 million, will begin in a month, and will mostly take place out of view from drivers. Workers will be repairing concrete under the deck of the bridge, as well as the columns in the water. Buck said the preventative maintenance will prevent potholes from forming, which would be a bad sign on a bridge. The second project should be completed in the fall, Buck said, though it is largely dependent on weather. The concrete can only be worked on if the temperature is above 50 degrees and humidity levels are less than 75 percent. Buck said 90 percent of SHAs work is done at night to decrease the impact to motorists, and in a project like the one on the bridge, the two contractors have to coordinate so only one lane is shut down at any given time. Buck said at no point will the bridge be completely closed to through traffic. Workers will also be working around local events, like PRAD and the Tiki Bar opening weekend, to lessen the impact. sarahmiller@countytimes.net

Lack of Affordable Housing Hinders Homelessness Recovery

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The organizations leaders shared details about how clients are referred and assessed, the various types of partnerships that enable each person or familys needs to met and the types of housing offered through the center, which goes beyond the emergency shelter the community is most familiar with. The forum highlighted the strong relationship forged with the faith-based community and the efforts to acquire additional funding from the Veterans Administration, to better serve the growing numPhoto by Carrie Munn ber of former service men and Three Oaks Center executive director Lanny Lancaster talks to St. women facing homelessness. Marys County Commissioner President Jack Russell following a foWe can only support rum on homelessness Friday. the number of people we have We wouldnt need more shelter space resources for, said Three Oaks executive if we could move people into stable housdirector Lanny Lancaster. He explained to ing, he stated, adding what used to be conforum attendees, then later to The County sidered affordable housing has seen rents Times, that in looking at the numbers, it ap- rise due to the generally thriving economy pears fewer men have been served, but the in St. Marys County. actuality is a slower pace of individuals reTheres a bottleneck in the shelter sysgaining stability. tem, he said. In comparing 2010 and 2011 numbers, Lancaster said access to more housing the latter shows fewer served though more will help the center in its goal of rapid retotal bed nights were offered. There is also housing, an important part of getting clian increase in the number of women served. ents back on their feet, which is hard to do That trend, Lancaster said, continues under the stresses of the emergency shelter this year. Single women are among his top environment. worries, because resources are often quite The director said help is always wellimited for them and they often fall through comed, whether it be support from area the cracks. businesses, (which they are trying to solicit The director said he also worries about through sharing of information, like that ofthe growing number of clients with high fered on Friday) or from individuals who ofmental health challenges that the local net- fer to construct playgrounds at housing sites work struggles to provide clinical services for women with children or people who volfor. unteer their time as mentors. There are so many variables in the Just getting to know and become a work were doing, Lancaster said, adding friend to someone in this situation can make that Three Oaks staff meets frequently with a tremendous difference and its something others from Pathways, Walden and Social anyone can do. Services to discuss clients on a case by Information on volunteering and case basis, ensuring treatment of the whole offering support can be found by visitperson. ing www.threeoakscenter.org or calling Perhaps the biggest unmet need, ac- 301-863-9535. cording to Lancaster, is the utter lack of affordable housing. carriemunn@countytimes.net

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Thursday, March 15, 2012

The County Times

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ERIE INSURANCE OLDE TOWNE INSURANCE BURRIS DANIEL W. GROUP HomeBURRIS, CIC,LifePROPRIETOR Auto Business
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(301) 475-3151 Toll Free: (800) 872-8010 Fax: (301) 475-9029 (301) 475-3151 Toll Free: (800) 872-8010 Fax: (301) 475-9029

ERIE INSURANCE GROUP

22720 WASHINGTON STREET P.O. BOX 707 22720 WASHINGTON STREET P.O. BOX 707 LEONARDTOWN, MD 20650 LEONARDTOWN, MD 20650 danburris@danburris.com danburris.com danburris@danburris.com danburris.com

ERIE INSURANCE

The County Times

Library items
Friends Book Sale opens Friday The Friends of the Library will hold its annual spring book sale this weekend, Mar. 16 through Mar. 18 at the county fairgrounds. Friends of the Library members can shop from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday with memberships available at the door. The public can shop on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Teens celebrate release of Hunger Games movie Teens can register for celebration of the release of The Hunger Games movie, the first film of the trilogy based on novels by Susanne Collins, on Mar. 20 at 5:30 p.m. at Leonardtown branch, on Mar. 22 at 5:30 p.m. at Lexington Park branch and on Mar. 23 at 3 p.m. at Charlotte Hall branch. Teens should come sporting their districts wear and be ready to test their survival skills and trivia knowledge. The programs are free. Adults invited for coffee Adults can come for coffee and engaging conversation at the Books, Coffee and Conversation to be held at the Lexington Park branch on Mar. 20 at 10:30 a.m. and the Charlotte Hall branch on Mar. 29 at 10:30 a.m. Books read or listened to will also be shared. Virtual tour of museum planned A virtual tour of the largest African American museum on the east coast, The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland in Baltimore, is scheduled on Mar. 31 at Lexington Park library. Museum staff member Lisa Crawley will delve into the various exhibits and collections, including those from St. Marys County. Deanna Mingo, Assistant Principal, George Washington Carver Elementary School, will share the state curriculum available to teach African American history. The free program which starts at 2 p.m. is being co-sponsored by St. Marys County Branch of NAACP, Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions, and the Minority Outreach Coalition. Open computer lab scheduled On Mar. 26 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Leonardtown Library will hold an open computer lab for adults. Trained staff will be available to help with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, eBook basics, or job search skills. Space is limited. Registration is required. Opening reception planned for artist An opening reception is planned for local artist Jane Rowe on Mar. 29 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lexington Park Library Art Gallery. Her paintings are on display through April 30.

Thursday, March 15
Live Music: Bob Wire & The Fence Posts Toots Bar (23971 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood) 8:30 p.m.

n ing OEntertainment Go In
Dunkirk) 9 p.m.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

22

Whats

Saturday, March 17 St. Patricks Day

Live Music: The Pax Rats The Tides Restaurant (46580 Expedition Drive; Lexington Park) 6 p.m.

Band Veras White Sands Beach Club (1200 White Sands Drive, Lusby) 9:30 p.m. Live Music: Renegade Band Hole In the Wall Tavern (24702 Sotterley Road, Hollywood) 9 p.m.

Live Music: No Green JellyBeanz - Acoustic Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) 7:30 p.m.

Live Music: Sum Bich Live Music: Naked Jam Band Martinis Lounge (10553 Theodore Loveville Tavern (28275 Point Open Mic Night Green Boulevard, White Plains) Lookout Road, Leonardtown) 9 Jake & Als Chophouse (258 Town 8 p.m. Square Drive, Lusby) 9 p.m. p.m. Live Music: Pounding Sand Live Music: Dave Norris St. James Pub (19343 Three Notch DB McMillans (23415 Three Live Music: The Piranhas Road, Lexington Park) 9 p.m. Notch Road, California) 7 p.m. Toots Bar (23971 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood) - 8:30 p.m. Live Music: R & R Train Friday, March 16 Gridiron Grill (20855 Callaway Live Music: The Craze Village Way, Callaway) 9 p.m. Live Music: Outbreak Big Dogs Paradise (28765 Three Veras White Sands Beach Club Notch Road, Mechanicsville) Live Music: Willie Lowry (1200 White Sands Drive, Lusby) 9:30 p.m. Classic Piano 9:30 p.m. Sixty-Six Beans (29948 Three Cancer Benefit for Johnny AbNotch Road, Charlotte Hall) 5 Live Music: Lee Travers, John ner feat. Live Music: Legend p.m. Previli & Jim Stephanson North Beach Fire House (8536 The Westlawn Inn (9200 ChesaBayside Rd., Chesapeake Beach) Live Music: No Green Jellypeake Avenue, North Beach) - 7:30 2 p.m. Beanz and Synergy p.m. Hotel Charles (15110 Burnt Store Sunday, March 18 Road, Hughesville) 9 p.m. Live Music: The Justin Crenshaw Band Live Music: Johnson Road Re- Rockin for Roy Benefit feat. The Blue Dog Saloon (7940 Port Live Music: The Sam Grow vival Band Tobacco Road, Port Tobacco) Island Bar and Crab House (16810 Band, Jukebox Thieves The 9:30 p.m. Piranhas and No Green Piney Point Rd., Piney Point) JellyBeanz 7:30 p.m. Live Music: Vendetta Big Dogs Paradise (28765 Three Memories Nightclub and Bar Notch Road, Mechanicsville) Live Music: Six Gun South (2360 Old Washington Road, Wal- Noon Cryers Back Road Inn (22094 dorf) 9:30 p.m. Newtowne Neck Road, LeonardThe Phoenix Voice Competition town) 9 p.m. Live Music: The Funk U Band The Greene Turtle (6 St. Marys Anthonys Bar and Grill (10371 Avenue Suite 104, La Plata) 7 Live Music: The Sam Grow Southern Maryland Boulevard, p.m.

CHURCH SERVICES DIRECTORY

To Advertise in the Church Services Directory, Call The County Times at 301-373-4125

Monday, March 19
Open Mic Night Rustic River Bar and Grill (40874 Merchants Lane, Leonardtown) 5 p.m.

Running the 2nd & 4th Week of Each Month

ANGLICAN
THE ANGLICAN MISSION OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND
Sundays - 9:30 AM 41695 Fenwick Street Unit 3 Leonardtown, MD 20650 301/997-1235 www.amosm.net

BAPTIST CHURCH
HUGHESVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH
A member of the Southern Baptist Convention 8505 Leonardtown Road, Hughesville, MD 20637 301-884-8645 or 301-274-3627 Pastor Keith Corrick Associate Pastor Kevin Cullins

UNITED CATHOLIC METHODIST

Tuesday, March 20
Live Music: Fair Warning DB McMillans (23415 Three Notch Road, California) 5 p.m. Open Mic Night Ruddy Duck Brewery (13200 Dowell Road, Dowell) 6:30 p.m.

Sunday Morning Worship Sunday School (all ages) Sunday Evening Worship & Bible Study Wednesday Discipleship Classes (Adults, youth & Children)

10:30am 9:15 am 6:00 pm 7:00 pm

Offering worship and serving opportunities at First Friendship campus Ridge 9:00 am Traditional worshipc St George Island campus Piney Point 9:45 am Children and Adult Sunday School 11:00 am Traditional worship St. Pauls campus Leonardtown 8:05 am Traditional worshipna 9:15 am Contemporary worshipnca(ASL Interpreted) 10:45 am Contemporary worshipnca 6:00 pm The Refinery (interactive worship)nc
n nursery provided c- childrens Sunday school also available a- adult Sunday school also available

Wednesday, March 21
Comedy Night feat. Tony Woods Rustic River Bar and Grill (40874 Merchants Lane, Leonardtown) 8 p.m. Open Mic w/ Mike Dameron Toots Bar (23971 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood) 7:30 p.m.

BAHAI FAITH
BAHAI FAITH
God is One, Man is One, and All Religions are One

CATHOLIC CHURCH
St. Cecelia Church
47950 Mattapany Rd, PO Box 429 St. Marys City, MD 20686 301-862-4600
Virgil Mass: Sunday: Weekday (M-F): Confessions: 4:30 pm Saturday 8:00 am 7:30 am 3-4 pm Saturday

Discussions 3rd Wed. 7-8 Lex Pk Library, Longfellow Rm 301-884-8764 or www.bahai.org

www.firstsaints.org 301.475.7200

23

Thursday, March 15, 2012

The County Times

TheGirlLovesCoupons.com), will be held March 24, 2012 at the Charlotte Hall Library at 1pm. The class will explain the benefits of couponing, give a realistic view on how to use coupons, provide the pros and cons of Extreme Couponing, give tips on how to get started, and provide strategies on how to make the most of your coupons. Pepper-Hoctor, a 30-year coupon veteran who has been featured in many national and international publications such as Washington Post, BBC News, and various radio and TV shows, will also be hosting a small meeting of advanced couponers after the class to coordinate a Coupon Shop-Off - a donation collection event involving advance couponers shopping for food to donate to the SOMD Food Bank. The class is free of charge, but space is limited and RSVPs are advisable.

Thursday, March 15
Zumba Fitness Classes Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad (43256 Rescue Lane, Hollywood) 5:45 p.m. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Cost is $7 per class or $25 for five classes. Proceeds benefit Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad. For information call 301-757-2336.

Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad and at 301-863-7800 or Linda at 240-925-5697. Auxiliary are hosting a Ham and Cabbage dinner

Tuesday, March 20

Basket Bingo Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department (28165 Hills Club Road, Mechanicsville) 5 p.m. The Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting a Basket Bingo. All proceeds to benefit the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department and YPI at DB McMillans Auxiliary. Doors open at 5 p.m. with games DB McMillans (23415 Three Notch Road, beginning at 6 p.m. For more information or California) 5:30 p.m. to make reservations contact Judy at 301-884The YPI would love to see you at our 5680 or log onto the website www.mvfd.com Happy Hour. We will be celebrating St. Pattys day a bit early at DB McMillans! Please pass this along to anyone who you think would be interested. Come out and learn about what is Caucasian Chalk Circle happening in YPI, how you can get involved Three Notch Theatre (21744 South Coral and sign up for our Relay for Life team! Stay Drive, Lexington Park) 3:30 p.m. and network with members of Calvert YPN Eighteen actors will take on almost 70 and YPI Members and enjoy a drink! roles in this intense, tragic, funny and beautiful tale of wisdom and humanity. There will be singing, dancing, magic and romance. The Newtowne Players will perform Sotterleys Lore and Legends Tour The Caucasian Chalk Circle Thursdays Sotterley Plantation (44300 Sotterley Lane, through Sundays, March 16 to April 1. ThursHollywood - 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. day, Friday and Saturday performances start Sotterleys Legends and Lore Tours are at 8 p.m.; Sunday shows begin at 3:30 p.m. back with a whole new twist! There is noth- Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for stuing like a good yarn, and Sotterley, with three dents, senior citizens and the military. Thurscenturies of people living on this site, has day shows are $10 general admission. many exciting and entertaining stories that Reservations are recommended. Please have been passed on over the years. Ghosts? make reservations for the show by calling Well, of course! Way back when stories and 301-737-5447 or visiting www.newtownerecent experiences from those close to Sotter- players.org. ley will be shared. Storytelling at its finest, this presentation will bring out the storyteller in you! Advance reservations only. Tickets are $15 per person and limited to 20 per tour. No Limit Texas Hold Em Bounty Walking is required. Purchase tickets online Tournament at www.sotterley.org. St. Marys County Elks Lodge (45779 Fire Department Lane, Lexington Park) 7 p.m. St. Marys County Friends of the LiPart of our Leaderboard Challenge brary Annual Book Sale Spring-Summer Season. Anyone can join or The Friends of the Library 2012 Annual play at any time at no cost other than your Spring Book Sale will be held March 16 to buy-in to each tournament. No need to be 18 at the fairgrounds in Leonardtown. The part of the points system, you can just play March 16, hours are from 1 to 8 p.m. and to win. Buy-in $25 for $3,000 in chips and are for Friends of the Library members only, blinds start at $25/$50 and progress from with membership information available at the there every 20 minutes. Earn points for every door. tournament you participate in. The number of The sale is open to all March 17 from 10 points you earn is determined by how many a.m. to 5 p.m. and March 18, from 12 to 3 p.m. people eliminated before you. Those accumuThose interested in helping before, dur- lating the most points will receive a free roll ing, or after the sale may call 301-863-9368 or to the $100 Leaderboard Challenge Tournaemail jzitnick@md.metrocast.net. ment scheduled for August. Number of players receiving the free roll will be determined by the amount of money that accumulates in the pool at the end of the season. Side games Ham and Cabbage Dinner are available. Food and beverage available for Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad (16515 Three purchase. Please enter through the side of the Notch Road, Ridge) 4 p.m. building. For more information, cal the lodge

Zumba Fitness Classes Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad (43256 Rescue Lane, Hollywood) 5:45 p.m. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Cost is $7 per class or $25 for five classes. Proceeds benefit Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad. For information call 301-757-2336.

Wednesday, March 21

Sunday, March 18

Friday, March 16

Mid-Week Lenten Services Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church (9463 HG Trueman Road, Lusby) 7 p.m. Mid-Week Lenten Services will be held every Wednesday in March from 7-8 p.m. For more information call 410-231-2075 or visit The 7:30 Club www.shepherdofthebay.com. (28297 Old Village Road, Mechanicsville) 7 p.m. The 7:30 Club is providing kids a positive alternative from the streets. The 7:30 CSI: Neverland Club offers an exciting, encouraging choice Chopticon High School (25390 Colton Point to our youth over negative options that are Road, Morganza) 6 p.m. available that could impact their futures in a Chopticon High Schools Bravehouse negative way. Our purpose is to impact their Productions presents CSI: Neverland on futures in a positive way, promoting positive March 22 through March 24. Tickets are $4 relationships and activities as these individufor students and $6 for adults. We are very ex- als go through arguably the most dangerous cited about this comical production with our and influential period in their lives. Open to director, Tracie Pisarcik. young people ages 13 and over. For more information, call 240-925-6058 or visit seventhirtyclub.webs.com.

Thursday, March 22

Friday, March 23

Monday, March 19

Home Spun Coffee House Open Mic Christ Church Parish Hall (37497 Zach Fowler Road, Chaptico) 7 p.m. The HomeSpun CoffeeHouse will sponsor an Open Mic. This is a great event with many varieties of music and lots of friendship, so if you havent been to an SMTMD event before, this is a great time to start! The doors Open at 7 p.m., and the music starts at 7:30 p.m. The admission fee for this event is only $5, and performers are admitted free. Light refreshments will be provided and donations are suggested. For additional information, or to sign up to perform, please contact Bob Augustine at augustinera@gmail.com

Sunday, March 25
Chesapeake Community Chorus Concert: Music for the Spring Saint Nicholas Lutheran Church (1450 Plum Point Road, Huntingtown) 5 p.m. The concert will feature contemporary, gospel, classical Christian and secular music by John Rutter, Mary McDonald, Samuel Ward, Phillip Bliss, Peter Choplin, and others. The concerts special guest will be Mother Goose, who will introduce five of her nursery rhymes for the chorus to sing as well as the famous story of The Tortoise and the Hare. Other songs will include: America the Beautiful, and Down to the River to Pray. A free-will offering will be taken to support the Calvert Hospice House. The Chorus is a volunteer group of thirty singers in its 9th season giving concerts for the benefit of charities in Calvert County. The chorus has raised over $51,000 for these charities. For more information, contact Director Larry W. Brown at 301-855-7477 or e-mail lbrown9601@verizon.net

Saturday, March 24
Coupon Clipping Savings Class Charlotte Hall Library (37600 New Market Road, Charlotte Hall) 1 p.m. Everyone loves a deal and shopping with coupons helps with securing better discounts. But what if you dont know how to get started with coupons? Then the Saving with Coupons class is just the right ticket. The Saving with Coupons class, taught by local coupon celebrity, Kimberly Pepper-Hoctor (aka

Saturday, March 17

Antique & Collectable

Friday, March 16 - 6 p.m. Friday, March 23 - 6 p.m.

Saturday, March 17 - 4 p.m. Sunday, April 1 - 1 p.m.

Grocery Auction Gun Auction

Estate Auction

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

Chesapeake Auction House

Consignments Now Being Accepted for the Gun Auction

Crime&

The County Times

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Punishment
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Almost eight months ago vice narcotics officers raided The Corner Store in Callaway and seized drugs and drug paraphernalia they alleged was being sold from the establishment and now the owner of the store, Lakshmana Manoharam, 64, of Leonardtown, has been indicted on charges of drug possession, intending to distribute drugs and possessing drug paraphernalia. Some of those charges could net Manoharam up to 20 years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines if he is convicted. On March 2, he was released on personal recognizance following a bond hearing in Circuit Court. The original indictment against Manoharam was filed Jan. 4. Vice/narcotics detectives allege Manoharam sold

24

Callaway Shop Owner Indicted

synthetic marijuana, known as methylone, out of his storefront along with smoking devices. The indictment also alleges he possessed enough to suspect he planned to distribute it as well as packing materials, scales and a cutting agent to process the drug. Detectives first raided the store at the intersection of Route 5 and Piney Point Road Sept. 15 and confiscated items. At that time, there were no charges brought in the raid but detectives seized not only the drug, sometimes known as K-2, but about 210 smoking devices. Police reported they seized about $3,200 in illegal narcotics. Capt. Daniel Alioto, commander of the drug enforcement division said the raid effectively cut off the alleged drug sales from the site. Hes not selling it anymore, Alioto said, adding that the defendant had attempted to keep his alleged activities covert. He took steps to conceal what he was doing. Law officers here announced last year that the federal Drug Enforcement Administration had banned chemicals used to create synthetic marijuana, categorizing them as a controlled dangerous substance. guyleonard@countytimes.net

Briefs
Police respond to man-with-a-gun call
On March 12, at 11:22 a.m. police units responded to the report of a subject allegedly armed with a shotgun making threats to cause bodily harm to himself and others at a residence in Leonardtown, police said. The suspect left the residence in his vehicle and a lookout was dispatched to police units responding to the residence. The vehicle was observed by officers at a business in Leonardtown and contact was made with the vehicle operator, identified as James S. Gass, Jr., 20, of Leonardtown. Officers observed a Mossberg 20 gauge shotgun, several rounds of ammunition and CDS paraphernalia in plain view in the vehicle; Gass was advised he was under arrest and became combative with the officers, police alleged. Following a brief struggle, Gass was arrested and transported to St. Marys Hospital for evaluation. Upon his release from St. Marys Hospital on March 13, he was arrested on an open warrant charging him with resisting arrest. Gass was incarcerated in the Detention Center pending an appearance before the District Court Commissioner. Additional charges are pending a review by the states attorneys office.

Lakshmana Manoharam

Officers Warn of St. Patricks Day Patrols

St. Marys County law enforcement will be highly visible this weekend in an effort to crack down on aggressive and impaired driving, according to the sheriffs office. Deputies and troopers will conduct sobriety checkpoints and/or saturation patrols throughout St. Marys County. We encourage everyone who plans to celebrate St. Patricks Day this year to keep in mind our anti-drunk and aggressive driving campaigns and plan a safe way home before the festivities begin, said Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron. If youve had too much to drink, make sure you can rely on a sober, designated driver to get you home safely, said Leonardtown Barrack Commander Lt. Michael Thompson. According to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 37 percent of the motor vehicle traffic fatalities during St. Patricks Day 2009 involved at least one driver with a blood alcohol content of .08 grams per deciliter or above, the legal level of intoxication established in every state in the union. Law officers are encouraging citizens to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Plan Ahead Celebrate Responsibly Allow Travel Time Designate a Sober Driver Dont Allow Others to Drive Impaired and;

Philip H. Dorsey III Attorney at Law

- SERIOUS ACCIDENT, INJURY Personal Injury Wrongful Death Auto/Truck Crashes Pharmacy & Drug Injuries Workers Compensation Medical Malpractice

Police are asking if you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, dont hesitate to contact your local law enforcement. For more information please visit: www.TrafficSafetyManagement.gov

LEONARDTOWN: 301-475-5000 TOLL FREE: 1-800-660-3493 EMAIL: phild@dorseylaw.net

Generals Visit Gridiron Grill

Corporal David Corcoran, of the St. Marys County Sheriffs Office and member of the D.C. Generals police and fire football invites the community to enjoy an evening at the Gridiron Grill in Callaway, Saturday, March 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. Generals players will be doing a meet and greet, accepting donations and presenting a framed jersey to the Grills owner, Greg Callaway, for his support of the team. Former Redskin Ron Saul will also be stopping by and Generals games will be shown on Gridirons big screens. Another upcoming, family-friendly fundraiser, a barbeque at the Elks Lodge on May 5 will feature a visit from another Redskins veteran, Dexter Manley. Corcoran said its nice to get support from the community he serves. The Generals season kicks off March 31.

www.dorseylaw.net

25

Thursday, March 15, 2012

The County Times

To Place a Classified Ad, please email your ad to: classifieds@countytimes.net or Call: 301-3734125 or Fax: 301-373-4128 for a price quote. Office hours are: Monday thru Friday 8am - 4pm. The County Times is published each Thursday.

DireCTory
Phone 301-884-5900 1-800 524-2381 Phone 301-934-4680 Fax 301-884-0398

Business
Cross & Wood

Deadlines for Classifieds are Tuesday at 12 pm.

Classifieds
Real Estate
Walk right in to this mid-level one bedroom condo located in the Rosewood section of Wildewood. New carpet, freshly painted, new washer/dryer. Wonderful neighborhood located close to schools and shopping. Asking $119,500, with some closing help available. Please call 301-373-5732 to take a look. 2.44 Acres in Mechanicsville. Lot is fully wooded and ready to be cleared. Property is ready to be built on. Lot is secluded and sets off the main road. Property is quiet and private. Approved perc. Plat is avaliable upon request. Asking price $97,000/obo. Willing to negotiate any offers. Any questions, feel free to ask. E-Mail: mjp0310@gmail.com or call Matt at 443-532-6936.

AssoCiAtes, inC. Serving The Great Southern Maryland Counties since 1994
Employer/Employee Primary Resource Consultants Group & Individual Health, Dental, Vision, AFLAC, Life, Long Term Care, Short & Long Term Disability, Employer & Employee Benefits Planning

12685 Amberleigh Lane La Plata, MD 20646

28231 Three Notch Rd, #101 Mechanicsville, MD 20659

301-866-0777

Pub & Grill

23415 Three Notch Road California Maryland

Heating & Air Conditioning THE HEAT PUMP PEOPLE

30457 Potomac Way Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 Phone: 301-884-5011

Real Estate Rentals

HOLLYWOOD: Pier w/boat ramp, 3 bedroom, 2 bath house with water view. Has combined living room, dining room and kitchen with fireplace/cathedral ceiling/ceiling fan. Large multi-tiered deck on back of house with storage shed. Nicely landscaped with blacktop driveway. Hook-up for washer & dryer and cable TV. No Pets. Good Credit is required. Call 301-373-2532. Rent: $1500.

2 Days Till St. Patricks Day

Entertainment All Day

www.dbmcmillans.com

Est. 1982

snheatingac.com

Lic #12999

Want Personal Local Service?

Employment

Accepting 2011-12 IRA Contributions Rollovers & Consolidations Mary Clifton

Financial Advisor

Stocks Bonds Mutual Funds Income Complimentary Consultation

301-884-4575 Mechanicsville, MD

Looking for a licensed journeyman plumber with at least 10 years experience in service. Must have your own work truck and tools and be able to work independently. Position is starting as part time but very likely to be full time in the near future. Great pay (commission based). Must be able to work alternating weekends. If interested please call 240-538-2789.

301-737-0777
Monday - Friday: 10 am - 7 pm Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm Sunday: 11 am - 4 pm

OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

23415 Three Notch Rd. Suite #2033A California, MD 20619

Prime Rib Seafood Sunday Brunch Banquet & Meeting Facilities 23418 Three Notch Road California, MD 20619 www.lennys.net

Coordinator Special Programs HS I

St. Marys County Health Department PROMOTE HEALTH

Providing advocacy services for persons with developmental disabilities

Requirements: Bachelor Degree Salary Range ~ $32-37K Emergency/ Contractual position Send Resume: St. Marys County Health Department PO Box 316 Leonardtown, MD 20650 Fax: 301-475-9425 EOE

For All Your Real Estate Needs.

Addie McBride

www.franzenrealtors.com

22316 Three Notch Rd. Lexington Park, MD 20653 Office: 1-800-848-6092 Office: 301-862-2222 Fax Office: 301-862-1060

Franzen Realtors, Inc.

Helping Good People Find Good Homes.

Cell: 301-481-6767 Home: 301-737-1669 www.addiemcbride.com addiemcbride@verizon.net

Closing Date: March 19, 2012

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 the first publication ran.

Important

Newsmakers
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Dr. Nabeel Qureshi, 28, was raised by his parents to be a good Muslim, but now he is spreading the message about why he became a Christian. He told a packed auditorium at Kings Christian Academy in Callaway that for his entire life he was an apologist for Islam but as he grew older he met a man who would become his best friend in college who was as intellectually prepared to argue the cause of Christ as Qureshi was for Allah. The Koran talks a great deal about Jesus Christ, but only as a prophet who performed miracles, Qureshi said. I knew who Jesus was, I also knew Jesus wasnt God, Qureshi said. Before he met his friend in college at Old Dominion University in Virginia in 2001, Qureshi said he had always challenged Christians by attacking Christs divinity and the New Testaments accuracy. I would ask them where in the Gospels does it say Jesus is God? he told the audience. Nobody was able to respond to that I felt other people needed my God. That changed, he said, when he met his friend David in college as a fellow debate team member. He learned David was a Christian and felt he could challenge him as easily as he had others by attacking the New Testament and Christ. But David had spent four years studying to answer those questions, Qureshi said. After long debates with his new friend his faith in Islam started to shift, but nothing could prepare him for the 9/11 attacks at the World Trade Center in New York and at the Pentagon.

The County Times

Thursday, March 15, 2012

26

From the Crescent Moon to the Cross

Everything I had been taught had been shaken, my parents had taught me that Islam was a religion of peace, Qureshi said. Qureshi said that through his continuing study of the New Testament he found it was accurate and that Jesus, in the Book of John, claimed to be God by saying I and my Father are one. But intellectual study could only take him so far, he had to find a spiritual answer, he said. I needed to know the answer, I wanted to know who my maker was, Qureshi said. Eventually he came to believe that Jesus was resurrected after his crucifixion, whereas the Koran denies it. And at this time, he was still a Muslim, he said. I couldnt find a way around it, Jesus really did rise from the dead, Qureshi said. The Koran says he was not killed, he was not crucified. The more he learned about Christianity the more he learned about what the Koran taught about Islam. Mohammed was not the enlightened, peaceful religious leader he had been taught. Everything my parents had taught me about Islam was whitewashed, he said. By 2005 he had finally converted to Christianity but he was afraid of emotionally destroying his family, immigrants from Pakistan who tried to escape persecution there in the 1970s. When he told them his decision, it was incredibly painful for all of them. My mother crumbled before my eyes, she had to go to the hospital, he said. I saw my father cry for the first time in my life. But despite all that it cost him, Qureshi continues to go

Dr. Nabeel Qureshi

to churches to give his testimony about Gods power in his life and how he finally came to accept to the truth. The Koran was just old dead and gone words, Qureshi said, adding afterwards that sharing the gospel is whats driving him now. But he is working on finishing school, he said, so he can impact the scholastic community by defending The Gospel. He said his travels as an apologist and evangelist are the rewards he looks forward to. Just being able to point to God everyday and show how awesome he is, Qureshi said. guyleonard@countytimes.net

AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR SENIORS 55+

Durkins Realty, P.C.

21945 Three Notch Rd. #104 Lexington Park, MD 20653

301-737-1133 1-800-638-4701 301-994-1632

www.durkinsrealty.com

LOOK NO FURTHER 4000 SQ FT OF LIVING SPACE

Highly upgraded home in Leonardtown School District Come see this home with wet bar in MBR sitting area, Rec Room has full bar with refrigerator & dishwasher, 6 BRs, 3.5 BAs, gourmet kitchen, breakfast room, wood floors, Laundry hookup on main floor & upstairs. Full unfinished walkout basement. Too much to mention. SM7770272 $489,000 Call William Durkin

LOVELY REMODELED HOME ON ONE ACRE

tion Applica ived! Fee Wa

SPECIALS
for a 1 bedroom

Securit y Depos it $250

$999

Utilities Included!!

for a 2 bedroom

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Wanderings of an
Aimless

27

Thursday, March 15, 2012

The County Times

By Linda Reno Contributing Writer Whats cuter than three little boys? Three little boys and a puppy! I would guess this picture was taken by my mother in 1955 in our front yard at

A Journey Through Time

The

Min

Sealing away the Day

Chronicle

By Shelby Oppermann Contributing Writer ***What beautiful days in St. Marys County! Mild temperatures and blue skies. How can you not sing. I want to run through the yard and sing all the songs from The Sound of Music. But why ruin anyone elses day? You hear everyone say, Oh, if it could just stay like this year round. But, the realist side of you says, No, then we wouldnt appreciate these kinds of days if we had them all the time. You know what? I think I would. A little rain in the middle of the night for the farmers and beautiful sun and blue skies during the day. Okay, back to reality just enjoy the moment and each day for what it is.*** I know my husband is so happy that he bought me a Food Saver Seal a Meal system for Christmas. I had been hinting, then asking for one for years. Shirley, my Mother-in-law kept telling me she had an extra one so not to buy one. But it never turned up still hasnt. But now, I have one! A shiny silver and black space saving wonder machine. So, last Friday, after a 4:45 wake-up call from the local hot rodder with one of those cars that sounds like a soupedup lawn mower, I figured my husband and I were awake for the day. I started putting on all my layers of sweatshirts and thick sweatpants to go outside and greet the coming sunrise with Tidbit. But we had to make our hot tea and have our English muffin first. Then I remembered that Id better seal the leftover potato party rolls from a few days ago. Well, one thing led to another, and I was on a manic sealing and vacuuming frenzy. The loud vibration of the vacuum and sealer music to my ears. I sealed the potato rolls, two Tupperware containers of soup, a cut red onion, and resealed the bags of salad and soup noodles. In the middle of one seal I heard a loud stomping coming down the hallway. I turned around to see a wild-haired, wild-eyed husband standing in the kitchen doorway scowling. What are you doing?! he growled. Its five oclock in the morning! Oops, sorry. I went over and gave him a hug. No response. And then I thought I would wisely add with a bright, cheery smile, Thank you for getting me this Food Saver, did I tell you how much I am enjoying it, and how much money we are saving with this, and how fresh our food will be, and The rest of the words trailed after a stony, stomping, huffing and puffing figure. He retreated back to his lair and slammed the door. I guess that could all be considered a response. Okay, I thought, thats done, no use worrying that I could make him any madder right? Does this bother me? No, not really. I have my Food Saver and that was all that mattered in my world at that moment. So, I started looking around for more things to seal. Ive had such fun experimenting with different foods; salads, meats, resealing every sort of package. The confectioners sugar was not a good idea and neither was my first sealing of potato rolls. I didnt realize I could stop the vacuum process, and they flattened like a pancake. I cant wait to open up the rest of my Happy Dragon Restaurant leftover garlic beef. Anytime I go in the freezer, I check on the hamburger, and the garlic beef they still look fresh and appetizing. Maybe I could have my husband help me in this sealing endeavor. One more thing that a loving wife and bear, oh I mean husband, could do together. Im not sure though, I only caught a few words, but I thought I heard him mutter something under his breath that morning about sealing somethinglipsshut. I couldnt quite make it out. To each new days adventure, Shelby Please send your comments or ideas to: shelbys.wanderings@yahoo.com

fought. Donnie, the youngest of four sons, knew how to fight so Billy was often the loser in these contests. I vividly recall Billy come flying around the front of our house one day with Donnie hot on his heels with a whick Oraville. whack in hand. Big sister stepped Pictured here is Donald Donnie in that day to avert bloodshed. Scott Wood, Ronald Wayne Wood, and Unfortunately, Donnie my brother, Billy Davis, and they were probably there for a birthday party for Left to Right: Donnie Wood, would die just before his 16th birthday. On February 12, 1966 Billy. My mother never had organized Wayne Wood, Billy Davis the car in which he was riding was birthday parties for us. On my birthday, shed tell me go over and see if Winnie and Carlton struck head on by a drunken driver. Billy was one of want to come for ice cream and cake. Donnie was his pallbearers. Billy Davis (my brotherIm apparently the closer to Billys age, so he got the invitation. We were never turned down that I recall. What kid was going only person who still calls him Billy and I dont see a need to change that now) was born September 27, to turn down cake and ice cream? Winnie and Carlton were Donnies brothers and 1949. His parents and mine were William Philip Dathey lived just across the field from us. There were no vis and Nellie Agnes Kitty Phillips. We were blessed to grow up in a time of innogirls my age living in Oraville then so I always had cence with good friends and neighbors. Our parents boys at my parties. Wayne Wood, son of Herman Oliver Wood, Jr. didnt need to drive us anywhere for fun, we made (always called Junior) and Doris Ann Long, was our own. Our yard was the gathering place for explorborn March 15, 1950. When he was still very young, ing the old barn behind the store, afternoon baseball Waynes grandfather, Harvey Long would let Wayne games, and alley alley over until my father would drive his car around the farm. Although Wayne come running from the house telling us to stop bewould pull the seat up as far as possible, he was still cause we were going to knock his shingles off the too short so the driving required a lot of bouncing up roof. That warning lasted long enough for him to get back into the house and the game would begin to peep over the steering wheel. Donnie Wood, son of Francis Xavier Avie all over again. The only one of the parents still living is Doris Wood and Nellie Buckler, was born April 5, 1950. Donnie and Billy were close friends, but they also (Long) Wood. She will be 83 on July 20. Happy birthday! Will there be cake and ice cream?

Book Review
c.2012, Sleeping Bear Press
By Terri Schlichenmeyer Contributing Writer Your list of chores is a long one. Every morning, you have to make your bed, and straighten up. You help with dishes, help keep the house clean, pitch in with outside work, maybe even cook and bring in firewood. And thats not even counting your weekend chores. Youd like to believe youve got it rough, but as youll see in the new book, Surviving the Hindenburg by Larry Verstraete, illustrated by David Geister, your chores aint nothing. At least they dont put you in the path of danger Fourteen-year-old Werner Franz was very excited. Even though he had work to do as cabin boy for the Hindenburg, his job was to make beds, set tables, wash dishes, and clean uniforms - he was finally going to get a chance to see America, and he couldnt wait! It was 1937, and air travel over the Atlantic was brand-new. The Hindenburg was one of the most famous of all airships, and one of the largest: at 13 stories high and over 800 feet long, it was like a big floating hotel surrounded by fabric cells filled with highly-flammable hydrogen. As the youngest crew member, Werner loved working on this great big ship in the sky. Every day, when he was done with his work in the kitchen, Werner loved to visit with the mechanics who manned the engines or the riggers who

by Larry Verstraete, illustrated by David Geister

$16.95 / $18.95 Canada 32 pages
worked at the top of the airship. It was a little bit of a balancing act to get to them; the Hindenburg was filled with narrow wooden paths that took people from stern to bow. One of the paths led to a small window that gave Werner a birds-eye look at the Atlantic Ocean and, on May 6, 1937, an up-high look at New York City. It was stormy that day, but people crowded the beaches of New Jersey to watch this first-ever look at the mighty Hindenburgs landing. Werner wished he could watch it, too, but he had dishes to finish. And then there was a thump. Dishes scattered and broke, and Werner ran to a wooden pathway. The Hindenburg was on fire! Based on a true story for which the anniversary looms, Surviving the Hindenburg is an interesting tale enhanced by historical information in front and back pages, both of which give young readers an idea of the magnitude of this disaster. In telling this story, author Larry Verstraete gives kids someone to identify with: a boy like them who is witness to an event that shocked Americans, and the Germans who made the zeppelin. And thats all good, but what really makes this book are the illustrations by David Geister. With a palette that evokes many emotions in few pages, Geisters artwork truly sets the tone of this book. While its generally the size and shape of a preschoolers picture book, I think Surviving the Hindenburg is better suited for children ages 7-to12. If youve got a young historian in the house, in fact, enjoying this book wont be a chore.

Surviving the Hindenburg

Sp rts
By Doug Watson Contributing Writer When the first green flag of the 2012 season is waved next Friday night at Southern Md.s Potomac speedway, one driver in particular will be anxiously waiting for that moment, Darren Alvey.

The County Times

Thursday, March 15, 2012

28

Darren Alvey Prepared for Winning Season in 2012

Entering his second full season in the ever-tough street stock division, Alvey would have to consider himself a legitimate threat for the 2012 championship. In his first full season at Potomac, Alvey scored six heat race wins and nailed down a solid sixth in the final point tally, despite the fact he would be held winless. Last season was good, and bad, for us last season. Alvey stated. The car was good enough to win on most nights, but the we had so many little things take us from races when we ran good, it was frustrating, but I think well be ok once we get started. Speaking of Alveys mount, a Roy Anderson built car carrying Alvey Brothers Farm and Champion Used Auto Parts on its exterior, has seen its share of success since it was constructed a few years ago. The car was Billy Lackeys when he raced street stocks then he sold the car to Jimmy Gardner, and both of those guys ran well and won in the car, so hopefully my time will come this season. Alvey plans to contend for the Potomac title, but winning a feature is his true desire. I want to win in the worst way!! Alvey bottom-lined. I know we have good equipment but I know if I can make every race, and finish every race, hopefully I can reward all the sponsors and the people who have helped along the way with a feature win. Potomac produced nine different street stock winners in 2011, and could find yet another new class winner in Darren Alvey in 2012.

Potomac Speedway Practice NotesDespite the rumors, 2009 street stock champion Kyle Nelson, will compete in 2012. Our car is ready but we dont plan on bringing it out until next week for the opener. Said Nelson. Im going to race as much as I can but we arent racing for points. Money is tight and I have some things planned with my family this summer, so we will be there just to have fun. Nelson is a 15-time career winner with the street stocksHobby stock racer Jerry Deason, who won his first-ever Potomac main last season, has acquired the former Mark Guthrie no.117, re-lettered with Deasons familiar no.24 on its doors2006 street stock champion, and 18-time career class winner, Barry Williams Sr. was on hand with his familiar B&W Paving no.5 with all new sheet metal, and looked quite strong in practice. Williams ride is the same car that carried Johnny Smith to the 2000 Potomac championshipFour-time 2011 limited late model feature winner Stevie Long will be racing with the late models in 2012. We got a good used Cornett (racing engine) from Darrell Lanigan and have decided to race with the late models. Long explained. It cost us almost the same to run with the limited class, so we felt the time was right to move up. Long, who will be utilizing a Rocket chassis, plans to attend all the Potomac events with stops

spread between Hagerstown, Winchester and Virginia Motor speedwayComing off two consecutive runner-up finishes in late model points at Potomac, Dale Hollidge is primed for a run at the Potomac title. With only 8-races its going to be tough. Hollidge remarked. I plan on spending most of my time here at Potomac on Friday nights and Saturdays at Winchester. Were not a high dollar team, so we have to be careful with our equipment. Hollidges familiar red color scheme is gone, as all black sheet metal wrap his 2010 MasterSbilt chassis no.0 with Curt Hershey supplying the powerSecond year hobby stock pilot Jonathon Raley, behind the wheel of his family-owned no.92, is poised for a championship assault as well. We have two motors for here at Potomac and one for VMS. Raley stated. We had a good year winning three races in our first season, but we lost our primary motor mid-way through and that killed our chances at the title, were better prepared for this season.After returning to the street stock class in 2011, Mike Latham was another driver who looked strong on Saturday, and should be considered a formidable title contender in his own right. Were still trying to get back in

the groove. Said Latham. We were away from the street stock for quite a few years, and even though our car is good, we still have some kinks to work out to run up front every week. Lathams Roy Anderson built no.78 was a one-time winner in 2011, upping his career class total at Potomac to 22, which is second to all-time SS winner Ronald Cusic who has 53...2010 street stock champion Kurt Zimmerman plans to contend for a second Potomac title, despite the rumors that he was going to retire from the sport. Zim-

29

Thursday, March 15, 2012

The County Times

Sp rts
The Ordinary

Anxiety Season
By Keith McGuire Contributing Writer March is a teasing month. Some days are still bitter cold, while others will have you heading to the water on a moments notice. What Im noticing this year is that more is rising than the temperature most notably the price of gas! Corners need to be cut and deals need to be found to offset these high prices. The last thing you need is to waste a lot of time and energy running from place to place this season was the white perch spawning or fishing with the wrong run. That too, is pretty much over. Now we equipment. Networking are dabbling in freshwater for crappie and with fellow anglers is the bass, or dousing chicken livers and stink baits answer. for catfish while we wait for the spring striper The local Southern and croaker runs. Maryland Chapter of the I ran into a fellow angler today who Maryland Saltwater Sporttold me that he had heard that the croakers fishing Association will werent expected to be here in such great meet today (3/15) at the numbers this year because of the return of the Solomons Fire Hall at 7:00 sea trout. I was surprised by the comment so PM. The topic at this meetI asked for clarification. He went on to exing will be a discussion of plain the abundance of trout at Eastern Shore the best methods for catchlocations last fall and the prediction that this ing pre-season and early would keep the big croakers away. Actually, season rockfish. I had not drawn the correlation between trout The local Patuxand croakers and found the discussion interent River Chapter of the esting. If croakers truly are held off by an Coastal Conservation Asabundance of sea trout, Ill be happy with the sociation Maryland will Too valuable to catch only once! sea trout any day! Time will tell as the early meet next Monday evespring arrivals make their way up the Bay. ning (3/19) at 7:00 PM at I dont know about you, but I want to be ready Stoneys Kingfisher Restaurant in Solomons. The guest speaker at the meeting will be Shawn Kimbro, when the fish get here. If you have a boat, check out author of a new book Chesapeake Light Tackle An all of your safety gear when you upgrade your fishing Introduction to Light Tackle Fishing on the Chesa- tackle. Now would be a great time to explore a Vespeake Bay. Shawn Kimbro gives a great presentation, sel Safety Check through the Coast Guard Auxiliary to and his book is a great read. He is also the lead coor- be sure that all the safety features of your boat are up dinator for the Careful Catch program, which targets to date. Check this website: http://www.safetyseal.net/ the best strategies for catching and releasing stripers GetVSC/. If you go fishing and catch something slightly unharmed. These are the opportunities we need to get some more worthwhile than a cold, be sure to take a picture of the best how to/where to local knowledge available. and send it to me at riverdancekeith@gmail.com. These meetings are free and open to the public. You Keith has been a recreational angler on the Chescan bet that I will attend both! If you didnt fish for the yellow perch during their apeake Bay and its tributaries for over 50 years; he spawning run, you missed out on a great opportunity. fishes weekly from his small boat during the season, It was one of the better yellow perch seasons in recent and spends his free time supporting local conservation memory. The second great fishing opportunity so far organizations.

Angler

merman was a five-time winner last season with his no.9A tying himself for third on the all-time win chart with Tommy Hitt and Rick Schmidt with 21 victoriesBrian Adkins, a two-time hobby stock winner in 10, sported a new style camaro body on his potent no.06 and was one of the best looking cars at the track, despite the fact the car suffered mechanical woes in the one and only practice session it was inAfter missing the second-half of 2011season limited late model driver Ed Pope, steering his Popes Welding no.11 appeared to be the fastest LLM at the track on Satur-

day. Pope scored his only class win to date back in 2010, and if can produce a full season, has to be considered a title contender. Pope is a Potomac champion, as he was the street stock titlist back in 2007... Even with the sun at full strength the entire afternoon, copious amounts of rain the past several weeks kept the Potomac surface quite racy in spite of the fact that nearly 70 race cars in various classes practiced for a solid three hours. However, the final 40-minutes of practice did see the track starting to take some rubber.

Test and Tunes at MIR

Winegardner Partners with Local Babe Ruth League

This Saturday, March 17, Maryland International Raceway will host a full day Test & Tune. Time runs, grudge runs, testing, and tuning all day long! MIR will also have a free $1,000 to win gamblers race for the bracket racers. So bring your grudge matches, street cars, pro cars, bracket cars, imports, motorcycles, and Jr. Dragsters to MIR! Gates open at 10am, eliminations begin at 3 p.m., and the test & tune is over at 6 p.m. Admission is just $15. On Sunday, March 18 MIR will host another full day Test & Tune. Time runs, grudge runs, testing, and tuning all day long! MIR will also have a free $1,000 to win gamblers race for the bracket racers. So bring your grudge matches, street cars, pro cars, bracket cars, imports, motorcycles, and Jr. Dragsters to MIR! Gates open at 10 a.m., eliminations begin at 3 p.m., and the test & tune is over at 6pm. Admission is just $15. For more information on these events call 301-884-RACE or visit mirdrag.com. In the spirit of community collaboration and teamwork taught through youth sports, Winegardner Motor Company, LLC, is supporting St Mary's Babe Ruth League through the Chevy Youth Baseball Program. This sponsorship will include both monetary and equipment donations during the Spring 2012 youth baseball season. Chevy Youth Baseball is a grassroots initiative that establishes a positive relationship between local dealers and the communities they serve. Over the course of the season, Winegardner Motors will donate equipment to the league which may include: equipment bags, baseballs, softballs, catchers gear, batting helmets, ball buckets, umpires equipment, coachs kits, break away bases, bat racks and first aid kits. In addition, each sponsored league will take part in the Chevy Youth Baseball Double Play Giveaway which is a fundraiser that can earn each league $10,000. The contest features a grand prize of a new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, along with other prizes such as HD Televisions, courtesy of the local Chevrolet dealership. Also, thanks to Winegardner Motors and other participating area Chevrolet dealers, youth baseball participants will have a chance to attend a youth clinic with a local professional baseball team. We are looking forward to a great season with St Mary's Babe Ruth League that will be filled with exciting games and an enhanced experience for the teams through the equipment and cash donations Kurt Winegardner said. Chevy Youth Baseball is just one example of how committed our dealership is to supporting the youth and families in our community. The 2012 program will provide assistance to 364 leagues in the Northeastern region and Chevrolet dealers will contribute over $600,000 in monetary and equipment donations.

The County Times

SENIOR LIVING
Adult Study Support Group On Tuesday, March 20, at 10:45 a.m., an adult study support group meets at the Northern Senior Activity Center. The group meets the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month and is facilitated by Elizabeth Holdsworth (LCSW-C). Topics covered include issues pertinent to Southern Maryland seniors and this session will specifically cover advance directives, living wills and more. Walk-ins are welcome. Call 301.475.4002, ext. 1002 for more information. Cards for Our Troops On Tuesday, March 20 from 1:30 4:30 p.m., the Garvey Senior Activity Center will be making Mothers Day cards for our troops stationed abroad to send home to their mothers and fathers. All handmade cards will be donated to From Our Hearts, a nonprofit organization that provides homemade greeting cards to service members to send home to family while away from home. To sign up to help cut, stamp and assemble cards, call 301.475.4200, ext. 1050. No previous experience needed. Shelf Life of Food: How long and how fresh? On Thursday, March 22, at 1 p.m., information about how long and how fresh is the shelf life of foods will be presented at the Northern Senior Activity Center. What does the date on a product mean? What are the codes? What exactly does Best Before, Use By and

Thursday, March 15, 2012

30

St. Marys Dept of Aging

Sell By mean? Sign up by Wednesday, March 21 and come find the answers. Call 301.475.4002, ext. 1001 to sign up. Blue Crabs Baseball Game A ticket to the Senior Day Brunch on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 includes entrance to the game, access to the air conditioned Legends Club Room, and all you can eat buffet of hot dogs, BBQ pulled pork, potato salad, cole slaw, fruit salad, and soft drinks. The cost is $23.00 per person. Reservations can be made by calling Brandy at the Garvey Senior Activity Center at 301.475.4200, ext. 1062. Payment is due by April 11. Make checks payable to St. Marys County Department of Aging and Human Services. Limited transportation is available; inquire when making reservations. Those providing their own transportation should meet at Regency Furniture Stadium no later than 9:45 a.m. Memphis Turn up that dial from the underground dance clubs of the 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes a hot new Broadway musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs, and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Inspired by actual events, Memphis is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves--filled with laughter, soaring emotion, and roof-raising rock n roll. Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards including Best Musical comes to the Kennedy Center. The Department of Aging and Human Services will offer a trip on Saturday, June 16. Cost: $120.00 includes Coach Bus transportation, pre-performance tour of the Kennedy Center, lunch on your own, first tier balcony ticket and gratuities. For more information, call 301.475.4200, ext. 1072. Two Overnight Trips Later This Year! St Marys County Dept. of Aging and Human Services is sponsoring two exciting trips: Myrtle Beach - October 4-7, 2012; 3 nights in an ocean front room at Ocean Reef Resort; 3 breakfasts; 3 full course dinners; shopportunities, 2 full-length shows, plenty of time to relax on the beach: $660 pp double occupancy. For more information call Shellie at 301.737.5670 ext. 1655 or email: Sheila.graziano@ stmarysmd.com New York City Holiday Tour- December 7-9, 2012; 3 days/2 nights, 2 continental breakfasts, 2 family style dinners, 2 shows (The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center and The Rockettes at Radio Center Music Hall, guided food and history tour of West Village, holiday decorations tour: $900 pp double occupancy. For more information call Joyce at 301.737.5670 ext. 1656 or email: joyce.raum@stmarysmd.com

Programs and Activities

Loffler Senior Activity Center 301-737-5670, ext. 1652; Garvey Senior Activity Center, 301-475-4200, ext. 1050 Northern Senior Activity Center, 301-475-4002, ext. 1001; Ridge Nutrition Site, 301-475-4200, ext. 1050. Visit the Department of Agings website at www.stmarysmd.com/aging for the most up-to date information.

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Thursday, March 15, 2012

Michael Bell, performing as The Singer, co-wrote an original score for the production and built the set.

The County Times

The County Times is always looking for more local talent to feature! To submit art or band information for our entertainment section, e-mail carriemunn@countytimes.net.

Adding Bells to Brecht; The Caucasian Chalk Circle Opens Friday

By Carrie Munn Staff Writer Looming in the pages of theater and literature anthologies is German-born Bertolt Brecht, with his post WWII-era epic theatre, brimming with political and social commentary. His work is challenging to read and to perform, but The Newtowne Players offering of his play, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, will treat theatergoers to a thoroughly entertaining show. Missy Bell directs an 18 member cast who play almost 70 different roles, as well as sing and play instruments. Bells husband, Michael, plays The Singer, and along with fellow actor and musician Krys Baker, wrote an all original score. He also served as the lighting designer and constructed an elaborate, transitional stage which functions to transport the audience into the world of a war-torn village and the minstrels story of the chalk circle. The music is one of the driving forces in the piece, Bell said. Through a barrage of guitars, mandolins, banjos, accordions, drums, whistles and one comical trumpet, the tones are set for the scenes and the audience is continually entertained as the actors, in plain sight, move swiftly through costume changes and from one scene to the next. With the characters ever-present on the stage, the musical delivery and a tale that dives into social class and justice, war and love, its a lot of theatre to take in. Its epic theatre, in every sense of the word. It has everything, Bell said. Every character is critical in the telling of this story and Bell explained the cast consists of both veteran actors and judge with a skewed sense of justice, with The cast has certainly pushed themwit and conviction. Hes uncanny, really, selves and worked hard to provide a palatBell told The County Times. able interpretation of The Caucasian Chalk Jeffrey Robbins plays several char- Circle. acters, but makes the stomach turn a bit When asked about her experiences as the lewd Corporal, and young actress in working with Three Notch Theater and Alyssa Fox also plays multiple characters The Newtowne Players, Bell had nothing but displays impeccable comic timing and but positive things to say. emotional outpouring on stage. Live, local theatre is so necessary. Bell said there is an abundance of raw Art is so necessary. You shouldnt have to talent in the cast, which has been working travel to the big city to see something that on the intricate play since December. The will move you, Bell said. entire cast move from scene to scene, role The intimate set-up lends itself well to to role, giving it their convincing all. the play, pulling the viewer in and keeping While some of the subject matter is them engaged in the entangled web The a bit high-brow, the delivery makes it di- Singer spins. gestable. However, due to some more sugBell said she submitted the work to gestive situations and a couple of severed the play selection committee and applied heads, some sections of the play arent ap- with her vision proposal to direct it after propriate for young children, Bell said. reading the Brecht masterpiece last sumIts an exciting piece that moves mer. Once I started reading, I couldnt quickly, the director explained. There are put it down, she said. She and the cast and a lot of pieces to the story, but once youre crew of the play are hoping the audience in it, youll be hooked. has a similarly engaging experience. As an actor as well, Bell said shes I think if you love theatre, youll love able to better underthis show, Bell said. stand whats being The Caucasian asked of an actor, how Chalk Circle at Three far people are truly able Notch Theater opens Frito go. She said she day, March 16 at 8 p.m., likes to dive deep and with shows on Friday get to the meat of the and Saturdays nights scene. and matinees on Sunday I like to tell the throughout March. For story- thats what its ticket information, visit all about anyway, www.newtowne players. she said, adding its org or call 301-737-5447. exciting to see the actors reach a new level carriemunn@countyin their performance. Ryan Krause, Alison Dodges and Kaite- times.net Thats what keeps me lyn Bauer, as Grusha, struggle with the injustices bestowed upon them. going.

Photos by Carrie Munn Leni Weisl, as the Governors wife holding the newborn child which becomes central in the play, is joined on stage by Mike Snider, left, and John Giusti as overbearing, bickering doctors.

new ones, making their debuts in this production. The director explained there have been some challenges in working with a novice cast, but at the same time it allows her an opportunity to teach, her first love, she said. Its been a long and intense process. Its the hardest show Ive ever done, bar none and by far, she said. The actors, as well as stage manager Sara Meador, who Bell called outstanding, have had to really stretch themselves for this piece. Leni Weisl as the Governors selfcentered, self-righteous wife and Kaitlyn Bauer in the role of Grusha, the young servant girl with a big heart, showcase the dichotomy of the human and maternal condition with rousing performances. Bob Ellwood, thanks to what Bell says is an intense understanding of the work, pulls off the role of Azdak, the drunken

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The County Times

Thursday, March 15, 2012

32

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