The

Thursday, April 3, 2008 St. Marys County, Maryland

County
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

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Raiders Win Emotional Contest

This was a big night for us.

- Leonardtown Coach Matt Chew

Pax River NAS Celebrates Its 65 Birthday

Back in 1943 Patuxent River Naval Air Station was just getting started on its journey to being the local military and community fixture it has become today. Construction was just beginning on hangars and other facilities for the testing of naval aircraft, but the head of the then Naval Aeronautics Bureau, Rear Adm. John S. McCain had high expectations for the sailors and pilots who would work there. In his commissioning speech April 1 of that year he said that the base was the most needed facility for the U.S. Navy because of its mission in furthering naval aviation. You have a chance to make a great reputation, McCain said to the sailors and pilots at the bases official See NAS page A-5

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METCOM To Host Public Forums

The St. Marys County Metropolitan Commission has announced that it will begin holding community forums on a quarterly basis in an effort to enhance communication between its customers and the general public. Those interested in posing questions or comments about the operation of public water or sewer systems, customer service, fees and charges, or any other issues, are encouraged to attend. The first forum will be held on April 9th, with subsequent forums to be held on July 9th, October th, and January 7th, 2009. After these initial meetings, the forums will be held on the second Wednesday of each calendar quarter thereafter. The first meeting will be from 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm at the Board of County Commissioners conference room 14 of the St. Marys County Governmental Center in Leonardtown. Locations of subsequent meetings will be announced at a later date.

Photo by Guy Leonard

Sen. Roy Dyson (D-Dist.29) cuts the birthday cake along with Capt. Glen Ives, commander of Patuxent River Naval Air Station and members of the St. Marys County Board of County Commissioners for the 65th anniversary of the naval air stations commissioning.

Veterans Secretary Pushing For More Resources In Southern Maryland

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Veterans returning from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan have a tougher time in getting health services if they live in rural areas like St. Marys County and jurisdictions on the Eastern Shore, said James Adkins Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs; but he hopes things are going to change soon. Adkins met with the St. Marys County Board of County Commissioners Tuesday to explain what Gov. Martin OMalleys (D) administration is going to do to aid veterans in more remote locales, since its often difficult for them to get benefits, particularly regarding mental health, that are centered in places like Baltimore. Were concerned that veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan may not have access to the mental health services they need, Adkins told the commissioners. Adkins said that in Maryland as a whole only 44 percent of veterans actually apply for the benefits they are entitled to, mostly because they cannot find an advocate in the bureaucracy who can help them through the process. Adkins said that his proposed budget for his office would add four new advocates for claims assistance throughout the state; one of those he wants to put at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home to assist returning servicemen and women Another effort the OMalley administration was pushing was for $3.5 million as part of a safety net for veterans health services in rural Maryland. The money would help set up inSee BOCC page A-

State Highway Administration Issues Major Traffic Advisory

The State Highway Administration has announced that on Friday night, April 4, as part of a $52 million interchange project along MD 5 at I-95/I-495 (Capital Beltway), SHA will begin setting structural steel for the southbound Capital Beltway flyover ramp to southbound MD 5 (Branch Avenue.) The steel placement will require a temporary closure of southbound I-95 for up to 14 hours and a temporary closure of northbound I-95 for up to ten hours, weather permitting. Curved steel beams will be erected and bolted together directly over the travel lanes of I-95. In addition, five massive cranes needed to lift the beams will be on the I-95 travel lanes, necessitating the total road closures. All lanes along both directions of I-95 and the southbound MD 5 ramp to northbound I-95 are expected to re-open to traffic by 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 5. To avoid major delays, motorists are strongly encouraged to use alternate routes.

Text Messaging, Students Internet Activities Worries Law Enforcement

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Some of the on-line images Deputy First Class Angela Muller flashed up on the screen at the Margaret Brent Middle School library included a young boy at the school who took a picture of himself goofing off in class. Not exactly serious, Muller said, to the small group of parents there trying to learn more about local childrens Internet habits. But then the images of what local students were posting on-line became even more concerning. One girl, who was just 12-years-old, Muller said, had posted a close-up shot of herself wearing dark sunglasses on the Internet focusing on her cleavage that suggested she was much older than she really was. Mom did not know about this picture, Muller told the gathered parents. Do you think she was happy? Another young man, just a th grader Muller said, had his own personal Web page posted identifying himself as a playboy with other descriptions laced with profanity. He noted that hes had trials and fallen down like Niagara, but he still gets back up like Viagra. And then there was the text messaging that has become so poplar; all a student needs is a cell phone and another persons phone number to send either a message or even a photograph. The text messages have led to a phenomenon known as cyber-bullying, said Muller, who is the school resource officer at both Margaret Brent and Leonardtown middle schools. Cyber-bullying is the repeated and willfully harmful See Cyber-Bullying page A-

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The County Times

Thursday, April 3, 008

Southern Maryland Trails Turnbuckle Hop Part 1

Emily Finch Contributing Writer The weather is finally warming up. Soon students will be released from the burdens of schoolwork and parents will be looking for something the family can do together. Just as the other trails I have highlighted from the Southern Maryland Trails Guidebook, today I bring you the Turnbuckle Hop trail, which runs from Annapolis through Brandywine and ends in Edgewater, Md. This trail features many gardens and art galleries, among several other special attractions. The first five stops are in the heart of Annapolis, and make a wonderful walking tour. It is a great way to get your legs moving and your mind and body motivated for the fun-filled day ahead. Chick and Ruths Delly and Scotlaur Inn B&B on Main Street in Annapolis is our first stop, or if you like, a top-of-themornin-to-ya beginning. Stay in one of the Scotlaur Inns 10 handsomely decorated rooms the night before beginning this trail with your family and head downstairs to the Delly to enjoy a hearty homemade breakfast after you wake up. The Delly is open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch. Visit scotlaurinn.com or call 410-268-5665 for the B&B. No further than a block away, the Annapolis Pottery sits across from the state house on State Street. Bill and Genevieve McWilliams opened this gallery/studio in 1994 for customers to browse their beautiful creations, and maybe even buy one to take home. The gallery is open year round seven days a week. Call 410-267-6153 for more information. Our next stop, William Paca House & Garden, is about five blocks away on Prince Georges Street. This restored home and terraced garden of William Paca, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, is one of a kind in the area. The beautiful garden has been completely restored with flowers and shrubbery typical of the time Paca had lived there. The garden also features a fish-shaped ornamental pond near the gorgeous summerhouse. The Paca home can also be toured. It has been restored to its original luster as well, using many of the original Paca family accessories and furnishings. There is no charge for this guided tour through the home. This historic landmark is open seven days a week March through December. Call 410-267-7619 for more information or to schedule a wedding reception. Just a block away is another gallery on Maryland Avenue, the Aurora Gallery. Here, owner Jean Opilla opens her doors to several local artists to display their original paintings, prints and other great works of art. The Sky, Land and Water group exhibit is going on now through April 15. This show features Anne Bradshaw, Ann Crain, Dorate Muller, Gail Higginbotham, Jeanne Norton Hammett, Catherine Frisch and Myra Corpus. Call 410-263-9150 for more information. A couple blocks to West Street and youll arrive at another gallery, the ARTFX Gallery. The honorary mayor of Annapolis, Onyx, a black lab, will meet and greet you at the door as you come in to this wonderfully fun shop. ARTFX features non-traditional works of art including beeswax candles, etched leaves and wood-turning, as well as more commonly known art mediums like photography, pottery and paintings. ARTFX is open year round Tuesday through Saturday. Call 410-990-4540 for more information. Now you can rest your legs and drive to Maryland Sunrise Farm in Gambrillis. This organic farmland rests on the historic site of the United States Naval Academy farm. Here, youll find more than 800 acres of organic grains, dairy heifers and vegetables. Not only that, but theres more history there, involving large stones where slaves were once bought and sold. The farm does not officially open until May, but even from the road, its a sight to see. Call 410-923-0726 for more information. The Willow Oak Flower and Herb Farm located just a few miles down the road boasts 15 themed herb gardens and a natural pond filled with herbs and flowers. Willow Oak offers garden tours and even classes for those of you with a notso-green thumb! (The Vegetable Gardening class begins next Thursday!) On the first Saturday in May, the Fairy Garden Festival is held there, where you can sample rose petal punch and make potpourri, or just roam the garden for herbs. The farm is open year round seven days a week. For more information call 410-551-2237. Next week, we will pick up the Turnbuckle Hop trail at the Y Worry Farm in Davidsonville, Md. For more information on this trail or other trails in Southern Maryland, visit www.somdtrails.com or pick up your own copy of the Southern Maryland Trails Guidebook at any community or government building.

Jury Finds Man Guilty Of Possessing $13,000 In Crack Cocaine

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer A Lexington Park man with prior drug convictions could face more than 20 years in prison after a jury convicted him of possessing in excess of 130 grams of crack cocaine last week. The estimated value of the narcotics had a street sale value of about $13,000, according to prosecutors. The two-day trial saw Skylar A. Sanders, 25, convicted of possession of cocaine, intending to distribute cocaine, possession of more than 50 grams of cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. At the end of the trail, States Attorney Richard Fritz said he would seek enhanced penalties for Sanders given his prior drug convictions for possession and intending to distribute narcotics. One of the key witnesses in the case was Anita Plater, who lived in the trailer in Park Hall where a police raid turned up the drugs seized in the case. Plater, who is the mother of Sanders son, was caught by police with 129 grams of crack cocaine stuffed into her bra. Police had found drugs in the trailer during their Aug. 31 raid, but found the largest quantity when both Plater and Sanders drove up to the trailer to find that a search warrant was being executed, according to court testimony. Plater was immunized by Fritz from prosecution of anything springing from the drug case in exchange for her compelled testimony. Fritz told the jury in his opening statement that the case would be an interesting one because he didnt know what she was going to say. On the stand Plater testified that the cocaine found in her bra last year was not Sanders but was hers. She said she had saved up $6,000 to buy the narcotics from someone she said was named Steve who lived at an unknown address in Leonardtown. Her testimony directly contradicted her statements to sheriffs deputies the day of the search warrant. According to Sgt. Steven Hall, who was on the search warrant service, Plater admitted that the cocaine actually belonged to Sanders, supporting the prosecutions theory that Plater was a drug mule. She said she got the cocaine put in her bra by Skylar Sanders, Hall testified. Plater said she told officers what she believed they wanted to hear the day of the search warrant, claiming they had threatened to take away her three children if she didnt cooperate. The story was a lie, Plater said from the stand. I told him [Hall] what would let me stay home with my kids. I was frightened. Plater also testified that a gun found on the floor near some seized cocaine in her trailers bedroom was registered to her, not Sanders, and for the protection of her family. Sanders defense attorney Patrick Devine argued that Platers testimony on the stand was credible and that her supposed fear of the police threatening to take her children was not refuted during the trial. He also said that Sanders had no knowledge of the drugs found on Plater; the prosecutions attempt to link him to actually living at the trailer with Plater where other cocaine was found didnt hold, he said, because he left no evidence of residing there. Theres not a single shred of evidence to indicate he was ever in the residence, Devine said. Not a t-shirt, no belt, not even a tooth brush. A lease that police found in the trailer with Sanders name on it was later revealed to be that of his 2-year-old son, Devine said. But the jury chose not to believe Platers testimony and instead came back with a guilty verdict on all four counts against Sanders in about half-an-hour of deliberation. Circuit Court Judge C. Clarke Raley revoked all bonds on Sanders and remanded him to the custody of the sheriff. Lt. Daniel Alioto, commander of the St. Marys County Bureau of Criminal Investigations Vice/Narcotics Unit, said Skylars conviction was a victory in combating the local drug trade. He had a significant amount of drugs connected to him, Alioto said. This isnt a casual dealer; hes not a low level person.

School Readiness On the Rise

no, citing the implementation of universal full-day kindergarten across the state. According to a recent The annual MSDE study report from the Maryland reflects portfolio assessment Department of Education information on kindergarten(MSDE), children entering ers readiness levels in social kindergarten in Maryland and personal areas, language are better prepared to begin and literacy, mathematical school than in years past. thinking, scientific thinking, Children Entering School social studies, the arts, physiReady to Learn School cal development, and health. Readiness Information for Sheila Draper, the SuperviSchool Year 2007-2008, a sor for Early Childhood and report by the MSDEs DiviElementary Education for sion of Early Childhood DeSt. Marys County Public velopment, revealed modest, Schools, said that teachers steady progress in all demouse a number of assessments to measure a childs readith ness to learn. Indicators for instance would be listening Rt. Rev.d David Bena and speaking, she said, addHoly Communion ing that for young children, demonstrating active listenMarch 9th 2008 ing strategies would be part of their assessment. This year, more than 2,000 kindergarten teachers evaluated and rated student performance between November 5th and November 21st, using the aforementioned assessment protocol. (Scripturally based worship) complete School ReadiThe ness Report will be available through the Maryland State (Scripturally based worship) Department of Educations Sundays - 9:30 AM Southern MD Higher Ed Ctr (Rm, 108/109)Website soon. found that over We have just state, we 44219 Airport Road, California, MD time, had alike the increase, Southern MD Higher Ed Ctr (Rm, 108/109) have steady said Draper, from 49 per44219 Airport Road, California, MD cent of children being fully ready, to now 69 percent since 301/475-9337 www.amosm.net 2002. This shows a higher Andrea Shiell Staff Writer graphic subgroups. Maryland students entering kindergarten fully prepared for learning increased by one percent from 2006 to 2007, up to 68 percent. That is up 19 percentage points since the baseline year of 2002. St. Marys County School Superintendent Michael Martirano said that he felt the improvements were indicative of the increased focus on full-day kindergarten, and in effect, an increased focus on pre-kindergarten programs in the county. It makes sense in many ways, said Martiraincrease than the states average, showing that school readiness levels for English Language Learners went up six percentage points between 2006 and 2007, from 49 percent to 55 percent. The MSDE study found that statewide improvement in school readiness for low-income children increased from 58 to 59 percent. The percent of special education students deemed fully ready for kindergarten remained flat at 43 percent, but that is 13 points higher than it was when the survey project began in 2002. The study results show that children who spent time in early care settings started school better prepared for learning that those who remained at home or in the homes of relatives. 70 percent of children who had been enrolled in pre-K programs were fully ready for kindergarten, as well as 72 percent who had been in child care centers, and 83 percent who had been in non-public nursery schools. Theres been a concerted effort across the state and definitely in St. Marys County to work collectively with the school system, with child care centers, with head startto ensure that there are activities to help prepare children for entering school ready to learn, said Draper. Thats why were seeing a steady increase.

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The County Times

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 Section A - 

The County Times

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Editorial & Opinion

Education Progress
Capital News Service Maryland school superintendents met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Raymond Simon on Wednesday, asking him to consider changes to the No Child Left Behind law for disadvantaged students. Special education students, English language learners and our poverty students -- those are the issues most of us are grappling with, said Kevin Maxwell, superintendent of Anne Arundel County Public Schools, at a roundtable discussion with 13 county superintendents, Maryland Schools Superintendent Nancy Grasmick and other state education officials. Maryland schools placed in the top three states nationwide in an Education Week survey this year and showed an upward trend in several key performance measures since 2002. Yet Maryland still has a way to go before all children pass basic math and reading proficiency tests by 2014, the absence of which may trigger state takeovers of schools or reduced federal funding. I dont think any of us dont want standards, said Maxwell at Annapolis Senior High School, a school that avoided a state takeover last month by implementing a threeyear restructuring plan. This . . . is going to be a big struggle. In a state scorecard distributed at the panel, poor Maryland students lagged behind white, black, and Hispanic students. State data shows that among low-income students, 76 percent of fourth-graders and 50 percent of eighth-graders are proficient in reading, versus 93 and 82 percent of white students in the same respective grade levels. Math proficiency was at 76 percent and 35 percent in the fourth and eighth grades respectively for poor students, versus 93 and 74 percent for white students in the same grades. Carl Roberts, Cecil County superintendent, said a nurturing environment for little more than half their day is insufficient to help these disadvantaged students. Schools should get credit for helping these students graduate in five-to-seven years, rather than see their metrics reflect a drop in on-time high school graduation. We should credit our perseverance and the schools perseverance, said Roberts. School systems need to be recognized for how many children get a diploma. Karen-Lee Brofee, Somerset County superintendent, said the 68 percent county poverty rate shows students should have greater access to career and technical programs, both of which have taken funding cuts. But Simon said these programs exhibit low performance standards and often teach less important skills than reading, writing and math fundamentals. Special education students and those with limited proficiency are often poor, and experts say they may require greater accommodation. Harford County Superintendent Jacqueline Haas said delays to the 2014 goal should be considered for special education students. Why dont we fix the root of the problem versus being in a situation where there is misalignment of (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and (No Child Left Behind)? A significant minority of special education students are subject to waivers, Simon said, and he is not willing to delay No Child Left Behind requirements past 2014. Superintendent Sydney Cousin said students in Howard County come from 85 different countries and speak 70 languages. Often, he said, teachers cannot make students proficient within a year, the point at which they must take the assessment. Its just not realistic -- nor a fair standard -- to have teachers deal with our requirements, he said. Simon talked of opportunities for testing in another language, an option that took Cousin and other superintendents by surprise. Down the line, Simon said, states could see administration support for flexibility in measuring teacher effectiveness, restoration of the considerable budget cuts to Reading First programs, and reworking the definition of violent high schools. Grasmick concluded the panel by telling Simons that the state would apply for differentiated accountability, a pilot of up to 10 states to separate schools close to meeting their target from those requiring significant reform. The administration has called for this measure in the reauthorization of the expired No Child Left Behind law. But Simon sounded a warning note. It would be great if all states could get differentiated accountability. But they dont all qualify.

Farming in 2008
Bob Schaller It is spring and with it comes a new planting season. Local farmers are plowing, fertilizing, and preparing their fields for another year of optimism for a healthy and profitable crop. Hopefully, April showers will bring May crops. Agriculture is Marylands first and still largest single industry. Productivity in agriculture continues on the rise. Today, each U.S. farmer produces food and fiber to feed 143 people. This is double the number a single farmers output could feed in 1970 and more than seven times that rate in 1940. Progress in agriculture is truly amazing. On the demand side, commodity prices are at the highest levels in years. Corn can be forward contracted at $5.49 per bushel, soybeans can be contracted at $11.84 per bushel and wheat is at an all time high of $10.75 per bushel. While on the surface these prices appear to be at very profitable levels, there are significant challenges facing St. Marys County farmers and grain producers in particular. The most worrisome is of course the lingering effects of last years severe drought. The water tables are still very low. If you drive by any pond you can clearly see this. If you were hoping to get a perc test done this year you also know that percs have been limited because of the low water table. In addition to the drought, input costs of fuel and fertilizer are at record highs. We all feel the pain when we fill up our gas tanks for our cars. $4 per gallon diesel prices are an everyday reminder. Just imagine the amount of fuel it takes to operate farm equipment. The simple economics are that the input costs per acre can now easily exceed the revenue received in a normal yield, even at these record output prices. Last week, the Department of Economic

and Community Development and other local agricultural agencies met with several grain producers to hear directly from them on their plans for the current planting season and for the next several years. Grain crops such as corn and soy beans are the largest commodity that cover the land mass of St. Marys County. Grains have replaced tobacco which is now all but gone from the fields as a result of the tobacco buyout program. The 10-year program that started in 2000 will start to end in less than two years. Local farmers shared many thoughts and ideas during the meeting. The lack of water was a major concern. The group decided to look further into the use of gray water among other suggestions for irrigation. The cost of transportation to haul grain was also discussed. This is compounded further by high fuel prices. The idea of barging grain out of the area was discussed. In addition to these ideas, a list of equipment which could be shared cooperatively was discussed. More information was also going to be gathered on ethanol. We realized that more work is required to better understand and address the needs of the local farming community. We plan to meet again after corn is planted later this month. Then will come soy beans. The season will be well underway by then. While many of the variables are out of our control (such as the weather and short term input prices), there are things we can pursue that will help in this years season and beyond. For now, please remember the local farmers and all they do for us, not just in crop production but in helping maintain the rural character we all enjoy. Finally, please frequent the countys farmers markets at the Charlotte Hall Public Library and open soon at the BAE Systems parking lot in California.

To The Editor: Solar Power vs. Nuclear Power

Imagine hypothetically that solar power is cheaper than nuclear, and two important consequences for Calvert County. We would not have to produce more radioactive waste at Calvert Nuclear to be forced down the throats of our fellow citizens in another state, in keeping with the Golden Rule (Do onto others as ... ) or equally bad, to be stored here long, long term. We could avoid the surge in population projected to accompany construction of the third reactor, in keeping with slowing growth, a central theme of our county plan, hypothetically at least. Increases in population and secondary effects of economic activity are recognized as the reason why pollution of our air and waters continue, in spite of major investments to counter that. So why do our politicians unanimously support, without question or evident analysis, the case for the third reactor? Evidence abounds that solar is or will soon be more than competitive, as in the January issue of Scientific American, or the second chapter of Earth: The Sequel (2008). Could it be the $6 million recently volunteered by Calvert Nuclear, with more to come, if they keep silent? Could it be just ignorance and complacency? Economic advancement must be based on sound decisions, not like the current ethanol from corn boondogle, which has no net gain in oil consumption and has inflated food prices. We should be thankful that Dr. Pete Vogt and colleagues have promised to present to the Calvert County Commissioners in the very near future an independent analysis of nuclear versus other alternatives, with recommendations as to whether the county should refuse licenses for preparation of the site at Calvert Nuclear, in advance of any final decision on that 3rd reactor, which has not yet happened. Moreover, an alternative site for the third reactor has been acknowledged (Nine mile Road on Long Island, NY), where the much cooler ocean waters would allow significantly higher operating efficiencies than the proposed cooling towers here. Speaking of the Golden Rule, when Senator Bernie Fowler was trying to find common ground with the many more upriver folks to improve the Patuxent River, he was always the polite gentleman from southern Maryland. Now the shoe is on the other foot, with regard to nuclear wastes, and we may indeed be able to continue abiding thereby. We have only to look and see. Yet the present rules and procedures, engineered by President Bush and his allies, allow irreparable harm at the proposed site, and even construction on the reactor itself, prior to the first evaluation of available alternatives in the final EIS (environmental impact statement) due in two years or more. So what good will it be then? Totally moot? Is there truly no public concern, or have our politicians failed big time to be the voice of the people? Bill Johnston Huntingtown, MD

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The County Times

In my opinion, the dialects of the County are changing. So much about the County is changing that some of the old things are just going away. If youre not from around here, you may not realize that different parts of the County sound different from each other. For example, people from Ridge have a different way of vocalizing themselves than people from the 7th (District) natives never say 7th District, we just say the 7th. Dont try this at home, though, natives always know the natives and the nonnatives. No matter what you say or how you say it, Countyspeak cannot be duplicated by the outsider. Folks from the northern County are different than the folks from Chaptico. Its part of the charm and lore and heritage of St. Marys,but Im afraid were losing it as both more people move in and natives move out. Some of our colloquialisms are the same as colloquialisms in other parts of the state and the nation but that doesnt make them any less ours. A few examples: Aint a perfectly good word but not a proper word. Truly, the perfect example of a colloquialism because it is informal and familiar. Use it at home but not at work or when meeting someone new, theyll think you ignorant, not quaint. Carry The use of this word is why I include it here. Everyone carries a load or carries a loaf of bread. In the County, we carry people as in Im going to carry Mama to Leonardtown. Reckon or reckon so the original meaning of reckon is to count or calculate. The use of it in that sense has fallen away a bit. In the Southern U.S., it means to consider and thats the use of it in the County. I think so, maybe so, I believe so all these phrases can be replaced with I reckon. Bacca a contraction of tobacco. We plant bacca, we cut bacca, we hang bacca, we strip bacca. Well, we used to; not so many people do any more. Fatback you knew I had to fit this in somehow, didnt you? In other places, it can be called salt pork, salt meat,

Section A - 
strip o lean, or back meat. Here its fatback and you need it to cook greens. Greens another southern usage, it means any kind of green leafy vegetable to include kale, watercress, mustard, turnip tops. Stuffing we stuff our turkeys and we stuff our hams. We dont do dressing in St. Marys County. Dressing is what you do to game after you kill it to get it ready to eat. Once its ready to eat, if youre going to put something into a cavity, youre stuffing it. Its already been dressed! There are more examples, of course, but you get the idea. Dont make fun of it or try to change it, its part of what makes St. Marys County the unique place that it is. Just enjoy it. How boring would it be if we all sounded the same? Trivia Answer The Orphans Court You can email the Country Girl at countrygirlramblings@gmail.com

Ramblings of a Country Girl

Things We Say
Terri Bartz Bowles Every country in the world, each region in those countries, and different towns and cities in those regions have distinct dialects and colloquialisms. A dialect is a variety of a language that is distinguished from other varieties of the same language by features of phonology, grammar and vocabulary (from Websters New Universal Dictionary). A colloquialism is a type of speech that is characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary or familiar conversation rather than formal speech, it is more informal (Websters again). St. Marys County has different dialects and we County folks certainly have our colloquialisms. You may not think a county this small could have different dialects, but it does. Remember, this region is isolated and surrounded on three sides by water. Back in the old days when transportation was not so easy, people did not travel far from home. The County was pretty self-sufficient and self-reliant and selfcontained. So, patterns of speech formed and endured.

Police Seize $0,000 In Marijuana

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Last weeks seizure of about 17 pounds of marijuana off county streets, with an estimated value of $50,000 by narcotics officers, signals a major shake up in the countys market for illegal drugs, said the commander of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations Vice/Narcotics unit. Its something that hasnt happened in a long time, said Lt. Daniel Alioto, of the St. Marys County Sheriffs Office. Its good. Investigators made an arrest March 27 of a person they have charged with transporting a large quantity of marijuana. Terrence Mason, 43, of Morganza is the suspect. According to Alioto, Mason was not directly found in possession of the 17 pound cache of marijuana, but was alleged to be connected to it. He was arrested [for] his role in the distribution ring, Alioto said. Mason was apprehended in Hollywood, according to court papers listing the charges against him, but was later released on condition of paying 100 percent of a $20,000 bond. Alioto said the investigation surrounding the $50,000 worth of marijuana is continuing and he said he expects more arrests to be made in connection to the investigation. Perhaps just as important was the disruptive affect it would have on the local drug market, Alioto said. Its a large amount of money that someone was expecting and they didnt get it, Alioto said. It has a huge ripple affect on the local drug trade. According to charging documents, investigators received information that alleged Mason was involved in the transportation of narcotics, and, Alioto said, this was a major victory showing that his unit was getting vital information. We were fortunate enough to make the interception on this one, Alioto said. Our [intelligence] was good because we got the package. You dont get these kinds of drugs by happenstance. The Vice/Narcotics Unit was separated from the main Bureau of Criminal Investigations last year with its own commander and given some autonomy to operate on its own. Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron said at the time the separation also helped maintain the secrecy of information that was critical in building cases and making seizures against drug traffickers. It was Camerons hope that the newly separated unit would be able to focus more on apprehending larger-scale drug dealers; Alioto said this latest seizure proved that was happening. Not only are we closing in [on larger drug dealers] but were taking some, Alioto said. When you make a seizure like this you know youve done your job as an investigator. This was the icing on the cake. The marijuana seized by investigators was not intended for sale in other communities, Alioto said, but for distribution right here in the county. This was going to be divided up and sold in three different markets, north, middle and

south [of the county,] Alioto told The County Times. This was not just passing through; this was destined for the streets of St. Marys.

NAS
Continued from page A- opening. Fast forward to 2008 and the base has reached its 65th year of operation and Capt. Glen Ives, the naval air stations commanding officer said that McCains expectations have been fulfilled and even surpassed. We thrive on change, accept it and we embrace it, Ives told sailors and civilian employees of the base at its birthday ceremony Tuesday. Thats what weve done is establish a great reputation. Looking at a photographic slide show of what the base looked like back in 1943, it looked more like an outpost than the sprawling facility it is today with about 22,000 employees. Workers who were constructing the base had to live in Quonset-style huts with beds positioned in open space across from the other in

barracks fashion, one photo revealed. So all my guys back there in the barracks, stop moaning, Ives said to enlisted men at the ceremony. Being on the cutting edge of naval aviation was a great mission, Ives said, and thats one of the reasons the base had been so successful in its 65 years of operation. But the people who worked on the base were the other critical piece of the puzzle. We do have the best people in the world they know their jobs and they do them, Ives said. But we are also blessed to be in the greatest community in the country. Sen. Roy Dyson (D-Dist.29) presented proclamations from the House of Delegates, State Senate and Gov. Martin OMalley celebrating the bases 65th birthday and congratulated the people who work there for their efforts. After 65 years because of each and every one of you [Pax River NAS] still has a fantastic reputation.

St. Marys City St. Mary's City

DATE Fri. April 4 Sat. April 5 Sun. April 6 Mon. April 7 Tue. April 8 Wed. April 9 Thu. April 10 HIGH 12:52 a.m. 1:36 a.m. 2:21 a.m. 3:05 a.m. 3:52 a.m. 4:41 a.m. 5:34 a.m. LOCATION Breton Bay Bushwood Wharf Colton's Point Point Lookout Piney Point Wicomico Beach Solomons Island LOW 7:21 a.m. 8:15 a.m. 9:07 a.m. 9:58 a.m. 10:49 a.m. 11:42 p.m. 12:37 p.m. HIGH "+31 min." "+45 min." "+50 min." "+49 min." "+9 min." "+58 min." "+8 min." HIGH 1:18 p.m. 2:06 p.m. 2:54 p.m. 3:43 p.m. 4:33 p.m. 5:27 p.m. 6:24 p.m. LOW "+29 min." "+45 min." "+24 min." "-37 min." "-8 min." "+63 min." "+7 min." LOW 7:30 p.m. 8:16 p.m. 9:01 p.m. 9:48 p.m. 10:38 p.m. 11:32 p.m. 12:31 a.m.

 Section A - 

The County Times

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Mary-Ellens Personal Home Care

Accused Bank Robber Claims Hes Not Responsible

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Antonio Warren Gantt, the St. Leonard man accused of robbing the same bank twice last year in Lexington Park has had his defense attorney file a motion claiming he is not criminally responsible for his alleged acts. Public Defender John Getz said Circuit Court Judge C. Clarke Raley had ordered an evaluation of his clients competency to stand trials after he made the motion earlier this month in court. Getz said little regarding the basis for the motion except that it came out as a result of conversations with my client. Gantt has three previous convictions for armed robbery on his record, according to States Attorney Richard Fritz, who has said he will prosecute the case. Fritz has already filed for a sentence of life without parole for Gantt if the accused is convicted. Fritz said if Gantts evaluation comes before the court and shows that he is competent to stand trial for the allegations against him, it would eliminate or reduce the chances of any successful post-conviction motions. The state feels confident that he will be found competent to stand trial, Fritz said. The defense has to do what they have to do to safeguard the interests of their client. Gantt is accused of robbing the Maryland Bank and Trust, Inc. on North Shangri-La Drive back in September of last year by entering the bank wearing sunglasses and demanding money from tellers after claiming to have a gun. After allegedly obtaining the money, Gantt is said by law enforcement officials to have fled the bank on foot across Great Mills Road. Detectives with the St. Marys County Bureau of Criminal Investigations began their search for the suspect, who they later identified as Gantt, 40, but could not find him for over a month. Investigators arrested Gantt the last day in October, after he allegedly entered the bank yet again to rob it. According to prosecutors and law enforcement officials, Gantt leapt over the teller counter and sprayed gasoline on several employees from a sports drink bottle and demanded money. Gantt is alleged to have fled the bank, this time hailing a taxi cab to make his escape, but he was stopped and apprehended on Route 4 headed towards the bridge to Solomons Island. Gantt is currently being held in the county detention center.

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about 100,000 belong to such an organization, he said. One of the main mental health concerns for returning veterans, post-traumatic stress Continued from page A- disorder, often did not show its presence someformation systems that veterans could use to times until years had passed. Getting them in the system quickly would learn more quickly about the benefits afforded help them get services when they were needed them. And if they could leave rural areas to get most. Resources are much more lacking in needed healthcare from the Veterans Adminis-

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James A. Adkins, right, secretary for the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs met with local officials like County Commissioner Daniel H. Raley (D-Great Mills) and Nicholas A. Graziano, director of the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home to discuss helping veterans in rural communities get the services they need upon returning from combat.

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tration they could get the care from local providers, Adkins said of the plan. The key is to get them the help they need, Adkins said. Many times veterans simply did not know what benefits were rightfully theirs, Adkins said, and therefore did not apply for them in time. In Maryland they try to do it without a technical advocate, Adkins said. Many times military people dont ask for much. Organizations like the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars were very helpful in informing veterans, Adkins said, but of the 435,000 veterans in Maryland only

the rural areas, said Commissioner Thomas Mattingly (D-Leonardtown) A lot of times they come back and fail to recognize their problems. Capt. Rebecca McCormick-Boyle, head of the health clinic at Pax River Naval Air Station, said the number of veterans suffering from the condition was not overwhelming yet, but finding people to assist them in the military was difficult. Mental health professionals are scare in the private sector, theyre scarce in the military, too, McCormick-Boyle said. Our issue is to be vigilant and be accessible to people when they need help.

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Thursday, April 3, 2008

The County Times

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 Section A - 

The County Times

the girl to take a picture of their bare chest and send it to their boyfriend. They want to see skin, Muller said during her presentation, noting that the girl was humiliated after she and her boyfriend broke up and he sent the image to his friends as a measure of revenge. She sent this to him and now 30 people have this image on their cell phones. And this isnt something shes encountered in high school but in middle school, Muller said. Up to this point she said shes seen about a dozen cases just like it. If Im experiencing it here, I know its happening throughout the county, Muller told The County Times. Its crashed down on us hard. They need to know that thats not OK [sending pictures of child nudity] they need to know its a crime. Children often dont understand what theyve sent is causing them to commit a federal offense, Muller said, though she said that the sheriffs office does not want to lock any of the students up, nor does the states attorneys office want to prosecute such young offenders. But Muller warned parents that criminal penalties for sending such content could still fall on their children. If your child takes a picture of one of more body parts and sends it on their cell phone theyve just distributed child pornography, Muller said. They can be charged with that. Muller said that many times parents are completely unaware that their children are engaging in or suffering as victims of cyber-bullying or transmitting inappropriate images of themselves to each other or over the Internet. Yet it lies with the parents to become more involved with their childs Internet activities to help stop this alarming trend, she said. The parents are completely stunned that their child is doing this, Muller said. But the photo says it all. We dont know how to solve this except that the parents get [more] involved. I hope they are shocked and appalled; thats what its going to take for them to realize whats going on.

Thursday, April 3, 200

Cyber-Bullying
Continued from page A- transmissions of messages electronically. But it doesnt stop there. Shes seen how rampant text messaging and the exposure young children give themselves on the Internet can set them up as targets for those who want to take advantage of them. This is what predators are using, Muller said of information and images children post on-line on Web sites like MySpace.com. Its not only people in our county who are accessing these pages. She called the trend alarming. Muller rated the problem of cyber-bullying over text messaging in the county schools as high on a scale of one to 10. Id say its about an eight, Muller said of the problem. Students have become so adept at text messaging, which can simply cause disturbances in class, they can key in messages without looking at the keypad on their phones. Another alarming trend is students sending what amounts to images of child pornography to each other via their cell phones as part of the dating scene. Schools Superintendent Michael J. Martirano said that school administrators have been instructed to be watchful of Web pages that expose children in county schools inappropriately. If they learn that its questionable they actively get involved and inform parents, Martirano told The County Times. Were taking an aggressive stance on this [cyber-bullying and questionable content.] Martirano called some of the activities students engage in on the Internet and over cell phones rather scary Im very disturbed by it. That disturbing trend moves to relations between male and female students. Muller said that once where boys expected girls to perhaps give them a kiss after a date, the now expect, in some cases,

Odd News
Vegan Strip Club?
Entrepreneur Johnny Diablo may have failed to get diners in the door at his year-old vegan restaurant in Portland, Oregon, but that did not stop him from expanding his offerings to woo customers. He turned the space into Casa Diablos Gentlemans Club, which is being touted as the worlds only vegan strip club. Diablo has no rule against carnivorous dancers, but he has prohibited dancers from wearing leather, silk, fur, or wool onstage. He said there will be no murder victims in the club.

Love Technology
The South Korean cell phone company KTF has announced a new feature for its customers, a voice analysis program that measures the callers sincerity when calling a lover. The caller can point the phones camera at himself or herself and see a meter on the screen measuring his or her passion, and receive a text message cataloguing vocal expressions from the person who received the call.

Un-stigmatic
Padre Pio, a controversial Catholic figure who died in 1968 and was nominated for sainthood by Pope John Paul II in 1999, may have been fanatically adored by parishioners, but he was viewed skeptically by Vatican officials who doubted his wild claims of bleeding crucifixion sores on his hands and feet, and his stories of getting in an eye-gouging wrestling match with the devil. Pope Benedict XVI ordered Pios body to be exhumed in March to be placed on public display for several months, but a couple of problems have clouded what may have otherwise been an affirmation of sainthood. First, the top part of Pios skull is exposed, presenting an unsettling image, and there are clearly no crucifixion holes in his hands or feet.

Choosing the Right Career

Ask a child what they want to be when they grow up and chances are the answer will come rolling off his or her tongue in a matter of seconds. While the answer might be obvious to kids, to adults knowing what to do once college has ended and adulthood awaits is a far more difficult riddle to solve. For college students or even adults looking to change careers, career assessment has helped many professionals determine which is the right career for them. Those who take the time to assess a potential career can save themselves lots of time down the road, when many people realize the position theyve chosen is more a job and not really a career. To begin your own career assessment, consider the following approach. * Realize who you are. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and assessing what yours are ahead of time increases the likelihood that youll find the right career. For example, if you have always been good with words, perhaps a writing-based career, be it in law, journalism or another field that emphasizes writing, could be for you. Its also good to avoid a career where your weaknesses will hinder how far you can go. For instance, someone who isnt physically fit likely shouldnt pursue a career as a personal trainer. Knowing what your strengths and weaknesses are is the first step toward determining a career you can both excel at and enjoy. To learn more about careers, check out The Occupational Outlook Handbook and the Dictionary of Occupational Titles. To take an online career test to pinpoint your skills, type career test in your search engine browser and take your pick from a number of options. * List your interests. People who are happy with their careers often suggest finding something you love to do and doing it for a living. Before deciding on a career or career change, list your interests and hobbies and determine if you can build a career out of them. In addition, compare those interests to your strengths and weaknesses. For some, its entirely possible for a hobby to turn into an enjoyable career. * Decide what matters most to you. Some careers are demanding, and for some people, a demanding career can isnt worth the sacrifices that need to be made to excel. For example, a career in finance might be lucrative, but it can also be very demanding of your time. For those who want a family, perhaps those demands arent worth the price of sacrificing family time. For others, money is the driving force behind choosing a career, so lower-paying fields should be avoided. Many people find that a lucrative career isnt worth the sacrifices, while many others find that lowpaying rewarding work also is not worth the sacrifices. Neither position is wrong, but both illustrate the importance of determining what you value most before choosing a career or switching from your current career. Once youve begun to look for a job, its also helpful to treat your next interview not only as an opportunity for a prospective employer to get to know you, but for you to get to know them as well. Part of assessing if a certain career is what you want is actively seeking information about that career. Job interviews can be a great way to learn about a position, and human resources personnel are often most impressed by people who ask thoughtful questions and appear genuinely interested in learning about the position. Whether youre a grizzled veteran of the workplace or a student just starting out, assessing that next career move is the best way to ensure that your next situation will be the one for you.

Cultures Different From Ours

According to a Star newspaper report, ethnic Chinese in Malaysia have been buying huge quantities of mock bras and panties, some with fashionable animal prints, to burn as offerings during their annual Qing Ming festival. Custom dictates that participants burn fake money, clothing, and appliances, which people believe their ancestors will receive and use in the afterlife. Though clothing and cosmetics have been popular offerings in recent years, vendors say that the lingerie fad is somewhat new, and that all cardboard underwear items have already sold out.

Man Turns Into Robber When Check Bounces

Authorities say a man in Spartanburg, South Carolina robbed a bank after a $173 check he was trying to cash bounced. Police say that the man had attempted to cash a personal check, but the teller could not complete the transaction because he did not have enough money in his account. The man said that he had to have the money or that someone was going to kill him. At that point, he wrote a not saying he was robbing the bank. Police say that the teller gave him the money and he ran away. No arrests have been made.

Most Popular Girl Gone Wild Collides With Animal Kingdom

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sum everything up it lowers short term interest rates which directly affect home equity loans. Long term mortgage rates are not directly affected by Fed Rate Cuts. Mortgage rates are at The Federal Re- mean to historical lows hovering in serve lowered interest rates you and how does it affect the high 5% AGAIN what does this mortgage rates. Well, to range.

Shoppers at newsstands across the world may be wondering: What is Paris Hilton doing on the cover of National Geographic? Undergraduate workers at Harvard Lampoon persuaded employees of one of the nations most respected magazines to help them pull off one of their April Fools Day parody issues, which have become a yearly staple in the industry. This years offering features a satire on Mongolias wildest waterparks, and Native Girls Gone Wild, among other satires. The undergraduate group noted that employees at National Geographic had responded very quickly when contacted by the students last What has changed summer. My guess was they were just extremely bored and significantly is government were tired of working with animals and scientists and wanted to backed loans. Government hang out with college students, said editor Hayes Davenport. loans allow borrowers to have lower credit scores, home. They felt that they would higher debt-to-income never be able to buy a home settled and are now living ratios, and less money out of pocket. Loan limits in because of their past credit in their new home and their issues and they each County have drastically changed, some had not saved any money up to 729,750. All of these for a down payment or to pay closing cost. They factors help the first time home buyer build had a judgment and numerwealth and help current ho- ous collection accounts that equated to over meowners sell their homes because due to $4000. We worked out a plan for financing with $0 life changes. Here is a RECENT money down, all TRUE STORY, The Browns closing paid and the seller truly wanted to own their was allowed to pay- off their debts. They own Jeffrey Travers home. They had been rent- found a seller that was willing to do this to sell their ing for several years and

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Thursday, April 3, 2008

Section A - 

The County Times

The County Times

Section A - 

Obituaries Rebuilding After Your Basement Floo

James J. Agresta, 52
LaHood was the celebrant. Interment followed in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Jims family is graciously accepting gifts on behalf of his children, Cal and Abby. They may be sent in care of Anne Christian, 3 Ambler Drive, Norwalk, CT 06851. Condolences to the family may be made at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown. Consider yourself lucky if your basement had only Address dampness isminor 7 p.m. led by Msgr. sues Weeks of Salem, Va., held at moisture penetration Hildaas the first step in a after Chimiak. A Mass of basement project so that fuKarl the recent heavy rains. sixteen grandchildren, one Even so, could was ex- ture grandchild, two great Christian itBurial be thecel- step flooding, mold or musty cuse you need to April 1 smells wont ruin your investebrated Tuesday,embark on grandchildren and her fia 10 basement makeover. ment. and qualified profesat total a.m. in St. Aloysius ance Get a loving companWhether you Leonard- sional identify the years Catholic Church, choose to ion oftotwenty four source call in a professional contrac- of any water problems - such town with Fr. Francis Burch John Freddie Spalding. tor who specializes in fol- as addition foundation, inofficiating. Interment flood In a cracked to her parents, restoration or decide to tack- adequate waterproofing or lowed in Charles Memorial she was preceded in death le the project yourself, make by her grading that slopes Gardens, Leonardtown. exterior daughter Mildred sure that the project John toward the house - and 19, Pallbearers were Dr.check- Millie Carter March prelist includes these Schultz, scribe Fenwick, William steps that 2008. a fix. Install one or are frequently overlooked, Andrew L. Mattingly III, more sump pumps, received The family with one but are essential to protect- powered by a battery or genBrian Miller, Buddy Long friends Thursday, March 27 ing William Fenwick. erator case of a the Brinsand your investment. from 9in 11 a.m. inpower failContributions may be field Funeral Home Chapel, made to ACTS of St. Marys Leonardtown. A funeral County, www.acts-smc.org, service was conducted by P.O. Box 54, Bushwood, Pastor John Smith, Jr. at 11 MD 20618 and/or Hospice a.m. Interment followed in of St. Marys, P.O. Box 625, Charles Memorial Gardens, Continued from page A- Leonardtown, MD 20650 Leonardtown. and/or Leonardtown VolServing as pallbearers ers farther inland. unteer Rescue Squad, P.O. were her sons Walter JohnSeveral county government departments helped Erichsen Box 299, coordinate theLeonardtown, son, in emergency planning. procedures utilized Emory Johnson, Andy MD 20650. However, Erichsen was the sole Johnson, Michael Manageauthor. The Debris Healy, Arrangements provided and her grandsons planment Operational Plan delves into a host of emergencyJason ning that St. Marys has utilized Peterson andthroughEdward by the Mattingley-Gardiner several times John history. The plan Home, P.A. Funeral is a one-stop-shop for logistical solutions to clearing Johnson. roads, sending out emergency messages, and minimizing the Condolences may be made to the family at www. Doris Faye Healy, 70 brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the tions there. But ownership of Brinsfield Funeral Home, the lighthouse was returned P.A., Leonardtown. to the state last year and the PLLPS has been working on Continued from page A- Julian I. Buddy restoration since then. 85 Johnson, Sr., them, claiming that the South This past weekend was would in fact rise again. the first time the lighthouse More skittish visitors had been open to the pubeven screamed when they lic since 2001 as part of the saw a mock up of a werewolf, ghost walk-style tours at the dressed in slacks and a flannel park, one of the most popular shirt, illuminated by spooky seasonal events in St. Marys strobe lights in one of the County. rooms. Hall, along with Laura This is all to preserve Berg, the last person to take and restore the aging build- up residence in the lighthouse, ing, which some believe is have also spent significant as haunted as the state park, amounts of time investigating once the home to an infamous the claims of paranormal ocprison camp for Confeder- currences at the lighthouse. Doris Faye Healy, 70, of ate soldiers where thousands The old building has been Leonardtown died March perished. 21 in Georgetown Univer- home to several keepers over sity EverybodyWashington, the centuries and several of Hospital, has a thing and this is my thing, said them have died there, Berg D.C. Robert Hall of 29, 1937 she said, as well as several shipBorn July St. Leonard, presidentdaughter of theTo- wrecks having occurred off was the of the PLLPS. late Julian I. Buddy Johnnight wereand Robert of the shore there where sailors met Birtie Lee the spirits Fran- son, Sr., 85, of Helen, forlighthouse. their ends. cis Meador. Halls group was formed merly of Ripley, Md., died Therewerealwaysthings Doris was employed by March 24, 2008 in Georgejust ARC year to make sure happening there I couldnt exlast of Southern Marythe town Berg said. that the interior of the house, plain,University Hospital. land until the time of her Born May 22, 1922 in deteriorated and sometimes Hearing footsteps clompdeath. She was a loving was ing along inside and voices as and Washington, D.C. he was a victim of vandalism, supportive its 1927 condi- the as of the late Franrestored to mother who had well sonlaughter from vacant a good appearance through cis Julian and Ida Maddox tion andsense of humor and portions of the residential shared many volunteerism Johnson. He was the befundraising and laughs with space of the lighthouse were many loved husband of the efforts.people. She loved to fairly common, she said. late playThe lighthouse was under Patricia Aleneof the things scrabble, go dancing, Beavers Though most and being of the U.S. Navy Johnson who preceded him the control with and helping she noticed happened during people. from about 1980, when the thedeath Jan. Berg said, the in daytime, 8, 2008. stateDoris is survived for isolated nature of her homehis relinquished control by He is survived by in her children, Walter John- children Warren Johnson the military to conduct opera- 1979 and the storms that came son (Cindy) of Panama and his wife Carolyn, JuCity, Fla., Emory Johnson lie Alpert and her husband (Debbie) of Bushwood, Rick all of La Plata, Md., Martha Lamb (Doug) of Joan Hock and her husband Mechanicsville, Robert Ryland of Bryans Road, Andy Johnson (Flor) of Md. and Julian Johnson, Golden Beach, Mary Gail Jr. of Hollywood, Md.; sibPeterson (Rob) of Califor- lings: Frances Tilch of Ft. nia, A new poll shows support Washington, Md., Dorothy John Healy of White one of the more popular parts for legalizing slot machines of Gov. Martin Johnson Plains, Md., Michael Healy Gilroy and JohnOMalleys plan of Fla. predicted $1.7 in of Mechanicsville, a sister both to bridge aand Carmen Maryland is at its highest billion shortfall. The General Assembly point in years, but some observers say passage of a slots will convene next week to detail.cfm?EVENT_ bill at the upcoming special consider that plan, which also ID=1485847 Cost is session is far from a foregone includes increases in the sales $20 tax individual and corporateper and income conclusion. until 12 p.m. on April The poll from Gonzales tax breaks for most people. 7th. On-site regisNo one likes to pay Research and Marketing said tration will also be 59 percent of Marylanders fa- more taxes, said Mark PlotOnline registration isin the five kin, a available commentator vor slots, the highest available political the mornof the race for why by visiting the event website at ingWTOP radio. Thats $25. years Gonzales has tracked at http://www.active.com/event_ Check-in so popular -- because the issue. That makes slots slots are will begin at 8 a.m. ure. Use a dehumidifier and sheetrock installed, says Ed install proper ventilation for Perryman, president of Peradequate of Ripley, Stinnett air exchange. Md.; ryman Consulting & InterDignan officiating. Confour grandchildren and two struction Services in Barrie, ment followed in Queen of grandchildren. great Check the walls to de- Ontario. Peace Cemetery, Helen. terminewas also preceded in He the extent of water Arrangements provided penetration that has occurred If Mattingley-Gardiner death by his son Van John- by the the entire interior peif your basement is already Funeral Home, P.A. son; siblings: Lucille Bond, rimeter wall system - includfinished. If dampness has Douglas Johnson and Earl ing studs and sheetrock - has wicked Virginia Denmead Johnson. up your finished to be replaced, you need to walls, theres high attended consider a new insulation Sweeney, 1 Mr. Johnson potential for mold to grow unseen. La Plata High School. He system that controls the flow It is essential electrician worked as an that the wet of air and water vapor. For sheetrock and Ordinance for the Navalsaturated in- more information on this sulation Indian Head, Md. Station, be removed, the af- topic, consult this Web site fected area thoroughly dried and then became a custom sponsored by the U.S. Deout and new He served in home builder.insulation and partment of Energy: www. the U.S. Army from Oct. 15, 1942 Dec. 8, 1945. He was stationed inand economic impact of a natural disaster. social disruption Northern France, Ardennes, Rhine- a reference guide outlining orThe document also serves as land and Central Europe. ganizational roles and responsibilities, phone numbers, contact Mr. Johnson received sev- planning for emergency maninformation and phase-to-phase eral awards such as the agement teams. World War II victory said he was unable to keep the plan However, Erichsen ribbon, goodSt. Marys in its entirety because storms are largely specific to conduct medal, American Theater impacts vary. So he lifted parts of the unpredictable, and their Ribbon and Alert / Initial Emergency Phase section from other Annex 5 European African Middle Eastern Ribbon. He data. In the Rainfall and Floodplans that had general scientific ing enjoyed gardening and also section, for instance, entire sections were found to be taken directly from several and goplanting, traveling Web sites that used similar and sometimes exact verbiage. Erichsen ing on family outings. did not cite those Web sites. Virginia Denmead SweeThe family received ney, 91, of Leonardtown died friends Friday, March 28 March 28 in St. Marys Nursing from 5 8 p.m. in the Mat- Center, Leonardtown. up often combined with the has much of its space taken tingley-Gardiner Funeral Born Oct. 6, 1916 in Cockstrange where Prayers make up by recordings of allegedly Home, occurrences to were eysville, Md., she was the for a spookyp.m. A Funeral ghostly voices (Electronic said at 7 abode. of the late William F. At times it could be daughterPhenomenon) taken Service was held Saturday, Voice and Alma L. Gemmill Kelley frightening, Berg said.in the from inside the home that are March 29 at 10 a.m. You Kelley. could feel something behind not audible to the naked huMattingley-Gardiner Fuyou, watching you it could manVirginia was a former resiear. neral Home Chapel, with of Piney Point. There she make Sheldonstand up offici- dentSome appear to be benign, the hair Reese on the Rev. enjoyed living on the waterback of your neck. followed even sad. Others appear to be ating. Interment The PLLPS Web site, front and catching and picking GET in Charles Memorial Gar- openly hostile, yelling nature hard crabs. She investigator dedicated to the history and OUT! when an loved dens, Leonardtown. Pall- and would often nurture restoration of the lighthouse, speaks on the recording. wild bearers were Dennis Tap- creatures back to health. She ponnier, Jamie Jackson, was fun loving and enjoyed life, James Thomas, Ryan Hock, especially feeding the many Rick Alpert and Mike Guy. ducks, squirrels, rabbits, and Arrangements provided birds that found refuge in her by the Mattingley-Gardiner yard. She was a good neighbor Funeral Home, P.A. and a friend to anyone who

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James J. Agresta, 52, of Leonardtown died March 28, 2008 in Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C. Born March 5, 1956 in Amsterdam, N.Y. he was the son of the late Madeline Ryan Agresta and Daniel Agresta, Sr. He was a 1974 graduate of Wilbur Lynch High School where he excelled in football and wrestling. At the time of his death, he was employed as a Systems Design Engineering Specialist with AT&T Government Solutions, supporting the EP-3E Special Projects Program Office at the Naval Air Systems Command. He retired from the U.S. Navy in February 2000 after 20 years of dedicated service to his country. He participated in Operation Deny Flight in Bosnia and in Operation Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf and distinguished himself in combat missions, earning numerous campaign medals and the Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Flight. Jim is survived by his wife, Paula Padgett Agresta whom he married Oct. 7, 1988, a son, Calland Agresta (age 10), and a daughter, Abigail Agresta (age 8), four sisters; Anne Christian, Susan Tatar, Mary Agresta and Peggy Castor, two brothers; Richard Agresta and Philip Agresta. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Daniel Agresta, Jr. The family received friends Monday, March 31 from 5 8 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown. Prayers were recited at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Tuesday, April 1 at 10 a.m. in Our Ladys Church at Medleys Neck in Leonardtown. Reverend Thomas

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Aloysius Francis Allie Fenwick IV, 68, of Helen died March 29 in St. Marys Hospital. Born June 11, 1939 in Leonardtown he was the son of the late Aloysius Francis and Anabel Barto Fenwick III. He was the loving husband of Clara Mattingly Fenwick whom he married June 25, 1960 in St. Johns Church, Hollywood. He is survived by his children A.F. Fenwick, V, of Havre De Grace, Md., Lisa Cheek and her husband Tom of Ladysmith, Va. and Rick Fenwick and his wife Susan of Mechanicsville, as well as three grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings; Evelyn Kuffler of Cosa Mesa, Calif., Edward Fenwick of KeaAu, Hawaii and Louise Allen of York, Pa. A lifelong resident of St. Marys County, he was a graduate of Ryken High School Class of 1957. He was a computer programmer for the U.S. Postal Service for 34 years, retiring in 1993. Mr. Fenwick was a member of St. Charles Sportsmens Club and the St. Marys County Amateur Radio Association. The family received friends Monday, March 31 from 5 8 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, where prayers were

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Poll: Tax Threats Make Public Slots Fans, But Opponents Say Numbers Misleading

2 Annual Leatherneck 5K
Naval Air Station Command Press Release
The 2nd Annual Leatherneck 5k benefiting the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund is scheduled for April 12 at 9:30 a.m. at the OClub here. Last yearsraceraisedalmost$16,000 for the fund and according to Capt. Christopher Litty, the race director, hope runs high that this years event will bring even greater participation as word about the event spreads. Established in 2004, the Semper Fi Fund provides financial support to Marines, Sailors, or any service member attached to a Marine unit at the time they are injured. According to the nonprofit organizations website at www. semperfifund.org, it provides everything from emergency money to help family members travel to the injured service members bedside, to funds that help cover unexpected expenses the family incurs as a result of the injury. The fund also provides grants that help with long-term needs such as specialized equipment and handicap home and car modifications. This effort greatly improves the quality of life for those wounded in the line of duty, who return home and face endless challenges while putting their lives back together. The inaugural race was the idea of Marines from the Marine Aviation Detachment assigned to Pax River who had experienced what the IMSFF was capable of first hand. The IMSFF has provided assistance to several of the Marines of MAD when they were wounded during their tours in Iraq said Litty. Anotherlocalorganizationfirmly behind the cause is PMA-276. Last year more than $5,000 was raised through bake sales, raffles, and the sale of t-shirts, as well as participation by many of their employees in the race, according to Katie Powell, a budget analyst with the program.

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knew her. Virginia will be remembered for her many kind deeds and will truly be missed. Virginia is survived by five John William Rawley, stepchildren and a very dear 80, of Spotswood, N.J., for- cousin, Howard Calvin Price of merly of Lusby, Md., died Owings Mills, Md. In addition March 27, in Robert Wood to her parents, she was preceded Johnson University Hospi- in death by her husband, Frantal, Spotswood, N.J. cis Joseph Sweeney, Sr. March Born June 21, 1927 in 30, 2000, and five siblings; WilBrooklyn, N.Y. he was the liam F. Kelley, Joshua T. Kelley, son of the late James and Alma Norris, Dorcas Antonelli, Agnes OKane Rawley. and Robert L. Kelley. He was preceded in The family received friends death by his wife Eileen Tuesday, April 1 from 2 4 p.m. Marie Rawley June 19, 1995 and 5 8 p.m. in the Brinsfield in Lusby. He is survived by Funeral Home Chapel, Leonarhis children: Judith Rebele dtown. Prayers were recited at 7 and her husband Thomas p.m. by Reverend William Gurof Spotswood, N.J., John nee. A Graveside Service was Visitors to the Rawley andPoint soldiers rumored to spirits tour,at 1 p.m. Wednesday, ofthe Spiri hisLookout Lighthouse haunt the grounds conjunction site the Civi wife Gra- conducted held in around the with dead Confederate ciella of Puerto Rico and April 2, at Moreland Memorial Patrick Rawley of Jackson- Park; Baltimore, Md. Deacon ville, Fla.; sister Julia Zein- Daniel Kopczyk conducted the budge T er of Bridgeport, Conn. and service. regist two grandchildren. Condolences to the fam- found A Mass of Christian ily may be made at www. portin Burial was celebrated brinsfieldfuneral.com. reven Wednesday, April 2 at 10 Arrangements by the bling a.m. matter of free will. If you Brinsfield Funeral Home, states its a in Our Lady Star of Ehrlichs administration. They the Sea deserve to lose. also Leonardtown. lose, you Catholic Church, P.A.,note that Republicans are 62 pe 50 Alexander Lane, strong- refusing to vote for slots in the Even in anti-slots SoloR mons,like Montgomery Coun- special session. holds MD 20688 with Fr. of pol Aaron Meisner, chairman Unive ty, voters have figured out that one slots dollar is in lieu of of Stop Slots Maryland, said public on race day at thesaid Gazette effort. All participants must is ava one tax dollar, Cedar Point he does not know if there are Officers Club. Participants have a valid military ID, DoD defici newspapers columnist Blair currently enough votes in eiwill then follow a course Installation to pass orbill. Im states Lee. ther house sticker a base pass that includes scenic remain to gain access to the station. tered views not sure thats ever been the But opponents of the Patuxent River next For more information contact earlie confident heading into and case before, Meisner said. Chesapeake Bay coastline. Litty at 301-342-1101/1103. weeks session, pointing out Support in the latest survey reside Eachslots have been debatedre- topped a Gonzales poll from found that registrant will also in ceive a uniquesince the early August 2003, when 57 percent slots, the legislature event souvenir to commemorateRobert favored slots during another to 37 days of former Gov. their were of the have gamb Meisn a way conce a very near t

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 Section A - 10

The County Times

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Johns Freehold was relatively undisturbed after the states capital moved to Annapolis in 1695, it is one of the best-preserved 17th century archeological sites in Maryland. Mitchell explained that the length of time it was occupied lent its remains to paint interesting pictures of how the place was used during its tenure as a home, a meeting place, a hotel, and an office. Preemptive excavations at the site were conducted in the 1970s, but the current restoration has been six years in the making. The museum evokes the form of a house that would be familiar to its 17th century inhabitants. Smaller attached structures represent a quarter and a kitchen, and a modern exhibit gallery, which Mitchell refers to as the disco room will overlook the original 1,400 square foot structure. This will be exciting when it opens, said Susan Wilkinson of historic St. Marys City, explaining that construction will be finished soon, and the museum will open its doors in September. And it will coincide with the citys 375th anniversary.

If These Walls Could Talk St. Johns Site To House New Museum
and the new wood-framed structure seems to breathe new life into one of the For decades, a home- states oldest structures, ly corrugated fiberglass years after the original A-frame sheltered one of building came down. Marylands most important historic sites, St. Johns It will be easy to appreFreehold. Today, the tem- ciate all the dizzying hisporary shelter is gone and tory having unfolded there contractors are finishing a when the museum is commajor new exhibit that will pleted. We didnt want to better reflect the signifi- do an authentic reconstruccance of the site. As one tion, explained to Special approaches the construc- Projects Archeologist Ruth tion site, landscapers are Mitchell as she highlighted planting, excavation teams which areas would serve are digging and sorting, as exhibit showcases, and Andrea Shiell Staff Writer which would be finished to resemble parts of the home that once stood there. We wanted to showcase the history of St. Johns. And there is plenty of history to showcase. St. Johns Freehold was a plantation carved out of the wilderness by the first provincial secretary of the colony, John Lewger. The two-room farmhouse built in 1638, four years after the founding of Maryland, was more in the style of a British gentlemans country home, according to Mitchell, who said that Lewger had wanted to build a house befitting his stature. The homes brick fireplaces, plastered walls, plank floors, glass windows, and masonry cellar (the largest of its kind for the time period), marked it as an affluent home for its period. As the residence of Lewger as secretary and one of the largest enclosed spaces in the early years of the state of Maryland, the provincial court, assembly, and council met there before government buildings were constructed. St. Johns continued to play an important role in the history of Maryland after it was vacated by the provincial secretary. Dutch merchant Simon Overzee lived there with his family in the middle of the century. The only reason we know anything about Overzee is because he was a trouble maker, said Mitchell, explaining the paper trail of court cases bearing his name on public record. In one incident, an African slave named Antonio died as a result of punishment received from Overzee. The case went to court but he was acquitted because technically, he had not broken the law. In 1659, Overzee housed the ambassador from New Amsterdam, Augustine Hermann, who created one of the first detailed maps of the Chesapeake Bay. During the 1660s, St. Johns was the official governors residence for Charles Calvert, who became the third Lord Baltimore, and the site became the place where Calvert negotiated a peace accord with Susquehannock war chiefs. After Calvert moved out, innkeepers leased the house, but it still served as the meeting place for the Governors Council as well as Governor Calvert and his guests. In the early 1680s the site was used as Marylands probate office until other government buildings were constructed and the structure was once again turned into a house. Because the land of St.

Archeologist Ruth Mitchell explains the history of St. Johns Freehold in historic St. Marys City.

Photo by Andrea Shiell

St. Marys County Republican Central Committees

Annual Lincoln/ Reagan Dinner Principal Speaker

Horsepower Secrets From Professional Engine Builders: Get More Out Of Your Car For Less Than $100
Want more horsepower without paying much to get it? Here are three ways todays top engine builders get more power from their racing engines and their personal cars, without spending a lot of money to do it. Upgrade your lubricants - Friction and heat from engine components and the drive train rob horsepower and performance. Minimizing this power loss can be as easy as upgrading to one of the newer high performance lubricants that are available. For instance, in a recent test by Horsepower TV, upgrading to high performance motor oil freed up 8 horsepower in a V8 engine. Video of the test and more information on upgrading lubricants can be found at www.royalpurple.com. Replace and/or upgrade your air filter - During the life of your engine, thousands of cubic feet of air will pass through the engine cylinders. Dust and other material in the engine can cause excessive wear and operating problems. Its imperative that you keep air filters clean by regularly replacing them. To further enhance performance, upgrade

Governor Bob Ehrlich

Thursday, 10 April 2008 Crystal Room, 21030 Pt. Lookout Rd, Callaway, MD

Cocktails 6:00 p.m. (Cash Bar), Dinner 7:00 p.m.

By Authority: Vernon R. Osburn, Treasurer

Elite engine builders competing in the Engine Master Challenge use simple techniques like upgrading oil to increase horsepower.

Tickets $50 each, purchase at www.smcrcc.org, or call 301-904-5651 or 301-481-5284 for reservations
A Tribute to the Beatles
- Tom Hanks

to a performance air filter, which can free up an additional 2 to 3 horsepower. While not a tremendous power gain, the relatively low cost of a filter and ease of installation (about 5 minutes) more than make up for it. Use higher octane gas or an octane booster - Go for the good stuff the next time youre at the pump. Depending on your vehicle, high octane gasoline can provide an increase in horsepower. Even a marginal gain in switching from the lowest octane gasoline to the highest octane may be worth a few extra pennies at the pump to you. For those who want to see a more measurable increase in power, a racing blend of gasoline will work well or one of the numerous brands of octane booster commonly available at auto parts stores. Upgrading your gas, lubricants and air filter are a cheap and easy way to increase horsepower. These simple steps will also extend the life of your engine and help prevent expensive repairs.

REVOLUTION
These Guys are Great

April 12 - 8:00p.m. Great Mills High School Tickets - $25 ($15 for students) Reservations - 301-475-3225
Grants for this program have been received from the St. Marys Arts Council and the Maryland State Arts Council