PRSTD STD US Postage Paid Permit No.

145 Waldorf, MD

Thursday, March 1, 2007 St. Marys County, Maryland

Established 2006 Volume 2 Issue 9 FREE

By Andrew Knowlton Staff Writer Just before 7 a.m. Tuesday, the St. Marys County Sheriffs Department received a call reporting a male subject slumped over in a vehicle in the St. Marys Landing Apartments parking lot on Liberty Street in Lexington Park, according to BCI commander Louis F. Burris. Upon responding to the call, units discovered the man had a gun shot wound to the head and was laying dead in his vehicle, Burris said. The victim was 24 year-old Kenneth James Walters, who is believed to have been a resident of the St. Marys Landing apartments. The 911 call was made by a neighbor who reportedly heard a gunshot. Detectives from the St. Marys County Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) responded to the call See Death Investigation page B-3

APF Task Lexington Park Force Hits Man Shot Dead Roadblock in Central District
By Adam Ross Staff Writer Plans to adopt a county growth policy that would reopen the development district to home construction hit another major roadblock at last Wednesdays Planning Commission work session. The Feb. 21 meeting was the latest in a series of non-televised work sessions where the Planning Commission has worked with the Adequate Public Facilities Task Force and the Board of Education to recommend a new county growth policy, and a solution to school overcrowding, which would reopen the development district to construction. The Planning Commission was on the verge of a final decision for three of the five recommendations originally outlined by the Adequate Public Facilities Task Force report, but a decision was unexpectedly postponed when Kimberly Howe, supervisor of St. Marys County Public Schools capital planning, introduced new statistics. Howe found that given the Planning Commissions decision to cap See Roadblock page A-6

Detectives walk around the apartments on Liberty Street in search of evidence in the Tuesday morning murder of Kenneth Walter James, who was found dead in his car.

Photo by Andrew Knowlton

Senior Housing Plans for Charlotte Hall Approved

By Adam Ross Staff Writer The Board of County Commissioners approved a concept plan Feb. 20 that could bring hundreds of senior homes, and a multi-generational center to Charlotte Hall. But the project could take 20 years to be fully realized, according to Commissioner Lawrence Jarboe (R- Golden Beach). It is sad to say because I know there are plenty of people that would like to see it there tomorrow, said Jarboe of the center that would feature an indoor swimming pool and a gymnasium. However, the highlight of the package, which has been endorsed by
Photo by Adam Ross

Index
Officials A-8

See Housing Plans page A-5

The welcome gate for Charlotte Hall Veterans Home was doused in snow Sunday, and could be in the path of a different kind of storm if a proposal for 310 senior housing units in the area is realized.

Teens To Court Positive Behavior

By Adam Ross Staff Writer Its not a new idea, but since its inception in 2003 the St. Marys County Teen Court program has had overwhelming success in keeping first-time juvenile offenders from repeating unlawful acts. The program pits non-violent juvenile offenders against a specially trained volunteer based tribunal of See Teen Court page A-2

TDR Back In Play

By Adam Ross Staff Writer The Board of County Commissioners thrust Transferable Development Rights (TDR) back into the public spotlight Tuesday after unanimously approving last years text amendment, which had previously expired. The text amendment strengthens agricultural preservation efforts, improves implementation of a TDR program, and assists in guiding development to designated growth areas, according to Denis D. Canavan, director of Land Use and Growth Management (LUGM). With the approval, the commissioners authorized Canavan and See Development Rights page A-5

Playoffs B-8

Op.-Ed ..........Page A - 4 Obits .............Page A - 7 Police ............Page B - 5 Classifieds.....Page B - 7

BCI Closes Gap on County Crime

By Andrew Knowlton Staff Writer When the St. Marys County Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) Narcotics Unit raided a home in Mechanicsville Feb. 9, they seized 56. 4 grams of crack cocaine (street value of $5,640,) 22.5 grams of powder cocaine (street value of $2,250,) 11 grams of marijuana (street value of $44), $2,065 in U.S. currency, and numerous paraphernalia items. The drug bust was part of a two-month long investigation executed by BCI and led to three arrests. As the population continues to grow in St. Marys County, so do crime and drug problems, but BCI, along with current Sheriff Timothy K. CamSee County Crime page A-6
Photo by Andrew Knowlton

For Continual News Updates Visit: somd.com Local Weather

Friday Showers 58 Saturday Few Showers 49 Sunday Partly Cloudy 46

The Bureau of Criminal Investigations has approximately 1,000 seized weapons in its possession. A gun review board decides whether individuals can re-possess their firearms. If the board determines that a weapon cannot be released, it is eventually destroyed.

 Section A - 

The County Times

Thursday, March 1, 007

Annapolis Buzz
By Adam Ross Staff Writer As of Feb. 26, Sen. Roy P. Dyson (D-29) has sponsored 101 bills in the 423rd legislative session. The Maryland General Assembly could adjourn as soon as April 9, but the final day to introduce bills without suspension of rules is March 5. Here is a look at some of the bills Dyson is pushing. The bills are all taken verbatim from the Maryland General Assembly webpage. Technical and Clarifying Corrections Committee Assignment: Education Health and Environmental Affairs Senate Bill 363 Synopsis: Authorizing the State AdminisEntitled: Election Law Voter Registra- trator of Elections and local election directors to assume specified duties; altering specified tion Change of Party Affiliation Committee Assignment: Education Health requirements for specified election precincts; clarifying specified State Board procedures and Environmental Affairs Synopsis: Altering provisions of law gov- and regulations; requiring the State Board to erning the period when a registered voter may adopt specified regulations; repealing specichange party affiliation; requiring a local board fied local board requirements; clarifying a to change, under specified circumstances, a specified deadline; making miscellaneous voters party affiliation at any time that reg- other technical and clarifying changes to State istration is open; repealing the provision that election law; etc. permits a registered voter who has changed counties to change party affiliation during a Senate Bill 365 specified period; repealing the provision that prohibits registration in the same county with Committee Assignment: Education Health a different party affiliation under specified cir- and Environmental Affairs cumstances; etc. Entitled: Secondhand Precious Metal Obestablishing specified civil penalties; etc. ject on behalf of a person who does not hold a license to do business as a dealer.

Senate Bill 366

Entitled: Mercury Switch Removal from Vehicles Committee Assignment: Education Health and Environmental Affairs Synopsis: Requiring motor vehicle manufacturers to develop and submit to the Department of the Environment a mercury minimization plan that includes information on mercury switch removal from motor vehicles by a specified date; establishing requirements for a mercury minimization plan; requiring vehicle manufacturers to pay specified costs associated with mercury switch removal; etc.

Senate Bill 36

Entitled: Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2007 Committee Assignment: Finance Synopsis: Prohibiting a person from performing or attempting to perform human cloning, participating in an attempt to perform human cloning, transferring or receiving the product of human cloning, or transferring or receiving any oocyte, embryo, fetus, or human somatic cell for the purpose of human cloning;

Senate Bills 363, 364, and 366 have all unject Dealers and Pawnbrokers Definition of dergone a first reading. Check out the status of Dealer Senate bill 364 those bills, and more, in the upcoming weeks. Synopsis: Altering the definition of dealer Entitled: Election Law Miscellaneous to mean an individual who arranges for the sale or delivery of a secondhand precious metal ob-

Teen Court
Continued from page A- peers and adult judges who presides over the hearings. The teen court is considered a voluntary alternative to the traditional justice system, and is reserved for offenders between the ages of 11-17. And because the program pushes prevention and intervention over punishment, only first time offenders convicted of non-violent crimes are accepted. Offenders must have support from their families, acknowledge guilt, be enrolled in school and voluntarily participate in the program. In a case where victimization has occurred, consent must be obtained from the victim before program entrance is granted. Rebecca Bowser, the new St. Marys County Teen Court coordinator, said she meets with both the victims and offenders before a hearing is scheduled. The mission of the program is to provide juvenile offenders with the opportunity to reflect, and enhance decision making skills, said Bowser at the Board of County Commissioners meeting Tuesday.

Of the 183 offenders who have gone through the program since July of 2003, 92 percent have completed it successfully. The criminal recidivism rate for offenders is 14 percent, lower than traditional juvenile services, according to Bowser. Bowser acts also as a prevention specialist and holds alcohol prevention classes, for offenders convicted of underage drinking. Peer juries can dole out a number of punishments including community service, essays, posters, anger management classes and requiring offenders to write letters of ap-

preciation. Although, Bowser stressed that the program is designed to make aware the consequences, educate youth through their participation as volunteers, and provide productive community service opportunity. [Teens] run the court, and use peer pressure as a positive influence instead of a negative one, she added. Bush added that past offenders slide over to becoming volunteers, on the jury as well. The program costs county taxpayers just $33,000, the cost of Bowsers salary, according to Kelsey Bush, a St. Marys

County youth coordinator. Before Bowser was brought on, volunteers ran the program. This will be Bowsers second year involved in the program, as last year she volunteered with AmericCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA). Bush said the program still relies on heavy numbers of volunteers. Usually if you pick up a kid, nine times out of ten you pick up a parent as well, Bush said. They make it a family thing. Through the programs history, 155 youths have volunteered over 2,854 hours,

and 14 adults have volunteered over 1,255 hours to the program. Bowser said she plans to build partnerships with other teen courts in Maryland, and to expand existing relationships with Maryland Highway Safety. Underage drinking is the number one case handled by the program, with assault a close second. Offenders convicted of a felony are not eligible for teen court. As of August 2002, over 900 youth court programs were offered in the United States, up from 94 in 1994.

(Formerly Tavern at the Village in Wildewood Retirement Center)

301-863-3219
Not Sure Where T Have o Brunch On Sundays? Join Us For Our Special Mimosa Brunch!
Open to the public Enjoy elegant meals We host private parties Hours of operation:
Lunch Seating from Thursday - Saturday 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
ROOM FOR EVERYONE in this 4+ Bedroom, 3.5 Bath Colonial on Fully Finished Basement, Warm Country Kitchen, Family Room w/Fireplace, Huge Master Bedroom, Upper Level Laundry Rm., Screened Porch, Swimming Pool, Tree House & Playground, Storage Shed & Big Front Porch, 1 Car Garage & Beautiful Landscaping. $1,000 HOLIDAY SHOPPING SPREE to buyers choice of store. CALL TODAY before this one gets away!

Dinner Seating from Tuesday - Thursday 4:30 pm - 9:00 pm Friday and Saturday 4:30 pm - 10:00 pm Sunday Mimosa Brunch: 10:30 am - 2:00 pm

Tu hablas espaol, yo tambien. Logre el sueo Americano, yo te ayudo durante todo el proceso en la COMPRA DE TU CASA. Llama ahora mismo!

Yamile Hewitt Realtor

www.woodlandsgrill.com jeff@woodlandsgrill.com

Office: 301-863-2400 x 260 Cell: 240-925-0614 Email: YamileHewitt@mris.com Fax: 301-863-7528

Office: 301-863-2400 Cell: 240-925-4528 Email: AlanHewitt@mris.com Fax: 301-863-7528

Alan Hewitt Full Time Professional Agent

22894 Three Notch Rd. California, MD 20619

Thursday, March 1, 2007

The County Times

Section A - 

In Your Community
Fish Dinner
All you can eat dinner at St. Georges Episcopal Church. March 2, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Menu is fried fish, hush puppies, cold slaw and green beans: tea, coffee and desserts extra. Adults $10, children ages 6-12 $5, and five and under eat free. For more information go to stgeorgesvalleylee.org or call 301-994-0585 16 only. To register contact Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission at 301-274-1922.

Craft/Yard Sale
Join George Washington Carver Elementary Schools Parent Teacher Association (PTA) for its Craft/Yard Sale

on Saturday, March 3, from 7 to 11 a.m., at the school site located at 46155 Carver School Blvd. (behind McKays Grocery Store on Great Mills Road). See new products from Avon, Home Interior and Gifts, Warm Spirit, Longaberger, and more. The event will also include a raffle for theme baskets created by

school staff. For more information on the event or table rental, call 240-538-5884 or email greatcrystal@verizon.net. Proceeds from the Craft/Yard Sale will benefit after school family events at George Washington Carver Elementary.

Free Adult Computer Class Introduction to Computers

Monday, March 5, 2 p.m., Lexington Park Library, 21677 FDR Blvd, Lexington Park

This is a basic workshop introducing new adult computer users to the components, vocabulary and general use of the personal computer. Free. Limited space. Registration required. 301-863-8188 or lexi. ref@stmalib.org

Spaghetti Dinner
All you can eat dinner prepared and served by the Second District Auxiliary to support the local Fire Department and Rescue Squad. Dinner will be held March 3 from 5-8 p.m. Adults $7, children ages 5-12 $3, and children under five eat free.

Celtic Fiddle
Join Lauren Brenzo, recipient of the 2006 James Harrison Monroe Scottish Fiddling Scholarship, and friends on March 17 from 7-9 p.m. The live Celtic performance will be held in Room with a Brew, located off Route 5, at 40900 Merchants Lane. Listen to the music, tap your feet, clap your hands and sip some Joe. All proceeds will help offset costs for Laurens trip this summer to study with Master Fiddler, Alasdair Fraser, in Scotland.

You Can Get A

Bingo
Super Basket Bingo will be held Friday March 2 at the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department to benefit the auxiliary. Doors open at 6 p.m., and bingo will begin at 7 p.m. The cost is $20 per person, with additional books and packs of specials running for $5 each. Adults and children must purchase an admissions ticket. Tables for six or more can be reserved by calling 301-8725671, or e-mailing BWathen@ starpower.net. There will be a basket raffle and 50/50 raffle. Refreshments will be available.

FREE
GALLON OF MILK
For Every 9 Gallons You Buy With Your McKays Gold Card!
No need to save register tapes. You purchases will be automatically accumulated... just check your register reciept for your update.

Poultry Testing
Do you or your children participate in Maryland County Fairs and Shows? If the answer is yes, then the Maryland Department of Agriculture would like to invite you to attend the MDA Animal Health Services Poultry Testing Agent certification training session March 15, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The session will be held at the MDA Animal Health Lab, 8077 Greenmead Road, College park Md. This program will test agents to test birds intended to participate in fairs and shows across the state for PullorumTyphoid and Avian Influenza. The cost is free, but limited to 20 students. Call Kim Arnold at 410-543-6610 for more information or to register.

Equine Conference
The Southern Maryland Agricultural Commission will host a three day Equine Conference, March 15-17 at the J.T. Daugherty Center in Lexington Park. The conference is tailored to inform and support the equine and farming community. Registration is required by March 5, with a cost of $20 per day, or $50 for all three days. Prices include continental breakfast and lunch on March 15 and

301-475-2531

Route 245 Hollywood, MD 20636

301-884-5636

Route 5 & Mohawk Drive Charlotte Hall, MD 20622

Wildewood Shopping Center California, MD 20619

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

301-866-5702

301-862-7702

 Section A - 

The County Times

Thursday, March 1, 2007

Editorial & Opinion

Flawed Judgment
A recent arrest of a Sexual Predator again serves to highlight the failings of both Marylands Judges and our elected leaders. Robert Layton, 48, who lived near Dundalk, Md., was arrested Feb. 6 on charges of having sex with and soliciting sex from teenage boys. As bad as this is in itself, this is Laytons second arrest for this crime. In 1995, he received a 30-year sentence for sexually abusing three children. For some reason, a kook judge decided to suspend all but eight years of that sentence and allowed Layton to walk free, putting our children at risk. The judge gave Layton five years of supervised probation, which ended in September 2006. And then he was free to find fresh meat. If there was no evidence of it before, it has become crystal clear now that Maryland is broken. While Dundalk may seem far away, people like Layton are all over. A quick trip to the sex offenders registry will show just how many people like him live in our own neighborhoods. Take a minute and open a web browser on your computer. Type in http:// www.dpscs.state.md.us/sor/ and punch in your zip code. A quick search of 20636, the zip code of Hollywood, turns up five registered sex offenders. And these are only the ones who were required to register. Yes, you read that right. In Maryland, there are ways for sex offenders to avoid the inconvenience of having to register. And we should not stand for it any longer. It is inexcusable that it has gone on as long as it has, but the time has come for us to stand up as citizens and demand that our lawmakers take action to protect our children from these dangerous criminals. For starters, we need a non-watered down version of Jessicas Law passed in our state. The bill passed last year in special session is a joke, and it will do little to stem the tide of sexual predators who prey on our children. We need laws that mandate these predators go away for a very, very long time if they sexually violate others. Especially children. Five years is not enough time, in the case above, eight years was not enough to stop Layton from allegedly engaging in and seeking sex with minors. 25 years is a good starting point. If not longer. Statistics have borne out that these predators cannot be cured of their problem. The only way to protect our children from them is to keep them away and out of our society as long as possible. We cannot play games or politics with our childrens lives. Unfortunately, during the last legislative session, this is exactly what happened in the Democratically dominated legislature. The former Governor, Bob Ehrlich, repeatedly fought for tougher penalties for these offenders, but was thwarted by the legislature. Perhaps with a Democratic governor in place, the politics will cease, and progress can be made. But we cannot afford to rest on this hope and must act. We must contact our elected officials and let them know we will not stand for things like what happened with Layton. We must demand that our elected officials across the state take the necessary actions to protect our children. And it does not stop there. Layton may have committed this crime, but he does not bear full responsibility. Had his original 30-year sentence been adhered to, his second offense would not have happened. The judge that granted him release after serving less than one-third of his sentence is culpable in this as well. It is time we start demandcess. Members are more involved than ever. Often at Planning Commission meetings, members sit in silence as Shelby P. Guazzo or Steven Reeves direct the action. But lately its been like a schoolyard challenge, as each member, minus one we wont mention, takes a turn to speak. Mistakes have been made, but they are caught, negotiated, and either changed or taken off the table. Progress is being made, and soon a set of recommendations will be sent to the county commissioners. However, Im a little concerned that the county commissioners will have a difficult time digesting the recommendations made. Taken at face value, they might come off as largely presumptuous. Great debates have taken place over specific numbers, and some are supported with hard data while others are a shot in the dark. The logic behind some of the decisions, for example not worth the risk. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest are significant. Whether you are meeting a few friends at the local pub or attending a local party, if you plan on using alcohol, never drive while impaired and never let your friends drive if you think they are impaired. Make smart decisions. Designate your sober driver in advance. And remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. Dont push your luck this St. Patricks Day. Richard D. Fritz States Attorney for Saint Marys County ing accountability from our judges. Their entire job, the very reason they are elected or appointed, is to excersise their judgment. Clearly, the judge that let Layton off was not fit for the bench. He aided Layton in the commission of this crime, for without him, Layton would still be rotting in jail and those children would be better off. At the very least, if a judge allows a prisoner out before his sentence is up, and that person commits another crime, the judge should be impeached and removed from the bench. These people are not there to facilitate crime, they are there to serve justice. They are there to uphold the law. When they take it upon themselves to suspend or otherwise subtract time from sentences, they are ill serving the public. These are the people we place our trust in, and they fail us every time they allow a person who is clearly a danger to those around him or her back into society. a 2.25 percent yearly growth allocation, are made with the intent that if doesnt work we can always tighten the screws and change. But part of the reason the county was faced with this dilemma originally is because of such logic. This is not the time to throw out numbers and hope they work. And this has not been the case for all the decisions made. Just last week, Kimberly Howe, supervisor of capital planning, ran a new set of numbers and found prior decisions on allowable school capacity allocation at the middle school level would not solve the growth issue in the Central District. The Planning Commission debated the new data, and decided to take a closer look at its initial evaluation. Ultimately, the commission sent its 109 percent middle school allocation back to the Adequate Public Facilities Task Force for a second opinion. It was again a wonderful If judges fail to exercise proper judgment, then clearly they cannot perform their duty. The fact is this we as citizens need to stand up and make things happen. Right now the politicians and judges feel invincible. They feel that they can get away with anything they want. And to date, we have proven them right. We allow them to get away with corruption, arrogance and policy choices that are in no ones best interests but their own. We allow them to enrich themselves at our expense and then we re-elect them every four years. It has been said that people get the government they deserve, and this is true. We do deserve what we get from those we vote in. But this is not about us, and our children, who have no vote, certainly deserve better than what we are giving them.

Big City Boy, Small Town Heart

Presumptuous Decisions
Luckily, we have a dedicated county government staff working together to solve Theres an interesting dy- this issue. St. Marys County namic between schools and Public Schools, Land Use and growth taking place in St. Growth Management and the Marys County. Planning Commission have Because of school over- held a number of work sescrowding, a number of Devel- sions to adopt a new county opment Districts have been growth policy that could truly shut down. This means more begin to solve problems. growth in the Rural PreservaAnd because this issue dition Districts (RPD), a serious rectly impacts the community, violation of the rural intent of they are drawing a number of the county that many residents their recommendations from hold dear. the Adequate Public FaciliBy Adam Ross Staff Writer ties Task Force, a collection of individuals from around the county. Its been a wonderful process to watch, because it aims to bring relief to overcrowding, and sets a responsible growth allocation for developers. It is the hope of the people involved that St. Marys County can continue to grow, but in areas where it does not impact rural integrity. The Planning Commission, for starters, has displayed a renewed energy in this pro-

process to watch, because despite previous decisions, the commission acknowledged a change might be in order. But hard data, unfortunately, cannot be provided for all of the recommendations. It leaves the Planning Commission in a bind, and stuck with making decisions in a vacuum. Decisions that ultimately could be a tough sell to the commissioners, who were not part of the process and could not watch it on television. I fear an attempt to update the commissioners will be just that: an update. Government employees, and volunteer members of the Planning Commission, will ultimately make the final decisions in my estimation. The county commissioners, whom we elect to represent our best interest, could be left scratching their heads on this. A rather scary idea when you approach it from that angle.

To the Editor:
In 2005, 59 percent of all traffic fatalities that occurred during the evening of St. Patricks Day to the early hours of the following morning involved drivers with blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) of .08 or higher. This year, the risk may be even greater since St. Patricks Day festivities will take place on a Saturday night. Thats why my office, the office of the States Attorney,

is reminding all St. Patricks Day partiers that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving, and to never forget to designate a sober driver before the festivities begin. St. Patricks Day has become a big night out for many Americans especially young adults. But it has also become a dangerous night on our roadways due to impaired drivers. Impaired driving is no accident nor is it a victimless crime. In 2005, nearly 13,000 people died in highway crash-

es involving a driver or a motorcycle operator with a BAC of .08 or higher, according to NHTSA. Too many people still dont understand that alcohol and driving just dont mix. Too many lives are being lost and we need everyones help to stop it. Its easy to tell if youve had way too many, but even if youve had one too many, you shouldnt drive. Driving any vehicle including a motorcycle when buzzed is simply wrong and

To the Editor:
There comes a time in life when friends who help others through very tough times, need to be publicly recognized as the good people that they are. In July of 2006, our father was hospitalized for an aneurysm. Complications from the operation occurred, and to this day he is still hospitalized. On Feb. 7, he was transported from Johns Hopkins to St. Marys County Nursing Home. Three friends volunteered their own personal time to transport our Dad to St. Marys County. Through their dedicated efforts and with the help of the Valley Lee Volunteer Fire Department, the transfer went off without a hitch. Mr. Bobby Lynch, his niece Miss Laura Hammett and the Reverend Joseph Statesman are the three individuals who

Letters to the Editor

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

need to be recognized. These are the types of people who hold communities together. Friends like them are the lifeblood, heart and soul of our neighborhoods. If there were medals for dedicated community service, each would receive the highest honor. And the medal the Mattingly family would like to give to them is its heart. We know they have given their hearts to us, with no hesitation whatsoever. Thank God for Bobby, Laura and the Reverend Statesman. And thank God they are with us in this community. A heartfelt thank you, The Family of Herb Mattingly Valley Lee, Md

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

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

Andrew Knowlton - Sports Correspondent ...... andrewknowlton@countytimes.net Jimmy Hayden - Advertising Director ..............jimmyhayden@countytimes.net

Thursday, March 1, 2007

The County Times

Section A - 

Ramblings From A Country Girl

Housing Plans
Continued from page A- Lori Jennings Harris, director of the Department of Aging, and several seniors in the Charlotte Hall community includes 310 senior housing units. There could be as many as 110 cottage style units, 150 one-and-two bedroom apartment units, and 60 assisted living units, according to Phil Rollins, director of Recreation, Parks and Community Services. But two major roadblocks hanging over the concept are the sites lack of a public sewer system, and traffic concerns for the adjacent Whalen Road. Residents of nearby Mohawk Drive turned out in great numbers this winter to fight plans for public water and sewer in the area. Plans were dropped, and the issue will have to be revisited and resolved for the senior housing to be built. Rollins attempted to construct a plan around tying into nearby private septic systems, but the size and scope of the project would not allow he said. Meanwhile, the traffic implications run a close second behind the sewer issue, and if Whalen Road is not upgraded, Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly Sr., (D- Leonardtown) said this is going to be a tough sell. Mattingly added that he was also concerned about the burden such a project would put on the services of the nearby Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. I would suspect we are a little premature in adopting some of the plans that are here, Mattingly said. I have some reservations about it. Mattingly voted in favor of the concept plan a few minutes later. The recreation center and pool are in Recreation, Parks and Community Services (DRPCS) six-year capital investment plan, and could be constructed without public sewer, Rollins said. DRPCS had previous plans to build a pool in the northern part of the county, but the housing is the key to that happening, Rollins said. In addition to the plan, there are many advantages to having public water and sewer in the northern area. You could have a nice restaurant, he added. You really do need water and sewer. So, maybe we can incorporate that into it, and facilitate the focus to getting water and sewer for those kinds of projects. Commissioner Kenny Dement (R- Callaway) asked Rollins to hold another public forum so the community could have more opportunity to express its opinion. But Dement said he felt it was necessary to concentrate more heavily on the senior housing than the recreation center. When and if the concept plan is taken to the development state, Rollins said he envisions some sort of publicprivate partnership. Either a private nonprofit or private group to come in and develop the project, he added of that vision. The commissioners approved the plan 5-0.

Its A Girl Thing

By Terri Bartz-Bowles Contributing Writer Recently, a couple of girlfriends and I spent the better part of a day scrap booking. We got a good amount of work done on our projects, but something more important than preserving memories was going on. Women have a need to connect to one another. Its hard-wired and its been going on forever. Through the ages, women have gathered together to work, talk, share and connect. Many hands made light work at various types of bees and gatherings. Quilting bees, of course, are well known but women have gathered to share all kinds of chores. Women gathered for making jelly or

putting up vegetables for the winter, as well as other types of home arts such as rug making. And while the work being done was important, it wasnt the most important thing. Women connecting to each other: sharing, learning, teaching, helping, are the real gems attained. We are emotional creatures, and we need to share those emotions with those who best understand us other women. We like to probe, see what other women think, find out what they have experienced. Then, generally, we make what amounts to a group decision even if the decision really involves just one of us. Im not saying its a good thing or a bad thing, its just a girl

thing. Its how we function. So what are we sharing when we gather? Everything. Literally. There is no subject we wont broach. New skin cream out? Its inevitable that someone will ask and someone else will have tried it or knows someone who has. All the rest of us will make our decision on this product based on this conversation. The manufacturer can advertise whatever they want, wherever they want for however long they want, but our decision will not be based on those advertisements. It will be based in the trust of our fellow girlfriends. Medical questions, home keeping information, the minefield that is raising a child. All these things will be

discussed, dissected, bantered about. We will laugh, we will share incredibly personal information, sometimes we will cry and we will be the better for it. It fills a need deep inside us and helps assure us of our place in the world. We will feel renewed and happy and content. Guys, dont begrudge your female companion her girlfriend time. Trust me, its better for you because its better for us. Oh, one more thing; guys think all women talk about is guys. Not true. We do talk about guys. But dont worry, we have so much other ground to cover we dont linger on any one subject too long, including yall!

Incentives galore for searching homebuyers

of reports generated by the close to the bottom, possibly government or by industry already there. There are some tradespeople that will tell you great deals out there right Home prices have hit rock now. And I personally would bottom, so if you are going to not be afraid to snatch up one of those deals. buy, do it now. The question you have to Q: Hey Patrick, how do ask is, up from what? If you mortgages rates look today compare December to November for resale home sales, the compared to last year ? number of sold homes is up. Yet if you compare the number of homes sold in December of 2005 with the number of homes sold in December of 2006, the number is down. What I will tell you is there are more buyers in the market now than there were in February of last year. Buyers are more serious, and while they are looking for the best deal they can get, they are not passing up homes just because there might be something better tomorrow. My colleagues lead me to believe that the market is A: Great, we still have conventional thirty-year mortgage rates that are less than one point above their historic lows. We have many exotic mortgages that when used properly can really help some buyers get bigger homes and mortgages than they thought they could qualify for. It is imperative that when using an interest only loan, or and A.R.M. loan you know what youre getting into. Do your homework so you know when your mortgage payments will change, and how

much they will change. Q: Hey Patrick, Are homebuilders still offering a lot of incentives to buy their new homes? A: There are many homebuilders that have a high number of ready to move-in homes in their inventory. This is driving them to offer many incentives. Contact a local real estate agent and they can help you find out what is out there. Some builders are offering finished basements or home theaters. I know of one builder who is offering $30,000 to their buyers. You can take it off the price, you can add upgrades, you can buy a car; use it as you wish. I truly appreciate you all taking the time to contact me I will be back next week with more answers and as always, send your questions or comments to Patrick.dugan@obrienrealty.com

By Patrick Dugan Contributing Writer This weeks article is going to address some of the questions that I have received in the past month concerning real estate. I will try to answer your questions to the best of my ability. Q: Hey Patrick, how is the market acting, and is there really a bottom in sight? A: Well, that depends on whose numbers you want to review, and how you want to spin them. I can find a number

Development Rights
Continued from page A- LUGM staff to coordinate two public information sessions, and a public hearing on the TDR program. TDRs are calculated by the gross acreage of a particular property divided by five. This is done because of difficulties determining the developable acreage of a property when certain mitigating factors are present. We need to track TDRs, land owners need to know how many they have and how many they are severing, Canavan said, and a purchaser needs to know what they are buying and where they are buying. Once a propertys record plat goes through LUGM, a TDR serialized and traceable number is doled out. Any landowner with an existing dwelling unit on the property can build up to one new home without purchasing TDRs. However, the construction of more than one dwelling unit would require the purchase of TDRs, unless

the property has already inherited them. According to Jerry Nokleby, a developer who has had a hand in various projects throughout the county said the cost for each TDR would be $33,000 if the text amendment were passed. I dont see how that will encourage growth in the development district, Nokleby added. In lieu of purchasing development rights for a parcel, a builder wishing to construct a second lot on a property may pay a fee in lieu,

which is established annually and deposited directly into an escrow account for agricultural preservation around the county. Commissioner Lawrence Jarboe (R-Golden Beach) said he has been a supporter of TDRs since their introduction four years ago, but cautioned that the text amendment could alienate the Amish and Mennonite communities in the county. They are not a part of our school systems, jails, nor do they drain our government, yet they keep our land working, Jarboe said. They

dont like specific exemptions, but we have to look at a broad based exemption [for them] That way we wont have a mass migration which would leave us in terrible, dire straights. Canavan said he would be open to reaching out to both those communities and explaining what these provisions mean to them, but did not say he would draft an exemption. The text amendment was crafted by LUGM with the help of a community-based task force, and was voted through by the Planning Commission last year.

We are looking to get this back on the table, and have a chance to revisit it, said Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly Sr. (D- Leonardtown). Refresh memories of whats there, and to receive valid suggestions that might come to us to modify the recommendations.

 Section A - 

The County Times

Thursday, March 1, 2007

The Soul of St. Marys

Room With a Brew: American Coffee with an Italian Spin
By Bryan Jaffe Contributing Writer In the age of big box stores and mega-corporations dominating the business scene, it is important to remember that the heart and soul of any community are the people that live in it. As such, those who own small businesses, aimed at serving their community, make up its backbone. Because these business owners live in the community they do business in, they have a strong interest in keeping that community healthy and vital, unlike outside entities who can come in, do business and leave at a moments notice. This feature is the first of a series that will profile local businesses in St. Marys county. Starbucks dominates the coffee scene in America today. It is not unusual to see two Starbucks across the street from one another in cities, and it is certainly a challenge to go more than two or three city blocks without seeing one. But while Starbucks is a huge corporation, with businesses filling in every nook and cranny of our nation, there is one thing they can never hope to deliver. That is a simple, community oriented atmosphere. For those St. Marys County residents who want a change from corporate America, there is a new kid in town; the recently opened Room with a Brew coffee shop in the Shops at Breton Bay. Room with a Brew founder Wendy Heidrich is no stranger to either the coffee scene or the county. She was the diving force behind the establishment of the Newtowne Players and the Three Notch Theater in Lexington Park, and now she has combined her love for all things artistic with her love of coffee to bring a new type of business to the county. Ever since starting the [Three Notch] Theater, theres been an overflow of requests from other artistic organizations wanting to use the theater for their events, Heidrich said. Our rotation has been tight, and I kind started looking at space a couple of years ago, I looked at several spaces owned by people that are patrons and friends of the theater. Indeed, the Three Notch Theater is jam packed, often having three or four productions rehearsing at any given time. In January, Blithe Spirit was in the final stages of rehearsal on stage while early rehearsals for tomorrows Odd Couple took place in another room and a third group was rehearsing a one-act play for a statewide competition in yet another part of the theater. And her quest to alleviate this has been rewarded, as Room with a Brew has a large room in the back that can accommodate various activities, including the theater group every Thursday. In addition, Heidrich expects more activities in that room as time moves on. She said Morriah Cell, director of the Newtowne Players award winning one-act play Time Flies has another short play she will work on there; that there will be a scrap booking club and that a local photographer will use the room as his studio for portraits on alternating Fridays. The room will also house special events, such as a forthcoming Benefit show on St. Patricks day to raise money for Celtic Fiddler Lauren Brenzo to study this summer in Scotland with Master Fiddler Alasdair Fraser. The walls are covered with artwork and photographs taken by local artists, much of it for sale, and music CDs by local bands are available as well. But the heart of the operation is the coffee, served Italian style. I lived in Europe, and my love and appreciation for coffee started there, Heidrich said, as she whipped up a coffee drink for one of a stream of customers that came and went through the morning. I went back there last year, to Florence [Italy] and Lugan in Switzerland, and wondered why there wasnt a coffee shop in this area. Leonardtown is picking up with a lot of new businesses, and it seemed like a good place to start [a coffeehouse] up. Heidrich envisions her place as one that will unite local artists and the community alike. And by artist, she does not just mean painters and sculptors. She said Donna Jordan, founder of the Bodyshakers, will hold her dance classes in the back room, and there will be live music performances from local bands in the future. This is not just for coffee, Heidrich said of the shop. We serve tea, hot chocolate, fruit smoothies and real Italian style sodas. We also have WiFi hooked up, and have had CSM teachers come here and work online already. Heidrich added that there are plans to add soup and sandwiches to her menu within the next few weeks and that her hours will expand as the business grows. When asked what distinguishes her coffeehouse from others, Heidrich said it was the local culture she brings. We have a walk up bar, in Italy they call it Caf Via coffee and away. We have had a few people come up here, take their espresso shots right at the bar just like that, she said. We are also a very personable and friendly place. We are always open for suggestions and requests. I have gotten in some flavors because of requests. Heidrich said she mans the counter herself and has two full time employees as well as a part timer who is in high school and works evenings. The coffeehouse is still new, but Heidrich sees it establishing a strong foothold in the county and is more than willing to put in the work to make it happen. This is a very positive thing for me, she said. It takes the things I love the most community; people; art; music; and coffee and combines them. The Room With a Brew is open Mondays Fridays from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m., Saturdays from 7 a.m. 6 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Roadblock
Continued from page A- middle school occupancy at 109 percent of the aggregate state rated capacity, only 42 dwelling units could be built in the countys Central District. It popped out to us as a red siren, Howe said to the commission. This was an eye opening experience for us to run the model this way to see what it truly means, and truly understand what each of this meant to an individual district. Howe said the middle school level would continue to be the Achilles heel of the process because there are only three grades at the middle school level. Given the geographical difficulty of redistricting at the middle school level, and the continued shut down of the Central District, an area where development is most needed to occur, Howe proposed the Planning Commission consider a countywide system. We cant fix a Northern District [overcrowding] problem without looking at a project in the Central District, Howe said. So when we look at our schools, we look at it county wide with how we are going to move students around. Planning Commission Member Shelby P. Guazzo was skeptical when hearing Howes recommendation, and said we are not turning ourselves back into a county wide district. But after careful examination of Howes numbers, which according to Howe were very recently discovered, the Planning Commission decided to table the discussion until the Adequate Public Facilities Task Force had an opportunity to review the data. The task force held a meeting the next morning, but had not put fourth a recommendation for the new findings, according to Denis Canavan, director of Land Use and Growth Management. Canavan serves as an advisor to the community based task force. They will meet again next week, Canavan said, and they are moving closer, but whether they will reach a conclusion, I dont know. Chairman of the Planning Commission, Steven Reeves, said he was ready to vote until this came up tonight. The unfortunate thing was this scenario was never played out before this time, Howe said. In doing this, it will open up development, but not to the degree we envisioned. At 109 percent in the Northern District, 2,426 dwelling units could be constructed each year, but that number would never be realized because of the excess property designated as rural preservation district (RPD) in that end of the county. The same goes for the Southern District, which at 109 percent at the middle school level would open up over 1400 homes in that area. The Planning Commission voted in previous sessions for a 60-40 split of development to occur in growth versus non-growth areas of the county at an annual growth rate of 2.25 percent. With 3,750 dwelling units waiting in Land Use and Growth Managements queue, a 2.25 percent cap would allow for 804 of those units to be built out over the next year. Phil Shire, a senior planner for Land Use and Growth Management, said they have whittled the number down to a couple of thousand.

County Crime
Continued from page A- eron, are attempting to beef up the departments narcotics section. For us to say that we would eliminate [the countys drug problem] would probably be unrealistic, BCI commander Lt. Louis F. Burris said. But we certainly do our best to control it. With a recent surge in armed robberies in the county, and drugs always an issue, BCI may need the help of the public more than ever. Often, community members provide the best leads. We get a lot of leads and tips from community members, he said. Thats a lot of times how the investigations start out... Its a misconception that you simply get the information and go out and arrest someone. Once we get the information, thats just the beginning, we have to make a case to present in court. That is why, according to Burris, investigations such as the Feb. 9 Mechanicsville case can take months. The goal is not only to make arrests, but also to build a valid case against their subject. After receiving a tip, BCI gathers as much evidence and intelligence as possible on their suspect(s). Once they confirm the information, they document the evidence and providing real consequences and not just slap on the wrist fines, said Jonathon Shore, director of the Criminal Justice and Homeland Security Task Force, American Legislative Exchange Council. Stacy Baran, assistant states attorney for Carroll County, predicted that if she were able to take away an adults license for providing alcohol to a minor, they would never show up in my courtroom again. Underage drinking has been on the rise in Carroll County, with more than half of high school seniors reporting that they had consumed alcohol in the past 30 days and even increasing rates of complete a detailed search warrant before going in for an arrest. These measures require a great deal of training. In the Vice/Narcotics unit, detectives are given interview and interrogation preparation, as well as lesson training to identify different types of drugs, drug values and how they might be hidden. When someone comes into our unit, we try to give them as much training as we can, but they also get training from the experienced detectives, Burris said. To prepare for drug raids, the Emergency Services Team also does monthly training with different scenarios. Throughout an investigation, BCI uses a variety of surveillance methods. A lot of times what you see on TV shows is exaggerated, but surveillance techniques, there are as many of them out there as you can imagine, especially with the technology that we have now, Burris added. As technology has changed, so have the approaches to drug dealing, and vice-versa. Its different from the way it used to be where it would be behind closed doors and things of that nature where you had to get people in, Burris said. Now alcohol use among 6th graders. However Shewell, who has the support of national organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving, warned that the increase use doesnt just apply to Caroll County. Delegate Michael D. Smigel, Sr., R-Cecil, questioned the group about what he called nexus issue of the actual effectiveness of taking away a persons license. He pointed out that the guilty party could still purchase alcohol and give it to minors with or without the right to drive. The group responded that the license suspension was more consistent with the penalty for those found guilty of its more open-air drug markets with people standing on corners. Although open-air drug peddling makes it easier for police to catch dealers, increases in population outweigh this positive, according to Burris. Still, the number of drug related offenses in the St. Marys County decreased from 590 to 506 between 2005 and 2006. In 2006, BCI executed 133 search warrants, seized 14 vehicles, 36 weapons, $117,000 in cash, $172,000 in Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) and made 121 arrests for CDS. But while drug related offenses have decreased, the number of weapon offenses are slightly on the rise and armed robberies have surged since the winter holiday season. We saw an increase starting in November, and in February were having more robberies than usual. The majority of them didnt appear to be related, but lots of times after the Christmas holidays they usually taper off, Burris said. Weve been successful. Friday and Saturday of last week we closed three of them in two days and arrested six people. They were all separate robberies that werent related.

Tougher Penalties Sought for Giving Alcohol to Underaged Drinkers

By Liz Farmer Capital News Service ANNAPOLIS In an effort to curb what they said was an increase in underage drinking and driving, educators, parents, attorneys and alcohol distributors asked lawmakers Thursday to pass legislation that would suspend the drivers license of anyone who provides a minor with alcohol. Parents, adults, please stop giving liquor to your kids, said Mark Yount, a substance abuse prevention coordinator. Dont let them have alcohol until its the right time. The bill would empower judges to suspend the license of a first-time offender for up to six months, and up to a year for repeat offenders. The legislation does not apply to alcohol consumed at home with immediate family members or in religious ceremonies. The bills primary sponsor, Delegate Tanya Thorton Shewell, R-Carroll, proposed similar legislation last year but it died in committee. She said that this years version includes exemptions for religious occasions, as well as more discretionary power for judges and the Motor Vehicle Administration, and has the support of alcohol distributors and local states attorneys. Were hoping weve made those adjustments that were needed last year, she said. Its hard to predict but were hoping very much to get it passed. Similar legislation is already in effect in six states, including Virginia, and three other states are currently considering a license suspension penalty. Those who testified for the bill said hey were targeting the irresponsibility of adults who provide alcohol to people under the age of 21, and that they were trying to reduce the amount of access teens have to alcohol. House Bill 89 is part of a growing movement to proactively take alcohol out of the hands of underage kids while

driving while intoxicated or under the influence, making the charges more equal in the eyes of the law. They also said that the current $500 fine for a first offense didnt seem to phase anyone, and that an additional license suspension would have a more lasting impression. I think the committee should try to look past the nexus issue if they can, to try and understand this angle, said Joseph Luppino, government relations director for the North American operations of Diageo, a major liquor and spirits company. Were trying to hammer this thing from a different perspective.

Thursday, March 1, 2007

The County Times

church functions. He was a 60-plus years member of the St. Marys County Farm Bureau, including the Board of Dircetors 50 years, and President seven years. Maryland Farm Bureau, Vice-president two years; St. Marys Soil Conservation District, supervisor, 1957-1973, and in 1998 was honored for outstanding accomplishment in the conservation of soil and water resources; St. Marys ASCS Committee nine years, chairman, seven years; St. Marys Agriculture & Seafood Committee, Vice-president four years; Southern Md. Agricultural Commission, appointed chairman; Southern Md. Tobacco Board, which he helped to create as a separate entity of the Tobacco Committee of the Southern Md. Agricultural Commission. In 1991, Dixon was selected as part of a delegation to Europe to promote the export of local tobacco to Belguim, Germany, France, and Italy. He was a member of the Md, State Tobacco Authority; St. Marys Planning & Zoning Commission, Agriculture Representative, 14 years, Vice President six years; St. Marys Economic Development Commission, Agricultural Representative, five years. In 1997 the Dixon farm, located on Sandgates Road, less than a mile from where he was born, was recognized by Governor Parris Glendening as a Maryland Century Farm that has been in the same family at least 100 years. He married Winifred Cornthwaite on Nov. 15, 1947 in Cedar Rapids, IA, after she returned to St. Marys County from assisting in Hawaii as a Registered Nurse. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Winifred C. Dixon, six children; Thomas E. Dixon and his wife, Kathleen of Mechanicsville, Md., Charlene M. Dixon Hutcheson and her husband, Robert of Roanoke, Va., Fredric J. Dixon and his wife, Marilyn of Arbutus, Md., Janet L. Dixon of Silver Spring, Md., Raymond A. Dixon of Mechanicsville, Md., James D. Dixon and his wife, Lorraine of Mechanicsville, Md., thirteen grandchildren; Susan Dixon-Lavergne, Michael Dixon, Lynne Dixon, Gregory Hutcheson, Julia Hutcheson, Rabi Dixon, Deva Dixon, Katherine Dixon, Elizabeth Dixon, Jennifer Dixon, Dalton Dixon, Devon Dixon, Amelia Dixon, two great-grandchildren, William Dixon-Lavergne and William Hutcheson, and devoted brother, Robert S. Dixon of Leonardtown, Md.. He will be sadly missed by other in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, William F. (Bill) Dixon and sisters-in-law, Rene Abell Dixon, Bernice Cornthwaite, and Patricia Gragon Dixon. The family received friends on Wednesday, Feb. 28 in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md. A Christian Funeral Service will be conducted on Thursday, March 1, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Laurel Grove, MD. Reverend Phil Ayers will conduct the service. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1060, Mechanicsville, Md. 20659, Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 79, Hollywood, Md. 20636, or National Parkinson Foundation, Inc., 1501 N.W. 9th Avenue, Miami, Fl. 33136. Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Kim of Hollywood, Md.; two grandchildren, Zachary James Guy and Rylie Joy Guy; he is the brother of Virginia Ginny Quade and her husband Frank of Bushwood, Md., Debbie Burroughs and her husband Jimbo of Hollywood, Md., Robin Lawrence and her husband George of Chaptico, Md., Emmanuel Guy and his wife Sandy of Vera Beach, Fl. and Lisa Guy of Port St. Lucy, Fl. He is a life long St. Marys County resident and employed with DynCorp as an IMRL Manager for 26 years. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, working in the yard; he loved the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles, cruising in his Mustang and was a diehard Ford fan. But his favorite past time was spending time with his family especially his grandchildren. He coached his boys through all the sports they played and was also a member of the Mechanicsville Moose Lodge. Visitation was held on Wednesday, Feb. 28 with prayers at the BrinsfieldEchols Funeral Home, P.A. 30195 Three Notch Road Charlotte Hall, Md. Funeral Mass 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Mar. 1 at the St. John Catholic Church 43927 St. Johns Road Hollywood, Md. 20636 with Father Ray Schmidt officiating. Interment Charles Memorial Gardens Leonardtown, Md. Serving as pallbearers will be George Cusic, Jimbo Burroughs, Frank Quade, Duane Buckler, Chuck Hayden and Barry Mattingly. Honorary Pallbearers will be Charlie Bassford, Billy Higgs, Al Faunce, Jerry Downs, Matt Johnson, George Lawrence, Zachary Guy and Rylie Guy. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the savings account of Zachary James Guy and Rylie Joy Guy at Community Bank of Tri-County P. O. Box 241 Leonardtown, Md. 20650 in care of James or Bradley Guy. Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Section A - 7
pal Church, St. Marys City, Md. She worked as a Technical Librarian at Dyncorp. She volunteered at St. Marys Hospital and Trinity Episcopal Church. She is survived by her husband, James W. Trossbach, daughter, Jody J. Kirkwood of Dameron, Md., son, Michael Kirkwood of Palm Bay, FL, step-daughter, Michelle Fore and her husband, Johnie of Dameron, Md., step-son, William Merrell Trossbach and his wife, Lisa of Helen, Md., sister, Jacqueline B. Stone and her husband, Richard of Oil City, Pa., seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her two sisters, Betty Cochran and Dorothy House. The family received friends on Friday, Feb. 23 in Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Marys City, Md, where prayers were recited. A Funeral Service was conducted on Saturday, Fe. 24 in Trinity Episcopal Church. Reverend John A. Ball officiateed. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were James Goddard, Justin Edwards, John Keister, Johnie Fore, Merrell Trossbach, and Bobby Rowand. Memorial contributions may be made to HOSPICE House c/o HOSPICE of St. Marys, Inc., P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Md. 20650 and/ or Trinity Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 207, St. Marys City, Md. 20686. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, Md. Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.

Obituaries
George Edward Anthony, Sr., 67
George Edward A n t h o n y, Sr., 67, of Lexington Park, Md., formerly of Wa s h i n g ton, D.C., died Feb. 21 in Bayside Care Center. Born July 19, 1939 in Washington, D.C., he was the son of Louis Whitney and Lois Anthony Zyras. He was preceded in death by his wife Delores V. Anthony on Dec. 16, 1991 in Lexington Park, whom he married in Jan. 1961 in Maryland. He is survived by his children: Beth M. Higgs of Park Hall, Md., George E. Anthony, Jr., Michael R. Anthony, Sr. and Francis Guy Anthony all of Lexington Park; siblings: William Anthony of Fredericksburg, Va., Louise Wright of Lexington Park, Joseph Anthony of Upper Marlboro, Md. and Betty Colbert of Bell, Fl.; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his siblings: Thomas Anthony and Whitney Anthony. Mr. Anthony moved to St. Marys County in 1974 from Prince Georges County. He retired from Dyna Corp. in 1998 where he worked as a mechanic. He also served three years in the U.S. Army. All Services were private. Contributions may be made to the Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 339. Lexington Park, Md., 20653. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A. Nursing Center Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 904, Leonardtown, Maryland 20650.

JoEllen Moore, 68
JoEllen Moore, 68, of Lexington Park, Md. died Feb. 21 in St. Marys Hospital, Leonardtown, Md. B o r n July 9, 1938 in Gardiner, ME, she was the daughter of the late Hobart and Katherine Dick Chase. Mrs. Moore was a Board Member of Southern Maryland Center for Independent Living, Inc., formerly known as Southern Maryland Center for L.I.F.E. She was a caregiver and a Program Specialist for people with disabilities throughout St. Marys County and for the office on aging in Calvert County. Her favorite pastimes were fishing, the ocean, arts and crafts, and spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her daughters, Maggie HaydenStone of Hollywood, Md. and Susan Machnicki of Lexington Park, Md., grandchildren, Tania Dawson, Jennifer Cross, Brian Hayden, Brittany Machnicki, and Caitlin Machnicki, great- grandchildren, Justin Harding and Lake Dawson, dear friend, Elizabeth Morris, and loving pet, friend and companion, Gi Gi. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Laurie Moore and her grandson, Shawn Hayden. The family received friends on Monday, February 26, 2007 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. in St. Marys County Church of Christ, California, Md., where the Funeral Service was conducted at 11:00 a.m. Minister LeRoy Finto conducted the service. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, Md. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.

Alfred Paul Al Beaudwin, 67

Alfred Paul Al Beaudwin, 67, of Hollywood, Md. died Feb. 19 at his residence. Born Apr. 13, 1939 in Burlington, Vt., he was the son of the late Erwin Beaudwin and Christina Latulippe Beaudwin. Al was an active member of St. Pauls United Methodist Church, Leonardtown, Md., where he was a member of the church choir and the Young at Heart Small Group. He was an accomplished pianist and volunteered to play the piano at Hollywood United Methodist Church, St. Pauls United Methodist Church, St. Marys Nursing Center, Cedar Lane Apartments, and Ripple Adult Day Care Center. His hobbies included; crabbing, fishing, hunting, gardening, reading, playing cards and board games with his family. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Jean Hoftiezer Beaudwin, son, Walter Beaudwin of Hollywood, daughters, Beverly Burch, of Hollywood, and Deborah Brennan of Manassas, Va., sister, Kay Quaranta of Bridgeport, Conn., and 14 grandchildren. The family received friends on Sunday, Feb. 25 from 2- 5:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md. A Funeral Service was conducted on Monday, Feb. 26 in St. Pauls United Methodist Church, Leonardtown, Md. Interment followed in Joy Chapel Cemetery, Hollywood, Md. Serving as pallbearers will be St. Pauls United Methodist Church Choir. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Nicole Beaudwin, Jason Beaudwin, Kevin Burch, Shelly Burch, Paul Burch, Scott Burch, Jennifer Burch, Joshua Burch, Justin Brennan, Sean Brennan, Patrick Brennan, Matthew Brennan, TJ Brennan, and Katelyn Brennan. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Pauls United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 95, Leonardtown, Md. 20650 and/or HOSPICE House c/o HOSPICE of St. Marys, Inc., P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.

Teresa Diane Ventre, 50

Teresa Diane Ventre, 50, of California, Md. died Feb. 21, 2007 at her residence. Bor n Jan. 27, 1957 in Santa Ana, Ca., she was the daughter of Dale Eugene Massey of Council, ID, and the late Doris June Smith. She was born in Santa Ana Community Hospital in Orange County, Ca. Teresa spent her first 20 years of life in Southern California where she enjoyed playing in her Grandparents garden and spent much of her time at the beach. She graduated from Garden Grove High School, class of 1975. After attending Fullerton College, she moved to St. Marys County, Md. Teresa enjoyed horseback riding, skiing, and music. She was also a volunteer for the Maryland Special Olympics as a ski coach. Teresa chose a career path caring for the elderly as a health care provider. In addition to her father, she is survived by her daughter, Summer Lynne Ventre of Park Hall, Md., son, Nathaniel Joel Ventre of Lexington Park, Md., step-father, Gene Keller of Hollywood, Md., step-mother, Gail Massey of Council, ID, three sisters, Pamela Kay Richards of Oceanside, Ca., Janis Lynne Hughes of Lexington Park, Md., and Jennifer June Massey of Oakland, Ca., two brothers, Dale Eugene Massey II of Huntington Beach, Ca. and Gregory Gene Keller of Garden Grove, Ca. She is preceded in death by her mother. Family received friends on Monday, Feb. 26 in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md. A Funeral Service was conducted on Tuesday, Feb. 27 in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel. Interment was private. Memorial contributions may be made to Leahs House, P.O. Box 4, Leonardtown, Md. 20650.

Dorothy Jane Bardin, 91

Dorothy Jane Bardin, 91, of Leonardtown, Md., formerly of Newburgh, N.Y. died Feb. 26 in St. Marys Nursing Center, Leonardtown, Md. after a long illness. Born Feb. 9, 1916 in Newburgh, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Conrad and Anne de Alfonso. On Sep. 2, 1939, she married Christopher J. Bardin. She and her beloved Chris had enjoyed 59 years of marriage. They seemed to their family and friends an ideal and loving couple who very much enjoyed being together. Both on quiet days at home or traveling they had great joy in each others company. Having been educated in Newburgh schools, Dorothy was a Court Stenographer before her marriage. After raising her family she returned to the workforce and became the Executive Assistant to the Manager of a large DuPont plant. She loved spending time with her family, playing the violin and reading. She was a natural pistol shot and won numerous matches when accompanying her husband to his rifle and pistol tournaments. She was also a gifted horsewoman who had a marvelously gentle touch with animals. Friends and family note she was always ready to listen and loved a good book. She is survived by her daughter, Nadine Bardin Chicoine and her husband, Captain Rene J. Chicoine of Leonardtown. Dorothy was exceedingly proud of her grandchildren, Gregory C. Eaton of Lusby, Md. and Lieutenant Commander Jason C. Eaton and his wife, Lieutenant Jennifer Eaton of Suffolk, Va. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband and her sister, Olga. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 1, from 6- 8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md. Prayers will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Mar. 2, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in Our Ladys Catholic Church, Medleys Neck by Rev. Thomas LaHood. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Marys

Virginia H. Sissy Jarboe, 85

Virginia H. Sissy Jarboe, 85, of Leonardtown, Md. died in the early hours before dawn on the morning of Feb. 23rd, peacefully passed away in her sleep at the St. Marys Nursing center. Miss Jarboe was born in Leonardtown on Feb. 17, 1922 and had just recently celebrated her 85th birthday. She was a devoted and dutiful daughter of the late Ignatius Jackson and Mary Catherine Connelly Jarboe. She was also the loving sister of Ann Kurz of Oakland, Ca., John L. Jarboe, Sr. of Charlotte Hall, Margaret Tippett of Leonardtown, Mary L. Stone of Waldorf, and Joseph Donald Jarboe of Lincoln, Neb. She was preceded in death by siblings James A., Ignatius, Jr., and Mary G. Jarboe, all of Leonardtown. A 1939 graduate of Margaret Brent High School and then attended Strayer College. Miss Jarboe attained very high marks throughout her education and subsequent vocational training which led to employment in the Federal Government as a tax examiner for the Internal Revenue Service from the early 1940s through the late 1960s. During this time she resided in the Washington D.C. area. Miss Jarboe eventually returned to her hometown in the late 1980s and took up residence at the Cedar Lane Apartments. A very kind and pious Christian lady, she enjoyed visiting with friends and relatives, as well as attending church religiously. Her favorite passions were genealogy, history, classical literature, and poetry. She also enjoyed good meals and stimulating conversation, even during the waning months of her life while she resided at the nursing center. In addition to her brothers and sisters Miss Jarboe is survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. The family received friends on Tuesday, Feb. 27 in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers were said. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, Feb.28 in St.Aloysius Catholic Church with Fr. John Dakis officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were: John Leonard Jarboe, Sr., Francis Neal Tippett, John Leonard Jarboe, Jr. and John Leonard Jarboe III. Arrangements provided by the

Malcolm Joel Murphy, Sr., 71

Ma lcol m Joel Murphy, Sr., 71, of Hollywood, Md. died Feb. 22, at his residence. Born July 6, 1935 in Waynesville, Ga., he was the son of the late Joseph David Murphy and Eleanor King Murphy. He was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and (AOPA) Aircraft Owners Pilots Association. He is survived by his four children, Eleanor Denise Goggans of Concord, N.C., Malcolm J. Murphy, Jr. of St. Charles, Mo., Joseph David Murphy of Elloree, S.C., and Terri Yvonne Wilson of Brooklyn, N.Y., brother, Charles F. Murphy of Brunswick, Ga., 11 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Kay Wahrenburg. A Memorial Service was conducted on Sunday, Feb.25 at 4:00 p.m. in the Church of the Ascension, Lexington Park, Md. Reverend Rona Harding conducted the service. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to HOSPICE House c/o HOSPICE of St. Marys, Inc., P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650.

Raymond (R.) Johns Dixon, 84

Raymond (R.) Johns Dixon, 84, of Mechanicsville, Md. died Feb. 25, 2007 in St. Marys Nursing Center, Leonardtown, Md. of complications from Parkinsons disease. Born Apr. 28, 1922 in Sandgates, Md., he was the oldest of three sons of the late Raymond T. and Mary S. Fish Dixon. He was a life long resident of St. Marys County. He graduated from Margrent Brent High School and continued working on the family tobacco farm on the Patuxent River. At age 16, he purchased 18 acres of land from his grandmother, Lydia Dixon, which contained a small knoll known as Lightening Hill. Variable seasonal crop income was supplemented as a school bus owner/operator for the St. Marys County Board of Education for many years, taking over the position from his father, who was the second school bus contractor in the County. Mr. Dixon was active in many civic and farming organizations, often occupying positions of leadership. He particularly enjoyed explaining about the year-round work-cycle of the tobacco crop. These included Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Laurel Grove, where he served on the Board of Trustees, Treasurer, and assisted in many

Dennis Buttons Warren Guy, 52

Dennis Buttons Warren Guy, 52 of Mechanicsville, Md. died Feb. 25 at his home. Born Oct. 12, 1954 in Alexandria, Va., he was the son of the late Janice Elizabeth Johnson, Emmanuel Greenwell Guy Sr. and stepmother Margaret Nelson. He was the loving husband of Joy Darlene Guy whom he married in Leonardtown in 1976. He is survived by his children James Warren Guy and wife Amber of La Plata, Md. and Bradley Jay Guy and his wife

Juanita Burchett Trossbach, 72

Juanita Burchett Trossbach, 72, of Dameron, Md. died Feb. 20 at her residence. B o r n June 3, 1934 in Cleveland, Oh., she was the daughter of the late John Sidney Burchett and Elizabeth Estelle Collins Burchett. Mrs. Trossbach was a member of Trinity Episco-

 Section A - 

The County Times

Thursday, March 1, 2007

John Deere, got me two of them, a push mower and a bush hog, he said in a sharp southern twang. I just go out and leave my frustrations behind. Theres no faxes, pages, or phone calls. His son Scott is settled on the same piece of property fittingly named Raleys Acre. Its a true campus complete with trucks, barns and people shifting from one house to the next. Raleys wife Theresa Ann sat at an oval-shaped wooden table, and concentrated on an electronic sewing machine, while daughter Kathryn leaned against the couch and kept watch of Zachary, 2, and been the longest, Theresa Ann yelled out laughing just after Raley scooted over to the dining room like a young at heart teenage boy to ask her how long they had been married. Meanwhile, less parody is drawn to Raleys work career, which took a sharp turn when he left his position as Chief of Permits and Inspections at the Department of Land Use and Development for a stake in the family grocery store. My uncle and brother wanted out, he said of the times decision. I worked there for a considerable amount of time and then sold it two years ago. Three days a week, Raley still lends a hand to the Ridge store, and said he has adopted the area as part of his own district, even though he does not live there. Raley is also serving in his third term as a county commissioner, a race he originally fell into when Frances Eagan decided last minute not to run for reelection. I represent the fourth district, but if you take a look at election results I got elected because of the people in Ridge, Valley Lee and the seventh district, Raley added. So I consider myself a commissioner of St. Marys County. He draws a similar dynamic between growth and the county, which in his estimation is growing reasonably, but has a wonderful opportunity to preserve rural lands, so that our kids and grand kids can have a decent place to work and raise a family. On occasion I have seen other parts of the state and the east coast, he said pausing for a second and mustering up a smirk, and St. Marys is a good spot to be.

The Life Unknown

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

A Look at Our Elected Officials

This ongoing feature by The County Times profiles the private and public lives of our elected officials. Professional This week we take a look at County Commissioner Daniel H. Raley. SalesT eam!
By Adam Ross Staff Writer

Creative Ad Designs! Competitive Rates!

Advertise Your Business in a Newspaper That Reaches 11,000 households countywide weekly!

In the 1960s, young men roamed Baltimores Loyola College in sports coats and ties with good intention, allowed just three missed classes a semester. Daniel H. Raley, 57, a student then remembered fondly the before and after of Loyolas transition, spearheaded by a 1971 merger with Mount Saint Agnes College for girls. Boys and girls were all over the place, no more ties and they stopped keeping track of skips, Raley said slightly hunched over with a grin of the merger that was implemented his senior year. It was a short time in Raleys life, as college is, but it had lasting implications, as college usually does. He joined the Armys Reserve Officers Training Corps then, fell in love with his wife who went to the University of Maryland then, and met friends from all over the world then. But what he didnt do then, was forget his home; St. Marys County, where by his own omission he was not just born, but bred.

Photo by Adam Ross

Commissioner Daniel H. Raley poses with granddaughter Isabella on his well-maintained property located in Great Mills.

I was a St. Marys County guy, he said sounding like he was pleading a guilty verdict down in court. Baltimore was a big change, and two-and-half hours was far enough away that I was away, but if I had to get home it wasnt that long of a trip. Today, he surely needs two-and-half hours just to mow half of his front lawn, which is settled on a plat in

Great Mills alongside his daughter Katies brand new house that is even larger and more grand than his own. It just means more steps for her to climb, he joked. But he forgot to mention that it meant less lawn for him to mow, a true win-win situation. Though, when asked what he does in his spare time, without hesitation he blurted out yard work.

Isabella just nine months old as they watched cartoons in the living room while the fireplace along the adjacent wall heated the room. Isabella kept silent, while Zachary, the prototypical two year old had a little more to say about his property. Raleys grandchildren, and children are a growing result of 34 years of marriage. The last eight years have

In a hurry? Want to save money? Every Thursday receive a FREE copy of The County Times at all Mountain Mudd kiosks. Enjoy Espressos, Cappuccinos, Frozen Granitas, Coffee Americanos, Italiansave money? In a hurry? Want to Sodas, Hot/ Iced Lattes, Chai Tea, Iced Tea, & Every Thursday receive a FREE copy Steamers of The County Times at all Mountain
Locations: Mudd kiosks. Hot off the California Press, & Out Lexington Park of the Cup! Callaway Espressos, Cappuccinos, Enjoy Charlotte Hall Frozen Granitas, Coffee Americanos, Solomons - Opening March Italian Sodas, Hot/Iced Lattes, Chai Coming Soon - Leonardtown

Poeima Players Prep For Performance

Photo by Andrew Knowlton

Caleb Fahrner (left,) Katie Segesdy (center,) and Michaell Prevatt (right) rehearse for their performance of a Sherlock Holmes play, which opens Friday, Mar. 2 at 7:00 p.m. at the Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in California, Md. The event is free, but donations will be accepted for future performances. The Poeima Players are a group of home-schooled students and are directed in this play by Crystal Rapp. Another performance will be put on Mar. 3 at 3:00 p.m. For directions to the church, call (301) 862-5016.

Tea, Iced Tea, & Steamers Locations: California Lexington Park Callaway Charlotte Hall Solomons - Opening March Coming Soon - Leonardtown
Photo by Andrew Knowlton

The Poeima Players, cast and crew.