Calvert

CountyTimes
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

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Teachers Request
More Help
Splash Pad Nixed In
Dunkirk
School Board
Quashes Audit

SENIOR SCAMS:
Don’t Be a Victim
 Thursday, February 16, 2023 Calvert County Times 2

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 3 Calvert Local News Calvert County Times Thursday, February 16, 2023

Teachers Seek More Teachers

By Dick Myers but we know it is not. So, I think we can all As to the second request, she said, “I
Staff Writer agree that the potential loss of 321 students understand that money matters for smaller
does not change our staffing needs.” class sizes, additional instructional sup-
The Calvert Country Board of Education She explained her request for more ports, and early childhood education out-
has been asked to include more gifted and teachers. “Last year I advocated for the hir- comes. As we continue to struggle to close
talented teachers and more special educa- ing of 12 gifted and talented teachers, one the achievement gap, I am concerned that
tion teachers as they build their budget for for each of our elementary schools because there is no increase in staffing for special
the next fiscal year. The request came from I believe it is our responsibility as a school education. Some of you may know, some
Dona Ostenso, president of the Calvert system to provide programs and services to of you may not, that approximately three
Education Association (CEA), the teachers accelerate, extend, or enrich instructional or four years ago, Calvert County began
union, at the school board’s Feb. 9 meeting. content so that gifted and talented students a transition starting with a handful of
Ostenso took note of the timing of the can develop to their potential. The final schools in changing how special education
request. She said, “I recognize the overall budget included the hiring of two gifted services were delivered to students in the
proposed budget is significantly more than and talented teachers. One was placed at classroom. This shift in how services are
budgets in the past, and I also understand Plum Point Elementary School, and one being delivered is continuing to be phased
that this increase is primarily due to meet- was placed at Mount Harmony Elementary in other schools in the county.
ing the requirements outlined in the law, School. Absolutely this has been wonder- “I am not here to discuss the merits of
the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which ful for these two schools. If you do not this model. Like with any change, you’re
requires each county to raise their overall believe me, ask the teachers, the students, going to hear pros and cons. But what I am
teacher’s salary by 10 percent from 2019 the parents who have seen how having here to say is, if you truly want to see this CEA President Dona Ostenso
to 2024. The importance in providing this this designated gifted and talented teacher model work, then you need to hire addi-
same Cola to our ESP (Education Support in their building has allowed for various tional staff to ensure that general education services at these schools.”
Personnel) and of course the increase in enrichment opportunities for the students and special education teachers have a daily “Why is this necessary?,” she asked, and
costs associated with transportation. So, and collaboration with classroom teachers. collaborative planning, one that is built into answered, “Because there is a county, state
you are probably thinking I could not pos- “Why then does this budget not continue their contractual day training opportunities and national shortage of special education
sibly be coming before you today to ask for to increase the number of gifted and talented that allow for current staff to shadow inclu- teachers, because the burnout and turnover
more, but I am, more people. I’m sure there teachers at the elementary level? Doesn’t sive program specialists for a week or more in special education is real. Because our
are some who would say, how can she ask every elementary age student who qualifies while they model what the delivery of ser- most fragile population deserves better
for more people when the overall enroll- for a gifted and talented program deserve to vices is supposed to look like throughout because as a system, we are not closing the
ment is projected to be down next school have the educational opportunities that the the day. Provide opportunities for the cur- achievement gap.”
year by 321 students.” students at Plum Point and Mount Harmony rent staff to visit schools and classrooms to Th school board is expected to put their
She added, “Being down 321 students have? We all know the answer to this ques- see what this model looks like in schools stamp on Dr. Townsel’s recommended
equates to approximately 14 teaching posi- tion. Of course they do. Set the bar, meet where they’ve been successfully managing budget during their Feb. 23 meeting.
tions. And if all 321 students attended the the bar, raise the bar (School Superinten- this transition. And to talk with the educa-
same school, the math would be simple, dent Dr. Andrae Townsel’s motto). tors who are providing and delivering the [email protected]

Bowen's Grocery Townsel Talks About

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share with the community the total num-
FULL LINE OF GROCERIES, MEAT, PRODUCE ber of incidents that we’ve had this year,
Berger & Otterbein's Fresh MD Crab Meat and also share the comparison of previous
years...comparing apples to apples.”
Specialty Cookies Lump • Jumbo Lump He said the numbers from August
through January, were:
Frozen Crab Cakes FY ‘19 there were 579 incidents
From Dalys Seafood Hershey’s “BEST” FY ‘20 there were 698 total incidents
FY 22 there were 489
Full Service Meat Department Hand-Dipped Ice Cream “Currently, right now we’re at 465.”
Custom Orders Welcome 12 Taste Tempting Flavors School Superintendent Dr. Andrae Townsel
Townsel concluded, “Right now, it’s less
than it was last year, same time, and less
Fresh Rolls Chicken Half Gallons - 30 Flavors! By Dick Myers than it was the previous years. And I want to
Hot Soups Salad Pints • Ice Cream Cakes Staff Writer just acknowledge the hard work every single
Sandwiches day by our school leadership and our teach-

And Subs Homemade Amish Baked Goods

Calvert County School Superintendent ers, our resource officers, safety advocates.
Dr. Andrae Townsel, at the Feb. 9 school They’re working hard every single day. The
Hot & Cold Desserts board meeting, addressed the ongoing con- problem is, issues are still happening.”
Delivered Weekly troversy about school discipline and vio- Townsel insisted, “I do want to share
Hot Lunch Specials Large Variety lence. He said, “We’re constantly listening that change is not an event, it’s a process.
Available Monday - Friday to our families, to our students, about the And we’re going through the process now,
discipline going on in school with the and I’m thankful for the hard work of our
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Townsel added, “I want to share with
educators to see that we’re less than with
the incidents today than we were this time
EXCHANGEABLE PROPANE TANKS you that our school resource officers, our last year, in the previous year. So that’s a
4300 Hunting Creek Rd • Huntingtown, Maryland safety advocates, our building administra- testament to our hardworking school staff.”
tors, our teachers are working hard every
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 Thursday, February 16, 2023 Calvert County Times Calvert Local News 4

School Board Rejects Motion for Budget Analysis

bottom cost analysis of their budget. tioned the initiative. She said, “I don’t case. And I am hoping, as things go on,
Grenis explained at the Feb. 9 board think it’s a CPA. It would have to be that that will change.”
meeting, “I’m not well versed in foot- something like a consultant that is well Grenis and Post were the only sup-
ball, but I’m about to throw out a Hail steeped in Maryland school district porters of the motion. Board President
Mary. I know what that is. I see an accounting. In my mind, that’s why we Inez Claggett explained why she voted
increase in this budget for $22.4 mil- did a full-on search and we have a won- against: “It’s not that I’m necessarily
lion of taxpayers’ money. In the inter- derful CFO (chief financial officer).” opposed to consideration of a cost bene-
est of efficient spending of tax dollars, “I don’t know if it would ever fit fit analysis for our financial transactions.
and to support a significant increase of into our budget cycle before the board However, the motion was proposed
teacher and support staff compensation, approves our own budget,” she added. during board comments. During board
I believe we should hire a highly quali- Grenis responded, “I think it would comments doesn’t allow for us to have a
fied CPA to conduct a best cost analysis. be a very large undertaking. However, thorough enough discussion about pros,
This person’s job would be to go through I think that’s what we are faced with, cons, what that analysis would look like,
expenses and methods of how things are given the amount of money that we’re who would do that analysis, who would
done to ensure that the taxpayer’s money going to ask the commissioners this year, be the most appropriate person to do that
is being spent in the most efficient man- and then really not knowing what we analysis.”
ner possible. I see that an audit was done may have to ask for next year.” Claggett told Grenis, “I would pro-
in 2022, but the audit may not have spe- The other new board member, Jana pose that, Ms. Grenis, you work with
cifically looked for best cost or efficiency Post sided with Grenis. She said, “I appre- board leadership to possibly come up
in spending. We need to ensure that every ciate what Mrs. Grenis just attempted to with space on a board agenda moving
Board of Education member Lisa Grenis penny is a step towards getting every do. I think it’s really important. I think, forward, where the board members could
student a better education and a return regardless of whether that happens or not, sit down and have a lengthy discussion,
By Dick Myers on our investment that our citizens and it’s going to be an obligation, we have a if that is a priority that you have as a
Staff Writer students expect from Calvert County. If fiduciary responsibility to ensure that the member.”
the CPA is able to find just one percent money, the tax dollars of this commu-
The Calvert County Board of Education investment costs or efficiency savings, it nity are being used the most efficiently [email protected]
has rejected, on a 3-2 vote, a motion by could save our county millions.” and effectively. And, sitting here today,
new board member Lisa Grenis for a top to Board member Dawn Balinski ques- I’m not terribly convinced that that’s the

Plan Approved for Virtual Snow Make-up Days

Will be Scheduled During Spring Break
may also set up times during the day for one day that we need to make up for snow,
virtual small group instruction using Mic- then you’re saying the kids at the beach
rosoft Teams, and students would receive will be spending four hours online?”
those team links no later than March 31st. Jacobs responded, “That’s correct. They
“Students in grades pre-kindergarten could, yes.” And the teachers on spring
through two will experience instruction break as well, it was noted.
through an asynchronous packet that But Board President Inez Claggett
would be posted in Schoology and pro- observed the virtual plan would be less dis-
vided to students on March 31st. Teachers ruptive than requiring in-person make-up
will create a Microsoft Teams link for stu- days during spring break. “I know that
dents and parents to use when requesting parents take advantage of spring break to
support to ask questions and to clarify any take vacations. It’s easy to pack a laptop if
misunderstandings or confusions regarding you have one, to ensure that you try to get
the lessons provided in the packet. access to that equipment before that vaca-
“Teachers will also call individual stu- tion planning. You will most likely know
dents to check and support the learning day. before you take that vacation that there
We know that asynchronous instruction by will be an asynchronous day for vacations
itself may, may not be the best fit for all you plan a year in advance, six months
learners and on any instructional day, stu- in advance. So, this is something already
dents should have access to their teachers planned. And if we have a snow day, you
By Dick Myers The plan was originally proposed by to support learning for these reasons.” can’t cancel because then there goes your
Staff Writer staff in November and since then public Jacobs added, “Prior to providing asyn- money unless you paid for that vacation
comment has been solicited. Jacobs said 55 chronous instruction, schools would work insurance, which most likely, most people
Are we getting any snow this year? If we percent of the parents responding supported directly with students to provide any tech- don’t do. So, for me it’s a benefit in one, but
get enough to close school, those days will the plan and 75 percent of staff. nical support that is needed. If it is deter- then I see the negatives also in the option. I
be made up virtually. At least up to three of Jacobs said the plan calls for the three mined that a student would have difficulty don’t think that there is a perfect solution.”
them, according to a decision made Feb. 8 makeup days to be repurposed “from during this time accessing technology one The Maryland State Board of Educa-
by the Calvert County Board of Education. in-person instruction to the use of asyn- or more of the days, the student would be tion allows up to three asynchronous snow
The current school calendar has April chronous instruction. Students in grades provided a paper packet.” make-up days. The state board will have to
3,4 and 5, the first three days of spring three through 12 would experience asyn- Jacobs explained the days off for sow approve the school board’s plan for the use
break, as in-person snow make-up days. chronous instruction where all instruc- weren’t used for virtual learning because of of those days.
Under a plan presented to the school board tional materials and assignments would the late notice to prepare take home mate-
at their Feb. 8 meeting by Director of Sys- be posted in Schoology to support stu- rials and for the laptops to be taken home [email protected]
tem and Instructional Performance Jacque- dent understanding of the posted lessons. by the students.
lyn Jacobs, those three make-up days will Teachers would be available during office Board member Dawn Balinski observed,
be held virtually if needed. hours utilizing Microsoft Teams. Teachers “This is during spring break. So, if we have
Calvert County Times Thursday, February 16, 2023
 Thursday, February 16, 2023 Calvert County Times Calvert Local News 6

Preying on Grandparents’ Love

Scammers Steal Thousands from Elderly Couple
By Dick Myers I was at fault. They said they felt due to until the check clears which can be sev- were being told. They were easily fooled
Staff Writer the immediate circumstances I would be eral days, especially with the upcoming by the individual who impersonated their
charged with reckless driving and due to weekend.” So the grandfather runs to his grandson as it sounded the way they
They describe it as “A Perfect Storm.” her injuries, I would also be charged with bank and draws the cash in one-hundred thought their grandson would speak hav-
Even though they had heard countless ‘Driving to endanger.’ They had her car dollar bills from two different accounts ing just gone through this ordeal. The main
stories about scammers preying on unwit- towed and impounded my truck. I am now and returns home. At exactly one hour Mr. question that is puzzling to them is how did
ting targets, the story that unfolded was so at the county detention center. I was given Walker calls and asks, “Do you have the they have enough background information
convincing that by the time they realized my one phone call, so I called my best money?” He gets the answer he was look- about them and their grandson to make it
what had happened, it was too late. They friend whose dad is a well-known lawyer ing for. He tells the grandfather due to the all seem real (the red truck, the fact he was
were out thousands of dollars of their hard- here. He came here to meet me, and this is fact it is after normal working hours, he on his way to work). How did they know
earned savings. his cell phone that he dialed your number will need to send his bondsman Norman to the grandparent’s phone number and what
They were bamboozled by a new breed of that I gave him. His name is Mr. Walker the house to collect the money. He told the made them feel the grandparents had suffi-
polished, professional thieves. They weren’t and he wishes to talk to you now.” grandparents to put the money in a large cient money they could put their hands on
gun toting highwaymen nor robbers in the In the conversation with Mr. Walker, manilla envelop, tape it closed and write with short notice?
night. And the schemes now being used he said, “I have been asked to help your the case number on the front and to call him “Hindsight is a wonderful thing,” the
have been perfected so well, a preplanned, grandson William with his predicament. once the bondsman arrives so everyone can grandfather said. They preyed on the folks
plausible response is already prepared for He has been charged with two serious all be together to go over the situation. Mr. becoming emotional to the extent they will
any question a victim may pose during the offenses that are made worse by the fact a Walker states they will get a receipt for the do whatever for a beloved grandchild. “Our
course of their daylight robbery. person was injured allegedly due to your money upon their grandson being released sensibilities were overridden,” he said, “by
The victims of our real-life Calvert grandson’s negligence. I know the judge and the money will be returned once he the facts our grandson had recently com-
County story were a well-intentioned here and I have briefly discussed this inci- appears in court. pleted his college engineering degree and
grandfather and trusting grandmother. dent with him. Of major concern is the fact Within an hour, Norman the bondsman was hired by the Federal Government in
They asked to remain anonymous out of that the victim is a well-known activist arrives and identifies himself and receives an important position that required a clear-
embarrassment and fear of reprisal but they here in the county and is capable of making the money and the three parties agree over ance. The impersonators demeanor as well
wanted to tell their story as a warning to a lot of havoc at a hearing. The judge does the phone they all understand the arrange- as their convincing ability throughout the
others who might be next. not want his courtroom to become a circus, ment. With that, Norman drives off and that’s course of this crime gave few clues that
According to the grandfather, “We were therefore he has issued a gag order on all the last the grandparents see of their money. this was a hoax. They had answers to
victimized by three individuals who we parties involved. As a result, your grand- Only then do the grandparents catch their everything including the use of non-trace-
did not know nor never met.” The victims son will only be permitted to talk with me breath and start to come to their senses. able burn phones. In all likelihood, this was
are very well educated and experienced. during the course of holding the hearing. They call their lawyer who immediately not their first rodeo and there are probably
Here’s what happened as they relayed it to Likewise, you must only speak with me recognizes a scam and tells them to get many more victims in their wake.”
The County Times. until we reach a conclusion in this matter.” to the State Police and fill out a report as Their acting could be put to better use in
The events unfolded during eight hours Mr. Walker goes on to say, “Due to the soon as possible while the details are still a legitimate production, but they were fully
one day recently. The sad tale began with seriousness of this incident, the judge has fresh in their minds. They comply and go aware grandparents make great targets of
a phone call from his “grandson” one ordered your grandson be held until an to the police and fill out a four-page report opportunity and are easily won over.
Thursday morning. As the grandfather appropriate amount of bail can be posted. with the facts in this case. The report will The couple thought it could never hap-
tells it, “The nervous voice of a young Are you able to post bond for this lad?” be filed and used to see if it compares with pen to them. Yet it happened. They are not
man said, ‘Grandfather, this is William The grandfather asks how much and he is other fraudulent cases that have taken place only out of several thousand dollars of their
(name changed). I need your help as I told, “I won’t know until the judge decides recently. They know the chances of ever retirement funds, but they are extremely
was involved in a rear-end accident with on the amount, but I am sure it will be sev- seeing their money again are practically nil. embarrassed to have fallen prey to these
my truck on my way to work this morn- eral thousand dollars. I need to go speak There were several red flags in this case evil people that live amongst us.
ing. I hit a pregnant woman who cut in with the judge and I will call you back” that were not recognized by these unsus- “Hopefully something can be gained
front of me and suddenly stopped before Several minutes later the lawyer calls pecting victims. They were intimidated from this hard lesson,” the grandfather
I could avoid the collision. She appeared back and says, “I have bad news as the vic- by the supposed gas order imposed by said. “My hope is others will learn from
injured so I immediately notified the police tim lost her baby so that will add more seri- the judge for they were told they could be our mistake. I believe if it can happen to
myself. The police arrived along with an ous issues since there is a death to be dealt apprehended should they discuss any of us it can happen to anyone. My advice is to
ambulance. She was rushed to the hos- with now.” The alleged lawyer then gives this with anyone before the hearing. Obvi- stay alert and be careful. Seek advice prior
pital, and I provided the police with my an amount in the thousands of dollars. ously, neither wanted to go to jail and this to committing your hard-earned assets to
account of what happened. I told the cops “How soon can you have the money?” desire overroad the need to seek advice any cause. As seen by what happened to
I was reaching for my phone to check my he is asked and the grandfather says, “Give or even to inquire of their grandson or his us, it can be very costly.”
GPS when I collided with her. I answered me an hour so I can go to the bank. Why parents. They asked good questions and
more questions as truthfully as I could. The cannot I provide a check for his bail?” received answers that sounded legitimate. [email protected]
police conferred with one another and after Mr. Walker says, “No, that won’t work The voices were convincing, and they had
surveying the scene, they concluded that as your grandson will remain in detention no real reason at first to doubt what they

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7 Calvert Local News Calvert County Times Thursday, February 16, 2023

Splash Pad Out at Dunkirk Park

from $500,000 to $2.5 million in just the ect, with the park first, in several phases,
last four years. Hance called the proposal followed by the community center in later
“a white elephant.” years.
Parks and Recreation Director Shan- The increased cost of the project to
non Nazzal suggested the removal of the almost $40 million has forced the commis-
item during a presentation of her CIP plan. sioners to consider a phased-in approach.
Instead Nazzal suggested reprogramming Nazzal said the phasing plan would be
the monies for other needed projects, such determined during the planning and design
as restroom improvements at that park and next fiscal year. Of the $1 million, she said
other items elsewhere. She said she would $400,000 would be with a grant with the
return with a complete list of changes. rest from the county.
The Recreational Facilities CIP is pro- Other projects in reg CIP for next year,
posed at $7.8 million for the next fiscal include:
year, including that money for the splash • Park and drainage, fencing and the
pad, and $95.8 million for the six years. pump-out station at Breezy Point Park
The largest portion of that is for parks, • Master Plan implementation for Cove
pools, and community centers. Point Pool
The sux-year CIP includes $8 million for • Basketball courts at Hallowing Point
continued development of the new Ward Park
Farm Regional Park, or $1.5 million each • Marley Run parking lot erosion
year. Nazzal said $1 million of each year’s control
Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Nazzal
funding will come from the state fund set • Chesapeake Hills course and drain-
up by the late Sen. Mike Miller that dedi- age improvements
By Dick Myers cates gaming revenue for north county rec- • Renovations at Battle Creek Cypress
Staff Writer reational facilities. Swamp and Nature Center (victim of
Nazzal said the monies for next year will a recent fire)
The Calvert Country Board of County be used for a pickleball court, overlook to • Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm Master
Commissioners (BOCC) has removed a view the park’s natural amenities and some Plan implementation
proposed amenity at Dunkirk Regional development in the park’s north sector. • Flag Ponds Nature Park boardwalks
Park – a splash pad – from the Parks and The proposed CIP also includes $1 mil- and exhibits
Recreation six-Year Capital Improvement lion for planning next year for the Harriet • Kings Landing Park trails and
Plan (CIP). Elizabeth Brown Park and Community boardwalk
Commissioner President Buddy Hance Center. For Fiscal Year 2025, Nazzal said
observed at the Feb. 14 BOCC meeting $10 million has been set aside as a place- [email protected]
that the cost of the splash pad had increased holder. The proposal is to phase in the proj-

Calvert Library Makes Annual Report

Library Cards Distribution: 55 Percent
which 77.2 percent were said the broadband rollout would be com-
books and magazines and plete in a year.
22.8 percent were videos “It’s huge,” said Commissioner Mike
and audiobooks. Hart.
Wilson reported sone She reported that attendance at library
of the metrics still haven’t events has gone up pre-pandemic. “We
risen to above pre-pan- have events for preschool, for children, for
demic levels, bur some teens and tweens, for adults and intergen-
of them may be due to erational.” In the last fiscal year they had
permanent change of cir- 1,294 events attended by 21,000 people,
cumstances. For instance, the only category here where our numbers
she said use of the library have gone up since Fiscal ‘19, which is
computers is way down. kind of my pre pandemic marker.”
“I’m attributing that not to She added, “We’ve answered 60,000
like fewer people having more reference questions in fiscal 22 than
access, but to more people we did in ‘19.”
being able to access the Wilson said their collection included:
internet at all. So, kudos to • Over 116, 441 eBooks, eAudio,
you for doing all that work eMags, graphic novels, streaming
with Comcast and other movies & TV shows available for
vendors.” checkout
She added, “Some of • 65,733 physical book 12,
that is that we also loan • 248 physical audio units
By Dick Myers hotspots and Chromebooks, so we’re • 21,220 videos
Staff Writer both addressing the actual need for inter- • 211 mobile hotspots, children’s tab-
net service, but also device usage. So, lets, laptops & other equipment
Calvert Library Director Carrie Wilson between what the schools have done, what • 181 subscriptions
presented her annual report to the county the library has done and what’s happened The library operates with a $5.5 million
commissioners on Feb. 14 that was replete because of county government, I think a budget in the current fiscal year, of which
with statistics, including the fact that 55 per- lot more citizens have access. You know, $4.4 million cones from the county.
cent of county residents have a library card. it’s not perfect yet, but we’re making
Wilson noted the 52,110 cardholders progress.” [email protected]
checked out 683,053 physical items, of Commissioner President Buddy Hance
 Thursday, February 16, 2023 Calvert County Times Calvert Local News 8

Calvert County Public Schools Students

Shine at Regional Skills USA Competition
The Southern Maryland SkillsUSA in directly evaluating student performance Carpentry HVAC
Regional competition was hosted by the and to train students for employer needs Bronze: Nathaniel Milliken Gold: William Walton
Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technol- and future career goals. Silver: Jeffrey Wink
ogy Center on February 11, 2022, where Several local businesses and organi- Crime Scene Investigation (Team of 3) Bronze: Connor Finnegan
Career and Technical Education (CTE) zations provided prizes for winners and Bronze: Amber Brown, Breanna Doyle,
students from the Calvert Career and Tech- competitors. Sheet Metal Air Rail & Trans- & Emma Hall Nurse Assisting
nology Academy, Calvert County Public portation (SMART) Local 100 supplied Gold: Averi Lewis
Schools competed against students from shirts, glasses and gloves for all competi- Cosmetology Bronze: Matthew Bowie
Charles and St. Mary’s counties. tors in HVAC, sheet metal, and plumbing Gold: Aldy Paau Pasauera
Calvert County Public School students in addition to $25.00 gift cards to Lowes Silver: Lacey Hancock Photography
took home 13 gold, 9 silver, and 11 bronze for all competitors. They also provided Bronze: Casey Bowen Gold: Nathan Coston
medals out of the 25 competition events. additional gift cards for those who placed Silver: Waylon Trigger
Students who earn a gold, silver or bronze in the top three in each competition. Also, Culinary Arts Bronze: Charles Smith
medal will represent their respective CTE the Calvert Health Foundation provided Gold: Jacob Adamson
program at the SkillsUSA Maryland State $1870 which sponsored the competition Silver: Amy Ontko Plumbing
Leadership and Skills Conference in March costs at regionals and states for all Acad- Bronze: Quinn Maloit Gold: Robert Phipps
in Anne Arundel County. emy of Health Professions students. Silver: Kaden Walp
“We are extremely proud of all of our The following Calvert County Public Digital Cinema Production (Team of 2)
students who competed at this year’s School students placed at the 2023 South- Gold: Levi Maiers & Tori McCreary Sheetmetal
SkillsUSA Regional competition,” shared ern Maryland SkillsUSA regional event: Bronze: Sam Hall & Blake Hill Gold: Luke Stevens
Dr. Townsel, Superintendent of Calvert Silver: Nathan Lagimoriere
County Public Schools. “Their tremendous Automotive Maintenance and Light Emergency Medical Technician (Team Bronze: Austin Crouse
success is the result of our student’s hard Repair of 2)
work and the dedication of our CTE teach- Gold: Thomas Marshall Gold: Caroline Robinson & Travis Teamworks (Team of 4)
ers and staff.” Winston Gold: Mason Kidwell, Logan Kinner,
SkillsUSA competitions showcase CTE Automotive Service Technology Bronze: Hunter King & Kaleigh Weems Gabriela Mejia Moran, & Tyler Smith
students, involve industry professionals in Gold: Angel Guzman Silver: Cameron Bowen, Kira Paau,
evaluating student performance and help Firefighting Andrew Wroten, & Ashley Zachary
to train students for the workforce. The Baking and Pastry Arts Gold: Riley Kulikowski
philosophy of the
2-16-2022 1-2 Pagecompetition
(Presidents'isDay)
to reward Silver:
_Post PW Tab Tanner
1-6-2013 Eaton
(Clearance) 2/15/23 2:32 PM Silver:
Page 1 Cody Davenport
students for excellence, to involve industry Bronze: Nicholas Boswell

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5 Calvert County Times Thursday, February 16, 2023
Thursday, February 16, 2023 Calvert County Times 10

THE Wentworth eekly

The Rule of 72 SPECIAL SAVINGS at our Two Garden Centers
from the Law Office of Lynda J. Striegel
Financial planning involves strategy. Basically, you need to plan how to
get to where you want to go and how long it will take you to get there. If
Oakville & Prince Frederick
this involves retirement, planning should encompass both your current and NURSERY PERENNIALS
your anticipated lifestyle. If this involves financing a child’s college educa- Add New Evergreen Fill in Shady Spots
tion, planning involves setting aside sufficient funds in savings to pay tuition, Hedge or Many Sizes &
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For example, David and Susan have saved $10,000 towards their six year All Types & Sizes Potting Soil
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Don’t let the rule of 72 work against you, as it does when you take on high LAWN CARE LANDSCAPING
interest debt. At an average interest rate of 18%, the credit card debt doubles Start making your lawn the ENVY Need better curb appeal, privacy, or more
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lating with time. The first rule of your financial plan should be to pay off all
high interest credit card debt and avoid it like the plague. With over 50% of most yards covered Schedule an appointment to get your
Using the Rule of 72 will help you figure out what you need and for how by grass —Wentworth Nursery offers landscape re-designed and take a fresh
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long. Compound interest will be the way you get there. These simple concepts
Two yearly Lawn Care Programs. colorful landscape, with balance,
provide the basics of financial planning. Let the Rule of 72 work for you by
structure, scale, and unity.
starting saving now. At a growth rate of 8% per annum, you would double
your money in 9 years (8 X 9 equals 72), quadruple your money in 18 years
and have 16 times your money in 36 years. No wonder financial planners MAINTENANCE HARDSCAPE
advise 20-year olds to start a savings plan. Over time, with compound inter- Yearly Outdoor Maintenance for Your Enhance your home with
est, even a small amount of savings consistently set aside when you are in Landscape and Gardens Professionally Designed Hardscaping.
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even if you are older, compound interest works for you and you are never too walkway, Paver Patio, or a Pool Deck.
young or too old to save. Landscape Maintenance including:
• Spring cleanups and Re-Mulching Design Features into your Hardscape
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To learn more about estate planning, join me at a free seminar on the third • Re-edging and Renovation Pruning
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 11 Calvert County Times Thursday, February 16, 2023

Calvert Community Calendar

To submit your event listing to go in our Community Calendar, please email [email protected] with the listing details by 12 p.m. on the Monday prior to our Thursday publication.

Thu, Feb 16 on your own or on a guided walk with Family Game Day month’s discussion. It focuses on a young
museum educators. For adults and children Black man who joins a cult-like, wildly
S.T.E.A.M. PUNKS in third grade or older who are interested Calvert Library Southern Branch successful startup, and transforms into a
in assisting with research. Children must 13920 H. G. Trueman Rd, Solomons ruthless salesman, unrecognizable to all.
Calvert Library Southern Branch be accompanied by an adult. Included with 1-4 p.m. There is a lot to think and talk about in
13920 H. G. Trueman Rd, Solomons museum admission. this instant New York Times best seller!
6-7 p.m. Come play board and card games. 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.  https://
On Pins & Needles Choose from our selection of classic and CalvertLibrary.info
Question, Discover and Explore! Experi- new games, or bring your own. We have
ence new technology and techniques as we Calvert Library Prince Frederick Happy Salmon, Yahtzee, Doomlings,
adventure with science, engineering, math 850 Costley Way Sorry!, What Do You Meme Family?, Wed, Feb 22
and the arts! This month we’ll be experi- 1-4 p.m. Game of Thrones Monopoly, Jenga Giant,
encing auditory phenomena. For listeners chess, Last Word, and more. Children, Working Wednesdays - Job Seeker
in grades K to 7. Registration required, Bring your quilting, needlework, knit- teens, and their families are all welcome! Resources
410-326-5289.  https://CalvertLibrary.info.   ting, crocheting or other project for an Registration not required.   410-326-5289. 
afternoon of conversation and shared cre- https://CalvertLibrary.info.   Calvert Library Prince Frederick
TACOS Teen Advisory Council of ativity. 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.  850 Costley Way
Students https://CalvertLibrary.info. 9 a.m,-3 p.m.
Sun, Feb 19
Calvert Library Prince Frederick Maryland Department of Labor, Veter-
850 Costley Way, in person and online Sat, Feb 18 Damsels in Distress: Mermaid ans Program, Senior Community Service
6:30pm-7:30pm Mysteries Employment, and Job Service representa-
Chili and Bake Sale tives will be in person to meet with those
Teens! Calvert Library needs you! We North Beach Town Hall seeking employment or career change.
want the library to be a safe space where Mt. Hope UMC, 145 Dalrymple Road 1:30pm- 2:30pm. Walk ins welcome on the second and fourth
teens can hang out and freely access Sunderland Wednesdays of every month.  410-535-
books and information. TACOS meets 1-4 p.m. Bayside History Museum Lecture Series 0291 or 301-855-1862.  https://CalvertLi-
from September through May, to help us -- Ralph Eshelman will regale us with a  brary.info.
with our events and services planning. Carry put event only. Payment: check, history of mermaids throughout the centu-
Join us on the third Thursday! Receive 1 cash, or Zelle. Advance tickets: $11 for 6 ries!  Wear your favorite mermaid costume.  Reading Buddies
Service Learning hour for each meeting oz, $8 for 4 oz. Chili and slice of cake with For all ages!  Registration not required but
attended.  410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.  purchase. At the door: day of the event, $6 will get you a reminder! 410-535-0291 or Calvert Library Prince Frederick
https://CalvertLibrary.info. for 4 oz of chili, $9 for chili. For bake sale: 301-855-1862.  https://CalvertLibrary.info.   850 Costley Way
$4 slice of cake, $10 for 1/2 cake. Brown- 6:30-7:30 p.m.
ies $3.50 each and Cookies 2 for $3.
Fri, Feb 17 This event is ti raise funds to the com- Mon, Feb 20 At this event, elementary aged children
munication ministry for new microphones will do fun activities and read aloud to teen
Maritime Performance Series with Ash and equipment in order to reach those out- Universal Coprolite Day Celebration volunteers. 410-535-0291 or 301-855-
& Eric side the church. Thank you in advance! 1862.  https://CalvertLibrary.info.  
Calvert Marine Museum,
Calvert Marine Museum Great Backyard Bird Count 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Sleepy Stuffies Storytime
7 p.m.
Calvert Marine Museum Join us for the second annual celebra- Calvert Library Southern Branch
The married couple’s new 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. tion of fossilized poop, otherwise known 13920 H. G. Trueman Rd, Solomons
album Sure (May 2022) is “a tale of love… as coprolites. Stations featuring fossilized 6:30-7 p.m.
[with] some heartaches and a pinch of dis- Participate in a Citizen Science activ- feces and the stories they tell will be dis-
putation along the way.” Hailing from the ity that provides data to the Cornell Lab persed through our galleries. This year we Wear your jammies and bring your
gritty heart of New England, the two find of Ornithology and the National Audubon will also feature coprolites in the making… favorite stuffed animal as we wind down
consolation in discovering beauty in the Society. Check out a pair of binoculars modern feces, some with a twist. Included from our busy day! We’ll begin by getting
challenges of life. Their warm harmonies, and a bird count tally sheet in the museum with museum admission. our wiggles out and then snuggle up for
swirling acoustic guitars, and easy stage lobby to assist us with this program stories and songs. Suggested for children
presence have earned them a dedicated on your own or on a guided walk with Dee of St. Mary’s Dockside Tours 0-5. Older siblings are welcome to attend.
following in the emerging US folk scene, museum educators. For adults and children Please register. 410-326-5289. https://
performing with folk legends like Living- in third grade or older who are interested Calvert Marine Museum CalvertLibrary.info.
ston Taylor, Mark Erelli and Vance Gilbert. in assisting with research. Children must 1 – 4 p.m.
Performance is in the museum’s Harms be accompanied by an adult. Included with
Gallery starting at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6 museum admission. Step aboard the museum’s sailing skip- Thu, Feb 23
p.m. with beer and wine for sale. Tickets jack for an up-close tour of her 56-foot
are $20 online at bit.ly/MaritimeConcerts Brain Games: Mahjongg, Scrabble & deck with crew members during the off- Little Minnows
and $25 at the door. More season. Learn how watermen dredge for
oysters, hoist the sail, and navigate the Calvert Marine Museum
Great Backyard Bird Count Calvert Library Prince Frederick waterways of the Chesapeake. 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
850 Costley Way
Calvert Marine Museum 12-3: p.m. This month’s theme is The Masked Ban-
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tue, Feb 21 dit is Out at Night. For preschoolers ages 3
Want to learn Mahjongg? Hope to make – 5, with an adult. This program focuses on
Participate in a Citizen Science activ- your Scrabble skills killer? Games are a Black Heritage Month Book Discussion one of the museum’s three themes. Join us
ity that provides data to the Cornell Lab great way to keep your brain sharp while for story time and a takeaway craft, avail-
of Ornithology and the National Audubon having fun! Join us! Please register.  410- Calvert Library Zoom, 7-8 p.m. able while supplies last. Sessions are 25-40
Society. Check out a pair of binoculars 535-0291 or 301-855-1862.  https:// minutes. Capacity is limited. Sign up at the
and a bird count tally sheet in the museum CalvertLibrary.info.   Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour -- Admissions Desk when you arrive. Cost is
lobby to assist us with this program Trust us, you won’t want to miss this free with admission.
Thursday, February 16, 2023 The County Times 21

CLUES ACROSS CLUES DOWN

1. River in Tuscany 1. Cuckoos
5. A way to represent 2. Skin issue
8. Rocker’s guitar 3. City in central Japan
12. Civil Rights group 4. Sorrels
14. Brew 5. Twinned diamond
15. Scratch 6. Canadian province
16. W. Asian country 7. Monetary units
18. The Eye Network 8. Head honcho
19. Clarified butter 9. Goddess of wisdom
20. Part of the Cascade Range 10. Part of a play
21. Downwind 11. Get rid of
22. A way to steer 13. Applicant
23. Loop 17. Bowling alleys have many
26. Not ingested 24. Explosive
30. Swampy coniferous forest 25. “The Say Hey Kid”
31. Musician 26. Ultrahigh frequency
32. Signing 27. No (Scottish)
33. Containing iron 28. Make a mistake
34. Part of a theorem or proof 29. Credit card term
39. Veterans battleground (slang) 35. Keyboard key
42. Of enormous proportions 36. Woman (French)
44. Italian city 37. In the middle of
46. Come before 38. Score perfectly
47. Balm 40. Coat a metal with an oxide coat
49. Undergarments 41. Deadly disease
50. Male parent 42. A place to dock a boat (abbr.)
51. Ropes 43. Belch
56. Ear part 44. Member of U.S. Navy
57. Investment vehicle 45. “In __”: separate from others
58. Dictator 47. Examine extensively
59. Cain and __ 48. Adjust
60. A type of code 49. Tattle
61. Border river along India and Nepal 52. Actor Pitt
62. It’s what’s for dinner 53. Gulls
63. Consume 54. Within
64. Christian __, designer 55. Exceptionally talented performer

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

20 BusinessDIRECTORY The County Times Thursday, February 16, 2023

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St. Mary’s County ● Calvert County
 Thursday, February 16, 2023 The County Times Calendars 19

St. Mary's Community Calendar

To submit your event listing to go in our Community Calendar, please email [email protected] with the listing details by 12 p.m. on the Monday prior to our Thursday publication.

Thu, Feb 16 California Knights of Columbus. Hosted by the the Hollywood Volunteer
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary
Educational Video: John Lewis: Get in Pancake Dinner—Leonardtown Fire Takeout only: $30 per dinner
the Way We invite you to join us for 9:30 a.m. Dept Menu includes; stuffed ham, fried oys-
Sunday worship as Guest Preacher Steve ters, parsley potatoes, sweet potatoes,
Loffler Senior Activity Center Kays shares his message titled: “Persistent 22733 Lawrence Ave green beans, beets, coleslaw, chicken salad
21905 Chancellors Run Rd Faith.” Leonardtown and a roll
Great Mills To view online, visit and subscribe to 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bake Table
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/ Stuffed Ham by the pound $15
Cost: Free patuxentpresbyterianchurch The Auxiliary of the Leonardtown Chicken salad by the pound $8
To learn more about our church, visit: Volunteer Fire Dept is sponsoring a Pan- Contact Maria Barnes 240-925-4376
Follow the courageous journey of John www.paxpres.com. cake Dinner on Tuesday, 21 Feb from for more information
Lewis, a civil rights hero, congressional 4:30pm—7pm inside the social hall. Dine
leader, and human rights champion whose in or grab a carryout! Dinner includes: Bridal Show
unwavering fight for justice spans the past Tue, Feb 21 Pancakes, Local Country Sausage, Local
50 years. The son of sharecroppers, Lewis Bacon, Scrambled Eggs, Home Fries, Join Historic St. Mary’s City for their
grew up in the segregated South and rose Shrove Tuesday Pancake and Sausage Applesauce, and Drinks!!! Adults $14; annual Bridal Show on Sunday, March
from Alabama’s Black Belt to the corri- Supper Seniors $12; Kids Under 10 $12; Carryout 12 from 1-4pm at the Reconstructed State
dors of power on Capitol Hill. His humble $14. fb.me/e/2qf5DZb2T House and pavilion at 47418 Old State
origins have forever linked him to those St. John’s Church House Rd., St. Mary’s City, Maryland.
whose voices often go unheard. Pre-regis- Hollywood Visit with over 35 Wedding Professionals
tration is required. 16 seats available. 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Upcoming including caterer’s, DJ’s, photographers
and photo booths, dessert, make-up, wed-
All-you-can-eat supper will be served 62nd Annual Spring Dinner ding planners, bar-serve businesses, travel
Sun, Feb 19 from 5 to 7:30 pm on Feb 21. Families and and real estate agents and so much more.
friends welcome. There will be a choice of Saturday, March 4 The event is free to all if pre-registered
“Persistent Faith” toppings including blueberry, apple, straw- 24801 Three Notch Rd by March 10. Pre-register at: https://forms.
berry, sausage gravy and Happy Face. Cost Hollywood gle/KAfoQuLTRpScyTmm6.
Patuxent Presbyterian Church is $7 for adults; $3 under 12, with those 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
23421 Kingston Creek Road under 6 free. Sponsored by the St. John’s

Sell it - Buy it
Patuxent Chapter at
of the
Tri County Livestock Auction
National Wild Turkey Federation 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the Month – Auction begins at 4 PM
Located Off MD Rt. 6 West – Charlotte Hall, MD
invites you to join us at
Online Auction - Estate of Jimmy Banagan
Mechanicsville Social Hall (and few items from other estates)
28165 Hills Club Rd Oyster Cans, Baskets, Pails, Tongs, & Other Items – Tools - Furniture
– Glassware – Political, Advertising, & Other Memorabilia
Mechanicsville, MD 20659 Auction is now online for viewing/bidding at:
As we host our WWW.FARRELLAUCTIONSERVICE.COM
AUCTION CLOSES: WED, FEB 22nd - beginning at 6 pm
Annual Hunting Heritage Banquet AUCTION PREVIEW: FRI, FEB 17th from 2 pm to 6 pm
AUCTION PREVIEW LOCATION: Westfield Farm Arena
26689 Laurel Grove Rd. – Mechanicsville, MD
*Please DO NOT go to the Banagan home location!

Yoder Auction
Public Auction for Ben & Susan Yoder
Saturday, February 25th, 2023 Farm/Shop Equipment/Items – Horse-Related Items – Furniture –
Household Items – Over 140 Lots of Books & Magazines – Tobacco
Doors open: 4:00 p.m.
Related Memorabilia - More
Dinner: 5:30 p.m.
Saturday – March 4, 2023 – 9 am
Your early registration will be a great help to us in 10200 Brookline Road – Mechanicsville, MD
planning our event. It will speed up the entry process at Auction Registration & Preview begins at 7:30 am on Auction Day.
the door and qualify you for our Lunch Stand by Amish Community School Committee.
- EARLY BIRD SPECIAL - Most Items to be sold in large building.
Terms by Ben Yoder. Cash, Checks Accepted, NO credit cards.
Early registration cutoff date is Friday, Feb. 17th, 2023
www.Far rellAuctionSer vice.com
Register online at https://events.nwtf.org/203420-2023
301.904.3402
 18 Calendars The County Times Thursday, February 16, 2023

St. Mary’s Department of Aging & Human Services

Programs and Activities
Loffler Senior Activity Center 301-475-4200, ext. 1658
Garvey Senior Activity Center, 301-475-4200, ext. 1080
Northern Senior Activity Center, 301-475-4002, ext. 3101

Unless otherwise specified, all activities are open to Senior Activity Center participants ages 50+. Please call your local Senior Activity Center or visit StMarysMD.com/aging for the most up-to-date information.

Zumba Gold crafters and share ideas? Every Thursday topic for Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. will be tionally, physically, and spiritually. Join
Zumba Gold meets at the Loffler Senior we will have open studio time at the Gar- Trust & Relationships. Advance sign up is Paty & Judi at Northern Senior Activity
Activity Center on Mondays at 12:30 p.m. vey Senior Activity Center for you to come required and a suggested donation of $5 for Center on Monday, Feb. 27, from 1-3 p.m.
This class is perfect for active older adults in and work on anything you would like each series is requested. Paty is certified in RYT® 500, CBT, and
who are looking for a modified Zumba® to work on. No instructor will be present Qigong. Judi Lyons/Mindful Motions Md.
class that recreates the original Latin-in- so you would be responsible for bringing Indoor Cornhole Tournament is YACEP®, E-RYT® 200, EMYoga®
spired dance moves at a lower-intensity. in your own project. The studio hours are Who doesn’t love a good round of corn- Certified, RYT® 500 Therapeutic. To reg-
Zumba Gold’s choreography focuses on from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. hole? Compete in this casual & fun tour- ister for this event & pay the $20 fee, click
balance, range of motion and coordination. nament at Northern Senior Activity Center on the “View and Sign Up for Activities
Come ready to sweat and prepare to leave Black History Month – Film Series on Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 1-3:30 p.m. and Programs” button at www.stmarysmd.
empowered and feeling strong. If you have Join us in the Social Room at Northern Show off your skills or try it out for the first com/aging. Accommodations can be made
never taken a Zumba Gold class at Loffler, Senior Activity Center for our free film time. Keep in mind that this game requires for those requiring registration assistance
your first class is free! After that, you can series. Netflix’s 13th (1hr 40min) will be good dexterity, throwing, and hand-eye by leaving a message at 301-475-4200,
buy a fitness card for $35 that can be used shown Friday, Feb. 17, at 12 p.m. Finally, coordination. The winner of the tournament ext. 3115.
for any 10 fitness card classes at any of the Lilies of the Field starring Sidney Poitier will win a prize. It’s currently a secret.
three senior activity centers in St. Mary’s (1hr 34min) will be shown Friday, Feb. 24 You’ll have to attend to find out! To register Loffler Book Club
County. No need to sign up in advance, at 12 p.m. Space is limited for each show- for this free event, click on the “View and During the month of February, the
simply stop in. ing. To register for these free events, click Sign Up for Activities and Programs” but- Loffler Book Club is reading American
on the “View and Sign Up for Activities ton at www.stmarysmd.com/aging. Accom- Rust by Philipp Meyer. The discussion will
Dungeons And Dragons and Programs” button at www.stmarysmd. modations can be made for those requiring take place on Friday, March 3, at 2 p.m., in
Are you a fan of storytelling? Have you com/aging. Accommodations can be made registration assistance by leaving a message the Loffler Senior Activity Center.
ever wanted to be a character in Lord of for those requiring registration assistance at 301-475-4200, ext. 3115. Summary: Set in a beautiful but eco-
the Rings? Are you looking for something by leaving a message at 301-475-4200, nomically devastated Pennsylvania steel
new to try out? Have you been playing ext. 3115. Winter & Spring Well-being: A 5 Ele- town, American Rust is a novel of the lost
D&D since the 70s and want a new group ment Qigong & Yoga Workshop American dream and the desperation—
to adventure with? Join Peter Friesen to Presented by Hope & Healing The Traditional Chinese Medicine 5 Ele- as well as the acts of friendship, loyalty,
learn about D&D and play a series of one- As we age life’s events can often ments represent what is in Nature - Water, and love—that arise from its loss. From
shot campaigns! D&D will be meeting at become overwhelming, both mentally as Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal - and are associ- local bars to trainyards to prison, it is the
the Garvey Senior Activity Center on Mon- well as physically. Especially during this ated with the Kidneys, Liver, Heart, Spleen, story of two young men, bound to the
days, at 5 p.m. time it’s even more important to take care Lungs, emotions and much more. With town by family, responsibility, inertia, and
of your mental wellness. We have collabo- a focus on Winter and Spring elements, the beauty around them, who dream of a
Open Art Studio Hours rated with Hope & Healing Psychotherapy, Paty Massón and Judi Lyons delightfully future beyond the factories and abandoned
Do you want to work on an arts or crafts LLC to bring you a Mental Health Series. transform the 5 Element concepts into a homes. Contact Sheila.Graziano@stmary-
project but have no room to do so at home? At the Garvey Senior Activity Center, we lovely movement practice of Qigong and scountymd.gov for more information.
Would you like to socialize with other will hear a presentation on a new topic. The Yoga, to invite more radiant health - emo-

Library Closed for Anything of value is typically hidden from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. to explore the Who’s Nesting in My
Presidents Day by nature, or other people, and it takes Irish institutions and resources to Backyard?
All three St. Mary’s County Li- work to unearth valuable gems that utilize when researching Irish gene- Join Barb Whipkey, owner of Wild
brary locations will be closed on will increase your worth. True Black alogy. Irish Genealogy will focus on Birds Unlimited in Lexington Park
Monday, February 20 to observe History is one of those gems that was how to research one’s Irish roots and and LaPlata, as she shares infor-
Presidents Day. All locations will hidden from our enslaved ancestors ancestry by concentrating on Irish mation about the birds who may
be open regular business hours on because the true knowledge of their resources. Often times, when we are be nesting in our yards in a virtual
Tuesday, February 21. history would have made them ‘forever researching our family history, we run discussion on Thursday, March 9
unfit to be slaves’. Daryl T. Hinmon is an into difficulty once we arrive at the from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Barb will give
Recognizing Our Past acclaimed local author of two books: point in which our ancestor arrived in tips on helping to create successful
Join the St. Mary’s County Library Slaves With Swag: The Negroes Your America. For this session, we will look nesting habitats and feeding tips for
in welcoming author, historian, and History Teacher Forgot To Mention at various Irish resources, such as the these birds. She will also put some
researcher, Daryl T. Hinmon, in dis- and Black Gold: Remarkable Achieve- National Library of Ireland, the Nation- of those old wives’ tales that we
cussing his works and his efforts to ments of Formerly Enslaved African al Archives, and others, that offer ge- have all been taught to rest. Regis-
celebrate lesser-known figures in Americans & Their Descendants. nealogical services and house records ter with an email address to receive
Black History at Lexington Park Li- that may be of interest. We welcome a link to join the event online. Zoom
brary on Tuesday, February 21 from Genealogy Series - Irish anyone who is enthusiastic in their links will be sent out the day before
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. No registration is Genealogy Irish ancestry, whether they are look- or day of the program. Register on
required. Hinmon will discuss the Interested in researching your Irish ing to continue their research or sim- www.stmalib.org.
remarkable achievements of for- roots or simply curious about your ply curious on where to begin. Register
merly enslaved African American Irish ancestry? Join us for a virtual on www.stmalib.org.
ancestors and their descendants. discussion on Wednesday, March 8
 Thursday, February 16, 2023 The County Times Obituaries 17

In Remembrance
To schedule an obituary in the County Times, submit text and picture to
[email protected] by noon on Tuesdays for publication on Thursdays.
Any submissions received after this deadline may run in the following week’s edition.

Mary Catherine Smith, 93 survived by his in-laws Regina Holt, Rose- Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Tall Timbers, MD, 10 grandchildren, and 5
mary McNeal, and Edythe June; in-laws: In lieu of flowers, donations can be great grandchildren. As well as her siblings
Mary Catherine Shirley and Francis Curtis of Mechanics- made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Barbara Nysted, William Fogel, and Rich-
Hance Smith ville, MD, Elaine and Joker Young; Joe and Church, Mechanicsville, MD. ard Fogel. She was preceded in death by
March 11, 1929– Gloria June and Gary June brother-law all Condolences may be made to the family her siblings Helen Staley, and James Fogel.
February 2, 2023 residing in Waldorf, MD. He has numerous at www.mgfh.com. Esther graduated from Dover High
Born in Prince nieces, nephews, and cousins too many to School in 1957. She moved from Bedford,
Frederick, Mary- list, but Charles loved them just the same. Esther Brown, 83 MA to St. Mary’s County, MD in 1991.
land, Catherine Charles received his education at Ben- Esther was a homemaker and literacy vol-
grew up in Balti- jamin Banneker School in Loveville, MD. Esther Fogel unteer. Her hobbies were sewing, reading,
more. She gradu- He retired from the Ace Plumbing Com- Brown, 83, of Hol- cooking, playing the organ, and listening to
ated from Eastern pany as a Foreman. Charles was a lifelong lywood, MD for- bluegrass music.
Nazarene College in Wollaston, Massachu- member of the Immaculate Conception merly from Canton, The family will receive friends on Mon-
setts with a BA in English and where she Catholic Church right here in Mechanics- OH passed away on day, February 6, 2023 from 10:00 AM to
met and married her late husband, Gene ville, MD. He enjoyed all sports but was February 1, 2023 in 11:00 AM in the Mattingley-Gardiner
C. Smith. She was a teacher in St. Mary’s a football and baseball fan. He loved the Callaway, MD with Funeral Home Leonardtown, MD. Where
County Public Schools from 1957-1959. Baltimore Ravens mostly. her family by her a Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 AM
Together, she and Gene served on the mis- Charles was a kind and generous man side. Born on May in the funeral home chapel. Interment will
sion field in the Caribbean for the Church who loved his family and neighbors dearly. 11, 1939 in Canton, follow in Charles Memorial Gardens Leon-
of the Nazarene for 23 years--- in Haiti, His beloved neighbor, Dorothy Fenwick, OH she was the daughter of the late Edna ardtown, MD. Serving as pallbearers will
Trinidad, St. Lucia and Martinique. They became like family over the years. Her Fogel and William Fogel. Esther was the be Joseph Brown, Jr, Dale Estenson, Brian
retired to Bradenton, Florida in 1992 where grandchildren were also like an extension loving wife of Joseph A. Brown whom she Estenson, Laura Estenson, Sarah Estenson,
Gene proceeded her Home in 2000. to our family often having dinner with us married on February 8, 1964 in McCoy and Isaiah Kuginskie.
She is survived by her brother J. Harvey and devouring Flordell’s biscuits. Charles AFB Orlando, FL. Esther is survived by Condolences may be made to the family
Hance of Bel Air, Maryland, her son Nel- enjoyed hunting, fishing, and observing her children Diane Dickerson of Canton, at www.mgfh.com.
son G. Smith (Barbara Kessler) of Lexing- people’s habits. Most of all, he enjoyed OH, Christina M. Estenson (Dale) of Las Arrangements provided by the Matting-
ton Park, Maryland, her daughters Cathy J. gardening. His juicy cucumber, tomatoes, Vegas, NV, Joseph A. Brown, Jr. of Hol- ley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation
Smith and Wendy A. Smith of Bradenton, string beans, and cabbage were gifted to his lywood, MD, Patricia L. Pomroy (Shawn) Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
Florida, and her grandchildren Katie Smith neighbors and family. In his younger years of Rockwall, TX, Deborah A. Brown of
and Ben Smith (Ivy Ivers) of Lexington Charles would provide plumbing services
Park, Maryland. for neighbors, family, and friends at low
Private family celebration of life. In lieu or no cost. This was a service that really
of flowers, donations may be made to Naza- benefited our community, and he was well
rene Compassionate Ministries at ncmi.org. respected for that. “Love your neighbor
as yourself, there is no greater command-
Charles Holt, 87 ment.” That is what Charles did with his
gardening and plumbing skills.
Charles Leonard He also enjoyed walking with his stick
Holt, Jr., beloved around the neighborhood even when there
husband, father, wasn’t a basket or bucket of vegetable to
grandfather, great deliver. Walking was his exercise for his
grandfather, uncle, legs and the telephone was the exercise
and friend passed for his mouth. Every day he would be
away on February 5, talking to his devoted cousins Geraldine,
2023 surrounded by Beebe, and his son Charles. They would
his loved ones at his speak on every subject from the weather
home. He was born to sports to surprising Beebe with a new
on February 27, 1935 in Mechanicsville, MD “She Shed” for her lawnmower. Charles
to Charles Leonard and Mary Rosalie Holt. had an infectious laugh which sometimes
Charles was preceded in death by his turned into a fit, leaving him rolling around
brother Raymond Holt; brother in-law, onto the floor with laughter. Just as much
Mack McNeal and Sylvester June; and as Charles loved life, he adored Flordell
Felicia Simmons, granddaughter; Jeremy and his children and grandkids. On his last
Holt and Brandon Smoot, grandsons. He is day we were all gathered together laugh-
survived by his wife, Thelma Flordell Holt ing and talking about his new life plans.
of Mechanicsville, MD; his brother Paul I never felt so much love from him that
Lionel and Mary Rosetta Holt of Mechan- day. Maybe Charles knew that his Father
icsville, MD, his daughter Mary Rosalie was calling him home. All I know is that
Holt of Great Mills, MD; his son, Charles his life on earth should be truly celebrated
Leroy Holt of Lexington Park, MD; his because he cared so much for others. We
daughter, Thelma Elizabeth Smoot of Lex- will always remember Charles for being Providing trusted service to the community for over 100 Years
ington Park, MD, his granddaughters Tam- such an incredible person whose legacy 41590 Fenwick Street • P.O. Box 270 • Leonardtown, Maryland 20650
ica Ann Johnson of Lexington Park, MD will remain in our hearts.
www.mgfh.com

(301)-475-8500
and Jellissa Marie Bush of Great Mills, The family will receive friends on Fri-
MD; his grandsons Shaun Holt of Texas day, February 17, 2023 from 10:30 AM to
and Nathan Lamar Bush of Lexington 11:30 AM in Immaculate Conception Cath-
Park, MD, his great grandson Benjamin olic Church, Mechanicsville, MD, where a
Wesley DuBois IV of Great Mills, MD, and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated
great granddaughter Niko Robyn K. Bush at 11:30 AM with Father Michael Tietjen
of Lexington Park, MD. Charles is also officiating. Interment will follow at Charles
 16 In Our Community The County Times Thursday, February 16, 2023

Celebrate Maryland
Day at St. Clements
Island Museum
ter and a show of local art
will both be on display in
the museum.
PERSPECTIVE
Archbishop Christophe By Ronald N. Guy Jr.
Pierre, the Papal Nun- Contributing Writer
cio, will be participating
in the 10am ceremony Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady retired again and for good
on the mainland and will (we’ll see). Into the sunset, he rides with two more rings than any other NFL
then deliver the homily player, three more than fellow quarterback Joe Montana and four more than
at the Mass on the Island the incomparable Jerry Rice. Four-time NBA champion, four-time MVP and
(weather dependent). 19-time All Star LeBron James hit a step-back jumper last week to pass six-
St. Mary’s County Pub- time NBA champion, six-time MVP and 19-time All-Star Kareem Abdul-Jab-
lic Library will be holding bar as the league’s all-time leading scorer. Stanley Cup champion, three-time
its Outdoor Storytime at Hart Trophy winner (MVP), nine-time Maurice “Rocket” Richard trophy
1pm. winner (top goal scorer) and 12-time All Star Alexander Ovechkin, with 812
Farm.Fork.Soul food goals as of this writing, sits just 82 goals short of four-time Cup champion,
truck will be on site from 9-time Hart Trophy winner and 15-time All Star Wayne Gretzky’s all-time
11am to 3pm. mark of 894. The Great Eight has The Great One in his sights.
The Cosmic Symphony All of this has GOAT debates raging. Which is good press for the under-
Orchestra will provide appreciated goat and hikers who have braved the perilous Billy Goat Trail
17th and 18th century along the Potomac River. But it’s even better for sports fans. What has fueled
music during the after- arguments, generated interest and connected generations of fans more than
noon, on the mainland. good-natured Greatest Of All Times quarrels? Think of the pints downed
This year’s keynote while comparing the merits of transcendent athletes, parents and children
address during the cere- trading barbs about their personal GOATs, Twitter wars and endless articles
mony will be delivered by written on the topic.
Lucille Walker, Executive Jordan or LeBron? Or Kareem. Or Wilt Chamberlain? Babe Ruth or Wil-
Director of the SOMD lie Mays? Hank Aaron or Mickey Mantle? Joe DiMaggio or Ted Williams?
Celebrate the founding of Maryland Heritage Area. Her comments will address Diana Taurasi or Tamika Catchings or Cheryl Miller? Hulk Hogan or Ric
at the state’s birthplace at St. Clement’s who we were, who we are, and who we Flair? Ty Cobb or Honus Wagner? Wilma Rudolph or Florence Griffith Joyner
Island Museum with FREE admission to hope to become, as part of the introduction or Jackie Joyner-Kersee? Mark Spitz or Michael Phelps? Muhammad Ali or
the museum ALL day (10:00 a.m. – 5:00 to the National Heritage Area designation. Joe Louis or Jack Johnson or Mike Tyson? Tiger Woods or Jack Nicklaus?
p.m.), FREE water taxi rides, official This event commemorates the first Here’s the beauty of those questions: There’s no definitively right or wrong
ceremony featuring guest speakers and landing of the colonists on St. Clement’s answer. I count two indisputable GOATs: Gretzky and Serena Williams. As
program - including the exchange of cer- Island – a significant part of the island’s, Tony Kornheiser might say, “That’s it, that’s the list.” Otherwise, it’s all an
emonial gifts between the Piscataway and St. Mary’s County’s and the State of Mary- endless flow of statistics, stories, arguments and rebuttals. Revisit the long,
the English settlers (10:00 a.m.) and more. land’s story. comparable scroll of personal accolades of GOAT contenders in the opening
A commemorative mass on St. Clement’s stanza: it serves only illustrate dizzying individual greatness and the impossi-
Island will occur shortly after the cere- March 25, 2023 ble task of reaching a beyond-a-reasonable-doubt GOAT verdict.
mony. Music will be provided by students 10AM – 5PM Sports evolve. Rules change. How do you value longevity versus peak
from local Catholic schools. St. Clement’s Island Museum performance? Or championships won? Or being blessed by surrounding
Food truck (11:00 a.m.), kids’ activities, 38370 Point Breeze Road greatness (all team-sport GOAT candidates are)? What about the prevailing
free admission to the museum, free water Colton’s Point, MD 20626 social environment? How much should the accomplishments of pre-integra-
taxi rides and more. Phone: 301-769-2222 tion white athletes be discounted? How is the racism Abdul-Jabbar endured
A copy of the original Maryland Char- Facebook.com/SCIMuseum measured against the relentless spotlight LeBron has navigated since he was
18? How to avoid recency bias? And how much does the quality of the person
matter? For example, Hank Aaron was, by all accounts, a classy human. Ty

Department of Aging &

Cobb? Not so much.
The undeniable subjectivity is the unspoken truth between GOAT-debat-
ers. I ardently believe Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of

Human Services to Host

all time. But I know there are reasonable arguments to be made for James,
Abdul-Jabbar (I missed his prime) and Chamberlain (I never saw him play).
Entering these debates with an open mind, and an acceptance that no absolute

Centenarian Luncheon
exists, allows for something rare to happen: a respectful exchange between
two people sharing a common love, who, upon observing the same partici-
pants, reviewing the same facts and considering the same parameters, arrive
at different conclusions. GOAT debates are, at their most fundamental level,
Do you know someone living in St. Centenarian Luncheon. Due to space con- a matter of perspective.
Mary’s County who is 100 years of age or straints, each honoree is limited to a max- Now suppose America was the sport – the transcended, shared love (still
older? We want to honor them! imum of three guests; please indicate the safe to assume?). What if major political issues were the players being debated
The St. Mary’s County Department of number of participants when registering. as the GOATs? What if the parties debating the political topic, whether elected
Aging & Human Services is proud to host Honorees must be 100 years of age or older officials or average citizens, approached the discussion with an open mind,
the annual Centenarian Luncheon at the as of April 10, 2023. a respect for the process and a firm acknowledgement that they are neither
St. Mary’s County Elks Lodge, located at For more information or to register, con- completely right nor is their opponent completely wrong. What if the parties
45779 Fire Department Lane, California, tact Sarah Miller, Community Programs & respected their differences in age, experiences, places of origin, race, gender
MD, at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 10, 2023. Outreach Division Manager, at 301-475- and economic standing. What if they listened to each other, learned from each
Registration is required for this event. 4200, ext. 1073, or Sarah.Miller@stmary- other and exited the conversation with greater knowledge, a broader perspec-
The deadline to register is Friday, March scountymd.gov. tive and deeper love for the game (country) they cherish?
17, 2023. Learn more about our Department of What if?
Friends, family, and caregivers are wel- Aging & Human Services at: stmaryscoun- Send comments to [email protected]
come to accompany our honorees to the tymd.gov/aging.
 Thursday, February 16, 2023 The County Times In Our Community 15

Housing Market Sees Team Fly4ACure

Prices Drop as Days Looks To Raise Money
on Market Spike For Blood Cancer
that buyers are getting
more control in trans-
actions comes from the
average sold price to the
original list price ratio.
Homes sold on average
for 96.8% of what they
were listed for in Janu-
ary, which is down from
roughly 99.9% in 2022.
Where buyers were previ-
ously paying close to and
over list price are now
seeing many sellers offer Student Visionaries of the Year is a philan- the Donnie Williams Center.
concessions. thropic leadership development program at Ticket sales will benefit Team Fly4A-
“The market over the the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The Cure’s fundraiser campaign.
past few years has not society has a seven-week fundraising chal- Tickets are on sale now online and can
been sustainable, and lenge, where high school students raise funds also be purchased at the door, though
we are starting to see in honor of local blood cancer survivors. online sales are preferred so the team can
some of that dial back,” Team Fly4ACure is Southern Mary- collect receipts for tax purposes.
SMAR 2022-23 President land’s fundraising team with 25 students “Expect a fun afternoon with the family,
Michael Funk said. “We spanning across five different high schools, there will be magic tricks, carnival games,
know that we have been led by St. Mary’s Ryken sophomore Emi- and food,” Emilie Garrabrant said.
plagued with lacking lie Garrabrant. The high schools are Great If any businesses or organizations would
inventory and a severe Mills, Leonardtown, Patuxent, Rock Hill, like to donate in any way, they can email
shortage of housing units and St. Mary’s Ryken. the team at [email protected]
in Maryland for years, On February 26, 2023, St. Mary’s Ryken If you would like to donate to a specific
and it is only getting High School will host a Winter Magic student in the program, you can visit their
worse. Seeing buyers get Show with local celebrity Reggie Rice at LinkTree at https://linktr.ee/fly4acure.
back some control during
the transaction after see-

Pet
As 2023 began, so did some surprising ing their buying power weakened helps
new trends in the Southern Maryland hous- create a healthier housing market.”
ing market. Prices began to decrease in Housing market statistics from each
most jurisdictions, while homes are staying county in the Southern Maryland region
on the market for longer than many recent can be found below:
potential buyers have seen.
Looking at the most recently available Calvert County
year-over-year data from the Southern
Maryland Association of Realtors®, sev-
• Units Sold: 70 (-40.68%)
• Total Sales Volume: $ 31,446,576 OF THE WEEK
eral clear trends emerged last month. Buy- (-41.44%)
ers are gaining more traction in the market
while competing with depleted buying
• Average Days On The Market: 38
(+12 Day from January 2022) MEET
NEELIX
power, and shifts in demand have influ- • Median Sold Price: $392,500
enced the homes currently for sale. (-5.99%)
Active listings increased roughly 94.5%
from this time last year, and the total units St. Mary’s County Three of the most wonderful words in
sold saw a sharp decrease. 281 units sold • Units Sold: 76 (-27.62%) the world....
last month across Southern Maryland, a • Total Sales Volume: $ 27,386,321 I got adopted?
decrease of 33.25% from 2022. However, (-29.05%)
more new listings came on the market last • Average Days On The Market: 46 Hi, my name is Neelix. I may be 10 YEARS YOUNG but that just means
month, up 9.87% from 2022. (+28 Days from January 2022) I’m over my kitten antics. Instead, now I like to take life a little more
Additionally, homes are staying on the • Median Sold Price: $342,500 slowly. I’ll ENJOY NAPPING in your lap, watching the laser pointer,
market for longer, and prices are starting (-3.52%) and eating my dry cat food. I’m EXPERIENCED because I’ve seen it
to see slight declines for the first time in all! I’ve lived with KIDS, DOGS, and FEMALE CATS. That’s why my
years. Visit https://www.southernmarylandre- CHILL ATTITUDE makes me the PURR-FECT cat to become a LOVING
Homes had spent an average of 41 days altors.org/pages/housing-statistics/ every part of YOUR FAMILY! I’m hoping you will come visit me during
on the market in Southern Maryland last month for additional details about the adoption hours, Monday-Saturday 12:30-3pm or email animalshelter@
month, an increase of 21 days from 2022. housing market in Southern Maryland. charlescountymd.gov. BE MY MIRACLE AND PLEASE CHOOSE ME!
Homes haven’t been on the market for this A video breakdown of the local statistics When you choose to adopt, you save a life.
long since early-2019. for 2022 can be found on the SMAR You-
Both the median sold price and average Tube page at: https://www.youtube.com/ To see more of my amazing friends also available for adoption, “like” us
sold price saw slight drops of 1.32% and watch?v=nqhltDfxUHM on Facebook @ Charles County Animal Care Center or view us on our
0.70%, respectively. Homes in Charles Statistics for this article were com- website at https://www.charlescountymd.gov/services/animal-care-
County still saw marginal price increases piled with cooperation from Bright MLS, control/animal-care-center
not exceeding 2% but were the only county a leading housing market data source and
in the region going up. a real estate listing service for Realtors®
However, one of the best indicators throughout the region.
14 The County Times Thursday, February 16, 2023

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Thursday, February 16, 2023 The County Times Legal 13

Legal Notices
Notice is hereby given that the following vessel(s) has apparently been abandoned TOWN OF LEONARDTOWN, MD
for more than 60 days on the private marina/property of: Point Lookout Marina, ORDINANCE NO. 214
LLC., 16244 Millers Wharf Road, Ridge, MD 20680, 301-872-5000.
Notice is hereby given that on February 13, 2023, the Leonardtown Town Council
The vessels are described as: passed Ordinance No. 214 (the “Ordinance”).
1. MD 9394 DC
HULL # NCZ26751G874 The Ordinance authorizes and empowers The Commissioners of Leonardtown
1974 Cambridge White Hull (the “Town”) to issue and sell to the Community Development Administration
Name “Annie Bo” (the “Administration”), pursuant to the authority of Sections 4-101 through 4-255
of the Housing and Community Development Article of the Annotated Code of
2. MD 3966 BV Maryland (the “Act”), one or more series of general obligation bonds of the Town
HULL # XYM37656M82E in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $9,000,000 (the “Bonds”) for the
1982 Irwin White Hull purpose of financing and/or refinancing any components of the following: (i)
Name “Aldebaran” costs of a project generally referred to as the wastewater treatment plant expan-
sion project, (ii) funding a portion of a capital reserve fund and/or other reserves,
Application for title will be made in accordance with Section 8-722 of the and/or (iii) paying issuance and other costs of the Bonds; provides that the Bonds
Annotated Code of Maryland, Natural Resources Article if vessels are not claimed shall be issued upon the full faith and credit of the Town; provides for the dis-
within 30 days of this publication date. bursement of proceeds of the Bonds; provides for the levy of annual taxes upon all
assessable property within the corporate limits of the Town to the extent needed
for the payment of principal and interest on the Bonds; pledges and grants a lien
on and a security interest to the Administration of certain payments otherwise due
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR SAINT MARY’S COUNTY, MARYLAND to the Town from the State of Maryland to secure the Town’s obligations with
CASE NO: C-18-CV-21-000102 respect to the Bonds; provides for the forms, tenor, denominations, maturity date
or dates and other provisions of the Bonds; provides for the sale of the Bonds; and
Alan C. Wetter et al., provides for related purposes, including, without limitation, the method of fixing
c/o Lucas I. Dansie, Esq. the interest rate(s) to be borne by the bonds, the approval, execution and delivery
406 5th St. NW of documents, agreements, certificates and instruments, and the making of or pro-
Washington DC 20001 viding for the making of representations and covenants concerning the tax status
Plaintiffs of interest on the Bonds.

v. Pursuant to the Act, the Ordinance is effective upon its passage. The Ordinance
The Estate of Bessie Wigglesworth may be petitioned to referendum in accordance with Section 211 of the Char-
c/o Raymia Henderson, PR ter provided the petition is received by March 6, 2023. The Ordinance may be
14302 Hampshire Hall Ct. inspected in Town Hall between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 (except holidays).

and THE COMMISSIONERS OF LEONARDTOWN

By: Laschelle E. McKay
St. Mary’s County, Maryland, Town Administrator

and

all unknown owners of the property described below, their heirs, devisees and LEGAL NOTICE
personal representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, COMMISSIONERS OF LEONARDTOWN
administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest and any FAIR SUMMARY OF EMERGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 215
and all persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property described as:
*Unassigned, Lot 3 Block 5, Longview Beach and also known as A/C 07-014619 Notice is hereby given that the Commissioners of Leonardtown have passed, and
Defendants the mayor has approved, Emergency Ordinance No. 215 – Chapter 60 Critical
Areas Program. A fair summary of the ordinance will follow:
RE-ISSUED ORDER OF PUBLICATION Ordinance No. 215 - An ordinance for the purpose of correcting certain minor
errors regarding growth allocation enacted by Ordinance No. 204.
The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemp-
tion in the following property, sold by the Collector of Taxes for St. Mary’s Ordinance No. 215 became effective upon passage by the affirmative vote of four-
County to the Plaintiff: fifths of the Councilpersons and approval by the Mayor on February 13, 2023.
Full text of this ordinance may be obtained at the Town Office at 22670 Wash-
*Unassigned, Lot 3 Block 5, Longview Beach and also known as A/C 07- ington Street, Leonardtown, MD between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.,
014619. Monday through Friday or on-line on the Town’s website at www.Leonardtown.
somd.com
The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for re-
demption have not been paid. It is therefore on this 31st day of January, 2023, by By Authority:
the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County, Maryland: Laschelle McKay, Town Administrator

ORDERED, that notice be given by insertion of a copy of this ORDER in some

newspaper having a general circulation in St. Mary’s County once a week for 3
successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this
Court by the 3rd day of March, 2023 and redeem the property and answer the
Complaint, or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of
redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all
encumbrances.

Debra J. Burch
Clerk of Court for St. Mary’s County, Maryland
 12 Cops & Courts The County Times Thursday, February 16, 2023

ST. MARY'S SHERIFF'S CRIME BLOTTER

Chaptico Man Arrested Identity Needed for
on Gun, Ammo Charges Burglary Suspect
Following Barricade The St. Mary’s
County Sheriff’s
Anyone with information about the iden-
tity of the suspect or this incident is asked
A Chaptico man Multiple attempts were made to con- Office is seeking to call Deputy Anthony Cucinotta at 301-
was arrested on tact the occupants of the residence with the identity of the 475-4200, ext. 78174 or email anthony.
firearm and ammu- negative results. While in contact with the person pictured in [email protected]. Case #
nition charges fol- Maryland Gun Center, it was determined a burglary investi- 7177-23
lowing a barricade that the suspect, Austin Cameron Darling, gation. On Sunday, Citizens may remain anonymous and
that ended peace- age 28 of Chaptico, was prohibited from Feb. 12, 2023, at contact the St. Mary’s County Crime
fully on Sunday possessing firearms. 2:50 am, the sus- Solvers at 301-475-3333, or text a tip to
morning. Just before 10 am, Darling and another pect forced entry “TIP239” plus their message to “CRIMES”
At 6:07 am on occupant of the residence exited the home into Village Liquors in Chaptico by shat- (274637). Through the Crime Solvers Pro-
Feb. 12, 2023, the and were taken into custody without inci- tering the front door with a hammer and gram tipsters are eligible for an award of
St. Mary’s County Emergency Commu- dent. The execution of a search warrant then removed the store’s cash register and up to $1,000 for information about a crime
nications Center was contacted regarding located a multi-colored 9-mm handgun and its contents. The suspect is believed to be in St. Mary’s County that leads to an arrest
the welfare of a relative who was in the ammunition in Darling’s room, with addi- a white male, between 5’5” and 5’10” tall or indictment.
company of a known adult male possibly tional ammunition located in the kitchen. and weighing between 150 and 180 lbs.
threatening the relative with a handgun. Darling was transported to the St. Mary’s
St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office depu- County Detention and Rehabilitation Cen-
ties responded to the 24000 block of Hurry
Road in Chaptico to investigate further, but
ter in Leonardtown and charged with Ille-
gal Possession of a Regulated Firearm and Waldorf Man Arrested
After Attempting to Steal
no one at the home responded. Due to the Illegal Possession of Ammunition by DFC
believed first-degree assault involving a fire- Andrew Budd. Darling was released from
arm and no answer at the address, a perime- the detention center on Sunday, Feb. 12, on
ter was established around the residence and
a barricade was declared at 7:10 am.
personal bond.
Catalytic Converter
St. Mary’s County in Leonardtown for the report of a theft in
Sheriff’s Office dep- progress of a catalytic converter from a dis-
uties located and play truck in front of the establishment.
arrested a Waldorf A witness observed Zorn cutting the
man early Thurs- catalytic converter with a battery powered
day morning after reciprocating saw. Zorn then ran to a 2002
attempting to steal gray Chevrolet Silverado truck and fled
a catalytic converter northbound on Point Lookout Road. Depu-
from a business in ties actively patrolled the area and located
Leonardtown. Zorn in his vehicle on Point Lookout Road
Irving Maxwell Zorn, 36 of Waldorf, was in Mechanicsville. Upon stopping the vehi-
charged with Malicious Destruction of Prop- cle, a reciprocating saw was observed in
erty and Theft: $100 to under $1,500 and plain view in the backseat, which had fresh
was transported to the St. Mary’s County damage to the blade consistent with the
Detention and Rehabilitation Center. damage to the catalytic converter.
On Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, at 12:14 Zorn was released from the detention cen-
am, Deputy Blake Haas responded to the ter on personal bond on Thursday, Feb. 9.
Mr. Tire business on Point Lookout Road

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS
LOCAL ADVERTISERS
REAL ESTATE • SERVICES
VEHICLES • EMPLOYMENT
CHILD CARE
GENERAL MERCHANDISE

WWW.SOMD.COM • CLASS.SOMD.COM
YOUR ONLINE COMMUNITY FOR CHARLES, CALVERT, & ST. MARY’S COUNTIES
 Thursday, February 16, 2023 The County Times Opinion 11

COUNTY TIMES EDITORIAL

g t o n e
Unintended Consequences
i n i v
Lexark ACocmtmunity
By Thomas McKay
Publisher

Brian Crosby, the St. Mary’s County

icsville, Hollywood, California, Chaptico,
Charlotte Hall, 7th District.
Those three commissioners will no longer
represent the people in Lexington Park, not
P Adult
Delegate from district 29B has come up even the people in their own party. Three
with a way to make county government commissioners, who will control county gov-
more equitable. Crosby has proposed ernment will run both primary and general
legislation to reduce representation for
the citizens of Lexington Park from five
elections only in their respective districts.
Their responsibility first is to the people of
NOW Available
County Commissioners to just two County the district they are elected to serve. 1&2 bedroom
Commissioners.
Crosby is elected by only a portion of
Does it sound short-sighted? Maybe, but
ask yourself, if you live in Mechanicsville,
apartments
the voters in St. Mary’s County, his district would you want your tax dollars sent to
is largely the area around Lexington Park Lexington Park? Why not build a YMCA
and south. in Mechanicsville instead?
A large portion of the minorities in St. Why give businesses in Lexington Parks
Mary’s reside in Crosby’s district, making millions of dollars to build new storefronts,
up nearly 25% of his district. why not give that money to businesses in
Crosby is asking the left wing of the Hollywood or Leonardtown, or Charlotte
democratic party in Annapolis, you know, Hall, they need it just as much.
those folks from Prince Georges County, Today, when tax revenues are projected
Baltimore City, Charles County, and the for the next fiscal year, those revenues are
like, to make this change because St. looked at in total, not by district. When
Mary’s County is, you got it, “racist”. Crosby’s brilliance is passed in Annapo-
When posed with the question of why lis, revenues will certainly be broken out
not let the people of St. Mary’s County by the district, as commissioners will do
decide by referendum as opposed to Balti- everything they can to assure their district
more and Prince Georges, Crosby says no, is getting back equal or more of the tax
that too of course would be “racist”. dollars contributed by their district. It will
The truth is, most people in St. Mary’s be the “bringing home of the bacon” for 21895 Pegg Road • Lexington Park, MD 20653 • (240)725-0111
County are not racist, and Crosby knows county commissioners, at the expense of
that, but for Crosby, our crime is defending our poorest district, Lexington Park.
equality, he wants equity. Schools, roads, parks, law enforcement,
So, Crosby has decided by taking away economic development, the commission-
from everyone in St. Mary’s the equal oppor- ers will work to get the money their district > edwardjones.com | Member SIPC
tunity to vote for all five county commission- puts into the system back out of the system,
ers, it would be more equitable representation and three of the five will control the deci-
if everyone could only vote for two. sions, sorry Lexington Park, nothing you
Good intentions often lead to unintended can do about it if Crosby has his way.
consequences. In the normal course of our American
Crosby’s plan is pervaded with unin- system of government structure, it is com-
tended consequences. The most harmful of mon that we vote within districts for repre-
which is the segregation of our community. sentatives in the legislative branch, such as
Crosby will isolate Lexington Park from Delegates and Congress. This vote is bal-
the rest of the county. anced across the structure of government
The three commissioners elected by by the equal yet separate executive branch
people not residing in Lexington Park will which is voted on by the entire electorate,
control both the legislative branch of gov- such as the Governor.
ernment and more importantly, will have The county commissioner form of gov-
total control over the executive branch of ernment utilizes the county commission-
government. And the people living in Lex- ers as both the legislative branch and the
ington Park will have no say, no recourse, executive branch. Therefore, it is vital that
and no vote for or against the actions of the the five commissioners who make up the
executive branch of county government. executive branch of government be voted
Spend $20 million dollars to build a
YMCA in Lexington Park? “Are you
crazy” will be the words of the three
by and accountable to the entire electorate.
Brian Crosby’s vision of equity will
have the unintended consequence of crash-
Retirement happens
commissioners representing the voters of
Ridge, Valley Lee, Leonardtown, Mechan-
ing and burning his district while benefit-
ing greatly those he never intended to help. whether you're ready
LOCAL ADVERTISING or not. Ready is better.
IS MORE POWERFUL David McDonough
Financial Advisor

THAN EVER. 41680 Miss Bessie Dr Suite 302

Leonardtown, MD 20650
301-997-1707

TO PLACE AN AD IN THE ST. MARY’S COUNTY TIMES,

CONTACT 301-373-4125 MKT-5894L-A-A1 AECSPAD
 10 Letters The County Times Thursday, February 16, 2023

I testified virtually yesterday on HB0477. General Election. In the 2021 session of the Maryland to disguise what is simply partisan, iden-
After waiting hours to get in the Q, and the We have had women elected President General Assembly, Del. Brian Crosby (D) tity-based politics. Based on minority
Bill finally coming to the floor for testi- of the Board of Commissioners 2 times introduced legislation (HB0655) to change demographics, he perceives a possibility of
mony, Delegate Crosby testified and so did (one from each Party) the election of four of the five county electing Democrats in by-district elections.
many in favor of the Bill. When those of us We have had women elected Commis- commissioners in St. Mary’s County from Yet, in the 2022 general election, if it had
against the bill testified virtually, I noticed sioners from the 4th, 2nd and 5th Commis- at-large to by-district. He did not reintro- been by-district, none of the Democrat’s
Delegate Crosby was no longer in the room. sioner Districts. duce the bill in 2022 while seeking reelec- county commissioner candidates would
(Now We wouldn’t want to hear both sides Commissioners DO NOT PICK AND tion, suggesting his awareness of public have won.
of a discussion now would we???) Please CHOOSE WHAT AREAS TO HELP! We opposition. Now, in 2023, he has again A change to by-district county commis-
note Delegate Todd Morgan never left the do our homework, ask for public input done so in HB0447. sioner elections has the potential, over time,
room. That is what delegates are expected from ALL citizens and make informed St. Mary’s County is divided into nine to instill an atmosphere of factional paro-
to do I would think. Delegate Todd Mor- decisions, fairly and honestly. election districts. The county is also divided chialism, negatively affecting the equitable
gan, thank you for your true interest in the St. Mary’s County citizens, may live in into four commissioner districts for geo- allocation of resources to the needs of areas
citizens of St. Mary’s County. Both those one District, drive through and shop in a graphical residency purposes; otherwise, of the county. Elected officials might only
for and against this Bill. different District and work yet in a com- the county commissioners might reside pander to a localized constituency rather
Also note this Bill does NOT only affect pletely different District, So all Districts coincidentally in one area of the county. than the interests of all.
St. Mary’s County but a few of the smaller impact all Citizens! Commissioner districts were not created While the Democrats profess their ded-
Counties as well. I believe a good candidate can get elected for the purpose of representation. County ication to and protection of democracy,
Also understand this is being brought no matter, the race, religion, sex or where commissioners are elected by a general/ by-district elections restrict participatory
up again, because of a some who feel they they live. Please let Delegate Crosby and at-large vote to represent the entirety of the democracy. In this case, instead of voting
are under represented, and feel minorities the others on the Ways and Means Com- county – not separate districts. for all five county commissioners, voters
do not have a voice. Most are referring to mittee know your feelings and why. According to Crosby, at-large voting will have only the choice of two – one
the 4th Commission District. Maybe some One last thought, isn’t it interesting discriminates against racial/ethnic minori- at-large commissioner president and one
of you remember that was the District I when the Democrats were in power in the ties. If true, why was no mention made of by-district commissioner. From voters
represented. (being the FIRST woman County and the Republicans had few or no it by the Democrats, including the NAACP, having a full say in elections, they are rele-
to represent that District, women are still candidates on the ballot, they didn’t think prior to 2021? Why, when for decades gated to only two-fifths.
minorities) about the minority (Party) then. Democrats won local elections and con- The proposed change to by-district elec-
It was the District that had the FIRST trolled the county government and agen- tions will be consequential to the coun-
JEWISH Commissioner for 8 plus years Thank you cies, was at-large voting not an issue? ty’s governance. Therefore, the decision
(considered a Minority) Frances P Eagan The actual motivation is that at-large whether to make this change should be
It was the District that had the FIRST Former County Commissioner voting has become unfavorable to Demo- ratified or rejected by the voters in a refer-
AFRICAN AMERICAN Commissioner 4th District St. Mary’s County crats in St. Mary’s County. For example, endum, which Crosby opposes.
for 8 years who defeated me twice in the the last Democrat elected as a county com- In a Sep. 18, 2020, statement, Crosby
missioner was in 2010 and it has been 12 said, “Voting is the fundamental principle
years since the Democrats controlled the of democracy; there is no right more pre-
SPRING 2023 board. In 2012, Democrats also lost being
the largest party in voter registrations in
cious or sacred.” Yet, in HB0447, Crosby
imposes voter suppression and disenfran-

Home, Lawn & Garden

the county. So, if Democrats cannot win chisement, unless a referendum decides the
at-large elections, the solution is to change issue.
the election law.
Crosby employs the virtue signaling Vernon Gray
Coming March 9th in the County Times pretexts of democracy and social justice California, MD

HOME IMPROVEMENTS • REAL ESTATE • LANDSCAPING

GARDEN TRACTORS • KITCHEN & BATH • HOME DECOR If you would like to submit a Letter to the Editor,
please include your name & town of residence.
CARPET & TILE • REMODELING • WINDOWS & DOORS
SIDING & GUTTER • PAINT SUPPLIES Email: [email protected]
P.O. Box 250 Hollywood, MD 20636

County Times St. Mary’s County ● Calvert County

TO HAVE YOUR BUSINESS FEATURED IN THE HOME,

LAWN, AND GARDEN GUIDE, CALL 301-373-4125
 Thursday, February 16, 2023 The County Times St..Marys Local News
St 9

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 8 St..Marys Local News
St The County Times Thursday, February 16, 2023

California Bed Bath Town Council Approves

and Beyond Closing Treatment Plant Bonds
assets to pay off debts as By Guy Leonard ordinance for the bond was introduced.
it restructures. Staff Writer Impact fees are monies collected on
“The company will new construction in town to mitigate the
continue to execute its The Town of Leonardtown’s plans to increased use of public facilities such as
customer-focused turn- expand its wastewater treatment plant took water and sewage by more incoming town
around plans by optimiz- another step forward this week after the residents and businesses.
ing its store footprint, town council voted unanimously to pass an The town has the rest of the funding
investing in inventory, ordinance to sell bonds to finance a portion for the project in already-collected impact
and pursuing infrastruc- of the $18.9 million project. fees as well as other grant allocations, said
ture improvements,” the The bid for the project the town received Town Administrator Laschelle McKay.
press release reads. “Spe- from a building contractor was for a little The town council voted in October of last
cifically, the company over $15 million, with the rest of the cost year to raise the impact fees associated with
has initiated incremental bound in the engineering work. new development to $18,000 per unit built.
store closures in its Bed The town’s wastewater treatment plant Before that increase, the town’s impact
Bath & Beyond banner located on Van Wert Lane currently has a fees had rested at $13,000 per unit since
with an ultimate operat- capacity of about 680,000 gallons per day 2007, when the town needed to pay for an
ing goal of approximately of treatment capacity; the upgrades to the enhanced nutrient removal system to be
360 stores, in addition to plant would increase that capacity to one installed at the plant.
approximately 120 buy- million gallons per day for treatment. That project, despite its significant cost,
By Guy Leonard buy BABY stores, across the U.S. The town is seeking to borrow $9 mil- did not provide any increased treatment
Staff Writer “In response to evolving shopping lion, which will be paid back by collecting capacity.
preferences today, this target store base increased impact fees on new construction The town has already exceeded 80 per-

11 T H A N N U A L
The Bed Bath and Beyond store in Wil-
dewood Shopping Center in California is
one of roughly 400 such stores to be clos-
includes the company’s most profitable
locations and best geographic presence
for customers that can enable an optimal
in town, elected officials have said.
This ensures that current town residents
will not have to pay for the expansion, accord-
cent of the allowable capacity at the plant
with the development currently in town.

SPRING
ing as the nationwide company files for omni-experience.” ing to town Mayor Dan Burris speaking at [email protected]
bankruptcy, a list released by the company According to an associate at the Califor- the January town council meeting where the
confirmed. nia store, the date of closing has not been

Commissioners
There are about 760 Bed, Bath and determined.

CONSIGNMENT Allocate More American

Beyond stores across the country.
Corporate press releases state that the [email protected]
company has been busy selling stock

AUCTION
TURNER FAMILY Rescue Funds
AUCTION
“It will get us pretty much exactly where
we need to be,” McCleaf said of the bene-
fits the money would bestow.
The project would cost $1.2 million,
McCleaf said, of which the board had
about $850,000 already at hand to spend.
County Finance Officer Jeanett Cud-
more said the county had already allocated
$750,000 towards the repair project.
Sen. Jack Bailey (R-Dist. 29) was also
able provide $100,000 from a bond bill,
Gerald Gardiner shows examples of equipment to be McCleaf said, totalling up the $850,000
purchased by ARF money
available to the golf course.
By Guy Leonard McCleaf said the dam and reservoir were
Staff Writer critical to the golf course’s survival as it

FEB. 25 ·
APRIL 9 8:30
provided the water for irrigating the greens.

THAM The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County

approved the expenditure of more federal
American Rescue Act money this week to
“Without the reservoir, the golf course
would go away,” McCleaf said.
Gerald Gardiner, co-director of the Depart-
PREVIEW FEB. 24 8:30AM–5PM provide more protective equipment to first ment of Emergency Services, said the gear to

STARTING AT 8:00 AM
responders, a vehicle to the county health be purchased for EMS workers was not to be
department and also to help repair a failing used for any kind of firefighting operations,
Antique Tractors, Antique Motors, Antique dam at a Leonardtown area golf course. as some had purported it might be.
PREVIEW
Cars & DAY
Trucks, Misc. APRIL
Farm 8 Tools,
Items,
th The requests were for $185,000 to pay
for more personal protection equipment for
“It’s for blood borne pathogens, human
fluids and body parts,” Gardiner told com-
8:00 am
School to and
Buses, 6:00 pm
More emergency medical personnel and $30,000
for a mobile trailer, $250,000 for work on a
missioners. “It has that kind of protection.”
The mobile trailer would not be for
Auction Zip ID# 36091
HAYES AUCTION SERVICES
dam at Breton Bay golf course and $45,000 transport to emergency scenes, Gardiner
for a replacement vehicle for the health said, but would provide temporary space
13590 RYCEVILLE RD
GREEN MANOR FARM
department that was retired this year with a
little more than 100,000 miles on it.
for employees who have outgrown the
limited space at the emergency services

MECHANICSVILLE, MD
Kevin McCleaf, the president of the department building.
board that governs Breton Bay golf course,
38250 NEW MARKET TURNER RD
FOR MORE INFO VISIT HAYESAUCTIONSERVICES.NET
said the board had been struggling with try- [email protected]
ing to repair the dam on the property for
MECHANICSVILLE, MD 20659
OR CALL (301) 861-7738 about four years.

CALL (301) 861-7738

 Thursday, February 16, 2023 The County Times St..Marys Local News
St 7

Bill Would Shift Balance of Power in

Tri-County Council
By Guy Leonard amount to less than an outright majority of voice is always
Staff Writer seats on the Tri-County Council.” heard on the Tri-
The commissioners voted at the same County Council,”
A bill that would increase the member- meeting to send a letter of opposition to the Colvin said. “The
ship on the Tri-County Council of South- Maryland General Assembly on the bill. feelings of the dis-
ern Maryland in favor of Charles County Commissioner Eric Colvin said the bill, cussion at that time
has some state-level leaders concerned which has come up in Annapolis before, was [several years ago]
that it would be better to simply allow the the brainchild of Charles County Delegate was that Charles
organization to fold rather than have such C.T. Wilson who believed it was a compro- County wanted to
a shift in the balance of power between the mise between his county and St. Mary’s and pull out of the Tri-
three counties. Calvert counties, which continue to seek as County Council.
The bill, SB 539, supported by Charles their top transportation priority the replace- “But this is a
County state senators, would afford one ment of the Gov. Thomas Johnson Bridge compromise [SB
additional voting member to each county which spans the Patuxent River. 539] that St. Mary’s
per every 45,000 residents. Charles County, in contrast, wants to and Calvert don’t
Charles County, with its roughly pursue light rail connections to the more like very well.”
166,000 residents to the 113,700 in St. metropolitan areas of Prince George’s and Del. Debra Davis
Marys’ and just over 90,000 in Calvert the District of Columbia. of Charles County
would stand to gain voting members over “If our voices are constantly being said the bill would
both jurisdictions. pushed down, why do we want to continue only give Charles County two more voting what it wants to do, everyone knows that.
But, explained assistant County Attor- to play in that sandbox,” Wilson said at members on the Tri-County Council. “The question is, is it in the spirit of the
ney John Houser, Charles would still not an on-line meeting of the Southern Mary- “When you’re talking about representing region?”
hold a majority of voting power on the Tri- land Delegation to the Maryland General voters… it just makes sense,” Davis said. Fisher continued: “If it’s not then maybe
County Council. Assembly held Feb. 10. Calvert Delegate Mark Fisher opposed it’s time to dissolve the tri-county council.
“It would skew it slightly in favor of rep- Wilson said he did not want to see the the bill. “That is to say Calvert County pulling
resentation for Charles County,” Houser Tri-County Council split but believed the “Whenever I see someone trying to out of the council.”
explained to the Commissioners of St. three counties should still work together to rewrite the rules for something that’s
Mary’s County at their Feb. 14 business achieve beneficial goals. already working… I’m not a big fan of [email protected]
meeting in Leonardtown. “It would still “Charles County does not feel that their that,” Fisher said. “Charles County can do

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 6 St..Marys Local News
St The County Times Thursday, February 16, 2023

Golden Beach Development

Project Held Over
By Guy Leonard The aging farm-
Staff Writer ers market that
fronts Route 5
A plan to build a new grocery store, fast would be relocated
food store and restaurant that would also to make way for the
relocate the long-standing farmers market new grocery store
in Charlotte Hall went to a marathon public — an Aldi’s— the
hearing before the county planning com- Chick-fil-A, and
mission the night of Feb. 13 but the board other commercial
members came to no decision on approv- projects.
ing the concept site plan for the proposal. Some residents
After almost four hours of perusing the testified that they
plan, board members continued to have were concerned
questions about how the traffic flow around over the fate of the
the development would work to avoid vendors at the mar-
traffic snarls and other road improvement ket, while others
concerns. said the farmers
Of particular concern was the Chick- market was more
Fil-A restaurant, which according to Nel- of an eyesore and that grocery stores were Properties, LLC, which is headed by devel- restaurant would generate 3,350 average
son Arrocho of Bay Engineering, would much more needful. oper Justin Rosemore, calls for 20,599 daily trips, while the Aldi’s supermarket
have three drive-thru lanes and enough But concerns over traffic flow and mit- square foot Aldi’s Supermarket and 30, 000 would generate 2,160 average daily vehi-
parking to mitigate backlogs of traffic igation were what caused Planning Com- square feet of buildings for the relocated cle trips.
there. mission Chair Howard Thompson to call flea market and fairgrounds. The additional retail space would raise
The Chick-fil-A restaurant in California for a continuation of the meeting to wait The entire project would be situated on that volume to 7,325 average trips per day,
is frequently snarled with traffic backlogs for the State Highway Administration to 48.48 acres on Three Notch Road with the report estimated.
that leak back out onto access roads into provide answers on what the developer three distinct sites within the parcel located County planning reports show that more
the larger shopping center. could do to improve the traffic situation at 29890, 29990 and 29940 Three Notch than 44,000 vehicle trips per day occur at
Dale Antosh, of the Golden Beach Civic there, especially at Golden Beach Road Road, county planning documents state. the intersections of Route 5 and Golden
Association, testified that many in the com- and Route 5. The property is considered suitable for Beach Road, close to where the new site
munity were excited to see an additional The planning commission will meet mixed-use moderate-intensity under the would be developed.
grocery store come to the area. again on the project in March 6. county’s zoning ordinance.
There is only one currently operating The concept site plan for Golden Beach The traffic study included with the con- [email protected]
now — a Food Lion. Development, owned by Golden Beach cept site plan states that the Chik-Fil-A

St. Mary’s County Commissioners

Man Arrested for Appoint Weiskopf
Attempted Murder County Administrator
Maryland State an altercation at the Lexington Park resi- The Commissioners of St. Mary’s
Police from the dence, police responded to the scene. Upon County are pleased to announce the
Leonardtown their arrival, troopers and EMS personnel appointment of David Weiskopf to the
Barrack and the located the victim suffering from apparent position of County Administrator.
Criminal Enforce- stab wounds to her neck. EMS responders Weiskopf served as the Deputy County
ment Division Cen- rendered aid on the scene and transported Attorney from 2008-2017 and was appointed
tral South Region her by medevac to an area hospital. County Attorney in 2018. He has also served
arrested a St. Mary’s Dickens has an outstanding arrest war- as Interim County Administrator since 2022,
County man in rant for similar violent offenses in the area following a period of medical leave and the
connection with an and was identified as the suspect in area subsequent retirement of former County
attempted murder surveillance footage. Police subsequently Administrator, Dr. Rebecca Bridgett.
that occurred this began an intense search of the area. Search “David has done a great job as Interim
week in Lexington Park. efforts were conducted throughout the County Administrator,” said Commis-
The accused is identified as John Otha night and into today. sioner President Randy Guy. “We went
Dickens, 33, of St. Mary’s County. Dickens is Maryland State Police Criminal Enforce- through a highly competitive recruitment
charged with attempted first and second-de- ment Division troopers located Dickens process for this position and are confident 2020, he received the Daily Record Lead-
gree murder, and first- and second-degree shortly before 4:00 p.m. today. He was in his selection. We look forward to seeing ership in Law Award.
assault. Dickens is currently being held at arrested without incident at a residence on continued success from the County Admin- “I am thankful and humbled by the Com-
the St. Mary’s County Detention Center Windsor Drive in Lexington Park. istrator’s office.” missioners’ decision. It is a privilege to be
waiting to be seen by a court commissioner. Troopers from the Leonardtown Barrack Weiskopf has a bachelor’s degree from able to work every day in service to my
The victim is not being identified at this and the Criminal Enforcement Division St. Mary’s College of Maryland and community,” said Weiskopf. “As County
time. She is currently receiving medical Central South Region responded to the obtained his Juris Doctor from the Univer- Administrator, I hope to advance our
treatment at an area hospital for injuries scene. Assistance was provided by deputies sity of Baltimore School of Law. He is an organizational goals relating to employee
sustained during the incident. from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. active member of the St. Mary’s County recruitment, engagement, and retention so
The preliminary investigation indicates Police ask anyone who may have wit- Bar Association and has served on many that we can continue to provide effective
Dickens was at the victim’s residence nessed events related to this incident to other local organizations, including the and efficient services to our residents.”
shortly before 7:30 a.m. yesterday. The contact the Leonardtown Barrack at 301-475- St. Mary’s College of Maryland Alumni For more information on St. Mary’s
victim’s residence is located in the Fleets 8955 or [email protected]. Council, the St. Mary’s County Historical County Government, please visit: stmary-
Way area of Lexington Park, Maryland. The investigation continues. Preservation Commission, the St. Mary’s scountymd.gov.
After receiving a 9-1-1 call reporting County Pro Bono Committee, and more. In
 Thursday, February 16, 2023 The County Times On The Cover 5

Crosby’s District Voting Bill Takes Away

Citizen Votes
By Guy Leonard referendum for the voters of St. Mary’s to you, Mr. Bell; you have to talk to your
Staff Writer have a voice in whether they want to see commissioner.’”
their current local voting system changed. With commissioners looking after only
J. Ernest Bell, an attorney with offices in Bell remembered years ago that the their own districts instead of being beholden
Leonardtown for the last 50 years has also newly raised five county commissioners to all county voters, Bell said, the danger
served his county in the Maryland General wanted to remove the restriction imposed existed of a “gang of three” running the
Assembly as a delegate and also helped on them by law that they be limited to three commissioner board and leaving other dis-
shape the way the county elects its com- four-year terms —  a rule that still stands tricts that had sought more representation
missioner board. today — and the delegation to the General through the proposal finding they had less.
When he was just 28 years old, he helped Assembly obliged them; by putting forth a “That’s less likely to happen under the
to run a committee that put the question to bill for a referendum. current system,” Bell said. “A commis-
county residents as to whether they wanted The referendum failed to remove the sioner now is answerable to the whole
to switch from a county commissioner restriction, but, Bell said, the example rein- county and not just the geographical area
form of government to a charter form, with forced the importance of letting matters they represent.”
an executive and legislative council. of such import be decided by the people it This bill, though originating in St.
That question failed by a significant would affect most closely. Mary’s, would also affect Calvert, Queen
margin, Bell, 81, a Democrat, said but it “There’s precedence for having referen- Anne and Garrett counties.
revealed a broad level of support for rais- dums at the county level… when it comes “Why can’t each county decide what it
ing the number of commissioners from to proposals for changing the method we wants to do?” Bell said. “Without a refer- J. Ernest Bell as a St. Mary’s County delegate
three to five. use to elect our officials,” Bell said. “I endum we have people from 22 other juris-
In 1974, a bill introduced was introduced agreed then and I agree now that the voters dictions overruling what our duly elected ‘You’re wrong,’” Moran said. “Painting
in the General Assembly that paved the way should vote upon it. officials want,” Bell said of the opposition with one brush for all of these counties
for the popular notion to become law. “The real question posed by this bill to the bill from the rest of the county dele- doesn’t work.”
A bill with intentions along those lines is ‘Do you want to give up three of your gation and county commissioners. “We get Former Democrat county commissioner
now proposes to fundamentally change votes?’” to a point where a single delegate — who Thomas Mattingly, who served three terms
the way county residents choose their five If the bill passes it could serve to fur- I can’t vote for because he’s not in my dis- and on two boards that were majority Dem-
commissioners. ther divide the county more so than trict — introduces a proposition where I’m ocrat, also opposed the bill.
Democrat Del. Brian Crosby’s bill enfranchise certain voters, as Crosby has denied the vote on whether I should have “The opportunity to serve as a county
would take away the option county vot- argued in the past. three votes.” commissioner effectively requires a broad
ers have of casting a ballot for five com- “They’ll no longer be county commis- The bill is meeting opposition in Annap- understanding of the needs of the entire
missioners of their choosing and reduce sioners,” Bell told The County Times. olis from counties outside St. Marys’ who county and all of its citizens,” Mattingly
it to just two, an at-large commissioner “They’ll be district commissioners.” would be affected by it. said. “By campaigning in only one district
president and the commissioner candidate The purpose of having the county com- James Moran, the at large commissioner in order to get elected the candidate will
residing in their district. missioner districts is to ensure representa- for Queen Anne County, testified that back not have the full perspective of the needs
Bell said the bill’s singular danger to tion of all county residents, but in a unified in 2016 he favored the idea of moving to of the county and the commissioner will
the current system was it’s taking away of way, Bell said. district voting, but a straw poll of county focus only on his or her district and not
power from individual voters. “They’re supposed to represent the residents showed they did not. have the opportunity to hear from the cit-
“This proposal takes away three votes I entire county,” Bell said. “If I see any of Queen Anne residents voted by a 54 to izens at large.”
have,” Bell said. “I don’t see sound reason- the five commissioners, I can express my 46 percent margin to keep their at-large
ing for taking away one’s right to vote.” opinion on a subject or ask their support. voting method, Moran said. [email protected]
Moreover, the proposal before the Gen- “What I don’t want to see happen is “I don’t know how we can marginal-
eral Assembly makes no provision for a one of them say ‘Well, we don’t represent ize voters of Queen Anne County and say

Publisher Thomas McKay The St. Mary’s County Times is a weekly newspaper providing news and information for the residents of
St. Mary’s County. The St. Mary’s County Times will be available on newsstands every Thursday. The
Associate Publisher Eric McKay paper is published by Southern Maryland Publishing Company, which is responsible for the form, con-
tent, and policies of the newspaper. The St. Mary’s County Times does not espouse any political belief or
General Manager endorse any product or service in its news coverage.
Al Dailey [email protected]
To be considered for publication, articles and letters to the editor submitted must include the writer’s full
Advertising name, address and daytime phone number. Submissions must be delivered by 4 p.m. on the Monday prior
Jen Stotler [email protected] to our Thursday publication to ensure placement for that week. After that deadline, the St. Mary’s County
Times will make every attempt possible to publish late content, but cannot guarantee so. Letters may be

County Times
Staff Writers condensed/edited for clarity, although care is taken to preserve the core of the writer’s argument. Copy-
Dick Myers [email protected] right in material submitted to the newspaper and accepted for publication remains with the author, but the
Guy Leonard [email protected] St. Mary’s County Times and its licensees may freely reproduce it in print, electronic or other forms. We
are unable to acknowledge receipt of letters. The St. Mary’s County Times cannot guarantee that every
Contributing Writers letter or photo(s) submitted will be published, due to time or space constraints. P. O. Box 250 • Hollywood, MD 20636
Ron Guy, Shelby Opperman, Dave Spigler

LOCAL ADVERTISING IS MORE

POWERFUL THAN EVER.
TO SEE YOUR AD IN THE ST. MARY’S COUNTY TIMES, CONTACT 301-373-4125
4 St..Marys Local News
St The County Times Thursday, February 16, 2023
The Office of the President &
the VOICES Reading Series Present

An Evening to Honor the Legacy of

LuciLLe cLifton
NURTURING THE
COMPASSIONATE
COMMUNITY
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1 AT 7:30 P.M.
NANCY R. AND NORTON T. DODGE
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER RECITAL HALL
Lucille Clifton (1936-2010) was poet laureate
of Maryland, twice a finalist for the Pulitzer
Prize for poetry, and a longtime faculty
member at St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

Join poets Mark Doty and Gabrielle

Calvocoressi for an evening of readings,
discussion and presentation of the 2023 Lucille
Clifton Legacy Award to Gabrielle Calvocoressi.

Book signing at pre-event reception @ 6 p.m.

(No ticket required for the reception)

Free and open to the public but tickets are

required due to seating capacity.

GET YOUR FREE TICKET:

WWW.SMCM.EDU/CLIFTON
 Thursday, February 16, 2023 The County Times St..Marys Local News
St 3

Crosby Defends District Voting Bill

Joining him were county activists as County Democratic Central Committee, found in the commissioner board, McKay
well as state NAACP representatives. called the current system of elections here said, and that meant that three commission-
Crosby has long asserted that changing “outdated and ethically wrong.” ers elected by three-fourths of the county
the election method in St. Mary’s would pro- “Opponents of this bill say [those would control the executive branch of
vide more equity to voters who have been elected under the new law] will ignore the government.
under represented in county government. overall good of the county,” Randall said. “The residents left out from the district
“It’s a bulwark against voter dilution,” “In effect they’re saying that being elected left out will have no recourse, no say, no
Crosby told members of the House of Del- by your community means you’re unable vote,” McKay said.
egates’ Ways and Means Committee Feb. to walk and chew gum at the same time. John Houser, assistant county attorney
14. “Voters should have a say in who will “That is ridiculous.” for St. Mary’s, testified against the bill
represent them on the Board of County Randall said the new bill would “ensure on behalf of the Commissioners of St.
Commissioners without their voices being representation and autonomy in local Mary’s County.
drowned out by the rest of the county.” government.” The current system ensured “geographic
The current system, he argued, where all Thomas F. McKay, former president diversity while leaving each commissioner
registered voters in St. Mary’s cast votes of the Board of County Commissioners, accountable to each and every county citi-
for all county commissioners from four opposed the bill. zen,” Houser said.
districts and one at-large president, “leaves “Good intentions often lead to unin- Changing to a district-only form of vot-
voters without a true advocate for the com- tended consequences,” McKay said. “The ing could lead to citizens approaching any
munity’s unique needs.” unintended consequence of this legislation commissioner other than their own being
Crosby likened the current situation to will be to take away from 25 percent of the “rebuffed and ignored.”
non-state residents voting in Maryland residents — both Democrat and Republi- “That is the ill the current system tried to
elections. can — it will take away representation.” avoid,” Houser said.
“Virginians don’t elect the governor Both the legislative and executive
of Maryland, but that’s what’s happening branch of government in St. Mary’s were [email protected]
here,” Crosby said.
The current at-large voting system dis-
courages candidates from running, Crosby
LOCAL
By Guy Leonard
Staff Writer
said, because they are well assured of the
outcome before the campaign even begins.
This new bill would encourage more
% COMMUNITY
The first hearing for a bill introduced by
Del. Brian Crosby (D-Dist. 29B) to change
voter and candidate participation, he said,
as well as allow a candidate to focus on NEWS
the at-large voting plan for county commis- their election efforts more efficiently. SERVING ST. MARY'S COUNTY
sioner elections to district-only voting took “This makes campaigning a lot easier,”
place this week in Annapolis with Crosby
as its chief proponent.
Crosby said.
Julie Randall, head of the St. Mary’s
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2 The County Times Thursday, February 16, 2023

INDEPENDENT CONTENTS
LOCAL NEWS 3 COMMUNITY 15

LOCAL NEWS LETTERS 10 OBITUARIES

COPS & COURTS 12 CALENDARS 18
17

COVERAGE IS “THE RESIDENTS LEFT OUT FROM THE

PRICELESS. DISTRICT LEFT OUT WILL HAVE NO
RECOURSE, NO SAY, NO VOTE.”
THOMAS F. MCKAY ON UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF DISTRICT
ONLY VOTING
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Commissioners spend more American Rescue
5
ON THE COVER
Debate heats up over district voting bill
Funds

WEEKLY FORECAST
THU, FEB 16 FRI, FEB 17 SAT, FEB 18 SUN, FEB 19

Cloudy Rain Sunny Cloudy

DO YOU FEEL Hi: 68° Lo: 62° Hi: 64° Lo: 29° Hi: 46° Lo: 35° Hi: 56° Lo: 42°

MON, FEB 20 TUE, FEB 21 WED, FEB 22 THU, FEB 23

CRABBY WHEN
YOU GET YOUR
INSURANCE BILL
Partly Cloudy PM Showers Showers Showers
Hi: 59° Lo: 43° Hi: 53° Lo: 42° Hi: 51° Lo: 39° Hi: 47° Lo: 38°

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 St. Mary's
County Times
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

WWW.COUNTYTIMES.NET

Golden Beach
Center On Hold
Commissioners Spend More
American Rescue Funds
Man Charged In
Attempted Murder

TAKING AWAY
YOUR VOTES