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May, 2011

Priceless

Gazette

Southern Calvert
Everything Solomons, Lusby, Dowell, and St. Leonard

Paint the town


Photo by Sean Rice

Packed weekend Ushers in sUmmer on solomons age 11 P

During last years Quick Draw event during the Solomons Paint The Town event, one of the winners created this oil painting of the Drum Point Lighthouse in under two hours.

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Local News Local News Community

Cover Story Obituaries Green Living Education Letters On Water Out & About History Entertainment

local news

Fire departments and rescue squads from all over Southern Maryland gathered at Solomons Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad for the 64th Annual Maryland Volunteer Firemens Association Convention.

Don Carlos Homenides De Histanhua, played by Keith Mervine, threatens Victor Emmanuel Chandebise at gun point during the current play at Three Notch Theatre, A Flea in Her Ear, which will be running through May 15.

local news

out & about

High-flying pro wrestling is coming to Southern Maryland. More than 20 wrestlers are on the fight card for an event this Sunday in Leonardtown. Among the stars in attendance will be the bearded Grizzly Redwood.

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Oyster Poaching Down, But Problem Persists


Biologists and state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials warn that despite the drop in citations for oyster related offenses from last year, poaching particularly from sanctuaries where spat are planted to revitalize the struggling native species is a serious problem. Kennedy Paynter, of the Paynter Labs affiliated with the University of Maryland, said that about 33 percent of the oyster sanctuaries they observe after spat have been seeded were raided illegally. What we showed was that in a study over the last two years that one-third of the bars we were studying were poached, Paynter told The Southern Calvert Gazette. I suspect most of it is deliberate. Paynter said that some watermen may have harvested the oysters off of sanctuaries unknowingly because of confusion over where the boundaries were; but that was not the majority of the cases. Weve had guys come up and say Are we allowed to harvest here? Paynter said of his time on the water observing restoration efforts. Mike Naylor, director of the shellfish program with DNR, said that oyster sanctuaries, which were expanded significantly last year by state mandate, amounted to only a very small part of the overall harvest but poaching was still lucrative because of higher prices this year. Naylor said that the expansion of the sanctuaries, which watermen protested because it effectively drove them out of some of the richest oyster bottom, not only provides more viable habitat for laboratory-grown spat but also better defines the borders protecting the restoration efforts. It was extremely difficult to catch them [poachers] because they were legally right next to a sanctuary, Naylor said. Its much more difficult to get away with that now. But DNR Natural Resources Police (NRP) records show that enforcement of oyster poaching may be struggling to keep up with trends because of a reduction in force. Sgt. Art Windemuth, spokesman for NRP, said that the number of officers has declined since 2007 from 280

personnel to about 211 at present. The agencys authorized strength has decreased to just 247 sworn personnel, Windemuth said, and is seeking applicants to fill vacancies. The number of citations for oyster related offenses rose steadily from 130 in 2007 to 187 in 2009, but dropped off sharply to just 76 in 2010, Windemuth said. Part of that drop could have been because of strong enforcement efforts, including suspension of certain watermens licenses, Windemuth said, but the drop in personnel coupled with combating the use of illegal gill nets catching rockfish were also likely drivers of the trend. Just because theres been a decrease in violations doesnt mean theres a decrease in [poaching] activity, Windemuth said. By Guy Leonard (CT) info@somdpublishing.net

LOCAL NEWS

Middleham Springs into Spring With Mayfest


Middleham and St. Peters Parish in Lusby cele- fest is an event that strengthens the church family, brated spring with their annual Mayfest on Saturday as well as drawing people in from the community at the church. as a whole. Bonnie Tolson, the president of the Episcopal They know we have good stuff, Favor said. Church Women, said people bring items in for the The Mayfest rummage sale and plant sale is rummage sale through the year and everything is only held one afternoon every year, on the first Satstored in two sheds, thought they do try to encour- urday in May. While its too late to attend this years age people to wait until the week before Mayfest to event, it is never too early to mark the calendar for save room in the storage areas. the 2012 Mayfest. Anything not sold, we have to get rid of, TolFor more information, call the church at 410son said. 326-4948. By Sarah Miller (CT) info@somdpublishing.net Getting rid of things includes donating and giving away items, or anything short of throwing it away or putting it back in storage to bring out again at the next Mayfest. She said there were 10 to 15 people waiting for the doors to open at 6:30 a.m., which she said it typical. There are antique enthusiasts who come to the annual Mayfest because they know they can find treasures for very low prices. Matti Smith is one of those treasure hunters who came shortly after Mayfest opened. She said when she arrives at 6:50 a.m., it was a mob scene Gary Simpson at the church. Matt Laidley Around noon, she was back Katie Facchina for a second time with her moth7480 Crain Highway er in tow. La Plata, MD 20646 I think its very nice, 301-934-8437 Smith said. She said she has been coming to Mayfest for the past five April Hancock or six years, and comes back PO Box 407 An Independent Agent Representing: ERIE INSURANCE GROUP each year out of curiosity and to Standing: Dan Burris, Jake Kuntz, Seated: Lisa Squires, Bryans Road, MD 20616 see what is offered. Susan Ennis, Donna Burris 301-743-9000 Included in the offerings at Mayfest are books, linins, china and glassware, toys and even jewelry, as well as the plants for Auto - Home - Business - Life sale outside. Leonardtown, MD Bus: (301) 475-3151 Nancy Favor, a volunteer www.danburris.com from the church, said the May-

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LOCAL NEWS

Solomons Hosts 64th Annual Firemens Convention

Commissioners Support Constellation-Exelon Merger

The boards of directors of Constellation Energy and Exelon Corporation announced April 28 they reached an agreement to combine the two companies. The Calvert County Board of Commissioners, representing the home of Constellation Energys Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, announced support for the merger and its expected benefits for the citizens of Maryland. We have been consistently supportive of Constellation Energy and Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, said Board of Commissioners President Susan Shaw. For more than 30 years, Calvert Cliffs has contributed to our economic stability and been part of the cultural fabric of our community. Its presence has been an integral factor that allows our citizens to maintain an outstanding quality of life. Additionally, Constellation Energy has proven to be a caring and committed corporate citizen. Based on this ongoing, outstanding positive relationship, we support the proposed merger, Shaw said. The Board of Commissioners is encouraged by the promise that the merger will provide Constellation Energy with the benefits of Exelon Corporations experience as the operator of the largest nuclear power f leet in the world and the largest nuclear f leet in the U.S. Access to new resources and capabilities can help support the Calvert Cliffs commitment to safety and reliability, she said. Constellation Energy is a holding company for BGE and its affiliates, and the merger holds benefits for BGEs 1.2 million customers in Maryland. Under the proposed plan, a $100 credit will be given to each BGE residential customer within 90 days of the merger closing. BGE has approximately 7,000 customers in northern Calvert County. The Board of Commissioners also announced support for proposals under the merger plan that will provide resources for Maryland energy efficiency measures and renewable energy. These are important efforts that fit well with Calvert Countys commitment to sustainable development, Shaw said. From staff reports (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net

Photo by Sarah Miller Fire departments and rescue squads from all over Southern Maryland gathered at Solomons Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad for the 64th Annual Maryland Volunteer Firemens Association Convention. Pictured above is the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department at the Firemens games tug of war game. There was also a carnival and a parade on Solomons Island.

Strange Eel Catches Attention of Biologists


When Melanie Wheeler and her boyfriend went out fishing for eels near the Solomons Island Bridge in the Patuxent River they didnt expect to catch one that was so odd-looking it made them wonder just what they had caught. The eel was shaped just like a normal one of its species, they said, but its bright yellow color was striking. Moreover, it was near its species full growth size, which Wheeler said was equally strange. Youd think that fish would have eaten it because it was so bright, Wheeler told The County Times. The eel now resides in a gold fish pond at her Hollywood home. A biologist from the Department of Natural Resources said that eels can vary in color, some being very light or almost white, but this form of albinism was truly unusual. I thought it wouldve been more white, said biologist Keith Whiteford after seeing the eels bright yellow coloring. As far as I can see its an American eel. I assume its some kind of albinism it is pretty uncommon, he said.

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Whiteford agreed that the survival of such an animal to relative maturity was something of a minor miracle, since bright colors attract predatory fish and young eels are among the favorite prey of species like rockfish. Whiteford said he did not believe the eels color was a result of a sudden change like chemical contamination because such a contamination would likely reduce its chances of survival. I would venture to say it was born that way, Whiteford said. It definitely had a higher risk of mortality because its brightly colored. Whiteford said that anomalies such as this crop up from time to time in regional waterways; sometimes eels have white or yellowish discolorations and crabs have found that have been completely devoid of pigment giving them a bright white coloring. Whiteford said that, judging from the pictures he has seen, the eel does not appear to be part of a new species but rather may suffer from a peculiar genetic disorder that gives it its striking color. By Guy Leonard (CT) info@

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Thursday, May-2011

Mobile Career Center Unveiled


The Southern Maryland JobSource, dedicated to matching people with jobs and offering services for rsum writing and interview skills, is now taking its operation on the road. The Southern Maryland JobSource Mobile Career Center was set to be unveiled and introduced to the public this morning in Prince Frederick. The Mobile Career Center is the result of a partnership through The Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, the Southern Maryland Workforce Investment Board, and the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (DLLR). The Mobile Career Center was funded by stimulus dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and will allow us to offer the same employment and skills development services traditionally delivered at the bricks and mortar career center anywhere in Southern Maryland, said Ruth A. Davis, Business Services Representative with the Tri-County Council. Davis said the public can expect to see the Mobile Career Center utilized at job fairs, events such as the County Fair and other community gatherings and public functions. Officials are looking forward to partnering with county employers to offer skills upgrade training for their employees using the Mobile Career Center. The Mobile Career Center is equipped with 11 computers and stations, all of which are up and running. It is also equipped with a satellite to give the center wireless capabilities, and there are plans to equip the bus with laptop computers and tables and chairs that can be put outside so, on nice days, people can go outside to job search. Also, similar to a job source office, there will be a copier, printer and fax machine for people to print out rsums and other materials. Its like a diamond in the rough, said Lynne Chick a job services specialist in Leonardtown. Not many people know about it unless they become unemployed and dont

know about the services they offer for free. Some of the rsum building classes would be $300 at a professional seminar. With supporting jobs and job growth number one on Governor OMalleys list of 15 Strategic Policy Goals, we are proud that Southern Maryland is in the forefront with this exciting and innovative new resource for our community, Davis said. By Sean Rice (SCG) info@somdpublishing.net

LOCAL NEWS

NRP Arrest Suspect and Victim After Assault Report


On May 3, at 4:30 p.m., Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) responded to the report of an assault occurring on a sailboat in the Chesapeake Bay near Drum Point in Calvert County. The officers located the 29-foot sailboat and an investigation revealed that the owner/operator of the sailboat, George Lee Vansickle, 42, of Solomons Island, had assaulted and grabbed the throat of Ashley Lynn Denningham, 28, of Solomons Island during an argument over a cell phone, police said. NRP officers arrested and charged Vansickle with second-degree assault, operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol, operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol and operating a vessel while impaired by a combination of alcohol and drugs. Denningham was also arrested on a failure to appear warrant.

Thursday, May-2011

Calvert Health Warns Against Sun Tanning


Skin cancer affects all skin types. The number of people with melanoma, particularly among young women, has been increasing for several years according to the National Cancer Institute. The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2010, approximately 1,290 Marylanders and 68,130 persons in the United States were diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The major groups of skin cancer are melanoma, basal cell, and squamous cell cancers. Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are more common and rarely spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma skin cancers, which develop from the cells that produce melanin for skin color, are less common, but can spread to other parts of the body and account for 75% of skin cancer deaths. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and from artificial tanning devices (tanning lamps and tanning booths) is the biggest risk factor for skin cancer. Scientific evidence shows that indoor tanning devices are carcinogenic to humans and Maryland has acted to restrict tanning facilities usage my minors. People can reduce their risk for melanoma and other skin cancer by avoiding tanning devices, limiting exposure to sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., wearing sun-protective hats, clothing, and sunglasses with UV protection, and using sunscreens and lip balms with a SPF of 15 or higher when exposed to the sun even in cloudy conditions. There is no such thing as a safe tan. A tan is the skins response to injury. Other major risk factors for melanoma include having a history of childhood sunburn, certain types of moles, fair skin, freckles, red or blond hair, and personal and family history of skin cancers. Spots on the skin that are new or that change in size, shape, or color require physician attention. The Calvert County Health Department, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and partners, such as the Maryland Skin Cancer Prevention Program of the Center for a Healthy Maryland, are educating Maryland residents about protecting their skin from both natural and artificial sources of UV radiation.

LOCAL NEWS

Local Builder Takes Unique Approach to Promoting Community


After reaching a high of over one million new home starts in 2006, the US housing market has been bumping along at around three to four hundred thousand new homes per year since the beginning of the great recession. Still, each year hope springs eternal that this will be the season things begin to turn around. The builder of a local active adult community being developed in partnership with Calvert Marina is committed to embracing that hope, and helping other business owners at the same time, a press release states. Following years of planning and development, The Harbours of Solomons Island is ready to begin selling single family homes to active adults in southern Calvert County with the opening of three decorated model homes. The twist to this development is the involvement of other local businesses in the decorating and furnishing of the models. The builder, Classic Community Companies, headquartered in Bethesda, tasked local interior decorator Sandy Berthelsen with creating unique looks for two of their model homes, requesting that she use as many different local businesses as possible for her resources. According to Lynne DePaso, sales broker for The Harbours, the goal of the builder was to encompass that sense of community which exists in southern Calvert County by promoting neighboring businesses rather than importing products from outside vendors. Potential new homeowners will be impressed and pleased when they discover the tables, sofas and patio furniture they admire in the model homes can be purchased locally. As a result, the local furniture gallery, gift shops and hardware stores will hopefully benefit from the new customers referred to them by the sales team at The Harbours. The wide variety of companies that

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Sandy chose to work with included The Furniture Gallery in Prince Frederick for the furniture used throughout the models, The Apple Basket in Mechanicsville for charming home decor, and Sneades Ace Hardware in Lusby for the comfortable and attractive patio furniture. While touring the model homes, guests will be delighted with everything from a collection of artwork, courtesy of Carmens Gallery in Solomons Island, to whimsical seashell embellished pillows from Sea Bliss Designs. To add the finishing touches, Wentworths Nursery in Prince Frederick provided the planters that grace the front porches, a press release states. All local residents are invited to visit The Harbours during the Grand Opening/ Open House on Saturday, May 14 and view for themselves the beautiful results of this unique collaboration. The Harbours of Solomons Island is located on Dowell Road off Rt. 4 in Solomons.

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On April 30, the Calvert County Sheriffs Office conducted a sobriety checkpoint in Solomons, which was set up northbound on Route 2 at the Avondale Center. Prior to starting the checkpoint signs were placed on the northbound shoulder south of the checkpoint and on the southbound shoulder north of the checkpoint. Those signs are made of a light reflective material and also were maintained with flares to keep them illuminated throughout the duration of the checkpoint. The checkpoint was officially started at 10:45 p.m. A total of 430 vehicles passed through the checkpoint. Of that total number of vehicles, field sobriety tests were administered to 16 operators, with three of those being arrested for violation of the State DUI

laws. The three arrested for violating the impaired driving laws were Christopher Donnell Jones, 26 of Augusta, GA., Samuel Nathaniel Young, 38 of Hollywood, and Craig Allen Shingfeld, 39 of Lexington Park, police report. The checkpoint was concluded at 1:15 a.m. We will continue to be vigilant in our enforcement efforts of impaired drivers in an effort to reduce fatal accidents resulting from people who consume alcohol and make the poor decision to operate a vehicle when it is not safe to do so, Sheriff Mike Evans said. The checkpoint was conducted using federal grant funds that supporting the Maryland Highway Safety Offices Checkpoint/ Strikeforce initiative.

For a long time Craig Guy, Sr. has been a fan of professional wrestling and with his new promotion organization, Horizon Wrestling, hes set to bring sports entertainment back to Southern Maryland. Guy, the battalion commander at Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy in Leonardtown, is putting on the event as a fundraiser for the school and the action will commence Sunday, May 15, at the academy drill hall. More than 20 wrestlers are on the card that afternoon, one of them is Guys son, and two of them are alumni from Great Mills High School. There will be nine matches between singles, tag team and triple threat events, Guy told The Southern Calvert Gazette. Its been a long time since pro wrestling came to Southern Maryland, Guy said of his promotions first ever outing. At $10 dollars per ticket, Guy said that the chance to watch the independent wrestlers is a deal, especially because tickets to higher priced events in places like those in Baltimore are harder to come by. Many of the young athletes are hungry for success and eager to make an impression, Guy said, which is not always easy to do

High-Flying Pro Wrestling Coming to Southern Maryland

as aspiring sports entertainers sometimes find it hard to even get booked for an event. Guy believes that local pro wrestling fans are eager to see some energetic, young talent, too. This gives the wrestlers a chance to expand their careers and get some ring time, Guy said. Hes received hundreds of e-mails seeking information on the event, and he knows of fans coming from as far away as Delaware, Ohio and Philadelphia to watch the action. But there are some notably famous wrestlers set for the event as well, with Delirious, of Total Non Stop Action Wrestling and Pro Wrestling NOAH of Japan fame. Delirious high-flying and unpredictable style will be pitted against the cocky Adam Cole, whose own blog proclaims himself the uncrowned best of the best, in the main event. Other matches include Grizzly Redwood known as the Littlest Lumberjack against Ernesto Osiris and in tag team action The Hellions, Alex Payne and Shawn Hagadorn, will face off against The Bravado Brothers, Lance and Harlem. The Sunday event is also open to families, Guy said, and things like profanity from the wrestlers is prohibited. For $10 dollars I dont think they can go wrong, Guy said. Its going to be fun and down to earth. By Guy Leonard (CT) info@
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LOCAL NEWS
Run for Youth Camp
To raise funds for Youth Camp and other outreach programs in the area, Young Life, a non-profit, non-denominational ministry is conducting a 5K run/walk on Saturday morning, May 14th. The race will begin at 8am at the Back Creek Inn Bed & Breakfast at 210 Alexander Street, Solomons. To participate in this race, one may preregister online at Active.com. Alternatively, registration is possible at the Patuxent Presbryterian Church at 23421 Kingston Creek Road California, MD 20619 on Friday, May 13th between 8am and 8pm, or on race day at the Back Creek Inn starting at 7am. The first 300 people to register will have a t-shirt reserved for them. The cost is $25 for adults and $20 for 18 and younger. For complete information about the race, and to sign up, see www.younglife5k.blogspot. com.

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Thursday, May-2011

Community
Circle of Angels Remembers WWII
Just in time for Memorial Day, the Circle of Angels will be holding a Remembering World War II Day at the Calvert County Fairgrounds Saturday form 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Roseanna Vogt, the founding director of the Circle of Angels, said this is the first time the group has had the WWII day. They wanted to start a full-day event in the tradition of the Calvert Marine Museums Cradle of Invasion event, which has been discontinued. In addition to the World War II day, the Circle of Angels will also be hosting the fifth annual USO night on Aug 5 on the boardwalk pavilion in Solomons from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Vogt said the last USO night drew in 750 people who drifted in and out during the evening. Shes hoping the WWII day will be just as successful, if not more so. Photo Courtesy of Roseanna Vogt Im hoping everyone To prepare for WW2 Day, Rebecca Vogt, a volunteer, strikes a pose in the world will be there, in a 1940s costume provided by New Direction Community Theater in Lusby. Vogt said. There will be music, singing, a 1940s Jeep exhibit, a electronic game competition and a ribbon cutting by Maryland Secretary of Veteran Affairs Edward Chow Jr. at 10 a.m., among other activities. Admission into the memorial event is completely free. I dont think its right to charge people, Vogt said. She said an event like the WWII day should be open to the public, and making it free will make it more enticing for everybody to come. Vogt said the event is five years in the making, but has been in the planning stages for 13 months. The goal of the event is to bring younger generations together with older generations and remember veterans from past battles as well as remember the men and women who are still fighting. WWII was a time when the United States showed the world what resilience looked like, Vogt said, and its important to not forget that. For more information about the WWII day, the USO night or the Circle of Angels in general, visit www.circleofangels.org. By Sarah Miller (CT) info@somdpublishing.net

$12,000 Grant From Dominion to Support Teen Programs at Annmarie


Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center in Solomons, has received a $12,000 grant from The Dominion Foundation to fund its teen summer program. The summer program is part of a new initiative at Annmarie to provide Southern Maryland teens with opportunities that foster creativity and community engagement. The highly successful text/message exhibit, a teen art exhibit that was exhibited at Annmarie last year, was the first phase of this initiative. The grant will allow 65 teens to register for summer studio workshops at the reduced rate of $50 for each teen. Each workshop is one week long and will meet 9 a.m.-noon each day. The workshops will give teens studio experiences they do not normally get in the school system, including: Teen Workshop Sampler (June 20-24), Fantasy Figures: life drawing & creative writing (June 27-July 1), Teen Glass Studio (July 1115), Teen Pottery Studio (July 18-22), and Airbrush & Graffiti Workshop (July 25-29). Teens interested in registering for any of these workshops should call 410-326-4640 or visit www. annmariegarden.org to learn more. The grant will also fund Annmaries counselor-in-training program for teens. This summer leadership program partners teens with faculty members to teach in the Annmarie summer camp program. Teens will help faculty members teach the summer camps for middle and elementary age school children. Interested teens can sign up for morning and/or afternoon sessions (or both sessions), preferably in weeklong segments. Teens interested in the counselor-in-training program should call 410-326-4640 or visit http://www.annmariegarden.org/annmarie2/node/618 to learn more. The $12,000 grant for Annmarie has been awarded to Anns Circle, Inc., the 501 c 3, non-profit organization that works to support the many activities of Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center. The Dominion Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Dominion Resources, which owns the Cove Point liquefied natural gas facility in Lusby.

Thursday, May-2011

Celebrate Southern Maryland heritage on Saturday, May 14 at the Calvert Marine Museums sixth annual Solomons Maritime Festival. Antique boats and motors, master maritime carvers, crafts and cooking demonstrations, traditional music, and boat rides offer something for every member of your family from 10 a.m. 5 p.m., a press release states. On Saturday, the waterfront museum comes alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of Southern Maryland traditions. Taste traditional foods, learn how to pick crabs, shuck oysters, and stuff a ham like the pros, enjoy local gospel and old time music, see Chesapeake Bay retrievers in action, watch model boats skim the waters of the boat basin, talk with traditional crafts people as they demonstrate their skills. Children will enjoy toy boat building and more! Free rides on the historic bugeye, the Wm. B. Tennison should not be missed. Traditional crafts are also celebrated on Saturday. Around the carving shed, visitors can see how crab and eel pots are constructed, see model boat makers in action, and watch traditional carvers at work. Come try your skill inside the museum! Demonstrations of quilting, embroidery, knitting, and other textile crafts will be on-going. Home

Sixth Annual Maritime Festival This Weekend

baked goodies will be available for sale and food vendors will be on-site. The Antique Boat and Marine Engine Show, now in its 11th year, is a popular component of the festival. Enthusiasts from across the country set-up camp in the parking lot to show off their vintage boats and engines. The unofficial engine swap is a great way to expand your collection. The Solomons Maritime Festival is sponsored by Washburns Boat Yard, Harbor Island Marina, Inc., Spring Cove Marina, Patuxent Small Craft Guild, Zahnisers Yachting Center, and Chesapeake Energy Services. For more information, please call Sherry Reid at (410) 3262042 x 19, or visit the museum website at w w w. c a l vertmarinemuseum. com. Admission to the Festival and Museum is free that weekend.

Family Fun at Calvert Wine and Arts Fest

The Calvert Wine and Arts Fest features a little something for everyone from arts and crafts to music and of course, local wines. This years event is scheduled for Saturday, 14 May from 11:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. on the grounds of historic All Saints Episcopal Church at the intersection of Routes 2 and 4 in Sunderland. Its organized by church members Mary Ann and Sherrill Munn. Our ministry mission is to support Calvert County wineries and local artisans and community fellowship, while raising money for All Saints Church to help maintain historic 1692 church and property. Our pastor Ken Phelps and the church vestry support this endeavor, Mary Ann Munn said. We want to support the emerging wine industry in Calvert County as well. The countys strong agricultural industry is continuing in a new direction, she adds. A wide range of artisans working in various media will be featured. Want to give them a local outlet, Leslie Downs helps customers at last years Calvert Arts and Wine Fest. Although many are outside, be sure Munn says. As we have room, we invite to go into the Parish Hall for additional vendors. other artisans, as well. We want to present an enjoyable event for the community eral other community organizations, including Boy Scout Troupes, and its families to experience. Garden Clubs and Alcoholics Anonymous meet there. Also, youth All Saints Episcopal Church is one of the original Anglican concerts are held there as well. parishes from 1692 when the English crown took over the MaryThe Calvert Wine and Arts Fest at All Saints started in May land Counties and is on the states registry of historic churches. 2008 as a juried artisan event with four Calvert wineries. PerigeThe original church was burned; current church was built from aux was licensed but had not yet opened to public. Running Hare 1772-1774. So its a special site and knowledgeable parishioners opened and joined in 2009. Co-sponsors from the beginning inoffer tours during the festival, Munn adds. clude Southern Maryland Folk Arts Center, Nancy Donley, Leslie The event helps raise funds to help maintain church itself and Downs and Shorty Brenner. By Diane Burr (CC) editor@chesapeakecurrent. its parish hall, which is used by more than church members. Sev- com

Community
Police Briefs
Holy Pot Bust On May 8 at 12:54 a.m., Calvert County Sheriffs Deputy M. Economes responded to St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Prince Frederick for the report of a female hollering for help. Economes made contact with a subject on the back porch of the church who advised that he had just had an argument with his daughter and she left him there. The subject, identified as Richard Brian Desmond, 56 of St. Leonard, was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana and was arrested and charged, police report.

Theft From Unlocked Car Unknown suspect(s) stole a purple Olympic 820 digital camera from inside an unlocked vehicle at a home on White Sands Drive in Lusby overnight between May 5 and 6. DFC J. Bell is also investigating this case. Illegal Prescriptions Arrest On May 1, at 10:25 pm, Trooper First Class Johns responded to the 8500 block of Daryl Drive in Lusby regarding an open warrant for a suspect at that residence. Michael D. Weaver, Jr. 42 of Lusby, was arrested and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center. A secondary search revealed possession of prescriptions drugs not prescribed to him, police say. He was additionally charged with possession of CDS. Lusby House Burgled A home on San Jose Lane in Lusby was burglarized sometime between April 29 and May 3, the Calvert County Sheriffs Office reports. A vehicle parked in the driveway had the driver side window smashed out as well. The unknown suspects stole over $4,000 in property to include a 58-inch Samsung plasma TV, an Olympus digital camera, a PlayStation3, a Gateway laptop and other items. DFC M. Velasquez is investigating. Gunsmoke Trail Home Burglarized DFC C. Waldron is investigating a burglary to a home on Gunsmoke Trail in Lusby that occurred overnight between April 30 and May 1. A 32 inch television, a Playstation3 game, a gold ring and currency, together valued at over $3000, was stolen. Electronics Removed From Home Sometime between April 25 and April 29 someone burglarized a home on Laurel Drive in Lusby and stole a Magnavox 20 inch LCD television, a Hewlett Packard laptop computer and a Dell laptop computer, all together valued at over $1800. Dep. J. Hardesty is investigating.

Interested in archaeology come experience the 2011 Archaeology Speaker Series at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum. Southern Maryland is home to many archaeological sites as well as many talented professionals in the field. Whether you are an archaeologist yourself, or arent even sure what an archaeologist does, these free events will be informative and interesting. Monthly lectures begin May, 13 at 7 p.m. Friday, May 13 Unraveling the Mystery of the World Trade Center Ship Nichole Doub, Head Conservator, Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory Find out what weve learned about the 18th century ship found at the World Trade Center. Nicole Doub will explain the role conservators played in the excavation of the ship and its preservation. Thursday, June 16 Pig Point - Uncovering 8,000 Years of Prehistory Stephanie Taleff Sperling, Archaeologist, Lost Towns Project On a bluff overlooking the Patuxent River in Anne Arundel County, archaeologists are excavating a remarkable site occupied for the last 8,000 years. Join Ms.

Archaeology Speaker Series Kicks Off


Sperling as she describes the extensive excavations and unique artifact finds that are providing a wealth of information about Southern Marylands prehistory. Thursday, July 21 Using Geophysical Techniques to Reveal Buried Archaeological Remains Dr. Tim Horsley, Assistant Research Scientist, University of Michigan Museum of Anthropology Geophysical techniques can identify what is underneath the ground surface before excavation begins. Join Dr. Tim Horsley as he describes how to use these new archaeological investigation tools. Featured in the lecture will be identification results from Maryland and around the globe. Thursday, Aug. 18 ... there is still some Remains: Excavations on the 18th Century Smith Plantation Edward Chaney, Deputy Director, Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory From 1711 to 1754, the Smith family lived at the mouth of St. Leonard Creek on property that is now part of JPPM. While the house has largely washed away, archaeological traces of the kitchen and other outbuildings are still preserved below ground. Excavations have uncovered a number of structures, including one of the oldest horse stables in the Chesapeake region. Join Mr. Chaney as he reports on the latest discoveries from this fascinating site. Thursday, Sept. 15 Search for the USS Scorpion: Recent Investigations of the War of 1812 Chesapeake Flotilla Troy Nowak, Assistant Underwater Archaeologist, Maryland Historical Trust Underwater archaeologists have returned to the Patuxent River to explore and study the Chesapeake Flotilla, scuttled in 1814. Join Mr. Nowak as he reveals recent discoveries, provides an historical overview, and discusses future research plans. This six year project is being conducted by the Maryland State Highway Administration, Naval History and Heritage Command, and the Maryland Historical Trust. Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, a state museum of archaeology and home to the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory, is a program of the Maryland Historical Trust, a division of the Maryland Department of Planning. It is located on 560 scenic acres along the Patuxent River and the St. Leonard Creek in St. Leonard, Calvert County. For more information, call 410-586-8501 or visit www.jefpat.org.

Thursday, May-2011

Community
The Calvert Marine Museum is partnering with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Professional Baseball Club to offer a Country Music Festival featuring the Willie Nelson Country Throwdown Tour on Saturday, June 18 at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf. Country music fans will enjoy eight hours of live music beginning at 3:00 p.m. featuring 13 artists on three stages, including Willie Nelson, Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert, Craig Campbell, and Lukas Nelson & the Promise of the Real. All tickets are general admission and are $40 each; additional service fees apply. Tickets may be purchased at calvertmarinemuseum.ticketforce.com or www.soMDBluecrabs.com. The Bluebird Caf Stage will feature six emerging singersongwriters where attendees may enjoy the unique and intimate in the round-style sets made famous at Nashvilles Bluebird Caf. Adam Hood, Caitlyn Smith, Austin Lucas, Brent Cobb, Dani Flowers, and Erin Enderlin have signed on the Bluebird Caf Stage and will also perform during the main stage set changes. For additional information, please visit www.countrythrowdown.com. A living legend in his day, American icon, Willie Nelson is a singer-songwriter, author, poet, actor, and activist. With more than 200 albums over six decades, Willie is the creative genius behind Crazy, Hello Walls, Red Headed Stranger, and Stardust. A career recognized with eight Grammy wins, a Presidents Merit Award, a Grammy Legend Award, and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, Willie Nelson is still going strong. Last April, Willie Nelsons Country Music, produced by Grammy and Oscar winning T Bone Burnett, was released on Rounder Records and recently received a Grammy Nomination for Best Americana Album. Country Music, recorded in Nashville with an A-list band, touts this American musical icon recording fresh versions of timeless classics. This only tour of its kind in the world of country would not be possible without the generous support of many local businesses. Stadium Series Sponsors include Prince Frederick Ford, Coors, Coors Light, Killians (Bozick Distributors), Quick Connections, Comcast, and GTMR Incorporated. Special VIP packages and box suites are available, along with concert sponsorship opportunities. For more information, please call 410-326-2042, ext. 18. Food and drinks are available; coolers are not permitted. To reach a staff person at the Calvert Marine Museum, please call 410-326-2042 x 16, 17, or 18.

The Water Around Us

Willie Nelson Throwdown Tour to Benefit Museum

The Chesapeake Community Chorus next concert The Water Around Us will be held at Mt Harmony United Methodist Church, 155 E. Mt. Harmony Road, Owings, on Sunday, May 15, 2011, at 5 p.m. The concert will feature contemporary, gospel, classical Christian and secular music by John Rutter, Moses Hogan, Phillip Bliss, Andy Beck, Peter Choplin, and others. Water songs include: Spirit, Like a River, Riversong, and Wade In the Water. A free-will offering will be taken to support the maintenance of the Burnett-Calvert Hospice House. The Chorus is a volunteer group of over 30 singers in its 8th season giving concerts for the benefit of charities in Calvert County. The chorus has raised over $48,000 for these charities.

Smith Island Crab Skiffs to Race at Solomons

Members of the Smith Island Crab Skiff Association will race their speedy 18-foot skiffs at the Solomons Island Pavilion on Saturday, May 14 at 11 a.m. The original Smith Island crab skiff was developed by Capt. Lawse Tyler in the 1920s as a motorized way to reach nearby grassy beds for harvesting soft crabs. Today, only one of his original skiffs survives and is on

display at the Smith Island Museum, a press release states. The Smith Island Crab Skiff Association was created in 1999 to keep the heritage of building and racing these unique boats alive. The skiffs compete in a series of races each year, but this is the first time they have raced at Solomons. After the race, see a skiff on display at the Calvert Marine Museum during the Solomons Maritime Festival. Celebrating Southern Maryland heritage, the Solomons Maritime Festival features antique boats and motor, master maritime carvers, crafts and cooking demonstrations, traditional music, toy boat building, and free boat rides. Free activities and museum admission promise fun for all ages from 10 a.m. 5 p.m. at the Calvert Marine Museum. For information about the crab skiff racing, please contact Richard Dodds at 410 3262042, ext. 31.

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Adult Day Care (ADC) of Calvert County is planning its 2nd Annual ADC Memorial Weekend Cross Country 5k for May 28 at 9:30 a.m. at Kings Landing Park, 3255 Kings Landing Road, Huntingtown, MD 20639 Not up to running? Walkers are also welcome to help raise money for this worthwhile group. Pre-registration is $18.00 and race day registration is $25.00. You can pre-register at active.com (in the search box, type ADC Memorial Weekend 5K). Contact Race Director Ed Sullivan at (410) 5350133 for more information. The top overall male and female finishers will receive a small cash prize as well as 1st place medals for the top male and female in each age group. The first 75 participants to register receive a free t-shirt. Others may purchase a shirt for only $5 (only a limited number will be available). For 25 years, since 1986, Adult Day Care of Calvert County has provided services to the community. ADC is a nonprofit, non-sectarian corporation in Calvert County providing professional medical services, compassionate care and activities to adults with advanced dementia.

Race to Raise Funds for Adult Day Care

Their primary goal is to enhance and maintain the health, functional independence, and general wellbeing of frail elderly and disabled adults in Calvert County, through community-based health care, nursing interventions, social and recreational programs, advocacy and support services. The program will be administratively structured to provide these services to all eligible participants regardless of their financial status or ability to pay, without discrimination as to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or handicapped condition.

Thursday, May-2011

Solomons Paint the Town Kicks Off Today


From Thursday, May 12 through Sunday, May 15, the Solomons Business Association and the College of Southern Maryland are presenting the Solomons Plein Air Street Faire. From Thursday to Saturday, visitors will find up to 40 professional plein air artists painting scenes in and around the Solomons-Dowell community from beautiful scenes of the harbor to the flora and fauna of the island. On Sunday, all the plein air works created by this talented group of artists will go on sale at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center - with proceeds to benefit the Solomons July 4th Fireworks Fund. The Exhibition & Sale will remain up May 15-29. Visitors to Solomons Paint the Town will encounter artists set up all over the Solomons community painting these outdoor scenes. The words plein air comes from the French term en plein air which translates as in the open air. Well known artists, including Claude Monet and Pierre-August Renoir, created some of their best and most famous works in this style. From 2-4 p.m. Saturday, accomplished and budding artists are invited to participate in a Quick Draw competition: a mini plein air event open to the general public. Each participant is given two hours to create a work of art. All participants must bring their own painting supplies and all painting must take place on either side of Solomons Island Road (from the beginning to the end of the Riverwalk boardwalk). There will be a starting and ending horn. At the end of the two hour period, Quick Draw participants must deliver their works to Carmens Gallery between 4:00 and 4:30pm for judging. Participants in this event must register at Carmens Gallery before the event. There is a registration fee of $15 for those who are not paid participants in the plein air painting competition. New this year to the Paint the Town event is the Solomons Plein Air Street Faire on Saturday, as well as the Taste of Solomons, a one-day food festival showcasing the many culinary creations available in Solomons. Visitors can stroll the boardwalk to take in the sights and sounds of the street faire, and purchase your tickets to enjoy a smorgasbord of extraordinary food and drink. Visit www.solomonsmaryland.com/ solomons-paint-the-town.html for more details and a link to the full schedule. Happening simultaneous to events on the island is Calvert Marine Museums Annual Maritime Festival on Saturday. Visitors can taste traditional foods, learn how to pick crabs and shuck oysters like the pros; Enjoy local gospel and old-time music; See worldclass water fowl carving and Chesapeake Bay retriever trials in action; Watch model boats skim the waters of the boat basin and talk with traditional crafts people as they demonstrate their skills. Kids will eninfo@somdpublishing.net

STORY

joy games, races, toy boat building and more. The event is free to the public and more information can be found at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com. By Sean Rice (SCG)

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Sonny Broome, 79
A lexa nder Sonny Broome, 79, of Lusby, MD passed away on March 1, 2011 at Calvert Memorial Hospital, Prince Frederick, MD. He was born on November 6, 1931 in Dowell, MD to the late Leonard and Martha Broome. He met and married his late bride of 57 years, Marguerite Broome, on July 4, 1951. Sonny and Marguerite remained in Dowell, MD to raise their family. Sonny received his education in the Calvert County School system. After a brief military career, Sonny pursued a career as a Waterman, working at the Shipyard and Oyster House in Solomons, MD. Afterwards, he began a (22) year long career in the General Maintenance field at Patuxent River Navy Base where he retired. Sonny was not one for sitting around the house, so after retirement, he kept himself busy by going back to work; doing some HVAC work with his son, bagging groceries at Woodburns, and doing some work for local builder, Bob Davis. As a member of St. Johns United Methodist Church, he was a devoted member of the board of trustees, sang on the mens choir, and helped open the St. Johns Youth Center. Sonny was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and godfather who committed his entire life to loving and providing for his children, Keith and Adriene Broome. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He devoted much of his time to help raise many children other than his own. Sonny had an old school charm that made him a joy to be around. He loved fishing and crabbing. In the spring and summer months, he would spend hours on the water in the company

of his wife, family and friends. His faith in God and strong will allowed him to depart this life peacefully on March 1, 2011 with his son at his side. His final days were spend surrounded by family and friends who he had bonded with throughout his very memorable life. Sonny was loved by many and will truly be missed. Sonny leaves to cherish his fond memory, his two children, Keith (Consuella) and Adriene Broome; one brother, Asia Broome,, who would pick him up almost every day to run errands; four grandchildren, Bernarda (Brandy) and Demond (Flordelyn) Henson, Lakeisha Broome and Kymberly Broome-Jones; four greatgranddaughters, Victoria, Kimora, Jada, and Amaya Henson; five special nephews, Clarence Broome, Vincent and Terry Johnson and Redmond and Bobby Janey who were like sons and often stopped by to visit him; long time friends, Clarence and Cozette Washington, Vincent and Constance Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Francis, Elsie, Edna, and Annie; one brother, Calvin (Tic). Funeral service was held on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 11:00 AM at St. John UM Church, Lusby, MD with Rev. Dr. Samson Y. Nortey, officiating. The interment was at St. John UM Church Cemetery, Lusby, MD. The pallbearers were Clarence Broome, Dale Broome, John White, Jeffrey White, Ralph Broome, and Winfred Johnson. The honorary pallbearers were Redmond Janey, Clarence Washington, Vincent Johnson, and Larry Henson.

Dennis Smith, 69
Dennis Lake Smith, of Solomons, MD passed away peacefully at his residence on May 1, 2011 surrounded by his family and friends. He was born on May 31, 1941 in Frederick, MD to the late Reno Kenneth Smith and Margaret Albaugh

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Thursday, May-2011

Smith. He was formerly married to Sandy Smith and Donna Stewart. Dennis graduated from EmeryRiddle Aeronautical University, getting a bachelors college degree later in life while working full time. He was a valued employee of Wyle Labs in California, MD where he was a software applications engineer who traveled the world. Dennis was an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Air Force from 1962 1966 and received the following decorations, small arms expert marksmanship ribbon, Air Force good conduct medal and the Air Force outstanding unit award. He was a talented artist, skilled pilot and avid sport aviator, boater and saxophone player extraordinaire who most recently played with the band Round Midnite and at various venues around Solomons, MD. He loved art, music, flying, beaches and sunsets. He will be forever remembered for his kindness, generosity, sense of humor and passion for adventure. Dennis is a past member of the Boy Scouts of America having earned the rank of Eagle Scout, a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Prince Frederick, MD; American Legion Post #274, Lusby, MD; Solomons Yacht Club, Solomons, MD; EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association); Young Eagles; QBs member and band member of Round Midnite. Dennis is survived by his children, Darren Smith of Lexington Park, MD; Shelley Sears of California, MD; Belynda Mogge of Lexington Park, MD; Richard Miller of Great Mills, MD and Crystal Lester of California, MD; grandchildren, Shane Weasenforth; Rob, Trae and Grant Miller; Joe Varela, Cody Keister and Emma Lester; a great granddaughter; siblings, Joanne Gardner of Huntingtown, MD; Michael Smith of Myersville, MD; Ronald Smith of Prince Frederick, MD; Susan McDonnell of San Antonio, TX; Melinda Kay of Baltimore, MD; Patricia Gay of St. Leonard, MD and Kathy Penny of St. Leonard, MD. Dennis was a devoted and loyal brother, father, grandfather and friend. Pallbearers will be Dr. Wayne Rozran, MD; Richard Miller; Tim Gatton; Keith Black; Joe Dodson and Traevon Miller. Honorary pallbearers will be Dan Dawson; Joseph Varela, Kirk Swain; Carl Reichelt and Grant Miller. The family received friends on Wednesday, May 4th, 2011 at the Rausch Funeral Home, Lusby, MD. Funeral Services were held on Thursday, May 5th, 2011 at Trinity United Methodist Church, Prince Frederick, with the Reverend Charles Harrell officiating. Interment followed in Wesley Cemetery, Prince Fred-

erick, MD. Should friends desire memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Calvert Hospice, donations are encouraged on-line at www.calverthospice.org, P. O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678 or to The Fender Music Foundation, 28118 Agoura Road, Suite 105, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, www.fendermusicfoundation.org.

Ricky Smith, Jr., 45


E d ward Richard Ricky Smith, Jr. of Lusby, MD passed away peacefully at his residence on April 25, 2011 surrounded by his family and friends. He was born on February 17, 1966 in Prince Frederick, MD to Edward Richard Smith, Sr. and the late Sylvia Faye Bowen. He married his loving wife Bettie L. Rose on November 4, 2001 at Solomons Vol. Rescue Squad and Fire Department. Ricky graduated from Calvert High School in 1984 and went on to be an Emergency Communications Officer with the Calvert Co. Government. He retired on December 10, 2010 after 23 years of service. Ricky is a past member of the Prince Frederick Vol. Rescue Squad and Past EMS Chief and Life Member of the Solomons Vol. Rescue Squad and Fire Department. He was preceded in death by his mother and grandparents, Robert and Margaret Bowen, Vergie Snapp, and Frank Smith. Ricky is survived by his father, Edward R. Smith, Sr. and wife Barbara; wife, Bettie L. Smith of Lusby, MD; children, Crystal Batchelor, Ryan Smith Musumeci, Jennifer Batchelor, Morgan Smith, and Shelby Smith all of Lusby, MD; sister, Kimberly Girard and husband Charles of Prince Frederick, MD; grandchildren, Hailey Hawkins, Taylor, Karmyn, and Brynna Musumeci; and his extended Solomons Vol. Rescue Squad and Fire Department family that will always remember him as Pops. The family received friends on Thursday, April 28, 2011 at the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Lusby, MD where Fire and EMS prayers were held. Funeral Services were held on Friday, April 29, 2011 in the Solomons Vol. Rescue Squad and Fire Department Hall with Rev. John Howanstine officiating. Interment followed at the Asbury Cemetery, Prince Frederick, MD. Pallbearers were Matthew Rusch, Dale Bladen, Lennie Rose, Donald Buckler, Kimball Mackall, Rick McCourt, Earl Harper, and Bill Elliott.

The Beauty and Benefits of Using Native Plants


By Judith M. Kay Calvert County Master Gardener We choose plants for our landscapes for many reasons. Foremost among them is planting for beauty, but we may want trees that provide shade, grasses that hold hillsides and provide winter interest, or ferns that fill in shaded areas. We can choose plants that provide all those elements as well as providing habitat and resources for wildlife. They are called native plants. They have grown in this area for many years where they established roles in the local ecosystems and have a long-term relationship with our native wildlife. It is important that we include more native plants in our yards. Since 1985, we have lost about 100 acres of native habitat daily in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Unfortunately, it has been replaced with lawns and exotic plants that provide little or no support for the wildlife. As a result, butterflies, pollinators and other insects that depend on native plants for resources are declining and so are our local song birds which depend on insects for either all or part of their food. Butterflies provide an example of extreme dependence on plants. Adult butterflies are attracted to nectar from many sources; however, as caterpillars (the stage when they eat the most) they can tolerate only the food provided by their host plants. If we lose these plants from the landscape, these butterflies will cease to exist. For these and other reasons, Calvert County Master Gardeners encourage you to choose native plants for your yard. Their Annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 14, will offer a wide variety of native perennials and shrubs, in ad-

dition to vegetables and other plants. Visit the sale and talk to a Master Gardener and let us help you choose. Most of our plants come from our own yards so we know they grow well in Calvert County climate and soil. The Plant Sale will take place from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, May 14, in the parking lot of the Community Resources Building, 30 Duke Street, Prince Frederick (the old library across from the Prince Frederick Post Office). For more information, contact the Extension Office at 410-5353662 or 301-855-1150 or e-mail ccmg@umd.edu. You can visit a native plant garden to view them in use. Calvert County has several, and the Calvert County Master Gardeners (CCMG) have been involved in planning and installing all of them. Annemarie Garden has a beautiful butterfly/rain garden. Visit in July and you may see a Monarch caterpillar greedily devouring leaves on a Milkweed. Perhaps a Hummingbird will visit a Cardinal Flower or a Goldfinch will pluck seeds from the head of a Coneflower. Other local sites to visit include the Rain Garden at the Calvert Marine Museum (all the grounds of the Museum are now being restored with native plants) or the senior entrance to the Southern Community Center in Lusby. If you would like lists of native perennials recommended by the Master Gardeners for use in Calvert County, please send an e-mail to: ccmg@umd.edu.

How to Garden Without Weeds or Pests


By Anna Chaney Willman
How can we control and eliminate pests, fungus and weeds from our beautiful gardens without using harsh chemicals? There are a variety of ways that are effective and inexpensive compared to the costs and mal-effects of commercially produced, unnatural pesticides and herbicides. You can begin to combat bugs and weeds before the first seed is sown. Cover crops and light winter tilling can get you a jump-start on pests and weeds. Here is a list of the most highly recommended natural pesticide recipes from iVillage Garden Web and Mother Earth News: 1. Encourage insect diversity. What? Purposely bring bugs into your garden? You bet! Insects are natural predators for other crop damaging insects. This insect diversity is almost a science itself. However, generally speaking, growing native flowering plant species and/or bordering your garden will encourage the flourishing of natural insect predators. For detailed information on this process, see Mother Earth News, late spring issue, or subscribe online at www. motherearthnews.com. Also, a handbook written by the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Natural Enemies Handbook: The Illustrated Guide to Biological Pest Control is a fantastic tool. 2. Chickens and Guineas: these friendly birds not only provide tasty eggs for breakfast and cooking, but also dine on squash bugs, slugs, and snails. Freely roaming poultry through your garden is a 100% organic and 100% effective option, if you have the space. 3. Succession Planting: planting a second round of the same vegetable a week or two after the first planting will literally allow for a more successful harvest. The first planting may attract insects which allows the newer planting to grow unscathed. 4. Eggshells: Sprinkle crushed eggshells in the garden to eliminate slugs. The calcium carbonate and the rough edges of the shells discourage and prevent slugs from homesteading in your garden. 5. Japanese Beetle Traps: use milk jugs, cans or buckets in several locations in your garden. Fill them with rotten fruit or fruit cocktail in can of water with 1-2 TBLS of liquid soap and 1-2 TBSP of Canola Oil. 6. Garlic, Neem, or Hot Pepper Teas with Canola Oil: Crush several cloves of garlic and add to 1 gallon of water with 1 TBSP of Canola oil. Spray directly on insects. This will kill soft body insects. Use the same concept with Neem and Hot Peppers. Hot Peppers can be mixed with a garlic spray and will repel rabbits as well. Be careful not to spray too much directly on sensitive plants as it could damage the leaves. Neem oil is available at local health food stores and is unique in its ability to destroy insects ability to reproduce, and starves them by removing their appetites. Natural Fungicides and Herbicides: 1. Corn Meal: Top dress your garden with corn meal for fungal control. 2. Compost Teas: mixing compost materials with water and stewing for a few days in a barrel or large tub creates a compost tea that acts as a mild fungicide and disease controller. 3. Apple Cider Vinegar: mix 1-2 TBSP of apple cider vinegar with 1 gallon of water. Spray on well-established plants for a mild fungicide and add to the soil for an acidic liquid fertilizer. 4. Straw and Mulch: after seeds are sown into a freshly tilled garden, place organic mulch and/or straw in the aisles between the rows to help smother new weed growth. 5. Manually remove weeds early in the season regularly. This helps prevent the weeds from growing to the seed stage and should cut back the amount of weeding for the rest of the season. 6. Drip Irrigation: If possible, irrigate ONLY the rows of seeds and plants. If the aisles of your garden are not irrigated, weeds will not receive the needed hydration to thrive. Hand picking the weeds growing in the plant rows is always necessary.

7. Plant Cover Crops: Winter crops of buckwheat, rye, wheat, and barley provide nutrient rich organic matter for a natural fertilizer as well as snuff out weeds. These crops will either die due to cold winters or you may mow them prior to them seeding and use the trimmings as compost. Trial and error is often the best teacher. Pick a few of the feasible options for your gardening needs and put them to the test. Enjoy your natural gardening! Anna Chaney Willman is the founder of Herrington on the Bay Catering in Rose Haven, MD.

Thursday, May-2011

13

Spotlight On

Huskies for Hope Yard Sale


We are excited to remind you about the first-ever Huskies for Hope DES Flea Market/Yard Sale/Bake Sale to benefit Calvert County Relay for Life. The market will be held at DES this Saturday, May 14 from 7 a.m. until Noon. The Market will be held rain or shine. If you dont see us in the front parking lot, join us inside the building. There is still time to donate items to be sold at the Huskies for Hope table. Items already received range from toys and games to like-new clothing and furniture. Drop off items any time this week during school hours. Donations for the Bake Sale should be individually wrapped and labeled. There are also volunteer openings on market day for table-minders and cashiers. Sign up for a shift, bring your family, meet some new folks, and do something you can feel good about. Come and shop our Flea Market, and tell your friends and neighbors. Team Huskies for Hope has a goal to raise $5,000 for Relay for Life. You can help them reach that goal by joining at http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=team&fr_ id=33307&team_id=793745 and walking with us Friday, June 17th at Hallowing Point Park. You can also make a donation at any time to the American Cancer Society. Saving lives from cancer starts one team, one participant, and one dollar at a time. Our team is doing our part to make sure that cancer never steals another year of anyones life.

Students Moving Up to National History Day


A handful of Calvert County Students are preparing for the National History Day at the University of Maryland. Scott McComb, the supervisor of social studies with Calvert County Public Schools, said the 11 students going is normal, if not a bit low, for the number of Calvert County students who go to the National History Day. We tend to do very well, McComb said. The National History day, scheduled for June 12 at the University of Maryland, comes on the heels of the Maryland State History Day which was on April 30 at the University of Maryland Baltimore Campus. With the 11 students, there will be Chris and Calvin Crunkleton were selected as second-place advancers in the Junior Group Web Site category. five projects going. In 2010, McComb sites. Some of the categories are designed to be said eight projects from Calvert County went to the National History Day. On average, individual projects only while others are made between 5 and 10 projects go to the history day to allow students to work in groups. Theres no better experience for a young from Calvert County. I consider this year to be a good year, person, McComb said. He said during the National History Day, McComb said. At the national history day, McComb said the students have to defend their projects to the the Calvert County kids normally perform well, judges, including their decisions on what to put placing in the Top 10 consistently and having in and leave out of their projects. Students will received awards for finishing in the Top 3 or have to do things like that their whole lives and second place. He said the students also receive McComb said being involved in the History Day gives them an edge in both college and caawards in special categories. The categories include exhibits, research reer readiness. By Sarah Miller (CT) info@somdpublishpapers, performances, documentaries and web- ing.net

What Counts Report Released


Calvert County Public Schools is working to include the community in forming the face of public education. Recently, two reports were released detailing what some of the attendees of the What Counts forum night in February said and how the board of education plans to proceed. Gail Bennett, communication specialist with Calvert schools, said the reports take into account all the suggestions and the input gathered from the What Counts night Feb. 3. I think its invaluable, and its exciting, Bennett said. She said the input gathered from the community, including parents, guardians and everyone with a vested interest in the state of public education, helps the public school system understand how the community sees Calvert County Public Schools. It also helps the schools determine what the community really wants from the school system and how they can support each other. Bennett said the school district can only improve from getting community input. The next big discussion will be on May 16 at the Board of Education meeting, where the board will discuss the possible next steps. The next steps may include: having staff present evidence and data regarding how the school system is doing in the areas of importance identified, asking the Citizen Advisory Committee to work with staff to identify what evidence exists to indicate where we are in identified areas of values and successes, identify gaps in services and discuss what it would take to close the gaps and scheduling a second What Counts forum in October, 2012, according to the releases from the Calvert County Public Schools. The Round Two session could be structured around one or more of the following topics - continuous Improvement and identifying what has occurred since the first session, soliciting feedback on programs in terms of knowledge, use, perceived success, identifying gaps in programs or taking the top characteristics identified on Feb. 3 and discuss what it would take to make sure every school had those qualities discussing how the school system can accurately evaluate the characteristics identified during the What Counts Forum, working with the Maryland Association of Boards of Education to identify what the Calvert Board of Education would like to know and understand from the community and develop the forum accordingly. The Board of Education will discuss next steps in more detail during its retreat on May 16. By Sarah Miller (CT) info@somdpublishing.net

Friday night at Ritas in Solomons, dozens of Dowell Elementary students, along with their friends and families, showed up at Ritas for a cold treat and to support their school during the Ritas fundraiser night. Theyre awesome, said PTA coordinator Sandy Artz. Great way to make money. Artz said the money goes to support the Dowell Elementary PTA and the school. In terms of having a fundraiser thats easy to organize and requires no cleanup, she said the Ritas night is one of the best. All you do is call them up and tell them what night, Artz said. She said the only thing that required some strategy was choosing the night to do the fundraiser. The PTA selected the night of the spring concert, which Artz said would boost the attendance and the amount of money raised as a result. Grace MacDonald, a fourth grader from Dowell Elementary school who went to the Ritss night, said going out to Ritas after a concert is very fun and a good way to relax. She said its nice to come see her friends at Ritas after the concert. Tom Biggs, a parent of a Dowell student, said the Ritas fundraiser is a different way to involved the community in the school and raise money for the school and PTA. The school raised about $165, said Cassie Bishop, the owner of the Solomons Ritas. It was the best fundraiser weve ever had, Bishop said. She said during a normal fundraiser night, between $80 and $120 is raised. For a fundraiser, Bishop said 20 percent of all sales for a given time period, in the case of Dowell, 7 p.m. until 9 p.m., is donated to the group. She said Dowells fundraiser was crazy busy and she had a good time with it. I like it, Bishop said. I wish I could get Dowell here every week. By Sarah Miller
(CT) info@somdpublishing.net

Dowell Students Overrun Ritas

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Thursday, May-2011

Swing Into Spring a Success


The Adult Day Care of Calvert County welcomed the spring season to Calvert County by holding the Swing Into Spring alcohol free dance and fundraiser on April 9 at the Calvert Elks Lodge in Prince Frederick. An amazing performance by the Chesapeake Swing Band, and delicious hors doeuvres from Expressions Catering, delighted all in attendance. Moreover, congratulations to Ms. Pat Carpenter of Chesapeake Beach for winning the iPad drawing at the event. We would like to thank the following for making this event a success: Kelly McConkeys Tree and Landscaping of Dunkirk for sponsoring the event, Rhonda & Bill Crawley for their tireless efforts on behalf of ADC, Delegate Mark Fisher (MD) for donating the iPad, the Chesapeake Swing Band for their remarkable performance and support, Expressions Catering, Linda & Ray Bracey, and the Calvert Elks Lodge in Prince Frederick. Finally, on behalf of our Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and those we serve, we thank all who were in attendance and appreciate your support of our efforts in providing compassionate care to the frail elderly and disabled adults in our community. Ed F. Sullivan, Executive Director Adult Day Care of Calvert County

Schaefer Was a Hero For Southern Maryland


William Donald Schaefer embodied the sharp contrast in leadership styles between process-oriented consensus builders, and results-oriented leaders who measure success by getting things done. Schaefer would never have described himself as a consensus builder. And he never pandered to the whims of the electorate. He served the people by pursuing goals that would deliver permanent improvements in quality of life, economic growth and prosperity, and he believed that on Election Day the voters would remember what he had accomplished. The do it now Mayor and Governor was impatient with government inertia and delay, the lack of urgency and the bureaucratic tendency to run out the clock and stall the deployment of resources when timing was all important and could decide the fate of a project. For Schaefer, time was the enemy, and the wheels of government turned too slowly. At a critical time in the history of Baltimore, Schaefer took decisive action to lift up his City. As both Mayor and Governor, Schaefer was the kind of leader who takes personal responsibility to make his corner of the world a better place, and is impatient to use the power he has been given to achieve that end. It would have been inconceivable to Schaefer to have the power to change things for the better and not use it. He believed that government action could be a catalyst for improving the lives of all citizens. Growing up in Silver Spring in the 1950s and 1960s, I doubt my family visited Baltimore more than once or twice. To be perfectly candid, in those days you didnt go to Baltimore unless you had to. Mayor Schaefer changed all that. He gave us new reasons to visit Baltimore the Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium, Oriole Park at Camden Yards just to name a few of the destinations he created. And once he lured us in, he kept us coming back to appreciate the Citys other historical and cultural treasures, neighborhood festivals and special events. Schaefer put Baltimore back into the consciousness of all Marylanders, front and center. Before Schaefer, many Marylanders saw their Publisher Associate Publisher Editor Office Manager Graphic Artist Advertising Email Phone
Staff Writers Guy Leonard Sarah Miller Corrin Howe Contributing Writers Joyce Baki Keith McGuire

TTER E to the
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ommissioners c
By Susan Shaw, County Commissioner

Calvert Retains Triple-A Rating

The new Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) recently made their first trek to New York City to meet with the bond rating agencies in anticipation of selling bonds for the Calvert High School construction, various road projects, and various water and sewer projects. Because the bond rating is a form of report card for the BOCC, we strive to put our Countys best foot forward. We meet with three rating agencies: Fitchs, Standard & Poors, commonly known as S & P, and Moodys. We present our case, which is based on a lot of budget and financial data. We have to overcome our small size, our reliance on our large utilities for a significant part of our tax revenue, and the negative effects of the recession. We demonstrate our strong conservative fiscal management, the ways that we have compensated for the effects of the recession including cutting costs, deferring capital projects, not giving employee raises, maintaining a structurally balanced budget, which means not using savings for operating costs, while still fulfilling the essential functions of government and not losing ground. For example, a neighboring county reduced their Sheriffs Department budget two years in a row while we have been able to slightly increase our public safety expenditures. While many counties can only afford to fund

their boards of education at the same level as last year, called Maintenance of Effort (MOE), we have maintained our school funding agreement with the BOE to exceed the MOE. We look ahead and plan ahead to keep our future projected budgets within what we can afford. We have also benefited greatly from the tax contributions of Constellation Energy and of Dominion LNG, which expanded its off-shore docking pier last year resulting in increased tax revenue just when it was most needed. The ratings agencies want to know that we will be able to pay back our debt and still invest in the County infrastructure, that we are taking into account decreasing property tax assessments and still maintaining structurally balanced budgets. Shortly after we arrived home, the news story broke that the S & P rating agency had downgraded the outlook on US Treasury bonds due to the massive and increasing national debt. Calvert Countys debt repayment costs comprise 7.6% of our operating budget. The good news arrived this week: Calvert County has a AAA bond rating (the best there is) from both Fitch and Standard & Poors! The rating from Moody is just below AAA, leaving us another goal to achieve. Please celebrate with us that during such trying economic times, our County continues to excel.

State as five separate Marylands the suburbs of Washington, the Baltimore area, the Eastern Shore, Western Maryland, and Southern Maryland. After Schaefer, the States regions continued to celebrate their unique identities, but we were more willing to accept our common purpose and shared destiny. We could see the benefit to the whole State in making strategic infrastructure investments that strengthened each regions competitive advantages BWI and the Port of Baltimore, tourism on the Eastern Shore, defense installations in Southern Maryland. This strategy paid off handsomely for Southern Maryland in the 1990s when the State invested $350 million in the infrastructure roads, schools and higher education facilities needed to support the consolidation of 6,000 U.S. Navy jobs, and more than $1 billion in annual payroll, at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, the most significant economic development project in our regions history. Schaefer was instrumental in building the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, new facilities at St. Marys College of Maryland, a new regional MedEvac base, and the Crain Memorial Travel Information Center in Charles County on U.S. 301, just to name a few examples. He gave extra attention to regions like ours where elected leaders created institutions like the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland to facilitate cooperation across county boundaries, and demonstrated the statesmanship necessary to agree on their top priorities for State and federal action. The intensity of William Donald Schaefers focus on results was felt in every corner of Maryland. He set a very high standard for his successors and the future leaders of our State. Gary V. Hodge, White Plains, MD

orner c

Thomas McKay Eric McKay Sean Rice Tobie Pulliam Angie Stalcup cjlea@somdpublishing.net info@somdpublishing.net 301-373-4125
Government Correspondent Community Correspondent Community Correspondent

Southern Calvert Gazette


P. O. Box 250 . Hollywood, MD 20636

Southern Calvert Gazette is a bi-weekly newspaper providing news and information for the residents of Southern Calvert County. The Southern Calvert Gazette will be available on newsstands every other Thursday of the month. The paper is published by Southern Maryland Publishing Company, which is responsible for the form, content, and policies of the newspaper. Southern Calvert Gazette does not espouse any political belief or endorse any product or service in its news coverage. Articles and letters submitted for publication must be signed and may be edited for length or content. Southern Calvert Gazette is not responsible for any claims made by its advertisers.

Thursday, May-2011

15

The Best Weekend So Far


By Keith McGuire
Ken Lamb, the proprietor of The Tackle Box, said that the number of trophy rockfish brought to his store over the weekend was amazing. He took over 30 pictures of big fish and issued citations for the Maryland Fishing Challenge for many of them. The croaker of the month for April turned out to be a 16 beauty for Frank Redding. On May 2, Andrae Briscoe showed up with a 19 croaker that he caught at St Georges Island on Sunday. This one will be hard to beat. There were good days and bad days over the weekend with windy conditions on Saturday and good fishing conditions on Friday and Sunday. Here are two rules to live by when it comes to fishing on the Bay: 1. Every day is different. 2. Cancel a fishing trip based on the weather if you have to, but never cancel a trip based on a forecast. We always try to organize our fishing trips to take everything into account, but wind and tidal currents affect fishing more than any other factors. Fish will react to moving currents, and your boat, lures and lines will react to different wind conditions. If youre trolling in rough conditions, the lures will run differently than they do in calm conditions. Most trolling lures are not designed for up and down motion so much as they are for horizontal wiggles. If youre drift fishing for bottom feeders like hard head, a strong wind will cause your drift to be too fast, denying the fish an opportunity to find your hook. Similar conditions will also affect jigging. Winds and currents can also affect shore anglers. Wind is bad, current is good. The other condition that we always try to predict before fishing is the weather. Wind being part of the weather makes it one of the primary considerations, but storms are

The Ordinary

pea ke Bay Operational Forecast System Surface Wind Forecast Guidance at http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/ofs/cbofs/wind_2_forecast.shtml. An abundance of tide and current data can also be found at the parent tides and currents website. Studying these tables before your trip can really help. A lot of big stripers were caught last weekend. Friday was beautifully calm on the Bay. Saturday was rough as a cob in the morning. Rain was forecast on Sunday, and I would be willing to bet that several trips were canceled based on that forecast. Those who didnt cancel had a great day for fishing. The winds were calm and the rains were short-lived sprinkles. Never stop planning for your trips. Be safe and dont take unnecessary chances. Assess real conditions in real time and decide accordingly. Most importantly, catch a big fish! riverdancekeith@hotmail.com. Keith has been a recreational angler on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries for over 50 years; he fishes weekly from his small boat during the season, and spends his free time supporting local conservation Photo courtesy of The Tackle Box organizations. Andrae Briscoe with a 19 Croaker

what we fear most. Like most anglers, I pour over weather data before every trip. However, I almost never cancel a planned fishing trip on my boat until I get to the dock. Many times, conditions will be different at the dock than I have anticipated by studying weather data on my computer at home. Anticipation and planning are good things, to be sure, but many times the weather conditions are not specific to the exact location of your fishing. It never pays to take chances on the water. Look over the weather reports and consider the data before the trip. For wind forecasts, I like to check NOAAs Chesa-

Angler

Making a Difference: Remembering Wm. Donald Schaefer


By Sherrod Sturrock
In April, Maryland celebrated the life and contribution of Governor Wm. Donald Schaefer who had served in public office for 50 of his 89 years. The news stories about this remarkable and often irascible politician were in every headline and every local newscast. His accomplishments in the City of Baltimore are legendary; his Do It Now! motto well known across Maryland. But I wonder how many of you know that he also left his mark on Solomons. When I started working for Calvert County government in 1990 as Capital Projects Coordinator, my first job was to coordinate the implementation of the Solomons Town Center improvements. I quickly became acquainted with the sequence of events that had resulted in the impetus to move forward with some very ambitious and dramatic changes in this small village. The Solomons Master Plan was adopted in 1986 and in the spring of 1987 community members, under the leadership of the Civic Association, began to mobilize to get the plan implemented. In the spring of 1988, Governor Schaefer made one of his famous bus visits to Solomons accompanied by state and county elected officials. He commented that while Solomons was a beautiful town, our greatest asset, a magnificent view of the Patuxent River, was being used for a parking lot. He offered to work with the community and placed it on his list of targeted waterfront development projects. This resulted in the Solomons Main Street Improvement and Development Project. As good as his word, Governor Schaefer assigned state staff from the departments of Transportation and Community Development to work with county staff and community representatives. And he made funding a priority. Together, we accomplished what was locally referred to as the Solomons Town Center improvements, which included repairing the bulkhead, building the riverwalk, fishing pier, comfort station, installing sidewalks, and creating the Watermans Memorial Park. Funding came from the state and local governments, as well as over $70,000 in private contributions. While the final product was the result of many, many different peoples efforts over a number of years, the impetus to move it forward and to do it now can be traced to this remarkable individual: Wm. Donald Schaefer. I recently heard someone talking about her life as a military spouse, moving more than a dozen times in her 20 years of marriage. Her well-honed approach to these inevitable relocations struck me as profoundly good advice. She said, When I go to a new place, I get involved, try to make a difference, and leave my mark. She did this by looking around to see what needed her particular gifts and talents, and then setting out to do something about them in her childrens schools, her church, and her community. I think this is a wonderfully practical approach to leaving the world a better place. This is something that Schaefer unquestionably did. His demanding personality, impatience, and antics were part of the package, but always, he saw the potential, he got involved, he made a difference, and he left Maryland, and Solomons, a better place to live and work. There can be no higher praise for one elected to serve the public good. Sherrod Sturrock is the Deputy Director of the Calvert Marine Museum. Send comments to: sturrosa@ co.cal.md.us.

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Thursday, April-2011

From Thursday, May 12, through Sunday, May 15, Solomons will be the setting for Solomons Paint the Town, a Plein Air Festival which will draw 40 artists from the region. On Saturday, May 14, spend a day on Solomons Island filled with art, food and fun. Experience A Taste of Solomons by sampling different culinary delights offered by the restaurants in Solomons. Programs and activities are offered at various locations throughout town, including a quick draw competition on the Riverwalk. New this year is the Street Fair with face painting, strolling artists, clowns, vendors, music and much more. On Saturday evening, Carmens Gallery will host An Affaire of the Arts from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. with desserts, live music and a cash bar. On Sunday, May 15, join the artists at Annmarie Sculpture Garden for the awards reception at 1 p.m. The artwork will be on display and for sale through the end of May. Proceeds from the event benefit the 4th of July fireworks and a scholarship through the College of Southern Maryland Foundation. (www.solomonsmaryland.com or www.annmariegarden.org) SoMD Sudoku Championship How good are you? On May 14, come and enjoy the friendly competition at St. Johns School in Hollywood to benefit the school scholarship fund. Three levels of competition: Novice, Intermediate and Advanced with monetary prizes. Start anytime between 9:30 and 11:00. Qualification round in the morning. Championship round in the afternoon. For details, Google SOMD Sudoku Championship. Celebrate Southern Maryland traditions at the Calvert Marine Museums Annual Maritime Festival on Saturday, May 14. Taste traditional foods, learn how to pick crabs and shuck oysters like the pros. Enjoy local gospel and old-time music. See world-class water fowl carving and Chesapeake Bay retriever trials in action. Watch model boats skim the waters of the boat basin and talk with traditional crafts people as they demonstrate their skills. Kids will enjoy games, races, toy boat building and more. The event includes the Antique Boat and Marine Engine Show featuring exhibits from over 30 collectors of antique and classic boats and vintage and marine outboard and inboard engines. Free to the public. (www.calvertmarinemuseum.com) Attend the World War II Remembrance Day at the Calvert County Fairgrounds, 140 Calvert Fair Drive, Prince Frederick, on Saturday, May 14, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy displays of military history from 1812 to present day, food and memorabilia vendors and a field training drill. There will be community resource booths for veterans, youth and families. Throughout the day hear USO-style entertainment including music, performances, dance and comedy. Veterans and home front heroes will tell their stories and be recorded for the Library of Congress Veterans Living History Project. For more information, visit www.circleofangels.org.

Historic All Saints Church hosts the Calvert Wine & Arts Fest on Saturday, May 14. Featuring some of the best artisans from Calvert, St. Marys and Charles counties, the festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sample wines from Calvert Countys five wineries: Cove Point, Solomons Island, Fridays Creek, Perigeaux and Running Hare. Musicians, dancers, childrens activities, baked goods and other great food add to the festivities. Tours will be available of this historic 1692 church and its labyrinth. (www.allsaints1692.org) On Saturday, May 14, the Calvert County Master Gardeners will hold their Master Gardener Plant Sale from 8 a.m. to noon at the Calvert County Community Resources Building, 30 Duke Street, Prince Frederick. Buy from Master Gardeners who know and grow vegetables, herbs, native plants and houseplants and get answers to your questions about existing plants and problems, landscaping and soil requirements. (extension. umd.edu/gardening/mastergardeners/local/calvert/) Join Calvert EMS and Volunteer Firefighters in a remembrance ceremony honoring our fallen heroes. Chesapeake Highlands Memorial Gardens which is the future site of an EMS/Firefighters memorial, will be hosting the event on Saturday, May 21st at 10am. The Calvert County Fire and EMS Pipes and Drums will perform the song Amazing Grace. Reception will follow. Rain or shine. Location is 3270 Broomes Island Rd. Port Republic, MD Direct all inquires to Chesapeake Highlands Memorial Gardens at 410-257-0544. Katherine A. Huseman of Lusby has been selected to receive the 2011 Student Artist Award for highschool students; her artwork is outstanding, shows a great deal of talent and potential and her command of the medium, photography, is excellent. And Huseman will participate in the May art show at Annmarie Garden in Solomons. Show dates are Saturday, May 21, and Sunday, May 22, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A reception will be held on May 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. where she will be presented with her award. There will be a sale on May 21st, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the auditorium of Asbury Solomons Retirement Community, 11100 Asbury Circle, Solomons. This will include Bettys Closet a resale clothing and a Boutique with better quality gently used clothing and accessories. Also Grannies Treasures (miscellaneous items) and Books from the Asbury Library will be on sale. All proceeds will benefit the Asbury Solomons Benevolent Care Fund. For more information, call 410-394-3483. The Calvert Marine Museum will sponsor a free

Out& About
lecture by Catalina Pimiento, presenting Giant Shark Babies from Panama on Saturday, May 21, at 2:30 p.m. in the museum auditorium. Pimiento will talk about the baby teeth of the extinct giant white shark, Carcharocles megalodon, that have been collected in the work zone along the newly expanded Panama Canal. This lecture is cosponsored by the Panama Canal Project (PCP PIRE), with funds provided by the University of Florida, the National Science Foundation and the Clarissa and Lincoln Dryden Endowment for Paleontology at the Calvert Marine Museum. For more information about this project, visit http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/panama-pire/. The Lusby Business Association will host a Spring Fling on Saturday, May 28, from 1 to 5 p.m. All four shopping complexes will provide fun for the entire family, including a moon bounce, face painting, scavenger hunt, car show, live music, food samples, wine tasting, sidewalk sales, demonstrations and giveaways. For more information, visit www.shoplusby.com and learn the importance of shopping local. Dry Dock Restaurant is open for the season! Live music every Wednesday at 6 p.m.; dinner served Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m., Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Happy Hour every day from 5 to 6:30 p.m. www.zahnisers.com/RESTAURANT.htm The Back Creek Bistro expands its schedule to Wednesday through Sunday and has added a Great American Sunday Brunch. Hours of operation: dinner 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, brunch hours are 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. The menu and wine list has expanded and live music - jazz/cabaret/soft pop classics - is offered on Thursday and Saturday. www. backcreekbistro.com GIT-R-Done and LOL all night long with comedian/actor Larry the Cable Guy live at the Calvert Marine Museum. The Summer Concert Series kicks off on Saturday, May 28. Opening entertainment features No Green JellyBeenz and Reno Collier. Tickets are $48 for reserved seats and $58 for premium seats (additional fees apply) and may be purchased at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com or by calling 1-800-787-9454. Gates open at 6 p.m.; showtime is at 7:30 p.m. Calvert County is bursting with events. To see more, visit www.ecalvert.com.

Thursday, May-2011

17

THE HARBOURS AT SOLOMONS ISLAND

FURNISHED MODEL GRAND OPENING


FOR ACTIVE ADULTS

P ages P
By Joyce Baki

ast
mented material on the building and its construction between 1774 and 1777. The builders were Cleland and Heathman and it was built with county taxes while Thomas Claggett was the Rector. Claggett (1743-1816) later became the first Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal faith to be consecrated in America. The Act of Assembly for the building was overseen by Thomas Claggett, Edward Gantt, Charles Graham and William Ireland, commissioners appointed for this duty. Father Claggett remained at All Saints until the outbreak of the Revolutionary War in 1776. During the war, the parish was ministered to very irregularly. Father Claggett returned in 1786 after conditions settled where he continued until he was consecrated the first Bishop of Maryland in 1792. The sundial near the front door was given to the church by Claggett upon his consecration as bishop. According to history on the Churchs Web site, Claggett wished to make sure his successor would begin services punctually. The mortal remains of two former rectors, Thomas John Chew and Matthew Johnson, are buried under the old chancel. The chancel is the place where priests officiated and in the 18th and early 19th centuries it was considered an honor to be buried inside a church. The stone baptismal font is said to have been brought from England in 1735 and was used in the parish church that preceded the present one. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, All Saints Church is still an active parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland. The current rector is Rev. Ken Phelps, Jr. (http://www.allsaints1692.org)

All Saints Episcopal Church


All Saints Episcopal Church is a beautiful, historic church located in northern Calvert County. The church was built on an acre of ground donated by Thomas Hillary, known as Kemps Desire. The original log structure, built in 1693 just north of where the present church sits, was poorly constructed and the building required much repair.It was replaced in 1777 with the present brick church. The church is a Georgian structure of Flemish bond brick with random glazed headers. It is 60 feet by 50 feet and 26-feet high and the side walls hold two tiers of windows with original clear glass and a gently sloping gable roof. The interior was remodeled in 1857 and restored in 1950. Walking through one of two entry doors on the east wall you see pew boxes on the first level made of simple paneling. The north and south wall galleries are supported by five square piers which are accessed through small staircases. The history of All Saints Parish is well documented. It was part of the established church of the Province of Maryland. In 1692, through an Act of the General Assembly, the Church of England (also known as the Anglican Church) became the established church of the Province of Maryland. At that time, there were 10 counties in the colony and those counties were divided into 30 parishes. Calvert County parishes included All Saints, Christ Church and All Faiths. All Faiths, located in Mechanicsville, was part of Calvert County until 1695. The Archives of Maryland contain docu-

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History Snapshot Scientists Cliffs


Calvert Countys Scientists Cliffs was founded in 1937 with an unusual charter: to promote an interest in the natural sciences by means of a botanical garden, arboretum, lectures, field trips, preservation of open space, exploration, and preservation of fossil deposits. It is the only community in Maryland, that maintains a museum of fossils collected on its beach. The earliest houses, many of which have been preserved, were log cabins. This was no accident. Founders Flippo and Annie Gravatt were both forest pathologists with the U. S. Department of Agriculture and were attracted to the area as a possible preserve for the American Chestnut tree. The Gravatts built their home, which became known as Chestnut Cabin, from chestnut trees killed by blight. Colleagues of the Gravatts became interested in the area and five smaller cabins were built nearby to accommodate visitors. A sawmill on the property produced logs of chestnut, tulip poplar and pine cut from the land. Many of the houses have fireplaces built of local fieldstone, some of which feature embedded sharks teeth and other fossils that

homeowners gathered from the beach. The earliest cabins still retain furniture and handmade chairs and tables made by a local craftsman. What began as a unique cluster of rustic summer cabins on the cliffs overlooking the Chesapeake Bay is today a community of 244 homes, many of which have been expanded into year-round residences. The residents are no longer exclusively scientists, but the name has stuck, as has the communitys fascination with and appreciation for its natural setting.

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Directions by Land: Coming from Prince Frederick Take route MD-4 / 2 South for 17.8 miles, turn left on Dowell Rd. Continue to follow Dowell Rd. to The Harbours at Solomons Island on the right. Coming from Route 5 / 235 Take route MD 4 North, cross the Patuxent River bridge. Continue to follow MD-4 North for 1.5 miles. Turn right on Dowell Rd. to The Harbours at Solomons Island on the right. Directions by Sea: From Annapolis sail south to the Chesapeake Bay. Head west through Patuxent River. Dock at Calvert Marina.

MHBR #5718

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Thursday, May-2011

Confusion Abounds in A Flea in Her Ear


Next up at Three Notch Theatre this season is A Flea in Her Ear, directed by Valarie Green. This play has it all mistaken identities, suspected affairs, a nephew with a speech impediment and the Frisky Puss hotel. When Raymonde Chandebise, played by Jessica

Cantrell, suspects her husband may be cheating on her, she recruits her old friend Lucienne Homenides De Histangua, played by Dawna Diaz, to find proof of her husbands infidelity. Together, they hatch a plan that always works in the theatre forge a note from a woman who doesnt exist asking the man in question to meet her for a rendezvous. Raymonde will be the woman waiting, and if her husband shows up for the rendezvous, it will be proof that he is unfaithful to her. Things go awry when the husband passes the mis-

newtowneplayers.org. By Sarah Miller (CT) info@somdpublishing.net

sive to his dashing friend Roamin Tournel, played by Stephen Rumpf, who is more than willing to meet the woman who wrote the letter. Credit has to be given where credit is due. Ming Diaz, who plays both Victor Emanuel Chandebise, the aristocratic recipient of his wifes incriminating invitation, and Poche, the drunken bellboy at the Frisky Puss, carries his roles with style. Faces old and new take the stage in the farce that is A Flea in Her Ear. And, in true Three Notch Theatre style, some of the actors double up on both acting and production roles. Amie Gilligan plays the long-suffering maid at the Frisky Puss hotel, as well as being the sound designer, while Diaz has credit as both a light designer and a properties manager. Per for mances will be Thursdays through Sundays, Photos by Sarah Miller through May 15. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances start at 8 p.m.; Sunday shows begin at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students, senior citizens and the military. Thursday shows are $10 general admission. Light refreshments and beverages are also available for purchase at the theatre. Note: This show is for mature audiences only. Reservations are recommended. To make reservations, call 301-737-5447 or visiting www.

Genticorum Coming to Calvert Marine Museum


The Celtic Society of Southern Maryland in partnership with the Calvert Marine Museum presents Genticorum, the great traditional Quebecois trio from Montreal, Canada, on Sunday, June 12, at the Calvert Marine Museum. The band members will offer master workshops in fiddle/feet, guitar, and flute/pennywhistle from 1:30 3:30 p.m. for $40 (some scholarships are available). The evening concert will begin at 5:30 p.m. and concert tickets are $25. Tickets and workshop reservations are available online at www.cssm.org/tickets. Celebrating ten years of performing together, Genticorum is currently producing their 4th CD. They have been honored with the Canadian Folk Music Award in 2005 as Best Ensemble, and in 2008 for Best Traditional Album for their CD. Alexandre de Grosbois-Garand, Yann Falquet, and

Pascal Gemme, all formally educated in jazz music, share a love and appreciation for the old traditions of the Quebecois music and call and response singing. Each member in this trio is a hearty singer and consummate musician in his own right, a press release states. Their intimate presentation of both original and traditional instrumental compositions, along with their humorous, animated, often tongue-twisting storytelling, will entertain guests of all ages. Visit Genticorums website link to view some videos of their lively music at http://www. genticorum.com/en/media.html. This event is sponsored in part by The Hilton Garden Inn, Solomons; The Ruddy Duck, Solomons; and SOMD. com. Visit sponsor websites for special pricing related to this event. For more information, please visit www.cssm. org, email info@cssm.org, or call (301) 375-0534.

Thursday, May-2011

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