Established 2006 • Volume 3 • Issue 46
Thursday, November 27, 2008 • St. Mary’s County E US EY O POI TH IN NT LIGH
P I N
Retailers Hopeful For Black Friday Frida y Despite Uncertain Uncer tain Economic Outlook By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
The biggest shopping day of the year, Black Friday, Friday, is here a nd retailers are caucau tiously optimistic that shoppers will let go of their hard earned money in what have becomee tough, and increa becom increasingl singly y toughe tougherr economic times. At the Best Buy store in California, one of the most popular in the county for holiday electronic shopping, the store manager said Black Friday should be good for her store but their might not be as great a volume of sales this year.
“We expect Black Friday to be sucsuc cessful… customers are going to be looking for those deals,” said Paula Slavings. Slavings intuition was mirrored by Bob Schaller, head of the county’s DeDepartmentt of Econo partmen Economic mic and Communi Community ty Development. “The sense I get is that retailers and consumers are looking forward to Black Friday but they’re [consumers] looking for bargains, barga ins, but they won’t won’t be spending as much as usual. “They’re really looking for those bargains. barga ins.”” Fridaypage SeeBlack Friday page A-6
by Guy Leonard Detectives investigate the crime scene in Dameron where a two people were injured and one killed as Photo a result of shooting that detectives say may have been the result of a domestic dispute.
One Dead, Two Injured In Dameron Shooting By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
Local detectives say that a man who had been under court orders to stay away from his estranged girlfriend broke into her Dameron home Monday morning, attacked and killed another man there and injured her as well in the assault.
Photo by Guy Leonard
Store like Best Buy in California are advertising sales in hopes of brining in customers for Black Friday.
Man Accused Of Murder Wants Trial Away From St. Mary’s By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
The attorney for Nicholas T. Potts III, the man accused of killing another volunteer reghter at the Bay District VolunVolunteer Fire Department more than two years ago, has petitioned the court for a change of venue for his client’s trial. Potts’ case is set to go to court in January after two years of being delayed, mostly for psychological evaluations to determine whether he is competent to stand trial. Potts was found competent to stand trial for the alleged murder of James Augustus Choporis, Jr. the rst week in June in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. The victim was the defendant’s defendant’s moth-
Op.-Ed ...........Page A - 4 Obituaries.......Page A - 8 Sports...............Page Sports............ ...Page B - 1 Police ...............Page B - 7 Classifeds.......Page B - 9
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See Shooting page A-6
Convicted Murderer, Domestic Violence Suspect Released On Personal Recognizance By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
Records from St. Mary’s County District Court show that a man convicted of rst-degree murder
er’s “There’ ancé. s been a lot of publicity in this this in 1992 suspected of assaulting wife twice pastand spring was released on his his own personal “There’s case and we’re just trying to ensure he gets a fair trial,” said James Otte, attorney for the defense. Otte made his motion Nov. 17, and it was scheduled to be heard before Circuit Court Judge C. Clarke Raley Nov. 21 but Andrea Shiell was rescheduled. Medical personnel evaluating Potts Staff Writer at the state level rejected his defense that County ofcials have said recently he was insane at the time of his alleged that the number of domestic disputes in St. Mar y’ y’ss crime. Eight days have been set aside for try- County has increased by as much as 30 percent ing the two-year-old murder case accord- over the last few months in the wake of the economic downturn. ing to court documents. “We have seen an increase over The incident occurred June 6, 2006 at what was then the Bay District rehouse the last few months in hotline calls and walk-ins,” said Valerie Colvin, Community Development See Trialpage page A-7
Inside
The homicide is the second so far this year in the county. Law ofcers allege that Jeremiah J. Watson, 31, used a shovel to break into the home of Tina L. Dean on Premier Lane at about 4a.m. and used the tool to attack Christopher M. Patty, 34, of Charles County.
recognizance after each alleged incident by a District Court commissioner commissioner.. The suspect, Dar ren Reginald Stovall, 38, of no xed address, now has a bench warrant issued for his arrest, says the prosecutor on the case. See Criminalpage page A-6
Domestic Disputes Rise as Economy Drops Manager for Walden Sierra, Sierra, addi ng that the source of most of these disputes, as well as domestic violence incidents, has been nancial stress. Colvin said that the crisis hotline has been receiving as many as 20 calls per month from people inquiring about the lethality assessment program, which is meant to help victims determine whether or not they are in danger from their partner. “A lot of it has to do with the nancial stress of the holiday season,” she said, “but it’s really SeeDisputespage A-6
Something To Be Thankful For Increased Increas ed Need Need Over Over Holida Ho lidays ys Met Met with Increas In creased ed Suppor Supportt Andrea Shiell Staff Writer
On Monday morning a chill bit the air inside a small garage in Hughesville, where several people were picking through pallets and bins of foodstuffs, Photo by Andrea Shiell diving into the walk-in freezer and emerging with Representatives from food pantries across Southern Maryland load up on foodstuffs for the week. Many gave away their Thanksgiving baskets last week, as the need for grocery assistance over the SeeFood Bankspage A-10 holidays has increased.
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Section A - 2
TheCounty
Times
Thursday, November 27, 2008
6” POINSETTIA LANTS P $
2 FOR 9
Thursday, November 27, 2008
TheCounty
Times
Section A - 3
Bay District Suspends, Expels Some Fir Firefghters efghters By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
A vote of the membership of the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department Nov.. 17 has resulted in the Nov suspension of four reghtreghters and the expulsion of an equal number from the ranks of the department for violationss of its rules. violation Doug Medley, public information ofcer for comcom panies 3 and 9, said the vote came after the department’s leadership brought a dozen reghters up on charges of misconduct following a brawl that invol involved ved alcohol consumption on the grounds of the Lexington Park stasta tion last month. Four reghters out of the original 12 were exonerated by vote of the membership last week, Medley said. Other violations that resulted in suspensions or expulsions from the department included allowing non-members into restricted areas of the rehouse, MedMedley said. “We try to be fairly strict on that policy,” Medley told The County Times. “Some of
the ones who were dropped were intimidated by some of plined the althese guys, by them trying leged offenders. were repeat offenders. offenders.”” “They got The consumption of al- to look tough,” Medley said. cohol on the premises of Co. “They broke the limit and in trouble, they 3, which helped precipitate they paid the consequences. left and things the ght between a rere “We’ve taken care of started to clean up over there,” ghter and a member of the business.” reghter Bay District Volunteer the community at what started out as a barbeque, is strictly Fire Department is the busi- said. “I think it’s est in the county, with rst about time they forbidden, forbidd en, Medley said. Photo by Guy Leonard Members, by their Nov. due responsibility for Great got suspended.” The leadership at Bay District Volunteer Fire Department have just suspended or expelled One re- eight members for violations of department policy. re17 vote, drove home the Mills, Lexington Park and ghter remains point that drinking on the California. the license problem when he rehouse. They are 100 percent on suspension, job would would not be tolerated. tolerated. became aware of it, Medley “We just want to move “They start thinking volunteer and have two sta- Medley said, for driving a on,” Medley said of trying they’re they’ re supermen, they have tions located in Great Mills re department apparatus said. His suspension will con- to repair the damage the inin with a suspended license, a few drinks and they get on and Lexington Park. One reghter, who though the reghter appar- tinue however, Medley said, cidents caused. “We don’t an apparatus,” Medley said. “We can’t allow that.” wished to remain anony- ently did not know that his because he had also been want to jeopardize our good found guilty of allowing unun - name in t he community.” community.” Medley said one rere- mous, agreed that things at license was suspended. The reghter immeimme - authorized visitors into the ghter in particular, who Bay District had improved was allegedly responsible since the leadership disci- diately attempted to correct upstairs lounge area of the for the assault, was one of the members expelled. The evidence against that reghter was irrefutirrefutable, Medley said. “All this was on video,” Medley said. “There was no question who was involved.” The expulsion of rere ghters Medley said were repeat offenders has actually had the effect of improving morale. “A lot of the members
Watermen Earn Income Helping To Save The Oyster Population By Elizabeth Piazza Capital NewsM. Service
From the time he was a baby in diap diapers ers picking clams on his father’s boat Puddin, 41year-old J.R. Gross has worked on the water. “When I rst started - 10, 11, 12-years-old, that was pretty much the boom of it,” Gross said. “We had more to do, oysoys terin’ and clammin’ - the market was better and there was a lot more of us.” Gross refuses to quit what he calls a way of life, even though a dwindling economy and a struggling blue crab shshery are threatening the livelilivelihood of watermen throughout Maryland and Virginia. But for now, Gross is among a number of watermen hired as part of Gov. Martin O’Malley’s economic mitigamitigation work project, which uses displaced watermen to help restore the bay. Watermen Wate rmen have been hired by the Departm Department ent of Natur Natural al Resources to clean off the Tolley Point and Sharps Point oysoys ter bar sanctuaries in the Severn River, the Broadneck reserve oyster bar in the Patuxent River and the Evans bar in Tangier Sound. The project began Nov. 17 and runs through Nov. 21. They are cleaning bars that have been covered by silt and sediment and preparing them for baby oysters, called spat, to be plante planted d in the spring spring.. The hope is that the baby oysters will survive and reproduce while cleaning up the wawater. Oysters are crucial to the bay’’s health bay health beca because use they they act act as a lter and provide a habitat for other species. The work mitigation project is not all about oysters. Many watermen will also be working on the land in trail and road maintenance along with other forest management practices in state parks and state forests. “Anyone who’s [oystering] now has got to love it,” said 63-year-old Calvin “Pee-Wee” Matthews, who owns the Miss Suzy. Matthews has been a wawaterman for 40 years and the two have worked alongside each other since Gross started. Just as the number of watermen have dwindled statewide, so too have the watermen in Gross’s family. When he started, he worked with two uncles and at least 15 cousins. Today, he is the last. Both Gross and Matthews hope the program will help revirevi-
talizeWe’re the dying oyster industry. killing two birds with one stone, said Larry Simms, president of the MaryMaryland Watermen’s Association. We’re giving watermen work to supplement their income lost from the crabbing regulations and helping DNR [The DepartDepartment of Natural Resources] to clean up the bay. Simms was quick to point out that this is not a handout program prog ram and that that watermen watermen do do not want a handout. The hope is they will reap the long-term benets bene ts of this prog program. ram. “It’s a good program, it rereally is,” said Gross, who stopped harvesting his own oysters to help out even though it means he will be making half of what he would if he were working for himself. “It’s not about the money for us, it’s about trying to get the bay back to where it needs to be.” Over the years, as the inindustry has shrunk, Gross dabdabbled ble d in pile driving and boat carpentry, but he always gravigravitated back to the t he water. When he started out, most of his money was made from clamming. “Then the clams went and they went completely,” he said. “That put more pressure on the oysters.” As the oyster popupopu lation began to decline, more pressure press ure was put on the crabs as watermen turned to crabbing. Working together, Gross and Matthews have witnessed their livelihood disappear. They’ve seen good productive bars sil siltt ove overr and hav havee witnessed declining seafood sales. Gross, who also owns JVE Seafood, has watched the 20-25 bushels bush els that he would would catc catch h and and sell each week dwindle to seven or eight. Even during tough times, Gross and Matthews refuse to stop oystering. A friendly rivalrivalry has developed over the years and each day the two would compete to see how many bushels they could catch or how fast they could catch their quota. Their story is not unique, as the struggle to save the oysoys ter has become a vicious cycle. As oysters have been harvested, there have been fewer of them to clean the water and the increasingly polluted water has made it difcult for oysters and other species to survive. “I’ll be oysterin’ until the last oysters are caught - I’ll drop dead on that boat,” said Gross. “You can’t get away from it - it’s part of of you. you.”
TheCounty
Section A - 4
Times
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Editorial & Opinion Much To Be Thankful For; Health Share Is One This is the time of year that typically Americans bebegin a 6-week celebration of the past year year and the many many blessblessings we enjoy living in this great country. The Thanks Thanks-giving Holiday, a national day of giving thanks marks the bebe ginning of what has become the Christmas Holiday Season followed ollowed by the celebration of the beginning of a new year. While the most fa fa-mous Thanksgiving celcelebration took place in 1621 at Plymouth Colony, the national holiday did not ofcially begin for more than 200 years later. In the 19thcentury Sara JosepJosepha Hale, Americas rst female magazine editor and the author of the famous nursery rhyme “Mary Had A Little Lamb” believe beli eved d we needed needed a national national
holiday for all Americans to collectively give thanks. In 1863 with our NaNation divided by Civil War, Hale petition peti tioned ed President President Abraham Abraham Lincoln to establish a National Day of giving giving thanks. Lincoln declared the last Thursday in Novembe Nov emberr as Thanksg Thanksgivin iving g Day, a national holiday. In 1939 1939,, with our na na-tion facing a troubled econoecono my, President Franklin RoosRoosevelt decided to extend the traditional Christmas ShopShopping Seas Season on by mov moving ing the Thanksgiving Holiday up one week to the third Thursday in Novembe Nov ember. r. After that year some states continued to celebrate Thanksgiving Day on the third Thursday (known as “Franksgiving”) while other states continued to follow LinLin-
coln’s proclamation, the last who have served and contincontin - to the many organizations Thursday. ue to serve this nation in our that serve our community by It wasn’t until 1941 militar military. y. When itit comes to writing a thank you note to be that Congress ofcially dede- the brave service of our young publish published ed during this hol holiday iday clared the 4thThursday in NoNo - men and women, we must al- season. You can e-mail your vember as Thanksgiving Day, ways be a grateful nation. notes to: [emailprotected] [emailprotected] day now lled with feasting, Even during these times.ne times.nettor mail to P.O. Box football, and oats. difcult times it is easy to look 250, Hollywood, Md. 20636. The These se are once again around and nd much else to Wewould like to bebe difcult economic times, yet be grate grateful ful for for.. There are hun hun-- gin with a note saying “thank no one is suggesting changing dreds, even thousands of rearea- you” to Health Share of St. Thanksgiving Day again. To sons right here in St. Mary’s Mary’s. Access to basic health most however, it may seem as County for all of us to be care as well as prescription though there is less this year grateful. During this season of of drugs would be unobtainable to be thankful for. for. Despite the giving thanks and giving help, for many in our community tough times our nation seems there are examples in nearly were it not for the non-prot to be facing, we must still recrec- every community organizaorganiza- efforts of Health Share. ognize that Americans have as tion, every church, and even Operat Operated ed by a vol vol-much to be thankful for as any in our homes and businesses unteer Board of Directors, nation in the world. of people helping others who this organization leverages For us there is no eco- are less fortunate and need a resources from local Physinomic or political misery that helping hand. The County cians, St. Mary’s Hospital, St. could displace our gratefulgrateful- Times invites the community Mary’s Health Department, ness to the men and women to express their gratefulness and St. Mary’s Department of
To The Editor:
Chesapeake Watershed Forum Wants To Hear From You One of my favorite aspects of life i n southsouthern Maryland is the sense of pride in the area’s rich historical and natural assets. I am fortufortu nate to be able to work for a project that pro tects the St. Mary’s River watershed by utilizutiliz-
County Government Lives Above Above It’s It’s Own Laws
Why should any citizen have to compete for the Chesapeake Watershed Forum and have with the Government? As a previous busibusiaccess to the St. Mary’s River group’s group’s forum as ness owner of 15 years I had signs t aken down well as thirty other groups. Go to http://www. by State State Highwa Highway y that were suppo supposedly sedly in the chesapeakenetwork.org/welcome.htm and state right of way. way. I had to prove that the land click the link at the top r ight “Register For This in questioned was owned by myself and t he
ing stakeholder knowledge. I work forActhe- Network. Netwo rk.”” You Y ou canvia cho choose ose whether whe therbrowser— to receiv receivee St. local Mary’s River Watershed Restoration Ac discussion entries email or web tion Strategy (WRAS). The WRAS has been or choose to receive periodic summaries. And in steady progress, solidifying a plan to keep you can choose to terminate your registration our river clean, since since May May 2008. The WRAS at any time. Add “St. Mary’s River” to your project proj ect aims to to protect protect and restore restore habit habitat at and groups. Please use this tool to share with us water quality in the St. Mary’s River watershed your experiences with the river. river. Whether it is by utilizing technical technical reports and loca locall comcom- history of land in the watershed that you would munity input. As of October, we have have sucsuc- like documented, public policy affecting the cessfully completed the stream technical re- river that you would like to see addressed, or ports; they they are availab available le online online at http://www. an area you would like to see protected, your stmarysriver.org//. We are now transitioning input is vital. We Look Forward to Hearing stmarysriver.org into our public outreach outreach phase. This means we From You! need to hear from you about your experiences with the St. Mary’s River. River. The Watershed AsAsMegan Hession sociation has launched an online forum to faWRAS Public Process Intern cilitate this ongoing ongoing discussion. Sign up today St. Mary’s City, Md
Social Services to serve those who cannot afford the full cost of medical services, but do not qualify for Medical AssisAssis tance. Through the work of many volunteers and the gengenerosity of our community, this organization provides assisassistance to approximately 1,300 clients each month. Health Share depends on donations and fundraisers to meet the escalating cost of health care. Coming up this December is the annual HoliHoliday Home Tour, which has become beco me a highli highlight ght of the holi holi-day season here in St. Mary’s County. For more informa informa-tion on the upcoming tour or for other ways you can assist this great organization call 240- 895-7169. From all of us here at the County Times, we would like to say “thank you” to Health Share of St. Mary’s for making our community better. bette r.
signs were returned. Since selling my business approximately 2.5 years ago, I decided to get i nto Real Estate. Real Estate has become become a very tough business busin ess as the market market has really really taken a downward turn. Trying to improve improve my Real Estate business, I have placed direcdirec tional signs on major roads pointing to my properties prope rties for sale or rent. rent. Now these signs are being pulled down by State and County Highway as they are illegal. illegal. Why are these signs illegal when they are helping homhomeowners and Real Estate Agents in troubled times? Home Businesses are allowed off off site directional’ss as are “for sale by owners”. directional’ What makes this sign issue even even worse? The County must be above the laws that they make. Driving home the other day I nonoticed a big lighted sign like the ones used
for lane closures and detours during road construction. The sign was just off Rt. 234 234 as you turn tu rn onto Aviati Aviation on Yacht Club Road announcing “Now Open, Wicomico Golf Course, Riverview Restaurant”. This is a government / county owned facility. facility. Why are they allowed the use of signage? signage? It seems as the government does not care about all the folks hit by the mortgage cr isis and alallow them to erect a Real Estate sign to help them sell their home and avoid a possible foreclosure or the family just trying to move on. And what about all all the Restaurants that are facing hard times? Wouldn Wouldn’t ’t they want to advertise with a big, illuminated ashing sign? I think its time the government go back back to providing services that the public sector does not, make laws that are equal and fair for all businesses which would allow Real Estate agents to erect directional signage, and PRACTICE WHAT THEY PREACH. Jimmy Hayden Leonardtown, MD
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On Thursday November 20, 2008 your papa- still in effect in St. Mary’s Mary’s County. This could per printed an article article slan slandering dering my credib credibility ility be why why more more citizens citizens don don’t ’t come forwa forward rd with with in an incident my husband, myself and another information fearing they will be victimized couple witnessed at the Drift Inn on October like I have been. 4, 2008. After reading this article I feel I have I am upset that your article failed to menbeen victimi victimized zed by by speaking speaking out out for for children children’’s tion that Gerald Bowles threatened me with the rights. I have learned in the past 4 years work- following statement, “ This had better not get ing as a Special Education Paraeducator at back to the the school school where where my daughte daughterr attends attends Margaret Brent Middle School that children or someone will pay.” pay.” What did he actually aren’t always heard and they need someone mean by this? With this statement I am in fear fear to advocate for them. I was simply telling the everyday when I pull into the school parking lot truth to what I had witnessed, and my credibil- and when I leave. I should not have have to live in ity is slandered all over the county papers. fear now, because I made a report that an under u nder I don’t understand why Joanne Wood, the aged child was serving alcohol. Clearly I have attorney for the Alcohol & Liquor Board did been a victim victim of The County Times, Times, St. St. Mary’ Mary’ss not ask for the other witnesses who were with Today, The Alcohol & Liquor Board and the me the evening in question to come forward. Drift Inn In n for slandering my credibility. Why wasn’t this investigated before going in front of the Alcohol Alcohol & Liquor Board? Board? Maybe Sincerely, because b ecause the Chairman is related to the defenMelissa Flowers dants, or maybe that “Good Old Boy Law” is Mechanicsville, MD Editors Note Editors Note:: The County Times Times in our November November 20th 20th 2008 article reported reported the action taken by the St. Mary’s County Alcoholic Beverage Board. The County Times continues to research the information forma tion surroun surrounding ding this matte matter. r.
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Thursday, November 27, 2008
TheCounty
Times
Section A - 5
Martirano Says State of School System is Strong Annual Address Annual Address Hig Highlig hlights hts Achiev Achievements ements and Needed Needed Impr Improve ovements ments Andrea Shiell Staff Writer
Addressing a large l arge crown at the t he J.T. J.T. Daugherty Center Nov. 19 during his annual “State of the School System” speech, School Superintendent Michael Martirano said the state of St. Mary’s Schools was healthy overall, but also acknowledged that serious budgetary problems face the schools in the near future. “Ladies and gentlemen, let me state for the record that the State of the St. Mary’s County Public School System is strong and vibrant,” he said, citing gains made in the last year including 100 percent of SMCPS schools achieving Ade-
Dropout rates were another item list of needed improvements for the county. “Our dropout rate is 2.8 percent and our graduation rate is 86.2 percent,” Martirano said, adding that new intervention programs being put in place at the ninth grade leve levell are expected to help those numbers improve. “Through our Tech Connect program at the Forrest Center, and through the Fairlead Academy, we are casting a larger safely net in an attempt to ensure that our students stay in school and graduate.” School Board member Mary Washington later commented on the dropout rate, saying “it’s actually higher at Great Mills…that 2.8
quate Yearly Progress (AYP) and scoring ab ove percent above is” a county-wide county-wide average… average…we need to state averages on High School Assessments do better. bette r.” Martirano also noted that the number of (HSAs). “Today I am here to proclaim that we are a high performing school system and that economically disadvantaged students in the we should be very proud of that.” county had risen in the last year to 26 percent. Continuing with the theme of academic “With our challenging economic times, gains, Martirano brought up Maryland State we are seeing a rise in this number. This is a Assessment (MSA) data, citing “our four-year ve percent increase over a one-year period,” trend…in the assessed grades of 3-8, our aver- he said. ages are higher than the overall State of MaryWhen asked later how the economic downland averages and we have made remarkable turn might affect the school system’s budget,
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Photo by Andrea Shiell
Superintendent Michael Martirano and newly elected Board of Education member Marilyn Crosby at the State of the School System luncheon. gains in seventh and eighth grade math.” He Martirano was reluctant to discuss numbers. “I won’t know for a while wh ile what we’re workthen invoked “the 21.3 point growth and 24.8 point growth in the overall seventh and eighth eighth ing with,” he said, adding that 2010 budget projections would be offered to the Board of projections grade area. “I’m expecting similar gains next year,” he County Commissioners in December, followed by work work sessions sessions and public public forums forums starting in added. Martirano said there were several short- January. The mood of the day was optimistic though comings that SMCPS would need to address, as Martirano praised the school system’s recent including teacher salaries and benets. “We are beginning to lose some ground… gains. “Nationally, there is so much chatter about our starting teacher salary is $43,240…we lag behind Charles and Calvert,” He said. “Addi- all that is wrong with public education. Howtionally, our administrative salaries are the low- ever in St. Mary’s County, the converse is our t hat way,” way,” he said. est of the three Southern Maryland counties. reality…and we must keep it that “Our best days are yet to come.” We must do better in future years.”
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Celebrating a Delayed Rite of Passage Students Awarded GED ingly Diplomas as the “Good Enough Diploma,” was Andrea Shiell Staff Writer
The auditorium at Leonardtown High School was aglow the night of Nov. 20 for the 27th annual GED Graduation Recognition Ceremony, hosted by the St. Ma ry’s County Public Schools Adult Education Program. Compared to the virtual sea of caps and gowns, the marathon stretches of Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance,” and the endless lists of honorees that typify the springtime festivities for countless seniors, last Thursday’s affair seemed far more intimate and relaxed. Despite this veneer, though, the mood of those in attendance would rival that of any Harvard graduate’s parent, as they reveled in the signicance of t he event. “This year 54 people in St. Mary’s County earned their GED by passing the state test,” said Rikke Elkins, an educational specialist with the Department of Social Services, who was also there to celebrate her daughter’s graduation. As is typical at all graduation ceremonies, attending dignitaries offered their own bits of adv ice to th e gra duate s. “Take the time to think about your future,” said Board of Education member William Mattingly. “I would love to see you all
originally developed after World War II to help veterans return to civilian life. It is only administered to people who have not received their high school diploma, whether due to class failures, expulsions, or pe rsonal problems . Since the incep tion of the GED progr am, more than 15 millio n Amer icans have received a GED credential. One in seven Americans with high school credentials have earned a GED, as well as one i n twenty college students. Though this year saw 54 county residents pass the test and receive their high school credentials, only 20 of the graduates were in attendance, as most had other commitments to attend to. Among those in attendance was Jessica Elkins, who addressed the crowd with her friend Caitlin Standish, with whom she had taken t he test. She began by telling the assembly that she would not tell them what brought her there that night, or to the GED program specically, “because you probably don’t care about my problems… problems…besides besides the problems aren’t what’s interesting, it’s the solutions,” she said, smiling. She entreated all to be proud of the fact that, “we have ofcially removed ourselves from the ranks of dropouts.”
continue your education…don’t stop Francis here.” In and the turning midst ofof all speakers, the County Commissioner President music thethe tassels, SuperinJack Russell told the graduates to “remem- tendent Michael Martirano quoted one of ber th ree thi ngs…always cont inue to beli eve the students who had lled out a post-class in yourself…continue to create meaningful questionnaire. “It has opened up many doors to many relationships…and it behooves you to nd a job you have passion for…apply your- choices, and now I have a choice,” Martiself, keep looking, and you will achieve this rano read. goal,”” he said. goal, The sentiment was shared by all 20 The GED test, also known as the Gen- graduates in attenda nce, as they nodded, aceral Educational Development test, the Gen- knowledging the opportunities that now lay eral Education Diploma, or referred to jok- before th em.
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TheCounty
Section A - 6
Talking Real Estate
Shooting Continued from page A-1 A-1
Times
have called Dean’s home, one by himself and two more times by way of Watson’s mother, charging documents stated. The defendant is also alleged to have called a fourth time that day via his personal cell phone, court papers stated. The defendant is alleged to have told witness to the case to tell Dean “it’s just a piece of paper, I can get to her if I want to get her.” In charging documents, Watson said that he had called Dean in an effort to get clothing sizes for his children. WatWatson said that Dean had called him at least twice and he returned her call and spoke with his son. Watson went on to state, court papers reveal revealed, ed, that his mother mother had had called called Dean to get the clothing sizes when Dean refused to give them to him. Watson stated in charging documents that he did not realize calling Dean was a violation of the protective order and agreed to turn himself in for the viola tion to the arresti ng deputy.
As Watson pressed his alleged attack against Patty, the estranged girlfriend Tina L. Dean retrieved a .22 caliber handgun and shot Watson, police reports state, before he turned his attack on her and wrested control of the gun away from Dean. Watson is alleged to have shot Patty and then turned the gun on Dean in a failed attempt to shoot her as well; police poli ce state that the weapo weapon n may have malfunctioned. Watson Watso n ed t he scene, police allege, Patrick Dugan and was later found by law ofcers near the home lying down suffering from his By: Patrick Dugan injuries. Watson was own by Maryland “A Once in a lifetime opportunity for inves- State Police helicopter to the trauma tors” That is what Warren Buffet, yes that War- unit at Prince George’s Hospital Center ren Buffet, has called this nancial crisis that our in Cheverly while Dean was taken to St. country nds itself in. Mary’s Hospital Hospital Center for t reatment and Mr. Buffet goes on to explain that if an indi- was later released. records alsoprotective reveal thatorders Dean had Court attempted to get vidual, or a group of individuals, takes the initiaPatty was also transported there for against Watson in the past dating back tive to start buying now, they will reap rewards treatment of his wounds but died there. to 2000 but had not been successful in at much greater than normal. Detectives with the St. Mary’s Coun- least one case. In 2004 she was granted We are seeing prices getting lower in residen- ty Bureau of Criminal Investigations a temporary protective order but was detial homes, condominiums, townhouse and even state that charges are pending against nied a nal nal protective order. commercial property. So how does an investor Watson. Watson also pleaded guilty to a know when it is ti me to buy? Well, if you are nerWatson, of Leonardtown, had been fourth-degree burglary charge in May vous about investing you could decide to wait until arrested by a St. Mary’s sheriff’s deputy that earned him a three-year sentence prices go up, then you woul would d know know that that the the b bottom ottom just days bef before ore the shoo shooting ting for alle allegedly gedly that was suspended to just nine months of the market has hit. Of course by waiting until violating a protective order ordering him of incarceration. the prices increase, you have already lost some off to stay away from Dean with whom he The original offense occurred in your prot you would make by buying now. had three children, police reports state. October of 2007 and involved a breakIf you y ou are ready to make more money than Watson Watso n was arrested Nov. 20 but was in charge at Nicolet Park, county owned is normal in real estate, the time to buy is here. released from incarceration the follo following wing property, property, in Lexington Lexington Park. Never Nev er have have we seen such a dramatic dramatic drop in prices prices day, on-line court records show show.. over such a short amount of time. We know that In that incident Watson was alleged to the prices of real estate will not shoot through the roof as they did in the past few years. However, the same as last year for holiday with proper knowledge, you can nd great values shopping. right now, rent them out and sell them or use them “It’s business as usual,” Pope as retirement income in the future. told The County Times. “We’re exIn past articles I have talked about buying a Continued from page A-1 A-1 pecting pectin g a strong strong season season.. home for each child you have, and then selling it “They’re still lling up carts as their college years approach. Yet, if you can also In past years, Slavings said, customand buying stuff.” buy extra extra homes, homes, one, one, two or or even even more, more, you will ers would come in on Black Friday, the At Nanbo’s, a musical instrument be in a positi position on that that the rental incom incomee will will be extra day after Thanksgiving Day, and buy shop in Wildewood Shopping Center, income for you at retirement. more medium sized, medium priced gifts store manager Mason Sebastien said Imagine being one of the lucky few who have that boosted the store’ store’ss bottom line. Black Friday was more of a non-event for 10 or 20 rental units. When they started out, they This year, she said, she expected that a small retail operation. probably prob ably though thoughtt they they woul would d get get one renta rental, l, maybe maybe families would come in as usual, buy a “It doesn’t do anything to get us in two the and then things took off. Now,us they can gift that entire family could use such the black,” Sebastien said. “It’s just anjoy th e lifestyle lifes tyle that having that numerous numero renta rentals ls encan large as a new television set, and have smaller, other day for us.” bring you. less expensive gifts for individual memBut Sebastien said that smaller reYou can also use the rentals in the future to bers of of the house househol hold. d. tailers were concerned about their Black upgrade your own home. Perhaps you can afford a She still held out hopes that con- Friday prospects more so than the larger rental now, in 10 years after the tenants have been sumers would make a rush on newer big box outt outts. s. paying payin g your your mortgag mortgage, e, maybe maybe you coul could d sell sell itit and and technologies. “They realize people are cautious, move into that waterfront home you dream of. “We might see more trafc on teletele - that the economy is not good,” Sebastien Please do not think that only investors should vision sets because of the February 20, said. be buying now. now. If investors investors are buying, and they 2009 changeover to digital televisions,” Over at Bay Books in the same shopare, that is the time you want to buy your own Slavings said. ping center, center, Sue Sloan, a product buyer home as well. There are great opportunities to get Slavings also said that sales of con- for the store, said business has been so into new homes, upgrade your current living situ- sole might be strong as well. slow lately they were hoping that some ation, or just get into your FIRST FIR ST HOME! “Here’s the big thing,” she said. Black Friday cash might come t heir way. If you work for St. Mar y’ y’ss County, maybe the “People are still shopping, people are still “It used to be how everybody moaned Sherriff’s department, or the election Board, you spending money.” and groaned about how busy Black Friare also eligible for down payment assistance from Nationall Nati onally y the outlook for retail retail ap- day was,” Sloan said. “Now we’re all the County and the State. pears gloomy, gloomy, with the steep economic economic watching to see if anyone’s going to buy There are great opportunities out there now, downturn in September precipitated by anything.” do not sit back three years from now and say,” I failure after failure of major Wall Street For the business person, Sebastien wish I know what I know now” , you do know it, nancial institutions, retailers have had said, retail in general was still a risky so go buy a house, an apartment, an apartment to cut prices to attract customers who propositi propo sition on at best, Black Friday or no building… build ing… have been reluctant to spend into their Black Friday. As always, you can reach me at PatrickDu- stores. “You have a couple of really big days [emailprotected] with questions or comments on [emailprotected] At the nearby Target store, however, of sales and then the bottom falls out the this or any other article. manager Ronnie Pope is expecting much rest of the week,” Sebastien said.
Black Friday
Criminal Continued from page A-1 A-1
“His bond was revoked, we’re looking for him,” said Assistant State’s Attorney Daniel J. White. “These commissioners should be more careful before they release these violent criminals in the middle of the night.” White told The County Times that the severity of the charges against Stovall, his prior conviction for a murder in Prince George’s County, and lack of a permanent address meant he should not have been released. Charging documents from one of the alleged incident against Stovall showed his address as being in Mechanicsville, the other set of charging documents show no address, only that he lived “near B.K. Miller’s Store” in Clinton. B.K Miller’s store is a wellknown liquor and grocery store in
Disputes Continued from page A-1 A-1 right after Christmas that we start seeing a really sharp increase in calls.” Colvin said that families may be feeling the impact of strained nances after bills arrive showing Christmas spending, and she expects thatin this year theyears. center may see even more calls than previous Dialogue on nancial stress and domestic disputes seems almost ominous as it comes in the wake of the second murder reported in St. Mary’s County this year. On November 24 at approximately 4 a.m., police responded to a reportedsho shooting otingin Lexin Lexington gton Par Park, k, whic which h came as the result of a domestic dispute between Jeremiah J. Watson and his former girlfriend, Tina L. Dean. Watson allegedly forced his way through Dean’s door and attacked her and her guest, Christopher
southern Prince George’s County. According Ac cording to court documents, the commissioner who authorized Stovall’s release twice was Joseph E. Clarkson. “It’ss outrageous,” White said of the sus“It’ pect’s release. release. White said that for Stovall’s murder case, authorities from Maryland had to travtravel to Oakland, Calif. to bring him back for trial. The rst alleged incident occurred May 20, when Stovall is said by police to have assaulted his wife when they began to argue over her seeking a legal separation. Stovall, according to victim statements in the charging documents, “went ballistic,” ballistic,” grabbed his wife and shook her violently. violently. Stovall also allegedly smashed her head into the wall three times, court papers state. When the victim asked Stovall to take her to get emergency medical treatment two days later, court papers continued, he did d id so only after she agreed not to talk to police about the incident. The second alleged incident occurred in late May, according to charging documents, M. Patty, who later died at St. Mary’s Hospital from a g unshot wound. Sheriff Timothy Cameron reported that the inci inciden dentt had had come after a dome domestic stic violencee report. “There was a protection order violenc order in place pla ce that that Miss Miss Dean had had led… led…he he viol violated ated that that order and Mr. Watson was arrested on the 20 thof Novem No vember ber,, and he was was released released on on the 21 21st…obviously she felt some threat…I don’t know what you can say, it was just a terrible loss of life,” said Cameron. When asked about the upward trend in domestic disputes, Cameron said, “it seems like there have been more disputes over money…and there’s been a signicant increase of disputes with people who’ve never been involved with the police before…in a number of cases there were people we’ve never dealt with before.” Certain organizations are tryg to address both the economic and domestic ing in violence issues in the community by extending
over whether Stovall and his wife were going to have a cookout at their Mechanicsville residence. Court papers allege that Stovall grabbed his wife by both of her forearms and threw her into the bedroom wall and then slapped her in the face three times before throwing her again into the living room. Charging documents go on to say that Stovall allegedly threatened to kill her if she went to the police. The sheriff’s deputy who led the charges said he observed redness and swelling on both of the alleged victim’s victim’s forearms as well as redness on her check from where she claimed Stovall had slapped her. The deputy wrote that Stovall denied the argument turned into a physical altercaaltercation and said he had left the house to avoid a ght. Stovall has currently been charged with two counts of second-degree assault, each of which carries a 10-year prison sentence if he is convicted. Administrative Commissioner Patrick Loveless did not return phone calls seeking comment on Clarkson’s behalf. services to more families in need, as well as providing housing and protection for victims of domestic violence. Leah’s House founder Marguerite ri te Morris said she will be pushing to expand her existing facilities to accommodate more women and children. Having received a half a million dollars from the state and foundations, as well as $750,000 from the local business community for the construction of a new 10,000 square-foot facility, Morriss said, “we’re getting closer…but those are serious dollars in this economy.” Morriss added that the conconstruction of a safe-house with a high level of security and controlled access would be her ultimate goal, since no such facility exists in St. Mary’s County, and she has to instead drive victims to safe-houses in neighboring counties. “As far as someone saying they have a safe house to go to, it just doesn’t exist in this county,” said Morriss, “we can’t kid ourselves about that.”
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Wanderings of an Aimless Mind
Warm Thanksgiving Wishes
Shelby Oppermann
By Shelby Oppermann I wish for all of you readers that Thanksgiving Day brings a time of togetherness, whether it is with hugs in person or by an unexpected call from your faraway relative. I’m hoping for a relaxing day, where we get to visit with my brother Billy’s family this year. His son, Bill and wife, Kim gave birth to to the rst rst baby baby in 21 21 years years on our side since my son, Ryan. I think new little Norah Ann might get a touch spoiled for Thanksgiving. Then like so many families we have a second Thanksgiving on Saturday with my husband’s children and their families. My husband keeps saying we are having pizza that day, which is probably ne, everyone might be turkey’d out by that time. I have had as much as four four Thanksgiving meals, as I would guess a few of you have too. Inlaws might host a breakfast, so a couple can then eat dinner with their other in-laws, and then have to do the same thing all over again on Friday with in-laws and step-parents. step-parents. It does get very tricky in the planning department, but think of all the new recipes you get to try. I used to love those large Thanksgiving gatherings from when I was little. We would bring the picnicc table picni table in from from outsi outside de for for the the livin living g room room and have one small child’s table for my and I. Of course, Macy’s Thanksgiving Daycousins Parade would be on in the back background ground,, and and only only us kids woul would d be be watching. At least until the time for Santa’s arrival at the end, when he brings in the Christmas season. It still makes me catch my breath just as then, and isn’t truly the beginning of the season until I see Macy’s Santa. Yes, I will believe forever, and yes, maybe my middle name is “Pollyanna” “Pollyanna”.. I still cry when he arrives and want to go yelling around the house, “Santa’s coming, Santa’s coming!” Tidbit gets excited and runs around with me having no idea why. why. She must be thinking, “Mommie, must must really have to go outside and go potty bad.” My Uncle Race, and his girlfriend from New York used to bring his friend we all called “Big Ed” to the family dinners. “Big Ed” was huge and my Mother had to do extra food planning when she knew he was coming. I liked him. He was a clothes buyer buy er for Macy Macy’’s and and every every year year,, he woul would d bring bring us presents prese nts whic which h were were the late latest st fashio fashion. n. My Mother Mother would grumble beforehand about him being there becausee he was loud, obnoxiou becaus obnoxious, s, shufe his feet back and fort forth h under the table constantly, constantly, jingle jingle coins in his pocket, and after dinner would nd a chair to fall asleep in with his head back, mouth open and the most horrendous snores coming out of his mouth while other noises were coming out of other places. It was fun and fascinating fascinating to all the kids though. For many years I “lucked out”, because my Mother loved to cook so much. So we always had Thanksgiving dinner at her house. One time, time, about maybe 13 years ago, I nally wanted to cook one myself at home. My Mother said ne, we could come over a few days later on her birthday and eat e at something somethi ng else. I lived above where I worked at the time, and it was an old apartment with an olive green 1970’s 1970’s oven, which was missing a few parts. I followed all of Mommie’s recipes, stuffed the turkey and began baking it. After two hours or so, I noticed a funny smell, and called my mother. She asked questions about the turkey and if I had taken this and that out. Oops! What plastic plastic contraption contraption in the bottom of the bird? We had to try and get the hot turkey out of the oven, by now with lots of basting bastin g juices, juices, and remember remember I said said the oven oven was missing some parts. We Well ll some of the parts were the tracks to hold the the oven rack. The heavy pan twisted as my oldest son, Robert and I started to pull it out, and the whole thing went went over in the oven! Nothing like burnt burnt turkey butter, butter, smoky kitchen, and a crying yelling Mom. My sons won’t forget that Thanksgivi ng for a long time. We did get the plastic out and save the dinner. I miss those old memories, and the friends and all the relatives that are gone now, but we are creating new memories with each exciting year. I’m sure each of you have so many wonderful and fun fun-ny Thanksgiving memories you cherish as well. To each new day’s adventure and thanks for all that we have, Shelby Send comments to: [emailprotected] A day of love and caring With all your family near Listening to the stories of ones you hold so dear the turkey’s stuffed and tender the yams are glazed and sweet warmth is all around you lling your heart with Peace
Thursday, November 27, 2008
TheCounty
Times
Section A - 7
To Stuff or Not to Stuff? This and Other Thanksgiving Foo F oodd Saf Safety ety Questio Questions ns Turkey and stufng: Are there two foods more synonymous with the Thanksgiving holiday? According to the University of Illinois Extension, 97 percent of Americans enjoy turkey on Thanksgiving, with a total of 675 million pounds of the bird being eaten each year on that famed November Thursday. As one of the ideal turkey dressings, millions of pounds of stufng is also likely enjoyed across America during Thanksgiving. Turkey and stufng can bring smiles to the faces of friends and family this holiday. However,, if improperly prepared, they can also However bring some something thing else to the table table -- food borne illnes illnesses. ses. That is
cooking process. It is better to cook the stuffing and turkey separately. Once the turkey is nearly cooked through, the stufng can be added to the bird’s cavity and heated up so t hat the avors will meld and it makes for a traditraditional presentation.
What is the best way to thaw a turkey? Turkeys come both fresh and frozen. A fresh turkey should be purchased no more than a day or two before it will be cooked. This is why many people opt for frozen turkeys, so that they can get the best deal and buy ahead. Frozen turkeys will need to be thawed before cooking. It is not safe to thaw a turkey on the countertop as it may promote the proliferation of harmful bacteria at room temperature. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that you can choose among three methods of thawing: in the refrigerarefrigerator, in the microwave, or by submerging it in cold water. Depending upon the size of the turkey, it could take a day or more for the turkey to adequately thaw.
How do I know the turkey is done?
why it is i mpormaintain safety
tant to when han-
dling and preparing the Thanksgiving feast.
Should Istuff the turkey before cooking? One of the rst safety concerns should be with regard to stufng a raw turkey and then cooking the stufng and turkey together in the oven. Health ofcials advise against stufng the turkey, primarily because salmonella and other microscopic pathogens may enter the stufng from the raw juices of the turkey and then not be adequately eradicated during the
Trial Continued from page A-1 A-1
on South Coral Drive. Charging documents led at the time by then-Detective then-Detective Clayton Clayton Saff Safford ord of the St. Mary’s County Bureau of Criminal Investigations alleged that Potts told the chief of the re department that he had just killed someone inside the rehouse that evening. Safford wrote in his statement of probable cause that when he made contact with Potts he observed blood on his shirt, shorts, shoes and socks. Detectives who collected evidence at the scene found a large amount of blood in the upstairs sleeping quarters of the building as well as blood spatter on the wall. They also found a trail of blood leading from the lounge area to a storage room where they found Choporis’ body wrapped in blankets, towels and plastics that were soaked in
Turkey should be cooked until the internal temperature reads a minimum of 165 F on a meat thermometer when the thickest part of the breast is checked. Baste the bird frequently to maintain moisture while cooking if you fear a dry bird. If you need to cook the turkey longer to achieve this internal temperature, consider tenting parts like the wings and breast which may burn or dry out with aluminum foil to redirect some of the oven heat.
How do I handle leftovers? It’s easy to linger at a Thanksgiving table overowing with food. However, it is not a good idea to package up foods that have been left out for more than two hours. When satiated, wrap up gravies, stufngs, leftover turkey, and all the rest and put it in the refrigerator as soon as you can. Do not leave “doggie bags” out for guests. You want them leaving with fond memories of the meal, not with leftovers that may cause food poisoning later on.
his own blood. Choporis had sustained several wounds from an edged weapon, charging documents state, to his neck and his head. Detectives also found that some of the blood bloo d might have been the subject of an attempted cleanup effort using solvents. Detectives found a knife, also covered in blood, bloo d, in a pair pair of shorts near the body that was later identied as belonging to Potts, charging documents allege. Court papers go on to say that Potts admitted to hitting Choporis in the head with a golf club after becoming agitated with him. A struggle between the two men ensued, charging papers allege, in which Potts produced his folding knife from his pants pocket and cut Choporis several times. Potts then wrapped Choporis in the blankets and other material and dragged him to the storage area. Potts was charged with both rst-degree and second-degree murder.
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Section A - 8
TheCounty
Times
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Obituaries John Wesley Berry, 89 John Wesley Berry, 89, of Lexington Park died Nov. 20 in St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown. Born Feb. 25, 1919 in Oakville, he was the son of the late Milton Berry and Annie Gray Berry. John is survived by his wife, Julia Elizabeth Berry, his children; Debra Curtis and Judith Toney of Lexington Park, Karen Owens of Oklahoma, Brenda Johnson of Aberdeen, Md., Elaine Williams, Delma Brown and Linda Fraley of Newport
wife Sue of Hollywood, Leroy Jones and his wife Carolyn of Mechanicsville, Cliff Dean of Hollywood, Gary Dean and his wife Maria of Hughesville, Margie Sandidge and her husband Richard of California, Md., Dale Dean and his wife Susan of Hollywood and Marlene Freeman and her husband Rick of HollyHollywood. She is also survived by fourteen grandchildren, ninenineteen great-grandchildren and her siblings Connie Copsey, Hoover Jones, Samuel Jones and Leona Stone, all of Hollywood, Cecilia Morgan of Mechanicsville and Lindy Jones
Geneva C. Farrell of Avenue Nursing Nursing Cente Centerr after suffe sufferr- place placess through throughout out St. Mary’ Mary’ss ciating. Interment will foland the late J.T. West. ing with cancer. County. Tillie loved having low in Maryland Veteran’s She is survived by her Born June 21, 1923 in fun and tried to make the most Cemetery, Cheltenham, Md. children Christopher Johnson Loveville, he was the son of of her days here on Earth. She at noon. Pallbearers will be and his wife w ife Danielle of Jack- the late Storer Miles and Ag- also really enjoyed entertain- her brother John Kennedy, sonville, Fla, Lisa Ryce and nes Helen Pussler Morris. ing and welcoming others into her son John Ramos III, her her husband Timmy of LeonMr. Morris served in the her home. If she knew some- son-in-law Robert Bowden, ardtown and Kerri Hall of United States Navy during one was in need, she did what and her daughters Hazel Avenue, Av enue, as well as ve grand g rand-- WWII and was deployed in she could to help. Among Ramos Reece, Frances Rachildren; Cheyenne Corbett, the Pacic. He was discharged her favorite pastimes were mos Verbruggen and Mary Jacob Johnson, Heaven Ryce, in March of 1946 and then listening to music, dancing, Ramos. Abi Ryce and Lizzy Ryce. married Charlotte Lambert dressing up, throwing parties, Contributions may be She is also survived by April 21, 1946. playing cards and watc playing watching hing made to the Parkinson DisDis her sisters Judy Wilson and In 1926, his parents moved television. She was also a long ease Foundation, www.pdf. Kathy Bell, both of Leonar- to Baltimore, Md. where he time member of Holy Angels org org.. dtown and Freida Dixon of attended School # 208, Curtis Catholic Church. Arrangements provided Lexington Park, as well as her Bay, Ben Franklin Jr. High, Those left to cherish the by the Matt ingley- Gard iner nieces and nephews Sherry Polytechnic. He went to work life and legacy of Cecelia Funeral Home, P.A. Hawkins, Heather Belosi, for Western Electric, Point Elizabeth Parker include her
News, Va., John Berry, Jr. News, Jr. of of Tennessee. Dixon, She was preceded in Timmy and Ashley Bell, Gary and tenQuade great Great Mills, Shawn Berry of Lexington Park, and Joseph death by her siblings Evelya nieces and nephews. A lifelong resident of St. Berry of Washington, D.C.; Clements, Thomas Jones, Hilsiblings, Henrietta Briscoe, da Morgan, Ruby Jones and Mary’s County, Debbie loved her cats and loved to be at the Annie Young, Lou Barnes, McKinley Jones. crabbing and spending A lifelong resident of beach crabbing Carrie Miles, Ben Berry, Thomas Berry, Saint Berry, St. Mary’s County, Mandy time with her grandchildren. Gus Berry, Turner Berry, and graduated from Great Mills The family received friends High School in Ridge, “Class Nov Nov.. 24 from 5 – 6 p.m p.m.. in the the Wallace Berry. He was preceded in death of 1942.” She was a health Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral by his son, Samue Samuell Johns Johnson on service worker in St. Mary’s Home, Leonardtown, where Nursing home for 30 years, a funeral service followed at Nursing and a sister Emma Ber ry. His family will receive retiring in 1989. She loved 6 p.m. with Pastor Mark Garfriends Nov. 28 from 9:30 – yard work, gardening, family rett ofciating. Interment was private. priva te. 11 a.m. in Immaculate Heart time and playing bingo. The family received Contributions may be of Mary Church, Lexington Park. A Mass of Christian friends Nov. 21 from 5 – 8 made to the American Cancer Mattingley gley-Gar-Gar- Society, St. Mary’s County Burial will be celebrated at 11 p.m. in the Mattin a.m. with Reverend Jack KenKen- diner Funeral Home, Leonard- Unit, P.O. Box 1032, Lexing20653.. nealy as the celebrant. Inter- town, where prayers were said ton Park, MD 20653 Arrangements provided ment will follow in the church at 7 p.m. A funeral service was held Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. in by the Mattin Mattingley gley-Gardine -Gardinerr cemetery. Condolences to the fam- Hollywood United Method- Funeral Home, P.A. ily may be made at www. ist Church, Hollywood, with Rev. Sheldon Reese ofciatofciatbrinseldfune brins eldfuneral. ral.co com m. Karen Diane Lemmon, Arrangements by the ing. Interment followed in 50 Brinseld Funeral Home, Joy Chapel Cemetery, Hollywood. Pallbearers were Steve P.A., Leonardtown. Karen Diane Lemmon, Sandidge, Brian Dean, Da- 50, of Lusby, died Nov. 18 in Andrew Richard Court- vid Alvey, Ricky Sandidge, her home after a prolonged Billy Dean and Ronnie Jones. Honorary pallbearers were breas and courageous battle with ney, 84 breast t cancer. cancer. Rick Freeman and Richard Born April 12, 1958 in Andrew Richard CourtSandidge. Kitlery, Maine, she was the ney, 84 of Lexington Park Contributions may be daughter of the late Glynn passed away Nov Nov.. 18 at ChesChesmade to Calvert County Hos- Alden Waldrop and Norma apeake Shores, Lexington pice,, P.O pice .O.. Box 83 838, 8, Prince Elaine (Daniels) Waldrop. Park. Frederick, MD 20678. She was a Southern MaryBorn Nov. 14, 1924, in St. Arrangements provided land resident for 14 years. KarMary’s City, he was the son by the Mattin Mattingley gley-Gardine -Gardinerr en was a career civil servant of the late James and Julia Funeral Home, P.A. with the Department of the Courtney. Navy and had had worked worked aboard aboard Mr. Courtney was a laMargaret Ann “Peggy” NAS Patux Patuxent ent River for many borer for a Construc Construction tion Smith Giddings, 76 years. She was a member of Company. Southpoint Church in LeonHe is survived by his wife Margaret Ann “Peggy” ardtown. Her limitless optiMary Robinson Courtney of Lexington Park; his children, Smith Giddings, 76, of Helen, mism and unshakeable faith Charles R. Courtney, of formerly of Hollywood, and in God were an inspiration to Eastern Shore, Maryland, Valley Lee, died Nov.21 in all who knew her. Her love for travelling was matched only Mary Ann Courtney, Bran- Bushwood. Born May 15, 1932 in Ny- by her lov lovee and devo devotion tion to don Adams and Lanie Scott all of Lexington Park, Joyce ack, N.Y. she was the daughter her family. She is survived by her Fenwick of Ridge, and Mil- of the late Herbert and Martha ton and Benny Fluellen of Potter Smith. She was the lov- three children, Timothy HoltBuffalo, N.Y.; siblings; Lottie ing wife of Clifton H. “Tom” er of Orlando, Fla., Kristin Dove of Park Hall, Christine Giddings, whom she married Lemmon of Virginia Beach, Fenwick of Lexington Park, Oct. 16, 1954 in Columbus Va., and Rebecca Lemmon of Margaret Kelly of Park Hall, Presbyterian Church, Colum- Philadelphia, Pa., four grandN.J. children, Brydgit Lorraine, Doris Briscoe Ratchford of bus, N.J. She is survived by her Daniel Holter, Emma Holter, Park Hall and Agnes Thomas children; Victor Tom Gid- and Gabrielle Dewey, three of Delware, Md. In addition to his parents dings of Bethesda, Md., Jef- sisters, Tanya Banks of HenMr. Courtney was prede- frey Herbert Giddings of dersonville, N.C., and Judy ceased by three brothers and Rockville, Md., Karen Wein- Lee and Michelle Mahoney, ing of Newark, Del. and Gary both of Moun Mountain tain Grov Grove, e, one sister. Family received friends Dunham Giddings of Lake- Mo., and several nieces and from 9 – 11 a.m. Nov. 25 land, Fla.; sister: Jean Gale of nephews. Family received friends in Park Hall True Holiness Wrightstown, N.J. and four for Karen’s Life Celebration Church where a Funeral Ser- grandchildren. Peggy graduated from Nov Nov.. 23 from 2 – 5 p.m. in vice was be conducted at Pem- the Brinseld Funeral Home, 11 a.m. with Pastor Richard Pemberton High School, Pemberton, N.J. N.J. June 8, 1949 1949 and Leonardtown. Prayers were Sawyer ofciating. Interment In terment will follow in she also attended New Jersey recited at 4 p.m. A Funeral College for Women in Rider Service was conducted Nov. the church cemetery. Condolences to the famfam- College Trenton, N.J. She 24 at 1 p.m. at St. Nicholas ily may be made at www. moved to St. Mary’s County Chapel aboard NAS Patuxin 1955 from Silver Spring, ent River. Matt Hall, pastor brinseldfune brins eldfuneral. ral.co com m Arrangements provided Md. She was a housewife of Southpoint Church will ofby the Brins Brinseld eld Funera Funerall and a member of Terra Marie ciate. Interment followed in Quilters. Charles Memorial Gardens, Home, P.A., Leonardtown. A Memorial Service was Leonardtown. held Nov. 25 at 10:30 a.m. in Memorial contributions Amanda Louise “Manthe Mattingley-Gardiner Fu- may be made to Calvert Hosdy” Dean, 84 neral Home Chapel with Rev. pice pice,, P.O .O.. Box 838 838,, Prince Gregory Syler ofciating. InIn- Frederick, MD 20678 or the Am and a terment will be Private. Con- Susan B. Komen Breast CanLouise “Mandy” tributions may be made to St. cer Society, 200 East Joppa Dean, 84, of HolGeorge’s Episcopal Church, Road, Suite 407, Towson, MD lywood, Md., P.O. Box 30, Valley Lee, MD 21286. died Nov. 19 in 20692. Condolences to the famAsbury Nursing Arrangements provided ily may be made at www. Home in Soloby the Mattin Mattingley gley-Gardine -Gardinerr brins brinseldfune eldfuneral. ral.co com m. mons, mo ns, Md. Funeral Home, P.A. Arrangements by the Born Oct. 10, 1924 in Leonardtown she was the daughter of the late Garrett Thomas and Louise Fergerson Jones. She was the loving wife of the late Joseph Albert Dean whom she married Jan. 13, 1945 in Leonardtown and who preceded her in death Jan. 9, 1980. She is survived by her children; Joe Dean and his
Deborah Jean “Debbie” Hall, 51 Debo rah Jean “Debbie” Hall, 51 of Avenue, died Nov. 18 in her residence. Born July 29, 1957 in Leonardtown, she was the daughter of
Brinseld Funeral P.A., Leonardtown.
Home,
Malcolm Vivien Morris, 85 Malc olm Vivien Morris, 85, of Leonardtown passed away Nov. 20 in the St. Mary’s
Breeze retiring four children, oneone son-in-law, in July from 1972 age as a 18, Machinist. Jeffrey Miller, daugh- Melissa Louise Spry, 63 daughHe moved to Pamplin, Va. to ter-in-law, Rosetta Parker, Melissa Loufarm and back to Maryland in ten grandchildren, Terrah A. ise Spry, 63, of September 1988 on his Uncle Dews, Shelita Battle, Alicia Lexington Park, Wilmer Pussler’s farm. He Battle, Clinton Robinson, died Nov. 17 in was a conservationist, envienvi- Jr., Glenn Battle Jr., Quentin her residence. ronmentalist and farmer. His Deante Robinson, Stephanie Born March passion passi on was farming, raisi raising ng Parker, Dominique Cornelius 13, 1945 in a garden, watching the deer Parker, Jeffrey Parker, ChrisChris- Cleveland, Ohio, she was and eagles on the farm and the tina Parker, two great grand- the daughter of the late geese as they landed on the children, Rakiah Battle and Ralph B. and Florance H. pond. Mr. Morris was also a Nia Tapp Tapp and a host of nephneph- Meresicky Frick. Mrs. Spry lifetime member of the VFW ews, nieces, cousins and life- was a registered nurse. Post 2632, California. long friends. She is survived by her In addition to his wife, The family received husband, Donald J. Spry Mr. Morris is survived by friends Sunday, Nov. 23 from of Lexington Park, three his daughter; Patricia Ann 2 – 5 p.m. in the MattingMatting- daughters, Laura Merkle Prosey, (Joe) of Leonard- ley-Gardiner Funeral Home, of Dayton, Ohio, Melissa town, grandchildren; Vicki Leonardtown, where prayers Jett of Asheville, N.C., MiMiL. Croucier, (Juan) of Rancho were said at 3 p.m. A Mass chelle Rutherford of RichPalos Verdes, Calif., John C. of Christian Burial was cel- landtown, Pa., three sons, Morris, (Brandi) of Orlando, ebrated Nov. 24 at 10 a.m. in John Rogers of Cleveland, Fla., great-grandchildren; Holy Angels Catholic Church Ohio, Matthew Rogers of Ryan C. Croucier of Rancho with Fr. William Gurnee of- Los Angeles, Calif., StePalos Verdes, Calif., Logan E. ciating. Interment followed phen Spry of Qua kertow n, Morris and Lucas E. Morris in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Pa. , seven grandchildren, of Orlando, Fla. Bushwood. Arrangements three sisters, Susan Cowles Malcolm was preceded provi provided ded by Mattin Mattingley gley-Gar -Gar-- of Los Angeles, Calif, Lauin death by his son, John R. diner Funeral Home, P.A. P.A. ra Frick of Shargin Fall, Morris in January 1979 and Ohio, Tina Frick of Kent, his sister Wilhelmina VanVan- Hazel DeSilva Kennedy Ohio and a brother, Kevin Dyke in September 1997. Frick of Cleveland, Ohio. Ramos, 89 Family received friends The family received Nov.. 25 from 5 – 8 p.m Nov p.m.. in H a z e l friends for Melissa’s Life the Brinseld Funeral Home, DeSilva Ken- Celebration Nov. 21 from P.A., Leonardtown, where a nedy ne dy Ramos, 5 – 8 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Service was conduct89 of Lexing- Funeral Home, Leonarded at 7 p.m. with Father Joseph ton Park, and town. Prayers were recited Dobson ofciating. Interment formerly of at 7 p.m. A Mass of Chriswill be Nov. 26 at 10 a.m. in New Orlean s, tian Burial was celebrated Glen Haven Memorial Park La., died Nov. 22 in her Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. in ImCemetery, Glen Burnie, Md. maculate Heart of Mary residence. In lieu of owers MemoriMemoriBorn Feb. 9, 1919 in Catholic Church, Lexingal contributions may be made New Orlea ns, La., she was ton Park. The Reverend to the American Cancer Soci- the daughter of the late Jack Kennealy was the celety, St. Mary’s County – Unit Matthew James and Hazel ebrant. Interment followed 350, P.O. Box 1032, Lexington Catherine DeSilva KenKen- in the church cemetery. Park, MD 20653 Memorial contributions nedy, Jr. Condolences to the famShe was the loving may be made to HOSPICE ily may be made at www. wife of John Ramos, Jr. of St. Mary’s, Inc., P.O. brinseldfunera brinse ldfuneral.co l.com m of Lexington Park, whom Box 625, Leonardtown, Arrangements provided provided she marr ied Feb. 7, 1953 in MD 20650. by Brins Brinseld eld Funeral Home Home,, Holy Face Church, Great P.A., Leonardtown. Joseph William “Billy” Mills. In addition to her husTinsley, 50 Cecelia Elizabeth Parker, band , she is sur vived by her 79 children; John Ramos III Joseph Wilof Oakdale, Conn., Hazel liam “Billy” C e c e l i a Catherine Ramos Reece of Tinsley, 50, of Elizabeth Park- Kona, Hawaii, Frances AuAu Hollywoo d, er known to gusta Ramos Verbruggen Md. died Nov. most as “Tillie” of Portland, Ore. and Mary 17 in St. Mary’s departed this Anne Ramos of Baltimore, Hospital. earthly life Nov. Md. She is also survived by Born Jan. 5, 1958 in 19 on her 79thbirthday. her brother John Kennedy Leonardtown he was the She was born Nov. 19, of Fairfax, Va. and seven son of Agnes C. (Wood) 1929 in Hollywood, Md. to grandchildren. Tinsley of Hollywood, and the proud parents, James AlShe was preceded in the late Fred R. Tinsley, bert and Cecel Cecelia ia Maria (S (Stete- death by her siblings; Mar- Sr. Billy was a painting vens) Butler. garet Kennedy, Matthew contractor. Cecelia was the young- Kennedy and Sr. Gloria Billy is survived by his est of eleven children and is Laboure. mother Agnes Tinsley, his survived by two sisters, MaMaHazel graduated from daughters, Amber R. GasGas rie Barnes and Annie Pauline Eleanor McMain High kill of Leonardtown, and Fitzgerald. School, New Orleans, Brandy L. Tinsley of Valley Tillie was predeceased “Class of 1935” and Mar- Lee, his siblings, Mary E. by her other nine sib siblings lings,, garet G. Hanson Normal Bailey of St. Inigoes, James Hortense, Gladys, John, School, New Orleans, F. Tinsley of Hollywood, James Albert, Priscilla, Phil- “Class of 1937,” 1937,” Tulane Uni - Fred R. Tinsley, Jr. of Richlip Leroy, Joseph Roy, Mary versity of Louisiana, New mond, Va.,, and Michael A. and her parents. Orleans, with a Bachelor of Tinsley of Hollywood, and Tillie was educated in St. Arts from the Division for three grandchildren, AnMary’s County schools. She Teachers “Class of 1942” drew M. Fowler, Savannah attended the Phyllis Wheatley, Wheatley, and University of Michigan, F. Gaskill and Blaine B. Oakville Elementary and St. Ann Arbor, with a Master Gaskill. Joseph’s Schools. In 1953, TilTil- of Science in Mathematics Family received friends lie married William Dews of “Class of 1948.” She moved for Billy’s Life Celebration Virginia and out of that union, to St. Mary’s County in the Nov. 22 from noon – 2 p.m. Tillie bore her rst child, Rose late 1940’s from New Or- in the Brinsfield Funeral Mary Dews. Tillie later mar- leans and was an algebra Home, Leonardtown. A ried ri ed Thomas Bernard Parker and geometry teacher at St. Funeral Service was concon “Tom” of St. Mary’s County Mary’s Academy in Leon- ducted at 2 p.m. Reverend and three children, Portia, ardtown for twenty years. Ray Schmidt, pastor of St. Thomas Jr., and Cecelia Maria, were born of that union. She The retiredfamily i n June,received 1981. John Francis Catholic Church was Regis the celebrant. On March 16, 1999, Tom friends Nov. 25 from 5 – 8 Interment was private. preceded preced ed Tilli Tilliee in death. Till Tillie ie p.m. in the Ma ttin gley-Ga rCondolences to the famfamwas devoted to her family and diner Funeral Home, with ily may be made at www. spent a number of years work- Prayers said at 6:45 p.m. A brin sfieldf uner al.com al.com.. ing in the home taking care of Mass of Christian Burial Arrangements by the her children and grandchil- will be celebrated Nov. 26 Brinsfield Funeral Home, dren. Even when she worked at 10 a.m. in Immaculate P.A., Leona rdtown. outside of the home, Til- Heart of Mary Catholic lie served others by cooking, Church, Lexington Park, cleaning and caring for the with Fr. Jack Kennealy offielderly and worked at several
TheCounty
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Times
Section A - 9
Wednesday, Nov. 26
Saturday, Nov. 29
VS. The Earth & DJ Rob Hotel Charles, Hughesville- 9:30 pm Cover charge. Call 301-274-4612 for more information. Special Olympics NL Hold’em Tournament Bennett Building (across from the Hollywood Rescue Squad), Hollywood- 7 p.m. 18 and up. Buy-in is $55 ($40 prize pool; $10 charity; $5 bounty). You’ll receive 2,000 in startstarting chips with blinds starti ng at 10-20. Payouts are determined according to the number of players. Sign-up is from 6:15 6:15 – 6:45 p.m., tourna ment and side games begin at 7 p.m. This tournament benets the Spec ial Olympics in St. Mary’s County and the Center for Life Enrichment. For further information and/or to pre-register pre-register,, call Bobbi Sprouse at 240-577-0983 or contact via email at [emailprotected] (no email on day of tournament). You can also reach Jim Bucci, Sr. at 301373-6104 for questions.
‘Tis the Season
“Saint Maries Musica” Gearing Up For Christmas Shows Andrea Shiell Staff Writer
They are not what you would call professional singers, instead volunteering their time to perform madrigal music at regional churches and fundraisers throughout the community, but the per-
Thursday, Nov. 27
formance groupmakes calledan “Saint Marieswhen Musica” certainly impression they grace the stage wearing Renaissance costumes an d singing the likes of Handel’s Handel’s “Messiah” in addition to a barrage of other madrimadrigal and modern tunes.
Thanksgiving Day Char ity Golf Tournament Wicomico Shores Call the Wicomico Shores Golf Course at 301884-4601 or 301-934-8191 for further information on this event and to reserve tee times for your group. Will waive greens and cart fees for patrons who contribute various non-perishable food and household items for charity. This year’s donations will be provided to the Catholic Community Services St. Clement’s Family Center food bank.
Starting as the Madrigal Concert Ensamble in 1971, when a group of neighbors decided to come together to perform musical compositions written during the Renaissance and Baroque eras, the group has grown to 21 members includ ing music te achers, eng ineers, nurses, housewives, retirees and students from all over Southern Maryland. The group has come under the di di-rection of Stanley “Joey” Hoopengardener, a retired choral teacher who taught for St. Mary’s County Public Schools for 33 years. Cur rently he is the Director of Music and Director of the Worship Commit-
Friday, Nov. 28 Christmas in the Square Leonardtown Square- 5 p.m. Holiday festivities, music, entertainment, sleigh rides, horse and carriage rides, live nativity, tree lighting lighting and visits from Santa. For more information, call 301-475-9791. Hospice of St. Mary’s First Annual Festival of Trees J.T. Daugherty Center- noon – 5 p.m This event is the kick off for this years “Tree of Light” ceremony. Fully decorated trees will be available for auction. Many vendors available for your holiday purchases. For more information, contact Hospice at 301-475-2023 or Nancy Glockner at 240-538-8076.
tee at the Lexington Park United Methodist Church, and he has toured with several Southern Maryland gospel groups, as well as adding his talents as the musical director for the St. Mary’s County Rec reation and Parks summer stock productions, which have put on such shows as “Grease,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” and “Les Miserables.” This gang of madrigal singers has also released their most recent album, “Spirit of Christmas,” which includes the group’s favorite selections from its Christmas 2007 program. T h i s year’s program, “A Seasonal Greeting,” is a blend of tradi tradi-tional carols, seasonal hymns, and other festive songs, featuring a wide range of selections including “O Magnum Mysterium” by Morten Lauridsen, Haldel’ss “And the Glory of t he Lord” f rom Haldel’ “The Messiah,” and traditional Christmas songs such as the “Carol of the Bells,” “Silent Night,” and “I Saw Three Ships.” This musical troupe will be at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic Church in Leonardtown on December 1 at 7:30 pm to perform the rst of several free Christ mas shows, offering both the colorful costumes and the songs of yesteryear.
No Green JellyBeenz & DJ Rob Hotel Charles, Hughesville- 9:30 p.m. No Green JellyBeenz in the Party Room with DJ Rob playing duri ng intermissions. te rmissions. After Thanksgiving Party, turkey, pie, etc. Cover charge. Call 301-274-4612 for more information. Thanksgiving Dance Holy Angels Church Hall- 8 p.m. Sponsored by Holy Angels Sacred Heart School Alumni, to benet Holy Angels Sacred Heart School. The Geezers will be perform ing. Call Tammy Pilkerton at 301-904-4020 for more information.
Sunday, Nov. 30 Troop 1782 Christmas Tree Sale Mechanicsville Lions Club Pavilion- 10 a.m. The Friends & Families of Boy Scout Troop 1782 will be selling Christmas trees to benet the Troop. Trees will be sold at the MechanicMechanic sville Lions Club Pavilion in the 235 median across from Flora Corner. Trees of different variety and size will be offered. Trees will be sold till Christmas. Lot hours: M-F: 5:30 – 9 p.m.; Sat & Sun: 10 a.m. –9 p.m. All prots go directly to the benet of the boys of Troop 1782.
Monday, Dec. 1 007
Bolt
Madagascar
Twilight
AMC Loews Lexington Park 6
Bolt Rated PG, 1 hr 36 min Showtimes: 4:30, 7:20
Quantum of Solace Rated PG-13, 1 hr 46 min Showtimes: 4:25, 7:15
High School Musical 3: Senior Year Year Rated G, 1 hr 40 min Showtimes: 4:20, 7:05
Role Models Rated R, 1 hr 35 min Showtimes: 4:45, 7:10
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa Rated PG, 1 hr 29 min Showtimes: 5:00, 7:30
Twilight Rated PG-13, 2 hr 0 min Showtimes: 4:15, 7:00
St. Maries Musica Free Concert St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic Church, Leonardtown7:30 p.m. This year’s program , “A Seasonal Greeting,” is an exciting blend of traditional carols, inspiring seasonal hymns, and other festive songs. Come and enjoy an evening of fun and good Christmas music.
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TheCounty
Section A - 10
Rich said, “it has there won’t be anything come Years…once the season grown a lot. It has New Years…once probably gone up of giving is over, people just about 30 percent… sort of push it to the back of there’s so many their minds,” she said. people that are in As the last of her latlat trouble.” est rash of customers loaded For DiCarlo, surviving the rest of their food items and the holiday rush of donadona- drove away, DiCarlo waved tions and pick-ups has been and smiled warmly, saysaydemanding. “I’ve worked ing that the urry of activity seven days a week the last this time of year was always ve weeks,” she said, adding something to be thankful for. that a week before Christmas “It’s a eeting moment when she expected to see the volvol - we have all of this, but it’s a ume of donations drop, “and good moment,” she said.
Food Banks Continued from page A-1 A-1
dozens of packages of frozen meat, and lling boxes with loaves of Pepperidge Farm bread. Every morsel, canned, boxed, or frozen, would be distributed to food pantries across all three counties in Southern Maryland, to be given freely to families in need this holiday season. As representatives of the pantries weighed their items and loaded their cars and trucks, Southern Maryland Food Bank manager Brenda DiCarlo smiled and laughed as she printed up their receipts and wished them well. well. She said Monday mornings are alalways her busiest times. “This
Times
Thursday, November 27, 2008
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morning we had tentwo pantries, and I’m expecting more before we close today, today,”” she said, adding that this year has been one of the bank’s busiest years so far, as the number of families requesting grocery assistance over the holidays has increased dramatically. DiCarlo said that donadonations this year had not been quite as strong as in previprevi ous years, mostly due to the economy, but she was imim pressed and encouraged by the recent outpouring of supsup port. “The food drives really came through for us…we’ve been really pleased with what we’ve received,” she said, adding that Leonardtown High School alone had dodo nated nearly 3,000 pounds of food items to the pantry in the last week, and St. Mary’s colcollege was doing food drives as well. “And a lot of businesses have been really support ive… the only downside to this inincreased support is with the amount of need, it’s staggering,” said DiCarlo, nodding to her walls of empty shelves, which only an hour ago had been full of food. food. “It goes out as quickly as it comes in.” With Thanksgiving days away and the number of famfam ilies requesting assistance up by as much as 30 t o 50 percent in some areas, DiCarlo said that her food bank had not seen a single turkey pass through its doors this year. “I was able to negotiate 18 cases for another pantry,” she explained, “but nobody’s interested in donating or givgiving them to me at a reduced price that I can afford.” Di Di-Carlo said that this was typitypi cal, however, and others loadload ing foodstuffs that morning conrmed that their pantries would typically work out deals with local supermarkets for products or vouchvouch ers to help families over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Larry Rich from SMILE, an organization linking 10 churches operating food panpan tries across Southern Mary land and serving overMary250families a week, laughed when asked how many turkeys he had given out, saying that he had given away 350 turkeys, 150 chickens, and 40 gift cards on Saturday for families requesting help for Thanksgiving. With respect to the need for assistance,
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Poster Designed by: Larry Reyna 12th Grade Great Mills High School
“The Governor’s Office of Crime Conrol and Prevention funded this project under grant number EDUL-2007-1015. All points of view in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of any State or Federal agency.”