PRSTD STD US Postage Paid Permit No.

145 Waldorf, MD

Thursday, February 15, 2007 St. Marys County, Maryland

Established 2006 Volume 2 Issue 7 FREE

Speed Kills Two Men

Board Names Everett Public Information Officer

The Board of Commissioners for St. Marys County announced that Karen B. Everett has been appointed Public Information Officer, effective Tuesday, Feb. 20. I see this job as a lot of opportunity to help the people, Everett told The County Times. I want to reach-out and solidify our relationship with the meida and give accurate information to the community. Everett received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism from the University of Florida in 1980, and a Masters of Public Administration from the Un ive r sit y See Everett page A-4

Photo Courtesy of BDVFD

Volunteers work at the scene of a fatal accident last Saturday on Chancellors Run Road. Shown is the overturned Dodge Neon in which two males dies from thier injuries.

On Saturday, Feb. 10, at 11:47 p.m., David Joseph Kimball, 25, of Chaptico, and William Clayton Flanary, 27, of California, reportedly brothers-in-law, were traveling in a Dodge Neon south on Chancellors Run Road in Great Mills at what a witness de-

scribed as a high rate of speed. According to the Sheriffs Department, the vehicle failed to negotiate a curve, left the southbound side of the roadway, struck a tree, and overturned into the roadway. The engine of the Dodge Neon landed in the woods a short distance

away for the overturned car. The passenger, William Flanary, was ejected from the vehicle. The driver, David Kimball, was trapped See Crash page A-5

Alcohol Sting Nets Two Violators

By Adam Ross Staff Writer A St. Marys County Sheiffs department alcohol compliance check of 25 county businesses last month uncovered two violators. Both pled guilty to serving alcohol to an underage informant. Arizona Pizza in Leonardtown and Piney Point Market in Piney Point both illegally sold beer to an underage informant who entered the establishments with a valid underage Maryland state identification card, according to the facts read by county attorney Joann Wood at Thursdays Alcohol Beverage Board meeting. Alcohol Enforcement Coordinator Emory Johnson said the underage informant is briefed beforehand to purchase alcohol, but if asked for identification or age, to be courteous, and truthful. The Maryland drivers license clearly states the informant to be under the age of 21, until 2009, Johnson said. Andrew and Matthew Kulp, owners of Arizona Pizza, pled guilty in front of the liquor board, and said they were surprised the employee sold the beer illegally because she had been certified in the Techniques of Alcohol Management (TAM) training course. The employee said she mistakenly took a nine for a six when identifying the informants age, Matthew Kulp said. According to Deputy Johnsons report to the board, the informant was not asked for identification prior to being served. We try to put policies in [to stop this from happening], Matthew Kulp added. She was terminated right away. T h e See Sting page A-5

Rural Legacy Area Preserved for Future

Index
Jack Russell A-8
By Adam Ross Staff Writer Plans for a minor subdivision and indoor farmers market on the Fenwick Property, 157 acres bought by St. Marys County in August, began further development Tuesday, a monumental step to help preserve the Mattapany Rural Legacy Area. The St. Marys Board of County Commissioners directed staff to develop a 40-acre agricultural subdivision centered by an indoor farmers market that could be modeled after Forrest Hall Farm in Mechanicsville. Donna Sasser, an agricultural manager for the county, said she would like to see the 40

acres used for future agricultural needs like nature walks and corn mazes. The county also intends to transfer 10 acres of the property to Habitat for Humanity as part of the ultimate goal of the project, Sasser said. With the ten acres, Habitat for Humanity could have the option to create a five-lot subdivision on the property. The rest of the wooded area along the property would remain as a buffer, and resold back to someone who will keep as a forest with only one house on it, she added. Director of Economic and Community Development John Savich hoped to minimize the constructions impact on the community with the large wooded buffer, which will encompass all sides of the development. There are 31 transferable development rights (TDR) on the property, according to the current TDR system used by Land Use and Growth ManageSee Legacy page A-4

County Champs B-1

Harriet Tubman Stars in Program

Joyce A. Harris, a teacher with the Prince Georges County Public Schools System, portrays slave-turned-abolitionist Harriet Tubman in a free program held at the Lexington Park Library Saturday morning in honor of Black History Month. Tubman was born a slave in 1820 in Bucktown, Maryland. She eventually managed to win her own freedom and became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, making 19 trips back into the South to escort more than 300 slaves, including her own parents, to the North for freedom. Michael Eley (not pictured) joined Harris and sang African-American Spirituals and recounted the sometimes hidden messages in these historical songs. Eley is a native of Mississippi and has been a music educator with Prince Georges County Public Schools since 1988.
Photo by Andrew Knowlton

Op.-Ed ..........Page A - 6 Obits .............Page A - 7 Police ............Page B - 5

For Continual News Updates Visit: somd.com Local Weather

Friday Partly Cloudy 31 Saturday Mostly Cloudy 42 Sunday Mostly Cloudy 39

County Government Offices Closed For Presidents Day

St. Marys County Government Offices will be closed Feb. 19 in observance of Presidents Day. Offices will reopen Feb. 20. The St. Andrews Landfill and six Convenience Centers and the St. Marys Transit System (STS) will operate their regular business hours on Feb. 19.

 Section A - 

The County Times

cert series starting this year. There will be high quality entertainers and as time goes on we will add extra weeks. On March 31, the community forums will kick-off with guest John Savich, director of St. Marys County Economic and Community Development, for a discussion on economic development in St. Marys County. The new initiatives are lending a hand to increasing enrollment numbers, and Gottfried said he expects the enrollment of St. Marys residents to rise by 4,000 over the next few years to 25,000. Furthermore, the 1,200 student enrollment for the CSM Leonardtown campus is up for the first time in a few years, according to Leonardtown campus Dean FJ Talley. Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly Jr., attended a recent graduation and said it was pretty obvious that the college had some success recruiting minorities. By analyzing the region and coming up with targets for different groups, Gottfried said CSM has been better able to focus efforts and diversify.

Thursday, February 15, 007

State of the College of Southern Maryland

By Adam Ross Staff Writer Through an assortment of initiatives, the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) is reaching deep into the community to bridge the gap between itself and St. Marys County. Dr. Bradley Gottfried, president of CSM, delivered a state of the college address Feb. 6 for the St. Marys Board of County Commissioners that boasted among many new initiatives, talks with Superintendent Michael J. Martirano on ways high school students can seamlessly enter college with more credits. It sounds normal, but its revolutionary to be having that type of interaction with the high schools, Gottfried said. One way CSM plans to attract high school students is to offer a 50 percent tuition reduction, Gottfried said. The colleges tuition rate is $94 per credit hour, which means that a four-credit course at 50 percent off would cost a high school senior $188. I dont care where they go to school, but I would like to see more students go on to or consider college and we can take a larger role in making that happen, Gottfried said. He recognized that even with the discount, some students in the county could not afford to take a course. We work closely with [the commissioners] to try and hold the line on tuition, he added. We want to serve everyone, but it can serve as a road block. But all along, Gottfried characterized CSMs relationship with the county as truly a partnership. The college continues to advance its educational structure to meet the challenges of the 21st century. We are committed to success by having small class sizes, state of the art equipment and ensuring the students can graduate in two years, Gottfried added. Too often at a four year institution students go five years. By offering important programs, Gottfried said he hopes to draw more of the surrounding community to the college. New classes under consideration are sports management, business administration, electrical wiring and a medical laboratory, Gottfried said. All of the considered classes are ways to provide students with the applicable skills to compete in todays job market. Other initiatives on campus include an increase in online courses, more accelerated and weekend programs, a concert series, Saturday morning community forums and plans for a wellness center. Imagine hundreds of people, Frisbees and dogs on a Tuesday night, Gottfried said of the plans for a free con-

The Buzz from Annapolis

By Adam Ross Staff Writer As the Maryland General Assembly carries on its 423rd legislative session, a number of bills have been read into the assembly and obtained a committee assignment. Below is a collection of bills, some proposed from our own citizens in St. Marys County, that have begun the long and difficult trip through the rigmarole of the Legislature. The bills have been taken directly from the Maryland General Assembly webpage. House Bill 60 Entitled: St. Marys County Real Property Transfer Synopsis: Authorizing the Board of County Commissioners of St. Marys County, by resolution, to transfer property no longer needed for a public purpose with or without consideration to any private nonprofit organization in the county or to the Housing Authority of St. Marys County if a specified public hearing is held; requiring specified issues to be considered at the public hearing; requiring a specified notice to be published before the public hearing. Sponsored by the St. Marys County Delegation. House Bill 603 Entitled: St. Marys County Subdivision Regulations Exemptions Synopsis: Exempting, in St. Marys County, properties that were deeded before Jan. 1, 1994, and improved with a residence before Jan. 1, 2007, from specified regulations for purposes of constructing additions to the residence or accessory buildings. Sponsored by the St. Marys County Delegation. House Bill 61 Entitled: Task Force to Study the Enforcement of the Open Meetings Act Synopsis: Establishing a Task Force to study the enforcement of the Open Meetings Act; establishing the membership of the Task Force; requiring the members of the Task Force to designate the chair of the Task Force; requiring the office of the Attorney General to provide staffing for the Task Force; requiring the Task Force to study and make recommendations regarding specified issues; requiring the Task Force to submit a report regarding its findings and recommendations to specified officials by Dec. 31, 2007. House Bill 969 Entitled: St. Marys County Metropolitan Commission Fee Schedule Synopsis: Requiring the St. Marys County Metropolitan Commission to impose and collect a connection fee for specified water or sewer connections under specified circumstances; providing for the calculation of a specified connection fee; requiring the commission to impose and collect capital contribution charges for specified equivalent dwelling units connected to the water and sewerage system. Sponsored by the St. Marys County Delegation. House Bill 967 Entitled: Program Open Space Capital Improvements Maryland Historical Trust and Historic St. Marys City Commission Synopsis: Providing that specified Program Open Space funds available for capital improvements on state land may be appropriated for use by the Maryland Historical Trust for specified purposes, or the Historical St. Marys City Commission Sponsored by Delegate Anthony J. ODonnell (D-29C). House Bill 1053 Entitled: Business Organization Filing Fees Income Tax Credit Synopsis: Increasing from $300 to $1,000 the filing fee for annual reports filed by specified corporations; providing a credit against the state income tax for $500 of the filing fee paid for filing annual reports; applying the Act to fees paid for annual reports filed after Dec. 31, 2007, and taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2006.

New Engineering Facility Opens its Doors

L-3 Titan hosted an open house and provided tours Wednesday, Feb. 7 to celebrate the opening of their new engineering facility at the Great Mills Business Center on Point Lookout Road. L-3 Titan is a communications company that provides integration and test support for GPS Based navigation, landing and GPS augmentation systems. This support includes design and fabrication of prototype avionics systems laboratory, mobile and flight testing. The 14,000 square foot facility is made up of approximately 4,000 square feet of office space, with the balance available to support integration, testing and warehouse requirements. The facility was an investment by L-3 Titan to enhance their capabilities and available resources to support their local Department of Defense customers. This facility will give our customers additional options, and we are excited about the potential projects that we will now be able to serve, Vice President and General Manager of the Operations and Resources Department David Boning said. The Southern Maryland region is a fast growing technological area supporting Military and Homeland Defense and we are proud to be a part of that.

Photo by Andrew Knowlton

From left to right: David Boning, Todd Greenwell, Rick Mills and David Stinson pose for a picture in their new facility.

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Thursday, February 15, 2007

The County Times

Section A - 

In Your Community
BDVFD Quit Smoking
The Bay District Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a breakfast March 4 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the departments social hall off South Shangri-la Drive, next to the Lexington Park Library. The menu will be: Scrambled Eggs, Home Fries, Bacon, Sausage, Pancakes (blueberry, chocolate chip and plain), French Toast, Biscuits and Gravy, Mixed Fruit and Hot Applesauce. Enjoy this all you can eat buffet for $7. Kids ages 5-12, $4, and children under age 4 eat free. St. Marys County Health Department will hold a free eight-week smoking cessation program starting Feb. 26 from 6 -7 p.m., at the health department in Leonardtown. Participants will get the latest information on the benefits of quitting, how to quit, stress management, and the dangers of secondhand smoke. Vouchers for free Nicoderm patches will be available to those attending classes. The program will be held for eight consecutive Monday evenings, and is open to St. Marys County residents who are 18 years or older. Advanced registration is required. To register, call 301-4754356.

Basket Bingo
Leonardtown Elementary Schools Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is hosting basket bingo on Thursday Feb. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department. The cost is

$20 for 20 games and $5 for a second set of cards. The evening will include specials, a raffle, door prizes and refreshments. All participants will receive a free two-week membership to the World Gym in Leonardtown. For more information call 301-475-0250.

Book Discussion
Discuss Aphra Behns book, Oroonoko, with Dr. Robin Bates, an English professor at St. Marys College Thursday Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Leonardtown Library.

Live Theatre
Time Flies and Ancestral Voices will be performed by The Newtowne Players at Three Notch Theatre in Lexington Park on Feb. 16 18. For more information call 301-7375447.

Animal Adoption Day

The St. Marys Animal Welfare League will hold an adoption day on Saturday Feb. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Petco, located off state Route 235. Come and meet the rescued cats, dogs and kittens who are fully vetted, spayed, neutered, and looking for a home they can call their own. For more information call 301-373-5659.

Pancake Supper at LVFD

There will be a pancake supper, Tuesday Feb. 20 from 5 7 p.m. at the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department. The menu includes: Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Home Fries, Apple Sauce, Juice, Milk, Coffee and Tea. Adults cost $7.50, Children ages 3 10 cost $3, and children two and under eat free. Sponsored by the Auxiliary of the Leonardtown Fire department.

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301-866-5702

 Section A - 

The County Times

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Thursday, February 15, 2007

The County Times

and driver error are considered contributing factors in the collision. SDFC Milam of the St. Marys County Sheriffs Office Reconstruction Team is continuing the investigation.

Section A - 5

Crash
Continued from page A- and had to be removed by the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department. The driver was

flown by helicopter Trooper 2 to Washington Hospital Center. The passenger was flown by helicopter Trooper 7 to PG Shock Trama. Both the driver and the passenger died as a result of their injuries. Police Report that speed

Lettie Dent Students Share Black History Month

February 12th - 24th

Legacy
Continued from page A- ment. County government is currently ironing out a new TDR program, which could add a number of TDRs to Fenwick property. However, Savich felt it was best to move forward and not hedge our bets on waiting for a TDR program to be created. The county made a considerable outlay to purchase this property outright, so getting all this in motion is important, Savich added. Sasser said she hopes to get those TDRs certified and back before the commissioners in the next couple of weeks. The advantage of TDRs is the ability to recover the cost associated with the project, according to Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly (D- Leonardtown). Those funds [you recover] go towards other land preservation efforts. To date, there are 33 property owners waiting to preserve land, Sasser said. The commissioners also approved an application for two

percolation tests, which determine the absorption rate on the soil for a septic drain field. A representative of the Southern Maryland Agricultural Commission said for fiscal 2007, the commission had $70,000 available for the project, which in order to be utilized would have to be matched by the county. Commissioners Larry Jarboe (R- Golden Beach) and Daniel H. Raley (D- Great Mills) were absent for the meeting. Jarboe was on a previously scheduled vacation and Raley was sick, according to Commission President Francis Jack Russell (D- Point Lookout). In spite of the two absent commissioners, Russell, Mattingly and Kenny Dement (R- Callaway) unanimously approved all of the requests. Just prior to the vote, Mattingly stopped the hearing and pulled Savich into the hallway for two minutes, an unorthodox scene to the weekly public hearings. I wanted to check to see if the parcel was large enough for the density before they took a vote, Mattingly said later of the unusual move. I wanted to clarify the density.

Photo by Adam Ross

Fourth graders from Lettie Dent Elementary School share with the Board of County Commissioners their essays on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the importance of black history month.

Auditions for Dancers at Three Notch Theatre:

Photo Courtesy of BDVFD

The force of the accident tore the engine from the Dodge Neon landing it in a nearby wooded area.

The directors of Bodyshakers are seeking Maryland and D.C.s most talented dancers to join them for a Spring/Summer season filled with performances, appearances and public service mixed up. The employee was not fired, but has since completed the TAM training, Hammett said. I know it was not done deliberately, Ive known [her] for three years and she is trustworthy, she added. Hammett was sentenced to pay a $500 fine, $250 of

events. The multi-faceted organization is seeking interested dancers, choreographers, tour coordinators, photographers, and stylists ages 18 or older. Auditions will be at Three Notch Theatre, across which was also suspended, if Piney Point Market does not receive another violation in the next three years. Meanwhile, 23 establishments successfully passed the compliance check and were issued congratulatory letters by the Sheriffs department, Johnson said. He added that the result of this sting opera-

from the post office in Lexington Park Saturday, Feb. 17 from 11 a.m. 2 p.m. Bring your dance shoes (sneakers,) and ladies also bring your heels for the audition! Stay tuned for more details. Visit www.bodyshakers.com or www.myspace. com/bodyshakers.

Sting
Continued from page A- board imposed a $500 fine on the restaurant, half of which was suspended and will only be paid if Arizona Pizza has another violation in the next three years. Keep in mind food and

drink go hand-in-hand, but if you come back and see us soon its going to hurt your business, Liquor Board Chairman Albert Babcock said to the owners. In the case versus Piney Point Market, owner Sharon L. Hammett pled guilty to the fact that a 12 pack of Bud Light beer was sold to an underage

informant. According to the report, the clerk did ask the informant for identification, but sold the beer anyway. I have no explanation, Hammett said to the board. Im sorry that it happened, she had not been through TAM, and she must have got the numbers I have on the register for beer and cigarettes

tion was a good indicator that more people are vigilant in identifying potential alcohol purchasers. Hopefully we can get that number down to zero, Johnson said. Johnson was issued a new contract to remain as Alcohol Enforcement Coordinator for a second year.

Everett
Continued from page A- of California in 1988. Her career experience includes assignments in corporate public relations with BAE systems, Prudential Insurance, Barnett Bank, AT&T and Coldwell Banker. Everett served as the Manager of Business Development for St. Marys Coun-

tys Department of Economic Development from 2000 to 2005 and she also worked in public affairs at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division and Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division. She was accredited by the Public Relations Society of America in 1985.

Former Greenwell President Retires from Trustees

Charles Carroll Carter of Washington, D.C., retired from the Greenwell Foundations Board of Trustees after serving more than 35 years. Carter was honored with a Commendation from the St. Marys County Commissioners for his outstanding service during an award presentation Jan. 31 at the Board meeting in Rosedale Manor at Greenwell State Park, Hollywood. Kendall Sorenson-Clark, the current executive director, presented the award. In addition, Carter was given a memory book, which included photos of the historic manor and grounds with snapshots of the many inclusive activities held throughout the years. He also received a Crystal Monument showing the Rosedale Manor house inscribed with words of appreciation. Carroll was named for his ancestors, the historical family of John Carroll, the first bishop of Washington D.C., first Arch Bishop of Baltimore and close friend of Benjamin Franklin. He assisted Franklin in garnering support from the French government for the Revolutionary war efforts. Charles was the fourth of six sons born to Anna Carroll (nee Montgomery) and James N. Carter, Jr., he began his life in Philadelphia in 1928, however due to family health and wealth issues, soon moved with his brothers to the home of his grandmother, May Ella (nee Horsey) Montgomery in Washington, D.C., his mothers birthplace. Two of his brothers had previously attended Georgetown University, and there, in 1914, met and became lifelong friends with J. Philip Greenwell, the Foundations benefactor. Greenwell was a regular visitor at Grandmother Montgomerys home by the time Carroll had come to live there. These associations continued throughout their life and the Montgomery and Carter families would become a grounding force in Greenwells decision to buy the property in St. Marys County. In the 1930s, it seems May Ella Montgomery became concerned about the effects of the war, and seeing so many injured and unable to pursue the city life careers which they had been prepared for, decided it would be wise to purchase land in the country because being a farmer was always considered a respectable occupation even in the face of disability. She had six grandsons to be concerned for, two of whom were fighting in the war. Having discussed this decision with her family, Greenwell suggested she look at the abundant land in his boyhood home of St. Marys. Montgomery purchased 400 acres on Jones Wharf Road in 1939, and two years later Greenwell purchased the Rosedale property on Steer Horn Neck Road. Even though both families kept their primary residence and professional lives in Washington, D.C., they nonetheless, loved the St. Marys County properties and stayed as often as possible. Montgomery even helped to furnish the Rosedale Manor after Greenwells extensive restoration by providing most of the furniture, artwork, china and glassware. Even the Rosedale dinner silver was engraved with her initials MEH. It was in 1968 that Greenwell began considering options for the land since he had no heirs to inherit the property upon his death. Prior to creating the Greenwell Foundation as we know it today, he sought many opinions from persons involved with various disabilities because he had been heavily exposed to many with disabilities as a result of war injury and trauma and also had several acquaintances who were disabled. In addition, he was a Board Member for the Society of Crippled Children in Washington, D.C. and desired for his property to be used for the benefit of all, regardless of disability. Carroll Carter was personally appointed president of the Foundation by Greenwell in 1971 and served in that capacity for 25 years before passing that torch to John Tarrant, Esq. of Arlington, Va. Tarrant served for over ten years prior to the Board electing Joe Anderson of St. Marys County in 2006. During Carters farewell remarks, he noted he and his wife Rosemary were about to celebrate their 50th anniversary, and had jointly lived through 10 presidents and six popes. Thanking the current Board members for their dedication and service, he said, We are all bricks in the wall and must continue to hold each other up. The Greenwell Foundation looks optimistically toward the future growth and development of this unique resource for the citizens of the State of Maryland.

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 Section A - 

The County Times

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Editorial & Opinion

Open Meetings Essential for Good Government
Given the political climate in Maryland, it is interesting that there is currently a bill in Annapolis to study the enforcement of the Maryland Open Meetings Act. For much of the past four years, Democrats in Annapolis fired frequent attacks at the Ehrlich Administration for conducting business in secret, and behind closed doors. The response is here, but with the Ehrlich Administration out, will there be any will to act on this measure? Is there truly a desire for more open government in Maryland, or is this simply the result of political posturing? When all is said and done, however, the idea behind the task force is not bad, and maybe it is time for St. Marys County to consider a similar measure. As strict as the Maryland open meetings laws are, St. Marys Countys are even more stringent. The way the law is currently written for our county, any time even three county government officials elected or unelected convene, it can be defined as a public meeting that must be open to all. However, there has been some question as to how open the county government has been in recent weeks, following the George Forrest retirement. One of the four Commissioners told the County Times, and other local media, that the decision was not voluntary on Forrests part, and that the County Commissioners voted 4 1 in favor of dismissing him. Now, there is nothing wrong with the new board wanting to install their own officials to carry out their agenda. In fact, this is a necessary step for them to carry out the will of the voters, which could be difficult at the least if new boards were saddled with administrators from the previous board. But why the secrecy? There is no reason the new Commissioner Board needed to hide the decision to dismiss Forrest. They were well within their rights to do so if they felt they could best serve the public with a different person in that job. Very few would begrudge the new board that much. But with all the discussions being held in secret, and further moves toward secrecy since then, it casts a pall on the decisions of the Commissioners. Even if nothing is amiss, the appearance of impropriety is there. The Commissioners have the power to call for executive session, even the strict St. Marys County laws recognize this, however, there are requirements that go along with calling an executive session. It can only be called under certain, specific, circumstances, with discussions on personnel, litigation and property acquisition chief among them. And records must be kept of what was discussed in executive session. The Commissioners do not, legally, have carte blanche to discuss whatever they desire behind the closed doors. They must observe the law and stick to the issue at hand. Further still, once the executive session is ended, and a decision made, that decision is a matter of public record, and the people have the right to know what their elected representatives decided to do. The current Commissioners undoubtedly have the best interests of the county in their hearts, and wish to serve as best they can for the community, and this is why it is a shame that the shadow of doubt has been cast upon them so early in their term. The decision to dismiss Forrest is not a violation of any law, nor is it morally wrong. What is wrong is keeping the reasoning for that decision under tight wraps when it is something the public should know. When the business of the people is conducted openly, there is no cause for question or doubt. It is only when secret meetings are held that people have cause to wonder. This is why it may be time for St. Marys County to review its own Open Meetings laws and how they are enforced and administered.

Big City Boy, Small Town Heart

McKay Myth Busters
By Adam Ross Staff Writer Thomas F. McKay has absolutely no position at The County Times newspaper. Every so often he pops his head in, throws an interesting tidbit my way, leaves, and I dont see or hear from him for days or weeks at a time. This is hard for most people in the community to understand because they think Thomas McKay is sitting in a back office somewhere conjuring up savvy ways to further push his political agenda. The County Times is a McKay owned newspaper, guilty as charged. But there is no back office, and that is not the title it deserves. The purpose of this column is not to attribute ownership of The County Times to certain members of the family, because I dont know and I dont ask. But what I can tell you is why this newspaper deserves to be called by its name. In a recent letter to the editor, Wendy Calvin of Mechanicsville referred to The County Times as the McKay owned newspaper, and said after reading several issues it appears to be about sour grapes for Tommy McKay. The McKays have certainly had a long and arduous history in St. Marys County. Several members of the family have run for and served in political office. And for those reasons, its easy, but false, to label the newspaper as a forum for the family to push its political propaganda. The newspaper certainly didnt help its reputation when it ran a Thomas McKay col-

umn last month. The publisher admitted then, that a mistake was made, and the comments should have been run as a letter to the editor. But regardless of what Mrs. Calvin thought of the McKay column, she failed to cite any other examples of her claims of sour grapes for Tommy McKay. Is it true I quote Thomas McKay from timeto-time? Yes. What choice do I have really? Thomas McKay was the only member of the previous board to not run for re-election. Sometimes, its only balanced journalism when you get an opinion from a previous board member who is familiar with the issues. But as is clearly reflected in the stories published throughout our first three months, Republicans, Democrats, and previous and present commissioners are all represented fairly. And the county, not the McKay family, drives the news. When I was first inter-

viewed for the job, James Manning McKay, the publisher of the newspaper, sat me down and candidly asked if I had a political agenda. He didnt want anyone on the newspaper with any allegiances. All he wanted, all he practically begged for, was good, clean, honest journalism so the people of St. Marys County could have another newspaper to trust. From the beginning, I have never been asked to write, report or in any form misrepresent a story for political motivations. The County Times is legitimate. Is it perfect? No. Is it always interesting? No. Is it fair and accurate? Yes. We try hard, and its one of the objectives we not only strive for, but demand. To use just one example, in our inaugural issue, Bryan Jaffe ran a front page story on Thomas McKays website blunder, which attributed a bachelors degree from the

University of Maryland to him, a degree he in fact never earned. The County Times, in fairness to all of the political candidates, and in respect to the philosophy of a newspaper, ran this story front and center. So while I understand Mrs. Calvins disappointment with the McKay column, I cannot understand her general assertion of The County Times being a McKay political paper. That is simply not true, and I ask her to go back and reread our previous issues. I also ask her to accept us back into her mailbox, because at the end of the day its citizens like Mrs. Calvin that drive the need for reporters like me. I thank Mrs. Calvin for taking an interest in the news, and I only hope I, as the political reporter for this newspaper, can continue to report in good faith and to live up to best of my ability - fair, balanced and accurate news.

Protect Our Children, Not our Chickens

To the Editor: On Wednesday, Feb. 7, the House Judiciary Committee took up the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act (H.R. 137). This bill would make it a felony to transport an animal across state or international borders for animal fighting. In essence this bill protects the well being of animals. I was very happy to hear about two committee members Reps. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and Steve King (R-IA) whom made a courageous attempt to attach the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (CIANA) to the bill. Sensenbrenners amendment (CIANA) would have made it a crime to transport a minor across state lines for an abortion to bypass parental involvement laws. This pro-family amendment was defeated in an 18-14 party line vote. Rep Sensenbrenner made this comment, I recognize we are meeting here today to consider a bill to protect chickens, but isnt protecting our nations young women... equally if not more important than our dinner entree? Unfortunately, the Democrat majority did not agree with this commonsense thinking. Another pro-family attempt, by Rep. Jim Jordan (ROH), to attach an amendment to a separate bill that would have prevented taxpayers money from funding abortions was also defeated by a 20-15 party line vote. Again our Democrat majority did not see the importance of this commonsense amendment. At a time when this new Democrat controlled 110th congress is touting ethics and reform, they seem to have forgotten morality and pro-family legislation. It appears that the Democrats are more interested in protecting the rights and well being of chickens rather than minor girls and their babies. They are also set on protecting Planned Parenthoods right to use our tax dollars to perform abortions. I urge you to call your Maryland representatives and respectfully ask them to support the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (CIANA) and other pro-family legislation. Here is their contact information: SenatorBarbara Mikulski Suite 503 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-4654 http://mikulski.senate. gov/contactme/mailform.html Senator Ben Cardin SDB40B Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: 202-224-4524 Fax: 202-224-1651 http://cardin.senate.gov/ contact.cfm House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer Capitol Office 1705 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone (202) 225-4131 Fax (202) 225-4300 Waldorf, MD 20602 Phone - (301) 843-1577 Fax - (301) 843-1331 http://hoyer.house.gov/ contact/email.asp officials are supposed to represent you, the people. You need to contact them and let them know to support family values Joe DiMarco Mechanicsville

Please consider making this call to protect the well 401 being of minor girls and their Waldorf Office Post Office Road, Ste. 202 innocent babies. Our elected

Letters to the Editor

If you wish to send a letter to the editor, please include your name, address and phone number for confirmation purposes. We will only publish your name and city of residence. We can withhold your name by request if circumstances merit it. We must receive all letters by Monday morning for publication in the next issue. Any letter received later than Monday will be held for the following issue.
James Manning McKay - Publisher Bryan Jaffe - Managing Editor Tobie Pulliam - Office Manager ...........................tobiepulliam@countytimes.net Adam Ross - Government Correspondent ..............adamross@countytimes.net

P.O. Box 250 Hollywood, Maryland 203 News, advertising, circulation, classifieds: 301-373-4125

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

Thursday, February 15, 2007

The County Times

Section A - 7

Obituaries
George Richard Ameye, 73
George Richard Ameye, 73, of Lexington Park, Md. died Jan. 2, in Washington Hospital Center, Washington D.C. Born Jan. 5, 1933 in West Warren, Ma., he was the son of the late Edmund Ameye and Rose Lippens Ameye. He is survived by his two children, Cathy Tobin of Hanahan, S.C. and Michael Richard Ameye of Woodstock, Ga., three sisters, Helen Martin and Charlotte Corwin, both of Lakehurst, N.J., and Florence Kochuyt of Iowa, and four grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md. with a Memorial Service at 11:30 a.m. A full obituary will appear at a later date. Condolences to the family may be made at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com. Leonardtown, Md., 20653. Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home of Leonardtown, Md.

Kenneth Lee Davis, 78

Kenneth Lee Davis, 78, of Chaptico, Md., died February 7 in Chaptico. B o r n Aug. 6, 1928 in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late Montie McKennie Davis and Anne Dorothea Davis. Mr. Davis graduated from George Washington University, Washington, D.C. He grew up and lived in Washington, D.C., but spent summers and weekends in Chaptico. He was a full-time resident since 1973. He was a member of the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. Mr. Davis worked as a trust accountant for 40 years at Riggs National Bank in Washington, D.C. On Dec. 11, 1965, he married Catherine Cecelia Goldsborough in Christ Church, Chaptico. He was an active member of Nativity Church, Camp Springs, Md. and then Christ Church, Chaptico. He was the beloved husband of Catherine Cecelia Davis, devoted father of Patricia Davis of Waldorf, Md. and Karen Owens and her husband, Keith of Fallbrook, Ca., and devoted grandfather of John Kenneth Owens and James Edward Owens, both of Fallbrook, Ca. The family received friends on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 5 -8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md., with prayers recited at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in Christ Church, Chaptico. Father William J. Neat will officiate. Internment will follow in the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be William Lyon, William Lyon, Jr., David Lyon, Dave Lyon, Charles Mills, and Scott Watson. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Edelen Gough, Roger Richardson, and Frank Davis. Memorial contributions may be made to Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 15, Mechanicsville, Md. 20659. Condolences to the family may be made at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com.

paternal grandmother, Joyce Flanary of Florida and his maternal grandmother, Lora Plumer, of Popes Creek, Md. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 5-8:00 p.m. at the Raymond Funeral Chapel in La Plata, Md. Funeral service will be held Friday, Feb. 16 at 11:00 a.m at Raymond Funeral Chapel, Interment will be at Nanjemoy Baptist Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Nanjemoy Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 3030 Baptist Church Road, Nanjemoy, Md. 20662. Arrangements are handled by Raymond Funeral Service, La Plata, Md.

Martha Good, 97
M a r tha Goldie Good, 97, of Ridge, Md., formerly of B elt s v i l le , MD, died Feb. 9, in Solomons Nursing Center, Solomons, Md. Born Sept. 3, 1909 in Frederick, Md., she was the daughter of the late Joseph Martin and Violet Goldie Stottlemeger Martin. She leaves to cherish her memory, two sons, Paul L. Good, Jr. and his wife, Emilene of Ridge, Md., Richard P. Good and his wife, Patricia of Pompano Beach, Fl., nine grandchildren and 15 great- grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Paul L. Good, Sr. and her granddaughter, Darlene Kay Lyons. The family will receive friends on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 10- 11:00 a.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md., with the Funeral Service conducted at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Keith Holland of Beltsville Baptist Church, Beltsville, Md. will officiate. Internment will follow in Fort Lincoln Cemetery, Brentwood, Md. at 2:00 p.m. Condolences to the family may be made at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com.

also preceded in death by her siblings Claude Lacey, Garret Lacey, Clarence Lacey and Effie Thomas. She was a lifelong St. Marys County resident where she attended Manor Road School and Margaret Brent High School. The family received friends on Sunday, Feb. 11, from 2:00 5:00 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers were said at 3:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, Feb. 12 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bushwood, Md., with Fr. Francis Early officiating. Interment was held in the church cemetery. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Irene Overs, 76
Irene I k e Overs, 76, of Leonardtown, Md. and formerly of Pittsburg, Pa. died Feb.11, in St. Marys Nursing Center. Born Feb. 26, 1930 in Akron, Oh., she was the daughter of the late John and Theresa Meszaros. Irene is survived by her children Susan Holzman of Ct., Nancy Kilkeary of Baltimore, Md., Carol Booth of South Park, Pa., Michael Overs of Leonardtown, Cathie Reilly of St. Augustine, Fl., and Mark Overs of La Mesa, Ca. She is also survived by her brother John Meszaros of Akron, Oh., and sister Helen Snyder of Fostoria, Oh., as well as 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Zachary Bud Booth, her sisters Anne Czonka, Liz Messmer, Marge Reep, Julie Miller, and her brothers Steve Meszaros, and Frank Meszaros. Her pride and joy were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Thursday, Feb. 15 from 10:00 11:00 a.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home in Leonardtown, where the funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Mike Jones officiating. Contributions can be made to St. Marys Nursing Center Foundation, 21585 Peabody St., Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Interment is private. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

David Joseph Kimball, 25

David Dave Joseph Kimball, 25, of Chaptico, Md. died Feb. 11, in Wa s h i n g ton Hospital Center. Born June 6, 1981 in Patuxent River, Md., he was the son of Thomas Joseph Kimball of Destin, Fl. and Lucille Ann Koranek of Chaptico. He is survived by his daughter: Brooklyn Dennae Kimball of Leonardtown; siblings: Judith A. LaValle of Washington, D.C., Edward F. LaValle of Lexington Park, Sarah B. Flanary of Alexandria, Va., Mitchell Kimball and Tyler Vock both of Chaptico. Mr. Kimball was a life long St. Marys County resident where he worked in construction for Frank Wheatley Drywall. He loved the redskins, crabbing, spending time with friends and family especially his daughter. The family will receive friends on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where a funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. with Bishop William McClean officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be: Edward LaValle, Mitchell Kimball, Tyler Vock, Jeff Goins, Donte Thomas and Carroll Milburn. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Debora Lyn Banagan, 50

Debora Lyn Banagan, 50, of Upper Marlboro, Md. died Feb. 5 in Southern Maryland Hospital. Born September 14, 1956 in Avenue. She was the daughter of the late Ronnie and Vivian Banagan. She is survived by her brothers: Tony and his wife Gina of Ellendale, DE and Jay of Lusby, Md. Ms. Banagan worked as a human resources specialist for the Department of Transportation for 32 years. She loved to read, listen to music, play poker with friends and she was an avid St. Louis Rams fan. She also enjoyed going to watch the Washington Capitals and Baltimore Orioles play. The family received friends on Saturday, Feb. 10 in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where a funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Dixon officiating. Interment followed in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Bushwood. Pallbearers were: Tony Banagan, Jay Banagan, Jeff Banagan and Kevin Banagan. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Robert Lesley Sprague, 56

R o b ert Lesley Sprague, 56, of Great Mills, Md. died Feb. 6. B o r n Nov. 19, 1950 in Kansas City, Mo., he was the son of Robert and Evelyn Sprague. As a young boy, Bob

lived on his familys farm in Pleasant Hill, Mo. and attended school in a one- room schoolhouse. Bob earned his bachelors of Science in Computer Science and was working toward his Masters degree in business management. His varied working career included: submarine sailor in the U.S. Navy; reactor operator and procedure writer for several nuclear power plants around the country; computer programmer; furniture repairman; and communications systems analyst for Northrop-Grumman. Bob had a propensity for enjoying life. He loved to spend time with family and friends, eat out, sing, travel, ride motorcycles, and play his guitar. He volunteered at a homeless shelter, helped with Christmas in April, and was an active member of both St. John Vianney Parish in Prince Frederick, Md. and St. George Catholic Church in Valley Lee, Md. His sense of humor brightened every conversation and he will always be remembered for his generous, friendly and adventurous spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. In addition to his parents, Bob is survived by his wife, Richele Sprague, his daughters, Erica Sprague of Carlsbad, Ca. and Laura Sheaffer of Dallas, Texas, grandson, Evan Sheaffer of Dallas, and siblings, Sandra Stamm and Wayne Sprague, both of Seattle, Wash. The family received friends on Sunday, Feb. 11 from 2-5:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, Feb. 12 at 10:30 a.m. in St. George Catholic Church, Valley Lee, Md. Father Mark Ervin was the celebrant. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to American Red Cross, St. Marys County Chapter, P.O. Box 387, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Condolences to the family may be made at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com.

Mary Louise Lacey Hall, 88

Mary L o u i s e Lacey Hall, 88, of Bushwood, Md. died Feb. 7 in St. Marys Nursing Center. Born July 18, 1918 in Chaptico, Md., she was the daughter of the late Joseph Francis and Annie Florence Vallandingham Lacey. She was the loving wife of the late James Leonard Hall, whom she married on Apr. 23, 1946. She is survived by her nephews Leroy Lacey of Bushwood, and James Elmer Lacey of Chaptico. She was

Gloria Alma Bruns, 80

Gloria Alma Bruns, 80, of California, Md., formerly of Gaithersburg, Md. died Feb. 7 at her home. She was born June 7, 1926 in Brunswick, Md. to the late Robert and Grace Riser. She worked at NIH for many years. She is survived by her daughter, Leslie McCasker of Lovettsville, Va. and son, Clinton Bruns of Lexington Park and two grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, Feb. 16, at 1:00 p.m. in Trinity Episcopal Church, 47477 Trinity Church Road, St. Marys City, Md., 20686. Internment will be private. A reception will immediately follow in the church hall. Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Marys, P.O. Box 625,

William Flanary, 27
William Willie Clayton Flanary, 27, of Califor n ia , Md. died suddenly on Feb. 11. Born July 25, 1979 in La Plata, Md., he was the son of Toby C. Flanary and Brenda S. Bowie. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Beth Kimball Flanary, his father, Toby Flanary, his mother, Brenda S. Bowie and her husband, Mike Bowie; two sisters, Amy and Crystal Flanary, both of Califronia, Md. He is also survived by his

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 Section A - 

The County Times

Thursday, February 15, 2007

The Life Unknown

A Look at Our Elected Officials

Russell Paints Portrait 20th Century St. Marys

By Adam Ross Staff Writer This ongoing feature by The County Times profiles the private lives of our Elected Officials. This week we take a look at Commission President Francis Jack Russell. As a young boy growing up in St. Marys County, Commission President Francis Jack Russell remembers collecting soda bottles from off state Route 249. Many years later, he is the centerpiece of a county coming of age around him. There is not a lot this captain, educator, father and president hasnt experienced firsthand in his sixty-four years here. I can start way back when I first went to school, Russell said inside his new office in the governmental center in Leonardtown. I remember hogs to feed, cattle, we brought in wood, and I caught the same school bus for 12 years. As he recalled his early years growing up alongside his three sisters and brother on a little farm in Piney Point, Photo Courtesy of Jack Russell Md., a much older man Commission President Francis Jack Russell with his wife Viki aboard their skipjack cured by time, sat back on the Chesapeake Bay.

in his business chair, behind of time have dictated a child- takes middle school students his fancy desk, and flashed his hood different from tending from Calvert, Charles and St. boyish smile. to chickens, and collecting Marys Counties on educaWe used to crab in the pop bottles from off the road. tional excursions through the summer and oyster in the win- Maryland doesnt even have a bay. It gives you a wonderful ter, he said popping back up deposit law anymore. And their father, a self- feeling to see the light bulbs in his chair. My father was a jack of all trades, he hauled proclaimed hunter without a come on and see kids steering gravel, farmed, crabbed good shot, at times might feel a boat, or picking up oysters some. By Russells descriptions, it would be easy to characterize his early years as manageable. His high school graduating class was only 16, and in his own words we were just a mini farm in Piney Point, and we ate a lot pigs, ducks and chickens. Then life changed when Russell moved north to attend the University of Maryland, albeit only an hour or Commission President Francis Jack Russell working in his office Photo by Adam Ross in county governso away from his home- mental center. town, it was entirely difdisconnected with his daugh- or fish, or something caught ferent experience for him. My first botany class ters who turn their noses up in the drudge, Russell said had 400 students, he said. to the goose he manages to holding out his left hand and pretending to pick something I thoroughly enjoyed that shoot. Most young people like out of it with his right. experience, it took a little bit An admitted workaholof getting used too, but once pizza pies, hamburgers and you found your way around, stuff like that, he said. But ic, Russells time to captain got the lay of the land, and he added that he understands his ship might not be as prevalearned how to study, it was a the needs of young people to lent as it was before his time spread their wings, and find serving the county as Comgood experience. mission President. Russell graduated from their place. And while Russell, a man The transition for him he the University of Maryland in 1965 with a bachelors de- who has never set foot out- said has been one filled with gree in government. He had side the United States, may steep learning curves. Look, you do what you aspirations of attending law have missed his opportunity to spread his wings, he holds got to do and move on, he school, but instead bought a tavern back near his roots af- what is dear to him close to added. Words from a man who ter failing the entrance exam. his heart, and then takes tiny pieces of it and places it in the knows something about movFour years later, he traded his tavern for a piece of land on hands of St. Marys County ing on, beyond his days of St. Georges Island; he built a children: The Chesapeake trudging up and down state Route 249 for a few extra home, and built a life with his Bay. Russell Paints Portrait 20th Century St. Marys a cents. In 1980, Russell built wife Viki there. His two daughters, Cary- skipjack to drudge oysters in and Miranda, nearly grown from the bay. When the oysters up now with one in college died some 10 years later, with and the other just a semester the partnership from his wife away, are also a product of St. they created the Chesapeake Marys County. But the hands Bay Field Lab. The field lab

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