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Thursday, December 28, 2006 St. Marys County, Maryland

Established 2006 Volume I Issue 9 FREE

Army Ranger Killed in Christmas Standoff with Police

By Andrew Knowlton Staff Writer
A 1-hour standoff in front of a home on Dusty Lane in Hollywood ended when one gunshot from the weapon of a State Police tactical officer killed James Emerick Dean, 29, of Hollywood. St. Marys County Sheriffs Deputies and Maryland State Troopers responded to a call from Deans relatives at 9:51 p.m. Christmas night to check on his welfare after he said he wanted to kill himself. Dean, who spent a year serving in Afghanistan as an Army Ranger, had recently received notice that he was going to be taken from inactive reserve status, reactivated and sent to Iraq. St. Marys County Sheriff Tim Cameron said this was the cause of Deans distress. Dean barricaded himself inside his Hollywood home Christmas night with numerous weapons, Cameron said during a press conference Tuesday eve-

Photo by Andrew Knowlton

St. Marys County is no stranger to the Christmas Spirit. Many residents did a knockout job decorating their houses and yards for the holidays. Above and bottom left are houses that can be seen on Route 245, Hollywood-Leonardtown Road, while the bottom right house is on Route 5 in Callaway.
Photos by Adam Ross

Christmas in St. Marys

Photo by Emily Finch

Colonel Tim Hutchins, secretary of the Maryland State Police Department, addresses Tuesdays shooting during a press conference at the St. Marys County Sheriffs Office.

ning. Dean, when contacted by a county officer on the telephone, said that he was not coming out, he had a number of weapons and he planned on committing suicide. Throughout the standoff, negotiators tried to defuse the situation, but had a difficult time

See Standofff page A-2

Success in Sailing

Seahawks Ranked as One of Best in Nation

By Andrew Knowlton Staff Writer
For most people, December and sailing just dont belong in the same sentence. But at Saint Marys College of Maryland, December is the perfect month to start thinking about it. During the winter season, the sailing team at the small college in St. Marys City, which is conveniently nestled on the edge of the St. Marys River, will be working out twice a week with a strength and conditioning coach, doing core workouts, weightlifting, and even a little yoga. The reason? Because thats what it takes to be ranked first in the nation ahead of Yale, Boston College, Navy and Tufts. The St. Marys womens sailing team earned this ranking Nov. 14 after the fall season, in which they won the 17 school Atlantic Coast Championships in Kings Point, N.Y. and the 18 school Stu Nelson Trophy at Connecticut College. This is not the first time the Seahawks have been ranked number one in the nation. In fact, they were the top-ranked team in the previous two-week ranking period, and the win at the Atlantic Coast Championships cemented their spot at the top for the winter. For us, its mostly an acknowledgment that were on the right track, that the things that were doing are helping us get better, head coach Adam Werblow said of the rankings. Winning the big races is the teams top priority, while rankings are more of a representation of what has already happened. The rankings come second, said junior All-American Adrienne Patterson, who came to St. Marys all the way from

New Restaurants will Satisfy Any Craving

By Adam Ross Staff Writer
Whether it is crab, spaghetti, enchiladas, prime rib or a just a beer, new restaurants and bars are springing up around St. Marys County to offer any delicacies residents may desire. Downtown Leonardtown will soon welcome El Cerro Grande. Located on Washington Street, this Mexican venture is owned by Bruce C. Colby and will offer food and bar service 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. The interior boasts a cozy wooden look, but renovations are still in the works and according to Colby the restaurant should be running by the

Photo by Adam Ross

The new Woodlands Grill was formerly known as the Tavern at the Village. The grill is currently open for business and will continue to offer high end table service to patrons.

See Sailing page B - 1

second week of January. In Wildwood Village, the former Tavern at the Village, an upscale restaurant offering a diverse wine list and menu for

the last 12 years, has become Woodlands Grill. The Grill is currently operating and will continue providing high-end tableside service

said owner Charles L. Jeffries II. The restaurant also features a roomy patio that Jeffries said

See Craving page A - 

Index
Op.-Ed.......Page A - 4 Obits ..........Page A - 5 Sports ........Page B - 1 Police ........Page B - 4

Two Injured in Hollywood Auto Crash

By Emily Finch Staff Writer
Two men were injured, one seriously, in a Dec. 21 crash at the intersection of Route 235 and Clarkes Landing Road. Police report that James Miller, , of Burke, Va., was driving his white Dodge pickup truck northbound on 235 when the Toyota 4Runner in front of him, driven by John Mattingly, 59, of Hollywood, prepared to make a right hand turn onto Clarkes Landing Road. Miller struck the rear of Mattinglys vehicle, sending it across the intersection and into a ditch. Mattinglys 4Runner then hit a light pole and flipped over onto its top. Miller was seriously inPhoto by Bryan Jaffe

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Two men were injured in this crash, which took place at the intersection of Route 235 and Clarks Landing Rd. The driver of the blue 4Runner suffered minor injuries and left the hospital under his own power. The Driver of the white truck was flown by helicopter for further medical attention.

St. Marys County Government Holiday Closings

St. Marys County Government Offices will be closed for business New Years Day. County offices will reopen for normal business hours Jan. 2. St. Marys County Libraries will be closed Dec 31, 200, Jan. 1 in observance of the New Year. The libraries will be reopen for normal business hours Jan. 2. The St. Andrews Landfill and six (6) Convenience Centers and the St. Marys Transit (STS) bus service will be closed Jan.1 The STS, landfill and convenience centers will be open for normal business hours as of Jan. 2. Call St. Marys County Department of Public Works and Transportation at 301-83-8400 for additional information about the landfill, convenience centers, or the STS bus service.

jured and was flown out by Trooper 7. There was no word on his current condition at press time. Mattingly was transported by the Lexington Park Rescue Squad to St. Marys Memorial Hospital, where he was soon released and is in stable condition. According to TFC Quade, one of the Maryland State Troopers who responded to the accident, Mattingly had just some minor cuts and bruises and seemed to be doing well considering the damage to his vehicle. The Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department and TFC Reza of the MSP also responded to the accident and were on scene.

 Section A - 

The County Times

Thursday December 8, 006

peoples choice award will also be chosen by the public. Costs for the tickets are $5 per adult, $3 per student, and free for children under four. is a clean, high-spirited musical comedy about a nun who has accidentally poisoned 52 of her fellow sisters and the surviving nuns who stage a benefit concert to raise money for proper burials before the health inspector shows up. You will delight in this zany musical comedy which to date has spawned three awardwinning sequels. The cost of the trip is $67 and includes the show, a scrumptious meal, coach bus travel and gratuities. Call 301475-4200 ext. 1072 to reserve your space.

In Your Community
Sponsorship Chairman. Most St. Marys American Little positions require four-six hours a League, a non-profit organiza- month for this worthwhile effort tion serving our youth atheltics in shaping the future of our chilin the community for more than dren. Please contact John Kolb, 25 years, is looking for six volun- President at kolb@gmpexpress. teers for the 2007 season. Posi- net or 301-536-0214 for more tions needing to be filled include information. Safety Officer, Player Agent, Vice President Minor League, Bingo Publicity Coordinator (web-site), Little Flower School will Fund Raising Chairman and

Little League

hold Bingo tonight at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Little Flower School is located at 20410 Point Lookout Rd., Great Mills, MD 20634.

Soup Cook Off

The Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center is hosting its second annual Soup Cook-off Jan. 9, 2007 from 3

7:30 p.m. in the schools stateof-the-art kitchen. Cooking begins at 3 p.m.; doors open to the public at 5:30 p.m., with tasting and judging starting at 6 p.m. The contest is open to the public. Soups will be grouped in six categories including cream based, seafood, red meat, poultry, vegetarian and other. The contest will be judged by expert chefs and community leaders. A

Riverside Dinner Theatre Trip

Are you wondering what gift to give yourself or a friend for the holidays? Well, the Department of Aging has the perfect gift idea for you. On Jan. 10, 2007, the Department of Aging will be taking a trip to Riverside Dinner Theatre in Fredericksburg, Va. to see Nunsense. Nunsense

Wellness and Fitness Night

Join Green Holly Elementary School for their Wellness and Fitness Night Jan. 11, 2007, 6 8 p.m., at the school site. The evening will include activities for the entire family. Get informed and get active with community organizations such as Health Connections, Good Earth Natural Food, Jazzercise, The Body Shakers, Pro-Fitness, and local scouting troops. Student activities will include physical fitness testing, a cup stacking relay, rock climbing, juggling, and jumping rope. Active footwear is required for this event and all students must be accompanied by an adult. For more details, contact the main office of Green Holly Elementary at 301-863-4064.

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St. Marys County residents age 60 and over may have simple income tax returns prepared free of charge. Appointments will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Garvey Center beginning Feb. 13 from 1 - 4 p.m. Individuals who have business, farm, or rental income to report are not eligible for this service. For an appointment call 301-475-4200, ext. 1064.

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Standoff
Continued from page A - 1
making progress. During the night, there were times where I thought the communication was going well, Cameron said. But we got into a repetitive kind of communication where he said someone would die tonight, and that repeated itself throughout the evening and throughout the day. The situation was made even more difficult because of Deans experience and skill with weapons. We were certainly cautious, Cameron said. With a highly trained, highly skilled individual, you are very cautious. Our priority was to move very slowly, to try to salvage communication. Dean fired several shots from his residence during the standoff, three of which hit county and state trooper vehicles. One of those vehicles was occupied, but the officer inside it was not injured. Several times, officers tried to force Dean out of the house with tear gas, but all attempts failed. At about 12:50 p.m. Tuesday, Dean tried to exit his house. At the same time, a peacekeeping vehicle approached the front of the home to deliver tear gas. Mr. Dean came to the doorway, had a weapon in his hand, and began to raise that weapon, at which time the state trooper that was functioning in a counter sniper position fired one shot and Mr. Dean fell, Colonel Tim Hutchins, secretary of Maryland State Police said during the press conference. Dean was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical service personnel. Had the sniper not taken the shot, the lives of many would have been in severe danger, Hutchins said. All the officers would have been in jeopardy, the vehicle was totally open, he added. During the press conference, Cameron was asked whether Dean intended to get shot by police. Certainly, that always

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See Standofff page A-3

Thursday December 28, 2006

The County Times

Section A - 

Christmas Caring in St. Marys

By Adam Ross Staff Writer
Every child has a holiday wish list, but for some families around St. Marys County who are struggling to make ends meet, and may not be able to fulfill that list, the Department of Recreation, Parks and Community Services (RPCS) offers a helping hand. In coordination with the Department of Social Services, more than 550 families will receive some extra help this holiday season from RPCS Christmas Caring program. Community Service Division Manager Cynthia Brown is on the giving end of this powerful program, which, since 1990, has been helping St. Marys County families in need. We are trying to reach out to anyone who needs help, said Brown. We get lots of hugs and thank yous, but we are there to try and encourage them and let them know, regardless of their circumstance, its only temporary. In conjunction with a host of residents, businesses, churches and St. Marys County schools, RPCS collects food, toys and clothing for needy families. According to Brown, the majority of families are referred directly from the Department of Social Services. Candidates must fill out a one-page application that asks for the name of a Social Services caseworker, the names of children receiving food stamps or temporary cash assistance and a list of preferred toys. big place, and the growing population leads to greater needs, Brown said. RCPS currently has 50 applications to process. Kauffman characterized those applications as late, but said at the very least, they would go to Mike Schwartz of Mikes Bikes in Lexington Park, who passes out approximately 1,000 traditional Christmas dinners each season. Brown added that the program continues to push for continuity and growth, so it can help more families. What I would like to see and continue to work on, is stronger coordination between the services, organizations and agencies, Brown said. Sometimes staff changes from one year to another and its always good to reintroduce our program and goals each year. At times, the turnover has contributed to a reduplication of efforts, Brown said, meaning some families receive more than one shipment of gifts. Brown called it very discouraging to donors when they drop off gifts and that family already has a bunch of stuff there. While those problems are inherent in a system working with hundreds of individuals and numerous organizations, Brown and her partners are doing the best we can. To their satisfaction, tangible evidence exists of the hard work they do, including a 10 by 10 room just two doors down from their office, filled with bikes, stereos, dolls and more donated by

County to Test New Emergency AM Signal Messaging System

By Adam Ross Staff Writer
In the wake of Tropical Storm Ernesto and several other storms that have slammed St. Marys County, tests are now underway on an emergency AM signal messaging system. If successful, this system will combat the publics frustration with a lack of local emergency information, and an existing system that in September turned to hand delivered messages as its most viable warning device. Just before Ernesto hit in September, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) enlisted the fire department to hand deliver emergency warnings to residents, according to Emergency Management Director Timothy Bennett. Unlike previous storms, local radio stations maintained electricity during Ernesto, but lacked the on-air staff to help residents with weather and flood updates and proper evacuation routes. In addition, the phone system purchased after Hurricane Isabel in 2003, which sends prerecorded emergency messages out over the phone lines, only works while those lines are intact. DPS submitted surveys to coastal residences before and after Ernesto and found that most had little to no idea where to get emergency information, according to Bennett. As a result, County emergency management began researching AM and FM radio stations as a new venue to prepare for the natural disasters faced by those living on a coastline. According to Bennett, they found a fully licensed AM station designed specifically for county governments that is approved by the Federal Communications Commission. The system comes stocked with flashing alert signs for county roads and a radio service linked to a national and local weather service broadcast. No additional staff is needed for the service, which sends messages from 911 centers to transmitters posted around the county. Bennett said because tourist information can be transmitted over this particular signal, the system can eventually be used on an everyday basis. Bennett, alongside Emergency Planner Michelle Lilly and Information Technology Director Bob Kelly, offered the Board of County Commissioners an option to invest in the system, which costs roughly $200,000 to implement in two phases. Phase one would use $106,000 in Homeland Security funds to set up three transmitters and four flashing road signs. If phase one is not implemented by March 31, 2007, the county will lose access to those funds. Phase two would cost the county a computer-generated estimate of $94,000 for an additional two transmitters and four road signs. To install five transmitters would take three to four months. Kelly said it was best to start the system sooner rather than later so they could implement and test phase one at no cost to the county. This way, if the system has unforeseen flaws they cannix it before the countys share is used. County Commissioner Lawrence Jarboe (R-Golden Beach) expressed concern that the individual transmitters only had 10 watts of power. My bass amp pumps out only 100 watts, Jarboe said. And I cant extend out for miles and miles. Ten watts is not a lot of power. Commissioner Daniel H. Raley (D-Great Mills) said the citizens very much want this, but he had concerns about getting the best bang for the buck. Because the issue is timesensitive, the County government plans to hold a demonstration of the new system for the Commissioners after the new year. Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly, Sr. (D-Leonardtown), said while its always nice to use grant money, the commissioners need to make sure they know what the issues are first. I remember an issue that came up when we first came to office, Mattingly added. We were presented with a communications contract and we are still resolving issues eight years later.

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From left, St. Marys Department of Recreation Parks and Community Services Community Division Director Cynthia Brown, Elaine Kauffman, a temporary worker, and Office Specialist Stephanie Roach show some of the toys collected by the Christmas Caring Program.

Brown, standing next to her staff of two - Elaine Kauffman, a temporary employee, and office specialist Stephanie Roach - acknowledged the program is unable to reach all of the families in need. Every so often, the realization sets in that the county is a

Toyota of Waldorf and generous St. Marys County residents. Brown and her staff work with donors to make sure children receive age-appropriate, and, in some cases, handicap-appropriate gifts. Community members continually roll in to drop off gifts, dictated by the individual. In this case, Mr. Dean. The officer who shot Dean is a 46-year old Maryland State Trooper, and has 13 years of experience working with the special tactical assault team. He knows his job very well, Hutchins said of the officer.

including Billy Johnson from St. Josephs Church, who called the program a good thing, otherwise kids would have no Christmas. However, Brown is often forced to coordinate dispersement between families and donors themselves because the RPCS office is too small to hold the entire inventory. Brown said she hopes one day they can set up a central depository for the gifts, but added it would take quite a bit of staff and security to do that. Since 1990 the Christmas Caring program has grown into what it is today. But Brown and the Department of Recreation, Parks and Community Services has continually recognized the people of St. Marys County as the key to making the program work and fullfilling the wishes of our youth.

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Standoff
Continued from page A - 2
comes to mind, what we refer to as a suicide by cop, he responded. I dont know that thats the case at all. I know that in managing a very fluid and possibly violent situation like this, that these situations very much are

When asked whether the situation could have been handled differently so that Dean didnt have to die, Cameron paused for a long moment. Not that I can think of, he finally answered. Other than him responding to our requests to come out and give himself up peaceably.

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 Section A - 

The County Times

Thursday December 28, 2006

Editorial & Opinion

New Years Resolutions
We all make New Years Resolutions. We promise ourselves we are going to do this or that. We tell ourselves that this year we will (insert resolution of choice here). And this time, we mean it! All too often, however, these resolutions are forgotten within a matter of weeks, and the grind of daily life makes us forget just what it was we promised ourselves we would do. This is very similar to what we see in government on a regular basis. New officials are elected to office, they make campaign promises very similar to our new years resolutions and usually fail to deliver. We are promised the sun, moon and sky, if we only vote for candidate A, but we seem to end up with nothing but the dirt beneath our feet. What were the New Years resolutions of this last campaign season? What will we see in the months to come? The Transferable Development Rights (TDR) program must be fixed. This has been an ongoing issue from the previous Board of Commissioners, and has not been touched in more than half a year. 2007 is the year to get it done. Currently, the system is cumbersome and costly for landowners, and as long as it remains prohibitive in nature, we can expect to see more growth pushed to the Rural Preservation District (RPD). Especially given the fact that Adequate Public Facility (APF) regulations have shut down growth in the development district. The countys New Years resolution must be to come up with solutions for these problems and stick to them! The current formula for determining the number of TDRs a landowner has involves taking the developable acreage of land, and dividing it by three. How is land determined to be developable? Through a costly land survey, of course. Yes, landowners who want to partake in the TDR program often find themselves with a lump of coal rather than any gain from selling their development rights. They are on the hook for the cost of the survey, which can cost upward of $20,000 depending on the amount of land owned. When all is said and done, it is possible landowners will pay more for the survey than they can get for selling their development rights. A surefire losing proposition, and a guarantee to keep people from participating. A landowner of 10 acres may learn that only six are developable. This would give that landowner two TDRs to sell. Hardly an incentive for preservation. And these landowners pushed out by the TDR program paired with the lack of APF in the development district means the direction of future growth in St. Marys County is clear. There is land for the taking in the RPDs, and if the APF problems in the county are not addressed soon, taken it will be. There will be more focus on the TDR issue in coming weeks, as it promises to hang over the heads of the entire county until resolved. Another issue that must be tackled in 2007 is the need for long term funding for the Sheriff. This has been done with the Board of Education in the St. Marys County Bridge to Excellence, and has afforded the school system the ability to plan long term for the first time in history. But if schools ensure our future, what of the organization that protects our present? Like the School Board used to do, the Sheriff must partake in an annual beg-a-thon to determine funding each year. This severely inhibits the Sheriff from making a long-range plan to ensure the safety of our families and friends. Now is the time to act, before our crime problem gets worse. As the year unfolds, these issues are sure to come up again and again, but it is not enough for the County Government to simply discuss the problems forever, we need decisive action, and we need it now. Lets make sure that 2007 is a year we can remember as the year of promises kept.

Big City Boy, Small Town Heart

King of Food
By Adam Ross Staff Writer
We all spend a significant amount of time eating each and every day. We wake up and eat breakfast. Then we have lunch just a few hours later and, finally, dinner when we get home from work. This routine continues to not just be a part our lives, but often the focus of what we do. So it certainly leaves me thinking that since I spend such a large chunk of my life figuring out what and when to eat, paying to eat and critiquing what I eat, I ought to live in a place that has great food. Unfortunately, the most attractive areas in the world, which happen to be the ones Ive lived in, are not exactly the most food -friendly. Take London, England for example. Its an amazing city with a great deal of culture. Buildings date back through the centuries, museums line the corners, tube stops can be found everywhere and the music scene thrives. Whether you want to take a walk around Parliament, or visit the twisted gallery of Salvador Dali, there is something for everyone to do. But the food Well, the food is terrible. It doesnt get any worse. Some of the most well respected restaurants in London find a way to make a spaghetti taste bad. And dont even get me started on their beef. Another lovely location is Paris, France. Paris; a seductive, charming city that calls to mind life as it was in the renaissance period. You walk the brick mortar alcove streets, each brick looking as if it were laid three hundred years ago and you honestly believe this is where you are meant to be. Parisians line the streets, pulling gentle drags from their Gauloise cigarettes. They even smoke provocatively there. The cafes have outdoor seating year round. Even the coldest of temperatures cannot stop people from enjoying caf crme at a small round table nestled just a foot or so back from the next. The metro is dirty, but each station is exquisite in its own right, with tiled patterns, racy advertisements and unique layouts. You can spelunk your way through the station for a good 10 or 15 minutes before you even get to your train. There are so many things that absolutely fascinate me about Paris, from its tangible infrastructure to its vivid descriptions in Ernest Hemingways book A Moveable Feast. But for all of its radiance, the food is boney and bland. Good luck trying to find a boneless chicken breast, or a pizza with thick crust. I had many meals in Paris and maybe only two of them held up to the succulent taste of Five Guys burger and fries. Detroit, Michigan. Its not radiant, its not exquisite and its not interesting, but the food, ah the food, is fatty and good. Coney Islands are the hot commodity in Detroit, and most food critics will tell you there is no better place to get a coney dog and fries, not even New York City. The deli is just as powerful in Detroit. Lean corned beef sandwiches and fresh green pickles - larger than those dinky ones you get at the grocery store - are standard. Unlike the many rural and populated areas of the United States, chain restaurants dont control the market in Detroit. Small family owned businesses dominate the market with homemade chicken noodle soups loaded with salt and fresh vegetables, and a hot turkey sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy to die for. The food in Detroit is top-notch, but it is in no way, in my experience, the food capitol of the world. For now, Ill award that title to Florida. I have consumed a limited amount of food in Florida, but everything Ive tried is spectacular. A restaurant in Florida made fettuccini alfredo taste good! And Im not saying that because fettuccini alfredo is a bad dish, but it always ends up bland; you never quite get what your eyes see. The fact is, I hate Florida, and I never understood why someone would want to live on a swamp. The bugs storm your house and car, and there is such thing as too hot. Theres no culture in Florida, it just is. Old people crowd the beaches and bicker all day about their children not producing enough grandchildren for them to kiss. But for all of its flaws, the food, the wonderful food, just might win me over. Ive traveled some of the world and witnessed some of the great wonders of it, but for all its glory I would probably give it all up for a tasty piece of chicken and an Idaho potato. Call me crazy or call me a visionary, the bottom line the only logical thing to do is live in an area that caters to what I do best: Eating.

Ramblings From A Country Girl

New Years Resolutions
By Terri Bartz Bowles Contributing Writer
Its New Years Resolutions time again! Do you make New Years resolutions? Why? And if you dont, why not? You do get that clean-slate, start over thing with the new year. It does feel like an opportunity to put past problems or issues or whatever behind you and start fresh down a new path. The problem, I think, is we look at it as a way of saying I did bad things or wrong things or not enough things last year. We make ourselves feel like bad people and thats not helpful. We can always improve do more, do less, do better but that doesnt mean we werent good or okay or striving before. We need to give ourselves a break; we are our own worst enemy and our own worst critic. And besides easing up on ourselves, we need a cheerleader, someone always willing to give us encouragement or reassurance or a swift kick when necessary. When we think of resolutions, its usually something to improve ourselves. Were going to lose weight, exercise more, save money and get organized. Were always doing something and then were going to add more on the To Do List. Maybe 2007 is the year to do less. Losing weight and exercising more are good and healthy goals. So if youre adding things like that, look at other things youre currently doing and delete something. Stop doing so much. Our lives are so darn busy and full and stressful that were not enjoying ourselves or the people we love. Learning French cant possibly be more important than going on a real pack a basket and chill a bottle of wine picnic with the ones you love. Working those extra hours is not as important as picking your kid up from school or daycare a little early and doing something totally unexpected like the two of you getting an ice cream cone and talking to each other with no distractions around. How long has it been since you sat down and talked to your parents or grandparents about whatever they want to talk about? Or had an unhurried meal with your family? What Im saying is that lifes too short and transitory. The things that matter involve people and memories, not being the martyr at work who always puts business ahead of family. I know youve heard this before, but no dying person ever said I wish I had worked more. Make 2007 your year for doing less stuff and spending more time with people. If you have regrets at the end of your life, dont let them be that you didnt spend time with those you love let them be that you didnt start sooner then let that go and go make a date with somebody you love.

Whats your gripe? Would you like your voice to be heard? Send us a letter telling us whats on your mind!
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The County Times

wishes a Happy and Prosperous New Year to all our readers.

County Times

P.O. Box 250 Hollywood, MD 20636

Make sure you include your name, phone # and the city you live in.
We will not publish your phone #, only your name and city

E-mail letters to: bryanjaffe@countytimes.net

James Manning McKay - Publisher Bryan Jaffe - Managing Editor ..............................bryanjaffe@countytimes.net . Tobie Pulliam - Office Manager ...........................tobiepulliam@countytimes.net Adam Ross - Government Correspondent ..............adamross@countytimes.net

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

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

Thursday December 28, 2006

The County Times

as Queen. As an adult, he enjoyed life in St. Marys County, Md. For many years he worked at Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy and Aldridge Ford, and enjoyed the relationships he built with people at both places. Gary took great pleasure in spending time on the water, cruising the Bay and taking trips with his wife on their boat. He was also an avid EMRA driver and spent many weekends racing. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Kole, step-children, Jill Dodge of Austin, Texas, and Michael Dodge of California, Md., sister, Donna Hamill and her husband Bob of Underhill, Vt. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Jay and Ginny Kole. Services were private. Arrangements were made by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, Md.

Section A - 
as follows:
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated today at 10 a.m. in St. Johns Catholic Church with Fr. Raymond Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Terry Howard, David Wathen, Brian Woodburn, John Miedzinski, Kevin Miedzinski, Darrell Green and Nelson L. Butler. Contributions may be made to: St. Johns Building Fund, 43927 St. Johns Road, Hollywood, Md 20636 and/or Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 79, Hollywood, Md 20636. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Obituaries
Blanche Elizabeth Abernethy, 83
Blanche Elizabeth Abernethy, 83, of Mechanicsville, Md. died Dec.16 in Colton Point, Md. Born April 29, 1923 in Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of the late Charles J. Yingling and Blanche M. Fugitt Born September 22, 1918 in Pamico, N.C., she was the daughter of the late John Frank and Isabelle Rawes Slade. She was preceded in death by her husband, Malcom Edward Gass, Sr. April 29, 1995 in Abell, Md. whom she married on Dec. 26, 1938 in Holy Angels Catholic Church. She is survived by her children: Gloria C. Hall of Abell, Md. and Joseph A. Gass of Leonardtown, Md.; siblings: Donnie Knott of Valley Lee, Md., Ivy McCann of Georgetown, Del. and Susan Tassone of McKay Port, Pa.; six grandchildren: Bryan Hall, Cynthia Cryer, Dean Gass, Caroline Gass, Steve Gass and Joe Gass and 11 great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her son: Malcom E. Gass, Jr. and siblings: Bonnie Wathen, Carl Slade and John F. Slade. Mrs. Gass moved to St. Marys County when she was 13 years old from N.C. She was member of All Saints Episcopal Church and the American Legion. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She also enjoyed doing arts & crafts, gardening, fishing on the bank, doing puzzles and being with her grandchildren.

Gladys Louise Johnson, 78

Gladys Louise Johnson, 78, of Hollywood, Md. died Dec. 17 in St. Marys Hospital. Born Oct. 8, 1928 in Dynard, Md., she was the daughter of the late William Dudley and Mary Elsie Knott Lacey. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Norman Johnson whom she married Sept. 17, 1947 in Holy Angels Catholic Church. She is survived by her daughters: Yvonne Bennett and Linda Greer both of Hollywood, Md.; siblings: Mildred Vallandingham of Helen, Md., Betty Jean Cusic of Mechanicsville, Md. and Joseph Lacey of Hollywood, Md.; 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her siblings: James Lacey, Margaret Lacey, Lucille MaGill, Teresa Lacey, Francis Lacey, Aloysius Lacey, Grace

Joan Theresa Pancamo, 44

Joan Theresa Pancamo, 44, of Leonardtown, Md. formerly of Delvan, N.J. died Dec. 15, in George Washington University Hospital. Born March 31, 1962 in Philadelphia, Pa., she was the daughter of Anthony Francis and Joan Collins Coffey Pancamo. She is survived by her daughter: Randi Pancamo of Brunswick, Ga.; brothers: Dan Pancamo of Kenner, La., Dave Pancamo of Ocean City, N.J. and Steve Pancamo of Mt. Lauvel, N.J. and one grandchild: Jacob. Ms. Pancamo graduated from Holy Cross High School Class of 1980 and also from Burlington County Community College Class of 1982. She moved to St. Marys County in 2000, where she worked as a legal assistant for Zuckman Spaeder, Washington, D.C. She enjoyed horseback riding and being on her farm. A Memorial Service was held Dec. 20 at 11 a.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Chapel with Deacon Bill Nickerson officiating. Interment was private. Contributions may be made to: Leukemia & Lymphoma Foundation, Maryland Chapter, 11350 McCormick Road, Executive Plaza III, Suite 100, Hunt Valley, MD 21031 and/or Starflake Society. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Yingling. Blanche married Leo Xavier Abernethy in Washington, D.C. and moved to Morningside, Md. As they outgrew their home, the family moved to Accokeek, Md., where they lived until the late 70s. With much of the family grown, Leonardtown, Md. was chosen as the ideal location to relax and enjoy the empty nest. Blanche lived a long life of service not only to her family, but also she volunteered with the Maryland Democratic Club, was a lifetime member of the Morningside Fire & Rescue Ladies Auxiliary, and a Library Board Trustee for both Prince Georges and St. Marys counties. After losing her husband to cancer in 1989, Blanche was diagnosed with Alzheimers. For her last 10 years, she was under the care of Ms. Dale Claytor of Colton Point, Md., whose loving hands and heart kept Blanche strong and comfortable. Blanche will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all. She was always strong, ever caring, and taught us all even more of how to live in her later years. Blanche is survived by her sons; Leo Abernethy of Columbia, Md., Wayne Abernethy of Mechanicsville, Md., Tom Abernethy of Accokeek, Md., Don Abernethy of Glen Burnie, Md. and Mike Abernethy of Columbia, Md., daughters; Elizabeth Patton-Feeney of Nokesville, Va., Mary Perry-Fox of Welcome, Md., Catherine Henderson of Nokesville, Va., and Joanie Barr of Mechanicsville, Md., 17 grandchildren, and six great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Blanche Ringley. The family received friends Dec. 20 from 5- 8 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, Md. with prayers being recited at 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Dec. 21, at 11 a.m. in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Newtowne, Md. Reverend John Mattingly was the celebrant. Interment followed in the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, Md. at 2 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association, Southern Maryland Office, P.O. Box 1889, La Plata, MD 20646.

them, protect them and most of all talk, talk and talk to them (if they would listen). In her more senior years, Mae enjoyed the company of family and friends, watching television, playing solitaire, chewing spearmint or juicy fruit gum (courtesy of Dennis Butler) and holding her stuffed animals and doll baby. Her best friend was Mary Chase. Mae was a companionate individual who would do anything for anybody. She also was a breast cancer survivor. The family would like to express their gratitude to each and every one of you for the part you have played in assisting us during this most difficult time and over the 88 years that Mae was with us. Special appreciation to Gracie Butler, who made Maes last days and hours comfortable. The family received friends Dec. 20 from 5 8 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where prayers were said at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr. Francis Early officiating. Interment followed in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Shirley Ann Matthews, 63

Shirley Ann Matthews, 63, of Ridge, Md. formerly of Great Mills, Md. died Dec.15, in Ridge, Md. Born Jan. 26, 1943 in Keyser, W. Va. She was the daughter of the late Lelon and Nellie Shawen Keister. She was the beloved wife of Paul G. Matthews whom she married in Leonardtown, Md. in 1963. She is survived by her children: Tony Matthews of Waldorf, Md. and Michael Matthews of Smithfield, Va.; sister: Donna Pietens of Irving, Texas and 4 grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her siblings: Larry Keister, Ronny Keister, Lelon Keister, Jr., Bobby Keister and Jimmy Keister. Mrs. Matthews was a life long resident of St. Marys County where she graduated from Great Mills High School Class of 1961. She worked as a librarian for St. Marys County School System for 12 years until her retirement in 1982. She enjoyed sewing and computers. Services were Private. Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Marys, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Md 20650. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Corrections
In the Dec. 21 issue of the County Times, the Photograph of Gladys Louise Johnson was incorrectly placed within the obituary for Shirley Ann Mathews. The obituaries should have appeared

The family received friends Dec. 21 from 5 8 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers were said at 7 p.m.. A Funeral Service was held Dec. 22 at 10 a.m. in All Saints Episcopal Church with Rev. Harry Harper officiating. Interment followed in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Joe Gass, Steve Gass, Dean Gass, Mike Gass, Brian Hall, and J.W. Cryer. Contributions may be made to: American Legion Post #221, P.O. Box 98, Avenue, MD 20609 and/or 7th District Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 7, Avenue, Md 20609. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

Smythers and Paul Lacey. Mrs. Johnson was a life long St. Marys County resident where she attended Margaret Brent High School. She worked as a cashier for McKays Foodland for 22 years. She enjoyed crocheting, bird watching from her window, visits from her grandchildren and great grandchildren. The family received friends December 20 from 5 8 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers were said at 6 p.m.. A

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Anne Mae Thomas, 88

Anne Mae Thomas, 88, (Mae, Mae Thomas, Miss Mae, or Mae Skinner as she was affectionately known to many), of Mechanicsville, Md. died Dec. 16. Born March 15, 1918, in St. Marys County, Md. she was the daughter of the late Thomas Hill. She is survived by her Great Nephews/Niece: John Butler (Sam), Mary Agnes Anderson, Charles Butler (Charlie), numerous family, friends, and their children. She was baptized, made her first communion, and confirmation in April, 1974, at Sacred Heart Parish in Bushwood, Md. Her Godparents and sponsors were Martha Butler and Marie Bowman. Mae spent her early years working outside doing yard work, especially keeping flower beds clean of weeds and raking leaves for a lady named Miss Julia in Maddox, Md. Mae always had a passion for children, and like a guardian angel, she would watch over

Gary Dean Kole, 

Gary Dean Kole, , of Hollywood, Md. died Dec. 15 in his residence. Born July 9, 1951, in Bayonne N.J., he was the son of the late Joseph John Kole and Blanche Virginia Grovesnor Kole. Gary spent much of his youth as a musician, and opened for rock superstars such

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Selma Deleen Gass, 88

Selma Deleen Gass, 88, of Abell, Md. formerly of Newburg, N.C. died Dec. 19 in St. Marys Nursing Center.

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 Section A - 

The County Times

Thursday December 28, 200

which works muscles in both directions. We are the only place in the county with dual equipment, Verbic Boggs said. The Maximum Health and Fitness Gym in San Souci Plaza is the most spacious of any gym in the county, according to the manager, Eric Harris. There are perhaps thousands of men, women and children of all ages in our place monthly, he said. There is an inside area for women only, if desired. Cardio and group fitness are the most popular features at Maximum Health and Fitness Gym. We have a very large freeweight area, Harris said, so there is no bumping into each other. Childcare is also provided there. Pro Fitness has two locations, one in St. Marys Square in Lexington Park and the other in Wildewood Shopping Center in California. Combined membership, according to owner Joe Evans, totals approximately 4,000 with men accounting for about 40 percent. Classes for weight loss and improving body tone are attended by 90 percent female members, he said. We

New Years Resolution?

Determination and Lots of Effort

Patty Muchow Contributing Writer
motivated, as some are too busy taking care of other responsibilities. Women tend to put themselves last. Having worked almost 28 years as a registered ER nurse, Verbic-Boggs feels her background makes her credible with members and they are more willing to work and talk with me. Over 40 active ladies, 62 years and older, belong to the DIVA program with Ladies Workout Express. The oldest member is 85-years old, with most in their 70s and 80s. Im so proud of them, Verbic-Boggs said with a smile, Theyre tough! Ladies Workout Express specializes in circuit training and weight loss, and features dual hydraulic equipment,

One of the most frequent New Years resolutions is to lose weight and get in shape. This explains why some of the health and exercise centers in St. Marys County see a significant influx in membership in January. People have good intentions on this resolution, but even though we know we should do it, a lot of people dont make it Photo by Adam Ross after three months, said Ryan Mixing Bowl owner Ya-Ling Pan invites patrons in with her warm and Keller, owner of SMAC Fitness friendly manner. After being closed for several months for renovations, the Center in Charlotte Hall. Mixing Bowl is open for business again. Agreeing with Keller, Terri Verbic-Boggs, owner of Ladies Big Dogs Paradise is undergoing renovations to both its Workout Express in Hollywood interior and exterior grounds. and Callaway said the hardContinued from page A - 1 The exterior will host an out- est part of health and exercise programs is keeping women they plan to enclose and turn door bar area for horseshoe players,. into a solarium. Those under 21 will not be In Lexington Park, the allowed inside the bar, but will Mixing Bowl has reopened with a several new menu items. be allowed in the outdoor area Seafood and Italian cuisine are according to Adkins, who addnew to its menu. While the ed that everyone who attempts cream-colored walls and green to enter the bar, regardless of booths offer a unique setting, their age, must present valid this restaurant is highlighted by identification. We are always looking to its friendly persona that jumps eliminate the problems before out upon walking in. Owners Ya-Ling Pan and Michael Ruisi they start, Adkins said. The liquor board expressed had a class B-Restaurant Beer concern with underage alcohol Wine and Liquor license approved last Thursday by the St. sales, and customers bringMarys County Alcohol Bever- ing their own alcohol into the outdoor bar area, which is curage Board. For a good game of horse- rently open to the surrounding shoes or an attempt at playing areas. Adkins said he was conthe angles of pool, Big Dogs sidering a fence to lessen the Paradise Bar and Liquor in Me- likelihood of those problems chanicsville will soon be the coming about. More information on the place for both. President Brian new restaurants is available on L. Adkins, of Waldorf, said he Photo by Patty Muchow hopes his bar will be a place the St. Marys County GovernThree generations of the same family have been members of Ladys Workout Express since it opened two years where people can relax and ment website.

Photo by Patty Muchow

Winning Loser: Debbie Joy, of Hollywood, lost 31 lbs. in three months making her the winning member of the recent PHAT Girls Weight Management team program at Ladies Workout Express. This twelve-week program is held occasionally during the year.

Craving

have a good time.

ago. In the center is Mary Mileto, 85, and to the left is daughter Marianne Corrigan, 48. Rounding out the trio is granddaughter Jordan Corrigan, 19.

have over 6,000 members come into our two clubs each month and a lot of these same members come in two or three times a week. Most machines have weights, with many used by both male and female. Childcare is provided at both locations, as well as a tanning bed and booth. There are three Curves centers in St. Marys County, each with separate owners. There is one in the K-Mart Shopping Center in California, another in the Blair Building in Leonardtown, and the last in Charlotte Hall. Curves centers are designed for women and feature 30-minute training using single-hydraulic cylinder machines. Vicky Mudd opened her Curves center three years ago in Leonardtown and said it has been exceptionally popular since the beginning. Janet Squires is the district manager of Curves in Charlotte Hall and also has two other Curves centers in Charles County. Three years ago she saw a need for the center in St. Marys County and opened the Charlotte Hall center. All three of her exercise centers, according to Squires, are very successful.