2007 01 04 A

PRSTD.STD US.Postage.Paid Permit.No..145 .Waldorf,.MD.
Thursday, January 4, 2007 St. Marys County, Maryland
Established 2006 Volume 2 Issue 1 FREE
Drugs, Guns and Robberies
Violent Crimes Increase in County

By Andrew Knowlton Staff Writer
This past year, St. Marys County has.seen.an.increase.in.violent.crimes,. particularly.armed.robberies,.according. to law enforcement officials in the St. Marys County Sheriffs Department. On Dec. 28, the Checkers Fast Food Restaurant in California became the latest. target. in. this. rash. of. armed. robberies. Copseys Seafood Market was robbed at gunpoint Dec. 21, and on the same.day,.three.suspects.were.arrested. for. the. armed. robbery. of. two. victims. from North Carolina in a Mechanicsville.residence. There. are. several. reasons. for. this. increase.in.crime,.according.to.county. law enforcement officials. Of. course,. it. goes. hand. in. hand. that. the. more. population. we. have,. the. more. problems. were. going. to. have,. head.of.Vice.Narcotics.Det..Sgt..Steve. Hall said. So theres bound to be an increase.in.people.violating.our.laws..This. is definitely on an upswing. While Hall indicated there is no evidence. of. an. increase. in. weapons. in. the. county,. guns. have. clearly. become. part.of.our.culture..Some.feel.real.cool. being.part.of.it,.he.said..When.[guns]. are.in.the.wrong.hands,.thats.bad. Many. guns. used. in. these. armed. robberies.are.obtained.by.dealers.from. outside. the. county. who. come. to. St.. Marys. to. distribute. them.. Some. are. also. obtained. through. home. invasion,. and as St. Marys County Sheriff Tim Cameron points out, a lot of law-abiding.citizens.own.guns. In. recent. years,. Montgomery. and. Prince Georges Counties have seen an increase. in. gang. activity. from. groups. such as MS-13. With the growing population in St. Marys County, Cameron believes.the.people.-.especially.the.youth. (who. are. subject. to. being. recruited. by. gangs) - need to be educated, so that the problems.faced.by.neighboring.counties. do.not.become.ours.. In.recent.investigations,.St..Marys. County law enforcement officials have found.that.gangs.are.already.an.emerging. problem,. but. are. not. the. types. of. gangs. we. are. accustomed. to. hearing. about. Theyre.not.organized.gangs,.so.to. speak,. like. national. gangs. or. anything. of that nature, Commander of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) County Times File Photo Lt. Louis F. Burris said. Certainly St. Marys County Sheriff Tim Cameron when. you. have. a. group. of. people. that. get.together.to.commit.crimes,.you.can. technically. assume. theyre. a. gang,. but. no,.its.not.gangs.in.the.normal.term.of. the.word.gang. These. gangs. do. not. seem. to. be. involved. in. narcotics,. which. is. a. common.link.to.violent.crimes,.according.to. Hall. Major drug trafficking stays on the thruways.from.the.Washington.and.Baltimore areas. St. Marys County does not see the same amount of trafficking because. it. is. a. dead-end. county,. according to Hall. Recently, BCI has led two major investigations. in. the. county. that. have. resulted in the confiscation of large amounts.of.drugs.. A. one-month. investigation. in.
See.Crime on page A-3
SMECO to Cut Off Power
Policy Change May Leave Some Out in the Cold
New Years Eve Crash Leaves One Dead

lane.of.Rt..5.and.struck.head.on.the.1988. Chevrolet S-10, operated by Albert Marshall Cook, Jr. Cook died at the scene of the collision.due.to.his.injuries. Lyon.and.a.juvenile.passenger.were. flown to Washington Hospital for treatment.and.released. The.initial.investigation.concluded. that.neither.speed.nor.alcohol.were.contributing. factors. in. the. accident.. The. Sheriffs Office Reconstruction team is conducting.an.ongoing.investigation.
One.man.was.killed.Sunday.afternoon. in. Mechanicsville. when. an. oncoming.vehicle.crossed.into.his.lane.of. travel.and.struck.his.small.pickup.truck. head-on. According to the St. Marys County Sheriffs Department, at 1:43 p.m., Sunday, Allen James Lyon of Charlotte Hall, ing.number.of.delinquent.accounts.but. operating a 1998 Ford Explorer, was SMECO. By Adam Ross In.the.past,.some.members.stopped. the.goal.is.to.get.the.bill.paid,.its.not. traveling.North.on.Maryland.Route.5.in. Staff Writer paying.their.bill.from.October.through. to.disconnect..[Disconnection].is.a.last. the area of North Earnshaw Way, MeMarch, creating congestion for SMECO resort,.she.said... Southern Maryland Elecchanicsville..Lyon.failed.to.keep.right.of. Of the 44,250 customers in the.center,.crossed.into.the.Southbound. tric Cooperative enacted a new St. Marys County, SMECO has policy.this.winter.season.to.not. stopped service to 101 houseallow.delinquent.bills.to.amass. holds. as. a. result. of. nonpayment. from.November.through.March. this winter season, Hamilton said. without.a.power.shutoff.. The. policy. was. actually. enacted. SMECO is Southern Maryin 2005, but no power was cut off lands.main.electric.utility,.and. until March of 2006. SMECO prior to 2005 barred winter has.cut.the.power.to.18.accounts. power shutoffs for 24 years. and. community. organizations,. Foggo. in.the.past.two.days.alone... The new policy brings SMECO in said. In. accordance. with. state. law,. line.with.other.utilities.in.the.WashingVice President of Customer Service, ton. region,. said. David. Foggo,. govern- Susan Hamilton, added that SMECO See.SMECO on page A-3 ment. and. public. affairs. manager. for. made.the.change.in.response.to.a.grow-
Getting Them Ready
MSDE Plan to Ready Children for Rigors of School

By Adam Ross Staff Writer
Heating Help Available for Those in Need

1981,. when. the. federal. government. recognized. the. energy. crisis. throughout. the. nation,. said. Mary. Lou. KuefMany families are in need of fi- fer, Director of Home Energy Services nancial.assistance.for.their.heating.and. for the Maryland Department of Huelectric. bills. this. holiday. season,. and. man.Resources...It.is.a.federally.funded. the Office of Home Energy Programs program. that. offers. eligible. Maryland. (OHEP) has created the Maryland En- citizens. assistance. paying. heating. bills. ergy Assistance Program (MEAP) for as.well.as.some.assistance.in.repairing. broken or inefficient refrigerators and just.that.reason... The. program. is. run. by. the. Mary- furnaces.. Last fiscal year, July 1, 2005 land Department of Human Resources. MEAP has been in existence since through June 7, 2006, MEAP received nearly 107,000 applications, according
By Emily Finch Staff Writer
to Kueffer. Of those, 92,000 households were.given.assistance,.most.in.more.than. one.grant...The.number.of.applications. MEAP expects to receive this fiscal year is around 125,000, Kueffer said. Kueffer said the expected uptick in.applications.this.year.will.be.due.to. the.increase.in.the.income.eligibility.requirements..We.also.take.into.account. the. increased. cost. of. electricity. and. fuel. statewide,. he. added. . The. milder.
See.Heating Help.page.A-5
Index
Op.-Ed.......Page A - 4 . Obits...........Page A - 7 Sports.........Page B - 1 Police .........Page B - 4
Kudos from Coca-Cola
For Continual News Updates Visit: somd.com Local Weather

Friday Few Showers 63 Saturday Few Showers 64 Sunday Showers 55
Great Mills Student Chasing $20 K Cola Scholarship

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program sorts through 87,000 applications from high. school. seniors. across. the. United. States who excel in academics and community. service.. Right. in. the. thick. of.things.is.a.student.from.Great.Mills. High School. . Ye. An. Annie. Kwon,. 18,. advanced to the semifinals, and is now one of 2,100 seniors in the running for $3 million in college scholarships that the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will award in spring 2007. With a 4.3 cumulative grade point average,.and.a.schedule.jam.packed.with. extra curricular activities and community.service,.Kwon.is.a.phenomenal.student.with.a.unique.opportunity.to.earn. as much as $20,000 towards her college education.... Kwon.said.the.application.was.submitted. online. and. it. asked. for. school. activities, extra curricular activities and community.service,.and.that.she.had.to. record.her.hours.for.each.one.. Kwon. listed. her. time. spent. teaching.music.at.Bay.Montessori.School.in. Lexington Park, organizing and participating.in.her.high.school.chess.club,. volunteering.at.church.to.teach.Korean,. and.raising.money.to.build.orphanages. in.the.Philippines... Kwon. also. said. she. is. a. member. of the National Honors Society and the bible.club... My.free.time,.Kwon.said,.laughing.at.the.concept..I.dont.have.a.lot.of. [it], but I like to relax and talk with my
See.Scholarship on page A-3
curricula.for.non-public.early.childhood. programs,. instituting. the. Maryland. Early Childhood Career and ProfesA. new. strategic. plan. accepted. by. sional. Development. Fund,. strengthenthe Maryland State Board of Education ing. the. rigor. of. pre-service,. improving. (MSDE) Dec. 13 is expected to bridge the. gap. between. early. childhood. care. and.the.public.school.system.. Put.forth.by.early.childhood.advocates.and.educators.in.the.state,.the.new. strategic. blueprint. is. a. three-year. plan. aimed. at. boosting. the. quality. of. early. learning... By 2008-2009 the plan states 75 percent.of.all.Maryland.children.should. enter.kindergarten.ready.to.learn... MSDE has been in charge since July 2005 of policy and regulation for all early.care.and.early.education.programs. in.Maryland. The programs transfer in 2005 to the Division of Early Childhood Development within MSDE aided the alignment.of.early.childhood.programs.with. K-12 education. According to a press Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick, superintendent of release from MSDE, the plan is aimed Maryland Schools to.ensure.that.children.have.the.skills.to. enter.school.ready.to.learn... the. quality. and. capacity. of. school-age. We.are.aware.of.a.huge.responsibil- child care programs and expanding ity.that.was.handed.to.us.by.the.General. Judy Center services for economically Assembly.and.the.Governor.when.child. disadvantaged. students. to. other. Title. I. care. was. transferred. from. the. Depart- elementary.schools... ment of Human Resources to MSDE, The.plan.is.divided.into.a.three-pilsaid. State. Superintendent. of. Schools. lar. system,. which. outlines. Programs,. Nancy.S..Grasmick...We.made.it.clear. Regulations and Standards; Career and that. young. children. in. child. care. pro- Professional. Development;. and. Pubgrams.deserve.nothing.less.than.quality. lic. Relations. and. Outreach. as. its. core. care.and.a.positive.start.in.learning.. targets. Grasmick.said.this.plan.will.move. According to the plan, by 2009, us.in.the.direction.of.establishing.a.high. there. will. be. an. increase. in. the. numquality. continuum. of. education. from. ber.of.spaces.for.quality.childcare,.and. birth to grade 12. a.reduction.in.the.skills.gap.for.minorBringing.statewide.accessibility.to. ity children, males, English-language child.care.for.children.with.disabilities. learners,.children.with.disabilities,.and. and.improving.the.transparency.and.ef- children. from. economically. disadvanfective.transition.practices.between.ear- taged.backgrounds. ly. care. education. programs,. and. those. The.plan.also.states.objectives.that. in.public.schools.are.two.long-standing. by July 2008, 30 percent of all Maryland issues.addressed.by.the.plan. child-care. providers. will. be. participatIts other initiatives include: expanding in the Maryland Child Care Credening. program. accreditation. and. credential.program.at.Level.three.or.higher.... tialing. of. child-. care. providers,. establishing. state-endorsed. early. childhood.
See.Early Learning page A-3
Section A -
The County Times
Thursday, January 4, 007

will be charted weekly at your neighborhood senior center. Mileage will be tracked as well as body mass index, weight, and pulse. You will see real evidence that your increase in physical activity helps you to be healthier. Prizes will be awarded for each 50 miles you achieve. Pre-registration is suggested by calling 301-475-4200 ext. 1062. Make that commitment to become healthier and more physically active, youll be glad you did! 7 p.m. We are looking for boys ages 11 to 18 to join as well as adult leaders. If you enjoy camping, hiking and other outdoor activities please call for more information or join us Thursdays. Contact Mike Hearth, Scoutmaster 301-769-4890 in the evening, or Bob Bowles, Committee President 301-769-2269 in the evening.
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, Department of Publicity Coordinator (web-site), Aging Launches Fund Raising Chairman, and
Little League
New Walking Program in 007

Are you making that important New Years resolution to become healthier and more physically active in 2007? The Department of Aging is beginning a new program that is just for you. Join the new Walk to Wellness program that is now underway Walk to Wellness is a
program designed to encourage a healthier and more physically active you. Be part of the group whos goal is to walk 250 miles by mid- May. That sounds like a lot, but the program is designed to make it possible. The first 100 people to register will receive a free pedometer and daily log. Keep track of your daily steps Avenue Boy Scouts and youd be surprised how Troop 7 meets at the 7th Disquickly they add up! Progress trict ball field every Thursday at
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 state-ofthe-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 peoples choice award will also be chosen by the public. Costs for the tickets are $5per adult, $3per student, and free for children under four.
Morning, Noon & Nightime Too We Always Have The Best For You!
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 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, scrumptious meal, coach bus travel and gratuities. Call 301475-4200 ext. 1072 to reserve your space.
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.
HVRS Breakfast
The Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary is sponsoring an All-You-CanEat Breakfast Jan. 14 from 7:30 10:30 a.m. at the Rescue Squad building on Route 235. The menu will be: Sausage Gravy and Biscuits, Sausage Links, Bacon, Scrambled Eggs, Fried Potatoes, Pancakes, Fruit Cocktail, Escalloped Apples, assorted juices, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. The cost will be $ 8 per adult, $4 per child agest 6 12 and free for children 5 and under.
301-475-2531 301-862-7702
Route 245 Hollywood, MD 20636
Route 246 & Great Mills Rd. Lexington Park, MD 20653
Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad

WE NEED MEMBERS!! The regular monthly meeting of the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary will be held Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Rescue Squad building on Route 235. Anyone wishing to become a member of the Auxiliary is encouraged to attend. For more information, call 301-904-2095.
301-884-5636 301-866-5702
Route 5 & Mohawk Drive Wildewood Shopping Center Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 California, MD 20619
League of Women Voters

See Community on page A-4
The County Times
Section A -
Charting a New Course for Schools in the New Year

Dr. Michael J. Martirano sat up and looked forward, eyes attentive as he thought about the people of St. Marys County and what they should know about him as their Superintendent of public schools. Sometimes I have a hard time articulating these kinds of things, Martirano said running his hand across his forehead. I am extremely passionate about what I do. This line of work for me is a calling and I live and breathe it each and every day. A man of strong convictions, Martirano not only believes in his philosophy Work Hard and Be Nice, he wears it on his wrist over a white rubber band-like bracelet. Its one of several sayings Martirano has practiced over his 18 months in SMC. And today, with the help of the second most highly qualified teaching staff in the state, Martirano said his vision of excellence is pushing forward to a place where all children will learn. Am I satisfied? Martirano asked himself. No. Im never satisfied, but we are trying. In an upbeat tempo Martirano spoke on his responsibility to address the successes and challenges of St. Marys County Public Schools (SMCPS). He characterized his office as brutally honest about operations, with no room for secrets. Martirano discussed an achievement gap, a technology gap and a need to revisit funding sources. Rising energy costs contributed to a $3 million deficit upon Martiranos arrival last year, leaving him no room to negotiate with teachers. Overcrowding and a new healthcare policy are being addressed. Martirano said the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has worked diligently to shore up the funding woes, but there is work to be done. What Im hopeful for is the commissioners will sit down with the board of education in the next several months and re-examine the Bridge to Excellence funding agreement to see how we modify that to be more responsive to the needs of our school system, Martirano said. Calvert County has a similar funding agreement modeled after SMC, but took it a step further with an area for new initiatives. With approximately 500 more students, Calvert County allocated $24 million more to its operating budget for public schools. Martirano had a problem with this discrepancy, and discussed it at the state of the schools address. He moves between these issues with grace, not by sugarcoating them, but by speaking in earnest with optimism and specificity. It is the connection to his community that keeps Martirano going. My entire style of leadership is predicated on relationships, Martirano said. I have to be in a community or work in an environment that is child centered, relationship oriented and values the role we play in making a difference with children. It was that way in Frostburg Maryland, Martiranos hometown. Everyone remembered your name, and teachers kept track of you right up the ladder of grade school, Martirano recalled. With 16,667 children in SMCPS, that could be a difficult task to accomplish, but talking with Martirano, he shrugs it off as no big deal. I have three children of my own, Martirano said, but I also have 16,667 children I worry about every single day.
Photo by Adam Ross
St. Marys County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Martirano is ready to face the challenges the New Year will bring as he marches on towards his goal of making St. Marys Schools number one.
Martirano said his days as math and science teacher, principal and teacher specialist overseeing 39 schools have him prepared him for his task today
overseeing SMCPS. Many feel that success is built on attitude and philosophy. Martirano is out to prove those people right, dedicating himself
entirely to making teachers and students alike the best they can be.
Early Learning
Continued from page A - 1
Crime
Lexington Park ended Dec. 19 when a search turned up 111.6 grams of marijuana, $619 in U.S. currency, a stolen .22 handgun and a Mossberg shotgun. On Dec. 15, a six-month investigation in Avenue led to the seizure of 32.3 grams of marijuana, 4 grams of crack cocaine, 1.4 grams of powder cocaine and $2,054 in U.S. currency. Drugs are a major thread when it comes to crime they are certainly a big part of the puzzle, Cameron said. Were going to try to root out this problem with aggressive narcotic enforcement. Thats where it starts. Hall agrees with Cameron on the importance of cracking down on drug issues in the county. Were going to continue enforcing and well target on narcotics. We can prevent other crimes this way because (guns and narcotics) are interconnected, he said. Were going to hit the narcotic trade real hard. As the holiday season comes to an end, it is likely that the number of armed robberies will decrease. Robbers are more likely to strike during the holiday season, Cameron said. Crimes like these are more common to occur during the holidays because retail places do more business and have more cash in the drawer, making them a bigger target, Cameron said. The holiday season skews everything. Hall is also confident that county law enforcement is getting to the bottom of this problem. Were closing cases and putting people in jail, so I feel were doing good work, he said.
The Division of Early Childhood Development will provide leadership in promoting readiness for school and life for all children, including those with special needs and disabilities. The Division will develop a high quality early care and education system statewide which provides safe, healthy, nurturing, culturally sensitive, and cognitively stimulating environments for all children who receive early childhood education and school-age child care. The Division will strive toward continued improvement and accountability and promote the continuum of learning by establishing early care and education as the foundation for school success. MSDE Strategic Objective 1.3: By 2008-09 75% of all children will enter kindergarten ready to learn.
PILLAR ONE
Programs, Regulations and Standards Licensing of child and school age care Health and safety standards Public pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten Head Start MSDE Accreditation Judy Centers Family Support Centers Maryland Model for School Readiness Nursery school approval Inclusive Child and School Age Care
PILLAR TWO
Career and Professional Development Licensing Staff Requirements Credentialing Program MMSR Professional Development The Maryland Early Childhood Professional Development Fund Quality Improvement (i.e., Tiered Reimbursement, Judy Centers Enhancement Grants)
PILLAR THREE
Public Relations and Outreach Communication
o Newsletters o Web-site
Families
o Resource and Referral o Family support centers
Sustainable funding
o Subsidy o Corporate and business partnerships
Recruitment and retention of early childhood professionals
Safe, healthy, effective quality care and education system for children. Alignment of curriculum, instruction and assessment for all early care and education programs. Career and professional development for professionals in early care and education and school age child care, including leadership capacity within the Division. Affordable and accessible early and school age care for families with young children. Sustainable funding and financing system for public and private providers of early care and education. Resultsbased accountability and leadership system for early care and education and school age child care. Partnerships with communities, agencies, providers of services and families to support school readiness.
This graphic represents the three pillars of the Early Childhood Development plan passed by MSDE in December.
The credentialing program recognizes child-care providers who go beyond the requirements of State licensing and registration regulations. There are six credential levels, each one recognizing a providers achievement of a speci-
fied number of training hours, years of experience and professional activities that lead to quality child care. Level three requires 90 clock hours of Core Knowledge training, according to the organizations online chart.
Within those 90 hours, 20 clock hours in child development and 20 clock hours in curriculum methods are required. Providers who meet level three of the credentialing process receive a one-time bonus of $300.
Scholarship
mom about things. She tells me stories of when she was growing up. The Coca-Cola scholarship is one of six Kwon has already applied for, and she said she plans to apply for more. The astronomical costs of college today are forcing more students and parents than ever before to look more closely at alternatives to financial aid and loans. A great number of college scholarships often go unused nationally. To combat this locally, a community alliance is organizing the Countys scholarship givers to link up and use one common application so students can save time and avoid costly mistakes that come with meticulously filling out multiple applications for small scholarships. Board of Education member Mary M. Washington said at the most recent school board meeting the common application is fabulous because its like onestop shopping. Meanwhile, Kwon said she hopes to study engineering at either Massachusetts Institute of Technology or California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. I like math and science and I know as engineers you apply what you learn in math and science to real life, Kwon added. Both schools cost roughly $46,560 per year after tuition, books, room and board and food are factored in. Kwon said she does not have much money set aside and hopes to fund her education through scholarships, federal grant money and loans. As a semifinalist for the Coca-Cola scholarship, Kwon submitted additional information to be reviewed next month by a committee comprised of 30 educators from high schools and universities throughout the country. If Kwon advances to the finals, she will be among a total of 250 Finalists who will travel to Atlanta April 12 15 for an all expenses paid trip to the CocaCola Scholars Weekend. During the weekend, Kwon would be interviewed and designated as either a National or Regional Scholar. Fifty National Scholars will receive $20,000 scholarships, and the 200 Regional Scholars will receive $10,000 each. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation was created in 1986 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Coca-Cola, and to establish a legacy for the education of tomorrows leaders through college scholarships, according to the foundation. More than 3,700 scholars nationwide have benefited from nearly $32 million the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has awarded.
Photo by Adam Ross
Checkers in California became the latest in a string of armed robberies that have hit St. Marys County in the last few weeks. Checkers was robbed Dec. 28, one week after the armed robbery of the Copsey Seafood market in Mechanicsville. St. Marys Law Enforcement Officials believe the heightened crime is due to the holiday season, and that it will subside, but point to the fact that they are working hard to bring those who break the law to justice.
Know whos
your home
entering
Make sure any technician performing heating or cooling service in your home has passed a criminal background check. Its for your safety and the safety of your family. A recent bill introduced in the State of Georgia General Assembly (House Bill 620), advocates criminal record background checks on workers entering your home. If its important enough to be Kelly Weeks, Operations Manager considered for legislation, its important enough for you to make sure you select a company that REQUIRES complete background DONT TAKE CHANCES. checks as well as drug testing of all its technicians who enter your PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY. CALL US TODAY home. At Winters Heating and Cooling thats exactly what we FOR YOUR HEATING AND do. So you can count on us for guaranteed satisfaction as well as COOLING NEEDS. peace of mind. In fact, well email you a photo of our technician scheduled to service your home so youll know exactly who to expect at the time of your appointment.
See Our Police Breifs on Page B-4
Winters Heating Cooling and Indoor Air Quality 22100 Point Lookout Rd. Leonardtown, MD 20650
(301) 475-5611
Section A -
The County Times
Thursday, January , 2007
SMECO Winter Shutdowns: Good Business Decision or Bad News for Customers?
The new SMECO policy enacted this winter will mark the first time in nearly a quarter of a century that SMECO will cut power during the winter months to customers who fall behind on their bills. This is sure to fire up people on both sides of the issue, as SMECO will defend the decision as a necessary business measure and those in danger of losing their power will oppose it and cry foul. The reality is that this decision is both a good one and a bad one. It is a bad decision in the sense that those without the resources to pay their electric bill may find themselves literally out in the cold. And with the policy of the last two plus decades, many may not be aware of the change and think they have another year of power through March. These people in many cases do not fail to pay their bills out of malice, or a need to cheat the system, but because they truly do not have the means to pay their bill. And, for those truly in need of help, there are a number of options available. The first is to arrange a payment plan through SMECO. This can be done with a simple phone call to their office. For those who find this to be too great a financial burden, assistance is available. On the front page of this very issue is an article about one such service to help those in need with heating costs. The Tri-County Community Action Committee Inc., is another group to obtain needed help from. SMECO itself takes part in such a program, called Project Match, in which they match dollar for dollar member contributions through April 15, up to a total maximum of $50,000. The money raised is used to assist those in need of help paying their oil, heating or gas bills. The fact is, this decision was not made for the purpose of hurting those in need, but to make the business of SMECO run more smoothly. With many not paying their bills through the winter, SMECO finds itself in a logjam until April every year, and then has to scramble after the fact to collect. And many of those who did not pay because they could not afford their bills during the winter end up with a super high bill covering five months of service, which were not paid for. When coming up with one months payment was difficult, they now must find a way to come up with almost half a years payments at once! This new policy will prevent this from happening, and will encourage those families to seek help earlier, thus avoiding a fall into further debt and having the power shut down as soon as spring arrives.
Editorial & Opinion
Big City Boy, Small Town Heart

New Years Resolutions
My New Years resolution this year is absolutely nothing. Does anyone really follow through with these resolutions anyway? I admit, I felt kind of bad. After all, say what you want about a resolution, cynicism isnt exactly the best way to kick off 2007. Plus, I could use a good excuse to get started on one of my many needed areas of improvement. Looking through most areas of my life, Im far from perfect. Still, the logic behind resolutions and January 1st is lost when even my own people, the Jews, dont recognize the date as the true New Year. Plus, youre telling me that making a resolution and then going out and getting plastered is the way to enact self-determination? Try losing weight, kicking a smoking habit, or spending more time with the family when the last thing you remember is a cold bottle of beer and a world that wont stop spinning. We would all be better off, at the very least, holding off our New Year resolutions until the day after New Years. That way we can get started with the first step of honoring a New Years resolution: remembering it. And speaking of remembering resolutions, I happen to recall some unique ones that have been made over the years. There was my mother who actually resolved to spend more money after learning of a mans death who was younger than her. The devout penny pincher, my mother came to her senses after the news, and not only vowed to spend more money, but then went out and bought a golf cart for my father, and a brand new 50-inch television! Then there was my classic resolution last year to eat more fatty, non-healthy, artery clogging, food. Say what you want about it, but youth only comes once, and if Im heading towards the realm of the cholesterol watching and blood testing that comes with old age, Im going into it savoring every last bite of grease and cheese. After all, the old adage if its worth doing then its worth doing with excess, couldnt be more spot on. In essence that resolution is still going on today, so maybe I did make one this year, even if it was indirectly. But thats as close I get to a New Years resolution. There are some things I want for 2007, but Im not stooping to the resolution point. If I want something, Im doing it without the cover up of a fake New Year. For example, I want to walk my dog more. But if I turned to my dog and said that my New Years resolution was to give him more exercise, he would probably slap me. Thats assuming he has a strong command of the English language and enough use of limbs to stand on two feet and slap me with a paw. He would rather I save the resolution and just start walking him more because I want to and its good for him. A New Years resolution is just another cover up, another opportunity to speak on behalf of a weaknesses without ever really stepping to the plate and taking ownership of it. Dont be a victim in 2007, be a doer, not because you said you would, but because its your life and by golly thats what you want to do.
Ramblings From A Country Girl

Waste Not Want Not
Terri Bartz Bowles Contributing Writer
Waste and excess. Theres a lot of that going on during the holiday season. Now that the holidays are past, its a good time to think about waste and excess and determine how each of us can address that in the coming year. A particular gripe of mine is senseless waste. Senseless waste, to me, ranges from excessive packaging to people throwing away good stuff instead of donating it. As far as excessive packaging goes, dont think you cant do anything about it because you can. The consumer has power, so use it. Contact the company or manufacturer and let them know what you think. With the Internet and e-mail, its so easy to do. Just use a search engine to find the company and send them a quick e-mail letting them know your concerns. But dont forget to praise companies that are making the effort to reduce their packaging and making conscious decisions to streamline the process and use of resources. Particularly timely after the season of giving is the idea of going through your house and reducing your holdings. Of course you were good and Santa brought you new stuff so now is a great time to get rid of old stuff, excess stuff, stuff you no longer need or use. Its the getting rid of part Id like to talk about a bit. If you have items that are not broken and are serviceable, please dont just throw them in the trash. I know thats easy but it is a terrible waste. Its also a bit lazy. Its not that hard to make a trip to the thrift store; there are several options in St. Marys County and the tri-county area for donating stuff just look in the phone book. Its a travesty to throw away things that somebody else can put to good use. To me, thats the hallmark of a society so wallowing in excess that we dont even recognize the degree of our wastefulness and its ultimate expense to ourselves and others. By donating to a thrift store, you are saving resources and helping others whose current situation may be tight financially. Many of these stores are run by charitable organizations and the workers are folks who have special needs and this gives them the opportunity to be working and contributing members of the community. Others use the profits from the stores to assist those in need. This is a win-win-win situation; there is no downside! All it takes is for you to donate your excess so it doesnt become waste. Its an easy and responsible thing to do so please consider it the next time you start to throw away something that could be useful to someone else.
Community
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The League of Women Voters of Saint Marys County will have a luncheon meeting Jan. 18. The speaker will be Devon Snider of the Maryland citizens health initiative Health Care for All coalition. The meeting will start at 11:45 a. m. and will be held in Saint Andrews Church on Route 4 in California. It is open to the public. For reservations, call 301-373-5691 by Jan. 15.
Income Tax Preparation Services

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.
Loans Available for Home Accessibility Upgrades

The Accessible Homes for Seniors program is a zero percent interest, 30 year deferred loan program available to persons age 55 and older who wish to make accessibility improvements to their homes. Types of improvements include installation of handrails, bathroom modifications, wheelchair ramps, etc. For more information call 301-4754200, ext. 1064 or 301-475-4002, ext. 1004.
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wishes a Happy and Prosperous New Year to all our readers.
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The County Times

that builders and realtors had in the last three years when the market was different. Locally, we saw houses sit on the market far longer than we have in the recent past. We had sellers, who werent willing to be the first to lower their price, languish on the market while their competitors, and that is what other home owners trying to sell their homes are, sold their homes faster and for more often than the reluctant sellers. We had buyers wondering whether the deal they were getting was good enough, or could it be better. We had renters whose rents increased for the first time in a couple of years. Of course with more people renting instead of buying, a rental price increase was sure to follow. Now the New Year is here and we all want to predict the future. Since I cannot do that, I will use my years of experience in the housing market to make an educated guess. I believe housing starts will continue to slow in St. Marys and Calvert Counties. While we will still have a huge number of new homes on the market, I think that starts will drop in the first three months of the year. As the spring approaches, I think we shall see a stronger market develop. Waterfront homes were very slow this year, and I would be stunned to see that happen two years in a row. Inventory of new homes is so high that I think the prices of resale homes will continue to be soft. I do not think prices will decrease much, if at all, this year. Mortgage rates are still low, and there is plenty of
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money available on the market so that most people will still be able to obtain decent loans to purchase a home. For the New Year, I see another good year in Southern Maryland, better than in many parts of the country. If you are planning on selling, figure at least 120 days, unless you price your home to sell more quickly. Plan on fixing up the place, paint, clean etc. You will need to do this to beat your competition. I look forward to working with many of you during the next year and when you have questions about real estate, send them to Patrick.dugan@obrienrealty.com and put The County Times in the subject line. Next week: Answers to some of the questions I have already received.
Eye on the Market

The Year Ahead
Last year at this time, all the economists and housing market specialists were talking about a rise in the prime interest rate that would send mortgage rates up to at least 7 percent, maybe even 8 percent, by years end. How wrong they were. Interest rates started upward in September of 2005, and went as high as 6.75 percent by June of 2006 for a conventional mortgagee with good credit. But it stopped there! And then, MORTGAGE RATES FELL! Yes, they fell. This was the best news of the year in the
By Patrick Dugan OBrien Realty
So the New Year is here and the old one is gone. Wow, what a year it was! Wonder what next year will bring?
housing sector, because just about everything else stunk up the joint! Housing sales slowed considerably. We even started to see a decrease in housing prices in some parts of Southern Maryland. Builders had so much inventory they started offering huge incentives to buyers, such as Plasma televisions, basements, theatre rooms etc Builders even started going to real estate offices to try and lure agents back to their developments. This was a drastic change from the relationship
College is Just a Passport Away

A passport and traveling go hand-in-hand, but in St. Marys County, The Business, Education and Community Alliance (BECA) is providing a new kind of passport to high school students who maintain good grades and stay in school. This paper based Passport To The Future, in accord with 43 businesses around the County, is a gateway to local discounts and thousands of dollars of unused scholarship money. Robert R. Schaller, President of BECA and Professor at the College of Southern Maryland, said since 1995 more than 70 County students have received scholarships from $500 to $1000. To be awarded a Passport, a student must maintain a minimum 2.5 grade-point-average, have five or fewer absences and no detentions for the semester. To qualify for a Passport scholarship, seniors must have received a passport at least five semesters and completed an application made available every spring in each high schools career and academic advising centers. One of BECAs prime accomplishments is providing high school seniors with a common application encompassing a number of local scholarships that often go unused. The common application allows students a one-step application process for multiple scholarships around the County, so students do not have to meticulously fill out a number of time-consuming applications. The common application is fabulous because its like one-stop shopping, said Board of Education member Mary M. Washington. Board of Education student member Brittany Thurston said filling out college applications is overwhelming enough, and when you add scholarships to the pile, small mistakes are easily overlooked. And as most students have learned, small mistakes land applications into the trash. It feels terrible when we cant even look at an application for the littlest thing like forgetting to sign your name, Schaller said. St. Marys County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael J. Martirano said a scholarship is a hard nut to crack, and commended BECA for making the process easier on students. Although the scholarships are for relatively small amounts considering the overall costs of college, BOE member William M. Mattingly acknowledged that after footing the bill for his kids educations, every free dollar makes a difference. BECA is not in the business of dealing with scholarships over $1000 that can only be used at a pre-selected institution. We are in the local $1000 or less business, Schaller said. Money you can take anywhere. Roughly 4,000 students from the areas three public high schools and three private high schools qualify for the passport each semester. Students receive special privileges at a wide variety of County establishments including varsity-sporting events, music stores, tanning salons, bookstores, flowers shops and restaurants.
File Photo by Bryan Jaffe
St. Marys School Board Member Mary Washington stated strong support for the academic passports at the last Board of Education Meeting.
2006 a Historic Year for Southern Maryland

The 2006 calendar year was a good one for historic sites in Southern Maryland, as the Southern Maryland Historic Area Consortium (SMHAC) awarded $10,000 in mini-grants to support 11 projects at these sites. These awards mark a doubling of previous efforts, and the awards fund small projects for historic sites, art programs, preservation, conservation, ecotourism and other heritage cultural activities throughout the Southern Maryland Area. The grant recipients must match the awards dollar for dollar to fully fund their project or event. Receiving awards were: Calvert Marine Museum Society, Inc. for their Second Annual Solomons Maritime Folklife Festival. The requested $1,000 will help cover the cost of traditional music and food demonstrations. Greenwell Foundation for their Bond-Sims Barn Self-Guided Tour. The requested $1,000 will help pay for research, writing, desktop publishing, printing and distribution of the brochure. Chesapeake Ranch Railway Museum for their Spring Family Fun Day. The requested $400 will help cover the cost of the major performance of the day, which will be the puppet show. Southern Maryland Carousel Group, Inc. for their Marshall Hall Carousel Memories project. The requested $1,000 will help produce a DVD of compiled interviews of personal memories of the old carousel at Marshal Hall. Bayside History Museum, Inc. for rehabilitation of the museum. The requested $600 will purchase paint for the scheduled repainting, to be completed in time for holiday events at the museum. Sotterley Foundation, Inc. for their Riverside Winefest at Sotterley. The requested $1,000 will help advertise and promote this growing and very successful fall event, which features local and regional wines for tasting and purchase. Calvert County Historical Society for their Calvert Historian project. The requested $1,000 would help pay for the production, publications and distribution of this soft-cover annual containing photos and essays highlighting historical events, people and places in Calvert County. Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions for their Juneteenth 2007 event. The requested $1,000 will be distributed and used to support this event and the web page development with information on the event. Society for the Restoration of Port Tobacco, Inc. for their Outdoor Interpretive Signage for Post Tobacco Historic District. The requested $1,000 will help develop exterior signs for the benefit of visitors even when the museum is not open to the public. Friends of Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, Inc. for the Patuxent Encounters: Communications Support event. The requested $1,000 will help purchase four new portable radios, which play a vital role in the communications logistics for this and all other events. These radios have a rage that covers the entire 560 acres, allowing staff to communicate both maintenance and safety issues and updates during all events. The American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT) for their Parkers Creek North Side Trailhead Enhancement project. The requested $1,000 will support the manufacture and installation of a North Side Trailhead sign and expansion of existing parking areas. Last year the SMHAC MiniGrant Program funded projects for Piney Point Lighthouse Museum, The Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions, The Chesapeake Bay Field Lab, The Chesapeake Bay Floating Theatre, the Old Wallville School, the Bayside History Museum and the Isaak Walton League of Southern Maryland. The Heritage Area receives its funding from the three counties Boards of Commissioners, the Maryland State Heritage Area Authority and private contributions. Their mission is to enhance the economic activity of Southern Maryland by combining quality heritage tourism and small business development with preservation, cultural and natural resource conservation and education. Contact the Consortium by email, SoMDHeritage@tccsmd.org or telephone at 301-274-4083.
Fire Scout MQ-8B UAV Flies at Webster Field

Special to the County Times From Naval Air Systems Command
The U.S. Navys MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) made its first flight Dec. 18, at the Webster Field annex of Patuxent River Naval Air Station, in St. Inigoes, Maryland. The Navys vertical takeoff and landing tactical UAV (VTUAV) system was originally dubbed the RQ-8A, but during the summer of 2005, was re-designated the MQ-8B to reflect the Fire Scouts evolution toward an increased, multi-functional role. The test events described here mark the first flight of the enhanced variant. During flight test, three events were conducted and executed as planned. Flight test one was a test of the command for launch abort functionality, calling for the operator to command a launch and immediately command an abort. This test ensured that the control logic would hold the aircraft on deck if it had not yet taken off. Flight test two was focused on the same system after takeoff. It called for the operator to issue the launch command then issue an abort command immediately after takeoff. The third flight test focused primarily on safety. Fire Scout developers have determined that when the aircraft is below ten feet, it is safest to return immediately to the deck. If the aircraft is higher than ten feet, it should continue up to a perch altitude of thirty feet, and await further commands. Flight test three Upon issuance of the land command, the aircraft executed an uneventful landing back to the launch spot. We are very proud of our efforts leading up to this important milestone for the program, said Cmdr. Rob Murphy, the VTUAV team lead. We had an aggressive schedule, and the integrated team really pulled together to make it happen on time. station than the previous version of VTUAV. The Fire Scout UAV program strives to provide safe, reliable, repeatable, autonomous flight operations in a maritime environment from all air capable ships. When operational, Fire Scout will provide critical situational awareness, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting data to the forward deployed warfighter. The program is on schedule for fleet introduction in FY 08, with full rate production in FY 09 following sucServices office. In St. Marys County, this office is located in the Carter Building on Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown. There is also a satellite office on Great Mills Road in Lexington Park that can receive MEAP applications on designated days. A list of these days can be obtained by calling 240-895-7000. To receive applications by mail, the number is 1-800-352-1446. If potential applicants are senior citizens or disabled and cannot make the trip to the office, a home visit can be arranged. The amount of the grant is determined by the applicants income range, family size, consumption, type of fuel used for heating and the geographical area in which they live. This amount is tailored to individual needs, said Kueffer. It ranges from the minimum of $48 to a maximum $1,150. After an application is received, approved cessful operational evaluation. The Fire Scout UAV is manufactured by Northrop Grumman Unmanned Systems, and the program is managed by the U.S. Navys Unmanned Air Systems program office, PMA 263.
Heating Help
winters have had no impact on the amount of applications received by MEAP. To receive a grant from MEAP, potential applicants must meet specific requirements. These include, but are not limited to, income requirements, existing public assistance, and veteran or disability status. A full list of these requirements can be found on the MEAP website (www.dhr.state.md.us/meap) or at any application office. An application must then be filled out at any local energy assistance office. In the tri-county area, this office is located in the Luther Stuckley Building in Hughesville. Applications can either be dropped off there or at a local Department of Social
U.S. Navy Photo
The Navys new MQ-8B Fire Scout UAV underwent its first flight at Webster Field Dec. 18.
confirmed this functionality, as the air vehicle properly ignored an abort command above ten feet and continued to the perch position. The aircraft was then allowed to hover for 12 minutes as telemetry data was recorded.
Some of the most notable improvements seen with the MQ variant of the Fire Scout include increased power, fuel, and payload capacity. Additionally, the MQ-8B offers more than double the mission radius and time on
and processed at an OHEP office, the grant will be sent to the applicants heating supplier. After December, this grant may take two to four weeks to be issued. MEAP grant applications are accepted throughout the program year, July 1 to May 31. They are then processed until June 7. Applications must be submitted every year for consideration. According to Kueffer, they are not saved from year-to-year. The home heating grant does not impact other public assistance benefits. For more information on the Maryland Energy Assistance Program, or how to get additional help over the holiday season, contact St. Marys County Department of Social Services at 240-895-7000 or visit www. somd.com/holidays/christmas/ getting-help.php
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The County Times
Making Miracles Happen
Mikes Food Fund Spreads Christmas Joy

Emily Finch Staff Writer
With just three nights under their belts this season, the volunteers of Mikes Food Fund have delivered more than 1,000 meals and nearly 10,000 pounds of potatoes to some 700 families. Mike Schwartz, owner of Mikes Bikes on Great Mills Road, started the whole program 22 years ago, and it is still growing strong. This has been one extraordinary year for volunteers, said one of the volunteers at the Zion United Methodist Church (ZUMC) in Lexington Park. The first night, Tuesday, there were people in here everywhere, volunteers and families. This year there were nearly 60 people helping Schwartz with his mission to do something good for those less fortunate. Volunteers help gather and package canned foods and dinners, and then deliver them throughout the county. It is very rewarding when you see the look on these peoples faces, said another volunteer rushing out the door with more food for families, Its like you just gave them Christmas. And for some people, this is all their holidays will consist of. A young lady who was gathering toys and clothing for her family at the ZUMC said Ive been doing this for two years and it has really made the difference. This is all I can give afford to give my daughter and two nieces that I have custody of. The four of them were there together, picking out presents for each other and for themselves, as well as their turkey and potatoes for Christmas dinner. Schwartz uses the $15 donation from the families for their traditional holiday dinner to purchase just the food. Esperanza Middle School donates some of the clothes and all of tions (COMAR 20.31.03.03) authorizes electric utilities to disconnect customers at any time during the year. SMECO supplies more than 140,000 customer members in Calvert, Charles, Prince Georges and St. Marys Counties, according to Foggo. Sandra Washington, executive director of LifeStyles Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides community assistances to people throughout Southern Maryland, said there is a significant increase in families asking for assistance this winter season despite the relatively mild temperatures. However, Hamilton claimed the energy assistance organizations were in support of the policy because it spread out the number of people filing for the assistance over the entire year instead of in the toys each year, and Mary Holton donates the rest of the clothes. These gifts are available to families who come in to Zion United Methodist to pick up their dinner. The church has been Schwartzs home base for dinner distribution for many years. The pastor of ZUMC, Reverend Bryan Jackson, and the church members that volunteer with Mikes Food Fund, are extremely proud to be able to offer their facilities and volunteers to help such a great program, said another volunteer seated at the head table. If the Food Fund yields leftover money, Schwartz uses it for emergencies which people may call him with. Most of these calls recently dealt with a lack of heat or no electricity. Schwartz strives to help families in need throughout the year as a form of payback. After he lost everything in a
Photo by Emily Finch
John Otto, center, and Mike Schwartz. Otto has been helping with Mikes Food Fund for the last four years and Schwartz said he has been extremely helpful.
house fire back in the 1980s and needed help himself, he has been determined to give back to the community. He accepts do-
nations year-round at his store Mike makes miracles hapand is always willing to do what pen with this program, a volunhe can for those who say they teer said. He really does. need it.
SMECO
Continued from page A-1
SMECO cannot cut power to a home if the forecast for the succeeding day is below 32 degrees. SMECO notified customers of the policy change through news stories, bill inserts and a company newsletter, according to Hamilton, although that information cannot be found on the companys website, which has uploaded bill inserts dating back to August of 2005. Mention of the policy was made in the companys most current December 2006 newsletter, under the heading Customer Assistance Available, but is limited to two sentences, Customers who do not pay their bill may have their service disconnected. The Code of Maryland Regula-
April, when SMECO begins acting on delinquent accounts. While Washington said she agreed that the policy helped to spread out the logjam, it still hurts the people who have recently come on hard times, the very people LifeStyles attempts to help. We are in the midst of the season and [SMECO] is a business and they have to look at that, said Washington. But [the policy] has a severe impact on the families we are serving. There are not a lot of resources out there to assist families. According to SMECOs Customer Rights and Responsibilities booklet, Bills are due when issued and are past due after 20 days. The booklet Photo by Adam Ross outlines SMECOs procedure for terminating power, which SMECOs headquarters in Leonardtown. SMECO has changed its policy of not turning off power in the winter includes a notice on a bill read- for overdue bills. Now, for the first time in a quarter century, SMECO customers will have to pay up or be shut
down.
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ing service is subject to being turned off, and a Notice of Termination mailed separately from a bill. The latter notice informs customers they have 14 days to fully pay the past due amount or service may be turned off. According to Hamilton, SMECO follows up on a past due bill with a phone call to the member, and then a site visit to try and collect payment. Foggo said its a members own fault if they have their electricity cut off because they failed to call and make the proper arrangements. People rely on their SMECO service for heating, lights, cooking and, in some cases, their water service because of electric pumps placed in county wells. Despite the effect cutting service may have on a customers water service, Foggo said [SMECO] would not really have any way of knowing which customers were on city wells or public water to begin with. Foggo compared the problem to a gas
furnace, because it too runs on an electric motor and said its not really SMECOs concern over what is affected, customers are responsible to make payments on their bill or at least contact SMECO to arrange a payment plan. Once service is disconnected, members cannot set up individual payment plans. The bill must be paid in full, along with a $20 reconnection fee, and in some cases a deposit if one is not already on file. Washington said she stresses to residents to seek assistance as soon as they start having difficulty keeping up with their bill, and not until after their power has already been cut. There is an extensive application and interview process for families applying for energy assistance through the Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee Inc., Washington said. Tri County is one of our biggest helps, added Washington. Getting an appointment
and getting through the process takes time and this policy is certainly having an impact. Meanwhile, SMECO refers its financially challenged customers to the Energy Assistance Program and the Electric Universal Service program within the state Public Service Commission. SMECO also takes part in the Project Match program and has vowed to match donations from its community members up to $50,000 through April 15, according to A. Joseph Slater, president and executive officer of SMECO in a December letter to SMECO members. The Project Match program benefits local families who may be unable to pay their oil, gas or electric heating bill. The program has increased its match amount over the last three years from $15,000 to $25,000 to $50,000. In 2004 SMECO members contributed $11,000 to the program, and last year members contributed $31,000.
Evening High School Registration is Right Around the Corner

The St. Marys County Public Schools Evening High School will begin classes for the second semester of the 2006-2007 school year Feb. 7. Registration for the second semester will be held Jan. 30 Feb. 1 from 3:45-7 p.m. in the Evening High School Office in Area F of Leonardtown High School. St. Marys County students under 21 years of age must pay a nonrefundable $35 registration fee plus $15 per course. The fee for St. Marys County residents over 21 years of age is $50 plus $25 for each course. Courses are only open to St. Marys County residents. Regularly scheduled classes will meet Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45-5:40 p.m. or 5:45-7:40 p.m., at Leonardtown High School. Students may register for up to four classes per semester. Students should meet with their high school guidance counselors prior to registration. Enrollment numbers for courses will determine whether or not the course is offered.
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Correction
In the Dec. 28 issue of the County Times, it was indicated in the story New Years Resolution? Determination and Lots of Effort that Ladies Workout Express in Hollywood was the only center in St. Mary County with dual hydraulic equipment. LadySlender Fitness and Spa in Leonardtown also has dual hydraulic equipment available for use.
The County Times

liam Francis and Mary Gertrude Russell. She was the loving wife of John Robert Decker, whom she married Feb. 24, 1973 in Lexington Park United Methodist Church. She was the devoted mother of Melissa Bean of Valley Lee, Md. She is also survived by her siblings Frances Ann Tameris of Ft. Washington, Md., Robert Bobby Russell of Hollywood, Md. and Joseph Jay Jennings Russell of Valley Lee, Md.; 12 Nephews, six Nieces and one Goddaughter. She was preceded in death by her sisters Jean Delores Russell and Donna Marie Langley. Mrs. Decker was a lifelong St. Marys County resident and graduate of Great Mills High School, Class of 1971. She belonged to the St. Marys County Friendly Fund. The family received friends in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Chapel Saturday, from 10 11 a.m. with a funeral service held at 11 a.m. with Richard Voorhaar officiating. Interment took place Tuesday at 10 a.m. in St. Georges Catholic Cemetery in Valley Lee, Md. Pallbearers were Edward Voorhaar, Richard Tameris, Timothy Tameris and Ronald Tameris. Honorary Pallbearers were Matthew Voorhaar, Michael Russell, Charles Langley IV, Benjamin Voorhaar and Billy Joe Russell. Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Marys, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Md. 20650, St. Marys County Friendly Fund and/or The Komen Foundation, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309. Arrangements Provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A. Mechanicsville, Md. 20659 and/or Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 15, Mechanicsville, Md. 20659. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A. Andrews Church Road, California, Md. 20619. The Reverend Rona Harding conducted the service. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Andrews Episcopal Church P.O. Box 600, California, Md. 20619. Arrangements handled by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Section A - 7 Amie R. Higgs, 85

Amie R. Higgs, 85, of Leonardtown, Md., died Dec. 21, in Leonardtown, Md. Born March 15, 1921, in Hollywood, Md., she was the daughter of the late Stephen E. and Estelle Mae Raley McGee. She was preceded in death by her husband Wilmer Vernon Higgs, whom she married April 5, 1974, in Va. She is survived by her daughter Agnes V. Morgan of Flowood, Miss., son Ronald W. Dorsey of Lexington Park, Md., and step-daughters Shirley Wilkerson, Janet Nagle and Jean Bartelmes of Mechanicsville, Md. She is also survived by her long time friends and caregivers Mary Norris, Paul Goddard and Julia Sieverston as well as five grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her son, John E. Dorsey, and her siblings, Agnes Gatton, Nettie Joy, Leatha Norris, Emily Greenwell, Henry McGee and William McGee. Mrs. Higgs was a lifelong St. Marys County resident where she was a housekeeper for the Belvedere Hotel. The family received friends in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Dec. 27 from 5 8 p.m. with prayers being said at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10 a.m. Dec. 28 in St. Johns Catholic Church with Fr. Raymond Schmidt officiating. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Robert Norris, Jr, Christopher Stewart, Bobby Morgan, Jack Russell, Bobby Quade and Paul Goddard. Contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels and/or Hospice of St. Marys, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
Obituaries
Isaac Olay Armstrong, 96
Isaac Olay Armstrong, 96, of Washington, D.C. died Jan.1 in Providence Hospital, Washington, D.C. Born July 16, 1910 in Ridge, Md., he was the son of the late Samuel and Mary Sewell Armstrong. For arrangements details please visit our website at www.mattingleygardiner.com. Rev. Eamon Dignan presiding. Interment prayers and burial were held at St. Johns Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation to St. Marys County Hospice.
Florence Richardson Farrell, 88

Florence Richardson Farrell, 88, of Huntingtown, Md. died Dec. 27 at her residence. She was born Jan. 23, 1918, in Forestville, Md. to the late Pembrook and Rosa Claudine Hayes Richardson. She was a member of the St. Marys County Homemakers Club, a Red Cross Volunteer, St. Marys County United Way and Babies for Base. She enjoyed making blankets. She married her late husban, George Stanley Farrell, Jan. 23, 1934 at St. Marks in Washington, DC. She and her family moved to St. Marys County in 1978 from Prince Georges County.
James Emerick Dean, 29

James Emerick Dean, 29, of Hollywood, Md. died Dec. 26 in Leonardtown, Md. Born December 23, 1977, in Leonardtown, Md., he was the son of Joseph L. Dean and Elaine Purdy Dean. He graduated from Leonardtown High School in 1995. On Aug. 26, 2006, he married Muriel Estelle Denney. Mr. Dean worked for T. N. Bowes HVAC as a service technician. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.
Raymond Lloyd Ray Hammett, 74

Raymond Lloyd Ray Hammett, 74, of California, Md. formerly of Washington, D.C., died Dec. 27 in Washington, D.C. Born Sept. 2, 1932 in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late Lloyd E. and Agnes Stone Hammett. He was the beloved husband of Patricia H. Hammett whom he married in Washington, D.C. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Robert L. Hammett and Patricia A. Hammett. Mr. Hammett graduated from Eastern High School, Class of 1952. He moved to St. Marys County from Clinton, Md. in 1993. He worked for the U.S. Government for 25 years until his retirement in 1976. He served in the U.S. Air Force four years from 1952 1955, where he served in the Vietnam War. He was a member of the: VFW, Moose, Elks, American Legion and Fleet Reserve. The family received friends Tuesday from 5 8 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Fenwick St. Leonardtown, Md., where Prayers were said at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesdayat 11 a.m. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, Md. 20653 with Fr. Mike Dolan officiating. Interment followed in St. Michaels Cemetery, Ridge, Md. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
Margaret Louise Bryant, 73

Margaret Louise Bryant, 73, of Coltons Point, Md. died January 1, 2007 in St. Marys Hospital. Born November 12, 1933 in Md., she was the daughter of the late Louis Marshall and Catherine Eleanora Harris Thompson. For arrangement details please visit our website at www.mattingleygardiner.com.
Francis Frank L. Davis, 67

US Navy Chief Boatswain Mate retiree, Mr. Francis Frank L. Davis of California Md. passed away Dec. 28 with his family at his side. Frank was 67. He is survived by his wife Ms. Marguerite Davis (Margie), and three children John, Kellie and Kathy Davis. Frank is a 30 year Navy veteran, retiring after 22 years active military and eight years inactive reserves. Frank graduated from the Navy Training Center, Great Lakes, Ill, Jan. 20, 1958. He served his country during the Vietnam War and was in the thick of the Cuban Missile Crisis performing radar surveillance when President Kennedy imposed a naval blockade on Cuba. Frank also served on the Navys last icebreaker USS ATKA (AGB-3) completing two tours to Antarctica for Operation Deep Freeze, the governments scientific program at the bottom of the world. He is one of the few to visit both the North and South poles. In addition to his esteemed naval career, Frank worked as a state employee at the Leonardtown Maryland State Police Barracks as the maintenance technician, retiring after 10 years of dedicated service. Formally from Washington, D.C., Frank is the son of the late Mary Louise Davis and the late Grover P. Davis, brother of the late Constance Dunn and Carol Davis. Frank and Margie Kelly married July 15, 1962 and celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary this past year. Their marriage was a strong, loving union that produced a son and two daughters. Frank touched the lives of many as a result of his 10-year involvement with little league, as a football referee, basketball scorekeeper, along with church and other community activities. A dedicated family man, a loving husband and father, Frank enjoyed the time spent with his family to the utmost. An avid fisherman, he was most happy with a pole in his hand exploring the tri-county areas fresh and salt water ways. Frank enjoyed life to the fullest and will be deeply missed by his family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial was conducted at St. Johns Catholic Church, Hollywood, Md. with
In addition to his parents and wife, James is survived by two step-children, Tanya and Shane Bottorf of Hollywood, Md., a sister, Kelly Lynn Sampson of Fayetteville, N.C., great grandmother, Frances Garner of Edgewater, Md., great grandparents, Joseph and Irma Hayden of Callaway, Md., grandmother, Mary Catherine Dean of Hollywood, Md., grandfather, Robert Purdy of St. Marys City, Md., nephew, Brayden Sampson, and god-son, Cody Gibson of Hollywood, Md. The family received friends Monday from 3- 8 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md. where prayers were recited at 4 p.m. A Graveside service was conducted Tuesday at 11 a.m. in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, Md. The Reverend John Ball will officiate. Serving as pallbearers were Tommy Maynor, Gary Welch, Bobby Purdy, Rickey Norris, Jacob Buckner, and Johnny Bean. Serving as honorary pallbearer was Anthony Doran Walen. Memorial contributions may be made to ALS Research Foundation, JHMI/ Neuromuscular Division, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Md. 21287.
Bryan William Bones Downs, 32

Bryan William Bones Downs, 32, of Charlotte Hall, Md. died Dec. 28 in St. Marys County. Born Feb. 3, 1974, in St. Marys County he was the son of Leonard Downs, Sr. of Mechanicsville, Md. and the late Betty Downs. He is survived by his son: Floyd Downs of Fla.; siblings: Sissy Thompson, David Downs, Ray Downs, Nancy Pilkerton, Larry Downs and Matthew Downs all of Mechanicsville, Md. and Leonard Downs, Jr. of Clinton, Md. and also by many nieces and nephews. Mr. Downs attended Chopticon High School. He was a lifelong St. Marys County resident where he was a masonry worker for Pilkerton Masonry. He enjoyed playing pool, watching NASCAR, drawing and he loved to party. He was also very outgoing, took his time for others and always had a smile on his face. The family received friends yesterday from 5 8 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers were said at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated today at 10 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Mechanicsville, Md. with Fr. Peter Alliata officiating. Interment will follow in Trinity Memorial Gardens, Waldorf, Md. Pallbearers will be: J.R. Thompson, John Allan Pilkerton, Jr., Billy Buckler, Robbie Copsey, Chris Cheericoe and James Barker. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Ricky Thompson, Allan Pilkerton, Sr., L.J. Downs, David Downs, Jr., Cody Pilkerton and Alex Pope. Contributions may be made to: Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 37,
In addition to her parents and husband, she is predeceased by daughter Marian June Ebert. She is survived by daughter Barbara Ann McKinley of Huntingtown, Md., eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. The family received friends Friday at Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Md. from 5 8 p.m. with prayers recited at 7 p.m. A Funeral Service was held Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Andrews Episcopal Church, St.
See Obituaries page A-8
Brenda Elaine Decker, 54

Brenda Elaine Decker, 54, of Valley Lee, Md. died Dec. 26 in Valley Lee, Md. Born July 3, 1952 in Leonardtown, Md., she was the daughter of the late Wil-
Section A -
The County Times

He was a member of the Lexington Park Baptist Church and a former member of the Lexington Park Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad. He is survived by his mother, his longtime companion, Flo Schmidt, of Lexington Park, Md., four step-children, Sandra Otto and her husband John of Lexington Park, Md., Raymond Schmidt and his wife Ronda, Randy Schmidt and his wife Ginny, and Tony Schmidt, all of Geneva, Ohio, sister, Marleen McDaniel and her husband, Jack of Byron, Ga., ten grandchildren, a niece, Kara Mattingly, three nephews, William Thomas McLaren, Michael Kent McLaren, and Robby Katzberg, and one great- nephew, John Thomas Mattingly. Bill is preceded in death by his father and his sister Sheila McLaren Katzberg. A Visitation was held Friday from 10-11 a.m. in the Lexington Park Baptist Church, Lexington Park, Md., with the Funeral Service at 11 a.m. Pastor Mark Garrett officiated. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, Md. Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1131, Fairfax, Va. 22038-1131. Arrangements made by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, Md. field Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, Md..

Morganza, Md.. He was the devoted father of Debra LaMay of Rosehaven, Md., Gail Guest of Harwood, Md., Joseph W. Russell, III of King George, Va., Sue Lynn Russell of Leonardtown, Md., Stephen Andrew Russell of Newport, Vt. and Cynthia Leigh Russell of Edgewater, Md. He is also survived by his siblings Mary Agnes Huntt, James Miedzinski, Charles Miedzinski and Eva Susie Owen all of Hollywood, Md., Margaret Saunders of Hughesville, Md. and Cecilia Taylor of King George, Va. and 10 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He is also survived by his beloved cousin Lloyd Bubba Copsey. He was preceded in death by his siblings Theresa Russell, Elizabeth Stone, Louise Miedzinski, Joseph Miedzinski and Francis Miedzinski. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Joyce Ann Russell, on April 27, 1968. Mr. Russell was a lifelong St. Marys County resident where he was a heavy equipment operator for 45 years with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local Union 77 until his retirement in September of 1990. Mr. Russell also served in the United States Army from March 27, 1946 until April 4, 1947. His hobbies included wood working, card playing, watching the Washington Redskins and NASCAR. The family received friends Dec. 28 in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Dec. 29, at 12:30 p.m. in Holy Angels Catholic Church, Avenue, Md. with Fr. John Barry officiating. Interment followed in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jason Guest, Michael Guest, Frank Sabatke, Trevor Higgs, Dann Doyle and Chris Keller. Contributions may be made to the 7th District Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 7, Avenue, Md. 20609 and/or Holy Angels Catholic Church, 21335 Coltons Point Road, Avenue, Md. 20609. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
Obituaries
Richard James Love, 62

Richard James Love, 62, of Hollywood, Md. died Dec. 29 in his home. Born Nov. 8, 1944, in Hammond, Ind., he was the son of the late Weldon James Love and Leona B. Jusko. In 1963 he graduated from Oliver P. Morton High School in Hammond, Ind.. In 1965 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and shortly thereafter was assigned to NAS Patuxent River, where he served until his enlistment ended in 1969. He married Eve Himmelheber in St. Marys City, Md., in 1975. Mr. Love attended St. Marys College of Maryland and worked at NAS Patuxent River until his retirement in 2004. He enjoyed tennis, water skiing, model railroading and home improvement projects. He is survived by his wife Eve, daughters; Kerry A. Love of Lusby, Md., Stephanie M. Love of Hollywood, Md. and a sister, Sandra Plopper of Kennesaw, Ga. There will be a gathering of friends today from 4 8 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. in Leonardtown, Md. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to HOSPICE of St. Marys, Inc., P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Md. 20650.
Clarence William Mickey Robinson, Jr., 73

Clarence William Mickey Robinson, Jr., 73, of Forestville, Md. died Dec. 26 in Southern Maryland Hospital, Clinton, Md. Born June 10, 1933 in Valley Lee, Md., he was the son of the late Clarence William Robinson, Sr. and Edna Robinson. He was a facility engineer for the U. S. Government. He is survived by his daughter, Sabrena Robinson of Louisville, Ky. and one grandchild. The family received friends at the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel, Leonardtown, Md. with the Funeral service following. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, Md. Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com
Margaret Peggy Thornberry, 1

Margaret Peggy Thornberry, 1, of Piney Point, Md., formerly of Glenn Dale, Md., died Dec. 30 in Piney Point, Md. Born July 16, 1925, in Medford, Ore., she was the daughter of the late Paul A. and Margaret Scherer. She was the beloved wife of George I. Thornberry whom she married Dec. 22, 1947 in Parkland, Md. She is survived by her children: Richard Thornberry of Napa, Calif., Brenda Page of Glenn Dale, Md., Jeanne Halpin of Arnold, Md., and George Thornberry, Jr. of Davidsonville, Md.; siblings: Polly Anderson of Carmel, Calif., Anne James of Medford, Ore., Martha Dillen of Astoria, Ore. and Betsy Altman of Santa Fe, N.M.; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her sister: Emily Brosius. Mrs. Thornberry attended West Lake School for Girls and Pomona College where she received her bacelors degree. She moved to St. Marys County from Glenn Dale, Md., in 1973. She worked as a school bus driver for the Prince Georges County School Board. She was a member of the Lady Lions Club, Suburban, Glenn Dale, Md., VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 2632, California, Md., and the Homemakers Club, Hollywood, Md. The family will receive friends tomorrow from 1 2 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where a Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Interment will be Private. Contributions may be made to: 2nd District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1, Valley Lee, Md. 20692. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.
Lenwood Carroll Sookie Ramos, 79

Lenwood Carroll Sookie Ramos, 79, of Leonardtown, Md. died Dec. 24 in St. Marys Hospital, Leonardtown, Md. Born June 15, 1927 in Leonardtown, Md., he was the son of the late Charles M. Ramos and Lola Catherine Bramble Ramos. He married Doris Ann Dyke Ramos March 25, 1950. Lenwood owned Town Cleaners in Leonardtown, Md. from 1968 until 1987, when he retired. He was a founding member of the Leonardtown Baptist Church. He also was a past mem-
William Trow Bill McLaren, Jr., 60

William Trow Bill McLaren, Jr., 60, of Lexington Park, Md., died Dec. 26 in St. Marys Hospital, Leonardtown, Md. Born November 19, 1946 in Washington, D.C., he was the son of Doris Virginia Kent McLaren and the late William Trow McLaren, Sr. In 1964, Bill graduated from Great Mills High School, Great Mills, Md.
ber of the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department, and he enjoyed volunteering in the concession stand at the annual carnival. Mr. Ramos was the projectionist for the new movie theatre in Leonardtown, Md. His hobbies included gardening and making bird houses. He is survived by his wife, two sons; John Michael Mickey Ramos and his wife, Gloria, of Leonardtown, Md. and Dr. Carroll Leslie Ramos and his wife, Margaret, of Weatherford, Okla., four sisters; Thelma Parr of Lawrenceville, Ga., Catherine McMillen of Millington, Tenn., Mary T. Wathen, Leonardtown, Md., and Linda C. Knott of Leonardtown, Md., a brother; Joseph L. Ramos of Bushwood, Md., and three grandchildren; Harmony Ramos Ferris of Baltimore, Md., Jo Hanna Ramos Shriver of California, Md., and Nicholas C. Ramos of Weatherford, Okla.. He is preceded in death by his two sisters, Marjorie M. Dyke and Judith M. Clarke and his brother, Charles C. Ramos. A Visitation was held Dec. 28 from 10 a.m. noon. at the Leonardtown Baptist Church, Leonardtown, Md. with the Funeral Service at noon. The Reverend Clyde E. Phillips officiated. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, Md. Serving as pallbearers were Steve Vellines, Aden Osborne, Bill Hobgood, Tom Bolton, Bob Forbes, Arthur Shepherd, and Noel Petree. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 299, Leonardtown, Md. 20650. Arrangements by the Brins-
Joseph Wilmer JW Russell, Jr. 7

Joseph Wilmer JW Russell, Jr. 7, of Clements, Md. and formerly of Hollywood, Md. died Dec. 24 in St. Marys Hospital. Born Jan. 15, 1928 in Hollywood, Md. he was the son of the late Joseph W. and Eva Copsey Russell, Sr. He was the loving husband of Dorothy Ann Russell, whom he married Aug. 8, 1970 in St. Josephs Catholic Church,

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PRSTD.STD US.Postage.Paid Permit.No..145 .Waldorf,.MD.

Thursday, January 4, 2007 St. Marys County, Maryland

Established 2006 Volume 2 Issue 1 FREE

Drugs, Guns and Robberies

Violent Crimes Increase in County

See.Crime on page A-3

SMECO to Cut Off Power

Policy Change May Leave Some Out in the Cold

New Years Eve Crash Leaves One Dead

Getting Them Ready

MSDE Plan to Ready Children for Rigors of School

Heating Help Available for Those in Need

By Emily Finch Staff Writer

Kudos from Coca-Cola

For Continual News Updates Visit: somd.com Local Weather

Great Mills Student Chasing $20 K Cola Scholarship

See.Scholarship on page A-3

See.Early Learning page A-3

The County Times

Thursday, January 4, 007

New Walking Program in 007

Soup Cook Off

Riverside Dinner Theatre Trip

Wellness and Fitness Night

Route 245 Hollywood, MD 20636

Route 246 & Great Mills Rd. Lexington Park, MD 20653

Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad

League of Women Voters

Thursday, January 4, 2007

The County Times

Charting a New Course for Schools in the New Year

Photo by Adam Ross

Recruitment and retention of early childhood professionals

See Our Police Breifs on Page B-4

The County Times

Thursday, January , 2007

Editorial & Opinion

Big City Boy, Small Town Heart

Ramblings From A Country Girl

Income Tax Preparation Services

Loans Available for Home Accessibility Upgrades

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

The County Times

P.O. Box 250 Hollywood, MD 20636

E-mail letters to: bryanjaffe@countytimes.net

Thursday, January 4, 2007

The County Times

Eye on the Market

By Patrick Dugan OBrien Realty

College is Just a Passport Away

File Photo by Bryan Jaffe

2006 a Historic Year for Southern Maryland

Fire Scout MQ-8B UAV Flies at Webster Field

U.S. Navy Photo

The County Times

Thursday, January 4, 2007

Making Miracles Happen

Mikes Food Fund Spreads Christmas Joy

Thursday, January 4, 007

New Walking Program in 007

Thursday, January , 2007

Margaret Peggy Thornberry, 1

Joseph Wilmer JW Russell, Jr. 7