& G ardening. Color, Form. Priceless. St. Mary s. Mary Ida Rolape: Leonardtown Art Walk Winner. Thursday, September 17, 2015

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1 1 County St. Mary s Times Priceless Color, Form & G ardening Mary Ida Rolape: Leonardtown Art Walk Winner ALSO INSIDE: Commissioners Approve Funding to Combat Opioid Use Local State Approves Plans for Third Building at Higher Ed Center Local CSM Receives INSIGHT Into Diversity 2015 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award - Education

2 2 ON THE COVER Pax vs. Mexico pg. 7 ON THE COVER I think that people really can do what they want to do and follow their heart s passion, it just takes work and focus. ~Mary Ida Rolape, artist and two-time winner of the Leonardtown Art Walk CONTENTS Mary Ida Rolape wins 2015 Art Walk pg. 13 Free InItIal ConsultatIon The law offices of P.a. Hotchkiss & associates Providing Excellent Service For Over 20 Years Auto Accidents Workers comp Divorce/Separation Support/Custody Domestic Violence Criminal/Traffic DWI/MVA Hearings Power of Attorney Name Change Adoption Wills Guardianship Scan this Times Code with your smart phone Accepting: 99 Smallwood Dr. Waldorf, MD 206 Washignton Ave. LaPlata, MD SERVING CHARLES ST. MARY S PG CALVERT (301) (301) CSM Receives Diversity Award pg. 19 Do You Feel Crabby When You Get Your Insurance Bill in the Mail? Give Us A Call. Weather Watch You ll Be Glad You Did. Local News 4 Cops & Courts 11 Letters 12 Feature 13 Obituaries 14 Education 19 Community 20 Sports 22 Community Calendar 24 Church Directory 25 Entertainment 26 Games 27 Classifieds 28 Business Directory 18 Contributing Writers 30 An Independent Agent Representing: ERIE INSURANCE GROUP Dan Burris, Lisa Squires, Paula Lillard, Jake Kuntz Gary Simpson, Matt Laidley, Katie Facchina 7480 Crain Highway La Plata, MD April Hancock PO Box 407 Bryans Road, MD Burris Olde Towne Insurance Auto - Home - Business - Life Leonardtown, MD Bus: (301) P.O. Box 250 Hollywood, Maryland News, Advertising, Circulation, Classifieds: For staff listing and s, see page 12.

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4 4 Local News State Approves Plans for Third Building at Higher Ed Center By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The state s Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the University System of Maryland s plans to construct a new, third building at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center that could create a focal point for unmanned aerial and autonomous systems research and development. The ruling by DBM means the $79 million project can move forward, but the funding for the design portion of the project is still in question. Still, proponents of the project are elated that it is becoming more of a reality after a contentious legislative session where the allocation of the design funding was in doubt. Joe Anderson, head of the Board of Governors at the higher education center, said the news released last week and lauded by members of the county s state legislative delegation, was welcome. I think we can breath a sigh of relief for now and celebrate for a moment, Anderson said. We were hoping to get the state s approval in August but early September isn t bad. There is currently $4.2 million in the state s budget to begin the design work on the new building but the effort still needs an additional $3 million to complete the design process, Anderson said. Moreover the construction money for the project, while in the state s capital improvement budget, is not programmed in until fiscal years 2019 and 2020, Anderson said. We need to get back into the fray and try to get that money programmed back in fiscal 2018, he said. The projects proponents have become concerned that delays in the construction and staffing of the building could result in missed opportunities to develop unmanned systems that have traditionally found use in the military and adjust them to the civilian market. Anderson said he anticipates the hiring of an architect for the project, but that will likely not happen until next spring at the earliest. The university system is putting wheels in motion to do just that, said Anderson. The project was deemed to be of such local importance that the Commissioners of St. Mary s County voted earlier this year to fund the design of the building with $1 million of tax payer money. guyleonard@countytimes.net Death Investigation Underway in Breton Bay By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Police are investigating the cause of death of an as yet unidentified person at the golf course near Breton Bay in Compton, has learned. The deceased was found Wednesday afternoon. It doesn t appear to be suspicious, but the investigation is continuing, said agency spokeswoman Jennifer Stone as of press time. guyleonard@countytimes.net

5 5 You are invited to join us for A Taste of St. Mary s On the Square in Historic Leonardtown Sunday, September 20, 2015, Noon to 4:30 pm Family event! Activities for the kids. Classic car show and free entertainment. Samples of restaurant specialties will be available for purchase. Admission and parking (in designated areas) are free. Chance to win gift certificates from area restaurants and caterers. Drawings to be held all day at the event. For more information info@smcchamber.com, call , or visit our website: Sponsored By:

6 6 Local News FALL IS FOR PLANTING 9 Premium Mums 5 or more $ 7 88 ea. LeafGro Totes NEW LOW PRICE! Only $ Clethra Pink or White 3 Gal. Only $ Zebra Grass & Variegated Miscanthus Only $ FALL FINANCING: 0% INterest For 6 MoNths, or FINANCe For 50 MoNths Sample $ 10,000 Project (min payment only $200.00) or $15,000 min payment $ or $20,000 project min payment $ See store for details and payment terms. Charlotte Hall Three Notch Rd, Charlotte Hall Fall Decorating HeaDquarters 8 Ornamental Cabbage & Kale 5 or more $ 5 99 ea. Fall is For lawn renovation Wentworth White House Grass Seed 50 lb. bag Buy 2 or More Only $ ea. color shrubs Kaleidoscope Abelia 3 Gal. Only $ ornamental grasses screening plants Pennisetum Hamlin & Karley Rose 3 Gal. 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Schedule an Appointment With a Designer Today or WALKWAYS NATURAL STONE WALL PAVER PATIOS WALLS & TERRACES Sales good thru October 13th, 2015 Oakville 5 minutes North of Hollywood Oakville Road Mechanicsville Hours: Mon.-Sat. 7:30-5, Closed Sunday By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The county should take the 200-plus acre plot of land on St. Andrews Church Road it received from a developer and turn it into a sports field complex that could also host a future school site, said Commissioner Todd Morgan, Tuesday. Morgan said his proposal involved engaging in a public/private partnership with corporate sponsors to build synthetic turf fields on the site in an effort to bring in tournaments for sports such as soccer, lacrosse and others. The aim was to get a subsequent boost in tourism and the hospitality industries, allowing visitors from out of town to take full advantage of the many restaurants in the development district as well as the new cineplex at St. Mary s Exchange. Let s make this a public/private partnership, Morgan said in a later interview. There s a huge demand for turf fields everywhere. The sports complex would have the most desireable affect the county could want to boost tourism, it would bring a steady stream of visitors. That s the goal of tourism, to bring people down here, Morgan said. You re bringing a whole new clintele to the area for recreational sports and tourism. The idea drew some support from his colleagues on the commissioner board, but with some deviation from the original idea. I like the idea of a sports complex, but I d like to see it in Leonardtown, said Commissioner Mike Hewitt. We have infrastructure there, we have water and sewer there. We need to help them out. Commissioners Approve Funding to Combat Opioid Use By Guy Leonard Staff Writer A majority of the Commissioners of St. Mary s County approved using $100,000 from the local budget to fund several subprograms designed to combat or stop drug abuse such as opioids and heroin. The programs included one for the education of young people and their parents about the widespread illicit use of the narcotics, offering greater support to parents and young people to get drug treatment or prevention services as well as a targeted inmate outpatient program for females incarcerated at the local detention center. That program, funded to the tune of $33,000 for fiscal 2016, would offer drug use assessment for female inmates, access to treatment and guidance for their continued recovery from addiction once they were released from confinement. Capt. Michael Merican, head of the sheriff s office Division of Corrections, said there was a significant number of inmates who told authorities they had opioid addiction problems. He told commissioners that of the 37 female inmates held at the detention center as of Aug. 17, 76 percent of them reported opioid abuse. Also, 30 percent of males incarcerated at the jail reported problems with opioid addiction, Merican said. It s still an epidemic in society, he said. Commissioner John O Connor said he supported the ideas brought forth as positive ways to combat the drug epidemic, but ultimately voted against them because he said he was concerned about the allocation becoming a recurring cost without a funding source in the budget instead of a one-time expenditure. This $100,000 wasn t meant to become a recurring cost, which I could see it becoming, O Connor said. guyleonard@countytimes.net Morgan Proposes Sports Complex For Central County Commissioner John O Connor said the idea also had merit but he wanted to see an equestrian center included. Commissioner Tom Jarboe also praised the idea, noting that the county could not afford to go it alone on projects like this that could be of particular benefit. Public/private partnerships are the way to go, Jarboe said. Morgan said he had sought advice from a sports complex developer, Matt Hogan of Hogan s Lacrosse, on what kind of revenue such sites could generate, and he believed the county could stand to reap significant rewards. According to estimates Morgan provided to, sports developers can expect to generate nearly $5 million a year in economic activity from operating and venues such as Anne Arundel and Queen Anne counties. Morgan said St. Mary s County offers a particular incentive for developers to come here a low local amusement tax. Our amusement tax is 2 percent, Morgan said. It s my belief that when you have an amusement tax as low as ours it becomes a draw. By getting corporate sponsors to build individual fields and claim ownership, they could then receive usage fees from customers and pay a tax far less then more urbanized counties. This provides a revenue stream for the county from amusement taxes it would not have if it built the fields on its own with tax payer funds, Morgan said. Those fields now become rentable properties, he said. guyleonard@countytimes.net

7 Local News 7 SMYAC Hosts Independence Bowl 2015 On Friday, Sept. 11, the final stages of the Independence Bowl 2015 took place with Perros Negro Football League from Mexico arriving in DC. Football players from Perros Negro fundraised money with their parents to fly from Mexico City, Mexico to Washington, D.C. to participate in the Independence Bowl 2015 with the Southern Maryland Youth Athletic Conference. SMYAC encompasses youth football and cheer teams from St. Marys, Calvert, and Charles Counties.The coaches from both Perros Negro and SMYAC all met early Saturday, September 12, 2015 to establish the rules and regulations for the tournament. Games were held at Hallowing Point Regional Park in Prince Frederick, MD. With everyone on the same page the games began on Saturday afternoon in a rainy, muddy mess. Saturday afternoon games consisted of the following: 11U American Waldorf Wildcats (13) vs 11U Perros Negro (0); 14U American Beach Buccaneers vs 14U Perros Negro; 12U American St. Leonard Lions (13) vs Perros Negro (0). Sunday was a day of rest for both organizations and the competition continued on Monday evening. First game of the night was 12U American Prince Frederick Eagles vs 12U Perros Negro, followed by 14U American LaPlata Blue Knights (12) vs 14U Perros Negros (0). The most exciting and nail-biting game of the tournament was the last game of the evening when the 10U D1 Pax River Raiders took on the 10U Perros Negro. The Raiders scored early in the third quarter with a missed field goal attempt bringing the score to 6-0, with an outside pitch to Shaquan Mackall. Perros Negro battled back right before halftime on a hard fought drive to score but came up short on the extra point. The score at half time was 6-6. The third quarter both teams battled back and forth on drives each coming up short several times with turn-overs on downs. In the fourth quarter the Raiders scored right around the two minute mark with a quarterback sneak by Beggs up the middle, bringing the score to 12-6 Raiders. Raiders kicked off to Perros Negro who started their last drive down the field. With just around 30 seconds left and 3rd and goal the Perros Negro team passed the ball, but ultimately came up short. Overall it was an exciting night for everyone involved. The Raiders showed Perros Negro what American Youth Football is all about with having over 50 of the best cheerleaders on the sideline, the Spring Ridge Rhythm Club performing at half time, County officials, friends and family, and St. Mary s County Sheriffs Officers there. After the game both teams, coaches, parents, and fans came to the center of the field for the players to exchange gifts. The players from Perros Negro gave each player on the Raiders a shirt or backpack as well as a medal. The Raiders gave players from Perros Negro medals, dog tags, and customized key chains made by Jen Brooks that had the Raiders and Perros Negro colors and the Independence Bowl in the middle. The evening ended with pictures of the coaches, coaches and teams, and the most special moments individual pictures with players from both teams. The Raiders would like to thank everyone who traveled from Mexico to play in the Independence Bowl, everyone who worked hard to make this happen, all the players, coaches, family, friends and fans. By Tiffany Greene Photos by Frank Marquart

8 8 Local News Commissioners Proclaim Week to Honor U.S. Constitution Photo courtesy St. Mary s County Public Information Office Papa Johns Maryland - Beach Boys Pizza The U.S. Constitution is acknowledged as the guardian of freedom and liberty as well as an embodiment of the principles of government in a Republic dedicated to rule by law. With that as a backdrop the Commissioners of St. Mary s County paid honor to the Constitution with a proclamation prior to their weekly business meeting. September 17, 2015 marks the two hundred twenty-eighth anniversary of the framing of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention. Daughters of the American Revolution, Major William Thomas Chapter joined commissioners to mark the anniversary and remember the enduring importance the Constitution holds in our country. It is fitting and proper to accord official recognition to this magnificent document and its memorable anniversary, said Commissioner Todd Morgan (4th District). As such Public Law guarantees the issuing of a Proclamation recognizing the week of September 17 through 23 as Constitution Week. County Commissioners then urged all citizens to study the Constitution, and reflect on the privilege of being an American with all the rights and responsibilities which that privilege involves. Press Release OUR BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR! Special County Times Offer! Made in the USA from a single sheet of the heaviest gauge aluminum. Not a topper placed on an existing gutter. Independent Survey shows 94% of our customers would recommend LeafGuard to a Friend. -GuildQuality surveys 7/2014-7/2015. Lifetime transferable warranties on the entire system. A permanent, clog-free solution! Installed by our company employees. No subcontractors! Locally owned and operated DC Metro area business. NO INTEREST FINANCING! 0% FOR 24 MONTHS! NAT CALL US TODAY FOR MILITARY, FEDERAL EMPLOYEE & SENIOR SPECIALS! FREE INSTALLATION! ON ALL NEW GUTTER SYSTEM PURCHASES Free Estimates! Hurry Offer Expires September 30th. Call Now! LeafGuardGutters.com (301) VA A, DCRA , MHIC

9 Local News 9 Coming Soon! Tom s 25th Anniversary Celebration Drawing will be held on Nov. 9, 2015! Go to Tomhodgesauto.com for full disclaimer $8,460 $8,460 $29,490 $15, Honda Civic 4DR 07 Honda Element SE 13 Lincoln MKS AWD 10 Honda Crosstour EX-L $14,860 $13,480 $5, Nissan Altima 4DR 06 Toyota Highlander LTD 04 Cadillac DeVille w/nav $13, Honda Civic EX $12, Honda Accord EX 25th Anniversary Car Giveaway! Go to Tomhodgesauto.com for Full Details! Registration Form Name Address $9, Chevy Impala LT $17, Hyundai Tucson LTD TOM HODGES DRIVE HOLLYWOOD, MD CARS Sales: M - F 9-7 Sat 9-6 Service: M - F 8-6 Sat 8-1 Phone Fill out this form completely and bring it into Tom Hodges Auto to register to win!

10 10 Local News At EdingEr s CArpEt & Flooring, we strive to provide you with the best value, prices And service to meet All of our CustomEr s needs. Edinger s Carpet has been a family owned and operated business for more than 40 years. It all started in the early 1970 s, when John Edinger Sr. started his own flooring business, Edingers Carpet & Vinyl in Waldorf, MD. He had nine children, and at one time or another, they had all been employed in his business. In 2000, I, David Edinger Sr., carried on the family legacy and started my own company, Edingers carpet and Flooring in Mechanicsville, MD. Just like my father, I also have two of my children employed in the business, Tara and David Jr., who will carry on the family business. it is our goal to ContinuE providing quality products And services At FAir prices For years to ComE. Ace Hardware Coloring Contest Winner By Crista Dockray Staff Writer Samantha Bowes, age 4, was the first lucky winner of the Ace Hardware coloring contest in conjunction with the County Times. She beautifully colored the picture of a school bus for the 3 to 5 year old age group, and her talent was chosen and recognized by Nell Elder, the executive director of St. Mary s County Arts Council. Her brother, Alexander Bowes, age 5, was the runner up. The siblings colored their picture one afternoon with their grandmother, a retired teacher who found the contest in the newspaper and decided it would be a great activity to keep their little minds busy. Once they were finished coloring, Samantha and Alexander made their way to Ace Hardware and turned in their pictures with high hopes. On Sept. 11 at the Leonardtown Ace Hardware location, Samantha and Alexander received the good news with shock and smiling faces. As the winner, Samantha was awarded a Disney princess scooter and Alexander received a coloring book with markers included. Parents, Dr. Karen Bauer and David Bowes, were very proud. Coming up next is the contest for the 6 to 8 year old age group, due by Sept. 25 to Ace Hardware at either the Leonardtown or Charlotte Hall locations. The advertisement with MedStar s MaryLou Watson Named President of State Nursing Board MaryLou Watson, Vice President of Nursing at MedStar St. Mary s Hospital in Leonardtown, Maryland, was recently appointed President of the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON). The MBON regulates the practice of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, nursing assistants, medication technicians, and electrologists. According to the National Nursing Database, Maryland has 73,086 RNs and 13,538 LPNs. I am excited for this opportunity which allows me to work with nurses across the state and understand issues in nursing from a statewide perspective, said Watson. Watson has served as Vice President of Nursing at MedStar St. Mary s Hospital since November She is responsible for directing nursing services throughout the hospital and establishing quality standards for nursing care, treatment and practice. While at MedStar St. Mary s, Watson has developed a Clinical Practice Council (CPC), which provides nurses with the mechanism to review practice issues, review best practices in nursing care, set best practice standards for nursing at the hospital, and allows nurses to develop autonomy and self-direction. She is an avid supporter of shared governance with the nurses. She also helped created the Patient and Family Advisory Council for Quality and Safety (PFACQS), a committee of hospital employees and community members who work with hospital leadership to incorporate the perspectives of patients, families and community into the care experience. The nurses on staff at MedStar St Mary s Hospital are among the most dedicated members of the nursing profession, and I am honored to work with them as they give their best for the patients of Southern Maryland, said Watson. Watson, who has served on the MBON for seven years, will remain in the position until July In this Governor-appointed position, members may only serve on MBON for eight years. Watson joined MedStar St. Mary s Hospital from Southern Maryland Hospital Center in Clinton, Maryland, where she served as the vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer. Prior to her work at Southern Maryland Hospital Center, she served as vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at Montgomery General Hospital in Olney, Maryland, now known as MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, a MedStar Health hospital. Watson received her nursing degree from the University of Maryland School of Nursing and her master s degree in administrative sciences from The Johns Hopkins University. She brings more than 30 years of experience in nursing to MedStar St. Mary s Hospital. Watson s past and/or present community involvement includes participation as an examiner for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Program; a board member of the Maryland State Board of Nursing; participation in the national and Maryland Organizations of Nurse Executives; Maryland Hospital Association s legislative subcommittee; the American College of Healthcare Executives; and MedStar St. Mary s Hospital s representative on the St. Mary s County Chamber of Commerce. Press Release Photos by Crista Dockray the picture to color has been released in the Fall Fun Guide featured in last week s newspaper. Please stop by the County Times office located at Rescue Lane in Hollywood if a copy cannot be found. Prizes may vary. Ages 9 to 12 will follow next month. For more information, call the Leonardtown location at or the Charlotte Hall location at crista@countytimes.net

11 Cops Feature & Courts 11 Father Pleads Guilty in Child Sex Abuse Case By Guy Leonard Staff Writer A Lexington Park man pleaded guilty this week to sexually molesting his 5-year-old daughter and faces a minimum of 15 years in prison for his crime, according to local prosecutors, but could face life behind bars. Alan Huff, 39, an engineer who worked for the military, was accused back in March of sodomizing his child after the girl told her mother what her father had done, prosecutors said. That same day when police were informed, they got a search warrant for Huff s home and found a cell phone that he had used to video record the sex act with his daughter; prosecutors credit that quick retrieval of the phone with getting a conviction in the case. The police did a really good job in moving quickly on this one, said Assistant State s Attorney Buffy Giddens. She said that Huff was arrested just hours after he had sexually violated his daughter. State s Attorney Richard Fritz said that there was other evidence, including the girls initial statement to her mother about her father s act, but that might not have been enough to secure Huff s fate. Without that cell phone we wouldn t have been able to [bolster] that, Fritz said. According to a statement of probable cause written by St. Mary s detectives back in March, the victim told police that her father had engaged in sex acts with her on several occassions before committing the one that resulted in his being charged. One of the victim s older sisters also told police that she, too, had suffered as her younger sibling had for at least a year. The date of Huff s sentencing hearing has yet to be determined. guyleonard@countytimes.net Police Still Searching for Shooting Suspect By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Nearly a week after a shooting in Lexington Park that left an the victim wounded multiple times police are still looking for the assailant. Law officers say they have identified Tyreke Delonte Butler, 24, as the suspect in the shooting in the case. Butler, who has an extensive criminal history, was issued a criminal summons just days before the shooting for being a felon in possession of ammunition. Sources close to the investigation say that the victim has been identified as Robert Blake, and has recovered enough from his wounds to be interviewed by detectives. Butler was, until recently, serving a lengthy sentence for an attempted armed robbery that he was first convicted of in 2011; the judge sentenced Butler to 20 years in prison but suspended all but 12 years of the term. The state s Court of Special Appeals reviewed Butler s case in 2013 and affirmed his convictions, in which it was alleged that Butler aided in the robbery of a man of his winnings at a poker game as part of a setup. Court documents show that the prosecution s key witness, Michael Dyson, told the court that Butler attacked the victim, Terrell Swales, by striking him in the arm with a pipe-like object as he was leaving with the witness. An accomplice of Butler s, identified in court documents only as Mr. Parks, shot the victim in the leg during the robbery attempt. Swales said he had kept his winnings in his jacket, but had somehow lost it and never found his money again; he testified he did not know the identities of his attackers. In Butler s appeal for a reconsideration hearing, he claimed that his defense counsel was ineffective because his lawyer failed to press for a critical jury instruction, regarding whether Dyson was actually an accomplice in the robbery. Court records show that Butler s conviction was overturned on appeal earlier this year. The shooting incident last Friday sparked the manhunt for Butler who is said to have committed the act near Far Cry Road near Spring Ridge Middle School. The incident led to nearby schools to be placed on alert and retaining children inside. guyleonard@countytimes.net By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Defendant In Stabbing Case Set For Trial A man accused of stabbing two men in a street melee back in February, is set for trial next week on two counts of first-degree assault and two counts of second-degree assault; Joseph Desalle Thomas, 53, faces up to 15 years in jail for each count of first-degree assault, according to prosecutors noting Thomas sentencing guidelines, but the law states he could receive up to 25 years in prison for the greater assault offenses. According to court papers, the incident left two men badly injured, with one being treated locally after the alleged knife attack and the other being taken by police helicopter to a trauma center in Prince George s County. The incident occurred Feb. 3 on Baja Lane in Great Mills, police reports stated, with James Barnes and Joseph Barnes receiving multiple stab wounds and lacerations to their chests and arms. James Barnes was found to be suffering from a collapsed lung along with his many other injuries and was transported to the trauma center. Police recovered numerous items from the crime scene including a bloody knife, clothing and a bookbag that contained the identity card of Thomas that made him the prime suspect, according to court papers. Prosecutors said that Thomas also used a pole as one of his weapons in the dual assault. Assistant State s Attorney Joseph Stanalonis, who is handling the case, said Thomas has an extensive history with law enforcement, including 20 separate criminal convictions in court. Thomas trial is set to take place over two days. guyleonard@countytimes.net LAW OFFICE OF DANIEL A. M. SLADE, L.L.C. LOKER BUILDING COURT HOUSE DRIVE, SUITE 301 P.O. BOX 288 LEONARDTOWN, MARYLAND PHONE: FAX:

12 12 Letters to the Editor Atlantic Ocean Breezes It was one of those hot summer days that remains vivid in your mind because of the manner in which you had to endure it. My trial my fire was a long drive from my home in Southern Maryland to the distant resort of Ocean City. To make matters just a little less desirable was the fact that I hadn t decided to go to the beach until Saturday morning and every indication was that everyone from Pittsburgh to Punxsutawney had decided to go also. It didn t take me long to discover that Ocean City is a favorite spot for Pennsylvania vacationers and the highway is loaded with cars bearing PA plates. By the time I arrived in Annapolis, Route 50 was a tenmile backup all the way from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Of course, I joined the two-lane parking lot that was supposed to be a highway and suffered under the midday sun like many others whose cars did not have air conditioning. At one point I even opened the driver s side door as I crept along at snail s pace just to let a little air circulate around my sweltering body. The drive from Annapolis to the bridge took 55 minutes, and believe me, it was a very long 55 minutes. The crossing of the bay only took a few minutes as soon as the traffic opened up and in a short while the oppressive heat was almost a distant memory. Believe me, it was still hot but nothing like the inferno that I was compelled to endure on the western side of the bridge. Now I was headed east and my only thoughts were of the ocean and its cool water. The next two hours of travel were punctuated by changing traffic patterns, boring views of chicken farms that stretched to the horizon, and the occasional small town that I passed through on the way. As the highway finally gave way to familiar Eastern Shore sights, I knew the beach wasn t far away. The anticipation of standing in the Atlantic Ocean up to my neck was controlling my mind for the present and I was a man on a mission. The familiar Ocean City skyline soon came into view and the tall hotels looked like old friends that I hadn t seen for a couple of weeks. Strange how the human mind can recognize and associate something as inanimate as buildings as old friends, but to me, their familiar faces are the heart and soul of Ocean City. Within minutes I was cruising the Coastal Highway and my heart was chuckling with delight. The warm sand was only a short walk away and my feet knew it. By now the sun had dipped a little lower in the summer sky and the real oppressive heat had begun to abate; and as you might expect, I was ready for it. I parked my van and the only item I carried with me was the folding beach chair that always accompanies me when my mind is set on relaxing with my feet in the sand. What a glorious day it was, just a few billowy clouds dotting the brightest blue sky that I had seen in weeks. Dressed only in a baseball cap, a T-shirt and shorts, I walked quickly to a place on the beach that was relatively void of tourists and planted my chair. It had been a long, exhausting day and my body just wanted to relax a minute before taking a cool dip in the ocean. I seated myself in a comfortable position and closed my eyes for only a moment to savor the peace and tranquility of my surroundings, and then it came. It was almost unrecognizable at first, but then it slowly increased to the most captivating ocean breeze that could only be described as a heavenly movement of air. It enveloped me with its voluminous arms as it swept across my body like winds across the desert sands and it was wonderful. I didn t move a muscle for several minutes as the heavenly mass of cool air bathed me in all its glory and I found myself giggling in silence at its pleasant sensation on my skin. The sensation was so enticing that a smile broke my lips and I laughed out loud in a moment of true enchantment. The people sitting nearby must have thought that I had gone insane and in a way I did, I was crazy with delight. I was so completely elated at that moment that I had to laugh out loud with joy and it was all because of the fabulous ocean breeze. I pondered the simplicity of this recurring act of nature and how it could bring so much pleasure to the human mind and body. And then I wondered how many people had never felt this wonderful sensation and if they had, did they recognize it as a gift from heaven. They say that everyone must experience life for themselves and no matter how vividly you try to describe it, they will still not know what the physical sensation of an ocean breeze feels like. But if I were to try, I would just ask them, Have you ever felt a breeze so satisfying that it brings a smile to your face? If their answer is yes, they already know what it feels like and no further explanation is necessary. But if they respond negatively to the question, it s a foregone conclusion that they never will know because their souls do not respond to the simple pleasures of nature. Certainly they have felt many breezes in their lifetime but they just didn t recognize them as anything more than moving air. If I had one wish for all of humanity, it would be that everyone would have a time in their life when a cool ocean breeze brought a smile to their lips. Samuel R. (Sal) Pistachio Mechanicsville, Md. NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR BID PROPOSALS OPEN END CONTRACT FOR IMPROVEMENTS, ALTERATIONS, REPAIR OR MAINTENANCE TO WATER DISTRIBUTION AND SEWERAGE COLLECTION SYSTEMS, ROADS, CURBS, DRAINAGE DEVICES AND SIDEWALKS The Commissioners of Leonardtown will accept sealed bids from qualified firms for Services for Public Works to be provided to the Towns water distribution system, sewerage collection system, roads, curbs, drainage devices and sidewalks. Interested bidders shall obtain a copy of the RFP by contacting Tony Wheatley, Capital Construction Coordinator, Town of Leonardtown P.O.B 1, Courthouse Dr. Leonardtown, Maryland Or by calling A pre-bid meeting will be scheduled for October 1, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Town of Leonardtown office conference room. A bid opening will be scheduled for October 23, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. The Commissioners of Leonardtown reserve the right to reject any and all bids and proposals, and to accept any proposal deemed to be in the best interest of the Town. By Authority: Laschelle E. McKay Town Administrator Brown Bag Auction The Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary would like to thank the community for their overwhelming support of our Brown Bag Auction on Aug. 29. It truly was an amazing day seeing so many people coming out to support our local volunteers! We would like to thank Knights of Columbus Council #2065 for the use of their building to hold our event. We would also especially like to thank the following local vendors/ businesses for their generous donations that helped make our event possible: St. Mary s County Wine & Design, Avalon Building Supply, Ridgell s Baymart & Deli, Bean s Excavating & Hauling, Mary Lou Troutman, WJ Dent & Sons, Elite Beatz Entertainment, Rick s Jewelers, Fish the Bay Charters, Bailey s Party Rentals, Lexington Exchange 12, Avenue54 at the Wildwood Villages Restaurant & Catering, Wild Birds Unlimited, Port Tobacco Players, American Legion Post #255, Esperanza Lanes, The Apple Mill, St. Mary s College Bookstore, Calvert Marine Museum, Historic St. Mary s City, Sam Grow Band, Ridgell s Whitetail Butcher Shop, Giant, Halo Hair Care Studio, Sivak Produce, St. Inigoes General Store, Meadows Farms, Dyson Building Center, Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, Maryland International Raceway, Golden Corral, Frannie s Grannies, Chronic Ink Tattoo, Davena Drury Photography, Sara Cooper (Perfectly Posh), Mary Sullivan (Jamberry), Crystal Jackson (Tupperware), Cari Norris (Dragonfly Boutique), Denise Chapman (Goddess Dress Parties), Heather Boszko, Rachael Kerr Photography, Awesome Etchings Etc., Endless Tanning Club, Quade s Store & Grill, Blair s Jewelry & Gifts, Susan Trossbach, Peggy Smolarsky, Tessie Dement (Avon), Maryland Seafood Co. Inc., Calvert Kettle Corn, Maximum Health & Fitness, Chicken Scratch, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Heather Jackson (Perfectly Posh), Gabby Sivak, Mary Ann Bean, Dawn Hale Campbell (Herbalife), Yes, Virginia Creations, D&D Enterprises, Linda & Lisa Gibbs (MaryKay), Bear Creek Open Pit BBQ, Laura Hammett Photography, The Good Earth, Desserts Proper Retirement for Flags On Friday, Sept. 11, my husband, USN Retired CPO, and I were traveling from our home in Hollywood, Maryland to a location on Great Mills Road. We noticed all the flags were at half staff as they were supposed to be on that anniversary of the terrorists attacks on our country. We were a bit disappointed to see the flag at the McDonald s on Great Mills Road in St. Mary s Square shopping plaza not lowered but we were in utter disbelief to see the flag at the Long John Silver s not only still flying at the top of the staff but in such disrepair that the by Destiny, Tonia Reppel (Younique), Eva Jones (Tastefully Simple), Patuxent Dental - Amit Khanna D.M.D, Bella Salon & Spa, Alexander Chiropractic Center, Cindy Jones (MaryKay), Cristin Miller Coffman (Pink Zebra), Crafts by Chass, Avenue Flags & Flagpoles, Home 2 Suites by Hilton in Lexington Park, Junque House Designs, Wildwood Bakery, Green Turtle in Laplata, Hair in the Square, The Foxy Fish, Texas Roadhouse, Southern Maryland Paintball, Outback Steakhouse, Kenny s Flowers, Chick-Fill-A, Loretta s Country Sausage & Meats, Cook s, Mom and Pop s Pizza and Subs, Julie Alvey at The Hair Mill, WaWa, Panera Bread, Dunkin Donuts, Come Back Iris, Robbie Boothe Band, Shear Innovations, Galleria Salon & Spa, Capital Clubhouse Recreation Center, Cecil s Country Store, Mission BBQ, Salina White-Burgess (Pure Romance), Tisket a Tasket, All About Beads, Tantaztic Tanning Salons, Smokey Joe s, Days Off Deli & Grill, Crystal K Photography, Anna Rovito (Younique), Running Hare Vineyard, Café Des Artistes, SOMD Anne Penman Laser Therapy, Haircuts Inc., YoKool, Hair City Family Hair Care, Marsha Evans (Scentsy), Megan Anderson, Peggy Vallandingham, Sparkle Salon, Dairy Queen Grill & Chill Restaurant in Lexington Park, Cake Balls by Natalie, Mae s Cakes, Bittersweet, Jenna s Cakes, Chesapeake Custom Embroidery, and Rita s in Charlotte Hall. We are looking forward to another successful event next year! Our next event is our 4th Annual Cow Pie Bingo and Car Show on Saturday October 10th at Flat Iron Farm! Tickets for the Cow Pie Bingo are on sale now for $10 each for your chance to win $3000, $2000, or $1000! Need not be present to win! Call fpr tickets! We hope to see you there! Sincerely, Marsha Evans Brown Bag Auction Chairperson Ridge Vol. Rescue Squad Auxiliary Ridge, Maryland stripes had separated and had gotten wrapped around the flagpole. We are very active members of the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 93, located at Three Notch Road, where everyone and every business in this community is invited to bring unserviceable flags to us at any time for proper retirement every Flag Day by Boy Scout Troop 413. Thank you! Shirley Vatter Hollywood, Md. P.O. Box 250 Hollywood, Maryland News, Advertising, Circulation, Classifieds: news@countytimes.net James Manning McKay - Founder Eric McKay - Associate Publisher...ericmckay@countytimes.net Kit Carson - General Manager...kitcarson@somdpublishing.net Tobie Pulliam - Office Manager...tobiepulliam@countytimes.net Kasey Russell - Graphic Designer...kaseyrussell@countytimes.net Nell Elder - Graphic Designer...nellelder@countytimes.net Guy Leonard - Reporter - Government, Crime...guyleonard@countytimes.net Sarah Miller- Reporter - Community...sarahmiller@countytimes.net Crista Dockray - Reporter - Business, Community...crista@countytimes.net Sales Representatives...sales@countytimes.net Contributing Writers: Ron Guy Laura Joyce Debra Meszaros Shelby Oppermann Linda Reno Terri Schlichenmeyer Doug Watson Muirgheal Wheeler

13 Feature Story 13 Color, Form & Mary Ida Rolape: Leonardtown Art Walk Winner G ardening By Crista Dockray Staff Writer M ary Ida Rolape, an artist and this year s winner of the Leonardtown Ark walk, won first place and a $100 prize for her bronze sculpture of a heron. The solid bronze statue, which is about three feet tall and weighs around 45 pounds, was displayed at the annual Leonardtown Art Walk, an event that was part of the celebration of Leonardtown s Arts and Entertainment District designation. The piece, which took almost two years to make, was judged by the participants of the Art Walk after they browsed the 20 businesses holding the work of 31 artists. After they cast their votes and the ballads were turned in, the winner was chosen. Rolape feels honored about her win, and admits to feeling a bit embarrassed by the recognition. The second place winner was Tas McWilliams and the 3rd place was Molly Hewitt. The heron is currently on sale for $3,000 and can be viewed at the North End Gallery. Rolape won last year, her first year of participation at the Leonardtown Art Walk, with her mosaic sculpture of a heron. This is now on display in her backyard as part of her onsite sculpture garden. Rolape comes from a long line of artists and musicians, dating back generations. She sold her first painting at 16 years old and always wanted to be an artist growing up. Unfortunately, outside influences convinced her that she wouldn t be able to make a living off of her work, so she went to college, got a job and moved out of the area and closer to Washington, D.C. She never gave up art, however, and kept active by taking classes in a variety of mediums such as neon glass, watercolor, woodcarving, decorative chairs and sculpture. I ve always been doing it, but I never tried to make a living out of it, Rolape said. After her husband retired and she quit her job, they moved back into the area and Rolape really started to get involved with the arts community. It was there that Rolape said she realized that although she was no Picasso, she could make a living in art. I think that people really can do what they want to do and follow their heart s passion, it just takes work and focus, Rolape said. Over time, she has made hundreds of sculptures and has bounced around to multiple mediums, but has always made sure to keep her skills as a hobby and not a job. At this point in my life, I m having fun I m doing things that call to me, and that s a luxury I wouldn t have had [in the past], she said. Eventually, Rolape started her sculpture garden when she decided that all of her creations needed to be outside where they belonged and not in storage. She wanted to display the work of other artists as well, and this was her way to do it. Her larger mosaic sculptures, made out of concrete and the same material as bathroom walls, can take as long as six weeks to make and feature individually crafted items made of clay and glass, and are filled with gems, broken family heirlooms, mirrors and pottery. They aren t broken, they are just repurposed, said Rolape. Before it was a sculpture garden, a home and a studio by Whites Neck Creek, it was a tobacco farm, owned and run by her family before her. She grew up on the property and eventually her father gave her ownership of the land. Because it was a tobacco farm, they had an impressive amount of birds, which she loved and took a lot of inspiration from in her art, past and present. However, with the newer, more chemically saturated ways of farming, the birds became fewer and fewer in number. When she returned to the property around 15 years ago, she began working hard to bring them back and has since had luck in doing so, which she is very pleased about. Rolape also has a place on the Southern Maryland Trails. According to the Southern Maryland Trails tour guidebook, in 2005 the trails were started in order to bring recognition and monetary growth to the community. Mary Ida is featured on the Barnwood and Beach Glass Loop, which is described as a long, lazy loop that sketches the outline of St. Mary s County. On her tour, you can see her outdoor gallery, which includes pieces by other artists, you can walk through her garden that features a pond, flowers and a gazebo and occasionally you can peak into her studio. The tour is available between March 15 to Nov. 30 by appointment. For purchase, Rolape s pieces can be found at the North End Gallery in Leonardtown and you can find her at various shows throughout the year. Her next stop, and the last one of the year, will be the Sotterley Wine Fest held on Oct. 3 and 4. She also works with the Color and Light Society. For more information on the Leonardtown Art Walk, visit For more information on Rolape, visit or call crista@countytimes.net

14 14 Obituaries runs complimentary obituaries as submitted by funeral homes and readers. We run them in the order we receive them. Any submissions that come to after noon on Mondays may run in the following week s edition. Christopher Chris Paul Espina, 48 Christopher Chris Paul Espina, 48 of Lexington Park passed away on Aug. 20 at Georgetown University Hospital Born Aug. 27, 1966 in Washington, D.C.; he was the son of Nancy Karen Espina of Charlotte Hall and the late Thomas Rudolph Espina. Chris is survived by his wife Glenda Helene Espina whom he married on Nov. 1, 2013 in Leonardtown, also survived by his children; William Robert Mincey of Lexington Park, Brandon Daniel Mincey of Salisbury, Jessica Michelle Werth of Salisbury, Kandice Lynn Drinks of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Matthew Allen Mincey of Lexington Park and Christopher Thomas Espina of Lexington Park, siblings; Mark Espina and Pamela Espina. Chris graduated from Chopticon High School in 1985, and was a Truck Driver. Chris loved listening to music, boating, fishing, camping and spending time with family and friends. All Services were private. Pallbearers were; Christopher Espina, Matthew Mincey, Brandon Mincey, William Mincey, Michael Dufour and Alan Bernau. Honorary pallbearers were: John Drinks and James Haley. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown. Ruth Aberdeen Lee, 91 Ruth Aberdeen Lee, 91 of Lexington Park, passed away on Sept. 3. Ruth was born June 25, 1924, in Drayden to the late George Raymond and Helen Madora Whalen. She was the first of 13 children. She was one of the very few people who attended the first Colored school established in St. Mary s County. The Building has been declared a Historical Site and recognized by the Smithsonian Museum. Ruth was selftaught in many ways and passed on her knowledge, insight and experiences to those she met on her journey. Ruth was married to James Richard Lee who preceded her in death. Two elder children, Ethel Lee and Leonard Dyson, step-children to Richard Lee, preceded her in death. This union produced eight children: Geneva (deceased) James, Alton (deceased), Ernest (deceased), Nancy (Bruner) and triplets - Inez, Irene and Illie (deceased). Ruth was a dedicated mother and housewife. Ruth gave her life to Christ as a young adult and continued on that path until her departure. She was a life-time member of the St. Mark UAME Church. She willingly participated in the many Church activities. She was one of the family s well-spoken poets and was required to have a prepared special reading for each Annual Whalen s Day. Cooking, singing and playing her tambourine were some of her most enjoyable activities. Left to cherish her memories are: her daughter, Nancy Bruner of Kathleen, Ga., her son James Lee of Newark, N.J., grand-daughters, Sandra Davis, of Jacksonville, Fla., Michele Chase-Smith, S.C. Cheryl Woodhouse (Eric), Virginia Beach, Va.; Lashia Miles, Silver Spring, Stephanie Dove of St. Mary s County, grandsons, Calvin and Mark Robinson of St. Mary s County; nine great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; one sister, Bessie A. Sheffield (Henry), Randallstown and one brother, James H. Whalen, Columbia; also preceded her in death were her siblings, Lillian Leona, Lenette, Genevieve, Henry, Adele, Irving, Robert, Emma, George, and a host of nieces and nephews, other relative and friends. Family and friends united on Saturday, Sept. 12 for visitation at 10 a.m. until time of the service at 11 a.m. at St. Mark s UAME Church, Happyland Rd., Valley Lee. Interment followed at the church cemetery. Arrangements by Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home. Phyllis Redman Smith Dyson, 73 Phyllis Redman Smith Dyson, 73, of Jacksonville, Fla., formerly from Lexington Park, passed away on Aug. 28 in Jacksonville, Fla. She was the daughter of the late Bernard Buck Redman and Annie Arneida Redman. She was preceded in death by husbands Joseph Nelson and James Smithy Smith, and Billy Dyson. Phyllis is survived by her children: Joseph Nelson, Jr. and wife Michelle Nelson, and son in law Tommy Sparks all of Great Mills, Patricia Smith and Christina Smith both of Jacksonville, Fla., international adopted son Anurag, future son in law Amir Alaric, six grandchildren: Jackie and Randae Sparks, Amy and Aaron Nelson, Brandon Smith and Anastasia Hutchinson, and nine great grandchildren. Siblings: Pat Redman, Mike Redman, Jimmy Redman and Jean Parks. She was preceded in death by her daughter: Pamela Nelson Sparks, brothers Bubby Redman, Johnny Redman, and sister Deborah Pilkerton. In her early years she was a loved waitress for Petes Galley and Mikes Bar and Restaurant. She later retired in the field of Private Home Health Care. She was active in Church and loved God. She was a member of House of Disciples International Church in Lexington Park for 14 years under Pastor Henry Briscoe and was one of their Lead Prayer Warriors. She also attended City Bible Church of Jacksonville, Fla. under Pastor Earl. The family received friends on Friday, Sept. 11 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown. A Memorial Service followed at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Henry Briscoe officiating. Interment followed in Charles Memorial Gardens Leonardtown. Pallbearers: Jimmy Redman, Aaron Nelson, Joe Nelson and Tommy Sparks. Mary Corinna Aldridge, 95 Mary Corinna Aldridge, 95, of Lexington Park died on Sept. 7 at the Hospice House of St. Mary s in Callaway. Born Aug. 27, 1920, in Plumtree, N.C., she is the daughter of the late William Waightstill Avery, Jr. and Carrie Jane Goins. On April 16, 1938, Corinna married her beloved husband, Lewie McClure Aldridge, in Johnson City, Tenn. They celebrated 61 wonderful years of marriage together before his passing on July 30, Corinna supported a husband and raised four sons who made the families Ford Dealership a success. She faithfully hosted a bible study and luncheon every Tuesday. She had a green thumb and enjoyed working in her beautiful flower gardens. She was the center of many family gatherings, was an excellent cook and her potato salad and Caramel Pound Cake were always anticipated. After Lewie s passing, she kept busy spending time with family and friends and took up line dancing. She attended Lexington Park Baptist church, and was a member of the Red Hat Society Club, and the Walking Club at Chancellors Run Regional Park. Even though she spent over half her life in Maryland, her true home was the mountains of North Carolina. She always enjoyed trips back home and loved when her family came up here to visit. Corinna is survived by her children, Gordon Aldridge (Betty) of Ridge; Lewie Aldridge, Jr (Judy) of Lexington Park, Paul Joe Aldridge of Lexington Park, and Van Aldridge of Camarillo, Ca.; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her siblings, William Waightstill Avery III, Judge Francis Avery, and Buena Emma Laura Vance, her granddaughter Carrie Angel Aldridge Murray and daughter in law Vicki Lynn Vail Aldridge. Family received friends for Corinna s Life Celebration on Thursday, Sept. 10 from 5 to 8 p.m., with a Service celebrated by Arthur Shepherd at 7 p.m., at Brinsfield Funeral Home, Hollywood Rd., Leonardtown. On Sunday, Sept. 13 a Visitation and Funeral was held from 2 to 3 p.m. at Plumtree Presbyterian Church, 4527 S. US Highway 19e, Plumtree, N.C. Interment followed at Yellow Mountain Cemetery in Plumtree, N.C. Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice House of St. Mary s, P. O. Box 625, Leonardtown. Condolences to the family may be made at Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. Dionne Marie Oliver, 48 Dionne Marie Oliver, 48, of Great Mills passed away suddenly on Sept. 9 at her residence. Born Oct. 21, 1966, she is the beloved daughter of the late Frayne Chilton Lydick, Jr. and Kathryn Adala Siemon Lydick. On Nov. 12, 1988, Dionne married her beloved husband, George Bernard Oliver, Jr. in Mechanicsville. They celebrated over 26 wonderful years of marriage together. She was employed as a Manager for WalMart in California. Dionne liked to go to car shows with her husband. She also enjoyed holding and loving on babies, especially her niece, Savannah and nephew, Markie. Her greatest love was for her family, whom she enjoyed spending as much time as possible with. In addition to her husband, she is also survived by her children, Samantha Oliver of Hollywood, Georgiana Oliver of Hollywood, and Michael Oliver (Erika) of Waldorf; her siblings, Teresa Burdette of Huntingtown, Gene Lydick (Tina) of Roanoke, Va., Sarah Lichtenstein (Dave) of Davenport, Fla., Susie Babcock (Rita) of Midwest, Okla., Michael Lydick (Karen) of Lake City, Fla., and Larry Lydick (Debbie) of Baltimore; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her brother, Frayne Chilton Lydick III. Family will receive friends for Dionne s Life Celebration on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m., with a Service of Remembrance at 7 p.m., at Brinsfield Funeral Home, Hollywood Rd., Leonardtown. Interment will be private. Condolences may be made to www. brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown. Mary Belinda Knott (Linnie, Nana), 95 ½ Mary Belinda Knott (Linnie, Nana), 95 ½, of Chaptico, formerly from Abell, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Sept. 10, at her home. Born on Feb. 25, 1920 in Abell she was the daughter of the late Agnes G. Cheseldine and Richard B. Cheseldine. Mary was the loving wife of the late Sidney Bryan Knott whom she married on April 8, 1939 in Holy Angels Catholic Church in Avenue, and who preceded her in death on Nov. 3, Mary is survived by her children, Andrew Knott (Ree), of Chaptico, Roy Knott (Virginia) of Chaptico, Sam Knott (Barbara Jean) of Chaptico, Diane Carr (Gary) of Alexandria, Va., Donald Knott of Chaptico, Gary Knott (Hazel) of Mechanicsville, Mike Knott (Janet) of Chaptico, 15 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and her sister Marie Graves of Avenue. She is preceded in death by her siblings; Clement Cheseldine, Audrey Emory, and Melvin Cheseldine. Mary was a lifelong resident of St. Mary s County, and was a homemaker. She was an avid flower gardener. The family received friends on Monday, Sept. 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. with prayers recited at 7 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church Chaptico with Father

15 Obituaries 15 runs complimentary obituaries as submitted by funeral homes and readers. We run them in the order we receive them. Any submissions that come to after noon on Mondays may run in the following week s edition. Charles Gallagher officiating. Interment was private. Pallbearers were: Andrew Knott, Roy Knott, Sam Knott, Donald Knott, Brad Carr, Mike Knott, and Bryan Knott. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Ree Knott, Virginia Knott, Barbara Jean Knott, Diane Knott Carr, Brenda Carr, Kim Carr, Janet Knott, and Gary Knott. Contributions may be made to ACTS (A Community That Cares) P.O. Box 54 Bushwood, and Hospice of St. Mary s P.O. Box 625 Leonardtown. Rita Dianne Burch Peach, 72 Rita Dianne Burch Peach, 72, of Mechanicsville, formerly from Arlington, Va., passed away surrounded by her loving family on Sept. 12 in Leonardtown. Born on July 27, 1943, in Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of the late Frances O. Daly and Harvey Daly. Peach was the loving wife of Elliott Burch, Jr. whom she married on March 4, 1974, in Leonardtown. Peach is survived by her children: Elliott Burch, III of Mechanicsville, Becki Burch Adkins of Mechanicsville, Kelli Mattingly (Todd) of Mechanicsville, Chris Hill (Heather) of Leonardtown, Terri Buckler (Willie) of Mechanicsville, Betty Jo Barthelme (Bryan) of Mechanicsville, Sheri Norris (BJ) of California, Debbie Smith (Skip) of Sherborn, Mass., 15 grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. She is survived by her siblings; Joan Maio of Sterling, Va., and Mike Daly of Arlington, Va. She was preceded in death by her brother Jack Daly. Peach graduated from Bishop O Connell High School in 1961 and was a homemaker. She moved to St. Mary s County as a young adult from Arlington, Va. Peach enjoyed spending time with her family, catering to her grandchildren, and finding the best bargains at local yard sales. The family received friends on Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown with prayers recited at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 10 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Mechanicsville with Father Michael Tietjen officiating. Interment followed in Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery Helen. Pallbearers were: Michael Daly, Jack Daly, Jr., Patrick Daly, Steven Daly, Jimmy Daly, John Daly, and Jason Long. Contributions may be made to Friends of Cedar Lane, Cedar Lane Court Leonardtown and or Mother Catherine Academy Chaptico Road Helen. Mary Lee Hodges, 76 Mary Lee Hebb Hodges of Hollywood passed away on Sept. 14 at Med- Star St. Mary s Hospital surrounded by her devoted husband and children. Mary Leoma Hebb was born Nov. 13, 1938 at her home, the Hebb House (now Tom Hodges Auto Sales) in Hollywood. She was the daughter of the late George Alexander and Leoma Goldsborough Hebb. Mary Lee is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Jim Hodges; Sons, James Milford Hodges III of Accokeek, Robert Alexander Hodges of Bluffton, Happy 75 th Wedding Anniversary September 16, 1940 Clemmie and Marguerite Cheseldine Our thoughts are with them not only today, but everyday. Your loving family. S.C., Thomas Hebb Hodges of Hollywood, Jon Goldsborough Hodges of New York City and daughter Mary Beth Peifer of Frederick; five grandchildren, Timothy Michael Peifer, Christopher Andrew Peifer, Nicholas Alexander Peifer, Carly Elizabeth Hodges and Thomas Blake Hodges; sisters, Rose Marie Williams, Elizabeth Angelica (Betty) Hebb, and Lorraine (Sissy) Penland. The family extends our deepest appreciation to dear friends Sarah Smith and Barbara Ann Jordan. Mary Lee graduated from St. John Catholic School and St. Mary s Academy. She also attended Immaculata College in Washington D.C. Mary Lee retired as a Supervisory Supply Technician/Assistant to the Controller from the Civil Service with the United States Navy at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River in She received numerous achievement awards throughout her career for outstanding service and for keeping the high traditions of the Naval Service. After retirement in Civil Service, Mary Lee served as Secretary/ Treasurer and Office Manager for 12 years at her son s business, Tom Hodges Auto Sales. Her proudest and most cherished job was being Mom and Grandma. She was a longtime volunteer for Meals on Wheels and Birthright and a member of the Hollywood Lions Club. Mary Lee was a lifelong parishioner of St. John Francis Regis Church in Hollywood. Visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. at St. John s Church with prayers at 7 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. A private burial will take place on Monday, Sept. 20. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Hollywood Vol. Rescue Squad and Care Net Pregnancy of St. Mary s County. To Place A Memorial, Please Call or send an to info@somdpublishing.net

16 16 Unique Shops of So the Three Notch Road Mechanicsville, MD fabric store...for home decor Third Saturday Arts Market A place for Artists & Crafters EVERYTHING $9 95 per yard! Saturday 9am-3pm Port of Leonardtown Park Newtowne Neck Road Leonardtown, MD coastalartsmarket.com coastalartsmarket@yahoo.com Maryland Antique Center Flea Market $ Saturday, Sept. 19 th Third Saturday of Each Month March thru October Nov. If Weather Is Nice Spaces Available For Rent - $20 To Reserve Your Spot We also have 6,000 sq. ft. of shopping inside with various vendors! Point Lookout Rd Leonardtown, MD mdantiquecenter@gmail.com Open 3 rd weekend every month 8 a.m.-4 p.m.* *In December we are open the 2 nd weekend Michelle Combs Radez thevintagesource@gmail.com Visit online at: TheVintageSource.net To see pictures of the store s newest arrivals! Newtowne Neck Rd. Compton, Md Upcoming Special Events BIG SALE September 19 & 20 FLEA MARKET October 17 & 18

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19 Education 19 CSM Receives INSIGHT Into Diversity 2015 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award The College of Southern Maryland has received the 2015 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. As a recipient of the annual HEED Award, a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion, CSM will be featured along with 91 other recipients in the November 2015 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. This is a great honor as we have worked hard to ensure that CSM is a welcoming place to work and get an education. We have become a leader in providing programs and services that meet the needs of our diverse community, said CSM President Dr. Brad Gottfried. The HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees and best practices for both continued leadership support for diversity, and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion. We take a holistic approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for institutions where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being accomplished every day across a campus, said Lenore Pearlstein, INSIGHT Into Diversity s publisher. One of 11 community colleges in the nation to receive this designation, CSM was only one of four higher education institutions within Maryland awarded the HEED. CSM is a comprehensive tri-county regional community college that fosters Students and members of the community joined in a ceremonial dance of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe of Southern Maryland during a previous event sponsored by the College of Southern Maryland Institutional Equity and Diversity Office at the La Plata Campus. academic excellence and enhances lives in Southern Maryland with the guiding principles of diversity, excellence, innovation, integrity, knowledge, respect and teamwork. Recognized as a leading practitioner in diversity and inclusion, CSM has previously earned the Alliance for Workplace Excellence s Diversity Champion Award for creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive culture. The college has created initiatives and programs, for example, such as the Diversity Institute, which addresses pressing social issues that face Southern Maryland as well as modeling how a community can address diversity issues in a productive manner; a Men of Excellence mentoring initiative to improve recruitment, retention, graduation and transfer rates for African American males who enter CSM as first-time students; and Choose Civility Southern Maryland, a community-wide campaign to enhance respect, empathy, consideration and tolerance. Diversity is about ensuring that everyone has a voice and that members of our community (students, faculty, staff and members of the administration) feel like they matter and that they belong. The college has taken a proactive approach to provide an open environment by welcoming community partnerships, being a resource to employees at CSM and creating a climate where the values of diversity and community are a reality for all, said CSM Associate Vice President for Institutional Equity and Diversity Makeba Clay. Through CSM s Institutional Equity and Diversity Office, CSM provides academic enrichment and celebrates diversity awareness through programming for Asian, Pacific SECURING YOUR F beyond. Articles include interviews with SECURING YOUR FUTURE A free legal & financial seminar featuring agency SECURING SECURING YOUR FUTURE YOUR FUTURE A free legal & financial seminar Friday, September 18, 2015 featuring agency experts specializing in: Forrest Career and Technology Center A free Social legal & Security 9:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m. Social financial A free Security legal seminar & financial featuring seminar agency featuring experts specializing agency experts in: specializing in: Long-Term Care Medicaid A continental Medicare Long-Term Part D Care Social Security Social Security Friday, September Friday, 8, 2015 September breakfast 8, 2015 Long-Term Care Bankruptcy Medicaid Long-Term Care and boxed Medicaid Medicaid Credit Collections Forrest Career and Technology Medicare Part D D Forrest Career Center and lunch Technology will Center Medicare Part D Bankruptcy Probate 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Bankruptcy 9:00 be a.m. 3:00 provided p.m. Estate Bankruptcy Credit Collections Planning for attendees. Credit Collections Probate A continental breakfast and boxed lunch will be Probate A continental breakfast and boxed lunch will be Registration Credit Collections is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Professionals are Power of Attorney/Wills provided for attendees. welcome to Power attend, of Attorney/Wills provided for attendees. but community members will be given first priority. Registration is To Probate on a first-come, Registration first-served is on basis. a first-come, Professionals first-served are welcome basis. to Professionals attend, but community are welcome members to attend, but community members reserve your space call , ext Islander, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, African-American Heritage and Women s History months, as well as other cultural celebrations. INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine is the largest and oldest diversity publication in higher education today and is known for its annual HEED Award, the only award recognizing colleges and universities for outstanding diversity and inclusion efforts across their campuses. In addition to its online job board, INSIGHT Into Diversity presents timely, thought-provoking news and feature stories on matters of diversity and inclusion across higher education and Power of Attorney/Wills Brought you by the Commissioners Brought of St. you Mary s by the County Commissioners and of St. Mary s County and the Department of Aging & Human the Services Department of Aging & Human Services innovators and experts, as well as profiles of best practices and exemplary programs. Readers will also discover career opportunities that connect job seekers with institutions and businesses that embrace a diverse and inclusive workforce. Current, archived and digital issues of the magazine are available at For information about the 2015 HEED Award, visit com. For more about CSM, visit www. csmd.edu. Press Release Friday, Forrest Career a A continental breakfast a will be given first priority. To will reserve be given your first space priority. call , To reserve your ext. space 1050 call , ext Brought to you by the Commissioners of St. Mary s County and the Department of Aging & Human Services - Senior Information & Assistance Division. Photos Courtesy of CSM Students from the St. Charles Children s Learning Center at the College of Southern Maryland, CSM students and members of the community learned about the culture and history of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe of Southern Maryland during a previous event sponsored by the College of Southern Maryland Institutional Equity and Diversity Office at the La Plata Campus. Registration Senior is Information on a first-come, & Assistance Senior Division. Information first-served & Assistance basis. Division. Professionals are welcome to will be given first priority. To reserve your space call p

20 20 In Our Community Spring Ridge Middle School Mattapany Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony September 9 Nicholas Ashenfelter Clair Bacon Bradley Beall Jacob Belcavitch Kiyana Bell Bailey Berg Taylor Berry Brian Bieshelt Garrett Bridgewater Blake Byrnes Pauline Cha Cordelia Chase Ethan Chebi Cam Conjelko Zoe Coughlan John Croxson Casey Cruz Jessica Cullison Antoinette Davis Madelyn Engel Brianna Englert Lia Foster Liam Fritz Brandon Grabenstein Tessa Haley Venzah Hamilton Natalie Hansard Presenting the professionals' favorite properties on the market. Featured Homes of the Week Realtor s Choice Keyshaun Herbert Katherine Hilsinger Nadia Holloway Hannah Jarboe Ethan Ledig Maya Lee Kyle Meshek David McHenry Daniel McLawhorn Julia O Connell Zahreya Peeples Tatiana Perez Demetrius Poole Kayla Purcell Sarah Rooney Dana Schwalbe Saar Shah Lillian Simmerman Diante Somerville Olivia Sowa Jolene Steenrod Makyia Weasenforth Victoria White Cameron Willette Madeleine Willette Jaelynn Willey Design Workshop for Upcoming Flower Show One of the favorites of the annual St. Mary s County Fair is always the Flower Show presented by the St. Mary s County Garden Club. Arrangements will reflect interpretation through design, color and form of the theme for each class such as Choir of Insects, Wind Song or Rhythm of the Tides. A workshop was held recently by Ingrid Swann for the Garden Club members and others that were interested to help them practice and carry out the basics of flower design and arrangement required for the designs they planned to do for the flower show. They experimented with different flowers and containers in order to determine what would and would not work, where to fill in holes, and how to balance the design. Be sure to come see the final outcomes and winners at the fair. Also, there will be educational exhibits on: 1) Water which is an extremely needed but not an infinite resource and our county s aquifers, plus the availability and nature of water; and 2) Trees and forests which are the lungs of our world, what we can do to keep them healthy, and the special trees of St. Mary s County. Additionally, don t miss the Horticulture section which will include outstanding samples from members and other exhibitors gardens of annuals, perennials, herbs and beautiful roses. Please check the Fair Catalog and participate in the Horticulture Exhibits and container-grown plants if you are a gardener of any level, as well as come to see the flowers on display. Press release submitted by Trish Parkinson To list a property in our next Realtor s Choice edition, call