Gazette. Controversy Around the Start Date for the School Year. The Let Summer Be Summer Petition is Drawing Disapproval From Local Officials

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1 1 Thursday, January 29, 2015 The Calvert County Times thursday, january 29, Formerly Gazette Calvert Controversy Around the Start Date for the School Year The Let Summer Be Summer Petition is Drawing Disapproval From Local Officials Photo by Lauren Procopio Story Page 12

2 The Calvert County Times Thursday, January 29, Thursday January 29, 2015 Bowen's Grocery Family Owned & Operated Since 1929 The Charm and Quality of the Past with the Convenience and Variety of Today usda Choice beef - Cut To Order! Our Own Freshly GrOund ChuCk SteakS RoaSting PigS Homemade CountRy SauSage - LinkS & LooSe StuFFed PoRk CHoPS - WitH our Homemade StuFFing BuLk goodies Packaged and Ready to go - over 100 Choices VaLentine Candy Conversation Hearts Cinnamon Hearts Jelly Beans Gummies Cute Hearts Nonpareils And More SWeet memories Candy Goetze Caramel Creams Mary Janes Squirrel Nut Zippers Jawbreakers Bit-O-Honey And More no sugar Added And sugar Free Cookies Candies gummies 20 or More Flavors & Shapes 3 Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot (D) spoke out against the taxraises and spending practices under governors Robert Leroy Bob Ehrlich, Jr. (R) and Martin Joseph O Malley (D) during the Jan. 22 Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland meeting in Annapolis, Md. 10 High school students looking for college scholarships were given a great chance to receive one Saturday, Jan. 24, thanks to American Legion Post 274 in Lusby. During the competition, they were scored by and received advice from local teachers, American legion members and more. COld beer Mon-Fri 6 am - 9 pm Sat-Sun 7 am - 9 pm CuStomeR FaVoRiteS Double Dip Chocolate Covered Peanuts Peanut Brittle Peanut Squares Coconut Bonbons Jordon Almonds Milk Chocolate Raisins Giant Gumdrops Gum Fruit Slices Gumballs Nonpareils And More we AlsO have Snack Mixes Nuts Dried Fruits Large Selection 4300 Hunting Creek rd Huntingtown, Maryland On the Cover The school calendar for fiscal year 2016 has already been approved by the Calvert County Board of Education, according to Calvert County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Daniel Curry, however a new petition making its way around Maryland may change that. The Let Summer Be Summer petition is advocating for local schools to begin the school year after the Labor Day holiday, which is the first Monday in September. Weather Watch 3 Local News 8 Cops & Courts 9 Letters 10 Education 12 Feature Story 13 Business 14 Obituaries 16 Community 18 Entertainment 19 Entertainment Calendar 20 Community Calendar 21 Library Calendar 22 Games 23 Classifieds P.O. Box 250 Hollywood, Maryland News, Advertising, Circulation, Classifieds: For staff listing and s, see page 9. Free InItIal ConsultatIon The law offices of P.a. Hotchkiss & associates Accepting: 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 99 Smallwood Dr. Waldorf, MD 206 Washignton Ave. LaPlata, MD SERVING CHARLES ST. MARY S PG CALVERT (301) (301)

3 3 Thursday, January 29, 2015 The Calvert County Times Local NEWS Comptroller Speaks Out Against Past Regimes By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot (D) spoke out against the tax-raises and spending practices under governors Robert Leroy Bob Ehrlich, Jr. (R) and Martin Joseph O Malley (D) during the Jan. 22 Tri- County Council for Southern Maryland meeting in Annapolis, Md. The fact is we didn t take a particularly professional approach to how we spend tax payers dollars, Franchot said. In the past, the government got into a habit of spending money on whatever had a nice-sounding name, He has heard optimist things about the economy going up, but if it is the effect is not being felt on Main Street, Md., Franchot said. He advised the assembled senators, delegates and county commissioners against listening to political spin claiming that the economy is fine and there is nothing wrong. Franchot spoke out against politicizing the distribution of funding, using the example of a state senator on the Eastern Shore who got into a disagreement with a number of representatives in the Maryland Senate and the House of Delegates. As a result, a medical center in his county was severely under funded in the past fiscal year. That sort of nonsense needs to disappear in the State of Maryland, Franchot said. He encouraged the elected officials to allow business owners to have a say in the future of the state, believing businesses should be in the lead regarding Photos by Sarah Miller business-oriented legislation. In addition to the guest speakers, the council elected members for the 2015 tri-county council officers. They voted to table discussion of the 2016 goals and strategies until the next meeting to give everyone a chance to read through them. For more information, including upcoming tricounty council meetings, visit tccsmd.org. sarahmiller@countytimes.net 2015 Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland Officers Officers Chairman Todd Morgan (St. Mary s County) First Vice-Chairman Debra Davis (Charles County) Second Vice-Chairman Steve Weems (Calvert County) Third Vice Chairman Mary Lynn Stone (St. Mary s County) Executive Board Todd Morgan (St. Mary s County) Matt Morgan (St. Mary s County) Debra Davis (Charles County) Edith Patterson (Charles County) Steve Weems (Calvert County) Mark Fisher (Calvert County) Members-at-Large Mary Lynn Stone (St. Mary s County) Ray Mertz (Charles County) Brian Raines (Calvert County) By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Northern Park Master Plan Approved The planning commission approved the master plan for Calvert County's newest planned park during their Jan. 21 meeting. Ward Farm Recreation and Nature Park will be a 209- acre facility on Ward Road in Dunkirk. We don't have anything in the county like this, it'll be very unique," said Director of Parks and Recreation Paul D. Doug Meadows. The park will incorporate passive and active facilities, with the ball fields being buffered from the road and residential developments with walking and bike paths in more wooded area. There are six ball fields planned to be in the park. There's a severe shortage of ball fields in the northern end of the county," Meadows said. This will be a long-term project, moving forward as funding becomes available. Funding has been less than anticipated, Meadows said. A portion of the money will come from the Recreation Opportunities Act, which uses money from gaming in North Beach and Chesapeake Beach. Because of the gambling opportunities opened in other parts of the state last year, the money coming from the act was lower than expected, Meadows explained. According to Parks Supervisor Walter McKain, the entire project, if fully funded right now, would cost a minimum of $28 million to complete. That cost will be spread out over a number of years and interspersed with projects at other parks throughout the county. The first project to tackle will be installing the infrastructure for lights, bathrooms and water fountains, among other things, McKain said. Even though the ball fields aren't ready, the park is still being used, Meadows said. Sports teams are allowed to use the grassy fields for practice and parks and recreation staff are conducting nature walks and bird watching activities. sarahmiller@countytimes.net FEATURING They re the best. There s no one like them, no one in their league. Larry King, CNN, February 2, 201 High School Auditorium Doors open 7 Show begins 8 The Capitol Steps dig into the headlines of the day to create song parodies and skits which convey a special brand of satirical humor. The group has recorded more than 30 albums and has been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC and PBS. Its Politics Takes a Holiday radio specials can be heard four times a year on National Public Radio stations nationwide. $ in advance; $ at the door Floral Expressions, Owings otus Kitchen, Solomons For information call Sponsored by Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse, Inc.

4 Local NEWS The Calvert County Times Thursday, January 29, Sheriff Office Loses One of Their Own By Lauren Procopio Staff Writer Lieutenant (Lt.) William Claiborne Bill Soper, formerly of the Calvert County Sheriff s Office, passed away, at the age of 57, Tuesday Jan. 20 at Calvert Memorial Hospital, according to a press release provided by the sheriff s office. Lt. Soper attended Montgomery College, where he obtained an Associates of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, he then continued his education at the University of Maryland and graduated in 1980 with a Bachelor s degree in Criminology. Lt. Soper had an accomplished career in law enforcement, winning many awards, including, Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and Detective of the Year, during his time at the Calvert County Sheriff s Office. His career began in 1980, when he joined the University Park Police Department as police officer, while still attending the University of Maryland. Three years later, in 1983, he transferred to the Rockville City Police Department, according to the statement provided by the sheriff s office. According to the statement from the sheriff s office, during his tenure at the Rockville City Police Department, Lt. Soper was not only assigned to patrol, but also spent over three years in narcotics assigned to a task force working with U.S. Park Police in Washington D.C. According to the release, in 1984, the Rockville Chamber of Commerce nominated Lt. Soper for Police Officer of the Year. Lt. Soper began his career at the Calvert County Sheriff s Office in 1988 and worked in patrol for one year before transferring to the Southern Maryland Narcotics Task Force, where he worked for three years. After he left the task force, he began working in the Criminal Investigation Unit, where he stayed for nine years. In 1993, he was promoted to Sergeant. According to the release, in 2001 Lt. Soper transferred to the Internal Affairs Unit and on June 27, 2005 he was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant and transferred to the position of Assistant Commander of the Administrative and Judicial Bureau. According to the statement from the sheriff s office, in July of 2013, Lt. Soper was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and became the Commander of the Administrative and Judicial Services Bureau, where he remained until his passing. Lt. Soper had been a Polygraph Examiner for over 20 years and was currently managing the Bike Patrol Team and Conflict Management Team, according to the release. Lt. Soper was born Oct. 1, 1957 in Canal Zone, Panama to William Franklin Jr. and Mary Elizabeth (Bagley) Soper. Lt. Soper s grandfather was a Montgomery County Police Officer for 36 years and retired as a Sergeant. Lt. Soper was proud to follow in his grandfather s footsteps and serve in the Law Enforcement community for 35 years, the release stated. Lieutenant Soper has been married to his wife Molly for over 20 years. He has a son, daughter and stepdaughter. In his spare time, Lt. Soper enjoyed running, motorcycle riding, water sports, snow skiing and spending time with family. He has been a leader and mentor for a Boy Scout troop in Huntingtown for many years. In 2003 he completed his first marathon and was proud to receive the Marine Corps Marathon Medal, the release reads. Lt. Soper was a beloved member of our agency and will be greatly missed. Please consider keeping Lt. Soper s family in your thoughts and prayers. Rest In Peace, Lt. Soper. lauren@somdpublishing.net Photo Provided by the Calvert County Sheriff s Office Lt. William Claiborne Bill Soper 7-Night Greece & Italy Cruise Celebrity Equinox SM July 18, 2015 Veranda from $1,899 Concierge Class from $2, Night Spain & Portugal Cruise Celebrity Equinox SM October 2, 2015 Veranda from $2,949 Concierge Class $3, Night Eastern Med Cruise Celebrity Reflection June 8, 2015 Veranda from $2,599 Concierge Class from $2,899 Cole Travel Shangri La Drive Lexington Park, MD Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses of up to $145 per person are additional. * Prices are in U.S. dollars, cruise-only, per person, based on double occupancy, on select sailings, and subject to availability. Itinerary and prices subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions apply Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships registry: Malta and Ecuador /2015 Your Online Community for Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary s Counties New to the area? Lifelong resident? Over 250,000 Southern Marylanders can t be wrong! Stay abreast of local happenings Check our highly popular classifieds Speak your mind in the forums Enter our contests and win terrific prizes Stop by and see what Southern Maryland Online has to offer!

5 5 Thursday, January 29, 2015 The Calvert County Times Local NEWS Chamber of Commerce Facilitates Legislative Discussion By Sarah Miller Staff Writer The Calvert County Chamber of Commerce held its annual legislative breakfast at the Rod N Reel in Chesapeake Beach on Jan. 26. The legislators at the breakfast to talk about the ongoing legislative session were Senator Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. (D-27) and Delegates Mark Fisher (R-27C), Tony O Donnell (R-29C) and Michael Jackson (D-27B). The topic covered included taxes and the budget in the 2015 session, education, the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge replacement. When it comes to taxes, Miller said taxes will not be decreased this year. Fisher intends to put forward a bill to eliminate the Business Personal Property Tax during the legislative session. O Donnell supports the governor s proposed budget, seeing it as a good foundation for future tax cuts. In the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners legislative package, there are two proposals he said will not pass with his support. The first requires individuals not on public water to pay $25 per year to support fire suppression upgrades and the second gives the county the same Quick Take authority that the State Highway Association has to deal with road safety issues. The four agreed that education remains a top priority in the state, but funding will be a challenge. Miller sees the Common Core State Standards as a problem in coming years, saying it will become a political issue. The Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge remains a priority for Calvert County, Miller said. O Donnell is optimistic about funding for the project in the future, saying he hopes that under the new governor there will be a more balanced spending plan for transportation funds. For more information about the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce, visit sarahmiller@countytimes.net Photos by Sarah Miller Pre Season Clearance of slightly imperfect & manufacturers seconds Dine Out During Calvert County s Third Annual Restaurant Week More than 30 of Calvert County s eclectic restaurants will showcase their creative cuisine and offer delicious deals during Calvert County s third annual Restaurant Week Feb March 1. Coordinated by the Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Calvert County Restaurant Week will feature restaurants that draw on the region s bounty to offer unique dining experiences. Whether your favorite fare is fresh seafood, Italian cuisine or anything in between, Restaurant Week has something to satisfy any taste. Restaurant Week patrons can enter a drawing for prizes by completing an online feedback form or filling out response cards at participating restaurants. A special section on the Calvert County tourism website at ChooseCalvert.com/Restaurant- Week features full event details including a list of participating restaurants, menus, a mapping feature showing restaurant locations and frequently asked questions. Diners are encouraged to make Restaurant Week reservations early. Special menus may be offered for both lunch and dinner. Some restaurants may offer the promotional pricing at one meal, rather than both. Look for Calvert County Restaurant Week on Facebook and join the event. For information on the Calvert County Department of Economic Development and the services available to assist county businesses, call or ; send an to info@ecalvert.com; visit online at CHAIRS TABLES SOFAS SETTEES & MANY, MANY ITEMS REDUCED BY OVER 40 % Get Indoor and Outdoor Casual Furniture at a Fraction of Retail! Call for your appointment 7616 Investment Court (Off Skinners Turn Road) Owings, MD 20736

6 Local NEWS The Calvert County Times Thursday, January 29, Commissioners Consider Road Improvements in Prince Frederick The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has begun a project in the heart of downtown Prince Frederick, along Main Street from Old Field Lane north to Armory Road and along Church Street east from Heritage Boulevard to Main Street. According to documents available on the Calvert County Website, this project is a Community Safety Enhancement Project. The project will install sidewalks where there are none now, and repair and replace sidewalks where they currently exist but are damaged or are not compliant with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). It will improve safety and address sight distance concerns for vehicular traffic at the intersection of MD231 (Church Street) and MD765A (Main Street). Parking will be re-marked and the handicap parking on MD765A will be upgraded to meet ADA width standards. Five new parking spaces will be constructed at King Memorial Park on Church Street. Bicycle accommodations will be provided for. The roadway pavement will be resurfaced throughout the project limits and the project will be landscaped. End Hunger Culinary Training Program - Next Session Beginning Soon! Do you know someone who is ready to turn their life around? End Hunger In Calvert County is ready to help. We are now enrolling students into our next Culinary Training Program. Classes begin March 2 and our mandatory information session takes place on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 7 at Chesapeake Church. Sign up today at endhungercalvert.org/works. The End Hunger Culinary Training Program is a free eight-week jobs training course available to unemployed or underemployed Calvert County residents who are interested in a career in the food service industry. Graduates of the Culinary Training Program receive National Restaurant Certification as well as free career placement assistance and their very own set of knives. The classes will take place at Chesapeake Church 6201 Solomons Island Road in Huntingtown, Md. Qualifications Must be 18 years or older Resident of Southern Maryland Unemployed or underemployed Completed and submitted an End Hunger Culinary application High school diploma or GED Valid drivers license and access to reliable transportation Attend a mandatory End Hunger Culinary information session Over 250,000 Southern Marylanders can t be wrong! Your Online Community for Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary s Counties

7 7 Thursday, January 29, 2015 The Calvert County Times Mattingly 2015 Chair of Board for Calvert County Chamber of Commerce Local NEWS Lillie Mattingly, Co-Owner/Broker of Calvert Commercial Real Estate held the gavel as Chair at the first Board meeting in 2015 for the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce. Our focus in 2015 will be to enhance communication among membership and provide greater opportunities for our members, said Mattingly to the Board at their Jan. 21 meeting. The newly appointed officers, including Mattingly, are Past-Chair Victoria Karol, Calvert County Schools; Vice-Chair Christy Lombardi, Community Bank of Chesapeake; Treasurer Martha Rymer, Rymer & Associates, P.A.; and Secretary Frank Smith, Idea Solutions. New Directors on the Board in 2015 are Dean Teaque, Calvert Memorial Hospital & Calvert Health System; Asya Heatly, Comcast; Mike Frederick, Dominion Cove Point; Lacey Dean, Exelon; and Jonna Jones, SMECO. Continuing on the Board are Laura Allison, Keep It Simple Computer Training; Chad Day, Servpro of St. Mary s & Calvert; Balinda Denton, Tri-County Council for Southern MD; Richard Fleming, College of Southern MD; Teresa Schrodel, Medart Galleries; and General Council David Weigel, Davis, Upton & Palumbo, LLC. The Chamber s Board will be joined by the Leadership of the Ambassadors Committee Chair Patricia Marple, Smoothie King; Government Affairs Committee Chair Frank Smith, Idea Solutions; Leadshare Committee Chair Cliff Bridegum, Your Digital Salesman; and Women 2 Women Co-Chairs Jaime West, Chesapeake Advanced Networking, and Victoria Ronan, Natural Looks by Victoria, to provide new opportunities for businesses to connect with their business partners. Ms. Mattingly stated Members are encouraged to join the Chamber s efforts to build strong communities in Calvert County. Their ideas and insight are always welcome. Photo courtesy of the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce Lillie Mattingly is the new Chair of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

8 Cops & COURTS The Calvert County Times Thursday, January 29, Man Charged with Arson By Lauren Procopio Staff Writer Fire Ruled As Arson A vehicle reported as stolen was found on fire early Monday morning in Brandywine. Officials from the Maryland State Fire Marshal s Office reported on Jan. 26, at 1:26 a.m., four firefighters from the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department responded to Falston Road at Gallant Green Road after a citizen witnessed a 2008 Dodge Charger on fire. Deputy Fire Marshal Don Brenneman, who responded to the scene, said Theresa Reid, of Greenbelt, owned the vehicle and reported it as stolen. The incendiary fire originated in the interior of the vehicle and caused an estimated $10,000 in damage to the Charger. According to officials, the Charles County Sheriff s Office is assisting the State Fire Marshal s Office in this case and anyone with information pertaining to this incident is encouraged to contact the State Fire Marshal s Office at lauren@somdpublishing.net MARYLAND STATE POLICE BLOTTER The following information is compiled directly from publicly released police reports. Possession of Marijuana: On Jan. 20 at 2:54, Trooper First Class Palumbo stopped a vehicle for traffic violations on Calvert Towne Rd. in Prince Frederick. The odor of raw marijuana was detected from inside the vehicle. Three juveniles were cited on Juvenile Civil Citations for possession of marijuana and one juvenile received appropriate traffic citations. All were released. Possession of Marijuana: On Jan. 21, at 9:43, Trooper First Class Lewis stopped a vehicle on Rt. 260 near St. Andrews Dr. in Chesapeake Beach for traffic violations. A strong odor of burnt marijuana was emitting from inside the vehicle. Robert G. Hight, 55 of Upper Marlboro, was cited on a Civil Citations for possession of marijuana and was released. Possession of Marijuana: On Jan. 25, at 11:30 a.m., Trooper Jones stopped a vehicle for traffic violations at Rt. 4 and Parran Rd. in St. Leonard. The odor of burnt marijuana was emitting from inside the vehicle. Erica V. Norfolk, 23 of Prince Frederick, was cited for possession of marijuana on a Civil Citation and was released. Possession of Marijuana: On Jan. 25, at 8:46, Senior Trooper Dawson stopped a vehicle on Rt. 4 near Dares Beach Rd. in Prince Frederick for traffic violations. An odor of marijuana was emitting from inside the vehicle. Bradley P. Ruest, 20 of Alexandria, Va., was cited for possession of marijuana on a Civil Citation and was released. By Lauren Procopio Staff Writer Deputy State Fire Marshals have apprehended the suspect who allegedly set his 2006 Subaru Legacy on fire on Oct. 29, Authorities from the Fire Marshal s Office have charged Nicholas Anthony O Brien, of Mechanicsville, with first-degree malicious burning, insurance fraud and second-degree arson. Investigators reported the suspect had reported his vehicle as stolen on Sept. 5, According to officials, the St. Mary s County Sheriff s Office was alerted of a vehicle in a pond along Yowaksi Mill Road. Deputies determined the Subaru was set on fire before being rolled into the pond. According to official s, the Deputy State Fire Marshal s were requested to scene for assistance and determined the vehicle was intentionally set and collected evidence from the Subaru. Authorities determined an estimated $15,000 in damage to the vehicle. According to officials, O Brien was served a criminal summons at his place of employment and was charged with first-degree malicious burning, insurance fraud and second-degree arson. According to officials, O Brien is scheduled for a hearing on Feb. 27 at St. Mary s County District Court. lauren@somdpublishing.net SHERIFF S BLOTTER The following information is compiled directly from publicly released police reports. During the week of Jan. 19 through 25. deputies of the Calvert County Sheriff s Office responded to 1,377 calls for service throughout the community. Citizens with information on the following crimes or any criminal activity in Calvert County who wish to report it anonymously can now access the Calvert County Crime Solvers link through the Sheriff s Office website. Go to and click on the Crime Solvers link to leave an anonymous tip on-line. Information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect could result in a $1,000 reward. CDS Violation Case # : On Jan. 20 at 11:07 a.m., Dep. S. Rediker conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Md. Rt. 4 and Fowler Road in Owings. He found both the driver, Robert Edward Masincupp, Sr., 32, and single passenger, William Michael Bowen, 29, both of Chesapeake Beach, to be in possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. Masincupp was charged with possession of Heroin and drug paraphernalia; a metal spoon and a hypodermic syringe, and carrying a concealed dangerous weapon; a collapsible baton. Bowen was charged with the same drug offenses. Masincupp Bowen Attempted Burglary Case # : DFC M. Velasquez is investigating an attempted burglary at a home in the 600 block of Lisa Lane in Lusby. The homeowner reported that on January 17 sometime between 3 a.m. and noon someone tried to remove a window screen but did not gain entry into the home. CDS Violation Case # : On Jan. 22 at 4:30, Dep. J. Buck was assisting two other deputies at the Prince Frederick Library while they attempted to serve a warrant on David Edward Wilson, 21, of Chesapeake Beach, who was inside the library. Wilson fled the library by way of a side door. Dep. Buck pursued him and he was apprehended near Nick s supermarket. He was served with the outstanding warrant. A search incident to arrest revealed two used hypodermic needles. Wilson has been charged with possession of and intent to use drug paraphernalia; a hypodermic needle, failure to obey a lawful order, resisting arrest and disorderly. Wilson Destruction of Property to Vehicles Cases # , 4661, 4703, 4831, 4893, 4895, 4897 and 4901: Several deputies received reports from victims in Lusby that between Jan. 22 and 25, one or more tires were punctured on one or more of their vehicles while parked in their driveways. This wave of vandalism began with a report to DFC J. Denton from a victim in the 500 block of Balsom Road. Three other incidents occurred on Skyview Drive, one on Poplar Road and three more on White Sands Drive. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff s Office at Destruction of Property Case # : A victim in the 300 block of White Sands Drive in Lusby reported to DFC Y. Bortchevsky that a No Trespassing sign from her fence had been removed and found in a neighbor s yard. It appeared to have puncture marks in it. The damage occurred during the same timeframe as the vandalism to vehicle tires in the same area.

9 9 Thursday, January 29, 2015 The Calvert County Times Letters to the EDITOR Commissioner s Corner Revved Up and Ready to Go Though the recent election was nearly 2 months ago, some changes in local and state government will be seen quickly, others taking longer. Elected officials are settling into their new positions, beginning to lay the ground work, and building relationships they need to implement the expressed will of the voters as well as maintaining communication with citizens. Assignments for committees, commissions, staff, and other positions continue. Most recently, the State of Maryland inaugurated its new governor. Various interest group organizations are beginning out-reach to the newly elected officials. The process of democracy is underway complete with its richness of citizen involvement. Bottom line the election season is over; time to govern. The Calvert County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) is also beginning to perform, with each member determined to work in the best interest of fellow Calvert County citizens. The demands of the ongoing county operations are blended with desires of the elected officials to adhere to their campaign promises and commitments. How will this current board make decisions? When will any change in direction appear? What, if any real change from previous boards emerge? We will see. Fortunately, it appears that an openness exists among each member to address making our county more conducive to business comparable to the claim made by Governor Hogan that Maryland is Open for Business. As the BOCC does not simply govern by decree, a process is employed to affect any substantial changes. That process includes various Work Sessions held during weekly meetings, various Public Hearings held at various times, and input from the community and relevant commissions. Yes, these all take time and patience. For the BOCC, it really begins with the commissioners communicating their visions and goals to the county department leaders. That process began even before being sworn into office in December; and (I don t think I m speaking out of school) your commissioners are continuing to communicate to achieve an agreed upon set of guidance that should emerge in the upcoming weeks. If one likens this new board to a new race car, then envision that race car in the staging area. Its engine is getting final tweaks, tires checked, and soon rolled out to the starting line. In short, this new board will soon be Revved Up and Ready to Go. Evan K. Slaughenhoupt, Jr. 3rd District Representative I attended the annual March for Life in Washington D. C. on Thursday, Jan. 22, and again this year was very inspired. Along with thousand of other pro-lifers, we mourned the murder of approximately 57 million innocent babies in the womb, approximately 18 million of whom were black children. We also encouraged people to reject abortion. First of all, I was inspired by the many teenagers or college students in their twenties who had traveled very great distances to attend the march. Several organizations, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars or American Legion, are fading away because they have few young members. That s not the case with the Prolife movement. Those of us in our 60s or 70s who have been pro-life for many years can easily see that this movement will continue long after we are gone. Praise the Lord! And second, I was inspired by the knowledge of Publisher Thomas McKay Associate Publisher Eric McKay Graphic Designer Kasey Russell Office Manager Tobie Pulliam Advertising sales@somdpublishing.net info@somdpublishing.net Phone Staff Writers Lauren Procopio Sarah Miller Contributing Writers Laura Joyce Susan Shaw A Very Inspiring March Law Enforcement Government, Community the younger crowd about abortion. Their signs showed that they understood that an unborn baby is a person, that abortion is murder, that they are the pro-life generation, etc. There were even a few blacks with signs that said Black lives matter even in the womb. Search the web sites for photos of the march and you ll see for yourselves. I wore a sign that said Born after 22 Jan 1973? Aren t you glad your mother was pro-life? It reminded those young people that with the exception of pregnant women who didn t have access to an abortion, all babies born in the U. S. after that date are the result of a pro-life decision by their mothers. They could have been aborted if their mothers didn t want them. Overall, it was a very inspiring day. God even gave us warm, sunny weather, P. O. Box 250 Hollywood, MD The Calvert County Times is a weekly newspaper providing news and information for the residents of Calvert County. The Calvert County Times will be available on newsstands every Thursday. The paper is published by Southern Maryland Publishing Company, which is responsible for the form, content, and policies of the newspaper. The Calvert County Times does not espouse any political belief or endorse any product or service in its news coverage. To be considered for publication, articles and letters to the editor submitted must include the writer s full name, address and daytime phone number. Submissions must be delivered by 4 on the Monday prior to our Thursday publication to ensure placement for that week. After that deadline, the Calvert County Times will make every attempt possible to publish late content, but cannot guarantee so. Letters may be condensed/edited for clarity, although care is taken to preserve the core of the writer s argument. Copyright in material submitted to the newspaper and accepted for publication remains with the author, but the Calvert County Times and its licensees may freely reproduce it in print, electronic or other forms. We are unable to acknowledge receipt of letters. The Calvert County Times cannot guarantee that every letter or photo(s) submitted will be published, due to time or space constraints. Kay Corcoran kay@somdpublishing.net considering it was mid January. If you missed it, you can still see the photos on your computer. And maybe next year, you ll join us and be a part of the life-affirming pro-life movement. FEBRUARY 2014 VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE COUNTY TIMES & CALVERT COUNTY TIMES FEBRUARY 2015 CONTACT THE SALES DEPARTMENT TO PLACE AN AD Robert Boudreaux Waldorf, Md. IN OUR FEBRUARY 5 TH ISSUE Jen Stotler jennifer@somdpublishing.net Kit Carson kitcarson@somdpublishing.net sales@countytimes.net

10 The Calvert County Times Thursday, January 29, Education Superintendent Presents FY 2016 Budget By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) Superintendent Dr. Daniel Curry presented the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 budget during a public hearing on Jan. 22 at Calvert High School. This year s budget build faced a number of challenges, including declining student enrollment, legislative transfer of the normal retirement costs for employees in the Teachers Retirement System from the state to the local government, significant increases in health insurance costs, and new expenditures created by the provisions of the Affordable Care Act and unfunded mandates. Presenting a balanced budget will require cutting more than $6 million from last year s budget. CCPS has operating in a deficit posture, according to materials available at the budget hearing. CCPS built its FY14 budget with a plan to use $2.4 million of prior year fund balance and its FY15 budget with a plan to use $2.6 million of prior year fund balance. The goal this year is to create a balanced budget using no fund balance money and without assuming there will be any additional funding from federal, state or local levels. Part of balancing this budget will include staff reductions, Curry said. In the presentation, Curry recommended the use of a staffing formula in middle schools and high schools will result in a reduction of 23.5 regular teaching positions. In FY16, the vice principal, dean and guidance counselor assignments will be determined by school enrollment and teacher staffing. Staffing reductions will be primarily be implemented through the retirement incentive as much as possible, Curry said. In coming months, CCPS will be making an effort to evaluate operations and identify ways in which schools can operate more efficiently while reducing operating expenditures. Written comments may be submitted through Feb. 23 by mail to Calvert County Public Schools Board of Education c/o Karen Maxey, 1305 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, MD or by to maxeyk@calvertnet.k12.md.us. sarahmiller@countytimes.net Photo courtesy of Calvert Students Gear Up for STEM Expo By Megan Conway Contributing Writer On Feb. 28, Calvert High School will host the fourth Annual Science and Engineering EXPO from 11 a.m. to 3 The Science Fair has been around for over 30 years and there have been changes to the event in recent years. CCPS no longer runs the Science Fair in isolation. For the past four years, Calvert has held a Science and Engineering EXPO, said Supervisor of Science and STEM for Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) Yovonda Kolo. This EXPO involves not only the judging of participating students projects, but also engages, families in fun, science and engineering activities like robotics, flight simulators, the building of catapults, small engineering challenges, and so on. As far as the actual science fair goes, about 20 to 30 students submit a completed project to be judged. This participation in the event is not mandatory for the CCPS students, Kolo said. Judging and categories in this section are set and guided by the Intel International Science Fair rules, and the top 5 percent of participants in the fair go on to the Prince George s County Area Fair. Environmental projects have been very popular in the past, but more engineering projects are emerging, Kolo said. The EXPO is made of around 30 student/community groups, and groups are set up with EXPOs to engage the public in STEM activities, Kolo said. These include engineering students, biomedical students, robotics clubs, science teachers, and community organizers. To participate in the EXPO, exhibitors have to complete a pre-registration form. CCPS and The Patuxent Partnership have a close link, as TPP provide judges for the Science Fair and contribute prizes for student winners. We value the relationship that we have with them and their continued support of CCPS STEM activities, Kolo said. The EXPO has turned into a fun community day with students ranging from Pre-K through 12th grade, said Kolo. Proving this is the fact that the EXPO has grown from its 2011 guest amount of about 100 people, to over 250 in A large number of visitors are expected to attend the 4th Annual Science and Engineering EXPO on Feb. 28. Be sure to join for some STEM fun! Donations to support the EXPO are always welcome, Kolo said. For additional information, contact Kolo at koloy@calvertnert.k12.md.us or at contributing@countytimes.net By Emily Charles Contributing Writer Speaking for Scholarships High school students looking for college scholarships were given a great chance to receive one Saturday, Jan. 24, thanks to American Legion Post 274 in Lusby. The post held an oratorical competition, part of The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program. At the event, three local high school students delivered eight to 10 minute, prepared speeches regarding the United States Constitution. Afterward, participants were given five minutes to put together a speech about a randomly chosen Constitutional Amendment, in this year s case, the Fifth Amendment. The three participants were then judged and one was promoted on from the competition s County Level to its District Level. Attending the District Competition in representation of Calvert County for the year of 2015 is Surjo Bandyopadhyay, a senior at Patuxent High School. Bandyopadhyay spoke about the necessity of civil engagement within the United States, emphasizing the importance of tolerance in our nation. For his speech concerning the Fifth Amendment, Bandyopadhyay spoke about the power of pleading the Fifth, and the protections the Amendment provides to both the government and to U.S. citizens. Having won the County Level competition, Bandyopadhyay will make an appearance at the District Level competition on Feb. 21 in Clinton. If Bandyopadhyay advances from the District Level, he will be sent to the State Level, and perhaps on to the National Level competition. Should Bandyopadhyay place first at the National Level, he will receive a scholarship of $18,000 to be out towards his college education. According to American Legion Member Patricia McCoy, six contestants from the State of Maryland have won the National Level competition. Bandyopadhyay and fellow contestants Richard Franklin III, a sophomore at Patuxent High School, and Gunnar Keenan, a junior at North Point High School, all claim to have enjoyed their experience in the American Legion s oratorical competition. It s great to have been here. It s really interesting being able to go in depth to our country s government, Bandyopadhyay said. One of the best parts is definitely applying what we re learning, Franklin added. American Legion Post 274 would like to invite high school students to consider taking part in next year s competition. America Legion has been doing this program for many, many years but it is a dying program. We re having problems getting schools to participate, they re all starting to say, We don t have time to work with this. Please, if you re interested, get in touch with American Legion. This is a great opportunity for contestants, and what a help it is to further their education, McCoy said. If you re interested in public speaking and you re looking for scholarship opportunities, be sure to take this into consideration. For more information about The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program, contact American Legion Post 274 at contributing@countytimes.net Photos by Emily Charles Surjo Bandyopadhyay (winner), Richard Franklin III, (2nd place), and Gunnar Keenan (3rd place).

11 11 Thursday, January 29, 2015 The Calvert County Times Education Board of Education Updated on Calvert Association of Student Councils Presenting the professionals' favorite properties on the market. Featured Homes of the Week Realtor s Choice Photos by Sarah Miller Calvert Association of Student Councils (CASC) President Savannah Garber discusses the state of CASC with the Board of Education. By Sarah Miller Staff Writer Calvert Association of Student Councils (CASC) President Savannah Garber, a Patuxent High School student, presented the annual CASC update to the Board of Education during their Jan. 22 meeting. CASC s goal is to promote leadership among students in Calvert County, Garber said. Each middle school and high school in the county has a student council, overseen by CASC. One of CASC s biggest accomplishments during the year was the success of their fundraising committee, Garber said. The committee has raised more than $1,000 so far this year, between smaller fundraisers at the first CASC general assembly and a pancake dinner at the Applebee s in Prince Frederick. Another success was the Fall Leadership Conference, held at Huntingtown High School. Students from CASC and Huntingtown High School planned and executed the entire event, Garber said, and there were more than 500 students from across the state were in attendance. CASC will be in Annapolis on Feb. 19 to present their legislative platform to the general assembly. The platform includes topics such as the education budget, student rights and discipline, testing, technology and extracurricular activities. One of the biggest issues CASC will be watching during the legislative session will be the progress of the Sugar Free Campaign, which is very controversial, Garber said. To see the entire CASC presentation and legislative platform, visit For more information about CASC, visit cascweb.calvertnet.k12. md.us/. sarahmiller@countytimes.net To list a property in our next Realtor s Choice edition, call Jennifer at Mike Batson Photography Freelance Photographers Events Weddings Family Portraits mikebatsonphotography@hotmail.com

12 Feature Story The Calvert County Times Thursday, January 29, By Lauren Procopio Staff Writer The school calendar for fiscal year 2016 has already been approved by the Calvert County Board of Education, according to Calvert County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Daniel Curry, however a new petition making its way around Maryland may change that. The Let Summer Be Summer petition is advocating for local schools to begin the school year after the Labor Day holiday, which is the first Monday in September. As of now, the petition has received more than 13,000 signatures, exceeding the original goal of 10,000, according to a press release from the Maryland Comptroller s Office. This is a grassroots, citizen-driven effort that has gathered tremendous support from all across our great state, Comptroller Peter Franchot (D) said. 13,244 Marylanders have sent a clear message that starting school after Labor Day will give families, students, teachers and small businesses the break they need and deserve. It gives students time to learn life lessons beyond the classroom, teachers time to recharge their batteries and small businesses much needed help during tough economic times, he continued. However, Dr. Curry offered a different outlook to the petition and the effect it would have on student s education. People think in the context if we just start [school] after Labor Day we ll get some sort of benefit that is thinking about school in its traditional 10-month schedule but Controversy Around the Start Date for the School Year The Let Summer Be Summer Petition is Drawing Disapproval From Local Officials Stock Photos of Local Kids at the First Day of School in 2014 there s some evidence to suggest so many students, especially students from low-income families, lose some of what they learn because of the big gap between the last day of school and the first day of school, Dr. Curry explained. The Let Summer Be Summer campaign came on the heels of a May 2014 governor s task force recommendation that the state s public schools delay opening until after Labor Day. The state task force met for nearly a year, and voted 11 to 4 to embrace a later start date and extend summer vacation statewide, the press release read. Supporters of the petition include, Ocean City Mayor Richard Meehan (R); Maryland State Senator Jim Mathias (D); Governor Larry Hogan (R), who added his signature during the Jan. 15 press conference; and former governor Martin O Malley (D), who added his signature earlier this year, according to the release. According to Maryland state law, students are required a minimum of 180 days in school, if the state mandates the start date of the school year to begin after Labor Day, school officials will have to decide how to make up those missed school days. According to the press release, Franchot expressed confidence that the state s school systems could adjust their academic calendars without pushing back the end date or losing time for classroom instruction. The flexibility of adjusting winter and spring breaks or eliminating some of the school closure dates scattered throughout the school calendar would be left to each of Maryland s 24 school systems. However, Dr. Curry pointed out how Photos By Lauren Procopio shorter breaks may not be the answer. We can t presume that we ll still give up all of the breaks our customers, our community, I believe, they [are] accustomed to a certain amount of time over the holidays and spring break the later we start, the later we go to school in June and the gap in between would remain about the same, he said. However, Governor Hogan argued the economical point of beginning the school year after the holiday. This isn t just a family issue, it s an economic issue. It brings in a tremendous amount of economic activity, brings in tax revenue and there s no cost to the taxpayers, he said. As a guy who spent a lot of summers with his family in Ocean City on Labor Day weekend, it makes a whole heck of a lot of sense to start school after Labor Day. There s just no downside to this issue. There are an overwhelming number of people in this state who are in favor of starting school after Labor Day, Governor Hogan continued. Staring school after Labor Day is good for Ocean City and the entire state, added Mayor Meehan. It gives families more time to enjoy the last few weeks of summer and provides small businesses the heart of our tourismbased economy a tremendous economic boost when they need it most. It also creates jobs and generates revenue for our state s struggling economy. From Ocean City to Assateague, the State Fair to the Inner Harbor to Deep Creek Lake, summers are about families exploring all that Maryland has to offer, said Senator Mathias. This time together is priceless for families, and in such challenging financial times, it also allows businesses to generate tens of millions of dollars in economic activity and supports jobs while increasing tax revenues. In August of 2013, Franchot released an economic impact report regarding starting Photo Provided by the Maryland Comptroller s Office Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot (D), Governor Larry Hogan (R) and State Senator Jim Mathias (D) the school year after Labor Day, according to the press release. The report showed that beginning the school year after Labor Day would result in an additional $74.3 million in direct economic activity, including $3.7 million in new wages and a separate $7.7 million in state and local revenue. Starting school after Labor Day would give small businesses a big boost at a time when we could desperately use the help. This is an annual economic stimulus that doesn t cost taxpayers a dime, Bill Paulshock, owner of Bill s Seafood & Catering Co. said. For small businesses like mine, adding a week or two to summer break can mean the difference between keeping the lights on or not. While Dr. Curry said he understood the viewpoints of those in favor of the later school year, his top priority is education. I believe my position doesn t have anything to do with the state s economy because that s not what I m charged with, I m charged with educating the children of Calvert County and I believe our community and our local school board are elected to represent the community [and] should be the one s to determine what s in the best interest of our people and when school should start and when it should be over, he explained. The school districts and the school superintendents as a group, for the most part, we have come out and said [it] should be a local decision. Certainly, we can see how it is a factor on the beach, but we don t think it should be something mandated by the state. If Md. lawmakers require school officials to begin the school year after Labor Day, the school year would begin nine days later on Sept. 8 and student s last day of school would be June 29, 2016, but this end date does not include school days they may need to make up due to inclement weather, which would require student s to stay in school later than anticipated. lauren@somdpublishing.net