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

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Maryland Route 5 Leonardtown

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By Adam Ross Staff Writer Vehicular safety concerns and traffic backups along the Route 5 corridor in Leonardtown, a 2-mile stretch extending just north of MD-243 and just south of MD-245, are prompting town officials to examine ways to expand the road. The MD-5 Leonardtown Project Planning Study by the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) was birthed in the wake of alarming growth projections for average daily traffic (ADT) by 2030, and significantly high

MD House Approves $1.4B Tax Increase

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One of the biggest concerns in Leonardtown is speeding and traffic on Route 5. We look forward to working with the state to address these concerns. J. Harry Norris - Leonardtown Mayor
crash data. The year 2030 is the anticipated future window with See Route 5 Study page A-7

Local Tradition Keeps Growing

Man Faces Attempted Murder Charge

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer A Ridge man faces the possibility of life in prison for the alleged assault of another man at the A&E Motel in Lexington Park the night of Nov.9, where the victim was nearly beaten to death, detectives from the St. Marys County Bureau of Criminal Investigations allege. According to charging documents filed against Alan Kurtis Kohut, 29, who police believe to be homeless, the suspect allegedly began striking and kicking Thomas Alvin Campbell, Sr. when the victim refused to give Kohut money. Kohut was denied bail when he went for a bond hearing Tuesday in St. Marys County District Court. Charging documents allege that when police arrived to calls for a disturbance in room No. 107 Kohut began hurling objects at them to keep them from entering. Officers eventually took Kohut into custody after he gave up and observed blood on his hands as a result of the beating, charging documents and police reports allege. Police say that dozens of officers responded, including Lt. Daniel Alioto, commander of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations Narcotics See Charges page A-

JOHN F. WOOD, JR. Democrat, District 29A

JOHN L. BOHANAN, JR. Democrat, District 29B

ANTHONY J. ODONNELL Republican, District 29C

Opposed

In Favor

Opposed

County, Leonardtown Swap Land

The County Commissioners unanimously voted to swap two acres of county property to the town of Leonardtown, so that it could use those acres for the Port of Leonardtown Park and Winery Project. The action was just a land swap done because the towns two acres was considered open space, containing deeded restrictions.
Aggie Tinsley, of McKays Fine Food and Pharmacy stuffs one of a planned 400 stuffed hams to be available in McKays food stores for Thanksgiving.
Photo by Guy Leonard

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer

Former Fire House To Be Optioned

Commissioner Daniel H. Raley (D-Great Mills) made the motion, seconded by Thomas A. Mattingly Sr. (D-Leonardtown) to sign a memorandum of understanding between the board and the Community Development Corporation that will provide supplemental funding in the amount of $50,000 to secure an option to purchase the Bay District property. The motion was passed unanimously.

As Thanksgiving fast approaches, and people whet their appetites for a traditional turkey feast, an old favorite is rapidly becoming more popular as holiday fare. Southern Maryland stuffed ham, also known as St. Marys County stuffed ham, has been a traditional local favorite dating back centuries in the region and independent grocers say that more and more people not originally from here are coming to love the dish. We have customers, some of them military, who said Someone told me about stuffed ham. What is it? said Mary White, store manager for McKays Fine Food and Pharmacy in Great Mills. They try it and they love it. They come back all the time. The main ingredients of the dish include a corned ham, one that has been soaked or inSee Traditions page A-

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 Section A - 

The County Times

ments, including Recreation Parks and Community Services, the Housing Authority, the Department of Social Services, the Mental Health Authority, and others, have lent a helping hand in the process. The idea is to offer more services at less cost. A task force of nonprofit groups and county agencies has been meeting for the past 18 months to pursue this goal. The group agreed that a coordinating office should be created, but a number of concerns remain, including the adequacy of resources to implement the overarching plan; the challenge of creating an authority given the structure of existing organizations; the risk of loss of funding; the need for expertise and responsiveness; overlapping service populations and limits of funding sources on flexibility in use of resources. The desire would not be to increase the bureaucratic complexitybut to ideally increase funding that goes into direct services, Savich said. The money should flow effectively. However, the structure of the office and how it maintains transparency, flexibility, efficiency and responsiveness, are details yet to be worked out. Bennett Connelly, of the Local Management Board, will work closely with Savich and

Thursday, November 15, 007

his deputy county administrator, Sabrina Hecht, in developing the organizational structure. The office will reportedly require no additional staffers, but rather be realigned. And as for the staff and director of the office, those will be funded by state grants, Savich said. Savich asked for an aggressive timeline that would have the office beginning operation by July 1. Commissioner Daniel H. Raley (D-Great Mills) said the group should take their time to avoid mistakes. We are getting into an arena here that is complicated and multi-faceted Weve got to maintain focus on what the goal is, and that is to provide better services to the citizens who need them, Raley said. It is so easy to lose sight of that, and then we create extra bureaucracy. Russell expressed the importance of remaining transparent through the process as to ensure encompassing everyone in the system. The commissioners voted unanimously to allow Savich to move forward with the task force in developing the specifics of the office. Savich said he hopes to have a more detailed proposal in the commissioners hands before the final budget is submitted in mid January.

Commissioners Consider Consolidating Health and Human Services

By Adam Ross Staff Writer As the St. Marys County Commissioners pushed forward last week on a proposal to establish a health and human services office to lessen inefficiencies and maximize dollars spent on the countys homeless, elderly and substance abusers, a reluctance hung over them. Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly Sr. (D-Leonardtown) has long stressed that such a system could ultimately add bureaucracy to the delivery of health and human services when the idea was to minimize it. It doesnt hurt to take a look, Mattingly admitted to the board, but it doesnt mean we will end up there either. This board has not been bashful about looking into new ways of doing business, even if the collective outlook has been negative. Coming up on the boards first anniversary under Commission President Francis Jack Russell (D-St. Georges Island), several task forces have already been assembled to look at an array of initiatives that could drastically change the complexion of the countys operations. In designing a health and human service coordination office, John Savich, the county administrator, has been the lead author so far. But county officials from most of the major depart-

Education Center Plans Third Building

By Adam Ross Staff Writer The Southern Maryland Higher Education Center offers 97 academic programs, but its further growth cannot be realized without adding a third building according to Mel Powell, executive director of the institution, during a recent presentation. The 24-acre facility in California houses 35 classrooms where 2,149 students attended classes in Fiscal Year (FY) 2007, and the school continues to grow. Roughly half the students come from outside St. Marys County, meaning the center is not only a local educational fixture, but draws students from the entire state as well. Weve calculated citizens of St. Marys County have not driven some 60 million miles and saved over a million hours of time not driving, Powell said. The presentation, given by Powell and Joseph F. Anderson, chairman of the board of governors and a former county commissioner, outlined the centers 10-year master plan. Over that time, the plan calls for a total of five buildings. The current property has two single story buildings, whereas the proposal for building three calls for a two-story structure. Anderson said the two-story building would in no way impact the operations of the St. Mary County Airport, which is located just across the street from the center. The proposal is for a green building, with a grass roof and other environmentally mitigating features. The first floor would likely have a large conference room built to hold 400 guests, banquet style. An auditorium would also be included in the plan, while the second floor would have 11 classrooms, many of them in an executive style conference room format. Some classrooms would be set up more traditionally with platform seating, Powell said. The estimated cost for the building is $15 million. Commissioner Lawrence Jarboe (R-Golden Beach) asked what sort of opportunities the center was offering for future electrical engineers, to which Powell answered that there are 43 classes currently offered in the program. Commissioner Daniel H. Raley (D-Great Mills) said the center was a tremendous asset to the community, and unofficially supported the addition of a third building. The higher education center will be competing for state funds with other state universities, including the University of Maryland. The school has requested $900,000 for architecture and engineering in FY 2009, but needs approval from the Maryland General Assembly. Anderson stressed the importance of adding the third

Southern Maryland Higher Education Center

Staff Photo

building, in part, because the center remains open to community groups as well. The commissioners sent a letter to the assembly expressing their

support for the project. more than just an educational We have a number of center, we are a true communonprofits that make use of nity center as well. the facilities for little or no cost, Anderson said. We are Station in October of 2005 and sold all five kits over that summer on the on-line auction house eBay using seller accounts that he had established there. Baylor was employed with the contracting firm AAI Corporation. Employees at the base had first noticed the kits missing from the supply locker that were used to calibrate the systems of the U.S. Navys Pioneer unmanned air vehicle and investigators later found that they had been sold to another contractor, Global Test Equipment, information in the plea agreement stated. According to information also found in the plea agreement, the sales of the equipment were partially in the United States but also in other unspecified countries abroad. According to information in the plea agreement, the items went for between $30,000 and $70,000 on the open market. Baylor faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for the thefts followed by three years of supervised release.

Contractor Pleads Guilty To Stealing Government Technology

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer pleaded guilty in federal of unmanned air vehicles court to stealing and selling back in 2005. government equipment used Matthew Baylor, 29, A St. Inigoes man has in the testing and evaluation made his plea in U.S. Dis-

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trict Court in Greenbelt Nov. 9 and is scheduled to receive his sentence Jan. 11 of next year, according to information from U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosensteins office. According to information in Baylors plea agreement, the defendant stole five test and evaluation kits from a locked storage facility at Patuxent Naval Air

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Auction Of Ridge Grocery Store Delayed

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer The planned auction of Raleys Town and Country grocery store in Ridge has been delayed by the current owner Donnie Tennysons filing of chapter 11 bankruptcy before the store was scheduled to be sold off, Tennyson said. The mortgage holders and former owners of the store County Commissioner Daniel H. Raley (D-Great Mills) and his cousin Ray Raley and other Raley family members, started legal proceedings in March because the Tennysons were not able to make their mortgage payments. This was after the Tennysons had tried to find a buyer for the store to pay off their creditors We got behind in the payments to the Raleys, Tennyson told The County Times. We said This is difficult and its not working; we just have to sell this place and pay you off. The store was up for nine months, Tennyson said, but there were no buyers that appeared to take ownership of the store. The bankruptcy proceedings mean that the fate of the store could be in limbo for years. Under a [chapter 11 bankruptcy] you have up to five years to turn the business around, Tennyson said. For now its business as usual; its very possible well be here until we retire. Tennyson estimated that he owed the Raleys about $1.8 million. The store has served the local population in Ridge and surrounding communities for decades as the only grocer nearby. Raley said that the auction of the store could remove a valuable resource from the community especially in light of stronger competition from businesses like the new Wal-Mart Super Center in California. Wal-Mart has hurt everybody, Raleys said. If this store isnt here at 6p.m. on a Monday evening when you find out theres no lunch for the kids the next day theyll have to drive more than an hour round trip for bread and milk. Ray Raley declined to comment on the bankruptcy of the store. Bryan Dugan, attorney for the Raleys said that since the Tennysons filed in bankruptcy court they must now submit a reorganization plan that the creditors, the Raleys, can offer comments on. Any decision on the future of the business must now be made in bankruptcy court, Dugan said. Theyll pursue all legal remedies in bankruptcy court, Dugan said on behalf of his clients. Were waiting to see what the Tennysons reorganization plan will be. The balls in their court.

Hilda Mae Gatton 301-994-2800 301-994-9855 FAX: 301-994-3822

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Thursday, November 15, 2007

The County Times

Section A - 

Advocates Still Fighting To Save USO Building

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer It is old, dilapidated, has a roof caving in and warnings for the public to stay away from the dangerous structure. But to Virginia Nolan, a member of the community group Save The Village, it is part and parcel to the history of African Americans who came and helped build Patuxent River Naval Air Station and forge a small community of their own. The old USO building in the Carver Heights community, now called South Hampton, is still hanging on, and if Save The Village has anything to say about it, the structure will continue to stand for a long time to come. It was there that people in Nolans community, she calls them Negros or colored because she and her family moved there long before the term African-Americans existed, could get entertainment, an ice cream cone or a haircut. It was also where she finished up her high school education with commencement ceremonies, she said. It means a lot to me I graduated from that building, Nolan said. Nolan was busy handing out popcorn and cotton candy to a few children at the Carver Heights Community Center, which stands next to the faltering structure, at a fundraising event to keep the building alive and in the community. At 70 years old, Nolan says shes not ready to give up on the structure despite the countys apparent plans to demolish it Earlier this summer the Board of County Commissioners voted to approve funding for the buildings demolition but commission President Francis Jack Russell (D - St. Georges Island) intimated that the plans for that may be on hold. Russell attended the fundraiser, along with a few members of the nearby community, Nov. 10. Weve got to get a resolution on this USO property, Russell told The County Times. We just want to talk to people in the community and see what might be viable. I dont know where were going with the building. Last year Sen. Roy Dyson (D-Dist.29) entered a $250,000 bond bill to provide money to save the USO building, but that money would only be released if Save The Village, Inc. can raise a matching amount of money. The money is not the problem to me, Nolan said. It never has been. The only thing Im asking is for us to work together. Save The Village has received a small amount of support from Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions, (UCAC) based in Lexington Park, with a $1,000 donation towards the USO building. UCAC works to record and preserve the history of African Americans in St. Marys County. This is just a logical extension of those efforts, said UCAC treasurer Bob Lewis. We havent really given justice to the preservation of black historic structures or black history in general. Lewis said UCAC supports Save The Villages plan to rebuild the USO building as a historic monument as well as a place to provide mentoring and educational opportunities to neighborhood children, despite the funding hurdle the group must first clear. Its a big goal, but its quite doable, Lewis said. The old USO building used to house the countys health department as well as Head Start classes for young, disadvantaged children up until 2002 when they were moved out. The building is nestled between two flight accident restriction zones around Patuxent River Naval Air Station where new residential development is prohibited.

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 Section A - 

The County Times

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Editorial & Opinion

Elected Officials Take Plenty of Credit, But Never the Blame
The ongoing dispute between State Senator Roy Dyson and St. Marys College has allowed the public to see first hand how career politicians are often quick to take credit when the community approves, and even quicker to blame others when the natives back home get restless. As Dyson portrays it, the things that are good about the College are there because of his many years of support. However, because of some concern raised by the community, Dyson objects to the recently constructed Rowing Center and partially constructed River Center. Dyson now wants these facilities re-located. The question is how can Dyson take credit for the buildings he believes the public accepts, and lash out at the College and its Administration for buildings that he believes are not acceptable to the pubic? The fact is, the College has for a long time taken a strategic approach to planning in order to meet the academic and facilities needs of a world class institution. These plans have evolved over many years and include both short-term and long-term needs. The plans for the Rowing Center and the River Center are not new; they have evolved over the past 7 years. The College repeatedly shares its plans with both local and state elected officials as well as many community organizations. The master planning for the College is not a secret document; in fact the funding process for capital improvements, including new buildings, takes years to get through the state government process. Dyson may not have been aware of the plans, but that would mean he has either been out of the country for the past 7 years or he simply hasnt cared enough to pay attention. At any time during this multiple year process Dyson could have called for a public meeting to discuss the issue. Dyson could have expressed concern to the College Administration, or to the College Board of Trustees. Dyson could have stopped the project through the Board of Public Works. Dyson claims the Critical Areas Commission should have stopped the project and therefore did not do its job. Unless Dyson can point to something specific, the Critical Areas Commission has performed exactly the way Dyson and the rest of the Senate has instructed. The State Senate writes the rules governing the Critical Areas Commission and Dyson is the State Senates Co-Chair of the Critical Areas Oversight Committee. Dyson claims the College has not been a good neighbor to the community, despite the many community events that Dyson himself has attended at the College. The River Concert Series hosted by the College every summer is but one huge example that the College does interface with the community. The community uses many of the Colleges facilities such as athletic facilities, meeting rooms, media centers, cafeteria facilities, and others regularly. Dyson has lashed out at he Colleges Board of Trustees and now threatens to submit a bill during the next legislative session to change the Colleges governance. This is the same Board that has been put in place over the past 14 years with Dyson giving advise and consent to the Governor to make these appointments. We know board appointments are as much controlled by the Senate as the Governor as Dyson has managed to get almost all of Ehrlichs appointments to various boards over the past four years removed. Dysons promise to take control away from the current Board of Trustees, which enjoys good representation from the local community, and turn the College over to the University of Maryland Board of Regents would be worse than building 30 Rowing Centers along the entire shoreline at St. Marys College. Dyson apparently believes the College has attained its stature as one of the finest public colleges in the nation because he is State Senator, and has nothing to do with the Board of Trustees. He is wrong. While this treat would most likely fall on deaf ears in the Maryland Senate, which is familiar with Dysons kneejerk legislation, it definitely would not prevail through the Maryland House of Delegates where Delegates Wood and ODonnell would use common sense to prevail upon the Maryland House. What is needed most from Dyson is leadership. If Dyson really believes a mistake has been made, he should stand up and say, WE made a mistake. Blaming others for your own mistakes is not the solution we need here.

State of Schools Sound But Short on Substance

We must not let a few individuals jeopardize the learning environment for our students. Superintendent of Schools, Michael J. Martirano
to a packed house at the J.T. Daugherty Center Thursday. Our brand of education is top notch and is predicated on trust. In a roughly hour long speech in front of an audience that included commissioners, school board members, teachers, community leaders, and a representative from Rep. Steny Hoyers office, Martirano offered a glimpse of improving test scores and a narrowing of the achievement gap. Graphs showed reading levels on the Maryland State Assessments for elementary and middle school students becoming more proficient, and this year all elementary schools made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) benchmarks. George Washington Carver Elementary School made AYP for the second straight year, exiting the school improvement list and Lexington Park Elementary School made AYP after failing to do so last year. With the help of a fully implemented data warehouse system, the school board is receiving accurate numbers on the progress of narrowing the achievement gap. We need to know what those numbers represent, Martirano said, cause each number represents a child. Martirano said the achievement gap is narrowing and in many ways nonexistent, but noted that more work needs to be done. Martirano has always praised his administration for being brutally honest, but his speech Thursday spent very little time addressing areas of concern, including an ugly brawl that took place in Great Mills High School last week where 13 students and an intruder were arrested. Our school system is not immune from violent and disruptive actsbut we will not tolerate it, Martirano said. We must not let a few individuals jeopardize the learning environment for our students. Martirano also spent just a few seconds addressing his plans to improve mathematics test scores in grade 7, which have declined. Another concern area is teacher salaries, which according to Martirano remain competitive, but have begun to backslide. No concrete answers were visited during the speech, just a promise to continue to work with local authorities when it comes to school violence, and stay focused on improving test scores and teacher salaries. But doing so might come at a time when funding is threatened more than ever. St. Marys County Public Schools operate with a roughly $170 million budget, with 85 percent of that going directly to salaries and benefits. Martirano has been fortunate enough to receive increases from the state and county the last couple of years, which have enabled public schools to offer new programs and more opportunities to more students. Just last year for instance, public schools opened up the Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics academies (STEM) in Lexington Park Elementary, Spring Ridge Middle, and Great Mills High School. But with a $1.7 billion shortfall looming in Annapolis, cuts to funding are a very real possibility. Martirano said he was watching the special session closely, but again, gave no indication of what he and the school board would do if the budget were slashed. Instead he hinted that more initiatives were on the way, including the start of a finance academy at Chopticon High School that would begin as early as next school year. This along with an International Baccalaureate program at Leonardtown High School, planned for the future, would give students a number of career-based programs to choose from. At one point, Martirano keyed in Commissioner Daniel H. Raley from Great Mills, who had apparently expressed to Martirano earlier in the week an uncertainty about if his speech would give him indigestion. We want commissioner Raley to have a Raley good day, Martirano said, using the same slogan Raley used at the end of his speech at the State of The County earlier in the year.

By Adam Ross Staff Writer For the second straight year, Superintendent Michael J. Martirano declared St. Marys County Public Schools sound to representatives from across the county and state of Maryland. This years state of the countys public schools address was not unlike last years; upbeat and carefully crafted to showcase the success public schools are having. We must give hope to every child in our district everyday, Martirano said

Tax Increases Approved Dispite Opposition

By Rick Docksai and Kenneth R. Fletcher Capital News Service ANNAPOLIS - A House committee Saturday approved an overhaul of Marylands tax structure that would bring in $1.4 billion in fiscal 2009, essentially mirroring the plan put forth by Gov. Martin OMalley. The Ways and Means Committee approved a bill late Saturday afternoon and the full House began debating it at 7 p.m., when it faced strong opposition from Republican lawmakers, who said they did not have time to properly review the hurriedly drafted bill. This is the biggest income tax increase in the history of the state and we have no idea how its going to affect our constituents, Delegate Susan Krebs, R-Carroll, told the committee. Republicans came to the floor armed with dozens of amendments to the tax bills, but they were being methodically shot down by the Democratic majority as of late Saturday. The House rejected a motion to suspend the session until Monday and planned to deliberate late into the night on the budget package, which is needed to close a $1.7 billion shortfall in the current budget. The House plan would increase Marylands sales tax from the current 5 to 6 cents per dollar, a move that would raise an additional $720 million in fiscal 2009. But the House committee opted not to expand the sales tax to services, as proposed by the governor and Senate. Under the committees plan, corporate income tax would increase to 8.75 percent, a higher rate than OMalleys plan. The House kept language to close corporate tax loopholes, which the Senate opposed. The personal income tax for Marylands top earners would go up to 5.75 percent, increasing revenues by $165 million. Other taxes under consideration include a doubling of the tobacco tax from $1 to $2 a pack as well as higher hotel and vehicle excise taxes. The House would set aside money for the Transportation Trust Fund and for Chesapeake Bay restoration. Saturdays floor session followed a day of closed-door meetings and negotiations as House leaders tried to craft a plan that could pass, with the full House session pushed back repeatedly, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., as talks continued. After a morning of caucus deliberations, in which Gov. Martin OMalley appeared to urge lawmakers to come to agreement, the Ways and Means Committee presented a dramatically stripped-down Plan B that would be voted on if consensus could not be found. Plan B rejected most of the OMalley taxes. It would have eliminated increases in the sales tax, hotel tax and titling fees. Instead it only proposed increasing the income

This has been a horrible process, Major revisions have been floated around all day long and the minority has not been allowed to be part of that. Anthony J. ODonnell (R) St. Marys/Calvert House Minority Leader
minor amendments. Plan B was forgotten. The committee ultimately rejected a proposal to extend sales tax to repair and parking services and it approved raising hotel room tax from the current 5 percent to 7.5 percent -- lower than the 10 percent the committee had proposed Friday. The committee also removed a fund for higher education, which the committee said could be taken up in the regular session. This has been a horrible process, said Minority Leader Anthony ODonnell, R-Calvert. Major revisions have been floated around all day long and the minority has not been allowed to be part of that. ODonnell complained that House Democrats were just trying to tire the public into accepting the bill. If the House accepts the bills, it will set up a showdown with the Senate, which gave final approval Friday to a tax package that was more conservative than what the gove r no r proposed or the Ways and Means Committee approved. The Senate plan would raise about $1 billion in new revenues. The Senate bill passed by a single vote, and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, D-Calvert, warned Friday that there would be little wiggle room for negotiations with the House. That did not appear to be a concern Saturday for House members. We couldnt go as high as the governor wanted, said Ways and Means Chairwoman Sheila Hixson, D-Montgomery. Its much more progressive than what the Senate did. Supporters said the legislature has to act. Nobody likes to see a tax increase, said Delegate Ann Doory, D-Baltimore. Given our shortfalls, weve got to all make tough decisions.

tax and requiring combined reporting. It would have raised about $800 million, requiring the House Appropriations Committee to make an additional $300 million in cuts when it convenes Monday. Appropriations Committee is still scheduled to meet Monday morning to consider budget cuts that would make up the remainder of the shortfall. This is an attempt to get to 71 votes needed to pass a bill, said Majority Leader Kumar Barve, D-Montgomery, after presenting Plan B. If we dont get the revenues, well have to take the cuts. Thats the reality, Appropriations Chair Norm Conway, D-Wicomico told the committee. Following more negotiations, including a closed-door meeting of the Democratic caucus and House Speaker Michael Busch, D- Anne Arundel, the committee met about 6 p.m. and quickly passed the higher-revenue bills with only

James Manning McKay - Publisher Tobie Pulliam - Office Manager ...........................tobiepulliam@countytimes.net Adam Ross - Government Correspondent ..............adamross@countytimes.net Chris Stevens - Sports Correspondent .............. ........chrisstevens@countytimes.net Guy Leonard - Community Correspondent................guyleonard@countytimes.net Eileen McDonald - Advertising Rep...............eileenmcdonald@countytimes.net George Schaffer - Advertising Rep..................georgeschaffer@countytimes.net

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The County Times

used to be the Ben Franklin. Oh, that was a great and wonderful place! The dime store had everything you could need from school supplies to scarves and handkerchiefs to penny candy. I loved to go in the dime store. Cerro Grande used to be the movie theater. Lindas Caf was a drug store; it was a local drug store before it was the CVS. There was a grocery store in town, its hard to tell now because the bank took it over and changed the faade to match the rest of the bank building. There were still country stores in various parts of the county. And there were independent grocery stores. Mattinglys IGA, of course, is now Breton Marketplace. I remember when they enlarged the IGA. I remember when there was a laundromat there and when they built the True Value there. The Hooks and Hangers Thrift Store by the Farmers Market in Charlotte Hall used to be an IGA, too. There were Highs Dairy Stores, at least three that I can think of. Oh, what a great thing it was to go into a Highs and get a double- or triple hand-dipped chocolate ice cream cone. Yum. And then you grabbed a half gallon to take home with you. Lexington Park was vastly different. Ledos used to be a bank and before that, a nightclub. There used to be actual clothing stores and a shoe store. Good old Peebles was in St. Marys Square and the car dealer there used to be a Ginos fast food place. There was a Shakeys Pizza Parlor. Does anybody remember

Section A - 5
those? It was a big deal because they had this window where you could watch them make the crust and toss it in the air. Its a dentist office now. A railroad used to come down and deliver supplies to the base. The tracks are gone now but you can still see the railbed in parts of the county, particularly the northern end. Some of the tracks still remain on the base. DJs One Stop Shop used to be a tavern with cool neon lights on the roof. The Hostess Thrift Store and Stones Deli used to be a grocery store. Most of the shopping centers and strip malls in the Mechanicsville and Charlotte Hall area were not there. The Farmers Market was always there, but not as big as it is now. The Halfway House restaurant used to sit at the corner where Routes 5 and 235 split in Mechanicsville. In New Market theres a Chinese restaurant that used to be the Chicken House. And Clarks Feed and Grain was in the median there; we used to get garden seed there sometimes. New Market Texaco used to be Bobby Moellers Esso station and the other gas station used to be Mickeys Shell; he always grew the prettiest roses. This is truly a ramble down memory lane and I know some of you couldnt give a hoot. I hope some of you enjoy the trip, though, even if some of our memories are bittersweet. You can email the Country Girl at countrygirlramblings@gmail.com

Ramblings of a Country Girl

Changes
Terri Bartz Bowles Things change. Progress occurs. The old things pass away and new things take their place. Things have sure changed in St. Marys County since I was a child. Some are good, some are not and some are indifferent. But its not the way it used to be and I think we all have a twinge of nostalgia now and then, and wish that some things didnt have to change. Let me tell you a few things I remember about the county I grew up in. Route 235 was not a dual lane highway from the county line to Lexington Park. Route 5 went through Leonardtown. When you travel south on Route 5 and you get to the intersection of 5 and Leonardtown-Hollywood Road, you now travel straight through to continue south on 5, thats actually a bypass. You used to go down to the square in Leonardtown and 5 continued there at the corner where Caf des Artistes is now. There was one stop light and it was at the main gate of NAS Patuxent River, which is now Gate 2. There were two flashing traffic lights, one in Leonardtown and one in Ridge where Routes 235 and 5 meet. There were still county roads that were dirt and gravel. There were lots of secondary roads with no striping or lines at all. Most of those old roads were crowned, too, for drainage. And a good number of them were tar and chip, not asphalt. There were no paved shoulders, even 235 and 5 had gravel shoulders. St. Marys Academy and Ryken High School had not yet merged. Leonardtown still had a department store and a dress shop and a Western Auto. The Christmas gift every child in America dreams of is a bicycle. Mine was a blue Western Flyer from that Western Auto store and it lasted until I got my drivers license. What is now Caf des Artistes was Dukes Restaurant and the pet store on the corner was Baileys Restaurant. The Good Earth Natural Food store location used to be the Leonardtown Post Office and the current location of the post office

Odd News
NEW CASTLE, Ind. A car wash change machine spit out over a thousand quarters to a customer just trying to wash his car. Eldon McCammack put a dollar in the change machine Saturday at the Trojan Car Wash when suddenly, in return, the machine started popping out quarters. McCammack, 71, said another customer found a plastic container for the overflow. The two collected the quarters and took them to the local police station, where they were stored and the owner was contacted. McCammack went back later and washed his car. The machine had spit out $260.50. ATLANTA Police arrested a 20-year-old man for allegedly selling hallucinogenic mushrooms hidden inside chocolate bunnies and ducks, authorities said. Police said it was apparent the man was using chocolate to disguise the selling of drugs. Rockdale County sheriffs deputies arrested the man after a deputy spotted him allegedly selling a sheet of LSD and a chocolate duck containing psilocybin mushrooms for $650, Sgt. Jodi Shupe told the Associated Press Saturday. A search by drug officers uncovered 74 chocolate ducks and bunnies containing mushrooms in a bag in the mans truck, along with $1200 in cash in his pants pockets. NEW YORK A man riding the subway in New York City spotted the woman of his dreams, and then lost her in the crowd. So, he created a website with a description of the girl, and asked anyone who knew her to pass the message along. According to the site, he found her. Patrick Moberg, 21, from Brooklyn thought it was love at first site. He couldnt believe his luck when they got off at the same stop, but he then lost her in the unassuming crowds. For the website, he drew a picture of the girl wearing blue tights, blue shorts, with rosy cheeks and a flower in her right ear. It was a success. Within a few hours, Mobergs inbox was overflowing with e-mails and his phone-ringing nonstop. He provided both on the website. He told the New York Post he even received e-mails offering him love. But Tuesday night a friend of the woman contacted him and sent him a picture so he could confirm it was her. The website now proclaims his lost love as Found! The woman was named Thursday as Camille Hayton, an intern at magazine BlackBook from Melbourne, Australia, who also lives in Brooklyn. Unlike all the romantic comedies and bad pop songs, youll have to make up your own ending for this, Moberg writes on his website, saying he will no longer disclose the details of his new found relationship. BRADENTON, Fla. Police arrested a man Saturday for refusing to sign a $15 jaywalking ticket two days earlier. Leroy Franklin Cladd Jr. was cited for not using a crosswalk late Thursday night. However, he was not interested in signing the ticket, a misdemeanor that landed him in jail. He was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time, police said, and he was being held at eh Manatee County jail on $250 bond.

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 Section A - 

The County Times

is used in the stuffing mixture. Theres so many different variations, he said. Weve mused about putting a patent on our recipes. The Raleys owner said he plans to bake 200 hams for the Thanksgiving holiday and will sell it by the pound. He said that the stuffed ham business for independent grocers has grown because the knowledge has not been passed on in families where the older generations have traditionally done it for themselves. What were seeing here is that the process is not being passed on to the next generation, Tennyson said. They dont know how to stuff it or because of time they dont want to. Its becoming a lost art. The stuffing part is where the most work usually happens, grocers say, and there are plenty of ways to do it. At Raleys, they remove the large bone from the ham and simply stuff the cavity. At McKays they sometimes cut open the ham, stuff the interior as its laid out and them roll it back up and tie it off. At Murphys Town and Country in Avenue, which has been open since 1949, they take a more artistic bent with stuffing the ham, according to owner Gilbert Murphy. We cut slits through our ham from the inside, stuff it, tie it back up, wrap it in cheesecloth, steam it and when you slice it, it looks like a star on the inside. At Murphys, the steaming process is used to keep all the juices and the seasoning in the ham, Murphy said. At Raleys, they measure all the ingredients to ensure a consistency in their products, especially with the stuffing and seasoning. At Murphys, they uses a more instinctive approach. I go just by how it looks, Murphy said. Ive been doing it so long I know exactly what Im looking for. Virginia Tennyson, co-owner of Chaptico Market in Chaptico, said they blanch their vegetables before making their stuffing. They also cut half-moon shaped slits in the meat to accommodate as much spicy stuffing as possible. You stuff it until it comes back out at you, Virginia Tennyson said. Thats how you know. Murphy also lamented the apparent loss of knowledge about preparing stuffed ham.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

It was like a big party, Murphy said. It was like a fellowship; people would stuff the hams together. Today its just not out there. Continued from page A- Stuffed ham is also important as a signature product among indepenjected with brine, removed from its dent grocers who are competing with bone and stuffed with a mixture of larger chains for customer dollars. cabbage, kale and spices that include During the holidays its a big a variety of peppers. part of your business, Murphy, who McKays grocery stores preplans to steam about 200 hams for pared 400 individual hams for sale the season, said. But people like it during the Thanksgiving holiday, so much we do it year round. showing just how popular the dish Items like stuffed ham, and has become. other delicatessen goodies that are Every day were getting calls to homemade, ensure that customers see if were still doing stuffed ham, will keep coming back to the smaller White told The County Times, addstores, he said. ing that many calls are from outside Virginia Tennyson said that the county or even the region. You stuffed ham and other delicacies give them a sample and you get them help them make it through the lean hooked; theyve got to have it. times. Donnie Tennyson, owner Thats what gets our liveof Raleys Town and Country lihood through the holidays, in Ridge, said the phenomenon she said. Because if you get of stuffed ham has reached far the ham customer, then theyll across the nation. come back and get the cakes Its amazing all the calls and the pies. we get from all over the counBut the precious porcine try asking about it, Tennyson delicacy doesnt come cheap. said. Either they know about Most of the independent grous or find us on the Internet. cers are selling ham for close to Residents in Hawaii have or over $10 a pound. called up Raleys and asked for The labor needed to stuff a stuffed ham to be shipped to ham plus all the ingredients and them, but so far international cooking time that go into it nesales have eluded him. cessitate the high price, Donnie Im not world famous, Tennyson said. but thats my goal, Tennyson One of his hams can cost said with a laugh. up to $150; with shipping costs Stuffed ham is poplar in of $4.49 a pound it could cost just about any form its cooked about $225 just to have one dein, independent grocers say, livered, he said. and there are plenty of variaAnd people buy it, he tions and methods for preparsaid. And they dont bat an eye. ing it. They say OK, I want it. In places like Ridge, TenLennys Seafood Restaunyson said, cabbage is the prerant owner Daniel Rebarchick dominant stuffing ingredient. said he once shipped one-half Thats what he was raised of a ham to someone in Coloon, but at Raleys they use just rado that cost $70 alone; but it enough kale for a little flavor cost $78 just to ship it. and color. They said it was worth evPhoto by Guy Leonard The farther north you go, ery penny, Rebarchick said. Tennyson said, the more kale Donnie Tennyson, owner of Raleys Town and Country Market in Ridge slices some baked stuffed ham for use in a potato roll sandwich.

Traditions

Planned Womens Shelter Closer To Reality

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Marguerite Morris, head of the womens shelter Leahs House, says that within the month the HappyLand Club bar in Valley Lee will likely be demolished to make way for another larger shelter that will house as many as 30 female clients who are homeless, fleeing domestic violence or both. Morris told The County Times that her organization has just gone to closing on the sale of the property for about $370,000 for the land, building and closing costs. Morris said the new womens shelter is one step closer to being a reality. She beamed over the placard she received from county government slating the old, deteriorating building to be torn down. Were serious, Morris said laughingly. Take that building down! Since the beginning of the year Morris has been raising funds from a foundation and individual donations, and has been working to purchase the property on Piney Point Road. Morris said there were several delays in coming to closing on the property, but was glad the process finally came to a finish. It meant that, eventually, her organization could help more women and families they have had to turn away. Morris added that during the past 18 months Leahs House has been in operation, they have had 150 referrals from other womens help organizations, averaging about 10 referrals a week. Yvonne Campbell, one of her case workers, said when women come in, sometimes with their families, they interview them to find out their situation. Its usually only then they find that domestic violence is a factor in their being homeless. Some are homeless and have experienced domestic violence, Campbell said. The need is obvious. Currently Leahs House has only eight shelter beds to provide for single women or their families, Campbell said. Also, women cannot simply walk in and look for a place to stay. They have to complete a substance abuse program if needed and be thoroughly interviewed to ensure that they or their families will not disrupt the harmony of the house where other displaced families are staying. We have to turn people away because of the large size of the families and because we cant just let anyone in, Campbell said. I really have to know my clients. Once inside the home, women and families can benefit from Leahs House programs that help them get treatment as well as build up their job skills to become more independent. Leahs House has also received support from county government in setting up its operations by applying for funds from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. The Board of County Commissioners signed a letter supporting the Leahs House application for a $500,000 grant. County Commissioner Larry Jarboe (R-Golden Beach) said that since the county already supports Angels Watch in Hughesville with county funding, there

Marguerite Morris, founder of Leahs House, a womens shelter, nails up the placard with Susan Miller announcing the pending demolition of the HappyLand bar in Valley Lee to make way for a 30-bed facility.

Photo by Guy Leonard

was nothing left in the county budget for Leahs House. Helping support the grant represented what the county could do on their behalf, Jarboe said. Of course wed be supportive of that, Jarboe said,

adding that with current budget restrictions Leahs House would be on its own in the foreseeable future. Its all robbing Peter to pay Paul, Jarboe said. Im looking forward to her providing a good transitional house

for women and families. [Domestic violence] is a problem not only in St. Marys County but in many places. Its sad but true.

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Thursday, November 15, 2007

The County Times

Section A - 7

Southern Maryland Trails, Part 2

Emily Finch Contributing Writer

Route 5 Study

Continued from page A- now-busy lives. All of her by artist and manager of the represented less than a mile prints are high-quality and on restaurant Carol Sampson. away at Bette Bumgarners the most accurate data to go roadway, and improving sigarchival paper. Most of her Sampsons artwork shares the glorious Cherryfield Studio. from, showing over a 76 per- nal timing. Alternative three The winter weather is ap- work features plants, animals space with owner Rick Meat- Bumgarner specializes in oil cent increase of traffic over calls for a continuous turn lane yards collection of vintage paintings and print making this section of Maryland 5, down the middle of the highproaching and families are and architecture. Just down the street from navigation charts and nautical using her surroundings of gar- said Raymond L. Moravec, an way. Alternative four would preparing for lots of visitors dens and waterfront to inspire associate with an engineering be a larger build out proposal and big dinners, but what hap- Chicoines Sunnybank Stu- paraphernalia. Into Piney Point youll most of her artwork. firm working as a consultant with a four-lane divide roadpens when dinner is all gone dio is Karen Quam Russells To end this portion of to SHA. way with select turning areas. and the visitors are still there? Viewpoint Art Studio. Rus- find the oldest beacon still SHA is using these alterSince 2003, SHA has reWhy not take them on a tour sells specialty is watercolor standing along the Potomac the Barnwood and Beach florals, which fill her teal River. Piney Point Lighthouse Glass loop, we will head corded 247 accidents along natives as a starting point, and of the county? St. Marys County is studio walls. She also offers Museum and Park was cre- back to Leonardtown to visit the corridor, with the number awaiting feedback from the home to many undiscovered watercolor lessons next to the ated from the old Piney Point St. Marys River State Park. of reported accidents growing community and county before treasures. Even most county studio in her upstairs working Lighthouse built in 1836. The From Camp Cosoma Road each year. However, Commis- it determines the best route. natives have not yet expe- studio which overlooks the lighthouse served boaters you enter the northern end sioner Thomas A. Mattingly More alternatives are expected throughout the Civil War and of the park which surrounds Sr. (D-Leonardtown) hinted in the future. Theres also a rienced the full beauty and water. Cant get enough local both World Wars until its de- St. Marys Lake, a 250-acre that the traffic data might be five-lane alternative briefly bounty that is home to St. Marys. Along the Barnwood art? Check out our next stop commission in 1964. Stop by watershed home to numerous slightly off because the amount discussed Tuesday, which and Beach Glass trail in the in Valley Lee. Carolyn Egelis the museum for history and waterfowl. Woods, swamps of fender benders not reported would utilize a 14-foot area in and small streams can also be to the police. the middle to make left hand Studio at Her- the park for fun. For more authentic South- explored at St. Marys River ring Creek Sometimes theres an ac- turns. This would also include displays the ern Maryland history visit our State Park. cident there with no report, an 18-foot median, which could Although we have seen Mattingly said. Theres al- narrow in some locations. well-k now n next stop, the Chesapeake Bay According to projects artists high- Field Lab. A common field twenty-six exciting, histori- ways been some questions quality, com- trip spot for St. Marys County cal and inspiring places in about the accident data, we documents, the expansion is m i s s i o n e d Elementary School children, St. Marys County, there are see about 120 accidents in that needed to improve vehicular safety, pedestrian mobility, and p o r t r a i t s , the lab displays one of the last twenty-seven more to keep whole corridor per year. marines, still- Chesapeake Bay skipjacks you and your family busy Moravec called the area a accommodate future growth in the area. As part of the four lifes, land- and docks at one of the last this holiday season, or any major safety issue. scapes and remaining oyster shucking other season for that matter. As part of its presentation alternatives, SHA will conhouses in Southern Maryland. Remember throughout your to the Leonardtown Commis- sider aesthetic improvements nudes. Our next The house has been converted journey to wear comfortable sioners Tuesday, SHA recom- as well ranging from pedesstop is just into an interactive museum shoes and bring plenty of film mended a study to look at four trian cross walks, lighting, reacross Valley where visitors of all ages can for your camera, money for possible alternatives to meet taining walls, landscape, and Lee at the end experience the disappearing gifts and family and friends to the needs of the areas future accommodations for Amish and Mennonite buggies that of Herring life-style of Southern Mary- enjoy the journey with you. traffic projections. Creek Road. land watermen. The first alternative would also utilize the right away. For more information be a no build, but to mainDown in Drayden our A public informational Grab a bite to eat and check next stop is the M. Jane Rowe on the Barnwood and Beach tain routine maintenance on workshop is scheduled for some Studio. Driving down the Glass trail, to see the whole the stretch. Alternative two Dec. 11, 2007, and Russell Photo Courtesy www.thebaylab.org out trail, or experience other trails would be to develop a trans- Walto, the project manager The Dee is one of the last remaining skipjacks in Maryland, more local art lane to her waterfront studio although it is fairly young. It was built in 1979 in Piney Point. at Reluctant its no surprise what Rowe is in the Southern Maryland re- portation system management from SHA, said he hopes to This vessel is certified by the Coast Guard to carry 38 pasknown for painting. Her oils gion, visit www.somdtrails. and travel demand manage- have complete project plansengers and a crew of two in protected waters from March N a v i g a t o r through mid-November. Visit www.thebaylab.org or call 301- Restaurant at represent many of the land- com or pick up your own ment plans namely looking ning by the spring or summer 994-2245 for more information. Tall Timbers and waterscapes native to the copy of the Southern Mary- at minimal improvements, but of 2009. Cost has not yet been Southern Maryland Trails Marina located on the coast Southern Maryland area, as land Trails guidebook at most no major changes to the road- determined, nor has the specifguide, you can visit parks, art of the Potomac River. The well as some simple, quiet, parks or government build- way. Moravec said this alter- ics of each alternative. a galleries, restaurants, mar- decorations inside include natural objects. ings in the area. native would look more at conkets, retreats, farms, gardens marine watercolor paintings More local landscapes are solidating driveways along the and more great attractions from Charlotte Hall to Point Lookout. Last week we traveled from Charlotte Hall to Leonardtown, visiting two farms, three art galleries, one park, three places to eat, one place to stay and three other special attractions. We will add to that now, continuing the Barnwood and Beach Glass loop, and beginning in Leonardtown Square. Our first stop is Crazy for Ewe in Leonardtown Square. This knitting shop is not just your average building full of yarn and needles. Crazy for Ewe, even before you step through the front doors, is a fun place to be. Ellen Lewis, who opened the shop in 2004, offers some of the finest yarns, most locally made. From the mural on the front windows to the local work displayed to the enthusiastic staff, beginners, pros and everyone in between can feel welcome at this knitting shop. Just around the corner on Park Avenue is The Good Earth Natural Food Company, our next stop. Valerie Deptula, owner of the shop, does not simply sell food, though. She offers spices and herbs, personal care products, household supplies, supplements and books. Here youll find a mix of organic, natural, wheat-free, gluten-free and locally-grown and made items. If French food is more your style, then enjoy our third stop in the old Duke building in Leonardtown Square, now Caf des Artistes. Here, certified French chefs serve up an upscale, delectable menu in a quiet, country French atmosphere. Wine and dine with family or enjoy an evening out with your significant other. The North End Gallery, on your left from the Square on Fenwick Street, is our next stop. Wander around this open art gallery and soak in Call us today.... the local talent. Each month new works from a select group 301-737-4241 of Southern Maryland artists are displayed and most are for sale. The gallery also features themed months and one for just local childrens art. During the weekends, the member artists who are featured work the gallery and are available for questions and tips. For more local art, make an appointment with Nadine Bardin Chicoine at Sunnybank Studio off Medleys Neck Road in Leonardtown. Extended Holiday Hours: Monday-Friday 9-8; Saturday 9-5; Sunday 1 1-4 Chicoines photography captures the quiet moments that Home of the original St. Marys County Hook Bracelet often go unnoticed in our

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 Section A - 
sault on Campbell and the suspect alleged that the assault had resulted Continued from page A- from some kind of sexual assault Unit, who was working at anfrom Campbell. other job while off-duty. Kohut told police that he The disturbance also had killed or was attempting drew a large crowd of onlookto kill Campbell, charging ers trying to find out what had documents allege. transpired, police said. Police say that money Charing documents state was the main motive for the that Kohut admitted to the as-

The County Times

beating and do not think that allegations of a sexual assault were credible. Its unsubstantiated, said Lt. Rick Burris, commander of the Bureau of Criminal Investigations of Kohuts allegations of a sexual assault against him. He alleged the victim made unwanted advances towards him; his reasoning [for the assault] was the sexual advances. Campbell denied making any such advances, Burris said. Sgt. Steven Hall, spokesman for the St. Marys County Sheriffs Office, said that the evidence of the brutality of the assault was all the police needed to charge Kohut with the crime. When you have convoluted stories sometimes the answer to why [a crime occurred] is never known, Hall said. He almost stomped

Thursday, November 15, 2007

the life out of the guy because he refused to give him money. That was the impetus for the assault. It was a brutal assault. Kohut made statements that he danced on his face and hopes he dies to Det. William Ray who made the charges against Kohut, court papers stated. Charging documents state that Campbell sustained severe head trauma that included a skull fracture and heavy tissue injury. Campbell was taken to St. Marys Hospital that night for treatment of his injuries. Kohut has also been charged with first-degree assault and attempted robbery in the alleged attack on Campbell. If convicted he could face up to 25 years in prison for the assault charge and up to 15 years in prison for the robbery charge.

Charges

Sheriffs Retirement Board Looking To Improve Benefits

By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Sheriffs deputies serving in St. Marys County can expect to receive less in retirement benefits after 25 years in the office compared to their counterparts in Charles and Calvert counties; deputies there can retire on 70 percent and 58 percent of their pay while in St. Marys deputies can only get 50 percent. That is a formula the offices retirement board is looking to change so they can be more competitive in recruiting top deputies. There are a limited number of recruits for law enforcement in general, said Lt. Terry Black, patrol division commander and retirement board member. Were just trying to remain competitive with the market. Sue Sabo, the retirement plans administrator, said the retirement board is currently studying options to boost the county sheriffs office benefit package. The process has been in the works for about eight months and no firm recommendations have been made. Were still looking at a variety of ways to enhance the plan, Black said. Frank Marquart, president of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge No. 7, said the retirement package needed enhancement in light of a change in police earlier this year from the Board of County Commissioners. In the past, military veterans recruited by the agency were able to tack on their service time to their time working for the sheriffs office to add up to 25 years and retire with full health benefits. The latest decision, Marquart said, meant they could no longer use their military service towards retirement and could expect to pay about triple the cost of what they would normally pay for health benefits if they retired before 25 full years of service. This meant military personnel looking for a job in law enforcement might not find working in St. Marys very attractive. We took a huge hit from that, Marquart told The County Times. We have no bargaining ability to deal with recruitment. Its something that needs to be addressed. County Commissioner Larry Jarboe (RGolden Beach) agreed that the current policy on hiring military personnel deserved further scrutiny. Everything has repercussions and thats something we have to look at again, Jarboe said. It makes it difficult for us to recruit more military personnel, and we want military personnel. We can maybe make that right within the budget this year or next year. Black said sheriffs recruits from the military could still serve 25 years, get full health benefits and add on their service time for credit beyond the 25 years in the sheriffs office. A veteran with five years of military service would actually get 30 years of service after serving 25 years on the force, according to Blacks explanation. Deputies are concerned that the office could miss out on qualified candidates if the retirement benefits package is not enhanced. If they have applications in with other counties, that [the lower percentage retirement plan] would be a contributing factor in where they would go, said Sgt. Steven Hall, office spokesman. Were definitely behind the eightball and the times but [the county commissioners] will make the necessary corrections to take care of us.

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SUNGLO

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Thursday, November 15, 2007

The County Times

Section A - 

Obituaries
Gene Aloysius Cusic, Jr., 38
Gene A loy siu s Cusic, Jr., 38, of Holly wood, Md., died Nov. 7, at his residence. Born April 6, 1969 in St. Marys County he was the son of Wendy Wright and Frank Wright of Marble Head, Ohio and the late Gene Aloysius Cusic, Sr. He was the beloved husband of Tracy Cusic whom he married on Dec. 3, 2004 in Leonardtown. He is survived by his daughters: Kayla Buckler and Heather Cusic both of Hollywood, Md; siblings: Ronnie Cusic, Sr. of Lusby, Md., Steve Cusic, Sr. and Crystal Wright both of Marble Head, Ohio; nephews: Steven Cusic, Jr., Cody Cusic, Tavaris Cusic, Taron Cusic and Ronnie Cusic, Jr.; niece: Jatori Hughes; aunts and uncles: Sue and Jimmy Harding, Diane and John Standish, Dale and Debbie Dean, Yvonne Dean and Jerry Dean and grandmother: Betty Dean. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Gertrude Cusic, Carol Cusic and Lemuel Dean and uncles: Joe Cusic, Robbie Cusic and Pee Wee Cusic. Mr. Cusic got his GED in 1991. He worked as a maintenance worker for the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home for 4 years. He enjoyed playing horseshoes, shooting pool, riding motorcycles and going fishing. mantha M. Long and Colin A. Long and 7 great grandchildren; Albert L. Lyon, III, Dustin Gilbert, Danny Rhodes, Brittany Lyon, Kayla Lyon, Ryan Mann and Lauren Mann. She was also preceded in death by her siblings Frances Perry, Alberta Long and Mary Thompson and her grandson Albert L. Speedy Lyon, Jr. Mrs. Lyon attended Margaret Brent High School. gust. Vincent was passionate about life and lived every day to its fullest. He was always the first to help others and had a great sense of humor. He loved to cook and was a lifelong fan of the Washington Redskins. He loved his wife, family, friends, his loyal golden retriever Kodi, and he loved spending time working in his yard and home which he designed and built himself. He also enjoyed taking his boat out on the Chesapeake Bay and fishing with friends and family. He was loved and admired by all that knew him. (Leah) Wojnar, and several nieces and nephews.

Samuel Norwood Pop Graves, Sr., 78

Samuel Norwo o d P o p Graves, Sr., 78, of Mechanicsville, Md., died Nov. 6, at his residence. Born August 15, 1929 in Baltimore, Md., he was the son of the late Samuel and Ruth Wright Graves. He was the loving husband of Irma Y. Graves. He is survived by his children: Samuel N. Graves, Jr. and his wife Betsy of La Plata, Md., Brenda Lee Bellere and her husband Daniel of Waldorf, Md., and Charles A. Graves and his wife Loretta of Mechanicsville, Md.; siblings: June Shorter of Waldorf, Md., Harry W. Graves of Hollywood, Md., Ruth Ann Hill and Evelyn Fowler both of Mechanicsville, Md.; 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his daughter: Amy Michele Shelly Graves and his brother: Hugh B. Graves. Mr. Graves moved to St. Marys County from Baltimore, Md., in 1930 where he graduated from Margaret Brent High School Class of 1946. He worked as a correctional officer for the Southern Maryland Pre-Release Unit, Hughesville, Md., for over 27 years until his retirement in 1989. He was a member of the Wicomico Shores Golf Club.

Henry Thomas Wilson, 86

Henry Thomas Wilson, 86, of Great M ills, Md., died Nov. 6, in St. Marys Nursing Center, L e ona rdtown, Md. Born September 16, 1921 in Columbia, S.C., he was the son of the late Roscoe Horton Wilson and Lila Mae (Corley) Wilson. Mr. Wilsons Naval career took him all over the world to nearly every continent. His sons were born in Guam, California, and Hawaii. After settling in St. Marys County, their daughter, Maureen was born. Mr. Wilson continued to travel with the Navy leaving, Margaret, his loving wife of 57 years, to take care of things at home. Henry served his country with great honor and pride. He retired in 1968 after 26 years and started a second career with AT&T, where he worked for 18 more years. He was a man of many talents and always preferred to fix things himself. He was an adept mechanic, electrician, plumber, and carpenter. His many interests included drawing, ceramics, and painting. He instilled a love of art in all his children. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be greatly missed. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Martin John Wilson of Hampstead, Md., Mark Thomas Wilson of Bel Alton, Md., Jeffrey Michael Wilson of Silver Spring, Md., and Maureen Jane George of Fort Collins, CO, brother, Robert C. Wilson of Columbia, SC, and five grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Evelyn Roof, Lila M. Varn, Ross H. Wilson, Helen Krilling, and Marian Grant.

Lawrence Eugene Payne, 65

Lawr e n c e Eugene Payne, 65, of Chaptico, Md., died Nov. 5, at his residence in Chaptico, where he resided for 35 years. Mr. Payne was born Jan. 24, 1942 in Baltimore, Md. He was known to most as Larry and to some simply as Pop. He is survived by his loving companion, Donna Mae Kline, three children, Randolph Payne, Sr. and his wife, Bonnie, Lorie Burch and her husband, Darryl, all of Mechanicsville, Md., Marsha Fleegle and her husband, Rodney Sr. of Lusby, Md., seven grandchildren, Mindy Mixan and her husband, Steve, Randy Payne, Jr. and his wife, Amitty, Stephanie Nelson and her husband, Joe, Rodney Fleegle, Jr., Brent Latham, Amanda Payne and Taylor Fleegle, six greatgrandchildren, Megan, Amber and Randy Payne, III, and Joseph, Lucas and Ella Nelson, brothers, Lindsay Ward of Randalls Cliff, Charles Chick of West Virginia, sister, Jeanette Bryant of Mechanicsville, Md., and his beloved pet Sassy. He was anxiously awaiting the birth of his greatgrandson, Payne Mixan. He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Nora E. Payne and his mother, Doris V. Payne. Larry loved his craft of brick and stone masonry for more than fifty years. He was currently employed with Guy & Guy Masonry of Leonardtown, Md. Larry had a great love for the outdoors and working in his beautiful garden. He enjoyed sharing the bounty of his garden with everyone. With the spirit of being a wonderful grandfather he spent many weekends with James, Willie and Emily Richardson. They would explore the woods and the farm enjoying their mutual love of nature. He was a great storyteller and told his stories with great humor and enthusiasm. He relished visiting with family and friends under his favorite cherry tree and having an ice cold MGD. The simple pleasure of life was what Larry loved the most.

Marys Nursing Center, Leonardtown, Md. Born Oct. 27, 1910 in Leonardtown, Md., he was the son of the late William Robert Gatton and Ada Banagan Gatton. Mr. Gatton had worked as a farmer, custodian, school bus driver, St Marys County jailer and bailiff for the court. He is survived by two daughters, Mary Frances Knott and Gloria Hayden both of Hollywood, Md., three sons, John W. Gatton of Hollywood, Md., James I. Gatton of Leonardtown, Md., Charles Dicky Gatton of Callaway, Md., 10 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Catherine Evans Gatton, a sister, Elizabeth Norris and J. Alvin Gatton. The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 15, 2007 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Life Celebration Chapel, Leonardtown. Prayers will be recited at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Nov. 16, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Leonardtown. Reverend John Dakes will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in Our Ladys Church Cemetery, Medleys Neck, Leonardtown.

ducted at a later date.

John Louis Shorter, 88

John Louis Shorter, 88, of Piney Point, Md., died Nov. 9 in Bayside Care Center, Lexington Park, Md. Born Nov. 4, 1919 in Hermanville, Md., he was the son of the late Albert Lee Shorter and Fannie Margaret Hammett Shorter. Mr. Shorter was a security officer for the L.P. Steuart Petroleum Company. He is survived by a sister, Violet Purcell of Tall Timbers, Md., three brothers, Albert C. Shorter and his wife Mary Lou of Leonardtown, Md., Andrew B. Shorter and his wife Mary Jane of Towson, Md., Charles K. Shorter and his wife Margaret of Broomes Island, Md., and loving nieces and nephews.

Patty Lee Dean, 72

Patty Lee Dean, 72 a resident of Clements, Md., since 1994, died on Nov. 10, at Calvert Memorial Hospital in Prince Frederick, Md. Born March 16, 1935 in Deep Water, West Virginia, Patty was the daughter of the late Levi and Garnet Adkins. She was a devoted mother to her three children, Randy, Cricket and Sean. Patty enjoyed many hobbies such as antiquing, fishing, completing crossword puzzles and gardening. Most of all, she enjoyed the company of family and good friends. Her professional career spanned over 30 years in the aerospace industry at Fairchild Corporation and other companies. She was a valued member of the Space Shuttle, Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station Teams at Goddard Space Flight Center. She won numerous awards for her technical expertise in electronic component fabrication and installation. In her early years and after retirement, she worked as an optical technician at various locations in southern Maryland. She is preceded in death by her parents, Levi and Garnet Adkins, and daughter Donetta (Cricket) Powell. She is survived by two sons, Sean Patrick Powell and Randy Boyd Powell, both of Clements, Md; grandson, Michael Powell; granddaughter, Angie Armeno; and great grandson, Calvin Powell. She is also survived by her beloved pet parrot, Ollie. Paul Michael Righter, 84 Paul Michael Righter, 84, of Hollywood, Md., formerly of Marlow Heights, Md., died Nov. 9. Born August 25, 1923 in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late Paul M. and Lavenia Ann Beatley Righter. He was the loving husband of Lucille Virginia Righter, whom he married on Oct. 3, 1942 in Washington D.C. He is survived by his children; James Righter of Tucson, Ariz., Gwendolyn Ploud of N.H. and Patricia Richards of Cheltenham, Md., 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister Betty Warren. Paul was employed as a Health Inspector for the District Government and also served in the U.S. Army from 1942-1945, stationed in Naples, Italy. The family will receive friends on Friday, Nov. 16, from 10:00-11:00 a.m., in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, Md., where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Emon Dignan officiating. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Washington National Cemetery, Suitland, Md. Pallbearers will be Keith Ploud, Stacey Richards, David Hall, Stephen Ploud, Randolph Richards, Jr. and Benjamin Hall. Arrangements provided by the MattingleyGardiner Funeral Home, P.A

Delores Ann Thomas, 65,

of Compton, Md., died Nov. 12, in St. Marys Hospital, Leonardtown. Born Nov. 1, 1942 in Compton, Md., she was the daughter late Horace Melvin Robinson and Mary Florine Turner Robinson. Mrs.Thomas worked in the food service department for the Board of Education. She is survived by four daughters, Lisa Christine Thomas of Great Mills, Md., Bernadette Elaine Thomas of Lexington Park, Md., Sylvia Ann Thomas of Avenue, Md., Agnes Mills, of Hollywood, Md., three sons, David Tyrone Thomas of Mechanicsville, Md., James Bernard Thomas, Jr. of Compton, Md., Corey Jermaine Kane of District Heights, Md., six sisters, Mary Florence Mason of Lexington Park, Md., Agnes Hortense Barnes of Hollywood, Md., Mary Ann Wilkins of Great Mills, Md., Mary Rosetta Gough of Compton, MD, Linda Marie Dyson of Bryantown, Md., Ella Louise Robinson of Washington, DC, two brothers, Joseph Andrew Hebb of Great Mills, Md., Francis Hebb of Brooklyn, N.Y., 16 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Bernard Thomas, Sr., two sisters, Mary Viola Jones, Ella Lucas, and four brothers, James I. Hebb, Thomas Leroy Hebb, Horace Bernard Robinson and Charles A. Robinson. The family will receive friends on Saturday, Nov. 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Leonardtown, Md. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Eamon Dignan will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown.

Katherine Susan Kathy Lambert, 76

Katherine Susan Kathy Lambert, 76, of Leonardtown, Md., formerly of Baltimore, Md., died Oct. 28, in St. Marys Nursing Center. Born June 3, 1931 in Kentucky she was the daughter of the late Roy Virgil and Lillie Mae Hoskins Toler. She was the loving wife of the late Frank Lambert. She is survived by her children: Steven Murdock of Tracy, Calif., Brenda Black of Houston, Texas, Deborah Garner of Norco, Calif., Vickie Powell of Santa Paula, Calif., and Lisa Fishpaw of Stewartstown, Pa. , her sister Irene T. Potthast of Charlotte Hall, Md., and her brother Jake Toler of Kentucky. She was preceded in death by her sister Helen Derouen and brother Richard Toler. All services were private. Arrangements provided by the MattingleyGardiner Funeral Home, P.A.

George Robert Ryan, 84

George Robert Ryan, 84, of St. Leonard, Md., died Nov. 8, at his residence. Born March 12, 1923 in Atlantic City, N.J., he was the son of the late George Arthur Ryan and Helen Higbee Ryan. Mr. Ryan served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1962, worked for the U.S. Government from 1962 to 1982 and worked for a government contractor from 1982 to 2000. He is survived by two daughters, Kathleen Ann Stanley of Mechanicsville, Md., Debra Jean Drallmeier of St. Leonard, Md., and a son George Robert Ryan, Jr. of Kitty Hawk, N.C., 5 grandchildren, Stephanie Haney, James W. Stanley, Jr., April Hille, John A. Stevens, IV, George R. Ryan, III, 11 great grandchildren, Ashley Bentley, Timothy Bentley, Jr., Jessica Bentley, Lindsay Haney Alexis Haney, Denise Stanley, Brittany Stanley, James W. Stanley, III, Megan Stanley, Jaimie Hille and Juliet Collins.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Leona June Ryan and his brother Earl Ryan.

Vincent Davis Bilotta, 3

Vincent Davis Bilotta (Vince Vinnie), 39, of Charlotte Hall. Md., passed away on Nov. 6, at his home after a short battle with cancer. Born on July 22, 1968 in Alexandria, Virginia, Vince grew up in Waldorf, Md., and graduated from Thomas Stone High School in 1986. He was the son of the late James Lee Bilotta of Waldorf and Delphia Davis Biringer of Appomattox, Virginia. Vince is survived by his adoring wife, Kathleen Marie Kitten Bilotta, sisters Sherri and Shawna Bilotta, of Richmond, Virginia, stepfather Earl Biringer of Appomattox, Va., brothers James L. Bilotta III and Paul Bilotta, of Princeton, W.V., his mother and father-in-law, Mary and Dennis Brugman of Hollywood, his brother and sisterin-law, Chris and Trish Brugman of Hollywood, his nieces Abby Brugman and Stephanie Briggs, and his nephews, Joshua Brugman and the late Nicholas Noll. Vince loved working with his hands, building things, and was a skilled carpenter his entire life. He followed his dream and recently started his own home improvement business, Bilotta Home Improvements, until he suddenly became ill in Au-

Lucille T. Lyon, 83
Lucille T. Lyon, 83, of Clements, Md., died Nov. 8, at her residence. Born August 22, 1924 in Dynard, Md., she was the daughter of the late James Dudley and Mary Agnes Lawrence Thompson. She was preceded in death by her husband Albert Vivian Sonnie Lyon, on Nov. 9, 1980. She is survived by her children Albert L. Lyon, Sr. and his wife Donna, John R. Lyon and his wife Melinda, Kathy A. Lawrence and her husband Mac, and Brenda L. Gardiner and her husband Mike, all of Clements, Md., and Angela K. Long and her husband Vernie of Mechanicsville, Md. She is also survived by her sister Lillian Anderson of Mechanicsville, Md., 10 grandchildren; Patrick M. Lyon, Melissa M. Rhodes, Elmer Mac Lawrence, Jr., Jessica D. Mann, Amber L. Lyon, J. Adam Lyon, Brandon A. Long, Sa-

James William Jimmy Chase Sr., 3

James William Jimmy Chase, Sr. of Hollywood, MD, died Nov. 10, 2007 in St. Marys Hospital, Leonardtown, Md. Born December 19, 1913 in Hollywood, Md., he was the son of the late John Henry Chase and Catherine Young Chase. Mr. Chase was a World War II Veteran, worked in the Public Works Department at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station and was a custodian at St. Johns Catholic Church in Hollywood, Md. He is survived by two sons, James W. Chase, Jr. and Joseph E. Chase both of Boston, Mass.

Donald J. Wojnar Jr., 50

Donald J. Wojnar, Jr., 50, of Great Mills, Md. died suddenly Oct. 30, at St. M a r ys Ho s pit a l , Leonardtown, Md. Born September 15, 1957 in Buffalo, N.Y., he was the son of Donald J. Wojnar, Sr., and Mary Anne (Krause) Wojnar. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his beloved friend, Donna Williams, son, Donald J. Wojnar III, five siblings, Deborah (John) Welt, David (Sharon), Dennis, Duane, Darrell

Rae Lynn Dennis, 4

Rae Lynn Dennis, 49, of California, Md., died Nov. 11 at her residence. Born Feb. 2, 1958 in Shawnee, Okla., she was the daughter of late Gordon and Antonia Shirah Smith. Ms. Dennis was a Veterinarian Technician. She is survived two daughters, Jennifer Renea Dennis and Kimberly Rose Dennis both of California, Md.. and three sisters, Gloria Jones of Lawton, Okla., Rose Mary Struk of Fayetteville, N.C. and Vicki Nelson of Sumter, S.C. A Memorial Service will con-

William Carroll Willie Gatton, 7

William Carroll Willie Gatton, 97, of Leonardtown, Md., died Nov. 12, in St.

 Section A - 10

The County Times

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Patty Lee Dean (72), a resident of Clements, MD since 1994, died on November 10, 2007, at Calvert Memorial Hospital in Prince Frederick, MD. Born March 16, 1935 in Deep Water, West Virginia, Patty was the daughter of the late Levi and Garnet Adkins. She was a devoted mother to her three children, Randy, Cricket and Sean. Patty enjoyed many hobbies such as antiquing, fishing, completing crossword puzzles and gardening. Most of all, she enjoyed the company of family and good friends. Her professional career spanned over 30 years in the aerospace industry at Fairchild Corporation and other companies. She was a valued member of the Space Shuttle, Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station Teams at Goddard Space Flight Center. She won numerous awards for her technical expertise in electronic component fabrication and installation. In her early years and after retirement, she worked as an optical technician at various locations in southern Maryland. She is preceded in death by her parents, Levi and Garnet Adkins, and daughter Donetta (Cricket) Powell. She is survived by two sons, Sean Patrick Powell and Randy Boyd Powell, both of Clements, MD; grandson, Michael Powell; granddaughter, Angie Armeno; and great grandson, Calvin Powell. She is also survived by her beloved pet parrot, Ollie. Viewing will be held Wednesday, November 14 from 5-8 PM at the Brinsfield Funeral Home in Leonardtown, MD. Funeral services, also at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, are Thursday November 15 at 11 AM, and will be officiated by Pastor Timothy Grose of the Leonardtown Church of the Nazarene. Burial will follow at Charles Memorial Gardens located in Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers are Randy Powell, Sean Powell, Emmett Black, Steve Hoopengardner, Brian Brasseur, and Bob Wood. Honorary Pallbearers are Louis Sierra, Judge Dalton Wood, Carl Abell, and Ernest Williams, Sr.

Navy News
MH-60S Armed Helo Successfully Completes Developmental Test
Amy Kaper Staff Writer Navy MH-60S Seahawk testers at Naval Air Station Patuxent River achieved a double milestone as they completed developmental testing of the Armed Helo mission kit with first-time Hellfire air-to-ground missile shots from the aircraft Jan. 30. The testing, which started in March 2006, and completed more than 260 flight test hours, included firing missiles from both sides of the aircraft, a first for the H-60 helicopter. All other Navy Hawks only have one weapon station on the left side of the aircraft, explained Randal McKissack, the MH-60R/S common weapon integrated program team lead at Pax River. Having a weapon station on the right side doubles the firing/weapon capability of the aircraft from four to eight missiles and increases the future flexibility of both carrier and expeditionary strike group commanders. Testers were pleased with the helicopters ability to fire and hit the target with all of its missiles on the first try. Armed Helo is the first helicopter test program to successfully execute all of its Hellfire missile shots since 1998 when the HH-60H successfully completed six out of six shots, said Kevin Ransford, MH-60S lead test engineer at Pax Rivers Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 21. The Armed Helicopter Weapon System block upgrade is a key feature of the MH-60S spiral development effort, McKissack added. It will proExcerpts of this article were taken vide future expeditionary strike group from a written statement issued by John commanders with robust capability Milliman, PEO(A) Public Affairs. in the areas of organic combat search and rescue, maritime interdiction operations, surface warfare and carrier plane guard, and search and rescue. During Armed Helo developmental testing, an HX-21 crew led by Armed Helo Project Officer Lt. Cmdr. Rob Gallagher used three MH-60S test aircraft to test the GAU-21 .50 caliber and M240 7.62mm machine guns in addition to the AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground missile, according to McKissack. Other major systems integrated with the MH-60S include the AAS-44C Multi-Spectral Targeting System, the APR-39AV(2) Radar Signals Detecting Set, the AAR-47V(2) Missile Warning System, the ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing System, the ALQ-144V(6) Infrared Countermea sures Set and a Digital Map System. Although complete with developmental testing, the test team has a training period to complete before starting operational evaluation the last step before fleet introduction of the capability. The MH-60S multi-mission helicopter shares approximately 85 percent commonality with the MH-60R, including the Lockheed Martin-integrated common cockpit, and will replace HH60H Seahawk helicopters currently in use as part of the U.S. Navys Helicopter Master Plan, which will improve logistical efficiency by reducing six fielded helicopter platforms to two. Approximately 270 MH-60S Seahawks are expected to be delivered to the Navy by 2015. To date, 77 MH-60S aircraft have been delivered to nine fleet squadrons.

Patty Lee Dean

Memorial donations may be made to the Calvert Memorial Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 2127, Prince Frederick, MD, 20678.

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