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E E
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County Times
F
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
W W W. C O U N T Y T I M E S . N E T
A Safe Haven for Women
What to Do About Nutter Rebuffed Curry Responds
INSIDE
Hoodies? by Board to Story
2 The Calvert County Times Thursday, February 13, 2020
ON THE COVER ON THE COVER: STAFF AT CARENET OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND STAND
CONTENTS READY TO HELP ANY MOTHER WITH THEIR PREGNANCY
LOCAL NEWS 3
COMMUNITY7
FEATURE11
COPS AND COURTS 12 COMMUNITY 9
Proud winners of a new boat.
EDUCATION13
SPORTS16
OBITUARIES 18
COMMUNITY CALENDAR 20 SPORTS 16 COMMUNITY 8
The St. Mary’s College Lacrosse team. Calvert’s Century Farm..and then some.
SENIOR CALENDAR 21
“IT’S JUST A BATTLE THAT WASN’T
LIBRARY CALENDAR 21 THERE PRIOR TO THIS CHANGE IN
THE CODE OF CONDUCT.”
BUSINESS DIRECTORY 22 CEA PRESIDENT DONA OSTENSO ON HOODIES
FUN & GAMES 22
W E E K LY FO R E C AST
CLASSIFIEDS 23
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Thursday, February 13, 2020 The Calvert County Times Local News 3
Problems with Hoodies Uncovered
Teachers Express Concerns in Survey
By Dick Myers are wearing the hoodies during the day. A lot of them community. Just to reference myself and my family, it’s a
Editor are drawing the strings so tight around their heads that cultural thing for some students to wear hoodies.”
A survey of teachers in Calvert County Public Schools it’s really hard to see, especially when they’re switching She added, “Children go through phases of wearing
(CCPS) shows an overwhelming concern about the wear- classes or in the hallways, teachers or people in charge, different things, pajamas, hoodies, you know, jeans with
ing of hoodies in the classrooms and the misuse of cell- can’t identify who the person is that’s walking in front of holes in them. I think it’s a good conversation for fami-
phones by students. The survey was conducted right be- them or behind them.” lies to have with their students coming to school to say,
fore the holiday break by Calvert Education Association Superintendent of Schools Dr. Daniel Curry noted thar there must be respect for your teacher. That’s an adult.”
(CEA), the teachers’ bargaining unit. the dress code prohibits hoodies from covering eyes. But The issue will be brought up again with the board next
There were 503 survey respondents, according to Ostenso said, “What I’m hearing really from the high reviews the school system’s code of conduct.
CEA President Dona Ostenso, with 197 from elemen- school teachers is that it becomes a battle or a struggle dickmyers@countytimes.net
tary schools, 136 from middle schools and 145 from high and that takes away valuable instructional time.”
school teachers. Ostenso added, “Some teachers, I have to say, don’t
The CCPS dress code was recently modified to allow want to engage in the battle.”
hoodies as long as the wearer’s eye were not hidden. Cell Curry said, “There are those teachers who say it’s not
phones used to be banned, but now are allowed although a problem because ‘don’t mess with part of my rules. My
some teachers require their students to deposit them in kids know my rules’.”
pouches when they enter the class. As to a potential solution of going back to banning
Eighty percent of respondents said they regularly have cellphones, Student Member if the Board Abigail Setz-
hoodie wearers in their classrooms, with more than 80 fand said, “It’s a really big issue, but short of banning
percent saying they experienced regular disruptions as cell phones, you’ll get a lot of retaliation from students.”
the result. Board member Tracy McGuire observed that if a stu-
Almost 100 percent said the hoodies were being used dent wants to tune out learning they can do so without
to hide the wearing headphones. hoodies and cell phones. But Ostenso responded, “I think
More than 80 percent of the teachers allow cell phones it’s the distraction piece. If I’m just sitting here and I
in their classrooms, but 80 percent of them report misuse wanted to not listen to you at all and just sit in that chair,
of cellphones. I’m not really a distraction. I look just like you, but when
And perhaps the most telling question, more than 90 I want to say you need to take that hoodie off or you need
percent say the distraction of cell phones “outweighs the to take those ear buds out, then it becomes a battle.”
educational benefit.,” She added, “It’s just a battle that wasn’t there prior to
Comments were allowed at the end, Ostenso said. She this change in the code of conduct.” Soups • Salads • Sides
reported at the Feb. 6 school board meeting “What was Curry observed, “As I go through the schools, I see
interesting was even though it’s not an issue about hiding lots of classrooms where when the students are working
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4 Local News The Calvert County Times Thursday, February 13, 2020
Van Hollen Talks Transportation, Developer’s Daughter Added to Planning Commission
Military Priorities with Delegation
By Guy Leonard Former Commissioner Nutter Rebuffed
Staff Writer
By Dick Myers (CCU) has filed suit against the county over adoption last
Members of the Southern Maryland delegation quizzed U.S. Editor August of the comprehensive plan update. Hance and
Sen. Chris Van Hollen in Annapolis Feb. 7, fielding questions Weems voted against that. The group has been critical of
on how the state and federal governments can help get projects The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners the relationship between Anthony Williams’ group and
like the Thomas Johnson Bridge replacement built. (BOCC), on a 3-2 vote, has appointed the daughter of one some of the county commissioners.
Del. Jerry Clark (R-Dist.29C) told Van Hollen the cost of the of the county’s major developers to the planning com- In a letter to The County Times in last week’s issue,
bridge was “north of half-a-billion dollars” and that the region mission. The vote on the appointment of Lisa Williams, CCU President Myra Gowans wrote about Anthony Wil-
needed federal assistance. daughter of Anthony Williams of Built Rite Homes of liams’ testimony at the contentious public hearing before
“It’s going to take federal money to get that thing built,” Owings, was taken at the BOCC’s Feb. 11 meeting. the BOCC vote that he “lamented how (SBIG) was being
Clark said. “It’s as much a security issue as it is for traffic.” Commissioners Buddy Hance and Steve Weems treated through citizen testimony stating ‘we formed a
Van Hollen said he had worked to create a bridge authoriza- urged the appointment of former county commissioner coalition with our government: Mike Hart, Mark Wil-
tion plan within a highway bill that recently passed successfully Pat Nutter to the planning commission instead. Hance, lis, all the people, Mary Beth Cook, everybody. SBIG
out of his committee in the Senate, and though it authorizes in making the motion, said that Nutter was more quali- formed a coalition with them four-and-a-half years ago
more than $3 billion for bridge maintenance and construction fied for the position and would make a good planning when everybody was complaining about the planning
around the nation, no money has been appropriated. commission member. commission, the third floor. We formed this coalition
The bill that contains the authorization has yet to pass the Hance told The County Times he was concerned that and worked hard with (planning and zoning) and now
full Senate. Williams would have to recuse herself from numerous we’re being criticized!’ This distressing testimony re-
But the state has to prioritize the bridge first. votes because of her position. She is listed as a sales as-
“The state can use federal formula highway money, it can do veals what has/is going on behind our backs.”
that,” Van Hollen told The County Times in a later interview. sociate with her father’s company. An attempt to con- Willis is now county administrator and Cook director
“We don’t earmark those funds.” tact her for comment was unsuccessful. A request to the of planning and zoning.
Federal program grant money was also available, Van Hol- county for resume information on Williams was not pro- The motion to appoint Lisa Williams was made by
len said, but “it could be different to qualify for special federal vided as of press deadline. Commissioner Tim Hutchins and there was no comment
programs due to the cost.” Lisa Williams will be replacing Michael Trent Wolf- on her by the three supporters prior to the vote.
Del. Brian Crosby (D-Dist. 29B) wanted to know if the fed- ersberger, who resigned. When he was appointed last Nutter was county commissioner for eight years be-
eral government could provide funding to improve the air traf- year there was concern raised that he would have to reg- fore deciding not to seek re-election. His seat was filled
fic control tower at the Webster Field Annex to Patuxent River ularly recuse himself because his wife was in the devel- by Hutchins’ election.
Naval Air Station in St. Inigoes. opment business. That was the circumstance on several In Nutter’s resume are three years as member of the
Van Hollen said he and U.S. Rep Steny Hoyer were success- recent planning commission cases. Critical Area Commission, three years as appeals board
ful in getting $15 million to improve the outlying airfield at Hance said he expected Williams would be put in that member and five years as a code enforcement officer
Webster Field. position more frequently than Wolfersberger. with the Department of Planning and Zoning. He joined
The senator said the project was “a priority for us.” Anthony Williams is developing a major apartment the county after retiring from the sheriff’s office.
“We will always prioritize items presented to us by Patuxent complex called Beechtree Apartments in Prince Freder- At the meeting the BOCC also unanimously ap-
River Naval Air Station,” Van Hollen said. ick. He is president of the advocacy group called Small pointed Richard Holler to another term on the planning
Business Interest Group (SBIG). commission.
guyleonard@countytimes.net A new citizens group called Calvert Citizens United dickmyers@countytimes.net
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Thursday, February 13, 2020 The Calvert County Times Local News 5
Teachers Say Budget Doesn’t Go Far Enough Cuts Made to ‘Non-County Agencies’
Funding Gaps Cited for School Disrupters Non-Profits Receive County Funding
By Dick Myers By Dick Myers ly familiar with the work done by many of
Editor Editor those Non-County Agencies.
Instead, a committee has been established
Calvert County Superintendent of Schools As the Calvert County Board of County in county government which uses a scoring
Dr. Daniel Curry has included in his pro- Commissioners (BOCC) continues to work method to determine funding, including is-
their way through the Staff Recommended sues such as how many clients they serve
posed budget a number of new positions to Budget for Fiscal Year 2021, they have de- and the unique service role they play in the
address the classroom discipline issue. Cal- layed a final decision on how to make more community.
vert Education Association, the union that than $5 million in cuts to bring the budget in One of the agencies that had its request cut
represents the teachers, feels those propos- balance. That includes the earlier inclusion of was The Arc of Southern Maryland. It re-
als don’t go far enough. a 25-cent cut in the property-tax rate, which quested $335,00 but only received $243,700,
Association President Dona Ostenso said equals a $600,000 revenue reduction. which is almost a $40,000 reduction over
at the Fe. 6 school board meeting, “We sup- Director of Finance and Budget Tim their current allotment.
ported the priorities of the strategic plan, Hayden will continue to work with depart- Commissioner Mike Hart expressed con-
that every student would be prepared to be ment heads to find those savings. cern about the cut, noting the good work the
college and or career ready, but it is in my Meanwhile the BOCC on Feb. 11 was pre- agency does.
sented with a report on this year’s funding The agency thar asked for funding for the
opinion that the budget does not fully sup- CEA President Dona Ostenso requests for what are called “Non-County first time, Calvert Collaborative for Children
port these priorities. Throughout the budget Agencies.” These are non-profit organiza- and Youth, had its $20,000 request cut as
process, there’ve been many discussions on what needs to be a priority for tions that the county has historically provid- well.
Fiscal Year 2021. We have heard citizens, educators, and elected school board ed funding to under the belief that they pro- Half of the Non-County Agencies were
members speak about the increased challenges in the classroom, especially in vide needed services that the county might recommended for a decrease in funding
the younger grades in regards to behavior and the need for social/emotional otherwise have to fund. over the current year. They are: Children’s
learning. Dr Curry’s budget did increase the number of school psychologists, In the current fiscal year, the county has Day at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum,
social workers and school counselors, as well as adding one behavior support budgeted $680,755 for two dozen agencies. Christmas in April Calvert County, Commu-
teacher and absolutely, this is a start, but these additional staff positions do not In so doing they had cut those agencies re- nity Ministry of Calvert County, Farming 4
support all of our schools. We will still have some schools with a ratio of one quests from $821,000. This year the agen- Hunger, LEAP Forward, Inc., Lifestyles of
cies, including one new one, asked for $ Maryland Foundation, Inc., Patuxent River
school counselor for every 700 students and not every school will have the ac- 872,665. The staff budget presented to the Appreciation Days, Inc., Project ECHO, Inc.,
cess to this additional mental health support.” BOCC calls for giving them $686,100. Southern Maryland Center for Family Advo-
Ostenso went on to say, “In addition, there was much discussion about re- Director of Community Resources Jen- cacy, St. Mary’s College, The ARC of South-
ducing class size at the K to 12 level, but there were no additional elementary nifer Moreland presented the data, but she ern Maryland and The Promise Resource
teachers proposed in the budget. I realize there is much debate about whether insists she thankfully is not involved in the Center.
class size matters, but I believe the research proves that reducing class size difficult funding decisions. Before coming to The BOCC asked for more information on
narrows the achievement gap, that it has a positive impact on school climate, county government, she worked for United how the decisions were made.
students’ socio-emotional growth, parent engagement and teacher attrition. Way of Calvert County, so she is intimate- dickmyers@countytimes.net
This alone supports all the components of the strategic plan in the proposed
budget.”
She noted there also has been a $473,000 decrease in textbook and instruc-
tional supplies program. “This is concerning to me because over the last four
years we have discussed the definition of curriculum, what the components of THE ARC SOUTHERN MARYLAND IS HIRING
a curriculum look like and where there are gaps in our curriculum.
However, county public schools have currently engaged in an outside firm
to audit elementary curriculum. This is a positive move, one that will support
multiple priorities in the strategic plan, but how will you pay for the recom-
IS BECOMING A
SUPERHERO YOUR
mendations that you receive from this audit?”
Ostenso noted, “I understand that not everything can be a priority every
year, but what is in this proposal is not enough. If the county appropriation is
not enough to support the priorities in the strategic plan, then Dr. Curry and the
elected members of the board, you need to ask the county commissioners for
additional funds and explain why they are needed and how they will be used. “
VISION FOR 2020?
A public hearing on Dr. Curry’s recommended budget is scheduled for Feb.
20. The school board will then review the budget and put their stamp on it
before presenting it to the county commissioners.
dickmyers@counthytimes.net
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6 Local News The Calvert County Times Thursday, February 13, 2020
Calvert NAACP Holds Breakfast Summit
Agenda: Diversity, Census, Vaping, Voting
By Dick Myers lished poet. you’re going to have to get in-
Editor Jennifer Luira read two of her poems, volved in the community.”
“My Father” and “Diversity.” “My Father” Parker said young people need
The Calvert County Branch of the Na- was dedicated to her father, who introduced encouragement for the dream Dr.
tional Association for the Advancement of her. “Diversity” talks about the wonder of King talked about to blossom.
Colored People (NAACP) held a breakfast uniqueness in nature and in human beings. He credited his mother for set-
summit on Feb. 8 as part of their commem- The poem concludes by saying: “Togeth- ting him on the right path. But he
oration of Black History Month. The event er we can accomplish, the bigger, the bet- added, “I’m a business owner. But
was held at the American Legion Gray ter. We all rise together. It can’t be one-man I’ve been through the ups and the
Wray Post 220 on Sixes Road in Prince standing. It must be everyone. No one shall downs of the business. Had it not
Frederick. be left behind. For in diversity shall be our been for a particular man sitting in
Speakers included representatives of the strength.” his room, certain things would not
Calvert County Health Department, the Calvert Minority Business Alliance have occurred for me.”
U.S. Census Bureau, League of Women President Bryant Parker asked those in the He told that man, “I’m a little
Voters and Calvert Minority Business audience who owned or represented a busi- nervous to take that next step. But
Alliance. ness to stand up, and about 25 percent did. he had the right words to tell me – Calvert NAACP President Michael Kent
But it was a 13-year-old girl who brought He said, “Everyone in this room is a part “How are you going to do it if you
down the packed house with a gripping po- of business because it takes a village and don’t want to ever try.” So simple encour-
etry reading from her book – “The Silent if you want to be successful in what you’re agement, a simple direction from a leader
Choice. Yes, at the age of 13, she is a pub- doing and I’m telling you from experience, like Michael Moore.”
Moore is a well-known Calvert County
businessman who served as county com-
missioner and is currently chair of the
COMEDSY Housing for All Task Force.
After giving each of the business owners
N
who had previously stood a chance to talk
VA IO
N t Graduation
about their businesses, Parker concluded
by saying, “Your success is determined
by your involvement with other people
that lead to your accumulation of wealth,
c For Proje c finance, and happiness. If you don’t have
those elements, you’re an island. Don’t be
an island. Let’s come together like we’re in
this room today.”
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2020 He added, “Let’s go farther in light, tak-
Doors Open at 7 p.m. Show Starts at 8 p.m. ing each one of us with each other. Reach Young poet Jennifer Luira
down and bring someone with you.” Faulkner was especially hard on the
The League of Women Voters represen- e-cigarette called Juul. She said, “Juul e-
Huntingtown High School Auditorium, 4125 Solomons Island Road, Huntingtown
For more information, contact the Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA) at 410-535-3733.
tatives explained that everyone can now cigarettes have the highest level of nicotine
vote by what used to be called an absentee among what is on the market currently.
ballot for any reason. Juul’s nicotine liquid resales are called
Census 2020 regional representative Lee pods. A single Juul pod contains at least the
TICKETS Osberry explained the Complete Count amount of nicotine that is in 20 cigarettes”
Committee in Calvert, which aims to cap- She said Juul has been purchased by the
ture a 90-perent response after mailings makers of Marlboro cigarettes and she con-
$35 in advance, $45 at the door
$25 for CAASA members
and students 13-18 that will begin in mid-March. Electronic tended they are using the same advertising
Available for purchase at: responses are being encouraged. tactics formerly employed for cigarettes
He said, “It’s not just the local govern- to attract young people to the e-cigarette
CAASA Office
ment. This is a community effort. It is a habit.
team effort to make sure that we get a com-
Prince Frederick
The result she said is that between 2018
Floral Expressions
plete and accurate count. The more that and 2019 there’s been a more than tripling
people are invested in it, the better results of e-cigarette use by those 21 to 24 and for
Owings
Tickets sold are by cash we’re going to have.” those 18-20, “Juul use went from 11.9 to
He said the census is important for 23.9 percent.” And, 50 percent of middle
or check only.
Tickets may also be three reasons: a civic responsibility im- and high school students say they have tried
purchased online at
bedded in the Constitution and it deter- e-cigarettes.
comedyinvasion2020.eventbrite.com
mines representation in Congress through It is now illegal to sell to anyone under
reapportionment. 21, but not illegal to possess. Bills have
SILENT AUCTION The third reason hits everyone’s’ pock- been introduced in this legislative session
etbooks: “$675 billion that comes from the to try to rectify that.
Join us at 7 p.m. for federal government and it’s reinvested into Calvert Branch NAACP President Mi-
a silent auction! the community. We’re talking about re- chael Kent was Master of Ceremonies for
source management.” the event.
Jennifer Faulkner from the Calvert
Payment by cash and check.
County Health Department talked about e- dickmyers@countytimes.net
We put the MOCK in cigarettes and vaping. “It’s actually consid-
DEMOCRACY! ered an epidemic,” she said.
% LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS SERVING CALVERT COUNTY
ON NEWSSTANDS EVERY THURSDAY & ONLINE AT COUNTYTIMES.NET County Times St. Mary’s County ● Calvert County
Thursday, February 13, 2020 The Calvert County Times In Our Community 7
Spiggy Remembers “Chip” Allen
By Dave issue and provide great advice to the individual with Hour Network Show on Sirius Radio. The DJ at that
Spigler the concerns. time was a friend of Elvis from high school days and
Contributing Chip is currently the Safety Advocate at Patuxent was a well known radio personality in Memphis. I
Writer High School, a job that he was selected for following remembered him from two tours I spent in Memphis
his police career in 2007 and a role that was tailor going to the Navy’s aviation electronics schools. He
Forward made for him. He loves this job and has the perfect wrote a book about Elvis that Priscilla Presley called
This story personality and attitude for working daily with our the best and most honest story about her husband. I
is about a fine youth. He is enjoyed by the student body and his purchased it and had the gent personalize it for Chip
gentleman and great interactions with the kids can be witnessed by and surprised him with it for his birthday! You
a terrific Cal- his omnipresence at football, basketball, graduations, should have seen Chip – he acted like a youngster on
vert County and the other school events that occur each school his first trip to Disneyland!!! Gosh, was he excited as
Sheriff’s Dep- year. There was one time a few years ago when he any little birthday boy that day!
uty who re- looked to be in pain with a sore back and shoulder Let me also tell you quickly about the 20 years of
cently passed and I asked him: “Now what happened to you?” In a assistance Chip gave me as my “right hand” when
away and left somewhat sheepish manner he explained he had just putting on the many “Spiggy & Friends” Charity Golf
us much too broken up a fight between two girls in the school caf- Tournaments and Sunday Children’s Hospital Ben-
early. Chip Al- eteria. I don’t ever remember a time during his police efits!!! He always supported me with the planning
len was a per- career that he ever looked so beaten up! He probably and preparation that made these events so successful.
JANELLE sonalJAMES friendJANELLE
won’t careJAMES JANELLE
for the fact JAMES
I brought this up andJANELLE
the Lord He did all the audio and video and served as Master
Chip Allen
JAMESwho JANELLE JAMES JANELLE JAMES
I truly knows he’s the last guy I want to be in a brawl with!!! of Ceremonies. He just made things happen! And
admired and thought the world of. He was
JANELLE as goodJANELLE
JAMES My friend has always
JAMES been veryJAMES
JANELLE active in JANELLE
our com- never once did he ever charge us for this work, even
a friend as I have ever known and he was
JAMES JANELLE JAMES undoubt- munity as well. For JAMES
JANELLE years he has served inJAMES
JANELLE many though I once publicly forgot to thank him for all this
edly the most kind hearted gentleman you will ever officer roles and functions at the Arick Lore Ameri- help! Well, “Elvis Junior,” here is your “Thank You”
JANELLE JAMES JANELLE JAMES JANELLE JAMES JANELLE
meet. I penned this story five years ago when Chip can Legion Post. He participates in many activities for all the good times, all the Redskins games, the
JAMES
first became seriously ill and was JANELLE
hospitalized. At the JAMES
there andJANELLE JAMES
is instrumental JANELLE
in organizing JAMES “Chip and Dave Winter Beach Parties” complete with
fundraisers,
time, none of us had any idea about his JAMES
JANELLE long termJANELLE
dances, and dinners.JANELLE
JAMES He helped organize
JAMEStheJANELLE
popular a live parrot and Jimmy Buffet music and all the other
prognosis, but we knew he was JAMES strong JANELLE
in body and JAMES ThursdayJANELLE
night TriviaJAMES
Game thatJANELLE
is its fourth JAMES
or fifth events, and all the laughs we shared together! You
spirit and we knew he would meet this challenge head year now. He provides the audio equipment for many are an institution in this part of the world and your
JANELLE JAMES JANELLE JAMES JANELLE JAMES JANELLE
on. He was able to bravely ward off his malady for all of these large events where he also performs as the friendship has been enjoyed by so many!
this time until succumbing to JAMES
it a week ago JANELLE
at age 59. JAMES
DJ. ChipJANELLE
started a veryJAMES JANELLE
successful DJ businessJAMES
years
The words still ring true today JANELLE
and genuinely JAMES reflectJANELLE
ago and isJAMES JANELLE
the best when it comesJAMES JANELLE
to weddings. I can Rest in Peace my friend! SPIGGY
the qualities of this wonderfulJAMES
individualJANELLE
we’ve lost… JAMES recall when
JANELLEhe performed
JAMES at my daughter Stacy’s
JANELLE JAMES
Five Years Ago JANELLE JAMES JANELLE wedding years
JAMES ago JANELLE
over in St. Michael’s
JAMES acrossJANELLE the
I first met Chip Allen almost 25 years ago when Bay. Unbeknownst to any of us, his computer crashed
he was a Deputy on the Calvert JAMES JANELLE
County Sheriff’s De- JAMES JANELLE
just hours before her JAMES
re- JANELLE JAMES
JANELLE JAMES JANELLE
partment. He was the perfect role model of a profes- ception for more the 150JAMES JANELLE JAMES JANELLE
sional police officer [I am notJAMEScrazy about the word
JANELLE JAMES guests! He somehow was
JANELLE JAMES JANELLE JAMES
“cop” as it gives me the wrong impressionJAMES
JANELLE of today’sJANELLE
able to goJAMES
to a Wal Mart
JANELLE JAMES JANELLE
law enforcement officer]. He was very polite and and buy all of the music
gentle in his conversation and JAMES
had a twinkle JANELLE
in his eye JAMES JANELLE JAMES JANELLE JAMES
Stacy selected that was
as he spoke. I forget how we JANELLE
actually met,JAMES but I willJANELLE
lost whenJAMES JANELLE JAMES JANELLE
his computer
bet you a friendly cold can of “Bud Light”
JAMES JANELLE was in- JAMES
blew up!JANELLE
He was ableJAMES JANELLE JAMES
volved. Chip always had a way of being just a regular to
JANELLE JAMES JANELLE JAMES JANELLE jury rig his system so JAMES JANELLE
guy when out of uniform; his easy going attitude and that no one knew what
JAMES JANELLE JAMES JANELLE JAMES JANELLE JAMES
smile belied the toughness he could harness when had happened! I still
JANELLE JAMES andJANELLE JAMES “AN EVENING WITH
it was necessary to assume his “police powers” don’t know where heJANELLE
got JAMES JANELLE
JAMES
play the role of one of “Calvert’s finest!”JANELLE JAMES the songJANELLE
about “Stacy’sJAMES JANELLE JAMES JANELLE JAMES”
Chip’s family moved to Huntingtown
JANELLEfrom JAMESthe DCJANELLE
Mom” but JAMESthe crowd
JANELLE JAMES JANELLE
suburbs when he was very young. JAMES Following
JANELLE gradua- JAMES
enjoyed JANELLE
it and everyone JAMES JANELLE JAMES SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 7:30 P.M.
tion from Northern High School, he joined the United laughed when I danced
States Air Force and becameJANELLE a Military JAMESPolicemanJANELLE JAMES
with the bride’s JANELLE JAMES JANELLE Michael P. O’Brien Athletic and Recreation Center
mother!
[MP] in Georgia. FollowingJAMES JANELLE
his four-year stint, he JAMES JANELLE
A little JAMES JANELLE JAMES
insight into TICKETS:
returned home and became JANELLE a Calvert deputy and
JAMES JANELLE Chip’s character;
JAMES JANELLE he JAMES JANELLE WWW.SMCM.EDU/TWAIN-TICKETS
built a distinguished career JAMES
of more than 20 years JAMES
JANELLE loves rock and roll and
JANELLE JAMES JANELLE JAMES
of service to our country and our county. He was knows everything one
JANELLE JAMES JANELLE
well known and well liked among our citizens and can know about Elvis JAMES JANELLE JAMES JANELLE $10 GENERAL ADMISSION
was very popular with his fellow JAMES officers.JANELLE
Whenever JAMES Presley! JANELLE
Just a little JAMES
se- JANELLE JAMES $5 ARTS ALLIANCE MEMBERS
I am at an event or gatheringJANELLE
anywhere inJAMES SouthernJANELLE
cret between
JAMES you JANELLE
and JAMES JANELLE JANELLE JAMES is a comedian seen on “The
Maryland where police are in attendance, should I me, Chip deep down
JAMES JANELLE JAMES JANELLE JAMES JANELLE JAMES Comedy Lineup” on Netflix, “Late Night with Seth
mention Chip’s name, I always get an instantaneous thinks he is truly “El-
JANELLE JAMES JANELLE JAMES JANELLE JAMES JANELLE Meyers,” and “Crashing” on HBO. She is currently
smile from the individual who I am speaking with. vis’ son!” Seriously! I
JAMES
Okay, so there are a lot of great JANELLE
police officers, both JAMES
have seenJANELLE
it with my ownJAMES JANELLE JAMES a staff writer on “Black Monday” on Showtime.
men and women, down here in JANELLE JAMES IJANELLE
our little paradise! eyes! ThreeJAMES years JANELLE
ago JAMES JANELLE Recently touring with Chris Rock and Amy
know many of them and a few I have met
JAMES along side JAMES
JANELLE we accompanied
JANELLEChip JAMES JANELLE JAMES Schumer, she now leads the The Janelle
the road over my 35 years here, but that’s
JANELLE JAMES JANELLE another and Julie JAMES
on a camping James Comedy Festival in Brooklyn, New York.
JANELLE JAMES JANELLE Check out her comedy album, “Black and Mild,”
story for another time. But Chip Allen is special, if trip to Memphis for his
not extraordinary in his abilityJAMES
to becomeJANELLE
involved in JAMES
birthday JANELLE JAMES JANELLE JAMES available on all major streaming networks.
so that he could
JANELLE JAMES JANELLE
other people’s problems and issues. He is approach- turn 50 at Graceland, El-JAMES JANELLE JAMES JANELLE Named one of The 50 Most Funny People in
able and folks like that about JAMES
him as they know they
JANELLE JAMES vis’ home. We spent the
JANELLE JAMES JANELLE JAMES Brooklyn.
can go to him with just about JANELLE
anything knowing JAMES theyJANELLE
entire day touring JANELLE
JAMES the JAMES JANELLE
will get great advice. He exhibits a certain magne- mansion and grounds,
tism that draws people to him as he makes them feel walking through the
comfortable when discussing matters they wish to re- three museums, seeing
solve, be it of a legal or personal conflict. I am always his cars and airplanes
astonished that he can quickly and clearly identify an and visiting the Elvis 24
8 In Our Community The Calvert County Times Thursday, February 13, 2020
Governor Honors Calvert’s Bicentennial Farm
Governor Larry Hogan on Jan. 27 honored six Mary- come of $2,500 or more from the sale of farm
land farm families during the 2020 Century Farm cer- products. The Century Farm Program hon-
emony at the State House. This recognition is given to ors families who have passed their farming
farms that have been owned and operated by the same operations down from generation to genera-
family for more than 100 years. This year’s ceremony tion, making it possible for future stewards of
included five Century Farms and one Bicentennial Farm. the land to continue in their family tradition.
Among the farms honored was White Hall Farm in The Hogan administration re-established this
Dunkirk which was established in 1801, making it the annual tradition in 2017 for Maryland farm
Bicentennial Farm. families after it had been halted for 10 years.
“Today is a celebration of agriculture, but it is also Since the Century Farm Program began,
about families. By passing down farming as a way of life 193 farms – about 1.5% of the state’s 12,429
from generation to generation, each of our six honorees farms – have received the Century Farm des-
has played a significant role in continuing agriculture as ignation. Additionally, since the start of the
the leading industry in Maryland,” said Governor Ho- program, 27 families have earned the Bicen-
gan. “We are incredibly grateful for all of our Maryland tennial Farm title for farming the same land
farms, and are proud to celebrate six very special farm for more than 200 years, and 4 families have
families that represent the absolute best of Maryland been named Tricentennial Farms for farming
agriculture.” the same land for more than 300 years.
“Becoming a Maryland Century Farm is no small White Hall Farm is currently owned and
feat,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joseph operated by Tiffany and Todd Durbin. This standing in its original structure, and two more tobacco
Bartenfelder. “This honor is the result of more than a Bicentennial Farm has been in the family since 1801 barns that were built in 1900.
hundred years of hard work, dedication, perseverance, when it was originally purchased by Thomas W.B. Throughout its 200-year history, White Hall Farm has
and passion by the families recognized today and their Smith, who was the founder of Smithsville, Maryland, grown tobacco and raised cows, horses, chickens, and
loved one’s that came before them. I cannot thank each now known as Dunkirk. The original farm covered goats. The farm currently grows poultry, corn and soy-
Century Farm family enough for what they have done more than 168 acres and is currently 75 acres. Informa- beans. Todd Durbin is a veteran of the U.S. Army and
for Maryland agriculture and I congratulate them on this tion related to the origins of the land is unclear due to participates in the Farmer Veteran Coalition and Mary-
incredible milestone achievement.” the loss of records when the Calvert County courthouse land’s Best Homegrown By Heroes program.
The Maryland Century Farm Program was estab- burnt down in 1882. White Hall Farm hosted the first For more information on the Century Farm program,
lished in 1994 by Governor William Donald Schaefer to ever Calvert County Fair on its grounds in 1886. The please contact Jessica O’Sullivan at jessica.osullivan@
recognize farms that have been in the same family for farmhouse was built in 1801, and is being awarded the maryland.gov or 410-841-5882. See below for biogra-
at least 100 consecutive years; contain a minimum of 10 Century Farm Historic Structures Award. Additionally, phies on each 2020 Century Farm designee.
acres of the original parcel; and have a gross annual in- there is one tobacco barn on the property that is still Press Release from the Office of Gov. Larry Hogan.
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Thursday, February 13, 2020 The Calvert County Times In Our Community 9
First Area Barn Quilt Trail Launched
Arts Council of Calvert County Project
The Calvert Barn Quilt Trail is a program of the Arts Council of Calvert County
that connects our community and visitors by promoting our County’s agricultural
heritage, local history and artistic talent through hand painted wooden quilt squares.
Pet
OF THE WEEK
MEET ROXIE
The trail is supported by volunteers, the generous donations of individuals and the
Southern Maryland Heritage Area Consortium.
Each square tells two stories. One is the story of the square’s artwork. Is it a be- If you have an active family, we just might have the
loved traditional quilt pattern that has meaning for the sponsor of the square or is it perfect dog for you!
an original designed by a local artist? Another is the story of where the square hangs.
Roxie is a great dog!
Is it on a barn belonging to a multigenerational farming family, a small business, a
museum or a private home? Each one is beautiful and tells a special story. She knows how to sit, comes when called, and she knows how to play
fetch. Roxie gets along with other dogs, likes baths, is crate trained and
The new trail stretches from North Beach to Solomon’s Island and from the Ches- has wonderful manners in the car and house. She would be great in a home
apeake Bay to the Patuxent River. The attached brochure was created by Calvert without cats or other small animals. This sweet girl would love to be your
County Economic Development & Tourism and the Calvert Barn Quilt Trail Com- valentine and love you furrever and ever! As Pet of the Week, her adoption
mittee. Follow us on Facebook and visit www.calvertbarnquilttrail.com for images fee has been waived for qualified adopters. Come meet Roxie today, you
of each square and an interactive map. will not be disappointed!
We are only 35 miles South of Washington, DC, so come and enjoy our
Barn Quilt Trail, learn about Maryland’s history, find creative art and gifts, relax by PLEASE CHOOSE ME!
the water, and bring home some great local produce. Discover local restaurants, at- And remember, if there is room in the heart, there is room in the house.
tractions and more at www.ChooseCalvert.com. For more information about visiting
Come meet me and the wonderful gang at Tri-
Calvert County, MD, please contact Hilary Dailey, hilary.dailey@calvertcountymd. County Animal Shelter (6707 Animal Shelter
gov. Road, Hughesville) or call 301-932-1713. To
Press Release from Arts Council of Calvert County see more of my amazing friends available for
adoption, “like” us on Facebook @ Tri-County
Animal Shelter Southern MD.
Barn and Sunflowers
Patuxent Small Craft Guild
Announces Raffle Winner
Chesapeake Beach Oyster Restoration
Winners Matt and Josh Hilpert with PSCG volunteer Ray Brule
The Calvert Marine Museum’s Patuxent Small Craft Guild maintains the historic
boats in the museum’s collection, and preserves the art and skills of wooden boat
building. These volunteers build and raffle a boat each year to benefit ongoing activi-
ties of the Guild.
The guild is pleased to announce Matt and Rachel Hilpert of Pasadena, Maryland,
as the winners of the 2019 boat raffle. The Hilperts recently moved to Maryland from
Hawaii and are thrilled that they won the sail boat. Though not currently boat own-
ers, they have sailed in the past and look forward to enjoying the water this summer.
Son Josh Hilpert has some experience, being on his high school’s sailing team, and
has plans to teach his two younger brothers how to sail.
There were over 2,000 tickets sold last year at the museum’s annual events, includ-
ing the Solomons Maritime Festival, Patuxent River Appreciation Day, and Waterside
Music Series. This year’s winning ticket was sold at the 2019 Brett Eldredge concert.
The 2020 raffle boat will be on display in the Exhibition Building starting March
23 and tickets will be on sale for $1 each or six for $5 in the Museum Store and at
the Patuxent Small Craft Center. They will also be available at the museum’s 2020
annual events and summer concerts.
Press Release from CMM.
10 In Our Community The Calvert County Times Thursday, February 13, 2020
County Adds Smart911 Dine Out on Delicious Deals During
Facility Feature Restaurant Week
Calvert County’s eclectic restaurants will
The Calvert County Department of Public Safety announced showcase their creative cuisine and offer deli-
today that Smart911 now offers a Smart911 Facility feature for cious deals during Calvert County Restaurant
businesses to create a facility profile to allow first responders to Week March 5-12, 2020.
assist more quickly during an emergency. The feature enables Coordinated by the Calvert County Depart-
Smart911 Facility users to create a free profile with key details ment of Economic Development, Calvert County
about campuses and buildings including floor plans, number of Restaurant Week will feature restaurants that
landlines, fire and security alarm locations, utility shutoff loca- draw on the region’s bounty to offer unique din- growing list of participating restaurants, menus,
tions, points of contact and more. ing experiences. Whether your favorite fare is a mapping feature showing restaurant locations
When an individual makes emergency calls, a personalized fresh seafood, Italian cuisine or anything in be- and frequently asked questions.
safety profile is automatically displayed to the 911 call taker, tween, Restaurant Week has something tosatisfy
allowing first responders to quickly locate key information to any taste. Diners are encouraged to make Restaurant
provide lifesaving services. “Restaurant Week gives Calvert County res- Week reservations early. Special fixed-price
Citizens can create a safety profile for their household at taurants an opportunity to shine just as winter menus will be available at each location with
www.Smart911.com or on the Smart911 mobile app. Businesses is winding down and the spring season is begin- lunch and dinner options offered. Cost for lunch
and facility owners can visit www.RaveFacility.com to cre- ning,” said Director of Economic Development offerings range between $10-15 and dinner offer-
ate a Smart911 Facility profile. Citizens with questions about Kelly Robertson-Slagle. “This week-long event is ings range between $20-25 per plate. Some res-
Smart911 may contact Emergency Communications Assistant a great way to help our economy and strengthen taurants may offer the promotional pricing at one
Chief Stanley Harris at 410-535-2890. our community. We’re excited about it and hope meal, rather than both.
people will check out a restaurant they’ve never Look for Calvert County Restaurant Week on
Press Release from Calvert County government. been to before or support an old favorite.” Facebook and join the event for updates through
Restaurant Week patrons can enter a draw- February. For information on the Calvert County
ing for prizes by completing an online feedback Department of Economic Development and the
form, or by posting a photo of yourself dining services available to assist county businesses, call
during Restaurant Week at one of the participat- 410-535-4583 or 301-855-1880; send an email to
ing restaurants on Facebook or Instagram with info@ecalvert.com; visit online at www.ecalvert.
the hashtag #CalvertEats. com.
A special section on the Calvert County tour-
ism website at ChooseCalvert.com/Restaurant- Press Release from Calvert County
Week features full event details including the government.
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Allow us to enhance your presence one T at a time.Thursday, February 13, 2020 The Calvert County Times On the Cover 11
CareNet: A Safe Haven for Women
By Guy Leonard and Dick Myers
Staff Writers
For nearly 30 years CareNet of Southern Maryland
has given women who are dealing with an unplanned
or unexpected pregnancy a place to get support and
comfort; their mission is to help preserve life and show
women that, despite their fears of having a child, they
can do it.
The only option they don’t assist women with in deal-
ing with their pregnancy is referring them for an abor-
tion; they don’t try to convince women not to get an
abortion, they say, but they do try to show women the
value of the new life they are carrying.
“Our mission is to provide help, hope and resources
to women and families dealing with an unexpected
pregnancy,” said Christine Cooney, communications
coordinator for the local CareNet. “We have women of
all ages who come here.”
The local CareNet, with offices in Lexington Park,
Leonardtown and Prince Frederick, offers women preg-
nancy tests, sonograms to confirm pregnancy, clothing,
food and cleaning supplies to take care of infants and
very young children, parenting classes and testing for
sexually transmitted diseases and infections.
The Prince Frederick location is at 2190 Solomons
Island Road. They’ve been there for nine years, having Prince Frederick CareNet Center Director Cindy Fehrman poises with volunteer, Nora Simmons, a client advocate.
previously been in Lusby.
The Prince Frederick office director is Cindy Feh- “But you don’t have to be Christian to come here.” support if they return.
rman; she’s been with CareNet for 12 years. They have helped women who are Muslim, Buddhist “It’s hard,” Cooney said. “Sometimes we just have to
Fehrman and her husband, who is pastor of South- and other faiths or of no faith, they said. bury ourselves in the compassion of Christ.”
ern Calvert Baptist Church, had previously worked in a Many women who come in are in their 20s, but there CareNet of Southern Maryland is currently working
maternity home for girls. She was trained as an ultra- are also women in their 30s and older, some of whom to refer women who have taken what is known as the
sound technician but in what she does now, she really who have already had children and are deep into their “abortion pill,” also known as RU 486, to take medica-
has found her niche. own careers. tion that can reverse its affects.
“I love it,” Fehrman said. Others come from homes that are broken and abu- But time is critical, as RU 486 takes just two to three
The Calvert office offers all the services that are sive; they are concerned that they will not be able to be days to end a pregnancy.
available in the other local offices. They are open Mon- the best parent for their child, Whitlock said. CareNet of Southern Maryland has begun an infor-
day, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 If they chose to have the procedure, Whitlock said, a mational campaign to tell women that an option ex-
a.m. to 5 p.m. sonogram can be a powerful tool of realization. ists to keep their pregnancy viable if they act quickly
They do have one unique program, however – parent- “For a lot of women, seeing that heartbeat is how enough.
ing training for inmates at the Calvert County Deten- they come to see it’s a life,” Whitlock said. “The window to reach a woman now is about two
tion Center. What brings most women into the CareNet office, days,” Cooney said. “We don’t have the same amount
Cooney said their center received more than 2,600 said Olivia Bossert, executive director for the regional of time we used to.”
visits from women seeking assistance, and their medi- facilities, is fear. The abortion pill is available on-line, they said, but
cal staff, which consists of three nurses and a doctor “Most women we deal with who find out they are warned that these pills bypass important safeguards
who provides oversight, performed 232 pregnancy tests pregnanct, mostly what they feel is fear,” Bossert said. and can put women at risk.
last year. “We try to remove that fear.” CareNet operates using a small corps of paid staff
Shelby Whitlock, outreach and education director for CareNet does not just work to help expectant and and volunteers; their facilities are operated entirely off
CareNet, said a key focus of the organization is a class fearful mothers, but they also want to help women who donations from the community.
on having a healthy relationship for middle and high have had abortions and are feeling the pain of the loss. Their big fundraiser, the Annual Banquet, will be
school students who are just starting out in their own “Most of the women who have abortions are in their held this year on March 26th at the Hollywood Vol-
social journeys. 20s and 30s and when they come to us, they’ve carried unteer Fire Department Social Hall. Melissa Ohden is
The class is called REEF or Relationship Essentials this shame, this guilt for 10 or 15 years,” Bossert said. expected to be the keynote speaker. She is a survivor
that Equip Families. “When they come to us, they’re tired of carrying it.” of a failed saline abortion in 1977. More information is
“We’re very focused on individuals,” Whitlock said. The staff and volunteers at CareNet, offer the same available on their website: www.friendsofcarenetsomd.
“With this class we’re trying to reset this generation, compassion to a woman who has had an abortion as to org
because the family has kind of fallen apart.” those who are seeking an alternative to one. Why volunteer? Cooney said it’s a great place for
In the class, young people are given alternatives to “The world tells them it’s not a big deal,” Bossert someone to put their faith in action. “A typical vol-
sexual activity at such an age – CareNet is Christian said. “It is a big deal. unteer shift is about four hours long and we provide
faith based and advocates sexual abstinence before “What we try to tell them is that even if you’re in a training for all of our volunteers. Anyone who feels
marriage – and are taught ways to be close with each bad situation you don’t have to be in it alone,” Bossert that God has put it on their heart to get involved with
other aside from physical intimacy. said. Care Net SoMD can call their local center to get more
But for young women who find themselves expecting It is difficult to know the number of abortions per- information,” she said.
a child, CareNet stands ready to help, free of charge and formed in either St. Mary’s, Calvert or Maryland as the There are over 1,000 pregnancy centers across the
free of judgement. state does not report abortion numbers to the federal United States that are affiliated with CareNet.
“You treat everyone with compassion,” Cooney said. government. “We are completely donor funded,” Cooney said.
“We don’t meet them with judgement.” Every woman they have seen, Bossert said, regrets it “We receive support from churches throughout the
In helping women with options for their pregnancy, if they’ve had an abortion. community.
Whitlock said they are open to all regardless of their “But no one has ever regretted keeping their baby,” “God provides for us.”
own personal faith. she said.
“Everything we do in our centers is completely free,” But not all women who come to seek assistance re- guyleonard@countytimes.net and dickmyers@
Whitlock said. “We can only meet them with the com- linquish their decision to get an abortion; the CareNet countytimes.net
passion of Christ. staff and volunteers will still help them with emotionalYou can also read
