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Falling Prices Making Some Board of Education Homes More Affordable Taskforce still advocates changes to Approves allow more workforce housing Budget
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer Affordable workforce housing stock has increased somewhat in St. Marys County, according to real estate and development insiders, but that does not mean the county can relax in its efforts to make living here more affordable. Ive seen townhouses on the market lately in the $200,000 range, said developer John K. Parlett. Thats absolutely getting down into that workforce housing area [of affordability.] Parlett, who is also co-chair of a task force examining the dearth of workforce housing in the county and how to turn the See Housing page A- Andrea Shiell Staff Writer The St. Marys County Board of Education approved its 20 th version of the 2009 operating budget at their most recent meeting, collectively heaving sighs of relief after a long and arduous balancing process. Their finished product met with unanimous approval and a fair amount of applause. The $16 million operating budget for fiscal year 2009 includes $6 million from the county, reflecting an increase of $4.2 million from last years recurring funds. The lifesaver came from the state though, which provided a heavier than expected $5.6 million increase in funds, closing the projected shortfall for which administrators were preparing to tighten their belts. A small amount of federal funding makes up the difference. When we first started this See BOE Budget page A-
Inside
Op.-Ed .......... Obituaries..... Community... Police ............ Classifieds..... Thursday Partly Cloudy 34 Page A - 4 Page A - 9 Page B - 4 Page B - 7 Page B - 9 Friday Rain 36
Condos set for construction at the Wildewood development are examples of some new lower cost housing stock coming into the community to attract a strong workforce but advocates say that lower home prices could still rise and more affordable housing is needed.
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It was this incident that led to renewed interest in the campus safety program at Leonardtown and the establishment of the text messaging system. Some students at that time even said the college should consider hiring armed security guards to protect the campus. I dont think weve reached that level of necessity yet, Raley said. Especially with the sheriffs office so nearby. The security issue at the Leonardtown campus may only grow as more and more students attend the facility. According to Gottfried 68 percent of the college bound high school students in St. Marys attend CSM the Leonardtown campus has the highest number of high school students concurrently enrolled in classes. Several days out of the week, Gottfried said, there are too many people attending the campus for the parking lot to accommodate. Fall enrollment for 2007 was dramatically higher than in 2006 and was the highest enrollment rate to date, he added. Its amazing, Gottfried said of the proportion of high school students attending. Ive never seen anything like that.
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To The Editor:
Repeal Computer Services Tax by Cutting Spending
The expansion of the sales and use tax to include computer services is one of the most egregious examples of the get-it-done-quick attitude of the 2007 Special Session. It was pushed through in the dark of night with minimal public input. The haphazard process that surrounded the passage of the measure makes it difficult, if not impossible, to implement. The members of the House Republican Caucus pointed out all of these issues during the floor debate and worked to remove the expansion of the bill, however our efforts were soundly rejected. What is most troubling about this expansion of the sales and use tax is the devastating consequences it will have on Marylands knowledge-base economy. This is a sector of the economy that Maryland has tried to cultivate but is also a very mobile sector that could easily do business in another state. Therefore, our Caucus supports a repeal of the computer services sales tax. The Democratic leadership in the House and Senate would have you believe that the only way to reasonably repeal this tax is to pass new taxes to make up the revenue. This simply is not the case. Moreover, it illustrates how out of touch they are with Marylands taxpayers. The citizens of Maryland are already struggling with high utility and grocery bills combined with the large tax increases that have recently become effective. Enough is enough; Marylanders cannot afford any more new taxes. Maryland has a spending problem, not a revenue problem so additional taxes are not necessary. The computer service tax can be repealed without trading it for other taxes and without shifting the burden to local governments. The House Republican Caucus has identified $203 million in budget reductions that would cover the revenue lost from repealing he computer services tax. We have reached across the aisle and offered these
reductions to the House leadership in good faith. We are hopeful that our proposal is seriously considered so we can reach a bipartisan consensus to repeal the tax without adding additional burden to Marylands families
Sincerely, Anthony J. ODonnell House Minority Leader Christopher B. Shank House Minority Whip
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pair of flat or nearly flat navy blue shoes, to wear with jeans or more casual pants. Men complain about the number of shoes we have but the fact is, we wear them all. Its no sillier than men having eight screwdrivers or 128 drill bits. Its all about having the right tool for the job! And we havent even talked about purses! Again, different colors and different styles are needed to go with different outfits. You cant use your black shoulder strap everyday bag with a green cocktail dress! So we need casual bags, dress bags and different sized bags, as well as different colors. As you can see, being a woman requires a broad knowledge base about fashion and style. No, gentlemen, its not easy; if it were, you could all do it. And you might laugh at us or mock us, but we ALL know that you dont mind admiring a well-turned out lady. So, be quiet and enjoy the beauty that is the reward of our efforts. You can email the Country Girl at countrygirlramblings@gmail.com
making Valentines Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. (An estimated 2.6 billion cards are sent for Christmas.) Approximately 85 percent of all valentines are purchased by women between Feb. 7 and Feb. 13. In addition to the United States, Valentines Day is celebrated extensively in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia. Did You Know? The per capita consumption of candy by Americans in 2005 was 25.7 pounds. Candy consumption has actually declined over the last few years; in 1997, each American gobbled or savored more than 27 pounds of candy a year. The first instance of Spring Cleaning occurred in ancient Rome. During this time, houses were ritually cleansed by sweeping them out and then sprinkling salt and a type of wheat called spelt throughout their interiors. 2.2 million marriages take place in the United States annually. That breaks down to more than 6,000 a day. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. The greeting, which was written in 1415, is part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.
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advanced health monitoring functions. Approximately 6,000 hours of engine ground testing will begin in 2009 on the CH53Ks GE38 engine. Engine ground testing is a critical element in the process to obtain flight clearance and approval for production The CH-53K is in Systems Development and Demonstration with a program of record calling for 156 aircraft.
the facility. That permit could come any day now, Erichsen said. We could build it today at our own risk, Erichsen told The County Times. We have the local financing and the local permits in place. But you run the risk of tearing it down later if an appeal were successful. Erichsen said the transfer station would help reduce congestion across the bridge to Calvert County as well as the Route 235 corridor by reducing the number of trash truck trips. The key is to get the commercial sector [in St. Marys] thats generating and picking up this trash not to rely on [facilities in] Calvert and Charles counties. CommisCounty
sioner Lawrence Jarboe (R-Golden Beach) was encouraged by the lastest ruling on the transfer station issue. We need it, Jarboe said of the site. Right now were on plan C trucking county waste to King George [Va.] and we cant do that for very long. Its working, but its not the most efficient way to go. The total estimated cost of the project is $4.8 million, according to information from the countys Capital Improvement Plan budget for fiscal 2008.
The legislature is also tackling a proposed hike on alcohol taxes, but Sen. Jennie Forehand, D-Montgomery, lead sponsor of one version of the bill, said it is mostly intended to help eliminate the computer services tax and will not punish drinkers. Forehands bill would adjust the tax from $1.50 to $4.50 per gallon for distilled spirits, 40 cents to $1.20 per gallon on wine and 9 cents to 54 cents per gallon of beer. Alcohol should not be a sacred cow, she said, adding that Maryland has some of the lowest alcohol taxes in the country. Health organizations testified at a Feb. 6 Senate hearing in support of the tax hikes to raise money for health initiatives and to mitigate alcohol-related medical costs. But Jay Hibbard, vice president of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, said the bill threatens several alcohol-related businesses in Maryland and that 1,900 residents could lose jobs in hospitality. The Senate Budget and Taxation Committee said the increased cost for consumers under Forehands bill would be minimal, about 59 cents more per bottle of spirits, 16 cents more per bottle of wine and 4 cents more per can of beer. According to the Department of Legislative Services, only about one third of bills introduced each session get passed - most die in committee. Opponents of these vice taxes, like Bereano, contend they would ultimately cause the state to lose money as residents take their business elsewhere. There was enough tax damage done during the special session, said Bereano, who lobbied against a dating services tax proposed in the last session. I told them, dont tax love, you cant tax love. And they didnt.
Requirements
Continued from page A- Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, showed that 3.7 percent of students were not able to graduate in 2007 because they had not earned the credits required by the county, though they had completed the state requirements. Most went on to earn their diplomas by going to summer school, taking evening classes, or enrolling in a fifth year of instruction, but board members agreed that the extra credits were creating a problem. Currently, students are required to take four units of math and three units of social studies to graduate, compared with the Maryland state requirements for three units of math and two of social studies. The extra math credit was added a few years ago as a way to better prepare students for college level math courses, and the social studies requirement has been in place since the 1970s, originally added in the hopes of spurring more political awareness and participation. But schedule restraints imposed by the current policy may be keeping students from taking advanced placement courses, and may be further hampering progress by those who have to take remedial courses to pass the High School Assessment tests. Board members agreed that options for more diverse programs of study were important. Not everyones the same, said board member Cathy Allen. When we just keep trying to herd kids in the same direction, its a wonder we dont have more rebellion.
Board members also commented that the changes would not affect the difficulty level of the classes, but would help struggling or at-risk students meet the requirements rather than struggle with them. The math courses are still there. The science courses are still therethe opportunities are still there, said board member Sal Raspa. I think what were doing is the right thing, said board member Gary Kessler, who agreed that the rigor of the coursework would not be affected by the changes. Changes in the course requirements for graduation have also been figured into the 2009 budget, allowing for the elimination of 12 teaching positions, and thereby freeing up $700,000 for use in other areas. I think it is a good plan, said board member Mary Washington. Were being good stewards of our resources.
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Bob Schaller, director of the county Department of Economic & Community Development, who has been attending the most recent meetings of the taskforce, said the issue still needs to be in the spotlight. The report was made, but time went on, Schaller said. The taskforce said we need to get this done. Schaller said his department has put in a budget request for a full-time coordinator who would work for the county to help establish more workforce housing and advocate for zoning changes, but ultimately it was up to the development community to build the homes. How do you get the private sector to devote and make a commitment to that income center? Schaller said. Its a topic weve got to keep visible. Parlett said that with a tight budget year looming, it would be difficult to get the paid position the taskforce had advocated and he had no illusions it would take a long time to turn around the countys housing problem. We werent going to let the report just collect dust, Parlett said. Itll never be fast enough to suit us but we have to continue to make it work.
situation around, said he has seen housing prices in some areas of the county reduce by as much as $20,000 to $50,000. Parlett said that with the national housing market in a slump, the lower housing prices were a boon, but the gains may only be temporary and certainly were not enough to solve the countys workforce housing needs. The workforce housing problem is only being eased by lower prices, Parlett said. Its not eliminated. Jan Barnes, a local realtor with Century 21, said estimates she and other market insiders have done recently showed about 700 homes in St. Marys up for sale up to $500,000. The majority of those are still in the $300,000 range, Barnes said, putting them closer to the workforce housing mark. But money on loan for those more affordable accommodations is harder to get these days, she said, with the federal government tightening restrictions on borrowing to combat the growing home
BOE Budget
Continued from page A- budget process, things looked very bleak, said board member Mary Washington. But this budget takes care of all these things that we just cant live without. Such things include expanded athletic and academic activities for middle school students, for which $75,000 was reallocated, and new teachers for the expansion of mathematics, engineering, science, and technology programs. The Board of Education was able to factor in some of their savings as well, having shaved $86,000 from their operating costs by closing down schools and offices over the winter break, and implementing other energysaving practices. Some cuts have been made, however. 15 high school teaching positions were eliminated when the board skimmed down the graduation requirements for the class of 2009, deleting the fourth year of math and the third year of social studies from the curriculum. The operating budget is going to the county with two supplemental requests, one calling for $40,000 to hire staff for Evergreen Elementary School in time for its opening next year. Another request calls for $2 million from the countys unallocated reserve funds to pay down the $500,000 a year mortgage for the school boards building on Moakley Street in Leonardtown. According to Chief Financial Officer Daniel Carney, this would cut four years off their payments
Odd News
Lookin Righteous
A cosmetics line in Singapore recently pulled a line of products called Lookin Good for Jesus after a number of complaints from Christian shoppers. WingTal Retail, the management company for the British retailer Topshop, pulled the products last month after receiving the complaints. The products themselves promise to Redeem your reputation and more with products like virtuous vanilla lip balm and Get tight with Christ hand and body lotion. The labels include drawings of Christ being ogled adoringly by young ladies wearing bright makeup.
and save $200,000, adding to funds that could be used for teacher raises and other costs. The Board of County Commissioners may have different plans for that money, however. Public Information Officer Karen Everett said that the commissioners are committed to maintaining the unallocated reserve funds, and they will have to hold public hearings to determine the most appropriate use of the reserve funds. There are many community needs and only a finite amount of funds, Everett said. Supplemental requests aside, board members remain optimistic. What you see here is much better than what weve been seeing shore to shore, said Carney, referring to budget problems being faced by other counties. Echoing this sentiment was Superintendent Michael Maritrano, who
said, I do not delight in the misery of othersbut there are some really terrible stories out there about how other counties are struggling. The budget has been described as the product of close communication with the Board of County Commissioners over the last few months, as ideas and concerns were passed about in the process. We need to thank the Board of County Commissioners for their willingness to work with the school system, said board member Sal Raspa. I think we should all be proud of this budget, said board member Gary Kessler. Even during these challenging economic timesI feel very pleased to bring this forward.
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Fatality
Continued from page A- continuing as to what exactly happened that morning. This is a complex and complicated case, Korionoff said. Were still piecing together the puzzle that is this investigation. Nothing has been ruled in or out by Mr. Ivey. Its a tragedy all around. Police in Prince Georges are still looking for witnesses to give them more details about the accident, according
State grants will be going to partially fund the continued expansion of Three Notch Trail, which is occurring in sections. The latest approval will expand the trail from Wal-Mart to Chancellors Run Road in California.
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Obituaries
Mark Darnell Courtney, 34
Sevick. Elaine was a native of Connecticut, but came to love St. Marys County when she made it her home in 1974. She worked at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station for more than thirty years, primarily as a technical illustrator. She was devoted to her family, her friends, and her church, where she served at various times as a Sunday school teacher, registrar, senior warden, and vacation Bible school organizer. She was a member of the National Council of the United Episcopal Church of North America. Her hobbies included photography, sailing, and many domestic arts such as baking, sewing, and flower arranging. She always found time to help friends in need, and is thought of as my best friend by many. She is survived by her husband, Richard Lee Dodson of California, a son, Robert Lee Dodson of Hagerstown, Md., siblings, Joan C. Bajorinas of Straford, Conn., David M. Sevick of Ansonia, Conn., and Douglas J. Sevick of Hagerstown, Md. Relatives and friends were received for Elaines Life Celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 19 from 5 8 p.m. Prayers were recited at 7 p.m. in the Brinsfield Life Celebration Chapel. A Funeral Service will be celebrated Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 11 a.m. in Dent Chapel, Charlotte Hall. Interment will be private. Condolences to the family may be made at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown. ington Park, MD 20653. Services provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A. Leonardtown.
Mark Darnell Courtney, 34, of Charlotte Hall died Feb. 16 in Indian Head, Md.. Born March 9, 1973 in Leonardtown, he was the son of Herbert Lee and Agnes Cecilia Courtney. Mark was a big teddy bear and very loving to his children. He was always there cheering his eldest son Marcus on at sports events, especially the Chopticon High School basketball games. He enjoyed good food, the latest fashions, working on old cars, and watching the car races. He enjoyed the companionship of his girlfriend Patricia Ann Reeves. He is survived by his parents, his children, Marcus Darnell Courtney, Markiah Daniel Courtney, and Savannah Elizabeth Rand, five brothers, Anthony Francis Holt of Leonardtown, Herbert Wayne Courtney of Hollywood, James Matthew Courtney (Bernice) of Mechanicsville, Joseph Alexander Courtney of Leonardtown, and John Columbus Courtney of Hollywood, one sister, Sherlene Marie Courtney of Hollywood, fourteen nieces and nephews, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, as well as his very close friends Robert Henry Short and Linda Short. Mark is predeceased by his grandparents, Carry Elizabeth and John Columbus Holt, and Elsie Frances and Joseph Edward Berry. The family will receive relatives and friends Friday, Feb. 22 from 9 11 a.m. in St. Josephs Catholic Church, Morganza. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Reverend Keith Woods will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown. Serving as pallbearers will be Rodney Estep, Francis Medley, Jasper Rosier, Marcell Shorter, Francis Holt, and Lamont Briscoe. Condolences to the family may be made at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown.
Frank J. Jurovaty, 86
Elaine Mary Dodson, 55, of California, died Feb. 14 in Hagerstown, Md. Born Sept. 8, 1952 in Bridgeport, Conn., she was the daughter of the late Richard D. Sevick and Frances Colene Whitehead
Frank J. Jurovaty, 86, died Feb. 12 in his residence in St. Marys City. He was born April 28, 1921 in St. Inigoes. He was the son of the late John and Katherina Jurovaty. He is survived by his wife, Mildred B. Jurovaty, niece Ilah Russell, nephew Michael Lang, Jr. and special cousins Roma and Frank Muro of Great Mills. He was preceded in death by his sisters Jennie (Jean) De Pasquale, Cecilia Catron and Katherina (Kitty) Lang. Mr. Jurovaty worked at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in the Flight Test Department until his retirement. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II with honors. The family received friends Friday, Feb. 15 at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in St. Marys City from 5 7 p.m. with prayers at 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday, Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. in St. Cecelia Catholic Church with Reverend Damian Shadwell officiating. Interment was in St. James Cemetery. Pallbearers were his nephews, Jimmy Bean, Billy Bean, Donald Bean, Kevin Newbold, Roy Norris and Paul Norris. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 339, Lex-
Betsy Kolar, 85, died Feb. 13 in St. Marys Hospital. Born Dec. 23, 1922 in Chicago, Ill., she was the daughter of the late George Robert and Selene Moore of Cook County, Ill. She is survived by her three children, Marianne and her husband Larry Murray, of Big Pine Key, Fla.; Bob Austin and his wife Kathy, of Hollywood, Md., and John Austin and his wife Pam, of Springfield, Va., as well as six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Ms. Kolar was the widow of the late Steve S. Kolar of Smithfield, Pa., and the late Howard R. Austin of Rockville, Md. Although Ms. Kolars body has died, Ms. Kolar is alive and well and living in the kingdom of the Most High God. She has been granted her most heartfelt wish, to go there and live out eternity with Him. Her family and friends are very glad for her, and we share her relief and joy at being freed from the bonds of this earth and given everlasting peace. Ms. Kolar was a retired editor who was responsible for the growth and establishment of a lending library at the Cedar Lane home for the elderly in Leonardtown. She was also a key participant in the growth and improvement of the chapel at that facility. Until very recently, she was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary and the Residents Council. Ms. Kolar was a member of the congregation of the Lexington Park Baptist Church. There was a memorial service for Ms. Kolar at the Cedar Lane facilities at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 19. The family requests that in lieu of flowers or other gifts, contributions be made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
her formal education at the old Banneker Elementary School in Loveville. During her youth, she attended St. Francis Xavier Church in Compton, where she was also united in matrimony to her husband Jeremiah A. Mason, Sr. in 1938. Mary Florence relocated to Lexington Park and became a dedicated member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church until her health deteriorated. She was a domestic worker for many years employed at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. She enjoyed her children, cooking and preparing meals for family and friends (mainly stuffed ham, candied sweet potatoes and all the trimmings). Mary Florence enjoyed dancing, playing bingo, gardening and phone conversations with family, friends and especially Mrs. Theresa Young. Mary Florence is survived by six living children: Mary (Mark) Jones, John (Bevaline) Mason, Maria Nelson, James Mason, Douglas Mason and Michael (Phyllis) Mason, siblings; Agnes Hortense Barnes, Joseph (Mary) Hebb, Sr., Francis Hebb, Mary Ann Wilkens, Mary Rosetta Gough, Linda (Preston) Dyson and Ella Robinson; daughters-in-law, Mamie, Elizabeth, Mary and Paula, two sisters-in-law, Margaret Hebb and Theresa Taylor, 16 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by daughters-in-law Marie, Elaine, Michelle and Regina and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, six children, Jeremiah A. Mason, Jr., Joseph Mason, Carolyn Mason, Thomas Mason, George Mason and Leroy Mason, siblings Mary Viola Jones, James Hebb, Leroy Hebb, Delores Thomas and Horace Robinson, Jr, one daughter-inlaw, Gladys Mason and one son-in-law, Lorenzo Nelson The family received friends Thursday, Feb. 14 from 9:30 11 a.m. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Lexington Park. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. The Reverend Jack Kennealy was the celebrant. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
brother Wayne Austin Pingleton and his wife Carol Ann of Bushwood. Johnny was preceded in death by his brother George Arthur Pingleton. And granddaughter Ann Mary Pilkerton. He is survived by his children Glenda Marie Quade and her husband Wayne of La Plata, Md. Joseph Patrick Pingleton and his wife Natalie of Clements, and Kimberly Ann Pilkerton and her husband William Billy of California. In addition, he is survived by his sister-inlaws Barbara Ann Gardner and her husband Thomas Bing of California, Md., Mary Agnes Plunkett and her husband Russell of Clements, Nancy Lee Miller and her husband Tom of Fayetteville, Pa. and Rita Catherine Farr and her husband Joseph Jay of Leonardtown, brother-in-law Howard Vincent Butch Hammett, Jr. and his wife Judi of Amherst, Va. and his four grandchildren, Haley Christine Quade, Allison Renee Deese, Jessica Cecelia Pilkerton and Jacob Patrick Pingleton. Johnny attended Margaret Brent High School. His work experience included Bailey Express, Mattingly Trucking and Pilkertons Service Center. He worked for the International Pipe Trades Joint Training Committee in Washington, D.C. for 25 years. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. Also, he was dedicated to the responsibilities of being a good shipping & receiving clerk. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Bushwood, for nearly 40 years. He was a very active and dedicated member of the Seventh District Optimist Club for 38 years. He loved NASCAR races, Dirt Track Racing and playing cards with his friends Tucker, Richard, Phil, Jimmy, Joe and Smitty. In addition, he looked forward to the annual family and extended family vacations in Ocean City, Md. Public viewing was held Thursday, Feb. 14 from 5 8 p.m. with prayers being said at 7 p.m. at the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown. The Seventh District Optimist Club prayers will be cited at 7:10 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Friday, Feb. 15 at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bushwood, MD with Very Reverend Francis J. Early, officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Austin Pingleton, Joe Farr, Vince Hammett, Chris Norris, Greg Plunkett and Francis Guy. Honorary Pallbearers were The Seventh District Optimist Club Members. Memorial contributions can be made to The Seventh District Optimist Club, P.O. Box 53, Bushwood, MD, 20618 and/or The Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 7, Avenue, MD, 20609.
interests in Josephs life included being a Mason for over sixty years, a poet and published author, and crabbing in his later years. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Evelyn Talbot Poe, four daughters, Kathleen Veltman, Sharon Parker, Teresa Wright, and Laura Wilks, grandchildren, Steven Kestler, Kristi Kestler, Megan Veltman, Summer Veltman, Erik Wright, Mandy Pickens and Haley Wilks, great grandchildren, Samantha Marks, Carleigh Marks, Whittni Pickens, Lillie Wright, and Cole McCain, and one sister Joan May. The family will receive relatives and friends Thursday, February 21 from 5 8 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel. Masonic prayers will be recited at 7 p.m. A funeral service will be conducted Friday, Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home Chapel. Bishop William McClean will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suitland, Md. Condolences to the family may be made at www. brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown.
Ruby Cathleen Sweeney, 78 of Mechanicsville, died Feb. 11 in St. Marys Hospital, Leonardtown. Ruby is survived by four children, David Sweeney of Mechanicsville, Robert Sweeney of Severna Park, Md., Carolyn Johnson of Highland, Utah, and Ronald Sweeney of Alexandria, Va. The family received friends Friday, Feb 15, from 2 4 p.m. and 6 8 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, Leonardtown. A Funeral Service will be conducted Saturday, Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home chapel. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown.
Mary Florence Hebb Mason, 87, of Lexington Park died Feb 10 in the St. Marys Nursing Center, Leonardtown. Born Nov. 16, 1920 in Compton, she was the daughter of the late James Ignatius Hebb, Sr. and Mary Florine Hebb Robinson. Mary Florence received
John Francis Johnny P. Pingleton, 72, of Clements died Monday, Feb. 11 in St. Marys Hospital in Leonardtown. Johnny was born June 15, 1935 in Leonardtown. He was the son of the late Joseph Austin Pingleton and Julia Helen Hill Pingleton. He was the husband of Sarah Jean Hammett Pingleton, whom he married Sept. 3, 1960 at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Morganza. He is survived by his
Section A - 10
What Is Insomnia?
While most people are aware that insomnia is an inability to sleep, few realize that sleep is actually part of a larger process known as the circadian rhythm. Humans, like the planet, operate on a daily cycle that repeats itself every 24 hours. During those 24 hours, its common for adults to sleep between 6 and 8 hours. While a night or two here and there of poor or interrupted sleep wont be very harmful, when those poor or even sleepless nights occur over an extended period of time, this is known as insomnia.
Chronic insomnia: Chronic insomnia is the most serious form, with the potential for very negative consequences. Sleep helps a body develop cells that are important for a persons im-
tain behaviors. Among those are their consumption of caffeine and their own sleeping habits. An overconsumption of caffeine, particularly in the hours leading up to when a person goes to bed, can re-
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