They said it in 2016
As we look ahead to what 2017 will bring in Charles County, we reflect back on what happened here in 2016, reflected in quotes and pictures captured by our editorial staff during the year. This is the sec- ond of a two-part series.
July
“I’m concerned we’re creating a county of the haves and have-nots. I believe there are some unintended consequences that are based on financial status and based on race.” — County Commission- er Vice President Debra Davis talking about how proposed housing amend- ments and recommenda- tions from the compre- hensive plan will affect the county.
“That is unacceptable. The vision for this was not to spend $200,000 on administration out of $800,000 worth of grants. The idea that we need $100,000 for a CEO, I don’t even know where to start.” — County Commissioner Vice President Debra Davis talking about the county removing funds from its Charitable Trust fund for the Trust’s CEO.
“I do not believe the county cares what the citizens of Benedict want. They’re going through with this regardless.”
— Benedict resident Bill Henderson talking about the county postponing a heavy haul through his neighborhood. He believed even though it was postponed, it would happen anyway. It never did.
“It seems society has become ever more aware of the food we eat and how it affects our
well-being.” — Seth Koons, market master of the La Plata farmer’s market, talking about citizens being more aware of their food and how it impacts their health.
“It draws traffic to the area. [Transit oriented development] is supposed to help alleviate traffic not draw traffic. It really, to be honest, was just an embarrassment.” — Jim Long of the Mattawoman Water- shed Society was in favor of Chaney nixing its deal for Waldorf Station with the county because of its eco footprint intruding on the Mattawoman.
“The fact that that is not going forward is not necessarily cause for alarm and what the specific implications are will become more certain as time goes on.” — Debra Jones of the Charles County economic devel- opment department was not concerned by Chaney dropping out because she believed they could get something just as big to replace the company.
“Last week, we made Korean barbecue wings, and I’ve never made something like that before. All over these four weeks, I’ve learned how to make new things, I’ve learned how to use different tools, and I’ve tried lots of new things that I don’t think I would have tried.” — Bradley Brown, 14, on the CCPS culinary summer camp he took part in.
“I valued his opinion … He cared deeply about the Independent’s reputation in the community, just as I did. We would have thoughtful discussions about news coverage, what the paper covered and
why we covered it.” — Former Maryland Indepen- dent editor Angela Breck on the passing of former circulation director Rich- ard “Rick” Wohlfarth fol- lowing a lengthy illness.
“The manor house, which was where the Jesuits lived, served all of Charles County and for a while Prince George’s, all the way down to Virginia and up into Pennsylvania occasionally, and operated from here.” — Reverend Thomas Clif- ford discussing the impact of St. Ignatius Church/St. Thomas Manor, the oldest continuously operating parish in the United States, on the history and spread of Catholicism in Mary- land and throughout the region.
“This is about celebrating inclusion. Art is really a quality of life issue, and we have some wonderful, talented, dedicated
artists in the community.” — Emily Ferren, chairwoman of the Charles County Commission on Individu- als with Disabilities, on the “Artists Without Limits” exhibit, the first art exhibit in the county specifically showcasing the work of in- dividuals with disabilities.
“This is not the end of the conversation; this is just the beginning of the conversation.” — Linda McLaughlin, president of the Educa- tion Association of Charles County, regarding a state commission’s recom- mendations on reducing over-testing in Maryland schools.
“The texture and everything about it is so good covered in chocolate. It’s a chocolate delight. It’s way better than regular Spam.” — CSM camp participant Stephen Bard discussing chocolate dipped Spam.
“Grandaddy died about four years ago. He had about 180 acres, but the first 52 he bought with liquor money.” — Ryan Vierheller talking about his family’s bootlegging history that inspired he and a friend to start BlueDyer Distilling Com- pany in Waldorf.
“Some of these tips I told them today may not have been told to me when I was younger, but they are some of the things I had to encounter in this business and I needed to know the proper way of handling it. People give up too easy but you have to deal with rejection in this industry. This is a hustle and grind that you have to stay
at it in order to achieve your dreams and goals.” — Actor Tray Chaney motivating aspiring young actors at Waldorf West library.
“Local promoters need to start promoting real talent and not just being about the money. The talented artists also need to link up and squeeze the wannabes off the scene, because they are making us look bad wearing all this fake jewelry, rapping about lies, and bringing down the value of what so many Southern Maryland artists have worked hard for.” — Rapper Tito Starr from Charles County on the Southern Maryland hip hop scene still thriving, despite setbacks.
“Obviously, we don’t do it for the awards, but it is nice when the work is recognized … With the influx of heroin overdoses, stemming from the prescription medication problem, it’s always good to make a dent in that trade, especially with all the young people dying.” — Sgt. Harry Ivers, a long- time sheriff’s office detec- tive, who was honored by the U.S. Department of Justice for his investigative efforts that helped convict a prolific heroin dealer from Charles County and expose the corruption of a former detective of the Metropolitan Police Department.
“In Southern Maryland … people are very proud of their history here. Whether it was the positives or the negatives, people really are interested in history and heritage and want to make sure that the younger generation, especially, really appreciates the roots, the foundation of what the community has been built on.” — Charlotte Weirich, a historic Port Tobacco tour guide and member of the Society for the Restoration of Port Tobacco.
“Our freedom, it was not free. It’s paid by those who gave all. I only gave some.
Some gave all.” — Retired U.S. Army Cpl. David Bix- ler, a silver-star recipient who was catastrophically injured in a firefight as he saved a young Afghan sol- dier from venturing into an uncleared minefield. Bix- ler said this about six years after his injury, as a giant American flag was pulled away and his new custom-built “smart home” was unveiled in Waldorf, a thank you from the Ste- phen Siller Tunnel to Tow- ers Foundation.
“It wasn’t until later on she went to the bathroom and she started screaming. She didn’t even know when her water broke. It just came all the sudden. She said she thought the baby was coming, and I looked down and saw something coming out.” — Brenda Anderson recalled the day she safely delivered her grand- daughter in the bathroom of their Waldorf home thanks to the helpful in- struction from emergency dispatcher Conner Herlihy of La Plata.
“These are the people who best know the challenges for Charles County, and therefore, what opportunities there are to work together. I’ve got a number of ideas, but you really got to sit down face-to-face and brainstorm about ways we can work together.” — U.S. Senator-elect Chris Van Hollen after having lunch with county government and business leaders.
August
“In order to bring light rail transit to Charles County, we have to create a walkable community where people can live, work and play within walking distance of future transit stations.” — Light rail advocate Gary Hodge ex- pressed his concern over the comprehensive plan blocking rail infrastructure and transit oriented devel- opment.
“Relationship building is critical for police, prosecutors, courts and the community
Attorneycoming together.”Tony — Conving-State’s ton importance(D) recognizingof community the policingOut. on National Night
“The thing about the western side of the county is that we feel promises over the years have been made and promise after promise has been broken.” — Brian Klaas, a member of the Charles County Chamber of Commerce board of directors, expressed his disappoint- ment in the comprehen- sive plan and the county.
“We were involved in the process. We were as prepared as anyone.” — Taylor Yewell, Waldorf Urban Redevelop- ment Corridor manager, making it clear that the economic development department was involved in making the comprehen- sive plan.
“Sometimes all we see is walls and more walls in the hospital. We all need our treatments, but it’s good to get out and get some fresh air beyond that.” — Pamela Winn-Lovelace, a retired wounded veteran, talking about the benefits of veter- an’s retreats and programs helping them assimilate to civilian life after rehabilita- tion.
“We really want to do more family-focused activities to keep the kids engaged and keep them from having so much free time. Get them out of the house, let them have fun playing.” — Indian Head Town Council member Curtis Smith talking about the purpose of Indian Head’s first “Big Day of Play.” “I’m trying to pretend, for his sake, but I’m so not ready.” — Kasey Hinton discussing her son entering kinder- garten during a La Plata Library event to accustom new students to riding a school bus.
“Jaylah’s my little fighter. I want to scream, I want to cry, but I want to stay strong for her. We’re going to figure out a way to beat this.” — Tiffany Redmon, whose daughter was diagnosed with Supe- rior Messenteric Artery Syndrome, a condition that makes it extremely difficult for her to eat solid food.
“This has been a long-term dream come true. I know it sounds cheesy, but it’s true for me. No matter what people say about Charles County, good or bad, it is where I got my education; everything that I’m able to do, I learned in this school system, in this community. So I feel that if I was to give back to anyone … why not to the area that helped make me who I am? Why not help make
it better?” — Jay Jordan, new teacher at Mattawom- an Middle School and 2008 Henry Lackey High School graduate, discuss- ing why he came back to teach in Charles County.
“I view education funding as an investment. I know that community tax dollars are limited, and there are lots and lots of needs. But in my mind, any investment into education is an investment in our future, and it will save us money in the long run if we are producing educated citizens.” — CCPS Superintendent Kimberly Hill on the formation of a new state commission to reevaluate education fund- ing formulas.
“These people have no insurance, no money. They’re a portion of America that most people don’t see. These are some of the most vulnerable people in our society.” — Dentist Garner Morgan, co-chair- man of Southern Maryland Missions of Mercy, an organization that provides free dental care to the un- insured and underinsured.
“It’s a great way to get the community together and work together as a team. I always tell people, if everybody sticks together, crime can’t come in. If everybody’s looking out for each other, crime can’t come in, right?” — LeRon Swann
Sr., Bannister neighborhood resident, describing National Night Out.
“We’ve been fortunate to stay in the moveable wall business through this transition of glass dominating. Now we are the largest company in North America that does it, and we’re right here in Charles County.” — Bill Dotson, president of Modern Door & Equipment in White Plains.
“This was really just a genuine fan gathering organized by genuine fans of the show. The most special thing is coming to see people that are passionate about the show and actually talk about the way it was made, the funny anecdotes, and people want to know about Andy Whitfield [the actor who originally portrayed the role of Spartacus but lost his battle with cancer in 2011].” — Actor Manu Bennett (Crixus on the Starz show “Spartacus”) on SpartaCon II at Waldorf stadium.
“PNC has to stay. A town without a bank is like a town without a church. Businesses rely on [their] local banks. Businesses won’t be interested in coming to a town if there’s no local bank. Businesses will not come if they have to travel 14 miles just to do deposit drops. Soon, the entire west side of Charles County will have no banks.” — Indian Head resident Randy Albright talking about PNC bank closing down its Indian Head branch by the end of the year.
“When something happens in the community, I know I can call Sheriff Berry, and we can talk.” — Janice Wilson, Charles County NAACP president, commends the sheriff’s office at a public hearing held by an as- sessment team from the Commission on Accredita- tion for Law Enforcement Agencies.
“We understand that what’s happening nationally has caused a strain in regards to police and community relations. Here in Charles County, we are very fortunate to have a community that supports its law enforcement, and not every community has that luxury. So, we’re thankful for that. That wonderful relationship that we have in Charles County, we’re just trying to protect and preserve, and we’re just grateful for it.” — Sheriff Troy Berry (D) after the first annual “Blue Mass” concluded at Sacred Heart Church in La Plata.
“I’m not allowing a 2–year– old to sleep on the street, not on my watch. Everyone has a time in their lives where it just doesn’t work out and need help, and it’s part of my job to help people out when I can. And plus, it’s just so rewarding, to help people out like that. It really is rewarding.” — Pfc. John Campbell, a sheriff’s office deputy who, along with Officer Philip Thomp- son of the La Plata Town Police, bought a hotel room for an unsheltered woman and her children on a rainy night in July.
“We want to empower children and make them feel that you can do anything you want as long as you put your mind to it and believe in yourself. Our mantra is, ‘Limits will not define me, my will defines my limits.’” — “Mighty Mike” Simmel, who founded the “Bounce Out the Stigma” youth basketball camp in 2005 designed to help build confidence in chil- dren with developmental challenges while entertain- ing crowds professionally with dazzling ball-handling as a Harlem Wizard.
“Anyone would have loved to have Jamel as a son, but he was mine. He is definitely missed, and I still miss him with all my heart.” — Mary Tinsley, mother of Jamel Clagett, a fallen sheriff’s office deputy remembered for his many conspicuous acts of kindness. Clagett was killed in a car accident in December 2014. “You don’t really think about how dangerous it is, until like now, when you’re sitting there watching it. I didn’t know how big the flames were. I remember running up there and there was stuff exploding on the car, but it didn’t matter. We just gotta get them out.” — Sheriff’s office deputy Justin Bottorf recalls the night where he, along with other deputies and first respond- ers, helped rescue five people from a car engulfed in flames.
September
“It’s a great way to help promote the growth of oysters, and I really do like oysters, not only as little pets, but as dinner.” — Cobb Island resident Georgia Stevens who takes part in a program to restore oyster populations by “fostering” baby oys- ters in cages hung from her pier.
“In a big class, there are a lot of people creating distractions and keeping the teacher from teaching. With this, I can move through the units pretty quickly, at my own pace.” — Angelina Lehmann, stu- dent in the county’s pilot Virtual Academy, which al- lows students to complete coursework online at their own pace.
“There aren’t a lot of different options, honestly, because you only have so many days to work with.” — Deputy Superintendent Amy Hol- lstein on proposed revi- sions to the school calendar, following Gov. Larry Hogan’s executive order mandating school begin after Labor Day and end by June 15.
“If you tell someone you’re depressed, or you have anxiety, or you take medication for mental health, there’s still such a negative stigma that comes with that, and we want to break that.” — Christina Kelly, organizer of the first BadenStrong Out of Darkness suicide preven- tion walk, on the stigma attached to mental health issues. “For behavior control, I am
allowed to spank.” — Joyce Edelen, portraying an early 20th century oneroom schoolhouse teacher during a school system presentation on changes to education in Charles Coun- ty over the past 100 years.
“It’s the 21st century, it’s the way children use technology to learn, and it gives the opportunity to create synergy in the classroom through self-directed independence while playing educational games.” — C. Paul Barnhart Prin- cipal Ben Kohlhorst on his school participating in a program to provide 350 iPads to pre-kindergarten students.
“With our focus on STEM … we’re neglecting the other, very important side of children’s education, which is to allow them to feel confident, to allow them to express who they truly are, to allow them to develop the soft skills that will put them ahead, no matter what field, whether an engineer or an artist.” — La Plata’s Georgia Bonney of Ms Georgia’s Creative Arts Academy talking about the need for art education.
“She’s a tough gal... It’s pretty cool having my mother live this long, and the joke is that she’s probably going to outlive us all.” — John Wesley Gardner, 80, son of 104 year old Newburg
resident, Eleanore Ann Gardner.
“The teens are left out of the discussion all the time. When we talk about police brutality in America, the people who are talking most of the time are adults — and no one is considering what young people might be feeling or thinking about an issue that is affecting them far greater than it is affecting everyone else in the country.” — Jason Reynolds, author of All American Boys, discussing police brutality with students.
“The first thing she said was, ‘I think my mom’s having a stroke.’ Next we have to go through our protocol and I realized this girl was sharper than any other adult that I’ve talked to. She reported exactly what was happening with her
mom.” — Ronald Lucas, Charles County EMS dispatcher, on a young Waldorf resident honored for saving mom’s life with one phone call.
“This is not what the county wanted to see. This is not what we need in the area. It is unnecessary. Why are they pushing to get this done so quickly? It takes more than a couple of weeks to fix the issues that they have. It takes time.” — Linda Redding, a Nanjemoy resident, was staunch in her rejection of Washington’s Discovery, despite the property’s approval by the planning commission.
“We think it’s going to be a year long process. There are a lot of changes and each one of those goes through the public process. We want to make sure we get it right.” — County Commissioner Ken Robinson said the commissioners will take time getting the comprehensive plan’s recommendations into law, but it will be done right.
“Not long after the attack I was with a friend and we were walking on Capitol Hill. And the number of law enforcement people out with dogs, with rifles, was really very striking to me. I hadn’t seen that in Washington in a long, long time. It just brought it closer to home with the threat we were living under at the time.” — County Commissioner President Peter Murphy (D) reflecting on the impact of 9/11 on the country.
“My kids had so many questions. And they were questions that I had. And I didn’t have any answers.” — County Commissioner Vice President Debra Davis (D) reflecting on 9/11 and how she could not explain what happened to her children.
“They say they’ve got a 911 message system and the company will clear it up as soon as possible, but that’s not very comforting if your house is on fire.” — Gail Fisher, a La Plata resident, said after Lockwood Bros. Inc scheduled a heavy haul in her area at the La Plata Fairgrounds.
“Although it may be too late for my grandson, there are other people in this state that need help. There are other children who are dying with mental illnesses and parents with mental illnesses.” — Vontasha Simms, the grandmother of Ji’Aire Lee, advocating for a bill protecting parents with mental illnesses.
“Shocked is not the word; I was just devastated when I
saw that.” — Former Sher- iff Fred Davis recalls the moment when he first learned of the Sept. 11 at- tacks.
“The motto of this program is, ‘Share our vision, be our voice,’ and I think that is a great summation of what we’re trying to do here. This is a great way to communicate with the public as a whole to ensure an overall understanding of the transparency that we strive for here, and to make sure the citizens have an opportunity to kind of walk in our shoes for a little bit.” — Lt. Jason Stoddard on the goal of the sheriff’s office first Citizen’s Police Academy class.
“If I could start all over, I’d probably want to be a detective.” — Jaipal Chinnaraj of Waldorf, a former marine naval architect, who said he applied for the sheriff’s office inaugural Citizen’s Police Academy program out of his own personal in- terest and as a representa- tive of his neighborhood’s citizens on patrol organiza- tion.
October
“It’s a scary thing getting a body part replaced. But your quality of life goes up.” — La Plata’s Karen Navarro on getting her right ankle re- placed and getting back on her feet.
“Every month has been our biggest month, pretty much for 10 years now.” — SolarCity’s Ryan Silvernale, regional operations manager for the Waldorf office, talking about growth in home solar power installations.
“You cannot accomplish something if you never try. I encourage everyone to never give up on your dreams, and it’s never to late to have a new dream.” — Heather Julian, Lifelong Learning Center graduate.
“In minutes1920, the stated Board thereof Education were 104 now teachershave 2,079in the teachers.” county; we— Schoolbara Palko board speaking member at Bar- the conclusion100th anniversaryof the celebra- board’s tions.
“When you help lead people to be mean to someone, they’ll follow you — but if you help people to be kind to someone, they’ll probably follow you, too. It’s all about how you choose to lead, and other people will follow.” — Former Waldorf resident Doug Reavis, co-founder of “Silent Strong,” an online group promoting kind- ness, speaking to students at Matthew Henson Mid- dle School during “Unity Week.”
“This program accommodates everyone, it’s really amazing, and I am 110 percent satisfied with my decision. I was born and raised and taught in Charles County schools, and now I get to teach in Charles County schools.” — Raven Smoot, Henry E. Lackey High School alumna, now enrolled in the “2+2” teach- ing program allowing her to take Towson University classes on the College of Southern Maryland cam- pus.
“And clowns are now, in many ways, in fear themselves. They don’t know what might happen to them. You know, clowns are for one purpose: to generate fun and joy.” — Teresa Gretton, “Blondi the Clown,” discussing “creepy clown” hysteria.
“Every time I come back to Southern Maryland, I recharge my battery. There are big-time wrestling fans here in this area. The MCW staff is so cool. They brought me on the show, they even brought me here early so that I can visit my family and I get my blue crab fix while I’m here.” — WWE Hall of Famer Scott Hall talking about St. Mar y’s County.
“It was an eye-opening experience. Mistakes are made and we learn from those mistakes, but Nathan is the real deal because there is no way that I could be able to stand up to do what he does across the country. He absolutely astonished me and everyone else by how he held his composure throughout the training. The very end of the scenario the day his wife was kidnapped, information was not passed on and the kidnapper could have been apprehended and she still would have been alive today.” — Chris Thompson, emergency services assistant chief, on Nathan Lee of the Denise Amber Lee Foundation leading 911 training in the county.
“It’s a working document. This is new for everyone, so I think this will be a continuous process for everyone. We might not get it right the first time, but we can continue to work on it.” — Planning commission Chairman Gilbert “Buddy” Bowling advocating that the planning commission’s new rules be annually reviewed to prevent any com- munication issues.
“We weren’t just going to use the word transparency. We wanted to set policy to make sure that government was more inclusive to the everyday
person.” — County Com- missioner Amanda Stewart (D) talking about the coun- ty’s transparent values that she operates under.
“It’s not like there are 50 people lining up to pee in the church. But the priest wanted that.” — Mark Tarlton, a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Pomfret, wanted to keep the original look of the church despite updates being needed for new bath- rooms.
“If they can provide a development in Charles County like they have done elsewhere, this will be a winner for our residents.” — Commissioner Ken Robinson (D) talking about Greenberg Gibbons’ acquisition of the Waldorf Station property.
“How does anyone know what to ask if they can’t hear the public’s interests?” — Board of appeals commissioner Lynn Green asked this question in reference to the planning commission’s denial of public testimony on Guilford development.
“So that’s what it’s for; it’s really just to help the ones who want to be helped. We want it for everybody, but as long as we can help a couple, it’s worth it.” — Cpl. Chris Clemmons, re-entry coordinator of the detention center, on the benefits of the facility’s fourth annual re-entry fair for inmates.
“That’s what makes this job well worth it: to be able to save someone’s life.” — Kenny Miller, a Department of Emergency Services paramedic, after he and other first responders were honored by the county commissioners for resus- citating a man they found in full cardiac arrest in his Waldorf home in February. The patient later made a full recovery.
“As the monarchs are migrating through the area toward Mexico, they often stay along the landmass and the waterways, and they would come across from St. Mary’s and land here in Cobb Island, nectar, and then eventually move on. Some of them are spending the nights here.” — Conservationist Mike Callahan on the migration pattern of the at-risk Monarch butter- fly during the fifth annual “Monarch Mania” event in Cobb Island.
“I just don’t think people realize that it’s not a gag, it’s a federal offense … Whether you support Hillary or Trump, Kathy or Van Hollen, this is America. You respect people’s signs.” — Bill Doctson, chairman of the county Republican central committee, on the vandalism of many Donald Trump campaign signs throughout the county.
November
“There’s too much division in everything. These things effect everyone.” — Bill Dotson, chairman of the Charles County Republican Central Committee, talking about the upcoming election. “Any day could have been the last day.” — Norm Saunders, a Vietnam veteran, on his duty as a point man in the Vietnam War infantry. “You can feel the change coming.” — Planning commissioner Angela Sherard said in reference to her being the first black woman appointed as chairwoman of the Charles County Plan- ning Commission. “Whoa, I can’t believe this. We’re going to win it.” — Bill Dotson, chairman of the Charles County Republican Central Committee, when he realized Donald Trump was going to be the Pres- ident Elect of the United States.
“They always said he had no ground game. They said he had no shot at winning. She was the better candidate. But here we are. Look around. We’re his ground game. All the people that came here tonight. All the campaigners. His supporters. We’re his heart.” — Jerry Feith, a Trump supporter, declar- ing Trump’s victory a testa- ment to his support around the countr y.
“These people, they were angry. And this is what you get when you make the American people angry. They turn against you. These people are hurting.” — Bill Dotson, chairman of the Charles County Republican Central Committee, said about Hillary Clinton’s campaign.
“You never get over it, you just learn to live with it. It becomes your new normal.” — Wanda Gryszkiewicz, co-organizer of the first Baden “Out of Darkness” Suicide Awareness Walk, discussing her son Mitchell’s suicide on International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.
“It helps everyone in the community who needs help, and also, it’s the way God would want us to work, as our school teaches us to do, and we need to show our love and compassion to everyone just as Jesus did.” — Ajay Hill, eighth grader at St. Mary’s School, discussing the school’s annual food drive held in conjunction with T.C. Martin Elementary.
“There are places in this play where you could really see yourself acting out, but you don’t and that’s the magic of it. It’s almost like going to the zoo, you’re going to be watching us act like animals.” — Heather Wetherald, who played Victoria in the Port Tobacco Players’ production of “God of Carnage.”
“People want change. I’ve heard ‘drain the swamp’ from people. They want to drain the swamp and get rid of the ca-
reer politicians. We’ve got to get new people in there.” — Bill dotson, chairman of the Charles County Republican Central Committee, speak- ing Election Day morning.
“The research is pretty clear that the longer students have that lapse, the more difficult it is to recoup. We have a lot of Title I students who really need to be in school for a lot of reasons and making that a longer vacation becomes a hardship, not only for the education of our students, but our families.” — CCPS Deputy Superintendent Amy Hollstein speaking about Gov. Larry Hogan’s executive action mandating school begin after Labor Day and end by June 15.
“Even though I’m only 9 years old and I have nine years before I can really vote, I still think that my voice should be heard, and I feel that even though little kids still have a long way to go, they can get practice in learning how
to vote.” — Fourth grader Makala Dames after voting in Eva Turner Elementary School’s mock elections.
“Both my daughters love Ellen. She always brings talented kids on the show.” — Tanisha Hurd, mother of Lyric Hurd, aka “Lyric the Diva,” and Melody Hurd, on the video of themselves doing the TZ Anthem Challenge and the opportunity to appear on The Ellen Show to perform the dance.
“We have a lot of facilities here that the Navy expects us to maintain. We have capabilities here that don’t get used all the time, but are very critical for the Navy to keep. And it’s not cheap. For us to continue to pay for that we need to have a large enough workforce and large enough revenue to pay for utility support and upkeep. That’s really the driver of why we feel like we need to get 400 stronger in 10 years.” — Michael T. Adams, business director of NSWC IHEODTD, discussing the base’s strategic plan
“When the end came, and I got the letter, the first thing I wanted to do is give her a hug. She’s so lovely. She is cute and she is always happy. She’s still a little weak now, but you can see the way she smiles that everything comes out.” — Dr. Adeteju Ogunrinde, owner of Children’s Healthcare Center in Waldorf, who threw a party to celebrate after her patient, 5-year-old Joelle Jones, finished her last round of chemotherapy.
“It’s always been in my heart, being former law enforcement for 29 years, and with what’s going on in the country, I just felt that we just needed to have something to make sure that people understand law enforcement, what they really do on a daily basis, what they have to contend with, so we can bridge that— Rev.gap to Georgebuild more Hackey trust.” Jr., a former Montgomery County police officer, at a community forum event with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and parish- ioners at Metropolitan Unit- ed Methodist Church in Indian Head.
“We had a gold standard assessment which we passed again with flying colors, and we had a very good final report from our assessors.” — Danny Johnson, deputy director of planning and accredita- tion for the Charles Coun- ty Sheriff’s Office, on the agency receiving its fourth accreditation by CALEA, or the Commission on Accreditation for Law En- forcement Agencies.
“These funds allow us not to have to figure out how services get paid when a victim or survivor calls, or charge our clients who have already been victimized in so many ways.” — Catherine Meyers, ex- ecutive director of Center for Children, after Gov. Lar- ry Hogan announced that the agency would receive $176,365 of federal funding over two years through the Victims of Crime Act, the largest grant it has re- ceived.
December
“People say government moves slowly, and we’re kind of like proving that.” — County Commissioner Amanda Stewart (D) on Western Parkway delays. The devel- opment has been pushed back to be completed in 2019 with other delays pos- sible.
“Again, very European.” — County Commissioner Ken Robinson (D) talking about the suggestion of roundabouts and potential “smart” traffic lights on Bill- ingsley Road.
“I wish you had shared it with me, at least given me the respect as the chair to know what was coming. Just because you have a problem with me, we have to get by that so we can do what is best for our citizens.” — County commissioner Vice President Debra Davis (D) said to commissioners’ President Peter Murphy (D) when he brought up the discussion of reducing funding to the Tri-County Council.
“We got somewhat shafted on our highway projects that we were supposed to get. The light rail studies ... that won’t be complete until 2023. The overpasses have been pushed out to 2019. We can’t wait. We’re one of the fastest growing areas in the state.” — Sen. Thomas “Mac” Middleton (D-Charles) in reference to Gov. Larry Hogan’s delay on Southern Maryland tranpsortation projects. Both the light rail and road improvements for the U.S.301 corridor have been delayed. “He just won’t work with us.” Sen. Thomas “Mac” Middleton (D-Charles) said about Gov. Larry Hogan (R) and his unwillingness to compromise with the Southern Maryland Delegation.
“His mom and my mom were next door neighbors. We grew up together — and we’re still together.” — Greg Pickeral of G&D Floors speaking of his friend and business partner, Dewayne Robinson, both of whom grew up in Waldorf.
“This is the first year, we joked, that we had done Marvel [Comics], Star Trek and Star Wars — it was the year of weird weddings.” — Michelle Koos of Michelle’s Cakes in Indian Head talking about the elaborate art cakes she made over the last year. “I am speechless at the kindness that different organizations
have always embraced us with, but typically in a normal year, we get 30 gifts, so for us to get 200 gifts, I don’t even know how to thank the partners and speak to the kindness that I’ve found here in Charles County.” — Charles County Judy Cen- ter instructional specialist Margo Alam speaking of the “Christmas Angels” community drive to provide gifts for Judy Center families in need.
“It lets kids know that police officers aren’t just here to take people to jail. We’re here to care about them, we’re here to help them, and it’s just a little something we can do to help make their holiday a little better. The kids really enjoy it, but the officers enjoy it just as much. We have officers who have done it every year since we started.” — PFC Colby Shaw, Charles County Sheriff’s Office, discussing the annual “Shop with a Cop” event.
“We are a community restaurant and we like to give back to the community and help in any other way we can help. Times are difficult all over and we always try to build relationships in our community. We don’t look at it from a beneficial standpoint. We just look at it as four or five people can a have a meal the next day instead of us throwing it out. It’s something positive.” — Al Wynter, assistant general manager of Carrabba’s in Waldorf, on a food leftovers program with churches.
“It’s very uplifting for me to go and salute the small businesses because it’s very hard to be as successful as they are. I applaud everybody in the Charles County region and tell them to come to La Plata and visit the stores I visited, and all the other stores. Great products, great service and it really helps the economy because the money stays in Maryland and it’s used to employ our friends and neighbors.” — Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot (D) during a tour of businesses in La Plata promoting shopping local.
“This soup kitchen really wants to serve the people who are hurting and need a free, hot meal. The beauty of it is that people bring their kids. They come, they serve, they’re sweet and when you start teaching kids at an early age to be givers, you can’t beat that.” — Indian Head resident Vernon Smith on a local soup kitchen serving food with ladles of love.
“We’re obviously gratified that the jury saw the evidence for what it was, and they came back with what we think is the just verdict … the fact that she was criminally responsible, that she did know what she was doing.” — State’s Attorney Anthony Covington (D) after Caroline Conway was found guilty and criminally responsible for murder after a two week trial.