Danielle Piccirilli On Dean's List

: Danielle Piccirilli of Davidsonville was named to the dean's list for the spring semester at Bucknell University

Crowe and Hancock on Wake Dean's List

 Elizabeth Crowe and Caroline Hancock of Davidsonville were named to the dean's list for the spring semester at Wake Forest Univeristy.

Katie de Paola Fighting Lyme Disease

   

    With all the deer roaming around Davidsonville,  deer ticks are everywhere which results in a large number of Lyme Disease victims in the community.  Lyme Disease is very serious.  Once you get it,  you have it for life though treatment can reduce the effects.   Mis-diagnosis of the disease is a common problem as its symptoms are similar to other diseases.
    Davidsonville resident Katie de Paola has been dealing with the disease for eight years.  To read more about her fight with the disease and how to protect yourself,  go to:
http://www.capitalgazette.com/lifestyle/health/lyme-disease-davidsonville-resident-dealt-with-symptoms-for-years/article_bd0d9107-583f-53ba-823a-db4bc3798d7d.html

A New Home on Gov. Br. Rd.

A new home is being constructed at 905 Governor Bridge Road.

Recent Davidsonville Home Sales

Recent Davidsonville home sales include:

 

1)    A one story home with 2 car garage on .4 acre at 1544 Patuxent Manor Rd  was sold by Robert Ballister to George and Joan Stefun for $393,000.

2)    A split foyer home on 1.36 acre at 3480 Monitor Court was sold by Turner C. Trippe III to Robert and Sonya Sauls for $913,000.

Park and Ride Lot Work On Schedule?

    According to SHA officials,  the Rt. 50 Park and Ride is on schedule to be completed by Summer of 2015.  The fact that no work has been done for many weeks is due to the wet weather during the winter and spring preventing filling and grading of the site per the SHA. 
    Previous articles about the Park and Ride site can be read at:
http://davidsonvillenews.blogspot.com/2014/02/park-and-ride-progress.html
and
http://davidsonvillenews.blogspot.com/2014/06/park-and-ride-lot-work-stalled.html

Car Show On Sept. 13

   Alan Smith, 28, of Galesville, has announced that the  fifth annual Abnormal Behavior Car, Truck and Bike Show will take place Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon at Knightongale Farm in Davidsonville.  The farm is located at the junction of Rt. 2 and Birdsville Road.   In addition to the show there will be pony rides, a moon bounce, a cornhole tournament and more.
    Pictures of last year's car show can be seen at:  http://davidsonvillenews.blogspot.com/2013/09/car-show-at-knightengale-farm.html

Ben Chisolm Charged With Sexual Assault

    University of MD lacrosse player Ben Chisolm has been charged with sexual assault during a Zac Brown concert at Jiffy Lube Live on Sunday.    He remains in jail because he is not answering questions about the incident and intoxication or drug use on advice from his attorney.  Ben is from Davidsonville and has had an outstanding lacrosse career to this point.  He is due to appear for his third bond hearing at 9:30 AM on Friday, June 27.
    For details,  go to the Channel 5 video reports at:

http://www.myfoxdc.com/story/25882029/university-of-maryland-lacrosse-player-charged-with-sex-assault-remains-in-jail

You can read more about Ben at: 
http://davidsonvillenews.blogspot.com/2013/12/ben-chisolm-at-u-of-md.html

Kyle Smith Earns BS

Kyle Smith of Davidsonville earned a Bachelor of Science in international business from The University of Scranton.

Students on Dean's List at JMU

The following students from Davidsonville  were named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at James Madison University:    Samuel Kremer, Kylie Marinzel, Kaitlin Ruane and Kelsey Ruane.

 

Sarah Morson Receives Doctorate

Sarah Morson of Davidsonville recently received a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Saint Francis University.

Michael Meador Passes Away

    Michael Wayne "Mike" Meador of Davidsonville passed away on Friday, June 20, 2014.

    He was the Loving husband of Pamela W. Meador; father of Charles Meador (Dawn), Jennifer Pearson and Roy E. Selke; brother of Carolyn Wilson, Charlene McDonald, Linda Patterson and the late Charles M. Meador; grandfather of Haley and Morgan Meador, Maria Martinez, Andrew, Jennelle, Anthony and Lionel "Little Man" Chapman, Jr. Mike is also survived by many extended family members and friends.
    Family and friends will gather at the ROBERT E. EVANS FUNERAL HOME, 16000 Annapolis Rd., Bowie, MD on Thursday, June 26, 2014 from 3 p.m. until time of service at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the  ASPCA.

    You can leave condolences at:  www.robertevansfuneralhome.com.

 

Clark Becomes Pediatric Group Partner

 

The Pediatric Group, with offices in Crofton, Davidsonville and Severna Park, Maryland, has announced  that Kevin Clark, MD has joined the practice partnership and is seeing patients at the Davidsonville office..

Dr. Clark is a 1988 graduate of Murray State University. He obtained his medical degree in 1992 from University of Kentucky College of Medicine as a Dean’s Scholar, and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He performed his pediatric residency at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Clark joined the Pediatric Group in 1995. He enjoys all aspects of pediatric medicine, but is especially interested in infectious disease. Board-certified in Pediatrics, Dr. Clark is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

 

Audrey Dove Passes Away

     Audrey Evelyn Dove, 80, a 48-year resident of Davidsonville, died June 20 at the Mandrin Inpatient Care Center in Harwood of cancer, after a two year illness.
     Born January 7, 1934 in Rose Hill, VA to the late Henry and Della Oaks, Evelyn was a homemaker for most of her life. She was a member of Community Bible Baptist Church, and enjoyed bowling, walking and reading the Bible.
     Evelyn is survived by her husband, Everett Dove, whom she married on December 24, 1951; four children, James Dove of Chesapeake Beach, Danny Dove of Edgewater, Dennis Dove of Westminster and Michelle Tapp-Dove of Davidsonville; a brother, Donnie Oaks; seven grandchildren, James, Justin, Danny, Sean, Luke, Natalie and Christina Dove; and two great-grandchildren.
     Friends are invited to Evelyn's Life Celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, June 23 at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24 at the Community Bible Baptist Church, 509 Defense Highway, Annapolis. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mandrin Inpatient Care Center, c/o Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122. Online guestbook available at www.kalasfuneralhomes.com

Recent Davidsonville Home Sales

1)     A two story home on  5.46 acres at 1606 Gov. Bridge Road was sold by David Luckett to Wayne and Jodi Chapin for $535,000.

 

2)    A split foyer home on 1.04 acre at 729 Petersburg Road was sold by Jeffrey Williams to  Elisa Fawcett for $420,000.

 

3)    A two story home  on 2.02 acre at 2897 Spring Lakes Drive  was sold by Cheryl Thompson to James Preston for $650,000.

Most Expensive Davidsonville Home

    Presently the most expensive home on the market in Davidsonville, according to the MRIS listing service, is the above home at 860 Gov. Bridge Road,  on the market with a list price of  $1,495,000.

Governor's Bridge Closed

    I decided to check out the Governor's Bridge today (6/21) but found it closed once again.   So don't plan to get to Bowie via the Gov. Br. Rd. in the immediate  future. 

South River Federation Gets New Director

The South River Federation has announced the hiring of Kate Fritz at its new executive director.

Ms. Fritz is an environmental professional with ten years of experience in water quality, land use and sustainability planning, policy management and implementation. Over the last seven years she has played a leadership role at the Prince George’s County Planning Department as the Sustainability Coordinator, and recently managed the update of the county’s land use policy plan for where and how the county should grow in the next 20 years.

“With a masters degree in Environmental Management from University of Maryland and an executive masters in Natural Resource Management from Virginia Tech, Kate is well grounded in science and policy issues significant for restoring the health of the river”, Lynn Buhl. Board Chairman said.

Ms. Fritz’s volunteer activities have reinforced her professional experience giving her practical experience in watershed restoration as well as an understanding of pollution conditions in the South River. She is a certified Master Watershed Steward and has played a leadership role in many restoration projects mostly in the South River watershed. She is also a founding member of the Board of Directors for the Anne Arundel County Watershed Stewards Academy and currently serves as Vice-Chair of that Board.

“I am very excited by this opportunity to combine my technical skills and leadership experience to help protect, preserve, restore, and celebrate the South River.  The Federation has a strong foundation of accomplishments to build upon, and I am confident that my passion and energy for this watershed can help the Federation accomplish its mission to substantially clean up the river in a generation,“ Ms. Fritz commented.

She will take over the management of Federation’s operations on July 7.

You can learn more about the Federation at:  https://www.facebook.com/SouthRiverFederation

 

Davidsonville Theft

    The AA Co. police data base of serious crimes list a "theft" in Davidsonville  on June 13 in the vicinity of Cottage Run and Davidsonville Road.  No other details listed in the data base.

Recent Davidsonville Home Sales

Recent Davidsonville Home Sales include:

1)    A one and one-half story home with  basement  on 2.03 acres at 723 Peggy Stewart Court was sold by Mark Griffen  to Andrew and Lydia Turner for $1,060,000.

2)    A one and one-half story home with no basement of 2.40 acres at 3235 Homewood Road was sold by David Aisquith to Theodore Roth and Randi Swanson for $556,000.

3)    A two story home with basement on 1.46 acre at 2904 Spring Lakes Drive was sold by Christopher Burlbutt to James and Carol Tweed for $698,000.

Park and Ride Lot Work Stalled

    Above is what the Park and Ride expansion looks like today.  There has been no work done in weeks.  

Foreclosure On Birdsville Road (updated)

    The home at 3831 Birdsville Road in Davidsonville was sold at foreclosure auction on June 18, 2014.
    While the foreclosure ad said 3831 Birdsville Road,  the actual address is 203 Emily's Way. 

Update Nov  2015

    This house sold at the foreclosure auction for $400,100 to the bank.   The house is now for sale in "As Is" condition for $615,000 as an REO/Bank Owned property.

Macey Yates Named To Dean's List

     Macey Yates of Davidsonville was  named to dean’s list for the spring semester at York College of Pennsylvania:

 

David Obadina Named To Dean's List

David O. Obadina of Davidsonville was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at Northeastern University. He is majoring in international affairs.

Joshua Hirakawa Graduates Cum Laude

Joshua Teichi Hirakawa of Davidsonville graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science.   He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ted A. Hirakawa.

Recent Davidsonville Home Sales

Recent Davidsonville Home Sales include:

1)    A two story home on .1.02 acre at 1401 Falls Run Court was sold by NVR Homes to Donald and Heather Morris for $857,300.

2)    A two story home on 1.01 acre at 2419 Pebblebrook Court was sold by NVR Homes to Ricardo and Renee Spence for $908.500.

3)    A two story home on .93 acre at 2404 Pebblebrook Court was sold by NVR Homes to Steven and Joanne Bonacci for 1,145,695.

Maddy Ulery To Play of U. of MD

    Maddy Ulery,  who just finished her senior year at South River High will be on the U. of Maryland Field Hockey team this coming year.  The Davidsonville native was second team All-County the past two years.  You can read about her recruitment at:
http://www.diamondbackonline.com/sports/field_hockey/article_5ff34f0a-8f43-11e3-87c1-0017a43b2370.html

South River Students Second at Fair

    South River High School STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) students Sally Albright and Allison Raines took second place in the Anne Arundel County Public Schools Regional Science and Engineering Fair, held at North County High School in March. The sophomores’ entry, which won the South River fair, was among more than 300 submissions by students from grades 6 through 12 in the county competition. Originally titled “Don’t be Selfish, Save the Shellfish,” the project studied the effects of antifreeze on Chesapeake Bay eastern oysters.
     To read the complete Arundel Voice article and see the photo,  go to:
http://www.arundelvoice.com/school-youth/south-river-stem-students-win-county-science-fair-advance-national-competition#.U5stgfl3Ikk

South River Lacrosse Team Article

    The Arundel Voice has a nice article about the South River boys lacrosse team that won their third state championship on 5/20/14 by defeating Howard 9-6 at the UMBC stadium.  You can read the article at:
http://www.arundelvoice.com/sports/south-river-boys-defeat-howard-4a-state-title#.U5spnPl3Ikk

South River Lacrosse Photos

    There are a large number of photos taken at the State Championship Boys Lacrosse game at the below URL on the Arundel Voice web site.  South River High defeated Howard 9-6 for their third State Championship on 5/20/14.
http://www.arundelvoice.com/gallery/South%20River%20boys%20lacrosse%20vs.%20Howard,%20Maryland%204A%20state%20final%20at%20UMBC,%205.20.14#.U5sqCfl3Ikm

Recent Davidsonville Home Sales

Recent Davidsonville home sales include:

1)    A two story home on 1.47 Acres at 2402 Pebblebrook Court was sold by NVR Homes to Daniel and Julia Collins for $814,044

2)    A two story home on 1.28 acres at 2406 Pebblebrook Court  was sold by NVR Homes to Mario and Cristina Ezequiel for $972,525.

3)    A two story home on 1.66 acres at 2413 Pebblebrook Court was sold by NVR Homes to Paresh and Nerali Patel for  $1,095,305.

4)    A two story home on .96 acre at 2417 Pebblebrook Court was sold by NVR Homes to Michael and Ingrid Watson  for 842,285.

.

K-Tags For Farm Vehicles

By: Maryland Farm Bureau

Recently, the Maryland Farm Bureau was made aware of some confusion regarding renewal of
K-tags for farmer vehicles.  As many of you know, the Maryland Farm Bureau passed policy last year that called for the K-tag radius to be increased from 10 miles to 25 miles.  Our policy also calls for proof of farming to be eligible to receive the farm area vehicle tags.  A bill was introduced and passed in 2014 to do just that - expand the radius to 25 miles and crack down on fraud. 

We recognize that not every farming operation is the same. There are many different types of business structures when it comes to agriculture in Maryland. To encompass all types of farming activity, MFB worked with the MVA to develop at list of documents to show proof of farming activity. Because the bill that passed called for tax documents to prove farming, we focused on the wide-range of IRS forms that are associated with agriculture businesses.  This included the following IRS forms: 

• IRS Form 1040 Schedule F “Profit or Loss from Farming”
• IRS Form 1040 Schedule C-EZ “Net Profit from Business”IRS Form 1120  “U. S. Corporation Income Tax Return”
• IRS Form 1120S “U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation”
• IRS Form 1065 “U. S. Return of Partnership Income”
• IRS Form 4835 “Farm Rental Income and Expenses”

The confusion occurs when a farmer wants to submit one of the above IRS form(s) but doesn’t have the vehicle listed on a depreciation schedule. This may be because the vehicle has no value and is only used during certain times of the year to plant or harvest crops. If this happens to be the case for your vehicle(s) and operation, please send an email explaining that the vehicle has been fully depreciated to Matt Teffeau on our staff at matt.mdfb@verizon.net .  Matt will serve as your intermediary with the MVA for these special cases.

Mysterious Pipes In Field

  The above photo was taken along 424 in Davidsonville.  Numerous PVC pipes are sticking out of the ground from a recently built trench.   Having never seen anything like this before,  I am wondering what the purpose might be.  Anyone having an idea can reply by e-mail,  or,  post comments on this site. 

Jonathan Greulich Guilty of DUI

Jonathan Robert Greulich, 23, 1562 Alcova Court, Davidsonville; was  charged Jan. 26, 2014 and  pleaded guilty of DUI. He received probation for 1 year.  Any fines and costs were not listed.

Annie Turner Passes Away

 
   ANNIE GEORGIA TURNER "Sissie," 74, a thirty year resident of Davidsonville, died Tuesday, June 10 at her home.
    Born July 9, 1939 in Arlington, VA to the late Martin Costello and Annie Kitts, she was a graduate of Annapolis High School. Annie worked for C&P Telephone Co. in Annapolis, AT&T Communications in Glen Burnie for about thirty years before leaving to have children. She went back to work for AT&T later and became a payroll clerk thanks to Jean Bottner, her friend and boss who had faith in her and gave her the opportunity. She always loved her job and was thankful to have such a good friend and a great boss.
    Annie was a member of Riva Trace Baptist Church for years and was baptized by Pastor Gray. She then found Pastor Bennett and Stevensville Methodist Church, where she was loved and fed the love of God and friends. In her spare time Annie enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren, country line dancing, swimming and sun worshiping, badminton, working outside in her flower garden, going to church, going to Tim's baseball games and watching Tina play basketball.
    She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of nineteen years, Alfred I. Turner; a companion, William F. Albin; one brother, Martin Costello; one sister, Helen Land. Surviving her is one son, Timothy Turner of Annapolis; one daughter, Tina Nelson of Dunkirk; two brothers, George Costello and Keith Kitts both of Annapolis; three sisters, Joan Costello of Chester, Keith Ann LaClair of Jacksonville, N.C. and Brenda Sturges of Annapolis; one grandson, Shawn Kopf of Annapolis; three granddaughters, Erica Turner of Baltimore, Alexa Turner of Annapolis and Jade Nelson of Dunkirk.
    Friends are invited to Annie's Memorial Service on Saturday, June 14 at 12PM at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater. Interment is private. An online guestbook is available at www.kalasfuneralhomes.com

Payton Brown Graduates

Payton Olivia Brown of Davidsonville graduated from St. Marys College of Maryland with a major in biology and minors in religious studies and environmental studies.

James Purdy Earns Degree

James Purdy of Davidsonville earned a degree from the Pratt Institute.

Avonia Snodgrass Passes Away

    Avonia Snodgrass, 84, a 50-year resident of Davidsonville, died June 9 at Heritage Harbour Health & Rehabilitation Center in Annapolis after a 6-month battle with cancer.
    Born December 3, 1929 in Rose Hill, Virginia to the late William and Elizabeth Lawson, Avonia was a wife, mother and homemaker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Mayo; her son William, who was killed in Vietnam; and her two daughters, Gail and Barbara. She is survived by her two sons, Donald "Don" Snodgrass of Jensen Beach, Florida and Dale Snodgrass of Hurlock; two sisters, Myrtle Hornsby and Virginia Ruth Lewis, both of Rose Hill, Virginia; and three grandchildren, Christopher, Travis and Heather.
    Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 11, at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater. A private graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122 or to the , 1041 Route 3 North, Bldg A., Gambrills, MD 21054. An online guestbook is available at www.kalasfuneralhomes.com

Valerie Vollmer Is Orphan Court Candidate

        Valerie Vollmer of Davidsonville is running in the Republican primary for Orphans Court.  She will  competing against  Phyllis Balzer Beardmore of Severna Park, Rose Brooks of Glen Burnie, Michael Ragland Sr. of Annapolis, and  Alan Rzepkowski of Pasadena.

Zachary Rowe Makes Dean's List

    Zachary Rowe was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

Evan Todd Graduates From Elizabethtown

Evan Todd of Davidsonville graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications from Elizabethtown College.

Recent Davidsonville Home Sales

Recent Davidsonville home sales include:

1)  A two story home on  1.09 acre at 2403 Pebblebrook Ct. sold by NVR Homes to Michael and Kathleen Durbin for $799,990.

2)  A two story home on 1.07 acre at 2412 Pebblebrook Ct. sold by NVR Homes  to Ather and Sheila Chaudhry for  $1,122,860.

 

3)  A two story home on.92 acre at 2405 Pebblebrook Ct. sold by NVR  Homes to Robert Zimmermann and Svetlana Oreshkina for $841,523.

 

4)  A two story home on 1.44 acre at 1406 Falls Run Ct. sold by NVR Homes to Douglas and Emma Martin for $885,000.

Police Academy Funds Deleted From Budget

    The county council cut $4.6 million from County Executive Laura Neuman’s proposed operating budget for the year that starts July 1 and nearly $50 million from the capital budget, mostly from utility funds for projects not started or thought to have excess funds.that were determined to have more money than needed or had not been started.  They  cut $708,000 allocated to begin design on a new police academy, but county officials said they will move forward with a study looking for alternatives to the outdated Davidsonville facility..

    The unpopular stormwater fee for most county homeowners will go up from $51 to $68 as the county goes into the program's second phase.  The property tax rate will drop 0.7% but homeowners will still face tax increases because of higher assessments.

 

Chris Navarro Golfer Of The Year

 

Davidsonville's Chris Navarro won his second MIAA title in three years and led his Archbishop Spalding team to its first A conference title since 2010 to earn the Capital Gazette Communications Private School Golfer of the Year award for a second straight year.

Navarro made headlines two years ago by winning his first MIAA title as a freshman when he recorded the lowest shot total (214) in the MIAA’s 34-year history. This year’s stroke championship was shortened by nine holes due to raw and rainy conditions on the final day of the tournament. Navarro won by carding a 182 (72-74-36) at Baltimore Country Club’s West Course to edge Severn sophomore Eric Hall (185). Navarro’s closest teammate, Kyle Berkshire, finished 10 shots behind.

To read more about Chris Navarro,  go to:  http://www.capitalgazette.com/sports/high_school_sports/spalding-golfer-navarro-shines-leads-wins/article_89b7b489-0b49-5f98-8ed9-aff4018163b0.html

Melvin Wachowiak, Jr. Passes Away

    Melvin J. Wachowiak Jr., 56, a 17-year resident of Davidsonville, died May 28 at his home.
    Born on February 15, 1958 in Springfield, MA to Gloria and the late Melvin J. Wachowiak Sr., Melvin graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. degree in Studio Art from Springfield College, and received a Master's in Art Conservation from the University of Delaware/Winterthur Museum Art Conservation Program. In 1989, he joined the Smithsonian Institution as a furniture conservator.         
    Melvin is survived by his wife of 28 years, Joanne Wachowiak; two children, Nikolas and Natalie Wachowiak of Davidsonville; his mother, Gloria Wachowiak; three brothers, Christopher (Nancy), Matthew and Carl Wachowiak; one sister, Mary (Jeff) Ballachino; and many nieces and nephews.       
    Friends are invited to a memorial service for Melvin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 8 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis, 333 Dubois Road, Annapolis. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 970025, Boston, MA 02297-0025. An online guestbook is available at www.kalasfuneralhomes.com

DAA U10 Soccer Team Finishes 13-0

The Davidsonville Athletic Association‘s Gators ’03-’04 U10 boys soccer team finished their season undefeated in thirteen games of league and tournament play. The Gators beat Annapolis 7-2 on Sunday, June 1 to finish first in Anne Arundel County’s Division 1 league for the second straight year. The win comes on the heels of winning the ASA Memorial Cup Tournament the previous weekend.

Playing each game with a reduced roster because of commitments to competing spring sports, the Gators got significant production from the players who were available each week. Nine players scored four or more goals for the team this season.

The Gators will return to theBaltimore Beltway Soccer League for the fall season. Tryouts for the team are being held at Davidsonville Park on June 9 and June 10.

Mt. Airy U-Pick Farm Closes

    Strawberry pickers have been busy this week in Davidsonville.  Above is a photo taken June 2 at the Mt. Airy U-Pick Farm at the intersection of MD 424 and Mt. Airy Rd.

From the Capital-Gazette:

After 36 years, the Hopkins family on Friday closed the Davidsonville farm where residents flocked for decades to pick their own strawberries.

 

"We will miss the people," said Tim Hopkins, 67. "We’re just getting too old to fool with it any longer."

In 1978, he and his brother, Jim, took control of the Mt. Airy U-Pick Farm from their father. However, unlike the two generations before them, they weren't farmers. They were teachers working the fields in the summer for supplemental income.

To keep their time and labor manageable, they focused on growing strawberries on just a few acres of land. 

They eventually retired from teaching and enjoyed farming enough to continue, but even with the help of their families, caring for the short-lived strawberry plants took their toll.

"My knees and back were really making it hard to justify going out there every time it rained to pull weeds out by hand for over three acres of land," said Jim Hopkins, 72.

The brothers plan to continue raising crops and animals for wholesale distribution in hopes of maintaining the property's agricultural status for their children. The family did not say what they plan to plant, but made it clear they had no interest in growing strawberries or other u-pick produce.

Susan Kitchen laments the closing of the strawberry farm. The Crofton resident picked them for 20 years.

"It's the ending of an era. Nothing replaces the memories I have there. It just won’t be the same."

When Julia Wills learned she was picking berries during the last week of operation, the Glen Burnie resident said she would start her own strawberry garden next year.

“I want options. I don’t want to be limited to grocery shopping out of season."

Wills may not need to start a garden just yet.

The Country Aire Farm in Lothian opened their u-pick strawberry field in May. The farm, owned by Jimmy and JoAnn Paddy, typically sells pre-picked fruits and vegetables. The lone strawberry field is open until the end of this month.

Customers can collect a pound of berries in the three-acre field for $3, or purchase pre-picked quarts for $5.

"A lot of people... would ask us if we have anything to pick," said JoAnn Paddy. "We enjoy the people and the families, and they've enjoyed it too."

Rt. 50 Accident in Davidsonville

A single-vehicle wreck just before noon  Thursday in Davidsonville sent a woman to the hospital with serious injuries.

Firefighters responded to the accident on eastbound Route 50 at just east of the  Route 424 interchange around 11:45 a.m. A sport utility vehicle went off the roadway into a nearby wooded area.

The woman estimated to be in her 60s was taken to the Prince George's Trauma Center in Cheverly with non-life-threatening injuries according to fire department officials.

Recent Davidsonville Home Sales

Recent Davidsonville home sales include:

1)    A split level home on 1.13 acres at 3446 Merrimac Road sold by Vernon Miskowich to William Moore for $1,075,000.

2)    A two story home on 1.45 acres  at 2904 Spring Lakes Drive sold by Christopher Hurlbutt to James and Carol Tweed for $698,000.