Connie Crupi Retires

 From The Examiner.com

      Connie Crupi has been a friendly face to thousands of customers at the oldest mini storage in the Bowie-Crofton area for nearly 20 years. She will retire on Thursday December 31, 2015, after paying into the Social Security system since the 1960's. She leaves her office on New Year's Eve to start a new role as a loving grandmother to her  grandchildren in her home in Davidsonville where she and her husband, Larry, have resided for 35 years.

      The customers who have entrusted their precious belongings to Connie Crupi over the past two decades have found a serious, no nonsense, professional who was always polite. "I will miss my customers, but I look forward to spending more time with my grandchildren," she said. Her work at her office was more than managing the units that housed valuable property. Crupi also showed true concern for her property owners. For example, when your customer service journalist was looking for the perfect place to store a decade of recordings of Howard University literature lectures. Crupi provided the perfect place.

      The lectures that began a quarter of a century ago were kept in excellent condition, free from water damage, and other elements until they were shipped away when the journalist left America to eventually became the chancellor of a journalism and communications program in Bamako, Mali, West Africa. Crupi helped with the difficult relocation and recommended the school all boys school that provided four years of excellent service to his son. Her role as the manager of Crofton Mini Storage often exceeded renting storage units because Crupi cared about her customers.

      Her  retirement on December 31, 2015, will be an occasion for her loyal customers to remember a professional who gave great customer service while protecting valuable property. Her retirement is a great loss to the customers who have come to depend on Crupi to keep their valuables safe. However, retirement is a very private and personal decision. Thousands of students pleaded with the present writer not to retire from his American teaching to move to Africa. But after being named Professor of the Year by UGSA and Distinguished Faculty Member of the Year by HUSA he told the student body in the Bison Ballroom that he would end his college teaching career at Howard. He kept that promise. Now it is time for Connie Crupi to retire. She plans to keep her promise to be with her family.

Retirement should never be associated with being lazy or sleepy. It is a track change. It is earned from decades of hard work. Crupi will be very busy taking care of and teaching her grandchildren. Her days will be as active in retirement as they were before. She ran her small business with precision and excellence. Her grandchildren are in for a great blessing to have her order their lives in much the same way that she ran her small business.

When asked about the most memorable aspects of her long career she gave the following reply, "Dealing with my tenants, working with my tenants, and any time you work with people, all different kinds, you serve the public. I think that's my best memory. I enjoyed the people that I worked with at my company. It has been a good company to work for." she said.

      Crupi has been a good neighbor in her community near the Y Worry Farm in Davidsonville, Maryland, for nearly 40 years. "I love our community. We are in a rural community that is close to the Annapolis Mall. Davidsonville is still somewhat rural because of the building codes and so forth. But we are a few minutes from Crofton," she said.

As the 10,000 mile move back to Africa was being planned and storage was being arranged, Crupi was always prepared with helpful suggestions and advice. Her years of experience in moving and storage was a great asset to her customers served at Crofton Mini Storage. The back to Africa shipments took a year of planning and Crupi was ready to assist when needed. Her years of customer service will be remembered by her loyal customers

      The plans for her retirement include one of the most important tasks on earth. "I plan to spend a lot of time with my grandchildren and family. We have done a lot of travelling over the years so we are not in the market to do a lot of travelling. It is going to be a low key retirement," she said. On December 31, 2015, Crupi will drive away from the Crofton Mini Storage for the final time as manager. Although Shakespeare was right and parting is such sweet sorrow, her retirement means joy for her grandchildren and her loving husband.

Happy retirement to a woman who did her job well and gave her customers great customer service. As the new year of 2016 approaches it is a time for change and resolutions. Remember retirement does not mean the end. It is the beginning of a new role.

Harry Pitts Passes Away

    Harry B. Pitts, Jr.  of Davidsonville, MD, died on December 8, 2015 in Annapolis.
    He was the loving husband of Carol; father of Harry, Suzanne (deceased), Andrew, Douglas (Denise), and Matthew (Gina); and brother of Doris Chandler Copp. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, plus extended families.
    Harry grew up in Chevy Chase, MD and had a long career working for TWA, the U.S. Army, the U.S Department of Transportation, and the Association of American Railroads. He thought life was grand, had limitless curiosity, and loved to invent solutions for model airplanes, stained glass, electric cars, and house renovations.
    A private celebration of his life is being held for relatives and friends

New Entertainment Concept

From the Capital-Gazette:

A new entertainment concept that specializes in escape will be coming to Annapolis early next year.

Professional auto racer Jason Cherry plans to open Mission Escape Rooms at 40 West St. by early to mid February. Within this facility, customers will pay to go into one of four themed rooms where they will use clues to find their way out. Cherry and his family previously went to one in Washington D.C and he thought it would be ideal for Annapolis' entertainment scene because it would bring more young people into the area.

"Annapolis has retail and we have restaurants, but there's not necessarily anything to do," said the 19-year-old Cherry, who lives in Davidsonville. "The hour or 15 minutes that you're in it just flies by. It just made sense for us to pursue it here."

His business is based off of a concept that started in Japan and made its way into the United States in 2012. Earlier this year, MarketWatch.com wrote about the growing trend of escape rooms and found there are at least 2,880 worldwide.

In the U.S., these ventures are operating in at least 40 states and Washington D.C., according to the Escape Room Directory. Currently, there is one in Maryland — Escape This Live, which has a facility in Baltimore and seven other locations around the country.

Claudia Hassan runs Cafe Ole across the street and said she was looking forward to the new business. While not familiar with the escape room concept, she was eager to see that space being put to permanent use.

"Any business that is coming to this street to an empty building is a great thing," Hassan said. The building once belonged to a hair salon, but after that closed temporary pop-up shops have been using it. "If it brings people and visitors, that will be awesome for the whole street and for all of the businesses around here."

This will also be a new venture for Cherry, a professional racer who is involved with the Autism Society of America. He recently became chair of the organization's sibling board and is also working to establish sibling scholarship programs, as well as outreach and respite services. Cherry's older brother, Matthew, lives with autism spectrum disorder.

To manage all of his activities, Cherry has temporarily put racing on hold to focus on business and entrepreneurship opportunities.

"I'm sure I'll be involved in racing in the future," Cherry said. "I know that I'll come back. I have people always contacting me and the greatest thing about it is I've made lifelong friends doing it."

At the upcoming Mission Escape Rooms, there will be four rooms, two with enough capacity for eight people and two others for 14 and 12. Each will have a theme, including boudoir, military, Edgar Allan Poe and black and white. They'll pay a fee $28 to enter and will be given clues on how to get out. Cherry and his staff, which will include two to three people, will watch from two-way cameras.

This fall, Veronica Jordan opened Annapolis Wine & Design on West Street. Since her business offers paint and sip parties for groups, she imagined Mission Escape Rooms would complement her customer base.

"It's what West Street needs," Jordan said, adding that they could do joint ventures. "We're similar in that we're also trying to bring a social experience to people. It sounds great and I can't wait to try it out."

Fire At 1600 Rossback

From the Capital-Gazette:

Firefighters shuttled in water to extinguish a two-alarm blaze at a garage in Davidsonville Wednesday, an Anne Arundel County fire department spokesman said.

The fire at 1600 Rossback Road was reported at 12:20 p.m., said department spokesman Capt. Russ Davies. The one-story detached garage belongs to a local landscaping company, he said.

The garage is located in an area without fire hydrants, so firefighters had to truck in water to put out the flames, Davies said.

The fire was under control by 2 p.m., and there were no reports of injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No damage estimates were immediately available.

Auto Accident on Brick Church

   There was an auto accident at 39 Brick Church Rd near Solomons Isle Rd  Wed. afternoon.   Police and fire units both responded.

Police Incident at Huntwood and Defense Hwy. (Updated)

    Police  Officers responded to the area of Huntwood Drive and Defense Highway around 5 PM for a distraught individual that was making threats. When officers arrived, a perimeter was established around the house and a roadway was closed as a precaution. A short time later the subject was taken into custody without incident. Defense Highway @ Huntwood Drive will be opening soon as officers clear the scene. Thanks for your patience

    AA Co. Police posted the following on Dec. 31.
    On December 30, 2015 at approximately 11:00 a.m. officers responded to the 1100 block of Defense Hwy to check the well-being of suicidal subject. For the safety of all personnel at the scene, and the immediate surrounding area, a portion of the roadway was closed until the situation could be resolved. Police took the subject into custody without incident for a medical evaluation at approximately 5:00 in the evening. All area roadways were then reopened to the public.

Fire On Rossback Wed.

    A structure (possibly barn or shed)  fire was reported in the 1600 block of Rossback Road on Wed. afternoon shortly after noon.  There were numerous emergency vehicles going there,  so must have been serious.  
    It was later  reported to be a large detached garage.

Francis Zylwitis Passes Away

    Francis J. "Zeke" Zylwitis died peacefully at his longtime home in Davidsonville, MD on December 18th. He was 71. 
    Loving husband, father and adored grandfather. Born and raised in Bethlehem, PA, by Frank and Jennie (Rich) Zylwitis. He graduated from Notre Dame High School. After a tour in Vietnam in the Army Military Police, this accidental soldier but deliberate scholar finished his studies on GI Bill while performing civilian police work in DC and Annapolis during the turbulent late sixties and early seventies. He received degrees from University of Maryland, College Park and American University and spent his career in public safety and organizational security management. He was a great strategist at work, at home and in sports.
    He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Peg Zylwitis of Davidsonville, MD; his daughters Elizabeth Hall (Edward Hall) of Chesapeake Beach, MD and Meg Zed (Philip Zed) of Pittsburgh, PA; and grandchildren Jude, Owen, Neve (Zed) and Catherine (Hall). His cooking, humor and conversations will greatly be missed.
    Services: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Southern Poverty Law Center.

DAA 90# Football Video

    This is a video of DAA Vs. Cape St. Claire 90 lb. football gamme on Sept. 12, 2015.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riidWxa9_eU

Rachael Hughes On Dean's List

Rachael Hughes of Davidsonville  was named to the dean's list for the fall semester at Berry College.

Marissa Brown At U. of Richmond

    Marissa Brown,  daughter of Rob and Maddie Brown of  Davidsonville,  is a freshman at the University of Richmond and is on their 2016 lacrosse team.   You can read about her career on her bio at:
http://www.richmondspiders.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=210293399&DB_OEM_ID=26800

Stanton's Ask Obama For Turkey Pardon

Brother and sister Jack and Ava Stanton hold two of their four young turkeys. 

Ava wrote to President Barack Obama asking for a pardon

 for their turkeys along with the ones to be officially pardoned 

for Thanksgiving by the President. (By Jerri Anne Hopkins / Correspondent)

    To read the complete article,  go to:
http://www.capitalgazette.com/neighborhoods/ph-ac-cc-south-county-1217-20151216-story.html

Dillon Moran Tribute Video

    Below is a link to a You Tube tribute to Dillon Moran who died  of an accident in 2011.      You can find his obituary and another article about him by searching for "Moran" on this web site.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHXIJ6WN2GU

BP Station Robbed

    Armed robbers  struck a gas station in Davidsonville  shortly after 3 a.m. Monday.
    Three people in masks entered the BP gas station on West Central Avenue in Davidsonville and accosted the clerk.  The group pointed a weapon at the clerk and attempted to gain entry to the ATM.  They  caused "significant damage" to the machine, but weren't able to get the money inside. They then ransacked the store and fled, according to police.
    Several officers and a K-9 unit searched the area but weren't able to find the suspects.
    Police describe the suspects as black and wearing dark clothing. No additional descriptive information was available.

Recent Davidsonville Home Sale

Recent Davidsonville home sales include  a two story home with no basement on 1.03 acre at 700 Appomattox Rd W. sold by Cindy Burnett to Wayne Pope, Jr. for $485,000.

Madison Carter At Penn State

    Madison Carter,  daughter of Maureen and Brett Carter of Davidsonville,  is a freshman at Penn State and is on the lacrosse team for the coming 2016 season.
    Her bio can be read at:
http://m.gopsusports.com/m/sports/w-lacros/mtt/madison_carter_979071.html

Jake Vermillion At Delaware Valley

Jake Vermillion is a freshman at Delaware Valley University and is a fullback on their football team.  He is majoring in conservation and wildlife management.

Maddy Ulery At U. of MD

       Maddy Ulery  the daughter of Scott and Beth Ulery of Davidsonville, plays field hockey for the U. of MD.  She is a hearing and speech therapy  major.  You can read her bio at:

http://www.umterps.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209508182

Accident On Rt. 50 Thur. Morning

    All westbound lanes and one left eastbound lane of Route 50 were shut down around 5:40 a.m. Thursday morning due to an accident  just east of Rutland Road near the exit for Route 424    All lanes were open by about 6:00 a.m..

  

Redistricting Challenge

The U.S. Supreme Court has revived a challenge by some Maryland residents to their state's 2011 redrawing of its congressional districts, ruling unanimously Tuesday that the case was thrown out prematurely, according to an AP story by Brian Witte  at WTOP-AM. The court said federal law requires that the Maryland case be heard by a panel of three judges, not the lone judge who dismissed the challenge.

• Writing for the court, Justice Antonin Scalia said the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals erred when it threw out a lawsuit by Stephen M. Shapiro of Bethesda that alleged the new map marginalized voters based solely on their party affiliation.The First Amendment claim is a novel approach in a redistricting lawsuit, reports John Fritze for the Sun.
• On remand, the three-judge panel will review the claim by three Maryland voters that the state's overwhelmingly Democratic redistricting tramples on their rights to free speech and political association, Steve Lash of the Daily Record reports.

Governor Bridge Update

    In August, DACA wrote to Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker and AA County Executive Steven Schuh, asking for prompt repairs and a speedy reopening of the Governors Bridge.     

    As of November 14, DACA had received no response from the Prince George’s County. AA Co Executive Schuh replied that he received the letter and forwarded it to the State HighwayAdministration, but they also have not responded. Ed noted that if money is the main concern, the counties could seek funding from the state, as it involves more than one county.  

    DACA has invited SHA Administrator Gregory Johnson and District 5 Engineer Tim Smith to meet with the Board of Directors at its December 3 meeting.

DACA Green Expo 2016 Date Set

    DACA’s Board of Directors is gearing up for Green  Expo 2016. Jean Marie Hofstetter, Principal of Davidsonville Elementary, has given us the go-ahead to hold it at the school for the third year on March 12 from10:00 until 2:00.The Green Expo Committee sent out Save the Date messages to about 200 past and potential exhibitors,sponsors, and volunteers, along with registration forms for sponsors and exhibitors, businesses and non-profit organizations. We welcome Alison James to DACA’sboard and our newest Green Expo Committee member.Residential Concrete Services (RCS) became our first registered Green Expo 2016 Sponsor.

    Exhibitors already registered include Chesapeake Environmental Protection Association, Scenic Rivers Land Trust,Watershed Restoration and Protection, Boy Scout Troop 454, and we have promises of more. We’ve ordered the seedling trees to give away. We’re getting a good start!Thanks to Ann Fligsten and Growth Action Network for promoting DACA’s Green Expo in theirnotices to members.Go to DACA’s web site www.daca-md.org for more information about previous Green Expos, to review previous Villagers, and to join DACA. We are also on Facebook, thanks to our web master Melissa Stanton

Guilty In Rt. 50 Accident

A Queen Anne's County man pleaded guilty Monday to negligent homicide in connection with a fatal crash last year on Route 50 in Davidsonville.

Bruce Woodfield, 53, of Centreville, faces up to five years in prison when he is sentenced Feb. 1 in Anne Arundel Circuit Court. He will receive at least three years of active incarceration, according to his plea agreement.

Assistant Anne Arundel State's Attorney Jason Steinhardt said Woodfield was drinking alcohol the night of May 15, 2014, in Annapolis. At about 11 p.m., he took "psychiatric" medication that isn't supposed to be taken with alcohol due to its effects, Steinhardt said.

Woodfield on Monday said he is on medication for manic depression and schizophrenia.

At about 3:30 a.m. on May 16, 2014, Woodfield was driving a 2001 Lexus ES 300 west on Route 50, with 49-year-old Karen Smith of Annapolis in the passenger's seat, when the car went through a puddle and lost control near Davidsonville Road, Steinhardt said.

Woodfield was taking Smith to a friend's house at the time of the crash, police said in charging documents. Smith, who hadn't been drinking, blew in the vehicle's alcohol interlock device so Woodfield could drive, Steinhardt said.

The Lexus left the road, went into the grass median and began to spin, Steinhardt said. The passenger's side then slammed into the guardrail, causing injuries to Smith that proved fatal, Steinhardt said.

Woodfield and other witnesses called 911, but Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy revealed Smith had trauma to her head, neck, torso and extremities, Steinhardt said.

Police detected a "strong odor" of alcohol on Woodfield, Steinhardt said. He was transported to theMaryland State Police barracks in Glen Burnie, where his blood-alcohol level was .08, Steinhardt said.

Woodfield was placed under arrest and charged with negligent manslaughter, negligent homicide while under the influence, negligent homicide while impaired and other offenses. He pleaded guilty Monday to negligent homicide while under the influence.

A police investigation determined alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash, Steinhardt said, along with rain and wet road conditions. Woodfield has been held on $1.5 million bond since his arrest, according to court records.

Smith left behind two children, according to her obituary

For info about Karen Smith,  go to:  http://davidsonvillenews.blogspot.com/2014/05/karen-smith-dies-in-local-accident.html

Chris Navarro On U. of MD Golf Team

    Chris Navarro,  son of Timothy and Kendra Navarro of Davidsonville is a freshman at U. of MD and on their golf team.  He is majoring in letters and Sciences.
    His bio can be read at:
http://www.umterps.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=210249687
    Previous articles about Chris have been at:
http://davidsonvillenews.blogspot.com/search?q=navarro  and also:
http://davidsonvillenews.blogspot.com/2014/06/chris-navarro-golfer-of-year.html

Garrett McLendon At AACC

Garrett McLendon of Davidsonville is a freshman mid-fielder 

on the Anne Arundel Community College soceer team this year.

His bio can be read at:  http://aaccathletics.com/sports/msoc/2015-16/bios/mclendon_garrett_fxty

Gabby Winsky At Washington College

    Gabby Winsky of Davidsonville is a sophomore at Washington College and  on their 2015-16 basketball team.  Her bio can be read at:
http://www.washingtoncollegesports.com/sports/wbkb/2015-16/bios/winsky_gabby_vare

Moody Sentenced In Bike Accident

From The Capital-Gazette: 

Alan Fraser was riding his bike along St. George Barber Road in Davidsonville on Aug. 22 when a sport utility vehicle approached him from behind.

As Fraser, 59, of Edgewater, went around a bend near Governor Bridge Road, the SUV, driven by Michael Moody, 61, of Davidsonville, attempted to pass.

A collision took place. Fraser was knocked off his bike. Then Moody got out of the SUV and began shoving Fraser, police said.

A witness told police Moody threw Fraser's bicycle tire in the woods before fleeing the scene.

Moody was stopped a short time later on Riva Road and placed under arrest on charges of second-degree assault and a number of traffic violations, including leaving the scene of an accident.

On Friday, a District Court judge spared Moody jail time for the incident and ordered him to complete community service.

Judge Thomas J. Pryal gave Moody probation before judgment, with a condition that he completes 16 hours of community service with the nonprofit Bicycle Advocates for Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. He also ordered Moody to pay a fine of $142.50.

"Whatever happened with the accident happened, and there's a (proper) way to deal with that," Pryal said, noting Moody should have waited for police instead of assaulting Fraser and fleeing the scene.

The state dropped the traffic violations against Moody, who apologized to Fraser before the hearing. Moody told the court he already has completed an anger management class.

"I use the tools I've learned in that class every day of my life," Moody said.

If Moody fails to successfully complete the terms of probation, the judge could convict him of the assault charge and sentence him to up to 10 years in prison.

Fraser said he has spent the months since the crash recovering from his injuries, but has resumed cycling. He sustained a broken fibula, rib and elbow.

Fraser also said he accepted Moody's apology. He hopes some good will come from the incident, given Moody's coming community service and already-completed anger management class.

"I feel pretty satisfied with the way things went today," Fraser said.

Defense attorney Gill Cochran said Moody wasn't at fault for the crash, but acknowledged he "certainly did not conduct himself properly after the accident."

"I have a good client I represented," he said. "I'm also pleased that the victim in this case was nice enough to talk to all of us and we were able to work this thing out, along with bicycle people that were very helpful, as well."

Jon Korin, founder of Bike AAA, worked with the court to set up Moody's community service. He also worked with the court earlier this year to set up community service for a dump truck driver who was charged following a road rage incident involving a group of police cyclists training in Glen Burnie.

"I think the majority of drivers don't realize that cyclists have a legal right to use the road and the driver is required to give the cyclist 3 feet of space when passing, when safe to do so," Korin said.

Alexander Meller, another cyclist who attended the hearing, said cyclists often ride in south county because there is less traffic.

Like Fraser, Meller said he has had encounters with drivers who become agitated by cyclists in the travel lanes.

"'I am not trying to slow cars down," Meller said. "I'm just trying to ride safely. We just need the motorists to respect our right to be on the road and to pass us safely, and passing into a blind curve isn't safe."

John Swann Passes Away

      John Sylvester Swann, 86, of Davidsonville passed peacefully November 26, 2015.
      He was born on February 21, 1929 to the late John and Catherine Swann.
      He is survived by four children, John(Salome), Timothy(Sible), Stephen(Frances), and Sherrie Payne(Karl). Also survived by sisters, Shirley Butler and Catherine Proctor(Larry).
      A viewing will be held Friday, December 4, 2015 at 10 A.M. at Holy Family Catholic Church located at 926 W. Central Ave, Davidsonville, MD. Funeral Services will follow at 11 A.M. Interment will be private. Arrangements are being handled by William Reese & Sons Mortuary.

Driver Arrested For Park Damage

An Annapolis man was arrested for doing “doughnuts” in his pickup truck on the outfield grass at a Davidsonville park this weekend.

An Anne Arundel County Police officer was checking on Riva Area Park, 3639 Riva Road in Davidsonville, about 5:30 a.m. Sunday. While in the park, the officer saw a green Ford F150 pickup truck drive into the park.

Police say the truck left the paved parking area and drove onto the grass and onto a baseball diamond. Once on the grass the truck’s driver did several “doughnuts” in the outfield grass.

As the driver tried to leave the park, police caught up to the truck and stopped it.

Mark Edward Clifford, 21, of Annapolis was arrested for destruction of property and vandalism.

John Mazza At Towson U.

    John Mazza of Davidsonville is a freshman at Towson University and is on their Lacrosse team.  You can read his bio at:  http://towsontigers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6781&path=mlax

Grant Maloof at Towson U.

    Grant Maloof of Davidsonville is a freshman at Towson University and is on their 2016 lacrosse roster.  You can read his bio at:  http://towsontigers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6786&path=mlax

Liam Kelly At Yale U.

    Liam Kelly, sone of Chris and Marlene Kelly of  Davidsonville,  is a sophomore at Yale University and is on their Lacross roster.  You can read his bio at:
http://www.yalebulldogs.com/sports/m-lacros/2015-16/bios/kelly_liam_33qj

Matthew Frymark Graduates

    Matthew Frymark of Davidsonville graduated from Salisbury University Cum Laude with a bachelor of science degree in accounting and information systems.

Recent Davidsonville Home Sales

Recent Davidsonville home sales include:

1)    A two story home on .91 acres at 212 Maple Creek Lane sold by Eric Seeger to Thomas and Kimberly Stroka for $690,000

2)    A two story home on 1.44 acres at 1406 Falls Run Court sold by Douglas Martin to Timothy and Wendy Cornell for $955,000.

Weekend Fun In D'Ville

One fun event this weekend is at Christmas on the Farm (2404 Jenniville Road, Davidsonville). From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, this farm will feature local retailers and designers, a perfect place to do your shopping. Some include Twisted Sisters, Little White Fashion Truck, Divine Details and Ethel Rose.

They also will have trees, wreaths, furniture, home decor, a photographer, a mobile fashion boutique, a local winery, and lots of gifts to start your holiday shopping.

Michael Strange At Monmouth U.

    As the Monmouth University Hawks close out their football season,  senior wide receiver Michael Strange from Davidsonville will also be wrapping up his college career.   The 6'5" 220 lb son of Mike and Carol Ann Strange is majoring in Pre-Med.
     Mike's bio and photos can be seen at:
    http://www.monmouthhawks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14300&ATCLID=205504477

Kacie Longo At U. Of MD

    Kacie Longo, daughter of Ed and Karen Longo of Davidsonville  is a sophomore on the U. of  MD lacrosse roster for 2016.  She is majoring in Letters and Sciences.
    Kacie's bio can be read at:  http://www.umterps.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209685115&DB_OEM_ID=29700

    But,  lacrosse is not Kacie's only sport.  She was also voted Soccer Player Of The Year for Anne Arundel County and also was an indoor track standout.  You can read more about her at:
http://davidsonvillenews.blogspot.com/2013/11/kacie-longo-soccer-player-of-year.html

2015 Gator Swim Video

    Here is a You Tube video of the 2015 Davidsonville Swim Team.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWkIFKjoAx0

Margaret Kackritz Passes Away

        Margaret Estelle (Nolan) Kackritz, a 44-year resident of Davidsonville, MD and previously of Bowie, MD, died on November 17, 2015. She was 87. She was born on December 4, 1927 in Baltimore, MD to the late Estelle and Bernard Nolan.
        Margaret worked at the Cannon Shoe Company, where she met her husband of 67 years, Gerhart Kackritz. She then worked for Washington Wholesale Distribution and the Mlobe Corporation as an accountant/bookkeeper. In 1971, Gerhart's sister and brother-in-law died unexpectedly leaving three children behind. Margaret and her husband welcomed those children, Anthony "Tony" and Gregory Ebel and Karen (Ebel) Seen into their home and raised them as their own. She also enjoyed doing genealogy for her family and husband and watching her great-nieces.
        In addition to her parents, Margaret was preceded in death by her husband who died in 2005 and two brothers, Louis and Bernie Nolan. She is survived by Tony, Greg and Karen, all of Davidsonville; 16 other nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and nephews.
        Friends may call at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Sunday, November 22 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm, where a funeral service will be held on Monday, November 23 at 10am. Interment Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Finksburg, MD. Online guestbook available at  www.KalasFuneralHomes.com

Margaret Kackritz Passes Away

Margaret Estelle Kackritz   of Davidsonville was born on December 4, 1927 and passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2015.

Michael Bussi At Quinnipiac U.

      Michael Bussi of Davidsonville is a freshman at Quinnipiac University in Hampden, CT.

Robbins and Rhode Win 10K

   There were 20,992 prticipants in the Across The Bay 10K.  Among the age group winners from Davidsonville were Karri Robbins,  45-49 female, and Mary Rhode, 60-64 female.

Derek Steele Passes Away

      Derek Anthony Steele, Jr., 32, of Annapolis, MD passed away at his home on Friday, Nov. 6, 2015.
      Derek was born to Judy and Derek Steele, Sr. in Washington, DC on December 25, 1982. He was raised in Edgewater, MD by his parents, Judy and Carl Pagliaro. Derek loved boats, Florida and palm trees. He worked at Persimmon Point Marina as a Marine Mechanic.
      He is preceded in death by his grandparents; Thomas Powell, and Lou and Kathy Steele. Derek is survived by his daughter, Genessa Dixon of Grasonville, MD; his parents, Judy and Carl Pagliaro and Derek Steele, Sr. of Naples, FL; Grandmother, Barbara Powell and many loving family and friends.      A memorial service will be held on November 21st, 2015 at 11 am at Chesapeake Christian Fellowship Church, 377 West Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations in Derek's memory can be made to a memorial fund in the name of his daughter, Genessa Dixon, c/o Judith Pagliaro at M&T Bank 15004235037402. An on line guest book is available at www.KalasFuneralHomes.com.

Davidsonville Dance Parties

    The Davidsonville Dance Club hosts parties every other Saturday night at the DFRC.  Their schedule is at:
http://www.davidsonvilledanceclub.org/dance_parties_even.php
    The club's web site is at:
http://www.davidsonvilledanceclub.org/

Ann Kot Passes Away

      Ann M. Kot of Edgewater  was born on March 11, 1933 and passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2015.   
      Friends are invited to celebrate Ann's life from 6 to 8pm on Monday November 16 at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home 2973 Solomons Island Rd. Edgewater MD. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 am on Tuesday November 17 at Holy Family Catholic Church 826 W. Central Ave. Davidsonville MD. Interment at Fairfax Memorial Park.

Martha "Muffy" Heaton Passes Away

     Martha "Muffy" Heaton, 72, of Annapolis, formerly of Bowie & Davidsonville, passed away Saturday, November 7, 2015. 
      Muffy was born April 4, 1943 to the late Elizabeth "Mimi" and William "Howdy" Howard, of Baltimore. Muffy was a lively, fun person to be around, enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and was loved by many. She will be sorely missed.
      Muffy is survived by her loving husband, Neal Heaton; devoted children, Tom (Maria), Patty & Suzanne Heaton; two brothers, Joe & Billy (Button) Howard; one sister, Betsy (Baxter) Holland; two grandchildren, Emmerson and Samuel Heaton; and many relatives and friends.
      A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, November 21, 9 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 109 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis, MD 21401.

Recent Davidsonville Home Sales

Recent Davidsonville home sales include:

1)    A two story home with no basement on 1.13 acre at 721 Appomattox Rd. was sold by MC Hammer and Nail, LLC to Jason and Jennifer Lorentzen for $535,000.

2)    A two story home on .91 acre at 2702 Howard Grove Road was sold by William Karunaratne to Ronald Lee and Kara Freeman for $749,000

Steven Markuski At Champlain

Steven Markuski of Davidsonville is enrolledat Champlain College  in Burlington Vermont this year.

UMC Pastor Produces Plays

From the Capital Gazette:

Pastor Kyle Durbin describes the set of "Where Your Treasure Is," a family play he wrote 

and is producing this weekend at Centenary United Methodist Church in Shady Side. 

The Church is home to the newly created Shady Side Theater, where Pastor Durbin 

will produce several family-oriented plays and musicals each year. 

(By y Jerri Anne Hopkins / Correspondent)

Growing up in Davidsonville United Methodist Church, he knew from early childhood that he would likely be a pastor. What he didn't know until high school was that he was also destined for the theater.

"I was doing soccer and wrestling and jock stuff," Pastor Kyle Durbin said. "In my junior year, I went to my coach and said, 'I can't be on the team any more. I'm doing the play and I was cast as a drag queen.' Which was probably was one of the more unusual ways someone has dropped off a soccer team in high school."

After high school, Durbin attended the University of Maryland, College Park and earned a bachelor's in Theater. He then attended Wesley Theological Seminary and earned his Master of Divinity. He is currently working toward his D.Min (Arts and Theology) degree at Wesley.

Once he earned his M. Div., he returned to Davidsonville UMC as assistant pastor. There, he served as the founder and artistic director of Cornerstone Theater for eight years.

Last year, Durbin was assigned as Senior Pastor at Centenary UMC in Shady Side. Here he has begun a new chapter in his theater career, founding the Shady Side Theater at the church. He has already produced two plays and this weekend will present "Where Your Treasure Is,' a play he wrote. The cast of 24 includes small children up to senior citizens, all local talent. The show revolves around a chaotic family Thanksgiving dinner and includes a little mystery and a lot of fun.

Performances will be held at Centenary United Methodist Church, 6248 Shady Side Road in Shady Side, and are scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $20 with dinner included and served at 6 p.m. followed by a 7 p.m. service. There is a special matinee performance on Sunday at 2 p.m. for $15, with light refreshments provided. Call 410-867-3085 or emailshadysidetheatre@gmail.com to make reservations. Proceeds benefit future performances of Shady Side Theatre and the ministries of Centenary UMC.

Pastor Durbin said Shady Side Theatre is an inclusive, all-ages, family ministry serving South County. "You don't have to go to our church to be in the theater company; you don't have to be a Christian to be in the theater company; you just have to like theater," he said. "The whole point is that it's always a family show. The company is hosted and sponsored by the church, but it's really for the whole community."

Sam Faddis Take On Topics

    Below is a link to an ABC2 article about Sam Faddis and his views on various subjects.
http://www.abc2news.com/news/state/ex-cia-agent-hopes-to-unseat-hoyer

Elizabeth Luby Passes Away

      Elizabeth Margaret Luby, a resident of Davidsonville and previously of Edgewater and University Park, MD, died at home under family and hospice care following hospital treatment for a bowel obstruction and related ongoing conditions.
      Born on May 7, 1929 in Paisley, Scotland, Elizabeth completed her secondary education at St. Margaret's Convent School. During World War II, her hometown was the target of several German air raids. As a girl she lived through nightly blackouts and numerous trips to the bomb shelter while her father served as a local air raid marshal.
      She immigrated to Canada and then the United States in 1951 at the age of 21. Following a brief tenure as a nanny for a wealthy Canadian family, Elizabeth moved to Washington, DC where she took a secretarial position at the British Embassy. She met her future husband, Michael Luby, in 1953 and they were married in October of that same year. Betty was employed as a secretary and then procurement specialist at the University of Maryland from 1962 until her retirement in 1984. She especially enjoyed her assignment to procure athletic uniforms for the school's sports teams and fondly remembered a "secret" call from legendary basketball coach, Lefty Driesell, to select and acquire a flashy new uniform for the team in the 1970's. With her staff status the family became season ticket holders for Maryland football and basketball teams and she soon joined in sharing a family passion for these teams, traveling frequently with her husband to events including ACC basketball tournaments, football road games and the Orange Bowl.
      She was a longtime member of St. Mark's the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hyattsville, MD from the early 1950's until 1983 where she sang in the choir and participated in many church organizations. In addition to singing, one of her favorite hobbies was cake decorating. She made many beautiful cakes for weddings and other special occasions for family and friends over the years.
      In 1983, Betty and her husband moved to Edgewater where she lived on the Chesapeake Bay at Saunders Point until 2012. During these years, she attended Holy Family Catholic Church in Davidsonville where she volunteered with the church's Lazarus Committee providing luncheons for families and guests following funeral services. She also volunteered at a local crisis pregnancy center. Her principal activity during the 1980's and 90's though centered on helping with the care of her grandchildren to whom she was especially devoted.
      She resided with her son and daughter-in-law in Davidsonville from 2012 until the time of her death on November 4, 2015
      Mrs. Luby was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Michael Grattan Luby in 2008. She is survived by her son, Michael J. Luby of Davidsonville; and two grandsons, Michael G. Luby of Edgewater and Vincent Luby of Davidsonville.
      Family and friends may join in the celebration of her life on Thursday, November 12 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. A funeral Mass will be offered on Friday November 13 at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida 32256, or Little Sisters of the Poor, 4200 Harewood Road, NE, Washington, DC 20017-1511. An online guest book is available at www.KalasFuneralHomes.comwww.KalasFuneralHomes.com

Sam Faddis Announces Bid

From the Capital Gazette:

Flanked by several Anne Arundel County Republicans,  Davidsonville resident Sam Faddis announced Monday he will seek the congressional seat in District 5.

He's one of four candidates making their future political plans known this week.

Faddis is attempting to beat longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer, who has held the seat since 1981. The district covers five Maryland counties: Calvert, Charles, St. Mary's and parts of Prince George's and Anne Arundel, including Bowie and Crofton.

State Sen. Ed Reilly, R-Crofton, led the Faddis event, where County Executive Steve Schuh also spoke.

Del. Nic Kipke, R-Pasadena, and Council Chairman Jerry Walker, R-Crofton, attended, as well as Michelle Corkadel and Jonathan Boniface, who are both running for County Council in areas that include the congressional district.

Sam Faddis To Announce For House

By - Associated Press - Monday, November 9, 2015

DAVIDSONVILLE, Md. (AP) - Former CIA manager Sam Faddis is scheduled to announce his campaign for Congress.

Faddis is set to launch his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Maryland’s 5th Congressional District on Monday in Davidsonville.

It’s a seat Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer has held since 1981.

Faddis is a 20-year veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency. He worked as a senior manager and operations officer overseas.

Faddis is the author of three books of fiction about CIA counterterrorism operations. He now works as a consultant. He is president of Orion Strategic Services LLC, a security and consulting company that provides services to government and private enterprise. 

Jean Stanek Passes Away

      Jean Shepherd Stanek, 82,of Davidsonville, MD passed away on October 28, 2015 after suffering severe bouts of pain and organ failure.
      Jean was born in Washington, DC. She was a graduate of Roosevelt High School, Texas Lutheran College and Troy State University where she earned a Master's degree in International Relations. Jean worked as a secretary-steno for various U.S. government agencies in Washington, DC; San Antonio and Austin, TX; and Ramstein, Germany. She retired from the U.S. Department of Energy in 1996. Jean was an accomplished pianist and enjoyed playing bells with her church bells ensemble. She also enjoyed training her three German Shepherds: Jake, Klaus, and Smokey, and her two Labradors. While living in Texas, Jean became a motorcyclist and traveled all over the state. A great joy in her life was the three years she spent living in Germany and traveling throughout Europe.
      Jean is survived by her husband, Wayne Stanek; her sons, Donald Stone of Parkton, MD and Michael Stone of Crownsville, MD; and four grandchildren, Andrew, Courtney, Joseph and Angela.         Friends are invited to celebrate Jean's life on Wednesday, November 11, beginning at 11am at the Community United Methodist Church, 1690 Riedel Road, Crofton, MD. Interment will be at 11:30 on November 16 at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville.

Robbins and Rhode Win

    Twenty five thousand runners took part in the 10K Bridge Run on Sunday.  The winners from Anne Arundel Co. were:
COUNTY AGE-GROUP WINNERS: Male, 10-14, Jordan Miller, Annapolis, 38:07; 15-19, Connor Joyce, Annapolis, 35:36; 35-39, Todd Warner, Crofton, 37:36; 50-54, Matthew Reinhart, Crownsville, 35:50; 70-and-over, Merel Maffei, Annapolis, 49:51.
Female, 20-24, Elisa Heacock, Annapolis, 39:44; 35-39, Melissa Vias, Severn, 41:39; 45-49, Kerri Robbins, Davidsonville, 41:40; 60-64, Mary Rhode, Davidsonville, 47:20.
      For complete race results,  go to:
http://www.capitalgazette.com/sports/other_sports/ph-ac-cs-acrossbay10k-110215-20151108-story.html

Recent Davidsonville Home Sales

Recent Davidsonville home sales include:

1)    A two story home on 1.41 acres at 2912 Johnson Dr. was sold by Blanche Hunton to the Richard Barrett LLC for $325,000.

2)    A two story home on 1.05 acres  at 2744 Swann Way was sold by John Trelease to Timothy and Rachel Frost for $575,000.

Chris Van Hollen In D'Ville

    Saturday morning, U. S. Representative Chris Van Hollen will attend the Chesapeake Harvest and Wine Reception, a fundraiser sponsored by Women for Van Hollen.
    The event is being hosted from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. by Polly Pittman and Tom Croghan at their Vineyards at Dodon, 391 Dodon Road in Davidsonville.
    Tickets start at $25. Reservations are requested. Contact Rachel at rachel.lostumbo@gmail.com or Erin Castleberry at ErinLCastleberry@aol.com.