Spencer Playing Ball in Germany

Pat Spencer surprised some people when he decided to pursue basketball instead of lacrosse after graduating from Loyola Maryland.

Spencer capped his record-breaking collegiate career by receiving the Tewaaraton Award as the best player in college lacrosse as a senior in 2019. The Davidsonville resident then used a fifth year of eligibility to play basketball for Northwestern of the Big Ten Conference.

The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder proved he could play at the highest level of Division I, starting at point guard and ranking second on the squad in scoring with 10.4 points per game. He led the Wildcats with 122 assists and 24 steals.

Still, most observers figured Spencer would return to lacrosse on the professional level after becoming the No. 1 overall selection in the 2019 Premier Lacrosse League inaugural draft.

But the Boys’ Latin product later announced he was going to stick with basketball with the hope of one day playing in the NBA. That dream suffered a setback when the G League announced it was going to play its 2021 season in a bubble with only 15 games and far fewer players.

As a result, Spencer was unable to obtain one of only 10 roster spots with any of the 18 G League franchises. Matt Laczkowski, who represents Spencer on behalf of Tandem Sports & Entertainment, worked overtime to find his client another opportunity.

Last week, Spencer made a successful pro debut with the Hamburg Towers of the easyCredit Basketball Bundesliga.

Spencer scored 18 points and grabbed seven rebounds on April 23 to help Hamburg defeat Wurzburg, 95-83, and had an assist and two steals in 24 minutes of action.

Barbara Fierstein Passes Away

      Barbara Ennis Fierstein of Bowie, Maryland passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on Thursday, April 22, 2021, at her daughter's home in Davidsonville, Maryland.
     Barbara was preceded in death in 2018 by her devoted husband, Robert Donn "Bobby", of 62 years. Barbara was the loving mother of Kathleen F. Good and her husband Rick, Craig E. Fierstein and his wife Darlene, and Marla F. Alley and her husband Martin Allen. Loved and cherished grandmother of Kyle Good, Amanda, Kelsey and Brian Fierstein, Kiersten, Austin and Collin Alley, Gavin and Kyle Allen. Beloved great grandmother to Raelynn Pearl, daughter of Amanda and Justin Hufton. Barbara was also preceded in death by her two sisters, Margaret Jordan and Marjorie Bailey. She will be dearly missed by her loving family and friends.
     Barbara will be joining her dearly loved husband at Arlington National Cemetery with a memorial service and interment to be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

New D'ville Home Sale 3430 Blandford

A stwo story home on 1.04 acre at 3430 Blandford Way was sold by Richard Duane Preston Jr., to Dustin and Blaise Talbott for $1,000,000.

Students to Have In-Person Classes In Fall

 All students in Maryland public schools will have the option of attending classes in-person this fall. The Maryland State Board of Education mandated the measure, taking a vote that was unanimous at its April 27 meeting.

Public schools across Maryland were ordered to close March 16, 2020, at the direction of State Superintendent Karen Salmon to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Hogans Buy Davidsonville Home

On Wed,  the Capital-Gaztte reported on the purchase of a Davidsonville home by Gov. Larry Hogan.    You can read the details at:

 https://www.capitalgazette.com/politics/bs-md-pol-hogans-davidsonville-20210427-fh4egw6jxfa6pmxlafka7omyou-story.html

The Capital noted that the Baltimore Business Journal reported the purchase on April 23. 

The purchase was reported here in Davidsonville News on March 22 at    Sale of Timber Lake Estate 

Davidsonville Blood Drive May 4

Red Cross Blood Drive,     5/4/2021: 2 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., 

Holy Family Catholic Church, 

826 West Central Avenue, in Davidsonville

Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive. Appointments can be made via the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, online or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Red Cross is testing all donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The antibodies may indicate a person's immune system developed antibodies in response to a coronavirus infection or a vaccine. Plasma from whole blood donations that tests positive for high levels of COVID-19 antibodies may be used in convalescent plasma treatments for coronavirus patients.

COVID-19 antibody test results will be available to donors within two weeks in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity, according to the Red Cross.

Kathleen Giruffreda Passes Away

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Kathleen Alice "Kathy" Giuffreda, 65 a 17-year resident of Wesley Chapel, FL and previously of the Edgewater/Davidsonville area in Maryland, passed away suddenly on April 21, 2021 following an automobile accident.
    Born on May 8, 1955 in Annapolis, MD to the late Wheatley and Constance Ward, Kathy graduated from high school and went on to train for a career as a dental assistant. She was a jokester and enjoyed reading, good music and spending time in Ocean City, MD.                                   
    Kathy is survived by her loving husband of 25 years, Joe Giuffreda; her son, Robbie (Mary Beth) Hall of Pasadena, MD; her daughter, Tammy (Ron) Smith also of Pasadena; one brother, Edward (Kathleen) Ward of Edgewater; two sisters, Virginia (Harry) Gessford of Edgewater and Peggy Chappell of Florida; and five grandchildren: Julianna, Dalton and Lainey Hall and Mathew and Brenden Smith.
    Friends are invited to celebrate Kathy's life with her family from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, May 3 at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater where Kathy's funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 4. Burial will follow at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville.

Author Jeff Gunhus Has Many Books

Best selling author Jeff Gushus of Davidsonvile has written many books,  some of which are in audio form.  You can browse or order at:   https://www.amazon.com/Jeff-Gunhus/e/B001KH8TKU

Where Are The Davidsonville Home Sales?

     Real Estate sales in Davidsonville seem to be going strong despite having a very low inventory.  However,  the Assessment and Taxation Office has been running behind all during the pandemic,  and, for some reason has recently stopped entering the sales data on their web site.    You will see more information here when the Assessment office resumes entering the data.

Chris Scott At Limbach Co.

     Former Davidsonville resident Chris Scott spent years 2014-2019 as a minor league umpire until injuries ended his dream of making it into the major leagues.   He eventually found his way to the Limbach Company, a mechanical construction firm based in Boston where he now works.
You can read about him at:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherfscott

Drug Arrest In Davidsonville

DAVIDSONVILLE, MD — Police said they arrested an Annapolis man on weapons charges last Friday. Officers noted that the encounter came after a traffic stop in Davidsonville around 8:50 p.m.   An incident report indicated that police stopped a blue Honda Civic near U.S. Route 50 and Davidsonville Road. The officer reported smelling marijuana as they approached the car.   Police added that they searched the Honda and found a loaded Polymer 80 .357-caliber handgun under the driver's seat. The Anne Arundel County Police Department identified the arrestee as 28-year-old Terrance Cornell Wright.

Madison Jamison At McDaniel College

                                                       

      Madison Jamison is a junior at McDaniel College and is on their field hockey team.  Her bio can be read at:     https://www.mcdanielathletics.com/sports/fh/2019-20/bios/jamison_madison_e853

Jillian Ulery At App. State

      Jillian Ulery is a junior at Appalachian State and is on their field hockey team.  Her bio can be read at:    https://appstatesports.com/sports/field-hockey/roster/jillian-ulery/6252

Diane Hatley Passes Away

     Diane Hatley, 73, a resident of Harwood, MD and previously of District Heights, MD, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2021.
    Diane was born on June 17, 1947 in Lincoln, NE and her family moved to District Heights, MD in 1949. Diane graduated from LaReine High School in Suitland, MD in 1965. From there she attended the Washington School for Secretaries in Washington, DC. After a three-year courtship, she married Bruce Hatley in 1968, and they settled in District Heights, MD. She worked several years at NASA headquarters in Washington, DC and then resigned to be at home to raise her family.    Diane and Bruce moved to Harwood in 1996.
    Diane was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Davidsonville, MD where she served as an Extraordinary Minister for Holy Communion and volunteered in the parish's adult Scripture study and faith enrichment programs. In addition, Diane was a youth catechist for their Vacation Bible School. Diane was a wonderful painter and loved arts and crafts. Diane suffered two strokes in 2011 and remained in Genesis Spa Creek long term care facility in Annapolis, MD until her passing on April 15.
    Diane was preceded in death by her parents Paul and Jane Scott, and her sons James Brian Hatley and John Bruce Hatley, Jr. She is survived by her husband Bruce Hatley and five children: John Hatley and wife Martina, Dawn Kirk and husband Paul, Steven Hatley and wife Casei, Sean Hatley, and Jimmy Hatley. She is also survived by her six grandchildren: Patricia, Kylie, William, Erin, Stella, and Paislee; and four siblings: James Scott, Paula Felt, Jennifer Mathews and Regina Piazza.
    Friends are invited to celebrate Diane's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Tuesday, April 20 from 4 to 7pm. Mass of Christian Burial and interment will be private. Online condolences may be offered at the Kalas Funeral Home.

When Will Davidsonville Bridge Reopen?

We don't hear anything about the Davidsonville Bridge on Gov. Br. Road.  Do you wonder what is happening with the planning for its repair or replacement?  A review of meetings in recent years in which we were promised a reopening by 2019 can be read at:

Davidsonville Bridge To Reopen 2019

Davidsonville Bridge Meeting 2016

Tombstone Vandal Found

    The culprit(s) that vandalized the All Hallows and DUMC cemetery tombstones has come forward.   It was apparently an amateur genealogist not realizing the damage being done by cleaning the stones.   The info can be read at:    https://www.capitalgazette.com/news/ac-cn-davidsonville-grave-identified-20210417-fzc2w6mso5hbfmbh2e37xjyvpy-story.html

McKenzie Jamison at Salisbury U.

 

McKenzie Jamison is a sophomore at Salisbury  U. and is on their field hockey team.  Her bio can be read at:   McKenzie Jamison bio

Tyler McDonald At U of Md. Eastern Shore

     Tyler McDonald,  the son of Steve and Paris McDonald of Davidsonville, is a freshman at the University of MD, Eastern Shore and is on their golf team.  His bio can be read at:    Tyler-Mcdonald bio

Amelia Davis At Randolf-Macon

Amelia Davis is a freshman at Randolf-Macon and is on their lacrosse team.  Her bio can be read at:  Amelia Davis at Randolf-Macon

Morgan Carter at UConn

Morgan Carter is a freshman at the U. of Conn. and is on their lacrosse team.  Her bio can be read at:    Morgan Carter at Uconn

Klye Fleshman at Marriott College

Kyle Fleshman is a sophomore at Marriott College and is on their lacrosse team.  His bio can be read at:     Kyle Flestman at marietta.edu

Robert Bold Passes Away

     Robert Roy Bold, "Bob", 75, a resident of Chester, MD and previously of Davidsonville, passed away on April 12, 2021 in Easton, MD.
    Bob was born on July 29, 1945 in Washington, DC to the late Edgar and Mary Bold. He served his country proudly in the US Army. He worked as a manager for Verizon for 38 years. He was a member of the Davidsonville Ruritan, the American Legion and a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Annapolis.
    In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Ethel R. Bold in 2020. He is survived by his children, Sharon Bold Merkel and her husband Kenneth, and Daniel Alan Bold and his wife Heather, and one granddaughter, Rebecca Ann Merkel.
    Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bob's life on Friday, April 16, 2021 at 10am at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037. Interment will be private. Online condolences may be made at KalasFuneralHomes.com

Sean Adams at Davis and Elkins College

 Sean Adams is a freshman at Davis and Elkins College and is on their lacrosse team.Sean Adam's bio

Cemetery Headstones Vandalized

       Joan Placido  and Bridget Blake  have spent the past 12 years restoring a historic cemetery behind All Hallows Episcopal Church in Davidsonville. The women discovered this month that someone had scrubbed the names on over 150 headstones that date back to the 1800s. They suspect amateur genealogists who who used steel wool to take the patina of age off inscriptions so they would be easier to photograph.

To see pictures, go to: capitalgazette.com davidsonville graves vandalism

To read more about the vandalism,  go to:   baltimoresun.com/maryland/cemeteryvandalismanne-arundel/ac-cn-davidsonville-historic-graves-vandalism-20210413-q6m5gqfzzbbz5jxpvzfxw7jk2a-story.html

Recent D'ville Home Sale 3679 Nile

A one story home on 1.61 acre at 3679 Nile Rd was sold  by Dwayne Decann to Austin and Sara Yotter for $519,000.

Claire McElhenny at Sacred Heart U.

Claire McElhenny, daughter of  Mike and Audra McElhenny of Davidsonville,   is a junior at Sacred Heart University (Fairfield, CT)  and plays lacrosse.    Her bio can be read at:  2020-21/bios/mcelhenny_claire

Robert Downey Passes Away

     Robert Lee Downey "Bob" of Davidsonville, Maryland passed away peacefully at age 86 on April 8th, 2021 at home, with his loving wife at his side. 
     He was born in Cumberland, Maryland in 1934 to Mylo and Mabel Downey. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Lois Taylor Downey and his brother, Edward M. Downey. Bob is survived by his wife, Janet Irene Downey, his sons David (Najat), Evan (Dana), Peter (Laura) and stepdaughter Katherine Hardman (Gary); grandchildren Andrew, Adam, Gina, and Jacob; and sister-in-law, Loretta Downey.
    Bob enjoyed time spent with his numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, many of whom lived in his home state of Maryland. He earned both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in Food Science from the University of Maryland. During his 38-year career, Bob held positions as a food scientist in product development at Welch's Grape Juice Company in Westfield, New York, and later as a quality assurance specialist at Tree Top Company of Selah, Washington. He was active in the First Presbyterian Church of Westfield, New York, serving as a Deacon and an Elder. When he moved to Maryland, he was active at Woods Presbyterian Church of Severna Park, Maryland. He developed many strong friendships and enjoyed serving in the church building rehabilitation group. He was a lifetime member of the University of Maryland Alumni Club, serving as an officer in his local chapter. He also served on the Board of the Maryland College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Alumni Chapter for a number of years. He continued a lifetime connection to the University of Maryland and enjoyed being a longtime season ticket holder to Maryland Terrapin football and men's basketball games. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and later served as Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts of America when his sons, all Scouts, were of scouting age. In his retirement, he was able to pursue lifelong interests in cooking, gardening, bird watching, fishing, stamp collecting, and travel with his family and friends. Bob especially enjoyed making candy for his friends and family at Christmas.
    A graveside memorial service will be held at Whitehall Cemetery, 1915 Whitehall Road, Annapolis, Maryland 21409 on Wednesday, April 14th, 2021 at 1PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Mylo S. Downey Memorial Scholarship fund. https://giving.umd.edu/giving/Fund.php?name=mylo-s-downey-fund Contact: 301-405-7749 University of Maryland, Division of University Relations.

Haley Urgo At Penn State

Haley Urgo is a freshman at Penn State and is on their lacrosse team.  Her bio can be read at:

Haley Urgo lacrosse bio at Penn State

Garrett Leadmon At Duke U.

 Garrett Leadmon,  son of Jeff and Donna Leadmon of Davidsonville, is a junior  at Duke U. and plays lacrosse for them.  You can read his bio at:    Garrett Leadmon at Duke U. bioduke.com/sports/mens-lacrosse/roster/garrett-leadmon/16937

Nick Lilly At York College

   

Nick Lilly, son of Victor and Dianne Lilly of Davidsonville, is a freshman at York College and is on their lacrosse team.  He played at St. Marys High School.    His bio can be read at:   Nick Lilly bio at York

Joan Schulz Passes Away

     Joan Waskey Schulz, 75, passed away at Acts Bayleigh Chase in Easton, MD, on April 6, 2021.
    Joan was born in Baltimore, MD, to Pauline Olivia Downing and Leonard Clifton Waskey. She loved her "girls" Carrie Schulz Oliphant (Jay) and Abby Schulz Latchaw (Mark) and her "grands" Connor and Reese Oliphant and Caden and Sadie Latchaw. Joan is also survived by her brother, Wayne Waskey, and several nieces and nephews.
    She lived much of her life in Davidsonville, MD, and was an active member of Davidsonville United Methodist Church for many years. Joan was a high school algebra teacher at Bishop McNamara High School, later transitioning to a career with the Maryland Department of Agriculture. She loved all things Maryland and shopping for a bargain.
    In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Talbot Hospice or in Joan's honor to the charity of your choice. A visitation will be held at Davidsonville United Methodist Church at 1:30 pm on Saturday, April 10, 2021, followed by a memorial at 2 pm. COVID-19 restrictions are in place with limited attendance. A Zoom link for the service can be obtained by calling the church office at 410-798-5511.

Yoga On The Farm April 11

 Yoga at 7:30 AM at Wildberry Farm Market this Sat.

  Yoga at wildberryfarmmarket

Lillian Stump at Oregon U.

Lillian Stump, daughter of John Sump and Linda Treese, is a senior at Oregon U. and is on their lacrosse team.   Her bio can be read at:     https://goducks.com/sports/womens-lacrosse/roster/lillian-stump/10175

As of this date,  she has 18 points in 9 games which is second best for the team.

Ben Robertson At St. Marys College

Ben Robertson, the son of Chip and Becky Robertson of Davidsonville, is a sophomore at St. Marys College of Maryland and is on their lacrosse team.

https://smcmathletics.com/sports/mens-lacrosse/roster/ben-robertson/5012

Recent D'ville Home Sale 703 Gettysburg

 A 1  1/2 story home on 2.57 acres at 703 Gettysburg Ct. was sold by Michael Mangold to Andrew Mitchell and Alison Herdeg for $795,000.

Brooke Robbins At Maryland U.

    

Brooke Robbins, daughter of Dean and Keri Robbins of Davidsonville, is a senior at the U. of MD and is on their lacrosse team.  Her bio can be read at:   https://umterps.com/sports/womens-lacrosse/roster/brooke-robbins/9259

Recent D'ville Home Sale 3690 Nile

 A split foyer home on .40 acre at 3690 Nile Rd. was sold by Mwafak Kzzelbach to Omar and Meghan Richter for $386,000.

Steve Barry In Capital Article

Steve Barry, living in Habor Hills, has been experimenting ways to make his lawn more environmentally friendly.    You can read how to do it too at: 

 https://www.capitalgazette.com/environment/ac-cn-column-gerald-winegrad-2021404-20210403-c2gmdjfelngvdl626vshsxq6aq-story.html

Julia Davis Passes Away

     Mrs. Julia Vaughn Davis passed away Saturday, April 25, 2020 at her residence in Winston-Salem, NC.     

    Mrs. Davis was born and raised in Pensacola, FL and was a longtime resident of Davidsonville, MD. She and her husband, were active members of Crofton First Baptist Church. She enjoyed playing the piano and organ, often using her talent in many of the churches she attended. At the time of her death she was a member of Faith Church in Winston-Salem, NC.
     She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of over forty years, Melvin C. Davis, Sr.; her parents, Rev. L.J. and Bertha G. Stewart; and a brother, Dr. Lawrence G. Stewart, Sr. She is survived by her loving family of ten children and their spouses; eighteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, two brothers, two sisters, and a number of nieces, nephews and other family members.
    Due to pandemic protocol her memorial service was delayed and will now be held Friday April 9, 2021, 10:00 AM at Lighthouse Church 6691 Baymeadow Dr. #200 Glen Burnie, MD with Pastor John Smart officiating.

Elisa Piccirilli At Marshall U.

Elisa Piccirilli, daughter of Dinane and Vincent Piccirilli of Davidsonville,  is a sophomore at Marshall U. and is on their lacrosse team.  Her bio can be read at:

 https://herdzone.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/elisa-piccirilli/5688

Dr. David Marcozzi At U. of MD

     Dr. David Marcozzi, who has lived in Davidsonville since 2016, is assuming the role of Chief Clinical Officer of the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. He is also the COVID-19 incident commander for the University of Maryland Medical System and a medical advisor to Gov. Larry Hogan.

    To read the complete article about his new role,  go to:    https://www.capitalgazette.com/coronavirus/ac-cn-marcozzi-interview-20210326-7fyp45o3rvfufoea3oufv776va-story.html

Recent D'ville Home Sale 2602 Hwd Grv

 A two story home on .92 acre at 2602 Howard Grove Rd. was sold by Richard and Michelle Gilbreath to Silva Haag and Cory Longwell for $885,000.

New BOD Members For Retired Racehorse Project

DAVIDSONVILLE, Md.—The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) is pleased to announce the election of three new members to the board of directors: Neil Agate, Buck Davidson, and Jodie Vella-Gregory. Each has agreed to serve for a three-year term and is eligible to serve up to two terms concurrently. They replace board members Christy Clagett, Rosie Napravnik and Steuart Pittman, whose terms have expired.

Neil Agate is the founder of Four Gates, LLC, a business and technology services firm; he also serves as the President of the Maryland Horse Council and guided the organization through two major initiatives: the acquisition and management of the Equiery publication, and the formation of a safety net program for horses and owners called Maryland Equine Transition Service (METS). Neil is an avid polo player, and in 2015 was the top amateur in the Thoroughbred Makeover’spolo discipline.

Buck Davidson is an international event rider and coach, having competed at the highest level all over the world and ranked in the top 10 eventing riders globally (he was ranked #1 in 2012). He has coached numerous riders to the Olympic Games and the 5* level. Buck has enjoyed success a the top levels with numerous Thoroughbreds, including one of his current mounts Jak My Style. He is the co-presenter of the RRP’s annual charity golf event in Ocala, Florida and served as a clinician in an RRP Master Class.

Jodie Vella-Gregory currently works in the Office of Innovation for 1/ST Racing (formerly The Stronach Group), working in member services and hospitality, marketing, new business, community relations, and more. Previously, she worked for Breeders’ Cup Limited and still contracts with them to assist in the annual event. Jodie has been instrumental in helping to expand the RRP’s reach to the West Coast, which in a non-pandemic year would have included several Master Class events. She grew up riding off-track Thoroughbreds in eventing. 

Agate, Davidson and Vella-Gregory join current RRP board members Carolyn Carlson (president), Sue Smith (vice president), Amanda Dabruzzo (treasurer), Carrie Brogden, Richard Lamb, Graham and Anita Motion, Pavla Nygaard, and Jen Roytz (who serves as the RRP’s executive director and non-voting member of the board).