On Register's Double Pension, Commissioners Are Suddenly Silent

Sale of Bonds Set

The Calvert County commissioners approved the sale of $22.3 million in bonds next week.

The bonds pay "for equipment, construction and design costs for several projects in the capital budget," said Terry Shannon, director of finance for the county.

Projects on the list include Barstow Elementary School, the aquatic center in Prince Frederick and several road improvements.

Public Budget Hearings

The St. Mary's County commissioners will hold hearings on the fiscal 2009 budgets for general operations and construction projects on Tuesday at Leonardtown High School.

Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the hearings will begin at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to participate. Accommodations for people with disabilities should be requested by contacting the Public Information Office at 301-475-4200, Ext. 1340.

The hearing will be taped and broadcast on county government cable Channel 95.

Citizens planning to make comments are required to sign in before the hearing begins. Comments are limited to three minutes per person. Written comments can be submitted at the hearing or mailed to: Board of Commissioners for St. Mary's County, P.O. Box 653, Leonardtown 20650. Written comments should be submitted by May 5.

The proposed county budget for fiscal 2009 can be found at all St. Mary's public libraries, on the county's Web site at http://www.stmarysmd.com/finance or through a request to the Public Information Office.

Women of Vision

The St. Mary's County Commission for Women honored two local women recently at its annual Women's History Banquet at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center.

In keeping with the National Women's History Month theme "Women's Art: Women's Vision," the commission recognized Yvonne Lynn Patton, art teacher at Mechanicsville Elementary School, for her 24 years of "inspiring students," the organization said in a statement. Other nominees for the award included Morriah Cell for her work with the Newtowne Players, and Stephanie Taylor for performing and teaching dance.

Each year the commission also recognizes one woman who has made significant contributions to the community through volunteering and creativity. Maureen Pomerville of Leonardtown was named Woman of the Year for her "willingness to jump in and help those in need in any way she can, giving freely of her time, groceries, furniture, and most of all, friendship," the group said. Other nominees were Regina Bowman-Goldring from the College of Southern Maryland, Mary Ann Chasen from Christmas in April, Francine Dove-Hawkins for her work in education, Viola Gardner from Christmas in April, Florence B. Lanham for a variety of volunteer activities, and Marguerite Morris for her work in founding Leah's House Shelter for Women and Children.

All nominees were also presented with certificates of appreciation and recognition from Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) and the St. Mary's commissioners.