A Publication for the Community of Historic Leonardtown ~ Est. 1660A Publication for the Community of Historic Leonardtown ~ Est. 1660

Calendar of Events Calendar of Events Calendar of EventsCalendar of Events

MARCH 25Disability Awareness Day

Governmental Center

APRIL 811th Run & Fun Walk for

HospiceGovernmental Center

APRIL 15Easter Egg Festival & Hunt

Governmental Center

APRIL 23Earth Day Celebration

Leonardtown Square

APRIL 30Spring Fling XXI Classic

Car ShowLeonardtown Square

MAY 4 - MAY 713th So. Md. Spring Festival

SMC Fairgrounds

MAY 2111th Criterium Bicycle Races

Leonardtown Square

JUNE 10Soap Box Derby

Fenwick Street

JUNE 1119th SMC Crab Festival

Governmental Center

JUNE 14Flag Day CelebrationGovernmental Center

AUGUST 5Beach Party on the Square

Leonardtown Square

At Home in Leonardtown featuring . . .

Come see

what’s new

in historic

Leonardtown!!!

Continued to page 7

Come see

what’s new

in historic

Leonardtown!!!

WINTER 2005/SPRING 2006WINTER 2005/SPRING 2006

Pennie’s - a place where everybody knewyour name - has closed its doors. Mostfolks who lived in Leonardtown back in

1951 when Pennie’s opened their doors will surelyreminisce about all the good times and all the greatpeople they met.

Located on Route 5 inLeonardtown, the “little tavern”with its restaurant and ball field,was originally owned andoperated by Charles “Pennie”and Priscilla “Boots” Pennisi.Their hard work from itsbeginning in 1951 and thru the50’s took them to another era inthe 60’s, with the addition of adance hall. The additionaccommodated the alreadyexisting restaurant business, andafforded opportunities forcatering, weddings, receptions,dancing, weekend bands, sportsgatherings, and other social andcharitable events.

In 1973, when it came timefor Pennie and Boots to retire,they turned the family businessover to their daughter Donna andher husband, Jackie Norris.Throughout the years,Donna’s brother, Andy,was always available tohelp whenever theyneeded him.

Pennie’s stadiumwas home to the St.Mary’s County RockingChair Softball League,Women’s SoftballLeague, and YoungMen’s Softball League,hosting many local andregional softball games and tournaments, T-BallAll-Star games, and the annual Budweisertournament, which raised funds donated to localcharities. Pennie’s also sponsored numerous

county softball, baseball, pool, dartand shuffleboard teams. Some willremember enjoying special eventsunder the lights, such as games withthe Clement’s Cuties, the CaliforniaCuties, and an occasional donkeysoftball game. The final games onthe ball field were held on October30, 2005, when Pennie’s hosted theannual Trossbach Family CoedSoftball Tournament.

With the support of so manywonderful people, the familybusiness thrived for 54 years.However, with the many changesoccurring in our county today,Donna and Jackie saw the need tobow out gracefully and closed theirdoors on December 31, 2005.

Pennie’s Restaurant/Bar in 1951.

Pennie and Boots in 1991.

Town Councilman “Tub” Delahaypresents Donna and Jackie with aproclamation recognizing thefamily of Pennie’s as contributorstoward their community for over 54years.

The 1958 Little League Baseball Team, sponsored by theLeonardtown Lions Club, following a game on Pennie’s field.Can you spot Mayor Harry “Chip” Norris or CountyCommissioner Tom Mattingly? Perhaps you are pictured orrecognize many of the players.

Andy Pennisi takes timefrom work to attendLeonardtown’s 2005Veteran’s Day Parade.

Farewell to Pennie’sFarewell to Pennie’s

2Leonardtown Beacon

Come on Out!Mayor’s Message

J. Harry Norris, III, Mayor

For those of us who have grownup in Leonardtown and have seen theups and downs that the Town hasexperienced, the last 10 years ofresurgence has been a rewardingsight. It is easy to see the many signsof growth and revitalization as youstroll the downtown square or drivealong any of the streets inLeonardtown. Everyday the Counciland I strive to achieve a balance ofoffering the needed services for theTown residents while maintaining areasonable tax rate. I was pleased toreceive the 2005 Department ofLegislative Services Tax report whichdetails tax rates of all counties andmunicipalities in Maryland. In FiscalYear 2005, the combined county andmunicipal rate for Leonardtownresidents was $1.028 ($.878 Countyand $.15 Town). Of the 156municipalities in Maryland, onlyeight have a lower combined tax ratethan Leonardtown. Four of these arein Talbot County, and only one has ahigher population than Leonardtown.

The Council and I are extremelyproud of the accomplishments of ourTown over the past 10 years. Theseaccomplishments stand out evenmore when we realize that wehave maintained a very low taxrate that is recognized as one ofthe lowest municipal tax rates inthe State of Maryland.

Spring Fling XXIClassic Car Show

Classic andantique cars and street rods will be on displayaround the Town Square on Sunday, April 30th,8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Trophies awarded forbest of class, best of show, people’s choice,foreign car, pedal car class, and model carcontest. Kids can enjoy a tractor pull, gamesand prizes. Donations accepted to benefitHospice of St. Mary’s. Sponsored by the St.Mary’s Rod and Classic Car Club. To registeryour classic coupe’ or for additional detailscontact Bill Higgs at 301-994-9666, or go on-line http://stmarysrodandclassic.com (Raindate Sunday, May 7)

11th Annual LeonardtownCriterium Bicycle Races

Bicycling excitement at its best!See USCF bicycle racing on the streetsof historic downtown Leonardtown onSunday, May 21st beginning at 8:00a.m.! Races feature over 200 cyclistsfrom the Maryland, Delaware, DC, andVirginia areas. This year’s edition is theMid-Atlantic Bicycle Racing AssociationChampionships. Kids 10 and under can bringtheir bike or trike and participate in age-grouped sprint races @ 11:30 a.m.! Helmetsare required, and parents must be present tosign a release. Prizes for all kid racers!Admission is free. Sponsored by thePatuxent Velo Bicycle Racing Club and theSouthern Maryland Cycling Club to benefitSpecial Olympics of St. Mary’s. For raceregistration and details, call 301-452-2342 orgo on-line at http://www.paxvelo.com.

13th Annual So. Md. Spring FestivalEnjoy music, crafters, carnival rides, a

parade, car show, food and more at the So.Md. Spring Festival, Thursday, May 4th-Sunday, May 7th. This annual festival is heldat the County Fairgrounds and is sponsoredby Holy Face Church. Admission. Call301-994-0525 for details.

11th Annual HospiceRun & Fun Walk

Southern Maryland’s largest runningevent will be held on Saturday, April 8th,beginning at 9:00 a.m. The Run starts andfinishes at the Governmental Center, witha 10K Run through a scenic country roadcourse, and a 5K Run & Fun Walk on thestreets of Historic Leonardtown.

Children, strollers, and pets arewelcome. Proceeds benefit Hospice of St.Mary’s. Awards to top winners, door prizes,food, balloons, music and fun! Registrationbegins at 7:30 a.m. or pre-register on-lineat http://www.runforhospice.org.

Celebrationon the Square

A celebration of EarthDay will be held on theTown Square on Sunday,April 23rd, from 12:30p.m.-4:30 p.m. Enjoy anafternoon of entertain-ment, music, canoeing andkayaking on Breton Bay,seated massages, facepainting, children’s crafts,and more! Obtain infor-mation on recycling, or-

ganic gardening, pesticide-free produce,conservation and environmental programs.Flowers, plants, fresh herbs, homemadejams and relishes will be available for pur-chase. Sponsored by the LeonardtownBusiness Association. For more informa-tion call 301-475-9791.

Easter Egg Festival & HuntEgg hunts, carnival attractions,

prizes, food, and the Easter Bunny on thelawn of the Governmental Center,Saturday, April 15th, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.$1 hunt fee. All ages! Call 301-475-4200,ext. 1800 for details.

DisabilityAwareness Day

“High Hopes for Everyone!”Designed to increase disabilityawareness, this event will be

held on Saturday, March 25th at theLeonard Hall Recreation Center from 1:00p.m.-4:00 p.m. Free kites and door prizes!Sponsored by the Commission for Peoplewith Disabilities. For details call 301-475-4200, ext. 1800.

Annual Spring Art Show at theMaryland Antiques CenterThe Maryland Antiques Center will hold

its Annual Spring Art Show on Saturday, April8th from Noon-4:00 p.m. For details and acomplete listing of their 2006 calendar ofevents and shows, call 301-475-1960 or go on-line http://www.paxp.com/mac. The MarylandAntiques Center and The Tea Room is locatedat 26005 Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown.

Editor: LINDA SHEPHERD

Layout & Design: STEVE GASS

Printing & Mailing by

www.heritageprinting.comThe Southern Maryland Print

Quality Award Winners!(301) 475-1700

TheLeonardt own

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BEACON

3

Town CouncilJ. Harry Norris, III, Mayor

Walter Wise, Vice-PresidentBernard Y. “Tub” Delahay

Charles R. FaunceJ. Maguire “Mock” Mattingly III

Leslie E. Roberts

Town Office StaffLaschelle Miller, Town Administrator

Rebecca Sothoron, TreasurerColleen Bonnel, PlannerJackie Post, Fiscal Clerk

Teri Dimsey, Executive SecretaryJeannine Peele, Town Secretary

Linda Shepherd, Public Relations& Events Coordinator

Barbara Dotson, Grants WriterMark Grant, Capital Project Coordinator

Gray Maloy, Town Deputy

Utilities StaffJohn “Jay” Johnson, SuperintendentTimmy Lacey, Asst. SuperintendentWilliam Shreve, Plant Operator

David Caron, Maintenance Technician

Planning & ZoningCommission

Jean Moulds, ChairFrank Fearns, Vice-Chair

John “Jack” CandelaTom Collier

Gary Simpson

Board of AppealsDr. Herbert Winnick, Chair

Harry S. “Lanny” Lancaster, Jr.,Vice-Chair

Massey ConnellyDr. William Icenhower

Kristin Kraus

MeetingsTown Council - 2nd Monday of eachmonth @ 4:00 p.m. in the Town Office.Jan. 9, Feb. 13, Mar. 13, April 10, May8, June 12, July 10, Aug. 14, Sept. 11,Oct. 9, Nov. 13, Dec. 11Planning Commission - 3rd Mondayof each month @ 3:30 p.m. in the TownOffice. *Jan. 17, *Feb. 21, Mar. 20,April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17,Aug. 21, Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 20,Dec. 18 (*Tuesday-in observance ofholiday)Leonardtown Business Association -2nd Wednesday of each month, withalternating times and locations. Jan.11, Feb. 8, Mar. 8, April 12, May 10,June 14, July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 13, Oct.11, Nov. 8, Dec. 13

Town E-Mail:Leonardtown.commissioners@verizon.net

Town WebsiteLeonardtown.somd.com

Winter 2005 /

Spring 2006

on the Square

Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 5th,and have a great time at Leonardtown’s annual“Beach Party on the Square”! You won’t wantto miss the live music and entertainment, sandvolleyball play, fire truck hose-downs, jump ropeand hula-hoop contests, crafts, games, and more!For all ages! Watch for more details in thesummer edition of the Beacon!

Have Fun Volunteeringat Town Events!

Would you like to volunteer or participateat any of the events on the Town Square? Fordetails and to obtain a 2006 event calendar,contact Linda Shepherd at 301-475-9791, or e-mail linda.shepherd@verizon.net. This is alsoa great opportunity for high school students toearn those needed community service credits!

Flag Day CelebrationCelebrate Flag Day on

Wednesday, June 14th! Apatriotic programpledging allegiance tothe American flagbegins at 6:00 p.m. onthe Governmental

Center lawn. For more information call 301-475-4200, ext. 1341.

19th Annual SMC Crab FestivalEnjoy hot steamed crabs, seafood and non-

seafood items at the annual St. Mary’s CountyCrab Festival! The festival will be held onSunday, June 11th, Noon-5:00 p.m., on thegrounds of the Governmental Center inLeonardtown. Entertainment includes livemusic, classic cars, crafts, and more!Admission, plus cost of food. Sponsored bythe Leonardtown Lions Club. For informationcall 301-475-5236.

The 2006 SouthernMaryland Soap BoxDerby will be held onSaturday, June 10th,with races beginningat 9:00 a.m. on “DerbyHill” (Fenwick Street)

in Leonardtown. Derbyparticipants are boys and girls between the agesof 8-17 who build and race their derby car.Division winners have an opportunity to raceand represent Southern Maryland in the 69th

Annual All-American Soap Box Derby, whichwill be held in Akron, Ohio on July 22nd. Detailsabout the All-American Soap Box Derby canbe found online at http://aasbd.com. This“family togetherness” project and excitingevent is sponsored by the Lexington Park LionsClub. For local derby registration, kits, andrequirements, contact Chris Hayden, SouthernMaryland Derby Director, at 301-934-3659.

2006 Maryland toKentucky Reunion

In 1785, a group of families from SouthernMaryland migrated to Kentucky in search of landand religious freedom. The first reunion of thedescendants of the Maryland to Kentuckypioneers was held in Nazareth, Kentucky in1990. St. Mary’s County hosted the reunion in1992 and 2000. On July 14th, 15th, and 16th, the2006 Maryland to Kentucky Reunion returns toSt. Mary’s County with a “Welcome Home”reception on the grounds of historic Tudor Hall.The reunion attracts over 500 genealogists andtheir families who will be traveling from all overthe country to see the land their forefathers leftbehind, research their roots, and meet their St.Mary’s County “cousins”.

You are welcome to attend the reunionactivities and meet these pioneer descendants.Registration forms, a schedule of events, andhistory of the reunion can be obtained by e-mailing mdtoky@yahoo.com or visiting thereunion web page at http://www.geocities.com/mdtoky/page1.html. Information will also beavailable at the Town Office.

Trick-or-Treat on the SquareKids had a great time making their life-

size scarecrow with the Old Towne Crafters,and trick-or-treating the merchants on theSquare on October 29th.

4 Leonardtown Beacon

Community Highlights

Veterans Day Parade & MemorialDraws Largest Crowd Ever!

The Town Square was alive with patriotism! Over 8,000spectators came out to salute our Veterans, greet the Clydesdales,and enjoy the marchers and all the entries in the 2005 VeteransDay Parade! This year’s parade and ceremony honored woundedservicemen and women of the Iraq War. Among the Veterans andspecial guests in attendance were CH Col. Richard W. Bower, SPCDuval Diaz, and Sgt. Harry Weaver, soldiers wounded in actionand recuperating at the Walter Reed Army Hospital. Inspiringremarks by dignitaries commemorating Veterans Day includedMayor Harry Norris, Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele,Commissioner President Thomas McKay, Congressman StenyHoyer, Senator Roy Dyson, and Captain Zachary Henry,Commanding Officer of the Patuxent River Naval Air Station.

The Commissioners of Leonardtown and the St. Mary’s CountyCommissioners extend a special thank-you to the ParadeCoordinator Tom Warren, Clancy Lyall, VFW Post 2632, AmericanLegion Post 255, SMC Sheriff’s Department, STS Transportation,Brinsfield Funeral Home, Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, theCollege of Southern Maryland, SMC Fair Board, Julie Trask,Anheuser-Busch, Strike VX-23, Mistress Brent Garden Club, MaryWashington, Becky Norris, Lauren Norris, Leonardtown H.S.Marching Band, Chief Walking Bear Downey, the P.G. Co. PolicePipe Band, parade assembly volunteers, parade participants, staff,and all Veteran organizations who made this such a successfulevent! We are forever grateful to the men and women who haveserved, and are currently serving, our great nation!

The world-famousAnheuser-BuschClydesdales were aspecial attractionin this year’sparade, thanks to2005 HometownHeroes sweep-stakes winner, JulieTrask, who isseated with theteam, along with

her husband John. During their St. Mary’s weekend, the Clydesdalesalso showed at the Fairgrounds, on Mervell Dean Road, and thePatuxent River Naval Air Station. According to Clydesdale team

Robert L. Miedzinski, life-long resident ofLeonardtown, marches each year in theVeterans Day Parade. Mr. Miedzinski is theState Sergeant-At-Arms (1997-present) and aformer member of the State Honor Guard(1967-1997) of the Maryland Veterans ofForeign Wars of the United States, and is alsoa member of VFW Post 2632, California, MD.

American Legion Post #221 ColorGuard from Avenue, MD is anannual participant in the VeteransDay Parade.

Leonardtown Elementary School5th grade student, Nicole Clarke,delivers her essay, “WhatVeteran’s Day Means To Me”,while Mayor Norris and KellyHall, LES Principal, look on. (LES students Aaron Johnson, RebeccaSachs, and Maria Williams also recited their essays.)

The Leonardtown High SchoolMarching Band performedpatriotic melodies during theParade and the MemorialCeremony. (The marchingbands of Chopticon High Schooland Great Mills High Schoolalso performed in the Parade.)

A surprise visit by theClydesdales brought excitementand smiles to residents of the St.Mary’s Nursing Center.

SPC Duvall Diaz, and Town CouncilMembers Mock Mattingly, CharlieFaunce and Leslie Roberts placewreaths on the Veterans WarMemorial.

members, their visit to St. Mary’s County andLeonardtown “has been the best small town visitand parade for 2005.”

Congressman Steny Hoyer, Lt. Gov.Michael Steele, Senator Roy Dyson,and County Commissioners TomMcKay, Tom Mattingly, Dan Raleyand Kenny Dement, lay a wreath inhonor of our fallen Veterans at the WarMemorial.

5Winter 2005 /

Spring 2006

This class of D’Iberville students enjoyed aholly jolly visit from Frosty and Santa, whileanxiously awaiting their gifts!

Recycled CDs bedecked the Good Earth NaturalFoods Company’s entry in the Festival of Trees. Thedecorated CDs were an Earth Day project of GirlScout Troop #182 of Mechanicsville, MD.

All bundled up and enjoying abrisk horse & carriage ridearound the Town Square.

“Operation Mississippi Christmas”A Huge Success!

The Town is proud of the overwhelming kindness displayedby county citizens who participated in hurricane relief efforts thatresulted in donations of over 1,000 Christmas gift boxes and$50,000 in gift cards delivered to school children of D’Iberville,Mississippi. The lives of so many children were touched, and allwho were involved will long remember the tears of joy from thechildren, teachers and parents. The energy of Joe St. Clair andDon Cropp in organizing and administering the St. Mary’s Hurri-cane Relief effort was truly inspiring. We would also like to com-mend Guy Curley, Wayne Davis, Jim Bacot, Vince Whittles, FrankTaylor, Reggie Townsend, Scott Taylor and Mary Ann St. Clair forjoining Joe and Don and making the trip to D’Iberville to deliver

the gifts to the chil-dren. For photos andmore information onOperation Missis-sippi Christmas andthe St. Mary’sCounty HurricaneRelief Fund visit thewebsite at www.smc-hurricane-relief-fund.org.

SMC Festival of TreesDecorated trees and wreaths exhibited holiday ambiance during

the 8th Annual St. Mary’s County Festival of Trees held November 25th-27th in the showroom of the Bell Motor Company. This year’s festivalraised over $10,000 for the Leonardtown VolunteerRescue Squad. Anyone interested in volunteering onthe 2006 Festival of Trees planning committee shouldcall Dudley Lindsey at 301-373-2551.

2005 Christmas on theSquare and Annual Tree

LightingBrrrrr . . . what a wintry

night! Still, merry smiles shonebright as thousands came toLeonardtown on November 25th

to enjoy the holiday festivitiesaround the Town Square andlighting of the Christmas Tree!The performers were realtroopers, as they sang,pantomimed, strummedinstruments, and danced withfrosty fingers and toes! On stagewere Becky Norris, LaurenNorris, Rebecca Hill, HeatherGreer, Sarah Meagher, theHollywood Church of theNazarene STICKS Drama, theBrenzo Family, Father AndrewWhite and Mother CatherineSpalding School Chorus,Leonardtown Baptist ChurchChoir, College of SouthernMaryland Guitar Club, Gracie’sGuys & Gals, and Philip theJuggler. Other holiday favoritesaround the Square included firetruck, train, sleigh, and carriagerides, costumed characters,Christmas crafts, a live nativity,petting zoo, ice sculpture demonstration,freshly popped kettle korn, and piping hotchocolate! Many thanks to theLeonardtown Volunteer Fire Department,the Leonardtown Business Association,and all the merchants, sponsors,performers, participants, and volunteerswho helped in any way to ensure thesuccess of this popular event!

Children huddled around Mrs.Claus to hear stories ofChristmas.

Faces were beaming as Santalit the Town Christmas Treehigh above the crowd!

Gracie’s Guys & GalsDance Troupe tappedin concert as theyperformed “A Rock-n-Roll Christmas”.

The Duffy family, and over300 boys and girls, enjoyed a

delightful visit with Santa andMrs. Claus on the Town

Square on December 17th.

TheOldTowneCraftersreceivedthe2005“BestDressedWindow Award”. BonnieGallant and Judy Dhillon of theSt. Mary’s Crafts Guild

Dick Russell sorts through giftscollected for delivery to 87needy children in the 2005“Christmas Caring Program”.The Leonardtown Lions Club,in conjunction with St. Mary’sRyken High School, hassponsored this program for 27years.

Best DressedWindow Award

accepted the plaque on behalf of the crafters at the Councilmeeting on January 9, 2006.

Town Businesses

Leonardtown Beacon6

Keep Your CustomersFrom Slipping!!

Thankfully, we’ve had a mildwinter! In the event we encounterinclement weather, the Town remindsall businesses to clear snow, ice orother debris off your sidewalks. Thiswill help protect your customers froman unfortunate tumble, as well asyour business!

Arizona PizzaNow Open!

Enjoy casual dining witha Southwestern theme! The

restaurant, located inLeonardtown Centre, opened itsdoors on January 23rd. Serving lunchand dinner, the menu features wood-fired pizzas, a variety of appetizers,pasta, salads, and sandwiches. Fortake-out orders call 301-997-1700.

Leonardtown BusinessAssociation

Congratulations to the 2006 LBAOfficers! Dan Burris, President,Burris Olde Towne Insurance; DanNorris, Vice President, DRNEnvironmental Solutions; BrendaWise, Secretary, B. A. WiseConsulting; and Sonia Zidzik,Treasurer, Z-Boutique.

The Leonardtown BusinessAssociation is looking for newmembers! Businesses both insideand outside of the incorporated limitsare welcome! Yearly dues are only$100. Goals of the LeonardtownBusiness Association includedrawing awareness to Leonardtownbusinesses and promoting theeconomic, professional, cultural, andcivic welfare of Leonardtown. TheLBA meets every second Wednesdayof the month at varying times andbusinesses. Contact Dan Burris,LBA President, at 301-475-3151 ordanburris@danburris.com for moreinformation or if you would like tojoin the Leonardtown BusinessAssociation.

The Office of the LeonardtownCommissioners will be closed in observanceof the following 2006 Holidays:

January 2 New Year’s DayJanuary 16 Martin Luther King DayFebruary 20 President’s DayMay 29 Memorial DayJuly 4 Independence DaySeptember 4 Labor DayNovember 10 Veteran’s DayNovember 23 Thanksgiving DayNovember 24 Day after ThanksgivingDecember 25 Christmas Day

“If I Were Mayor, I Would . . .” MML Wants to Hear Your Ideas!The Maryland Municipal League’s Communication Committee sponsors an essay contest open

to Maryland fourth grade students enrolled in the 2005-2006 school year, which lets students tellothers how they would involve citizens, control growth and protect the quality of life in their town.One winning essay will be selected from each of MML’s 11 regional districts throughout the State.Winners receive a $250 savings bond and will be recognized at the statewide Municipal GovernmentCelebration in May. Essay entries are due no later than April 1, 2006, and may be submitted to theTown Office or mailed to Mayor’s Contest, Maryland Municipal League, 1212 West Street, Annapolis,MD 21401. For further information, contact the Town Office or visit the MML website atwww.mdmunicipal.org.

Permits Required for Home RepairsWith the upcoming spring and summer

seasons, it’s customary for residents toremodel and make home improvements. Keepin mind that building permits are required forsheds, decks, swimming pools, constructionof piers, room additions and additional livingspace. Town residents should contact ColleenBonnel, Town Planner at 301-475-9791 toobtain a building permit before making theirnew and exciting additions!

2005 Tax ReturnsAttention Town residents! When

completing your Maryland Income Taxreturn, please remember to check the

“Municipality” box and write in“Leonardtown”. This does not increase

your taxes, but, thanks to you, it does assurethat the Town will receive its share ofincome taxes from the State of Maryland.

Trash Pickup andRecycling Reminders

Residential trash collectionsare scheduled every Tuesday andFriday. Please have your trash inacceptable 30-gallon cans with lids,or cans on wheels. Bagged trash set onthe ground is also acceptable. To guaranteecollection, trash should be set out the night beforeor by 6:00 a.m. on the day of pick-up. Bagged leavesset out by Town residents will also be picked up onregularly scheduled collection days, but is limitedto 5 bags per household, per collection day.

The 2006 quarterly bulk trash pickup datesare: Friday, March 3rd, Friday, June 2nd, Friday, Sept.1st, and Friday, Dec. 1st.

Residential recycling pickups of oldnewspapers, glass bottles, jars, metal and aluminumcans, and approved plastic bottles are made onThursdays.

The Waste Management holiday collectionsschedule has changed! Please make a note of serviceduring the weeks in this quarter having a holiday:

May 29Memorial DayTrash pick-up: Tuesday & FridayRecycling pick-up: Thursday

July 4 Independence DayTrash pick-up: Wednesday & FridayRecycling pick-up: Thursday

In the event of snow or other hazardousconditions, service will be resumed as soon as thedriver can access the streets safely.

For further information on trash service,recycling, or to obtain a recycling container, contactthe Town Office at 301-475-9791.

Grease . . . Bad for Your Pipes. . . and the Town’s!

Doctors have been telling us for years that the reductionof certain fatty foods is important for your health. Greaseand fats also have an important impact on the “health” ofthe Town’s wastewater collection. When cooking fats arediscarded by pouring down the drain, they can quickly formblockages within the Town’s sewer system. Theseblockages result in costly repairs borne by Town residents,and can also result in overflows, environmental damageand serious fines. The Utilities Department of Leonardtownis asking residents not to discard cooking oils, fats, or greasedown their drains. We appreciate your cooperation inhelping the Town keep costs down and maintain our pipes!

Bernard “Tub” Delahay was sworninto office by Mayor Norris at theCouncil meeting on December 13,2005. Tub returns to the Council aftera short hiatus, and fills the Councilmember vacancy left by Walt Gillette.

Leonardtown Fact - Did You Know?1858 - Leonardtown was incorporated. This legislation provided that five citizens of

Leonardtown were to be elected to serve as Commissioners. At the first annual electionheld on May 3, 1858, the following persons were elected: J.W.J. Moore, C.I. Durant, H.G.S.Key, Wm. A. Loker, and B. G. Harris. There were 46 voters. (Note: In April 2005, therewere 1,059 registered voters in the Town.) 7Winter 2005 /

Spring 2006

Staff NotesThe Town is happy to announce the

recent addition of Jeannine Peele, TownSecretary; Teri Dimsey, ExecutiveSecretary; and David Caron, MaintenanceTechnician, to our hard-working group ofemployees. Welcome aboard!

Donna and Jackie thank all those whopatronized their business and facilities overthe years, and expressed that “Leonardtownwill never be the same without Pennie’s”.

Passing over the keys – Donna, Jackie and Andyturn the keys over to Wayne and Carolyn Davis.

Farewellto

Pennie’s

What Are Our Residents Asking?What is Happening to Relieve theTraffic Congestion on Route 5?The Mayor and Town Council are working

with the County Commissioners, local StateDelegation and the State HighwayAdministration toward the eventual wideningof the Rt. 5 corridor through Leonardtown. Thisproject has moved into the top five prioritiesfor the County with the State HighwayAdministration. Efforts have been made toassess the additional land needed to accomplishadding a center turn lane and sidewalks alongRt. 5 (Point Lookout Road) between the Rt. 245/5 and Rt. 243/5 intersections. As new projectsare planned through this section, developers arebeing required to design around therequirements for future widening. In addition,as part of its planning efforts, the Mayor andCouncil have looked at interconnectivity amongprojects to better serve the residents of the entireTown. Plans for a future traffic signal at theintersection of the Clark’s Rest and Tudor Hallprojects, with connecting roads from theLeonard’s Grant and Singletree developmentsaccessing this signaled intersection, will alsohelp to safely move traffic in this area.

Your questions are important to us!Let us know if you have a question about

the Town you would like answered in a futureissue of the Leonardtown Beacon. Call theTown Office at 301-475-9791, or e-mail:Leonardtown.commissioners@verizon.net

VOTE—VOTE—VOTE2006 Leonardtown Elections

Tuesday, May 2, 2006A Mayor and five-member Town

Council govern Leonardtown, each servinga four-year term of office. The 2006 TownElection Day is Tuesday, May 2nd,whereupon three Council seats will be votedon. Polls will be open from 12:00 Noon –7:00 p.m. in the Town Office.

All elected officials must reside withinthe incorporated limits of Leonardtown.Residents interested in filing as a candidatemust do so before the deadline date ofMonday, April 17, 2006.

To vote in Town elections, voters mustreside within the incorporated limits ofLeonardtown, be at least 18 years of age onor before the day of the general election, andbe a registered St. Mary’s County voter. Thevoter registration deadline for Townresidents is Friday, April 14, 2006. If youare not a registered voter and would like toregister or update your address, contact theSt. Mary’s County Board of Elections at 301-475-7844 ext. 1610. Absentee ballots areavailable from the Town Office. Thedeadline to submit a completed absenteevoter ballot for the Town’s 2006 election isTuesday, April 25, 2006.

Having a Leonardtown mailing addressor owning property within the incorporatedlimits does not qualify you as an actualresident. If you would like to confirm thatyou actually reside within the incorporatedlimits of Leonardtown, or have otherquestions about the Town’s elections, pleasecontact the Town Office at 301-475-9791.

Town staff dressed in red on National Wear RedDay to support the National American HeartAssociation’s “Go Red for Women” campaign,helping raise awareness of heart disease as the#1 killer of women. Pictured from left to right areColleen Bonnel, Linda Shepherd, Laschelle Miller,Barbara Dotson, Teri Dimsey, Jeannine Peele, andJackie Post.

The Town Hall Gets a New HomeFor nearly six years, the old post office

building on Park Avenue has been home tothe Town Hall. In mid-March, the officesof the Commissioners of Leonardtown willbe relocating to 41660 Courthouse Drive,and will be housed in the twin buildingconstructed alongside the Loker I building.The receptionist and meeting room will beconveniently located on the first level, andthe administrative offices will be located onthe third floor. The Town Council and staffinvite you to stop by and take a tour of ournew home. Office hours will remainMonday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The McIntosh Run Center has been designed tocompliment the small town charm of Leonardtownwhile providing expanded commercial opportunitiesto the area. Plans include a 60-room hotel, retailand office space, and a restaurant and bank pad site.

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In January of 2006, the Pennie’s propertywas purchased by Wayne Davis, President,W.M. Davis, Inc., who has received conceptapproval for a mixed-use development on the6.3 acre site. The project will be namedMcIntosh Run Center, and is in keeping withthe quality projects developed by W.M. Davisin Leonardtown over the last several years.While Pennie’s will be long remembered bymany as a landmark in Leonardtown, theTown is excited by the new opportunities theMcIntosh Run Center will provide.

Commissioners of LeonardtownPost Office Box One41675 Park AvenueLeonardtown, Maryland 20650

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Office HoursMonday – Friday

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

301-475-9791Fax: 301-475-5350

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 16

LEONARDTOWN, MD 20650

Town TidbitsTown TidbitsHealth Connections Van in TownVisit the Health Connections Outreach Center Van every second

Wednesday of the month in the Town Square, Noon-3:00 p.m., for freeblood pressure and cholesterol screenings. Upcoming dates are Mar. 8, April 12, May10, June 14, and July 12. For more information, call 301-475-6019.

“Fearless Captain: The Adventures of John Smith”History buffs will want a copy of Aleck Loker’s new book,

“Fearless Captain: The Adventures of John Smith”, a biography ofthe man who held the English settlement together at Jamestown inthe face of overwhelming adversity. With the 400th anniversary ofthe first permanent English settlement in the Americas coming nextyear, this book will help put that important milestone into its historicalperspective. The book may be obtained from Morgan ReynoldsPublishing at www.morganreynolds.com; Amazon.com; or from severallocal bookstores. Other works by Aleck include “A Matter of Space”,a novel that blends his love of science, engineering, history, and archaeology, and “AMost Convenient Place”, informative and entertaining reading capturing acomprehensive history of Leonardtown between 1650-1950.

Sample savory specialties of many St. Mary’s County andLeonardtown restaurants at this year’s “Taste of St. Mary’s”,Sunday, May 7th from 1 p.m.-6 p.m. on the State House lawn inhistoric St. Mary’s City. Enjoy 50’s & 60’s melodies by theFabulous Bel-Airs and the swingin’ sounds of Ken Rothfield.

Admission. Call the St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation at 301-475-6455 for details.

Joan and FrankHolmes acceptthe 2005 “OurTown Award” from the Town Council at theirregular meeting on February 13, 2006,recognizing their exceptional service to thecommunity of Leonardtown.

Our Town AwardThe Commissioners of Leonardtown an-

nually present the “Our Town Award” to agroup or individual who has demonstratedservice, commitment, leadership, and pridefor our Town.The Mattingley-Gardiner Fu-neral Homesponsors thisaward programin Leonardtown.

North End GalleryCelebrates 20 Years in

LeonardtownSeptember 2006 marks the 20th

Anniversary of the North End Gallery inLeonardtown! Throughout the year, theGallery will feature monthly “themed” showsand receptions where visitors can peruseoriginal and limited edition artworks andmingle with the artists. A special art showingand exhibit to celebrate their 20th Anniversaryis planned on the Town Square on Saturday,September 9th. The North End Galleryshowroom is located at 41652 Fenwick Streetin downtown Leonardtown. For moreinformation and a 2006 event and showschedule, call the Gallery at 301-475-3130,or check their web site atwww.northendgallery.org.

Capturing“Seagulls in flight over Breton Bay”

during the County’s first snowfall of 2006.This photo was taken from Leonardtown

Wharf on February 12th.

Thanks for a Colorful “Beacon”!The Town has heard so many wonderful comments from its newsletter recipients

that the 2005 Fall/Winter edition of the “Beacon” looked absolutely stunning in fullcolor! We agree, and would like to thank Heritage Printing & Graphics, especially Jerry

Bohle and Steve Gass, for providing the “Beacon” in full color withoutadditional cost. Notably, Heritage Printing & Graphics received a2002 and 2005 Print Quality Award in “Best of Category” for itsproduction of Leonardtown’s “Beacon” newsletter from the Printing& Graphics Association Mid-Atlantic. 2006 awards include an“Award of Excellence” for the Southern Maryland Heritage AreaConsortium’s “Tobacco Barn” poster, and a “Best of Category”award for SMECO’s “Watts News” employee newsletter.