Southern Maryland This is Living - On-line Edition - Volume 11, Number 4, Winter 2009

Volume 11, Number 4, Winter 2009 The articles presented here are a sample of what is available in the hardcopy magazine. Magazines are on-sale now at your local news stands and supermarkets. You can also subscribe or renew on-line. Select articles from previous editions can be found in our on-line Archive.
		During the holiday season, while most of us are shopping for gifts for friends and family, the students at Our Lady Star of the Sea School in Solomons are remembering those less fortunate and bringing the community together. More...
		"Tell yourself how lucky you are." These words are scrawled across a tee-shirt worn by a perky young woman in Dave Scott's fitness boot camp at New Life Wesleyan Church in La Plata. Judging from the smiles, soft voices and light touches exchanged between the exercisers and Scott, their leader, the group, indeed, considers itself blessed. More...
		Sometimes life's fortunes can change in a flash, as did Carolyn Kemp's of Huntingtown. In 1996, Carolyn and her husband, Hubert, were enjoying almost three decades of marriage when on a gray day in February their home burnt to the ground. They lost nearly everything, including their beloved two puppies. Still, they clung to one another and were grateful for their lives. Then two months later, tragedy struck again. Hubert died suddenly from a rare form of cancer and Carolyn, then in her early 50's, was widowed. More...
		Every Christmas the large white barn on the sprawling fields of St. Clair's farm in Avenue is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with Santa, Frosty, carols, cake and sky-high piles of presents. Laughter, hugs and high-fives abound as hostess, Sherri St. Clair, welcomes each "special friend" to her home for a party. From teens to baby boomers, these celebrants, some in wheelchairs, others leaning on walkers or supported with crutches-all with special needs-proudly hand their smiling hostess their gift for the needy children of St. Mary's County. More...
		It is often said that actions speak louder than words, but what if you only have a day - just 24 hours or less - to help those in need? Can you truly make a difference? More...
		Before there was Wal-Mart, 7-Eleven, WaWa, or even High's, there was a time, not so long ago, when small country stores dotted the roads throughout Southern Maryland. Almost everyone lived within walking distance of one, when walking distance was considered anything less than four miles. And you could find anything you wanted---groceries, kerosene, tobacco, alcohol, a friendly smile or an ear to bend. Now you need to look a little harder for those country stores; some are still there, but the roads they sit on may no longer be the main road. Time, as well as new highways, has bypassed them. More...
		Think of your favorite Christmas gift, ever. Yes, the one that brought a genuine smile when you opened it and continues to give you pleasure even today. Odds are that it doesn't sport a designer label, or a hefty piece tag. And likely, you can still put your hands on it now, years later. Gifts from the heart seldom demand that the giver take out a loan and rarely end up re-gifted or on a garage sale pile. Chances are good that this special gift took more thought than cost from the giver. And perhaps it wasn't even a "thing," but rather an experience, a sharing of some kind. And that's likely why you treasure it. More...
		The holidays are a time when we open our hearts and our homes to friends and family. Whether you are planning an intimate dinner party for just a few people or a lively gathering for a large group, you'll be inspired by some of the beautiful tablescapes we have featured. Creating table arrangements with style and panache is easier than you think, and it's just one more way to make that special occasion even more special. More...
		In the last few decades, elaborate outdoor Christmas lights and decorations have become fashionable in suburban and rural America, and Southern Maryland is no exception. But behind this custom - often typified by panoramas of winter fantasies and religious scenes - exists the backstories of the people and motivations who bring this tradition to life. And the truth goes way beyond what meets the eye. More...
		On December 22nd 1974, more than 300 tuba players gathered to play Christmas carols on the ice rink stage at New York City's Rockefeller Plaza. The audience was so impressed with the performance that the tuba players were invited to come back the following year. Thus, the Tuba Christmas tradition was born. More...
		Zenith Brillantes watches her young daughter glide across the ice rink during private figure skating lessons while Sandra Barnes watches her children spar in a Taekwondo tournament just down the hall. More...
		Imagine twelve buddies, huddled together, sipping beer, joking and brainstorming a name for Michael Kelley's and Carlos Yanez's new restaurant in Solomons. A restaurant that would feature family-friendly food and freshly brewed beer-and levity. Criteria? The name must be of a Southern Maryland-loving animal or bird. Although Michael owns the Brome-Howard Inn in St. Mary's City and was the director of operations for the Tavern on the Green in Manhattan, they needed a little help from friends in choosing a name and they came through: The Ruddy Duck, a species native to both South and North America. More...