King and queen competition is bringing out the dogs

THIS ‘N' THAT

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

"It's terrible," said Barbara Whipkey, president of SMAWL, laughing. "It's hilarious."

As of Friday afternoon, six dogs had been nominated for king and six for queen. As they vie for the title, competitors have turned to trash-talking about others in the fundraising event.

For instance, Cotton Holder, owner of contestant Preston, reported online that Whipkey's Pomeranian, Rocky, had caused a scene at the Whipkey home. "When police arrived," Holder wrote, they found "Rocky Whipkey, with his mouth full of Easter Bunny fur and eggs and chocolate scattered about the house. Emergency responders were able to pull the Easter Bunny free from the clutches of this monster, but his condition is unknown at this time."

Of course, Whipkey said, this report is erroneous. Rocky is not that kind of dog.

The idea is for pet owners to nominate their animal as king or queen. The animal that receives the most "votes," determined by how much money they raise for SMAWL, will be crowned at this year's animal fair on May 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the county fairgrounds in Leonardtown.

Many of the contestants have sites online, where they are making their pitch for sponsorships. (See http://jettaforsmawl.blogspot.com/.)

"You don't have to" campaign online, Whipkey said. "Some are just getting votes from friends and family. Some have used Facebook … the majority of the [nominated] animals are rescues, but that's not a requirement."

It's not too late for area pet-owners who would like to nominate their pet for the king or queen honor. "We're still taking admissions" up to May 7, when the money is due," Whipkey said.

The winning king and queen will be crowned at this year's fair, "and they will hold the title until next year," Whipkey said, adding that SMAWL intends to make the king and queen pageant an annual event.

In addition to the crowning, this year's animal fair will once again feature the "Woof It Down" eating contest, as well as a pet parade, rabies clinic, pet blessing, youth art show, vendors and animal adoptions, microchipping, children's activities and more. "It is an awesome day," Whipkey said.

Fair organizers encourage owners of well-behaved pets who are current on rabies vaccinations to bring their pets to the fair with them.

For more information on the fair and the king and queen competition, visit www.smawl.org or call 410-474-2958.

Help accepted for transplant patient

Claude Showalter Sr. of Golden Beach has learned that his sister, Carol, has just been medically cleared to donate a kidney to him. Their surgery is scheduled for May 22. The family needs help with medical expenses. A benefit was held April 11 at the Mechanicsville Moose Lodge. For those who were not able to make the benefit, donations can still be made to Claude's Kidney Fund, P.O. Box 661, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622. E-mail Claudeskidneyfund@gmail.com.

Bay District VFD to receive thermal imaging camera

When seconds count, a thermal imaging camera uses state-of-the art technology to help firefighters respond to an emergency. Now, thanks to a $10,000 grant from Fireman's Fund Insurance Company and Papa John's Risk Services Corporation, the Bay District Fire Department will be able to purchase a thermal imaging camera.

The handheld camera uses updated technology to enable firefighters to "see" through smoke and darkness to help rescue victims in a fire. With a thermal imaging camera, firefighters can often locate hot spots inside walls and extinguish them before they spread.

"Thermal imaging cameras used to be considered a luxury, but now they're a necessity because they can be used in so many different ways," said BDVFD President Bob Braddock in a statement. "The new equipment will allow us to respond more effectively to emergencies, and ultimately help keep our community safer."

Executives from Papa John's Risk Services and Fireman's Fund will present the grant check to Braddock, BDVFD volunteer firefighters during a public presentation event today, April 22. Firefighters will also showcase and discuss usage of the new equipment.

New EnhanceFitness classes offered at senior activity centers

New times, including evenings and weekends, are now offered for the national EnhanceFitness courses at all three St. Mary's senior activity centers.

Potential participants are encouraged to call soon to sign up for this exercise program designed for older adults. A flexible payment plan of $30 for 10 classes is offered. The first class is free.

"This is my second year in the class," said Claudia Long in a statement. "My doctor told me that my breathing test results were better and I feel great."

The one-hour classes include cardiovascular training, strength training, stretching and flexibility and balance exercises. Participants are seeing measurable results after only six weeks, including increased flexibility, strength and better balance. Call the Garvey Senior Activity Center in Leonardtown at 301-475-4200, ext. 1050; Loffler Senior Activity Center in Great Mills at 301-737-5670, ext. 1658; and Northern Senior Activity Center in Charlotte Hall at 301-475-4002, ext. 1001.

Conservation group announces officers

Andy Hughes was elected chairman in December to lead the 1,800-member Coastal Conservation Association Maryland in 2009. Hughes, an Annapolis resident, plans to focus on advocacy and oyster restoration issues during the coming year. Hughes has appointed Scott McGuire of Lexington Park, to head Coastal Conservation Association Maryland's fisheries committee in 2009, and Lew Armistead of Hollywood and Ken Lewis of Baltimore will continue to head communications and government relations efforts, respectively.

Raley attends leaders conference in D.C.

Jonathan Edward Raley of Leonardtown High School was elected to attend the National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., from March 3 to 8.

scraton@somdnews.com