Charles Co. Gov. News Briefs


Commissioners Proclaim October Breast Cancer Awareness Month

On Tuesday, Oct. 1, the Charles County Board of Commissioners proclaimed October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. October 2013 marks more than 28 years that National Breast Cancer Awareness Month has provided education about the importance of early breast cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment.

On hand for the proclamation were Commissioner Vice President Reuben B. Collins, II (District 3); Commissioner Debra M. Davis, Esq. (District 2); Roberta Kieliger, Sisters at Heart Breast Cancer Survivor's Group; Commissioner Ken Robinson (District 1); Mary Gomez, Sisters at Heart Breast Cancer Survivor's Group; Commissioner Bobby Rucci (District 4); Sophia Schaeffer, Sisters at Heart Breast Cancer Survivor's Group; Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly.

Breast cancer is a tragic disease that affects millions of Americans every day. This disease impacts families, friends, and co-workers. The Commissioners recognize the importance of raising awareness and money for breast cancer research projects and community programs. In effort to raise awareness, the Commissioners encourage residents to wear pink during the month of October. On behalf of Charles County citizens, the Commissioners express gratitude to our community advocates and partners for their role as a resourceful catalyst in creating a future without breast cancer.

October Proclaimed Intellectual Disabilities Month in Charles County

On Tuesday, Oct. 1, the Charles County Board of Commissioners is pleased to proclaim the month of October as Intellectual Disabilities Awareness Month. People with intellectual disabilities are valued members of society who find fulfillment living everyday lives. Early intervention, education, home and community-based services continue to be vital to enabling these citizens to function, thrive, and realize their full potential.

Every year, the Charles County Knights of Columbus Councils raise money for local charities by distributing Tootsie Rolls. All proceeds go to nonprofit organizations helping people with intellectual disabilities.

October Proclaimed Domestic Violence Awareness Month

On Tuesday, Oct. 1, the Charles County Board of Commissioners proclaimed the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Violence against women and children continues to become more prevalent as a social problem due to the imbalance of power due to gender and age. The problems of domestic violence are not confined to any group or groups of people, but cross all economic, racial, affectional preference, and societal barriers.

The crime of domestic violence violates an individual's privacy, dignity, security, and humanity due to systematic use of physical, emotional, sexual, psychological and economic contact and/or abuse. The impact of domestic violence is wide ranging, directly affecting women, children, and society as a whole.

On hand for the proclamation were Commissioner Vice President Reuben B. Collins, II (District 3); Sandy Washington, Lifestyles of Southern Maryland; Commissioner Debra M. Davis, Esq. (District 2); Rosemary Raiman, Advocates Working for Victims in Crisis; Commissioner Ken Robinson (District 1); Fern Brown, Advocates Working for Victims in Crisis; Amanda Yowell, Southern Maryland Center for Family Advocacy; Commissioner Bobby Rucci (District 4); Robin Washington, States Attorney for Domestic Violence Unit; Jennifer Walter, Charles County Sheriff's Office; and Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly.

Charles County Labor Roundtable Brings Community Together to Discuss Project Labor Agreements and Prevailing Wage

On Wednesday, Oct. 2, the Board of Commissioners convened a Labor Roundtable in the Charles County Government Building Conference Room (200 Baltimore Street, La Plata). Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly served as the facilitator and led a panel discussion with 10 subject-matter experts about how government and labor can promote economic development in Charles County. Focus topics included project labor agreements and prevailing wage legislation.

Labor Roundtable panelists included Larry Greenhill, IBEW Local 26; Jay Baldwin, Reliable Contracting Company, Inc.; Chris Garvey, Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc., Chesapeake Shores Chapter; Delegate Peter Murphy; Vance T. Ayres, Washington D.C. Building and Construction Trades Council; Ben Brubeck, Associate Builders and Contractors, Inc.; Carolyn J. Moss, Dominion Power; George R. Nash, Jr., Facchina Construction Company, Inc.; and Susan Cooksey, Broker/Consultant. Not visible in picture: Jeffry F. Guido, Maryland Pipe Trades Association.

Winter Youth and Pee Wee Sports Registration Open

New this year: Pee Wee Girls' Basketball

Winter sports leagues and Pee Wee sports are back! Log on to www.CharlesCountyParks.com or call 301-934-9305 or 301-870-338 to register for these fun-filled winter sports.

Girls' basketball is new this year to the winter Pee Wee sports lineup! Also, Pee Wee sports include: co-ed soccer, and co-ed basketball. Co-ed soccer is open to four year olds, co-ed basketball open to five and six year olds, and girls' basketball open to five and six year olds (as of Sept. 1, 2013). Pee Wee sports registration fee is $65 but you can save $15 if you register by Saturday Oct, 12. The registration deadline is Saturday, Oct. 26.

Winter youth sports are co-ed and girls' basketball, co-ed indoor soccer, and select basketball. Co-ed basketball is available from seven to 17 year olds, girls' basketball from nine to 14 year olds, and co-ed indoor soccer from five to 16 year olds (as of Sept. 1, 2013). Select basketball teams are open for boys from nine to 14 years old and girls 12 to 14 years old. Youth sports registration fee is $80 but you can save $15 if you register by Saturday Oct, 12. The registration deadline is Saturday, Oct. 26.

Pee Wee sports give young children the opportunity to experience the excitement of playing organized sports. Children can learn the fundamentals of the game, while playing with others. The non-competitive atmosphere of these sports is designed for children to develop skills and promote fun. A one hour practice or game is held each Saturday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Practices begin in December and games and practices alternate Saturday's in January. Players and coaches each receive a team t-shirt.

The Department of Community Services' youth sport leagues offer children the opportunity to have a positive and rewarding experience. Children can learn sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play, while having a fun time. Teams are based on area, age, height, and experience. Youth practices will be scheduled no later than 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. Practices begin in December and games begin in January. Locations vary.

Coaches are needed for Pee Wee sports and youth sports. If selected to coach, you will receive 50 percent off of your child's registration fee. The refund only applies to one participating child and will be processed after the first game.

Register online at www.CharlesCountyParks.com . For more information, call 301-934-9305 or 301-870-3388.

For information on other programs offered by the Department of Community Services, visit www.CharlesCountyParks.com. Citizens with special needs can contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.

2013 Annual Fall "Fishin' Buddies" Derby at Gilbert Run Park

The Charles County Department of Public Works, Parks Division will sponsor the 2013 annual Fall "Fishin' Buddies" Fishing Derby on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Gilbert Run Park (13140 Charles Street, Charlotte Hall) from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Anglers compete by teams, which must include one adult at least 21 years old and one child between the ages of six and 15. Each team must supply their own rods and bait. Trophies will be awarded in the two age divisions. Bank anglers will compete separately from those who fish from a boat. Local businesses have donated numerous fishing-related door prizes. All teams are eligible for the door prize drawings.

The entry fee is $7 per team, and pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Entry forms are available at Gilbert Run Park or the Department of Public Works main office (1001 Radio Station Road, La Plata). Registration deadline is noon on Wednesday, Oct. 9.

For more information or to receive an entry form, call the Department of Public Works, Parks & Grounds Division, at 301-932-3470 or 301-870-2778 weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.

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