St. Mary's Co. Gov. News Briefs


St. Mary's County Government to Offer Citizens Academy

Seven week course to provide inside look at county government operations

Leonardtown, MD - If you've ever wondered how or why a county department does what it does you can gain knowledge of the inner workings of local government at the first ever St. Mary's County Government Citizens Academy.

The academy, which will meet on seven Tuesday evenings, between September 9 and October 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. at various county owned locations, is open to all St. Mary's County residents, 18 years of age and older and will be limited to 25 applicants. The purpose of the academy is to provide an overview of County programs and services. Participants will gain a better understanding of County government operations and will receive a certificate upon completion.

"I believe the Citizens Academy is the perfect opportunity for citizens to learn about county government," says Commissioner President Jack Russell. "People have lots of questions and this is the chance to get answers to the hows and whys with respect to county operations."

At the first session participants will receive an overview of county administration. Subsequent sessions will focus on the departments of Aging and Human Services, Economic Development, Land Use and Growth Management, Recreation and Parks, Public Works and transportation and Emergency Services and Technology.

"The Citizens Academy allows our citizens to become more engaged with county government and vice versa," says County Administrator Dr. Rebecca Bridgett. "The Academy's responsibility is to educate and inform citizens about County Government programs and services."

Citizens interested in learning more about the academy, or taking part, can go to www.stmarysmd.com/SMCG-Citzens-Academy.asp or www.stmarysmd.com/pio to download a brochure and/or application, including instructions on how and where to return the application (link located at bottom of page). Deadline to apply is August 22, 2014.

Pirate Day Program Coming to Piney Point Lighthouse Museum

The Piney Point Lighthouse Museum is looking for a few scurvy pirates and scaliwags to participate in the annual Pirate Day on Saturday, July 26. Pre-registration is required and begins July 7.

This event is geared for little children ages 4 to 9 years old. There will be a morning session from 9 am to 12 noon and an afternoon session from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Each session will have 12 slots for ages 4 - 6 and 12 slots for ages 7 - 9.

The cost to pre-register is $10 per child. Personal checks and credit cards (MC or Visa) will be accepted. Registration is first come, first served. The Pirate Day program will include a host of pirate activities! Each child will receive a pirate name! Walk the Plank! Make and Take activities! Pirate tattoos and flags! And more! Kids are encouraged to dress as pirates for the Costume Contest!

For more information or to register your child, call the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum at 301-994-1471. The museum is located at 44720 Lighthouse Road, Piney Point, MD 20674.

Pirate Day is presented by the Museum Division of St. Mary's County Department of Recreation and Parks and the Board of Commissioners for St. Mary's County.

DECD Gets a New Name and Much More

Effective July 1, the St. Mary's County Department of Economic and Community Development became the St. Mary's County Department of Economic Development (SMCDED). This change reflects the Commissioners' decision to reorganize the Department, better staff the newly appointed Economic Development Commission (EDC) and to support the development of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.

The reorganization of the Department entailed the creation of a new position; reclassification of an existing position, the relocation of the Agriculture and Seafood Division to the newly opened Agriculture Services Center in Leonardtown and the addition of contractor support for technology business start-ups and commercialization. While there are many changes to the organizational structure of the Department, the size of the SMCDED staff remains at nine full-time employees.

SMCDED is charged with the development of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) to guide the broadening of the County's future economy. To oversee this effort, the Commissioners appointed a 13-member Commission composed of private business people and representatives of the St. Mary's County Chamber of Commerce and U. S. Navy who will meet in public session on a monthly basis. A new page will soon be added to the County's website for the EDC. The EDC's meeting dates, agendas and minutes will be posted along with other public announcements pertaining to the development of the CEDS.

To showcase the many changes, SMCDED will host a Chamber of Commerce Business-After- Hours event on Wednesday, July 23 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. in the Department's offices, located on the second floor of the Potomac Building, at 23115 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown. R.S.V.P.'s are being accepted by the Chamber until July 16 by calling 301-737-3001 or on-line at www.smcchamber.com.

Enjoy a Star Spangled Independence Day Weekend in St. Mary's County

With the July 4 weekend just around the corner residents and visitors can check out some of the fun, family friendly activities and events planned for the holiday.

The following is a list of scheduled events to enjoy in St. Mary's County over the holiday weekend:

Friday, July 4

First Fridays - Celebrate America with the Red, White, and Blues Jam on the Square. Get your Blues Jam On! on the Square for July 4th First Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Leonardtown with Bob Schaller and Friends. All musicians welcome to Jam! www.leonardtownfirstfridays.com/

The Chesapeake Orchestra at River Concert Series - A Swingin' Fourth! The Chesapeake Orchestra's tribute to the Big Bands plus Fireworks! www.chesapeakeorchestra.org/

Saturday, July 5

Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department - Come out and join us for their annual Independence Day celebration. This event is put on by the Members of the Hollywood VFD as a way of giving back and saying thank you to the Community that supports us year after year. The Fireworks display is one of the largest in the area and we also provide a free concert before the Fireworks show. Also, we will have the Carnival set up, including games and food. $5 armbands available for purchase to ride all night. Please stop by and have a great time at this family friendly event. More information below: FIREWORKS DISPLAY AT DUSK Live Music from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. by Franklin Square Band with an appearance by the Southern Maryland Super Heroes. Carnival Rides and Games, food and drinks available from 5 p.m. - Fireworks start. $5 donation per car for parking. www.hvfd7.com

Port of Leonardtown Summer Song Saturday Series - Relax on the patio with a glass of award winning wine and local music from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. featuring Folk Salad Trio. http://portofleonardtownwinery.com/events/summer-song-test-page/

Sunday, July 6

A Star-Spangled Celebration at Sotterley Plantation - Continue your Independence Day weekend at Historic Sotterley as we celebrate our Patriots. Your visit includes grounds tours, strolling through the Colonial Revival Gardens, hiking our new trails, and walk-through tours of our historic 1703 Plantation House until 4:00 p.m. From 4:00 - 7:30 p.m. enjoy dinner for purchase from our local food vendors and a patriotic music concert in the historic barn. Raffle prizes and family fun on the playground! As a special and sincere "thank you for your service," all those with a Military ID and their families are invited to celebrate this event free of charge. General Admission: $10 per vehicle. http://www.sotterley.org/independence-day-sotterley.htm

For updated information on these events, please contact the event organizers or locations directly. Contact information can be found at the link found at the end of each listing. Events are current as of the date of this release.

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