(left to right): Delegate C.T. Wilson; Commissioner Ken Robinson (District 1); Senator Chris Van Hollen; Commissioner Vice President Amanda M. Stewart, M.Ed. (District 3); Commissioner President Peter F. Murphy; and Town of Indian Head Vice Mayor Ron Sitoula.Senator Van Hollen Meets With County Officials
On Thursday, April 20, Senator Chris Van Hollen met with Charles County officials to discuss federal investment priorities for the county and Maryland. As a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, Senator Van Hollen is fighting for important investments for Maryland to grow our economy, boost critical infrastructure, and strengthen the many federal facilities and military installations in the state. Agencies represented included Congressman Steny Hoyer's Office, Charles County Sheriff's Office, Town Of Indian Head, Town of La Plata, Charles County Public Schools, and the College of Southern Maryland.
Charles County Land Preservation, Park, and Recreation Draft Plan Available for Viewing
The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism has released the Charles County Land Preservation, Park, and Recreation Plan (LPPRP) draft plan for online viewing. To view the Charles County Land Preservation, Park, and Recreation Plan online visit, www.CharlesCountyParks.com.
The LPPRP is a comprehensive document used as a planning tool by local governments to protect natural resources and provide public parks and recreation facilities. To maintain eligibility for Program Open Space funding, and other programs related to land resource elements the State of Maryland requires LPPRP be updated every five years. Charles County's last LPPRP was completed in 2012.
A public comment period will be available to residents at a later date.
If you have any questions or comments, contact the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism at ccpr@CharlesCountyMD.gov or 301-932-3470. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Md. High School Rodeo Association to Perform at Oak Ridge Park
The Charles County Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism is proud to co-sponsor and welcome back the rodeo for a second time in Charles County. The Maryland High School Rodeo Association (MDHSRA) will be performing at Oak Ridge Park (13675 Oaks Road, Hughesville) on Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30.
The MDHSRA works to promote the sport of rodeo, sportsmanship, and education, while preserving our western heritage. Participants are in three categories: Maryland High School Rodeo (grades 9-12), Junior High (grades 6-8), and Maryland Mustangs (children up to grade 5). Competitions include barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, break-a-way roping, chute dogging, steer wrestling, steer riding, bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, and bull riding.
Performances start:
— Saturday, April 29 at 3 p.m.
— Sunday, April 30 at 11 a.m.
Cost: $5 per vehicle
Vendor opportunities are available for $30.
For more information and to register, visit www.MDHSRA.org, or contact Sherri Trenary at sherri@mdhsra.org. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Scheduled for May 6
The Charles County Department of Public Works would like to remind residents that the next household hazardous waste collection for this year will be held on Saturday, May 6. The household hazardous waste collection site is located in the parking lot of the Department of Public Works building, located at 10430 Audie Lane, off of Radio Station Road in La Plata. Collection hours are 9 a.m.—3 p.m.
Items accepted free of charge include: pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer, gasoline, oil-based paint, cleaning supplies, pool chemicals, fluorescent lights, mercury thermometers, and other poisons found in the home. Please remember to mark any container that does not have a readable, original label.
Unacceptable materials include bio-medical waste (sharps, needles, anything with bodily fluids), latex paint, prescription drugs, and ammunition. Used motor oil, anti-freeze, propane tanks, and batteries are accepted on a regular basis at various collection sites. Visit www.charlescountymd.gov/HHW for a list of prescription and non-prescription medication dropped off locations.
Household hazardous waste collection will occur on the first Saturday of each month through December. Upcoming 2017 collection dates are: May 6, June 3, July 1, Aug. 5, Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4, and Dec. 2.
For more information, call the Charles County Department of Public Works, Environmental Resources Division at 301-932-3599 or 301-870-2778, or the landfill and recycling information line at 301-932-5656. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Historic Preservation Commission to Host Awards Ceremony on May 18
The Charles County Historic Preservation Commission will host a Preservation Reception and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 18 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Smallwood State Park (2750 Sweden Point Road, Marbury). The winner(s) of the Charles County Preservation Award for 2016 will be announced at this time.
The Historic Preservation Award is presented annually to an eligible individual, business, organization, or project that deserves recognition for outstanding achievements in historic preservation. Awards are presented in two categories: Preservation Projects and Preservation Service.
A special tour of the Smallwood Retreat House, the John Grinder House, and the Jenkins Tobacco Barn will be provided by costumed guides at the awards ceremony. The Smallwood Retreat house was built around 1760, and originally known as Mattawoman Plantation. It was the home of American Revolutionary War General William Smallwood, until his death in 1792. During the Revolutionary War, General Smallwood, a two-star general, was the highest ranking military man from Maryland.
Light refreshments will be provided at the event. A donation of $5 per person to the Friends of Smallwood State Park is encouraged.
For more information or to RSVP for the event, please contact Beth Groth at 301-645-0684 or GrothB@CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Register Now for the 2017 Tot Olympics on May 13
The Olympics are here! The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism are partnering with the Chick-fil-A's of Charles County, and Macaroni Kids Charles County to present the 2017 Tot Olympics. The Tot Olympics Games will be held on Saturday, May 13 at North Point High School from 10 a.m.-noon (rain date: Sunday, May 14). Registration begins at 9 a.m. and opening ceremonies start promptly at 10 a.m.
Fun-filled events for children ages 3—6 include running, jumping, kicking, and throwing. Vendors will be on site. Athletes will have their participation recorded on a special tracking form distributed during opening ceremonies.
The registration fee is $15 for residents, $17 for non-residents, and $20 the day of event.
Each child will receive an award and snack for his/her efforts. Parent/guardian participation is required for each athlete.
Register online at www.CharlesCountyParks.com or call 301-932-3470. For information on other programs offered by the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism, visit our website at www.CharlesCountyParks.com, or call 301-932-3470. Those citizens with special needs please contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Charles County Commissioners May Town Hall Meetings
The Charles County Commissioners invite the public to attend the May town hall meeting as scheduled below. The purpose of Commissioner town hall meetings is to take questions from those in attendance and to discuss items of importance to the citizens and the community.
Commissioner Vice President Amanda M. Stewart, M.Ed. (District 3)
Monday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Waldorf West Library, Room A (10405 O'Donnell Place, Waldorf)
Future town hall meeting dates are available at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov.
Residents are encouraged to email questions to be discussed at the town hall meeting to the Citizen Response Office at CitizenResponse@CharlesCountyMD.gov or call 301-645-0550. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 866-269-9006.