2013 Department of Aging & Human Services' Community Health Fair Moves to a new location at Southern Maryland Higher Education Center
The 2013 Community Health Fair, sponsored by the St. Mary's Department of Aging and Human Services, will take place on Friday, October 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This year's event moves to the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, 44219 Airport Road in California, MD. The Health Fair is free to the public.
Flu Shots will be available for $20 (Medicare billed, please bring your card) or $20 (cash or check) for non-Medicare recipients.
In addition to the flu vaccines, the Health Fair will offer a variety of free screenings and health checks including:
-- Skin Cancer Screening
-- Hearing Screening
-- Blood Pressure Screening
-- Complimentary Reflexology Sessions
-- Complimentary Massages
-- Depression Screening
-- Vein Screening
-- Nutrition Education
-- Vision Screening
-- Height, Weight, Blood Pressure & Blood Oximetry Screenings
-- Fall Risk Assessment Screening
A shredder truck will be available from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for anyone who wishes to shred documents, including financial and other personal documents, no longer needed. Lunch will be available for purchase from Rita B's Catering. The Department of Aging & Human Services will also unveil Maryland Access Point (MAP) - a one-stop shop for those in the community who need to access different services. Several giveaways include: Pet Sitting Coupons; Complimentary Reflexology Sessions; Wine Tastings; Wal-Mart Gift Cards and many other giveaways!
Over 800 people attended last year's event to learn more about the latest health and wellness news and products.
For more information call 301-475-4200, ext. 1073 or log-on to www.stmarysmd.com/aging or visit St. Mary's County Department of Aging & Human Services on Facebook.
St. Mary's County AA+ Credit Rating Affirmed
Overall rating outlook deemed "Stable"
As part of its routine surveillance review Fitch Ratings has affirmed St. Mary's County's AA+ credit rating on approximately $83.9 million of outstanding unlimited tax general obligation bonds. The bonds were used principally to fund school construction but also included road construction, improvements at the College of Southern Maryland and other public facilities.
Though the county is currently not selling bonds the review is not considered uncommon. Ratings agencies typically update their review whenever a county has not sold bonds in a few years. Fitch last issued a review of the county's rating in 2011. The last issuance of new bonds by the County was in 2009. The rating agency also affirmed the county's fiscal outlook as stable.
In its review Fitch pointed to the county's "healthy reserves and budgetary flexibility" as a credit strength, despite a dependence on the military and federal government and the potential of reduced spending; consistent preservation of a separate 6% bond rating reserve and $1.6 million rainy day fund.
"In light of the overall economic climate this is very good news for St. Mary's County," said Dr. Rebecca Bridgett, St. Mary's County Administrator.
The agency also made mention of the county's "careful management of its capital program spending and issuance of debt" as well as "rapid amortization of debt." Fitch concludes the county is on track to reduce 80.2% of its current outstanding debt within ten years.
"This report is one more indication of how St. Mary's County and the Board of County Commissioners continue to manage the county's finances," said Commissioner President Jack Russell. "This review confirms our conservative approach to fiscal management while continuing to meet the needs of our growing community."
Free Mulch Available for County Residents
The St. Mary's County Department of Public Works and Transportation is continuing its free mulch program while supplies last.
County residents are welcome to pick up mulch free of charge at the St. Andrew's Landfill between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The landfill is closed on Sundays.
Residents are reminded they are responsible for the loading and transportation of the mulch and are asked to bring a shovel, pitchfork or similar hand tool to load the mulch. Covering the load with a tarp prior to transporting is recommended to minimize the material from blowing off the vehicle.
If assistance is required, special needs exist or additional information is requested, please contact the Department of Public Works and Transportation at 301-863-8400. Additional Recycling/Solid Waste Program information is available on the department's webpage at http://www.co.saint-marys.md.us/dpw/ .
Individuals Sought for Newly Established Economic Development Commission
The Board of County Commissioners has authorized the establishment of the St. Mary's County Economic Development Commission (SMCEDC). The commission will guide the development and implementation of a comprehensive economic development strategy intended to broaden the local economy. Individuals with relevant experience are sought to serve on the SMCEDC.
"The Economic Development Commission will help the County chart a path toward diversifying our local economy," stated Commissioner President Jack Russell. "This is a critically important job and we hope to attract the very best people to serve," he explained.
The SMCEDC is an appointed body whose members will meet in public on a routine basis and will serve terms of three years. The Commission will be staffed by the County's Department of Economic and Community Development. Ideal candidates will have private industry experience in technology transfer, defense, retail and service, workforce, tourism and agriculture development or related businesses. Individuals with extensive knowledge about growing and supporting entrepreneurship, who are willing to lend their expertise to the goal of transforming the County's economy to support a wider income spectrum and greater diversity of workforce skills and attributes, would be especially welcome.
Individuals interested in applying for appointment to the board can download an application from the St. Mary's County Government website at http://www.co.saint-marys.md.us/voluntr/. Applicants should indicate Economic Development Commission as the board they are interested in serving on. All applications must include a resume. Deadline for application submission is Friday, November 15, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.
For more information, contact Robin Finnacom, Acting Director, St. Mary's County Department of Economic and Community Development at 301-475-4200, ext. 1407.
FEMA to Issue New Flood Insurance Rate Map
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) to update the flood hazard determinations for coastal properties in St. Mary's County.
The proposed changes include addition or modification of Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations and changes to Base Flood Elevations.
St. Mary's County's floodplain management program protects individuals and property from the risks of flooding and is necessary for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Once map changes are adopted, the County must update the ordinance to meet state and federal requirements. The County will also apply to participate in the NFIP's Community Rating System (CRS) which can lower Flood Insurance premiums.
Citizens can find out more about the proposed changes and how they may be impacted by:
-- Review copies of the proposed FIRM map available online at: http://maps.riskmap3.com/MD/StMarys/
-- Call FEMA's Map Information exchange at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-366-2627)
-- Call Kelly Palmer, Department of Land Use and Growth Management, at 301-475-4200 ext. 1528 and ask for a Floodplain Map Update Inquiry. Provide your name, phone number (for a return call) and the property address or Tax ID for your coastal property (or properties). A planner will do the necessary research and return a call to you within 72 hours.
Recreation and Parks Seeks Summerstock Director
The St. Mary's County Department of Recreation and Parks is now accepting applications for the position of Summerstock Director. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and have five years or more of theatre/musical experience.
Summerstock is an annual musical which Recreation and Parks provides for the community each July. The shows have spanned 31 years of performances and are designed for performers up to 21 years of age, who have experience acting, singing, and dancing in community theatre. The 2014 shows will be held July 18-20 and July 25-27.
Auditions will be held in April, 2014 and rehearsals will be held beginning late May until the first show in July, Mondays through Fridays from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
To apply visit St. Mary's Recreation and Parks' website at http://www.stmarysmd.com/recreate and click on Job openings at the bottom of the page, then click on applications and forms to download an application. Applications with a resume are preferred. You may e-mail your application and resume to Gary Reed at gary.reed@stmarysmd.com or via U.S. Mail to Recreation and Parks, c/o Gary Reed, P.O. Box 653, Leonardtown, MD 20650.