Pictured with the Commissioners are Gwen Smith, Aaron Taylor, and Jim Smith of the Housing Program, Department of Community Services, Charles County Government. (Photo: George Clarkson)
In an effort to improve the quality of life in Charles County, especially in the area of clean, affordable housing, the Charles County Commissioners have designated April as “Fair Housing Month.”
“As we grow as a County, it's important that we (as Commissioners), continue to pursue our goal of providing decent and affordable housing to everyone,” said Commissioner President Wayne Cooper. “We have new residents moving to the County each week, and it's the responsibility that single adults and families have places to live that are within their income.” added Cooper.
County Commissioners Proclaim "Protecting Our Children" Week
The Charles County Commissioners present the proclamation designating the week of April 13 as “Protecting Our Children Week.” Pictured with the Commissioners are: Mike Luginbill, Manager, Human Services Partnership; Dr. Rebecca Bridgett, Director, Charles County Social Services; Catherine Myers, Executive Director, Center for Children; Tanisha Sanders, Human Services Specialist, Human Services Partnership; Candice Nelson, Child & Adolescent Planning Specialist, Human Services Partnership; and Sheriff Rex Coffey. (Photo: George Clarkson)
Citing a national increase in crimes against children, the Charles County Commissioners recently signed a proclamation declaring the week of April 13–19 as “Protecting Our Children Week” in Charles County. According to Mike Luginbill, manager of the Human Services Partnership in the Department of Fiscal & Administrative Services, Charles County Government, the proclamation gives the needed support to a campaign that focuses on bringing attention to eliminating the sexual exploitation of children in Charles County, the State, and across the nation.
“I think it's important that we protect our children,” said Commissioner Samuel N. Graves, Jr. “We used to think their exploitation could never happen here. It's a different time, and we have to be concerned.”
Fisherman's Paradise Dedicated
Leading the formal ribbon-cutting for the refurbished Mason Springs fishing grounds is Dennis Fleming (fourth from right), President of the Mason Springs Conservancy. (Photo: George Clarkson)
Commissioner Samuel N. Graves, Jr. (District 1) joined conservationists and local fishermen to celebrate the dedication of the refurbished Mason Springs fishing grounds.
The property was purchased by 12 local fishermen in 2006 who formed the Mason Springs Conservancy to preserve recreational fishing opportunities for Southern Maryland anglers.
Mason Springs is one of the more important estuaries of the Chesapeake Bay, the headwaters of Mattawoman Creek. It is here that freshwater meets tidal water and is known as the “fall line.” This is an important area to river herring, hickory shad, and yellow perch, and home to many birds, mammals, and amphibians. Financial support for the improvements around Mason Springs include the Fish America Foundation, the Chesapeake Bay Trust, with additional help from the Maryland Pride Nursery in Hughesville. The site was dedicated to the memory of Donald Hammonds, who spent his last hours fishing at Mason Springs prior to being a victim of the tornado that struck La Plata on April 28, 2002.
Hundreds of Families Attend First-Ever Charles County Government Day
Children enjoy the moon bounce and giant slide at County Government Day on April 12. (Photo: George Clarkson)
The National Association of Counties (NACO) made an appeal to County Governments to do something “special” in celebration of County Government Week, April 6-12, 2008. Charles County answered the call by holding its first-ever “Charles County Government Day” on April 12.
Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., more than 800 families crowded the hallways and grounds of the Charles County Government Building in La Plata, celebrating the theme: “Protecting Our Children, Protecting Our County.” More than 75 government, civic, and community services organizations set up booths and displays, which provided information and give-aways to the throngs of children and adults who filed through. The celebration included music by Whoo Bird DJ, an American Red Cross Blood Drive, a wildlife display, police and emergency vehicles, a gigantic moon bounce and slide, and a food court that served everything from barbecue to pizza to hot dogs.
The Making of a County
Photographed in front of the old Port Tobacco Courthouse, in full period clothing, are (l. to r.): Commissioner Samuel N. Graves, Jr.; Denise Ferguson, Clerk to the Commissioners, Charles County Government; Commissioner Vice President Edith J. Patterson; Commissioner President Wayne Cooper; Commissioner Reuben B. Collins, II; Joyce Schmidt, Chief of Staff, Charles County Government; and Commissioner Gary V. Hodge. (Photo: George Clarkson)
The Charles County Commissioners recently took a giant step back in time when they re-enacted the portrayal of the signing of the 1658 Order of the Council of State, which created Charles County. The celebration included the document being presented to horsemen who, according to history, rode to St. Mary's City to present the document to the Honorable Josias Fendall, Governor of the Province of Maryland. The new County was to be named in honor of Sir Charles Calvert, the Third Lord Baltimore.
Local Businesses Recognized for Support of Diversity Forum
Pictured with the Commissioners: Mr. Wayne Magoon, Sales Vice President, Beacon Printing (second from right), and Ms. Mindi Roberts, Marketing Director, Chick-fil-A at Waldorf (far right). (Photo: George Clarkson)
The Charles County Commissioners recently recognized Chick-fil-A and Beacon Printing for generously supporting the 2007 & 2008 Charles County “Unity in OUR Community” Diversity Forums. Both Chick-fil-A and Beacon Printing were official sponsors.
Chick-fil-A at Waldorf, the exclusive lunch sponsor, supplied and distributed meals to all guests. Beacon Printing, the exclusive printing sponsor, provided printing services for flyers, program booklets, and signs.
The County Commissioners presented engraved plaques and praised both businesses for being good stewards by giving back to the community.