Eastern National Championship to be Hosted in Charles County
2013 ASA 16U Class "A" Girl's Fast Pitch
The Charles County Government, in partnership with the Charles County Chamber of Commerce and Maryland-DC Amateur Softball Association (ASA), will host the ASA 2013 16U Class "A" Girl's Fast Pitch Eastern National Championship from July 30 through Aug. 3 (rain date, Aug. 4).
The Opening Day Ceremony is set for July 30, beginning at 1 p.m. at Regency Furniture Stadium (11765 St. Linus Drive, Waldorf). All Opening Day activities are open to the general public and free of charge. Concession stands will be open for the purchase of food and drink.
The Pool Play will be held on July 31, starting at 8 a.m., and the Double Elimination starts Aug. 1, starting at 8 a.m.
Games will be played at Laurel Springs Regional Park (5940 Radio Station Road, La Plata). Passes for the entire tournament are available for $30 for adults, $20 for youth, and free for a child age five and younger with a paying adult. General Admission is $10 per day for adults (age 13 and older), and $5 for youth (age 6 - 12). There is no charge for children age five and younger in the company of a paying adult. You may purchase passes at Regency Furniture Stadium during the Opening Day Ceremony on July 30 or at Laurel Springs Regional Park on July 31.
Waldorf Unaffected by Prince George's Water Outage
The Charles County Department of Public Works Utilities Division advises residents that no impact on the Waldorf Water System is anticipated as a result of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) water outage in southern Prince George's County.
"The Waldorf Water System uses WSSC water supplied from the region where the outage is scheduled, however we have adequate water supply capacity to completely serve our customers without the WSSC water. We do not anticipate that our Waldorf Water System customers will notice any difference in their water service during the time of the WSSC outage," said Department of Public Works Director Bill Shreve.
On Tuesday, July 16, WSSC announced mandatory water restrictions for residential and commercial customers in portions of southern Prince George's County. Restrictions are in place while WSSC repairs a section of pipe in a vital 54-inch concrete pipeline which appears to be failing.
Charles County residents who work or have relatives who live in southern Prince George's County should visit http://www.wsscwater.com/home/jsp/homeAlert.faces for details on the Prince George's County mandatory water restrictions and a map of the affected area.
Commissioners Vote Against Municipal Solid Waste Collection Program
Due to overwhelming public response in opposition to Request for Proposal (RFP) 13-26, on July 16 the Charles County Commissioners voted against the implementation of a pilot Municipal Solid Waste Collection Services Program in the neighborhoods of Bannister, Carrington, Wakefield, and Huntington. The pilot program will not move forward, and current trash hauling services will be unaffected.
In light of the action taken by the Commissioners, the Municipal Solid Waste Collection Services public hearing scheduled for July 16 was canceled.
August SCOOP Publication Available July 22
The August 2013 Charles County Department of Community Services issue of The SCOOP will be available online at http://www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/CS on Monday, July 22. Printed copies of the SCOOP will also be available at your local senior center starting on Monday, July 19.
The SCOOP contains news, special events, and trips. This issue also features information on Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, and a "Hold on to Summer" Dance party.
Learn how to deal with pain and fatigue. The Clark Senior Center will host a six week chronic pain program that will be offered on Thursdays starting Sept. 5 to Oct. 10 from 9:30 a.m.-noon. The class is open to caregivers and adults with chronic conditions. The fee is $20 for textbooks and supplies. For more information call Lisa Furlow at 301-934-0138.
The Waldorf Senior Center is having a "Hold on to the Summer Dance party" on Thursday, Sept.5 starting at 10:30 a.m. The Hot Buttered Nuggets is a swinging quartet that plays music from rock to jazz. Lunch will be catered from Famous Dave's. Join the party and dance, sing, and have fun. The fee is $10. Registration deadline is Thursday, August 29.
Would you like to do some traveling? The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster, Pa. is hosting, "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" on Wednesday, Oct. 30. The fee is $96. Registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 20. The "Christmas Time in Nashville" trip from Dec. 1-5 features two nights lodging at Opryland Hotel and two spectacular shows. The fee is $730 per person, double occupancy.
Swim, Bike, and Run at the Fourth Annual Youth Triathlon
Join us at North Point High School swimming pool for the fourth Annual Youth Triathlon event planned especially for children. This event is open for youth age 14 and younger. New for 2013 is the" Iron Kid" age division.
This event will be held Saturday, July 27 at North Point High School, located at 2500 Davis Road in Waldorf.
Check-in/registration time is 7:30 a.m. and the event starts at 8:30 a.m. Each child will swim, bike, and run specified distances based on their age group.
The registration fee is $25. Register before July 20 to be guaranteed a T-shirt. On-site registration will be available the day of the event. Online registration is available at http://www.CharlesCountyParks.com. For details, call 301-934-9305 or 301-870-3388.
Countywide Lawn Irrigation Survey in Progress
As part of Charles County Government's commitment and continued effort to identify and eliminate actual or potential cross connections to the county's drinking water, the Department of Public Works - Utilities has contracted with HydroDesigns, Inc., to survey and identify all lawn irrigation systems connected to the Charles County water system. Representatives of HydroDesigns, Inc. began surveying in June, and will continue throughout the irrigation season.
All HydroDesigns, Inc. personnel and vehicles will clearly display identifying information.
This survey is intended to be nonintrusive, and any inconvenience to homeowners will be kept to a minimum. Personnel may request access to sprinkler system components located in backyards or garages, but at no time will personnel enter your home or ask for personal information.
To learn more about Charles County Government's Cross Connection Program, contact the Department of Public Works Utilities at 301-609-5606, or visit http://www.CharlesCountyMD.gov.
Rating Agencies Affirm County's High Bond Ratings
The Charles County Commissioners are pleased to announce that three major New York City bond rating agencies affirmed high ratings for the county's general obligation bonds based on ongoing economic development projects, low debt with a manageable capital improvement plan and historically strong finances. Fitch Ratings in New York assigned Charles County's general obligation bonds an "AAA" rating, the highest rating issued by the agency. Moody's Investors Service assigned an "Aa1" rating, and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services affirmed Charles County with an "AA+" rating.
"I am pleased with the ratings the county received. I am confident that our overall long-range planning, especially plans to revitalize Charles County's urban corridor and other key initiatives, will help us maintain our fiscal stability," said Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly. "I am optimistic about our future."
During the week of May 27, county officials met with bond rating experts who reviewed the health and stability of the county based on budget management, external audits, financial management, and economic development.
Commissioner Debra M. Davis (District 2), who helped present the comprehensive summary of the county's economic profile, said, "After participating in the three rigorous presentations with top financial analysts, it is gratifying to receive such high ratings, which show that we continue to move in the right direction and display the confidence that Wall Street has in Charles County."
In a report dated June 11, Fitch Ratings identified the county's healthy debt profile and its narrow, stable, and wealthy economy as key rating drivers. According to the report, "Charles County's prudent debt policies support a modest tax-supported debt burden even as the county has met capital needs related to its strong population growth over the past decade."
"It is clear that the budgets passed by the commissioners have once again drawn the positive attention of the ratings agencies. In addition, the good news conveyed by the agencies could not have been accomplished without the hard work, expertise, and advice we receive throughout the year from the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services," said Commissioner Ken Robinson (District 1).
Moody's Investors Service's June 7 report stated, "The Aa1 rating reflects the county's satisfactory financial position, characterized by comprehensive fiscal policies and planning ¾ and an affordable debt position. The rating also factors in the ongoing expansion of the county's economic and employment base, prospects for continued growth in the science and technology sector, and above-average socioeconomic factors."
A Standard & Poor's Ratings Services report issued on June 14 said, "The stable outlook reflects Standard & Poor's opinion that the county's deep and diverse economy will likely continue to experience good development and growth. The stable outlook also reflects our opinion of management's strong financial performance, bolstered by strong formal practices and policies."
Bond proceeds will be used to fund various capital projects for the Board of Education, water and sewer system, stormwater system, and road maintenance.