Charles Co. Gov. News Briefs


POW/MIA Hall of Remembrance Featured at MACo Conference

Display pays tribute to Maryland POW/MIAs who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom

The exhibit hall at the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) annual summer conference has a new addition this year - a POW/MIA Hall of Remembrance, featuring posters listing the names of known POW/MIAs from each Maryland county. Answering a call to action presented by Charles County Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly, on behalf of the Board of Commissioners, every county in Maryland has committed to flying the POW/MIA flag in their respective county.

"The POW/MIA flag is important because it is a symbol of our willingness to join the families of POW/MIAs in faithfully hoping for and remembering those who gave up their freedom protecting ours," said Commissioner President Kelly. "When we held the flag dedication ceremony last year, I did not imagine that this idea would spark such a movement. Now, I am heartened to know that all Maryland counties, using Charles County's event as a model, will display this symbol as an ever-present reminder at local government buildings across the state."

The POW/MIA project dates back to 2012, and is supported by the Charles County Board of Commissioners. The project holds special meaning for Commissioner President Kelly, who spearheaded efforts to fly the POW/MIA flag in Charles County, in dedication to all POWs and in remembrance of Frances DeSales Wills, Charles County's only listed MIA. Her vision stemmed from a request she received from a local member of the Rolling Thunder, Maryland Chapter.

On Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012, Charles County became the first county in Maryland to officially fly the POW/MIA flag at its local government buildings. The POW/MIA flag now flies year-round at the Charles County Government Building and at the Charles County Sheriff's Office headquarters in La Plata. Also, the newly opened Maryland Veterans Museum in Charles County will display the flags of every county in Maryland since they are committed to flying the POW/MIA flag. A memorial listing of POW/MIAs throughout Maryland will also be included.

Car-Free Day Set for Sept. 20 - 22

The Charles County Commissioners and the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland invite citizens to participate in the Car-Free Day event taking place Friday, Sept. 20 through Sunday, Sept. 22. The Commissioners and Tri-County Council encourage citizens to get around without cars and instead ride a bus or bicycle, carpool, or walk.

To participate in this fun and worthwhile event, complete the pledge form at http://www.CarFreeMetroDC.org, and enter for a chance to win prizes such as an iPad, annual Capital Bikeshare memberships, Metro SmarTrip cards loaded with fare, Flippin' Pizza and more.

Go car-free or car-lite and make a difference by bicycling, walking, carpooling, or taking public transit during Sept. 20 -22.

For more information, contact Mr. George Clark, Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland Rideshare Coordinator, at 301-870-2520, ext. 19 or GClark@tccsmd.org.

Commissioners Celebrate Opening of Waldorf West Library

The Charles County Board of Commissioners invite citizens to attend a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Waldorf West Library (1040 O'Donnell Place, Waldorf) on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 2 p.m.

Waldorf West Library is the first county building to be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, redefining the way we think about the places where we live, work and learn.

The 30,169 square-foot Waldorf West Library has the following exciting features:

-- Lighting arrangement featuring the constellations built into the children's area

-- Radio frequency identification for library materials

-- Drive-through book drop

-- Natural lighting

-- Public art gallery

-- Historic buildings of Charles County on metal "canvas"

-- Six public meeting areas

"This library is a Charles County asset that brings beautiful architecture and citizen information technology into one location," said Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly.

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