County Announces Curbside Recycling Improvements
Recycle more and prevent blown recyclables by using the new, 95-gallon recycling cart
Charles County residents will have new recycling carts starting in October. These carts will replace the 18-gallon open-top bins the county used for the recycling program. Blue, 95-gallon recycling carts will be delivered automatically to all homes within the curbside recycling collection area during October and November.
Residents within our collection area who are not participating currently in the recycling program will be provided a cart and the opportunity to recycle curbside. Once residents receive their recycling carts the blue, open-top bins will no longer be serviced curbside. Residents can keep their existing open-top bins or recycle damaged bins by placing them inside of the cart.
Every-other-week curbside recycling collection is offered currently to 35,612 homes in Charles County. Sorting is not required, and labels and lids can be left on single stream recyclables. Single stream recycling offers residents the convenience of not having to sort paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and metal containers for collection.
Service schedule and items accepted will not be affected by the switch from bins to carts. Residents do not have to request a new cart.
Information on the curbside recycling program can be found online at http://www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/RecyclingCart, or by calling the Recycling Information line at 301-932-5656or 301-870-5481. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Residents Urged to Prepare for and Participate in Great Southeast ShakeOut
The Charles County Department of Emergency Services encourages all citizens to register and participate in the Great Southeast ShakeOut. The states of Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and the District of Columbia will participate in the earthquake drill.
The drill is scheduled to take place Thursday, Oct. 17 at 10:17 a.m. Similar to other drills, a signal will be broadcast on NOAA tone-alert weather radios and broadcast media. Once the signal goes out, all participants should Drop, Cover, and Hold On as if a major earthquake is occurring. Participants should stay in that position for at least 60 seconds.
To register, go to http://www.shakeout.org/southeast/register/ and include the total number of people who will participate. Private citizens, schools, businesses, universities and many other groups in our state have already registered on the main ShakeOut site. Resources to help you with earthquake planning are available for download on the site where you register.
Between 1758 and 1987 Maryland experienced 22 minor earthquakes. However, from January 1990 through December 1996, Maryland experienced 35 small tremors-1 in Harford County, 2 in Cecil County, 3 in Baltimore County, and 29 in Howard County. In only seven years, the number of known earthquakes in Maryland more than doubled.
For more information on Emergency Preparedness, visit http://www.ready.gov/earthquakes.
Autumn Colors of Waldorf Photo Contest to Begin Oct. 14
Celebrate the beauty of Waldorf during the autumn season by entering your photo in the "Autumn Colors of Waldorf: With Pride, We Prosper" photo contest. The contest will run from Oct. 14 through Nov. 15. Citizens are encouraged to capture images showing places in Waldorf with eye-catching foliage. This contest is a part of the Waldorf Beautification Project, an initiative established by Commissioner Vice President Reuben B. Collins II and supported by the Charles County Board of Commissioners.
One winner will be selected in each of three categories: Residential, Business, and Open Space/Recreational Area. Each winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to Longwood Nursery. Prizes are courtesy of the Department of Public Works' Environmental Resources Division with a generous match from Longwood Nursery, a family-owned business serving the Southern Maryland area.
Individuals should submit digital images via email to PressRoom(at)CharlesCountyMD.gov and include in the body of the email: name, telephone number, and mailing address of the person responsible for the entry. Photos should be submitted in jpeg format, and should be sent as an email attachment. Only one entry per individual will be accepted. Official contest rules are available online at http://www.CharlesCountyMD.gov.
Entries must be submitted no later than Friday, Nov. 15, 2013, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
For more information, contact Ms. Crystal Hunt, Public Information Officer, at 301-645-0580 or HuntC(at)CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Annual Economic Development Summit to Examine Health Care, Technology, and STEM Workforce Development
The 2013 Charles County Economic Development Summit will focus on the health industry, health- and technology-related jobs, and the economic impact of this growing industry sector. "Health and Technology: A Prescription for Economic Growth" is the theme of this year's event - the 16th annual - taking place on Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Community Center (3090 Crain Highway, Waldorf).
Hosted by the Charles County Commissioners and the Department of Economic Development, the summit program includes a presentation by returning favorite, economist Anirban Basu, chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group. Mr. Basu will give his annual review of the national, regional, and local economy. There will be a panel discussion on STEM education, moderated by College of Southern Maryland President Dr. Bradley Gottfried, an update from the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center, and a keynote address from Howard University Provost Dr. Wayne Frederick.
The Charles County Commissioners will speak about their economic development priorities. Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly will host the event. All attendees will receive a Charles County report on demographics, economics, and local and regional statistics. The summit provides also opportunities to network with business professionals.
Tickets are $50/per person before Wednesday, Oct 16. ($60 after). Fee includes breakfast and lunch. Register online at http://www.CharlesCountyMD.gov or by mail.
For additional information about the 2013 Economic Development Summit, call 301-885-1340 or email info(at)CharlesCountyMD.gov.