March 11 and 25 Board of Appeals Meetings Canceled
The Board of Appeals for Charles County meetings originally scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, 2014, and Tuesday, March 25, 2014, are canceled.
Board of Appeals meetings are generally held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, unless otherwise noted. The next regular meeting of the Board of Appeals is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8 at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ meeting room at the Charles County Government Building (200 Baltimore St., La Plata).
For more information, contact Ms. Carrol Everett, Clerk to the Board of Appeals, at 301-645-0540 or EverettC (at) CharlesCountyMD.gov.
Free Mulch at County Landfill and Recycling Centers Suspended Until Further Notice
Free mulch distribution at the Charles County Landfill and Recycling Centers is suspended until further notice. The suspension of the mulch giveaway program is a result of pending landfill cell construction.
For more information, contact the Department of Public Works, Environmental Resources Division at 301-932-3440. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 866-269-9006.
Commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812
Immerse yourself in the 1812 era at Charles County’s bicentennial events
The Charles County Commissioners invite the public to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812 in Charles County. Take the opportunity to relive history at a variety of events taking place Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 30-31.
Stop by “The War of 1812 Bicentennial, A Star Spangled Celebration” at historic Maxwell Hall (6680 Maxwell Hall Drive, Hughesville) on Saturday, Aug. 30. Tour the 18th century home and be a part of living history as you experience an 1812 style wedding and learn how the war impacted the Keech family. Lace makers, blacksmiths, basket makers, and corn husks crafts are just a sampling of the unique treasures you will find in the marketplace.
Serenity Farm (6932 Serenity Farm Road, Benedict) is home to “Celebrate Charles: March From Benedict” on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 30-31. Experience farming and plantation life, view the area where 1814 artifacts were found, and visualize over 40 British ships in the Patuxent River. The two day event will also feature live music, crafters, artisans, local food, children’s activities, and evening entertainment.
Visit the quaint village of Benedict, where British troops landed in August of 1814 before beginning their march to Washington, D.C., and enjoy unique waterfront dining. On Sunday, Aug. 31, embrace the significance of the village by partaking in a history walk and lecture with local historians.
For more information and your free copy of the Charles County Visitor Guide, visit http://www.CharlesCountyMD.gov or call 800-766-3386. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 866-269-9006.
Commissioner Kelly Recognized as One of Top 100 Women in Maryland
The Daily Record, Maryland’s leading business publication, named Charles County Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly one of the 2014 Top 100 Women in the state of Maryland. The Daily Record’s Top 100 Women list, which dates back to 1996, recognizes high-achieving Maryland women making an impact through their leadership, community service, and mentoring.
“Women instinctively understand that we cannot wait for someone else to take the lead. A woman will step forward and accomplish great things simply by touching one person at a time. I am deeply grateful to The Daily Record for recognizing women and for including me among this impressive list of leaders. I am also honored to have been nominated by Andrea Leahy, an amazing leader and mentor, who was recognized previously as a Top 100 leader,” said Commissioner Kelly.
Prior to being elected in 2010 to her current term on the Board of Commissioners, Governor Martin O’Malley appointed Commissioner Kelly to fill a vacancy on the Board from 2005 until the end of 2006. She leads many projects and initiatives in Charles County and the state of Maryland. One such initiative is flying the POW/MIA flag at the Charles County Government Building. Commissioner Kelly took her initiative around the state and now every county in Maryland flies the POW/MIA flag daily at their county government building.
As board chairman of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, Commissioner Kelly led an extensive Point-in-Time county of homeless individuals with a focus on veterans. The project encompassed the entire tri-county region and engaged hundreds of volunteers. Commissioner Kelly’s family- and parent-friendly initiatives include: extensive work with county parents to reduce school overcrowding; championing efforts to maintain appropriate boundaries in school zones to protect against drugs and alcohol; and making communities safe and walkable for all citizens, especially school children. Currently, in honor of Women’s History month, she is working with local citizens to record audio histories that will not only document important county history, but will honor the contributions of Charles County women for generations to come.
Commissioner Kelly spent her early career in service to women, beginning in the early 90s as an activist and the executive director of the Angel’s Watch Homeless Shelter, where she opened the first secure domestic violence shelter in the county. She was a founding member of the Southern Maryland Women’s League, whose mission is to support and enhance the lives of women and children. She was instrumental in establishing the St. Charles Children’s Learning Center at the College of Southern Maryland so mothers returning to school would have safe, affordable day care.
“Each of Maryland’s Top 100 Women honorees is different in some way from one another, yet all share a common goal to inspire those around them to be the best,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, publisher of The Daily Record. “Women are an amazing resource for our state, and The Daily Record is honored to recognize their accomplishments.”
The Daily Record will honor Commissioner Kelly and 99 other winners at an awards reception on Monday, May 5 at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore.