2013 Gold Star Award Winners Announced
The St. Mary’s County Health Department presented Gold Star certificates to 26 food service facilities who achieved superior food safety standards during 2013 at an awards ceremony held April 9th in Leonardtown. Dr. Meena Brewster, Health Officer, presented the awards. St. Mary’s County Commissioner President Jack Russell and Robin Finnacom, Acting Director at the Department of Economic and Community Development, also congratulated award recipients.
“Educating about proper food safety techniques and prevention of foodborne illnesses are key components of our Gold Star Program,” says Brewster. “Routine monitoring of food establishments - including restaurants and catering businesses, school cafeterias, and other food service facilities are vital public health services that help us avoid foodborne outbreaks.”
The Gold Star Program has recognized food establishments for superior compliance to food safety standards with this annual award since its inception in 2007. A team of environmental health specialists at the health department help keep the risk of foodborne illness low through education and inspections of over 400 restaurants in St. Mary’s County. Using advanced technology, the specialists record and track safety compliance during these inspections.
“The Gold Star Program recognizes the conscientious efforts of food establishments and lets the public know about food service facilities that have demonstrated exceptional attention to public health safety and sanitation,” stated Vic Krasnokutsky, Environmental Health Specialist Manager at the health department. “These establishments deserve to be recognized for achieving such high standards.”
The food establishments that achieve this high level of compliance receive a certificate and a window sticker designating them as Gold Star establishments. The requirements to earn a Gold Star are:
-- No critical violations (based on COMAR 10.15.03)
-- No temperature violations cited during a monitoring inspection
-- All violations noted by an inspector must be corrected by a 30-day follow-up inspection
-- No confirmed unsafe food handling complaints
-- At least one food service worker completed a recognized and approved “Food Service Sanitation and Safety Class” within the last two years
“Both the food establishment and the public win when high standards are achieved, rewarded and made known,” said Alan Shick, Food Safety Program Supervisor. “In addition to facility inspections, the health department also provides safe food handling classes for food service workers twice a year to promote food safety education.”
For more information about the Gold Star Program and for a list of the 2013 Gold Star Award winners, visit http://www.smchd.org/food-facility-inspections/.
Get Set to Hit the Links for the Verbic Memorial Golf Tournament
Golfers from across Southern Maryland are eagerly anticipating the 19th annual Scott Verbic Memorial Golf Tournament. This year's tournament, put on by the St. Mary's County Department of Recreation and Parks, takes place Friday, June 6 at the Wicomico Shores Golf Course. The event is held in remembrance of Scott Verbic who was a Recreation Advisory Board Member, Volunteer Coach, and advocate for youth in the community.
Space is available for team entries. The team registration fee is $340 and includes greens/carts fee for 4 golfers, breakfast, lunch, drinks on the course, and door prize entry. The event includes a best ball format with opportunities to participate in various raffles, closest to the pin, longest drive and other contests.
This year's gold sponsor is Southern Maryland Oil with lunch catered by Pizza Hotline. Recreation and Parks seeks tee sponsors and prize donations for the event. Businesses can reserve an exclusive or shared tee box sign or sponsor specific tournament activities. Door prize sponsorships can include, but are not limited to, gift certificates to local business, item donations and more. In addition to supporting a good cause, event sponsorship is also a great way to promote business.
The tournament has yielded over $100,000 over the 18 year history of the event. Proceeds from the event support the youth scholarship program, allowing the children of St. Mary's County to attend summer camp, sports and other leisure programs throughout the year at a discounted rate.
Join us for a day of fun, sportsmanship and giving youth a chance to experience recreation.
For additional information about the Scott Verbic Tournament, please contact Kyle Kebaugh at 301-475-4200 ext. 1803 or kyle.kebaugh@stmarysmd.com.
Commission on Aging Meeting Location Change
The location of this month's Commission on Aging meeting, scheduled for Monday. April 28, has been changed.
The meeting will take place at the Northern Senior Activity Center, 29655 Charlotte Hall Road in Charlotte Hall.
The meeting will be held at the regularly scheduled time of 1 p.m.
Judges Sought for Upcoming Elections
Primary election is June 24 and general election November 4
The St. Mary's County Board of Elections is in need of individuals interested in being an Election Judge for the upcoming primary and general elections.
Who can be an Election Judge?
You are eligible if you:
-- Are registered to vote in Maryland
-- Are not a candidate for any public or political party office
-- Are detailed oriented and can speak, read and write the English language
-- Are a motivated person who can endure long hours (6am-10pm)
-- Can provide your own transportation to and from your assigned polling place
-- Enjoy meeting people and serving the public
What does an Election Judge do?
In accordance with Federal and State law, you must perform all of the duties assigned to you by the Local Board of Elections and perform your duties faithfully, diligently and without partiality or prejudice.
-- Prepare the polling place for voting
-- Check in voters
-- Instruct voters on how to use the voting equipment
-- Maintain the security of voting materials
-- Close the polling place
Is an Election Judge paid?
Yes. Judges are paid per election as well as for attending the required training class. However if you do not work the Election, you do not get paid for attending the training class. You will be paid by the county within 4-6 weeks.
If you are interested please go to our web site www.stmarysmd.com click on Government, then click Board of Elections, then click on the Election Judge star and fill out the perspective judge form and mail it to our office at P O Box 197, Leonardtown Md, 20650 or Call us at 301 475-7844 (1614) or Email Susan.Julian@stmarysmd.com.