Countywide Lawn Irrigation Survey Begins in May
The protection of our drinking water is a shared responsibility
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 HydroCorp, Inc., to survey and identify all lawn irrigation systems connected to the Charles County water system. Representatives of HydroCorp, Inc. will begin surveying in May, and will continue throughout the irrigation season.
All HydroCorp, 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 Control Program, contact the Department of Public Works Utilities at 301-609-5606, or visit www.CharlesCountyMD.gov.
Lifeguard Trainings Available This Spring
The Charles County Department of Community Service is offering lifeguard training courses during the months of April and May for residents and non-residents of Charles County.
Available lifeguard trainings:
-- American Red Cross Lifeguard Class: This three day class provides lifeguards with the knowledge and skill necessary to ensure water safety. Fee is $200 for residents and $205 for non-residents. Participants must be at least 15 years old.
-- Lifeguard Re-Certification Class: This two day class allows renewal of American Red Cross Lifeguard, first aid, and CPR/AED certifications. Participants must present proof of current certification, hold prerequisites, and bring CPR mask and textbook. Fee is $75 for residents and $80 for non-residents. Participants must be at least 16 years old.
-- Pool/Spa Operator Certification Course: This class teaches the fundamentals of becoming a pool/spa operator, and meets the requirements for the State of Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Pool and Spa Operator certification. Fee is $110 for residents and $115 for non-residents. Participants must be at least 16 years old.
For more information on locations and times, visit www.charlescounty.org/webdocs/cs/publications/Guide.pdf. Refunds will not be given if participant does not pass the prerequisites or fails to complete the certification requirements. Attendance is mandatory.
For more information on these classes or other current activities and offerings of Charles County Department of Community Services, visit www.CharlesCountyParks.com or call at 301-934-9305. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Youth Resource Opportunity Fair Scheduled for May 9
Charles County Government and Southern Maryland Job Source Youth Services Program are joining together to offer a Youth Resource Opportunity Fair on Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Capital Clubhouse (3033 Waldorf Marketplace, Waldorf).
Parents, guardians, and youth are encouraged to attend this free event to learn about community-based resources available to our youth between the ages of 16 and 21. It is an opportunity for youth to seek help in reaching their goals academically and prepare for future employment.
For more information, contact Youth & Young Adult Services Program Manager Norma Hurley at 301-374-1152.
Free Programs Offered for Water Safety Month
The month of May is Water Safety Month. In honor of this month, the Charles County Department of Community Services will offer free water safety programs for citizens and their families.
Free programs offered:
-- CPR Party
-- Dive Team Demo & Boater Safety Information
-- “Do your Part, Be Water Smart” for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities
-- “Do your Part, Be Water Smart” for children
-- Swim Lesson Marathon
During the month of May, citizens who sign the Water Safety Month Pledge will receive one free day of swimming at any one of the pools operated by Community Services. Pledgees must agree to:
-- Never swim alone
-- Always obey all pool rules
-- Stay away from drains and suction fittings
-- Always enter the pool feet first
For more information on Water Safety Month and the pledge, visit www.CharlesCountyParks.com. Simply click on the spring edition of the Guide and view Page 16.
For information about other current activities and offerings of Charles County Department of Community Services, visit www.CharlesCountyParks.com or call at 301-934-9305.
Historic Preservation Commission to Host Awards Ceremony on May 9
The Charles County Historic Preservation Commission will host a Preservation Reception and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 9 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Mount Aventine in Chapman State Park (3452 Ferry Place, Indian Head). The winner(s) of the Charles County Preservation Award for 2015 will be announced at this time. The Historic Preservation Award is presented annually to an eligible individual, business, organization, or project that deserves recognition for outstanding achievements in historic preservation. Awards are presented in two categories: Preservation Projects and Preservation Service.
Jeff Allenby, director of Conservation Innovation at the Chesapeake Conservancy will be the guest speaker for this event. Jeff and his team explore new ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Conservancy’s projects. They are developing new ways to empower partner organizations with innovative ideas for accessing geospatial data and analysis tools.
Light refreshments will be provided at the event. A donation of $5 per person to the Friends of Chapman State Park is encouraged. For more information or to RSVP for the event, please contact Beth Groth at 301-645-0684 or GrothB@CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Commissioners Proclaim April as Work Zone Safety Awareness Month
On Tuesday, April 14, the Charles County Commissioners proclaimed the month of April as Work Zone Safety Awareness Month. This month recognizes that work zones are active during the day, and it is necessary to protect these workers from harm.
Charles County works to ensure a safe, well-maintained roadway system through inspection, maintenance, and construction work. Drivers’ awareness on roadways is vital to ensuring roadway safety. Through education and enforcement efforts, drivers are encouraged to slow down, stay alert, avoid distraction, and obey traffic signs to prevent crashes and injury.
The Charles County Commissioners recognize the diligent work of our roadway construction and maintenance workers, traffic engineers, traffic operations personnel, law enforcement officer, and emergency personnel, while honoring those who have been injured or lost in the line of duty.
Commissioners Declare April 11-18 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
On Tuesday, April 14 the County Commissioners declared April 11-18 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Charles County. The safety of our emergency response personnel is dependent upon timeliness and accuracy of information the Public Safety Telecommunicators obtain from those who dial 911 to report an emergency.
Public Safety Telecommunicators provide a vital service for all emergency responders by monitoring their activities over the radio, providing them amplifying information and requested resources. The dedication and professionalism of the Public Safety Telecommunicators of the Charles County Department of Emergency Services 911 Communications is an essential component in Charles County’s overall efforts to preserve life and property.
In recognition of their tireless efforts, the week of April 11-18 is declared National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Charles County to honor the men and women whose diligence, caring and professionalism help keep our county and citizens safe.
Commissioners Recognize April as Fair Housing Month
On Tuesday, April 14 the Charles County Commissioners recognized April as Fair Housing Month in Charles County. The 1968 Fair Housing Act guarantees the right of all Americans to live in the neighborhood of their choice, and is one of the most important components of our National Civil Rights policy.
Promoting equal housing opportunities is essential to promoting justice in all areas of life and for all citizens. Equal housing opportunity has a dramatic impact on school integration, and the acceptance of ethnic and racial diversity.
April 2015 marks the 47th anniversary of the signing of the Fair Housing Act. The Charles County Commissioners encourage citizens to create and promote fair housing opportunities for all people.
To learn more about the Fair Housing Act, visit portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD.