Free Gilbert Run Park Admission for Military Families on May 25
The Charles County Department of Public Works is honoring our military and their families this Memorial Day holiday by offering free admission to Gilbert Run Park (13140 Charles Street, Charlotte Hall) on Monday, May 25. Present your military ID at the park gate to receive free admission.
Gilbert Run Park has a variety of hiking trails, boat rentals, concessions, pavilion rentals, volleyball, horseshoes, picnic tables, and grills available for use.
Fishing is permitted on the 60-acre lake for those who are 16 years old or older and have a non-tidal fishing license. No license is required for those 15 years old or younger. Licenses are not sold at the park. For fishing license agents in Charles County, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/service/agents_southern.asp#mch. For more information on non-tidal fishing licenses, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/service/fishing_license.asp#NTFL.
Gilbert Run Park is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and weekends from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. until Monday, August 31. For more information about Gilbert Run Park offerings and operating schedule, visit www.CharlesCountyParks.com/Parks/Gilbert-Run-Park.
Town of Indian Head Elects Youngest Mayor in State’s History
On Tuesday, May 5, Town of Indian Head residents voted to elect Brandon Paulin as the town’s newest mayor. At 19 years old, Paulin is the youngest person ever elected mayor in the State of Maryland. Paulin received 239 of 383 votes to win the election. A graduate of Henry E. Lackey High School, Paulin is a student at the College of Southern Maryland.
The Town of Indian Head has three publicly elected officials comprising its Town Council – a mayor, vice-mayor, and councilman. Based on election results, the vice mayor is Ron Sitoula, with 187 votes, and the councilman is Curtis Smith, with 140 votes.
“I am delighted whenever young people get involved in their communities and government. It will be a pleasure to work with Brandon Paulin and the new council in the future,” said Commissioner President Peter F. Murphy.
Commissioner Vice President Ken Robinson (District 1) said, “Mr. Paulin's election shows that our democratic process is available and open for everyone to participate. I look forward to working with the new mayor in his quest to revitalize Indian Head.”
Commissioner Debra M. Davis, Esq. (District 2) said, “What an awesome accomplishment for Brandon to make history in the State of Maryland! He first shared with me his dream for entering politics a couple of years ago, while still a student at Lackey High School. I’m excited to witness his dream coming to fruition. I look forward to working with Brandon and the entire council.”
“Congratulations. I look forward to working with Brandon Paulin. It is an exciting time in Charles County, Maryland,” said Commissioner Amanda M. Stewart, M. Ed. (District 3).
Commissioner Bobby Rucci (District 4) said, “I extend sincere congratulations to Brandon Paulin for his achievement in winning public office, especially at such a young age. He is an example for our young people as they work to reach career goals. ”
A swearing in ceremony for the Town of Indian Head’s newly elected Town Council will be held on Tuesday, May 12 at 7 p.m. The event is open to the public.
The Town of Indian Head is a municipality located on the county’s western side. The town covers 1.5 square miles and has a population of 3,844.*
*Source: 2010 U.S. Census
Commissioners Designate May 17-23 as EMS Week
On Tuesday, May 12, the Charles County Commissioners proclaimed May 17-23 as Emergency Medical Services Week. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are vital public services, providing lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Accessibility of emergency care dramatically improves survival and recovery from sudden illness or injury. The EMS system consists of emergency physicians, nurses, medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, educators, and administrators.
The Commissioners recognize the value and accomplishments of EMS providers, and encourage the community to observe this week through EMS programs, ceremonies, and activities.
For more information about Charles County EMS or the Department of Emergency Services, visit www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/es/welcome.
2015 Foster Parents of the Year Recognized
On Tuesday, May 12, the Charles County Commissioners congratulate Stephen and Gilda Clifford as the Council of Government’s foster parents of the year, and Cecil and Tawana Holt as Maryland Department of Human Resources’ foster parents of the year.
Foster care is a temporary service used to provide short-term care to children who are unable to live at their home. As of July 2014, there are 5,254 children in out-of-home placement in Maryland.
For more information about the Metropolitan Washington Child Welfare Program, visit www.mwcog.org/services/human/. For more information about Maryland Department of Human Resources foster care, visit www.dhr.state.md.us/blog/?page_id=4800.
Sick Teddy Bears Get TLC at “EMS for Children Day”
Have a sick or injured cuddly friend? The teddy bear doctor is in at the 2015 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for Children Day event at Regency Furniture Stadium (11765 St. Linus Drive, Waldorf) on Friday, June 12 starting at 6 p.m. This event will take place prior to the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs game scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m.
Children of all ages are encouraged to bring their sick or injured stuffed animals for evaluation and repair. If your child does not have a stuffed animal, stuffed bears will be provided while supplies last. There will be emergency vehicles and give-away items to promote pediatric emergency medical care within our community and to prevent children’s illnesses and injuries.
Each year, the federal EMS for Children program partners with the American College of Emergency Physicians to celebrate EMS for Children Day. National EMS for Children Day features hundreds of grassroots activities coast-to-coast as local communities and medical personnel focus activities on raising public awareness about the need for specialized emergency care for children.
For questions about this event, contact Ginger Barnes, Public Education and Community Outreach Coordinator, at 301-609-3470 or BarnesG@CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.