CCSO Waldorf Station to Close Temporarily for System Upgrade
On Saturday, September 5 starting at 8 a.m., the CCSO Waldorf Station (Districts III and IV) located at 3670 Leonardtown Road will be closed to the public due to a scheduled power outage (for that facility only) so that a generator can be installed. In case of an emergency, citizens should call 911 and for non-emergencies call (301) 932-2222. Citizens who need to speak with an officer directly should go to the District I Station located at 6855 Crain Highway in La Plata. Sign boards will be in place alerting residents of the closure. The station should re-open on Sunday, September 6.
CCSO Announces Traffic Plan and Free Shuttle Service for 2015 Charles County Fair
Members of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Operations Unit and members of the Charles County Fair Board have met and discussed traffic plans for the 2015 Charles County Fair, which will take place September 17-20 at 8440 Fairgrounds Road, La Plata.
All traffic for the 2015 Charles County Fair will move North on Fairgrounds Road. Incoming traffic will enter Fairgrounds Road from Bel Alton Newtown Road, while outbound traffic will exit the fair heading North on Fairgrounds Road. Drivers should expect delays.
To avoid traffic delays, fairgoers are encouraged to park at the Charles County Courthouse and take advantage of the free shuttle service. Buses will provide transportation to and from the fair from the Courthouse parking lot all day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with pick up times approximately every 30 minutes. All patrons who utilize the free shuttle service will receive a coupon for $1 off admission to the fair.
Animal Shelter Announces September Special Promotions
September is packed full of activities to benefit our furry friends at the Tri-County Animal Shelter:
Happy Cat Month (Sept. 1-30)
During September, celebrate all shelter felines and adopt a cat or two for a reduced fee. Most shelter cats want a loving home where they can stretch out on the couch and an owner who will lovingly scratch them behind the ears. This month is dedicated to keeping our feline friends happy, healthy, and purring all year long.
Yard Sale/Open House (Sept. 12)
Donate new or gently-used holiday items, jewelry, handbags, accessories, kitchenware, toys, china and dishes, and small furniture to the Tri-County Animal Shelter to be used at the shelter yard sale and open house on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tour the shelter facility, meet the animals, and enjoy light refreshments. The event will be held rain or shine. All proceeds benefit the shelter.
National Dog Week (Sept. 20-26)
Celebrate dogs and remember to practice responsible pet ownership. Get your leashes, harnesses, treats, and toys ready for a weeklong dog celebration. While you love on your cuddly best friend, remember the less-fortunate, four-legged angels looking for forever homes. From Sept. 20-26, the dog adoption fee will be reduced to $100. If you cannot adopt, but still want to help, volunteer at the shelter, donate dog food or toys, or bring a special treat for the shelter animals. Let Tri-County Animal Shelter help you make the most of National Dog Week.
Riverfest 2015 (Sept. 26)
Take home a new furry best friend and have some fun at Riverfest 2015 at Historic St. Mary’s City (18751 Hogaboom Lane, St. Mary’s City) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn about protecting our waterways, see birds of prey up close, and watch a re-enactment of 17th century militia. Admission is free and fun for all ages. Enjoy face painting, kayaking, sailing, live music, and food. For activity times and to learn more, visit www.smrwa.org/riverfest.html.
The Tri-County Animal Shelter is located at 6707 Animal Shelter Road in Hughesville. Shelter staff can be reached at 301-932-1713 or 800-903-1992. Adoption hours are Monday-Friday, noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To view animals available for adoption, visit www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/es/animalshelter/tri-county-animal-shelter or www.petfinder.com/shelters/MD112.html to find your “purrfect” pet.
Tri-County Animal Shelter Closed Oct. 1
The Tri-County Animal Shelter (6707 Animal Shelter Road, Hughesville) will be closed to the public on Thursday, Oct. 1 for staff training. Staff will be trained in how to reduce kennel stress and to understand the various signals that dogs use to communicate.
September Recognized as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
On Tuesday, Sept. 1, the Charles County Commissioners recognized September as Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Pediatric cancers remain the leading cause of disease-related death for children under the age of 15. Research has improved treatment options, increased clinical trial participation, and helped decrease mortality rates for many types of childhood cancer by more than 50 percent over the past 30 years.
September is a time to honor and remember children and families affected by these rare diseases, and rally support to give children with cancer better outcomes. The Commissioners encourage residents to support research efforts by participating in fundraising events throughout the month of September and beyond.
September is National Preparedness Month
On Tuesday, Sept. 1, the Commissioners proclaimed the month of September as National Preparedness Month in Charles County. Residents are encouraged to take action to prepare before an emergency strikes.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Ready campaign promotes and encourages emergency preparedness. This year’s theme is: “Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.”
Get prepared for an emergency by taking the following actions:
• Be informed. Register for CNS (Citizen Notification System) to stay informed and receive emergency, weather, and community notifications via phone, text message, and email. This is a free service. To sign up, visit www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/CNS.
• Make a family emergency plan. Be sure every family member has an emergency contact and subscribes to alert services such as CNS and the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov.
• Build an emergency supply kit – both at home and in the car. Include water, food, and first aid supplies so you can survive without power or you are stranded in the car.
• Get involved. Follow Charles County Government on Facebook www.facebook.com/CharlesCounty and Twitter www.twitter.com/CharlesCoMD during the month of September for emergency preparedness tips. Visit www.ready.gov for tips on sharing emergency preparedness awareness.
The Department of Emergency Services promotes emergency preparedness by maintaining the county’s designation as “StormReady” from the National Weather Service (NWS), coordinating Skywarn “Spotter” training from NWS, and training Community Emergency Response Teams and Animal Response Teams on disaster preparedness.
Severe weather notices are posted online at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov, on CCGTV which broadcasts on Verizon channel 10 and Comcast channel 95, Facebook at www.facebook.com/CharlesCounty and Twitter at www.twitter.com/CharlesCoMD. Call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.
For additional emergency preparedness information, visit www.Ready.gov.
September Proclaimed “Forget-Me-Not” Month
On Tuesday, Sept. 1, the Charles County Commissioners proclaimed September as “Forget-Me-Not” month. The proclamation commemorates those fallen in war, while promising the hope of renewal. Charles County is the home of nearly 16,000 veterans, many of whom became disabled as the result of bravely fighting for our country.
During September, the Charles County Disabled American Veterans will conduct the annual sale of simulated Forget-Me-Not flowers to honor those who served in our wars for the maintenance of freedom. The blue flower received after giving a donation is a symbol of love, hope, and remembrance for those who have suffered or have been lost in war.
Commissioners Proclaim Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Myeloma Awareness Month
On Tuesday, Sept. 1, the Charles County Commissioners proclaimed the month of September 2015 as Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Myeloma Awareness Month. Blood cancers afflict more than one million people in the U.S. every year. Ongoing research has provided increased treatment options for blood cancer patients, while reducing the likelihood of complications.
The Commissioners honor Governor Larry Hogan, as well as all leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma patients and their families. Residents are encouraged to become knowledgeable about blood cancers and ways to support education and funding for research. For additional information about blood cancer awareness, visit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society website at www.lls.org.