St. Mary's County Library Names New Director
The Board of Trustees for the St. Mary's County Library has named Michael Blackwell Library Director effective late November 2015.
Mr. Blackwell has served as manager of the largest library branch in the Columbus, Ohio area since 2008. Prior to his current role, he has held leadership positions in technical services, adult services and reference. He has a Masters in Library Science (MLS) from Kent State University, where he is currently an adjunct professor in the MLS program.
Blackwell is a member of the American Library Association, and has received several awards and has been recognized for his professional accomplishments, efforts to promote literacy and involvement in community activities, schools and business organizations such as the local Chamber of Commerce.
Verbic Memorial Golf Tournament Rescheduled for October 23
Due to inclement weather affecting St. Mary's County on October 2, the 20th annual Scott Verbic Memorial Golf Tournament has been rescheduled for Friday October 23. The tournament, to be held at the Wicomico Shores Golf Course, is in remembrance of Scott Verbic who was a Recreation Advisory Board Member, Volunteer Coach, and advocate for youth in the community.
Proceeds from the event go to the Recreation & Parks Scholarship Fund which provides recreational opportunities to youth in St. Mary's County. The Scholarship Fund awards qualified individuals a 50% discount on recreation program registration. This year marks a significant milestone, as combined proceeds from the annual event are projected to surpass $100,000.
Space remains for team entry as well as opportunities for hole sponsorships or door prize donations. In addition to supporting a good cause, event sponsorship is also a great way to promote business. Both team registrations and sponsorships are available for purchase online at
www.stmarysmd.com/recreate. Click on "Online Registration" and choose "Special Events".
Additional support of the scholarship program can be provided by becoming a donor of the G.O.L.F Program - "Giving Opportunities to Local Families." The program provides sponsorship opportunities for individuals and families to contribute to the Recreation & Parks Scholarship Fund. For just $25, you or your family can have your name placed among fellow donors on a plaque which recognizes your contribution to help local families participate in recreation programs. The plaque will remain on permanent display at Recreation & Parks main office in Leonardtown.
For more information about the Scott Verbic Tournament, please contact Kyle Kebaugh at 301-475-4200 ext. 1803 or kyle.kebaugh@stmarysmd.com.
$1,000 Up for Grabs in Biennial Technology Handbook Cover Contest
With $1,000 and bragging rights at stake, the St. Mary's County Department of Economic Development is giving artists a chance to design the cover of one of the most referenced books in the county in this year's Technology Handbook cover contest.
"Designing the cover of the Technology Handbook provides great exposure within the technology industry which advances the mission of the Naval Air Warfare Center," said Chris Kaselemis, director of the St. Mary's County Department of Economic Development. "This opportunity is a highly sought after chance to have your artwork land on the desk of every technology company in the area."
The contest, open to everyone who lives or works in St. Mary's County, ends at 4 p.m. Friday, November 6 and will be judged by the Patuxent Partnership Board of Directors based on relevance to the industry, suitability for use, mass appeal, visual appeal and overall creativity.
"Every two years we look forward to seeing the creativity, style and interpretation that artists bring to the field of technology in St. Mary's County," said Gene Townsend, president of The Patuxent Partnership (TPP), a nonprofit, member organization that works with government, academia and private industry to advance STEM-based initiatives. TPP is the sponsor of the $1,000 cash prize for the cover contest. "For us, the hard part begins when we have to select a winner from all the excellent entries showcasing our community's technical capabilities."
First printed in 1995, the Technology Handbook published biennially by the St. Mary's County Department of Economic Development, profiles more than 200 technology businesses in the county. The highly sought business-to-business reference tool is available both in print and in a digital PDF format as well as a searchable database at
www.stmarysmd.com/ded/handbook/index.asp.
Participants can submit multiple entries, but each entry requires a separate entry form, available at
www.stmarysmd.com/docs/...1.pdf. All entries must be original works and/or royalty free. Entries become the property of the county and could be used in future marketing.
For complete rules and guidelines go to
www.stmarysmd.com/docs/CoverContestRules2016-2017.pdf or contact Carly Brockinton at 301-475-4200, ext. 1401 or via email to carly.brockinton@stmarysmd.com.
County Administrator Bridgett Completes Academy for Excellence in Local Governance Program
St. Mary's County Administrator Dr. Rebecca Bridgett was recently conferred the distinction of Fellow upon completion of the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance. She was among 90 public officials from across Maryland to receive an Academy certificate at a ceremony on the University of Maryland campus in College Park.
The Academy Fellows completed a substantial number of program hours involving core and elective classes designed to meet their professional needs as municipal or county officials in local government. Through the program, Academy Fellows not only enhanced their understanding of local government issues and ethical standards for public service, but also developed a foundation for informed policy making and effective governance.
"The commissioners are proud of Dr. Bridgett's achievement," said Randy Guy, Commissioner President. "The Academy provides rigorous developmental opportunities for policy makers across the state. Her achievement will not only benefit her continued professional growth but also St. Mary's County in the years to come."
The Academy, which first offered classes in 1998, is a collaborative effort between the University of Maryland School of Public Policy, the Maryland Municipal League, the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) and the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT).
The School of Public Policy is recognized as one of the country's premier programs in public policy and management. The School has over 25 years of experience delivering acclaimed leadership development and public policy programs to public (federal, state, and local) clients as well as for and non-profit organizations, and government agencies from abroad.
Loewe Completes Advanced Park and Recreation Development School
St. Mary's County Director of Recreation and Parks Brian Loewe, recently completed the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Directors School, a two-year professional development training program for current and future leaders of parks and recreation agencies. Directors School prepares students to effectively and efficiently lead park and recreation departments so they can best serve the community.
The Directors School curriculum is based on the national standards of best practice for parks and recreation agencies as identified by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). CAPRA accredits park and recreation agencies for excellence in operation and service. Graduates gain insight and skills which enable them to create a successful park and recreation agency.
"St. Mary's County Government is fortunate to have Mr. Loewe on its leadership team," said Dr. Rebecca Bridgett, County Administrator. "He is a strong advocate for quality parks and recreation programs in St. Mary's County. Completing the NRPA Director's School broadens his expertise which will only benefit the County."
NRPA Directors School attendees are required to apply and be accepted into the school. Directors School is sponsored by the Oglebay National Training Center, NRPA, and the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at North Carolina State University.
For more information about the Directors School, visit
www.nrpa.org/directors.
Question, Persuade, Refer or Treat Suicide Risk Detection Risk Assessment and Risk Management Training Available
The St. Mary's County Department of Aging and Human Services will present a free Question, Persuade, Refer or Treat (QPRT) Suicide Risk Detection, Risk Assessment and Risk Management Training session on Friday, October 30 at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center. The center is located at 44219 Airport Road in California, Maryland. Training begins at 8 a.m.
The course will introduce counselors and health care providers to suicide risk detection, risk assessment and risk management from a medical and psychological perspective. The course, both didactic and interactive, provides practice with the QPRT Suicide Risk Management inventory. Upon conclusion, participants will be able to conduct a suicide risk assessment, complete the QPRT Suicide Risk Management Inventory, and engage an at-risk client and/or family in a shared risk management plan based on informed consent.
Some of the course objectives are:
• Learning to identify at least ten major risk factors for suicide
• Describe current suicide risk assessment methods, their contributions and limitations
• Describe the rationale and components of the QPRT Suicide Risk Management Inventory
• Be able to engage an at-risk patient in a frank discussion of suicidal thoughts, feelings and plans, including taking a pertinent suicide history
• Be able to conduct and complete a risk assessment interview, complete the QPRT, and document a risk management plan, including a no-suicide contract
• Be familiar with the QPR for Suicide Prevention public health education program
Course content to be reviewed includes:
• Suicide risk factors in clinical settings, epidemiology and overview
• Detecting suicidal thoughts and feelings; understanding the problem of dissimulation
• Risk factors and their assessment
• Completing the QPRT Suicide Risk Inventory (interview and practice with form)
• Understanding parasuicidal behavior
• Managing the at-risk patient over time; risk windows and opportunities
• Avoiding bad outcomes, clinical considerations
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and is limited to 40 participants. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.
To reserve your place, please RSVP to the St. Mary's County Department of Aging and Human Services, before Friday, October 16, by calling 301-475-4200, ext. 1680 or via email to amber.hebert@stmarysmd.com,
Additional Pickleball Class for Beginners to be Offered
Due to high citizen interest following its initial class offering, the St. Mary's County Department of Recreation and Parks is offering an additional pickleball class for beginners.
The public is invited to learn and play one of the fastest growing sports in America. The program provides a level of exercise and fun for ages 18 & up during the fall months that can be adopted for a sustained program outdoors during the warm weather season.
This course introduces players to the basic knowledge, rules, skills and strategies that can be shared with others for a lifetime of enjoyment. The program lasts six weeks.
• Sessions held Mondays, November 2 - December 7
• Time: 5:30 to 7 p.m.
• Cost: $30
• Location: games played at Leonard Hall Recreation Center in Leonardtown
Registration is now open and is available online at
www.stmarysmd.com/recreate, walk-in at Recreation & Parks main office in Leonardtown or by mail.
For more information contact Sports Coordinator, Kenny Sothoron at 301-475-4200 ext. 1830 or via email to Kenny.sothoron@stmarysmd.com.
Employment Opportunities Remain for Recreation & Parks' School Age Care Programs
The St. Mary's County Department of Recreation & Parks continues to accept applications for part time positions within the School Age Care (SAC) programs for the current school year. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. Recreation & Parks is seeking people with varying degrees of childcare experience.
The following positions are available:
• Child Care Director (Salary Range: $14.94-16.23/hour)
• School Age Child Care Teacher (Salary Range: $9.79-$12.36/hour)
• Child Care Assistant/Substitute (Salary Range: $8.50-$9.79/hour)
The School Age Care program is offered at the following schools:
• Banneker Elementary*
• Evergreen Elementary
• Green Holly Elementary*
• Hollywood Recreation Center serving Hollywood Elementary
• Leonardtown Elementary
• Lettie Marshall Dent Elementary*
• Oakville Elementary
• Carver Rec Center 21st Century Grant Program serving Park Hall Elementary
• Piney Point Elementary
• Esperanza Middle* (SAC Site: Hollywood Recreation Center)
• Leonardtown Middle* (SAC Site: Hollywood Recreation Center)
• Spring Ridge Middle* (SAC Site: Hollywood Recreation Center)
*Transportation provided through SMCPS from Mechanicsville to Lettie Dent; Town Creek to Green Holly. Middle Schools provide transportation to Hollywood Recreation Center.
Program operates from 6:30 a.m. to the beginning of the school day and the close of school day until 6:30 p.m. (teen program afternoons only). Out of School Camps operate at Hollywood Rec Center on teacher in-service days. Activities include homework time, am & pm snack, group games, arts & crafts, dramatic play, music, cooking, science experiments, nature and much more!
For more information on job opportunities with School Age Care, please call 301-373-5410 or visit the link below which will take you to the job descriptions and application process.
www.stmarysmd.com/docs/rpjobopenings.pdf