St. Mary's County to Mark National Red Ribbon Week
St. Mary's County Government and the county's Department of Aging and Human Services invites the community to take a visible stand against drugs during National Red Ribbon Week.
Red Ribbon Week, to be recognized between October 23 and 31, is a time when awareness of drug use and the problems related to drugs facing our community is raised. The week is time when parents, educators, business owners, and other community organizations are encouraged to promote drug-free lifestyles.
This year's celebration gets underway with a formal proclamation by the Commissioners of St. Mary's County on October 20. The proclamation calls on all St. Mary's County middle schools to recognize the week with activities including contests, such as, favorite hat day, wearing your super hero gear, dressing in the most red possible and the dissemination of drug abuse awareness information.
"Red Ribbon Week encourages our entire community to adopt healthy, drug-free lifestyles," said Ms. Maryellen Kraese, Treatment & Prevention Coordinator for St. Mary's County Department of Aging and Human Services. "The campaign brings together parents, schools, and businesses as we look for innovative ways to keep kids and communities drug free."
The red ribbon symbolizes a continuing commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in our communities. In 1985, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique S. "Kiki" Camarena was killed by drug traffickers. Shortly after his death, citizens from his hometown of Calexico, California, began wearing red ribbons to remember him and commemorate his sacrifice. Congress established Red Ribbon Week in 1988.
"Red Ribbon Week gives us the opportunity to be vocal and visible in our efforts to achieve a drug-free community," said Kraese. "Research shows that children are less likely to use alcohol and other drugs when parents and other role models are clear and consistent in their opposition to substance use and abuse."
For more information about Red Ribbon Week visit www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com or contact Prevention Specialist Gary Willis at 301 475-4200 ext. 1690.
Scary Fun for Kids at Ghoulish Gala
The Hollywood Recreation Center will be the scene of a scary good time for kids 5 -14 at the second annual Ghoulish Gala. The fun takes place on Saturday, October 24 from 5 - 8 p.m. at the Hollywood Recreation Center.
St. Mary's County Recreation and Parks staff will transform the rec center into a spooky - yet - friendly Halloween scene. Parents can drop their little monsters off to mash the night away at the not-so-scary event while they can enjoy a Parents Night Out.
Many Halloween themed activities and games will be available for the children to participate in. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes, so get creative! Costumes are recommended but not mandatory.
The Ghoulish Gala costs $15 per child and is a great chance the little ones to test out their best costumes just in time for Trick-or-Treating. Rooms will be decked out in the following themes: Frankenstein's Laboratory, Witches' Wonderland, and the Ghostly Ghouls.
Registration is available online at www.stmarysmd.com/recreate or at the Recreation & Parks office in Leonardtown. All participants must pre-register.
For more information call 301-475-4200 ext. 1800 or 1801.
Health Department Seeking Organizations to Educate Retailers on Youth Access Law for Tobacco Sales
The St. Mary’s County Health Department is seeking organizations to educate local merchants on Maryland’s Youth Access Law for tobacco sales. Tobacco retailers play a large role in keeping tobacco products out of the hands of Maryland youth and limiting the negative effects of tobacco use on those too young to make an informed decision about using tobacco. Education on the law, in addition to proper product placement within stores, is vital to assist in this effort. Funding for this award is provided through the Maryland Cigarette Restitution Fund. For more information about this request for proposals, please visit the health department’s website at www.smchd.org/rfp.
Commissioners to Hold Annual Meeting with Legislative Delegation
Citizens encouraged to submit proposals
The Commissioners of St. Mary's County will hold a joint public meeting with the St. Mary's County Legislative Delegation on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Commissioners' Meeting Room inside the Chesapeake Building (41770 Baldridge Street) to review legislative proposals for the upcoming 2016 session of the Maryland General Assembly.
The Commissioners invite proposals from the public. Only proposals specific to St. Mary's County can be considered.
Citizens should send written comments and suggestions to the Office of the County Attorney, P.O. Box 653, 41770 Baldridge Street, Leonardtown, Maryland 20650. The deadline for submissions is November 6, 2015.
For more information, please contact George Sparling, County Attorney, at 301-475-4200, ext. 1705.