In an effort to reduce tobacco sales to minors in St. Mary’s County and across the state, Maryland’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is teaming with community partners to perform tobacco retail compliance checks. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the U.S., and tobacco retailers play a critical role in keeping tobacco products out of the hands of those too young to make an informed decision about the dangers of tobacco use. Selling tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18 is a violation of federal, state, and local laws, and could lead to the suspension of state tobacco licenses for retailers caught violating the law.
To assist retailers in St. Mary’s County with youth access law compliance, the St. Mary’s County Health Department and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Department are partnering with Walden Sierra, the Minority Outreach Coalition, and the United Committee for Afro-American Contributions to conduct visits at places of business to educate retailers and their staff on the Maryland Youth Tobacco Access Law.
“Last year’s efforts resulted in a 100% compliance rate among tobacco retailers in St. Mary’s County,” said Angela Cochran, Director, Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Program at the health department. “We appreciate the commitment of our retailers in keeping our young people tobacco-free.”
For questions about the Maryland Youth Access Law, or to request a free compliance training for tobacco retailers and staff, please contact the St. Mary’s County Health Department at 301-475-6707.
Pipe Replacement to Shut Down Wildewood Parkway
The St. Mary's County Department of Public Works & Transportation has issued a permit to perform a Pipe Replacement Project associated with the Wildewood development. In order to complete the work, Wildewood Parkway is scheduled to be closed on or about December 9, 2015 for approximately two (2) days.
The roadway will be closed south of Wildewood Boulevard and Piney Wood Circle.
During construction residents will experience temporary road closures of Wildewood Parkway between the intersections of Wildewood Boulevard and Piney Wood Circle (see map). A signed detour route has been planned around the construction area which will include Wildewood Boulevard and White Oak Parkway. Residents may also experience some construction noise in the area during daytime hours. The scheduled contract duration is 2 weekdays depending on weather conditions.
For more information, contact the St. Mary's County Department of Public Works & Transportation at 301-863-8400, or the St. Mary's County Public Information Office at 301- 475-4200, Ext. 1340.
Commission for People with Disabilities Moves December Meeting Date
The St. Mary's County Commission for People with Disabilities has announced it will hold its December meeting on Thursday, December 10 at 4 p.m. in Room 14 inside the Potomac Building. The address is 23115 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown. The commission usually meets on the third Thursday of each month.
For more information please contact the Department of Aging and Human Services at 301-475-4200, extension 1680.
Commission for Women to Change Meeting Location
The next Commission for Women meeting will be held at the Front Porch on Tuesday, December 1 at 5:30 p.m. The Front Porch is located at 22770 Washington Street in Leonardtown.
For additional information, please call the Department of Aging and Human Services at (301) 475-4200, extension 1680.