The Charles County Commission for Women (CCCW) 20th Anniversary Gala was held on Saturday, April 23 to commemorate the CCCW's 20-year history of service to women and their families. As a part of the milestone celebration, the CCCW honored those women trailblazers who made significant contributions and opened doors for other women. More than 50 distinguished honorees received nominations. Winners were announced in 10 categories. Trailblazer Award winners are:
• Armed Forces: Dottery Washington
• Education: Kimberly Hill
• Entrepreneurship: Ylonda Dowleyne
• Government/Politics: Rebecca D'Ambrosio
• Health/Medical: Linda Smith
• Human/Social Services: Sandy Washington
• Law Enforcement: Sylvia Mudd
• Science and Technology: Temitope Akinwumi
• Young Trailblazer: Tatianna Griffin
• Young Trailblazer, Jr.: NaKyiah Nichols
For more information about the Charles County Commission for Women, visit CharlesCountyMD.gov/CCCW.
Free Programs and Swim Day Available During Water Safety Month
In celebration of Water Safety Month, the Department of Community Services is offering free programs for residents and their families during the month of May.
Free programs:
• "Do Your Part, Be Water Smart" American Red Cross Program
• CPR Party
• Swim Lesson Marathon
During the month of May, residents who sign the Water Safety Month pledge will receive one free day of swimming at any one of the pools operated by Community Services. Pledgees must agree to:
• Never swim alone
• Always obey all pool rules
• Stay away from drains and suction fittings
• Always enter the pool feet first
For more information on Water Safety Month programs and pledge, or for listings of Community Services' events and activities, visit www.CharlesCountyParks.com. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Commissioners Proclaim Zika Virus Awareness Week
On Tuesday, April 26, the Charles County Board of Commissioners proclaimed the week of April 24-30 as Zika Virus Awareness in Charles County. Zika Virus is a disease associated with mosquitoes that are native to this region. Residents are urged to take an active role in preventing mosquito bites by removing mosquito breeding areas around their environment. The Charles County Board of Commissioners and the Charles County Department of Health are committed to keeping residents in optimal health and free from communicable diseases including Zika Virus.
For more information visit the Charles County Department of Health at www.CharlesCountyHealth.org or the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/zika.
Charles County Commissioners' May Town Hall Meeting Schedule
The Charles County Commissioners invite the public to attend the May town hall meetings as scheduled below. The purpose of Commissioner town hall meetings is to take questions from those in attendance and to discuss items of importance to the citizens and the community.
Amanda Stewart, M.Ed. (District 3)
Monday, May 2, 6:30 p.m.
Waldorf West Library, Room A (10405 O'Donnell Place, Waldorf)
Future town hall meeting dates are available at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov.
For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 301-885-2779 or PressRoom@CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 866-269-9006.
CCSO Receives Award from the Maryland Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
Charles County Sheriff Troy D. Berry is proud to announce the Agency received the "Above and Beyond" Award from the Maryland Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for outstanding service and continuing support of employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. The Agency was honored during a ceremony on April 9 in Annapolis. "We back our employees who serve to protect our nation, and we are committed to providing these men and women the support they need to carry on their mission here in Charles County and wherever they are needed for our country," said Sheriff Berry.
The Agency was nominated for this prestigious award by former police officer, Jay Mejia, who served with the CCSO from 2012 to 2015. During his tenure, Mejia worked in Patrol Operations and was stationed primarily out of the La Plata district. He was called to duty with the Air Force Reserve and upon return, took a job as a Safety Specialist for the Department of Army. Mejia recalled how supportive the CCSO was during his time with the agency. "I really enjoyed working for the Sheriff's Office. They were supportive of my military orders and remained flexible in terms of the requirements needed to serve in the Reserve."
According to the ESGR, more than 800,000 people serve in the Guard and Reserve and make up nearly one-half of our nation's total military force. Employers who hire service members must remain flexible and adapt to military training schedules and, at times, lengthy deployments. The CCSO has several employees who serve in this capacity. For more information about the ESGR, visit www.esgr.mil.
Charles County Sheriff Troy D. Berry and Jay Mejia, who served with the CCSO from 2012 to 2015. (Photo: Charles Co. Sheriff's Office)