Youths, ages 8–17, can join the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) for airplane rides at the St. Mary's County Regional Airport on Saturday, June 4. The free flights will take place between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., are free, safe and flown by FAA licensed and experienced volunteer pilots. All registrations for flights will be taken on a first come, first served basis, by 9 a.m., at the Captain Walter F. Duke Terminal Building. Flights are subject to weather conditions and the availability of volunteer pilots. The rain date is Sunday, June 5.
The program is sponsored by EAA Chapter 478 based in St. Mary's County and supported by the Commissioners of St. Mary's County, the St. Mary's County Department of Public Works & Transportation, and the St. Mary's County Airport Advisory Committee.
The EAA Aviation Foundation's Young Eagles program has introduced young people to the world of flight. It recorded its one millionth Young Eagles flight on December 17, 2003, the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' first powered flight. The volunteer effort has now reached over 1.7 million youth in 90 countries since its introduction in July 1992.
EAA is a growing and diverse organization of members with a wide range of aviation interests and backgrounds, originally founded in 1953 by a group of individuals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who were interested in building their own airplanes. For more information about Chapter 478 and the Young Eagles rally, please visit www.478.eaachapter.org.
Construction to Close Portion of Kinnegad Drive
Motorists who normally travel on Kinnegad Drive in the Hickory Hills Subdivision will need to alter their route due to construction.
Beginning Monday, June 6, the roadway, between Amber Drive and Brawny Street, will be closed to traffic for a period of four (4) weeks. The closure will allow for a roundabout to be constructed as part of the FDR Boulevard—Phase 1A project, located in the 8th Election District.
Motorists will need to follow the posted detour signs and use Athlone Drive as the primary point of access to Amber Drive. Amber Drive will remain open for Westmeath Condominium traffic only, from Athlone Drive to Castletown Way. Hours of work will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
During construction, motorists traveling on Kinnegad Drive and Amber Drive should expect construction vehicles in the area and may encounter minor traffic delays. Please be alert to changes in conditions during this time. Posted dates and times could be modified by weather conditions. For additional information, please contact the St. Mary's County Department of Public Works and Transportation, Engineering Division, at (301) 863-8400, ext. 3525.
St. Mary's County to Play Host to Track and Field Meet
St. Mary's County Recreation and Parks is hosting an invitational track meet on Sunday, June 5 at Leonardtown High School, 23995 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown. The meet will run from 1–4 p.m. Registration will be open from noon–1 p.m. This fun event is for ages 8 to 14 years as of July 1, 2016.
Enter at least one field event and two track events OR two field events and one track event. Spikes are not allowed. Each competitor receives a ribbon. The event is free to participate.
EVENTS:
• 100 Meter Dash
• 200 Meter Dash
• 400 Meter Dash
• 800 Meter Run
• Mile Run
• Standing Long Jump
• Softball Throw
For more information, contact Kenny Sothoron at 301-475-4200 *1830.
Commissioners Promote Boating Safety
National statistics indicate an average of 700 people die each year in boating related accidents nationwide and nearly 70% of these deaths are caused by drowning. With the summer season about to begin the Commissioners of St. Mary's County observed National Safe Boating Week with a proclamation ceremony.
Boating experts indicate the vast majority of deaths in boating accidents are due to human error or poor judgment rather than by the boat, equipment, or environmental factors. Upwards of 80% of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year would be alive had they worn their life jackets.
"Modern life jackets are more comfortable, more attractive, and more wearable than styles of years past and deserve a fresh look by today's boating public," said Commissioner Todd Morgan (4th District).
The Patuxent River Sail and Power Squadron, which received the proclamation, offers Boating Education classes to citizens of St. Mary's County and Southern Maryland. They have been doing so for more than 60 years. Successful completion of the Maryland's Boating Course meets educational requirements for boating operation in all 50 states.
In proclaiming May 21–27 National Safe Boating Week, commissioners kicked off the year-round effort to promote safe boating and urged all citizens who boat to wear their life preservers while on the water and practice safe boating habits.
Nursing Homes Lauded by Commissioners
In honor of Nursing Home Week, the Commissioners of St. Mary's County honored those not-for-profit facilities and services for the aging in St. Mary's County for providing skilled and compassionate care and services for older Americans.
Commissioners acknowledged this care and service renders life more meaningful, dignified, and joyful for the elderly.
"St. Mary's County recognizes the quality, service, and dedication of those who provide care for the elderly through such facilities and services," said Commissioner President Randy Guy.
During National Nursing Home Week, celebrated the week of May 8-14, the St. Mary's Nursing Center, a not-for-profit organization serving the elderly in St. Mary's County, recognized the theme, "It's a Small World with a Big Heart."
In declaring National Nursing Home Week, commissioners urged citizens to honor and celebrate the week and those who continue to provide care in nursing homes in St. Mary's County.
Commissioners Mark National Nurses Week
National Nurses Week was observed nationwide during the week of May 6–12. But that did not deter the Commissioners of St. Mary's County from observing the week at their May 24 weekly business meeting.
The week is a celebration in honor of the Nursing profession, which promotes wellness and caring for the citizens of St. Mary's County.
"The St. Mary's Nursing Center, a not-for-profit organization serving the elderly in St. Mary's County, recognized the week with the theme, "Culture of Safety—It Starts with You" during National Nurses Week," noted Commissioner John O'Connor (3rd District)..
In declaring National Nurses Week the commissioners recognize how fortunate the county is to have competent Nursing professionals who have earned the respect and admiration of all citizens for their untiring and unselfish dedication to health and wellness.