Due to fee reductions for birth and death certificates at the Maryland Division of Vital Records effective July 1, the St. Mary's County Health Department will decrease its fees for birth and death certificates obtained in the county.
Individuals born in Maryland after 1940 may receive a copy of their birth certificate at the St. Mary's County Health Department while they wait, Mon.–Fri, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. The fee charged for a birth certificate will be reduced from $35.00 to $25.00 per copy. Anyone born in Maryland prior to 1940, or those who prefer to receive a birth certificate by mail, may apply to the Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene's Division of Vital Records in Baltimore.
Fees for death certificates obtained at the health department will be reduced from $32.00 to $18.00, and $20.00 for each additional copy.
For more information or to obtain the forms for the mail-in service, contact the Vital Records Office, St. Mary's County Health Department at 301-475-4330 or visit the health department's website at www.smchd.org
Free Vaccination Clinic Scheduled for St. Mary's County Residents
The St. Mary's County Health Department will provide a free vaccination clinic for adults and children July 8 from 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. The clinic will be held at the health department located at 21580 Peabody Street in Leonardtown. Vaccinations will be provided on a first come, first served basis, and appointments are recommended.
Adult vaccinations will include:
• Adult HPV (for those that fall within the recommended guidelines)
• Adult Tdap
• Shingles (a limited amount for adults 60 years of age or older)
Vaccinations for children will include:
• Meningococcal (typically for children ages 11-12)
• Tdap
To schedule an appointment, please call the St. Mary's County Health Department at 301-475-4419. For more information about child and adult immunizations, please visit the health department's website at www.smchd.org
St. Mary's County's AA+ Rating Affirmed; Overall fiscal outlook deemed "Stable"
As a result of a presentation on June 7, Fitch Ratings has affirmed St. Mary's County's AA+ credit rating on $25 million of consolidated public improvement tax-exempt bonds, series 2016. Proceeds from the bonds, to be sold via competitive sale on July 26, will be used to pay for various capital projects around the county. The last time the county sold bonds was in 2009. Last October the rating agency said it anticipated a moderate amount of bond issuance in FY2017.
Additionally, Fitch affirmed the rating on $32.6 million of outstanding general obligation bonds at AA+.
In its review Fitch says the county "has consistently maintained strong operating performance" and believes it will continue to "maintain reserves throughout the economic cycle solidly above the level consistent with a 'aaa' financial resilience." Other key economic factors include a strong military presence, the regional airport's designation as an Federal Aviation Administration unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) test site which has led to private investments in research and manufacturing, and the University of Maryland's plan to build a UAS-focused research facility in 2018.
"This comes as great news in light of the continuing economic challenges facing government and the private sector," said County Administrator Dr. Rebecca Bridgett.
Fitch also took note of the county's healthy level of reserves, very low debt, maintenance of a separate reserve to preserve its bond rating at 6% of general fund expenditures and a rainy day fund. The county instituted a minimum unrestricted fund balance policy of 15% of general fund revenue in August 2015.
"This review is another indicator of the continued conservative stewardship of taxpayer dollars by county government and the Commissioners of St. Mary's County," said Commissioner President Randy Guy. "It reaffirms our continued commitment to strong fiscal management as we continue to serve the needs of our growing community."
The full report from Fitch is available online at: http://www.stmarysmd.com/docs/Final%20Press%20Release%20Fitch%20Ratings%206.2016.pdf
Piney Point Lighthouse Museum to Host Pirate Day Program
Ahoy mateys! The Piney Point Lighthouse Museum is looking for a few scurvy pirates and scaliwags to participate in the annual Pirate Day program, Saturday, July 23. Pre-registration is required and begins July 6.
This event is geared toward children ages 4–9 years old. A morning session will be held between 9 a.m. and noon. The afternoon session takes place from 1–4 p.m. Each session will have 12 slots for ages 4–6 and 12 slots for ages 7–9.
The cost to pre-register is $10 per child. Personal checks and credit cards (MC or Visa) are accepted. Registration is on a first come, first served basis.
The Pirate Day program includes lots of pirate activities. Each child receives a pirate name, walk the Plank, take part in make and take activities, Pirate tattoos and flags and more! Kids are encouraged to dress as pirates for the Costume Contest!
For more information or to register your child, call the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum at 301-994-1471. The museum is located at 44720 Lighthouse Road, Piney Point, MD 20674.
Citizens Academy Prepares for Year Three
Participants gain insight into county government operations over seven weeks
Residents wondering how or why county departments do what they do can learn more about the inner workings of local government at the third St. Mary's County Government Citizens Academy.
Academy sessions will be held on seven Tuesday evenings, between September 6 and October 25, from 6 to 9 p.m. at various county operated locations. St. Mary's County residents, 18 years of age and older, can participate. Enrollment is limited to 25 pre-registered applicants. The Academy's mission it to provide an overview of county programs and services. Participants will gain a better understanding of county government operations and will receive a certificate upon completion.
"The Citizens Academy offers our citizens a chance to learn about county government from the inside," says Commissioner President Randy Guy. "This is the perfect opportunity for participants to ask questions and get answers regarding to the inner workings of county operations."
The first session features an overview of county administration. Subsequent sessions will focus on the departments of Aging and Human Services, Economic Development, Land Use and Growth Management, Recreation and Parks, Public Works and Transportation and Emergency Services and Technology.
"Citizens taking part in our Citizens Academy can become more engaged with county government and vice versa," says County Administrator Dr. Rebecca Bridgett. "The goal of the Academy is to educate and inform about county government programs and services."
Citizens interested in learning more about the academy, or participating, can go to www.stmarysmd.com/SMCG-Citzens-Academy.asp to download the brochure. Online applications will be available beginning July 1. Deadline to apply is August 19.
A Special "Under the Sea Jam" to Pay Tribute to The Little Mermaid
To honor of this year's Summerstock production of The Little Mermaid, Recreation and Parks will host an "Under the Sea Jam" at the Great Mills Pool on Saturday, July 9.
A number of cast members, including Ariel and fins, will be in attendance. Children can swim with Ariel, have their picture taken, and take part in pool games and win prizes. Free food and music will be available. An ice cream truck will be on hand with ice cream to purchase. The event will be lots of fun for everyone.
Event: Under the Sea Jam
Date: Saturday, July 9
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Great Mills Pool
Ages: All (children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: $15 per person in advance (online tickets are available now); $20 per person at the door
Join us for all of the fun and games!
For info and tickets go to: www.stmarysmd.com/recreate/summerstock
Summerstock 2016 Presents The Little Mermaid
Disney's "The Little Mermaid," based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney's The Little Mermaid, will be Summerstock's 2016 musical presentation. The hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages includes music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater.
The Department of Recreation and Parks is teaming up with title sponsor ADF Bing to bring this production to the Great Mills High School stage on Friday–Sunday, July 22 -24 and Friday–Sunday, July 29–31. Sunday evening shows begin at 3 p.m. while all other evening shows will begin at 7 p.m.
Tickets are priced at $14 for adults, $10 for senior citizens 60 years and older and $6 for children 10 years and under. Matinee ticket prices are $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens 60 years and older and $4 for children 10 years & under
Tickets are available online at www.stmarysmd.com/recreate/summerstock or can be purchased at the Recreation & Parks main office in Leonardtown. Ticket(s) purchased online must be printed in advance and bought to the show for admittance. Online ticket purchases are highly encouraged due to the probability of a sell out and must be purchased no later than noon the Friday before the show you plan to attend.
Doors will open one hour before each performance for ticket sales. Ticket holders can enter the auditorium for general seating thirty minutes before show time. Cash will only be accepted for ticket sales at the door. Please call 301-475-4200 *1800 for more information.