Tri-County Animal Shelter Takes Precautions Against FPV
The Tri-County Animal Shelter (TCAS) is asking residents to delay turning over their cats until mid-September or to reach out to a rescue partner. A cat rescued from the shelter has tested positive for feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). FPV is a viral disease contagious to cats, both domesticated and wild feline species but not humans. TCAS will continue receiving both stray and owned cats but is striving to limit the number of cats potentially exposed to this virus.
TCAS is taking all necessary precautions to reduce the possible spread of FPV to other cats in the shelter; including consulting with our veterinarians, quarantining exposed cats, ensuring our cleaning procedures are followed, and continuing to vaccinate at the appropriate intervals. FPV is resistant to many disinfectants and survives a long time in an environment.
Vaccinations against FPV are very effective, and are part of the core vaccines routinely given to cats. Most vaccinated cats are completely protected from this disease. As part of a new pet cat program, your vet will recommend a series of vaccines, usually starting at 6-8 weeks of age. It is important to follow this schedule as the vaccinations will not fully protect your cat until the entire series is given. Different types of vaccines are available, your veterinarian can help you choose the one right for your cat.
Keeping kittens (and cats) indoors, and away from other unvaccinated cats, is the best way to prevent exposure to FPV and other viruses.
If anyone has any additional questions about FPV, please contact your veterinarian. If you need a list of our rescue partners, contact TCAS at 301-932-1713 or 1-800-903-1992.
County Receives Grant to Support Public Health
On Wednesday, July 27, the Charles County Department of Health, in partnership with the Charles County Department of Emergency Services, Sen. Thomas "Mac" Middleton, Charles County Commissioners, and the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center announced the launch of the Mobile Integrated Health Care Team. The program is supported by a three-year, $400,000 grant from the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission, and is expected to serve approximately 60 individuals during the three-year grant. The program is a collaboration among the Charles County Department of Health, Charles County EMS, and University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center, each of which is supporting the project financially.
Bassmaster Elite and Expo, and Discover Quest Festival
The Bassmaster Elite at Potomac River presented by Econo Lodge will be held from Thursday, Aug. 11 to Sunday, Aug. 14. The event will feature the Bassmaster Expo and Discover Quest Festival. Highlights include Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament weigh-ins, interactive programs by the Department of Natural Resources and Living the American Indian Experience, and local artisans and crafters.
Schedule:
Bassmaster Elite (Thursday, Aug. 11- Sunday, Aug. 14)
Smallwood State Park (2750 Sweden Point Road, Marbury)
Tournament Begins: 6:15 a.m.
Aug. 11-12 Weigh-in: 3 p.m.
Indian Head Pavilion and Village Green (100 Walter Thomas Road, Indian Head)
Aug. 13-14 Weigh-in: 3 p.m.
Bassmaster Expo and Discover Quest Festival (Saturday, Aug. 13- Sunday, Aug. 14)
Indian Head Pavilion and Village Green (100 Walter Thomas Road, Indian Head)
Event time: Noon- 5 p.m.
GOVERNING Magazine Names Davis to 2017 Women in Government Leadership Program
Commissioner Vice President Debra M. Davis, Esq. (District 2) is one of only 25 women nationwide selected to participate in the Governing Institute's 2017 Women in Government Leadership Program. GOVERNING Magazine, a leading government publication, recognizes state and local women elected officials each year for the bipartisan national program. The Women in Government Leadership Program acknowledges the work of women public servants, provides leadership training and critical job skills, and builds a mentoring network for future women government leaders.
"More than one hundred women were nominated for this distinguished leadership program, and it is truly an honor to be one of the few selected for the Class of 2017," said Davis. "I appreciate this unique opportunity to meet and engage with other government leaders across the country. It's a remarkable way for Maryland and Charles County to be recognized."
Davis, a local practicing attorney, was first elected to the Charles County Board of Commissioners in 2010, and is currently serving a second term. Davis spearheaded efforts to establish the Vision 2020 Program, a comprehensive, holistic program aimed at reducing poverty in rural areas. Davis is chair of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland and the Local Government Insurance Trust Board of Trustees. She also serves on several statewide, regional, and local boards.
The Daily Record named Davis as one of Maryland's Top 100 women in 2012 and 2014, and inducted her into the Maryland's Top 100 Women Circle of Excellence in 2016, for her leadership and community service. A consummate student of leadership, Davis completed the University of Maryland's Academy for Excellence in Local Governance professional development program in August 2012. She is a 2009 graduate of Leadership Southern Maryland, a 1999 Maryland State Bar Association Leadership Fellow, and served on the African American Leadership Summit for the U.S. Congress in 2004.
Davis holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland in Criminology and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore's School of Law.
The Governing Institute advances better government by improving performance and outcomes through research, decision support and executive education to help public sector leaders govern more effectively. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Fall Aquatic Program Registration Begins Aug. 10
Registration for upcoming fall aquatic programs begins on Wednesday, Aug. 10. Classes are available for ages 6 months to adult. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Highlighted swim programs include:
FALL SWIM LESSONS: Sessions consist of eight, 35-minute classes. Each session includes one day of basic water safety skills. Children must be able to perform all skills of the previous level before moving on to a higher level. The resident fee is $60 and non-resident is $65.
MINI SWIM LESSONS: This fast-paced session is designed to teach children the basic fundamentals of swimming. Sessions consist of four, 30-minute classes completed in one week. The fee for residents is $40 and non-residents is $45. There are beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes available for children age 3-12.
ADULT LEARN TO SWIM HOUR: This course is designed for adult beginner to advanced intermediate swimmers ages 17 years old and older looking to gain confidence in the water. Each class will focus on basic swimming skills, stroke development, and water safety. Space is limited. The fee for residents is $65 and non-residents is $70.
CHARLES COUNTY SWIM CLUB: The Charles County Swim Club is a recreation based program designed for both competitive and non-competitive swimmers ages 6-18. Through leveled instruction, we are able to meet the needs of both the advance and novice swimmer in a fun and safe environment. Prices vary based on skill level.
For a complete listing of swim lessons, to register, or more information on these events or other activities offered by the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism, visit
www.CharlesCountyParks.com, or call 301-934-9305 or 301870-3388. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-7352258
Charles County Commissioners Meeting Agendas for Aug. 16 and 17, 2016
The County Commissioners will not be holding public session. The Commissioners will be representing the county at other meetings and will conduct individual appointments as scheduled.