Household Hazardous Waste Collection Scheduled for Oct. 1
The Charles County Department of Public Works would like to remind citizens that the next household hazardous waste collection will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1. The household hazardous waste collection site is located in the parking lot of the Department of Public Works building, located at 10430 Audie Lane, off of Radio Station Road in La Plata. Collection hours are 9 a.m.—3 p.m.
Items accepted free of charge include: pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer, gasoline, oil-based paint, cleaning supplies, pool chemicals, fluorescent lights, mercury thermometers, and other poisons found in the home. Please remember to mark any container that does not have a readable, original label.
Unacceptable materials include bio-medical waste (sharps, needles, anything with bodily fluids), latex paint, prescription drugs, and ammunition. Used motor oil, anti-freeze, propane tanks, and batteries are accepted on a regular basis at various collection sites. Latex paint is not considered hazardous waste and can be placed in your household trash as long as it is solidified. This can be accomplished by adding kitty litter, shredded paper, paint hardener, or sawdust to aid in drying it out.
Household hazardous waste collection will occur on the first Saturday of each month through December. Upcoming 2016 collection dates are: Oct. 1, Nov. 5, and Dec. 3.
For more information, call the Charles County Department of Public Works, Environmental Resources Division at 301-932-3599 or 301-870-2778, or the landfill and recycling information line at 301-932-5656. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Commissioner-Appointed Board, Committee, and Commission Vacancies Open
The Charles County Commissioners are seeking county residents to fill vacancies on several boards, committees, and commissions.
The Governor's newly formed Local Government Justice Reinvestment Commission is charged with advising the Justice Reinvestment Oversight Board, making recommendations regarding certain grants to local governments, and creating performance measures to assess the effectiveness of the grants made to local governments.
The Planning Commission is involved in drafting and implementing of the Comprehensive Plan, making recommendations on rezoning requests, and approving subdivision of property in the county. The deadline for applications is Saturday, Oct. 1.
Additional vacancies include:
• Adult Public Guardianship Review Board
• Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board
• Alarm Review Board
• Animal Matters Hearing Board
• Board of Social Services
• Business Development Loan Fund for Women, Minorities, and Veterans
• Economic Development Advisory Board Newly Formed
• Heritage Commission
Positions will remain open until filled. A separate application must be submitted for each vacancy. Applications and a detailed list of all current vacancies are available on the Charles County Government website at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov or by contacting Carol DeSoto, Commissioner Specialist, at 301-645-0691 or DesotoC@CharlesCountyMD.gov
County Seeks Snow Removal Contractors for Winter Season
The Charles County Department of Public Facilities, Roads Division is currently seeking snow removal contractors for the 2016-17 winter season. Vehicles needed are dump trucks already plumbed to carry county plows and spreaders.
Contractor-owned snow removal equipment is preferred. Applications can be found at www.charlescountymd.gov/pw/roads/snow-removal. For more information or to request an application, call the Department of Public Works, Roads Division at 301-932-3454. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Fall Recreational Opportunities Available for Children
The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism is pleased to announce upcoming fall recreational activities:
• Fall Princess Party (Friday, Oct. 7): Looking to pamper your little princess? Bring your daughter ages 3 to 12 dressed in her fanciest party or princess dress to the Fall Princess Party. Enjoy a magical evening full of activities, crafts, and music. The party will be held at Wade Community Center (2300 Smallwood Drive, Waldorf) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bring your camera to capture every precious moment. All princesses must be accompanied by an adult. Fees are $15 for residents and $17 for non-residents, or $20 at the door. To register or for more information, visit www.CharlesCountyParks.com or call Recreation, Parks, and Tourism at 301-934-9305 or 301-932-6004.
• Baby Bazaar (Saturday, Oct. 22): Buy and sell pre-loved baby, toddler, and maternity items during the annual baby bazaar at Somers Community Center (300 Willow Lane, La Plata) from 9 a.m. to noon. Shop for all things baby and toddler-sized. The event will be held rain or shine. Children must be supervised at all times.
Interested in being a seller? Sell baby and toddler-themed items, out-grown toys, clothes, furniture, and gently-used maternity items. Setup is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The deadline to reserve your space is Friday, Oct. 21. Table availability is limited. For details about the baby bazaar or if interested in selling, call Somers Community Center at 301-932-6679.
• Recreation Gymnastic Classes (Monday, Oct. 24 to Saturday, Dec. 17): Is your child interested in gymnastics? Sign them up for our second session which consists of eight classes from Oct. 24 to Dec. 17. Elite Gymnastics offers classes for ages tot (2 years old) to high school, using a beginner to advanced level system. Placement depends on age and skill level. For safety reasons, all class sizes are limited to maximum number of participants. For more information about times, prices, and types of classes, visit www.CharlesCountyParks.com, or call Recreation, Parks, and Tourism at 301-934-9305 or 301-932-6004.
The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism provides a variety of fun activities. For a complete list of the fall recreational events and activities, please visit the fall edition of the GUIDE at www.CharlesCountyParks.com, or call 301-934-9305 or 301-870-3388. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Commissioners Proclaim Charles County PROUD Month
On Tuesday, Sept. 20, the Commissioners proclaimed October as Charles County PROUD month. The Commissioners invite all residents to showcase pride in Charles County, which is known for its rich history, scenic outdoors, and panoramic waterfront views. The proclamation supports Charles County PROUD, a Charles County Chamber of Commerce initiative established to promote and enhance community pride. Throughout October, supporters of the initiative are encouraged to display Charles County PROUD flags, stickers, and other merchandise as a visible sign of our community's collective pride and unity. For more information, visit www.CharlesCountyChamber.org.
Commissioners Support Rocktoberfest 2016
On Tuesday, Sept. 20, the Charles County Commissioners designated the first weekend in October as Rocktoberfest 2016. The La Plata Business Association is partnering with Island Music Company to organize the third annual Rocktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 1. The event showcases the musical talents of local performers and others around the region, and supports the Charles County Public Schools music and arts programs. The Commissioners encourage residents to participate in this Charles County celebration. To learn more, visit www.laplatabusinessassociation.com.
County Receives Financial Reporting Excellence Award for 14th Year
On Tuesday, Sept. 20, the Charles County Commissioners recognized the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services' Accounting Division for their 14th consecutive year earning a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) selected Charles County Government for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
County Recognizes Kiorpes for Receiving Presidential Innovation Award
On Tuesday, Sept. 20, the Charles County Board of Commissioners recognized North Point High School science teacher, Lolita Kiorpes. Kiorpes received the 2016 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE) for her innovative approach to environmental education and use of the environment as a learning context.
Last year Kiorpes and her students became the first National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Ocean Guardian School in Maryland. She and a team of students taught other students about watershed and ocean health, National Marine Sanctuaries, climate change, and environmental stewardship. The Board of Commissioners thanks Kiorpes and her students for their efforts in highlighting Mallows Bay.