Volunteer Tax Preparers Needed for AARP Tax-Aide Program
The Charles County Department of Community Services, Aging and Senior Programs Division is looking for compassionate and friendly individuals to volunteer for the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Tax-Aide program. The AARP Tax-Aide program provides free tax preparation for senior citizens, low-income individuals, and families. Free training for volunteers is provided on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, beginning in January 2017. Upon completion of the AARP Tax-Aide Program training, volunteers will be tested to receive certification.
Individuals wishing to enroll in the AARP Income Tax Training Program or have questions may contact Joan Woodland at 301-609-5712 or WoodlanJ@CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Public Works Replaces Water System in Newtown Village
The Charles County Department of Public Works announces that homes located in Newtown Village will be affected by construction starting on or about Wednesday, Nov. 16. The Department of Public Works-Utilities Division will be replacing the existing water system located on Wicker Lane and portions of Village Drive and White Stag Road.
All homes located in Newtown Village will be affected by the construction, which will result in a series of short scheduled and announced outages. Every effort will be made to minimize the number of outages and to keep them to a maximum of four to eight hours, with most lasting for only a few hours. Construction may take up to 45 days based on weather conditions.
The work on Wicker Lane will require brief interruptions to driveway access for homes on the east side of the street. Every effort will be made to minimize these interruptions and to provide access as needed. As construction progresses, sections of the community may be closed to "through traffic." Access will be made available only for residents, postal deliveries, school busses, emergency services, etc.
Residents will receive additional notifications as the construction progresses. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation.
If you have questions, you may contact the Project Manager, Jim Sizemore at 301-609-5603 or SizemorJ@CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Local Students Participate in Mallows Bay Art Project
Charles County Government, in partnership with the Charles County Public Schools and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, hosted the Mallows Bay Art Project on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 9 a.m. at Mallows Bay Park (1440 Wilson Landing Road, Nanjemoy). An art teacher from each of the county's seven high schools and Robert D. Stetham Educational Center brought students to capture Mallows Bay on various mediums, including sketching, painting, video, and photography.
The art work will be displayed at the Charles County Government Building (200 Baltimore Street, La Plata). Art work will be showcased in a gallery during the World War I Mallows Bay Commemorative event on Friday, April 21 at the College of Southern Maryland La Plata Campus (8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata).
"It is so important to promote and celebrate the arts in our schools and this partnership does that in an exciting way. To combine our cultural heritage with the talents of our teachers and students will, like Mallows Bay, last for generations to enjoy," said Commissioner Ken Robinson (District 1). "I can't wait to see what they create."
"This is an exciting opportunity for students to preserve history through the arts. Students can capture the uniqueness of Mallows Bay and share it with Charles County residents through the arts," Superintendent of Schools Kimberly Hill said.
Mallows Bay, located near the Potomac River, is home to the largest ship graveyard in the Western Hemisphere. In a first for the state of Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration nominated Mallows Bay as a designated National Marine Sanctuary. The area offers unique archaeological, recreational, historical, cultural, educational, and environmental opportunities for residents and tourists. The site includes historic vessels dating back to the Revolutionary War, remains of the largest 'Ghost Fleet' of the World War I steamships, wildlife viewing areas, fishing, boating access, and a hiking trail.
For more information about the Mallows Bay National Marine Sanctuary nomination and public hearings, visit sanctuaries.noaa.gov/mallows-bay/.
For more information about the event, contact the Charles County Government Public Information Office at 301-885-1342 or PressRoom@CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Medicare Open Enrollment One-on-One Appointments Offered for Beneficiaries
Are your drug costs rising, or do you feel that your Medicare drug plan or Advantage plan is no longer working for you? Open enrollment is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to review their prescription drug plan and make necessary changes. To assist with Medicare open enrollment, the State Health Insurance Program is offering one-on-one appointments for Medicare beneficiaries.
Medicare open enrollment has begun and will continue until December 7, 2016. New beneficiaries can select a plan and learn how the plan works, and existing enrollees can change and update their plans.
For more information or to set up your appointment, call 301-609-5712. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Economic Development Discusses the County's Future at Fall Meeting
The Department of Economic Development hosted its annual Fall Meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Community Center (3090 Crain Highway, Waldorf). With over 200 people in attendance, participants gained an inside look behind the curtain of economic development from expert panelists of the public and private sectors.
Department of Economic Development Director Darrell Brown discussed key elements of the five-year strategic plan. His presentation provided an opportunity for business leaders to learn about the implementation of the strategic plan and its objectives to build on the momentum of the county's evolution.
The program touched on the area's targeted industries, various recommendations for the county, and introduced members of the newly appointed advisory board. "The business community is an invaluable county asset," said Brown. "Together, we can proactively shape the economic future of Charles County."
The panel conversations focused on the future of entrepreneurship in Charles County, infrastructure and redevelopment, as well as an update about investment. Public and private sector leaders discussed their unique visions for the county.
"Our ultimate goal was to give attendees a rich understanding of Charles County's economic potential and the initiatives we are taking to reach this potential," said Marcia Keeth, deputy director of Charles County Department of Economic Development. "We truly enjoyed coming together to tell Charles County's story."
To learn more about the sponsors of the Charles County Economic Development Fall Meeting, visit www.meetcharlescounty.com/fall-meeting. To learn more about Charles County Department of Economic Development, visit www.meetcharlescounty.com.
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 Nuisance Abatement Hearing Board hears residents' complaints regarding unsightly accumulation of paper, junk, vehicle parts, garbage, or leaves, and more than one foot high grass, weeds, uncultivated vegetable growth, briars, bushes, or plants on private property.
The Ethics Commission ensures Charles County officials and employees are knowledgeable about and comply with Code of Ethics. The commission provides Code of Ethics education to county officials and employees; provides advisory opinions regarding the applicability of the code; and investigate alleged violations of the Code of Ethics.
The Library Board of Trustees is tasked with all aspects of the library, including services, staff, rules, regulations, and other functions for the proper delivery of library services.
The Board of Licensed Commissioners (Liquor Board) reviews and approves the issuance and renewal of liquor licenses in Charles County, and establishes penalties for violations.
Additional vacancies include:
— Adult Public Guardianship Review Board
— Alarm Review Board
— Animal Matters Hearing Board
— Area Council on Aging
— Business Development Loan Fund for Women, Minorities, and Veterans
— Commission on Individuals with Disabilities
— Ethics Commission
— 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, Senior Commissioner Specialist, at 301-645-0691 or DesotoC@CharlesCountyMD.gov
Commissioners Proclaim Nov. 26 as Shop La Plata Day
On Tuesday, Nov. 15, the Board of Commissioners proclaimed Saturday, Nov. 26 as Shop La Plata Day in celebration of Small Business Saturday. Small businesses are significant contributors to our economy and community. The La Plata Business Association presents the third annual Shop La Plata celebration, which features special offers at participating La Plata businesses, a parade, and other activities in the town. The Commissioners urge residents to support small businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year.
Commissioners Proclaim Hospice and Palliative Care Month
On Tuesday, Nov. 15, the Charles County Board of Commissioners proclaimed November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. Hospice and palliative care empowers people to live as fully as possible, surrounded and supported by family and loved ones, despite serious and life-limiting illness. Patients and family caregivers receive the highest quality care delivered by an interdisciplinary team of skilled professionals including physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, counselors, health aides, spiritual care providers, and others who make the wishes of each patient and family a priority.
Hospice professionals are an integral part of providing solutions to patients and loved ones, as nearly 1.6 million patients seek their services each year. Hospice of Charles County has supported Charles County residents with needed hospice and palliative care for more than 30 years. For more information, visit www.hospiceofcharlescounty.org.