‘Artists Without Limits’ exhibit opens at commissioners’ gallery
On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities. This legislation established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities. On July 26, the nation will remember the 26th anniversary of the signing of the ADA. The ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers and changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in community life.
The Charles County Arts Alliance and the Charles County Commission on Individuals with Disabilities have collaborated to celebrate and recognize the progress that has been made by reaffirming the principles of equality and inclusion and recommitting our efforts to reach full ADA compliance.
The organizations are celebrating with a multi-media public exhibit to recognize local artists with disabilities. The show, which features artists ranging in ages from 6 to 66, includes works by: Jennifer Bell, Lacy Bullard, Mary Burdick, Sarah Cacciaglia, Alexander Chisley, Xavier Chisley, Nyle Coleman, Mary Jean Garner, Travis Gilbert, Doris Hagens, Rosalie Hawkins, Jackson Henry, James Robert Johnson, Taren Johnson, Jonathan Jones, Antonio Landers, Jody Loper, Doug Nevitt, Rudolph Nielsen, John Reese, Christopher Walker, Lindsay Wallace, Aaliyah Wells, Joanne White, Nolan Wilder; and artists from Charles County Freedom Landing: Curtis Chisley, Angela Ellis, Tawanna Farmer, John Ford, Cameron Green, Delandes Green, Tieshia Litten, Kyley McConnell, Derrick Monkister, Graig Musselman, Minh Nguyen, Tiffani Patterson, Ray Thompson and Brandon Wood.
From 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 19, a “Meet the Artists” public reception will be held at the Charles County Government Building to honor all the “artists without limits” participating in the summer show.
The gallery is located adjacent to the front lobby in the Charles County Government Building, 200 W. Baltimore St., La Plata. Gallery hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
The mission of the Charles County Arts Alliance is to stimulate, promote, encourage and provide recognition of the arts and the creative spirit in Charles County. For more information on the Arts Alliance, contact the CCAA office at 301-392-5900, info@ charlescountyarts.org, or www. charlescountyarts.org.
County administrator’s monthly report now features video series
The Charles County Administrator’s Monthly Report, an electronic publication available on the county’s website, now includes monthly video segments. Each video will feature County Administrator Michael D. Mallinoff discussing with departmental directors the latest county government news and initiatives. Videos will be posted online at www. CharlesCountyMD.gov/ coadmin/county-administrators-monthly-report.
The first monthly report video features Darrell Brown, director of the Department of Economic Development. In the video, Mallinoff and Brown discuss the five-year Economic Development Strategic Plan and its impact on the county.
DVD copies of Monthly Report videos are available for $6. To request a DVD, go to www.CharlesCountyMD.gov, click on “More CCGTV,” click “request DVD copies,” and fill out the online form.
For more information about the videos, contact the Public Information Office at 301885-2779 or PressRoom@ CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
MSP holding sobriety checkpoint today
The Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack will be conducting a Sobriety Checkpoint on Friday, July 15, in Charles County. This initiative is to reduce impaired driving collisions by educating, aggressively enforcing and arresting violators for impaired driving, and making the roadway safer for the residents and visitors to Charles County.
The MSP provided impaired driving statistics in a press release:
• There are 7,884 impaired (alcohol and/or drugs) driving crashes statewide, resulting in 4,026 injuries and 171 fatalities every year. (Towardzerodeathsmd.com)
• A third of all statewide fatal crashes and 34 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities involve an impaired driver. (Towardzerodeathsmd.com)
• Sobriety checkpoints have been shown to be an important component of a comprehensive program to reduce drunk driving. Research had shown that sobriety checkpoints can reduce alcohol-related crashes anywhere from 18 to 26 percent. (Checkpointstrikeforce.net)
Law enforcement encourages the public to consider having a designated driver or use public transportation if they are planning on consuming alcohol. Law enforcement is asking that if you do drink, please do not drive.
On a side note, the Maryland State Police, La Plata Barrack urges every driver traveling on our roadways to put the cell phone down and give 100 percent attention to driving the vehicle. If a call or text must be made or read, safely pull onto the shoulder or exit the roadway, stop the vehicle and take care of that business at that time. It is impossible to use a cell phone and give 100 percent attention to driving a vehicle. Additionally, the State of Maryland recently passed the “Move Over Law.” When approaching an emergency vehicle or tow truck on the shoulder from the rear, make a safe lane change from the adjacent lane to that vehicle. If the lane change is not available, slow to a reasonable and prudent speed when passing. Violating these two laws can cause serious injury to the public and police officers.