After fatal accidents, new flashing crosswalk signs installed to increase safety at trail intersections

The Charles County Traffic Safety Committee is working to increase safety throughout the county with the addition of flashing crosswalks on Charles County road and trail intersections. This is in response to the two fatal accidents last summer on McDaniel Road and on Middletown Road.

Locations for new flashing lights:

• McDaniel Road at trail crossing between Hallmark Lane and Long Leaf Lane.

• Middletown Road at Tower Mill Lane.

• Middletown Road at Ethridge Drive/ Biltmore Street.

• Middletown Road at Frankfurt Drive.

When wanting to cross, pedestrians are to push the button to activate a high-intensity beacon light that will flash rapidly, signaling motorists to stop.

Pedestrians and bicyclists need to remember that the flashing lights do not ensure drivers will stop, so always cross with caution.

Bicyclists are required to dismount and walk across the road as a pedestrian.

Registration open for 17th Annual Bike to Work Day

Registration for metropolitan Washington’s 16th annual Bike to Work Day is open. Last year’s event drew more than 17,500 bicycle commuters, and thousands are expected to participate in Bike to Work Day 2017 on Friday, May 19.

Co-organized by Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), the event draws residents from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia in support of cycling as a healthy commuting option that that saves money, reduces traffic congestion, and improves air quality.

Register online at www. biketoworkmetrodc.org. All registrants will be entered into a regional bicycle raffle, and the first 15,000 to register will receive a free T-shirt to be picked up at the pit stop location of their choice. A total of 83 pit stops will celebrate Bike to Work Day across the region, welcoming bicyclists with refreshments, entertainment, and the chance to win great prizes, while supplies last.

Summer internship program provides opportunities for county students

Charles County Government is seeking college students, recent college graduates and 2017 high school graduates, who wish to gain work experience and learn about local government, for the summer internship program. The internship program provides paid internships that will last eight weeks or 12 weeks in a variety of department areas.

Work hours are flexible to meet the needs of students and county departments. Internships will be available in the following departments and partnership agencies:

• Charles County Public Librar y

• College of Southern Maryland

• County Administrator’s Office

• Department of Community Ser vices

• Department of Emergency Ser vices

• Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services

• Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism

• Department of Planning and Growth Management

• Department of Public Works

• Soil Conservation District

The internship program is available for Charles County residents only. Apply online and learn more about the specific internships available at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/hr/recruitment/ recruitment and clicking “Volunteer/intern.” To learn more about last year’s internship program, watch the Charles County Government Intern Program video at https://youtu.be/DExbyntqUi4.

Public schools’ last day is June 9

The last day of the 2016-17 school year for Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students is Friday, June 9. Twohour early dismissal days are June 6, June 7, June 8 and June 9. The last day of school for students in the Three’s program is Monday, June 5. The last day for teachers is Monday, June 12.

The schedule is set, barring any unforeseen inclement weather circumstances. CCPS used only one of the six inclement weather days built into the school calendar this year. The school system closed on March 14 for inclement weather.

Report cards for students in the Three’s program will be issued on June 5. Morning pre-kindergarten students will receive their report cards on Thursday, June 8, and afternoon pre-kindergarten students receive their report cards on Friday, June 9.

All other elementary school students receive report cards on June 9. Report cards for middle and high school students will be mailed on Friday, June 16.

Registration for the 2017 Summer School program begins at the Robert D. Stethem Educational Center on Tuesday, June 20, and Wednesday, June 21, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Classes begin for Summer School on Tuesday, June 27, at Westlake High School. Students can check with their school counselors for details on Summer School offerings.

Go to www.ccboe.com/community/summer_school.php for additional information about Summer School.

Changes to J.P. Ryon start, end times set for upcoming school year

Charles County Public Schools has changed the start and end times for J.P. Ryon Elementary School for next school year. Starting with the 2017-18 school year, school for students at Ryon begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. This is a 10-minute change from the current school schedule.

The change comes from the opening of a transition school located on the Ryon campus that will house Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School students next school year while the building undergoes renovations. The change also will help to balance the bus traffic to John Hanson Middle School, Ryon and the transition school.

Staff at both Ryon and Mudd are in the process of notifying the school communities of the changes for next school year.

Public hearing set on redistricting recommendation

The Charles County Board of Education is hosting a May 22 public hearing to hear comments on the superintendent’s elementary school redistricting recommendation. The hearing is set for 6:30 p.m., Monday, May 22, at Westlake High School.

Superintendent of Schools Kimberly Hill and CCPS staff presented the redistricting recommendation to the board at its May 9 meeting. CCPS will provide parents with a fact sheet including information about the superintendent’s recommendation prior to the May 22 public hearing.

The board is set to take action on the redistricting recommendation at its June 13 meeting. Community members can provide feedback at the public hearing, by email to boardmail@- ccboe.com or by mail to Redistricting, Charles County Public Schools, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646. Speakers at the public hearing are limited to three minutes and guidelines will be explained prior to the start of the hearing.

Read the Maryland Independent’s coverage of the process at http:// www.somdnews.com/ independent/news/ local/. Information on the redistricting process is also posted on the school system website at http://www.ccboe.com/ redistricting/.

2017 So. Md. Farmers’ Market Guide released

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) has released the 2017 Southern Maryland Farmers’ Market Guide, available now at public venues around the region while stocks last.

The full color guide features over 40 farmers’ markets in Southern Maryland and the surrounding Metro DC area that offer genuine Southern Maryland farm products such as meats, poultry and seafood, produce, farm-made pickles, jams, honey, cheese and even local wine and beer.

The SMADC Farmers’ Market Guide can be viewed or downloaded on the ‘Get the Guides’ page at www.smadc.com, or pick up a free copy at participating Southern Maryland farmers’ markets, regional public libraries and welcome centers. For a list of pickup sites visit the ‘News and Announcements’ page on the SMADC website.

New library ‘on the go’ in county

The Mobile Library, operated by CCPL’s friendly and professional mobile services staff, will be stocked with a collection of 2,000 items including: books, CD’s and DVD’s collections for all ages. The Mobile Library will provide online resources and databases, free Wi-Fi, and computers for public use. Additionally the mobile library comes equipped with wheelchair lifts, and side awning for outdoor programming.

Mobile library service stops in communities will include the following services:

• Library registration;

• Books, audio books, and CD and DVD checkout;

• Research assistance; • Special programs;

• Free Wi-Fi and computer use;

• Access to database and downloadable items;

Library sends out call for authors

Charles County Public Library will host it’s semi-annual Author’s Reception 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Waldorf West Library. Any local authors currently living in Southern Maryland who would like to have their work featured at the Author’s Reception should submit a copy of their book to Sarah Guy, program coordinator, at the any Charles County Public Library branch. The book can be returned to the author after the event or can be added to our circulating collection. All items submitted will be reviewed by the library’s Acquisitions Department to verify the submission meets library minimum standards. All submissions must be received at the library no later than 5 p.m. June 17. Authors must include contact information and must be able to attend the Author’s Reception on Aug. 19. Authors will present a brief overview of their book and will be able to sell copies to the public. For more information, contact Sarah Guy at 301-645-1395 x417 or SGuy@ccplonline.org

Nominations open for Heroines of Washington Awards

The March of Dimes is now accepting nominations for the 17th Annual Heroines of Washington awards program. The award honors women in the D.C. region for their dedication to and leadership in community service.

Awards will be presented for the following categories:

• Healthcare Heroine Award;

• Professional Services Heroine Award sponsored by TSI;

• Public Sector Heroine Award;

• Real Estate Heroine Award;

• Technology Heroine Award sponsored by Vencore;

• Rising Heroine Award; and

• Lifetime Heroine Award.

To nominate a heroine and learn more about the event and past winners, go to marchofdimes.org/heroinesdc. Nominees must live in Maryland, Northern Virginia or Washington, D.C. Self-nominations will be accepted. The deadline to submit a nominee is July 14, 2017.

Winners will be formally recognized at a black-tie awards gala Thursday, Nov. 2, at the Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner. Guests will include directors, CEOs and other high-level individuals from local corporations and government agencies. Proceeds will support March of Dimes programs of research, community services, education and advocacy.