Annual Buy Local Challenge supports local farmers
The annual statewide Buy Local Challenge (BLC) encourages everyone to eat something from a local farm every day during Buy Local Week, July 22–30.
Individuals, businesses and organizations can take the challenge, which is a voluntary pledge to eat Maryland farm products (produce, dairy, seafood, meats and fruit) for one week. Locally produced beverages; wines, beers and spirits count too. “Taking the Challenge is a win, win,” said Shelby Watson-Hampton, director of The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) and creator of the Buy Local Challenge. “When you take the pledge to buy local not only do you get great tasting food, you’re also supporting local farmers as well as local businesses that offer farm products.”
This year SMADC is adding an extra incentive to engage consumers during BLC week. The general public is invited to share their BLC experiences for a chance to win prizes by registering their BLC pledge, or by posting their ‘buy local’ shopping spree photos to Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #buylocalchallenge.
“It’s easy and fun to do,” said Watson-Hampton. “We hope everyone will participate, as we have so many options to buy local now; at farmers’ markets, restaurants, stores, wineries, breweries and even distilleries. The list is endless.”For information on how to participate in the Buy Local Challenge Week and find BLC competition details, extensive statewide links to farmers’ market directories, downloadable BLC logos and more, go to the BLC website www.buylocalchallenge.com. Go to the BLC Facebook page for the latest Buy Local Week happenings around the state and view or download BLC week recipes from the Maryland Department of Agriculture Buy Local Cookbook series at mda.maryland.gov. The Buy Local Challenge was initiated in 2007 by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) and is jointly promoted with Maryland Department of Agriculture.
Port Tobacco to welcome cyclists, trees
The Society for the Restoration of Port Tobacco will welcome close to 100 cyclists, Sunday July 30. The Port Tobacco Courthouse and Historic Village are pleased to share passion and awareness to tree planting, conservation and protecting the environment. The organization has partnered with STIHL Tours de Trees, Liberty Tree and Tree Fund. A Revolutionary War era tulip poplar tree will be dedicated. This tree is grafted from a downed tree from Annapolis.
The public is invited to the event from 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Port Tobacco Courthouse, 8430 Commerce Street, Port Tobacco. Bicyclists start arriving at 10:15 a.m. and the tree dedication program starts at 10:30 a.m.
For more information, contact Joyce Edelen at 301-934-9056 or email Keechjoyce@aol.com.
Charles schools plan student, parent orientation
Charles County Public Schools has released its student orientation schedule for the 2017-18 school year. Listed below are orientation dates and times, and other activities for schools. Specific questions can be directed to individual schools.
C. Paul Barnhart, meet and greet, Aug. 30, 2:30 to 4 p.m.;
Berry, meet and greet, Aug. 30, 2 to 4 p.m.;
Dr. Gustavus Brown, meet and greet, Aug. 30, 2:30 to 4 p.m.;
Dr. James Craik, meet and greet, Aug. 30, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.;
William A. Diggs, meet and greet, Aug. 30, 2 to 4 p.m.;
Gale-Bailey, meet and greet, Aug. 30, 2 to 3 p.m.;
Dr. Thomas L. Higdon, meet and greet, Aug. 30, 1:30 to 3 p.m.;
Indian Head, meet and greet, Aug. 30, 2 to 3 p.m.;
Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, meet and greet, Aug. 30, 2:30 to 4 p.m.;
Malcolm, kindergarten orientation, Aug. 30, 1 to 1:30 p.m.; and meet and greet, grades 1-5, Aug. 30, 1 to 2 p.m.;
T.C. Martin, meet and greet, Aug. 30, 2 to 3 p.m.;
Mary H. Matula, meet and greet, Aug. 30, 2 to 3:30 p.m.;
Arthur Middleton, meet and greet, Aug. 30, 2 to 4 p.m.;
Walter J. Mitchell, meet and greet for prekindergarten through grade 2, Aug. 30, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.; meet and greet for grades 3-5, Aug. 30, 1:45 to 2:45 p.m.;
Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy, community drop-in, Aug. 30, 2 to 3 p.m.;
Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, meet and greet, Aug. 30, 2:30 to 4 p.m.;
Mary B. Neal, meet and greet, all grades, Aug. 30, 2 to 3 p.m.;
J.C. Parks, meet and greet, Aug. 30, 2:30 to 4 p.m.;
J.P. Ryon, community drop-in, Aug. 30, 2 to 3:30 p.m.;
Eva Turner, meet and greet, Aug. 30, 1 to 2 p.m.; and
William B. Wade, new student orientation, Aug. 30, 1:30 to 2 p.m.; kindergarten orientation, Aug. 30, 1 to 1:30 p.m.; and Greet your Seat for grades 1-5, Aug. 30, 2 to 3 p.m.
Theodore G. Davis, new student orientation, Aug. 29, 2 to 4 p.m.;
John Hanson, new student orientation, Aug. 29, 2 to 3:30 p.m.;
Matthew Henson, sixth grade orientation, Aug. 29, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.;
Mattawoman, new student orientation, Aug. 29, 2 to 3:30 p.m.;
Piccowaxen, sixth grade and new student orientation, Aug. 29, 2 to 3:30 p.m.;
General Smallwood, new student orientation, Aug. 30, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.;
Milton M. Somers, new student orientation, Aug. 29, 2 to 3:30 p.m.; and
Benjamin Stoddert, sixth grade and new student orientation, Aug. 30, 3:30 to 6 p.m. High schools
Henry E. Lackey, new student drop-in, Aug. 29, 3 to 4:30 p.m.;
La Plata, new students and freshmen, Aug. 29, 5:30 to 7 p.m.;
Maurice J. McDonough, new student orientation, Aug. 31, 6 to 7:30 p.m.;
North Point, freshmen welcome, Aug. 30, 6:30 p.m.;
St. Charles, new student orientation, Aug. 31, 6 to 8:30 p.m.;
Thomas Stone, new student orientation, Aug. 31, 6 to 7:30 p.m.; and
Westlake, new student orientation, Aug. 30, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
F.B. Gwynn Educational Center, meet and greet, Aug. 30, 2 to 3 p.m.
Sheriff’s office invites citizens to participate in academy
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for its 2017 Citizens Police Academy (CPA) class, set to begin in September. This 12-week program will begin on Sept. 20 and will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. through Dec. 13, with the exception of Wednesday, Nov. 22. The classes will be held in the first-floor classroom of the CCSO District 3 Station located at 3670 Leonardtown Road, Waldorf.
“Last year we hosted the Inaugural Class of the Citizens Police Academy, and it was an awesome success,” said Sheriff Troy Berry (D). “A group of citizens had the opportunity to learn about what our job is like, and we got to hear their perspectives on our role in public safety. Through this program, we have developed strong community partners in our CPA alumni and we plan to continue to build those strong relationships.”
Participants will learn about a wide range of topics including: patrol procedures, narcotics investigations, forensic evidence, criminal law, juvenile issues, use of force, criminal investigations and search and seizure.
Participants will also get a behind-the-scenes look at the CCSO Headquarters, Charles County Detention Center, Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy, and Crime Lab. Hands-on experiences will include a Firearms Training Simulator (FATS) and crime scene processing. Participants will have the opportunity to ride with a police officer and to experience policing from an officer’s perspective. Participation in the Ride-along Program is not required but is strongly encouraged.
The Citizens Police Academy is a valuable opportunity for anyone who is interested in learning more about the realities of policing. Individuals who wish to apply will be subject to a background check. This program is free of charge. There are a limited number of seats available, so anyone interested in participating in the CPA should submit their application as soon as possible.
Additional information and applications for the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Police Academy can be found at www.ccso.us/citizens-police-academy. Applications are due no later than Aug. 31 and should be mailed to:
Charles County Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Human Resources, 6915 Crain Highway, P.O. Box 189, La Plata, MD 20646
Additional questions about the program or application process should be directed to Lt. David Kelly or Lt. Charly Baker at 301-609-6487.
Girls on the Run in search of executive director
Girls on the Run Southern Maryland is looking for a new volunteer executive director. Its mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum, which creatively integrates running. Girls on the Run envisions a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams. This is an opportunity to lead a new and growing 501(c)(3) that directly impacts the community with the help of an actively engaged board of directors.
The executive director is a highly skilled nonprofit professional that provides leadership, vision and direction to the council and the broader Girls on the Run organization. The executive director represents the council to the public, leads organizational development and strategic planning, optimizes financial performance, oversees program delivery in the designated territory, builds donor relationships and oversees personnel. The executive director works closely with the council Board of Directors, Girls on the Run International Headquarters and is responsible for expanding systems and procedures to accomplish the mission and reach the strategic goals set forth by the board.
All interested people should email a cover letter and resume to Emily Overman at emily.overman@girlsontherun.org. The board of directors will be reviewing all cover letters and resumes and reaching out to applicants over the next few weeks. Interested applicants should be able to attend New Council Director and National Coach Trainthe-Trainer training in Charlotte, N.C., the last week of September.
Econ. development to hold Business Roundtable July 26
The Charles County Economic Development Department is hosting a Quarterly Business Roundtable on Wednesday, July 26, at the Waldorf West Library, 10405 O’Donnell Place, Waldorf, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Come to learn more about Charles County economic development and what is happening in the county, as well as network with the local business community.
A progress update and recommendations to the five-year strategic plan will be covered, as well as topics on business development, infrastructure, and marketing. The event will conclude with a Q&A session.
The agenda:
8-8:30 a.m. — Networking and continental breakfast;
8:30-9 a.m. — Presentation;
9-9:30 a.m. — Q&A session.
This event is free, but space is limited. Register today at www. MeetCharlesCounty. com/Quarterly-Business-Roundtable, or email the department at info@ MeetCharlesCounty.com.