Rail Trail section closed for SMECO work starting Oct. 8

The Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism said in a press release that the Indian Head Rail Trail will have partial closures starting Monday, Oct. 8, to Friday, Oct. 26, from Route 224 to Route 225. Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative needs to make repairs to the power lines along the trail right-ofway.

This portion of the trail will be open Saturdays and Sundays during the repairs, according to the release. Other portions of the trail will not be affected by construction and will remain open for public use. Trail users are reminded to observe safety cones and signs and be prepared to turn around. The closure is necessary to ensure public safety and to expedite completion of repairs.

For more information, call the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism at 301- 932-3470. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.

Tri-County Animal Shelter announces October promotions

The Tri-County Animal Shelter announced the following October monthly promotions and reminders:

National Adopt a Shelter Dog (now through Wednesday, Oct. 31): During the month of October, the shelter is partnering with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to help homeless dogs find their forever homes. Dog adoption

fees during the month of October are $100. National Cat Day (Monday,

Oct. 29): On this special day, all cat adoption fees are $10. Help a feline find a forever home.

The Tri-County Animal Shelter is located at 6707 Animal Shelter Road in Hughesville. Shelter staff can be reached at 301-932-1713 or 800-9031992. Adoption hours are Monday-Friday, noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To view animals available for adoption, go to www. CharlesCountyMD. gov/ES/AnimalShelter/ Tri-County-Animal-Shelter or www.petfinder. com/shelters/MD112. html to find your “purrfect” pet. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-7352258.

Fall Fishin’ Buddies Derby scheduled for Oct. 13

The Charles County Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism will sponsor the 2018 annual fall Fishin’ Buddies Derby at Gilbert Run Park in Dentsville on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Anglers will compete by teams, which must include one adult at least 21 years of age and one child between the ages of 6 and 15. Each team must supply its own rods and bait. Trophies will be awarded in the two age divisions. Bank anglers will compete separately from those who fish from a boat. Local businesses have donated numerous fishing-related door prizes. All teams are eligible for the door prize drawings. Lunch will be provided to all participants.

The entry fee is $7 per team. Pre-registration is required since participation is limited.

Online registration is required. Go to www. Charles County Parks. com/parks/parks-special-events to register. The deadline to register is Wednesday, Oct. 10, at 4 p.m.

For more information, call the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism Division, at 301-932-3470 or 301-8703388 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800735-2258.

Workforce development board names new chair

The Southern Maryland Workforce Development Board, an initiative of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, has announced a new board chair, unanimously elected at its September meeting. Michelle Nicholson, human resources director at Sagepoint Senior Living Services in La Plata, will serve a three-year term as chair of the board, according to a news release.

Sagepoint is a nonprofit senior care organization dedicated to providing high quality care and creating an environment that enhances health and wellness for patients, residents and participants.

Nicholson has over 10 years of experience in human resources management. She is a thought leader with a proven track record of talent engagement and motivation, strategic human capital planning and employment law expertise, according to the release.

Nicholson received a master of arts degree from Webster University in human resources management and a second master’s degree in human resources development. Her formal training is an added benefit to her high degree of professional integrity and insightful strategy to build collaborating teams to improve organizational efficiency and human interaction, according to the release.

Earlier this year, the board welcomed 12 new members, including:

• Marcia Chase, human resources manager, Naval Systems Inc.

• Robin Cullers, benefits coordinator, Chaney Enterprises.

• Pennie Drinkard, president, Advanced Vision Systems Inc.

• Seth Erlin, chairman, Chesapeake Apothecar y LLC.

• Richard Fleming, president/CEO, St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce.

• Michael Ghosh, general manager, Hilton Garden Inn Waldorf.

• Tracy Latham, director of admissions, Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship.

• Maureen Murphy, president, College of Southern Maryland.

• Michelle Nicholson, human resources director, Sagepoint Senior Living Services.

• Daniel Palliparambil, director of operations and communications, MedStar Shah Medical Group.

• Mike Scott, project manager, CMI General Contractors.

• Mark Wilding, principal, Calvert Career & Technology Academy.

The outgoing chairman, Mike Benton, served on the board for 10 years, the last six as chair. Board service is the toughest volunteer role, and Benton took on his board duties with dedication, grace and seriousness, according to the release.

As required by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the Workforce Development Board is required to have a membership that is private business sector majority. In addition, the board has representatives from education, public sector leaders, organized labor and leaders and advocates for workforce development.

For more information on the Workforce Development Board, go to www.tccsmd.org.

‘A Better Maryland’ meeting coming up in Waldorf

The Maryland Department of Planning is holding a second round of outreach meetings for the new state development plan, A Better Maryland, according to a news release.

The department previously held a meeting in Waldorf and are returning to continue the dialogue with information compiled and analyzed from the first round of meetings. The feedback by county is available at http:// abetter.maryland.gov/ what-weve-heard/?utm_ medium=email&utm_ source= gov delivery.

The upcoming Waldorf meeting is at 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18, at the Waldorf Cultural Center, 109 Post Office Road, Waldorf.

A Better Maryland is a dynamic, evolving plan that provides a framework to support a the economy and environmental stewardship, according to the release. The plan supports collaboration among state and local governments and all other stakeholders, providing resources and tools for the long-term economic success of Maryland.

At the meeting, input will be sought on the following issues that were identified from the first round of community engagement:

• tackling the economic development for 100 years;

• sustaining the environment; • preserving land; • improving economic growth in existing communities;

• meeting renewable energy goals;

• addressing transportation, infrastructure and technology challenges;

• creating workforce housing;

• building capacity in communities;

• protecting historic and cultural resources;

• creating quality places;

• coordinating state agencies in planning processes;

• adapting to climate change;

• respecting regional distinctions; and

• improving the delivery of programs and services.

Dispose of prescriptions during Drug Take Back Day

The Charles County Board of Commissioners encourages all residents to participate in the National Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 27, by disposing of unwanted or expired prescriptions and overthe-counter medications, according to a news release. An additional drop-off location has been established for this day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Charles County Government Parking Lot, 200 Baltimore Street, La Plata.

The Charles County Drug Take Back program collected 1,283 pounds in fiscal 2017 and 2,225 pounds in fiscal 2018, according to the release. Be a part of this safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of medications.

For additional locations, visit one of the pharmacies participating in the Drug Take Back Program: Family Meds Inc., Hanson Pharmacy, High Street Discount Pharmacy, Indian Head Care Pharmacy, La Plata Pharmacy, Northgate Pharmacy and MedSurg Pharmacy.

For additional information or questions about this collection site, contact the Citizen Response Team at CitizenResponse@ CharlesCountyMD.gov or 301-645-0550. Citizens with special needs may contact the Mar yland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800735-2258.

Volunteers needed for Christmas Connection program

Christmas Connection is a volunteer and interagency partnership providing holiday cheer to seniors and families in need. The Charles County Department of Community Services leads the “Adopt-a-Senior” portion of the project and is seeking volunteers to prepare and deliver holiday food baskets to seniors who have been determined to be financially needy and without support of family at the holiday time, according to a news release.

Individuals wishing to volunteer should call the Department of Aging at 1-855-843-9725 or 301934-9305 ext. 5737 by Friday, Nov. 2. Citizens with special needs may contact the Mar yland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800735-2258.

Salvation Army seeks volunteers for Red Kettles

The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle season kicks off Nov. 11, and the group is looking for foot soldiers, aka Red Kettle Bell Ringers, according to a news release. Individuals, families, groups and teams are welcome.

This is the Salvation Army’s biggest fundraising initiative every year. When people volunteer and donate at a Red Kettle they should expect change. Their change makes it possible to provide programs and services that change lives in the community.

Each of Red Kettle location needs a warm heart to ring the bell, according to the release. The hands may be cold, but being a Red Kettle Ringer can be a heartwarming experience.

How many warm hearts and cold hands are needed? It takes 3,475, two hour shifts to be able cover all of the 19 Red Kettle locations in the Southern Maryland area.

Each two-hour timeslot generates approximately $80 — that provides 80 meals, a month of heat for a family, three days of camp for an underprivileged child and a whole lot of hope during challenging times, according to the release. Funds donated at a Red Kettle stay in Southern Mar yland.

Sign up for a couple of hours, a morning or adopt a Red Kettle for the day. Register now and make some joyful noise. Call 301-638-9532, or email Christopher. Pachik@uss.salvationarmy.org.