County announces November holiday schedule

The county administrator said a news release that that there are changes to normal operating schedules for the month of November. All offices, facilities and services not listed will operate on their normal schedule.

Monday, Nov. 12 (Veteran’s Day)

• All Charles County Government offices and the Tri-County Animal Shelter in Hughesville are closed.

• The Nanjemoy Community Center, senior centers and Port Tobacco Recreation Center are closed.

• VanGO Brandywine Connector will not operate.

• VanGO last departures from the Waldorf transfer point will be at 5:30 p.m. on the 301 Connector, Business A, Business B and Charlotte Hall routes. Last departures from the Waldorf transfer point will be at 6 p.m. on the Berry Road, Indian Head, Pinefield, St. Charles A, St. Charles B and St. Charles C routes. Last departures from the La Plata transfer point will be at 5:30 p.m. on the 301 Connector, Bryans Road and Nanjemoy routes. Last departures from the La Plata transfer point for Newburg will be at 4:30 p.m., and for La Plata will be at 6 p.m.

• Charles County Health Department is closed.

• All branches of the

NEWS OF NOTE Charles County Public Library are closed. Thursday, Nov. 22 (Thanksgiving Day)

• All Charles County Government offices and the Tri-County Animal Shelter in Hughesville are closed.

• The Nanjemoy Community Center, senior centers, Port Tobacco Recreation Center, Elite Gymnastics, indoor pools and all school-based community centers are closed.

• VanGO services will not be operating.

• The Charles County Landfill and Recycling Center on Billingsley Road in Waldorf, and the Pisgah Recycling Center on Route 425 in Pisgah, are closed.

• Curbside recycling will be delayed one day; Thursday pickup will take place on Friday.

• The Crain Memorial Welcome Center is closed.

• Charles County Skate Park is closed.

• Port Tobacco Historic Village is closed.

• Charles County Health Department is closed.

• All branches of the Charles County Public Library are closed.

Friday, Nov. 23 (day after Thanksgiving)

• All Charles County Government offices and the Tri-County Animal Shelter in Hughesville are closed.

• The Nanjemoy Community Center, senior centers, Port Tobacco Recreation Center and all school-based community centers are closed.

• All indoor pools will be open 1 to 8 p.m. for open swim (Lackey, Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center and North Point).

• Curbside recycling will be delayed one day. Friday pickup will take place on Saturday.

• Charles County Health Department is closed.

• All branches of the Charles County Public Library are closed.

For questions, contact the Public Information Office at 301-885-2779 or email PressRoom@ CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800735-2258.

Open enrollment available until Dec. 15

Southern Maryland residents can enroll in health and dental coverage through Maryland Health Connection during this open enrollment period which began Nov. 1, according to a news release.

MarylandHealthConnection.gov is a one-stop shop to browse plans, compare coverage and costs and enroll. Residents have until Dec. 15 to sign up for 2019 coverage.

Those who need additional assistance signing up for a health plan can get free, in-person help from a certified health insurance navigator from Seedco.

Maryland Health Connection is the only place where Marylanders can get financial help to lower the cost of their health plan. Last year, nine out of 10 Marylanders who enrolled through Maryland Health Connection received financial help to offset some or all of their costs.

“This year health insurance rates have dropped an average of 13 percent,” said Michele Eberle, executive director of Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, in the release.

People who qualify for Medicaid can apply any time of year. They will receive a notice when it’s time to renew. Open enrollment is for qualified health plans and dental plans.

Southern Maryland residents can get help signing up by: • Calling 240-270-1218. • Visiting an office the Seedco office at 3 Post Office Road, Waldorf.

• Going to a free enrollment event: Charles County, Nov. 9, from 4-7 p.m. at Seedco, 3 Post Office Road, Suite 102, Waldorf.

To learn more about 2019 health insurance plans and prices, Marylanders can visit www. MarylandHealthConnection.gov today.

Nominations open for principal of year

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) is looking for nominees for its annual Principal of the Year award. The award honors exemplary leaders for not only their leadership, but for their commitment to providing an exceptional learning environment for students. The principal chosen for the honor will also represent CCPS as the county finalist for the Washington Post Principal of the Year award, according to a news release.

Each year, the Post selects an overall award recipient for its Principal of the Year award from among finalists in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Principals can be nominated by staff, students, parents, colleagues or community members, but are not eligible if they have received the honor in the past, according to the release.

Nominees need to have five years of experience as a principal, three of which are required to be with CCPS, and a commitment to maintain their position as a principal with the school system for the 2019-20 school year.

Additional nomination criteria are: • Manage effectively; • Demonstrate and encourage creativity and innovation;

• Foster cooperation between the school and community;

• Maintain a dialogue with students, parents and staff;

• Encourage team spirit;

• Stay aware of developments in the field of education;

• Demonstrate leadership and exemplify commitment; and

• Continue to play an active role in the classroom.

Nomination materials must be submitted electronically, which is a change from previous award years. Materials should include a nominee career summary, 200word biography, minimum of four statements of support, descriptions of contributions in each criteria area and a headshot photograph.

More details are posted online at https://tinyurl. com/y98axmxa. Deadline for submission of nominations is Friday, Dec. 7. Materials should be sent by email to Ramona DiBenedetto in the CCPS Office of Human Resources at rdibenedetto@ccboe.com. Call 301934-7242 with questions.