Charles County Newcomers Discovery Guide

Charles County

NEWCOMERS DISCOVERY GUIDE

Healthy Charles County

Healthier Lifestyle Programs in Charles County Diabetes Prevention Program Cut your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Half

Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring This is a FREE 4-Month Program to help Manage your high blood pressure Identify and control your triggers that raise blood pressure Learn to eat healthier and find ways to move more

Taking Off Pounds Sensibly

This program is for: Adults who are overweight Adults who have pre-diabetes Adults who have borderline diabetes Adults with a family history of diabetes Adults who had gestational diabetes

Program goals are 4 - 7% weight loss and 150 minutes of physical activity each week. Program lasts for one-full year!

Tobacco & Nicotine Ready to Quit for Good?

We can help you:

Weekly support group for people wishing to lose weight.

TOPS gives you the freedom to follow a meal plan that works for you - and support to help you stick to that plan.

Make a Quit Plan Free Quitting Aids Weekly Support Stress Management Tobacco Education

FREE Cessation Program

Call for class info: 301-609-6932

To learn more about these programs or register, call 301-609-6622

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2024 CHARLES COUNTY LIVING HERE

Visit Charles County Public Library to reconnect.

• La Plata • Mobile Library • P.D. Brown • Potomac • Waldorf West • 24-Hour Library Kiosk

Books Music Movies Gaming Events for All Ages Computers Free Wi-Fi Meeting Space Play Areas DIY/Hobby Resources Story Time Research and Career Services

www.ccplonline.org

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2024 CHARLES COUNTY LIVING HERE

Table of contents Charles Historical Sites and Attractions.................................................................... Page 4 Charles County parks...................................................................................................... Page 6 Charles County Fair.......................................................................................................... Page 9 Charles County Resources............................................................................................. Page 9 Charles County Health..................................................................................................Page 10 Charles Library.................................................................................................................Page 10 College of Southern Maryland...................................................................................Page 14

Welcome to Charles County Charles County offers the best of both worlds: a rural retreat and a quick commute to D.C. When the staff of Southern Maryland News discussed the biggest perk, we all agreed that it’s great to be in a place where you can go from being in a big town with lots of things to do to an open road headed towards a county or state park. With quick access to other parts of the state and to the Patuxent and Potomac River, it’s hard to beat life in Charles County.

How to reach us Southern Maryland News (Maryland Independent, The Enterprise, The Calvert Recorder) is published weekly on Fridays, at 204 Washington Ave., Suite 104, La Plata, MD 20646

by APG Media of Chesapeake, LLC. For more information, call 301-645-9480 or visit the website www.somdnews.com.

To contact advertising, call Brook Ash, multimedia ad manager, at 240-561-1390 or email bash@chespub.com.

To contact classifieds, call 1-800-220-1230 or email classads@chespub.com.

For information about legal advertisements or public notices, call 1-877-659-2190 or email legals@chespub.com.

For obituary information, call 1-877-242-1110 or email obits@chespub.com.

To contact the newsroom, send an email to: Executive editor: Jim Johnson at jjohnson@chespub.com Managing editor: Jesse Yeatman at jyeatman@somdnews.com Charles County news: Matt Wynn mwynn@somdnews.com St. Mary’s County news: Michael Reid at mreid@somdnews.com Calvert County news: Marty Madden at mmadden@somdnews.com Sports news: Ted Black at tblack@somdnews.com

THE MUSIC TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF HARLES COUNTY, INC. IN CHARLES Visit us at w w w. m t a c c. o r g BRINGING PROFESSIONAL MUSIC INSTRUCTION N TO SOUTHERN MARYLAND FOR 38 YEARS OFFERINGS FOR MUSIC STUDENTS AND MUSIC TEACHERS

• Private Lessons • Performances • Music theory training • Piano keyboard skills tests • Camps and scholarships Music teachers in Waldorf, White Plains, La Plata, Calvert, St. Mary's & PG

Historic sites and attractions Charles County has a rich history.

Located less than one hour from historic Annapolis, history buffs still find Charles County’s vicinity as convenient to the nation’s capital — as did other “visitors” through many eras.

The small town of Benedict is the site where British troops landed during the War of 1812, marched to Washington, D.C., and burned the city. Two of the wounded British soldiers died and were buried at Old Fields Chapel cemetery in Hughesville.

During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln’s assassin, John Wilkes Booth, stopped at the home of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd to have his injured leg set before continuing his escape into Virginia. Had it not been for this unexpected visitor to Charles County, Dr. Mudd would have remained an anonymous figure in America’s history.

Come experience the Charles County of yesteryear. These sites provide a memorable visit and showcase the area’s rich heritage as well as Southern Maryland hospitality.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHARLES COUNTY GOVERNMENT

There are multiple displays, such as this one, inside the African American Heritage House in La Plata.

HISTORIC PORT TOBACCO VILLAGE • Location: 8450 Commerce Street, Port Tobacco • Contact: 301-392-3418; HistoricDistrict@charlescountymd.gov; www. charlescountymd.gov/Home/Components/ FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/1567/ • Entrance fee: Free; donations accepted • Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday or by special appointment for walkAFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE HOUSE ing tours of the Port Tobacco Courthouse, • Location: 7485 Crain Highway, La Plata Stagg Hall and Burch House. Closed until • Contact: 301-843-2150; www.

April 2024. charlescountymd.gov/Home/Components/ Once the second-largest seaport in MaryFacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/1582/ land, Port Tobacco was settled in 1634 and • Hours: By appointment only listed on early world maps, according to their • Entrance fee: Free; donations accepted website. It was Charles County’s seat from The African American Heritage House, 1727-1895, but its history extends even lonhome of the African American Heritage ger: encompassing Native American hisSociety of Charles County Inc., is dedicated tory, missionaries, revolutionaries, coloto fostering public awareness and undernists, assassins and much more. Tours can be standing of the African American way of life self-guided or led by guides during operatas well as the culture and historical contriing hours. butions of African Americans to the growth MARYLAND VETERANS MUSEUM AT and development of Southern Maryland and PATRIOT PARK the United States.

• Location: 11000 Crain Highway, NewDR. SAMUEL A. MUDD burg HOUSE MUSEUM • Contact: 301-932-1900; labell@laa.cc; • Location: 3725 Dr. Samuel Mudd Road, mdvets.cc Waldorf • Entrance fee: Free • Contact: 301-645-6870; drmudd.org • Hours: 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Thursday to • Entrance fee: $10 adults, $3 children Monday, except major holidays; extended (ages 6-12) hours for special events • Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays and The recently-opened museum aims to Saturdays; noon-4 p.m. Sundays recognize and honor all U.S. military veterans and features exhibits, hosts events and The historical home of Dr. Samuel A. more. Meetings are held at 6 p.m. the second Mudd, the doctor who set the leg of presWednesday of each month from January to idential assassin John Wilkes Booth, is November and are open to the public. open to visitors from April to November. Guides dressed in period clothing give MOUNT AVENTINE tours of the house and grounds. Tours start • Location: Chapman State Park, 3452 every 30 minutes, and the last daily house Ferry Place, Indian Head tour is at 3:30 p.m. Large tours are asked to email drmuddtours@gmail.com in advance.

More HISTORIC | 5 Closed Easter Sunday.

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Rev. Dr. Susan E. Boehl 301-934-2288

Welcome to the area We are open for worship – online & in person We hope you will make us your church home

FILE PHOTO

The Maryland Veterans Museum display on the typical uniform and campsite accoutrements used during the American Revolutionary War. The museum recently opened a new exhibit on the war for American independence.

HISTORIC/from 4 • Contact: friendsofchapmansp.org • Hours: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, April through September. The park itself is open daily dawn to dusk.

Mount Aventine, an antebellum manor house constructed in 1840 and 1860, rivals the look and feel of nearby Mount Vernon — but on Charles County’s side of the Potomac River. The property is one of the few Potomac plantations essentially retaining its original patent boundaries, according to the Friends of Chapman State Park website.

It features beautiful views of the Virginia shoreline and surrounding fields in a peaceful setting.

MOUNT CARMEL MONASTERY • Location: 5678 Mt Carmel Road, La Plata • Website: www.carmelofporttobacco.com • Phone: 301-934-1654 • Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, May through October Home to the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of the Carmel of Port Tobacco, the monastery is the site of the first Carmelite monastery in the United States.

PORT TOBACCO ONE-ROOM SCHOOL HOUSE • Location: 7215 Chapel Point Road, Port Tobacco • Contact: 301-934-9483 • Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday during summer.

• Entrance fee: Free; donations accepted Built circa 1876, the one-room school house was in use for 77 years by white students (1876-1924) and African American students (1924-1953), and later used as a meeting space and local library. It was restored and can be visited by appointment.

THOMAS STONE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE • Location: 6655 Rose Hill Road, Port Tobacco • Website: www.nps.gov/thst • Phone: 301-392-1776, ext. 302 • Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday to Sunday, April through December. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas day, also from late December to early March. Exact dates to be posted on website.

• Entrance fee: Free; donations accepted Thomas Stone, a Maryland planter and lawyer, was one of 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. The property and his family home, Haberdeventure, are a National Historic Site open to the public seasonally.

SMALLWOOD RETREAT HOUSE • Location: Smallwood State Park, 2750 Sweden Point Road, Marbury • Phone: 301-743-7613 • Website: https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/southern/smallwood.aspx • Hours: 1-5 p.m. first Sunday of each month, May through September. Other times by appointment only.

• Entrance fee: No additional fee for Smallwood Retreat House, though park admission is $3 per person on weekends and holidays, April through October, and $3 per vehicle at all other times. Out-of-state residents add $2 to all day use service charges.

The park itself is open year-round. From April to October, hours are from 5 a.m. to sunset; and from November to March, hours are 7 a.m. to sunset.

General William Smallwood, the highest-ranked Marylander who served in the American Revolutionary War, lived at the property today known as Smallwood’s Retreat. His restored house is open seasonally.

A little of what we have to offer...

• A commitment to serve the community through outreach • A dynamic, diverse congregation of all ages/ backgrounds • Youth activities: get-tog gethers, outing gs, retreats • Sunday School for ALL ages • Fully staffed nursery during services • Top-rated Preschool ages 2-4 (blessedlambspreschool.com) • Choirs for ALL ages 4 years to adult and Hand Bells • A robust Christian Education Program: Pastor’s Monday Night Studies, Alpha Course, Disciple Bible Studies • Family Ministries: movie nights, baseball, Dramatic Arts Ministries and more.

follow us laplata.umc

Worship Hours June - August: Sundays 8 & 10:00 am September - May: Sundays 8:30 & 11:00 am

3 Port Tobacco Rd. La Plata, MD 20646 www,laplataumc.org

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2024 CHARLES COUNTY LIVING HERE

Go on and take a hike Whether you’re looking to admire nature or volley a few rounds of tennis, Southern Maryland’s parks offer fun, beauty and relaxation — at little or no cost to visitors.

More than 700,000 people visit Charles County parks each year, and locations offer recreational opportunities, scenic views and more.

Grab the kids, a fishing pole or your camera — you never know what you’ll find. For more information, go to www.charlescountyparks. com.

BENSVILLE PARK • 6980 Bensville Road, White Plains Athletic playing fields, playground and small pavilion. Sports fields available by permit only, with the exception of a separate field designated for general community use.

CHAPMAN STATE PARK • 3452 Ferry Place, Indian Head Take in Southern Maryland’s pastoral heritage at Chapman State Park, which features hiking trails, mature forests, rare plants, opportunities for bird-watching and more. Discover the Mt. Aventine Mansion, the historic home of the Chapman family. Also boasts views of the Potomac River and Virginia shoreline.

CHAPEL POINT STATE PARK • Five miles south of La Plata. From the Route 6 and Route 301 intersection, take Route 301 south to Chapel Point Road. Follow Chapel Point Road in a westerly direction for approximately 2.3 miles to park entrance.

Located on the Port Tobacco River, Chapel Point State Park is a multi-use park

that allows hunting, fishing and camping by permit only.

PORT TOBACCO RIVER PARK AND TOM ROLAND NATURAL RESOURCE AREA • 7685 Chapel Point Road, Port Tobacco Enjoy 3 miles of walking trails, open year round.

Observation platforms are housed on portions of the trail, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

The picnic grove is available for you and your family to enjoy.

FRIENDSHIP FARM PARK • 4715 Friendship Landing Road, Nanjemoy Overlooks the Nanjemoy Creek and offers opportunities to hike, fish and kayak.

More than 7 miles of recreational trails provide public access to the park’s 382 acres.

Trail includes interpretive

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Set up your Account Manager: Visit smeco.coop/accountmanager and select Sign up.

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FILE PHOTO

Andrew Fan and Gabrielle Dickerson navigate their Sea Perch robot at Gilbert Run Park to collect water samples during a Sea Perch camp activity in 2013.

signs, benches and observation decks, as well as noted and reliable wildlife viewing opportunities.

special needs play and two small picnic pavilions and informal picnic table areas are available.

rings are open to equestrians on a first come, first served basis, unless events are scheduled.

GILBERT RUN PARK • 13140 Charles Street, Charlotte Hall A scenic wooded parkland contains hiking and nature trails, picnic areas and pavilions, playground areas and fishing piers. The 60-acre freshwater lake is its main attraction, complete with opportunities to fish, pedal boat, rowboat or canoe.

MALLOWS BAY PARK • 1440 Wilson Landing Road, Nanjemoy Many outdoor recreation opportunities, wildlife viewing areas, small boating access to the Potomac River, a kayak launching, fishing and a hiking trail. Paddle through the World War I Ghost Fleet, the largest ship graveyard in the Northern Hemisphere.

PISGAH PARK • 6645 Mason Springs Road, La Plata Located 6.5 miles southwest of Indian Head and 14 miles west of La Plata, this park is physically located in Pisgah. Includes a 0.75 mile paved walking/fitness trail, playground, picnic pavilion and restrooms. Sports fields open for organized league use except one softball field, available for drop-in play.

INDIAN HEAD RAIL TRAIL • 10390 Theodore Green Boulevard, White Plains This 13-mile bike trail connects the Town of Indian Head to Route 301 in White Plains and is perfect for walkers, families and cyclists.

LAUREL SPRINGS REGIONAL PARK • 5940 Radio Station Road, La Plata Athletic playing areas (official league use by permit only), as well as a natural surface running/walking trail that loops through the wooded perimeter of the park.

A playground emphasizes

MAXWELL HALL PARK • 6680 Maxwell Hall Drive, Hughesville Open to members, this park offers 14.2 miles of trails at Maxwell Hall for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Equestrians will find diverse riding trails, open fields, wood areas and more.

OAK RIDGE PARK • 13675 Oaks Road, Hughesville A field for community pick-up play is available at Oak Ridge, which also features athletic fields for official league use with permit.

Wooded trails and two show

PURSE STATE PARK • On the Potomac River on Wades Bay. Follow 301 south to Route 225 west. At intersection of Route 225 and Route 224, take left on Route 224. Stay on Route 224 for approximately 15 miles. Purse has a dirt parking lot along the road side.

Beach trail is across the road from parking lot.

Purse State Park is a wooded, undeveloped area used for hunting, bird watching, fishing (license required) and fossil hunting.

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Healthy Charles County

2024 CHARLES COUNTY LIVING HERE

Healthy Charles County

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Recipes, community walks, classes, tools, and more Brought to you by the Charles County Local Health Improvement Coalition

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Parks/from 6 SMALLWOOD STATE PARK • 2750 Sweden Point Road, Marbury This large, historic and diverse park boasts a recycled tire playground, fishing (license required), picnicking, hiking, camping and more.

Located on Mattawoman Creek, it’s also home to Sweden Point Marina, Mattawoman Creek Art Center and Smallwood’s Retreat House.

SOUTHERN PARK • 15884 Wilson Road, Newburg Scenic views of the Potomac River and a variety of recreational activities. Ball fields, tennis courts, a playground, picnic areas and a fishing pier are available.

RUTH B. SWANN MEMORIAL PARK • 3100 Ruth B. Swann Drive, Bryans Road Borders Pomonkey Creek and the Potomac River. Picnic

areas and playground available on a first come, first served basis.

Hikers can traverse a mile of foot trails passing through woodland on their way to the Potomac. Sports fields available by permit only.

TILGHMAN LAKE PARK • 10598 Box Elder Road, La Plata This 61-acre park is the largest within town limits.

TURKEY HILL PARK • 9430 Turkey Hill Road, La Plata Off-leash enclosed dog park, sports fields (by permit only) and a half-mile oval roadway for runners/walkers.

Picnic pavilions are also available.

WHITE PLAINS REGIONAL PARK • 1015 St. Charles Parkway, White Plains An 18-hole golf course, lighted tennis courts, tot lot, playground and dog park.

Athletic fields by permit only.

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION PHOTO

An aerial view of Mallows Bay identifies the outlines of sunken World War I ships. Mallows Bay could get sanctuary status this year

WHITE PLAINS SKATEPARK • 1015 St. Charles Parkway, White Plains

This concrete park boasts 17,000 square feet of fun for skaters.

CHARLIE WRIGHT PARK

• 101 Dr. Mitchell Lane, Indian Head Features two soccer fields, two little league baseball fields, a regulation baseball field and

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practice football area. Adjacent to an elementary school which allows evening use of playground and basketball facilities.

2024 CHARLES COUNTY LIVING HERE

Lots to explore at the fair Ride Share – Drive Less...

Every September, the Charles County Fair Board is proud to put on an old-fashioned county fair with farm animals, displays, music, food and more. The 2024 fair is planned to take place at the Charles County Fairgrounds in La Plata in September.

This year’s fair marks the 100th year that the fair has taken place.

The fair celebrates Charles County’s long agricultural heritage and history on more than 35 acres of land. Exhibits as varied as livestock, field corn, arts and crafts, quilts and flowers are shown in the Greens area.

Entertainment, special events and activities for all ages add up to fun for the whole family. The carnival midway is full of rides and contests. If you get hungry, there are many choices from

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FILE PHOTO

Blondi the clown, also known as Teresa Gretton, assists Charles County Queen Nicotina VXXXII, Lilly Collins, in naming off the winners of the baby pageant at the Charles County Fair in 2017.

traditional county fair food to healthier alternatives.

The grounds are located at 8440 Fairground Road, La Plata. Free parking is available on site and at their satellite location at the government building in La Plata.

Admission for those age 11 and older is $10; attendees age 10 and under are free.

A four-day pass is $25. For more information and to participate or contribute, call 301-932-1234 or go to www. charlescountyfair.com.

Charles County resources Crain Memorial Welcome Center 12480 Crain Hwy, Newburg, MD 20664 301-259-2500 The Charles County Economic Development Department promotes the economic vitality of Charles County, a rapidly-growing region in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

The department does this by promoting wealth creation and economic growth through quality employment, innovation, and productivity; increasing county revenues through the attraction and retention of high-quality jobs and new capital investment; and fostering a business climate where companies can grow and prosper. Capabilities include: · Site selection · Entrepreneurship support · Financing resources · Incentive packaging · Networking · Workforce training · Regulatory assistance · Data and information More information is available at www.

MeetCharlesCounty.com.

Explore Charles County Department of

Recreation, Parks & Tourism Ashley Chenault, chief of tourism 8190 Port Tobacco Road, Port Tobacco, MD 20677 301-932-3470 The tourism division serves as the visitors gateway to Charles County, offering the most current information about a destination’s attractions, restaurant, hotels and events. A one-stop-shop that maintains a welcome center where visitors can engage with staff, obtain maps, brochures, and information, produced by the county and surrounding jurisdictions.

Nonprofit Institute at College of So. Md. The Nonprofit Institute at College of Southern Maryland is the region’s comprehensive resource for nonprofit organizations, offering programming, training, and consultation to enhance their effectiveness and achieve success in fulfilling their missions.

Contact the Nonprofit Institute at www. csmd.edu/nonprofit or call 301-934-7544 or email nonprofit@csmd.edu.

Like, follow and engage at www.facebook. com/NonprofitInstituteCSM and www. twitter.com/NonprofitInsCSM and www. linkedin.com/in/nonprofitinstituteatcsm/.

Ridesharing services enable commuters to find other individuals who share similar commute routes and work hours. Ridesharing promotes alternative ways for commuters to get to work Ridesharing benefits include: • Fuel Cost Savings • Wear & Tear on Roads FREE INFORMATION SERVICE & Vehicles CARPOOL, VANPOOL, • Reducing Traffi ffic fi Congestion COMMUTER BUS COMPUTERIZED • HOV Lane Access MATCH LISTS • Overall Expense Saving by Minimized Driving • Reduced Pollution & Greenhouse Gas Emissions

301-274-1922 • www.tccsmd.org

GUARANTEED RIDE HOME

“WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED” in SOUTHERN MARYLA LAND A

GRH provides a free ride home for registered commuters who ride in a carpool or vanpool, take transit, bike or walk to work at least twice a week.

In the event of an unexpected emergency or unscheduled overtime, GRH will arrange for a free taxi ride, a free transit ride, or even a free rental car up to four times each year to get you home.

301-274-1922 • www.tccsmd.org

George g Clark Transportation Demand Management Specialist GRH provides a free ride home for registered commuters who ride in a carpool or vanpool, take transit, bike or walk to work at least twice a week. In the event of an unexpected emergency or unscheduled overtime, GRH will arrange for a free taxi ride, a free transit ride, or even a free rental car up to four times each year to get you home.

WWW.COMMUTERCONNECTIONS.ORG

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Charles County Department of Health With a goal to promote, protect and improve the health of the community, the Charles County Department of Health offers many services and assistance programs for citizens.

Health services range from AIDS/HIV and cancer screenings to immunizations, smoking cessation, dental health, mental health and more.

Confidential services for those affected by substance abuse can include outpatient counseling, family counseling, intensive outpatient treatment, specialized groups, aftercare, relapse prevention and more. Adult and adolescent programs are available. To learn about local substance abuse programs, call 301-609-6600.

The after-hour, non-emergency number is 301-6093599.

The Breast and Cervical

Cancer Screening program offers screening services to low income, uninsured or underinsured women. The program will pay for an annual clinical breast exam, annual mammogram and pap smears, as needed, for women aged 40-64 years and for women over 65, if they do not have Medicare Part B. To learn if you are eligible or for more information, call 301609-6843.

Colon cancer, the second leading cause of death among American men and women, is also the most preventable with a periodic screening, according to the Department of Health. A screening program is available for eligible Charles County residents ages 50-75 with little or no insurance.

For more information, call 301-609-6832.

The Division of Mental Health Services, led by a

program director and medical director, provides outpatient assistance to Charles County residents and those of surrounding areas beginning at age six. Conditions treated range from severe reactions to stress, bereavement, partner or parenting problems, domestic violence, treatment of depression, bipolar disorders, anxiety disorder, psychotic disorders, trauma treatment, anger management and many other situations leading to rest and the reduction of one’s ability to enjoy life.

The division supports clients living with substance abuse conditions by collaborating with treatment and recovery programs.

Mental Health Services include individual, group and family psychotherapy using evidence-based practices, according to their website. They offer psychiatric

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evaluations and medication management. All referral sources are accepted. To determine eligibility, make an appointment or receive more information, call 301609-6700.

The county’s Infants and Toddlers program assists families with children ages birth through two years old who may be delayed in development or have disabilities.

Taking a family-centered approach, according to their website, the program helps families obtain services for themselves and their child.

Service needs vary but can include audiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, family training, counseling, home visitors, social work, transportation and more. To reach the Infants and Toddlers staff, call 301609-6808.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), a federally-funded program providing healthy supplemental foods and nutrition counseling for pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children under age 5, is also available. To determine your eligibility for services in Maryland, call 301-6096857 or 877-631-6182. Find more information at www. womeninfantschildrenoffice.

FILE PHOTO

Terry Antonioli, a nurse with the Charles County Department of Health, gives a patient a flu shot at the Community Resource Day at the Waldorf Jaycees Community Center on Oct. 5, 2016.

com/how-to-apply-for-wicin-maryland-wa20.

The Charles County Department of Health is located at 4545 Crain Highway in White Plains. Its operating hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through

Friday. Call 301-609-6900 or go to www.charlescountyhealth.org.

The Charles County health officer is Dr. Dianna E. Abney, who heads up the department which is a county/state agency.

Find stories and more at the library Charles County Public Library POTOMAC BRANCH

3225 Ruth B. Swann Drive, Indian Head — 301-375-7375 LA PLATA BRANCH

2 Garrett Avenue, La Plata — 301-9349001 P.D. BROWN MEMORIAL BRANCH

50 Village Street, Waldorf — 301-6452864

WALDORF WEST BRANCH 10405 O’Donnell Place, Waldorf — 301645-1395 MOBILE LIBRARY BRANCH 301-456-4333 System-wide business hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays; 1 to 5 p.m.

Fridays; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

All branches are closed on Sundays and on various holidays throughout the year, available online at the public library system’s website at ccplonline.org.

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LEARN MORE:

WWW.SMCM. EDU/INFONEW

After 23 years in the U.S. Air Force, MICHAEL PUGH '24 was looking for a place to complete his degree. Newly retired from his last duty station at NAS Patuxent River, he paid a visit to St. Mary's College of Maryland. "I really liked the campus," he said, "and the fact that the classes were small." He had experienced lecture halls with 300 students at larger universities.

He also liked the in-person classroom environment better than his impersonal online courses. “Everybody gets a chance to talk and discuss," he explained. "We all have our own ideas…but you hear somebody else and you’re like, I didn’t think about that.”

"I'm glad I had the opportunity."

He's now on track to complete his degree, with a sociology major and a minor in educational studies. He recently starred in the performing arts production of "Dracula."

BIG EVENTS CLOSE TO HOME St. Mary’s College of Maryland offers top-flight events throughout the year: • Mulberry Music Festival (June) • River Concert Series (June – July) • Governor’s Cup Yacht Race Celebration (August) The Nancy R. & Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center hosts a diverse array of performances, including musicians from every genre and all over the world, prominent speakers, local talent and cultural events.

FIND OUT THE LATEST ON THESE PERFORMANCES AND MORE AT: WWW.SMCM.EDU/DODGENEW

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2024 CHARLES COUNTY LIVING HERE

Charles County is moving!

Walk with Us!

Join us for one or all of the following walks. Stay fit, walk safely in a group all while enjoying our counties' parks! Call 301-6096622 for more information.

Registration is not required. Just join Sunday, January 14th, 2:00 PM at Laurel Springs Park Saturday, February 17th, 2:00 PM at Pisgah Park Saturday, March 16th, Noon at Maxwell Hall Park Sunday, April 21st, 11:00 AM at Mallows Bay Park and National Marine Sanctuary Saturday, May 18th, 11:00 AM at Thomas Stone National Historic Site Sunday, June 9th, 9:00 AM at Smallwood State Park Saturday, July 20th, 10:00 AM at Tilghman Lake Park Sunday, August 18th, 9:00 AM at Port Tobacco River Park Saturday, September 21st, Noon at Indian Head Rail Trail, Village Green (Indian Head) Saturday, October 12th, 11:00 AM at Gilbert Run Park Sunday, November 17th at 1:00 PM at Friendship Farm Park Sunday, December 15th, 2:00 PM at Chapman State Park

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2024 CHARLES COUNTY LIVING HERE

College of Southern Maryland Regional campuses offer host of opportunities

Online Information Technology and Systems Degree programs; • CSM was named the 36th best community colWELCOME TO THE lege in the nation out of 677 NEIGHBORHOOD and the 77th best college in The College of Southern the nation when it comes to Maryland is proud to serve career outcomes for its stuthis unique region of the dents by WalletHub; state and promote social and • CSM has twice been receconomic mobility for its ognized among the top 150 students through high-qual- community colleges in the ity, low cost, and relevant country by the Aspen Instiinstructional programs. The tute in its Aspen Prize for college meets this task every- Community College Excelday by collaborating with lence program and the colgovernments, businesses, lege is a member of the local organizations and com- Achieving the Dream Netmunity members like you to work; build coalitions and mean• CSM’s Cybersecuingful partnerships that rity programming is desigbenefit all students and the nated by the Department of region’s workforce.

Homeland Security and the In 2023, Southern Mary- National Security Agency as land newspaper readers a Center of Academic Excelvoted CSM the “Best of the lence in Cyber Defense for Best” in the college/univer2-year programs. Its Comsity category — confirmputer Science programs foling that the college is livlow the Association for ing up to its mission of being Computing Machinery curthe “region’s first choice for riculum guidelines; accessible, inclusive and • CSM is very proud to innovative education that have received a Military transforms communities.”

Friendly school designaHere are a few of the coltion for the 7th consecutive lege’s other points of pride: year. We are ranked as one • CSM serves more than of the top community col14,000 credit and continuleges to offer post-secondary ing education students at school for veterans and their its campuses in Hughesspouses; ville, Leonardtown, La Plata, TRANSFORMING LIVES Prince Frederick, the Center for Transportation Train- AND STUDENT SUCCESS ing and the Velocity Center When you enroll at CSM, — the innovation hub and you don’t just get an educamakerspace in the town of tion; you get the support of Indian Head; a community of faculty, staff • CSM was designated as and fellow students committhe Best Online College in ted to helping you succeed in Maryland for 2023 and was your studies and beyond — recognized for having the starting at the top.

Best Faculty among MaryWith its tuition and fees land’s community colleges by about half the cost of that of Intelligent.com last Decem- a state four-year public uniber; versity, CSM offers a range • And Intelligent.com’s of associate degree programs, 2024 rankings were released certificate programs, letin fall 2023 that ranked ters of recognition and conCSM the fourth best comtinuing education courses munity college in Maryland for professional and career overall and fourth best coldevelopment. CSM now offers more than 300 transfer lege in the country for its

agreements with more than 70 partnering universities nationwide and in France.

The college also joined five other Maryland community colleges to form the Maryland Education Alliance to further boost students’ opportunities to earn associate degrees or certificates across the state.

The college offers interactive personal enrichment classes for all ages, driver education and motorcycle training, Kids’ and Teen College, cooking and wellness classes, homeschool classes and summer enrichment programs.

Dual Enrollment and Early College programs at CSM are an exciting opportunity for Southern Maryland high school students to take college-level classes and earn college credit while in high school. Public, private and homeschool students can experience the pace and rigor of college-level coursework, while earning transferable college credit and fulfilling graduation requirements for their high school diploma. Families can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on their students’ college education, with reduced- or no-cost tuition.

CSM partners with community organizations and the Maryland Food Bank to provide free food to students experiencing food insecurity through Hawk Pantries on three campuses.

COURTESY OF CSM

Some CSM students decorated their caps for the occasion.

where students are coming from to where students are going to — and the college keeps offering lifelong learning pathways throughout their lives.

In 2023, a new chapter began for health care in Southern Maryland when CSM’s new Center for Health Sciences opened for classes at the Regional Hughesville Campus. The state-of-the art building serves as a central, convenient location for the college’s health programs and instruction.

Consistent with the college’s vision, the CSM nursing program strives to be the region’s first choice for accessible, inclusive and innovative nursing education.

The program is dedicated to decreasing healthcare disparities through the development of a strong, diverse WORKFORCE nursing workforce and is DEVELOPMENT proud of the diversity in its nursing program, which is At the College of Southconsistent with the demoern Maryland, employees graphics of the Southern believe it takes collaboraMaryland area and exceeds tive communities to build national data regarding the an equitable region and the nursing workforce. college’s role is to serve as The Regional Hughesthis region’s “hub” of learning, credentialing and mobil- ville Campus also hosts the college’s Center for Trades ity for all students. Such efforts are central to creating and Energy Training. The Regional Hughesville Cammore socially and econompus represents a significant ically vibrant communities.

CSM builds bridges from milestone not only for the

college but for the region by creating a campus that is centrally located and accessible and that will provide specialized offerings and programs to serve workforce development in a more cost-effective and convenient way.

The CSM Velocity Center in the town of Indian Head is a place where the community has access to CSM courses, neighborhood children can attend CSM Kids’ and Teen College, and college STEM students and clubs can explore possibilities in the state-of-the-art makerspace. The makerspace is equipped with a variety of maker equipment including 3D printers, laser cutters, subtractive machines, soldering irons and open-air space for robotics and prototyping.

The college refers to it as “one giant professional playground for innovation.”

Located outside of the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indian Head, at the Velocity Center Navy scientists and industry leaders can interact with students and have a place to tinker or conduct unclassified research.

The Nonprofit Institute at the College of Southern Maryland has been supporting local nonprofits for 13 years. The Institute provides professional development,

networking opportunities, referrals, and other specialized services.

The College of Southern Maryland is an extraordinary place to work. As a regional, open admissions community college, contributing to and supporting the community is at the heart of what we do as an institution. All are invited to explore the information, resources and employment opportunities available on the college’s human resources webpage and to consider the endless possibilities that make a career at the College of Southern Maryland a rewarding experience.

CSM FOUNDATION The College of Southern Maryland Foundation promotes academic excellence, growth, progress and the general welfare of CSM by raising and managing funds, and providing support to strengthen and develop the college and its objectives.

The foundation has awarded more than $6.3 million in support of credit and workforce development scholarship and programs — including the arts, athletics, nursing, STEM and technology.

Learn more about the College of Southern Maryland at www.csmd.edu or call 301-934-2251.

The comfort of community.

Specialized support is available close to home.

Why travel far for medical attention when compassionate care is available here in Southern Maryland? With over a dozen dedicated practices located across La Plata and Waldorf, you can access the resources of the University of Maryland Medical System right in your backyard. Our providers offer a wide range of specialties, and each office is well-equipped with advanced tools and technologies.

Behavioral Health

Gastroenterology

Obstetrics

Surgical Care

Breast Health

Hand Therapy

Primary Care

Urology

Diabetes and Endocrinology

Imaging

Rehabilitation

Women’s Health

Diet and Nutrition

Lymphedema

Stroke

Wound Healing

Emergency Care

Learn more about our local offerings today.

UMCharlesRegional.org/SouthernMD 5 Garrett Avenue, La Plata, MD 20646 | 301-609-4000

A better state of care.

Healthy Charles County

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