St. Mary's County Newcomers Discovery Guide

St. Mary’s County

NEWCOMERS DISCOVERY GUIDE

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2024 ST. MARY’S COUNTY LIVING HERE

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2024 ST. MARY’S COUNTY LIVING HERE

Museums

Table of contents Museums............................................................................................................................. Page 3 St. Mary’s government.................................................................................................... Page 5 St. Mary’s County parks................................................................................................... Page 8 St. Mary’s state parks......................................................................................................Page 10 St. Mary’s hosptial...........................................................................................................Page 12 St. Mary’s tourism...........................................................................................................Page 14

FILE PHOTO

Members of Operation Warrior Refuge walk with horses used in equine therapy for veterans at Greenwell State Park.

Welcome to St. Mary’s County There was a time when this region’s economy was based primarily on tobacco, crabs and oysters. But life in the early 21st century is quite different for most St. Mary’s County residents. Advanced technology is now the county’s chief economic engine, and Naval Air Station Patuxent River is a premier site of military aviation, drawing defense contractors and associated businesses to the area. In part because of this, people from all over the world now call St. Mary’s home. They live side by side with families who have been here for generations.

Both groups have much in common. They require local government services, and sometimes hospital treatment. They want to enjoy parks and museums, and maybe take classes at the local community college. This guide is intended to point people in the right direction.

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

Multiple sites display, protect county’s history St. Mary’s County boasts a rich culture and heritage illustrated in a number of museums — sites that take visitors back to 1634 when the first adventurers stepped ashore, that share the contributions of African-Americans and that explain the aviation advances performed at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, to name a few.

PINEY POINT LIGHTHOUSE Located at 44720 Lighthouse Road in Piney Point is the Piney Point Lighthouse.

Built in 1836, it stands as one of the four remaining lighthouses on the Potomac River.

The 35-foot lighthouse was operated for 128 years until it was decommissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1964. During its history, many notable Americans came to the Piney Point area for summer vacations.

The museum exhibits trace the history of the lighthouse and its keepers and offers exhibits depicting the construction and operation of the lighthouse and the role of the U.S. Coast Guard. The Potomac River Maritime Exhibit houses the museum’s historic wooden boat collection on permanent loan from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education.

Another highlight is the story of a German submarine, the U-1105 Black Panther, a “wonder weapon” of World War II discovered to have ingenious stealth characteristics, the first of its kind.

The Piney Point Lighthouse, Museum and Historic Park also offers a kayak launch, picnic and pier facilities with panoramic views of the Potomac River and a natural landscape. Boaters

STAFF PHOTO BY JESSE YEATMAN

A ranger rings a bell at the Blackistone Lighthouse located on St. Clement’s Island.

are welcome. Visitors may also shop at the Crab Claw Museum Store for unique and local gifts.

For information on hours and admission prices, call the museum at 301-994-1471, or visit their Facebook page.

The grounds are open and free to the public daily from sunrise to sunset year-round and are handicap accessible. Adult group and student tours are welcome and available by prearrangement.

The Piney Point Lighthouse, Museum and Historic Park is operated by the Museum Division of the St. Mary’s County Department of Recreation and Parks.

DRAYDEN AFRICANAMERICAN SCHOOLHOUSE The Drayden African-American Schoolhouse is located on its original site at 18287 Cherryfield Road in Drayden. The schoolhouse is a frame building with its foundation resting on tree trunks. Built in 1890, it was in use until 1944. The structure marks the era of segregated schools in St. Mary’s County. Acquired by St. Mary’s County government in 2000, this site is preserved and interpreted within the Museum Division of the St. Mary’s County Department of Recreation and Parks.

This site is only open with a pre-arranged tour. To schedule a tour, call the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum site supervisor at 301-994-1471.

FILE PHOTO

Earnest Willoughby, a member of the St. Maries Citty Militia, stands outside the State House at Historic St. Mary’s City.

HISTORIC ST. MARY’S CITY Situated on the land where Maryland’s colonists established their first permanent community and the state’s first capital, Historic St. Mary’s City is an outdoor living history museum and one of the finest 17th-century archaeology sites in the United States. Costumed interpreters in re-created settings tell the stories of Maryland’s first years.

Outdoor exhibits include Town Center, where visitors can tour Smith’s Ordinary and learn to operate a reproduction press at the Print House. The Godiah Spray Tobacco Plantation, a working colonial farm where it’s More MUSEUMS | 4

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Museums/from 3 always 1667, features working gardens and heritage livestock. At the Woodland Indian Hamlet, visitors discover how Maryland’s first inhabitants lived prior to the arrival of the English, and how their lives changed after the colony’s establishment. Sailors’ stories of the tobacco trade and immigration are told across the deck of the Maryland Dove, a re-creation of a 17th-century merchant ship. At the St. John’s Site Museum, visitors discover how archaeologists and historians uncover the past. The reconstructed State House of 1676 is a popular venue for weddings and corporate events.

Special events held throughout the year offer visitors opportunities to learn how professional archaeologists uncover the past, discover the culture of the American Indians that lived in this area, and explore different aspects of the colonial experience in tidewater Maryland.

Call 240-895-4990 or visit www.hsmcdigshistory.org for more information.

2024 ST. MARY’S COUNTY LIVING HERE

Sotterley offers a wide variety of tours, events and educational programming throughout the year for all ages that tells our story and reveals its relevance to us today. Visit www.sotterley.org for hours of operation, admission, programming information and ways to support Sotterley’s mission.

ST. CLEMENT’S ISLAND MUSEUM The St. Clement’s Island Museum is located at Coltons Point and within view of the island where Maryland’s first settlers landed in 1634. The museum focuses on this early colonial history as well as history of life on the Potomac River.

St. Clement’s Island is a Maryland state park that offers hiking trails, interprePHOTO BY JAMIE DRAKE Museum staff Jayne Walsh (manager of the gift shop) and Becky Quinlan (museum assistant) tive panels that describe the natural hisrun one of the model trains through its paces before the grand opening of the doll and train tory, events that took place there and picnic and pier facilities. A replica of the Blackexhibit at St. Clements Island Museum that will be open from Dec. 1 to Jan. 6. istone Lighthouse sits on the south end of the island and is open for guided tours on Navy’s first aircraft; the X-35 prototype for the U.S. Colored Troops Memorial Statue. occasion during summer months. St. ClemThe museum, which is located in Lexington the Joint Strike Fighter, the Navy’s newent’s Island, located in the Potomac River, is Manor Passive Park at 21675 S. Coral Drive in est aircraft; an extensive unmanned aerial accessible by boat, or the museum’s weekend vehicle collection; a broad ranging propulLexington Park is open by appointment only. water-taxi service to the island, June through sion gallery, and a host of other exhibits that September, weather permitting.

U.S. COLORED TROOPS Call 301-769-2222 or visit www.Facebook. entertain both young and older visitors. The INTERPRETIVE CENTER com/SCIMuseum and click on Events.

The museum, which operates under the museum hosts a simulator facility.

The U.S. Colored Troops Interpretive supervision of the Museum Division of St. PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR MUSEUM Outdoor exhibits include over 20 aircraft Center in Lexington Park explores the proMary’s County Department of Recreation exhibits on loan from the U.S. Navy as well as The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, found and significant contributions of Afriand Parks, first opened in 1975. Also on the flight test aircraft owned by the museum. Walk grounds of the museum are a circa-1820, onea member supported museum, is charged can Americans in St. Mary’s County. the flight line and view at close hand aircraft with the preservation and presentation of The center exhibits focus on two St. room schoolhouse, a 1919 Potomac River from the Navy’s past, present and future. the Navy’s achievements in aviation research, Mary’s County medal of honor winners dory boat exhibit, a riverside picnic area and The newest building in the Patuxent River pier facilities for boaters. The museum and development, testing and evaluation at Patuxwho served in the 38th Infantry Regiment Naval Air Museum complex, including a St. grounds are handicap accessible. ent River Naval Air Station. Its three main of the U.S. Colored Troops and fought for Mary’s County Visitors Center, has become missions are to preserve, educate and inspire. the Union during the Civil War. These two Adult group and student tours are welan iconic landmark in the county. Rental of The museum also honors the men and men were awarded the Medal of Honor for come and available by pre-arrangement. Call women who pioneered naval aviation and the the facilities for private functions is available 301-769-2222 or visit www.sotterley.org or their valor and bravery at the Battle of New by contacting the museum manager. many NASA astronauts and other graduates Market Heights, Virginia in 1864. Another follow the museum on Facebook.

The museum is located at 22156 Three of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.

Interpretive Center exhibit shares inforNotch Road in Lexington Park, adjacent ST. MARY’S COUNTY The museum is the repository of artimation on the segregated school system in HISTORICAL SOCIETY facts, photographs and film, documents and to Patuxent River Gate 1 and the museum St. Mary’s County, including details on the related heritage memorabilia demonstrating office can be reached at 301-863-1900.

Established in 1951 as a private, not-forDrayden African American Schoolhouse.

More information is available on the website profit organization, the mission of the Historthe full span of research, development, test On the trail between the Interpretive Cenat www.paxmuseum.com and on Facebook, ical Society is to collect, preserve, research and ter in Lexington Manor Passive Park and John and evaluation of naval aircraft. The museTwitter and Instagram at @paxmuseum. interpret the history of St. Mary’s County.The um’s indoor exhibition spaces contain unique G. Lancaster Park, learn about African AmerSociety has published its journal, the Chronicles ican troops and the Civil War era in St. Mary’s and diverse flight-test related artifacts such SOTTERLEY PLANTATION of St. Mary’s, for 65 years.

County via the informational panels leading to as: an exact replica of the A-1 Triad, the Historic Sotterley Plantation, which is Housed in Tudor Hall, 41680 Tudor Place located at 44300 Sotterley Lane in Hollyin Leonardtown, the society’s headquarters in THE MUSIC TEACHERS wood, has history that dates back to the turn Leonardtown, are a research center, archives, ASSOCIATION OF of the 18th century. Many people have called bookstore and exhibit areas.Tudor Hall was Sotterley home. Some came here to prosoriginally constructed in the 1760s. It was also HARLES COUNTY, INC. IN CHARLES per; others worked the land, either for wages the home of the first county public library.The Visit us at or under bondage. Sotterley today consists of society purchased Tudor Hall in late 1984. w w w. m t a c c. o r g almost 100 acres of breathtaking beauty on The society also runs the Old Jail Museum the Patuxent River that includes more than six and Tourism Information Center, which was BRINGING PROFESSIONAL MUSIC INSTRUCTION N TO SOUTHERN MARYLAND FOR 38 YEARS miles of nature trails, colonial revival gardens, originally built in 1876. Exhibits include a recOFFERINGS FOR MUSIC STUDENTS AND MUSIC TEACHERS organic farming methods, a summer Farmer’s reation of Dr. Philip J. Bean’s medical office, • Private Lessons • Performances Market, and more than 20 historic structures, original jail cells and artifacts related to the • Music theory training including the 1703 Plantation House and county.

• Piano keyboard skills tests Sotterley’s only surviving original slave cabin For information on the St. Mary’s County that illustrates the life conditions of many St. Historical Society, call 301-475-2467, or email • Camps and scholarships Mary’s County people from the mid-1800s smchsdirector@md.metrocast.net or visit Music teachers in Waldorf, White Plains, La Plata, Calvert, St. Mary's & PG into the early 20th century. www.stmaryshistory.org.

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2024 ST. MARY’S COUNTY LIVING HERE

Where to go for services St. Mary’s County government can be reached at 301-475-4200 or at www. stmarysmd.com.

LICENSES • The Loveville branch of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration offers a range of services, offering both driver licensing and vehicle registration services, title work and driver tests. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Driver road tests are by appointment only. Visit www.mva.maryland.gov/ locations/stmaryscounty.htm.

• Alcohol beverage licenses can be applied for through the St. Mary’s County Alcohol Beverage Board at 41650 Tudor Hall Road, first floor. Call 301-475-4200, ext. 1600, or visit www.stmarysmd.com/ alcohol/BeverageBoard.

• Boat tags and commercial watermen’s licenses for Maryland can be obtained at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources office in Calvert County, on Route 231 by the Benedict bridge at 6904 Hallowing Lane. Call 410-535-3382 or 866-688-3823.

• Building permits are initially requested through the St. Mary’s County Department

of Land Use and Growth Management at the Patuxent Building, 23150 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown. This will be the first of a number of approvals needed from different governmental agencies. The permits office number is 301-475-4200, ext.

71500, and its counter opens for business at 8:30 a.m. on weekdays, closing at 2 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays and is open until 4:30 p.m. the rest of the week. Visit www. stmarysmd.com/lugm/.

• Business licenses for some occupations, such as construction, restaurants and traders, can be obtained on the first floor of the county circuit courthouse in the office of land, licenses and records. Call 301-4757844, ext. 4576, or visit mdcourts.gov/clerks/ stmarys/business.

• Some home-occupation licenses can be obtained at the department of land use and growth management. Call 301-475-4200, ext. 71500 or email lugm@stmarysmd.com.

• Marriage licenses are issued by the clerk of the court in St. Mary’s County Circuit Courthouse. The clerk of the court can be reached at 301-475-7844, ext. 4567.

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FILE PHOTO

The St. Mary’s courthouse is in Leonardtown.

Adoption & Resource Center, 22975 FDR Blvd. in California and can be reached at 301-475-8018, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 301-475-8016 or after hours in an emergency.

• Dead animal removal on county roads is handled by the county’s department of public works and transportation, which is located on St. Andrew’s Church Road. The number is 301-863-8401. For removal of

dead animals on state roadways, call the Maryland State Highway Administration shop in Loveville at 301-475-4200, ext.

3540.

• The county’s circuit courthouse is in downtown Leonardtown at 41605 Courthouse Drive. The clerk of the court can be reached at 301-475-7844, ext. 4567.

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Services/from 5

• Bus service information is available by calling the St. Mary’s Transit System at 301-475-4200, ext. 1120 or 1121, between 5:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Monday through • District court is on the second floor of the Carter office Saturday, or visiting www.stmarysmd.com/dpw. building, 23110 Leonard Hall Drive. The number is 301• County agriculture and seafood information can be 880-2700. obtained by calling 240-309-4021.

• Domestic-relations magistrate is in the county circuit • County government information in general can be courthouse. Call 301-475-7844, ext. 4120. obtained from the public information office on the first • Traffic tickets can be paid at district court in the second floor of the Chesapeake Building at 41770 Baldridge St., floor of the Carter office building. The district court’s numor by calling 301-475-4200, ext. 1340, or visiting www. ber in Leonardtown is 301-880-2700. stmarysmd.com.

Information and services • The St. Mary’s County Department of Aging and • St. Mary’s County Health Department is located at Human Services is located at the Garvey Senior Activity 21580 Peabody St. in Leonardtown. Call 301-475-4330 or Center at 23630 Hayden Farm Lane in Leonardtown; call visit www.smchd.org. The office is open Monday to Friday, 301-475-4200, ext. 1080. The Loffler Senior Activity Cenfrom 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ter is at 21905 Chancellor’s Run Road in Great Mills; call • St. Mary’s County Economic Development office is on 301-475-4200, ext. 1658. The Northern Senior Activity the second floor of the Potomac Building at the governmenCenter is at 29655 Charlotte Hall Road in Charlotte Hall; tal center, 23115 Leonard Hall Drive. Call 301-475-4200, call 301-475-4200, ext. 3101. Visit www.stmarysmd.com/ ext. 1400, or visit www.stmarysmd.com/ded. aging.

• Tourism information is available at 240-577-0524 and • The county’s human resources department is on the at www.visitstmarysmd.com. third floor of the Potomac Building, 23115 Leonard Hall • Agriculture extension educators from the University Drive, Leonardtown. Call 301-475-4200, ext. 1100, or of Maryland work in the St. Mary’s County Agricultural visit www.stmarysmd.com/hro/index.asp.

Service Center north of Leonardtown at 36737 Radio Sta• The Housing Authority of St. Mary’s County is at tion Way, Suite 2. Call 301-475-4484.

The Gateways, at 21155 Lexwood Drive, Lexington Park.

• Assessment values for residential and commercial Call 301-866-6590 or visit www.stmaryshousing.org. properties are administered by the Maryland Department • Land records can be located on the first floor of the of Assessments and Taxation, located on the second floor of county circuit courthouse. Call 301-790-7413. They can the Joseph D. Carter Building, 23110 Leonard Hall Drive, also be found online at mdlandrec.net and plats.net.

Leonardtown. Call the office at 301-880-2900 or visit the • Passports can be applied for at post offices in Abell, state site at www.dat.state.md.us.

Callaway, Lexington Park, Patuxent River and St. Mary’s

City. Call 301-862-2380 to make an appointment.

• Social services is located on the first floor of the Carter office building, 23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown. Call 240-895-7000. A satellite office is at 21775 Great Mills Road in Lexington Park and can be reached with the same number.

• Sports programs for children and adults are run by the St. Mary’s County Department of Recreation and Parks located in the Patuxent Building, 23150 Leonard Hall Drive Leonardtown. Call 301-475-4200, ext. 1800, or visit www.stmarysmd.com/recreate.

• St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce can be reached at 301-737-3001 or at smcchamber.com. It is located at 22738 Maple Road, Suite 104, in Lexington Park.

• The St. Mary’s County Historical Society’s main office at Tudor Hall is opened limited hours at 41680 Tudor Place, Leonardtown. The museum and office can be reached at 301-475-2467. The research center’s number is 301-475-9455. Visit stmaryshistory.org.

• Voter registration is done at the St. Mary’s County Board of Elections, 23250 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown. The board of election’s number is 301-475-4200, ext. 1625, or visit www.co.saint-marys.md.us/supervisorofelections/.

• Wills can be filed in the St. Mary’s County Circuit Courthouse with the register of wills. Call 301-475-5566 or visit http://registers.maryland.gov/main/stmarys.html.

• Property taxes are paid to the St. Mary’s County Treasurer in the Patuxent Building, 23150 Leonard Hall Drive Leonardtown. Call 301-475-4200, ext. 3300, or visit www.stmarysmd.com/treasurer/index.asp.

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2024 ST. MARY’S COUNTY LIVING HERE

Fire departments and rescue squads The volunteer fire departments and emergency medical services in St. Mary’s provide fire and ambulance service to the community day and night for no pay. Auxiliaries at the fire departments and rescue squads help raise funds and support.

Fire departments There are seven volunteer fire departments in St. Mary’s, using about 1,000 volunteers within their ranks. In addition to fighting all kinds of fires — including house fires, vehicle fires, chimney fires and commercial building fires — fire department personnel extricate people from car accidents and handle floods, water rescues, hazardous material spills, gas leaks and searches for people. Fire departments also perform other functions, such as standing by at community events, fire prevention activities at schools and open houses throughout the year.

All operational members must complete an in-house, pre-basic fire course that covers such topics as the department’s organization and structure, location of small tools on the

fire trucks, how to use the Hurst tool “jaws of life,” how to efficiently use the self-contained breathing apparatus and how to follow basic safety precautions on fire scenes.

Firefighters and their command staffs are required to maintain annual recertification as established by current state standards. All training is free of charge to the member.

The fire departments receive funding from the county’s fire tax. Fundraising efforts such as breakfasts, dinners, bingos and hall rentals all are important parts of fundraising for each department.

It is not necessary to be an operational member to serve with one of the county’s fire departments or rescue squads. Administrative membership is important as well, and vital duties include clerical work, maintenance to the buildings, general cleanup and fundraising.

To find specific programs in a community, contact any fire department or rescue squad directly. More information on volunteering also is available by sending email to the St.

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Mary’s emergency services recruiter at emergency.services@stmarysmd. com, or by calling 301-475-4200, ext.

2114.

Firehouse locations If there is an emergency, do not call the numbers below. Call 911.

Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department — Lawrence Avenue, Leonardtown, 301- 475-8996; Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department — Hills Club Road, Mechanicsville, 301-884-4709; Bay District Volunteer Fire Department — Company 3 at South Shangri-La Drive, Lexington Park, 301-737-0654; Company 9 at Chancellor’s Run Road in California, 301-863-8790; Ridge Volunteer Fire Department — Route 5, Ridge, 301-8725571; Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department — Route 242, Avenue, 301-769-3600; Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad — Drayden Road, Valley Lee, 301-9940751;

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Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department — Route 235, Hollywood, 301-373-2900.

Rescue squads There are six independent rescue squads strategically located throughout St. Mary’s County, and one that is combined with its community’s fire department. In addition, there is a countywide Advanced Life Support Unit that responds to life-threatening emergencies.

The rescue squads’ minimum requirements for volunteers include being 16 years of age, in good physical health and of good moral character. Some squads have a cadet program for younger teenagers, beginning at 14 years of age.

Trained members include emergency medical technicians, who can perform basic life support measures such as bandaging wounds and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and can become certified IV technicians. Emergency medical technicians receive 165 hours of training, followed by the successful completion of written and practical examinations monitored by the state of Maryland.

The rescue squads receive a

portion of their operating expenses from the county government through revenues from an emergency medical services tax, and the additional funding needed comes from fundraising and donations.

Rescue squad locations If there is an emergency, do not call the numbers below. Call 911.

Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad — Lawrence Avenue, Leonardtown, 301-475-8509; Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad — Old Flora Corner Road, Mechanicsville, 301-884-2900; Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad — FDR Boulevard, Lexington Park, 301-862-3331; Substation 38, Buck Hewitt Road, California, 301-863-9118; Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad — Route 235, Ridge, 301-872-5970; Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad — Colton’s Point Road (Route 242), Avenue, 301-769-2287; Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad — Drayden Road, Valley Lee, 301-9940751; Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad — Route 235, Hollywood, 301-373-3131.

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2024 ST. MARY’S COUNTY LIVING HERE

County parks Pavilions, water sites, hiking trails and more available for residents The St. Mary’s County Department of Recreation and Parks provides a variety of facilities and activities for residents.

The department, with headquarters at the Patuxent Building in Leonardtown, develops and maintains the local park system, consisting of more than 1,700 acres of open space dedicated to public use. This includes 22 parks, 15 public landings, various athletic facility sites, the Wicomico Shores Golf Course and its clubhouse featuring The Riverview Restaurant, the St. Clement’s Island Museum, the

Piney Point Museum and Park and the Old Jail. Other parks include Elmer Brown, Cardinal Gibbons, Carver Heights Community, Cecil, Chancellor’s Run, Chaptico, Dorsey, Elmer Brown, Elms Beach, Fifth District, Jarboesville, Lancaster, Laurel Ridge, Lexington Manor Passive which includes the African American Monument, Miedzinski, Myrtle Point, Nicolet, Piney Point Historic, Seventh District, Snow Hill, St. Andrews Estates, St. Clements Shores and Town Creek.

The 11-mile Three Notch Trail for hiking and biking is built from Charlotte Hall to Laurel Grove in Mechanicsville. The Hollywood Soccer Complex has six soccer fields next to Hollywood Elementary School.

The department also manages a historic

PHOTO BY MIKE WILSON

David Dunaway of California, a retired U.S. Navy admiral, walks his two dogs at Myrtle Point Park on a Saturday morning in 2020. The Patuxent Tidewater Land Trust hosts its Weed Warriors program the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to noon to clear invasive species at the park in California. For more, visit www.www.ptlt.org.

Happy trails

shipwreck preserve in Piney Point, the African-American schoolhouse in Drayden, the Leonard Hall, Margaret Brent, Hollywood and Carver recreation centers, gymnastics center, skate park and “sprayground” at Nicolet Park and the Great Mills Swimming

Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in county parks without a permit. Parks close at sunset unless special permission is granted in writing by the recreation and parks department.

Open campfires are not allowed. Grills are available at some parks. Organized youth and adult leagues have priority for ballfields.

If you anticipate using a ball field, you should obtain a field permit.

More than 100 youth and adult programs are offered in the county, encompassing a range of educational, therapeutic, leisure and sports activities. The department also operates before- and after-school programs, summer day camps and sports camps. For more about facilities, programs and registration, call 301-475-4200, ext.

71800.

Pool. The pool is covered with an air-inflated “bubble” for year-round use. Program offerings at the pool include open swim times, lessons, swim team use, water aerobics, party rentals, senior PAVILIONS swimming and therapeutic There are eight picrecreation. Call the pool at nic pavilions available for 301-866-6560. rental in county parks.

Each pavilion accommodates about 100 people, with additional picnic tables nearby for larger groups, with the exception of the pavilions at John V. Baggett Park at Laurel Grove, Dorsey Park 2, Nicolet Park and Chancellor’s Run Regional Park, which each accommodate about 60.

Reservations are required to ensure exclusive use for a group and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a pavilion with a credit card, call on weekdays at 301-475-4200, ext. 71800.

Pavilions are available at the following parks: John V. Baggett Park at Laurel Grove on Route 235 south of Mechanicsville has ballfields, a playground, trails, tennis and basketball courts and restrooms; Fifth District Park on Route 6 in New Market has ballfields, a hiking trail, tennis and basketball courts, horseshoe More PARKS | 9

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2024 ST. MARY’S COUNTY LIVING HERE

Parks/from 8

has a boat ramp, a pier and ample parking; St. Inigoes Landing, at the end of pits and restrooms; Dorsey Beachville Road, St. IniPark on Route 245 in HolPUBLIC WATERFRONT goes, has a boat ramp, a pier lywood contains the same St. Mary’s Counand ample parking; and amenities as Fifth District, ty’s Department of RecWicomico Shores Landwith a playground. Dorsey reation and Parks maining, off Route 234 in ChapPark now has two paviltains a number of pubtico, has a boat ramp, a ions for rental. Cecil Park lic waterfront landings in pier, small playground and on St. George’s Church the county. Eight of these parking. The Piney Point Road in Valley Lee has balllocations have boat ramps Lighthouse Museum and fields, a playground, tenand another seven have no Park also has a canoe/ nis courts, horseshoe motorized boat launching kayak launch which is open pits and restrooms; and facilities; some are suitable during museum operating Elms Beach on Bay Forfor canoe/kayak launching. hours. est Road south of LexingThe department’s rules and Elms Beach Park, off ton Park offers a view of regulations apply to all the Route 235 and Bay Forest the Chesapeake Bay, a saltfacilities. All landings are Road, Dameron; and Myrtle water pond, playground, closed between sunset and Point Park, off Route 4 and hiking trails and portasunrise with the exception Patuxent Boulevard, Calible toilets. Also, a pavilof loading and unloading fornia, and Snow Hill Park ion at Nicolet Park is availboats. Call 301-475-4200, off South Sandgates Road, able for rental; Nicolet Park ext. 71800.

Oakville, have beach access. includes a ball field, bas• Ramps, parked vehicles, Piney Point Lighthouse ketball court, playground, bulkhead and pier access Museum and Park, off restrooms and a skate park are not to be blocked; Route 249 and Lighthouse and water sprayground. A • No overnight parking, Road, Piney Point has a pavilion was added at Chancamping, night fishing or public pier and beach access, cellor’s Run Park, which also open fires allowed; but no swimming. Elms and has ballfields, a new play• Posted “no fishing or Myrtle Point waterfront ground, tennis and basketcrabbing” signs are to be parks have entrance fees ball courts and restrooms. obeyed; on weekends and holidays; John G. Lancaster Park has • Boats and equipment daily pass is $7 for county a small and large pavilions, are not to be left at the residents and $25 for outdog park, two synthetic turf landings; of-county visitors. Season fields and three grass fields • Do not leave residential passes are also available for and a disc golf course. trash in trash cans at the one or both parks; see the Rental fee is $220 for landings; Recreation and Parks weblarge pavilions (5th Dis• No alcohol consumption site for more information on trict, Dorsey 1, Elms, Cecil), is allowed at the landings; entrance fees. and $170 for small pavilions • Glass bottles and con(Nicolet, Dorsey 2, ChanTO LEARN MORE tainers are prohibited; cellor’s Run and Baggett).

For more information on • No littering allowed.

Abell’s Wharf, off Route St. Mary’s County parks, facilRULES TO KNOW ities or programs, see www.

244, Leonardtown, has a A mandatory park attenstmarysmd.com/recreate or boat ramp, pier and ample dant staffing fee for groups parking; Bushwood Wharf, call 301-475-4200, ext. 71800. of more than 150 is $20 end of Route 239, Bushper number of event hours.

AND THERE’S MORE wood, has a boat ramp, a A pavilion alcohol conThere’s something for pier and ample parking; sumption permit is $100; everyone looking to enjoy Chaptico Wharf, Chapif approved, alcohol conthe outdoors at state parks tico Wharf Road, Madsumption is only for the dox, has a boat ramp, a pier in St. Mary’s County. pavilion area and not the They include Greenwell and ample parking; Clarke’s entire park. Alcohol conState Park in Hollywood, Landing, Clarke’s Landsumption permits are not Point Lookout State Park ing Road, Hollywood, has available for Nicolet Park, in Scotland, St. Clement’s a boat ramp and minimal Elms Beach Park and Island State Park in Coltons parking; Forest Landing, Chancellor’s Run. Fees will Forest Landing Road, Hol- Point, St. Mary’s River State be returned if a reservation Park north of Great Mills lywood, has a boat ramp, is canceled in writing at and Newtowne Neck State a pier and ample parkleast two weeks before the Park in Compton. For inforing; Piney Point Landevent (minus a $25 adminmation about state parks in ing, Route 5 to Route 249, istrative fee). Inclement St. Mary’s, call 301-872just before the St. George weather is not a reason for Island Bridge, Piney Point, 5688. refund. Reservations must be made at least one week in advance.

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“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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2024 ST. MARY’S COUNTY LIVING HERE

Check out state parks in St. Mary’s County Hiking, swimming, fishing from the pier or from the park’s revetment wall. boating and more Guests can launch their own canoes and kayaks from a offered There’s something for everyone looking to enjoy the outdoors at state parks in St. Mary’s County.

They include Greenwell State Park in Hollywood, Point Lookout State Park in Scotland, St. Clement’s Island State Park in Coltons Point, St. Mary’s River State Park north of Great Mills and Newtowne Neck State Park in Compton. For information about state parks in St. Mary’s, call 301-872-5688.

launch dock and can swim in the beach area. Visitors are welcome to picnic on the grounds. A pavilion is available for large groups by reservation. A paddle-in campsite is available with reservation. The Rosedale Manor House, rose gardens and lawn can be reserved for events. Greenwell’s programs include recreational and therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults, kayak lessons, veterans’ programs and inclusive summer camps. Call the Greenwell Foundation at 301-373-9775 or go to www.greenwellfoundation. org. The park is open 8 a.m. to sunset and there is a park service charge of $3 per vehicle in-state and $5 out-ofstate. Greenwell State Park

FILE PHOTO

Fishermen post up at the pier at Point Lookout State Park.

fees are $3 for in-state and $5 for out-of-state for October through April and $5/7 for May-September. Boat launch FILE PHOTO Three-year-old Carolina Pope of California makes friends fees are $10 for in-state and with the goats during Saturday’s holiday open house event $12 for out-of-state. All-season passes are available for at Greenwell State Park in Hollywood. purchase.

GREENWELL is located at 25450 Rosedale located on the point of land ST. CLEMENT’S ISLAND Manor Lane in Hollywood. where the Chesapeake Bay Greenwell is a 600-acre and Potomac River meet at day-use park on the PatuxThe place where MaryPOINT LOOKOUT the southern end of Route 5. land’s first settlers stopped ent River with 15 miles of Camping, fishing, swimDuring the Civil War, Point hiking, cycling and equesbefore eventually estabming, boating and hiking Lookout was used by the trian trails, all marked with lishing a community in St. are available to visitors to Union as a prisoner of war degrees of difficulty. The Mary’s City, St. Clement’s Point Lookout State Park, camp for captured Confeder- Island is now a historic landpark offers year-round ate troops. The Point Lookmark in the county. On the out Civil War Museum and island is a memorial cross, Marshland Nature Cendedicated to the memory ter at Point Lookout is oper- of Maryland’s first settlers, ated seasonally. The Point and the recreated BlackiLookout campground has stone Lighthouse. Acces143 wooded sites, includsible only by boat, visitors ing 26 with full hook-up and to St. Clement’s Island can 33 with electricity at the site. enjoy hiking, picnicking, There are also six four-perfishing and rabbit hunting son mini-cabins available for in the 62-acre, day-use park. overnight stays. There is a Water taxi tours to the island pavilion available by reserva- are offered on a weekend tion. Reservations for camp- schedule for $7 per person ing, cabins and the pavilion and runs March 24 through can be made by calling 888Oct. 31. St. Clement’s 432-CAMP or go to www.

Island Museum is located at reserveamerica.com. Visi38370 Point Breeze Road in tors can swim in the PotoColtons Point. For informamac River at the park’s desig- tion, call 301-769-2222. nated swimming beach. The ST. MARY’S RIVER beach area also has grills, picnic benches, a playground Located at the northern and restroom/shower facilend of the St. Mary’s River ities. There are fishing areas watershed, the St. Mary’s in the park. Two hundred River State Park is divided acres of Point Lookout have into two areas. In Site 1 been set aside for deer huntis the 250-acre St. Mary’s ing. Boaters can use the Lake, a popular freshwapark’s boat-launching facilter fishing spot. Site 1 has a ity or rent a canoe/kayak for boat launch, but only electhe day. Canoe/kayak renttric motors are permitted 30507 Potomac Way, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 als are also seasonal. Day-use for powered boats on the

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lake. St. Mary’s Lake is also ideal for flat-water canoeing and kayaking. A 7.5mile hiking/biking trail circles the lake. Site 1 also has a modern comfort station, picnic tables, a playground and a large gravel parking lot. There is a $3 per vehicle day-use charge for Maryland residents, $5 per vehicle for out-of-state residents.

Site 2 is approximately 2,200 acres and is largely undeveloped. It is a wildlands area and managed hunting area.

In-season hunting with a firearm is permitted, as well as bow hunting during deer archery season. St. Mary’s River State Park is located at the end of Camp Cosoma Road off Route 5 north of Callaway.

NEWTOWNE NECK The state of Maryland acquired the Newtowne Neck peninsula in 2009 to preserve the area’s rich natural, cultural and historical heritage. The property includes 776 acres of woodlands, wetlands and agricultural fields, and more than seven miles of Potomac River shoreline in St. Mary’s County. Surrounded by Breton Bay, St. Clement’s Bay and the Potomac River, public recreational opportunities currently available at the park include hiking, fishing, canoe/kayaking, bird watching, and other passive outdoor activities.

Entry is free. Go to dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/ southern/newtowne.aspx for more.

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2024 ST. MARY’S COUNTY LIVING HERE

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 ST. MARY’S COUNTY LIVING HERE

MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital MedStar Health, a notfor-profit healthcare organization, is a leading provider of health care in the mid-Atlantic region offering worldclass health care through a network of convenient access locations.

MedStar Health continues to grow its network of care throughout Southern Maryland. Primary and specialty physicians are available at a variety of locations.

Visit MedStarStMarys.org/ Community for a complete listing of healthcare options, locations, and contact information.

MEDSTAR ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL Founded in 1912, MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital is a full-service, nonprofit hospital offering emergency, acute inpatient, and outpatient care.

MedStar St. Mary’s

is committed to providing the Southern Maryland community with close access to primary and specialty health care. Following its 2009 merger with MedStar Health, the hospital has been able to recruit new physicians and specialists to the area and has expanded services in imaging, orthopedics, vascular surgery, oncology, women’s care, breast health, bariatrics, pediatrics, and neurology, among other areas.

As a member of the MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute, MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital is closely aligned with MedStar Washington Hospital Center, one of the most advanced cardiac care centers in the region.

MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital is located at 25500 Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown. For more

information, call 301-4758981. For contact information for physicians, visit MedStarStMarys.org and use the Find-a-Doc feature or call 301-475-6088.

A variety of state-of-theart care services are available through MedStar St. Mary’s.

IMAGING The hospital’s imaging group is comprised of subspecialty and fellowship-trained radiologists staffed by MedStar Medical Group Radiology. The group brings expertise in interventional radiology and nuclear medicine and has expanded the array of services offered at the hospital which includes MRIs, CT scans and X-rays.

MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital has recently added a new stereotactic breast biopsy system which offers superior tomosynthesis

Get Your Sweetheart a Hot Tub for Valentine's Day

BUBMITTED PHOTO

MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital is located in Leonardtown.

imaging in 3D and 2D. The hospital’s Breast Imaging Center has recently received the American College of Radiology “Breast Imaging Center of Excellence” accreditation.

CANCER CARE & INFUSION SERVICES Now part of the MedStar

Georgetown Cancer Institute, MedStar St. Mary’s Cancer Care & Infusion Services, or CCIS, is an ambulatory clinic providing biotherapy and chemotherapy administration, transfusions, venous access device management, and intravenous hydration and antibiotics. Through CCIS patients

can also get connected to clinical trials throughout the region. The hospital employs a tumor registrar whose role is to identify, register, and maintain records for county cancer patients, as well as a navigator to guide patients through cancer care.

More MEDSTAR | 13

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2024 ST. MARY’S COUNTY LIVING HERE

medstar/from 12 WOUND HEALING CENTER The MedStar Wound Healing Center, opened in 2013, houses two hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers and offers the latest technologies to help care for people with chronic, non-healing wounds caused by conditions such as venous stasis, diabetes, burns, radiation therapy, or post-surgical wounds.

orthopedic surgeons with MedStar Orthopaedic Institute, a vascular surgeon with the MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute, a bariatric and general surgeon, and ear/nose/ and throat specialists, and a neurologist.

HEALTH CONNECTIONS Health Connections is the community health and education program at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital. Programs are offered in the Outpatient Pavilion and in the community including East Run CenPULMONARY, CARDIAC REHABILITATION CENTER ter in Lexington Park. Health MedStar St. Mary’s opened Connections offers commuThe Grace Anne Dorney Pul- nity leadership in health-fomonary and Cardiac Rehabil- cused coalitions aimed at improving the overall health itation Center in 2010 with a of the community. Programs birthday gift from Dorney’s offered include chronic disease husband, news broadcaster self-management programs; Ted Koppel.The center prosupport groups for Alzheivides trained staff and workout equipment to help anyone mer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, cancer, and bariatric surgery; indiexperiencing heart and lung conditions expand their respi- vidual medical nutrition and diabetes counseling; a breastratory functions.The center feeding resource center; and also offers MedFit, a health parents-to-be classes and supand wellness program for individuals who want to lower port groups. Classes are listed on the hospital’s website at health risk factors.

MedStarStMarys.org/CalenWOMEN’S HEALTH AND dar and in the hospital’s quarBIRTHING CENTER terly Healthy Living magazine. Call 301-475-6019 for The Women’s Health & information or to register.

Family Birthing Center features five birthing rooms, 11 MEDSTAR HEALTH private single-patient postparURGENT CARE tum suites, and an antepartum Located at the St. Mary’s testing room.The postpartum Medical Center in Charlotte patient rooms recently underHall, 37767 Market Drive, went an extensive renovation Suite 100, and at 44980 St that included installation of expanded, spa-like bathrooms, Andrew’s Church Road in new furnishings and artwork, California, MedStar Urgent Care offers walk-in, extendand more. ed-hour access to medical care OUTPATIENT PAVILION for acute illness and injury SERVICES seven days a week. Call 301290-1499.

The Outpatient Pavilion Hospice of St. Mary’s provides a comfortable and Hospice of St. Mary’s accessible space for a variety of outpatient services includ- offers care for those with a life-threatening illness. Hosing imaging, specialty phypice focuses on patient and sicians and Cancer Care & family-centered care that Infusion Services. Located within the imaging suite is the addresses the physical, emotional, spiritual, and practihospital’s Women’s Health cal needs of the patient. HosServices, offering mammogpice cares for patients in a variraphy, bone densitometry, ety of settings: home, nursand ultrasound.The Outpaing homes, assisted living centient Pavilion’s second floor houses specialists such as three ters and the Hospice of St.

Mary’s Hospice House, which includes six private bedrooms.

The facility is located at 44724 Hospice Lane in Callaway.

Visit HospiceofStMarys.org or call 301-994-3023 for more information.

MEDSTAR EYE PHYSICIANS MedStar Eye Physicians’ ophthalmologists are trained in the latest techniques — both medical and surgical — for diagnosing and treating a wide variety of disorders, conditions, and injuries of the eye.

Care is offered at two Charlotte Hall locations: MedStar Eye Physicians at 30065 Business Center Drive, Suite 1; and Whitten Laser Eye in the St. Mary’s Medical Center, 37767 Market Drive, Suite 103. Visit MedStarStMarys. org/EyeCare or call 301-2905915.

EAST RUN CENTER The East Run Center is a multi-practice office with primary care for the entire family, psychiatry, care coordination, Laboratory services, dental services, and Health Connections classes and programs.

Most insurance plans are accepted, and new patients are welcome.The center is located at 45870 East Run Drive, Lexington Park, near Great Mills High School.To schedule an appointment, call 240237-8557.

MEDSTAR ST. MARY’S LABORATORY CENTERS MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital offers phlebotomy services at three locations in St. Mary’s County. Walk-ins are accepted for general blood testing; other tests may require an appointment. Laboratory centers are located within the main building of MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, 25500 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown; the Belmont Building, 23000 Moakley St., Suite 205, Leonardtown; and the East Run Center, 45870 East Run Road, Lexington Park. Visit MedStarStMarys.org/Laboratory for hours and contact information.

20375 Point Lookout Road, Great Mills 301-994-9000 / Open Mon-Sat 7-5 www.dysonbuildingcenter.com

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2024 ST. MARY’S COUNTY LIVING HERE

College of Southern Maryland Regional campuses offer host of opportunities

• CSM was named the 36th best community college in the nation out of 677 and the 77th best college in the nation when it comes to career outWELCOME TO THE comes for its students by WalNEIGHBORHOOD letHub; • CSM has twice been recThe College of Southern ognized among the top 150 Maryland is proud to serve this unique region of the state community colleges in the country by the Aspen Institute and promote social and economic mobility for its students in its Aspen Prize for Comthrough high-quality, low cost, munity College Excellence and relevant instructional pro- program and the college is a grams.The college meets this member of the Achieving the Dream Network; task everyday by collaborat• CSM’s Cybersecurity proing with governments, businesses, local organizations and gramming is designated by community members like you the Department of Hometo build coalitions and mean- land Security and the National ingful partnerships that bene- Security Agency as a Cenfit all students and the region’s ter of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense for 2-year proworkforce. grams. Its Computer Science In 2023, Southern Maryland newspaper readers voted programs follow the Association for Computing MachinCSM the “Best of the Best” ery curriculum guidelines; in the college/university cat• CSM is very proud to have egory — confirming that the received a Military Friendly college is living up to its mission of being the “region’s first school designation for the choice for accessible, inclusive 7th consecutive year. We and innovative education that are ranked as one of the top community colleges to offer transforms communities.” post-secondary school for vetHere are a few of the colerans and their spouses; lege’s other points of pride: • CSM serves more than TRANSFORMING LIVES 14,000 credit and continuAND STUDENT SUCCESS ing education students at When you enroll at CSM, its campuses in Hughesyou don’t just get an education; ville, Leonardtown, La Plata, you get the support of a comPrince Frederick, the Cenmunity of faculty, staff and felter for Transportation Training and the Velocity Center — low students committed to the innovation hub and mak- helping you succeed in your studies and beyond — starting erspace in the town of Indian at the top.

Head; With its tuition and fees • CSM was designated as about half the cost of that of the Best Online College in a state four-year public uniMaryland for 2023 and was recognized for having the Best versity, CSM offers a range of associate degree programs, Faculty among Maryland’s community colleges by Intelli- certificate programs, letters of recognition and continugent.com last December; ing education courses for pro• And Intelligent.com’s fessional and career develop2024 rankings were released in fall 2023 that ranked CSM ment. CSM now offers more than 300 transfer agreements the fourth best community with more than 70 partnercollege in Maryland overall ing universities nationwide and fourth best college in the and in France.The college also country for its Online Inforjoined five other Maryland mation Technology and Syscommunity colleges to form tems Degree programs;

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.

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 disWORKFORCE parities through the develDEVELOPMENT opment of a strong, diverse nursing workforce and is At the College of Southproud of the diversity in its ern Maryland, employees nursing program, which is believe it takes collaboraconsistent with the demotive communities to build graphics of the Southern an equitable region and the Maryland area and exceeds college’s role is to serve as national data regarding the this region’s “hub” of learning, credentialing and mobil- nursing workforce.

The Regional Hughesity for all students. Such efforts are central to creating ville Campus also hosts the college’s Center for Trades more socially and economand Energy Training. The ically vibrant communities.

Regional Hughesville CamCSM builds bridges from pus represents a significant where students are coming milestone not only for the from to where students are college but for the region going to — and the college keeps offering lifelong learn- by creating a campus that is centrally located and accesing pathways throughout sible and that will provide their lives.

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.

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2024 ST. MARY’S COUNTY LIVING HERE

Books

Movies

eBooks and eAudiobooks Gaming

Storytime

Events for All Ages Computers Visit St. Mary’s County Library to reconnect.

Free Wi-Fi Meeting Space Play Areas Research and Career Services

Charlotte Hall • Leonardtown

Lexington Park • Mobile Library

Library Staff Ready to Help www.stmalib.org