The County Times
Thursday, November 3, 2011
6
ews Dates & Times
Seasonal FLU VACCINATIONS Check out when Health Connections will be in your neighborhood:
OCTOBER Oct. 21; 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. ......Hollywood Firehouse, Hollywood Oct. 24; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. .............................. McKays, Great Mills Oct. 25; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m........................... DCS, Corp., Lexington Park Oct. 26; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m ............................ Wyle, Lexington Park Oct. 29; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m ............................McKays, Leonardtown Oct. 31; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m ........Harry Lundeberg School, Piney Point
NOVEMBER Nov. 2; 12:15 p.m. – 3 p.m........................ AVIAN, Lexington Park Nov. 4; 10 a.m. – 1 p.m............................. Library, Charlotte Hall Nov. 5; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.................................. McKays, California Nov. 9; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m........ Center for Life Enrichment, Hollywood Nov. 14; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. ......................... McKays, Charlotte Hall
MetCom Wants Clarification on Hook Up Regulations
By Guy Leonard Staff Writer
State law requires residents who live near public water and sewer lines to hook up to them, even if they have their own well and septic systems. But, because no firm definition of a service area exists, officials with the Metropolitan Commission (MetCom) and the county asking the government to come up with one. With uncertainty present over what defines a service area, some residents have received conflicting information over what they should do when faced with having to hook up to public water and sewer, often at their own expense. Under the regulations, a home that abuts new water and sewer lines, while being in a service area, must switch over to public water and sewer. Some homeowners have complained about the requirement to hook up to a new water or sewer line that is laid close to their homes, often because they are satisfied with their own wells or have paid a high cost in refurbishing it. “The service areas, that’s where the ambiguity lies,” said MetCom Executive Director Jacquelyn Meiser in a joint meeting Tuesday with the Board of County Commissioners. Phil Shire, acting director at the county’s Department of Land Use and Growth Management said that planners have had to deal
By Sarah Miller Staff Writer
DECEMBER
After participating in two events in Cumberland dentists throughout the tri-county area and the state have decided to host a Mission of Mercy dental clinic in Southern Maryland. On June 22 and 23, a free dental clinic will be set up in the auditorium at Chopticon High School to serve those in the tri county area who are in need but can’t make regular dental appointments due to being underinsured, unemployed or holding a job that doesn’t bring in much money. Local participating dentist Martin Barley, DDS, said the dental clinic will be open to anybody who shows up. Before getting dental treatment, individuals have to go through a health screening, which “almost everyone passes,” Barley said. The only things that can disqualify a person from receiving treatment are blood pressure or diabetes issues. Barley said Southern Maryland Mission of Mercy has to raise $50,000 to hold the clinic, which will pay for the dentist
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The cost for the flu shot is $20. Medicare, cash, check, MasterCard & Visa are accepted. We provide vaccines for individuals 18 years of age or older. Flu Mist for children 10 years of age or older while supplies last. Please call 301-475-6019 to confirm availability.
*FLU VACCINE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY*
For more details about these flu vaccination times or locations, please contact Health Connections at 301-475-6019.
guyleonard@countytimes.net
Southern Maryland Mission of Mercy
Nov. 16; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. ............... Sierra Mgmt & Tech, California
Dec. 2; 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.............................. Library, Leonardtown
with the issue brought to them by homeowners and, without a definition of what a service area is, have had to respond “on a case by case basis.” “We do need a solid definition,” Shire continued. “Some will be aggrieved by that and some will be happy with it.” Shire said later that some citizens have received waivers from the requirement if it was not economically feasible, but not every one met those criteria. Commissioner Dan Morris (R-Mechanicsville) said the county should take steps to plan out water and sewer service for construction yet to come, but homeowners with functioning wells should not have to abandon them. “I don’t have a problem defining the areas for future growth,” Morris said. “I do have a problem with citizens who have wells and septic [systems] that work being forced to hook up. “If your well and septic system are working you should be left alone,” he said. Del. John Wood said that some welcome the requirement to hook up to a new MetCom line, especially if their septic system is failing, but for those who want to stay on their own systems prospects for changing the state law look dim. “The chances are pretty slim to none on getting it changed,” said Wood (D-Dist.29A). “Once you get something in place it’s hard to get rid of it.”
chairs, tools and materials for fillings and other work. To get the money, there will be a fundraiser at Leonardtown High School featuring Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Platters, singing a medley selection of their hits and Christmas songs on Dec. 10. The Missions of Mercy is a nationwide initiative bringing free dental care to persons who may not have access to it. For more information on Southern Maryland Mission of Mercy, visit www.smmom. netau.net. sarahmiller@countytimes.net