Southern Maryland Woman - November/December 2019

SOUTHERNMARYLANDWOMAN.COM

November/December 2019

SKIN WELLNESS MD Harness the Power of the Scitcon Laser

STAY& PLAY

Create Custom Vacations at Home

How to

Kick Your Worry Habit

PHOTO BY BETH GRAEME BETHGRAEME.PHOTOGRAPHY.COM

A Community Publication Proudly Inspiring, Educating & Connecting Southern Maryland Women Since 2007

New Name. New Providers.

Exceptional Care.

We’re there for you—from pregnancy to menopause and beyond.

MedStar Medical Group Women’s Health at Leonardtown offers obstetrics, gynecology, midwifery, and more to meet your health needs at every stage of life.

MedStar Medical Group Women’s Health at Leonardtown (Formerly Southern Maryland Women’s Healthcare) 41680 Miss Bessie Dr., Suite 102, Leonardtown, Maryland | 301-997-1788

son by a e S y a d i l o H e Kick Of th rk of Hospice! o W e h t g n Supporti

and Friday, Dec. 6 6:30 to 9 p.m.

University System of Maryland 44219 Airport Road, California, MD Sneak Peek! Tickets Required.

Saturday, Dec. 7 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

University System of Maryland 44219 Airport Road, California, MD Free Admission! Accepting Sponsors.

Support the mission of Hospice of St. Mary’s at the 12th Annual Festival of Trees, a family tradition that gets everyone in the holiday spirit!

Get an exclusive look at the beautifully decorated trees and wreaths by purchasing tickets to Friday night’s Jingle and Mingle. At Saturday’s main event, Festival of Trees, enjoy free admission to stroll through a whimsical world with live entertainment, activities for children, photos with Santa Claus, and more!

Purchase tickets at HospiceOfStMarys.org/JingleAndMingle or visit HospiceOfStMarys.org/FestivalOfTrees for sponsor and event details. For additional information, call Hospice at 301-994-3023.

Charles Regional Medical Group PRIMARY CARE

The First Stop On the Way to Better Health A great primary care provider is your medical home and your guide on the path to your healthiest self. Dr. Lorenzo Childress III and Nurse Practitioner Kelli Goldsborough will take a holistic approach to your health care, ensuring

Learn More and Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Extended Hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

301-609-5044 UM Charles Regional Medical Pavilion 5 North La Plata Court, Suite 101 La Plata, MD 20646 Near the intersection of Washington Avenue and Rosewick Road

that you have a positive experience and the full resources of our growing network of care at your disposal.

UMCharlesRegional.org/Outpatient

FROM HOUSE TO HOME As a real estate agent, designer and home builder, our goal is to help clients purchase a house and create a home, tailored to the personal desires, dreams and aesthetic of each client.

We design with creativity and a quiet flare, always building within budget.

SEEKING MARKETING OR EVENT HELP? MV Marketing & Events, LLC brings you the experience and expertise of top-level marketing and events in the country’s largest cities, infused with a homegrown approach and affection for the local community.

For more information, please visit mvmarketingevents.com or email megan.vereb@mvmarketingevents.com.

Publishers

A Community Publication Proudly Inspiring, Educating & Connecting Oda Solms-Baruth Southern Maryland Women Since 2007.

Melissa Solms-Baruth

Copy Editor R.Publisher Caren Bitar www.whizmarks.com Oda Solms

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Southern Maryland Woman A foundation of the aesthetics practice at Skin Wellness MD is the Sciton Laser Suite. This American-made laser technology uses the world’s best research and development engineers. In fact, the most influential leaders in the industry use Sciton technology.

Catch up on all of the latest beauty advances with local beauty expert and Skin Wellness MD owner Kelly Sutter. Flip to page 13.

Graphic Design Graphic Design Dave Schindler Dave Schindler | design760.com Lauren Milani Dana Foody Dana Foody

Photography Photography Irving Beth Harris, Irving Harris Photography Graeme, boudoirbybeth.com Steve and Jane Pilkerton, steveandjane.com

Contributing Writers SOUTHERN MARYLAND WOMAN, LLC Crystal Brandt P.O. Box 1656 • Leonardtown, MD 20650 Marie Keller(301) 475-2680 (301) 904-3366 • Fax: Oda@southernmarylandwoman.com Sales & Marketing www.southernmarylandwoman.com Megan Vereb, mvmarketingevents.com

The Woman’s Journal newspaper is published bimonthly and is available free of charge, by subscription, display stands in approved priDistribution vate and public establishments and authorized distributors only. Trademark laws and U.S. copyright laws protect The Women’s Journal.

No part of this paper may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The Women’s Journal is not responsible for any Christian Solms editorial comment (other than its own), typographical errors from advertisements submitted as camera ready or any reproductions of Carlisa Kent advertisements submitted as camera ready. If an advertisement does not meet our standards of acceptance, we may revise or cancel it Charles County Edition at any time, whether or not it has been already acknowledged and/or previously published. The advertiser assumes sole responsibility for all statements contained in submitted copy and will protect and indemnify The Women’s Journal, its owners, publishers, and employCharles County may seem ees, against any and all liability, loss or expense arising out of claims for libel, unfair trade names, patents, copyrights and proprietary issue produced loving memory Melissa Solms-Baruth right of privacy or otherinviolations resultingoffrom the publication by this newspaper for its advertising quaint, but it is more than just a rights, and all violations of theEvery copy. Publisher shall be under no liability for failure, for any reason, to insert an advertisement. Publisher shall not be liable by any historic area. It’s mysterious, fun, reason of error, omission and/or failure to insert any part of an advertisement. Publisher will not be liable for delay or failure in perforSOUTHERN MARYLAND WOMAN MAGAZINE romantic, and naturally beautiful. mance in publication or distribution if all or any portion of an issue is delayed or suspended for any reason. The publisher will exercise POwill Boxmake 1656,Leonardtown, 20650 reasonable judgement in these instances and adjustments for MD the advertiser where and when appropriate. The Women’s Join the women of Charles County Journal assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material or reproductions made by advertisers. This newspaper will be published 301.904.3366 by the 5th day of every other month. Representations by The Women’s Journal, copyright 2011. TM Publication of advertising contained Tourism as they share their here does not necessarily constitute endorsement.

Photos and artwork from iStockPhoto.com, Dreamstime.com and Vectorstock.com.

Southernmarylandwoman.com

fondest memories and advice on where to travel around the county.

Visit today to create your own adventure and vacation right here at home! Flip to page 17.

Oda@southernmarylandwoman.com

ON THE COVER

Woman magazine is published bimonthly and is available free of charge, by mail, display stands in approved private and public establishments. Trademark laws and U.S. copyright laws protect Woman magazine. No part of this paper

Page 8: How to Kick Your Worry Habit Page 12: Southern Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week Page 30: Passion Profile: Amy Latta

may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. This publication is published by the 15th day of

St. Mary’s/Calvert Edition

every other month. Publication of advertising contained here does not necessarily constitute endorsement.

PROUD MEMBER OF

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N o v e m b e r / D e c e m be r 2 0 1 9 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com

Southern Maryland Roller Derby Girls Pictured (L-R) Jacki Taylor - Beelzebruise, Tammy DePhillip - Buffy Shovers, Christina Simpson - Princess Sleia, Rachel Harris - Rach Against the Machine, and Letitia Clem-McClanahan - Rhapsody N. Bruise. Page 18

Charles County Edition Dr. Maria E. Litzendorf University of Maryland Charles Regional Vascular

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center is a full-service community hospital serving Prince George’s, Charles and Calvert Counties and is part of MedStar Health’s distributed care delivery network.

• Emergency & Critical Care Services • Special Care Nursery • Designated Stroke Center • Cardiac Cath Lab • Women & Newborns Center • Electrophysiology Services • Inpatient & Outpatient Rehabilitation • Behavioral Health • MedStar Regional Breast Health • Gastroenterology Services Program at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center has joined forces with the renowned MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute – Cleveland Clinic alliance.

7503 Surratts Rd., Clinton, MD 20735 301-868-8000 PHONE MedStarSouthernMaryland.org

Southern_Maryland_Woman_9x11.indd 1

4/19/2019 3:43:34 PM

health&wellness

By Deborah Duley, MSW, LMSW

How to Stop Your Worrier (Not Warrior) Brain We get it. There is a lots to worry about right now in our uber-stressed, tense world. I mean, how could you NOT be stressed with so much hostility, division and hate running rampant everywhere we look? Since most of us and our clients are struggling with anxiety and worry, we wanted to address one of the most asked questions we get in our sessions: “how do I stop my constant worrying?”

We all know how sucky constantly worrying about something can be, especially if you can’t seem to “turn it off.” We get it!

We’ve learned some tricks and tips over the years we thought we’d pass along to you: Worrying, as all thought patterns, are a HABIT. This means that just like any other habit, it can be broken by paying attention to what you’re worrying about and

WHERE YOUR

story

IS OUR STORY! Empowered Connections is excited to announce their 2nd location, now in Dunkirk to offer more care and support for our community

when. Gathering information is super helpful right now. What are your themes or your common worries? What is running in a constant loop in your brain all the time?

Next, set aside some time each day to “worry.” Any time you want but most people find it’s helpful to do it after the workday and well before bed, so let’s say, 5 p.m. Allocate 10 to 15 minutes to sit down and let your worries fly!

You can write them down if you

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Specialized counseling services for women and girls starting at 8 years old

Schedule a session by calling 301-690-0779 or emailing us at hello@empoweredconnections.net 25482 Point Lookout Road | Suite 201A | Leonardtown, MD 2972 Penwick Lane | Suite 101 | Dunkirk, MD

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N o v e m b e r / D e c e m be r 2 0 1 9 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com

want or just sit there and let them come in rapid succession. Now is the time to worry as much as you want but ONLY for the designated time, so set a timer on your phone and follow it! Once your time is over, that’s it. NO MORE! Now comes the difficult part: it’s time to organize your worries and analyze them. So, gather your intel, make lists according to topics (work worries, home worries, kid worries), then start to look these lists over. Is there more in one category than another?

Start there.

Taking these lists, we want you to start going down the rabbit hole with each worry. Yes, that’s right. Go there! Go to the worstcase scenario … it’s helpful to get comfortable with the worst possible outcome because this is where the power is. Once you know the worst possible scenario, the power of it frightening you is starting to loosen! Do this over each day until the worrying subsides and you’ll begin to see a big difference.

We know this can be difficult to do on your own, which is why we are here! We help women and girls every day, all day (it’s our jam!). And even better? Tackling anxiety is our superpower! So, if you need some extra help in figuring out where all this stuff is coming from and how

to stop constantly worrying, we are your tribe! Head to EmpoweredConnections.net to self-schedule with one of our rock-star therapists, easily and RIGHT NOW! Let’s get you back to good.

Remember: we got you!

Empowered Connections was founded in 2013 by Deborah Duley, MSW, LMSW, with a rebellious spirit and a big dream of connecting women and girls everywhere through specialized mental health therapy. We believe in connection, in the strength of women, that family (whatever that looks like for you) is our priority, in offering excellent customer service and that having the freedom to live the life we love, is paramount to everything else. We strongly believe that women need connection to heal and that where you have been, so have we. Where your story is our story! We believe that women are the future and that we have the power to change the world! We believe in the ripple effect of this change and are striving every day to help women and girls discover and empower their inner badass! Check us out at EmpoweredConnections.net or call us at 301-690-0779 ext. 700.

Renew with one of our Holiday Specials!

BEFORE

AFTER

Let Your Skin Shine Through Purchase a package of three Full Face Broad Band Light (BBL) treatments and receive a complimentary neck treatment (savings $150). In addition, receive a Lumivie Kit for $75 (Value: $175)

Get the Luscious Lips of Your Dreams BEFORE

AFTER BEFORE

Gift Certificates Available

Purchase two syringes of Voluma and one area of Botox and receive a complimentary syringe of Volbella (savings $675 - while supplies last!)

Sculpting Made Easy AFTER

Skin Wellness offers the next generation in the latest technology in Coolsculpting for increased fat cell reduction! Purchase 12 cycles of Coolsculpting and receive one complimentary cycle (savings $750)

410.231.2123 I ContactUs@SkinWellnessMd.com 225 Town Square Drive, Suite 2, Lusby, MD 410.224.2400 I Kim@SkinWellnessMd.com 171 Defense Highway, Annapolis, MD www.SkinWellnessMd.com

Kelly Sutter, RN, CANS, is the founder and owner of Skin Wellness MD with offices located in Annapolis and Lusby, Maryland. Kelly is a member of the American Society of Lasers in Surgery and Medicine as well as the International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses (ISPAN).

She is proud to be a part of the Allergan Medical Faculty and an AMI instructor.

Maureen Mussomele, RN, CANS, is a certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist and a master Coolsculpting Specialist. She also holds a certification in Laser Physics and is a master injector. Maureen is a member of the American Society of Lasers in Surgery and Medicine and the International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses (ISPAN).

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health&wellness Presented by Karl Smith, DDS, MS

Total Gum Health Creates a Long-Lasting, Beautiful Smile Hollywood stars know the power of a beautiful smile.

Celebrities seem to have perfect teeth, but just like the rest of us, many of them have had a little help from their dentist and in many stars, their periodontist too.

If periodontal tooth and gum issues are not treated before buying beautiful cosmetic dentistry, you may be wasting your time and your money. Periodontal health is the foundation of a healthy smile and can make the money you spend on beautiful teeth last many more years.

Your smile can help make new friends, close a business deal, cheer up a broken heart and ensure that other people feel good about you. How you feel about your smile, directly relates to how much you actually use it.

Do you like your smile? If not, you may be missing out on a beautiful and healthy smile that will give you the self-confidence you deserve. It goes one step further – healthy teeth and gums are the foundation of a healthy body – as your oral health directly impacts your body health and wellness.

Advanced dentistry and good periodontal (gum) care can help you achieve the ultimate show-

stopping smile. Dental implants will give you back your smile with natural looking and fully functional teeth that best replace your own. Gum grafting can reduce a “gummy smile” to show more of your teeth and open up your beautiful smile.

Laser treatments that utilize less invasive procedures can control and eliminate periodontal bacteria to help save your natural teeth and gums. An experienced periodontist can provide you with countless options for improving your smile and keeping your gums and teeth healthy for life.

Are You Missing Teeth?

The effect of a missing tooth is not only devastating to your smile, but it’s detrimental to your long-term oral and medical health.

It’s not just about unsightly gaps; people missing teeth lose supportive gum tissue and the bone that surrounds other teeth, and eventually the supporting bone in the jaw begins to dissolve.

Studies show that people with all their teeth can live, on average, 10 years longer than people with missing teeth.

Having gaps where teeth are missing affects the way the jaw closes as the remaining teeth begin to tilt and drift into the gaps. Food can become trapped in these spaces, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease. The tilting and drifting can also cause problems for the opposing teeth as your bite becomes off-balance and you may begin to experience jaw and joint problems.

Without the support of your teeth and facial bones, your face will begin to look prematurely aged.

Lost teeth affect what you eat, how you swallow, process food, and how you speak and function.

The good news is that an experienced periodontist has the advanced training beyond their

regular dental degree to prevent, diagnose and treat periodontal (gum) disease with the most advanced laser therapy to help keep your smile healthy and beautiful. A periodontist can also offer personalized solutions to replace your missing teeth, repair your damaged gums, and prevent or rebuild bone that may have been lost.

Your teeth provide much more function than just the ability to chew. They are necessary for the health of the gum and jaw tissues as they provide a strong foundation for a truly beautiful smile. Take control of your dental health. Make an appointment for a complete periodontal evaluation with an experienced periodontist today.

Dr. Karl Smith has been in dental practice for more than 34 years.

He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1981 and immediately entered General Practice in the US Air Force Dental Corps. He successfully completed three additional years of advanced education in the specialty of Periodontics with additional training in IV Sedation and Dental Implants in 1992, at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio and Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center. He won the John Pritchard Prize for outstanding research which included looking for a vaccine against bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Dr. Smith completed a Master of Business Administration degree with a Certificate in Health Services Management while working full time as a Periodontist.

N ovember/D ecember 2019 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com

11

Georgette B. Gaskin Bronze Leader

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BOGO Baby Bundt for One WITH A $50 PURCHASE!

November-December Client Special Details

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Participating Businesses Include: Blue Wind Gourmet

Real Food Studio

Good Earth Natural Foods

The Dry Dock

The Slice House

Kingfishers

The Front Porch

Botanic Deli – Cafe

Elements – Eatery&Mixology

Bollywood Masala

The Lobby Coffee Bar & Cafe

Lotus Kitchen

The Beanery

Taphouse 1637

Ruddy Duck Brewery

No Thyme to Cook

Ruddy Duck Alehouse

The CD Cafe

All diners are invited to join the celebration and enjoy the talents of our local chefs.

RAFFLE: Every vegan meal purchased from a participating restaurant during the event week comes with a FREE raffle ticket for your chance to win a luxury vegan gift basket. The winner will be announced on our FB page Wednesday Nov 13.

Follow us on social media for updates and menus:

@SOMDVeganRestaurantWeek For any questions, email somdveganevents@gmail.com

November 2nd – 9th A week-long celebration of creative and compassionate culinary delights

Harness the Power of Light for Younger-Looking Skin Catch Up on the Latest Beauty Advances with Local Beauty Expert Kelly Sutter of Skin Wellness MD Photos by BETH GRAEME PHOTOGRAPHY

Left to right: Maureen Mussomele, RN, CANS, and Kelly Sutter, RN, CANS.

A

foundation of the aesthetics practice at Skin Wellness MD is the Sciton Laser Suite. This American-made laser technology uses the world’s best research and development engineers. In fact, the most influential leaders in the industry use Sciton technology. But what is it exactly?

N ovember/D ecember 2019 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com

13

What can be accomplished with the Sciton laser?

How many treatments will a patient need?

Kelly: One of the best examples of the effectiveness of the Sciton laser technology is the BroadBand Light (BBL) treatment. This laser technology sets new standards in treating skin conditions associated with aging, active lifestyles and sun damage. I’ve trained with Dr. Patrick Bitter, an expert who teaches the Forever Young BBL treatment. Dr. Bitter is the creator of the BBL Photofacial and famous for a 10-year Stanford University study. The Bitter/ Stanford study followed a group of women from ages 30s to 50s.

The women began with three Photofacials the first year of the study, followed by one or two per year for the next nine years. After 10 years, photographs were taken and double-blind panels of skin experts were asked to identify the beginning photographs from 10 years prior. The experts could not tell the difference between the photographs or choose the more recent photograph. All participants in the study showed that their skin had not aged in 10 years. When working with Dr. Bitter, his enthusiasm for the procedure and the outcomes achieved gets me so very excited, I want to make sure everyone receives this treatment.

Kelly: Excellent results can be obtained from just one treatment, however the number of treatments needed may vary from patient to patient. Your provider can personalize a plan based on your needs and will discuss all the options with you including benefits and rest during your consultation.

The Bitter/Stanford study followed a group of women from ages 30s to 50s. The women began with three Photofacials the first year of the study, followed by one or two per year for the next nine years. After 10 years, photographs were taken and double-blind panels of skin experts were asked to identify the beginning photographs from 10 years prior. The experts could not tell the difference between the photographs or choose the more recent photograph.

All participants in the study showed that their skin had not aged in 10 years.

What should the patient expect during the procedure?

Kelly: The procedure is short, safe and comfortable. There’s no need for a topical anesthetic. Your skin will be cleansed, and your eyes will be protected with a safety shield during the treatment. Your provider then uses the handpiece that will flash the light and gently heat one spot at a time until the entire area has been treated. It may feel warm or like the sensation of a rubber band snapping. Depending on the size of the area, your procedure may take as little as 30 minutes.

What should I expect after the treatment?

Kelly: After your treatment, you may experience some redness, which should resolve within a few hours. Although it is rare, in some cases the patient may swell, which may last a few days. For some areas, the skin will darken over time, followed by fading and flaking off, which should subside within one to two weeks. Results depend on your skin type and the number of treatments.

What aftercare procedure with the patient need to follow?

Kelly: BBL is a non-invasive procedure with virtually no downtime.

You should be able to return to work and resume most of your normal activities. Most importantly, you should avoid direct sun exposure and use sunscreen daily. During your consult, your provider will discuss your home care regime moving forward.

What else is new at Skin Wellness MD? Kelly: Skin Wellness MD is happy to announce that we are currently offering the latest technology in Coolsculpting, the number one nonsurgical fat reduction treatment. It is an FDA-cleared approach that freezes away stubborn fat.

You got our attention. Tell us more about this treatment.

Kelly: The BBL gently heats the upper layer of your skin and the heat absorbed by the targeted areas stimulate your skin cells to regenerate.

This corrective process restores your skin to its natural beauty, leaving your skin clearer, smoother, more vibrant, and younger looking. The BBL handheld device, attached to the Sciton Laser machine, delivers a bright burst of light. The light penetrates through the skin and is absorbed by dilated vessels and excessive pigmentation (brown spots) without any damage to the skin. By utilizing specific light parameters, the color of the skin (skin tone) can be improved with no down time.

What does the BBL treat?

Kelly: The most commonly treated areas are those exposed to the damaging effects of sun light, such as the face, neck, back of the hands, chest, arms, and shoulders. A series of BBL treatments is highly effective for a variety of skin conditions such as sun damage or brown spots, broken capillaries, acne, small spider veins, general skin redness, and facial flushing. These treatments consistently and predictably improve the visible appearance of the skin with little or no down time.

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N o v e m b e r / D e c e m be r 2 0 1 9 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com

Left to right: Sarah Zinchiak, NP, Megan McKenzie, LE, and Mauren Mussomele, RN, CANS.

What happens during the Coolsculpting treatment?

Kelly: Prior to starting the treatment, your provider will take before and after photos and mark the areas to be treated. Before applying the applicator, a gel pad will be placed on the area to protect the skin. Your provider will then place the applicator, which uses a vacuum suction to draw out the tissue, into the applicator cup. You may feel pulling, tugging, and some mild pitching. Cooling is being delivered to the targeted fat, and you’ll begin to feel intense cold.

This sensation typically subsides within seven to 10 minutes. The area will then become numb. Some patients read or even take a nap during their session.

What should a patient expect after the Coolsculpting treatment?

Kelly: After your treatment, patients are usually able to return to their normal activities. In some cases, you may have some minor swelling and bruising – this can be normal and subsides shortly thereafter.

When should a patient expect results?

Kelly: Some patients may see results as early as three weeks after the first session. However, most dramatic results are usually seen in three months. Weight gain will prevent you from appreciating your full results.

Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine after your Coolsculpting procedure can help prevent this.

What are other popular treatments for a more youthful appearance?

Kelly: Injectables are extremely popular, with Botox injections being the most popular cosmetic procedure worldwide. This treatment takes about 30 minutes and is a series of small injections to the upper third of the face. The goal is to relax the muscles of the forehead, between the eyes, and around the eyes to give the face a rested look.

The treatment begins to work two to four days after the injections, with full results in about two weeks. Results last up to four months.

A second group of injectables called dermal fillers are products that restore volume and remove wrinkles. The most popular treatment right now is Voluma, an injectable designed to treat volume loss of the cheek area. This gives nice lift to the lower face and makes the patient look younger. Lips and the fine lines surrounding the lips are popular treatment areas as well.

Maureen Mussomele, RN, CANS, with the Coolscupting machine.

How does Coolsculpting work?

Kelly: Many of us have stubborn fat despite diet and exercise.

Coolsculpting is a controlled cooling treatment that gently and effectively targets fat cells underneath the skin while leaving the skin unaffected. The fat cells are frozen and then die. Each person has a certain number of fat cells by the time they hit adolescence.

When you lose weight, your fat cells shrink, but they do not go away.

With Coolsculpting, the treated fat cells are completely eliminated.

Your body naturally processes the fat and expels the dead cells. It is recommended to have a consultation so that your provider can customize your individual needs and goals.

What areas of the body can be treated?

Kelly: The exciting thing is that Coolsculpting treats the areas that bother us the most such as the abdomen, flanks, bra area, thighs, underneath the buttocks, arms and under the chin.

To schedule a consultation with Kelly Sutter, RN, CANS, or Maureen Mussomele, RN, CANS, at the Lusby or Annapolis office, call 410-231-2123 and visit skinwellnessmd.com for further information.

N ovember/D ecember 2019 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com

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ANNOUNCING

THE PLAYERS CLUB AT BRETON BAY

We are pleased to introduce The Players Club membership program to provide our golfers with the following benefits: • Practice at any time, 7-days per week with unlimited range balls.

• Complimentary green fees after 4:00 pm daily, 7-days per week. Just pay trail fee of $12; Walk or Ride • Special member discounts on pro shop merchandise • Pay only 10 months for a full year membership, with monthly billing. No fees due in January & February • First 200 members to sign up get introductory pricing of just $40.00 per month. Easy opt out with one month’s notice.

BRETON BAY GOLF & CC 21935 Society Hill Rd, Leonardtown, MD 20650 301-475-2300 | www.bretonbaygolf.com

IC N A RG CE O % DU 100 PRO

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Create Custom Vacations Right Here at Home

C

Visit Charles County today to create your own adventures, memories, and stories in this legendary place.

Go to ExploreCharlesCounty.com to learn more about Charles County and for upcoming events and popular attractions. harles County, Maryland, is a captivating escape just outside of the nation’s capital and a short drive from Baltimore, Maryland, Richmond, Virginia, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Follow the threads of this Southern Maryland communities’ rural roads, waterways and trails to learn about stories of the past and the stories that have yet to be told. Charles County may seem quaint, but it is more than just a historic area. It’s mysterious, fun, romantic, and naturally beautiful. Join the women of Charles County Tourism as they share their fondest memories and advice on where to travel around the county.

MALLOWS BAY (continued next page) N ovember/D ecember 2019 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com

17

(continued)

MALLOWS BAY PARK (pictured on p.17) Travel Counselor Kim Seaman’s favorite place to visit is Mallows Bay, also called the Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay. “I love looking out and seeing the ferry ship just sitting there, knowing that the ships from WWI were brought in and sunk just amazes me. Why did they choose Mallows Bay? I am looking forward to taking the Kayak tour with Atlantic Kayak Tours. Walking the trails is also one of my favorite things to do. Seeing all of the wild animals and the natural growth of plants is very relaxing for me. I was very excited when they made it a National Marine Sanctuary.”

KRIS KRINGLE CHRISTMAS MARKET The German inspired market held the second weekend in December hosts an abundance of seasonal food and drink, local arts and crafts, carolers, a live nativity, and fireworks. “When you visit the market, you are automatically filled with the holiday spirit, from sipping hot chocolate around the fire to a stroll through the light displays… it is Charles County’s own winter wonderland,” says Kellie Hinkle, Chief of Tourism. “My first visit to the market included perfectly timed and picturesque snowfall-watching fireworks – maybe yours will, too!”

“FROM SIPPING HOT CHOCOLATE AROUND THE FIRE TO A STROLL THROUGH THE LIGHT DISPLAYS… IT IS CHARLES COUNTY’S OWN WINTER WONDERLAND.”

GILBERT RUN PARK

HABERDEVENTURE

Sharon Fox, travel counselor, says every other year her family gets together and goes to Gilbert Run Park. “It is a 60-acre, freshwater lake where you can rent pedal boats, canoes, and take part in other water activities, including fishing. There are also jungle gyms, rock climbing for kids, and best of all ducks. The kids love to feed the ducks bread and follow them all around.

The park has covered pavilions with BBQs and plenty of picnic tables, clean bathrooms, horseshoe pits, and so much more. It is a wonderful place to spend the day with family and friends.

One place that is always on the agenda is Haberdeventure, the Thomas Stone National Historic Site. Stone was one of the Maryland signers of the Declaration of Independence and a large landowner in Charles County. Travel counselor Donna Gryn (aka the Travel Maven) says the visitor’s center presents a short film on his life, and once you reach the house, an informative tour is conducted by a park ranger. The home’s layout is unique, and a charming term is used to describe it: “casually symmetrical.” The property itself is beautiful, changing in every season, and walking from the visitor’s center to the home, past the family cemetery (and outlying markers showing the enslaved burial ground), offers guests a wonderful opportunity for quiet reflection of the sacrifices made by those who went before us.

ST. IGNATIUS CHURCH St. Ignatius Church is located on a high bluff overlooking the Port Tobacco River on Chapel Point Road in Charles County. There are stained glass windows that, when the sun is shining through, are truly breathtaking and rival anything you see in European cathedrals. In 1994, a needlepoint project was begun by the parishioners and by 1998, each of the kneelers in the pews was adorned with a unique work of art. “I really love looking at the workmanship and effort put into each one,” says Mary Lewis, lead travel counselor. “Weekdays or Saturday afternoons are the best time to visit so as not to interfere with a worship service.”

18

N o v e m b e r / D e c e m be r 2 0 1 9 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com

THE TOWN OF LA PLATA Charles County is not only rich in history, but also rich with entertainment, whether it’s a comedy show at the Black Box Theater in Indian Head or a live play at the Port Tobacco Players Theater. Constantly looking for something new or different to do, I decided to spend time in La Plata,” says JoAnn Foster Queen, travel counselor. “It was a beautiful day that started with a walk at Laurel Springs Park, and in the early evening, I gathered with my sister and some of our younger family members for appetizers and iced tea at Casey Jones (now The Charles Restaurant), and then we leisurely walked across Charles Street to the Port Tobacco Players production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Not to worry, the town provides flags for walkers to get safely across Charles Street. It was an absolutely, fabulous day!”

DR. SAMUEL A. MUDD HOUSE MUSEUM

MATTAWOMAN CREEK ART CENTER

Nestled on 200 acres in rural Charles County, the Mudd House Museum remains shrouded in a calm quiet that has existed since the Civil War. “Being the first place in which I worked after moving to Maryland, it gave my love of history a place to belong,” said Kate Taylor, lead tour guide. “The house looks as it did when the Mudd family resided inside. Many of the original furnishings are still in place as though the residents have simply stepped out and will eventually return. My favorite event is Victorian Christmas, held the first weekend in December. There is nothing like seeing the decorated house illuminated under the moonlight as it was that fateful April of 1865. The site is open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

Charles County is a place where you feel free to explore legends at your own pace.

Tourism Marketing Manager Catherine Herbert says her favorite location to wander in amazement is Mattawoman Creek Art Center on the shore of the Potomac River in Western Charles County.

“This pleasant rural setting is celebrating their 30th Anniversary. Every year, the volunteers pour their passion for original visual arts in creating themed gallery shows and programs, and special events.

The changing art placed in the gallery and serene setting offers space to reflect on the art with an option to purchase for yourself or as a gift, therefore sharing the unique talents found here in Charles County. Every volunteer and artist at Mattawoman Creek Art Center are legends to behold, come see for yourself.”

SOUTHERN MARYLAND BLUE CRABS A beautiful, well-designed sports venue in Charles County is Regency Furniture Stadium, home to the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, an independent Minor League baseball team. Baseball is America’s pastime and Eileen Minnick, Director of Recreation, Parks & Tourism, thoroughly enjoys a night out to watch a professional game so close to home. Tickets are reasonable, seating is comfortable, and the between inning family fun activities are both engaging and entertaining. Everyone enjoys interacting with the comical team mascot “Pinch” who can be found getting into mischief throughout the stadium. The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs organization supports our community year-round, and what better way to return the favor than sitting in the stands cheering the team onto victory. “Did I mention the awesome fireworks display at the end of game? What a wonderful way to spend an evening!”

HISTORIC STAGG HALL

ROCKTOBERFEST

Site Coordinator Carin Diggle feels extremely fortunate that one of Charles County’s historic sites is also where she works part time. Located in Port Tobacco Historic Village, Stagg Hall was purchased by the Charles County Government in 2013. Since 1903, the house has been a private residence. The building was constructed in 1766 by merchant Thomas Howe Ridgate and served as his office and headquarters. Ridgate’s inventory still exists and was used to furnish the building’s current merchant office and store, providing guests a chance to interact with the bygone past of Port Tobacco.

One event Tour Specialist Maggie Boyden looks forward to each year is Roctoberfest. Held annually, it is hosted by Island Music Company and local small businesses to raise money for music and preforming arts within Charles County Public Schools. The Town of La Plata shuts down from main street to town hall and sets up multiple stages for local bands, food trucks, vendors, and a kid zone. There is something for everyone! The music never stops at this all-day event, when one stage finishes the next stage begins, highlighting all the local musical talent from high school bands to country and good old rock and roll.

Music lovers come from miles around to “Rock La Plata for Good” each year at Rocktoberfest.

N ovember/D ecember 2019 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com

19

MARY LEWIS

Lead Travel Counselor, Crain Memorial Welcome Center

EILEEN MINNICK Director Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism

KELLIE S. HINKLE

Chief of Tourism, Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism

BACK, LEFT TO RIGHT: Donna Gryn, Sharon Fox,

Kim Seaman FRONT, LEFT TO RIGHT: Mary Lewis, JoAnn Foster Queen

is excited to announce our

4A NT H NUAL

Bridal

as part of our

JANUARY/ FEBRUARY

Issue!

ISSUE

What better way to start off the New Year than with our go-to guide for Southern Maryland brides?

To have your wedding or engagement featured, please email Oda@SouthernMarylandWoman.com.

For print and digital advertising opportunities, please email Megan@SouthernMarylandWoman.com.

Couple: Kelsey and Jacob Kiehlmeier, Married October 2019 Photographer: Laura Elizabeth Photography

N ovember/D ecember 2019 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com

21

Women are the decision makers.

Women impact

one

70-80%

of all consumer purchasing, through their buying power and influence.* More specifically we make 85% of all household purchases and 87% of medical appointments for our families.

two

HY SW N

Women have a multiplier effect. Because women serve as primary caregivers for our children and our aging parents women make purchasing decisions on behalf of the people who live in their households, as well as for extended family and friends.*

REA SO

NS

Y WH

REA SO

REA SO

three

REA SO

HY SW N

Y WH NS

10

SMW specifically designs and produces our publication for women age 35+. This influential age group is sometimes referred to as the sandwich generation, caring for their children and aging parents.

six

eight

ADVERTISING IN

magazine IS SMART FOR YOUR BUSINESS four SMW distributes 17,000+ copies each issue, reaching 42,500 local women in St. Mary’s, Charles and Calvert Counties.

Over 70% of our full-page advertisers renew their advertising with us. In fact, we have advertisers that have been with us for 10+ years.

We offer multi-media marketing.

All of our contributors’ articles are featured in both print and online. Digital presence is through both a dedicated link to each article and within the digital edition of the publication.

five

SMW features meaningful editorial content in every issue and we offer inspirational stories of local women doing great things in our community.

seven

We are celebrating

12 years in 2019!

ten

SMW hand-delivers copies to over 300 locations throughout SoMd. Our publications are strategically placed in grocery stores, retail shops, salons, spas, cafes, libraries, hospitals and waiting rooms across the region.

nine We encourage our advertisers to write editorials to complement their marketing. Content marketing, or editorials, are known to develop lasting relationships with your audience, improve brand awareness and recognition and create loyalty and trust with current customers and prospects.

Consistent marketing, both in print and online, positions your business as an expert in your industry. Call Megan Vereb, Sales & Marketing Director, today at 551-427-3646 or email megan@southernmarylandwoman.com to schedule an appointment to learn more.

Visit us online at SouthernMarylandWoman.com.

law&finance

By Laura Curry, Estate Planning Attorney

Why Crowdfunding May Cost You Medicaid Eligibility Crowdfunding or fundraising websites, such as Kickstarter, YouCaring, and GoFundMe are quickly becoming a popular source for donations where ordinary people may raise money from others for anything from new inventions to helping a neighbor or family member in need. Over time, crowdfunding has morphed into a platform to request finances for anything from the essential to the frivolous.

The most significant increase may be the rise of campaigns to crowdfund for medical hardships, medical bills, and associated

bills and living expenses. In fact, according to GoFundMe CEO Rob Soloman, one-third of all donations made through GoFundMe help individuals cover medical expenses. “When [GoFundMe] started in 2010, it wasn’t purposefully set up and built to be a substitute for medical insurance,” Soloman told CBS MoneyWatch. “We weren’t even set up to be a health care company and we still are not. But over time, people have used GoFundMe for the most important issues they are faced with.”

Unfortunately, the good deed of asking for donations to cover your medical or living expenses may end up costing you your Medicaid eligibility in the end.

Let’s say you are currently receiving Medicaid to help pay for your skilled nursing expenses.

To be eligible for Medicaid, your assets in most states must remain under $2,000 of non-exempt assets at any given time (exempt assets might include the equity in your home, for example). Your daughter, Susan, is well-meaning and starts an online fundraiser asking for donations with a goal of $20,000 to help pay for your medical expenses for an upcoming surgery and to help with your living expenses during this difficult time. The good deeds

by Susan and your friends and family who give towards the fundraiser might cause you to lose your Medicaid benefits.

Even though Susan, not you, set up the fundraiser, you, as the recipient of the fundraiser, have direct access to all the funds and may request the funds directly from the website. This means if you set up a crowdfunding website or are the beneficiary of a crowdfunding website, you may lose your Medicaid eligibility based on the donations received from the fundraising website.

In the above example, while Susan thought she was helping you out, in the end, she ended up costing you Medicaid eligibility.

Qualifying for Medicaid can be complicated and is often best accomplished with years of planning in advance through the assistance of a skillful elder law and estate planning attorney.

The information in this article was provided by Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. Director of Education of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.

Estate Planning Seminar Annapolis: Tues, Jan. 14 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

(Refreshments) Double Tree Hilton Annapolis 210 Holiday Court

Bowie: Wed, Jan. 15 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

(Refreshments) Comfort Inn US 50, US 301 @ MD 3

Pasadena: Thurs, Jan. 16 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

(Continental Breakfast) The Reserve at Two Rivers 4105 Mountain Road

Crofton: Fri, Jan. 17 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

(Continental Breakfast) Crofton Country Club 1691 Crofton Parkway

Bowie: Sat, Jan. 18 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

(Continental Breakfast) Comfort Inn US 50, US 301 @ MD 3

Visit SinclairProsserLaw.com/Seminars for upcoming seminar dates and locations.

N ovember/D ecember 2019 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com

23

NOV

14

th

5:30

p.m.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Hosted by Tax Depot, LLC 7922 Southern Maryland Blvd., Owings Free for Chamber Members | $10 Non-Members For registration or more information visit CalvertChamber.org

DEC

12

th

5:30

p.m.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Hosted by College of Southern Maryland 115 J.W. Williams Rd., Building B, Prince Frederick Free for Chamber Members | $10 Non-Members For registration or more information visit CalvertChamber.org

Season’s Greetings from the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce!

Shop local and shop often to support Calvert County Chamber Member businesses

“What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet.”

– Anne Frank

410-535-2577 CALVERTCHAMBER@CALVERTCHAMBER.ORG WWW.CALVERTCHAMBER.ORG

Recently Engaged?

Congratulations!

Now the fun starts with planning your big day!

PHOTOS BY JAX PHOTOGRAPHY

Join us on Sunday, March 1, 2020 for our 12th Annual Calvert Bridal Expo, the only stop you need to complete everything on your wedding checklist!

Each year brides and grooms walk away with all their wedding services completed by fantastic Southern Maryland wedding professionals.

This year’s show will be filled with fun and exciting services just for YOU! • Fantastic prizes throughout the day and a Grand Prize giveaway!

• Bridal Runaway Show • Demonstrations • Food & Cake Tasting Register TODAY at calvertbridalexpo.com!

12th ANNUAL CALVERT BRIDAL EXPO Sunday, March 1, 2020 12:00pm - 3:00pm Hall at Huntingtown 4030 Old Town Road Huntingtown, MD 20639 www.calvertbridalexpo.com

A can’t-miss event for the whole family...

featuring a dynamic choir in a 30-foot tree, live orchestra, thousands of twinkling lights and a heartwarming holiday drama!

December 14 & 15 Saturday: 1:30 & 6:30 pm Sunday: 1:30 pm

baptist church

Tickets: $12 ($10 seniors/children 10 & under) reserved seating • tickets limited • group pricing available

Live nativity open 1 hour prior to each performance

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The Best Groom’s Gift, Ever

By Moni Jefferson

ridal boudoir is one of the hottest and trendiest gifts for today’s groom. This new trend of bridal portraits showcases images of bridesto-be that are beautiful, artistic and most importantly, super sexy! Bridal boudoir is all the rage because it offers the bride a chance to create images that will forever remind her hubby of the passion surrounding their engagement or wedding.

What is Bridal Boudoir?

Because it is such a recent trend, it can be difficult to fully understand the purpose of a bridal boudoir session and what all it entails. Each session begins with a consultation, discussion of session details to include props, jewelry, makeup and attire, as well as the session location. Images are shared during your session to ensure happiness and confidence of your results. The entire process usually takes about 4-6 weeks to ensure the best experience and a timely delivery.

Bridal Boudoir Experience Attire for boudoir photos varies depending on the personal style of the bride, with a usual range of just a little lingerie to absolutely nothing at all. Bridal lingerie and the wedding veil are the most popular choices for most brides. But don’t get the wrong idea – this is NOT X-rated, it’s more like PG-13. The pros refer to it as ‘implied nudes,’ which means although you’re not wearing anything, you’re not really showing off anything either.

Photographs are taken from many angles to both hide and highlight. By the time the session is over, the bride is more confident than ever.

What Do I Do With the Photos?

After your session and once you have the pictures, it’s time to gift them! Most brides choose a private, leather-bound box that contains a flat-laying album of approximately 20 images, while other options include matted single prints, a photo folio, or private wall art collections.

Additional gift ideas include calendars and anniversary presents. All photographs that you love and order, also include a digital copy, so you can use the images for anything you wish.

Giving the Gift The best part of the whole experience is actually giving him the gift.

Groom reactions are so amazing because he has no idea what to expect, which makes the shock factor absolutely mind-blowing! The guys are always so surprised and happy to receive such a special, intimate gift from the love of their life. Give him a gift he’ll remember forever, captured at one of the best moments of both your lives.

Photo by Beth Graeme

B

To schedule a session with us in preparation of your special day, visit www.boudoirbybeth.com

Boudoir by Beth is a division of Beth Graeme Photography, LLC.

Groom Photographed by Catalina Devore Photography

ABOUT BETH GRAEME Why am I so passionate about boudoir?

Because I saw an immediate transformation in the level of self-worth a woman had for herself after looking at the images on the back of my camera. Women relax, they are at ease, they feel beautiful, they know and trust that I care for them. They exude beauty, sensuality and sexy. It is my job to portray that and show them that which the rest of the world really sees.

I get it, I’m a mother and wife. I give every ounce of my energy to everyone else. I want the same as you. To be loved, accepted, cherished, needed and supported. My kids did a number on my body, but my husband is just like your husband.

He loves me to the core no matter what. Your husband loves you to the core too. Every once in a while, we need to feel that love for ourselves. I create a safe, nonjudgmental space for women to feel free and pursue their sexy side. Let’s show him your reverence.

law&finance Submitted by The Law Office of Robert Castro

Is Collaborative Divorce the Right Option for You? Traditionally, divorce involved litigation. It was exclusively an adversarial process. Lawyers on either side of the aisle would advocate on behalf of their clients in order to secure a favorable settlement. This often involved a drawn-out legal battle in which both litigants attempted to dig up as much dirt as possible on the other party.

While litigation is still appropriate in some divorce cases, today many couples are choosing a less adversarial route.

divorce has a lawyer advocating on his or her behalf. In that way, collaborative divorce is a bit of a hybrid of litigation and mediation.

Collaborative divorce is an option that more and more couples are choosing to explore. While collaborative divorce involves mediation, it is not the same as using a mediator to reach a settlement. Collaborative divorce instead involves attorneys on both sides who advocate on behalf of their clients.

Lawyers for each party are trained in collaborative law. The most popular application of collaborative legal specialists is the dissolution of marriages.

Collaborative Divorce vs. Mediation Mediation is distinct from collaborative divorce in a number of ways. Whereas mediation involves the two parties contracting a third as mediator, each party in a collaborative

FAMILY LAW FIRM The Law Office of Robert R. Castro

Smallwood Building 2670 Crain Highway, Suite 411 Waldorf, MD 20603 (301) 870-1200 Office (301) 705-6667 Fax www.CastroLawGroup.com Associates Jeffery M. Groce Brooke A. O’Connell Francis J. Granados Katrine H. Bakhtiary Serving Maryland and Washington, D.C. • Personal Injury • Family Law • Criminal Defense

Collaborative Divorce Involves Lawyers Who Specialize in Collaborative Law

Collaborative Law Does Not Involve the Courts Collaborative law circumvents the court system entirely. Both parties and their lawyers sign a document of intent that they intend to behave in good faith for the purpose of coming to a fair agreement. If the parties cannot reach a fair settlement, or litigation at any time is threatened, all parties will withdraw from the collaborative process. The result of this is generally litigation.

Collaborative Divorce May Involve Outside Professionals The role the attorneys play in a collaborative divorce is much different than in litigation. The attorneys advise both parties and may call in other specialists such as financial advisors, health professionals, and child specialists. Instead of leveraging opposing counsel and their client, collaborative attorneys seek a fair resolution.

Is Collaborative Divorce Right for You? The collaborative divorce process in Maryland seeks to be a fair and transparent avenue toward an amicable divorce. To find success with this approach, both parties must engage in good faith with the collaborative process or risk the agreement falling apart entirely. That said, there are certainly conditions under which collaborative divorce is not a viable option, such as: • One or the other spouse has a history of domestic violence • One or the other spouse makes all of the key decisions for the family • One or the other spouse has a history of drug or alcohol abuse • One spouse suspects the other of hiding assets For Maryland residents who want more control over the divorce process than they would find in mediation, but also want an amicable solution to dissolving their marriage, collaborative divorce might be the ticket to a quicker, more convenient, and less stressful dissolution of marriage. Just because your marriage has ended, that does not mean you need to make an enemy of your former spouse.

Explore collaborative divorce to come to a fair resolution to your marriage and take your best possible step forward toward your new single life.

F A M I LY L A W F I R M

N ovember/D ecember 2019 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com

29

passion profile

y Am LATTA she's on fire

Amy Latta is passionate about inspiring her online community by sharing honest inspiration for everyday life. On her award-winning blog amylattacreations.com, you’ll find all kinds of craft and do-it-yourself (DIY) projects anyone can create. Amy is happiest when crafting, and when she’s not covered in paint, you can find her working on hand lettered art and professional design collaborations. Her original lettered designs have been featured nationally in GAP stores and Starbucks commercials. As a former high school English teacher and a ballroom, Latin, and swing dance instructor, Amy is familiar with teaching and uses those skills to break lettering down into a process that anyone can understand and achieve.

Amy is a lifelong Maryland girl and a McDaniel College alumna who loves spending time with her husband and two sons. us the opportunity to put down our screens for a while and make something with our hands. It reconnects us to the age-old art of putting pen to paper. It also allows us to connect with each other. This is a great hobby for parents and their kids to pursue together!”

ON YOUR PASSION: “Every person has some form of creativity to express.

Even those who think they have no artistic ability or have no idea where to begin can create beautiful things. My passion is to help make that happen!

On my website and in my books, I break hand lettering skills down into simple steps anyone can follow. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing someone discover the joy of a new hobby or create something they’re proud to display in their home.”

ON YOUR MOTIVATION: “We live in an increasingly digital and technologybased world. We are surrounded by graphic design and countless fonts to choose from online. Hand lettering gives

ON BEING AN AUTHOR: “When my first book, Hand Lettering for Relaxation, was released in July 2017, it was a dream come true. I always wanted to be an author, and the knowledge that my book was going to help inspire creativity around the world was incredibly exciting. There are many lettering books on the market, but I (along with Page Street Publishing Co.) worked really hard to make this one stand out. Each chapter has a sample design at the beginning, followed by step by step instructions, practice space, and finally a blank, bordered page where readers recreate the design themselves.

After seeing tons of reader photos of their children, grandchildren, and young friends using the book, I decided to create Express Yourself, a children’s version of a hand lettering workbook, where they’d learn similar skills while lettering quotes that appealed to a younger audience. On April 23, my newest book, Hand Lettering for Laughter released. It follows the same format but has funny quotes and teaches

new techniques for lettering and design.

ON WHAT’S NEXT?: “Ever since my first publishing deal, my goal was to write a book that showed people how to take this hobby and use it for Bible Journaling. Over the past six months, I’ve been busy writing book number four: Hand Lettering for Faith. It’s by far my favorite of all my projects and I can’t wait to hold it in my hands! I’ve also been busy teaching workshops locally as well as on a national level.”

WHERE TO FIND AMY: amylattacreations.com @amylattacreations @amylcreations Books are available at Amazon.com, Target. com, Walmart.com, Barnes & Noble, Booksa-Million, Book Depository, Anthropologie, JoAnn Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, Costco, and various other local retailers and bookstores.

In each issue Southern Maryland Woman recognizes a local woman doing exceptional work in the community, a leader who is paving the way to changing our attitudes and inspiring confidence in the future. To nominate a champion to be featured in an upcoming issue e-mail: oda@southernmarylandwoman.com.

law&finance

By Kristin Kauffman, Marketing Manager, Cedar Point Federal Credit Union

Lose the Rate this Holiday Season Nope, it’s not a typo! Cedar Point can help you drop some excess rate this holiday season. For one week only, we have an auto loan deal that you won’t want to miss.

We know when you’re in the market for a vehicle, many people choose to finance at the dealership because it is convenient. But that convenience can end up costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the life of the loan because of a high interest rate. Did you know that by refinancing with

Cedar Point, you can save money and we may be able to reduce your monthly payment?

Let’s start with the basics. What is refinancing? In a nutshell, you’re paying off your old loan and taking out a new loan with new terms. This can lower your

CYBER MONDAY

RATE SALE {DECEMBER 2-6} Take 1% off your qualifying rate for one week only

ò

monthly payment and save you interest expense. In many cases, you also have the opportunity to extend the life of the loan to reduce your monthly payment even more. This is how Cedar Point can help you save. Even better, we’re dropping our auto rates for a week in December.

Beginning Cyber Monday, for five days only, Cedar Point will reduce new and used auto loan* rates by one full percentage point for new online and in-person auto loan applications. That’s huge!

Whatever low rate you and your vehicle would normally qualify for will be further reduced by a full 1% during the promotional period. For example, if you qualify for our lowest new car rate at 2.65% APR, we’ll lock you in at an actual rate of 1.65% APR for the life of the loan! After you apply, your new rate will be valid for 30 days. This allows you plenty of time to shop for that perfect car.

If you refinance with Cedar Point, we can help you pay off your old loan and get you on the road to greater savings.

What’s even better? You don’t have to have an existing relationship with Cedar Point to take advantage of the savings. You simply need to live, work, worship, go to school in or regularly conduct business in St. Mary’s, Calvert or Charles Counties. Government and/or military affiliation is not required to do business with Cedar Point.

You can learn more at cpfcu.com/membership.

www.cpfcu.com

Stop in at any branch or apply online December 2 – 6 to take advantage of this limited time special offer. These special rates are available for the purchase of new and used autos and for refinancing auto loans which are not already financed through Cedar Point. Visit any of our five branches located in Lexington Park, Leonardtown, Charlotte Hall, and Prince Frederick. *This offer applies to auto loans only on vehicles up to 10 years of age. APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Limitations Apply. Rates accurate as of October 1, 2019.

Kristin Kauffman is the Marketing Manager at Cedar Point Federal Credit Union. A graduate of Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Kristin is currently studying for her certification as a Credit Union Certified Marketing Executive, as well as a Masters in Business Administration from the University of St. Mary. Kristin is extremely proud of the work that Cedar Point has done in the community under her guidance in recent years. In 2019, Cedar Point won a national award for Social Responsibility and was recognized

by Forbes as one of the top five credit unions in the State of Maryland.

Kristin is Vice Chair of Southern Maryland Community Resources, helping adults with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives in Southern Maryland.

Learn more by visiting our website. Federally Insured by NCUA.

N ovember/D ecember 2019 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com

31

IT’S THE

Most

Time

OF THE YEAR

On behalf of the entire team of writers, editors, designers, sales personnel, and our publisher, happy holidays and thank you for your continued support and readership throughout the years.

MAY YOUR SEASON BE MERRY AND BRIGHT, FILLED WITH

TODAY AND IN THE YEARS TO COME.

www.southernmarylandwoman.com 32

N o v e m b e r / D e c e m be r 2 0 1 9 | SouthernMarylandWoman.com

PROMOTION

so rees

SOUTHERN MARYLAND

Local events and community happenings for the women of Southern Maryland HVFD Wednesday Night Bingo

SOMD Vegan Restaurant Week

The Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad (HVFD) presents Wednesday Night Bingo. Come out for some fun and prizes, and support your local fire department. HVFD Auxiliary Kitchen provides food and refreshments. For more information, visit HVFD6.org.

For the first time, Vegan Restaurant Week will be launching in Southern Maryland during the week of November 2-9. During this time, participating restaurants will feature a separate vegan menu (or vegan dish), specially created for this week-long community event. In additiona to vegans, all diners encouraged to enjoy a variety of plant-based menu items that support healthier diets, the environment, and compassion for all.

For more information, contact somdveganevents@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/somdveganrestaurantweek.

Every Wednesday Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Dept.

4030 Old Town Road Huntingtown, MD Doors Open at 6 p.m.

Early Bird Bingo at 7 p.m.

Regular Bingo at 7:30 p.m.

November 2 - 9 Participating restaurants in Southern Maryland

Brunch & Brem

Calvert Hospice Festival of Wreaths

The Brem Foundation helps women find breast cancer early, when they have the best chance for survival. Join Dr. Brem for brunch, and a discussion on the latest technologies for early detection of breast cancer. Genetic counselors will be available to answer personal questions and take swabs for testing. Questions and RSVPs, please contact Sue@bremfoundation.org. This is a free event, but you must RSVP.

The Festival of Wreaths features beautifully crafted wreaths available for bidding at the Festival or on your mobile phone all day, visits with Santa, holiday crafts for kids and adults, and live music. Get started on your holiday shopping! Admission is FREE! Sponsorships are available. Contact Claire Piason to sponsor at cpiason@calverthospice.org. Contact us about donating a handcrafted wreath! For more information, visit calverthospice.org.

Sunday November 3 The Hall at Huntingtown 4030 Old Town Road Huntingtown, MD 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Saturday November 23 Calvert High School 600 Dares Beach Road Prince Frederick, MD 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Christmas Tree of Life Illumination Ceremony

Being Happy and Healthy for the Holidays

Join the Charles Regional Medical Center Foundation in illuminating the ceremonial Tree of Life and luminaries in the healing garden and honoring those living or deceased who have touched your life. The Foundation acknowledges the names of all donors and their honorees in a commemorative program and invites the community to attend the holiday illumination ceremony. Following the ceremony, guests will enjoy a dessert reception and festive holiday music.

The Charles Regional Medical Center Foundation will host a free holiday seminar on Wednesday, December 11. Presented

by Cindy Adams, Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, this seminar will help patients and their loved ones put the joy back into the holiday season, navigate the second half of December with less stress, learn practical tips for how to enjoy the holidays without blowing the diet, and offer recipes and carb counts for some of your favorite holiday dishes. Please register at charlesregional.org/seminars or by calling 301-609-4132.

Refreshments will be served.

Wednesday December 4 UM Charles Regional Medical Center Healing Garden 5 Garrett Avenue La Plata, MD 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Wednesday December 11 UM Charles Regional Medical Center Nagula Conference Room 5 Garrett Avenue La Plata, MD 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Keep up with local events and community happenings at SouthernMarylandWoman.com/events Looking to promote an upcoming event? Contact megan@southernmarylandwoman.com

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