Monday, October 27, 2008

Non-Partisan Public County-wide Forum for General Election Candidates

A FREE Non-Partisan Public County-wide
Forum for General Election Candidates

• Representative to U. S. Congress •
• Board of Education of Calvert County •

Calvert Pines Senior Center
West Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick

Thursday, October 30, 2008, 6:30-9 PM

6:30-7 PM MEET THE CANDIDATES
• Informal opportunity to talk with Candidates and to receive literature

7-9 PM FORUM IN AUDITORIUM
• Introduction of Candidates
• Hear Candidates answer questions submitted from the audience

A MUST-ATTEND EVENT: PLEASE COME!NON-PARTISAN VOTERS’ GUIDES
The LWV’s Non-Partisan General Election Voters Guide will be printed in the Calvert Independent newspaper on Wednesday, October 29. Extra copies will be available at County Libraries. Our Online Voters Guide at www.lwvmd.org/calvert provides national, state, and local election information.

Candidates’ Forum Sponsored by League of Women Voters of Calvert County, MD
www.lwvmd.org/calvert • 410-586-2176 (voice mail)

GO VOTE ON GENERAL ELECTION DAY,
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2008, 7 AM-8 PM.

Click the title for a PDF handout!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Shoppes at Apple Greene

September 15, 2008

The Dunkirk Area Concerned Citizens Association (DACCA) arranged a meeting August 4, 2008, providing Apple Greene Subdivision representatives an opportunity to express concerns directly to the Developer of Shoppes at Apple Greene (Marrick/Howlin).

The Apple Greene leaders, Lisa Yankanich and Katie McVicker deserve credit and should be commended leading their community and organizing public awareness. They clearly seek an equitable solution between the developer’s proposal and citizen’s concerns.

DACCA’s stated positions to date supported “in concept” the planned Drip Irrigation system and moving the development date from 10 years to within 3 – 5 years. Most importantly, support was dependent upon the specifics of the submitted plans.

To hear more details of the plans, DACCA Board of Directors attended a follow up meeting between the developer and the Apple Greene residents held September 15, 2008. The residents have valid concerns regarding the proposed stormwater management plans and the land application sewage system.

Concern remains with the proposed location of the intended “holding pond” that functions to house treated waste water especially during times when the drain fields are waterlogged.

Reportedly, soil conditions preclude relocating the “holding pond” to another location.

As to the viability of using a drip irrigation field, the other two systems within Calvert County experience challenges. Calvert Gateway suffered from groundhog damage. At Marley Run lightning strikes disabled a switch. The Developer of Shoppes at Apple Greene should identify specific Risk Management plans and procedures to mitigate sewage compromise.

The current law requires a minimum of 50 feet between drip irrigation fields and residential areas. The distance for Calvert Gateway and its nearest neighbor is 700 feet. Marley Run may also be 700 feet from the current residence, but is within 50 feet of the nearest (not yet developed lot). Additional study may be required to ascertain the correct distance (somewhere between 50 and 700 feet).

The developer identified plans to install multiple berms between drip irrigation fields and the residential area. DACCA encourages additional earthen walls planted with trees that would keep the view away from the residents of the “holding pond” and all drip irrigation fields. This would ensure any spillage remains on site and should strive to provide privacy approximating the current state.

Addressing effective stomwater management and storm drain issues are unresolved. To maximize keeping rainwater on site, the developer, at a minimum, should explore use of bio-retention basins, stormwater swale, “green roofs,” and rain gardens as well as pervious surfaces. Run-off leaving the Shoppes at Apple Greene remains a concern.

Evan Slaughenhoupt

President, Dunkirk Area Concerned Citizens Association (DACCA)

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Presentation on Comprehensive Planning and Traditional Towns

Presentation on Comprehensive Planning and Traditional Towns

The Calvert County Planning Commission is currently engaged in the Town Center Master Plan Update Process. The Planning Commission will be hosting a speaker who will talk on comprehensive planning and traditional town planning. Thomas Hylton, a Pulitzer-prize winning journalist, wrote Save Our Land, Save Our Countryside. He hosted an hour-long public television documentary of the same name. Mr. Hylton is a native of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. “As president of Save Our Land, Save Our Towns Inc., a non-profit corporation, Hylton serves as an advocate of traditional towns that house people of all ages, races, and incomes.” (http://saveourlandsaveourtowns.org). He is the Chairman of the Pottstown Planning Commission and the Pottstown Shade Tree Commission.

The Planning Commission invites all citizens and business owners to attend Mr. Hylton’s presentation on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at the Calvert High School Auditorium, 600 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick, Maryland. There will be an open house at 7:00 PM. Light refreshments will be served. The presentation will begin at 7:30 PM.

For more information, please contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 410-535-1600 x 2337 or pz@co.cal.md.us. Information about the Town Center Master Plan Update Process is on the web at www.co.cal.md.us, click on “Planning and Zoning” and then on “Town Centers.”

Commissioners Helping to Make Homeownership a Reality

Calvert County Board of County Commissioners Helping to Make Homeownership a Reality for County Citizens

Free Calvert Housing Opportunities Workshop Scheduled for June 18, 2008

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – May 30, 2008 – The Calvert Housing Opportunities Committee, established by the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners to oversee the development of housing policy and to promote affordable housing initiatives, will sponsor a free Housing Opportunities Workshop on Wednesday, June 18, 2008, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Calvert Pines Senior Center Auditorium, located at 450 West Dares Beach Road in Prince Frederick (behind the Calvert Village Shopping Center).

The workshop will provide general information on County and State programs to assist moderate income and/or first-time homebuyers who live or work in Calvert County.

Specific information will be provided regarding the following programs:

House Keys 4 Employees: A Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Program that partners with local jurisdictions to provide down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers. To date, 18 local public service employees, including teachers, sheriff’s deputies, fire/rescue personnel and County government employees have used this program to purchase their first home. For more information on this program, visit online at www.morehouse4less.com.

Affordable Housing Loan Fund: Established by the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners, and administered by the Calvert Housing Alliance, this loan fund provides eligible homebuyers with potential supplemental funding for existing mortgage products, including options for bridge loans, rent-to-own options, Rural Development supplemental loans, and Maryland Homeownership for Individuals with Disabilities (MHID) supplemental loans.

Housing Opportunities Web site: This new resource is full of information on local housing issues and programs with comprehensive information and important links to local, state and federal housing programs and sites. Visit www.co.cal.md.us and select “Housing” under the Resident Guide.

The Housing Opportunities Workshop is free but preregistration is requested to ensure adequate seating. For questions or to preregister, contact the Calvert County Department of Community Resources at 410-535-4370 or by e-mail at kuhnlm@co.cal.md.us.

Calvert County’s Farmers Hosting Outdoor Seasonal Market

Calvert County’s Farmers Hosting Outdoor Seasonal Market in Prince Frederick

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – May 30, 2008 – Calvert County’s traditional farmers’ market is back in the parking lot of the Prince Frederick Shopping Center this year. Offering a host of Southern Maryland produce, the market is now open on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., depending upon the availability of produce. A grand opening is scheduled for July 5th and, after that date, the market will also be open on Wednesdays from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. through the summer and fall growing seasons.

The market offers farm-fresh products from White Oak Point Farm, Cox Farm, Goose Creek Farm and Herbert Farm, among others.

For more information, contact Tim Wallace of the Calvert County Farmers Market Association at 443.532.7479.

Summer Fun in Calvert County, Maryland

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – May 30, 2008 – The weather is turning warmer and the kids are anticipating another summer of fun and entertainment. Why not enjoy the outdoors right here at home in Calvert County? Take a look outside your own backyard - there’s a whole month full of places to visit and things to do.

June 1 (11:00 am – 5:00 pm)

Children’s Day on the Farm

Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, 10515 Mackall Road, St. Leonard – 23rd Annual Southern Maryland Rural Heritage Celebration. A day of family fun! New attractions and old favorites. Farm equipment, farm animals, crafts, magic, storytelling, music, food and pedal-powered tractor pulls. www.jefpat.org or 410-586-8501.

June 1 (1:00 pm – 5:00 pm)

North Beach House & Garden Club Tour

Visit old, new and renovated houses and cottages in the North Beach area. Reservations recommended. Buses leave from St. Anthony’s parking lot throughout the afternoon. Call 301-855-6681or 410-257-9618 for information.

June 5 (2:30 pm – 7:00 pm) and June 6 (12:00 noon to 2:00 pm)

Chesapeake Garden Club “Small Standard Flower Show”

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Chesapeake Garden Club at the Calvert County Library. See beautiful horticulture from local gardens and fabulous floral designs. www.chesapeakegardenclub.org or 410-586-9572.

June 7 (11:00 am – 2:00 pm)

Parkers Creek Celebration at Double Oak Farm

American Chestnut Land Trust, Double Oak Farm, 676 Double Oak Road, Prince Frederick – Celebrate the birds, trees, bees and beetles of Calvert County. A day of fun family activities, including tractor-pulled hayride, guided hikes, nature-inspired craft activities, fossil hunt, geocaching and much more. www.acltweb.org or 410-414-3400.

June 9 (1:00 pm – 4:00 pm)

Museum Founder’s Day

Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum, 4155 Mears Ave., Chesapeake Beach - Celebrate the historical date of the grand opening of the Chesapeake Beach Resort area. The Museum’s special summer exhibit will be unveiled on this day as well. www.cbrm.org or 410-257-3892.

June 13 (6:00 pm – 9:00 pm)

North Beach Friday Night Farmers’ Market

North Beach, 5th Street & Bay Avenue – Shop for fresh vegetables, fruit and herbs direct from local growers every Friday night from June 13 through October. Stroll along the boardwalk and have dinner in one of our nice restaurants. 202-257-3253.

June 14 (10:00 am – 2:00 pm)

Father’s Day Fling: Catapults and Art

Annmarie Garden, 13480 Dowell Road, Solomons – This Saturday hiatus challenges dads, granddads and the families they love to build their own catapults and use them to create large paintings on canvas in the style of Jackson Pollock. Bring a drill and pack a lunch. Fee and pre-registration required. www.annmariegarden.org or 410-326-4640.

June 15 (11:00 am – 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm)

Father’s Day Cruises

Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Rd., Solomons – Enjoy a special Father’s Day brunch or dinner aboard the Wm. B. Tennison. www.calvertmarinemuseum.com or 410-326-2042 ext. 41.

June 21 (11:00 am – 6:00 pm)

African-American Family Community Day

Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, 10515 Mackall Road, St. Leonard – The 13th annual family event features live entertainment, singing, face painting, games, a student art contest, crafts and food. Supported by the Calvert County Branch of the NAACP, Calvert County Board of County Commissioners, JPPM and Friends of JPPM. www.jefpat.org or 410-535-2730/410-586-8501.

June 21 (9:00 am – 3:00 pm)

31st Annual Tobacco Trail Antique and Classic Car Show

Annmarie Garden, 13480 Dowell Rd., Solomons – Celebrate the automobile as an art form as antique and classic automobiles are displayed amidst the sculpture at Annmarie Garden. Co-hosted by the Antique Automobile Club of America, the world’s largest automotive historical society. www.annmariegarden.org or 410-326-4640.

June 28 (8:00 pm)

Movies on Main Street by Mar-Ber Development Corp.

Duke & Main Streets, Prince Frederick – Live music by Rockfish at 8:00 pm; movie starts at 9:00 pm. Watch “Raiders of the Lost Ark” under the stars on the grass lot across from the County Courthouse. Burgers, hot dogs, soda and water provided. Everything is free. Just bring a blanket or lawn chair. 703-577-3044.

For more information on the Calvert County, Md., Department of Economic Development, our visitor sites and attractions and the services available to assist County businesses, call 410.535.4583, 800.331.9771 or 301.855.1880; send an e-mail to info@ecalvert.com, or visit our Web site at www.ecalvert.com.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Residential Tree/Green Debris Removal

Calvert County, Md., Board of County Commissioners Announces Residential Tree/Green Debris Removal Due to Storm on May 11 & 12

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – May 13, 2008 – The Calvert County, Md., Board of County Commissioners, through the Calvert County Department of Public Works, Highway Maintenance Division, will perform roadside collection and removal of residential tree/green debris from County road rights-of way through May 30, 2008, as a result of the storm that affected the County on May 11 and 12.

Calvert County residents who live on any County-maintained roadway may place un-bagged debris at the road edge in front of their private property, in the County right-of-way only, between May 13 and 30, 2008, for free removal. County trucks will continuously canvas neighborhoods to remove this vegetative debris.

In addition, the Appeal and Barstow Landfills will accept residential tree/green storm-related debris resulting from the May 11th and 12th storm, Monday through Saturday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., through Saturday, May 31, 2008, free of charge.

Tree/green storm-related debris is limited to un-bagged leaves, trees, limbs, branches, bushes, shrubs, etc. All other storm debris including construction and demolition debris (like carpeting, sheetrock, wood, roofing or insulation) and wind-blown garbage will be accepted at the Appeal Landfill only and a fee will apply.

After May 31st, tree/green debris must be taken to Appeal Landfill for a fee.

For more information on the Calvert County, Maryland, Department of Public Works call 410.535.0905; send an e-mail to whitecl@co.cal.md.us, or visit online at www.co.cal.md.us.