Calvert briefs

School board seeks committee members

The Calvert County Board of Education is accepting applications for the citizen advisory committee. The committee provides a means for taking an active role in public education and serves in an advisory capacity to the board. It conducts studies in areas of concern, provides community insight into pending policies and discusses a variety of issues affecting school system operations. The committee meets at 6 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month during the school year.

Applicants must be residents of Calvert County and may not be employees of the school system. Apply at https://forms.office.com/r/1bcCf9TbUU by July 31. For more information, contact Karen Maxey at 443-550-8006 or maxeyk@calvertnet.k12.md.us.

Support farmers during Buy Local Week

Step up to the plate and enjoy Maryland-grown and -produced farm products every day during Buy Local Week, July 19-28. In conjunction with the state of Maryland and the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, Calvert County is celebrating the bounty of local agricultural products and encourages residents to take the “Buy Local Challenge” by pledging to buy at least one locally grown or produced item every day during the week.

Residents are encouraged to visit www.CalvertAg.com to discover the many local products, farmers markets and roadside stands available in Calvert County.

Paper shredding events scheduled

The Calvert County Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Division, will host free paper shredding events for county residents and businesses. Shredding documents helps prevent identity theft by destroying confidential and/or sensitive information.

The following shred events will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 20 at Northern Middle School in Owings, Aug. 17 at Huntingtown High School and Sept. 21 at Appeal Landfill located on Sweetwater Road in Lusby.

Proof of Calvert County residency or business location is required. For information about other recycling events, contact the solid waste division at 410-326-0210 or visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/Recycle.

Bugfest planned for August

Come say goodbye to summer with a Bugfest of fun on Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon at the North Beach Nature Center at Wetlands Overlook Park. Celebrate all the winged wonders and creepy crawlers that can be found in the park. Email lgarrett@northbeachmd.org for more information.

Fines for signs

On April 1, the department of public works began removing unauthorized signs alongside county roadways. Removed signs are being stored at the Appeal Landfill, located at 401 Sweetwater Road, for two weeks. Individuals and businesses may reclaim their signs for a $6 fee per sign. Any signs remaining after two weeks will be discarded.

Those who repeatedly violate the signage permit will incur a $25 fine per sign, whether or not the signs are retrieved. The fine will be issued from the county attorney’s office as a civil citation. Un-permitted signs can obstruct motorists’ views at intersections and contribute to roadway clutter. To review county sign regulations, go to https://ecode360.com/29293346Z.

Town center plan draft update available for feedback

The Calvert County Department of Planning and Zoning invites public feedback on the June 2024 draft of the Prince Frederick Town Center Master Plan Update. Residents, businesses and stakeholders are encouraged to review and comment on the draft plan until Sept. 25. The draft plan is available online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/PFTC.

All comments will become part of the public record for the Prince Frederick Town Center Master Plan and Zoning Update. Public record documents will be made available to members of the public upon request.

Bus service is now fare free

The Calvert Department of Community Resources, Public Transportation Division announces county buses are now fare free. County officials aim to boost ridership among Calvert County residents. While the county will see a projected $27,000 loss in fare box revenue, the fare free model is expected to save $46,500 in annual fare box maintenance costs, resulting in an overall cost savings in the capital project budget. Additionally, increased ridership could lead to higher grant awards under the Maryland Transit Administration’s new funding formula.

Public Transportation currently offers eight fixed bus routes and four demand-response para-transit routes. Riders may board or exit the bus at any safe location along the route. For routes and schedules, visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/BusSchedules.

Summer meals offered

The Calvert County Department of Community Resources, Calvert County Family Network, is supporting a “Grab ‘n Go Summer Meals Program’ hosted by Calvert County Public Schools. The program will ensure that children have access to nutritious meals during the summer months. Meal kits will be distributed weekly on Wednesdays through Aug. 7. Each meal kit includes five breakfast meals, five lunch meals and milk for each meal.

Distribution sites are Calvert High School, Southern Middle School and Windy Hill Middle School and registration is required. To participate and for more information, contact the school system’s child nutrition office at 443-550-8680.

Well wellness tips available

Does your property have a well? When was the last time you had it tested? Depending on your property’s location and history, your well should be serviced every three to 10 years to ensure its longevity and your physical health. Regular well testing for contaminants such as manganese, copper and arsenic are essential for your well’s longevity and your physical health. Service tests also check the water flow, water-level and general water qualities including odor, color and possible contaminants. Scheduled maintenance also helps detect issues with well equipment and ensures full pump efficiency. Find well maintenance tips online at www.calverthealth.org/community/environmentalhealthservices/wellwater.htm.

Carnival coming in July

The Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual carnival July 23 through 27 at the Calvert County Fairgrounds. The carnival will feature over 40 attractions, rides, games and food. Midway admission is free.

Beat the heat this summer

The Calvert County Department of Public Safety is urging residents to prioritize heat safety to protect themselves and their loved ones as summer brings sweltering temperatures.

To combat the dangers of excessive heat, it is recommend citizens drink plenty of water, limit strenuous activity, schedule outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening, seek shelter in air-conditioned spaces, take advantage of cool showers or baths to lower body temperature and find relief from the heat, seek refuge in public places like libraries and community centers offer temporary respite from the heat. These spaces are equipped with air conditioning and provide a safe environment to cool down.

Residents can stay tuned to emergency alerts and information about the location and availability of cooling centers online. Go to www.CalvertCountyMd.gov.

County announces tree coupon program

The Calvert County Department of Planning and Zoning announces the reopening of its “Spread Your Leaves” tree coupon program to help residents expand forested areas in Calvert County by planting native trees on their property. Now through Nov. 20, residents may obtain a coupon to purchase native trees at a discount from participating nurseries.

Residents can use the printed or digital coupon at participating nurseries for a discount up to $50 per tree for up to six trees. At checkout, residents will register their name, address and tree species. The tree coupon can be obtained through the planning and zoning website at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. There, residents will also find a list of participating nurseries, view an interactive map of trees planted through the program, and find information on selecting native tree varieties based on the planting area and environmental benefits.