Images Charles County, MD: 2012 by Journal Communications

2012 | livability.com/charles-county/md/ 速

Charles County, maryland

The Best of Both Worlds Living options combine rural ambience and urban access

Shop Around Explore a retail mix of local treasures and national brands

Try This On For Size Charles County is big for small businesses

sponsored by the Charles County Chamber of Commerce

Building a Better Business … Building a Better Community Setting the stage for growth and progress takes vision and commitment. Facchina is there with business and government helping to meet the challenges and opportunities for Charles County.

Charles Count y, Maryl and content Director Lisa battles Proofreading Manager Raven Petty Content Coordinator Jessica Walker Staff Writer Kevin Litwin Contributing writers Anne Gillem, Joe Morris, Jessica Mozo, Kathryn Royster Senior Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Janine Maryland, Kris Sexton, Vikki Williams Graphic Designers Rachael Gerringer, Taylor nunley

~ Paul V. Facchina, Sr., Founder and CEO

Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier color imaging technician Alison Hunter Integrated Media Manager jordan moore Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan Chairman Greg Thurman President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President Ray Langen Senior V.P./Sales Todd Potter Senior V.P./Operations Casey Hester Senior V.P./Client Development Jeff Heefner Senior V.P./business Development Scott Templeton senior V.P./Agribusiness Publishing Kim HOlmberg V.P./business Development clay perry V.p./External Communications Teree Caruthers

At Facchina we are over 500 individuals and their families with many calling Charles County home. We build new roads and bridges to improve safety for the traveling public. We build new buidings for jobs and services that provide employment for the area residents. Our business parks are planned using the national leadership in energy and the environment “LEED” programs. We are developers and contractors, but we are also conservationists dedicating open space and preservation areas to the regions Rural Legacy programs and to the Maryland Environment Trust. We are proud to be part of Charles County’s history and its future!

V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens v.p./Travel publishing Susan Chappell V.P./Sales rhonda graham, herb Harper, Jarek Swekosky Controller Chris Dudley Senior Accountant Lisa Owens Accounts Payable Coordinator Maria McFarland Accounts Receivable Coordinator Diana Guzman sales support Coordinator alex marks sales support project manager sara quint system administrator daniel cantrell Web creative director allison davis Web Content Manager John Hood Web project manager noy fongnaly Web designer II Richard stevens Web development lead Yamel Hall Web developer i nels noseworthy Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Creative Services Director Christina Carden Creative Technology Analyst becca ary audience development Director deanna nelson new media assistant alyssa dicicco Distribution Director Gary Smith Executive Secretary Kristy Duncan Human Resources Manager Peggy Blake Receptionist Linda Bishop

Images Charles County is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Charles County Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com. For more information, contact: Charles County Chamber of Commerce 101 Centennial Street, Suite A, La Plata, MD 20646 Phone: (301) 932-6500 • Fax: (301) 932-3945 www.charlescountychamber.org Visit Images Charles County online at livability.com/charles-county/md ©Copyright 2012 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

ENGAGED IN DIVERSE PARTNERSHIPS, PROJECTS AND PROPERTIES THROUGHOUT MD, VA, D.C. & FL

Member

The Association of Magazine Media Member

Heavy/Civil Construction – Site and Building Development Concrete Frames – Commercial Building and Construction Charles County, La Plata, Maryland

www.facchina.com

Custom Content Council

Member Charles County Chamber of Commerce

2012 edition | volume 11 速

Charles County, Maryland

co nte nt s F e atu r e s 10 The Best of Both Worlds

Living options combine rural ambience with easy urban access

14 SHOP AROUND Find a great mix of local treasures and national brands

18 Try This On for Size Charles County is big for small businesses

d e pa r tm e nt s 6 Almanac 22 Biz Briefs 25 Economic Profile 26 See the County 28 Local Flavor 30 Health & Wellness 32 Arts & Culture 34 Sports & Recreation 37 Education 39 Community Profile 40 Through the Lens

on the cover The fountain at Centennial Plaza in La Plata Photo by Todd Bennett

All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

Please recycle this magazine

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What’s Online livability.com/charles-county/md Photos See more great photos of Charles County in our online photo galleries

2012 | livABiliTy.Com/ChArleS-CounTy/md/ ®

ChArleS CounTy, mArylAnd

The Best of Both Worlds Living options combine rural ambience and urban access

Shop Around Explore a retail mix of local treasures and national brands

Try ThiS on For Size Charles County is big for small businesses

SponSored By The ChArleS CounTy ChAmBer oF CommerCe

Digital magazine Flip through the pages of this magazine and easily share articles using Facebook, Twitter or email.

Facts

Video

living here

Get the most up-to-date info on cost of living, top employers, schools, population demographics and more

Watch quick videos of local attractions

Learn the basics about local neighborhoods, schools and health-care providers

Digital Edition Shop Around BIG RETAIL MIX INCLUDES LOCAL TREASURES AND NATIONAL BRANDS

STORY BY JESSICA MOZO PHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD BENNETT

here’s a reason shopping aficionados tend to put down roots in Charles County. Actually, there are a few hundred reasons. Charles County is considered the shopping hub for Southern Maryland and is packed with venues including everything from national chain stores to independently owned specialty shops. Charles County Specialty Shops Nearly three decades ago, Lorrie Anderson traded her job as a horticulture teacher for a job at Country Florist, a quaint flower shop on Old Washington Road in Waldorf. Today, she owns the shop and spends her days surrounded by sweet-smelling blooms. “Our customers come to us because they care about the people they’re ordering flowers for, and they are fun to work with,” Anderson says. “I very much like and respect the business community in Charles County. We help and support each other. Charles County is a great community of wonderful businesses, large and small. I quickly learned they care about the community and are proactively involved.” Don’t let the Country part of her shop’s name fool you – this business is on the cusp of technology, always mindful of the latest designs, trends and new ways of doing things. “We are working on being more proactive in social media, and we now provide a floral app, which makes A designer builds a floral arrangement at Country Florist in Waldorf

CHARLES COUNT Y

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Welcome to Charles County An introduction to the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s people, places and events

Fun in a Roundabout Way Before high-speed roller coasters, people derived their carnival entertainment from ornate carousels with colorful decorations and lively music. With the rise in high-octane amusement parks, the number of antique wooden-horse carousels has dwindled to fewer than 170 in the United States and Canada. The Southern Maryland Carousel Group Inc. is working to revive the lost art of woodcarving that these carousels represent. The group is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2004 with the goal of constructing a full-scale working carousel in Southern Maryland. The groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facility in La Plata will house a grand wooden carousel, a woodcarving museum and a woodcarving learning center. Once completed, the facility of up to 12,000 square feet will feature 48 animals, two chariots and 18 rounding boards, as well as a band organ and art from area artists.

Giving Herons a Safety Nest The great blue heron is a wading bird with an overall length of three feet to 4.5 feet and a wingspan of 5.5 feet to 6.5 feet, making it the largest North American heron. Charles County has nearly 2,500 of these birds, thanks to the Nanjemoy Creek Great Blue Heron Sanctuary. This sanctuary is operated by The Nature Conservancy, an organization devoted to ecological preservation efforts. The goal of this preserve is to protect the more than 1,100 breeding pairs of great blue herons in Charles County. The preserve is also home to 48 tree species, 86 varieties of wildflowers and numerous animals.

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Almanac

Serving Others With Scarecrows

Rooting for the Home Team The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs is Charles County’s home team, which competes in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, an eight-team league formed in 1998. The team’s stadium features approximately 4,200 reserved seats, as well as skybox seats. When hunger strikes, concession stands serve light snacks. There are also numerous fine-dining establishments including MVP Grill, Hall of Fame Seafood and Hot Corner Carvery. To keep fans cool, Crabby Cove, a pool behind left center field, has bumper boats and a waterfall.

Each October, the Festival of Scarecrows brings the Charles County community together to enjoy Halloween-themed festivities. In 2011, Charles County held its 6th annual festival. For this fundraiser, participants design and build creative, themed scarecrows. Once complete, the scarecrows are judged and the winners announced. While the scarecrows are the focal point of the event, the community enjoys other crafts activities including weaving, painting, bead making and more. A portion of all proceeds benefit a nonprofit group, which is selected each year by the Charles County Chamber of Commerce.

Fast Facts n Charles County is the 15th wealthiest county in the U.S., according to the website Main Street, which used 2010 U.S. Census data to compile its list.

Where Ghost Ships Live

Photo Courtesy of CHARLES COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Visitors to Mallows Bay can see the site of the largest shipwreck fleet in the Western Hemisphere. The fleet includes ships from World War I, 19th-century canoes and schooners, a North Carolina menhaden boat, a possible Revolutionary War longboat and more. These vessels have developed ecosystems in their remnants, creating a biodiversity that has offset any pollution the ships might have introduced.

n Charles County is made up of 10 communities – Benedict, Bryantown, Cobb Island, Indian Head, La Plata, Marshall Hall, Nanjemoy, Popes Creek, Port Tobacco and Waldorf. n Port Tobacco first existed as the Native American settlement of Potopaco. It was colonized by the English in 1634 and was once the state’s second-largest town. n Charles County has 150 miles of shoreline, with the Potomac River on the west and the Patuxent River on its eastern edge.

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Almanac

The Road to Religious Freedom

A Home for History The African American Heritage House is dedicated to showcasing the life, history and contributions of famous African Americans from Charles County, as well as displaying local artifacts from the era of slavery. The museum is staffed entirely by volunteers. It is owned by the African American Heritage Society of Charles County Inc., a nonprofit organization founded in 1974 to preserve, document and exhibit the contributions of African Americans. The society purchased Heritage House in 1999 to serve as an educational facility for the community, as well as a tourist attraction for Southern Maryland.

While it is hard to imagine America without the principle of separation between church and state, Maryland restricted citizens’ religious freedom prior to the Revolutionary War. To celebrate the freedom of religion Maryland gained with the revolution, Charles County has the Religious Freedom Byway. This byway spans 195 miles and takes about five hours to travel. It incorporates historically significant sites relevant to religious freedom including many of America’s oldest churches, the site of the first Roman Catholic Mass held in English and St. Mary’s City, a restored 17th-century village that was Maryland’s colonial capital.

Charles County At A Glance Population (2009 estimate) Charles County: 142,226 Location Charles County is in Southern Maryland, 23 miles south of Washington, D.C., 54 miles south of Baltimore and 89 miles north of Richmond, Va.

Washington, ngton D.C. ngto 29 295

Beginnings Charles County was formed in 1658 by an Order in Council in England and named for Charles Calvert, the third Baron of Baltimore. For More Information Charles County Chamber of Commerce 101 Centennial Street, Suite A La Plata, MD 20646 Phone: (301) 932-6500 Fax: (301) 932-3945 www.charlescountychamber.org

Waldorf

Indian Head 301

St. Charles 5

La Plata

CHARLES 6

Bryantown

Hughesville 6

Port Tobacco Village

MARYLAND MARYLAND

VIRGINIA

What’s Online Check out photo galleries and videos of Charles County at livability.com/charles-county/md.

Cobb Island

Charles County

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C h a r le s C o u n t y

The Best of Both

Worlds Charles County couples rural ambience with urban amenities

Story By Kathryn Royster Photography By todd bennett

harles County is a study in contrasts. Dotted with farms and state parks, this section of Southern Maryland also offers all the amenities of a bustling metro area. In other words, it’s ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy the ambience of rural life without sacrificing urban conveniences and opportunities. Town by town, here are some of the standout features and benefits of living in Charles County.

La Plata La Plata, located in central Charles County, is the county seat and home to about 9,000 residents. Commerce and new-home construction are growing steadily, but family-oriented events and a walkable layout keep the community tight. “It’s like a quaint small town, but with all your conveniences right here,” says Michael Mazzeo, a lifelong Charles County resident

who has lived in La Plata since 1988. Affordable housing, good schools and a low crime rate make this community a favorite for young professionals and families with children. Nature-lovers can enjoy Clark Run Nature Area and Laurel Springs Regional Park, a LEED-certified town hall, and green-building grants attract the environmentally conscious. The College of Southern Maryland and the community-oriented CIVISTA Medical Center round out La Plata’s amenities. “And if you want to get out on a Saturday, we’re within 45 miles of the entire D.C. area,” Mazzeo says. “There are so many places you can visit.” Waldorf Though unincorporated, Waldorf is home to about 68,000 people, roughly half the county’s population. Located in north Charles County, just 11 miles from the Beltway, this

community is ideal for Capital commutes. Waldorf is oriented around the St. Charles planned community, which offers a range of housing types and a full complement of amenities including neighborhood schools, recreation centers and even a weekly farmers market. “Waldorf has the hustle and bustle and the great public transit that people want in an urban area,” says Mary Pat Berry, a lifelong Charles County resident who lived in Waldorf for more than 20 years. “But it also has a real sense of family and community.” Indian Head Indian Head, located on the great Potomac River in northeast Charles County, is perhaps best known as the home of the Naval Surface Warfare Center. Near the base, Indian Head Science and Technology Park offers an in-county location for defense and other federal contractors l i va b i l i t y. c o m /c h a r le s - c o u n t y/ m d

and vendors. But Indian Head isn’t just about the Navy. Assets like the Indian Head Rail Trail encourage the town’s 3,500 residents to enjoy abundant natural scenery and wildlife. Meanwhile, Indian Head Center for the Arts offers a black-box theater and arts education. Indian Head is just 20 minutes from the Beltway and 30 minutes from D.C.

Clockwise from Left: College of Southern Maryland men’s basketball; The Thomas Stone National Historic Site in Port Tobacco Village; St. Charles Towne Center in Waldorf; Indian Head Rail Trail in Indian Head

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Brian M c Cord

Port Tobacco Village Port Tobacco Village, located in central Charles County, is the smallest incorporated town in Maryland. Originally the county seat, Port Tobacco is steeped in history. “I love that, when I walk around town, I’m walking in the footsteps of people from the Revolutionary War,” says Mary Pat Berry, who now lives in Port Tobacco. The village’s many attractions include the 322-acre Thomas Stone National Historic Site, once owned by a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and the Port Tobacco Archeology Project. “Aside from the history, Port Tobacco is the place for people who want the rural life,” Berry says. “It’s quiet, almost no traffic. I can sit on my back deck and watch the eagles fly over the river.” While these four towns offer a cross-section of Charles County life, there’s certainly more to be found in this slice of Southern Maryland. Charles County is also home to Bennsville, Bryans Road, Hughesville, Potomac Heights and 25 other distinct locales. So, wherever you choose to settle, Charles County has plenty of places you can call home.

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Shop

C h a r le s C o u n t y

Around big Retail Mix includes local treasures and national brands

Story By Jessica Mozo Photography By Todd Bennett

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Above: St. Charles Towne Center in Waldorf Right: Candy Clark Boutique in La Plata carries formal wear, casual wear, knit dresses, suits, purses, shoes, gift items and more

C h a r le s C o u n t y

it easy to order flowers on the go if you have a smartphone,” Anderson says. “We are able to send customers reminders for anniversaries and birthdays, and if a customer asks what was sent years earlier, we can pull up that information.” If you’re looking for the latest fashions for women, you’ll find them at Candy Clark Boutique in La Plata. The boutique carries formal wear, casual wear, knit dresses, suits, purses, shoes and gift items in a shop designed to resemble a Parisian salon with a Baltimore twist. Joson Fine Jewelry is Charles County’s one-stop shop for jewelry services and offers custom jewelry design, gemstone polishing, jewelry and watch repair. Charles County Malls If mall shopping is more your cup of tea, Charles County delivers in that arena, too. St. Charles Towne Center features more than 130 stores and is anchored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, Macy’s, JCPenney, Kohl’s and Sears.

“St. Charles Towne Center promises a delightful, convenient and stress-free shopping experience,” says Lindsay Pitts, area director of marketing and business development at St. Charles Towne Center. “St. Charles Towne Center is more than just a shopping center. It is a community venue. We feature annual events like Mom’s Nite Out, Reaching Out Now’s Community Food Drive and Fun Fest, and Movies Under the Stars. We also offer monthly Kidgits events and breakfasts with Santa and the Easter Bunny for our little shoppers.” In summer 2012, St. Charles Towne Center’s AMC Loews movie theater will unveil its new $4.5 million renovation including enhanced presentation quality and sound, power leather recliners for movie-goers, and upgrades to the concession area and restrooms. The Shops at Waldorf Center is another major retail destination anchored by hhgregg, Christmas Tree Shops, Babies “R” Us, Ross Dress for Less, Marshall’s, The Room Store, PetSmart and Modell’s Sporting Goods.

Where to Shop? Country Florist 3040 Old Washington Rd. Waldorf, MD 20601 24hr: 301-843-6676 www.countryflorist.com Candy Clark Boutique 305 Centennial St # A La Plata, MD 20646 (240) 776-4479 www.candyclark boutique.com St. Charles Towne Center 11110 Mall Cir. St. Charles, MD 20603 (301) 870-6996 www.stcharles townecenter.com

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Business

C h a r le s C o u n t y

TRY THIS ON FOR SIZE Charles County is big for small businesses

Story By Kevin Litwin Photography By todd bennett

raig Guice and Mark Vliet met in sixth grade as students at Milton Somers Middle School in La Plata, and today the childhood friends co-own OutsourceIT, one of the fastest growing small businesses in Maryland. “We started the company in 2004, with Mark managing day-to-day operations for our clients, while I manage the growth of the business,” Guice says. “The company’s mission is to provide a more efficient and cost-effective way to deliver IT support to the small business community. It’s almost like selling an HMO health plan

to small companies, but we sell information technology.” Support for Computers Guice says his company’s client list has grown in recent years to include a wide range of commercial, government and nonprofit organizations throughout the D.C./Baltimore area and the Triad region of North Carolina. “Small businesses contract with us by the month, and we provide all the IT benefits that large corporations receive but on an affordable basis for them,” he says. “Whether a company has one computer, five computers

What’s Online Visit livability.com/ charles-county/md to read more articles about Charles County’s thriving business climate.

An employee takes a call from a client at OutsourceIT, one of the state’s fastest growing small businesses.

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Top 10

Minor League Baseball Stadiums Worth Visiting

WHATABURGER FIELD Corpus Christi, TX LAWRENCE-DUMONT STADIUM Wichita, KS FIELDCREST CANNON STADIUM Kannapolis, NC SAN JOSE’S MUNICIPAL STADIUM San Jose, CA REGENCY FURNITURE STADIUM La Plata, MD APPLEBEE’S PARK STADIUM Lexington, KY CANAL PARK STADIUM Akron, OH MONTGOMERY RIVERWALK STADIUM Montgomery, AL

La Plata made the list. Minor League Baseball Stadiums Worth Visiting See more Top 10 lists at Livability.com.

MCCORMICK FIELD Asheville, NC HERSCHEL GREER STADIUM Nashville, TN

Introducing the Livability.com Top 10 Lists New lists every month | Not your average lists | Not your average website

or 100 computers, at some point they will need a network security expert, or an email expert, or a data expert – someone to fix a computer so they can continue working. That is what OutsourceIT is all about.” He adds that Charles County is not only a nice place to live, but he is seeing Charles County becoming less of a bedroom community and more of a business park area. “That’s why we have established our headquarters in La Plata with 70 employees,” Guice says. “OutsourceIT has more than 250 clients, and we manage all of their 10,000 total computers from our La Plata office.” Fit to Print Another small business doing well in Charles County is Quality Printers LLC in White Plains, owned by Joe Namyst Sr. and Joe Namyst Jr., who are both natives of Charles County. “I’ve been involved in this community for many years with civic organizations, church, sponsoring teams, and I’ve coached more than 20 years,” Namyst Sr. says. “I’ve always had a philosophy of community, supporting your

business neighbors and keeping local jobs. Being a small printing company, we have always been big about supporting small businesses in Charles County.” Check Out the Front Besides all the services that a top printing shop can offer, the front entrance space at Quality Printers has been transformed into a community center. “It’s a place where small businesses can meet and market themselves, complete with eye-pleasing artwork on the walls and a modern décor,” Namyst Jr. says. “By the way, besides the Quality Printers portion of our business, we have also established a QP2 Creative division for people who want a website created or any other design and technology-related upgrades to their business.” Namyst Jr. says no matter how successful Quality Printers continues to become, its first priority will always be to serve the Charles County community. “More and more small businesses are choosing Charles County, which is great to see,” he says. “It has always been a beautiful place to live and is equally an excellent place to work.”

Craig Guice, pictured above, co-owns OutsourceIT in La Plata with his friend since childhood, Mark Vliet.

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Business

Biz Briefs Businesses – both large and small – that help define Charles County’s economic climate

Scorecard Business At A Glance

$2 billion Annual Retail Sales

$16,846 Retail Sales Per Capita

$232 million Annual Hotel and Food Sales

11,011 Total Number of Firms Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts

SMECO Biz: Customer-owned electric cooperative Buzz: Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, or SMECO, provides electricity to more than 152,000 services in southern Prince George’s County, throughout Charles County and St. Mary’s County, and most of Calvert County. As one of the 10 most expansive electric co-ops in the U.S., SMECO offers programs to help customers save energy and reduce electric bills. www.smeco.coop 22

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Infotek International Inc Biz: Information technology company Buzz: Founded in 1991, Infotek International Inc. assists clients with software development, website design, enterprise architecture projects and more. The company also rents out computers, laptops, LCD projectors, plasma displays and other items, offering free maintenance and shipping to any location in the United States within 24 hours. www.infotek-intl.com Classic Art Photography Biz: Professional photography Buzz: Ronald J. Warren, owner of Classic Art Photography, has been capturing special events since 1993. Serving Maryland, Virginia and the Washington, D.C., area, Warren photographs weddings, families, individual portraits, sporting events and more. Classic Art Photography clients can expect creative, budgetfriendly services and experiences customized to meet their preferences. www.classic-art-photography.com

Grace Lutheran church

Grace Lutheran SchooL

Sunday Morning Worship

two Year olds, PreK-8th Grade

8:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

Traditional Liturgy Sunday School Contemporary Liturgy Praise & Worship

Nursery available at all services Confirmation/Jr. Youth and Sr. Youth Programs

Wednesday evening Worship

6:30 p.m. Communion Service

Banquet & Meeting room rentals Perfect for weddings, rehearsal dinners, receptions, meetings, conferences. Also available: commercial kitchen and audiovisual system.

• Educational program accredited by the National Lutheran Schools Association • Degreed/certified teachers and highly qualified staff • Child development center provides licensed before- and after-school program for registered students • Daily devotions and weekly chapel • Hot lunch program • Physical education, music, art and foreign language • Dedicated computer technology lab • Dedicated library • After school clubs, parent teacher league and summer camps

1200 Charles St. • La Plata, MD (301) 932-0963 (301) 934-3806 www.growingwithgrace.org

Big B Liquors Biz: Spirit shop and bar Buzz: Big B Liquors offers a selection of more than 3,000 spirited beverages including domestic and imported beer, liquor, wine, champagne, sake and more. Customers can also enjoy the Big B Liquors Tavern, with a full-service bar, food and games. Bar catering and bartending services are available for special events, as well as custom and premade gift baskets. www.bigbliquors.com State Farm Biz: Insurance agency Buzz: State Farm Agent Fontella Moody, LTCP established her agency in the Bryans Road area in 2006. Moody helps all clients select insurance and financial service products and specializes in assisting women with their insurance, banking and investment decisions including asset protection, retirement planning and long-term health care. Policies are reviewed annually to ensure each client’s needs continue to be met. www.fontellamoodyinsurance.com

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STAMP OUT BREAST CANCER WITH YOUR FEET.

Every step you take in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® helps raise vital funds for the fight against breast cancer. But don’t let your journey stop there. Take a step toward improving your own health by educating yourself about the disease and getting regular screenings. Step by step, this Race will be won. Learn more about the Komen Race for the Cure by visiting www.komen.org or calling 1-877 GO KOMEN.

C h a r le s C o u n t y

Economic profile Business climate Although agriculture remains an important part of the local economy, Charles County has a diverse private sector, with strong technology, international business and tourism sectors.

Nearest airports from La Plata include Baltimore/ Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI, about 46 miles), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA, about 23 miles) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD, about 43 miles).

tax structure

2-6.25% Income Tax Range

6% Total Sales Tax

major employers Naval Support Facility (NSF) 3,472 employees College of Southern Maryland 1,090 employees Civista Medical Center 805 employees Wal-Mart/Samâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club 674 employees

VanGO 8190 Port Tobacco Rd. Port Tobacco, MD 20677 (301) 934-9305 www.charlescounty.org/ cs/vango/

Facchina Construction 480 employees

VanGO is a countywide transportation system that offers public transportation routes that operate on fixed schedules and more specialized transportation services for people unable to utilize the public transportation system.

Southern Maryland Electric Coop. (SMECO) 379 employees

Target 467 employees Reliable Contracting 420 employees

Southern Maryland Oil/ Wills Group 377 employees Genesis HealthCare 320 employees

expenditure

$71,567 Average Annual Household Expenditure

transportation Amtrak www.amtrak.com Amtrak locations nearest to La Plata include the Alexandria station within 20 miles at 110 Callahan Dr., Alexandria, Va., and Union Station within 40 miles at 50 Massachusetts Ave., Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority 1 Aviation Cir. Washington, DC 20001-6000 (703) 417-8600 www.metwashairports.com

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See the County

St. Ignatius Church in Port Tobacco Village Photo by Todd Bennett

C h a r le s C o u n t y

White Plains Skate Park in White Plains Photo by Todd Bennett

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Onlineâ&#x20AC;&#x160; Visit livability.com/charles-county/md to see more awardwinning photography of places and people in Charles County.

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photos by Todd Bennett

Local Flavor

Palate-Pleasing Options Variety keeps Charles County diners satisfieD

erving up a varied selection of fantastic fare, Charles County’s restaurants keep residents and visitors well-fed. Barbecue, burgers, seafood and ethnic dishes make up the area’s food scene, and farmers markets in La Plata and Waldorf round out the region’s offerings.

Seafood – A Maryland Tradition Family-owned Captain John’s Crab House & Marina on Cobb Island is a local institution that has been serving fresh-caught

seafood since 1963. Captain John’s menu includes shrimp, crab legs and rockfish, among other dishes. Captain Billy’s Crab House in Newburg is another tasty destination, with outdoor dining on a waterfront deck. Local favorites include Classic Crab Cakes and Cream of Crab soup. Also located in Newburg, Gilligan’s Pier Seafood & Steakhouse is popular for its fresh food and sizable portions, as well as for its water-taxi service for those coming to the restaurant by boat.

International Delights Savory Chinese cuisine is on the menu at Benny’s Chinese Restaurant in White Plains and Hunan Star Chinese Restaurant in La Plata. Hunan Star is a longstanding favorite with ethnic food lovers and features a buffet with traditional Chinese favorites such as General Tso’s chicken, fried rice, and hunan shrimp and chicken. At Loredo’s Steakhouse and Grill in White Plains, customers return time and again for handmade burritos,

Clockwise from left: Apple Spice Junction in La Plata; Gilligan’s Pier in Newburg; Sandwich at Apple Spice Junction

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guacamole, tacos and enchiladas, as well as margaritas and fried ice cream. Loredo’s also specializes in steaks and seafood.

Town of Indian Head “On the Move”

American Favorites One of Charles County’s best breakfast spots is Marie’s Diner in La Plata. Biscuits and gravy, eggs cooked to order, fluffy pancakes and flavorful ham slices are popular breakfast choices. Marie’s also features lunch and dinner specials such as prime rib. Family-owned Lefty’s Barbecue Unlimited, Inc. has been serving meats slow-cooked over a hickory wood fire in Waldorf since 1989. Favorite menu items include Lefty’s Chicken Bites, hand-breaded in the restaurant’s Signature Fish and Chicken Breader, and platters piled high with seasoned beef brisket, ribs smothered with sauce, chicken and pork chops. Johnny Boy Ribs is another local eatery that has been using the same authentic barbecue cooking technique since 1961. The La Plata restaurant offers carryout and dine-in options, and is most famous for its open pit cooking method and secret sauce developed by Mama Sophie. Also in La Plata, The Greene Turtle serves wings, sliders, burgers, wraps and more, while Apple Spice Junction offers salads and sandwiches. In Hughesville, Randy’s Ribs & Barbecue has roadside dining at its best. There’s almost always a line at the window for Randy’s barbecue sandwiches and platters, and the barbecue shack is known for catering unforgettable luaus and wedding dinners featuring whole pig roasts. – Jessica Mozo

What’s Online Read more about Charles County’s food scene at livability.com/ charles-county/md.

A quaint, rural community on a peninsula formed by the Potomac River and the Mattawoman Creek A small-town atmosphere – 20 minutes from the Capital Beltway Indian Head – Washington DC – So near – So different Adjacent to the Naval Surfaces Warfare Center A variety of recreational and water amenities New quality water access housing Growing community – “Watch our progress” Great business opportunities

For more information, contact the Town Hall at: (301) 743-5511 www.townofindianhead.org

PubliC HeAltH ServiCeS

for the Community Child & Adolescent Services • Health • Health insurance • Immunizations • Communicable disease • Developmental disability • Healthy start • Infants & toddlers • School health • Substance abuse • Mental health • WIC • Dental services

Adult Services • Family planning • Mental health • Developmental disability • Communicable disease • Substance abuse • Personal care

• Adult evaluation • Pregnant women health insurance • Cancer screening • AIDS/HIV • Dental services • Smoking cessation

Other Information: Vital Records • Employment • Environmental Health Services Core Service Agency • Public Health Preparedness & Response Services 4545 Crain Hwy. • White Plains, MD 20695 • (301) 609-6900 FAX (301) 934-4632 • TTY (800) 735-2258 • www.charlescountyhealth.org Hours of operation: 8 am-5 pm (some programs may include evening hours)

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Health & Wellness

Time for a Checkup Medical facilities offer array of services

he doctors will see you now at many top medical facilities throughout Charles County.

Civista Health System In 1939, Physicianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Memorial Hospital opened in Charles County, and decades later, it became part of a regional health system. In 1998, its name was changed to Civista. Today, Civista Health System continues to be anchored by the not-for-profit Civista Medical Center, a 121-bed facility in La Plata. In 2011, Civista Health signed an agreement to affiliate with the University of Maryland Medical System. Among the many advantages is the recruitment of their physicians to the area. Meanwhile, Civista Medical Center has increased the size of its campus through several land and building acquisitions, growing by 40 percent over the past two years. It has also achieved national recognition for its

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clinical quality, as the Medical Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emergency department, inpatient and surgical service volumes continue to grow. Civista Medical Center also offers classes, programs and events to inform the public about important health issues and topics. Civista has a website and social media presence, and strives to improve the health of Charles County through education, resources and quality health care.

Charles County Hospice House A 22,000-square-foot Hospice House opened in April 2012 on Davis Road in Waldorf, across the street from North Point High School. The facility is run by Hospice of Charles County and combines the comforts of home with 24/7 medical, spiritual and psychological care. Its mission is to support patients facing the realities of terminal illness.

What’s Online

Todd Bennett

For more insight on Charles County’s health and wellness offerings, head to livability.com/charles-county/md.

Several Nonprofit Organizations The Center for Children in La Plata provides mental health services to children and their families. It is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse, and the promotion of positive mental health through crisis intervention, therapy, education and advocacy. The Charles County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center focuses on recovery and independence, offering services including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, short- and long-term care, and day services for adults in need of supervised treatment. Melwood and Spring Dell Center both serve disabled individuals, while the Charles County chapter of the Red Cross and United Way of Charles County work to improve the community’s health and wellness in various ways. – Anne Gillem and Joe Morris

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Arts & Culture

Brian M c Cord

Inspiration & Education historic sites, community theater and arts events define charles County’s cultural scene

What’s Online Go to livability.com/ charles-county/md to discover more about Charles County’s artsy activities and cultural offerings.

harles County shows its love for art and history in the area’s cultural opportunities. Museums, theaters, historic sites and art programs help showcase the county’s rich heritage, which dates from 1658. In La Plata, the African-American Heritage Society Museum houses 17th-century artifacts and documents from the slavery era. Nearby Port Tobacco is the original home of the Indian Village of Potopaco, and it offers tours of a one-room schoolhouse and reconstructed courthouse saluting its 1600s heyday. Port Tobacco was also the home of Thomas Stone, a lawyer and politician who signed the Declaration of Independence. Tourists can explore the Thomas Stone National Historic Site, Stone’s sprawling estate that includes a tobacco plantation, colonial mansion and 19th-century farm buildings.

Dive Into the Arts Community theater thrives in Charles County, with groups such as the Port Tobacco Players and the Hard Bargain Players entertaining audiences in La Plata and Accokeek. The Black Box Theatre at The Indian Head Center for the Arts gives residents another venue in which to perform, with regularly sold-out events featuring music, theater and open mic performances. Meanwhile, the Charles County Arts Alliance helps strengthen the area’s arts community by promoting nonprofit arts agencies through its weekly newsletter that provides information about upcoming arts activities. Formed in 1987, the Charles County Arts Alliance also sponsors River Artsfest, a popular annual festival held on the Village Green in Indian Head. The

Above: Thomas Stone National Historic Site Right: Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum

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daylong event features musicians, artists and performers from all over Maryland and attracts 2,000 visitors each year.

More Historic Gems

Staff Photo

The small town of Benedict played a big role in America’s struggle for independence. During the War of 1812, British troops landed in Benedict, marched to Washington, D.C., and burned the city. One of the best-known stories among locals is that of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, who was thrust into the national spotlight when he mended the leg of assassin John Wilkes Booth the day after Booth shot President Abraham Lincoln. Mudd was sentenced to life in prison but was pardoned by President Andrew Johnson in 1869. Visitors can tour the Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum, which includes Mudd’s home, a gift shop, kitchen, exhibit building and outbuildings on 10 acres. – Jessica Mozo

Southern Maryland Hospitality at Its Best

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Best Western Plus la Plata Inn 6900 Crain Hwy., Rte. 301 La Plata, MD 20646 (301) 934-4900 • (877) 356-4900

www.bestwestern.com/laplatainn

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Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Onlineâ&#x20AC;&#x160;

Todd Bennett

Read more about getting out and active in Charles County by visiting livability.com/charles-county/md.

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Sports & Recreation

Play It Again get outdoors for great golf, parks and fun on the water

usy bodies, rejoice. Charles County is home to many attractions that are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Water Activities The county is surrounded by the Potomac, Patuxent and Wicomico rivers, making it ideal for boating, fishing, water skiing, tubing, canoeing and kayaking. The Potomac River is recognized as a world-class place to fish for largemouth bass, and is also a great place for blue catfish and stripers. Meanwhile, the region’s overall system of rivers and lakes is a hotbed for all kinds of paddling and pedaling. Visitors can explore on their own or take guided tours. Those looking for an extra special day on the river can paddle to Mallows Bay, home to the largest shipwrecked fleet in the Western Hemisphere. Approximately 150 abandoned World War I ships have been there since 1920, partially submerged in the bay and only accessible by canoe or kayak.

Parks and Recreation The Charles County Parks & Recreation Division oversees 13 public parks. Some of the most visited are Gilbert Run Park, Laurel Springs Regional Park, Mallows Bay Park and White Plains Regional Park. During summer months, the department operates outdoor pools at La Plata, McDonough and Thomas Stone. Besides swimming, the facilities have programs such as swim lessons, pool rentals, water

White Plains Golf Course at White Plains Regional Park

aerobics and lifeguard training. As for sports, the division coordinates outdoor leagues for men’s softball, coed softball, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, youth soccer, and youth tackle football and cheerleading. The county also offers hiking and biking options including the Indian Head Rail Trail that features an old railway renovated into a paved walkway. Maxwell Hall Park also has a 14-mile trail open to hikers along with horseback riders. In addition, outdoor adventurers can visit Charles County’s Purse State Park, which offers hunting, fishing, birding and fossil hunting.

Golf Charles County provides three opportunities to grip it and rip it. The premier area course is White Plains Golf Course at White Plains Regional Park, which stays true to its claim of being a public course with the playing conditions of a private course. Other venues are Atlantic Golf at Potomac Ridge in Waldorf and Hawthorne Country Club in La Plata. Two more destinations in neighboring areas are Wicomico Shores Golf Course in Mechanicsville and National Golf Club at Tantalion in Fort Washington. – Kevin Litwin

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Air Conditioned • Satellite TV Wireless Internet • Direct-Dial Telephones Swimming Pool • Grill & Picnic Areas Microwaves & Refrigerators Secured Parking for Bass Boaters & Racers American Owned and Operated (301) 934-9505 (301) 932-1774 (301) 934-8331

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Five Miles South of La Plata Eight Miles North of Harry Nice Bridge 25 Miles South of D.C. Beltway Near Maryland International Raceway

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visit our

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Authorized fActory sAles & service Residential • CommeRCial

Charles County Department of Health www.charlescountyhealth.org Charles County Nursing Rehabilitation Center www.ccnrc.com Charles County Public Library www.ccplonline.org Children’s Learning Tree www.childrenslearningtree.com

(301) 645-7071 or (301) 843-0300 6 Irongate Dr. • Waldorf

celebrating Our 56th anniversary

Civista Health www.civista.org Comfort Suites www.choicehotels.com/hotels/md109 Country Furniture of Waldorf Inc. www.marylandwoodfurniture.com Facchina Construction www.facchina.com GenOn Energy www.genon.com GP Homes www.gphomesusa.com Grace Lutheran Church & School www.growingwithgrace.org Joson Fine Jewelry & Home Boutique www.josonjewelryhome.com Motel Bel Alton www.belaltonmotel.com Old Line Bank www.oldlinebank.com Potter Heating & Electric Inc. www.potterheatingandelectric.com Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative www.smeco.coop Southern Maryland Hospital www.southernmarylandhospital.com Suburban Propane www.suburbanpropane.com Swan Point Yacht & Country Club www.swanpointgolf.com The Washington Savings Bank www.twsb.com Town of Indian Head www.townofindianhead.org

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Todd Bennett

Education

The Fine Arts Center on the campus of the College of Southern Maryland in La Plata

Meeting the Test Community proud of strong education system

hen companies locate or relocate to a community, a key factor in their search can be whether there is a strong education system in place. Charles County gets high marks in that area, thanks to Charles County Public Schools, private schools and the College of Southern Maryland.

Charles County Public Schools CCPS is one of the fastest growing school systems in Maryland, with 26,778 students enrolled for the 2011-12 school year. The district has 39 schools and education centers including 21 elementary schools, and employs 3,469 people, with 2,041 teachers; 1,113 support staff; 72 technical employees; and 243 administrators.

Technically Speaking The school system is also using technology to enhance instruction. Schools offer wireless Internet access, while the advancement of a science, technology, engineering and mathematics program keeps

the school system moving forward. For example, North Point High School for Science, Technology and Industry provides state-ofthe-art equipment, classrooms, training and instruction to equip students for several in-demand career fields. The school system plans to infuse the same technology into its older schools and improve offerings at all high schools including a new facility – St. Charles High School (scheduled to open in August 2013) – that will contain a digital classroom and focus on natural resources management and environmental technology.

Private Schools In Bryantown, St. Mary’s School has an enrollment of 225 and accommodates students in prekindergarten through eighth grade. Waldorf is home to Grace Christian Academy of Maryland that features prekindergarten through grade 12. White Plains has Southern Maryland Christian Academy, with classrooms from prekindergarten through grade

12. In La Plata, a special education facility called High Road School of Southern Maryland is for students in grades 4-12.

College of Southern Maryland Those seeking higher education can find classes at the College of Southern Maryland, which has four campuses in Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties and a total enrollment of more than 22,000 students. CSM offers more than 130 programs of study including associate degrees, certificates, online programs and continuing education programs. Students can earn a four-year degree through CSM partnerships with other colleges and universities. One of the crown jewels on the CSM campus is a new Center for Trades and Energy Training, which puts students onto a job training fast track for high-paying careers. The center also provides ongoing employee training and development for existing local companies. – Kevin Litwin l i va b i l i t y. c o m /c h a r le s - c o u n t y/ m d

Country Furniture of Waldorf Inc. Randy & Odette Bowen – Owners

14145 Brandywine Rd. Brandywine, MD 20613 (301) 372-2943 Toll-free: (877) 492-8419 Cell: (301) 643-0350 Fax: (301) 782-7463

Cynthia Brown Real Estate Manager Sales, Leasing & Property Management

cynthiab@brandywinerealestate.com

www.brandywinerealestate.com

Hours: Mon.-sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 3255 Leonardtown rd. • Waldorf, MD 20602 (301) 843-0031 • (301) 645-2051 Fax

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Woman Owned & Managed Termite Inspections & Treatments Pest Control Residential & Commercial

Serving Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s and PG Counties

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Septic Certifications & Well Test

MD License #26844

Bed Bugs

(301) 934-1477 112 Charles St. • La Plata, MD 20646 www.childrenslearningtree.com

There are places that simply must be experienced …

At Swan Point, our goal is to ensure that your experience is more than you expected. Whether you are enjoying 18 holes of golf or celebrating your wedding, you deserve the finest. We specialize in corporate and charity golf outings from four to 144. Our beautiful banquet facilities, meeting rooms and on-site catering are unmatched. Come see for yourself Charles County’s best-kept secret. Call (301) 259-0047 ext.12 for more information. Schedule your own Swan Point experience. www.SwanPointGolf.com

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Just call 866-730-green or visit www.epa.gov/radon

WALDORF COMFORT SUITES 11765 Business Park Dr. Waldorf, MD 20601 Phone: (301) 932-4400 Fax: (301) 932-7566 Email: gmcswaldorf@crhi.net

www.choicehotels.com/hotels/md109 38

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community profile snapshot Charles County, the hidden gem of Southern Maryland for 350 years, has a rich abundance of history, culture and outdoor activities. It offers easy access to Washington, D.C., and quality education and health care.

household information

34% Black

142,226 Total Population

Marital Status:

56% Married

44%

86˚F Summer High Temperature

26˚F Winter Low Temperature

44” Annual Rain Fall (vs. National Average Annual Rain Fall of 37”)

Hispanic

8% Other

time zone

Single

Eastern

Age:

size in square miles

Climate Summers in Charles County are generally hot and humid with occasional thunderstorms. Winters are generally mild with variable precipitation.

37 Median Resident Age

643

28%

cost of living

Age 19 and Under

48% Age 20-54

24% Age 55 and Over

55% White

$78,264 Median Household Income

$375,000 Average Home Price

$1,434 Median Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment

This section is sponsored by

Maryland’s Premier Community Bank

800-617-7511

19 Branches of Superior Service

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Ad Index

38 Arrow American Pest Control

38 Brandywine Investment Properties LLC

29 Charles County Department of Health

31 Charles County Nursing Rehabilitation Center

C4 Civista Health

38 Comfort Suites

38 Country Furniture of Waldorf Inc.

33 Best Western Plus

5 Charles County Public Library 38 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Learning Tree

2 Facchina Construction C2 Gen On Energy 8 GP Homes

23 Grace Lutheran Church & School

36 Joson Fine Jewelry & Home Boutique

35 Motel Bel Alton

Ad Index (cont.)

39 Old Line Bank

36 Potter Heating & Electric Inc.

1 Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative

C3 Southern Maryland Hospital

23 Suburban Propane

38 Swan Point Yacht & Country Club

24 The Washington Savings Bank

29 Town of Indian Head

Through the Lens

Get the Story Behind the Photo Now that you’ve experienced Charles County through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. Visit photoblog.jnlcom.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.

From Our Photo Blog: charles county On one of my recent trips, I found myself about 30 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., in Charles County, Md. As you drive through Charles County, you come across a lot of historic churches. I couldn’t turn a corner without coming across a church that wasn’t nearly as old as our country, if not older. For instance, St. Ignatius Church in Port Tobacco was founded in 1641 and is the oldest Catholic Parish in continuous service in the United States. The church and cemetery are beautiful by themselves. But the church’s founders could not have found a more picturesque setting. St. Ignatius sits on a hill overlooking the Port Tobacco River, which is a perfect position to catch the evening glow of the setting sun. Posted by Todd Bennett

More Online See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at photoblog.jnlcom.com.

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