Images Charles County, MD: 2011

2011 | imagescharlescounty.com ®

Charles County, maryland

BLUE CRABS MEET BARBECUE Restaurants offer diversity

PLACES TO GO, PEOPLE TO SEE Cultural attractions abound

Technically Speaking Business, tech sectors grow

What’s Online Tour Mt. Carmel – the oldest Carmelite monastery in the U.S.

sponsored by the Charles County Chamber of Commerce

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Charles Count y, Maryland Project Manager Courtney Seiter Proofreading Manager Raven Petty Content Coordinator Jessica Walker Staff Writer Kevin Litwin Copy Editors Lisa Battles, Jill Wyatt Contributing writers Anne Gillem, Laura Hill, Joe Morris, Jessica Mozo, Carson O’Shoney, Chris Russell Media Technology Director Christina Carden Senior Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Jessica Manner, Janine Maryland, Kris Sexton, Candice Sweet, Vikki Williams Media Technology Analysts Chandra Bradshaw, lance Conzett, Michele Niccore, Marcus Snyder Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier Web Content Managers John Hood, Kim Madlom Web project manager noy fongnaly Web Design Director Franco Scaramuzza Web Designer Leigh Guarin Web Designer II Richard stevens Web developer i Yamel Hall Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan I.T. Director Yancey Bond I.T. support technician bryan foriest Regional Sales Manager Chris Sweeney Sales Support/Community, Business, Custom Rachael Goldsberry Senior Accountant Lisa Owens Accounts Payable Coordinator Maria McFarland Accounts Receivable Coordinator Diana Guzman Office Manager/Accounts Receivable Coordinator Shelly Miller Integrated Media Manager David Moskovitz Sales Support Manager Cindy Hall color imaging technician Alison Hunter Chairman Greg Thurman President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President Ray Langen Senior V.P./Sales Todd Potter, Carla Thurman Senior V.P./Operations Casey Hester Senior V.P./Client Development Jeff Heefner Senior V.P./business Development scott templeton V.p./External Communications Teree Caruthers V.P./Custom Publishing Kim HOlmberg V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens

Photos See more photos in our online photo gallery Get the inside scoop from our photographers’ blog

V.P./Sales Charles Fitzgibbon, Herb Harper, Jarek Swekosky 2011 | iMAGESChARLESCOUnTy.COM

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Content Director/Travel Publications Susan Chappell Content Director/Business Publications Bill McMeekin ChARLES COUnTy, MARyLAnd

Marketing Creative Director Keith Harris Distribution Director Gary Smith

BLUE CRABS MEET BARBECUE Restaurants offer diversity

Executive Secretary Kristy Duncan Human Resources Manager Peggy Blake Receptionist Linda Bishop

PLACES TO GO, PEOPLE TO SEE Cultural attractions abound

Facts & Stats Dig deeper with in-depth data on industries, schools and more

Business, tech sectors grow

What’s Online Tour Mt. Carmel – the oldest Carmelite monastery in the U.S.

SPOnSOREd By ThE ChARLES COUnTy ChAMBER Of COMMERCE

Get a moving glimpse at favorite local places and attractions

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Technically Speaking

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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 e-mail at info@jnlcom.com.

For more information, contact: Charles County Chamber of Commerce 101 Centennial Street, Suite A, LaPlata, MD 20646 Phone: (301) 932-6500 • Fax: (301) 932-3945 www.charlescountychamber.org Visit Images Charles County online at imagescharlescounty.com ©Copyright 2011 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.

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The Association of Magazine Media Member

Custom Content Council

Member Charles County Chamber of Commerce

10

th

anniversary issue

2011 edition | volume 10 速

Charles County, Maryland

co nte nt s F e atu r e s 8 School of Thought

24

Charles County schools go high-tech in their approach.

12 technically speaking Business, tech sectors grow.

24 blue crabs meet barbecue Restaurants offer diversity.

26 places to go, people to see Cultural attractions abound.

d e pa r tm e nt s 4 Almanac 16 Biz Briefs 18 Chamber Report 19 Economic Profile 20 Image Gallery 28 Education 30 Sports & Recreation 32 Health & Wellness 35 Community Profile 36 Photo Blog

on the cover Photo by Brian McCord Fairview Center Business Park in White Plains

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

Please recycle this magazine

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Welcome to Charles County An introduction to the area’s people, places and events

Prime Location Charles County is in the south central portion of Maryland, and is within close proximity of several large communities. The county is part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and motorists have an easy drive to Baltimore 54 miles away, and Richmond, Va. 89 miles away.

An odd geography statistic: In the western wing of Charles County along the southernmost bend in Maryland Route 224, the county contains a rare instance where the traveler is due north, east, south and west of the same state – Virginia.

Honoring Heritage The African American Heritage Society of Charles County is undergoing a $400,000 renovation of its Heritage House Museum, and is scheduled to be completed in 2011. The museum opened in 1999 in La Plata to house an extensive collection of African-American artifacts. The pieces and documents reflect the struggle of the slaves who lived in Charles County, and include handmade tools, dolls, furniture, clothing and kitchen utensils.

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Almanac

Fast Facts

Animal Friendly

n Charles County is among the 25 wealthiest counties in the country, according to Forbes magazine. It ranked 21st in Forbes’ 2010 list, based on U.S. Census data from 2008.

Charles County is a pet-friendly community, with the Humane Society of Charles County providing care and shelter for lost, abused or abandoned pets. The nonprofit organization also sponsors low-cost spay, neuter and vaccination clinics, and public humane education seminars. The county is also home to a nice dog park facility at Turkey Hill Park. Dogs are allowed to run off the leash within the enclosed, fenced area, and the park is open from dawn to dusk.

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.

In The Swing If golf is your bag, Charles County is a good place to be.

Waldorf is home to Atlantic Golf at Potomac Ridge, while White Plains features White Plains Golf Course. La Plata is home to Hawthorne Country Club, while Indian Head houses the Naval Surface Warfare Center Golf Course. Meanwhile, courses in neighboring areas include Wicomico Shores Golf Course in Mechanicsville and the National Golf Club in Fort Washington.

n In 1776, Charles County resident Thomas Stone signed the Declaration of Independence.

Other prominent Revolutionary War statesmen John Hanson and Gen. William Smallwood were also residents of the county.

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Green Scene

Specialty of the House Charles County has an abundance of home options, from waterfront properties and townhomes to farmettes and communities with lots of 1, 2 and 3 acres. Homes in Charles County are moderately priced in comparison to other Maryland or Northern Virginia counties, and they offer conveniences such as shopping and great schools nearby.

The average price of a home in Southern Maryland is approximately $375,000, though homes come in all price ranges, sizes and styles.

A family of four can keep more than a ton of material out of landfills every year, and Charles County is asking its residents to help make a difference. Curbside collection is now available in most Charles County neighborhoods.

Yard waste is collected by a separate truck from April through December, and residents can also fill personal blue recycling bins with aluminum and tin cans, glass bottles and jars, and plastic bottles and jugs. The Charles County curbside collection program accepts recyclable items at no charge.

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, ingto on D.C. 295 295

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

CHARLES 6

St. Charles 5

La Plata

Bryantown

Hughesville 6

Port Tobacco Village

MARYLAND D MARYLAND

What’s Online  Take a virtual tour of Charles County, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imagescharlescounty.com.

VIRGINIA Cobb Island

Charles County

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School of

Thought Charles County schools go high-tech in their approach Story By Chris Russell

C

harles County is “schooling” the others, as you might say.

Combining cutting-edge technology, a wide array of courses and partnerships designed to help students with their lives and careers, Charles County’s educationfirst commitment is second to none.

Maryland STEM Portfolio Project Charles County is one of only five counties in the state to receive a grant for the prestigious Maryland STEM Portfolio Project (science, technology, engineering and math), which gives teachers model lessons in problembased learning using electronic portfolios. Teachers who participate in this program receive a laundry list of tools and training to assist them in instructing their students.

Educators receive a personal laptop, flip cameras, thumb drives for 30 students, GPS units for classroom use, mounted projectors and classroom Smart Boards, which are interactive whiteboards that display PC images through a projector. The projector puts a computer’s video output onto the Smart Board, which then becomes Staff Photo

Left: Students put technology to work at North Point High School in Waldorf. Right: College of Southern Maryland students

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a big touch screen, like many handheld devices that people carry today.

Using this technology, teachers incorporate different types of software to come up with their own STEM-based lessons, which can then be shared with other classrooms around the state.

High School of New Heights St. Charles High School, which is scheduled to open off of Piney Church Road in August 2013, is sure to raise a few eyebrows and drop a few jaws upon completion.

The 285,000-square-foot high school will feature a digital classroom with stadium seating. Television screens with four times the resolution of a high-definition TV, three-dimensional graphics and surround sound will enhance students’ learning

experiences about everything from the Great Pyramids to the human heart.

Response pads and hands-on use of technology will allow St. Charles High School students to engage and interact with the teacher during a lesson and the multiuse dome theater will even function as a planetarium.

“A digital classroom will help inspire and capture imagination and creativity.

If the school system is going to successfully provide students 21st century skills, learning opportunities must extend beyond what is in the classroom today,” says Superintendent of Schools James E. Richmond.

“Using only lecture and drill to teach is no longer always effective, and incorporating technology and hands-on experiences are ways to remove learning barriers for children. The digital

classroom places students in realistic environments and provides ways for students to respond and interact.”

College of Southern Maryland The College of Southern Maryland offers more than 100 programs of study in areas such as defense, energy, hospitality and construction careers.

New partnership agreements are opening doors for College of Southern Maryland students. Those who qualify for co-op education positions at the nearby Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) or Indian Head Naval Surface Warfare Center (IHNSWC) can also receive tuition support from the Navy and work at Navy installations when classes aren’t in session.

For more, visit www.csmd.edu.

The College of Southern Maryland offers students learning opportunities inside the classroom and out, from athletics (bottom left) to ceramic sculpture classes (bottom middle) to graphic design classes (bottom right) and much more.

bottom photos by Brian M cCord

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Keeping

Commuters Home Charles County welcomes a growing business and technology scene

Story By Laura Hill

W

ith a stable economic climate, a capable workforce, an expanding airport and a giant technology park in the works, Charles County is poised for dramatic economic growth in the next few years.

Today, more than 25 percent of county residents have at least a bachelor’s degree, and together they enjoy more than an $86,000 annual income – figures any county could boast about. But an estimated 60 percent of Charles County residents commute each day to work as much as an hour and a half away – and that’s something local government and businesses want to change.

“Charles County is a hot spot for new business,” says Harry Shasho of Shasho Consulting, a White Plains, Md., real estate firm. “We have ready-to-build commercial and industrial lots with water and sewer, move-in ready office space, business and industrial parks ready to go.

People are discovering Charles County.”

Besides its well-educated workforce, he points out,

“Charles County is a hot spot for new business.” the county offers a much shorter “reverse” commute from the Washington area, which has not only economic but quality-of-life benefits – most folks, he points out, would rather spend time with their kids than driving.

Indian Head Tech Park to Bring Jobs, Revenue While the county already enjoys a stable mix of high-tech and light industrial business, the new Indian Head Science and Technology Park will be a jewel in Charles County’s crown, keeping workers close to home, adding taxes to the county’s coffers, and creating job

Real estate firm Shasho Consulting has plenty to offer businesses relocating to Charles County.

photo by Brian M c Cord

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Staff Photo

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opportunities for the county’s young people.

The 269-acre park near the Indian Head Naval Base is a partnership between county government and a joint venture of the Facchina Group of Companies and Corporate Office Properties Trust. When completed, sometime in the next 15 years or so, it will offer 1.3 million square feet of office, research and employment space. The park will also be home to the Energetics Technology Center, whose clients include the Department of Defense, NASA and private businesses.

“We’re hoping to get government contractors into the park, large contractors in support of the defense industry, as well as smaller high-tech companies,” says Charles McPherson, COO of the Facchina Group of Companies, which is overseeing development of the park. “Having a park tied into the base at Indian Head we hope will make the base more viable.”

The park, which developers plan to be an environmentally

sensitive LEED Silver project, will be sited adjacent to Chapman’s State Park, stretching from Route 210 to Route 24 across from the Maryland Airport.

Expanding Maryland Airport a Boon for Business Complementing the new park, the airport itself is undergoing a $30 million expansion that will include a new 4,300-foot runway, ramps and taxiways. The improvements, along with the airport’s proximity to the new technology park, the D.C. area and the Indian Head base, are expected to lure larger businesses to Charles County.

“Our housing is very affordable, we have a minor league baseball team, ice skating rinks, top schools, a pro-business attitude and a AAA bond rating,” Shasho says. “Charles County is ready for you.”

Below: The Maryland Airport is undergoing a $30 million expansion to accommodate larger businesses.

Left: Housing in Charles County is affordable and convenient to local shopping, dining and entertainment.

photo by Brian M cCord

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

Scorecard Business At A Glance

$1.9 billion Annual retail sales

$15,130 Retail sales per capita

$173 million Annual hotel and food sales

9,619 Total number of firms Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts

CROWN TROPHY Biz: Award products Buzz: Crown Trophy has franchises throughout the U.S., and has grown into the largest retailer of award and recognition products in the country. Its focus is working with sports leagues, youth groups, clubs, schools and organizations to provide custom-made trophies, plaques and more. There is also a department devoted solely to new product development. www.crowntrophy.com 16

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Public HealtH ServiceS for the community

MAREDITH MANAGEMENT Biz: Property management Buzz: Maredith Management was established in 2001 with a mission to provide professional management services, and many of its clients are homeowner associations, condominium owners and office management firms.

The Waldorf company has more than 60 clients and tailors its services based on the various stages of development for its clientele. www.maredithmgmt.com SHASHO CONSULTING Biz: Commercial real estate Buzz: Owner Harry Shasho has more than 20 years of experience in real estate brokerage, and he bills himself as being proficient at getting tough projects through. His company has sold or leased more than $400 million in properties, and today he specializes in consulting and developing office, retail and industrial properties. www.shasho.com

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 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)

FACCHINA CONSTRUCTION CO. Biz: Real estate developer Buzz: Facchina Construction Company serves Charles County and the entire Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, providing a variety of construction services. The company also supplies products for heavy highway jobs, concrete framing, site development and commercial building projects.

Facchina prides itself at tackling some of the most difficult jobs in the region. www.facchina.com ASKEY, ASKEY & ASSOCIATES Biz: Accounting/tax prep Buzz: The certified public accounting firm has offices in La Plata and in St. Mary’s County, and the goal is to assist clients in making their businesses grow.

Besides accounting and tax preparation, the company specializes in several other business growth initiatives that help clients maximize wealth. Those services include business evaluations, auditing, training seminars and more. www.aaacpa.com

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Chamber Report charles county Chamber looks to increase membership

K

en Gould Jr. used to be in the restaurant game and knows the importance of business growth.

Now, he wants to grow the chamber.

The executive director with the Charles County Chamber of Commerce says a key goal in 2011 will be membership growth. A private company was even contracted to

oversee a membership drive beginning in February 2011.

“A bigger chamber means a bigger business community,” Gould says.

“In addition, potential new companies looking to locate to an area are attracted to vibrant economic regions. The larger the chamber gets, the more value it can provide to members.”

Breakfasts and Lunches The Charles County Chamber, which was established in 1956, currently has 700 members. Approximately 80 percent are small business members, and Gould says the chamber wants to provide smarter networking opportunities for small business owners and managers in 2011.

“In this tough economy, many small business owners are putting in more hours, which means less time for networking opportunities at chamber events,” he says. “To remedy this a bit, the chamber is now hosting monthly breakfasts and lunches to go along with our long-standing evening mixers. This gives people a monthly opportunity to hopefully have breakfast or lunch for an hour or 90 minutes and chat with other business professionals in Charles County.”

Big Bang for the Buck Gould adds that being a chamber member in 2011 is still the best way to promote and advertise a business on a year-round basis.

“Through our website directory, Images magazine and by other means, consumers find out about our members and what their businesses are all about,” he says. “This chamber gives its membership the biggest bang for their buck, and studies show that consumers are most trusting of businesses that belong to the local chamber.”

Voice That Gets Heard Gould also points out that the Charles County Chamber has a strong legislative committee that meets from January to April, to coincide with the annual legislative session in Annapolis.

“We also work closely with local governments – our chamber has a voice that gets heard,” he says. “It all comes down to service and value. I am very familiar with the importance of customer service and value from my days in the restaurant business, so service and value is how I try to run this chamber.”

– Kevin Litwin

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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.

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.

tax structure

2-6.25% Income Tax Range

6% Total Sales Tax

expenditure

$71,567 Average Annual Household Expenditure

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.

major employers

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority 1 Aviation Cir. Washington, DC 20001-6000 (703) 417-8600 www.metwashairports.com

Naval Support Facility (NSF) 3,472 employees

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).

Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club 674 employees

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

STAMP OUT BREAST CANCER WITH YOUR FEET.

College of Southern Maryland 1,090 employees Civista Medical Center 805 employees

Facchina Construction 480 employees Target 467 employees Reliable Contracting 420 employees Southern Maryland Electric Coop. (SMECO) 379 employees Southern Maryland Oil/ Wills Group 377 employees Genesis HealthCare 320 employees

Free Estimates • Woman Owned & Managed Termite Inspections & Treatments Pest Control

Learn more about the Komen Race for the Cure by visiting www.komen.org or calling 1-877 GO KOMEN. This space is provided as a public service. ©2008 Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Residential & Commercial

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

Rodent Control

Toll-free: (877) 303-6200 (301) 609-9300 • (410) 257-0057

Septic Certifications & Well Test

LaPlata, MD • MD License #26844

Vapor Barriers

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Image Gallery

What’s Online  Visit imagescharlescounty.com to see more award-winning photography highlighting the places and people in Charles County.

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Skating the Indian Head Rail Trail in White Plains Photo by Todd Bennett

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Chilean sea bass served at The Crossing in La Plata Staff Photo

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Fishing pier in Indian Head Staff Photo

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Local Flavor

Blue Crab Meets Barbecue Excellent seafood is one of Maryland’s trademarks, and Charles County certainly delivers in the dining spectrum. You can find signature dishes such as steamed blue crab and Maryland crab cakes at local seafood restaurants, as well as barbecue, ethnic cuisine and family-friendly fare. Farm-fresh meats and produce are also easy to access in Charles County, thanks to the La Plata and Waldorf farmers markets.

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Staff Photos

Charles County Dining Scene Offers Wide Variety

Seafood – A Maryland Tradition

American Favorites One of Charles County’s best breakfast spots is Marie’s Family Restaurant in La Plata. Homestyle biscuits and gravy, eggs cooked to order, fluffy pancakes and flavorful ham slices are popular breakfast choices. Marie’s also features daily 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.

Menu favorites include Lefty’s Fried Wing Dings, battered wings served with the restaurant’s signature barbecue sauce, and platters piled high with seasoned beef brisket, ribs smothered with

The family-owned Captain John’s Crab House & Marina on Cobb Island is a local institution that has been serving fresh-caught seafood since 1963. Some of Captain John’s most popular dishes include blue crab, Alaskan snow crab and steamed shrimp. Captain Billy’s Crab House in Newburg is another tasty dining destination, offering outdoor dining on a waterfront deck. The featured seafood platter at Captain Billy’s consists of fried crab cakes, flounder, oysters, scallops and shrimp. Also located in Newburg, Gilligan’s Pier Seafood & Steakhouse is popular for its Tuesday evening all-you-can-eat crab legs and shrimp, and Wednesday evening is prime rib night. Diners can also relax on Gilligan’s backyard beach and watch the sun set while sipping a piña colada at the restaurant’s tiki bar.

sauce, chicken and pork chops.

Johnny Boy Ribs is another local favorite that has been using the same authentic barbecue technique to cook ribs since 1961.

The La Plata restaurant is both a carryout rib shack and an eat-in restaurant, and it is most famous for its open pit cooking method and secret sauce developed by Mama Sophie. In Hughesville, Randy’s Ribs & Barbecue offers 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

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 Mexican Restaurant & Lounge in White Plains, customers come back time and again for handmade burritos, guacamole, tacos and enchiladas, as well as margaritas and fried ice cream. Loredo’s also specializes in steaks and seafood.

Brian M c Cord

Right: Pork barbecue sandwich from Johnny Boy Ribs in La Plata Left: Captain John’s Crab House & Marina

What’s Online Hungry for more? Sink your teeth into other stories about Charles County’s local flavor in the food section at imagescharlescounty.com.

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Arts & Culture

Places to Go, People to See Charles County overflows with cultural attractions

Thomas Stone House

staff photo

History buffs and artistic personalities are in heaven in Charles County, thanks to the area’s rich heritage and deep appreciation for the arts. Historic attractions abound in the area, which traces its roots back to 1658. In La Plata, the AfricanAmerican 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.

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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 is another venue with regularly sold-out events, featuring music, theater and open mic performances. The Charles County Arts Alliance helps strengthen the area 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 day-long event features musicians, artists and performers from all over Maryland, and attracts 2,000 visitors each year.

More Historic Gems 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. Maryland is home to some of our nation’s oldest churches, including the site of the first Roman Catholic mass celebrated in English-speaking America. Today, these historic sites and buildings can be seen on a self-guided driving tour along The Religious Freedom Byway.

– Jessica Mozo

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Education

An A+ for Education County offers excellent education opportunities for all ages Ask any Charles County parents what attracted them to the area, and they’ll likely mention the quality of the county’s public schools. “Parents are attracted to Charles County Public Schools because of our proven success and dedication to working with all children to help them reach their potential,” says Katherine O’Malley-Simpson, coordinating supervisor for media relations and communications for Charles County Public Schools.

Students at the College of Southern Maryland

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Keeping Tabs on Technology Charles County Public Schools is known for using technology to enhance communication efforts, as well as instruction. Schools offer wireless Internet access for students and staff, and the advancement of a rigorous science, technology, engineering and mathematics program keeps the school system moving forward. North Point High School for Science, Technology and Industry is one example, providing state-of-the-art equipment, classrooms, training and instruction in career fields.

The school system plans to infuse the same new technology into its older schools and improve offerings at all high schools, including a new high school that will contain a digital classroom and focus on natural resources management and environmental technology.

Higher Education The College of Southern Maryland has four campuses in Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties, and a total enrollment of more than 22,000 students.

Founded in 1958, CSM offers more than 130 programs of study, including associate’s degree, certificate, online and continuing education programs.

CSM students can even earn a four-year degree through partnerships with other colleges and universities. In 2008, CSM was put at the forefront of Charles County’s thriving energy industry when it rolled out a new center for technology and engineering education. The center for engineering, funded with a $1 million federal grant, acts as a provider of skilled labor and a site for ongoing employee training and development.

– Jessica Mozo

Can you imagine … a world without children?

We Can’t.

Call 1-800-996-4100 to help. www.stjude.org

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Sports & Recreation

Ship Shape Recreation Options Charles County state and local parks draw thousands

Water Recreation

Charles County is a rapidly growing area that still enjoys the benefits of being one of the most forested places in the state. This environment provides residents and tourists alike with a plethora of wonderful outdoor activities. Adventurers of all kinds are drawn to the area for its fun cycling and hiking, along with more rare opportunities like canoeing past the Mallows Bay ship graveyard.

Charles County is surrounded by the Potomac, Patuxent and Wicomico rivers, making it a mecca for boating, fishing and just about any other water recreation out there. The Potomac River is recognized as a world-class place to fish for large mouth bass, and is also full of blue catfish and stripers. The waters in Charles County are populated with rowboats, kayaks, paddleboats, canoes and fishing boats. The rivers are open to those looking to explore on their own, but visitors can also take guided tours of the waterways. 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, partially submerged in the bay, since 1920. While the gorgeous and haunting sight is only accessible by canoe or kayak, it is still a major attraction to the area, and will soon have a neighboring park that will make access easier than ever.

Parks

Go to imagescharlescounty.com and click on “recreation” to read more about Charles County’s sports and recreational activities.

Friendship Landing

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Staff Photos

What’s Online

Charles County’s many state and local parks are filled with natural beauty and attract more than 500,000 tourists every year.

Hiking and biking options are plentiful, from the Indian Head Rail Trail, an old railway renovated into a handicap-accessible paved walkway, to Maxwell Hall Park, which has a 14-mile trail open to hikers and horseback riders.

Speaking of horses, Waldorf’s Frederick Hall Equestrian Services

provides boarding services and horseback riding lessons, and also serves as a sanctuary for abandoned horses. Charles County is also a destination for bird lovers. The county contains one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the nation. Many of the county parks, like Cobb Island, Friendship Landing and Popes Creek, are popular bird watching areas, and visitors annually come to the Nanjemoy Creek Great Blue Heron Sanctuary, where nearly 2,500 great blue herons return to their traditional nesting site.

Southern Maryland Blue Crabs

P

otter

Heating & electric, inc.

Air Conditioning Specialists

Heating & a ir Conditioning Heat PumPs

geotHermal Heat PumPs

Authorized fActory sAles & service Residential • CommeRCial

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

celebrating Our 53rd anniversary

Soon to be a Best We stern PLUS!

Sports The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs is the newest team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a league independent of Major League Baseball that has hosted a number of notable former and future MLB players.

The team immediately found a solid audience in Charles County.

The fan base established themselves as “Crustacean Nation,” and remain loyal and excited by their hometown team.

Golf also plays a big part in the county. White Plains Golf Course at White Plains Regional Park stays true to its claim of being “a public course with the playing conditions of a private course.”

Three other courses provide locals with a variety of options, including Potomac Ridge Golf Course, Hawthorne Country Club and Swan Point Country Club.

– Carson O’Shoney

• Award-winning property

Southern Maryland Hospitality at Its Best Best Western La Plata Inn 6900 Crain Hwy., Rte. 301 La Plata, MD 20646 (301) 934-4900 • (877) 356-4900

• Complimentary hot breakfast • Microwaves & refrigerators in every room • Complimentary high-speed Internet

www.laplatainn.com

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Health & Wellness

Health Meets Tech Civista Medical Center has strong commitment to technology

Civista Health System is equipped to serve its patients well thanks to its strong commitment to its facilities, technology and personnel. The system includes the medical center in La Plata, Civista Women’s Health Center, Civista Surgery Center and Civista OB/GYN Associates, providing health care for Charles County and the surrounding area.

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Civista Medical Center

Nonprofits Aid Community

Civista Medical Center, a 120-bed hospital, underwent a major expansion in recent years, doubling its size and increasing services.

Civista began that $82 million renovation in 2005.

Improvements included adding a much larger emergency department, coronary care unit, four-story tower, new operating and minorprocedures rooms, and more. Future growth has been factored into the mix, with the new south tower designed in such a way that another floor can be added. In addition, all rooms can be converted to accommodate more patients in the event of a community disaster.

In recent years, Civista has implemented PACS, a picture archiving communications system giving medical personnel immediate access to images that were formerly stored on film. In fall 2009, Civista went live with its electronic medication administration records, followed by a computerized physician order entry in spring 2010.

All the physical improvements wouldn’t mean much without a high-quality staff, and Civista has put programs in place to ensure that its people are as dependable as its facilities. These programs include a service-excellence program, in which all employees participate in customer-service training.

The program is designed to reward and recognize employees who are providing the highest level of service to patients and their families. By involving everyone from administrators on down, the program has created a culture that’s resulting in good community feedback and excellent patient satisfaction scores.

The hospital’s aggressive growth and expansion have led to improved physician and support staff recruiting as well, which allow for new services and programs, such as physician lecture programs.

The Southern Maryland area also is served by a variety of nonprofit organizations focused on better health and opportunities for all.

The Center for Children in La Plata provides comprehensive mental health services to children and their families and is the largest provider of children’s mental health services in Southern Maryland.

The Charles County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center works to rehabilitate patients with a focus on recovery and independence, with specialized care including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, short- and long-term care, and day services for adults in need of supervised medical day care.

Melwood and Spring Dell Center, Inc. both are dedicated to serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing support and opportunities for the quality of life they desire within their community.

And both the Charles County chapter of the Red Cross and the United Way of Charles County work to improve the Charles County community’s health and wellness in many ways.

– Anne Gillem and Joe Morris

Coming Soon: Charles County Hospice House Construction is under way for a much-needed hospice house in Charles County. Located on Davis Road in Waldorf, the Hospice House is easily accessible for Charles County residents and will provide a comfortable, worry-free environment for patients with terminal illnesses. For more information or to donate to the Hospice House campaign, visit www.charlescountyhospicehouse.com.

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Town of Indian Head “On the Move”

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

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

“All the Comforts of Home” 9295 Crain Hwy. (Route 301) Bel Alton, Maryland

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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Charles Count y

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

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.

time zone

24%

Eastern

Age 55 and Over

size in square miles

55%

643

White

household information

Black

142,226 Total Population

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Summers in Charles County are generally hot and humid with occasional thunderstorms.

Winters are generally mild with variable precipitation.

Median Resident Age

86 F

44%

Summer High Temperature

Single

Hispanic

Other

56%

cost of living

$78,264

Married

Median Household Income

$375,000

28%

Winter Low Temperature

3% 8%

Climate

26 F

34%

Average Home Price

Age 19 and Under

44�

Annual Rain Fall (vs. National Average Annual Rain Fall of 37�)

$1,434

48%

Median Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment

Age 20-54

visit our

advertisers

Arrow American Pest Control www.arrowamericanpest.com

Civista Health www.civista.org

Best Western LaPlata Inn www.laplatainn.com

Facchina Construction www.facchina.com

Charles County Department of Health www.charlescountyhealth.org

GP Homes www.gphomesusa.com

Charles County Nursing Rehabilitation Center www.ccnrc.com

Maryland Bank & Trust Company www.mdbank.com

Charles County Public Library www.ccplonline.org

Motel Bel Alton www.belaltonmotel.com

Potter Heating & Electric Inc. www.potterheatingandelectricinc.com Residence Inn Marriott www.residenceinn.com/marriott Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative www.smeco.coop

The Washington Savings Bank www.twsb.com Town of Indian Head www.townofindianhead.org United Way of Charles County www.unitedwaycharles.org

Spirit of America Car Wash www.spiritofamericacarwash.com Suburban Propane www.suburbanpropane.com

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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 imagescharlescounty.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 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 among 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, in 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 imagescharlescounty.com.

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St. Ignatius Church

United Way of Charles County Partnering to supply the building blocks for a good life.

Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

(Please call for winter hours.)

Steve Roof, Owner • Grallian Harbough, General Manager 3921 St. Charles Pkwy. • Waldorf, MD 20602 (301) 638-WASH (9274) • (301) 638-9275 Fax

www.spiritofamericacarwash.com

Accokeek Foundation Alice Ferguson Foundation/ Hard Bargain Farm Alternatives for Youth and Families Arc of Southern Maryland Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maryland Boy Scouts of America, National Capital Area Council Catherine Foundation Pregnancy Care Center Catholic Charities Center for Abused Persons Center for Children Charles County Children’s Aid Society Charles County Cooperative Ministry on Aging Charles County Crime Solvers Charles County Freedom Landing Charles County HARC Charles County Literacy Council Christmas in April* Charles County Community Support Systems Compassionate Friends Southern Maryland Chapter Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital Greater Baden Medical Services Health Partners Hospice of Charles County Humane Society of Charles County The Jude House Legal Aid Bureau Lions Camp Merrick Maryland Foundation for Quality Healthcare Melwood National Multiple Sclerosis Society – National Capital Chapter The Promise Resource Center Senior Services of Charles County Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee Special Olympics Maryland, Charles County Spring Dell Center Tri-County Youth Services Bureau

(301) 609-4844 www.unitedwaycharles.org

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Ad Index

19 Arrow American Pest Control

31 Best Western LaPlata Inn

17 Charles County Department of Health

33 Charles County Nursing Rehabilitation Center

27 Charles County Public Library

C4 Civista Health

29 Facchina Construction

6 GP Homes

17 Maryland Bank & Trust Company

34 Motel Bel Alton

31 Potter Heating & Electric Inc.

C2 Residence Inn Marriott

1 Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative

37 Spirit of America Car Wash

37 Suburban Propane

18 The Washington Savings Bank

34 Town of Indian Head

37 United Way of Charles County