Images Charles County, MD: 2009

2009 | IMAGESCHARLESCOUNTY.COM | VIDEO TOUR TM

CHARLES COUNTY, MARYLAND

ENROLLING RIGHT ALONG College opens new center for engineering and tech students

HAVE A CRABBY SUMMER Brooks Robinson-owned team becomes a hit

Wow: 350 Years Old SPONSORED BY THE CHARLES COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2009 EDITION | VOLUME 8 TM

CHARLES COUNTY, MARYLAND

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CO NTE NT S F E AT U R E S 10 350 YEARS AND COUNTING Charles County celebrates 350th birthday.

14 HAVE A CRABBY SUMMER Blue Crabs baseball team is already becoming a big hit with the community.

18 OPPORTUNITIES OF A LIFETIME County’s attention to younger and older citizens makes life richer all around.

20 PINCH US, WE MUST BE DREAMING Maryland’s succulent blue crab is plentiful in local restaurants.

CHARLES COUNTY BUSINESS 26 Technical Merit Technology Council builds county’s reputation as high-tech business center.

28 Biz Briefs 30 Chamber Report 31 Economic Profile

D E PA R TM E NT S 6 Almanac: a colorful sampling of Charles County culture

32 Image Gallery 34 Portfolio: people, places and

24 SHOPPING IS HOPPING Choice goods abound at new, renovated properties throughout Charles County.

41 ENROLLING RIGHT ALONG Center for engineering and tech education gives CSM new role in industry growth.

events that define Charles County

43 Arts & Culture 45 Health & Wellness 48 Community Profile: facts, stats and important numbers to know

47 LIKE AN ELEGANT SWAN Swan Point ready to be further developed.

ON THE COVER Photo by Stephen Cherry Beach at Purse State Park

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Now Showing in Our Video Gallery

Sit back and enjoy a preview of Charles County amenities.

Explore its landscapes, cultural offerings, food and fun.

See its downtown, neighborhoods, parks and attractions.

Experience the history, hot spots and local happenings.

Charles County is rated L for Livability.

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imagescharlescounty.com THE DEFINITIVE RELOCATION RESOURCE

CHARLES COUNT Y MANAGING EDITOR KIM MADLOM COPY EDITOR JOYCE CARUTHERS ASSOCIATE EDITORS LISA BATTLES, JESSY YANCEY ONLINE CONTENT MANAGER MATT BIGELOW STAFF WRITERS CAROL COWAN, KEVIN LITWIN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS PAUL HUGHES, JOE MORRIS, JESSICA MOZO DATA MANAGER RANETTA SMITH REGIONAL SALES MANAGER CHARLES FITZGIBBON INTEGRATED MEDIA MANAGER MICQUAN FERGUSON SALES SUPPORT MANAGER SARA SARTIN SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER BRIAN M CCORD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS JEFF ADKINS, TODD BENNETT, ANTONY BOSHIER, IAN CURCIO, J. KYLE KEENER PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT ANNE WHITLOW CREATIVE DIRECTOR KEITH HARRIS WEB DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR BRIAN SMITH PRODUCTION DIRECTOR NATASHA LORENS ASST. PRODUCTION DIRECTOR CHRISTINA CARDEN PRODUCTION PROJECT MANAGERS MELISSA BRACEWELL, KATIE MIDDENDORF, JILL WYATT SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS LAURA GALLAGHER, KRIS SEXTON, CANDICE SWEET, VIKKI WILLIAMS LEAD DESIGNER ERICA HINES GRAPHIC DESIGN ALISON HUNTER, JESSICA MANNER, JANINE MARYLAND, AMY NELSON, MARCUS SNYDER WEB PROJECT MANAGERS ANDY HARTLEY, YAMEL RUIZ WEB DESIGN LEAD FRANCO SCARAMUZZA WEB DESIGN RYAN DUNLAP, CARL SCHULZ WEB PRODUCTION JENNIFER GRAVES COLOR IMAGING TECHNICIAN TWILA ALLEN AD TRAFFIC MARCIA MILLAR, SARAH MILLER, PATRICIA MOISAN, RAVEN PETTY

CHAIRMAN GREG THURMAN PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER BOB SCHWARTZMAN EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT RAY LANGEN SR. V.P./CLIENT DEVELOPMENT JEFF HEEFNER SR. V.P./SALES CARLA H. THURMAN SR. V.P./OPERATIONS CASEY E. HESTER V.P./SALES HERB HARPER V.P./SALES TODD POTTER V.P./VISUAL CONTENT MARK FORESTER V.P./TRAVEL PUBLISHING SYBIL STEWART V.P./EDITORIAL DIRECTOR TEREE CARUTHERS MANAGING EDITORS/BUSINESS MAURICE FLIESS, BILL McMEEKIN MANAGING EDITOR/CUSTOM KIM NEWSOM MANAGING EDITOR/TRAVEL SUSAN CHAPPELL PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR JEFFREY S. OTTO CONTROLLER CHRIS DUDLEY ACCOUNTING MORIAH DOMBY, RICHIE FITZPATRICK, DIANA GUZMAN, MARIA McFARLAND, LISA OWENS RECRUITING/TRAINING DIRECTOR SUZY WALDRIP COMMUNITY PROMOTION DIRECTOR CINDY COMPERRY DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR GARY SMITH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR YANCEY TURTURICE NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR JAMES SCOLLARD IT SERVICE TECHNICIAN RYAN SWEENEY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER PEGGY BLAKE CUSTOM/TRAVEL SALES SUPPORT RACHAEL GOLDSBERRY SALES/MARKETING COORDINATOR RACHEL MATHEIS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY/SALES SUPPORT KRISTY DUNCAN

What’s On Online nl

NATURE MEETS HISTORY Charles County is a treat for nature lovers and history buffs. Bald eagles and great blue herons live here. This region is also home to Colonial and Civil War history. Watch our quick video in the Interactive section.

RELOCATION Considering a move to this community? We can help. Use our Relocation Tools to discover tips, including how to make your move green, advice about moving pets and help with booking movers.

PHOTOS We’ve added even more prize-winning photography to our online gallery. To see these spectacular photos, click on Photo Gallery.

OFFICE MANAGER SHELLY GRISSOM RECEPTIONIST LINDA BISHOP

FACTS & STATS CU S TO M M AG A Z INE M ED I A

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 St., Suite A • LaPlata, MD 20646 Phone: (301) 932-6500 • Fax: (301) 932-3945 www.charlescountychamber.org

Go online to learn even more about: • Schools • Health care • Utilities • Parks • Taxes

LOCAL FLAVOR People come from all around to feast on the succulent blue crab from the waters of Charles County. Get a taste of local flavor in our food section.

VISIT IMAGES CHARLES COUNTY ONLINE AT IMAGESCHARLESCOUNTY.COM ©Copyright 2008 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved.

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ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE Images gives readers a taste of what makes Charles County tick – from business and education to sports, health care and the arts.

“Find the good – and praise it.”

– Alex Haley (1921-1992), Journal Communications co-founder

Member Charles County Chamber of Commerce

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Is That a Blue Heron?

Charles County loves blue herons, especially around Valentine’s Day. The interesting tall birds number more than 2,500 during the week of Valentine’s Day each year when the unusual creatures traditionally nest in the Great Blue Heron Sanctuary.

But Charles County is home to much more than herons. Nearly 325 bird species reside here, thanks to 300 miles of shoreline and the third most forested county in Maryland.

Birds found in the county include bald eagles, barred owls, wood ducks and vibrantly colored songbirds.

Up a Creek With a Paddle Friendship is important, especially for kayakers.

Friendship Landing is an ideal launch site for kayakers, canoeists and small boaters who enjoy accessing Nanjemoy Creek, described as one of Maryland’s loveliest places to paddle. The creek, which flows into the Potomac River, is home to miles of scenic marshes that offer great views of abundant wildlife.

Some of the high banks along the creek not only protect paddlers from strong winds, but are home to nesting bald eagles. In addition, several osprey inhabit the area.

The Friendship Landing dock area is also designated as a free fishing zone, meaning that no fishing license is required.

The Amish and 2002 The Amish are a productive part of the Charles County community.

If you don’t think so, just remember 2002.

In April 2002, when Charles County was devastated by an F4 category tornado, volunteers poured into the community to offer help. Among them were dozens of Amish carpenters who live near the Charles County-St. Mary’s County border.

The Amish brought their tools to rebuild damaged structures, and chain saws to clean the tons of debris that the storm left behind.

Many people wanted to pay them for their time and hard labor for framing buildings and fixing roofs, but the Amish workers said they were simply there to help their community during its time of desperate need.

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Almanac

Fast Facts Q Blue crabs are found in abundance in the waters of Chesapeake Bay, with the commercial crab season running from April through mid-December.

What a Blessing Amen. St. Ignatius Church is the nation’s oldest active Catholic parish. It was founded in 1641 by Jesuits who arrived on the Ark and Dove to assist in forming a new English colony.

The historic landmark sits on a bluff overlooking the Port Tobacco River, and the church continues to hold worship services each weekend. It also features a hillside cemetery with gravestones dating from the 1600s. Charles County is also home to Christ Episcopal Church, which has been in existence since 1683.

Mounting Interest Be patient, kids – and adults.

A carousel museum is in the works for La Plata, with the Southern Maryland Carousel Group in charge of the project. The group is hand carving 48 wooden horses to honor the golden age of carousels – 1867-1930.

The carvers organized in 2004 with a vision to construct and operate an Old World style carousel to be housed in a museum building, along with an outdoor fountain complex for children to enjoy. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the woodcarvers work on the animals in the Davis Building in La Plata.

A permanent site for the finished products has yet to be determined.

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Q Prominent Revolutionary War statesmen John Hanson, Thomas Stone and Gen. William Smallwood were all residents of Charles County.

Q Historic Mount Carmel Monastery is the oldest Catholic convent in the United States. It was the first convent of religious women established in the original 13 colonies.

Q Nearly 35 bass tournaments are held each year on the Mattawoman Creek and Potomac River, which are both known for some of the best bass fishing in the country.

Q Port Tabocco 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.

Q The College of Southern Maryland offers free concerts called the Twilight Performance Series, which occur throughout the summer.

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Almanac

Calling All Citizens Sound the sirens – the La Plata Police Department is housed in a new building.

The department moved in 2006 to a new facility at 101 LaGrange Ave., which is much larger than their previous home at 5 Garrett Avenue. The new structure is especially impressive because it includes an emergency operations center that can be utilized in case a natural disaster or any other catastrophic event should occur.

The La Plata Police Department is comprised of 16 sworn officers.

It’s Fair To Say Get your prized pig or best jar of jelly ready by September.

That’s when the annual Charles County Fair takes place at the Charles County Fairgrounds in La Plata. The 2009 fair will be the 86th annual, and is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 9-13.

Attractions always include agriculture exhibits, live musical entertainment, a baby show, pig races, lobster feasts, dog shows and tractor pulls. The venue has a farm museum, a one-room schoolhouse, seven exhibit buildings, six livestock buildings and one poultry building.

Charles County At A Glance POPULATION (2007 ESTIMATE) Charles County: 140,444

Washington, ingto on D.C. 295 295

Charles County

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. 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 St., Suite A La Plata, MD 20646 Phone: (301) 932-6500 Fax: (301) 932-3945 www.charlescountychamber.org

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Waldorf

Indian Head 301

St. Charles 5

Bryantown

La Plata

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Hughesville 6

Port Tobacco Village

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MARYLAND D MARYLAND

VIRGINIA Cobb Island

WATCH MORE ONLINE | Take a virtual tour of Charles County at imagescharlescounty.com, courtesy of our award-winning photographers.

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Years 350 Counting and

CHARLES COUNTY ENJOYS A RICH HISTORY AND A PROMISING FUTURE

STORY BY JESSICA MOZO PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN CHERRY

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harles County sure knows how to throw a birthday party.

In honor of the county’s 350th birthday in 2008, community events were held every month of the year, and five 30-foot-tall, lighted birthday cakes greeted residents and visitors at every entrance into the county.

“The cakes said ‘350th Birthday, Charles County,’ and each was wired with electricity and had 3-foot candles,” says Amy Calvin, events specialist for the Charles County Office of Economic Development and Tourism. “In May and June, we held lighting ceremonies at each of the cakes [located in Newburg, Waldorf, La Plata, Hughesville and along Indian Head Highway], and we asked for the oldest living resident of each community to come and flip the switch.

The national anthem was performed, and everybody sang ‘Happy Birthday.’ ”

Community events celebrating Charles County’s birthday in 2008 included lectures on the county’s history at the College of Southern Maryland, concerts, festivals, colonial craft and food demonstrations on ice cream and buttermaking, a Roman Catholic mass at St. Ignatius Chapel Point, fireworks, arts events, a black-tie gala, a parade, a time capsule burial and historical re-enactments.

“In April, we did a re-enactment at the Port Tobacco Courthouse on ‘The Making of Charles County,’ where our current county commissioners dressed up and pretended to draw up the proclamation to form Charles County,” Calvin says. “A lady then rode off with it on horseback to present it to the governor.”

Established by British settlers in 1658, Charles County has a rich colonial heritage and is home to numerous famous natives.

Charles County celebrated its 350th birthday with symbolic cakes displayed in several cities. Right: Thomas Stone House

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It is named for Charles Calvert, an Englishman who was the second proprietary governor of the Province of Maryland.

In its early days, the county boasted 27 port towns that served as shipping centers for imports and exports such as tobacco, lumber and slaves. Charles County survived the hurdles and setbacks of the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and the Civil War, and its small town of Benedict is the site where British troops landed in 1814, marched to Washington, D.C. and burned the city.

“We are known for history and adventure,” Calvin says. “There is an abundance of historic sites, and we have a lot of Civil and Revolutionary War soldiers and generals from here. One famous

site is the Dr. Mudd House, where John Wilkes Booth fled after assassinating President Lincoln and had his broken leg set.”

Other historic gems in Charles County include the Port Tobacco Courthouse, where costumed docents share the story of Port Tobacco from 1620 to the present day, and the Thomas Stone National Historic Site, a tobacco plantation and colonial mansion that was home to one of four Maryland signers of the Declaration of Independence.

In Marbury, the Smallwood Retreat House was built around 1760 and was the home of General William Smallwood, who was heavily involved in the American Revolution and later served as governor of Maryland.

African Americans and American Indians also played significant roles in Charles County’s history. Their heritage can be explored at the Afro American Heritage Society in La Plata and at the American Indian Cultural Center/ Piscataway Indian Museum in Waldorf, which depicts the life of Native Americans before Europeans arrived and features a full-scale replica of an Indian longhouse, as well as Indian tools, weapons and artwork.

Today, people from all walks of life are attracted to Charles County for its fascinating history, promising future and friendly folks. TaWana Garvin, administrative specialist for the Charles County Chamber of Commerce, moved to Waldorf from Washington, D.C. in 2006 with her

The Port Tobacco Courthouse offers special tours with costumed docents.

Right: The Smallwood Retreat House and the Thomas Stone House both provide gimpses into Charles County’s rich history.

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husband and two children.

“We always liked this area because it’s not as busy as D.C. It’s quiet, and everybody we’ve met has a friendly disposition,” Garvin says. “We also were able to get more for our money here when buying a house, and we really like the development we’re in.”

Calvin says there are plenty of reasons to enjoy life in Charles County.

“There are so many treasures in Charles County,” she says. “In addition to all the historic sites, there are 300 miles of shoreline where you can watch the sun set, look for fossils and shark teeth, and eat great seafood on the water. It’s also a place where you get to experience all four seasons, and we’re known for great bird-watching and bass fishing.”

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Have A

Crabby Summer

NEW BASEBALL TEAM ALREADY BECOMING A HIT

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STORY BY KEVIN LITWIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN CHERRY

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f the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs play baseball like their team owner once played the game, then fans are in for quite a treat.

The Blue Crabs completed their inaugural season in 2008, hosting 70 home games at the 6,000-seat Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf. The team competes in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, which is considered to be one of the top independent leagues in the United States.

And the owner of the Blue Crabs? It is Brooks Robinson, the Hall of Fame third baseman who starred with the Baltimore Orioles from 1955-77.

“Having Brooks Robinson as part of our ownership group is obviously great for marketing and our entire operation,” says Andy Frankel, senior director of marketing for the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. “One of the first moves that Brooks made was to contact and hire our head coach Butch Hobson, who also played Major League Baseball, primarily for the Boston Red Sox.” The Blue Crabs team bills itself as providing quality entertainment in a great atmosphere, and has already come up with a number of clever marketing strategies.

“Since Charles County owns the stadium, it would have been easy for the

Charles County is home to a $25 million, 6,000-seat baseball stadium, where the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs play Atlantic League games.

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Blue Crabs to lean everything toward that one county,” Frankel says. “However, by naming the team Southern Maryland, we are reaching out to regional businesses and residents in Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties. We draw fans from all three.”

The fan base for the team has also been given the nickname Crustacean Nation, and the Blue Crabs try to cater to youngsters as much as possible. It has established a Chick-fil-A Backfin Buddies Kids Club, which gives youngsters a kit for backing the team.

“For $15 each season, children receive a kit that includes a Blue Crabs baseball cap, a backpack and 12 tickets to 12 games,” says John Flatley, Backfin Buddies Kids Club president and owner of Chick-fil-A of Waldorf, which helps sponsor the promotion. “We expected

about 700 kids to register for a kit during the 2008 season and were sold out at 1,000. We had to make the kits before the season, so we only had 1,000, but we’ll have many more prior to the 2009 season.”

Frankel says the baseball team was pleased with the overall positive response it received during its first season. He points to good support from the business community, as well as families and individuals.

“There are a lot of unknowns that go with a new venture, but we enjoyed a strong beginning and this team is here to stay,” he says. “As for the baseball itself, I would classify it as Class AAA professional hitting and Class AA pitching, so people see good games. It is really a family-oriented, affordable, entertaining product.”

In the team’s inaugural season, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs drew crowds to watch exciting baseball in a family-oriented environment.

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Opportunities of a

Lifetime COUNTY’S ATTENTION TO YOUNGER, OLDER CITIZENS MAKES LIFE RICHER ALL AROUND STORY BY JOE MORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN CHERRY

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t’s no exaggeration to say that there’s something for everyone in Charles County.

Make no mistake; the quality of life is just fine for those in their middle years. But the county’s high-quality education system and solid network of senior-citizen services make sure that its residents at both ends of the age spectrum are well taken care of.

On the front end of the learning curve, the Charles County Public Schools take a nuts-and-bolts approach to learning, recognizing that well-supported, good teachers are the foundation on which everything rests.

“That’s the key,” says James E. Richmond, superintendent. “When you find outstanding teachers and principals, you find outstanding schools. That leadership at the school level is so important.

Then you add in all the people who work in and service the buildings, and you create an environment where children feel safe, secure and are eager to go school.”

The system opened the new Mary Burgess Neal Elementary in fall 2008, and is planning further construction and expansion ahead of time so it can continue to be prepared for growth.

“We’ve designed a new, state-of-theart high school to be located next to the new baseball stadium,” Richmond says.

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“Whether that gets built soon or a few years from now is up for discussion, but our schools have a good reputation for programs and resources – we’re completely wireless, for example – and we work to keep that reputation by having good teachers, and giving them all the resources they need.”

For those students of life who are a bit farther down the road, the county offers a wide range of senior and seniorfriendly activities in and through its four senior centers. Charles County also taps into state programs at every opportunity, says Dina Barclay, aging services administrator for the Charles County Department of Community Service’s Aging & Community Centers Division.

“We directly operate all four of the county senior centers, and we provide everything from health-promotion activities in our fitness centers to educational classes on everything from making ceramics to using the Internet,” Barclay says. “We really try to touch on the whole population, from the younger, baby-boomer seniors to the older and more frail people. We want to have something for everybody, and to get them all involved.”

Seniors can stay on top of things with Scoop, a newsletter containing a full schedule of events, meal program menus and more. And the county works with many outside agencies and organizations, so the programs’ roster is constantly expanding.

“We have good partnerships in the community, such as the classes we offer through the College of Southern Maryland,” Barclay says. “Some are offered at our centers, and some are on the campus. It’s anything from birdwatching to Spanish, and it shows how we didn’t have to reinvent the wheel – the college knows how to teach, they have the qualified instructors, so we just piggyback on their programs.”

Another example of the division’s strong partnerships with other service providers is its Senior Information & Assistance program, which Barclay CHARLES COUNT Y

describes as having “no wrong door.”

“You call the senior information line and if our office doesn’t do it directly, we’ll get you to the right place,” she says. “If you’re homebound we’ll send somebody out to help you fill out an application for a program, even if it’s not one of ours.”

That kind of comprehensive service, whether it’s for energy-bill assistance or how to do a Google search, sums up the county’s commitment to its seniors.

“We try to take a very seamless approach, have that ‘no wrong door’ policy, whenever possible,” Barclay says.

“It’s really a win-win for everybody.”

Senior citizens here have many opportunities to stay busy and creative.

Left: Charles County supports and invests in quality education.

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Pinch Us, We Must Be

Dreaming CRABMEAT IS PLENTIFUL IN LOCAL RESTAURANTS

STORY BY JESSICA MOZO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN CHERRY

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lue crabmeat – meet your hungry fans.

The waters around Charles County are chock-full of blue crabs, and people come from near and far to feast on their sweet, succulent meat at several long-standing area seafood restaurants.

“Most people consider crabs a delicacy and a Maryland tradition, and this area is known for good crabs,” says Bill Rice, a senior member of the Potomac River Fisheries Commission and a wholesale seller and catcher of blue crabs for 40 years. “People come from 100 miles away just to consume crab here because of the high quality and good taste. They’re somewhat sweet and have more flavor than Alaskan snow crab legs.”

Blue crabs are typically served steamed, though some restaurants also offer a soft-

Capt. John’s is a local institution on the waterfront. Left: Maryland waters are rich with tasty treasure.

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shell version fried.

“Soft-shell crabs are considered highclass table fare,” Rice says. “Steamed crab is the traditional Maryland way, and some people like to dip it in vinegar and Old Bay seasoning or melted butter.

It goes great with hot corn on the cob and ice-cold watermelon.”

Crab season runs from April through October, though the crabs are usually in their prime in August, September and October.

“They’re more in abundance and they’re larger during those months,” Rice says.

Crabbers catch the crabs using a square

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wire device called a crab pot, which they bait and drop down into the water. Each crab pot is marked with a buoy.

“There are four funnels in the bottom, and the crabs swim in to get the bait,” Rice explains. “You pull the crab pots up every day or every other day, sort the crabs by size, and then set the pots back out and hope more crabs come along.”

Capt. John’s Crab House on Cobb Island is one place where locals and visitors can experience Maryland’s signature dish. The family-owned restaurant is located on the waterfront and has been serving fresh-caught seafood since 1963.

“We buy from local distributors and

directly off the boats. Crab is always fresh because it’s a live product,” says Skip Yates, general manager of Capt.

John’s Crab House. “Blue crab, Alaskan snow crab and steamed shrimp are our most popular menu items, and we also incorporate crab into all kinds of dishes, like our crab cakes. Crab is what we’re known for.”

Popes Creek Road in Newburg is also home to several crab houses, including Robertson’s Crab House, Gilligan’s Pier Seafood & Steakhouse and Captain Billy’s Seafood Restaurant.

Capt’ Billy’s is located in a 60-yearold building and offers outdoor dining

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on its waterfront deck.

“Our featured seafood platter consists of a crab cake, flounder, oysters, scallops and shrimp, all fried,” says Dottie Clements, general manager of Capt’ Billy’s Seafood Restaurant. “You can get the same platter broiled without the oysters.”

Steamed crab is most popular at Capt’ Billy’s in season, and the restaurant also sells plenty of crab cakes.

“A lot of restaurants serve Marylandstyle crab cakes because they’re so well-known,” Clements says. “When people think Maryland, they definitely think blue crab and crab cakes.”

Capt’ Billy’s fried seafood platter is a customer favorite and features a crab cake, flounder, oysters, scallops and shrimp. Left: The daily catch of blue crab is hauled off a boat to be sold to area restaurants.

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Shopping Is

Hopping CHOICE GOODS ABOUND AT NEW, RENOVATED PROPERTIES THROUGHOUT CHARLES COUNTY STORY BY JOE MORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN CHERRY

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ith new retail outlets opening throughout the area and existing shopping centers spruced up and bringing in new tenants, Charles County is home to many of the area’s retail destinations.

“We’re running on eight cylinders,” says Harry Shasho, sales manager and associate broker for Baldus Real Estate’s commercial division. “The retail has been coming in at the right time, and other retailers have followed.”

Shasho points to the success of the Waldorf Marketplace, which has spurred other retailers to come into the area. That in turn has led to more commercial and retail development, including mixed-use office and shopping space, he says.

In addition to Waldorf Marketplace, which now has both its first and second phases complete and has begun construction on phase three, Shasho points to the Shops at Lancaster, Shoppes at Berry Road and La Plata’s Rosewick Crossing Shopping Center, which includes a Lowe’s Home Improvement store as an anchor, as developments that bode well for the area’s future as a shopping destination.

“We don’t really have a glut of anything, including empty space,” he says. “The commercial development can’t keep going forever if the housing market doesn’t pick up, but we’ll turn that around fast here because of our location.”

Shasho also points out the area’s growing medical-office community as a draw, both for additional physicians and for shops that will cater to shoppers with time on their hands

before and after appointments.

“A lot of doctors who have been leasing have decided to upgrade, so now they’re buying office condos,” he says.

“There’s still plenty of growth in that market as well.”

Watching all this new development spring up around it is the St. Charles Towne Center, a 1.2 million-square-foot mall with such well-known anchor tenants at Sears, Macy’s, J.C. Penney, Kohl’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods. The mall recently underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation and is capitalizing on the influx of new shoppers into the area, says Kristine Winternitz, area director of mall marketing and business development for the Simon Property Group, which owns the property.

“We added some restrooms, a soft-seating area, play areas, and retiled and painted all through the mall,” Winternitz says.

“We wanted to make the mall more family friendly, and also to update its look. We reconfigured our food court to add more seating, and made our three entrances more of a brand entrance, so that when you get here you know you’ve arrived.”

The mall, which is the only large-scale enclosed property for 20 miles and three counties, has always been a solid performer, and so the upgrades and renovation were more to keep it fresh than in reaction to all the new entrants on the scene, she adds.

“People are realizing what’s happening in Waldorf, and not overlooking it any more in terms of shopping,” she says. “The area has grown so much that stores are coming into the area instead of making the people here drive somewhere else.”

St. Charles Towne Center recently underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation and continues to draw new retailers.

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25

Business

Technical

Merit

COUNCIL WORKS TO CONTINUE COUNTY’S GROWING REPUTATION AS HIGH-TECH BUSINESS CENTER

STORY BY JOE MORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN CHERRY

W

hile other city and counties from around the country worried about Y2K problems, Charles County not only looked technology in the face, it embraced it.

That forward thinking in 2000 led to the creation of what is now the Charles County Technology Council. The CCTC was launched to “provide a vehicle where the burgeoning technology market sector participants in the county could grow together and provide coherent technology policy recommendations to the county,” says Carlos Montague, chair of the council’s board of directors and president of Port Tobacco Consulting LLC. “That vehicle outgrew its humble beginnings to become the council it is today,” Montague says. “The council’s vision is to encourage and promote the use, growth and development of information technology in Charles County and the Southern Maryland Tri-County region.”

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“I definitely see the county’s technology market sector growing.”

The CCTC encourages its members to put that mission into play wherever practical, including efforts in technology promotion and communication; knowledge sharing and networking; talent and workforce development; business development and entrepreneurship; advocacy and government education; and broadband infrastructure development.

By working in such broad arenas, the council is able to advance technology and tech-oriented businesses on several fronts throughout the county.

Recognized as the leading advocate for technology in the county, the CCTC has been a strong proponent for “ubiquitous and affordable” broadband for small businesses and rural areas,

including supporting and assisting with the design and implementation of the Southern Maryland Tri-County Broadband Initiative.

The CCTC also has been able to leverage significant partnerships, including a strategic alliance agreement with the county government to support its tech nology initiatives and economic goals, as well as tying in with the College of Southern Maryland to stage the First Southern Maryland Regional VEX Robotics Challenge for high-school students.

“The council believes that there is strength through partnerships,” Montague says.

Those partnerships include the College CHARLES COUNT Y

of Southern Maryland, Maryland Small Business Development Center Network, Charles County Chamber of Commerce, Energetics Technology Center of Southern Maryland, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Defense Alliance, Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, Charles County Board of Education and others.

The very existence of the CCTC beyond its formative years indicates not only success, but also potential for tech growth throughout the county into the future. With that in mind, the council will continue to support local economic development, and explore opportunities to recruit cutting-edge research and development into the area.

“I definitely see the county’s technology market sector growing as we now have the Energetics Technology Center that employs some of the country’s most knowledgeable professionals in energetics engineering, workforce development and other areas,” Montague says. “The upcoming Indian Head Technology Campus on the western side of the county will host many technology companies, some of which will be federal contractors in support of NSWC – Indian Head, though not limited to it. The campus is touted to be ‘green,’ which is a whole technology sector itself.”

For now, though, it’s with a sense of satisfaction that Montague notes how easy it is to find reasonable, available tech services at the local level.

“It’s quite refreshing to be able to pick up the phone and call a local company that can do what we need them to do, and be perfectly comfortable with their capabilities,” Montague says. “The council will work even more closely with our partners to support and provide direction for technology startups and entrepreneurs as we work to make Charles County a center of technology excellence.

The group has the connections and the network of vital, progressive and recognized thinkers that can lead the process and make it an achievable goal.”

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Carlos Montague is the chairman of the Charles County Technology Council.

I M AG E S C H A R L E S C O U N T Y. C O M

27

Business | Biz Briefs

Apple Spice Junction is a franchise business with a retail and catering presence in La Plata.

A BUSINESS WITH SPICE Loren Wash climbed the corporate ladder in the franchise business while working for a world leader, McDonald’s.

It’s no surprise that he’s now a success within the Apple Spice franchise system.

Wash is the Apple Spice Junction area developer for Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia. He owns his own Apple Spice store in La Plata.

Within his region, his goal is to open two new franchises a year for as long as he can. “In my territory, corporate says I can fit as many as 30,” he says.

Apple Spice Junction is a businessto-business catering company offering fresh-baked bread, sandwiches, soups, salads and breakfast items. In Charles County it’s also a deli, seating 60.

“We’re in a retail location and most Apple Spices are not,” Wash says. Wash does a fifth of his business out of his storefront. The typical location does five percent in that manner.

FOCUS IS THE KEY Irving Harris has been focusing on his subjects for 30 years.

“Photography is a visual art but what 28

I M AG E S C H A R L E S C O U N T Y. C O M

you do is listen to the subject,” he says.

“Some people want an in-studio portrait, some might want to be on their boat on the river. We really just start with listening to people.”

For a family portrait, for instance, Harris sets aside time just to learn about the people to be photographed.

The best portraits occur when trust exists between the photographer and the subject. With Harris, that trust begins when he welcomes his clients at the door.

“We’re not on Main Street; the studio is our home and everything is by appointment,” Harris says. “You’re not sitting in a waiting room with other clients. You come to meet us, and we meet you.”

BUSY HELPING OTHERS The Greater Waldorf Jaycees are, indeed, pretty great.

In addition to raising money for good causes, the Greater Waldorf Jaycees earn more than $2 million annually to support their programs and those of many other nonprofits.

The chapter earns the money due to its forward-thinking founders’ move to create a banquet center, says Eric Vrem,

president. “We staff it, and the money earned from its use goes back into the community,” he says.

The Jaycees chapter was the Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year in 2008. The chapter boasts a committed group of members whose efforts support aid to the elderly, youth and the disabled, and crime prevention.

The list of positive contributions to the community by the chapter includes building apartments for seniors, committing $45,000 a year in emergency assistance for the disadvantaged and creating playgrounds for disabled children.

DIVERSIFYING BUSINESS Crown Trophy owner Brian Keesee is taking his business in new directions.

“Crown got its start in trophies, sports trophies in particular, so that is our bread-and-butter; we go after that first,” he says. “But, we’re expanding.”

New business has opened in corporate work, including items such as clocks, etched glass, banners and engraved signs.

Keesee has convinced the franchisor to take marketing concepts into niche CHARLES COUNT Y

KEEPING CHILDREN FIRST The Center for Children in La Plata is one of the largest providers of outpatient mental health services for children in Maryland.

“We serve about 3,500 clients a year,” says Catherine Meyers, executive director.

Services include the Healthy Families program, which involves home visitation to teach parenting skills. “We work with a lot of single moms including teen moms,” she says.

Through the court-appointed Special Advocates program, the center sends trained volunteers to advocate for children

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PHOTOS BY STEPHEN CHERRY

markets. For instance, Crown mailed a 28-page catalog only to churches. The products still include plaques and trophies, since churches present awards to members and organizations. However, additional items include engraved donor and memorial wall materials, perpetual plaques and banners promoting the varied church-related services.

Other options for future niche marketing include financial institutions, law firms and government agencies.

The Center for Children serves approximately 3,500 children each year.

in foster court. Other programs include a mentoring program to support children of incarcerated parents and a Functional Family Therapy program.

“Volunteers are adults who are concerned citizens,” says Meyers.

The center also has high-school

student workers fulfilling their staterequired volunteering.

In 2009, the center is celebrating its 20th anniversary, having served more than 15,000 children since it opened in 1989.

– Paul Hughes

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Business | Chamber Report

Hey, It’s Ken Gould Jr. SUCCESSFUL RESTAURATEUR NOW LEADS THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

K

“I was wiping away tears when this veteran spoke about his appreciation to the people of Charles County,” he says.

“I then thought about how exciting it was to begin a job working with politicians, business people and individuals who can make this kind of a difference.”

That community spirit attracted Gould to the chamber director’s job. Meanwhile,

Gould’s long history in Charles County attracted the chamber’s search committee to him.

Gould is well-known in the region, having operated Roy Rogers restaurants from 1983 through 2007.

“I had built up many customer friendships over those years, and have always enjoyed being in Charles County. It’s my home,” he says.

When Gould started looking for a new career, it took him several months to find his ideal job – the chamber’s executive director position. Gould had no previous chamber experience, but he says the search committee wasn’t looking for any specific type of candidate to fill the position. They were drawn to his business experience and his commitment to the community.

He became the chamber executive director in July 2008. During his first 60 days as executive director, Gould began calling every existing member to introduce himself and to pledge that the chamber would work on behalf of the business community.

“The chamber currently has 700 members, and my task will be to help keep every existing member involved with our organization,” he says. “I will also be attracting new members, and I’m excited about this interesting challenge.”

– Kevin Litwin

STEPHEN CHERRY

en Gould Jr.’s first day of work included a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a local military man who was disabled in Iraq.

“Dozens of Charles County businesses and individuals gave of their time and products to construct an addition to the man’s home, so he wouldn’t have to climb stairs anymore,” says Gould.

Kenneth A. Gould Jr.

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Business | Economic Profile

CHARLES COUNTY 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 Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) about 23 miles Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) about 43 miles VanGO 8190 Port Tobacco Road Port Tobacco, MD 20677 (301) 934-9305, www.charles county.org/cs/vango

ECONOMIC RESOURCES

TAXES

6%

Charles County Economic Development/Tourism 103 Centennial St., Suite C La Plata, MD 20646 (301) 885-1340, www.ccbiz.org

State Sales Tax

6% Total Sales Tax

Charles County Chamber of Commerce 101 Centennial St., Suite A La Plata, MD 20646 (301) 932-6500 www.charlescounty chamber.org Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development 217 East Redwood St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 767-6300 (888) ChooseMD www.choosemaryland.org Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) 100 N. Charles St., 6th Floor Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 625-0051 www.medco-corp.com

TRANSPORTATION

MORE EO ONLINE Amtrak Stations www.amtrak.com

imagescharlescounty.com

Port of Baltimore 401 E. Pratt St., No. 19 Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 385-4480 www.mpa.state.md.us

More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.

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Phone: (301) 743-5404 D.C.: (301) 753-6642 Fax: (301) 753-6660

ccautobody.com 4570 Indian Head Hwy. Indian Head, MD 20640

I M AG E S C H A R L E S C O U N T Y. C O M

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Image Gallery

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN CHERRY

Sunset along the river

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33

Portfolio

The Doctor Was in, to His Later Chagrin LINK TO LINCOLN DRAWS VISITORS TO THE MUDD HOUSE

A

round here, if your name’s Mudd it’s not a bad thing.

Charles County is the birthplace of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, the physician who set John Wilkes Booth’s broken leg, allegedly unaware that Booth had just assassinated President Abraham Lincoln and was in flight from authorities. Mudd was convicted of having a role in the plot, but was eventually pardoned by President Andrew Johnson.

The Mudd home is the focal point of the Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Society, and is a fully functioning museum that’s a major stop on any Civil War buff’s tour of the area, says Danny Fluhart, the

society’s president.

“We see about 5,000 people a year, from all across the country and from some foreign countries,” Fluhart says.

“We get some schoolchildren, the Civil War followers and a lot of sightseeing buses, but we also open up for people who have company in town and want to show them the home.”

The antebellum home sits on upwards of 200 acres, about 55 of which are currently being worked as farmland, so it doubles as a demonstration of 19th century farming practices as well.

“We’ve got corn and soybeans, and the university gave us 600 tobacco plants,”

Fluhart says. “Most farmers have stopped raising tobacco since the government buyout, and this is the old Maryland 609 tobacco which used to be raised around here. We have that for the tourists to see, as well as the two barns, and some hand tools and other machinery.”

As a fully self-supporting enterprise, the museum depends on visitors and society members for expenses and upkeep. But now, as it has been for so many years, the unflagging interest in Mudd’s role in the Lincoln assassination keeps the turnstile busy.

“The house is in really good shape,” Fluhart says. “Every year, we have our two-day Victorian Christmas festival here, and that’s always popular. And we get a lot of visitors, more in 2008 than ever, and we’re very happy about that.”

The Mudd home is open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call (301) 645-6870.

The Mudd House was the home of Dr. Samuel Mudd, who set the broken leg of Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth.

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PHOTOS BY STEPHEN CHERRY

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Portfolio

Theater Is Boxed in, in a Good Way W

hen it comes to quality theater, all roads in Charles County lead to Indian Head.

More specifically, they lead to the Black Box Theatre at the Indian Head Center for the Arts.

The Black Box began as a company in 1992, but didn’t have a home until 2004. Managed by the Chesapeake Bay Floating Theatre Inc., the Black Box supports an ambitious program of performances, theater labs and apprenticeship programs, says Peggy Palmer,

executive director.

“We were invited by the town to take a public-facilities garage and turn it into a black-box theater, which we did,” Palmer says. “The city was undergoing a revitalization, and it was felt that a theater in town would stimulate economic development.”

Volunteers and donors put together around $130,000 to renovate the space, and now are raising around $57,000 to match a state grant to convert the upstairs to classroom space. With that

kind of success early on, it’s obvious that the 84-seat venue is meeting its multiple goals.

“We are working to build more interest in theater from the elementary schools on up,” Palmer says. “We use a professional approach, in that we are a professional arts venue, with professional companies coming in, renting our space and putting on plays and musicals. We also have a community outreach program, so we can build both our local audience and our performer base here.”

One of the Black Box’s major goals is to incubate new performing companies at the local level, providing fiscal assistance, training and guidance as the new groups take root.

“We want to reach out to the community and serve them, and establish a professional space where actors and artists are paid,” Palmer says. “That’s our goal. With these new companies, we teach them how to understand a budget, how to run a company, so they can survive. And as we do that, we can tie all our activities into the revitalization of Indian Head, which is what we’re here for. We’re helping to create a really vibrant town.”

Black Box Theatre is committed to supporting the performing arts.

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Paddle or Pedal in This Water W

hether you’re a paddle-wielder or an old-fashioned pedaler, the waters at Gilbert Run Park have a vehicle for your aquatic pleasure.

For those who prefer the land, the 180-acre park also features hiking and nature trails. The facility centers around a 60-acre lake. “We have paddleboats and rent those out to two, three or four people,� says John Snow, park manager. “We also rent rowboats, fishing boats and canoes.�

The prices range from $6 an hour for a two-person paddleboat up to $8 an hour for four people, $6 an hour for canoes and $17 snags you a rowboat or fishing boat for the entire day.

The boats, whether pedaled by foot or paddled by hand, are daily in demand from April through August. Then, the park goes to weekends-only rentals through late October. During the season, the park offers half-price rentals on Thursdays, Snow says. “We are jam-packed with school groups using the boats, and a lot of people come to the park to have picnics, office parties and reunions, and they use the boats as much as they do the playgrounds and hiking trails,� he says. “The lake is definitely the main feature of the park, and so the boats end up in pretty steady use all the time.�

Renters have a clear favorite. “The paddleboats are the most popular,� Snow says. “They’re the easiest to use, and you can get up to four people in them so a lot of small families can all get in and go out together.�

For more information on boating and other activities at Gilbert Run Park, call (301) 932-1083.

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PHOTOS BY STEPHEN CHERRY

The 180-acre Gilbert Run Park offers hiking, nature trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and a fishing pier.

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Portfolio Capital Clubhouse is a year-round sports center for ice hockey, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and more.

PHOTOS BY STEPHEN CHERRY

Capital Clubhouse Expands W

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ith a new management team in place, the Capital Clubhouse is set to become even more of a family-fun focal point than it already is.

The 90,000-square-foot facility is owned by the county, and is a hub of activity. Ice hockey, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, baseball, basketball, softball and more are available year-round.

Many of the leagues cater to everyone from age 3 on up.

The ice rink has long been a big draw at the clubhouse, which also features a full fitness center, pro shop, locker rooms, party rooms and arcade.

Plans are in place for even more.

“We bring a very narrow focus, a big team and a lot of opportunities to facilities like the Capital Clubhouse,” says Tom Hillgrove, president of Rink Management Services, which manages the facility. “We want to add an adult league program for hockey. We think that will really take off and build over a couple of seasons.”

Look for the Capital to become more of a party venue, both for public-session skating and for events such as birthdays and reunions, Hillgrove adds.

“We are pretty good at marketing, and we’re putting in lights and sound, and things to give the public more entertainment value when they come here,” he says. “Skating is more than just going around in circles.”

Rink Management also has entered into an agreement with Birthday Party University, and will be promoting children’s parties under that theme.

“We think the Capital Clubhouse has been a major contributor to family activities in Charles County, and we think with all the components we have, and with what we’re going to add, we can please anybody,” he says.

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Indian Head Poised To Raise Profile S

ince its incorporation almost 100 years ago, the town of Indian Head has always been a unique place to visit.

Now, its officials and residents are working to get some visitors to stay.

“We’re trying for a little bit of both,” says Ryan Hicks, town manager. “We want to increase our tourism, and we’re also working hard on our economic development. “We’re using the Black Box Theatre and their programs to promote interest, and we also had concerts every evening in the month of June 2008. We’ve been trying to promote ourselves as a destination, and considering that Highway 210 ends here, that’s not very hard to do.”

The air of mystery surrounding how the town got its name could work as a tourist lure all by itself. Is it because of its location as what was once part of the Algonquin Indian reservation, or because of a doomed love affair involving a young Indian princess and her eventually headless swain? Nobody knows, but it’s all in good fun and if it brings in business, so much the better.

With a location only 30 minutes from Washington, D.C., and plenty of Potomac River and Mattawoman Creek frontage

available, the town has much to offer those more interested in the the present than the past.

“We’re trying to promote our opportunities, which include some vacant buildings, because we want to see those fill back up first,” Hicks says. “We’re working on revitalizing our core and then spreading outwards, and we’ve got a lot of foot soldiers here who are getting things going for us.”

Indeed, if Indian Head’s boosters have their way, the former Indian Head

Furniture and Indian Head Ford retail buildings will have new residents, and then some.

“We want more stores, a grocery store, a gas station, and that’s not even getting into the businesses that can take more advantage of the water,” Hicks says. “We’re surrounded on three sides, and we’re building a boardwalk on the Potomac River side and have upgraded our boat dock on the creek side, so we have some big dreams there as well.”

– Stories by Joe Morris

Indian Head incorporated in 1920.

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39

Education

Enrolling Right Along CENTER FOR ENGINEERING AND TECH EDUCATION IS JOB TRAINING FAST TRACK

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STEPHEN CHERRY

S

tudents and faculty are energized at the College of Southern Maryland as the school rolls out a new center for technology and engineering education just in time for the college’s 50th anniversary.

The center, funded with a $1 million federal grant, will put CSM at the forefront of the area’s burgeoning energy industry, both as a provider of skilled labor and as a site for ongoing employee training and development, says Dr. Brad Gottfried, president.

“Energy is such a dominant field here, and there is a need for skilled employees,” Gottfried says. “Certainly there is a need for individuals who are working the controls, but also for plumbers, welders, carpenters, etc. Companies are having real problems filling these types of positions, and that was the impetus for us to apply for the federal grant.”

The area’s energy companies are indeed a diverse lot: Constellation Energy, which is planning to add a third reactor to its Calvert Cliffs nuclear facility; the coal-powered Mirant generating plant in Morgantown; Competitive Power Ventures, which hopes to build a natural gas-fired electrical plant in the Waldorf area; and the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, or SMECO. CSM was able to make its case for the grant in a crowded field – around 170 applicants went after the federal funds, which are distributed through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. Known as the High Growth Job Training Initiative, only 11 grants were awarded; of those, CSM’s is the only one on the East Coast. The combination of the diverse energy industry in the area, coupled with the college’s ability to train students in several fields, was key to the success, Gottfried says.

“What this is going to allow us to do is get into an area that we have not concentrated on, which is these trades as they will apply to working in the energy industry,” Gottfried says. “What

College of Southern Maryland is supporting the growing energy sector.

we’re going to do is have these shortterm, six-week boot camps. They’ll be very intensive, and they’re going to get people ready to go through the doors and fill some of these positions. In some cases, they may finish here and go into apprenticeship programs, working with some of the unions. We also will be working with the school districts, so that students who are in some of the trade programs can go right into these programs as well. We’re hoping to have a lot of varied entry points.”

The center’s courses came online during fall 2008, and the physical plant itself will be a leased-space, satellite campus of sorts in the midst of the college’s

three-county service area. If all goes as planned, a permanent facility will likely be constructed within a few years.

“We’re going to be working closely with the power companies and SMECO, and trying to tie our programs into their specific needs as much as possible,” Gottfried says. “This really is what community colleges are all about. We’re all things to all people, and we can also turn on a dime, tailor programs that fit the needs of employers, as well as for people who might want to change careers, or who are unemployed and looking for a new career. This center really is going to be wonderful.”

– Joe Morris I M AG E S C H A R L E S C O U N T Y. C O M

41

United Way of Charles County Working with our nonprofit Partners and our community to advance the common good in Charles County since 1983.

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 Association for Handicapped and Retarded Citizens Charles County Children’s Aid Society Charles County Cooperative Ministry on Aging Charles County Freedom Landing Charles County Literacy Council Christmas in April, Charles County Compassionate Friends Southern Maryland Chapter Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital Greater Baden Medical Services Habitat for Humanity in Charles County 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 Senior Services of Charles County Share Food Network Southern Maryland Child Care Resource Center 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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I M AG E S C H A R L E S C O U N T Y. C O M

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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

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Arts & Culture

Locals Are Worthy of the Best ARTS ALLIANCE ADOPTS A BIG VISION IN PLANNING NEW PERFORMANCE VENUE

D

iane Rausch and the Charles County Arts Alliance are now asking this question: Why shouldn’t Charles County have a professional performance venue along the Potomac River, just like the thriving Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Vienna, Va.?

“Wolf Trap is a beautiful outdoor entertainment destination, but Maryland residents are 90 minutes away from it and must fight traffic on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to get there,” says Rausch, president of the Charles County Arts Alliance. “Wolf Trap is on the Virginia side of the Potomac River, and our Arts Alliance believes that Charles County

would be ideal for such a popular summer performance venue on the Maryland side of the Potomac.”

This particular idea and several others are the result of a three-year strategic planning process by the Arts Alliance that has produced a 70-page booklet entitled Arts Vision 2020.

“In July 2008, we published this booklet that addresses where the Charles County Arts Alliance wants to be by the year 2020,” Rausch says. “The goal of this three-year process was to think big, developing a road map to the future that will enhance music, visual arts, drama, dance and literature in this county.”

The Arts Vision 2020 booklet features

Over 60 arts organizations and individual visual and literary artists lined the Indian Head Village Green with exhibits of their work during River Artsfest.

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34 recommendations in four categories.

Those categories are arts development, arts education, arts programming and arts venues/facilities.

“One of the suggestions that the Arts Alliance has is to establish a multidisciplinary arts center that will house all of the arts under one roof,” Rausch says.

“Another example is to ultimately infuse Charles County with commissioned art that will be showcased in outdoor settings such as public buildings, parks and historic places. The idea is to portray art in beautiful, natural settings instead of having it always exhibited inside buildings.”

Rausch says the Alliance also wants to establish specific state-designated arts and entertainment districts.

“Currently in Maryland, there are 19 cities that have official arts and entertainment designation,” she says. “This designation allows cities to receive grants and tax incentives to transform their downtowns into special arts districts, which assists with their overall economic development. Cities in Charles County, such as La Plata or Indian Head, would be great candidates for such a program.”

Rausch adds that now is a perfect time to promote the arts and future development of the arts in Charles County.

“A Maryland study shows that for every dollar spent on the arts, another $2.13 is generated on secondary spending,” she says. “For example, when people attend a concert, they will spend money on parking, dinner, drinks, gasoline, babysitters and so forth. The arts are important in so many ways, and Charles County is ready to capitalize on all of its impacts.”

– Kevin Litwin I M AG E S C H A R L E S C O U N T Y. C O M

43

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Accepting most insurance plans Assisted Living 123 Morris Dr. La Plata, MD 20646 (301) 934-0222

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CHARLES COUNT Y

STEPHEN CHERRY

Health & Wellness

Civista Medical Center continues to expand, renovate and improve patient services.

Healthy Growth CIVISTA MEDICAL CENTER FOCUSES ON SAFETY, PRIVACY AND PATIENT CARE

A

near-constant series of expansions and improvements at Civista Medical Center in recent years has created one of the region’s most cutting-edge hospitals, and now the push is on to become even more comprehensive. But the most important aspect of Civista, patient care, remains in the forefront of any and every decision, says Christine M. Stefanides, president and chief executive officer.

“When I’m asked about the benefits of the expansion and renovation of Civista Medical Center, the two words that most readily come to mind are safety and privacy,” Stefanides says. “From bed alarms to medication dispensing to electronic recordkeeping to access issues, safety is an absolute necessity in our patient care, and the steps we’ve taken to assure this are everywhere in the changes we’ve been making.”

Civista began its current round of growth and renovation in 2005, when it more than doubled in size. That $82 million renovation included a much larger emergency department, coronary care unit, four-story tower, new operating and minor-procedures rooms and more.

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Everything was designed for the ease and comfort of patients and their families, Stefanides says.

“With new private rooms, more and better physician and family consultation areas and treatment areas with doors rather than draping, patient privacy has been vastly improved,” she says.

“These benefits are readily apparent in our new emergency department, our new surgical suites and in the many new patient treatment and recovery rooms at Civista.”

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.

But all the physical improvements wouldn’t mean much without a highquality staff, and Civista has put programs in place to ensure that it’s people are as dependable as its facilities, says Linda Kandel, director of marketing and planning.

“We have developed and implemented a service-excellence program, and we’re

very excited about it,” Kandel says. “All our employees have participated in customer-service training, and we’ve involved the whole organization in this ongoing program 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, she says.

The hospital’s aggressive growth and expansion has led to improved physician and support staff recruiting as well, which allows for new services and programs, adds Stefanides.

“Our physician lecture programs have increased. We have recently been lauded nationally for our improved information systems and a major coup for us has been to be designated a Primary Stroke Center,” she says. “These are just some of the exciting new accomplishments we’ve been making at Civista, which we and our community will benefit from and can take great pride in.”

– Joe Morris I M AG E S C H A R L E S C O U N T Y. C O M

45

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CHARLES COUNT Y

Sports & Recreation

ANTONY BOSHIER

Swan Point offers golf, a Weston Resort and residential development.

Like an Elegant Swan SWAN POINT RESORT AND RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY TO BE FURTHER DEVELOPED

I

t already has a scenic golf course and a yacht club. Now, get ready for a Weston Resort Hotel as well as 1,500 beautiful homes to be added.

Swan Point Yacht & Country Club is about to become a major residential destination for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The multiuse community already has 400 existing homes, and its location in Charles County along the Potomac River has provided Swan Point with a reputation for spectacular vistas.

“Opening a Weston Resort Hotel in 2011 will allow Charles County to compete with surrounding areas to bring conventions here,” says Rick Dengler, vice president and chief operating officer with Brookfield Homes of Fairfax, Va., which is developing Swan Point.

The 300-room hotel will include an 8,000-square-foot spa, tennis club, exercise facilities and restaurant.

“Also on site will be a beach club because we’ll have a 150-foot marina adjacent to the hotel, so that maritime vacationers and yachters on the Chesapeake Bay and beyond will look at Swan Point as a destination,” Dengler says.

As for the residential community, construction of homes and condominiums will begin in earnest once the Weston Hotel opens in 2011.

“There will also be 40,000 square feet of local retail space within Swan Point, plus we will add a three-acre park near the water,” he says. “This is going to be a real jewel for Charles County CHARLES COUNT Y

– a true benchmark community. It will have excellent living units, a four-star hotel, a yacht club for people to enjoy, and a fantastic golf course. Those are some nice living arrangements.”

Speaking of the golf course, Swan Point Country Club is a public, 18-hole facility that has been rated among the top 10 venues in Maryland by Golf Digest magazine.

“Golf at Swan Point feels like the Carolinas because the course gets warm, southerly winds and there is often the smell of pine trees in the air,” Dengler says. “Water or marshes come into play on 12 of the holes, and it’s not unusual to see deer, herons, osprey and bald eagles on site. The course is open all year, and about 30,000 rounds are played here annually.”

To make the golf experience even nicer, Swan Point is scheduled to undergo a minor renovation. Holes No. 12 and 13 will be redone, and all bunkers, greens and tee boxes will be replaced throughout the course.

“Greens usually last about 15 years before they need to be worked on, while bunkers can endure about 12 years and tee boxes 10 years,” Dengler says. “It’s just normal required maintenance at good golf courses, and it’s time for Swan Point to spruce up those areas.

“The course will also be adding some irrigation upgrades, ensuring that Swan Point will remain one of the best courses in all of Maryland for many years to come.”

– Kevin Litwin I M AG E S C H A R L E S C O U N T Y. C O M

47

Community Profile

CHARLES COUNTY SNAPSHOT Charles County is part of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, yet retains a rural feel. Although agriculture remains an important part of the local economy, a diversified industrial base has developed.

HOUSING

$392,115

Christ Church School P.O. Box 1467 La Plata, MD 20646 (301) 934-1477

CLIMATE

44.04 in.

Avg Annual Precipitation

Average Home Price

11.80% Home Turnover Percentage

EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES Charles County Public Schools 5980 Radio Station Road La Plata, MD 20646 (301) 932-6610 www2.ccboe.com Archbishop Neale School 104 Port Tobacco Road La Plata, MD 20646 (301) 934-9595 www.archbishopnealeschool.org Grace Lutheran Church and School 1200 Charles Street P.O. Box 446 La Plata, MD 20646 (301) 932-0963 www.growingwithgrace.org

College of Southern Maryland 8730 Mitchell Road P.O. Box 910 La Plata, MD 20646-0910 (301) 934-2251 www.csmd.edu

26 F January Low Temperature

44 F January High Temperature

MEDICAL FACILITIES

67 F

Civista Medical Center 5 Garrett Avenue La Plata, MD 20646 (301) 609-4000 www.civista.org

July Low Temperature

85 F July High Temperature

MORE EO ONLINE imagescharlescounty.com m More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.

THIS SECTION IS SPONSORED BY

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CHARLES COUNT Y

Ad Index 48 ARC SECURITY 37 BEST WESTERN LA PLATA INN 46 CHANEY ENTERPRISES 31 CHARLES COUNTY AUTO BODY 44 CHARLES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 40 CHARLES COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM 44 CHARLES COUNTY NURSING REHABILITATION CENTER 29 CHARLES COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY C3 CIVISTA HEALTH C4 COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND 36 FACCHINA CONSTRUCTION 8 GP HOMES 31 HOSPICE OF CHARLES COUNTY INC. 30 INDIAN HEAD DIVISION NSWC

46 LOIEDERMAN SOLTESZ ASSOCIATES INC. 42 MARYLAND BANK & TRUST COMPANY C2 MIRANT MID-ATLANTIC LLC 44 POST OFFICE LAKE DENTAL ASSOCIATES 38 POTTER HEATING & ELECTRIC INC. 1 SOUTHERN MARYLAND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE 2 SOUTHERN MARYLAND HOSPITAL CENTER 35 SUBURBAN PROPANE 42 TOWN OF INDIAN HEAD 42 UNITED WAY OF CHARLES COUNTY 35 W.M. DAVIS INC. 44 WALDORF PRIMARY CARE 39 WASHINGTON SAVINGS BANK