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Local fun, fireworks in St. Mary’s County River Concert Series St. Mary’s College of Maryland will host the River Concert Series from 7-9 p.m. July 3 on the
Townhouse Green, which is free and open to the public. The Chesapeake Orchestra, directed by Jeffrey Silberschlag, will perform the contemporary music of John Williams with fireworks after dusk. Grounds open at 5 p.m.
for food and fun with the concert beginning at 7 p.m. Bring your own picnic or purchase food from vendors. For more information, visit www. chesapeakeorchestra. org/river-concert-series. html.
Fireworks, carnival at Hollywood VFD The Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department will
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host their 7th annual Independence Day Celebration on July 4 at 24801 Three Notch Road, Hollywood. Fireworks will be displayed at dusk. Live music from 6-10 p.m. from Come Back Iris and Robbie Boothe. Carnival rides (ride all night with armbands for $5) and games from 5 p.m. until the fireworks. Parking fee is a $5 donation. No coolers or pets permitted. For more information, visit www.hvfd7.com.
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Five sure-fire, stress-free ways to make your next summer gathering awesome Summer is party season, and most people prefer outdoor entertaining during warm months. In fact, a 2014 survey by entertaining website TheSalonniere found that 50 percent of people prefer barbecues in summer, 19 percent like al fresco dinner parties and 12 percent favor a pool party. Many party hosts will pull some lawn chairs and folding tables out of storage, put up an umbrella or two and serve traditional foods this summer. If you want your summer event to be truly memorable yet low-stress, why not mix it up by renting some items that can elevate the level of your get-together Whether you’ll be hosting a college graduation party, birthday gathering, backyard wedding reception or summer-holiday bash, here are five ways to create a knockout event. • Have it made in the shade — While we all crave summer sun, all those UV rays can quickly make an outdoor party too hot to handle. Shade is a must for outdoor events during warm weather, but for a real impact, a
plain old lawn umbrella simply won’t do. First of all, they’re rarely large enough to accommodate a good number of guests. Second, a little wind or rain can topple your umbrellas — and spell the end of your party. Rental stores carry tents in a wide range of sizes and styles, so it’s easy to find one that fits your yard, number of guests and party theme. • Cooler than a fan, man — Sometimes even the shade isn’t enough to keep guests from losing their cool in the summer heat. When you know party day is going to be extra steamy, why not add enclosed sides to your rental tent and bring in portable evap-
orative coolers and air-conditioning units? Portable evaporative cooling systems, also known as spot coolers, can lower the temperature in an area by 20 degrees by emitting a light mist that cools hot skin and lowers the ambient temperature. To lower the temperature even more — by 30 to 40 degrees — try a thermostat-controlled portable air conditioner in your tent. Rental store professionals can help you determine which device and what size will be best for your needs. • Sitting pretty — At your last summer party, did guests have to sit on blankets on the grass Or occupy both of their hands with food and beverage while having to stand up Rare indeed is the host who has enough lawn chairs to accommodate everyone who wants to sit down at their summer party. After all, who has that kind of storage space Renting chairs can ensure your guests have ample sturdy, comfortable seating when they’re ready to put up their feet and relax. And you can relax knowing you won’t have to be
dragging dining room chairs or your grandmother’s antique rocker onto the lawn. • Suh-weet — Favorite foods are a big part of the fun for any summer party, and you’ll want to be sure to serve some reliable standbys like burgers and salads. But to really sweeten the fare and create some excitement for guests of every age, consider renting a snow-cone or cotton-candy machine. Serving snow cones or cotton candy will evoke memories of summer carnivals for adults, and kids love watching the machines make their treat almost as much as they do eating it! Rentalhq. com can also help you find a machine, plus give you some tips for operating a snow cone machine and how to use a rented cotton-candy machine. • Fun in the sun — Food and conversation are key elements of a summer gathering, but so is some goodold-fashioned fun in the sun. Don’t have a huge supply of lawn games or inflatables stored in your garage From a variety of bounce houses and rides to inflatable movie screens, rental stores have you’re looking for. Hosting an event for a more sophisticated crowd You can also rent a dance floor and set it up right in your backyard so guests can waltz (or twist) the night away. Brandpoint
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Fourth of July in St. Mary’s County
Fire up your grilling game with expert tips and specialty cheese Every grilling season presents a new opportunity to add recipes and tricks to your routine. This year, kick up your cooking skills with advice from the ultimate grill master, Chef Michael Symon, co-host of ABC’s “The Chew,” and author of three best-selling cookbooks and owner of several restaurants. “With the right techniques and ingredients, any home chef can grill foods that are seasoned to perfection and overflowing with melt-in-yourmouth goodness,” said Chef Symon. “With some simple techniques, great meat or veggies, and my favorite topper — Castello cheese — every dish will burst with flavor.” The following tips from Chef Symon will help you make the most of every grilling occasion. • Judge proteins by their appearance. Red meat should appear red, not gray, with plenty of marbling; the fat melts to add flavor and create a wonderful mouth feel. • Pay attention to temperature. Heat up your grill, with the lid down, for 20 to 30 minutes prior to grilling. This is a good time to take out your meat or poultry, which should be at room temperature before it is cooked. Begin grilling your protein on high heat to give it some char and then finish on low heat so it’s juicy and doesn’t burn. After grilling, let your protein rest to ensure it retains these flavorful juices.
• Don’t over-season. Season simply to showcase the meat or veggies: kosher salt, ground black pepper, plus a drizzle of olive oil to help it sear. • Resist the temptation to flip. Whether you’re cooking protein or veggies, you should only turn your food over once when grilling. Allow your food to develop a wonderful char on one side before moving or flipping it. • Be adventurous with ingredients. Instead of a traditional cheeseburger, make Chef Symon’s Bison Burger using Castello Burger Blue cheese, which comes pre-sliced and ready for grilling. Shape ground bison meat into patties, grill three minutes on one side, then flip and top with sliced red onion and Burger Blue. • Cut protein against the grain. The grain represents the direction of muscle fibers. Cutting slim strips, against the grain, shortens muscle fibers and makes the protein more tender and enjoyable. • Use vegetables for flavor and texture. Vegetarians and meat lovers alike appreciate properly grilled vegetables, which add a healthy touch and contrasting textures to your grilling menus. Chef Symon’s Grilled Eggplant is topped with melted Castello Burger Blue cheese, as well as an arugula salad with vinaigrette, capers, red onion and toasted sliced almonds. Brandpoint
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Key moments in American Revolutionary history Americans celebrate their independence from British rule every July Fourth. Celebrations typically include fireworks, parades and parties. While the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 was a seminal moment in both American and world history, the following are some notable events that took place in the years preceding 1776 and helped to shape the country now known as the United States of America. • 1765: The Passage of the Stamp Act
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marked the first major form of taxation on British colonists living in what is now America. The act imposed taxes on printed materials to help offset the costs of British troops in the colonies and replenish British debts. Colonists were upset they had no say in how taxes were levied or how the money would be spent. • 1767: After repealing the Stamp Act, Britain imposed the Townshend Acts, a series of taxes on various British goods, including tea. Again, colonists were outraged, spurring a boycott on British goods. • 1770: The Boston Massacre involved a crowd of colonists and a collection of British soldiers. The soldiers opened fire on the crowd, killing five and wounding six others. This incident helped increase anti-British sentiments in the colonies. • 1773: A few years after the Boston Massacre, colonists boarded British ships in the Boston harbor and threw the tea into the sea as protest against the Tea Act. Known as The Boston Tea Party, this event proved a catalyst for revolution. • 1774: After the Intolerable Acts aimed to punish colonists for The Bos-
ton Tea party, delegates from 12 of the original 13 colonies met illegally to form the First Continental Congress. They convened to discuss plans for dealing with various British offenses. Congress also developed political statements against the British and urged people to boycott British goods. The first president of this congress was Payton Randolph. John Hancock was appointed president the following year after the monarchy ignored the first Congress’ petition. • 1775: The British governor of Massachusetts sent several hundred British troops to seize military supplies from the colonists at Concord. When the colonists discovered the plan, they sent their own militia to intercept the forces at Lexington. The British would win at Lexington but were defeated at Concord. Throughout 1775, many other clashes between colonists and British troops took place, eventually culminating in an event that would forever change American history. • 1776: On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, which See History, Page 13
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St. John’s School CATHOLIC IDENTITY • ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES • STEM • STEWARDSHIP EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES • BAND • SPORTS CLUBS ROBOTICS • TECHNOLOGY • PRAYER FOREIGN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION • SERVICE LIFETIME OF LEARNING FUTURE OF FAITH • COMMUNITY 43900 St. John’s Road • Hollywood, Maryland 20636
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Barbara Blades REALTOR ®
CENTURY 21 New Millennium 23063 Three Notch Road • California, MD 20619 Office: 301.862.2169 Toll Free: 800.638.7734 Cell: 240.925.1587 Email: barbara.blades@c21nm.com Website: www.barbarablades.com
Jan Barnes REALTOR ®
CENTURY 21 New Millennium 23063 Three Notch Road • California, MD 20619 Office: 301.862.2169 Direct: 301.737.5147 Toll Free: 800.638.7734 Cell: 240.298.1232 Email: janbarnesc21@aol.com
THE CHRIS HILL TEAM Chris Hill REALTOR ® Cell: 410.610.9032
Email: christopher.hill@c21nm.com
Beverly Guy REALTOR ® Cell: 301.481.2764
Robin Poe Errington REALTOR ®
CENTURY 21 New Millennium 23063 Three Notch Road • California, MD 20619 Office: 301.862.2169 Direct: 301.737.5138 Toll Free: 800.638.7734 Cell: 301.904.9365 Email: robin.poeerrington@c21nm.com
Jennifer Menard REALTOR ® Cell: 240.925.2890
Anne Carter REALTOR ® Cell: 410.474.5219 CENTURY 21 New Millennium 23063 Three Notch Road California, MD 20619
Mary Ada Candela REALTOR ®
CENTURY 21 New Millennium 23063 Three Notch Road • California, MD 20619 Office: 301.862.2169 Cell: 301.481.8081 Email: jacmac2@verizon.net
Anne Carter REALTOR ®
CENTURY 21 New Millennium 23063 Three Notch Road • California, MD 20619 Office: 301.862.2169 Cell: 410.474.5219 Email: anne.carter@c21nm.com Website: www.annecarterhomes.com
2015
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Independence Day celebrations are marked by many spectacles. But few can garner the “oohs and aahs” of a good fireworks display. Summer is a time of year when the resonating booms and bright spills of color that dot the night sky are quite common. Fireworks, which can be traced back thousands of years, have an interesting history. Many historians believe fireworks originated in ancient China as early as 200 B.C. It is thought that early fireworks were not the gunpowderfilled explosives of today, but something made from bamboo, a material native to China. Chunks of bamboo, a thick, fast-growing grass, may have been tossed onto a fire as fuel. The rods would blacken, but eventually explode in the fire, causing a loud, frightening noise. This noise was a result of trapped air and sap inside of the bamboo rods heating and expanding until the bamboo exploded under the pressure. The exploding bamboo was used to ward off animals, other people and evil spirits. Chinese alchemists eventually stumbled on a recipe for basic gunpowder, mixing together saltpeter (potassium nitrate, then a common kitchen seasoning), charcoal, sulfur and other ingredients. This powder was packed inside of hollow bamboo rods to produce an even bigger bang. Soon paper tubes replaced the bamboo, and fireworks were used for more than just scaring away spirits, as they were routinely included in special celebrations and even deployed during military engagements. Fireworks may have begun in China, but they were soon being used
around the world. Italians had been fascinated with fireworks ever since the explorer Marco Polo brought back firecrackers from Asia in 1292. During the Renaissance in Europe, the Italians began to develop fireworks into a true art form. Since this was a period of artistic creativity and expression, many new fireworks were created. “Firemasters” were fireworks experts in medieval England. They worked with “green men,” who wore caps of leaves to protect themselves from raining sparks from the fireworks. In 1758, the Jesuit missionary Pierre Nicolas le Cheron d’Incarville, living in Beijing, wrote to the Paris Academy of Sciences about the methods and composition of fireworks, including how to make many types of Chinese fireworks. The world remains fascinated by fireworks even now. Fireworks displays have grown more elaborate over the years, requiring the skills of pyrotechnic experts, carpenters and digital sound masters. Various powders and chemicals mixed together produce a rainbow display of colors and aerial tricks that would likely have shocked the earliest firework creators. Not forgetting its origins, China continues to produce and export more fireworks than any other country in the world. Safety experts recommend the public leave fireworks to the professionals and sit back and relax during awe-inspiring pyrotechnic displays. As the United States and Canada prepare for their respective Independence Day celebrations, flashy fireworks displays are bound to be part of the festivities.
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Celebrate Independence Day!
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Fireworks have a colorful history
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Meaningful ways to show your patriotism Expressions of patriotic enthusiasm are as bright and thrilling as fireworks, but they dissipate as quickly, Washington Post blogger Alyssa Rosenberg wrote in a July 2014 examination of patriotism among American youth. Yet most Americans consider themselves patriotic, even if their definitions of the term vary slightly or even greatly, multiple surveys show. While politicians and political parties may be satisfied with fireworks and rhetoric, average Americans seek meaningful ways to show their love for their country, such as supporting veterans and active-duty service members. With the patriotic celebrations of summer underway, here are four ways you can show your patriotism and make a difference at the same time:
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Support veterans and active-duty military Taking care of the people who serve our country is an important way to show patrio-
tism. You can show your support in many ways, from hiring veterans if you’re a smallbusiness owner to participating in business initiatives and organizations that help active-
duty service people and veterans. Plenty of organizations can help you show your support. “As a veteran, I’ve seen firsthand the value of com-
munity support for members of the military,” said Preston Funkhouser, facility services project manager for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Funkhouser served in Saudi Arabia, in Iraq in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn, and in Kosovo. “We’ve hired thousands of veterans in various positions throughout our company, and we have supported organizations like the USO, the National Military Families Association and Wounded Warriors that lift up our servicemen, servicewomen and veterans.” Showing support can be as simple as visiting with a veteran in your neighborhood, putting together a care package for someone serving overseas, or making a purchase from a merchant who donates a portion of the proceeds to a military support organization. You can find a comprehensive See Patriotism, Page 14
2015
Fireworks tend to be most prevalent during the summertime. Elaborate pyrotechnic displays may be part of Independence Day celebrations or other special events. Individuals also may set off fireworks to light up the night skies for private parties. Although parents will warn children against going too close to fireworks, many do not share the same apprehension about sparklers. Sparklers are thin metal rods that have been dipped in a special, flammable pyrotechnic substance and allowed to dry. When lit, a sparkler will throw off, as the name implies, sparks of twinkling light until the sparkler is extinguished. Sparklers may seem safe for little hands, but like other fireworks, sparklers can be dangerous. A sparkler can reach 3,662 F (2,000 C) when lit. That is 20 times the boiling point of water, a level of heat that is enough to melt steel. In fact, three sparklers burning together can generate the same amount of heat as a blow torch. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says roughly 240 people visit the emergency room every day in the month of July with fireworksrelated injuries. Common sense should prevail whenever anyone is handling sparklers. If children are allowed to hold
sparklers, it should only be under close adult supervision. Other safety tips can help ensure events where sparklers are being used remain injury-free. • Sparklers should be stored in cool, dry places until they are used. • Leather gloves can protect hands while sparklers are being lit and held. • Do not light and hold more than one sparkler at a time. • Sparklers can stay hot for a while after they have been extinguished. Put the hot end down into a bucket of water when finished. • Sparklers may not be legal where you live. Know the laws before purchasing sparklers or other fireworks. • Children under the age of five should never be given sparklers to hold, nor should adults hold a lit sparkler while holding a baby. Glow sticks are safer alternatives for young kids. • Hold sparklers at arms’ length to avoid burns. • Do not bring sparklers to public events, as sparklers amid large crowds can pose a safety risk. • Do not wave or run with lit sparklers. Sparklers may seem like safe alternatives to more traditional fireworks. But it’s important to exercise caution with sparklers, especially when young children are nearby.
History
successful sea-and-land campaign of American and French armies led to the surrender of British troops at Yorktown. • 1783: Nearly two decades after colonists began voicing their displeasure with British laws, the American Revolution formally ended on September 3, 1783 with the Treaty of Paris. The British Empire accepted defeat and recognized the independence of the United States of America.
Continued from Page 6
formally proclaimed American colonies independent from Britain. However, Britain was not willing to bend to colonists’ wishes. • 1776-1783: Several battles took place during this time period, including Moore’s Creek Bridge, Sullivan’s Island and Fort Washington. France was brought into the war in 1777. A
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Fourth of July barbecue essentials This Independence Day, revelers across the nation are preparing to toast their independence with family and friends. For many Americans, backyard barbecues are synonymous with the Fourth of July, a day that, in the United States of America, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Precious few Americans can say they have not been present at a 4th of July barbecue or witnessed a fireworks display honoring America’s official declaration of independence from Great Britain. Hosting a July 4th barbecue for the first time may have some hosts anxious about throwing a summer soirée to remember, but fun is sure to be had if hosts remember to include the following backyard barbecue essentials this Independence Day.
Food No Fourth of July barbecue is complete without food, so hosts should be sure to stock up on popular barbecue fare like hot dogs and hamburgers. Though such foods likely won’t be mistaken for gourmet fare anytime
Patriotism Continued from Page 12
list of support organizations online at www.military.com.
Vote Despite the concept of a participatory government being a fundamental tenet of America, recent voter turnout in this country has been historically low. In 2014, it was the lowest since World War II; about 36 percent of Americans eligible to vote did so, according to the United States Election Project. Yet in a Fox News poll, 93 percent of respondents said they believed voting was a patriotic thing to do. Turnout is usually higher in years with a presidential race,
soon, Fourth of July revelers often embrace the tradition of grilling up some hot dogs and hamburgers even if they tend to avoid such foods throughout the rest of the year. Hosts should not feel pressured to provide gourmet fare on July 4th, but it is a thoughtful gesture to ask guests in advance if they have any food allergies or need to avoid certain foods for other reasons.
Beverages It goes without saying that guests will need refreshing beverages at parties held in early July, but be sure to stock up on a variety of beverages so guests are not forced to consume drinks they don’t want. Be sure to have plenty of water available to guests, and provide sodas, iced tea and lemonade as well. Offer alcoholic beverages to adult guests, but don’t go overboard stocking up on alcohol, as that might encourage guests to overindulge.
Games Backyard barbecues are most fun when guests are entertained, so plan to have some games available for
guests of all ages. Encourage guests to bring a change of clothes or swimsuits if games will involve water or something that might soil their clothing. If you have a pool, purchase some pool games so swimmers can do more than just wade in the water or take a few laps. Plan a Wiffle ball game for kids and dig some horseshoe pits or buy a ring toss set so adults can engage in some friendly competition as well.
Safety Though no one wants to think of
a 4th of July celebration taking a turn for the worst, hosts must prepare for emergencies. Restock the first-aid kit if necessary and keep a constant eye on guests, especially children, to ensure everyone is having a safe and happy time. Program a list of local taxi companies into your phone so you can easily call for transportation should any guests have too much to drink during the festivities. Hosts should abstain from alcohol so they can serve as designated driver should the need arise at the end of the night.
but don’t just wait for a big election. Vote in your municipal, school district, county and state elections, too. Take your children with you so they learn about the process and the importance of voting. It’s the American thing to do.
Fly the flag Three patriotic holidays occur in the summer: Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day. It’s a perfect time to begin displaying the flag — and turn it into a yearround habit. “Displaying the flag is a wonderful way to show respect for our country and for everyone who has defended it throughout our history,” Funkhouser said. There are right ways — and wrong ways — to display the flag. For example, illuminate
Staff photo by MEGAN JOHNSON
Thomas Stone National Historic Site in Port Tobacco
the flag at night if you’ll be displaying it ‘round-the-clock, but never hang it with the union — the blue and white stars field — downward; that’s a signal of distress. Read the federal Flag Code for more
information on the proper way to display the flag.
Visit and support a national park The National Parks Service
protects many of the country’s greatest natural and historic treasures — and they’re available for the enjoyment of everyone. Many national park and historic sites are free, but some do charge admission. When you pay your admission fee or make a voluntary donation, you’re helping the National Park service continue to preserve America’s cultural and natural history. The wide variety of sites and locations means virtually every American is within a reasonable drive of a National Park site. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a week-long family vacation, you can find a National Park location that will provide a fun, educational and patriotic experience. Brandpoint
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