St. Mary's County Newcomers Discovery Guide

St. Mary’s County NEWCOMERS DISCOVERY GUIDE

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Welcome to St. Mary’s County

There was a time when this region’s economy was based primarily on tobacco, crabs and oysters. But life in the early 21st century is quite different for most St. Mary’s County residents. Advanced technology is now the county’s chief economic engine, and Naval Air Station Patuxent River is a premier site of military aviation, drawing defense contractors and associated businesses to the area. In part because of this, people from all over the world now call St. Mary’s home. They live side by side with families who have been here for generations. Both groups have much in common. They require local government services, and sometimes hospital treatment. They want to enjoy parks and museums, and maybe take classes at the local community college. This guide is intended to point people in the right direction.

How to reach us

Southern Maryland News (Maryland Independent, The Enterprise, The Calvert Recorder) is published weekly on Fridays, at 204 Washington Ave., Suite 104, La Plata, MD 20646 by APG Media of Chesapeake, LLC.

For more information, call 301-645-9480 or visit the website www.somdnews.com.

To contact advertising, call Brook Ash, multimedia ad manager, at 240-561-1390 or email bash@chespub.com.

To contact classifieds, call 1-800-220-1230 or email classads@chespub.com.

For information about legal advertisements or public notices, call 1-877-659-2190 or email legals@chespub.com.

For obituary information, call 1-877-242-1110 or email obits@chespub.com.

To contact the newsroom, send an email to:

Executive editor: Jim Johnson at jjohnson@chespub.com

Managing editor: Jesse Yeatman at jyeatman@somdnews.com

Charles County news: Matt Wynn mwynn@somdnews.com

St. Mary’s County news: Michael Reid at mreid@somdnews.com

Calvert County news: Marty Madden at mmadden@somdnews.com

Sports news: Ted Black at tblack@somdnews.com

Museums

Multiple sites display, protect county’s history

St. Mary’s County boasts a rich culture and heritage illustrated in a number of museums — sites that take visitors back to 1634 when the first adventurers stepped ashore, that share the contributions of African-Americans and that explain the aviation advances performed at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, to name a few.

PINEY POINT LIGHTHOUSE

Located at 44720 Lighthouse Road in Piney Point is the Piney Point Lighthouse. Built in 1836, it stands as one of the four remaining lighthouses on the Potomac River.

The 35-foot lighthouse was operated for 128 years until it was decommissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1964. During its history, many notable Americans came to the Piney Point area for summer vacations.

The museum exhibits trace the history of the lighthouse and its keepers and offers exhibits depicting the construction and operation of the lighthouse and the role of the U.S. Coast Guard. The Potomac River Maritime Exhibit houses the museum’s historic wooden boat collection on permanent loan from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education.

Another highlight is the story of a German submarine, the U-1105 Black Panther, a “wonder weapon” of World War II discovered to have ingenious stealth characteristics, the first of its kind.

The Piney Point Lighthouse, Museum and Historic Park also offers a kayak launch, picnic and pier facilities with panoramic views of the Potomac River and a natural landscape. Boaters

are welcome. Visitors may also shop at the Crab Claw Museum Store for unique and local gifts.

For information on hours and admission prices, call the museum at 301-994-1471, or visit their Facebook page.

The grounds are open and free to the public daily from sunrise to sunset year-round and are handicap accessible. Adult group and student tours are welcome and available by prearrangement.

The Piney Point Lighthouse, Museum and Historic Park is operated by the Museum Division of the St. Mary’s County Department of Recreation and Parks.

DRAYDEN AFRICANAMERICAN SCHOOLHOUSE

The Drayden African-American Schoolhouse is located on its original site at 18287 Cherryfield Road in Drayden. The schoolhouse is a frame building with its foundation resting on tree trunks. Built in 1890, it was in use until 1944. The structure marks the era of segregated schools in St. Mary’s County. Acquired by St. Mary’s County government in 2000, this site is preserved and interpreted within the Museum Division of the St. Mary’s County Department of Recreation and Parks.

This site is only open with a pre-arranged tour. To schedule a tour, call the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum site supervisor at 301-994-1471.

HISTORIC ST. MARY’S CITY

Situated on the land where Maryland’s colonists established their first permanent community and the state’s first capital, Historic St. Mary’s City is an outdoor living history museum and one of the finest 17th-century archaeology sites in the United States. Costumed interpreters in re-created settings tell the stories of Maryland’s first years.

Outdoor exhibits include Town Center, where visitors can tour Smith’s Ordinary and learn to operate a reproduction press at the Print House. The Godiah Spray Tobacco Plantation, a working colonial farm where it’s

STAFF PHOTO BY JESSE YEATMAN

A ranger rings a bell at the Blackistone Lighthouse located on St. Clement’s Island.

FILE PHOTO Earnest Willoughby, a member of the St. Maries Citty Militia, stands outside the State House at Historic St. Mary’s City.

FILE PHOTO

Members of Operation Warrior Refuge walk with horses used in equine therapy for veterans at Greenwell State Park.

always 1667, features working gardens and heritage livestock. At the Woodland Indian Hamlet, visitors discover how Maryland’s first inhabitants lived prior to the arrival of the English, and how their lives changed after the colony’s establishment. Sailors’ stories of the tobacco trade and immigration are told across the deck of the Maryland Dove, a re-creation of a 17th-century merchant ship. At the St. John’s Site Museum, visitors discover how archaeologists and historians uncover the past. The reconstructed State House of 1676 is a popular venue for weddings and corporate events.

Special events held throughout the year offer visitors opportunities to learn how professional archaeologists uncover the past, discover the culture of the American Indians that lived in this area, and explore different aspects of the colonial experience in tidewater Maryland.

Call 240-895-4990 or visit www.hsmcdigshistory.org for more information.

U.S. COLORED TROOPS INTERPRETIVE CENTER

The U.S. Colored Troops Interpretive Center in Lexington Park explores the profound and significant contributions of African Americans in St. Mary’s County.

The center exhibits focus on two St. Mary’s County medal of honor winners who served in the 38th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Colored Troops and fought for the Union during the Civil War. These two men were awarded the Medal of Honor for their valor and bravery at the Battle of New Market Heights, Virginia in 1864. Another Interpretive Center exhibit shares information on the segregated school system in St. Mary’s County, including details on the Drayden African American Schoolhouse.

On the trail between the Interpretive Center in Lexington Manor Passive Park and John G. Lancaster Park, learn about African American troops and the Civil War era in St. Mary’s County via the informational panels leading to

Sotterley offers a wide variety of tours, events and educational programming throughout the year for all ages that tells our story and reveals its relevance to us today. Visit www.sotterley.org for hours of operation, admission, programming information and ways to support Sotterley’s mission.

ST. CLEMENT’S ISLAND MUSEUM

The St. Clement’s Island Museum is located at Coltons Point and within view of the island where Maryland’s first settlers landed in 1634. The museum focuses on this early colonial history as well as history of life on the Potomac River.

the U.S. Colored Troops Memorial Statue.

The museum, which is located in Lexington Manor Passive Park at 21675 S. Coral Drive in Lexington Park is open by appointment only. Call 301-769-2222 or visit www.Facebook. com/SCIMuseum and click on Events.

PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR MUSEUM

The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, a member supported museum, is charged with the preservation and presentation of the Navy’s achievements in aviation research, development, testing and evaluation at Patuxent River Naval Air Station. Its three main missions are to preserve, educate and inspire. The museum also honors the men and women who pioneered naval aviation and the many NASA astronauts and other graduates of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.

The museum is the repository of artifacts, photographs and film, documents and related heritage memorabilia demonstrating the full span of research, development, test and evaluation of naval aircraft. The museum’s indoor exhibition spaces contain unique and diverse flight-test related artifacts such as: an exact replica of the A-1 Triad, the

•Private

•Music

•Piano

•Camps

Navy’s first aircraft; the X-35 prototype for the Joint Strike Fighter, the Navy’s newest aircraft; an extensive unmanned aerial vehicle collection; a broad ranging propulsion gallery, and a host of other exhibits that entertain both young and older visitors. The museum hosts a simulator facility.

Outdoor exhibits include over 20 aircraft exhibits on loan from the U.S. Navy as well as flight test aircraft owned by the museum. Walk the flight line and view at close hand aircraft from the Navy’s past, present and future.

The newest building in the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum complex, including a St. Mary’s County Visitors Center, has become an iconic landmark in the county. Rental of the facilities for private functions is available by contacting the museum manager.

The museum is located at 22156 Three Notch Road in Lexington Park, adjacent to Patuxent River Gate 1 and the museum office can be reached at 301-863-1900. More information is available on the website at www.paxmuseum.com and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @paxmuseum.

SOTTERLEY PLANTATION

Historic Sotterley Plantation, which is located at 44300 Sotterley Lane in Hollywood, has history that dates back to the turn of the 18th century. Many people have called Sotterley home. Some came here to prosper; others worked the land, either for wages or under bondage. Sotterley today consists of almost 100 acres of breathtaking beauty on the Patuxent River that includes more than six miles of nature trails, colonial revival gardens, organic farming methods, a summer Farmer’s Market, and more than 20 historic structures, including the 1703 Plantation House and Sotterley’s only surviving original slave cabin that illustrates the life conditions of many St. Mary’s County people from the mid-1800s into the early 20th century.

St. Clement’s Island is a Maryland state park that offers hiking trails, interpretive panels that describe the natural history, events that took place there and picnic and pier facilities. A replica of the Blackistone Lighthouse sits on the south end of the island and is open for guided tours on occasion during summer months. St. Clement’s Island, located in the Potomac River, is accessible by boat, or the museum’s weekend water-taxi service to the island, June through September, weather permitting.

The museum, which operates under the supervision of the Museum Division of St. Mary’s County Department of Recreation and Parks, first opened in 1975. Also on the grounds of the museum are a circa-1820, oneroom schoolhouse, a 1919 Potomac River dory boat exhibit, a riverside picnic area and pier facilities for boaters. The museum and grounds are handicap accessible.

Adult group and student tours are welcome and available by pre-arrangement. Call 301-769-2222 or visit www.sotterley.org or follow the museum on Facebook.

ST. MARY’S COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Established in 1951 as a private, not-forprofit organization, the mission of the Historical Society is to collect, preserve, research and interpret the history of St. Mary’s County. The Society has published its journal, the Chronicles of St. Mary’s, for 65 years.

Housed in Tudor Hall, 41680 Tudor Place in Leonardtown, the society’s headquarters in Leonardtown, are a research center, archives, bookstore and exhibit areas. Tudor Hall was originally constructed in the 1760s. It was also the home of the first county public library. The society purchased Tudor Hall in late 1984.

The society also runs the Old Jail Museum and Tourism Information Center, which was originally built in 1876. Exhibits include a recreation of Dr. Philip J. Bean’s medical office, original jail cells and artifacts related to the county.

For information on the St. Mary’s County Historical Society, call 301-475-2467, or email smchsdirector@md.metrocast.net or visit www.stmaryshistory.org.

BRINGING PROFESSIONAL MUSIC INSTRUCTION TO SOUTHERN MARYLAND

Museums/from 3

PHOTO BY JAMIE DRAKE Museum staff Jayne Walsh (manager of the gift shop) and Becky Quinlan (museum assistant) run one of the model trains through its paces before the grand opening of the doll and train exhibit at St. Clements Island Museum that will be open from Dec. 1 to Jan. 6.

Where to go for services

St. Mary’s County government can be reached at 301-475-4200 or at www. stmarysmd.com.

LICENSES

• The Loveville branch of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration offers a range of services, offering both driver licensing and vehicle registration services, title work and driver tests. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Driver road tests are by appointment only. Visit www.mva.maryland.gov/ locations/stmaryscounty.htm.

• Alcohol beverage licenses can be applied for through the St. Mary’s County Alcohol Beverage Board at 41650 Tudor Hall Road, first floor. Call 301-475-4200, ext. 1600, or visit www.stmarysmd.com/ alcohol/BeverageBoard.

• Boat tags and commercial watermen’s licenses for Maryland can be obtained at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources office in Calvert County, on Route 231 by the Benedict bridge at 6904 Hallowing Lane. Call 410-535-3382 or 866-688-3823.

• Building permits are initially requested through the St. Mary’s County Department

of Land Use and Growth Management at the Patuxent Building, 23150 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown. This will be the first of a number of approvals needed from different governmental agencies. The permits office number is 301-475-4200, ext. 71500, and its counter opens for business at 8:30 a.m. on weekdays, closing at 2 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays and is open until 4:30 p.m. the rest of the week. Visit www. stmarysmd.com/lugm/.

• Business licenses for some occupations, such as construction, restaurants and traders, can be obtained on the first floor of the county circuit courthouse in the office of land, licenses and records. Call 301-4757844, ext. 4576, or visit mdcourts.gov/clerks/ stmarys/business.

• Some home-occupation licenses can be obtained at the department of land use and growth management. Call 301-475-4200, ext. 71500 or email lugm@stmarysmd.com.

• Marriage licenses are issued by the clerk of the court in St. Mary’s County Circuit Courthouse. The clerk of the court can be reached at 301-475-7844, ext. 4567.

LAW AND ORDER

• Animal wardens work out of the Animal

The St. Mary’s courthouse is in Leonardtown.

Adoption & Resource Center, 22975 FDR Blvd. in California and can be reached at 301-475-8018, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 301-475-8016 or after hours in an emergency.

• Dead animal removal on county roads is handled by the county’s department of public works and transportation, which is located on St. Andrew’s Church Road. The number is 301-863-8401. For removal of

dead animals on state roadways, call the Maryland State Highway Administration shop in Loveville at 301-475-4200, ext. 3540.

• The county’s circuit courthouse is in downtown Leonardtown at 41605 Courthouse Drive. The clerk of the court can be reached at 301-475-7844, ext. 4567.

Services/

• District court is on the second floor of the Carter office building, 23110 Leonard Hall Drive. The number is 301880-2700.

• Domestic-relations magistrate is in the county circuit courthouse. Call 301-475-7844, ext. 4120.

• Traffic tickets can be paid at district court in the second floor of the Carter office building. The district court’s number in Leonardtown is 301-880-2700.

Information and services

• St. Mary’s County Health Department is located at 21580 Peabody St. in Leonardtown. Call 301-475-4330 or visit www.smchd.org. The office is open Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• St. Mary’s County Economic Development office is on the second floor of the Potomac Building at the governmental center, 23115 Leonard Hall Drive. Call 301-475-4200, ext. 1400, or visit www.stmarysmd.com/ded.

• Tourism information is available at 240-577-0524 and at www.visitstmarysmd.com.

• Agriculture extension educators from the University of Maryland work in the St. Mary’s County Agricultural Service Center north of Leonardtown at 36737 Radio Station Way, Suite 2. Call 301-475-4484.

• Assessment values for residential and commercial properties are administered by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, located on the second floor of the Joseph D. Carter Building, 23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown. Call the office at 301-880-2900 or visit the state site at www.dat.state.md.us.

• Bus service information is available by calling the St. Mary’s Transit System at 301-475-4200, ext. 1120 or 1121, between 5:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, or visiting www.stmarysmd.com/dpw.

• County agriculture and seafood information can be obtained by calling 240-309-4021.

• County government information in general can be obtained from the public information office on the first floor of the Chesapeake Building at 41770 Baldridge St., or by calling 301-475-4200, ext. 1340, or visiting www. stmarysmd.com.

• The St. Mary’s County Department of Aging and Human Services is located at the Garvey Senior Activity Center at 23630 Hayden Farm Lane in Leonardtown; call 301-475-4200, ext. 1080. The Loffler Senior Activity Center is at 21905 Chancellor’s Run Road in Great Mills; call 301-475-4200, ext. 1658. The Northern Senior Activity Center is at 29655 Charlotte Hall Road in Charlotte Hall; call 301-475-4200, ext. 3101. Visit www.stmarysmd.com/ aging.

• The county’s human resources department is on the third floor of the Potomac Building, 23115 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown. Call 301-475-4200, ext. 1100, or visit www.stmarysmd.com/hro/index.asp.

• The Housing Authority of St. Mary’s County is at The Gateways, at 21155 Lexwood Drive, Lexington Park. Call 301-866-6590 or visit www.stmaryshousing.org.

• Land records can be located on the first floor of the county circuit courthouse. Call 301-790-7413. They can also be found online at mdlandrec.net and plats.net.

• Passports can be applied for at post offices in Abell, Callaway, Lexington Park, Patuxent River and St. Mary’s

City. Call 301-862-2380 to make an appointment.

• Social services is located on the first floor of the Carter office building, 23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown. Call 240-895-7000. A satellite office is at 21775 Great Mills Road in Lexington Park and can be reached with the same number.

• Sports programs for children and adults are run by the St. Mary’s County Department of Recreation and Parks located in the Patuxent Building, 23150 Leonard Hall Drive Leonardtown. Call 301-475-4200, ext. 1800, or visit www.stmarysmd.com/recreate.

• St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce can be reached at 301-737-3001 or at smcchamber.com. It is located at 22738 Maple Road, Suite 104, in Lexington Park.

• The St. Mary’s County Historical Society’s main office at Tudor Hall is opened limited hours at 41680 Tudor Place, Leonardtown. The museum and office can be reached at 301-475-2467. The research center’s number is 301-475-9455. Visit stmaryshistory.org.

• Voter registration is done at the St. Mary’s County Board of Elections, 23250 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown. The board of election’s number is 301-475-4200, ext. 1625, or visit www.co.saint-marys.md.us/supervisorofelections/.

• Wills can be filed in the St. Mary’s County Circuit Courthouse with the register of wills. Call 301-475-5566 or visit http://registers.maryland.gov/main/stmarys.html.

• Property taxes are paid to the St. Mary’s County Treasurer in the Patuxent Building, 23150 Leonard Hall Drive Leonardtown. Call 301-475-4200, ext. 3300, or visit www.stmarysmd.com/treasurer/index.asp.

Fire departments and rescue squads

The volunteer fire departments and emergency medical services in St. Mary’s provide fire and ambulance service to the community day and night for no pay. Auxiliaries at the fire departments and rescue squads help raise funds and support.

Fire departments

There are seven volunteer fire departments in St. Mary’s, using about 1,000 volunteers within their ranks. In addition to fighting all kinds of fires — including house fires, vehicle fires, chimney fires and commercial building fires — fire department personnel extricate people from car accidents and handle floods, water rescues, hazardous material spills, gas leaks and searches for people. Fire departments also perform other functions, such as standing by at community events, fire prevention activities at schools and open houses throughout the year.

All operational members must complete an in-house, pre-basic fire course that covers such topics as the department’s organization and structure, location of small tools on the

fire trucks, how to use the Hurst tool “jaws of life,” how to efficiently use the self-contained breathing apparatus and how to follow basic safety precautions on fire scenes.

Firefighters and their command staffs are required to maintain annual recertification as established by current state standards. All training is free of charge to the member.

The fire departments receive funding from the county’s fire tax. Fundraising efforts such as breakfasts, dinners, bingos and hall rentals all are important parts of fundraising for each department.

It is not necessary to be an operational member to serve with one of the county’s fire departments or rescue squads. Administrative membership is important as well, and vital duties include clerical work, maintenance to the buildings, general cleanup and fundraising.

To find specific programs in a community, contact any fire department or rescue squad directly. More information on volunteering also is available by sending email to the St.

Mary’s emergency services recruiter at emergency.services@stmarysmd. com, or by calling 301-475-4200, ext. 2114.

Firehouse locations

If there is an emergency, do not call the numbers below. Call 911.

Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department — Lawrence Avenue, Leonardtown, 301- 475-8996;

Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department — Hills Club Road, Mechanicsville, 301-884-4709;

Bay District Volunteer Fire Department — Company 3 at South Shangri-La Drive, Lexington Park, 301-737-0654; Company 9 at Chancellor’s Run Road in California, 301-863-8790;

Ridge Volunteer Fire Department — Route 5, Ridge, 301-8725571;

Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department — Route 242, Avenue, 301-769-3600;

Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad — Drayden Road, Valley Lee, 301-9940751;

Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department — Route 235, Hollywood, 301-373-2900.

Rescue squads

There are six independent rescue squads strategically located throughout St. Mary’s County, and one that is combined with its community’s fire department. In addition, there is a countywide Advanced Life Support Unit that responds to life-threatening emergencies.

The rescue squads’ minimum requirements for volunteers include being 16 years of age, in good physical health and of good moral character. Some squads have a cadet program for younger teenagers, beginning at 14 years of age.

Trained members include emergency medical technicians, who can perform basic life support measures such as bandaging wounds and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and can become certified IV technicians. Emergency medical technicians receive 165 hours of training, followed by the successful completion of written and practical examinations monitored by the state of Maryland.

The rescue squads receive a

portion of their operating expenses from the county government through revenues from an emergency medical services tax, and the additional funding needed comes from fundraising and donations.

Rescue squad locations

If there is an emergency, do not call the numbers below. Call 911.

Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad — Lawrence Avenue, Leonardtown, 301-475-8509;

Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad — Old Flora Corner Road, Mechanicsville, 301-884-2900;

Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad — FDR Boulevard, Lexington Park, 301-862-3331; Substation 38, Buck Hewitt Road, California, 301-863-9118;

Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad — Route 235, Ridge, 301-872-5970; Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad — Colton’s Point Road (Route 242), Avenue, 301-769-2287; Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad — Drayden Road, Valley Lee, 301-9940751;

Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad — Route 235, Hollywood, 301-373-3131.

County parks

Pavilions, water sites, hiking trails and more available for residents

The St. Mary’s County Department of Recreation and Parks provides a variety of facilities and activities for residents.

The department, with headquarters at the Patuxent Building in Leonardtown, develops and maintains the local park system, consisting of more than 1,700 acres of open space dedicated to public use. This includes 22 parks, 15 public landings, various athletic facility sites, the Wicomico Shores Golf Course and its clubhouse featuring The Riverview Restaurant, the St. Clement’s Island Museum, the

Piney Point Museum and Park and the Old Jail. Other parks include Elmer Brown, Cardinal Gibbons, Carver Heights Community, Cecil, Chancellor’s Run, Chaptico, Dorsey, Elmer Brown, Elms Beach, Fifth District, Jarboesville, Lancaster, Laurel Ridge, Lexington Manor Passive which includes the African American Monument, Miedzinski, Myrtle Point, Nicolet, Piney Point Historic, Seventh District, Snow Hill, St. Andrews

Estates, St. Clements

Shores and Town Creek.

The 11-mile Three Notch Trail for hiking and biking is built from Charlotte Hall to Laurel Grove in Mechanicsville. The Hollywood Soccer Complex has six soccer fields next to Hollywood Elementary School. The department also manages a historic

David Dunaway of California, a retired U.S. Navy admiral, walks his two dogs at Myrtle Point Park on a Saturday morning in 2020. The Patuxent Tidewater Land Trust hosts its Weed Warriors program the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to noon to clear invasive species at the park in California. For more, visit www.www.ptlt.org.

Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in county parks without a permit. Parks close at sunset unless special permission is granted in writing by the recreation and parks department. Open campfires are not allowed. Grills are available at some parks. Organized youth and adult leagues have priority for ballfields. If you anticipate using a ball field, you should obtain a field permit.

Each pavilion accommodates about 100 people, with additional picnic tables nearby for larger groups, with the exception of the pavilions at John V. Baggett Park at Laurel Grove, Dorsey Park 2, Nicolet Park and Chancellor’s Run Regional Park, which each accommodate about 60. Reservations are required to ensure exclusive use for a group and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a pavilion with a credit card, call on weekdays at 301-475-4200, ext. 71800.

shipwreck preserve in Piney Point, the African-American schoolhouse in Drayden, the Leonard Hall, Margaret Brent, Hollywood and Carver recreation centers, gymnastics center, skate park and “sprayground” at Nicolet Park and the Great Mills Swimming

Pool. The pool is covered with an air-inflated “bubble” for year-round use. Program offerings at the pool include open swim times, lessons, swim team use, water aerobics, party rentals, senior swimming and therapeutic recreation. Call the pool at 301-866-6560.

More than 100 youth and adult programs are offered in the county, encompassing a range of educational, therapeutic, leisure and sports activities. The department also operates before- and after-school programs, summer day camps and sports camps. For more about facilities, programs and registration, call 301-475-4200, ext. 71800.

PAVILIONS

Happy trails More

There are eight picnic pavilions available for rental in county parks.

Pavilions are available at the following parks: John V. Baggett Park at Laurel Grove on Route 235 south of Mechanicsville has ballfields, a playground, trails, tennis and basketball courts and restrooms; Fifth District Park on Route 6 in New Market has ballfields, a hiking trail, tennis and basketball courts, horseshoe

PHOTO BY MIKE WILSON

Parks/from 8

pits and restrooms; Dorsey Park on Route 245 in Hollywood contains the same amenities as Fifth District, with a playground. Dorsey Park now has two pavilions for rental. Cecil Park on St. George’s Church Road in Valley Lee has ballfields, a playground, tennis courts, horseshoe pits and restrooms; and Elms Beach on Bay Forest Road south of Lexington Park offers a view of the Chesapeake Bay, a saltwater pond, playground, hiking trails and portable toilets. Also, a pavilion at Nicolet Park is available for rental; Nicolet Park includes a ball field, basketball court, playground, restrooms and a skate park and water sprayground. A pavilion was added at Chancellor’s Run Park, which also has ballfields, a new playground, tennis and basketball courts and restrooms.

John G. Lancaster Park has a small and large pavilions, dog park, two synthetic turf fields and three grass fields and a disc golf course.

Rental fee is $220 for large pavilions (5th District, Dorsey 1, Elms, Cecil), and $170 for small pavilions (Nicolet, Dorsey 2, Chancellor’s Run and Baggett).

RULES TO KNOW

A mandatory park attendant staffing fee for groups of more than 150 is $20 per number of event hours. A pavilion alcohol consumption permit is $100; if approved, alcohol consumption is only for the pavilion area and not the entire park. Alcohol consumption permits are not available for Nicolet Park, Elms Beach Park and Chancellor’s Run. Fees will be returned if a reservation is canceled in writing at least two weeks before the event (minus a $25 administrative fee). Inclement weather is not a reason for

refund. Reservations must be made at least one week in advance.

PUBLIC WATERFRONT

St. Mary’s County’s Department of Recreation and Parks maintains a number of public waterfront landings in the county. Eight of these locations have boat ramps and another seven have no motorized boat launching facilities; some are suitable for canoe/kayak launching. The department’s rules and regulations apply to all the facilities. All landings are closed between sunset and sunrise with the exception of loading and unloading boats. Call 301-475-4200, ext. 71800.

• Ramps, parked vehicles, bulkhead and pier access are not to be blocked;

• No overnight parking, camping, night fishing or open fires allowed;

• Posted “no fishing or crabbing” signs are to be obeyed;

• Boats and equipment are not to be left at the landings;

• Do not leave residential trash in trash cans at the landings;

• No alcohol consumption is allowed at the landings;

• Glass bottles and containers are prohibited;

• No littering allowed. Abell’s Wharf, off Route 244, Leonardtown, has a boat ramp, pier and ample parking; Bushwood Wharf, end of Route 239, Bushwood, has a boat ramp, a pier and ample parking; Chaptico Wharf, Chaptico Wharf Road, Maddox, has a boat ramp, a pier and ample parking; Clarke’s Landing, Clarke’s Landing Road, Hollywood, has a boat ramp and minimal parking; Forest Landing, Forest Landing Road, Hollywood, has a boat ramp, a pier and ample parking; Piney Point Landing, Route 5 to Route 249, just before the St. George Island Bridge, Piney Point,

has a boat ramp, a pier and ample parking; St. Inigoes Landing, at the end of Beachville Road, St. Inigoes, has a boat ramp, a pier and ample parking; and Wicomico Shores Landing, off Route 234 in Chaptico, has a boat ramp, a pier, small playground and parking. The Piney Point Lighthouse Museum and Park also has a canoe/ kayak launch which is open during museum operating hours.

Elms Beach Park, off Route 235 and Bay Forest Road, Dameron; and Myrtle Point Park, off Route 4 and Patuxent Boulevard, California, and Snow Hill Park off South Sandgates Road, Oakville, have beach access.

Piney Point Lighthouse Museum and Park, off Route 249 and Lighthouse Road, Piney Point has a public pier and beach access, but no swimming. Elms and Myrtle Point waterfront parks have entrance fees on weekends and holidays; daily pass is $7 for county residents and $25 for outof-county visitors. Season passes are also available for one or both parks; see the Recreation and Parks website for more information on entrance fees.

TO LEARN MORE

For more information on St. Mary’s County parks, facilities or programs, see www. stmarysmd.com/recreate or call 301-475-4200, ext. 71800.

AND THERE’S MORE

There’s something for everyone looking to enjoy the outdoors at state parks in St. Mary’s County. They include Greenwell State Park in Hollywood, Point Lookout State Park in Scotland, St. Clement’s Island State Park in Coltons Point, St. Mary’s River State Park north of Great Mills and Newtowne Neck State Park in Compton. For information about state parks in St. Mary’s, call 301-8725688.

Check out state parks in St. Mary’s County

Hiking, swimming, boating and more offered

There’s something for everyone looking to enjoy the outdoors at state parks in St. Mary’s County.

They include Greenwell State Park in Hollywood, Point Lookout State Park in Scotland, St. Clement’s Island State Park in Coltons Point, St. Mary’s River State Park north of Great Mills and Newtowne Neck State Park in Compton. For information about state parks in St. Mary’s, call 301-872-5688.

GREENWELL

Greenwell is a 600-acre day-use park on the Patuxent River with 15 miles of hiking, cycling and equestrian trails, all marked with degrees of difficulty. The park offers year-round

fishing from the pier or from the park’s revetment wall. Guests can launch their own canoes and kayaks from a launch dock and can swim in the beach area. Visitors are welcome to picnic on the grounds. A pavilion is available for large groups by reservation. A paddle-in campsite is available with reservation. The Rosedale Manor House, rose gardens and lawn can be reserved for events. Greenwell’s programs include recreational and therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults, kayak lessons, veterans’ programs and inclusive summer camps. Call the Greenwell Foundation at 301-373-9775 or go to www.greenwellfoundation. org. The park is open 8 a.m. to sunset and there is a park service charge of $3 per vehicle in-state and $5 out-ofstate. Greenwell State Park

fees are $3 for in-state and $5 for out-of-state for October through April and $5/7 for May-September. Boat launch fees are $10 for in-state and $12 for out-of-state. All-season passes are available for purchase.

is located at 25450 Rosedale Manor Lane in Hollywood.

POINT LOOKOUT

Camping, fishing, swimming, boating and hiking are available to visitors to Point Lookout State Park,

located on the point of land where the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River meet at the southern end of Route 5. During the Civil War, Point Lookout was used by the Union as a prisoner of war camp for captured Confederate troops. The Point Lookout Civil War Museum and Marshland Nature Center at Point Lookout is operated seasonally. The Point Lookout campground has 143 wooded sites, including 26 with full hook-up and 33 with electricity at the site. There are also six four-person mini-cabins available for overnight stays. There is a pavilion available by reservation. Reservations for camping, cabins and the pavilion can be made by calling 888432-CAMP or go to www. reserveamerica.com. Visitors can swim in the Potomac River at the park’s designated swimming beach. The beach area also has grills, picnic benches, a playground and restroom/shower facilities. There are fishing areas in the park. Two hundred acres of Point Lookout have been set aside for deer hunting. Boaters can use the park’s boat-launching facility or rent a canoe/kayak for the day. Canoe/kayak rentals are also seasonal. Day-use

ST. CLEMENT’S ISLAND

The place where Maryland’s first settlers stopped before eventually establishing a community in St. Mary’s City, St. Clement’s Island is now a historic landmark in the county. On the island is a memorial cross, dedicated to the memory of Maryland’s first settlers, and the recreated Blackistone Lighthouse. Accessible only by boat, visitors to St. Clement’s Island can enjoy hiking, picnicking, fishing and rabbit hunting in the 62-acre, day-use park. Water taxi tours to the island are offered on a weekend schedule for $7 per person and runs March 24 through Oct. 31. St. Clement’s Island Museum is located at 38370 Point Breeze Road in Coltons Point. For information, call 301-769-2222.

ST. MARY’S RIVER

Located at the northern end of the St. Mary’s River watershed, the St. Mary’s River State Park is divided into two areas. In Site 1 is the 250-acre St. Mary’s Lake, a popular freshwater fishing spot. Site 1 has a boat launch, but only electric motors are permitted for powered boats on the

lake. St. Mary’s Lake is also ideal for flat-water canoeing and kayaking. A 7.5mile hiking/biking trail circles the lake. Site 1 also has a modern comfort station, picnic tables, a playground and a large gravel parking lot. There is a $3 per vehicle day-use charge for Maryland residents, $5 per vehicle for out-of-state residents. Site 2 is approximately 2,200 acres and is largely undeveloped. It is a wildlands area and managed hunting area. In-season hunting with a firearm is permitted, as well as bow hunting during deer archery season. St. Mary’s River State Park is located at the end of Camp Cosoma Road off Route 5 north of Callaway.

NEWTOWNE NECK

The state of Maryland acquired the Newtowne Neck peninsula in 2009 to preserve the area’s rich natural, cultural and historical heritage. The property includes 776 acres of woodlands, wetlands and agricultural fields, and more than seven miles of Potomac River shoreline in St. Mary’s County. Surrounded by Breton Bay, St. Clement’s Bay and the Potomac River, public recreational opportunities currently available at the park include hiking, fishing, canoe/kayaking, bird watching, and other passive outdoor activities. Entry is free. Go to dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/ southern/newtowne.aspx for more.

FILE PHOTO

Fishermen post up at the pier at Point Lookout State Park.

FILE PHOTO

Three-year-old Carolina Pope of California makes friends with the goats during Saturday’s holiday open house event at Greenwell State Park in Hollywood.

LEARN

"I'm glad I had the oppor tunity."

After 23 years in the U.S. Air Force, MICHAEL PUGH ' 24 was looking for a place to complete his degree. Newly retired from his last duty station at NAS Patuxent River, he paid a visit to St. Mary's College of Maryland. "I really liked the campus," he said, "and the fact that the classes were small." He had experienced lecture halls with 300 students at larger universities.

He also liked the in-person classroom environment better than his impersonal online courses. “Everybody gets a chance to talk and discuss," he explained. "We all have our own ideas…but you hear somebody else and you’re like, I didn’t think about that.”

He's now on track to complete his degree, with a sociology major and a minor in educational studies. He recently starred in the performing ar ts production of "Dracula."

BIG EVENTS CLOSE TO HOME

St. Mary’s College of Maryland offers top-flight events throughout the year:

• Mulberry Music Festival (June)

• River Concer t Series (June – July)

• Governor’s Cup Yacht Race Celebration (August)

The Nancy R. & Nor ton T. Dodge Performing Ar ts Center hosts a diverse array of performances, including musicians from every genre and all over the world, prominent speakers, local talent and cultural events.

MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital

MedStar Health, a notfor-profit healthcare organization, is a leading provider of health care in the mid-Atlantic region offering worldclass health care through a network of convenient access locations.

MedStar Health continues to grow its network of care throughout Southern Maryland. Primary and specialty physicians are available at a variety of locations. Visit MedStarStMarys.org/ Community for a complete listing of healthcare options, locations, and contact information.

MEDSTAR ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL

Founded in 1912, MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital is a full-service, nonprofit hospital offering emergency, acute inpatient, and outpatient care.

MedStar St. Mary’s

is committed to providing the Southern Maryland community with close access to primary and specialty health care. Following its 2009 merger with MedStar Health, the hospital has been able to recruit new physicians and specialists to the area and has expanded services in imaging, orthopedics, vascular surgery, oncology, women’s care, breast health, bariatrics, pediatrics, and neurology, among other areas.

As a member of the MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute, MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital is closely aligned with MedStar Washington Hospital Center, one of the most advanced cardiac care centers in the region.

MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital is located at 25500 Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown. For more

information, call 301-4758981. For contact information for physicians, visit MedStarStMarys.org and use the Find-a-Doc feature or call 301-475-6088.

A variety of state-of-theart care services are available through MedStar St. Mary’s.

IMAGING

The hospital’s imaging group is comprised of subspecialty and fellowship-trained radiologists staffed by MedStar Medical Group Radiology. The group brings expertise in interventional radiology and nuclear medicine and has expanded the array of services offered at the hospital which includes MRIs, CT scans and X-rays.

MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital has recently added a new stereotactic breast biopsy system which offers superior tomosynthesis

imaging in 3D and 2D. The hospital’s Breast Imaging Center has recently received the American College of Radiology “Breast Imaging Center of Excellence” accreditation.

CANCER CARE & INFUSION SERVICES

Now part of the MedStar

Georgetown Cancer Institute, MedStar St. Mary’s Cancer Care & Infusion Services, or CCIS, is an ambulatory clinic providing biotherapy and chemotherapy administration, transfusions, venous access device management, and intravenous hydration and antibiotics. Through CCIS patients

can also get connected to clinical trials throughout the region. The hospital employs a tumor registrar whose role is to identify, register, and maintain records for county cancer patients, as well as a navigator to guide patients through cancer care.

BUBMITTED PHOTO

MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital is located in Leonardtown.

More MEDSTAR

medstar/from 12

WOUND HEALING CENTER

The MedStar Wound Healing Center, opened in 2013, houses two hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers and offers the latest technologies to help care for people with chronic, non-healing wounds caused by conditions such as venous stasis, diabetes, burns, radiation therapy, or post-surgical wounds.

PULMONARY, CARDIAC REHABILITATION CENTER

MedStar St. Mary’s opened

The Grace Anne Dorney Pulmonary and Cardiac Rehabilitation Center in 2010 with a birthday gift from Dorney’s husband, news broadcaster Ted Koppel. The center provides trained staff and workout equipment to help anyone experiencing heart and lung conditions expand their respiratory functions. The center also offers MedFit, a health and wellness program for individuals who want to lower health risk factors.

WOMEN’S HEALTH AND BIRTHING CENTER

The Women’s Health & Family Birthing Center features five birthing rooms, 11 private single-patient postpartum suites, and an antepartum testing room. The postpartum patient rooms recently underwent an extensive renovation that included installation of expanded, spa-like bathrooms, new furnishings and artwork, and more.

OUTPATIENT PAVILION SERVICES

The Outpatient Pavilion provides a comfortable and accessible space for a variety of outpatient services including imaging, specialty physicians and Cancer Care & Infusion Services. Located within the imaging suite is the hospital’s Women’s Health Services, offering mammography, bone densitometry, and ultrasound. The Outpatient Pavilion’s second floor houses specialists such as three

orthopedic surgeons with MedStar Orthopaedic Institute, a vascular surgeon with the MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute, a bariatric and general surgeon, and ear/nose/ and throat specialists, and a neurologist.

HEALTH CONNECTIONS

Health Connections is the community health and education program at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital. Programs are offered in the Outpatient Pavilion and in the community including East Run Center in Lexington Park. Health Connections offers community leadership in health-focused coalitions aimed at improving the overall health of the community. Programs offered include chronic disease self-management programs; support groups for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, cancer, and bariatric surgery; individual medical nutrition and diabetes counseling; a breastfeeding resource center; and parents-to-be classes and support groups. Classes are listed on the hospital’s website at MedStarStMarys.org/Calendar and in the hospital’s quarterly Healthy Living magazine. Call 301-475-6019 for information or to register.

MEDSTAR HEALTH URGENT CARE

Located at the St. Mary’s Medical Center in Charlotte Hall, 37767 Market Drive, Suite 100, and at 44980 St Andrew’s Church Road in California, MedStar Urgent Care offers walk-in, extended-hour access to medical care for acute illness and injury seven days a week. Call 301290-1499.

Hospice of St. Mary’s Hospice of St. Mary’s offers care for those with a life-threatening illness. Hospice focuses on patient and family-centered care that addresses the physical, emotional, spiritual, and practical needs of the patient. Hospice cares for patients in a variety of settings: home, nursing homes, assisted living centers and the Hospice of St.

Mary’s Hospice House, which includes six private bedrooms. The facility is located at 44724 Hospice Lane in Callaway. Visit HospiceofStMarys.org or call 301-994-3023 for more information.

MEDSTAR EYE PHYSICIANS

MedStar Eye Physicians’ ophthalmologists are trained in the latest techniques — both medical and surgical — for diagnosing and treating a wide variety of disorders, conditions, and injuries of the eye. Care is offered at two Charlotte Hall locations: MedStar Eye Physicians at 30065 Business Center Drive, Suite 1; and Whitten Laser Eye in the St. Mary’s Medical Center, 37767 Market Drive, Suite 103. Visit MedStarStMarys. org/EyeCare or call 301-2905915.

EAST RUN CENTER

The East Run Center is a multi-practice office with primary care for the entire family, psychiatry, care coordination, Laboratory services, dental services, and Health Connections classes and programs. Most insurance plans are accepted, and new patients are welcome. The center is located at 45870 East Run Drive, Lexington Park, near Great Mills High School. To schedule an appointment, call 240237-8557.

MEDSTAR ST. MARY’S LABORATORY CENTERS

MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital offers phlebotomy services at three locations in St. Mary’s County. Walk-ins are accepted for general blood testing; other tests may require an appointment. Laboratory centers are located within the main building of MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, 25500 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown; the Belmont Building, 23000 Moakley St., Suite 205, Leonardtown; and the East Run Center, 45870 East Run Road, Lexington Park. Visit MedStarStMarys.org/Laboratory for hours and contact information.

20375 Point Lookout Road, Great Mills

6-ACRE LUMBER YARD 12,000-SQ .FT. STORE

Open since 1954, Dysons is one of the oldest 100% SOLAR POWERED

-Marine

College of Southern Maryland

Regional campuses offer host of opportunities

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

The College of Southern Maryland is proud to serve this unique region of the state and promote social and economic mobility for its students through high-quality, low cost, and relevant instructional programs. The college meets this task everyday by collaborating with governments, businesses, local organizations and community members like you to build coalitions and meaningful partnerships that benefit all students and the region’s workforce.

In 2023, Southern Maryland newspaper readers voted CSM the “Best of the Best” in the college/university category — confirming that the college is living up to its mission of being the “region’s first choice for accessible, inclusive and innovative education that transforms communities.”

Here are a few of the college’s other points of pride:

• CSM serves more than 14,000 credit and continuing education students at its campuses in Hughesville, Leonardtown, La Plata, Prince Frederick, the Center for Transportation Training and the Velocity Center — the innovation hub and makerspace in the town of Indian Head;

• CSM was designated as the Best Online College in Maryland for 2023 and was recognized for having the Best Faculty among Maryland’s community colleges by Intelligent.com last December;

• And Intelligent.com’s 2024 rankings were released in fall 2023 that ranked CSM the fourth best community college in Maryland overall and fourth best college in the country for its Online Information Technology and Systems Degree programs;

• CSM was named the 36th best community college in the nation out of 677 and the 77th best college in the nation when it comes to career outcomes for its students by WalletHub;

• CSM has twice been recognized among the top 150 community colleges in the country by the Aspen Institute in its Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence program and the college is a member of the Achieving the Dream Network;

• CSM’s Cybersecurity programming is designated by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense for 2-year programs. Its Computer Science programs follow the Association for Computing Machinery curriculum guidelines;

• CSM is very proud to have received a Military Friendly school designation for the 7th consecutive year. We are ranked as one of the top community colleges to offer post-secondary school for veterans and their spouses;

TRANSFORMING LIVES AND STUDENT SUCCESS

When you enroll at CSM, you don’t just get an education; you get the support of a community of faculty, staff and fellow students committed to helping you succeed in your studies and beyond — starting at the top.

With its tuition and fees about half the cost of that of a state four-year public university, CSM offers a range of associate degree programs, certificate programs, letters of recognition and continuing education courses for professional and career development. CSM now offers more than 300 transfer agreements with more than 70 partnering universities nationwide and in France. The college also joined five other Maryland community colleges to form

the Maryland Education Alliance to further boost students’ opportunities to earn associate degrees or certificates across the state.

The college offers interactive personal enrichment classes for all ages, driver education and motorcycle training, Kids’ and Teen College, cooking and wellness classes, homeschool classes and summer enrichment programs.

Dual Enrollment and Early College programs at CSM are an exciting opportunity for Southern Maryland high school students to take college-level classes and earn college credit while in high school. Public, private and homeschool students can experience the pace and rigor of college-level coursework, while earning transferable college credit and fulfilling graduation requirements for their high school diploma. Families can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on their students’ college education, with reduced- or no-cost tuition.

CSM partners with community organizations and the Maryland Food Bank to provide free food to students experiencing food insecurity through Hawk Pantries on three campuses.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

At the College of Southern Maryland, employees believe it takes collaborative communities to build an equitable region and the college’s role is to serve as this region’s “hub” of learning, credentialing and mobility for all students. Such efforts are central to creating more socially and economically vibrant communities. CSM builds bridges from where students are coming from to where students are going to — and the college keeps offering lifelong learning pathways throughout their lives.

In 2023, a new chapter began for health care in Southern Maryland when CSM’s new Center for Health Sciences opened for classes at the Regional Hughesville Campus. The state-of-the art building serves as a central, convenient location for the college’s health programs and instruction.

Consistent with the college’s vision, the CSM nursing program strives to be the region’s first choice for accessible, inclusive and innovative nursing education. The program is dedicated to decreasing healthcare disparities through the development of a strong, diverse nursing workforce and is proud of the diversity in its nursing program, which is consistent with the demographics of the Southern Maryland area and exceeds national data regarding the nursing workforce.

The Regional Hughesville Campus also hosts the college’s Center for Trades and Energy Training. The Regional Hughesville Campus represents a significant milestone not only for the college but for the region by creating a campus that is centrally located and accessible and that will provide

specialized offerings and programs to serve workforce development in a more cost-effective and convenient way.

The CSM Velocity Center in the town of Indian Head is a place where the community has access to CSM courses, neighborhood children can attend CSM Kids’ and Teen College, and college STEM students and clubs can explore possibilities in the state-of-the-art makerspace. The makerspace is equipped with a variety of maker equipment including 3D printers, laser cutters, subtractive machines, soldering irons and open-air space for robotics and prototyping.

The college refers to it as “one giant professional playground for innovation.” Located outside of the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indian Head, at the Velocity Center Navy scientists and industry leaders can interact with students and have a place to tinker or conduct unclassified research.

The Nonprofit Institute at the College of Southern Maryland has been supporting local nonprofits for 13 years. The Institute provides professional development, networking opportunities, referrals, and other

specialized services.

The College of Southern Maryland is an extraordinary place to work. As a regional, open admissions community college, contributing to and supporting the community is at the heart of what we do as an institution. All are invited to explore the information, resources and employment opportunities available on the college’s human resources webpage and to consider the endless possibilities that make a career at the College of Southern Maryland a rewarding experience.

CSM FOUNDATION

The College of Southern Maryland Foundation promotes academic excellence, growth, progress and the general welfare of CSM by raising and managing funds, and providing support to strengthen and develop the college and its objectives. The foundation has awarded more than $6.3 million in support of credit and workforce development scholarship and programs — including the arts, athletics, nursing, STEM and technology.

Learn more about the College of Southern Maryland at www.csmd.edu or call 301-934-2251.

COURTESY OF CSM

Some CSM students decorated their caps for the occasion.