On May 3, 2013, Patuxent Habitat for Humanity hosted The 5th Annual ReCycled Art Show and Benefit Auction. On behalf of the Board of Patuxent Habitat for Humanity I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the many sponsors, donors, volunteers, and, of course, bidders, who together made it possible. The Recycled Art...
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Friends, Regardless of your political ideology, please take the recent developments with the Benghazi coverup & the abuses of power within the IRS very seriously. Your government must exist in a political ecosystem where there is a healthy anxiety regarding the power of its citizenry. These scandals, amongst others, indicate a disturbing pattern of...
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I missed too many Christmas mornings to count. I missed birthdays, holidays, weekends with my daughter and calm evenings with my wife. I missed these irreplaceable lost memories because I chose to be a Secret Service Agent. I am honored to have served the country in my own small way, and although I am...
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This week, I join with Americans across the country to mourn the victims of the devastating bombings in Boston. My thoughts and prayers are with all impacted by the tragedy, and I thank our nation’s brave first responders, police, and medical personnel for their courageous response to this horrific attack. I continue to be...
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To the Editor: The St. Mary’s County Public School System recognizes that April is Autism Awareness Month. While April 2nd has been designated as World Autism Awareness Day, the entire month of April is a time to focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders. According to Autism Speaks, a worldwide organization that promotes research and awareness,...
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From House Speaker John Boehner’s Office Press Office Waiting, they say, is the hardest part. But in just 11 days, we’ll have answers to a couple lingering questions on the minds of the American people. Yes, we’ll know who is cutting down the nets, as the Final Four wraps up with a new NCAA...
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Some military installations have already started informing civilian and dual status employees about impending furloughs, which in some cases will be equivalent to 20 percent cuts in pay. Furlough notices are expected to be issued by the Department of Defense in April. Federal and dual status employees who receive furlough notices have rights in...
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I support the county teachers, support staff, and citizens. It is possible to support all three simultaneously. My 2010, campaign literature said, “I support improving the education funding formula.” The formula between the Board of Education (BOE) and Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) elapsed and sadly was not replaced. I favored an improved formula...
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I love Calvert County Public schools. They have some of the best students, buildings, and support staff around. Today, Calvert Education Association (the county’s teacher union) president, Debbie Russ, informed all staff that it has come to their attention that the Calvert County Public School budget may not be entirely funded by the Calvert...
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Dear Debbie, The following comments are mine as an individual Commissioner and have not been provided to the other Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) members in advance. I am extremely disappointed in the tactics your email below to all school staff demonstrates, which is nothing more than fear mongering. I expect better from a...
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Dear Member of the CCPS Employee Community, I hope by now you realize the SERIOUSNESS of the Calvert County Public Schools budget not being fully funded by the Calvert County Board of Commissioners. In the event the CCPS budget is not fully funded, you may not receive your negotiated salary increase. Also program cuts...
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Dear Editor – I am writing to thank the managers and staff at Applebee’s Prince Frederick for choosing End Hunger In Calvert County as their local charity. During the entire month of February, the restaurant supported End Hunger In Calvert County by collecting donations and informing their customers about the reality of hunger in...
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During these upcoming weeks, students across St. Mary’s County Public Schools will be engaged in the state’s assessments. We are a school system focused on student achievement and the assurance that our students meet rigorous standards. Our students are ready, and we are proud of the learning that they continue to demonstrate. Across the...
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The most dangerous 90-days in Maryland are well under way – The General Assembly 90-day Session! New regulations, fees and taxes are being proposed that will make it harder for you and your neighbors to balance your budget – a budget already strained by the unending Great Recession. Here are the latest 2013 proposals...
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“I am pleased to join Marcia Fudge, the Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, and my good friend, Steve Horsford, the Gentleman from Nevada, and I noticed that Don Payne is here. His father was a very close friend of mine, active some 45 years ago. So it’s good to see you here, Don....
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To the Editor: Over the last several years, St. Mary’s County Public Schools has been lauded for exceptional levels of student learning and extraordinary educators. Both our students and teachers have been recognized on the state and the national stage, representing the accomplishments they have earned in a supportive and growth-oriented culture. I am...
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To the Editor: Now that the 2012-2013 school year is well on its way, it is important to pause in honor of African-American History Month. The 2013 African American History Month theme, which is the bases of the African American History Month proclamation issued by President Barack Obama, is “At the Crossroads of Freedom...
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Dear Friend, Thank you for your emails concerning new Gun Control proposals in Maryland. As you know, the Governor and the folks who control Annapolis intend to infringe upon your constitutional freedoms once again. Maryland already has some of the strictest gun control laws in the United States. Put simply, the folks who rule...
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Friend, Whether its horrific mass shootings like the ones in Newtown and Columbine, or murders on the streets of our cities, we lose far too many American lives each year to gun violence. That’s why we’ve introduced a comprehensive plan that would ban military-style assault weapons, limit large ammunition capacity and require licenses for...
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Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today to commemorate Black History Month: “Today marks the beginning of Black History Month, a time to reflect on the countless contributions African-Americans have made in making the promise of America the practice of America. Having recently marked the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation...
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Friend, There’s no easy answer to the complex problem of gun violence. I’ve spent my entire career — as a prosecutor, city councilman, mayor, and now as governor — focused on trying to keep families safe and reduce violent crime. We need a comprehensive approach. That’s why in the next few days, I’ll unveil...
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SOME REALLY SAD NEWS! Friends, I knew this day would come eventually, but I am really sad to tell you that effective January 7, 2013, the Hogettes are no more. Mike Torbert, aka Boss Hogette, decided it had run its course and was disbanding the group and canceling all future Hogette appearances. He feels...
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Friend, There is a thread that unites the story of our people, it is the thread of human dignity. Last year, we took important steps forward in the struggle to promote the dignity of all Marylanders. We made the DREAM of college more affordable for more Maryland families. We recognized the Piscataway Indians for...
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As you know, unless President Obama and Congress take action, tax rates will go up on every American on January 1st. “The day after that, a mandatory ‘sequester’ will go into effect that will implement harmful cuts to our national defense. That is currently the law of the land. “The House has done its...
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As 2012 comes to a close, I want to thank all of you for your help and support for this year and the past 6 years that I have served as the Fire Chief of the Huntingtown VFD. Our organization has come a long way in the past several years due to the hard...
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Dear Friends, As a meteorologist, one thing I know about the weather – it is always changing. I also know at least one thing does not change and has remained the same for almost 30 years: the compassionate care of Calvert Hospice. I am writing to you today to ask you to join us...
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Dear Friends, As the year come to an end, I want to thank all of you in the agricultural community for your hard work and great efforts during the last year. Through highs and lows, ups and downs, it has been a pleasure and an honor to work on behalf of the people who...
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The Optimist Club of Mechanicsville would like to thank the community for all its support over the past year, especially in the current economic times. It has been a great 2012 for the Club which was honored to be able to give back to the community it serves. The Optimist Club of Mechanicsville just...
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The College of Southern Maryland held its first Robotics Challenge – Collegiate Division, winning against Muhlenberg College on Nov. 3 at the La Plata Campus. Engineering positions will always be in demand, said Byron Brezina, a technical engineering project manager at the Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division (NAVEODTECHDIV), who attended and demonstrated two...
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Dear Parents: Unfortunately, in these uncertain times, rumors are circulating in our schools and communities. These rumors are overwhelming our community as well as almost every school community in our region and maybe across the nation. These rumors stem from the fear of a copycat event following the tragic events in Connecticut. In addition,...
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St. Mary’s County Public School’s Community: I write to you with a heavy heart and on behalf of the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County. Words cannot fully describe our feelings about the horrific events that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut on December 14, 2012. We want to...
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It is once again time to start preparing for the upcoming Holiday Season. There are many children in the Twin Beach area who need our help. You have been so generous in the past years with your contributions, we are asking for your support again. The North Beach Children’s Fund is comprised of a...
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As negotiations continue to prevent the looming fiscal cliff and with many critics of the Federal workforce suggesting further cuts to pay and benefits of federal employees, I wanted to share an op-ed I wrote for the Federal Times on the need to recognize the substantial contribution that these middle-class workers have already made...
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Saturday, December 8, was the Calvert Shop with a Cop event. What a great success it was thanks to the many men and women of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, Maryland Natural Resources Police, Prince George’s County Police, Charles County Sheriff’s Office, Calvert Optimist Club, and the many civilian volunteers that...
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To the Editor: St. Mary’s County Public Schools recognizes the challenging economic times many of our families are facing. While our community has a stronger economy than many, the staff of St. Mary’s County Public Schools understands that many families are experiencing financial hardship. In the past several school years, between 150-300 students were...
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I want to come to you about a story I would really like to have covered on SMNewsnet. Adam Lumpkins is an amazing, local, 5 year old who has been fighting Pre-B Cell Acute Lympoblastic Leukemia since he was 21 months. His mom is a Paramedic in Charles County, currently stationed in Hughesville, and...
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My name is Gary Scales and I hope you can help me! On October 22, 2010, a speeding motorist who was driving out of control killed my son, Richard Jackson. The driver, Jarron Jennings, who killed Richard was tried by a jury during a three day jury trial in St. Mary’s County from April...
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Dear Southern Maryland News Net, On behalf of my fellow Hogettes, “The Washington Redskins Biggest Fans”, I want to thank you for your generous support of this year’s fundraiser held in Lusby. Because of folks like you, we raised more than $22,000 for organizations that help those less fortunate than ourselves. Of this amount,...
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Thanksgiving is the one holiday that brings together all Marylanders and all Americans like no other Holiday. Thanksgiving is deeply rooted in American history as people coming together to celebrate the bounty of a great harvest while enjoying the company of family, friends and community. Over the years, new traditions have added to this...
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Dear Editor: It was another successful “Step By Step” 5K Fun Run/Walk for the Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse, Inc. (CAASA) on November 3rd. With over 110 participants, everyone enjoyed a great day for a race around Solomons Island – a little chilly but the sun was shining bright! This year marked the 12th...
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Friends, Yesterday I made a call to Representative Steny Hoyer and congratulated him on his victory in our contest for the US House of Representatives from Maryland’s 5th Congressional District. The Congressman was gracious in acceptance of the call. It was a hard fought race but the citizens have spoken, and I accept and...
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Dear Editor: The day after the election, I want to congratulate the voters of Calvert County. We had five candidates for election to the Board of Education all of whom care a lot about our students and our schools. Congratulations!! to Joe Chenelly, Tracy Maguire, and Kelly McConkey who will serve on the Board...
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To the Editor: The safety of our students and staff is of utmost importance, as they are traveling to and from school and when they are on school property. This is especially true during inclement weather. When making decisions on whether to delay or open schools, we take many things into consideration. Our county...
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Dear Friends, Good afternoon. I hope this note finds you safe and secure having weathered Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy. As we watch the news, we see the destruction caused by this unique weather pattern. Floods, power outages, and downed trees throughout our community. Please continue to heed the advice of your local authorities. They are doing...
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I am writing in support of the candidacy of Dr. Valerie Beaudin for Chesapeake Beach Town Council. While Chesapeake Beach is a municipality which holds it own elections for Town Council, and I am not a resident of Chesapeake Beach, the election in Chesapeake Beach affects every resident of Calvert County. Why? Because there...
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The Calvert County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 109 has filed a Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief and for Writ of Mandamus against the Calvert County Government. The complaint was filed in Calvert County Circuit Court on October 10, 2012. The complaint is seeking, for all Deputy Sheriff’s, the annual salary merit step...
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Jean Baptiste Say, a French businessman and economist, popularized the term, entrepreneur some two centuries ago. But to economics students, he is best known for coining “Say’s Law” that states in essence that supply creates its own demand. In other words, what one produces (supply) represents that person’s demand for other goods and services....
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On day 1 of the Olympics we watched a 38yr-old cyclist come out of retirement and win the gold medal in London. That’s Olympic spirit. But there was Olympic spirit in every other competitor in that race, and in every contest in the 2012 Olympics. Truth be told, every aspiring Olympian has it. At...
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Hoyer Urges Congress to Pass Middle Class Tax Cut Extension, Provide Families and Small Businesses with Certainty With middle class tax cuts set to expire in January, I have been urging Congress to pass legislation that would extend tax cuts for income up to $250,000. This extension would provide certainty to the 98% of...
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Hoyer Herald: Connect with Me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Participate in Photo Contest Today marks the beginning of the third annual Member Online All-Star Competition, a friendly competition I am hosting that will encourage my Democratic colleagues to continue to engage with their constituents online. With over 50% of adult Americans now active on Facebook,...
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Today, I delivered a major policy speech on the role of manufacturing in building a strong and competitive economy, and introduced a new list of bills as part of the Democrats’ Make It In America jobs plan. Manufacturing has led our economic recovery over the past two years, and I am committed to strengthening the industry...
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MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN STENY H. HOYER Today, the Supreme Court upheld the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This decision is a victory for Maryland families and businesses who will continue to benefit from this landmark legislation. I’m pleased that Marylanders are already benefitting from health care reform, and I will work to continue...
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Calvert County Board of Commissioners President Jerry Clark in recent statements to the press has stated that there will be no pay steps to County employees because of no money being available. This statement does not reveal the whole truth to the public and all County employees based on some recent alleged “conservative spending”...
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Dear Friend, Last week the President and his allies who have ignored border security for years overturned our laws, usurped Congress’s constitutional authority and granted amnesty to nearly one million illegal immigrants who have been living illegally in the United States while other law abiding individuals patiently wait their turn to come to America legally. Thirty-one...
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My name is Thomas Phelps, I am the President of the Calvert Fraternal Order of Police, and as such I represent the Calvert County Sheriff’s Deputies who are members. I was hired as a Calvert County Deputy in 2001, fulfilling a lifelong dream to serve the citizens of the place I am proud to...
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As an athlete at The Calverton School I have been invited to participate in the Down Under Sports Tournaments to be held in Australia. I am honored to be an ambassador of not only my school, community and state, but also our country. I will be participating in this international event on the Southeast...
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May 3, 2012 Dear Friend, There are few better ways to celebrate the summer than by enjoying a steaming bucket of Maryland Blue Crabs covered in Old Bay. That’s why I’m so pleased to share that this year, the Maryland Blue Crab population is at a 19-year high! This achievement did not...
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Letter to the Editor May is Small Business Month At least 2,000 – and more likely twice that number – small businesses serve St. Mary’s County each and every day. They employ thousands of countians, pay millions of dollars in tax revenue, and contribute several thousands of their proceeds in community giving. They also...
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Message from O’Donnell for Congress: Friends – Thank you for your support! I am humbled by your faith in me to carry your banner forward. Now the second phase of our fight begins. We are going to carry our message to every nook and cranny in the 5th District. The future of our country...
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April 2, 2012 Letter to the Editor Going Forward Four weeks ago I sat in public session before the County Commissioners alongside staff, colleagues, and community partners. We presented 3 important matters of official county business. Each Board member acknowledged us for the yeoman staff work done to advance the Joint Land Use Study...
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This Friday marks two years since President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. Since then, millions of Americans have seen the positive impacts of health care reform, and here in Maryland’s Fifth District, families and small businesses are benefitting from new protections and greater freedom and control over their health care choices,...
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Tony O’Donnell, Minority Leader of the Maryland House of Delegates and candidate for the US House of Representatives, wished the Girl Scouts of America a Happy 100thBirthday Sunday, March 11. “Girl Scouts is a great organization,” said Delegate O’Donnell. “Volunteers lead the girls by helping them set life goals and instilling in them a...
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MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN STENY H. HOYER Today, the House passed the “JOBS Act,” a legislative package including six bills that will help small business, four of which have already passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. I voted for the package, but am concerned it does not go far enough to get the millions...
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MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN STENY H. HOYER “e ought not walk away from our federal employees any more than we ought to walk away from those 160 million people who need this tax cut or walk away from those 2.4 million who need that unemployment insurance.” For weeks, Republicans have been blocking a tax cut...
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Which of our Congressional Maryland representatives are fighting to support the Freedom of Religion in the U.S. Constitution? The quick answer is none of them. In a letter to Catholic Priest in the Archdiocese of Washington, Cardinal Wuerl stated the following “On January 20, 2012, the United States Department of Health and Human Services...
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Message from Congressman Steny H. Hoyer Yesterday, House Republicans stood in the way of bipartisan efforts to prevent a tax hike on 160 million Americans starting January 1. The middle-class payroll tax cut, which expires at the end of the month, should have been extended with wide, bipartisan support for another year. Democrats have...
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Letter of Appreciation from Jeanne Pirtle, Education Director and Writer of the Holiday Candlelight Tours 2011 Script To Director, Cast, Crew, Volunteers, and Sotterley Staff of Holiday Candlelight Tours 2011, I have heard nothing but rave reviews from members and visitors who attended Candlelight this season. I wanted to give special thanks to Linda...
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Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta Message to Pearl Harbor Survivors “Seventy years ago on a December morning, our nation sustained a cruel and destructive attack at Pearl Harbor. Our enemies thought that by this sudden and deliberate raid, they could weaken America. Instead, they only strengthened it. That day truly awoke a sleeping...
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Thanksgiving weekend is considered the traditional kick off for the holiday shopping season. Thanksgiving day we enjoy spend time with our loved ones devouring a delicious holiday meal and rest up for the excitement of bargain shopping which begins very early on “Black Friday”. Unfortunately the holiday shopping season is also plagued with dishonest...
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Dear Friend, In two days, families across our State will celebrate Thanksgiving. They’ll enjoy great food and company, rejoice in the Ravens victory over the 49ers and pore over websites for the best deals on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. But the holidays are about more than that. They’re about coming together as...
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Nov. 16, 2011 This morning, I joined Democratic and Republican colleagues from both the House and Senate for a press conference to urge the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to put forward a big, balanced plan to reduce the deficit. I recently joined with more than 100 fellow members of the House in...
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To All, The LHS Band is sponsoring a “Drive One 4 UR School” fundraiser on Saturday, November 19 from 10am to 5pm. Come out and test drive a new Ford vehicle with NO obligation to purchase. The band will earn a minimum of $20 for every car that is test driven up to $5,000. ...
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Capt. Stephen Schmeiser retired from his position as commander of Patuxent River Naval Air Station last week and issued this open letter to the community: What a blessing it has been for me to have served as the 34th Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Patuxent River in this wonderful Southern Maryland community! Thank...
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Tomorrow is Veterans Day and falls on the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I, occurring at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Tomorrow’s occasion will be the first time in the Day’s history that it will also fall on the 11th...
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UPDATE from St. Mary’s College of Maryland Sea Voyager Move-In Information from Joanne Goldwater Tuesday November 1st, 12:46 P.M. We are delighted to tell you that the U.S. Coast Guard has approved our occupancy of the Sea Voyager. We are now ready for students to move on board. We will start moving students at...
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October, 25, 2011 Dear St. Mary’s College Community: I have been deeply troubled by the prospect of so many Prince George and Caroline Hall residents living off campus, in hotels, as far away as Solomons Island. The arrangement, while healthy from the standpoint of mold remediation, is far from ideal academically or in terms...
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To the Editor, The Lusby Change the World CROP Hunger Walk held on Saturday, Oct. 14 was a huge success! More than $3,633 was contributed by our neighbors and friends to support the hunger-fighting efforts of Church World Service, both here at home and around the world. A portion of the funds will support...
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In the fall of 1775, Americans initiated a privateering campaign against British commerce, and on 13 October the Continental Congress established a small naval force to contest British sea power. According to the Naval History & Heritage Command, the Continental Navy was authorized the procurement, fitting out, manning, and dispatch of two armed vessels...
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Letter from Jasper’s American Grille in Prince Frederick October 12, 2011 Dear Guests: It has been our pleasure to serve you over the last four years! The loyalty of our guests has continued to make the restaurant both popular and profitable. We would love to stay and continue to serve our many friends but...
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On Sunday, Oct. 2, the Hogettes and friends gathered at the American Legion Post 274 in Lusby, not only to cheer on the Washington Redskins, but to raise money for sick children and their families at the 18th Annual Children’s Charity Benefit, a great time had by all! The following was submitted to Southern Maryland News...
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Letter sent home to parents/guardians of Lackey High School students: Please Talk to your Kids About Safety When Out Walking October, 6, 2011 Dear Parents/Guardians: … We want to inform you about a suspicious vehicle a student reported seeing near a bus stop in the Fenwick Road area. The student reported that a man...
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Many citizens in Calvert County aren’t aware that the Fire, Rescue and EMS responders are volunteers that donate their time to help out you; the public in your desperate time of need. It is not surprising though that many people, particularly the new residents to the county are unaware that Calvert County is 100%...
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| Today | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday |
|---|---|---|---|
 Thunderstorm 66°/82° |  Chance of a Thunderstorm 66°/86° | Chance of a Thunderstorm 66°/90° | Chance of a Thunderstorm 64°/86° |
