Town Office Holiday Schedule

The Town office will be closed on Monday, December 31, New Years Eve and Tuesday, January 1, New Year's Day.  We will be re-open on Wednesday, January 2 at 8:30 a.m.

If you have any questions, please call 301-475-9791.

Happy New Year to you and your family.

Christmas Tree Pick Up Days Scheduled

Goode Trash Removal have scheduled Christmas Tree pick up days on Wednesday, January 3rd and Wednesday, January 9th.

Maryland Municipal Geocache Trail Set to Launch January 5, 2013

Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting at 4:00 pm today

Santa and Mrs. Claus on the Square

Santa and Mrs. Claus return to the Leonardtown Square on Saturday, December 15 from 11 AM – 1PM! Kids, be sure to bring your wish list, and remind your parents to bring a camera for photos. If inclement weather, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Winegardner Auto Showroom. www.leonardtown.somd.com or 301-475-9791.

Multiple Sightings of Santa in St. Mary’s

Multiple Sightings of Santa in St. Mary’s

About this time every year for over fifty years, there have been numerous reports of Santas being seen around St. Mary’s County. From Mechanicsville in the North, to Ridge in the South, twenty to thirty of these supposedly real Santa Clauses have been spotted delivering Christmas presents to some of our County’s most needy children. They really don’t look like Santa, well maybe some do, but they all have the same spirit of giving that Santa does. These men and women, members of the Leonardtown Lions Club, have focus – their mission is to make sure no needy child in our county spends a Christmas without presents.  In many, if not all cases these presents are the only ones the children will receive.  It all started long ago, but got into full swing when a Lion’s Lion, King Lion Dick Russell, came up with the current plan, called the “Christmas Caring Program” and it has been on-going ever since.  Thanks in large part to Dick’s daughter, Lion Carolyn, who together with Lion Mike Filby picked up the torch and have run with it.

Here’s how it works: first, the County’s Social Services determines those families that qualify and gathers detailed information about each child.  This information is then proportionately divided and provided to the Leonardtown Lions Club and to the St. Mary’s Ryken’s High School.  On the Lion’s part, the information is put on individual tags, which contain the age, gender and gifts requested.  The tags are placed on a special Christmas tree in the Leonardtown True Value store.  Leonardtown Lions select one or more of these tags, but several are left on the tree for the general public, so that they too can participate in this worthwhile program of giving. (Once gifts have been purchased and wrapped, they should be returned by December 14 with the tag to True Value for later pickup by the Lions Club.) When all gifts are ready, Lions will collect the gifts from St. Mary’s Ryken and bundle them together with those from True Value and deliver them to the designated families before Christmas.

If you would like to experience the wonderful and powerful feeling of giving gifts to the needy, then this program is made-to-order for you.  Just visit the True Value store in Leonardtown, select a tag from the Christmas tree and you’re on your way to a great Christmas by making some child very happy! 

Toys for Tots Drive - Breton Bay Dentistry

Toys for Tots Drive! 

Help make a child in your community smile on Christmas morning.

Please come and donate a new, unwrapped toy at our offices at:

Breton Bay Dentistry
23140 Moakley Street, Suite 5
Leonardtown, MD 20650
301-475-2881.

For every toy given, we will match that donation with another toy!

Donations will be accepted through the month of December.

Please check our website for more information. www.smileschanginglives.com

Holly Jolly Musical Revue

Off the Wall Art Market in Leonardtown

Christmas Village in Morganza

Located at St. Joseph's Church Hall

Morganza, MD

November 30th

Open every weekend in December

except Friday 12/14

January 4th & 5th

Fridays 4 - 7 PM

Saturdays 10 AM - 7PM

Sundays 11 AM - 5 PM

Open Weekdays by Appointment for Groups

(day care, schools, seniors, etc.)

Adults:  $3.00        Children:  $1.00

Refreshments and Crafts available for sale as well

The Celtic Society of Southern Maryland Winter Celtic Music Festival

The Celtic Society of Southern Maryland is proud to present Bruce Molsky at this year’s Winter Celtic Music Festival. 

The 8th Annual Winter Celtic Music Festival is hosted by the students of St. Mary’s Ryken High School, Student Organization for Improving the Arts (SOFIA), Saturday, January 12, 2013. 

In addition to a prolific solo career, performing on fiddle, guitar, and banjo, Molsky frequently joins genre-busting supergroups, like the Grammy-nominated Fiddlers Four, and Mozaik, with Hungarian Nikola Parov, and Celtic giant Donal Lunny. He was on Nickel Creek's farewell tour, and performs in a trio with Scottish fiddler Aly Bain and Sweden's great Ale Moller. 

An afternoon workshop will be primarily focused toward fiddlers, but guitar and banjo players are most certainly welcome, as Bruce is a master of all three instruments. Students of all ages are encouraged to bring a recording device, as tunes will be taught by ear. 

This workshop will focus on intermediate to advanced skill levels, but beginners are welcome to join in for the valuable experience of listening, watching, and learning from this master of traditional music. 

Workshop will be held from 2-4pm, followed by evening concert at 8pm at St. Mary’s Ryken High School, Romauld Hall Auditorium, 22600 Camp Calvert Road Leonardtown, Maryland. 

For more information, please email fiddling@cssm.org, or call (301) 375-0534. 

Seating will be limited for the workshops, so register early. Please contact the organizer for more information regarding the limited scholarships available for workshop participation. 

More information on Bruce Molsky is available at http://brucemolsky.com 

Sponsored in part by the Cafe Des Artistes and SOMD.com

Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting - Monday, November 26 @ 4:00 p.m.

Planning and Zoning Commission meeting will be held on Monday, November 26, 2012 at 4:00 p.m.

LEGAL NOTICE - FAIR SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE #156

Legal Notice
Commissioners of Leonardtown
Fair Summary of Ordinance

Notice is hereby given that the Commissioners of Leonardtown have passed, and the Mayor has approved, Ordinance No. 156, Town of Leonardtown Code of Ethics. A fair summary of the ordinance will follow:

Ordinance No. 156- For the revision of the Town of Leonardtown Code of Ethics to bring it into compliance with Title 15, Subtitle 8, Annotated Code of Maryland. The Annotated Code was revised in 2010 requiring non-exempt municipalities and counties to enact local conflict of interest and financial disclosure provisions that are equivalent or exceed those applicable to State officials. The State Ethics Commission approved the proposed Ordinance in September 2012.

Ordinance No. 156 will become effective December 10, 2012. Full text of this ordinance may be obtained at the Town Office at 41660 Courthouse Drive, Leonardtown, MD between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday or on the Town website at http://leonardtown.somd.com/ under Town Government.

By Authority:
Laschelle E. McKay, Town Administrator

LVRSA Chirstmas Festival

 The Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary is busy preparing for the Christmas Festival at Winegardner Motor Company, Friday, November 23 from 5 - 9:00 PM, during Christmas on the Square.
They will have 25-30 silent auction items, including benches made by Ricky Chesser.

The Studebaker bench is made from an 50's tailgate and the Orioles bench legs are bats from the Blue Crabs. They will also have several gift baskets, handcrafted items, a Mennonite cedar chest and so much more.

A toy wagon full of toys valued at over $500.00 will be auctioned.  True-Value is decorating a White Christmas Tree full of hand-crafted ornaments and it, too, will be auctioned.

Why go to the malls on Black Friday? Start your shopping at LVRSA Christmas Festival!

Face painting, train display and Leonardtown photo history display too!

Festive First Friday for December

Christmas on the Square

Bid Advertisement - Greenbrier Elevated Tank Rehabilitation

Advertisement for Bids

Greenbrier Elevated Tank Rehabilitation

Commissioners of Leonardtown

The Commissioners of Leonardtown are accepting sealed proposals for the rehabilitation of the Greenbrier elevated tank in Leonardtown, MD.  The work consists of blasting the exterior surfaces and repainting and minor interior and exterior repairs.  A complete description and scope of work will be available on November 2, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. at the office of the Commissioners of Leonardtown, Attention: Laschelle McKay, 41660 Courthouse Drive, Leonardtown, MD or by calling 301-475-9791 or emailing Leonardtown.commissioners@verizon.net.  Digital copies of the Contract Documents and Specifications are available at the same location for a non-refundable cost of $25.00 per set.  If mailing of documents are requested an additional cost of $10.00 per set in a separate check is required to cover handling and postage.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on November 14, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the office of the Commissioners of Leonardtown.  Sealed bids will be received until 2:00 p.m., December 4, 2012 at POB 1, 41660 Courthouse Drive, Leonardtown, MD  20650 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud.

The Commissioners of Leonardtown reserve the right to reject any and all bids and proposals, and to accept any proposals deemed to be in the best interest of the Town. 

Spectator Parking and Shuttle for the Veterans Day Parade

     Spectators are encouraged to park at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds or the College of Southern Maryland Leonardtown Campus parking lots and take the free round-trip bus service into downtown Leonardtown to view the parade. Operating between 8 AM and 1 PM, the shuttle buses will drop passengers off in the Downtown area at the intersection of Washington Street and Shadrick Street near the Olde Town Pub. Handicap Accessible shuttles are also available.
     This bus service is provided by the St. Mary’s County Public Schools, The Center for Life Enrichment, The St. Mary’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation, CSC Applied Technologies,  Millison Management Co., Inc., and Carter Bus Service. There will be no charge to use this service for the parade.
     Spectators choosing to enter downtown Leonardtown with their personal vehicles will be limited to areas accessible from Lawrence Avenue, including neighboring side streets and parking areas along Courthouse Drive and Park Avenue, as Washington Street and Fenwick Street into downtown Leonardtown will be closed to incoming traffic from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Officers from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Department will provide traffic control, and Parade Volunteers will assist with parking directions and street detours.

     Handicapped Parking: Spectators requiring handicapped parking may take Washington Street and upon showing proof of handicapped sticker or need, they will be allowed through the street closure area by police personnel to continue on Washington Street, where they will be guided by parking attendants to the designated parking area. Handicap Accessible shuttles are also available at the Fairgrounds and the College.

     Inclement weather: In the event of inclement weather, the Veterans Day Parade would be cancelled, and the Memorial Ceremony would be moved inside and held at the Leonard Hall Recreation Center Gymnasium, on Route 245 adjacent to the St. Mary’s County Governmental Center Complex (23145 Leonard Hall Drive) at 11:00 AM. Those wishing to lay wreaths at the monuments may choose to do so.

     College of Southern Maryland volunteers will be on-site collecting donations for CSM’s “Support the Heroes Campaign”. The campaign benefits a scholarship fund developed to support students studying to become first responders and veterans whose benefits changed as a part of the Veterans Affairs Yellow Ribbon Campaign. Volunteers will also be on site from the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund to distribute information about their mission of providing assistance to wounded Marines, and from Southern Maryland National Alliance on Mental Health to distribute information about health services for Veterans. Another new addition to the Town Square exhibits will be members of the 29th Division WWII Living History Group, representing the original “Maryland-Virginia-DC National Guard unit . . . inducted into 1 year of Federal service on 3 February 1941 at Fort Meade, MD” with a display of authentic WWII memorabilia.

    Veterans Day is a day set aside to thank and honor America’s Veterans for their patriotism and military service, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. The annual Veterans Day Parade is sponsored by the Commissioners of Leonardtown and the Board of Commissioners for St. Mary’s County, in cooperation with VFW Post 2632. For more information call 301-475-9791 or e-mail Leonardtown.commissioners@verizon.net.

ANNUAL VETERANS DAY PARADE - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH

November 11, 2012 at 10:00 a.m - Historic Leonardtown Square - Marching Bands, military units, bagpipers, dancers, horses, scouts, antique cars and wreath-laying ceremony.

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING RESCHEDULED TO NOVEMBER 19, 2012

The Town Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 13, 2012 has been rescheduled to MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2012 at 4:00 p.m.

Town Council Meeting moved to Tuesday, November 13

Due to the government holiday closing on Monday, November 12th for Veterans Day, the regularly scheduled Town Council meeting will not be held on Monday but will be held on Tuesday, November 13 at 4:00 p.m at the Town office.

TRASH Schedule Information

Goode Trash Removal will be picking up yesterday's trash today, Wednesday, October 31st.

Recycling will also be picked up today, Wednesday, October 31st.

Friday pickup will resume as normally scheduled for Friday, November 2nd.

Thank you for your patience as we all work together to clean up and get back to a normal routine.

Trick-or-Treat on the Square

 Make the most of your Halloween costumes this year by bringing your kids and your pets to the Square in Leonardtown! On Saturday, October 27, from 1 – 3:00 PM, the Town of Leonardtown, the Leonardtown Business Association, the Craft Guild Shop and the Southern Maryland Animal Welfare League will be hosting a fun-filled Fall festival for the whole family!

For a small fee of only $8, the Craft Guild Shop is providing the materials and instruction for making life-size scarecrows. At the same time, merchants all over town will have free treats available for Trick-or-Treating. 



Look for this sign all over Town
to find participating merchants
who will have
special goodies and candy
for Trick-or-Treaters.



Register your costumed pet at the SMAWL table and have a photo taken to be entered into the Facebook pet costume competition. While you’re there, pick up a special treat for your pet and say hi to SMAWLIE.

 

Please be safe and make sure each child is accompanied by an adult, as the roads will not be closed for this event. For more information contact the Town at 301-475-9791, the Craft Guild Shop at 301-997-1644 or email craftguildshop@verizon.net, or SMAWL at https://www.facebook.com/smawl.



Flocked for PINK FRIDAY

We have been FLOCKED!

The Pink Heat team came in the night and flocked the Town of Leonardtown with PINK Flamingos for PINK Friday.

Pink Heat team was created in 2009 and participated in their first Relay For Life in Charles county in Jun

e of 2010. Since then they have raised over $17,000.00 for the American Cancer Society. This year our team goal is $10,000.00!

The PINK Heat team was created stemmed from a member experience with cancer in her family. Her grandmother passed at age 62 in 2007 from breast cancer. She had been a survivor for 12 years before it returned. During those years she had a Relay For Life team in Texas and was very committed and involved in fighting for a cure. In 2004 the member became active with a team local in her home state of Pennsylvania and in 2008 a job brought her to Maryland. She joined a team to meet people and participated as an individual in a Relay. It was in 2009 while walking the track in the early overnight hours of the Relay that she had her vision for creating her own team and carrying on the torch for her grandma. Her Grandma was so strong in her belief in technology and advances in medicine today that there would be a cure and that she wanted to carry on that belief and help fight. The team started with 8 people and fundraised with bake sales and yard sales. Now they have grown to 30 team members and are able to hold bigger events like the flocking and their upcoming Craft Fair in November and a Charity Ball in March!

Pink Heat and Relay For Life have become a passion and lifestyle. We so blessed to have so many wonderful people on board this team who want to fight against cancer.

We thank you for reaching out to us and donating to have your town flocked. This is a wonderful opportunity for a great cause.

Our blog is: www.pinkheat13.blogspot.com

Our flocking for a cure event is also on Facebook at:www.facebook.com/#!/events/451351298249711/

Tiffany (her story)
Pink Heat Captain

Bluegrass For Hospice - Saturday, October 27th

Bluegrass For Hospice ~ Saturday, October 27, 2012 ~ Noon – 8:00 pm ~ Flat Iron Farm, Great Mills, MD

 Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper and The Roys  + many others

 $20.00 advanced/$25.00 at the door, under 12 free

Ticket Info:  Advanced tickets by mail-make checks payable to “Hospice of St. Mary’s”; mail (along with a self addressed stamped envelope to:  P.O. Box 741, California, MD 20619. (The deadline for advanced tickets to be mailed is October 16, 2012). 

To purchase tickets by credit card, call 1-888-663-3729 or online at http://www.drby.tk/bluegrassforhospice. 

Food, money raffles, door prizes, silent auctions, rain or shine, held inside

More Info: www.bluegrassforhospice.com; jaychelle1@verizon.net; 301-737-3004

Antique Tractor Parade in Leonardtown Square

Sunday, October 14, 2012 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Come out to historic Leonardtown Square, MD to see antique power of yesteryear in parade and on display in Town Center!  Kids of all ages will be returned to a time when these fine machines worked Southern Maryland soil and developed the farming culture that is still present today!  Admission is free, but donations are welcome. 

All the proceeds will benefit the

Christmas in April Foundation of St. Mary's County

The parade will course through Leonardtown ending with a display of antique power in Town Square.  If you would like more information or if you would like to participate with your own tractor, call the numbers listed below. We'll see you there!

Contact information:

Please call 301-904-3491 or 410-535-1380

As you look at the machinery on display, enjoy the hospitality of the many fine businesses in Leonardtown!

Pet Valu Grand Opening - Saturday, October 6th

Leonardtown's Pet Valu is having a grand opening this Saturday the 6th. Located next to McKay's  in the Shops at Breton Bay.

St. Mary's Animal Welfare League will be attending as part of an adoption drive to help local animals find loving homes. 

Email olivia.brinksman@gmail.com or call Olivia Brinksman at 215.731.2000 x201 for more information.

First Friday Turns Pink Friday

Leonardtown's October First Friday celebration turns Pink to recognize and support breast cancer awareness month.  Businesses will all be offering unique pink specials with some of the proceeds going to support local breast cancer patients.

The Leonardtown Business Association (LBA) is involved in many local community efforts and for Pink Friday, they are supporting "The Sisters with Bracatude" local sisters, who are walking in the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on October 7 in the Wildewood community.

The First Friday committe will be on hand in Leonardtown accepting applications from local residents wishing to participate in the walk.  First Friday begins at 5 p.m. and registration for the walk October 7, begins at 7 p.m.

For additional details or to pre-register for the walk, call 410-721-4304.

Pink Friday in Leonardtown

The Leonardtown Business Association plans to turn its monthly First Friday into a supportive PINK Friday event on October 5, 2012 from 5PM to 8PM. The LBA community and those in attendence will rally behind The Sisters with Bracatude: Terri Wheeler, Mary Friess and Beth Yates. These are three sisters who have lived almost all their lives in St. Mary’s County and are united against breast cancer because all three have had the disease and all three carry the BRCA gene that predisposes them to breast cancer.

In order to fight back against cancer, the sisters are helping to lead Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in Southern Maryland, an American Cancer Society organized walk on October 7, 2012. “It gives us a lot of satisfaction to raise money for research and possibly see more advances against cancer in our lifetimes,” says Terri. “Maybe they will even discover how to reverse the effects of the BRCA gene and give hope to future generations.”
The community of Leonardtown turns Pink with pink decorations and a variety of pink retail promotions, festive dinner menus, themed services, special guests and other attractions throughout Leonardtown on October 5th:
In the town Square:

• Health Connections from Med Star St. Mary's Hospital will share important information about breast cancer awareness, women's health and the importance of scheduling annual mammograms. The Sisters with Bracatude will be on hand to talk to visitors about their journey and about the local support Med Star St. Mary's Hospital receives from from events like Making Strides and the American Cancer Society. Visitors will have the opportunity to support the Sisters with a cash donation.
• Live music with The Piney Point Playboys featuring Annie Jean (Breaux) DiDonato on accordion; Brenda Elwood on fiddle; Billy Longley on rhythm guitar; and Bernice Moore on string bass. Lively Cajun Music (photo attached) Bring a chair or blanket.
• Childrens crafts and activities provided by St. Mary's Macaroni Kid and Bella Music School. FREE!

Many LBA businesses will donate a portion of their PINK Friday proceeds in support of the Sisters and a variety of PINK promotions and supportive specials around town will include (but are not limited to):

• A meet and greet at Good Earth Natural Foods with Forever Eden Founders and Sisters Wanda and Wynne Brisco. Wanda, a breast cancer survivor and the inspiration for Forever Eden will discuss her journey to wellness and will have advance copies of her new book. Wynne, the handcrafter of the Forever Eden products will have samples and discuss the importance of healthy skincare. The sisters' goal throughout the year is to work together in the education and prevention of Cancer by promoting health and wellness.
• S-Kape Salon hosts a night of pink pampering to include pink refreshments and complimentary nail polish changes. For a donation to the Sisters with Bracatude at the Salon, guests can enjoy make-up applications, hair styling, seated chair massage and Pink single hair applications.
• The Port of Leonardtown Winery will donate $2 for every bottle of any Rose' sold on PINK Friday and during the month of October to support the Sisters. Guests of PINK Friday will enjoy live music with Fractal Folk, SOMD's premier jazz-folk-fusion band, the photographic art of Dean Souleles and tastings of their award winning wines.
• The Olde Towne Stichery Shop invites guests to stop by and create a pink flower pin to wear that night and throughout Breast Cancer Awareness month. Pink fabrics or those that contain pink, not already reduced, will be on sale that night for 20% off. Guests will enjoy pink refreshments and can make a donation to support the Sisters With Bracatude.
• Cafe des Artistes offers a 20% discount on all "pink wines" by the bottle including Slack Winery Lush Blush and Lous Laurent Rose D'anjou. A delicious Pink themed Salmon main course is featured on the menu, and David Kalil performs on Piano.
• The Front Porch offers a $2 discount of all house specialty drinks and martinis and features a Pink Flirtini.
• Both the Brewing Grounds and Quality Street Kitchens plan to donate a portion of their PINK Friday proceeds to Cancer Awareness causes.

All are welcome to come out to Leonardtown in their Pink attire to help the LBA support the Sisters with Bracatude on October 5 from 5PM to 8PM and throughout the month of October. Donation containers will be accessible throughout the entire month.

For more information about First Friday, Pink Friday and the LBA visithttp://www.leonardtownfirstfridays.com.

Learn more about the American Cancer Society and the Making Strides against Breast Cancer walk athttp://www.makingstrideswalk.org/somd.

Lions Club Wharf Bash

THIS SATURDAY!

September 29th from 5 - 9:00 PM

Enjoy crabs, a pig roast, and live music at the Leonardtown Wharf Park

The 2012 Wharf Bash is sponsored by the Leonardtown Lions Club and

proceeds benefit Hospice of St. Mary's

$ 35 in advance at www.hospiceofstmarys.org

or $40 at the gate

Beer and Wine sold separately

ST. MARY’S WINERIES WIN AWARDS

ST. MARY’S WINERIES WIN AWARDS

LEONARDTOWN, MD — Wineries in St. Mary’s County continue to medal in state and regional competitions. St. Mary’s County’s fledgling wine industry has 76 acres of grapes in production and two wineries, Port of Leonardtown Winery and Slack Winery, both of which are under four years old.

"Both Slack and Port of Leonardtown have earned multiple golds and 'best in class' honors in their first few years of production," notes Kevin Atticks, Maryland Wineries Association Executive Director. “This is further proof that St. Mary’s County ­and Southern Maryland, in general ­is prime viticultural land.”

St. Mary’s County wineries brought home 19 medals from the 2012 WineMaster Choice Awards. Of Maryland’s 48 wineries judged in the blind tastings, Slack and Port of Leonardtown combined received more medals than any other, and each had a wine named Best in Class. Port of Leonardtown’s Chambourcin 2010 and Slack’s Danny Boy 2010 received gold medals and Best in Class Red and Best in Class Off­Dry, respectively. Together, Slack and Port of Leonardtown were awarded nine silver and six bronze medals.

The two wineries also received recognition at the 2012 Maryland Governor’s Cup, where Port of Leonardtown was awarded three Best in Class, including, Best Red: Chambourcin 2010, Best Dessert: Autumn Frost 2010, Best Fruit: McIntosh Run 2011. Together, Port of Leonardtown and Slack won four golds, five silvers and four bronze.

At the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition 2012, Port of Leonardtown competed against 95 wineries from ten states and was awarded two gold, two silver and one bronze medal.

Both wineries use locally grown grapes and offer tastings and tours. Slack Winery, Maryland’s only inn and winery, is located on the property of Woodlawn Farm in Ridge. Port of Leonardtown Winery is located on Route 5 in Leonardtown. 

For more information, visit www.VisitStMarysMd.com or call 301­475­2400 ext. 1404. 

Planning and Zoning Meeting Cancelled

Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Cancelled today. No cases to be heard.  Next meeting will be October 15, 2012 at 4:00 p.m.

A Taste of St. Mary's - Sunday, September 16, 2012

Family Event!

Activities for the kids!

Free entertainment and classic cal' show! Samples of restaurant specialties will be available for purchase! Admission and parking (in designated areas) are free.

Chance to win gift certificates from participating vendors (list of vendors available on www.smcchamber.com).

For more information call the St. Mary's Chamber, 301-737-3001, or email: irifo@smcchamber.com.

Town Council Meeting - Meet the Mayor Tonight

MEET THE MAYOR

Tonight

Share your stories, comments, suggestions, concerns, or just about anything you would like to discuss with Leonardtown’s Mayor, Dan Burris.  

Mayor Burris says that communication is key to keeping Leonardtown an attractive, busy and viable Town and he would like to hear from you on ideas to continue positive growth in a fashion that fits our community’s needs. The best part of living in a small town is the opportunity to work toward enriching each other’s lives and to strengthen the connections of our community.

Schedules can be hectic so Mayor Burris has selected a set time, immediately following the regular Town Council meetings (always the second Monday’s of every month at 4:00 pm) to be available for a half-hour after the meeting.  This is your time to meet the Mayor. 

Keep the lines of communication open, tell your family, friends and business acquaintances to stop in to chat and converse with the Mayor. Get to know the people who serve you and strengthen the trust that you have in their decisions.

All You Can Eat Oyster Roast

Health Share of St. Mary’s is holding a charity All-you-can-eat Oyster Roast on Saturday, October 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. on the waterfront at the home of John and Julie McAllister on Breton Bay in Leonardtown. 

Oysters will be served 4 different ways: Fried, steamed, raw and oyster stew. Crab balls and non-seafood choices are included. 

Proceeds from the event will help lower-income St. Mary’s County residents get lifesaving medical care. Tickets can be purchased at www.TicketDerby.com. Price is $100 per person. This is a rain or shine event. 

Follow Health Share of St. Mary’s on Facebook. Questions? Call Mary Leigh at 301-862-5584 

DOWNTOWN TUNES POSTPONED TO 8/31/12

Due to inclement weather today, Saturday 8/25, and a forecast for more of the same tomorrow, Sunday 8/26, this weekend's Downtown Tunes with GeeZer and Dickie Hammett from Wiskers has been POSTPONED until FRIDAY evening 8/31 from 6 - 9:00 p.m.

So, start off your Labor Day weekend right with your friends, family and a hard-rockin' band and join us for a special FRIDAY NIGHT Downtown Tunes!

Cart Cruz at Leonardtown

2nd Annual Golf Cart Parade - Sunday, October 14, 2012 - 1 pm till 5 pm

Come and enjoy a family fun day with the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department; Oyster Scald, Hot dogs, hamburgers, sodas and beer available for sale, music, raffle and view the Antique Tractors presented by the Southern Maryland Antique Tractor Association.

Trophies awarded one hour after the Parade
Trophies provided by Busy Corner Buggies

For more information contact Roger Mattingly at  301-475-5966 or email rogr69@verizon.net

Registration Fee $10.00 per Golf Cart

Registration at the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department from 10 am to 12:30 pm - 22733 Lawrence Avenue, Leonardtown, MD  20650

All proceeds benefit Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.

Meet the Mayor

Share your stories, comments, suggestions, concerns, or just about anything you would like to discuss with Leonardtown’s Mayor, Dan Burris.  

Mayor Burris says that communication is key to keeping Leonardtown an attractive, busy and viable Town and he would like to hear from you on ideas to continue positive growth in a fashion that fits our community’s needs. The best part of living in a small town is the opportunity to work toward enriching each other’s lives and to strengthen the connections of our community.

Schedules can be hectic so Mayor Burris has selected a set time, immediately following the regular Town Council meetings (always the second Monday’s of every month at 4:00 pm) to be available for a half-hour after the meeting.  This is your time to meet the Mayor. 

Keep the lines of communication open, tell your family, friends and business acquaintances to stop in to chat and converse with the Mayor. Get to know the people who serve you and strengthen the trust that you have in their decisions.

Fall Follies on the Square

Mark your calendars now for a fun time at Fall Follies on the Square, Saturday, September 8, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Find hand-crafted items of all kinds:  jewelry, woodworking, baskets, hand-sewn items, hand-painted pieces, and more!  Also, temporary glitter body art will be available in the afternoon.  New this year is the classic rock'n'roll band GeeZer in the Square from 1 to 3 p.m.

If you would like to participate in the show, you can get more information on their website: www.craftguildshop.com.  Or you can call
301-997-1644 or e-mail craftguildshop@verizon.net.

One Maryland Broadband Network Project

Dear St. Mary’s County Resident:

Over the next several months, contractors for the Maryland Department of Information Technology (DoIT) will be in and around your neighborhood installing fiber optic cable as part of the One Maryland Broadband Network (OMBN) project.  This project is part of a $115 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act t (ARRA) grant awarded to the State of Maryland.  The ARRA grant will connect public schools, libraries, public safety and other government buildings.  The contractors have been instructed to make every effort to ensure their work is completed with minimal inconvenience and disturbance in the State and County rights-of-way.

For more information about the project, please visit:  http://doit.maryland.gov/ombn

For questions, please contact OMBN at:  1-855-876-1804

Thank you for your patience and cooperation in making this a success.

Downtown Tunes Rocks the End of Summer

Saturday evening, August 25th from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. is your last chance to enjoy Downtown Tunes this year.  The 6th season will not leave quietly, though, as  GeeZer and Dickie Hammett from Wiskers rock the night away in the Leonardtown Square. Treat yourself and your family to a good meal, a cool drink and great music at Downtown Tunes.

Sunrise Yoga at the Wharf

Your last opportunity to join the instructors from Evolve Yoga + Wellness for Sunrise Yoga on the Wharf is Saturday morning, August 18^th from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. (weather permitting). The event is free, and all are welcome, but please bring a mat, water bottle, towel and canned food donations to help support the local food banks.

Artists in the Square

This Sunday August 12^th is Second Sunday and the Artists from Leonardtown Arts Center are trying something new!  They will be out and about all over Town Square on Sunday with palettes, easels and drop clothes, sketching, painting and drawing, getting inspired and hopefully inspiring others!  Bring the Kids out for a Family Friendly Sunday stroll through Town and look for the artists, including a caricaturist who just might make your kids into Superheroes!

NOTICE REGARDING LEONARDTOWN PROPERTY TAXES

Most Leonardtown property owners should receive their annual Leonardtown property tax bill during the week of August 6, 2012.  The bill format has been revised from previous years.  If your property taxes are paid out of your mortgage escrow account, please mail a copy of this bill to them.  If not, please review the payment schedules carefully, as there are different options for making payment(s) for many customers.  There are also discounts available for annual payments made in August and September.

If you do not receive a bill by August 10, 2012, your account information had not been finalized by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation prior to this first processing.  A second processing is expected the week of August 20, 2012.  Feel free to call Rebecca Sothoron, Treasurer at 301-475-9791 if you want to check on the status of your account.  

Beach Party on the Square

Get some rest after First Friday, because you’re going to need the energy for great family fun at Leonardtown’s Beach Party on the Square the following day, Saturday, August 4th from 4 – 9:00 p.m. This action-packed event is sure to provide a good time for all! Highlights include the fantastic tunes of The 25th Hour Band, the high-stepping jump ropers of Greenbelt Sity Stars, energetic line-dancing with Pam Veitch, The Daughters of Veda Mid Eastern Dance Troupe, Zumba dance with Robyn Butcher, strolling juggler Philip DePalo, and scientific magic and hands-on experiments with Mad Science! Take the free shuttle to Tudor Hall where you and your children will learn about the culture surrounding the War of 1812 with engaging activities and historical re-enactors.

The fun continues throughout the evening with a tug-of-war in the sand hosted by the College of Southern Maryland, fire truck hose-downs provided by the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department, inflatable Velcro sticky wall and Bungee Football, moon bounce, kids’ sand pit, hula hoop, jump rope and limbo contests, face painting, crafts, informational displays, games, prizes, food and much more! Both for the young and the young-at-heart, is a display of antique cars and classic corvettes. Returning to the Beach Party this year is the Running of the Balls, at 7:00 p.m. on Fenwick Street Hill. Get your prepaid balls from any Leonardtown or Lexington Park Rotary member, at any businesses where you see the Running of the Balls signs, or at the Beach Party event.

If you’re looking for the water slide, it isn’t in the Square this year, it’s been moved to the Leonardtown Wharf to join the kayaks and stand up paddle boats, as well as the new Giant Basketball Hoop. Stroll down the hill or take the Hillside Ride shuttle to enjoy the picturesque scenery on beautiful Breton Bay and talk to Mike McWilliams, a waterman and representative of the National Waterman Heritage Foundation.

Admission to Leonardtown’s "Beach Party" is FREE, but please note that the inflatable Velcro sticky wall and Bungee Football will require wrist bands, which can be purchased for $5 each and allow for unlimited use throughout the event. Food from Town restaurants, as well as local food trucks and non-profit organizations will also be available for purchase.

On Beach Party day, Saturday, August 4th, from 12 Noon until 11:00 p.m. several streets in the downtown Square area will be closed to thru traffic. You are encouraged to park at the College of Southern Maryland and take the free shuttle bus, provided by Carter’s Bus Service, into the downtown area. Leonardtown’s Beach Party on the Square is held in historic downtown Leonardtown in the Town Square, on Washington and Fenwick Streets. This event is sponsored by the Commissioners of Leonardtown and the Leonardtown Business Association.

A special thank you to our Beach Party financial sponsors: Quality Built Homes, Inc., MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, Two Guys Collision Center, College of Southern Maryland, Loiderman Soltesz Associates, Inc., Cedar Point Federal Credit Union, Salsa’s Mexican Café, St. Mary’s Macaroni Kid and a grant from the St. Mary’s County Arts Council and the Maryland Arts Council.

For more information on Leonardtown’s Beach Party on the Square event, contact the Office of the Commissioners of Leonardtown at 301-475-9791 or email us at leonardtown.commissioners@verizon.net. You can also visit Leonardtown on the web at www.leonardtown.somd.com.

August First Friday

Come beat the heat with a weekend of fun in Leonardtown Square! A special First Fridays event on August 3rd from 5 – 8:00 p.m. kicks-off Leonardtown’s Beach Party on the Square event the next day, August 4th from 4 – 9:00 p.m.

On the first Friday of each month, the Leonardtown Business Association celebrates First Fridays from 5 – 8:00 p.m. with a variety of specials offered by our Town businesses in downtown and uptown Leonardtown, the Leonardtown Arts Center, Port of Leonardtown Winery, the Maryland Antiques Center complex, the Shops at Breton Bay and Breton Marketplace.

The August celebration of First Fridays will be a great evening of art, entertainment, food, and special offers. Have a bite to eat with friends and family, buy your raffle tickets before it is too late, and drop off your used cell phones to benefit Hope Phones. Then come to the Square for the live music starting at 6:00 p.m. featuring the talents of Miles from Clever, or just listen to the tunes as you browse from store to store.

Join the crowd in the Square at 7:30 p.m. for the Summertime Raffle Drawing to see who wins First prize - a gorgeous, hand-crafted coffee display table built by artisan carpenter Rob Seltzer of Herring Creek Furniture. Ticket holders are also eligible for a variety of Gift Certificates from local businesses – like Port of Leonardtown Winery, Good Earth Natural Foods, Big Larry’s Comic Book Café, Brewing Grounds, and Fenwick Street Used Books and Music. Summertime Raffle tickets will be on sale through August 3rd at Port of Leonardtown Winery, Fuzzy Farmers Market, North End Gallery, and Fenwick Street Used Books and Music - $1 each or 12 tickets for $10.

For more information on Leonardtown’s August First Fridays contact the Office of the Commissioners of Leonardtown at 301-475-9791 or email us at leonardtown.commissioners@verizon.net. You can also visit First Friday on the web at http://www.leonardtownfirstfridays.com/.

Flash Flood Watch

The National Weather service in Sterling, Virginia has issued a flash flood watch for portions of Maryland...central and Northern Virginia...the eastern panhandle of West Virginia and

Washington DC from noon through 11 pm this evening.

* Widespread rainfall rates of one to two inches per hour can be expected from afternoon and evening thunderstorms.

* Excessive rainfall could cause creeks and streams to rise quickly out of their banks and could flood low-lying and urban areas...particularly those that have had recent significant rainfall.

A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.

Browse http://www.stmarysmd.com/emergency for more information.

Motor Rally to Leonardtown

Motorcycles and Cars

August 17, 2012
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
(Cards must be turned in by 8:00 pm)

(See map for card pickup stops)

Poker Walk with Card Pick-Up at Participating Businesses within Town ($20.00 per hand)

Live Music, Door Prizes, and Raffle

Food and Drink Available

Prizes for High and Low Hand

All proceeds donated to Southern Maryland Vacations for Vets hosted by The Greenwell Foundation at Greenwell State Park
www.greenwellfoundation.org
www.vac4vets.org

Raindate:  August 24, 2012

Contact Jolanda Campbell
301-373-9775
The Greenwell Foundation

Heat Advisory in effect from 11 am to 9 pm Wednesday, July 18

The national weather service in Baltimore MD/Washington has
issued a heat advisory...which is in effect from 11 am to 9 pm Wednesday:

* Heat index values...around 105 degrees*

Precautionary/preparedness actions... 

A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures
is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity
will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible.

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Stay in an air-conditioned room
• Stay out of the sun
• Check on elderly relatives and neighbors
• Wear light weight and loose fittingclothing when possible.
   
• Never leave small children or pets unattended in vehicles.
  Temperatures inside the vehicle can rapidly climb to 130 degrees.
   
• Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside.
  When possible...reschedule strenuous activities to early
  morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat
  exhaustion and heat stroke.
   
• To reduce risk during outdoor work...the occupational safety
  and health administration recommends scheduling frequent
  rest breaks. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool
  and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency - call 9 1 1.

 Browse to http://www.stmarysmd.com/emergency for more information.

First Friday Raffle - August 3, 2012

First Friday Raffle - Friday, August 3, 2012 - http://www.leonardtownfirstfridays.com/

Grand Prize - Artisan Handcrafted Coffee Table created by Rob Seltzer - http://www.herringcreekfurniture.com/  

Tickets are $1 each or $10 for 12 and you need not be present to win

Tickets on sale at these LBA Business

Port of Leonardtown Winery
Fenwick Street Used Books and Music
Fuzzy Farmers Market
North End Gallery

RESCHEDULED - Planning and Zoning Meeting

The Planning and Zoning Meeting schedule for Monday, July 16, 2012 was cancelled due to lack of a Quorum and rescheduled for Monday, July 23, 2012 at 4:00 p.m.

Planning and Zoning Meeting 7/16/12

Planning and Zoning Meeting to be held on Monday, July 16, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. at the Town Office