Images Charles County, MD: 2011

BLUE CRABSMEET BARBECUE

Restaurants offer diversity

PLACES TO GO,PEOPLE TO SEE

Cultural attractions abound

TechnicallySpeaking

Business, tech sectors grow

What’s Online Tour Mt. Carmel – the oldest Carmelite monastery in the U.S.

SPOnSOREd By ThE ChARLES COUnTy ChAMBER Of COMMERCE

2011 | iMAGESChARLESCOUnTy.COM

®

ChARLES COUnTy, MARyLAnd

http://imagescharlescounty.com

http://imagescharlescounty.com

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2 ChaRles Count y imagesChaRlesCount y.Com 3

What’s Online imagescharlescounty.com

BLUE CRABSMEET BARBECUE

Restaurants offer diversity

PLACES TO GO,PEOPLE TO SEE

Cultural attractions abound

TechnicallySpeaking

Business, tech sectors grow

What’s Online Tour Mt. Carmel – the oldest Carmelite monastery in the U.S.

SPOnSOREd By ThE ChARLES COUnTy ChAMBER Of COMMERCE

2011 | iMAGESChARLESCOUnTy.COM

®


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PROjECT MAnAGER Courtney Seiter

PROOfREAdinG MAnAGER raven Petty

COnTEnT COORdinATOR JeSSiCa Walker

STAff WRiTER kevin litWin

COPy EdiTORS liSa BattleS, Jill Wyatt

COnTRiBUTinG WRiTERS anne Gillem,

laura Hill, Joe morriS, JeSSiCa mozo,

CarSon o’SHoney, CHriS ruSSell

MEdiA TEChnOLOGy diRECTOR CHriStina Carden

SEniOR GRAPhiC dESiGnERS laura GallaGHer,

JeSSiCa manner, Janine maryland, kriS Sexton,

CandiCe SWeet, vikki WilliamS

MEdiA TEChnOLOGy AnALySTS CHandra BradSHaW,

lanCe Conzett, miCHele niCCore, marCuS Snyder

PhOTOGRAPhy diRECTOR Jeffrey S. otto

SEniOR PhOTOGRAPhERS Jeff adkinS, Brian mcCord

STAff PhOTOGRAPhERS todd Bennett, antony BoSHier

WEB COnTEnT MAnAGERS JoHn Hood, kim madlom

WEB PROjECT MAnAGER noy fonGnaly

WEB dESiGn diRECTOR franCo SCaramuzza

WEB dESiGnER leiGH Guarin

WEB dESiGnER ii riCHard StevenS

WEB dEvELOPER i yamel Hall

Ad PROdUCTiOn MAnAGER katie middendorf

Ad TRAffiC ASSiSTAnTS kryStin lemmon, PatriCia moiSan

i.T. diRECTOR yanCey Bond

i.T. SUPPORT TEChniCiAn Bryan forieSt

REGiOnAL SALES MAnAGER CHriS SWeeney

SALES SUPPORT/COMMUniTy, BUSinESS, CUSTOM

raCHael GoldSBerry

SEniOR ACCOUnTAnT liSa oWenS

ACCOUnTS PAyABLE COORdinATOR maria mcfarland

ACCOUnTS RECEivABLE COORdinATOR diana Guzman

OffiCE MAnAGER/ACCOUnTS RECEivABLE

COORdinATOR SHelly miller

inTEGRATEd MEdiA MAnAGER david moSkovitz

SALES SUPPORT MAnAGER Cindy Hall

COLOR iMAGinG TEChniCiAn aliSon Hunter

ChAiRMAn GreG tHurman

PRESidEnT/PUBLiShER BoB SCHWartzman

ExECUTivE viCE PRESidEnT ray lanGen

SEniOR v.P./SALES todd Potter, Carla tHurman

SEniOR v.P./OPERATiOnS CaSey HeSter

SEniOR v.P./CLiEnT dEvELOPMEnT Jeff Heefner

SEniOR v.P./BUSinESS dEvELOPMEnT SCott temPleton

v.P./ExTERnAL COMMUniCATiOnS teree CarutHerS

v.P./CUSTOM PUBLiShinG kim HolmBerG

v.P./viSUAL COnTEnT mark foreSter

v.P./COnTEnT OPERATiOnS nataSHa lorenS

v.P./SALES CHarleS fitzGiBBon,

HerB HarPer, Jarek SWekoSky

COnTROLLER CHriS dudley

COnTEnT diRECTOR/TRAvEL PUBLiCATiOnS

SuSan CHaPPell

COnTEnT diRECTOR/BUSinESS PUBLiCATiOnS

Bill mcmeekin

MARkETinG CREATivE diRECTOR keitH HarriS

diSTRiBUTiOn diRECTOR Gary SmitH

ExECUTivE SECRETARy kriSty dunCan

hUMAn RESOURCES MAnAGER PeGGy Blake

RECEPTiOniST linda BiSHoP

Images Charles County is published annually by Journal Communications inc. and is distributed

through the Charles County Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses.

for advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact

Journal Communications inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by e-mail at [email protected].

fOR MORE infORMATiOn, COnTACT:Charles County Chamber of Commerce

101 Centennial Street, Suite a, laPlata, md 20646Phone: (301) 932-6500 • fax: (301) 932-3945

www.charlescountychamber.org

viSiT Images Charles County OnLinE AT iMAGESChARLESCOUnTy.COM

©Copyright 2011 Journal Communications inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, franklin, tn 37067,

(615) 771-0080. all rights reserved. no portion of this magazine may be reproduced

in whole or in part without written consent.

member the association of magazine media

member Custom Content Council

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On ThE COvER Photo by Brian mcCord fairview Center Business Park in White Plains

departments

4 Almanac

16 Biz Briefs

18 Chamber Report

19 Economic Profile

20 image Gallery

28 Education

30 Sports & Recreation

32 health & Wellness

35 Community Profile

36 Photo Blog

2011 EdiTiOn | vOLUME 10


®

cOntents

Features

8 SChOOL Of ThOUGhTCharles County schools go high-tech in their approach.

12 TEChniCALLy SPEAkinGBusiness, tech sectors grow.

24 BLUE CRABS MEET BARBECUErestaurants offer diversity.

26 PLACES TO GO,PEOPLE TO SEECultural attractions abound.

24

8all or part of this magazine is printed on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

please recycle this magazine

anniversaryissue

10th


Welcome to Charles Countyan intRoduCtion to the aRea’s people, plaCes and events

Honoring Heritagethe african american Heritage Society of Charles County is undergoing a $400,000 renovation

of its Heritage House museum, and is scheduled to be completed in 2011. the museum opened in

1999 in la Plata to house an extensive collection of african-american artifacts. the pieces and

documents reflect the struggle of the slaves who lived in Charles County, and include handmade

tools, dolls, furniture, clothing and kitchen utensils.

Prime location

Charles County is in

the south central portion of

maryland, and is within close

proximity of several large

communities. the county is

part of the Washington, d.C.

metropolitan area, and

motorists have an easy

drive to Baltimore 54 miles

away, and richmond, va.

89 miles away.

an odd geography

statistic: in the western

wing of Charles County

along the southernmost

bend in maryland route

224, the county contains

a rare instance where

the traveler is due north,

east, south and west of

the same state – virginia.


Fast Factsn Charles County is among the 25 wealthiest counties in the country, according to Forbes magazine. it ranked 21st in Forbes’ 2010 list, based on u.s. Census data from 2008.

n Charles County is made up of 10 communities – Benedict, Bryantown, Cobb island, indian head, la plata, marshall hall, nanjemoy, popes Creek, port tobacco and Waldorf.

n port tobacco first existed as the native american settlement of potopaco. it was colonized by the english in 1634 and was once the state’s second-largest town.

n Charles County has 150 miles of shoreline, with the potomac River on the west and the patuxent River on its eastern edge.

n in 1776, Charles County resident thomas stone signed the declaration of independence. other prominent Revolutionary War statesmen John hanson and gen. William smallwood were also residents of the county.

in the Swingif golf is your bag, Charles County is a good place to be.

Waldorf is home to atlantic Golf at Potomac ridge, while

White Plains features White Plains Golf Course. la Plata is home

to Hawthorne Country Club, while indian Head houses the

naval Surface Warfare Center Golf Course. meanwhile,

courses in neighboring areas include Wicomico

Shores Golf Course in mechanicsville and

the national Golf Club in fort Washington.

animal friendlyCharles County is a pet-friendly community,

with the humane society of Charles County providing care and shelter for lost, abused or abandoned pets. the nonprofit organization also sponsors low-cost spay, neuter and vaccination clinics, and public humane education seminars. the county is also home to a nice dog park facility at turkey hill park. dogs are allowed to run off the leash within the enclosed, fenced area, and the park is open from dawn to dusk.

almanac

imagesChaRlesCount y.Com 7

http://www.heritagegreenmd.com/


MARYLANDMARYLAND

VIRGINIA

MARYLANDD

6

5

6

301

CHARLESLa Plata

Waldorf

St. Charles

Washington, D.C.ingtoingtoon529529

Hughesville

Indian Head

Port TobaccoVillage

Bryantown

Cobb Island

POPULATiOn (2009 ESTiMATE)Charles County: 142,226

LOCATiOnCharles County is in Southern maryland,

23 miles south of Washington, d.C.,

54 miles south of Baltimore and

89 miles north of richmond, va.

BEGinninGSCharles County was formed in 1658

by an order in Council in england

and named for Charles Calvert,

the third Baron of Baltimore.

fOR MORE infORMATiOnCharles County Chamber of Commerce

101 Centennial Street, Suite a

la Plata, md 20646

Phone: (301) 932-6500

fax: (301) 932-3945 www.charlescountychamber.org

charles county at a glance

What’s Online Take a virtual tour of Charles County, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imagescharlescounty.com. Charles County

Specialty of the HouseCharles County has an abundance of home options, from waterfront

properties and townhomes to farmettes and communities with lots of

1, 2 and 3 acres. Homes in Charles County are moderately priced in

comparison to other maryland or northern virginia counties, and

they offer conveniences such as shopping and great schools nearby.

the average price of a home in Southern maryland is approximately

$375,000, though homes come in all price ranges, sizes and styles.

Green Scenea family of four can keep

more than a ton of material out

of landfills every year, and Charles

County is asking its residents to

help make a difference. Curbside

collection is now available in most

Charles County neighborhoods.

yard waste is collected by a

separate truck from april through

december, and residents can also

fill personal blue recycling bins

with aluminum and tin cans, glass

bottles and jars, and plastic bottles

and jugs. the Charles County

curbside collection program

accepts recyclable items

at no charge.


Sta

ff

PH

ot

o

8 ChaRles Count y

Charles County is “schooling” the others, as you might say.

Combining cutting-edge technology, a wide array of

courses and partnerships designed to help students with their lives and careers, Charles County’s education-first commitment is second to none.

Maryland STEM Portfolio Project

Charles County is one of only five counties in the state to receive a grant for the prestigious Maryland STEM Portfolio Project (science, technology, engineering and math), which gives teachers model lessons in problem-based learning using electronic portfolios. Teachers who participate in this program receive a laundry list of tools and training to assist them in instructing their students.

Educators receive a personal laptop, f lip cameras, thumb drives for 30 students, GPS units for classroom use, mounted projectors and classroom Smart Boards, which are interactive whiteboards that display PC images through a projector. The projector puts a computer’s video output onto the Smart Board, which then becomes

CHarleS County SCHoolS Go HiGH-teCH in tHeir aPProaCH

ThoughTStory By ChRiS RUSSELL

Left: students put technology to work at north point high school in Waldorf. Right: College of southern maryland students

School of


10 ChaRles Count y

Bottom photos By BRian mcCoRd


a big touch screen, like many handheld devices that people carry today.

Using this technology, teachers incorporate different types of software to come up with their own STEM-based lessons, which can then be shared with other classrooms around the state.

high School of new heightsSt. Charles High School, which is

scheduled to open off of Piney Church Road in August 2013, is sure to raise a few eyebrows and drop a few jaws upon completion.

The 285,000-square-foot high school will feature a digital classroom with stadium seating. Television screens with four times the resolution of a high-definition TV, three-dimensional graphics and surround sound will enhance students’ learning

experiences about everything from the Great Pyramids to the human heart.

Response pads and hands-on use of technology will allow St. Charles High School students to engage and interact with the teacher during a lesson and the multiuse dome theater will even function as a planetarium.

“A digital classroom will help inspire and capture imagination and creativity. If the school system is going to successfully provide students 21st century skills, learning opportunities must extend beyond what is in the classroom today,” says Superintendent of Schools James E. Richmond.

“Using only lecture and drill to teach is no longer always effective, and incorporating technology and hands-on experiences are ways to remove learning barriers for children. The digital

classroom places students in realistic environments and provides ways for students to respond and interact.”

College of Southern Maryland

The College of Southern Maryland offers more than 100 programs of study in areas such as defense, energy, hospitality and construction careers.

New partnership agreements are opening doors for College of Southern Maryland students. Those who qualify for co-op education positions at the nearby Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) or Indian Head Naval Surface Warfare Center (IHNSWC) can also receive tuition support from the Navy and work at Navy installations when classes aren’t in session.

For more, visit www.csmd.edu.

the College of southern maryland offers students learning opportunities inside the classroom and out, from athletics (bottom left) to ceramic sculpture classes (bottom middle) to graphic design classes (bottom right) and much more.

12 ChaRles Count y imagesChaRlesCount y.Com 13 12 ChaRles Count y


With a stable economic climate, a capable workforce, an expanding airport and a giant technology park in the works, Charles County is poised for dramatic

economic growth in the next few years.Today, more than 25 percent of county residents have at

least a bachelor’s degree, and together they enjoy more than an $86,000 annual income – figures any county could boast about. But an estimated 60 percent of Charles County residents commute each day to work as much as an hour and a half away – and that’s something local government and businesses want to change.

“Charles County is a hot spot for new business,” says Harry Shasho of Shasho Consulting, a White Plains, Md., real estate firm. “We have ready-to-build commercial and industrial lots with water and sewer, move-in ready office space, business and industrial parks ready to go. People are discovering Charles County.”

Besides its well-educated workforce, he points out,

CHarleS County WelComeS a GroWinG BuSineSS and teCHnoloGy SCene

Keeping

Story By LAURA hiLL

commutershome

Real estate firm shasho Consulting has plenty to offer businesses relocating to Charles County. PHoto By Brian mcCord

the county offers a much shorter “reverse” commute from the Washington area, which has not only economic but quality-of-life benefits – most folks, he points out, would rather spend time with their kids than driving.

indian head Tech Park to Bring jobs, Revenue

While the county already enjoys a stable mix of high-tech and light industrial business, the new Indian Head Science and Technology Park will be a jewel in Charles County’s crown, keeping workers close to home, adding taxes to the county’s coffers, and creating job

“Charles County is a hot

spot for new business.”

14 ChaRles Count y

staff photo

photo By BRian mcCoRd


opportunities for the county’s young people. The 269-acre park near the Indian Head Naval Base is a

partnership between county government and a joint venture of the Facchina Group of Companies and Corporate Office Properties Trust. When completed, sometime in the next 15 years or so, it will offer 1.3 million square feet of office, research and employment space. The park will also be home to the Energetics Technology Center, whose clients include the Department of Defense, NASA and private businesses.

“We’re hoping to get government contractors into the park, large contractors in support of the defense industry, as well as smaller high-tech companies,” says Charles McPherson, COO of the Facchina Group of Companies, which is overseeing development of the park. “Having a park tied into the base at Indian Head we hope will make the base more viable.”

The park, which developers plan to be an environmentally

sensitive LEED Silver project, will be sited adjacent to Chapman’s State Park, stretching from Route 210 to Route 24 across from the Maryland Airport.

Expanding Maryland Airport a Boon for Business

Complementing the new park, the airport itself is undergoing a $30 million expansion that will include a new 4,300-foot runway, ramps and taxiways. The improvements, along with the airport’s proximity to the new technology park, the D.C. area and the Indian Head base, are expected to lure larger businesses to Charles County.

“Our housing is very affordable, we have a minor league baseball team, ice skating rinks, top schools, a pro-business attitude and a AAA bond rating,” Shasho says. “Charles County is ready for you.”

Below: the maryland airport is undergoing a $30 million expansion to accommodate larger businesses. Left: housing in Charles County is affordable and convenient to local shopping, dining and entertainment.


Biz BriefsBusinesses – Both laRge and small – that help define

ChaRles County’s eConomiC Climate

CROWn TROPhyBiz: Award productsBuzz: Crown Trophy has franchises throughout the U.S., and has grown into the largest retailer of award and recognition products in the country. Its focus is working with sports leagues, youth groups, clubs, schools and organizations to provide custom-made trophies, plaques and more. There is also a department devoted solely to new product development.www.crowntrophy.com

scorecardBUSinESS AT

A GLAnCE

$1.9 billionAnnual retail sales

$15,130Retail sales

per capita

$173 millionAnnual hotel

and food sales

9,619Total number

of firms

source: u.s. Census QuickFacts


MAREdiTh MAnAGEMEnTBiz: Property managementBuzz: Maredith Management was established in 2001 with a mission to provide professional management services, and many of its clients are homeowner associations, condominium owners and office management firms. The Waldorf company has more than 60 clients and tailors its services based on the various stages of development for its clientele. www.maredithmgmt.com

ShAShO COnSULTinGBiz: Commercial real estateBuzz: Owner Harry Shasho has more than 20 years of experience in real estate brokerage, and he bills himself as being proficient at getting tough projects through. His company has sold or leased more than $400 million in properties, and today he specializes in consulting and developing office, retail and industrial properties. www.shasho.com

fACChinA COnSTRUCTiOn CO.Biz: Real estate developerBuzz: Facchina Construction Company serves Charles County and the entire Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, providing a variety of construction services. The company also supplies products for heavy highway jobs, concrete framing, site development and commercial building projects. Facchina prides itself at tackling some of the most difficult jobs in the region.www.facchina.com

ASkEy, ASkEy & ASSOCiATESBiz: Accounting/tax prepBuzz: The certified public accounting firm has offices in La Plata and in St. Mary’s County, and the goal is to assist clients in making their businesses grow. Besides accounting and tax preparation, the company specializes in several other business growth initiatives that help clients maximize wealth. Those services include business evaluations, auditing, training seminars and more.www.aaacpa.com

Other Information: Vital records • Employment • Environmental health services

Public health preparedness & response services

4545 Crain Hwy. • White Plains, MD 20695 • (301) 609-6900 FAX (301) 934-4632 • TTY (800) 735-2258 • www.charlescountyhealth.org

Hours of operation: 8 am-5 pm (some programs may include evening hours)

Public HealtH ServiceSfor the community

• Health• Healthinsurance• Immunizations• Communicabledisease• Developmentaldisability• Healthystart• Infants&toddlers• Schoolhealth• Substanceabuse• Mentalhealth• WIC• Dentalservices

child & adolescent Services• Familyplanning• Mentalhealth• Developmentaldisability• Communicabledisease• Substanceabuse• Personalcare• Adultevaluation• Pregnantwomenhealthinsurance• Cancerscreening• AIDS/HIV• Dentalservices• SmokingCessation

adult Services

http://www.charlescountyhealth.org/

http://www.mdbank.com/

18 ChaRles Count y

chamber reportChaRles County ChamBeR looks to inCRease memBeRship

ken Gould Jr. used to be in the restaurant game and knows

the importance of business growth. Now, he wants to grow the chamber.

The executive director with the Charles County Chamber of Commerce says a key goal in 2011 will be membership growth. A private company was even contracted to

oversee a membership drive beginning in February 2011.

“A bigger chamber means a bigger business community,” Gould says. “In addition, potential new companies looking to locate to an area are attracted to vibrant economic regions. The larger the chamber gets, the more value it can provide to members.”

Breakfasts and LunchesThe Charles County Chamber, which

was established in 1956, currently has 700 members. Approximately 80 percent are small business members, and Gould says the chamber wants to provide smarter networking opportunities for small business owners and managers in 2011.

“In this tough economy, many small business owners are putting in more hours, which means less time for networking opportunities at chamber events,” he says. “To remedy this a bit, the chamber is now hosting monthly breakfasts and lunches to go along with our long-standing evening mixers. This gives people a monthly opportunity to hopefully have breakfast or lunch for an hour or 90 minutes and chat with other business professionals in Charles County.”

Big Bang for the BuckGould adds that being a chamber

member in 2011 is still the best way to promote and advertise a business on a year-round basis.

“Through our website directory, Images magazine and by other means, consumers find out about our members and what their businesses are all about,” he says. “This chamber gives its membership the biggest bang for their buck, and studies show that consumers are most trusting of businesses that belong to the local chamber.”

voice That Gets heardGould also points out that the

Charles County Chamber has a strong legislative committee that meets from January to April, to coincide with the annual legislative session in Annapolis.

“We also work closely with local governments – our chamber has a voice that gets heard,” he says. “It all comes down to service and value. I am very familiar with the importance of customer service and value from my days in the restaurant business, so service and value is how I try to run this chamber.”

– Kevin Litwin

https://www.twsb.com/


BUSinESS CLiMATEalthough agriculture remains an important part of the local

economy, Charles County has a diverse private sector, with

strong technology, international business and tourism sectors.

ECOnOMiC PROfiLE

STAMP OUT BREAST CANCERWITH YOUR FEET.

This space is provided as a public service. ©2008 Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Learn more about the Komen Race for the Cure

by visiting www.komen.org or calling 1-877 GO KOMEN.

Free Estimates • Woman Owned & Managed

Termite Inspections & Treatments

Pest Control

Residential & Commercial

Rodent Control

Septic Certifications & Well Test

Vapor Barriers

Serving Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s and Southern PG Counties

Toll-free: (877) 303-6200 (301) 609-9300 • (410) 257-0057

LaPlata, MD • MD License #26844

TAx STRUCTURE

2-6.25%income tax Range

6%total sales tax

ExPEndiTURE

$71,567average annual

household expenditure

TRAnSPORTATiOn

amtrak

www.amtrak.com

amtrak locations nearest to

la Plata include the alexandria

station within 20 miles at 110

Callahan dr., alexandria, va.,

and union Station within 40

miles at 50 massachusetts

ave., Washington, d.C.

metropolitan Washington

airports authority

1 aviation Cir.

Washington, dC 20001-6000

(703) 417-8600

www.metwashairports.com

nearest airports from

la Plata include Baltimore/

Washington international

thurgood marshall airport

(BWi, about 46 miles), ronald

reagan Washington national

airport (dCa, about 23 miles)

and Washington dulles

international airport

(iad, about 43 miles).

vango

8190 Port tobacco rd.

Port tobacco, md 20677

(301) 934-9305

www.charlescounty.org/

cs/vango/

vanGo is a countywide transportation system that offers public transportation routes that operate on fixed schedules and more specialized transportation services for people unable to utilize the public transportation system.

MAjOR EMPLOyERS

naval support facility (nsf) 3,472 employees

College of southern maryland 1,090 employees

Civista medical Center 805 employees

Wal-mart/sam’s Club 674 employees

facchina Construction 480 employees

target 467 employees

Reliable Contracting 420 employees

southern maryland electric Coop. (smeCo) 379 employees

southern maryland oil/ Wills group 377 employees

genesis healthCare 320 employees

http://ww5.komen.org/

20 ChaRles Count y

image Gallery

What’s Online Visit imagescharlescounty.com to see more award-winning photography highlighting the places and people in Charles County.



Skating the Indian Head Rail Trail in White Plains

Photo by Todd Bennett


Chilean sea bass served at The Crossing in La Plata

Staff Photo


Fishing pier in Indian Head

Staff Photo

imagesChaRlesCount y.Com 25 24 ChaRles Count y

local flavor

excellent seafood is one of maryland’s trademarks, and Charles County certainly delivers in the dining spectrum. you can find signature dishes such as steamed blue crab and maryland crab cakes at local seafood restaurants, as well as barbecue, ethnic cuisine and family-friendly fare. farm-fresh meats and produce are also easy to access in Charles County, thanks to the la Plata and Waldorf farmers markets.

Blue crab meets BarbecueChaRles County dining sCene offeRs Wide vaRiety

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seaFOOd – a maryland traditiOn

the family-owned Captain

John’s Crab House & marina on

Cobb island is a local institution

that has been serving fresh-caught

seafood since 1963. Some of

Captain John’s most popular dishes

include blue crab, alaskan snow

crab and steamed shrimp. Captain

Billy’s Crab House in newburg is

another tasty dining destination,

offering outdoor dining on a

waterfront deck. the featured

seafood platter at Captain Billy’s

consists of fried crab cakes,

flounder, oysters, scallops and

shrimp. also located in newburg,

Gilligan’s Pier Seafood &

Steakhouse is popular for its

tuesday evening all-you-can-eat

crab legs and shrimp, and

Wednesday evening is prime

rib night. diners can also relax

on Gilligan’s backyard beach

and watch the sun set while

sipping a piña colada at the

restaurant’s tiki bar.

internatiOnal delights

Savory Chinese cuisine is on

the menu at Benny’s Chinese

restaurant in White Plains and

Hunan Star Chinese restaurant

in la Plata. Hunan Star is a

longstanding favorite with ethnic

food lovers and features a buffet

with traditional Chinese favorites

such as General tso’s chicken,

fried rice, and hunan shrimp

and chicken. at loredo’s mexican

restaurant & lounge in White

Plains, customers come back time

and again for handmade burritos,

guacamole, tacos and enchiladas,

as well as margaritas and fried ice

cream. loredo’s also specializes in

steaks and seafood.

american FavOritesone of Charles County’s best

breakfast spots is marie’s family

restaurant in la Plata. Home-

style biscuits and gravy, eggs

cooked to order, fluffy pancakes

and flavorful ham slices are

popular breakfast choices. marie’s

also features daily lunch and

dinner specials such as prime rib.

family-owned lefty’s Barbecue

unlimited inc. has been serving

meats slow-cooked over a hickory

wood fire in Waldorf since 1989.

menu favorites include lefty’s

fried Wing dings, battered

wings served with the restaurant’s

signature barbecue sauce, and

platters piled high with seasoned

beef brisket, ribs smothered with

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sauce, chicken and pork chops.

Johnny Boy ribs is another local

favorite that has been using

the same authentic barbecue

technique to cook ribs since 1961.

the la Plata restaurant is both

a carryout rib shack and an eat-in

restaurant, and it is most famous

for its open pit cooking method

and secret sauce developed by

mama Sophie. in Hughesville,

randy’s ribs & Barbecue offers

roadside dining at its best.

there’s almost always a line at

the window for randy’s barbecue

sandwiches and platters, and

the barbecue shack is known for

catering unforgettable luaus and

wedding dinners featuring whole

pig roasts. – Jessica Mozo

Right: pork barbecue sandwich from Johnny Boy Ribs in la plata Left: Captain John’s Crab house & marina B

ria

n m

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or

d

What’s Online Hungry for more? Sink your teeth into other stories about Charles County’s local flavor in the food section at imagescharlescounty.com.


thomas stone house staff photo


arts & Culture

history buffs and artistic personalities are in heaven in charles county, thanks to the area’s rich heritage and deep appreciation for the arts. Historic attractions abound in the area, which traces its roots back to 1658. in la Plata, the african-american Heritage Society museum houses 17th-century artifacts and documents from the slavery era. nearby Port tobacco is the original home of the indian village of Potopaco, and it offers tours of a one-room schoolhouse and reconstructed courthouse saluting its 1600s heyday. Port tobacco was also the home of thomas Stone, a lawyer and politician who signed the declaration of independence. tourists can explore the thomas Stone national Historic Site, Stone’s sprawling estate that includes a tobacco plantation, Colonial mansion and 19th-century farm buildings.

places to go, people to seeChaRles County oveRfloWs With CultuRal attRaCtions


dive intO the artsCommunity theater thrives

in Charles County, with groups

such as the Port tobacco Players

and the Hard Bargain Players

entertaining audiences in la Plata

and accokeek. the Black Box

theatre at the indian Head Center

for the arts is another venue

with regularly sold-out events,

featuring music, theater and

open mic performances. the

Charles County arts alliance

helps strengthen the area

arts community by promoting

nonprofit arts agencies through

its weekly newsletter that

provides information about

upcoming arts activities. formed

in 1987, the Charles County arts

alliance also sponsors river

artsfest, a popular annual festival

held on the village Green in indian

Head. the day-long event features

musicians, artists and performers

from all over maryland, and

attracts 2,000 visitors each year.

mOre histOric gemsthe small town of Benedict

played a big role in america’s struggle for independence. during the War of 1812, British troops landed in Benedict, marched to Washington, d.C. and burned the city. one of the best-known stories among locals is that of dr. Samuel a. mudd, who was thrust into the national spotlight when he mended the leg of assassin John Wilkes Booth the day after Booth shot President abraham lincoln. mudd was sentenced to life in prison, but was pardoned by President andrew Johnson in 1869. visitors can tour the dr. Samuel a. mudd House museum. maryland is home to some of our nation’s oldest churches, including the site of the first roman Catholic mass celebrated in english-speaking america. today, these historic sites and buildings can be seen on a self-guided driving tour along the religious freedom Byway.

– Jessica Mozo

http://www.ccplonline.org/

students at the College of southern maryland


education

ask any charles county parents what attracted them to the area, and they’ll likely mention the quality of the county’s public schools. “Parents are attracted to Charles County Public Schools because of our proven success and dedication to working with all children to help them reach their potential,” says katherine o’malley-Simpson, coordinating supervisor for media relations and communications for Charles County Public Schools.

an a+ for educationCounty offeRs exCellent eduCation oppoRtunities foR all ages


Can you imagine …a world without children?

We Can’t.Call 1-800-996-4100 to help.

www.stjude.org

Keeping taBs On technOlOgy

Charles County Public Schools

is known for using technology to

enhance communication efforts,

as well as instruction. Schools

offer wireless internet access

for students and staff, and the

advancement of a rigorous

science, technology, engineering

and mathematics program keeps

the school system moving

forward. north Point High School

for Science, technology and

industry is one example, providing

state-of-the-art equipment,

classrooms, training and

instruction in career fields.

the school system plans to

infuse the same new technology

into its older schools and improve

offerings at all high schools,

including a new high school

that will contain a digital

classroom and focus on natural

resources management and

environmental technology.

higher educatiOnthe College of Southern

maryland has four campuses in

Charles, Calvert and St. mary’s

counties, and a total enrollment

of more than 22,000 students.

founded in 1958, CSm offers

more than 130 programs of

study, including associate’s

degree, certificate, online and

continuing education programs.

CSm students can even earn

a four-year degree through

partnerships with other colleges

and universities. in 2008, CSm

was put at the forefront of Charles

County’s thriving energy industry

when it rolled out a new center

for technology and engineering

education. the center for

engineering, funded with a

$1 million federal grant, acts as

a provider of skilled labor and

a site for ongoing employee

training and development.

– Jessica Mozo

http://www.faccina.com/

http://www.faccina.com/


Sports & recreation

charles county is a rapidly growing area that still enjoys the benefits of being one of the most forested places in the state. this environment provides residents and tourists alike with a plethora of wonderful outdoor activities. adventurers of all kinds are drawn to the area for its fun cycling and hiking, along with more rare opportunities like canoeing past the mallows Bay ship graveyard.

Water recreatiOnCharles County is surrounded

by the Potomac, Patuxent and

Wicomico rivers, making it a

mecca for boating, fishing and

just about any other water

recreation out there. the Potomac

river is recognized as a world-class

place to fish for large mouth bass,

and is also full of blue catfish and

stripers. the waters in Charles

County are populated with

rowboats, kayaks, paddleboats,

canoes and fishing boats. the

rivers are open to those looking to

explore on their own, but visitors

can also take guided tours of the

waterways. those looking for an

extra special day on the river can

paddle to mallows Bay, home to

the largest shipwrecked fleet

in the Western Hemisphere.

approximately 150 abandoned

World War i ships have been

there, partially submerged in

the bay, since 1920. While the

gorgeous and haunting sight is

only accessible by canoe or kayak,

it is still a major attraction to

the area, and will soon have

a neighboring park that will

make access easier than ever.

parKsCharles County’s many state and

local parks are filled with natural

beauty and attract more than

500,000 tourists every year.

Hiking and biking options are

plentiful, from the indian Head

rail trail, an old railway renovated

into a handicap-accessible paved

walkway, to maxwell Hall Park,

which has a 14-mile trail open

to hikers and horseback riders.

Speaking of horses, Waldorf’s

frederick Hall equestrian Services

ship shape recreation OptionsChaRles County state and loCal paRks dRaW thousands

What’s Online Go to imagescharlescounty.com and click on “recreation” to read more about Charles County’s sports and recreational activities.

friendship landing

Sta

ff

PH

ot

oS



Authorized fActory sAles & service

Residential • CommeRCial

(301) 645-7071 or (301) 843-0300

6 Irongate Dr. • Waldorf

otter Heating & electric, inc.

Air Conditioning SpecialistsPHeating & air Conditioning

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geotHermal Heat PumPs

celebrating Our 53rd anniversary

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• Complimentary high-speedInternet

Southern Maryland Hospitality at Its BestBest Western La Plata Inn

6900CrainHwy.,Rte.301LaPlata,MD20646(301)934-4900•(877)356-4900 www.laplatainn.com

Soon to be a Best Western PLUS!

spOrtsthe Southern maryland Blue

Crabs is the newest team in the

atlantic league of Professional

Baseball, a league independent

of major league Baseball that

has hosted a number of notable

former and future mlB players.

the team immediately found a

solid audience in Charles County.

the fan base established

themselves as “Crustacean

nation,” and remain loyal and

excited by their hometown team.

Golf also plays a big part in the

county. White Plains Golf Course

at White Plains regional Park

stays true to its claim of being

“a public course with the playing

conditions of a private course.”

three other courses provide

locals with a variety of options,

including Potomac ridge Golf

Course, Hawthorne Country Club

and Swan Point Country Club.

– Carson O’Shoney

southern maryland Blue Crabs

provides boarding services and

horseback riding lessons, and

also serves as a sanctuary for

abandoned horses. Charles

County is also a destination for

bird lovers. the county contains

one of the largest populations of

bald eagles in the nation. many of

the county parks, like Cobb island,

friendship landing and Popes

Creek, are popular bird watching

areas, and visitors annually come

to the nanjemoy Creek Great Blue

Heron Sanctuary, where nearly

2,500 great blue herons return

to their traditional nesting site.

http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=21029&disablenav=true


Health & Wellness

civista health system is equipped to serve its patients well thanks to its strong commitment to its facilities, technology and personnel. the system includes the medical center in la Plata, Civista Women’s Health Center, Civista Surgery Center and Civista oB/Gyn associates, providing health care for Charles County and the surrounding area.

health meets techCivista mediCal CenteR has stRong Commitment to teChnology


civista medical centerCivista medical Center, a 120-bed hospital,

underwent a major expansion in recent years,

doubling its size and increasing services.

Civista began that $82 million renovation in 2005.

improvements included adding a much larger

emergency department, coronary care unit,

four-story tower, new operating and minor-

procedures rooms, and more. future growth has

been factored into the mix, with the new south

tower designed in such a way that another floor

can be added. in addition, all rooms can be

converted to accommodate more patients

in the event of a community disaster.

in recent years, Civista has implemented PaCS,

a picture archiving communications system giving

medical personnel immediate access to images

that were formerly stored on film. in fall 2009,

Civista went live with its electronic medication

administration records, followed by a computerized

physician order entry in spring 2010.

all the physical improvements wouldn’t mean

much without a high-quality staff, and Civista has

put programs in place to ensure that its people

are as dependable as its facilities. these programs

include a service-excellence program, in which all

employees participate in customer-service training.

the program is designed to reward and recognize

employees who are providing the highest level of

service to patients and their families. By involving

everyone from administrators on down, the program

has created a culture that’s resulting in good

community feedback and excellent patient

satisfaction scores.

the hospital’s aggressive growth and expansion

have led to improved physician and support

staff recruiting as well, which allow for new

services and programs, such as physician

lecture programs.

nOnprOFits aid cOmmunitythe Southern maryland area also is served by a

variety of nonprofit organizations focused on better

health and opportunities for all.

the Center for Children in la Plata provides

comprehensive mental health services to children

and their families and is the largest provider of children’s

mental health services in Southern maryland.

the Charles County nursing and rehabilitation

Center works to rehabilitate patients with a focus on

recovery and independence, with specialized care

including alzheimer’s and dementia care, short- and

long-term care, and day services for adults in need

of supervised medical day care.

melwood and Spring dell Center, inc. both are

dedicated to serving people with intellectual and

developmental disabilities by providing support and

opportunities for the quality of life they desire within

their community.

and both the Charles County chapter of the red

Cross and the united Way of Charles County work to

improve the Charles County community’s health and

wellness in many ways.

– Anne Gillem and Joe Morris

coming soon: charles county hospice house

Construction is under way for a much-needed hospice house in Charles County. Located on Davis Road in Waldorf, the Hospice House is easily accessible for Charles County residents and will provide a comfortable, worry-free environment for patients with terminal illnesses. For more information or to donate to the Hospice House campaign, visit www.charlescountyhospicehouse.com.

http://www.ccnrc.org/


Town of Indian Head“On the Move”

A quaint, rural community on a peninsula formed by the Potomac River and the Mattawoman CreekA small-town atmosphere – 20 minutes from the Capital BeltwayIndian Head – Washington DC – So near – So differentAdjacent to the Naval Surfaces Warfare CenterA variety of recreational and water amenitiesNew quality water access housingGrowing community – “Watch our progress”Great business opportunities

For more information, contact

the Town Hall at:

(301) 743-5511

www.townofindianhead.org

(301) 934-9505(301) 932-1774 (301) 934-8331

Five Miles South of La Plata Eight Miles North of Harry Nice Bridge

25 Miles South of D.C. Beltway Near Maryland

International Raceway

Air Conditioned • Satellite TV

Wireless Internet • Direct-Dial Telephones

Swimming Pool • Grill & Picnic Areas

Microwaves & Refrigerators

Secured Parking for Bass Boaters & Racers

American Owned and Operated

“All the Comforts of Home”

www.belaltonmotel.com

9295 Crain Hwy. (Route 301) Bel Alton, Maryland

http://www.townofindianhead.org/

http://www.belaltonmotel.com/

http://www.epa.gov/radon/


SnAPShOTCharles County, the hidden gem of Southern maryland for

350 years, has a rich abundance of history, culture and outdoor

activities. it offers easy access to Washington, d.C., and quality

education and health care.

COMMUniTy PROfiLE

visit ouradvertisersArrow American Pest Controlwww.arrowamericanpest.com

Best Western LaPlata Innwww.laplatainn.com

Charles County Department of Healthwww.charlescountyhealth.org

Charles County Nursing Rehabilitation Centerwww.ccnrc.com

Charles County Public Librarywww.ccplonline.org

Civista Healthwww.civista.org

Facchina Constructionwww.facchina.com

GP Homeswww.gphomesusa.com

Maryland Bank & Trust Companywww.mdbank.com

Motel Bel Altonwww.belaltonmotel.com

Potter Heating & Electric Inc.www.potterheatingandelectricinc.com

Residence Inn Marriottwww.residenceinn.com/marriott

Southern Maryland Electric Cooperativewww.smeco.coop

Spirit of America Car Washwww.spiritofamericacarwash.com

Suburban Propanewww.suburbanpropane.com

The Washington Savings Bankwww.twsb.com

Town of Indian Headwww.townofindianhead.org

United Way of Charles Countywww.unitedwaycharles.org

CLiMATE

Summers in Charles County

are generally hot and humid

with occasional thunderstorms.

Winters are generally mild

with variable precipitation.

86 Fsummer high temperature

26 FWinter low temperature

44”annual Rain fall (vs. national average annual Rain fall of 37”)

TiME zOnE

eastern

SizE in SqUARE MiLES

643hOUSEhOLd infORMATiOn

142,226total population

37median Resident age

56%married

44%single

28%age 19 and under

48%age 20-54

24%age 55 and over

55%White

34%Black

3%hispanic

8%other

COST Of LivinG

$78,264median household income

$375,000average home price

$1,434median Rent for a two-Bedroom apartment

36 ChaRles Count y

through the lens

on one of my recent trips,

i found myself about 30 miles

southeast of Washington, d.C.,

in Charles County, md.

as you drive through Charles

County, you come across a lot of

historic churches. i couldn’t turn

a corner without coming across

a church as old as our country,

if not older.

for instance, St. ignatius Church

in Port tobacco was founded in

1641 and is the oldest Catholic

Parish in continuous service in

the united States. the church

and cemetery are beautiful

among themselves, but the

church’s founders could not have

found a more picturesque setting.

St. ignatius sits on a hill overlooking

the Port tobacco river, in a

perfect position to catch the

evening glow of the setting sun.

FrOm Our phOtO BlOg: charles cOunty

PoSted By todd Bennett

more Online See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at imagescharlescounty.com.

Christ Church St. ignatius Church

now that you’ve experienced charles county through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. visit imagescharlescounty.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.

get the story Behind the photo



United Way of Charles County

Partnering to supply the building blocks

for a good life.

(301) 609-4844www.unitedwaycharles.org

Accokeek FoundationAlice Ferguson Foundation/

Hard Bargain FarmAlternatives for Youth

and FamiliesArc of Southern Maryland

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maryland

Boy Scouts of America, National Capital Area Council

Catherine Foundation Pregnancy Care Center

Catholic CharitiesCenter for Abused Persons

Center for ChildrenCharles County

Children’s Aid SocietyCharles County

Cooperative Ministry on AgingCharles County Crime Solvers

Charles County Freedom LandingCharles County HARC

Charles County Literacy CouncilChristmas in April* Charles County

Community Support SystemsCompassionate Friends

Southern Maryland ChapterGirl Scout Council

of the Nation’s CapitalGreater Baden Medical Services

Health PartnersHospice of Charles County

Humane Society of Charles CountyThe Jude House

Legal Aid BureauLions Camp Merrick

Maryland Foundation for Quality Healthcare

MelwoodNational Multiple Sclerosis

Society – National Capital ChapterThe Promise Resource Center

Senior Services of Charles CountySouthern Maryland Tri-County Community Action CommitteeSpecial Olympics Maryland,

Charles CountySpring Dell Center

Tri-County Youth Services Bureau

Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.(Please call for winter hours.)

Steve Roof, Owner • Grallian Harbough, General Manager3921 St. Charles Pkwy. • Waldorf, MD 20602

(301) 638-WASH (9274) • (301) 638-9275 Fax

www.spiritofamericacarwash.com

http://www.spiritofamericacarwash.com/

http://www.suburbanpropane.com/

http://www.unitedwaycharles.org/

Ad Index 19 arroW ameriCan PeSt Control

31 BeSt WeStern laPlata inn

17 CHarleS County dePartment of HealtH

33 CHarleS County nurSinG reHaBilitation Center

27 CHarleS County PuBliC liBrary

C4 CiviSta HealtH

29 faCCHina ConStruCtion

6 GP HomeS

17 maryland Bank & truSt ComPany

34 motel Bel alton

31 Potter HeatinG & eleCtriC inC.

C2 reSidenCe inn marriott

1 SoutHern maryland eleCtriC CooPerative

37 SPirit of ameriCa Car WaSH

37 SuBurBan ProPane

18 tHe WaSHinGton SavinGS Bank

34 toWn of indian Head

37 united Way of CHarleS County

http://www.civista.org/index.cfm?CFID=4279636&CFTOKEN=10702020

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