Catholic Business Association will hold a luncheon to benefit its scholarship fund from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 23 at Outback Steakhouse at 3020 Crain Highway in Waldorf.

Tickets are $20; children younger than 4 eat for free. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Call Tom Agostinelli at 240-464-1438, David Vaira at 240-427-1040 or Judy Melvin at 301-848-1835 or email cbaofcharlescounty@gmail.com.

Marrick recognized for support of trades programs

The College of Southern Maryland recognized Marrick Homes for support of the college’s trades programs by naming the CSM Center for Trades and Energy Training carpentry lab in the company’s honor.

“We can’t tell you enough what your donations have meant to our students and the college. It’s not just the tuition — it’s someone saying ‘we believe in you’,” said CSM President Brad Gottfried in a news release.

Gottfried said that federal funds available to students taking credit courses to advance their careers, are not available for noncredit trades courses.

“Support from Marrick Homes can offset the funds it requires for students to take the courses necessary for certification,” Gottfried said.

Marrick Homes has donated more than $280,000 to CSM, including a $100,000 endowment for scholarships to students in trades programs.

“In these times we’ve had to concentrate on programs where our community support can make the greatest impact — the College of Southern Maryland’s presence in all three counties is identical to Marrick’s footprint,” said Marrick Homes Vice President Rick Bailey Jr. in the releasse. “In addition to providing the skills training to students, CSM provides people skills training. Students leave here prepared to work on the job, and they’ll know how to talk to customers — that’s huge.”

Another factor in Marrick’s decision to support trades programs at CSM is the enthusiasm of CTET’s director, Frank Guertler, said Bailey.

“Frank knows what employers want and he makes sure students leave here with those skills.” Bailey said.

With more than 35 years in the construction business, that included management of several $100 million projects, Guertler oversees CTET’s carpentry, electrical, HVAC, welding and plumbing programs.

Center hosted food drive

The Rehabilitation Center of Southern Maryland held a weeklong food drive earlier last month.

Local food banks are experiencing a food shortage and the center wanted to lend a helping hand, said Kelli Godfrey, marketing and public relations director at the Waldorf center.

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