County government news

Friday, April 17, 2009

On Wednesday, the Maryland Board of Public Works approved $2.6 million to preserve 304 acres in the Mattapany Rural Legacy Area, which is south of Patuxent River Naval Air Station. The land protected belongs to the Sivak family and also preserves 4,410 feet of riparian buffers along a stream that leads to the Chesapeake. The easements are held by the Patuxent Tidewater Land Trust and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The Rural Legacy program has preserved 61,772 acres of land across the state for $181 million.

Stuff a bus with food donations

On Saturday, May 2, residents can donate food to fill up county transit buses for the needy. Buses will be open for donations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Food Lion stores in Charlotte Hall and Callaway, the Giant store in California, McKay's Food and Drug in Leonardtown and Wildewood and the Walmart Supercenter in California. The donations will be delivered to patries and food banks throughout St. Mary's. Donation suggestions are canned goods and nonperishable foods that do not need cooking. Call the human services department at 301-475-4200, ext. 1846 for more information.

Welcome center open daily

The St. Mary's County Welcome Center on southbound Route 5 in Charlotte Hall is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The daily operation will continue until Oct. 31. The center's trained staff can provide information on accommodations and destinations and answer questions. For more information call 301-884-7059.

Sign-ups for classes continue

Registration for spring leisure classes is now open. The classes, which begin in April, include computer classes, sign language, weight management, dog obedience, aerobic boot camp, Turbokick, yoga, dance classes, sea kayaking, tennis, sewing and more. Call 301-475-4200, ext. 1800.