New guide offers all you need to know about farms

Writer'S NOTEBOOK

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

The guide lists the locations of regional markets in the area that offer the finest and freshest products from Southern Maryland farms. The guide provides market contact information by county as well as hours of operation, individual Web sites and the dates of special market events. A fold-out map helps pinpoint the exact location of each market and a regional harvesting chart shows you when producewill be available at its peak. For restaurants, stores and brokers seeking local produce, the guide also includes the locations of the region's two wholesale produce auction sites.

To view or download the guide, go to www.somarylandsogood.com, or call 301-274-1922 for a list of pick-up sites for print copies.

Patuxent River grants awarded

The Patuxent River Appreciation Days Committee recently announced the awarding of five grants aimed at raising awareness and concern for the productivity of the Patuxent River. The awards were issued to the Patuxent River Sail and Power Squadron, The Southern Maryland Oyster Cultivation Society, Morgan State University Estuarine Research Center, Historic Sotterley, and the Calvert County Master Gardeners, according to a release.

The PRAD committee, through proceeds from its annual October festival, makes grant awards to nonprofit organizations that either provide educational programs or conduct research activities focusing on the Patuxent River or Patuxent River Basin. Awards are made on a competitive basis by the PRAD Inc. board and do not exceed $1,000 per organization in any one year.

Funding for this year's PRAD grants will provide a host of programs to the community in efforts to help educate citizens about how to protect and about the importance of the Patuxent River.

For more information on the PRAD grants or future grant programs, contact Melissa McCormick at 410-326-2042, Ext. 41.

Relay for Life to host dinner

Cancer survivors and those still struggling with the disease are invited to register for Relay for Life's Warriors' and Survivors' Celebration Dinner, to be held Wednesday, June 17, at the Calvert County Fairgrounds in Barstow. Check-in and registration will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the dinner lasting from 6 to 8 p.m., according to a flier.

To register, call the American Cancer Society at 1-888-603-4304.

Next week is Business Appreciation Week

This year, the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Economic Development celebrate Business Appreciation Week from May 4 through 8. The week will feature special events and activities to recognize and thank businesses of all sizes and industries for their contributions to the county's economy and quality of life, according to a release.

This year's theme will focus on the spirit of entrepreneurship and the important role that small businesses play in the local economy.

The week will include special events, workshops and networking activities and personal visits with county business owners by county officials and staff.

Schedule of events

(Note that seating is limited at most events and advanced online registration is required at www.ecalvert.com.)

Monday, May 4

BAW Evening Kick-Off Reception, invitation only, Annmarie Garden, Solomons.

Tuesday, May 5

8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Company site visits with Ambassador Teams, including Calvert County Board of County Commissioners, at various locations.

6 – 8:30 p.m., B2B Power Networking Session: Kevin Hawkins, Director of Government Services Protiviti Inc. and former President/CEO and Co-Founder of Enspier, Inc. "The Entrepreneur's Keys to Success: Drive, Determination and Dedication." Hosted by the Concerned Black Women of Calvert County and the Calvert County Minority Business Alliance (free). The Reid Building, 7994 Solomons Island Rd., Owings.

Wednesday, May 6

6 – 8 p.m., Women's Business Roundtable Networking Event

Co-hosted by the Small Business Development Center (free), College of Southern Maryland, Prince Frederick Campus.

Thursday, May 7

9 – 10:30 a.m., "Why Words are Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool," seminar with Lynne Thorne of Lollipop Copy. (free) Planning Commission Hearing Room, Ground Floor, 205 Duke Street, Prince Frederick.

5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Calvert County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Mixer hosted by Davis, Upton, Palumbo & Keffler, LLC (Fee: $5 for chamber members /$25 for non-members), Prince Frederick.

Friday, May 8

Noon – 4 p.m., Visitor Information Center Drop-In to kick off National Tourism Week (free). Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit one or both of Calvert County's Visitor Information Centers to meet the staff and discover all that is special, new and fun in Calvert County. Fairview Visitor Information Center, 8120 Southern Maryland Boulevard, Owings, or Solomons Visitor Information Center, 14175 Solomons Island Road, Solomons.

For more information on Calvert County's BAW, including updates on planned activities and events, or to learn about the many services the county offers the business community, contact the Calvert County Department of Economic Development at 410-535-4583, 1-800-331-9771 or 301-855-1880; by e-mail at info@ecalvert.com, or on the Web at www.ecalvert.com.

emitrano@somdnews.com