Bring a furry friend Home 4 the Holidays this weekend

Friday, Dec. 11, 2009

It's the time of year when everyone is starting to feel warm and fuzzy, so why not consider adopting something warm and fuzzy this weekend?

The Humane Society of Calvert County has scheduled its annual Home 4 the Holidays adoption event from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at the HSCC Fishing Creek Kennel, located at 2210 Dalrymple Road in Sunderland.

Each year the Humane Society partners with Iams, a pet food company, along with 3,500 other shelters around the world in an effort to find homes for 1.5 million animals.

Laurel Matthews, president of the HSCC, said that last year, Iams and partnering shelters reached that goal despite the economic downturn, and had hopes to reach it again this year. Last year, the Calvert shelter found homes for 15 dogs and five cats during the event.

Currently, the HSCC is home to "upwards of 85 dogs and about 40 cats," Matthews said. This year, the HSCC has found homes for 275 animals.

"Due to the economic situations, it is down a little bit this year, but we [have found homes] for 225 dogs and puppies and 50 cats and kittens," she said.

Matthews said potential adopters can meet the animals this weekend and begin the screening process, as the Humane Society carefully screens families and pets for compatibility, including how well the animal would get along in a home with children or other animals, if a yard needs a fence and if the family could attend to an animal's needs, among other factors.

Although Matthews notes that the adoption fee is $200, she said that fee ensures owners that the animal is up to date on all shots, has been spayed/neutered, and has been checked for heartworms, leukemia and tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme.

Those who are considering paying a visit to the shelter this weekend can preview the pets available for adoption on the Humane Society's Web site at www.humanesocietyofcalvertcounty.org.

In addition to meeting with animals and shelter volunteers, visitors can also enjoy refreshments, compete for door prizes and raffles and purchase homemade pet gifts created by shelter volunteers and the Huntingtown High School Humane Society Club.

For more information, call 410-257-4908.

CMM provides entertainment for holiday break

The holiday school break is near and in addition to all the pressures of the season, parents have to think about what to do with the kids. The Calvert Marine Museum can provide a place for entertainment and a little stealth education.

Wednesday, Dec. 23 — Holiday Ornament Workshop: Join others to make a salt dough ornament, a pine cone ornament or a "punched tin" ornament. Workshops will be ongoing from 1 to 4 p.m. in the classroom. There is a suggested donation of $2 per child. Space is limited; sign-up at the admissions desk to ensure a spot.

Saturday, Dec. 26 — Toys of Olde: Join an interpreter for a special holiday tour of the Drum Point Lighthouse that highlights the life of the children who lived there and their toys. These 30-minute tours will be offered at 11 a.m., 1:30 and 3 p.m. Sign up will be at the admissions desk. Participants will also have an opportunity to try some of the traditional games and toys.

Sunday, Dec. 27 — Gingerbread Lighthouse Workshop: A seasonal favorite. Design and create a gingerbread lighthouse and decorate it. A $2 fee is charged for supplies. Space is limited. Workshops are scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon; 1 to 2 p.m.; and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. No preregistration; sign up at the admissions desk.

Monday, Dec. 28 — Eco-Invaders: Join others for a special interpreter-led tour of the museum's Eco-Invaders exhibit and learn all about these invaders from afar. Featuring the infamous snakehead, participants will learn how these plants and animals were introduced and what can be done about it. This special 15-minute tour every hour on the hour will be from 1 to 4 p.m. And be sure not to miss the Aqua Invaders Game at 2 p.m. in the auditorium, open to all ages.

Tuesday, Dec. 29 — Handling History: Maritime Hall: Those who have visited the museum's Maritime Hall know it has a lot of cool stuff, but it's all behind glass. This is an opportunity to hold, touch and explore some of the museum's maritime artifacts hidden in its Exploration Boxes. Join an interpreter in the Maritime History Hall and dive into history. Tours will start every hour on the hour from 1 to 4 p.m. in the entrance of the Maritime History Hall.

Wednesday, Dec. 30 — Digging Up the Past: Fossils are ancient clues to the past, but reading them requires knowledge. Join an interpreter in the Paleontology Hall to learn the language of ancient bones, teeth and shells. Discover why there are layers in the cliffs, and what amazing creatures roamed these shores millions of years ago. These special 30-minute tours will start every hour on the hour starting at 1 p.m. Sign up at the admissions desk. Also try a hand at preparing real fossils bound in matrix in the classroom at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

The Calvert Marine Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and those with a valid military I.D., and $2 for children ages 5 to 12; children younger than 5 are admitted for free. For a complete listing of museum activities, events and programs, go to www.calvertmarinemuseum.com, or call 410-326-2042, Ext. 41, for more information.

Economic development conducting biz survey

The Calvert County Department of Economic Development is conducting the 2009 Business Survey and is looking for input from county business owners. The survey helps the department learn more about county businesses, offers insight into business concerns and suggests steps that can be taken to provide help.

Data collected from the survey will be used to support local businesses and enhance the programs and services that are currently available. All responses are confidential and the survey only takes a few moments to complete. Final aggregate results will be made available to the public online in late winter 2010. Any Calvert County business owner who wishes to complete the survey may do so online at www.ecalvert.com or by calling 410-535-4583 or 301-855-1880. The deadline for completion is Jan. 15, 2010.

For more information about the department of economic development, visitor sites and attractions and the services available to assist county businesses, call 410-535-4583, 800-331-9771 or 301-855-1880; send an e-mail to info@ecalvert.com; or go to www.ecalvert.com.

Sheriff's office needs help with Toys for Tots campaign

This year, the Calvert County Sheriff's Office is participating in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Each year, this program brings a new toy to needy children throughout Calvert County. The sheriff's office lobby will be a drop off location for the toys. The toys must be new and unwrapped. They will be collected by Dec. 18. Help make a child's Christmas a little more special and bring a new, unwrapped toy to the sheriff's office lobby. For further information, contact Dfc. Michael Naecker at 410-535-2800, or e-mail naeckermp@co.cal.md.us.

What is your winter hobby?

Winter is a time when many of us devote time to favorite indoor hobbies or avocations. What interesting or unique avocations occupy your time during the long winter months? We'd like to know.

Why not drop us an e-mail — perhaps we can do a story together. Send your information to rrenneisen@somdnews.com.

Network provides help

On Nov. 21, Southern Maryland Community Network in partnership with the Chesapeake Cares Food Pantry was able to help 40 of Calvert County's neediest mentally ill consumers receive a Thanksgiving dinner, according to a press release. SMCN assists residents suffering from severe and persistent mental illnesses. Thanks to the help of the Chesapeake Cares Food Pantry, SMCN employees, Reilly Benefits and other community members, people who really needed help providing a Thanksgiving meal for themselves or loved ones were able to do so this year.

Families received a frozen turkey with all of the trimmings and individuals received a single serving plate. Learn more about the group on facebook.com under Southern Maryland Community Network for the latest news and events.

Queen candidate Welch to host New Year's party

Maria Welch, candidate for Calvert County United Way Mardi Gras Queen, will be hosting a New Year's Eve party to benefit United Way on Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at The Elks Lodge, 1015 Dares Beach Road in Prince Frederick. The $60 ticket includes appetizers, New Year's Eve party favors, a raffle ticket for a big screen TV, silent auction, champagne toast at midnight, free hotel shuttle to Marriott Suites and live music by the Cathy Ponton King Band. Drinks will be available for purchase. There is a special $90 room rate at Marriott Suites of Prince Frederick. Call 443-968-3000 and mention code UWNS. All proceeds go to The United Way as votes for Mardi Gras queen candidate Welch.

For New Year's Eve tickets, go to WebStarts.com/ Maria4queen/, or call 410-535-0264.