New guidelines for funding new septic systems for eligible homeowners have been approved by the Calvert Board of County Commissioners. The grants are funds which are available for homeowners to replace failing septic systems. In the past, all homeowners in environmentally sensitive areas, the Mill Creek watershed and areas 1,000 feet from tidal wetlands or shorelines received priority consideration. Under the new guidelines, homes that have been assessed at less than $250,000 and/or are occupied throughout the year will now receive priority.
The funds for the grants to Maryland homeowners are received from the Bay Restoration Fund. This year, Calvert County received $1.6 million in funds for the program. Available funds will pay for about 95 new systems. 125 homeowners have applied for a grant.
Failing septic systems cause approximately 25% of the nitrogen pollution in Calvert County's waterways. In the Mill Creek area, that figure doubles. Nitrogen from failing septic systems can seep into the waterways. This seepage causes algae blooms, which kill off fish and other water dependent life.
The funds for the Bay Restoration Fund are received from the "flush tax". The "flush tax" was imposed to help programs which protect the Chesapeake Bay and is tributaries. Homeowners on sewer pay a monthly sewer fee. Homeowners with septic systems pay a yearly assessment fee. The "flush tax" monies are collected by the county and given to State of Maryland. The state then distributes the funds to various projects that lower nitrogen discharge. As well as assisting homeowners replacing failing septic systems, monies are also directed to farmers which plant cover crops; the cover crops reduce nutrient runoff into the waterways.
For more information on this and any help with your South Maryland real estate, please feel free to contact me.
Saturday, February 28th is "Maryland Tax Day". The special "Maryland Tax Day" is not for paying taxes but is an opportunity for low to middle-income Maryland residents to receive free assistance with their federal and state income tax preparation. The IRS, the AARP Foundation and the state of Maryland have partnered together to offer free income tax assistance at 170 locations. February 28th was designated "Maryland Tax Day" so that residents would be able to take advantage of the free service on that Saturday. Specially trained volunteers will provide help with basic tax forms: 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ and other standardized forms. These volunteers have been trained so that you will receive all the tax credits and deductions you would receive at a paid tax service. Electronic filing is available.
There are two locations in the Southern Maryland area offering the free Saturday tax preparation service. The Richard Clark Senior Center (1210 Charles Street) in La Plata, St. Charles County, will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Leonardtown Library (23250 Hollywood Road) in Leonardtown, St. Mary's County, will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free service will be offered through April 15th on weekdays. Times and locations vary, so please check their site for availability. You can receive help from the Tax-Aide service online or by phone as well as visiting any of their physical locations. If the Saturday hours or locations are not convenient for you, please access the Tax Aide website for a complete list of the locations offering the free service.
AARP Tax-Aide Program
For Information call: 1-888-227-7669
Online information: www.aarp.org/taxaide
Search for the nearest location to you: https://locator.aarp.org/vmis/sites/tax_aide_locator_adv.jsp
If you are a homeowner, you must complete the Homestead Tax Credit application in order to be eligible for the Homestead Tax Credit. If you have filed previously, then you are still eligible for the tax credit and do not need to file again. However, if your primary residence has changed, you are a new property owner or have never filed for the tax credit, then you need to do so.
Completing the application may save you money on your property assessment tax bill. In 2007, the State of Maryland passed the Homestead Tax Credit law. The law places a limit on the amount property taxes may increase each year. The law was designed to help homeowners, so the property must be your principle residence.
If you have not received or filed an application, you can download the form at the Homestead Tax Credit Division webpage. You may also complete the application online. You just need your real property account number and the access number assigned by the Maryland’s Department of Assessments and Taxation
If you have questions regarding your tax assessment or feel that it is incorrect, you can appeal the assessment by contacting your local assessor’s office. You can also file an appeal online at the Online Real Property Assessment Appeal Form webpage. Appeals must be made no later than February 13, 2009.
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
Tax Bills: (410) 222-1144
Anne Arundel County Citizens Information Center
CALVERT COUNTY
Phone: (410) 535-1600 x 2272
Calvert County Home Page
CHARLES COUNTY
Tax Information: (301) 645-0686
Charles County Home Page
ST. MARY'S COUNTY
Phone: (301) 475-4472
St. Mary's County Home Page
Southern Maryland real estate
Homes for sale in Southern Maryland
Southern Maryland Realtor® Bonnie Augostino
Leisa Tobler, a resident of Huntingtown did not win the lottery but she did win a beach house in Florida . Leisa participated and won a contest sponsored by MyHomeIdeas.com. The beach house is located in the Florida panhandle's town of Port St. Joe .
Although, Leisa and her family are the lucky winners of a new home, on the beach, a paradise to some, they have chosen to remain in Huntingtown to raise their family. The Toblers appreciate the great school system Calvert County offers their children.
I think their decision to stay right here at home, is a real testimony for the quality of our Calvert County school system, our wonderful community in Huntingtown, and the benefits of living in Southern Maryland.
Congratulations! Leisa.
Wine growing is the new agricultural industry in Maryland . In reality, wine has a long history in the State of Maryland dating back to 1647.
Maryland wines may have always been a part of our history, but it is only recently that wine production is emerging as a full fledged industry with vineyards replacing the old tobacco fields.
Calvert County is already home to three wineries. St Mary's County will be home to Maryland's newest winery, The Port of Leonardtown Winery, opening this summer in Leonardtown.
The Leonardtown winery is unique because it is owned and operated by a co-op of wine growers in the 
Southern Maryland region. The Southern Maryland Wine Growers Cooperative will grow the grapes, oversee production and the operation of the winery.
Although the winery is scheduled to open this summer in time for the vineyards to bring their grapes to the winery for processing, the sale of these wines will not be available until next year (2010). Production is expected to output about six thousand gallons of wine.
The Port of Leonardtown winery is offering a unique experience and opportunity for sixty-two fortunate people. Sixty-two barrels, each containing a gallon of wine will be sold to donors. The cost of the barrels will be around the $1000 mark. The donor's name will be placed on the barrel. During the fermenting process the donors will be allowed to come inside the winery at various intervals and taste their wine thoughout the process.
The Southern Maryland Wine Growers Cooperative plans to open their winery in an old renovated State Highway Administration garage, located on the bank of the McIntosh Run. The new winery is supported by both the town of Leonardtown , who donated the land for the project and county government. They have budgeted $496,500 for the adventure.
The southern plain of Maryland is well suited for certain types of grape varieties. The counties of Calvert , St. Mary's, Prince George 's and Anne Arundel experience hot and dry summers similar to the grape growing regions of Southern Italy and the Mediterranean .
The old tobacco farms will soon be a thing of the past. Maryland 's 10-year buyout will end in 2010. It is hoped that the farms will not all become future subdivisions, but that vineyards will replace the tobacco fields. The Southern Maryland Wine Growers Cooperative plans to implement a recruitment program to help make this a reality.
Here is a toast to Maryland and to the new Maryland wine industry.
Calvert County Wineries:
Here is an excellent site to learn all about Maryland wines, wineries, wine festivals and more: Wine is Growing in Maryland
State of Maryland 's Wine Growers Association: Maryland Grape Growers and Wineries Association (SMGGWA)
Whether you are buying or selling property in Southern Maryland, Bonnie Augostino provides seamless customer service throughout the real estate process.
Featured Properties Quality Built Homes
I joined the US Navy at 18 and served for six years. I was in Naval Communications and was surprised at my good fortune to be stationed in Naples, Italy. I explored Italy's treasures from Milan to Sicily, thoroughly enjoying the people, the food and the culture. My parents came to visit and we found the town and the very house my Grandparents left so many years before. We also discovered many distant relatives that we were unaware of.
After three years, I was off to London, England. I had unbelievable duty stations, met wonderful people and saw sites and places that I had never imagined. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Navy and I took advantage of the opportunity to travel about while in Europe.
After my Naval service, I was offered a job here in the Washington DC area. I worked as a Navy Contractor with Validity Corporation and with Computer Science Corporation. I traveled extensively to several Naval Installations around the world installing new communications equipment and software and training Sailors on its use.
Once I left the Navy and could stay in one place for a little while, I purchased my first purebred Himalayan cat. I had seen one in a magazine and had always wanted one. One thing led to another and I became involved with breeding Himalayan and Persian cats and became very involved with the cat show community.
After eight years as a Navy Contractor, I decided on an exciting new career change. In 1988, I became a licensed Realtor® and began a new full-time career. My cat show weekends were replaced by assisting Clients and Customers in their search for a new home. I stopped breeding and showing cats in 1994 and dedicated my time to my new business of assisting Buyers and Sellers in finding their dream home.
I have been a resident of Huntingtown for the last 22 years and currently live with my boyfriend and two lop-eared bunnies. I enjoy my family and friends, both two-legged and four, traveling, entertaining, gardening, reading and knowing that I have been providing my clients with exceptional real estate services for the past 20 years. I currently represent Quality Built Homes, Inc., a large Builder of fine homes in Southern Maryland and continue to list and sell Residential properties, as well. I have found my niche here in Southern Maryland. Let me assist you in finding yours.
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