Bonnie Augostino

The local economy is a concern in every city, town and village through out the nation because our economy, no matter where we reside, is local.

Everyone is talking about the economy. In Calvert County we do more than talk, we take action.

The Southern Region Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is hosting a workshop, at no cost, to local area business owners. The "Sustaining Profit and Position in a Changing Economy" workshop will be held this Thursday (October 23) at the Prince Frederick Holiday Inn Express from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The workshop is being sponsored by the SBDC and the Calvert County Department of Economic Development. The focus of the workshop is local retail and restaurant businesses and how they can meet the challenges they are facing in the current economic marketplace

Topics will include:
~ Recapturing the market share when discretionary income is declining
~ Re-examining business priorities and best practices
~ Reassessing opportunities focusing on financial and operational issues
~ Revitalizing sales and services

If you are a local business owner in the South Maryland area, I would encourage you to participate in this free and important workshop. If you are thinking of opening a business this workshop should definitely be on your appointment calendar.

As an aside, remember that, Famous Amos became famous in a very severe recession. Calvert County 's local businesses can become "famous", leading the nation, with good business practices and sound business principals which will translate into a very sound local economy.

To register for the workshop:
Phone: 301-934-7583
E-mail Maria Dorsett at mdorsett@csmd.edu
Website: www.sbdchelp.com.

Two of the many blessings that we can be thankful for in Maryland are the oyster industry and the farms that helped this state to become rich in many ways; from home-grown values to the very basic blessing of providing for our families. Southern Maryland will be celebrating and commemorating several events in the next few weeks.

This week-end (October 4th and 5th) Maryland will celebrate the "Blessing of the Fleet" which will be held at the St. Clement's Island Museum Grounds in Colton's Point. 2008 marks the 41st anniversary of this very gala affair. The Blessing of the Fleet is a dual fold event.

It is firstly, a religious observance that asks for God's blessing on the boats which will be going to sea in search of the nutritious and wonderful tasting oyster during the oyster harvesting season.

Secondly, the event celebrates and memorializes the birthplace of Maryland, St. Clement's Island.

The Blessing of the Fleet will begin on Saturday, at 7 p.m., followed by a spectacular fireworks display. There will be many fun-filled attractions for everyone of every age. Be sure to visit the newly reconstructed Cross on St. Clement's Island and the Blackistone Lighthouse.

The Fleet has been blessed and now the oyster industry needs to be celebrated. The celebration will be held on October 18th and 19th, the Annual Oyster Festival (St. Mary's Fairgrounds). There is lots of fun to be had at this event and, of course, there will be an oyster shucking contest as well as the National Oyster Cook-off. The shucking contest will be a free-for-all, followed by a men's contest and women's contest. The winners of the Men and Women's competition will challenge each other later in the day.

The Oyster Festival is truly family oriented with everything from musical entertainment (from Jazz to Celtic), pony rides, a carnival (for the child in all of us) and roving clowns. Of course, no festival is complete without great food. Hmm, wonder what's on the menu?

In keeping with the celebration of Maryland's beginning and its many blessings, the Parlett Family will be hosting its 11th annual Farm-Life Festival. On a few rare occasions a year, the Parlett Family opens its 60,000 farm-life museum to the public. October 11th and 12th will be one of those times.

John K. Parlett, Sr, was one of the rare individuals who wanted to share the American farmer's history with generations to come. With the help of his wife, Kitty, he collected many wonderful and some rare artifacts of Maryland and America's rural farming community. His collection is one of the finest in the country.

Whether you are city-bred or country-bred, whether you are young or old, the Farm-Life Festival is a place for everyone to enjoy another fun-filled day and to learn to appreciate the country farmer, who became a model for the world.

How much fun can you have in one month? Well, if you attend these three events you are sure to find out. Of course, the younger set will outdo us of the more mature types by topping off the month when they don the images of their favorite hero, villain or goblin with threats of Trick-o-Treat on Halloween night. Ohh, to be a kid again.

Note: The Blessing of the Fleet and the celebration of Maryland's beginnings was was founded by Father John J. Madigan of Holy Angels Church (Avenue, MD) and The 7th District Optimist Club.

Oyster Related Websites:
Oyster Cook Books
Maryland Oysters-Recipes
Oyster Restoration in Maryland
Sea Grant Maryland

Farming Relatd Websites:
Maryland Organic Food & Farming Association (MOFFA)
Keeping "Open Space" Open
Community/Agriculture, Farming, Produce, and ArgiTourism ...

This is a very fun weekend in Calvert County and for all of Southern Maryland. Tomorrow is the official opening of the Calvert County Fair. On Thursday (9/25), the world-famed Bread and Puppet Theater opens at St. Mary's College.

I am quite proud of the fact that the Calvert County Fair is not only a fun and educational event, but also cares for the needs of our Calvert County residents. The 122nd Calvert County Fair will open Wednesday evening with a special "Feed The Needy Night" Entrance fee is only $1.00 or a can donation (14oz or larger). The main gate will open at 4 p.m.

On Thursday (9/25), the fair will sponsor a free admission and lunch for seniors and the handicapped. Free admission hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. with lunch served at noon.

On Friday (9/26), Calvert County schools will close so that all the children may participate in the Calvert County Fair's Youth Day.

One event you may not want to miss is the appearance of the former Redskins' Pat Fischer and Ron McDole, who will be signing autographs on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will even be an appearance by Elvis (Joe Godbold). Other events and demonstrations include a baby contest, a prince and princess contest, pie-eating, wood carving, an antique tractor pull and so much more.

Calvert County's Fair has long roots dating back to 1886. In 1940, the all volunteer Fair Board was established. The goal of the Calvert County Fair is to provide agricultural education, promote local farming and historic preservation.

In St. Mary's City, the campus of St. Mary's College will become the playground of giant puppets when the world famous Bread and Puppet Theater returns. This event is a combination of workshops, theatrical performance, circus and free bread. The event will conclude with an outdoor performance at 2 p.m. on Saturday (9/27) which is free to the public. The free bread is served to remind those attending that the theater and art is the "bread of life".

The New York Times has named the Bread and Puppet Theater a "living national treasure" and The Christian Science Monitor is quoted as saying: "To live in America and never see the Bread and Puppet Theater perform is like living in Egypt and never seeing the pyramids." The troupe has received many awards and is internationally recognized.

It is the combination of the gathering of local talent and the traveling theater troupe that makes this such a marvelous event. In just two short days after attending the workshops and intense rehearsals, the locals and the troupe give their all in the legendary performance of "The Sourdough Philosophy Circus".

The local community and college students are invited to become involved in the various workshops and performance. Workshops include puppeteering, music and masked dancing. For information on participating in the workshops and/or seeing the performance you can attend an orientation on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

The Bread and Puppet theater is quite magical, but the troupe is known for its politically radical view points. So, attend at "your own risk". The shows use dancing, music and old-fashioned slapstick comedy to communicate their point of view.

Maryland is working to be smart for generations to come.

With the recent rise in food prices, gas at the pumps and energy-related items, sustainable living has come to the forefront as a priority issue for many states and individuals. People are buying hybrid cars and planting drought-resistant gardens. States are looking for renewable energy sources and smart growth options.

Have you ever wanted to make or influence decisions that could affect generations to come? And, in turn have those generations look back and say thank you for the smart decisions that you made? Well, now you can!

The State of Maryland has made future growth and how to grow a top priority. In January 2008, Maryland's Planning Department formed the Task Force on the Future for Growth and Development in Maryland. The aim of the 21 member task force is to study smart growth and land usage.

The Task Force on the Future for Growth and Development in Maryland wants your opinion. Listening Sessions have been scheduled throughout the state. You are invited to attend the town hall style meetings which will be held in the evenings at 6:30 p.m. Your opinions matter. So, please plan to participate. Discussions will include: smart sustainable growth and a healthy environment, smart regional development, smart growth and transportation, smart growth and schools, as well as historic preservation. Community leaders will moderate the Listening sessions.

The Task Force after studying these topics and more will be formulating a report which is to be submitted to the Planning Department on December 1, 2008. Upon completion of the report the Task Force will continue to serve as an advisory board to the Governor's Smart Growth Subcabinet.

Schedule and Locations:
Monday, September 22nd at MDP Office in Baltimore, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 15th at MDP Office in Baltimore, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday, October 27th at MDP Office in Baltimore, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 12th at MDP Office in Baltimore, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday, November 24th, (Location TBA if needed)

Note: schedule is subject to change, please check with the Task Force website.

Related Article:
Political History of Maryland's Smart Growth Initiative
Securing Maryland's Economic Future

You can smile in Calvert County while sipping a worthy glass of wine by the bay when you support your local Boys and Girls Club as well as the SMILE Food Pantry.

This Saturday (Sept. 13 at 5 p.m.), The Bayside Boys and Girls Club in North Beach will have the Chesapeake Bay sparkling with their third annual event.

"Sparkle by the Bay" is a fundraiser that entertains guests with a bit of jazz while they enjoy a taste of Maryland red and white wines. This event combines local art, soft jazz, wine tasting, and a buffet on the North Beach Boardwalk, overing looks the bay.

The work of local artisans featuring jewelry, wine glasses and oil painting will be available to purchase. There will also be a silent auction for many and varied items.

Tickets are $50, a $25 savings over last year's event. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the function. All the funds raised will benefit the local children of Calvert County's Bayside Boys and Girls Club.

Participating wineries include: Boordy's Winery, Prince Frederick winery, Running Hare Winery, Solomons Islands Winery, and Woodhall Wine Cellars of Parkton. Bay Wine and Spirits of North Beach will once again be setting up and keeping everything running smoothly.

To purchase advance tickets call 410-326-2200, or via the website: www.bbgcsm.net.

SMILE and the whole world smiles with you. Well, maybe not the whole world, but at least 900 families as well as the volunteers of the SMILE Ecumenical Ministries food program.

Currently, the cupboards for the pantry are a little bare and your help is needed to fill them. The Maryland Food Bank generally donates large quantities of food, but unfortunately, the food bank has not been able to send food for several weeks.

The pantry stocks all essential kitchen items and even stocks back-to-school items for school age children. A back-to-school packet contains loose-leaf paper, two folders, pens and pencils. The pantry shelves also include personal toiletry items.

Along with the staples they receive, customers are encouraged to let the staff know if there is a particular item they are in need of or running out of.

The pantry works to keep its shelves stocked through proceeds from their thrift shop sales. The community participates with food drives by local churches, schools, businesses and individual donations. Food Lion donates perishable foods and the Feed the Hungry Program supplies venison donated by local hunters. Food products, personal hygiene and monetary donations are always welcomed.

To contact SMILE for more information or to donate just call 410-326-0009. You may also visit their website: http://www.smileinc.org