Susan Cleary

If you're looking for something to do Saturday, here are a few ways you can spend September 11th in Calvert County:

Lighthouse Open House - Point Lookout State Park (11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD), 10am - 2pm. Take a self-guided tour of the lighthouse. Volunteers and friends of the lighthouse will be on hand to answer questions. Admission to the lighthouse is free, but admission to get into the park to see the lighthouse is $5 per person for in-state residents and $6 per person for out-of-state residents. For more info, please call 301-872-5688.

Fall Follies on the Square - Leonardtown Square, 10am - 3pm. This arts and crafts festival includes wood carvings, ceramics, stained glass, paintings, jewelry and more. For more info, please call 301-997-1644.

End of Summer Blast Centennial Celebration - 5th Street and Bay Avenue, North Beach, all day. Celebrate the end of summer with games, contests and more.

Leonardtown Wharf Waterfront Celebration - Leonardtown Wharf Public Park (off Washington Street), 12-5pm. Enjoy food and entertainment while watching the sailboat races, viewing the water-related exhibits and maybe take one of the guided tours offered via kayak or canoe.

Woodland Indian Discovery Day - Historic St Mary's City, 10am-5pm. Start out at the HSMC Visitor Center (18751 Hogaboom Lane) to learn about the history of the Woodland Indians and participate in activities the Woodland Indians did as a way of life. Admission is $10 for adults and $3.50 for kids ages 6-12 (free to kids under 6 years of age).

If you are looking for ways to spend September 11th in Calvert County, it looks like there is something for just about anyone.

Susan Cleary is your Southern Maryland real estate specialist

The Maryland Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program was officially launched on April 22, 2010, the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. The program offers rebates for Maryland residents who replace their old, outdated, energy guzzling appliances for newer, more energy efficient Energy Star appliances. The appliances covered previously under this program were refrigerators, washers and water heaters. However, as of July 30th, the appliance rebate program has been expanded in Maryland to include central A/C units, freezers, room air conditioners and air source heat pumps.

The rebates available include: $500 for central A/C units and air source heat pumps, $300 for electric heat pump water heaters, $100 for washers and freezers, $50 for refrigerators and $25 for room air conditioners. The rebates are available only for washers, refrigerators and water heaters purchased and installed on or after April 22, 2010 and on or after July 30, 2010 for the rest. All rebates are available on a "first-come, first-served" basis and will be available while funds last. For more information on Maryland's rebate program, forms and the terms and conditions, please visit the Maryland Energy Administration website.

In addition to the Maryland Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program, many utility companies are offering their own rebates for trading in old appliances for more energy efficient models. You may want to check with your local Southern Maryland utility company to see what programs they offer as well and find out if you qualify for additional funds.

If you are looking to replace your rundown appliance with a brand new Energy Star one, remember that the appliance rebate program has been expanded in Maryland. But hurry, the rebates will only last as long as the funds do. Not only will you be saving money by using less energy and getting a rebate, you will also be helping reduce energy consumption and reducing the strain on the earth's resources. What a gift!

Susan Cleary, your Southern Maryland real estate specialist