Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works approval of recreational projects in Allegany, Baltimore, Caroline, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Washington, Worcester Counties and Baltimore City through local side Program Open Space and the Community Parks and Playgrounds Program.

“These dedicated programs and funding sources allow us to continue to provide accessible recreational opportunities that are close to home for Maryland’s working families,” said Governor O’Malley. “Increasing the availability of safe outdoor spaces for children also helps instill values of awareness and responsibility in our next generation of stewards.”

Today the Board of Public Works approved the following local-side Program Open Space and Community Parks and Playgrounds projects:

Allegany County – Midland will receive $114,000 to install ballfield lighting, construct a volleyball court, and install bleachers for use at the soccer and little league field at Baker Memorial Park. The Town will also plant trees along George’s Creek to create a buffer that will help stabilize the stream bank and provide shade for park patrons.

“Installation of lights on the softball field and construction of a volleyball court will continue the transformation of an old ball field that dates to 1901 into one of the premier parks in Allegany County,” said Mayor Craig Alexander.

Baltimore County will receive $1,009,933 to develop two athletic fields, a multi-use path system, two picnic pavilions, a storage building, and related park improvements at Sweet Air Park.

“This project is designed to offer the kind of amenities that the people of Jacksonville need while offering access to the beautiful land that has come to define northern Baltimore County in Sweet Air Park,” said Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith. “This park represents the latest addition to our County’s park inventory. Only half of Sweet Air Park’s 32 acres was disturbed during the project’s development. The rest of the land remains in its open, natural and predominately wooded state. Since the new Jacksonville Recreation and Senior Center facility is located in Sweet Air Park, outdoor recreational opportunities like the park’s paved pathways are now available for residents of any age to use and enjoy.”

Caroline County – Federalsburg will receive $90,000 to upgrade the electrical service at the tennis courts and skateboard park at Chambers Park.

Cecil County – Port Deposit will receive $154,000 to develop a public restroom for park users at Marina Park.

Charles County will receive $364,750 to acquire 74.95 acres in the Bryans Road/Indian Head corridor. This area is an important population center in Charles County and has been targeted for many years as a location in need of a regional park facility. The property will satisfy both active and passive recreational demands in the western portion of the county and will provide the opportunity for future trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and athletic fields.

Frederick County –
# Myersville will receive $12,000 to construct a public restroom within the existing pavilion for park users at Doub’s Meadow Park. There are currently no permanent public restrooms located on the east side of the park.

# Woodsboro will receive $84,000 to re-establish approximately six acres of seasonal wetland in a portion of the flood plain adjacent to Israel Creek at Woodsboro Regional Park. Native species of grass, shrubs, and trees will be planted. In addition, the project will develop 10 exercise stations along the existing walking and jogging paths throughout the park as well as re-grade and install a retaining wall at the existing soccer field.

Garrett County –
# Oakland will receive $16,000 to upgrade the gymnasium floor and lighting at the Oakland Armory.

# Deer Park will receive $75,000 to construct a restroom at Deer Park. There are currently no public restrooms located within the park, which consists of a playground area, basketball court, and a pavilion.

Washington County – Funkstown will receive $36,450 to renovate two existing tennis courts with a new surface, netting, fencing, and lighting.

Worcester County – Ocean City will receive $75,000 to replace the existing playground at Robin Park with a new state-of-the-art playground that conforms to the Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines for commercial playgrounds and American with Disabilities Act accessibility using a bonded rubber or comparable safety surface. The playground will be designed for children ages 5 through 12.

“With the support of the Department of Natural Resources through the Community Parks & Playgrounds Program, Ocean City will be able to revitalize Robin Park,” said Mayor Meehan. “By restoring a neighborhood park, complete with an ADA accessible playground, the facility will provide opportunities for families and visitors to gather, exercise, and improve their personal health. Given these uncertain and lean economic times, the Town of Ocean City’s Robin Park project would not be possible without the Community Parks & Playgrounds grant award.”;

Baltimore City will receive $200,000 to replace hazardous playground equipment with equipment consistent with National Playground Safety Standards and the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition, the project will install benches, fencing, and paths to improve site accessibility.

Since 2007, Governor O’Malley and the BPW preserved more than 29,182 acres of natural areas for public recreation and watershed and wildlife protection across Maryland. Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for acquisition of 349,908 acres for open space and recreation areas. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded Program Open Space.

The three-member Board of Public Works is comprised of Governor O’Malley (chair), Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. The BPW is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurement actions.

Join local author David Healey at several upcoming Cecil County Public Library talks for an exploration of the lore of Delmarva, from the legend of St. Michaels—the town that escaped British cannons with a clever trick—to stories of Assateague’s cannibalistic colonists and the all-but-forgotten story of Anna Carroll, President Lincoln’s “Dear Lady,” the Marylander who is rumored to have brilliantly advised Lincoln on strategy during the Civil War.

These sometimes quirky, sometimes spooky tales come from Healey’s newest book, “Delmarva Legends and Lore,” published by the History Press. His upcoming talks will include a reenactment of the fatal confrontation between a Maryland duelist and Andrew Jackson.

In September at the Elkton library, Healey will give an overview of the War of 1812 here in Cecil County. It was a time when Redcoats pillaged and plundered the upper Chesapeake Bay, but local heroes such as Kitty Knight and the defenders of Elkton used luck and courage to make a stand against overwhelming odds. It’s a history that’s literally in our backyards, and Healey explains how his own rediscovery of 1812 began when he found a musketball in his tomato patch. The history he collected evolved into “1812: Rediscovering Chesapeake Bay’s Forgotten War” published by Bella Rosa Books, a book that Healey describes as part history, part travelogue that mixes past and present.

The following library programs are planned. All events are free and open to the public:

• “The War of 1812 on the Upper Chesapeake,” Wednesday, September 15, 7 p.m. at the Elkton Library.

• “Delmarva: Legends and Lore” takes place at the following library branches:

North East Branch library, Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m.

Cecilton Branch library, Tuesday, Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m.

Chesapeake City Branch library, Monday, Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m.

Healey has written articles on wide-ranging topics for many publications, including American History, Running Times and the Washington Times, Maryland Life and Chesapeake Bay magazine. He is also the author of a Civil War novel, “Sharpshooter,” published by Jove Books. He teaches composition and journalism as an adjunct at Cecil College and serves on the board of the Historical Society of Cecil County. You can visit him online at www.davidhealey.net or www.delmarvalegends.com.

On July 6th, a team of biologists from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Monitoring and Non-tidal Assessment Division spotted several suspected zebra mussel adults for the first time in the lower Susquehanna River below the Conowingo Dam. These recent findings indicate that a population of this non-native, invasive mussel is established in this part of the Susquehanna. The first-ever sightings of zebra mussels in Maryland occurred in the lower Susquehanna River upstream of the Conowingo in November 2008.

“Most of the specimens were the largest I’ve ever seen, ranging up to 38 mm (almost 1-1/2 inches) in shell length, and they were probably three to four years old,” said DNR Biologist Ron Klauda.

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) have caused over five billion dollars in damages and economic losses in North America since they were introduced into the Great Lakes during the 1980s. Based on studies conducted in the Hudson River Estuary, New York, the potential impacts of zebra mussels on the freshwater to slightly brackish portions of Maryland’s aquatic ecosystem could be substantial, with effects on all aspects of the food web from plankton to fish by outcompeting native species, filtering all available plankton and rapidly colonizing large areas.

“The good news is that, at least for now, the density of zebra mussels appears to be low,” said DNR Natural Resource Biologist Jay Kilian.

Boaters, anglers and other recreational water users who enjoy the lower Susquehanna River can help stop the spread of harmful zebra mussels to other Maryland waters by taking these simple precautions before launching and before leaving:
(1) Remove all aquatic plants and mud from boats, motors, and trailers, and put the debris in the trash.
(2) Drain river water from boat motors, bilges, live wells, bait buckets and coolers before leaving to prevent aquatic hitchhikers from riding along.
(3) Dispose of unused live bait on shore far from the water body or in the trash.
(4) Rinse boats, motors, trailers, live wells, bait buckets, coolers and scuba gear with high pressure or hot water between trips to different water bodies.
(5) Dry everything at least two days (preferably five days) between outings.

DNR urges boaters to do their part to stop the introduction and spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species in Maryland. Citizens who find what look like zebra mussels should seal them in a zip lock bag, put the bag in the freezer, record where and when they were found and report the find to DNR at 410-260-8615. For more information about zebra mussels and other invasive species in Maryland, call 1-877-620-8DNR or visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/invasives.

A day to Celebrate the Sassafras!

When: Saturday, July 17th, 2010 (raindate July 18th)
Where: Betterton Beach in Kent County

Event is FREE and open to the public

Schedule of Events
10:30 Paddle Race Registration – Kayak, canoe and life jacket required. Races for all participations (children over age 12, young and older adults). Spare life jackets will be on hand.

10:45 Upper Eastern Shore Trib Team Wade-In – Join MD Department of Natural Resources and SRA in this free-style water clarity test. Walk into the Sassafras until your sneakers disappear from sight.

11:00 Paddle Race Kick-Off – Obstacle course. Prizes will be awarded. Lifeguards on site.

12:00 (noon) to 4:00 Live Music, Food and Drink
12pm – 1pm The Blueskeepers

1pm – 2pm Big Hats and No Cattle

2pm – 3pm Driven Women

3pm – 4pm Rebecca Pitre and Friends

Sponsors
SRA appreciates the generosity of the following local businesses for their financial support of Sassafest:

* Angelica Nurseries, Kennedyville, MD
* Atlantic Broadband, Grasonville, MD
* Biggs Fuel, Galena, MD
* Choptank Electric Cooperation, Denton, MD
* Dixon Valve and Coupling, Chestertown, MD
* Environmental Concern, St. Michaels, MD
* Galena Funeral Home, Galena, MD
* Gillespie & Sons, Chestertown, MD
* Gregg Neck Boat Yard, Galena, MD
* LaMotte, Chestertown, MD
* People’s Bank, Chestertown, MD
* Tri Gas & Oil, Federalsburg, MD
* Sawyer Brothers Marine, Cecilton, MD

http://www.sassafrasriver.org

Fireman’s Carnival
Chincoteague Island, VA
Date/Hours:
Every Friday & Saturday in July and First week of August – 7:00 PM-11:00 PM
Week of Pony Swim – Beginning on Tuesday July 27, 2010
www.chincoteaguechamber.com/pony-events/ev-pony.html

Hebron Fireman’s Carnival
Hebron, Maryland
Spring Carnival – May 19 – June 5, 2010 – Wednesday through Saturday
Fireman’s Carnival – June 23 – July 17, 2010 – Wednesday through Saturday
Closed Sundays
www.hebronvfd.com/

Sharptown Firemen’s Carnival
Sharptown, Maryland
August 5 – August 28, 2010
Closed Sundays
www.sharptown.net/carnival-default.asp

St. Michaels Fire Department, Inc. Carnival
August 2 – 7, 2010

Sudlersville Fireman’s Carnival
Sudlersville, Maryland
July 13 – July 17, 2010
www.svfc6.com

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Note: Please contact organizers for exact times.

To have your Carnival added leave a comment or send information to events@shoretobefun.com.

Governor Martin O’Malley today announced Board of Public Works (BPW) approval to purchase 268 acres for preservation projects in Cecil County.

“The land we preserve through Program Open Space and Rural Legacy is not only vital to protecting working forests, farms, and recreational opportunity; it is also a key strategic asset to restoring the Chesapeake Bay, providing a natural defense to the runoff that carries pollutants into our waterways,” said Governor O’Malley. “These important landscapes give something back to Marylanders every day.”

The Board approved a conservation easement on 114 acres of farmland in Cecil County through Program Open Space. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in cooperation with the Conservation Fund, Maryland Environmental Trust and the Department of Transportation’s Transportation Enhancement Program, worked to conserve this significant property that is contiguous to the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway Trail (LSHGT) and visible from Interstate 95 North and the Susquehanna River.

The property overlooks the historic Garrett Island and will provide a key link to the LSHGT. Mt. Ararat Farm Road and Frenchtown Road are components of Maryland’s Lower Susquehanna Scenic Byway.

The Conservation Fund works with state, county and other partners in Maryland and Pennsylvania, along with major landowners along the river, to bring due attention to the region as one of the best opportunities to conserve an entire intact river system.

“We are grateful to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Department of Transportation, the Cecil Land Trust and the Maryland Environmental Trust for making this collaborative effort happen,” said Bill Crouch, Maryland Representative of the Conservation Fund. “The Mt. Ararat Farm property, with its farmland, stream valleys and dramatic cliffs, represents the natural beauty of Cecil County, and through its ‘trademark’ view will remind travelers along I-95 of Maryland’s spectacular rural landscape.”

The board also approved the purchase of a two conservation easements totaling 154 acres located in the Fair Hill Rural Legacy Area of Cecil County through Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program. The easements will preserve productive farmland and forests as well as drinking water supply for the City of North East. This agreement will also prevent possible future development of up to twelve new homes in a prime agricultural area. One of the easements protects the historic and scenic views from the State-designated Route 273 Scenic Byway and the historic Elk Creek Valley.

“The Petersen farm has served as the site of many of the historic and cultural events that have created the unique environment of the Little Elk Creek Valley,” said Bill Kilby, President of Cecil Land Trust. “The permanent protection of the property will ensure that residents and visitors will continue to enjoy this pristine area through the efforts of the Fair Hill Rural Legacy Program.”

Both of the easements will be held by the Cecil Land Trust and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Today, Rep. Frank Kratovil announced that The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has obligated $3,898,000 in Public Assistance (PA) funds to help in speeding the recovery process and help Maryland Counties return to normal operations after winter storms threatened local budgets. Costs associated with the December 2009 severe winter storm and snowstorm will be reimbursed at 75 percent.

In January, Kratovil joined his Maryland colleagues in both the House and the Senate in requesting of the President that FEMA use supplementary federal assistance to aid in storm clean up. In Maryland’s First Congressional District, counties designated for Public Assistance funding are Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Caroline, Cecil, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot.

“We can’t prevent severe storms like the ones we experienced this winter, but we can make sure these storms don’t bankrupt our local communities or force cuts to needed services” said Rep. Frank Kratovil. “These funds will help our local communities dig out from the financial burden created by these storms.”

Eligible applicants include the State, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations. Federal assistance is made available on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures (Category B), including snow assistance for designated localities.
“The December storms left a lot of damage,” said State Coordinating Officer Richard Muth. “This reimbursement of costs by FEMA will support the rebuilding of Maryland’s infrastructure. It will make a difference for many agencies, localities and private nonprofit organizations as they work to recover.”

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Family treasures are often neglected, frequently tucked away in drawers, trunks and attics. Preserving these heirlooms – items such as marriage certificates, family Bibles, letters, journals, and photos – is important, for they tell us about the past and connect the generations. This talk introduces caretakers to basic methods for preserving and protecting family relics and papers.

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) today announced the 24 winners of its eighth annual Engineering Scholars program, which will provide a total of $240,000 in college scholarships this fall to high school seniors across Maryland interested in studying engineering.

“Again this year, Northrop Grumman is pleased to sponsor this unique engineering scholarship competition, which is intended to motivate some of Maryland’s best and brightest students – with a background and interest in math and science – to pursue engineering-related careers,” said James F. Pitts, corporate vice president and president of the company’s Baltimore-based Electronic Systems sector. “We continue to be impressed with the outstanding qualifications of all of the applicants from throughout the state, which made the selection process quite challenging for our scholarship review committee.”

The scholarship program is aimed at supporting promising high school seniors who intend to pursue a career in an engineering-related field. Candidates must plan to attend an accredited college or university as a full-time student in an approved engineering curriculum. The funds can be used for tuition, books, lodging and meals.

A committee of Northrop Grumman employees selected the Engineering Scholars winners. To be eligible, each scholarship applicant had to be a resident of Maryland and a graduating senior this spring from a public or accredited private high school in the state. Applicants also had to meet minimum SAT/ACT and GPA requirements. The committee also takes into consideration work experience, community involvement and extracurricular activities.

Following are the names of the students from 23 Maryland counties and the city of Baltimore who will each be receiving merit-based scholarships of $10,000 during an awards reception and dinner hosted by Northrop Grumman at the National Electronics Museum in Linthicum, Md., on June 18:

* Allegany County, Daniel G. Johnson, Fort Hill High School
* Anne Arundel County, Cathleen M. Needham, Seton Home Study School
* Baltimore City, Carlie R. Badder, The Bryn Mawr School
* Baltimore County, Keenan Sunderwirth, Catonsville High School
* Calvert County, Geroge H. Kinchen IV, Northern High School
* Caroline County, Joshua M. Weesner, North Caroline High School
* Carroll County, Kimberly M. Berlic, Francis Scott Key High School
* Cecil County, Christine I. Minor, North East High School
* Charles County, Sylvie A. DeLaHunt, North Point High School
* Dorchester County, Travian L. Sampson, North Dorchester High School
* Frederick County, Kelly A. Misner, Walkersville High School
* Garrett County, Dylan D. Beitzel, Northern Garrett High School
* Harford County, Alex M. Hutcheson, C. Milton Wright High School
* Howard County, Ethan Y. Myers, Cedar Brook Academy
* Kent County, Abigail H. Lorenz, Kent County High School
* Montgomery County, Jacob B. Hurwitz, Montgomery Blair High School
* Prince George’s County, Luke E. Seppi, Eleanor Roosevelt High School
* Queen Anne’s County, Corrie A. Russell, Kent Island High School
* Somerset County, Lawrence W. Cavins, Crisfield High School
* St. Mary’s County, Elizabeth M. Davis, Leonardtown High School
* Talbot County, Mark S. Bradley, Easton High School
* Washington County, Jason A. Camarano, South Hagerstown High School
* Wicomico County, Michael C. Tilghman, Parkside High School
* Worcester County, Kelly R. Mulholland, Stephen Decatur High School

Northrop Grumman, one of the state’s largest private employers, is a significant financial and in-kind contributor to educational outreach programs aimed at encouraging young people throughout Maryland to consider engineering and science-related career fields. The company’s Electronic Systems sector sponsors the Discover”E” program in Maryland, a grassroots effort by volunteer engineers at the company to excite student interest in engineering, math and science. Northrop Grumman also sponsors WORTHY, a mentoring and scholarship program for high school students in Baltimore, and the company is also a major sponsor of the Maryland Teacher of the Year competition.

Further information about the Northrop Grumman Engineering Scholars program is available via the Internet at: www.es.northropgrumman.com/engscholars/

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.

The county is named after Cæcilius Calvert, the 2nd Lord Baltimore when the Maryland Governor proclaimed it a county in 1674. Calvert, although he never lived in Maryland, or anywhere else in the New World was the proprietor of the Maryland colony from 1632 until his death in 1675.

Along with Calvert, the other name that will be linked with Cecil County is Augustine Herman. Herman was a mapmaker in the mid 1600’s. He was offered a large tract of land along the Bohemia River to create a map of Maryland.

Cecil County, Maryland is like New Castle County, Delaware with much of the county located north of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. Of the eight municipalities incorporated by Maryland, only the towns of Cecilton and Chesapeake City are south of the C&D Canal.

Elkton was named the county seat of Cecil County in 1787. Like Wilmington the county seat of New Castle County Delaware, Elkton is located north of the C&D canal. Captain John Smith named the area “Head of Elk” during his exploration of the upper Chesapeake.

Elkton was once famous as a location for quick marriages. At one time there wasn’t a waiting period necessary to obtain a marriage license. Many love struck couples flocked to the town to “tie the knot.” Included in these were baseball stars Babe Ruth and Willie Mays, actors Burt Lahr and Joan Fontaine, basketball star Charles Barkley. Even former US Attorney General John Mitchell married his wife Martha in Elkton.

Cecilton sits at one of the largest crossroads south of the C&D canal. Augustus Herman had tried to establish a town named for his friend Cæcilius Calvert. Even though he was not successful a later descendant was involved in the founding of the town of Cecilton, which was incorporated in 1864.

Chesapeake City began as a cluster of buildings around a lock of the newly opened canal in 1829. It was a commercial community that serviced the passengers and shippers who used the canal. The town was named Chesapeake City in 1839 and soon expanded to both sides of the canal and was incorporated in 1849.
The once prosperous town was hurt when the canal was made a sea level waterway and ships no longer were required to stop at the locks. Since there are so many ships bound for the Port of Baltimore traveling the canal, from many locations in Chesapeake City large carriers full of cargo can regularity be seen.

The C&D Canal Museum maintain by the Corps of Army Engineers is located there. The museum provides visitors with a glimpse of the canal’s early days dating from the early 19th Century. There is a waterwheel and pumping engines on display from the original pump house.

Cecil County features roads that were once traveled by the nation’s founding fathers. There are markers notating places where revolutionary heroes such as George Washington and Lafayette once stayed.

Near the location where the canal meets the Elk River is where the largest British landing of the Revolutionary War took place. On August 27, 1777 under the leadership of British General William Howe, commander-in-chief of the British Army in America, three hundred ships with over 15,000 soldiers landed on the shores of the Elk River in his attempt to take Philadelphia.

Cecil County was also involved in the War of 1812 when the British sailed the Elk and Sassafras Rivers. Some of the towns of Cecil County were plundered by the British and a cannon plant was destroyed by its residents to keep it out of British hands. The County Seat in Elkton was never reached.

The Chesapeake Scenic Byway, one of the National Byways begins at Chesapeake City and runs through southern Cecil County into Kent and then Queen Anne’s County. The Byway has a diversity of nature, history and scenic views.

Because of Cecil County location at the head of the Chesapeake Bay it is the only county that has a western as well as an eastern border on the bay.

© 2007 – Steven G. Atkinson