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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.
The Annapolis Maritime Museum is operated on the shores of Back Creek from a waterside campus. The Museum is now seeking to connect its rich maritime heritage with the community’s local youth and adults. When visiting the Museum, you will find awesome views of Annapolis Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay .
The Maritime Museum sits on the site of the McNasby’s Oyster Packing Company. It was the last oyster packing plant in the area. In 2003, the McNasby building was damaged by Hurricane Isabel. Since then, the Museum’s staff, Board of Directors, and many volunteers have raised money to restore the building, creating the Bay Experience Center . The center is an interactive facility like no other. The newly renovated building will open this fall.
One of the other campus buildings, the 650 square-foot Barge House, has already been restored. Thanks to the many volunteer efforts, the Barge House is now used to host meetings, concerts, lectures and children’s activities. It is also the launching area for the Museum’s tours of the iconic Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse. It is the most recognized symbol in all of upper Chesapeake Bay .
Even though the hurricane did so much damage, the Museum has continued its activities and has continued to grow. With lots of community support, the Museum is doing great things. There are also monthly events to enjoy at the Museum that are kid-friendly.
This is only one of the many great museums you can find in Annapolis , Maryland . I hope you enjoy your visit.
The “Rock for Youth Campaign” will be held throughout the entire month of October in Annapolis, Maryland. Rock for Youth is an event that will be held at many different locations throughout the community for people of all ages, beliefs, interests, education levels, and ethnicities. 
The Annapolis Community Foundation, the City of Annapolis and everyone else that appreciates our wonderful community are involved in making Rock for Youth happen. The Rock for Youth Campaign is held to help raise money for college scholarships for our community’s eligible young people.
Rock for Youth activities will be held all over Annapolis. You will find activities in shops, parks, businesses, churches, schools, hospitals, marinas, the city dock, theaters, restaurants, organizations, neighborhoods, and more!
Some of the fun events will include Rock for Change, Rock for Ages, Rocking Chairs, To the Rocks, Rock the Boat, Rock Concert, Rocking Horses, Rock the Corks, Rock Raffle, and Rock Around the Clock. So, wherever you go around town, be sure to look for these great events.
For those who are interested in getting involved, there are several ways you can. You can sponsor the event. You can donate money. You can volunteer or be a participant. And, you can have an event at your place of business. It’s totally up to you! Once you see how much fun these events are, you will definitely want to be a part of the fun. If you’re interested in getting involved, you can contact the Rock for Youth Campaign at annapolisRFY@aol.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 …
