The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission has released the 2019 edition of the Farm Holiday Guide, a free booklet featuring Southern Maryland farm products and events available during the holidays. The Holiday Farm Guide connects consumers with Southern Maryland farms of all types as well as dairies, wineries, distilleries, breweries and also seafood producers that are open for business during the holiday season and throughout the winter months. This year's guide showcases over 80 farms and agriculture-related businesses in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties. Extensive listings offer an array of home-grown options for festive decorating, entertaining and gift giving. Find local 'choose and cut' Christmas trees and fresh-cut holiday greenery, quality meats and poultry, award-winning wines, beer, whisky and rum, freshly harvested oysters and seafood, farm-made cheese, produce, jams and pickles, plus unique handmade gifts and woven accessories. Look for special sections in the guide that highlight resources and tips for buying firewood, where to order locally raised turkeys, and find farm-hosted tours, tastings, holiday-themed events and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.  The "Holiday Farm Guide" is available now to view or download on the "Get Our Guides" page at SMADC.com. Starting early November, free printed guide booklets will be available in limited quantities at participating farms and businesses, and Southern Maryland public libraries and regional visitor/welcome centers. For more information, and to find a printed guide, visit "News & Events" on the SMADC website.

Weekly Bingo every MONDAY night at The American Legion Post #274 in Lusby. Doors open at 6PM and bingo games start around 7:00 PM. THE PUBLIC IS WELCOME! The kitchen will be open and great food will be available for purchase courtesy of the Legion Auxiliary.  

Apply ASAP for home repair help for the 2020 Christmas in April. April 25, 2020 will be the 30th year for our one day restoration and renovation blitz. The volunteer organization rehabilitates the houses of low  income, elderly, disabled and veteran homeowners. Applications may be picked up local libraries and senior centers. Also, on our web site www.christmasinaprilsmc.org. For more information call 301-884-2905.

Attention Chopticon High School Class of 1970, planning is underway for the fifty (50) year class reunion to be held 06 June 2020 at the Old Breton Inn, Leonardtown, MD.   Request you provide your email and home address information to the Communication Committee at  princesshouse4u@bellsouth.net, jacobmike1@verizon.net, and roychesley@aol.com.  View the Chopticon High School Class of 1970 Facebook Page for further details.

Every day, children across Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties are removed from their homes because of abuse and neglect. Although Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) continue to serve more of these children each year, the need for CASA volunteers continues to grow as more children enter the child welfare and court systems. CASA volunteers work one-on-one with an abused or neglected child, advocating for his or her best interests. CASA volunteers don’t require any specific education. All they need is compassion, objectivity, and a commitment to children. Anyone interested in becoming a CASA Volunteer should visit http://center-for-children.org/programs/court-appointed-special-advocate-casa/ for more information, or reach out to the CASA of Southern Maryland casa@center-for-children.org or call NaQuita Coates, Training and Recruitment Specialist, at 410-535-3047.

If drinking is no longer fun for you and separates you from other people. Go to an A.A. meeting – become part of the universe again. A.A. They’ve been there. Visit www.aa.org

The American Legion Post 255 in Ridge is having a Queen of Hearts raffle on Friday nites. Drawings are every Friday at 7pm. Ticket sales start at 4pm for QofH and 50/50 raffles. Dinner is available for purchase also. All profits are used to help veterans and our local community.

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the Nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated t building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental Illness.  NAMI SoMd provides free education and support groups for those suffering with a mental illness as well as their family members.  Family support groups meet the 3rd Tuesday in Charles County at Body of Christ Church, Waldorf; 3rd Thursday in St. Mary's at the Wildewood Community Center, and the 4th Thursday in Calvert at St. John Vianney Church.  Please contact 301.399.4148 for more information.

First Wednesday of every month at the Circuit Court for Charles County - Law Library from 10 AM - 1 PM the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service provides FREE brief legal consultations for homeowners facing foreclosure. Foreclosure Mediation Brief Advice Attorneys will: Answer questions about foreclosure mediation Give legal advice regarding your foreclosure Help you understand court papers and documents you received regarding your foreclosure Foreclosure Mediation Brief Advice Attorneys will NOT attend mediation with you, but there are other options for obtaining legal representation for your mediation. Reservations requested – please call 301-932-3322

The Charles County (Maryland) Sheriff’s Office and Charles County Crime Solvers work together to solve crimes and hold criminals accountable for their offenses. Crime Solvers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest or indictment of a person involved in criminal activity. For more information about Crime Solvers, contact Detective Sergeant Tim Miner, Crime Solvers Coordinator for the Sheriff’s Office, at 240-216-2173. PHONE**Call 1-866-411-TIPS to report a tip** * An operator takes information about your tip. * You will receive an identification number. * Your tip is provided to the investigating officer. * You must call back later to check the status of your information, using your identification number. Or call  http://www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com/

Great Mills High School's Lighthouse Productions will perform their fall show 'Harvey' on November 14th through the 16th starting at 7 p.m. at the Great Mills High School Theater. 

Great Mills High School's Lighthouse Productions will perform their fall show 'Harvey' on November 14th through the 16th starting at 7 p.m. at the Great Mills High School Theater. 

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15 – PASTA DINNER. Join us for an informal dinner from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary Stallings Williams Post 206, on Route 260 in Chesapeake Beach, in the lower-level dining room. The cost is $12, including all the trimmings and Beverage. Call for more information 410-257-9878. Public welcome. http://www.MD-post206.or

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15 – MEMBERS’ MEETING. All members of the American Legion Stallings-Williams Post 206 are encouraged to attend the regular meeting, starting at 7:00 p.m., in the Upper Level Meeting Hall at the American Legion Post in Chesapeake Beach on Route 260. For information call 410-257-9878. www.MD-post206.org

The Calvert Artists' Guild is presenting an “Acrylic Pour” Workshop, given by Lonnie and Deb Harkins. The workshop will be at the Mt. Hope Community Center on November 16, 2019 from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Mt. Hope Community Center is located at 104 Pushaw Station Rd., Sunderland, MD 20689. In this workshop students will learn how to create acrylic poured paintings. A list of supplies will be e-mailed to participants (paticipants will also bring a lunch as well). The charge for the workshop for Calvert Artists Guild members is $35 and for the public is $45.00. For additional information, please contact the following persons: Jan Barr 443-404-5746 fujibarr@comcast.net or Kate Dinnel 410-586-3375, katesilas@comcast.net.

Hawthorne Greene Community will hold a vendor show on November 16th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Hawthorne Greene Clubhouse, 234 Williamsburg Circle, La Plata.  For more information please call Chris at  240-216-4077.

Great Mills High School's Lighthouse Productions will perform their fall show 'Harvey' on November 14th through the 16th starting at 7 p.m. at the Great Mills High School Theater. 

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 16 – ACOUSTIC MUSIC – For your listening pleasure, join us in the Lower Level Lounge to hear music from Ross Crampton from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. with the compliments of the American Legion Stallings Williams Post 206 at 3330 Chesapeake Beach Road East on Rt. 260 in Chesapeake Beach. Public welcome. For more information, call 410-257-9878. http://www.MD-Post206.org

There is a new MS support group that will be gathering at Medstar St. Mary's Hospital on the 3rd Monday of each month.  The meeting will take place at 5:00pm in the Pavilion, Health Connections, starting  November 18^th.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22 - PULLED PORK & BRISKET DINNER. Join us for an informal dinner from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. hosted by the American Legion Stallings Williams Post 206, on Route 260 in Chesapeake Beach, in the lower-level dining room. The dinner includes all the trimmings, salad, and beverage for $15 Public invited. Call for more information 410-257-9878 http://www.MD-post206.org

LifeStyles of Maryland is very excited to announce our upcoming 17th Annual Walk to End Homelessness in Charles County.  The 2.4 mile walk will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2019 starting at 9 am at the La Plata Town Hall, with registration starting at 7 am.  Please contact Deborah Carrington for registration/sponsorship information at 301-609-9900 x 212 or dcarrington@lifestylesofmd.org 

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 23– ANNUAL HOLIDAY BAZAAR. The ever-popular Auxiliary Annual Bazaar features something for everyone. Raffles, Bake sale, crafts, gifts, decorations, numerous vendors, and Santa. From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., come for a light breakfast and stay for the Special Lunch. Hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary Stallings Williams Post 206 in the Post Upper Level Main Hall on Route 260 in Chesapeake Beach. Admission is Free and the Public is warmly welcomed. For more information, or to rent a table ($35 & up), contact the Bazaar Chairperson Brenda Miller at 443-404-1060 or email B.Miller1234@verizon.net

Opt Outside: Family-Friendly Hike to Calvert Cliffs: Friday November 29 11am-3pm Calvert Cliffs State Park (park entry fee $5, no cost to hike with us) 10540 H G Trueman Rd, Lusby, MD 2065. Come and join Southern Maryland Sierra Club as we Opt Outside for a fun hike and leftover turkey sandwich picnic at Calvert Cliffs. We'll walk an easy pace to the beach and back for lunch, a total of 4 miles. Please meet at the picnic pavilion at 10:45am and we will start walking around 11:00.  Calvert Cliffs State Park is a day-use park featuring a sandy beach, unique fossils, an accessible recycled tire playground, fishing, a freshwater and tidal marshland. 

Did you know that all four Calvert Library locations display local artists’ works year round? In a special celebration of the exhibitions and artists, Calvert Library is hosting a “Warm Up to Art” passport activity.  The community is encouraged to visit each Calvert Library location from November 30 to December 21 to pick up and complete a “Warm Up to Art” passport. The passport will include some “I Spy” activities and a matching game. Get the passport stamped at every branch and become eligible for a grand prize basket of art-related goodies.  If your family is looking for holiday fun, add Calvert Library “Warm Up to Art” to your list! For more information, call Joan Kilmon at 410-257-2411.

The Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department will have Breakfast with Santa on Sunday December 1st from 9 am to noon. Take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Clause. Each child will also make a Christmas gift.

The Very Retro Christmas Holiday Open House will kick off a season of at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum on Sunday December 1st from noon until 4 p.m. We're kicking off the opening of the "throwback" holiday exhibit inside the museum and keeper's quarters IN RETRO STYLE with family and kids activities, refreshments and more! FREE admission & free refreshments available for visitors. Experience vintage pet photos with SOMD Pin-ups for Paws, enjoy a Christmas story-time and photos with Buddy the Elf, kid's activities, refreshments, and more RETRO fun! This event is a special opening that encourages the public to come experience this unique Christmas Exhibit in the museum setting. For more info, call 301-994-1471. THE RETRO HOLIDAY EXHIBIT (December 1, 2019 - January 5, 2020): Whether you recall the bubble lights on your parent's Christmas tree, the neighbor's huge blown-mold lawn displays, or the vintage dishes that came out for holiday dinners, we have your cup of nostalgia at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum this holiday season! More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2032742473492719/ December 1 is also MUSEUM STORE SUNDAY, so complete your holiday shopping inside the Museum Store and support your local museum. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/766033380503922/

The St. Clement’s Island Museum Holiday Open House will take place on Sunday December 1st from noon until 4 pm. Enjoy children's activities, music and more family fun at the opening of the holiday exhibit inside the museum. Get a jump on your holiday shopping inside the Museum Store. FREE ADMISSION, refreshments, kid's games and face painting. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the museum from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Dr. Thomas Gerard, first owner of St. Clement’s Island, will talk about his property. COSMIC Flute Orchestra performing at the Christmas Open House from 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. This event is a special opening encouraging the public to come experience this unique Christmas Exhibit in the museum setting. Call 301-769-2222 for more info.

The Hollywood-Leonardtown Optimist Club would like to announce the Annual Christmas Tree Sales event. It will begin Saturday November 28th and will run until all trees are sold. Tree’s range from 6’ to 9’ with prices from $55 -$75. All trees are freshly cut Frazier Fir. Locations for tree sales are at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department. Hours are Monday thru Friday 5pm to 9pm. Saturday and Sunday’s 9am to 9pm. All proceed go to help the local youth and community service programs.

Greenwell Foundation is hosting their annual Holiday Horse Open House on December 7th from 9am -12 pm. "Come out to Greenwell Foundation's Holiday Horse open house, located in the horse stables on Greenwell State Park. There will be pony rides, photos with the horses, a chance to see and pet the animals, hay wagon rides, cookies and hot cocoa, and raffles! Be sure to come on out and support Greenwell Foundation."

There will be Winter Wonderland Workshops and Holiday Wreath Making by the Sotterley Garden Guild on Saturday, December 7th from 9:00 am to 11:30 am and 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm. Have you tried DIY holiday decor projects before, but just couldn't seem to pull it off: Great news, the Sotterley Garden Guild is offering two workshops on Saturday, December 7th to share their expertise! Each participant will make their own wreath under the practiced guidance of Sotterley’s Garden Guild. Make this Christmas event part of your family tradition! If you have additional questions please call the office at 301-373-2280. Advance reservations only.
Space is limited to 20 people per workshop. Light refreshments provided. Price: $30 per workshop. Wreath making materials including greens and decorations provided. Please bring gloves and clippers, if possible. Order tickets online: www.sotterley.org
or call the office at 301-373-2280.

The St. Mary’s County 4-H program will be holding a Quarter Auction to benefit the 4-H Youth Development Program on Sunday, December 8, 2019, at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds. This event will feature over 15 vendors with the opportunity to win items for only 1 to 4 quarters. A portion of the proceeds will go towards supporting the St. Mary’s County 4-H program. For more information and reservations, contact the St. Mary's County 4-H Office at 301-475-4478. University of Maryland Extension is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access program.

’Tis the Season' a concert of a cappella music presented by Patuxent Voices, Southern Maryland’s premier women’s a cappella group. Friday, December 13, 2019, 7:30pm, All Saints Episcopal Church, 100 Lower Marlboro Road, Sunderland. Saturday, December 14, 2019, 7:30pm, Christ Church, Chaptico, 25390 Maddox Road, Chaptico. Sunday, December 15, 2019, 3:00pm, Christ Church, Calvert, 3100 Broomes Island Road, Port Republic. Performances are free! Donations are encouraged and are tax deductible. We are auditioning new singers. Interested? Contact us via Facebook, website, or email.

The Hollywood-Leonardtown Optimist Club would like to announce the Annual Christmas Tree Sales event. It will begin Saturday November 28th and will run until all trees are sold. Tree’s range from 6’ to 9’ with prices from $55 -$75. All trees are freshly cut Frazier Fir. Locations for tree sales are at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department. Hours are Monday thru Friday 5pm to 9pm. Saturday and Sunday’s 9am to 9pm. All proceed go to help the local youth and community service programs.

’Tis the Season' a concert of a cappella music presented by Patuxent Voices, Southern Maryland’s premier women’s a cappella group. Friday, December 13, 2019, 7:30pm, All Saints Episcopal Church, 100 Lower Marlboro Road, Sunderland. Saturday, December 14, 2019, 7:30pm, Christ Church, Chaptico, 25390 Maddox Road, Chaptico. Sunday, December 15, 2019, 3:00pm, Christ Church, Calvert, 3100 Broomes Island Road, Port Republic. Performances are free! Donations are encouraged and are tax deductible. We are auditioning new singers. Interested? Contact us via Facebook, website, or email.

The Greenview Knolls Elementary School PTA will have a Brown Bag Auction with vendors and crafters present on Saturday December 14th from 11 am to 1 pm at the school. Food and kids activities available. Doors open at 11 am with drawings at 1 pm. Must be present to win. Greenview Knolls Elementary School is located at 45711 Military Lane Great Mills, MD 20634

Northern High School Band Boosters will have their Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday December 14th at the School on Chaney ville road. Doors open at 9 am. Shop for all of your holiday needs from over 80 vendors on December 14th from 9a.m. to 3p.m. at the Northern High School Band boosters 17th annual holiday craft far. We have a new and bigger school and more vendors this year. Shop for one of a kind gifts from jewelry, jellies, homemade bath products, wreaths, candles, wood signs, key fobs, lularoe, scensty, crocheted items, furniture, gourmet food, home décor, natural cleaning products and so much more. Visit with Santa from 9 to 12:30 and create a holiday craft in the media center. Listen to carolers as they stroll the halls. Free admission and free parking. Plus refreshments , hourly door prize drawings and a 50/50 raffle. Visit northernbands.com

Do you have a loved one at Cheltenham, would you like to sponsor a grave specific wreath?  The St. Charles High School MCJROTC Cadets are fundraising $15 sponsored wreaths from Wreaths Across America to be laid at MD Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery on Sat 12/14/2019. There are 28,000 laid to rest at MDCHVC, and only 8,200 received a sponsored wreath in 2018.  Help St. Charles High School Cadet Major Evan Tarburton, XO  reach his goal to cover every grave this year!! We need $420,000 sponsored wreaths to accomplish his goal.  Contact 301-643-5388.

Margaret Brent Middle School will have their Christmas Craft and Holiday Bazaar at the School on Saturday December 14th from 10 am until 2 pm. Still looking for vendors if interested, please contact nmmccumbee@smcps.org $30 table plus raffle donation

There is a new MS support group that will be gathering at Medstar St. Mary's Hospital on the 3rd Monday of each month.  The meeting will take place at 5:00pm in the Pavilion, Health Connections.