The Friends of Maxwell Hall are hosting a free open house of Maxwell Hall (17388 Teagues Point Rd, Hughesville) the last Sunday of every month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. through October.  Maxwell Hall is a colonial home that was built in 1768 by a prominent merchant family. Dates include May 26, June 30, July 28, August 25, September 29, and October 27. Enjoy the various gardens throughout the property, take a hike on one of the nature trails, view the informational displays on the War of 1918, and simply enjoy the peaceful country surroundings of Swanson Creek and the Patuxent River.

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.

There will be a Yard Sale sponsored by the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department's Auxiliary, from 8:00am to 12 Noon at the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department on eveery second Saturday of the month beginning through October 12th.  Be a BUYER or a SELLER!  It's your choice!  Either way, we would like to see you there!  The cost to reserve a table is $15 for one or $25 for two. Tables must be reserved in advance by contacting Diana, after 5:00pm, at 410-231-1775.

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 Drayden African American Schoolhouse will have open houses on select days each month through October from 11 am - 2pm. The schoolhouse is located on Cherryfield Road in Drayden. Visit one of the nation's best-preserved one-room African American schoolhouses on select days each month March 24, April 6, May 4, June 1, June 15, June 16, July 6, August 3, September 7, October 5 . Check out the renovated schoolhouse and learn about its rich history and importance in St. Mary's County. Staff will be available at the school during this time to answer any questions and provide information. The schoolhouse has been closed for several years, but with the completion of the renovations of the building in the spring of 2018, the public is now able to access this significant historic site on the 1st Saturday of each month and during periodic special event weekends. The Museum Division also offers special programs for school, bus and other tour groups who would like to visit the site. Visitors who would like to see the schoolhouse times outside open house hours can contact Piney Point to arrange a visit. Co-hosted by UCAC - Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions and the St. Mary's County Museum Division

Are you looking for a unique volunteer opportunity? The St. Mary’s County Museum Division and the Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions are seeking individuals from the public to volunteer during any of the open houses held at the Drayden African American Schoolhouse in Drayden, MD. Volunteers would assist visitors in accessing and touring the historic site, as well as answering any questions they might have during their visit. The open houses are on the first Saturday of the month and other select days, April through October. The Drayden African American Schoolhouse is one of the nation's best-preserved one-room African American schoolhouses, and its story represents a significant part of St. Mary's County’s history. The schoolhouse was closed for several years, but with the completion of extensive building renovations in the spring of 2018, the public is now able to access the site during the open houses. The St. Mary’s County Museum Division also offers special programs for school, bus and other tour groups who would like to visit the site. Visitors who would like to see the schoolhouse times outside open house hours can contact Piney Point to arrange a visit. If you would like to sign up to be a volunteer, please contact Karen Stone, Museum Division Manager, at karen.stone@stmarysmd.com or 301-769-3235. For more information, programs, admission prices and more, visit the Drayden African American Schoolhouse Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DraydenSchool or call 301-994-1471.

Looking to get more involved in the community? St. Mary’s County’s Home-Delivered Meals Program is currently seeking volunteers to serve in the Lexington Park area and the southern-most parts of the county. Drivers would pick up meals at the Loffler Senior Activity Center and pack into coolers provided to maintain a safe temperature. Volunteers are assigned to an established route and the deliver meals to homebound seniors on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis. To volunteer, persons must be 21 years or older, have a valid driver’s license and reliable access to a vehicle. Driver training will be provided by the Home-Delivered Meals Program Coordinator and experienced Home-Delivered Meals volunteers. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday, 11:15 a.m. through 1:30 p.m. No meals are delivered on days the Senior Activity Centers are closed. Mileage reimbursement or income tax deductions are available for volunteers. Interested volunteers  should contact Home-Delivered Meals Program Coordinator Monika Williams at 301-45-4200, ext. 71060, or via email at Monika.Williams@stmarysmd.com.

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.

Chopticon High School Class of 1969 Chopticon High School Class of 1969 is planning it’s 50th class reunion for the fall of 2019. If you are a member or teacher of this class please contact either of the below listed members to update your contact information so you can receive all of the announcements for the festivities. Sarah Blackistone Richardson 240-925-1119 TheMightySBR@msn.com Norwood Graves 301-848-9525 Saramy1@verizon.net 

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/

From historic preservation to climate change to subliminal communication through floral design … this year’s Speaker Series at Sotterley will cover a wide array of topics. These are FREE to the public events. Historic Sotterley is pleased to announce the presenters for the 2019 Speaker Series. An important community outreach, this series is yet another way that this National Historic Landmark fulfills its mission of serving as an educational and cultural resource. Due to limited seating, please sign up on our website or call 301-373-2280 for reservations.
SAVING MONTICELLO: The Levy Family's Epic Quest to Rescue the House That Jefferson Built May 22nd  |  7:00 p.m.
THE COMMON CAUSE: Creating Race and Nation in the American Revolution June 19th  |  7:00 p.m.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND PLACE-BASED TEACHING:The Importance of Knowing our History and Culture in Order to Preserve our Democratic Republic August 28th  |  7:00 p.m.
SPY PILOT September 18th  |  7:00 p.m.
SINKING LANDS AND RISING SEAS:Climate Change, Evolution of Chesapeake Bay & Effects on Cultural Resources October 9th  |  7:00 p.m.
FLORAL DIPLOMACY: At the White House October 30th  |  7:00 pm
THE GHOSTS OF EDEN PARK November 13th  |  7:00 p.m.
For more information visit www.sotterley.org

TUESDAY May 21– STEAK DINNER. Picky about your steak? When you order your Steak direct from the Grill-Master Chef you get what you ordered. The $17.00 price tag includes all the trimmings and a beverage. 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. Public welcome. For more information, call 410-257-9878. http://www.ALpost206.org

FRIDAY May 24 JUSTIN’s BRISKET & PULLED PORK DINNER–Hosted by the American Legion Stallings-Williams Post 206 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. this is a meal you won’t soon forget. Come to the lower level dining room. Cost is $15 including sides and beverage. The Post is on Route 260 in Chesapeake Beach and questions may be directed to 410-257-9878. Public warmly invited. http://www.ALpost206.org

Chesapeake Beach Stars and Stripes Festival: May 25th, May 26th and May 27th, 2019
All events are Free and Open to the Public and are sponsored by The Town of Chesapeake Beach with contributions from the local community.
Saturday: May 25th
Veterans’ Memorial Park, located at the crossroads of Route 260 and Route 261 in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland
10:00am: Opening Ceremony. Music Selections by the United States Naval Academy Band Brass Quintet from Annapolis, Maryland. National Anthem and other patriotic selections by Dana & Jeremy. Keynote Speakers: Pat McCoy, Alternate National Executive Committee, The American Legion Department of Maryland. Kelly Swanson, Gold Star Mother, Col. Arthur J. Athens, USMC (Ret.)

June 1st the St. Leonard Volunteer Fire Department will have a Grocery Auction. Doors open at 3 Pm and the auction starts at 4. Auction of groceries, wholesale pricing, bulk foods as well. The fire department is located at 200 Calvert Beach Rd, St. Leonard MD

Celebrate the history and heritage of St. Clement’s Island with tons of fun and FREE activities and programs for the whole family out on beautiful St. Clement's Island on Saturday June 1st from 10 am - 3 pm. Experience a day of history, wildlife and art, and take part in activities that include, games, lighthouse tours, traditional music and much more. Lots of related vendors will be on hand. Visitors will be able to take free water taxi rides out to the island for all the festivities. The event encourages the public to visit St. Clement’s Island and become acquainted with the island’s past as guest presenters and interpreters share information and activities regarding the history, culture, heritage and ecology tied to the island. Event is FREE. 10AM - 3PM. Call 301-769-2222 for more information. 

 Each year, Calvert Hospice hosts a Butterfly Release & Memorial Service for those who want to celebrate the life of a loved one. This year the release will be at Kings Landing Park on June 2nd at 2 pm. The ceremony incorporates music, reflections, and a brief service of healing and hope that concludes with the release of butterflies.The event is free and open to the public, however individuals and families have the option to pre-purchase a butterfly for $25 that they may release in honor of a loved one. Please contact Calvert Hospice if you are interested in ordering a butterfly at (410) 535-0892 or pbraham@calverthospice.org

GMHS Class of 2022 will be hosting a Motorcycle & Car Show fundraiser at Great Mills High School on Sunday, June 2nd from 10 am-2 pm. To enter a car into the show the entry fee is $25-$35.00. Registration information can be found on the GMHS Website under Hot Topics. Registration will also be accepted on the day of the event. This event is FREE for spectators. For more information contact Audra Bishop at abbishop@smcps.org or 301-863-4001 x18122.

On Monday, June 3rd, 2019, at 7:00 p.m., the Prince Frederick Coalition will hold an open community meeting at the Calvert Library, Room #1, Prince Frederick.  The featured speakers will be Wilson Parran, Calvert County Deputy Administrator; and Jennifer Moreland, Community Resources.  The main topic will be:  Status of the Comprehensive Plan; the FY 2020 Budget; the new Comcast Cable Franchise Agreement; and Affordable Housing.  For more information, contact calverkids@outlook.com.

Join Pets with Disabilities on Friday June 7th at 150 Adelina Road in Prince Frederick for the 10th Annual Toast to Pets With Disabilities. Help us make a difference in the lives of disabled animals. They've organized a fun evening of relaxation, wine tasting, and a tremendous silent auction - all in the spirit of saving the animals that have been thrown away just because they are living their own "normal". Each admission ticket of $65.  80+ SILENT AUCTION ITEMS. The menu will satisfy all palates. Beer and non-alcoholic beverages also available. 

petswithdisabilities@comcast.net or www.petswithdisabilities.org

The Cobb Island Citizens Association will have their Cobb Island Day Festival on June 8th from 10 am to 3 pm. Don't miss a day of fun on the island with a parade, children's games and Fire truck rides. There will also be Miss and Junior Miss Cobb Island Crowning, K-9 Presentation, Dancers Presentation, Car show, Cold Beer, Seafood and more. For more information call Kelley Rollins at 301-399-0938 or Rochelle Creighton Tompa at 240-505-3755.

Leonardtown Rotary Club 3rd Annual Paddle for Heroes Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard Race will take place on Saturday June 8th at the Leonardtown Wharf on Breton Bay. This is a professionally-timed kayak and paddleboard event. A $30 registration fee includes a Paddle for Heroes T-shirt. Event registration is available online or at the event between 9:00am-9:30am, with the races starting at 10:15 am. The race course will traverse an approximately 3-mile route around the shores of Breton Bay, in the historic town of Leonardtown. Racers who register online can also earn 1 second off their elapsed time for every dollar they raise through our social fundraising portal. There is NO LIMIT to the number of seconds that can be deducted, so less experienced racers have as good a chance of winning as the professionals.

The Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary will be holding a Drive Thru Barbeque at the Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad Building on Saturday June 8th from noon until 4 pm. 

SATURDAY JUNE 8 - COUNTRY DANCE. For a fun time, come to the Country Dance at the American Legion Stallings-Williams Post 206 on Route 260 in Chesapeake Beach. If you can't dance, teachers will be available to give instruction. One hour lessons commence at 7:00 p.m. followed by dancing from 8:00 p.m. until midnight. The Modest price of $15.00 per person includes soft drinks or draft beer and light munchies. Hosted by the American Legion 206 in the upper level Ballroom in Chesapeake Beach on Route 260. For information call 410-257-9878. Reservations: Lbloyer@verizon.net www.ALpost206.org

Don't miss the 6th Annual Pinot On The Potomac Wine Tasting At Hard Bargain Farm Saturday June 8th To Benefit The Alice Ferguson Foundation's Environmental Programming For Over 8,000 local students. Sample over 30 great wines, craft beer, locally sourced gourmet foods all while overlooking the beautiful Potomac River. This garden-style event features live music along with live and silent auctions filled with fun trips, art and entertainment. Get your tickets before they sell out at www.fergusonfoundation.org.

 Calvert Hospice is pleased to offer an educational seminar on VA Benefits presented by Veterans Benefits Administration representatives at the Spring Hill suites in Prince Frederick on Tuesday June 11th. Information will be presented about eligibility and different types of benefits. Participants can also schedule one-on-one consults with representatives. Contact Peggy Braham to schedule your consult at 410-535-0892, ext. 4011

FRIDAY JUNE 21 – KARAOKE AT THE LEGION. Join us for a good time from 8:00 p.m. to midnight. at the American Legion Stallings Williams Post 206 in the Lower Level Lounge. No cover charges. The Post is located at 3330 Chesapeake Beach Road East on Route 260 in Chesapeake Beach. Public welcome. Questions may be directed to 410-257-9878 http://www.ALPost206.Org

Girl Scout Troop 6058 will have a Craft Fair/Flea Market/Bazaar in the Laurel Glen Shopping Parking Lot featuring Sunday June 23rd from 11 am to 4 pm. Local vendors. We look forward to having you join us there. A flyer can be seen at https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2377828785582694&set=a.246768608688733&type=3&theater

The Southern Maryland Bootscooters will have aDesigner purse bingo to raise funds for the Walk to End Alzheimer's and the 11U Southern Maryland Senators Baseball Team at the Mechanisville Moose Lodge on Sunday June 23rd. The event will take place at 1 pm. The doors open at Noon. Raffles, door prizes, chinese auction and much more! 

The Girls Scouts of the Nation’s Capital will host Camp Hoot Owl at St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds from June 24-28, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., for girls in grades K-5. Camp Hoot Owl is an introductory program for girls who ARE not currently Girl Scouts. Activities include arts and crafts, STEM, games, songs & more. The camp fee is $45 and includes FREE transportation. Financial aid is available. To register, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/cb-camper. For more information contact, Jessica Hadsell, at 301-861-5862.

The Prince Frederick Vol. Fire Department Annual Carnival is back. The Fireman's Carnival will take place on June 26th through June 30th at the Calvert County Fairgrounds in Barstow. 

The Prince Frederick Vol. Fire Department Annual Carnival is back. The Fireman's Carnival will take place on June 26th through June 30th at the Calvert County Fairgrounds in Barstow. 

The Great Mills High school Class of 2009 is hosting their 10 year class reunion on June 29th, 2009 at the Bay District Volunteer Fire Dept Social Hall. Cocktail hour start at 7pm, music starts at 8pm. See our Facebook event page to RSVP. www.facebook.com/gmhs2009/

There will be a Purse and Bags Bing on Saturday June 29th at the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall with doors opening at 5:00pm. Regular games start at 6 pm. Over $7,750 in purses and bags to be won. Advanced tickets are $25 and must be paid for by June 21st. Raffles, Early Birds and more. For advanced tickets and reservations contact Sherry and 240-925-6141. All proceeds benefit the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. 

The Prince Frederick Vol. Fire Department Annual Carnival is back. The Fireman's Carnival will take place on June 26th through June 30th at the Calvert County Fairgrounds in Barstow. 

Camp Phoenix is a three day day-camp for grieving children and teens ages 7 to 15. July 10th through the 12th at Kings Landing Park in Huntingtown from 9:30 am - 4 pm each day. This program offers every child the opportunity to express his or her feelings of grief and loss in a supportive and understanding environment. In addition to traditional camp activities, including swimming, crafts, and sports, children participate in group discussions and creative activities led by professional counselors and trained volunteers. Registration is $50. Scholarships are available. Please contact Jess Foster for information at 410-535-0892.

The Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will be having a casino trip on Sunday, July 14th on a first come/first served basis. The cost will be $45.00 per person, with payment in advance. Price includes: Water, Snacks, $15 in Free Slot Play and $7 Buffet Credit. We will depart from the Seventh District Fire House at 8:00 a.m. with a stop at 8:30 a.m. in Charlotte Hall. For a reservation or more information, please call 301-769-2016, 301-769-4042 or 301-769-2654. If there is no answer, please leave a message and we will return the call ASAP. Come and enjoy a fun-filled day at a Casino with friends and support a fundraiser for the Auxiliary.

Chopticon High School Class of '79 is having their 40-year class reunion on July 20th at 6 pm at Olde Breton Inn. Cost will be $40 per person and will include a dinner buffet. E-mail CHSReunion79@gmail.com for more information or check out our Facebook page by searching for "Chopticon High School Class of 1979".

The National Night Out Block Party for the Patuxent View Community off Rt. 231 on Seagull Beach Road and Dawn Drive in Prince Frederick is Tuesday August 6th from 4-8pm.