Sotterley Plantation is pleased to offer Audio Tours to visitors, as a new and engaging way to experience the history of the site. The audio tours are based on the new interpretive tour launched in 2011. The 1703 Plantation House Audio Tour is available on Fridays only, with interpreter led Guided Tours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Sotterley Grounds is available every day except Mondays. There will be no additional fees for the new tour options. Additionally, a new 15 minute introductory video can be viewed at the Visitor Center, which sets the stage for the many visitors who come to hear more about Sotterley and its 300 year history.

“The reviews since we opened on May 1st have been tremendous,” stated Nancy Easterling, Sotterley Executive Director. “Unless our guests were able to take a guided tour, they often did not understand the site or its history. Now, every guest leaves with a much better knowledge about Sotterley – both the history, as well as all that we offer today.

These new experiences were made possible by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the hard work of Project Director, Merideth Taylor.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.

Your chance is NOW to build a 16-foot wooden canoe! The Calvert Marine Museum and Patuxent Small Craft Guild are scheduling requests for the “Build a Boat by Appointment” program. Invite your family and friends to join in the fun and choose two consecutive Saturdays or any two days of your choice. Hours of class are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No experience necessary.

With simple hand tools and guidance from experienced instructors, your canoe and paddles will be assembled and ready to paint at the end of the second day. A fee of $600.00 for Calvert Marine Museum members and $650 for non-members includes all materials necessary to complete one canoe and two paddles. Youth groups and children ten years and up are welcome in the company of an adult.

The Calvert Marine Museum offers a similar class in building a 12-foot rowing skiff. The cost for the skiff is $950.00 for members and $1,000.00 for non-members. A sailing version, including sail, spars, daggerboard, and rudder is an option for an additional $800.00.

Financial assistance is available to qualified applicants from the Melvin Conant Memorial Youth Fund. The Fund was established in 2004 to encourage young people, particularly those in need, to participate in programs offered by the Calvert Marine Museum’s Patuxent Small Craft Center. 

For more information, details, and scheduling, please contact George Surgent at 410-586-2700 or gsurgent@comcast.net.  For more information about events and programs at the Calvert Marine Museum, please visit www.calvertmarinemuseum.com.

A tribute to many that make such a difference

The Calvert Marine Museum would not be the place that it is without the time and talents of so many volunteers. These treasured people assist with daily functions of the museum, First Free Fridays, annual events and activities, summer camps, along with special projects. Last year, a record breaking 27,248 hours of volunteer time was logged. If paid as hourly wages, this would equate to $610,407.00. WOW! Who could afford to pay that price for so many jobs well done?

The Oscars and Grammy Awards do not hold a candle to the “Golden Otter” Award Recognition Ceremony held at the museum on Wednesday, April 18 in honor of CMM volunteers. There are more than 276 active volunteers who can be found in all areas of the museum every day of the week in the Skates and Rays, Discovery Room, Museum Store, Patuxent Small Craft Guild Building, outdoors on the grounds, special events, on Concert Day, and behind the scenes.

Sherry Reid, Volunteer and Event Coordinator who has been a museum volunteer for more than 25 years is the leader of this group and takes great pride in their many accomplishments. “The Calvert Marine Museum is fortunate to have so many wonderful volunteers with a willingness to share their time, talent, energy, dedication and commitment to make CMM the best it can be,” said Reid.

Every volunteer is appreciated, and the evening had several special highlights including Paul Berry, Librarian, with almost 30 years of volunteer service with a total of 25,669.5 hours, Bill Lake, Patuxent Small Craft Guild president, with 14,022 hours over his 15 year volunteer tenure, and Tom and Sandy Younger whospent 2,150 combined hours last year assisting daily at the museum and have been dedicated volunteers for more than 11 years.

The Golden Otter for Volunteer of the Year and was awarded to Sylvia Dry who works each day in the development office and is a crucial part of their team. Sylvia brings her amazing organizational skills to bear in the development office where she does everything from filing, sorting, planning, selling concert tickets, and keeping the staff straight. Sylvia Dry is a wonderful ambassador for the museum.

The Volunteer Group of the Year was awarded to the newest CMM club, the Yard Arms, the gardening committee that was formed and hit the ground running in February of 2011. They not only designed, built and planted flower beds, but have kept them beautiful all spring and summer. The museum grounds have never looked better and visitors are treated to the beauty of hardy native plants. The dedicated Yard Arms volunteers help weekly even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Their current projects include the construction of a demonstration composting bin next to the rain garden, the installation of plant labels, and information on the web site about the native plants they are using.

For more information on becoming a member of the CMM volunteer family, please contact Sherry Reid at 410-326-2042, ext. 19 or email reidsd@co.cal.md.us.

Photos attached by Robert Hall, Volunteer photographer, taking CMM event photos for over 19 years!

The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors and military with valid I.D., and $2.00 for children ages 5 – 12; children under 5 and museum members are always admitted free. For more information about the museum, upcoming events, or membership, visit the website at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com or call 410-326-2042. LIKE us on Facebook. 

2012 Cruising Schedule Announced at the Calvert Marine Museum
Enjoy specialty cruises all year long aboard the historic Wm. B. Tennison departing from the Calvert Marine Museum. Built in 1899, the Tennison is the only Coast Guard licensed log-hulled, passenger carrying vessel in the United States. The vessel served as an oyster buyboat until 1978 and has been designated a National Historic landmark. All cruises are open to the public, and sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information or to purchase cruise tickets, please contact Melissa McCormick at 410-326-2042, ext. 41 or mccormmj@co.cal.md.us.


Sunday, June 17
Father’s Day Brunch Cruise
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Dad’s love being out on the water-a perfect way to say ‘You’re the best’.
Adults $25, 12 and under $15.
Advance registration by Wednesday, June 13.

 
Father’s Day Evening Cruise
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
What dad wouldn’t feel special with this treat? Heavy hors d’ oeuvres served.
Adults $25, and children 12 and under $15.
Advance registration required by Wednesday, June 13.

 
Wednesday, July 4
Fireworks Cruise
8:00 p.m. till......
Come aboard for the best view in town and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Adults $35, Sorry no children under 7. Advance registration required by Thursday, June 28.

 
Saturday, July 21
Sunset in the Tropics
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Experience a spectacular sunset on the Patuxent River while enjoying tropical appetizers. Parrot Heads are welcome. Adults $30.
Advance registration required by Wednesday, July 17.

 
Saturday, August 18
Picnic Cruise
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Bring a picnic basket along and enjoy a cruise on the Patuxent River. Adults $15, children 12 and under $10. Advance registration required by Friday, August 19.

Saturday, September 8
Kids Pirate Pizza Cruise
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Dress like a pirate, eat pizza, and cruise around the Patuxent River aboard the Wm. B. Tennison. Arrrrrrgh!  $12 per person.
Advance registration required by Thursday, September 6.

 
Saturday, October 27
11th Annual Monster Mash Cruise
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
This cruise is for little goblins and their families. Adults $7, children 5-12 $6, children 4 and under $4.   Advance registration required by Thursday, October 18.
The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors and military with valid I.D., and $2.00 for children ages 5 – 12; children under 5 and museum members are always admitted free. For more information about the museum, upcoming events, or membership, visit the website atwww.calvertmarinemuseum.com or call 410-326-2042. LIKE us on Facebook.

The 2011 Patuxent River Appreciation Days (PRAD) Committee is pleased to announce the awarding of two grants aimed at raising awareness and concern for the productivity of the Patuxent River and its life. The PRAD committee, through proceeds from its annual October festival, makes grant awards to non-profit organizations that either provide educational programs or conduct research activities focusing on the Patuxent River or Patuxent River Basin.

 The 2011 recipients were the Calverton School, which is running ongoing scientific sampling and discovery of the Patuxent River and the newly formed Purple Martin Club which will be located at the Calvert Marine Museum. Purple Martins have been pushed out of their habitat and require specific manmade housing to survive in today’s environment. Also awarded was the Patuxent Naval Air Museum for a War of 1812 exhibit.

Awards are made on a competitive basis by the PRAD, Inc. Board and do not exceed $1,000 per organization in any one year.  The PRAD, Inc. Board includes members of the Calvert Marine Museum, Calvert Artist Guild, the Pa-Po-Peake Shrine Club, SMILE, and the Calvert County Watermen's Association.

 Funding for this year’s PRAD grants will provide a host of programs to the community in efforts to help educate citizens about how to protect and about the importance of the Patuxent River to not only people but to its creatures as well.

 Information for next year’s grants will be forthcoming in February of 2013.

By Brittanie Krauss

                The College of Southern Maryland, Prince Frederick Campus, hosted Maryland’s Poet Laureate Stanley Plumly last month, in a night focused on extra credit and Keats.

                A majority of CSM students in attendance gave similar reasons for attended the night’s event. “I’m here to support my English teacher,” said Melissa Jenkins of Prince Frederick, while others more bluntly stated the 10 points of extra credit for their English 1020 class as their reason for attending. Others noted that it was required for class participation.

                Some, like David Gornley of Chesapeake Beach, were interested in the turn out as much as the speaker.  “I was kind of curious,” Gornley said. “I heard recently poetry was a dying art, a lost language and I was curious to see how alive it is.”

                Throughout the night Plumly evoked the work of another poet, John Keats, whom Plumly recently wrote a book about entitled “Posthumous Keats”.  During the reading Plumly recited “Constable’s Clouds,” what he called “John Constable’s eulogy for Keats,” and spoke of his own time living in England.

                “I’ve been everywhere Keats walked, everywhere Keats’s lived,” Plumy said later during a meet and greet session. “To be an expert you have to live there.”

                Plumly’s other readings of the night included “Cancer,” “The Jay,” “Prodigal Daughters” and “Wrong Side of the River,” which threaded together themes of life and death and the briefness of time.     

                “I found more of his depressing poems enjoyable,” admitted Sarah Koch of Huntingtown, whose thoughts echoed others in attendance. “I could more relate to him, his connection to nature is amazing.”

                The night also had its humorous moments as well. During the question and answer session an audience member asked Plumly what made him choose poetry as his expressive outlet. “I don’t know what else I would of done, I would have had a half-life…I would have been a criminal,” he replied.

                Plumly spoke candidly as well on what it meant to be a poet. “I love really good prose,” he told the audience, “human integrity could not be matched any other way. Writing is the most difficult thing we do.”

                Plumly, a University of Maryland College Park professor and author of nine books of poetry, spoke as part of College of Southern Maryland’s ongoing literary series in conjunction with the school’s “Connections” magazine.

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Brittanie Krauss is a CSM student and wrote this story as part of the Introduction to Media Writing course.

By Stephanie Davis

The College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, hosted its second Communication Day March 29, kicked off by keynote speaker Roz Plater, a news anchor for WTTG DC, Fox 5.

The Communication Day provided area high school and college students the opportunity to learn about the communication field and to explore related courses offered at CSM.

The theme Communication in the Global Age resonated in presentations and discussions throughout the day.  Students heard from professionals working in the communication field, attended sample college classes in the communication discipline, toured the new TV production studio, and participated in a public speaking competition. 

Eric Millham, a TV/video production instructor at the Forrest Technology Center, in Leonardtown, returned this year with a group of students in the television/video product program offered at the center. 

Millham said the students, several who attended Communication Day last year, looked forward to a private tour of the new TV production studio, which was just a room then. He said the tour gives students the opportunity to see a real working studio. 

Roz Plater a Washington, D.C., reporter and Calvert County, Md., native gave the opening keynote address.  In her address Plater shared with students that international interest in what is happening in the U.S. offers more media outlets to work in, the impact that technology has had on how information is received from the media, and the importance of networking.

 “Always do your best your first time at bat, and every time at bat,” said Plater.  “You never know who may be watching or listening and where that may take you in life.”

Plater offered advice to students interested in a career in the communication field.  She encouraged students to never stop learning.

During the professional panel discussion panelists were also asked what advice they would give to someone considering the communication field given the diverse global society we live in. All four panelists emphasized the importance of learning another language and embracing other cultures and encouraged students to join a professional group for networking. 

Alan Lifton, a panelist with more than 40 years of experience in the television and higher education fields, responded by saying, “Explore and enjoy the world around you and embrace change.” 

Lifton encouraged students to follow their heart, be passionate about what they enjoy doing and to go into journalism because they are interested in it. 

The Communication Day closed with a public speaking competition by CSM students. The three students participating presented on the issues of pet adoption, social media and interpersonal communication. Sofiya Schug, who was born in Russia and speaks English as a second language, closed her presentation on interpersonal communication with a song. 

Schug joked that to make up for her struggle with giving her presentation in English she would sing a beautiful piece in Italian, one of the five languages she can sing in. Schug said that she hoped that she was able to express that there is more to a person than their accent by singing for the audience.

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Stephanie Davis is a student at CSM and wrote this story as part of the Introduction to Media Writing course.

Reference Supervisor/Waldorf West

Strong customer service position with emphasis on assisting library customers with information resources in all formats. A working knowledge of technology for database searching and basic software applications is essential. Supervises staff assigned to reference. Responsibilities include training and evaluating staff, coordinating reference activities within the branch, and participating in system wide initiatives involving reference. Works well in a strong team oriented environment. Full time (37.5 hours) includes evenings and weekends depending on the scheduling needs of the branch. MLS(Masters in Library Science) required and a minimum of three years reference work related to the position. Level 13; beginning at $54,000

Programming Coordinator/Administrative

Coordinates and advocates for programming to children, teens, and adults in Charles County. Designs, promotes, coordinates, and evaluates a variety of programs based on the needs and interests of the community. Includes some evenings and weekends. Minimum bachelor's degree. MLS preferred. Full time (37.5) plus benefits. Level 12; beginning at $49,971
Children's Librarian/Waldorf West

Customer service position with strong children's programming skills, reference and circulation. Must work well with parents, children and community agencies to serve children and families in the Waldorf West area.  Responsible for children's collection at Waldorf West.  Includes some evenings and weekends. Minimum bachelor's degree or Maryland Library Associate certification and one year of public service experience; background, education, or experience in early childhood highly desirable. Public library and computer experience highly desirable. MLS preferred.  Full time (37.5) plus benefits. Level 12; beginning at $49,971

Young Adult Librarian/Waldorf West

Customer service position with strong programming skills, reference and circulation. Must work well with parents, teens and community agencies to serve teens and families in the Charles County area.Responsible for the teen collection at Waldorf West.  Includes some evenings and weekends. Minimum bachelor's degree or Maryland Library Associate certification and one year of public service experience; background, education, or experience with teens highly desirable. Public library and computer experience highly desirable. MLS preferred. Full time (37.5) plus benefits. Level 12; beginning at $49,971 

Young Adult Associate/Waldorf West

Under the supervision of the Young Adult Librarian, this is a customer service position with strong teen programming skills, reference and circulation. Must work well with parents, teens and community agencies to serve teens in the Charles County area. Includes some evenings and weekends. Minimum Bachelor's Degree or Maryland Library Associate certification and one year of public service experience; background, education, or experience with teens highly desirable. Public library and computer experience highly desirable.  Full time (37.5 hours) plus benefits. Level 10; beginning at $42,809

Public Service Associates/Waldorf West

Customer service position with emphasis on reference, programming, and circulation. Public library and computer experience highly desirable.  Includes some evenings and weekends. Minimum Bachelor's Degree or Maryland Library Associate certification and one year of public service experience.  Full time (37.5 hours) plus benefits. Level 10; beginning at $42,809
Public Service Associate/Waldorf West

Customer service position with emphasis on reference, programming, and circulation. Public library and computer experience highly desirable.  Includes some evenings and weekends. Minimum Bachelor's Degree or Maryland Library Associate certification and one year of public service experience. Level 10; there is no benefits package with the hourly position, 20 hours per week
Public Service Associates/La Plata/Potomac

Customer service position with emphasis on reference, programming, and circulation. Public library and computer experience highly desirable. Includes some evenings and weekends. Programming will also include children's story time with the Children's Librarian for that branch location. Minimum Bachelor's Degree or Maryland Library Associate certification and one year of public service experience.  Full time (37.5 hours) plus benefits. Level 10; beginning at $42,809

Circulation Assistants/La Plata/Potomac/

P.D. Brown/Waldorf West

Performs circulation duties to provide direct service to customers; assists customers with self check out procedures, works with cash register, integrated circulation system, and credit card payments. Minimum high school diploma. Grade 4; there is no benefits package with the hourly position.  $13.86 per hour.  20 hours per week
Pages/P.D. Brown/Waldorf West

Performs a variety of duties relative to the organization and retrieval of library materials. Minimum wage; there is no benefits package with the hourly position. Hours are based on the needs of the library system.

PLEASE OBTAIN CCPL APPLICATION FORM FROM ANY BRANCH AND SUBMIT WITH A RESUME. RETURN TO: Charles County Public Library, Emily Ferren, Director, 2 Garrett Avenue, La Plata, MD 20646 by Friday, June 15th at 5 p.m.

You may also download an application form here. 

Chautauqua Opens Series at La Plata Campus July 10, 11, 12

 The College of Southern Maryland’s (CSM) Twilight Performance Series returns this summer with a new line-up to include history, music and theater. The free, family-friendly, outdoor performance series will feature artists performing a variety of entertainment from jazz, rock, pop, classic rock and alternative music to kid-friendly and historical theatrical performances at campuses in La Plata, Leonardtown and Prince Frederick.

This year CSM will host Chautauqua at the La Plata Campus July 10, 11 and 12. Twilight performances will continue at the Leonardtown Campus on Tuesdays, July 17, 24 and 31; at the La Plata Campus on Wednesdays, July 18, 25 and Aug. 1; and at the Prince Frederick Campus on Thursdays, July 19, 26 and Aug. 2. All performances will begin at 6:45 p.m.

The annual Chautauqua program will kick off its series July 10-12 in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. Chautauqua is an educational program of the Maryland Humanities Council, presented in partnership with CSM and includes opening musical acts at 6:45 p.m., followed by performances from Chautauquan actors who portray historical figures. This year will feature British Major General Robert Ross; President James Madison; and Rosalie Stier Calvert, member of a wealthy Maryland family whose extensive correspondence illuminated life on the Calvert plantation leading up to and during the War of 1812. For a sample of this year’s program visit http://www.csmd.edu/Arts/TwilightSeries/index.html.

Twilight performances continue the subsequent weeks with local rock bands No Green JellyBeenz and Pet the Monster; theatrical productions of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged),” “Schoolhouse Rock Live!;” and local jazz ensemble, Solid Brass.

Hailing from Mechanicsville, No Green JellyBeenz is a cover band with sounds ranging from modern rock, pop, hip hop, alternative, 1970s, ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s, performing July 17 at the Leonardtown Campus. Preview their sound at www.ngjbband.com or on their facebook fanpage at http://www.facebook.com/nogreenjellybeenz.

Pet the Monster emerged on the local music scene as an energetic, alternative, rock, ska, classic, indie cover band. With a song list that fans rave about, the band has been steadily adding original material to its repertoire. Pet the Monster will perform July 31 for the fifteenth birthday celebration at the Leonardtown Campus. Listen to a performance at www.petthemonster.com or on the facebook fanpage at http://www.facebook.com/petthemonster.

CSM introduced “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” during the fall 2011 Arts season and is reviving it at this year’s Twilight. Based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” presented by special arrangement with Tams-Whitmark Music Library, Inc., takes the audience through a day in the life of Charlie Brown. Musical numbers include “My Blanket and Me,” “The Kite,” “The Baseball Game,” “Little Known Facts,”and “Suppertime and Happiness.” The show will be performed July 18 at the La Plata Campus and July 19 at the Prince Frederick Campus.

“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), ” presented by special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishing, Inc., is not your typical Shakespeare. Witness a fast-paced, irreverent interpretation of Shakespeare’s 37 plays in only 97 minutes. The performance will take place July 24 at the Leonardtown Campus, July 25 at the La Plata Campus and July 26 at the Prince Frederick Campus.

Based on the ABC educational animated series which aired in the 1970s-80s, “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” is a pop-culture phenomenon brought to the musical stage. Presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), the Emmy Award-winning Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math, science and politics through clever tuneful songs will light up the stage in this production. Some of the beloved songs will include “Just A Bill,” “Lolly, Lolly, Lolly” and “Conjunction Junction.” The performance will take place Aug.1 at the La Plata Campus.

Under the direction of Randy Runyon, Solid Brass is comprised of members of the community, professional musicians, and high school and college students. It has been entertaining the Southern Maryland community for years. The concert will be Aug. 2 at the Prince Frederick Campus.

The series will take place outdoors on the La Plata Campus Fine Arts Building Lawn, the Leonardtown Campus Great Lawn, and on the Prince Frederick Patio. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic, or purchase food on site. No alcoholic beverages are permitted. In the event of inclement weather, performances will move indoors.  On the La Plata Campus performances will move to the Fine Arts Center, on the Leonardtown Campus to Building A, Auditorium, and on the Prince Frederick Campus to Room 119.

Gold, silver and bronze sponsorship levels are available for this year’s Twilight Performance Series. For information on sponsorships call 301-934-7649 or 301-870-2309, 240-725-5499 or 443-550-6169, Ext. 7649 or visit www.csmd.edu/Foundation. Current support for the series is made possible through a sponsorship with Old Line Bank, BB&T, Donald and Mary Smolinski and Sue and Frank Taylor; and partnerships with the Maryland Humanities Council, the Leonardtown Business Association, The Good Earth Natural Foods Company and Bella Music School; and grant funding from the Charles County Arts Alliance, the Arts Council of Calvert County, the St. Mary’s County Arts Council and the Maryland State Arts Council.

For information on the Twilight Performance Series call 301-934-7828 or 301-870-2309, 240-725-5499, or 443-550-6169, Ext. 7828 or visit www.csmd.edu/Arts.

Chautauqua is a program of the Maryland Humanities Council presented in partnership with the College of Southern Maryland. The Maryland Humanities Council, Inc. is an independent non-profit organization which receives support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Maryland Division of Historical and Cultural Programs, corporations, foundations and individuals.

CSM’s campuses are accessible to patrons with disabilities. Audio description for the visually impaired and sign language interpretation for the hearing impaired are available with a minimum two-week advanced notice. Contact the academic support/ADA coordinator at 301-934-7614.