Receiving the distinction of Eagle Scout requires strong motivation, willingness to learn, careful planning, with a strong commitment to service. Isaac Wieser possesses all of these admirable characteristics, plus unmatched, unbridled enthusiasm. Born with Down syndrome, he doesn’t allow challenges to intimidate him one bit. Last week, after a full year of planning, organizing, supervising, and development, he delivered 10 white cedar bluebird houses to Sotterley Plantation, as part of the wildlife encouragement program.

“I’m so excited!” Isaac exclaimed, upon entering the Sotterley office with his mother and brother … and he has every right to be. After identifying Sotterley’s need for this valuable project at the 2010 Garden Fair, he set to work. With assistance from his family and fellow boy scouts in Troop 420 of Leonardtown, what began as an idea has become a reality.

After learning that bluebirds prefer white cedar, Isaac’s grandfather generously donated the wood for the project. Isaac’s next phase of learning included how to use a drill press and other tools correctly and safely, under the instruction of his father. Once the prep-work was complete, he supervised the construction of the high-quality bluebird houses. Grouping the scouts into teams, each responsible for a specific task on an assembly line, he oversaw each phase of development for quality assurance.

“We are so incredibly honored that Isaac chose Sotterley for this most amazing gift. This will help us to increase the bluebird population at Sotterley,” stated Nancy Easterling, Executive Director. “Most importantly, we have made a great friend in Isaac.”

Much thanks to Isaac Wieser, the Wieser family, and Boy Scout Troop 420 of Leonardtown, Maryland. We are grateful … and excited!

The Charles County Arts Alliance presents local artist Faith Gaillot and selections from her collection "Mixed Emotions" at the Commissioners Gallery in La Plata.    

Faith Gaillot is an award-winning local artist from Hollywood, Maryland. Drawing historical buildings has been an avenue she has enjoyed and her pen and ink skills have been enthusiastically received. Gallery visitors will no doubt recognize some of the pen and ink drawings of historical churches that are on display at the gallery, including Christ Church in La Plata. Gaillot enjoys working in other mediums as well, including watercolor, acrylic, and watercolor with pen and ink, all which highlight her attention to rich detail.  

Gaillot has won numerous awards in local art shows in St. Mary's and Calvert County and has done design work for several area businesses. Recently, her historical drawing of Middleham Chapel received "Honorable Mention" in the Calvert Artists Guild Juried Show. She is a member of the Baltimore Watercolor Society, Calvert Artist's Guild, Colonial Beach Artists' Guild, and Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts. In addition, she has won numerous Championship Ribbons in both the St. Mary's and Calvert County's Fair.

The mission of the CCAA is to promote all the arts: music, visual art, drama, dance and literature. Founded in 1987, it is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. For more information, visit the CCAA website at www.charlescountyarts.org or call301-392-5900.

Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center is  currently seeking applications from regional businesses and organizations to host a booth at the annual Halloween in the Garden. 

 Halloween in the Garden, a beloved Halloween tradition, is a no-scare, daytime, trick or treating parade, during which local businesses and organizations pass out candy or a treat to each young guest.  Taking place this year on Saturday, October 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Halloween in the Garden’s admission fee is only a $1 per guest - which will be donated to several local charities.  In addition, regional businesses and organizations that participant will have the opportunity to pass out family-friendly marketing materials to the parents. 

 “This has been a popular local event for many years.  Last year, we had over 5,000 children and adults come to our event.  This year, we anticipate that number to increase,” said Stacey Hann-Ruff, Executive Director of Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center.  “Not only is it a great charity event, but also a wonderful marketing tool for those businesses and organizations that would like to get in front of potential clients – a win-win situation for all.” 

 Participating businesses/organizations will be required to pass out treats to younger guests and are encouraged to decorate their booths and dress in costumes.  Awards will be given to those booths with the most outstanding costume and display.

 Booth applications are available now and can be downloaded from www.annmariegarden.org or by calling 410-326-4640.  The deadline to apply is October 10, 2011; however, it is advisable for businesses and organizations to apply early since applications will be processed on a first-come, first–served basis. 

 About Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center

An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, Annmarie is located in scenic Solomons, Maryland, on the Chesapeake Bay.  The sculpture garden features a walking path that meanders through the forest, past permanent and loaned sculpture, including more than thirty works on loan from the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art.  The garden also presents a variety of award-winning special events, gallery shows, and engaging public art programs.  Annmarie’s Studio School offers creative classes for all ages and abilities taught by a talented faculty.  The garden is conveniently located just off Route 2-4, on Dowell Road in Solomons.  Annmarie is open 9am-5pm daily; the Arts Building and Gift Shop is open 10am-5pm daily.  To learn more, visit www.annmariegarden.org. 

Applications for FY 2012 grants are now available! Over the last 23 years the CCAA has distributed more than $500,000 in funding to schools and organizations in Charles County for projects in the performing, visual, and literary arts. This has helped to enhance Charles County's culture and inspire its residents to explore the diverse arts community present in its own backyard. There are two types of grants: one for schools (Artists In Education), and one for community nonprofit organizations (Community Arts Development).      

Applications and instructions are available on the CCAA website, www.charlescountyarts.org. The deadline to apply is October 5, 2011. For more information, visit the website or call  301-392-5900. 

Ballet Arts Academy at the Old Waldorf Schoolcelebrates its 2011-2012 season of classes, performances and events beginning in September with an “Open House” on Saturday, September 10 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at its home, the historic Old Waldorf School, adjacent to the Greater Waldorf Jaycees on Crain Hwy. 

Attendees will tour the school and the classrooms of the BAA, meet the Artistic Director and Ballet Master, Oscar C. Hawkins, Founder, Jayne Stefani-Keating, the officers of the Board of Directors and enjoy refreshments served by BAA dancers. Registration for new and returning students is currently underway for classes in Pre-Ballet, Classical Ballet Technique (Vaganova method in the Russian tradition), Character and Court Dance, European Contemporary, and Fitness and Conditioning all beginning the week of September 12.

The BAA is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to the study of classical ballet and its related arts and serving the region through community outreach events, funded scholarships for in-need students, and by providing free tickets to BAA performances for low income public school students.  The Academy is funded in part by the Charles County Arts Alliance, Maryland State Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts and the Margaret Abell Powell Fund.

For more information about the Academy please log on to www.balletartsacademy.org or e-mail christinedaleeldridge@verizon.net or call the Academy at 301.932.4002.

The Allure of Lighthouses…

Nine Lighthouses, One Lightship, Two Days—8th Year!

September 17 and 18, 2011:  8 a.m. - 6 p.m., rain or shine

One of the missions of the Chesapeake Chapter of the United States Lighthouse Society is to educate, inform and entertain those who are interested in Chesapeake Bay area lighthouses. On September 17 and 18, 2011, in partnership with the lighthouse organizations across the state, the Chapter will do just that during the 2011 Maryland Lighthouse Challenge. 

For the eighth year, participants who visit any of the participating lighthouses during the allotted hours will receive a complimentary souvenir depicting that lighthouse. It is not necessary to visit all the lighthouses to participate and they can be visited in any order. Those who score a perfect ten by visiting all the lighthouse attractions will receive an additional souvenir to mark their accomplishment! 

For participants’ added viewing pleasure and to really put the “challenge” in the 8th annual event, organizers are again offering two BONUS lights - Sandy Point Shoal (to be viewed off shore from one of Maryland’s most popular state parks), and the Blackistone Lighthouse Replica at the site of Maryland’s birthplace, St. Clement’s Island. There will also be an add-on Bonus Cruise departing from Maryland’s Eastern Shore to see some of the Bay’s more elusive lighthouses, never before viewed in conjunction with this event. 

Lighthouses are an important aspect of our state’s maritime heritage and remain treasured keepsakes of a by-gone era. This year’s theme, “Reading Lights the Way”, is being introduced to encourage Challenge participants to read about lighthouse architecture, history and about the dedicated keepers who kept watch over them.
The award-winning driving tour will take participants to some of the most beautiful sites in Maryland along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary, the Potomac River. Throughout the weekend, enthusiasts are invited to visit Concord Point, Cove Point, Drum Point, Fort Washington, Hooper Strait, Piney Point, Point Lookout, Seven-Foot Knoll, Turkey Point, and the Lightship Chesapeake.

Participants will receive the event brochure at the first lighthouse visited, which includes driving instructions to all the lights. Receive a complimentary souvenir at each lighthouse; lighthouses may be visited in any order and it is not necessary to visit all of them to participate. Enthusiasts visiting all ten lights will receive a special commemorative souvenir to mark their accomplishment! 

At the Calvert Marine Museum, see Drum Point Lighthouse and take a shuttle to Cove Point. Free shuttles will run all day long from the Calvert Marine Museum with the last one departing at 5:00 p.m. There is no charge to see the lighthouses during the Challenge. Don’t miss the custom Lighthouse Challenge socks for $10.95, available exclusively at the museum store. Socks may also be purchased by calling the store at 410-326-2750.

Meet special guests, Wendy Brewer and Bill Conway during Lighthouse Challenge at the Calvert Marine Museum. Wendy Brewer, author of Keep Your Glow On, is helping to raise awareness and encourage Americans to help save lighthouses and maritime history. Wendy has traveled along America’s coastlines visiting and photographing over 450 lighthouses. A breast cancer survivor, determination has captured the essence of her passion in this book. Copies of the books are available for sale at the museum store with signings during the weekend.

Local resident, Bill Conway, is an award winning photographer from Lusby, Maryland. Bill’s breathtaking photography is being used on this year’s souvenirs, which deems appropriate that “educating and connecting people through photography,” would be his motto. A collection of photos will on display and for sale in the lobby during Lighthouse Challenge.
 
Participants will find these magnificent structures and the history surrounding them water’s edge at some of the most beautiful destinations statewide. Lighthouse enthusiasts, start your engines!

The Lighthouses of Maryland are beckoning…
Come September, be prepared to “see the lights!”
For more information about the 2011 Maryland Lighthouse Challenge, visit www.cheslights.org.

The College of Southern Maryland is offering limited season tickets for its productions during the 2011-12 season. A season ticket provides admission to as many as 27 events including festivals, concerts and theatre productions. The first 100 season tickets are being sold at a discounted rate of $100.

This year the CSM arts is bringing top talent to Southern Maryland. Events begin in September and continue until May, with various concerts and performances each month.  In addition to plays, ticket holders also gain entrance to concerts such as the Jazz Festival, Latin music festival, the Barbershop Christmas and the music faculty showcase.

"For only $100 you’re able to have access to all performances, which would normally cost you $221.  That’s a savings of $121,” said Keith Hight, CSM technical director.

Along with admittance, season ticket holders may select preferred seating for productions in the La Plata Fine Arts Center Theatre. For the schedule visit www.csmd.edu/Arts. For information on season tickets
contact 301-934-7828, 301-870-2309, 240-725-5499, 443-550-6199, Ext. 7828 or bxoffc@csmd.edu.

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. If you are interested in these services, please contact the academic support/ADA coordinator at 301-934-7614.