Public Service Announcements

Just a note to advise everyone that the Public Service Announcements (PSA) forum is intended for any/all local non-profits, churches, schools, and/or government agencies to post information of interest to the local community. 🤚 When posting events, please include the event dates in the title. If it is something that has a deadline attached (submitting an application or pre-registering for an event), please include the deadline date in the title. This will make it easier for the moderators to remove obsolete information and prevent readers from wasting their time. 🤚 Unlike other forums, this section is not to be used to pontificate, opine, post nonsense, or otherwise whine or complain about a legitimate PSA which you find posted here. If you feel the need to do so, please copy the text that so inspires/offends you and start a thread in an appropriate forum. 🤚 Conversely, if you have something positive to contribute to the announcement, please do so, i.e. additional information, past positive results...

The Arc Southern Maryland Announces 5th Annual “Day at the Derby SoMD Style” Fundraiser The Arc Southern Maryland is excited to announce the return of its signature spring fundraiser, Day at the Derby SoMD Style, celebrating its 5th anniversary this year. The highly anticipated event will bring the excitement, style, and tradition of the Kentucky Derby to Southern Maryland while raising critical funds to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Guests can expect an afternoon filled with Derby-inspired fashion, signature cocktails, a cigar lounge, a southern Maryland & KY inspired dinner, live entertainment, an exciting auction, and the thrill of the Kentucky Derby race. The event has quickly become one of the region’s most beloved community fundraisers, bringing together supporters, local businesses, and advocates who believe in creating opportunities for people with disabilities. Funds raised during the event help The Arc Southern Maryland continue providing programs and...

Prince Frederick, MD — Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) will host its 13th Annual Science and Engineering EXPO on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Calvert High School. This free, family-friendly event is open to the public. The EXPO will showcase CCPS science and engineering programs alongside STEM organizations from across the local community. Designed to engage learners of all ages, the event aims to spark interest in STEM classes, clubs, and career pathways through interactive, hands-on experiences. Attendees can explore a wide range of activities and exhibits, including science and engineering demonstrations, Career Technology Academy showcases, computer coding, biomedical experiments, robotics, math games, catapult challenges, and more. The Science and Engineering EXPO offers students and families an opportunity to experience STEM learning in action while connecting with educators and community partners who support innovation and exploration. For more...

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Farmers play a vital role in sustaining communities and ensuring national food security, but they face significant challenges, including extreme weather and financial burdens. To assist farmers in implementing the latest technology and processes, Dr. Hemendra Kumar, Precision Agriculture Specialist, initiated the Precision Agriculture Technology Conference, hosted in partnership with the University of Maryland Extension (UME) Agriculture and Food Systems program. Coming from a farming family, Kumar, Precision Agriculture Specialist with UME, brings a deep personal appreciation for the challenges and efforts required in food production. “I deeply understand the hard work, dedication, and resilience required to produce the food that sustains our communities and our nation,” he said. “It’s easy to get food on the plate, but it’s incredibly hard to bring it to the plate.” Now in its second year, the conference, which begins at 9 a.m. on February 26, 2026 at the Crowne Plaza in Annapolis...

Registration is now open for the spring 2026 of “The Woods in Your Backyard” online course from the University of Maryland Extension’s Woodland Stewardship Education program. Our self-directed, non-credit course runs for 10 weeks from March 9 to May 18, 2026. The course will help landowners convert lawn to natural areas and enhance stewardship of existing natural areas. The course provides strategies for landowners of small parcels of land (1-10 acres) that improve the stewardship of their property for personal enjoyment and environmental quality. It uses a hands-on learning approach to help participants develop and implement a plan for their property. Activities include how to map habitat areas, understand basic ecological principles about woodland and wildlife, choose and implement a few habitat management projects, and how to set a timetable and record your progress. Online discussion groups allow participants to interact with others taking the course. A certificate of completion is awarded when all...

[Tuesday, Feb. 17] Senior Citizens and moderate to low-income adults can receive free tax preparation at the Richard R. Clark Senior Center through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. Interested residents can schedule an appointment by calling 301-246-2271 and leaving a message or sending an email to 21052181@aarpfoundation.org. Residents do not need to be AARP members to use the service. AARP Tax Aide has helped over 82 million taxpayers since its inception in 1968. The program uses IRS-certified volunteers to prepare taxes for those in need. The program operates from early February to mid-April in Charles County. Visit the Charles County Senior Centers page for more information about County Senior Center programs, locations, and hours.

NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER AIRCRAFT DIVISION, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – The U.S. Navy calls on students across the Southern Maryland region to once again draw on their innovation and creativity to design Naval Aviation’s next jet in a competition hosted by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). “America's naval air superiority is forged in Southern Maryland thanks to the aviation pros who call this region home,” said NAWCAD Commander Rear Adm. Todd Evans. “The Navy’s Next Jet Competition is our commitment to helping its next generation of talent take flight.” The Navy’s Next Jet Competition launches on Feb. 16, and invites K-12th graders across St. Mary’s, Charles, and Calvert counties to submit their futuristic jet designs for a chance to win a tour of a NAWCAD squadron, meet the pilots, and experience Naval Aviation up close. The competition’s top designs will be featured in an exhibit at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum and showcase during Naval Air Station Patuxent River’s 2026 air...

Soybean row crops are a staple of Maryland’s agricultural system, but they are under siege by a growing array of destructive, adversarial pests like beetles and corn earworm caterpillars. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture 2024 state overview, Maryland planted about 495,000 acres of soybeans, and with a value of nearly $200 million to the state’s economy, even modest reductions in yield caused by pests can translate into serious economic losses for growers. To help farmers defend against these pests, Hayden Schug, Charles County Agriculture & Food Systems Educator with University of Maryland Extension (UME), has released a new scouting field guide for producers to identify pests before they become a problem. The updated publication, called “Common Soybean Pests in Maryland (FS‑2025‑0759),” is the latest evolution of what began as fact-sheets authored by Galen Dively in the 1980s, and represents the go-to resource for soybean producers in Maryland for more than 40 years. “Farmers should read...

Solomons, Md. — Jan. 13, 2026 – A recent scientific study led by the Calvert Marine Museum’s Estuarine Biology Department has documented the species diversity of frogs and the presence of rare species across Southern Maryland and Virginia’s Northern Neck, using nighttime acoustic recording technology to monitor amphibian calls. The research, conducted during the 2025 FrogWatch season, was supported by a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust, with additional equipment provided by CHESPAX. Ten acoustic recorders were deployed at sites across the region to detect frog and toad species that are difficult to observe through traditional field surveys. While the study did not detect the state-protected species researchers had hoped to document, the recorders confirmed Eastern spadefoot at five of the 10 sites—a rare find for animals that live underground and only emerge one or two nights a year to breed. The results of the study were recently published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Banisteria and are...

January 15, 2026 – Leonardtown, Md. – St. Mary’s County Library is recruiting literacy volunteers to utilize Story Champs curriculum to work with small groups of children on reading comprehension in afterschool programs in the Lexington Park area. St. Mary’s County Library will provide volunteer training and support for selected literacy volunteers. The Story Champs curriculum is designed to help students learn information retelling, vocabulary learning, and writing in a fun way. It’s a structured program, no teaching experience required. These story skills are fundamental in learning to read well. Students need background knowledge about the world to be able to understand what they read and the Story Champs program helps children understand the process of learning new words. Volunteers should fill out an application on the Library website: www.stmalib.org/about-us/volunteer-at-the-library/lexington-park-library-volunteer-application/literacy-volunteers/ Requirements for volunteers: Apply and be...

The University of Maryland Extension (UME) is seeking undergraduate students interested in careers in Extension and agriculture industries. Applications are now open for the 2026 Creating Leadership and Professional Development Through Extension Internships Program. The deadline to apply is 11:59 pm (EST) March 22, 2026. If you have students who are interested in a career in Extension or agriculture industries and want to learn more about Extension, applied research, and community outreach, while gaining professional development, leadership skills, and job experience, please encourage them to apply. This is a great experiential learning opportunity for students seeking a degree or professional certification in agriculture, natural sciences, biological sciences, and related programs. We prioritize students currently enrolled in a two-year program and sophomores and juniors enrolled in a four-year degree program. This is a paid internship! When they access the online application at -...

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's new grant program will address the persistent issue of fresh food insecurity in communities across the state NEW CARROLLTON, MD (January 20, 2026) – Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day today announced applications are open for the Department’s NourishMD Grant Program. The new program, offered by the Department’s Division of Business Development, will provide grants to support the development, stabilization, and expansion of retail outlets that provide fresh food in Maryland’s food deserts – areas where residents have limited or no access to nutritious food options. “Marylanders’ access to healthy food should never depend on their ZIP code or neighborhood. Food deserts are a result of long-standing inequity and disinvestment that limits opportunity and dignity for too many Marylanders,” said Secretary Day. “By investing in the expansion of fresh food access and community-based solutions, we can help...

Click link to apply: https://huntinwithjacob.com/scholarships/ The Jacob Tyler Howes Memorial Scholarship is for current high school seniors or graduating juniors in the Maryland counties of Charles, St. Mary’s, and Calvert. The educational institution where the student is applying, or has been accepted, must be an institution that has earned accreditation from accrediting agencies by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The program must lead to a certification or licensure. This scholarship, in cases where tuition has been paid by other sources, may be used for other needs such as required books, tools required for the program, room and board at the institution, and uniforms if required by and purchased through the institution. About Huntin' With Jacob: At Huntin’ with Jacob, our mission is to serve families who have endured hardships brought on by mental health struggles or other life-altering tragedies. We believe in the restorative power of...

The St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS) Shoe Fund provides shoes to school-age children in public schools who are in need of shoes and have limited financial resources. Requests for shoes are highest at the beginning of the school year but continue to be requested and provided throughout the remainder of the school year. The Shoe Fund is completely supported by generous donations from the community. Contributions to the Shoe Fund are accepted from business organizations, community clubs, groups, and individuals. The Shoe Fund is a longstanding program that exemplifies the partnerships between St. Mary's County Public Schools, parents, and the community. Pupil Personnel Workers in the Department of Student Services facilitate the referral process, recordkeeping, purchasing, and delivery of the shoes to families. The Shoe Fund is audited by St. Mary's County Public Schools' Department of Fiscal Services. One hundred percent of the contributions received for this fund are used to purchase shoes for...

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – June 20, 2025 – Starting July 1, 2025, the fine for placing unpermitted signs in public right of ways will increase from $25 to $500 per sign. Calvert County Department of Public Works routinely removes unauthorized signage within the county right of ways to ensure public safety and maintain the county’s visual landscape. The removed signs are stored at the Appeal Landfill, located at 401 Sweetwater Road in Lusby for two weeks. Individuals and businesses may claim their signs during that time for a $6 per sign fee. Those individuals or businesses that violate the signage permit will receive a civil citation from the Calvert County Attorney’s Office, which carries a fine of $500 per sign, whether or not those signs are retrieved from the landfill. Unpermitted signs in the right of way pose a hazard to drivers and pedestrians. Signs can block lines of sight and can become dangerous debris if dislodged during inclement weather or roadside maintenance. The Calvert County Board of...

June 26, 2025 – Leonardtown, Md. – St. Mary’s County Library is excited to announce we will no longer be charging late fees starting on July 1, 2025. Library systems that have previously transitioned to the fine free model have seen increases in checkouts, an uptick in new library card sign-ups, and improved engagement with the community. Removing overdue fines (while still requiring items be returned) will allow more people to enjoy our collections. The Library will waive all existing overdue fines from customer accounts when the policy takes effect. The new fine free policy will ensure that all St. Mary’s County Library citizens have access to the Library’s resources and services, while eliminating the financial barrier of overdue fines. Anyone who has long overdue items in good condition can now bring them back into a Library location without needing to pay overdue fines. “We were the last public library in Maryland to collect fines, but they are no longer a significant source of revenue,” said...

June 24, 2025 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ new online licensing system, MD Outdoors, is now available for residents and visitors to purchase Maryland hunting and fishing licenses as well as associated stamps and permits, boat and off-road vehicle renewal registration, and other services. MD Outdoors provides residents and visitors a convenient one-stop shop, replacing the former site COMPASS. Current license-holders will retain their DNR ID number. The new website will provide clear instructions on creating a new username and password for MD Outdoors, where customers can easily retrieve their account information. The new system includes auto-renew options, an easier-to-navigate interface, and an app that stores your license information, and can help direct people to new hunting and fishing opportunities. Other benefits and capabilities will be added in the future. DNR worked with Brandt Information Services, a leading provider of hunting and fishing...

We help homeless animals with vet care, supplies needed for daily care, and we find great homes for them. We have a number of kittens, one juvenile, along with a senior Shih Tzu available for adoption. Donations can be made via Venmo or PayPal or Facebook payments. Donations are 100% tax deductible and every dollar helps the animals as we are in all volunteer organization. We are running low on supplies. PayPal

New dangerous scam: I just received a text message that notified me that a "USPS package has arrived at the warehouse and cannot be delivered due to incomplete address. Please confirm your address within 12 hrs." It contains a hyperlink to what looks like a legitimate postal service website. I entered the link into my computer to see if my security software blocked it, but the address entered into the computer takes me to the USPS website, but there was no other information or link there to update the information the text referred to. Evidentially, the link in the text has some hidden link code buried in it. Since I was taken to a safe site on my computer I felt safe to hit the link in the text. Again, I was taken to what appeared to be an actual USPS site that looked almost exactly like what I had gotten on my computer, but this site did contain a tab to update my address for package delivery. I filled out the name and address information (that anyone searching my name could get easily enough). When I...

August 24, 2023 (PIKESVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Police and the Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS) remind motorists to stop for school buses as students return to class next week. Drivers must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus with the stop arm extended and the red lights flashing. Do not pass the bus from any direction until the stop signals are off and the bus is moving again. Motorists in Maryland are not required to stop if the road is separated by a physical median – such as dirt, grass, or a barrier. Millions of children ride school buses and are most at risk when they get on or off the bus. There were 1,009 fatal school-transportation-related crashes from 2011 to 2020, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The MCSS encourages Marylanders and visitors to: Pay attention when driving, especially in school zones and during times of day when school buses are typically on routes. Stop when a bus stops. It is illegal to pass a school bus with...