briefs

Colorectal cancer prevention activities must focus on the importance of screening and include efforts to recruit eligible county residents into the St. Mary's Health Department Colorectal Cancer Screening Program.

Organizations interested in applying for funds may pick up a proposal packet at the Health Department in Leonardtown. The deadline for submitting proposals is July 1. For more information contact Karen Russell, program supervisor, at 301-475-4348.

Baby Bazaar Is Saturday

The Charles County Department of Community Services hosts its annual Baby Bazaar at 10 a.m. Saturday, starting at Somers Community Center in La Plata.

Vendors will sell baby- and toddler-size items, and public agencies will offer information about their services:

· the Charles County Health Department on Healthy Start programs available.

· the Southern Maryland Child Care Resource Center on locating child care.

· the Catherine Foundation, the Center for Children, on the Healthy Families Charles County program.

· the sheriff's office on child safety. Certified technicians will be available to check for proper installation of infant/child car seats.

Members of Girl Scout Troop 140 are volunteering to babysit for those who want to sell or shop for items. The event will be held rain or shine.

Vendors will be able to set up beginning at 9 a.m., with selling starting at 10 a.m.

Smoking Cessation

St. Mary's Hospital and the St. Mary's County Health Department will present a free eight-week smoking cessation program -- Smoke Free for Life -- starting July 7 at department offices in Leonardtown.

The program, which will meet from 6 to 7 p.m. for eight consecutive Thursdays, is open to St. Mary's County residents who are 18 or older. Advance registration is required. To register, please call 301-475-4356 or 301-475-6019.