In Brief

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Help Avoiding Foreclosure

A foreclosure-prevention workshop to brief Maryland homeowners on their financing options and assist them in avoiding foreclosure is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon tomorrow at the Greater Waldorf Jaycees, 3090 Crain Hwy., Waldorf.

Federal, state and local housing experts, financial counselors and mortgage lenders will offer loan counseling, mortgage modification and other assistance. The workshop was organized by Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.), who will provide an update on housing legislation moving through Congress that could help homeowners facing foreclosure.

To maximize their time with counselors, homeowners should bring loan documents and other relevant financial information. Register at http://hoyer.house.gov or by calling Ivana Alexander at 202-225-4131. Registration is not required but will help organizers make sure enough financial counselors are available.

Charles County homeowners who are facing foreclosure or who have questions about the foreclosure process are invited to attend a Community Foreclosure Forum from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in the Charles County Government Building auditorium, 200 Baltimore St., La Plata.

Residents will be able to learn about assistance, options and strategies for navigating the foreclosure process.

Representatives from the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and local representatives from the Tri-County Community Action Committee will provide information and one-on-one counseling. Information about federal, state and local foreclosure programs will also be available.

The free forum is open to anyone.

For special accommodations, contact Crystal Hill at hillc@charlescounty.org, 301-645-0580, 711 (TTY/TDD) or 800-735-2258.

Information for Vets

The Charlotte Hall Veterans Home will host a muster for St. Mary's County from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday to inform veterans about benefits and services offered by state and nonprofit agencies.

Representatives from the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs will be present. Other state agencies, veterans service organizations, Patuxent River Naval Air Station and local community organizations are invited to participate. Organizations planning to attend may contact Bob Sharps to arrange for tables and information booths by calling 410-260-3842 or e-mailing bsharps@mdva.state.md.us.

Recycling Hours Updated

The St. Mary's County Department of Public Works and Transportation said summer and winter hours at the six convenience centers will no longer differ.

Hours at the trash drop-off locations will be 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.

The convenience centers accept household refuse (up to four 35-gallon containers or equivalent); recyclable items such as cardboard, newspapers, magazines and mixed paper; containers of aluminum, steel, tin, plastics (coded 1 and 2), narrow-neck plastic containers (coded 3 to 7); clear and colored glass; textiles; used cooking oil and grease; electronics such as computers, cellphones, rechargeable batteries (except automotive) and inkjet printer cartridges; and used motor oil, filters and antifreeze.

The St. Andrews Landfill will remain open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Items such as bulk waste, construction debris, furniture, yard waste, tires, automotive batteries, gas cylinders, appliances and scrap metal must be disposed of there.

For information about recycling, call 301- 863-8400 or visit http://www.stmarysmd.com.

Solomons Wreath-Laying

The Solomons Island Yacht Club invites the public to the 15th annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Waterman's Memorial on Solomons Island at 10 a.m. May 18.

Calvert County commissioners Vice President Gerald W. Clark (R-Lusby) will introduce the guest speaker, Commissioner Linda L. Kelley (R-At Large).

Coffee and pastries will be served at 9 a.m. The public is also invited to the club's annual Commissioning and Blessing of the Fleet at 1 p.m.

Agency Expands Hours

The St. Mary's County Health Department is expanding the hours of its Wednesday Family Planning and Reproductive Health Clinic to better serve walk-in clients needing sexually transmitted disease screening and treatment.

Beginning this week, two walk-in sessions will be available on Wednesdays, at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Clients needing services will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis.

Clients are asked to come early in the session so that staff members may determine the number of people needing service. People who are not seen will be given priority during the next session.

For information, call 301-475-4419.

-- Compiled by TOM LANSWORTH