IN BRIEF

Sunday, November 9, 2008

State Money Is Available For Septic System Repairs

The Maryland Department of the Environment is making money available to low-income residents who need to replace or repair a septic system. Applicants may qualify for a grant that pays all expenses if they also install technology for removing nitrogen.

To apply for a grant, residents should complete the application form at http://www.mde.state.md.us/Water/CBWRF/osds/li_criteria_form.asp. To determine eligibility, visit http://www.mde.state.md.us/Water/CBWRF/osds/li_criteria.asp.

For more information, call Jay Prager, deputy program manager for the wastewater permits program, at 410- 537-3780.

Ex-Ambassador to Israel To Lecture at SMCM

Samuel W. Lewis, a former U.S. ambassador to Israel who worked in President Clinton's administration during the Middle East Peace Summit at Camp David in 2000, will give a lecture, "Europe and Israel: Awkward Historical Partners," at 4:30 p.m. tomorrow in the Cole Cinema at the Campus Center at St. Mary's College of Maryland.

The lecture is sponsored by the Center for the Study of Democracy and is free and open to the public. For information, contact Abby Thompson at 240-895-6432 or ammeatyard@smcm.edu.

Wine-Tasting Fundraiser To Benefit United Way

Maria Buehler of Buehler's Market Place in St. Leonard will conduct a wine tasting from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 20. The event, a fundraiser for United Way of Calvert County, will offer a diverse selection of wines and Buehler's specialty holiday candies and gift baskets.

Buehler has been nominated by United Way of Calvert County to run for queen of this year's Mardi Gras on March 7. Candidates for Mardi Gras king or queen compete by soliciting votes, each $1. Six candidates, including Buehler, are competing.

Mardi Gras proceeds will benefit United Way partner agencies. For information about the wine tasting, call 410-586-2525.

Local Health Departments Offering Flu Vaccinations

Health departments in Southern Maryland are offering flu vaccination clinics in this month and next. Fees vary, but Medicare Part B is accepted. The FluMist nasal spray vaccine will be available at all clinics for ages 2 to 49. The injectable vaccine will be available for age 6 months and older.

For information about the clinics, go to http://www.calverthealth.org or call the health department's flu information line at 410-535-5400, Ext. 349, or 301-855-1353, Ext. 349. In St. Mary's County, contact the St. Mary's Hospital Health Connections office at 301-475-6019. In Charles County, call 301-609-6900 for information about the family flu clinics.

Board Approves Money For Calvert Aquatic Center

The state Board of Public Works approved $108,245 last week for Calvert County to help offset the acquisition of more than 28 acres near the Prince Frederick town center for a community aquatic center.

The Program Open Space money comes from a percentage of the real estate transfer tax and is used for local and state parks throughout Maryland.

The three-member Board of Public Works is composed of Gov. Martin O'Malley (D), state Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot (D). It is authorized by the General Assembly to approve major construction and consultant contracts, equipment purchases, property transactions and other procurements.

Calvert, Chesapeake Beach Might Be Sued Over House

Calvert County and Chesapeake Beach have been notified for a second time that they might be sued for damages in the collapse of a house under construction in May. The two localities were first notified in July, but their insurance companies said they had not received proper notice, a lawyer working on the case said.

A house under construction at 7429 B St. in Chesapeake Beach caved in during a storm May 11, destroying a house next door and seriously injuring its owners, Frank and Karen Hudson. The house under construction is owned by Frank Leniek, who is being sued by the Hudsons.

"There are some factors that would suggest liability on the part of all entities," said Scott A. Bowling, the Hudsons' attorney.

Public Meeting Will Focus On Status of Death Penalty

The Maryland Commission on Capital Punishment will conduct a public meeting on the status of capital punishment in the state at 3 p.m. Wednesday in the Joint Hearing Room of the Legislative Services Building in Annapolis. The meeting is not a public hearing, so there will no opportunity for testimony from the audience. The commission's final meeting is set for 3 p.m. Nov. 20 at the same place, with a report expected Dec. 15.

The commission's work can be seen at http://www.goccp.org/capital-punishment/index.php.

SMCM Is Rated Top Value Among Public Schools

St. Mary's College of Maryland has been listed among Kiplinger Personal Finance magazine's top 100 best values in public colleges for 2008-09. Kiplinger placed the St. Mary's City college second in Maryland for best value, behind the University of Maryland at College Park. The college was also ranked No. 32 in the nation for in-state schools.