Calvert County briefs

These extensive renovations are necessary to address ongoing maintenance issues, prevent future system failures and reduce the need for costly repairs. Parks and recreation will continue offering swim lessons and select water fitness classes at outdoor pools to ensure ongoing access to aquatic activities. The therapy services contractor providing services at the Hall Aquatic Center has been advised that services will be suspended for the duration of the closure.

High school swim programs will not be affected by the closure. During this time, parks and recreation will coordinate with the Calvert Aquatics Club to relocate to outdoor pools. Annual pass holders will have options to extend their passes beyond the reopening date or receive a prorated refund.

To help reduce the impact of the closure, the outdoor seasonal pools at Kings Landing and Cove Point will open in early May instead of Memorial Day weekend and will close on Labor Day. The adjusted schedule will limit the time without an aquatic facility to approximately seven weeks. For updates and details on the renovation project, go to www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/AquaticCenterClosure.

County tax sale scheduled

The Calvert County tax sale is scheduled for May 22 at 10 a.m. at the County Administration Building, 150 Main Street, Prince Frederick. The annual tax sale, conducted by the Calvert County Treasurer’s Office, is held for properties that are two years delinquent on taxes, including water and sewer accounts for Calvert County, North Beach and Chesapeake Beach.

Successful bidders may begin foreclosure proceedings on the property no earlier than six months after the sale and no later than two years after the date of sale. Property owners may redeem the property up to the point of final foreclosure. For information on the tax sale, go to www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/TaxSale.

Kitten shower scheduled

The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter will host a “kitten shower” May 9, from noon to 2 p.m. to support the care of kittens and other animals in need. The community is invited to attend this family-friendly event, which aims to increase community engagement, provide education about animal care and encourage adoption and fostering. Shelter staff will be available to answer questions about fostering kittens and adopting pets. The event also seeks donations to help meet the needs of animals currently in the shelter’s care. A list of needed items is available at www.CalvertCountyAnimalShelter.com/KittenShower. Donations may also be dropped off to the shelter at 5055 Hallowing Point Road in Prince Frederick. Donation hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Share the road during growing season

As the agricultural growing season approaches, drivers in Calvert County are reminded to share the road with agricultural equipment. During the spring, farmers often use local roads to move large tractors and combines between farms as they work the fields. Because farm equipment is large and slow moving, it’s important that drivers slow down and give farmers space in order to keep everyone safe. Slow down gradually and don’t brake suddenly. Ease off your speed when you see equipment ahead. Keep a safe distance since agricultural equipment needs more space to stop and make turns than regular vehicles. Be patient, as equipment operators will move over when it is safe. Until then, keep your distance. Use your hazard lights if you’re behind a slow-moving vehicle for several minutes and passing conditions are not safe, or until the driver encourages you to pass. This alerts drivers behind you to slow down. Pass only when it’s safe. Make sure you have a full view of the road ahead and enough time to do so safely. Stay focused by avoiding distractions and remaining alert to protect yourself and others. Residents are encouraged to share these tips and drive responsibly when farm equipment is on the road to help protect farmers, families and yourself.

For more information, visit www.CalvertAg.com.

Election pages needed in Calvert

The Calvert County Board of Elections is seeking election day pages. An election day page is a 14- or 15-year-old student volunteer who assists election judges and voters at the polls on election day. Pages serve under the direct supervision of supervisory election judges called chief judges. Pages receive service-learning credit, help voters and are involved in the election process. For more information and to apply, visit the Maryland State Board of Elections webpage at https://elections.maryland.gov/get_involved/election_pages.html.

Shredding days planned for spring

The Calvert County Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Division, will host free paper shredding events for county residents and businesses. Shredding documents helps prevent identity theft by destroying confidential or sensitive information.

Shred events will be held at 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine May 23, at Huntingtown High School, 4125 Solomons Island Road, Huntingtown; and June 20, at Appeal Landfill, 401 Sweetwater Road, Lusby.

Proof of Calvert County residency or business location is required. For information about recycling events, contact the Calvert County Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Division at 410-326-0210 or visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/Recycle.

Garden seeks volunteers for animal care

Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center is seeking volunteers. The Solomons facility is welcoming new volunteers to join its Critter Keepers team in the Nature Nook. Contact them at 410-326-4640 to express interest or for any questions. Volunteers will visit the animals once a week for about an hour. No experience is necessary, just curiosity and kindness. Responsibilities include feeding and caring for resident animals and providing enrichment. Volunteers will get to know the four turtles, a docile corn snake and the resident axolotl, Frida. The facility also occasionally hosts visiting critters like caterpillars, tadpoles and crayfish. Handling and feeding the corn snake is optional.

The buzz on mosquito control program

Calvert County Mosquito Control provides countywide integrated mosquito management of nuisance and vector (disease carrier) mosquitoes. Each year North Beach is extended this service from the county and is required to notify residents of the mosquito control program, so residents can either permit additional services on private property or opt out of spraying services all together. Calvert uses an integrated mosquito management approach to reduce mosquitoes while protecting the environment. That means using a mix of strategies, including spraying. For more information call 410-535-6924.

Calvert celebrates 250

This July 4 the U.S. will celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and 250 years of American freedom. The anniversary of the nation’s founding offers an opportunity for Marylanders to reflect on the enduring ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, the ongoing evolution of American democracy, and the many ways Marylanders have shaped the nation’s past, present and future. The Calvert 250 Committee is encouraging an inclusive, yearlong celebration throughout 2026. In Calvert County, residents and visitors are invited to take part in a variety of educational programs, historical commemorations, cultural events and community gatherings throughout the year. Events include the Echoes of the Past History Hike, War of 1812 Living History Program, Discovering Archaeology Day, Maritime Performance Series: Music of the American Revolution, Dispelling the Myths and Securing the Legacy of the Maryland 400, and Cosmic Symphony: Salute to the States, among others.

For additional information and a full schedule of Calvert County events and commemorations honoring America’s anniversary, go to www.VisitCalvert.com/Calvert250.

Election judges needed

The Calvert County Board of Elections is accepting applications from registered voters interested in serving as election judges for the 2026 primary and general elections. All party affiliations are welcome to apply. Judges receive a minimum of $250 for each day worked, including each day of early voting or on Election Day. Attendance at a training class is mandatory as a condition of appointment in accordance with Maryland election law. Election judges will be paid $50 to attend the required training class in addition to their election pay. Registered voters interested in working as an election judge must be able to clearly speak, read and write in English and have a basic level of comfort using computers. Individuals may request an application by calling the board of elections office at 410-535-2214, ext. 4, or by completing the online Election Judge Application at www.calvertcountymd.gov/159/Election-Judges.

Check out Calvert’s visitors guide

Plan your next adventure in Calvert County and pick up your copy or download the 2026 Visitors Guide. This guide is designed for residents and visitors alike, listing information on shopping, restaurants and attractions like Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center, Calvert Marine Museum, Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum and many other places of interest that make Calvert a special destination. The guide features itineraries including restaurants, museums, golf courses, antique stores, accommodations and hiking trails, as well as a listing of major events throughout the year. Whether you come to hunt for fossilized shark teeth or sail the scenic Chesapeake Bay, discover amazing adventures and unspoiled beauty in Calvert County. Visit www.VisitCalvert.com/Brochure to see the 2026 Visitors Guide. For free copies of the guide or for more information on county attractions and events, contact the economic development department at 410-535-4583 or email info@choosecalvert.com.

Farmers market vendors sought

The Calvert County Farmers Market Association is seeking vendors for its Prince Frederick and Dunkirk markets this season. These are “producers-only” markets, meaning all vegetables, fruits, herbs, tree nuts, meats, flowers, plants and other products sold at the markets must be grown or produced by a local farmer or vendor. For those interested in becoming a vendor at the markets, visit www.CalvertAg.com/FarmersMarketVendor. Applications can be submitted throughout the farmers market season. For more information on Calvert County’s agricultural community and other updates, visit www.CalvertAg.com or contact the Calvert County Department of Economic Development at 410-535-4583 or email info@choosecalvert.com.

Kiosk to aid customers at landfill

The Calvert County Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Division has implemented a self-service kiosk at Appeal Landfill. This new feature aims to streamline operations for Calvert County residents and visitors, reduce wait times and enhance the customer experience at the landfill. With the new system, Calvert County residents will use an interactive touch screen kiosk upon arrival and follow a step-by-step process. Unless directed otherwise at the scale house, return to the outbound scale, where the system finalizes your billing. This upgraded system is designed to create a more efficient and secure process for managing waste disposal while reducing congestion and wait times at the landfill. The Appeal Landfill is located at 401 Sweetwater Road in Lusby. For more information about landfill operations and services go to www.calvertcountymd.gov/1753/Locations-Hours-Fees.

Polling locations, boundaries change

Last November the Calvert County Board of Elections approved changes to polling locations and precinct boundaries as part of the 2026 election plan. The board approved combining Precincts 3-6 and 3-7 into a single precinct, which will be designated as Precinct 3-6. Voters who previously voted at Northern High School in Owings, during the 2024 election will now vote at Ward Farm Park in Dunkirk. A permanent building is currently under construction at the park and is scheduled to be completed before June, when the primary election takes place. Voters in the Dunkirk area affected by this change should look for a new voter notification card in the mail. For more information, contact the election board at 410-535-2214.

Get the county TV app

The Calvert County Department of Communications and Media Relations announces the launch of the new Calvert County TV app, now live and available to stream on multiple platforms. The Calvert County TV app features live streaming, video on demand and important county information residents rely on to stay informed. Viewers can watch public meetings, special events, announcements and other county programming anytime and anywhere. The new platform makes it easier for residents to connect with county government and stay up to date on what’s happening in Calvert County. Additionally, captioning is now available on live meetings broadcast on Comcast and Calvert County TV, expanding accessibility for viewers across the county.

To watch, viewers can download the free app by searching “Calvert County TV” on Android and Apple devices, stream on Apple TV, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV and www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/CalvertBroadcast, tune in on Comcast channels 99 and 1070 HD or view content on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@CalvertCountyGov. Download links for the app and streaming services are available at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/CalvertBroadcast. Calvert County Government meetings are also available on demand at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/1520/Videos-On-Demand.

Treasurer’s office relocates

The Calvert County Treasurer’s Office has relocated from the Calvert County Circuit Courthouse at 175 Main Street to the new County Administration Building at 150 Main St. in Prince Frederick. The treasurer’s office payment drop box will also move to the new building. In addition to the move, the treasurer’s office will adjust its business hours and the office will operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office previously closed at 4:30 p.m.

The relocation is part of Calvert County Government’s continued effort to improve customer service and better align county offices within the County Administration Building. The Treasurer’s Office collects the majority of local funds, including county property and personal property taxes, permit fees, landfill revenue, water and sewer payments, gambling and liquor license fees, dog tag sales and other fees. The office also researches and validates deeds prior to recordation at the Clerk of the Circuit Court and administers the annual Calvert County Tax Sale. For more information, contact the Treasurer’s Office at 410-535-1600, ext. 2630 or go to www.calvertcountymd.gov/174/Treasurers-Office.

Drop boxes relocated

The Calvert County Department of Public Works, General Services Division, announces that document drop boxes for several county departments have been relocated from 205 Main Street to the new Calvert County Administration Building located at 150 Main St. in Prince Frederick. Drop boxes for public Works, environmental health and planning and zoning are the relocated drop-offs. Residents who previously used these drop boxes should now begin using the new location. The former drop boxes at 205 Main St. have been permanently removed. For questions, contact general services at 410-535-1600, ext. 2327, or by email at GenSvcs@calvertcountymd.gov.

New fishing pier hours announced

The Calvert County Department of Parks and Recreation announces new hours at the Solomons Fishing Pier. The pier will now be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The operating hours will be 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The pier was previously open to the public 24 hours a day.

An access gate will be installed to the entrance of the fishing pier, and additional signage for rules, regulations and new hours will be posted at the property. The public is reminded that the Solomons Boat Ramp parking lot is for those utilizing the boat ramp or for the fishing pier only. There is no fee to use the fishing pier.

To learn more about regulations at Calvert County parks, visit the county government website. Go to www.calvertcountymd.gov.

Well wellness tips available

Does your property have a well? When was the last time you had it tested? Depending on your property’s location and history, your well should be serviced every three to 10 years to ensure its longevity and your physical health. Regular well testing for contaminants such as manganese, copper and arsenic are essential for your well’s longevity and your physical health. Service tests also check the water flow, water-level and general water qualities including odor, color and possible contaminants. Scheduled maintenance also helps detect issues with well equipment and ensures full pump efficiency. Find well maintenance tips online at calverthealth.org/community/environmentalhealthservices/wellwater.htm.

Download the flood track app

Help the town of Chesapeake Beach, Calvert County and Maryland agencies monitor flooding by downloading the MyCoast App — visit mycoast.org for more information. The MyCoast App makes tracking flooding events easy by automatically linking the daily tide schedules and weather events to your image. Once you create an account you will be able to ad images to Chesapeake Beach’s reports and view others’ reports of flooding in the area. The town will analyze this data along with partnering agencies to make informed management.

MARTY MADDEN

MARTY MADDEN