Calvert Christmas parade is Saturday morning
Calvert County announces several road closures for Main Street Christmas events in Prince Frederick on Saturday, Dec. 13. The closures are necessary to ensure the safety of participants and spectators during the holiday festivities. The roadways surrounding the parade route will experience periodic closures throughout the morning of the parade from 6:30 a.m. until approximately 1 p.m. Use alternate routes and allow for additional travel time. Parade street closures will affect Armory Road, Fairground Road, Main Street, Duke Street, Old Field Lane, and Church Street. Event times and details, including parking and parade maps, are available at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/SpecialEvents or by calling 410-535-1600, ext. 2649.
Wreath laying event in Dunkirk set
Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit organization founded in 2007 with a mission to remember fallen veterans, honor those who serve and teach the next generation about the value of freedom. Each December, volunteers across the country lay wreaths on veterans’ graves to ensure no hero is ever forgotten. Southern Memorial Gardens in Dunkirk will participate for the first time this year, honoring the 404 veterans laid to rest there. The ceremony will take place Dec. 13, at noon and all members of the community are invited. To sponsor a wreath or volunteer for the event go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/MD0559P.
Alliance reminds motorists of designated driver observance
The Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse reminds residents and visitors that December is Designated Driver Month across the country, observed through Jan. 2. As you celebrate the
holidays, the alliance urges county residents to plan for a safe ride home if celebrations involve alcohol or other substances that could affect your ability to drive safely. In addition, remember not to mix alcohol with other drugs, including prescription and recreational drugs. Additionally, providing alcohol to anyone under 21 years old is both hazardous and illegal. Violations can result in fines of up to $5,000 per offense. Learn more about CAASA at www.CalvertCountyMD.gov/CAASA.
Park opens new orienteering course
The Calvert County Department of Parks and Recreation announces the unveiling of a new orienteering course at Ward Farm Recreation and Nature Park in Dunkirk. The course was designed by Eagle Scout Seamus Casada of Troop 789. An orienteering course is a mapped route that guides participants through a series of checkpoints called controls, which participants must find using a map and compass. It is a sport that combines navigation, physical activity and decision-making. The goal is to complete the course by visiting all controls in the correct order, typically in the shortest time.
For more information, go to www.CalvertCountyMd.gov.
Polar Plunge needs sponsors
As the holiday events continue at full steam ahead, the town of North Beach is excited to announce sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 Polar Plunge on Jan. 1, New Year’s Day, with all proceeds benefiting Ladies of Charity Calvert County. Sponsors receive their logo printed on the boardwalk banner displayed year-round, their logo printed on the back of the Polar Bear Plunge shirts, online promotion of the event and four Polar Bear Plunge shirts. For more information call the North Beach Town Hall at 410-257-9618.
County survey results now available
Calvert County government announces the results of the latest community survey, reflecting the opinions and insights of 861 residents. The results provide residents’ perspectives and opinions, which will assist Calvert County leaders make decisions and provide services that align with community needs.
The survey, conducted from July through September, showed 71% of respondents said Calvert County has a good overall quality of life, and many (61%) said they would recommend the county as a place to live. Another 63% said they would likely be living in Calvert five years from now.
Full survey results are available at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/Survey.
Land preservation program deadline extended
The Calvert County commissioners and the Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board announce an extension of the application period for the county’s purchase and retirement fund program. Applications are now being accepted through Dec. 12. The program is part of Calvert County’s longstanding effort to preserve agricultural land. Through the program, transferable development rights are purchased, retired and permanently removed from the market to protect farmland from development.
Completed applications may be submitted by mail to the Department of Planning and Zoning, attention: Rural Planner Jennifer David at 205 Main St., Prince Frederick, MD 20678. For more information, call Jennifer David at 410-535-1600, ext. 2238.
Ward Farm project underway
The Calvert County Department of Parks and Recreation announces that site preparation, including staking out work areas, bringing supplies to the site and setting up temporary facilities, has begun at Ward Farm Recreation and Nature Park. Construction is scheduled to begin on a new multipurpose community building and restroom facilities. Ward Farm Recreation and Nature Park is located at 10455 Ward Road, in Dunkirk. For more information on the Ward Farm building project go to www.CalvertCountyMd.gov.
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. The drop boxes at the 175 Main St. will remain and should be used for the treasurer’s office until further notice. For questions, contact general services at 410-535-1600, ext. 2327, or by email at GenSvcs@calvertcountymd.gov.
Residents may provide park plan input
The Calvert County Department of Parks and Recreation invites citizens to provide input on the Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan, a five-year strategic plan that guides land conservation, park improvements, recreation opportunities and open space priorities throughout the county. Citizens can provide input by taking a survey addressing the conservation and development of outdoor recreation opportunities in Calvert County over the next five years. The survey is available online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov.
Sheriff’s office certification process in progress
A site-based assessor from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. is currently reviewing all aspects of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures, management, operations and support services. As part of the assessment process, both agency personnel and community members are invited to provide comments regarding the agency’s performance. Comments may be submitted online through the CALEA Public Access Portal at https://cimrs2.calea.org/. A copy of the accreditation standards is available by contacting Christopher Parsons, Accreditation Manager, at the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office at 410-535-1600, ext. 2580.
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.
In 2026, 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
