January 2017
The Board of County Commissioners voted Commissioner Tom Hejl to the position of board president and Commissioner Evan Slaughenhoupt Jr. to the position of board vice president in December 2016. Above, members are, from left, 
Pat Nutter, Mike Hart, President Hejl, Steven R. Weems and Vice President Slaughenhoupt.
 
Wilson Parran is New Deputy County Administrator  

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) late last month announced the selection of Wilson Parran as Calvert County's Deputy County Administrator. Parran will begin this newly established position Jan. 30, 2017.

Parran has more than 30 years of senior executive experience in information technology and telecommunications, holding several positions in state and local government, including two terms as Calvert County Commissioner in 2002 and 2006 -- the latter term as BOCC president.

"We are thrilled that Wilson will be joining the Calvert County Government team and continue to serve the people of Calvert County in this new capacity," said County Administrator Terry Shannon. "One of Wilson's first priorities will be to perform an in-depth analysis of how we do business."

"I am looking forward to rejoining the ranks of Calvert County Government and turning my attention to the needs of the citizens," explained Parran. "Calvert County is a unique and beautiful place to live and work and I take great pride in knowing that I will play a role in the day-to-day operational decisions."


County Tourism Industry
Posts Significant Gains

It seems the word is out about the pristine waterways, natural parks and unique attractions that make Calvert County a favorite destination. A study on the impact of tourism, released in December by the Maryland Office of Tourism Development, shows a whopping 8.8 percent increase in visitors to the county in 2015. In addition, Calvert County tourism industry sales grew by 8 percent to nearly $147 million while tourism employment, labor income and tax receipts all posted gains.

Nearly 1,300 people are directly employed through the Calvert County tourism sector, representing $38 million in labor income. Tourism tax receipts in 2015 - including federal, state, local and hotel taxes - totaled $37.7 million, an increase of nearly 8.3 percent over 2014.

"There really is so much to do and see in Calvert County," said Linda Vassallo, director of the Calvert County Department of Economic Development. "The county's rich history, unique shopping, concerts, beaches, wineries and dining experiences draw more and more crowds each year. Another major lure for regional travelers and boaters is the variety of adventure to be had on the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay and their many tributaries."

Visit Calvert County's tourism website today for details on sites, attractions, shopping and events. 


January is National Mentoring Month



The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners designated January as National Mentoring Month in Calvert County and recognized the Calvert County Mentoring Partnership. Research shows that quality mentoring is a critical youth development strategy and the board encouraged stakeholders in the private sector, education, government, juvenile justice and youth development to integrate mentoring as a component to youth and workforce development. 

Pictured here with the board to receive a proclamation from left are Calvert County Government Family Network Coordinator Jennifer Moreland, Community Mediation Center of Calvert County Director of Operations Sheri Tardio, Calvert Collaborative for Children & Youth Board President Guffrie Smith and Department of Social Services Southern Maryland Independent Living Services Coordinator Brian Davis.


Thanks for reading Calvert Currents. We want to hear from you. Click the feedback link to send us your questions or story ideas.                   
 
Sincerely,
Tom Hejl, President
Evan K. Slaughenhoupt Jr., Vice President
Mike Hart
Pat Nutter
Steve Weems
Calvert County Board of County Commissioners
 
Calvert County Progress Report Now Available


The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners 2016 Progress Report is complete and available online. The report covers local government initiatives and successes from 2014 to 2016, the first half of the board's four-year term.

"We made significant advancement and look forward to brighter horizons," shared Board President Tom Hejl. "We achieved several goals over the past two years with strong support from the community and county staff."

Citizens Academy
Starts off Swimmingly 


Twenty-five Calvert County residents gathered at the Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center in Prince Frederick last week for the first session of the Calvert County Citizens Academy. The seven-week program features weekly three-hour sessions giving an in-depth look at how local government works. 

Above, Calvert County Administrator Terry Shannon provides an overview of county government organization. During the session, participants also heard from County Attorney John Norris along with Department of Technology Services Director Joe Klausner and members of his staff, and took a tour of the aquatic center.

The Citizens Academy is a free program open to all county residents age 18 and over. View the full schedule online.



County's eclectic restaurants will showcase their creative cookery and offer delicious and budget-friendly deals during the fifth annual Restaurant Week Feb. 17-26. 

Whether your favorite fare is fresh seafood, Italian cuisine or anything in between, Restaurant Week has something to satisfy every palate.


Honor Veterans with Brick Purchase 

The Calvert County Department of General Services is coordinating the annual "On Watch" memorial brick campaign taking place now through April 28, 2017. 

For a limited time, the public may purchase memorial bricks to be placed at the Veterans Patio, located at the World War II "On Watch" Memorial Statue in Solomons.

The bricks memorialize those who served our country during World War II. The cost of each brick is $100 and all contributions are tax deductible. Go online to learn more or call Office Specialist l Melinda Donnelly at 410-535-1600, ext. 2565.
 
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