ISSUE 23 Calling All Town Residents & Businesses! FALL 2008 Join In The Fun, Children’s Halloween Trunk to Trunk Trick or Treating on the Green!
Plan to spend your Halloween Night, Friday, October 31 on the Village Green. If you usually give out candy from your home for traditional door-to-door trick or treating, why not try something dif- ferent this year? Bring your vehicle trunk loaded with candy to the Village Green and join your neighbors in Trunk to Trunk Trick or Treating on the Village Green. All Town residents and businesses who wish to participate in Trunk to Trunk Trick or Treating are asked to bring their vehicle, trunk loaded with candy, come as you are or if you prefer to deco- rate your vehicle, dress in costume as you would at home – arrive at Village Green between 5:00- 6:15pm to park/line-up. Dinner of hot dogs, chips and soda served 5:30-7:00, with convenient in- side Pavilion dining; Children can enjoy fun carnival games w/prizes from 6:00-7:30 and take a Hayride to the pumpkin patch with a free pumpkin for children 12 & under; a Costume parade with goodie bag kicks off at 6:30 inside the Pavilion, followed by Trunk to Trunk Trick or Treating until 7:30pm. TOWN OF INDIAN HEAD SMOKE SIGNALS TOWN OF INDIAN HEAD OFFICIALS / BOARDS / Mayor’s Message by Dennis J. Scheessele PERSONNEL
Summer is coming to an end and fall is propose legislative priorities to address Mayor Dennis J. Scheessele around the corner. I am looking forward to issues that we are having. I will be a mem- cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and ber of the MML Legislative Committee Council hoping for some much-needed rain. that will review Legislative Action Re- Randy L. Albright, Vice Mayor quests from Maryland’s municipalities to With the end of summer comes the end Margie A. Posey, Councilwoman select three or four pieces of legislation to of vacations and the beginning of a new submit to the General Assembly as our school year. Our children are returning to Town Manager legislative priorities. The Town Council school to learn new skills, acquire new Ryan L. Hicks and I will also be working closely with the knowledge, and grow in their capabilities. I MML and our State Senator and Delegates Planning Commission want to remind everyone that the children to lobby for municipal friendly legislation. Richard Allen, Chair will be walking to bus stops or directly to In October, we will be attending the MML Patricia Trott schools. So, once again, I ask that every- Fall Conference, which is a combined leg- Warren Bowie one be especially alert and aware of chil- islative conference and municipal training Theola S. Olion-Ray dren walking along the streets and gather- conference. The Legislative agenda will Edward Rice ing at the bus stops. And I ask everyone to finalize a program of legislative priorities Mary Thompson drive cautiously at all times and especially for municipally needed legislation and to when children are present. develop strategies for defending against Board of Zoning and Appeals John Bloom, Chair Fall is a busy time with numerous com- proposed legislation that will adversely Ruth Ann Ferrell impact the ability of cities and towns to munity activities and preparations for the Victor Foulk effectively and efficiently provide govern- holiday season. The Naval Support Facility is holding their Autumn Festival on Sep- ment services to our residents. Following th Town Hall Staff tember 27 . Tickets for the Autumn Festi- the MML Fall Conference and throughout Awilda Hernandez val will be on sale in a couple of weeks. the General Assembly session (January to Executive Assistant The Community Activities Committee will mid-April), the Town Council and I will be Clerk of Council be working on Halloween and Trunk N working closely with MML to lobby the Treat programs for the children, ginger- Maryland Senate and House of Delegates. Open bread house building classes, the annual The goal will be to gain passage of munici- Finance Officer Tree Lighting Program, and the Holiday pal friendly legislation and to defeat un- Festival. And there will be a Veterans Day funded mandates and proposed legislation Diane Campbell Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial at the that will have an adverse impact on our Deputy Finance Officer corner of the Village Green Park. All of ability to effectively and efficiently provide these programs are open to all members of government services to you the taxpayers. Karen Williams the community. So please, come out and Community Affairs The Town Council, Town Staff and I enjoy them. wish each of you a safe and enjoyable au- PFC Lee Potter (#286) At the August Town Meeting, the Town tumn. Community Police Officer Council awarded a contract to proceed with Environmental Studies and Final Design for Jim Casler the Indian Head Boardwalk. It will include Code Enforcement approximately 1,375 feet of boardwalk promenade along the Potomac shoreline Gena Miller adjacent to the River Watch development. Office Assistant The Boardwalk promenade will include Pat Chase seating areas and 6 observation stations. Public Works Superintendent The Indian Head Boardwalk will also pro- vide approximately 1,160 feet of handi- Eric Woodland capped accessible boardwalk from an exist- Shop Foreman ing parking area on River Watch Drive to the boardwalk promenade. The handi- Water/Wastewater capped accessible boardwalk will follow EAST, Inc. along a tidal/non-tidal stream and will pro- vide a nature walk as well as access to the boardwalk promenade Town Website www.townofindianhead.org Fall is also the season when municipali- ties across the state work together with the Maryland Municipal League (MML) to
Page 2 SMOKE SIGNALS
CIVIC EVENTS Fire Department By: Chief Jeff Williams CALENDAR VFW Post 1800 Meeting Indian Head Volunteer Fire Dpt. them when a call went out for a fire or 3rd Thursday each month - 7:30pm & ambulance response. VFW Post 1800 Rescue Squad Inc. The department’s first engine was a 301-743-5109 Celebrates 60 Years of Service to our surplus army fire truck, known at the time Community and Charles County as the “Ten Wheeler”. It was a bear of a Indian Head Lions Club Meeting In 1948 several members of the Indian truck to drive, but it was said that there 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month Head community realized the need for fire wasn’t anyplace that it could not go. Al- 7:00pm protection in the Town and got together though it lacked many of the much needed 301-934-0095 on July 23, 1948 to organize the Indian supplies and equipment, the membership 301-753-9508 Head Volunteer Fire Department. Before pulled together and made it work for what that date the only fire protection available they needed. American Legion Meeting to them was at the U. S. Naval Power The current fire station located at 4095 2nd Wednesday of each month - 8:00pm Factory located on the Naval Base. Al- Indian Head Highway was built in 1963. It Senior Community Center though close and very reliable, the needs was originally two bays wide and deep 301-283-0105 of the Navy Base came first and immedi- enough to park two pieces of equipment ate protection was not always available. with front and rear bay doors. The new Western Charles/Indian Head Chapter During World War II, the Civil Defense station included offices and a living area 126 of the National Association of Retired Department provided portable hose carts complete with a bunkroom, all located on Federal Employees (NARFE) meets the or wagons to the town. In these days, the the first floor. The second floor had a 1st Thursday of each month (Except July & La Plata Fire Department responded to large hall where the department held Teen August) For information call 301-743-9445 Indian Head to fight fires. After many dances, dinners, bingo, and various other or 301-743-3055 citizen meetings were held at the USO fire department functions to support the building (today’s Moose Lodge) located department’s growing budget. In 1983 a on Town Street, the Indian Head Volun- three bay addition was built on to the fire RELIGIOUS SERVICES teer Fire Department was formed. station to again allow for the growing St Mary’s Star of the Sea Church The first Officers were nominated and pains of the department and a full renova- Sunday Services 7:30, 9:00 & 11:00 am elected on July 23, 1948 where as follows: tions of the second floor is currently in the Saturday Services 5:00 pm President Peter Rekliss works with a late spring, early summer Confessions afterwards Vice President Bernard L. Nicholson completion date. Special Devotions has a 7:30am mass on the Secretary Frances H. Slavin Currently the Indian Head Volunteer 1st Friday and 1st Saturday of each month Treasurer John T. Parran, Sr. Fire Department and Rescue Squad Inc. is Board of Directors W. C. Abell all volunteer and has sixty five members Indian Head Baptist Sidney Bowie with most of them cross-trained for Fire, Sunday School 9:20am Wilfred Corcoran Hazmat and Emergency Medical Services Sunday, Morning Worship 10:30 am Frank Cotrufo, Sr. emergencies. Although times have Sunday Bible Study 6:00 pm Waldo Griffin changed with the apparatus getting bigger Wednesday Prayer Meeting 6:00 pm R. A. Hugerford and more costly, the training requirements J. F. Mattingly becoming more and more stringent, the St James Episcopal John H. McWilliams,Jr cost of day to day operations constantly Sunday 8:00, 9:15 & 10:30 am Spencer Milstead rising and the demands put on everyone Sunday School 9:45 am Fire Chief Joseph Mattingly, Jr. by today’s economy, the membership is The first firehouse was a small two bay proud of our accomplishments from our Indian Head Church of the Nazarene cinder block building that was built at the humble beginning to present day and we Sunday School 9:45 am end of Town Street with donated material continue to serve our community and sur- Sunday AM Worship 11:00 am and labor. A small siren mounted on top rounding areas in Charles and Prince Sunday PM Worship 6:00 pm of a telephone pole alerted the members to George’s Counties. The department is Wednesday Adult Bible Study 7:00 pm a call when it was activated by a radio always in search of members from the signal by the Fire Board in La Plata. Al- community looking to help provide this Indian Head United Methodist Church though the number of members was small, vital service to our citizens. If you are Sunday School 9:30 am these few people were proud and ready to interested in joining our team, please con- Worship 11:00 am serve the community. With many of the tact the fire station or stop by to see us. members working regular jobs during the Indian Head Assembly of God day and sleeping at night, alerting the Sun. Prayer 9:15 am & 5:30 pm members to emergencies calls was chal- Sunday School 10:00 am lenging. By the late 1950’s and early Sunday Worship 11:00 am & 6:00 pm 1960’s, members started using Plectron Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 pm radio monitors in their homes to alert
ISSUE 23 Page 3 Fire Department By: Chief Jeff Williams
National Fire Prevention Week estimated $862 million in direct prop- Smoke Alarms: October 5 - 10, 2008 erty damage per year. • Working smoke alarms cut the risk of With National Fire Prevention Week • Lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs dying in reported home structure fires fast approaching, the Indian Head Volun- accounted for the largest share of 2002- in half. teer Fire Department and Rescue Squad 2005 non-confined fires among major • A 2004 U.S. telephone survey found Inc. would like to remind everyone of this types of electrical distribution equip- that 96% of U.S. households had at year’s theme, “It’s Fire Prevention ment, while cords and plugs accounted least one smoke alarm, yet in 2000- Week: Prevent Home Fires!” and provide for the largest share of civilian fire 2004, no smoke alarms were present or the following fire prevention and life deaths. none operated in almost half (46%) of saving information. • Extension cord fires outnumbered fires the reported home fires. Do you know: beginning with attached or unattached • An estimated 890 lives could be saved • In 2006, there were an estimated power cords by more than two-to-one. each year if all homes had working 396,000 reported home structure fires • Cords and plugs were involved in one- smoke alarms. resulting in 2,580 civilian deaths and eighth (12%) of the 2002-2005 home • The fire death rate in homes with 12,500 civilian injuries and $6.8 billion electrical distribution and lighting working smoke alarms is 51% less than in direct damage in the United States. equipment fires, but roughly two-fifths the rate for homes without this protec- Home fires caused 80% of civilian (39%) of associated civilian deaths. tion. deaths and 76% of injuries. Smoking Materials: • In one out of every five homes • Heating equipment and smoking are • Smoking materials (i.e., cigarettes, equipped with at least one smoke alarm the leading causes of civilian home fire cigars, pipes, etc.) are the leading cause installed, not a single one was working. deaths. of fire deaths in the United States. • When smoke alarms fail it is most of- • More than half of all home fire deaths Roughly one of every four fire deaths ten because of missing, disconnected result from incidents reported between per year in 2002-2005 was attributed to or dead batteries. Nuisance activations 11:00pm and 7:00am, but only 20% of smoking materials. were the leading cause of disabled home fires occur between these hours. • In 2002-2005, there were an estimated smoke alarms. • Children under 5 and older adults face 82,400 smoking-material fires per year Home Escape Planning: the highest risk of home fire death, but in the United States. These fires caused According to a 2006 National Fire Pro- young adults face a higher risk of home 800 civilian deaths and 1,660 civilian tection Association survey, two in three fire injury. injuries. (66%) Americans have actually devel- Cooking: • Older adults are at the highest risk of oped a home fire escape plan to ensure • Cooking fires are the #1 of home fires death or injury from smoking-material they could escape quickly and safely. Of and home fires injuries. fires even though they are less likely to these, only about one third (35%) have • In 2005 cooking equipment was in- smoke than younger adults. practiced their plans. volved in 146,400 reported home struc- • The most common material first ig- • More than one out of every ture fires, the largest share for any ma- nited in home smoking-material fire four American households who made jor cause. These fires resulted in 480 deaths were mattresses and bedding an estimate thought they would have at civilian deaths, 4,690 civilian injuries and upholstered furniture. least 6 minutes before a fire in their and $876 million in direct property Candles: home would become life-threatening. damage. • During 2005, an estimated 15,600 The time available is often less. • The majority of home fires - 40% start home structure fires started by candles • People under the age of 34 are less in the kitchen. were reported to local fire departments. likely than those who are older to have • Unattended cooking is the leading fac- These fires resulted in an estimated 150 escape plans. tor contributing to ignition in home civilian deaths, 1,270 civilian injuries By following these simple safety rules cooking fires, accounting for one-third and an estimated direct property loss of and doing all you can to prevent fires in of such fires. $539 million. Homes include dwell- your home, you can reduce the chance of • Most home cooking fires (67%) in ings, duplexes, manufactured housing a fire in your home and not become one 2005 started with the range or stove. and apartments. of these tragic statistics. If you have any • Electric ranges or stoves have a higher • Although home candle fires fell 8% questions or concerns about fire safety risk of fires, deaths, injuries and prop- from 2004 to 2005, more than twice as contact the fire station or be sure to stop erty damage, compared to gas ranges many were reported in 2005 as in by the Fire Station on Sunday, October 5 or stoves. 1990. for our Annual Community Fire Safety Electrical: • Candle fires accounted for an estimated and Public Education Day to learn more • Electrical distribution and lighting 4% of all reported home fires in 2005. ways to keep you and your family fire equipment were involved in an esti- • The top five days for home candle fires safe. mated 20,900 reported home fires in were Christmas, Christmas Eve, New 2005. These fires resulted in 500 civil- Year’s Day, New Year’s Eve, and Hal- ian deaths and 1,100 injuries, with an loween.
Page 4 SMOKE SIGNALS Around Town Happenings!
September 4th - Indian Head Volunteer Fire Depart- $20 per book, Specials $1 each, Head-to- 6th - Indian Head Volunteer Fire Depart- ment & Rescue Squad Inc. Ladies Auxil- Toe $10 each. Children will be allowed ment & Rescue Squad Inc. Ladies Auxil- iary will be hosting an Indoor Yard with paid admission and MUST be ac- iary will be hosting an Indoor Yard Sale/Flea Market from 7:30am-12:30pm companied by an adult. Other features Sale/Flea Market from 7:30am-12:30pm @ I.H. Volunteer Fire Department. include: Snack bar open, 50/50 raffle, @ I.H. Volunteer Fire Department. Kitchen will be open—bake sale on site. head to toe basket raffle, consolation Kitchen will be open—bake sale on site. Tables available $10 each. For additional prize. For information/reservations please Tables available $10 each. For additional information call Nancy 301-753-9722 or e-mail Cindy at [email protected]. information call Nancy 301-753-9722 or Mary 301-743-7080 11th - Veterans Day Ceremony 11:00am Mary 301-743-7080 4th - Are you struggling to raise your Veterans War Memorial, Indian Head 7th - Oxon Hill Trail & Bicycle Club An- children? You are not alone, children Village Green. Hosted by the VFW Post nual Century Bicycle Ride 8:00am- don’t come with owner’s manuals. From 1800, American Legion Post 233, CBIRF 6:00pm. Begins and ends in Village Green 9:00am to Noon at St. James’ Church we Marines & Sailors, and the Town of In- Park. Cyclists will tour the entire western will be offering a parenting class focusing dian Head. Complimentary Lite Fare side of the county (riding down to Nan- on understanding your child and tips on Luncheon immediately following the cere- jemoy and back to Indian Head). More raising them. The session includes lunch. mony in the Village Green Pavilion. info call 301-743-5511 ext. 121 There is a $5.00 fee. Please call to register Monetary donation proudly accepted. All 8th - Drive-Thru Fried Chicken Dinner or with any questions at 301-743-2366. proceeds benefit the local CBIRF Marines 11:00am-2:00pm at the I.H. Volunteer 5th - Blessing of the Animals at 9:00am & Sailors Toys for Tots Campaign. More Fire Department. Menu: 1/2 fried chicken, on the lawn at St. James’ Church. All are info call 301-743-5511/753-6633. parsley potatoes, green beans, roll, butter welcome. 21st - Texas Hold’em Tournament at the and beverage $8.00 plate. Carry out only. 6th - Drive-Thru Fried Chicken Dinner I.H. Volunteer Fire Department. Doors 11th-14th - Come Visit US! At Charles 11:00am-2:00pm at the I.H. Volunteer open 6:00pm, play starts 8:00pm. Open to County Fairgrounds. Members of the Fire Department. Menu: 1/2 fried chicken, first 160 players. Must be 18 to play! 21 to Town’s Community Activities Committee parsley potatoes, green beans, roll, butter drink! ID required! Registration $150 & Town Council volunteer to work the and beverage $8.00 plate. Carry out only. ($100 to prize pool/$50 to fire dpt.) Sodas, County Fair Information Booth during the 12th - Soap Box Derby Town is sponsor- beer, snacks and hot sandwiches provided weekend of the fair. Stop by the informa- ing the first Soap Box Derby, start time with registration fee, mixed drinks $1. tion booth to say hello and let us know 7:00am. Northbound Indian Head hwy. More info: call 301-753-8011 or email you-re a resident of the Town to receive a from Potomac Ave. to N. First St. will be [email protected] special treat. CLOSED to thru traffic from 6am to 6pm 22nd - Indian Head Volunteer Fire De- 20th - Concert and Community Dinner at and monitored by Sheriff’s Officers. De- partment & Rescue Squad Inc. Ladies St. James’ Church. Concert featuring Mar- tour routes will be posted and manned for Auxiliary will be hosting a Christmas nell Tanner begins at 4:00pm followed by easy accessibility. More info call 301-743- Craft Fair from 9:00am until 2:00pm at dinner in the parish hall. Free will offering 5511/753-6633 the I.H. Volunteer Fire Department. Local accepted. 24th - Texas Hold’em Tournament at the Crafters, Door prizes, 50/50 raffle, bake 26th - Texas Hold’em Tournament at the I.H. Volunteer Fire Department. Doors sale, miscellaneous raffles. Our infamous I.H. Volunteer Fire Department. Doors open 6:00pm, play starts 8:00pm. Open to dip luncheon ($.25 dip/5 dips $1) For open 6:00pm, play starts 8:00pm. Open to first 160 players. Must be 18 to play! 21 to more info call Nancy 301-753-9722 or first 160 players. Must be 18 to play! 21 to drink! ID required! Registration $150 Brenda 301-743-7203. drink! ID required! Registration $150 ($100 to prize pool/$50 to fire dpt.) Sodas, 30th - Gingerbread House Making Class ($100 to prize pool/$50 to fire dpt.) Sodas, beer, snacks and hot sandwiches provided registration deadline. Classes will be held beer, snacks and hot sandwiches provided with registration fee, mixed drinks $1. on Friday, December 12 from 6:30- with registration fee, mixed drinks $1. More info: call 301-753-8011 or email 10:30pm and Sunday, December 14 from More info: call 301-753-8011 or email [email protected] 1:00-5:00pm at Village Green Pavilion. [email protected] Adults & Children 5yrs and older—class November sizes limited. Pre-registration and payment October 3rd - Drive-Thru Fried Chicken Dinner required. $10/single or $12/pair (each 3rd - I.H. Elementary School PTO and 11:00am-2:00pm at the I.H. Volunteer additional person $1.00 maximum four Town of Indian Head 3rd Annual Outback Fire Department. Menu: 1/2 fried chicken, persons per house). Fee includes 1 house Dinner & Silent Auction 6:00-8:00pm parsley potatoes, green beans, roll, butter set, 2 icing bullets & icing bag—students @Village Green Pavilion Tickets $15/per- and beverage $8.00 plate. Carry out only. bring own decorations! Call Karen 240- son 150 ticket limit for Outback dinner. 8th - Indian Head Volunteer Fire Depart- 375-4061 for more info and registration. Advance tickets sales only. Children’s ment & Rescue Squad Inc. will be hosting pizza meal free! For info & tickets call a Basket Bingo Fundraiser. Doors open at Elise 301-743-3305. 6:00pm, Games start at 7:00pm @ I.H. Volunteer Fire Department. Prices start at
ISSUE 23 Page 5 Town of Indian Head Useful Information
Holiday Closings Recycling/Yard Waste
Town Hall, Public Works and the Community Affairs Office Solid waste products such as glass jars and bottles, newspa- will be closed on the following days this quarter in observance of pers, plastic bottles and metal cans will be picked up at the curb the holidays listed: every Wednesday within the Town of Indian Head. Place these Labor Day items in your recycling bin—no need to separate them. Monday, September 1 Thanksgiving Holiday Yard waste will be collected on Wednesdays, Year-round, Thursday and Friday, November 27, 28 weather permitting. Grass clippings and leaves must be placed in lawn and garden bags and placed at curbside. Brush must be If you have a water or sewer emergency after hours, call 301- bundled and must not be any longer than four feet (4’) in length. 743-2222 to report your emergency. On-call Town personnel will Individual pieces of brush must not be any larger than six inches be contacted and the problem will be handled accordingly. (6”) in diameter. There is no additional charge for these ser- If your regular trash collection day is on a scheduled holiday, vices. your next trash collection pickup will be on your next regularly scheduled collection day. For example, if your regular trash day is Monday, your next pickup will be on Thursday. If your trash day is Tuesday, your next pickup will be on Friday. Yard waste, which Utility Rates is collected on Wednesdays, is not affected. After hours non-emergency type problems can be reported by The Town bills for utilities on a quarterly basis. Please leaving a message on the Town Hall office number 301-743-5511. make note that you will be receiving a bill four times a year Be prepared to furnish your name, address, phone number and (July, October, January and April). You are encouraged to brief, but detailed description of the type of problem. Water cut- make an estimated payment monthly toward your quarterly offs for non-payment are not considered emergencies and are only bill. For more information you can call Town Hall at handled during Public Works regular business hours. 301-743-5511 Water & Sewer Rates Town Codes Minimum rate for all residential customers $ 70.40 (per dwelling unit per quarter) plus • Burning—No burning of leaves is permitted in the Town and $6.85 for every 1,000 gallons used no other burning is allowed without a Burning Permit ob- Minimum rate for all commercial customers $212.80 tained from Town Hall. (per unit per quarter) plus • Animal Control—Dogs must be kept on the owner’s property $6.85 for every 1,000 gallons used unless properly restrained. The Charles County Animal Con- Bay Restoration Fee trol provides animal enforcement within the Town. Call 301- $7.50 to State of Maryland Comptroller’s office for the Bay 932-1713 if you have a problem. Restoration Fund • Abandoned or Inoperative Vehicles are prohibited within Trash Rates the Town and may not be kept on the street for more than 24 Residential/Multiple Residential Rate: $ 69.00 (per dwelling hours or on private property, with certain exceptions. Call unit per quarter) - Billed quarterly for curb-side pickups (2) Code Enforcement at 301-743-5511 with any questions. semi-annual special pickups for bulk items (large appliances, • Property Maintenance—Every dwelling and lot shall be furniture, etc.) and one (1) recyclable products pickup per kept free from trash and garbage. Weeds and grass must be week. cut and kept shorter than 12 inches. Commercial Rate • Building Code—The Town has an adopted building code. Category I Dumpster (4cu yds) $466.00 per quarter Any new construction or remodeling, including, but not lim- ited to porches, fences, sheds and garages, requires inspection Category II Maximum 2 cans $88.00 per quarter and a building permit from the Town. (per unit) Each additional can $44.00 per quarter Town Meetings Town Hall All residential and commercial units within the Town of
Indian Head shall avail themselves of the Town’s curb-side 1st Monday every month at 7:30 Office Hours trash collection service. p.m. at the Village Green Pavilion. Monday - Friday Televised 8 p.m. first two Fridays 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. each month on Comcast Channel 95 Phone Numbers following the meeting. Ofc: 301-743-5511 Fax: 301-743-9008
Page 6 SMOKE SIGNALS ISSUE 23 Page 7 Town of Indian Head—Quality on Tap Report 2007 PWSID #0080020
We're pleased to present to you this contaminants. It's important to remember We, at the Town of Indian Head, work year's Annual Quality Water Report. This that the presence of these contaminants around the clock to provide top quality report is designed to inform you about the does not necessarily pose a health risk. water to every tap. We ask that all our quality water and services we deliver to customers help us protect our water you every day. Our constant goal is to We constantly monitor the water sup- sources, which are the heart of our com- provide you with a safe and dependable ply for various contaminants. We have munity, our way of life and our children’s supply of drinking water. We want you to detected radon in the finished water sup- future. understand the efforts we make to con- ply in 2 out of 4 samples tested. There is tinually improve the water treatment no federal regulation for radon levels in Please call our office at 301-743-5511 process and protect our water resources. drinking water. Exposure to air transmit- if you have questions. We are committed to ensuring the quality ted radon over a long period of time may of your water. Our water source is 4 wells cause adverse health effects. SEE CHART NEXT PAGE which draw from the Patapsco Aquifer. As you can see by the table, our system I'm pleased to report that our drinking had no violations. We’re proud that your water is safe and meets federal and state drinking water meets or exceeds all Fed- requirements. eral and State requirements. We have learned through our monitoring and test- Some people may be more vulnerable ing that some contaminants have been to contaminants in drinking water than detected. The EPA has determined that the general population. Immuno- your water IS SAFE at these levels. compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, All sources of drinking water are sub- persons who have undergone organ trans- ject to potential contamination by sub- plants, people with HIV/AIDS or other stances that are naturally occurring or immune system disorders, some elderly, man made. These substances can be mi- and infants can be particularly at risk crobes, inorganic or organic chemicals from infections. These people should and radioactive substances. All drinking seek advice about drinking water from water, including bottled water, may rea- their health care providers. EPA/CDC sonably be expected to contain at least guidelines on appropriate means to lessen small amounts of some contaminants. the risk of infection by cryptosporidium The presence of contaminants does not and other microbiological contaminants necessarily indicate that the water poses a are available from the Safe Drinking Wa- health risk. More information about con- ter Hotline (800-426-4791). taminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental If you have any questions about this Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water report or concerning your water utility, Hotline at 1-800-426-4791. please contact Diane Campbell at (301) 743-5511. We want our valued customers MCL’s are set at very stringent levels. to be informed about their water utility. If To understand the possible health effects you want to learn more, please attend any described for many regulated contami- of our regularly scheduled meetings. nants, a person would have to drink 2 liters of water every day at the MCL level The Town of Indian Head routinely for a lifetime to have a one-in-a-million monitors for contaminants in your drink- chance of having the described health ing water according to Federal and State effect. laws. This table shows the results of our monitoring for the period of January 1st to In our continuing efforts to maintain a December 31st, 2007. As water travels safe and dependable water supply it may over the land or underground, it can pick be necessary to make improvements in up substances or contaminants such as your water system. The costs of these microbes, inorganic and organic chemi- improvements may be reflected in the cals, and radioactive substances. All rate structure. Rate adjustments may be drinking water, including bottled drinking necessary in order to address these im- water, may be reasonably expected to provements. contain at least small amounts of some
Page 8 SMOKE SIGNALS TEST RESULTS
Location Contaminant Level Unit Meas- MCLG MCL Likely Source of Contamination Detected urement Well 2 Flouride .5 ppm 4 4 Decay of natural and man-made deposits
Sodium 81 ppm N/A N/A Erosion of natural deposits Barium .01 ppm 2 2 Erosion of natural deposits Bromoform 4 ppb Bromodichloromethane 2.8 ppb Dibromochloromethane 4.3 ppb Chloroform 1.5 ppb Well 3 Fluoride 1.4 ppm 4 4 Decay of natural and man-made deposits Sodium 151 ppm N/A N/A Erosion of natural deposits Barium .01 ppm 2 2 Erosion of natural deposits Gross Alpha 10 pCi/L 0 15 Erosion of natural deposits Gross Beta 4 pCi/L Decay of natural deposits Bromoform 7.4 ppb Dibromochloromethane .9 ppb N/A N/A Erosion of natural deposits Well 4 Fluoride .83 ppm 4 4 Decay of natural and man-made deposits Sodium 56 ppm N/A N/A Erosion of natural deposits Well 5 Fluoride .61 ppm 4 4 Decay of natural and man-made deposits Sodium 100 ppm N/A N/A Erosion of natural deposits Barium .014 ppm 2 2 Erosion of natural deposits Gross Alpha 14 pCi/L 0 15 Erosion of natural deposits Gross Beta 4 pCi/L Decay of natural deposits Distribution System Copper .55 ppm 1.3 1.3 Total Trihalomethanes 12.69 ppb Disinfection by product Haloacetic Acids 6.87 ppb Disinfection by product
In this table you will find many terms and abbreviations you might not be familiar with. To help you better understand these terms we've provided the following definitions: Parts per million (ppm) - one part per million corresponds to one minute in two years or a single penny in $10,000. Parts per billion (ppb) - one part per billion corresponds to one minute in 2,000 years, or a single penny in $10,000,000. Picocuries per liter (pCi/L) - picocuries per liter is a measure of the radioactivity in water. Action Level (AL) - the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow. Maximum Contaminant Level - The “Maximum Allowed” (MCL) is the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology. Maximum Contaminant Level Goal - The “Goal”(MCLG) is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
ISSUE 23 Page 9 Town Activities for Seniors
Hurricane Party 3rd Annual Indian Head Breast Can- A hurricane party is any celebration that cer Awareness Fitness Walk To Fit or Not to Fit? That is the Ques- passes the time while waiting out a storm. Walk for the women in your life. Join us. tion Hurricane parties help everyone relax by Open to whole community. Rain or Believe it or not, most women are wear- bringing friends and family together to Shine. Walk takes place around the In- ing bras that do not fit properly. Sign up endure a stressful situation, and help con- dian Head Village Green. Fee includes and attend a personal and confidential bra serve supplies by keeping everyone to- lunch, healthy snacks, bottled water. Pro- fitting session. The fitting will include a gether in one location. Indian Head Sen- ceeds go to Susan G. Komen Breast Can- professional measurement correct band ior Center will host a Hurricane Party to cer Foundation. Sponsored by: Indian and cup size. Once the measuring seg- not only bring people together for some Head Senior Center Council & The Town ment is complete, various styles of bras light-hearted fun, but to provide you with of Indian Head. Kick-Off at 9:00 am. can be selected. Mimi Quade, Home necessary information designed to keep Sat Oct 11 9:00am-12:00Noon Fee:$20 Health Products Express. you safe in the event of an emergency. Thu Oct 9 11:00am Also, the first 50 pre-registered attendees FREE Notary for Seniors: If you have will have the opportunity to assemble anything that requires a notarized signa- Senior Information and Assistance their our own Disaster Preparedness Kit ture, Ms. Rita Adu will be volunteering Outreach to take home. Come for a day of educa- her services to Senior Center members. This program provides persons age 60 tion, fun, games and free stuff! This Dis- All you need to bring with you is a cur- and older and their families, access to aster Preparedness event is sponsored by rent form of Identification, and you will information regarding programs, services, Charles County Dept. of Health, Charles be required to sign the document on-site. and various benefits. Beth Fiske, Sr. I & County Dept. of Emergency Services, Fri Oct 10 10:00am A Program Specialist and Dept. of Community Services Aging Tue Sep 9, Oct 14, Nov 5 10:00am-Noon & Community Centers Division; and Book Club with Lena VanGO; plus Indian Head Senior Center Facilitated by Lena Cox of the Potomac Introducing Liz House of Indian Head- Council. Branch of the Charles County Public New Assisted Living Home located in the Thu Sept 11 10:00am Library. heart of Indian Head. Owner, Liz Ramble Wed Sep 24, Oct 22, Nov 26 11:00am offers an experienced team which will Seated Massage assist with all daily tasks to promote a Stiff and aching back and shoulders? Let Tailgate Party – Football, Food, and wonderful quality to your life. a Certified Massage Therapist work out Games for All Tue Oct 21 11:30am the kinks for you. Offered by Catherine Wear your favorite jersey or team shirt as Payne, C.M.T. we party in the parking lot. Candle Lighting Fri Sep 12, Oct 10, Nov 14 9:30am- Fri Oct 24 10:30am Fee: $3 Light up the community with Candles of Noon Fee: $.50 per minute Care to remember and honor individuals HALLOWEEN PARTY affected by Alzheimer's Disease and re- Give Peace a Chance Costume party – prizes for the scariest, lated dementias and their caregivers. Around the world each year world peace most unique, and most authentic costume Thu Nov 13 1:00pm organizations form to pray for peace. (please no REAL blood). This event is From Tibet with it's annual World Peace sponsored by Charles County Arts Alli- Thanksgiving Luncheon Ceremony to the Delhi Peace Ritual, and ance, Senior Services of Charles County, Special lunch and entertainment. Please throughout the US all of these ceremonies Inc., and the Indian Head Senior Center register by Mon 17. Fee: $7.50 includes share one common goal – Hope for Council. Special guest John Roberts' lunch. World PEACE! Please join Indian Head Roving Records from 10:30-12:30pm. Thu Nov 20 10:30am Senior Center for its “Give Peace a Fri Oct 31 11:00am Fee: $2 Chance” ceremony that will include the lighting of peace lanterns hand-made by Special Presentations Indian Head Senior participants. Follow- ing the lighting of the lanterns, peace Vegetarian Nutritional Facts quotes and prayers will be read, as every- The key to a nutritionally sound vegetar- one gathers hand-in-hand around the In- ian diet is variety. A healthy and varied dian Head Peace Pole. Also included, vegetarian diet includes fruits, vegetables, will be the history and origin of the Peace plenty of leafy greens, whole grain prod- symbol designed by Gerald Holtom in ucts, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Join us 1958. All will join in singing with local for a vegetarian appetizer and educational talent to songs of peace. Please, come presentation with Lisa Furlow, Nutrition- and join us as we hope for peace. ist Thu Sep 18 10:30am Tue Oct 7 11:00am
Page 10 SMOKE SIGNALS The Black Box Theatre - Indian Head Center for the Arts The Indian Head Center for the Arts is a forum for the grassroots development of artistic expression in Charles County and the sur- rounding areas. The venue and its programs offer aspiring profes- sional artists and arts organiza- tions a bridge to the established cultural community of the Greater Washington Metropolitan area. www.indianheadblackbox.org 301-743-3040 October 2008 Legends of Sleepy Hollow Brought to you by Accokeek Creek Theatreco in the Black Box Theatre Acoustic Jam Sessions Every Wednesday Night 7-9pm Open Jam Sessions (musicians free! Audience $5 Monday Meetups! Every Monday at 7pm we host a FREE informal networking session at the theatre for those who want to meet other folks interested in theatre.
ISSUE 23 Page 11 TOWN OF INDIAN HEAD
4195 Indian Head Highway Indian Head, MD 20640 Phone: 301-743-5511/301-753-6633 Fax: 301-743-9008 www.townofindianhead.org