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aLPlata Police DepartmentFrom the Desk of the ChiefThe Maryland Department of Health andMental Hygiene (MDHMH) released its2016 Drug and Alcohol-Related Intoxication Deaths in Maryland report. The newscontained in the report is shocking. Maryland experienced a 66% increase in drug andalcohol related deaths. In 2016, we lost 2,089Marylanders to drug and alcohol. This compares to 1,259 in 2015. Eighty-Eight (88%)percent of those deaths were opioid/heroinrelated. In Charles County, 22 individualsdied from heroin overdoses and another 10lives were lost from prescription–relatedopioids.As you can see from the MDHMH report,the opioid/heroin public health crisis is adversely touching lives throughout the state.If you don’t know someone who has beentouched by the opioid/heroin public healthcrisis, sooner or later you will. I encourageeach of you to take 45 minutes and watchthe video Chasing the Dragon. You can findit on YouTube or LPPD’s Facebook page.The video is a sobering look at exactly howeasy it is to become addicted to an opioidand how hard it is to beat the addiction.Here in La Plata, every patrol officer hasbeen trained and equipped to carry theopioid reversal drug Naloxone, commonlyreferred to as Narcan. In June, Dr. DiannaAbney, Charles County’s Public HealthOfficer, instructed and equipped 31 La Plataresidents on how to use Narcan. Narcan hasbeen a literal lifesaver here in La Plata andthroughout Maryland. If you are interestedin receiving the Narcan training, pleaseown ofAs with any drug crisis,there are peripheralcrimes. In La Plata, ithas been mostly limitedto thefts from local businesses and thefts from unlocked motorvehicles. I encourage everyone to lock theirvehicle at night and to report any suspiciousindividuals or noises during the overnighthours. Remember, see something – saysomething, LPPD officers are never morethan a phone call away!See you on the road!Chief Carl SchinnerLa Plata Police ExplorersIn July, LPPD explorers joined explorersfrom around the DC/MD/VA area to participate in the Potomac Boundaries AdvisorAssociation’s Explorer Leadership Academy. The weeklong event focuses on teambuilding, physical fitness, first aid, leadership, public speaking, defensive tactics, anddrill & ceremony. The Explorer LeadershipAcademy was held at the York College inPennsylvania.The La Plata Police Department is proudof the young men and women of LPPDExplorer Post 1888! If you know of a youthbetween the ages of 14 and 21 who wouldenjoy being a LPPD Explorer, please contactSergeant Jason Posey at (301) 934-1500La Plata OfficialsMayor: Jeannine E. JamesCouncil:TMatthew Simpson . . . . . . . . . Ward 1Brent Finagin . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ward 2Emily Mudd Hendricks . . . . . Ward 3Paddy Mudd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ward 4Town Manager:Daniel J. MearsTreasurer: Robert W. OliphantAssistant Town Manager:Michelle D. MinerTown Clerk: Danielle MandleyPolice Chief, Carl H. SchinnerDirector of Planning,Jeremy D. Hurlbuttcontact the Departmentof Health at (301) 6096661.Director of Operations: Robert F. Stahl, Jr.Director of Public Works:Jeff ey S. GarnerManager of Inspections:Keith Goodhue305 Queen Anne Street,La Plata, Maryland 20646Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.Telephone: (301) 934-8421 / (301) 870-3377La Plata Police Department: (301) 934-1500Email: mminer@townoflaplata.orWebsite: www.townoflaplata.orHome Video SecurityCamera Mini-GrantThe Town of La Plata is proud tooffer a second round of Home VideoSecurity Camera Mini Grant. Thepurpose of the mini-grant is toprovide an opportunity for La Plataresidents to increase security in andaround their homes.The majority of criminal events inLa Plata are theft related, oftentimesfrom vehicles and residents yards.Citizens who receive a mini-grantmust be willing to share any imagescaptured on their video system withthe La Plata Police Departmentduring official investigations. Theultimate goal of the Home VideoSecurity Camera Mini-Grant isto give La Plata residents an extrameasure of security in and aroundtheir homes and to deter criminalactivity in the town’s residentialneighborhoods.The Department invites local residentsto submit an application for reviewby the La Plata Police Department’sCrime Watch Council. There will be20 grants awarded for 250. Deadlineto submit an application is August 18,2017. Applications for the grant canbe found on the Police Departmentsection of the Town’s website, or bycalling (301) 934-1500.Town Hall ClosedThe Town Hall will be closed on thefollowing day:Monday, September 4, 2017(Labor Day)No Yard Waste Pick upNo special trash pick upTrash pick up will be 9/5ownNotes August/September 20173

La Plata Town ServicesSpecial Trash PickupBulk items are picked up the firstMonday of each month, or thefollowing Monday if the first one isa holiday. Large amounts of loosematerial (such as brush) should bebundled or bagged in such a mannerthat the weight is less than 50 lbs. TheTown reserves the right not to pickup items too heavy to safely handle.General construction cleanup andhazardous materials are not eligible.Items must be at curbside by 7:30 a.m.on pickup day. Call Town Hall beforepickup day to be placed on the list.Billing for special trash pickup isincluded on your quarterly utility bill.Yard Waste Pick UpResidential yard waste pick ups willonly take place on Monday and Fridays. Containers of yard waste ONLY– leaves, grass and shrub clippings,brush or branches may be put out onMondays and Fridays. The containersmust be marked “Yard Waste.” Brushor branches must be bundled, weighno more than 50lbs. per bundle, andthe branches may not be larger than 4feet long. Plastic bags are not allowed –if you bag yard waste you must use paperbags.You must contact the Town if youare interested in a wheeled recyclingcontainer. Due to a limited budget,wheeled recycling containers are onlybeing ordered to meet demand. Thankyou for your interest.Water or Sewer After HoursEmergencyIf you have a water or seweremergency, call (301) 932-3870for Public Works and follow theinstructions given to report yourTrash Collection Schedule AdjustmentIf your regular trash collection day is:Monday, Sept. 4, 2017Trash will be picked up on:Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017Recycling:Will be picked up on normal scheduleYard Waste Pick Up:There will be no Yard Waste Pick Up on Monday, Sept. 4Special Pick Up:Monday, August 7, 2017Monday, September 11, 2017Building Permits IssuedCommercial Building permits issued5/1/17– 6/30/17Christ Church – 112 E. Charles StreetRed Oak Bistro – 6390 Crain HighwayBaldus Retail Center – 6700 CrainHighwayLa Plata Shopping Center – 6643 CrainHighwayCommercial Building – 113 HowardStreetRaymond Funeral Home – 5635Washington Ave.4Town Notes August/September 2017Tropical Smoothie Cafe – 105 DruryDriveCommercial Occupancy permits issued5/1/17– 6/30/17Imaging Center5 N La Plata CourtAce of Fades Barbershop9375 Chesapeake StreetClassroom200 Howard StreetBail Bonds602 Charles Streetemergency. The automated responsesystem will alert staff to respond toyou.Household Hazardous WasteCollectionHousehold hazardouswaste collectionoccurs on the firstSaturday of eachmonth from 9 amto 3 pm from Aprilthrough Decemberin the parking lotof the Departmentof Public Worksbuilding, locatedat 10430 Audie Lane, off of RadioStation Road in La Plata. Householdhazardous waste collection is acontracted service and items cannotbe accepted when the contractor is noton site.Items accepted free of charge includepesticides, herbicides, fertilizer,gasoline, oil-based paint, cleaningsupplies, pool chemicals, fluorescentlights, mercury thermometers, andother poisons found in the home.Please keep the materials in theiroriginal containers whenever possible,and bring them to the collection sitein cardboard boxes to ease unloading.Unacceptable materials includebio-medical waste (sharps, needles,anything with bodily fluids), latexpaint, prescription drugs, andammunition. Used motor oil, antifreeze, propane tanks, and batteriesare accepted on a regular basis atvarious collection sites. Latex paint isnot considered hazardous waste andcan be placed in your household trashas long as it is solidified. This can beaccomplished by adding kitty litter,shredded paper, paint hardener, orsawdust to aid in drying it out.For more information, call theCharles County Department of PublicFacilities, Environmental ResourcesDivision at (301) 932-3599.

5Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday SaturdayA1National Night OutKids Show; 10:00 a.m.“Ryan Buckle and theCuriosity Crew”67Yard Waste Pick UpSpecial Pick Up(please call by 4:00 p.m.8/4 to be put on list)132027148Mayor and CouncilWork Session; 7:00 p.m.Kids Show; 10:00 a.m.“Science Tellers”15Yard Waste Pick UpMayor and CouncilWork Session; 7:00 p.m.Yard Waste Pick UpMayor and CouncilBusiness Meeting;7:00 p.m.2128Yard Waste Pick Up222923Crime Watch Councilmeeting; 7:00 p.m.Concert; 7:00 p.m. “257thArmy Band, “The BandFarmers Market;of the Nation’s Capital”” 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.102312Concert; 7:00 p.m.; U.S.Air Force Band “MaxFarmers Market;Impact”8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.Design Review Boardmeeting; 9:00 a.m.Farmers Market;8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.11Yard Waste Pick UpFarmers Market;8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.165Yard Waste Pick UpFarmers Market; 8:00 a.m.to 6:00 p.m.941718Yard Waste Pick Up24Concert ; “Eric ScottBand”; 7:00 p.m.2519Farmers Market;8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.Kent Avenue Block Party26Yard Waste Pick UpFarmers Market;8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.30Farmers Market;8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.31Concert; 7:00 pmSouthern MarylandConcert BandFarmers Market;8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.Notes August/September 2017Sunday2017ownugust

2017ednesdayriday Saturdayhursday1Yard Waste Pick Up34laborLabor Day –Town Hall closedNo Yard Waste Pick upNo special trash pick upTrash pick up will be 9/51011First day of schoolfor Charles Countystudents5Trash pick up for 9/4Planning Commissionmeeting; 7:00 p.m.12Yard Waste Pick UpSpecial Pick up (pleasecall by 4:00 p.m. on 9/8 to Mayor and Council WorkSession; 7:00 p.m.be put on list)1718Yard Waste Pick Up24Tilghman Lake dockdedication; noon to2:00 p.m.25Yard Waste Pick Up19Mayor and Council WorkSession; 7:00 p.m.26Mayor andCouncilBusiness Meeting;7:00 p.m.FarmersMarket;8:00 a.m.to 6:00 p.m.6Concert; “CommunityGroove”; 7:00 p.m.7Crime Watch Councilmeeting; 7:00 p.m.Recycling pick up asscheduledFarmersMarket;8:00 a.m.to 6:00 p.m.13Concert “Dr. RobertBand”; 7:00 p.m.Design Review BoardMeeting; 9:00 a.m.20Concert; “Three Days ofRain”; 7:00 p.m.2122Yard Waste Pick UpFarmers Market;8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.2715Yard Waste Pick UpParks and RecreationCommission meeting;10:00 a.m.Concert; “Trilogy Band”;7:00 p.m.28Farmers Market;8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.8Yard Waste Pick Up142299Farmers Market;8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.16Farmers Market;8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.23Farmers Market;8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.30Yard Waste Pick UpFarmers Market;8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.Concert; U.S. Navy Band“The Commodores”;7:00 p.m.Farmers Market;8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.Notes August/September 2017uesdaySondayownMTWTFSunday6eptember

WebsitePollVisit the Town of La Plata’s website athttp://www.townoflaplata.org to participatein an online poll. See the ‘Snap Poll’ on theleft side of the web page to participate in thepoll and see the results to date. The currentquestion is:What was the last type of tree you therJune Website Poll ResultsBelow are the website ‘Snap Poll’ resultsfrom the last issue. The question and resultsare:How often do you put out yourrecycling container?NeverOnce a monthEvery three weeksEvery two weeksEvery weekLa Plata has a lot of residents who recycle.Recycling helps to reduce the amount ofmaterial going into the landfill, which keepsthe Town’s sanitation rates low. Over thepast few years, the Town has been offeringwheeled recycling containers to aid residentsin the collection oftheir recyclables,and make it easierto bring out to thecurb.The largest recycling container is the 95gallon container, which can hold a lot ofmaterial. One of the big differences betweenrecyclables and regular household trash, isthat recyclables does not contain putrescibles. Since there is not supposed to be foodwaste, or material that is going to rot in therecycling, it can be held for a longer period.With trash, decomposing food, wet organicwaste, and other items that attract insectsor vermin; it is a good practice to dispose ofthe material quickly to reduce the proliferation of molds, maggots, and rotten odors.Whether you have a small amount or a lot,please put your trash out every week.For recyclables, the materials should be dryand not covered with food waste. Since itwill not be rotting in the container, you donot have to put the small amount out eachweek. If your container is only 1/4 or 1/3full, you may wait until the following weekuntil the container is full. Not picking upevery household each week, can make thecollection a little more efficient, for you andthe handlers.Remember to keep food wastes out of therecycling stream, and you can take fewertrips to the curb with your container. If youhave not upgraded to the new covered andwheeled container, contact Mary in PublicWorks at mtrollinger@townoflaplata.org.TODOTo Do List Buckle your seat belt Submit a BeautificationMini-Grant application bySept 1 Contact Town Hall for a 95,65, or 35 gallon wheeledrecycling container Say hello to a La PlataPublic Works employee Set up your utility bill forautomatic payment Help a neighbor in need Plan to attend a SpecialEvent at Town Hall Submit a Special EventMini-Grant application bySept 8 Post the pull out calendaron your refrigerator Sign up to be on the Town’sConstant Contact email list Spend a Friday night on thewest lawn listening to musicat the Town’s free concerts Like the Town’s FacebookPage 500 Beautification Grant Pick up litter while you walkyour neighborhoodThis is a great outlet for Home Owner Associations, school projects,scout groups, civic organizations, individuals, businesses, and otherLa Plata community members to do something that benefits you, theTown, and all who visit La Plata. Submit a Home SecurityMini-Grant application byAug 18Grant applications will be available for download from the Town’swebsite www.townoflaplata.org, or you may get them directly fromDanielle Mandley at (301) 934-8421 or dmandley@townoflaplata.org. Grant applications will be reviewed by La Plata’s Beautification Commission followingthe next application deadline, September 1, 2017 and successful projects will receive up to 500 to help bring the idea to life. Thank you for your interest in helping our communityby focusing on ways to make La Plata a better place. Watch a Council Businessmeeting on ComcastChannel 99 and VerizonChannel 11 Visit http://www.townoflaplata.org for moreinformation on all of these“Volunteers bring beauty to life”ownNotes August/September 20177

pecial EventSParkingThroughout the year there are many events at Town Hall. Guestsoften ask where the best location is to park.For small Town events there is ample street parking in striped spacesdown La Grange Avenue and side streets. For those small events theTown Hall parking lot is also open.With larger events the Town Hall lot may be closed for vendorsor activities. Please use the parking lot at Sacred Heart Church onSt. Mary’s Avenue, just a block west of Town Hall. When parking at Sacred Heart, please be sure to use the back parking lot onlyand leave the front and side lots available for parishioners attendingservices and activities at the church. The Town leases this lot from theChurch for public parking.Additional parking may be found along the north end of MapleAvenue along the railroad tracks on the north side of Charles Street.This parking is often used by those attending a show at the PortTobacco Theater. This is just a few block walk to Town Hall.There are a number of residences around Town Hall. Please respectthe people who live nearby and not park in or block any residentiallots or driveways. We ask that you not park in lots adjacent to or usedby any open businesses when attending events at Town Hall. Theprivate residences and businesses may tow your vehicle from their lot.Parking on private property is inconsiderate to them, and would notbe a pleasant way to end the good time you had at a Town event.Please do not park along any yellow painted curb, on grass, or in frontof any fire hydrant. Overall, please be respectful of others.KENT AVENUE PARTNERSHIPThirdAnnualCommunityBlock ktoPartyAugust19, 2017from 10:001:00August19, 2017Drivefrom 10:00at CarolineParkto 1:00at Caroline Drive ParkInteract withwith , Bounce House, School Supplies, Food StapleWaterslide,Bounce House, School Supplies, Food StapleItems, Vison & Other Medical Screenings, & Fun!Items, Vison & Other Medical Screenings, & Fun!The Block Party is sponsored by the La Plata PoliceThe BlockPartyandis sponsoredby theLa Plata PoliceDepartmentits Kent AvenuePartnersandPartnersTown of La PlataDepartmentLa PlataLions itsClub Kent AvenueTownof La Plata Public WorksCharles County Sheriff’s OfficeCharles County Branch of the NAACPCharles Regional Medical CenterTown Chick-Fil-Aof La Plata La PlataLaChildren’sPlata LionsTown ofofMarylandLa Plata Public WorksAid esCountyMinistriesBranch of the NAACP CollegeCharlesRegionalMedical CenterLaCountyPlata BaptistChurchZoe Outreachof SouthernMarylandLa PlataLaLionsClubCharles CountyBlack Officers Association SMECOChick-Fil-APlataChildren’sAid SocietyLifestyles of MarylandMiltonSomersMiddle School ZoeSacredHeart ChurchLa PlataUnitedLa PlataBaptistChurchOutreachMinistriesCollegeof MethodistSouthernChurchMarylandCarrollLaClubPlata Village/La Plata Grande& Mary’sPantry atSMECOSacred Heart Catholic ChurchLa PlataLionsCharlesGardensCounty BlackLorettaOfficersAssociationState’s Attorney’s Office for Charles CountyCharles County Department of Social ServicesMilton Somers Middle SchoolSacred Heart ChurchLa Plata United Methodist ChurchCharles County Department of HealthCarroll La Plata Village/La Plata Grande GardensLoretta & Mary’s Pantry at Sacred Heart Catholic ChurchState’s Attorney’s Office for Charles CountyCharles County Department of Social ServicesCharles County Department of Health8ownNotes August/September 2017

Fats, Oil and Grease Down the Drain is Costly It Clogs the Sewers!Sewage backups and overflows are typicallythe result of grease build up which can causeproperty damage, environmental problems,and health hazards. Referred to as FOGs;Fats, Oil, and Grease can enter into the sewer system from commercial food preparationestablishments and also private residences.An article borrowed and modified from theCity of Vernon, Connecticut clearly explainsthe hazards of FOGs and the associatedcosts involved.Food preparation establishments are requiredby the Health Department to trap the greaseand to properly dispose of it on a routinebasis. Unfortunately, private residences are notrequired to have and maintain grease traps,but are most likely the major contributor tothe grease build up in the sewers.Most grease is a by-product of cooking and isusually found in such things as:   Butter or Margarine   Baking Goods   Sauces   Dairy Products   Food Scraps   Meat Fats   Lard   Cooking OilAll too often, fats, oils, and grease are washedinto plumbing system and stick to the insidesof sewer pipes both on private property and inthe streets. Over time, oil and grease builds upand eventually blocks the entire pipe causingsewer backups and overflows.Costs to YOU:As your sewer pipes back up, sewage and foodparticles that accumulate can attract insectsother vermin and may create a potentialhealth hazard. Property damage can resultfrom sewage backups leading to expensiveclean up and plumbing repairs that may haveto be paid by the customer or their insurance.Costs to the ENVIRONMENT:Clogged sewers can lead to over flows. Assewage over flows onto the streets, it entersthe storm drain system where it is then carried to local streams!Cost to the TOWN:Increased sewer stoppages and over flowslead to excessive and costly maintenance andcould result in severe fines from the State andFederal regulatory agencies. Maintenanceof FOGs in the sewer system adds to theannual cost of running the utility by cloggingpipes, pumps, and drains. These costs result inincreases to the customers sewer bill.Proper Disposal Methods:   Scrape grease and food scraps from plates,pots, and pans, into a trash can for disposal.   Do not put grease and scraps down the garbage disposal. Pour grease into a containerand dispose of it in the trash.   Do not pour grease into kitchen sinks, floordrains, or toilets.   Be cautious of chemicals or additives thatclaim to dissolve grease. Some

Applications for the grant can be found on the Police Department's section of the Town's website, or by calling (301) 934- . employed by Zipcar in Washington, DC as a Fleet coordinator. In his spare time, Robert enjoys biking, hiking and spending . alcohol related deaths. In 2016, we lost 2,089 Marylanders to drug and alcohol. This com .