Southern Maryland-This is Living magazine is all about the good people, places and businesses of Southern Maryland.  We are committed to spreading the word about the great quality of life available in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties.

Story by Jamie Clark Tiralla and Photo by John Kite

Southern Marylanders love their pets, and thanks to the talented groomers in the region, Southern Maryland is home to some of the best looking pets around.

Story by Rose S. Talbot and Photography by August Selckmann

The recent economic downturn convinced Jacqueline Quan of Lusby that she should be able to provide for her family as much as her husband does. But as a young mother of two toddlers, she wanted an opportunity that would allow her to work close to home and still maintain a balance between work and family. When she learned about the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Nuclear Engineering Technology (NET) associate degree program, she thought, “What a perfect opportunity.”

Story by Debra Zimmerman Murphey and Photo by Dick Hu

On a chilly afternoon, Sue Hu walks down to a pier that juts out from a wintry beige stretch of Patuxent River shoreline. As she nears the water’s edge, Hu points proudly to a protruding breakwater that carries great significance. Beyond its power to reduce the eroding impact of waves, it is home to about 40,000 oysters.

Story by Michelle Brosco Christian

When it comes to summer camps in Southern Maryland, children and teens have a smorgasbord of opportunities. From the traditional outdoor activity camp to a creative arts camp, kids and their parents may have a hard time choosing just one.

Story by Danita Boonchaisri and Photography by Jacqueline Malonson

Chesapeake Beach has a new attraction – filled with great blue herons, snapping turtles, monarch butterflies and raucous sea gulls feasting on cast offs from the local charter boat fleet. You’re welcomed to join the fun. And all you need is a pair of walking shoes.

Happy new year!! I hope everyone had a great Christmas and a great new years celebration. We are looking forward to 2012. Its time to take down the Christmas decorations. This year my house was on the Health Share Home Tour. It was so much fun to meet all the community residents that came out in support of such a great cause. This year they raised over 25,000 to help those that do not have health insurance and are in need of medical care.

Because my house was on the tour I put my decorations up early..so they have been up since the last day of November. I normally like to leave my decorations up to the Epiphany (January 6) but the needles on my fresh tree are piling high under my tree. This year I put up 6 trees… most of them were only 4 ft tall…one was made with English Ivy…and only one was 10 ft and fresh cut. I love the look and smell of the fresh cut. We have always had a fresh cut tree..but the artificial are certainly alot easier and look beautiful too. I hope you enjoy my collection of trees…I will post some more photos tomorrow. enjoy!

Photography by August Selckmann

Roast Prime Rib of Beef •  Butternut Squash Soup
Beautifully Bright Green and Perfectly Cooked Asparagus
Roasted Turned Vegetables •  Wild Rice Pilaf
Apple-Oatmeal Pie •  Pumpkin Bars

This beautiful and festive holiday menu was provided to us by the new Canards Catering and Event Production, based in Solomons. Chef-owner Michael Kelley and executive sous chef Christopher Chesbro prepared the meal, and the descriptions were written by Kelley. Many thanks to Canards for allowing us to share these recipes with our readers!

Story by Caroline Miller King

Looking for an excellent way to get into the holiday spirit and do a bit of good for our community at the same time? Mark your calendar for December 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., to attend the Holiday Home Tour for the benefit of Health Share of St. Mary’s. This year’s tour will feature seven elegant homes in the Medley’s Neck area of Leonardtown decked out for the holiday season. Homeowners welcome guests into their homes to enjoy interesting architecture, light refreshments and, of course, holiday décor!

Story by Jacqueline Zilliox

With the Charter of 1633 promoting unity of spirit in hand from the King of England, the mixed religious factions in the Colony of Maryland shared a chapel for worship. In 1638, however, the first Trinity Church, then part of the Church of England, was built on Trinity (Smith) Creek. It later moved to St. Mary’s City, and in 1789, the congregation became a New Protestant Episcopal Church of the USA.