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 Caroline Miller King and Photography by August Selckmann

Sam Grow shouldn’t be humble. The singer-songwriter from Charles County is enjoying success on the iTunes charts, taking his band on nationwide tours, and often playing with some pretty big names in the music business. But when I thanked him for agreeing to be interviewed, his response was to thank me for wanting to interview him.

Story by Laurie Coyle

“Spike” had severely deformed front legs, “Clark Kent” was having trouble breathing due to a bone deformity, and “Wonder Kitty” was blind when each cat was taken in by members of Last Chance Animal Rescue (LCAR) in Waldorf, given the medical treatment it needed, and ultimately given a chance to live a happy, healthy life.

Review by Caroline Miller King and Photography by Ed Mann

Amanda Comer has a lot on her plate. Pun intended. That’s because the cheerful chef is busy running Solomons’ Lotus Kitchen, Blue Heron Inn bed and breakfast, and Bistro Belle Maison located inside the Inn. The Bistro is her latest endeavor. Open since July 2012, it treats diners to small plates, an intimate atmosphere and breathtaking views of Back Creek and The Narrows, the Patuxent River, and the Chesapeake Bay beyond.

Story by Edna Troiano and Photography by Devon Sinclaire

When the air turns nippy, one product appears on the shelves of groceries, big box stores, hardware stores, garden centers and even dollar stores. No, not snow shovels: amaryllis bulbs. Although the term amaryllis includes many varieties of lilies, most people use it to refer to the one people grow indoors around the holidays. These bulbs, prized for their large showy blooms, have solid or striped petals in shades ranging from dark red to white.

Story by Tina Wagner and Photography by John Kite

All Saints Oakley Parish in Avenue celebrates its 370th birthday this year. That’s a lot of candles on a cake, but it also means that this small country Episcopal parish, established in 1642, has stood the test of time and more.

Story by Caroline Miller King

Christmas is all about giving, and a group of volunteers at South Potomac Church in White Plains understands the importance of that. Each December, the worship center of South Potomac Church in White Plains is transformed into a mini-mall, with departments ranging from men’s and women’s clothing to toys, household items, books and even pet supplies. At this Christmas Shop, the community’s needy can use “angel dollars” to shop for gifts.

Story by Danita Boonchaisri and Photography by Ken and Robbin Haigler­

Crest the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge into Calvert County this holiday season and you’ll get a shimmering peek of something special happening in Solomons. You may even be inspired to detour onto the island on December 7 and 8, when this waterside town sparkles with color for the 28th annual Solomons Christmas Walk and Lighted Boat Parade. It’s a charming tradition in a place where the welcome mat is always out.

Story by Susan Glauner and Photography by Ed Mann

Richard Slavik, 60, of California, Md., comes across as a pretty average guy. He likes sports and fishing, and takes pride in his Navy career. What is very “un”-average about Richard, however, is how he spends much of his time – helping others. Since retiring from the Navy, he has dedicated his life to making things better for St. Mary’s County residents in need, both as a professional and as a volunteer.

Nonprofit Provides Free Fresh Produce for Families in Need

Story by Debra Zimmerman Murphey and Photography by Edward S. Potskowski

To Bernie Fowler Jr., Serenity Farm in Benedict isn’t just a picturesque, 267-acre farm with a breathtaking view of the Patuxent River, or merely cherished pastoral land where you can appreciate Southern Maryland’s rural history and agricultural roots. Serenity Farm is also Fowler’s “field of dreams.”