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.

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.

Story by Rose Talbot and Photography by Ed Mann

It seems like Paula Rosnage knows everyone in town.

“Oh, she’s a survivor,” she says.
“Her father is a warrior.”
“That woman is one of our 5-year survivors.”

How does Paula know so many people? All of them have been touched in some way by cancer and Rosnage has met them through her work with the Calvert County American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay for Life.

Story by Susan Glauner and Photography by Ed Mann

For over 31 years, Mike Schwartz, 55, owner of Mike’s Bikes in Lexington Park, has been a hub for biking culture in Southern Maryland. Schwartz, his shop and his big green school bus are icons in the community. Along with his two German shepherds, Xena and Buster, Schwartz and his team are trying to keep everyone in Southern Maryland moving forward … on two wheels, that is.

Review and Photography by Caroline Miller King

As I opened the door to Ouzo’s Greek & Regional Cuisine in La Plata, I was met with the sight of a server presenting a fiery skillet to a table of guests – I would find out later the source of the flames was saganaki cheese topped with brandy and lemon – and shouts of “Opa!” from throughout the restaurant. With the friendly employees and the lively music playing in the background, there was a definite air of conviviality to the place.

Story by Susan Glauner and Photography by August Selckmann

There is perhaps nothing more fulfilling than helping others by doing what you love. This is what happens when Southern Maryland GiveCamp (SMGC) volunteers assemble once a year to provide free information technology solutions to local charitable organizations that don’t otherwise have the budget to support the technology resources they need.

Story by Edna Troiano and Photography by August Selckmann

Ever drink bottled water? Almost everyone does. But did you know that a bottle of water can do more than hydrate your body? A bottle of water can help support the Calvert Marine Museum, Habitat for Humanity, the Center for Children, St. Jude’s Hospital or any cause you wish to support – that is, if you buy MyCause Water.