It is widely accepted that Americans are extremely charitable and willing to reach into their pockets to change a life, inevitably changing themselves. According to the Giving USA Foundation, American individuals, corporations, and foundations gave a total of $303.75 billion to charities in 2009, proving that “red-white-and-blue” may ultimately mean “in the black” for countless nonprofit organizations. But that number proved a downswing from the year prior - a shift linked to economic woes that serves as a reminder that charities, more than ever, need more funding to fulfill their goals.

When childhood friends and Southern Maryland natives Nicholas White and Tony Graham decided to open The Prime Street Grille two years ago, they obviously were serious about the food. The former manager of Stoney’s Kingfishers in Solomons and federal employee-turned caterer, respectively, are turning out a sophisticated menu featuring expertly prepared steaks and seafood that could rival many of D.C.‘s well-known establishments.

We love to see that expression of surprise, to receive a compliment, and to hear, “You shouldn’t have,” when we give the perfect holiday gift to a friend or family member. What we don’t love is fighting crowds at the local mall, or driving 50 miles to shop, or paying shipping charges to big online retailers. So don’t hassle with holiday shopping when you can find that perfect gift at a Southern Maryland specialty shop as close to home as your own neighborhood.

Over the years, a handful of local foundations have raised millions of dollars for the improvement of community services. Their main fundraisers are themed balls - black tie extravaganzas with great live bands, phenomenal food, incredible auction items, and memorable moments of good fun. Let me introduce you to just a few of the many who will donate their time, energy, ingenuity, and finances to these worthwhile causes.

The “Live United” on Guffrie Smith’s t-shirt is more than the United Way’s slogan; it’s his philosophy of life. His father, Guffrie M. Smith, Sr., often worked three or four jobs, claiming, “Work never killed anyone.” His father also insisted that his children pursue higher education, think of their lives in terms of service to others, and live so they are role models for others. Smith, the oldest of seventeen children, clearly absorbed all his father’s lessons.

Probably the country’s most famous beagle is the precocious “Snoopy” of the Peanuts comic strip. While Snoopy has a loving home with Charlie Brown and his sister Sally, many beagles in Southern Maryland aren’t so lucky.

A native of Mexico and Central America, the poinsettia was first used as a Christmas decoration by Franciscan friars in Mexico during the 17th century. The plant’s star-shaped leaf pattern symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem, and the bright red color signifies the blood of Jesus. Joel Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, happened to have a passion for botany and introduced poinsettias into the United States in 1825.

I don’t know another holiday tradition practiced as exuberantly by children and adults alike as putting up the Christmas tree. My childhood memory is the excitement of running through the woods just ahead of my parents to find the perfect tree. The fresh evergreen scent that was released with the first few cuts from the saw’s blade. Brushing off snow or finding an old bird’s nest made the experience more personal. After our tree was set up, it was always bigger than it looked in the field.

Each year, many of us can’t wait for Thanksgiving dinner to be over so that we can shop for a Christmas tree (or put up an artificial one), drag bins of decorations out of the attic, and fill the branches with sparkling lights and cherished ornaments. It’s a ritual that brings back fond memories of childhood and the eager anticipation of Christmas morning and gifts from Santa.

Janet Rowland has spent most of her life helping others. Raised on a tobacco farm in Mechanicsville, the second to the youngest child in a large family, she grew up milking cows, gathering eggs, and nurturing the family’s pet cats.