Friday, December 20, 2024 | Issue 36

Town Hall will have adjusted hours on the following dates:

• Tuesday, December 24th: Closing at Noon
• Wednesday, December 25th: Closed for Christmas
• Tuesday, December 31st: Closing at Noon
• Wednesday, January 1st: Closed for New Year's Day

Please be aware that household trash and recycling collections WILL BE AFFECTED during Christmas and New Year's. As a result, collections on these weeks will take place on THURSDAYS. If you experience a missed collection during this time, kindly contact Town Hall as soon as possible at 410-287-6173, ext. 1, or at staff@charlestownmd.org to get on the schedule for recovery. Thank you!

For water emergencies, please contact Bobby Straiton, Director of Public Works, at 410-287-6173, ext. 7, or directly at 667-647-0474.

During the Commissioners' work session on November 26th, ThinkBig, a broadband provider, outlined their plans to expand services to Charlestown in 2025. With existing lines already running along Route 7, the installation throughout Town will be more straightforward and efficient. Notably, this expansion will not incur any costs for the Town.

At the legislative meeting on December 10th, the commissioners approved an agreement allowing ThinkBig to install fiberoptic lines in Charlestown in 2025. This partnership will offer residents an additional internet option since Xfinity is currently the sole provider available. ThinkBig's pricing will feature three tiers, ranging from $60 to $90 per month. To keep residents updated on their options and the installation timeline, we will be hosting a meeting soon—stay tuned for further details!

Two (2) Commissioner Seats are up for Election

The Charlestown Board of Supervisors of Elections will hold the 2025 Municipal Election on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 7:00AM to 7:00PM at the Town Hall Building, 241 Market Street, Charlestown.

• Eligibility to Vote. In order to be eligible to vote, you must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and be a town resident for one (1) month prior to the election.

• Absentee Ballot Request. To request an absentee ballot, please contact Town Hall by Friday, February 14, 2025 at 4:00pm.

• 2025 Candidates. Information about candidates will be posted to our website once available. If you are considering candidacy, there are a few things you need to know:

• Qualifications. You must be a resident of Charlestown for at least one (1) year, be at least twenty-one (21) years of age, and be qualified to vote.

• How to Apply. There are no write-ins on the ballot, so all candidates for Commissioner must apply. If interested, please submit an application, which can be found by clicking here or at Town Hall, along with a recent photo and a short biography on your background and pertinent experience related to the Commissioner position. Short video biographies are also welcome. The deadline to apply is Friday, January 31, 2025 at 4:00pm.

• What to Expect. Commissioners attend two (2) meetings per month to discuss policy, ordinances, expenditures, and civic progress. They also attend Town and County events. Please ask yourself the following:

1. Why do I want to be a Commissioner?
2. Can I be an effective team member?
3. Am I able to focus on the future and the common good?
4. Can I help create a civic culture of mutual respect?

• Candidates' Forum. The Candidates' Forum has been scheduled for Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 6:00pm. It will be held at the Charlestown Fire Hall, 307 Market Street, and via Zoom. We strongly encourage residents to attend, as it is an opportunity to meet and get to know the candidates. If you are unable to attend, or would like to submit questions for the candidates anonymously, please click here. The Zoom video will be posted to our website the next day for later viewing.

• Election Results. After polls close at 7:00pm, you will have the opportunity to watch the ballot count live via Zoom. Results will be posted to our website, Facebook page, Historic Charlestown app, and sent via email after they are finalized.

Below is a timeline for 4th Quarter Utility Bills:

To view your options for receiving and paying your bills, please visit our Utility Bills & Rates webpage.

As an important reminder, if you pay your utility bills through your bank's bill payment option, please update your account number to ensure proper processing. Include the new account number in the memo section of the check. Additionally, please refrain from writing your PIN on any payment checks (whether personal, money order, or via a bill pay service), as it should remain confidential for online access. If your PIN is found on a check, it will be changed for security purposes.

A reminder email will be sent on the day that utility bills are mailed and emailed. If you have any questions or concerns about your bill, please contact Mary Culver, Assistant Town Administrator, at 410-287-6173, ext. 4, or at mculver@charlestownmd.org.

Bulk Trash

• Collection days have changed. Bulk items will be collected as needed throughout the week. Simply place your items at the curb on any weekday. You don't need to schedule this, but please notify Town Hall if your items remain out for more than 48 business hours.
• We ask that you limit collections to once per month, when possible. Additionally, the maximum of four (4) large items per collection still applied.
• For a full list of guidelines, please visit our Bulk Trash & Yard Waste webpage.

Christmas Tree Disposal

• If you plan to have a natural tree this Christmas and want our Town Public Works staff to pick it up after the holiday season, please leave it at your curb on the first or third Tuesdays in January (7th & 21st). We kindly ask that you keep it separate from regular yard waste. There's no need to reach out to Town Hall to arrange this service. However, if you happen to be missed or have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

Snow Plowing

• With winter approaching and snowfall expected, we kindly request that all residents be considerate about where they park their vehicles to allow our Public Works team to effectively clear the streets. Whenever possible, please use your driveways for parking. If you must park on the street, we ask that you avoid parking directly across from other vehicles. Please try to spread out your parking as much as possible. Your cooperation is vital for our staff to plow efficiently and navigate the streets safely.

Dear Charlestown Residents,

I am filled with gratitude for the incredible experience I had riding on the fire truck with Santa the other night. It was such a magical way to get into the holiday spirit, spreading happiness to everyone we passed by. Seeing the smiles on children’s faces as we waved and shared in the festive atmosphere truly warmed my heart. This special event, along with our annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Party, beautifully highlights the importance of our community and the cherished traditions that bring us all together during this time of year.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Charlestown Fire Company and Tom Durange, our jolly Santa. Without your help, this event would not have been possible. The joy you brought that evening was wonderful and deeply appreciated. You helped spread holiday cheer to both children and adults, which is truly priceless. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

While reflecting on this joyful occasion, it's also essential to acknowledge the critical role that our emergency services play in keeping us safe. Ensuring easy access for emergency vehicles is vital for residents’ safety. Unfortunately, parking on both sides of the street can create obstacles that delay response times. It’s crucial for all of us to be mindful of our parking choices, especially in emergency situations. By doing our part, we can help ensure that help reaches those in need as quickly as possible.

As we embrace the holiday season, the Commissioners, Town Staff, and I wish everyone a joyous and peaceful Christmas filled with love, laughter, and community spirit. May we continue to come together to celebrate, support one another, and recognize the efforts of those who keep us safe every day. Here’s to a wonderful holiday season ahead!

Warm Regards,

Mary Culver

Assistant Town Administrator and Proud Charlestown Resident

The work session for the Commissioners that was set for December 24, 2024, has been canceled in observance of the Christmas holiday. You can find details about previous and upcoming meetings in the "Important Information" section below.

Sip hot chocolate and tour the Ice House. Light a luminary to place along the path to the ice house, and take home as a souvenir. Hor d'ouevres provided at the Wellwood Restaurant. Free event.

Rain date: Friday, January 24, 2025.

Brief History: Built circa 1890. This building was built in the 19th Century by Captain Perry K. Barnes to supplement his large commercial fishing business, and was used to store ice harvested from the river. The building has been preserved by Jeanette Armour and Sonny Diamonte and is now a museum that beautifully showcases this rich piece of Charlestown's history.

Hosted by Colonial Charlestown.

Sip hot chocolate and tour the Tory House, also known as the 107 House.

Hor d'ouevres provided by Market Street Cafe.

Parking lot on Cecil Street.

Brief History: Built circa 1750. The original deed for the property describes a building, which was somehow destroyed. Around 1810, the foundation was reused for the present structure, which still contains the tavern kitchen in the basement. Rumored, but not true, is that the property was sold in 1802 by the state of Maryland, which may have confiscated it from a Tory during the Revolutionary War, thus it's name "Tory House." It has been restored through the efforts of Colonial Charlestown, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Save the date!

We'll share the details as soon as they are available.

This event is hosted by the Sons of the American Leagion, Cecil Squadron #15.

If you are willing to volunteer for this event to assist with parking, please let us know. Thank you!

All meetings held at Town Hall, unless otherwise noted, and via Zoom.

Meeting Dates

Historic District Commission

Held on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm.

• Next Meeting: January 7, 2025

Planning & Zoning Commission

Held on the 1st Thursday following the 1st Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm.

• Next Meeting: January 9, 2025

Town Commissioners

Held every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm.

• Next Legislative Session: January 14, 2025
• Next Work Session: January 28, 2025

Bulk Trash Collection

Place items separate from regular household trash & recyclables any day during the week. Limited to four (4) large items per collection. No need to contact Town Hall unless your items are out longer than 48 hours. Please limit to one collection per month, when possible.

Yard Waste Collection

Every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month.

No need to notify Town Hall.

Next Collection: December 23, 2024

Christmas trees will be collected in January on the 7th and 21st (Tuesdays).

Household Trash & Recyclables Collection

Every Wednesday, starting at 6am. Check our website for holiday notices.

Place trash and recyclable bins at your curb the night before.

Contact Town Hall regarding problems with collections.