It’s hard to believe that August is here already. The summer vacation season is wrapping up, teachers and students begin a new school year shortly, this season’s crops are being harvested, and of course the heat continues. Yes, the sea nettles are back. August is a transitional month. “Back to School” dominates our thinking about it, so we tend not to enjoy it as much. August is sandwiched between July, the undisputed summer month, and September, the official start of fall. As we launch into August, I ask everyone to think a little differently and try enjoying the unique benefits of the remaining summer days and the local bounty of crops, seafood, and community activities available. Expanding on the “Buy Local” theme and challenge to eat fresh and healthy locally-produced farm products, I invite the community to take a similar challenge to explore the County and take in local culture in ways you might not have considered before.

Why this request? Economics is a very big factor as $4 gas prices give us more of a reason to stay local. But that’s not the primary reason. The real benefit is discovering all that is available right here in our County. Continued growth in population, employment, household incomes, housing stock, are all great economic indicators. But statistics can’t tell the whole story. Alongside the statistics – and actually a key reason behind them – is our unique culture and quality of life that is reflected in the many amenities that surround us. Whether it’s the annual bluegrass festival, local carnivals, activities on Leonardtown’s square, church dinners, or frequenting our beaches, parks, museums, farmers markets, businesses, and town centers, all and more are part of our local fare and are there awaiting your interest.

This summer my family has had the good fortune to take in more local flavor. We’ve learned things about our County that we never knew and are anxious to learn more. We plan to explore more parts of the County in the months to come. Of course this takes time. I remind everyone that August is a long month where each weekend there’s something going on somewhere. Community calendars and announcements in local media such as this one are a great source to find out what’s going on. Another source is our County website www.stmarysmd.com/communitycalendar.asp Many of these activities and events are free or very reasonably priced. Even if you only find time for one, I think you’ll find it’s worth it. And if your August schedule is full, there’s plenty to do in September, October, etc.

But if you can, enjoy something locally in August. Follow that sign down that country road, or stop at that local business on your way home, and if you’re up to it, run or walk (or just watch) the 23rd Chaptico Classic. While it doesn’t quite rival a new NFL season or certainly the 2008 Summer Olympic games in Beijing, it’s what marks August here each year.

There are certainly many more things to do around the County. Increasingly you have to choose among more than one at any given time. I just ask that you include (more) local enjoyment in your everyday routine. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised, and save some money in the process. Enjoy August locally!