Spring is in the air — and that means farmers market season is back in Charles County! In this episode of Inside Your County Government, host Doria Fleshier sits down with three of the county's dedicated farmers market managers to talk all things local shopping, community connection, and what's new this season.

Joining Doria are Kelly Phipps, market manager for the La Plata Farmers Market; Tanasha Young, market manager for the Waldorf Farmers Market; and Pat Wilson, market manager for the Bryans Road Farmers Market. Together, they represent markets spread across Charles County — so no matter where you live or pass through, there's a market near you!

In this conversation, you'll hear:

• How each manager found their way into the farmers market world
• Locations, hours, and opening dates for all three markets
• Exciting upcoming events including a Junior Vendors Edition, Book Nook author signings, Fall Fest, trick-or-treating, and Small Business Saturday
• Why farmers markets are more than a place to shop — they're your community's "third place"

Whether you're a longtime market-goer or looking to explore what Charles County has to offer, this episode will have you ready to grab your tote bag and head outside!

Thanks for listening.

If you like this podcast and want to hear more, search Charles County Government on Apple Podcast, Spotify or where ever you get your podcast - and be sure to like and subscribe.

We’re also available on YouTube. Search Charles County Commissioners

And Stay Connected for all County news, information, and programs by visiting www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/StayConnected

Here's a brief podcast description:

Inside Your County Government – Youth Engagement in Charles County

In this special collaborative episode, host Doria Fleisher brings together a roundtable of Charles County leaders to tackle one of the community's most talked-about topics: youth engagement. What is there for young people to do in Charles County — and who's making sure they're safe, supported, and connected?

Joining Doria are Sapreen Kalaifeh, Local Management Board Supervisor, who oversees mental health and behavioral services for youth and families ages 0–24; Ju'Wann Jones, Chief of Recreation for Charles County Parks, Recreation & Tourism, who shares exciting new out-of-school programs and youth development initiatives; and Richard K. Pauole, Director of Student Activities, Athletics & Aquatics for Charles County Public Schools, who highlights the wide range of sports, clubs, pools, and extracurriculars available to students.

Rounding out the conversation are Corporal Jerome Jackson and Lieutenant Travis Yates from the Charles County Sheriff's Office Community Relations Section, who speak to the importance of trust-building between law enforcement and youth, and the many ways the Sheriff's Office engages positively with the community.

Together, the group discusses available resources, how to access them, and why showing up early — before a crisis — makes all the difference. Whether you're a parent, a young person, or a community member, this episode is packed with information on how to get connected and stay engaged in Charles County.

Thanks for listening.

If you like this podcast and want to hear more, search Charles County Government on Apple Podcast, Spotify or where ever you get your podcast - and be sure to like and subscribe.

We’re also available on YouTube. Search Charles County Commissioners

And Stay Connected for all County news, information, and programs by visiting www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/StayConnected

Agriculture has been a cornerstone of Charles County for generations — shaping our landscape, supporting our local economy, and preserving the rural character that makes our community unique.

In this episode of Inside Your County Government, host Brent Huber sits down with Molly Meehan, Agriculture and Rural Development Manager with the Charles County Economic Development Department, to explore the role agriculture continues to play in our county today.

From family farms and farmland preservation to agritourism and new opportunities for farmers, this conversation highlights how agriculture is evolving — and why it still matters.

Learn how Charles County supports local farmers, protects open space, and how residents can connect with and support local agriculture.

In this episode:

• What agriculture looks like in Charles County today
• The economic and community impact of farming
• Farmland preservation and rural character
• Programs supporting local farmers
• Agritourism and diversification
• Ways residents can support local agriculture

Learn more about Agriculture in Charles County:

Shop Local Farms

https://www.meetcharlescounty.com/shoplocalfarms

Charles County Economic Development

https://www.meetcharlescounty.com

Thanks for listening.

If you like this podcast and want to hear more, search Charles County Government on Apple Podcast, Spotify or where ever you get your podcast - and be sure to like and subscribe.

We’re also available on YouTube. Search Charles County Commissioners

And Stay Connected for all County news, information, and programs by visiting www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/StayConnected

Here's a brief update from the March 17th, 2026 Board of County Commissioners meeting.

To participate in the County's budget process, visit: https://charlescountymd.info/FY2027Budget

Thanks for listening.

If you like this podcast and want to hear more, search Charles County Government on Apple Podcast, Spotify or where ever you get your podcast - and be sure to like and subscribe.

We’re also available on YouTube. Search Charles County Commissioners

And Stay Connected for all County news, information, and programs by visiting www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/StayConnected

Here's a brief update from the March 10, 2026 Board of County Commissioners meeting.

Thanks for listening.

If you like this podcast and want to hear more, search Charles County Government on Apple Podcast, Spotify or where ever you get your podcast - and be sure to like and subscribe.

We’re also available on YouTube. Search Charles County Commissioners

And Stay Connected for all County news, information, and programs by visiting www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/StayConnected

In this episode, part of the Ready, Set, Prepare series, Doria is joined by Caitland Kelshaw — Paramedic and Pediatric Champion with Charles County's Department of Emergency Services — and Aldo Zambrana, the Department's Health and Safety Officer. Together, they break down what residents need to know about tornado and storm preparedness, including how to build an emergency kit, make a family plan, stay informed during severe weather, and even how to talk to kids about emergencies without creating anxiety.

To get on the notification system CNS please follow this link: https://www.charlescountymd.gov/services/alerts/citizen-notification-system

Thanks for listening.

If you like this podcast and want to hear more, search Charles County Government on Apple Podcast, Spotify or where ever you get your podcast - and be sure to like and subscribe.

We’re also available on YouTube. Search Charles County Commissioners

And Stay Connected for all County news, information, and programs by visiting www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/StayConnected

There are many questions and concerns around the complex issue of homelessness in our community. To provide information, explain resources, reduce misinformation, and encourage residents to help be a part of positive change, Charles County Government invited key partners from the Department of Community Services, the Department of Social Services, Charles County Public Schools, LifeStyles of Maryland, Inc., and Catholic Charities Angel's Watch Shelter to participate in a roundtable discussion. Tune into this "Collaborative Response to a Community Issue" to learn more about Charles County's local focus on this nationwide issue.

https://www.ccboe.com/departments/student-services/student-registration/homeless-student-

https://www.charlescountyresourceconnection.com

https://211md.org/resources-by-county/charles-county/

https://mymdthink.maryland.gov/home/#/

https://www.mdboscoc.org/southern-md

Thanks for listening.

If you like this podcast and want to hear more, search Charles County Government on Apple Podcast, Spotify or where ever you get your podcast - and be sure to like and subscribe.

We’re also available on YouTube. Search Charles County Commissioners

And Stay Connected for all County news, information, and programs by visiting www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/StayConnected

In case you missed it, here is a brief update from the March 6, 2026 Board of County Commissioners meeting.

Thanks for listening.

If you like this podcast and want to hear more, search Charles County Government on Apple Podcast, Spotify or where ever you get your podcast - and be sure to like and subscribe.

We’re also available on YouTube. Search Charles County Commissioners

And Stay Connected for all County news, information, and programs by visiting www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/StayConnected