November 11th - 101st Veterans Day - 2019

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

"We don't know them all, but we owe them all"

There is no doubt that we are forever indebted to the service and sacrifice paid by both past and present veterans. The courage and bravery those men and women show every day is one of a true hero.

Yesterday was the 101st Veterans Day and SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert County would like to provide you with interesting facts about Veterans Day.

• Why November 11?: To honor the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, the date and time that signaled the end of World War I. 
• Name Change: In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed the holiday's name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
• Veterans of Vietnam: Approximately 35% of the veterans living today served in the Vietnam War.
• A Change Nobody Wanted: In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed by Congress, which moved the celebration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. That did not last long as the law went into effect in 1971 and in 1975, President Gerald Ford returned Veterans Day to November 11th.
• Two Different Holidays: People often confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day. The difference is that Memorial Day honors those who died while serving in the military and Veterans Day honors all those who have served in the U.S. military, alive and deceased. 
• A Nation of Veterans: 18.2 million living veterans served during at least one war as of 2018.
• The Greatest Generation: Of the 16 million Americans who served during World War II, about 496,777 were still alive in 2018.
• East Coast: Connecticut was home to the highest percentage of WWII veterans as of 2018 at 7.1 percent. 
• Highest Percentage of Veterans: As of 2017, the top three states were Alaska, Maine, and Montana 
• Leonardtown: Our own St. Mary's County holds one of the largest Veterans Day Parades in Maryland.

Remember to thank a Veteran not only on Veterans Day, but every day. SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties thank our Veterans with respect, honor and gratitude. 

Halloween Safety Tips

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

Happy Halloween, Trick-Or-Treaters!

Today is the day! Where kids are swarming the streets, running house to house trying to collect as much candy as they can, dressed up as their favorite character. Whether you are going to be passing out the sweets or going door to door with the trick-or-treaters, SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert County wants you and your children to be safe during this spooky evening. Below are simple tasks and procedures that could be important to you and your children on All Hallows Eve.

• Never let children trick-or-treat alone! Always have a trusted adult travel with them. Bringing a flashlight and/or phone is always a good idea. 
• Never trick-or-treat alone. If you are of age, find a group of people to go along with and have a way of communication or plan with your parents.
• Make sure costume shoes fit and the outfit is not too long to prevent tripping, falling or contact with flames. 
• Travel to well-lit neighborhoods or communities and always walk on the side walk.
• Avoid walking in the street, on long trails or long driveways as those can be dangerous. If necessary, the adult should walk through as well. 
• Adding reflective tape or bright clothing to your costume is always recommended for better visibility in the dark.
• Trade in your mask for face paint as mask can block proper eye sight and avoid sharp objects to avoid injuries.
• Parents should remove any tripping hazard from the front door or front yard such as a garden hose, toys or lawn decorations.
• Parents should turn on front porch light for better visual and to signify they are passing out candy 
• Remove wet leaves from the porch or driveway to avoid slips and falls
• Have your pets away inside where they cannot get outside to jump or bite the trick-or-treaters.
• Never enter a home! Candy should always be passed out at the front door, lawn or in a bowl sitting outside. 
• Always check your children's candy when they get home for any wrappers to look to be opened or tampered. 

St. Mary's Ryken Hall of Fame

10/31/2018 (Permalink)

St. Mary's Ryken Hall of Fame

On October 26th, 2018 Vince Whittles, SERVPRO of St Mary's County owner was inducted into the St. Mary's Ryken High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Vince began coaching at St. Mary's Ryken during the 1988 season. Over the past 30 years he has had a distinguished career coaching the wrestling team. During his tenure, SMR has won the "B" Division State Championship and taken various wrestlers to win first in WCAC, State and National Prep-All-American Championships. Overall, the wrestling coaching staff have produced ten WCAC Champions, four Maryland State Champs, five All-Americans and one National Prep champion. In addition, Vince has coached three Nationally Ranked Wrestles.  

We couldn't be more proud of the example set by Mr. Vince Whittles.

Celebrating 34 years in business

8/25/2017 (Permalink)

Owners Vince and Sherry Whittles Enjoying Seattle during the 2017 SERVPRO Convention.

2017 marks the 34th year in business for SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert owners Vince and Sherry Whittles. Over the past 34 years SERVPRO has witnessed the tremendous growth experienced throughout Southern Maryland. The business was originally operated from the basement of a local home with 4 employees and route 235 was two lanes each way. Since that time SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert has grown to be a pillar of the business community, owning commercial space, employing over 20 people and the Whittles family has raised 4 children. Never one to settle, SERVPRO has plans for expansion and even great involvement in the Southern Maryland community.

"Being part of the business community in Calvert and St. Mary's county has been a huge honor and we look forward to the next 34 years in business" -V. Whittles