The following information regarding the 2010 Gubernatorial Primary Election  was obtained from the Maryland State Board of Elections, Annapolis.  For further information, contact Nikki Baines Trella, 410-269-2843 or Donna Duncan, 410-269-2851.

For the 2010 Gubernatorial Primary Election, voters can vote in person or by absentee ballot.  To vote in person, a voter can vote before election day at the designated early voting center(s) in his or her county of residence or vote on election day at the polling place for his or her residence.

Early voting centers will be open for voting from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on September 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9.  (There will be no early voting on Sunday, September 5.)  There is at least one early voting center in each county, and voters should vote at the designated early voting center(s) in their county of residence.  Addresses, driving directions and photographs of all of the early voting centers are available at www.elections.state.md.us.

Voters who prefer to vote on election day can vote on Tuesday, September 14, 2010.  On election day, polling places will be open for voting from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.  To avoid delays, voters should try to vote between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The Appalachian Center for Ethnobotanical Studies at Frostburg State University announces a new season of the Mountain Herbalist Series beginning Monday, Sept. 13. The series is designed to increase awareness of useful plants and reconnect people with natural resources and mountain traditions. All events will be Mondays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mountain City Traditional Arts at 25 E. Main St. in Frostburg. The programs are free and open to the public.

"Mountain Roots" returns to kick off the beginning of the series on Sept. 13. Discover the lore, tradition and science behind the uses of Appalachia's most popular native medicinal roots: ginseng, goldenseal, Solomon's seal, sassafras, yellowroot and more.

The second event, "Bridging the Gap: Scientific and Traditional Herbal Uses" on Sept. 27, examines traditional applications verses novel scientific uses of plant medicine.

The third of the series will take place on Oct. 11. In "Making Topical Salves," learn to make salves for everyday skin issues while becoming familiar with local and easily available plants that are healing and soothing for the skin.

On Oct. 25, come learn about the "Alien Invasion" and how alien fungi, plants and animals have invaded our forests, parks, backyards and even our homes.

Hernandez will teach you how to nourish your immune system on Nov. 8 with "Natural Immunity Support" to combat chronic fatigue, colds, yeast and viruses. Learn how to incorporate family-friendly foods and herbs into meals and home remedies for a healthy winter experience.

The last event will be held on Nov. 29, showcasing "Flu and Cold Care Naturally." Hernandez will discuss nature's support for the various maladies associated with colds: earaches, sinuses, fevers and coughs.

Mimi Hernandez, ACES outreach coordinator and lecturer for the ethnobotany program at FSU, is the primary educator for the series. She is a national speaker on herbal and holistic health topics and a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild, with a master's in herbal medicine.

Guest speakers include Amanda Collins and Liz McDowell. Collins, a local herbwife and folk herbalist, grows much of her herbs on a small farm in Hagerstown. She recently received her certificate in community herbalism and will teach simple folk salve making. McDowell has over 30 years of experience in education and the environment. She coordinates the Western Mountains Chapter of the Maryland Native Plant Society, serves on the boards of the Allegheny Highlands Conservancy and Savage River Watershed Association and assists with the Frostburg University Arboretum Task Force. McDowell will teach about invasive species in the area.

For more information or to register, contact Hernandez at 301-687-3136 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

ACES is a collaborative, inter-institutional effort devoted to the multidisciplinary study and conservation of native plants. A primary focus of ACES is to preserve Appalachian culture as it relates to wild plant harvesting and herbal medicine through community outreach and education programs. ACES also has an interest in fostering community economic development by encouraging local resources and supportive networks.

FSU is committed to making all of its programs, services and activities accessible to persons with disabilities. To request accommodations through the ADA Compliance Office, call 301-687-4102 or use a Voice Relay Operator at 1-800-735-2258.

Allegany College of Maryland, which has long helped military veterans make a solid transition to civilian life, ranks among the top 15 percent of U.S. post-secondary schools deemed most military friendly by G.I. Jobs magazine.
Schools on the just-released 2011 list range from state universities and private colleges to community colleges and trade schools who share the priority of recruiting students with military experience.

The Pittsburgh, Pa.-based magazine polled more than 7,000 schools nationwide to judge their efforts to recruit and retain military and veteran students. It used criteria and methodology devised by a nationwide academic advisory board. G.I. Jobs will publish its survey findings in its annual Guide to Military Friendly Schools.

"This list is especially important now because the Post-9/11 GI Bill has given veterans virtually unlimited financial means to go to school," said Rich McCormack, publisher of G.I. Jobs.

"Veterans can now enroll in any school provided they're academically qualified. Veterans need a trusted friend to help them decide where to get educated. The Military Friendly Schools list is that trusted friend."

The Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008, an updated version of the original GI Bill enacted during World War II, will provide a free education for thousands of veterans who served after Sept. 10, 2001.  It pays for tuition, fees, housing allowance, books and supplies and tutoring. Moving costs and training programs also are paid for under certain circumstances. The percentage of benefits covered depends on the individual's length of active-duty service, typically 90 days or more and a minimum 30 days in the case of a service-connected disability.

ACM's point of contact for military veterans returning to school is Jennifer Engelbach, associate registrar and coordinator of veterans affairs.

"It's important that we recognize veterans who are now students for their service to our country," said Engelbach. "It's as important that we help them utilize their benefits in their quest for success in their educational and career goals. Veterans earn their benefits by providing a service that is undeniably selfless."

G.I. Jobs, a magazine for veterans making a transition to civilian life, will post the 2011 list of most military-friendly schools at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com in late September. The Website features interactive tools that allow veterans to pinpoint schools that best meet their personal educational needs.