Elmer S. (Bud) Biles, a life long resident of Charles County, received the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award today in Annapolis. Bud grew up in Charles County and always had a love and appreciation of its local history. When the large parcel of land that is home to Mount Aventine, a historic antebellum home built on the property in 1840 was under threat of development in the 1990′s, he joined the Friends of Mount Aventine.
He has worked tirelessly through the years, attending hearings and conducting citizen outreach until the state purchases the property in 1998 and later created Chapman State Park.
During this time Bud also traced the history of the Chapman family who owned the property from 1750 to 1914. In 2008, Charles County observed its 350th anniversary. Bud developed lectures tracing the county and park history through the 350 years. The series was included in the official 350th Charles County Anniversary Program. Through his outstanding volunteer service, Bud Biles has heightened awareness and knowledge of the history and culture of Charles County. Bud was nominated by Carol Ghebelian of the Friends of Chapman State Park.
I was delighted to attend the ceremony and see Bud get this well deserved award.
