Karly Kolaja
Born in Baltimore and transplanted to the Eastern Shore, Events Editor Karly Kolaja strives to stay up to date about what’s going on in the area. Turn to her to get the inside scoop about what to do this week. To find out more about community events, or to get yours published, contact Karly.
Lacrosse fans will undoubtedly know that this year's NCAA Division I championship takes place next Monday in Foxborough, Mass. at Gilette Stadium. Before getting there, though, the teams will have to make it through the quarterfinals. And some of those take place right here in Annapolis.
So, after the Derby, how many of you are rooting for I'll Have Another to win the crown? Seriously, with a name like that, how could you not?
Looking for somewhere to take Mom this weekend? Or, alternatively, looking for somewhere to go before you devote a day to your mother? Either way, this weekend is full of options.
Attention, enviro-advocates—the town of Berlin in Worcester County has become the first in the state to earn a Certificate of Sustainability from Sustainable Maryland Certified.
Sustainable Maryland Certified (SMC) is an initiative by the Environmental Finance Center (EFC) at the University of Maryland. It’s designed to support the state’s cities, towns, and villages, as they try to protect their natural assets and revitalize their communities. The program is free and voluntary, and awards points towards certification. Points are earned through use of best practices in resource areas like health, water, planning, food, energy, and economy.
Berlin racked up its points by completing “actions” in several categories. SMC defines actions as concrete steps municipalities can take to become more green and sustainable. Categories include food, community action, health and wellness, natural resources, and local economies.
“What happened that really got things going into high gear was that three years ago the town of Berlin helped to support the development of Grow Berlin Green, which is a partnership with the Assateague Coastal Trust, the Lower Shore Land Trust, and the Maryland Coastal Bays Program,” says Berlin mayor Wm. Gee Williams, III. “We jointly applied to the Town Creek Foundation for a substantial grant, and used that to make educating the general community our first priority. We figured if people understood the problems and the promise of environmental stewardship, they would respond.”
Through Grow Berlin Green, the town started taking physical steps toward greening their community. What started out as a few group rain barrel builds, for example, has now turned into the selling of more than 200 barrels. And a former perpetual puddle is now a thriving rain garden.
“This is a classic case where citizens in the community can lead by example,” says Williams.
After an intense application and review process, the SMC staff and external industry experts awarded Berlin certification.
“It’s gratifying and exhilarating, but I’m not thoroughly surprised,” says Williams. “Sometimes you have to believe in something, and I wanted to believe our community could do this.”
Now, 22 other Maryland towns are following in Berlin’s footsteps.
“Berlin is a role model for what can be accomplished when communities and local governments team up to adopt sensible, sustainable practices,” Joanne Throwe, director of the University of Maryland's Environmental Finance Center, said in a press release. “We want communities to embrace actions important to them, and then help them achieve these actions in an efficient, goal-oriented way.”
Williams agrees.
“If little old Berlin with 4,500 residents can do it, anyone can do it.”
Find out more about the program, including how to register, at SMC’s website: sustainablemaryland.com.
I know this is a holiday that tends to slip by a lot of us, so I'm trying to give you a little bit of lead time--this Sunday is Mother's Day. It's probably a little too late to hop online and order something (unless you want to be charged exhorbitant shipping rates), but there's a whole lot you can still do at home.
Except for a few passing showers, this weekend is supposed to be beautiful. And with all of the events going on this weekend, you have no excuse not to enjoy it.
Get excited--the Kentucky Derby is this Saturday. I know, it's not really a Maryland thing. Okay, so it's not a Maryland thing at all; that doesn't mean you can't celebrate.
Mmm—quiche. Is there anything more delicious? Cheesy, carby, warm; seriously, what's not to like?
Phew! We made it to another Friday. That means you probably don't want to spend your afternoon reading a super-long intro, here, right? I'll just cut to the chase.
Earth Day was first observed in 1970. While the original celebration was a pretty big deal, there's no denying that it's grown. Now, it's coordinated by the Earth Day Network, and is celebrated in over 175 countries.
