Maryland Zoo Fundraiser Offers a Chance to Name a Rhino
The two southern white rhinoceros are settling in well at the African Watering Hole and getting to know their neighbors, the zebra and ostrich. To celebrate their arrival, The Maryland Zoo is launching a fundraiser with a twist! For every $100 donation made to the Zoo, donors are entered in a drawing for a chance to name one of the rhinos. The winning donor will be selected at random on June 2, 2021 and will win not only a private tour for four of the rhino barn with the rhino animal care team but most importantly, the opportunity to name one of the rhinos! The name must be mutually agreed upon by the Zoo staff and the winner by Friday, June 18, 2021.
Downtown Annapolis Partnership has awarded 44 grants to Downtown Annapolis Businesses totaling just over $207,000 in total funding
Businesses awarded the grant met with the leadership of the Downtown Annapolis Partnership this evening on Main Street next to Zachary’s Jewelers and Buddy’s Crabs & Ribs for drinks, a photo-op, networking, and a presentation of the grant checks. Businesses can use the funds to cover costs that help them work their way through the challenges of the pandemic. This could include covering employee costs for outdoor dining, setting up carryout, cleaning supplies, air purification systems, modifying their business model, and other operational and capital costs. This grant program is part of the State Economic Recovery Initiative that was supported this year by both Governor Hogan and the State legislators for communities with State-approved Main Street programs. "The Downtown Annapolis Partnership appreciates the support we received from the state and local governments to provide programs like this to keep our economy moving forward," says Matt Schatzle, Chairman of the Board of the Downtown Annapolis Partnership.
Apply Today! Tuition-Free, Premier Youth Orchestra Launches in September
The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra will launch a tuition free, high level youth orchestra led by Maestro José-Luis Novo, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director, in September 2021. Applications are now being accepted for talented, driven young strings, winds, brass, percussion, harp, and keyboard musicians. The $100 administrative fee will be waived on all applications received before May 31, 2021. This amazing opportunity allows a young musician to work under the direction of a world-renowned conductor with other young, accomplished musicians in a tuition-free, diverse, premier youth orchestra. In addition, members of the Orion Youth Orchestra will have access to Annapolis Symphony concerts, guest workshops and events, as well as the opportunity to perform with professional musicians. See freeyouthorchestra.com for more information and a link to the application.
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Volunteers Needed!
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (or, underwater grasses) have begun to spring up all over the watershed! I have received reports of horned pondweed in Crab Alley, Cox Creek, Claiborne, and the Wye River -- all of which I need help mapping and monitoring. Surveying SAV beds assists the state in better understanding our conservation goals and progress, and helps to inform regulations such as SAV Protection Zones. It is vital to gather this data and we could us many more helping hands. Becoming an SAV Watcher Volunteer entails surveying an SAV bed at least twice a year (between May-September) via kayak, paddle board, or small vessel. Data collected includes latitude and longitude of the bed; species type and density; and water depth, clarity, and substrate. ShoreRivers can provide you with all the equipment you need. If you are interested in monitoring an SAV bed, please reach out to me with your address and the creek that you are interested in monitoring. I will be holding a virtual SAV monitoring meeting to review protocol and answer any questions you may have about the program on Monday, May 24 at 5:30pm. Please RSVP to ebassett@shorerivers.org for meeting login details.
