Local Volunteer on Good Morning America
On September 7th, Monica Alvarado was on Good Morning America to talk about her role in the charity Feed Anne Arundel. While we are all familiar with the fantastic work she and her team do at the Bread and Butter Kitchen, Monica has also been the driving force behind the charity. During the early days of COVID-19, restaurants were forced to reduce service or close, people lost jobs, and food insecurity became a real possibility. Monica spearheaded the Feed Anne Arundel effort, a charity to pay restaurants to prepare nutritional meals to distribute to those in need within our own community. Find out more at https://www.facebook.com/FeedAnneArundel.
Four Make History on the Chesapeake During the 2021 Bay Paddle
Four people made history on the Chesapeake Bay during the 2021 Bay Paddle, which began on Friday, August 27, 2021 in Havre de Grace, Maryland and ended on Saturday, September 4, 2021, where the Chesapeake meets the Atlantic Ocean along Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
Bay Paddle was founded in 2020 by Chris Hopkinson, who made history as the first person to traverse the entire Chesapeake Bay by standup paddleboard last summer. This year, Hopkinson expanded Bay Paddle as a multi-team paddle relay benefiting both the Oyster Recovery Partnership and Chesapeake Conservancy.
Nearly 100 paddlers participated, including a team of 30 teachers from Anne Arundel County Public Schools, a group of veterans from the Valhalla Sailing Project and all the Bay River Keepers from WaterKeepers Chesapeake. In addition, several paddlers made the 200+ mile journey solo along the same route Hopkinson took in 2020.
The 2021 Bay Paddle “firsts” include:
- Nicole Stimpson, 43 of Severna Park, Maryland – First Female to Traverse the Length of the Chesapeake by Standup Paddleboard
- Alessia Faverio, 29 of Asheville, North Carolina – First to Traverse the Length of the Chesapeake by Surfski (a type of kayak)
- Brian Meyer, 31, of Annapolis, Maryland - First to Traverse the Length of the Chesapeake by Solo Outrigger Canoe (OC1)
- Mark McCulloh, 59, of Annapolis, Maryland - First to Traverse the Length of the Chesapeake by Two Person Outrigger Canoe (OC2)
Bay Paddle 2021 sponsors to date include Red Bull, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Flying Dog Beer, George’s Bloody Mary Mix, REI, T. Rowe Price, Chesapeake Bay Magazine and WRNR Radio.
While the original timing of the 200+mile, 8-day relay was adjusted to accommodate the significant effects of the remnants of Hurricane Ida, the participants were able to complete the entire length of the Bay either through the relay or individual participants. Donations are still being accepted at www.baypaddle.org.
MARYLAND ZOO PREPARES TO VACCINATE ANIMALS AGAINST COVID-19
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore will begin vaccinating specific species that have been proven to be susceptible to COVID-19 within the next few months.
“We expect to receive the vaccine in the fall from the animal health company Zoetis, which has developed a vaccine specifically for animals,” said Dr. Ellen Bronson, senior director of animal health, conservation, and research at The Maryland Zoo. “We have not had any cases of COVID-19 in the animals here, but the vaccine will add another layer of protection for the animals in our care.”
“We plan to vaccinate those species at the Zoo that we have assessed to be most likely to contract SARS CoV-2, including the North American river otters, the chimpanzees and our cat species – Amur leopard, cheetah, bobcat, and lion,” continued Dr. Bronson. “Many of these animals are trained to participate in their own health care, meaning they willingly work with the animal care team and veterinary technicians to receive injections, and in some cases to even allow blood to be drawn and have ultrasound examinations performed while awake. The training avoids the need in some situations to anesthetize the animal for minor medical procedures.”
Zoetis is donating more than 11,000 doses of its COVID-19 vaccine for animals to help protect the health and well-being of more than 100 mammalian species living in nearly 70 zoos, as well as other animal care facilities. The vaccine has been authorized for use on a case-by-case basis by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the appropriate state veterinarians.
Preventative measures currently in place such as wearing the proper protective equipment, masking, and social distancing will remain as part of our overall health strategy for the animals in our care. “In addition, our veterinary team will remain in close contact with Zoetis, the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and the veterinary community throughout the process,” continued Bronson. “Once vaccinated, we will monitor the animals very closely for signs of adverse effects as we do with any preventative vaccination given to them.”
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES AWARDEES FOR 21st ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF PHILANTHROPY AWARDS
The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2021 Celebration of Philanthropy Awards. A committee of past Celebration of Philanthropy Award winners selected the following eight award recipients: Philanthropists of the Year, Jeffrey Harris and Joyce Pratt, nominated by Edgar Herrera and the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra; Corporate Philanthropist of the Year, Hannon Armstrong, nominated by John Rodenhausen and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation; Volunteer of the Year, Townsend McNitt, nominated by Deede Rivers; Young Volunteer of the Year, Ryan O’Connor, nominated by Lori Fowler and Anne Arundel County Public Schools; the Carroll H. Hynson Jr. Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Philanthropy, Martha Blaxall, nominated by Elaine Shanley and Anne Arundel Women Giving Together; Boots on the Ground Award, Janice Keating, nominated by Martha Van Woerkom; Legacy Award for Planned Giving, Cindy Pond, nominated by Susan Thomas and the Anne Arundel County Food Bank; and the Carol Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award, Larry Griffith, nominated by Trudy McFall and Homes for America.