First Day Hikes Offer a Fresh Start to 2020
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to join a First Day Hike, Maryland’s annual tradition for a fun, healthy kickoff to the New Year.
On Jan. 1, 2020, the Maryland Park Service will offer 40 guided hikes on 33 state lands and parks, as part of a nationwide event sponsored by America’s State Parks. The earliest of the hikes starts at 8 a.m. while the latest has been planned to take advantage of year’s first sunset.
Among the new hikes planned are a “Year of the Woman” hike at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park in Dorchester County, and a First Day Birding Hike at Chapman State Park in Charles County.
These hikes will provide a variety of outdoor adventures and experiences for every level of hiker and walker, including unique access to Maryland’s cultural, historic natural resources and treasures, along with opportunities for education and stewardship. Many hikes are even pet-friendly.
Numerous parks, state forests, and wildlife management areas will also be open Jan. 1 for self-guided treks.
“There’s no better way to start 2020 than with an invigorating hike exploring Maryland’s beautiful public lands,” Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio said. “This growing tradition brings thousands of Marylanders together in resolution for better health and connection with our natural resources. There is a hike waiting for you in every corner of our state, for every ability and age.”
Among those hiking will be Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford, continuing his commitment to visiting all Maryland state parks and other public lands by the time he leaves office. Lt. Gov. Rutherford began 2019 with a hike at Patapsco Valley State Park.
On New Year’s Day 2019, more than 3,700 people hiked 8,500 miles on 36 different First Day HIkes throughout Maryland — triple the previous year’s numbers.
Governor Hogan Proclaims 2020 as Year of the Woman in Maryland
Commemorates 100th Anniversary of Women’s Right to Vote
Governor Larry Hogan has proclaimed 2020 as the Year of the Woman in Maryland as the state prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment, which gave women the right to vote. At the kickoff event held at The Lightbox Studio in Annapolis, Governor Hogan was joined by members of the Governor’s Commission on the Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Passage of the 19th Amendment, including Major General (ret.) Linda Singh, the first female Adjutant General of the Maryland National Guard and chair of the Commission.
“Our state’s history has been shaped by extraordinary women leaders, and our administration remains committed to empowering and advocating for women in Maryland,” said Governor Hogan. “I look forward to the many events taking place statewide to commemorate the Year of the Woman. ”
“We are pleased to join Governor Hogan in recognizing both historical and contemporary Maryland women for their myriad contributions to the state and to the nation,” said Major General Singh. “Their stories are told at destinations across Maryland through attractions, special events, curated exhibits and women-centric activities.”
The Commission’s signature event, presented in partnership with Notre Dame of Maryland University and the Women of the World organization, is the WOW Festival on March 7, 2020 at the Columbus Center in Baltimore. The Commission is also collaborating with the Maryland Commission for Women to host the 2020 Women’s Centennial Summit on August 26, 2020 at the Lowe House Office Building in Annapolis. The summit, which is free and open to the public, will offer a day of leadership training and development for adult and young women.
In addition, the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism will lead a targeted marketing strategy to highlight attractions, events, activities, trails, exhibits, and experiences that honor women throughout the state.
“The Maryland Office of Tourism has compiled an impressive list of events and activities to be held around the state as we mark this important anniversary and honor the many contributions that women have made in helping to shape the Maryland we know today,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz.
For more information and to plan your tour of Maryland, go to https://www.visitmaryland.org/list/2020-year-woman-maryland.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources is Hiring: Veterans Encouraged to Apply
Current List of Job Openings
University of Maryland Study Seeks Veterans
Have you experienced a traumatic event in your life? Do thoughts about this experience affect you now? Do you use alcohol to get relief? We are conducting a research study of a medication that may help people who have experienced a traumatic event feel better and drink less. Traumatic events are things like physical or sexual assault, war zone exposure, serious accidents, and natural disasters. To learn more, go to: http://www.rethinkyourdrinking.org/, email us at rethinkyourdrinking@som.umaryland.edu, or contact us by phone (410) 402-6412.
State Gathers Small, Minority, Women and Veteran Business Owners in Baltimore to Connect with Buyers, Present Governor's Citations
Final 2019 Workshop Hosted by Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs
ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs hosted its final Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop for 2019 at Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore. More than 120 small, minority, women, and veteran business owners attended the event. Governor’s citations were presented to three local outstanding entrepreneurs.
The workshop, hosted in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Small, Minority and Women Business, included insightful tips for navigating the procurement process and highlighted existing opportunities with city and state agencies. Vendors had the opportunity to meet with 22 different buyers during the open networking session that followed the program. Eight small business resource organizations also participated, providing access to managerial and financial resources.
“The state contracting arena can be tough to navigate,” said Jimmy Rhee, special secretary of the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs. “We host the workshop at locations around the state. Our goal is to help small business compete with confidence.”
During the program, the following entrepreneurs received a Governor’s Citation in recognition of their contributions to Maryland’s small business community and the community at large:
- Jeffrey Hargrave – Mahogany, Inc.
- Moustafa Khalis – S&M Professional Cleaning Service, LLC
- Deonn Henderson, Marcus Howard, and Kyle O’Connor – The Startup Nest, Inc.
The Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs conducts the Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshops at locations across the state. The 2020 schedule is currently being developed, and is expected to visit Montgomery, Harford, Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, and Howard counties. For more information, visit: https://gomdsmallbiz.maryland.gov/Pages/Ready-Set-GROW.aspx.
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