NEWS IN BRIEF

Maryland’s 28 Main Streets Communities Are Ready For the Holidays
From Cambridge to Cumberland and Taneytown to Takoma Park, Maryland's 28 designated Main Streets are filled with historic architecture, boutique shops, art galleries, and the opportunity for both residents and visitors to experience seasonal events and charm.

"There are so many benefits to shopping on Main Street and purchasing from a locally owned shop," said Margie Blystone, co-owner, The Palette & The Page in Elkton. "At my store and other Main Street shops across the state, you are supporting local artists, authors, musicians and poets. Main Streets businesses are so much a part of what makes Maryland unique and attractive to visitors and residents alike."

"As you travel across Maryland, there is no shortage of opportunities to visit a Main Street where you'll find local shops and galleries, cafes, and signature holiday experiences," said Margot A. Amelia, executive director, Maryland Office of Tourism. "With the holidays upon us, December is the perfect time to visit a Maryland Main Street and support our local communities."

Don't miss these events and happenings along Maryland Main Streets this December.

U.S House of Representatives Passes Bill Creating National Historic Parks Honoring Harriet Tubman
On December 4, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill authorizing the creation of a pair of National Historic parks honoring the life and legacy of the heroic Underground Railroad conductor, and Maryland native, Harriet Tubman. The bill would create one park in Auburn, NY, and another here in Maryland. The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park would extend through Dorchester, Caroline and Talbot counties and include the existing Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument.

The bill, which includes $937,650 in federal funds to improve trails, historical signage, exterior interpretation and utilities at the Dorchester site, still must pass the senate where it has one important supporter in Senator Barbara A. Mikulski, who helped introduce the bill and continues to work towards its passing. “Harriet Tubman was a courageous fighter who delivered scores of slaves to freedom in the Underground Railroad,” Senator Mikulski said. “She was tireless in her commitment to fighting for those who could not fight for themselves. And I have been tireless in my commitment to recognize the historic role she played as an abolitionist leader and Marylander. A Harriet Tubman National Historical Park is a fitting tribute to honor her lasting legacy in Maryland and our nation while inspiring future generations of women and girls. I look forward to swift passage in the Senate so that President Obama can sign this legislation into law.”

War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission Director Bill Pencek
A Finalist for Marylander of the Year
Bill Pencek, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Maryland Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts, and Director of the War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, is a finalist for the Baltimore Sun’s 2014 Marylander of the Year Award. Citing Pencek’s deft hand at the helm of the biggest tourism event in the state’s history, Pencek joins a select list of five Marylanders nominated for this year’s award. Under Pencek’s leadership, the bicentennial was marked by events and celebrations across the state. 2012’s Star-Spangled Sailabration and this year’s Star Spangled Spectacular included visits from Navy gray hulls, tall-ships from around the world, a nationally televised concert, a Guinness record setting fireworks display, and airshows starring the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels which were so successful, the Angels plan to return in 2016. Those two events combined to draw record crowds measured in the millions to Baltimore while generating hundreds of millions in economic impact for the region. Through it all, colleagues and co-workers praised Pencek’s steady leadership, unwavering commitment, inexhaustible drive, and inspiring creativity.

If Pencek is named The Sun’s 26th Marylander of the Year, he will join a select group of influential citizens including philanthropist and humanitarian Bea Gaddy, developer and civic pioneer James W. Rouse, Cardinal William Keeler, civil rights leader Kweisi Mfume, and baseball hall of famer Cal Ripken Jr. The Baltimore Sun’s editorial staff will consider reader’s votes when making the final selection. To see all the nominees and to vote, follow this link.

Mobile Boutiques Bring Small Business Saturday to Columbia Shoppers
Maryland continues to be on the cutting edge of national trends, and the Small Business Saturday mobile boutique rally in Columbia, covered in the Baltimore Sun, is just the latest example. Following in the footsteps of the white-hot food truck scene, mobile retailers turn used school busses, old bread trucks, and cargo vans into traveling stores. It’s a budding national trend, and Maryland mobile retailers like Annapolis’s Tin Lizzy, Curvy Chix Chariot out of Clinton, Montgomery County’s Pichardo Boutique, and Baltimore’s Urban Pearl, Sogh Art Truck, and Go Go’s Retreads Threads are at the literal vanguard of the movement. Trucks featuring vintage clothing, local crafts and Maryland artists have been popping up all over the state, providing shoppers with a new, interesting and convenient option for holiday shopping.

Army Navy Game at M&T Bank Stadium
Dating back to 1890, the Army-Navy game is not only one of the oldest gridiron rivalries, it may also be the fiercest. This year’s game marks the 115th clash between the academies, and the battle for bragging rights is coming to Baltimore. The 4-7 Black Nights of Army will clash with the 6-5 Navy Midshipman, but prior records won’t matter when the two teams collide Saturday, December 13 at M&T Bank Stadium. For the academies, this game is for all the marbles.

Of course, the contest on the field won’t be the only action. At 9AM on Friday, Fort McHenry will host the Patriot Games pitting plebes against midshipmen in five events. Later in the day both schools will have a pep rally at the Inner Harbor amphitheater and military vehicles and Navy ships will be on display and open for tours. For more info, follow this link. If you miss the game, Annapolis’s Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium will host the Cincinnati Bear Cats vs Virginia Tech Hokies on December 27 for the 2014 Military Bowl.

• Maryland Minute
  On CBS radio stations in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. plus WBAL-AM, Margot Amelia is featured in the weekly Maryland Minute. This week’s version highlights events for this upcoming weekend.

• Huffington Post Recognizes Maryland Emancipation Day and the Legacy of Frederick Douglass:
  Paul Kendric, author of “Douglass and Lincoln” and “Sarah’s Long Walk,” recognized the 150th anniversary of Maryland Emancipation Day in the Huffington Post. Kendrick’s piece focuses on the life and work of legendary abolitionist Frederick Douglass, his return to Baltimore as a free man, and his continued commitment to civil rights in Maryland.

• USA Today Names Baltimore’s Fells Point Neighborhood “10 Best: prettiest cobblestone streets across America”
  Citing the neighborhoods rich history, thriving cultural and culinary amenities and the beauty of its historic “Belgian Block” streets, USA Today named Fells Point one of the “Prettiest cobblestone streets across America.”

• Yelp praises Maryland’s Local Holiday Shopping
  The Washington Business Journal covered travel website Yelp’s inclusion of two Maryland cities in its “Top 20 Cities to Shop Local for the Holidays” list. The list, which was tabulated using Yelp’s business listings and reviews, lauded Baltimore and Frederick for their premier local shopping.
  
  
• Diners, Drive Ins and Dives goes “All Baltimore,” Featuring Three Local Restaurants
  The popular food network show aired an all-Baltimore episode highlighting Johnny Rad’s, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood and Clementine.

• Travel and Leisure Magazine Names Annapolis One Of America’s Best College Towns
  Leading travel magazine, Travel and Leisure, named Annapolis one of “America’s Best College Towns.” In addition to being the home of St. John’s College and The United States Naval Academy, two of the nation’s most prestigious institutes of higher learning, the magazine cited Annapolis’s historic charm, vibrant cultural assets, and beautiful setting.

• Holiday Candlelight Stroll Through Annapolis: December 5-20

• Moonlight Madness: Santa Clause, a DJ and late night shopping in Downtown Cumberland December 11.

• ICE! Featuring Frosty the Snowman: National Harbor, through January 4.

• Kris Kringle Procession: Downtown Frederick, December 12.

• Santa’s Soaring Adventure: Zip-lining with Jolly Old St. Nick. Terrapin Adventures, December 13.

• Holiday Festival of Trains & Toys: B&O Railroad Museum, through December 31.

• The Texas Tenors-Deep in the Heart of Christmas: Ocean City Convention Center, December 13.

• A Year with Frog & Toad: Red Branch Theater Company, December 12-14 & 19-20

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