Come help the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and partner organizations plant 1,000 trees at Sunrise Farm in Gambrills, Anne Arundel County on Saturday, March 16, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

At 800-acres, Sunrise is the largest organic farm in Maryland. The planting is part of a restoration master plan for the former Naval Dairy farm. The planting area drains to Towsers Branch in the Patuxent River watershed. Partners include the Maryland Association of Student Councils.

The event is free, and suitable for adults, families and community groups. Please dress for the weather, as the event will be held rain or shine. Equipment and refreshments provided.

To register, visit:  www.cbf.org/calendar or email Carmera Thomas at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Bowie, Md.— The Bowie Baysox will host live auditions at Prince George's Stadium Saturday, March 16, 2013, to sing the national anthem before a 2013 Baysox home game.  Stadium gates open for registration at 9:00 a.m. and auditions begin at 9:30 a.m.  The team has a live performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" before all 71 home games.

Baysox Marketing Director Brandan Kaiser serves as a judge for the event. "There are a lot of really good singers in this area," Kaiser said. "I look forward to hearing some of them perform the national anthem at our stadium. I also really enjoy hearing the groups and instrumentalists who try out."

Every participant must register, and auditions are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. The auditions are held rain or shine! Reservations for audition times are not accepted and word sheets are not allowed during the audition. All auditions must be done in person— no CD's, cassettes or videos are accepted for review.

The auditions are open to any individual or small group that is interested. Instrumentalists are permitted. Large church or school groups interested in performing the national anthem at a game should call the Baysox at 301-464-4880.

Baysox Baseball - We'll Knock Your 'Sox Off. The Baysox open the 2013 season on the road and begin the 20th season of baseball at Prince George's Stadium Thursday, April 11. To keep up with Baysox news during the offseason, visit baysox.com.

Annapolis— Annapolis Mayor Joshua J. Cohen and Fire Chief David Stokes announce five hires to the Annapolis Fire Department and applaud the men for their distinguished backgrounds and experience they bring to Annapolis.

The five firefighters, who were sworn in on Wednesday, January 30, bring knowledge, skills and emergency medical training to the department.

“I have the deepest respect for these men because they put their lives on the line to serve our community and protect our residents,” Mayor Cohen said. “I thank each of them for making the commitment to serve Annapolis.”

Firefighter Steven H. Christensen comes to Annapolis with two years of service with the Baltimore City Fire Department. Firefighter Christensen is also a licensed Paramedic.

Firefighter Patrick T. Gallagher joins the Annapolis Fire Department after serving three years with the Prince George’s County Fire Department.

Firefighter Craig A. McCracken served four years with the Anne Arundel County Fire Department prior to coming to Annapolis.

Firefighter Christopher A. Wertz also worked with the Anne Arundel County Fire Department for four years before joining the Annapolis Fire Department. Firefighter Wertz is a licensed Paramedic.

Firefighter Michael B. Williams comes to Annapolis after serving five years with the West Dundee Fire Department, in Illinois. Prior to his service in Illinois, he was a firefighter for the District of Columbia Fire and EMS for four years.

“These firefighters are a perfect fit with the men and women in our department sworn to protect our citizens,” said Chief Stokes. “These new hires bring experience in both fire and emergency medical services and are a welcome addition to our well-trained, well-rounded team.”

The Annapolis Fire Department currently has 129 uniformed personnel on staff.

"I am elated we are able to expand the size of our fire department,” Ward Four Alderwoman and Chair of the Public Safety Committee Sheila Finlayson said. “The new firefighters equate to better service and more protection for our community. We hope we will never need them, but it is essential we have them.”

Jones to discuss his book The Green Collar Economy: How One Solution Can Solve our Two Biggest Problems

Baltimore— In celebration of Black History Month, Community College of Baltimore County President Sandra Kurtinitis welcomes clean energy and human rights pioneer, Van Jones, as the guest lecturer for the President’s Distinguished African American Lecture Series. Jones’ lecture, which takes place at 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, February 21, 2013 in Q Theatre at CCBC Catonsville, will be based on his 2009 best-seller The Green-Collar Economy: How One Solution Can Solve our Two Biggest Problems.

As a globally recognized pioneer in clean energy and human rights, Jones has definitely made his mark. In 2009, TIME magazine named Jones as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. He was named one of “12 Leaders Who Get Things Done” by Rolling Stone magazine in 2012 and Ebony Magazine included him on their 2009 “Power 150” list of most influential African-Americans.

Jones, who worked as the Green Jobs Advisor at the White House in 2009, is also an accomplished author.  His book The Green Collar Economy: How One Solution Can Solve Our Two Biggest Problem was a New York Times best seller. His most recent book, Rebuild the Dream, reflects on his journey from grassroots outsider to White House insider and offers a powerful game plan for restoring hope to the U. S. economy, fixing our democracy and renewing the “American Dream.”

Jones is a very successful social entrepreneur and he is the founder of “Green for All,” a national organization working to get green jobs to disadvantaged communities. He was the main advocate for the Green Jobs Act; signed into law by George W. Bush in 2007.  The Act was the first piece of federal legislation to codify the term “green jobs.”

This incredible event is free and open to the public; however, tickets are required for entry. Jones will be available for a more intimate exchange with attendees immediately following the lecture in the Q Lounge.

For tickets, contact the CCBC Box Office at 443-840-2787 or stop by the CCBC Dundalk or CCBC Catonsville Student Life Offices.