Margaret Thatcher’s place in history is secure. She will be remembered for many things including her unwavering belief in the virtues of free market, her disdain for socialism and for her role in the downfall of communism. The truth is if you loved Margaret Thatcher, there is nothing that can be said or done to dissuade you from that position, and  likewise, if you despised her, you probably hold fast to that position as well.

In pursuit of the defeat of what she saw as socialist totalitarianism, she made a close alliance with U.S. President Ronald Reagan and built a relationship with

Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, while still standing firm in opposition to the

Soviet empire. Without question, she was one of America's closest and most important friends and was instrumental in winning the Cold War for the West.

Thatcher refused to be bowed by terrorism and stood against it in all its forms. After the Irish Republican Army (IRA) attempted to assassinate her and her Cabinet at a conference in 1984, she famously insisted the conference go on the next day. She was tough!

"The fact that we are gathered here now, shocked, but composed and determined, is a sign not only that this attack has failed, but that all attempts to destroy democracy by terrorism will fail." Her courage brought moral clarity in highlighting the atrocity of terrorism as a means of political activity.

Her resolve to stand against any threat to British interests was clear in the Falklands War. After the invasion of British territory by Argentine military forces, Thatcher said it would not stand. Fully knowing the real prospect of defeat, Thatcher ordered a British military task force to re-take the islands. They did. Along with foreign policy successes, Thatcher, known as "The Iron Lady," scored domestically.

Facing high unemployment rates, a crippling union stranglehold and an unproductive, stagnating economy, the United Kingdom of the 1970s was a country in dire straits. She guided Britain's economic base away from domestic monopolies and toward global capitalism. Because of her privatization and deregulation policies, the United Kingdom became a center for international finance and investment. Although many thought it was impossible. In 1987, Thatcher was elected to a historic third term.

Despite her successes, she was and remains today a polarizing figure in British politics. Many disagreed with her attempts to curb the unions, her cuts to social programs and education, and her introduction of the "poll tax." She was one of the few European leaders to resist the oncoming European Union and ultimately her distrust of some of the centralized requirements of a common Europe led to her downfall.

Still, there can be no debate of her enduring impact. Tony Blair's historic 1997 election and return of the Labor Party to power is often pointed to as a moment of renewed liberalism in Britain. In many ways, it was. However under the banner of a new Labor Party, Blair embraced a more moderate message and proved that Thatcher had changed the politics of Britain forever. 

Governor Martin O’Malley had quite a 2013 General Assembly session. His list of accomplishments is impressive, and speaks to a heightened national profile that has positioned him as a key player in the politics of the 2016 Democratic Party Presidential primary.

From wind energy to expedited veteran employment benefits, from a new gas tax to fund transportation improvements to a 10-year funding commitment for Baltimore City Public School infrastructure, and from one of the strictest gun control measures in the nation to the repeal of the state’s death penalty, Governor O’Malley showed an amazing mix of charm and political astuteness in dealing with the legislature.

He is off to Denmark this week for a conference on progressive public policy, yet another stage for Maryland’s governor to continue to prove his liberal credentials to left-leaning activists, who play an ever increasing role in the national politics of the Democratic Party.

Annapolis—The Anne Arundel County Chapter of the Continental Societies held their Induction of New Members ceremony and dinner at the LaQuinta Inn and Suites in Glen Burnie, Maryland on Sunday, April 7, 2013. The Continental Societies, Inc., an international public service organization, embraces 46 chapters in 20 states including the United States, District of Columbia and Bermuda and we have served over one million children and youth in the last five years. 

The organization’s purpose is to promote, foster and develop the welfare of children with special needs to improve their recreational facilities, advance their educational opportunities, and sponsor a climate of security and well being. The mission of the organization is to create environments within its communities that empower children to have access to quality and appropriate opportunities to reach their optimal potential.  Through the Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: Health, Education, Employment, Recreation (HEER), plus Arts and Humanities, Continental women internationally strive to adhere to the humanitarian precept of sharing our programs and activities with others. 

The Anne Arundel County chapter is one of 13 chapters in the Eastern Region. The four new members who were inducted into the chapter are: Ashleigh Nicole Davenport, Diana Grady, Juanita Phillips, and Dianne Williams. The chapter seeks to induct women who possess a strong desire to help children, who have the time to dedicate to the organization, and who are hard working team players. The Continental Societies believes in advocating and empowering children and youth. The women joined the chapter because they would like to help make a difference in the lives of young people. 

Second Vice President and Membership chair Danise Jones-Dorsey said, “I am impressed with the caliber of women who joined the Anne Arundel County Chapter of the Continental Societies Inc. These women are passionate about their service to the children and youth here in Anne Arundel County. We as members of this chapter, heartily and joyfully welcome these four ladies to the chapter!”

Eastern Regional Director, Brenda Johnson was present to witness the induction of the new members, along with Immediate Past President, W. Chris Stewart. Several member Continentals from Prince 

Georges County and Southeastern Howard Laurel chapters were also in attendance. 

For more information on the Anne Arundel County Chapter of Continental Societies, Inc. contact the chapter president, Shirley R. White at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the National web site at http://www.continentalsocietiesinc.org.

New program provides grants of up to $10,000 to local nonprofit organizations that are committed to environmental stewardship

BALTIMORE— On April 1, 2013, Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) announced that as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance and promote environmental stewardship and natural resource responsibility in communities throughout its service area, the company has launched its new BGE Green Grants program. The BGE Green Grants program is designed specifically for 501c3 nonprofit organizations, which focus on energy efficiency, conservation and education, pollution prevention and environmentally focused community activism. Effective immediately, qualifying organizations are encouraged to apply for a single grant of up to $10,000 at bge.com. Applications must be received by May 10, 2013, to be eligible for a 2013 BGE Green Grant.

“BGE has a long-standing commitment to enhancing the communities in which we serve, whether it is through philanthropic giving or employee volunteer opportunities, and this new grant program represents another way to extend that commitment to our customers,” said Jeannette M. Mills, vice president and chief customer officer for BGE. “Importantly, this grant program has the opportunity to make a very visible and positive impact on communities throughout central Maryland. Whether it be conservation efforts through green space and habitat preservation and protection, or through community activism such as cleanups and the creation of urban forests or community gardens, these grants will provide the funds to help make these projects both viable and successful.”

Grant opportunities are available for both new and existing programs that clearly demonstrate a commitment to improvements in the environmental efforts of the community and to enhancing environmental stewardship throughout BGE’s central Maryland service area. Some examples of programs or efforts for consideration fall within the following environmental focus areas:

·Conservation

• Green space preservation
• Wetlands restoration
• Wildlife and habitat protection

·Energy Efficiency

• Projects that support both small and large-scale energy conservation measures

·Education

• Workshops, seminars, training and/or public relations efforts to inform and  influence the public regarding environmental stewardship and natural resource responsibility

·Pollution Prevention

•   Recycling projects and drop-off collection events
•   Tree planting and maintenance to reduce CO2 emissions
•   Litter reduction

·Community Activism

•   Neighborhood, park and waterway clean-ups
•   Creation of public green spaces, community gardens and urban forests

  Organizations may submit an online application at bge.com for a grant between April 1 and May 10, 2013. Grants will be awarded in June 2013.

  For more information about the BGE Green Grants program and BGE’s environmental stewardship, visit: bge.com.