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May 2020

May 29 2020

In a previous blog post, we shared Anne Arundel County's Small Business Customer & Employee Protection Grant. We're pleased to announce the grant is now available to nonprofit organizations that can demonstrate sufficient need in order to comply with regulations, enact safe and healthy best practices and maximize customer engagement opportunities. The grant program is administered through Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC). About the Grant Organizations can apply for a grant of up to $10,000 that can cover the following purchases: PPE for employees Protective shields/dividers Sanitation products and services such...

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May 28 2020

[caption id="attachment_27894" align="alignleft" width="163"] Dani Bottcher, Visit Annapolis[/caption] In yesterday's blog post, we talked about some of the great work Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County does as the Destination Marketing Organization for the Four Rivers Heritage Area. Today, we get to know Dani Bottcher, Acting Executive Director, and learn more about her ideas for the organization's future. FR: People may not realize you’ve been with the Visitors Center for a while, what most appealed to you about going to work there? DB: I have worked at the Visitors Center for 9 years....

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May 27 2020

Did you know every county in Maryland (and every heritage area) has a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO)? Ours is Visit Annapolis! Its full marketing name is "Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County" (VAAAC). Much more than a visitor information center, they are responsible for generating revenue for the local economy by promoting Annapolis, the county, and the Chesapeake Bay to leisure and business travelers across the country and around the world. Even during these challenging times, their team has been hard at work marketing our area, whether it’s engaging us from home...

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May 26 2020

Over the past weekend, Historic London Town opened their gardens to the public at limited capacity. In anticipation of further reopenings in the future, here are some other sites in the Four Rivers Heritage Area that feature historically and environmentally significant gardens you'll want to discover as soon as you get the chance. Located in Annapolis, the Carroll House offers unparalleled views of the water from one of the most intact 18th century garden designs in the Chesapeake region.  In addition to the house itself, the garden contains three terraces and...

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May 22 2020

This Monday we are celebrating Memorial Day, which means a long three-day weekend. Although we're currently still "safer at home," some of you may want to take advantage of the holiday by enjoying some time outside. Here are some ways you can enjoy the Four Rivers Heritage Area during Memorial Day weekend. We're excited to share that Historic London Town is opening its gardens again to the public! This weekend, you are welcome Friday, May 22 - Sunday, May 24, 10:00am - 4:30pm. Explore the Woodland Garden, featuring towering native trees, an extensive...

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May 21 2020

Earlier this week, we let you know how to assist in, and benefit from, the initiatives of the Annapolis Small Business Recovery Task Force.  Now you have another chance to promote the historic preservation and heritage community during the COVID-19 recovery process, by contributing to Preservation Maryland's Heritage Recovery Task Force. In the face of the ongoing pandemic, Preservation Maryland convened a task force of history, preservation, economic development, design, and tourism organizations to focus on identifying and advocating for public policy necessary to support the recovery of Maryland’s historical and...

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May 20 2020

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) recognizes the challenges facing museums and libraries at this time, including the adaptations and adjustments that will be necessary to rebuild staffing, reopen facilities, and address the needs of communities affected by the impact of a global crisis. The goal of this grant program is to support the role of museums and libraries in responding to the coronavirus pandemic in ways that meet the immediate and future COVID-19 needs of the communities and audiences they serve. Program Description The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security...

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May 19 2020

The Annapolis Small Business Recovery Task Force was established to focus on the experiences that Annapolis businesses are facing in the time of COVID-19 and to come up with recommendations for assistance for the local small business and nonprofit community. Share Your Thoughts Nonprofit organizations are doing vital work in the Annapolis community to serve our citizens and enrich the lives of all those who call Annapolis their home. In order to be part of this important conversation, a Nonprofit Subcommittee has been formed to recognize the contributions offered by our city's...

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May 18 2020

The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) has awarded its first round of 59 matching grants totaling $600,440 to heritage tourism nonprofits across Maryland’s 13 Certified Heritage Areas. A total of $50,000 in Emergency Grant funds was awarded to organizations in the Four Rivers Heritage Area. The grant funds support emergency operating costs that will help keep these nonprofit organizations afloat, as the COVID-19 public health crisis and the associated economic ramifications continue. According to Jennifer Ruffner, MHAA Administrator, "This was one of the hardest grant review processes that we have ever participated in,...

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May 15 2020

Although the majority of our partners and sites are nonprofits, we also know that many of the valuable supporters of our heritage community are for-profit businesses. For that reason, we wanted to make you aware of a new grant opportunity aimed at supporting the efforts of these stakeholders to safely open to the public. Yesterday, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman announced the Small Business Customer and Employee Protection Grant Program, which is designed to assist local businesses purchase products and services needed for safe reopening in compliance with COVID-19 regulations....

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