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December 2011 Newsletter
Support
Bethesda Green

Bethesda Green relies on corporate sponsorships, grants, in-kind donations and individual contributions to
incubate next generation green businesses, educate the community, and inspire action
by initiating programs and services that promote sustainable living practices.
 
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Thinking about making a contribution to Bethesda Green? You can now make a secure donation to Bethesda Green by clicking on the "Donate Now" button. It's quick, easy and safe.

You can set up an automatic monthly donation or make your gift in memory or in honor of someone special.

Thank you for your support. 
 
Sponsorship info >>

Upcoming Events 

Bethesda Central Farm Market -- Every Sunday, 9 am - 1 pm on Elm Street between Woodmont and Wisconsin Aves.

 

BG 101 -- Wednesday, Dec. 28, 4 - 5:30 pm. Bethesda Green orientation and review of upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. Contact: info@bethesdagreen.org.  

 

First Thursday Happy Hour -- Ring in the New Year with Bethesda Green @ BlackFinn, 4901 Fairmont Ave., Bethesda. Thursday, Jan. 5, 5 - 8 pm. RSVP 

 

EOM Meeting -- Wednesday, Jan. 11, 4 - 5:30 pm.  Education, Outreach and Marketing Group.  Newcomers welcome. More >>

 

Changing the Way We Eat 2012 -- Saturday, Jan. 21. A FREE TEDxManhattan Viewing Party at Bethesda Green co-hosted with Full Plate Ventures.  More >>

Check the
Events page regularly for updates.

More >>
News
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Subscribe to the BG Blog News Feed  . . .
and get immediate access to Green News & Events, posted every Monday morning by Dan Rudt.  See the latest version here.

Fifty Bikeshare Stations Planned for Stations Along the Red Line
Montgomery County officials still seek funding for project -- article by Gazette.Net staff writer Kristi Tousignant, Nov. 30, 2011. More

Bag Law Starts Jan 1 -- Help Spread the Word
Bag header
Beginning January 1, retailers in Montgomery County will charge 5 cents for each paper or plastic bag provided to a customer. The County is looking for volunteers to help spread the word by bringing small signs to store managers for display in their stores. The signs would remind customers to bring their own bags when shopping. If you are interested in volunteering, call Ansu John at the Montgomery County Dept. of Environmental Protection at 240-777-7786.

Film Documentary on Agriculture Reserve
A project sponsored by Montgomery Countyside Alliance, using the services of  Bethesda Green Incubator company Mark Leisher Productions and Cheryl Kollin/Full Plate Ventures, will tell the story of the county's Agriculture Reserve in an educational and inspiring film documentary expected to be completed early next year. More >>

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at Bethesda Green

Interested in volunteering or applying for an internship position with Bethesda Green or one of our Incubator companies?  The first step is fill out our online Volunteer Registration Form.  If you have any questions, contact volunteer@bethesdagreen.org.  

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Happy HolidaysChristmas wreath

Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season to all our volunteers, sponsors and supporters. 

We look forward to working with you in 2012, incubating new companies in the green business sector, educating the community about sustainable living practices, and initiating programs and services that promote a healthy economy and reduce our collective impact on the environment. 

 

From the staff of Bethesda Green,

 

Dave Feldman
Dave Heffernan
Robert Snyder
Betsy Reinstein Dewey
Sharon D'Emidio

BG Update

Incubator Celebrates a Year of Success

The Bethesda Green Business Incubator developed and matured in 2011 as a place for young green companies to grow. Some of our initial companies graduated, while new companies were added; our physical space grew; and services to our companies greatly expanded. Today, we have 10 companies and two nonprofits, with several more waiting to join.  More

Internship Fair, February 25FOG poster 2011 
Plans are under way for an exciting calendar of Bethesda Green programs and events for 2012. Here's a sneak peak of what lies ahead:
  • We will host our third annual Fields of Green Internship Fair on Saturday, February 25. This is a great opportunity for young people ages 19-26 to line-up internships with companies and non-profits offering job experience in the green business sector. Stay tuned for more information in January.  
  • Later in the spring, in late-April, we will offer our first trade-show style event around Green Development and Construction.
  • Early summer, in June, be on the lookout for our third annual Solar Bethesda event.  
  • Later in the summer, around August and September, Bethesda Green will usher in a new round of Farm-to-Table events focusing on local and sustainable food in Montgomery County.
  • As we round the corner into autumn 2012, we will celebrate another great year with the annual Bethesda Green Gala in early October.
  • The Green Home Expo will once again take place late October.

We hope to see all of our Bethesda Green friends at one or many of our upcoming events. Until then, we wish a happy holiday season and a peace, joy and good health in the new year ahead.  

 

For more information about Bethesda Green plans for 2012, please contact Program Manager Sharon D'Emidio, sharon@bethesdagreen.org.  

New Leadership for Bethesda Green

At its December meeting, the Bethesda Green Board of Directors elected new officers for 2012, led by Chair-elect Jeff Burton, Deputy Executive Director at Bethesda Urban Partnership. Other officers elected include Vice Chair Greg Rooney, Vice President, Development, The Bernstein Companies; Treasurer Joseph Chirico, Senior Vice President with Capital One Bank; and Secretary Rosalie Grazzini.

  

"This has been a tremendous year of growth for Bethesda Green," said outgoing Board Chair Ilaya Hopkins, Executive

Ilaya and Jeff
Ilaya Hopkins and
Jeff Burton

Director of Maryland Leadership Workshops. "We developed a strategic plan and hired staff to fulfill key objectives. We continue to attract new and dedicated volunteers to add to our growing lists of businesses and residents who want to champion sustainable practices at work, at home and in the community."


According to incoming Board Chair Jeff Burton, "Bethesda Green is strategically positioned to make a significant impact in our community in 2012. As a Board and an organization, we will focus on adding green jobs to our economy by maximizing our Incubator, we will broaden the awareness of green issues through our Educational Center and we will improve and add to our green programs to leverage the incredible knowledge base and resources at our fingertips." 

Incubator Spotlight  

Rock Creek Conservancy 

Lush woodlands, sparkling water, the hoot of an owl, the glimpse of a fox, trails that wind through the wilderness for miles ... in the heart of a major metropolitan area. Nearly 5,000 acres of parkland border Rock Creek, offering recreation, serenity, and seasonal splendor to the capital region.
spotlight

Part of keeping Bethesda green is protecting its vital green spaces. Rock Creek Conservancy is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the health and beauty of Rock Creek and its natural areas.  Founded in 2005, the Conservancy (formerly Friends of Rock Creek's Environment) spreads the word about threats to Rock Creek and works with government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and residents to protect it.

 

More >>

Support for Bethesda Green 
Here's what community leaders are saying about Bethesda Green:

"Bethesda Green continues to be a driving force for the environment in the Bethesda Community. The knowledge and resources they have amassed are valuable and motivating. Having an organization to turn to for local connections and direction has been critical for Creative Parties to more easily accomplish its environmental goals."
-- Tracy Bloom Schwartz, Owner, Creative Parties

"When I first heard in 2008 that an organization called Bethesda Green was getting started, I was excited but skeptical. How much could one organization do to help our area, especially the business community, become more sustainable? Well, as it turns out, lots! Bethesda Green has promoted sustainable living practices and developed wonderful programs to educate and inspire the whole community. Bravo, BG! I can't wait to see what the new year holds."
-- Marney Bruce, Co-founder, Simplicity-Matters Earth Institute

"I have worked with Bethesda Green on several initiatives and projects over the last several years. I have always found the staff there to be super professional, personable and fostering of connections in my local area. Our latest venture was a collaborative effort with Bethesda Green and another individual familiar with local farms. This initiative has resulted in several very successful events and fostered many great conversations with local farmers, so crucial to my business.

"Bethesda Green's mission is broad, and yet they are very astute to carry their cause with respect for reality, suggesting small changes in people's behavior that can create great change.

"I support them completely and look forward to a long and productive partnership with Bethesda Green."
-- Tony Marciante, Chef/Owner, Chef Tony's Restaurant

Thank you Tracy, Marney and Tony for your kind words.  We wish all our community a happy holiday season and success for the coming year.

To help ensure our continued work toward building a local healthy economy and sustainable community, please consider a one-time donation or monthly pledge to Bethesda Green, using our secure website. Thank you.
Ring in the New Year
First Thursday Happy Hour -- Jan. 5


Clean Energy data

 

Join us for casual conversation and social networking

 

BlackFinn
4901 Fairmont Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814

 

  • Hear about upcoming Bethesda Green events
  • Meet members of our Green Business Incubator
  • Learn what you can do to make a difference in your community
  • Happy Hour drink specials and complimentary appetizers 

What's your New Year's Green Resolution?

 

Jot down your New Year's Green Resolution with your name and email address. Bring it to the Happy Hour for chance to win a BlackFinn gift card. We'll share ideas and publish highlights on our website.


RSVP through Meetup  

 

Thursday, Jan. 5
5 - 8 pm