Recently the West Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce and The Y of Central Maryland partnered to promote the concept of going green with an ecological evening of wine, food, and information. The “Healthy Earth Healthy Families” event was held in the beautiful setting of the Madison Interiors design showroom in Odenton.

Melanie Graw, Chair of the Y’s Board, said that the “green” event fit right in with their organization’s promotion of healthier lives for local residents.

“We talk a lot about the concept of going green, but we are just not getting there,” Ms. Graw said. “This is an issue for our entire community.”

The event included displays by local businesses showcasing their efforts toward more environmentally friendly practices. Baldwin Homes shared information on their new National Green Building programs and products, including their new community at The Preserve at Severn Run in Gambrills.

Fichtner Services provided materials on their GREENOVATE program that provides homeowners with quality, affordable, energy efficient technologies to complement their home remodeling needs.  Rainsavers of Maryland, Maryland’s first company with professionals accredited by the American rainwater catchments systems associations, had information on their rain barrel sales and commercial and residential rainwater harvesting system installations.

The event also included a silent auction with items like Orioles tickets, brunch at the Kentmoor Inn, and unique custom painted rain barrels created by local artists Jodi Roberts, Greg Dayman, and Carole Graw.

Attendees filled the lovely showroom of Madison Interiors in Odenton at the recent event.	Gene Oaksmith welcomes guests on behalf of The Y of Central Maryland.
Jerry Walker of DCI Imaging; John Hollywood of Rosenberg, Hollywood & McDowell; Teresa Birge of the county board of education; and State Senator Ed Reilly visit during the event.	Christopher Venuti of Envisions Landscape Design provides information on their green practices.
Staff from the local Hops & Vines store provided tastings from local wineries.	WAACCC President Claire Louder, right, visits with Ann Walls of Revere Printing.
Frank Biddinger provides information on Rainsavers of Maryland.	Bill Scott and Paulo Vieiradias represented Fichtner Services during the evening.
Linda Isbell, Sue Laco, Beverly Goldbeck, and Ginny Woody, all of The Washington Savings Bank, enjoyed the food provided by La Prima Catering.	Kevin and Melissa Connelly and Victor Daccarett represented Baldwin Homes.
Heather Smith of M&T Bank visited with Lori Gallagher of Arbonne.	A lovely display at the silent auction which helped to raise money for the chamber's education foundation.
Lisa Feeheley of Baldin Homes provides information to Arundel High School's Sherri Billheimer.	Russ Pellicot of Ian Global Shipping visits with Jaleesa Johnson and Rebecca Yates of The Washington Savings Bank Odenton branch.