The Frederick Board of County Commissioners will hold a forum on solid waste issues such as recycling, resource recovery and integrated waste management, from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Frederick Community College Jack B. Kussmual Theater.
The forum is co-sponsored by the Carroll County commissioners and is free to the public.
The forum will provide residents an opportunity to hear from solid waste professionals regarding sustainable waste management options.
Participants include: C. Robert Ernst, recycling manager for Harford County, who will discuss activities that earned his department the state's number one recycling ranking; Pamela Gratton, recycling director for Fairfax County, Va., who will discuss integrated waste management; Richard Brandes, chief of the Waste Minimization Branch of the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Solid Waste, who will discuss the federal perspective on solid waste management; and Lori Scozzafava, deputy executive director of the Solid Waste Association of North America, who will discuss the national waste management picture.
The audience is encouraged to participate by submitting questions for the panelists.
The solid waste forum will be videotaped for rebroadcast on FCG TV, cable channel 19. The schedule will be posted on www.co.frederick.md.us/fcgtv. Information: 301-600-2569.
County awarded for financial reporting
The Government Finance Officers Association of the U.S. and Canada has awarded Carroll County a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the county's 2006 comprehensive annual financial report.
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.
This is the 22nd year in a row that Carroll County has been recognized for its annual report.
The impartial judging panel said Carroll's annual report met high standards, including demonstrating a "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate the county's financial story.
Carroll County's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for 2006 can be found online at ccgovernment.carr .org/ccg/comp/06-cafr.
Mount Airy man honored
C. Oscar Baker, a Mount Airy resident known for his activism in senior housing and his volunteer work with the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company, recently was honored by the state and town.
At a commemorative ceremony at the fire company's activities building, a plaque was unveiled, a check given to the fire company, and the Wildwood Park pergola was dedicated.
Those honoring Baker included Del. Donald Elliott, Mount Airy Mayor Frank Johnson, Carroll County Bureau of Aging Chief Richard Steinberg, County Commission on Aging Chairman Charles Greenslit, Mount Airy Council President David Pyatt and council members Peter Ramsey and Wendi Peters.
Johnson presented Baker with a proclamation honoring his commitment to the community.
Baker, a resident of Wildwood Park, was instrumental in the planning and development of quality senior living in the town. Baker, with his wife, Edith, who died last year, provided creative comments to the developer and builder of Wildwood park, the Canterbury Group.
Canterbury presented the $5,000 donation to the fire company.
The ceremony also celebrated Baker's 85th birthday.
County is finalist for its 'green' efforts
Carroll County's recent efforts to improve energy efficiency and include "green" features in new construction has earned the county a spot among the top 20 finalists nationwide for the 2007 Center for Sustainable Communities Awards Program.
Winners of the National Association of Counties award will be announced this fall.
Carroll's entry is for its Performance Contract, a multi-faceted initiative that includes: replacing old equipment with more efficient models; the use of environmentally friendly features in new buildings at Carroll Community College, Carroll County Public Library's Finksburg branch and the county Health Department.
Under the county's 15-year contract with Johnson Controls of Sparks, taxpayers are guaranteed annual savings of nearly $494,000 through reduced operating and maintenance costs, and lower utility bills.
"We are thrilled to have been selected as a finalist for this competitive award," said Commissioner President Julia W. Gouge. "Every step we take to improve our energy efficiency and be environmentally responsible strengthens Carroll County's standing as a great place to live, work and play."