Hello Friends of the CMCA!
It has been a busy start to the year for the CMCA! Following our February 4th meeting, we are excited to share several updates regarding our commitment to the Catonsville community, our upcoming events, and the ways we are working to support our neighbors.
Honoring 40 Years of Service: Gary Bernhard š
We are proud to announce a Special Recognition Award for Gary Bernhard, who is passing the ledger after serving as our Treasurer for an incredible 40 years. Gary has been a cornerstone of the CMCA since its founding, managing our finances, 501(c)(3) status, and annual tax filings with unwavering dedication. To honor his legacy, our annual community scholarships will now be named after him, ensuring his impact is recognized by future generations of Catonsville leaders.
Congratulations, Gary and thank you for all your hard work and dedication!
Investing in the Future: Community Scholarships š
In our continued effort to support local students, the CMCA voted to fund two $1,500 scholarships for Catonsville High School seniors, totaling $3,000. These awards are designed to recognize students who reflect the values of our organization through their actions in both school and the community.
Fighting Hunger: Geneās Greens and Catonsville Emergency Assistance š„¦
Our partnership with Geneās Greens continues to make a massive impact on local food security. We have approved a $3,400 annual donation to sustain our support for Gene's Greens to deliver fresh produce to CEA throughout 2026.
The results from the past year are truly inspiring:
- 6,829 pounds of fresh produce were donated to CEA through Gene's Greens over the course of the year.
- Our contributions facilitate over 100 pounds of food per week for those in need.
- A free farmers market at CEA saw over 2,250 pounds of food distributed in a single day.
Save the Date: Annual Easter Egg Hunt š°
Get your baskets ready! Our annual Easter Egg Hunt is just around the corner:
- Date: Saturday, March 28th (Rain date: April 4th)
- Time: 3:00 PM
- Location: The Lurman Woodland Theater
We have ordered 3,500 eggs and are looking forward to warmer temperatures and a great turn out!
Community Outreach & New Initiatives š¤
We are actively working to expand our hands-on community service through several upcoming programs:
- RICA Support: Following a successful pizza party and magic show for the students at RICA (Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents) in January, we are in discussions to resume our annual community kickball game to take place in the late summer.
- Believe in Tomorrow: We are seeking to re-establish our connection with the Childrenās House at Johns Hopkins to provide home-cooked suppers for families staying at the facility.
As always, thanks to the local residents and businesses in and around Catonsville who continue to support our mission!