Chefs urged to enter soup contest
Organizers of next month's Ultimate Crab Soup Cook-Off are urging chefs in Maryland restaurants to register to enter their cream of crab, vegetable crab or alternative crab soups, including gazpacho, stew and chowder.
The event from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 6 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis is the first being held to showcase the soups that are a key ingredient in the heritage of the Chesapeake Bay region.
Soups will be judged by visitors and a panel of five regional celebrities, with winners in each soup category being voted Crowd Favorite and Judge's Choice. In addition to the cook-off, there will be entertainment, children's activities, other food vendors, wine, beer, eco-displays and vendors associated with "green" efforts.
The cost is $75 to register one soup; multiple entries are encouraged. Chefs must be prepared to serve 14 to 16 gallons of each crab soup entry.
Proceeds will benefit the Light House Shelter in Annapolis and the Weems Creek Conservancy.
For more information and a reservation form, visit www.crabsoupcookoff.com or call 410-268-5813.
Water operator honored for work
The lead operator of the Broad Creek II Water Treatment Plant has been named Plant Operator of the Year by the American Water Works Association for the Chesapeake region in recognition of his work to boost Anne Arundel County's water supply and save money.
Steven Gorrick Sr. not only got the plant - which supplies treated water to residents of central Anne Arundel - to produce 33 percent more water than its design specifications called for, but he was also able to bring an abandoned plant back into service without using outside contractors.
"Providing clean water for our citizens is one of the most important and least visible jobs of the county," said County Executive John R. Leopold. "Thanks to Steve, we have been able to accomplish this goal while also cutting costs."
"Steve single handedly prevented water restrictions in the Annapolis area last summer," said Department of Public Works Director Ronald C. Bowen. "His changes also prevented a service loss after a water main break and made it possible for our infrastructure to keep up with growing demand in the service area without a facility upgrade."
The last time an Anne Arundel operator was recognized by the AWWA was in 1971. Operator of the Year is awarded annually by region. The Chesapeake Region includes Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia.
