Howard Eakes, assistant supervisor of science at Harford Glen Environmental Education Center, was given an Outstanding Contribution Award from the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts. The award recognizes those who have made “significant and lasting impacts on conservation and environmental education in Maryland.”

The Harford County Soil Conservation District nominated Eakes for the award to acknowledge his commitment to environmental education in the county, specifically to the Envirothon program.

According to Harford County Public Schools, his leadership has been instrumental in making the Harford County Envirothon Program one of the most successful in the state. Under his guidance, HCPS teams have excelled at the Maryland State Envirothon competition. North Harford High School’s team won the state championship in 2023, 2024 and 2025, and at this year’s international level placed second.

Eakes led the development and implementation of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Science Course for high school students, developed the overnight residential program at Harford Glen Environmental Education Center and worked to secure community partnerships that supported Envirothon and local teams, the school system said in a news release.

“Harford County Public Schools congratulates Howard Eakes on this recognition and thanks him for his continued leadership in making Harford County a state leader in environmental education,” the release stated.

Emerging artists celebrated in new exhibit at Harford Community College

“A Common Thread,” a new exhibition featuring emerging artists Alivia Haltom, Ceanna Davis, Hannah Aust, Kayla Smith, Kelby Weaver, Krista Canoles, Nicole Wesoloski and Sherrie Snyder, will open soon at Harford Community College’s Chesapeake Gallery.

The exhibition, which the college says is a meditation on divergence and convergence examining each artist’s role in the world, includes art in various disciplines such as painting, printmaking, sculpture and photography.

It will open Aug. 28 and remain on exhibit through Dec. 17.

The gallery is open Mondays through Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information go to chesapeakegallery.org or call 443-412-2461

Bel Air Rotary Installs New Officers and Board

The Bel Air Rotary Club installed new officers and board members at its annual summer celebration at Rockfield Manor.

Officers returning to their second year include president Greg Derwart, president-elect Alex Necker, treasurer Lesley Lookingbill, assistant treasurer Scott Keck and past president Ryan Stockson. New officers are secretary April Cheatham and sergeant-at-arms Carolyn Evans.

Jay Ellenby, Amy Jahnigen, Katie Ramirez, Tony Steelman, Brenda Tackett, Jim Welch and Bob Willenbrink were installed as board members.

The Rotary Club, chartered in Bel Air in 1928, engages in community service, fundraising and fellowship activities in the area.

“‘Service above self’ is more than a Rotary slogan,” said president Greg Derwart. “It’s a mindset that we have an honor and responsibility to care for each other and our community.”

The Rotary Club meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at noon at Pairings Bistro.

Phoenix Festival Theatre presents ‘Sister Act’

Phoenix Festival Theatre will perform “Sister Act” for three nights in September at the Amoss Center in Bel Air: 7 p.m., Sept. 19, 2 and 7 p.m., Sept. 20, and 2 p.m., Sept. 21.

The musical features original music by eight-time Oscar and Tony winner Alan Menken and pays tribute to the universal power of friendship.

Ticket prices start at $22. To purchase tickets, go to www.harfordevents.com.

Have a news tip? Contact Shaela Foster at sfoster@baltsun.com or 443-826-5894.