Bel Air High School: Preserving the History of 9/11

Article submitted by Dr. Robert Handy, social studies department chairman, Bel Air High School

A steel beam salvaged from the World Trade Center, sent by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and approved by the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, has been delivered to Bel Air High School. The steel beam will become the centerpiece of an exhibit honoring the upcoming 10th anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001, and will be placed on display in the main foyer of Bel Air High School. Read more...

District 35 State Senatorial Scholarship Applications Now Being Accepted

Harford County Senator Barry Glassman has announced that State Senatorial Scholarship applications are being accepted until April 15. To qualify for the State Senatorial Scholarship students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1, 2011.

The State Senatorial Scholarship targets current high school seniors, full-time and part-time undergraduate and graduate degree seeking individuals. The scholarship is open to individuals who are attending public or private institutions in the State of Maryland. Read more...

First Meeting of Abingdon Community Council is Scheduled

(Bel Air, MD) - - Harford County Executive David R. Craig and the Office of Constituent Services have announced the first meetings for Harford County’s newest Community Council. The first meeting of the Abingdon Community Council will be on Monday, February 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the Abingdon Library (2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon). Read more...

8th Annual College Night at C. Milton Wright High School

We are pleased to announce C. Milton Wright High School's Eighth Annual College Night, to be held on Monday, February 28 (snow date March 1, 2011) from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at C. Milton Wright High School gymnasium. This FREE event is open to ALL High School students and parents in Harford County. Read more...

Wine Expo 2011 at Harford Community College

Wine Expo 2011, hosted by Ronnie’s Fine Wine and Spirits and the Alumni and Friends Association of Harford Community College, will be held on Saturday, February 27, from 3 to 6 PM in the College’s Susquehanna Center. All proceeds will benefit the Alumni and Friends Association’s Scholarship Fund.

Enjoy an afternoon of wine, hors d’oeuvres, delectable desserts and a chocolate fountain from Bomboy’s Home Made Candies. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample over 200 fine wines from around the world from 35 East Coast vendors. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to network with Harford County businesses and members of the community. Read more...

The State of Church-State Separation in America: Crisis or Crossroads

On Sunday, February 27th at 10:30am, please come hear a provocative speaker slated at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Harford County, 2515 Churchville Road in Churchville, MD.

Rev. Steven C. Baines, Director of Religious Outreach for Americans United for Separation of Church and State, will address the growing controversy over a recent presidential executive order that has left in place religious-based discrimination in social services. Rev. Baines will also examine several congressional actions and judicial decisions that have begun to dismantle the sacred wall of church-state separation. Read more...

Bel Air High's Fourth Annual North East Theatre Festival a BIG Success

Article submitted by Chuck Bowden, Executive Director, Bel Air Drama Company.

On February 18-19, drama students from around the region participated in the Fourth Annual North East Theatre Festival at Bel Air High School. The students and their teachers joined theatre professionals and college professors for various workshops, competitions and performances for each other.Read more...

Get Plugged In To Your Future at Edgewood High School

(Bel Air, MD) - - On Saturday, February 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Greater Edgewood Education Foundation, in partnership with Harford County Schools, is hosting an open house College and Career Expo for students in grades 8 through 12, parents and guardians. The Expo will be held at Edgewood High School, 2415 Willoughby Beach Road, Edgewood, MD 21040. Read more...

Harford Habitat for Humanity's Dream Builders' Ball

Join us and Jamie Costello of WMAR-TV on Saturday, February 26 from 6:30-11pm at Mountain Branch in Joppa, MD for Harford Habitat's annual gala and fundraiser! Enjoy complimentary bar, formal dinner, entertainment, silent & live auctions, and more! Read more...

Volunteer Orientation for Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding

Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding's next Volunteer Orientation will be held Saturday, February 26, 2011 from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. Required forms (there are THREE of them) can be found on our website. Please call with any questions. Since 2005, Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding has been providing horse back riding lessons and horse related activities for people with special needs. Read more...

Churchville Elementary Students Gear Up for LEGO Expo

Article submitted by Kathy Sukiennik, Churchville PTA Community Relations.

Four teams of students from Churchville Elementary School will present their projects at the Maryland Junior FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) LEGO® League Expo at the University of Maryland Baltimore County this Saturday, February 26th. It is the largest such expo in the state this year with 36 teams participating. Junior FIRST® LEGO® League (Jr.FLL™) is for 6 to 9 year olds, and the teams at Churchville are made up of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders. Read more...

Barrage Brings High Energy Show to Patterson Mill Middle/High School

Barrage – A high-octane string group that features an international, multi-talented cast performing an eclectic mix of music, song and dance brings its show to Patterson Mill High School on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. This public performance is part of the Barrage Educational Outreach Program and provides a rare opportunity for string students and the general public to see and interact with Barrage in a unique and intimate environment.  The concert is sponsored by Patterson Mill High School Tri-M Music Honor Society and Orchestra along with Fallston Orchestra. Read more...

SMA Student Nets First Place in Annual Baltimore Brain Bee

Lance Lotharp, a senior at the Science and Mathematics Academy (SMA) at Aberdeen High School, won first place at the University of Maryland’s 13th Annual Baltimore Brain Bee on February 9, 2011. The Brain Bee is a neuroscience competition developed to motivate high school students to learn about the brain and inspire them to pursue careers in biomedical brain research. Read more...

County Executive Craig Delivers Testimony to the Maryland Board of Public Works

(Bel Air, MD) - - Harford County Executive David R. Craig testified before the Maryland Board of Public Works today in Annapolis, seeking support for improved MARC train service for workers commuting to Aberdeen Proving Ground or to other employment centers in the area. The following is County Executive Craig’s testimony...

Daria Parry - New Library Associate Director

(Belcamp, Maryland) Effective January 12, Daria A. Parry became the new Associate Director at Harford County Public Library. Daria has extensive background in libraries. She previously held the position of Chief, Public Libraries and State Networking Branch for the Maryland State Department of Education. Prior to this position, Ms. Parry has also held the positions of Agency Manager in the Montgomery County Public Library (Maryland), Director of Library Services at Bates Technical College in Tacoma, Washington, Community Access and Facilities Manager for the Eugene Public Library in Oregon, and Manager, Division of Central Library Services for the Lee County Library System in Florida. Additionally, Ms. Parry is an active member of the Phi Kappa Pi Honor Society; American Library Association; Public Library Association; and the Maryland Library Association. Read more...

Spaghetti Dinner for Good Shepherd German-American Youth Exchange

Come enjoy an all-you-can-eat Spaghetti Dinner, complete with salad, garlic bread, beverages, and dessert, Friday, February 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. in The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Celebration Hall (around back).

Tickets are $5 per person and will be available at the door. Carry-out available. Benefits the Good Shepherd German-American Youth Exchange. Read more...

Maritime Land and Sea Fundraiser

The Havre de Grace Maritime Museum Presents: A Maritime Land and Sea Fundraiser at Tidewater Grille, 300 Franklin Street, HdG on Friday, February 25 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm.

$55 Donation per person. Cash Bar, Silent Auction, Door Prizes. Read more...

Comptroller Joins Students, Teachers, Industry Leaders in Push for Financial Literacy Requirement

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Comptroller Peter Franchot joined an unparalleled coalition of supporters calling for passage of legislation mandating a financial literacy graduation requirement for all Maryland students. Students, educators, consumer advocates and business leaders rallied for better financial education.

“The time is now for Maryland to require all students take a standalone course in financial literacy in order to graduate from high school,” Comptroller Franchot said. “I believe that fewer people would be drowning in debt today and facing the loss of their homes, their credit ratings and their financial security if they had been armed with a financial education. We don’t have time to wait,” he added. Read more...

February Observed as Children’s Dental Health Month in Harford County

Bel Air, MD – February is the observance of National Children's Dental Health Month, placing emphasis on the need for parents to take action early to ensure the health of their children's teeth. Many people are unaware of the important role early dental care plays in children's overall health and that attitudes and habits established at an early age are critical in maintaining good oral health throughout life. Read more...

Leaders Invited to Discuss Minority Business Issues at Minority Leadership Reception

The Harford County business community is invited to attend the 7th Annual Minority Leadership Reception on Tuesday, February 22, 6:30–9:30 p.m. in the Chesapeake Center at Harford Community College to discuss issues and opportunities affecting minority business owners. The event will include a presentation of the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Minority Leadership Award to Angela Lewis, Director of the Village at Lakeview Neighborhood Network Community Center.

Guest speaker Dr. Charles Johnson-Bey (pictured) will lead a presentation that focuses on 7 Strategies to Win Contracts. Read more...

First Meetings for Two New Community Councils Announced

(Bel Air, MD) - - Harford County Executive David R. Craig and the Office of Constituent Services have announced the first meetings for Harford County’s two newest Community Councils.

The Bush River Community Council will hold its first meeting on Tuesday, February 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Church Creek Elementary School Media Room (4229 Church Creek Road, Belcamp).

The first meeting of the Abingdon Community Council will be on Monday, February 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the Abingdon Library (2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon). Read more...

Parking Study Findings to be Presented to Council at Havre de Grace City Council Meeting

The Chesapeake Group Inc. will make a presentation to Havre de Grace City Council on the parking portion of the Economic Revitalization Plan at the February 22 City Council meeting. The Chesapeake Group is a professional consulting firm hired by the City of Havre de Grace in partnership with Havre de Grace Main Street Inc. Read more...

Sunday Afternoon Concert at Harford Community College

Duo Fujin with Misty Theisen, flute, and Marc Ballard, saxophone, will be performing in concert on Sunday, February 20, at 3 PM in Harford Community College’s Joppa Hall, J108, Recital Hall #1. Harford Community College full-time music faculty Neil Anderson-Himmelspach composed Gonzo and the Velocipede, a piece written for Duo Fujin. Sunday’s concert will be the world premiere performance of this piece. Read more...

Tidewater Players Audition Announcement

THE WEDDING SINGER - Music by Matthew Sklar, Book by Chad Bequelin & Tim Herlihy, Lyrics by Chad Bequelin . Based on the New Line Cinema film written by Tim Herlihy. Auditions held on Sunday February 20 from 6-8pm and Monday February 21 from 7-9pm. No appointment necessary. Read more...

Addicted to Art at Rockfield Manor

Harford Artists and The Rockfield Foundation Inc are having a fundraiser on February 20th at the Rockfield Manor. It is an art lottery so everyone who purchases a ticket for $50 will leave with a piece of art! Refreshments will be served. House opens at noon to view the gallery the lottery will start at 2pm. Read more...

Bowl-a-Rama for Humane Society of Harford County

Whether by yourself, a duo, a trio, or a team of four, bowl to help the animals on Saturday, February 19 from 3:00-6:30pm at Forest Hill Lanes, One Maurice Drive, Forest Hill, MD.

The Bowl-a-Rama is a fun, family bowling fundraising event that benefits the homeless and abused animals of Harford County. We encourage you to raise as much money as you can! Read more...

New York Theater Ballet in Alice in Wonderland Follies at the Amoss Center

The New York Theater Ballet will perform Alice in Wonderland Follies on Saturday, February 19 at 7 PM in the Amoss Center in Bel Air. The show is recommended for all ages.

Join Alice on her adventures following the White Rabbit into a world of enchantment complete with a magical garden, tea party and the King and Queen of Hearts. The New York Theater Ballet provides exquisite, high-quality entertaining ballets for family audiences perfectly suited to the youngest audience members, yet sophisticated for the most discerning adult. Read more...

Tax Free Energy Star Product Shopping Weekend February 19-21

During Shop Maryland Energy weekend, February 19-21, purchases of qualifying Energy Star products are exempt from Maryland's 6% sales tax.

These Energy Start products are tax free...

Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary Named an Excellence-in-Gifted-&-Talented-Education School

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Maryland State Advisory Council on Gifted and Talented Education recently named Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary School a Maryland Excellence in Gifted and Talented Education (EGATE) school. EGATE is an awards program to recognize public schools with Gifted and Talented (G&T) education programs that are aligned with Maryland’s Criteria for Excellence: Gifted and Talented Program Guidelines. This year, the Maryland State Advisory Council for Gifted and Talented Education reviewed EGATE applications from across the state and identified Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary as one of just five schools that qualified as EGATE schools. Read more...

County Executive Craig Releases Harford County Fire and EMS Services Master Plan

(Bel Air, MD) - - Harford County Executive David R. Craig has released the Harford County Fire and EMS Services Master Plan. The Fire and EMS Services Master Plan, commonly referred to as the “Fire Study”, was released to the leadership of the Harford County fire service during a briefing on the study on February 17. Read more...

HCPS Elementary Redistricting Steering Committee Plans Smooth Transition for Students and Families

The Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) Elementary Redistricting Steering Committee, comprised of five elementary school principals and Executive Director of Elementary School Performance Linda Chamberlin, has been meeting regularly to develop a transition plan for students who are slated to change schools next school year based on the final decision by the Board of Education of Harford County regarding the elementary redistricting plan. That decision will not be made until Monday, February 28, 2011. All elementary schools will follow uniform procedures so parents receive timely communication and access to resources. The goal of the committee is to ensure a smooth transition for the students and their parents. Read more...

The Weather is Great --- Save the Date!

Girls Night Out! February 17th, 5-8pm.

The weather is PERFECT to be on Main Street with your friends!

Come and join us at Tiger Lily for a Variety of Specials...

Don't Miss Out on Our Clearance Bash $10 Sale at Heartbeat!

We’re Open till 8:00pm this Thursday for "Girl's Night Out" --- February 17 from 5-8pm. You won't believe the savings --- The "Clear the Rack" Sale is underway to make room for New Spring Arrivals! Sale ends Saturday February 26. Get the details...

4th Annual North East Theatre Festival at Bel Air High School

Bel Air High School will host the 4th Annual North East Theatre Festival February 18-19, 2011. This is a regional high school theatre festival that brings together drama educators, professionals and students in an effort to celebrate their love and passion for the performing arts. In addition to most of the high schools in Harford County, other schools attending will come from Baltimore, Montgomery and Caroline counties and Delaware. Read more...

Senator Barry Glassman to Speak at The North Harford Republican Club

Senator Barry Glassman will be the Guest Speaker at The North Harford Republican Club, Thursday, February 17th at 7:00pm at the Jarrettsville Library, 3722 Norrisville Road, Jarrettsville, MD.

He will be speaking on the latest Legislative Updates.

All are welcomed. Read more...

Library Trustees Search for Candidates for Board Membership

(Belcamp, MD) The Harford County Public Library Board of Trustees has begun a search for candidates to be considered for appointment to the Board to begin in FY12. The available positions will represent the Bel Air and Edgewood/Joppa areas of Harford County. Anyone interested in serving as a board member is encouraged to apply. Completed applications together with a resume must be returned by Tuesday, March 1, 2011. Read more...

Public Input Sought on Master Plan and Land Use Element Plan

(Bel Air, MD) - - The Harford County Department of Planning and Zoning has announced that they will be updating the County’s 2004 Master Plan and Land Use Element Plan. The Land Use Element Plan identifies general areas in the County where agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, and open space uses will be allowed. It is the policy document used to ensure a compatible pattern of land uses throughout the County. The process officially begins February 17, 2011. Read more...

Civil Air Patrol Lt Col Vernon Sevier Receives Citation for Exceptional Service

The Civil Air Patrol sent along this notice recognizing Civil Air Patrol Lt Col Vernon Sevier, who received a citation from Harford County Executive David Craig for his exceptional service to the organization. Squadron Commander, Maj Jeffrey Koubek presented Lt Col Sevier with the citation. Read more...

ECBC Helps Kick Off New Mentorship Program at Edgewood High School

Employees Aim to Help At-Risk Students Succeed During National Mentoring Month
(Article courtesy of the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center)

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. ― Five staff members from the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) started the new year by volunteering to serve as mentors in support of a new educational outreach effort sponsored by the National Defense Education Program, Edgewood High School’s (EHS) RAM Hour Academic Club. Read more...

Compost Happens – Unique Project Underway at Bel Air High School

A small group of students is making a big impact at Bel Air High School. This fall, Bel Air High School set out to be one of the first public schools in the state – if not the nation – to initiate a full-scale composting program in their cafeteria. The process began with the efforts of a single student who wanted to make a difference.

One month earlier, Tyler Abbott, pictured at left, a junior at Bel Air High, sent an email to the Office of Resource Conservation. His message was brief, but to the point: “Mr. Cassilly, my name is Tyler Abbott, and I want to help in any way that I can.” Read more...

Marylanders Place a Priority on Saving for College with the College Savings Plans of Maryland

(Baltimore, MD) – Many Marylanders understand the importance of saving for future higher education costs, but the task of putting aside savings has been a challenge given current economic conditions. However, the College Savings Plans of Maryland, the independent Maryland State agency that offers two tax-advantaged 529 plans, has experienced positive trends in both new enrollments and contributions in both plans, the Maryland College Investment Plan and the Maryland Prepaid College Trust through December 2010. Read more...

Final Public Hearing on Harford County Public School’s Elementary Redistricting Proposal

Monday, February 14, 2011 – Final Public Hearing -- A.A. Roberty Building Board Room, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. Comment cards will be available at the doors and must be filled out prior to the start of the meeting.

The second revision to the Proposed Elementary Redistricting Plan is now posted on the Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) website. The Superintendent’s Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) has been meeting almost daily to adjust proposed attendance areas to address community feedback and issues that still needed to be resolved. The ‘School Locator’ has also been updated to reflect the latest modifications. Read more...

Swan Harbor Farm Named Best of Weddings Pick in The Knot Best of Weddings 2011

(Havre de Grace, MD) - - Swan Harbor Farm is pleased to announce it has been selected as a 2011 winner in The Knot Best of Weddings, a special section in The Knot Baltimore Metro Area magazine and on THEKNOT.COM Weddings from The Knot, the number-one wedding resource that’s most trusted by brides. This is the fourth year that Swan Harbor Farm has been voted the Best of Weddings Pick for The Knot Best of Weddings. Read more...

Harford County Compost Winter Schedule Announced

(Bel Air, MD) - - The Harford County Department of Public Works has announced new winter hours for the Harford Waste Disposal Center mulch and compost facility. Effective Saturday, February 12, 2011 the mulch and compost facility will be closed on Saturday’s until further notice. The compost facility will be open Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Read more...

Kameleon Gift with Purchase for Valentine's Day at Heartbeat!

Get a FREE Jewel Pop Case with any Kameleon Jewelry purchase of $75 or more while supplies last! Valentine's Love Pops...

Harford County Government Partners with the U. S. Postal Service to Support Harvest for the Hungry

County Executive David R. Craig has announced that Harford County Government is once again partnering with the U. S. Postal Service to support the Harvest for the Hungry campaign. The local campaign is coordinated through the Harford Community Action Agency. Read more...

Harford County Sheriff's Office Announces Command Staff Promotions

(Harford County, MD) Harford County Sheriff L. Jesse Bane is pleased to announce a series of Command Staff promotions - three Majors and two Captains. The three commanders promoted to the rank of Major are Douglas Verzi, Christina Presberry and Michael Capasso. The two commanders promoted to the rank of Captain are Duane Williams and H. Michael Gullion. In addition to the five promotions, several commanders were transitioned to new command assignments matching leadership talents with agency priorities. Read more...

An Introduction to Winter Bird Physiology & Ecology at Anita C. Leight Estuary Center

This course, taught by Dr. Mark S. Johnson - President, Maryland Ornithological Society on February 11 & 12, will provide a brief introduction to the world of winter birds and how they cope with changes in habitat and food choices. It will begin Friday evening with a discussion of avian physiology, systematics, and ecology as it relates to many common winter birds. Saturday will involve a closer look at feeder birds as we observe them from the feeders and mark and release them following an assessment of health. Read more...

Bel Air Downtown Alliance Presents Halfway to First Fridays

Winter weather got you down? Yearning for the warmer temps of spring and summer? Are you intimately familiar with the concept of "cabin fever"? If so, then we have just the solution for your winter doldrums!

Join us for Halfway to First Fridays on February 11 at the Bel Air Armory from 5pm-9pm to celebrate the impending spring and summer seasons with a mini version of Harford County's BEST block party! Read more...

Valentine’s Liquidation Sale at Tiger Lily!

It all has to go!

A great selection at 75% OFF. Lots of new things added to this discount. Selected items of jewelry, accessories and clothing are on sale starting at 50% OFF. Some other surprise discounts in the store.

This all happens Thursday through Saturday! Read more...