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Dundalk Eagle Announces New Editor

The Dundalk Eagle announced it has a new editor. Joel Lev-Tov was introduced in both the Dundalk Eagle and The Avenue News this week.

According to the newspapers, Lev-Tov is a graduate of the University of Maryland.

He is a Silver Spring resident but said plans on looking for places to the Dundalk area.

There was no mention on what happened to former editor Connor Bolinder.

Bolinder had not written a byline article since July 11th, but he was listed as editor in last week’s Eagle.

It appears Demetrius Dillard is still the editor of the Avenue News and wrote a few articles this week.

The Dundalk Eagle and The Avenue News are both owned by Adams Publishing

Overlea Resident Wins Lottery Trip to Winter Olympics

While watching this year’s Summer Olympics, have you wondered what it would be like to watch the games live? Overlea resident Cheryl Harrow is one step closer to living that dream this week as she claimed her Mega Millions® Team USA™ second-chance promotion prize.

From now until August 12, Maryland Lottery Mega Millions players can submit winning and non-winning Mega Millions tickets into the Maryland Lottery’s My Lottery Rewards (MLR) program for a chance to travel to either the 2026 Winter Games in Milan, Italy or the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

Two drawings have already occurred, while the final drawing will take place on Aug. 13. Harrow was selected as one of the winners in the July 2 drawing and is already excited about jetting off to the 2026 Winter Games.

“I thought the Winter Olympics would be more fun and I have never been to Italy,” said the retired nurse practitioner.

Cheryl is taking her husband on the trip, and each have their hopes high to take in some of their favorite winter Olympic sports. He is a huge ice hockey fan and Cheryl is hoping to be a spectator for one of the figure skating events.

According to the Baltimore County resident, she entered just six Mega Millions tickets into the promotion one day before the entry deadline.

Cheryl said she felt a little lucky as she was on a winning streak at bar bingo, but couldn’t believe that luck transferred over to this prize. She was happy to receive the call from Lottery officials.

“I took the news with me to the ocean,” she said, referring to the fact she found out about the win right before a summer vacation to Ocean City. While on the beach, she shared news of the win with family and friends.

The 66-year-old also receives a Team USA-themed prize pack that includes merchandise like hoodies, range packs, hats and tumblers. She likes watching the Olympics and can’t believe that she will get to travel to the 2026 games in Milan.

“I never dreamt of taking a trip to the Olympics. It wasn’t even on my bucket list.”

Hygea Healthcare Opens Center in Middle River

–photo courtesy of Jennifer Sawyer-
Hygea HealthcareHygea Healthcare leadership was joined by Gov. Wes Moore, Special Secretary Emily Keller of the Maryland Office of Overdose Response, Baltimore County Deputy Administrative Officer Elisabeth Sachs, and former Baltimore County Councilwoman Cathy Bevins to officially open its cutting-edge, 50-bed, 30,000 sq ft, substance use treatment center at 1210 Middle River Road on Monday, July 29.

“During our first nineteen months, my administration has made health care access a priority. We created an Office of Overdose Response to coordinate efforts and save lives. We directed $13.5 million to pilot programs to improve access to behavioral health services. We just carried out one of the most successful Medicaid renewal campaigns in the country. Maryland is committed to taking care of our people,” said Gov. Moore.

“You cannot have a healthy state without a healthy population. At a time when our state faces disparities in substance dependence; at a time when opioids account for nearly 90 percent of overdose deaths in Maryland—our healthcare partners aren’t just pointing out the challenge, but are choosing to be part of the solution. All of us are touched by this crisis. It will take all of us to stop it. And together, we can – and we must.”

“This project started with a vision. A vision to disrupt the current treatment approach and to create a building which expresses and defines who Hygea Healthcare is and what we offer. A facility which decades from now will stand as a beacon of what treatment should look like and how quality treatment can be delivered using whole person care and evidenced based practices,” said Robby Stempler, CEO and Founder of Hygea Healthcare.

“Technology will serve as a key driver to improve the way treatment is delivered. Treatment success is about outcomes and how recovery can be established and maintained by the community we serve. We are excited to open this center and begin helping people transform their lives and start their path of recovery.”

The Hygea Middle River facility provides Level 3.7 and 3.7WM ASAM-certified treatment programs, designed to meet the unique needs of each client. The campus is open and welcoming, designed with extensive green spaces to promote health and healing, while offering the privacy needed to begin the recovery process.

The comprehensive Level 3.7 ASAM treatment program includes medical care and evidence-based activities aimed at improving motivation, enhancing readiness for change, building recovery skills, and preparing clients for transition to lower levels of longer-term care. In addition to traditional cognitive-behavioral counseling, Hygea Middle River takes a holistic approach to recovery, offering yoga, meditation, recreational therapy, and healthy eating programs.

Hygea expresses its gratitude to Mullan Contracting Company and Curry Architects for their exceptional work in designing and constructing the center.

Hygea Healthcare at Middle River Ribbon Cutting with Governor Wes Moore, Hygea Healthcare Founder & CEO, Robby Stempler and more.

Olszewski’s Chief of Staff Stepping Down

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski made the following senior leadership announcement:

Chief of Staff Dori Henry will depart County service for a new opportunity, effective August, 9 2024.

“From the moment we took office, Dori been an integral partner in every major initiative our administration has undertaken and has been an invaluable leader in our work to build a better Baltimore County,” Olszewski said.

“Our communities are stronger today because of her unwavering commitment to innovative, accountable government and her passion for public service. I am confident she will continue to leverage her diverse skills to make immeasurable impacts in her future endeavors.”

Henry has served as Olszewski’s chief of staff since September 2022. Prior to that role, she served as director of communications and deputy chief of staff for the Olszewski administration. During her time with the administration, she has served as a strategic adviser to the County Executive on everything from the Covid-19 response and overdose prevention strategy to key personnel decisions and external affairs.

Prior to her service with Baltimore County, Henry oversaw communications for the Bloomberg American Health Initiative at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, served as assistant secretary for public affairs at the U.S. Department of Labor, and held appointed roles at the U.S. Department of Justice, the Maryland Department of Health, and the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

Eastern Tech Senior Named Minds in Motion Scholar-Athlete

MPSSAA announced 18 winners of the Minds in Motion Scholar-Athlete Scholarships for the 2023-2024 academic year and one of those winners attends school in Essex.

Gregory Hrica, a senior at Eastern Technical High School, was named one of the winners.

The selection committee met on Friday, May 3 to choose one male and one female from each of the MPSSAA’s nine districts who will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

This 17th annual program has recognized those who have excelled on the playing field and in the classroom. Over $217,000 in scholarships have been awarded to student-athletes since its inception in 2008.

Applicants must be seniors with a minimum 3.25 unweighted overall GPA and have participated in interscholastic athletic activities sponsored by MPSSAA during their high school careers.

Santa Schedules for Eastside Volunteer Fire Companies

Bowleys Quarters, Essex, Kingsville, Middle River, North Point Edgemere, Rosedale & Wise Avenue volunteer fire companies announced their Santa schedules for their local neighborhoods. Some of these events have already started.

Bowleys Quarters VFRM Santa Schedule
Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire Rescue and Marine released their Santa tour schedule for 2023. The tours run from Dec. 1 to Dec. 10

Essex Volunteer Fire Company Santa Schedule
The officers and members of the Essex Volunteer Fire Company announced they will once again be escorting Santa Claus around the Essex area from Dec. 12 to Dec. 24.

Kingsville VFC Santa Detail Schedule
The Kingsville Volunteer Fire Company announced their Santa Detail Schedule for 2023. It will run the week of Dec. 16 to Dec. 20. The nightly tours leaves the station at 6 p.m.

Middle River Volunteer Fire and Rescue Announces 2022 Santa Detail
The Middle River Volunteer Fire and Rescue released its schedule for its 2022 Santa Detail. All details start at 6 p.m. except on Dec. 24 at 5:30 p.m.

North Point Edgemere Volunteer FD Santa Schedule Santa Tour Schedule
The North Point Edgemere Volunteer Fire Department will make a tour with Santa around the Edgemere/Sparrows Point area. The tour will take place Dec. 4-5 & Dec. 7, 8, 9. Beginning at 5:30 p.m.

North Point Edgemere Volunteer FD Santa Schedule Santa Tour Schedule

Rosedale VFC Announces Santa Detail
The Rosedale Volunteer Fire Company released their Santa Detail schedule for the communities of Rosedale, Rossville, Overlea, Eastwood, Hazelwood and Elmwood from Dec. 7 to Dec. 14

Rosedale VFC Announces Santa Detail

Wise Avenue VFC Santa Rides Schedule
The Wise Avenue Volunteer Fire Company announced their Santa rides for the Dundalk community.

A List of 2023 Holiday Events in Eastern Baltimore County

Here is a list of holiday events in Eastern Baltimore County for 2023. This page will be updated with new events as soon as we are notified. If there are any events not on the list, please email us at eastcountytimes@gmail.com.

Friday, Nov. 24
The White Marsh Volunteer Fire Company Train Garden
The White Marsh Volunteer Fire Company announced their train garden will open on Friday, Nov. 24 and will run through the holiday season.

Saturday, Nov. 25

The Wise Avenue Volunteer Fire Company Train Garden
The Dundalk train garden opens this Saturday, Nov. 25 and will run until Monday, Jan. 1.

Middle River Lighted Boat Parade
The annual Middle River Parade of Lighted Boats takes place Saturday, Nov. 25 starting at 5:30 p.m.

Maryland Aviation Museum to Host Train Garden
The Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum’s 9th annual Plane and Train Garden will run from Nov. 25 to Jan. 7. Times have been announced.

Wednesday, Nov. 29

Bethlehem Steel Star Lighting
Tradepoint Atlantic continues a holiday tradition of the lighting of the Bethlehem Steel Star on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 30

Kingsville Tree Lighting
Beltway Lending is hosting its first annual Kingsville Tree Lighting event in the bank’s parking lot of at 7400 Bradshaw Road in Kingsville on Thursday, Nov. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m

Friday, Dec. 1
Perry Hall Community Tree Lighting
The Perry Hall Improvement Assocation will hold its annual tree lighting on Friday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.

Essex VFC to Hold Tree Lighting
The Essex Volunteer Fire Company will hold a tree lighting on Friday, Dec. 1 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Back River United Methodist Church, 544 Back River Neck Road.

Edgemere Community Tree Lighting
Edgemere Sparrows Point Rec. Council will host the annual Edgemere Community Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 1 from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 2
THE AVENUE Announces Holiday Parade Lineup
The AVENUE at White Marsh will hold its 25th Annual Holiday Parade on Saturday, Dec. 2nd starting at 10 a.m. Full lineup has been announced.

DRC to Hold Holiday Hoopla

The Dundalk Renaissance Corp. will hold their Holiday Hoopla on the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 2 at Historic Dundalk Town Center. Events start 1:30. Dundalk Christmas Parade is scheduled for 4 p.m.

OLMC Christmas Tree Lighting
Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Essex will hold a tree lighting after 4 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Dec.2.

Essex Community Tree Lighting at the Museum

The Essex Heritage Society of Essex and Middle River, Inc. will host the Essex Community Tree Lighting on Dec. 2 at 5 p.m.

Bear Creek Boat Parade Returns to Dundalk
Bear Creek Lighted Boat Parade is back again for its 3rd year and is scheduled for Dec. 2 at 5 p.m.

Oliver Beach Community Christmas Tree Lighting
Robert Oliver Park presents Community Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Sunday Dec. 3
Watersedge Community Tree Lighting
Join the Watersedge Community in Dundalk on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. for the annual community tree lighting.

Kingsville Community Tree Lighting
The Greater Kingsville Civic Association and St. John’s Epicopal Church will hold the annual Kingsville Community Tree Lighting on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 9

Dundalk Christmas Tree Lighting Returns
The 5th annual Dundalk Christmas Tree Lighting will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 5 p.m.

Overlea Community Tree Lighting
The Overlea Community Association will hold the 10th Annual Overlea Community Tree Lighting on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.

Two BCPS Students Place in Library’s Short Horror Story

Baltimore County Public Schools’ students earned second and third places in the Under 21 category of the Baltimore County Public Library’s Tales of the Dead Short Horror Story Contest.

The BCPS student winners are:

• Ella Dengler, a Grade 8 student at Hereford Middle School, who won second place for “Estranged,” about a young woman seeking refuge from a storm at an abandoned, possibly haunted rest stop.

• Maaz Ijaz, a Grade 8 student at Parkville Middle for “Whispers of the Netherrealm: The Haunting of Ravenshade Mansion,” which recounts a young man’s exploration of a haunted mansion.

Baltimore County Public Library challenged writers of all ages to write original horror stories with a “Petrifying Poe” theme.

First, second, and third place winners in the Over 21 and Under 21 categories were selected by a panel of judges including local civic leaders, librarians, and published authors. Criteria for judging included originality, fear factor, quality of writing, and incorporation of the theme.

Dengler and Ijaz will read their stories at a private reception on Friday, October 6, at the library’s Reisterstown Branch. The young winners also receive a prize package including a certificate and gift card.

The Tales of the Dead Short Horror Story Contest started in 2016, inspired by the 1816 ghost story challenge that led to the creation of Frankenstein’s monster and the first modern vampire story.

The contest is held in conjunction with A Toast Among Ghosts, the Foundation for Baltimore County Public Library’s annual Poe-themed outdoor festival. The winning stories will be published on the Foundation’s website later this month.

16-Year-Old Missing From Essex

Baltimore County Police reported that Dannesy Quarte Flores, 16 years old (4’9, 125 lbs) is missing.

She was last seen in the Essex area on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 3 p.m. with a 1-inch scar over her right eye.

She does not speak English. Anyone with information is requested to call 911 or 410-307-2020

Community Invited BCPS Budget Meetings

Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers (Yarbrough) will host five “Community Conversations” regarding the development of the BCPS Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget.

Community members are invited to share their ideas on budget priorities and the investments the system should make to provide high-quality public education to every student.

The forums will be held on the following dates and locations:

Thursday, October 12, from 6-7 p.m. Sparrows Point High School—cafeteria, 7400 North Point Rd, Sparrows Point 21219

Tuesday, October 17, from 6-7 p.m. Pikesville High School—cafeteria, 7621 Labyrinth Rd, Pikesville 21208 This meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube.

Wednesday, October 25, from 6-7 p.m. Loch Raven High School—cafeteria, 1212 Cowpens Ave., Towson 21286

Thursday, November 9, from 6-7 p.m. Parkville High School—cafeteria, 2600 Putty Hill Ave., Baltimore 21234

Tuesday, November 14, from 6-7 p.m. Western School of Technology and Environmental Science —cafeteria, 100 W. Kenwood Ave., Catonsville 21228

Work on the operating budget for the next fiscal year typically begins in the summer, with a preliminary budget estimate completed by early fall.

After considering all requests from BCPS offices and reviewing recommendations from schools, executive leadership, and stakeholder groups, the superintendent submits a proposed budget to the Board of Education in January.

The Board holds public hearings to gather comments and feedback from the community, and then works to finalize their budget proposal, which is submitted to the Baltimore County Executive and the County Council.

The Council also holds a public hearing and approves a budget for the county, which includes BCPS.

The Board approves a final budget for BCPS in May. In addition to the Community Conversations in October and November, the community will be able to learn more about the budget process on a soon-to-be launched “Budget 101” website.

Additional opportunities for involvement will include the Board of Education public hearings.

Spanish interpretation will be provided at each meeting. Interpreting services for other languages are also available upon request at no cost to participants.

Please contact 443- 809-1250 as early as possible to request. In addition to the budget forums, Team BCPS staff, parents, students, and community members are encouraged to complete the FY 25 Budget Priorities Stakeholder Survey.