Author: eastbaltco

County Senior Centers Announce Reopening Plans


After a 14-month hiatus amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Baltimore County Department of Aging (BCDA) announced that beginning Monday, May 10, nine of the County’s largest senior centers will host orientations in advance of reopening for limited programming later this year.

All County senior centers have been closed since March 17, 2020, when Governor Hogan closed centers across Maryland to combat the spread of COVID-19.

“We’re thrilled to begin to reopen our senior centers so we can do even more to serve the more than 20,000 residents are members of the county’s 20 senior centers and Senior Box Office,” said Laura D. Riley, Director of the Department of Aging. “This phased reopening will ensure that we can provide a clean and safe environment at our largest centers as we work towards reopening all our centers as quickly and as safely as possible.”

Safety Orientation Required Prior to Reopening
Prior to reopening for limited in-person programming, senior center members will be required to attend an orientation session to learn about new COVID-19 safety protocols and complete annual center registration forms.

Beginning Monday, May 10, individuals can register for these orientation sessions by calling 410-887-2040 or going online at www.baltimorecountymd.gov/aging to sign-up.

Following completion of orientation by a significant number of members, the County will begin to offer in-person programming, which is currently expected to begin in July. Due to distancing and capacity requirements, Baltimore County will begin with the nine largest senior centers, including four in eastern Baltimore County.

Ateaze Senior Center, 7401 Holabird Avenue, Dundalk, MD 21222, 410-887-7233, ateazesc@baltimorecountymd.gov

Essex Senior Center, 600 Dorsey Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21221, 410-887-0267, essexsc@baltimorecountymd.gov

Parkville Senior Center, 8601 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21234, 410-887-5338, parkvillesc@baltimorecountymd.gov

Seven Oaks Senior Center, 9210 Seven Courts Drive, Perry Hall, MD 21236, 410-887-5192, sevenoakssc@baltimorecountymd.gov
The County’s remaining eleven senior centers will reopen following state expansion of capacity limits, additional Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance, and state and local Department of Health approval.

Virtual Programs to Continue
Due to physical distancing restrictions, programs with high attendance will continue to be offered virtually. Virtual programs will continue to be publicized in the senior center monthly newsletters and on the Department of Aging’s website at www.baltimorecountymd.gov/seniorcenters.

Senior Food Distribution Program Expanded

Until the Eating Together program resumes, BCDA will continue to provide a weekly bulk food program for seniors, and it is now expanding to 9 sites: Ateaze, Bykota, Catonsville, Cockeysville, Essex, Liberty, Parkville, Reisterstown and Seven Oaks senior centers. One member per household can register online at www.baltimorecountymd.gov/aging or call 410-887-2040 on Mondays between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to reserve a food kit. Each “kit” includes canned goods, fruits and vegetables, dairy products and a small chicken. Food distributions will occur on Wednesdays.

Questions and Information Requests

Questions about the phased opening of our senior centers can be directed to Jill Hall, Chief, Senior Centers and Community Services Division, at 410-887-3424 or jphall@baltimorecountymd.gov

Nottingham Driver Arrested in I-95 Police Crash


Maryland State Police arrested and charged a suspected impaired driver who hit a state police vehicle and fled the scene on May 5 on I-95 in Baltimore County.

The accused is identified as Gasper Botteon, 45 of Nottingham. Botteon is charged with driving under the influence, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and other traffic charges related to the hit and run.

Botteon was driving a white box truck and was the sole occupant of the vehicle. He was uninjured in the incident.

Shortly after 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, a Maryland State Trooper from the JFK Memorial Highway Barrack in his marked patrol vehicle at the 64.4-mile marker on I-95, was conducting a crash investigation. While he was working inside of his vehicle, a white box truck struck the driver’s side of his vehicle and ripped off the door. The box truck continued traveling northbound on I-95 in Rosedale. The trooper was not injured.

A lookout for the box truck was immediately broadcast to all law enforcement in the area. Troopers from the Bel Air Barrack located the vehicle and the driver shortly after 6:15 p.m. northbound on Route 24 at Bel Air S. Parkway in Belair.

The driver, later identified as Botteon, showed signs of suspected impairment. He was subsequently arrested on scene without incident and transported to the JFK Memorial Highway Barrack for processing.

The investigation is continuing.

###

BCPS Teacher Honored for Stock Market Game


Gerri Otto, a social studies resource teacher for Baltimore County Public Schools, was honored with the Elementary School Teacher Award during the eighth annual Maryland Financial Education and Capability Awards ceremony, held virtually on May 5.

The awards program is presented by the CASH (Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope) Campaign of Maryland, Maryland Council on Economic Education, and Maryland State Department of Education.

Otto, who is a resident of eastern Baltimore County. was recognized for bringing the Stock Market Game to many BCPS schools and for co-writing K-3 curriculum for personal finance to be implemented countywide. Seventeen elementary, middle, and high schools are participating in the Stock Market Game this school year. The personal finance curriculum was used during the 2020-2021 school year for Grade 3. BCPS intends to pilot the curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 2 during the 2021-2022 school year. Topics covered by the curriculum include economic wants and needs, goods and services, savings and spending, resources, decision making, markets, income, jobs, opportunity cost, spending plans, and charitable donations.

For her honor, Otto receives a $1,000 financial award made possible by the Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals and the Woodside Foundation. CSX was the title sponsor of the virtual event with SECU as the presenting sponsor.

Because no ceremony was held last year (due to COVID-19), the 2020 winners who were announced last year also were honored during this year’s virtual event. Among them was 2020 Elementary School Teacher Award winner Florence Falatko of Cromwell Valley Elementary Magnet School.

“As an organization focused on supporting the education community, the Maryland Council on Economic Education is proud to celebrate the educators who are being recognized this year for their excellence and innovation in teaching critical personal finance skills,” said Julie Weaver, executive director of the Maryland Council on Economic Education. “This has been a year like no other, and the economic impact of the pandemic has shown us the importance of financial preparedness for families and communities. We applaud these teachers for impacting not only their students, but in many cases their students’ families as well.”

Selected BCPS High Schools to Offer COVID Vaccines


Baltimore County Public Schools and the Baltimore County Department of Health will offer COVID-19 vaccine clinics for BCPS high school students aged 16 and above, their family members, and interested school staff. Vaccines will be offered as early as Monday, May 10, at high schools with school-based wellness centers, and as early as Wednesday, May 19, at other selected BCPS high schools.

Online registration will be required, and the vaccine offered will be the two-dose Pfizer BioNTech. There is no charge for the COVID-19 vaccine. Schools will provide their registration link, and families and staff can reach out to the school nurse with any questions.

“We are so pleased that, through our ongoing partnership with the Baltimore County Department of Health, we are able to offer convenient access to vaccines for our older students, their families, and school staff,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams. “Getting the vaccine is a free and easy way to help protect your own health and the health of the community.”

Clinic schedule for BCPS high schools with school-based wellness centers
Please note that each clinic location will only serve students, their families, and staff affiliated with the school unless otherwise noted. These vaccine clinics will be open from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Chesapeake High/ first doses: May 10, 13 / second doses: June 1, 3
Dundalk High/ first doses: May 11, 12, 14 / second doses: June 1, 2, 4
Kenwood High/ first doses: May 10, 12, 13 / second doses: June 2, 4
Owings Mills High/ first doses: May 17, 19, 20 / second doses: June 7, 9, 10
Parkville High (also serving students from Loch Raven High for first doses on May 19 & second doses on June 9)/ first doses: May 18, 19, 21 / second doses: June 8, 9, 11
Lansdowne High/ first doses: May 24, 26, 28 / second doses: June 14, 16, 17
Woodlawn High/ first doses: May 25, 26, 28 / second doses: June 15, 16, 18

Clinic schedule for other selected BCPS high schools
Please note that each clinic location will only serve students and their families affiliated with the school unless otherwise noted. (For example, the Towson High School location will also serve Loch Raven High School.) Students who attend Catonsville Alternative School, Eastern Technical High School, George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, Rosedale Center, and Western School of Technology will receive links to sign up for vaccines at their home/zone school.
School (other schools served)/first and second vaccine dates/clinic hours
Catonsville High/ May 26 & June 16/ from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Dulaney High/ May 26 & June 16/ from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Franklin High/ May 19 & June 9/ from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Hereford High/ May 19 & June 9/ from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Milford Mill Academy (also serving students from Randallstown High) /May 26 & June 16/ from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
New Town (also serving students from Randallstown High)/ May 26 & June 16/ from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Overlea High/ May 26 & June 16/ from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Patapsco High/ May 19 & June 9/ from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Perry Hall High/ May 26 & June 16/ from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Pikesville High/ May 19 & June 9/ from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Sparrows Point High/ May 19 & June 9/ from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Towson High (also serving students from Loch Raven High)/ May 19 & June 9/ from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Annapolis Police Officer (Carney Resident) Charged in Theft Scheme


Gerrard Lamont Williams Jr., 36, of the unit block of Wildberry Court in Carney was arrested on May 5 and charged with felony theft scheme.

Williams is a Police Officer with the Annapolis Police Department.

An investigation by detectives revealed that Williams worked secondary employment at the Wal-Mart located in the 3600 block of Washington Boulevard in Arbutus.

During his shift, between the dates of February 8, 2021- March 30, 2021, Williams is accused of stealing approximately $3643.59 from the business. The items stolen include:

· Flat screen televisions

· Window air conditioners

· Baby products

· Food/Beverages

· Hygiene products

· Clothing

· Household goods

· Dog food/Care items

· Bedding

Williams was taken into custody at his residence after a warrant was issued for his arrest on April 27, 2021. Williams has since been released on his own recognizance.

The Annapolis Police Department has fully cooperated with Baltimore County Police Department during this investigation.

Partial Human Remains Found in Dundalk Water


Baltimore County homicide detectives responded to the Peninsula Expressway Bridge in Dundalk after fishermen discovered partial human remains in the water and called 911 in the early morning hours of Tuesday, May 5.

Dive teams spent much of the day searching the waterway for additional remains; detectives continue to actively investigate this case.

If you have any information on the identity of the victim or the circumstances surrounding their death, please call Baltimore County Police at 410-307-2020.

Olszewski to Seek Reelection in Baltimore County


Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. will seek re-election.

There was some speculation that the one-term County Executive could run for Governor since Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is term limited for seeking another term, but Olszewski made an announcement on Thursday.

Comptroller Peter Franchot is the likely favorite to win the Democratic nomination for Governor with Olszewski not entering the race and staying in Baltimore County.

“When I ran for County Executive, we set a bold vision for a #BetterBaltimoreCounty. In just a few years, we’ve proven together that transformative change is possible. But there is still more to be done,” Olszewski said in a statement.
“That’s why I’m excited to announce I will be seeking re-election in 2022.”

Parkville HS Congratulates Paige Holley


As Eastbaltco.com reported on Monday, Paige Holley, a senior at Parkville High School, was announced as one of two recipients of the Charles Perry McCormick Scholarship, worth $40,000 over four years. She is the first Parkville High student to earn this honor.

The scholarship was announced during a virtual Unsung Heroes program event hosted by McCormick and Company, Inc., on May 3.

Holley and the other Charles Perry McCormick Scholarship recipient were chosen from 100 Baltimore area student athletes recognized as Unsung Heroes this year.

When the women’s lacrosse team at Parkville High needed a goalie, Holley, a field player, stepped up to learn new skills to benefit the team.

During the pandemic, she also volunteered to be a group leader during the team’s virtual practice sessions.

Her coach, Shannon McFadden, describes Holley as the team’s morale booster.

“She has the best attitude no matter what her role is that day,” McFadden said.

“Paige is everything a coach can ask for in an athlete,” said Jeff Markle, Parkville High’s athletic director.

“She is an athlete who shows up every day and works as hard as possible to improve, and a great teammate whose attitude is infectious on the team.”

Three of the four other students recognized with additional scholarships at this year’s Unsung Heroes event also represent BCPS. Dustin Krotee of Hereford High School received a $7,500 scholarship.

Aureole Djoumejio of Owings Mills High School and Chase Glenn of Western School of Technology and Environmental Science each received $5,000 scholarships.

McCormick’s Unsung Heroes program was founded in 1940 by Charles Perry McCormick, Sr. The mission of the program is to recognize athletes for unselfish team play and highlight the efforts of those who contribute to the success of their teams without acclaim.

To date, the company has awarded over $1.9 million in scholarships to deserving student-athletes.

Donation Page Created for Parkville Fire Victim


A family in Parkville is looking to rebuild after a fire destroyed a elderly woman’s home on April 23 on Oakleigh Road.

The family reported the house is now unlivable and the vehicle she owned is destroyed. Many of her belongings has suffered fire and smoke damage.

There was no insurance and she has no savings. The family has started a donation page to help their mother.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/elderly-woman-loses-home-in-fire-in-Maryland?utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet

BCPS to go Back to Five Days in 2021-22


Baltimore County Councilman Wade Kach (R-3) announced that Baltimore County Public Schools will return to a five-day in-person schedule with the opportunity for virtual learning for the fall of 2021.

“I am so pleased to share that we have received word that Baltimore County Public Schools will provide full-time, in-person instruction, five days a week, for all students for the 2021-2022 school year,” Kach said.

“A full time virtual option will be offered, but those interested must sign up at www.bcps.org by May 7th. Those who are not interested in a fully virtual program do not need to do anything.

BCPS started off all virtual from September until the end of February this year. Some students started returning for two days a week in-person and some will return to a four-day schedule starting next week.