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State of Maryland Officially Ends The 2019-20 School Year

As expected, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and State School Superintendent Karen Salmon officially announced on Wednesday afternoon that all Maryland public schools would remain closed for the rest of the school year as a result of COVID-19.

Schools were originally closed for the coronavirus pandemic from March 16 to March 27. Then in late March, Salmon made an announcment that the closure was extended until April 24.

On April 17, there was speculation that Salmon was going to close schools for the rest of the year but the announcement was to extend the closure until May 15.

Baltimore County Public School’s last day for the 2019-20 school year was set for Monday, June 22. BCPS has held online classes for its students

BCPS announnced it had already cancelled all senior activities for its students. and announced it will hold virtual graduations for BCPS seniors.

County to Provide Older Residents With Food Distribution

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced that, beginning next week, the Baltimore County Department of Aging will be expanding its food distribution efforts by providing boxes of food to the County’s older adults. The program will be supported by $590,000 in funding provided through the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) to specifically target individuals age 60 and older.

“We’re taking another important step to ensure older adults in Baltimore County will not go hungry through this crisis,” Olszewski said. “Promoting food security is a top priority of my administration and we will continue to use all resources available to us to support our residents.”

“We’re pleased to be able to provide this new support for older adults in the County who may have difficultly preparing nutritionally-balanced meals during this uncertain time,” said Laura D. Riley, Director of the Department of Aging. “Before this pandemic, over 600 senior citizens relied on our Eating Together programs each day for nutritionally-balanced meals and we hope that this newly expanded meal distribution will help those in most need.”

Under this new program, each box of food will include three meals and a snack for six days.

“When combined according to the directions, each meal meets the nutritional requirements for adults age 60 and older,” said Jill Hall, Chief of the Division of Senior Centers and Community Services.

Boxes will be distributed by appointment only at three senior center locations in three different regions of the County:

•West
Tuesday, May 12
10 a.m. to Noon
Liberty Senior Center
3525 Resource Drive, Randallstown, Maryland 21133

•North
Tuesday, May 12
10 a.m. to Noon
Parkville Senior Center
8601 Harford Road, Parkville, Maryland 21234

•East
Thursday, May 14
10 a.m. to Noon
Ateaze Senior Center
7401 Holabird Avenue, Dundalk, Maryland 21222

Baltimore County residents over 60 years of age should call 410-887-2040 to schedule their pick-up date, time and location. Only individuals with appointments will receive a box of food. During the appointment, individuals will be asked to show proof of age through their BCDA Senior Center Membership Card or other identification.

Anyone unable to travel to these locations should contact Maryland Access Point (MAP) at 410-887-2594 to discuss other food options with the MAP staff.

The Department of Aging plans to continue to provide meals through the end of June, or until the senior centers reopen to the public, whichever comes first.

This is the latest effort from Baltimore County to combat food insecurity among older adults.

Since March 16, the Department of Aging has served over 8,300 meals for seniors—a 33 percent increase in the number of participants since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, through a partnership with Meals on Wheels, a home delivered meal service, Baltimore County is helping provide shelf stable meals or grocery box deliveries for nearly 200 senior citizens in urgent need of food. Department of Aging staff are also assisting with Baltimore County’s Saturday food distribution sites at the Hereford and Reisterstown Senior Centers.

Additional Food Resources

For younger residents, Baltimore County continues to offer other resources for grocery and produce. Find more information.

Baltimore County Schools to Hold Virtual Graduations

Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) announced on its Twitter page that it will hold virtual graduations for the Class of 2020.

“This spring our graduations will be held online. We will explore face-to-face celebrations when it is safe to do so in accordance with the Governor’s orders. Once finalized, the revised graduations will be posted online,” said the statement.

BCPS announced in April that all physical high seniors activities, including graduations, were canceled because of COVID-19

Man Arrested & Charged in Middle River & Essex Robberies

Baltimore County Police charged a suspect in two armed commercial robberies in Essex last month and believed to be responsible for additional robberies in neighboring jurisdictions.

The investigation in Baltimore County began on April 29 with the robbery of two businesses under similar circumstances just hours apart.

Police were called to Dollar General in the 100 block of Beacon Road in Middle River around 7:30 p.m. after the suspect purchased items but stayed in the store and continued shopping. He returned to the check out with additional items, but this time he stepped behind the counter and produced a handgun, ordering the cashier to open the safe. He fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Just after 9:30 p.m. police responded to a second armed robbery, this time at Domino’s Pizza in the 600 block of Eastern Boulevard, in Essex. This time the suspect ordered food, then stepped outside. When he returned, he again stepped behind the counter, produced a handgun and ordered an employee to open a cash register and the safe. Again, the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Baltimore County Police Robbery Detectives worked cooperatively with the Anne Arundel County and Baltimore Police Departments, which had both experienced similar crimes, to identify the suspect, identified as Zachery Erin Kuhn (23) of the 1300 block of Pontiac Avenue in Brooklyn, MD. Kuhn and a female passenger were arrested during an April 30 traffic stop, at which time a loaded handgun was also located on Kuhn.

Kuhn faces the following charges:
Two counts of armed robbery
Two counts of robbery
Three counts of first degree assault
Three counts of second degree assault
Two counts of theft
Use of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime

Kuhn is held at the Baltimore County Detention Center on denied bail status following a bail review hearing on Monday. The woman was released without charge.

Patapsco High Students Nominated for Unsung Heroes Awards

McCormick & Company presents their annual McCormick Unsung Heroes where they honor high school athletes who have been models of sportsmanship and team. The 2020 McCormick Unsung Heroes Awards will take place in a virtual format on May 11. Every school in the region has a male and female athlete nominated for the award and Eastbaltco.com will profile each athlete from eastern Baltimore County over the next week.

Patapsco
Girls Lacrosse player Logan Welsh and Soccer and Lacrosse player Cameron Hood are the two nominees for Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts in Dundalk.

Logan Welsh

Welsh was described as a 12-season athlete at Patapsco on the field as she participated in a sport every season of her high school career. She was also a star as she balanced her rigorous course load to earn a 4.0 GPA.

“Over the course of the last two years, I have watched Logan grow as a student and as a person. She has a strong work ethic and he puts forth great effort, not only in class, but in all her classes, her job and athletics,” said Tyler Clough, who is one of her lacrosse coaches.

According to Clough, Welsh has taken four Advanced Placement (AP) classes during her high school career with the rest of her classes being either GT or Honors. In addition to sports and academics, Welsh had other activities at the school as she participated in the school’s orchestra magnet and being the first chair in the ensemble. She also has a part time job at an athletic club as a lifeguard.

Clough said all of Welsh’s hard work deserves to be recognized.

“I am proud to recommend Logan for the [McCormick Unsung Heroes]. She has been an asset to our school, and will be hard to replace,” Clough said about his nomination of Welsh.

Cameron (Cam) Hood

Although he is legally blind as the result of a lifelong degenerative eye condition, his coaches at Patapsco described Hood as someone who demonstrated tireless work ethic, commitment and leadership in the classroom and on the fields.

“Much like the modest salt and pepper in your McCormick based spice rack, Cameron (Cam) Hood is the understated, hardworking and crucial ingredient every successful team has,” Boys Lacrosse Coach Andrew Mininsky wrote in his nomination letter to the McCormick Unsung Heroes committee.

Mininsky said that Hood’s tenacity is “unparalleled”. Mininsky explained that Hood was described as competitive but he expects fellow teammates emulate the respect he brings to his competitors.

“Win or lose, you can always expect Cam to rally his team to go shake the other teams’ hands and congratulate them on a great game win or lose and then carry the water back to the bus. He is a true example of a competitor and gentlemen.” Mininsky added.

“Cam is someone his teammates choose to follow not because he is the best player but because he is a natural leader who is often one of the most consistent things in our young men’s lives. Our program will no doubt have a void after he is gone but it is with hope, we will see the fruits of his labor and have a generation of players who carry themselves the way he does.”

Off the field, Hood has maintained Honor Roll status. That includes taking Advanced Placement courses and as a member of the Patapsco AVID program.

According to Mininsky, Hood’s teachers describe the student as a role model who takes genuine interest in the classroom. Although he has to deal with the tough medical condition of being legally blind, Mininsky said that has not slowed Hood down at all.

“He continues to challenge himself and push the boundaries of what many believe is possible,” Mininsky said.

“We find it inspiring to see someone who has found strength in working through his challenges rather than being defined by them.”

Parkville Middle’s Runk Named BCPS Teacher of the Year

When Robert Runk started coaching his children in soccer, many parents asked if he was a teacher because of how well he communicated with the young players.

He was not. But the enjoyment he experienced from working with youth motivated him to get involved with public education – first as a substitute teacher, then as a paraeducator, and now, as a special education teacher focused in science and social studies. During his 17 years serving the Parkville Middle School community, he has also served as a student mentor. Runk has eagerly taken on so many roles, and now he has a new one to celebrate.

Runk is the 2020 Baltimore County Public Schools Teacher of the Year. He is the first educator from Parkville Middle to earn this honor since the recognition program began in 1988. BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams surprised Runk with the news during a virtual staff meeting Monday.

“Mr. Runk has made a significant difference in the lives of so many students at Parkville Middle,” Dr. Williams said. “It is clear he is respected by his peers, and his teaching and mentorship serve as a treasure for the community.”

Runk, in his sixth year as a special educator, leads the mentorship program at Parkville Middle, which started as a lunch bunch for young male students who needed support. Now, it includes students in Grades 6, 7, and 8, both male and female.

“I often find it the most fulfilling part of being an educator,” Runk wrote in his BCPS Teacher of the Year application. “Having a strong person that builds relationships and cares can make all the difference in the world to these students.

Runk has served as an access point for the Maryland Food Bank at Parkville Middle. He also serves as a martial arts coach for Parkville Parks and Recreation. Runk earned his bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Phoenix and a master’s degree in education from Walden University.

He is a Sparrows Point High graduate and resides in Lutherville.

The BCPS Teacher of the Year is selected by a committee of administrators, teachers, students, and BCPS staff. Each BCPS school, program, and center can nominate one teacher for consideration. Runk will be the BCPS representative in the Maryland State Teacher of the Year program.

BCPS Mobile Meal Program Adds Three Sites in Dundalk/Middle River

Holabird East Apartments, Martin Boulevard Elementary School and Norwood Elementary School have been added to the list of distribution locations for the Baltimore County Public Schools’ Mobile Meal Program, effective Monday, May 4.

At all sites, students will receive a breakfast, lunch, and snack on Monday through Wednesday. On Thursday, students will receive two breakfasts, two lunches, and two snacks for Thursday and Friday. Meals are no longer distributed on Friday.

Meals will be distributed from the following 66 locations. While students are encouraged to be present when picking up meals, accommodations will be made for students who are unable to be present. Please note the specific distribution times for each location:

•Arbutus Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Baltimore Highlands Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Battle Grove Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Bear Creek Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Berkshire Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Carney Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Carriage Hill Apartments, 3456 Carriage Hill Cr., 21133, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Chadwick Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Chesapeake High School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Church Lane Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Cove Village Apartments, Essex, in front of rental office, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Deep Creek Middle School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Deer Park Middle School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Drumcastle Apartments, 6306 Holly Ln., 21212, in front of leasing office, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Dulaney High School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Dumbarton Middle School, from 12:10 – 1 p.m.

•Dundalk Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Dundalk High School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Dunfield Apartments, 55 Insley Way, 21236, in front of leasing office, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Elmwood Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Featherbed Lane Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Garrison Forest Apartments, at the corner of Beaver Head and Tahoe Circle, from 12:10 – 1 p.m.

•General John Stricker Middle School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Glyndon Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Grange Elementary School, from 12:10 – 1 p.m.

•Halstead Academy, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Hawthorne Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Hereford High School, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

•Holabird East Apartments, 1705 Holaview Rd., 21222, from 12:10 – 1 p.m. (new location as of Monday, May 4)

•Johnnycake Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Kings Point Shopping Center in front of Kiddie Koach, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Lansdowne High School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Logan Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Martin Boulevard Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m. (new location as of Monday, May 4)

•Middle River Middle School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Milbrook Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•New Town High School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Norwood Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m. (new location as of Monday, May 4)

•Oakleigh Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Owings Mills Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Padonia International Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Parkville High School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Patapsco High School, from 12:10 – 1 p.m.

•Pine Grove Elementary School, from 12:10 – 1 p.m.

•Pleasant Plains Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Riverview Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Rosedale Library, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Saddle Brooke Apartments, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Sandy Plains Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Scotts Branch Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Seneca Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Sollers Point Multipurpose Center, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Sparrows Point High School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, Eastern Ave., from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Stemmers Run Middle School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Sussex Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Wellwood International School, from 12:10 – 1 p.m.

•Westchester Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Westland Gardens Apartments, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Westowne Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Whispering Woods Complex, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Winfield Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Woodbridge Elementary, from 12:10 – 1 p.m.

•Woodlawn Middle School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Woodmoor Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Woodmoor Shopping Center, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

COVID-19 Testing Site Now Open at Dundalk Health Center

The Baltimore County Department of Health has opened a COVID-19 testing site at the Dundalk Health Center (7700 Dunmanway Baltimore, Maryland 21222) to help meet the need for expanded testing.

The new clinic offers 50 slots per day and is the County’s second walk-up clinic, as well as the first County-operated testing site in Eastern Baltimore County.

“Additional testing capacity is critical to keeping County residents safe as we continue responding to this pandemic, and is a necessary condition for opening back up,” County Executive Johnny Olszewski said.

“This new site gives us even more capacity to perform tests in communities across Baltimore County.”

“Alongside social distancing and contact tracing, test sites are a very important tool in our arsenal against this pandemic,” said County Health Officer Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch. “We want to ensure that all of our neighborhoods have access to available testing.”

This is the fourth testing site in Baltimore County. As with all other County testing locations, patients must first get authorization from a healthcare provider to be tested. Once authorization is obtained, the person to be tested must schedule an appointment using the state-designated Chesapeake Regional Information System (CRISP) and will be able to select one of the following test locations:

Walk-up
Dundalk Health Center
7700 Dunmanway, Dundalk, Maryland 21222
Mondays by appointment only

Liberty Family Resource Center
3525 Resource Drive, Randallstown, Maryland 21133
Mondays by appointment only

Drive-through
Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium
2200 York Road, Timonium, Maryland 21093
Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment only

Maryland Vehicle Emissions Program (VEIP)
11510 Cronridge Drive, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117
Wednesdays and Fridays by appointment only

People arriving at any of the test sites without an order from a healthcare provider and a pre-scheduled appointment will not be tested.

Tested individuals will receive post-test instructions at the clinic and most test results will be available within two days.

Persons coming for testing are asked to adhere to recommendations and safety guidelines, including wearing face coverings, observing social distancing and following post-test instructions received at the sites.

More Information
For questions and additional information, call the Baltimore County COVID-19 hotline seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 410-887-3816.

Eastern Tech Students Nominated for Unsung Hero Award

Eastern Tech
Cheerleader Paris Morton and Wrestler Matt Haines are the two nominees for Eastern Tech High School in Essex.

Paris Morton

Morton was nominated for the award by her Cheer Coach Stacey Regino.

According to Regino, Morton was nominated for her leadership, academic success, mentoring of peers, ability to create choreography and stunts for her performances. In addition, Region credited Mortin for her interaction that included humility, kindness and empathy.

Morton was also nominated for her activism in the community.

Matt Haines

Haines was nominated by his wrestling coach Kevin Cross.

Haines was nominated for his leadership, work ethic, determination and ability to consistently improve and make others better. Cross also nominated Haines for his mentorship of other wrestlers in the program.

In addition to his wrestling career at Eastern Tech, Haines also played tennis and badminton at the school.

Family Founds Dog After Saturday White Marsh Fatal Crash

A dog that fled the vehicle involved in a fatal crash in White Marsh on Saturday afternoon has been located.

Around 1:37 p.m. a Dodge Ram traveling northbound on Campbell Boulevard near Town Center Court collided with the driver side of a Suzuki Grand Vitara stopped in the southbound left turn lane, causing minor damage to the Suzuki. The Dodge crossed back over both northbound lanes and left the roadway, striking a tree head-on and catching fire.

Baltimore County Police, Fire, and EMS personnel responded to the scene. The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver’s dog, seen fleeing from the Dodge following the crash, could not be located during a search of the area by police yesterday. Family members took painstaking efforts to search the area again today and were able to locate the dog.

The Baltimore County Police Crash Investigation Team is continuing their work to positively identify the decedent.