Faith and Blue Events in Eastern Baltimore County


The Baltimore County Police Department will participate in several events and activities as part of the fourth annual National Faith and Blue Weekend scheduled for October 6-9. Nationwide, Faith and Blue Weekend has been embraced by law enforcement and religious community members as each planned event provides an opportunity to celebrate each of our communities in Baltimore County. The events involve people of all ages, religions, and congregations.

The following is a list of events that are scheduled throughout eastern Baltimore County. Keep checking this list for updates. These events are also posted on the Faith and Blue website under the Events tab.

Precinct 8 Parkville

Hosted by: Perry Hall Christian School

Date: Friday, October 6

Time: 11:30-1 p.m.

Location: 3919 Schroeder Avenue, 21128

Activity: Officers will have lunch with the students

Hosted by: St John’s Lutheran Church

Date: Friday, October 6

Time: 6-6:30 p.m.

Location: 8808 Harford Road, 21234

Activity: Pet Blessing

Hosted by: Perry Hall Baptist Church

Date: Sunday, October 8

Time: 10:30-12 p.m.

Location: 3919 Schroeder Avenue, 21128

Activity: Sunday Service

Hosted by: St. Joseph Church Fullerton

Date: Sunday, October 8

Time: 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Location: 8420 Belair Road, 21236

Activity: Mass with Law Enforcement

Date: Tuesday, October 10

Time: 9-12 p.m.

Location: 8416 Belair Road, 21236

Activity: Officer with meet with students

PRECINCT 9 White Marsh

Hosted by: Pilgrim Presbyterian Bible Church

Date: Friday, October 7

Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Location: 8220 Perry Hall Blvd, 21236

Activity: Small group of church members will come to the precinct to enjoy fellowship and lunch.

Hosted by: Perry Hall Family Worship Center

Date: Sunday, October 9

10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Location: 5125 E. Joppa Road., 21128

Activity: Sunday Service, officers will be on stage for a Q&A for Officers and a Meet & Greet after.

Hosted by: Life Source International Church

Date: Sunday, October 8

Time: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Location: 7000 Rossville Blvd 21237

Activity: Outdoor cookout with officers and parishioners. Arrive by 1030 to attend the service.

 

PRECINCT 11 ESSEX

Hosted by: Shining Star Baptist

Date: Thursday, October 5

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Location: 99 Stemmers Run Rd., 21221

Activity: Food Donation Event

Hosted by: Boulevard Christian Church

Date: Friday, October 6

Time: 11:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Location: 920 Essex Ave., 21221

Activity: Churches for Streets of Hope and Boulevard Christian Church will be having a Clothing Drive Kick off.

Hosted by: Church of the Harbor

Date: Saturday, October 7

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Location: 911 Mace Ave., 21221

Activity: Church of the Harbor hosting breakfast for officers

Hosted by: Christian Fellowship Church

Date: Monday, October 10

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Location: 12909 Eastern Ave., 21220

Hosted by: Christian Fellowship Church

Activity: Coffee, donuts and dialogue with a cop

 

PRECINCT 12 DUNDALK

Date: Saturday, October 7

Hosted by: Our Lady of Fatima

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Location: 428 Westham Way, 21224

Activity: Coffee with Officers following a Prayer service

Hosted by: Our Lady of Hope/St Lukes

Date: Monday, October 9

Time: 07:50 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Location: 1727 Lynch Rd., 21222

Activity: Greet students as they enter school and then a recess with students and law enforcement

National Night Out to be Held Throughout County


The Baltimore County Police Department will participate in the 40th year of National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 1. This annual community-building event promotes police-community partnerships and allows neighbors and law enforcement members to come together.

Some of the scheduled events include block parties, carnival games, school supply drives, educational seminars, and more! At the heart of each event is the spirit of togetherness and a goal to ensure every community in Baltimore County remains safe and happy for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

On Tuesday, August 1, turn your porch light on to show your commitment to your community and public safety.

The following is a list of some of the events scheduled in each precinct. More events may be added, and some may change closer to the date, so bookmark this page and check back to plan your participation.

PRECINCT 1 WILKENS

Name of Group: Oella Community Association
Activity: Community gathering
Location: Westchester Community Center (2414 Westchester Avenue)
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Medwick Garth Community Association
Activity: Community gathering
Location: South Medwick Garth/Overbrook Road
Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Kensington Community Association
Activity: Community gathering
Location: College Rd/Dorchester Rd
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Academy Heights Community Association/Paradise Community Association
Activity: Community gathering
Location: Christian Temple Church (5820 Edmondson Ave 21228)
Time: 5:00-7:30 p.m.
Name of Group: Halethorpe Civic League
Activity: Community gathering
Location: Halethorpe Civic Center (1900 Northeast Ave 21227)
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Lansdowne Improvement Association
Activity: Community Gathering
Location: Hillcrest Park (3800 Hollins Ferry Rd 21227)
Times: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Name of Group: Concerned Citizens of Catonsville
Activity: Neighborhood Walk and Gathering
Location: Banneker Community Center (27 Main Ave., 21228)
Times: (Walk) 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. (Gathering) 6:30 – 7:45 p.m.

PRECINCT 2 WOODLAWN

Name of Group: Graystone
Activity: “Unity event”, meet newly elected board
Location: 1905 Gwynn Oak Avenue, 21207
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Woodmoor
Activity: community get together
Location: PAL Center (7111 Croydon Rd. 21207)
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Stevenswood Improvement Association
Activity: Neighborhood Watch
Location: Community (Carlson Lane, Kenjac Rd, Edcrest Rd, Steveswood Rd)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Name of Group: Hilltop Community Association
Activity: National Night Out
Location: Brookmont Drive between Lukewood Dr. /Lawnwood Circle
Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Fairbrook
Activity: Community gathering
Location: Entrance of Winding Brook & Fairbrook Rd.
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Powhatan, Gwynn Oak, Gwynndale, Robin Hill
Activity: Community Cookout
Location: Powhatan Elementary School lot
Time: 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Twelve Trees
Activity: Community pool and block party
Location: 26 Papago Ct. at the pool
Time: 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Name of Group: Franklintown
Activity: Food, drinks, music, prize wheel
Location: Windsor Mill Rd. and N. Forest Park, 21207
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Edmondson Heights
Activity: Games and snacks at the park
Location: Edmondson Heights Park (Granville and Harwall roads)
Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Orchard Glen
Activity: Community gathering with games and raffle
Location: Milford Garden Dr. and Milford Garden Ct. 21244
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.

PRECINCT 3 FRANKLIN

Name of Group: New Towne Community Association
Activity: Officer’s meet with community. Topics covered are home security, personal security, security surveys, domestic Violence, Child Seat Installation, Fire Department, DJ children’s activities. McGruff will be attending. Bicycle registration.
Location: Central Park (corner of New Town Blvd and Fitch Hill Road)
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Chartley HOA, Country Club Estates Community Association
Activity: Officer’s meet with community. Topics covered are home security, personal security, security surveys, domestic Violence, Mobile Command Post, Child Seat Installation, Fire Department, BG&E demonstration, DJ. McGruff will be attending. Bicycle registration/safety inspection.
Location: Chartley Shopping Center (100 Chartley Drive 21136)
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

PRECINCT 4 PIKESVILLE

Name of Group: Queen Anne Village Homeowners Association
Activity: BBQ Cookout
Location: Countess Drive and Wimbledon Lane @ the pool
Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Creekside @ Quarry Lake HOA
Activity: Ice Cream Social / Community Gathering
Location: dead end of Granite Ridge Court
Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Name of Group: Colonial Village HOA
Activity: Community Meet and Greet
Location: Mayflower Court
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Pahls Crossing HOA
Activity: Community Gathering
Location: Pahls Farm Way and Red Jonathan Court
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Name of Group: Parke at Mt. Washington
Activity: Community Gathering
Location: Blackberry Road and Evanston Road
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Williamsburg Community Association
Activity: Car Caravan (Twice around the neighborhood)
Location: Starting at Bedford Elementary School (7407 Dorman Dr. 21218)
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Name of Group: Villa Nova Homeowners Association
Activity: Community gathering
Location: Prince George Road and Buckingham Road
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Residences @ Pomona Park
Activity: Community gathering
Location: 1 Pomona North 21208 – Clubhouse/Community pool
Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Valleybrook Homeowners Association
Activity: Community Picnic w/ Live Music
Location: Ending at Winand Elementary School – 8301 Scotts Level Road, 21208
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Name of Group: Pikesville Township Association
Activity: Community Gathering – food trucks, live music and activities
Location: Yeshivas Toras Simcha School – 110 Sudbrook Lane, 21208
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.

PRECINCT 6 TOWSON

Name of Group: Campus Hills
Officer Assigned: Community Outreach Team
Location: Seaword Road (Between Sawyer Court/Shelley Road)
Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Glendale/Glenmont
Activity: Block Party
Location: Loch Raven United Methodist Church (6622 Loch Raven Blvd)
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.

PRECINCT 7 COCKEYSVILLE

Name of Group: Briarcliff Apartments
Activity: Community meet and greet, Safety handouts, bicycle course
Location: 599 Cranbrook Rd (Tennis Courts)
Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.

PRECINCT 8 PARKVILLE

Name of Group: Harford Park Community Association
Activity: Block Party/cookout, Fire Department
Location: Harford Park Community Association building (2522 Linwood Avenue)
Time: 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Name of Group: Perring Park Citizens On Patrol
Activity: Block party with Kona Ice Truck
Location: 8902 Harford Rd (behind Harford Hills Elementary School)
Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Overlea Community Association
Activity: Community Potluck dinner
Location: Natural History Society of MD (6908 Belair Rd)
Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m.

PRECINCT 9 WHITE MARSH

Name of Group: Elmwood Belmar Community Association
Activity: Food, ice cream, games.
Location: Elmwood Elementary School (531 Dale Avenue)
Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Cowenton
Activity: Cookout/picnic, White Marsh Vol. Fire Dept., Child ID, face painting, Delegates Szeliga, Senator Jennings attending, MSP, Transit & Amtrack police
Location: White Marsh Vol. Fire Dept. (10331 Philadelphia Road 21162)
Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Linover Improvement Association
Activity: Cook Out and Block Party
Location: 4304 Fullerton Ave. (Pavilion)
Time: 6:00-8:0 p.m.
Name of Group: Brandywine Townhomes
Activity: School supplies, honorary awards, face paintings, snacks& games
Location: McKay Circle, Rosedale MD. Near the community benches
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Name of Group: Garden Village
Activity: Games, face painting, talent shows
Location: 6011 St. Regis Rd.
Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Hazelwood Park East
Activity: Community Cookout
Location: Freedom Church – 5310 Hazelwood Ave 21206
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Holland Hills
Activity: Community Cookout
Location: Dead end of Radecke Ave – Park
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.

PRECINCT 11 ESSEX

Name of Group: Sussex Community Association
Activity: Community block party, Kids Activities
Location: 300 Block Margaret Ave. Essex, MD 21221
Time: 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Hawthorne Community Association
Activity: Block Party, Music, Vendors, Face Painting, Kona Ice
Location: Hawthorne Plaza Shopping Center (2109 Eastern Blvd. 21221)
Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Precinct 11 PCRC/Aero Acres Civic
Activity: Community food truck, Kids Activities
Location: Salvation Army Field (1400 Fuselage Ave, 21220)
Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Bird River Road Neighborhood Association
Activity: Community Gathering, Food Truck
Location: Our Lady Queen of Peace Church (10003 Bird River Rd. 21220)
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Name of Group: Hendersen Webb
Activity: Community Activities, Nature Displays, Kids activities
Location: Hartland Rd. 21221
Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.

PRECINCT 12 DUNDALK

Name of Group: Turners Station Conservation
Activity: Community gathering, cookout
Location: Sollers Point Community Center (323 Sollers Point Road)
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Old Dundalk / Dunlogan
Activity: Snacks/games/books
Location: Heritage Park (2717 Playfield St)
Time: 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Name of Group: Boston Courts
Activity: Food/snacks
Location: Villager Circle/ Redrose Way
Time: 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Old Inverness
Activity: Food/snacks
Location: Wise Ave Volunteer Firehouse
Time: 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Name of Group: EHS Community Affairs and Dundalk Farms
Activity: Food/snacks/music
Location: 2023 Merritt Ave
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Name of Group: St. Helena
Activity: Hamburgers, hot dogs, and pony rides
Location: 6509 Colgate Ave. (St. Helena Community Center)
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Name of Group: Watersedge
Activity: Community celebration
Location: Watersedge Park
Time: 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Olszewski Announces Key Appointments to County


Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced the following major personnel appointments:

· Horacio Tablada, former secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), has been named Director of the Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability (EPS), effective July 31. Mr. Tablada will succeed current Director David Lykens who will be retiring from Baltimore County government.

· Marcus L. Wang, Esq. has been named Director of the Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development (DEWD), effective July 31.

Mr. Tablada will be the first Hispanic-American leader of a Baltimore County department.

Mr. Wang will be the first Asian-American leader of a Baltimore County department.

“Mr. Tablada’s experience in environmental leadership along with his demonstrated commitment to public health and ecological stewardship make him the right person to lead the department at this critical time,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski.

“I look forward to our work together as we continue to tackle the effects of climate change and further strengthen environmental resiliency, keeping Baltimore County healthy and thriving for our future generations.”

Horacio Tablada most recently served as MDE Secretary under Governor Hogan and brings over three decades of experience as an environmental leader in Maryland, including spearheading the environmental redevelopment efforts at the former steel mill site in Sparrows Point.

A Nicaraguan native, Tablada has served in numerous environmental regulatory management positions in Maryland, including serving as director of the Department of the Environment’s Land Management Administration, overseeing brownfield redevelopment of former industrial sites, recycling and waste diversion, lead paint poisoning prevention, and more.

Mr. Tablada holds a bachelor’s degree in biological agricultural engineering from North Carolina State University, a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Maryland, and earned a Master of Divinity from Capital Seminary and Graduate School.

“I want to thank County Executive Olszewski for his confidence in me to lead the Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability,” said Tablada.

“I look forward to serving the people of Baltimore County and working with this talented team to promote science-based policies and implementing sustainable solutions.”

Mr. Lykens will be retiring from Baltimore County after over 35 years of service. He first joined Baltimore County government in 1987 — the year the Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability was established — and worked his way through the ranks, starting as a pollution control analyst and culminating in his appointment as director in December 2018.

Under his leadership, the department has made considerable progress in promoting environmental sustainability, including launching Operation ReTree, an innovative equity-based tree planting initiative to expand tree canopies in older high-density, lower-income neighborhoods and joint efforts with the state of Maryland to address a decades-long problem to reduce the nuisance midge population along Back River.

“Dave has been an invaluable member of our team to help build a better Baltimore County,” Olszewski said.

“On behalf of the people of Baltimore County, I extend my gratitude for his decades of dedicated service and I wish him and his entire family the best in his well-deserved retirement from County service.”

“It has been an honor to serve the residents of Baltimore County for more than 30 years and I am incredibly proud of all our efforts to promote cleaner, more sustainable communities,” said Director Lykens.

“I thank County Executive Olszewski for this opportunity and have the fullest confidence that our hardworking team will continue to effectively serve our residents for years to come.”

Marcus Wang joins Baltimore County Government after most recently serving as CEO and Co-Founder of the Baltimore County-based ZytoGen Global Genetics Institute. He brings extensive international business and legal experience in building startups to profitability and in expanding public companies globally.

He has powered companies to success in diverse sectors ranging from biotech and genomics to retail and e-commerce, in both the U.S., where he practiced corporate law for DLA Piper in Manhattan, as well as China, where he spearheaded the development, execution, and launch of Under Armour’s China market entry.

Mr. Wang has also served as the Chair of the Baltimore County Economic Development Advisory Board since 2020, where he has advised the Olszewski administration on strategies for attraction and retention of businesses, best practices for public-private partnerships, and long-term economic development strategies. He also serves as a Commissioner on the Maryland Health Care Commission.

A Baltimore native, Mr. Wang earned an A.B. cum laude from Harvard University and a J.D. from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.

Dr. Jennifer Lynch, who has served as Acting Director of the Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development, will return to her position as Baltimore County’s Senior Policy Advisor for Education and Workforce.

“Mr. Wang’s knowledge of the breadth of economic opportunities and assets that Baltimore County has to offer, coupled with our shared priority of attracting new businesses, developing strategic partnerships, and creating and retaining high-quality jobs for our residents, make him a natural fit for this position,” said Olszewski.

“I am confident that with his leadership and advocacy, we will continue building a better Baltimore County for our most important asset: our people.”

“I am honored to be called to public service and to join this great team,” said Marcus Wang. “I want to thank the County Executive for his leadership and his trust, and I pledge to always be a strong advocate for the residents, workers, and businesses of our great County.”

The nominations of Mr. Tablada and Mr. Wang will be subject to confirmation by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the County Council.

County Releases Dashboard for Food Facility Inspections


Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced the county has released a new data dashboard displaying information regarding recent Baltimore County Department of Health food facility inspections.

This new dashboard expands the Olszewski administration’s unprecedented efforts to provide more information to the public and increase government transparency.
“Every resident deserves the ability to access critical information about their communities and this is new tool is yet another way we are making information available,” Olszewski said. “Thanks to our BCSTAT data team, as well as the Baltimore County Department of Health, for creating this new tool that expands our administration’s work to provide more accessible and open government.”
 “Our Environmental Health Services unit provides licensing, oversight and monitoring to more that 3,500 food service facilities across Baltimore County,” said Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, Baltimore County Health Officer and Director of Health and Human Services. “Working in conjunction with these facilities helps to ensure the safety and well-being of their customers and their employees.”
The Food Establishment Closure Dashboard displays establishments that have experienced closure due to a critical violation discovered during an inspection that could not be corrected immediately.
Public data such as the establishment name, date of closure(s), reason for closure(s), and reopen date(s) will be available by selecting an establishment from the map or list.
Restaurants that have experienced recent closures are differentiated by color.
The list of critical violations that would result in closure includes:
• Food items obtained from an unapproved source or using an unapproved process
• Spoilage and/or contamination of food
• Pest infestation
• Employee(s) working while ill
• Not properly washing hands
• Not cooling products properly or not approved to cool products
• Cold foods held at improper temperatures and/or insufficient refrigeration
• Hot foods held at improper temperatures and/or insufficient hot holding equipment
• Food(s) not cooked to proper temperature(s)
• Food(s) not reheated to proper temperature(s) or not approved to reheat products
• Unapproved water supply or positive bacteriological result
• Insufficient hot and cold running water
• Sewage backup or overflow
Data will be displayed for one year on a rolling basis. Restaurants with no health-related closure events during this time will not be shown.
The Food Establishment Closure dashboard is expected to be updated daily.
This latest dashboard joins Baltimore County’s growing set of resources that provide unprecedented transparency for residents and reflect Olszewski’s commitment to a more open and accountable government. Prior efforts include:
• Launching BCSTAT, Baltimore County’s first data-driven performance management program that aims to improve performance, ensure data quality, enhance transparency and increase accountability across government.
• Releasing the Baltimore County Open Budget platform to empower residents to explore the County’s budget in an online, easily understood format.
• Expanding Open Budget to include the Open Checkbook tool, which allows users to view County expenditures down to the individual check level.
• Creating a dashboard displaying detailed information about fatal and nonfatal opioid overdose incidents occurring in Baltimore County.
• Providing a number of downloadable raw data sets related to numerous government functions and services.
The Food Establishment Closure Dashboard is available.

“Meet the Superintendent” Events Scheduled


“Meet the Superintendent” events will be held throughout Baltimore County as new BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Yarbrough will share information about key priorities for the upcoming school year, hear from members of the Team BCPS community and answer questions.

Dr. Yarbrough will begin her tenure as BCPS superintendent on July 1, 2023.

The dates and locations of the meetings are as follows:

Thursday, June 15, 6-7 p.m.

*Spanish interpretation will be provided

New Town High School—Media Center 4931 New Town Blvd.
Owings Mills, MD 21117
Wednesday, June 21, 6-7 p.m.

*Spanish interpretation will be provided

George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology—Cafeteria 938 York Road
Towson, MD 21204
Thursday, June 22, 6-7 p.m.
*Spanish interpretation will be provided
Dundalk/Sollers Point Technical High School—Sollers Café 1901 Devale Ave.

Dundalk, MD 21222

Wednesday, July 5, 6-7 p.m.
*Spanish interpretation will be provided
Catonsville High School—Cafeteria 421 Bloomsbury Ave.

Catonsville, MD 21228

Thursday, July 6, 6-7 p.m. Perry Hall High School—Cafeteria 4601 Ebenezer Rd.

Baltimore, MD 21236

Monday, July 10, 6-7 p.m.

 

*Spanish interpretation will be provided

Kenwood High School—Cafeteria 501 Stemmers Run Rd.

Essex, MD 21221

Thursday, July 13, 6-7 p.m.

 

*Spanish interpretation will be provided

Loch Raven High School—Cafeteria 1212 Cowpens Ave.

Towson, MD 21286

Tuesday, July 18. 6-7 p.m.

*Spanish interpretation will be provided

Randallstown High School—Cafeteria 4000 Offutt Rd.

Randallstown, MD 21133

County to Establish “New Americans” Task Force


In acknowledgement of the growing number of residents who are immigrants and their substantial contributions to Baltimore County, County Executive Johnny Olszewski this week issued an executive order establishing a New Americans Task Force.

The new Task Force will guide County government as it seeks to build and maintain positive relationships with members of the immigrant community, and share research on policies, practices, and services that impact immigrant health, well-being, economic success and safety.

“Baltimore County’s greatest strength is its diversity, and we believe that all people – including those who are new to the country – should feel welcomed, included and valued,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “This task force’s work will highlight our commitment to supporting the immigrant community and strengthen and coordinate efforts countywide to better assure the successful integration of our New American neighbors.”

The Task Force is charged with developing an integration and inclusion strategic plan that builds upon the strengths of immigrants, their families, and their institutions, and expedites their journey towards integration and inclusion. The plan will further efforts to make Baltimore County a place of welcome, economic opportunity, community well-being, and inclusion.

The diverse group, chaired by Helany Sinkler, Diversity Acquisition Program Manager at T. Rowe Price, includes stakeholders from nonprofit organizations, private partners, foundations, financial institutions and County agencies serving New Americans. Members include:

  • Maricruz Abarca, Latino Providers Network
  • Richard Amador, Healthcare Access Maryland
  • Laura Brown, Asylee Women Enterprise
  • Alejandra Balcazar, Towson University
  • Susana Barrios, Latino Racial Justice Circle
  • Matthew Bernardy, Community College of Baltimore County
  • Ramona Carter-Brown, Baltimore County Human Relations
  • Zainab Chaundry, Council on American-Islamic Relations
  • Truphena M. Choti, AfriThrive
  • Mary Clay, Baltimore County Department of Housing and Community Development
  • Alejandra Flores Miller, Centro Sol, JHU School of Medicine
  • Nidia Gentry, Baltimore County Department of Health
  • Tasha Gresham James, Dundalk Renaissance
  • Monica Guerrero Vazquez, Centro Sol
  • Jennifer Hernandez, Baltimore County Public Schools
  • Annette Karanja, Haki Zetu
  • Cindy Kolade, CASA
  • Rachele J. Lawton, Community College of Baltimore County
  • Della Leister, Baltimore County Department of Health
  • Bishop Bruce Lewandowski, Archdiocese of Baltimore
  • Major Orlando Lilly, Baltimore County Police Department
  • John Mason, Baltimore County Department of Economic Development
  • Cassandra Miller, Baltimore County Public Library
  • Abdun Nafey Matin, ICNA Relief
  • Bella Owens, TurnAround, Inc.
  • Laure Pepper Covert, World Relief
  • Edwin Perez, Baltimore County Public Schools
  • Mitch Posner, Community Assistance Network
  • Javier Riva, Latino Economic Development Center
  • Valerie Rivera, Esperanza Center
  • Catalina Rodriguez-Lima, Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs
  • Nan Ross, International Rescue Committee
  • Alfredo Santiago, Peace and Strength Counseling
  • Cate H. Scenna, Esq., Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland
  • Pat Shannon Jones, Immigration Outreach Service Center
  • Helany Sinkler, T. Rowe Price (Chair)
  • Tim Suryodaya Timsina, BANA
  • Betty Symington, ERICA

During its tenure, the ask Force will organize focus groups in each councilmanic district; facilitate a community survey in the County’s five most commonly spoken languages; identify and analyze barriers facing immigrants and their efforts and make recommendations to address those barriers.

“New Americans are here to have a better life and while they are extremely resilient, they have barriers to accessing services many of us take for granted,” said Baltimore County Immigration Affairs Outreach Coordinator Giuliana Valencia-Banks. “The New Americans Task Force’s work will support the efforts of this administration to make Baltimore County a place of welcome, economic opportunity, and inclusion. We are taking a comprehensive, community-driven approach to New American inclusion.”

The first meeting of the Baltimore County New Americans Task Force will be held via WebEx on Monday, June 12 at 6 p.m. A schedule for future meetings will be available at the work group’s webpage.

The Baltimore County New Americans Task Force will submit a report to the County Executive and the County Council by March 31, 2024.

For questions or more information about the Baltimore County New Americans Task Force, please visit the work group’s webpage.

BCPS to Offer Summer Meals Starting June 20


Baltimore County Public Schools will offer free breakfast and lunch meals through the Summer Food Service Program from Tuesday, June 20, through Friday, August 18.

Meals will be served Monday through Friday, but meal sites will be closed on Tuesday, July 4. All meals
must be consumed on site.
During the Summer Food Service Program, breakfast and lunch meals will be provided at the following
sites and times:

BCPS schools (serving breakfast and lunch)
• Colgate Elementary School, 7735 Gough St. 21224 – 9-9:30 a.m. & 1-1:30 p.m.
• Dundalk High School, 1901 Delvale Ave. 21222 – 7:15-7:45 a.m. & 11:15-11:45 a.m.
• Elmwood Elementary School, 531 Dale Ave. 21206 – 9-9:30 a.m. & 1-1:30 p.m.
• Glyndon Elementary School, 445 Glyndon Dr. 21136 – 8-8:30 a.m. & 12-12:30 p.m.
• Hawthorne Elementary School, 125 Kingston Rd. 21220 – 8-8:30 a.m. & 12-12:30 p.m.
• Hebbville Elementary School, 3335 Washington Ave. 21244 – 8-8:30 a.m. & 1-1:30 p.m.
• Lansdowne Middle School, 2400 Lansdowne Rd. 21227 – 7:15-7:45 a.m. & 11:15-11:45 a.m.
• Middle River Middle School, 800 Middle River Rd. 21220 – 7:15-7:45 a.m. &11:15-11:45 a.m.
• Milbrook Elementary School, 4300 Crest Heights Rd. 21215 – 9-9:30 a.m. & 1-1:30 p.m.
• New Town High School, 4931 New Town Blvd. 21117 – 7:15-7:45 a.m. & 11:15-11:45 a.m.
• Padonia Elementary School, 9834 Greenside Dr. 21030 – 8-8:30 a.m. & 12-12:30 p.m.
• Parkville Middle School, 8711 Avondale Rd. 21234 – 7:15-7:45 a.m. & 11:15-11:45 a.m.
• Pleasant Plains Elem. School, 8300 Pleasant Plains Rd. 21286 – 8-8:30 a.m. & 12-12:30 p.m.
Baltimore County Public Library branches (serving lunch only)
• Arbutus Library, 855 Sulphur Spring Rd. 21227 – 12-1 p.m.
• Essex Library, 1100 Eastern Blvd. 21221 – 12:30-1:30 p.m.
• Lansdowne Library, 500 Third Ave. 21227 – 12:30-1:30 p.m.
• Loch Raven Library, 1046 Taylor Ave. 21286 – 12:30-1:30 p.m.
• North Point Library, 1716 Merrit Blvd. 21222 – 12:30-1:30 p.m.
• Parkville-Carney Library, 9509 Harford Rd. 21234 – 12-1 p.m.
• Randallstown Library, 8604 Liberty Rd. 21133 – 12-1 p.m.
• Reisterstown Library, 21 Cockeys Mill Rd. 21186 – 12-1 p.m.
• Rosedale Library, 6105 Kenwood Ave. 21237 – 12-1 p.m.
• White Marsh Library, 8133 Sandpiper Cir. 21236 – 12-1 p.m.
• Woodlawn Library, 1811 Woodlawn Dr. 21207 – 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Police Tell Residents to Stay Vigilant for Summer


Detectives with the Baltimore County Police Department remind residents to remain vigilant as the weather warms. This is the time of year when criminals impersonating legitimate contractors, handypersons, or utility workers appear in local neighborhoods looking for unsuspecting homeowners to deceive, scam or burglarize. These transient imposters/deception burglars often work in tandem to gain access to your home. While one person pulls you away to discuss the paving of your driveway, the other culprit is looking to gain entry into the house. Please report any suspicious individuals or activity by immediately calling 911. If possible, take note of license tag numbers, vehicle descriptions, or suspect descriptions without putting yourself at risk. If obtained, be sure to provide the information to the responding officers.

TELL-TALE SIGNS YOU SHOULD ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND:
The scammers appear unannounced. They may drop the name of a neighbor to disarm you.
They are always offering a deal! Remember, if what they offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

STEPS TO PREVENT & PROTECT:
Contact the Better Business Bureau to verify the contractor’s background.
Ask a neighbor or friend to recommend a reliable contractor.
NEVER pay upfront for work; ALWAYS pay after the job.
Do not let someone in your home you are not expecting – regardless of what they tell you.
Take a minute to study what the person looks like (height, facial hair, weight, tattoo, etc.)
If you feel unsafe, call 911 immediately.

EXAMPLES OF HOW THIS CRIME IS EXECUTED:
The suspect knocks on your door or approaches you while you are outside working in your yard, washing your automobile, etc. They claim to need your help or offer to do the construction or maintenance-type work outside your home. This offer requires you to accompany the suspect to look at your roof, fence, check property lines, etc. While the first suspect diverts your attention outside, a second suspect enters your home and steals money, jewelry, and other valuables before you return. It may be days before you realize you have been victimized.

Another scenario involves the suspect(s) inquiring about the purchase of an item that you have displayed outside for sale (e.g., car, boat, camper trailer, etc.). The first suspect will distract the homeowner, while a second suspect enters the home and steals your valuables. The suspect sometimes agrees to purchase the item to get you more interested (or, in this scenario, more distracted) and decides to return with the money. For obvious reasons, they never return.

A similar scenario can also take place inside your home. The suspect will come to your door claiming to be a representative of a utility, cable, telephone company, etc. They will ask you to let them in to test the service. While you are assisting the first suspect, who you believe to be a legitimate representative, the second suspect enters the home and steals your valuables.

Juveniles Arrested for Destruction to Cars


On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at approximately 12:25 a.m., Baltimore County Police officers responded to the 6600 block of Loch Hill Road in reference to a destruction of property call.

When officers arrived on the scene, they identified several nearby vehicles that had been broken into. Shortly thereafter, officers located a dark sedan with its engine running at Raven Hill and Loch Hill Roads.

As officers were working to determine whether the vehicle was stolen, two juveniles jumped into the sedan and drove off. Although officers attempted to stop the suspect vehicle several times, the driver refused, placing the lives of officers in danger.

At one point, the suspect vehicle dragged an officer who was attempting to stop the juveniles. The suspect vehicle also struck two marked police cars while attempting to flee.

Officers apprehended the 15 and 14-year-old juvenile suspects at the intersection of Northwood Drive and Pentwood Road. Officers later identified at least five vehicles that were broken into in connection to these suspects.

Applications Being Accepted For BCPS School Board Seat


The Baltimore County School Board Nominating Commission will begin accepting applications for the Board’s one at-large seat for the term beginning 2023 through December 4, 2028.

The composition and selection of the Board of Education of Baltimore County includes both appointed and elected members. Seven members of the school board are elected, while four members of the Board are appointed by the governor. The Baltimore County School Board Nominating Commission has the task of selecting nominees to recommend to the governor for the at-large positions.

“Interested Baltimore County residents are urged to submit applications,” said Commission Chair Cindy Sexton. The candidate interview dates will be determined.

The application is posted on the Baltimore County Public Schools’ website, beginning May 4, 2023, and will be accepted through Thursday, May 18, 2023, until 4 p.m.

Applications, resumes, and two letters of recommendation may be mailed or hand-delivered to the Baltimore County School Board Nominating Commission, c/o Tracy Gover, 6901 North Charles Street, Building A, Towson, MD 21204.