Baltimore County School Board Nominating Commission named for 2021-2025 Term


he Baltimore County School Board Nominating Commission has been named for the 2021-2025 term.

The 19 commission members serve four-year terms and are chosen to “reflect the rich cultural, geographic, ethnic, and racial diversity of Baltimore County.” In accordance with the Maryland Educational Code, eight members — one from each legislative district — are appointed by the governor, in consultation with the county executive of Baltimore County. The Commission’s remaining members are appointed.

One is appointed by the county executive from the “county at large,” and the following organizations appoint one member each: Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce; PTA Council of Baltimore County, Inc.; Baltimore County Public Schools’ Special Education Citizens’ Advisory Committee; Baltimore County Student Councils; Council of Administrative and Supervisory Employees; Education Support Professionals of Baltimore County; League of Women Voters of Baltimore County; Advancement of Colored People, Baltimore County; Teachers Association of Baltimore County (TABCO); and Towson University.

The newly named Commission members are:
• Aisha Austin, Baltimore County Member-At-Large
• William Burke, Council of Administrative and Supervisory Employees
• Jeannette Young, Education Support Professionals of Baltimore County
• Michael Darenberg, Governor’s Appointment – District 6
• Deborah Hopp, Governor’s Appointment – District 7
• Judy Wagner, Governor’s Appointment – District 8
• Kelly Krupinski, Governor’s Appointment – District 11
• Katherine Bloom, Governor’s Appointment – District 12
• Stephen McIntire, Governor’s Appointment – District 42B
• Dr. Eugene Clark, Governor’s Appointment – District 44
• Julie Sugar, League of Women Voters
• Marietta English, NAACP
• Leslie Weber, PTA Council
• Samantha Warfel, Baltimore County Student Council
• Cindy Sexton, TABCO
• Dr. Antonio Campbell, Towson University

The three vacancies on the commission will be filled by appointees from the Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce, the BCPS Special Education Advisory Council, and the governor (representing district 10). Cindy Sexton, TABCO president, has been appointed commission chair.

The Commission’s first meeting will be scheduled in the coming weeks.

Gunpowder Elementary Dedicates Playground to Amy Caprio


–photo courtesy of Councilman David Marks-

Fallen Officer Amy Caprio was honored with on a playground at Gunpowder Elementary School on Saturday, Oct. 23 in Perry Hall.

The event was attended by Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski, state Senate Kathy Klausmeier, Delegates Harry Bhandari Joe Boteler and Carl Jackson and Councilman David Marks.

“Today, our Perry Hall community celebrated the opening of the new Unity Playground at Gunpowder Elementary School, dedicated to Officer Amy Caprio

“In my remarks, I spoke of the twin values of courage and community – the bravery of Officer Caprio when she was murdered on May 21, 2018, and the generosity of spirit shown by our community in the time afterward. We came together to support one another,” Marks said.

“In all my years as a Councilman, this was one of finest projects and among the best dedication ceremonies I have attended. There are so many to thank, but it begins with Kirsten Roller, Matt Clifford and their families from Linwen Way who sparked this project. Children will play, laugh, and learn here for years to come.

“The rain held off, like someone was watching over us.”

Baltimore Ravens Take Over Perry Hall

Parkville Beats Perry Hall 13-7 at Ravens Showdown


-photo by Mary Boehl (East Balt Co reader)-

The Perry Hall-Parkville football game usually has a special atmosphere with a rivalry game but this year’s game had more excitement as the game was selected as part of the Ravens RISE High School Football Showdown game tonight for Baltimore County.

The game had a visit from the Baltimore Marching Ravens, Raven cheerleaders and Raven mascot Poe.

There was also an appearance from Raven star wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown.

Both Perry Hall and Parkville athletic departments received $1,500 each from the Baltimore Ravens.

On the field, Parkville defeated Perry Hall 13-7.

Harford County Man Killed by Car in White Marsh


Baltimore County Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred on Wednesday, Oct. 20, just after 4:30 p.m. in the 8200 block of Town Center Drive in White Marsh.

The pedestrian, Jeffrey Chmielewski of Brookwood Drive, of Harford County, succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, Oct., 21 after being struck by a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu as he attempted to cross the road; he was not in a crosswalk.

The Baltimore County Police Crash Team is continuing its investigation to determine the factors involved in this fatal crash.

Bevins Announces Raised Crosswalks at Fullerton ES


County Councilwoman Cathy Bevins announced that a raised crosswalk would be installed at Fullerton Elementary on Fullerton Avenue.

“Having been denied that request previously, I’m incredibly pleased to see that it has been approved. On top of that, two more raised crosswalks are being installed — one at Taylor Avenue and Park Drive and the other at Old Harford Road and Glendale Road,” Bevins said.

“These raised crosswalks will help with pedestrian safety and traffic calming, and I’m very thankful that we have such a wonderful transportation team here in Baltimore County.”

Rosedale Dad Wins $100,000 from Maryland Lottery


Playing Maryland Lottery scratch-offs has been a just-for-fun activity for a single dad from Rosedale, but the fun expanded explosively last weekend. He won $100,000 on a $10 Ca$h Bonus instant ticket!

“I told my family and we were just running around the house,” he told Lottery officials after claiming his prize. “I was in shock. I can’t believe it.”

Even after taking a seat in the Lottery Winner’s Circle, the reality of the situation still wasn’t sinking in, he said. “Lucky Dad,” which is the name he is using to tell his winning story, had played Lottery games for years and never given much thought to what he would do with a big prize. He typically picks up a few instant tickets each week and scratches them off at his leisure.

“I always play hoping to win,” he said. In the past, the scratch-off fan won relatively small prizes, which kept things interesting. The 32-year-old did win a prize at the $1,000 level about three weeks before his big score.

“Lucky Dad” double-checked the $100,000 winning scratch-off numerous times after discovering his shocking top-prize win. Since then, he considered potential uses for the prize and settled on buying a small house to live in with his 5-year-old daughter. A contractor by trade, the loyal player anticipates buying a place that needs work.

Also picking up a financial surprise is Rosedale Shell, which sold the winning scratch-off. The retailer located at 7514 Pulaski Highway in Baltimore receives a bonus of $1,000 from the Lottery for selling a top-prize winning scratch-off.

Dundalk Precinct Names Officer Pizza Officer of the Month


Officer M. Pizza has been named Dundalk Officer of the Month.

According to Baltimore County Police, Pizza initiated three separate on-view events that resulted in the seizure of CDS and other contraband.

In one of those events, he initiated a vehicle stop for an inoperable brake light.

That stop resulted in the seizure of approximately 20 grams of marijuana, a felonious amount of crack cocaine, heroin, oxycodone, paraphernalia, a scale and approximately 160 shells of small caliber ammunition.

Angel Park To Hold 5K & 1 Mile Family Fun Run


Angel Park will hold their 5K & 1 Mile Family Fun Run on Sunday Nov. 7 at 8:30 a.m. The park is located in Perry Hall at 9685 Honeygo Blvd.

The 5K run will be an out-and-back course starting and finishing at Angel Park. Runners will exit the park and turn right onto Honeygo Boulevard heading toward Belair Road. Runners will turn right onto Forge Road to head toward the turnaround point (near Anvil Court). After turning around at this point, runners will backtrack and head back the same way they came to end up at the finish at Angel Park.

The 1 Mile Walk will consist of an out-and-back course on paved surfaces.

Entry Fees for the 5k is $30 for registrants ages 11 and up until Nov. 1; $35 after Nov. 1 including race day, $25 for registrants ages 10 and under until Nov. 1; $30 after Nov. 1 including race day (age discount will be applied at checkout) The 1 Mile Walk is $15 for all ages until Nov. 1, $20 after Nov. 1 including race day.

The event will be held rain or shine, and entry fees are non-refundable.
Angel Park will also provide a virtual race option for those who would like to participate but are not local, or do not feel comfortable attending an in-person race at this time. Here’s how the virtual race works:
1. Register for the virtual event, and sign up for text or e-mail notifications
2. Your race swag will be available for pickup at our Friday packet pickup, or you can choose to have it mailed to you for a $5 fee.
3. You’ll receive a text or email (if you opt in) when the VIRTUAL race “starts” on Nov. 6.
4. Run your race and submit your results either by text message or email (if you’ve opted in) or by heading to the results page here by Nov. 7 at 11:59 p.m.

Results update in real time as people submit their times. Be sure to take photos prior, during and after your race. You will be able to share them on the runsignup.com photo page here or on social media using ##angelpark5K2021

*Virtual race performances are not eligible for the overall event awards, but we’ll certainly be acknowledging the winners in our post-race communication.
Awards will be given to Top 3 overall male and female runners. Top male and female runners in each of the following age groups: 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+

Race shirts will be guaranteed to all 5k and 1 mile participants who register by Oct. 29 (sizes and availability cannot be guaranteed after the 29). Water stations out on the course and at the finish, as well as course marshals guiding you on the route.

For more information, go to https://www.angel-park.org/

Officials Cut Ribbon to New Berkshire School


-photo courtesy of BCPS-

Berkshire Elementary School in Dundalk had some visitors this morning as BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, members of the Board of Education of Baltimore County and elected officials from the state and county joined for the traditional ribbon cutting.

Berkshire was set to open last September but did not open its doors for students until March as a result of COVID-19.

The new 618-seat, $51 million school was built next to the old Berkshire school on Poplar Avenue in Dundalk.

Construction started in 2019 and the new school has a two-story classroom wing, a single-story cafeteria/gymnasium wing linked by a central core of interwoven collaboration spaces, a “green” rooftop classroom garden and a technology-rich media center.

The old school building was demolished and was replaced by fields for the new school.