Things to do this weekend around Bel Air include the Bel Air Downtown Alliance’s showing of the movie “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory”, starring Gene Wilder at the Bel Air Armory Friday night. The La Banque de Fleuve Beer and Bourbon Bash to benefit the Boys and Girls Club is also Friday night. CASA of Harford County’s 2nd Annual Bull and Oyster Roast is Saturday at Sterling Caterer’s Jarrettsville Gardens.

Friday, Feb. 24

Chocolate & Candy Festival Movie Night, Feb. 24

Join the Bel Air Downtown Alliance for a fun evening with the ORIGINAL “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory”, starring Gene Wilder! This event is FREE and popcorn is just $1.00.  Bring your own water/soda bottles. What better way to get in the mood for the 11th Annual Chocolate & Candy Festival in Downtown Bel Air on Saturday. March 3rd? Where:  Bel Air Armory, 37 N. Main Street Time:  Doors open 6pm. Movie starts at 7 p.m.

The Rovers to perform at MaGerk’s, Feb. 24

Guinness and Irish band ‘The Rovers’ will be having a pre-St. Patty’s Day extended happy hour at MaGerk’s on Friday, 2/24 beginning at 7pm with a Guinness ‘keep the pint’ promotion.  www.roversmusic.com

La Banque de Fleuve Beer and Bourbon Bash, Feb. 24

La Banque de Fleuve Beer and Bourbon Bash from 6-10pm, Feb. 24. Enjoy an exclusive event to benefit the Boys and Girls Club featuring fine food and drink from Du Claw, Laurrapin Grille and Sweet Devotion. Open Bar. Valet Parking by Jones Junction and beautiful music provided by the Maryland Conservatory. Tickets on sale now through the Boys and Girls Club. Contact: Linda Grimes Phone: 410-272-0010

Bel Air High School Longerberger/Vera Bradley Basket Bingo, Feb. 24

Bel Air High School Longerberger/Vera Bradley Basket Bingo w/Ravens Jerseys & memorabilia too. February 24th doors 6pm games 7pm. This event’s proceeds go entirely to this years senior class! Tons of door prizes, many local food vendors so come hungry as all the evenings proceeds go to the kids! Tickets are 15 dollars each, and tables are reserved for 12 people or more! Each person reserving a table gets 3 free raffle tickets for the evenings top raffle prizes! To get your tickets call me at 443 567 6393.

2nd Annual Casey’s Bull Roast for Histio, Feb. 24

The 2nd Annual Casey’s Bull Roast for Histio is coming up Feb. 24 at  Tall Cedars, 2501 Putty Hill Ave. Baltimore. Casey Jenkins, who was diagnosed with this rare blood disease in 2010, chose to host this event to celebrate his 11th birthday. Organizers are currently seeking donations from individuals and businesses to support the event. Tickets are $40 for adults and $25 for kids. Here are the details: http://bit.ly/w35XuA

Good Cause’s “Thirty-One Bags’” Bingo, Feb. 24

Good Cause presents “Thirty-One Bags’ Bingo on Feb. 24 at the Havre de Grace Community Center, 100 Lagaret Lane, Havre de Grace. Bingo starts at 7 p.m. doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door, $12 presale and are available at Tate Mortgage Group, 806 Union Ave., Havre de Grace from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The fundraiser benefits Good Cause in Harford and Cecil counties. For more information, visit www.serveagoodcause.org.

Spaghetti Night to benefit Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at Ring Factory Elementary School, Feb. 24

On Friday, February 24, 2012, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. the Ring Factory Elementary School Student Council will host a family spaghetti night to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and in honor of one of the school’s kindergarten students who is currently battling childhood leukemia. The community is invited to enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner and entertainment for a nominal fee. The school will use “student power” to help serve, greet and otherwise host the evening’s activities. For more information, contact the school at 410-638-4186.

Saturday, Feb. 25

CASA of Harford County’s 2nd Annual Bull and Oyster Roast, Feb. 25

Tickets are now available for CASA of Harford County’s 2nd Annual Bull and Oyster Roast, Feb. 25. It takes place 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Bel Air News & Views sponsor Sterling Caterers’ Jarrettsville Gardens. The event features food by Sterling Caterers, money wheels, door prizes, raffles, silent auction featuring sports memorabilia and more. Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door and $350 for a table of 10. To buy tickets, call 410-638-4938 or visit http://casaofharfordcounty.ticketbud.com/2nd-annual-bull-and-oyster-roast. Click here for event flyer: http://www.casaofharfordcounty.org/resources/1/flier2012.pdf

Fishing seminar at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Feb. 25

Professional bass angler John Hansen III will be the guest speaker at a fishing seminar at Dick’s Sporting Goods Feb. 25. His free seminars start at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the store at 540 West MacPhail Road in Bel Air. For more information, visit www.hansenfishing.com.

Sunday, Feb. 26

Wine Expo at Harford Community College, Feb. 26

Wine Expo at Harford Community College Student Center at 3 p.m. Feb. 26. Enjoy an afternoon of wine, hors d’oeuvres, desserts and a chocolate fountain. Proceeds benefit Harford Community College Alumni and Friends Association scholarship fund. Must be 21 or older. For tickets call 443-412-2211 or visit http://bit.ly/wv4IYA

Coming next . . . 

C. Milton Wright PTSO presents its 9th Annual College Night Feb. 27

The C. Milton Wright PTSO is hosting its 9th Annual College Night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27 in the C. Milton Wright High School cafeteria at 1301 N. Fountain Green Road. The event is open to all Harford County high school students and their parents. More that 60 colleges and universities will be represented. Scholarship information will be available and Harford Community College will present free financial aid information sessions from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the auditorium.

Levin Heath to be inducted into the HCPS Educator Hall of Fame, Feb. 27

During the Board of Education meeting on Monday, February 27, 2012, Levin Heath will be inducted into the HCPS Educator Hall of Fame for his 30-year tenure with HCPS as a dedicated teacher and administrator. The induction ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Room at the A. A. Roberty Building. In addition, the ceremony and Board meeting will be aired via live stream on the school system website at www.hcps.org. The live stream link can be found in the Board box in the lower right-hand corner of the homepage, hcps.org.

United States Air Force Langley Winds Woodwind Ensemble to perform free concert at Havre de Grace Library, Feb. 29

The United States Air Force Langley Winds woodwind ensemble of the USAF Heritage of America Band will present a concert at the Havre de Grace Branch of Harford County Public Library on Wednesday, February 29 at 6:30 pm.  The concert is free and open to the public. Langley Winds features the diverse talents of six professional musicians whose commitment to excellence has earned worldwide acclaim and military distinction.  Langley Winds presents polished and passionate performances of woodwind ensemble pieces as well as patriotic favorites. For additional information about the Langley Winds woodwind ensemble, please visit the band’s website www.heritageofamericaband.af.mil. Registration is not required to attend the concert at the Havre de Grace Library. Call (410) 939-6700 for additional information.

Wellness Fair at Churchville Elementary School, Feb. 29

Churchville Elementary School will host a Wellness Fair for students and their families on February 29, 2012, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. More than 450 visitors are expected to attend and participate in a healthy dinner, a wellness walkthrough with community services and health-related information for families along with interactive stations, a Tae Kwon Do demonstration and family beginner class and a staff three-on-three half- court basketball game. Dinner will be provided by Chipotle and other local businesses. For more information, contact the school at 410-638-3800.

“Let’s Talk About It: Making Sense of the American Civil War” starts March 1

Harford Community College Library and the Hays-Heighe House will host a free, five-part reading and discussion series called “Let’s Talk About It: Making Sense of the American Civil War” beginning March 1.  For details, visit http://bit.ly/wpVZKE

Read Across America comes to Churchville Elementary School, March 2

Churchville Elementary School will host Read Across America, an initiative on reading created by the National Education Association (NEA), on Friday, March 2, 2012. Community leaders, civic leaders and parents will read to students to celebrate reading, and the 108th birthday of the beloved Dr. Seuss. Readings will take place from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. For more information, contact the school at 410-638-3800.

“Funny Girl” performance at Patterson Mill High School, March 2-4

Patterson Mill High School Drama Company presents Jule Styne musical “Funny Girl” March 2-4 http://bit.ly/zvq6It

11th Annual Chocolate & Candy Festival, March 3

Join the Bel Air Downtown Alliance Saturday, March 3rd from 10am to 3pm at the Bel Air Armory for a fun-filled and family-friendly afternoon in Downtown Bel Air with chocolate, candy, sweet treats, and so much more! $5.00 Admission Price (includes 4 Sample Tickets) Kids under 6 are FREE (includes 2 Sample Tickets) Additional Sample Tickets are 3 for $3.00. In addition, there will be a Children’s Activity Area with chocolate and candy themed activities for the kids, as well as, the 3rd Annual Downtown Bel Air Scavenger Hunt. Participants in the Scavenger Hunt will be entered to win Prize Packs complete with gift certificates from local shops, boutiques, salons, and restaurants.

Bel Air High School hosts Expo for Transitioning Youth, March 10

On Saturday March 10, 2011, from 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Bel Air High School will host the Expo for Transitioning Youth. The program will allow high school students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and their families to attend workshops addressing topics related to post-school education, employment and agency supports. Vendors will provide information about community services and supports and opportunities. If you have questions or need assistance with signing up for a workshop, contact the HCPS Transition Office at 410-638-3843.

Exploration Art School After School “Exploring Art” Forest Hill Recreation Council program begins Jan. 18 at the Forest Lakes Elementary School’s activity room. The after school “Exploring Art” class is geared to elementary – middle school age children. The class combines an introduction to artists, through visuals, vocabulary, books and the creation of a piece of art. Register online: www.explorationartschool.com or www.foresthillrec.com. Checks payable to Forest Hill Recreation Council. For more info: www.foresthillrec.com, www.explorationartschool.com, or email nickijergensen@mac.com. or 410-652-6411. Registration Information: Program meets on Wednesdays from 4pm-5:30pm at Forest Lakes Elem. School Activity Room. Cost: $83/6 wks. Session 2: 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/11, 4/18. Register online. Payment can be mailed to: Jessica Eckley, 511 Poplarwood Ct., Bel Air, MD
www.explorationartschool.com.

Patterson Mill Middle/High School to host “Rachel’s Challenge” presentations, March 8

On Thursday, March, 8, 2012, Patterson Mill Middle/High School will host three “Rachel’s Challenge” presentations for students, parents and community leaders. Rachel Scott was the first person killed in the Columbine High School tragedy on April, 20, 1999 and through this program Rachel’s legacy of tenderness and compassion lives on. Speakers from the organization will give hour long presentations at 8:00 a.m. for high school students and 9:00 a.m. for middle school students. The program features powerful video/audio footage of Rachel’s life and the Columbine tragedy. Rachel’s Challenge motivates students to treat others with care and respect. A special presentation will be held at 7:00 p.m. for families and community members in the auditorium. The program will also be held at Harford Tech on March 9th at 7pm in the Amoss Center. For more information, contact the school at 410-638-4640. http://bit.ly/wbm4S7

Harford Day School Basket Bingo, March 9

Basket Bingo is coming to Harford Day School on Friday, March 9th. Doors open at 6pm, games begin at 7pm. Ages 5+. All must have a ticket to enter, $15 per person, $20 at the door if available. Tables of 10 may be reserved for $150. Raffles, door prizes, food concessions, and fun for all ages! Many sponsorship opportunities too. Contact 410-838-4848 for more information.

BOOM Theatre Co. to perform “The Importance of Being Earnest” March 9, 10 & 11

The BOOM Theatre Co. will perform “The Importance of Being Earnest” March 9, 10 and 11 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Harford County, 2515 Churchville Road. Here are the details: http://bit.ly/xlmu9m

Wine tasting fundraiser to support Family and Children’s Services of Central Maryland, March 11

Family and Children’s Services is hosting their 7th Annual Spring Time in Tuscany wine tasting fundraiser.  This event will be held on Sunday, March 11 from 2 p.m. to5 p.m. at the Vandiver Inn in Havre de Grace, Maryland.  The event will feature wine tastings from a variety of local vineyards, heavy hors d’oeuvres and dessert buffet, jazz music, and a raffle board. Tickets cost $55 per person and may be acquired by contacting Family and Children’s Services at 410-838-9000, extension 222.

St. Paddy’s Premier at The Vandiver Inn in Havre de Grace, March 16

The Vandiver Inn is having a St. Paddy’s Premier, a beer pairing event from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 16. It will benefit the Senator Bob Hooper Hospice House. It will be fun evening with music, entertainment and great food. There will be a silent auction with beer memorabilia.You can order tickets through the hospital by calling the number on the attached brochure, or call me for tickets at 410-937-9804. Please come join us for a memorable evening in the beautiful Vandiver Inn in Havre de Grace while benefiting the Hospice House.

St. Patrick’s Day Bull & Oyster Roast, March 17

The Jarrettsville Elementary School PTA is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Bull & Oyster Roast from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 17 at Jarrettsville Gardens on Federal Hill Road. The event is to feature traditional corned beef and cabbage, music, prizes and a Big 6 wheel. Tickets are $35 per person. Call Missy at 410-808-0401.

Futures11 networking and career event, March 22

HCPS, in partnership with Harford Community College and the Harford County Office of Economic Development, will host the Futures11 networking and career event on Thursday, March 22, 2012, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:10 p.m. in the gymnasium of Harford Community College. Approximately 450 high school juniors will take part, coming from the following programs: Harford Technical High School, the Science and Mathematics Academy at Aberdeen High School, the Biomedical Sciences Program at Bel Air High School, the Global Studies and International Baccalaureate Program at Edgewood High School, the Academy of Finance Program at Edgewood High School and the Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Program at Joppatowne High School. The event is designed to help students begin considering their post-secondary career options.

“Pottery in the Barn,” March 23rd, 24th, 25th

The Earth Arts Potters Guild presents: ”Pottery in the Barn” March 23rd, 24th, 25th. To benefit Rockfield Manor, located at 501 Churchville Rd., Bel Air, Md 21015. The Barn doors open Friday 5 – 8 pm, Saturday 10 – 5 pm, and Sunday 11 – 4 pm. Join us at our exhibit and sale of hand thrown and hand built stoneware pottery. Meet the artist and ask them about the creative process used in firing their traditional and contempory works in clay. Hope to see you there.

Harford County Department of Community Services Volunteer Harford 4th Annual Volunteer Expo, March 24

The Harford County Department of Community Services Volunteer Harford is proud to announce the 4th Annual Volunteer Expo, Saturday, March 24 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Patterson Mill Middle High School, 85 Patterson Mill Road in Bel Air. The Volunteer Expo will feature vendors looking for volunteers; the Expo provides the perfect opportunity to hear from and learn about exhibiting organizations and agencies and learn about available volunteer opportunities. The Volunteer Expo is free and open to the public; no registration is required. Everyone is welcome to attend – individuals, seniors, families, youth groups, scout troops, etc. For more information, contact the Department of Community Services Volunteer Harford at 410-638-4444 or visit www.volunteerharford.org.

NEMKC & AKC Sanctioned B-OB Match, March 25

The Northeastern Maryland Kennel Club and American Kennel Club Sanctioned B-OB Match is Sunday, March 25 at the Harford Equestrian Center in Heavenly Waters Park, 608 N. Tollgate Road, Bel Air. Click here for details and entry form: http://www.nemkc.org/NEMKC-2012-match.pdf

2012 All-County Concert, April 12

You are cordially invited to attend the last 2012 All-County Concert. The young musicians in these series of concerts represent the best that HCPS has to offer, and each concert promises to be an exciting experience. The final All-County High School Jazz Concert will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. at Patterson Mill High School. The concert is open to the public and free of charge.

Harford County Department of Community Services presents early childhood resource fair: The Early Years Expo, April 14

The Harford County Department of Community Services Local Management Board, in collaboration with the Early Childhood Roundtable, is seeking vendors for The Early Years Expo, an early childhood resource fair which will be held Saturday, April 14, 2012 from 9:00 a.m.to 1:00 p.m. at Abingdon Elementary School, 399 Singer Road in Abingdon. For details, visit: http://bit.ly/A2Smvr

Joppatowne High School to host Cyber Camp, July 9-20

Joppatowne High School will host Cyber Camp July 9-20, 2012. This two-week experience provides hands-on activities focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and the field of cybersecurity. Attendees will learn and apply basic concepts of programming, forensics, cryptography and program management. The program is open to current 9-12 grade HCPS students and is limited to the first 20 students registered. The deadline for registration is June 1, 2012. Click here for more information.

More events listings can be found at …

http://harfordmd.com/events.php

http://www.hdgtourism.com/calendar.php

If you missed Harford County Executive David Craig delivering his state of the county address yesterday, you can read the full text here:

HARFORD COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Office of the County Executive

State of the County Address County Executive David R. Craig February 21, 2012

Harrisburg, PA

• Requesting Bankruptcy

Jefferson County, AL

• Bankrupt

The State of Maryland

• A “negative outlook” on its bond rating
• A $1.2 billion budget deficit

The United States of America

• A drop from a Triple A rating to Double A
• An unbalanced budget
•  A new trillion dollar deficit

I can only imagine what it was like for the Mayor, the County Executive, the Governor and the President, how they truly felt as they did what I am doing tonight – Give the State of the Government Address. Could Harford County have been in the same situation? Without collaboration and cooperation between and among government agencies, the Administration and the County Council, the simple answer is “Yes”. Without a good leadership team of department heads, all of whom are here tonight and outside agencies who are represented, the difficult answer would have been “Yes”. Fortunately, I am pleased to report that the state of Harford County is strong —- and this is despite the fact that we were beleaguered in 2011 by the challenges which confronted all governments. Leadership, Tenacity, Perseverance and Strength have taken us in a better direction. Non-partisanship, lack of self righteousness, vision and integrity will continue to keep us going in the right direction. 2011 started with a unique challenge which all of you may remember. Structural problems with this building required us to safely relocate county employees and the County Council (including Councilman Guthrie) with minimal disruption of service to our citizens. That was followed by snow and ice storms and then, in the course of three weeks we were confronted with an earthquake, a hurricane, and a tropical storm. Due to our dedicated workforce most people have forgotten all of this. In spite of these natural roadblocks — the Administration and the County Council have continued to work as a team. For the first time in history we adopted a tax rate below the constant yield. We saw the command flags associated with Aberdeen Proving Ground and BRAC make their move on time. Because we have an effective Office of Economic Development, we saw 80 new defense contractors relocate to Harford County. We saw our retail base expand exponentially with: Wegman’s, Kohl’s Distribution, DSW Home Goods to mention a few, as well as eight existing companies expand their operations. In one year, 2,300 new jobs were created here in Harford County. That is what proudly gives us one of the best unemployment rates better than any other place in the Baltimore Region, better than the State of Maryland, and better than the National Government. Because we have a very competent Treasurer and Budget Officer, we maintained our Triple A bond rating due to proper fiscal management. We were one of the few counties to have a fund surplus that permitted us to give to our valued employees at all levels, in equal distribution a one-time bonus — money which the State government is eyeing to balance their budget. Through cooperative work with Harford County Public Schools our forward funding of construction virtually ended overcrowding in our public schools and was finally acknowledged this year. Through cooperation with the Sheriff, we are ready to open a new Southern Precinct and an expanded Detention Center, but more importantly we have our lowest crime rate since 1975. In collaboration with the Sheriff and our Drug Control Officer, we ran the second most successful “prescription drug take back” in the nation. Over 3750 pounds, almost 2 tons, of unused or expired prescription medications were collected. This is particularly important because prescription drugs are one of the leading causes of drug abuse and drug deaths in Harford County. I could continue to say a lot more about the past:  The success of the Housing Department on foreclosures and relocation of senior citizens  Of the success of the Planning and Zoning Department on the Master Plan and Land Use Element Plan  Of DILP with our tremendous fast racking system  Of Procurement with the adoption of new procedures  Of Parks & Recreation for pulling in the Baltimore Boughs Soccer Team and the Region 1 Soccer Tournament with Cedar Lane this year and next with the potential of $20 million economic dollars for that area.  Of DPW for our water agreements with APG and the City of Aberdeen. But, as Sallust once said, “Do as much as possible, talk as little as possible”, the clock is ticking, and not just the clock in this room and not just on the length of tonight’s event, but on what is going to happen in Harford County. Now, strangely enough I can say that I have an advantage over each of you to my right – not typically a thing a politician might say. My advantage has to do with term limits and because the County Executive’s time in office is limited — my life could be very easy over the next three years. There are a lot of issues which I could leave on my desk with a note saying “save it for the next person”, but the reality is that is not why I ran for office and that is not why you ran for office. We have numerous things that need to get done if we are going to maintain the quality of life here in our home. The present administration and legislators here are going to experience something the administration and legislators in Annapolis are doing differently. They want to shift the burden of teacher pensions to us – there are eight people in this room who have no authority over that….and that is us. We have no authority over affecting the costs of a $9.8 million shift so they can balance their budget and that is $9.8 million today and $15 million by the year 2017. In other areas, they want to implement a Watershed Improvement Plan that is estimated to cost us $25 K an acre for improvement. They want to shift more prisoners to our detention facility. They have cut funding to our school board for 2013 by $4 million. They want to take over our authority on planning and growth. They must be stopped. But, we still have issues that we have direct control over, capital projects that must be considered. As I predicted three years ago, there will be another round of BRAC that will take place by 2015 or 2016. This time we have instituted and will institute when the budget comes over with cooperation from the council president, a very unique program in the state of Maryland to fund a capital review program to inspect all the essential projects that we will need to do and to come to a resolution as to what these projects will be.  A central precinct for the Sheriff’s Office  A new Health Department facility  A new Emergency Operations Center  A functional administrative facility  Several new replacement schools in Havre de Grace, Youth’s Benefit, William Paca and Homestead/Wakefield  A new nursing facility/education facility at HCC  Completion of broadband and wireless program  A new waste transfer station to remove the waste-to-energy facility  A new Humane Society Now I know with the new Waste Transfer Facility there will be controversy but I also know that each of you have something in your district that you don’t want. I am sure that Captain Jim would love to see the Detention Center somewhere else. I am sure Councilman Shrodes would love to see the Landfill somewhere else. I am sure that Councilman Slutsky would love to see the Sod Run Sewerage Treatment Plant somewhere else…..but the reality is that we need to provide these services and we need to provide these capital projects. It is not just about capital projects, it is also about programs that we have time to institute over the next three years.  A Water and Sewer Authority to reduce redundancy in water filtration and distribution and sewage collection and treatment.  A stronger drug prevention and education program to help reduce deaths in our community.  An aggressive anti-recidivism program at the detention center to train prisoners in a solid way to live a better life after release and especially wounded warriors who have mental issues returning from Afghanistan and Iraq.  An examination of our impact fee to be able to use it effectively on these construction projects.  A department to handle issues with fire, emergency and rescue services which are vital to the lives of citizens but also to the lives of the providers.  A better “green initiative” to help build energy efficient buildings. Harford is a beautiful, vibrant and historic community in which to live, work, raise a family and retire. We accomplished much in 2011 but we have many more opportunities for success in the future. Working together as we have in the past we will accomplish more in the future. President Boniface, Councilman Guthrie, Wood, McMahan, Shrodes, Slutzky and Councilwoman Lisanti, I look forward to working with you as we continue to… Preserve Harford’s Past and Promote Harford’s future. Thank you.

Bel Air News & Views sponsor The Vein and Cosmetic Institute is offering a special deal to help you get your legs looking their best this summer. Between now and March 31, you can buy one Laser and Sclerotherapy treatment and get the next 50% off. The treatment reduces the appearance of unsightly varicose and spider veins and can have your legs looking great for summer activities.

Call today for a free consultation.

Bel Air: 410-420-4047

Towson: 443-279-4590

The Vein and Cosmetic Institute has two locations:

This post was sponsored by The Vein and Cosmetic Institute

HCPS ANNOUNCES TOP FIVE CONTENDERS FOR COUNTY TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Expert educators vie for prestigious title

The top five finalists for the 2012 Harford County Teacher of the Year award have been released and are listed below. The judging panel had a difficult and unenviable task again this year with many outstanding teachers nominated for the award. Just to have been deemed worthy by a student, parent, administrator or someone else to be Harford’s Teacher of the Year from among the more than 3,200 teachers in the system is noteworthy.

 

Teacher	School	Subject/Grade
Ronald O. Burke	Patterson Mill High School	Music/Grades 9-12
Kelly A. Christ	Edgewood High School	English and Dance/Grades 9-12
Lauren M. Duell	William Paca/Old Post Road Elementary School	Grade 5
Kristina J. Marzullo	C. Milton Wright High School	English/Grades 10-12
Christina D. O’Neill	Bel Air Middle School	Language Arts/Grade 6

 

After this year’s Teacher of the Year Judging Committee reviewed and scored all nomination packets, the points were tallied resulting in a group of ten semi-finalists.  From there, each of the semi-finalists participated in an interview with a panel of eight judges.  The judges narrowed the ten semi-finalists to the top five finalists, one of which will be crowned the 2012 Harford County Teacher of the Year.

 

A surprise announcement of the winner will take place at the annual Harford County Teacher of the Year banquet to be held on Thursday, March 29th at the Bayou Restaurant in Havre de Grace. This year, the banquet is being provided by HARCO Federal Credit Union.

 

Biographical information and photos of each finalist will be available on the HCPS website, www.hcps.org, in the coming weeks.

 

 

Give your day a flavorful boost at Bel Air News & Views sponsor Coffee Coffee, a family owned and operated gift and coffee shop in the Festival at Bel Air Shopping Center since 1993. Choose from more than 60 varieties of coffee beans freshly roasted by local Baltimore roasters. Try their lattes and mochas that come with an extra boost of espresso at no extra cost. Or choose from one of the area’s largest selections of loose teas. Enjoy a dark chocolate almond breakfast scone or a lunch featuring homemade hummus or soups from nearby Pairings Bistro. Coffee Coffee highlights local products like Mouth Party Caramels from Parkville, which were including in the “swag bags” given to stars the Grammys this year and Bomboy’s chocolates from Havre de Grace. Stop by before St. Patrick’s Day to pick up a box of Bomboy’s Irish Potatoes: coconut creams rolled in cinnamon.

Coffee Coffee also offers a large selection of gifts including Embellish Your Story magnetic boards and colorful, convenient Envirosax bags. Need a gift for a special occasion? Coffee Coffee will make you a custom gift basket.

Coffee Coffee will be happy to cater your next event.

Coffee Coffee is open:

Mon.-Wed. 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Thurs.-Fri. 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sat. 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sun. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit them at 5 Bel Air South Parkway, Suite 115A, Bel Air, MD
Call 410-515-2060
http://www.coffeecoffee-online.com/
Follow them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/coffeecoffeebelair
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This post was sponsored by Coffee Coffee.

Look for the Lonely Hearts Club sticker affixed to the kennel cards of pets available for a discounted adoption fee. You can also see these pets here: http://www.harfordshelter.org/

Cat of the Week – SKITTLES

Age: 10 months

Color: Orange & White

Breed: Domestic Short Hair

Gender: Male

Adoption Fee: $95

Hey there, my name is Skittles. I’m a very sweet boy. I’m about 10 months old, and my owners had to surrender me because they were moving and could not take me. I miss them, but hope to find my new fur-ever home soon. I am a little different than the other kitties…my right leg faces in a bit, but it doesn’t hurt or make me walk funny. My tail is a little bent too, but I was born that way. It just makes me that much more special cause I have something the other kitties don’t! I’m also neutered. Stop by the kitty house and see me…I’ll steal your heart!!

Dog of the Week – CHESTER

Age: 2 years

Color: Black

Breed: Labrador Retriever/Pit Bull Terrier Mix

Gender: Male

Adoption Fee: $80 (reduced from $160)

Hi, my name is Chester, and I am a Labrador mixed with maybe a Pit Bull? I’m dark, smart, handsome, and sweet, and I’m in search of someone who loves outdoor activities and is great at playing ball. Can’t you just see us this spring, taking a hike or walking the Ma & Pa Trail? Come see why we love Chester and take him out for a romp! (P.S. Chester is a member of our Lonely Hearts Club, so his adoption fee is reduced by 50%.)

Other – RAZOR

Age: 7 ½ years

Color: Brown & Black

Breed: Carpet Python

Gender: Unknown

Adoption Fee: $37.50 (reduced from $75)

Hello, my name is Razor! I am a 7.5-year-old Carpet Python. I am about 6-7 feet long and I am very cool! I was surrendered because my owners could no longer care for me. I am very unique looking. I would make an excellent addition to an experienced reptile loving family. Come to the shelter and see what I am all about! (I am in the Lonely Hearts Club, so my adoption fee is 50% off).

Tae Kwon Do Masters offers complete martial arts programs for kids, teens, and adults that benefit your:

Mind – Develop greater discipline, concentration, and self-respect.

Body – Increase your flexibility, endurance, and muscle tone.

Tae Kwon Do Masters provides the highest quality martial arts instruction at an affordable price. Since the first class was taught many years ago, the focus of its program has remained the same: to provide students the highest quality martial arts instruction available in a safe and positive learning environment that people of all ages can enjoy!

The 4-  and 5-year-old class costs about $12 per session. There is no registration fee for this class.

For more information, contact Mr. Jimmy at Tae Kwon Do Masters (410) 879-3176 or email him at info@belairtkd.com.

Click here to visit Tae Kwon Do Masters’ website: www.belairtkd.com.

Click here to follow Tae Kwon Do Masters on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/jbNbDl.

Tae Kwon Do Masters is at 224 Baltimore Pike above the 7-Eleven.

This post was sponsored by Tae Kwon Do Masters

Buttercup

American Bulldog: An adoptable dog in Jarrettsville, MD

Pretty Buttercup is calm and relaxed. She loves car rides, hugs and tummy rubs. Buttercup came to us from a high kill shelter. They picked her up off the street on a cold and rainy morning. We don’t know how such a sweet girl ended up alone. It doesn’t matter now, Buttercup is safe with us and we will find her the perfect family. If you think that could be you, please call Kim at 443-386-6170 and fill out the adoption application at www.americanbulldogrescue.org. Your tax deductible donation of $250 will help cover the cost of healthcare for the hundreds of dogs we save every year.

More about Buttercup

Spayed/Neutered • Up-to-date with routine shots • House trained • Primary colors: White or Cream, Yellow, Tan, Blond or Fawn • Coat length: Short

The 5TH Annual Havre de Grace Mardi Gras Parade and Festivities starts at 6:30 p.m. on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 21. Parade line-up is at 6 p.m. In the spirit of an authentic New Orleans Masquerade Ball, Havre de Grace welcomes visitors and locals to celebrate Mardi Gras along Bourbon Street with a parade supported by Havre de Grace Office of Tourism benefitting the Havre de Grace Activity Center. Floats will be constructed by local businesses and artisans. The parade will proceed from Bourbon Street to Washington Street, and continue down St. John Street.  Havre de Grace embraces the French culture with an evening celebration. Participating restaurants include Bayou Restaurant, Bill Bateman’s, Chesapeake Grille, Chipparelli’s, Coakley’s Pub, Lacucina’s, Laurrapin Grille, MacGregor’s, Silks at Bulle Rock and Tidewater Grille. For more information, call 410-939-2100.

Click here to follow Havre de Grace Tourism on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Explore-Havre-de-Grace/210858110627?sk=wall

Join Black Youth in Action 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19 at Helping Hands Ministries, 3237 Level Road, Churchville for an afternoon celebrating the history of African Americans past and present. Featured Speaker: Ms. Courtney Wallace, Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2012, Life Coach, and CEO of InsideOut Entertainment.

Click here to for event details on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/events/225718117519925/#!/pages/Black-Youth-in-Action/328173450548.