Bel Air News & Views

The Dagger Press is reporting that the Bel Air Greene Turtle restaurant is closed

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:00:00 +0000

The Dagger Press is reporting that The Greene Turtle restaurant on Main Street returned its liquor license to the Harford County Liquor Control Board today and closed. A comment on the blog post from Greene Turtle spokesperson Greg Pitkoff says:

"The Greene Turtle Franchising Corporation (TGTFC) and its Bel Air franchisees had hoped to reach an agreement with the current landlord that would allow them to remain in the South Main Street location, but realized that such an outcome was unlikely and have instead opted to find a new home."

In his comment, Pitkoff says that the restaurant hopes to find a new location in Bel Air. The chain's other restaurants remain open.

BRAC brings us a building boom

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:41:00 +0000

If you were wondering when we were going to start feeling the effects of the military base restructuring that has promised us thousands of new jobs in Harford County, listen closely. You should be able to hear the hammering of office space under construction. A story in today's Baltimore Sun says that unlike the unlucky counties suffering through the recession with no promise of new BRAC tenants, Harford County is seeing office parks going up all around Aberdeen Proving Ground. According to the Sun story, they can't be built fast enough. Some top military contractors began looking for office space earlier this year and had trouble finding what they needed. By 2011, the government is expected to move 8,200 military and civilian jobs to Aberdeen Proving Ground. From 13,000 to 17,000 contractor jobs are expected to follow. That's a lot of people who will be moving to Harford County soon. The story says St. John Properties started work on five buildings in the Government and Technology Enterprise (GATE) business park on the Army base. Corporate Office Properties Trust of Columbia is developing 850,000 square feet of office space in the North Gate office park outside the base. Other planned office projects include Merritt Properties' Aberdeen Corporate Center on Route 22 and Commons at Fieldside Village near Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen. James Run Corporate Campus at Interstate 95 and Route 543 is expected to include shops, a hotel and 850,000 square feet of office space. (Click here to see the Baltimore Sun's map locating all these properties.)

BRAC workers relocated from Fort Monmouth, N.J. are already settling in here. Greg Paye of Maryland Fencing Club in Abingdon told me he met a relocating BRAC family who stopped by his club while they were looking at houses in the Abingdon area. Sounds like it's all starting to happen now.

Dublin Elementary School PTA's Longaberger / Vera Bradley Bingo coming up Nov. 13

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:17:00 +0000

Heads up Longaberger basket lovers. The Dublin Elementary School PTA just sent me this message about their upcoming fundraiser:

Dublin Elementary School PTA is having their annual Longaberger / Vera Bradley Bingo, Friday, November 13 @ Darlington Volunteer Fire Company., 2600 Castleton Rd. Doors open @ 5:30, games begin @ 7. Tickets are $12.00/person.

Bel Air's upcoming bakery battle

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:07:00 +0000

Bel Air will soon be rolling in pastry dough. After seeing our local bakery numbers dwindle in recent years, Bel Air will soon be home to two long-time regional favorites. Woodlea Bakery, which has called Baltimore's Gardenville neighborhood on Belair Road home since 1943, is expanding up north to the Belair Town Center in the old H&R Block office in between Weight Watchers and CR Wings. (Thanks for the Twittery heads up & pic @Jennifer_Joy!) Vaccaro's cannoli and tiramisu destination spot in Baltimore's Little Italy is expanding to the new "Lifestyle Center" at the Harford Mall, just across Route 24 from Woodlea's new location. I just called Vaccaro's and they say they expect their Harford Mall location to open near the end of November or early December. I called Woodlea, too, but I forgot that bakeries generally aren't open on Mondays. (Update 11/3: They say they expect to open sometime in the next two weeks.) I'll try again tomorrow to get an opening date from them. If you peek through the windows at both locations, the interiors look well on their way to being finished. These new locations are likely to give our venerable Bel Air Bakery on Bond Street in downtown Bel Air a run for its money.

The view inside Vaccaro's new location at the Harford Mall

Halloween events in Harford County include costume parades in Havre de Grace on Friday and at Festival at Bel Air shopping center Saturday morning; Pets dress up at Saturday morning's Farmers Market in downtown Bel Air

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:27:00 +0000

Halloween is just days away and Harford County is gearing up to celebrate.

Trick or Treat
If you're planning to trick or treat in your neighborhood, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday is the recommended time Bel Air Police Department Deputy Chief Armand Dupre told the Weekender newspaper. To be safe, Dupre recommends trick or treaters wear reflective clothing and carry flashlights. He says parents should accompany younger children and give a curfew to older children trick or treating without supervision. He also warns that children should never enter a home or car in order to get candy and they should not approach homes without lit porch lights.

Main Street Trick or Treat
Downtown Bel Air merchants are hosting a trick or treat from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Participating stores and restaurants will display orange and black balloons.

Pets Dress Up at Saturday's Farmers Market
And there's even an event for pets. The Farmer's Market in the Mary Risteau Courthouse Parking lot is hosting a Doggie Dress Up day during its hours from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Don't spread trick or treat germs
Also, to avoid all the illness going around these days, a story in today's Baltimore Sun suggests children wash their hands after unwrapping candy and before they put it in their mouths. I've already discussed this with my kids, who aren't keen on this idea. I'm going to be have to be a quick draw with the hand sanitizer Saturday. (Oops. I mean soap. Someone just commented below that washing with soap is much more effective than hand sanitizer. Thank you!) I'm thinking gloves might be a good idea, particularly if they're part of the costume.

Parades
Two Halloween parades are scheduled, one at the Festival at Bel Air shopping center and another in Havre de Grace. The Festival's costume parade starts 10 a.m. Saturday in the parking lot in front of Chuck E. Cheese. After the parade, there will be trick or treating at Festival stores displaying a 2009 Halloween poster.

Havre de Grace's 25th annual Halloween Costume Parade starts 6:30 p.m. (registration is 6:15 p.m.) Friday, day, Oct. 30 at the corner of Washington Street and Congress Avenue. The parade route continues to the corner of Pennington Avenue and Washington Street. All children who come in costume get a special gift and the 15 best costumes will additional prizes. A local drama troupe is to perform Michael Jackson's "Thriller."

Other Halloween events

Friday, Oct. 30

Happy Healthy Halloween at the Y of Maryland in Abingdon from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. featuring a costume parade and contest, games, snacks and crafts. (Admission: $12 for members, $15 for nonmembers.)

Young Teen Halloween for kids ages 13 to 15 at the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center in Abingdon from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is $10. Call 410-612-1688 to reserve a spot.

Preschool Halloween Party at Eden Mill Nature Center from 10 to 11 a.m. Wear costumes and enjoy snacks, stories, crafts and critters. Admission is $5 for members and $8 for non-members.

If you want to get spooked, you might try Legends of the Fog in Aberdeen. Click here for info on their Haunted Hayride, Sinister Circus and Maze of Darkness: http://www.legendsofthefog.com/

If you know of any other Halloween activities, please leave a comment below! Thanks!

How do you know if you have the swine flu?

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:40:00 +0000

How do you know if you have the swine flu? Harford County residents are passing around this symptom chart to use as a guide. Of course, the best way to diagnose any illness is to contact your doctor.

Flu Symptoms
Here are some additional swine flu resources:

Click here for swine flu information from the Baltimore Sun: http://www.baltimoresun.com/health/swine-flu/sns-health-swine-flu-tips-faq,0,2350542.story

Click here for swine flu information from the Harford County Health Department: http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/Health/

If you have any good tips on how you handled illness in your household this season, please share them in the comments below. Thanks!

Webster United Church of Christ Quarter Auction on Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:53:00 +0000

Webster United Church of Christ has another quarter auction coming up Saturday. Here are the details they sent along:

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Doors open at 6:00, auction starts at 7:00.

Cost is $2.00 per paddle unlimited.

Food service from the Webster Kitchen.

You can win great items for just quarters from vendors like Longaberger, Avon, Tastefully Simple, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Cookie Lee, Mrs. "Purse" onality, Just 4 Fun, Something Sweet, and Home Interiors. Yes, we will have over 100 items up for bid so don't miss out on the fun!

For more information, call Loren at 443-307-7699.

Bel Air mom's beaded bracelets make the perfect personalized gift and a great birthday party idea

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:33:00 +0000

Looking for a truly personal gift to give someone you care about this season? A Bel Air mom has the perfect gift for the special girl in your life, whether she's your daughter, your wife or your mother. Debi Arbucias began creating custom beaded bracelets for fun after her daughter was born four years ago. But when friends starting noticing the unique designs of sterling silver and Swarovski crystal beads she and her daughter wore, they wanted them for themselves. Now Arbucias has a bustling little beading business she calls Precious Little Jewels. Every design is customized for its owner using only the finest quality materials including sterling silver and Swarovski crystals. Each sale starts with a conversation about who the gift is for and the reason for the gift and the creativity begins between Debi and her customers. She offers several suggestions and the perfect gift is created. She can make the design bold and chunky or delicate and petite depending on the wearer's style. She can add a set of matching earrings. She can personalize it with beads that spell out a name. Or, she can personalize it with charms that hold a special meaning. She added a cross and a heart to a memory bracelet she made as a gift for a woman who suffered a tragic loss in her life. A grandmother showing off her new bracelet, where each child's birthstone is placed into a design, will bring back special memories and creates a special piece she will be proud to wear and share for years. She's made bracelets with baseball glove charms for a Little League mom and a bracelet with a four leaf clover charms for a woman lucky in friendship...to name a few.
"It's not like you selected something off a store shelf," says Arbucias. "It represents someone's life."
She says her bracelets make great gifts for special occasions in someone's life including, Making Honor Roll for the 1st time, New Mommy's, The loss of someone special, Sweet 16 birthdays, 21st birthdays, Infant christenings, First baby bracelets ... to name a few.
"Keepsake bracelets are hugely popular," Arbucias says.
It usually takes about two weeks to make a bracelet to order, so if you want to give one as a birthday or Christmas gift, be sure to contact Arbucias ahead of time. On occasion, rush orders can be accommodated.
Prices start at $38.
"Each piece is as unique as the individual," says Arbucias.

Click here to see some of Arbucias' designs and get inspiration for your own:http://www.preciouslittlejewels.com/www.preciouslittlejewels.com/ready_to_dream.html

Then call her at 410-652-5968 or e-mail her at preciousjewels4u@aol.com to create your own perfect bracelet.
For more information, visit her website at www.preciouslittlejewels.com.

Precious Little Jewels Home Parties
Anyone who hosts a Precious Little Jewels Home Party earns credit toward custom jewelry. Click here for more information.

Precious Little Jewels Beaded Birthday Parties
At Precious Little Jewels Beaded Birthday Parties, the guests custom design their own wearable party favors. Prices start at $11.95 per guest and are recommended for children ages 4 and up. All supplies are provided to create custom designed jewelry in the comfort of your home and a Precious Little Jewels trained hostess is provided to assist in the jewelry design. And the parties aren't just for birthdays. They make great activities for Girl Scout and Brownie Troops, sports teams and church and senior groups as well.

Click here to read previous BANV posts about Precious Little Jewels.

This post was sponsored by Precious Little Jewels.

For more information on sponsored posts e-mail BANV at belairnews@comcast.net.

Celebrate Bel Air this weekend with the Town of Bel Air Film Festival. The Main Event block party has been canceled

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:07:00 +0000

The Town of Bel Air Film Festival starts tomorrow at the Bel Air Reckord Armory, 37 N. Main St. The line up includes:

Friday
Captains Courageous 8:30 p.m.

Saturday
Afghan Star 4 p.m.
The English Surgeon 8:30 p.m.

Sunday
Student films 2 p.m.
.
Tickets are $5 per person

For more information, visit www.TownofBelairFilmFestival.com

Update: WBAL is reporting that The Main Event and the Fun Run have been canceled due to the rainy weather scheduled for this weekend.

The plans were...
On Saturday, The Main Event block party takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Bel Air's Main Street. (Rain date is Sunday). The day starts with a 9 a.m. Fun Run sponsored by Charm City Run. Children's activities include face painting, pumpkin painting, caricature artists, ballon entertainers and arts and crafts.

The musical lineup includes:
Live and Lively Local Music All Day Long. On the south
end by Charm City Run and The Greene Turtle;
       Route 66 -- 12 noon to 2:30 pm
       Just Foolin' Around -- 3:30 to 6:00 pm
On the north end by People's Bank near Lee Street;
       Heads Up -- 12 noon to 2:30 pm
       Indecision -- 3:30 to 6:00 pm
On Office Street by the Courthouse;
       Gentlemen of Jazz -- 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

For more information visit: http://www.downtownbelair.com/alliance/main_event.html

Wondering who sells The Dominator comic books to benefit cancer research?

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:30:00 +0000

Kim Norris at Tiddlywinks Toys and Books on Bel Air's Main Street says she's been inundated with calls and e-mails about the comic book she's selling to benefit cancer research. Buontempo Bros' Dave Anderson created the book for Dominic Osorio, 7, who has been battling brain cancer for the past two years. The queries started flooding in after first the Baltimore Sun and then Fox News ran stories about Dominic and The Dominator comic book. According to the stories, Anderson was inspired to create the book for Dominic, who is regular customer at the pizza shop, after hearing how the Bel Air boy imagined he was a superhero called "The Dominator" when he underwent his cancer treatments. Getz-Calandra Productions helped him put together the book that has a story line based on Dominic's struggles.

Norris started selling the comic book for $5 at her store in advance of the Sept. 26 "Superheroes Day" that brought a costumed Dominator superhero along with his fellow superhero friends to Main Street to raise money for cancer research. Now that she's getting so many calls from people out of town, she has made it available by credit card for $5.25 plus a $1 shipping fee. All proceeds from the sale of the comic book benefit cancer research. The book can be ordered through PayPal on Tiddlywinks' website. Click here for more info: http://www.tiddlywinkstoys.com/dominator/

or ...

contact Kim at Tiddlywinks (443) 371-6420 during business hours. Click here to reach her by e-mail: http://www.tiddlywinkstoys.com/contact/
Tiddlywinks at 17 N. Main Street is open:
Tuesday – Saturday 10:00am – 6:00pm
Sundays 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Closed Mondays

Click here for a Dagger Press story about Dominic and The Dominator.

Click here for a story in The Aegis about Dominic and The Dominator.

Click here for the Baltimore Sun story about Dominic and The Dominator.

Click here for the Fox News story about Dominic and The Dominator.

This post was sponsored by Tiddlywinks Toys & Books

For more information on sponsored posts e-mail BANV at belairnews@comcast.net

Tollgate Yard Waste drop off shifting its hours to 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. as of Oct. 17

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:41:00 +0000

As the leaves begin to fall, the county government is extending the time the Tollgate Yard Waste drop-off is open by one half hour. But it is shifting its hours so that it opens and closes much earlier in the day, according to a brief item in today's Aegis.

This Saturday, Oct. 10, will be the last one where the drop off at 703 North Tollgate Road in Bel Air is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Starting Oct. 17, the drop off at the top of the hill from the Ma & Pa Trail parking area will open at 7 a.m. and close at 3 p.m.

You can get started dropping off your leaves much earlier on Saturdays, but you need to finish much earlier as well.

Vaccaro's could possibly open in Harford Mall Nov. 1

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:06:00 +0000

I just peeked in the window of the Vaccaro's going in at the Harford Mall and saw they've made quite a bit of progress.The walls and floors are tiled and a pastry display case and lighting are installed. I called the number on the door and the Vaccaro's folks told me they're shooting to have the place open Nov. 1 but the date isn't firm. (I apologize for the photo quality. That's my iPhone shooting through a dusty window.)

Click here for previous BANV posts about Vaccaro's.

It's Family Fun Night at JumParty Zone in White Marsh Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:07:00 +0000

JumParty Zone in White Marsh is holding another Family Fun Night this Friday Oct. 9. Bring the family to jump in its two large arenas filled with inflatables. Fly down the giant slides, climb the obstacle courses, play soccer or basketball on an enormous bouncy playing field.

Come for one of two sessions scheduled 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Prices are $20 if you have two people bouncing; $25 for three bouncers; $30 for four bouncers and $35 for five.

Cost includes a slice of pizza and a drink.

For more information on JumParty Zone, visit their website at www.jumpartyzone.com or call 410.335.ZONE (9663). JumParty Zone is located at 11600 Crossroads Circle @ 95, Suite K-M White Marsh.

Hours are:
Monday through Thursday: 10 am – 7 pm
Friday and Saturday: 10 am – 8 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 7 pm
Please call for holiday hours.

For directions, visit: http://www.jumpartyzone.com/locations.html

This post was sponsored by JumParty Zone

For more information on sponsored posts e-mail BANV at belairnews@comcast.net

Performance Sports and Dance Center to feature America's Got Talent baton twirling star Jonathan Burkin at its Thanksgiving Baton & Dance Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:55:00 +0000

Performance Sports and Dance Center is bringing America's Got Talent baton twirling star Jonathan Burkin to its new facility in Joppa for its Thanksgiving Baton & Dance Camp Nov. 21. See below for more details:

2nd Annual Thanksgiving Baton & Dance Camp

Featuring Jonathan Burkin & other great instructors!

WHEN: Saturday, November 21st 8am - 4pm

WHERE: Held at the new Performance Sports and Dance Center, Inc

1809 Fashion Court

Suites 104-105

Joppa, Md 21085

Flyers out soon!

Look below for Burkin's interview with the Toledo Blade:

This post was sponsored by Performance Sports and Dance Center.

For more information on sponsored posts e-mail BANV at belairnews@comcast.net

Webster United Church of Christ to hold its annual chicken dinner & silent auction Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:19:00 +0000

Just got this e-mail about Webster Church's chicken dinner and silent auction coming up Saturday:

Annual Chicken Dinner and Silent Auction

This year's event is held at:

Webster Congregational Christian Church
4100 Webster Rd.
Havre de Grace, MD 21078

October 10, 2009

4:00 - 7:00 pm.

Menu: Delicious BBQ and Baked Chicken, Green Beans, Cole Slaw, Applesauce, Dinner Rolls and Assorted Desserts. Beverages will be Iced Tea, Lemonade, and Coffee.

Bake Table; Carry Out Available

Adult tickets: $10.00
Children ages 4-12 tickets: $5.00
Children under 4 are free.

For Tickets Call 410-939-9637

visit our website www.websterucc.org

Construction to start Thursday on Abingdon Wegmans, the Baltimore Sun reports

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:57:00 +0000

Just saw on the Baltimore Sun's Consuming Interests Blog that construction is to begin Thursday on the 144,000 square foot Wegmans store that is scheduled to open in spring 2011 in Abingdon's Boulevard at Box Hill development. The Baltimore Business Journal reports a ground breaking ceremony is scheduled at the site on Thursday. The development is to be located at the intersection of Box Hill Corporate Drive and Woodsdale Road. According to the blog, the size of our Abingdon store will actually surpass that of the existing Hunt Valley Wegmans by 4,000 square feet.

According to Consuming Interests:

"Developer Ward Properties is starting the first phase of the Boulevard at Box Hill, including the Wegmans, two free-standing restaurants and a free-standing bank. Besides the grocer, known for its gourmet offerings, the center is expected to eventually include more than 450,000 square feet of stores, 50,000 square feet of restaurants and 88,000 square feet of office space, said Mackenzie Retail LLC, which is handling the center’s leasing."

The Red Coats are coming to Jerusalem Mill Village again Oct. 10 & 11. When are they going to learn we already won this war?

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:23:00 +0000

From the folks at Jerusalem Mill Village:

Annual revolutionary war reenactment AND COLONIAL CRAFTSMEN

WEEKEND brings eighteenth century alive

Festivities open to public October 10 and 11

Kingsville, Md.-The eighteenth century will once again come alive on the banks of the Little Gunpowder this October during Historic Jerusalem Mill Village’s Revolutionary War reenactment, titled “The Redcoats Are Coming!” and Colonial Craftsmen Weekend. Scheduled for Saturday, October 10 from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the event will feature over 200 British and American troops from around the country in a Revolutionary War reenactment, as well as a market faire with sutlers, food, music, demonstrations, kids’ activities, shopping, and more.

The main feature of “The Redcoats Are Coming” is a Revolutionary War battle reenactment, where the Continental soldiers will face off against the Redcoats, firing cannon and shooting rifles in a battle for victory. The soldiers scheduled to participate are members of either The Continental Line, Inc. or The British Brigade, Inc., both national volunteer organizations dedicated to the memories of the soldiers they are portraying and the education of the public on America’s War for Independence. The soldiers, along with their families, will camp on the grounds of Jerusalem Mill Village for the duration of the event, and everything will be completely authentic, from the weapons and the uniforms to the cooking utensils and tents.

The event will also include the annual Colonial Craftsmen Weekend, an eighteenth century market faire. Hand-made crafts and useful items for everyday life will be available for purchase from sutlers and craftsmen. Food will also be sold, or visitors may bring their own picnics.

Other special activities during the weekend include demonstrations of traditional crafts, trades, and cooking throughout the military encampment and the Village. Visitors can take part in militia drills, speak with living history interpreters, listen to traditional music, and experience life in the eighteenth century.

The battle is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Revolutionary War did not actually include a battle at Jerusalem Mill Village, although the Village did exist during the War, having been settled in 1687. Instead, the re-enactors will use a little imagination to create a realistic battle scene, in order to give visitors a sense of what countless communities in the way of the War experienced as the Patriots fought for our independence.

The two-day event serves as a fundraiser to directly support Jerusalem Mill’s history programs, preservation, and restoration efforts.

“The Redcoats Are Coming!” is sponsored by The Friends of Jerusalem Mill (FOJM), in cooperation with the staff of Gunpowder Falls State Park, and is made possible, in part, by grants from the Maryland State Arts Council and the Harford County Government through the Harford County Cultural Arts Board. The Friends of Jerusalem Mill is a nonprofit membership organization formed in 1985 to restore the gristmill, the most prominent building in the village. In 1987 Jerusalem Mill Village earned a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Today the gristmill serves as the Museum and Visitor Center , as well as headquarters of the Gunpowder Falls State Park. FOJM hosts an amazing range of events and activities that bring history to life and enable restoration of other surviving structures in one of the most intact mill villages in Maryland. Please visit www.jerusalemmill.org for directions and more information.

Ticket Information:

Adults - $7.00

Under 16, Seniors (60+ ), Active duty military (with I.D.) - $5.00

Children under 5 - free

Special family price, 2 adults with 3 or more children - $25.00

Contact Information:

Jerusalem Mill Village

2813 Jerusalem Road

Kingsville, MD 21087

Visitor’s Center: 410-877-3560

http://www.jerusalemmill.org

###

Tips from the tweets:

After I posted this item about the reeanactment on Twitter, a couple of my followers offered the following comments for those who might plan to attend this event:

OldBeachdog @BANV I recall there are some nice hiking trails around Jerusalem Mill.

RenaissanceWW @BANV there is always great period woodworking and blacksmithing at those events too!

Looks like Bel Air will be getting a Buffalo Wild Wings

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:11:00 +0000

A sharp-eyed BANV reader (thank you!) has just alerted me that it appears Bel Air will be getting a Buffalo Wild Wings in the old Lone Star Steakhouse location at Festival. He says he there's a sign on the door indicating the restaurant is coming. If anyone hears more, please let me know!

And thanks for the tip @kulwicky!

Moore's Candies has reopened in its new Bel Air Main St. location

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:11:00 +0000

I just drove by Moore's Candies in its new location in a portion of the former Lutz Appliances store at 10 N. Main Street and saw the lighted "Open" sign in its window. I spoke with the owner's son Dana Heyl last month and he told me they moved from their Bond Street location to take advantage of greater foot traffic on Main Street. They opened just in time for Saturday's superhero event (click here to read more on that). Click here to read my previous posts on Moore's Candies.

The Dagger Press has a report about the fight at C. Milton Wright that has parents talking along with links to the YouTube video

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:44:00 +0000

I got an email yesterday from someone who had heard about Tuesday's fight between two C. Milton Wright students and wanted to know more. The Dagger Press has a full report today including the news that one of the sophomores was taken by Maryland State Police medivac to University of Maryland Shock Trauma after he was knocked unconscious during the fight. The students are facing charges of first-degree assault, disorderly conduct, and disruption of school activities. The Dagger Press report also includes links to a YouTube video of the fight along with a another YouTube video of an incident between these same students days earlier.

Click here to read The Dagger Press article: http://www.daggerpress.com/2009/09/24/c-milton-wright-fight-sends-student-to-shock-trauma-three-students-face-charges/

Superheroes to descend on Bel Air's Main Street Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:05:00 +0000

Superheroes will be lining Bel Air's Main Street Saturday to meet and greet area children thanks to a local merchant who was inspired by a young brain cancer victim's strength. Buontempo Brothers manager Dave Anderson talked his fellow Main Street merchants into hosting Batman, Spiderman and a variety of caped crusaders from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. They'll stand along Main Street to greet customers outside stores. The superhero invasion is meant to celebrate both Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month and the 7th birthday of Anderson's friend Dominic Osorio, who has been battling brain cancer with superhuman spirit for the past couple of years. Tiddlywinks Toy & Book store will donate a portion of Saturday's proceeds to St. Judes Children's Research Hospital.

An Aegis story on Osorio reported that he imagines he's a superhero called The Dominator when he undergoes his cancer treatments. Click here to read his story: http://www.exploreharford.com/news/1743/harford-superherofighting-dominate-cancer/
Anderson, created a comic book featuring The Dominator for Osorio and the book is available for sale at Tiddlywinks. All proceeds from the sale of the book go to St. Jude's.

The Aegis story reported that The Dominator is expected to appear in costume on Saturday along with IronBirds mascot Ferrous, the Raven’s Fan Man and the Bus Boy and Eastern Wrestling Alliance (EWA) professional wrestler.

Click here to read the Aegis story about Saturday's event: http://www.exploreharford.com/news/1889/superhero-day-bel-air-rally-good-cause/

St. Margaret Parish Fall Festival starts Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:02:00 +0000

Just got a flyer from St. Margaret Parish about their annual Fall Festival which starts tomorrow, Sept. 25. The festival is held on the church and school grounds at 205 Hickory Avenue, across from Shamrock Park. Organizers say the best place to park is in town's parking garage up the street. The festival includes rides, games, food and a yard sale. Hours are:

Friday: 4:30 PM – 10:30 PM

Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

A $15 wrist band allows you to ride all the rides as much as you want.

For more information, check out St. Margaret Parish's website at http://www.stmargaret.org/coming_events.htm

Sunflower explosion in Harford County

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:07:00 +0000

BANV reader (thank you!) Kelly Groft, who is also
News Director at ABC2 News and a Harford County native, brought to my attention this story her station ran Monday on Harford's bumper sunflower crop. Sunflowers, particularly those planted by Zach Rose of Clear Meadow Farms in White Hall, have exploded in bright yellow bursts over area fields. The ABC2news.com story reports that the sight is so stunning people are pulling over to take pictures of the flowers. Click here to read the story. Unfortunately, BANV doesn't have any pictures of her own to publish so if you're one of those people who took some sunflower pictures, please send one along to me at belairnews@comcast.net and I'll publish it here. Thanks! And thanks for the fun Harford County story, Kelly!

The Harford Business Ledger also covered the sunflower story. Click here to read it.

Update: BANV was particularly fortunate to have sunflower pictures sent from Harford County professional photographer & BANV reader (thank you!) Dawn Devoe of Devoe Creative photography and graphic design. She gave me permission to post them here. Click here to see her website. Click here for her blog where you'll see more sunflower pictures. Thanks Dawn! They're beautiful!

Click here to see a fun video on the sunflowers made by The Baltimore Sun's Lloyd Fox:

Update: I just received more pictures from BANV reader Becky Mahew who wrote: "We were on our way to a picnic on Saturday and were amazed to see these beautiful fields of flowers along the way. We returned on Sunday afternoon to take these pictures - and there were many other people doing the same thing!"

Thanks so much for sending these, Becky!

I made a little slideshow of her pictures:

Sunflowers

Don't forget to check out the Bel Air Festival for the Arts in Shamrock Park today

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 14:25:00 +0000

BANV is heading to the Bel Air Festival for the Arts today. My mother is in town and this event is her favorite in Bel Air. This the 44th annual festival and it has attracted 350 artisans and craftspeople to Shamrock Park this year. It runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free.

Here's some info on parking from the festival's website:

Free shuttle bus service provides transportation from the MVA parking lot on Route 24 to the Festival site [click here for directions and maps]. All day parking is available at the Bel Air parking garage across the street from the Festival on Hickory Avenue for a $2.00 donation to the Bel Air Auxiliary Police. Admission to the Bel Air Festival for the Arts is free.

To read more on today's festival, visit:

http://www.exploreharford.com/news/1866/arts-festival-this-sunday-44th-time-bel-air/

http://www.belairfestival.com/index.htm

To read previous BANV posts on the Bel Air Festival for the Arts, click here.

See you there!

A BANV reader checked out the new Panera open today in Aberdeen

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey A) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:50:00 +0000

A BANV reader (thank you!) tells me that this morning she checked out the new Panera that just opened in Aberdeen. She saw a tweet by the Dagger Press yesterday announcing the latest Harford County Panera restaurant was to open in the location of a former Blockbuster. Here's what she told BANV about her visit:

"Barely anyone was there but they were indeed up and running - my coffee is hot and my sandwich is tasty, so I'd say it was a success!"

She's wondering if there is a grand opening planned. I just checked out Panera's website and didn't see any info at all on the Aberdeen location, so if anyone knows more -- including an address -- please let us know!