Happy July, Neighbors!

Summer is in full swing, and our communities are buzzing with activities. From outdoor concerts to farmers markets, there's something for everyone this week. Plus, we have important updates on local developments that will shape our neighborhoods for years to come. Let's dive into what's happening in Catonsville, Arbutus, Elkridge, Ellicott City, and Halethorpe!

In this week's issue:

• Cannabis incubator project finds new direction

• Baltimore County prepares for historic council expansion

• Your complete guide to this week's events

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Thank you to our friends at Candle Light Funeral Home for sponsoring this week’s newsletter:

Cannabis incubator project relocated after community opposition

Governor Wes Moore announced July 3 that the state will find a new location for its planned $7 million cannabis incubator project after strong opposition from Catonsville residents to the original choice at the Maryland National Guard's William J. Witte Armory. The governor's office stated they will now look for locations that aren't close to residential communities and schools.

The decision came after Catonsville resident Josh Jackson launched a Change.org petition in early June opposing the project and calling for greater transparency in the site selection process. The cannabis incubator, designed to support equity in Maryland's growing cannabis industry, will provide resources and training for entrepreneurs from communities historically impacted by cannabis prohibition. While many support the program's goals, residents expressed concerns about its proximity to homes and schools in the densely populated Catonsville area.

The state has committed to finding a more suitable location that balances the program's important equity mission with community concerns. Officials have not yet announced a timeline for selecting a new site, but emphasized their commitment to transparency in the process moving forward.

Sources: The Office of Governor Wes Moore

Baltimore County prepares for historic council expansion

Baltimore County residents will have their chance to weigh in on the county's first councilmanic redistricting in decades at a major public hearing Tuesday, July 8 at 6 PM. The 2025 Redistricting Commission has issued its final report recommending new district boundaries as the county expands from seven to nine council members.

This expansion, approved by voters in the 2024 election, represents the most significant change to county governance in a generation. The new districts will reshape political representation for communities including Catonsville, Arbutus, and Halethorpe, potentially affecting everything from development decisions to budget allocations. The redistricting process has sparked intense interest as communities advocate for district boundaries that keep neighborhoods together and ensure fair representation.

The public hearing will be held at the Historic Courthouse in Towson. Residents are encouraged to attend and share their thoughts on how the new districts should be drawn to best serve their communities.

Source: Baltimore County Council

Happening This Week

Featured Events

More Local Events:

Key: $ - Costs Money; R - Requires Registration; D - More Details

Monday, July 7

Family Game Night at sweetFrog in Catonsville 5-9pm

BINGO at Arbutus Fire Hall 5-10:30pm D

Irish Step Dancing at Catonsville Clubhouse 7:30-9:30 pm $

Tuesday, July 8

Family Story Time at sweetFrog in Catonsville 2:30-3pm

Dinner with Stitch at Uno Pizzeria and Grill in Ellicott City 5-8pm

Celtic Music Class & Session at Catonsville Clubhouse 6:30-9:30pm $ 

Craft Night with Sheena at Shuffles Bar & Grill in Halethorpe 7pm

Zumba at Arbutus United Methodist 7pm $

Ultimate Game Show at Bar Bones Grill in Ellicott City 7-10pm D 

House Party at State Fare in Catonsville 10pm-2am

Wednesday, July 9

Farmers Market at Christian Temple in Catonsville 9:00am-12:00pm D

Cartoonist’s Club at Growing Minds Bookstore 4-7pm D

Food Trucks at Arbutus Fire Hall 4-8 pm D 

BINGO Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department 5-10pm $

Song Circle at Catonsville Clubhouse 6:30-9:30 pm R 

Grayson Moon - Live Music at Centenniel Park in Ellicott City 7-8:30pm D

Trivia at White Oak Tavern in Ellicott City 7-9 pm D

Team Feud at DePaolo’s Pub in Halethorpe 7-9pm

Thursday, July 10

BINGO at Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department 5-11pm $

Outdoor Movie - Gardians of the Galaxy at Guiness Brewery in Arbutus 6:30pm

Team Fued at Shuffles Bar & Grill in Arbutus 7-8pm

Rod Sebastian - Live Music at Bare Bones Bar & Grill in Ellicott City 7-10pm

Julius Caesar on Stage at Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park in Ellicott City 7:30 pm $

Latin Dancing at LaPalapa’s in Ellicott City 7:30 (lesson), 9:45 (open dancing)-11:45pm

Throwback Thursday at State Fare in Catonsville 10pm-1:30am

Friday, July 11

Food Trucks at Elkridge Fire Hall 4:30-7:30 pm D 

Enslo - Live Music at Guiness Brewery in Arbutus 5:30-9:30pm

Nite Bite Fishing at Centenniel Park in Ellicott City 6pm-12am D

Fantasm - Live Music at Frederick Road Fridays in Catonvsille 6:30-8:30pm D

Outdoor Movie - GABA at Cottage Cafe in Arbutus 7pm

Let’s Be Astronauts - Live Music Morsberger 7-11:30pm $

Team Trivia at DePaolo’s Pub in Halethorpe 7-9pm D

Vertigo Red - Live Music at Bare Bones Bar & Grill in Ellicott City 8-10pm

Mama’s Black Sheep - Live Music at White Oak Tavern in Ellicott City 8-10 pm D

FREE The Vipers Brothers - Live Music at Fish Head Cantina in Halethorpe 8pm D 

Saturday, July 12

Farmers Market on Main at Tiber Park in Ellicott City 9am-1pm D 

Bluey Day at Growing Minds Bookstore in Catonsville 11am-5pm

Free Breathwork Meditation Class at Catonsville Clubhouse 11:30am R

Paint Party at sweetFrog in Catonsville 12-2pm

Varient - Live Music at the Courtyard at Little Market Café in Ellicott City 6-8 pm D

Crush - Live Music at Lurman Woods in Catonsville 6-8pm D

Julius Caesar on Stage at Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park in Ellicott City 8 pm $

Amhed Warshana - Live Music at Backwater Books in Ellicott City 8-10 pm D

Alaina Tamash - Live Music at White Oak Tavern in Ellicott City 8-10 pm D 

The Uncommitted - Live Music at Bare Bones Bar & Grill in Ellicott City 8pm-12am

Summer Movie Night "Ground Hog Day" at The Wine Bin at 9 PM D

Sunday, July 13

Sunday Farmers Market at 15 Mellor Avenue in Catonsville 9:00am-12:00pm D 

Jack Waugh’s Americanaland- Live Music at the Courtyard at Little Market Café in Ellicott City 12-3 pm D 

Traditional Irish Music Jam Session at Backwater Books in Ellicott City 2-5pm D 

Disney Bingo & Milkshakes at Crazy Mason in Ellicott City 5:30-7:30pm $

Julius Caesar on Stage at Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park in Ellicott City 6 pm $ 

Junk Yard Saints - Live Music at Lurman Woods in Catonsville 6-8pm D

That’s it for this week’s view. Please share this newsletter with your local friends and neighbors via this link. We’re stronger together.

Until next time,

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