Good morning, Neighbors!

This week, we’re spotlighting two powerful ways our community is showing up: through peace and performance. The 3rd Annual Gun Buyback returns to Arbutus and SW Baltimore, offering a chance to turn compassion into action. Meanwhile, the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company’s beloved summer shows in Ellicott City just got a $12.5K boost, ensuring the arts stay vibrant and accessible. Scroll down for this week’s full lineup of local events, markets, music, and magic—including a Harry Potter birthday party, Celtic jam session, and food truck feasts.

In this week's issue:

• 3rd Annual Gun Buyback

• Chesapeake Shakespeare Company Receives $12.5K Grant

• Your complete guide to this week's events

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Thank you to our friends at Catonsville Dentistry for sponsoring this week’s newsletter:

💰 Baltimore Archdiocese Launches 3rd Annual Gun Buyback

Scheduled for August 9 in Southwest Baltimore

The Archdiocese of Baltimore, in partnership with Baltimore City Police, St. Joseph’s Monastery Parish, and the Health by Southwest coalition, is hosting its third annual gun buyback on August 9, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Westside Shopping Center (2413 Frederick Ave).

Father Mike Murphy, pastor of Our Lady of Victory in Arbutus and St. Joseph Monastery, serves as a key organizer. He describes the event as a “call for peace” and hopes to collect at least 300 firearms this year. Over the past two years, the program has removed more than 600 guns from circulation, thanks to over $100,000 in donations.

So far in 2025, organizers have raised $60,000, matching last year’s total. Funding comes from parishes, individuals, and religious orders. Any unused funds will support the archdiocese’s Grief Ministry, which provides care and comfort to families affected by gun violence.

The event is a drive-up, no-questions-asked program. Participants may turn in up to three unloaded firearms, secured in vehicle trunks. Compensation is tiered: $100 for revolvers, $150 for shotguns, $200 for handguns or semi-automatics, and $300 for AR-15–style weapons, while funds last. Walk-ups will not be accepted.

This year’s event will also offer free Narcan kits, and local vendors will be on-site to provide health resources and community support.

Father Murphy hopes the initiative will remind the community that even small actions—like turning in an unused weapon—can help prevent tragedy. “We can’t solve everything at once,” he says, “but we can plant seeds of peace, one gesture at a time.”

Sources: CatholicReview.Org

🎭 Chesapeake Shakespeare Company Receives $12.5K Grant to Support Ellicott City Performances

The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company (CSC) has received a $12,500 grant from Howard County Government to support its community theater programs, including its signature outdoor performances at the Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park in Ellicott City.

The funding was part of a one-time allocation announced on July 18, 2025, by County Executive Calvin Ball in partnership with the Howard County Arts Council. The grant helps offset a sudden $50,000 shortfall caused by the National Endowment for the Arts withdrawing promised support for CSC’s “Shakespeare Beyond” outreach initiative.

According to Howard County, the program brings free Shakespeare performances and education to under-resourced communities across Maryland. This year, CSC expects to reach over 8,000 residents through 17 partner sites, including Rockburn Branch Park in Elkridge.

In Ellicott City, the grant helps ensure the continuation of the popular “In‑The‑Ruins” summer series, where CSC stages full productions against the historic backdrop of the Patapsco Female Institute ruins. These shows draw thousands each season, boosting foot traffic to Main Street businesses and enriching local cultural life.

“This investment not only fills an immediate gap,” said County Executive Ball, “but also strengthens community access to world-class performing arts right here in Howard County.”

CSC’s Ellicott City performances remain a summer staple, offering locals and visitors a chance to experience Shakespeare under the stars while preserving the region’s commitment to accessible, high-quality theater.

Source: HowardCountyMD.gov – News Release, July 18, 2025

Happening This Week

Featured Events

More Local Events:

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

Monday, July 28

Community Athletic Program – Rockburn Elementary – Rockburn Elementary, Elkridge – 7-11 am – Youth athletic program (Howard County Rec & Parks) D.

Summer Camp hosted by EYO Soccer – Ilchester Elementary, Ellicott City – 8 am – Week‑long soccer camp (reg.) R.

Adult Irish Set Dance Lessons – Baltimore County Arts Guild Clubhouse, Catonsville – 7:30 – 9:30 pm – Learn the figures and footwork of Irish set dancing; $ 

Tuesday, July 29

Community Athletic Program – Waterloo Park – Waterloo Park, Elkridge – 7-11 am – Youth sports program D.

Free SWAPS Craft at sweetFrog – sweetFrog Catonsville – 9 am - 6 pm – Make your own Scout SWAPS craft D.

Celtic Music Class & Session – Catonsville Clubhouse – 6:30 – 9:30 pm – Class followed by jam session (small fee for class) $.

Craft Night with Sheena – Shuffles Bar & Grill, Halethorpe – 7 pm – Make a fun craft while enjoying drinks.

Backwater Book Club in Ellicott City 7-8 pm D

House Party at State Fare – State Fare Bar, Catonsville – 10 pm – 2 am – Live DJ and party atmosphere D.

Wednesday, July 30

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

Puzzle Club – Winters Lane, Catonsville – 4 pm – Bring a puzzle to swap and work on with friends D.

Food Trucks at Arbutus Fire Hall 4-8 pm D 

Song Circle at the Clubhouse – Catonsville Clubhouse – 6 pm – Acoustic song circle; bring an instrument D

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

Thursday, July 31

Ellicott City Creators’ Coven – Bohemian House, Ellicott City – 6:30 pm – Meet‑up for local makers and artists D.

Vacation Bible School – “Road Trip” – St. John’s Grace UCC, Catonsville – 6 pm – Kids’ VBS program (registration) R.

Manufacturing Dissent: People’s Power Hour at Backwater Books in Ellicott City 7pm D

Happy Birthday Harry Potter Party – Growing Minds Bookstore, Catonsville – 7 pm – Celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday with butterbeer and games D.

Team Feud – Thursdays in Arbutus – Shuffles Bar & Grill – 7 pm – “Family Feud”‑style trivia night D.

Throwback Thursdays – State Fare, Catonsville – 10 pm – 90s/2000s music night.

Friday, August 1

Elkridge VFD Food Truck Fridays – 5700 Rowanberry Dr, Elkridge – 4:30 – 7:30 pm – Food trucks at the fire station D.

A Very Grateful Weekend & West City - Live Music at the Courtyard at Little Market Café in Ellicott City 6 pm D 

Frederick Road Fridays – Featuring Upstarters – 15 Mellor Ave, Catonsville – 6:30 – 8:30 pm – Free outdoor concert; family‑friendly D.

First Fridays – “Meet Us on the Parking Lot” Back‑to‑School Event – The Hill, Elkridge – 7 pm – Karaoke and comedy in the parking lot D.

Live Music: Michael K at White Oak Tavern in Ellicott City 8-10 pm D

DJ Aye One – State Fare, Catonsville – 10 pm – Dance party night D.

Saturday, August 2

Old Ellicott City Farmers Market – Tiber Park, Ellicott City – 9 am – 1 pm – Local produce, artisans and live music D.

UMBC Piano Sale – UMBC University of Maryland, Catonsville – 10 am – Browse discounted pianos, keyboards & digital pianos D.

Carnival Day is Back – Bullwinkles Saloon, Gwynn Oak (near Catonsville) – 3 pm – Family carnival with rides and games D.

Better Weather – “Days Between” at Little Market Café – Ellicott City – 6 pm – Outdoor concert D.

Clubhouse Movie Nights: The Greatest Showman – Catonsville Clubhouse – 6:30 – 9:00 pm – Low‑cost movie night with concessions $.

Half‑Price Flowers Live – El Guapo Bar, Catonsville – 7-10 pm – Live band performance D.

Live Music: Nicky at White Oak Tavern in Ellicott City 8-10 pm D

Sunday, August 3

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

Virtual/In‑Person Pregnancy & Postpartum Sacred Mama Circle – Catonsville – 11 am – 1:30 pm. Support circle for pregnant/postpartum mothers. Registration R.

Mama Tried Days Between Celebration – Little Market Café, Ellicott City – 12-3 pm – Pre‑Grateful Dead “Days Between” celebration with live music and craft market D.

Shrimp Feast Fundraiser – 6 Ingleside Ave, Catonsville – 1 pm – All‑you‑can‑eat shrimp feast; supports local charity $.

Live Music at Lurman Theater: Don’t Back Down, Catonsville – 6-8 pm – Outdoor concert and dance party D.

Sons of Pirates - Live Music at Lurman Woods in Catonsville 6-8pm D

Sinners Karaoke Event – The Hub Sakaki Izakaya Bar & Karaoke, Catonsville – 7:30 pm – Karaoke party $.

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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