Patapsco Valley View
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New Flag, Cosmic Shots & Events Galore!

New Flag, Cosmic Shots & Events Galore!

Ana Lohrmann
March 24, 2025

Happy Spring, Neighbors!

Have you seen the new Howard County Flag yet? Check it out below! Plus, meet a local photographer who made the stars align (literally!) to get the perfect shot! And, of course, so many wonderful events! Let’s hop in!

In this week’s issue:

New Howard County Flag!
Cosmic Moments in Our Backyard
Happening This Week
Patapsco State Park Notice

A very special thank you to this week’s sponsor, my family’s trusted dental practice:

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Howard County Unveils Modern Flag

Howard County, Maryland, has unveiled its new flag, designed by long-time Ellicott City resident Esen Paradiso. County Executive Calvin Ball revealed the design on March 18, 2025, following a year-long community-driven process led by the Howard County Flag Commission.

The new flag features arching lines of gold and white over a field of green and blue, symbolizing the county's diverse natural and human resources. Paradiso's design incorporates elements representing Howard County's agricultural heritage, natural beauty, and optimistic future. The arch symbolizes both the historic Thomas Viaduct and the modern Chrysalis amphitheater, while the colors represent various aspects of the county's landscape and community.

The selection process involved public submissions, with 184 eligible designs narrowed down to 10 finalists by the Commission. A public vote with 1,248 participants helped inform the final decision. Paradiso's design, Entry #115, was chosen from among three finalists and earned her a $1,500 honorarium.

The new flag design will be presented to the Howard County Council for approval in April 2025. This change marks the first update to the county's flag since its original adoption in 1968, aiming to better reflect the community's current values and aspirations.

_Source_{: Howard County Government}

Spotlight on Photographer Geoffrey Baker: Capturing Cosmic Moments in Our Backyard

Local photographer Geoffrey Baker's favorite shot, a stunning image of Comet C/2023A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS streaking over the Howard County Courthouse in Ellicott City, exemplifies his unique ability to blend the cosmic with the local. This photograph, taken in October 2023, is more than just a simple shot of a courthouse dome and a comet—it's the result of meticulous planning and dedication.

"Getting the shot took days of research and planning," Geoffrey explains. He utilized multiple photography and astronomy programs, consulted weather sites, and drew on his local knowledge to conceptualize the perfect image. Baker scouted locations for several nights before the shoot, ensuring he was in the exact spot when the moment arrived.

On the night of the shoot, Geoffrey and his dog Chestnut set up early near the courthouse. "It took some time for my eyes to adjust as I hoped and prayed I was in the exact correct spot. There was no room for error," he recalls. When the comet finally appeared, Geoffrey had mere minutes to capture the image before it sank below the horizon.

Geoffrey's photography style aims to "invite nature in" and celebrate the wonder of the Patapsco Valley. "Ultimately if I get you to go outside and appreciate what we have here, my job is a success," he says.

You’ll definitely want to view more Geoffrey’s captivating work at www.bakerfineartphotography.com

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Happening This Week

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Featured Events

Join us @ Patapsco Valley State Park

Soldiers Delight Visitor Center

Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Stop in to learn about the unique Serpentine Barren ecosystem or visit your favorite animal ambassadors! Please note that decreased staffing may lead to short-notice Visitor Center closures. Thank you for your understanding.

⚾️ Celebrate Opening Day @ Sorento of Arbutus!

BASEBALL IS BACK!

Join us in the restaurant for a HUGE O's party.
- $2 Drafts
- Buy one get one FREE hot dogs and burger
- FREE Slice of pizza for EVERY in-house guest for every Oriole home run!

Join us for a first-class watching experience make sure to wear your orange and black!

Check out all the great programing at your local library this week!
Baltimore County & Howard County

Additional Events

Patapsco State Park Notice: Hollofield Area Campground Closed for Renovations

Please be advised that the Hollofield Area Campground is not accepting reservations for the 2025 season due to a long-anticipated renovation. While the Hilton Area will remain open for the season, campers should be aware the campground has a limited total capacity and only offers camper cabins and non-electric, tent-only sites.

That’s it for this week’s view. Want to advertise with us? Reply to this email and let’s get started!

Until next time,

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