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Week of Feb 3: Bill Increases, A New Cultural Hub & Many Opportunities

Week of Feb 3: Bill Increases, A New Cultural Hub & Many Opportunities

Ana Lohrmann
February 03, 2025

Happy Monday, Neighbors!

In this week’s issue:

BGE Bill Shock: Steep Bill Increases
EC Court House Transforms into Cultural Hub
Local Artist Spotlight: Jane Virden
Opportunities for Residents
Events Happening This Week

But first, a word from our sponsor:

There is a BRAND NEW Pizza Shop in Town!

SINGAS FAMOUS PIZZA is hosting a soft opening now through February.

The GRAND OPENING is March 1st.

Come to our store on Route 40 in Catonsville (6400 Baltimore National Pike, Suite 160B) and receive our special offer:

Buy 2 10-inch pizzas get 1 cheese pizza FREE

Stay tuned for grand opening discounts!

Want to advertise with us and reach our highly engaged community? Reply to this email for more information.

BGE Bill Shock: Maryland Residents Face Steep Increases

Maryland residents are grappling with significant BGE bill hikes, with some customers reporting increases of $200 or more compared to previous months. The surge is attributed to colder weather, increased holiday energy usage, and BGE's new price hikes effective January 1, 2025.

The situation is set to worsen. Starting June 1, 2025, BGE customers can expect an additional increase of $216 annually, or $18 per month, on average. This is on top of current bills and will continue through May 31, 2026. If a separate increase pending review by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is approved, this could jump to $276 annually.

For those struggling with payments, BGE offers assistance:

Contact BGE at 1-800-685-0123 before falling behind on bills
Explore budget billing options here
Inquire about available financial assistance programs here

Consumers can also take action:

Implement energy-saving measures at home
Voice concerns to local representatives:
- Catonsville/Arbutus: (Council Member for District 1) Patrick Young
- Ellicott City/Elkridge
Join community efforts advocating for fair energy pricing:
- Maryland PIRG
- Office of People's Counsel
- Consider signing this petition

Stay proactive and informed to navigate these challenging utility cost increases.

_Source_{: Baltimore Sun}

Historic Ellicott City Courthouse Transforms into Cultural Hub: A Renaissance for the Community

Howard County’s historic 1843 courthouse in Ellicott City will reopen in 2026 as an 80,000-square-foot arts, culture, and history hub after a $15+ million revitalization1. Vacant since 2021, the Greek Revival landmark will house three key components:

Howard County’s first Asian American and Pacific Islander Cultural Center, offering social services, exhibit space, and martial arts/dance studios for the county’s 20% Asian population1.
An expanded Howard County Center for the Arts with galleries, a black-box theater, and dance studios converted from former courtrooms.
Roving Radish headquarters, featuring meal kits with local produce, a mobile market, and a shared commercial kitchen for small businesses.

The project – funded by federal, state, and county sources – aims to boost foot traffic in Old Ellicott City while honoring its history1. The “wall-breaking” ceremony started last year, which included repurposing judges’ chambers into artist studios.

The Howard County Arts Council is now actively soliciting public input through a new community feedback portal launched January 17, 2025.

_Source_{: Baltimore Banner &}_HoCoArts.org

Local Artist Spotlight: Jane Virden

Ellicott City's Jane Virden transforms discarded objects into whimsical treasures, evoking nostalgia and charm.

A former nurse and nurse manager at Johns Hopkins, Jane discovered her artistic calling while caring for her mother. Seeking a creative outlet to pass the time during this period, she began channeling her nurturing spirit into revitalizing forgotten pieces.

Jane's signature creations are her vintage trays, where she masterfully balances preservation and reinvention. She meticulously restores historically significant items while reimagining others as functional decor or standalone art, reflecting her commitment to sustainability and storytelling.

Find Jane's unique works at local craft shows and Twin Thrift Vintage, the beloved Ellicott City shop owned by her twin daughters.

Have a cherished heirloom needing restoration? Reach out to Jane and experience her artistry firsthand. Follow her journey on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on her latest creations and upcoming shows.

Local Opportunities for Residents

Mount de Sales Academy ISO JV Volleyball Coach

Do you love volleyball?

Mount de Sales Academy in Catonsville is looking for a paid, part-time coach for the girls JV Volleyball team.

The right candidate will have relevant experience in playing volleyball and strong teaching and leadership skills.

Contact: Eric Dummann, Athletic Director
Email: [email protected]

Patapsco Valley State Park is Hiring!

Available Seasonal Positions:

Bilingual Interpreter
Maintenance Worker
Contact Station Attendant / Camper Contact Attendant
Park Ranger
Park Ranger Lead
Naturalist
Volunteers

Apply by Feb. 11th. More information here.

Got a local opportunity to share? Reply to this email and let us know!

Happening This Week

Featured Events

Catonsville | Doozy’s Diner | Wizard Themed Murder Mytery Party | Mar 15 & other dates | 7-10p | $
"Murder among Magic" is a wizard-themed murder mystery party. The event includes an interactive game, three-course dinner, and parking. Wizard costumes are encouraged.

Ellicott City | Backwater Books | Philosophy Discussion | 11a-12:30p
Come discuss the Philosophy Tube’s distillation of Stoicism found here.

Ellicott City | EC Great Room | A Grand Day Out: Out of this World | Feb 7 | 10:30-11:30a
Join us for a show about the Universe and how we explore it! Dozens of interactive experiments about life in a vacuum, spacewalks, electromagnetic rocket propulsion, centrifugal force. Have a fun day out with your grands. Ages 4-11. Contact Ellicott City 50+ Center for more information at 410-313-1400. Purchase ticket here.

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

Additional Events

Monday - Feb 3

Sunday - Feb 9

Did we miss something? Want to see your event listed here next week? Reply to this email and share it with the readers of the Patapsco Valley View!

That’s it for this week’s view.

Until next time,

P.S. This newsletter is free, but the resources and time to produce it are not. Please consider supporting us.