Reeves Tallies Double-Double as Harford Women’s Basketball Earns First Victory, 64-56, Over Catholic

From the HCC sports desk:

BEL AIR, Md.—The Harford women’s basketball team picked up its first victory of the year as it downed the jayvee squad from Catholic University, 64-56, on Monday night at Susquehanna Center.

The Fighting Owls (1-5) took a two-point deficit, 26-24, into the half, but outscored the Cardinals (0-1), 40-30 in the second half to earn the win.

Freshman Kiara Reeves (Aberdeen, Md./C. Milton Wright) led Harford with a double-double, tallying 19 points and 14 rebounds while shooting 8-for-14 from the field and blocking four shots. Freshman Sarah Spalt (Forest Hill, Md./Fallston) came just one board away from a double-double, totaling 16 points and nine boards while also adding seven assists and shooting 5-for-9 and 6-for-6 from the free throw line.

Kim Dwyer was just one point short of a double-double for the Cardinals with 10 boards, nine points and four assists, while Claire Peterson led the team with 25 points.

The Cardinals controlled the first 20:00, never allowing the Owls to come closer than one point and, at one point, held a seven-point advantage over Harford but came out of the half with just a one basket lead.

The Owls took their first lead at the 15:59 mark in the second half after an 8-5 run to start the period. They would expand that lead to three points, 37-33, with 13:56 left and six points, 41-35, with 11:27 to go before the Cardinals chipped away and knotted the score at 43 points apiece at the 8:15 mark.

Harford would build its lead back to four points thanks to two consecutive Catholic fouls and two made shots from the stripe by Spalt and freshman Brittany Mears (Forest Hill, Md./Fallston), but after fouls by Reeves and freshman Natasha Bond (Aberdeen, Md./Aberdeen), the Cardinals added four free throws of their own to tie the game at 47.

The Cardinals would take their final lead of the game, 49-47, on a Peterson layup before two free throws from sophomore Jasmine Parsons (Edgewood, Md./Joppatowne) notched the final tie of the game at 49 points each.

Harford would add 10 straight points to take a 59-49 lead with 2:12 left to play and the closest Catholic would come would be six points, 62-56, after a trey from Peterson with nine seconds left. The ensuing foul committed by Peterson would put Spalt on the line, where she knocked down her final two free throws to give Harford the 64-56 win.

The Fighting Owls return to action after the Thanksgiving break when they host Howard as part of a double-header with the men’s team on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 6:00 p.m.

Newspaper Box Score
Catholic vs Harford
11/24/08 8:00 p.m. at Bel Air, Md.
At Bel Air, Md.
HARFORD 64, CATHOLIC 56
CATHOLIC (0-1)
Peterson, Claire 6-20 10-15 25; Wilson, Alecia 2-9 6-7 10; Dwyer, Kim 4-11
1-2 9; Vaughan, Kallie 2-8 0-0 4; King, Chelsea 1-7 1-2 3; Spadaro, Michelle
1-6 0-0 3; Rossi, Terre 1-5 0-0 2; Brashear, Melissa 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 17-68
18-26 56.
HARFORD (1-5)
Reeves, Kiara 8-14 3-4 19; Spalt, Sarah 5-9 6-6 16; Parsons, Jasmine 5-9 2-2
12; Mears, Brittany 2-10 5-10 10; Fox, Marie 1-6 3-4 5; Bond, Natasha 1-5
0-0 2; Scroggins, Hillary 0-0 0-0 0; Bazemore, Becca 0-1 0-0 0; Miller,
Sarah 0-4 0-0 0; Werren, Jasmine 0-0 0-0 0; Lehnert, Kathleen 0-0 0-0 0;
Jones, Kelsey 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 22-59 19-26 64.
Catholic 26 30 56
Harford 24 40 64
3-point goals–Catholic 4-17 (Peterson, Claire 3-8; Spadaro, Michelle 1-3;
Dwyer, Kim 0-2; King, Chelsea 0-1; Rossi, Terre 0-1; Wilson, Alecia 0-2),
Harford 1-10 (Mears, Brittany 1-5; Spalt, Sarah 0-2; Bazemore, Becca 0-1;
Miller, Sarah 0-2). Fouled out–Catholic-None, Harford-None.
Rebounds–Catholic 43 (Dwyer, Kim 10), Harford 53 (Reeves, Kiara 14).
Assists–Catholic 12 (Vaughan, Kallie 4; Dwyer, Kim 4), Harford 12 (Spalt,
Sarah 7). Total fouls–Catholic 19, Harford 22. Technical
fouls–Catholic-None, Harford-None. A-71

Two-Alarm Townhouse Fire In Aberdeen On Thanksgiving Eve

On Wednesday at 1643 hours, the Hose Company was alerted for an engine to respond as part of the box assignment for 728 Custis Street, in the 213 box area. Engine 512 (w/6), which was enroute to a 10-50 PI in the 541 box area, marked up immediately after alert. Engine 215 was first to arrive at 1647 hours with heavy fire showing from a middle of the group townhouse with exposures on the bravo and delta sides. Engine 512, which was instructed by command to take the charlie side, arrived shortly after Engine 215 and quickly went to work. Continue reading Two-Alarm Townhouse Fire In Aberdeen On Thanksgiving Eve

Give A Little Back This Thanksgiving To Those Who Give So Much To Us

If you missed the Second Annual Bulle Rock Turkey Trot this Thanksgiving morning, there are still ways to give something back to the Susquehanna Hose Company and all the other local fire, rescue, police and military agencies and personnel who give so much to us 365 days a year.

The Turkey Trot is a 5K route through Bulle Rock in Havre de Grace organized by HeartSmart with all funds going toward the purchase of new fire and rescue equipment for the Susquehanna Hose Company. Continue reading Give A Little Back This Thanksgiving To Those Who Give So Much To Us

Harford County Urges Residents To Shop Locally This Holiday Season

(Bel Air, MD – November 26, 2008) - - Harford County Executive David R. Craig and the Office of Economic Development are urging residents to shop locally this holiday season. Website promotion and a radio campaign on WMIX and WHFS are part of the county’s effort to support the local business community.

“In these tough economic times, it is even more important to support local businesses. Our campaign encourages residents of the county to support businesses in Harford County by shopping locally in Aberdeen, Bel Air, Havre de Grace or any of our fine shopping venues,” County Executive Craig stated.

Great shopping spots in the county include the Harford Mall, the Festival at Bel Air, Constant Friendship, Tollgate Marketplace and the downtown Main Streets in Bel Air and Havre de Grace. Additionally, there are warehouse and outlet sales opportunities in the county. Restoration Hardware Warehouse and Saks Fifth Avenue Warehouse offer holiday shopping. Additional online shopping opportunities include: www.sephora.com, www.saksfifthavenue.com, www.macys.com, www.fiorewinery.com and www.giggleprint.com.

Director of Economic Development Jim Richardson remarked, “During these tough economic conditions, holiday shoppers take more care in selecting the perfect gift. Harford County is an all-around holiday destination! For locals and visitors alike, Harford County has so much to offer.”

Shopping, holiday traditions and the December holiday Calendar of Events are available on Harford County’s tourism website - www.harfordmd.com.

School Beautification Grants Awarded To Riverside and Homestead-Wakefield Elementary Schools

(Bel Air, MD – November 25, 2008) - - Harford County Executive David R. Craig has announced two School Beautification Grant Program awards. Riverside Elementary School in Joppatowne and Homestead – Wakefield Elementary School in Bel Air, each received an award from the grant program administered by the Department of Community Services.

Riverside Elementary PTA received a $10,000 grant towards the upgrade and refurbishment of the primary playground. The projected cost of improvements for the school playground is estimated at $70,000. To date, the PTA and school community have received more than $65,000 to support this project. New ADA compliant playground equipment should be installed at the school by the summer of 2009.

Homestead –Wakefield Elementary School PTA received two grants totally $9,990. One award is $5,000 towards improvements for the lobby of the school, including painting, painting of a mural and furniture assembly to replace existing furniture. The second grant totally $4,990, is for the school courtyard landscaping project.

“The School Beautification Grant Program is an excellent example of an effective government initiative that brings schools, the parent community and businesses together,” stated County Executive Craig. “We commend the PTA of Riverside and Homestead – Wakefield Elementary Schools for their hard work and commitment to our children,” Craig remarked.

School Beautification Grants are available to all schools within the Harford County Public School system, generally limited to $5,000 per project. Organizations may apply for more than one grant within the fiscal year. Grant funding provides assistance for materials or equipment only. No grant funds may be used for labor and related expenses.

The School Beautification Grant Program is designed to foster partnerships between schools, parents, local businesses and industry and the community. Funds may be awarded to support projects such as landscaping, playground improvement, painting, wildlife habitat and water quality improvements.

For more information regarding the School Beautification Grant Program, or to receive an application, visit the Harford County Government website at www.harfordcountymd.gov or contact the Department of Community Services at 410-638-3389, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Harford Transit’s New Demand Response Service Available In Aberdeen, Bel Air, Edgewood and Havre de Grace

Introducing Evening Hours, Just in Time for the Holiday Shopping Season!

New Service Areas Include Aberdeen, Bel Air, Edgewood and Havre de Grace

Beginning December 1, 2008, Harford Transit will begin a new Demand Response Service, available to eligible senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and low-income wage earners. The new service will be available between 4:00 – 9:00 PM, Monday through Friday. With an affordable fare of $2 (Harford Transit-issued vouchers will be accepted by the drivers), eligible participants should take advantage of the service and get to the places they need to be this holiday season – whether gift shopping, Christmas errands or to the grocery to feed the relatives. Reservations must be made to access the new service; make sure to book your trip by 2:00 PM the working day before you wish to travel.

Persons with disabilities are given priority for this service; a passenger with a disability establishes eligibility through one of Harford Transit’s existing services: ADA Paratransit; SSTAP/Demand Response; or the Reduced Fare Program. Senior citizens, age 60 and over, may use the service if they are registered with Harford Transit. Low-income wage earners of any age may use this service if they are referred to Harford Transit by one of the following agencies: Harford County Department of Social Services; or Susquehanna Workforce.

Harford Transit dispatchers will determine eligibility for persons with disabilities and senior citizens, using existing procedures. For low-income wage earners, dispatchers should have a referral in writing from one of the referring agencies listed above. The referring agency may refer a passenger by email, but should follow-up by submitting appropriate documentation (such as an intake form or eligibility letter for the client). All trips will be on a first come first served basis, but in the event that trip priority needs to be established, persons with disabilities will be given first priority.

The service areas for the new service include parts of Aberdeen, Bel Air, Edgewood, and Havre de Grace, and the area in between. Call Harford Transit to determine if you are within the specified boundaries or visit www.harfordtransit.org to see a map of the service area with boundaries.

This new service is funded by the New Freedom grant, awarded to Harford Transit on behalf of the Harford County Transportation Steering Committee.

For more information and to determine if you are eligible for this service, please call Harford Transit at 410-612-1620 or visit www.harfordtransit.org.

Youth Empowered to Succeed Conference Dec. 6 in Aberdeen

FACE-IT (Faith Activated Community Empowering Intervention Training), in partnership with the Harford County Department of Community Services, will present the Annual Y.E.S. (Youth Empowered to Succeed) Conference 2008 entitled “I’m a Do Me” on Saturday, December 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Aberdeen Middle School, 111 Mount Royal Avenue in Aberdeen. Transportation is provided.

This event is for youth in grades 6-12, adults, and youth leaders. The day for the youth will consist of several workshops geared toward each audience that will include topics such as money management, drug use and abuse, and tactics relating to achieving goals and dreams. Testimonies will be heard in some of the workshops; there will also be a “guys-only” and a “girls-only” workshop featuring topics geared toward males and females, respectively. For the adults there will be an informational session entitled “It’s a Risky Business,” a workshop designed to help adults identify risky behaviors and warning signs to look for in order to prevent underage drinking, premarital sex, gang involvement, unhealthy internet use, and more.

Mr. LaMarr Darnell Shields, co-founder and president of the Urban Leadership Institute, LLC, will be the keynote speaker. Mr. Shields, described as a rising star among his peers, is nationally recognized for his achievements in the education and motivation of young people. He has spoken at the White House, lived in Latin America, has written several books and articles, and hosted a teen television show. Additionally, Mr. Shields founded the Paul Robeson Academic International School of Excellence (PRAISE) and taught at Johns Hopkins University.

Carol Taylor, President of FACE-IT, stated the conference is part of Harford County’s strategic plan to sponsor positive and safe events for youth and adults. “This will give participants the opportunity to focus on healthy behaviors, while understanding the dangers and consequences of using drugs and alcohol. We will also work to encourage youth to set goals and discover their unique talents in order to live a full, productive life.” This program is supported by a Criminal Justice Coordinating Council grant.

Lunch will be provided and the day includes entertainment, door prizes, and a professional photographer on-site to capture the memories of the day. The conference is free, but registration is required.

Additional partners include Harford County Public Schools, Harford County Local Management Board, Harford County Boys and Girls Club, Harford County Cancer & Tobacco Community Coalition, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

For further information or to register, please contact Robin Rossbach or Barbara Mason at 410-638-3333 or rarossbach@harfordcountymd.gov.

Harford Men’s Basketball Falls in 75-50 Rout by No. 21 Division-I Monroe

BEL AIR, Md.—After a dismal first half start in which the Harford men’s basketball team scored just 16 points against No. 21 Division-I Monroe, the Fighting Owls (3-4) doubled their offensive output in the second half, tallying 34 points to fall, 75-50 to the Mustangs (7-0) last Friday night at Susquehanna Center.

It was a tale of two halves for the Owls, who took a 25-point deficit into the half and came back and equaled the offensive production of the Mustangs, with both teams scoring 34 points in the second half.

Freshman Lionel Perkins (Bel Air, Md./Bel Air) led Harford with 16 points, 12 of which came in the second half, and five rebounds, while shooting 6-for-15 from the floor. Freshman Troy Burgan (Akron, Ohio/North) contributed six points and six boards, while Kyle Wright led Monroe with a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds. Charles Funches came close to a double-double as well, tallying 14 points and eight rebounds while dishing out four assists and shooting 4-for-6 from the field.

Monroe jumped out to a 10-0 lead over the Owls at the 17:09 mark, but a 7-2 run by Harford over the next 5:27 put them within five points, the closest they would come for the remainder of the contest.

Harford shot just 30.2% overall and 23.8% from behind the arc, with dismal 19.2% and 12.5% respective efficiencies in the first half, while the Mustangs posted a .452 field-goal percentage for the game.

The Fighting Owls return to action on Tuesday, Nov. 25 when they travel to Chesapeake for a 7:00 p.m. matchup.

Newspaper Box Score
Monroe vs Harford
11/21/08 6:00 p.m. at Bel Air, Md.
At Bel Air, Md.
MONROE 75, HARFORD 50
MONROE (7-0)
Funches, Charles 4-6 4-5 14; Harris, Terric 5-5 2-3 12; Perryman, Westley
4-12 4-4 12; Wright, Kyle 4-11 0-0 10; Obame, Freddy 2-5 2-2 6; Williams,
Tyvon 3-6 0-0 6; Bandoumel, Djim 1-1 2-2 4; Jackson, Maurese 2-4 0-0 4;
Tuitt, Michael 2-6 0-1 4; Cromartie, Jamell 1-5 0-0 2; Davis, Joseph 0-1 1-2
1; Dezouvre, Randy 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 28-62 15-19 75.
HARFORD (3-4)
Perkins,Lionel 6-15 2-4 16; Holleman,Jasper 3-7 2-2 8; Hill,Ian 2-8 3-3 7;
Burgan,Troy 3-11 0-0 6; Volk,Jesse 2-6 0-0 5; Gland,Dwayne 1-3 0-0 3;
Mead,Kevin 1-3 0-0 3; Claiborne,Kartrell 1-2 0-0 2; Dell, Gabe 0-2 0-0 0;
Faulcon,Butch 0-3 0-0 0; Pappas,Chris 0-2 0-0 0; Selby,Brandon 0-1 0-0 0.
Totals 19-63 7-9 50.
Monroe 41 34 75
Harford 16 34 50
3-point goals–Monroe 4-20 (Funches, Charles 2-4; Wright, Kyle 2-7;
Perryman, Westley 0-4; Williams, Tyvon 0-3; Tuitt, Michael 0-1; Cromartie,
Jamell 0-1), Harford 5-21 (Perkins,Lionel 2-7; Mead,Kevin 1-2; Gland,Dwayne
1-2; Volk,Jesse 1-3; Dell, Gabe 0-2; Hill,Ian 0-2; Holleman,Jasper 0-3).
Fouled out–Monroe-None, Harford-Claiborne,Kartrell. Rebounds–Monroe 46
(Wright, Kyle 12), Harford 35 (Burgan,Troy 6). Assists–Monroe 13 (Funches,
Charles 4; Williams, Tyvon 4), Harford 12 (Holleman,Jasper 4). Total
fouls–Monroe 13, Harford 17. Technical fouls–Monroe-None, Harford-TEAM.
A-98

School Board Elections Come To Harford County…Sort Of

The Harford County Board of Education has spent the last two years shooting down school board elections, but now the Board is considering changes to its internal procedures so that board leadership will be determined by - you guessed it - elections.

The proposed change in board policy is on the agenda for tonight’s meeting. If it’s approved, the Board will abandon the current practice of rotating the board presidency and vice-presidency based on seniority, and elect their leaders instead. Continue reading School Board Elections Come To Harford County…Sort Of

Harford’s Christmas Tree Farms Offer Quality Evergreens And Holiday Fun

(Bel Air, MD – November 21, 2008) - - With the holiday season now upon us, County Executive David R. Craig and the Division of Agriculture are reminding Harford’s families that we have many great Christmas tree farms right here in the county.

Harford County tree farms offer many varieties of pine, fir, and spruce. Some of the farms also have other goods and attractions such as wreaths, holiday crafts, baked goods, and even reindeer and train rides.

“Our Christmas tree farms provide not only the highest quality trees, but also fun family activities and an old fashioned holiday atmosphere,” remarked John Sullivan, III, Deputy Chief of Staff for Agriculture.

County Executive Craig added, “Our ‘Buy Local’ effort doesn’t end with the first frost. You can also support our farming community by buying local in the winter as well. I encourage Harford County families to make a trip to one of our Christmas tree farms a part of their holiday plans.”

The county’s Christmas tree farms include: Applewood Farm, 4435 Prospect Road, Whiteford, Deer Creek Valley Farm, 3744 Ady Road, Street, Environmental Evergreens, 3631 Berkley Road, Darlington, Evergreen Farm, 4219 Webster Road, Havre de Grace, Hickory Hill Farm, 3123 Copenhaver Road, Street, Jarrettsville Nurseries, 4302 St. Clair Bridge Road, Jarrettsville, Rock Hollow Farm, 4105 Federal Hill Road, Jarrettsville, and Walnut Grove Farm, 2931 Charles Street, Fallston.

For contact information and more details about the types of trees available at each farm, log on to www.HarfordFarms.com.

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