Chesapeake Bay's Water Quality Showing Encouraging Improvement in 2023

In this Issue of Harford Local Connect

🌤️ Harford County, MD Weather

🛥️ Chesapeake Bay's Water Quality Showing Encouraging Improvement in 2023

🗳️ Maryland Prepares Election Officials for Potential Disruptions with Safety Training

🏪 Support Local Businesses

📅 Local Events & Happenings

🎅 Where Can You See Santa This Weekend?

🏈 Baltimore Ravens BYE Week - No Game This Sunday

🏀🏒  Harford County High School Sports Schedule

Chesapeake Bay's Water Quality Showing Encouraging Improvement in 2023

The health of the Chesapeake Bay is looking up as 2023 comes to a close. This year's summer dead zone, which refers to areas of low oxygen, is the smallest on record since monitoring began in 1985.

The Chesapeake Bay Program, along with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Old Dominion University, and the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences, monitor the dead zones. The reduced size of the dead zone indicates that efforts to reduce nutrient input and improve water quality are having a positive impact on fish, crab, and oyster habitats. 

Experts credit the lack of rain during the summer months, which resulted in less freshwater and runoff entering the bay, as one contributing factor. Pollution-reducing practices implemented by Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia also play a role in the improving health of the bay. These efforts have resulted in meeting 51% of the nitrogen reduction goal and 60% of the phosphorus reduction goal by 2025.

Additionally, weather conditions and the replacement of buoys throughout the bay by teams from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have contributed to the positive results. As the cleanup efforts continue, the hope is to accelerate progress and further improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

Support Local Harford County Businesses

Maryland Prepares Election Officials for Potential Disruptions with Safety Training

In preparation for the upcoming primary and general elections next year, election officials in Maryland are set to partake in a comprehensive safety training program. This program aims to equip officials with the necessary knowledge and skills to handle any potential threats or abusive conduct that may arise during the election process. The training will involve collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to enhance security measures and ensure a safe environment for both officials and voters.

The decision to prioritize safety training for election officials comes after recent reports of increased threats and abusive behavior towards these individuals. In a hearing before the U.S. Senate Rules and Administration Committee, state and local election officials expressed their concerns and called for measures to protect their safety. In response, both federal and state authorities have taken action to address this pressing issue.

The safety training program will cover a wide range of topics, including threat assessment, conflict de-escalation techniques, emergency protocols, and effective communication strategies. By providing election officials with these crucial skills, they will be better equipped to handle any potential disruptions and ensure that the democratic process runs smoothly.

December 1 Rumours: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute Bel Air

December 1 December Scavenger Hunt  Fallston

December 1 Homeschool Showcase Bel Air

December 1 Holly Jolly Parade  Havre de Grace 🎅

December 1 1st Fridays Progressive Jackpot Bingo  Street

December 1 - 2 Holiday Tree Jubilee  Havre de Grace

December 1 - 3 The Nutcracker Bel Air

December 2 Christmas Street Craft Fair - Aberdeen FD Aberdeen

December 2 Christmas Bazaar Bel Air

December 2 Homebrew Concert Series: GNR & Led Zeppelin Tribute Havre de Grace

December 2  Christmas Festival and Tree Lighting Bel Air 🎅

December 2 Holiday Movie Marathon Joppa

December 2 Ponies & Pictures with Santa Fallston 🎅

December 2 Christmas Craft & Vendor Show Forest Hill

December 2 Christmas Open House  Street

December 2 Bethel Christian Center Annual Christmas Bazaar Havre de Grace 🎅

December 2 Spaghetti Dinner Aberdeen

December 2 Cedar Lane Holiday Light Show - Opening Night Bel Air

December 2 Photos with Santa Joppa 🎅

December 2 Photos with Santa Jarrettsville 🎅

December 3 Annual Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Bel Air 🎅

December 3 GrinchFest Bel Air

December 3 Family Gingerbread House Building Street

December 3 Breakfast with St Nick Edgewood 🎅

December 3 Holiday Tress Acrylic Painting Workshop Bel Air

December 5 Campus & Community African Diaspora Luncheon Bel Air

December 8  Holiday Cabaret Havre de Grace

December 8 Christmas Celebration on Ice Bel Air

December 8 - 17 Elf The Musical Havre de Grace

Ongoing Seasonal Events:

Through December 16 (Fridays & Saturdays) Spirits of Christmas Past: Candlelight Christmas Tour Bel Air

Through Christmas (Saturdays & Sundays) Christmas Light Show @ Long Bar Harbor Abingdon

Through January 7 (Wednesday - Sunday) Gifts of the Season Art Show Bel Air

Through January 14 (Schedule Varies) 42nd Annual Train Garden Jarrettsville

🎅 - Santa is reported to be attending this event!

Have a Harford County Event you want us to share?

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Rest Up For Next Sunday Against the Rams!

No Game - It’s a Ravens BYE Week

Harford County Sports Schedule - December 1, 2023