Santa led a caravan of Jeeps on Saturday in Catonsville to spread holiday cheer to four nursing homes and foster children’s homes. Ellie McIntire, one of the organizers, wanted to being some Christmas spirit to those who might feel isolated during the pandemic. “It’s a break from the normal….they can wave and lift their spirits up for the day,” McIntire said.
Christmas is looking different thing year with no large gatherings and social distancing preventing some of the annual traditions, including visits to Santa. This is not going to stop the town of Catonsville who will keep the big tree lit through January 1st and is collecting letters to send to Santa. Santa and Mrs. Clause respond to every letter that’s dropped in the box.
Monday morning customers lined up in front of 818 Market on Frederick Rd to be the first inside the new gourmet grocer and food mart. Being called “a little shining star” in the middle of the current pandemic, the Market has also provided eighty new employment positions to the community. In addition to its gourmet finds, 818 Market has a cheese shop, seafood counter, bakery and floral section.
This week WMAR shined their Veteran Spotlight on Martin Edward Eichelman, a World War II veteran and Catonsville resident who just celebrated his 99th birthday. While serving in the Army Air Forces, Eichelman was a right gunner on b-29 bombers, flew 35 combat missions, and was awarded the distinguished flying cross.
After his service, Eichelman was active in the Maryland Catholic War Veterans and sang in the St Agnes Catholic Church choir. He will be celebrating his 70th wedding anniversary in January with his wife Mary Jeanne. The couple have three children, nine grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Halloween this year is going to look much different than years past as social distancing and the coronavirus have made us all live differently and with more caution. If you do decide to trick-or-treat, keep in mind that costume masks are not an alternative to a cloth mask and you might want to use hand sanitizer throughout your night. At home activities are also a great alternative to going out for candy. The most important thing is to keep yourself and family safe, whatever activity you decide to do. Have a safe and happy Halloween!
Beginning in August, the 5,000 square foot hall located at 10 St. Timothy Lane will provide Catonsville with a wide array of visual, music and performing arts programs, exhibits and classes for all ages, and performances. Now managed and operated by the Baltimore County Arts Guild, the building’s past traditions will be combined with a new arts and entertainment culture. An open house is scheduled for August 7th from 4-6 pm. Face masks and physical distancing will be required.