Seven students from Harford Community College participated in Student Advocacy Day in Annapolis.

Students advocated for strong state support that would continue to provide affordable access to higher education and prepare the workforce for careers that keep Maryland businesses, health and emergency services, infrastructure, and educational institutions running.

The morning of the event, students from each of Maryland’s community colleges gathered at the Governor Calvert House, then met with local delegates to learn more about state political proceedings and to advocate for fiscal support.

The students who participated were Isaiah Brooks, Lili Ceci, Heloisa Paiva Cruz, Emma DeGregory, Clip Hathaway, Alex Tran and Kwame Waititu.

Chick-Fil-A awards Epicenter at Edgewood $200K

The Epicenter at Edgewood, a large community center created by Mountain Christian Church, was selected as a Chick-Fil-A True Inspiration Award top recipient.

Along with being chosen, the center was awarded $200,000.

“We look forward to using this to make impact right here where we live,” the organization said in a message on its website. “By empowering people, strengthening families, and building community and trust.”

The True Inspiration Awards program was created in 2015 to honor the legacy of Chick-Fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy.

Through the annual grants that range from $30,000 to $350,000, the fast food chain aims to celebrate and support nonprofits impacting their local communities

Humane Society hosting pet vaccine clinic

The Humane Society of Harford County, in partnership with the Harford County Health Department, will host a public pet vaccination clinic on Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Abingdon Fire Company.

The clinic, which is open to all pet owners regardless of residency, will offer distemper and Bordetella vaccines for dogs; distemper vaccines for cats; and rabies vaccines for dogs, cats and ferrets. Appointments are not required.

Vaccinations are $10 each. Payment is accepted via cash or major credit card. Pets must be at least four months old.

Microchipping will also be available for $25 per pet. Onsite nail trims for $20 will be offered by Heart to Heart Mobile Pet Care LLC.

For safety, dogs must be on a non-retractable leash with a properly fitted collar. Cats and ferrets must be secured in a carrier. Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly and prepare to wait outdoors due to the clinic being held in open truck bays.

At the last public clinic in October, the Humane Society was able to vaccinate 242 dogs and 172 cats in over four hours, according to Amanda Hickman, HSHC executive director, in a news release.

Ladew Topiary Gardens creates fund named for executive director

Ladew Topiary Gardens established The Emily Wehr Emerick Garden Fund, an initiative honoring 25 years of leadership by Emerick, the gardens’ executive director.

The new fund, created by the gardens’ Board of Trustees, will ensure the long-term cultivation, preservation and enhancement of Ladew’s historic 15 garden rooms.

The goal of the fund is to raise over $2 million by 2029.

“Ladew Gardens has been such a special part of my personal and professional life, and it means so much to know that this beautiful, historic place will continue to be thoughtfully preserved and nurtured for the future,” said Emerick in a news release.

Contributions to the fund may include annual gifts, multi-year pledges and planned gifts. To learn more, contact Neala Lancellotti, director of development, at nlancellotti@ladewgardens.com or 410-557-9570 ext. 229.

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