The Harford County Department of Public Works received its second regional quality award in three years for drinking water produced at the Abingdon Water Treatment Plant.

Harford’s water was named Best in Show, the top award at the American Water Works Association’s regional taste test challenge during the Chesapeake Tri-Association Conference. A panel of judges evaluated entries based on overall flavor and clarity characteristics.

The American Water Works competition is divided into two categories: ground water and surface water. The winners from each category advance to a final round for Best in Show. The Abingdon Water Treatment Plant earned first place, among nine competitors, in the surface water category.

With the top recognition, the plant has qualified to compete in the American Water Works Associations national competition in June in Washington, D.C.

Registration opens for Inclusive Winter Wonderland

Individuals with differing abilities and their families are invited to attend Harford County’s first annual Inclusive Winter Wonderland on Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Edgewood Senior Activity Center.

Guests will enjoy a variety of holiday-themed activities designed to engage all five senses and support fine motor skill development. Activities include a “Where’s Santa?” bin hunt, a hands-on felt ornament craft and an opportunity to decorate a holiday treat. Visitors will also be able to meet “Buttons the Reindeer” and take a picture with Santa.

Once families arrive, they will be greeted by their personal elf who will walk them through the Winter Wonderland. The elves will also give each person a holiday goodie bag.

Families are encouraged to register beforehand, as spots are limited. To register, visit Harford County Office of Disability Services at www.harfordcountymd.gov/InclusiveWonderland.

Harford Dance Theatre to hold ‘Alice in Wonderland’ auditions

Harford Dance Theatre will hold auditions for Alice in Wonderland on Dec. 13 in the Susquehanna Center Dance Studio in Room 212 on Harford Community College’s campus.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. with all callbacks taking place from 1 to 1:30 p.m.

All roles are open. Dancers must be at least 11 years old by the audition date and should wear appropriate dance attire and bring dance shoes for all styles of dance for which they wish to be considered. Combinations will be taught at the audition.

Performances will be directed by Tigga Smaller and Alex Hill. They will be held from May 15 to 17.

Performers must be available each evening during the week of May 11 to 14 for tech rehearsals. Rehearsals are on Sundays.

For additional information, contact Suzie Thompson at sthompson@harford.edu.

Harford Community College awarded grant

Harford Community College has been awarded a grant by the philanthropic group Arnold Ventures through Gov.r Wes Moore’s Maryland Partnership for Proven Programs.

According to the college, the initiative is investing $20 million across the state to expand evidence-based programs that help Maryland youth thrive.

Moore announced a portion of the funding is set aside, the college said, to support implementation of the Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP), a model replicated at community colleges to increase student access and success. The model, an evidence-based approach, provides comprehensive academic, personal and financial support to help students stay on track and complete their degrees.

$14.4 million was awarded to four community colleges to implement the ASAP model: Harford Community College, Prince George’s Community College, Wor-Wic Community College and the Community College of Baltimore County.

Funding for the program at HCC includes the grant from Arnold Ventures and funds contributed from the college and its foundation.

The SOAR ASAP program at HCC will provide students with advisors, financial assistance and support programs.

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