An art show featuring the work of Harford County native Joan Henderson Hodous is on display at the Liriodendron Mansion in Bel Air through June 4.

The exhibit, “A Retrospective 75 Years of Art,” has been up since late April and will continue through June 4, in celebration of Hodous’s 90th birthday. Visitors can view it every Wednesday from 1 to 5 p.m.

In her 90 years, Hodous has been a painter, photographer, poet, business owner, collector, philanthropist, advocate for women, world traveler, wife and mother. The Harford County Council recognized Hodous as a Harford Living Treasure in 2022.

For more information about the exhibit visit https://liriodendron.com.

Second annual Taste of Harford raises more than $33,000

The Harford County Library Foundation hosted the second annual Taste of Harford: Back for Seconds event in Havre de Grace, raising more than $33,000.

The money raised goes to support the library system’s programs, resources and services that benefit the community.

The event showcased 39 local food and drink companies including restaurants, farmers and wineries, that were challenged to include locally sourced ingredients in their recipes.

Guests were asked to cast votes for their favorite local food and non-alcoholic drinks for the “Best Bite in Harford County” competition. The winners in each category included: Latitude Seafood Company (seafood), Maison Catering (meat), Island Spice Grille and Lounge (vegetarian), Jimmy’s Famous Seafood (food truck), Newberry Cafe (baked goods), Broom’s Bloom Dairy (dessert), Coffee Coffee (non-alcoholic beverage) and Tropical Smoothie Cafe (smoothies).

Broom’s Bloom Dairy created three ice cream flavors for the event – Dewey Decimal Double Dutch Chocolate, Librarian Lemon Lavender and Periodical Peppermint –  to honor the library’s 80th anniversary.

The event included a farmers market, a silent auction, entertainment and appearances from local authors D.A. Jennings, Irmgarde Brown, Kristie Wolf and K.R. Raye.

“Taste of Harford is more than a celebration of local flavor, it’s a testament to the incredible heart of our community,” Amber Shrodes, director of philanthropy and community engagement for HCPL, said in a news release. “Bringing together farmers, chefs, artisans and neighbors in support of our library’s mission is both joy and a privilege. The overwhelming turnout and generosity we witnessed reaffirms that vital role the Library plays in enriching lives across Harford County.”

20th Anniversary of After d’Arc Gala

The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region celebrated its 20th anniversary of the After d’Arc Gala which raised more than $282,000 to support its mission of empowering people with differing abilities.

The “Fund the Need” campaign also raised $142,050 to assist employment services for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The campaign connects job candidates with local businesses and provides continuous training to ensure workplace success.

The gala is the Arc NCR’s largest fundraising event, supporting services for more than 400 children, adults and families across Harford and Cecil counties.

“The funds raised will help us expand our efforts, during this critical time, to support people with differing abilities in achieving independence and meaningful employment,” The Arc NCR President and CEO Shawn Kros said in a news release.

Harford Community College holds pinning ceremony for nursing students

Harford Community College honored 47 nursing graduates during a pinning ceremony last week.

All graduates wore nursing uniforms, but members of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society and the Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society wore special cords designating their membership in the organizations.

Three students received special recognition: Alyssa Miller received the Spalding Leadership Award – Art of Nursing and Abigail Warfield and Mykell Wicks each received the Spalding Leadership Award – Science of Nursing. Warfield also served as the class speaker.

The college’s president Theresa Felder offered congratulatory remarks; nursing faculty members, Brandi Robinson and Jessica Powers presented pins to the graduates.

All graduates and nurses in attendance were led through reciting the International Council of Nurses’ Pledge by Stephanie Watkins, assistant professor of practical nursing and program coordinator.

Harford County Public School Teacher recognized as Maryland’s Outstanding Teacher

The Maryland State Society Daughters of the American Revolution recognized Adam Fletcher, a Patterson Mill Middle School teacher, as the Outstanding Teacher of American History during the group’s 120th Maryland State Conference.

Fletcher was nominated by the Governor William Paca Chapter and selected for state recognition by a panel of judges. He received $1,000 along with his award.

Fletcher received a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and Social Studies from Towson University and a Master of Education from Goucher College. He is pursuing a certification in school administration.

Fletcher is a member of the American Battlefield Trust, the Maryland Council for Social Studies and the Maryland Council on Economic Education.

Have a news tip? Contact Shaela Foster at sfoster@baltsun.com or 443-826-5894.