The Harford County Commission for Women is seeking nominations of outstanding young women for the 2025 Harford County Leading Women – Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow Awards.

Schools, organizations and individuals are encouraged to nominate young women who have made a difference in their school and/or community and positively impact the lives of others, according to a county government news release.

Nominees should be Harford County residents in grades 7-12. Awards will be given in three categories: grades 7-8, 9-10 and 11-12. The first-place winner in each group will receive a $1,000 cash prize. All nominees will be recognized for academic accomplishments and community service at a reception and awards ceremony in the spring.

The deadline for nomination submissions is Jan. 21. Nominations must be submitted online at harfordcountymd.gov/leadingwomen. Contact the Harford County Department of Housing and Community Services at 410-638-3045 for more information.

Historic Emmorton Schoolhouse designated as historic land

Located at the corner of Old Emmorton and Wheel Roads in Bel Air, The Emmorton Schoolhouse has been recognized as a Harford County Historic Landmark. The 104-year-old building has seen the surrounding neighborhood grow from a rural village into a modern suburban community. The designation, at the request of owner Linda Freilich, will help ensure that the building sees what the next 100 years will bring.

Built in 1920 during segregation, the two-room schoolhouse replaced an overcrowded one-room school for white students, according to a county government news release. Over the years the location has served as a community center, hosting meetings for local groups such as Merry Maidens 4H Club, Emmorton Grange, Harford County Farm Bureau and Mt. Carmel Methodist Church. Following its closure as a general education school in 1958, the building became home to the Emmorton Special School and an annex of the Harford Center, supporting students in need of additional educational support until 1976. After decades of housing various offices, including Freilich’s medical practice, it has again become a place of learning as the home of Autism Connection.

“We are proud to preserve this special place as a lasting reminder of our history,” County Executive Bob Cassilly said in a news release. “Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Historic Preservation Commission, Department of Planning and Zoning and others, we have established over 70 county landmarks and two historic districts, ensuring these connections to our past endure for generations to come.”

Harford Chamber of Commerce co-hosts pre-legislative breakfast

On Nov. 21, the Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted its Eggs & Issues Legislative Breakfast, in partnership with the Army Alliance. Del. Mike Griffith, of District 35A, and Sen. J.B. Jennings, of District 7, discussed priorities for the 2025 Maryland Legislative Session beginning in January.

Harford Chamber board chair Chris Stone cited the importance of advocacy within the business community, according to a news release from the chamber. Harford County Executive, Bob Cassilly and Aberdeen Proving Ground Senior Commander Maj. Gen. James Turinetti IV provided updates to the 200 attendees.

Bob Brown, chair of the Harford County Commission on Veterans Affairs, was honored with the Association of Defense Communities’ Defense Community Champion Award, according to the chamber. Cassilly stated in a news release that “Bob Brown has built strong relationships at the local, state, and federal levels enabling him to elevate issues and solutions to military/civilian leadership and soldiers on and off-post.”

Griffith and Jennings discussed topics including increasing the state tax exemptions of military retirement pay, the Maryland state budget and education, according to the release. The Army Alliance is actively advocating for increasing the state taxation exemption of military retirement pay in order to retain and attract military retirees to fill critical defense positions, an issue that both Griffith and Jennings stated was a top priority. Jennings noted that while they are optimistic that legislation will be passed, it will likely not come until 2026 or 2027 given the current concerns surrounding the state budget, the release stated.

When asked what the business community can do to support the delegation and advocate for business, both Griffith and Jennings said they welcome conversations at any time, according to the chamber.