🌱 Christmas Tree Recycling + New Baltimore Co. Election Director

Up and at 'em, Catonsville! Here's everything you need to know to get this Thursday started off right.

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First, today's weather:

A touch of morning rain. High: 51 Low: 47.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Catonsville today:

1. Baltimore County will begin collecting live Christmas trees for recycling on Monday, Jan. 9. Collections will take place over a two-week period, but will not be scheduled in advance. County officials ask residents to place their plain, undecorated trees out for pick-up at the same location where they would normally place trash and recycling, no later than Jan. 15 to ensure collection. (Press Release Desk )
2. Cecil County Election Director Ruie Lavoie has announced that she will be returning to Baltimore County as its new Election Director in 2022. Lavoie previously worked in Baltimore elections for 10 years, before moving over to Cecil County's election board two years ago. "The Board is excited to welcome Ms. Lavoie and is confident that she has the tools, skills, and drive to manage elections in Maryland's third-largest county," said Bruce Robinson, Baltimore County Board of Elections president. (Cecil Daily)
3. The Catonsville area is home to many accomplished military veterans, including 101-year old WWII seaman George Ellers. Ellers served in the Coast Guard on the USCGC Spencer, which sank two German U-Boats during World War II. This year, he was one of many former members of the military to take part in the Catonsville Fourth of July parade. Learn more about this lifelong community resident in his profile by The Baltimore Sun. (Free: Flipboard; Subscription: Baltimore Sun)

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Today in Catonsville:

• BRIO Master Class Series: Street Jazz Pop-Up At Revolve Wellness Studios (6:45 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Last chance to vote in Catonsville Sparkle and help your favorite local business win the "People's Choice Award!" Storefront winners will be announced tomorrow at 4 p.m. Cast your vote at bcartsguild.org/sparkle for a chance to receive a gift certificate, tickets, or special prizes. (Facebook)
• Two beautiful cats, Chanel and Chloe, are currently at Baltimore County Animal Services searching for their forever homes. (Patch)
• Maryland has reported its highest yet daily new case count, as hospitals in the state reach over 2,000 active COVID-19 patients. (Patch)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.