🌱 Local Hospitals Nearing Capacity Limits + Bulk Pick-Up In 2022

Happy Saturday, Catonsville! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening locally today.

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First, today's weather:

Considerable cloudiness. High: 53 Low: 42.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Catonsville:

1. The last Farmers Market of 2021 in Catonsville will be held this Sunday, Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 15 Mellor Ave. The Catonsville Chamber of Commerce had previously extended this year's Farmers Market season by three weekends. The final event of the year will include nearly three dozen local vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and specialty items, as well as a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Don't miss out! (Catonsville Patch)
2. Hospitals in the Catonsville area are nearing capacity limits as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. In Maryland, about 85 percent of inpatient beds and 73 percent of ICU beds in hospitals across the state were occupied as of Dec. 16, with 11 to 13 percent of those beds filled by COVID-19 patients, state officials reported. The CDC's predicted increase in daily COVID-19 hospital admissions is troubling for hospitals like the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center in Towson and Northwest Hospital Center in Randallstown, which are already above 90 percent full. (Catonsville Patch)
3. On Friday, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced that in 2022, Baltimore County is bringing back residential bulk trash collection for the first time in 30 years. The new program will give all single-family home and townhouse residents two pre-scheduled dates to set out up to three bulk items per collection. Residents will be able to look up their pick-up dates online starting in January and will not need to call or email the County. Bulk item collection dates and instructions will be mailed to every home in Baltimore County. (Press Release Desk)

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Today in Catonsville:

• Holiday Gift Drive At The Children's Home (9:00 AM)
• Journal Making At The Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum (1:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Last night, the Baltimore County Arts Guild held a closing reception for its exhibit, "Portraits of Life: Once Upon A Story." The reception incorporated original music and poetry with a sampling of art-inspired poems by local writers. (Instagram)
• A neighbor in Caton Glen is giving away a rocking chair free to a good home. Call (410) 977-4668 if interested. (Nextdoor)

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• Christmas Eve (December 24)
• Charm City Countdown NYE 2022 (December 31)
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That's it for today! I'll be in your inbox Monday with a new 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.