🌱 Baltimore County Housing Report + New County Department Heads

Hey, neighbors. It's Friday in Catonsville and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Clouds giving way to some sun. High: 48 Low: 31.

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Here are the top three stories today in and around Catonsville:

1. According to the recently released Maryland Realtors' housing report for November 2022, there is an increasing lack of available housing in Baltimore County. There was a nearly 40 percent decrease in Baltimore County home sales when compared to November 2021. Baltimore County housing prices are also up nearly 5 percent, going from $348,824 in November 2021 to $365,858 in November 2022. (Owings Mills Patch)
2. Yesterday, Dec. 15, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. announced the new Baltimore County department heads who will replace several agency leaders. Elisabeth A. Sachs was named Deputy Administrative Officer for Health and Community Services, Mike Fried as Director of the Office of Information Technology, Walt J. Pesterfield as Director of the Department of Corrections, Kevin D. Reed as Director of the Office of Budget and Finance, Bob Smith as Acting Director of the Department of Recreation and Parks. (Subscription: Baltimore Sun; Free: Baltimore County)
3. Kolby Weedon, a Catonsville High School alumni and currently a sophomore on UMBC women's lacrosse team, was interviewed for UMBC Athletic's "Puppy Power." Weedon was named the America East Newcomer of the Year after transferring UMBC and producing 45 goals and seven assists. (UMBC Athletics)

Today in and around Catonsville:

• Teen Time At Catonsville Branch Library (3:00 PM)
• Launch Party Fundraiser At 6120 Baltimore National Pike (5:00 PM)
• Live Music At The Market At Cross Street Market in Baltimore (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Tomorrow, Dec. 17, don't miss a free event for the whole family called, "Traditional and Old Time Jam Session" at Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum in Catonsville! Local musicians will play tunes at the historic Trueth House open house, some of which date back to Benjamin Banneker's time. Attendees can bring an instrument and join in, or sit back and listen. (Catonsville Patch)
• Looking for a new home or just want to stay up-to-date on the housing market in your area? View the link to see the latest homes for sale in the Catonsville area, including a six-bedroom on Wade Avenue for $349,900. (Catonsville Patch)
• There’s still time to make "Catonsville Sparkle!" Businesses must be registered by Dec. 20 to be eligible for awards. And today, Dec. 16, is the last day to register if you are interested in helping decorate a window as an artist/creative. Click here to register. (Baltimore County Arts Guild via Instagram)

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Events:

• Cookies, Cocoa and Caroling at the Artful Flea (December 17)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with another update.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!