Hello Towson,

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth”
- Muhammad Ali

In this week’s Towson Torch:

Hampton National Historic Site preserves what remains of a once 25,000-acre enslavement plantation. For hundreds of years, enslaved people, indentured servants, tenant farmers, paid laborers, and the Ridgely family all made their own contributions to Hampton, creating a space where cruelty and decadence collide to provide a complex history of the United States.

Hampton National Historic Site offers “Choosing a Path in Freedom.” This lesson plan encourages students to explore the meaning of freedom, the challenges and choices faced by newly emancipated people at Hampton in 1864. Teachers can use this plan for self-guided field trips at Hampton or for classroom use. The plan also includes biographies of enslaved men and women at Hampton, pre-visit and on-site activities, and curriculum connections.

To learn more, go to:
https://www.nps.gov/.../choosing-a-path-in-freedom.htm

The combination of record‑level cold in December and January helps explain higher winter energy use and how extreme weather conditions influence customer bills.

December 2025: Coldest December in a Decade

December 2025 was the coldest December in the past 10 years for central Maryland, elevating the demand for heating among BGE customers.

January 2026: Second Coldest January in a Decade

January 2026 continued the trend of elevated heating demand across the BGE service area. It was the second coldest January in the past decade in central Maryland, with January 2025 being the coldest.

Read Full Release on BGE Website

On January 28, Dr. Theresa Nguyen, Chair of Pediatrics at GBMC HealthCare, guided parents on how to teach children to become good stewards and discerners of the media content designed to steal their attention. She broke down the difference between media literacy and digital literacy, discussed the benefits and challenges of living in a digital world, and gave parents practical tips for smoothing these challenges. Watch/Listen to the whole podcast

Baltimoe rCounty provides property owners an opportunity to obtain a reduction in the Sewer Service Charge when less than 100% of the water consumed is not returned to the sanitary sewer. Water used for swimming pools may receive an exemption applied to the Sewer Service Charge billed on the real property tax bill issued July 1. There is a new online process for submitting your pool application if you do not submeter your water usage.
- Link to Baltimore County Site for Details and Online Form

A graduate of Dulaney High School (’93) and Johns Hopkins University (’06), the 50-year-old Wiseman will head the voyage traveling approximately 4,700 miles beyond the far side of the Moon — far enough away that the Moon will appear the size of a basketball held at arm’s length for the Artemis II crew. Their journey will shatter the current record of a 158-mile altitude from the lunar surface, set by the Apollo 13 mission in 1970. -Read Article on Baltimore Fishbowl

Remember the Eighties? Sure, we all do…but the Legwarmers don’t just remember the Eighties-they relive them. With more moves than a Rubik’s Cube, the Legwarmers take the stage like it’s prom night in a John Hughes movie, a very special episode of “Square Pegs,” and the Monsters of Rock Tour all at once. So remember: this ain’t no half-assed cover band, this ain’t no disco, this ain’t no fooling around – it’s the Legwarmers, the Ultimate 80s Tribute Band

📅 SAT 2/21/26
📍The Recher
🚪Doors Open at 7 PM
🎟️ Get Advanced Tickets

Elijah Smith grew up in the heart of Nebraska football country, envisioning himself lowering the boom on any player with whom he crossed paths.

At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, he looks the part of a Division I strong safety. Instead, the 22-year-old is in his senior season with Towson men’s lacrosse, where he delivers big hits as a close defenseman. He has become a key piece for a team that went 11-6 and won the Coastal Athletic Association last season and has high hopes for 2026. Smith is coming off a season in which he picked up 19 ground balls and caused seven turnovers. - Read Article on Pressbox

Towson Tavern – American, scratch kitchen
A polished yet relaxed spot right in downtown Towson, known for seasonal American dishes, strong cocktails, and a comfortable bar area that works well after performances or games.​

7 West Bistro Grille – Mediterranean / American
Fine‑casual bistro with a broad menu (pastas, seafood, steaks, Mediterranean plates) and a lively bar; great for mixed groups when everyone wants something different.

The Melting Pot – Towson – Fondue
A fun, interactive fondue experience ideal for lingering over post‑event conversation; better for smaller groups who want a drawn‑out, celebratory meal.

Fogo de Chão – Towson – Brazilian steakhouse
Located at Towson Town Center, this all‑you‑can‑eat churrascaria is popular for groups and special occasions, especially when you want a “big night out” after a major event.

Bread & Circuses Bistro & Bar – American bistro, eclectic
Quaint spot at 401 Delaware Ave with bohemian flair, crab cakes, chicken & waffles, truffle fries, and apps like maple bacon brussels; open late (until 2 a.m.), perfect for post-event unwinding with drinks and vibes

Red Pepper Sichuan Bistro – Authentic Sichuan, bold flavors
Located on Allegheny Ave in Uptown Towson, this spot is a go‑to for legit Sichuan dishes, from mapo tofu and dan dan noodles to spicy wontons and chili‑oil classics, with plenty of options for both heat‑seekers and milder palates.

The Point Towson – Modern American, cocktails
Vibrant restaurant and bar with elevated pub‑style fare, craft cocktails, and an energetic atmosphere; ideal for post‑event drinks plus shareable bites or dinner in one spot.​

Charles Village Pub & Patio (Towson) – Pub food
Casual go‑to for burgers, wings, and drinks with a large bar and patio, well‑suited for informal post‑game or post‑concert gatherings that may run later into the evening.​

-Advertisement-

Thursday
49🌡️ 38 | ☀️

Friday
51 🌡️ 37 | ☁️

Saturday
49 🌡️ 35 | ☁️

Sunday
35🌡️ 30 | ☁️

Come be part of the Towson Growth Summit on Workforce Development and AI, where we’re putting people, not machines, at the center of the conversation. We’ll start by taking a breath and cutting through the hype so you can make smart choices about AI without the panic or the big risks. Hear from local experts across Greater Baltimore County/City as they share real stories, bust myths, and help you shape an AI game plan that truly fits your business or career.

Thank you for reading Towson Torch today!

If you enjoyed it and please share/forward to a friend.

With Gratitude,

Chris