Hello Towson!

This subject line has absolutely nothing to do with this newsletter, but
people are going CRAZY, for labubu dolls, which you can buy at
Pop Mart in Towson Town Center.

So why not? 🤷🏼‍♂️

Now that we have that out of the way, can you believe we’re already halfway through summer?

But don’t worry—there’s still plenty of summer left to soak up, and we’ve got just the thing to keep it sizzling. Whether you're beach-bound, backyard-chillin’’, or just trying to keep your plants alive in this heat, we’ve got a little something to brighten your inbox.

🎉 In fact, beginning today, we’ll be doubling up your reading pleasure each week by delivering issues of the Torch newsletter two times per week going forward,
expect it on Tuesdays and Thursdays!

Now let’s dive in—no SPF required. 🕶️

In today’s TowsonTown Torch

+ our weekly updates on local news, live music, entertainment and more!

Are you ready? Let’s goooooo!

Officer Joseph Hillery and Officer Sean Rock are on foot patrol in downtown Towson five days a week, curbing loitering, checking in with businesses, and building relationships. Their route also includes the weekly farmers' market.  WATCH

GBMC HealthCare announces the appointment of Paari Gopalakrishnan, MD, MBA, as the newest President and CEO of GBMC HealthCare. He is known for his commitment to transparency, accountability, and compassion. He is uniquely prepared to build on GBMC’s history to guide the next phase of the community health system’s strategic growth. Dr. Gopalakrishnan will assume the role in September.  - Read full Press Release

The Baltimore County Council on Monday rejected giving the developer of a planned affordable housing complex in East Towson an additional $2 million loan to help the project get built. The council’s unanimous vote against giving the loan to Homes for America, the Annapolis-based nonprofit developer of Red Maple Place, comes a week after the council and residents shared their hesitations about granting the request for extra funding. - Read the Sun Article ($ may require subscription)

Towson, Md.-based Somnair, has raised $4.3 million in a seed round, as it builds a device to manage obstructive sleep apnea, according to an SEC filing. The company did not name the investors. MedStar Health was an early backer of Somnair, after the company pitched at Towson University’s 2024 StarTUp Accelerator. Besides being one of Maryland’s largest healthcare organizations, MedStar has run an innovation institute since 2009. Mark Smith, MD, was the founding director of the MedStar Institute for Innovation, and continues to serve as its innovator-in-residence. - Read the Article

Duckpin, located at 20 E Towsontown Blvd is an integrated agency focused on creating complete and cohesive brand experiences. Today it may be a logo, but tomorrow it might be a website or digital marketing efforts. Brands and companies grow, their needs change, and market demands change too. Fortunately for our clients, the team at Duckpin can handle all of your communication and design needs in house. Duckpin stays up-to-date on the latest design and technology trends, keeping our clients ahead of the curve.

Roll with Duckpin today!

By Mary Caroll "MC" Celesky-Grunder AIF, CFPA

With summer in full swing my experience with clients and 401(k) plan participants is that business kind of slows down a bit. Professional endeavors take a back seat to vacations, kids’ activities and sports. So, what better time to update your 401(k) beneficiary designations? I frequently tell folks about the importance of reviewing 401(k) beneficiary designations annually and after major life events like marriage, divorce or death of a beneficiary. - Avoid this costly mistake

📆 JULY 20th
⏰ 3 - 6 PM
📍The Palisades, Towson
🎟️ Tickets

Join our very own Towson Torch contributors Haley and Sarah for a fun and inspiring evening to design your vision for the second half of 2025. You’ll be guided through a unique process to uncover clarity around what you want and how you want to feel. To top it off, you'll receive a bespoke cocktail or mocktail crafted just for you by an experienced mixologist, inspired by your vision. Think of it as your vision served on the rocks or with a twist. No experience needed. All materials provided.

Hosted by Life Coach Sarah Curnoles and Mixologist Haley Shubert of Haley's Home Bar.

Come for the clarity, stay for the vibes.

Save the Dates! Join The Shops at Kenilworth in Towson, Maryland for Summer Fridays, a family-friendly summer of fun and excitement for all ages! ☀️🕶️🩴

📅Friday, July 18, 2025

🔭 Port Discovery – Storytime comes alive with Discovery Tales: Songs, stories, poems, and creativity.

📍Allegheny Avenue, Towson
📅 THURSDAY - July 17, 2025
⏰ 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Organized by the Towson Chamber of Commerce, the market features a diverse array of vendors offering organic produce, artisanal foods, handmade crafts, and more. It's a perfect spot to enjoy a midday stroll, pick up fresh ingredients, and support local businesses. Whether you're a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, the Towson Farmers Market offers a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that reflects the heart of the community. - Follow the Towson Farmers Market on Facebook

David Riley interviews local artist Naomi O'Connell

We recently had the opportunity to talk with local artist Naomi O’Connell over Sichuan Soup Dumplings at Red Pepper Bistro in downtown Towson. Over the past few years, Naomi’s artistic fingerprints have turned up at numerous high-profile locations throughout the downtown district.

Read the Interview

Local Restaurant Directory Makes it Easy to Find New and Different Restaurants. Make sure your restaurant gets found by thousands of diners each month.
-Read About Eating Baltimore / Access the Free Restaurant Directory.

Today (Tuesday)
88🌡️ 72 | ⛅️

Wednesday
87 🌡️63 🌤️

Thursday
93🌡️ 72 | ⛅️

📍The Shops at Kenilworth, 800 Kenilworth Drive, Towson, 21204
📅 Thursdays July 17
🎤 Ben Rhynes
⏰ 5 PM -7 PM

📍Belvedere Square Market, 529 E Belveder Ave, Baltimore MD, 21212
📅 Friday, July 18th
⏰ 6-9 PM
🎸 Mambo Combo

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With Gratitude,