Happy New Year Towson!
resΒ·oΒ·luΒ·tion /ΛrezΙΛloΝoSHΙn/
noun
a firm decision to do or not to do something
βThe Towson Torch has firmly decided to bring you the good news in 2026β
Same as last year, same as always,
are you with us?
lets go 2026!
In this week's Towson Torch:
Honoring Detective Paul Hoke
Tips Not to Get Tipsy In Dry January
Towson Torch to Spotlight Workforce Development
The Point Trades Elves for the Elderly
And lots more - letβs go! π¦
PRESENTED BY THE TOWSON GROWTH SUMMIT
FEATURE
Honoring Detective Paul Hoke: A Life of Service, Sacrifice, and Generosity
Detective Paul Hoke
On January 6, 2026, family, friends, and colleagues honored Homicide Detective Paul Hoke with an Honor Walk at Sinai Hospital. Detective Hoke, who died in the line of duty on January 2, served Baltimore County for more than 30 years. A dedicated officer and organ donor, he continues to give life to others. Known for his generosity and moral integrity, he valued service and compassion, especially after receiving a transplant himself.
Detective Hoke joined the Baltimore County Police Department in December 1995 as a Cadet. Upon graduating from the BCoPD Training Academy, he was assigned to Precinct 6, Towson, where he served from December 1997 until February 2023. He then became a Detective with the Criminal Investigations Bureauβs Violent Crimes Unit. In December 2025, Detective Hoke achieved a longtime goal when he was assigned to the Departmentβs Homicide/Missing Persons Unit.
Viewings will be held Sunday and Monday at Ruck Funeral Home in Towson..
BALTIMORE COUNTY NEWS
EYE ON WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
π₯ Towson Torch to Host Inaugural Towson Growth Summit, Speaker Series Focused Local Workforce Development
Towson, MD β The Towson Torch today announced the launch of its 2026 Growth Summit Speaker Series on Workforce Development, a year-long program of six live events bringing together top regional employers, educators, and civic leaders to tackle one of Baltimore Countyβs most urgent business priorities: building a stronger talent pipeline for the future.β The first event is slated for January 22nd of this month and has an all-star line up of local leaders on the panel.
Why the Restaurants Closed Around Towson Square
Baltimore County Council unanimously re-elects Mike Ertel as Chairman for 2026
January 6, 2026
THE NEW YEAR
Dry January? Tips for Not Getting Tipsy
Laying off alcohol for Dry January does not mean staying home in Towson. Here are 10 spots pouring flavorful, non-alcoholic drinks all month long.
βοΈ Coffee and tea havens
Aveley Farms Coffee Roasters β Specialty pour-overs, espresso, and plenty of lattes you can dress up with oat or almond milk for a cozy, zero-proof treat on Chesapeake Avenue.β
High Grounds Coffee & Tea β A Kenilworth favorite with brewed coffee, loose-leaf teas, and seasonal flavored drinks that make skipping happy hour easy.β
Atwaterβs (Kenilworth) β Order a latte, herbal tea, or steamer alongside soup and bread for a genuinely healthy warmup on a cold January day.β
π₯€Juice bars and smoothies
Playa Bowls (Towson) - The newest edition to Towson Circle, Playa Bowls
offers smoothies, juices, and cold brew coffee, plus newer high-protein bowls and smoothies designed for workout or on-the-go nutrition.Pure Raw Juice (Towson) β Fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, and superfood bowls on York Road give you a vitamin-packed alternative to cocktails.β
Jamba Towson β Build a plant-based smoothie or juice bowl at the Towsontown Boulevard shop, open daily with plenty of grab-and-go options.β
The Sassy Skillet Cafe & Juice Bar β Combine a wholesome bite with fresh juice or smoothies at this Washington Avenue cafe and juice bar.β Plus itβs
our best kept secret breakfast spot in Towson.
π Sweet sips and study spots
Chatime Towson Bubble Tea & Bakery β Milk teas, fruit teas, and customizable sweetness levels make this a fun, non-alcoholic night-out option.β
Kung Fu Tea β Classic bubble tea, slushes, and milk teas on York Road keep things festive without any ABV.β
Paris Baguette Towson β Pair Lavazza coffee or an iced latte with a pastry at this bakery cafΓ© on Towsontown Boulevard.β
Cunninghamβs Cafe & Bakery β Sip coffee, tea, or a chai while working or meeting friends in a bright Olympic Place spaceβno booze requir
The Point Has New Pop Up:
Swapping out Elves for The Elderly in January
Coming off the heels of the success of itβs pop-up Elf Bar, The Point in Towson will next transform into a Golden Girls inspired playground of nostalgia all January long.
Guests step into a fully themed experience with palm-frond dΓ©cor, witty references, and Instagram-ready photo ops that channel Miami living room energy. Themed brunches, βGolden Hourβ happy hours, drag-brunch-style events, trivia, and games bring the showβs humor and heart to life for superfans and casual visitors alike. Encouraged to dress as their favorite Golden Girl, guests sip character-inspired cocktails, enjoy playful food specials, and celebrate friendship, shade, and staying golden in Towson.
Golden Hour is taking over The Point as part of the Stay Golden Pop Up, a Golden Girls inspired experience!
π GOLDEN HOUR: A Golden GirlsβInspired Friday Night
Stay Golden Pop-Up at The Point in Towson
π The Point in Towson
π
Fridays in January (1.9, 1.16)
β° Golden Hour (Evening β after work vibes)
π₯ TOWSON WEEKEND PICKS
Friday, Jan. 9 β Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026
π Catch Local Sports at Towson University
Towson Gymnastics vs. West Chester
π Friday, Jan. 9 β’ 6:00 PM
Cheer on the Tigers at SECU Arena on campus. Great family-friendly competition! Towson UniversityTowson Womenβs Basketball vs. UNC Wilmington
π Sunday, Jan. 11 β’ 1:00 PM
Another exciting home game at SECU Arena β perfect Sunday afternoon plans. Towson University
πΆ Live Music & Nightlife
Live Music: The Ruxtones β Friday, Jan. 9 β’ 7:00 PM
Local tunes to kick off the weekend (check Eventbrite for venue details). Eventbrite
β Explore & Experience Towson
Cultural & Historic Attractions
Visit Hampton National Historic Site for a scenic stroll and local history β great for daytime exploration.
Check out The Fire Museum of Maryland for an interactive, family-friendly museum experience.
Weekend Weather
Thursday
57 π‘οΈ 37 | β
οΈ
Friday
59 π‘οΈ39 | βοΈ
Saturday (November 1!)
59 π‘οΈ 45 | π€οΈ
Sunday
56π‘οΈ34 | β
οΈ
THANK YOU!
Thank you for reading Towson Torch today!
If you enjoyed it and please share/forward to a friend.
With Gratitude,
Chris
