Hello Towson,

May your heart be light and happy,
may your smile be big and wide,
and may your pockets always have a coin inside!

IRISH PROVERB

In this week’s Towson Torch:

TOGETHER WITH:

This week CCBC announced: “We’re excited to welcome Goucher College as our newest Degrees to Succeed partner!”

Through this partnership, students are dually admitted to CCBC and Goucher and receive personalized co‑advising from both schools. After earning their associate degree, students transfer to Goucher with a clear plan and significant savings on their first two years of college. Thank you Goucher for helping provide students with strong transfer pathways and removing barriers to accessing a four-year degree.
- Read About Degrees to Succeed

Barnes & Noble is set to open a new bookstore and café at Lutherville Station in the Lutherville-Timonium area, bringing a major bookseller back to the former Borders site along Ridgely Road. The nearly 18,000-square-foot store is expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027 as part of a larger mixed-use, transit-oriented redevelopment that aims to create a walkable “town square” with retail, residential, and public spaces. Local leaders say the bookstore will serve as an anchor destination and community gathering place for readers and families in Timonium.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Goucher College Hyman Forum. Doors open for a 6:00 PM start, with the discussion slated to run until 8:30 PM.

With the June primary elections fast approaching, Baltimore County voters will have a major opportunity to vet the individuals vying to lead the region. The League of Women Voters of Baltimore County, in partnership with Goucher College, has announced a non-partisan candidate forum featuring all seven contenders for Baltimore County Executive.

Technology strategist and writer Stephen Simons has published a provocative new opinion essay on LinkedIn titled “Why Isn’t ‘Artificial Intelligence’ Intelligent?”, challenging widely held assumptions about one of the most transformative technologies of our time using a mix of the history and chemistry of computing.  You heard that right, chemistry.

In the essay, Simons explores the same critical question that Alan Turing asked in 1950: Can machines think? His analysis cuts through hype and marketing narratives to explain from the ground up that modern AI systems are data driven deterministic algorithms more so than true replicas of human understanding and reasoning. - Read Full Release

by Guest Contributor, Brian Spinazzola

Thinking about switching to solar? Installing solar panels is a smart move for lowering electricity bills and gaining more control over your home’s energy use. However, because solar is a major investment, it’s easy to make missteps that affect performance, savings, or long-term satisfaction. Many of these pitfalls come from rushing the process or misunderstanding how solar fits a home’s unique situation.

Read about the most frequent mistakes homeowners make when switching to solar,
and how you can steer clear of them. 🔥- Read full post

🇮🇪 Kegs & Eggs: The Gang Goes Irish Brunch
📍The Point in Towson
📅 Saturday 3.14 & Sunday 3.15

Greasy brunch cures, Irish coffee, and bottomless green mimosas to bring you back to life from the night before.

Brunch Highlights

Find out All Weekend Events at Paddy’s Pub Takeover

Dundalk was named after the town of Dundalk, Ireland and the folks in Dundalk MD love all things Irish, and that includes their annual parade. Fair weather or foul, neighbors line the streets and enjoy the many colorful and fun spectacles marching by. That will include the Baltimore City Pipe Band; hope to see you there!

The home of Guinness in the U.S. is going all-in on St. Patrick’s with a month-long celebration that peaks this weekend at the Halethorpe Open Gate Brewery, where the two-acre lawn becomes an “Irish Village” with Irish-themed food stalls, holiday food specials, Irish-inspired dishes, a tap takeover and seasonal St. Patrick’s brews, holiday merchandise, and pop-up entertainment throughout the day, generally running 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on key days. Visitors can expect live bands and local performers on the outdoor stage, traditional Irish-inspired acts on select days, and a mix of free-entry festival experiences plus ticketed “food & beer experiences” and curated tastings led by brewery staff and partners, with details and tickets available on the Guinness Open Gate Brewery website. - ☘️ Details and Reservations

Location: 506 York Rd, Towson MD 21204
Locally sourced pub grub and craft beer served in an irish tavern with live music and vintage feel.

Location: 8300 Harford Road, Parkville
Nestled in the heart of Parkville, MD, Ye Olde Emerald Tavern exudes warmth and welcomes guests with open arms. With its cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and a menu bursting with mouthwatering dishes, it's the perfect place to unwind and savor a delightful meal and a pint..

Location: 2323 York Road, Timonium, MD
Timonium favorite with St. Patrick's Day blowouts, nightly specials, live music starting at 9 a.m., and classic Irish eats like shepherd's pie. - Website

Location: Downtown Baltimore (accessible from Baltimore County)
Description: Classic Irish pub offering pub fare, Irish classics, local seafood, craft beer, and the best Guinness pint in town.
🎸Catch Towson Local Will Hill’s Band Unranked as they play O’Shea’s on St Pats.
Website

Location: 1700 Thames St, Baltimore, MD 21231 (Fells Point area)
Description: Authentic two-floor oak-bar spot with shepherd's pie, fish 'n' chips, live Irish sessions Thu-Sat
Website

Comfortable Irish pub offering breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner menus.
Location: 616 President Street, Baltimore
Website

Location: Canton area, Baltimore
Description: Cozy pub praised for cheesesteaks, great service, and solid Irish-American eats—ideal for casual visits.
Website
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Thursday
66 🌡️ 32 | 🌧️

Friday
50 🌡️ 30 | ⛅️

Saturday
50🌡️ 35 | ⛅️

Sunday
53🌡️ 38 | ☁️

☘️Tuesday
37🌡️ 30 | ☁️

Thank you for reading Towson Torch today!

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With Gratitude,

Chris