Hello Towson,

On this day in history…

August 13th stands out as a day for significant progress/innovation:

In this week’s Towson Torch:

TOGETHER WITH:

Towson's summer festival lineup just got a little more competitive, but in the best way possible. On August 23rd, Bread & Circuses Bistro is launching the inaugural Server Games, a one-of-a-kind festival celebrating the skill, speed, and camaraderie of the hospitality industry with friendly competitions, great food, and community spirit. Together with media partners 98 Rock and WBAL, the event will also feature live music performances headlined by local favorite Crushing Day, along with Homestead, and Mathew’s Dave Band. Looks to be a can't-miss summer celebration whether you've worked in a restaurant or you enjoy supporting Towson's vibrant dining scene. 🔥 Read Full Article

The Department of War has launched BuildFreedom.US, a national workforce initiative aimed at strengthening America’s defense industrial base by expanding pathways into skilled trades. The effort includes a $10 million investment in Mike Rowe’s mikeroweWORKS Foundation to provide scholarships and training for careers including welding, electrical work, machining, and other high-demand fields.

The partnership has a notable local connection: Rowe is a Towson University alumnus, graduating in 1985 with a degree in communication studies. Raised in Baltimore County, Rowe has turned his Maryland roots and national platform into decades of advocacy for skilled workers, making Towson part of the story behind an initiative designed to build America’s next-generation industrial workforce.
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The Baltimore County Police Department (BCoPD) has ordered a new Airbus H125 helicopter from Davenport Aviation to modernize its aviation fleet. The aircraft will replace an older AS350 B3 and become the second H125 acquired by the department through Davenport Aviation. BCoPD currently operates three Airbus helicopters supporting public safety operations, including patrol, search and rescue, command and control, and emergency response. The new H125 will provide updated technology, strong performance, and flexibility for demanding law-enforcement missions. Metro Aviation in Shreveport, Louisiana, will install the mission equipment and complete the aircraft. Delivery to BCoPD is expected in October 2027.
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Towson Farmers Market | 10:30 AM–2:30 PM
📍 Allegheny Avenue & Washington Avenue, Downtown Towson
💵 Free admission

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Fresh produce is just a Loop ride away! 

Hop on the Orange or Purple Loop and head to the Towson Farmers Market for fresh produce, local goods, and more. The market runs from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on August 13. Plan your trip at http://BaltCoLoop.com

Back-to-school season is bringing a surprisingly busy weekend to Towson. From free family activities and local shopping to live music and comedy, here are a few events worth putting on your radar.

Black Business Fair | 4–7 PM
📍 Towson Branch, Baltimore County Public Library, 320 York Road
💵 Free

Shop from local Black-owned businesses at this special after-hours market featuring jewelry, gifts, skincare, wellness services and more. DJ Mills will provide the R&B soundtrack, with outdoor games plus free Taharka Brothers ice cream and funnel cakes while supplies last.

The North Face Back-to-School Fashion Show | 4–6 PM
📍 Towson Town Center
💵 Free

Back-to-school shopping gets a little more entertaining with a live fashion show at The North Face. Expect new apparel and backpack looks, music, a photo backdrop, raffles and giveaways—including chances to win North Face gear.

Summer Fridays | 10:30 AM
📍 The Shops at Kenilworth, 800 Kenilworth Drive
💵 Free

Families can start the weekend early with the Shops at Kenilworth's Summer Fridays series, featuring kid-friendly activities and special guests.

I Love R&B Party | 9 PM
📍 The Recher, 512 York Road
🔞 21+

Friday night turns into a celebration of R&B, with DJs spinning everything from '90s and early-2000s favorites to current hits. Doors are listed for 8 PM, with the party starting at 9.

The Lemon Twigs | Doors 7 PM
📍 The Recher
🎟️ All ages

Indie-pop/rock duo The Lemon Twigs take over The Recher Saturday night, bringing their mix of '70s-inspired power pop, psychedelia and theatrical live performance.

Work Sucks: A Towson Comedy Show | 8–10 PM
📍 CVP Towson | Charles Village Pub & Patio | Sports Bar & Events, 19 W. Pennsylvania Ave.

Got a terrible boss story? This interactive stand-up show turns real-life tales of awful jobs, bizarre coworkers and workplace disasters into comedy material.

Five Steps Back & More | 6 PM
📍 Zen West

For something heavier, Rappolla Entertainment is bringing together emerging Mid-Atlantic metal and alternative-rock acts for a Saturday-night show.

Baltimore’s comedy scene is getting a boost with the opening of a new Magooby’s location in Hampden. The expansion brings the longtime Baltimore-area comedy brand closer to the heart of the city, adding another entertainment option to a neighborhood already known for restaurants, bars and nightlife.
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In 2025, 😭 became the world’s most-used emoji, overtaking 🤣 and 😂, which many teenagers consider overused. Newer symbols such as 🥀, 🗿 and 🫩 have grown especially popular among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, often carrying meanings different from their literal images. Older generations remain more loyal to emojis like 😂 and 👍. Researchers say emojis replace facial expressions and tone in digital communication while also signaling group identity. As emojis become mainstream, young users increasingly move toward personalized stickers and private inside jokes.
-Read NY Times Article