Southern County Task Force

Harford County Commission on Disabilities Seeks Nominees for 2026 Employment Recognition Awards

The Harford County Commission on Disabilities is seeking nominations for awards in recognition of Disability Employment Awareness Month in October. The awards highlight the accomplishments of employees with disabilities and recognize employers who give them the opportunity to join and excel in the workforce. The deadline for nominations is Friday, September 25, 2026.

“Employees with disabilities bring valuable skills, and fresh perspectives to businesses across Harford County,” County Executive Bob Cassilly said. “These awards celebrate their accomplishments and recognize the employers who are working to build inclusive workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”

Anyone can nominate a person, business or other organization that has made an impact in someone’s life or in the community as a whole.

Awards in several categories will be given to the person or organization that consistently supports the advancement of individuals with disabilities in the workplace.

Nominations are now being accepted for the following awards: Employee of the Year, Employer of the Year, Harford County Student Worker of the Year, Accessibility Award, Ruth Helen Thompson Memorial Community Service Award, Media Award, Volunteer of the Year and Veteran of the Year.

This year, the theme "Celebrating Value and Talent” will continue, carrying the spirit of last year's celebration forward through the end of 2026 in honor of America's 250th birthday. The theme showcases the skills and contributions Americans with disabilities add to the nation's workplaces, communities and economy, and ensures that meaningful opportunities in the workforce are available for all.

The 2026 Employment Recognition Awards will be celebrated on Thursday, October 29 at 11:30 a.m. at the Bel Air Armory located at 37 N. Main Street in Bel Air.

Nomination forms and details for each award category are available online at www.harfordcountymd.gov/EmploymentAwards. Tickets for the luncheon are also available by contacting Meredith Easter, Harford County Disabilities Coordinator, at 410-638-3373 or [email protected].

The Harford County Commission on Disabilities was established in 1995 to serve as the voice of the disability community in Harford County. Members are appointed by the county executive, with the approval of the Harford County Council. For over 20 years, the Commission on Disabilities’ Employment Committee has been celebrating the accomplishments of local employees with disabilities with these annual awards.

The Aberdeen Board of Parks and Recreation has served the Aberdeen community since 1963. A group of dedicated volunteers help to facilitate and offer youth programs including Soccer, Basketball, Football (Bulldogs), Cheerleading, Rugby (boys, girls, and Co-Ed touch), Ballet/Tap/Jazz, and Taekwondo. Adult programing featuring Men’s Rugby and Chess are also offered, in addition to the Golden Age Club senior group.

The Aberdeen Board of Parks and Recreation are always looking for new program ideas and volunteers. Those who are interested, please call 410-638-4789. You can visit their website at www.aberdeenpr.com.

Harford County Government

Working together to strengthen the Edgewood community!

The Cassilly administration continues to partner with local organizations on projects that enhance the quality of life for Edgewood residents.

Through a Harford County Department of Housing & Community Services Neighborhood Improvement Grant and in partnership with the county's Southern County Task Force, the 755 Alliance—a community organization dedicated to revitalizing Edgewood, particularly the Route 755 corridor—helped install a new marquee at American Legion Post 17 on Edgewood Road and construct new community signage at the corner of Bayberry Road and Edgewood Road, welcoming residents to the Edgewood Meadows neighborhood.

In addition, Copperplex Way recently opened in Edgewood, connecting Willoughby Beach Road and Cedar Drive. The new roadway was designed to help eliminate traffic cutting through residential neighborhoods around the Copperplex facility.

The Southern County Task Force brings together residents, businesses, and Harford County Government to strengthen southern Harford County through collaboration and community-driven solutions.

These are just a few examples of what can be accomplished through strong partnerships between dedicated community volunteers and Harford County Government—and there's more to come!

Copperplex Way in Edgewood Now Opened

Copperplex Way, a new county roadway in Edgewood, is now open to the public.

Designed to help reduce traffic through neighborhoods surrounding the Copperplex facility, the roadway connects Cedar Drive and Willoughby Beach Road, providing a more direct route for visitors and making the facility easier to locate for those unfamiliar with the area. Directional signage will also be installed to guide visitors to nearby businesses, helping support the local economy.

"This new roadway is a win for the Edgewood community and the neighborhoods surrounding the Copperplex facility," Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly said. "Copperplex Way improves access to one of the area's premier recreational destinations while reducing traffic through nearby neighborhoods and supporting continued economic growth in Edgewood."
755 Alliance

Public Input Sought on “Harford Forward” Master Plan for Future Quality of Life

Harford County is seeking community input to begin an update on its master plan, a public policy guide that will affect those who live and work in the county for the next 10 to 20 years. The update, entitled Harford Forward, will guide county decisions on land use, public facilities, economic development, natural resources, historic preservation, transportation and public health. The state of Maryland requires counties to update their master plan at least every 10 years. Harford’s last update was in 2016.

“Harford Forward will help shape our county’s future and citizen input is essential to creating a plan that moves Harford forward while also protecting our wonderful quality of life,” County Executive Cassilly said. “My administration is committed to ensuring a transparent planning process and providing multiple opportunities for public involvement.”

Harford Forward will be organized around eight themes: Agricultural Preservation, Economic Development, Historic Preservation, Housing, Public Safety, Strong Communities, Transportation, and Natural Resources.

A public engagement period is open and will run through February 2027. After all public input is received, a draft plan is projected to be released to the public in November 2027.

More information is on the website, www.harfordforward.com where a 5-minute survey is the first opportunity for public input.

To connect with community members, representatives from Harford County Planning & Zoning will be on hand at upcoming public events including the Farm Fair, Bel Air First Fridays on August 7, and the Havre de Grace Farmers’ Market on August 15. When the county executive’s community advisory boards return after their summer break, P&Z staff will be scheduling presentations and opportunities for discussion. Community advisory board meetings are open to the public; meeting details are on the county website at https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/1603/Community-Advisory-Boards .

Public input and questions are also welcome via email to [email protected] or by calling 410-638-3103.

Expected to be in development for approximately one year, Harford Forward will be subject to final approval by the Harford County Council.

Harford County Living
Harford County Happenings
Edgewood Family
Street/Pylesville/north Harford community page
Riverside Online Community
Keep Fallston Rural Group
This Is Havre de Grace
Town of Bel Air Arts & Entertainment District
Town of Bel Air Government
Jarrettsville-Norrisville Community Advisory Board
Fallston Community Advisory Board
Harford Land Trust
Harford County Department of Parks and Recreation

📢IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT📢
📰Aberdeen 250 - Celebrate America! - June 27th - POSTPONED
⛈️Aberdeen Revolutionary March and Family Fun Day Postponed Due to Anticipated Inclement Weather ⛈️

Nominations are now open for the 40th annual Harford's Most Beautiful Awards. Nominate your unsung hero today! https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/796/Harfords-Most-Beautiful-People

Does it cost anything? NOPE
Can anyone come? YELP
Do you need to sign up? NOPE
Are there actual coaches running this? YELP

As the kids would say, touch some grass.

This is open to anyone and everyone in the community. If you or kiddo has been thinking about playing soccer or any sport this is a great way to find out. Keep them active while school is out. Doesn’t matter if you have played or not.