Parkville
Man charged with threatening O'Malley
After undergoing a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation, a Parkville man charged this week with threatening to kill Gov. Martin O'Malley was released yesterday and placed on home detention to await trial.
Walter C. Abbott Jr., a 44-year- old construction worker, was arrested Tuesday after allegedly sending an e-mail to the governor's official Web site in which he threatened to strangle O'Malley.
Abbott had previously sent e-mails to O'Malley in which he expressed frustration with the governor's immigration policies and their effect on his ability to get construction work, but had never received a real response. He told police that he added the threat to Tuesday's note because he wanted a response.
Abbott's wife, Linda, said the family has struggled to make ends meet and that her husband was losing construction work to illegal immigrants.
If convicted of threatening a public official, Abbott could face a sentence of up to three years in prison and a $2,500 fine.
Jennifer McMenamin
Lutherville
Emergency planning panel to meet
The county Local Emergency Planning Committee will hold its annual public meeting at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at John Hopkins Green Spring Pavilion II, 11753 Falls Road, Lutherville.
The committee develops and reviews contingency and evacuation plans for emergencies involving hazardous materials. It includes community and business leaders, and fire and police department officials..
Information: 410-887-4520.
Pikesville
Crime novelist Laura Lippman to speak
The Pikesville library will host a talk by crime novelist Laura Lippman at 1 p.m. Wednesday at 1301 Reisterstown Road.
The crime-fiction writer will discuss her latest book, Another Thing to Fall, the 10th in the series with private investigator Tess Monaghan.
Information: 410-887-1234.
Essex
Anime and Manga Club meets Thursday
The Anime and Manga Club - a group of teens who enjoy Japanese graphic novels, in print and animated formats - will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Essex library, 1110 Eastern Blvd.
The meetings, at which club members preview new releases, discuss characters, play manga games and dress as anime characters, are free and open to the public.
Information: 410-887-0295.
Cockeysville
Senior center to mark ninth anniversary
The Cockeysville Senior Center will celebrate its ninth anniversary with programs and activities from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at 10535 York Road. Activities include fitness center tours, line-dancing demonstration, Senior Rhythms, jewelry-making, strength and fitness and loom knitting.
Information: 410-887-7694.
Countywide
'BCPS News' is on cable TV channels
BCPS News, a program highlighting activities in the county's public schools, is being shown daily at 7 a.m., 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Comcast Cable Channel 73.
The March installment features segments on the robotics program at Woodlawn High, "Reading Through the Rainforest" at Charlesmont Elementary, Dumbarton Middle's Radical Ropers, "The Opera Games" at Pine Grove Elementary; and instrumental music instruction at Warren Elementary.
Events or news items for the Baltimore County Digest may be submitted to baltco.news@baltsun.com. Information should be sent at least 10 days in advance of the event.