On Dec. 29, 1910, Westminster community leader Mary B. Shellman "supervised an annual holiday entertainment for inmates of the Carroll County Almshouse," according to a Baltimore Sun article published Dec. 30, 1910.

With my luck, my underwear will be in my Christmas stocking

The warehouse offices are officially closed today for Christmas Day, one of the only truly inactive days of the hot stove season.

This year more than most, we could do with a reminder of the miracle of Christmas.

As we approach a Christmas observance darkened by the tragedy of a slaughter of innocents in another part of the country, it's good to reflect on the reality that there is, indeed, a Santa Claus even adults can believe in, so long as there are truths that can be revealed only by faith, fancy, poetry, love and romance.

When Harford County changed from farmlands to enclaves for suburban communities, it left an impact on many old families, and subsequently the way we spend our Christmases has changed

Free event includes warm meal for all and gifts for kids

Proceeds to purchase dog for teen stricken with seizures

Santa Claus wins Maryland -- in a way

Annual giveaway's goal a present for every child

For many, Christmas 2012 will not quite be the same without Stan Ruchlewicz, the City of Westminster's administrator of economic development and Main Street manager, who died of a heart attack on June 5 at age 56.

Hampden Column

Aberdeen gearing up for the annual Christmas Street festivities

The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners passed an amended ethics ordinance that removes members of legislatively appointed committees from the law's requirements and also exempts certain officials from filing financial disclosures. The commissioners also reminded residents that piling up leaves in street gutters can lead to flooding and hazardous driving conditions, as was seen with last week's Storm Sandy and could be seen if a nor'easter blows through the area later this week as forecast.

The arrival of November means not only Thanksgiving in Carroll County. Craft fairs and bazaars fill the calendar this month, offering a variety of items to meet every budget.

It's the last First Fridays of the year tonight in HdG

The Arbutus Arts Festival will have more than 200 crafters and plenty of kid friendly events. The 39th annual fair takes place on May 20 and offers an opportunity for local crafters to show off their goods.

Howard Library: English Conversation Club at Howard Library

The Lansdowne Volunteer Fire Department will escort Santa Claus throughout Lansdowne in the days leading up to Christmas.