Essex-Middle River 2011 in Review: July-September

As 2011 comes to a close, Patch is taking this week to look back and reflect on the events that shaped the last 12 months.

What were the biggest moments for you? How did they change your neighborhood? Tell us in the comments.

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Here are the stories that stood out in July, August and September.

July 2:

A man was fatally shot in the parking lot of Club Baltimore in Rosedale early that morning.
The victim was identified as George William Bryant Jr., 36, of the 1500 block of Pentwood Ave. in Baltimore. He had been shot multiple times and was transported to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. No arrests have been made in this case.

July 9:

Baltimore County police revealed they had recently raided Minnick’s a popular Dundalk bar owned in part by Del. Joseph “Sonny” Minnick. Video devices linked to alleged illegal gambling were seized in the raid of the bar, located in the 7100 block of Sollers Point Rd. Five video game devices were seized. The Minnick family recently sold the bar and the charges were placed on the inactive docket.

July 23:

The Baltimore City Fire Department Riding Group, led by Middle River resident Vernon C. Odle, were among those that helped escort a beam of the World Trade Center from New York to Baltimore. The beam was eventually placed on display at the Baltimore City Fire Department Training Academy on Pulaski Highway.

July 24:

The world’s oldest teenagers gathered in Baltimore County to illustrate once again that even the most uncomfortable moments in American history can be turned into something musical, good-natured, and profitable beyond imagination.

Hairspray came to CCBC Essex's Cockpit in Court theater, and so did the real original cast—those Committee members from the old Buddy Deane Show, whose moment in history became the premise for the hit Broadway musical about rock 'n' roll and racial tension in Baltimore half a century ago.

July 27:

Members of Ravens Nest 8, based in Middle River, react with joy as the NFL announced that the pro football league’s 136-day lockout, the longest work stoppage in its history, had ended. The agreement meant that the regular season would start on time and no games would be cancelled.

August 2011

Aug. 4:

Teonna Brown pleaded guilty to first-degree assault and a hate crime in connection with the April 18 attack on Chrissy Polis, a transgendered woman who was using the bathroom in a Rosedale McDonald’s. She was later sentenced to five years in prison.  

Aug. 17: Community outreach officer Shannon Gentry from the Essex precinct was found dead in her home early that morning. She was an 11-year veteran, most recently assigned to the Essex Precinct Community Outreach Unit. No foul play is suspected, police said.

Aug. 23:

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake centered in Virginia sent tremors up and down the East Coast, including in Maryland and as far north as Toronto.

The afternoon quake sent thousands of people streaming out of their company buildings and homes throughout the region and state, forcing neighbors and coworkers to stand on sidewalks and streets to share their disbelief.

Aug. 25:

During a summer when heavy rains led to large amounts of debris and even sewage pouring into local waterways, some area residents expressed concerns that Baltimore County is not doing enough testing to ensure that the waterways remain healthy for local boaters and swimmers in Wilson Point and Middle River. The county has pledged to reexamine its testing policy in 2012.

Aug. 28:

The run of natural disasters continued as Hurricane Irene wreaked havoc on the region. Hundreds of thousands of residents lost power for several days while many others dealt with the impact of trees falling along roads and into homes. Wilson Point, Holly Neck and Bowleys Quarters were among the hardest hit communities.

September 2011

Sept. 7:

Howard Scott Kalin, 48, an Essex lawyer and owner of Funhouse Entertainment Agency in Lutherville, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, according to a plea agreement, which was filed in federal court in Orlando. He faces up to 10 years in prison in Florida.

Sept. 11:

Thousands of motorcycle riders gathered at the Harley-Davidson store in Rosedale to honor those who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The event was just one of many across the country to help remember those lost on that fateful day 10 years ago.

Sept. 18:

Hundreds of people turned out to Essex Day, the annual community event that celebrates all things Essex. Those in attendance were treated to everything from classic cars to a performance by country band Dean Crawford and the Dunn’s River Band.

Sept. 22:

Kenwood’s girls soccer team posted its fourth straight win with a 7-0 shutout against visiting Pikesville at Michael J. Collins Stadium in Essex.

As far as the team was concerned, however, the big winners on Thursday were U.S. soldiers. The contest was designated as  with proceeds of wristbands and baked goods sold at the game going to benefit The Wounded Warriors Project. They even raised several hundred dollars for the cause.

Sept. 30:

Essex United Methodist Church celebrated the second anniversary of its Table of Grace program. Over the last two years, the church has served more than 10,000 meals to those in need, ranging from the homeless to senior citizens looking for company.