Thursday, March 19, 2026
6:00 PM in The Manor House

Taste the best wines from all over the world and develop your taste buds. Join us for fun wine tasting, educational night benefitting Richcroft Inc and The Kahlert Café! Hors d’oeuvres will be served.

The Kahlert Café is a Richcroft Farm to Able Enterprise and a flagship initiative that will change lives across Central Maryland. This inclusive, community-centered café will provide meaningful employment and hands-on training in food service, customer engagement, and financial management for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

More than just a café, The Kahlert Café will be a place of purpose - a vibrant, integrated workspace where individuals can gain real-world experience, build confidence, and develop the skills needed to pursue greater independence and long-term success. We look forward to celebrating this powerful step forward with our community.

RSVP: Barbara Hineline
[email protected]
540-514-1620

There is no ECM1 board meeting scheduled for the month of February.

Please keep an eye out for upcoming meetings and events.

Stay warm!

We hope that you will join us at the next board meeting for the English Country Manor Phase I community 

Tuesday, January 13th
6:15 pm
Manor House

The roof replacement for your building is scheduled to begin on Monday, December 15, 2025 (weather permitting).

This job could take the whole week depending on the weather.
​
Please remove any breakables off the walls in your unit.
 
Vehicles should be moved from the front of the building for the contractors to have the correct access by Sunday, December 14th evening until the work is complete.
 
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

by Joseph R. Hughes

The reconnected Manor House committee, comprised of volunteers from ECM 1 and ECM 2 residents, has done it again. On Friday March 10, the first Winter Pot Luck Party was held in the Great Room. The ornate space was decorated in Kelly green and sprinkled with shamrocks and lucky charms - stealthy carried in the night before by leprechauns. With Saint Patrick’s Day only a week away, the embellished theme touched off a celebrated time.

For the community’s second event of the year, precluded by a Super Bowl party in February, the pot luck event was attended by more than thirty party-goers who brought home-prepared meals, pizzas, and irresistible desserts. Sodas, and dinnerware were provided by the Manor House.

New and long-time residents came to enjoy an evening of dining, live piano music, and neighborly camaraderie and repartee. Expressive comments came from so many. New ECM residents Barbara and her daughter Heidi relaxed in the piano lounge while requesting Frank Sinatra songs. Barbara commented to the piano player, and, this demure writer, “Heidi and I are having a great time, please play New York, New York and My Way.” Requests filled! Alan, a resident of Canterbury Road, who normally works Friday nights missed several events last year. Not this time. He took off work for the party. He wasn’t disappointed. Alan partied like it was 1999 - saying, “when is the next party?”

​Chaired by Laura, a manor house resident, thanks go to all committee volunteers for their input to the success of another grand English Country Manor event.

Make plans to join-in the fun and community spirit for all events in 2023.

By Joseph R. Hughes

Ring out the old, Ring in the new, a phrase mostly said on New Year’s Eve, still rings true here in Bel Air. After much scuttlebutt, questions, and concerns about the closing of the Bel Air Athletic Club – resolution has come about. The 110,000 square foot facility has been purchased by Coppermine, Maryland’s largest destination for youth sports, active-lifestyle adults, and families. Serving over 25,000 families, Coppermine, founded in 2011, says it will invest $4,000,000 in the new club over the next two years.

According to a website statement, Alex Jacobs, Coppermine executive said, “we will bring excellent programming and customer service to keep that sense of belonging and family at the BAAC.  It will take about ninety days to paint, install new lighting and bring in new equipment.” While visiting the site, officials said they were  “inspired to buy the property by a 93-year-old member they met in the parking lot who expressed how much the club meant to her.”

​Coppermine will offer zero initiation fees, two months free, and no price increase for two years. The company promises to provide best-in-class services to the Bel Air community.

After more than 40 years, the Bel Air Athletic Club, a community fixture, closed February 16. The announcement in mid-January, sent waves of surprise throughout the town of Bel Air, no more so than English Country Manor. Our two-phased community has lost a close neighbor. The news was sudden and immediately concerning. Speculation and questions swarmed. What are the plans for the building? Will it be purchased to re-fit for apartments? What happens to the 3,000 members who got the message from the club?  With the recent announcement of the Coppermine takeover, resolution has passed muster for our home turf.

As one door closes, another one opens. So long to the Bel Air Athletic Club. Thanks for the memories. Good luck to Coppermine Health & Fitness. Welcome to the community.