Bowleys Quarters Improvement Association celebrates 85th anniversary

County leaders and community members assembled for a momentous occasion in Bowleys Quarters over the weekend.

The Bowleys Quarters Improvement Association held its 85th anniversary celebration, acknowledging accomplishments of the past while embracing the future.

The four-hour event, held at BQIA’s hall, took place on May 4 and was well-attended, fostering support from Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger, Councilman David Marks, Delegates Ryan Nawrocki and Kathy Szeliga, Essex Precinct Commander Capt. Joe Peach, the Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire Department, religious figures and a number of community leaders and local residents.

According to BQIA President Jim Hock, the celebration reflected what the organization does and sent a message of gratitude to its supporters and partners.

“What that celebration was, was to showcase what we do for the community, but more so what the community does for us,” said Hock, who has been BQIA president for 10 years.

“The main thing was to recognize that we’ve been successful for 85 years, and a lot of that success has come from community support.”

Founded in 1938, the BQIA has served the Bowleys Quarters community and helped the residents address water and sewage issues, watershed protection, zoning, road and drainage maintenance, traffic calming, and more.

Along with being president of the organization over the past decade, Hock previously served as BQIA’s vice president for seven years. He’s been on the group’s board for 35 years, he said.

Due to the rain, the ceremony was held indoors. Hock and other BQIA leaders showcased the building’s new renovations, additions and improvements. To kick off the event, he shared remarks.

Following Hock at the podium was Ruppersberger, Olszewski, Marks and other elected officials before citations were presented as the afternoon culminated with a celebratory ribbon-cutting.

“It was an honor to celebrate the birthday of this resilient waterfront community association with friends, community leaders, and other elected officials,” Councilman David Marks said. “The Bowleys Quarters Association is one of our most engaged neighborhood groups, and like the community it serves, has a very bright future.”

In 2023, the BQIA applied for a capital grant from the Baltimore County Department of Planning and received a $90,000 grant for upgrades to its facility. Improvements include the following:

Replacement of roof, gutters and downspouts;Exterior walls covered with metal siding;Asphalt driveways replacedAn updated furnace, heating and HVAC system

The organization contributed about $40,000 of its own funds toward improvements, bringing the total renovation project cost to $130,000. According to Hock, there are a few more improvements planned at BQIA’s building, including the ceiling and the floors.

“I enjoyed celebrating the 85th anniversary of the Bowleys Quarters Improvement Association with Delegate Kathy Szeliga, Baltimore County Councilman David Marks and many members of the community,” Nawrocki said.

This organization is extremely dedicated and a pleasure to work alongside to improve the lives of many inside of this wonderful community.”

The BQIA Hall has served as the main community hub for Bowleys Quarters for decades, hosting community association meetings, local events, and a whole lot more. In 2015, the “Just BQuz” group, which aims to find ways to better utilize the community hall for the community, launched from the BQIA. Since that time the group has utilized their space for the following:

Quarterly veterans’ coffee and supplies driveSeneca Elementary mid-year supplies driveHealth seminars (everything from nutritional seminars to “Stop The Bleed” events)An onsite Little Free LibraryNights dedicated to arts and craftsWine tastingsFirst aid training sessions at no cost

“We’ve had 85 years of working together to build something and I don’t see it stopping for a long time,” Hock said.

“I think our 85 years is a milestone… we celebrated our past while looking into our future.”

The focus of the group now is to usher in the next generation of leaders, Hock said, adding that he plans to soon step down as BQIA president. Vice President Mary Muth will likely step into Hock’s role, he said.

“Congratulations to the Bowleys Quarters Improvement Assoc for providing 85 years of service to the Bowleys Quarters and Baltimore County Communities!” Sen. J.B. Jennings said.

Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey over the years! I’m looking forward to celebrating with you for many more years to come!”