Abingdon Community Council eNews

Volume I Issue #22 July, 2013 C. David Copenhaver, Editor

Welcome to our latest issue of the ACC eNews. This eNews has been developed in an effort to reach out to the residents of Abingdon. Our purpose is to provide you an opportunity to become more informed and to encourage more participation at our monthly meetings! Please share this eNews with your neighbors. Why not plan to join us at our next meeting on Monday, July 22, 2013 from 6:30pm -7:30pm at the Abingdon Public Library, 2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon, MD 21009? Join us and participate; take that leap of faith, you may find it rewarding! (For additional information, contact me at abingdoncc@gmail.com.)
(If at any time you wish to have your eMail address removed from our data base, just reply remove.)

*****************************************************************

Abingdons Treasures: Emmorton Snowballs Family Owned and Operated Since 1981
(Editors Comment: Emmorton Snowballs is technically within the Bel Air zip code, 21015. Nevertheless, as results of an unscientific survey yielded, it is clearly a favorite destination of numerous Abingdon residents)

Emmorton Snowballs and Ice Cream is a second generation family business. It was founded by Chris Covington, affectionately known as Ms. Chris to her customers and the numerous teenagers that worked for her. Ms. Chris passed away in December 2011, but her legacy lives on through her son, Neil. Neil was born a few months after his mother opened the original snowball stand 32 years ago in June, 1981. Now he is in charge of the business that was his mothers labor of love. Neil literally grew up at the snowball stand. He is very proud of his mother and the family business she created. Emmorton Snowballs and Ice Cream was named for the small town of Emmorton, near the crossroads of Emmorton Road and Wheel Road. Today, this area is generally considered a part of Bel Air, but a few businesses and sports teams continue to use the Emmorton name. The stand shares the property of the former Emmorton Elementary School, which was completed in 1930, and is used today as doctors offices. It started out as a small snowball stand, and Ms. Chris spent many long days sitting and waiting for the occasional customer. Dedicated to a business that she knew could succeed, she spent years focusing on quality products and friendly service to build a strong reputation. By 1988, business had grown enough to warrant expansion beyond the original tiny building. A new building, almost twice as large as the first, was erected on site, to replace the original and allow room for a second customer service window. In 2001, the decision was made to start selling ice cream, and another new building had to be constructed to handle the necessary upgrades. The 1988 building was moved to the side and today is used as a snowballs only customer service area that is opene d only during peak hours to help minimize customer wait times. Today Neil strives to continue the tradition of excellent products combined with quality customer service. Thank you for helping to make Emmorton Snowballs a Harford County tradition for 32 years and counting!

Ms. Chris in front of the original building in June of 1981

(Source: http://www.EmmortonSnowballscom/. Some changes were made. )

************************************************

-1-

County Councilman Dion Guthrie Considers Run for Harford County Executive; Joppatowne Democrat Forms Exploratory Committee
Harford Countys three-term Councilman, Dion Guthrie, has once again requested help from his long-time political allyThe Peoples Choice. On June 24, 2013, one year to the day from the 2014 Primary Election, Councilman Guthrie asked The Peoples Choice to join his Exploratory Committee as the committee looks into a possible campaign for higher office. Desiring to serve all of Harford County, Councilman Guthrie is evaluating a possible run for County Executive. The Peoples Choice has done grassroots outreach in the Edgemere, Joppa, Abingdon and Forrest Hill areas of the County and has determined that Councilman Guthrie would be by far Harford Countys strongest Democratic challenger to a Republican candidate in the November 2014 General Election.
(Source: Reprinted with permission, The Dagger. Some changes were made.)

***********************************************

Bel Air Independence Day Committee Announces Schedule for July 4th Daytime Events
A fun-filled day of family events is on tap for Bel Airs Fourth of July, the areas largest patriotic celebration! The day will start at 6:45 a.m. with the traditional flag-raising ceremony in front of Bel Air High School, conducted by the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 30 and American Legion Post No. 39, and featuring the National Anthem performed by Miss Bel Air Independence Day, Laura Patnaude, who was also named Miss Congeniality at the Miss Maryland competition in Hagerstown on June 22. The annual Blueberry Pancake and Sausage Breakfast will follow from 7 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Breakfast is $6 for adults and $4 for children under 10, with entry on the side entrance of Bel Air High School facing Baltimore Pike. More than 2,000 people annually start their day off at the breakfast, which supports the day-long series of events. The nearby Hays House, headquarters of the Historical Society of Harford County, will offer tours and activities starting at 9 a.m. Docents in period costumes will offer short tours of the historic home, which dates to the late 18th century, and childrens activities and games will be available. The Catherine Street Consort will perform period music and country dance tunes. Over at Rockfield Park, registration for both the singles and doubles single-elimination horseshoe pitching tournaments kicks off at 8:00 a.m. The first round of singles games starts at 8:30 a.m., with doubles competition following as horseshoe pits and players become available. The regionally-anticipated event draws approximately 100 players each year to the pits. Several traditional animal events will return to Shamrock Park this year; however, hamster races are not scheduled for 2013. Registration for the turtle races will begin at 8:45 a.m., with the races starting at 9 a.m. Registration for the frog jumping contest will begin at 9:30 a.m., and the jumping will begin at 10 a.m. This year, the Bel Air Kiwanis will take over as organizers of both events. Entrants are limited to one frog and one turtle each; for regulations on the types and sizes of frogs and turtles allowed to compete, click Website below. Also in Shamrock Park, Uncle Sam Says returns at 11 a.m., for age groups five to seven, eight to 10, 11 to 13, and 14 to adult. Another local favorite, the watermelon eating contest, begins at 11:30 a.m., with trophies for ages six and under, seven to 10, 11 to 16, and 17 to adult. Due to construction at the Pennsylvania Avenue parking lot, the bicycle rodeo will be held at Bel Air Elementary School at 11 a.m. Trophies will be awarded for the best decorated bike for both boys and girls, with awards for ages five and under, six to eight, nine and 10, and 11 to 13. The patriotic celebration continues later in the evening, with the Bel Air July 4 Parade stepping off from the intersection of East Gordon Street and North Main Street at 6 p.m., and a spectacular fireworks display starting at approximately 9:30 a.m. from Rockfield Park. For details on all of the days events, go to Website
(Source: harfordneighbors.net. Some changes were made.)

*************************************

-2-

News from Boulevard at Box Hill:

Coming Soon to the Boulevard

Old Navy, Subway, Menchies, and Sprint

New Neighbors
(Source: Source: http://boulevardatboxhil.com/. Some changes were made.)

************************************************

Health Risks Rise with Heat

The summer swelter has arrived as forecasters call for rising temperatures across Maryland. That means more health risks as you
work and play outside, especially for older people and young children. Excessive heat exposure can cause several health problems including heat cramps, which are painful spasms of your arm, leg and/or abdomen muscles. People experiencing these symptoms should rest in a cooler place and drink water or fluids containing electrolytes. Heat exhaustion symptoms include profuse sweating, headache, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, skin that feels cool and moist, and muscle cramps. Move this person to a cooler location, apply cool wet cloths to their body, and give them cool water to drink. If the person vomits or refuses to drink, call 9-1-1. Heat exhaustion can lead to heart stroke. How can you avoid heat-related illnesses? Wear appropriate light-weight clothing. Drink water throughout the day. Avoid strenuous outdoor activity on hot days. Take frequent breaks in a cool place
Source: belairpatch.com. Some changes were made.

*********************************

Final Phase of Wheel Road Construction near Bel Air to Begin This Week
Another segment of Wheel Road near Bel Air is scheduled to be closed to through traffic this week, as the final phase begins on the major reconstruction of the road that links several communities south and east of the county seat. The Harford County Department of Public Works said it will begin Phase 2B of the Wheel Road Improvements Project on or around this Wednesday, June 26. The affected portion of Wheel Road is the segment between Cedar Lane and Glenangus Drive. The county posted signs along the road last week that state the closure was to begin Monday, although a later media advisory stated the start date for the work would be Wednesday. During construction, which is expected to take five to six months, this portion of Wheel Road will be closed to through traffic; however access to homes within the limits of the construction zone will be maintained at all times, the county said in a media advisory issued Thursday.

-3-

This third and final phase of the project, the advisory notes, and will consist of road construction, realignment to reduce hazards, installation of storm drain pipe and construction of retaining walls. In March, the Harford County Board of Estimates awarded a $1.5 million contract to Daisy Concrete Inc. of Maryland, which is headquartered in Edgewood. At the time, Glen Hebel, the project manager from the Department of Public Works, told board members the project would involve about seven-tenths of a mile of Wheel Road. He also said the work would not begin until schools let out for the summer and would be completed in November. Another segment of Wheel, between Laurel Bush and Patterson Mill Roads, was closed from mid-June to late November of 2012 for improvements. In all, the Wheel Road reconstruction project from Laurel Bush to Glenangus is budgeted for $8.8 million, according to the most recent county budget documents. The total includes about $1.5 million spent to install a roundabout at the Wheel and Laurel Bush intersection. The Department of Public Works has set up a Facebook page where information and updates on this project can be found. Any questions regarding this project can be directed to Glen Hebel, the project engineer, at 410-638-3509, ext. 1344 or gchebel@harfordcountymd.gov.
Source: exploreharford.com. Some changes were made.

***********************************

More than 12,000 Babies, Children, Teens Reading this Summer as Part of Harford County Public Library Summer Reading Program
Over 12,000 babies, children and teens are already reading this summer as part of the Harford County Public Library Summer Reading Program, Dig Into Reading. Registration at all eleven Library branches began on June 10th and followed with a day of kick-off activities at the Abingdon Library on June 17th that included guest appearances by Tales, the Library mascot, the Eat mor chikin Chick fil A cow and Celebrees Squiggles. Along with the program sponsors greeting and talking with families, children were entertained by Jack the Conductor with sing-a-long songs and activities. Sponsors of this years program include HarCo Federal Credit Union, Rosedale Federal Savings & Loan Association, Chick-fil-A, Morris Mechanic Foundation, Aberdeen Rotary, Darlington Friends of HCPL, Berardino Family Trust, Advanced Eye Care, The Aegis, APGFCU, Huntington Learning Centers, Celebree Learning Centers, Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Huether-McClelland Foundation, and Wegmans. It has been another year of stellar support from the community for Harford County Public Librarys summer reading program, stated Library Foundation Director, Amber Shrodes. Many sponsors return year after year, plus each year we have new organizations join us! Our community is so supportive of the Library and the services it provides to our residents. Children and teens can sign up for the Summer Reading program at any Library branch. The Read To Me program is for the youngest readers birth through pre-school, and they are encouraged to listen to 25 books; elementary school participants can Dig Into Reading and read 10 books; middle school and high school teens can participate in Beneath the Surface and read 3 books. Children birth through elementary school receive a book when they complete the program; middle school students can select a book or journal and high school students will receive a Chick-fil-A gift card when they complete. Incentives are while supplies last. All Elementary and Middle School summer reading completers will have the chance to win tickets to see the Orioles and one lucky winner will get to go on the field for the pre-game ceremony at Camden Yards summer reading night on August 19! The contest is open to elementary and middle school readers who complete the program and fill out an entry form for the raffle by Monday, August 5. Throughout the summer the Library will have programs and fun for everyone including Critter Caravans, Extreme Balloon Man, and FutureMakers Electrical Awesomeness. Mad Science programs later this summer include Fire and Ice and Spin, Boom, Pop! Also, Mike Magician Mike Rose will entertain with his sleight of hand, and Val Smalkin & Silly Goose will present Look! Hot Diggity Books! The Harford County Public Library Summer Reading Program runs through August 17th. Please visit hcplonline.org or pick up a Headlines & Happenings Newsletter at any of the Librarys 11 branches for more information on programs and other events. See attached for Highlights of July: Summer Reading Program.
(Source: Reprinted with permission, The Dagger. Some changes were made.)

*********************************************** -4-

July Dates to Ponder:

A Trip to the Beach Story Time at the Abingdon Library
July 1, 2013 10:30am 11:30am Abingdon Library (Ages 3 entering K) Dig your toes in the sand while we share stories, songs and a craft. Come dressed as a beach bum! Registration required. Call branch to register. Abingdon Monday July 1 10:30 - 11:30 am & Tueday July 2 6:30 - 7:30 pm Website

Walk In Computer Instruction at the Library

July 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2013 2:00pm 4:00pm

Abingdon Branch of HCPL. Learn basic computer skills and web search techniques to boost your know-how. All ages. Bel Air Independence Day
July 4, 2013 6:45pm 10:00pm Celebration in various locations around Bel Air. 6:45am 10pm. Morning events include Pancake Breakfast, Turtle Derby, Frog Jumping, Hamster Races, Horseshoe Pitching, Bicycle Rodeo, Uncle Sam Says, and Watermelon Eating. Evening events are the Parade and Fireworks. Sponsored by the Bel Air Independence Day Committee, Inc. www.belairjuly4.org

First Fridays
July 5, 2013 5:00pm 8:00pm Office and Main Street, Bel Air. Music by Alter Ego, Sponsored by the Bel Air Downtown Alliance, FREE. 443.823-1797 or go to www.downtownbelair.com.

2013 HOLIDAY/CLOSING SCHEDULE

HOLIDAY/DATE CLOSED Independence Day holiday Thursday, July 4, 2013 Independence Day holiday Friday, July 5, 2013 HARFORD COUNTY GOVERNMENT CLOSED CLOSED HARFORD WASTE DISPOSAL CENTER CLOSED CLOSED HARFORD TRANSIT BUSES NO SERVICE NO SERVICE

Mason Dixon Fair

July 8 -13, 2013 9:00am 11pm - 6988 Delta Rd., Delta, PA. Mon.- Fri., exhibits open 10am, Midway 5pm-11pm; Sat., exhibits open 9am, Midway 2pm-5pm, firemans parade 5pm, Fireworks 10:00pm. For more information visit Website

Summer Concert Series Peabody Ragtime Ensemble

July 14, 2013 7:00pm Free Wm. A. Humbert Amphitheater, Shamrock Park. 7pm. FREE. Outdoor concert in the park. Bring a picnic and a blanket or chair. Rain location is Bel Air High School. Sponsored by the Town of Bel Air and the Harford County Cultural Arts Board. 410.803.9784

Abingdon Community Council Meeting

July 22, 2013 6:30pm 7:30pm Abingdon Community Council meets on the 4th Monday of each month at the Abingdon Public Library from 6:30 p.m.7:30 p.m. Public invited! abingdoncc@gmail.com

-5-

Harford County Fair

July 25 - 28, 2013 10:00am 10:00pm Thursday-Saturday and Sunday-10:00am 6:00pm Equestrian Center, 608 N. Tollgate Road. Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am 10pm and Sunday 10am- 6pm. 26th Annual Farm Fair celebrates Harford Countys agricultural community with fun-filled activities and events for all ages. 4- H Fair and open class competitions, including talent and culinary contests. Sponsored by Harford County Farm Fair, Inc. Admission Fee TBD. For more info, go to: 410.838.8663 or info@farmfair.org www.farmfair.org.

Summer Concert Series

July 31, 2013 7:00pm - Free Wm. A. Humbert Amphitheater, Shamrock Park. 7:00pm. FREE. Outdoor concert in the park. Bring a picnic and a blanket or chair. Rain location is Bel Air High School. Sponsored by the Town of Bel Air and the Harford County Cultural Arts Board. 410.803.9784

Abingdon Community Council

July
Meeting
July 22, 2013 at the Abingdon Public Library 6:30pm 7:30pm 2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon, MD
Members:
Cynthia Hergenhahn, Chairperson C. David Copenhaver Carlin Cook Earl Grey Gregory A. Beaty Joan Hamilton Recording Secretary: Donna Copenhaver

-6-