Abingdon Community Council eNews

Volume I Issue #27 December, 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 A bingdon. 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, January 27, 2014 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.)
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Abingdons Treasures: Abingdon Lights

Located on Laurel View Drive in Abingdon, Maryland in the Box Hill South Community

Come and "listen to the lights" at the animated holiday light display synchronized to music. The Stevens family has created an amazing, beautiful and spectacular event for all to enjoy. The location is Laurel View Drive, (Get Directions) Box Hill South, in Abingdon. The show will run every night, starting Friday, November 29th and ending December 31st from 5:30pm until 10:00pm. When viewing the show, please turn to 93.5 FM. The show lasts about 20 minutes and will repeat during the evening. Visit www.abingdonlights.com for additional information. Frequently asked questions:
Q: How long does it take? A: Setting up all of the lights takes about 20 hours. The real time consuming element is programming the lights for each song. The programming usually takes 2-4 hours per minute of song. Q: How many lights do you have? A: For 2013, we will have approximately 10,000 lights. Q: How long have you been doing this? A: 2013 will be our 7th year.
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Apartment Complex Is Proposed Near YMCA in Abingdon Update

Abingdon's Box Hill South neighborhood is primed to get a 400-unit apartment complex, as well as a handful of new stores and restaurants near the Wegmans in Boulevard at Box Hill. The Enclave at Box Hill, a project by Bavar Properties Group/Murn Development wants to build a variety of upscale apartment buildings, where monthly rent would range from $1,350 for a onebedroom apartment to $2,000 for a three-bedroom townhouse. It is projected to start early Spring , 2014 and would be behind the YMCA off Box Hill Corporate Center Drive. It would essentially back up to the developments that branch off Windy Laurel Way, around Meadow Valley and Laurel View drives. Chris Murn explained the project would not be "just identical buildings," but would include sites like a "manor building," an "elevator building" and a clubhouse, pool and smaller buildings.
********************************************************** (Source: Bryna Zumer,exploreharford.com. Some changes were made.)

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Coming Soon to the Boulevard at Box Hill

Carrabba's is an American casual dining restaurant chain that features Italian American cuisine. Carrabba's is owned and operated by Bloomin' Brands, headquartered in Tampa, Florida. As of December 31, 2011, there were 231 company-owned locations along with one franchised location. Many of the recipes for the dishes on Carrabba's menu are those of Damian's mother Grace and his sister Rose. These recipes were featured on the PBS cooking show Cucina Sicilia, which is hosted by Carrabba and Mandola. Carrabba's Italian Grille will break ground on their 5,800 sq. ft. restaurant in January and plan to open by early summer 2014.
***************************************************************************** (Source: Mackenzie, Commercial Real Estate Services, LLC. Some changes were made.)

XO by Saxons The well-known jewelry store with locations in Bel Air and Aberdeen opened XO by Saxons in October in Boulevard at Box Hill in Abingdon. Saxons has been in Harford County since 1958, and co-owner Kevin Ferrell said the new store will be a slightly different notion. This is a new concept store for us. This is going to be more of a boutique type store, Ferrell said. We are going to carry a lot of things we dont carry in our stores now. Pandora lovers can rest assured; XO will carry their favorite charms and beads. However, Ferrell said the Abingdon store will carry more fashion items. We are going to carry some accessories, which would include purses. Predominately it will be jewelry, but more fashion types, Ferrell said. XO will carry popular lines like Belle toile, Angelique de Paris and Ti Sento. The store will also carry designer purses. According to Ferrell, the store opened mid-October. The building where the store will be located is currently under construction. Ferrel said XO will offer a new look for Saxons. The store will have some customer favorites as well as some new items and plenty of fresh and fashionable jewelry. This store will have its http://belair.patch.com/g own identity, Ferrell said. We are hiring a whole new staff for this store. It is going to be more fashion oriented, than bridal oriented and will have a whole new look.
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SUBWAY is the first restaurant to earn the American Heart Association heart check. Look for the heart check on many oh-so-good SUBWAY FRESH FIT meals.

The most improved company in customer satisfaction, across 47 industries, over the last five years.
2013 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI)

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Bel Air Lions Club Christmas Tree Sale

Now that we are done with the turkey, it's time to concentrate on Christmas. The Bel Air Lions Club is selling any size Fraser fir for $45.00 (cash or check only). When you purchase a Christmas tree from the Lions, you give a gift to your Community. All proceeds go to the Lions charitable work. The Bel Air Lions do not use any funds raised for administrative expenses. The tree lot is located on the Southeast corner of Vietnam Veterans Highway (Route 24) and Boulton Street, just across from Harford Mall. Therefore, getting a tree before or after shopping could not be more convenient! Come early to get the best selection.
(Source: belair.patch.com and harfordneighbors.net. Soma changes were made. ****************************************************************

Abingdon Community Council Featured In Harfords Southern County Magazine Winter - 2013 Issue

Abingdon The Community Council members (from left to right) Joan Hamilton, Carlin Cook, Earl Grey, Cynthia Hergenhahn (Chairperson), Donna Copenhaver (Recording Secretary), C. David Copenhaver (Co-Chairperson), and Gregory A. Beaty listen as guest speaker Sharon Lipford discusses community service programs in Harford County.

Abingdon Community Council - Ready to Solve Issues of Concern: Under the leadership of Harford County Executive David R. Craig, County Council members Mary Ann Lisanti and Joseph M. Woods met to discuss the boundaries of the newly established council districts. The Abingdon Community Council (ACC) was created, to help better serve the needs of Abingdon residents and has proven to be one of the more active community councils in Harford County. They serve as the voice for the community, representing residents views to local authorities and other public bodies operating in the area, and act to further the interests of the Abingdon community at large. The Council is an all volunteer group appointed by the County Executive. Appointments are made to represent a balanced range of civic, business, institutional and community interests. Council members reside within, or own a business or work within, the established Community Council area boundary. Current voting members include: Cynthia Hergenhahn, Chairperson, Earl Grey, C. David Copenhaver, Carlin Cook, Gregory A. Beaty and Joan Hamilton. Donna Copenhaver serves as Recording Secretary. The Abingdon Community Council is intended to provide a democratic forum for the community to become engaged in the social, economic and cultural well being of Abingdon. The Community Council seeks the opinions of residents and others to understand their needs, and in turn to explain how it may attempt to address those needs within the powers and resources available to them to government officials; and help to make Abingdon a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant community for all who live, work, and visit its diverse suburban neighborhoods.

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The Council is very active in keeping community members informed on important issues. They use several avenues to keep residents updated: through their website (www.abingdoncommunitycouncil.org), Facebook page (www.facebook.com/abingdoncc), a monthly eNews newsletter sent out each month (sign up by contacting abingdoncc@gmail.com). The Council also uses a matrix to provide a snap shot of their accomplishments, and highlight current issues as well as future endeavors. The matrix is available to the public by emailing abingdoncc@gmail.com and requesting a copy. The matrix is also available on their website www.abingdoncommunitycouncil.org. Cynthia Hergenhahn serves as the committees Chairperson. She stresses how vital the council is to this fast growing community. If you see something, let us know, she said. If you hear something, speak up. Get involved. Show up. Hergenhahn realizes time is a precious commodity, but suggests that quality of life ranks up there, too. The Abingdon Community Council strives to listen to our community members and separates the facts from the fiction, she explained. We try to bring to the forefront issues that affect our community today and ones that will have an impact on our future. Council member Earl Grey had lived in Abingdon just three years when he first heard about the council forming. I read the public notice on the county website, he recalls, and it seemed like a good way to get involved in the community, and civics-- without the politics. He appreciates the diverse range of views on the council and how people can put differences aside to work toward common goals. When asked about why the community council is important, he points out that without a town government to rely on, the only people to do the work of Abingdon are the people of Abingdon. C. David Copenhaver sees his volunteer work with the council as a unique opportunity to assist with solving community issues and actively taking a role in advocating for changes in public education. An important role is that of a catalyst to encourage citizen participation in local government and becoming actively involved in the health and future of the community; not only to listen to the community concerns, but to get informed and, in turn, inform the community. The reason Greg Beaty joined the Council was for his son. He is my first child, Beaty said. We moved to Maryland when he was 5 years old and just starting school. I am sure every parent out there can understand what I mean when I say that I wanted to protect him as much as I could. Three years later, Beaty finds himself volunteering with his sons youth football league, volunteering with his schools PTA and homeowners association as well as an active member with the ACC. I got into to helping make our community a better place for my family as well as others, he explained. I joined the Community Council as a way to extend my reach further than the community, allowing me to take responsibility for my community, and to actually get involved instead of just talking about how I wanted things to get better. Like many others, Joan Hamilton was always too busy to really know what was happening in her community but that all changed when she heard of the pending construction of Walmart at Plumtree Lane. In researching the project I found a history of events that took place leading up to current zoning, most of which because there was little involvement from residents in the community, she said. Because no one spoke out, changes were made in zoning that made the property available for projects such as Walmart and creating even more traffic issues. The Walmart project spurred me to become an active member of the community. Anyone interested in joining the Abingdon Community Council as an active member, should email Cynthia Hergenhahn, Chairperson at cynthiaabgcc@comcast.net. The public is always invited to participate in the monthly meetings and are encouraged to attend at least one to find out how important it is to be informed. You can view the meetings agenda and minutes from each meeting at www.HarfordCountyMD.gov or www.abingdoncommunitycouncil.org. Meetings are held on the 4th Monday of each month from 6:30pm -7:30pm at the Abingdon Public Library, 2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon, MD 21009.
(Source: Photo credit: Maureen G. Eller, Publication Manager Southern County Magazine. Some changes were made.) For additional information visit www.harfordsoutherncounty.com *************************************************************************************************

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Dates to Ponder:
Model Train & Aluminum Christmas Tree Show
December 1-16, 2013 Weekends Only Friday 4:00pm - 8:00pm, Saturday 12:00pm 7:00pm, Sunday 12:00pm 4:00pm. $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for kids under 4 yrs old Free Harford Historical Society, 143 N. Main St, Bel Air, MD - See more at: http://www.harfordmd.com/event/Model-Trainand-Aluminum-Christmas-Tree-Show/2013-12-01#sthash.QwWPBFLb.dpuf

Walk-In Computer Instruction at the Abingdon Public Library

December 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2013 2:00pm 4:00pm Learn basic computer skills and web search techniques. For: All ages Registration is not required. For more information, call 410-638-3990.

Planet Watch - Venus

December 6, 2013 4:00pm 6:00pm Price: $3:00/person or $10:00/family Point of Contact: Estuary Center Phone: 410-612-1688 Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, 700 Otter Point Road, Abingdon, MD Website: http://www.otterpointcreek.org Event Information: Tonight, Venus, the "Evening Star", is at peak brilliance. Look through a telescope to locate it in the late fall sky and see what other celestial objects you can find. Refreshments provided. This program is for ages 8 to adult, under 13 w/adult. - See more at: http://www.harfordmd.com/event/Planet-Watch-Venus/2013-12-06#sthash.qYh0xJmU.dpuf

Second Annual Holiday Gift Sale

December 7, 2013 10:00am 3:00pm (Free) Bel Air Armory, 41 N. Main Street, Bel Air, MD. This exciting event will feature holiday music, carolers, food and storytellers. Vendor items include artwork in all types of media including oil paintings, pottery, jewelry, note cards, photography, and prints and autographed copies of books. - See more at: http://www.harfordmd.com/event/Second-AnnualHoliday-Gift-Sale/2013-12-07#sthash.HxkXxrmj.dpuf

Bel Air Community Band Winter Concert

December 8, 2013 3:00pm - 5:00pm Admission: Free Bel Air High School. Come join the 90 piece Bel Air Community Band as we celebrate the season

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Breakfast with Santa

December 15, 2013 8:00am-11:00am Price: Adults $8.00; Seniors $7.00; Child 6 - 10 $3.00 Abingdon Fire Company, 3306 Abingdon Road, Abingdon, MD. Event Website: http://www.abingdonfc.com. Abingdon Fire Company MD will be holding its annual Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus. They will be visiting with guests in the Engine Bay where there will be numerous photo opportunities with Santa and the Fire Trucks. The Breakfast menu includes: Pancakes Scrambled Eggs Old Fashioned Ham Baked Home Taters Sausage Gravy Toast Bagels Fresh Baked Biscuits Baked French Toast Cinnamon Buns Fruit Milk Juice (Orange, Apple, and Tomato) Coffee Tea Hot Chocolate Price: $8.00 for Adults, $7.00 for Seniors, $3.00 for children 6 10. Children under the age of 6 are free. Takeout is available for $9.00. Special discounted family packages are available for advance purchase only: Two Adult & one Child (6 - 10) Family Package 1: $18.00 Two Adult & two Child (6 - 10) Family Package 2: $20.00 Two Adult & three Child (6 10) Family Package 3: $22.00 Tickets for Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus, as well as other public events at Abingdon Fire Company can be purchased in advance at: http://abingdonfc.ticketleap.com Reserve your tickets now. - See more at: http://www.harfordmd.com/event/Breakfast-with-Santa-and-Mrs-Claus/2013-12-15#sthash.THsql0VJ.dpuf

An Evening of Chamber Music

December 16, 2013 7:00 PM Joppa Hall, Harford Community College. The Music Department of Harford Community College presents an evening of music student ensemble performances. Tickets: tickets.harford.edu or 443-412-2211

Holiday Luncheon (Chamber of Commerce)

December 19, 2013 11:30am - 1:00pm Admission: $25.00 per person in advance/$30.00 on day of event. Bayou Restaurant, 927 Pulaski Highway, Havre de Grace. 11:30am-1pm. Hosted by Harford County Chamber of Commerce. www.harfordchamber.org

Harford County Public Schools winter break schools closed

December 23, 2013

Christmas Eve Harford County Public schools and offices closed

December 24, 2013

County Holiday Christmas Day

December 24 & 25, 2013 Harford County Government offices will be closed. Harford transit buses will not be available.

Winter Break Harford County Public schools closed

December 23 31, 2013
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and
Members: Cynthia Hergenhahn, Chairperson C. David Copenhaver Carlin Cook. Earl Grey Gregory A. Beaty Joan Hamilton Recording Secretary: Donna Copenhaver

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