Abingdon Community Council eNews

Volume I Issue #30 March, 2014 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, March 24, 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.)
(If at any time you wish to have your eMail address removed from our data base, just reply remove.) *******************************************************************************************

Abingdons Treasures: Brooms Bloom

(Brooms Bloom is located at 1700 South Fountain Green Road, Bel Air, MD 21015) (Editors Comment: Brooms Bloom technically is not within the Abingdon zip code, 21009. Nevertheless, the results from an unscientific survey yielded, it is clearly a favorite destination of numerous Abingdon residents.)

Brooms Bloom, begun c. 1747, by the locally prominent Webster family and continuously owned by direct descendants of the original builder and land patentee. The farm is named after the colonial land grant for the area. Added onto by succeeding generations of the Webster-Dallam family, the original portion of Brooms Bloom is still the largest and dominant section of the house and is a superior and exceptionally intact example of a vernacular building form popular in Harford County among the areas prosperous second and third generation planters and industrialists. A figurative handful (four) of such houses survive in the county; similar in scale, plan, and detail, these structures all date to the same decade (the 1740s) and comprise the oldest documented group of buildings in Harford County. None surpasses Brooms Bloom in the amount of surviving original material; furthermore, none can match Brooms Bloom history of single-family ownership and occupation. There have been three principal additions to the house; two of these (constructed c. 1845 and c. 1850) possess their own historical importance and the third (c. 1950) is small in scale utilitarian in nature and does not compromise the houses integrity. Also located on the acreage, and adding to the resources importance, are the 18th century springhouse and the oldest known family cemetery (with graves dating back to 1759) in Harford County. In 1997, David and Kate Dallam began by milking cows, which led them down the exciting "Rocky Road" to making and selling ice cream, cheese and pork sausage. The ice cream was originally sold at local farmers' markets and quickly became a hit among townspeople. As success grew, the farm needed a bigger space to sell its products and a store was built on the farm. In addition to a large selection of ice creams, you can buy milk, eggs, artisan cheese, pork sausage as well as other local meats and farmed products. The store sells a few deli items like sandwiches and soup, but it appears that most customers make the trip to the edge of town to eat ice cream.
(Source: bbdairy.com and the National Register of Historic Places, some changes have been made.) *********************************************************************************************

Chief of Staff Aaron Tomarchio Will Be Missed!

County Executive Craig recently announced the departure of Aaron Tomarchio, who has served as Chief of Staff to the County Executive since 2005. Mr. Tomarchio will join Erickson Living, a national developer and manager of continuing care retirement communities as Director of Corporate Affairs. See more at: http://www.harfordneighbors.net/index.php?section=1&subtype=81#sthash.z2LTK6R6.dpuf. The Abingdon Community Council would like to thank him for his guidance, support, and encouragement! We wish him the best in his new endeavors.

-1-

Do You Have This Years Most Beautiful Baby?

(Harford Family House seeks entries and sponsors for the 5th Annual Celebree Presents Harfords Most Beautiful Baby contest.)

The search is on for Harfords Most Beautiful Baby of 2014! Harford Family House will host the fifth annual Celebree Presents Harfords Most Beautiful Baby contest. All proceeds will benefit Harford Family House, which this year is celebrating its 25th anniversary of providing transitional housing for homeless families in Harford County. Harford Family House serves a most basic need in our community: providing shelter and support for families in need and allowing homeless families to remain intact, says Harford Family House Executive Director Joyce Duffy. Due to the lack of funding and resources, the number of requests Harford Family House has to turn away has increased dramatically over the years from 435 in 2011 to 775 in 2013. The Beautiful Baby Contest is a fun way to raise money for, and awareness of, Harford Family Houses vital ro le in our region. See more at:
http://www.harfordneighbors.net/index.php?section=1&subtype=81&id=6693#sthash.nE8lx6Ei.dpuf
(Source: harfordneighbors.net. Some changes were made.) ********************************************************

Suspects Steal Airbags from Vehicles; Aberdeen, Abingdon, Belcamp Targeted

Dagger News Service

Harford County Sheriffs deputies are investigating 16 thefts of airbags from automobiles, along with the theft of a motor vehicle that occurred overnight Wednesday night February 19th into Thursday morning February 20th in the communities of Aberdeen, Abingdon and Belcamp. According to detectives, in almost all of the cases, the suspects would break out a rear passenger window, unlock the front door and then, after opening the hood and disconnecting the battery, re-enter the car and steal the airbag affixed to the steering wheel. Victims reported no other items were stolen and damage was limited to the window thieves broke to enter the car. Theft and damages are estimated at approximately $1200 per car. Police are also investigating the theft of a motor vehicle that happened during the same time period. While deputies were conducting an investigation in the 4800 block of Mantlewood Way, Aberdeen, a resident informed them his 2010 black Honda Accord was stolen. The car was recovered a short time later in the 2600 block Longridge Court in Abingdon, a community from where other cars airbags had been stolen. Police have no suspects at this time and are asking for the publics help. If you have any information please call the Harfor d County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigation Division at 410-836-5437. Callers can also report tips anonymously and tipsters could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those involved. Submit a tip online at: http://www.harfordsheriff.org/wanted Text message: Metro Crime Stoppers: Text CRIMES (274637) Begin the message MCS, then add the information. Phone: Harford Crime Solvers: Call 1-888-540-8477
(Source: reprinted, with permission from The Dagger, www.daggerpress.com, some changes were made) **************************************************************************************************

Daylight saving time officially begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday March 9th!

-2-

Friends of Harford Proposes Lighting Ordinance for Harford County

Dagger News Service

The Problem: Light trespass is when unwanted, manmade light from one property trespasses onto someone elses property. It is a serious problem throughout Harford, adversely affecting residents, farmers and small businesses. Light trespass can: harm health and quality of life cause dangerous night blindness adversely impact farmers and other businesses Homeowners desperately seek relief from auto dealers high-intensity; all-night lighting of their bedrooms, living rooms and yards. Sports field lighting at Cedar Lane Park and elsewhere impacts nearby homes. In both rural and non-rural areas, theres light trespass from recreational fields, parking lots, advertising and poorly designed security lights. Drivers night vision can be ruined because eyes take time to adjust from dark night to intense, unnatural daylight and then back to dark. Artificial light that disrupts the internal clocks of dairy cattle and certain flowering plants hurts farmers bottom line. Light trespass affects the desirability of a home thats for sale. Whats In Place To Help Citizens. Basically, nothing exists at the state or local Harford County level to help define or enforce against light trespass. The current zoning code has a subjective, unenforceable not too bright requirement based on pure opinion, not on objective, measurable numbers. Without measurable standards, you will likely lose even if you hire a lawyer to take the owner of the offending lights to court. Sometimes the offender is Harford County itself (e.g., outdoor sports fields). Harfords 2012 MASTER PLAN and LAND USE ELEMENT PLAN directs the County to: Implement enforceable limits on lighting, dust/fumes and noise pollution on all properties to protect all property owners rights to peaceful use and enjoyment of their properties and to ensure the effectiveness of buffer zones. [Reference: Land Use Element Plan page 51, Implementation Strategy] Noise pollution is limited by a Maryland law that establishes measurable standards. These standards are enforced by the Harford County Sheriffs Department. Friends of Harford proposes a Lighting Ordinance to do the same for light trespass. Our Proposal: To be effective, a law must have objective, measurable standards to enforce, and penalties must be levied when the law is proven to have been violated. Friends of Harford has drafted an ordinance (law) to do that for light trespass. Our ordinance is based on the Pennsylvania Outdoor Lighting Councils Model Outdoor Lighting Ordinance for Inclusion in Zoning Ordinances. We deleted a few sections that either covered requirements already in the Electrical Code or told property owners what equipment to use; we believe owners should be free to meet the performance requirements however they wish. The other revisions were housekeeping, e.g., substituting Harford County for municipal government. With this ordinance: A simple check with a light meter will determine whether lighting is in compliance with the law. When neighbors complain about existing lighting, this ordinance resolves disputes and protects all property owners by establishing objective, measurable requirements. The ordinance will limit light trespass to 0.1 footcandles at residential property boundaries and 1.0 footcandle at all other property boundaries. The 0.1 footcandles is about the level of light from a full moon that reaches the ground on a clear night. Havre de Grace just added a 0.1 footcandle limit to their zoning code to protect the residents of Bulle Rock from excessive lighting from a planned hospital.

Owners of outdoor lights can choose how to meet the requirements. Inexpensive shielding and placement of lights is emphasized. Timers used to control when lights go on and off will now require battery back-up to deal with power outages. Enforcement provisions with time limits are provided to protect neighbors. Theres little point in having a law unless its enforced.

-3-

What You Can Do. Contact County Council members to let them know you support this action. If you can, cite personal examples of how light pollution has affected you to emphasize why the ordinance is needed. Insist that enforcement provisions be kept intact a toothless law is useless window dressing. We will let you know when a lighting ordinance is introduced by the Council, and whether it meets the objectives of our proposal. If legislation is introduced which we feel is ineffective, we will certainly let you know and again ask for your support to make things right. Council Members: President: Billy Boniface District A: Dion Guthrie District B: Joseph Woods District C: James McMahan District D: Chad Schrodes District E: Richard Slutzky District F: Mary Ann Lisanti
(Source: reprinted, with permission from The Dagger, www.daggerpress.com, some changes were made) **************************************************************************************************

Dates to Ponder:
Chocolate and Candy Festival
March 1, 2014 10:00 am and 3:00 pm Price: $5.00 (kids under 6 free) Bel Air Armory, 37 N. Main Street, Bel Air, MD The sweetest place in Harford County on March 1st! Numerous chocolate and sweet treat vendors and kids activities make this an event not to be missed. See more at: http://www.harfordmd.com/event/Chocolate-and-Candy-Festival/2014-0301#sthash.YnyqOHWq.dpuf

Havre de Grace Mardi Gras Madness Restaurant Week

March 1st to 4th, 2014 Restaurant week continues in March!! Come dine in Havre de Grace and experience a week long of specials at our Restaurants that take on the French Quarter. Phone: 410-939-2100

Walk-In Computer Instruction at the Abingdon Public Library

March 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2014 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.

-4-

Springtime in the Woods

March 7, 2014 Free 10:00am 5:00pm Rockfield Manor, 501 Churchville Road, Bel Air, MD. Event Website: http://www.rockfieldmanor.com. Event Information: Handcrafts, collectibles, antiques, florals, Victorian, country, jewelry, furniture, girls & ladies accessories, gifts for all occasions. See more at:
http://www.harfordmd.com/event/Springtime-in-the-Woods-4/2014-03-07#sthash.rjDAwiIM.dpuf

Susquehanna Symphony and Deer Creek Chorale present Carmina Burana

March 8, 2014 Price $20- Adults, $15 - Seniors, $10 - Children/College 7:30pm 10:00 Bel Air High School, 100 Heighe St. Bel Air, MD. See more at: http://www.harfordmd.com/event/Susquehanna-Symphonyand-Deer-Creek-Chorale-present-Carmina-Burana/2014-03-08#sthash.v0vD6SdB.dpuf

For their first collaboration since the Carnegie Hall debut in 2009, Deer Creek Chorale and guest singers from Harford Choral Society, two Towson Choirs and a Childrens Chorus TBA, will perform popular choral works with the SSO. Deer Creek Chorale director Martha Banghart and Maestro Bair have been working on this collaboration for two years and the groups are pleased to finally present such a concert to the community. The concert will begin with the Deer Creek Chorale singing one of Mozarts very last works, his moving Ave Verum Corpus. This short work, t o be conducted by Martha Banghart, is for chorus and the orchestral strings only. This work is followed by one of the most popular works of the 20th century: Carl Orffs massive Carmina Burana. The work is for a huge orchestra, massed choirs, and three s oloists. Audience members will recognize some of the music from television shows even though the name of the work might be new to them. The work is full of wonderful and memorable melodies while at the same time being very rhythmic in nature (using a large percussion section and two pianists!). Towson University soprano Teri Bickham, and two other soloists TBA, will join the massed forces for these performances.

Daylight Saving Time Begins Spring Forward!

March 9, 2014 2:00 am Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 9, 2014. It usually begins on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November. So that means in 2014 we get the extra daylight Sunday, March 9th. Ushering in the bloom of spring, it's time to set the clocks forward for daylight saving time. At 2 a.m. local time Sunday, daylight saving time arrives with the promise of many months ahead with an extra hour of evening sunlight.

The Northern Chesapeake Home and Garden Expo and Health&Fitness Fair
March 15, 2014 Price: $4, kids under 10 Free 11:00am 5:00pm Ripken Stadium , 870 Long Drive, Aberdeen, MD. Don't miss your opportunity to turn your home and garden dreams into reality! The Upper Concourse of Ripken Stadium will be transformed into a Home & Garden Extravaganza as well as a Health & Fitness Fair, bringing you the latest trends in fitness and living a better life. See more at: http://www.harfordmd.com/event/The-Northern-Chesapeake-Home-andGarden-Expo-and-Health-and-Fitness-Fair/2014-03-15#sthash.Y9z9SY3Q.dpuf

Harford County Public Schools Elementary Teachers Planning Time Elementary Students Dismissed 3 Hours Early
March 21, 201

Volunteer Expo
March 22, 2014 9:00am Noon Free Patterson Mill Middle-High School, 85 Patterson Mill Rd., Bel Air. . Discover how you can make a difference through volunteering with the many organizations and agencies searching for volunteers. volunteer@volunteerharford.org

Inspiration 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk

March 30, 2014 7:30am, Registration 8:30am, Run/Walk Begins Bel Air High School. Annual benefit for Special Olympic athletes. $25 registration. Stacy Alford 443.833.5144 www.SOHarfordInspiration.kintera.org
************************************************************************

-5-

Harford County DPW Bureau of Highway Engineering is on Facebook

(https://www.facebook.com/HarfordCountyHighways)

The Bureau of Highways Engineering is a major division within the Department of Public Works. Its responsibilities are to provide engineering design and technical support for roadway and bridge projects throughout Harford County. In addition, the Bureau of Highways Engineering provides the review/design and subsequent approval of subdivision/related roadways, traffic analysis, including but not limited to intersection improvements, future roads, speed studies, traffic calming measures, storm drains, and bridge facilities, which when completed, become part of the Harford County infrastructure.
(Source: http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/.Some changes were made.) ***********************************************************

Damn Pot Holes!

A pothole is a type of failure in an asphalt pavement, caused by the presence of water in the underlying soil structure and the presence of traffic passing over the affected area. Introduction of water to the underlying soil structure first weakens the supporting soil. Traffic then fatigues and breaks the poorly supported asphalt surface in the affected area. Continued traffic action ejects both asphalt and the underlying soil material to create a hole in the pavement. -Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaThe Highway Maintenance District Shops provide road maintenance and snow removal service for approximately 1048.62 miles of Harford County public roads. Districts receive citizen requests for service directly from the Administrative Office dispatch. Usually to report pot holes and damaged road surfaces, debris or dead animals in County roadways, drainage problems along roadways or county right-of-ways, missing or damaged manhole covers, or overhanging trees & bushes along roadways and at intersections that cause sight distance problems. The District Shops which have geographic responsibilities are staffed with an average of 17 employees who operate various trucks and road maintenance equipment to repair damaged road sections, fill potholes, replace or adjust storm drain covers, trim brush from roadsides, remove and sweep road debris and prepare roadway sections for resurfacing by wedging edges and leveling road surfaces. Harford County is divided into four districts: 1st and 2nd Districts report to Jim Swank, Superintendent. 3rd and 4th districts report to Kenny Sexton, Superintendent. Abingdon is located in the 1st District. We, the Abingdon Community Council, need your assistance. We encourage you to contact the Highway Administrative Office, Pothole Hotline: 410-638-3376 to report potholes. Repairs are normally scheduled for completion within 24 hours of reporting. Kudos to Harford County for making this service available.
(Source: http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/dpw/engineering/Hwys/index.cfm?ID=664. Some changes were made.) ************************************************************************************************

Abingdon Community Council

Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 24, 2014 6:30pm -7:30pm at the Abingdon Public Library, 2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon, MD 21009

Members: Cynthia Hergenhahn, Chairperson C. David Copenhaver Earl Grey Carlin Cook Gregory A. Beaty Joan Hamilton

-6Recording Secretary: Donna Copenhaver