Open Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

Many of the folks in Abingdon have been good this year (except those nasty speeders!) So could you please find it in your heart to consider some of the items on this list?

These are in no particular order, and we will take any and all if available.

1. A decent restaurant in the Wal-Mart/Target shopping center. We love our fast food here, but it would be nice to have a spot with actual knives and forks and wait staff close-by. Sorry Santa, Country Kitchen doesn't count.

2. Speed bumps. I've been asking for these and so far no one cares. Or how about a stop sign? I've been told that slowing traffic is an illegal usage of stop signs, but maybe you could bend some rules?

3. More trees. If not more trees, can you stop all the cutting? I really never appreciated those trees by the WaWa on 924 until cutting them down created the ugliest corner around.

4. A new pharmacy. This is a joke Santa! Why would we need another pharmacy here! Oh wait, a new one's being built near Bright Oaks Drive. That's not funny, Santa.

5. More money for the library. You know that we love our library here. Maybe you could send them some new books, or at least some more copies of Sue Grafton's new book because I'm very low on the reserved list for that one.

6. An elected school board. I don't know, Santa, maybe it wouldn't make a difference at all, but I'd really like my voice to be heard and listened to. Maybe the threat of defeat might make these people more receptive to community voices.

7. A choice. I've got a few years, but if the middle/high schools in my area continue to fail so miserably on the MSA scores, could you send me a voucher so that my kids can attend a school where the county cares more about the students?

8. Pedestrian walkways. I would love to be able to walk to Target or Wal-Mart, but let's face it, it's too dangerous for me. How could I cross the road once I got there anyway? Can you help the wise transportation department think about pedestrians in its plans?

9. Whatever the Anita Leight Estuary Center wants. I'm not sure what that is, but they're great, so please send whatever they need.

10. A great 2008 for TAA readers and other area bloggers. And maybe some more blog readers for 2008, too!

Thanks, Santa. If it doesn't all fit under the tree, maybe you could put some of it in the many storage facilities located nearby!

It's Crazy Out There

I made the rounds this morning doing some last-minute shopping and it seems that most of Harford County shared that thought. Festival was especially crazy, with Constant Friendship a close second.
Thanks to Bel Air News and Views for the mention and the item about the child getting hit in front of Wal-Mart. Unfortunately, I'm not surpised at all. (Is anyone?) I am always yelling at my kids not to hang on the front of the cart and if you see a crazy mother pushing her cart while clinging to her children -- that's me.
The 4-year-old was hit in the crosswalk! Instead of greeters, Wal-Mart needs a traffic patrol.
This can happen anywhere. This a.m. I was almost taken out by an Escalade while I was trying to get into Coffee! Coffee! By the way, that Starry Night blend is absolutely delicious.
On a happier note, people not in their cars were dare I say it -- friendly! A woman in BJ's I moved just slightly for told me to have a "Blessed Day and Merry Christmas" and the Target cashier wished me "a great Christmas!"

Back from the Brink

After almost a weeklong bout with strep throat, TAA is somewhat back in business. I'd like to give a shout to all the friendly people at Patient First in Bel Air who made me feel comfortable while I was feverish and hallucinating. It's great when you don't feel like driving all over to be able to get blood work, a strep test and a flu test done in one shot. I was also able to purchase my antibiotic there. I know not everyone has shared my experience, but in the literally dozens of times we've been there, the staff has been great.
Unfortunately, my illness left me unable to attend the highly anticipated 1-95 meeting, which I read had a good turnout. I'm still not up to speed on that, but I'm going to e-mail some questions to the transportation department. They've assured everyone they're answering all the questions, so we'll see.
Thanks to all who voted on the poll question. The majority who responded were shopping locally. I myself did some power shopping at the Harford Mall this a.m. I can't believe mall officials said that no parking was disturbed for the new buildings. Half the parking lot is gone! I was reminded why I am a very infrequent mall shopper.

Jacqueline Haas: Immortal

"Are you kidding me?" This is what I kept asking myself while paging through The Aegis special section in today's paper: Harford County Public Schools Annual Report "Building on Success." Please pick it up if you'd like to enter what appears to be the rapturous dream world of our school superintendent.
In her opening column, the Maryland Superintendent of the Year (among other things that are lovingly detailed later in the tab) Haas discusses how helping a child is the closest any of us get to being immortal. She says that educating not only is a chance to strive for greatness, but for immortality.
She also calls on "stakeholders" to join her in her journey through the future.
Among the pages and pages of glowing achievements racked up by the appointed, accountable to stakeholders, school system was one downer. A brief mention of the NCLB test scores, which if you didn't know how dismally some schools performed, you still wouldn't. Here's the lone paragraph:
"Noting that NCLB requires every student to be scoring at least at the proficient level by the 2013-14 school year, Dr. Haas said the school system has its work cut out for it in ensuring that all students have the opportunity to meet standards. She pointed to the vast improvement made during the fours year of MSA testing as an indication the school system is on the right track."
Yes, kudos to everyone! Schools facing their third year of failing. Awesome!
Don't get me wrong. I support the teachers and know what a tough job they have. They do extra work without much support. But like an alcoholic, until the school board admits it has a problem, nothing will change. And they won't, because while the teachers are in the trenches trying to do something, they're fancying themselves immortal. And without elections or any consequence for anything they do (block scheduling anyone?), it looks like we stakeholders will have an eternity to deal with their ongoing successes.

Monday Update

Holiday shoppers were out -- at least a few were -- on Saturday. Festival was less crowded than expected, with the exception of Kohl's, where the aisles were crowded. Of course, they were more crowded with merchandise than shoppers. The shoppers had to leave shortly after we were there because of a bomb threat. Everything turned out OK, but in case you wondered why you couldn't get in the Wheel Road entrance around 5 on Saturday, they had that section blocked off.
In other Festival news, I heard that Coffee, Coffee is under new management.
Don't forget, this week is the 1-95 hearing. TAA has conflicting meetings that night, but is trying to make it happen. The Aegis had an article in Friday's paper about it that made me want to scream. I know they had to get the nuts and bolts about the meeting in, but in a long story, why didn't they ask for clarification about how exactly those express toll lanes will be "congestion-free." They let that quote stand. Even if I don't make it to the meeting, I will ask that question. How can they guarantee that? Here's the link to the meeting info:
Public hearing

Weather Update: Still Bad

Here in Abingdon in the last 10 minutes we've had snow, rain and freezing rain. Be careful if you're driving out there. My driveway has some slick spots, although it looks wet.
The weather/flu are putting a damper on my Christmas shopping plans I had for today. Thank goodness I did some shopping earlier this week. I went to sale at Dress Barn and bought some sweaters for myself as an early Christmas present!

Warning: Stomach Flu

The stomach flu is quickly spreading through Abingdon Elementary and unfortunately, it's finally made it's way into our little section of it.
It starts with a stomachache a few days before. My third-grader has reported at least two students getting sick while in class -- and then for some unknown reason return to class to finish the day. I'm not sure how they can avoid it.
Here's hoping my third-grader doesn't get it, too. My kindergartener seems to be improving. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

School's Out

After just being outside, I'm changing my earlier view and thinking that maybe it was a good idea schools are out an hour early today. (all afterschool activities are off, too). It's a little slippery where you might not think, so be careful.
Also, we signed up for the eschoolnewsletter, but so far haven't gotten my alert. Thank goodness Don Morrison called all my 4 phones!

Weird Crosswalk on Tollgate

On Tollgate Road at the new Tiree Court age-restricted condos, little white pillars of crosswalk have sprung up. In theory, it's a good idea to have a spot where the folks can cross the street. In reality, once they cross the street, there's no sidewalk on the other side so they'll have to walk in the driveway or in the grass. It's also almost a full right angle when you're making a right turn into the library.
I think my next poll question might be how long these white posts last. (For reference, see constantly disappearing small white posts at intersection of Tollgate and 24 by Wal-Mart)
While mentioning my favorite place, the library, don't forget that Friday is the library "book fair" at Barnes & Noble. Vouchers should be available at all branches. Presenting a voucher at B&N will give the library a percentage of your purchase.

New Poll Question

Thanks to everyone who voted in the 1-95 construction poll. It was pretty evenly split. Don't forget to take the online survey that I linked to in the "Interesting Bookmarks Entry."
Our new poll question is all about Christmas shopping. With my recent experiences at local retailers, it's first and foremost on my mind.
Remember, your vote counts here!

Back to Normal at Wal-Mart

Being mad at the Constant Friendship Target about the Wii fiasco has thrown off my whole week. I've been trying to branch out to other venues, but now I remember why I was so faithful in the first place.
This a.m. after I put the kids on the bus I ran over to Wal-Mart because I needed to get a birthday present for a party my daughter is attending this weekend. I parked close to the door and believed this was a good sign.
Shopping is much more pleasant since the remodel. The aisles are wider, it's easier to find things. It looks cleaner.
I was even humming a Christmas carol when I lined up at the register.
That's when it started.
I was in a long line. 3 registers were open. A cashier zipped behind me and helpfully told the elderly people at the back of the line she would help them next. This is a pet peeve of mine. Customer service at people at Wal-Mart never speak to me, because I don't fit the elderly demographic. Which, now that I think about it, kind of makes me happy. This happened 3 times while I was in line, but I thought I'd stick it out in my line because I was already committed. 15 minutes later, my goods were being checked out, but wait, the main purpose of the trip, a lovely Sleeping Beauty Disney Princess, was not in the system. It would not ring up. The cashier called the toy department. Nobody called back. She called again. Nobody called back. She called a manager, who ambled over and took the doll to customer service. Customer service couldn't find it the number and spent a lot of time examining the box. This wasn't an obscure item. It was a Disney Princess. They called the toy department. 20 minutes later, they decided to manually input the price.
Then I made the mistake of asking for a gift receipt.
This proved impossible! They couldn't do that! So I said Enough. You got me. I've got to get out of here. I thanked the very patient lady behind me and the cashier. The manager was mean to her. It wasn't her fault.
The woman behind me mentioned the Wal-Mart commercials where all the cashiers are playing Christmas music with their register lights. She summed it up best, "I guess they didn't see that commercial here."

Interesting Bookmarks

Picked up two interesting items at the Bel Air library. The first is an easy way to support the library while doing your Christmas shopping.
At the Bel Air library (not sure if this is available at Abingdon) you can pick up a voucher for the Barnes & Noble Bookfair supporting the Harford County Public Library Foundation.
On Dec. 7 at the Bel Air Barnes & Noble if you present the voucher to the cashier while making your purchase, a percentage of the net sale will be donated to the foundation. It doesn't say how much, but any bit will help.
Two new interesting titles we're interested here at TAA are The Letters of Noel Coward and Options, by the Fake Steve Jobs.
Another bookmark takes us back to one of our favorite topics, road construction. The bookmark asks readers to "Help Shape the Future of Transportation in Maryland" by going online and completing a 10-minute survey. The answers "you provide will be used to shape Maryland's 20-year vision for transportation."
Here's the link.
Take the survey

Road Work

If you're traveling down to Lowe's, Regal or BJ's, be aware that for some reason they've dug a big hole in the road in front of the new mega pet store and it's currently one lane with a big bulldozer in the middle of the road. Traffic isn't bad, but with the size of the hole it seems as if the crew will be there awhile. Maybe they've decided to start building underground, too. Maybe a new storage unit!

Deer Watch

Be careful out there. At Tollgate Road, by the Monmouth Meadows traffic circle, a deer jumped into the road around lunchtime. They must be confused about where they're going and what time it is because of the fog. Keep an eye out for them. I know there are always some around the new Toll Brothers development. We saw a herd run by the library not too long ago.

Early Christmas Spirit

Although the leftover turkey and various other leftovers are still jamming my fridge, the holiday spirit is in full swing in Abingdon. Just ask the lady who was in front of my DH this a.m. at Target who bought four of a very desirable, very hard to get gaming system even though it plainly said it was "1 per customer." She of course, got the last ones, leaving DH emptyhanded. So she must really, really, need the money she's going to get from selling those for exhoribant prices on ebay. She must be taking that money and doing something very worthy with it that others cannot possibly comprehend. So thank you, madam, wherever, you are, and also the concerned and alert Target team member who made it possible!

Thanksgiving Fun

The Abingdon Branch of the Harford County Public Library is having a "Turkey Trot" for kids pre-k through 8th grade every day from now until Nov. 30. Kids who spot a gobbler in the stacks will "harvest" a reward.
The library is also collecting donations of food at all of its branches for FISH and the Salvation Army. While you're checking out all those free movies for Thanksgiving, why not leave a can of veggies?

Is it Just the Rain or....

Is that corner where Rt. 924 meets WaWa the trashiest looking spot in the area? The lighted liquor store sign complete with the "Tease Fitness" and the Jim Beam banner hanging underneath. It's really lovely. I may add a photo at some point, so everyone can revel in its beauty.
Which brings me to the need for members for the Abingdon/Emmorton/Riverside Community Council, which reader Brian Bittner has brought to our attention. Call 410-638-3355 and get involved. We really need some help with the zoning -- the liquor store/tease fitness has another spot on its sign for a new business. I can only imagine what could complement that duo.

Thanks-giving

With the holidays coming up we've been thinking here about different worthy charitable organizations. Here, our mailbox has already been filling up and our telephone ringing with various organizations asking for money.
I'd like to highlight some local charities here, and although this one is a national forum, it allows you to help those nearby in a unique way.
The site donorschoose.org is filled with requests from teachers across the country, including Maryland, who are looking for funding for various projects. They map out their proposals and then you get a chance to donate as much as you want.
On the homepage you can click on a subject you'd like to give to, or your state. You can even donate in honor or your favorite presidential candidate. (Stephen Colbert's faithful have already contributed more than $60,000.)
Many of these proposals are for schools in Baltimore, in some of the poorest neighborhoods. The cost of these range from $100 (for dry erase boards) to a thousand for audiovisual equipment. Take a look. Some are just heartbreaking to read.

Disenfranchisement--Education Version

It's American Education Week and I could not be much less hopeful about education in my part of Harford County. Don't get me wrong -- Abingdon Elementary where my children attend is a wonderful school. The teachers are great and the test scores are among the highest in the county.
I guess this goes back to my earlier column about being disenfranchised. I've seen photos of the new high school where my children will not attend. Instead, I'm looking at a 29.4 assessment rate for 8th-grade math at Edgewood Middle School. I see Jacqueline Haas named superintendent of the year for Maryland while the middle AND high school my child is slated to attend have not met the Average Yearly Progess goals for consecutive years. So instead of a plan detailing what the school board is implementing to improve the situation, we're treated to a "rally day" at the high school featuring the Ravens Busboys.
A rally day does not take the place of a comprehensive plan to improve the schools. We're not idiots. Cal Ripken, Jr. memorabilia and some balloons aren't answers to these problems.
At the rally day, Haas is quoted as saying, "You are the model for the rest of the county because of the close connection that already exists among Edgewood-area schools, this feeder system was chosen to pilot the program for the rest of the county. I know you are proud of your schools and the work done by your teachers every day."
Speaking for myself, I feel as close to the Edgewood community as I do to the Fallston community. I don't. I'm in Abingdon/Emmorton. My community is on this side of 95. Districting our school into another community doesn't make us part of another community.
I've been asking for answers about a comprehensive plan and so far have gotten none. I know there are great kids at Edgewood/Edgewood Middle. I don't think it's unsafe or a drug haven. I think they deserve more than just being safe. They also deserve the education that we are paying all these taxes for. You know, the same education that the kids at C. Milton are getting.

Plumtree Update

Thanks to reader Charlene for sending the link to the Plumtree zoning. This information must be from the original hearing, so it's unclear if the hearing this week is for public comment.
I'm confused at the need for this, when another gigantic Walgreen's is probably 3 miles away. There is also a relatively new gigantic Walgreen's on 24 in Forest Hill.
People that I talked to were very excited about a Wegman's possibly coming here. The closest one is in Hunt Valley, and Trader Joe's is all the way in Towson. I'm surprised this area doesn't have any similar stores.
Here's the link to the Walgreen's info:
Another Walgreen's

1-95: Interchanges

If you've been wondering what that map is down at the right, it's the "visioning" by the Maryland department of transportation as to what our exit at 1-95 will look like in a few years.
I received a flier last week detailing the Section 200 (the name of the project) changes, and chuckled out loud at the description of the express toll lanes on 95 which will have sliding fees depending on traffic volume. This was the funny part: "Drivers would have the option of paying a toll to drive in the relatively congestion-free ETLs (express lanes) or in the GPLs as they do today."
My question, what if the majority of drivers decide to drive in the "relatively congestion-free" lanes? I'd pay a few dollars to get somewhere faster, and I imagine many drivers would. How can the MDTA promise that these lanes will be faster? I don't really understand. Will there be a rebate if you're stuck in traffic?
Of greater concern to me is the new exit configuration with 1-95/MD 24. I would describe what they're proposing for this section, but I don't think I could even paraphrase it. I do know that they've already started clearing trees on both sides of 24 (by WaWa and Wal-Mart), but nothing's happened in a few months.
There will be a public hearing from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 13 at William Paca Elementary where the public is invited to comment. The MDTA is also accepting written comment until Jan. 21, 2008.
I'm providing a link to maps of the project. If you can figure this out, please let us know.
Section 200 Project

A Family Holiday Event

The holidays are closer than you think -- if you've been shopping you know for some, they're already here! Here's a family event for New Year's -- perfect for the smaller reveler. Note that the registration opens on Nov. 15.

"Noon" Year's Eve Celebration
Monday, December 31st, 2007 10 am to 1 pm

Count down to noon at a special "Noon" Year's Eve family celebration hosted by the Bel Air Athletic Club (BAAC) and presented by Harford County Kids Magazine. The celebration begins at 10 am and features a NOON Countdown to 2008 when "snowballs" will be dropped from the ceiling. Balloon sculptures, demonstrations, and crafts will be offered to guests under 12 years of age. Refreshments, a DJ, BAACyard Treehouse, and special activities will make this a fun way for parents and kids to celebrate the New Year together and not be up too late. Participants include the Bel Air School of Art, Bel Air Bakery, The Greene Turtle, professional DJ Frank Spears, BAACStage Dance Company, and more! Cost is $5 per person (children under 2 are free) and advance registration and payment is required. Registration opens November 15th, 2007 and is sure to be sold out! Call BAAC at 410-838-2670 to reserve your family's spots before they are gone. BAAC is located at 658 Boulton St., Bel Air, Maryland.

Feeling Disenfranchised

I've read with envy all week accounts of voters, a few at least anyway, heading to the polls to vote in Bel Air and Aberdeen. Here in Abingdon we got to vote on, let's see, nothing.
Given the lackluster turnout in many races, including the Baltimore mayor's race, maybe I'm in the minority. I know sometimes the candidate choices are not the greatest, but to just have the opportunity to possibly have your voice heard, what that must be like. Here in Abingdon, I can only imagine.

Plumtree/24 Rezoning

After a little digging, we found what the rezoning signs were about on Rte. 24 near Plumtree Road. It was called to our attention by an advertisement in The Aegis, placed by the Klein Family, owners of the Klein's Family Markets, stating that they had no zoning responsibility about this 52.392 acre parcel. It helpfully added a a rezoning case number.
The ad said that the hearing was scheduled for Nov. 7, but it's apparently been moved to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19. This is what I found on the county Web site:

CASE NO. 170:
KLEIN / TURNER LIMITED JOINT VENTURE - 1921, 2001 & 2014 Emmorton Road, Bel Air
Rezoning, proposed for the First Election District, 1921, 2013 & 2014 Emmorton Road, Bel Air, BY KLEIN / TURNER LIMITED JOINT VENTURE (PROPERTY OWNERS: 1921 EMMORTON ROAD LLC; 2001 EMMORTON ROAD LLC; AND EVERGREEN BUSINESS TRUST) (CONTRACT PURCHASER: EVERGREEN DEVELOPMENT LLC). Appealed because rezonings, pursuant to Section 267-12A of the Harford County Code, to rezone 18.46 acres from B2 Community District to R3 Urban Residential District, rezone 30.45 acres from R4 Urban Residential / B3 General Business District to B3 General Business District, and rezone 3.482 acres from R4 Urban Residential District to B3 General Business District, requires approval by the Board of Appeals.

This wasn't really an answer to my question, but it appears that something's coming.

Speeding - Part 2

Reader Holly on my previous post about driving fast mentions an accident last night on Rte. 24 in Bel Air. I was wondering if anyone had any information about it. I can't find anything about it online.
A few days before I wrote the original post about speeding, in the space of about half a mile I saw the aftermath of two accidents on Tollgate Road -- at the first entrance of Crisfield Drive and another at Sunray Court. The Crisfield/Tollgate accident had three cars involved. Looking at the vehicles I tried to decipher how it could have happened. I guess that was on my mind with the tailgater behind me a few days later. If I had stopped short with someone pulling out in front of me it would have been a three-car pileup -- with my car in the middle.
I've tried -- without success I might add -- to get drivers to slow down in my neighborhood. One similarity I've noticed when talking with people -- they don't think they're the ones responsible -- even though when I see many of these people driving down my street, they're driving well over the posted 25mph.
Instead of yelling at people to SLOW DOWN, I've now tried waving to people. This has been more effective, because even people I don't know will slow down to see if they recognize me. As one of my neighbors pointed out, this will probably only be effective for a short time, but I'll take it while it lasts. And it feels more neighborly.

How Fast Are You Driving?

To the driver of the black SUV tailgating me on Tollgate Road, listen up: I drive the speed limit. Swerving back and forth behind me will not make me go faster, in fact, it might actually make me drive exactly 35 mph. If you want to bump my car's rear end, it really won't upset me because it could actually use a new bumper. So go for it!
If you'd like to drive faster, why not try Rte. 24 where the average speed hovers around 70? Even with the stoplights, you will make it to wherever you're going faster. Please consider this option.

Did anyone see the directional sign in the traffic circle on Wheel/Tollgate Road that was knocked over? On Saturday it was directly underneath a large SUV. I assume that some speed was involved because I'm not sure how you could wedge an at least 8-foot sign underneath your vehicle without noticing.
I hope the Harford County Sheriff's department continues its patrols near Abingdon Elementary. That revenue alone could pay for the entire state's deficit.

Black Friday on Saturday

Festival in Bel Air was mobbed with shoppers on Saturday morning. The apparent cause was Kohl's early bird sale. Checkout lines on both sides of the store snaked back with at least 20 deep. Someone behind me commented that it looked like Black Friday instead of the first Saturday in November. And it did.
This answered my previously posed question about recession in Harford County. If Kohl's can bring out that many people on a cold Saturday morning, it certainly makes the Christmas season look more optimistic.
Also, driving through the parking lot in Festival while always a challenge, was even moreso with all the bargain hunters (and the ambulance in front of Kohl's where a woman was taken to the hospital). I guess a lot of people were overly anxious to get to those sale prices by the driving methods on display. Honking and lewd hand signals were thankfully missing, however. But I guess maybe drivers were saving those for Black Friday.

Sign of Development

Driving north on Rte. 24 this a.m. I noticed a "To Whom It May Concern" development sign just north of Bertucci's in the wooded area before Plumtree.
I've always liked that little stretch there because it's still so wooded. I'm not sure what the development is for because it's impossible to read the fine print while driving!
Just wondering if anyone knows what that will be. Another self-storage, perhaps?

Signs of Recession?

Is it all the candy I ate yesterday or is it the latest news making me sick to my stomach? We're still trying to recover from Halloween here in this part of Abingdon and we are more frightened by our breaking news e-mail alerts than anything that happened last night.
The AP is reporting that the Dow dropped 360 points by the time trading ended today.
With foreclosures and homes sitting empty, is what's happening a recession or just a correction? Will the effects be long-term or short-term? Dare I look at my 401k again for the next several years?
It seems just driving around the neighborhoods and shopping, I can't find much evidence of it here. I still see a lot of big vehicles that must eat lots of expensive gas and people buying and buying and buying.
Just wondering if any readers have a different perception. I know our unemployment rate here in Harford County and Maryland is still under the national average, around 3.5% (don't quote me on that), but that many aren't getting more than cost of living raises. And I mean a raise like we're still living in 1988 raise.
The publishing industry is especially susceptible to any negative thinking. Advertisers pull out of print at the first hint of trouble, so we're watching this all very carefully.
I guess for now, we'll just have to wait and see, turn down our heat, switch off the lights, not drive as much and hope for the best.

Ghosts in Harford

If you're looking for some local haunts today, check out marylandghosts.com. Click on the "haunts" tab on the homepage to find some scary places in Harford County.
Rocks State Park and Jerusalem Mill are on the list. Please post if you know of any more that might be missing!

Halloween in Harford

It's Halloween and here's some trick-or-treating info from the Harford County Sheriff's Office:

The municipalities listed below have recommended the following Trick-or-Treat times:
City of Aberdeen - 5 to 8pm
Town of Bel Air - 5 to 8pm
City of Havre de Grace - 6 - 8pm
Outside these municipalities, Harford County Sheriff’s Office recommends trick or treaters go out between the hours of 6 to 8pm.

Law enforcement agencies will have additional patrol officers working on October 31st to assist the community and to help insure you have a safe and Happy Halloween. Citizens are encouraged to report unusual or suspicious activity to the Sheriff’s Office by calling 410-838-6600. In cases of emergency, call 9-1-1.

Motorists traveling on Halloween night should remember that children are everywhere: streets, sidewalks, crosswalks and parking lots. You will need to be on the highest alert while driving. Many of the costumes children wear are dark and difficult to see, be sure to have your headlights on. Slow down if you see leaves on the ground, you never know where children may be hiding. Be alert at all times and please drive with caution.

BGE Prices Expected to Rise

Here's the news release from BGE about the outlook for winter. Notice the optimistic headline with the more truthful subhead:

Baltimore Gas and Electric Residential Customers Who Purchase Natural Gas from BGE Can Expect Prices to be About the Same as Last Winter
BGE Estimates 5 Percent Increase in Total Gas Bill Assuming a Return to Normal Winter Temperatures
BALTIMORE, Oct. 29, 2007 – Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), a subsidiary of Constellation Energy (NYSE: CEG), today announced that its residential customers who purchase natural gas from BGE can anticipate a 5 percent increase from last winter in the gas portion of their total bill during the upcoming winter heating season, which begins Nov. 1, 2007 and runs through March 31, 2008. Assuming a normal winter, a typical residential heating customer can expect to pay approximately $690 during the heating season, compared to $659 for the same period a year ago. This is primarily due to a projected increase in natural gas use given last year's warmer than normal winter temperatures.
“We estimate the price for natural gas will be 92 cents per thermal unit, the same as last winter,” said Mark Case, senior vice president of strategy and regulatory affairs for BGE. “BGE customers are benefiting from relatively stable natural gas costs because of the mild hurricane season, an increase in U.S. natural gas drilling, and the filling of natural gas storage fields ahead of schedule. Additionally, BGE remains committed to increasing awareness about energy efficiency and helping our customers lower their energy bills through BGE's Smart Energy Savers, ProgramsSM.”
However, winter cold snaps and other events could also cause natural gas prices to increase. BGE plans for this type of volatility, however, and approximately half of the winter supply has been secured at a known price, which would help to moderate any increases required during the upcoming heating season.

The remainder of the release talks about how BGE cares about people who can't pay their bills and some energy-saving tips. You know, like get a pellet stove. Just kidding.

A Scenic View

By reading some message boards about real estate in Harford County I was surprised at how many posters are under the impression that Abingdon is more overcrowded than everywhere else in the county.
Here's the bustling view I look at every day from my living room window. Of course, sometimes it is crowded with bluebirds.

New Poll Question

I've already written about this new poll question and would like readers to cast their votes -- if not at the ballot box on this blog. We'll give you a voice!
The votes are tallied for the previous survey, "what new business would you prefer in the Wal-Mart/Target complex." The winner is: nothing with 53% of the vote followed by a nice, sit-down restaurant with 46%.
Thanks to all the readers who took the time to vote.

Slots in Harford County?

The Associated Press is reporting that five spots have been named as possible slot locations by House Speaker Michael Busch. Mentioned were the Rocky Gap resort near Cumberland, Laurel, the Eastern Shore (Berlin), Baltimore City or Baltimore County and a location in either Cecil or Harford County.
The Maryland legislature was going to begin discussing the slot machine bill at its special session which begins today.

Cast Your Vote

Only a few hours left to cast a vote in our very unscientfic poll at right. Thanks to those who have voted and posted comments.
One comment by reader Brian Bittner (and former Green Party District B County Council Candidate) brings up a great point. Why must we be detectives to find out what's happening in Abingdon? I had no idea what the pet store was going to be until a sign appeared.
Which leads me to my next question, is there an endpoint for development in the Constant Friendship complex? As a frequent visitor, it seemed that traffic hit its peak with the Lowes' addition, and now another big box store will add to the congestion.
As I said in my first entry, I'm relatively new to the area so I'm not sure what's been approved for that area. But in the three years I've lived here, it's amazing how much development I've witnessed, not only in that shopping area, but in my neck of Tollgate Road as well.
Here's just a few off the top of my head:
Lowes'
Country Kitchen
Wine World
Chick-Fil-A
New Storage Center (behind Target/Wal-Mart)
Monmouth Meadows new townhouses/houses on both sides of Tollgate
Harford Green
55+ condos across from Library (which in my opinion, in 10 years will look like projects)
At that's only on the Wal-Mart side of Rte. 24.
When I look out my window, I see woods, deer, an occasional fox and in the winter, bluebirds. With more and more development encroaching on my neighborhood, I just wonder how long that will last.

Breaking Lizard News Part 2

Friday's Aegis reported that the "lizard" on Hazel Court in Abingdon was indeed a crocodile. The officers were responding to a dog complaint when they happened upon the creature. It's currently residing in an animal refuge.
One part of the update that I really wanted more information on: The alligator was found in a residence where the owner was a homicide victim in Baltimore, and his brother had been taking care of the animals. There were no other details provided about the homicide or resident.

Loving the Library

On a day like today, what could be better than curling up with a good book?
Which brings me to one place I wanted to highlight, the Abingdon library. The library is one of our great resources in Abingdon. Not only a gigantic selection of new books is available, but also DVDs (we got the entire third season of "The Wire" there), music, CD-ROMs, XBox games, and a fully stocked reference library.
Another feature we're very happy with here, e-mail alerts when your materials are due. Since I'm always losing the slip, that's very handy. If you plug in your library card number, you can also reserve books online and a new service also lets you watch movies on your computer for free.
I visit the library at least once a week, but most weeks even more. It's easy to park, has a convenient drive-up window and the librarians are very helpful. And don't forget the free WiFi. I do miss the coffee shop, but they have put in vending machines.
As an added bonus (not on a day like today, of course) hike up the short trail to the pond and you'll see turtles, some frogs and fish. It's a great little "nature" walk for the younger set.

Halloween fun

For some Halloween fun check out Bel Air News and Views blog. Bel Air News and Views
And yes, I do remember dancing to this one.

A Wal-Mart Surprise

Usually I'm not a fan of the Constant Friendship Wal-Mart. Too difficult to park, too crowded, too dirty. But I must say, my trip today wasn't terrible. Which is a vast improvement over many of my visits.
In case you haven't stopped by in the last month, they've completely remodeled the clothing sections. They've widened the aisles, posted better signage and added more clothing options. It's also much cleaner.
The staff is still working on the food and pharmacy section, which made it too difficult to really see what they were adding. But I did manage to note a larger refrigerated section with more frozen/refrigerated foods. Also added were at least several more aisles of dried and canned goods.
And just in time for Christmas, they've enlarged the toy section, which is now in the back of the store. I was always surprised at how small the previous toy selection was, so they seem to have remedied this.
It will still take more to get me away from Target, but it's encouraging that they're trying to improve.

Neighborhood Watch

Our local homeowners' association reports that there have been some break-ins in the Monmouth Meadows area. These are happening during the day when no one is at home. The burglars are gaining entry through unlocked garages and then helping themselves to what's inside.
The sheriff's office advised keeping garages closed and locked, even if you're at home.
I've been robbed twice (not here) while I was at home, and it's not something you want to experience!

Breaking Lizard News

In case you missed it, in today's edition of The Aegis there's a brief about animal control searching a house on Hazel Court and finding a "type of lizard that was thought to possibly be an alligator." At press time, it still wasn't clear if the animal was an alligator or lizard.
We'll keep you posted on this one!

Cable Access & the School Board

Some tidbits from watching the school board meeting last night on HCN:
The county has a 90.7% teacher retention rate, one of the highest in the state.
However, they're not as highly ranked for "highly qualified teachers." They've been recruiting in NJ to find teachers, with a focus on finding more minority teachers and male teachers.
Higher ed qualifications for teachers break down like this:
68.7% with bachelor's degree
31.7% masters
.3% doctorates.
One of the board members asked the administrators presenting the data if highly qualified teachers were placed in schools that needed help.
No.
Of course, the long answer was that highly qualified teachers are sought after by more than one principal and then the teacher gets to choose his/her placement.
Which might explain why 50 teachers, 17.8% left Edgewood High School last year, which was only a few percentage points behind Aberdeen in departing teachers.
The caveat with the highly qualified teachers discussion centered on long-term subs, and how these replacements might not be as highly qualified as their permanent counterparts. It made me think of how Edgewood High spent the first few months of the school year without a band director because theirs left for Patterson Mill.
The other interesting reason for lack of highly qualified teachers was that some teachers were actually certified, but their paperwork wasn't completed by the main office to reflect that.

No Vote, No Voice

Maybe someone can explain this to me: why don't we elect the school board? I've heard some locals say that ordinary voters can't be trusted with such an important task.
That's silly. With that rationale, no one could vote for anything.
When I was a reporter, I covered a school board for many years. The superintendent went through an arduous process -- her salary was publicized before it was ever voted on. She went through a yearly review. School board members, who were voted in by their neighborhoods, with 2 at-large members, were accountable for their votes.
Recently I've heard some argue that an elected school board gives the "squeaky wheels" too much say in how schools are run or where they're located. It's usually these citizens who are speaking on behalf of their neighbors, who should, indeed, have a say about something as important as new county schools.
I'm not talking about dictating specific curriculuum. But here's an example of something that wouldn't have happened if the public had a voice: the block schedule. This was implemented with no data and no way to collect data to rate its effectiveness. And whether it's true or not, the community perception is that the school board demoted one of the few who was keeping track of the effect the block schedule had on test scores and student progress.
I contacted the school board during the last redistricting process and received the equivalent of a pat on the head and "don't worry. It's not really all that bad." What incentive did this member have to offer me any more? I'm not saying that all school board members are self-serving, I'm just saying, shouldn't we be the ones telling them just how long they're going to serve?

Flu Shots in Harford County

Just in case you're worried about the flu:

Harford Co. Health Dept. will hold clinics on the following dates and times for the general population. Cost is $20

Oct 25 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Ripken Statdium (rain date 11/2)
Oct 27 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Bel Air Middle School
Nov 1 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Fallston High School
Nov 14 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM Edgewood Middle School
Nov 16 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM North Harford Elementary
Nov 30 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Level Fire hall

A New Look at Abingdon

I'm surprised at the dearth of news in the area, so being a former newspaper-type I thought I'd start writing about topics that interest me, and probably at least a few others in the area.
Let's get started.
I'm relatively new to the area, we moved here from Philly burbs about 3 1/2 years ago and one thing I've noticed -- Abingdon is looking a lot more like Philly in the last few years. And I'd like to add, I don't mean that in a good way.
I live near the Wal-Mart, Target complex and am surprised by the two recent additions -- yet another self-storage space and a pet mega-store.
Where is the good sit-down restaurant I was hoping for? Are there others out there as disappointed as me? I guess the rumors about Outback going there were just that. And maybe readers could tell me if they are allowed to build on every available space in that complex? The traffic is getting terrible and there's no end in sight.
Getting back to the Philly reference, I was thinking as I was driving away from BJ's that in 5 years the place was going to look even dumpier, which reminded me of a strip mall near my house in Philly. There was so much trash you couldn't even see the grass. There were dead plants from discarded "beautification" efforts. Look at this complex and you can see, it's not long in coming.