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!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, October 29, 2007
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.
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.
The Maryland legislature was going to begin discussing the slot machine bill at its special session which begins today.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, October 26, 2007
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.
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.
And yes, I do remember dancing to this one.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
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.
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!
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!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
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!
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
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?
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?
Monday, October 22, 2007
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
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
