Receiving a call from Harford County advising patience when driving this evening because of congestion on MD 24 and Tollgate Road.
From our vantage point here at 7:45 p.m. we can see that the traffic is still crawling out of Constant Friendship Blvd. Now certainly this couldn't have been a surprise to anyone, it being a few hours before Christmas. But did the county do anything to prepare for this gridlock? No. They couldn't have just checked to see if maybe the traffic lights were synched? They couldn't have assigned a traffic patrol there earlier today, before the problem started?
We'd like to say that we are hopeful for the future. That when the construction is complete there will be an end to the congestion, which is a daily event, not something just saved for a special occasion. But the new traffic pattern will not address the real problem that the county, in its foresight when giving its blessing to the center failed to address. There's only one way in, and one way out.
So to those people who fought the proposed outlet mall that would have had its own entrance onto Interstate 95 and are probably long gone from Abingdon, we'd like to say thank you very much, and Merry Christmas.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Andy Harris..Hard at Work
We usually try to stay out of politics, but the hypocrisy factor is just too high on this one. Politico -- and many other media outlets --are reporting that our soon to be Rep. Andy Harris caused quite a stir demanding he get his goverment health insurance early.
This is of course, the same man who does not believe in government subsidized health care, caught complaining that he would have to wait an entire month after he was sworn in to receive the benefit. He was quoted as saying, ""This is the only employer I've ever worked for where you don't get coverage the first day you are employed," and he spokeswoman said he was merely pointing out how "inefficient" the government run plan was.
We would really like to know where he has been working. In our indentured servitude as reporters, we sometimes had to wait as long as 3 months, with the shortest being 1month.
This is of course, the same man who does not believe in government subsidized health care, caught complaining that he would have to wait an entire month after he was sworn in to receive the benefit. He was quoted as saying, ""This is the only employer I've ever worked for where you don't get coverage the first day you are employed," and he spokeswoman said he was merely pointing out how "inefficient" the government run plan was.
We would really like to know where he has been working. In our indentured servitude as reporters, we sometimes had to wait as long as 3 months, with the shortest being 1month.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Putt Putt Closing
The Putt Putt Fun Center/Stars and Stripes Grill is closing on Oct. 31. A result of the economy? We will keep our thoughts to ourselves on this one. We studied journalism law in college.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Lane Closures/New Traffic Pattern
The new traffic pattern went into effect last night, and we must say it sounded last night as if they were bombing the new traffic pattern into place. Very loud.
Here's the official release. We've corrected the dates. The project was delayed last week because of the torrential rain. This says the lane closures should be over, but sources tell us some are still in place.
WHAT: Weather permitting, a new traffic pattern will be put into place at the MD 24 and MD 924/Tollgate Road temporary intersection which will result in two traffic signals for MD 924/Tollgate Road motorists. The new pattern also will have traffic shifted onto the new ramps from MD 24 to MD 924/Tollgate Road.
To prepare for the new pattern, single-lane closures will be in effect on northbound and southbound MD 24 approaching MD 924. In addition, periodic traffic drags will take place in both directions of MD 24 and on the ramp from southbound Interstate 95 to northbound MD 24. During the traffic drags, police will bring vehicles to a reduced pace prior to the work zone.
WHEN: On MONDAY OCT 11, at approximately 7 p.m., the right lane of southbound MD 24 will be closed. At approximately 8 p.m., the right lane of northbound MD 24 will be closed. Traffic drags will take place throughout the night. Work is anticipated to be complete and the new pattern put into effect by 5 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12. In the event of inclement weather, the work will take place Wednesday night beginning at 7 p.m.
WHY: The new traffic pattern is being implemented to allow construction of the MD 24 bridge over MD 924 and Tollgate Road as part of the I-95/MD 24 Improvement Project.
Here's the official release. We've corrected the dates. The project was delayed last week because of the torrential rain. This says the lane closures should be over, but sources tell us some are still in place.
WHAT: Weather permitting, a new traffic pattern will be put into place at the MD 24 and MD 924/Tollgate Road temporary intersection which will result in two traffic signals for MD 924/Tollgate Road motorists. The new pattern also will have traffic shifted onto the new ramps from MD 24 to MD 924/Tollgate Road.
To prepare for the new pattern, single-lane closures will be in effect on northbound and southbound MD 24 approaching MD 924. In addition, periodic traffic drags will take place in both directions of MD 24 and on the ramp from southbound Interstate 95 to northbound MD 24. During the traffic drags, police will bring vehicles to a reduced pace prior to the work zone.
WHEN: On MONDAY OCT 11, at approximately 7 p.m., the right lane of southbound MD 24 will be closed. At approximately 8 p.m., the right lane of northbound MD 24 will be closed. Traffic drags will take place throughout the night. Work is anticipated to be complete and the new pattern put into effect by 5 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12. In the event of inclement weather, the work will take place Wednesday night beginning at 7 p.m.
WHY: The new traffic pattern is being implemented to allow construction of the MD 24 bridge over MD 924 and Tollgate Road as part of the I-95/MD 24 Improvement Project.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Election Results and Thoughts on Voting
Here are the unofficial election results from yesterday's primary:
Harford election results
We voted in the primary election yesterday to cast a vote for our elected school board. While we were very excited about this, our excitement was dashed when we realized that as a Democrat, we had absolutely no say in how this county will be run in the coming years.
We did not have a choice on the county council, of which Abingdon of course again, will not be represented. Please don't tell me that Joe Woods is concerned with Abingdon. If he did he might have expressed concern that we are in the middle of a crime wave, which has not been mentioned by anyone (and of course not our local newspaper). We are especially saddened to not have a choice because the last race was very tight against incumbent Roni Chenowith.
We also did not have a choice in county executive. As we watch more and more trees come down in Abingdon to make way for more retail and minimum wage jobs, we would have liked to have a chance to at least express our displeasure. But this option was not available.
As we drove past the palatial rec center that bears her name last week, we recalled a conversation we had with the late county councilwoman who said how for years she thought about trying to get us some "greenspace" in Abingdon. And (we're paraphrasing but not too much), how it would be great if we could have a "park" in Abingdon.
Well now we do. It's going to be called the Box Hill South office park with theaters and just tons of things to do.
We could not be more upset with the Democratic party who did not even field candidates. While you're giving up, we're getting paved over. Rant over.
Harford election results
We voted in the primary election yesterday to cast a vote for our elected school board. While we were very excited about this, our excitement was dashed when we realized that as a Democrat, we had absolutely no say in how this county will be run in the coming years.
We did not have a choice on the county council, of which Abingdon of course again, will not be represented. Please don't tell me that Joe Woods is concerned with Abingdon. If he did he might have expressed concern that we are in the middle of a crime wave, which has not been mentioned by anyone (and of course not our local newspaper). We are especially saddened to not have a choice because the last race was very tight against incumbent Roni Chenowith.
We also did not have a choice in county executive. As we watch more and more trees come down in Abingdon to make way for more retail and minimum wage jobs, we would have liked to have a chance to at least express our displeasure. But this option was not available.
As we drove past the palatial rec center that bears her name last week, we recalled a conversation we had with the late county councilwoman who said how for years she thought about trying to get us some "greenspace" in Abingdon. And (we're paraphrasing but not too much), how it would be great if we could have a "park" in Abingdon.
Well now we do. It's going to be called the Box Hill South office park with theaters and just tons of things to do.
We could not be more upset with the Democratic party who did not even field candidates. While you're giving up, we're getting paved over. Rant over.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Aegis Editorial Cartoon
Maybe we've had too much coffee or read too much forwarded invective from a certain political party, but we really were offended by The Aegis editorial cartoon in today's paper.
In it, two people are talking. One white, one African-American. The white man is enthusing, wide-eyed, about how it's only a few people in Edgewood who are giving it a bad reputation. "Together we can take back the community." While the other person replies, "That shouldn't be too hard...'cept the guns and no respect for the law."
Our problem with this is twofold. The first is that it has nothing to do with anything else in the paper. The Bel Air police blotter is just as long as Edgewood in today's paper.
The second, is why does the African-American woman have to say, "'cept the guns.." Because she's African-American and assumably living in Edgewood does she have to speak in slang?
Edgewood is not perfect and that's not what we're saying. It has nothing to do with that. It has to do with the fact that there are so many stereotypes in this one small political cartoon it is mind-numbing. People who talk about the liberal media bias need just to look at this cartoon. There is no such thing in Harford County.
In it, two people are talking. One white, one African-American. The white man is enthusing, wide-eyed, about how it's only a few people in Edgewood who are giving it a bad reputation. "Together we can take back the community." While the other person replies, "That shouldn't be too hard...'cept the guns and no respect for the law."
Our problem with this is twofold. The first is that it has nothing to do with anything else in the paper. The Bel Air police blotter is just as long as Edgewood in today's paper.
The second, is why does the African-American woman have to say, "'cept the guns.." Because she's African-American and assumably living in Edgewood does she have to speak in slang?
Edgewood is not perfect and that's not what we're saying. It has nothing to do with that. It has to do with the fact that there are so many stereotypes in this one small political cartoon it is mind-numbing. People who talk about the liberal media bias need just to look at this cartoon. There is no such thing in Harford County.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Crime on Crisfield Drive
Crisfield Drive seems to be in the midst of a crime wave. There was a breaking and entering and several car break-ins in the last few weeks, all on Crisfield Drive. Also several accounts of shots fired near the apartments.
Keep your car doors locked and your house doors locked, especially the sliders. That's how the burglars got in the house in the breaking and entering.
Be alert, and if you see anything suspicious, call 911.
Keep your car doors locked and your house doors locked, especially the sliders. That's how the burglars got in the house in the breaking and entering.
Be alert, and if you see anything suspicious, call 911.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Cokesbury Memorial UMC to Celebrate College's 225th Anniversary
Cokesbury Memorial United Methodist Church is gearing up to celebrate the 225th anniversary of Cokesbury College, the first Methodist college in the world on June 20.
The celebration will begin with worship on the lawn at 10:30 a.m. with featured speaker the Rev. Dr. Laurence Hull Stookey. Following the service, a box lunch will be served and Bonnie McCubbin will give her presentation, “Mystery Unearthed: Cokesbury College An Investigation into the History and Demise of the First Methodist College.” The discussion will focus on the mysterious circumstances of the fire that led to the total destruction of the college in 1795.
At 1 p.m., the afternoon festivities kick off with a circuit rider and Ken Steward as Francis Asbury, who will recreate the “foundation sermon” Bishop Asbury gave on June 5, 1785 at the site.
The Rev. Dennis Schulze will rededicate the college monument that was erected during his tenure as pastor of Cokesbury Memorial UMC at 2 p.m.. He will also discuss the excavation of the college site that he led in the late 1960s.
There also will be live music by the Lickety Split Banjo Boys and the church’s praise band, Joyful Noise.
Visitors also can tour the church and its grounds and view the famous Abingdon Bell, which will be making its way back to Abingdon from the Methodist archives at Lovely Lane especially for the celebration.
The free celebration will take place rain or shine. Please bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. The church is located at 1304 Abingdon Road, Abingdon, MD. For more information phone (410) 676-6295 or visit cokesburymemorial.org.
The celebration will begin with worship on the lawn at 10:30 a.m. with featured speaker the Rev. Dr. Laurence Hull Stookey. Following the service, a box lunch will be served and Bonnie McCubbin will give her presentation, “Mystery Unearthed: Cokesbury College An Investigation into the History and Demise of the First Methodist College.” The discussion will focus on the mysterious circumstances of the fire that led to the total destruction of the college in 1795.
At 1 p.m., the afternoon festivities kick off with a circuit rider and Ken Steward as Francis Asbury, who will recreate the “foundation sermon” Bishop Asbury gave on June 5, 1785 at the site.
The Rev. Dennis Schulze will rededicate the college monument that was erected during his tenure as pastor of Cokesbury Memorial UMC at 2 p.m.. He will also discuss the excavation of the college site that he led in the late 1960s.
There also will be live music by the Lickety Split Banjo Boys and the church’s praise band, Joyful Noise.
Visitors also can tour the church and its grounds and view the famous Abingdon Bell, which will be making its way back to Abingdon from the Methodist archives at Lovely Lane especially for the celebration.
The free celebration will take place rain or shine. Please bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. The church is located at 1304 Abingdon Road, Abingdon, MD. For more information phone (410) 676-6295 or visit cokesburymemorial.org.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Free Movies at Regal Summer 2010
Regal is once again offering free movies. This is great for us here at TAA. With ticket prices going up, we're probably limiting ourselves to Toy Story 3 this summer.
06/22/2010-06/23/2010 Charlotte's Web (G)
Astro Boy (PG)
06/29/2010-06/30/2010 Doogal (G)
Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (PG)
07/06/2010-07/07/2010 Horton Hears A Who (G)
Aliens In The Attic (PG)
07/13/2010-07/14/2010 Rugrats The Movie (G)
Planet 51 (PG)
07/20/2010-07/21/2010 Pirates Who Don't Do Anything (G)
Bandslam (PG)
07/27/2010-07/28/2010 Wallace and Gromit (G)
Night At The Museum II (PG)
08/03/2010-08/04/2010 Tale of Despereaux (G)
Alvin And The Chipmunks Squeakquel (PG)
08/10/2010-08/11/2010 Space Chimps (G)
Hotel For Dogs (PG)
08/17/2010-08/18/2010 Muppets From Space (G)
Monsters Vs. Aliens (PG)
06/22/2010-06/23/2010 Charlotte's Web (G)
Astro Boy (PG)
06/29/2010-06/30/2010 Doogal (G)
Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (PG)
07/06/2010-07/07/2010 Horton Hears A Who (G)
Aliens In The Attic (PG)
07/13/2010-07/14/2010 Rugrats The Movie (G)
Planet 51 (PG)
07/20/2010-07/21/2010 Pirates Who Don't Do Anything (G)
Bandslam (PG)
07/27/2010-07/28/2010 Wallace and Gromit (G)
Night At The Museum II (PG)
08/03/2010-08/04/2010 Tale of Despereaux (G)
Alvin And The Chipmunks Squeakquel (PG)
08/10/2010-08/11/2010 Space Chimps (G)
Hotel For Dogs (PG)
08/17/2010-08/18/2010 Muppets From Space (G)
Monsters Vs. Aliens (PG)
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Road Alert
We have not blogged in a while because of the overall depression of seeing almost every tree in Abingdon destroyed with the building of the faux Main Street in Box Hill. That might be a slight exaggeration about the trees, but it's really starting to seem that way.
It's almost Memorial Day and with that comes increased road insanity. You'd think that with the rash of motorcycle deaths on Harford roads would come increased awareness of motorcycle drivers. And while I know that car, truck and SUV drivers are not blameless, it was a motorcycle that passed us on the windiest section of Whitaker Mill Road--on a blind curve.
There have been two accidents in as many days on Tollgate Road near Abingdon Elementary. And although we have not seen the police reports, our eyewitness account to the damage points to speed being in an issue in at least one of the crashes.
This is also a very popular walking spot, and when hurried drivers veer around a vehicle making a left turn, they can't be sure there are not walkers, joggers or a stroller around that vehicle.
Where is the common sense? Is it really that urgent to get to Target, Festival or your child's baseball game that you're putting others in danger?
And while we usually like to shelter in place during Memorial Day, that's not an option this year. So please be careful.
It's almost Memorial Day and with that comes increased road insanity. You'd think that with the rash of motorcycle deaths on Harford roads would come increased awareness of motorcycle drivers. And while I know that car, truck and SUV drivers are not blameless, it was a motorcycle that passed us on the windiest section of Whitaker Mill Road--on a blind curve.
There have been two accidents in as many days on Tollgate Road near Abingdon Elementary. And although we have not seen the police reports, our eyewitness account to the damage points to speed being in an issue in at least one of the crashes.
This is also a very popular walking spot, and when hurried drivers veer around a vehicle making a left turn, they can't be sure there are not walkers, joggers or a stroller around that vehicle.
Where is the common sense? Is it really that urgent to get to Target, Festival or your child's baseball game that you're putting others in danger?
And while we usually like to shelter in place during Memorial Day, that's not an option this year. So please be careful.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Priorities?
With all the issues facing our county it is encouraging to us to read in The Aegis that our Harford County delegation is focusing on making English the official language of Harford County. Please note the heavy sarcasm we are using.
We are in a recession, the state is broke, and we are probably going to have to take out a loan to pay our BGE bill and THIS is a priority? We are sure there are people who are applauding their dedication to this crushing problem. We are not in that camp.
We are in a recession, the state is broke, and we are probably going to have to take out a loan to pay our BGE bill and THIS is a priority? We are sure there are people who are applauding their dedication to this crushing problem. We are not in that camp.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
More Structural Peril
The VFW is only one of many buildings experiencing damage from the weight of 40 inches of snow. Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Edgewood will not have mass this weekend because the roof of the hall is in bad shape. Prince of Peace is not the only church being inspected for damage. We'll keep you posted.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Roof Collapse
Got a report that the American Legion in Edgewood had its roof collapse and the building has been condemned. We'll update if we hear more.
ABC2 Reporting in Edgewood
If you're looking for Harford County coverage, ABC 2 has a reporter stationed near the Denny's in Edgewood doing live stand-ups. It's amazing, to us at least, all the folks still driving on MD 24. And not just pick ups and SUVs, smaller cars. The reporter said that people were going to Denny's and also to the Exxon there, which he said was low on fuel.
If you don't have to be out, don't be. There are people who need to be out: police, firefighters and medical workers who need to get into work. Do them a favor and if you're just out joyriding, stay home.
If you don't have to be out, don't be. There are people who need to be out: police, firefighters and medical workers who need to get into work. Do them a favor and if you're just out joyriding, stay home.
Blizzard Part 2
Parts of Abingdon were without power around Box Hill South, but some power has been restored. Here in our part of of Abingdon we have had a recent pass of a snow plow and our road would be passable in an emergency. Of course, with the wind and blowing snow we can barely see the road.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Roads-Not Great
We just ventured out and the roads are not great. Tollgate north of Singer Road still is snow covered in some spots. The traffic circles are slushy with ice underneath.
And the drivers currently on the road are ignoring the conditions. After an ill-fated trip to Bob Evans, with apparently everyone in Harford County, trying to get out of the parking lot was difficult when we were met by an SUV-driving woman talking on her cell phone who didn't even see us and drivers whipping around snow drifts who almost hit us head on.
Please remember when you're driving, you're not the only person on the road. Be aware that your lane might end abruptly. Conditions are only going to worsen so please drive slowly and carefully. Oh, and one more thing, HANG UP AND DRIVE.
And the drivers currently on the road are ignoring the conditions. After an ill-fated trip to Bob Evans, with apparently everyone in Harford County, trying to get out of the parking lot was difficult when we were met by an SUV-driving woman talking on her cell phone who didn't even see us and drivers whipping around snow drifts who almost hit us head on.
Please remember when you're driving, you're not the only person on the road. Be aware that your lane might end abruptly. Conditions are only going to worsen so please drive slowly and carefully. Oh, and one more thing, HANG UP AND DRIVE.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The Truth About Wegman's
We feel pretty silly right now. In all our starry-eyed wonder about the possibility of this great grocer heading into Abingdon, we must have overlooked the dream of David Craig to make every millimeter in Abingdon a commercial, tax-paying base that will pay for the great schools in the other part of the county. Otherwise we're sure we would have noticed that the center will include:
Over 450,000 sf of premium retail space
50,000 sf of restaurants
"Main Street" feel showcasing an eclectic mix of value and specialty retailers
An 88,000 sf multi-level office building
When complete, center will contain up to 700,000 sf of gross leasable area and over 3,500 parking spaces
To read more click here
Over 450,000 sf of premium retail space
50,000 sf of restaurants
"Main Street" feel showcasing an eclectic mix of value and specialty retailers
An 88,000 sf multi-level office building
When complete, center will contain up to 700,000 sf of gross leasable area and over 3,500 parking spaces
To read more click here
Monday, January 11, 2010
Christopher Matthews to Relocate
Fans of Christopher Matthews will be happy to learn that in February the store will be moving to a new location at 2239 Old Emmorton Rd, just a block away from Festival. We are huge fans of its card selection and unique gifts.
We've got to wonder what the owners of Festival are thinking. It's another empty storefront, in the last few years it's lost:
Bombay;
Mattress Giant (or Mr. Mattress, a matress store nonetheless)
Card Factory
Moxleys,
Carpet store
Cheeburger Cheeburger
We'd like to see something new in there that's NOT a Halloween store or temporary cheap bookstore.
We've got to wonder what the owners of Festival are thinking. It's another empty storefront, in the last few years it's lost:
Bombay;
Mattress Giant (or Mr. Mattress, a matress store nonetheless)
Card Factory
Moxleys,
Carpet store
Cheeburger Cheeburger
We'd like to see something new in there that's NOT a Halloween store or temporary cheap bookstore.
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