What's Going in Across from Wal-Mart

An informed source tells us that the building going on in the incredibly dangerous/inconvenient spot across from Wal-Mart is going to be a men's only hair cut shop. We'll see how many people will risk the entering/egress to try it.
There were no signs before building. It just went up. At first we thought it had something to do with the road construction until the driveway went in.
This will make traffic all the more interesting. And we mean that in a Chinese curse kind of way.

Abingdon Giant: Gas Pumps Coming?

A development proposal in the classified section of The Aegis says that the Abingdon Giant has applied to construct a five pump fuel facility with canopy and kiosk on 6.03 acres.
The plans are set for review at the Development Advisory Committee meeting at 9 a.m. June 3, 220 South Main Street, Bel Air, in the second floor conference room.
Comments are requested by June 2.
This is just what that area needs -- another gas station. Because the WaWa, Exxon & gas station the corner (by the liquor store) don't offer enough gasoline for that mile of road.

A Tasty Mother's Day--or Support a Local Restaurant

Here at TAA on Mother's Day we passed by the ubiquitous chain restaurants and opted instead for a local independent favorite, Clarence's Taste of New Orleans in Edgewood. If you like Cajun food -- and some local fare as well -- try this restaurant and pub at the Edgewood Train Station.
The pub and restaurant were spotlighted recently during President Obama's inaugural train trip. It's open for lunch, dinner and has a pub where they serve Hurricanes and appetizers. Clarence's also has a children's menu for the less-adventurous little ones.
While the chains seem to multiply overnight here, it seems the independent restaurants struggle. We here at TAA try to patronize these establishments as much as possible -- although admittedly (& unfortunately) we don't get out much.
For a look at Clarence's menu and other info, click here.

Road Work=Don't Go Out

If you're worried about the swine flu and not going out today -- you've made the correct choice. We had a doctor's appointment and then had to get our recently repaired American vehicle back to the shop and encountered construction at almost every turn.
If you're heading out be aware road crews are working at:
Mountain Road by Mountain Christian is one lane for resurfacing. Back ups in all directions. (but hey Excursion driver, did you really need to pass us illegally, slam on your brakes and then make a U-turn to avoid the delay?)
152/Belair Road Intersection utility work, right lane blocked.
Route 1 further north, one lane (not sure why)
Route 24 by 95 interchange is a mess for that exit construction. There were various hazards here, including an accident when we drove by.
Little further up the road, utlity work on Rte. 7

What's the Agenda?

We are proud supporters of Abingdon Elementary PTA here at TAA. The PTA sponsors lots of activities for students and supports teachers and classes throughout the year. Fundraising is more difficult than it has been in previous years because of the struggling economy. But the PTA has our full support because it all goes back to our children's school.
Imagine our surprise yesterday when we received a fundraising packet for a Laps for Learning program from the Greater Edgewood Education Foundation. This had my student's name on it, grade, and looked "official." In fact, it caused quite a bit of confusion from parents who thought it was a PTA fundraiser, as the PTA is going to have its own Laps for Learning in the fall.
There are two problems with this in our opinion. One is that this rather vague organization is asking for money through the school, even though it is not directly affiliated through the school but rather "Edgewood feeder schools."
The bigger issue is that the president of the organization is an on-the-record opponent of the elected school board. Everyone is allowed to have political views, obviously. The problem that we have is that she spoke against this issue identifying herself as the president of the GEEF, not as a mother of an HCPS student, concerned citizen, etc. She used her title in the organization, which, follow us, makes it a lobbying organization. Not to mention that the chairman of the group is Mark Wolkow, who has been working overtime against an elected school board.
So why are our children asked to raise money for a lobbying organization?
I know at some schools PTAs are lobbying organizations, and that the PTA on a national level definitely is. But Abingdon's PTA focuses on the needs of the children/teachers, not a political agenda. Which is why it irks us here at TAA that some of the tight fundraising dollars will be siphoned to this organization.

Longtime Councilwoman Dies

Abingdon's county council representative Roni Chenowith has died.
Read The Sun article here.

Camp & Education Fair

Here's some summer planning help from the valuable resource Harford County Kids Magazine:
Camp & Education Fair - March 7
Whatever your child's age or interest, a well-chosen~summer or academic program can provide your child with great fun, good friends and learning too. Come to Harford County Kids Magazine Camp & Education Fair on March 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at John Carroll to talk one-on-one with 55+ camp and school representatives. Gain personal insights, register your child for a program or take home information and applications. Conveniently explore camps and educational options all in one place. Families can also enjoy a Fun Zone entertainment area, which includes performances, demonstrations and activities.
Families can enter to win our Hourly Raffle of giveaways and the first 200 kids to enter receive a free camp sack. There is no charge for admission. A light lunch will be available for purchase on-site. For more information visit: http://www.harfordcountykids.com/campfair