My return to the days of the triple play -- library with free parking, Target and a trip to Kid to Kid consignment -- are almost here.
http://www.bcpl.info/branches/branch_co.html
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Cockeysville library to re-open tomorrow
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Did you leave this lunchbox at the Forge Fest?
My husband found this during clean up after Forge Fest. I posted it earlier w/o a photo and no one claimed it. If you can help it find its home, that would be lovely. forgeflyer(at)gmail(dot)com.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Do you buy your kid Barbies even if they make you sick?
Somehow, I have a daughter that loves Barbies. Mainly the Disney princess Barbies, which at least look less slutty than regular Barbies. (Though when their dresses are off and they're all lying in a pile, it's like we've walked onto the set of some first-year film student's porn short.)
I've been wanting to curtail this habit for a while, but her birthday is coming up and of course she's asking for Barbies. What would you do -- buy one because you know it's what she really wants? Or get her something else that you find more appropriate? Where's the line between being too PC and being an enabler of unrealistic standards?
Alternate idea: Get her the dolls but let the dog chew off their limbs, then toss them onto the Tot Lot.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Huge summer sale at Hopscotch
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Monday, June 28, 2010
Not everyone happy with plans for Towson Y
Letter to the editor in the Towson Times: Regarding the Y of Central Maryland's plan to redevelop the site of the Towson Y (May 26, Towson Times) I believe razing the 85-year-old Kelso Home building in West Towson doesn't agree with the maxim of LEED design: "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle."
I'm a fan of green building design and construction, of the ideals behind LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) ratings and of the YMCA, but I oppose the move by Y of Central Maryland to eliminate the whole Towson Family Center instead of renovating, replacing and expanding it. ... Read the full letter here.
Excerpt from the May 26 story:
"It's a beautiful, bright and shining new facility that, hopefully, will serve Towson for the next 50 years," said Towson Family Center board member John Homan, who has been presenting the design to local groups.
The new, 45,000-square-foot facility will be built on the Towson Y's existing 17-acre tract at 600 W. Chesapeake Ave. The current Towson Family Center will remain in operation in its existing buildings during construction. When the new facility is ready, the old one will be razed.
www.explorebaltimorecounty.com/news/106529/design-bright-shining-towson-y-unveiled/
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Latest crime report
This one includes the Chipotle robbery and the break in at Dumbarton Middle School (they never caught the kids but there's a very general description). Read the report here.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Now all toys removed from Tot Lot
Update, June 28: All the toys have been removed from the Tot Lot. Thanks for the heads up, Josetta.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At the urging of the Rodgers Forge board, the county has cleared most of the toys from the Tot Lot.
A resident came to the last board meeting and said he was concerned about all the junky toys at the Tot Lot. He said he called the county to complain and they referred him to the board, saying the county was working with the board on the issue. Board president Janice Moore told him to contact another board member, who was not at the meeting at the time, because she had heard other complaints and was working with the county on the issue.
The county had been concerned about this before (see old post here) and had moved all the toys from the mulched area because they were afraid that if a child fell from a swing or slide, the child would not land on mulch, as intended, but on a trike or other plastic or metal toy. Of course, many of the toys had slowly made their way back to the mulch area.
I just drove by and snapped some photos. I think it looks good. There seem to be enough toys to still make it fun but not so many that it looks like Sanford & Son.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Kids eat free at Ikea through July 5
My daughter and I went to Ikea today and it was around lunchtime so I let her get a meal. It was free. Not free with an adult meal. Not buy one, get one. Just free. I didn't even eat anything. Their meals aren't very expensive anyway, but it was a nice surprise.
"No adult purchase necessary. Choose any three kid-sized items to create a meal. Kids under 12 only. $2.49 value. Store participation varies. See IKEA US store for details."
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Friday, June 25, 2010
Break in at Dumbarton Middle
9:08 pm: Eight Five police cars and helicopter at DMS right now. Security called police and a group of kids was spotted running through the halls. Officer on scene said police are inside looking for them now.
Sent from my iPhone
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Rodgers Forge Association trying to add hurdles to joining board
The Rodgers Forge board has proposed changes to the by-laws that would prevent residents from doing nominations from the floor at the annual meeting. In the past, residents could just come to the annual meeting and raise their hand and say, "I'd like to run for a board seat." Then there was a vote. (In fact, most of the time there wasn't even a vote because none of the seats were contested so people just automatically got on the board.)
Now the board wants to require that people alert them by mid-July that they plan to run for the election in September. They say:
(1) Having a cut-off date for nominations instead of allowing nominations from the floor is important because the nominating committees in any given year need to review the person’s qualifications; and,But is it hard to review a person's qualifications? To be qualified to run for a board seat, you must be over 18 (show a driver's license if there's any doubt); live in Rodgers Forge (bring in your BGE bill or lease or deed or AT&T bill or water bill, etc ....) and have paid your dues for the year (a board member would have a list of all dues-paying residents and could check your name, or you could pay on the spot). It's not as if they do a criminal background check, run your credit report, and make sure you're not an illegal immigrant.
(2) submit the person’s information for the RFC Newsletter. Without having both items completed by a “cut-off” date will be unfair to both early & late candidates.
I'm not at all clear on how a nomination from the floor is unfair to the other candidates. Wouldn't you be more likely to vote for someone who had gotten his/her information in early such that you already knew something about the person? As far as I can see, waiting until the meeting is of no benefit to the candidate who waited. However, it is still his/her right.
The board is also trying to make this huge change via an email vote at the last minute (instead of at an in-person meeting), which the by-laws say should only be done if "it would be impractical or impossible to convene a meeting prior to the time a decision must be taken and/or the matter is of such import that the entire then-serving Board must register a vote and it is not possible to get the entire Board together in person." I'm thinking that's more in the vein of something like, "Towson University just announced it's buying the Rodgers Forge Apartments and will tear them down to build eight dormitories that are each 30 stories high unless the board votes by next week to stop it."
But the fact is, the board voted in May to allow an email vote to amend the by-laws. Jean Duvall made the motion and it was seconded by Chris Alworth. They did not, however, disclose what the change to the by-laws would be. So, in May they knew they wanted to make this change. They then had a board meeting in June at which they discussed it not at all. (One of the things they did discuss, however, was ways of improving communications with the community to help get residents more involved with the board. Ah, irony. Of course, the move to change the bylaws and the idea of discussing communications came from two different board members.)
Now they are rushing this through via email and want to make it applicable to this year's election. Absolutely incredible. It is true that the past few newsletters have said that if you want to run and have your candidacy noted in the August newsletter that you should let the board know of your intentions by July 15. But it never said that there would be a change this year and that if you did not meet the July 15 deadline that you could not run at all. That is totally new.
The deadline for board members to vote on this by-law change is July 7. That is the same day the newsletter is supposed to come out, so it would be literally impossible for the board to include this massive rule change in the newsletter.
So how will it be communicated to the community? Via a blog that hardly anyone reads because it is so rarely updated and doesn't even post things such as the dates of the board meetings? The website, which is updated even less frequently? Perhaps it will be in the August newsletter and say, "If you would like to participate in your community and run for a board seat, you should have let us know last month. It's too late now. I know this is likely the first you're hearing of it, but oh well."
I did a quick check of other area associations and didn't find any that had elections but didn't take nominations from the floor. Here are some examples of groups that take nominations from the floor:
Gaywood
http://gaywoodonline.com/new-
Roland Park
http://www.rolandpark.org/
Hampton Improvement Association
http://www.hamptonmd.org/
Idlewylde:
http://www.idlewylde.net/ica.
Nominations from the floor are also the standard in Robert's Rules of Order, the guide most organizations use to determine operating procedures.
My husband, who is on the board, said he made a motion via email to amend the proposal to have it apply to the 2011 election and not this year's election because it's too late in the process for that. I don't know if he's received a second to his motion, and of course it's all very cumbersome and awkward to try to have a debate about something like this over email. (I would actually prefer that he vote against it altogether but at least this is an improvement.)
I am deeply saddened that the board is taking this approach. The board does some good things but could be so much more effective. If it would take the high road and be open and communicative, then it could do so many things. Instead, it feels like there is a lot of protecting of turf and looking to hold onto the status quo instead of continually improving.
I emailed and called board vp Lawrence Swoboda, who is overseeing this vote, to get his thoughts but he didn't respond.
If this is an issue you care about, I suggest you contact the board (email, snail mail and phone numbers are here). You could also attend the next board meeting, which will be July 14. There will be no August meeting, so July is the last time the board will meet before the election in September. The July meeting is scheduled to be at board president Janice Moore's home, and at the June board meeting she stated that she is requiring one week's notice if non-board members want to attend the meeting because she doesn't want a bunch of people in her house, so if a sizable number of people want to attend, she will think of a "Plan B." These are open board meetings, by the way, where the rules of your community are discussed and finalized. You have every right to attend.
To sum up: Even if one agreed in principle with this change, it is outrageous that it is being rushed through at the last minute without giving people proper notice.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
What would you like to see for PTA fundraisers?
The PTA wants to hear your ideas for fundraising opportunities this year. You can share them here via the comments. What do you think would be neat to buy through the PTA to raise money for the school? What do you not want to see?
Some ideas that have been floated:
fun-shaped pasta
laptop lunch boxes
steel water bottles that say Rodgers Forge Elementary
re-usable/washable lunch bags
What would you like to see? And if you have links to sites to share, all the better!
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Free movie this Saturday night at St. Pius
St. Pius (on York Road) will have free outdoor movies every other Saturday night starting June 26.
Bring your blanket, pillow, chairs, and a cooler.
Grounds open at 7 pm and the movie starts around 8:30 pm. The building will be open and bathrooms and refreshments will be available. If it rains, the movie will be shown inside the gym.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
West Towson Elementary - PTA meeting tonight
The organizational meeting of the West Towson Elementary School PTA will take place this Thursday. This is a great opportunity for you to meet other incoming WTES parents and to be a part of the school’s inaugural PTA.
Thursday, June 24th
6:30 pm
Ridge Ruxton School (on the same campus as WTES)
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Pools in Rodgers Forge yards?
Update: This photo was sent by some Forge friends who do a backyard pool in the summer. They are definitely not hillbilly and they say it's a big hit.
I received this email today from a Rodgers Forgian I know who happens to have a ginormous yard:
I was wondering if this has ever been discussed. I can't find anything about it in the Arch. guidelines. I know people have been asked not to have hot tubs, but what about pools. I know this may not be an issue for some people, as the size of the yard wouldn't allow it. But I have been thinking, I actually have the space in my yard to install an in-ground pool. What does the board or the neighborhood in general think about the above ground pools or even in my case, someone who has the space to install an in-ground pool? I just thought it would make an interesting topic to discuss. With the economy the way it is, you could buy an above ground pool for almost the price of a 2 year pool membership. Discuss? :)What do you think?
Separate issue, but I've always thought it would be great if there was a pool in Rodgers Forge, maybe near the tot lot?
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Police stop three youths on Dumbarton Road
9:30 p.m. -- Baltimore County Police officers have three cars parked on Dumbarton Road at Pinehurst right now and are questioning three young men. I called the precinct and was told someone called police and reported that they saw three young men they didn't recognize walking through the alleys. They reportedly walked halfway up an alley then turned around and walked back. Police say they want calls like this because burglaries have been up again in the area and they want to be alerted to anything people consider suspicious.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Armed robbery at Chipotle on York Road - suspects still at large
Police say the Chipotle on York Road was just robbed (at about 9:30 a.m.). Suspects are two black men, one had a rifle. They "shed their clothes" so it's not clear what they are wearing now. They went south toward Gittings, police say, but are still at large. No reports of anyone being injured.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Fundraiser for judges
I don't know anything about these judges other than that at least three appear to be endorsed by some mainstream people. Just posting event as an FYI.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
lost cat
I lost my cat Pocky Saturday, June 19 in the 400 block of Regester Avenue. She got out the back door around 9 p.m. and has not been seen since.
Pocky is gray with a white belly and white paws. She is an indoor cat and has no collar. She is very sweet and likes to lick people and fabric.
If anyone has her, please call Chris at 410-961-6467.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Monday, June 21, 2010
Lemonade and baked treats for sale at Tot Lot tomorrow
Forge kids will be selling baked goods and lemonade Tuesday, June 22, to benefit the SPCA.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Slots still open in all Towson Rec Drama Camps!
Towson Rec Center Drama Camp
Indulge your inner star this summer with one and three week drama camps. All camps run by Drama Learning Center, but held at Dumbarton Middle School from 9-3.
June 28-July 3 - Grades 1-5 Disney Heros and Villains
Grades 6-12- The Music of Hairspray
July 12-30- Grades 1-5- Annie
Grades 6-12- Thoroughly Modern Millie
August 2-20- Grades 1-5- High School Musical
Grades 6-12- Grease
One week camps are $195, three week camps are $395.
All camps have openings! Call or email Kate Buchanan @ 410-825-2370 or katebuchanan1(at)gmail(dot)com for more information. Applications are at the TRC Office located at Dumbarton.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Summer Pick-up Baseball Games for Kids
◦ Runs from June 21 to August 26, every Monday and Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00pm, Upper #1 and Upper #2.
◦ Registration not required. It's FREE.
◦ Rules:
▪ Whoever shows up, plays. You don't have to be in TRC to play, so invite your friends
▪ 5 to 10yo play on Upper field #1, and 11 to 16yo on Upper #2. The fields are located on the corner of Stanmore Rd and Stevenson Lane behind Rodgers Forge ES
▪ The 5-10yo games are for kids-only, while the older one may include the parents - it's up to the kids
▪ The kids pick the teams and make the rules
▪ Older players are chosen by an adult to be the captains, who will choose their team, establish field assignments and the batting order.
▪ There are usually 7-12 players per team.
▪ No coaches - No umpires - No need to improve - Away from a scheduled, adult-supervised routine.
▪ This is designed for kids to make their own decisions and learn how to play with kids of different ages.
▪ Some of these 2-hour games go through only 2 innings, but the kids loved it.
◦ Bring your bat, glove, ball, water, ice and a love of the game.
◦ Catchers equipment and batters helments will be provided.
More details here.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Rock & Bowl at Stoneleigh Lanes this Saturday
The Stents [most of whom are Rodgers Forge dads] have become the house band for Stoneleigh Lanes Rock N' Bowl Saturdays. About once a month, we will play under disco lights along with the sounds of bowling balls smashing pins!
Come join us for our first night at Stoneleigh Lanes.
We will kick off around 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 19th and will continue to play until the lights come back on around 1:00 a.m.! $19.00 will get you unlimited bowling, shoe rental, and rock! $9.00 will get you in for the music minus the bowling.
Where else can you get a whole night's entertainment for less than $20.00!!!
Stoneleigh Lanes has a full service snack bar, but the event is BYOB so feel free to bring a cooler (and feel free to share with the band)!
Visit Stoneleighlanes.com for more information.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Does Rodgers Forge need permit parking?
Someone made a comment under a recent post asking if RF needs parking permits -- similar to what they have in Federal Hill and such neighborhoods. Parking would be allowed for only two hours unless you have a resident permit. Residents would have passes they could give to guests. ... What do you think?
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Monday, June 14, 2010
Latest crime report
Including a garage break-in on Dunkirk. Read it here.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Young Maltese mix needs home
--------- Forwarded message ----------
Gizmo is a 9 month old un-neutered male Maltese mix. He was given up when his owner moved and she could not afford the apartment's monthly pet fee. The owner found Gizmo a temporary home but the "foster" parents already have several dogs. Gizmo's current home has dogs, cats and children and he seems to get along fine with all of them. He has a strong attachment to his caretaker and can be shy upon initial contact, however, he warms up after a little bit of time. Once he is comfortable, he is affectionate and playful with people and dogs.
If you are interested in Gizmo, please contact his foster mom Rosie at 410-800-3983. She is looking to find him a home this week if possible because she has too many dogs to care for at this time.
Please forward to anyone you think might be interested in Gizmo and contact Rosie directly.
Alisa Peters, Certified Professional Dog Trainer
www.yousillydog.com
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Shuttle-bus plan from Rodgers Forge to Towson University rejected by board
The Rodgers Forge board on Wednesday rejected TU's shuttle bus route. It was slightly modified from above after board president Janice Moore spoke with TU officials and expressed concern about the fact that the bus would travel on a portion of Dumbarton in RF. TU amended the route and now it is set to go from the Rodgers Forge apartments up to Stevenson and then continue on. They had also planned a stop on Stevenson (not just at the RF Apts) but Janice convinced them to cancel that.
The shuttle will run every half hour from 7:25 a.m. to 10:16 p.m. Monday-Friday. They will be "short" buses and TU might run two buses if demand is high.
The board's concern is two-fold: First, Stevenson is already a very busy road and it's quite hard for residents to cross it. This will add about 60+ bus trips on Stevenson daily. Secondly, there is a fear that because parking is difficult on campus, students will park in Rodgers Forge to catch the shuttle bus. (Making things more challenging is that the apartments now issue permits for parking, meaning guests of the apartments must now park on the street.)
Several board members questioned why the bus wouldn't just travel up Bellona to Charles, but TU had told Janice that because of road construction in that area, that route would make the trip take too long.
The board voted to reject the plan. The board doesn't have the power to actually prevent TU from traveling this route, but the board vote means they plan to go back to TU to discuss alternatives.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Speed camera is up
On Stevenson Lane near Stanmore, by the fields.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Lunchbox left at Rodgers Forge picnic
After my husband got back from the picnic with our kids, he went back to help break down and clean up. Someone left behind a nice lunchbox/mini cooler. Let me know if you're missing one and what it looks like and if it's yours I can re-unite you. forgeflyer (at) gmail (dot) com
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Police want info on those scammers
Email I rec'd today: "Police request that anyone who contributed money to the bogus charities and/or were solicited by the scammers please contact Officer Tucker who is the investigating officer. You can reach him at 410-396-2455. He is currently working the 3:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. shift. If you call his number and don’t reach him, leave a message and he will return your call. Police have two suspects in custody who were soliciting donations for the purchase of children’s books for Johns Hopkins Hospital. Hopkins has notified the police that they have sponsored no such fund raiser.
"Officer Tucker said the solicitors are recruited from out of state, similar to the magazine salesmen that canvas our area. I asked if the solicitors are aware that this is a scam, or if they have been hoodwinked as well. That’s one of the questions the police are trying to answer. The suspects carried official looking badges and gave out authentic looking receipts. One of my neighbors who did not make a contribution told me of the spiel one of them gave her---that he is local, lives on Lake Ave., and that she had probably seen his mother jogging with her dog, a lab. It was the kind of detail that one could come up with from casual observation. Another spiel is to claim a connection to someone who lives nearby who has already donated.
"The police are interested in what people were told as well as finding those who made donations. Contact Officer Tucker if you can help in the investigation of any of the scams in our area, whether it was a solicitations for an athletic organization, children’s books for Johns Hopkins Hospital, cheer leaders camp or anything else. It’s unfortunate, but scammers make it difficult for legitimate fund raisers. Sgt. Fink of the Baltimore Co. Police Dept. advises that unless you recognize the solicitor as someone from the neighborhood, ask for an address where a donation can be sent. That way you have time to check out the organization to see if its legitimate before contributing."
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Friday, June 11, 2010
Towson Farmers market open tomorrow (Saturday)
The Towson Farmers' Market is also running on Saturdays. Last year the Saturday selection was smaller than the Thursday offerings but still worthwhile.
For a list of other farmers' markets in Baltimore County and throughout the state, click here. Many of them are open evenings or weekends, so if you can't make the weekday markets, you still have options.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Disturbing incident
Originated on Yarmouth Rd in Wiltondale.
----- Forwarded message ----
ATTENTION NEIGHBORS: I was gardening in my back yard when I saw a windowless brown van pass by. I ran around front where my kids were playing and it was parked in front of my house (in front of my daughter). An older, white man w/ a white hat was starting to exit the vehicle, but got back in, buckled and sped away when he saw me. I called the police. It was a Chevy or Dodge work van w/ no logo and a ladder on top.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Opening of Towson Farmers market
It started yesterday. Lots of good-looking stuff.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Rodgers Forge picnic is tomorrow
The Annual Rodgers Forge Community Picnic is tomorrow - June 12 - from 11am to 3pm in the Glen Behind RFES.
There will be face painting, pony rides, moonbounces, a DJ, food, game and a raffle. Come and enjoy the fun. (No balloon guy this year and no clown, which I'm kind of glad about because you'd have to stand in line for 20 minutes to get a balloon that your kids popped almost immediately.)
Before the picnic from 8am-11am there will be a Community Yard Sale in front of RFES. Numerous residents will have tables set up and there is plenty of parking!
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Four recalls
1. GE Recalls Front Load Washers Due to Fire and Shock Hazards, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/
2. Rhino Toys Inc. Recalls Bead Toy Due to Choking Hazard, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/
3. IKEA Recalls Roller Blinds, all Roman Blinds and all Roll-Up Blinds Due to Risk of Strangulation, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/
4. Dritz(tm) Electric Scissors Recalled by Prym Due to Fire and Burn Hazards, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Scam artists in the area
A note I received today from someone I know in Pinehurst:
There was just a scam artist at my door today. I later saw him sitting by the side of Gittings in handcuffs (surrounded by police officers). I approached the officers and stated that I recognized the perpetrator and that I actually gave him 5$ (i guess I'm cheap because apparently others gave much more). They took my name and asked that I ask around for others who may have given him money. Some looked like it was in cash and some in checks. He was about 18 years old, said he lived on Dunkirk, strawberry blond hair, blue eyes, wearing a green t-shirt, about 5'11'' and I'd guess 170lb. His scam was that he was raising money for his baseball team by raising money for books for kids.....
I don't know if he was in the Forge earlier, but it seems possible. Apparently there are several such scams going around and if I'd read my e-mail I'd have been less credulous.
The arresting officer asked that if anyone in the neighborhood also gave him money that they contact him: Officer M Tucker in the Northern District Police station.
Hope that helps someone who may have given considerably more than me.
And from a Woodbrook-Pinehurst Citizens on Patrol email:
Thursday afternoon, June 10 a young Caucasian female, about 5’ 2”, who said her name was Brittany, British accent, wearing a t-shirt and shorts was in Woodbrook Village (near Charles St. & Stevenson La.) soliciting donations. She visited at least 5 or 6 houses claiming she was either raising money for a cheerleading trip or raising money to sponsor a child at Hopkins Hospital. She was there Thursday between noon and 2 PM.
Earlier this week, on Tuesday evening, a 20-22 year old White man, 5’6”, 150 lbs, brown short hair with a little spike in the front, wearing shorts and a t-shirt, “looks harmless”, solicited another neighbor in Woodbrook, saying he was raising money for his baseball team. I believe both said they lived in the next neighborhood over."
The spiked hair man fits the description of a door to door solicitor who claimed he was from the University of Maryland. He claimed he was selling subscriptions to raise money to go to Europe for a college related conference.
I called 911. Anyone else encountering these solicitors should call 911 too. Keep you screen or storm door locked. DON'T let them in your house! Police will check their identification for outstanding warrants and as a suspect for any recent or subsequent area crime. If they legally can, police will run them off.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Baltimore County World Soccer Fest is this Saturday
"As a FREE celebration of local soccer and the big USA-England matchup to kick off the 2010 World Cup, WNST.net in conjunction with ASG Sports and the Towson Chamber of Commerce present the “Baltimore County World Soccer Fest” on Saturday, June 12th.
This is an ALL-DAY event for the family and it’s open to anyone and everyone in the area who love soccer." Details here.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
"What happened to my kids? They've been taken over by the Silly Bandz gods."
Those little bracelets are causing quite a ruckus. This Sun article has the scoop from kids and parents (including incoming RFES PTA president Paula LacKamp) and even Mrs. Deise.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/fashion/bs-hs-silly-bandz-20100607,0,1955854.story
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
reminder: Rodgers Forge board meeting TONIGHT; communications on agenda
People have been submitting some interesting ideas. I hope they can come to the meeting tonight and share their thoughts. Commenting here does not mean it will be seen by most RFCA officials, and I think they would appreciate your input.
The monthly RFCA meeting is Wednesday, June 9, at 7 p.m. in the RF Elementary cafeteria. All people living in Rodgers Forge are welcome to attend.
One of the things on the agenda is coming up with a more effective communication strategy. While this will likely touch on the monthly newsletter, it is supposed to be a discussion about concrete things the board can do to improve communications with the community. (I take that to mean that along with hearing people's concerns, the main thrust will be to come up with a wide-ranging strategy that covers a whole host of areas. A great opportunity to come with ideas and solutions in mind.)
I would also imagine the upcoming board election will be discussed, as there is only one meeting after this before the Annual Meeting in September. (Generally there is no August meeting.)
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Residential Cat Burglaries Alert
Good Day, want to give everyone information reference to a crime trend affecting several communities in Towson. Since March of this year there have been nine residential burglaries plus a suspicious condition targeting single homes, townhomes and apartments.
Between PC06 Officers and Detectives, Burglary Detectives and Crime Analysis we've learned these burglaries are occurring from late afternoon to very early morning hours during the week--mostly Mondays and Wednesdays. The person(s) responsible have targeted rear entry points--windows or doors--and they've unscrewed exterior lights on some homes to hide the activities. Property taken has been electronics--televisions, laptops, ipods--and money, mostly small items, close to the point of entry, easily removable and even concealable (smaller items).
With everything that has been determined thus far we are asking that you, once again, get the word out to your residents to properly secure their homes, outbuildings (sheds, garages), and belongings to protect against these types of crimes. Should anyone observe suspicious vehicles or persons in the area please call 9-1-1 so an Officer can respond to investigate. As expressed in past messages by doing their part to secure and protect their property the residents are truly helping to reduce the frequency of crime in the Towson area. We all want the entire Towson community to be as safe and peaceful as possible and by everyone taking an active part we can accomplish this goal.
Possible person and vehicle of interest: 30-40 year old African-American male with a scruffy beard; a bright red car, possibly a Honda or Nissan. No further descriptions on either presently, but will update you as the information comes to us.
Thank You, Sgt Stephen Fink, PC06 Community Outreach Team
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Rock & Bowl at Stoneleigh Lanes on June 19
This is it! Many of our county friends who cannot make it downtown have asked for a local show and the Stents deliver!
The Stents [most of whom are Rodgers Forge dads] have become the house band for Stoneleigh Lanes Rock N' Bowl Saturdays. About once a month, we will play under disco lights along with the sounds of bowling balls smashing pins!
Come join us for our first night at Stoneleigh Lanes.
We will kick off around 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 19th and will continue to play until the lights come back on around 1:00 a.m.! $19.00 will get you unlimited bowling, shoe rental, and rock! $9.00 will get you in for the music minus the bowling.
Where else can you get a whole night's entertainment for less than $20.00!!!
Stoneleigh Lanes has a full service snack bar, but the event is BYOB so feel free to bring a cooler (and feel free to share with the band)!
Visit Stoneleighlanes.com for more information.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Monday, June 7, 2010
Latest crime report
Includes a break-in on Blenheim. Read it here.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
What are your thoughts on Rodgers Forge board?
As you may know, the Rodgers Forge Association will hold its Annual Meeting on Sept. 8, 2010. This is where board members are elected. I plan to send candidates a questionnaire so we as a community can get a better sense of where our potential leaders stand on issues that affect us all.
So, what do you think should be on the questionnaire? Do you want to know how the person thinks the board should tackle problem renters? Do you want know his/her thoughts on architectural guidelines? Do you want to know thoughts on improving the newsletter? Send me your questions at forgeflyer (at) gmail.com or just comment below. I'll compile a list and share it soon.
(This isn't meant to be a confrontational questionnaire; I just think the community has a right to know a bit about the thoughts and perspectives of the people who make the rules on our behalf.)
By the way, if you want to run and want to have your info published in the August issue of the Rodgers Forge newsletter, you are asked to submit a letter of your intention to run to Jason Carter at 407 Dunkirk by July 15. Of course, you can always just self-nominate (raise your hand and say, "I'm a candidate") at the Annual Meeting. You must live in Rodgers Forge and be a dues-paying member in order to run or vote. There is no formal deadline by which you must pay your dues for the fiscal year that ends Oct. 1, so you can even pay at the Annual Meeting.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Sunday, June 6, 2010
FanFest Block party this Friday at Towson U
It’s a pep rally, a party, a festival, a concert, a thank you and a Plunge reunion all rolled up in one.
It’s a free afternoon and evening of fun for the whole family. And because nothing says “THANK YOU” quite like free stuff, it’s a chance to win some amazing prizes. It’s the opportunity to join Joe Flacco, Kimmie Meissner, 98 Rock’s Mickey and Amelia and others in showing your appreciation for the 1,500 Special Olympics Maryland athletes who will be competing in the 40th Anniversary Summer Games June 11-13. It’s the 2010 FanFest Block Party and it’s an event that you simply cannot miss!
Details here.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Dance and drama camps at Brick Bodies
Brick Musical Theater Summer Camp at Greenspring Station
August 2nd -6th 12:30 – 3:30pm ages 6-10 years
$129 members/$159 non-members
Join us this summer for a 5-day camp designed for children ages 6 - 10 who are looking to find their inner star. Learn singing techniques, fun dance moves and acting skills. This fun filled camp will end with a mini-production of the classic fairy tale, "The Frog Prince." A camp where every child can be a star!
Instructor: Kristina has been teaching Music for 9 years and has spent the past 6 years in the Baltimore County Public School system. She is an ACE certified Personal Trainer and a Les Mills certified instructor for BodyPump, BodyCombat, and RPM. She has been teaching Group Fitness programs at Brick Bodies for 6 years.
Back by Popular Demand!
"MOVE AND GROOVE" SUMMER DANCE CAMPS at Lynne Brick’s Belvedere Square
June 21-25 - Move & Groove - ages 6-9 (9am - 12pm)
June 28-July 2 - Prince/Princess Camp - ages 3-5 - (9am - 12pm)
August 9-13 - Prince/Princess Camp (ages 3-5) - (Time TBA)
August 16-20 - Move & Groove! (ages 6-9) - (Time TBA)
**Cost per week: $129 members/$159 non-members
**Sign up at service desk to reserve a spot (cannot sign up over phone). In next few weeks you will be able to sign up online (www.brickbodies.com).Call 410-433-8200 w/ any questions.
**Any non-member who signs their child up will receive a complimentary one month membership. Must be first time visitor, not have a current membership, and be 25 or older
Move & Groove description:
Ballet, Jazz, Line Dancing, Hip Hop, Go Clubbin', Disco, 50s/60s/70s. Crafts, Games, and more!
Prince/Princess Camp description:
Themes: Nutrition, Exercising (Indoors and Outdoors), Sports, Nature, Colors, Crafts, Games, and more!
For more information, inquire at service desk or call Deborah Heacock at 215-964-3400 or email deb.heacock@brickbodies.com.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Volunteers for picnic needed
The Rodgers Forge Community Picnic will take place this Saturday, June 12, from 11am-3pm. The Community Association is putting out the call for volunteers to help make the event the best ever. If you have a couple hours on Saturday and can help kids with the moonbounce, various games, etc please contact Kate Canada at 410.337.7732. Hope to see you there!!
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Shrek glassses from McDonalds recalled for cadmium
The designs on the glasses contain cadmium. Long term exposure to cadmium can cause adverse health effects. Details here.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Friday, June 4, 2010
Are you boycotting BP?
My neighbor suggested a post on boycotting BP. Hey, why not? She wrote:
"I've heard a lot of people say they are boycotting BP and my first thought was 'Hmmmm, if no money is going in the pot, then where will the resources to fix the problem come from?' Yes, BP's well "accident" caused a devastating environmental disaster. And, it has become apparent there was no real viable back up plan should something like this happen. But does Exxon, Sunoco, Shell etc. have a plan? If they did they would be offering it to BP. And this "accident" could have happened to any of the oil companies. So should we boycott all of them? I know people are angry and think the reason there were no back up saftey plans is because of greed. This may or may not be true, but it seems to me that all the companies are in the same situation. BP just had the unfortunate timing of being the one's to have such an occurrence."My initial response: BP has a *much* worse safety record than its peers. (Story here.) I believe it also completely underplayed the problem when the leak first happened and told the government it was small and under control. That said, I strongly believe that if off-shore drilling is to be allowed in the future (and of course it will be), the oil companies should all be required to have fixes in place and not just try stuff on the fly when something bad happens. All the things they tried with this spill (which failed) are the same things that were tried 30 years ago during another oil spill (which failed). I'm sure BP has insurance to cover this sort of thing, and they are also outrageously profitable so I really don't think a boycott would hurt them very much. I also think we will likely forget about all this in a few months when we are swept away by the next behind-the-scenes drama of Dancing with Stars.
So, are you boycotting BP?
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Judge denies motion to reconsider in boarding-house case
Towson Times: "The last thing we all want is to turn our residential neighborhood into a real estate loophole," said Nancy Pivec, president of the community association for the 189 brick townhouses between York Road and Fairmount Avenue, adding that there are 59 rental homes in her neighborhood, most rented to families.
http://www.explorebaltimorecounty.com/news/106677/reconsideration-denied-boarding-house-case/
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Towson University big topic at candidate forum
Bryan Sears of the Towson Times reports: Three candidates for Baltimore County executive brought out the long knives on each other and on issues involving Towson University on Wednesday night during a 90-minute debate-like forum at Goucher College.
http://www.explorebaltimorecounty.com/news/106750/towson-heart-gtccas-county-executive-forum/
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Thursday, June 3, 2010
West Towson Elementary - PTA meeting
WTES PTA organizational meeting Thursday, June 24 at 6:30 pm in the Ridge Ruxton School (on the same campus as West Towson Elementary).
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
PTA needs a vp of volunteers
Vice President of Volunteers:
Responsible for the training of all volunteers during the school year*. Handles all necessary paperwork and data management as it relates to volunteers. Provides updated volunteer lists to committee chairs and teachers and updates volunteer database. Works with faculty and teachers to ensure that there are adequate volunteers at PTA- and school-sponsored events. Should have knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word. Microsoft Access is a plus.
The current VP, Trisha Schwab, said she will be available to train in the new person.
*I don't think the VP does the actual training, but does coordinate the training events.
More info: http://rodgersforgepta.org/
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Rodgers Forge day care has openings
Mary Kay McGovern, who has a licensed in-home family day care in Rodgers Forge very close to RFES, has upcoming openings for a child 12 months or older. She will also have openings for part-time or full-time care of kids over age 2.
Meals provided
Activities and crafts
Outdoor play area
Non-smoking environment
First-aid and CPR trained
22 years experience
References available
Registered through Central Baltimore County, #03-1821
Contact Mary Kay at 410-377-4742
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
big yard sale this Saturday
HUGE Multi-family Yard Sale - One Location!
Sat. 6/5 - 8am - 1pm
7308 York Road @ Central Pres. Church
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Retirement party for Mrs. Stoll
There will be a retirement party for Terry Stoll on June 14 in the RFES cafeteria between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. All her students, former and current, and their families are invited.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Kidstock is June 6
KidStock is a daylong festival of arts, creativity, good food, active recreation and music! music! music! for kids of all ages! Hosted outdoors on the beautiful, green and expansive grounds of Garrett Heights Elementary Middle School in the heart of Hamilton Lauraville, KidStock is the first event of its kind in central Maryland, and Kidstock 2010 will be the first of many KidStocks to come.
http://kidstockrocks.com/wp/?page_id=56
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Best sunscreens
AOL Health: With the official start of summer upon us, it's time to stock up on sunscreen for the season. To help navigate the vast selection crowding store shelves and to ensure you're getting the best protection against, sunburn and skin cancer, Consumer Reports Health has released its list of top-rated sunscreens. Read more here.
PS: The Target brand sunscreen is on sale right now! I just bought six.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
New PTA president, and which teachers are staying at RFES
Paula LacKamp (left) receives the PTA gavel from outgoing president Lindsay Conboy
Paula LacKamp, who has a daughter going into second grade next year, was elected the new president of the Rodgers Forge Elementary PTA tonight. She said that she wants to reach out to all parents in the school, and that she hopes even people who haven't gone to PTA meetings in the past, or who aren't even really sure what it's all about, will share their ideas and get involved.
Also at the meeting, Principal Deise shared a tentative list of which teachers are staying at RFES next year. (Nothing is final yet and things are still a bit in flux.) They are:
Kindergarten:
Huey
Rodriguez
Guth
1st grade:
Kleinsasser
Siuta
Piet
Mercer
2nd grade:
Erdman
Ceanfaglione
Fluharty (Apologies; I'm sure I jotted down the spelling incorrectly and I see nothing similar on the school website. I know someone will send me the correct name!)
3rd grade:
Rickels
Hilberg
Weimert (50%)
4th grade:
Schultz
Hommel
5th grade:
Gruber
Coletta
Weimert (50%)
Art:
Kotapish
Reading:
Lark
Celenza
Vocal music:
Tierney
Instrument music:
Few
Physical Education:
Celenza
Library:
Fineran
The school newsletter should be sent out in the next day or two and it will have more info about changes in the next year. As noted here previously, the school day will be from 9:00 to 3:30 instead of 9:15 to 3:45.
There will still be trailers in the back of the school. One will be used for 5th grade math and the other will be for musical-instrument instruction.
"We're looking at next year as moving forward," Mrs. Deise said at the meeting. "I'm very excited. We're not new, but we're still the best."
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Order RFES school supplies online
I didn't take advantage of this offer this year and as I was fighting my way through Target with my list, I promised myself I'd just order the package next year.
The RFES PTA is providing a new service for ordering school supplies for next year. Order online and the supplies will be delivered to your home, no longer to the school. Select the individual items on the list that you want to buy, you do not have to order the whole list. Please go online to www.1stDaySchoolSupplies.com, type our school zip code, 21212, and with a few clicks have your child’s school supplies delivered to your front door!
DEADLINE for ordering is June 30th.
(NOTE: These lists are for RFES and not for West Towson Elementary.)More info here.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Transportation info about West Towson Elementary and other stuff
From the Ro Fo:
"For those parents used to simply walking their children to Rodgers Forge Elementary and not looking forward to driving them a couple miles to the new West Towson Elementary, the Baltimore County Public School system has announced the installation of a ski lift to and from RFES. Reactions to this development are mixed."
Also, this: As spring gives way to summer, and the hucklebuck blooms fragrantly, I find myself being asked (persistently I might add) by my neighbor, "When are you going to remove your lawnchair from in front of the street? Winter's over, old-timer!"
http://therofo.blogspot.com/
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
PTA meeting tonight - new leadership coming in
Tonight is the vote on who will lead the RFES PTA next year. Details here.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
