Here are the latest crime reports.
Week ending Aug. 23, includes a break-in on Murdock when the resident was home.
Week ending Aug. 30.
What do you think? Post or read comments here: Comments
Here are the latest crime reports.
Week ending Aug. 23, includes a break-in on Murdock when the resident was home.
Week ending Aug. 30.
filed under crime
Baltimore Sun: Signs for various businesses are a familiar sight throughout the Belair Road commercial district in Perry Hall. The one for Bill's Seafood and Catering Co., however, has created some controversy as owner Bill Paulshock campaigns for a seat on the Baltimore County Council.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/bs-md-co-residency-20100829,0,309315.story
filed under Baltimore County news
Here's a post from a Rodgers Forgian who is interested in creating a dog park somewhere in the Rodgers Forge area. I think that would be fabulous!
Hi! I would like to know if anyone has given a thought to a dog park in Rodgers Forge? It would be wonderful to have a legal, safe, fenced-in area for our dogs to play and run. Perhaps we could fence in an area behind or next to Dumbarton Middle School? Have a few benches and lighting? I would love to hear what others have to say, and get your thoughts on ways to go about putting this into action.
-Kate
kglorioso@hotmail.com
filed under Rodgers Forge


I did a quick search and found a few neat things I plan to buy for the first PTA fundraiser. They're going with Greenraising and the PTA gets 40% of the sale price, which is pretty good.
Details coming soon about what code to use for RFES' fundraising drive. September 6 is the first day to order (if you order before that, RFES doesn't get the money).
filed under school issues

Students can enter the building after 8:45 a.m., and classes begin at 9 a.m. Happy trails!
filed under Rodgers Forge, school issues
I had a good conversation with the head of the lifeguards at Meadowbrook the other day. She seemed very concerned about making the pool safe and she said she was going to work on a specific policy of how many guards should be posted and where.
She said she'd post the policy online for all to see so there would be no confusion and so members could feel comfortable pointing out any deviation from the policy to the person in charge at the time.
But it had more in it than just a backgammon game. (Not drugs, so don't get your hopes up.) If it's yours, email me at forgeflyer(at)gmail.com and I'll hook you up with the nice folks who are trying to get it back to its rightful owner.
filed under Rodgers Forge
The festival's home page has a link to a coupon. And here's info about the the fair. (Justin Bieber is sold out, sorry tweens!)
filed under things to do
BCPS's associate superintendent for curriculum has resigned. Here's the piece in the Sun, and the comments attached are quite interesting, too.
filed under Baltimore County news, school issues
The head of the state’s school construction program today indicated that County Executive Jim Smith was not accurate when he said the decision to stop an addition at Hampton Elementary was due to a lack of state funding.
In an email late Friday to Towson Families United, David Lever, executive director of Maryland’s Public School Construction Program, wrote that the state was ready to fund the project, but county officials said they would not support it.
“Although the project became eligible for funding on March 11, 2010…it was not recommended for funding in the FY 2011 CIP because we learned through communication with the school system that the project would not be supported by the County Government in this fiscal year,” Lever wrote in his email.
Read more at TFU's site.
filed under Baltimore County news, school issues

I almost hated to look. But actually, as lovely as it is, I am still thrilled with the little neighborhood, walkable RFES.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=206659&id=273154279370
filed under Baltimore County news, school issues
Update: I think Anon might be right on the Whole Foods guess. I called Fresh Market and a guy who sounded knowledgeable said they weren't moving there. Someone at Graul's said she didn't think so. I called Whole Foods and was told yes, they plan to move to Towson but the person wasn't sure where exactly or when. Still just speculation, though. That would probably be a great boost for that little shopping center.
The owner of Dulaney Plaza in Towson is in talks with an “upscale grocer” to take over space currently occupied by a Superfresh set to close this year.
Read more: Towson shopping center lining up replacement for Superfresh - Baltimore Business Journal
Kris, I live on Stanmore Road. My brother found a dog in the middle of the street at the start of Stanmore on the south end, near the 130's or 120's. She has no tags but a collar and clearly is missing and not a stray. Attached are pictures. Feel free to call at us at home if you need further information or need us to bring her somewhere.
Thank you,
Brendan
[email forgeflyer(at)gmail.com if this is your dog]
filed under Rodgers Forge
If you have a child(ren) at RFES, you can get your volunteer training out of the way tonight or Tuesday night. You need the training to participate in any school activity (volunteering in the classroom, on field trips, etc.) and it's really easy. You just watch a 15-minute video and fill out a couple of forms. Even if you're not going to Back to School night tonight because your child is in a different grade, you could still go to the training.
filed under Rodgers Forge, school issues, things to do
If you just heard a bunch of sirens, Towson police say they were going to Tyrone Road in Armagh Village because a pedestrian was struck. No word on if it was an adult or child or how serious it was. Fingers crossed.
Update: Here is a message from the Armagh Village family. They sent this email to me and a large group of Forge families and permission was given for use on the Flyer.
Dear Friends,
Please excuse the mass email but I have something important to share and want as many families to learn from it as possible. Our 8 year-old son Ethan was hit by a car Tuesday night while riding his bike in our neighborhood. Thankfully, we make sure that the our kids' helmets are properly fitted and he was wearing it.
We are incredibly relieved that he doesn't have a concussion or broken bones. He is so sore he can barely walk, and supposedly the pain may worsen to the point his doctor said he may be " almost crippled", but that will pass. He landed on his head, leaving a dent in his helmet. The doctors at Hopkins were impressed he had his helmet on; they said he is the only boy to be hit by a car this summer who was wearing a helmet. It may have saved his life.
After hearing what happened, the doctors told us how lucky we are because kids are usually seriously hurt from this level of impact. We know a family whose 16-year-old went into a coma 3 weeks ago due to a biking accident; she has brain damage and serious medical problems. Although we always insist on helmets, we'd caught Ethan biking without one once or twice earlier this summer. The story of the girl in a coma scared him enough that he had become very cooperative with helmets.
I will share the details of what happened so that those of you who have children can share it with your kids so we can keep our kids safe.
Ethan was coming out of the alley behind our house onto our small street. There were parked cars along the road, and even though he looked for cars, he didn't see one coming from his left because it was hidden by the parked cars. He was hidden from view for the driver as well who was going the speed limit (20 MPH). Neither he or the driver saw each other until it was too late. Upon impact, Ethan flew onto the car's hood, bounced and was thrown through the air over 21 feet. He landed on his head and elbow. He can't tell us what happened for a bit of time, so it's not clear if he lost consciousness or not. The EMTs put him on a back board and immobilized his head. The whole thing was terribly scary for all of us, including the 18 year old driver. Please share this story with your family or anyone else you care to forward it to.
Take your kids outside, show them exactly what a blind spot is and how to look carefully beyond them to see if a car is coming. Get helmets that fit properly and insist they wear them.
We are feeling incredibly lucky tonight.
filed under childhood issues, health
As you may know, the PTA elected a new president, Paula LacKamp, in June. Unfortunately, Paula's work situation has changed and she is no longer able to take on that role. Trisha Schwab, who has been vp of volunteers for the past two years, has agreed to be nominated for PTA president and she has been coordinating the PTA for the past month or so, but she also encourages anyone else who is interested in the position to throw in his/her hat.
The election will happen this Tuesday at 7:00 PM at RFES, at the beginning of Back to School Night.
filed under Rodgers Forge, school issues
filed under things to do
Friday, August 27 at 1:30 to 3 PM
Marvelous Migrating Monarchs - We’ll capture, tag and release monarchs as they head south for the winter. If the Monarchs don’t cooperate, we’ll settle for any of our beautiful butterflies. Ages 7 to 12. Reservations required. $2 members/$4 non-members. Willow Grove Nature Ed. Center Center
http://cromwellvalleypark.org/index.html
filed under things to do
Back to School Night for kindergarten and first grade is this Thursday night at 7:00 and there will be a volunteer training just prior at 6:30 pm. There will be another one next week just prior to Back to School Night for 2nd - 5th grade parents.
filed under Rodgers Forge, school issues, things to do
Especially important is the primary election between Mike Ertel, Bill Paulshock* and Gordon Harden, who are all seeking the Democratic nomination for Baltimore County Council in the Fifth District. The Republican in the race is unopposed in the primary, so he will be up against the winner on the Democratic side.
When may I apply to register to vote?
A voter registration application may be submitted to your local board of elections or the State Board of Elections at any time. However, an application must be postmarked by August 24, 2010, to vote in the Primary Election and October 12, 2010, to vote in the General Election.
http://www.elections.state.md.us/voter_registration/index.html#When
*Paulshock does not actually live in the 5th District, as required by law for candidates.
filed under Baltimore County news

RFES families and staff surprised teachers on their first day back to school today. Mrs. Deise and staff provided a red carpet and music ("Everything old is new again") and she used a bullhorn to call teachers names one by one as they walked in to applause and cheers.
Later the teachers did a walk through most of Rodgers Forge.
Are you excited for the new year, wherever your family is going?
filed under Rodgers Forge, school issues
Update: Camera and owner reunited.
If you lost yours, email me at forgeflyer(at)gmail.com to be reunited with it.
Reminder: RFES teachers will be doing a walk through much of Rodgers Forge this Monday beginning at 11:00. Come out and say hi to your teachers, and they'd love to have people join in with drums or other instruments and walk with them!
filed under Rodgers Forge, school issues
Belvedere Square and Towson Feet on the Street are going on this evening. It's supposed to be a clear night.
filed under things to do
... and once again they have ONE lifeguard watching the entire huge outdoor pool - bulkheads and blind spots and all.
PS: To the comment saying I should complain: I talked to whoever was in charge the other day. He told me that they felt very comfortable with their guard situation. Then he said it would be nice if they had more guards on duty but that during this time of the year their funds are running low. ("What are you talking about? We all paid for the entire summer.") They are changing their fee structure so instead of getting an influx of large payments for the winter, they are just getting smaller monthly payments. I said that was not my concern and that their priority should be keeping the swimmers safe. I didn't say anything today because at some point you just become the crazy person. We will re-evaluate our choices next summer.
Sent from my iPhone
RFES teachers are doing a walk through Rodgers Forge as they head back for the new year. They are highlighting the fact that we are now a community school. Make sure you come out and give them a holler to show your support!
filed under Rodgers Forge, things to do
I am moving to London and am having a moving sale on Saturday, August 21st from 8-12 and would love if you could put something in the Flyer. I have furniture, CDs, art, lamps, all kinds of great stuff. 100 block of Murdock.
Wednesday, September 22 at 7:30pm at the College of Notre Dame
"Kathryn Stockett was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in English and Creative Writing, she moved to New York City where she worked in magazine publishing and marketing for nine years. She currently lives in Atlanta with her husband and daughter. This is her first novel.
In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women, mothers, daughters, caregivers and friends view one another.
This event is expected to sell out so order your tickets soon." Details here.
filed under things to do
The eggs were sold nationwide under the brand names Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph’s, Boomsma’s, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps.
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/safety/2010/08/eggs-recalled-for-possible-salmonella-contamination.html
filed under health
Towson Families United says: Baltimore County Public Schools had planned on beginning a much-needed addition at Hampton Elementary this fall. Administrators and parents there were told that the grounds behind the school would be cleared for construction over the summer. Only when that didn’t happen did parents realize there was a problem. Read more here.
filed under Baltimore County news, school issues
I still find it incredible that the Board of Elections has simply shrugged its shoulders at the fact that one of the three candidates in our council race is breaking the rules and filing to run a district where he does not live. What is the role of the Board of Elections? It's truly outrageous.
http://www.explorebaltimorecounty.com/blog/politics/671/ertel-takes-county-council-campaign-to-opponents-front-yard/
BTW, above is a photo of County Exec candidate Joe Bartenfelder (the guy to the left in the black shirt) at a 6th District event, shaking hands with Paulshock (the other guy in black). Their names are appearing together all over this area on campaign signs. I don't know much about Bartenfelder or his opponent, Kevin Kamenetz, but it disturbs me that JB would align himself with someone running in a district where he doesn't live. I see this photo and can't help but think, Just two good ol' boys, never meanin' no harm. ...
filed under Baltimore County news
Nothing in RF but lots of armed robberies elsewhere, including one on Versailles Circle, near Charles and Towsontown, that sounds like something out of a Coen brothers movie. Read it here.
filed under crime
Hi! I just wanted to make you and fellow residents of Rodgers Forge aware that I received a parking ticket on Sunday afternoon. I was parked on Regester Avenue at the corner of Pinehurst (I was on the right side of the street). The comment on the ticket was that I was parked within 30 feet of a stop sign.
Prior to today, I had never heard about this law. I talked to a neighbor and we both remarked how you can't even see the stop sign (due to trees blocking). I walked throughout the neighborhood today and noticed some streets have a No Parking sign near the stop sign, and others do not. I just wanted others to know about this so they don't get a ticket like me.
-Kate
Judging from the comments this post received, this seems to be a major issue. If anyone gets some answers or guidance, please let us know so others get the info.
"We live on Dumbarton, and recently the County fixed our curbs, which includes the drainage from our downspout, underground to the hole in the curb. Right after they finished, and we had our first big rain this past week, we had flooding in our basement. We tested the drainage, by disconnecting our downspout and putting a hose down into the underground drain, and there was no water making its way to the curb. We believe it can't be a coincidence that our drainage was great, then the curb was fixed, and then our drainage was 100% cut off.
Our basement is a disaster.
Just wanted to maybe send a note to see if anyone else has had this problem? Like I said, I find it very odd that it worked really well, and then all of a sudden our drainage is cut off 100%. We checked again in the rain today, and the inside of the drainage hole in the curb is completely dry."
filed under Rodgers Forge
"The most delicious week of the summer returns, August 13-22. Enjoy a great three-course dinner from special prix-fixed menus for just $35.10 and lunch menus for just $20.10. See below for a complete list of participating restaurants and menus. As always, we strongly encourage calling ahead and making a reservation as restaurants are sure to fill up fast!"
http://www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com/
filed under things to do
More hilarity from The RoFo.
http://therofo.blogspot.com/
filed under funny, Rodgers Forge
filed under things to do
Apparently either I or my husband was speeding on the beltway at North Charles, going 62 in a 50-mph zone. I hadn't even realized there were cameras there. It's a work zone, so the speed limit is lower and it's photo enforced.
The ticket says we were there at about 10 a.m. on a Sunday morning. Not to quibble, but are workers even there on Sunday mornings? If so, I am totally in the wrong and am embarrassed. I know members of road crews have dangerous jobs and we should obey the speed limit.
I must say I was very relieved to see it wasn't from Stevenson Lane. Peer pressure, and a small dose of common sense, makes me drive the speed limit in Rodgers Forge. ... Have you been busted?
Walter Wick: Games, Gizmos, and Toys in the Attic
September 19, 2010–January 2, 2011
At the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland
The Walters celebrates the creative mind of renowned artist and children's book illustrator Walter Wick, whose I Spy and Can You See What I See? books have been read and loved by millions of children and adults around the world. In addition to large-format color photos, the exhibition includes sculptures and models representing the objects used to create Wick's books. Wick's most recent book, Can You See What I See on a Scary, Scary Night?, includes models and illustrations inspired directly by the Walters' Chamber of Wonders.
http://thewalters.org/exhibitions/walter-wick/about.html
filed under things to do
GBMC says: Thanks to a tremendous outpouring of support for GBMC's bi-annual Nearly New sale, volunteers have stopped accepting donations for the Fall Nearly New Sale as of Thursday, August 12th at 1 p.m. This is 2 weeks earlier than usual, but volunteers have run out of space to store and sort the donations due to an overwhelming response from the community. Shoppers are invited to the Fall Nearly New Sale at GBMC which will be held October 23-30. For more information, Nearly New can be reached at 410-828-9467.
Including an armed robbery at/near St. Joseph's, and destruction of property at Loch Raven Academy. Read it here.
filed under crime
This morning a man (in his 40s?) with a hospital bracelet on carrying a green bag came to our door soliciting odd jobs with a story about being recently homeless and trying to earn money to support his family. We turned him away and he continued down the block. A neighbor's babysitter noticed the same man and that he dropped the wrapping from a UPS delivery in the street. When she retrieved it she found it had a third neighbor's address on it. It turns out he was casing houses, stealing any packages left at doors that had contents he wanted. The babysitter called the police and flagged my husband down who followed the man giving police information about his whereabouts. He was apprehended on Sussex and York. He had a bag full of random items that he had stolen. You might want to spread this story in case someone is missing a package that they were expecting and to remind neighbors (again!) to call the police if they see someone suspicious.
Wiltondale COP
filed under crime
Sigh.
New York Times: A new study finds that girls are more likely today than in the past to start developing breasts by age 7 or 8.
The research is just the latest in a flood of reports over the last decade that have led to concern and heated debate about whether girls are reaching puberty earlier, and why it might be happening.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/09/health/research/09puberty.html
filed under childhood issues, health
Baltimore Sun: In Dundalk and Essex they're getting to know Baltimore County Councilman Kevin Kamenetz, who is from way over on the west side; in Pikesville and along Liberty Road they're taking a closer look at his fellow council member, Joseph Bartenfelder, from way over on the east side.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-md-co-political-geography-20100727,0,2733079.story
filed under Baltimore County news
Lots of stuff on clearance.
Sent from my iPhone
Bring the kids to a very special Feet on the Street block party this Friday, 8/6/10 from 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. on Allegheny Avenue between the Towson Circle and Washington Avenue.
In addition to the moon bounce and hula hoop contest, this week's event will have live ponies, clowns, face-painting, balloon animals and other fun activities for the kids!
Live music from a Baltimore-Washington favorite R&B band, Jr. Cline & the Recliners. Bring your own food or purchase it from your choice of Towson restaurants. Beer & wine available for purchase (no alcohol may be brought into the block party area). Pets are prohibited. Free on-street parking and discounted parking in the COPT garage on Allegheny Avenue just west of Washington Ave.
Bring your friends & family!
filed under things to do
RFCA blog says: "The Rodgers Forge board has received several emails about the removal of toys from the Tot Lot. Some of the messages accuse the board of being responsible for the removal of the toys." Read full post here. ... See my original post about the topic here.
filed under Rodgers Forge
filed under Baltimore County news
"Today at 5:45 pm a young white male was on my porch as I was walking home. He was nicely dressed in a red polo shirt and khakis but I couldn't make out what he was trying to sell/tell me. Something about GE digital security systems but when I said "I'm not interested," he said he wasn't selling anything. He showed me a list of neighbors' names, I didn't recognize any but I'm fairly new here. He also tried to tell me something about a woman who walked her dog. Anyway, I called 911 and they were going to send someone out to check on it. It made me nervous that someone unsolicited was trying to ask me about my home security system.
Does anyone know anything about this guy?"
I don't. Do you?
(And RoFo, are you going to make fun?)
Just got this message, too:
"Kris,
I've just had a guy from GE at my door offering to install a home protection system for free (I think) in exchange for having a Platinum protection sign on display in our yard. He seemed legit enough initially but I eventually had to almost kick him off the porch. He asked if we had a dog, if our neighbors knew us well, what kind of car we had etc. etc... Don't know if I'm being overly suspicious but now I'm pretty sure he was not legit. We are on Dunkirk Rd. so others should watch out."
Yeah, that sounds weird.
filed under Rodgers Forge
I'm told the bill to curb problem rental properties passed the County Council last night. I'm not sure if there were any substantial changes. Am looking into it. Here is a short mention of it in the Towson Times.
filed under Baltimore County news
Here are some tips from Baltimore County Police about how to keep your kids safe this year:
http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/police/media/school_safety.html
filed under school issues

On August 7. Details here:
http://www.potterybarn.com/customer-service/store-locations.html
filed under things to do
Please come out and support the Rodgers Forge C.O.P. for the "2010 National Night Out." If you can't make it to the event, please look out for the motorcade soon after 6:30 PM. They will be led by a Baltimore County Fire Engine. Look for the Rodger Forge C.O.P. vehicles. The route through Rodgers Forge will be from Dumbarton at York Road, through to Stevenson Lane and up to Bellona Avenue.
Thanks,
Your C.O.P. Leaders
filed under Baltimore County news, crime, things to do
Just received this message.
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
Hi Kris, On Friday night my daughter cracked her car windshield when she hit a tree branch hanging over Regester Avenue. I immediately called the non emergency police number and within an hour an officer drove by and an hour after that the branch was removed. I am upset because dozens of cars went by, had the branch scrape over their cars and some neighbors had to have heard the cars hitting the branch, yet for 24 hours no one did anything to take care of the branch. My question is who is responsible for tree branches hanging down over our streets. There was no answer at the tree owner's door.
I just saw that there is a movement to save the Kelso building at the Y. There is:
an online petition;
a blog;
and a Facebook page.
filed under Baltimore County news
"Starting in 2010, the second Sunday of August to the following Saturday are designated as Shop Maryland Week. That means qualifying apparel and footwear $100 or less are exempt from the Maryland 6% sales tax. This year, Shop Maryland Week is August 8-14. Accessory items are not included."
http://www.comp.state.md.us/shopmd/default.asp
Speaking of shopping, my RFES supply list includes "alcohol-free hand sanitizer." The ones I've found all have alcohol. In fact, I thought alcohol was what made it a sanitizer. Anyone know where to get this?