Chapel Grove HOA

Anne Arundel County Police Community Relations Council Sponsors Paper Shredding Event

The Anne Arundel County Police-Community Relations Council with the assistance of the Anne Arundel County Police Department will sponsor a free, countywide paper shredding event from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on May 19, 2012. The event, SHRED-A-RAMA VI, will be held at the following four locations: Brooklyn Park Middle School at 200 Hammonds Lane in Baltimore, Maryland, Arundel High School at 1001 Annapolis Road in Odenton, Maryland, South River High School at 200 Central Avenue East in Edgewater, Maryland and Anne Arundel County Police Headquarters at 8495 Veterans Highway in Millersville, Maryland.

Any resident of Anne Arundel County may bring up to four handheld boxes of personal documents for shredding in a commercial shredder. This is an ideal opportunity for residents to safely dispose of old tax and medical records, financial documents and other personal items to help prevent identity theft. Please remember to remove documents from binders and remove any metal clips. Additionally, x-rays, film and CDs will not be shredded. For more information, please contact the Community Relations Division at 410-222-0045.

Mike Miller Events

This is probably a long shot, but I found a cell phone at the pool playground last week, and I’ve been unsuccessful at locating the owner.  It has Chinese characters in the display.  If you lost a phone matching this description, please contact mike@mikemiller.net for details.

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When: Saturday, June 2^nd 8:00 AM to 12:00 NOON

Where: pool parking lot or your own yard

Mike Miller Events

Anne Arundel County is cutting back its trash collection to once per week starting in June.  For us, this will be on Tuesday mornings (normally recycling days only).

Here is their flyer:

http://www.aacounty.org/DPW/WasteManagement/Resources/OnceAWeek.pdf

And here is generic information about trash collection and recycling:

http://www.aacounty.org/DPW/WasteManagement/curbside.cfm

Enjoy.

Mike Miller News

Do your trees a favor and mulch them properly!

It is that time of year when we all start focusing on yards and landscaping.  One common misconception is that “lots of mulch around tree trunks is a good thing”.  The opposite can be true if improperly applied.  Improper mulching can do more harm than good to trees.  It has been observed that a number of our street trees are mulched using what is called “the volcano technique”.  That is, the mulch is sloped upwardly from the ground level all the way up to the tree trunk.  This causes the tree to generate additional root growth in the mulch rather than the mulch preserving moisture as it was intended to do.  Please note the following information on proper techniques.  Feel free to share this information from horticultural professionals with any landscaping service company you may be using.

Proper Mulching Techniques

Mulches are materials placed over the soil surface to maintain moisture and improve soil conditions. Mulching is one of the most beneficial things a home owner can do for the health of a tree. Mulch can reduce water loss from the soil, minimize weed competition, and improve soil structure. Properly applied, mulch can give landscapes a handsome, well-groomed appearance. Mulch must be applied properly; if it is too deep, it can actually cause significant harm to trees.

Not Too Much!

As beneficial as mulch is, too much can be harmful. The generally recommended mulching depth is 2 to 4 inches. Unfortunately, many landscapes are falling victim to a plague of over-mulching. A new term, “mulch volcanoes,” has emerged to describe mulch that has been piled up around the base of trees. Most organic mulches must be replenished, but the rate of decomposition varies. Some mulches, such as cypress mulch, remain intact for many years. Top dressing with new mulch annually (often for the sake of refreshing the color) creates a buildup to depths that can be unhealthy. Deep mulch can be effective in suppressing weeds and reducing maintenance, but it often causes additional problems.

Problems Associated with Improper Mulching

• Deep mulch can lead to excess moisture in the root zone, which can stress the plant and cause root rot.
• Piling mulch against the trunk or stems of plants can stress stem tissues and may lead to insect and disease problems.
• Some mulches, especially those containing cut grass, can affect soil pH. Continued use of certain mulches over long periods can lead to micronutrient deficiencies or toxicities.
• Mulch piled high against the trunks of young trees may create habitats for rodents that chew the bark and can girdle the trees.
• Thick blankets of fine mulch can become matted and may prevent the penetration of water and air. In addition, a thick layer of fine mulch can become like potting soil and may support weed growth. 

Proper Mulching

It is clear that the choice of mulch and the method of application can be important to the health of landscape plants. The following are some guidelines to use when applying mulch:

• Inspect plants and soil in the area to be mulched. Determine whether drainage is adequate. Determine whether there are plants that may be affected by the choice of mulch. Most commonly available mulches work well in most landscapes. Some plants may benefit from the use of a slightly acidifying mulch such as pine bark.
• If mulch is already present, check the depth. Do not add mulch if there is a sufficient layer in place. Rake the old mulch to break up any matted layers and to refresh the appearance. Some landscape maintenance companies spray mulch with a water-soluble, vegetable-based dye to improve the appearance.
• If mulch is piled against the stems or tree trunks, pull it back several inches so that the base of the trunk and the root crown are exposed.
• Organic mulches usually are preferred to inorganic materials due to their soil-enhancing properties. If organic mulch is used, it should be well aerated and, preferably, composted. Avoid sour-smelling mulch.
• Composted wood chips can make good mulch, especially when they contain a blend of leaves, bark, and wood. Fresh wood chips also may be used around established trees and shrubs. Avoid using noncomposted wood chips that have been piled deeply without exposure to oxygen.
• For well-drained sites, apply a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch. If there are drainage problems, a thinner layer should be used. Avoid placing mulch against the tree trunks. Place mulch out to the tree’s drip line or beyond.

Remember: If the tree had a say in the matter, its entire root system (which usually extends well beyond the drip line) would be mulched. 

Download Proper Mulching Techniques

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It is already that time of year for the pool pass application process to begin for the residents of Chapel Grove. Please see the pool rules and regulations and the pool pass application for the 2012 pool season. These rules and regulations are for the protection and benefit of all to ensure the safe and sanitary operation of the pool facility. Your cooperation in abiding by these conditions will afford pleasant relaxation and recreation for all concerned. Parents are requested to caution their children to observe all rules and regulations and obey instructions of the lifeguards. Any failure to comply with these rules and policies shall be considered sufficient cause for any action deemed necessary by the HOA Board of Directors, including the barring of violators from the use of the pool facility. The lifeguard/pool manager has been granted the authority to deny admission to any individual who does not abide by the rules or obey their instruction.

We are looking forward to a successful 2012 pool season. Chapel Grove HOA has retained Anchor Aquatics, Inc. for the operation of and management of the Chapel Grove swimming pool. The pool committee will be working very closely with the company to ensure a smooth operation for the coming season. This year we are requesting that all comments, questions or concerns be done in writing directly to the Pool Committee via the HOA website (http://www.chapelgrovehoa.org) so that there is written documentation of any issues and/or concerns when meetings are held with Anchor Aquatics and/or the Board of Directors.

The pool will open on May 26, 2012 and close on September 3, 2012. The hours are as follows:

May 26 – September 3:

Monday-Friday 10:00am-9:00pm

Saturday -Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Pool Hours While Public School is in Session:

Beginning of Season: Weekends: Regular Hours

Weekdays: 3:00pm-8:00pm

End of Season: Weekends: Regular Hours

Weekdays, 3:00pm – 8:00pm

Please note the following change:

There is no charge for pool passes for new homeowners or for new members of a household. FOR RETURNING HOMEOWNERS THERE WILL BE A $5.00 CHARGE FOR EACH REPLACEMENT PASS. Please send correct fee in a check or money order (cash not accepted) for replacements payable to: Chapel Grove HOA.

Pool Pass Distribution

The 2012 pool pass distribution process is being handled by ProCom. All member passes, stickers and guest passes will be issued via the mail—please direct all questions/issues regarding pool passes to Kerrie Wilson at ProCom (410.721.0777 ext. 137). PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE NO POOL PASS DISTRIBUTION AT THE POOL THIS SEASON; THEREFORE, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE ENCLOSED APPLICATION BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO PROCOM AS INDICATED BELOW. Read more…

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The Anne Arundel County Police Department would like to make its citizens aware of safety tips to avoid becoming a victim to criminal activity and scams with the spring season on the horizon.

Since March 5, 2012, the Southern District has been investigating a series of sporadic, daytime burglaries taking place in areas such as Lothian, Harwood, Shady Side, Dunkirk and Tracys Landing. In most cases, sheds and garages, which were left unsecured, were targeted by suspect(s), who targeted power tools and lawn equipment from those structures. No suspect information has been developed at this time.

Additionally, in recent years, the Anne Arundel County Police Department was made aware of incidents involving individuals who failed to perform contracted work and incidents where individuals claimed to work for utility companies to gain access to homes.

The public is encouraged to follow the following guidelines and safety tips:

CONTRACTUAL WORK:

• Get at least three estimates from at least three different contractors. Check and verify all references supplied by the contractor. Shop around!
• Check to see if the contractor is licensed in the State of Maryland and/or locally.
• Know the difference between proposals (estimated costs) and contracts (specified costs) and ask for a written warranty or guarantee with your contract
• Be sure the contract describes the service(s) to be performed, lists the materials to be used and includes a starting and expected completion date.
• Be cautious of companies that require advanced payments.
• Contact the Better Business Bureau to file a complaint for the non-delivery of services or check with them ahead of time to see if there were prior complaints.
• File a consumer complaint with the Maryland Attorney General Consumer Protection Division for the non-delivery of services.

UTILITY WORKER SCAMS:

• Deception burglars often work in pairs and target the elderly. Check on your neighbors if you observe workers at their residence.
• Be suspicious of utility workers who arrive unannounced, have unmarked vehicles and insist on performing work inside your home.
• Request identification first and call to confirm that the company has workers in the area and that the specified type of work would actually need to be conducted inside of the home.
• When someone insists on entering your home or acts in a suspicious manner, immediately call the police department to investigate.
• If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

PROPERTY SAFETY:

• Secure all lawn and household power equipment, bikes and ATV’s in locked sheds or garages. Also, consider running a chain through items as this is a deterrent to thieves attempting to act quickly.
• Engrave your valuables and record the model and serial numbers from your property.
• While working in your yard, keep your home, shed and/or garage locked and a have your keys handy as opportunistic thieves will take advantage of distracted homeowners.
• Keep windows and patio doors locked.
• Consider installing motion sensor lighting.
• Report suspicious activity such as vehicles and individuals who may seem out of place
• Be a good witness by providing a detailed description of suspicious subjects in the area along with their vehicle, tag number and direction of travel if possible

For full details, view the original message here.

Mike Miller Security

STOLEN AUTO ARRESTS/ASSAULT ON POLICE
ODENTON – PINEY ORCHARD

On February 27, 2012, at approximately 1:51 a.m., officers from Western District responded to the area of Estuary Drive and Middle Neck Road in Odenton for a report from a citizen of two suspicious vehicles driving around the area.

Additional information provided by the caller advised that the occupants of those vehicles were observed placing items into the back of a dark-colored minivan. Responding units were canvassing the area for the suspect vehicles when they observed the two vehicles traveling north on Piney Orchard Parkway approaching the intersection of Waugh Chapel Road. Officers then initiated a traffic stop on the two vehicles at that intersection.

The female driver (Ciara Gilchrest) of the first vehicle, a dark-colored Honda Accord, initially stopped and complied with officers’ orders. After a short period of time, the operator accelerated her vehicle, struck one police vehicle and caused two officers to jump out of the way to avoid being struck by the suspect vehicle. The operator of the second vehicle (Jesse Worthen), a dark-colored minivan, was placed under arrest at the scene. A search of the minivan revealed a motorcycle in the back passenger compartment of that vehicle. The minivan and motorcycle were both determined to have been stolen from the immediate area.

The Honda Accord fled the scene and officers followed the vehicle until the driver of the lost control and crashed on the ramp from Southbound Route 3 onto Westbound Route 50. The female driver and a male passenger were immediately apprehended, but a third suspect fled on foot. With the assistance of the Aviation Unit, K-9 units and patrol officers on scene, the third suspect (Jasper Brinkley) was located hiding in a drainage pipe and subsequently arrested about an hour later. The female operator was charged with Attempted First Degree Assault and various traffic-related charges and the other three suspects were charged with two counts of Theft of Automobiles (Minivan and motorcycle).

Suspect #1:
Ciara B. Gilchrest, 19
907 3rd Street NE
Washington DC.

Suspect #2:
Carlton M. Johnson, 20
1109 Chicago Street SE
Washington DC

Suspect #3: Jesse Worthen, 48
1925 M Street NE Apt #2
Washington DC

Suspect #4:
Jasper Brinkley III, 32,
7001 Whitney Ave,
Forestville Md

For full details, click here.

Mike Miller News, Security

jconn General

The minutes for the July 2011 meeting of the Board of Directors has been posted on the Meeting Minutes Archive page.

admin Meeting Minutes