Please note this message from the Western District:

We can not emphasize enough how important and simple it is to lock your vehicle’s doors and to remove expensive and portable electronic items from plain view in your vehicle.

Please use the social networking buttons associated with this message to help us spread the word to your friends and neighbors.

Here is the message again:

Over the past several weeks we have noticed several theft from auto sprees in several communities in the Western District.

A theft from auto spree is where several vehicles are broken into in a community over a short period of time (usually during the overnight hours). Generally, these thieves will roam a community, do their deeds, and then move on to the next community or move to another area all together.

While theives will roam a neighborhood with the intent to steal from vehicles, this is still a crime of opportunity as the thieves target vehicles that are left unlocked; and vehicles where valuable property (i.e. GPS, purses, lap tops, etc.) is left in plain view.

Please don’t be a victim of theft from your vehicle….

It CAN happen to YOU !!!!!!

LOCK YOUR DOORS

REMOVE VALUABLE PROPERTY

IF POSSIBLE PARK IN WELL LIT AREAS

REPORT SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR

For full details, view this message on the web.

From the National Weather Service (9/7/2011 3:15 p.m.):

…A FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 630 PM EDT FOR WESTERN BALTIMORE…NORTHERN PRINCE GEORGES…NORTHWESTERN ANNE ARUNDEL…EASTERN HOWARD AND EASTERN CARROLL COUNTIES…

AT 305 PM EDT…NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED ONLY LIGHT RAIN REMAINED OVER THE AREA. HOWEVER…EARLIER WIDESPREAD RAIN OF THREE TO FIVE INCHES CONTINUES TO CAUSE STREAMS TO OVERFLOW WITH NUMEROUS ROADS FLOODED AND CLOSED. EVACUATIONS ARE ALSO UNDERWAY IN ELLICOTT CITY.

ON THE STREAMS…THE LITTLE PATUXENT RIVER AT GUILFORD AND SAVAGE IS AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL RECORDED SINCE 2006…AND STILL RISING. AT GUILFORD…THE HIGHEST LEVEL EVER RECORDED WAS 18.38 FEET IN JUNE 1972. THE CURRENT LEVEL IS 13.6 FEET AND RISING AT A FOOT AND A HALF PER HOUR. THE PATAPSCO RIVER…AND SMALL STREAMS THAT FEED INTO THESE LARGER RIVERS…ARE ALSO SIGNIFICANTLY ELEVATED DUE TO THE RAINFALL.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

MOST FLOOD DEATHS OCCUR IN AUTOMOBILES. NEVER DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE INTO AREAS WHERE THE WATER COVERS THE ROADWAY. FLOOD WATERS ARE USUALLY DEEPER THAN THEY APPEAR. JUST ONE FOOT OF FLOWING WATER IS POWERFUL ENOUGH TO SWEEP VEHICLES OFF THE ROAD. WHEN ENCOUNTERING FLOODED ROADS MAKE THE SMART CHOICE…TURN AROUND…DONT DROWN.

DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF FLOOD WATERS. ONLY A FEW INCHES OF RAPIDLY FLOWING WATER CAN QUICKLY CARRY AWAY YOUR VEHICLE.

In 2010, Anne Arundel County reported 14 cases of terrestrial (ground dwelling) animal rabies. This is considerably less than the 71 reported in 1998 and 96 in 1997. This decrease is partly due to the success of the Raccoon Oral Rabies Vaccination Project on the Annapolis Peninsula, which began in October 1998. The project added the Broadneck Peninsula in 2001, and it expanded to cover the entire County in 2003.

The Public Health Concern

Rabies is a significant public health threat since rabid animals can come in contact with people and their pets. Rabies is a fatal viral infection. While pets can be vaccinated against rabies, people exposed to rabies must undergo a costly series of shots to protect themselves from the disease.

In 1997, the U.S. Department of Agriculture licensed a safe vaccine for use with raccoons. This vaccine has been used successfully in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, and in more than 10 other states to control raccoon rabies.

Vaccine Distribution Plan

There are two bait versions that are distributed. One (made of fishmeal and polymers) looks like a small brown brick. It is approximately 0.75 inch thick by 1.25 inches square and contains a small plastic bag of the liquid rabies vaccine, Raboral V-RG. The raccoon must bite into the bag to be vaccinated. The second is similar to a condiment packet (such as ketchup), which has been coated with a waxy fishmeal attractant for raccoons. Inside the packet is the liquid rabies vaccine. The raccoon must bite into the packet to be vaccinated.

Baits will be placed by hand in likely raccoon habitats in Anne Arundel County neighborhoods. The bait teams will wear orange or green Department of Health T-shirts and will travel in marked County vehicles. In addition, the Anne Arundel County Police helicopter will be distributing baits in less populated areas and may be flying at low altitudes during the distribution.

The Vaccine

Raboral V-RG, a genetically engineered vaccine, contains a live vaccinia virus into which a small portion of the rabies virus has been inserted. It cannot cause rabies. It has been proven effective in immunizing raccoons and coyotes, and it has been shown to cause no harmful effects in more than 50 different species of birds and mammals, including dogs and cats.

From a human safety standpoint, Raboral-VRG is felt to represent a low risk. Millions of doses have been distributed in the U.S., Canada and Europe with only two reported cases of human infection due to vaccine contact. Both individuals made a full recovery. Although complications are rare, it is recommended that people younger than 18 years old or pregnant or who have an immunodeficiency or a chronic skin condition avoid handling the bait. It is also recommended that care be taken in removing bait from a pet’s mouth.

Questions and Answers

What if I find a bait near my home?

Leave it alone. If you don’t want the bait near your home, use gloves or put a plastic bag over your hands to pick it up and toss it into the woods. Then, wash your hands. Bare hand contact with the bait alone is not a concern; however it does have a strong fish odor, so hand washing is still recommended.

What if my child picks up the bait?

If the packet containing the vaccine is not ruptured, wash your child’s hands with plenty of soap and water to help get rid of the fishy odor.

What if my child tears the vaccine packet or eats the bait?

It is not possible to get rabies from the vaccine. The offensive odor usually discourages a child from eating the bait. However, in the unlikely event your child bites into the plastic packet containing the vaccine or otherwise has direct contact with the vaccine liquid, you should contact your child’s physician and notify the Department of Health at 410-222-7168 for any follow-up action.

What if my dog, cat or ferret eats the bait?

The bait and vaccine are not harmful to animals, including dogs, cats, ferrets, livestock and wildlife. The bait may cause diarrhea or vomiting in dogs, cats or ferrets due to the high fat content of the bait.

What if my pet brings the bait into the house?

Placement of baits will begin on September 7 and will be completed by the end of September. During this time and for at least two additional weeks, it is recommended that pets be kept indoors or on leashes outside. This will allow enough time for raccoons to eat the bait. If your pet does find the bait, discard the bait in the trash. Wear rubber gloves or put a plastic bag over your hands when discarding. Wash your hands after handling the bait and report any contact with the vaccine liquid to the Department of Health at 410-222-7168.

Can this vaccine be used to vaccinate my dog or cat against rabies?

No, the vaccine is approved only for use in raccoons. You should have your dog, cat or ferret vaccinated by your veterinarian or at a public anti-rabies clinic offered by Anne Arundel County Animal Control. The law requires pets to be vaccinated against rabies.

Can I request that baits be placed on my property?

The deadline for requesting baits to be placed on your property was 4 p.m. on August 26.

Why is the project being carried out in the late summer and early fall?

This is a time when the baby raccoons are old enough to gather their own food; thus, there is the possibility of reaching the largest number of raccoons with the bait. Although raccoons do not hibernate, they are less active during cold weather.

After this project is carried out, do I still have to worry about rabies in the area?

Yes. The Department of Health cannot ensure that all raccoons are vaccinated. Raccoons or other animals with rabies could enter the area after the baiting; however, the incidence of rabies should be greatly reduced.

For more information, call the Bureau of Environmental Health, 410-222-7168.

Address/Location
Anne Arundel County Police Department – Western District
8273 Telegraph Rd
Odenton, MD 21113

Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1

http://www.aacounty.org/DPW/Highways/SidewalkRepair.cfm

For townhome owners, sidewalks are the responsibility of the HOA.

The specific services Davey Tree will perform is a one time aeration and deep root fertilization, plus six service calls where they will inspect our trees for diseases and pests, and provide any required treatments during the course of the growing season.  While these are necessary actions to protect our investment in trees and to keep our community looking attractive, they are not the only action required.  Watering and proper mulching to maintain that moisture, especially during the summer months, are also required.  The HOA BOD will ensure common area street trees are watered.  However, homeowners are responsible for watering and mulching street trees on their properties.  Please refer to the two attached documents for guidance on watering and proper mulching.  During Davey Trees’ first inspection visit this year, they again noted that several of our street trees are improperly mulched.  Mulching is one of those items where “too much”, especially when mulch volcanoes are created, is harmful.

Without care, the street trees will die.  Replacements are on the order of $200 to $300 each, a cost that has to come out of the dues that all of us homeowners are assessed.  Accordingly, this year’s annual inspection checklist will address mulching under yard maintenance.

Please see:

1. Proper Mulching Techniques
2. Tree Watering
   

Please reference this document which labels the various parts of your home.

We are looking forward to a successful 2011 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 should be sent directly to the Pool Committee 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 28, 2011 and close on September 5, 2011. The hours are as follows:

May 28 – September 5:

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

Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 8:00pm

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

Pool Pass Distribution

The 2011 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 or via email). 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.

Adults and children 13 years old and above will have a yellow pass. Children under 13 will be assigned a red pass. This will help to identify children who must be accompanied by an adult while at the pool. Each household will also receive 2 guest pass cards; each card is valid for up to 5 guest visits. Additional guest pass cards may be purchased for $5.00—please contact Kerrie Wilson.

Residents that received pool passes in 2010 will be provided a sticker for 2011, and are asked to include your pool pass numbers on the 2011 application. Please attach the sticker to the back of your current pool pass. If your child has reached the age of 13 during the off-season, please return the red pass with your application and you will be sent a yellow pass and sticker for 2011.

Residents that are new to the community will be issued new yellow passes for adults and red passes for children under 13 and 2011 stickers. Please maintain your pass for coming years. Signing in and displaying your pool pass to the lifeguard each time will still be a requirement of all residents.

In order for your household to receive 2011 stickers and/or new pool passes for opening Memorial Day weekend, the attached application must be completed, signed and returned to PROCOM at the address/fax listed below no later than May 16, 2011:

Chapel Grove HOA c/o ProCom

1111 Benfield Blvd #110

Millersville, MD 21108

410.721.4854 fax

You may submit your application at anytime, deadline is for opening weekend only. Please allow five (5) business days to receive your passes/stickers by mail. Same day drop off/pickups not permitted.

No passes and/or stickers will be distributed to any homeowner unless the enclosed application has been completed and processed through PROCOM and all your monthly HOA dues are current. Please note that without the new 2011 sticker your pool passes will not be valid for this season. Thanks in advance for your assistance and cooperation. We are looking forward to a great pool season this year.

Sincerely,

Chapel Grove Pool Committee

Links:

1. 2011 Pool Rules and Regulations
2. 2011 Pool Pass Application

Anne Arundel County officials have reached a tentative deal to spark millions of square feet in new office space at Odenton Town Center.

Under the proposal, the Halle Cos. has agreed to spend more than $12 million to build Odenton Town Center Boulevard, a spine road that will connect several planned developments making up the town center. Halle would, in turn, receive credits it could apply toward millions of dollars in impact fees it would otherwise need to pay the county for its project.

Halle, a Silver Spring developer, wants to develop a 128-acre business park at the town center to include more than 3.5 million square feet of office space.

Plans for the entire 1,600-acre project calls for a community of shops, offices and homes to be built near the Odenton MARC train station.

Read the whole article here.

Please note that spraying will not necessarily occur at the same time every week.  And, while a technician will visit the community every week, spraying will only occur if the appropriate conditions are met.

Please see  Standard Mosquito Control Operating Procedures for 2010 for additional information.

If you have any questions please email Katie Brewer at BrewerKA@mda.state.md.us.  She can also be reached on 410-841-5870.

As Board President, let me first say “Thank You” to Tracy Warren (VP for the Board of Directors/Landscape Liaison) and her husband Robert for helping the county to get their act together during the past snow fall.  There was a disconnect from one arm of the county who accepted the roads from Winchester Homes in May of 2009; and the arm of the county that schedules and implements the county snow removal plan.

The FACTS :

• All roads leading to and providing service to every single family home within the Chapel Grove HOA are maintained by the county.  If someone tells you differently from the county they are misinformed.
• During snowfalls the county considers small side streets, cul-de-sacs, and courts to be the lowest priority.  During heavier snowstorms it may take up to 1 to 2 days to get these roads plowed after snow fall has abated.  The county focuses on primary roadways as their priority.

Opinion of the CG HOA BoD President:

• The county did a poor job of getting our roads in sections 5 and 6 added to the county snow removal plan.
• In this economy, it is obvious the county was operating on a shoe string budget.  Even today there are places around the county that have snow piled in streets.  We were lucky to have received warm weather to bail the county out of an even bigger problem, more accumulation.

Please contact the county at 410-222-7940 for any snow removal concerns.

Residents can also complain to:
Brenda Reiber
Community and Constituent Services Specialist
Anne Arundel County
Office of the County Executive
410-222-1095

See also: Fall 2009 DNR article.