Rest In Peace Maggie Brown

From the Sun:

Maggie J. Brown, the fiesty, outgoing president of the Columbia Association for eight years before her retirement May 1, died Thursday after battling a brain tumor for months. She was 70.

Brown, known for her cheery demeanor and positive attitude, had worked for the large homeowners association for more than two decades before taking over as president in 2001. She played the role of a peacemaker after a bruising fight ousted the previous president and association board members couldn't agree on a replacement.

UPDATE: Here is a link to CA's video tribute and to a memorial page where you can leave your words of kindness. Details on expressions of sympathy can be found on CA's homepage.

Close Call

Here's a real-life lucky-to-be-alive story: Cue the dramatic music and Don LaFontaine voiceover: "In a world where lazy weekends mean a peaceful walk in the park, life can take sometimes take a sudden turn..."

Justin Giron was out walking his dogs when one tried to walk out on the ice at Centennial Lake.

The HoCo Times tells what happens next:

Shortly after 10 a.m., one of Giron’s dogs, a year-old Australian Shepherd named Charlie, ran onto the frozen lake and fell in. Giron tied his other dog, a Shih Tzu named Chewie, to a tree and went after Charlie.

Giron crawled out onto the ice and broke through into the chilling water about 40 feet from the shore, he said. He lifted his dog to safety, but became stuck in the ice himself, submerged up to his armpits, forcing a daring rescue.

“I’ll tell you what scared me: Coming back and realizing I couldn’t get up,” said Giron, a database engineer who served in the U.S. Army for eight years. “I went underneath the ice, and my head couldn’t break through it. It freaked me out. I totally underestimated how difficult it was going to be to get back to the shore.”

In a moment of “absolute luck,” members of the county’s Department of Fire and Rescue Services happened to be conducting an ice rescue exercise 300 feet away at another part of the lake, Howard County Assistant Fire Chief John Jerome said.

The team rescued Giron, who was taken to HoCo General with moderate hypothermia, the Times reports.

Charlie, meanwhile, took off running after he was rescued from the lake, officials said. Fire and rescue personnel and passers-by looked for Charlie, who fire officials described as “scared, cold, distressed,” but could not find him.

Charlie was found later that day by neighbors of Giron, who came to the park to assist in the search.

State Of The County

HoCo exec Ken Ulman delivered his state of the county speech this week; here's some excerpts that caught our attention:

On the development of Blandair Park on the old Smith farm in eastern Columbia:

THE PARK WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR, BLANDAIR REGIONAL PARK, IS SET TO BREAK GROUND IN JUST A FEW MONTHS....

On the economy:

LET ME TELL YOU WHERE WE ARE.

REVENUES ARE DOWN:
• PROPERTY TAX – DOWN, THE MOST RECENT RESIDENTIAL ASSESSMENTS DOWN 23 PERCENT.
• INCOME TAX – DOWN 7 PERCENT.
• STATE AID – CUT TO THE BONE.

OUR BUDGET CRUNCH IS EXACERBATED BY THE FACT THAT IN TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES, PEOPLE TURN MORE TO PUBLIC SERVICES. AND WE'RE SEEING IT: LIBRARY USE IS UP; PARK USE IS UP; HCC'S ENROLLMENT IS UP; REQUESTS FOR ENERGY, HOUSING AND FOOD ASSISTANCE ARE ALL UP. I WANT TO THANK ALL OUR NON-PROFIT PARTNERS FOR THEIR HARD WORK IN THESE TOUGH TIMES.

CLEARLY, THE COUNTY'S FINANCIAL SITUATION PRESENTS CHALLENGES AND OVERCOMING THESE CHALLENGES REQUIRES FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY. SO, WHEN FACED WITH DECLINING REVENUE, WE TURN TO THE SAME STRATEGY YOU DO: CUT SPENDING.

WE CUT OUR PRINT SHOP; WE CUT OUR CABLE TV STUDIO; WE CUT EMPLOYEE TAKE HOME CAR USE; WE CUT CELL PHONE USE; WE CUT POSITIONS AND ARE HOLDING VACANCIES; WE CUT OUR ENERGY USE, OUR PAPER USE; WE CUT INNEFFICENCIES THROUGHOUT GOVERNMENT; WE CUT BENEFIT COSTS. WE ARE EVEN CUTTING COSTS WHEN IT COMES TO CUTTING THE GRASS, WITH OUR JOINT MOWING AGREEMENT WITH THE SCHOOL SYSTEM. AND WE WILL KEEP CUTTING.

WE EVEN CUT A WEEK OF COUNTY SERVICES. THE WEEK-LONG FURLOUGH BETWEEN CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS SAVED THE COUNTY ALMOST $2 MILLION, AS COUNTY EMPLOYEES INCLUDING ELECTED OFFICIALS GAVE UP A WEEK’S PAY. I KNOW IT WASN’T EASY FOR ANYONE, BUT NO ONE EVER SAID GETTING THROUGH THESE TOUGH TIMES WOULD BE EASY...

(The Sun's ExploreHoward blog said furloughs are likely again this year.)

On the status of efforts to relocated people and offices to Fort Meade as part of the nation's base relocation effort:

ALREADY, 300 WORKERS FROM THE DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY ARE AT FT. MEADE WORKING IN TEMPORARY OFFICES. AND THE FIRST NEW BRAC-RELATED BUILDING WILL OPEN IN OCTOBER OF THIS YEAR WITH ADDITIONAL BUILDINGS AND AGENCIES TO FOLLOW OVER THE NEXT 24 MONTHS. IN ALL, OVER 6,000 NEW EMPLOYEES WILL BE STATIONED ON BASE BECAUSE OF BRAC.

BRAC IS JUST ONE PIECE OF THE FT. MEADE EXPANSION. NSA IS SLATED TO ADD AS MANY AS 4,000 NEW POSITIONS, AND THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE’S NEW CYBER COMMAND IS PROPOSED FOR FT. MEADE, WHICH COULD BRING WITH IT 5,000 NEW DIRECT JOBS.

I CANNOT OVERSTATE THE IMPORTANCE OF CYBER SECURITY IN THIS DAY AND AGE. IN FACT, THE CURRENT DIRECTOR OF NSA, GENERAL KEITH ALEXANDER, HAD THIS TO SAY: “MAINTAINING FREEDOM OF ACTION IN CYBERSPACE IN THE 21ST CENTURY IS AS INHERENT TO U.S. INTERESTS AS FREEDOM OF THE SEAS WAS IN THE 19TH CENTURY, AND ACCESS TO AIR AND SPACE IN THE 20TH CENTURY.”

IN SHORT, THE FRONT LINE IS NOW ONLINE...

On Columbia's downtown:

TODAY WE STAND ON THE BRINK OF ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES HOWARD COUNTY HAS FACED SINCE JIM ROUSE CAME BEFORE THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS IN 1964. THE DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA PLAN WHICH IS CURRENTLY PENDING BEFORE THE COUNCIL HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CREATE THE TYPE OF VIBRANT, WALKABLE, LIVABLE DOWNTOWN THAT HOWARD COUNTY DESERVES...

IT IS IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE, AS JIM ROUSE DID, THAT DOING IT RIGHT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO – NOT ONLY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY, BUT ALSO TO ADD VALUE TO THE DEVELOPMENT ITSELF. AS I LOOK AT HOW FAR WE HAVE COME, I AM PROUD OF WHAT WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED AND EXCITED ABOUT THE FUTURE OF DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA.

Barred Owls And Pileated Woodpeckers

Here's a shout-out for the Howard Conservancy's blog, which has a short piece and pics on its recent adoption of an injured barred owl.

This owl broke its metacarpals (basically its finger tips) at the end of one of its wings. The bones died after the break and cannot heal as a result. Not fully flighted, the owl can fly short distances. The Conservancy will be using the owl in education programs for elementary schoolers, summer campers and the general public.

An earlier post focused on a pileated woodpecker sighting, who unlike Woody are typically shy and not easily observed. Pileated woodpeckers stay together in their territory all year long, and prefer to make their nests in large trees. This pair was interested in our suet cake feeder, but they normally feed on carpenter ants and wood boring beetles.

Economic Survival Lessons

The title of this series of seminars references the recession, which most analysts say is likely over, but a little education on how to manage finances never hurts. Who knows, we could be in the soup again.

From HoCo gov:

Howard County Housing to Offer 3-Part Series on Surviving the Recession

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County’s Housing will host a three-part educational series, “Surviving the Recession.” Each will feature a keynote speaker, special guests and Howard County Housing staff will be on hand to answer any questions.

Session #1 – The Balancing Act: Budgeting, Spending and Credit
· Date: Saturday, January 30, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
· Location: 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Room 6, Columbia
· Topic: The roadmap to your financial future starts with a plan; learn about creating a budget and how to build credit.

Session #2 – Savings: Making a Little Into Much
· Date: Saturday, February 20, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
· Location: Oakland Mills Village Center, The Other Barn, 5851 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia
· Topic: Now more than ever saving must be a key component of your financial strategy. Having a plan to build your nest egg is essential to your savings success. Learn how to start today.

Session #3 – Homeownership: Securing Your Most Valuable Asset
· Date: Saturday, March 20, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
· Location: 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Room 6, Columbia
· Topic: Buying a home is one of the most significant investments that you will make in your lifetime. Learn about buying a home and heading off foreclosure.

While these workshops are free, seating is limited and reservations are required; to make your reservation call (410) 313-3441. For more information on the series, to learn about homeownership opportunities in Howard County and the upcoming Housing Fair, contact Howard County Housing at (410) 313-6320 or visit them online.

Driver Indicted In River Hill Crash

The Sun reports that David Erdman, 22, the driver of a pickup that flipped last year, killing a River Hill high school football player has been indicted on several counts.

Among the charges were driving under the influence of alcohol, vehicular homicide and manslaughter. Steven Dankos, 17, of Clarksville was riding in the truck bed and died at the scene. Erdmann's brother Thomas, one of Dankos' close friends and a teammate on the River Hill football team, was hurt in the crash.

HoCo Seeks $250,000 For Symphony Woods

HoCo's state delegation is seeking $250,000 from Maryland to help the Columbia Association pay for design and development of our Not-Quite-Central Park.

CA would only get the money if it puts up its own matching funds, according to the proposed bond request.

The Sun's ExploreHoward blog says at least one member of the delegation -- Senate Minority Leader Allan Kittleman -- agreed to submit the request to the state, but said he probably would not support any bond bills because of the state's financial troubles.

The Downtown Amendments

The real fun is about to begin. The council is about to amend its proposed legislation for guiding downtown development, and there's already a bunch of changes being considered.

For instance, Amendment A focuses on redevelopment of the Symphony Woods area, including the possibility of a children's theater to go along with a "new and improved" Toby's dinner theater. Some 15,000 new trees would be planted and the central library could be moved and turned into an “Experience Library,” an intellectual, interactive learning center combining visual exhibitions with interesting architecture and typical library elements.”

And then there's an odd mention of Lord Cultural Resources which apparently "has been cultivating partnerships with established cultural institutions outside of Columbia with the intention of developing a presence within Downtown Columbia and possibly, opening a satellite exhibition space.”

Amendment F would turn the mall into its own special neighborhood. We'd be interested to hear from the zoning sleuths what the significance of that might be.

Amendment G says the county wants more streets downtown, and plans to turn the mall ring roads into proper public thoroughfares. Amendment I serves notice that traffic is going to get worse and we should get used to a "higher critical lane volume" than exists for the rest of the county.

Amendment K would allow buildings in certain parts of downtown to be 20 stories tall.

Amendment L is for the bikers. It says General Growth "will complete the first multi-use pathway from Blandair Park on Columbia’s east side, through Oakland Mills Village Center,linking Downtown Columbia, Symphony Woods and Howard Community College and Howard County Hospital on Columbia’s west side. Inclusive in this program will be a renovation of the existing Route 29 bridge to include new decorative guard rails allowing clear sightlines to vehicular traffic, resurfacing of the surfaces, enhanced and decorative lighting, potential video security and other enhancements to assure greater aesthetics and security of path users.”

For a complete rundown of the amendments, Council member Calvin Ball sent this summary out:

Good afternoon,

Thank you for your interest in the redevelopment of Downtown Columbia. Community involvement and feedback is important part of this process and I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions regarding Council Bill 58-2009, a General Plan Amendment, and Council Bill 59-2009, a Zoning regulations Amendment.

As you have been following these bills, I would like to take this time to update you on the Amendment process that has been moving forward. I want to make sure you have an opportunity to review the draft amendments below before our upcoming Public hearing.

The Council’s Public Hearing will be held Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at the Board of Education, 10910 Route 108, Ellicott City, MD 21042 at 7:30 p.m. If you are unable to attend, you can also view the session online.

This is the current tabled legislation as amended: Amended_CB58-2009 & Amended_CB59-2009

DRAFT AMENDMENTS

Draft Amended CB58-Amendment A clarifies language relating to Symphony Woods.

Draft Amended CB59 Amendment B would remove the environmental enhancement options for the replacement of downtown parkland.

Draft Amended CB58 Amendment C clarifies the table of contents of the attachment.

Draft Amended CB58 Amendment D clarifies alternative financing mechanisms.

Draft Amended CB59 Amendment E clarifies phasing.

Draft Amended CB58 Amendment F clarifies language relating to the Mall.

Draft Amended CB58 Amendment G clarifies a preference for public streets in Downtown.

Draft Amended CB58 Amendment H clarifies that references to General Growth Properties are intended to include its affiliates and any successors, assigns or purchasers.

Draft Amended CB58 Amendment I clarifies critical lane volume requirements.

Draft Amended CB58 Amendment J replaces the existing Downtown Revitalization Phasing Plan found on page 41 with the attached revised Downtown Revitalization Phasing Plan.

Draft Amended CB58 Amendment K changes the maximum building heights

Draft Amended CB58 Amendment L clarifies language relating to bicycle routes and adds language relating to the path between Blandair and Howard County General

Draft Amended CB58 Amendment M adds certain requirements to preserve the former Rouse Company Headquarters building.

Draft Amended CB59 Amendment N makes certain changes to open space preservation and enhancement requirements in order to:

1. Remove certain redundant language;
2. Reorganize certain language;
3. Clarify the nature of future sites for downtown community commons; and
4. Clarify what happens if downtown community commons are identified in excess of the requirement.

Draft Amended CB59 Amendment O clarifies chart compliance determinations

Draft Amended CB58 Amendment P requires the petitioners for Downtown Revitalization to submit Site Development Plans to the Design Advisory Panel prior to review by the Planning Board.

Draft Amended CB58 Amendment Q replaces the current CEPPA chart with the attached revised chart

This information, including draft amendments, are subject to change. I invite you to visit our Web site for the most up to date information.

As always, please feel free to contact my office at 410-313-2001 if you have questions or comments.

All the best,

Dr. Calvin Ball
Council Member, District 2
http://www.co.ho.md.us/CountyCouncil/Dist2_Bio.htm
410-313-2001

Summer School

Depending on the weather, HoCo students could be going to classes during the first week of summer next year.

From the HoCo schools:

The Board of Education approved the proposed academic calendar for the 2010-2011 school year by a vote of 6-2, with Allen Dyer and Sandra French casting the dissenting votes based on concerns with the school year extending past mid-June.

The approved calendar sets August 24 as the first teacher day and August 30 as the first student day. Schools and offices will be closed on September 14 for the primary election and November 2 for the general election. Winter Break begins on December 24 and runs through January 2. Spring Break begins on April 18 and extends through April 25.

The last day is set for June 16, with June 17-22 designated as inclement weather make-up days if needed. The approved academic calendar is available on the school system's Web site.

Tot Lots On Chopping Block

We spent many, many, many hours at the neighborhood tot lot when the Talk Team was tiny. There is nothing like sitting on a swing on a summer day. But then again these are new times...apparently, according to this story on the Sun's ExploreHoward blog

By eliminating 35 of Columbia’s 171 tot lots, about four a year for the next 10 years, the organization would reduce on maintenance costs for playgrounds no longer in great demand, said Rob Goldman, CA’s chief operating officer.

“Many of our tot lots, based on the changing demographics of our community, are never used or rarely used,” Goldman told residents and members of CA’s Board of Directors at a budget presentation Wednesday.

The high school locks up its fields. The county builds these indoor playdomes. You have to have a permit for this or a reserved time for that. More and more, it seems, the world wants us to just stay indoors.

HoCo Restaurant Weeks Return

Local eateries have their own Restaurant Week Web site with all the details, though to be honest we haven't been exactly wowed by the deals in the past.

Now through the end of the month, at more than 25 establishments special prix fixe menus range from $10.10 to $40.10.

Tuition Hike Looms At HCC

Everywhere we turn, folks are talking about charging more it seems. Now it is Howard Community College, where the administration is proposing a $2-a-credit tuition hike, according to the Sun.

The proposed tuition increase would keep Howard's rate the highest in Maryland, though slightly under Montgomery College's if fees are included. Howard charges $114 per credit in tuition, with $19 per credit in fees. Montgomery charges $102 per credit in tuition, but adds $34 per credit in fees. Harford Community College is the state's cheapest for students, at $77 per credit with $9 added in fees.

[HCC's vice president for finance, Lynn Coleman] pointed out that $14 of the current $114 per credit tuition pays for scholarships for needy students and debt on new buildings.

The Life Of A UMd Walk-on

WaPo has a nice feature catching up with UMd basketball walk-on David Pearman, who used to light it up at Oakland Mills.

In about 2 1/2 seasons with the Terrapins, Pearman, a 6-foot-6 junior guard, has played a grand total of 31 minutes. This, he has learned, is the plight of a non-scholarship player. Instead, Pearman's role -- one teammates describe as highly valuable and one he has come to embrace -- is that of chief mimicker.

He dons a black jersey in practice and pretends to be the best shooter an upcoming opponent will have to offer. When game time comes, Pearman snaps out of character to provide useful insights on an opponent's schemes, with which by that point he is well familiar.

There were other opportunities for Pearman coming out of Oakland Mills High, of course. He could have accepted offers from Elon or Rhode Island or Wagner, among others, but Pearman chose to endure as a non-scholarship player because he had dreamed of being a Terrapin his entire life.

"He used to get recruiting calls, and then I'd hand the phone off to him, and then he was just monotone talking to these people," said Don Pearman, who has worked in the Maryland athletics academic support unit since 1992. "He didn't show any enthusiasm, any interest, and I asked him one day after a conversation, I said, 'What's the matter with you?' He says: 'I'm flattered, but I don't want to go to these schools. I want to go to Maryland.' "

In addition to basketball, the story says Pearman has taken an interest in music lately, forming a group called the Uphill Rockers. According to one of his bandmates, Pearman is confident he'll find success there, too:

"He's like: 'I've always been planning to play Maryland basketball, and I ended up playing basketball for Maryland. That was my plan, and now I'm planning on getting big and we're going to get big.' He's an extremely, extremely driven individual."

College Costs In Md. Going Up

Swell, no sooner does the Talk Team arrive on campus then comes news that state lawmakers are going to lift a freeze on tuition costs at public universities.

Lawmakers said tuition could go up 3 percent next year.

This from WaPo:

At the beginning of the 2009-10 academic year, Maryland ranked as 17th most expensive nationwide for overall four-year public tuition and fees, at $7,485; Virginia was 15th, at $7,952.

Commuting To School By The Numbers

Anyone who finds themselves on Route 108 --- or near any other high school -- around the start of the day probably won't find this surprising. We have to navigate our own mini-gridlock in the mornings around Oakland Mills middle and high.

From an e-mail note to River Hill parents:

Did you know that River Hill HS averages –

300 cars in the drop off lane (Car loop)

250 seniors and 150 staff who all park on campus

18 buses that drop off at RHHS

EVERY DAY!

CA Wants Raises, More Planners But No Towels

CA's proposed budget would cut proposed merit raises from 3 to 2 percent and cut the bonus pool in half, and it would create a "service bureau" of planners and consultants to oversee the community association's role in the redevelopment of downtown Columbia, according to this account on the ExploreHoward blog.

Towel service at the athletic clubs, though, was deemed too extravagant for these environmentally conscious times. The service would end Nov. 1.

According to Rafia Siddiqui, CA’s vice president of administrative services, CA uses 4.5 million gallons of water, 5,500 gallons of laundry detergent and 3,500 gallons of bleach annually to clean towels. Aside from CA’s desire to reduce chemicals that run into wastewater, cutting the towel service is estimated to save about $391,00 in the first year, and a cumulative $5 million over 10 years, she said.

"People do want this service,” Siddiqui said. “It’s very difficult to get rid of something they’ve had for years. But this is a different day. We are concerned about the environment and the amount of chemicals. We’re trying to be as green as possible.” ...

This environmental analysis confused us. If we didn't use CA's towels, wouldn't we use our own? And wouldn't we have to wash them at some point?

HoCo Schools Seek Increase In Budget

The Sun's ExploreHoward blog says the schools superintendent is asking for $664.8 million, not counting the cost of staff raises, which can be one of the larger expenses the system faces.

The budget proposal is $8.1 million more than the system's current $656.7 million operating budget -- a 1 percent increase -- and will add seven new teaching positions while not filling nine maintenance and service positions that are currently vacant, Cousin said. No layoffs are contemplated for the school system at this time, Cousin said.

Cousin's plan does not address the issue of staff raises because the school system is currently negotiating with different employee groups, Cousin said. He declined to comment on whether he anticipated raises, citing ongoing negotiations.

Hammond Fire Intentionally Set

We heard the rumors from some of our readers. Now the principal confirms. The auditorium fire was intentionally set and authorities are investigating. (btw we are double posting on the original post as well)

From a note to parents from the principal:

Principal’s Message…

Yesterday, January 7th, Hammond High School experienced an intentionally set fire our in our auditorium. The prompt response of school staff and the fire department, combined with the safety systems that are in place, resulted in the fire being quickly contained. The professional actions of the Hammond High School staff, Security Assistant, and School Resource Officer (SRO) also resulted in a safe evacuation of the school. I applaud the reaction of the students to the fire and evacuation. Every staff member has reported that the students followed directions throughout the incident, responding appropriately to the gravity of the situation.

Personnel from the Howard County Public School System responded quickly and arrived at Hammond High School to assist us. The personnel from HCPSS Building Services Division have done a tremendous job cleaning up after the fire. The damage to the auditorium was extensive enough to temporarily close the auditorium for public use. The projected date to have the facility accessible is January 18th.

I am well aware that having someone intentionally set a fire at Hammond High School is very disconcerting for the staff, students and parents of this community. Please know that the Fire Marshall has an ongoing investigation regarding the fire. The staff, school administration, and the SRO following up on any information we receive regarding the possible suspects. We need the additional ears of the community to help reveal the person or persons responsible for introducing this level of danger in our school. Please contact the school administration or SRO at 410-313-7615 if you have any information that will assist us in completely removing this danger from our school.

Police Investigating ATM Robberies

From HoCo PD:

Howard County police are investigating several recent robberies at automatic teller machines and remind residents to use caution to prevent becoming a victim.

Since October, police have responded to five incidents where suspects approached victims as they made transactions at both walk-up and drive-through ATMs. The cases do not appear to be related.

In the most recent case, a victim was approached on Tuesday at approximately 4:50 p.m. at the Bank of America ATM in the 8600 block of Guilford Road in Columbia. The suspect opened the victim’s passenger door at a drive-through ATM, sat down, displayed a gun and demanded cash. The victim complied, and the suspect fled on foot.

To ensure personal safety and security, police suggest citizens follow the following 10 tips.

1. Choose an ATM that is well-lit and free of shrubbery, signs or other items that obstruct your view. When possible, use ATMs during daylight hours. If you must use an ATM at night, avoid approaching an occupied ATM. Wait for the other person to leave the area. If possible, bring a friend if you must use an ATM at night.

2. Prepare transaction paperwork ahead of time. Have your ATM card and other necessary paperwork accessible to reduce transaction time so you do not have to fumble in your purse or wallet.

3. Be aware of your surroundings. Scan the area for suspicious people or vehicles. At night, circle the area once in your car to check the area. If you do not feel comfortable, return at another time.

4. Stay alert during your transaction. Avoid distractions, such as talking on the phone or listening to music.

5. When entering your PIN, shield the keypad from the view of others who may be watching.

6. If you withdrawal cash, remove it immediately. Do not count cash in plain sight.

7. Obtain a receipt for your transaction, and keep it in a safe location. Do not leave it at the ATM or throw it in the trash at the ATM.

8. If you are using a drive-through ATM, lock your car doors, and make sure your passenger and rear windows are up.

9. If you are confronted by a robber demanding cash or valuables, comply. No amount of money is worth risking your life.

10. If someone follows you after your transaction, walk to a well-lit, crowded area. If you are in a vehicle, drive to a police station.

Citizens are reminded to immediately report suspicious activity, robbery or fraud to police by calling 911.

Yield To Pedestrians

Kilimanjaro Road in Oakland Mills is like a lot of streets in Columbia. It's curvey, tree-lined, has a slight rise here, a dip there, and runs by schools, townhouses and single-family neighborhoods.

Oh, and the speed limit is 25 mph, not that anyone pays attention much.

But that may be changing.

Check out the list of measures the village is talking about to improve pedestrian safety:

The safety of students/pedestrians on Kilimanjaro Road is not a new issue. It is one that the community has been concerned with and discussing for years. Despite the conversations, there has been no resolution to improving the safety along the roadway.

Most recently however our discussions reached a new level. In November the board hosted a presentation with Diane Schwartzman, HC Chief of Traffic, Officer Russ Burris, HC Police, Frank Eastham, OMHS Principal and concerned parents and residents of Kilimanjaro Road. (Cindy Dillon, OMMS Principal was unable to attend but has been an integral part of our discussions.)

((The village also sent a shout-out to HoCo council member Calvin Ball, who represents the area))

The focus was on the student/pedestrian crossings both at the Middle and High Schools. As a result of the meeting the following will occur:

* Signs will be installed on each side of the road at the pedestrian crossings alerting drivers that fines double in school zones for those who do not stop at crossings for pedestrians. (early 2010)

* Middle road sign posts will be installed on April 1 through Dec. 1 stating the law to stop at crossings and fines for breaking the law.

* Additional “flashing signs on poles” will be installed so that there is one in each direction at each school zone. (Summer, 2010)

* HC Police will monitor the roadway. There will be no tolerance for those who disobey the law. (immediately)

* We will ask for a study to determine if the crossing at the middle school falls within the parameters to have a crossing guard assigned.

* We will ask county to review the roadway to determine if safer pedestrian crossings can be located at both OMHS and OMMS and determine where the crossings should be located.

Despite our best efforts the main issue is that drivers MUST obey the law - speed limit and school zone. It has been documented the “offenders” most often live in the neighborhood. Safety most certainly begins at home.

Please start the new year off by doing your part to make sure when traveling in your automobile, no matter where, that you obey the traffic laws and that you always think safety first.

Fire At Hammond High

UPDATE2: From the principal (1/8/2010)

Principal’s Message…

Yesterday, January 7th, Hammond High School experienced an intentionally set fire our in our auditorium. The prompt response of school staff and the fire department, combined with the safety systems that are in place, resulted in the fire being quickly contained. The professional actions of the Hammond High School staff, Security Assistant, and School Resource Officer (SRO) also resulted in a safe evacuation of the school. I applaud the reaction of the students to the fire and evacuation. Every staff member has reported that the students followed directions throughout the incident, responding appropriately to the gravity of the situation.

Personnel from the Howard County Public School System responded quickly and arrived at Hammond High School to assist us. The personnel from HCPSS Building Services Division have done a tremendous job cleaning up after the fire. The damage to the auditorium was extensive enough to temporarily close the auditorium for public use. The projected date to have the facility accessible is January 18th.

I am well aware that having someone intentionally set a fire at Hammond High School is very disconcerting for the staff, students and parents of this community. Please know that the Fire Marshall has an ongoing investigation regarding the fire. The staff, school administration, and the SRO following up on any information we receive regarding the possible suspects. We need the additional ears of the community to help reveal the person or persons responsible for introducing this level of danger in our school. Please contact the school administration or SRO at 410-313-7615 if you have any information that will assist us in completely removing this danger from our school.

UPDATE: From HoCo schools:

Hammond High School parents,

This afternoon at approximately 12:40pm, Hammond High School was evacuated when a fire was discovered on the stage in the auditorium. The HCPSS Public Information Office erroneously reported to you that students were dismissed at 1:00 pm. We apologize for this error and any inconvenience that it caused.

In fact, after checking the all areas of the school, Fire and Rescue officials allowed students and staff to enter school’s cafeteria and media center areas at around 1:30pm. From there each class was allowed to return to their classrooms to collect their belongings. Students were dismissed at approximately 2:00pm.

The fire was extinguished quickly and officials are investigating the cause. There were no injuries. The building is being aired out this evening and only the auditorium will be closed to use tomorrow.

Patti Caplan

HCPSS Director of Public Relations

EARLIER: From an initial e-mail alert the school sent to parents:

Hammond High School is dismissing students at 1pm due to a fire on the auditorium stage. The fire is under control but Fire and Rescue personnel have not given the administration approval to reenter the building. No reported injuries. Buses have been dispatched and are expected to arrive by 1:35pm.

Charges Dropped In Halloween Shooting

Boy o' boy, isn't this curious after all the commentary coming from the police and county executive.

WaPo via AP says murder charges have been dropped against Devon Dixon accused in a Halloween party shooting in Clarksville that killed a Silver Spring man and paralyzed another guest.

State's Attorney Dario Broccolino says there wasn't sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. Dixon was charged with killing 19-year-old Aaron Brice of Silver Spring and paralyzing 22-year-old Nathaniel Quick of Columbia.

Police say Dixon remains in the Howard County detention center on unspecified charges. No other warrants have been issued but police say the investigation remains "very active."

The Sun's ExploreHoward blog says Dixon is being held "on a gun charge and a charge of possession with intent to distribute marijuana..."

More from the Sun:

Ivan Bates, another of Dixon’s attorneys, said Wednesday that he had about seven witnesses who could testify that Dixon was not at the scene of the shooting. He said the gun that was found in the house where Dixon was arrested was registered to the owner of the house and was not in Dixon’s possession.

Bates also said police should have checked cell phone records and interviewed all possible witnesses before arresting him.

“I was very bothered because it was definitely a rush” to arrest Dixon, he said.

River Hill Supports Its Own

In a letter to the River Hill High School community, published in the school's e-letter, the Erdman family offered thanks for the support it has received following the tragic accident that claimed the life of football teammate Steve Danko.

The note made us reflect once again on the ramifications such an incident engenders.

Each day that passes since the morning of the accident I wonder how each of us will get by. I will tell you that because of yourselves and the rest of the River Hill community we get through each day. The support has been incredible and we are thankful. To those that stopped by or provided meals, it meant so much and truly helped our family. We want to thank all of you for your prayers and words of comfort. I am sure the Davis family has felt your presence as well.

The most amazing thing has been the kids. I will tell you that each of us has been truly blessed by their continued support of both Thomas and David. They are a wonderful group of young adults.

Kindest regards,

Dave, Wanda, David, Kelsey and Thomas

Chesapeake Bay Fail

 The start of a new decade is always a time to take measure of what we've accomplished -- or not. WaPo's David Fahrenthold offered this observation about efforts to clean the Chesapeake Bay:

On Tuesday morning, it became official that the government-led cleanup of the Chesapeake Bay had missed its grandest, most ambitious deadline. In 2000, state and federal leaders had agreed to solve the Chesapeake's pollution problems "by 2010." 

Here it was, 2010, and efforts to reduce bay pollution from manure, fertilizer and sewage were more than 40 percent short of their goals. 

But as the governors of Virginia and Maryland and the head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency met for a summit on the Chesapeake, none of them even mentioned the shortfall. Instead, they made a new pledge.

 This time, we're serious.

How far do we have to go?


EPA statistics show that states have taken measures that will achieve just 58 percent of the promised reduction in phosphorus and nitrogen, the bay's most troublesome pollutants, which are found in treated sewage, farm manure, septic leaks and lawn fertilizer. Even if the deadline was meant to be the end of 2010, the states won't come close.

Bobo Stands Alone On Booze Tax

The Sun says it could find only one HoCo state lawmaker willing to support without qualification a 10-cent-per-drink tax increase on beer, wine and liquor: State Del. Elizabeth Bobo.

"I think it just makes a whole lot of sense. I think it's time to do it." Bobo isn't naive about political realities, however.

"We have a very strong liquor lobby," she said, but "to have that much fear of one segment of the economy is not good."

Several groups, and the Sun's editorial board, are pushing the idea in part to deal with the state's fiscal troubles. Two Johns Hopkins researchers estimated that a drink tax could raise $214 million in new revenue next fiscal year. In addition, they argue that higher prices for alcoholic beverages will help public health by reducing consumption. Maryland's tax on hard liquor was last raised in 1955, while beer and wine taxes increased last in 1972 - an unusually long length of time that many suspect is because of generous liquor industry campaign contributions to state legislators through the years.

Booze taxes are no doubt controversial. We've already heard from a Republican challenger to Bobo. John Bailey IV cited the harm a tax would bring to the liquor sellers.


Liz Bobo obviously does not or understand the tough position small business owners are facing.  An increase in the cost of  alcohol would negatively impact sales and would hurt an industry that has already faced a downturn  due to citizens cutting back on spending. 

Then again, Bailey said we shouldn't be raising any taxes: The answer to solving the budget problem is to make budget cuts.

Well, it easy to see where he stands.

Resolved: To Eat Like An Iron Chef

We had fun watching the "Iron Chef America" last night, which pitted "supers chefs" Bobby Flay and White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford against Emeril Lagasse and Mario Batal . The mystery ingredient was vegetables from the White House garden. And there was a local hook, Comerford is a New Town resident -- so we claim her as our own.

So do those of Filipino heritage. This, from the ABS-CBN  news service:

Cristeta Comerford joined the White House kitchen as assistant chef during the Clinton administration.

 She was promoted as Executive Chef by former First Lady Laura Bush in 2005, and reappointed by Mrs. Obama in 2009 because of her dish's emphasis on healthy cuisine.

 Comerford earned her Bachelor of Science in Food Technology diploma from the University of the Philippines and has 26 years of culinary experience in kitchens from Washington D.C. to Chicago, and from Austria to France.

 She lives in Columbia, Maryland with husband John (also a chef) and 7-year-old daughter named Danielle, who has reportedly showed signs of following in her parents' footsteps. 

The Flay-Comerford team bested Lagasse and Batali. Again from ABS report:

The Lagasse and Batali dishes comprised of a scallop with radish and fennel salad; an oyster and salad trio featuring several White House greens; sweet potato and ricotta ravioli; a succulent lardo- wrapped quail and turkey wrapped rice and spinach duet; and dessert of sweet corn beignet with an orange liquor-spiked chicory coffee.

 Comerford and Flay countered with dishes featuring a fennel and apple salad with oyster; garden salad with lobster and crispy squid; a delightful broccoli clam chowder (that Mrs. Comerford said was Filipino-inspired); a 7-vegetable All-American barbecue dish that incorporated grilled pork, collard  greens tamale, cauliflower cheese, and pickled watermelon radish.

 For the coup de grâce (deathblow), Comerford and Flay served up a meringue sweet potato tart.

 "I told her don't be afraid to use her Filipino background, which have a lot of flavors there," Flay said of Comerford.

 Following suit, Comerford tried to infuse ginger, lemongrass and other herbs to bring the best out of the vegetables, which she has often pointed out, is the building block of many traditional Filipino dishes.