Welcome to the Community of Annapolis Roads

Community Preservation News

Top Story (June 16, 2009)

Letter to the Community from the ARPOA Board President

Dear ARPOA members,

There has been much talk in the community about one particular proposal for the future of the Annapolis Roads Golf Course. Many residents have contacted me to say that that they feel they need more information from the community's leadership in order to evaluate the merits of the proposal. At the moment, the best way to understand the proposal in context is to go to the website at www.annapolisroads.net, where we’ve posted as much information as we legally can. It’s a good place to familiarize yourself with the history of the golf course, the existing covenants, and the participants in the current proposal. There is plenty of information to read, and you will learn about our long relationship with a property that is central to our community.

The most pressing concern right now is the Annexation Petition submitted to the City of Annapolis by the owner of the golf course. There are no public hearings presently scheduled, so there is no public forum available yet for the community's response. Our first step is to evaluate the legality of the Annexation Petition. With that knowledge, our community's response will emerge, based on well grounded legal opinion and facts. The Board has engaged an attorney to look into both the legality of the Petition and ARPOA's options. Our attorney has instructed the Board to not react to the Annexation Petition until he has reviewed the matter. I do want to assure you that this Board is, as we have been in the past, way out in front of this issue. The Board will call a community meeting as soon as we feel sure that meeting would benefit our residents and that issues can be more fully addressed.

I speak for the Board when I say that we are always interested in hearing the concerns and ideas you have about preserving the character of our unique and exceptional community. If you have any questions, please contact any Board member. If you’d like to be more involved in community activities and challenges, attend Board meetings, or join a Committee so you may contribute not only your good ideas but the wonderful improvements our residents bring to the community.

In that vein, and on a lighter note, please visit the Community Beach to see how much work your volunteering neighbors have put into renovating the Overlook, adding trees and shrubs to protect against erosion, and new playground equipment to make the overlook an even more frequent destination for our member's families. Special thanks to Nancy & Pierre Motrier for the design and implementation, to Misty Dragano for mobilizing the Mom’s Club and somehow getting all those Dads out there to work with Dave Buemi to assemble the new and delightful kids' play set. I hope to see you and your family at the Community Picnic on Saturday, June 27, 2009.

Sincerely,

Anastasia Hopkinson

President, ARPOA

Additional information about the history and chronology of the golf course can be found at: historical chronology of golf course

ARPOA volunteers assemble play set at The Overlook (June 13, 2009)

>>See more pictures

Residents re-plant and clean up at the April 4, 2009 overlook and beach clean up event. Volunteers planted over 300 plants in just 3 hours!

                    
                    Volunteers Needed 
                    for Overlook Benches, Tables and Play-set Installation
                    
                     June 
                    13 & 14

                    
                    The revetment is complete, the plants are taking root and 
                    doing well and we will now finish the Overlook with 20 year 
                    warranty tables, benches and play-sets. By installing the 
                    fixtures ourselves, we save thousands of dollars. We’ll have 
                    a supervisor from the equipment supply company managing the 
                    process, but we need volunteers to do the actual assembly 
                    and ground installation. Here’s what we need:

                    
                    1)      INSTALLATION 
                    OF EQUIPMENT:  
                    To install the playset, swings and new picnic tables, we 
                    need 15-18 volunteers for the two days. We need both men or 
                    women as the tasks run from simple assembly, managing parts 
                    to more heavy lifting work including masonry and light 
                    construction.  We would ask to not have any one under the 
                    age of 16 volunteering on the first day out of safety 
                    concerns. If there are any teens who are interested in 
                    helping, Sunday would be great because there will be lots of 
                    clean up work. 

                    
                    If you are interested or know anyone who’s interested in 
                    helping, please sign up with Dave Buemi by sending an email 
                    to 
                    
                    overlook.fixture.install at gmail dot com.  Plans 
                    are to start at 8 each morning and go through afternoon.  If 
                    you only volunteer 1 of the two days, or part of each day 
                    that's fine too. Just let Dave know your availability.

                    
                    2)      DRINKS, 
                    SNACKS, ETC:  
                    Since it will be a long  two days, I’d like some volunteers 
                    to provide snacks and drinks.  We’ll keep it simple – some 
                    bagels and coffee in the am and snacks later through the 
                    day.  We’ll ask each volunteer to bring their own lunch or 
                    have a break for them to run home. 

                    
                    
                    Thanks again to the community for your ongoing support. When 
                    these fixtures are installed, we will have a high 
                    functioning, enjoyable and safe area with a spectacular 
                    view!

                    
                    Please sign up by sending an email to:  overlook.fixture.install 
                    at gmail dot com.

Neighbors of Annapolis Roads,

As many of you may know the Board of Annapolis Roads has been hard at work improving the Overlook so it can be a community gathering place for the entire community. The revetment to protect the land from further erosion is complete. In addition, new picnic tables, benches and a play set has been ordered and will be installed in time for our Community Picnic.

To help defray the costs of this wonderful renovation, we are holding two events to celebrate our new community gathering place during our Community Picnic on June 27^th.

1) 50/50 Raffle: Tickets will be sold for $10/piece with 50% of the proceeds to the winner ant 50% to community. The drawing will be held at the community picnic June 27^th at 3:00 p.m.

HOW YOU CAN HELP?

· Tickets will also be on sale at the community picnic, so don’t forget your wallets!

· If you’re interested in purchasing or helping sell tickets, please contact Kari Shea

2) Silent Auction: We will hold a silent auction of various products and services donated from neighbors and local businesses. We already have great items to bid on such as a week in a ocean front condo at Myrtle Beach, restaurant gift certificates and more.

HOW YOU CAN HELP?

· The auction will take place at the community picnic so be sure check it out! Bids will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. Winners will pay at the picnic, so don’t forget your wallets!

· We also need great items donated! If you know a local business owner who is interested in free marketing, here’s a great opportunity. Or, perhaps you or your family can donate something. Ideas include: 50% dinner at a local restaurant, Gift certificates to local businesses, or custom gift baskets. You (or your teens!) could donate time to do fall leaf raking, lawn mowing, car wash, etc. If you secure an item to donate, please contact Jane Balsan.

Photos of American Bald Eagles courtesy of Skip Conover

Two eagle babies. Photo courtesy of Skip Conover

Mockingbird photograph courtesy of Skip Conover

Osprey fishing on Chase Pond. Photo courtesy of Skip Conover.

County Recycling News

In an effort to help educate Anne Arundel County residents about the
benefits of recycling and how easy it is for them, we have developed a
series of articles designed to help boost recycling in your neighborhood.

Attached is the second in our series of short, informative articles that
will help your residents begin to recycle more. As word gets out, your
neighborhood could reach the goal that County Executive John R. Leopold
established in March of 2008, challenging all County residents to recycle
at least 50% of everything they throw away.

We would very much appreciate you sharing this information with your
members - either through your community newsletter, website or email
communications. We will periodically send you more information about
recycling and other Waste Management Services information.

If you are not the correct contact person for your association, please let
us know. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at your
convenience.

Thanks for your time!

Robb Fish
Recycling Project Specialist

Robb Fish
Recycling Program Specialist
Anne Arundel County
Waste Management Services
Phone: 410.222.7967
Fax: 410.222.4484

www.RecycleMoreOften.com ( http://www.recyclemoreoften.com/ )
At Home, at Work and on the Go!

Recycling Information

Anne Arundel County Recycles. More. Often. and You Can Too!

How can I recycle MORE?

Are you a resident who already recycles as much as you can? If yes, are you sure?

Please know that recycling is easy in Anne Arundel County. Most people recycle items that come from the kitchen, but what about your home office? Laundry room? Family or kid’s room?

You may be surprised to know that recent surveys at the landfill have shown that at least half of what is thrown away COULD be recycled. Recycling makes good environmental and economic sense. Recycling is an easy way to save energy, reduce pollution, save money and take better care of our environment.

So remember to place a recycling container next to each trash can in your home: in the office, bathroom, kitchen and laundry room. Paper, plastic, metal and glass can all be placed in the same container for collection.

You make a choice with every item you throw away, a choice between throwing it in the recycling container or throwing it in the trash can. We encourage you to recycle at home, at work and on the go. Please visit our new website at www.RecycleMoreOften.com or contact us at 410-222-7951 for a list of newly added accepted items to help boost your recycling and to take the 50/50 Challenge.

Watershed Stewards Training

Annapolis Roads borders two important bodies of water: L. Ogleton and the Severn River.

The County is willing to train one of our residents to be a Watershed Steward. The training is brief and the task is outdoors, scientific, sociable and fun. If you are interested, or know someone who would enjoy learning about protecting our Watersheds, please contact Susan Etgen, 410-222-3822.

Operation Clearwater

See link below for results of Operation Clearwater, a study conducted by Anne Arundel Community College professor Dr. Sally Horner.

http://ola4.aacc.edu/sghornor/op%20clearwater/Operation%20Clearwater%202008.htm

The EPA has determined that this group of bacteria is the best indicator of recent fecal contamination of recreational water. Water with enterococci counts (CFU) up to 104/100ml is considered safe for swimming or boating. Counts highlighted in red exceed that limit.

Some Tips on Preventing Home Burglaries

Every resident should be attentive to the security of their personal property, especially their home and
car. Here are some helpful hints.

1. Get to know your Annapolis Roads neighbors. Exchange names, phone numbers, and other information that makes your neighborhood become closer as friends and neighbors.

2. Leave a light on or use a timer for your lights if you will be away for a full day or longer.

3. Have the post office hold your mail and put your newspapers on vacation hold while you are away. As an alternative, ask one of your neighbors, relatives or friends to bring in your mail and newspapers and keep them for you until you return.

4. Consider installing a security system. These systems are more common now and fairly inexpensive to put in. The companies usually require you to sign a two year agreement.

5. Walk on your street regularly. Get to know which cars belong with a particular house. Meet neighbors that you have never talked to before.

6. Write down the license plate numbers and descriptions of strange vehicles and their occupants. Make a note of the day and time the vehicle was parked on your street.

7. Do not discuss private details with anyone who comes to your door trying to sell something or wanting information. Tell them to leave their card or other contact information on your front steps or porch and do not open the door until long after they have gone.

8. Do not leave mail in your mail box to be picked up later. Take it to the post office or hand it personally to the carrier.

9. Watch out for your Annapolis Roads neighbors. If you see someone or something that doesn’t seem right take a closer look.

10. Do not hesitate to let the police investigate. That's what we pay them for. If one has any suspicions or concerns about any person or their activity, please call 911. The police want to hear from us. They
welcome calls from residents.

If your are reluctant to dial an emergency number, phone this non-emergency police number 410-222-8610 to make any request or report.
Make the call!

Resident Liz Owens Smith-Mewha Helps Rehabilitate Young Eagle

ARPOA resident Liz Owens Smith-Mewha recently helped rehabilitate a young eagle by the name of Surfer Dude (so named for his blond head feathers). Surfer Dude was first rehabbed at the Wildlife Rescue, Inc. organization. Liz reports that "the juvi eagle was ready to be released which is why I was helping him 'migrate' down to the Pax River Park. The release went well and he flew like a champ and was 'greeted' by an adult female who heard him calling! This is the second bald eagle Wildlife Rescue, Inc. has rehabbed and successfully released this year."

For more information about the Wildlife Rescue, Inc., go to: www.wildliferescueinc.org

Surfer Dude

Recycle!

When? The County picks up recycled materials every Thursday morning.

Where? The county provides free bins at the Millersville Landfill, the Glen Burnie and Sudley Convenience Centers, and County offices at 2662 Riva Rd. Or, mark any container with an "X".

All recyclables (except yard waste) can be put in the same container.

Recyclables are later separated at a regional sorting center.

What can be recycled?"

Paper products of all types, including phone books, boxes, junk mail, shredded paper, magazines, hard/soft cover books, pizza boxes, etc.

Cans, bottles and jars made of glass, plastic, tin, steel and aluminum , including soda cans, water bottles, wine bottles, empty aerosol cans, etc.

Yard waste, including leaves, grass clippings, brush, branches (max 4 feet length), Xmas trees, hay/straw, etc. Yard waste should be bundled, bagged or put in a recycling container.

For more info, visit www.recyclemoreoften.com or phone 410-222-6100.

New Firehouse

The fire station on Arundel on the Bay began construction in the fall 2007.

AACo citizens first requested the firehouse in 1975 and the County acquired the land at the corner of Bay Ridge Rd. and Arundel on the Bay Rd. It was approved thirty-one years later, with the help of Councilwoman Barbara Samorajczyk, in 2006.

It will have three bays for the trucks; and, for the staff, sleeping quarters, changing rooms, an exercise room and a kitchen.

Firestation #8 opened on April 30, 2009. The official dedication was held on
June 4, 2009.

Check with your insurance agent to find out if the proximity of the
firestation lowers your house insurance.

The Firestation has been planned, talked about and removed from the
County budget for the last twenty years. The Annapolis Roads community
is grateful to the work of our former County Council representative
Barbara Samorajczyk and the Annapolis Neck Peninsula Association
volunteers, especially Bette Applegate who worked to get the firestation
funded and built, at last! By the way, Bette Applegate, who raised her
family in the Anchorage community, also worked diligently for many years
to get the bike lane established on Bay Ridge Rd. She's made great
contributions to us all and a tribute to what community involvement can do!

Our firestation has one fire truck with a water tank carrying 2,500
gallons. That's unusually large water tank. The station also has a
"turbo draft" which draws water at the rate of 500 gallons/minute (the
equivalent of 2 fire hoses) from any body of water within 200 feet and
with preferably an 18" water depth, e.g., river, lake, swimming pool.
Firestation #8 has one medic unit with an ambulance. Five employees
will be available, some of whom are the County's underwater divers.
County firefighters closely coordinate their training, dispatch and
activities with the City firefighters. Captain Daugherty is in charge.
The phone number is 410-222-8208. In any emergency, dial 911.

Our community has excellent emergency services, now!

Important Information...

Council District

Annapolis Roads is located within Council District 6.
Our County Council Official is Joshua J. Cohen. He can be contacted at Joshua.Cohen@aacounty.org, 410-222-1401. His legislative aid is Gail Smith at gail.smith@aacounty.org, same phone number as above.

For more information, visit the Anne Arundel County Council website.

Road District

We are located within the Central road district.
You can reach the maintenance district by calling (410) 222-7940.

For more information, visit the Bureau of Highways website.

Public Safety	Name	Address/Phone	Distance
Police Station:	Police	Non-emergencies: 410-222-8610
Fire Station:	Firestation #8 Annapolis Neck Peninsula	Bay Ridge Road 410-222-8208

Health & Public Svcs	Name	Address	Distance
County Payment Center:	Arundel Center	44 CALVERT ST	2.25 miles
Library:	Eastport-Annapolis Neck Branch Public Library	269 HILLSMERE DR	1.2 miles
Senior Center:	Annapolis Senior Activity Center	119 SOUTH VILLA	2.66 miles
Hospital:	Anne Arundel Medical Center	2001 MEDICAL PKWY	4.28 miles

Waste Management

Trash is collected on MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS and your recycling and yard waste is collected on THURSDAYS..

Collections are not made on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. No other holiday interrupts collections.
Your Holiday pick-up is based on SCHEDULE B.

See the Holiday Collection Schedule for specific information.

The nearest waste management convenience center is located at:

Sudley Convenience Center
5400 NUTWELL SUDLEY RD
DEALE, MD 20751
Distance: 11.07 (miles)

Overlook Plan

Click here to see a draft of the Overlook Plan. All comments and suggestions should be sent to Pierre at pierre@greenergardens.net

What's New?

ARPOA picnic: 1:00pm Saturday, June 27 at the Overlook (rain date: Sunday 6/28). Food & drink provided. Moon bounce for children. $10.00 non-resident guests. Candice Bigelow needs volunteers to help with set up/clean up. Contact her at clbigelow at verizon dot net. At the picnic we will be holding a silent auction and 50/50 raffle to help defray the costs of the new overlook fixtures. >> read more

Wade-In at the picnic...just what can you see in the water? Read Jon Kesler's article here.

Mosquito control: Spraying will start on June 3rd and end on September 30th on Wednesday nights between the hours of 7:30 PM and 3:30 AM.Anyone seeking an Exemption should contact Katie Brewer at BrewerKA at mda dot state dot md dot us

Dear Water Quality E-Alert Users:

From Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day, the Anne Arundel County
Department of Health has water sampling results for more than 100 County
beaches at http://aahealth.org/wqleadin.asp#sample

*NEW! Follow us on Twitter!* The Department's announcements on
recreational waterway closings and advisories are also available to cell
phone users through Twitter at twitter.com/aahealth_water.
Follow Us On Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/aahealth>

Recreational Water Quality Line
410-222-7999

new!! Watershed Steward page. Great information from Jon Kesler about our watershed.

Mom's Club Calendar of Events for 2008-2009. See details.....

How clean is our water? Find out from Operation Clearwater, a study conducted by AACC professor Dr. Sally Horner. Click here for more..

Directory sign up.

new!! Do you want to get up-to-date information via e-mail?? If so, then click on link below and join our mailing list!Mailing List

Overlook Plan drafted. See below for details!!

Corinne Irwin's Conservation Landscape Page