Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year!

We wish you, your family, and friends a very happy new year!

Have a great 2010!

Thank you to all those that have made Rodgers Forge such a fantastic community.
Best regards,

Rodgers Forge Community, Inc. Board of Governors

BCPD - Significant Events Report - Week of 12/21/2009

From the Baltimore County Police Department:

Click on the images for a larger view.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

BCPD - Significant Events Report - Week of 12/14/2009

Below is the BCPD's Significant Events report for your review.

As always, stay alert and call 911 if you see anything suspicious.




Questions & Concerns?

This is a regular post that allows you to comment with any questions or concerns.

The idea is to allow residents another avenue to communicate with the board and ask questions.

Comment away!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

County Christmas Tree Recycling Begins Monday, January 11

Towson, Md. (December 18, 2009) — The collection of Christmas trees for recycling will take place over a two-week period, beginning Monday, January 11, 2010. To ensure collection of Christmas trees, residents must have the trees out at the curb no later than Saturday, January 16.

Residents must follow these simple rules when placing their Christmas trees at the curb to be recycled:

Set out the tree only (no decorations, bags, tree stands, etc.)
Only set out trees at the front curb/street; trees will not be collected from alleys.


Collectors
Baltimore County collectors will pick up Christmas trees in standard trash/recycling trucks, and deliver them to County facilities to be chipped and later used as mulch. Baltimore County residents who live in an apartment or condominium should follow their concierge's or property manager's rules when recycling their Christmas trees. Residents who want to drop off Christmas trees themselves may do so starting Saturday, December 26, 2009.

Drop Off Locations
Residents may drop off their Christmas trees (no decorations, bags, tree stands, etc.) at one of the following County drop-off locations:

Western Acceptance Facility, off of the 4500 block of Hollins Ferry Road, in Halethorpe. Monday - Saturday, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Baltimore County Resource Recovery Facility, on Drop-off Drive, off Warren Road, in Cockeysville. Monday - Saturday, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Eastern Sanitary Landfill Solid Waste Management Facility, off of the 11400 block of Pulaski Highway, in White Marsh. Monday - Saturday, 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.


Directions
For directions to the County's three drop-off centers, Baltimore County residents may log onto www.baltimorecountymd.gov/recycling or call the Bureau of Solid Waste Management at 410-887-2000.

To visit the County's news release, click here.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Area Traffic Project - FYI

Dear Constituents,


I am writing to provide information on an upcoming construction-related traffic shift for the project to reconstruct the I-695/Charles Street interchange and rehabilitate the I-695 bridge over along Light Rail.


According to the State Highway Administration, on or about 8 p.m. Sunday night, December 20, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will install a long-term temporary split of the lanes along eastbound I-695 (Baltimore Beltway Inner Loop) between Exit 24, the I-83 North Interchange, and Exit 25, the MD 139 (Charles Street) Interchange, weather permitting.


Beginning 8 p.m. December 20, crews will remove and re-set highway pavement markings, concrete traffic barriers and overhead traffic signs along eastbound I-695 to create the new traffic pattern. During the night, the right lane of I-695 and the ramp from eastbound I-695 to Charles Street will be temporarily closed. Motorists wishing to reach Charles Street that night will be diverted to Exit 26, the York Road interchange, to westbound I-695 and back to the Charles Street interchange.


As of 6 a.m. Monday morning, December 21, weather permitting, the ramp from eastbound I-695 to Charles Street will re-open and the three lanes on eastbound I-695 between I-83 North and Charles Street will be split with concrete barriers separating the right lane from the center and left lanes. All lanes will be through lanes; however, motorists going from eastbound I-695 to Exit 25, MD 139 (Charles Street Interchange) must stay in the right lane to reach the exit ramp.


In case of inclement weather, the traffic shift will take place on the next night possible (December 21 or 22) before the Christmas holiday.


This traffic lane split is necessary for Phase Two of demolition and construction work on the I-695 bridge over the Light Rail tracks, originally built in 1954 and widened in 1969. SHA is rehabilitating the deck (riding surface) of this bridge as part of the $38 million I-695/Charles Street Interchange project. The bridge deck project is being done in three phases to allow all six lanes of the I-695 bridge over Light Rail to remain open to traffic during bridge rehabilitation work. During this phase, which begins the first week of January, crews will remove concrete from a section of the eastbound deck (riding surface) and replace it with new concrete.


Temporary overhead traffic signs and barriers will guide motorists through the work zone and temporary traffic patterns along eastbound I-695 between Exit 24, the I-83 North Interchange and Exit 25, the Charles Street Interchange. The State’s contractor for the entire I-695/Charles Street Interchange project is the Six-M Company of Delta, Pa. The traffic split will be in effect until spring 2010, weather permitting.


For more information about highway construction activities along I-695, citizens may contact SHA’s District Four Office at 410-229-2300, toll-free at 1-866-998-0367 or by email at shadistrict4@sha.state.md.us. Citizens may also contact the SHA project field office in Lutherville at 410-296-9041 for information regarding construction and traffic operations.


Very truly yours,

Delegate Susan L.M. Aumann

District 42 - Baltimore County

303 Lowe House Office Building

Annapolis, MD 21401

410-841-3258; FAX 410-841-3163

susan.aumann@house.state.md.us

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

BCPD - Significant Events Report - Week of 12/7/2009

Below is the weekly Significant Events Report from Precinct 6 - Towson.

Increased efforts by residents, Mike Calwells' Crime Prevention and Safety Committee, and Rob Williams's RFCOP continue to have a positive impact on issues in Rodgers Forge, but we all must stay vigilant and keep an eye out for anything suspicious.

If you see anything suspicitous, CALL 911!

CLICK ON THE IMAGES BELOW FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW.








Monday, December 14, 2009

RF Meeting Summary - November 2009

Below is a summary of the Rodgers Forge Community, Inc. board meeting held on November 11, 2009 at 7:00pm in the cafetorium of Rodgers Forge Elementary School.

CLICK ON THE IMAGES BELOW FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW.




Sunday, December 13, 2009

Gift Idea - 4th and 5th Graders Ski For FREE!

From Board member Pat Foretich:

Parents -

Need a Christmas gift idea for that 4th or 5th grader that says "I don't know" whenever you ask what they want for Christmas?

Pennsylvania offers a pragram where 4th and 5th greaders get free lift tickets (a savings of $40) once you complete the form at http://www.skipa.com/4thgrademain.htm.

The nearest Pennsylvania resorts that are 1 hour away are:
- Ski Liberty - http://www.skiliberty.com/lmr/index.aspx
- Ski Roundtop - http://www.skiroundtop.com/
- Whitetail - http://www.skiwhitetail.com/index.htm.

And don't forget that the Baltimore County public school kids are off January 26th (Friday) for Teacher Day, but not in Pennsylvania. Weekdays are less expensive for the tickets and equipment, PLUS the crowds are much smaller.


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !!!
- Pat

Saturday, December 12, 2009

RFCOP News - Suspicious Van Alert

From Rob Williams, RFCOP leader:
Suspicious Van Alert

On Friday, December 11 around 4:30am, a RFCOP
was stopped at the Rodgers Forge triangle. An older
white van had just pulled into the Forge from Stevenson
Lane and was at the stop sign. The van was hesitant to
move so the patrol flashed its lights.

The van eventually drove up Dumbarton Road. The patrol
turned around to see where the van was headed. The van
pulled onto Regester Avenue at about the first or second
house. The patrol came back up around and down Regester
Avenue. In less than 20 seconds, the van had disappeared.
It appeared that the driver backed up and left in the same
direction he came from.

The driver of the van was a black male. The van was white,
like an old box style van. The tag number began with the
numbers 305.

On several occasions recently in Rodgers Forge, suspicious
vehicles, notably vans, have been reported.

Also, please be aware that a Taurus, with Maryland tags,
KMT 869, has been reported to have been spotted at recent
break ins in Rodgers Forge and in surrounding communities.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Handbell choir to play at the Towson Public Library this Sunday at 2PM


From Towson Presbyterian Church:

Dear Friends,

Thought you'd like to know that the Towson Presbyterian Handbell choir willplay at the Towson Public Library on the corner of York and Chesapeake Ave.this Sunday afternoon at 2 PM. We'll be located at the bottom of the spiral.We've wanted to play in this space for years. It is a free performance and agood one to introduce the kids to handbells. You can come and stay as longas you'll like. We added Frosty for the young set.


I'll be playing the little bells and Mr. Chuck, my husband, will be playingthe big bells at the other end of the table. He's the tall one with thebeard. Maybe I should have him wear his Santa hat! I think my daughter,Colynn, will be playing the clarinet with us. She is playing a piece called"Christmas Tidings" and it rocks! Very bluesy!


Hope you'll drop by to hear a few pieces.


Happy holidays.


Lorene LaBerge

Speed Hump Update

An update from Beth Foster:

Speed hump construction on Heathfield and Dumbarton Roads is scheduled to begin next Monday, 12/14, weather permitting. During the 3-5 days of construction, there will be single lane closures with flaggers and reduced on-street parking. Please watch for posted signage instructing drivers NOT to park in designated areas.

This project will present a short-term inconvenience to residents, and will also affect RFES and DMS families. Parents are asked to please allow sufficient time for drop-off and pick-up. Consider walking, or carpool with another family if driving is necessary. Given the crew's work hours, the morning is likely to be more challenging than the afternoon. The "carpool" lines will be affected at some point, as humps are being constructed in the midst of those areas. Also, pedestrian ramps are being cut at the RFES crosswalk, though hopefully that work will take place mid-day.

Friday, December 4, 2009

West Towson Elementary School Boundary Meeting

WEST TOWSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PUBLIC FORUM

Wednesday, January 6, 2010, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
(Snow Date: Thursday, January 7, 2010, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM)

Loch Raven High School1212 Cowpens Avenue, Towson

You are invited to provide input to the school board on the proposed boundary for the new West Towson Elementary School. New boundary lines may include boundary changes at Hampton, Riderwood, and Rodgers Forge elementary schools.

At the Public Forum, participants will:

• Review options presented by the West Towson Boundary Committee
• Receive information on background data and area demographics
• Participate in a small group discussion and provide written comments
• Provide valuable input to the Board of Education via questionnaire

Directions: From the Beltway, take Exit 29 (Cromwell Bridge Road) and proceed east on Cromwell Bridge Road less than ¼ of a mile to the school on left.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Questions & Concerns?

This is a weekly post that allows you to comment with any questions or concerns.

The idea is to allow residents another avenue to communicate with the board and ask questions.

Comment away!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Towson Times Article on Crime in the Towson Area

The Towson Times published on 11/23/2009 an article about the rash of burglaries in the Towson area.

Here's the link to the article. Click here to read the article.

Rodgers Forge has not been immune to this spike in crime.

Mike Calwell (mikecalwell@gmail.com), the board's chair of the Crime Prevention and Safety Committee, and Rob Williams (RodgersForgeCOP@gmail.com), head of Rodgers Forge COP, have been working diligently to address the problem.

The bottom line is they need your help. Contact both Mike or Rob to see how you can help.

To borrow from Rob Williams, the least you can do is: LIGHTS ON, LOCK UP, & LOOK OUT!

# # #

Below is a response by Rob Williams, head of RF COP, that he sent to the Towson Times regarding this article:

In the article, "Towson area hit by rash of burglaries," the
Rodgers Forge community was portrayed as being somewhat
in a desperate state because of the crimes that are neighborhood
had experienced. That is not the truth. I find it strange that
though you single out Rodgers Forge in the article, you never
once cited anyone from the community.

Rodgers Forge for the past few years had experienced an
upswing in crime during certain times of the year but this
time was going to be different.
Concerned neighbors and the Rodgers Forge Community Board agreed that our neighborhood had do more to help deter and prevent crime.

Though less than 1% of homes had been burglarized, many
still felt it was time for the community to take a more pro active
stance in preventing crime.

A Crime Prevention and Safety Committee was formed to better
educate and inform our neighbors about our crime issues and
to assist them in better securing their property.
The Rodgers Forge Citizens On Patrols has been the most visible and
pro active in its history. The RFCOP continues to grow in
the number of volunteers and in the amount of patrol hours.

The Rodgers Forge community continues to be strengthened
by the efforts of the Safety Committee and the RFCOP.
Crime isn't welcomed in our neighborhood. Through the power of
neighbors, Rodgers Forge will deter crime to the best of its
ability and send criminals elsewhere.

Rob Williams
RFCOP Leader
Rodgers Forge
410-561-6378

Friday, November 20, 2009

St. Pius Movie Night on Saturday

St Pius will be showing the Disney film "Up" this Saturday at 7:00pm in the Lower Church.

Refreshments will be available for purchase.

There is no cost but a donation would be appreciated.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

RF Break-Ins and Robberies! Stay Alert & Call 911 If You See Anything Suspicious!

BCPD Significant Events report for the week of Novermber 9, 2009.

Please read the report below. It describes an assault and robbery and three break-ins in Rodgers Forge.

It can't be stressed enough: Call the police if you see anything suspicious!

Click on the images for a larger view.








Questions & Concerns?

This is a weekly post that allows you to comment with any questions or concerns.

The idea is to allow residents another avenue to communicate with the board and ask questions.

Comment away!

RF Meeting Summary - October 2009

Below is a summary of the Rodgers Forge Community, Inc. meeting held at Rodgers Forge Elementary School on October 14, 2009.

In addition to information presented in the Rodgers Forge Directory, the monthly newsletter, the Rodgers Forge website (http://www.rodgersforge.org/) and this blog, these minutes may be useful in understanding what the board does and how you may get involved.

Thank you.

Click on the images below for a larger view.






Tuesday, November 10, 2009

BCPD - Significant Events Report - CRIME IN THE AREA!

Below is the BCPD Towson Precinct Significant Events report.

There are two incidents listed in Rodgers Forge, but read the whole report. Awareness of what is happening in and around Rodgers Forge is very important.

Click on the images below for a larger view.






Monday, November 9, 2009

STOPPING CRIME IN RODGERS FORGE - Meeting at 7pm at RFES on 11/10

Join us at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at Rodgers Forge Elementary for a seminar on how best to protect your Rodgers Forge house from burglars. Jerry “Buz” Busnuk, a former Baltimore City police captain and current security consultant, will discuss steps residents can take to secure their homes. The Towson area has experienced a spate of burglaries recently, but there are measures we can implement to deter future crimes. Come learn what you can do, and bring any questions you have about your particular residence.


For more details and future events, please see the RFCA web site (www.rodgersforge.org) or the Rodgers Forge blog (www.rodgersforgecommunity.blogspot.com) or contact Rodgers Forge Crime Prevention and Safety Committee chair Mike Calwell at mikecalwell@gmail.com.


Also, please consider becoming a volunteer with Rodgers Forge Citizens on Patrol. Your neighbors would greatly appreciate your service.
COP is the "eyes and ears" of the neighborhood. COP volunteers patrol the community by vehicle or by foot. Our goal is to prevent crime from occurring in Rodgers Forge. If you have questions about becoming a volunteer, please contact Rob Williams at rodgersforgecop@gmail.com or 410-377-4756.

Towson Swim Club Presentation - Nov. 11 @ 7pm at RFES

Josh Glikin, one of the organizers for the Towson Swim Club, will be making a presentation at the beginning of the next board meeting.

Mr. Glikin's presentation will begin at 7:00pm and last approximately 15-20 minutes.

The meeting will be in the Rodgers Forge Elementary School cafetrium at 7:00pm on Wednesday, November 11.

For more information about the Towson Swim Club, vist their website: www.towsonswimclub.com.

Questions & Concerns?

This is a weekly post that allows you to comment with any questions or concerns.

The idea is to allow residents another avenue to communicate with the board and ask questions.

Comment away!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

BCPD - Significant Events Report - Week of 10/26

Below is the latest Significant Events report from the BCPD Towson Precinct.

Although it doesn't list anything in Rodgers Forge, please read through the pages. We should all be aware of what's happening in and around Rodgers Forge.

As always, if you see anything suspicious, call 911!


Click on the images below for a larger view.







Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Questions & Concerns?

This is a weekly post that allows you to comment with any questions or concerns.

The idea is to allow residents another avenue to communicate with the board and ask questions.

Comment away!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Hazardous Waste Collection In Baltimore County

Hazardous waste may be dropped off by Baltimore County residents at the Eastern Sanitary Landfill from April through November of each year. Located at 6259 Days Cove Road in White Marsh, the facility is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 A. M. to 3:30 P. M.

Hazardous waste is defined as: household paints and chemicals. lawn and garden chemicals, motor oil, antifreeze, gasoline, cleaning solvents, swimming pool chemicals, re-chargeable batteries, medicines, mercury thermometers and thermostats, fluorescent light bulbs, fireworks and ammunition. Please call the Department of Environmental Protection and Resource Management at 410-887-3745 for more information.

In addition, one day Hazardous Waste Collection events are events are held, usually twice per year at the Baltimore County Resource Recovery Facility, located on Drop-Off Drive, off Warren Road, between Beaver Dam Road and York Road in Lutherville. The next one-day event is scheduled for Sunday, April 11, 2010 from 9 A.M. until 2 P.M.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Halloween Features A Parade At The Rodgers Forge Tot Lot on October 31st

On Saturday, October 31, there will be a Halloween Parade at the Rodgers Forge Tot Lot located at Hopkins and Blenheim Roads.

All Forge children are invited to wear their costumes and join the parade that begins promptly at 4 P.M.

New RFC, Inc. board member Scott Carlson will direct the event and he and his assistants just might have some goodies to share.

The parade is a good way to kick off our typical Halloween night Trick or Treat calls.

Recent Halloween dates have fallen on school nights and the actual Trick or Treating by the children has occurred from about 4 to 7 PM.

A front porch light “on” indicates the children are welcome to approach. As Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, we suggest that the children attend the parade and then begin their rounds as there will be plenty of time for knocking on Rodgers Forge doors and finishing by 7 PM or so.

Halloween is often as much fun for homeowners as for the kids but the younger children are usually ready to pack it in after an hour or two of walking, and collecting treats.

Have a Happy & Safe Halloween!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Blowout Tree Sale at Parks & People this Saturday!

Planning a trip to a garden center this weekend? Looking for a weekend project that will enhance the beauty and value of your home and improve the environment? Buy a tree at the Parks & People Foundation’s blowout tree sale on Saturday, October 31 from 9 AM to 1 PM or Thursday, November 5, from 4 to 7 PM. We’ll even give you instruction on how to plant and care for your new tree!

The Parks & People Foundation plants a thousand trees throughout Baltimore City each year, so you can trust that the trees we sell are the highest quality. Plus, when you buy a tree from us, the proceeds go directly to support more greening projects throughout the City making it a greener, healthier place to live, work and play.

We’ll have 15 different species of trees available for purchase right in front of the Parks & People offices in the Stieff Silver Building near Druid Hill Park at 800 Wyman Park Drive (across from Boy Scout Headquarters).

This is a timely opportunity for families to do something great for the environment before going out to trick-or-treat!

See you on Saturday or next Thursday!

For more information contact:

Guy W Hager
(410) 448-5663 x 101
(410) 448-5895 (fax)

RF Crime Prevention & Safety Committee Update

Rodgers Forge Community Association Crime Prevention and Safety Committee
Meeting Attended: Precinct # 6 Police & Community Relations Council (PCRC)
Date: October 27, 2009, held fourth Tuesday of each month

I was recently invited to attend the Precinct #6 Police & Community Relations Council in Parkville. This council represents community leaders, interested citizen and representative of the local business community. In attendance are also the designated community outreach officers. This council focuses on three areas:

1. Learning about the Police Department

2. Bringing community problems to the attention of the department

3. Participating in crime prevention activities

For more information on the important council, see their website: http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/police/community/pcr.html

In attendance at the meeting were about 15 residents representing neighborhoods in precinct 6 and Officer Kristy Fuka.

Here are a couple highlights from the meeting:

* It was noted that burglaries were up in the area over previous statistics. Rodgers Forge and Donnybrook were called out as “Hot Spots.” Residents are reminded to take simple steps to guard against break-ins like keeping doors and windows locked and using exterior lighting.

* One resident mentioned there may be homeless folks taking shelter in the Rodgers Forge apartments as they are being renovated. Officer Fuka asked that 911 be called anytime this is seen.

* The Police & Community Relations Council is starting a pilot program to “arm” police officers with a Vermont Teddy bear to offer to children that may be involved in an incident. This is a nice gesture to offer some comfort to a child. The police cruiser will carry a teddy bear with them. The Precinct #6 council has donated $50 to the program. This will purchase 5 bears. Vermont Teddy Bear is offering them at ½ price to the program. Individual donations from the communities or residents are also welcome.

* Officer Korn from Precinct 6 was named “Officer of the Month” for his hard work and dedication to the precinct.

The next meeting is November 24, 2009.

Mike Calwell - mikecalwell@gmail.com

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Be Aware Of Possible Mischief October 30th and 31st

We are informed that the Towson Police Precinct will be deploying additional officers to patrol on Halloween Night, October 31st and the night prior as well.

October 30th is often referred to as “moving night” or “mischief night” and was once a time for minor pranks but it has, sadly, sometimes devolved into an excuse for more malicious vandalism.

Be on the lookout both nights and do not hesitate to call police if you see problems or suspicious behavior. Most, but not all, problems will occur after sundown and into the night hours.

Towson Football Halloween Game - 10/31


Click on the flyer for an enlarged view.


Tuesday, October 27, 2009

BCPD - Significant Events Report - Week of 10/19

Below is the Baltimore County Police Precinct 6 (Towson Precinct) Significant Events Report for the week of 10/19/2009.

Be sure to read through the report. It's important to remain aware of crime in the area--even if it's not happening in Rodgers Forge.

Click on the pages below for a larger view.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Halloween Features A Parade At The Rodgers Forge Tot Lot on October 31st

On Saturday, October 31, there will be a Halloween Parade at the Rodgers Forge Tot Lot located at Hopkins and Blenheim Roads.

All Forge children are invited to wear their costumes and join the parade that begins promptly at 4 P.M.

New RFC, Inc. board member Scott Carlson will direct the event and he and his assistants just might have some goodies to share.

The parade is a good way to kick off our typical Halloween night Trick or Treat calls.

Recent Halloween dates have fallen on school nights and the actual Trick or Treating by the children has occurred from about 4 to 7 PM.

A front porch light “on” indicates the children are welcome to approach. As Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, we suggest that the children attend the parade and then begin their rounds as there will be plenty of time for knocking on Rodgers Forge doors and finishing by 7 PM or so.

Halloween is often as much fun for homeowners as for the kids but the younger children are usually ready to pack it in after an hour or two of walking, and collecting treats.

Have a Happy & Safe Halloween!!

Questions & Concerns?

This is a weekly post that allows you to comment with any questions or concerns.

The idea is to allow residents another avenue to communicate with the board and ask questions.

Comment away!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Crime Prevention Presentations for Rodgers Forge

In the wake of the burglaries that our neighborhood has witnessed, the Rodgers Forge Crime Prevention and Safety Committee is planning two presentations for residents.

The first presentation will be given by the Baltimore County Police crime prevention team. The second will be given by an independent security consultant. These seminars will address how to best secure your home against burglars.

In order to keep the presentations moving along and answer as many questions as possible, we are asking that residents send in their questions ahead of time. Do you want to ask about deadbolts? Wondering if an alarm system is worth it? Have a question about securing windows?

Please send your question(s) to me at mikecalwell@gmail.com.

The meetings will be held at Rodgers Forge Elementary -- times and dates to be announced.

Thanks,

Mike Calwell
Crime Prevention and Safety Committee chairman
Email: mikecalwell@gmail.com

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

BCPD - Significant Events Report - CRIME IN THE AREA!

Weekly Significant Events Report from BCPD for the week of October 12, 2009.

A house in the 100 block of Dumbarton Road was broken into last week. The house was entered via a rear window. Please be sure to close and lock your windows before leaving your house. Be aware that burglars are looking for any opportunity. Don't give it to them.

Click on the images for an enlarged view.






BCPD - Vacation Watch

From RFCOP leader Rob Williams, "Please ask police to watch your home while you're away."

"The Towson Precinct, 410-887-2361, has a program calledVacation Watch or Vacation File. When going out of townfor a length of time, you may call the precinct and placeyour name and address in their file. Police will come and patrolaround your home while you are away. It's a win-win situation.It brings increased police protection into our neighborhood and...your house will be watched more closely. If any neighbors have your key, you can leave their name as a contact with the precinct. Just let your neighbor know. If you leave your car, give police the tag number and make of your car so they know when a patrol car comes around.

"I informed two of my neighbors about the programand they said they would call into the precinct. Thanksgivingis coming up. If you, or any of your neighbors are traveling, let them know about the program. Rodgers Forge needs all the added patrols it can get."

Rob Williams
RodgersForgeCOP@Gmail.com "

Crime Prevention in Rodgers Forge

From Mike Calwell, the chairman of the Rodgers Forge Community, Inc.'s Crime Prevention Committee:

Rodgers Forge has seen an increase in burglaries and other crimes in the last couple months. These range from quietly entering the house through a basement window and taking cash to well orchestrated, multi-person robberies. Until a couple months ago, I was naïve to how vulnerable our neighborhood and houses are. After reading post after post of criminal activity it was clear there is an issue that needs to be addressed.

About a month ago, I proposed a committee to the Rodgers Forge Community Board to focus on crime prevention and neighborhood safety. Be careful what you ask for. On October 14, 2009, the Rodgers Forge Community Board approved the new committee and nominated me as the chair.

The vision of the committee is to increase crime prevention awareness and safety throughout the Rodgers Forge community through education, proactive communications and community participation. I believe there are basic measures most residents can take to sure up their borders. This could include anything from additional lighting in the back of our houses to deadbolts with keys on both sides. I know in the last couple weeks as I’ve focused on the committee and talked to other residents, I’ve learned several small things that may overt a break-in later.

At the end of the day, we may not be able to eliminate criminal activity in Rodgers Forge. I had a brief conversation with my Mom who lived in the apartments when she was first married. There was a wave of violent activity back then. It’s our duty as residents to stand-up to the criminals preying on our neighbors and let them know we are now watching them. Take the simple steps to secure your home, look out for your neighbors and report ANY suspicious activity.
Please contact me with any questions, comments or ideas. Together, we CAN make a difference.

Mike Calwell
MikeCalwell@GMail.com

Monday, October 19, 2009

BCPD - Significant Events Report - Stay Alert & Call 911 if You See Anything Suspicious!

Weekly Significant Events Report from BCPD for the week of October 5, 2009:

Click on the images for an enlarged view.