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.






MTA Bus Route Changes

Many people in Rodgers Forge use public trnasportation to get around town--it's one thing that makes Rodgers Forge so convenient.

The following letter is from Delegate Aumann regarding potental changes in routes that affect our area.

# # #

Dear Constituents,

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is hosting a public hearing on proposed bus route adjustments in the Baltimore area for the 2010 winter schedule, which begins in February. The public hearing is a very important part of the planning process.

The public hearing will take place on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) Essex, J Building – Lecture Hal, 7201 Rossville Boulevard, Baltimore, 21237, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

Route modifications for the following existing bus lines in District 42 are being proposed:

No. 11 – Revise end of route in Towson.
Route will now serve Towson Town Center.

No. 55 - Operate service to CCBC Essex.
Modify Towson layover location to Fairmount Avenue at Towson Town Center.

If you have any questions please contact Mr. Henry Kay, MTA Deputy Administrator for Planning and Engineering at 410-767-8362 or by email at hkay@mtamaryland.com.

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

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!

Saturday, October 10, 2009

GBMC - Community Health & Wellness Fair

GBMC is holding a Community Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, Oct 24th, 10 a.m. - 12 noon.

The program includes free health and wellness screenings, a variety of healthcare specialists on-site, and an H1N1 expert from the Baltimore County Health Department presenting information on prevention and treatment.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW


Thursday, October 8, 2009

Support the Towson Parade Committee!

The Towson Parade Committee would appreciate community support.

As you may know the parade is not sponsored by any government funds. The parade depends on individuals/business/group support.

Come support the Towson 4th of July Parade by attending the Longaberger Baskets and Vera Bradley Bags BINGO.

If you have won at BINGO previously you know the thrill of winning and yelling B I N G O !

Thursday, November 5, 2009 at the American Legion Post #22, 125 York Road.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m., Games begin at 7:00 p.m.

Food/Beverages Available

Raffles/Specials/Door Prizes

Cost $12.00 in advance - $15.00 at the door.

For tickets call Maryann at 410-931-1749 or Pat at 410-256-4662

Maximum capacity 200 people.

(This fundraiser is in no way connected with or sponsored by The Longaberger Company.)

Neighbors Keeping and Eye Out & Calling 911 Works!!

Via email from a Rodgers Forge neighbor:

"...a testimony that [keeping an eye out and calling 911] works.

Thank you to my neighbor at XXX Stanmore who called 911 when she saw two boys steal 2 bikes from my backyard at 6pm tonight.

Because of her, I was able to cut off the thieves on Overbrook and get my sons bikes back.

A detective who heard the call right there and was able to arrest them."

CRIME ALERT! BCPD Needs Your Help.

There was a burglary in Anneslie yesterday, and the BCPD suspects that it's the same group that have been burglarizing area homes--including several in Rodgers Forge.

The police are looking for:

-- a dark colored (likely black) Lincoln Town Car with dark, tinted windows.
-- the suspects are at least two black males--one with dreadlocks.


If you see this car, call 911 immediately!

Tell the police what you saw, where you saw it, the direction of the car (i.e. traveling south on Dorking Road toward Overbrook Road), and try to get the tag number. DO NOT APPROACH THE CAR/SUSPECTS.

It appears the suspects watch when people are leaving their houses, so they think that no one is home. The suspects knock on the door, if someone answers they say they were looking for "John Smith" and leave. If no one answers, they break-in. The majority of the break-in occur during the day. Please tell all your neighbors about this!

Keep an eye out when you leave your house! If you see someone sitting in a car looking around, call 911! If you have someone suspicious knock on your door, call 911!

You should write down the serial numbers of your major electronic devices (televisions, game systems, cameras, iPods, cell phones, etc.). A single serial number can tie suspects to other crimes and put them behind bars!

It can't be stressed enough: do not hesitate to call 911 if you see anything suspicious!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Rodgers Forge Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND – The neighborhood of Rodgers Forge in Baltimore County has now been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the official list maintained by the National Park Service of historic places worthy of preservation.

Rodgers Forge is a community of primarily over 1,700 rowhouses built by Baltimore developer James Keelty and his sons between 1931 and 1957. The development is named after smithy, George Rodgers, whose blacksmith shop was located at the intersection of York Road and Stevenson Lane.

The listing marks the culmination of a multi-year project initiated by the Rodgers Forge community association’s Historic Preservation Committee. Committee members Liz Buxton, Jean Duvall and Sarah Kahl obtained a grant from Maryland Historical Trust to allow the preparation of a full report on 20th Century Rowhouses in Baltimore, which would serve as a backbone to the National Register nomination.

The report and nomination were prepared by Mary Ellen Hayward, co-author of The Baltimore Rowhouse and author of Baltimore’s Alley Houses: Homes for Working People since the 1780s. According to the nomination, Rodgers Forge stands out as a significant illustration of both the English and the Early American style rowhouse. As construction continued through the depression, the shift in style from English garden suburb to Colonial architecture was apparent. The variation among the houses in a single style, however, was a significant feature and a key selling point at the time: advertisements boasted “no houses were alike.”

Committee member Sarah Kahl says, “I am thrilled to have the neighborhood listed on the National Register, which I hope will be a source of pride for the community. I also hope that homeowners will look into the tax credits that are available for preservation of listed properties.” Committee member Jean Duvall summed up the excitement of the Board: “This project has been one of the most educational and rewarding endeavors that I have ever had the pleasure to be affiliated with in any manner. We are very appreciative that the Board of Governors agreed to support this effort financially.”

For more information about the National Register and other legacy preservation projects, see the Maryland Historical Trust website at http://mht.maryland.gov/nationalregister.html. For more information about Rodgers Forge, see the community website at http://www.rodgersforge.org/.

Get the Word Out!

Please get this information at to all in your communities and neighborhoods.

Over the past few weeks we've seen a spike in residential burglaries throughout the Towson area and in several instances the investigating Officer gathered valuable information from neighbors about possible suspect(s) and/or vehicles that were seen entering/exiting/around the victim's property at the time of the crime. Obtaining this information is great and very helpful in our investigations, the problem though is that when these neighbors have observed this activity they aren't calling 9-1-1 immediately to report it and thus we don't get this information until the victim calls in, which has been several hours after the actual incident.

I know in the past when I've made this request you have done a good job in getting this request out so I'm asking again for your assistance. Let your folks know that whenever they observe suspicious activity, a person they don't recognize walking around the area, an unfamiliar vehicle driving around or parked in the area to call 9-1-1 and request the Police immediately. They can remain anonymous if they're in fear of any retribution or they just don't want any contact with the Police, but it would be a great help if we got this information when it happens.

Thank You for your Assistance,

Sgt Steve Fink
Baltimore County Police

Rodgers Forge is Officially Designated an Historic Community!

We are proud to publicize that the Rodgers Forge Community has received notification from the Director of the National Park Service of announcements and action on properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places and our community is now listed on that list.

Rodgers Forge has received Official Designation as a Historic Community on the National Register of Historic Places.

More details to follow.

Regester Avenue Road Patching Unacceptable

Having had an opportunity to drive down the newly completed area of Regester Avenue where County Roads recently completed repair work, the RFC, Inc. had originally believed only the initial phase of the work had been completed.

The road surface is patched in the middle on a strip that does not quite extend to where vehicles can be parked on either side by the curb. This causes the outside wheels of cars driven on the street to be off the newly paved surface while the inside wheels are are on it. There is presently no line down the middle of the road and the paving has created a crown of sorts in the middle of the road. To top off our comments, we must state this the work looks quite uneven and unsightly.

We are informed that the balance of the work had been scheduled but far into the future! In the opinion of the RFC, and we are certain this is an opinion shared by all effected neighbors, such a timeframe for future work completion is not acceptable.

The RFC, Inc. External Affairs Committee has calls in to the appropriate authority concerning this matter and we will keep the community informed as things develop.

Monday, October 5, 2009

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

The latest weekly Significant Events report has been shared by the BCPD, and, although there is no crime listed in Rodgers Forge, please be sure to read the report--this is what's happening in our area.

Notice that the many of the burglaries involve the suspects entering through a rear basement door or window. How secure are your doors and windows? Be sure to lock them when out of the room or away from home. Thieves are very watchful and notice windows being left ajar.... Don't give them an opportunity!

If you see anything suspicious, call the 911.

If something or someone is "out of place", call 911.

From the Baltimore County Police Department, Precint 6 (CLICK ON THE IMAGES FOR A LARGER VIEW):



















COPtoberfest! - Join RFCOP!

From Rob Williams, head of the Rodgers Forge COP:

COPtoberfest!

COPtoberfest is a month long celebration of the Rodgers Forge C.O.P.
The RFCOP is celebrating over the number of current volunteers. The
RFCOP is celebrating the scheduled patrols that will be hitting the neighborhood. We want YOU to be a part of the celebration.

Currently, we have seven volunteers and we need more. Whether it be
patrolling by vehicle or by foot, we need your service. There's no long
term contracts to sign, no hidden fees and best of all, the interest rate
stays the same. That, of course would be a 100% interest to help be
the "eyes and ears" of the community.

What will you receive by volunteering? Absolutely nothing BUT adulation
and warm wishes from your neighbors applauding your efforts.

Those who would be walkers will receive a stylish reflective "Citizen Patrol" vest. It's the fashion statement of the fall season.

So, come on, what are you waiting for? The RFCOP needs you. Volunteer
and be apart of COPtoberfest.

Call today. Call now! An operator will be happy to take your call. Yes, that operator is yours truly.

Rob Williams - RFCOP 410-561-6378 or 410-377-4756

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!