Wednesday, January 27, 2010

New Recycling Program in Baltimore County

From Baltimore County's Recycling Office:

This is a call to action intended for the approximately 13,000 members of Baltimore County's e-mail group.

Single stream recycling arrives in the County on Monday, February 1st. This means that wherever recycling collection has existed before, residents may place all their acceptable paper and bottles & cans out for collection, mixed together, each week. The range of acceptable recyclables has also significantly expanded. Please see www.bcrecyclescom for further details.

We are asking each of you to identify at least one neighbor (or friend) that you know hasn't been recycling in the past. Please contact them personally and encourage them to start now that recycling has become easier than ever before. You can let them know that recycling is also more important than ever with our landfill half full and the costs of trash disposal going up sharply.

We have promoted single stream recycling through a series of direct mail pieces and will be following up with media advertising. However, there's no substitute for a grassroots effort based on word of mouth. This is your chance to multiply the positive difference you are already making by recycling.

Thanks for helping to spread the good word!

SHA - Charles Street / I-695 Construction Update

From the State Highway Administration:

On or about 8 p.m. Thursday night, February 4, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will begin a long-term temporary closure of the left-turn ramp from southbound MD 139 (Charles Street) to eastbound I-695 (Baltimore Beltway Inner Loop), weather permitting.

As of 6 a.m. Friday morning, February 5, the left-turn ramp from southbound Charles Street to eastbound I-695 will be closed to all traffic, and motorists approaching the Charles Street Interchange from Lutherville will be directed to use the official ramp detour route: north/eastbound Bellona Avenue to eastbound Seminary Avenue (MD131) to southbound MD 45 (York Road) to the York Road Interchange ramp to eastbound I-695.

Also on the night of February 4, SHA and the contractor will temporarily close the ramp from eastbound I-695 (Inner Loop) to northbound Charles Street for one night, between 8 p.m. Thursday and 5 a.m. Friday to shift traffic patterns on this ramp. Motorists will be diverted past the Charles Street Interchange to the York Road Interchange, to westbound I-695 (Outer Loop) back to the Charles Street Interchange to northbound Charles Street.

In case of inclement weather, the traffic pattern changes and long-term ramp closure will take place on Sunday night, February 7 or the next possible weeknight.

The long-term temporary closure of the ramp from southbound Charles Street to eastbound I-695 is necessary for Phase Two of construction work on the new Charles Street bridge over I-695; crews will shortly begin work on a retaining wall for the east side of the new bridge. The right-turn ramp from northbound Charles Street to eastbound I-695 will remain open.

Temporary traffic signs will guide motorists through the official detour route in Lutherville and the ramp closure will remain in effect until early fall 2010. The State’s contractor for the I-695/Charles Street Interchange project is the Six-M Company of Delta, Pa. The entire Charles Street Interchange project will be complete late spring 2012, weather permitting.

For more information about the Charles Street Interchange project, citizens may view lane closure updates, interchange diagrams, and other project information on the SHA project web page on www.roads.maryland.gov. Citizens may also contact Mr. David Bond, Project Engineer, at SHA’s project field office in Lutherville at 410-296-9041, through the project web page, or by email at dbond@sha.state.md.us.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Support Scenario G

Support Scenario G--the only option available to keep Rodgers Forge intact--on February 9 at the Baltimore County Public School offices located at Greenwood campus on Charles Street.

At this meeting Barbara Walker will be presenting an option based on the work of the Boundary Committee. (Ms. Walker does not have to recommend Scenario G, despite the fact that the Boundary Committee voted in favor of that scenario.)

Come show your support and watch the process on February 9th!

There are limited spots available for the public to voice an opinion to the school board, but the meeing is open to the public.

For more information, click the calendar information on the right side bar.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Towson University Update

Below is an email and letter from Marina Cooper with Towson University:

EMAIL: Some (not all) residents along Stanmore Road and all of Stanmore Court may have noticed that I delivered a letter yesterday updating them on the latest regarding the replacement fence TU will be installing next month.

Would you also share with your followers (particularly the link to our community relations website (www.towson.edu/tuinthecommunity/relations) where I will also place updates)?

Thanks so much,

Marina Cooper

# # #


Dear Rodgers Forge Neighbors:

Many new efforts to improve relations and communications between the Rodgers Forge Community and Towson University have been underway in the last year.

In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed by TU President Robert Caret and RF President Janice Moore last February, Towson University officials have been meeting with a representative group of your neighbors to get input on how the University will proceed to replace the MOU-requested fence and provide new plantings along the property line behind the Towson Center Arena and your residences on Stanmore Road and Stanmore Court. Here is the latest news:

As requested by the RF group, Landscaping Services has marked all of the trees along the TU/RF property line near the Towson Center Arena that will need to be removed for installation of the new fence. All of the trees are marked with white paint which can be easily seen from the TU side of the fence, except along the softball side where the white markings can be seen from the Rodgers Forge side of the fence.
There is a bid deadline to begin clearing and construction of the fence on 1/29/10 and if all goes well, fence installation could begin as early as Monday, February 8, 2010—weather and purchase/fence manufacturing process permitting. If all of these things continue to fall in order, installation could be complete by the end of February.
Our Landscape Services Director has noted a few obstacles along the fenceline, particularly chain link fences that abut the TU fence. He has marked an orange tag on the RF fences where installation of the new TU fence would be impeded. We will be contacting neighbors individually to work with you on moving those obstructions, however anything you can do in advance, would be much appreciated.
We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available. You may also stay informed about Towson University community relations news on our newly-launched website www.towson.edu/tuinthecommunity/relations . Likewise, if you would like to be added to the e-mail list for updates from Towson University specifically about the fence and plantings at the Towson Center property line, please email me at mcooper@towson.edu.

Thank you for your continued cooperation as we strive to be good neighbors.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Scenario G!

The Boundary Committee voted tonight to recommend Scenario G to Baltimore County Board of Education.

There was a modest turnout of people, most of whom were supporting Scenario G. There were several people in support of Scenario E-1, holding Scenario E-1 signs.

While this meeting was open to the public, it was structured to not allow input from the public. Interestingly, most of the members of the Boundary Committee had their backs to the crowd.

Of further interest is that the committee members were presented with the results of the surveys taken at the redistricting meeting held at Loch Raven High School several weeks ago. This was the first time the committee had been given this information, as I understand, and the committee spent less than 15 minutes discussing the results. One committee member who wished to have more discussion regarding the data and other information presented to the committee since the Loch Raven HS meeting was 'shut down' and the committee decided to move forward with their voting.

It was also made clear that this meeting was to vote; any discussion on amending the proposed boundary selection had to wait. The committee did quickly share their thoughts on how they might amend Scenario G.

The next steps include working to amend the Boundary Committee recommended scenario to include the Pinehurst duplexes that were not included on the official Scenario G map and trying to enhance the map to potentially include Gaywood, Armagh Village, etc.

On February 9, at Greenwood on Charles Street, the Boundary Committee's recommendation of Scenario G will be formally presented to the Board of Education. Limited public input will be allowed, but the meeting will be open to the public.

Lastly, thank you to everyone who had an interest in this matter and made their voice heard!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

RF Redistricting - We Need Your Help!

The community association is supporting Scenario G which is the only option presented to date that keeps the Rodgers Forge community intact.

Please see the letter below that is being sent by the association to Barbara Walker, Central Area Superintendant, who is leading the redistricting process for the Baltimore County Public School system.

Your help is needed!

Copy the email addresses below (which include Baltimore County Public School officials, our politicians, and members of the Boundary Committee involved with the redisticting process) and send an email in support of Scenario G!



Here are some thoughts on why Scenario G is the best choice for Rodgers Forge that you may want to reference in your email:

-- It keeps Rodgers Forge a strong and united community; it is the only option that does not exclude a portion of Rodgers Forge.

-- It follows the BCPS goal of having students walk to school.

-- It keeps West Towson Elementary at a moderate enrollment number.

-- It adheres to BCPS’s policy of promoting community schools.

Please get involved!


CLICK ON THE IMAGES BELOW FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW (or CLICK HERE )



Friday, January 15, 2010

Support from Delegate Bill Frank

A note from Delegate Bill Frank's office to Janice Moore, RFC, Inc. president, who contacted Delegate Frank's office seeking his support in the redistricting process:

Janice:

Thank you for your e-mail. Yesterday, Delegate Frank called Dr. Hairston’s office and expressed his strong support for Rodgers Forge children all staying together at Rodgers Forge Elementary School.

Sincerely,

Betsy Hamilton
Legislative Assistant to
DELEGATE WILLIAM J. FRANK
District 42
410-841-3793

Important Dates Regarding Redistricting

The dates listed below are meeting dates of the Boundary Committee and/or the County School Board that relate to the issue of deciding the new elementary school boundaries.

Please plan to attend these meetings to make sure your voice is heard!


1) Wednesday, January 20, 2010 @ 6:00 p.m. in the Dumbarton Middle School Library. The Committee will select the scenario to be recommended to the Area Assistant Superintendent.

2) Tuesday, February 9, 2010 @ 7:00 p.m. in the ESS Building at Greenwood. The recommended scenario will be presented to the Board of Education.

3) Wednesday, February 24, 2010 @ 7:00 p.m. in the Loch Raven HS Auditorium. The Board of Education will conduct a public hearing on the recommended scenario.

4) Tuesday, March 9, 2010 @ 7:00 p.m. in the ESS Building at Greenwood. The Board will make a final decision on the boundary scenario.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Towson Times Article on School Redistricting

The Towson Times published on 1/11/2010 an article on the issue of redistricting related to the new West Towson Elementary School.

Click here to read the article.

Janice Moore, our Rodgers Forge community association president, was quoted in the article.

Below is a message from Janice Moore, president of Rodgers Forge Community, Inc..

# # #

I would like to apologize to the Rodgers Forge community for my recent statements in the Towson Times in which I strongly criticized the school redistricting process. During part of my interview, I erroneously believed I was speaking off the record to Loni Ingraham, whom I have known for years. I would have chosen my words more carefully if I had known that she planned to print them.

While I am upset that the Rodgers Forge community was not asked to participate in the redistricting committee and I feel our voice has not been adequately heard, I do not wish to create a divisive atmosphere. I sincerely hope we can all work together to keep our community intact, strong, and inclusive. It is also my hope that my comments will not antagonize members of the boundary committee or Baltimore County Public School officials and negatively impact our community when it comes time to choose a redistricting scenario.

Thank you,

Janice Moore
President, Rodgers Forge Community Association

Monday, January 11, 2010

REMINDER - Board Meeting on Wednesday, January 13

There was a misprint in the newsletter regarding the day/date of the next board meeting.

The meeting is scheduled for Wedensday, January 13, 2010 at 7:00pm in the Rodgers Forge Elementary School Cafetorium.

Please come!

BCPD - Significant Events Report - Week of 1/4/2010

These's nothing specific to Rodgers Forge in the attached report from the Baltimore County Police, but it's worth noting how brazen some of these crimes are. Always be aware of your surroundings and call the police if you see anything suspicious.

CLICK ON AN IMAGE FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW.



Tuesday, January 5, 2010

School Redistricting - VERY IMPORTANT!

VERY IMPORTANT REDISTRICTING INFORMATION
PLEASE READ!!!!


This Wednesday, January 6 @ 7 pm will be a meeting at Loch Raven High School where four different Rodgers Forge Elementary School boundary options will be presented.

Only one (1): OPTION G ,keeps our community intact!!! It is imperative that any and all community members attend and vote for this option. The other three options have some part of the Forge redistricted to the new school and for our community I feel this is NOT acceptable.

Rodgers Forge Community recently received the very prestigious designation of being a National Historic District and to not have our community intact at the school level is counter to this designation.

WE are a COMMUNITY that not only encompasses our homes but our two neighborhood schools as well and we want to stay that way: ONE COMMUNITY, ONE VOICE!!!!

Please come and vote for OPTION G!!!!!!!!!

Janice M. Moore, President-Rodgers Forge Community, Inc.

Monday, January 4, 2010

January Meeting is Wedensday, January 13, 2010

A mistake was made in the latest newsletter, which inadvertently listed the January meeting as scheduled for the 11th.

The meeting will be on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 7pm in the cafetorium of Rodgers Forge Elementary School.

Thank you.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Stop for Flashing Red Lights - Save a Child

From the Baltimore County Police Department:

Baltimore County, Md. (December 29, 2009) - Schools will re-open January 4, 2010 and Baltimore County police will be on the lookout over the next few weeks for those drivers that insist on passing school buses that are stopped to pick up or discharge students. This practice by some drivers put County children at risk for serious injury or death.

Maryland law states that vehicles must come to a complete stop on both sides of the street if there is no physical divider or barrier. Drivers may not pass the bus until all lights have ceased flashing. Drivers who pass school buses while the lights are flashing will be fined $570 and issued a 3 point penalty on their record. Drivers who stop but then proceed while the lights are flashing will be fined $570 and a 2 point penalty will be charged. If an accident occurs after the driver has stopped then proceeds to pass the bus, he or she will be fined $670 and will be charged 3 points.

Police will be patrolling throughout the County and will ticket drivers who do not obey. When a driver is pulled over, officers will check to see if the person has a valid operator’s license. The vehicle’s registration will be checked as well to see if there are any outstanding tickets not yet addressed. Should a person be found to have a revoked or suspended license, he or she will be taken into custody.

Children don’t always pay attention when crossing the street. Be a responsible driver and stop when a school bus is loading and unloading students.