Halloween is Saturday!

Don't forget to sign up for the Chili Cook-Off on Saturday!

• 2015 Halloween Chili Cook-Off and Block Party with Costume Contest

Everyone is welcome to stop by and taste the chili, vote, or just socialize!

For those interested in the Adult Costume Contest, be there at 7:30 PM and Daphna and Allie will announce the winner at 8 PM along with the winners of the Chili Cook-Off.

Let's hope the forecast holds. Presently they're calling for a crisp, dry Fall day!

Happy Halloween!

Howard County Executive Alan Kittleman Visits North Laurel on Tuesday (11/3)

(Update: See the notes from this meeting at Notes: Howard County Exec Talks About Redevelopment)

Howard County Executive Alan Kittleman will be the featured guest at the next meeting of the Southern Howard County Civic Association (SHCCA) on November 3rd.

Southern Howard County Civic Association Meeting
Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel, MD 20723

Featured Guest:

• Mr. Alan Kittleman, Howard County Executive

Discussion:

This is an Open Forum discussion with Howard County's Chief Executive.

Mr. Kittleman was elected to the post in November 2014, and previously served on the Howard County Council (1998-2004) and in the Maryland State Senate (2004-2014).

Daylight Savings Time Ends November 1st

It's time to "Fall Back"!

Daylight Savings Time ends at 2 AM on Sunday, November 1st...so after the Halloween festivities, set your clock back one hour (and get an extra hour of sleep!).

Local News & Events: Emerson, Savage, & Columbia

Just a reminder of upcoming HOA meetings in Emerson:

• Monday, October 26, 2015 @ 7 PM: Emerson October Town Hall (Clubhouse)
• Monday, November 9, 2015 @ 7 PM: Autumn Walk Budget Meeting (Clubhouse)
• Monday, November 16, 2015 @ 7 PM: Emerson Annual Meeting (Clubhouse)

Other meetings of interest to our community:

• Tuesday, November 3, 2015 @ 6:30 PM: SHCCA Meeting, Howard County Executive Alan Kittleman 
• Tuesday, December 1, 2015 @ 6:30 PM: SHCCA Meeting, Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) Director Vladis Lazdins 
• Saturday, December 5 @ c. 5:30 PM: Savage Bollman Bridge and Tree Holiday Lighting Ceremony (with cider, Santa, and caroling) 

In other local news:

• A bill is being proposed in the Maryland General Assembly that would require 5 of the 7 Howard County School Board members to be elected by district, with the other two members still elected at-large.
• Howard County Library System is celebrating its 75th Anniversary with a festival on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at 10 AM at the Miller Branch Library in Ellicott City. They will also seal a time capsule.
• HCPD Bike with a Cop (October 31st from 9 AM-11 AM): Children ages 5-12 can ride with the Howard County Police bike patrol around the Columbia Lakefront starting at Whole Foods, and can trick-or-treat there while waiting for their time slot. Call (410) 313-2207 to register for a time slot (not required but appreciated). [Video]
• The annual Symphony of Lights holiday display in Columbia benefiting Howard County General Hospital will be postponed one year till 2016 due to work on the redevelopment of Merriweather Post Pavilion.
• Ash trees are being removed throughout Howard County due to an insect infestation. Residents can contact Maryland Department of Agriculture at 410-841-5920 if they believe a tree is infested.
• An owl has been attacking joggers in Montgomery County

Autumn Walk HOA Budget Meeting on 11/9

(Updated 11/8/15 with proposed agenda topics)

The next meeting of the Autumn Walk Board of Directors will be on Monday, November 9th in the Emerson Clubhouse.

Date: Monday, November 9, 2015
Time: 7 PM
Location: Emerson Clubhouse

Agenda:

• Autumn Walk FY16 Budget
• Reserve Study
• Monument Sign
• Parking
• Miscellaneous Topics
• Open Forum for Community Concerns 

The Autumn Walk Board of Directors will discuss and vote upon the Draft 2016 Budget commencing January 1, 2016 (mailed separately to all homeowners).

Due to the ability to keep operating expenses at a modest level, the Board has determined that assessments will remain the same ($75 per month) in 2016.

If you have questions or comments regarding the budget, you should attend the Board Meeting on November 9th.

Notes: Howard County Officials Talk About Route 1 Revitalization

HCEDA CEO Larry Twele
[from HCEDA's web site]

Larry Twele, the CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) was the featured guest at the October 6, 2015 monthly meeting of the Southern Howard County Civic Association (SHCCA).

Other officials included Mark Thompson of HCEDA as well as Erik Gillenwater, who is the Howard County Police Department (HCPD) Community Resource Officer for our area.

The focus of the meeting was upon redevelopment in Southeastern Howard County (in particular, the Route 1 Corridor), with Officer Gillenwater answering questions about crime as well. 

Southern Howard County Civic Association (SHCCA)

SHCCA meets on the first Tuesday of each month in the North Laurel Community Center, hosting Howard County officials in an open forum discussion with residents and business owners.

Upcoming events:

• Tuesday, November 3, 2015 @ 6:30 PM: SHCCA Meeting, Howard County Executive Alan Kittleman 
• Tuesday, December 1, 2015 @ 6:30 PM: SHCCA Meeting, Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) Director Valdis Lazdins 
• Saturday, December 5 @ c. 5:30 PM: Savage Holiday Bridge and Tree Lighting (with cider, Santa, and caroling) 

North Laurel Community Center (NLCC)

Highlights

Mr. Twele talked about the tools available to Howard County and HCEDA to promote development, as well as the constraints the County faces in redeveloping Route 1.

• Howard County has two primary tools: zoning and tax policy 
• Need for a long-term plan for the entire area 
• Responded to concerns about the impact of the Coastal Sunbelt facility being built on Whiskey Bottom (especially on traffic) 

Mr. Twele encouraged the audience to return on December 1st when DPZ will be able to address the long-term vision more directly. HCEDA will also return at that time.

Officer Gillenwater answered questions about crime in the area, and talked about HCPD initiatives to address muggings in Columbia and Laurel with the increased use of plainclothes officers on footpaths and on bikes.

HCEDA’s Mission 

According to Mr. Twele, HCEDA’s mission is to promote business in Howard County. To that end he has a small staff of 17 that administers small business loans and tax credits, helps with marketing, and has a business development team that just increased from 2 to 4 staff members.

2015 Halloween Chili Cook-Off and Block Party with Costume Contest!

(Updated 10/25/15 with info about the Costume Contest)

It's that spooky time of year again!

Following up on last year's successful Halloween Block Party and Chili Cook-Off, Allie and Daphna will host it once again at Allie's house (9832).

And this year, they also are adding an Adult Costume Contest!

Prizes will be awarded to the best costume as well as the best vegetarian chili and best meat chili.

Otherwise, everyone is welcome to drop by and if you'd like, you can bring treats to hand out to the trick-or-treaters.

• If you want to enter the chili contest, please send an email to Allie at amehok01@yahoo.com. Please provide your name and the category you want to enter (vegetarian or meat).

Autumn Walk Halloween Block Party and Chili Cook-Off

Date: Halloween! (Saturday, October 31, 2015)

Schedule of Events: 

5 PM - 6 PM: Set-up Bring your treats, tables, and chairs to 9832 (Allie's house) by 6 PM (sunset is about 6 PM) Bring your chili also by 6 PM in a crockpot Two categories, vegetarian and meat Give your chili a name to inspire the voters, and write it on a card in front of your entry! To enter, email Allie at amehok01@yahoo.com

6 PM - 8:30 PM: Halloween Block Party & Chili Cook-Off Chili tasting and voting between 6:30 PM and 8 PM Adult Costume Contest Be present at 7:30 PM The hosts will select a winner! Food, drinks, treats, and a friendly "howdy" for everyone who comes by! Prizes awarded at 8 PM: Best Adult Costume Best Vegetarian Chili Best Meat Chili

Normal Trash Collection for Columbus Day

Just a reminder that despite the Columbus Day Holiday next week, trash and recycle collection will be on a normal schedule:

• Tuesday, 10/13/15: Trash Pick-up (normal schedule)
• Friday, 10/16/15: Recycle Pick-up (normal schedule)

Trash and recycle containers should not be set out on the curb until after 6 PM on the night before a collection day.

For the complete slide schedule (which will also be updated to include snow events and other unplanned changes):

• Trash Slide Days Schedule for 2015

Howard County Officials to Address Route 1 Redevelopment, Crime on Oct. 6th

The new Southern Howard County Civic Association will be hosting Howard County officials to address redevelopment and crime along the Route 1 corridor in southeastern Howard County on October 6th.

Southern Howard County Civic Association Meeting
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Time: 7 PM
Location: North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel, MD 20723

Guests:

• Mr. Larry Twele, Howard County Economic Development
• TBD, Howard County Police Representative

Discussion: Economic development in the southeast area of Howard County with focus on Route 1 and crime.

For more information:

Notes: Emerson HOA Board Meeting 9/29/15

The Emerson HOA Board of Directors met on Monday, September 30, 2015 in the Emerson Clubhouse at 7 PM.

Highlights:

• Emerson Facebook page approved
• Still no recommendations on Clubhouse Renovation (cost & scope)
• Emerson looking into improving safety patrols, examining other vendors as well
• New Architectural Design Guidelines approved
• Board approved repair of broken sidewalks in Emerson common areas. Whether/how to include sub-HOAs and homeowners and/or reimburse them is TBD.
• Emerson HOA Board terms of office will be staggered at next election.
• Board voted to have Howard County Fire Marshall mark fire lanes. Garden Ranges asked for clarification.
• Meeting dates set:
• Next Town Hall: Monday, October 26, 2015
• Annual Meeting: Monday, November 16, 2015 (moved up one week)

Details:

Autumn Walk Friendly Lawn Care Reminders

Recently you should have received a Friendly Lawn Care Reminder in the mail to clarify the maintenance responsibilities of residents.

The majority of the community keeps a beautifully landscaped yard (a huge thank you!), but there seems to be some confusion about what the HOA contract covers and what is the homeowner/resident's responsibilities.

I wish my yard looked this good

Handy Dandy Maintenance Chart

Homeowner Responsibility	HOA Landscaping Contract
Weeding of flowerbeds	Mowing (22x per year), roughly every 7-10 days
Trimming of shrubs and bushes	Edging (11x per year)
Remulching as needed (probably 1-2 times per year)	Spring Only: one-time mulching and trenching of flowerbeds
Removal and/or replacement of dead shrubs or plants	Leaf removal (3x per year)
Ensure proper drainage, correctly position splash blocks, regrade soil to slope away from house*	Fertilizer and weed control
(Optional**) Tree Trimming	Aeration and slit seeding

* Because our townhouses share common foundations, it's important that all of us ensure that our downspouts and splash blocks direct water away from the foundation. Water sitting against the foundation can wash away support and also lead to cracking during freeze-thaw cycles. 

** The street trees in front of our houses are public trees maintained on a 12-year cycle. Homeowners are encouraged to perform minor trimming to keep clearance of 12'-14' over roads and 8' over sidewalks.

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Your Maintenance Responsibilities
In short, the HOA contract does not cover maintenance of certain items in your yard.

Gorman Crossing Yard Sale at Emerson on Saturday 9/19

Gorman Crossing Elementary School PTA will be sponsoring a Yard Sale and Vendor Fair at the Emerson Clubhouse on Saturday, September 19, 2015.

Date: Saturday, 9/19/15
Time: 8 AM - 12 PM
Location: Emerson Clubhouse, 8400 Upper Sky Way, Laurel, MD 20723

To sign up for a space:

• Gorman Crossing Elementary Yard Sale and Vendor Fair

Spaces are $25 for vendors and free to families. The fees can be paid by cash, check, or credit card at the event.

Gorman Crossing is the elementary school for Autumn Walk, and one of two elementary schools for the Emerson Community.

Papal Visit Expected to Impact DC-Area Traffic 9/22-9/24

AAA Mid-Atlantic is warning residents that Pope Francis' visit to the United States is expected to impact traffic in the Washington, DC area next week (Tuesday, September 22 through Thursday, September 24).

Pope Francis arrives at Andrews Air Force Base on Tuesday at 4 PM and will visit the White House on Wednesday, followed by a parade down Constitution Avenue in the Popemobile to St. Matthew's Cathedral. On Thursday, the Pope will be on Capitol Hill.

The effects of the visit are expected largely to be due to some security closures in DC and New York City.

However, Philadelphia is expecting 2 million visitors from across North America during the Papal Visit on Saturday and Sunday (September 26-27, 2015) with major disruptions to traffic.

• DC Government:
• Papal Visit 2015
• Maps of Road Closures
• AAA Papal Visit Page
• Unofficial Papal Visit Schedule for Washington DC
• Road Closures in Washington DC (WUSA 9/10/15)
• Additional Road Closures (WUSA 9/16/15)

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An excerpt from an email sent to AAA Mid-Atlantic members on 9/16/15:

In the coming week, nearly two million people are expected to travel from around the country and throughout the world to take part in Pope Francis' first visit to the United States.

Whether you plan to take part in the Papal Visit events or need to adjust work and/or leisure travel accordingly, as a AAA Member, you can count on us to help.

Know Before You Go - Papal Visit Cities/Dates 

Emerson Board Meeting Rescheduled to Tuesday 9/29

Emerson HOA has announced a date change for the next Emerson Board of Directors Meeting.

The new date:

Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Time: 7 PM
Location: Emerson Clubhouse

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From Emerson's Management Team:

Emerson Board of Directors Meeting

Date Change!

The Board of Directors Meeting, normally scheduled for Monday September 28th has been moved to Tuesday evening September 29th. Start time is 7pm and location is still the Clubhouse.

Agendas will be available at the door and on the Website that day.

Konterra Opening Delayed to 2018

In an article on June 11, 2015 in the Prince George's edition of The Maryland Gazette, representatives of the Gould family (the developers of Konterra) and several local officials discussed the current state of the project.

From the Konterra Fact Sheet

The opening date for Konterra Town Center East, planned as a mixed use retail center with office space and some residential housing, has been pushed back from 2015 to 2018.

Work is proceeding on building the east entrance to the Konterra development, with more construction expected this summer.

Several buildings have already been built on the 2200 acres of scattered parcels that comprise Konterra, straddling I-95 between MD-198 south to MD-200 (the Intercounty Connector). Town Center is expected to be about 740 acres in size.

The overall plan for Konterra includes:

• 1.5 million square feet of retail (comparable in size to The Mall in Columbia)
• 3.8 million square feet of office space
• 4500 multifamily rental and condominium residences
• 600 hotel rooms

Other Laurel Projects

As the local market has recovered in the last few years, several other Laurel developments have been revitalized.