Santa Heim, Merrieland (aka Savage, MD)

(Note: Savage will hold its annual Historic 1869 Bollman Bridge Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 5:30 PM, followed by the Tree Lighting at Baldwin Hall near Savage Mill.)

It's an odd part of local history that when the fabric mills at Savage Mill closed down at the end of World War II, the town of Savage, MD briefly became a year-round Christmas Village that produced as much as one-third of all of the handblown Christmas ornaments sold in the US, including ornaments on the National Christmas Tree in 1948.

And, in a bit of self-referential promotional hype, the new proprietor Harry Heim declared that the town would be Santa's home south of the Mason-Dixon Line, or "Santa Heim".

Savage Mill
For almost a century and a half the rushing water from the Little Patuxent River coursing through a 30-foot water wheel powered fabric looms at Savage Mill, creating the factory town of Savage that supplied workers to the mills.

Minutes: Autumn Walk HOA Annual Meeting 11/9/15 - Draft

Autumn Walk HOA held its budget meeting in the Emerson Clubhouse on Monday, November 9, 2015.

Topics Discussed:

• Current Financial Status
• FY16 Budget
• New landscaping contract 
• Monument Sign
• Reserve Study
• Maintenance issues
• Some houses need to take remedial action
• Parking issues
• Fire Marshall is going to declare new firelane 
• Miscellaneous
• Solar Panels
• Snow removal
• SHCCA

Details:

The Flamingos of Autumn Walk (Saturday)

Bindu and Dharmesh have invited everyone over for what may be the last Flamingo Friday, er, Saturday,  of the season!

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2015
Time: 7 PM-ish
Location: At the Flamingo (9811)

In addition, Bindu encourages everyone to come and bid a fond farewell to Chinar and Vaibhav as they get ready for their next adventure.

Related:

• Flamingo Fridays!

Notes: Howard County Executive Alan Kittleman Talks About Redevelopment

Howard County Executive Alan Kittleman was the featured guest at the November 3, 2015 meeting of the Southern Howard County Civic Association (SHCCA) meeting in the North Laurel Community Center (NLCC).

The meeting was an open forum for the approximately 50 members of the community in attendance to ask questions of Mr. Kittleman and express their concerns.

The main topics centered around redevelopment in the southeast corner of the County, the current review of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) developer fees, and how new budget constraints will affect Howard County's ability to address the lack of a long-promised swimming pool at NLCC.

Next:

• Tuesday, December 1, 2015 @ 6:30 PM: SHCCA Meeting, Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) Director Valdis Lazdins 
• TBD in 2016: Town Hall with Howard County Executive Alan Kittleman in North Laurel/Savage

Redevelopment in Savage/North Laurel

Mr. Kittleman expressed concern that too much commercial zoning had been changed to residential zoning along the Route 1 corridor, which he feels should be one of the economic engines of the County.

He cautioned it is the Howard County Council that controls zoning and not the Executive, and that furthermore there are a number of residential projects already in the pipeline, but stated he would like to see more commercial office and manufacturing development along Route 1.

Another complication is that Route 1 requires coordination with Anne Arundel and Prince George's Counties, as well as the Maryland State Highway Department and Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT).

Mr. Kittleman was also asked about specific issues:

CANCELLED: 2015 Lisbon (MD) Old-Fashioned Christmas Horse Parade

Update: This year's Lisbon Christmas Horse Parade in Lisbon, MD originally scheduled for Saturday, December 12, 2015, has been cancelled due to insurmountable logistical problems from the rapid growth of the parade. The organizers expect to bring the horses back in 2016.

Instead, there will be an alternate parade on December 12th of decorated tractors and farm equipment to continue the original goal of raising funds for local food banks.

The original post for those who were interested in the event:

Over 500 decorated horses, ponies, donkeys and mules are expected Tractors and farm equipment that have been decorated for the holidays will be featured in this annual Christmas Parade in Western Howard County.

The parade is free to spectators, and entry fees from the riders benefit Howard and Carroll County Food Banks and the Lisbon Volunteer Fire Department (40/40/20 split).

Tips from the organizers:

Laurel Featured in Washington Post "Cheap Eats"

Several Laurel restaurants were featured in a preliminary article by the Washington Post's primary food critic, Tim Carman, as he began researching a "Cheap Eats" series for the Washington, DC area.

Mentioned in the article were:

• Curry Leaf (Indian, 13919 Baltimore Ave., 301-497-2017)
• More Than Java Cafe (Coffee & Sandwiches, 358 Main St., 301-490-3200) - owned by an Emerson resident
• Olive on Main (Greek and American, 504 Main St., 240-280-8560)
• Pasta Plus (Italian, 209 Gorman Ave., 301-498-5100))
• Sapphire Restaurant and Lounge (Thai-Indian, 13308 Laurel Bowie Rd., 301-490-0555)
• Sarita's Chicken and Grill (Peruvian, 15101 Baltimore Ave., 240-264-6313)
• Tampico Grill (Mexican, 42 Washington Blvd., 301-490-5200)

Article:

• The Hunt for the D.C. Area’s Best Cheap-Eats Hotbeds: Laurel (The Washington Post, 10/28/15)

(Thanks go out to Daphna for the link!)

2015 Autumn Walk Halloween Block Party

Thanks to hosts Allie and Daphna and everyone who made chili for the contest, dressed up in costumes, brought supplies and food, or who simply stopped by to say hello -- the 2015 Autumn Walk Halloween Block Party was another great success!

There were a dozen terrific chili entries, and Bindu's "B" Chili took the prize in the vegetarian category while Kelli S.'s recipe (#7) was the voters' choice among the meat entries.

The Smith Family took home the prize in the costume contest, dressed as a full set of Power Rangers!

Many dozens of children and adults stopped by from throughout Autumn Walk and Emerson to sample the food, vote for their favorite chili, and get some treats on a crisp Fall day.

Once again all of you have created a fun event and shown what a friendly, hospitable neighborhood we have!

More pictures are below (go to Facebook for the full set):

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