Wednesday, September 30, 2009

New Credit Card Scam -

While this scenario may or may not be true, remember to never provide important data to strangers. This email has been circulating on the internet:

Snopes. Com says this is true. To verify see this site: http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/creditcard.asp

This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want. Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it... What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card DO NOT GIVE IT TO THEM !!!.

This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & Master Card Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.

A friend was called on Wednesday from 'VISA', and another was called on Thursday from 'Master Card'.. The scam works like this: Caller: 'This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a Marketing company based in ?'

When you say 'No', the caller continues with, 'Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?'

You say 'yes'. The caller continues - 'I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1- 800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800 -VISA) and ask for Security.'

You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. 'Do you need me to read it again?'

Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works. The caller then says, 'I need to verify you are in possession of your card'. He'll ask you to 'turn your card over and look for some numbers'. There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security Numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, 'That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?' After you say No, the caller then thanks you and states, 'Don't hesitate to call back if you do, and hangs up.

You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number.. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question.. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of $497...99 was charged to our card.

Long story - short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card DO NOT GIVE IT TO THEM !!!. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or Master card directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Special Hearing Friday,10/2 re:115 Burke Ave (ROOMING HOUSE)

This matter is extremely important to Towson area communities. Generally, County law allows for only two unretated people to live in a single dwelling. This alleviates many of the issues related to multiple people living in a single dwelling (noise, parking, health issues, etc.).

Imagine the issues that would exist if there were no cap to the number of unrelated people living in a house. Now imagine six unrelated people living in an inside-of-group Rodgers Forge townhouse on Stanmore Road.

The hearing for 115 Burke Avenue is to allow this dwelling to house up to four unrelated people to live in that dwelling (from the two allowed by County law).

Contact Paul Hartman for more detail on this situation and to see how you can help. Please try to attend the hearing or send a letter to the County.

The following information was sent by the GTCCA (Greater Towson Council of Communiy Associations).

# # #

There will be a Special Hearing this Friday regarding 115 Burke Avenue, where zoning relief is being sought for a rooming house for a maximum of 4 unrelated adults.

To attend the Hearing:

Friday, October 2nd, 9AM-10AMJefferson Building, 105 W. Chesapeake Avenue, Room 104

Information: Kristen Matthews 410-887-3391

Anyone planning to attend the hearing can also let Paul Hartman (Aigburth Manor) know (paul@dirtylinen.com or 410-296-6934) so he can notify them of any updates regarding the hearing.

To write a letter, clearly indicate the following at the top of the letter:115 Burke AvenueCase number: 2010-0042-SPH

Send letters to:
Zoning Review Office
Baltimore County Office Building, Room 111
111 West Chesapeake Avenue
Towson, MD 21204

With a COPY to:
Zoning Commissioner
Jefferson Building
105 West Chesapeake Avenue, Suite 103
Towson, MD 21204

The keywords for letters are: Health, Safety, and General Welfare. Letters should demonstrate how granting the Rooming House/Boarding House permit would adversely affect the community in any of those areas.

County Website information about this matter:
http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/MeetingsandEvents/pdm_d5.html?DISPLAYMODE=DisplayEvent&DETAILEVENT=1975616

Post Those House Numbers on the Rear of Your Home

A survey of the rear of Rodgers Forge homes shows that most of our neighbors have not yet displayed their house numbers as required so that emergency vehicles may identify their houses.

This can be accomplished inexpensively and numbers may be purchased at nearby hardware stores as raised numbers, similar to those on the front of most of our homes, or as flat, reflective numbers.

The numbers must be at least three inches high and readily visible from the alley. They can be posted on fences, decks, porches or rear walls.

Monday, September 28, 2009

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

Below is the BCPD Precint 6 Significant Events Report.

It appears that no incidents occurred in Rodgers Forge, but that doesn't mean there hasn't been criminal activity. There's crime in Rodgers Forge, and if you see anything suspicious, please call 911.

CLICK ON THE PAGES BELOW TO ENLARGE THE VIEW.




Pedestrian Safety Laws

Pedestrian safety should be in the minds of drivers at all times but thanks to the selfish and rude behavior of our vehicle operators it seems that the laws for intersections are rarely observed by speeding drivers. Violatiors are subject to heavy fines and jail time if a crash occurs so it might be a very good idea to read below and then put it into action.

At crosswalks and intersections without signals:

The driver of a vehicle must stop for a pedestrian in a marked or unmarked crosswalk when:

the pedestrian is on the half of the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling.

the pedestrian is approaching within one lane of the half of the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling.

At intersections with signals:

When proceeding on a green signal, drivers turning right or left shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within the crosswalk.

When turning right on red after stopping, drivers shall yield the right of way to pedestrians lawfully within the crosswalk.

Keep Rodgers Forge safe: slow down and watch for pedestrians.

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!

Friday, September 25, 2009

See Something Suspicious? Call 911!

There have been several emails circulating around the area saying that, despite the recent burglaries in Rodgers Forge and surrounding communities, some people just don't think it could happen to them.

It could happen to you!

The people commiting these crimes are "professionals". These are not crimes of opportunity.

These bad guys are targeting specific houses for one reason or another (maybe they have noticed windows/doors being left open/unlocked, boxes from the fancy new $1000 TV in the trash out back, few or no outside lights on at night, etc.).

One of the best attributes of Rodgers Forge has always been neighbors looking out for neighbors. Don't be a victim, and watch out for your neighbors. Share the message and encourage everyone to keep an eye out.

If you see anything out or place or suspicious, CALL THE POLICE!

NEWS RELEASE: Teen Girl Reported Missing has been found

UPDATE:

The missing 14 year old girl has been found safe by Baltimore County Police.




ORIGINAL POST:

From the Baltimore County Police Department:

NEWS RELEASE: Teen Girl Reported Missing

Monica Louise Muth, 14 years old, has been reported missing from her home in Precinct 6/Towson since September 21.

Click here for the link to the full news release.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

BCPD - Significant Events Report - CRIME IN THE AREA!

Shown below is the Significant Events Report for Precinct 6 - the BCPD precinct that covers Rodgers Forge.

It details the major incidents in the area.

You should already be aware that there have been a rash of burglaries in Rodgers Forge and the surrounding communities.

Please see the related post from RF COP leader Rob Williams regarding getting involved.

If you can't help RF COP, then please call 911 if you see anything suspicious!!

CLICK ON A PAGE BELOW FOR A LARGER VIEW.













A Message from The Rodgers Forge C.O.P.

A Message From The Rodgers Forge C.O.P.

I'm Rob Williams, the new leader of the RFCOP. WE NEED YOU.

Our Rodgers Forge community sent a message to the county government.

"We won't tolerate overcrowded schools."

Our community united to send a message to Towson University. "We didn't want an arena in our backyards."

Now we need to send a message to criminals. "We will not tolerate their criminal activity in our neighborhood."

Rodgers Forge C.O.P. is an organized group of residents who volunteer their time to patrol our neighborhood and watch out for suspicious persons and criminal activity. RFCOP acts as additional "eyes and ears" for our local police officers. We patrol the neighborhood by foot or by car. By day and night. There is no wrong time to patrol.

RFCOP volunteers patrol, looking for suspicious or unusual activity. What is deemed suspicious can be discussed at length but if you question it, call anyway! RFCOP volunteers are OBSERVERS ONLY. They DO NOT confront anyone. RFCOP patrollers call 911 and report the suspicious or criminal events. We DO NOT carry weapons. Our weapons are our eyes and ears.

RFCOP is asking for residents to volunteer as little as 1 hour a month.

Recently, there has been an increase in criminal activity in and around the Forge. If you're at all concerned about the recent events, I ask you, please to become a RFCOP volunteer.

Get involved! Help stop crime!

Please contact Rob Williams at 410-377-4756 or 410-561-6378.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Questions & Concerns?

This is the first of 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, September 19, 2009

Leash Laws - and a Concerned Neighbor

Leash laws in Maryland and in Baltimore County are there for a reason--to protect people and pets. We all have surely observed pets running off-leash. Sadly, many of us, too, have seen pets struck by cars or hear about a pet running away and never being found.

The following letter was received by the board in regard to leash laws:

I am sending this to you because you seem to be concerned about crime in the neighborhood.


In Rogers Forge, there seems to be a growing problem with people walking their dogs off leash. I happened to see someone walking a dog off leash today at the triangle as I was driving home from work.

One especially flagrant violation is a Rogers Forge resident who allows his white pitbull off leash at Towson University behind Stanmore Road (frequently early Sunday mornings). I was very disturbed this past Sunday at 6:50 a.m. when the pitbull charge after me and my dog when we were in the alley behind our home at 302 Stanmore Rd. I was lucky to be close enough to our gate to be able to get inside before the attacking dog got to us. My dog is over ten years old and I do not want him hurt by a pit bull.

It may be of interest to the dog owners to know that they can be sued and I doubt that the homeowners insurance is going to cover off leash dogs that are off the owners property. About a year ago, my wife received a severe bite from an off leash dog on Stanmore Rd. that required a hospital visit. I was out of the country at the time and she did not think to call the police or contact an attorney to sue the owner. If I had been in town at the time and seen the size of the wound, I would certainly have contacted the police and an attorney regarding the attack on my wife. I personally would like to let all dog owners know that I will not hesitate to call the police and sue the owner of any animal that attacks me or my dog.

Maybe we can get the word out to dog owners that they may be taking a substantial risk by letting their dogs run off leash. People often say that their dog is fine and would never attack anyone. I have been a dog owner most of my life and at one time in the past I was a breeder of purebred dogs and belonged to a AKC sanctioned kennel club. I know at any dog can be unpredictable in certain situations especially if the dog thinks it needs to defend it's owner or property.

Can we try to make Rogers Forge dog owners aware of the information in the attached links? Let's try to get some information out to the public. Maybe the dog owners could lobby the county counsel for a sanctioned dog park where dogs could be safely allowed to exercise off leash.

Leash Laws Are A Fact: The leash laws in Maryland require that dogs be restrained and not permitted to run "at large". The Courts in Maryland have recognized that the purpose of a leash law is to protect the public at large from attacks by various animals, including dogs. Accordingly, a claimant may use the violation of the leash law alone to establish a prima facie case for negligence. Where the leash law has been violated, the owner need not have had any notice that their dog was prone to attack.

http://resources.baltimorecountymd.gov/Documents/Health/Disease%20Control/acinfo2007.pdf

http://library.findlaw.com/1999/Sep/1/128240.html

http://www.edgarsnyder.com/accidents/dogbite/questions/case.html?ref=http%3A//www.google.com/search%3Fhl%3Den%26source%3Dhp%26q%3Dmaryland+dog+leash+law%26aq%3D0%26oq%3Dmaryland+dog+le%26aqi%3Dg1

Regards,
Arthur Oslund

Friday, September 18, 2009

FIREWORKS Tonight after TU Football Game

Everyone should be aware that there will be a short fireworks show tonight following the Towson University football game in Johnny Unitas Stadium.

The fireworks will probably start around 9:30pm.

Thank you.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

2009 - 2010 Board Officers, New Board Member, and New Leader of RF COP

At last night's Rodgers Forge board meeting, the board members elected the following people to the executive committee:

Janice Moore - President
Lawrence Swoboda - Vice President
Tyler Mays - Treasurer
Jay Dunn - Corresponding Secretary
Kate Canada - Recording Secretary

No other nominations were submitted.

Attending the meeting were members of the board and several community residents.

Mr. Jeff Wible was elected to the board and to be District 8 representative. Many of you may know Jeff from his previous time on the board and from his steadfast help on Dumpster Day. Welcome, Jeff, and thank you for stepping up.

Also of note it that Mr. Rob Williams has assumed the top job of the Rodgers Forge Citizens on Patrol. Rob has been very active in the RF COP, and he brings a great deal of energy and focus to keeping Rodgers Forge safe. RF COP needs your help, too--please call Rob Williams on 410-377-4756 (home) or 410-561-6378 (mobile) if you can help in any way.


Be sure to stay updated with information on this blog! Please submit your email address to have updates emailed to you (see the right side bar for more detail), and be sure to review the calendar. Events, including all board meetings are posted to the calendar. Thank you.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

GTC Townhall Meeting Series -- "The Architecture of Community" by Leon Krier

Please mark your calendars for the exciting kick off of the Greater Towson Committee's Town Hall Meeting Series.

We begin our series with the internationally recognized architect, Leon Krier, who will discuss his latest book, THE ARCHITECTURE OF COMMUNITY, and will stay after his lecture for a book signing.

We will host this event on October 5, 2009 at Goucher College with the lecture beginning at 7 pm and booksigning to follow.

Please invite your friends and colleagues to this not to be missed event.

It is truly an honor for us to be able to host Mr. Krier.

The GTC Town Hall Meeting Series is our public service to the community and is always open and free of charge to the community.

Cindy Bledsoe, Executive Director
Greater Towson Committee, Inc.
102 W. Pennsylvania Ave. Suite 101
Towson, MD 21204
410.825.2549

CLICK THE FLYER BELOW FOR A LARGER VIEW AND MORE INFORMATION.


Monday, September 14, 2009

RF Robberies!! Stay Alert! Here is the BCPD Significant Events Report.

The wave of robberies in the area is continuing, and Rodgers Forge has been targeted again.

Please call 911 is you see ANYTHING suspicious!


Please see the attached Significant Events Report for Precinct 6 (our precinct).



CLICK ON THE PAGES BELOW FOR A LARGER VIEW.




REMINDER - Board Meeting on Wednesday, September 16th.

A Rodgers Forge Community, Inc. board meeting is scheduled for this Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 7:00pm in the Cafetorium at Rodgers Forge Elementary School.

The order of business for this meeting is to elect officers (president, vice president, etc.) for the upcoming fiscal year. Board members only may vote for the officers.

Residents, as always, are welcome to attend and participate.

We hope many of the people who came to the annual meeting and expressed an interest in the board and community will come and offer their assistance!

Thank you, and we'll see you on Wednesday.

Questions & Concerns?

This is the first of 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, September 12, 2009

GBMC launches "Time for Me!" - Women's Health Lecture Series

Greater Baltimore Medical Center has launched a “Time For Me!” Women’s Health Lecture Series as a free educational program to offer women tips on prevention and how to best take care of themselves.

“Time For Me!” debuts with four programs in October.

Tuesday, October 6 - Women’s Cancer - Speakers: Drs. Lauren Schnaper, Amanda Fader and ClairFrancomano

Monday, October 12 - Pelvic Floor Conditions (incontinence and pelvicprolapse) - Speakers: Drs. Michelle Germain and George Apostolides

Monday, October 19 - Menopause - Speakers: Drs. Endrika Hinton, Margaret Brennan and RuthHorowitz

Monday, October 26 - Prevention and Wellness - Speakers: Drs. Sarah Whiteford and Hanita Sawhney

All lectures will be held in the Civiletti Conference Center inGBMC’s Physician’s Pavilion East building at 6:30 p.m.

Light refreshments will be served and admission and parking (Rose Park garage) are free.

To RSVP or for more information, call 443-849-GBMC (4262) or visit ww.gbmc.org/timeforme.

Women’s health services has a long tradition at GBMC, dating back to1822 when one of GBMC’s parent hospitals, The Hospital For the Womenof Maryland, in Baltimore City opened as only the second women’s hospital in the country.

[All these dates have been added to the calendar located on the right side of the screen. Click on an event for more information. Also, add your email for updates and reminders. Ed.]

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Please Welcome Your New Board!

The election took place this evening, and the following residents have been elected to serve on the Rodgers Forge Community board:

Ginny Allen *
Christopher Alworth
Joan Brooks * (District 2 Representative)
Doug Campbell *
Kate Canada * (District 11 Representative)
Scott Carlson
Jay Dunn * (District 10 Representative)
Jean Duvall *
Pat Foretich *
Don Gerding *
Jennifer Helfrich *
Ayfer Hoffman * (District 9 Representative)
Loretta Ishida (District 6 Representative)
Tyler Mays
Brandon Mollett (District 3 Representative)
Ada Montessoro *
Janice Moore * (District 7 Representative)
Norma O'Hara *
Janine Schofield * (District 5 Representative)
Lawrence Swoboda * (District 1 Representative)
Bryan Tillman
Carol Zielke * (District 4 Representative)

* - Incumbant board members


Thanks to all who participated in the process, especially the out-going board members and the nominees who were not elected. Your participation is invaluable. Please stay involved!

Thank you, too, to all the people who took the time to attend this evening's meeting. It's wonderful to see so many people come to a meeting and make a difference.

Special thanks go to Jason Carter who was the Nominating Committee chair and did a fantastic job managing the election process.

As always, if you're interested, the board can use your help!

The new board will meet next Wednesday to elect officers.

Check back soon for a complete summary of the events from the meeting.



Traffic & Pedestrian Safety - BCPD Cable TV Program

The next edition of Police Report, the Baltimore County Police Department's cable TV program, will run from September 3 through September 30.

This edition will focus on traffic and pedestrian safety now that students are back on the street heading to and from school, as well as Precinct 4/Pikesville.

More: CLICK HERE

Updated Slate of Nominees to the Rodgers Forge Board - Revised 9/9/2009

Below is the latest list of nominees for open seats on the Rodgers Forge board. Additional nominees may be nominated from the floor at the appropriate time during the meeting this evening.

Reminder: the meeting is this evening (9/9/09) at 7:00pm in the Cafetorium in Rodgers Forge Elementary School.



CLICK ON THE LISTS BELOW TO VIEW A LARGER IMAGE.



Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Updated Slate of Nominees to the Rodgers Forge Board - Revised 1:49pm

Please review the latest list of nominees for At-Large and District openings on the Rodgers Forge Board.

If you are interested in being on the board, please contact Jason Carter (jcarter9@verizon.net) to be included on this list. One may be nominated from the floor, but contacting Mr. Carter in advance will help the process go much more smoothly. (See the "Reminder" post below for more information.)


We hope to see you on Wedensday, September 9, 2009 at 7:00pm in the Cafetorium at Rodgers Forge Elementary School.

CLICK THE DOCUMENTS BELOW FOR A LARGER VERSION.


Support the Baltimore County Public Library! "A Fair to Remember" - 9/26



Click on the poster for all the details!

Here's an email from Jennifer Haire, BCPL Towson Library Manager:

Hello there. I am sending an invitation to you, as you are on my list ofcommunity leaders, library supporters and library partners. Please take alook at this attachment, and help us support our library system at a timewhen the information needs in our communities are steadily increasing.

Please also share this attachment with your community. And, as usual,contact us when you need information of ANY kind, including the BESTstarting point for an information search (often not Google), a good book,video games, great music including downloadables of many of these. And I domean, nearly instant gratification! We can help you use your valuable time even more effectively.

BEST,
Jennifer

Jennifer C. Haire
Towson Library Manager, BCPL
320 York Road
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-6166 x110
www.bcpl.info

REMINDER - Annual Community Open Meeting on Wednesday, September 9th.

The annual open meeting of the Rodgers Forge Community, Inc. is taking place on Wedensday, September 9, 2009 at 7:00pm in the cafetorium in Rodgers Forge Elementary School.

The agenda includes presentations by community president Janice Moore, the Baltimore County Fire Department, the Baltimore County Police Department, acknowledgement of our elected officials, and the election of board members.

This is a great opportunity to meet the Board and get involved.

The event is scheduled to end promptly at 9:00pm; the RFES custodial team must prepare for school the next morning.

Be sure to attend!

There appears to be some confusion about being able to pay dues and vote at the upcoming Rodgers Forge Annual Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 7:00pm in the Cafetorium of Rodgers Forge Elementary School.


First, one may, of course, pay dues at the Annual Meeting (personal checks and exact change only, please. Change will not be available at the meeting.). Those that have paid dues will be allowed to run for any open At-Large board seats and/or District seats.


It's important to mention that those households that pay their dues after August 15 will not have their information published in the Rodgers Forge Directory.


Second, if one pays dues and qualifies as a General Member that person may vote. For reasons of equity, only one vote per dues paying household will be counted.


Lastly, the board created several month ago a Nominating Committee, and encouraged residents to contact Mr. Jason Carter (jcarter9@verizon.net) to express an interest in joining the board. As of September 3, 2009, four people have contacted Mr. Carter. If you are interested in joining the board, please contact Mr. Carter before September 9, 2009. Nominations, however, will also be allowed from the floor during the meeting.


Regrettably, some people who sought clarification on these matters did not wait for an official response from the board and started spreading inaccurate information. For its part, the board apologizes for any confusion.


Every resident is encouraged to come to and participate in the Annual Meeting!


Please be sure to bookmark and check this site for official information along with the Rodgers Forge website (www.rodgersforge.org).

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Dues, Voting, and Joining the Board at the Annual Meeting

There appears to be some confusion about being able to pay dues and vote at the upcoming Rodgers Forge Annual Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 7:00pm in the Cafetorium of Rodgers Forge Elementary School.

First, one may, of course, pay dues at the Annual Meeting (personal checks and exact change only, please. Change will not be available at the meeting.). Those that have paid dues will be allowed to run for any open At-Large board seats and/or District seats.

It's important to mention that those households that pay their dues after August 15 will not have their information published in the Rodgers Forge Directory.

Second, if one pays dues and qualifies as a General Member that person may vote. For reasons of equity, only one vote per dues paying household will be counted.

Lastly, the board created several month ago a Nominating Committee, and encouraged residents to contact Mr. Jason Carter (jcarter9@verizon.net) to express an interest in joining the board. As of September 3, 2009, four people have contacted Mr. Carter. If you are interested in joining the board, please contact Mr. Carter before September 9, 2009. Nominations, however, will also be allowed from the floor during the meeting.

Regrettably, some people who sought clarification on these matters did not wait for an official response from the board and started spreading inaccurate information. For its part, the board apologizes for any confusion.

Every resident is encouraged to come to and participate in the Annual Meeting!

Please be sure to bookmark and check this site for official information along with the Rodgers Forge website (www.rodgersforge.org).

Domestic Violence Awareness - Town Hall Meeting on 9/22/2009


Sentaor James Brochin and State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger will be hosting a town hall meeting on the topic of domestice violence on Tuesday, September 22 at Pleasant Plains Elementary School (8300 Pleasant Plains Road) from 6:30pm to 9:00pm.


Guest speakers will include Mothyna James-Brightful, Community Educator with Turnaround, Inc. and a representative from the Department of Resources, Social Services.


Please call Senator Brochin's office with any questions: 410-823-7087.


Baltimore County Historical Society RARE BOOK SALE

A set of eight (8) books authored by noted African American historian Louis
S. Diggs, autographed by him, and from his private collection, will be part
of a silent auction the 3rd Annual Shrimp Feast benefiting the Historical
Society of Baltimore County.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, this collection includes the last available copy of Mr. Diggs' first book and a rare hardcover edition of one of his books of which only 50 were bound with a hardcover. (Retail price for the set: $250: Minimum beginning bid: $200)

As participants enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet, they can also bid on a wide
variety of merchandise and experiences donated by the Historical Society's
sponsors.

The new book celebrating Baltimore County's 350th Anniversary, "Baltimore County: Celebrating a Legacy (1659-2009)," will be available for purchase and signature by its author, Dr. Barry Lanman, of UMBC's Martha Ross Center for Oral History.

The event takes place on Friday evening, 11 September, at Columbus Gardens near Baltimore, MD.

For further information, please contact 410.666.1878 or visit the Society's Website at http://www.hsobc.org/

Thank you for your consideration--

Glenn

Glenn T. Johnston
President
Historical Society of Baltimore County

Friday, September 4, 2009

Let's Get Rid of Rats !

Rats, the kind that run on all fours, are sometimes a problem for Rodgers Forge homeowners and the best way to get rid of them is to deny them food, water and comfort.
The biggest attraction for rats is the food that attracts and supports them in and around your area. Look for and eliminate all possible rat food. They feed on garbage, leftover pet food and feces. You need to make sure you have rodent-proof containers and tightly fitting lids on your trash cans and do not set out plastic bags except on collection day. Food denial is the key.

If you have a compost pile, do not add food scraps, vegetables, fruit, garbage or animal waste to the pile.

Remove fallen and freshly ripened fruit or vegetables from gardens. Keep bird and animal feed off the ground and do not leave scraps or pet food out for squirrels and feral animals. Remove pet feces from your yard every day.

Look for harborages on your slopes and alongside buildings, fences, sheds and low decks. Rat holes are about the size of a tennis ball and they will also live under piles of debris.

Snap traps and poison baits work well in rat elimination but you must be careful that poison bait is not accessible to pets or children and you surely don’t want to “catch” them as well. Use gloved hands when removing rate carcasses.

Finally, if you know that nearby homes or businesses such as sandwich shops and the like are attracting rats thanks to poor disposal of garbage, contact County Environmental Health at 410-887-4065. If you think a neighbor is causing the problem, how about talking to them and sharing information?

Thursday, September 3, 2009

REMINDER - Annual Community Open Meeting on Wednesday, September 9th.

The annual open meeting of the Rodgers Forge Community, Inc. is taking place on Wedensday, September 9, 2009 at 7:00pm in the cafetorium in Rodgers Forge Elementary School.

The agenda includes presentations by community president Janice Moore, the Baltimore County Fire Department, the Baltimore County Police Department, acknowledgement of our elected officials, and the election of board members.

This is a great opportunity to meet the Board and get involved.

The event is scheduled to end promptly at 9:00pm; the RFES custodial team must prepare for school the next morning.

Be sure to attend!

PLEASE REVIEW THE RF CALENDAR LOCATED TO THE RIGHT OF THIS POST. IT CONTAINS UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON ALL KINDS OF EVENTS HAPPENING IN AND AROUND RODGERS FORGE!

Goucher College Holds Farmers' Market This Friday, 9/4

In keeping with the ongoing emphasis on raising awareness about environmental sustainability—including how food choices affect the global ecosystem—Goucher College will host a farmers’ markets this Friday, September 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the courtyard of the Alumnae/i House.

The market is free and open to students, faculty, and staff, as well as members of the greater community. Plenty of free parking is available. Go to http://www.goucher.edu/documents/campusmaplow.pdf to see a campus map. For more information, call 410-337-6316.

Participating food grower and artisans will include:

· Firefly Farms, Bittinger, MD, artisan cheeses
· Gunpowder Bison and Trading Company, Monkton, MD, bison meat
· Hearn Kirkwood, Hanover, MD, produce, meat, poultry, dairy, and seafood
· Lancaster County Farms Cooperative, Leola, PA, organic produce, grass-based hormone- and antibiotic-free milk and dairy products, cheeses, yogurts, pastured poultry, eggs, ground beef
· Roseda Beef Farm, Monkton, MD, natural Angus beef
· Stone Mill Bakery, Lutherville, MD, artisanal breads and baked goods
· Sunnyside Farms, Washington, VA, organic fruits and vegetables
· Tuscarora Organic Growers, Hustontown, PA, organic fruits and vegetables
· Two Oceans Seafood, Stevenson, MD, sustainable wild seafood and environmentally sound farmed seafoods

This will be the first in a series of farmers’ markets held on Goucher’s campus. Others will be held on Friday, September 18; Friday, October 16; Friday, October 30; Friday, November 6; and Friday, November 20.

All markets will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the courtyard at the Alumnae/i House.

Food in the United States travels an average of 1,500 miles to get to the plate. All this shipping uses large amounts of natural resources (especially fossil fuels), contributes greatly to pollution, and creates excess trash with extra packaging. Conventional agriculture also uses many more resources than sustainable agriculture and pollutes water, land, and air with toxic agricultural byproducts.

Besides reducing greenhouse gas emissions, buying from local growers helps support sustainable farming practices that replenish the land, and it can prevent foods that contain pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics from reaching consumers’ plates.

Gun Shots in Rodgers Forge?!? Nope.

This was originally reported by former RF resident and RFCOP head Karl Pfrommer:

23 Aug 2009
200 blk.HOPKINS Rd. near Dorking Rd.
Identifier: 09H11138
Time: 16:20 - 16:20
Premise/Location: STREET
AGG. ASSLT.- GUN
UNK SUSPECT SHOT VICTIM LOWER LEFT LEG AND FLED IN AN UNK DIRECTION


There was some confusion with this report as it did not show up on the Baltimore County Police Weekly Precinct 6 Report.

# # #

Here's a response from Captain Jones, BCPD:


Janice,

That incident must have occurred in Baltimore City. We did not have any
calls for service on Hopkins Road August 24, 2009. Also looking at the
report number, I believe that is a Baltimore City report number. I hope
this answered you question.

Please share this information with the rest of
the community.

Thanks

Captain Al Jones
Commanding Officer
Precinct 6/ Towson



Captain Jones mistakenly typed the 24th; He followed up with this email:

I accidentally wrote the 24th, however I checked the calls for service for
whole week.


There was no shooting in your community.


Captain Al Jones
Commanding Officer
Precinct 6/ Towson


# # #

In any case, please always be aware of what's going on around you. Call the police if you see or hear anything suspicious!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

BCPD NEWS RELEASE: Labor Day - Don't Drink and Drive

NEWS RELEASE - BALTIMORE COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Labor Day - Don't Drink and Drive

Baltimore County Police and other law enforcement agencies throughout the country will be committed to stopping those drivers who insist on drinking and driving this Labor Day weekend and over the next few weeks.

Click here for the full news release.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Save Money on Your Electricity Bill - WSJ Article


Here's an interesting article from the Wall Street Journal that discusses the battle between energy utilities (like BGE) and other retail providers of electricity.


If one shops around and considers sources of electricity other than BGE, it could lead to a reduction in the cost of energy--as much as $100/year.


Just food for thought, since we're all looking for ways to save money.