Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Plant Bulbs Now for Spring Show
Oella has been selected to represent Baltimore County in the Maryland Home & Garden Pilgrimage on May 18, 2008. In honor of this event, which coincides with Oella's bicentennial, we are encouraging residents to pitch in to beautify Oella. You can get a head start now by planting bulbs that will bloom in late Spring. Local nurseries have bulbs on sale now, or you may find a huge selection from Brecks, Michigan Bulbs, or Organicbulbs.com.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Historic Ellicott City featured in the Sun
Just weeks after a piece on Oella, Historic Ellicott City was featured in the Real Estate section of the Baltimore Sun. Click on the post title to read the story.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
n Saturday, November 3, Baltimore County residents may bring household hazardous waste items to a one-day collection event scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the parking lot of Timonium Fairgrounds, located at 2200 York Road. Residents must use the Timonium Road entrance to the fairgrounds and follow signs to the event.
Baltimore County residents may bring the following materials: paints, motor oil, antifreeze, gasoline, cleaning solvents, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, swimming pool chemicals, mercury thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs, fireworks, and ammunition and other household hazardous wastes.
For those residents who can’t make it to the one-day event in Timonium, DEPRM operates a household hazardous waste collection facility, in cooperation with the Department of Public Works, at the Eastern Sanitary Landfill, located at 6257 Days Cove Road in White Marsh. This facility is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from April through November. Residents may call DEPRM at 410-887-3745 for more information.
Baltimore County residents may bring the following materials: paints, motor oil, antifreeze, gasoline, cleaning solvents, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, swimming pool chemicals, mercury thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs, fireworks, and ammunition and other household hazardous wastes.
For those residents who can’t make it to the one-day event in Timonium, DEPRM operates a household hazardous waste collection facility, in cooperation with the Department of Public Works, at the Eastern Sanitary Landfill, located at 6257 Days Cove Road in White Marsh. This facility is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from April through November. Residents may call DEPRM at 410-887-3745 for more information.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Article about Westchester Ave. Bridge
Westchester Ave. bridge was closed temporarily due to a protruding bolt. It is reopen and safe to drive on. Read more by clicking on the post title above.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Halloween Safety--Kids, Decor, Pets
Follow these tips from BaltCo:
Make sure children wear safe costumes.
* Avoid anything that limits movement, vision, or would cause a child to trip or fall. Use face paint or masks with big holes for the eyes.
* Put reflective tape on costumes so your child can be seen.
Make sure older children trick-or-treat with an adult or a buddy and know where they are going.
* Remind children to stay away from backyards and alleys and to stay on the sidewalk and cross only at corners and NEVER cross between parked cars.
* If you are a driver slow down and watch out—kids move fast!
Check your decorations.
* Place lit candles and Jack O’Lanterns away from where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing.
* Keep your porch light on.
* Remove things kids could trip over.
Remind kids not to eat ANY treats until they get home.
* Small, hard candies are a choking hazard for young children. Check all candy carefully and throw away home made treats and any candy that is not in a completely sealed wrapper.
* Many children are allergic to peanuts. Please check the candy labels for allergen warnings.
* Although this is uncommon, candy and lollipops in twist off paper wrappers can be tampered with.
Parents and Children
* Avoid houses if you see a dog in the yard or hear barking from inside the house.
* Never approach a dog, even if you know him. The dog may not recognize you in your costume.
* While trick-or-treating, if an owner opens the door and their dog is there, stay still and wait for the dog owner to put the dog away.
* If you meet a dog that has gotten loose, be a tree (hands folded in front, watching your feet), until it goes away.
Pet Owners
* Do not leave your pet out in the yard on Halloween.
* Never give your pet candy. Chocolate is poisonous to a lot of animals and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.
* If you decide to dress your dog or cat in a costume, see that she is safe and free to see, hear and move about freely.
* Keep pets away from lit pumpkins. Pets may knock it over and cause a fire. Kittens often run the risk of getting burned.
* When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, make sure your dog or cat doesn’t dart outside. It is best to keep your pet in a separate room away from the noise and strangers.
* Make sure your dog or cat is wearing proper identification. If he escapes or becomes lost, you increase the chances that he will be returned to you.
Make sure children wear safe costumes.
* Avoid anything that limits movement, vision, or would cause a child to trip or fall. Use face paint or masks with big holes for the eyes.
* Put reflective tape on costumes so your child can be seen.
Make sure older children trick-or-treat with an adult or a buddy and know where they are going.
* Remind children to stay away from backyards and alleys and to stay on the sidewalk and cross only at corners and NEVER cross between parked cars.
* If you are a driver slow down and watch out—kids move fast!
Check your decorations.
* Place lit candles and Jack O’Lanterns away from where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing.
* Keep your porch light on.
* Remove things kids could trip over.
Remind kids not to eat ANY treats until they get home.
* Small, hard candies are a choking hazard for young children. Check all candy carefully and throw away home made treats and any candy that is not in a completely sealed wrapper.
* Many children are allergic to peanuts. Please check the candy labels for allergen warnings.
* Although this is uncommon, candy and lollipops in twist off paper wrappers can be tampered with.
Parents and Children
* Avoid houses if you see a dog in the yard or hear barking from inside the house.
* Never approach a dog, even if you know him. The dog may not recognize you in your costume.
* While trick-or-treating, if an owner opens the door and their dog is there, stay still and wait for the dog owner to put the dog away.
* If you meet a dog that has gotten loose, be a tree (hands folded in front, watching your feet), until it goes away.
Pet Owners
* Do not leave your pet out in the yard on Halloween.
* Never give your pet candy. Chocolate is poisonous to a lot of animals and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.
* If you decide to dress your dog or cat in a costume, see that she is safe and free to see, hear and move about freely.
* Keep pets away from lit pumpkins. Pets may knock it over and cause a fire. Kittens often run the risk of getting burned.
* When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, make sure your dog or cat doesn’t dart outside. It is best to keep your pet in a separate room away from the noise and strangers.
* Make sure your dog or cat is wearing proper identification. If he escapes or becomes lost, you increase the chances that he will be returned to you.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Wildfire Caution
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service urges citizens to use care in any outdoor activities that could spark a wildfire. Current drought conditions across much of the state increase wildfire danger.
The highest wildfire occurrence in Maryland typically occurs during the spring and fall. The fall fire season typically runs from mid-September to late December. Wildfire starts have been higher than average for the past three months. Response has been double the average for September and the first half of October with 99 wildfires occurring. The Maryland Forest Service has responded to 576 incidents in 2007 to date.
Forest Service officials strongly encourage homeowners to refrain from any outdoor burning until Maryland receives significant steady rainfall of at least one to two inches or more. Open-air burning is the leading cause of wildfires in Maryland. During dry conditions, embers can easily ignite dry leaves or other forest fuels and start a wildfire. Further restrictions may need to be put in place if the dry weather pattern continues.
Citizens are also urged to use care during outdoor recreational activities such as hunting, camping, and hiking. Discarding cigarettes or other smoking materials such as hot ashes or can ignite fires under these types of dry conditions. Campfires should never be left unattended and keep water close at hand to extinguish the fire.
The highest wildfire occurrence in Maryland typically occurs during the spring and fall. The fall fire season typically runs from mid-September to late December. Wildfire starts have been higher than average for the past three months. Response has been double the average for September and the first half of October with 99 wildfires occurring. The Maryland Forest Service has responded to 576 incidents in 2007 to date.
Forest Service officials strongly encourage homeowners to refrain from any outdoor burning until Maryland receives significant steady rainfall of at least one to two inches or more. Open-air burning is the leading cause of wildfires in Maryland. During dry conditions, embers can easily ignite dry leaves or other forest fuels and start a wildfire. Further restrictions may need to be put in place if the dry weather pattern continues.
Citizens are also urged to use care during outdoor recreational activities such as hunting, camping, and hiking. Discarding cigarettes or other smoking materials such as hot ashes or can ignite fires under these types of dry conditions. Campfires should never be left unattended and keep water close at hand to extinguish the fire.
Pitch in for Progress Morning of Oct. 20
Pitch in for Progress at Banneker Museum 330 Oella Ave.; volunteers needed for Fall planting & clean-up; gloves, bags, water, snacks provided; Contact Jay Patel at the Country Store for details.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Drought watch
Baltimore County, as well as many other counties in the state, is under a drought watch. Rainfall has been below normal since May, and the reservoirs are beginning to get low. Though we're not under any mandatory water restrictions at this time, please do what you can to conserve water. Some easy tips:
-Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth
-Water plants during the coolest part of the day, preferably in the morning, to reduce evaporation
-Water plants close to the base, rather than just spraying the leaves
-Water deeply, but less often
-Plant native species that are drought resistant. Black-eyed Susans work really well.
-Collect water in a bucket during your shower. Use it to water plants
-Use dehumidifier water in your garden
-Run only full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine
-Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth
-Water plants during the coolest part of the day, preferably in the morning, to reduce evaporation
-Water plants close to the base, rather than just spraying the leaves
-Water deeply, but less often
-Plant native species that are drought resistant. Black-eyed Susans work really well.
-Collect water in a bucket during your shower. Use it to water plants
-Use dehumidifier water in your garden
-Run only full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Growing Home--$10 off trees
The county is running its Growing Home campaign again this year. The purpose is to promote planting and care of trees. For information and a $10 coupon good at participating nurseries, click on the title of this post.
Monday, October 08, 2007
News from the blogger
I (Amanda Lauer) am writing to let you know that I have tendered my resignation from the HOA board. Personal and professional obligations have increased exponentially this summer, and I just don't have the energy necessary to keep after all of the HOA issues. I am grateful for the opportunity to work for the community. I have worked with and met some truly lovely people that help make Oella such a special place to live. I will continue to operate this blog, maintain the HOA webpage, and work on the landscape improvement initiative.
I would like to say one thing that I've been keeping mum about for some time. I take full responsibility, and it is my opinion and not the board's that I am expressing. There are some people, and there is more than one, who treat board members, community volunteers, and even their neighbors abominably. The board and other community volunteers are not out to get you (I can't vouch for your neighbors), nor do they have hidden, devious agendas. They are human beings donating many unpaid hours to keep your community going strong. People are not exactly lining up to do these jobs, so please treat them with the respect and courtesy that is due. You'd be surprised how far a little politeness can go.
I'd appreciate it if someone could forward this message to the Yahoo group, as I removed myself from it some time ago.
Amanda
I would like to say one thing that I've been keeping mum about for some time. I take full responsibility, and it is my opinion and not the board's that I am expressing. There are some people, and there is more than one, who treat board members, community volunteers, and even their neighbors abominably. The board and other community volunteers are not out to get you (I can't vouch for your neighbors), nor do they have hidden, devious agendas. They are human beings donating many unpaid hours to keep your community going strong. People are not exactly lining up to do these jobs, so please treat them with the respect and courtesy that is due. You'd be surprised how far a little politeness can go.
I'd appreciate it if someone could forward this message to the Yahoo group, as I removed myself from it some time ago.
Amanda
Friday, October 05, 2007
Reminder: Board walk-through this Sunday
The board of directors will begin making twice-yearly tours of HOA territory to assess the needs and condition of the association. The first walk through will be held on at 1:00pm on October 7. Members are invited to join the board for part or all of the tour. This is a great opportunity to meet board members and share your thoughts. We will begin at Charles James Circle (Timber Point) and work our way around the community. We will assess and discuss issues such as parking lots, landscaping of common areas, retaining walls and structures on common areas, and general property maintenance. This tour will be held in lieu of the regular board meeting which was scheduled for October 8th.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Oella real estate page?
Your opinion counts! What do you think about adding a page to the HOA website that lists properties for sale within the association? Listings would be solely voluntary and would be up to the seller or realtor to write up. It might be a nice way to assist home sellers and buyers in this slumping real estate market. We might also include a short blurb about the reasons why one might choose to live in Oella instead of a McMansion suburb.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Fight Park Vandalism
The county has started a new initiative, "Park Pride," to combat vandalism in county parks. Report park vandalism by calling the Park Pride phone number, 410-887-3808, or by visiting the Park Pride web page (link above). The police will then follow-up on all tips. Individuals will be able to remain anonymous.
County parks in Oella include:
Westchester Center park
Trolley Trail
Banneker Park & Museum
County parks in Oella include:
Westchester Center park
Trolley Trail
Banneker Park & Museum
Monday, October 01, 2007
The latest on Oella Ave. repairs
Here is the response to the blogger's latest inquiry about the road repairs:
The Contractor did move the equipment at the project site on Thursday,September 27,2007 and is commencing the work on Monday, October 1, 2007. Initially,the work was to start earlier which could not due to the conflict with the overhead electric wires. BGE completed the relocation of those overhead wires on September 14,2007.With 75 working days or roughly 4 months for the job,that would mean the contractor should finish his portion in mid to late January 2008,unless there is a legitimate weather or other problem. The Bureau of Highways will still have to come in to pave and place guardrail after that. So,our current estimate is that the work should finish up and the road opened to traffic some time in early to mid March 2008.
The Contractor did move the equipment at the project site on Thursday,September 27,2007 and is commencing the work on Monday, October 1, 2007. Initially,the work was to start earlier which could not due to the conflict with the overhead electric wires. BGE completed the relocation of those overhead wires on September 14,2007.With 75 working days or roughly 4 months for the job,that would mean the contractor should finish his portion in mid to late January 2008,unless there is a legitimate weather or other problem. The Bureau of Highways will still have to come in to pave and place guardrail after that. So,our current estimate is that the work should finish up and the road opened to traffic some time in early to mid March 2008.
Letter to Residents re. Storage on/Changes to HOA Common Areas
In case you didn't get the letter, forgot about it or threw it out, here it is. The board will be reviewing all requests during this weekend's walk through. If you need an extension, please contact us at board@oellahoa.com or P.O. Box 802, Ellicott City, MD 21041.
To: Members of Oella Homeowners Association (OHOA) September 6, 2007
From: OHOA Board of Directors
P.O. Box 802 Oella Ave.
Ellicott City, MD 21041
board@oellahoa.com
Dear Homeowner,
There have been several instances in which unapproved changes have been made to OHOA common areas or items have been stored on common areas. Storage of items on common areas without the permission of the Board of Directors is not permitted:
Initial Rules and Regulations of the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions
"2. There shall be no obstruction of the Common Areas. Nothing shall be stored
on the Common Areas without the prior written consent of the Board of Directors.
3. Nothing shall be done or kept by an Owner in any portion of the Common Areas that will increase the premiums charged for any insurance maintained by the Association without the prior written consent of the Board of Directors.
11. Unless otherwise authorized by the Board of Directors, no parking areas in the Common Areas may be used for any purpose other than parking automobiles. All vehicles must have current license plates and be in operating condition."
This policy helps ensure both the safety and cleanliness of our common areas, as well as to keep insurance premiums in check. Items that may not be stored on common areas without approval include, but are not limited to: play and sports equipment, firewood, building supplies, inoperable vehicles or vehicle parts, grills, furniture, tools, tarps, laundry, lawn ornaments, and landscaping materials. Please note that driveways and parking lots that are owned and maintained by the OHOA are considered common areas. Members are requested to remove all items currently stored on OHOA common areas or request permission for storage by October 1, 2007. Any items that remain in the common areas after this date will be removed and discarded.
We recognize that many residents would like to help beautify the OHOA landscape by planting small gardens. The OHOA has a 3-year landscape improvement plan for common areas, and we contract with specialists to care for our trees and green areas. Excavation of ground in common areas may result in erosion or dangerous temporary holes. While we support planting of native and non-invasive plants in Oella, it is important to request permission to plant a garden in a common area. Changes to common areas may be subject to approval by the Architectural Review Committee. We also ask that you refrain from trimming trees or bushes located in common areas. If a tree or bush near you needs to be trimmed, please contact the board.
The board would also like to remind owners of rental units that it is your responsibility to ensure that your rental properties comply with the association rules and regulations. We appreciate your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Board of Directors, OHOA
To: Members of Oella Homeowners Association (OHOA) September 6, 2007
From: OHOA Board of Directors
P.O. Box 802 Oella Ave.
Ellicott City, MD 21041
board@oellahoa.com
Dear Homeowner,
There have been several instances in which unapproved changes have been made to OHOA common areas or items have been stored on common areas. Storage of items on common areas without the permission of the Board of Directors is not permitted:
Initial Rules and Regulations of the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions
"2. There shall be no obstruction of the Common Areas. Nothing shall be stored
on the Common Areas without the prior written consent of the Board of Directors.
3. Nothing shall be done or kept by an Owner in any portion of the Common Areas that will increase the premiums charged for any insurance maintained by the Association without the prior written consent of the Board of Directors.
11. Unless otherwise authorized by the Board of Directors, no parking areas in the Common Areas may be used for any purpose other than parking automobiles. All vehicles must have current license plates and be in operating condition."
This policy helps ensure both the safety and cleanliness of our common areas, as well as to keep insurance premiums in check. Items that may not be stored on common areas without approval include, but are not limited to: play and sports equipment, firewood, building supplies, inoperable vehicles or vehicle parts, grills, furniture, tools, tarps, laundry, lawn ornaments, and landscaping materials. Please note that driveways and parking lots that are owned and maintained by the OHOA are considered common areas. Members are requested to remove all items currently stored on OHOA common areas or request permission for storage by October 1, 2007. Any items that remain in the common areas after this date will be removed and discarded.
We recognize that many residents would like to help beautify the OHOA landscape by planting small gardens. The OHOA has a 3-year landscape improvement plan for common areas, and we contract with specialists to care for our trees and green areas. Excavation of ground in common areas may result in erosion or dangerous temporary holes. While we support planting of native and non-invasive plants in Oella, it is important to request permission to plant a garden in a common area. Changes to common areas may be subject to approval by the Architectural Review Committee. We also ask that you refrain from trimming trees or bushes located in common areas. If a tree or bush near you needs to be trimmed, please contact the board.
The board would also like to remind owners of rental units that it is your responsibility to ensure that your rental properties comply with the association rules and regulations. We appreciate your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Board of Directors, OHOA
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