Local Business Spotlight: Bill Lorenz Locksmith

Bill provides 24 hr emergency service to the Oella area--say, for instance, when you lock yourself out after taking the dog out and it's 95 degrees outside. He can also handle safes and can make keys on the spot (so you can finally get that spare key made). The blogger can attest that he gets to you quickly, gets your lock open quickly, and is very nice about doing it. 410-719-1054.

Board news

There have been two personnel changes on the HOA Board of Directors. Amanda Lauer (aka the blogger) has agreed to fill out the term vacated by Richard Gambrill, which lasts until the end of the year. Also, Director Joe Greer has tendered his resignation due to a job change that will require much time spent outside of Oella. The board thanks Joe for his service.

Sad News

Those of you who visit the Country Store or are involved in GOCA know Jay Patel. I am sad to report that his wife Paula, who spent a lot of time at the store with Jay, passed away on Monday after suffering a stroke. If you would like to send flowers, or make a memorial donation, please check the Baltimore Sun or call McKnabb funeral home (410) 747-4770 for details on where to send them. There will be visitation from 1-2pm on Wednesday the 23rd at McNabb funeral home in Catonsville for those who wish to [ay their respects.

Please pay dues on time!

Several HOA members have unpaid balances on their accounts. Please remember that HOA fees are due UPON RECEIPT of quarterly invoices, and an option to pay the year in advance is available. Prompt payment of dues is essential for the implementation of HOA services such as common area landscaping & mowing, parking lot maintenance, tree removal, etc..

Questions about your dues? Contact the HOA Board of Directors at board@oellahoa.com.

Oella developer Charles Wagandt honored for historic preservation efforts

Charles received another award in part for his work in Oella. Read the story in The View or click on the link above.

Announcement re. speed humps from a Spring Street resident

We called the County about the speeding, and after they realized Oella Ave had already been approved for speed humps, we got another one. Unfortunately, there are still a few speeders who ignore even the new speed hump, so the police are considering a detail to catch anyone going above 25 MPH. In particular, there is "someone" who lives on the S-curve who insists on actually threatening people with his car, speeding up and heading for us when we wave at him to slow down. He's the worst offender, but there are definitely others.
Please, remember that those of us who live close to the street (especially in the straightaway where the speed bumps are) can't see or hear cars very well when we are leaving our houses. Some of us have toddlers and outdoor pets who dart out sometimes.

Our next goal (among the Spring Street folks) is to get a "Caution: Children at play" sign. It's just so dangerous. I don't understand why people think it's safe to drive more than the posted 25MPH limit.
It isn't.

And yes, we are going to have a peaceful "margarita party" in the middle of the new speed bump sometime soon.

Trees block stop sign at Oella Ave & Hollow Rd. intersection

Please be careful when driving on or near Hollow Rd. The stop sign at the intersection with Oella Ave is covered by trees & brush. The county has been contacted to trim the trees, but take care in the meantime.

Our area voted one of the top 10 places to live in the US...again!

The Columbia/Ellicott City area was ranked #8 in the 2008 Best Places to Live by CNN Money. Click on the link above to read the article

Timber Point Landscape Improvements

As you may or may not know, the center island at Timber point has been in bad shape for a number of years. The island is used a lot by dogs & kids, so we've had trouble keeping grass healthy. The neighbors at Charles James Circle (Timber Point), with the help of the HOA, installed a new perennial garden on part of the island to beautify their area. It looks terrific! Please help these plants stay alive by cleaning up after your pet. Check out the before & after.

Oella Community Service Project--Paul's Place

I think it would be nice to start some small Oella Community Service projects. The community we serve doesn't have to be Oella. The idea is just to foster a community-minded spirit. To kick it off, I'd like to ask for help with a project at the soup kitchen & community outreach center, Paul's Place, in Pigtown (Baltimore)
http://www.paulsplaceoutreach.org/


Paul's Place has a fenced in space for a garden to be tended by the kids in the summer & after school programs. What they need is an actual garden! The blogger is collecting supplies to build a raised bed garden in time for Fall crops. If you have any garden extras, please consider donating them. Items needed:

seeds
soil
compost
lumber for the bed
corners for the bed
trellis
compost bin
garden tools

Contact Amanda at laueram@yahoo.com if you can help. I'll be organizing a garden-building event one weekend on August 2,3,16, or 17 so your labor is also welcome!

If you have an idea for a short project, please e-mail it!

Have a safe 4th of July--no fireworks in the forest

Please choose to have a safe 4th of July--enjoy your fireworks at a community event such as the fireworks displays at Catonsville High School, at the Inner Harbor, or in Columbia.

Fireworks set off in the neighborhood can lead to forest fires fires or house fires, not to mention personal injuries. The loud noises also scare the wildlife and pets.

Thanks for being a good neighbor!