Covid-19 Bulletin

 

April 9, 2020                                                                                      Volume XVII, Issue II

Maryland Projection: Deaths to Peak on April 17

According to the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Maryland’s daily coronavirus-related death toll will peak at 60 on April 17.

Researchers predict that “resource use” — the need for hospital beds, ventilators and other equipment — will also peak that day, according to the institute’s modeling.

The institute updates its projections for all 50 states, the District of Columbia and numerous nations on a regular basis, often daily.

You can check on friends and relatives in other states as well as other countries. We are better off than many states, but face a shortage of about 500 ventilators. Remember that the death rate lags behind the infection rate by a week or more. We are probably on the humps of infections right now. So far today, that rate has jumped 12% by 10:30AM. Go To: https://ncov2019.live/data

This the week to be super cautious. We are staying safe and staying home.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK!!
We’ve created the Greater Highland Crossroads Association Facebook group.  Please join up to see the latest news on events, happenings, meetings, your neighbors and everything else Highland.   Its free, useful, entertaining. You don’t have to be a member of GHCA to join the Facebook group.  Go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GHCACommunity/about/
GHCA Website

Please visit our completely re-designed site: GHCA  Chuck Gait will continue to maintain it. Comments and suggestions are welcome: Chuck Gait — Check it out, many members have taken advantage of PayPal to process membership with just a couple clicks.  Or do it the old way below:
(Membership is $25.00 annually by calendar year)

Name:__________________________
Email:__________________________ (very important! Save postage, and keep informed)
Tel: ______________________________
Address (only if not on your check)

Make Your Check Payable to GHCA
Mail to GHCA, PO Box 235, Highland, MD  20777
 

 

March Newsletter

 

March 9, 2020                                                                                          Volume XVII, Issue I

Chairman’s Message  We know it has been awhile since you have heard from us, but that does not mean we have been idle. We have been working with Concerned Citizens of Western Howard County, CCWHC and Howard County Citizens Association, HCCA on a number of issues, the most urgent is the irresponsible installation of commercial/industrial facilities on farmland that is in the Howard County Agricultural Preserved Land Program. Those “Farmland Forever” signs you see on 216 and elsewhere throughout the western county have cost us taxpayers $300,000,000! Not only that , your real estate taxes are higher to make our for the lower taxes on the farms, and the tax-free interest paid to the farmer. On top of that the farmer is getting $1,800 to $2000 acre per year to take his farm land out of production. The going rate to rent farmland for farming is $100 per acre.

GHCA, combined with CCWHC, HCCA and others have been successful in urging the Agricultural Land Preservation Board to re-evaluate and change their criteria to much more restrictive and reasonable requirements. and in promoting the formation of a County Taskforce to evaluate the program going forward.

However, six projects have slipped through the first stage of approval, and two projects through the second and final stage. We are continuing to oppose these projects at various levels of appeal. Legal advice and representation are now a necessity. Please renew you memberships so that we may contribute to the legal fund.

 

Postal Service Issues  GHCA Member, Steve Thomas has been our representative and advocate to the USPS for a number years. Starting first at the local level, he has now worked his way up through the bureaucracy to the level of a regional manager who wants to come to our next membership meeting. Highland has experienced delivery problems for almost two years. You have received a letter that states old mail was discovered and now could be delivered. Many have received mail over a year old. The former postman a=has been dismissed and an investigation is ongoing.

However, we are still having delivery problems, and suspect you are too. Please email me so Steve and I can compile the status of delivery over the last 2 months or so. Mark the subject USPS and send it to Dan O’Leary

 

A NOTE IN PASSING Long time Highland resident, dentist Dr. John Baar, died peacefully at home this past week. We remember John fondly as the Beer Meister of the Highland Day beer garden. His father was a brew master who headed up numerous brewing operations across the US, so John’s special skill at tapping a keg and deftly pouring a frosty tall one, came naturally. Thank you, John. We raise our glass to you!

FIND US ON FACEBOOK!!
We’ve created the Greater Highland Crossroads Association Facebook group.  Please join up to see the latest news on events, happenings, meetings, your neighbors and everything else Highland.   Its free, useful, entertaining. You don’t have to be a member of GHCA to join the Facebook group.  Go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GHCACommunity/about/
GHCA Website

Please visit our completely re-designed site: GHCA  Chuck Gait will continue to maintain it. Comments and suggestions are welcome: Chuck Gait — Check it out, many members have taken advantage of PayPal to process membership with just a couple clicks.  Or do it the old way below:
(Membership is $25.00 annually by calendar year)

Name:__________________________
Email:__________________________ (very important! Save postage, and keep informed)
Tel: ______________________________
Address (only if not on your check)

Make Your Check Payable to GHCA
Mail to GHCA, PO Box 235, Highland, MD  20777

 

October Newsletter

October 7, 2019                                                                                                                                    Volume XVI, Issue V

Reminder

GHCA is on Facebook

FIND US ON FACEBOOK!!
We’ve created the Greater Highland Crossroads Association Facebook group.  Please join up to see the latest news on events, happenings, meetings, your neighbors and everything else Highland.  Spread the word.  We want to be able to reach as many in our community as possible.  Its free, useful, entertaining and a source of vital information on many topics of importance to all of us who live near the crossroads.  You don’t have to be a member of GHCA to join the Facebook group, by the way, ‘though of course we’d welcome you should you decide to support us in an active way.  Go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GHCACommunity/about/

Highland Welcome Signs  The damaged signs at Mink Hollow and Paternal Gift on 108 were rescued fairly-intact. Anyone wishing to help repair and re-install them is welcome to contact me or post on Facebook

GHCA Website

Please visit our completely re-designed site: GHCA  Chuck Gait will continue to maintain it. Comments and suggestions are welcome: Chuck Gait — Check it out, many members have taken advantage of PayPal to process membership with just a couple clicks.  Or do it the old way below:
(Membership is $25.00 annually by calendar year)

Name:__________________________
Email:__________________________ (very important! Save postage, and keep informed)
Tel: ______________________________
Address (only if not on your check)

Make Your Check Payable to GHCA
Mail to GHCA, PO Box 235, Highland, MD  20777

 

September Newsletter

September 10, 2019                                                                                                                                                          Volume XVI, Issue IV

FIND US ON FACEBOOK!!

We’ve created the Greater Highland Crossroads Association Facebook group. Please join up to see the latest news on events, happenings, meetings, your neighbors and everything else Crossroads. Please spread the word. We want to be able to reach as many in our community as possible. Its free, useful, entertaining and a source of vital information on many topics of importance to all of us who live near the crossroads. You don’t have to be a member of GHCA to join the Facebook group, by the way, ‘though of course we’d welcome you should you decide to support us in an active way. Go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GHCACommunity/about/

 

 

NEW FITNESS CLASSES AT ST. MARKS

Howard County Parks and Recreation is launching a special series of exercise classes, geared to seniors, (55+) to be conducted at St. Marks. “Exercise with Ease” will be offered as well as several different yoga classes. For full information, including dates and how to register, For more information about Encore (55+ yrs) classes, please contact Curtis Gore at 410-313-7281 or cgore@howardcountymd.gov.

 

HELP WITH COMMUNITY PICNIC

Remember Highland Day and how we used to love coming together at the crossroads, seeing our neighbors and making new friends? GHCA would like to continue this neighborly tradition, but with a simpler look and feel. We are considering planning a casual, family-friendly event for next spring. Experience has proven it takes at least a small village to accomplish this. If you would like to volunteer to help with this event, please contact GHCA President, Charlotte Williams at president@highlandmd.org. Participation is fun and fulfilling. We cannot do it without you!

 

Pre-Submission Meeting, October 3, 2019

The petitioners, intend to submit a Conditional Use Petition for an age-restricted adult housing development. The subject property is currently zoned RR-DEO (Rural Residential: Density Exchange Option) and consists of approximately 71.09 acres, more or less, and is located at 12170 Lime Kiln Road, Fulton, Maryland. The pre-submission community meeting will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 10755 Scaggsville Road, Laurel, Maryland 20723.

 

 

The GHCA Website

Please visit our completely re-designed site: GHCA Chuck Gait will continue to maintain it. Comments and suggestions are welcome: Chuck Gait — Check it out, and take advantage of Pay Pal to renew your membership with just a couple clicks or do it the old way below:

(Membership is $25.00 annually by calendar year)

Name:__________________________

Email:__________________________ (very important! Save postage, and keep informed)

Tel: ______________________________

Address (only if not on your check)

 

Make Your Check Payable to GHCA

Mail to GHCA, PO Box 235, Highland, MD 20777

July Newsletter

June 27, 2019                                                                                                                                          Volume XVI, Issue III

Special Notice

In Memoriam

Dear Friends,

 

Many of you know that Our dear friend and GHCA Treasurer, Mike Fennessy passed away last week of an apparent heart attack.

 

We are all deeply saddened to learn of the death of our friend and colleague Mike.  He loved being part of our Highland community and we will long remember him for his contributions to its improvement including his masterful handling of parking at our annual community Highland Day celebration and his service as our only Treasurer of our GHCA.  We will miss Mike and his willingness to pitch in no matter how daunting the task.  Mike’s sons Brendan and James have asked me to reach out to our Highland community to announce a memorial for Mike. They wrote:

 

“The Maryland Memorial will be held at Mount Zion UMC (12430 Scaggsville Rd, Highland, MD 20777) at 2pm this Sunday June 30th. There will be a gathering in the fellowship hall, so please bring some snacks and non-acoholic drinks. Afterwards there will be a more initimate alcohol and party infused gathering at our house 12748 Scaggsville Road, Highland, MD, 20777. Please help us by spreading the word and spreading love.”

 

 

Dan O’Leary

Chairman, Board of Directors

 

The GHCA Website

Please visit our completely re-designed site: GHCA Chuck Gait will continue to maintain it. Comments and suggestions are welcome: Chuck Gait — Check it out, and take advantage of Pay Pal to renew your membership with just a couple clicks or do it the old way below:

(Membership is $25.00 annually by calendar year)

Name:__________________________

Email:__________________________ (very important! Save postage, and keep informed)

Tel: ______________________________

Address (only if not on your check)

 

Make Your Check Payable to GHCA

Mail to GHCA, PO Box 235, Highland, MD 20777

June Newsletter

May 27, 2019                                                                        Volume XVI, Issue II

 

  June 6 at 5:45 PM

St. Marks Church

Membership Meeting to elect This Year’s Board of Directors, And

  to prepare the hall for your Council Member,

David Yungmann, District 5

Chairman’s Message

Please attend to cast your vote in the election of a new Board of Directors. If you have a nomination to the Board you may submit it in writing any time before the 6th. You must be a dues-paying member to vote. See the membership info below or visit the website to join via Paypal. We also need a few hands to arrange the seating for Mr. Yungmann’s Town Hall and possible some help directing traffic. Please email me on these matters — Dan — danielol12832h@gmail.com

Councilman Yungmann’s Town Hall begins at 7:00 PM
 

This Town Hall will be focused on the Highland, Clarksville, and Fulton areas. Future Town Halls for western Howard County and the Ellicott City area will be announced – stay tuned!

David Yungmann | dyungmann@howardcountymd.gov  | 410.313.2001 | Website

Zoning Updates

  • Industrial Solar is proposed for Broadwater Lane area near Route 32 in Clarksville. 19 of 51 acres (32.4%) are to be covered with solar panels, comprising almost all of the arable farm land. A small horse farm tenant will remain, but there are no written assurances this operation will continue. The maximum allowable percentage is 34%.  The Agricultural Land Preservation Board has approved the plan. GHCA  has joined with Howard County Citizens Association, HCCA, Concerned Citizens of Western Howard County, CCHWC and neighbors on Broadwater Lane to oppose this commercial/industrial use on Agricultural Preserve land. We taxpayers paid for  Farmland Forever, not solar triple-dipping: ALP payments, minimal real estate taxes, and solar rents as high as $1500 per acre. Update: Following citizens’ objections on May 23, the Hearing Examiner ordered another Pre-submission Meeting and postponed the hearings until July 22.

County Executive, Calvin Ball’s First Town Hall, June 11.

GHCA is co-sponsoring this event with the main sponsor HCCA. It is critical that this 400-seat venue be filled with active citizens. Although he has conducted listening tours, this is the first time that Dr. Ball will be taking questions from audience members.

HCCA will be providing Ledo’s pizza starting at 6:30!

All attendees will be receiving a Special Gift.

For many reasons we need you to register to attend. Click the link below for details and click on the “Register” link.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hcca-annual-meeting-with-special-guest-county-executive-dr-calvin-ball-registration-60113961477

The GHCA Website

Please visit our completely re-designed site: GHCA  Chuck Gait will continue to maintain it. Comments and suggestions are welcome: Chuck Gait — Check it out, and take advantage of Pay Pal to renew your membership with just a couple clicks or do it the old way below:

(Membership is $25.00 annually by calendar year)

Name:__________________________

Email:__________________________ (very important! Save postage, and keep informed)

Tel: ______________________________

Address (only if not on your check)

Make Your Check Payable to GHCA Mail to GHCA, PO Box 235, Highland, MD  20777

February Newsletter

February 4, 2019                                                                    Volume XVI, Issue I

Best Wishes for 2019

President’s Message

Warm Winter Greetings to all members of GHCA and friends of our beloved Crossroads Community.  We’d all prefer to be snug by the fireside, nibbling on popcorn and sipping something warming while the Polar Vortex swirls around us, but there are some things starting to percolate, which aren’t going to stay on the back burner.  Before anything boils over, we want to share news of happenings in, and quite literally, around Highland.  As always we welcome your input, participation and vigilance.  It DOES take a village! — Charlotte

Zoning Updates

  • The Pre-Submission Meeting was held on the 25th. regarding the Grey Pony Site. We apologize for the lack of notice, but we provide more details below.
  • A pre-submission meeting regarding a 9-lot development on Prestwick Drive will be held on February 11, 2019 from 6:00-7:00 pm located at the 5th District Volunteer Fire Department. It is possible that this revised plan might convert Prestwick Drive into a through street from 108 to Highland road, a highly disruptive and dangerous situation opposed by GHCA since 2002. Highland residents are urged to attend this meeting to get the facts and to renew opposition to a Prestwick Thru-way The address is: 5000 Signal Bell Lane, Clarksville, MD 21029.
  • GHCA did not testify before the Planning Board regarding the Erickson proposal because the Planning Board is nothing more than a rubber stamp operation, and it was a done-deal the minute Council approved sewer and water in their Lame-Duck Session last year. 
  • On May 10th. before the Hearing Examiner, John McDaniel will appeal a DPZ ruling that disallowed the consolidation of two preservation parcels in order to preserve in perpetuity the 45 acres surrounding historic Hickory Ridge. He is hoping to clear up a legal technicality.
  •  Kudos to John for the tasteful design of his first new house along Highland Road. GHCA suggested and John agreed at the pre-submission meeting that although the rear of the houses would face highland road, they would design a fully-finished facade. Note the difference between Hickory Ridge and almost all the recent developments.
  • Industrial Solar is proposed for Broadwater Lane area near Route 32 in Clarksville. 19 of 51 acres (32.4%) are to be covered with solar panels, comprising almost all of the arable farm land. A small horse farm tenant will remain, but there are no written assurances this operation will continue. The maximum allowable percentage is 34%.  The Agricultural Land Preservation Board has approved the plan. The next step is a hearing for a conditional use. Unfortunately, given the enabling legislation recently passed, we can expect more such proposals that do little to preserve farm land. GHCA will likely join with other associations to oppose this use.

The Grey Pony

GHCA leadership was given a presentation by Ed Rudden, Highland resident and CPA who is planning to relocate his practice to the Grey Pony site. Ed forcefully offered his commitment, as a Highland resident and owner of the business proposed for the site, to establishing the building and its site as a noteworthy addition to the Highland community. The 10,000-foot structure will provide some 16 offices and 40 parking spaces behind the building which is sited as close to the road as those buildings in Highland Crossing.  The plan is, to the extent possible, to mirror the configurations of the structures and sidewalks and road-side tree plantings of those at Highland Crossing thus creating the impression of a narrowed roadway. The building façade will be staggered rather than linear, creating the appearance of separate structures more compatible with the look of our rural village of Highland.  The footprint is approximately 45 X 135 and the building is two stories high with a basement, reflecting residential scale.   Paint will be earth tones with white accents, natural stone, locally quarried.  Staircases will be internal to the building and balconies more ornamental than functional, some 18 inches deep. 

Traffic Safety

Despite the fact that we asked the Howard County Police rep at the May 10 meeting to enforce the 30 mph limit through Highland, and install a speed monitoring sign, little if anything has been done. Late last year Mike Bonsel was struck by a car in front of Oaklawn Landscaping. Mike spent weeks in the hospital, and has been unable to make his daily walking trips to Boarman’s. Michelle Jackson filed a complaint with MD SHA about the missing bollards that Used to block the corner of the Boarman lot and the use of the right lane as a speedway around left-turning  cars. Thanks Michelle.

Another danger spot is in front of the Highland Post Office where at least two serious accidents have occurred within a year. Last week while waiting to turn left into the PO, I personally missed being rear-ended by inches by a (distracted?) driver cutting to his right at the last second to zoom around me at about 40-45 MPH.

The Highland Post Office

Member, Steve Thomas continues to work with PO supervisors and Tony at our PO.  Apparently, there have been complaints about delivery. The supervisor said to direct complaints to Ms. Cooke,  dawana.n.cooke@usps.gov. who officially is still the postmaster or Tony. Please copy or email Dan, danielol12832h@gmail.com who will compile them all for follow-up if needed.

The GHCA Website

Please visit our completely re-designed site: GHCA  Chuck Gait will continue to maintain it. Comments and suggestions are welcome: Chuck Gait — Check it out, and take advantage of Pay Pal to renew your membership with just a couple clicks or do it the old way below:

(Membership is $25.00 annually by calendar year)

Name:__________________________

Email:__________________________ (very important! Save postage, and keep informed)

Tel: ______________________________

Address (only if not on your check)

Make Your Check Payable to GHCA

Mail to GHCA, PO Box 235, Highland, MD  20777

August Newsletter

August 15, 2018   

Volume XV, Issue V

 

September 13 at 7:00 PM

St. Marks Church

YOUR VOTE!

YOUR NIGHT!

YOUR TIME TO ASK!

 

COMMUNITY FORUM WITH CANDIDATES FOR COUNTY EXECUTIVE

AND DISTRICTS 4 & 5*

 

 

Calvin Ball                                        Allan Kittleman

Deb Jung D-4                                   Lisa Kim D-4

China Williams D-5                      David Yungmann D-5

 

 

  • Meet the people who will shape the future of Howard Co.
  • Hear their thoughts on issues of importance to you
  • Present questions of concern to you and your family**

 

Thursday, September 13

7:00PM

St. Mark’s Church

12700 Hall Shop RD

Highland, MD

 

*The Community Forum with Candidates is jointly presented by the Greater Highland Crossroads Association, the Howard County Citizens Association and the Concerned Citizens of Western Howard County.

** Your questions will be addressed after the Sponsors’ questions and names will be drawn randomly. There will be no screening of questions.

 

The Latest Happenings


Paul Collison’s lost dog returned safe and sound

 

Highland Post Office

The latest efforts of member Steve Thomas have resulted regular grass cutting, pothole repair new siding on the front, and a continuing relationship with postal authorities.

 

Highland Welcome Sign The sign on Highland Rd was damaged again. The 4X4 posts were broken, apparently by a vehicle. Anyone know anything? The sign was rescued by Sean at the Highland Tavern. Condition is uncertain at this time.

 

New Website

Please visit our completely re-designed site: GHCA Chuck Gait will continue to maintain it. Comments and suggestions are welcome: Chuck Gait — Check it out, and take advantage of Pay Pal to renew your membership with just a couple clicks or do it the old way below:

(Membership is $25.00 annually by calendar year)

 

Name:__________________________

Email:__________________________ (very important! Save postage, and keep informed)

Tel: ______________________________

Address (only if not on your check)

 

Make Your Check Payable to GHCA

Mail to GHCA, PO Box 235, Highland, MD 20777

 

July News Bulletin

 

July 9, 2018                                                                                                   Volume XV, Issue III

Bulletin

Sad News George Boarman’s father, Mr. “Larry” Boarman passed away on July 4th. The viewing times are 2-4:00 on Monday. Funeral Mass at St Louis at 11 am Tuesday.  Donaldson Funeral Home on 108, next to St Louis church.

Update 7/11: for an excellent memorial slide show of photos, see Larry Boarman’s Memorial Page on the website for Donaldson’s Funeral Home of Clarksville.

Help the Collisons: Long-time board member Paul Collison needs help finding his dog. See details below.

New Website

Please visit our completely re-designed site GHCA . Chuck Gait will continue to maintain it. Comments and suggestions are welcome: Chuck Gait — Check it out, and take advantage of Pay Pal to renew your membership with just a couple clicks or do it the old way below:

(Membership is $25.00 annually by calendar year)

Name:__________________________

Email:__________________________ (very important! Save postage, and keep informed)

Tel: ______________________________

Address (only if not on your check)

Make Your Check Payable to GHCA

Mail to GHCA, PO Box 235, Highland, MD 20777

 

May 2018 Newsletter and Annual Meeting Notice

April 30, 2018                                                                                                             Volume XV, Issue II

 

May 10 at 7:00 PM

St. Marks Church

 

At Your Service

Ever wonder what your Howard County tax dollars are netting you? Come to the meeting and representatives from multiple County agencies. So far we have acceptances from the Police, the Office of Aging and the Office of Consumer Affairs. We are waiting to hear from Recreation and Parks. Learn what surprising services are available to you and how to access them for the benefit of you and your family. The reps will fill you in on the services they provide and what is new and interesting in their department and in the County.

Zoning Updates

As promised we will share with you some of the details of many meetings with the Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ), including:

  • Expansion of public sewer and water (PSA)
  • Business Rural (BR)
  • Zoning Enforcement
  • Howard County Preservation Easements
  • Industrial Mulching

Traffic Safety

Despite the serious accident of June 2017 and another in March when 2 vehicles collided at the Post Office exit, and GHCA’s appeal to HCP, no substantive action has been taken to address speeding through the crossroads. You can be sure this will be one of the first questions we will have for the Howard County Police rep on May 10.

Election of Directors: The nominating committee will present a slate of Directors. The nominations are: Charlotte Williams, Lizanne Davis, Alan Schneider, Dan O’Leary, Scott Shearer, Mike Fennessy, Stu Kohn, Lori McDaniel, and Paul Collison.

The By-Laws provide for additional nominations by any member: “Upon written request (by hand, by postmarked mail or email) of at least one of the members of the Corporation, made to a member of the Nominating Committee….” Any member wishing to nominate a board member must email Charlotte Williams: lutton@prodigy.net before May 6, 2018.

Stu Kohn, President (Our new board member) asks you to Save the Date — Thursday, 3 May 2018

 What:     Howard County Citizens Association (HCCA) Annual Meeting And County Executive — Allan Kittleman’s Town Hall Meeting
Where: Bain Center – 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia, MD 21044
When: 6:15 PM – Ledo’s Pizza will be served compliments of HCCA

7:00 – HCCA Business Meeting

7:30 – County Executive Town Hall Meeting
Guests: Steve Snelgrove — President Howard County General Hospital

Amy Gowan — Deputy Director of the Department of Planning and Zoning

Antigone Vickery — Deputy Health Officer, and

Kelly Kesler — Director, Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition

Highland Post Office

The persistent efforts of member Steve Thomas have resulted in a relationship with our PO supervisor. Current issues they are working on include regular grass cutting, repair of siding, and return of Ms. Dawana Cooke as our Postmaster. Steve will keep us posted.

New Website

Please visit our completely re-designed site: GHCA Chuck Gait will continue to maintain it. Comments and suggestions are welcome: Chuck Gait — Check it out, and take advantage of Pay Pal to renew your membership with just a couple clicks or do it the old way below:

(Membership is $25.00 annually by calendar year)

Name:__________________________

Email:__________________________ (very important! Save postage, and keep informed)

Tel: ______________________________

Address (only if not on your check)

Make Your Check Payable to GHCA

Mail to GHCA, PO Box 235, Highland, MD 20777