Abingdon Community Council eNews

Volume I Issue #8 May, 2012 C. David Copenhaver, Editor

Welcome to our latest issue of the ACC eNews. This eNews has been developed in an effort to reach out to the residents of Abingdon. Our purpose is to provide you an opportunity to become more informed and to encourage more participation at our monthly meetings! Please share this eNews with your neighbors. Why not plan to join us at our next meeting on Monday, June 25, 2012 from 6:30pm -7:30pm at the Abingdon Public Library, 2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon, MD 21009? Join us and participate; take that leap of faith, you may find it rewarding! (For additional information, contact abingdoncc@gmail.com.)
(If at any time you wish to have your eMail address removed from our data base, just reply remove)

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Abingdons Treasures: St. Francis de Sales

(St. Francis de Sales is located at 1450 Abingdon Road, Abingdon, Maryland 21009)

On July 9, 1866, shortly after the Civil War, ground was broken to begin construction of the first Catholic church in Abingdon. Local stone that had been dug up from the corn and bean fields was transported to the church site by horse and wagon. There the stone was cut, fitted, and set by the men of the parish under the supervision of George Lochary. Lochary, who was a parishioner of St. Ignatius, also donated a sizable sum of $600 towards construction costs. The Aegis and Intelligencer, a local newspaper, reported in its July 12, 1866, issue: The Church stands on the west side of the public road leading from Bel Air to Abingdon and directly on the top of the hill, but a short distance northwest of the town. It is to be substantially built of stone, and will, when finished, be quite an improvement to that part of the county. The pot on which it stands was donated by Mr. William F. Pannell, and the stone work, we understand, is under the supervision of Mr. George Lochary. The building already is in progress of erection, and it is contemplated to have it done in the fall. This improvement to the vicinity of Abingdon will, when finished, be a great convenience to the members of the Church in that locality, who are now compelled to attend at Hickory, or forego the satisfaction of attending church altogether. On July 12, the cornerstone was laid by the Rev. Francis Gibbons, who could later wear the cardinal hat. With favorable weather and dedicated laborers, construction was completed within five and one-half months. At 5 a.m., on Christmas Day 1866, OConnor celebrated the first Mass at St. Francis. Late arrivers might have had difficulty finding a seat; the tiny church could accommodate only 100 people. In the following spring, St. Francis gave witness to its first marriage. Dennis Bradley and Ann Quinn joined in Holy Matrimony on the 29th of April. Its likely Doc Callahan, a faithful and generous parishioner, was among those present. If so, that would make a pleasant coincidence, because nearly 100 years (three generations) later, Robert Callahan married Betty Tibbs in the same church. They would be the last to be married in St. Francis when it was just a mission. Until 1964, St. Francis was considered a mission - albeit one of the largest missions in the region. That changed when His Eminence, Lawrence Cardinal Shehan, Cardinal Archbishop of Baltimore, bestowed parish status on St. Francis on Saturday, June 6, 1964. Rev. Maurice J. Wolfe, the curate at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, was installed as the first pastor of the new parish in Abingdon. Wolfe, a native of Washington, D.C., attended Gonzaga High School and later Mt. Saint Mary's College in Emmitsburg. He also attended St. Mary's Seminary and later was ordained by Archbishop Curley.

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Today, Rev. Charles M. Wible (Fr. Chuck) serves as pastor for Saint Francis De Sales. He is a Baltimore native, and a former Conventual Franciscan Friar. He also has spent time with the Camaldolese Benedictine Monks. Previous to coming to St. Francis de Sales, Fr. Chuck was Associate pastor at St. John the Evangelist, Hydes, St. Joseph, Cockeysville, and Sacred Heart, Glyndon. Fr. Chuck is a teacher, youth minister, musician and writer. His published works include contributions to the Connect and Connect Jr High Religious Education Programs (Silver, Burdett & Ginn); I Do and Beyond: A Guide to Planning the Catholic Wedding Ceremony (Cathedral Foundation Press) and Bible Stories That Speak to Our Heart (Paulist Press). Under his leadership, the parish has experienced much growth since the 1960s; St. Francis De Sales built a multi-purpose building in 1971 and a new church in 1991. Presently they are working on a Master Plan for parish improvements.
(Source: http://stfrancisabingdon.org/id23.html: The Church on the Hill)

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Commuter Appreciation Days for Harfords MARC Train Riders

Those who travel by MARC train to get to work are in for a treat as Harford Commuter Assistance, elected officials and special guests will be on hand from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Edgewood MARC Train Station Wednesday, May 2 and Aberdeen MARC Train Station Tuesday, May 8 with giveaways and light refreshments as well as commuting information as part of Mays designation as Clean Commute Month. These are commuters who, day after day, board the MARC train heading south to Baltimore and other destinations, including Washington, D.C. to get to work. Nearly 600 Harford County commuters make this choice every day. The Penn Line is the most traveled of all three MARC Lines boasting an average daily ridership of approximately 20,000 commuters. The train operates primarily between Baltimores Penn Station and Union Station in Washington, D. C. with local stops in Aberdeen and Edgewood, as well as nearby Perryville and Middle River. Scheduled stops on the route include the Baltimore/Penn Station, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, Odenton, Bowie State University and New Carrollton. Those who commute to work by train will be thanked with complimentary coffee, snack, and free gift, courtesy of Clarences Taste of New Orleans Restaurant and Harford Commuter Assistance Rideshare. Information will also be available regarding ridesharing programs, including the Guaranteed Ride Home Program. During the morning commute time, Harford County representatives and others will take time to express their appreciation to commuters for using mass transit to mitigate traffic congestion, improve air quality, and save money on gas. The month of May is nationally designated Clean Commute Month because it is the beginning of the ground level ozone season. On days with poor air quality indexes motorists are encouraged not to drive to work because pollution produced by cars causes ground level ozone, or smog. Smog can cause burning eyes, difficulty breathing or even trigger asthma attacks. Single occupancy vehicles produce 20% of the dangerous ozone-emission pollution in the Baltimore area. Using mass transit such as the MARC train and buses helps improve air quality. For more information about Harford Commuter Assistance Rideshare and alternative forms of commuting, contact Alan Doran, Rideshare Coordinator, at 800-924-8646 (TOGO) or click Website below. Website
(Source: harfordneighbors.net, some changes were made)

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Residential Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Saturday, May 12, 10am-2pm
The Recycling Office and the LEPC will be hosting a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event on May 12, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.at the Harford Waste Disposal Center Mulch and Compost Facility. Located at 3241 Scarboro Road, Street, MD. Check out the adjacent poster for what will be accepted and what will not be accepted for this event. Please Note: The Residential Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Event is open for Residents Only. Please no businesses, industrial or commercial farm waste. Residency and household status verification will be requested!

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Bike to Work Day Registration Now Open for Harford County

New Bike to Work Day Website Launched for 2012 Event - Harford Commuter Assistance Rideshare and Baltimore Metropolitan Council Provide Tools for Cycling Commuters With spring in the air, Harford County and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council celebrate May as Clean Commute Month and May 18th as Bike to Work Day. County Executive David R. Craig urges everyone to bike to work or try biking for fun, fitness or transportation. The continually growing event has launched a new website and has now opened online registration. Participating cyclists should register at www.Bike2WorkCentralMD.com. Rain or shine, the Bike to Work Day Rally will be held Friday, May 18th from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Harford County Government Administration Building located at 220 South Main Street in Bel Air. The Rally, hosted by Harford County Government, promotes riding a bicycle as a fun, viable, low-cost commuting option. This event is free but registration is required. The Rally is sure to be exciting with special guests and dignitaries, local radio station WXCY 103.7 emceeing, and a bicycle parade through downtown Bel Air, as well as giveaways and sponsors area. When you register and attend the Rally you will receive a free Bike to Work Day tshirt, refreshments, as well as a chance to win giveaways from our generous sponsors. For those who wish to participate and cycle into the Rally, but do not wish to ride alone, there are bicycle convoys available with experienced cyclists leading the way. Cyclists looking to tap into their competitive side, the Cycle Smackdown is once again being held. This event is a friendly, yet spirited competition, between Harford County businesses and organizations whereby employees from various sized companies compete against each other to get the most number of registrants to bike to work. Last years recipients were Ecotone, Inc. for the small company category, Upper Chesapeake Medical Center and SAIC tied for the large company category, and Blue Dot Services of Maryland received an honorable mention for the large company. A number of online resources for cyclists are available courtesy of Harford Commuter Assistance Rideshare and Baltimore Metropolitan Council. Want to ride with others in a Commuter Convoy? Commuter convoys are available to join with on Bike to Work Day, offering both new and experienced cyclists a safe way to travel. Convoys are led by experienced bicycle commuters, and planned routes are in place, including ones from Joppatowne, Abingdon, and Havre de Grace. For more information, click Website below. Want to support BTWD? Many generous contributions from sponsors are being made. The Arena Club, Bike Shop of Bel Air, Dunkin Donuts of Edgewood, Freedom Federal Credit Union, Golds Gym, Looneys of Bel Air, MaGerks Restaurant, Peace Yoga, Survice Engineering and WXCY 103.7 as current sponsors. For more information on becoming a sponsor, call 1-800-924-8646 or email Alan Doran at asdoran@harfordcountymd.gov. Ready to get involved locally and want to learn more? Click Website below below to learn about the local and state organizations or government agencies, as well as national organizations that serve as a clearinghouse for information on bicycle and pedestrian-related topics. Harford Countians are urged to Bike in Good Company and register for Bike to Work Day 2012 at www.Bike2WorkCentralMD.com or by calling 1-800-924-8646. Harford Commuter Assistance Rideshare Smart for Your Wallet, Smart for Your World. Website

(Source: harfordneighbors.net, some changes were made)

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Smithsonian Exhibition Coming to Harford County Public Library

Take an interactive journey through time, from immigrants arriving from across the globe to the innovations that made it possible to cultivate the wild. Harford County Public Library (HCPL) and the Harford County Department of Community Services are pleased to offer a unique cultural opportunity this spring: Journey Stories, a Smithsonian Exhibition opening May 19 and running through July 6 at the Abingdon Library. Journey Stories examines the intersection between modes of travel and Americans desire to feel free to progress and flourish, voyage and explore. Interactive displays allow visitors to experience both harrowing and joyful journeys made by individuals in search of physical, social, and economic freedom. Families can plan a trip across the unknown West; contemplate shipping a loved one across the sea to escape slavery; and marvel at the adventure of automobile travel. Thoughtful recordings allow visitors to listen to the intimate accounts of a diverse array of journeys. Photographs and other images bring to life the advances that made it possible to populate vast territories and tame the west. In short, Journey Stories is a way to experience what makes us Americans our ability to find a way to freedom. On May 11, the County Activity Centers will open exhibitions. Journey Through Harford Countys History at the Chenowith Activities Center in Fallston uses the Aegis and local accounts and historic artifacts to tell the story of the County from its early beginnings. Bel Airs McFaul Activity Center plays host to From Trail to Train: The Building of Bel Air, which considers Bel Air as the apex of how goods and services were received and transported in Harford County. In Havre de Grace, the Activity Centers exhibition, Money and Migration: Population and the County Economy, explores the distinctive relationship between workforce and society. Women, shoes, chemicals, and technology have brought people in, moved people out, and influenced the culture of Harford County. Opening with the Smithsonian Exhibition, on May 19 at public libraries, are three additional exhibitions. Highway Hospitality, at the Abingdon Library, looks at a time before super highways and interstates, when stopping at quirky motels, eating in sparkling diners, and full-service auto stations with uniformed attendants made the memories! Visitors will see ice cream fit for space, vintage advertising and other artifacts from the lost story of food in the Edgewood Library exhibition Food on the Go. Finally, the difficult but inspiring journeys made by runaway slaves and the people who helped and hindered them are explored in the Bel Air Librarys Fugitives, Accessories, and Catchers, where guests will experience the escape Henry Box Brown made; imagine the weight of leg irons and manacles; and hear the tales of those from Harford County both seeking and preventing freedom. Registration for all programs, events, and speakers is suggested. More information on exhibitions and associated programming is available in the Journey Stories Official Guidebook, available mid-April at all Library branches and key outlets throughout the county. Journey Stories is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and the Maryland Humanities Council. The Journey Stories exhibition and accompanying programs are offered to the public through a partnership between Harford County Public Library and the Harford County Department of Community Service. Harford County Public Library operates eleven branches located throughout Harford County, Maryland. The library serves over 160,000 registered borrowers of all ages and has an annual circulation of over 4,800,000. Harford County Public Library is committed to connecting people with information and promoting the love of reading within the community. Website
(Source: harfordneighbors.net, some changes were made)

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Local Health Improvement Processes in Motion in Harford County

The Harford County Health Department reports good progress on community partnerships designed to improve the health of Harford County residents Working in tandem with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), the Harford County Health Department has launched its Local Health Improvement Process (LHIP) for identifying the Countys critical health needs and targeting them for action. The Harford County LHIP is part of a larger DHMH statewide initiative, the State Health Improvement Process (SHIP), which is addressing 39 key health objectives, including those promoting healthy babies, healthy social environments, safe physical environments, infectious disease prevention, chronic disease prevention, and access to health care. The Harford County Health Department is building on its Healthy Harford partnership with Upper Chesapeake Health System and Harford County Government and has brought key stakeholders together to work on the LHIP. Using the innovative World Caf consensus building model, Health Officer Susan Kelly convened 70 key stakeholders in December 2011 at the Harford Community College to review the Countys health data and needs. Top health priorities identified included: obesity prevention/healthy eating and active lifestyle; tobacco use prevention/ smoke-free living; and behavioral health, including mental health and substance abuse prevention. Workgroups are now developing action plans for addressing these priorities and additional community input will be solicited and encouraged in the future. Consistent with Harford Countys LHIP effort is Harford Countys Obesity Task Force that was established by a Harford County Council resolution in October 2011 to make recommendations concerning the programs and policies for creating a healthier Harford County; to educate Harford County citizens regarding healthier living, food choices, and exercise; to provide for accessibility to healthy and affordable foods; and to identify ways to develop and implement more opportunities for walkable communities and recreational activities throughout the County. This initiative blends well with our Local Health Improvement Process, states Health Officer Susan Kelly, and is consistent with our mission to protect, promote and improve the health of Harford County residents. These improvements can only be accomplished through effective community assessment, education, collaboration and assurance of services. Three committees have been established to carry out the charge of the Task Force and a final report will be prepared by October 2012. To help support these health improvement efforts, the Harford County Health Department was recently notified that it will be awarded grant funds from the Community Transformation Grant, a federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) program through DHMH. The Community Transformation Grant supports community-level efforts to promote healthy lifestyles among population groups experiencing the greatest burden of chronic disease in order to improve health, reduce health disparities, and control health care spending. Together, these local health improvement efforts represent an exciting opportunity to improve the health of Harford County residents. More information and updates regarding Harford Countys Local Health Improvement Process and the Maryland State Health Improvement Process are available by clicking Website and More Information below, respectively. In addition, county-specific health data snapshots have been made available by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin at their County Health Rankings website. Website
(Source: harfordneighbors.net, some changes were made)

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May 2012 Dates to Ponder:

Women of Vision - 2012 Walk for Water Saturday, May 5, 2012, 8:00 a.m.-10:00a.m. Ma & Pa Trail, Beginning at Annie's Playground Fallston, Maryland Baltimore Women of Vision is supporting projects in the Strong Women, Strong World Initiative, which is alleviating the suffering of women and children in 13 developing countries. World Vision is providing access to clean water, improved sanitation, and hygiene training. They are working to reduce the distances traveled by women and girls collecting water and decrease the susceptibility of pregnant women and young girls to waterborne diseases. The projects address not only water, sanitation and hygiene but also the following key development issues: Maternal and Child Health, Education and Leadership, Economic Development and Rights and Protection. Participation is limited to 250 people! Register today! Packet pick-up will be on the day of the event, from 7 - 8 am at Annie's Playground. Each participant must sign the waiver/photo release form included. Questions: 410-676-4319 or baltwov.treas@gmail.com Website

Harford County Health Department Announces Rabies Vaccination Clinic Schedule Sunday, May 6th, 2012, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. See schedule below: The Harford County Health Department has announced the schedule for its annual sponsorship of rabies vaccination clinics for dogs, cats, and ferrets that are 3 months old and over. Moreover, as incentive to pet owners during the economic recovery and consistent with previous years, the Health Department has kept the cost for the vaccination at $5.00 per animal, the lowest among any neighboring local jurisdictions. Pet owners wishing to take advantage of the clinics and to save time are encouraged to download vaccination forms, available online at the health departments website --- click Website below. Forms must be completed using a ball-point pen and brought along with the pet to the clinic. In order for pets to be vaccinated at the clinic sites, dogs must be on a leash while cats and ferrets should be secured in cages. No animals other than dogs, cats, and ferrets will be vaccinated. Pet rabies vaccination clinics will be conducted from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on the following dates and locations: Sunday, May 6 Aberdeen Volunteer Fire Dept. -- Corner of Rogers St. & Franklin St., Aberdeen Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Dept. -- 3825 Federal Hill Rd., Jarrettsville Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Dept. -- Rte. 7 & Mountain Rd. (Route 152), Joppa Darlington Volunteer Fire Dept. -- 1209 Castleton Rd. (near intersection of Rts. 1 & 623), Rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats, and ferrets are required by Maryland law. Certificates given at the clinics provide necessary proof of vaccination for dog licensing in Harford County. For more information about the clinics, please call the Health Department at 410-877-2300 or visit the Harford County Health Department Website

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Bel Air Community Band Spring Concert Sunday, May 6, 2012, 3:00 p.m. . Bel Air High School Auditorium; 100 Heighe Street, Bel Air, MD Admission is free. We'll be featuring local composer Neil Anderson-Himmelspach's McHenry's Anacreonatic Song in addition to a selection of standard and contemporary symphonic band music. Including marches, show tunes, Broadway hits, and classical selections. Website

Walk-In Computer Instruction at the Library Wednesday, May 9, 2012, 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Abingdon Library, 2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon MD Learn basic computer skills and web search techniques to boost your know-how. All ages For more information visit: Website

Bingo at St. Francis de Sales Church Friday, May 11, 2012, 7:00 p.m. Knights of Columbus, Kilduff Hall located at 1450 Abingdon Road in Abingdon Early Birds at 6:00 p.m. Regular games at 7:00 p.m. For additional information please call 410-569-5253.

Mother's Day Weekend at Ladew

Saturday and Sunday, May 12th, 13th, 2012 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton; 410-557-9570; $10/Adults, $8/Seniors For the ultimate Mother's Day present, bring Mom to Ladew Gardens during the peak of spring flowers! Free Gift for moms (while supplies last), complimentary coffee and tea. Special gift with every new family membership. A great opportunity to spend time with family amidst one of Maryland's most beautiful landscapes, Ladew Topiary Gardens.

Journey Stories Smithsonian Exhibit May 19, 2012

Abingdon Branch of Harford County Library; 2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon 21009 Enjoy historic photos and artifacts and personal accounts from the individuals that make up Journey Stories, the history of the development and evolution of our need as Americans to move and expand - to journey - both physically and psychologically. Check website for times and additional information: Website.

Bel Air Memorial Day Program Monday, May 28, 2012, 10:30 a.m. William A. Humbert Amphitheater; 39 Hickory Avenue, Bel Air. The Bel Air Community Band will be playing patriotic music for the Bel Air Memorial Day.

Website

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Abingdon Community Council Meeting (Minutes) April 23, 2012

There were 6 members (C. David Copenhaver, Cynthia Hergenhahn, Earl Grey, Carlin Cook, Gregory Beaty, and Michael Galumbeck) and 16 guests in attendance including: Lt. Dougherty (Harford County Sheriffs Office), Dion Guthrie (Harford County Council), Patti Gonzales (County Executives Office), Susan K. McComas (Maryland House of Delegates District 35B) The next meeting will be June 25, 2012 at 6:30 at the Abingdon Public Library. There will be no meeting in May. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M. by Cynthia Hergenhahn, Chairperson. Lt. Dougherty - Community Policing Report for sectors 30 and 40: robberies about the same, burglaries up slightly, vehicle theft down slightly The new Southern Precinct now open and operational dedication and open houses were well attended If you see something suspicious, call 911. Its better to be safe than sorry. Patti Gonzales (County Executives Office), Brought copies of the Proposed Long-Term Solid Waste Disposal Facilities fact sheet Brought copies of the Proposed Budget in Brief for Fiscal Year 2013 Community Council member Earl Grey stated that our Facebook page is updated regularly and followers are growing. Council member David Copenhaver distributed a handout and gave a few updates. The Early Years Expo update 20 new Abingdon residents signed up for the ACC electronic communications bringing the total to 87 members on the distribution list The Community Input Meeting for the Boulevard at Box Hill scheduled for last week was cancelled and has been rescheduled for May 2 at 6:00 pm at the Abingdon Fire Company. Results of the ACC interest/concern survey (top 3) were Future Community Development: Homes; Future Economic Development: Business/Industry; and Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan Cedar Lane Update: construction well under way Dates to Ponder: April 28 Prescription pill disposal from 10-2 at 220 S. Main St. April 28 Clear Your Clutter Day from 10-2 at HCC Lot 3 Special Thank You to: Abingdon Print and Copy for complimentary printing of the ACC brochures Staples in Bel Air for complimentary lamination of the ACC sign Abingdon Dunkin Donuts for complimentary cards for free iced coffee Various businesses for allowing ACC to post notices about upcoming meetings Council Chairperson Cynthia Hergenhahn Harford County lapel pins were given to the council members. She explained that council member Gregory Beaty had designed a pin for the council but that the legal office for the government rejected the idea. Announced the Commuter Appreciation Days for Harfords MARC Train Riders May 2 at the Edgewood station and May 8 at the Aberdeen station, there will be giveaways and light refreshments will be served. May 18 is Bike to Work Day 7-9 am at 220 S. Main St. in Bel Air. Register at www.Bike2WorkCentralMD.com and enjoy free refreshments, a T-shirt, and chances to win great prizes. The Smithsonians Journey Stories opens its main exhibit at the Abingdon Library on May 19 at 10:00 am; Jarrettsville car show was a great success. Chairperson of the Gunpowder Community Association was present and expressed the associations opposition to the proposed waste transfer station on Rt. 7 just off Rt. 152. He mentioned the on-line petition that the residents had been signing. Dion Guthrie Harford County Council (dfguthrie@harfordcountymd.gov)

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Still has a concern about the proposed Waste Transfer Station to be built on Rt. 7 near Rt.152. The waste/energy plant at APG is currently scheduled to close in 2016. The current station imports trash from Baltimore County as well as taking trash from much of Harford County. Harford County budget hearings will be open to the public on May 2 at Bel Air High School and on May 9 at Havre de Grace High School. There was no update on the Cultural Arts Center.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:35pm by Chairperson Cynthia Hergenhahn.

Minutes submitted by Donna Copenhaver

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Next Meeting: June 25, 2012

We Need You!
YOUR VIEW DOES COUNT!
We meet on the 4th Monday of each month from 6:30pm -7:30pm at the Abingdon Public Library, 2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon, MD 21009?

A Special Wish for all our Moms!

Members:
Cynthia Hergenhahn, Chairperson C. David Copenhaver Carlin Cook Earl Grey Gregory A. Beaty Michael Galumbeck Recording Secretary: Donna Copenhaver

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