``xbricketts``x``xEkkZEklFuAyFqXJhCP``x1227128349``xhomepage_event``x``x35461179889719``xFriday Night Buffets``xBook Fair``xChristmas Bazaar``xHoliday Fair``xBazaar of Churches``xPancake Breakfast``xQuarter Auction``xNutcracker Ballet/Tea``xHoliday Party``xProduction
Mt. Airy Hall of Fame nominations``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Nov. 19, 2008</font><br /><br />The Historical Society of Mt. Airy, MD, Inc. is soliciting nominations for the 2009 Hall of Fame program. All local organizations and individuals are invited to nominate a person or persons to be considered for this honorable position.<br /><br />The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to honor truly deserving people, living or deceased, of Mt. Airy and the immediate surrounding areas, who by work, service, volunteerism, word or deed, made the community a better place for everyone. Also honored will be those who were born here and went on to bring honor and glory to the community by their efforts, deeds, or life’s work outside of the area.<br /><br />By honoring these individuals, it is believed that their stories will inspire others to greater achievement and make everyone aware of the fabric that is woven into our home - Mt. Airy, Md.<br /><br />Nomination forms for the Mt. Airy Hall of Fame may be found at the Mt. Airy Town Hall, the Mt. Airy Museum, and online at <a href="http://www.carr.org/mtairy">carr.org/mtairy</a>. Follow the links to the Historical Society, then Hall of Fame, and finally nomination forms. Any person or group is eligible to submit nominations to the committee using this form.<br /><br />Candidates should be considered from the following fields: business, community-civic service, education, historical, humanitarian, political, religious, sports-recreational, or a general category. Please send all nomination forms to Hall of Fame Committee, P.O. Box 244, Mt. Airy, MD 21771. All nominations must be in the hands of the committee by Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008.<br /><br />After the close of nominations, a committee will review all nominations and select the persons who will be inducted into the Mt. Airy Hall of Fame. The induction will be held on March 17, 2009 at the American Legion Home on Prospect Road.<br /><br />Visit the Mt. Airy Museum to learn about the people who have been inducted into the Mt. Airy Hall of Fame.</span></font>``xEkkZEklkyEqERtWUvf``x1227128261``x(default)``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
New design guideline talks continue<br><small><i>Mt. Airy Growth and Development Task Force meeting of Nov. 10</i></small>``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">By MICHELLE COOK, Messenger staff<br /><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Nov. 19, 2008</font><br /><br />After approval for minutes for both September and October, the Growth and Development Task Force (GDTF) continued with design guideline talks with Richard Wagner. Since the last time Wagner was present, the GDTF regrouped and came to agreement on what their mission for these talks actually is.<br /><br />Therefore, this month town planner Kelly Ziad gave them the objective to review the guidelines from the first draft presented by Wagner. Wagner then proceeded to review the document with the GDTF and explain the gaps in the information still needed and asked for any input they may have.<br /><br />Wagner stated the area for the project involves the entire town as well as downtown, which is overlapped with the historic district. This presents a bit of a design problem as the design guidelines for the rehabilitation of historic buildings in the National Register District are also governed by a set of guidelines established by the State of Maryland.<br /><br />The GDTF established who would be required to follow the new design guidelines and it was decided these would be followed by all plans that require a site plan review, plot plans changes or building permits.<br /><br />Wagner stressed his desire for the town to establish a design review committee or at very least, a historic preservation commission.<br /><br />Chairman Pat Rockinberg stated the NP and the IC zones need to be addressed as a separate area as different ‘rules’ apply to those zones.<br /><br />Member Bill McCullough stated he would like to see something in the town character section about the responses from the survey as many responded they wanted to maintain the feel of the small town, rural area many moved here for.<br /><br />Ziad stated the signage of the buildings needs to be included in the guidelines to insure the town has control of size, placement and other design elements. Rockinberg agreed and also asked for cycling lanes and easy connectivity between residential areas to be included.<br /><br />After further review of the draft Wagner stated he will make some additional changes and submit to the GDTF for comment prior to next month’s meeting.<br /><br />Ziad concluded this portion of the discussion by stating Maryland has a new program called “Maple Street” zone and asked if anyone would be interested in creating this. She stated she could provide additional information if agreed.<br /><br />The discussion returned to the survey presentations and the various commissions. After last month’s meeting the entire survey was broken up by questions and comments relevant to each commission.<br /><br />The members of GDTF were given packets to present to their assigned group and will be tasked with pulling out the top five questions to include in the cover letters. These presentations will be held during the next month as the various commissions meet.<br /><br />Ziad asked if the GDTF would be willing to review the guidelines recently created by the Downtown-Parking group. They agreed and will address it during an upcoming meeting.<br /><br />Rockinberg concluded the meeting by stating the Planning and Zoning Commission has reviewed the Open Space guidelines and it is currently being looked at by town staff and will go to the town attorney to be turned into ordinance form for further review.<br /><br />The Growth and Development Task Force meets the second Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at town hall, 110 S. Main Street. The next meeting is set for Dec. 8.</span></font>``xEkkZEklEAVfIPzqlyT``x1227128195``x(default)``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Black Ankle Winery now open``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">By MICHELLE COOK, Messenger staff<br /><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Nov. 19, 2008</font><br /><br />Nestled in the rolling hills of Mt. Airy is the latest prize of the wine community. Upon arriving at the 22.5 acre vineyard, one is struck by, not only the rows of carefully cared-for grapes and other amazing fruits, but also by an atmosphere that fosters the hopes and dreams of the owners of Black Ankle.<br /><br />Sarah O’ Herron and Ed Boyce are the latest husband/wife team to try their hands at sharing a passion of wine and wine making.<br /><br /><table border="0" align="right" style="width: 300px;"><tbody><tr><td><img border="1" src="http://www.mtairy-messenger.com/images/news/black_ankle_11-19-08.jpg" /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><div style="text-align: right;"><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">Staff photo by Michelle Cook</font><br /></div><font size="1" style="font-weight: bold;">Sarah O’ Herron, along with her husband Ed Boyce, is the owner of the Black Ankle Vineyard in Mt. Airy.</font><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>As former management consultants, they wanted to do something new. The more they researched their love of wine and the making of it, the more they felt this was what they wanted to do. They spent the next couple of years researching, planning and searching for the land that became Black Ankle Vineyards.<br /><br />The process takes a long time to start, and after their first vines were planted in 2003, they were not ready for their first harvest until 2006. For their freshman effort, however, they have received two awards. The Governors Cup is the biggest award one can receive and their 2006 Crumbling Rock earned this one. The second award they have already won is the Winemakers Choice award for their blended white grape wine called 2007 Bedlam.<br /><br />They have also won for both their reds and whites as Best in Show. O’ Herron stated they just “wanted a good start,” and it seems they have gotten it.<br /><br />The vineyard grows all the fruits used in the wines and while they are not completely organic, they are very close. “We try to use chemicals only when absolutely necessary,” stated O’Herron. “We just wanted to make high quality wines,” and by growing all the ingredients they are striving to uphold their commitment to excellence.<br /><br />The new tasting room has just been completed and is very inviting and relaxing for either a quick tasting or sitting outside with a great bottle of wine and enjoying the views. The tasting room itself is an eco-marvel.<br /><br />The owners used all the materials they could to build and furnish the rooms with materials honed from the vineyard. The walls are a combination of sand water and clay only, some of which had to be brought in. The rooms are insulated with hay bales packed tight inside the walls, which can be seen by opening a door on one of the walls.<br /><br />The tasting rooms also reflect the farm as trees which were felled were used to build the tables. They are also using the power of the sun whenever possible. With one solar panel on the roof they are heating the water used for cleaning and other uses. By designing the building and placing it exactly where they did on the lot, they were able to take advantage of passive solar energy for heating and cooling the space.<br /><br />“We are able to capture the warmth of the sun when we want to and block it when we don’t,” said O’Herron. The eco-friendly elements don’t stop there, they are also using compact florescent lighting, and other elements where they can.<br /><br />Visitors can stop in and taste wine Wednesday to Friday, noon to 5 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.; and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Tastings are $5 for six wines. Wine by the glass and bottles can also be purchased along with local cheeses or bring your own lunch to enjoy during your visit.<br /><br />Celebrating a special event? The tasting room is available for rental; however, you must provide your own caterer. Tours are given during special times or just present your loved one with a gift certificate. The next planned event at the vineyard will be Saturday, Dec. 6 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will include the Irish band called the Bog Band.<br /><br />Black Ankle is located at 14463 Black Ankle Road in Mt. Airy. You can gain additional information on directions, where you can purchase the wines and much more by visiting their website at <a href="http://www.www.blackankle.com/">www.blackankle.com</a> or by calling 240-464-3280.</span></font>``xEkkZEklEkZDQkOhMpd``x1227128127``x(default)``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Skate Park entrance fee will not change soon, attendants to remain``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">By TONYA M. LEE, Messenger staff<br /><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Nov. 19, 2008</font><br /><br />Town council member Gary Nelson, who is also liaison to the Board of Parks and Recreation, presented a proposed ordinance to the Mt. Airy Town Council at the Nov. 3 meeting suggesting that there would be no charge for the use of the Mt. Airy Skate Park, as well as the town-owned tennis courts, basketball courts and hiking trails.<br /><br />Along with the elimination of this entrance fee, the suggestion was made to eliminate attendant positions at the skate park.<br /><br />The subject of the amount of an entrance fee to the skate park, or there not being one at all, has been a highly discussed topic since the entrance fee was reduced from $5 to $1 earlier this year. Mayor Frank Johnson was instrumental in this fee reduction as it was to help encourage local skateboarders to utilize the skate park rather than town streets and other local properties.<br /><br />Once the reduced entrance fee went into effect, Nelson brought forth his concerns about how and why the fee was reduced, particularly if the mayor had the authority to adjust pricing for the park. As time went by, the subject has continually been brought before the council.<br /><br />Nelson also explained that only charging a $1 to come into the park and also having to pay for attendants, insurance, and other fees, did not make financial sense.<br /><br />Town council president Dave Pyatt explained that as he was involved in the design and construction of the skate park, he did not want it to be unattended while people were utilizing the ramps. It was also noted that keeping a presence there should help to prevent vandalism and other problems.<br /><br />Ultimately, a vote of 3-2 determined that the fee of $1 will not change and the attendants will remain present at the skate park. Pyatt, Peters and council member Peter Helt voted against the ordinance, while council member John Woodhull and Nelson voted for it.</span></font>``xEkkZEkZAlZNYHIKItR``x1227127987``x(default)``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
MAVFC Holiday Train Garden``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Nov. 19, 2008</font><br /><br />The Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company invites kids of all ages to their annual Holiday Train Garden. The train display opens on Saturday, Nov. 29 and runs on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. until Sunday, Jan 4., in the lower level of the firehouse, 702 N. Main Street, Mt. Airy.<br /><br />The famous &quot;TrainCam&quot; will take you on a ride into the heart of an industrial disaster then on to small town America and rural farmlands.<br /><br />If any member of your family has served or is serving in the military during any of our nation's conflicts, the fire company would like to include their photograph in the &quot;Tribute&quot; section. Contact Linda Lewis at 301-829-3957 for more information.<br /><br />As always, the train display admission is free, but your donations are welcome. There is plenty of parking in the rear of the firehouse on the lower level at the Train Garden entrance.</span></font>``xEkkZEkZlAAOZPdVkbc``x1227127899``x(default)``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Nov. 19, 2008</font><br /><br /></span></font><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">R. Jean Morgan Seiler</span></span></font><br /><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></font></div><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />R. Jean Morgan Seiler, 84, of Winfield died Nov. 15 at her home in Winfield. She was the spouse of the late Raymond Paul Seiler<br /><br />She was born May 23, 1924 in Ohio, the daughter of the late Jessie Earl Morgan and late Matilda Florence Hughes Morgan.<br /><br />She was a retired from Springfield State Hospital where she had worked for over 20 years. She enjoyed traveling, playing bingo, yard sales and gardening.<br /><br />Surviving her are long-time companion Aubrey McMillan of Winfield; children, Donald Seiler of Winfield, Judy Hall of Ellicott City, Sandra Harrison of Reisterstown, Gary Seiler of Manchester, John Seiler of Winfield; and sister, Dorothy Beacraft of Woodbine. Also survived by 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and a great-great grandson.<br /><br />Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. at Burrier-Queen Funeral Home And Crematory, P.A., 1212 W. Old Liberty Rd. Winfield, MD 21784. Interment will be in Lake View Memorial Park, Sykesville.<br /><br />Those desiring may make contributions to Carroll Hospice Center, 292 Stoner Ave., Westminster, MD 21157.<br /><br />Online condolences to the family may be made at <a href="http://www.burrier-queen.com/">burrier-queen.com</a>.<br /><br /></span></font><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mary E. Armfield</span></span></font><br /><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></font></div><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Mary Elizabeth (Conaway) Armfield, 86, of Mt. Airy died Saturday, Nov. 15 at Lorien of Taneytown. She was the spouse of the late Joseph Thomas Armfield and a life-long resident of Mt. Airy.<br /><br />Mrs. Armfield was born April 24, 1922 in Mt. Airy, the daughter of the late Thomas A. and late Nettie V. Conaway.<br /><br />She graduated from the Mt. Airy High School Class of 1939. After graduation she completed her training at the Maison Frederick School of Beauty Culture in Baltimore and worked as a beautician at the Edgemore Beauty Salon in Bethesda. She was a member of the Calvary United Methodist Church in Mt. Airy.<br /><br />She is survived by children and their spouses, Jane and Larry Haines and J. Thomas and Donna Armfield of Westminster and Patricia Ann Armfield of Mt. Airy; grandchildren and spouses, Garry and Kelley Haines, Kevin and Sherri Haines, and Matthew Haines of Westminster, Levi and LeighAnn Haines of Hanover, Pa., Greg and Amanda Armfield of Leesburg, Va., Leslie and Sam Lieb of Hanover, Pa., Lisa and Kenneth Watson of Middle Run, Theresa Gue of Arizona, Cheri and Randy Ford of Littlestown, Pa., Steve and Jessica Doxzen of Middletown, Shaun Salmon of Florida and Elisabeth Salmon of Mt. Airy; great-grandchildren, Garry Allan Haines, Jennifer Lynch, Kandice Lagunas, Colton, Faith, and Lydia Haines, Olivia Haines, Amber and Lauren Armfield, Malachi and Riah Lieb, Caleb Watson, Kelsie and Joshua Kehne, Megan Ford, Brandon and Hannah Doxzen; a great-great granddaughter, Layla Lagunas; and a niece, Elaine Klein Taylor of Mt. Airy.<br /><br />She was predeceased by a daughter, Judy E. Armfield Salmon and a sister, Virginia Klein.<br /><br />Interment was in Pine Grove Cemetery, Mt. Airy.<br /><br />Those desiring may make contributions to Carroll Hospice, 292 Stoner Ave., Westminster, MD 21157.<br /><br />Arrangements made by Burrier-Queen Funeral Home &amp; Crematory, Winfield. Online condolences to the family may be made at <a href="http://www.burrier-queen.com/">burrier-queen.com</a>.<br /><br /></span></font><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="2" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Hilda R. Porter</span></font><br /><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></font></div><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Mrs. Hilda R. Porter, 85 of Mt. Airy died Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Frederick Memorial Hospital.<br /><br />She was born Oct. 1, 1923 in Sykesville, the daughter of the late Felix and late Minnie (Miller) Linton. She was the wife of the late William E. Porter who predeceased her in 2000.<br /><br />Mrs. Porter was a member of the Howard Chapel-Ridgeville United Methodist Church. She retired from the National Cancer Institute in 1998 where she worked as a laboratory technician. Friends and family will remember her passion, if not expertise in duckpin bowling.<br /><br />Mrs. Porter is survived by her children and their spouses, Judith and Keith McGee, Sr. of Sykesville, David and Sharon Porter of Monrovia, Jennifer and Chuck Norris of Frederick and Phillip and Charlotte Porter of Mt. Airy. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and two step-grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Irvin and Ruby Linton; and sister-in-law and her husband Dorothy and Richard Davis. Preceded in death by brothers, George and Thomas Linton and sister, Dorothy Burdette<br /><br />Interment was in Pine Grove Cemetery, Mt. Airy.<br /><br />Arrangements made by Burrier-Queen Funeral Home &amp; Crematory, Winfield. Online condolences to the family may be made at <a href="http://www.burrier-queen.com/">burrier-queen.com</a>.<br /><br /></span></font><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="2" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Jamison Ann Elizabeth Whittington</span></font><br /><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></font></div><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Jamison Ann Elizabeth Whittington, 4, of Mt. Airy died Monday, Nov. 3 at Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C.<br /><br />She was born Nov. 3, 2004 in Westminster, the daughter of John Timothy Whittington and Jennifer Lee (Ratliff) Whittingham.<br /><br />She loved going to school and playing with her brothers.<br /><br />She was the loving granddaughter of Barbara and Billy Kempton of Westminster, Jack and Teresa Whittington of Sarasota, Fla., the late Betty Whittington. Also survived by brothers, J.T. and Jakob Whittington of Mt. Airy; an uncle, Catch Kempton of Westminster; an aunt, Lauren Ratliff of Westminster.<br /><br />Memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20010.<br /><br />Arrangements made by Burrier-Queen Funeral Home &amp; Crematory, Winfield. Online condolences to the family may be made at <a href="http://www.burrier-queen.com/">burrier-queen.com</a>.<br /><br /></span></font><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">George E. Wagner</span></span></font><br /><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></font></div><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />George Everett Wagner (affectionately known as Pud and Pap Pap) died peacefully on Nov. 2 at his home near Taylorsville-Mt. Airy.<br /><br />He was born March 31, 1922, in Unionville, Frederick County, was the son of the late Charles and Esther Wagner of Misty Meadow Farm, Mt. Airy.<br /><br />He was the devoted husband of Doris Walkling Wagner, his wife of thirty years. Surviving in addition to his wife, is his sister, Gloria Mae Bowen and spouse Harry Bowen of Sachse, Texas. He is survived by his nieces, Connie and Barbara and their children, and extended family of step-children, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren. He was a retired dairy farmer on the farm where he had lived for 80 years.<br /><br />Mr. Wagner started fox chasing at five years of age until he retired in 2006 as Master Emeritus of the Carrollton Hounds in Carroll County. As a child he rode his horse under the tutelage of his uncle, Pete Moxley, who taught him the skills of the fox chase and also instilled the joys of the sport as well as knowledge of the countryside. He developed his own pack of foxhounds and spent most of his teen years, continuing his knowledge of horses and hounds, with Frank Barnes who was well known for his ability as a huntsman.<br /><br />In the early 1960’s he was hired as huntsman for the Redland Hunt in Montgomery County. His reputation as an expert judge of foxhounds became well known. Along with Joseph Hutton of Brookfield, he helped the Goshen Hunt establish a pack of notable fox hounds. He was often invited as part of a team of judges of fox hounds and was host to the Maryland Foxhunters Association which held several meets at Misty Meadow Farm.<br /><br />He was active in the Taylorsville Hunt Club where he held offices as president, master of hounds, and huntsman. About 30 years ago, he and Colonel Donald Thackeray of New Windsor re-activated the old Carrollton Hounds. They also developed a fine pack of fox hounds and continued the tradition of fox chasing which is part of the Carroll County countryside today.<br /><br />In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to Carroll Hospice, Inc., 292 Stoner Ave., Westminster, MD 21157 or the Carroll County Humane Society.<br /><br />Arrangements made by Burrier-Queen Funeral Home &amp; Crematory, Winfield. Online condolences to the family may be made at <a href="http://www.burrier-queen.com/">burrier-queen.com</a>.</span></font>``xEkkZEkZlFAVgtFsTsb``x1227127839``xobituaries``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Nov. 19, 2008</font><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">MEETINGS AT TOWN HALL</span><br /><br />The following meetings will be held at town hall unless otherwise noted:<br /><br />Nov. 19 – Recycling and Sanitation, 7 p.m.<br />Nov. 20 – Parks and Recreation, 7:30 p.m.<br />Nov. 26 – EDC, 7 p.m.<br />Dec. 1 – Town Council, 7:30 p.m.<br />Dec. 3 – Water and Sewer Commission, 7 p.m.<br />Dec. 4 – Streets and Roads, 7:30 p.m.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">TOWN HALL CLOSED</span><br /><br />Town Hall will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26-27, for the Thanksgiving holiday.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">WATER BILLS</span><br /><br />Water bills are past due. If you didn’t receive your bill, call town hall at 301-829-1424.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">PROPERTY MAINTENANCE</span><br /><br />The property owner is responsible for keeping their sidewalk clear for pedestrian use. Property owners must keep their property free of dirt, filth, rubbish, garbage or similar matter so not to cause rodent or vermin infestation. Property owners must also keep weeds and grass under 12” in height.<br /><br />If this ordinance is violated, the town may send a written notice to property owner asking him/her to remedy the situation in a specified time. If the property owner fails to comply, the owner shall pay to the town the reasonable cost per hour for rubbish removal, trimming, cutting, or other actions, with a minimum charge of $250 for each separate lot.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">FIRE HYDRANTS</span><br /><br />If you see someone other than a fire truck taking water from a town fire hydrant, call the police at 301-829-0218 or town hall at 301-829-1424.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">VOLUNTEERS NEEDED</span><br /><br />Volunteers are needed to work on the Mt. Airy Main Street Association (MAMSA). If you are interested in working on revitalizing downtown, call town hall. Anyone interested in volunteering on any town commission/committee, e-mail <a href="mailto:mtairy2@comcast.net">mtairy2@comcast.net</a> or call town hall at 301-829-1424.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">HOUSE NUMBERS</span><br /><br />Town residents are asked to make sure your house number is on your residence to aid in identification for emergency services and public utility repairs.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">MT. AIRY WEB SITE</span><br /><br />Remember to check out the Mt. Airy website at <a href="http://www.carr.org/mtairy">carr.org/mtairy</a> and find out about town meetings, town budget, permits, agendas, new proposals, committee vacancies and appointments, new resident information, business and church listings, trash and recycling collection, civic and service organizations, festivals and events, and more.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">TOWN EMERGENCY INFORMATION</span><br /><br />Radio stations to listen to are: Frederick Co. WFMD (am) 93.0; WFRE 99.9 (fm), WAFY-Key 103.1 (fm). Carroll County Stations –- WGTY 107.7 (fm); GRX 100.7 (fm); YCR 98.5 (fm); WHVR 1280 (am); GET 1320 (am); BAL 1090 (am); WTTR 1470 (am).<br /><br />When there is any type of an emergency (such as a hurricane, ice storm and electric is out, etc.), listen to the radio stations listed above and television stations Channel 2, Fox 45, WJZ and Channel 13 for other emergency information pertaining to Frederick or Carroll counties.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">TRASH COMPLAINTS</span><br /><br />The contractor for the town's residential and commercial &quot;hand pick ups&quot; solid waste and recycling services is Key Sanitation Inc. Call the 24-hour service line, 301-668-8282, in the event you wish to report a problem regarding service. When no one is available to take your call, leave a message and you will receive a response within 24 hours. Please call with your problem as soon as possible.<br /><br />If you have questions regarding what is recyclable, call town hall. On the web, visit www.mdrecycles.org to see how to close the recycling loop. Secure your recyclables so they do not blow throughout the neighborhood.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">RESIDENTIAL TRASH/RECYCLING DAYS</span><br /><br />Carroll County town residents have trash picked up on Tuesdays (except for Nottingham subdivision) and recycling picked up on Wednesdays. Frederick County town residents' recycling is picked up on Tuesdays (by Frederick County Recycling) and trash is picked up on Fridays. Nottingham Subdivision trash picked up on Fridays.<br /><br />Trash and recycling for the entire town needs to be put out before 6 a.m. the day of pick up.<br /><br />Use trashcans with tight lids. This will help keep animals out of the trash and reduce the chance of trash blowing around neighborhoods on windy days. Put trash in bags in containers. No loose trash please. Bags not in containers please tie securely. Remember to secure recyclables too. Using a paper grocery bag is a great alternative to bundling paper.<br /><br />If you are a new resident or just want more information on recycling in Mt. Airy, call town hall or visit the web site. Listed below is what can be recycled:<br /><br />Containers: Aluminum/Steel - Food/beverage cans, foil, and pie plates. Plastic Bottles - All plastic bottles are acceptable except motor oil bottles and antifreeze bottles. (Note: The only plastics accepted in Frederick County are plastic bottles.) No plastic plant containers. Glass Bottles &amp; Jars - Food/beverage and bottles (all colors). These items can be mixed together in blue bins and satellite center containers.<br /><br />Paper - Newspaper, junk mail, writing/computer paper, magazines, envelopes, catalogs under 1&quot;, phone books, boxboard (cereal type boxes), place in paper bags or tie in bundles. No wax coated boxes. No pizza boxes at all. Do not mix paper with other recyclables – keep separate.<br /><br />Cardboard - Corrugated cardboard, must be flattened and no larger than 2.5' x 2.5', tape or tie in 6&quot; bundles, no wax coated boxes.<br /><br />Key Sanitation, Inc. our solid waste and recycling contractor, has provided this information. If you have any questions, call Key Sanitation Inc. at 301-668-8282.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">REPORT STREET LIGHTS OUT</span><br /><br />If you see that a street light is out or flickering, report it to the town hall as soon as possible. Feel free to call after hours and leave a message on the recorder or e-mail it to town hall at <a href="mailto:mtairy2@comcast.net">mtairy2@comcast.net</a>. Be sure to give the street light location, your name and phone number, and if possible the pole number. The pole number is on a silver plate on the pole, and starts with F.<br /><br />Allegheny Power takes care of repairing the lights and it takes two to three weeks.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">BUILDING PERMITS</span><br /><br />Reminder to all residents to contact the town hall before making any building changes to your property; a building permit may be needed.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">AFTER HOUR EMERGENCY CALLS</span><br /><br />Before making an emergency call to town hall regarding a water leak, etc., after hours, make sure it is a real emergency that can’t wait until town staff is at work.<br /><br style="font-weight: bold;" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">RAPE CRISIS INTERVENTION SERVICE</span><br /><br />Carroll County's Rape Crisis Intervention Service is located at 224 North Center Street, Room 102. The 24-hour hotline is 410-857-7322, the Carroll County office number is 410-876-9147 or 410-857-0900. For local Rape Crisis Intervention Service, contact Town Hall, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All inquiries are confidential.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES</span><br /><br />Maryland Relay Service allows individuals with hearing impairments to call an 800 number and use the operator to place a call to a non-TDD-equipped office or home. The operator will stay on the line to allow the deaf person to communicate with the call recipient. The phone number for the Maryland Relay Service is 800-735-2258. If you have a hearing impairment and need the services of Mt. Airy Town Hall, you may call the above 800 number.<br /><br /></span></font><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Mt. Airy Town Hall</span></font><br /><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">P.O. Box 50</span></font><br /><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">110 South Main Street</span></font><br /><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Mt. Airy, MD 21771</span></font><br /><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">301-829-1424/410-795-6012</span></font><br /><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">301-831-5768</span></font><br /><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></font></div>``xEkkZEkZZkpqSnlFvLU``x1227127720``xFor_Your_Health``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Thanks, once again``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">By TIM BARKLEY, Esq.<br /><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Nov. 19, 2008</font><br /><br />When the days wane early, a nip in the air hints at winter, and the last leaves rattle on the trees in the wind, we pause and reflect on the passage of life. The year slips past, hastened by the approaching solstice, and we turn toward the sun, seeking a last glimpse of the bright promise of fleeting time.<br /><br />To generations past, winter was one of the many dyings that we experience on the way to our final rest. The rhythms of morning and evening prayer, the ebb and flow of liturgical cycles, and rituals of family and community affirmed our beginnings and endings, and confirmed our bent toward our last and true home.<br /><br />As modern, even postmodern and post-post-modern individuals, we frenetically dance to a quickened tempo, buy, buy, buy, do, do, do, without much time to be. Yet it’s in winter that we are still sometimes able to entrain with the living pulse of the nature of things and know ourselves best.<br /><br />As the rhythm slows, take time this Thanksgiving season to reflect on the things for which you are grateful. Yesterday’s triumphs and tomorrow’s challenges blend to enliven our souls. Even in difficulty, we should count our blessings – family, friends, community. A small town provides support structures that those living elsewhere must live without.<br /><br />In this time when our economy is faltering and we are reminded constantly of our impending doom, we still have much for which to be thankful. We live in a country with a resilient economy, and our nation has a knack for finding its way out of the woods.<br /><br />One of the most powerful things we can do as we survey the landscape is to take charge of our own destiny. In times of trouble, we are reminded that our fate is in our hands, and not in the hands of those who would be our corporate masters.<br /><br />Thank you for visiting with us in the past years, and for entrusting us with your hopes. We look forward to the privilege of serving you and your family and friends as you plan for the future.<br /><br /><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">[Tim Barkley is a wealth management attorney in Mt. Airy. He can be reached at 301-829-3778 or <a href="mailto:tbarkley@barkleylaw.com">tbarkley@barkleylaw.com</a>.]</font></span></font>``xEkkZEkZVZpezVTNmZI``x1227127570``xfeatures_planningmatters``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Rays of hope on the horizon``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">By A.J. RUSSO, Ph.D.<br /><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Nov. 19, 2008</font><br /><br />Unexpected victories always bring hope.<br /><br />In 2007, a victory that transcended sport was Iraq's 1-0 triumph over Saudi Arabia in the Asian Cup final in Jakarta on July 29. Iraq's unexpected win was a triumph for human spirit.<br /><br />Few people gave Iraq any hope of making it past the early rounds. Their squad was a hodge-podge of Shi'ite, Sunni and Kurdish players, divided by the sectarian violence in their homeland, most of whom had had friends and relatives killed in the Iraqi conflict.<br /><br />Goalkeeper Noor Sari's brother-in-law was killed just before the tournament began, midfielder Nashat Akram's relatives were kidnapped then murdered and Hawar Mulla Mohammad's stepmother died two days before the quarter-final against Vietnam.<br /><br />Iraq went into the final riding a wave of global passion, but were still not expected to beat Saudi Arabia, who were appearing in their sixth final in 23 years and bidding to become the first country to win the title for a fourth time.<br /><br />Iraqi captain Younis Mahmoud scored the only goal to complete one of sport's great fairytales. When it was over, even the Pope declared it would help to bring peace to the country.<br /><br /></span></font><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">***</span></font><br /><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></font></div><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />In 2008, after 10 straight years of loosing seasons, the Tampa Bay Rays made their first trip to the MLB World Series. Baseball's toilet-mat, since starting MLB play in 1998, the Rays were a 200-1 shot to win the World Series before the season started.<br /><br />A win against the Philadelphia in the World Series would have made the Rays of hope the first team to go from worst in the majors to World Series champion in just one season. Unfortunately, that wasn’t to be. The Phillies took the series in commanding fashion.<br /><br />But this most improbable rise from the cellar to the rooftop of baseball inspired anyone who has a need to jump a hurdle in life because—there’s always a ray of hope.<br /><br /></span></font><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">***</span></font><br /><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></font></div><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />On June 3rd, 2008, Democratic Senator Barack Obama was crowned the first African American Presidential candidate of a major party, and then on November 4th, became the first African American President-elect in U.S. history.<br /><br />Jackie Almond, who cuts hair at the Pizazz Salon and Spa on Lenox Avenue in Harlem, said she was on the phone when she learned of the victory and broke into screams.<br /><br />“I was like, ‘aaaahhhh,’ ” she said. “Never in a million years would I have thought this was possible.”<br /><br />After all, African Americans couldn’t even vote in the U.S. 50 years ago, and lit was less than 60 years ago when the Supreme Court determined that racially separate school facilities were inherently unequal.<br /><br />This unexpected victory brought races together. Many felt that black people now had a hope that they had never, ever had before.<br /><br />Rays of hope—just on the horizon.<br /><br /><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">[A.J. Russo received his BS at Hobart College and Masters and Ph.D. at Roswell Park Memorial Institute. He is the author of 12 novels and more than 30 scientific papers. He is the former head men's lacrosse coach at RIT and Mount Saint Mary's University.<br /><br />His opinions do not necessarily reflect those of Mount Saint Mary's University or the Mt. Airy Messenger.<br /><br />Russo's novel, The Healer, has been critically acclaimed. His novel, the Fragile Egg was re-released in 2006 and his novel, New Lodge Affair was released in August 2007. All are available at <a href="http://amazon.com/">Amazon.com</a> and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/">BarnesandNoble.com</a>.<br /><br />Visit and respond to A.J. Russo’s column Outside the Game at his blog: <a href="http://www.outsidethegame.wordpress.com/">outsidethegame.wordpress.com</a>.]</font></span></font>``xEkkZEkZVpkMCEmztkE``x1227127502``xfeatures_outsidethegame``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Renovations on town’s maintenance storage area researched<br><small><i>Mt. Airy Town Council meeting of Nov. 3</i></small>``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">By TONYA M. LEE<br />Messenger staff<br /><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;"><br />As published Nov. 19, 2008</font><br /><br />Resident Maryland State Trooper Sergeant Palmer Grotte was not present to give his usual monthly report. Copies of his report were submitted to the council.<br /><br />Bruce Walz of the Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company (MAVFC) was present and provided a monthly report. In October, the MAVFC responded to a total of 180 calls. There were 151 rescue calls, which consisted of 79 in Carroll County, 56 in Frederick County, 14 in Howard County and two in Montgomery County.<br /><br /><table border="0" align="right" style="width: 300px;"><tbody><tr><td><img border="1" src="http://www.mtairy-messenger.com/images/news/town_council_11-19-08.jpg" /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><div style="text-align: right;"><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">Staff photo by Tonya M. Lee</font><br /></div><font size="1" style="font-weight: bold;">Town resident Pete Bowlus (at podium) addressed the Mt. Airy Town Council (seated L to R, Wendi Peters, Barney Quinn and Peter Helt) at the Nov 3. meeting regarding the Mt. Airy Historical Society taking nominations for their annual Hall of Fame inductions. Applications can be picked up at town hall or at the Mt. Airy Museum.</font><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>There were 29 fire calls, 13 were in Carroll County, 10 were in Frederick County, four were in Montgomery County and two were in Howard County.<br /><br />The community concerns and citizen comments portion of the Mt. Airy Town Council’s monthly meeting has been moved up on the agenda. This was decided last month to help alleviate long waits for citizens to address the council.<br /><br />Town resident, and member of the Mt. Airy Historical Society, Pete Bowlus, addressed the council. Bowlus stated that the historical society was accepting nominations for the Mt. Airy Hall of Fame. The hall of fame recognizes outstanding citizens, living or deceased, who have contributed to Mt. Airy to make it a better place.<br /><br />Applications can be picked up at Mt. Airy Town Hall or the Mt. Airy Museum. They can also now be downloaded from the town’s website at <a href="http://www.carr.org/mtairy">www.carr.org/mtairy</a>. The deadline to turn in applications is Dec. 6.<br /><br />Resolution 2008-7 was brought before the council for approval. This resolution involves a budget amendment to have funds added to the water and sewer capital budget. Town council member Wendi Peters asked about the designation of these funds as they did not seem to be allocated for their intended purpose.<br /><br />Johnson provided an overview of his monthly report. Johnson also informed the council that town residents Connie German and John Humphries would be serving on the town’s Growth and Development Task Force.<br /><br />Peters, who also is liaison to the Economic Development Commission (EDC) and the Sanitation and Recycling Commission, gave her monthly report. The single-stream pilot recycling program will continue through December as positive results continue.<br /><br />Town council member Gary Nelson, who is also liaison to the Board of Parks and Recreation, the Beautification Commission and the Schools Committee, provided his monthly report. An outdoor movie system for the town has been ordered. The creation of a doggie park in Mt. Airy will be presented as a possibility at the December town council meeting.<br /><br />The Beautification Commission will be going on its winter hiatus this month and the Schools Committee plans on meeting again Jan. 21.<br /><br />Town council president Dave Pyatt, who also is liaison to the Planning and Zoning Commission, provided an overview of the commission’s October meeting.<br /><br />Town council member Peter Helt, who is also liaison to the Streets and Roads Commission, gave his monthly report.<br /><br />A representative from the State Highway Administration (SHA) was present at the October Streets and Roads Commission meeting to discuss increasing safety on Main Street. Creating a crosswalk at Hood and South Main Street is being strongly considered by SHA, as well as possibly moving the crosswalk that is currently at Main Street and Park Avenue further up near the stairs to the town’s municipal parking lot. The matters will be addressed again in the future.<br /><br />The streets are being swept to clean up leaves and other debris. Main Street will be closed on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the annual Santa Parade.<br /><br />Town council member John Woodhull provided his monthly report. Woodhull is also liaison to the Water and Sewer Commission. The town averaged 708,148 gallons of water per day in October. There was 1.85 inches of rain in October.<br /><br />Woodhull expressed concern that water use in October was greater than any other month so far this year. Normally, October is a lower usage month. Woodhull has asked town staff to look into the matter and provide some recommendations.<br /><br />Town attorney Tom McCarron provided some updates on legal matters in which the town is involved. The redrafting of the contract for the town to consider purchasing the Cold Storage property was sent to the current property owner. No response has been received.<br /><br />The drainage issue along Sunset Avenue is still being pursued. McCarron stated that two of the three landowners involved have been served paperwork.<br /><br />Nelson provided a proposed ordinance to set fees for the use of local parks and their facilities, as well as eliminate the entrance fee to the Mt. Airy Skate Park and remove the attendants altogether. (See related article.)<br /><br />A proclamation was drafted by the town designating November as Municipal Government Month. Mayor Frank Johnson read the proclamation aloud after all town council members had signed it.<br /><br />Town engineer Barney Quinn provided a power point presentation for the proposed maintenance improvements to the salt sheds and other buildings at the area on Prospect Road. Quinn brought this matter to the council at the October meeting, but it was requested that a more detailed report be presented of what was being proposed, along with the associated costs.<br /><br />The purpose of these improvements is to construct maintenance facilities to accommodate growth in Mt. Airy. Current buildings were constructed in 1984.<br /><br />Quinn provided several very telling pictures of the current conditions in the existing buildings. Lighting is an issue in some areas and there is limited space for equipment, which has forced some things to be stored outside, which causes premature aging of the machinery. This then costs the town money to replace machinery that could have lasted longer had it been stored indoors.<br /><br />The current salt shed is not in good condition at this time and its wood constructed walls are not able to withstand the pressure from the salt that is being stored. The town also currently only has the ability to store 25 percent of the salt that would be needed during extreme ice conditions. Quinn stated this should be at 100 percent.<br /><br />Neither of the existing buildings has heat. The map room and offices are in need of improvement and Quinn would like a break room to be constructed for employees.<br /><br />Quinn provided five different options for the town council to consider to alleviate the current storage problems and modernize the facilities, which included utilizing different areas throughout the town for storage, constructing new buildings on other sites, or revamping the current site.<br /><br />Several town council members asked questions about the possibilities, as well as voiced concern about the costs involved and staying within current forecasted budget numbers. The matter will be reviewed further at the Dec town council meeting.<br /><br />After an audit was performed, a surplus of funds was found from the town’s FY ’07-08 budget. Nelson requested at this meeting that $100,000 of these funds be placed within the land acquisition portion of the town’s budget as he felt that was the intended purpose of this money.<br /><br />Johnson was not in agreement with Nelson as to where these funds should to be placed. Johnson explained that he was not under the impression that money that was not spent had to receive approval from council members for its placement. The matter will be placed on the December town council agenda for further review.<br /><br />Two public works agreements were presented for approval. A reduction in bonding from Sterling Glen, Phase 1, and a release in bonding from the Woodlands of Nottingham, Phase 1, and acceptance of the storm water management deed were presented.<br /><br />The Mt. Airy Town Council meets the first Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at town hall, 110 S. Main Street. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Dec 1.</span></font>``xEkkZEkZFZuAQLBReEw``x1227127374``xmain_headline``xtown_council_11-19-08.jpg``x44291179898117``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
``xbricketts``x``xEkkVAEuAZZVIwKeaRS``x1225914977``xhomepage_event``x``x35461179889719``xBaseball Tryouts``xConcert``xProduction``xBazaar``xCraft Bazaar``xCraft Show/Dinner``xTurkey/Fried Oyster Dinner``xDinner & Dancing``xCraft Fair/Auction``xWednesday Night Dinners
Various plans need updating<br><small><i>Mt. Airy Planning and Zoning Commission meeting of Oct. 27</i></small>``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">By MICHELLE COOK, Messenger staff<br />As published Nov. 5, 2008<br /><br />This month’s meeting began with the election of officers. Chairman Chris Everich and vice-chairman Fred Goundry will be serving for another year. Both thanked the commission for the opportunity.<br /><br />Citizen comments were heard and downtown resident John Humphrey voiced his concern over the noise levels associated with second floor dining. While he believes it is a good idea he cautioned the commission to take their time and look at all aspects of the ordinance so all parties can benefit from the experience and added revenue it could bring to the Downtown Zone.<br /><br />Andrea Gerhard from the Carroll County Planners office visited the Planning &amp; Zoning Commission (P&amp;Z) this month to discuss the Carroll County Hazardous Mitigation Plan. This is the same plan which was briefed in 2004; however, due to the delay in approval, the state required the county to re-brief all eight towns in the county. For the full plan, visit <a href="http://www.ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/compplan/hazard/">ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/compplan/hazard/</a>.<br /><br />Town Administrator Monika Weierbach asked for approval for Accubid to plant additional trees along the left side of its site. There is considerable lack of cover during the winter months, which creates an eyesore with all the materials piled on this side of the lot. There will have to be a viability study done to see if trees will survive on the site due to the slope of the land. The additional trees were approved.<br /><br />Lot 32 of the Twin Arch Business Park was back for final site plan approval. The lack of flex-warehouse parking regulations created some discussion; however, town engineer Barney Quinn stated the Parking Study group is looking into the issue as they move forward and historically they have applied the proposed usage of the space to accommodate the total number of spaces required.<br /><br />Based on conversations about the space and the totals for each use the town staff came up with 42 spaces. The applicant has agreed to come up with the additional spaces.<br /><br />Member Pat Rockinberg made a motion for conditional approval of the site plan provided all planning commission, town and county comments are addressed, the additional parking spaces are created, and the water calculations for each use are provided to the town engineer. The motion was passed.<br /><br />Frank Illiano was back again for the Mt. Airy Inn project he wishes to begin soon. The purpose of this visit was to inform the commission he no longer intends to save the Moxley home as part of this project. The original plan was to save the Moxley and Gehle homes as the front part of the new building, which would also include a 5,000 s.f. addition to the rear of the homes. The new plan would create an L-shaped addition around the Gehle house.<br /><br />The overall footprint of the project will not change nor will the usage of the building. Illiano claimed a hardship in not being able to rent out the home-style space to potential clients. As he stated when addressing the commission, “These homes are not historical and I don’t have to save either of them.” Member Lindy Brown said, “I feel like we have been sold one plan then it was switched. We are losing a good home.”<br /><br />Rockinberg stated while he shared the views of the commission, he also liked the revisions that were made. He then made a motion to approve the site plan provided all planning commission, town and county comments are addressed. The sidewalk extension must be shown on the revised site plan on the south side and the commission must be involved in the sign approval for the project. The motion was passed.<br /><br />The commission continued the discussion on the proposal for second floor dining. There are two issues which have been discussed in regard to this subject, and there has been some confusion as the language is very similar. Last month P&amp;Z discussed accessory structures for residential and commercial sites. This would consist of the structures only (i.e. decks, porches, and balconies).<br /><br />This month, the discussion focused on accessory uses or, more specifically, outdoor dining for commercial use. The summary of the discussion is this activity would be permitted only on the second level outdoor structure which will have to meet the requirements outlined in the accessory structure language.<br /><br />The hours will be limited to 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and must be vacated by 8 p.m., at which time they can only be lit by safety lighting. The dining areas are subject to site plan review and will be subject to the same development requirements as indoor areas. These areas must meet parking, water, noise and lighting requirements.<br /><br />No sound amplification can be used and outside doors are not permitted to be propped open allowing indoor sound to escape. Any violations will be the business /property owners’ responsibility.<br /><br />Alcohol may be served in conjunction with food service as required by the liquor license percentages and neither outdoor heating with open flames nor any devices for food preparation are permitted.<br /><br />The commission discussed each point in depth and town zoning administrator Heather Smith has been researching this issue for the past few months. There are not a lot of other municipalities currently allowing this use and, therefore, there is not a lot of information of the subject.<br /><br />Councilmember Dave Pyatt stated he would like to see the two documents linked in some way so one could not be changed without the other one being changed. Most members agreed with him.<br /><br />Another discussion surrounded the amount of noise difference from the sidewalk level to the second level.<br /><br />The hours of operation were also a big concern. As stated, 7 p.m. is when a large number of people eat dinner during the warmer months. Member Oscar Baker stated he would like to see the hours be consistent with the sidewalk dining.<br /><br />Illiano asked if this is forwarded to the town council could the council overrule this commission. Pyatt stated they could, but they would also hold a public hearing, which is necessary for ordinance changes.<br /><br />Illiano then went on to state he felt it was “obvious the commission and the mayor are against this one business and keep coming up with excuses.” Everich refuted this claim by stating the commission has followed a documented process and has looked at everything in an unbiased way and at no time has this been about one business.<br /><br />Mayor Johnson also addressed Illiano and stated he “would be happy to address any ethics complaints anyone would like to make as a downtown resident.”<br /><br />Johnson went on to say there are some concerns with the use, saying ‘no’ would also not be appropriate and noted this should not be a quick decision.<br /><br />Upper Deck Owner Jeff Green stated he would work to find examples of areas where this is an ordinance and give it to Smith.<br /><br />Everich stated the commission would review all the updates for both structure and use and any other municipality’s language at the next meeting.<br /><br />Rockinberg briefed the commission on the Growth and Development Task Force (GDTF) efforts on the Open Space requirements. The GDTF has been working to update the 1970 ordinance and the update provides greater detail, definitions, a formula for density based on impact, and it creates an allowed versus not allowed usage.<br /><br />Everich asked for the town attorney to review the requirements and put it into ordinance form for the commission to review at the next meeting. Pyatt also asked for the attorney to verify who can use the land and who would own it.<br /><br />Member Tony Falletta stated the GDTF has redefined their mission on the design guidelines and will continue to work toward a solution.<br /><br />Baker stated the fire suppression code updates are going well; however, since the last update was done in 1894, there are obviously great changes that are being made.<br /><br />The Planning and Zoning Commission meets the last Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at town hall, 110 South Main Street. The next meeting will be Monday, Nov.24.</span></font>``xEkkVAEulykEBYmiPNQ``x1225914862``x(default)``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Discussions continue on how commission and MAMSA can work together in the future<br><small><i>Mt. Airy Economic Development Commission meeting of Oct. 22</i></small>``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">By TONYA M. LEE, Messenger staff<br />As published Nov. 5, 2008<br /><br />Town resident Mike Jensen was present at this meeting as he is interested in becoming a member of the Economic Development Commission (EDC). A request has been submitted to Mayor Frank Johnson for Jensen to officially join the commission.<br /><br />Copies of the minutes from the September meeting were drafted and distributed by commission member Bill McCullough. One change requested in the minutes was for the list of commission members to be updated as a few names listed were not accurate. It was also mentioned that the list of members on the town’s website would have to be updated.<br /><br />It was also requested that the minutes be e-mailed to the commission members a bit sooner before the monthly meetings to give everyone a chance to review them prior to the meetings.<br /><br />Town planner and Main Street Manager Kelly Ziad was present and distributed copies of the 2008-09 Town of Mt. Airy Mt. Airy Main Street Association (MAMSA) Work Plan/Strategic Plan. Ziad explained this was a living document and could be updated should changes be required.<br /><br />Ziad explained clarification was needed in defining the EDC’s role in working with MAMSA in the future.<br /><br />Extensive discussion ensued regarding the EDC’s perception of being a type of umbrella over MAMSA, as well as the history of the creation of both MAMSA and the EDC and the coexistence of the two groups.<br /><br />McCullough expressed concern about the wording of how these two groups are to be intertwined and work together in the future.<br /><br />The Mt. Airy Economic Development Commission meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at town hall, 110 S. Main Street. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov 26.</span></font>``xEkkVAEuZlkCHSUEMMX``x1225914782``x(default)``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Holiday Preview event downtown this weekend``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Nov. 5, 2008</font><br /><br />The shops of historic downtown Mt. Airy invite you to attend a Holiday Preview event, Friday to Sunday, Nov. 7–9. The businesses will be decorated for the holidays and displaying their holiday merchandise.<br /><br />After operating in temporary facilities for a year, the shops affected by the devastating Labor Day 2007 fire are moving back into their new buildings. You are invited to see these amazing new shops.<br /><br />On Saturday, Nov. 8, from noon to 3 p.m., enjoy a free cup of coffee from the Vintage Coffee House. Coffee will be served in the plaza in front of 114 South Main Street.<br /><br />For more information visit <a href="http://www.mountairymainstreet.org/">mountairymainstreet.org</a>.</span></font>``xEkkVAEuZEkVoEIGLFW``x1225914712``x(default)``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Pet Loft offers new services``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">By MICHELLE COOK, Messenger staff<br /><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Nov. 5, 2008</font><br /><br />Pet owners are some of the most caring people in the world. Many spend a great deal of time and money caring for Fido, Fluffy and other creatures.<br /><br /><table border="0" align="right" style="width: 300px;"><tbody><tr><td><img border="1" src="http://www.mtairy-messenger.com/images/news/pet_loft_11-05-08.jpg" /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><div style="text-align: right;"><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">Staff photo by Michelle Cook</font><br /></div><font size="1" style="font-weight: bold;">Karen and Mark Broadhurst are the proud owners of Pet Loft in the Mt. Airy Shopping Center.</font><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Pet Loft located in the Mt. Airy Shopping Center near Wal-Mart helps residents take care of their beloved pets. Owners Mark and Karen Broadhurst have operated the store for approximately seven years and have loved every minute of it.<br /><br />“We are always thinking of how to grow the business,” said Mark.<br /><br />Pet Loft offers a wide variety of products from food to grooming and even “bling” for decking out your pet. They also offer many services including do-it-yourself pet washing stations and onsite dog obedience training.<br /><br />Donna Ednock has been training dogs for a long time and has been with Pet Loft since the beginning. She offers classes from beginner to agility skills on the course Pet Loft has purchased. They have recently added several new services to the store, including poop scooping, dog walking, pet sitting, and a pet taxi service. Hopefully by the end of the year they will add grooming and frequent buyer discounts.<br /><br />Residents who take advantage of these services will find Karen making all the house calls for walks, cleaning everything from litter boxes to horse stalls, and picking up your pet anywhere, from the vet to the airport. All of these services will be conducted in the resident’s home; therefore, she prefers to handle this aspect of the business personally even though they are fully bonded and insured.<br /><br />“I love spending time with all the animals and they love me,” said Karen. For a complete schedule and prices, contact the store for further details or visit <a href="http://www.petloft1.com/">Petloft1.com</a>.<br /><br />Pet Loft is also there for the community as they will offer a few services for the proposed doggie park recently discussed in detail at recent Parks and Recreation meetings.<br /><br />Pet Loft will be the location for all dog owners to bring paperwork verifying spaying/neutering and also proof of vaccination. In exchange Pet Loft will issue a dog park tag to be worn by all those using the park.<br /><br />In addition, they will also serve as “poop patrol”, collecting the pet waste from the proper receptacles while also maintaining the surrounding park area for hidden treasures left by irresponsible dog owners.<br /><br />Pet Loft is located at 309 E. Ridgeville Blvd. For more information, call 301-831-0758 or visit the store web site at <a href="http://www.petloft1.com/">Petloft1.com</a>.</span></font>``xEkkVAEuykyByPruSWV``x1225914626``x(default)``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
MAMSA gearing up for the holiday season<br><small><i>Mt. Airy Main Street Association meeting of Oct. 21</i></small>``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">By TONYA M. LEE, Messenger staff<br /><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Nov. 5, 2008</font><br /><br />Mt. Airy Main Street Association (MAMSA) member Dick Swanson informed the group that MAMSA had received its approval letter from the Internal Revenue Service officially designating it as a 501(c)(3) organization.<br /><br />Swanson stated MAMSA should now file tax return extension forms and will have to begin the applications for tax exemption status as well.<br /><br />It was decided that the MAMSA general membership meetings will be held as usual in November and December, but the board meetings will not be held due to the holidays.<br /><br />MAMSA member Ellie Bonde was approached about assisting with judging art projects submitted by children in December. They will be on display at the Mt. Airy Public Library. MAMSA’s December meeting will revolve around that event and members will help with the judging.<br /><br />MAMSA president John Cherry stated the Organization Committee had not met recently and would begin meeting regularly after the New Year.<br /><br />Bonde, who chairs the Promotions Committee, gave her monthly report. The second Saturday event on Nov. 8 will feature free coffee from the Vintage Coffee House from noon to 3 p.m. in the courtyard of the newly-constructed buildings on Main Street, as well as showcase a holiday preview for local merchants.<br /><br />The Main Street Christmas events will be held Dec. 5, 6 and 7. Friday, Dec. 5, will feature the shop, sip and stroll event with wine being available at the Vintage Coffee House.<br /><br />Saturday, Dec. 6 will be host to children’s activities from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and the Santa Claus parade will be held at 6 p.m. The town tree lighting ceremony will be held at 7:30 p.m.<br /><br />Sunday, Dec. 7 is the date for “Sharing the Joy”, a musical event that will take place at St. James Episcopal Church from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.<br /><br />Bonde also stressed the need for donations from businesses to help fund these events. Interested parties can contact Bonde at 301-829-8300.<br /><br />Bonde said local author Lois Szymanski will be returning in December to do a book signing. Bonde currently has copies of one of her childrens’ books for sale in her shop, The Blossom and Basket Boutique, for $5 each.<br /><br />The chili cook-off will be held Saturday, April 4, 2009, and will be at the Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company’s fairgrounds on Twin Arch Road.<br /><br />A possible barbeque cook-off may take place in October 2009. Further details are being discussed.<br /><br />Cherry represented MAMSA at the Mt. Airy Economic Development Commission (EDC) meeting on Sept. 24. Cherry gave an overview to the group about the discussions held that evening regarding how the EDC and MAMSA can work together in moving forward.<br /><br />The results from the downtown business survey that was conducted last summer are posted on MAMSA’s website, <a href="http://www.mountairymainstreet.org/">mountairymainstreet.org</a>.<br /><br />Gasoline raffle tickets are still available. Tickets are $2 each or three for $5. First prize is a $300 gift card to a BP gas station and second prize is a $100 gift card to BP. The drawing will be held Dec. 6 during the Main Street Christmas activities.<br /><br />Raffle tickets are available at The Blossom and Basket Boutique, the Mt. Airy BP gas station, Patches Sewing &amp; Quilting, Provident Bank and Retro Metro.<br /><br />The Mt. Airy Main Street Association meets the third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Mt. Airy Public Library in the large conference room. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18.</span></font>``xEkkVAEuEElUiNrXSvV``x1225914118``x(default)``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Dog park moves closer to reality<br><small><i>Mt. Airy Board of Parks and Recreation meeting of Oct. 16</i></small>``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">By MICHELLE COOK, Messenger staff<br /><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Nov. 5, 2008</font><br /><br />The field use requests for the 2009 sports leagues are due in writing to the Board of Parks and Recreation (P&amp;R) by Friday, Nov. 21. All requests must be made in writing; however, if you wish to also make your request in person you may so during the next P&amp;R meeting.<br /><br />There were several citizens present to discuss the dog park. Marsha Picket Lively has concerns that were eliminated by plans already in place. She would, however, like the dog park moved to another park. When asked how the town would monitor proper behavior by users, council liaison Gary Nelson stated it would be done by complaints by residents. There would possibly be a loss of privileges for those who cannot respect the rules. The town will look into possibly linking up with animal control.<br /><br />One town resident, a vet tech, stated dog parks are not always a good thing. Most are not big enough for multiple dogs and she indicated the proposed fence is not high enough or designed correctly to prevent dogs from either jumping out or digging it up.<br /><br />She indicated a need for a privacy fence between the large and small dogs to prevent them from running back and forth along the fence line the whole time. She stated there should also be a power hose there to be used on aggressive dogs or if a fight breaks out.<br /><br />She proposed the town post the number of an emergency after hours vet hospital and stated all dogs should be made to show proof of vaccination and a negative fecal test. There should be no female dogs allowed who are in heat and no male dogs who have not been neutered.<br /><br />Lead P&amp;R member for the dog park Larry Hushour thanked her for all her information and ideas and stated P&amp;R does not want to rush this thing through so they will look into all the suggestions. He also stated the Pet Loft has agreed to provide a “poop patrol” service to pick up all the waste from the receptacles and surrounding areas. Pet Loft has also agreed to provide the service for verifying and tagging the dogs who wish to use the park.<br /><br />Hushour also stated they are working with Parrs Ridge to make sure children are protected from various aspects of the park.<br /><br />He went on to present another discussion as to why they are not considering Windy Ridge Park at this time. As of this meeting the proposed cost of the dog park stands at approximately $11,000. This figure could rise to include some of the suggestions presented tonight. They are hopeful this could be ready if approved by the town council by March 2009.<br /><br />P&amp;R Chairman Bob King stated he wanted Hushour to look into the liability of the park a bit further.<br /><br />There were also citizen comments concerning the skate park. Christy Lausch is a town resident and feels the skate park should retain the staff at the park. She stated she has used parks where there is no staff and the kids regard it as their turf. No one wears helmets and children under a certain age can be easily intimidated. Staff helps to make sure the kids are safe by wearing and providing helmets when needed. They also help maintain a balanced atmosphere so even the younger kids can learn from the staff and other older kids. “As a parent I wouldn’t want to segregate the kids by age as children learn from watching the older kids,” stated Lausch.<br /><br />Member Drew Heck stated maybe she could get a group of parents together to establish a club and a “club time” could be blocked off like the other group organizations.<br /><br />King stated there has been no decision from the town council yet on the subject.<br /><br />Nelson passed out his report to the town council and mentioned the draft ordinance regarding fees was discussed. The board also briefly discussed establishing/ not establishing a fee for the new movie screen.<br /><br />The next meeting of the Windy Ridge Master Plan will be on Dec. 2 and will include hearing from the five baseball groups, six residents and seven regular attendees.<br /><br />The Board of Parks and Recreation meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at town hall, 110 South Main Street. The next meeting will be held Nov. 20.</span></font>``xEkkVAEFAVluCrajpAz``x1225913958``x(default)``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
A Main Street Christmas seeks parade participants``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Nov. 5, 2008</font><br /><br />Want to be in the parade? The organizers of A Main Street Christmas are calling all scout troops, 4H clubs, service organizations, home school groups and businesses. You are invited to participate in Mt. Airy’s annual Twinkling Santa Parade, to be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, in the historic downtown area.<br /><br />There is no entry fee; the only requirement is that your vehicle and the participants be decorated and dressed for the holidays. Music is encouraged. Tractors and pickup trucks are welcome; sorry, no large trucks.<br /><br />To register to participate in the parade, contact Dale Lowman at the Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company, 301-829-0100 extension 44.<br /><br />The Mt. Airy Main Street Association is inviting all homes and businesses facing Main Street to decorate for the holidays again this year. Prizes will be awarded in two categories: traditional and innovative. Judging will take place on Dec. 6.<br /></span></font>``xEkkVAEFluFwfCHxOxJ``x1225913843``x(default)``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Commission looks into making Main Street safer for pedestrians<br><small><i>Mt. Airy Streets and Roads Commission meeting of Oct. 23</i></small>``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">By TONYA M. LEE, Messenger staff<br /><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Nov. 5, 2008</font><br /><br />Chairperson Dawn Adair Johnson opened this month’s meeting with a review of her notes as chair.<br /><br />A resident had contacted the commission regarding the placement of a deer crossing sign along their road. As it was determined that this road is outside town limits in Frederick County, Johnson referred the matter to town employee and commission member, Mark Moxley. Moxley in turn contacted Frederick County about the placement of such a sign.<br /><br />Moxley provided a monthly departmental report. There was a drainage issue on West Manor Court, which has been repaired by the town.<br /><br />Work was performed on several storm ponds, and the area was paved on Hill Street where railroad tracks were recently removed. A sign was placed on East Church Street designating that area of parking for residents and their guests only. The parking lot next to Ben Gue’s Gifts and Collectibles on Main Street was repainted and a second handicapped parking space was added.<br /><br />Mt. Airy Town Council liaison Peter Helt stated that one street closing request had come to him for approval which was to close Main Street on Dec. 6 for the annual Christmas parade and other festivities. The closing was approved.<br /><br />The minutes from the September meeting were presented for review and were unanimously approved.<br /><br />Johnson compiled a list of safety concerns for Main Street since the new retail shops are beginning to open, the holiday season is beginning and traffic is increasing.<br /><br />David Coyne from the State Highway Administration (SHA) was present at the meeting to discuss these concerns with the commission. Kevin Murphy of Browning Reagle Insurance was also present. Murphy’s office window faces the tricky intersection of Park Avenue and Main Street.<br /><br />Johnson’s summary of concerns included the downhill slopes on both sides of the downtown area, the hazard created by on-street parking with pedestrians cutting through parked cars to cross the street, drivers who do not see or acknowledge pedestrians in crosswalks, as well as discussing parking options with the Main Street business owners.<br /><br />Possible solutions presented in Johnson’s summary of concerns included enhanced signage for crosswalks, creation of a crosswalk at Main and Hill Streets, installation of permanent speed control devices, installation of a traffic light, having Park Avenue become one-way, increasing enforcement of keeping sidewalks clear and limiting or enforcing large truck traffic on Main Street, with the exception of deliveries.<br /><br />Coyne gave an overview of how SHA approaches concerns and their formulas used to create solutions. Coyne also stressed that no matter what SHA changes about roads, human behavior is something SHA has been unable to change.<br /><br />Commission member Bill Burke expressed concern regarding SHA’s approach to assisting the town with this increase in safety efforts.<br /><br />Currently, Main Street is also Maryland Rt. 808, which is owned by the state of Maryland under SHA. The town may consider taking the street over as its own once several repairs and upgrades are made to the road.<br /><br />Coyne explained that Mt. Airy’s Main Street needs to come into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards before crosswalks can be moved or created or other changes occur. An ADA representative from SHA will be coming to town to review the street and what needs to be completed in the near future.<br /><br />Johnson also informed the group that she had received a complaint about the intersection of Rt. 27 and Watersville Road. Johnson said she had counted seven complaints about this intersection over the past several years. Options to increase safety at this intersection will be researched.<br /><br />The Mt. Airy Streets and Roads Commission normally meets the fourth Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at town hall. However, the November and December meetings fall on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day; therefore, one meeting will be scheduled to cover both these months in the near future.</span></font>``xEkkVAEFZlVtnwYUKrL``x1225913785``x(default)``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Discussion held on confusion over design<br><small><i>Mt. Airy Growth and Development Task Force meeting of Oct. 20</i></small>``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">By MICHELLE COOK, Messenger staff<br /><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Nov. 5, 2008</font><br /><br />Several members from the town staff were present during the design talks to clarify the Growth and Development Task Force (GDTF) position and what was being asked of them. The GDTF began by stating they felt the contractor took the responses from the first meeting and began writing a draft of the new guidelines.<br /><br />This was unsettling to GDTF members as they never had a chance to discuss what they felt should be included and the contractor already had a draft during the second meeting.<br /><br />Member Bob Sinclair said he thinks the guidelines proposed by the contractor are too strict. Member Bill McCullough agreed and stated, “We don’t want to limit creativity.”<br /><br />Mayor Frank Johnson commented, “I do not, nor do I think the town council or planning and zoning would endorse being so restrictive on existing residents. The way things look are important to people and we want to reflect Mt. Airy’s character.”<br /><br />Johnson went on to say since the town doesn’t really have guidelines at this point it makes it very tough on developers and the Planning &amp; Zoning Commission. He suggested a new direction might be to follow the landscape guidelines in which developers are given a choice of acceptable options.<br /><br />There was a lengthy discussion in which GDTF members felt they where supposed to be leading the process and not the contractor. Town planner Kelly Ziad stated the town staff is actually working on this with the developer and would be giving him direction. She clarified the purpose of the GDTF is to give their opinions on the guidelines and not to actually vote on what they want.<br /><br />Once this was said the GDTF asked for an updated timeline and basically a checklist of items town staff wanted them to focus on. Several members of the GDTF were still not sure what their purpose was if they were not to provide guidance.<br /><br />The survey packets for each of the commissions are almost completed. McCullough presented a packet for each group; however, it did not include all the comments as they are located under each question in the survey.<br /><br />Chairman Pat Rockinberg stated he wanted to give each group a full packet so they wouldn’t have to flip back and forth. He and McCullough will meet in a couple of weeks to complete the packets.<br /><br />Once they are finished, GDTF members will divide the commissions up and will present the packets to each group and answer any questions.<br /><br />Rockinberg introduced a hopeful new member John Humphrey. Humphrey is a music teacher. He and his wife have lived in the area for about two years and he stated if he is allowed to join he just wants to help the community any way he can.<br /><br />The Growth and Development Task Force meets the second Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at town hall, 110 S. Main Street. The next meeting is set for Nov.10.</span></font>``xEkkVAEFyAkOhNWszWZ``x1225913692``x(default)``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Mt. Airy RBI’s take championship``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Nov. 5, 2008</font><br /><br />The Mt. Airy Greene Turtle RBIs recently participated in the in the SAC United Premier Columbus Day Tournament held at Covenant Park in Columbia and Howard Community College. The RBI’s captured first place in the U14 Challenge Division by scoring 13 goals while allowing only 3.<br /><br /><table border="0" align="right" style="width: 300px;"><tbody><tr><td><img border="1" src="http://www.mtairy-messenger.com/images/news/rbis_columbus_day_11-5-08.jpg" /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><div style="text-align: right;"><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;"></font></div><font size="1" style="font-weight: bold;">The Mt. Airy Greene Turtle RBIs claimed the Championship of the SAC United Premier Columbus Day Tournament Cup u14 Challenge Division that was held in Howard County over Columbus Day weekend. Pictured Front Row (l to r): Daniel Geck, Nick Novinsky, Matthew Yurich, Cole Burdette, Duncan Bryla, Alex Genuario, Lucian Murphy. Back row (l to r): Patrick Everich, Mason Stores, Bobby Spear, Eric Hebron, Robby Milner, Mike Ryan, Gennaro Illiano, Logan Heck and Phillip Breno. Not pictured: Rabea Ahmad, coaches John Yurich, Betty Jenkins, and Frank Illiano.</font><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>During the weekend tournament, the RBI’s defeated the Thunder Fury of the NCSL 2-0, Catonsville Cobras 5-1, Baltimore United-Pfannenstein 4-0, and tied the Davidsonville Gators 2-2.<br /><br />The RBI’s played great defense as they stymied the opposition on several occasions not allowing a goal in two of the games. Matthew Yurich lead the RBI’s in the tournament by scoring 9 goals in the four games while Cole Burdette, Duncan Bryla, Phillip Breno, and Nick Novinsky added a goal a piece.</span></font><br />``xEkkVAEFyEpBCBhQQrx``x1225913610``xmain_headline``xrbis_columbus_day_11-5-08.jpg``x44291179898117``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Nov. 5, 2008</font><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mary Elizabeth Bledsoe</span><br /><br />Mary Elizabeth (Grimes) Bledsoe, 67, of Mt. Airy died suddenly at Carroll Hospital Center.<br /><br />She was the spouse Michael Edward Bledsoe, Sr. of Mt. Airy.<br /><br />She was born March 16, 1941 in Damascus, the daughter of the late Guy Edward Grimes and late Irene Grimes.<br /><br />She was a retired clerk for the state of Maryland. She enjoyed spending time with her family.<br /><br />Surviving in addition to her husband are a son, Michael E. Bledsoe, Jr. and wife Melinda of Westminster; a daughter, Tana Hawkins of Westminster; a sister, Peggy Hawkins of Pennsylvania; and grandchildren, Luke, Alex and Nicole.<br /><br />Interment was in Lake View Memorial Park, Sykesville.<br /><br />In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Diabetes Assoc., 800 Wyman Park Dr., Suite 110, Baltimore, MD 21211.<br /><br />Arrangements made by Burrier-Queen Funeral Home &amp; Crematory, Winfield. Online condolences to the family may be made at <a href="http://www.mtairy-messenger.com/cgi-bin/coranto/burrier-queen.com">burrier-queen.com</a>.<br /><br /></span></font><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Albert Dean Davis</span></span></font><br /><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></font></div><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Albert Dean Davis, 58, of York Springs, Pa., died Wednesday, Oct. 15 at his home.<br /><br />He was born Oct. 23, 1949 in Baltimore, the son of the late Archie F. Davis and the late Bessie Elizabeth Davis (nee Tucker).<br /><br />He was the husband of Janis M. Davis (nee Staub).<br /><br />He worked at Hoff Brothers Lumber for 28 years. He was member of the Mason-Dixon and Keystone Falcon Club of America. He also restored Falcons.<br /><br />He was the father of Shannon M. Davis-Green and husband Elvin E. Green II of Abbottstown, Pa.; brother of Simon H. Davis of Westminster, Archie F. Davis, Jr. and wife Frances M. of Woodbine, Ralph F. Davis and wife Dianne of Mt. Airy, Evelyn E. Davis of Taneytown, Hilda C. Davis of Mt. Airy, Loretta M. Davis of Taneytown, Lucille V. Byrd of Sykesville, and Nancy L. Hatfield of Woodbine. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and family members.<br /><br />He was the son-in-law of Paul and Dora Lee Staub of Florida; brother-in-law of Justine Diaz and Stanley of Florida, Paul and Patsy Staub of Hampstead, and Joanna and Donald Silbaugh of Florida and their families.<br /><br />Inurnment will be held at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Hanover, Pa. at a later date.<br /><br />Arrangements made by Burrier-Queen Funeral Home &amp; Crematory, Winfield. Online condolences to the family may be made at <a href="http://www.burrier-queen.com/">burrier-queen.com</a>.<br /><br /></span></font><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kathleen I. Snowden</span></span></font><br /><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></font></div><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Mrs. Kathleen Irene Snowden died Thursday, Oct. 16 at her home in New Market. Born in Mt. Airy on Aug. 1, 1933, she was the wife of the late William Kenneth Snowden and daughter of the late Grafton Ignatius and Goldie Irene Dorsey.<br /><br />Mrs. Snowden was a member of Simpson Christian Community Church, New Market. She retired from the National Institutes of Health after 42 years of service as a branch chief. Kathleen was the first African-American woman elected to the New Market Town Council.<br /><br />She was an avid collector of black history memorabilia and was the author of four books: The Town of New Market Along the Old National Road, History of the African American School, History of the African American Church and Through the Years with Edward ‘Jack’ and Martha White.<br /><br />Mrs. Snowden owned and operated the African-American Specialty Shop in New Market in the early 1970s.<br /><br />She is survived by a son, Steve Morrison of Frederick; a granddaughter Natasha Morrison of Westminster; a sister, Toni Dorsey of Frederick; three brothers, Grafton Dorsey of Woodbine; Asa Dorsey of Gaithersburg, Larry Dorsey of Halifax, Va.; a devoted niece, Midge Thomas of Mt. Airy; and devoted nephews, Jeffrey Morrison of New Market, Randy Snowden of Frederick and Monroe Morrison of Westminster.<br /><br />She was preceded in death by five sisters, Betty Wilson, Rose Warden, Sandra Morrison, Penny Ziegler, and Dorothy Voorhees and four brothers, Alvin Dorsey, Buddy Dorsey, Hildred Dorsey, and Herman Dorsey.<br /><br />Interment was in Simpson Christian Community Church, New Market.<br /><br />In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Kathleen Snowden to Simpson Christian Community Church, New Market, MD 21774.<br /><br />Arrangements made by Burrier-Queen Funeral Home &amp; Crematory, Winfield. Online condolences to the family may be made at <a href="http://www.burrier-queen.com/">burrier-queen.com</a>.<br /><br /></span></font><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Grace Parker-Acker</span></span></font><br /><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></font></div><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Grace (Crofts) Parker-Acker, 83, of Taylorsville for 24 years, formerly of Lutherville and Huntington, W.Va., died Tuesday, Oct. 14 at her home.<br /><br />She was the wife of the late Richard Parker and the late Ellsworth Acker.<br /><br />She was born April 25, 1925 in Prineville, Ore., the daughter of the late Rev. William Henry Crofts and the late Eleanor (Wilson) Crofts.<br /><br />Her father was an immigrant from England and missionaries to China and founder of Open Door Baptist Church in Huntington, W.Va.<br /><br />She was an administrative secretary for CSX railroad. She was a member of Taylorsville U.M. Church and the Open Door Baptist Church. She played the organ and loved gardening and her dachshund, Happy II.<br /><br />Survived by sister-in-law and companion, Lucille A. Houck of Martinsburg, W.Va.; nephews, Dr. Richard A. Crofts, Neil Crofts and Nephew Philip Crofts; and nieces, Donna McManaman and Carol Bahr.<br /><br />Interment was in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Richmond, Va.<br /><br />Arrangements made by Burrier-Queen Funeral Home &amp; Crematory, Winfield. Online condolences to the family may be made at <a href="http://www.burrier-queen.com/">burrier-queen.com</a>.<br /></span></font>``xEkkVAEFFpyzFSgPACG``x1225913306``xobituaries``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
November 2008``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">By FRANK M. JOHNSON, Mayor, Town of Mt. Airy<br /><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Nov. 5, 2008</font><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Shop and Dine Downtown.</span> After more than a year, we are overcoming the effects of the fire. The Bohn Building and the new building, between Bohn and town hall, are close to completion. Two shops, Déjà Vu and Retro Metro, have already opened in the Bohn Building replacement. Others, including A Do or Die Salon and Day Spa, will be opening very soon, and Laurienzio’s Brick Oven Café should be reopening within weeks as well.<br /><br />The rebuilding of the Watkins Building has begun within the last few weeks, and we look forward to that building being completed sometime during the Spring of 2009. Please be sure to shop downtown this holiday season – gift certificates will be available starting the second Saturday in November, which will also be the Holiday Preview sale.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Budget Planning with Reduced Revenues. </span>On Oct. 15, the state made more than $300 million in budget reductions, and could be forced to take more steps before the end of the year. With the slowing economy, revenues are at smaller amounts than anticipated.<br /><br />Although the town has always predicted revenues conservatively, some reductions are likely to have an effect on us as well. Initial estimates indicate that general fund revenues could be about $60,000 less for 2009 than anticipated, and perhaps a bit more than twice that amount less than was initially predicted for 2010.<br /><br />At this point, while we will have to make adjustments, it does not appear that massive reductions in existing services will be needed. A first review of the budget line items, with input from staff, suggests that targeted reductions, rather than drastic cuts, will help balance the budget. This may mean reductions in some areas and withholding or delaying improvements in others.<br /><br />While this approach will work for the town for this year and next – under current revenue estimates – further rounds in revenue reductions, which are possible, may cause major problems. The town has a tradition of being conservative in spending, which is helping at the present time, but in the event of further reductions the town could end up with few options other than raising revenues or making major cuts.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Friday Night Teen Center. </span>The Friday Night Teen Center in the basement of town hall is focused on teenagers from 13 to 17, and is open from 7:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. As many as 40 teenagers have come through some evenings, and many stay the entire evening. There are several donated couches and chairs, a large screen TV, and a donated Playstation Two.<br /><br />We are very thankful for volunteers Pat Rockinberg and Linda Brown for chaperoning. Donations have also been made by the Lions Club and the Senior Center’s 55-Plus Club. Adults who wish to volunteer some nights should contact me at frankmjohnson@verizon.net or at town hall, 301-/829-1424. Volunteers working with children are by state law required to have a background check, which the town will do for anyone volunteering.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Fire Code Upgrades. </span>A task force headed by Planning Commission member Oscar Baker has been working on amendments to the town’s fire and safety code. This task force is working to help the Planning Commission consider upgrades to the town’s fire code, and was started a few weeks after the Sept. 2, 2007 downtown fire.<br /><br />After much consideration of the desire and need to upgrade standards, but also avoid extreme approaches or create enforcement problems, the task force is completing its work. It will be recommending some upgrades to requirements for fire safety and sprinklers in commercial buildings, and fire alarms in residential. The State Fire Marshall, whose has also had a representative on the task force, has also agreed to assist with inspections where needed.<br /><br />Many may remember that I was injured in a bicycle accident in mid August. I very much appreciate everyone who has offered concern, and I’m happy to say that I am continuing to recover from the injuries.<br /><br />Please be sure to wear bicycle helmets if you ride a bicycle – I would probably not have survived my accident if I had not been wearing a helmet.</span></font>``xEkkVAEFEAZLJbZbLtN``x1225913197``xmayorsreport``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Nov. 5, 2008</font><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">MEETINGS AT TOWN HALL</span><br /><br />The following meetings will be held at town hall unless otherwise noted:<br /><br />Nov. 5 – Water &amp; Sewer Commission, 7 p.m.<br />Nov. 10 – Growth &amp; Development Task Force, 7:30 p.m.<br />Nov. 19 – Sanitation and Recycling Commission, 7 p.m.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">WATER BILLS</span><br /><br />Water bills have been mailed. If you have not received your water bill, please call Town Hall at 301-829-1424.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">PROPERTY MAINTENANCE</span><br /><br />The property owner is responsible for keeping their sidewalk clear for pedestrian use. Property owners must keep their property free of dirt, filth, rubbish, garbage or similar matter so not to cause rodent or vermin infestation. Property owners must also keep weeds and grass under 12” in height.<br /><br />If this ordinance is violated, the town may send a written notice to property owner asking him/her to remedy the situation in a specified time. If the property owner fails to comply, the owner shall pay to the town the reasonable cost per hour for rubbish removal, trimming, cutting, or other actions, with a minimum charge of $250 for each separate lot.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">FIRE HYDRANTS</span><br /><br />If you see someone other than a fire truck taking water from a town fire hydrant, call the police at 301-829-0218 or town hall at 301-829-1424.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">YARD WASTE PICK-UP FOR TOWN RESIDENTS</span><br /><br />Nov. 15 is the last scheduled yard waste collection day.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">VOLUNTEERS NEEDED</span><br /><br />Volunteers are needed to work on the Mt. Airy Main Street Association (MAMSA). If you are interested in working on revitalizing downtown, call town hall. Anyone interested in volunteering on any town commission/committee, e-mail <a href="mailto:mtairy2@comcast.net">mtairy2@comcast.net</a> or call town hall at 301-829-1424.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">HOUSE NUMBERS</span><br /><br />Town residents are asked to make sure your house number is on your residence to aid in identification for emergency services and public utility repairs.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">MT. AIRY WEB SITE</span><br /><br />Remember to check out the Mt. Airy website at <a href="http://www.carr.org/mtairy">www.carr.org/mtairy</a> and find out about town meetings, town budget, permits, agendas, new proposals, committee vacancies and appointments, new resident information, business and church listings, trash and recycling collection, civic and service organizations, festivals and events, and more.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">TOWN EMERGENCY INFORMATION</span><br /><br />Radio stations to listen to are: Frederick Co. WFMD (am) 93.0; WFRE 99.9 (fm), WAFY-Key 103.1 (fm). Carroll County Stations –- WGTY 107.7 (fm); GRX 100.7 (fm); YCR 98.5 (fm); WHVR 1280 (am); GET 1320 (am); BAL 1090 (am); WTTR 1470 (am).<br /><br />When there is any type of an emergency (such as a hurricane, ice storm and electric is out, etc.), listen to the radio stations listed above and television stations Channel 2, Fox 45, WJZ and Channel 13 for other emergency information pertaining to Frederick or Carroll counties.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">TRASH COMPLAINTS</span><br /><br />The contractor for the town's residential and commercial &quot;hand pick ups&quot; solid waste and recycling services is Key Sanitation Inc. Call the 24-hour service line, 301-668-8282, in the event you wish to report a problem regarding service. When no one is available to take your call, leave a message and you will receive a response within 24 hours. Please call with your problem as soon as possible.<br /><br />If you have questions regarding what is recyclable, call town hall. On the web, visit <a href="http://www.mdrecycles.org/">www.mdrecycles.org</a> to see how to close the recycling loop. Secure your recyclables so they do not blow throughout the neighborhood.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">RESIDENTIAL TRASH/RECYCLING DAYS</span><br /><br />Carroll County town residents have trash picked up on Tuesdays (except for Nottingham subdivision) and recycling picked up on Wednesdays. Frederick County town residents' recycling is picked up on Tuesdays (by Frederick County Recycling) and trash is picked up on Fridays. Nottingham Subdivision trash picked up on Fridays.<br /><br />Trash and recycling for the entire town needs to be put out before 6 a.m. the day of pick up.<br /><br />Use trashcans with tight lids. This will help keep animals out of the trash and reduce the chance of trash blowing around neighborhoods on windy days. Put trash in bags in containers. No loose trash please. Bags not in containers please tie securely. Remember to secure recyclables too. Using a paper grocery bag is a great alternative to bundling paper.<br /><br />If you are a new resident or just want more information on recycling in Mt. Airy, call town hall or visit the web site. Listed below is what can be recycled:<br /><br />Containers: Aluminum/Steel - Food/beverage cans, foil, and pie plates. Plastic Bottles - All plastic bottles are acceptable except motor oil bottles and antifreeze bottles. (Note: The only plastics accepted in Frederick County are plastic bottles.) No plastic plant containers. Glass Bottles &amp; Jars - Food/beverage and bottles (all colors). These items can be mixed together in blue bins and satellite center containers.<br /><br />Paper - Newspaper, junk mail, writing/computer paper, magazines, envelopes, catalogs under 1&quot;, phone books, boxboard (cereal type boxes), place in paper bags or tie in bundles. No wax coated boxes. No pizza boxes at all. Do not mix paper with other recyclables – keep separate.<br /><br />Cardboard - Corrugated cardboard, must be flattened and no larger than 2.5' x 2.5', tape or tie in 6&quot; bundles, no wax coated boxes.<br /><br />Key Sanitation, Inc. our solid waste and recycling contractor, has provided this information. If you have any questions, call Key Sanitation Inc. at 301-668-8282.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">REPORT STREET LIGHTS OUT</span><br /><br />If you see that a street light is out or flickering, report it to the town hall as soon as possible. Feel free to call after hours and leave a message on the recorder or e-mail it to town hall at <a href="mailto:mtairy2@comcast.net">mtairy2@comcast.net</a>. Be sure to give the street light location, your name and phone number, and if possible the pole number. The pole number is on a silver plate on the pole, and starts with F.<br /><br />Allegheny Power takes care of repairing the lights and it takes two to three weeks.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">BUILDING PERMITS</span><br /><br />Reminder to all residents to contact the town hall before making any building changes to your property; a building permit may be needed.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">AFTER HOUR EMERGENCY CALLS</span><br /><br />Before making an emergency call to town hall regarding a water leak, etc., after hours, make sure it is a real emergency that can’t wait until town staff is at work.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">RAPE CRISIS INTERVENTION SERVICE</span><br /><br />Carroll County's Rape Crisis Intervention Service is located at 224 North Center Street, Room 102. The 24-hour hotline is 410-857-7322, the Carroll County office number is 410-876-9147 or 410-857-0900. For local Rape Crisis Intervention Service, contact Town Hall, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All inquiries are confidential.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES</span><br /><br />Maryland Relay Service allows individuals with hearing impairments to call an 800 number and use the operator to place a call to a non-TDD-equipped office or home. The operator will stay on the line to allow the deaf person to communicate with the call recipient. The phone number for the Maryland Relay Service is 800-735-2258. If you have a hearing impairment and need the services of Mt. Airy Town Hall, you may call the above 800 number.<br /><br /></span></font><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Mt. Airy Town Hall</span></font><br /><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">P.O. Box 50</span></font><br /><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">110 South Main Street</span></font><br /><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Mt. Airy, MD 21771</span></font><br /><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">301-829-1424/410-795-6012</span></font><br /><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">301-831-5768</span></font></div>``xEkkVAEFEpuGFegMSUv``x1225913104``xFor_Your_Health``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Who’s gonna bail us out?``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">By NAN BROWN<br />As published Nov. 5, 2008<br /><br />I’m going to be up front about a few things in this column which is more than I can say about the “fat cat” CEOs behind the economic debacle we’ve found ourselves in recently.<br /><br />I’ll be the first to admit I don’t know much about economics, but I do know when the American taxpayers are having the screws put to them as is the case with the passage of the bailout.<br /><br />I don’t know how you feel about footing the bill for a $700 billion economic bailout, but to say I’m really ticked off is putting it mildly.<br /><br />It’s not my fault that Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae dangled sub-prime mortgages in front of poor credit risks like a carrot in front of a horse.<br /><br />What’s wrong with all these people who were suckered into buying more house than they could afford? In my household, we try to live within our means.<br /><br />In fact, about a year ago, Jack and I were driving around and came across a new housing development in Bird-In-Hand, PA, about five miles from where we currently live. We found a really nice ranch style home which is the type of house we hope to ultimately have since everything is located on one floor. I have a great deal of difficulty getting around these days, particularly with going up and down stairs, so this house would have been ideal for us.<br /><br />We called the realtor and took a tour through the house even though we realized it was probably more than we could afford. Jack went so far as to contact our mortgage company, and to our amazement they granted approval of a loan literally within minutes.<br /><br />So we could have purchased that house if we wanted it even though it was well beyond our means. We turned it down and thanked the realtor for his time.<br /><br />It’s too bad more people couldn’t be practical like us – it surely would have helped avoid the foreclosures taking place these days. You know, Jack and I have often commented about all the huge, well-appointed houses being built. We’d often ask each other how do so many people afford them? – after all, not everyone is a doctor or a lawyer. Now we know how they did, and most are “house poor” or are being foreclosed because the sky was the limit as far as lenders were concerned.<br /><br />CEOs of failed companies testified before Congress and some supposedly took complete responsibility for the failure. Most of these CEOs made out literally like bandits receiving severance deals involving millions of dollars.<br /><br />If they truly took responsibility, it seems to me they’d return the millions they made. If not, justice should prevail leaving them to languish in prison while the government seizes their assets applying the value against the $700 billion albatross being placed around the necks of this country’s taxpayers.<br /><br />While our economy was teetering on the brink of disaster, partisan politics were in play as usual. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi soured the first vote on the bailout, in part, by spewing her partisan venom about her Republican counterparts.<br /><br />Work on the bill then came to a screeching halt in observance of Rosh Hashanah. I know it is a Jewish holy day, and I respect that, but since our economy was seriously on the verge of collapse perhaps desperate times should have called for desperate measures. I couldn’t help but think of the millions of Christians who work on Easter and on Christmas such as doctors, nurses, firefighters and police officers. What would happen to us if they didn’t work on their religious holidays?<br /><br />Something that really perturbed me about this whole mess is when the bailout bill was finally passed, people in Congress such as the likes of Ms. Pelosi, Barney Frank and many others were euphoric. They were shown smiling and shaking hands. I guess the next step would have been dancing in the Congressional aisles. Well, I don’t know about you, but I wasn’t laughing.<br /><br />We have tried hard to put money away toward our retirement and although it really wasn’t a whole lot to begin with, we have tried to see that it is well diversified. Even so, we have seen it drop by $10,000 over the last year, and $2,000 in just September alone. I dread getting October’s statement. The sage financial advice being given is to “stay the course” and don’t panic. I feel really sorry for people who are ready to retire now. I’m sure in many instances those plans have been dashed.<br /><br />So in closing I ask, who’s gonna bail us out? Unfortunately, I guess we’re on our own because we surely can’t rely on the government.</span></font>``xEkkVAEkApuzYcmwXBF``x1225912904``xfeatures_nansworld``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Why do we get shorter as we get older?``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">By DR. DAVID E. KORONET<br /><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Nov. 5, 2008</font><br /><br />A few weeks ago, I was in the locker room at the health club, when conversation turned to the fact that we lose height as we get older. I didn’t add any comments at the time, but I thought I would now.<br /><br />First of all, it is true that most of us will become a few inches shorter as we get older. My Dad was five-foot-six most of his life – but was five-foot-three by the time he turned eighty. There are two main reasons why we lose height: posture and disc degeneration. You can do more about the first reason than the second, but you certainly can slow the process down.<br /><br />Posture is a big factor in losing height. Think of what bad posture looks like: slumping the head forward, with the low back swaying forward. Any time your spine is going forward, backward, or sideways, it is taking height away from you.<br /><br />The best way to fight this is then to improve your posture: stand up straight, stretch out your back and neck, and strengthen any weak muscles that keep you from standing straighter. It takes time and effort to see your posture change – but then it takes years for the effects of bad posture to show up.<br /><br />Disc degeneration is trickier. We lose a little of the height of our discs every day – but gain it back when we sleep (we are half an inch taller when we wake up than at the end of the day) – so, getting enough sleep at night is necessary. All of our discs do lose a little height as we get older – but if we have injured our backs, it accelerates the process.<br /><br />Again, stretching is helpful (knees up to the chest, held at least 20 seconds). So is hanging from a chin-up bar or jungle gym. Some forms of traction can help – though the decompressive traction which has been getting a lot of hype has not been shown to be very effective in preventing disc degeneration.<br /><br />One form of traction which does seem to help is flexion/distraction, which I perform on my patients: it is a technique which osteopaths used back in the 1920’s; around 1980, an Indiana chiropractor named James Cox re-discovered the technique, modified it, and started publishing studies showing its efficacy.<br /><br />I have found that treating patients once or twice a month with flexion/distraction does appear to help slow their rate of disc degeneration.<br /><br />One thing which is usually not the cause of losing height is osteoporosis – in spite of what the magazine ads claim. People (more commonly women) do lose height if the osteoporosis leads to a compression fracture in the spine – the bone actually collapses on itself – but this is much less common than losing height due to poor posture or disc degeneration.<br /><br />The best way to avoid osteoporosis is to make sure you get enough calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin D in your diet – this means eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, eating dairy (or finding good non-dairy sources of calcium like bony fish or calcium-fortified orange juice if you don’t tolerate dairy), and limiting sodas, especially colas, which interfere with calcium absorption.<br /><br />This is not only when you are older, but in your teens and twenties when you are building bone mass (it peaks for women at age 35). Weight-bearing exercise is also essential for resisting osteoporosis.<br /><br />Most of us lose height as we get older – but we may not have to, and certainly don’t have to lose as much of it. By taking the steps above, you can still stand tall.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">[Dr. Koronet is a certified chiropractic sports practitioner and certified clincial nutritionist. He is the owner of the Mt. Airy Chiropractic Center, 602 Center Street, Suite 109, Mt. Airy.]</span></span></font>``xEkkVAEklpVOzUbwKol``x1225912805``xfeatures_foryourhealth``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
More simple fitness tests to measure and motivate``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">By DAN STRAYTON<br /><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Nov. 5, 2008</font><br /><br />In my last column, we discussed the benefits of using simple fitness tests to track your exercise progress. Specifically, fitness tracking provides motivation. It motivates you within each workout and motivates you in the long term as you work towards reaching new fitness goals based on these simple assessments.<br /><br />As I said last issue, I think the average exerciser lacks “purpose” in his/her workout program – they are simply putting in time rather than working towards a specific goal. You’d like your workouts to feel more like “training” rather than simply “working out”. That doesn’t mean the intensity should be at some crazy level of physical training but rather that your motivation and reason for the workout simply has a more defined purpose, beyond simply spending time on the equipment or in a class.<br /><br />So, unless you are training for your next 5K road race or masters swim meet, you need to find some way to measure your progress and provide a road map for your workouts. In our last issue, we discussed simple tests for aerobic endurance (walking, running, swimming, etc.).<br /><br />While most people consider this the traditional measurement of fitness, muscular strength and flexibility are two other components that should not be overlooked. Both components play critical roles in how well we function everyday, particularly as we get older. As with the aerobic tests we discussed, assessing your strength and flexibility can be quick and easy.<br /><br />The traditional tests for strength and flexibility are usually push-ups, pull-ups, crunches and the sit-and-reach test. These tests have been done so many times, by so many different individuals, that you can find all kinds of data and “norms” against which to compare yourself.<br /><br />The President’s Council on Physical Fitness has these kinds of norms on their site at <a href="http://www.adultfitnesstest.org/">adultfitnesstest.org</a> where you can compare your results against others of your age and gender. Looking at these numbers can be motivating but you do not need to compare yourself to others to reap the benefits of fitness tests.<br /><br />Your main objective with these tests is to give yourself a baseline against which to compare and monitor your personal progress. The most important thing is that you make progress based on your own test results. Likewise, if you are only comparing you to you, you can do whatever test you want.<br /><br />You do not have to do push-ups, instead use the chest press machine at your health club or try doing squats with just your bodyweight or while holding some kind of weight. If you are assessing strength, you’ll need to perform a test that really challenges your muscles.<br /><br />On the machines at your health club, for example, following a light aerobic warm-up, perform a warm-up set of 10 repetitions at a fairly light weight then try to perform what is called a “10-rep max”. This means you pick a weight you think you could only do a maximum of 10 times before completely failing. Set the machine to that weight and start pushing/pulling.<br /><br />Record the weight and how many times you could lift it with proper form and you’ve just established a baseline for yourself. Try that on a variety of exercises (e.g. chest press, lat pulldown, leg press, etc.) and keep track. Then, go back about every 4-6 weeks and reassess. If you can do more repetitions at the same weight, you’ve made progress (and it is probably time to increase the weight you are using in your regular workouts).<br /><br />You may hear people talk about their “1-rep max” which is basically the maximum weight you could lift one time, a true measurement of absolute strength. The problem with such a test is that the average person never lifts anywhere near their 1-rep max while exercising and such an extreme load could lead to injury. Assessing with a lighter, but still challenging, load is safer and just as effective for tracking progress over time.<br /><br />Now, doing as many sit-ups as you can do in 2-minutes, is not a true test of muscular strength but rather a test of muscular endurance – assessing how long you can continue to contract a specific muscle to create a specific movement. Strength is short-term and powerful; endurance is long term and rather weak.<br /><br />For flexibility, the old sit-and-reach test is still the standard tool of measurement (see <a href="http://www.adultfitnesstest.org/">adultfitnesstest.org</a> for specifics). Many people misunderstand this test and believe that it only assesses the flexibility of the hamstrings (back of your thighs) when, in reality, a good result on this test requires flexibility in your hamstrings, lower back, shoulders and even your calves.<br /><br />Again, you can use a well-defined test like this or you can use other basic stretches that you do on a regular basis and monitor your progress on those.<br /><br />Regardless of how sophisticated the tests – expensive treadmill tests at the doctor’s office or a simple 1-mile walk around the track – tracking your progress over time is a great way to stay motivated and get results. This is precisely why great athletes all have coaches or trainers.<br /><br />The job of the coach is to look at where the athlete is now, where he/she wants to go and develop a plan to get them there safely and efficiently. Without objective data, like what was accomplished from workout to workout, this is difficult to do.<br /><br />So, be your own coach and trainer by taking a few simple tests, finding out where you are now and plotting a course for great results. Good luck and keep moving!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">[Dan Strayton, general manager at Health Unlimited on Century Drive in Mt. Airy, holds a master's degree in exercise physiology and would be happy to answer any questions you may have about exercise, health and fitness. Write to him in care of the Mt. Airy Messenger, P.O. Box 897, Mt. Airy, MD 217710897; or send e-mail to <a href="mailto:dans@myhealthunlimited.com">dans@myhealthunlimited.com</a>.]</span></span></font>``xEkkVAEkZukHFDjuSCL``x1225912742``xfeatures_askthefitnesspro``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Halloween Parade and Trick-or-Treat Tailgating``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Oct. 15, 2008</font><br /><br />Calling all ghouls, super heroes, princesses, and others! The Mt. Airy Lions are sponsoring this year’s Halloween Parade and a new event, Trick-or-Treat Tailgating, on Saturday, Oct. 25. The parade will start at 3 p.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church, 403 S. Main Street, Mt. Airy, and proceed down Main Street to Center Street with costumed contestants continuing on to the town parking lot for judging.<br /><br />Contestants will be grouped and judged by age, and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be awarded for the most original, funniest, and scariest costumes. Contestants should arrive at Calvary United Methodist Church at 2:30 p.m. to register.<br /><br />Following the judging, the lot will be opened for Trick-or-Treat Tailgating. Members of the community are invited to come and join the fun and serve candy treats to the kids out of the trunk of your car. Add more fun by decorating your car and coming in costume!<br /><br />Those wishing to participate in this event should arrive at the lot between 2:15 p.m. and 3 p.m. For safety reasons, the lot will be roped off at 3 p.m. and no additional vehicular entry will be allowed.<br /><br />This is an occasion to interact with your neighbors, and will provide an opportunity for the kids to trick or treat under the watchful eye of trusted adults.<br /><br />While visiting downtown, enjoy the shop windows along Main Street painted by local artists in Halloween and fall motifs. You can window shop and see a fall art show at the same time.<br /><br />You can also help judge the windows by placing coins in containers located at each display. The three containers with the most money will be awarded prizes. The monies collected will go toward Lions Club-sponsored food baskets for the upcoming holiday.<br /><br />If you are a local artist and would be interested in painting a window, call Ben Gue at 301-829-2112 or Angie Nolte at 301-829-3531.<br /><br />All of these fun events are brought to you by the Downtown Merchants Group and the Mt. Airy Lions Club.</span></font>``xEkkuplyFyEgRdzYnqf``x1224086361``x(default)``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Outdoor seating discussion gets detailed<br><small><i>Mt. Airy Planning and Zoning Commission meeting of Sept. 29</i></small>``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">By MICHELLE COOK, Messenger staff<br /><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Oct. 15, 2008</font><br /><br />Prior to the beginning of the second-level outdoor seating discussion, two members of the town council and the mayor spoke to the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&amp;Z). Councilmember Gary Nelson thanked the commission for their service to the town and asked them to make their decision quickly.<br /><br />Nelson also suggested the commission look at this issue from a broader perspective. He showed his support for the issue and asked them to look at the language to get it passed.<br /><br />Then councilmember John Woodhull voiced his support for the item but cautioned them to take their time and do it right. He is concerned with second-level drinking and what can happen with items and people from this height.<br /><br />Mayor Frank Johnson stated he asked P&amp;Z to look into this in the past. He, too, cautioned for them to take their time. He said the staff has followed procedure on this issue and has legal opinion of the ordinance to back them up. He cautioned there might be other items which need to be addressed.<br /><br />Before the P&amp;Z Commission began the discussion he cautioned the commission and those in attendance to not get hung up on one business, as they were not reviewing any site plans at this time. The purpose of the discussion was strictly to review the language of the two separate ordinances.<br /><br />Town zoning administrator Heather Smith began the reading of the ordinance by stating the upper-level dining areas are different than the sidewalk dining, and the upper-level structures are different than the dining areas.<br /><br />First the commission reviewed the upper-level structure language. This includes residential and business units on the second or upper floors. These structures would be porches and covered decks of up to 1,000 sq. feet. They discussed at length the over hang areas, hours of usage, allowable usage, materials to be used, allowable lighting, acceptable heating and cooling units, cooking elements and sound levels.<br /><br />The commission then began the discussion on the outdoor dining. They only got about half-way through the language before deciding to continue the discussion next month. One of their challenges is making the language specific as to avoid a restaurant becoming a nightclub at a later date. Smith was tasked with researching specific dining language from other areas.<br /><br />The Stephens’ request for a variance was before the commission again. This time the task was only to sign the formal decision from a previous meeting. The commission agreed after reviewing the document it was correct and the document was signed by the chairman Chris Everich.<br /><br />Frederick County Planner Tim Goodfellow updated the commission on the latest New Market Regional plan. The final plan was adopted on Sept. 2 with several changes to the zoning map and text document. The new plans biggest impact will reduce the proposed housing numbers by 3-4,000 units.<br /><br />Town planner Kelly Ziad showed the latest architectural designs for the Center Street Professional building. There have been significant changes to the looks of the building which have made it look much better. The commission approved the changes.<br /><br />Town engineer Barney Quinn briefed the commission on plans to improve the town maintenance facilities. Plans are to also increase the salt shed and improve the surrounding grounds. No action was needed at this time.<br /><br />The commission members gave their individual reports next. The Fire Suppression Committee, Parking Standards, and Downtown Parking will all meet next month. The Growth and Development Task Force (GDTF) has been working with a contracted company to come up with the design guidelines for the town. The draft of these guidelines will be presented during the next GDTF meeting.<br /><br />The task force has also been continuing the work on the open-space language and the survey comments have been broken down by commission. These reports will be given to each group to address.<br /><br />The Planning and Zoning Commission meets the last Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at town hall, 110 S. Main Street. The next meeting will be Monday, Oct. 27.</span></font>``xEkkuplyFpZqSZUFSZJ``x1224086307``x(default)``x``x39031178769591``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x``x
Cosmetic, as well as reconstructive surgery, now provided in Mt. Airy``xbricketts``x<font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">By MICHELLE COOK, Messenger staff<br /><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">As published Oct. 15, 2008</font><br /><br />Mt. Airy now has the only plastic surgery/medi-spa in the area with a resident plastic surgeon on site. Brother and sister duo, Guy Cappuccino and Helene Taylor opened their clinic in July of this year in the Twin Arch Shopping Center next to Weis.<br /><br /><table border="0" align="right" style="width: 300px;"><tbody><tr><td><img border="1" src="http://www.mtairy-messenger.com/images/news/medispa_10-15-08.jpg" /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><div style="text-align: right;"><font size="1" style="font-style: italic;">Staff photo by Michelle Cook</font><br /></div><font size="1" style="font-weight: bold;">Dr.