President’s Message

 Happy New Year to everyone!

 Due to some unforeseen circumstances, President-elect Tom Stag was unable to write the message for January. He will however, be writing the President’s Message for the February Crier.

 Thankfully, we have had a mild December and hopefully the next few months will be as agreeable.

 I recounted our accomplishments for the year in the December Crier. At the December meeting, we presented a check for $1,000 to Lt. Pitaway for the purchase of a surveillance camera for use by the Eastern District of which we are a part. Debby Fickert, Vice Chairperson of the committee raising money for the cameras, was present as well as Officer Poteet. It is hoped that these cameras will be useful in controlling gang activity and domestic abuse issues.

 I would like to thank Cheri Leasner of Hair Expressions for allowing us to use her shop to collect food for the annual drive to replenish supplies in the North County food bank. This drive is in connection with the visit from Santa arriving on a Glen Burnie VFD fire truck. The weather was perfect and many  
children came out to get their candy cane  
from Santa.

 I would like to thank our volunteer elves, John Tilden, Bobbie Myerson, Debby McWilliams, and Colleen Flack for their participation in making the day such a great success. Special thanks to Don Clark, who provided Santa to us. (See letter elsewhere in Crier.) Thanks to all who donated food to the food bank as Santa came by.

 The 2007 budgets for this year were also passed at the December meeting and are also published elsewhere in the Crier. Everyone looks forward to a successful summer at the pool.

 Olde Mill residents went all out this year in decorating their homes. What a beautiful sight along Old Mill Rd. to see the lights and driving around the community to enjoy the creativity of our community. Judging was done on the 17th of December, but everyone who trimmed their home is a winner. Thanks for your community spirit. Valle & Valle Dentists did the judging this year, and we thank them for their time and interest.

 To all our advertisers who have supported us throughout the year, a big thank-you for your confidence in our neighborhood. We appreciate your ad business and wish all of you a very Happy New Year.

 See you at the January 3 meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the OMHS Guidance Office.

 Sarah Hakulin, Past President

County Open Space  
Policy Being Revamped

 The County is re-evaluating community open space (212 areas throughout the county) that are currently held in trust by the Department of Recreation and Parks. A new law has been passed regarding these open spaces which calls for them to be turned over to community associations in 2007. This is being reviewed by the county’s lawyers.

 At the present time, residents whose land abuts these areas are responsible for their upkeep because the county does not have any money to maintain them. There is no money in the trust per Tom Donlin, Chief Administrator of Recreation and Parks. If these areas are turned over to the Community Associations, tax issues may be among the problems that may arise. Barlowe Field is the only open space area in Olde Mill that was turned over to this Community Association by deed, and tax is paid on that land. There are about 22 such areas in Olde Mill.  

Membership Report

 The final numbers for 2006 membership were 183 families and 380 members. The total current membership for 2007 is 17 families with 35 members.

 John Tilden reported $4,647.87 in the checking and $5,616.36 in savings.

 This information was reported at the meeting before the Secretary arrived.  S.H. 

Minutes of December 5, 2006 VOMCA General Meeting

 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Sarah Hakulin. There were 20 people in attendance

 Guest Speaker: Sgt. Poteet of the Eastern District explained how the surveillance cameras will be used. Sgt. Poteet gives presentations on gang related activity, and said he would be willing to give the presentation to the Olde Mill residents. Sgt. Poteet said the Police department is aware of gang activity among teenagers. Sarah Hakulin presented Lt. Petaway with a $1,000 check from VOMCA to assist in purchasing surveillance cameras for use in the Eastern District, of which we are a part.

 Barlowe Field: It is time for MSA to renew contract with VOMCA. VOMCA requires a statement of finances, non-profit status, insurance certificate reflecting VOMCA as a rider in order to use Barlowe Field. Information due before use of field.

 Dogs at Large: Keep track of your kids and other people’s kids. Three cats have been killed, probably by roving dogs. Animal Control is setting up traps to catch the dogs. Coyotes have been seen in [the Washington-Baltimore] area as well as red foxes.

 FOOM: Fund raiser proceeds from the Carnival was $1,100.00. FOOM has $4,000.00 in their bank account. They will be looking into putting mulch down at the playground.

 Q:  Has VOMCA considered using rubber mulch?

 A:  No, it is too costly. VOMCA may look into purchasing a better grade of mulch. Looking at a Grant from a private company that would be interested in getting a barrier free playground, for handicapped people. A plan must be in place to apply. VOMCA donates to the playground for equipment and will shift their attention to target older children.

 Open Space: The county is re-evaluating open space. If you need additional information contact Councilman Ed Middlebrooks. (See article elsewhere in Crier.)

 Budget: Revised Swim Club Budget changes explained by Pool Treasurer Dana Lawler.

 Concessions - details have not been ironed out.

 Soda machine - monies are not in yet.

 Membership - projected reflects a possible decline in members.

 Inactive fees - Inactive membership fee is $75.00. $400 less last year inactive.

 Transfer fees - no change.

 Pool rental - no change.

 Swim lessons – Cost is more because of adult lessons.

 Administrative fees – Earmarked for capital reserves $100.00 a month.

 Web page - $275.00, member records and mailings,advertising to attract other clientele; $3,600.00 for Barlowe Field; $275.00 a year for Fire Extinguisher service.

 New lounge chairs were purchased.

 Renovation - everything that was left over went into renovations. Pool getting older and will need work.

 Trash removal - $250.00 because of the fall festival

 Electricity - checking other providers.

 Members - there were 264 families for 2006.

 A motion was made to approve the budget. Mmotion was carried unanimously.

 (Check website for revised budgets.)

 Accomplishments of outgoing President Sarah Hakulin, VOMCA President since 2003, were read into the minutes, as follows:

 Two rounds of sSidewalk repairs at no expense to the community, including new curb cuts for handicap accessibility at major intersections

 Speed humps installed along Chalet Drive at no expense to the community

 Old Mill Road traffic adjustments

 Traffic island paved over at Veterans Hwy. and Old Mill Road

 Helped residents get work done by the County including:

 Fixed Iraq veteran’s walkway; rodent issue on one block; drainage issues.

 Raised awareness of OMHS/OMMS parking issues

 Brought numerous speakers to the community including:

 Emergency Management; Homeland Security; local police/fire/emergency response; other local Community Associations and Groups

 Worked to improve knowledge of OMSC policies and procedures to ensure the pool is around for future generations to enjoy.

 Raised money for community activities and playground via poinsettia sales and raffles at Egg Hunt

 Fall Festival

 Community BBQ

 Community Day at the Pool

 Presided over the first major bylaws revision since 1993.

 In addition to all that, Sarah and her husband Michael donated to the children’s sandbox, along with Colleen Flack, and picnic tables for use at Barlowe Field.

 When I was handing the Presidential duties over to Sarah, I told her “You can always quit!” but she never did, and has really bettered the community with her service. We thank her. – John Tilden

 Minutes submitted by  
Rosalee Camper, Secretary 

Animal Control Update  
on Roving Dogs

 I spoke with both Nick Haynes and Mark Smith at the Animal Control office on Dec. 12. Both are genuinely concerned about the loose dog issue here in our community and I believe they truly sympathize with us who lost pets. More importantly they assured me they will remain focused on determining who the owners of the dogs are.

 Yesterday A.C. left a posting on the door of the residence that was provided via a tip. The posting notified the residents they needed to contact A.C. regarding their animals. Apparently a returned voice mail was received by A.C. from the residence, but A.C. had yet to make contact. I asked them to please advise us when they do.

 Unfortunately animal control laws only provide for a 30-day window in which to file an affidavit of complaint regarding animal code violations. Both gentlemen agree the time frame didn’t work for any of us with respect to the deaths of our pets. One has to know who to name in the affidavit which we still do not know for certain. That does not preclude future affidavits from being filed when the dogs are seen loose again.

 A.C. will continue to patrol the neighborhood. They also asked that any resident who sees dogs at large please call them—and don’t assume “someone else did.” There is discussion about A.C. providing traps. Fact of the matter is we’re probably more likely to catch a raccoon or opossum. Another suggestion is, if possible, herd the dogs into a confined area like a yard or garage where they can be contained for A.C. to pick them up, but do not put yourself in danger. Joe Thomason 

Letter to the Editor

 Quick hello again and to say thank you for all your help with the Santa run/canned good food drive. It was so much fun. Everyone from the Glen Burnie Volunteer Fire Dept. enjoyed themselves!

 We had the Chief’s car and the utility truck full of food. The Pastor literally had tears in his eyes when we gave him all the food. So at the next VOMCA meeting, can you tell everyone thank you. They helped out over 200 families this holiday season. That is what this holiday is all about! We have some great people living in the Olde Mill area.

 Thank you again and be safe.

 Donald Clark

 (Santa’s Friend)

24-Hour Information Line Comes to Maryland

 United Way of Central Maryland announced a new dialing code 211 to help Marylanders connect with resources that they may never know exist for services to help them in their daily lives. This is FREE, instant information provided through Verizon land lines. United Way will be seeking funding to continue the service.

 211 will help Marylanders with information about resources such as :

 * Basic Human Needs

 * Physical and Mental Health

 * Employment Support

 * Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities

 * Support for Children, Youth and Families

 * Volunteer Opportunities and Donations

This will serve as a valuable resource during times of disaster such as hurricanes and other times of national need.