On Saturday July 25th Linthicum lost a former Honorary Mayor and long time resident, Mr. John Stoll.
Mr. Stoll was a major contributor to Skip Booth's Vignettes, as he contained a wealth of knowledge in his brain about our community. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.
Road Updates and BWI News
BWI Partners Group
On Wednesday June 15th there was the quarterly meeting at the Maryland Aviation Administration office. This started with an update of the various road construction jobs by the State Highway Administration. The roads mentioned were MD 170, I-97, MD 100, and MD 295. Of course our interest is MD 170, so I made notes of the following: they will start milling next week and anticipate completion in September. The ramp from 695 will also be repaved and they will go into School Lane more than originally planned. There is no current plan to repave Md. 169 (Maple Road). We will have to fight for this to be paved.
With respect to airplane noise, you may have noticed an increase in the noise level or you may have noticed the opposite. In the past planes taking or landing were controlled by people in the tower. Now they use a satellite to guide them. This has created a tighter pattern for takeoffs and landings causing a higher noise lever for those under the new more compact turn pattern and a lower noise level for those who had reduced traffic. Another cause of increased noise is due to new guidelines that have lowered the minimum altitude when starting a turn. This raised a lot of concern and comment from those neighbors who were there to find out why they have more noise. Mister Paul Shank, the MAA chief engineer, said he would approach the FAA to see if they could raise the height of a flight before turning which means the planes will be giving off less noise.
The runway reworking will be complete prior to the mandated time of 12/30/15. Part of the reconstruction was to widen runways and give longer takeoff and landing distance in order to meet federal safety guidelines. It was decided to repair the runway surfaces so that they will last another 20 years without needing repair every year. In addition the lighting was replaced with LED lighting to provide better visibility.
It was also mentioned that the noise monitors are very old and some are not working. They have put a budget request in for funding newer more modern monitors. They hope to have a more accurate noise report for the next meeting which will be in three months.
Ken Glendennig
Pond Retrofits in Linthicum
There are several projects going on involving the ponds in Linthicum. The first and current construction is at the Shipley Fairmount ponds, located at the corner of Music Lane and Hammonds Ferry Road. The county is doing a “maintenance” job there. Currently they are putting in huge boulders and sand and gravel, in proportion to cover the bottom and trap the solid mater as well as the harmful chemicals. This will filter at the bottom and allow the cleaner top to go to the overflow and then into the Cabin Branch.
The other ponds are in Linthicum Oaks. We have had several meetings with the county and they are developing a plan to control flooding and runoff to provide a cleaner flow into Cabin Branch. The long pond/trench behind Tulip Oak will only get a series of berms that allow it to fill until the overflow to the next berm. This area absorbs water rapidly because the builder created a good subsurface to absorb water. The two ponds behind Silky Oak are still being negotiated and when the county comes up with a plan they will contact us to have a meeting with property owners. Stay tuned.
Ken Glendenning
Linthicum Needs You!
Where Are They?
Where are the volunteers? There is a great need for volunteers. They are needed for Partners in Care. They are needed for Meals on Wheels. They are needed in our schools and our churches. They are needed even in our own community. There are Organizations such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Linthicum Decorating Committee, The Woman’s Club and several others including our own Linthicum-Shipley Improvement Association. We as taxpaying citizens can’t expect the County to do everything that is needed to keep our county clean and presentable. If we want lower taxes, we need to jump in and do some of the cleaning up and beautifying of the space we live in. This means don’t throw trash out of your car windows. Don’t blow your grass clippings into the street which clogs storm drains. In the winter don’t throw the snow or the leaves into the street or in the storm drains. Since we no longer can burn our leaves we should bag them and set them out for the yard waste pickup or even consider a mulching blade for your mower.
There are many organizations that help those in need and they can’t do this without your help. I know that some of you are already volunteering and it is greatly appreciated. There are also those of you with children who are active in after school activities. If you have an older neighbor or a neighbor who may be dealing with a long or short term disability, ask if there is something you can do to help them. Maybe you can just go do it without asking if you know they wouldn’t mind.
Here are some of the organizations that need volunteers. Sorry that I don’t have phone numbers for several of them:
Partners in Care
Meals on Wheels 410-761-6906
Linthicum Decorating Committee 410-859-1604
LSIA 410-859-8459
Linthicum Elementary School 410-222-6539
Linthicum Woman’s Club 410-859-1250
Or
A faith based organization of your choice
Greet Summer with the Grill
The weather has finally turned and humid days have already arrived, but that’s not to say that comfortable evenings on the porch or patio aren’t on the horizon. As friends drop by and the sound of the Orioles on the radio fills the backyard, many of us turn to the grill for a quick burger or dog. The more dedicated might spend the day tending coals and adjusting heat to perfect that chicken, rack of ribs or pork shoulder. Whatever and wherever your culinary adventures take you, safety around the grill for you and your family should be your first priority.
In 2012 alone, over 16,000 emergency room visits were the result of thermal burns caused by grills and 16% percent of structure fires were attributed to grills. Are grills dangerous? No more than a car or a pocketknife but even the most advanced grillmaster can benefit from a refresher course from your owner’s manual or the wealth of videos available on YouTube.
It’s tempting to get started as soon as possible, but don’t forget to take the time to properly clean your grill. Many of us grill throughout the winter thanks to gas grills, and even if the grill sat in the snow, it’s important to check your propane tanks for signs of rust or a faulty valve. Like any metal product, the elements will take their toll over time. New tanks are relatively inexpensive and tank exchange services make keeping the tank full a cinch. Be sure to make sure that you also inspect any hoses as well as your controls and burners. Some insects and arachnids enjoy the tight confines of the burner jets and can affect performance and gas flow. This is also an excellent time to make sure that your pans and covers are also clean. On most gas grills these parts are easily removed and cleaned in your utility sink or with a garden hose and scouring sponge. Removing last season’s buildup reduces the chance of flare-ups and will enhance your grilling experience. It also leads to a longer life for your grill.
Grill placement is just as important when it comes to an enjoyable grill session. It’s tempting to place the grill in a position near the back door or even on a porch. In the event of a flare up, any overhang, canopy, or decks and rails could easily ignite and lead to a structure fire. Always keep the grill away as far as possible from structures and be sure it is on a level surface away from dry grass. It may be inconvenient to take a few extra steps but it beats a visit from the local fire department. It’s great to get the kids involved with grilling but just like any other appliance, remember that they should be supervised and never left unattended with the grill.
Finally, don’t forget to always be alert and aware when lighting any grill. A little lighter fluid can go a long way on a charcoal grill and gas grill hoods should always be open when igniting. If you continue to smell propane while cooking, or after the grill has been extinguished, check your connections and when in doubt move away from the grill and dial 911. Remember these tips for a safe and enjoyable summer and keep enjoying a great American tradition (witty apron optional). For more grill safety tips, visit www.nfpa.org.