Abingdon Community Council eNews

Volume I Issue #24 September, 2013 C. David Copenhaver, Editor

Welcome to our latest issue of the ACC eNews. This eNews has been developed in an effort to reach out to the residents of Abingdon. Our purpose is to provide you an opportunity to become more informed and to encourage more participation at our monthly meetings! Please share this eNews with your neighbors. Why not plan to join us at our next meeting on Monday, September 23, 2013 from 6:30pm -7:30pm at the Abingdon Public Library, 2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon, MD 21009? Join us and participate; take that leap of faith, you may find it rewarding! (For additional information, contact me at abingdoncc@gmail.com.)
(If at any time you wish to have your eMail address removed from our data base, just reply remove.)

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Abingdons Treasures: Kleins ShopRite of Harford County

(Editors Comment: Kleins ShopRite technically is not within the Abingdon zip code, 21009. Nevertheless, as results of an unscientific survey yielded, it is clearly a favorite destination of numerous Abingdon residents)

In 1925, Maurice and Sara Klein opened a small general store on Main Street in the rural village of Fallston, Maryland. In 1949, Maurice, Sara and their son Ralph purchased a general store at the old village crossroads in Forest Hill, commencing business as Maurice K lein and Son. Thirty years later, Ralph, his wife Shirley and their sons Andrew, Michael and Howard relocated Kleins to a modern supermarket at 2101 Rockspring Road. Five other Harford County stores and a seventh location in Jacksonville (Baltimore County) have opened since 1979. All stores are modern, full-service supermarkets, featuring a full assortment of grocery and fresh perishable departments, as well as full-service pharmacies. A fourth-generation of Klein family members (Marshall, Sarah, Stephen and Jacob Klein) are now actively engaged in day-to-day operations. In October, 2008, Kleins Family Markets joined Wakefern Food Corp., the retail merchandising and distribution company that supplies and supports ShopRite, becoming the 45th member of the nations largest retailer-owned cooperative. Beginning in March, 2009, all Kleins Family Markets stores transitioned to the ShopRite banner. Kleins ShopRite of Maryland provides full- and part-time employment to more than 900 associates. The company also takes special pride in its zero-accident culture, on-the-job safety record, and one of the industrys lowest workers compensation insurance rates.

Community Outreach
Kleins ShopRite of Maryland supports local education through the Ralph and Shirley Klein Foundation School Grant, a $40,000 annual grant administered through the Board of Education. Also, Kleins Family Markets and the Ralph and Shirley Klein Foundation provide direct support to not-for-profit organizations throughout Harford and Northern Baltimore County. Kleins ShopRites are active participants in ShopRites Partners in Caring Program, and annually provide more than $150,000 in direct support to community-based organizations; a complete list of donation recipients is posted at each store. Upper Chesapeake Health's Ambulatory Care Center in Bel Air has been named after long-time Harford County philanthropists Shirley and Ralph Klein, the medical system announced Tuesday. It will be called the Klein Ambulatory Care Center. The Klein family has been an amazing partner in galvanizing community support for Upper Chesapeake Health's expansion in Harford County, but also for leading many of the efforts in fund-raising," Dr. Roger Schneider, chairman of the UCH Board of Directors, said regarding the naming of the ambulatory care center.
(Source: www.shoprite.com/member_klein/ and exploreharford.com. Some changes were made.)

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Harford Sheriff's Office to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint Over Holiday Weekend

The Harford County Sheriff's Office will conduct a sobriety checkpoint over the Labor Day weekend. The checkpoint, part of a continued crackdown on drunk driving, will take place during the late evening hours of Saturday, Aug. 31, and continue into the early morning hours of Sunday Sept. 1. The Sheriff's Office is a participant in the annual nationwide "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" drunk driving enforcement effort. Deputies will be aggressively looking for drunk drivers during the crackdown. "Every year, about one third of all motor vehicle traffic deaths involve one or more drunk drivers or motorcycle operators," Sheriff Jesse Bane said in a news release. "In 2011 9,878 people died in crashes involving drunk drivers. That works out to approximately one drunk driving fatality every 53 minutes." Bane added that holidays such as Labor Day are particularly dangerous. During the Labor Day weekend in 2011, 138 people were killed nationwide in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving drivers or motorcycle riders with blood alcohol content levels of .08, which is considered under the influence, or higher. Of those fatalities, 83 percent occurred during early evening and overnight hours. Sheriff's deputies have made 162 drunk driving arrests so far in 2013, Bane said. Drunk driving takes a particularly heavy toll among young drivers. Among 18-to 34-year-old drivers killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes during the 2011 Labor Day weekend, 42 percent were alcohol-impaired, according to the Sheriff's Office. "Research has shown that high-visibility enforcement like the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign reduces drunk-driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. By joining this nationwide effort, we will make Harford County roadways safer for everyone throughout the Labor Day period," Bane said. Bane noted that being arrested on driving drunk charges brings a range of negative consequences. Drunk drivers face jail time, loss of their driver's licenses and steep financial consequences such as higher insurance rates, attorney's fees, court costs, lost time at work and the potential loss of their job. When family, friends and coworkers find out, violators also often face tremendous personal embarrassment. Some simple tips to help motorists and passengers keep safe this Labor Day holiday period and all year long include: Plan a safe way home before you start the Labor Day festivities. Before drinking, designate a sober driver. If you're drunk, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation. If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement immediately. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while drunk, be a friend and take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to safely to where they're going. "Driving drunk is simply not worth the risk. So don't take the chance. Make smart choices and don't drive drunk or under the influence. We will be out in force and we will be watching, so 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,'" Bane said.
(Source: exploerhard.com. Some changes were made.) ********************************************

Nominations Being Accepted for Harfords Most Beautiful People

Each year the Harford County Department of Community Services, Volunteer Harford, conducts a search for local unsung heroes who selflessly assist those around them. They are volunteers of any age whose acts of goodwill have previously gone unnoticed. These beautiful people volunteer above and beyond, donating their time and talent to make a difference in Harford County. Harfords Most Beautiful People, those who have enriched the lives of our citizens by their acts of kindness and concern, are honored at a special program each year in October, hosted by County Executive David R. Craig. The program is aired on Harford Cable Network in the months following the event. Nominations are being accepted now through August 30 for the 27th Annual Harfords Most Beautiful People awards. Citizens, who know someone who continuously contributes their time and talent to enhance the quality of life and community spirit in Harford County, are encouraged to submit a nomination so those distinguished individuals can be honored at the annual Harfords Most Beautiful People awards ceremony. The event will be held Thursday, October 3 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Bel Air Church of the Nazarene, 2430 Conowingo Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015.

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Nomination forms are available online --- click Website below. Nomination forms are also available at all branches of the Harford County Library, at all Harford County Senior Activity Centers or by calling the Department of Community Services, Volunteer Harford, at 410-638-3389. Website
(Source: harfordneighbors.net. Some changes were made.) **********************************************

Bel Air Festival for the Arts Comes To Shamrock Park September 15th
The 48th annual Bel Air Festival for the Arts is coming up 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15 at Shamrock Park in Bel Air. Approximately 350 artisans and craftspeople are expected to participate in the show. Continuous live entertainment is to be performed on the band shell stage while performers roam the crowds. Profits from food concessions will go to benefit the Bel Air Parks and Recreation programs. Free shuttle service is available from the MVA parking lot on Route 24. All day parking is available for a $2 donation to the Bel Air Auxiliary Police at the Bel Air parking garage across from the festival on Hickory Avenue. Admission to the festival, which will be held rain or shine, is free. For more information, visit http://belairfestival.com/info.htm.
(Source: belairnewsandviews.com. Some changes were made.) *************************************************

Harford County Officials Offer Tips On Preparing For A More Active Hurricane Season
The Harford County Department of Emergency Services today releas ed tips on how to prepare for a hurricane season that is expected to be more active than normal. Here are the details: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently announced its hurricane season forecast for the remainder of 2013. The NOAA predicts six to nine hurricanes during the peak hurricane season which begins in mid- August and runs through mid-October. Hurricane season is upon us, said Harford County Emergency Manager Rick Ayers. It is everyones responsibility to plan for and make appropriate preparations for severe weather, including hurricanes, Ayers said. The Harford County Department of Emergency Services recommends citizens prepare for severe weather events, especially hurricanes, by reviewing their storm survival plan as well as take the opportunity now to restock any supplies, including food, water and other items to help get through a storm. Additionally Harford County emergency management officials suggest citizens test their battery-powered flashlights and radios to ensure they are storm ready. In preparation for the peak of the 2013 hurricane season, the Harford County Department of Emergency Services recommends the following precautionary measures be taken to help ensure safety. Ensure homes are equipped with portable flashlights and fresh batteries. In the event of the loss of electricity from a storm, use flashlights in lieu of candles for emergency lighting. Have at least a three (3) day supply of fresh water and canned goods available. Have at least one battery powered portable radio available and in good working order, to monitor news and weather information. When using portable generators, should the loss of electricity occur, keep generators outdoors, away from the home or an enclosed area to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning to the occupants of a home or business. For storm preparedness tips, go to the Harford County Department of Emergency Services website at www.harfordpublicsafety.org and click on Surviving the Storm icon. Additionally citizens can learn more about preparations for hurricanes at www.ready.gov/hurricanes. Residents are also encouraged to add their cell phone numbers to the Harford County Emergency Notification System by clicking the Sign Up Now for Notifications icon on the main webpage or by contacting the Department of Emergency Services at 410-638-4900.

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The Department of Emergency Services is the coordinator of emergency management as well as storm response and mitigation efforts in Harford County, said Director Russell J. Strickland. Surviving a storm is everyones responsibility and the best way to do so is early planning and preparation which are keys to successfully meeting the challenges of the severe weather which we often find in Harford County and throughout the mid-Atlantic region, Strickland added.
(Source: belairnewsandviews.com. Some changes were made.) *************************************************

Dates to Ponder:
County Holiday:
Monday, Sep 2, 2013 - Labor Day: o Harford County Government offices will be closed o Harford Transit bus service will NOT BE operating

Walk In Computer Instruction at the Library

September 4, 2013 2:00pm 4:00pm

Abingdon Branch of HCPL. Learn basic computer skills and web search techniques to boost your know-how. All ages 4th Annual Dominator 5/10K Walk and Run
September 7, 2013 8:00am till The 4th annual Dominator 5/10K Walk and Run is coming up Sept. 7 at Blue Dot Services of Maryland, 125 Industry Lane in Forest Hill. The event supports the D.O. Believe Foundation, created in memory of Dominic The Dominator Osorio the 7-year-old Bel Air boy who lost his battle with brain cancer in 2009. The 5K starts at 8 a.m. and the 10K starts at 9 p.m. Registration is $25 for the 5K in advance and $30 on race day and $30 in advance for 10K and $35 on race day. To race or to become a sponsor, visit http://bit.ly/1b0lgNY. Proceeds go to help pediatric brain research.

Bel Air Festival of the Arts

September 15, 2013 10:00am5:00pm The 48th annual Bel Air Festival for the Arts is coming Sunday, September 15 at Shamrock Park in Bel Air. Approximately 350 artisans and craftspeople are expected to participate in the show. Continuous live entertainment is to be performed on the band shell stage while performers roam the crowds.

6th Annual Dancing for the Arts Gala

September 21, 2013 6:30pm 11:00pm The Center for the Arts presents the 6th Annual Dancing for the Arts Gala from 6:30 pm to 11 pm Saturday, September 21 at The Residents Club at Bulle Rock, 1200 Bulle Rock Parkway, Havre de Grace. Cost is $175 per person. Come see Harford Countys stars showcase their ballroom dancing talents. Live auction, open bar, sumptuous food and the dancing competition. Black Tie Optional. Dancing for the Arts celebrates the talent of Harford County while raising funds to sustain the Center for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to establishment of a center in Harford County, accessible to all. Your donation to the Center for the Arts will be credited to the dancer of your choice. $1 = 1 vote. Visit www.dancingforthearts.org to cast your votes!

Abingdon Community Council Meeting

September 23, 2013 6:30pm 7:30pm (Special guest: County Executive David R. Craig) Location: Abingdon Public Library

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Harford County Wine Festival at Rockfield Manor

September 28, 2013 Noon 6:00pm The Harford County Wine Festival comes to Rockfield Manor. The event features hundreds of wines from around the world and includes live music, food and shopping. The wine festival is Rockfield Manors signature fundraising event. A portion of this years proceeds will go to benefit Harford County Toys for T ots. Tickets are $25 for adults age 21 and over and $10 for children age 13-20. For details, visit http://www.harfordcountywinefest.com/.

Sunday Afternoon Concert Series

September 29, 2013 3:00pm 5:00pm Harford Community College, Joppa Hall, 401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air. (Free- $10) Purchase tickets online at tickets.harford.edu www.harford.edu/cultural
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September Meeting:
Abingdon Community Council
September 23, 2013 at the Abingdon Public Library 6:30pm 7:30pm 2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon, MD

Special Guest:

County Executive David R. Craig

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

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