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J A N U A R Y / F !E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6
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Crime and Prevention
MWIA meeting offers information,
advice on keeping safe and secure
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By DAVID CONN
[email protected]
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The crime story for Mount Washington is a good news/bad
news tale. The bad news is that crime in the neighborhood is on
the increase. The good news is that residents weren’t just
imagining it.
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December 8 MWIA community meeting that in the 28 days prior
That’s the word from a Baltimore City Police representative
to the gathering there were 20 serious crimes, known as “Part 1
who offered data and advice to residents at a special Mount
offenses,” in Mount Washington. Part 1 offenses are victimWashington Improvement Association meeting on crime and
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based
incidents that include homicide, rape, aggravated assault,
security last month. An analysis of online crime-data conducted
robbery,
burglary, larceny, and auto theft. However, according to
by the MWIA Newsletter confirms that, compared with a year
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Lt. Comegna, most of the incidents in Mount Washington were
earlier, reports of
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robberies, and auto theft, and 11 of 12 residential
serious crimes in Mount burglaries,
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occurred between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
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A series of arrests was made in October and November,
by about 41 percent
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including
of juveniles involved in previous burglaries, Lt.
through November
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precautions to avoid being victimized.
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“I’m not saying you have to barricade yourself in your
Police Lieutenant Victor
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houses,” Lt. Comegna said. Instead, residents should ensure
R. Comegna told a
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See Crime, page 8
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Mount Washington School Report
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By! ASHLEY COOK, Principal
The
! Mount Washington School
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[email protected]
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Happy holidays from The Mount Washington School! As we
wrap up the holiday season we want to express or gratitude
for
!
what we are thankful for as a school community. We have had so
many great things happen this school year thus far – including
the awarding of Maryland Teacher of the Year to our own Ryan
Kaiser, a sixth- and eighth-grade social-studies instructor.
We continue to be showered with additional support in
!
!
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providing our students with increased technology and creating a
21st-century learning environment. One such gift came from
Del. Sandy Rosenberg, who has generously donated $1,000 to
assist in our technology plan. We would like to extend a huge
“thank you” to Del. Rosenberg.
We have some additional exciting news to report. The Mount
Washington School has been awarded Maryland Community
Investment Tax Credits (CITC) for 2016. The CITC program
provides a state income tax credit worth 50 percent of any
donation of $500 or more to the school. That is in addition to
the normal federal and state income tax deductions such a
See MWS, page 10
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M E S S AG E
FROM THE
PRESIDENT
By BRYCE BUTLER
[email protected]
www.outsidethebox.com
The Neighborhood Physical Therapists
410-542-6878
www.mountwashingtonphysicaltherapy.com
email: [email protected]
1501 Sulgrave Avenue, Suite 307,
Baltimore, Md 21209
Located in the heart of Mount Washington
Village, local residents Joshua Wies, PT and
Bonnie Schulman, PT offer over 50 years
combined expertise and experience to help
you achieve your goals, reduce your pain and
return to the activities you enjoy. We offer
free parking, accept most health insurances
and give you a personal, welcoming service
with flexible scheduling to suit your needs.
Another year over and a new one
just begun. What will the New Year
bring?
I often walk my dog along the
Northwest Park fields and find
myself amazed and encouraged as
the playground takes concrete form.
Sometime this spring we’ll have an
official ribbon cutting ceremony.
Endless meetings and negotiations
went into that structure that now will
pay off in the smiles and laughter of
children playing.
The seemingly endless delays of
the Jones Falls Trail are at an end.
We met with Bill Vondrasek of
Baltimore City Recreation and Parks,
who assured us that they intend to
put the project out for bid in January.
If that schedule is met (I say “if ” as a
result of the many previously
proposed construction dates that
have come and gone) than we will
see ground broken sometime in
August. This will complete a bike
path from the Inner Harbor to the
light rail stop in
Bryce Butler
Mount Washington.
Roland Park Baseball League will
start work on a real baseball field
this spring in the field next to
Enslow Road, after the City clears all
the overgrowth. The contract for that
work has already gone out to bid.
Slowly the former University of
Baltimore fields are being
transformed into a true park. This
spring will be very busy indeed.
Whenever someone asks what
the MWIA does, or says dismissively
that we don’t get much done, I hope
you will suggest they go watch the
children at play. And I hope more
than that, you will agree about the
value of the work of your friends and
neighbors volunteering their time to
serve on the MWIA board, and that
you will join us as a dues paying
member of the MWIA.
Best wishes for the New Year.
Get down to work. Nearby.
Flexible terms. Minutes from downtown.
Parking. Immediate occupancy.
At Mt. Washington Mill Business Center, offices,
suites and conference rooms offer contemporary
design in a mixed-use development on the site of an
historic industrial mill complex. Space can be tailored to
accommodate many businesses. Reception services are
available. Call today and get down to work. Nearby.
FIND OUT MORE:
(410) 779-1200
mtwashingtonmill.com
2
MWIA Approves Funding To
Start Citizens’ Patrol
By DAVID CONN
[email protected]
The Mount Washington Improvement
Association has approved the purchase of
car top and magnetic signs to start a
neighborhood patrol, one of several
efforts to address the recent increase in
reported crimes.
Norman Meadow, a 46-year Mount
Washington resident, presented the idea
to restart a community patrol at the Association’s community board meeting on
October 13. At a special MWIA meeting on
December 8 to address crime and security
issues, Mr. Meadow said he has received
many expressions of interest in having a
patrol.
The MWIA board voted to approve the
purchase of the signs, at a total cost of
about $670. Mr. Meadow said the Mount
Washington Pediatric Hospital has agreed
to keep the signs. MWIA Board member
and webmaster James Taylor has put
together a calendar and sign-up form for
interested residents that will be posted on
the MWIA website, www.mwia.org.
Mr. Meadow stressed that the patrol
would insist on passive observation, with
participants agreeing not to exit their vehicles to engage with any suspicious
individuals. Members of the patrol will
not be permitted to carry weapons while
volunteering, and will be asked to drive
with a partner to ensure the driver may
safely focus on the road. A City police
department representative told community members the department would be
willing to offer training and support to a
patrol.
Interested drivers may contact Mr.
Meadow at [email protected].
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! PARKCAMPS.COM
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
GARDENING By RICK KINGSBURY — [email protected]
• the overall size of the plants you are installing. Do your own
research; most garden center information is not accurate on the
mature size of plants.
It Takes Time
One of the few frustrating aspects of my
profession is that, unlike building architects, my
work looks its poorest just after installation, not
its best. I often have to wait years before I can
get really good photos. Many perennials and
shrubs don’t do much at all for the first three seasons. They just kind
of sit there while they are adjusting to the new location and putting
out roots. They can look a little puny and lost in the bed.
• when planting near patios, decks, or walkways, that tree roots
extend to or beyond the ultimate drip line. Some plants have
aggressive roots; others such as river birch are more forgiving.
Certain trees are appropriate for locating near a patio, but others
are not.
• Do you wish to keep the “new” look with your wood deck or
fence? If so you will need to stain and treat the wood yearly to
keep it looking that way. Cedar ages beautifully to a fine gray.
It is also not unusual for new plant materials to fail in the first
season after installation. Much like new patios and decks can look a bit
stark and “too clean” at first, the new elements of a garden need to age
into the existing environment. I am working with living materials and,
as such, the element of time is part of the overall design.
• Dry laid stone is somewhat permeable, and has a natural look, but
the stones will settle a bit with time and the color will change
through use and exposure to the elements.
Natural materials such as plants, stone, and wood age and
change with time and this should be part of your plans when
designing your landscape. Keep in mind the following:
Time is part of the design and your outdoor space should be
planned to include the fourth dimension.
Rick Kingsbury is a Licensed Landscape Architect whose practice emphasizes the creation of personalized outdoor living spaces as well
as sustainable design and native plants. He is President of the Mount Washington Preservation Trust (mwpt.org).
3
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Above & Beyond
This feature recognizes the good works and citizenship of Mount Washington residents. Several nominations were submitted and the winning
entry was for Nicholas Jones and Chris Ryon. To nominate a neighbor for a future issue, please send a short “Above & Beyond” essay to
[email protected].
For their work with the Mount Washington Girls U10 Travel Soccer families, coaches Nicholas Jones and Chris Ryon receive
this month’s “Above & Beyond” recognition. They are deserving of the honor because of their dedication and support of the
girls, as well as their love of the game. Having coached recreational soccer for many years, Nick and Chris recognized that the
girls had both passion and skills to move to the next level.
They spent time last spring researching options and ultimately fielded a team for the Archdiocese league. They held tryouts
and chose a team of 15 third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade girls, mostly from the neighborhood. Like most coaches, Chris and Nick
held practices, sent parent communications, coached games, celebrated wins and stayed encouraging during losses. But what
separates them from others is their creativity.
These are guys who, at the first practice, gave every girl three U.S. Women’s Soccer team playing cards with a homework
assignment to research her player. The next week when uniforms were distributed, each girl got the number from two of “her”
players. Imagine the pure joy they had receiving their players’ numbers. Screams of “I got Alex Morgan” or “I got Carli Lloyd”
were heard from the Waldorf Field across Northern Parkway.
Lastly, Nick and Chris should be complimented on their long-term commitment. At the end of the last game, they spoke to
the girls about a newly created futsal winter league and the hope to see them again next fall season. “It’s a multi-year project,”
said Chris. Thanks to these coaches, these girls’ passion for soccer will last much longer.
— By Jill Feinberg, [email protected]
To Your Health
In “To Your Health,” Mount Washington’s healthcare and wellness professionals
offer counsel on caring for the body and mind.
Sharing and Caring Without
Spreading Germs During Flu Season
By ERICA JONES BSN
RN Infection Prevention Coordinator
Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital
Winter is here and with that comes
colder weather. It’s common to see children
with runny noses, coughs, sore throats, and
respiratory infections such as the common
cold and flu. This winter season we can
share how much we care by not sharing
germs!
Cleaning your hands often is the most
important way to prevent the spread of
germs. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) recommends the
following steps for hand washing:
• Wet your child’s hands.
• Apply clean bar soap or liquid soap to the
hands, and then place the bar on a rack
where it can drain before the next handwashing.
• Rub the hands vigorously together.
• Scrub every surface completely.
• Keep rubbing and scrubbing for 10 to 15
seconds.
• Rinse the hands completely, then dry
them.
If soap and water are unavailable, hand
sanitizer may be used. Alcohol-based hand
sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of
germs on hands in some situations, but
See Germs, page 11
4
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
MWIA Offers Member-Value Card
Local merchants provide more than $2,000 in benefits for all members
➢ 20% off the bill at Crepe du Jour,
By DAVID CONN
[email protected]
➢ 15% off the bill at Desert Café,
Mount Washington residents can enjoy
more than $2,000 in discounted goods and
services from local and locally owned
businesses when they join the Mount
Washington Improvement Association in
2016 and use the MWIA Member Value
Card.
For the price of an annual MWIA
membership – $19 for new members, $40
for renewals, or an optional $100
contribution for recognition as a
“supporting member” – residents will
receive a value card that entitles them to
both single- and repeated-use offers. In all,
these offers, available only to 2016 MWIA
members, are worth more than $2,000.
The program is intended to encourage
residents to shop locally, support locally
owned businesses, and join the MWIA.
More than 30 businesses are
participating in the third year of this
program to reward new and renewing
Association members. Offers (for which
some restrictions apply) include:
➢ 10% off the bill at The Nickel Taphouse,
➢ a free beer or wine at the
Mt. Washington Tavern,
➢ a free wine at Ethel & Ramone’s,
➢ 20% off an item at Green Fields Nursery,
➢ a $10 reading at Savetta’s Psychic
Reading, and
➢ $25 off of custom framings at
Framin’ Place.
Residents’ support of the MWIA helps
make Mount Washington a neighborhood
where, year-in and year out, homes
maintain and increase their values.
Members’ dues are used to print the
bimonthly newsletter, now published six
times a year; support community events
such as the Spirit of Mount Washington
Parade; and help the neighborhood
school.
A robust membership also helps the
MWIA vigorously represent the
neighborhood’s interests before city and
state planners and politicians. Baltimore’s
City Hall has called MWIA one of the most
influential organizations of its kind in the
City. With such issues looming on the
horizon as the allocation of gambling
revenues, the City’s major zoning-plan
upgrade, and road and traffic
improvements, Mount Washington needs
the kind of clout that only comes with
strong Association membership and
resident involvement.
New and returning members who have
not already done so should make a check
for the appropriate dues, payable to
MWIA, and send it in the reply envelope
distributed in the mail last month.
Payments may also be made online by
visiting http://mwia.org.
See all the offer details on pages 6-7
2016 MWIA Membership Dues
✓ Enclosed is my household’s 2016 MWIA dues payment. I understand my membership
o
entitles me to a 2016 MWIA Member Value Card (worth nearly $2,000).
Membership Level (check one):
PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY:
Name(s) __________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________
Email Address(es) ________________________________________________
________________________________________________
o $19 – First-time member
o $40 – Renewing member
o $100 – Sponsoring member
(a leadership donation, and
designated on the MWIA website)
Please make checks payable to the Mount Washington Improvement Association. Send to P.O. Box 10404, Baltimore, MD 21209.
You may also pay online by visiting http://mwia.org.
5
Thanks to all the 2016 MWIA Value
Restaurants
Address
Phone
6070 Falls Road
1619 Sulgrave Avenue
1609 Sulgrave Avenue
1605 Sulgrave Avenue
1615 Sulgrave Avenue
1620 Kelly Avenue
5700 Newbury Street
1604 Kelly Avenue
(410) 372-0238
(410) 466-1000
(410) 542-9000
(410) 367-5808
(410) 664-2971
(410) 664-1111
(410) 367-6903
(443) 869-6240
1340 Smith Avenue
5707 Smith Avenue
1350 Smith Avenue
5424 Falls Road
6054 Falls Road
1501 Sulgrave Avenue, Suite 105
1340-A Smith Avenue
1611 Sulgrave Avenue
1330 Smith Avenue
(410) 532-3144
(410) 578-1119
(410) 433-3434
(410) 323-3444
(410) 377-9599
(443) 616-6061
(443) 388-8710
(410) 542-0444
(410) 435-7410
Believer's Fitness Boot Camp
DK Salon & Spa
Gold-I-Locks
6302 Falls Road
5701 Newbury Street
5600 Smith Avenue
(410) 818-3656
(410) 377-3400
(410) 664-4330
Hygeia Counseling Services
5710 Newbury Street
(410) 205-2419
Johns Hopkins Mt. Washington Fitness Center
5801 Smith Ave
(410) 735-4795
Leading Edge Auto Body
Meadowbrook Aquatic & Fitness Center
5807 Falls Road
5700 Cottonworth Ave
(410) 433-6433
(410) 433-8300
Mt. Washington Cleaners
Mt. Washington Swimming Club
5746 Falls Road
2300 Enslow Road
(410) 323-3181
(410) 367-0110
OJAS Wellness Center
1501 Sulgrave Ave.
(410) 664-6527
Painted Palette
Painting Workshop of Mt. Washington
Savetta’s Psychic Reading
Trina Lion, Licensed Acupuncturist
5708 Newbury Street
1605 Sulgrave Avenue
1621 Sulgrave Avenue
1501 Sulgrave Avenue, Suite 305
(443) 424-2278
(410) 466-3510
(410) 664-9154
(410) 596-8320
Vision Iconique
6080 Falls Road, Ste LL1
(443) 895-4528
Bonjour Bakery
Chiyo Sushi
Crepe Du Jour
Desert Cafe
Ethel's Creole Kitchen
Mt. Washington Pizza
Mt. Washington Tavern
Nickel Taphouse
Shops
Amazing Glaze
Baltimore Clayworks
Framin’ Place
Green Fields Nursery and Landscaping Co.
Old Vine
Pasha's Hammam
The Pharmacia at Mt. Washington Mill
Something Else
Wine Works
Activities/Services
Amazing Glaze
P
H
PASHA’S
HAMMAM
Something Else
Card vendors for their support!
Offer
Complimentary 12 oz. coffee with the purchase of $5.00 or more.
10% discount off your check, for parties up to 6 people; dine-in only
20% off your check; valid Monday-Thursday (no holidays)
15% off your check
Free glass of wine with any entree
10% off, minimum $15.00 purchase; cannot be combined with other offers
One glass of house wine or beer with the purchase of an entree
10% off your check
10% off paint your own pottery
Buy one item from our Sales Gallery, get the other half off (of equal or lesser value)*
$25 off a custom framing; not valid for works in progress
20% off any single, regularly-priced item; does not apply to landscaping
10% off any purchase (excluding beer/wine cases)
5% off purchases of $30 and above; 10% off purchases of $50 and above
5% discount on over-the-counter medications
10% off all purchases
10% off wine only, not to be combined with other discounts.
50% off first month of training
15% discount on one service for new clients; 15% discount on retail products for existing clients*
$3 off one hair product with the purchase of a hair service;
$5 off a regular price haircut for new 1st time clients. (one-time offers)*
50% off your first three sessions at $70 each (regularly $140);
out-of-pocket visits only (does not apply to use of insurance)*
25% off standard community membership. Includes a free fitness assessment and
personal training session.
Exterior car wash, oil change and filter for $30 (non-synthetic oil only)
15% off any New Membership (no membership in the past three years), and no fee to join.
One usage per household.
10% off any drycleaning sale (excluding alterations)
Free Day at the Pool, valid for up to four non-Pool members, one day only, not valid
on Memorial Day Weekend or Labor Day Weekend, must present the card at the front
desk for admission, cannot be used for parties; participants subject to all club rules.*
One time $15 discount for New Clients, Regular priced, or WellPass Service. Excludes Waxing.
Use Code MWIA16.*
20% off of one painting class*
One free art class*
$10 special reading for members
One-time 15% discount on services for new clients. Discount applies to individual or family
(couple, parent/child) sessions, not for use with corporate wellness programs.*
20% off exam services and glasses
Johns Hopkins Mt. Washington
Fitness Center
Mount Washington
Swimming Club
OJAS
Wellness Center
Savetta's Psychic Reading
Trina
a Lion
energy
energy
p
eace
peace
p
ain rrelief
elief
pain
l rity
clarity
c
la
rrelaxation
elaxation
L icensed
ed Acupuncturist
cupunctur
Card is valid through 12/31/2016. May not be transferred, offers may not be combined with other offers, must present card at time of use. * One-time only offers: Must present coupon.
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“Crime,” continued from page 1
that all doors and windows are locked,
and that keys and valuables are kept out
of sight. A home alarm may not
completely prevent a theft, he added, but
typically will force burglars to grab only
what they can see and get out within a few
minutes. (See sidebar with crime
prevention tips.)
To help recover any stolen items, he
urged that people record the serial
numbers of expensive equipment,
including bicycles and lawnmowers (or
etch a driver’s license number on items
without a serial number), and consider
downloading a “tracker app” that will
show the location of a smartphone or
tablet.
Lt. Comegna also commended efforts
to establish a neighborhood patrol (see
related story). “I think it’s effective,” he
said. “I also think it’s a good way to see
what’s going on” in the neighborhood
from unaccustomed perspectives and
identify possible risks.
An analysis of Baltimore City online
crime-data through November 28, 2015,
shows 128 reported incidents in Mount
Washington of Part 1 crimes. While there
was one reported rape in the
neighborhood and nine “common
assaults,” all of the remaining crimes
were thefts, robberies, and burglaries.
In the same period of 2014, by
contrast, there were 91 incidents,
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including five assaults (one of
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a firearm). Reported incidents are
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therefore up about 41 percent
+!
from last year. A copy of a
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spreadsheet showing five years’
worth of Mount Washington
crime data can be found at
www.mwia.org.
These data reflect only reported
crimes; there is no way to determine
whether actual incidents are increasing
or, instead, whether increased vigilance
has led to more reports.
Despite the increase, Mount
Washington remains one of the safer
neighborhoods of the City. Its population
is about 0.6 percent of the City’s, but its
reported crimes last year were only about
0.2 percent of all reported crimes.
Through November 2015, there were
5,119 crimes reported in the Northern
District (generally encompassing Mount
Washington, Coldspring, and Woodberry,
south to about North Avenue, west to
include Waverly and Pen Lucy and
through to The Alameda), and 43,130
reported Part 1 incidents citywide, a 2.6
percent increase from the same period in
2014. A much-reported category,
homicides, showed 310 citywide as of
mid-December 2015 as compared to 211
in all of 2014. There has not been a
reported homicide in Mount Washington
8
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!
in at least five years.
Residents also were urged to write and
submit victim impact statements after
crimes. “It’s very important that
community members show up in court to
present the statement in person,” said
Merrick Moise, the Northern District
community liaison with the City State’s
Attorney’s Office. Impact statements are
considered by a court after a conviction
during the sentencing hearing, he said. A
statement from a community association
can also be effective in ensuring that a fair
sentence is handed down.
Mr. Moise further advised crime
victims to ask a police officer for a report
of the incident. “That will generate a case
number, and allow victims’ advocates to
track the case” and help keep victims
informed throughout the process, he
said.
Find tips from the Baltimore City Police
Department to keep safe and secure at home:
https://www.baltimorepolice.org/
your-community/safety-tips/burglary.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
CANINE COACH By STEPHEN LEWIS — [email protected]
Holidays & Dogs
on Fido throughout the festivities and give him a few holiday snuggles
to remind him how much he means to you. When things are not so
crazy (i.e. the turkey is being cut and toasts are being made), consider
allowing your furry friend out to say “hello.”
Yes, it is that time of year again — the
weather turns colder and the Christmas lights are
brought out from storage. As visions of dancing
sugar plums and pumpkin pie enter your
thoughts, Fido is also daydreaming about that
turkey that he is going to pull down from the dining table when no one
is looking. Or, he is planning his escape route from your
rambunctious, loud, tail-pulling nieces and nephews. Now is the time
to start planning if, and how, to include Fido in the festivities while
keeping him safe and happy.
For the brave and bold who want to have their cautious dogs be a
part of the party I suggest a four-step approach.
1. Go Slow: Have your dog in another room when guests arrive and
wait until everyone is settled and relaxed before beginning any
introductions.
2. Watch carefully: Be a thoughtful observer by watching for subtle
signals that tell you Fido is getting stressed or uncomfortable.
Before making any plans for Fido, ask yourself, what makes Fido
the happiest? Toys? A peanut butter stuffed Kong? A marrow bone?
Should you let Fido loose during all the festivities? Perhaps Fido is
anxious around a lot of people and could use a vacation with a dog
sitter or friend.
3. Manage: Be your dog’s advocate and intervene in a calm and
cheerful way when you see trouble brewing.
4. Take Breaks: Give your furry friend lots and lots of breaks from the
action. Short positive interactions with new people are far better
then pushing Fido until he says “uncle” or decides to take matters
into his own hands (or paws?).
Above all else, be realistic. You may love spending time with your
crazy cousins, but Fido may feel differently. Instead of allowing Fido to
roam freely at the party, consider leaving him in a crate or pen in a
quiet room. Of course, including a frozen peanut-butter Kong or
marrow bone will keep him busy and satisfied.
So before embarking on your holiday adventure this year, make a
plan for your pooch. Set him up for success. Then sit back and watch
as both humans and dogs celebrate and be merry.
If you want to dampen the sounds of the party while making Fido
feel more at ease then set up a stereo to play classical music. You can
even give his new sanctuary an added calming touch by spraying a bit
of Adaptil (dog-appeasing pheromone) on his bed. Be sure to check in
Mount Washington resident Stephen Lewis, a graduate of the
Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior, is a dog
trainer who blogs at findingfidotraining.com.
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. M W I A . ORG
Dun k le b i t s
By NED DUNKLEBERGER — [email protected]
when a squirrel darted across our path. Suddenly we were tearing
across the park, sliding on the wet leaves, splashing through the
mud, racing around the trees and finally ending up under the sliding
board panting and exhausted. I had no idea where the dog got to. All
I knew is this would not be a long term fitness solution.
Well, here we are in 2016. And BoyHowdy
are there a lot of exciting things to look forward
to this year. I know this because, after all, I am
from the future. If you have seen me gliding over
the Kelly Avenue Bridge on my HoweverBoardTM
you already know this. Some people think it is a
Hoverboard. But it is not. It is a HoweverBoardTM.
It is supposed to be awesome, However…
But luckily this episode led me to the creation of what may be my
best invention EVER. The DunkleBitFit® (Patent and/or Lawsuit
Pending) is a health and fitness tracker like no other. It is designed to
meet the complicated needs of the modern future-dwelling Mount
Washingtonian (That’s You!). It maps out walking paths right down
the middle of the street, just the way you like it.
So meanwhile, back here in the future, reporting live as it will be
happening, as the elders predicted back in the past, which was also
foretold in the book I received as a Present, things are just ducky.
You are going to love it here in the future! You look great! You have
lost weight and that mysterious sound under the hood of your car
has fixed itself. Still no jetpacks … but maybe in the future future.
It has extra powerful DunkleBoost© Bass Reflex speakers that
shake your body like one of those old fashioned toning belt machines
so the fat gets liquefied and melts right off. Its built-in trainer module
will teach you all the modern exercise techniques, including jumping
to conclusions, dodging responsibility, shouldering blame, running
up the flagpole, taking leaps of faith, lifting spirits, crunch(ing) time,
skipping school, and even shutting up and dancing.
ANYhoo, As the Old Year went reeling out the door, battered and
deep fried like a crispy piece of RoFo Chicken, and the New Year
danced across the dewy meadow like a ditzy debutante on an
overdose of Xanax, I have embarked upon a rigorous plan of self
improvement. I know, I know, it is hard to imagine there’s anything
left to improve (Ed. note: With the notable exception of meeting the
deadline for this column), but it is true.
How can the DunkleBitFit® do all this and still cost less than a
Roberto’s Pizza? It just does. Trust me, I’m from the future.
As part of the fitness program I “borrowed” a neighbor’s dog and
took him for a walk in Luckman Park, but things got out of hand
Ned
“MWS,” continued from page 1
donation would earn. (Those interested in
making donations should consult a tax
professional to determine their
eligibility.) We are still waiting for all of
the details about the credits but we
wanted to notify everyone who would like
to reserve tax credits.
We also wanted to relay information
about what we are planning to do with the
money raised from the CITC. The school
expanded to K-8 in 2011, and the current
information technology infrastructure is
no longer sufficient to meet its needs.
During the past year, the school has made
multiple upgrades to the information
technology infrastructure.
In the spring, the school upgraded the
outdated computer lab by purchasing 22
processors (costing $10,000). This fall the
school acquired enough funds to pay for
wireless connectivity throughout the
building (costing $37,000), which was
extremely helpful for conducting
standardized testing. Our next goal is to
purchase two mobile laptop carts (30
computers per cart), at a total cost of
$70,000.
The funds for this project will be
raised through individual donations,
grants, and fundraising events. To date,
the parent-teacher organization has
secured $17,000 in funding for the laptop
carts. We hope that the money raised
from the CITC program will allow us to
purchase the two laptop carts in the
beginning of 2016 so that we can have
these computers up and running for the
current school year.
We thank everyone who has supported
the school in the past and hope to receive
support again with donations in January
so we can purchase the computers as
soon as possible. As soon as we get more
details about the CITC program (expected
10
in the next few weeks), we will share
them! Those interested in making a
donation or “reserving” credits, or who
have any questions, can contact the
school or our CITC liaison, David Conn,
at [email protected].
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
“Germs,” continued from page 4
sanitizers do not eliminate all types of
germs.
Here are some additional tips to stay
healthy this winter:
• Get a flu shot every year.
• Avoid touching your face. When you
touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, germs
can get into your body and make you sick.
• Carry tissues and hand sanitizer with you
at all times.
• Avoid people who are sick with a
respiratory or stomach virus.
• Keep children home from school or
childcare if they are sick.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow, not into
your hands, gloves, or scarf.
• Clean surfaces such as doorknobs and
phones regularly.
Even with all these safety measures, it is
likely that some infections will be spread in
a childcare center. Children should be kept
home if they have diarrhea, vomiting, or
fever. Most childcare facilities and schools
have rules about when to keep kids home.
Review school policies prior to sending your
child back to school or childcare.
Encourage your child to wash his or her
hands not only at home, but also at school,
at friends’ homes, and everywhere else.
Make hand-washing fun by teaching
children to sing a song, such as “Happy
Birthday,” while they wash their hands.
Remember that frequent hand-washing is a
great habit that will keep them healthy all
season long and into the new year!
RODGERS CHOICE
MOUNT WASHINGTON
5814 PIMLICO RD
316 THORNHILL RD
MOUNT WASHINGTON
TUXEDO PARK
EDNOR GARDENS
107 HEARTH CT
$385,000
5600 SOUTH BEND RD
$314,000
$399,000
609 DEEPDENE RD
$295,000
HOMELAND
$539,000
905 37TH ST E
$185,000
514 Tristam Lane
$675,000
Community Calendar
January 2, January 17, February 6, & February 21
Luckman Park Cleanup
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Join the Friends of Luckman Park on the first Saturday and third Sunday of every
month – weather permitting – for trash pickup, leaf raking, gardening, and other
general park cleaning. Come for all or part; RSVP (to [email protected])
helpful but not necessary.
January 3, 2016
Annual Neighborhood Little Christmas Party
2 p.m. to dusk
The Grove house, 5528 Rusk Avenue, at Ken Oak Road. As always, this is a
potluck event, and people are encouraged to bring food, drinks, and friends.
Send inquiries to [email protected].
February 9
Mount Washington Improvement Association Open Board meeting
7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
All community members are welcome. Location to be determined.
See mwia.org for details.
Wednesday mornings
Mt. Washington Community T'ai Chi Class
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Springwell Senior Living, 2211 W. Rogers Ave. Appropriate for all levels.
Taught by Master Greg Hatza. Cost is $70 per month. Visitors are welcome
to observe or participate in one class. For more information contact Linda at
410-664-1554 or [email protected].
February 9
McKay Jenkins, author of “ContamiNation”
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The Ivy Bookshop, 6080 Falls Rd. Local author McKay Jenkins investigates
the many synthetic chemicals we encounter in our daily lives, and the harm
they do to our bodies and the environment.
Friday mornings
Mt. Washington Community Yoga Class
8:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
St. Andrew's Elderslie Church, 5601 Pimlico Rd. Appropriate for most levels
(not a gentle, seniors, or therapeutic class). Bring a yoga mat if you have
one (some are available to borrow) and a water bottle. Cost is $8 (cash or
check). For more information, contact Mira at 410-370-6764 or
[email protected].
April 17
Mount Washington Village “Block Party”
12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Mount Washington Village. At the Village block party, rescheduled from autumn
because of storms, enjoy a beer garden, food, a fashion show, and live music. All
proceeds will benefit the Mount Washington School (MWS). And be sure to stop
by the MWS Kids Zone for a day of fun for all ages - moon bounce, a magician,
balloon artist, games, face painting, crazy hair, and lots more! Contact Betsy
Gardner to participate: [email protected].