MOUNT WASHINGTON IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION Fall 2006 … · 2017-01-29 · MOUNT WASHINGTON IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION Fall 2006 Message From the President In June, ... future they carried

Fall 2006MOUNT WASHINGTON IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION

Message From the PresidentIn June, Mac Nachlas was elected President of the Improvement Association for a two-year term. He can be reached via email at: [email protected] For neighborhood goings-on, please visit http://mwia.blogspot.com Dear Neighbors;

Here are two things I know about Mt. Washington:1. We all love our neighborhood just the way it is.2. Our neighborhood is changing, like it or not.

Mt. Washington has earned the reputation as one of the Baltimore’s best places to live and while that helps our real estate values, it also encourages development both within and around our neighborhood. It’s no accident that the development at the old Bonnie View Golf Course in now called “The Parke at Mount Washington.” They are using our brand name because people equate Mt. Washington with a good place to live

But success has a price: More traffic will stress our quiet streets and higher land values will tempt property owners to develop unused lots.

Change is happening all around us. We can expect to see proposals for night racing at Pimlico. While UB President Dr. Bogomolny has demonstrated sincere regard for the community’s sentiments, he won’t let the fields on RogersAvenue lay fallow forever.

Some change is positive.. The Western Run Greenway is going forward. We’re getting a new “Outdoor Classroom” at our school and Luckman Park will see some upgrades.

So, what is the MWIA to do? We have to embrace change and make sure that it betters ourcommunity. The Association by-laws charge us with doing everything possible for the “preservation, betterment, development, and well-being of the Mt. Washington Community.” Our founders did not find those four goals to be mutually exclusive and neither should we.

Land owners who want to develop their previously wooded lots are within their right to do so, but need to be respectful of neighbors who may be losing privacy or a cherished view. Some landowners have placed land in the care of the Preservation Trust, but if a landowner decides to exercise his or her right to build, the MWIA can act to mitigate the impact of development while respecting the rights of landowners.

Any changes by our corporate neighbors should be accompanied by significant and meaningful community input. The concerns and wishes of our existing residents should be honored whenever possible.

The MWIA is a conduit for the energy of the community. To be fully representative, we need to hear from you. Volunteer a few hours, pay your dues (still only $25), come to the open meetings, and let your voice be heard. There is a lot to do, and like I said before… I know we all love Mount Washington.

Mac Nachlas

The following article was reprinted with permission from WYPR and Fraser Smith.

BALTIMORE, MD (2006-07-06) This was parade week in America, a time to celebrate the gifts of freedom. All over the state and nation, Americans recommitted themselves to historic values. WYPR’s Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith reports on one of these events: In the Mount Washington neighborhood of Baltimore this Tuesday, people turned out to celebrate their country. All the Independence Day trappings were there. A fire engine. Firemen. An Abe Lincoln Look alike. A dog wearing sunglasses and blue trousers with stars and stripes. There were babes in arms. And there were people of a certain age sitting in lawn chairs waiting for the marchers, several hundred it seemed, to march by. One family had planted two rows of patriotic flamingoes at the edge of their front yard, tiny American flags hanging from their long necks. The marchers continued up a brief hill to the tree-shaded front yard of a nursing home where lemonade and watermelon were available to reward the marchers. A bagpiper kept everyone in step, more or less. There was, of course, a speaking. The community group that assists with the celebration made it clear it made no endorsements. But a neighborhood resident who’s running for the U. S. Congress was allowed a few words. Representatives of other candidates in the race stood quietly by as if they understood local courtesy and had no problem with it. They had their own neighborhoods where a few words might be permitted. Even the name of this neighborhood was resonant. Mount Washington. A lovely breeze coursed through the trees. The heat was coming but at 10 a.m. the temperature was not an issue. The marchers sang the National Anthem, recalling once again how one of their Free State kinsmen had given it to the nation. Here was history in the warp and woof of the community. Here also was the permanence of family life, something to be cherished and understood in all its sometimes fleeting wonder. We the people stood on front lawns across the nation and then marched in honor of our founders and their ideals. The people heard that history yet again, drinking it in as if it were some sweet elixir or hope. They were there to celebrate community - and a glorious past. The future they carried along in buggies and wagons and in their arms. We welcome any thoughts or comments on this or any other essay. You can write an e-mail to Fraser at [email protected].

Fourth of July Parade Featured on WYPR

Western Run Greenway UpdateThe Mt. Washington Improvement Association (MWIA) held a special summer meeting on July 25 to hear a presentation from City Planners on the proposed Western Run Greenway, Hike/Bike path. About 85 neighbors attended. As proposed, the path would run from the Fallstaff area, down along the Western Run stream to the Light Rail station in the Mt. Washington Village. It is intended as a resource for the five neighborhoods that participated in the City’s Strategic Neighborhood Action Plan (SNAP). During this meeting, only the sections from Pimlico Rd. to the Village were discussed. The proposed path would be a paved surface between four and eight feet wide running along Cross Country Blvd. and Kelly Ave. on the north bank of the stream. A smaller parallel “nature path” made of wood chips would run nearer the stream. The nature path would run from Pimlico Rd. to Bonnieview Drive and then again from the footbridge at Poplin Ave. to the Arboretum. Support for the paved walkway and adjacent bike lanes was nearly universal. Most attendees also expressed support for thenature trails, although many of the residents who live along the proposed route are opposed.. Many residents expressed concern about the need to calm traffic on these streets and suggested the trail also consider those goals. The City will be holding meetings with the other stakeholder communities (Cheswolde, Glen, Cross Country and Fallstaff) this fall with the intent of making final design decisions this fall. Comments sent to [email protected] will be forwarded to the City.

All Day Concert at Pimlico September 23

Batten down the hatches for the U.S. Virgin Mobile Concert which comes to the Pimlico Race Track on September 23. The all day concert (noon-10 p.m.) should draw about 60,000 music fans to the infield to hear a full slate of acts healined by The Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Who. The MWIA has been working with the City and the promoter to minimize the impact this event, but you can be sure it will still be heard loud and clear throughout the neighborhood. “Frankly, I don’t think it would be a problem on a normal Saturday, but holding the concert on one of the Jewish High Holidays shows a real insensitivity to many neighbors. Pimlico knows how to do crowd and traffic control, but there is no way to keep the noise inside the track. Hosting two of the world’s loudest bands on Rosh Hashannah is simply in bad taste”, said MWIA President Mac Nachlas. “I just don’t think the Red Hot Chili Peppers are conducive to quiet introspection.” The MWIA has asked the City and the Track to provide extra police protection and extra trash pickup on the day of the concert. The committee has also sought assurances that the event will end promptly at 10pm and that the City Health Department monitor the volume levels outside the track.

DirectorsPresident: Mac Nachlas 410-542-8766 Vice President: Rebecca Bainum 410-664-7159Secretary: Maggie Kunz 410-664-9466Treasurer: Leslie Sporn-Symonds 410-542-1892

BoardTaliya Adelstein 410-367-4539Stuart Caplan 410-367-4907David Conn 410-466-8462Denise Duval 410-664-7893Jill Feinberg 410-466-9225Cindy Freeman 410-664-7774George Lewis 410-664-2760Shea Lyda 410-664-6516Linda Panlilio 410-367-3802Lu Pierson 410-664-0055Salem Reiner 410-664-2349Sally Staugitis 410-664-2212Trent Zivcovich 410-542-5147

Honorary DirectorsJan Franz 410-664-5254John Mack 410-466-3824Cliff Mitchell 410-466-0529

Area DirectorAaron Meisner 410-664-0707Area Captains1. Brent Flickinger 410-367-17772. Liz Hopkins 410-542-09273. Ira Kolman 410-664-50784. Roberta Strickler 410-367-86665. Carol Berkower 410-466-86996. Eric Seaberg 410-466-15487. Stephanie Reginold 410-542-3999

Board of Directors Mt. Washington Elementary School Community Garden Another beautiful initiative has begun at the Mt. Washington Elementary School (MWES). Tomatoes, herbs and broccoli are growing in earthboxes and in barrels thanks to donations from parents and community members. Their presence at the front entrance is inviting to students and the community alike.

The garden will eventually enrich the health and nutrition curriculum of the students. The garden will offer many opportunities for learning in reading, math, science, and social studies for the students.

As the school year begins, MWES will need volunteers from the local community and the student body to start an in-ground garden to be built adjacent to the new playground. If you would like to contribute to the Mt. Washington Elementary Community Garden, we have a wish list:

- Half cut whiskey barrels- Organic soil or Leafgro- Locking wooden storage chest - Large stones- Long hose (50 yards)- Brooms- Rakes- Bamboo rods (all sizes)- Garden gloves- Fencing

Please contact Ms. Benzing (2nd grade and computer science teacher) at 410-419-5946 or [email protected] if you are interested in donating any of the items, which will be greatly appreciated! This project was enabled by a grant from Maryland Agriculture Education Foundation.

Mt. Washington Golfing RangeGolf season continues in the fall and the University of Baltimore’s Mt. Washington Golf Driving Range is open for golf enthusiasts. In September, the Golf Range is open Monday through Friday from 1-7 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m.-7 p.m. In October, the Range will close at 6 p.m. For more information, call the Mt. Washington Golf Driving Range at 410.664.2824 or visit www.ubalt.edu/auxserv/drivingrange

Want more neighborhood news?• Go to the Mt. Washington Improvement Associa-tion website at www.mwia.org• To receive email updates from MWIA, visit www.mwia.org and click on “email sign up.” • Join the neighborhood chat by writing [email protected]• Check local opinion at www.21209.org•To see what the MWIA is up to, go to http://mwia.blogspot.com

CalendarSEPTEMBER

Sundays in September and October, 8:30 a.m. Fall Migration Walks at Cylburn ArboretumJoin members of the Baltimore Bird Club for easy birding without a designated leader(410) 367-2217 or [email protected]

Thursdays – Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, Dec. 7, 14, 21, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Cylburn Story Hour (for children ages 3-6)Children ages 3-6 are invited to hear stories about the natural world around them. Learn about insects, trees, flowers, birds and other wildlife in an informal setting just for pre-school age children. Weather permitting, a short nature walk will follow story hour. (410) 367-2217 or [email protected]

September 8 – October 15Cylburn Art Exhibit featuring the work of Brian Ben Taylor – Show Opening September 9 from noon until 4 p.m. (410) 367-2217 or [email protected]

September 9, 10:00 a.m. -- 4:00 p.m.Cylburn Greenhouse Surplus Plant SaleHelp Cylburn Greenhouse get ready for winter and support the Horticultural Division . Surplus woody plants, perennials, and houseplants will be available at fair prices. (410) 367-2217 or [email protected]

Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, 10:00 a.m. -- noonCylburn Drop-in CraftsTwo nature craft projects will be available for children and their accompanying adult at this drop-in session in the Mansion. (410) 367-2217 or [email protected]

September 9Mt. Washington Soccer Opening Day

September 10, 2:00 -- 4:00 p.m. Cylburn Chamber Music Series2nd Annual “Chamber Music at Cylburn” series(410) 367-2217 or [email protected]

September 14, 7:30 p.m. Friends of Luckman Park meeting New members needed. Fall Cleanup/Planting Day to be discussed. Refreshments will be served. 2505 Manhattan Ave. Call Shea Lyda at (410) 303-0834 for more information

September 16 -17, 10:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.Workshop -- Baltimore Clayworks: Parts And Pieces: Throwing and Assembling Sculptural Forms on the Wheel With Virginia Scotchie. Hands-on weekend workshop will focus on the use of the wheel as a tool for throwing sculptural forms.(410) 578-1919

September 17, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. 2nd Annual Music Day at Luckman Park, Woodcrest/Rockwood Aves. Local musicians sing and play kids’ and other kinds of music. For more information, call Maggie Kunz (410) 664-9466 or email at [email protected].

September 22, 7:30 p.m.Peace Pole Dedication & Prayers for Peace in the Middle EastShrine of the Sacred Heart, Smith & Greeley AvenuesFor more information, call Sister Carol, (410) 466-6884, x15

September 23, 10:00 a.m.Virgin Music Festival The Who, Red Hot Chili Peppers and top-tier alternative and dance bands, such as the Flaming Lips, Gnarls Barkley, Recantours and the Killers will perform at Pimlico Race Course. www.virginfestival.com

September 29, 30 & October 1, 2006, Friday 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.Baltimore Book Festival The mid-Atlantic’s premier celebration of the literary arts offers well-known authors, local bookstores, publishers, refreshments and entertainment, Mount Vernon Place located at the 600 block of North Charles Street.

OCTOBER

October 1, 11:00 a.m. -- 6:00 p.m.6th Annual Mt. Washington Village, Wine, Cheese, and Jazz Festival Wine tastings, food, crafts, children’s activities. Sulgrave and Newbury Avenues http://mtwashingtonvillage.com

October 2The Wesley Annual Golf Tournament. Chestnut RidgeCountry Club. For more information, call Alice or Bill Snyder at 410-825-3641.

October 7, 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.The Handel Choir of Baltimore - “Bach for Kids” at Cylburn Arboretum Join the Handel Chamber Singers, guest artists and Melinda O‘Neal for a workshop and performance for kids, sponsored in part by the City’s Free Fall Baltimore arts initiative.

October 7 - November 12 Baltimore Clayworks: World Women An international juried exhibition, juried by Janet Mansfield, Lydia Thompson and Heesung Lee featuring works by women about women. Opening Reception: Saturday, October 7, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.(410) 578-1919

October 8, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Cylburn Chamber Music Series Second part of the 2nd Annual “Chamber Music at Cylburn” series, with performances by The Cylburn Trio, featuring Kenneth Goldstein, BSO Violinist, Ilya Finkelshteyn, BSO’s Principal Cellist, and Eva Mengelkoch, World Class Pianist. There will also be a piano duet; four hands -- one piano -- performed by Gabriel Dobner and Lori Piitz.(410) 367-2217 or [email protected]

October 8, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Baltimore Clayworks: World Women Panel Discussion Mt. Washington Conference Center, JHU MW campus(410) 578-1919

October 14, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.The Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival – world class running event for the whole family – marathon, ½ marathon, team relay, 5K and kids’ run. M&T Bank Stadiumhttp://www.thebaltimoremarthon.com, (410) 605-9381

October 17, 7:30 p.m.MWIA Open Board Meeting is at the Mt. Washington Elementary School

October 21- 22, noon – 5:00 p.m.Open Studio Tour Visitors observe more than 100 of Baltimore’s visual artists in their local studios during this annual tour, bus tours available. School 33 Art Center, 1427 Light Street(410) 396-4641

October 21, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Baltimore Clayworks’ premier auction and galaThe Clay Ball will combine savory dining, glorious music, dancing and an auction that is out of this world. Honoring Senator Lisa A. Gladden for her advocacy for the arts. Scottish Rite Masonic Temple on North Charles Street.(410) 578-1919

October 28 – 29, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Baltimore Clayworks: Transformation of Culture through the Landscape: A Workshop with Lydia ThompsonIn this 2-day workshop, participants will explore and translate their sentimental family belongings into hand built objects to create narratives connected to their histories.(410) 578-1919

NOVEMBER

November 7Don’t forget to vote!

November 12, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Chai Annual Weatherization Day. Help seniors in our community prepare their homes for the winter. Meet at 5721 Park Heights AvenueCall Faye Brand at (410) 318-6600 to register to volunteer.November 16, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.Shrine of the Sacred Heart School Open House. Openings for students in K - 8 grade. (410) 542-7406

November 17, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Baltimore Clayworks: 2nd Annual Holiday Jazz and Winterfest Preview Evening (410) 578-1919

November 18 – December 24 Baltimore Clayworks: Winterfest 2006 National Invitational Holiday Exhibition of functional and decorative clay art, featuring 30 noted ceramic artists from across the nation. Opening Reception: Saturday, November 18, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.(410) 578-1919

November 26, 6:00 p.m.Annual Mt. Washington Celebration of Lights Tree LightingJoin your neighbors and friends for holiday cheer and the lighting of the tree. Hosted by the Johns Hopkins University. The Octagon, JHU Mt. Washington campus. Visit www.mwia.org for details.

DECEMBER

December 19, 7:30 p.m.MWIA Open Board MeetingVisit www.mwia.org for meeting location and agenda

Call for content for the winter newsletter

The newsletter is published by the Mt. Washington Improve-ment Association (MWIA) and is mailed to the homes of resi-dents four times a year. The newsletter informs the residents about people, activities, and services in Mt. Washington and the actions of the Board of Directors. The newsletter accepts news, information, and suggestions.

The deadline for the winter issue is November 15th (January publication). Contact Jill Feinberg, editor: 410-466-9225 or [email protected].

Excellence In Design AwardsThe “Excellence in Design” Awards were announced at MWIA’s annual meeting in June. The awards are given annually to recognize architectural and landscape enhancements to the Mt. Washington community. This was the 13th year the awards were presented.

Three judges were recruited by Mt. Washington resident, Lou Ghitland of Design Collective. The judges were Dawn Sangley, Interior Architect with Design Collective; Laurie McLain, Architect at Design Collective; and Rick Kingsbury, Landscape Architect and Land Planner with KCI.

Each year two kinds of awards are presented. The top prize is the Honor Award, recognized with a plaque. The judges also give Merit Awards to acknowledge notable entries.

This year four Merit Awards were given by the judges:

David & Amanda Conn of Crest Road were recognized for their house addition. The judges commented that the entry was a “sensitive addition that could easily be mistaken for part of the original house. (The addition) ingeniously accomodates a variety of functions in a very limited space.”

Susan Sarubin of Greenspring Avenue was acknowledged for her landscaping and home renovations. Judges comments included: “a remarkable transformation of an unremarkable house into a tree-top haven!”

Rus McLawhorn & Shea Lyda of Manhattan Avenue were given a Merit award for the renovations to their house. The judges said, “The owners had the vision to transform a forlorn HUD house into an expression of love and respect for its innate character.”

Honor Award architecture and landscaping - Duke and Claudia Cameron

Excellence In Design AwardsRobin Klein of Fairbank Road was recognized for the

landscaping around her house. The judges comments included: “a stunning transformation! Informal masses of colors reclaim a bleak expanse of sloping grass. No wonder a neighbor nominated this project.”

The 2006 Honor Award was given to Duke and Claudia Cameron of South Road for their addition to the house and their landscaping. The judges found the addition and landscaping to be “Stunning! The formal symmetry of the original center hall colonial is continued and transformed through the addition and garden. Excellent relationships between the interior and exterior living spaces. Seamless transition from the new to the old.”

Congratulations to all of the entrants.

Worst Street in Mt. WashingtonDoes your street look like it has been the target of an ongoing bombardment? Are their more patches and potholes than actual road? Are you thinking of replacing the Subaru with an Abrams tank? Then you may live on one of the “Worst Streets in Mt. Washington!”

The MWIA is embarking on an effort to get the attention of city officials regarding the failing state of some of our neighborhood streets. The city claims that while there are roughly 1,000 miles of streets in need of resurfacing, budget only exists for 70 miles of repairs. The wait is said to be seven years, but we all know that it’s the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.

In the spirit of addressing those roads that are most in need of repair, we are asking residents to nominate their favorite bad street. MWIA President Mac Nachlas will appoint a crack team of impartial judges possessed of unimpeachable credibility and moral standing (that means no bribes!) to select the “Worst Streets of Mt. Washington.” While we can’t be certain that we can get these streets fixed, we are going to try. To nominate your street, email the street and block(s) to [email protected].

Merit Award landscaping - Robin Kline

Merit Award renovations - Susan Sarubin

Merit Award renovations Shea Lyda and Rus McLawhorn

Merit Award architecture Amanda and David Conn

Summer Fun At Luckman ParkSummertime and the living at Luckman Park is easy. Read about the events of the past summer and some upcoming events below. 3rd Annual Yard Sale Fun and Profitable The Friends of Luckman Park’s third annual Community Yard Sale was well-attended by both sellers and buyers (some sellers were buyers, too, of course!). And thanks to several donations from area residents, the Friends made $300 for future park events. 3rd Annual ART in the PARK a BIG HIT The third annual Art in the Park Day was busy and fun! Kids (and adults) from all of the neighborhoods surrounding the park made windsocks, created and ate food art, blew bubbles, and decorated the park with chalk pictures. Local recording artist Dehconte again brought his drums, shakers, and microphone and let the kids drum, dance, and sing. 1st Ever Playgroup in the Park Kids and parents and nannies met on Tuesday mornings in the park to enjoy the shady surroundings and the company. The playgroup helped alleviate the common concern that the park is often empty when people come to play. In fact, some people joined the group simply because they saw us when they drove by! 2nd Annual Music in the Park Day Did you miss Art in the Park? Or have so much fun you wish there was another special event in the park? Well, you’re in luck! On Sunday, September 17th, from 2-5 p.m., is Music in the Park, with local performers playing and singing kids’ songs and other music. If you are interested in performing or would like more information, please call or email Maggie Kunz at (410) 664-9466

or [email protected]. Do you like the park and want to help plan events and/or plan for the future of the park? We would love to have people who can help a little or a lot. Not too many meetings, and lots of fun!

Please contact Maggie Kunz at [email protected] or 410-664-9466.

Let’s Save Our Beautiful Trees (Part 2) English ivy, poison ivy, and other invasive vines are destroying the beauty of, weakening, and even overwhelming and killing many of the trees in Mount Washington.

As the vines climb the tree and its upper branches, their leaves deprive the “host” tree’s leaves of the sunlight. Deprived of photosynthetic production of food, the tree can weaken, succumb to a disease, or simply starve to death. The added weight of the vines makes the infested tree more susceptible to blow-over during heavy rain, wind, and snow.

Mel Ringel is a long-time Mt. Washington resident who during the past ten years has become somewhat of a vine crusader. He estimates that he has cleaned up 20-30 trees and suggests that even the most neglected trees can be saved. Mel’s vine removal tool kit includes a hand-held ratchet pruner, a hand-held pruning saw, a two-handed lopper, a bow saw, and a 3-foot crow bar. The whole process should take about two hours.

Mel uses the tools to cut a gap at a comfortable height. You must be able to cut entirely through every vine stem. While some stems can grow to a six-inch diameter, Mel has found all vines to be soft and easy to cut. Contrary to popular perception, none of these vines are parasites and their only source of “lifeblood” is from their own roots. So every part of the vine above the cut will die. The part below the cut will stay connected to the vine’s roots, but will not cause any immediate damage. These vines can be removed at a more leisurely pace.

Mel’s vine crusade is so serious that he will personally remove vines from your trees, free of charge. Please contact Mel Ringel at 410-466-1505 or [email protected].

Mt. Washington: A Baltimore SuburbBy Mark Miller

This book is wonderfully written and represents a pictorial history of the community. The MWIA has several copies for

sale at $25. If you are interested, contact Jan Franz at 410-664-5254 or [email protected].

The Wesley, Mt. Washington’s Own Retirement CommunityMany of you enjoyed the July 4th festivities which culminated at the Wesley with watermelon, cupcakes, ice cream, and cake. Residents mingled with neighbors and it was a great way to celebrate the spirit of community. “It has become a Mt. Washington tradition,” says 5-year resident John Krumrein who performed his a capella rendition of God Bless America

The Wesley, founded in 1867, has been located on its present site of 13 acres since the 1930’s. One of Baltimore’s largest assisted living residences, the Wesley also offers a 75-bed skilled nursing center, short-term care, respite, and hospice care. To learn more call Anne Perry at 410-664-4006 or go to www.thewesleybaltimore.org.

This fall the Wesley will sponsor its annual golf tournament on Monday, October 2. at the Chestnut Ridge Country Club. The package costs $175 and includes breakfast, lunch, and prizes. Inits sixth year, the golf tournament raised $18,000 for the Wesley Benevolent Fund last year. For more information, call Alice or Bill Snyder at 410-825-3641.

Heroes Honored at MeetingThe 2006 annual meeting of the Mt. Washington Improvement Association (MWIA), held June 20 at the Mt. Washington Conference Center, featured presentation of two awards to Mt. Washington “heroes”. The first annual Mt. Washington Hero awards were presented by the MWIA to Roland Diggs and Donald Rothman, for their many years of service to the community.

Marlene Sandler presented the first award to Mr. Diggs for his more than 40 years of work in the Baltimore City Public Schools, most of them with the Mt. Washington Elementary School. Mr. Diggs, who attended the meeting with his wife Isabelle, noted that it was also the couple’s wedding anniversary, and said with a smile, “Good things always happen to me in June.” He received a long ovation from the overflow crowd of more than 100 attendees, many of whom were alumni of the school, parents, or both.

Aaron Meisner presented the second award to Donald Rothman. Mr. Rothman had been the president of the Improvement Association in the 1960’s when the Mt. Washington neighborhood was integrated, and played a significant role in ensuring that the process went well. He was also instrumental in the planning and approval of the present Mt. Washington Elementary School, PS #221. Finally, he also helped to win approval of the “up-zoning” of Mt. Washington that prevented dense development and ensured that the community retained its character.

Clifford Mitchell, the outgoing president of the Improvement Association, was asked why the Association had chosen to present these awards at this time. “Mt. Washington is a wonderful place to live because of a lot of hard work by many people, and I thought it would be nice to recognize some of those who, through their efforts over the years, had made the community what it is today,” he said.

Examiner CirculationMuch of the neighborhood is now getting free delivery of The Baltimore Examiner, a six-day-a-week newspaper that launched its Baltimore edition this spring. Their business model is based on putting a free newspaper on the steps of the households that are most desirable to advertisers. This creates a bit of a problem. While The Examiner clearly wants you, you may not want the Examiner.

To stop The Examiner, you can call the circulation number at (800) 387-6090. If this fails, the next step is to contact their circulation manager, Mike Barnum at (410) 878-6166 or [email protected]. That should work, but the next step up the line is Publisher and President Michael Phelps at (410) 962-1628 or [email protected].

The recently passed City Ordinance prohibits businesses from leaving unsolicited advertising circulars on your private property or vehicle. The language of the bill is fairly specific and seems to allow The Examiner to be delivered. A newspaper is arguably far more entitled to free speech protection than a pizza menu, so this all makes some sense. It seems that the paper is here to stay, so we all need to make a small extra effort to keep the neighborhood free of stray papers.

Mailboxes Saved! Thanks to a concerned neighbor, two Mount Washington mailboxes (one on Rockwood Avenue by Luckman Park, the other on Stuart and Glen) were saved from removal. The letter to the post office explained how the mailboxes were both a destination and a lifeline for some elderly residents in the area, as well as an opportunity for people to walk instead of using their cars to mail letters. So the next time you think one person can’t make a difference, think again!

www.mwia.orghttp://mwiaablogspot.com/

An exciting project is underway at the Mt. Washington Elementary School (MWES). There is a well-developed plan to revitalize the asphalt playground across from the school with the creation of an Outdoor Classroom. Proposed changes to the area will enrich the educational and recreational opportunities by providing students and faculty with an outdoor space for academic and cultural activities along with new play possibilities. New landscaping, tree planting, fence replacement, and other aesthetic improvements will also beautify our neighborhood.

As well as benefiting MWES, the Outdoor Classroom will serve as a gathering and play space for the neighborhood. Once completed, it will be another attractive, uniquely Mt. Washington space, nicely situated by the Arboretum and Village.

Proposed Renovations

Kids, teachers, parents, and community members dreamed up all the components that will make up the outdoor space during a series of art workshops conducted last year. The proposed renovations are as follows:

• Tuck an amphitheater into the hillside along Sulgrave. Landscape area on either side.

• Install wide, welcoming archway at current entrance.• Plant raised perennial beds just inside the entryway.• Remove chain link fence and install new green vinyl

link fence. Decorate with large sculpted flowers.• Add a large climbing structure with soft rubber surface

below.• Maintain, but renovate, enough asphalt for kickball and

other games.• Create tree pits along part of perimeter. • Paint labyrinth, hopscotch, and assorted games on

asphalt. • Display children’s artwork.

• Re-landscape corner of Kelly & Lochlea at road level. Hang Mt. Washington School sign on the rock wall.

• Install drinking fountain.

All of the above renovations are preliminary and subject to our ability to raise the needed funds. A rough cost estimate for the project is $225,000 so it’s an ambitious undertaking. However, fund raising is well underway. School families, community supporters, politicians, and the MWES PTO launched the fund drive by giving generously. The PTO itself has given $5,000 in support of this community project. The MWIA became a “Cornerstone” donor and made a $5,000 donation to the project.

Please consider a 100% tax-deductible donation that will strengthen our public school and enhance the fabulous neighborhood that is Mt. Washington. A letter asking for your support will be coming to your mailbox soon.

To see the plans for the outdoor classroom, please go to www.mtwashingtonelementary.com. If you have questions or comments, please contact Becky Redett, 410-542-3999 or [email protected].

Outdoor Classroom Project for MWES

“A Day in the Life” Photographs on Display at MWES“A Day in the Life Of” is a photography exhibit at the Mt. Washington Elementary School (MWES). Since 2001 artist Jennifer Becker, photographer Kristine Buls, and teacher Cindy Freeman have collaborated with art teacher Marlene Sandler and students to explore themes such as self/collections, family and community, dreams, and my favorite place. Special thank you to the PTO for funding this project. Despite inexpensive point and shoot cameras and a very modest budget, the young photographers have created thought provoking work.

Bonnie View UpdateOn June 13th, the City Zoning Board approved construction of 52 homes on the city portion of the former Bonnie View Golf Course, now known as the “Parke at Mount Washington.” MWIA and other community organizations were able to negotiate a 25 foot buffer, up from the proposed 10 feet, along the western edge of the property (Edenvale Road). The “Parke” community will be fenced and access will be provided only from Smith Avenue.

The density of homes in the city portion of the development is higher than in the county, but still within zoning limits. Although located in our corner of the city, these homes will belong to their own homeowners’ association and will not actually be part of Mt. Washington.

www.mwia.org

July 1, 2006 marked the first day of the Mt. Washington Improvement Association’s (MWIA) 2006-07 fiscal year. That means if you haven’t paid dues recently, it’s time to get out the checkbook and send $25 to the MWIA at PO Box 10404, Baltimore MD 21209.

Membership Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I pay dues in September, does my membership expire in the following September?A: Your membership dues cover the fiscal year. Dues paid in September 2006 will be applied to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007.

Q: I am still getting the newsletter. Does that mean I am a paid member?A: The Newsletter goes to all 1600 Mt. Washington households whether or not they are dues paying members.

Q: How do I know if I am current with my dues?A: If you have any questions about your membership, please email Area Director Aaron Meisner at [email protected].

Q: What do I get for my membership dues?A: For your nominal dues fee of $25, you get advocacy on the neighborhood’s behalf, communications, and special events like the picnic and July 4th parade.

Your home is an important investment, and the quality of life in your neighborhood is one of the key factors in the success of that investment. We are very fortunate to have a group of passionate and dedicated volunteers who spent countless hours working on the issues that impact all of us. To help support the important volunteer work of MWIA, we do need your help.

The Mt. Washington Improvement Association dues are only $25. Please join today.

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Mail dues to:Mt. Washington Improvement AssociationP.O. Box 10404Baltimore, MD 21209

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Mount Washington Improvement Association P.O. Box 10404Baltimore, MD 21209Dated Material- Please Deliver Promptly

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BALTIMORE MDPERMIT NO. 5621

Recycling Calendar:All recyclables will be picked up on the second and fourth Mondays and Tuesdays of each month, regardless of your regular trash collection days.

• Blue bag recyclables (glass, plastic, and cans) will be collected on the second and fourth Mondays of the month.

• Paper will be picked up on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.

• Holidays: There will be no pick-up until the next scheduled recycling day.

Monday, September 11 plastic/metal/glassTuesday, September 12 paperMonday, September 25 plastic/metal/glassTuesday, September 26 paperMonday, October 9 plastic/metal/glassTuesday, October 10 paperMonday, October 23 plastic/metal/glassTuesday, October 24 paperMonday November 13 plastic/metal/glassTuesday, November 14 paperMonday, November 27 plastic/metal/glassTuesday, November 28 paperMonday, December 11 plastic/metal/glassTuesday, December 12 paperMonday, December 25 Holiday Tuesday, December 26 paper

Mixed Paper: Place paper in paper bags, cardboard boxes, or tie bundles with string. Can include newspaper, magazines, phone books, ad mail, and cardboard.

Plastic/Metal/Glass: Rinse bottles and cans and discard caps. Place in blue plastic bags. Can include: glass jars and bottles (all colors), aluminum cans, tin cans, steel cans, plastic small mouth containers with #1 or #2, and empty aerosol cans. Styrofoam is not recyclable.

Bulk Pick Up: Call 311 or email DPW (www.baltimorecity.gov, click on 311 services) three working days before scheduled pick up date. You may leave three items at your regular trash pick-up site. Bulk items include appliances, furniture, and up to four tires with rims removed. Do not leave building materials such as sheet rock, siding, wood pieces, or roofing.

Call 410-396-4515 for questions about solid waste. Call 410-396-4707 for concerns about illegal dumping.

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