Spring Ridge Online - Newsletter



Past Issues June 2006 May 2006 April 2006 March 2006 February 2006 January 2006 December 2005 November 2005 October 2005 September 2005 August 2005 July 2005 June 2005 May 2005 April 2005 February 2005 January 2005 December 2004 November 2004 October 2004 September 2004		Spring Ridge Review Newsletter July 2006 Board of Director’s Corner NO MEETING IN JULY The Board has approved two easements for sanitary sewer connections. The first is for the connection to the Beshers property, using the common area on Spring Forest Road. The second is below the proposed firehouse, connecting approximately 42 homes that will be built on the south side of MD Route 144. The Board appreciates the hard work done by the Pool Committee, as the pool opened on time to record crowds this past Memorial Day Weekend. The Board has instructed Century Pool to limit the number of paying guests should the pools approach their stated capacity. The Board is aware of some problems with the food concession stand. We are working with Hospitality Group to keep regular hours and to stay stocked with food. Thanks to the Recreation Committee. The first concert event of the season was a success, please check the calendar for future concerts at the pool area. The Board reminds residents that their homeowners dues must be fully paid to use the pool. Summer is here - time for us to enjoy the outdoors. BUT, if residents suspect an inappropriate party is taking place, they are encouraged to call the Frederick County Sheriff’s Tip Line at 301-644-4131 . Finally, the Board reports that a fourteen day suspension will be given to a juvenile who was guilty of a major infraction at the pool. Message From Board President Dear Residents, Sometime in the past few months, a known registered sex offender was seen in the playground near the soccer field. This caused some concern, obviously, and the story spread; it should be noted that he has not been seen recently. The point of mentioning this is to make sure that we are all aware of our surroundings, of the presence of strangers especially in playgrounds, and that we take the time to notify police of any unusual persons or behavior. Spring Ridge is full of children of all ages; we obviously want to ensure that Spring Ridge continues to be a safe place to play and grow, and with simple vigilance and common sense - without panic or undue fear, it must be enphasized - this can continue to be the case. My neighbors and I recall our own childhoods, when we left the house after breakfast, returning only for meals or when the streetlights came on, and we had a BALL. We played in the woods, all over the neighborhood, at everyone's houses, and even in caves, creeks, cliffs, and occasionally, even in the sewers. There were no cell phones, and we were allowed to be kids without parents interfering or micromanaging our social lives. We were not inundated with endless scary warnings, nor did we live under a shadow of fear of everything. I am sure there were sex offenders then, too; we were simply but in no uncertain terms told never to talk to strangers, to travel in pairs or groups, and to be home on time. Somehow, we survived. And what glorious memories! In this day and age of endless info, emails galore, cell phones and paranoia, we need to strike an important balance encompassing both safety and letting kids be kids. Since there has been a known sex offender in the area several months ago, you should tell your children about this, and reinforce the old don't-talk-to-strangers and travel-in-groups rules. First and foremost, warn your kids - and secondly, please REPORT anything or anyone that even looks odd. These are the best things we can do to protect our kids. To view sex offenders in the area, visit http://www.familywatchdog.us. Thanks! Susan Gargon-Centineo - President Happy Independence Day! PMP, Inc. and the Visitor Center will be closed on Tuesday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. PMP, Inc. and the Spring Ridge Conservancy Board of Director’s wish you a safe and fun holiday! Pool Holiday Hours! Please note that the pool area will close at 6pm on Tuesday, July 4th for Independence Day. Prank 911 Call Made The Board of Directors would like to make residents aware that a prank call was made from the pool pay phone to 911. The call was made by a juvenile and resulted in the fire/rescue and police arriving to the pool area. The Board and the Pool Committee would like to remind all residents that a prank call to 911 is a serious offence. The Board, the Pool Committee, and law enforcement agencies do not take this type of incident lightly and it will not be tolerated. Please remember that law enforcement agencies have a serious job to do. If they are called to the scene by a prank call, they won’t be available for a legitimate emergency. Also, Parents-please go over this information with your children. Thank you. Street Lights Management would like to remind residents to please report any street lights that are out, damaged, and always on/out. Simply obtain the light pole number (located near the top of the light) and call Management in the Visitor Center 301-620-0782. Management will then contact Allegheny Power to have the street light repaired. Thank you. Management Contact Information Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 11am-5pm 301-620-0782 Richard Gemmell, richard.ag@pmpbiz.com Victor Rocha, victor.mr@pmpbiz.com Nadena Mowry, nadena.mg@pmpbiz.com Calendar of Events July 4 ~ INDEPENDENCE DAY - Visitor Center Closed 9:30am - 4th Of July Bike Parade at Spring Ridge Elementary July 7 ~ 4pm - ACC Application Submission Deadline July 8 ~ Swim Meet - Pools Open After Meet Ends July 9 ~ RAIN DATE FOR SWIM MEET (See Above) July 10 ~ 7pm - Recreation Committee Meeting at VC July 11 ~ 7pm - Pool Committee Meeting at VC July 12 ~ 7pm - ACC Meeting at VC July 14 ~ 6:30pm to 8:30pm - Pool Float Night July 22 ~ Swim Meet - Pools Open After Meet Ends July 23 ~ RAIN DATE FOR SWIM MEET (See Above) July 27 ~ 7pm - Hampton Court BOD Meeting at VC July 29 ~ 6pm to 8pm - Concert Series at Pool Classifieds For Rent: Ocean City Condo. Bayside, Can walk to the beach, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom, Full kitchen, Sleeps 5-6, Pool privileges, Quiet neighborhood, and Off-street parking. Only a few good weeks left in August. Rent to families or persons over 25 years old only. Note: The phone number for the above ad in June’s newsletter was incorrect. Our apologies for the inconvenience. The correct phone number to contact is 301-639-6143. For Rent: Dewey Beach Condo. Cozy 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo still available for a few summer weekly rentals. Pool front, 1 block to beach, ½ block to bay, Full kitchen, Sleeps 6 comfortably, Walking distance to everything Dewey has to offer! Sorry, no smoking or pets. Contact Lisa at lrw1234@hotmail.com or 301-620-7769. Recreation Committee News The 4th of July Bike Parade will begin on July 4th at 9:30am at Spring Ridge Elementary School (see below for further details). Come join us for the next summer concert on Saturday, July 26th from 6pm-8pm at the pool. Please check signs for further details. Thanks to “Cops and Robbers” for an outstanding performance at the pool on Saturday, June 17th. Mark your calendar for the annual July 4th Bike Parade. Decorate your bike, scooter, strollers, and wagons and meet up at Spring Ridge Elementary School. Judging begins promptly at 9:30am and the parade begins at 10am. There will be a table set up for check-in to determine the number of prizes needed for each category beginning at 9am. The parade will proceed down Ridgefield Drive to Spring Ridge Parkway and meet at the soccer field. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided for the children at the soccer field. If you would like to volunteer for this event, or if you have questions, please call or email Dawn Strayton at 301-631-5631 or dstrayton@aol.com. Reminder to all Spring Ridge T-Ball participants: If you were not able to attend the last T-Ball practice/party, please pick up your pictures, ribbon, and pin at the Visitor Center. Call or email Melinda Yuhas at 301-228-3831 or melinyuhas@aol.com. Thank you to Chris Smith for once again organizing Spring Ridge Night at the Frederick Keys baseball game. Everyone who attended enjoyed a beautiful night and great fireworks. Due to lack of interest, the Monday morning playgroup at the park will be canceled. If you are looking to place your child in a neighborhood playgroup, you can contact Melinda Yuhas at 301-228-3831 or melinyuhas@aol.com. 7th Annual Parkinson Disease 5K Walk *Help Bill Ruff and the Central Maryland Parkinson Disease Outreach Chapter Find a Cure!* Bill Ruff was diagnosed with Parkinson Disease two months after moving to Spring Ridge in 1998. He decided he wanted to do something to help find a cure, so he started the 5K Parkinson Walk. The first year, the Spring Ridge Recreation Council co-sponsored the Walk along with the Friends of Frederick Parkinson Support Group. The following year, Bill started the Central Maryland Parkinson Outreach, a fundraising chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association, and it’s now in it’s seventh year! Let’s help Bill Ruff and others diagnosed with Parkinson Disease. Mark your calendars and plan to come to a family fun event! To register online: www.parkinson.kintera.org OR for more information, call Bill or Thea Ruff at 301-682-9009. *See the home page of the Spring Ridge website (www.springridgeonline.com) for information and registration for the Spring Ridge Adult Pool Party and the Labor Day 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk.* Pool Committee News The Pool Committee had to make a decision regarding the June 24th Community Pool Party based upon the weather forecast for our area. It’s always an awkward situation, but the party had to be cancelled due to the forecast of heavy rains, lightning, and thunder. The news of this cancellation was posted on the sidewalk bulletin board at the pool, and on the Spring Ridge marquee. These were the only two means of informing the residents when the decision was made with little time to notify the community. When another date for the party is firmed up, it will also be announced on the bulletin board, the marquee, and you can check our website at: www.springridgeonline.com/committees/pool.shtml. Inquiries can also be sent to the Pool Committee at springridgepool@adelphia.net. *Volunteers are needed to help with the party.* Mini-Minutes of the June 13th Pool Committee Meeting: Community discussion time - where residents are invited to discuss any pool related issue. Two residents spoke. Manager’s Report: Main topic was the change in the piano pool’s filter. Topics included...piano pool filter change, expenses & income, and securing “Open and Close Hours” of the popular concession stand. New Concession Stand: Very popular with residents. Will address the hours of operation with the Board and PMP. Swim lesson update. Residents should check the bulletin board for updates, pool news, and lifeguard pictures. We are glad to see that the residents are pleased with the new Emergency Contact Form. If residents have any questions or concerns while at the pool, they should see the Manager on duty: Justin, Katie, Becca, or Kathy. Residents should check the bulletin board for scheduled volleyball in the lap pool. WATER AEROBICS IS AVAILABLE, you must sign up. See the registration form ONLINE, at the Visitor Center, or with the lifeguards. Century Pool is providing the water aerobics this season. July’s Pool Calendar of events is attached in this newsletter. The lifeguards are extremely busy. They generally don’t hear offensive language from the tiny portion of ruffian teens that may be inclined to use vulgar speech. If the lifeguards do witness this behavior, they take the proper disciplinary steps. If you should witness this improper behavior and are justifiably offended by it, by all means seek out the Pool Manager on duty, and make them aware. The lifeguards’ first priority is the safety of the pools and the patrons. The committee has discussed this with Century Pool along with PMP and together we hope to get a handle on this. Sharkey’s Tip - Reminder that glass is not permitted in the pool complex. Towels/items that are left behind are being donated each weekend. Please Please Please clean up your own trash, and do not leave it behind. Neighborhood Watch News July 2006 Hello Spring Ridge, Here we are entering July already and I haven't even caught up with June yet. Well, with summer comes activity of all kinds to include mischief and crime, so here are some of the happenings involving our community. The first issue at hand I wanted to touch base on was Found Property. Earlier in June, a neighbor located a cell phone at one of the neighborhood parks. The neighbor went through some of the recently called numbers, photos and listened to the voicemail in the phone in order to potentially track down the owner. The neighbor eventually tracked down a name in the voicemail and located the name in the phone book. The neighbor was able to contact the owner and the owner met the neighbor to get his phone back. Sounds like a happy ending right? Well sort of. Lets add a couple extra bits of information. First, it is understandable, honest and noble for a neighbor to want to do the right thing and return property to a rightful owner. However, no one should ever go as far going into the property, such as listening to voicemail or searching address books. Found property is still considered "personal" and carry with it a right to privacy. Second, the owner of the cell phone was discovered to be listed on the MD State Sex Offender Registry convicted of Sexual Child Abuse. A couple things have come to light for me when I heard of this story. Whenever you find personal property, to prevent coming face to face with someone who could be potentially dangerous, call the Frederick County Sheriff's Office at 301-694-2071. A Deputy will come and retrieve the property. They have the authority and means to find the rightful owner of lost and found property. This situation could have had a bad ending. This story also is a friendly reminder that we do have both convicted and unidentified predators around everywhere. BE MINDFUL OF YOUR CHILDS/CHILDRENS WHEREABOUTS! An excellent resource for identifying persons convicted of sexual related crimes is http://www.familywatchdog.us. That brings me to another area of the subject. I'm not sure how many of you have been keeping up with the "To Catch a Predator" series on NBC but it has been a real eye opener for me. The show exposes the Internet's ability to allow a sexual predator to introduce him or herself to your underage child. So, I wanted to pass this website along to you. http://www.wiredsafety.org. The site can guide you to making sure you are aware of what your kids are doing online and provide assistance in educating your kids in proper behavior when your not around. We also had a neighbor report that their vehicle was damaged with some distasteful graffiti in June. Once again, summer brings mischief; so if you see any unusual behavior, especially in the middle of the night, give the Sheriff's Office a quick call. They will dispatch a Deputy to patrol and check out the area. Hopefully we can prevent that type of destruction from happening again. Once again, the number is 301-694-2071. Reminders, that is the non-emergency number, as always if you have an emergency, DIAL 911. As many of you are parents or caretakers of children, it is imperative that we take the necessary precautions to safeguard the kids. The Sheriff's Department is available to provide Kid Safety/Stranger Danger training to those of you who feel it may be beneficial. Also, know who is watching your kids. I know that can be difficult since most criminals don't go around advertising their criminal intent, however, if you get an uneasy feeling about any one or situation, and it concerns your children, take a closer look. Anyone interested in finding out more about the Kid Safety/Stranger Danger training can call the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office at 301-694-2071. Until next month Spring Ridge, everyone take care and enjoy the weather! As always, if you have any information, crimes to pass on or questions to address with the community, please drop me a line or a quick call. There is an email notification list that I use to address happenings in the community during the month. If you would like to be included in these email notifications, drop me a quick line to the email address below and I will add you to the list. Information is an excellent tool! Clay Townshend Spring Ridge Neighborhood Watch Chairperson scout1412@yahoo.com 301-620-2880
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