The Tollgate Action Group has had new life breathed into it, just when it looked like the organization was going to disband. Residents Sue and Morris Lohmeyer have stepped up as president and vice-president, and they welcome Kevin McCarthy as secretary and Russell Stewart as treasurer.
At a Nov. 30 meeting, Councilman Ken Oliver of District 4 spoke to the crowd about the Solo Cup property, which will be home to a new Wegmans, in Owings Mills. The mall, which is slated for renovations, will keep anchor stores JC Penney and Macy's while making way for other free-standing stores.
Tony Baysmore, from the county executive's office, was present and commended the residents for being involved in their community association. Baysmore was instrumental in helping Tollgate obtain a new sign for the front entrance. Also in attendance was Officer Dan Kruger from Precinct 3, who reviewed the crime stats for the area, listened to residents' concerns and offered suggestions to remedy problems.
Three major concerns for the neighborhood are the high school students who choose to walk home in the street, rather than using the sidewalks, vehicles speeding through the stop signs and the vacant property that fronts Reisterstown Road.
Formerly Frank's Nursery and Crafts and a High's Store, these buildings have been vacant for years. They are owned by the Rite-Aid Corp., but money has been an issue, so revitalization has been put on hold indefinitely.
The next meeting of the committee will be Feb. 29, 2012 (yes, it's a leap year). Meetings are planned for the last Wednesday of the month, every other month. The group meets at VFW Post 521 (214 Tollgate Road) at 7 p.m.
In these tough economic times, it's all the more difficult for volunteer organizations to operate. The Owings Mills Volunteer Fire Company is having its annual fund drive and hopes to raise much-needed money to continue providing emergency services.
This company is the busiest volunteer station in Baltimore County, responding to almost 5,000 emergency response calls in 2010. The officers and members encourage residents to make a tax-deductible donation, support the Christmas tree sale or donate during the door-to-door fund raising campaign in February.
These dedicated volunteers are giving of their time and talents to keep our community safe, and we thank them! For more information, please call 410-363-1933 or go online at http://www.omfire.org
Our area veteran posts are helping others during this holiday season by giving back. American Legion Post 122 is collecting non-perishable food items for needy families, as well as Christmas gifts for their children.
Boxes are located in the lounge area of the Post at 4424 Painters Mill Road for all donations. The VFW Post 521 will host the annual Children's Christmas Party on Saturday, Dec.17, from noon until 2 p.m. Children 12 and younger are invited free of charge, and will enjoy food, activities and a visit from Santa. The post is located at 214 Tollgate Road, and questions can be answered by calling 410-356-6578.
Local ladies are knitting for a good cause, making prayer shawls for the "Friends of the Fallen" project. This serves families who have lost loved ones in Iraq and Afghanistan. These prayer shawls honor the ultimate sacrifice made and hopefully give comfort to their families.
The following ladies are to be applauded for their part in making this project a reality: Charlotte Levin, Helena Thom, Betty Meldron, Vardhani Mallampalli, Rae Levi, Doris Ahmed and Mary Merriken. All of these ladies are part of the knitting and crocheting class that meets at the Reisterstown Senior Center.
Owings Mills High School's PTSA invites parents to join and participate in the PTSA meetings. It is not too late to get involved and lend a helping hand. There are always committees to serve on and fun events to help plan.
An added bonus is that parents are kept informed about the happenings in the school because we all know that teenagers don't always share that news. For further information on joining the PTSA, contact President Francine Selzer at http://www.omhsptsa.org
Congratulations are sent to Dana and Margaret Stein on the birth of their son, James Jonathan Presley Stein. Baby James was born on Oct. 28, weighing 8 pounds. 12 ounces. The handsome little guy joins big sisters Elayna and Julianna. Welcome to the world, James Jonathan!
Thirty years of wedded bliss is almost unheard of these days, but Jeff and Vivian Freeman have beaten the odds, celebrating their 30th anniversary on Nov. 28. Jeff surprised his wife with tickets to the Bob Seger concert in Baltimore, and then whisked her away to the Lighthouse at Fager's Island in Ocean City for the weekend. How romantic is that? Congratulations to the happy couple and may you celebrate many more years together.
Well, it's hard to believe that yet another year has flown by! I wish everyone a most blessed holiday season, the love of family and friends, and a happy and healthy new year.