CSX, local officials to talk about bridge's capacity
Representatives from CSX Railroad have agreed to meet with Hampstead and Carroll County officials about the weight-carrying capacity of a rail bridge on Houcksville Road.
"It has taken months to even make contact with the railroad," county planning director Edmund R. "Ned" Cueman told the county commissioners yesterday. The meeting will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Hampstead town hall.
The wooden bridge, owned by CSX, had no posted capacity until a few months ago, Mr. Cueman said. Posted capacity has since wavered from five tons to 15 tons, he said. County officials have attempted to meet with CSX since August.
"The fire companies are very concerned," Mr. Cueman said, noting that some fire equipment weighs about 20 tons. Fire fighters have had to use alternate routes to get to houses on Houcksville Road, he said.
"This bridge isn't going to last forever," Mr. Cueman said. However, if CSX will let the county have the bridge, a federal program could be used to rebuilt it, he said. The program pays 80 percent of the cost, Mr. Cueman said.
London Fog sale proceeds to help buy ambulance
London Fog Industries and Save-a-Heart Foundation are teaming up to help the Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Department pay for a specially equipped ambulance.
London Fog is having its annual warehouse sale today, tomorrow and Sunday, offering 30 percent to 70 percent off the retail price of rain wear, outer wear, leather, sportswear and children's clothing.
Part of the proceeds from the sale will go to Save-a-Heart, which will turn over money to the fire department. Save-a-Heart, based in Pikesville, buys coronary equipment for hospitals and helps volunteer fire companies to buy ambulances equipped for coronary care.
London Fog's sale hours are from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. today, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Route 32, Eldersburg warehouse.
& Information: 549-8585.
Tax preparation class to begin next month
Residents who want to learn how to prepare their income tax returns or obtain employment as a tax return preparer can learn the skills at Carroll Community College's tax preparation class in January.
The winter session course will be offered Jan. 3 to Jan. 27. Students will learn how to prepare forms 1040-A and 1040, including itemized deductions, interest and dividend income, rental income and deductions, capital gains and losses and other forms.
Manual and computer-aided preparation will be taught by an attorney/certified public accountant.
Walk-in registration is being accepted for winter session from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays until Dec. 22 and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Dec. 16 at 1601 Washington Road, Westminster. Information: 876-9639.
New York bus trip planned for April 11-13
The Carroll County Department of Recreation and Parks and the Seniors in Action Recreation Council are sponsoring a three-day trip to New York City April 11-13.
The trip will feature the Easter Show at Radio City Music Hall. The cost is $412 for Seniors in Action members and $432.95 for nonmembers.
The cost includes two nights' accommodations at the Novatel Hotel, two breakfasts, dinner at the Top of the Sixes, a box lunch from Zabar's for the return trip, a guided tour of New York, a boat ride to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and visit to the World Trade Center.
Motorcoach transportation, baggage handling, hotel taxes and gratuities are included in the cost.
Anyone interested in going on this trip is welcome. For reservations, call Barbara Gundina at 857-2103.
CCC offers faculty, staff to speak to local groups
Groups, organizations and businesses looking for speakers for their meetings may contact the Carroll Community College Speakers Bureau, a free public service.
Faculty and professional staff members are available to speak on topics including health, business, taxes, landscape design, child lore and career fields. Slide presentations on sites all over the world are available.
A 10-minute video about the college and its programs can be given to interested groups.
Requests for speakers should be made at least three weeks in advance.
For a list of topics or to schedule a speaker, call the Institutional Advancement Office on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays at 876-9639.