ARUNDEL Gardens resident Tim Cassidy seems to be a man who knows how to get things done.
Concerned about zoning issues in the community, Cassidy organized neighbors to meet with county and business officials. Together they were able to come to an agreement.
When county officials suggested that having a community association would help the area deal with future problems, Cassidy took the lead in forming the Arundel Gardens East Association.
Now residents who live south of Hammonds Lane, east of Ritchie Highway, west of 895 and north of Holy Cross Road have an association to call their own.
"I spoke to the presidents of the other community associations in the area. We wrote bylaws that would suit the neighborhood. Then I went door to door with fliers. We had our first meeting in October and had 103 people join. Now we have 163 members. It's taken off like wildfire," Cassidy said.
Cassidy serves as the association's president. Other officers are Chris Goth, vice president; Shana Calabreese, treasurer; Anne Goth, recording secretary; and Pat Koch, membership secretary. Bill Stafford, Joe Shriner and Terry Stevens are members of the board of directors.
"Our primary concerns are traffic-related - drivers speeding and tractor-trailers driving through the neighborhood," said Cassidy. "We will meet with the [Anne Arundel County] Department of Traffic and Engineering to look at the issues and do a survey, all of the normal things that you have to do before you can take action."
For some, all those "normal things" may be considered boring and bothersome. Realizing this, Cassidy plans for the association to become more than a forum for community complaints.
"We want to promote social activities as well and help people to get to know their neighbors," he said. "Our mission is to protect the good of the community as well as promote community involvement."
At last month's meeting "we had a group of musicians play for the first 40 minutes just to lighten the atmosphere and have a little social time," he said.
The association has arranged for Santa and his elves to ride through the community and distribute holiday treats to children Dec. 22. The association is also sponsoring a contest for children age 16 and younger to design its logo. The winner will receive a $50 U.S. Savings Bond. And the association's officers will check out residents' holiday light displays today through Wednesday and choose a winner in its holiday lighting contest.
Homeowners and tenants age 18 and older may join the association. Business owners, landlords and residents of adjacent communities are eligible to join as associate members. Dues are $5 per year.
Residents and interested neighbors are invited to attend the association's next meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Brooklyn Park Middle School cafeteria. Given the association's dual mission of community improvement and social enjoyment, it's sure to be an enjoyable evening. Information: 410-789-1354.
'Polar Express' reading
The Brooklyn Park Library will welcome in the Polar Express at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday. Children and their caregivers are invited to listen to a reading of Chris Van Allsburg's book, The Polar Express, and make a holiday craft. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served.
The Brooklyn Park Library is at 1 E. 11th Ave. Information: 410-222-6260.
Christmas musical
The Church on the Rock, 900 Church St., will present its Christmas musical at 7 p.m. today. The church's 25-voice choir and soloists will perform. There will also be a children's performance and dance performances.
All faiths are welcome to attend, and the event is free. Information: 410-355-5922.