bcrofton meadows homeowners’ associationme fall...

When the County told the PTA of Crofton Meadows Ele-mentary over a year ago that the existing equipment was condemned, they also informed the school that they would have to raise the money for any new equipment. When the Crofton Meadows Home Owner’s Association (CMHOA) heard this, we started looking for ways to raise money along with the PTA. The first figure I heard was $70,000. As President, I called the school Principal; she said that was the policy of the County, but the actual amount was around $58,000. Still not a small goal… While the PTA was ardently focusing on raising monies, the CMHOA tried to assist by focusing on getting the County to pay for replacing the equipment. We held that their lack of maintenance let it get in to such a state of disrepair that it had to be condemned. By June, the PTA had raised approximately $15,500. The CMHOA had asked Torrey Jacobson, President of the Greater Crofton Council, to help us get the rest of the fund-ing. He immediately rose to the occasion. Torrey got two local builders to donate $25,000. He got a playground equipment company that is recognized by the County to

make a presentation of equipment. Torrey also made ar-rangements for the old equipment to be removed at no cost. This information was all brought to the attention of the Crof-ton Meadows PTA at a meeting in June. The Principal, Ms. Bennett was present, along with Torrey Jacobson and my-self. Everything was presented, and it was expected the new equipment could be in by October of this year. Then County and School politics got involved. Fortunately, the money was finally accepted in September and everything will be finalized by the School Board the end of this month. Crofton Meadows owes Torrey Jacobson a great big THANK YOU! Without his help and efforts, we would still be trying to raise the necessary money for a long time to come. There also has to be great THANK YOU to the PTA. With their efforts and Torrey’s, our children will not only have a new, safe playground, but the school now also has an excess in the playground fund. Percy Sussex President

President’s Corner: CROFTON MEADOWS ELEMENTARY

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FULLY FUNDED!

FALL 2005

The Messenger BCROFTON MEADOWS HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATIONME

Come enjoy this Crofton Meadows holiday tradition!

December 17th 2 p.m.—5 p.m. Crofton Meadows Elementary

Santa Claus! Cookies & hot cocoa!

THE MESSENGER PAGE 2

Hatha Yoga All Levels

Yoga for kids of all ages Specialty Workshops

Yoga Teacher Training

Jacci Reynolds www.croftonyoga.com

410-451-4464

Crofton Yoga is an independently owned Kripalu Affiliated Yoga Studio

CMHOA Board Members

President Percy Sussex Vice President / Treasurer Chris Wieland Secretary George Barret Other Members Susan Sircovics Mary Sue Tomey Mike Drabick Jeffrey Wagner Steven Stovall Janene Kantorski Recording Secretary Barbara Stevenson ProCom Representative David Jernigan www.croftonmeadows.com

Community Notes

Let’s Play Soccer!!! Arundel Soccer Association has partnered with CMHOA for use of the soccer field that went in where the tennis courts were removed.

ASA was looking at opportunities to work with communities and will utilize the field for practice Monday through Friday evenings in the Fall from about 5 PM until dark.

In addition to youth programs, ASA offers coaching clinics for parents interested in coaching, and is a member of the “Positive Coaching Alliance”. For more information on ASA, visit www.ArundelSoccer.com.

Safety Site!!! Go this site and enter your address...it will show a "house", that's yours... all the lit-tle colored boxes are Sex Offenders where they live in proximity to your home and the local schools. Knowledge is key for safety! www.familywatchdog.us.

Economic Tips – www.econ4u.org

Sponsored by FirstJobs Institute, Econ4U teaches young people, in a non-academic environment, important economic concepts that are easy to understand. Learn about credit card debt, tax rates, profit margins, savings, and more. Information is provided in a quiz-style format. Detailed explanations of the answers to questions presented are posted on this site.


Ecologically Speaking

MUMS the word "Chrysanthemums" that is !!! These along with pumpkins, Indian corn, cornstalks, and the turning leaves make this a very colorful time of the year. A special thanks to all of our homeowners/tenants who take the time to plant and decorate with them. You, like your Home Owner’s Association have limited time and money for these enhancements, but it really makes a big difference in our community’s appearance! This past growing season has been very hard on all of us (due to lack of rain) but we did manage to keep some of our new plantings. If you get a chance, stop by to see the new Grasses at the front of the lake, the new field where the old tennis courts were and some of the other erosion control plants we had planted. One of our ongoing problems is the Algae in the lake. Every year since the dredging (5 years ago) we have tried various methods and products to control or elimi-nate its growth. It clog's up our fountain's and gets at-tached to the lines of those fishing. We have now been advised to plant some various aquatic type plants around the edge of the lake to feed on those nutrients coming from the surrounding areas which should help slow their growth. This is where we could use some help, either as a project for a group, (like the Scouts) or some individual willing to Chair this task. If you or someone you know has expertise in this field or you could help in any way, please contact our representative, David Jernigan, at Pro-Com he will forward that information to us. P.S.— you will also find more park benches to enjoy around the lake on your next visit. For those of you who have not been to the lake area, check it out—it’s beauti-ful every season ENJOY THE PARK !!

George Barrett Secretary / Chairman– Ecological Committee

As we get ready to move indoors for the winter, some of us are thinking of plans for renovation projects for the upcom-ing year. Here are a few suggestions for getting it done right the first time. First, start with a maximum amount you are willing to spend on the project and use 70-80% for planning purposes. Save the rest for last-minute needs. Remodeling is not an exact science, and the unexpected usually occurs. Find out if you need permits from the county, or if you are even allowed to do what you are planning, due to zoning issues and Home Owners Association By-laws. In Crofton Meadows, you are required to fill out an Architectural Change Request form and submit it for approval. Crofton Meadows By-Laws are available on the web, along with the architectural forms at www.croftonmeadows.com. The county also has codes and regulations that need to be fol-lowed. For example, a shed that is bigger than 64 sq. ft. re-quires a permit to build on your property. The internet links below are helpful in determining if you need permits or any other special documents. Hire a reputable contractor, and do not fall for pressure sales – “If you buy today I can knock off 20%”. Take your time and do some research. Ask people in the community who they used and if they would recommend them. Get different quotes, and compare them. Good luck on your project. General Permit Information Permit Application Center Heritage Complex 2664 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401 Phone (410) 222-7700 Hours 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Friday except Holidays, or Mail to PO Box 2700, Mail Stop 6003, Annapolis, MD 21404 http://www.aacounty.org/IP/PAC/GeneralInfo.cfm Is a Building Permit Required? (scroll to the bottom for your area of concern) http://www.aacounty.org/IP/PAC/PermitRequired/Index.cfm Inspections & Permits Home Page http://www.aacounty.org/IP/index.cfm Residential Zoning Setbacks http://www.aacounty.org/IP/PAC/Setbacks.cfm Mike Drabick Chairman—Architectural Committee

Architectural Review

Residential Decluttering and Organization Trish Walsh Owner / Organizer phone (410) 451-3550 cell (301) 452-4734

[email protected]

Conquer Clutter


The budget cycle for Crofton Meadows is about to occur, everyone should be receiving bills for next year sometime in the early part of Decem-ber. Now, I would suspect people are asking, “why worry me now about a bill that is two months off?” The an-swer is simple really, the timeliness of how we all pay our HOA fee impacts the projects that can be accomplished throughout the area we live in. We all work and play and live our lives in this community. Some for a short period of time and some for longer. We all want the community to be a safe and fun place to live, with areas that we can take our kids, pets and friends to hang out. The projects we have scheduled for this year were in jeopardy because a fairly substan-tial number of community members did not pay their dues. I can’t stress enough, how important it is to pay the HOA bill when you get it, it saves you and your community grief, could im-pact your ability to sell your home and hurts the community as a whole. Ok, enough preaching. We have our budget set up for this year with some changes that will help clarify and consolidate where the community is spending funds. We had major outlays in funds to replace the old broken down tennis courts, with new playground area and equipment. The community has gotten some really excellent feedback from par-ents, who with their children have enjoyed this newly renovated area. Future projects for the upcoming year have been talked about at the monthly meetings, and these include extending the pathway around the lake, replacing playground equipment in other sections of the community, replacement tree planting that have been destroyed by the beaver at the pond and finally doing some minor dredging at the pond corners.

Treasurer’s Report

Lots to do, and some may have to wait. The board of directors is always trying to get projects done, given the funds the community takes. Thanks for paying your bill on time, have a great fall and winter, and let the board know if you ideas on improving where we all live. Chris Wieland VP/Treasurer

We’re on the Web!

www.croftonmeadows.com


Luna Seanatural, cost-effective solutions

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Does a clean house = a healthy house?

Exactly how nutritious are nutritional supplements and vitamins?

Why are incidents of asthma, cancer, and learning disorders skyrocketing?

Is there really formaldehyde in my makeup and skin care products?

Are the fumes from cleaning products really that harmful? That lightheaded feeling just means it’s working, right?

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Are there safe alternatives to these toxic products that are competitively priced – and do they work?

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Remember - a little knowledge can’t hurt,it’s what we don’t know that can…


We’ve recently received information from Crofton Meadows residents of suspected drug activity in and around our community. Like many other communities throughout the area, Crofton faces a growing battle against drugs. The po-lice can’t solve this problem alone. Success requires community involvement. It’s important to know what an investiga-tion requires and how you can help… It’s often difficult to know what you are witnessing involves drugs. Outlined below are some behav-iors that may indicate drug activity: • An unusually large amount of traffic to one unit at strange hours. This can involve cars, taxis, or

foot traffic. This traffic is usually quick and the individuals stay only a short period of time. Some-times the individuals don’t even go in al all; instead someone exits the residents. Other times, visitors may shout to be let in.

• Finding drugs or drug paraphernalia (syringes, pipes, baggies, etc.) in the area. • Repeated, observable exchanges of items, especially where money is visible. • Offers to sell you drugs, or conversations about drugs that you overhear. • Noxious odors coming from around the residence or building, such as a “musty” smell. • Residence or building where extreme security measures seem to have been taken. • Residence or building where no owner or primary renter is apparent, and no home activities –

yard work, painting, maintenance, etc. – seem to go on. How to Report Drug Activity Individuals cannot assume that the police are aware of the activity or that a neighbor has called. Don’t assume that one report is all that is required. If the activity is ongoing, continue to report the activity. If the pattern changes, report that change. All neighbors affected by the drug activity are strongly encouraged to report. What to Report • What makes you think drugs are being sold? Have you found drug paraphernalia? How long has

the activity gone on? • Have you reported the activity previously? If so, when? Is the drug activity occurring at the same

address or multiple addresses? Have you seen any weapons? How many and what kind? • Keep a log and record dates, times of day, number of individuals in and out. If vehicles are in-

volved, record a detailed description of the vehicle (make, model, year, two-door or four-door, distinctive features) including tag number, expiration, and state.

• What Happens After You Make A Report Police need to be aware of the activity but do not need to respond immediately. Drug transactions seldom involve any danger to either participants or bystanders. Drug deals are over very quickly. Of-ten by the time an officer responds the transaction is complete and the individuals involved have moved on. 911 for activity in progress (410) 222-8610 for non-emergency calls for assistance You can report anonymously, but it is more helpful if you provide your name and phone number in case other information is needed. Your reports are very important. While this information may not be used as direct justification for ar-rest or probable cause for a search warrant, it is very useful in an investigation. It lets the police know there’s a problem and the reports provide a reason for the police to undertake an investigation of an individual or residence. Patricia Walsh HOA President, Habitat I, Section B

Fighting Back...

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PAID CROFTON, MD PERMIT NO. 42

CMHOA c/o ProCom 1111 Benfield Road Suite 110 Millersville, MD 21108

Comments and suggestions are always welcome. Please send all newsletter related correspondence to: Newsletter @croftonmeadows.com or to CMHOA c/o ProCom The Messenger is a community newsletter for Crofton Meadows and published by the Crofton Meadows Homeowners’ Asso-ciation. Janene Kantorski, Editor Patricia Walsh, Contributing Editor

Scott Alford RE/MAX Leading Edge 1360 Main Chapel Way Gambrills, MD 21054 Office: 410-721-9600 Direct: 443-994-2018

Maximize Your Profits 27 Tips To Get Your Home Sold Fast and For Top Dollar

Because your home may well be your largest asset, selling it is probably one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. To better understand the home selling process, a guide has been prepared from current industry insider reports. Through these 27 tips you will discover how to protect and capitalize on your most important investment, reduce stress, be in control of your situation, and make the most profit possible.

1. Before Setting a Price - Do Your Homework: When you set your price, you make buyers aware of the absolute maximum they have to pay for your home. As a seller, you will want to get a selling price as close to the list price as possible. If you start out by pricing too high you run the risk of not being taken seriously by buyers and their agents. If you are pricing too low it can result in selling for much less than you were hoping for.

Setting Your Home's Sale Price: If You Live in a Subdivision - If your home is comprised of similar or identical floor plans, built in the same period, simply look at recent sales in your neighborhood subdivision to give you a good idea of what your home is worth.

If You Live in An Older Neighborhood - As neighborhoods change over time each home may be different in minor or substantial ways and you will probably find that there aren't many homes truly comparable to your own. In this case you may want to consider seeking a Realtor ® to help you with the pricing process.

If You Decide to Sell On Your Own - A good way to establish a value is to look at homes that have sold in your neighborhood within the past 6 months, including those now on the market. a trip to City Hall can provide you with home sale information in its public records, for most communities.

2. Understand Why You Are Selling Your Home: Your motivation to sell is the determining factor as to how you will approach the process. It affects everything from what you set your asking price at to how much time, money and effort you're willing to invest in order to prepare your home for sale. For example, if your goal is for a quick sale, this would determine one approach. If you want to maximize your profit, the sales process might take longer thus determining a different approach. 3. Keep the Reason(s) You are Selling to Yourself: The reason(s) you are selling your home will affect the way you negotiate its sale. By keeping this to yourself you don't provide ammunition to your prospective buyers. For example, should they learn that you must move quickly, you could be placed at a disadvantage in the negotiation process. When asked, simply say that your housing needs have changed.

*SPECIAL OFFER FOR CROFTON MEADOWS* Buy or Sell your next home with me and receive a $1,500 Rebate after settlement!!

bcrofton meadows homeowners’ associationme fall...

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