The Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum will host its annual Kwanzaa Celebration Dec. 28, 1:30-3:30 p.m

Read the articlehere:  BBKwanzaa

Seeking a nominating committee volunteer

We are seeking a member of the community who is not a board member to serve on the 2011 HOA nominating committee. The time commitment is minimal, save for some work near election time. If you are willing to help recruit people to run for open board positions in 2011, please e-mail the board@oellahoa.com

Mill Race trail cleanup & weed removal update

A big THANKS to everyone who helped cut back invasive weeds and clear trails yesterday. We had a great crew. We whacked back lots of invasive vines and pulled a heap of trash out of the mill race.

December 13th board meeting agenda

7pm Westchester Center board room

1. Call to order

2. Approval of October minutes

3. Election of 2011 officers (President, VP, Treasurer, Secretary)

4. Treasurer's report

5. Recap of Annual Meeting

6. Snow removal/Landscaping--invasive plant removal and native trees at Long Brick Row; need snow deputies?

7. ARC report

8. Guidelines report & vote on final approval

9. Old business:
a. Lillie Lane drainage
b. Timber Point encroachment
c. collections policy
d. paving bid

10. New business:
a. 2011 Nominating Committee
b. Resident complaints about ACM
c. salt box for Timber Point
d. annual payment schedule

Invasive plant cutting/trail clearing event this Saturday, Dec. 11, at 1pm behind Long Brick Row

We're planning an invasive plant cutting/trail clearing event this Saturday, Dec. 11, at 1pm behind Long Brick Row. If you can spare a little time, we're going to cut back things like ivy, multiflora rose, and bittersweet vines. Don't worry if you don't know the species--we'll help. At the same time, we'll cut back the briars, etc. from a deer trail that should provide easier access to the river.

33rd Annual Historic Ellicott City Midnight Madness and Santa Saturday Dec 3-4

Ellicott City, MD – The Historic District will light up the night with its 33rd annual Midnight Madness Friday, December 3 followed by Santa Saturday, December 4. On Friday night, the grown-ups can enjoy the festive atmosphere with refreshments and special promotions for wining, dining and shopping until midnight rain, snow or shine. Special live holiday musical entertainment will be provided throughout town. Valet parking will be available at each end of Main Street as well as a shuttle service that will run between the Howard County Court House lot and Main Street.

The following day, Saturday, Santa arrives on his fire truck with a parade starting at 12 noon, making his way down Main Street and ending up at the historic Ellicott City Fire House Museum at Church Road and mid-Main Street where kids can visit him until 5p.m. More family entertainment for Saturday includes local high school madrigals, jazz and chorale groups, and a walking Victorian Christmas tree. The area historic sites will be open until 4 p.m.

Midnight Madness and Santa Saturday are sponsored by The Ellicott City Business Association

Stitches in Season-a community quilt charrette and holiday bazaar Dec 4 at Banneker Park

Stitches in Season a community quilt charrette and holiday bazaar Dec. 4, noon, at Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, 300 Oella Ave. Workshops, reception and participation in quilt making. 410-887-1081.

Oella in the News

This is a recounting of a Thanksgiving before Oella was re-developed & re-rehabilitated. Read it here.

2010 Board of Directors Election Results

Mr. Mangen of American Community Management verified a quorum of members at Monday's annual meeting (by way of attendees and proxy ballots). After a quorum was established, the election process commenced.

Each of the three candidates were announced. Director Lauer read a prepared statement that Mr. Drehoff ask be read in his absence. That was followed by statements by the other 2 nominees - Directors Altemus and Rath. Before voting commenced, there was an open call for nominees from the floor — there were no additional nominees.

Two volunteers then collected the ballots and tallied results with Mr. Mangen observing the process. Upon completion, the results were announced with Directors Altemus and Rath retaining their seats on the board.

The board would like the thank the volunteers that tallied ballots as well as all that participated in the voting process.

---

Per request, additional details regarding the election have been posted below:

There were 25 ballots cast by members in attendance and 18 cast by proxy. These 43 ballots fulfilled the 25% membership attendance requirement to establish a quorum as mandated by the CC&Rs (25% of 161 membership requires 41). The counting of ballots was performed by 2 volunteer members in attendance, with Mr. Mangen from ACM acting as a witness. The detailed election results were as follows:

Candidate	Total Votes
Anne Altemus	37
Jeff Baker (write-in)	1
Don Drehoff	1
Raina Rath	38

Please note that members were able to send in ballots for the purposes of establishing a quorum without casting votes for candidates — as such the totals needn't add up to 100% of the cast ballots.

Drinking Water Notice

As mentioned by a resident at the annual meeting, the City of Baltimore issued a public notice regarding drinking water this Summer as required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Since many residents reported not seeing the notice, it is passed along here for reference...

• City of Baltimore Public Works — Public Notification
• The Anne Arundel County government seems to have posted a copy of the letter mailed to residents.

Celebrate Benjamin Banneker's 279th birthday Saturday, Nov.13, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Banneker Park

On Saturday, Nov.13, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., join the Friends of Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum and others as they celebrate Benjamin Banneker's 279th birthday. The program "What's up with Ben" will be a "spoken word café" as spoken word artists interpret Benjamin Banneker's life and accomplishments. Admission is free, donations are accepted.

The museum hosts a unique collection of Banneker's works, a gallery featuring "An Exhibition of Maryland Community Quilts", a gift shop, patio garden and a reconstruction of Benjamin's cabin on the grounds. The Historical park consists of 142 acres on the original Banneker property, with a wildlife habitat, gardens, nature trails and a restored 1850's era house.

The Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum is located at 300 Oella Avenue, Oella, MD 21228, about two miles east of old town Ellicott City.

For information call 410-887-1081.

Nov 15 Annual Meeting agenda and candidate bios

November 15, 2010 Oella Homeowners Association Annual Meeting Agenda
7pm, Main Hall, Westchester Center

1)Call to order if quorum is established
2)Introduction of Board of Directors & Community Manager
3)Approval of 2009 Annual Meeting Minutes—member vote
4)Treasurer’s report--review of 2010 budget status, delinquency report; proposed budget for 2011, HOA expenses, paying dues online/automatic payments
5)Landscaping and common area maintenance—vegetation areas; parking areas:paving & painting needs, snow removal; long range plan for repair/replacement/improvements (draft)
6)Architectural Review Committee
7)Guidelines discussion
8)Encroachment at Charles James Circle—member vote on granting easements
9)Introduction of candidates for Board of Directors
10)Questions and comments from residents
11)Election-- member vote by written ballot, counting of votes and verification of ballots,results will be announced on the HOA website
12)Adjourn

Board Candidates (alphabetical order):

Anne Altemus (Current board Vice President). I moved to Oella in 1993, and bought my home in 1996. I am a medical illustrator by training, and currently work at the National Library of Medicine at NIH in Bethesda , MD and am an Assistant Professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in the Department of Art As Applied to Medicine. My primary office location is at the NIH in Bethesda , MD. It is a lengthy and sometimes arduous commute, but once I turn onto Oella Avenue and wind up the hill toward Long Brick Row, I quickly realize why I live in Oella. I was appointed to the HOA Board in the Spring of 2007 to fill a vacancy and then formally elected later that year. I am keenly interested in many aspects of the service of the Board in support of the Association with specific emphasis on a few areas: providing historical consistency to the oversight of the work of the Board and its volunteer governance, preserving the charming and historic character of the village, and finally, supporting my neighbors who serve in many ways to make Oella a wonderful community.

Don Drehoff (Oella resident). I feel I could contribute the following to the community: 1)hold to, if not reduce, the existing budget and HOA assessments; 2) work to replace the existing management company, if not eliminate; 3) minimize the influence of the ARC, if not eliminate altogether; 4) limit the encroaching control of the HOA, if not eliminate altogether; 5) neutralize Wagandt’s negative impact on the community. I have the following background: 1) MBA; 2) MS in strategy; 3) previous HOA experience (Aspenwood , early 90s); 4) a desire to represent those in the community who have had unfavorable experiences with the HOA.

Raina Rath (Current board President). I have lived in the Oella area since 1994. I am interested in preserving the historic streetscapes and natural landscapes that drew me to the area. Oella is unique in so many aspects that I felt it important to serve on the board to establish a functional and cohesive written governing policy. I am a local attorney and enjoy my Oella home which is a serene retreat from the workaday world.

The Last “First Fridays” Event of 2010 in Historic Ellicott City is November 5

The Historic District will celebrate the last of its monthly “First Fridays” series of events of 2010 on November 5 from 6-9 pm with a Main Street Gives Back theme. There will be family-friendly entertainment and games as well as live music by The Bristols, Bill Hooper and more. Shops open late.

Participating shops and restaurants will offer special promotions, host a food drive and donate 10% of their evening’s sales to benefit The Grassroots Day Resource Center of Howard County. Please bring a non-perishable food item to support this local charity.

“First Fridays” are sponsored by The Ellicott City Business Association

Landscaping improvements--Thanks to donors!

We've made several landscaping improvements in the past several months thanks to generous donors and the bulb sale. A big THANKS! goes to the volunteers who helped plant, and to those who contributed. Here's what we've done:

1) Donated black-eyed susans and perennials planted along stone wall on Oella Ave. ~800 block.

2) Donations for a tree in memory of deceased mill worker Earnest Harding, Jr. exceeded the cost of the tree. Thus, we planted a redbud tree behind Short Brick Row and some perennials at the Long Brick Row outhouse garden.

3) Part of the bulb sale proceeds were used to purchase beautyberry bushes planted near the outhouse garden. The rest of the proceeds will be used in the Spring to purchase redbud canes for planting along the riverside in the Spring Street/Lillies Lane garden areas.

4) Donated daffodils were planted at Timber Point, Long Brick Row, and Short Brick Row. More bulbs are on their way. E-mail Amanda if you want some for common areas near your house.

Tentative Oella HOA Meeting Agenda - Monday, October 18th at 7pm

1. Call to Order – 7:00pm
2. Meeting Minutes – Discuss/Revise/Approve
3. Treasurer’s Report
4. ARC Update
5. HOA Landscaping & Common Areas
6. Guidelines Committee update
1. Community feedback
7. Board Action Items from Management Report
8. Old Business
9. New Business
1. Annual Meeting Preparation
2. MD House Bill 842
3. Bruce Elliot Nomination
10. Questions and comments from residents
11. Move to Adjourn

GOCA Fall Festival Saturday at Banneker Park

Fall Festival activities will be held on Saturday afternoon in Banneker Park, sponsored by the Greater Oella Community Association. Everyone is welcome.

Reminder: turn in proxies if you cannot attend the annual meeting

The HOA needs a quorum of members to conduct business at the annual meeting on November 15, 7pm, Westchester Center. Your vote is important, so please turn in your proxy as per the instructions on the form if you will not be able to attend the meeting. An annual meeting notice will be sent to you shortly.

We are still collecting nomination forms. If you would like to run for a board position, please submit a form to American Community Management. A list of candidates will be posted before the meeting.

Design Guidelines Review

The Board of Directors of the HOA is pleased to make ready for review the Oella Design Guidelines document, which has been in preparation for nearly two years. As you may know, the Oella HOA was formed in the early 1980s by the developer, Charles Wagandt, when he began restoring the historic homes that were to become our community. As Developer, he had a vision for our historic village and to keep that vision on track he retained the right of Architectural Control.

In December of 2008, Charles and the HOA Board of Directors negotiated a transfer of Architectural Control to the Oella HOA. Part of that Agreement stipulated that the HOA was to create a set of Architectural Guidelines which present and future Architectural Review Committees (now a committee under the HOA) could use as a reference guide to make objective decisions on matters in regard to character of future changes to properties. We hope that the Guidelines will also serve to enhance each community member’s understanding and, hopefully, enjoyment of our community.

We would like to take this opportunity to invite all Oella homeowners to review the Guidelines and offer comments and suggestions. We believe that community participation is of the utmost importance in this matter, and feel that community commentary will help to make the document as cohesive as it can possibly be.

Every homeowner is encouraged to participate in this important undertaking. The new Guidelines are currently available at http://www.oellahoa.com/design-guidelines.htm. Comments will be accepted via the online comment form found alongside the link to the document itself.

If you have trouble accessing an online copy of the Guidelines, please note that there is a hard copy available at American Community Management’s main office at 9198 Red Branch Road, Columbia, MD. In addition, a hard copy can be requested from ACM and mailed to you at a cost of $0.15 per page. Comments can also be submitted in writing. If you would like a hard copy of the comments form, please contact Alan Mangen of ACM at 410-997-7767 ext. 151.

The review period will end on Monday, October 25, 2010. Comments, both written and online, must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, October, 25th. The Guidelines Committee will then finalize the document, taking each and every comment into
consideration.

Thank you and we look forward to receiving the community’s input.

Sincerely,

Oella HOA Board of Directors

Visit the Design Guidelines Page »

Ellicott City Fall Festival on Saturday!

Enjoy a day of fun events, including a beer garden, live music, kids area, and blacksmithing demos. 12-5pm on Main Street.

Repair-Replace-Repaint Open House--free building materials & DIY workshops

On Saturday, October 9th from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. The Loading Dock will hold a "Repair-Replace-Repaint Open House."

The event will include the distribution of free 5 gallon buckets of paint, free building materials, do-it-yourself workshops and more! On this day admission to The Loading Dock will be free.

For directions and more info, click here.

Tentative Oella HOA Meeting Agenda - Monday, September 20th at 7pm

1. Call to Order – 7:00pm
   
   
2. Meeting Minutes – Discuss/Revise/Approve
   
   
3. Treasurer’s Report
   
   
4. ARC Update
   
   
5. HOA Landscaping & Common Areas
   
   
6. Guidelines Committee update
   
   
7. Board Action Items from Management Report
   
   
   • Finalize materials for annual mailing
   
   
8. Old Business
   
   
9. New Business
   
   
10. Questions and comments from residents
    
    
11. Move to Adjourn

Website problems

A number of ongoing technical issues with the oellahoa.com website and associated email addresses have been resolved. Should you notice any issues with the website or email addressed to the board, please email webmaster@oellahoa.com.

Oella mansion featured in the Baltimore Sun

Read about the mansion rehab here.

Upcoming events at Banneker Park & Museum

Sat. Aug 21, 1-3pm "Watch out for that bird!" Walk through the woods with bird watcher. Free. Families and children of all ages are welcome.

Sat. Aug 28, 1-3pm "Snapshots of Nature." Nature photography workshop. Bring a camera. Free. Families and children of all ages are welcome.

Sat. Aug 28, 6-8pm Summer Jazz concert by Spring Forward. Admission $20.00




Info: 410-887-1081

Tentative Oella HOA Meeting Agenda - Monday, August 16th at 7pm

1. Call to Order – 7:00pm
   
   
2. Meeting Minutes – Discuss/Revise/Approve
   
   
3. Treasurer’s Report
   
   
4. ARC Update
   
   1. Request to send violation notice to non-HOA property
   
   
5. HOA Landscaping & Common Areas
   
   
6. Guidelines Committee update
   
   
7. Board Action Items from Management Report
   
   
8. Old Business
   
   
9. New Business
   
   
10. Questions and comments from residents
    
    
11. Move to Adjourn

Bulb sale--benefits Oella beautification

You can help us raise funds for beautification projects by purchasing plants here.

We get 50% of every sale. Proceeds will be used to purchase trees and perennials.

Our interesting wildlife sightings (butterflies, hummingbirds, turtles, and even orioles) are on the rise. This is partly due to the cancellation of chemical application to our common area lawns and weeds. Increasing the amount of flowers and native vegetation also helps. Let's make Oella a knockout!

Plans drafted to upgrade county biking & hiking trails

Read about it here.

Ellicott City First Friday AUGUST 6

The theme is BEACH PARTY with family-friendly games and entertainment

Live music from 6-9 featuring THE GREMMIES and THE BRISTOLS

For more info contact Marissa Jonner at bamse32@aol.com or 410-461-3220 (Little Sunshine Trading Co)

Location: Main Street

Volunteer needed for Nominating Committee

The HOA's annual meeting notices and call for board nominees will be mailed out soon. I'm looking for a replacement volunteer for one of the Nominating Committee members. Committee duties include recruiting nominees if no one volunteers in response to the mailing, organizing the list of nominees for the ballot, and counting votes at the election. The time commitment is fairly short. If you can help with this, please e-mail Amanda at , subject line "OHOA Nominating Committee."

The board recently reviewed the plats containing HOA-owned areas and determined that several non-HOA owned areas were inadvertently being maintained. The first is a grass strip below 781-783 Oella Ave. It will be turned into a flower bed by volunteers. Mowing the grass strip along Mary Jo Way and trimming the bushes along Mary Jo Way will be discontinued. These areas are on private property. The county should be contacted if the vegetation grows into the roadway, since it is a county road. Anyone may contact the county at highways@baltimorecountymd.gov, 410-887-3560, or by filling out an online form here.

Keeping mosquitos at bay

This is prime mosquito season in Oella. Help keep the mosquito population down by removing any standing water from your yard. Mosquitos only need a few tablespoons of water to lay eggs. Drain those trash can lids, flower pot saucers, and buckets!

Foreclosure help for homeowners

A new wave of foreclosures is expected to hit the country. Here are some resources to help if you are facing foreclosure. The state offer FREE assistance.

www.mdhope.org

fhadirect.hud.gov/local/md/homeownership/foreclosure.cfm

www.msba.org/departments/commpubl/publications/brochures/foreclosure.htm

www.oag.state.md.us/Consumer/foreclose.htm

Tentative Oella HOA Meeting Agenda - Monday, July 19th at 7pm

1. Call to Order – 7:00pm
   
   
2. May/June Meeting Minutes – Discuss/Revise/Approve
   
   
3. Treasurer’s Report
   
   
4. ARC Update
   
   
5. HOA Landscaping & Common Areas
   
   
6. Guidelines Committee update
   
   
7. Board Action Items from Management Report
   
   
8. Old Business
   
   
   1. Collections/Fine Policy
      
      
   2. Quote for 2nd opinion regarding limited assessment allocation
      
      
9. New Business
   
   
   1. Budget Discussion
      
      
10. Questions and comments from residents
    
    
11. Move to Adjourn

Ellicott City/Columbia area ranked as one of the top places to live by Money Magazine

We all know it's a great area. Read the article here.

Budget Discussion at July 19th Meeting

Due to the high cost of snow removal this year as well as recent legal guidance surrounding the use of the limited assessment, the HOA is facing a significant budget deficit for the 2010 year. This budget shortfall will be an important item of discussion at July 19th board meeting. This discussion will encompass analysis of the current budget situation including accounting of year-to-date expenditures, implications surrounding the possible reallocation of the limited assessment, as well as strategies for mitigating this deficit including the possibility of additional cuts and/or special assessments.

As always, board meetings are held the third Monday of the every month at 7pm in the Westchester Community Center and are open to all HOA members.

(A full agenda for the July meeting will be forthcoming, but we wanted to give sufficient notice on this important topic)

Nature series at Banneker Park

Beginning July 10, and continuing through late August, the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum will host its "Summer Saturdays Nature Series" at 300 Oella Ave. Activities include a campfire/night hike, a quilting workshop, and various arts and crafts revolving around the themes of ecology, recycling and the environment. Admission is free. For times and more information, call 410-887-1081.

First Fridays on Main Street-Starts July 2

From Historic Ellicott City:

Come Celebrate our new FIRST FRIDAY event in Historic Ellicott City.

Starting on July 2, 2010 we will begin a new tradition the first Friday of each month through December. Shops will be open late and there will be food bargains and great music. Each month there will be a theme and we will have activities to accompany the theme. Please tell your friends and neighbors and join us for a joyous first event on July 2nd. Please join Historic Ellicott city and celebrate the First Friday in July.

On July 2nd, we will have great music performed by local-legend guitarist Bill Hooper.

See You There!

Website problems

We are experiencing a serious technical problem with our website. We are working to fix the problem as soon as possible. Hang in there while we get it sorted out.

Maryland community quilt exhibit opening at Banneker Park

'Stitches in Time/Threads of Change: An Exhibition of Maryland Community Quilts'

Exhibit opens Friday, July 2, at the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum, 300 Oella Ave. and continues through March 31. A reception will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, July 2, and features the unveiling of the "Banneker Historical Quilt," a project more than five years in the making. Free. Information: 410-887-1081.

Plant Sale Fundraiser--New plants!!

You can help us raise funds for beautification projects by purchasing plants here.

We get 50% of every sale. Proceeds will be used to purchases trees and perennials.

Our interesting wildlife sightings (butterflies, hummingbirds, turtles, and even orioles) are on the rise. This is partly due to the cancellation of chemical application to our common area lawns and weeds. Increasing the amount of flowers and native vegetation also helps. Let's make Oella a knockout!

Tentative Oella HOA Meeting Agenda - Monday, June 21st at 7pm

1. Call to Order – 7:00pm


2. May Meeting Minutes – Discuss/Revise/Approve


3. Treasurer’s Report


4. ARC Update


5. HOA Landscaping & Common Areas
   
   1. Discussion & review of landscaping cuts
   
   


6. Parking Committee report
   
   1. Long Brick Row parking issues (enforcement, possibility of additional signs)
   
   


7. Guidelines Committee update


8. Board Action Items from Management Report


9. Old Business
   
   1. Charles James Circle encroachments
   
   
   2. Letter to board regarding previous parking assessment allocations
   
   
   3. Update regarding of allocation of snow removal costs (based on Attorney feedback)
   
   


10. New Business
    
    1. Inspections - open discussion
    
    
    2. Discussion and adoption of fine/collection/enforcement policy
    
    
    3. HOA website (updates)
    
    
    4. Foreclosures Discussion (collection, reduced projected dues)
    
    
    
    


11. Questions and comments from residents


12. Move to Adjourn

Banneker Park in the news

Click here to read the story.

Young Oella resident helps Ronald McDonald House

Read about this very charitable young lady here.

New Summer camp at the Westchester Center

New summer sports camp Camp Energy, click here.

**This is not an endorsement, just an announcement. The HOA is in no way connected to the camp.**

OHOA beautification/environmnetal enhancement efforts & tree dedication

A few announcements about recent beautification/environmental enhancements we've (volunteers) been doing on HOA common areas:

-Clearing of brush at Pleasant Hill to make way for a new perennial bed

-Planting trees: 15 small redbuds planted behind Long and Short Brick Rows; 5 small poplars planted at Timber Point

-Perennials being planted near Long & Short Brick Rows, Spring Street

-Mulched footpath in Short Brick Row common area (accessible near ferns along grassy area)

-Pulled many invasive weeds

-Lillies Lane volunteers cleaned up flower bed

Thanks to those who have volunteered time and materials! If you have noninvasive perennials you' like to get rid of, please contact Amanda at laueram@yahoo.com. We'll find a good home for them.

We're also gauging interest in dedicating a tree in memory of Ernest Harden (Jr.), a former mill worker who recently died. E-mail Amanda if you are interested in contributing. A tree will be planted behind Short Brick Row in the Fall using the funds.

Oella beautification project near Trolley Stop

The installation of the Oella beautification project funded by the proceeds from the 2008 Oella Home & Garden pilgrimage is almost complete! Stop by the corner of Oella Ave & Frederick Rd to admire the cleaned up riverbank and new plantings. As the plants mature, the entrance to our community will become even more lovely. Signs designating the plant species are planned for later in the year. Hopefully this will inspire numerous landscape improvement efforts around the community.

Volunteers are needed to help weed and water periodically. If you would like to help, contact the project head Lisa Baum at lknab_baum@yahoo.com.

Long Range Planning Committee

The OHOA Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) could use another member to help map out a plan for the next 5-10 years. Items to plan (implementation and funding) include repair/replacement of HOA-owned hardscaping (parking lots, walls, etc.),landscaping projects, website and management company requirements, possible CCR revision, updated "cliffs notes" version of how the HOA operates, and a protocol for community input prior to implementing large-scale projects. Our meetings are informal, and are held on the last Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm at Bean Hollow. LRPC activities will be summarized at the annual meeting of members.

Tentative Oella HOA Meeting Agenda – May 17th 2010

1.Call to Order – 7:00pm
2.April Meeting Minutes – Discuss/Revise/Approve
3.Treasurer’s Report
4.ARC Update
5.HOA Landscaping & Common Areas
6.Guidelines Committee update
7.Board Action Items from Management Report
8.Old Business
9.New Business
10.Questions and comments from residents
11.Move to Adjourn

Westchester Ave. to be repaved with stimulus funds

The county will use stimulus funds for road repavement projects over the next two years. Read more here.

Invasive weeds pulled and new trees planted along the mill race

Volunteers pulled 13 bags of invasive weeds pulled from along the mill race. To help beautify, "greenify," and shade out the weeds, we're in the process of planting understory trees along the mill race and in the common area behind Short Brick Row. In addition, a white flowering dogwood was planted in the Spring Street common area. These new trees were acquired through donations and the money from the Spring plant fundraiser. Thanks to all who participated.

No bulk trash pickup in BaltCo

This is a reminder to residents that Baltimore County does not pick up bulk trash. Click here to find out what they do accept and where to take your bulk items.

Mill Race garlic mustard pull Saturday May 8, 9:30am

Weather permitting, we'll be pulling invasive garlic mustard from along the mill race on Saturday morning. If you can help, please look for the group behind Long Brick Row (744-780 Oella Ave). Gloves and long pants are advisable. We'll pull until we get tired. Garlic mustard cook-off & social to follow in the evening. Details available at the pull.

Stream Cleanup at Thisle Branch this Saturday

Saturday May 1 from 9:00 - 12:00, with May 8 as a rain date. Thistle Branch is a tributary of the Patapsco River that runs parallel to Thistle Rd. (near Dimitris Restaurant). To get to the meeting point, from Frederick Rd. turn onto Thistle Road and look for volunteer table most of the way down the road. To get to the parking, go to the end of Thistle Rd. and turn left on River Rd and park near the old Simkins plant. Registration is at 8:45 AM and we will have coffee and donuts. If possible, please register by cutting and pasting this link into your web browser:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dG50RGd4djdOeHh1TWUyLUdkLWVqblE6MA

The cleanup is sponsored by the Friends of the Patapsco Heritage Greenway and the Southwest Baltimore County Democratic Club.

More information about the cleanup:

As a new 2010 initiative with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, we will be counting all the bottles we find as part of a state-wide initiative to provide statistics for a future bottle bill to stop all the litter of bottles in our streams, river and roadways!

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. We recommend our volunteers wear long pants and shirt, so any prickly underbrush or insects won't bother you, and boots to keep your feet dry! Those of you who have tall boots will be directed and challenged to pull out the embedded tires and other stuff out of the streams!!!

There are no nearby restrooms available, so please plan accordingly.

We also appreciate and recommend you bring your own water/drink, small plastic grocery-type bags (the kind you get at the stores when you bring home your groceries), sunscreen and insect repellant. If you are allergic to insect bites or stings, please bring any needed medications and notify the stream captain of your allergy.

Please bring your own work gloves, shovel, and any other tools you may have to help us transport and dig out embedded junk. You are welcome to bring your family and friends. Children under 16 are welcome if they are supervised and accompanied by an adult volunteer.

Volunteers are requested to arrive by 8:45 AM to register so we can begin promptly at 9 AM. Look for posted signs near the registration site.

Another Oella home featured in the news

Click here to read the story.

Earth Day Events at Banneker Park

The Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum will host a special series of events 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 24 as part its Earth Day celebration. The museum at 300 Oella Ave. will offer:

* lectures on climate change and astronomy

* mini-marathon of films related to nature and the environment

* botany hike

* tree planting

* worm composting workshop

* insect and turtle displays

* nature arts and crafts

Events are free and open to the public.

Call Caroline Boules at 410-887-1081.

Due to the high cost of snow removal this year, the board has decided to make some changes in landscaping services. We will revisit the issue periodically throughout the Spring and Summer to determine how best to provide service to the community while conserving money. The following changes will be implemented:

-Volunteers will trim the Mill Race Trail
-Stop mowing and trimming hedges at the corner of Race Rd. It is not HOA property.
-Stop mowing the area opposite 732 & 734 Oella Ave (steps) and stop trimming the bush
-Mow only every other week: behind 927-947 (Spring Street) and the area of Pleasant Hill Rd. between the guard rail and the wall on Oella Ave.
-The "Tot Lot" grassy area behind the antique store should be left to naturalize, according to our master landscaping plan. We have decided to keep a path mowed to allow residents to pass through. This will be mowed every other week.
-Bushes and hedges will only be trimmed once. Mulching will only be done this Spring. The board will decide later in the year if we can proceed with Fall hedge trimming and mulching.

April Board meeting agenda (Mon., the 19th at 7pm)

Oella HOA Meeting Agenda – April 19, 2010

1.Call to Order – 7:00pm
2.March Meeting Minutes – Discuss/Revise/Approve
3.Treasurer’s Report – Scott Hall
a. Special assessment for snow removal
b. Update on outside audit/tax returns
4.ARC Update
a.Violations update
5.HOA Landscaping & Common Areas
a.Erosion issue from Timber Point to Wagandt property & at Timber Point entrance
b.Acknowledgment of Member Volunteerism with landscaping issues
c.Discuss & approve proposed landscaping cuts
d.Update on storm damage to HOA common areas (parking lots)
e.Other (non-storm related) items which could likely use repair (e.g. parking & road surfaces).
6.Guidelines Committee update
7.Board Action Items from Management Report
8.Old Business
a.Charles James Circle survey encroachment issues
9.New Business
10.Questions and comments from residents
11.Move to Adjourn

Thanks to OHOA Volunteers!

Volunteers have been working hard this Spring to beautify the OHOA common areas. Volunteer-initiated projects have included cleaning up gardens at Lillie Lane, Timber Point, and Short & Long Brick Row. Volunteers have also spread natural weed preventer & lawn food, created a footpath behind Short Brick Row, cut back invasive weeds, and planted perennials & shrubs. This is in addition to the wonderful volunteers who serve on HOA committees. Your neighbors have helped save the OHOA thousands of dollars just this season.

A big THANKS!!!

New Sunday Farmers Market in Catonsville

Starting May 16, there will be a farmers market held every Sunday from 11-3 in the parking lot behind Friendly's on Frederick Rd. Information.

Baltimore County Walking & Bicycling Planning Citizen Workshop April 28

The workshops will enable citizens to discuss their experiences walking and bicycling in the County, and suggest opportunities for improvements to sidewalks and crossings, on-street bicycle facilities and off-road trails. Attendees will be asked to identify their priorities for the five most important improvements that should be made in the Council districts where they reside.

Tuesday April 28 - Council District 1
Catonsville Public Library
1100 Frederick Road
Catonsville, MD 21228

More info

Annual property inspections end of April/beginning of May

American Community Management will conduct its annual property maintenance inspections at the end of April or beginning of May, weather permitting.

Train derails near Oella

A CSX train derailed near Patapsco State Park
Read the article here.

Buy Spring plants and boost our beauty

Thinking about Spring planting? Now is the time to order your plants here. Proceeds will go towards beautification efforts in our neighborhood. Thanks for helping!

GOCA Earth Day Events--mark your calendars

April 24 Earth Day. Support local clean-up and planting efforts 8-11:00 at the Westchester Center & celebration at Banneker Park


Also April 24, Oella Benefit Ball to support the proposed Community Garden. $40 per person, call Jay Patel 410-461-3118 or Karen Jenkins 410-418-5357

March 15 board meeting agenda

1. Call to Order – 7:00pm
2. February Meeting Minutes – Discuss/Revise/Approve
3. Treasurer’s Report
a. Snow removal budget
b. Update on outside audit/tax returns
4.ARC Update
a. Volunteers for 2010- member terms
b. Violations update
5. HOA Landscaping & Common Areas
a. Update on master plan development-boards and plans available for review
b. Update on use of MHGP tour funds for beautification/master landscaping plan
c. 2010 Landscaping expense –assessment of damage from snow storm
6. Guidelines Committee update
7. Board Action Items from Management Report
8. Old Business
a. Charles James Circle survey encroachment issues
b. New Board appointments
c. 2010 Nominating committee update
9. New Business
a. Member request via ACM to address traffic calming
10. Questions, comments from residents.
11. Move to Adjourn

Friends of Patapsco Valley & Heritage Greenway Events in Oella

Saturday, April 10. 9am.-12 pm. Project Clean Stream - several streams to be cleaned up on this date throughout the Patapsco River Valley area. To register to cleanup or to organize a group cleanup of your own, email patapscofriend@gmail.com. RAIN OR SHINE!!! Cleanups to be held along Tiber Hudson, Sucker Branch, Sawmill Branch, Cooper's Run (along Trolley Trail), Deep Run, Herbert Run and areas along the Patapsco River off of River Road.

Thursday & Friday, April 15 & 16. 10-12 pm. Patapsco River Cleanup. Oella Historic EC site, morning. Hammond Middle School students. Adult member helpers needed. For more information, email patapscofriend@gmail.com. Rain dates: Tuesday, May 11 & 12.

Sunday, April 18. 12-3 pm. ADVENTURE! Guided kayak/canoe ride along Patapsco River. Meet in Oella parking lot behind Trolley Stop Restaurant across the Ellicott City Bridge. Some level 2 rapids and a dam to walk around. Bring your own kayak or canoe. Sorry, no rentals available. Pack a lunch and water shoes. For questions, email tbetts@AACPS.org. To register, email patapscofriend@gmail.com. (Meets 3rd Sunday of month through September). Rain or shine.

Saturday, May ??. 9am-12pm. Tentative Tree planting in historic Oella along the Number 9 Trolley Trail. Meet in front of the Country Store off Oella Avenue in Oella. Specific details will be announced.

Saturday, May 15. 10 am - 2 pm - Bike ride using our Patapsco Heritage Trail map. Start location: Parking Lot A, off Oella Avenue in historic Ellicott City to BWI trail in Hanover. Free to members; $5 to non-members. Free trail map included. Participants must pre-register by Friday, March 27 by 12 pm at patapscofriend@gmail.com or call 410-480-0824. For more information, email Jim Apgar, at apgarjim@juno.com.


Please register for events online at www.patapscoheritagegreenway.org/eventcal.html.

Please do not contact board members at their personal residences regarding HOA issues

Community manager Alan Mangen should be the first point of contact for HOA-related problems. You may certainly copy the board (board@oellahoa.com)on correspondence or if you have a problem with American Community Management. Please respect that board members are not on call 24-7 and that HOA issues are more appropriately discussed as a group at board meetings. Please do not contact them by phone or personal e-mail or Facebook. Alan will forward questions or requests to the board as necessary. ACM has an emergency line if there is an after hours emergency such as a downed tree blocking an HOA driveway.

Greater Oella Community Association meeting March 10 7pm

This is the re-scheduled meeting that was snowed out in February. The meetings are open to everyone.

An escaped cow was on the loose in Oella during the blizzard

Read about it here.

Campaign to have Oella Ave snow cleared

Have you had too many tight squeezes on Oella Ave.? It doesn't look like Oella Ave is going to receive any more snow removal, and the county had blown it's snow budget. Let's get on the phone to demand that they clear out some of this snow and restore Oella Ave to two lanes. Call: 410-887-3560. **Update: if that number is not working, call 410-887-0000 and ask to speak to the roads department about snow removal.

If you're driving on Oella Ave: Go slow, in a low gear (automatics--that's what the 2 and D3 or L are for). Pull over or back up to allow cars to pass if you are near an opening or wider part of the road. If you get stuck, do not step on the gas full force--it makes it worse. Have patience!

Some neighbors are taking the initiative to clear some snow/ice from the road in front of their homes. If you do this, *Thanks* and please be very mindful of traffic.

Board meeting is back at the Westchester Center

Due to a lack of sufficient alternative space within walking distance, the board meeting will be held at the Westchester Center at 7pm as originally planned, weather permitting.

Snow collapses roof of building in Old Ellicott City

No one was injured. Read about it here.

And here.

Repost: Online Spring Plant Sale

Help us raise money for beautification projects by purchasing plants here.

This is a good activity to combat cabin fever and think of Spring!

New venue for Monday's board meeting in light of (more) forecast snow

In light of the poor road conditions which may get poorer with more snow on Monday, the board will not hold the Monday board meeting at the Westchester Center. We do currently plan to try to meet to discuss, among other important things, the snow removal and weather-related damage to HOA common areas. Details about where (probably a board member's house within safe walking distance of board members) are being discussed. Oella HOA members who wish to attend are asked to e-mail the board so that proper accommodations regarding living room space can be made.

Feb. 15 Board Meeting Agenda

1. Call to Order – 7:00pm
2. January Meeting Minutes – Discuss/Revise/Approve
3. Treasurer’s Report – Scott
a. Snow removal budget
b. report of attorneys opinion on treatment of parking assessments in budget
4. ARC Update –
a.Volunteers for 2010
5. HOA Landscaping & Common Areas –
a. Update on master plan development
b. Update on use of MHGP tour funds for beautification/master landscaping plan
c. Plant sale fundraiser
d. 2010 Landscaping expense trimming
6. Parking Committee – Anne, Amanda & Marcia
7. Guidelines Committee update
8. Board Action Items from Management Report
9. Old Business
a. Recordation of Millrace Trail easement. Pending due to budget constraints.
b. Drehoff fence issue
c. Charles James Circle survey encroachment issues
10. New Business
a. 2010 Nominating Committee
b. Communications
c. Member request via ACM re. solar panel issue
11. Questions, comments from residents.
12. Move to Adjourn

Snow info: Snowmageddon II

After being in the city this morning, I can say that we are lucky to have had Frederick Rd. cleared and Oella Ave plowed as well as they were the first time. We are also lucky to have Neighborhood Lawn Care right here in Oella, working all hours to remove snow from our lots.

Please thank the snow removal crew and please have patience with this next bout. It will be more difficult to move the snow. The crews can't get around until the county plows the roads, and there is just not much space for another 2 feet of white stuff. They cannot get very close to cars because of the ice/worries about damage.

If you can, please refrain from parking at the ends of the lots, or at least group cars so that some continuous spaces are open. This will help the plows and front end loaders maneuver the snow out of the way. Keep an eye out for them over the next few days, and move your cars out of the way when possible.

Oella Ave is in tough shape right now, so don't drive anywhere if you don't have to. If you must get out of the house, the Phoenix Emporium will be open downtown (please walk, don't drive).

Alan Mangen, the community manager, will be available by phone and e-mail tomorrow. Please contact him if there is an HOA-related problem.

Stay warm and safe, and happy shoveling!

Limited Trash and Recycling Collection for February 9

Towson, Md. (February 7, 2010) - In limited areas, trash and recycling collections will occur on Tuesday, February 9. If your trash or recycling is not collected Tuesday, please hold it for collection on Tuesday, February 16.

Dept. of Public Works snow information line 410-887-3560

Residents are asked to call this line for problems related to snow removal.

Emergency managers say please do not call to schedule plowing of your road; drivers follow a priority-driven map.


The County's Winter Storm Center is a comprehensive guide to county activity and services during snowstorms. Tips:

* Please be patient. During an ordinary storm, it takes highways crews 18 to 24 hours after the snow stops to clear all of Baltimore County’s roads. This promises to be an extraordinary storm, and it likely will take longer.

* You do not need to call to have your road plowed. County snowplows follow mapped routes. Snow routes give first priority to clearing main roads, followed by community/subdivision streets, courts and cul-de-sacs.

* Avoid parking on the street, if possible, to make it easier for snowplows to get through.

* Do not shovel or plow snow into the street.

* Snowplows cannot stop at every driveway. Consider waiting until plows have come through at least once before you shovel the end of your driveway.

* Trees and tree limbs that fall on private property are the homeowner’s responsibility

* Residents are responsible for shoveling sidewalks.

Spring Plant Sale

While you're stuck inside looking at piles of white, think Spring! The Oella HOA landscaping committee is running an online plant sale. Proceeds will go towards neighborhood beautification projects. The sale runs until April 23.

Click here to view the selection of plants and to make purchses.

Snow information

The snow plow service provider is ready to go. He will either check all
salt boxes this morning or will have plenty of salt on the truck so he can
fill boxes as he goes.

He did ask us to get a message out to the community requesting
that residents that usually park at the end of the lots park some place else
for the storm. His concern is where to put all the snow.

If the end spots are clear he can pile the snow there. If not he may have to
stage it and then bring in heavy equipment to have the snow removed from the
community. That is a common procedure when as much snow as is expected
falls. It is also expensive.

Pleas also refrain from sledding down the HOA-owned driveways. It packs down the snow and makes them very difficult to plow.

Greater Oella Community Assoc. (GOCA) meeting Feb 10, 7pm Westchester Center

No agenda available yet, but there will definitely be a discussion of the Oella Ball on April 24. The ball will be a fundraiser for the proposed community garden at Banneker Park. Look for the agenda in the GOCA newsletter that should arrive in your mailbox any day.

Friends of Patapsco Valley & Heritage Greenway 2010 Events

Annual Meeting

DATE: Wednesday, January 27, 2010

TIME: 7:30 pm - 9 pm

LOCATION: Relay Town Hall, 1710 Arlington Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21227

GUEST SPEAKER: Ed Williams will give a short presentation on the history of the B&O Railroad from 1830-1868.

DIRECTIONS: Go to Google Maps and type in these GPS coordinates to find the town hall: 39° 13' 37.50", -76° 42' 20.77" at http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl. Parking is available along Arlington Avenue or overflow parking is available in the parking lot just on the uphill side of the Korean Church and at the Relay Children's Center. Look for posted signs.

SNOW DATE: Wednesday, February 3 - same time and location.


2010 Events Calendar

A few announcements from the Board

1) The board is looking for volunteers to serve on the Architectural Review Committee. Please contact community manager Alan Mangen if you are interested in serving a 3 month term. Terms are renewable. Members who have unresolved or outstanding ARC requests or issues will be considered for the ARC after all issues are resolved.

2) The board is seeking at least one community volunteer to serve on the 2010 nominating committee. Please contact Alan if you are interested.

3) At least one resident has recently expressed interest in serving on the board. The board can consist of up to 9 members, according to our CC&Rs. If anyone else is interested in an appointment, please contact Alan.

4) Several HOA members attended the January board meeting after receiving an anonymous hand-delivered letter regarding a petition and a request to attend the January 18 regular board meeting. Not all residents have received this letter, including board members. It was apparently selectively distributed. THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL HOA DOCUMENT AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFICIAL VOTE IN ACCORDANCE WITH OUR GOVERNING DOCUMENTS. The anonymous authors of the document failed to attend the meeting and present any signed petition forms or proxies to the board. Nor was a place or person to which the proxies were to be sent designated in the letter. Apologies to the residents who were mislead into thinking the regular board meeting was a special meeting, but the board thanks them for staying for the whole meeting and offering their comments and input.

Information on new Baltimore County single stream recycling

Single stream recycling begins Feb 1.

Recycling in Baltimore County is going to be easier than ever with the start of an exciting new single stream recycling program on February 1. Single stream recycling means that paper, bottles and cans (all combined in the same container) will be collected each week. New four-year recycling schedules are being mailed the end of January. Residents who do not receive their schedule by February 1 should visit the Bureau of Solid Waste Management web site or call 410-887-2000 to obtain a new schedule. Recyclables set out for recycling collection in plastic bags of any type or color will not be collected.

Find more information on what items will be collected and how to set out the materials.

Oella HOA Meeting Agenda – January 18, 2009



Call to Order – 7:00pm


Election of Officers


December Meeting Minutes – Discuss/Revise/Approve


Treasurer’s Report – Scott


ARC Update –


HOA Landscaping & Common Areas –
Update on master plan development


Parking Committee –
Ordering and distribution of 2010 parking stickers – update on status


Board Action Items from Management Report


Old Business
Resident Appeal hearing – Board vote
Recordation of Millrace Trail easement. Pending due to budget constraints.
Grading / Storm water run-off issue behind Short Brick Row below Pleasant Hill
Preventative maintenance of asphalt, such as some sealing up on Pleasant Hill.


New Business
Open Board position
2010 Nominating Committee
Communications
i. ACM annual letter



Questions, comments and/or accolades from residents.


Move to Adjourn

Be aware: Restricted hunting allowed in local areas of Patapsco Valley State Park

Please wear clearly visible colors and take care when using the park grounds. View a map of permitted hunting areas here.