Cambridge Creek: Tornado Warning!

A Weather Service tornado warning, which sent school children home early, resulted in some unusual wind damage in Cambridge.

Residents reported greenish skies and freight train noises synonymous with tornadoes and hurricanes. It appears that a tornado never developed, but, perhaps a micro-burst. Whatever the meteorological description, the good news is that we were not in Kansas.

At the time of the tornado warning, I was heading south on Route 50. Just south of Trappe, traffic stopped. My GPS indicated that I was 3.5 miles away from the Malkus Bridge. This was just around 5:10 PM. The north bound lanes were empty. The south bound lanes were jammed-jammed-jammed. It was a 3.5 mile Congo line of red tail lights. Occasionally, movement of one car length would provide a feeling of hope.

After checking my map for an alternate route, the radio traffic advisory reported that a Box truck
had been flipped by the wind at the foot of the Malkus (Choptank) Bridge. The northbound lane was blocked. The bridge was closed to traffic while the vehicle was removed. They also reported a downed tree on Route 331 blocking the only detour path over the Choptank. Waiting seemed to be the best option. After an hour, things were back to normal.

On Cambridge Creek, we had our own excitement. Some shingles and pieces of siding were lost on one of the new townhouses. Some wind damage was evident on the Cattail Cove Condo Building. see photo.

Cattail Cupola Damage-siding blown off.

The most dramatic incident was the three sailboats that were knocked over at Generation 3 Marina.

"ONWARD", "Odyssey", and an unknown sailboat fell of their jacks. It appears that the domino effect was in play here. "ONWARD " suffered the most damage with a broken mast. Let's hope that they all have good insurance coverage. "Odyssey" is owned by one of our residents.

A close up look at the mast damage

Other reports included intermittent power failures. Someone was apparently trapped in the elevator during one of these outages. Resumption of power ended the entrapment.

Send your comments, storm stories, problems, announcements to mc900@comcast.net

Fishing Trip

At this time, 9 people have signed up for the May fishing trip.
That's a full boat.

If we have enough interest, perhaps, we can organize a trip in the fall.

Many thanks for your responses.

Send your comments to mc900@comcast.net

Group Fishing Trip

Several of us have talked about organizing a fishing trip this spring.

A day in the first two weeks of May would be a suggested time.

Given the popularity of Rockfishing (Striped Bass), Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are more likely to be available.

If you are interested, drop a note to mc900@comcast.net

We need six people to fill a boat.

Tell a friend.

Approximate cost is about $100-$150 per person.

Regards, George B

Fire Alarm Incident: correction

Correction:

In my last post, I suggested that someone had disconnected a fire system sounder.
That proved to be untrue. No one tampered with the system.
It was later detemined that another device was causing the "un-resetable" situation.

Thanks for sending this clarification to me.

Send your comments to mc900@comcast.net

A Graceful Entrance; A not-so-Graceful Exit

Front Door Entrance:

With all of the traffic through the main entrance doors, it is quite evident that the front doors have taken quite a beating. These doors were replaced a few years ago and are quite expensive.
If you are moving furniture and other large objects through the entrance way, take care. There is a way to prop the doors open. Ask someone to show you.


Ungraceful Exit:

This past week at some unspeakable hour in the morning, the fire evacuation alarm sounded. As I understand it, a leak in the sprinkler water supply line was the cause. Whenever water flows in the sprinkler pipelines, a sensor will trigger the evacuation signal. This is how the fire alarm system knows that a sprinkler head has activated. Water flow to a sprinkler head or a leak will both have the same effect.

The leak apparently was immediately above the ceiling of unit 410. That's a Chesapeake model on the creek side of the building. The resident has moved out temporarily while repairs are made.

I understand that the Condo Association Insurance covers the remediation.

Since water flows down, units 310, 210, and 110, all have decreasing amounts of water damage.

Fair Warning:

We have had several evacuation alarms. Please do not ignore these alarms. What is the main excuse why people don't evacuate buildings?

"I don't smell any smoke. It must be a false alarm."

Given our experiences, I can understand why someone would take this position; however, assuming a false alarm is a good way to find yourself trapped in a burning building. The hazard may not be smoke: but, combustion products, like Carbon Monoxide that will overcome you. Carbon Monoxide has no odor. If you smell smoke, It is probably too late.

Back to Basics:

• Yes, this past week there was no fire; but, the alarm system functioned as designed.



• Never assume a false alarm, that's how people die.



• Leave the building and let the Fire Marshall determine when it is safe to return.



• Help others get out. Maybe we should have a buddy system so we know who's in the building.

Also Heard:

I heard that a resident may have disconnected the strobe/sounder in their unit. In my opinion, this is criminal. The disconnection of any component on a fire signal loop, can cause system failure. The control panel sends check signals every second to check for readiness of the electronics. Fire systems detect and report the device number. This is required by code. If you disconnect your device, the fire system will not properly reset.

A break in the circuit loop affects the fire system's readiness. If the sound bothers you, try ear plugs. (Sorry, but this is serious stuff.)

In and Out:

Also reported was a young man that has been scootering in the lobby. Please walk your scooter. The lobby is the community living room. Please respect it. Thanks.

Send your comments to mc900@comcast.net .

Cambridge provides an incentive for Seniors(60+)

This does not appear to apply to those of us that have already established residence.

It is not clear if it applies to those who may be changing their residence to Cambridge; but have purchased in previous years.

New Resident Senior Tax Credit

The City of Cambridge has instituted an incentive for new senior residents who purchase a primary or principal residence within the city limits.

Qualifying seniors who purchase a residential unit within the City of Cambridge and who will reside in the said residence as his or her primary home shall receive a tax credit on their annual municipal real property tax bill for the primary residence. This credit is extended for three (3) consecutive years beginning with the tax/fiscal year immediately following the date of acquisition of the property, given the application is received by the May 1st deadline.
This temporary program offers a real property tax credit equivalent to FIFTY PERCENT (50%) of the annual property taxes, for a period of three (3) years.

Eligible individuals must:
(1) Have attained the age of sixty (60) years
(2) Be moving into the City of Cambridge
(3) Have purchased any house within the city as their principal residence

TAX CREDIT DETAILS:
Individuals must be at least 60 years of age on the date that he or she purchases and acquires title to a residential unit within the City of Cambridge.

The qualifying senior must:
 Not be currently residing in the City of Cambridge prior to purchasing the home;
 Acquire title to the residential unit on or before December 31, 2015;
 Make application with the Clerk/Treasurer’s Office of the City, on or before the 1st day of May immediately following the date on which he or she acquired title to the residential unit;
 Reside in the residential unit as his or her primary residence; and
 Have a legal ownership interest in the residential unit.

The Tax Credit shall apply for a full three (3) consecutive years, beginning on the July 1st immediately following the date on which the senior acquired title to the property, given the application is received by May 1st.

A completed City of Cambridge New Resident Senior Tax Credit Application must be returned to the Cambridge Administration Building Main Office, 410 Academy Street, Cambridge 21613 For questions call 410-228-4020.

The deadline for submission is May 1st, to be eligible to receive a credit for the next tax year.

The New Resident Senior Tax Credit Program expires after December 31, 2015.

send your comments to mc900@comcast.net

Re- Reminder to update the 900 Marshy Cove Directory

It's time to update your directory information.
If you missed last year's registration, here is your opportunity to get into the "book."
The directory is for residents of 900 Marshy Cove only.

Why do it?
If there is ever a problem with your unit while you're away, your neighbors have a way to get in touch with you quickly.

How do you do it?
Send an email to lhoberlin@comcast.net with the header “DIRECTORY UPDATE”.
Send your changes or basic information: Name, unit number, phone, etc.
Please do this ASAP.
Updates must be submitted by Jan 25, 2012.

Join the community at MC900!

Yes, WE HAVE BED BUGS HERE!

Here's some more information. To date two units have discovered Bed Bugs. These units and the adjacent units have bee treated and are under observation. Read below and keep on the alert. These critters are hard to eliminate. Getting rid of them early is key.

Creepy SOB's, eh?

PUBLIC NOTICE
BED BUGS @ 900 MARSHY COVE

To see if you have THEM, examine around beds and sitting areas for signs of bed bug activity. They live on blood.

WHERE TO LOOK:
Bed bugs prefer to hide in areas around fabric, wood and paper.
Check the folds or seams in bedding linens, pillows, chairs, and sofas.
Check seams, corners, and buttons on mattresses and box springs.
Check bedroom furniture, especially around the headboard and footboard paying special attention to corners and crevices.
Check baseboards, moldings and carpet seams near and around the bed.

GENERAL TRAVEL & PREVENTATIVE MEASURES:
Bed bugs can travel up to 100 feet when looking for a blood source.
Bed Bugs also travel upwards so check crown molding areas at the ceiling.
Upon returning to your home, remove your shoes and boots.
Bed Bugs can hitch a ride on shoes and clothing and our Hallways provide a good source for them to hide.
Check artwork and wall hangings, curtains, and wall outlets.
Look for any excrement spots, skin casings, ...or live bugs.
Report any signs of Bed Bug activities as soon as spotted.
Although you can purchase Bed Bug spray, rubbing alcohol sprayed from a Windex bottle can be an effective deterrent according to exterminators.

AUTHORIZED PESTICIDE PRODUCTS:
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) requires that pest control companies provide customers with specific information about the pesticide product(s) used on the property. This information is to be provided either at the time they enter into a contract with a customer or on the day of the actual pesticide application.

The product information can include:
1.) an original or legible copy of the current pesticide product label;
2.) an original or legible copy of that portion of the current pesticide product labeling containing precautionary statements regarding hazards to humans or animals and environmental hazards; or
3.) a document containing appropriate health, safety, or precautionary information that has been taken from the pesticide label and approved by the Department before its distribution.

Send your comments to MC900@comcast.net

Holiday Party, Saturaday, December 10

900 Marshy Cove
Holiday Party

Saturday, December 10, 2011
4:00pm – 7:00pm in the Lobby

Light refreshments, snacks, and drinks will be served.

We have purchased a Holiday Tree for the lobby and will decorate it during the party. Please bring an ornament to represent your family for our tree.

RSVP Mary B 410-647-4765
See you there!

900 Marshy Cove Directory Update

It's time to update your directory information.
If you missed last year's registration, here is your opportuninty to get into the "book."
The directory is for residents of 900 Marshy Cove only.

How do you do it!
Send an email to
lhoberlin@comcast.net
with the header “DIRECTORY UPDATE”.

Send your changes or basic information
Name, unit number, phone, etc.

Please do this ASAP. Updates must be submitted by Jan 25, 2012.

Join the community at MC900!