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!

Open Budget Meeting: November 12, 2011

Board Meetings are becoming more popular than ever.
Join the fun!
Lively discussions, intellectual debates, monumental decisions.
The featured subject will be your money and how to spend it in 2012.
Each of us contributes $4020 for the management and upkeep of 900 Marshy Cove and the surrounds.
Where does that money go?
Come to the Board Meeting on November 12 and your questions will be answered.

Open Budget Meeting
November 12, 2011
10:00 AM
411 Muse St.
Cambridge, MD

Go to the Comanco web site beforehand to review the budget.
http://login.comancoinc.com/

You will need an account number and your self-assigned password.

need a login, call Comanco (410)721-7171

send your comments to mc900@comcast.net

see you there!

Parking Policy - Letters to the Editor

A reader writes:

Why has the condo association suddenly become the parking police? This is crazy. We've never had anyone park in our space and we've never parked in anyone elses. There's is no reason to blow this so far out of porportion. The person who had a car in their space should have left a note for the owner of the car asking them to move it and not park there again. The condo association should not have even become involved. And, now you want to make people have passes to park outside? Are you going to have designated visitor parking? Talk about a tempest in a teapot. Someone really needs to let this go.
~~~~~~~~~
Dear reader,
Here's the background. (My story telling may not be 100% correct,; but, illustrates the nature of past problems.)

At the last Condo Board meeting, Several incidents were discussed.
In one case a person came home, found someone in their space, and left a polite note.
The person did not move their car and left a nasty note for the rightful owner. Ouch!

In another case, someone parked a car in 900 Marshy.
The car sat for weeks in someone else's space.
The car was towed and the car owner was never located.
Perhaps the car was abandoned?

These spaces are private property and designated in our leases.
I trust that the enforcement of this policy will be with reasonable limits.
We, (via the board,) can always adjust the policy.

You're right, in that very few conflicts have occurred in our building.
In the other condo there seems to be more trouble.
I believe that Comanco is trying to be ready for the eventual.

Thanks for your comment,
Thanks for reading the blog.

Send your commnts to mc900@comcast.net

New Parking Policy

A new parking policy will be coming into effect soon.

Two parking tags will be given to each unit for your parking space. The tag will have a number corresponding to your deeded parking space. If a car is discovered in a space without the proper tag, a notice will be posted on the vehicle. . if not moved within 24 hours, it will be towed at the owners expense.

I hope that there are enough spaces outside to accommodate all of the current violators. I confess that I use someone else's space. Their unit is for sale so for now I get away with it. It is just so nice to park in a sheltered garage.

If you have an agreement with another resident to use their space, be sure to get a parking tag for that space.
~~~~~~~~
Should the condo board consider an adjustment in the policy?
Rather than making towing automatic, why not wait until there is a compliant?


What do think? Have an opinion? send it to mc900@comcast.net
I will post your comments unless you say not to post them.
As always, names and personal references are always omitted.

Bed Bugs! Serious Stuff!

WARNING: Don't read this before going to bed.

Over the past few years, Bed Bugs seems to have returned as house hold pests.

Ugly little buggers for sure. Nasty too! Read the following from Wikipedia

In the developed world, bed bugs were largely eradicated as pests in the early 1940s, but have increased in prevalence since about 1995. Because infestation of human habitats has been on the increase, bed bug bites and related conditions have been on the rise as well. The exact causes of this resurgence remain unclear; it is variously ascribed to greater foreign travel, more frequent exchange of second-hand furnishings among homes, a greater focus on control of other pests resulting in neglect of bed bug countermeasures, and increasing resistance to pesticides. Bed bugs have been known as human parasites for thousands of years.
The name "bed bug" is derived from the insect's preferred habitat of houses and especially beds or other areas where people sleep. Bed bugs, though not strictly nocturnal, are mainly active at night and are capable of feeding unnoticed on their hosts (people.) They have however been known by a variety of names, including wall louse, mahogany flat, crimson rambler, heavy dragoon, chinche and redcoat

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We understand that bed bugs have been discovered at 900 Marshy Cove. Please note their presence has nothing to do with cleanliness. They like humans especially, their blood. Uuggh! The advisories say that you need to call a professional to exterminate these critters. Using insecticides can be harmful to people and usually drive the bugs in to crevasses until the poison wears off. Heat treatment is to be the preferred method of extermination. Freezing or heating will kill them. Many exterminators use dogs to sniff-out the nasties where they hide. Dogs quickly discover their distinct scent. Destroying a mattress will not eliminate them either as they often hide in other places that are warm and cozy.

How do you know that you have a problem? Unexplained rashes, blood smears on sheets, and bug molts, are signs of their presence. Since they anesthetize your skin before they bite, victims feel nothing. Get help early as these guys can grow in population quickly. They do not go away after they have found a cooperative host. Don't be a cooperate host.

OK, now that the hair is standing up on my back, may I wish you a pleasant evening.

Sleep tight and don't let the ----------------!

Send your comments and questions to MC900@comcast.net