It's gestures like this that make Oyster Harbor a wonderful neighborhood!

A message from Robb Fish: "I just wanted to offer my services if needed. I have a 4-wheel drive truck so if you hear of any OH residents who need assitance -- whether it be shoveling or need food or anything like that -- please feel free to give them my number 410-280-6461 (home) or 202-550-2897 (cell). I will do what I can depending on the conditions out there." Thank you, Robb!

Neighbor Stewart Anderson also is offering his services: "I do snow removal for several of my waterfront customers as well as a Community Association in Crofton. If there is anyone who needs snow removal done in OH, they can call me direct on my cell number: 603-512-1755. Most standard driveways are $30 (OH price only). Salt/sanding is $35 (OH price only). I know the landscape company here charged my neighbor $200.00 that 1st big storm!!!"

We're about to get hit with another storm, so everybody, look in on our older residents or those who cannot get around too well. Let's take care of each other.

If you need some help, please contact any of the OHCA board members or officers.

Also, please make sure your vehicles are off the roads so the snow plows can get through.

And, in case the power goes out, be prepared with a bathtub full of water (for toilet flushing) and pitchers of drinking water set aside.

Annapolis (February 8, 2010) - All citizens to prepare for a second major storm as crews continue to work on clearing main, collector and residential roads.

"This was a record snow storm for our area and more snow is forecasted for tomorrow and Wednesday," County Executive John R. Leopold said. "Many citizens in the County give of their time every day, volunteering to help those in need. Now is the time to activate your community networks to assist your neighbors in need."

County offices will be open tomorrow with liberal leave in effect. The Emergency Operation Center will close tonight and re-activate at 6 a.m.

The County's Emergency Operations Center has been activated and coordinating response services since the storm hit last Friday. Since then, the Emergency Operations Center has received a high volume of calls from seniors and people with disabilities for help digging out of the snow, in addition to coordinating non-emergency medical transport. The County does not provide transportation unless in the event of a medical emergency or dialysis appointment.

Two existing programs as part of the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Center to assist seniors and people with disabilities, The Snow Patrol and the 4-Wheel Drive Program, were activated today. To sign up as a volunteer, call (410) 222-0600 and ask for Karen Sank.

The Department of Public Works continues to clear snow and ice along all classes of roads with plow trucks and construction equipment. Parents are asked to please keep children out of roadways where heavy snow removal equipment is operating.

At this time, 248 pieces of vehicles and equipment are being used to plow and remove snow from district roads. 5,304 tons of deicing salt has been loaded and applied since the beginning of the storm event. Arterial and collector roads are being widened where possible to allow additional plowing of expected snowfall later this week. These roads are mostly snow covered and packed, may be slushy or icy in spots, but are passable. Snow clearing equipment will continue to support emergency service providers as the first priority. Therefore, snow clearing operations may not be as fast as desired.
 
Streets and cul-de-sacs in some communities continue to be impassable. Front-end loaders, backhoes, and Bobcats are being deployed where needed.

Did you know?
    
The first inch of run-off is the most toxic for the environment.  Run-off is the rain water that runs off your roof and the pavement, which mixes with pollen, shingle particles, debris, etc.  This debris can be potentially harmful when it reaches our creeks and the bay because the water carries sediment and chemicals.

     One rain barrel can hold 55 gallons of run-off from your roof.

     Attach one or multiple rain barrels to each downspout.

     Use rain barrel water to water your lawn and garden as well as indoor plants!

     You can even use the water to wash your car!

Rain barrels are $60 per barrel (regularly $80).  To order your rain barrels in time for Earth Day (April 22nd), contact Norm MacLeod at nhmacleod@verizon.net.

Please include your name and how many rain barrels you are ordering.  Checks can be made payable to Arlington Echo.  The last day to order will be March 10th.  You will be contacted via e-mail when they arrive!