Although the Arbutus Business and Professional Association was forced to cancel its general meeting in February because of the extraordinary weather, the Crime Prevention Seminar did go on as planned.

The Feb. 17 program, sponsored by Joe Ambrose and Ambrose Funeral Homes, offered suggestions on how to prevent crime and what to do if you are victimized.

Officer Mike Darcey, community outreach officer to the Arbutus community from the Wilkens Precinct, provided members with information about free programs such as a personalized security survey, lighting survey and participation in the Baltimore County Police Department's Night Card program that are available.

Darcey gave the group materials on the speed with which a criminal act may take place and the importance of being able to focus on details about the people involved-- such as their clothing, disguise, vehicle, and other facts-- that will assist police in identifying a suspect.

Another handout listed key features in identifications, such as hair and eye color, tattoos, and clothing.

Businesses can keep copies of the check-list style document on hand in the event of a robbery.

The Maryland Community Crime Prevention Institute, a division of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, has developed an instructional brochure to help businesses develop strategies for avoiding robbery, and offering advice if despite all efforts, it happens.

Businesses interested in obtaining a copy of the recommendations, or having a no-charge security assessment done, may call Officer Darcey at 410-744-1584.

Baltimore Gas & Electric representative Bob Johnson is available to provide free estimates on improving exterior lighting.

Contact him at 410-470-8424 or at bob.johnson@bge.com.

Committee news

The Scholarship Committee, under the direction of Jim Buckingham and Janet Bruchey, will review applications from graduating high school seniors seeking assistance in paying college tuition.

Scholarship application available at www.arbutusabpa.com as well as the guidance offices of area high schools.

Deadline for submittal is March 30

Community service and volunteerism are strongly considered for this award.

The Arbutus Arts Festival Committee is hard at work planning and organizing for this year's event, scheduled for May 16.

Crafters and advertisers for the program booklet are encouraged to participate.

All hand-made crafts are welcome. Mass produced or import items not permitted.

Call Patty Grace at 410-737-8211 to reserve a space.

New members

Matt's House Community Connection Center

5310 East Drive

443-226-8105

Robert Benson and Jamie Munn describe themselves as "a church that will redefine church."

Activities include

* young moms support group

* job search center

* campus life club

* small groups-couples, for men and women to connect.

Store-It

3551 Washington Blvd.

Suite 120 at the Lansdowne Station Shopping Center

410-247-0470

Nick Sachs said the facility offers climate-controlled, secure self-storage solutions to meet the needs of residential and business customers.

Units from 25 to more than 300 square feet in size.

Prices as low as $50 per month.

Most credit and debit cards accepted.

Member news

The ABPA will meet Thursday, March 11, at 1 p.m. at Leon's Triple L Restaurant, 5309 East Drive.

Featured speaker is Josh Levin of Advanced Correction Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Center.

Approximately 5,000 copies of the Arbutus Business and Professional Association's annual Arts Festival program are printed and distributed at area businesses.

Programs also available on the day of the festival at the group's booth.

Ads start at $30 and rise to $250 for a full page.

Those who have advertised in the past should have received a renewal letter in January. To advertise, call Sue Miller at 410-368-3121.

Volunteers needed for a variety of tasks on the day of this year's festival.

Please consider giving a little of your time to an event that gives back to Arbutus.

Monies raised during the festival fund the association's scholarship program, aesthetic improvements to the business district, and support the annual Santa House and Christmas holiday activities.

News of note

The Women's Expo returns to the Catonsville campus of the Community College of Baltimore County, 800 S. Rolling Road, for its ninth year March 13-14.

The expo benefits the American Association for Women in Community Colleges and provides an excellent opportunity for local businesses to market the products and services.

Advertising and display space still available.

Go to www.womensexpomd.com for information.

General admission is $6 per person; children and college students with ID admitted free.

The first Arbutus 5k Spring Fling Race will be held May 1 to benefit the Arbutus Fourth of July Celebrations.

The 5k will begin and end at the Arbutus Town Hall on Stevens Avenue.

Call Valerie Stocksdale at 410-247-9155 or e-mail rstocksdale32426@comcast.net for sponsorship opportunities.

Direct donations with a check payable to Arbutus Recreation and Parks, P. O. Box 7437, Halethorpe, MD 21227.

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