Greater Arbutus

In 1977, Halethorpe native Barry Lanman was teaching at what was then Catonsville Community College when he was approached by Henry Rinn, an area resident then nearly 80 years old. Rinn told him about the 1910 Baltimore Aero Meet held at the B & O Railroad's Halethorpe Farms.

Lanman learned the meet was one of the first opportunities for the public to observe airplanes on the ground and in flight, with the only other event in the vicinity being held in 1908 in Ft. Myer, Va.

Lanman's interest was piqued. He and his students began to research the event and found only a minimal selection of documents in the Smithsonian. Additional digging turned up archival materials in the possession of The Sun, which had sponsored the event nearly a century ago now.

Several residents who attended the event were located and interviewed, and a documentary video was created, narrated by former WBAL-TV personality Royal Parker.

Lanman and his group learned the 1910 meet drew crowds estimated at nearly 50,000 people to the airfield. Throngs assembled along the flight route that followed the course of the Patapsco River, from Halethorpe through the heart of Baltimore to Patterson Park then north towards Druid Lake before returning past Mt. Winans and Lansdowne.

In 2003, Lanman gave his first presentation on the Aero Meet to the Friends of the Arbutus Library.

Subsequently, he became involved in a history project with the Halethorpe Improvement Association under the direction of Sandy Cullen that produced the book, "Halethorpe Heritage: A Story of a Maryland Community", a project that Lanman states is his favorite.

Lanman recognized the significance of Halethorpe to so many of the technological innovations of the 1800s and early 1900s. Pointing up the evolution of transportation modes, one of the planes arrived by rail, was assembled on site, and flown by aviator James Radley.

Currently, Lanman is the director of the Martha Ross Center for Oral History at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He is working with the Baltimore County Historical Society to create a publication in commemoration of the 350th anniversary of the county in 2009.

The Historical Society has submitted recommendations to Baltimore County for a variety of events and activities. The book, the only project approved thus far, is expected to be available in spring 2009.

Lanman is optimistic that the county will move forward on other programs suggested by the society.

The Wilkens Police Community Relations Organization presented a program about fusion centers and information sharing at the group's October meeting.

Capt. Charles Rapp is the director of the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center, a fusion center for law enforcement information sharing and intelligence gathering. Rapp is a former member of the county's Hostage Negotiating Team and adjunct professor at the University of Baltimore.

The center was formed partly in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, as studies indicated a greater need for governmental agencies to share data.

Capt. John Spiroff, the current Wilkens Precinct commander, was the first director of the center when it opened in 2003.

The Maryland center is primarily made up of police agencies, though some fire services do participate.

The center handles approximately 80 requests per day for access to 33 databases.

Functions of the center include analysis and watch services, and include 110 agents with multiple specializations.

The center has the ability to access both public and proprietary databases, enabling dissemination of information to smaller police departments who might otherwise be unable to pay the high fees assessed by some private providers.

Participation by a variety of agencies -- local, state and federal -- allows investigations across jurisdictional lines.

Calls to the 800-492-TIPS (8477) number are directed to the center.

WPCRO members asked about the proximity of the I-95 corridor and its impact on local crime, as well as the implications for national security.

Rapp responded that the National Capital Region, which includes the Baltimore area, has the highest number of "hits" or reports of activity in the country.

Fortunately, most of the criminal activity along I-95 seems related to cigarette smuggling.

But Rapp did report that jihadist groups are under investigation in Virginia.

Officer Jim Wickless, recently assigned to the Community Outreach team from the Wilkens Station, will participate in the 2009 Polar Bear Plunge for the Maryland Special Olympics January 23 and 24.

At this writing, Wickless has raised $630 for the Special Olympics.

Unlike many participants, Wickless has elected to be a super-plunger, someone who takes a dip in the ice-cold Chesapeake Bay once an hour for 24 hours.

To support his efforts, call the outreach office at 410-744-1584, or go to www.plungemd.com.

Soroptimist International of Arbutus announced the beginning of the application period for the its annual Women's Opportunity Award. Deadline is January 15, 2009.

This award is given to a female head of household who provides the primary financial support for her family and also has enrolled in, or been accepted to, a vocational skill training or undergraduate degree program.

Applicants must demonstrate a financial need.

At the local club level, a cash award is given to both first- and second-place winners.

The first-place awardee's application is submitted to the South Atlantic Region where an additional award of $1,000 to $5,000 is given to the successful applicant.

The region winners are entered into the International level where three $10,000 awards are made.

Recipients may use the funds to pay for any costs incurred in achieving their higher-education goals, including books, childcare or transportation and tuition.

If you know someone who would be interested in participating in the program, call Margaret Henn at 410-744-3351 or go to www.soroptimistarbutus.org.

Reggie Sajauskas, an SI of Arbutus member and the owner of Objects Found at 818 Frederick Road in Catonsville, has come up with a unique way to support SI and other area non-profits this holiday season.

A "Not So Idle American Wreath Contest" will feature the creative talents of the Catonsville Rotary Club-Sunrise, the Cancer Support Foundation, the Disabled Sports USA Wounded Warrior Project and the St. Agnes Foundation.

Visitors to her store vote on the wreath of their choice by spending $1 per vote.

Wreaths will be on display Nov. 1-30.

All organizations will keep the proceeds from their "election results."

The winning wreath's organization will receive a $250 gift certificate from Objects Found.

Supporting the Arts in Relay (STAR) presents "A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley," written by Charles Dickens and adapted by Israel Horowitz, December 12 and 13 at Relay Town Hall at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $6 per person.

Proceeds donated to Santa Claus Anonymous, an organization providing gifts to underprivileged children in Maryland.

STAR will incorporate Christmas caroling into the performance with singing between the acts of the play. Audience participation will be encouraged.

Lauren Conley is coordinating the event. Anyone interested in helping with sets, costumes or program ad sales should e-mail her at Lauren@starltd.org.

At the fire department

The Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department continues its annual Photo Fund Drive through November.

Solicitors should be able to provide ID and will not visit homes after 8 p.m.

Anyone having complaints or concerns should contact the department at 410-242-6601 or at www.arbutusvfd.org/photo.htm.

The department's Christmas Train Garden will open November 23.

Hours of operation are weeknights, 6:30-8:30 p.m. and weekends, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The train garden is also open Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Call Chuck or Bonnie at 410-747-3861.

Capt. John McDowell is seeking community support for the development of a financial plan to replace the 1993 Rescue Squad unit.

Cost of a replacement is budgeted at approximately $750,000.

Anyone interested in helping the department to reach this goal is asked to call him at 410-242-6601.

The department's monthly membership/social is the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Anyone considering membership is welcome.

The department's free tailgating parties begin one hour before kickoff. Watch pro football on Sunday afternoons on multiple large screen TVs. Food and beverages available for purchase.

Calendar of events

Nov. 6: The Greater Bloomfield Community Association meets in the board room of the Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, 3345 Washington Blvd. at 7 p.m. Meet Acting President Brenda Elliott.

Nov. 8: The Arbutus Library presents Family Fun Night at 7 p.m. with games, crafts, bluegrass music and more. This event is free. Call the library at 410-887-1451.

Nov. 10: The Relay Improvement Association welcomes Nicole Sheehan, director of the Catonsville Senior Center. Meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Relay Town Hall on Arlington Avenue. Sheehan will discuss services available to county residents through the county's Department of Aging.

Nov. 11: Veteran's Day observance at the flagpole at the intersection of East Drive and Sulphur Spring Road. Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5244 and American Legion Dewey Lowman Post 109 will hold a joint memorial service at 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 11: The Wilkens Police Community Relations Organization meets at the Maiden Choice School, 4901 Shelbourne Road, at 7 p.m. Guest speaker will be Officer Mike Darcey of the Precinct One Community Outreach office, who will discuss holiday safety. Call the Community Outreach office at 410-744-1584 or WPCRO president Lorna Rudnikas at 410-247-9639.

Nov. 15: The Relay Improvement Association sponsors a community clean-up day from 7 a.m. to noon. Large outdoor trash receptacles will be available on the grounds of the Relay Town Hall. Household and yard waste are acceptable. No tree stumps or limbs greater than 18 inches in diameter. No paints or caustic chemicals. Contact Greg Senkus at boxsekus@erols.com.

Nov. 18: The Halethorpe Improvement Association celebrates 51 years of community service at its November meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Center on Maple Avenue. Dues for 2008-09 now past due. The association depends on dues for the quarterly newsletter and support mailings.

Nov. 18: The Kensington Improvement Association elects officers at its meeting at 7:30 p.m. at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, Wilkens Avenue and Courtney Road. Contact John Sinclair at John.A.Sinclair@aphis.usda.gov.

Nov. 29: Santa Claus comes to town. "It's a Wonderful Life in Arbutus" is the theme this year. Arbutus Business and Professional Association sponsored activities at the Santa House start at 6 p.m. Santa arrives by fire truck, courtesy of the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department, and makes his way to the Arbutus Town Hall, before settling in to receive visitors at the Santa House.

Dec. 3: The Southwest Leadership Team meets at 11:30 a.m. at the Arbutus Library for a roundtable-style sharing of information from representatives from county and state government, education, business and community associations about all aspects of the Arbutus and Lansdowne areas. In the event of inclement weather, call the library at 410-887-1451.

Dec. 6: Take your little princess, age 4-12, to a Princess Tea Party sponsored by the Soroptimist International of Arbutus from 1-3 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Lansdowne, 2320 Alma Road. The event will include tea and treats with a souvenir cup and saucer. Princess outfits are encouraged. Cost is $10 per person. Call Zoe Ann Rohm at 410-242-1826.

Dec. 6: The Relay Improvement Association hosts a Holiday House Tour at 5 p.m. Pick up maps to the six historic homes and two churches on this year's route at Relay Town Hall, which opens at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person, $12 for RIA members and citizens over 62. Contact Doreen DeSa at ddesa@comcast.net or 410-242-3218.

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