to home UNION BRIDGE NEWSLETTER
September/October 2008

CONTENTS
From the Mayor's Desk
Community Deputy
Grant Project Update
West Carroll Rec.
Heritage Committee
UB Youth Committee
Fire Company
Pet Owners
UB Church of Brethren
Halloween

  DATES TO REMEMBER

 
Council Meetings Sep 22 & Oct 27 – 7 pm.
Planning & Zoning Meetings  Sep 18 & Oct 16 - 6:30 pm.
Council Work Sessions  Sep 8 & Oct 13 - 6:30 pm.
Heritage Committee  Sep 4 - 7:00 pm.
     
Town Office will be CLOSED Sep 1st
     
Articles for the November/December Newsletter are DUE IN CITY OFFICE October 15, 2008

Web Page www.carr.org/~unionbr     E-mail unionbr@carr.org

   

FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK
At the last council meeting a resident brought a few issues to our attention that were troubling her, and with them her belief that the town was going downhill as compared to 40 years ago. I disagree with her in part because I still believe Union Bridge to be one of the best areas to raise a family. We have very little in the way of crime the roads are not over-crowded and the schools are the best. We are not too far from larger cities that offer many things not found here, but far enough to not suffer the same ills that they do. Sure there are things that could be better, like lower taxes or water that wasn't hard enough to walk on, but all in all it isn't a bad place to live. The Council has always had the best interests of the Town as a whole in mind when decisions were made and we always will. I am happy that she brought her concerns to us and encourage everyone to do the same. It is only through communication that changes can take place. Union Bridge is what we make it, so let's continue to make it a better place to live through cooperation and concern.

Bret D. Grossnickle, Mayor

UNION BRIDGE RESIDENT DEPUTY
Greetings Union Bridge. It was good to see so many of you at this year's "National Night Out." I enjoyed speaking with you and hope you enjoyed the various pieces of police and fire equipment. In order to maintain a safe community it is of vital importance that the community play an active role. Without community input, problems cannot be solved. With the "National Night Out" still fresh in our minds, I would like to thank the citizens of Union Bridge for not just their support of the sheriff's office, but more importantly for the support provided to their neighbors. Remember, in maintaining a safe community, we are all in this together.
The start of school is just around the corner, be aware of the children and watch for those school buses.
Thought for the month:
Every day is either a successful day or a day of failure. Let's strive to make every day a successful one!

Vince Pacelli, DFC
Carroll County Sheriff’s Office
410-386-2900 ext. 4159
vpacelli@ccg.carr.org
Tips 1-888-399-TIPS
Emergency 911
Non-emergency 410-386-2900

Grant Project Update
Basketball Court Improvements:
The town has completed a total rehabilitation of the basketball court on Ladiesburg Road including new court surface, gates, backboards, and installation of new court lighting. Use of the lighting is free. There is an automatic turnoff at 10:00pm. Funding for these improvements is through the Town, Carroll County, and Maryland Program Open Space.

Batting Cage Electric Service:
New electric service was installed to the batting cage next to the tennis courts. Also included was the purchase of an electronic pitching machine.

Community Park Trail System and Fitness Stations:
With funding through the Town, Carroll County, Program Open Space, and Community Parks and Playgrounds, a new six-foot- wide paved trail system will be constructed by spring of 2009. In addition, fitness stations will be installed along the paved trail.
Farquhar Street Sidewalks: The Town received a $195,000 grant from the Maryland Community Development Block Grant Program to install new sidewalks and curbing on Farquhar Street. This is in addition to Carroll County
improvements which include removal of the railroad tracks and restoration of the street.

Other:
The Town is seeking funds to acquire and construct a multipurpose field. We are working in conjunction with the Union Bridge Rec. Council on this project.

If anyone has any recommendations for community improvement projects or recreational facilities, please contact Jared Schumacher at the Town Office at 410-775-2711.

West Carroll Rec Council
Meetings are held the 3rd Monday of the month at the Union Bridge Town Hall at 7 p.m. Next public meeting Sept. 15 and Oct. 20, 2008.
For more information on programs call Penny Rockwood at 410-775-1506. Another source to check for upcoming sports registrations is "RecZone" found in the back of the sports section of the Carroll County Times on most Sundays.

HERITAGE COMMITTEE
Friends Meeting House open to the public. All are invited to tour the historic Friends Meeting House, which was the first house of worship built in the community in 1771. Most of the interior woodwork of the structure was destroyed by fire in 1932, and it was rebuilt similar to the original building. The adjoining graveyard was enclosed by a substantial stone fence in 1891.
The Union Bridge Area Heritage Committee has arranged for a tour of this historic structure and grounds on Thursday, September 4, at 7:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served. From Main Street in Union Bridge, take East Locust Street, and then bear right to 455 Quaker Hill Road on the right. For information, please contact Joan McKee 410-775-2976 or email jmpuppypaws@msn.com


Union Bridge Youth Committee
The next monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Buttersburg Inn. For any questions call Matt Gibbons at 410-775-1570.

Union Bridge Fire Company
Bingo Banquet
Sat. Sept. 6, 2008, Union Bridge Fire Hall, 8 W. Locust St..
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. - Bingo starts at 7:00 p.m.
$25.00 includes meal.
For tickets and info call 410-775-0001

Pet Owners
It's been reported that there is a large band of feral cats on the outskirts of Union Bridge. Pet owners, please be responsible and spay your pets, so that we don't have miserable hungry animals wandering in our area. If you have unwanted kittens or puppies, please arrange for their adoption - the Carroll County Humane Society may be able to help. Thank you.

Union Bridge Church of the Brethren
The Union Bridge Church of the Brethren has a special Tuesday evening program for kids in grades K-6. It is called "Faith Weaver Friends Club". Games, crafts, snacks, music, and simple faith lessons are all part of each energy-packed session. Faith Weaver Friends Club is fun and it's free. Also children will get a lot more than fun out of Faith Weaver Friends Club. Working in their weekly journal will reinforce language and writing skills they are learning in school. Group activities will develop important social skills. Our seventh year of this program begins September 16 to November 4, and another
eight-week session will be held January 20 - March 10. Sessions begin at 6 p.m. and end at 7:30. We can also help with transportation.
To get your child involved contact the Church of the Brethren at 124 S. Main Street, Box 518 or call Pastor Jim 410-775-2717, Pastor Ruth 410-775-2254, or call the Director, Kaye Horr at 410-635-2877.

HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREAT
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2008
6:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
Please turn your porch light on if you wish to participate with goodies for the trick or treaters.

RESOLUTION #04-08
Passed Resolution #04-08, Union Bridge & Environs Community Comprehensive Plan.

ORDINANCE # 305
Passed Ordinance #305, Zoning map amendments in connection with Comprehensive Plan.

COMMUNITY CENTER
AVAILBLE FOR WEDDINGS, PARTIES, AND REUNIONS.
CALL THE TOWN OFFICE TO INQUIRE ABOUT RENTING THE COMMUNITY CENTER FOR YOUR FUNCTION
410-775-2711

Water & Sewer Emergencies
Please page Amy Kalin at 410-899-1200

SEWER LINE BLOCKAGES
RESIDENTS: If your sewer line becomes blocked please contact the Town Hall at 410-775-2711 before calling a plumber.

LEAF PICK- UP
The town will again offer leaf pick-up. Please call the Town Hall at 410-775-2711 to schedule a pickup.

JUNK VEHICLES
The town will be checking for "Junk Vehicles" in the near future. Ordinance #276 does not allow "Junk Vehicles" within the corporate limits of Union Bridge. To review this ordinance, please contact the Town Hall at 410-775-2711 between the hours of 8:00 and 4:30.

PATTERN SIDEWALKS
Recommended cleaning procedures.
1. Sweep or use blower to clean surface.
2. May be washed with mild, non-abrasive soap and warm water.
3. Soft bristle brush may be used for stubborn marks.
4. NO CHEMICALS should be used. (i.e. fertilizers, weed killers, acids, and strong cleaners containing bleach or ammonia.)

BACK TO SCHOOL
The beginning of the school year means drivers need to be more alert. Watch for children crossing the road. Be prepared to stop for school buses. Have a safe and happy school year.