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    City of Havre de Grace Weekly Briefing Week of Monday April 11, 2018

    1. Havre de Grace
    2. City of Havre de Grace Weekly Briefing Week of Monday April 11, 2018

    City of Havre de Grace Weekly Briefing
    Week of Monday April 11, 2018

    Police Department
     
    April is distracted driving awareness month, here is some information the public needs to know:
     

    • According to NHTSA, 3,450 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2016.
    • In 2016, 9.2 percent of fatal crashes in 2016 were reported as distraction-related.
    • Texting while driving has become an especially problematic trend among millennials. According to NHTSA, young drivers 16 to 24 years old have been observed using handheld electronic devices while driving at higher rates than older drivers since 2007.
    • Nine percent of drivers 15 to 19 years old who were involved in fatal crashes were reported as being distracted at the time of the crash in 2016. This age group has the largest percentage of drivers who were distracted at the time of a fatal crash.
    • Handheld cellphone use while driving is highest among 15- to 29-year-old drivers, but female drivers are most at-risk for being involved in a fatal crash involving a distracted driver.
    • Female drivers with a cell phone have been more likely to be involved in fatal distracted-driving crashes as compared to male drivers every year since 2012.

    Please consider checking this event out!
    ACEs are traumatic events that occur in a child’s life. These events can include physical or sexual abuse, neglect, household dysfunction or even witnessing violence. Science has shown that these types of events have a direct impact on children’s developing brains, which can have negative health and well-being outcomes as an adult, including everything from diabetes, heart disease, and cancer to opioid abuse, depression and early death. By learning more about ACEs and bringing that knowledge into our communities, we can all help invent wise actions to address childhood adversity, thereby reducing the risk for poor health and social outcomes in adulthood. In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, please join us for a double-feature presentation of the ACEs documentary films “Resilience: The Biology of Stress & The Science of Hope” and “Paper Tigers: One High School’s Unlikely Success Story.” Each film will be followed by a facilitated panel discussion where additional resources will be offered.
     
    https://www.tugg.com/events/an-adverse-childhood-experiences-aces-double-feature

    Department of Finance:
     

    • Please Do Not Put Cash in the Drop Box at City Hall.
    • Having trouble paying your water bill or tax bill?  The City will accept monthly payments to your account to alleviate the burden of paying all at one time.  Penalties will apply to any unpaid balance after the due date.
    • Don’t let a running toilet run up your water bill.  Visit the ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY’S website for tips on eliminating leaks in your home and ideas on how to conserve water at: https://www.epa.gov/watersense
    • When making Tax or Water/Sewer payments online, please be sure to use the correct account number for the correct bill for which you are trying to pay.  If you enter your tax id when you are wanting to pay your water bill, the payment will be posted to your taxes.  The payment always follows the account number!
    • Sign up for Water/Sewer e-Billing at www.havredegracemd.com.  Click on e-Billing Registration.
    • Unpaid Taxes as of April 2, 2018 have incurred an $80 penalty.  If not paid in full by May 1, 2018, the property will be listed in the newspaper for the Tax Sale which will be held on June 18, 2018.
    • Payments for any property advertised for Tax Sale after April 30, 2018, must be paid by cash, money order or certified bank check and no online payments will be accepted.
    • Last day to make any payments at City Hall on advertised properties for Tax Sale will be June 14, 2018.

     
    Water/Sewer bills were mailed on Wednesday, April 4, 2018.
     
    Department of Public Works:
     

    • The Green Team will be building a Victory Garden on the City property located at 319 Lafayette Street.  It is almost time to start building beds and planting.  Thanks to a grant they have been awarded by the Chesapeake Bay Trust there will also be a new pollinator garden on that site.  The pollinator garden will treat the water quality as will the rain barrels we will install which will allow for the reuse of the rain runoff from the building for watering the plants.
    • The stormwater pond and landscape infiltration areas construction are almost complete at Concord Point Park.  These improvements will help protect the River and Bay from stormwater runoff and the pollutants it carries.
    • The issuance of the City’s new MS-4 (separate storm sewer system) permit will occur this month.
    • WATCH for other stormwater pollution removal projects happening in the City.  The smallest effort counts!!
    • A request for engineering work will be issued next week for a DNR/City regenerative stormwater improvement project at the Concord cove near the Maritime Museum.
    • A grant request was submitted the end of March for the implementation of the Lilly Run Phase I, Wetland Enhancement near the current Middle School.
    • Please report any illicit activity on the storm drains by calling City Hall at 410-939-1800 or by using the “REPORT” button on our website.
    • Be thinking of and planning small measures you can take on your own property to mitigate stormwater runoff around your home.  For more information please call Stephanie at 410-939-1800.

    Reminder:  Please keep your storm drains clear of leaves, grass, trash and debris at all times to minimize flooding in the streets and on your property when we have a weather event.
     
    PARKS:

    • Design of pedestrian bridge abutments over Lilly Run near the Lock House continues.  A request for proposal for construction will be advertised shortly.
    • The areas between the Lighthouse and Tydings Park inclusive are undergoing numerous upgrades and refreshing such as:
    • Upgrades to the pier at the Lighthouse will be coming soon for public use.
    • Planking is currently being replaced on the Promenade refreshing the walk.
    • The wheelchair accessible ramp will be completed at Tydings Park within the next couple weeks.
    • Tydings Park  – The All Access Playground continues to be open to the public while work on the new walkway and surrounding landscape is being completed.
    • DPW has begun work on the foundation for the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument located near the lighthouse at Concord Point.
    • Benches and pads for new grills are being installed at Tydings Park.

     
    WATER:

    • Repairs to the Lapidum Water Tower have been advertised for bid and the pre-bid meeting held. Sealed bids will be accepted at City Hall until 4/23/18 at 2pm.
    • The City has advertised for construction of 8 inch water line on a segment of Alliance Street and a segment of Lafayette Street.  Sealed bids will be accepted at City Hall until April 23, 2018 at 3 p.m.
    • Construction will begin within the next couple weeks on the rehabilitation of the water main located at the 500-600 block of Camilla Street and the 900-1000 block of Otsego Street.
    •  A request for proposal for upgrades to the Water Treatment Plant will occur within the next month.

     
    WATER/SEWER ​DISTRIBUTION​ SERVICE
     
    DPW employees are in the process of mapping the location of all fire hydrants, water mains, water valves, sewer mains, etc.  Although a time consuming task initially, the time saved when preventive maintenance and repairs are needed is worth it.
     
    CURBSIDE COLLECTION SERVICE​ AND SCHEDULED EVENTS

    • Yard Waste is collected every Monday – all year round.  Place in PAPER YARD BAGS or loose in a clean trash can.  (Plastic bags are not permitted as they jam the mulching machines.)  Sticks can be bundled with twine and set next to the rest of your other yard wast​e.
    • ​Recycling Question: Is plastic sheeting, bubble wrap, and styrofoam​ recyclable?  Answer: No.  These items are NOT recyclable.  Please put out with regular trash.
    • Hazardous Waste Day – Mark your calendar for ​Saturday, ​May 5th.  Event Location: Scarboro Landfill – 3135 Scarboro Road, Street, MD 21154 Ph. 410-638-3018
    • Shred​ Event​ (shredding paper documents, CD-ROMS, USB Drives, data tapes, etc)- ​Saturday, June 9​th.​​ ​​ ​9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.​​ ​ ​Look for Chesapeake Shredding trucks at ​the APGFCU (APG Credit Union) located at​  at the intersection of ​996 Beards Hill Road & Rt 22​  ​Aberdeen, MD 21001​.​

     
     
    Department of Economic Development:
     
    First Friday a month early proves a Smashing Success
    Early Friday, April 6, things did not look good for First Friday and vendors who were booked to ring in the tradition of First Friday a month early in Havre de Grace. But by mid-afternoon the skies cleared, the sun was shining and the excitement built for the Inaugural First Friday of 2018 a month early in April. Havre de Grace Tourism’s Lauri Orziewicz and Bonnie Castillo added another section of the usual street closings and greatly expanded the food and vendor offerings in downtown Havre de Grace. Complete with live music and entertainers the event proved wildly successful.
    During the festivities JoRetro opened in their new greatly expanded space at 137 N. Washington Street, as well. The store now features a massively expanded vintage clothing section and a great deal of mid-century modern furniture with a special focus on the 50s, 60s and 70s. There were hundreds of visitors to the expanded store, including Mayor Bill Martin.
    Signs were also up for the new businesses that will soon be moving to fill the space vacated by JoRetro at 467 Franklin Street at the corner of Union Avenue. Moon and Sea Creations opened for their final First Friday on their 433 St. John Street location. Moon & Sea, with their expansive collection of handcrafted jewelry, will co-located with iON Massage & Spa on Franklin Street. Currently iON is in Suite E at 131 S.  Union Ave., Havre de Grace. Their new location is 467 Franklin Street.

     
    This Thursday to be a busy one for Havre de Grace
    A Groundbreaking for HDG Middle & High School will be held on the grounds of the current Havre de Grace Middle School on Thursday, April 12, at 1 p.m., for the new Havre de Grace Middle and High School construction project. City, County and State dignitaries are expected to be in attendance at the event.
     
     
    Women in Defense Mid-Atlantic Chapter, or WID, will hold their 8th Annual Real Women, Real World, Real Work or RW3 Leadership Symposium, Thursday, April 12 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Water’s Edge Event Center, 4687 Millennium Dr., Belcamp. The 2018 platform is Leveraging DoD’s STEM Vision to create a diverse, STEM talent pool of innovative and highly proficient technical leaders. There will be an informative discussion on APG workforce needs, future technological advancements, leadership and youth STEM educational programs. Registration is $65 for WIDMAC members and $75 for non-members at www.widmidatlantic.org.
     
     
    The Harford Leadership Alumni Association will host the Harford Leadership Academy Class of 2018 at a social from 5 to 7 p.m., at Water’s Edge Event Center, 4687 Millennium Dr., Belcamp.
     
    The Havre de Grace Downtown Merchants will meet at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 12, at Lagom, 209 N. Washington St., Havre de Grace. The merchants will discuss upcoming events and activities in downtown Havre de Grace including the Best Kept Secrets Tour, Pyrex Fest, Lockhouse Craft Beer and Wine Festival, Decoy Festival, First Fridays and more. For additional information or to be involved on the agenda contact Stephen Formwalt at The Blue Heron Gifts on Franklin Street.
    The Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House Shank Lecture Series for 2018 will hold The State of Conowingo, a lively discussion covering the state of Conowingo Dam and upstream pollution. Both scientific and legal aspects will be discuss at this lecture at the Cultural Center at the Havre de Grace Opera House, Thurs., April 12, at 7 p.m. The presentation features Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Maryland Senior Scientist Doug Myers and Staff Litigation Attorney Paul Smail. The lecture is free and open to the public at 121 N. Union Ave., Havre de Grace.
     
    Route 40 Business Association meets Wednesday
    The Route 40 Business Association will hold a meet, greet and eat on Wed., April 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is free for this event and participants are encouraged to bring business cards for networking opportunities and a chance to win the raffle. The event will be held at Giovanni’s Restaurant, 2101 Pulaski Hwy., Edgewood.
     
    Entry Level Job Fair to be held Thursday
    The Susquehanna Workforce Network will hold an Entry Level Job Fair from 1 to 4 p.m., at their office, 1201 Technology Dr., Aberdeen, Room 107. The event will be held Thursday, April 12. For details call 410-272-5400.
     
    Leadership Baltimore County accepting applications
    Leadership Baltimore County is now accepting applications for the Class of 2019. Senior-level leaders are invited to attend an information session on April 19, to learn more about the innovative program, where a robust network of diverse and insightful leaders is being developed to serve the region. Registration is free but required at 410-583-5235 or info@leadbaltimore.org. The information session will be held at the Keswick Multi-Care Center, 700 W. 40th Street, Baltimore.
     
    APG Discovery Week fast approaching
    Aberdeen Proving Ground, APG, will hold APG Discovery Week April 17 to 21, at the Proving Ground. The primary activities and events billed as APG Discovery Fest, will be on Saturday, April 21, and will be held in the Myer Auditorium, Building 6000, APG North.
    The inaugural APG Discovery Fest is open to the public and allows everyone to come discover what goes on at APG. Events include a 2K Walk, 5K and 10K Earth Day Runs, Discovery Passport for kids, Junior Solar Sprint competition, military displays and demonstrations, bounce houses, good and live music to include Rachel Hall, Chasing Friday and The 1974 band. For details visit Facebook and search APG Discovery Fest – Open to the Public!
     
     
    Office of Tourism:

    • April 6 First Friday was a huge success!  Mother Nature was on our side and gave us perfect April weather.  We had over 80 vendors, food trucks, extended store fronts, café setting with beer gardens, live bands and a Kids Zone with games and a moon bounce donated by Chesapeake Rent All.   If you missed April, join us on May 4 for another great First Friday event.
    • The Susquehanna Museum at the Lock house will be holding their first Craft Beer and Wine Festival on Saturday April 14 from 12-5pm.  The cost is only $35 if purchased in advanced and $40 at the gate.  The admission includes a souvenir tasting cup, unlimited beer samples and samples from wineries and distilleries from around Maryland.  The event features live music, artisans and food celebrating all things Maryland.  Havre de Grace weather is forecasted to be sunny and 70 degrees…perfect for an outdoor festival.
    • Join us on Thursday, April 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the Opera House for the Shank Lecture Series 2018.   Presented by the Susquehanna Museum at the Lock house, the series will feature a lively discussion covering the state of the Conowingo Dam and upstream pollution.  Both scientific and legal aspects will be discussed.
    • Thursday, April 19!  Tickets are selling fast for the next Thursday Night Live concert featuring Beginnings, the Premier Tribute to Chicago.  The concert will take place at the Opera House beginning at 8 p.m.  Buy your tickets now before they sell out!!

     
     
    Cultural Center at the Opera House

    • Susquehanna Museum at the Lock House presents “State of the Conowingo” (part of the Shank Lecture Series) on Thursday, April 12 at 7 p.m.
    • The Scottfield Theatre Company presents “Titanic The Musical” on Friday and Saturday, April 13 & 14 at 8:00 p.m. as well as Sunday, April 15 at 2:00 p.m.