News Archives

Announcing 2009 Holiday Decorating Contest Winners

First Place
The Nowverl Family
10002 Goose Pond Court		 Second Place
The Richardson Family
11101 Snowden Pond Road		 Third Place
The Tidwell Family
10101 Mallard Pond Court

Honorable Mention
The Brinning Family, 11510 Snowden Pond Road
The Branch Family, 11303 Snowden Pond Road
The Williams Family, 11210 Snowden Pond Road
The Blocker Family, 10204 Waterwell Way
The Livas Family, 11301 Old Cistern Lane
The Nabuuma-Snowden Family, 11105 Snowden Pond Road
The Nicol Family, 10000 Lawrence Pond Court

Thanks to everyone who installed decorations. Blessings to our community for 2010.


Notes from the Special Security Meeting on Dec 30, 2009

Residents shared their experiences with burglaries, and lessons learned. Burglars often enter through a back door by breaking glass, and leave through the front door, often leaving it open. Police response time depends on many variables and may take 20 minutes. Professional burglars move quickly through key areas of a home, ransacking the contents while focusing on recreational rooms, offices, and bedrooms. Residents who had glassbreak sensors installed with their monitored security systems fared better during breakin attempts than those without glassbreak sensors. The noise of the alarm is loudest inside your house, and it may not be heard by your neighbors. Residents are advised to:

ˇ Install glassbreak sensor with a monitored security system

ˇ Install motion-sensored lights outside the home

ˇ Install keyed deadbolt locks on all doors, and avoid leaving the keys inside the locks.

Mark Albright, Community Policing Officer for our area, explained that the recent spike in burglaries is seasonal, and not unusual at this time of year. He also reported that our neighborhood experiences less crime than other parts of the county. He explained that burglars generally attempt entry through a back door or window, usually by breaking glass. Burglars are typically seeking electronics (entertainment devices, cell phones, computers), and jewelry. He made these recommendations for prevention:

ˇ Maintain a Neighborhood Notebook: For each vehicle or pedestrian observed in the neighborhood, record date and time seen, and length of time observed in what area. Try to indicate the closest address. For vehicles, note as much information as you can, especially color, tag, make and model. For each person, note height, build, haircolor, clothing, and any unusual characteristics. It is crucial to maintain this information, even if you think the person is a neighborhood teenager. One resident reported an attempted burglary by a teenager from a nearby neighborhood.

ˇ Walk the Neighborhood

ˇ Communicate with Your Neighbors

ˇ Inform Police and Neighbors of Your Observations at police_district6@co.pg.md.us

ˇ Request a Home Security Survey by Prince Georges County Police

ˇ To Prevent Anyone From Stealing Your License Plates: Have tag bolts installed by Prince Georges County Police. Tag bolts can only be installed or removed by the police department. Contact District 6 at 301-937-0910 for more information.

Residents were also encouraged to create a videotaped inventory of their valuables, and to maintain a record of serial numbers of electronics in case a burglar is successful. The inventory will be accepted by your insurance company as proof of ownership.

Two residents volunteered to research the possibility of creating a Neighborhood Watch, and agreed to arrange another community meeting in the near future.

Notes from the Special Meeting on Noise Control on Dec 2, 2009

The Secret Service has assigned engineers from the Army Corp of Engineers to study the noise levels during various training activities, and their report is expected in early 2010. In addition a new study has been initiated to obtain feedback from surrounding neighbors. The second study is in a very early stage and will consider environmental impacts by the Secret Service. The results of that study will be made available when complete.

2009 Annual Picnic

A cloudy day for our picnic kept many residents home. Here are two pictures from this year's picnic.


Mitchell Family Values
Liz Estrill and Renie Fellers


2009 Annual Meeting

Over 23 homes were represented at this year's Annual Meeting. Residents gathered at Our Savior Lutheran Church on Jun 17. Except for confusion around our start time and which room to meet in, we were able to conduct a very effective meeting.

Committee reports were presented. Carlton Edmonds reported the Association has aproximately $64,000 in assets and that operating expenses are adequately funded. Monica Kapps reported that the Board approved spending $4,500 to improve and maintain the two community gazebos, repaint the entrance sign, and repair the wood bridge leading to the community park. Hubert Braithwaite III described the Board's efforts to be frugal. Elizabeth Estrill reminded members to access architectural change request forms from the website. She also announced this year's community picnic is scheduled for Sep 12, and will be preceded by a community-wide yard sale.

Many members expressed appreciation for this year's reduction in the HOA fee. Residents raised a number of issues for discussion, and the Board will send out a letter to all residents with reminders to move trash cans out of view, to trim street trees, to clean up after pets, to turn down the radio when driving through the community with car windows open, and to reduce speed when driving through the community.

Residents continue to see cars driving up to the Snowden Pond Park after dark, and all residents were urged to keep handy the District VI Police Department telephone number. Call 301-937-0910 to report any suspicious activity in the community.

Another topic of discussion centered around the effects of heavy Spring rains. Many residents in our neighborhood report having to install french drainage systems to manage excess water in their landscapes. J.C. and Gail Bozeman offered to share the name of their contractor:

Kevin D. Miller
Montgomery Irrigation
443-755-8800

Carlton Edmonds, who had served as Treasurer for two previous terms, opted not to run for another term. Monica Kapps, who served as Vice President for the last three years did agree to run again. Jim Faust, Comanco Property Manager, sought nominations from the floor. Two members were nominated from the floor, Gail Bozeman and Sandy Mitchell. With three names on the ballot, the members present voted to fill the two available positions. Votes were collected, and the two open positions were filled by Monica Kapps and Sandy Mitchell. Immediately following the Annual Meeting, the new board met to elect officers.

President Hubert Braithwaite, III
Vice President Dwight Jackson
Treasurer Monica Kapps
Secretary Elizabeth Estrill
Member-At-Large Sandy Mitchell


2009 April Board Meeting

Residents are reminded to change the payment address starting with the June 2009 payment. All payments should be mailed to Snowden Pond, c/o Comanco, Inc., P.O.Box 6450, Phoenix, AZ 85082-7450.

Hubert Braithwaite III, President, continues to attend community meetings on behalf of Snowden Pond. Elizabeth Estrill, Secretary, and Dwight Jackson, Member-At-Large regularly monitor crime reports, and noted there was one arrest for a burglary in the community. Residents are reminded to contact the police at District VI. Call 301-937-0910 to report any suspicious activity in the community.

The Board scheduled the 2009 Annual Meeting for June 17, 2009 at Our Savior Lutheran Church on Rt. 197. The address is 13611 Laurel-Bowie Rd., Laurel, MD 20708.

The Board approved one architectural change request for a shed in the community.

2009 February Board Meeting

Board president, Hubert Braithwaite III, continues to monitor the financial relationship with Snowden Pond II, though obtaining payment from them for their annual contributions has proved difficult.

Through prudent negotiating, Vice-president Monica Kapps was able to significantly reduce the fees paid for landscaping. She realized additional savings to our members by negotiating the best possible price for maintenance and repair work to the community entrance monument, footbridge and gazebo in the park.

Social Committee Chairperson, and Board Secretary, Elizabeth Estrill, reported that the Social Committee did not hold the Holiday Decorating Contest for 2008 and those funds remain in the budget. She also suggested that the Spring Clean-up could be scheduled every other year, since there is less trash blowing about the community with the change to lidded recycling containers.

The Social Committee has scheduled the Community Picnic for Sep 12, 2009.

Dwight Jackson, Member-At-Large, attended a community meeting regarding the opening of a bar and restaurant at the Crystal Plaza Shopping Center. He reported that other community associations are striving to block the opening of this establishment, identified as “Sweet Moon Grille”, and all board members signed a petition to the liquor board to deny the owner a liquor license.

Community Manager, Jim Faust of Comanco, has contracted with a new bank to reduce banking fees, as the Board requested last year. This change requires all residents to change the address to which they send their payments, and also provides residents with the option of having their payment made automatically through direct debit. This change begins with the June 2009 payment. Residents are encouraged to process their payment changes now in order to avoid late payment fees.

2008 Budget Meeting

Through vigilant monitoring of the Reserve funds and oversight of the budget, Vice-president Monica Kapps, identified the expected needs of the community compared with the existing funds available. By investing funds for safe returns, and negotiating with the community management firm for minimal increases, she has successfully minimized the costs of operating the homeowners association.

Furthermore, recent mild winters, have saved the cost of snow-pushing. Therefore, at the 2008 Budget Meeting, Vice-president Monica Kapps moved to lower the monthly fee for Snowden Pond residents. The Board of Directors agreed and the fee was reduced from $33 to $25.

2008 Scheduled Community Events

Details for most events will be printed on flyers and distributed to your mailbox close to the time of each event.

Community Yard Sale Sep 13, 2008 9am till 1pm
Annual Community Picnic Sep 13, 2008 4pm till 7:30pm
Traffic Light Meeting with SHA and nearby communities Sep 11, 2008 6pm till 8pm
at Tabernacle Church, 11601 S. Laurel Dr.
Holiday Decorating Contest Dec 2008

2008 Annual Meeting

After 11 years, the Snowden Pond HOA can still make quorum at its Annual Meeting. This year residents braved rain, thunder and lightening to attend the 2008 Annual Meeting on Jun 10 at Deerfield Run Elementary School Auditorium. Also attending were Jim Faust, founder of Comanco, Inc., and LaTisha Marshall, Comanco Property Manager newly assigned to our community. Dawn Hanratty, also with Comanco, took minutes for our meeting.

Discussion focused on maintenance of two homes in foreclosure on Cistern Lane, and on the tendency of some children in the community to place trash on their neighbors' property. Some residents have asked parents directly to monitor their children's activities. Letters have been sent to all residents reminding them to pick up their trash, and to use appropriate containers when placing trash at the street for pickup to eliminate the problem of trash blowing around the community.

The problem of accidents at the intersection of Route 197 and Snowden Pond Road received much attention, in light of a letter from Gerron Levi, State Delegate for District 23A. Ms. Levi recommended that representatives from our community, and from Montpelier Woods, meet with the State Highway Association to discuss options for slowing traffic along Route 197, and to hear their findings against the feasibility of installing a traffic signal at this time.

Events scheduled for 2008 include Community Cleanup Day on Jun 14, which offers students an opportunity to collect credit for community service while cleaning up trash and helping the community retain its property values. The Annual Community Picnic is scheduled for the first Sat after Labor Day on Sep 6, and the Holiday Decorating Contest will commence in Dec.

The Board of Directors was sorry to lose a respected President this year when Renie Fellers decided not to run for another term. She served as President for the last two years, and in other roles throughout her term. Hubert Braithwaite, III did agree to run again, and was nominated from the floor. Liz Estrill, longtime chair of the Social Committee nominated Dwight Jackson. Mr. Jackson accepted the nomination. As there were no other nominations, both positions were filled.

 
President Hubert Braithwaite, III
Vice President Monica Kapps
Treasurer Carlton Edmonds
Secretary Elizabeth Estrill
Member-At-Large Dwight Jackson


Update on Noise Reduction Effort

Andy Blocker of Waterwell Way is leading the effort to reduce noise from the Secret Service Training Center. On Jan 15, 2008, he set up a meeting with representatives of the Secret Service and Snowden Pond Board members at the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) headquarters in Washington, D.C. Discussions focused on the recomendations developed by residents at the 2007 Annual Meeting.

A noise reduction wall was proposed, but the expense could not be absorbed by the USSS, and environmental impacts further reduce the feasibility of that solution. Just as the common land owned by the Snowden Pond HOA is zoned for wetlands conservation, so is the land surrounding the Rowley Training Center.

Further discussion focused on the volume and frequency of training sessions. Volume is attributed to the sound of bullets hitting the target backboards. Frequency increases in the last year were attributed to preparations for the presidential campaigns. Fewer training sessions are scheduled for 2008. USSS representatives assured the board members that processes have been implemented to limit the number of night time training sessions.

A new long distance range is planned for the expansion, and USSS representatives agreed to enclose the range to help limit the volume. Andy Blocker agreed to request funding for enclosing the range from Representative Steny Hoyer.

It was also suggested that planting fast-growing trees at neighborhood boundaries shared with the Training Center could serve to reduce noise without negatively impacting the environment. Another suggestion is to request that GSA hire an engineering contractor to suggest any other alternatives that could be implemented to reduce noise, e.g., building berms around the target backboards. Andy Blocker is working closely with Congressman Hoyer to ensure that funds are appropriated for these activities.

2007 Holiday Decoration Contest

Happy Holidays from the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors wish all residents of Snowden Pond all the joys of the season. The Social Committee will tour the neighborhood one evening in the week before Christmas to search out the most creative holiday decorations. Prizes will be awarded. Judging will be conducted by members of the Social Committee. Directors are not eligible to enter.

Support our Troops

Troy and Hasana Blackwell of Goose Pond Court are coordinating a charitable campaign in the neighborhood. This campaign offers opportunities for residents to reach out to our deployed and injured troops in the U.S. Marine Corps. Residents may donate funds in $25, $40, and $50 increments to purchase a Ribbon Gift Album to be added to a Christmas stocking for a deployed or injured U.S. Marine or National Guardsman through the Operation Santa USMC program. The Ribbon Gift Album Program allows each recipient to choose a gift item from an array of brand name choices. To add a Ribbon Gift Album to an Operation Santa Christmas stocking, just contact Troy Blackwell at 1-866-521-3778 or click here to send him an email message. You may also want to write a personal note to include with your gift. Your contribution is tax deductible.

Public Hearing Scheduled

Preliminary Master Plan and Proposed Sectional Map Amendment for Subregion I

Prince George's County Council and the Prince George's County Planning Board of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) have scheduled a hearing on Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 7pm at the County Administration Building to give all interested persons the opportunity to express their views concerning the Preliminary Master Plan and Proposed Sectional Map Amendment. Copies of the Preliminary Master Plan for Subregion I, which includes Planning Areas 60, 61, 62, and 64 are available at six locations throughout the County or at the Planning Board web site. Doors will open at 6pm for participants to view exhibits and talk with planning staff.

The public hearing is part of a process leading to the approval of a new master plan and sectional map amendment that will amend the 1990 Subregion I Master Plan and SMA and the 2002 Prince George's County Approved General Plan. The hearing is important to persons owning land in the area because the plan establishes policies that will help define the type, amount, chracter, and location of future development. Approval of a new sectional map amendment could result in rezoning of property, which could then affect your property values and your tax liability.

For more information on the hearing, you can contact Kierre McCune, Project Leader, Prince George's County Planning Department's Community Planning North Division at 301-952-4225.

Significant changes proposed for Planning Area 62

Snowden Pond is located in Planning Area 62, which is bounded on the east by Route 1, north by Route 198 and South by Powder Mill Road. The western boundary extends beyond the Baltimore-Washington Parkway to include our neighborhood.

While recommending that all residents read the Plan, a thorough, but not comprehensive, review revealed these changes to be those most likely to affect residents of Snowden Pond:

ˇ MD 197, Laurel Bowie Road to be widened to a four-lane divided section between Jericho Park Road (near Bowie State University) and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. The portion of the roadway that traverses the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center should provide four through lanes while minimizing environmental disturbance to the greatest extent possible.

ˇ Provide a side path (or trail connection) along MD 197 between Laurel and Bowie. Prior discussions indicated that a trail or side path is appropriate at this location, as opposed to on-road bicycle facilities. A side path would accommodate a larger proportion of the community along this high volume, high speed roadway. In addition toaccommodating joggers and pedestrians, the side path would also make an attractive alternative for bicyclists who do not feel comfortable riding in the roadway with traffic. This trail will also provide access to the existing Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis (WB&A) Trail to the south of the study area and serve as a segment of the nationally-designated East Coast Greenway.

ˇ Provide a trail along the Patuxent River within M-NCPPC parkland from Snow Hill Manor Neighborhood Park to the Pheasant Run Community Park.

ˇ Build new schools to accommodate a growing population. Four new elementary schools, one new middle school, and one new high school are proposed within the entire Subregion I area.

ˇ Construct a new firestation (Snowden) in the vicinity of MD 197 and Snowden Road.

ˇ Upgrade the Baltimore-Washington Parkway from four lanes to six lanes.

ˇ Install pedestrian-safety improvements on MD 197 at the Baltimore-Washington Parkway interchange.

 

2007 Annual Meeting

Summary Report

At this year's Annual Meeting on Jun 13, the Association hosted three visitors. Prince Georges Police Department sent a Major to describe the benefits of a Neighborhood Watch program. Douglas J. J. Peeters, our Maryland State Senator (District 23), and Alex Hurdle, assistant to Tom Dernoga, our County Council Representative (District 1), came to hear residents' concerns.

A large turnout filled the room this year. Extensive discussion focused on planned changes at the Secret Service Training Center. Residents expressed respect for the men and women of the Secret Service who risk their lives in service to our nation. Though our community accepts and understands the inevitable need for training for such dangerous work, we are equally concerned about how property values in our community will be affected by the proposed expansion of the Training Center. Residents offered these suggestions:

ˇ Build a noise reduction wall around the training center.

ˇ Position firearms training complex(es) close to the BW parkway.

ˇ Position noisiest training activities as far from populated areas as possible.

ˇ Schedule training exercises so they will end by 9pm.

ˇ When night exercises must be scheduled, restrict those to the same week in every month.

ˇ Schedule regular measurements of decibel levels during noisiest exercises, and strive to keep decibel levels within limits defined by county ordinance.

Road conditions received significant attention, as residents unanimously complained about the dip in Snowden Pond Road shortly after entering the community. Alex Hurdle agreed to look into the matter, since Snowden Pond is a county road. Another traffic topic that received a lot of attention is the traffic pattern at 197 and Snowden Pond Road. Douglas Peeters suggested that perhaps the State and County can share the cost of installing a stoplight at our main intersection. All the residents agreed that a stoplight is desperately needed.

President's Report

Renie Fellers announced these accomplishments by the Board so far this year:

ˇ Reduction in HOA fee delinquencies

ˇ Replacement of tot lot playground equipment

ˇ Updated web site

ˇ Interaction with Snowden Pond II Board of Directors

ˇ Social activities planned for 2007

ˇ Architectural Guidelines review

Election

Liz Estrill's term was up this year, leaving one seat open for nominations. Liz was nominated from the floor. She accepted the nomination, and was reelected by a significant majority. Liz has served as Social chairperson for many years in addition to serving as Member-At-Large. Following the election of directors, the board met briefly to elect officers. All directors agreed to retain their 2006 positions, so the officers remain:

 
President Renie Fellers
Vice President Monica Kapps
Treasurer Carlton Edmonds
Secretary Hubert Braithwaite, III
Member-At-Large Elizabeth Estrill


2007 Annual Meeting Planned

June 13th is the date planned for this year's Annual Meeting. The major issue homeowners need to discuss are planned modifications to the nearby Secret Service Training Facility. Residents are encouraged to attend and voice their opinions. Directors have invited a representative from GSA to explain the proposed changes planned for the facility.

Another Successful Community Cleanup Day

Elizabeth Estrill hosted another successful Community Cleanup Day on Sat, May 5 for our neighborhood. A few loyal residents participated, collecting several bags of trash in the common areas. The community did not appear to be too dirty and volunteers enjoyed great food following their hard work. Thanks to all those who worked to make the event a success.

2007 Events Planned

Sat, May 5 - Spring Cleanup Day (Rain Date is May 12)

Wed, Jun 13 - 2007 Annual Meeting

Sat, Sep 8 - 2007 Annual Community Picnic (Rain Date is Sep 15)

 

Web Site Updated

New services available include a guestbook, discussion board, and polls. Residents are invited to sign the guestbook. This will enable all who are interested to receive email messages whenever new announcements are added to the site. The discussion board offers every resident an opportunity to weigh in on any topic they want to discuss. Polls will allow the board of directors to get a better understanding of what members want done on important issues. Click on Discussions in the navigation bar at the top or bottom of any page to link to these new services.

2007 Budget Finalized

The Snowden Pond Board of Directors voted to increase the monthly fee to $33.00 after lengthy discussion and review of expenses for 2007. Budget increases are expected for landscape and property management services, as well as maintenance on the neighborhood gazebos. The Social Committee also experienced a significant increase due to our efforts to integrate residents from Snowden Pond II into our Annual Neighborhood party. The Board also approved spending reserve funds toward replacement of playground equipment at the community park. Copies of the budget will be mailed to all residents in December 2006.

Come out to the Annual Snowden Pond Picnic

The Annual Snowden Pond Picnic will be held on Sat, Sep 9, 2006 at the community park from 4:30pm till 7:30pm.

Community Yard Sale Planned

Sat, Sep 9, 2006 from 9am to Noon is the day for this year's Snowden Pond Community Yard Sale. Goodwill or Value Village will be by at Noon to retrieve whatever did not sell.


2006 Annual Meeting

President's Report

At this year's Annual Meeting on Jul 12, outgoing President, Joseph Bozeman lead off the meeting with a discussion on safety and other issues he had faced during his tenure. He asked all residents to slow down when driving through the neighborhood and to report suspicious vehicles to the police. He also reported that street repair is the responsibility of the county. He also asked all residents to report abandoned vehicles to the Department of Environmental Resources. He asked each Committee chairperson to give a report.


Architectural Control Committee

Renie Fellers, Architectural Control Committee (ACC) chairperson, noted that the committee has 60 days to review all architectural change requests. No work may be started until the homeowner receives a response from the ACC. The committee may approve, approve with modifications, or disapprove a request. If an architectural change is made without ACC approval, the committee may modify or remove changes at the homeowner's expense. Renie also explained the change request procedures, and requested that Comanco mail out a copy of the committee's Architectural Guidelines to all homeowners.


Social Committee

Elizabeth Estrill, Social Committee chairperson, announced a successful Community Clean-up Day with about a dozen students participating. Students received credit twoard their community service requirements. Liz also announced the date for this year's picnic will be Sat, Aug 12, from 4pm to 7pm at the Snowden Pond community park. If it rains, the picnic will be held the following Sat, Aug 19. Liz also announced plans for a Community Yard Sale on Sat, Sep 9 from 9am to 1pm. All residents are encouraged to participate.


Relationship with Richmond American Homeowners Association

Hubert Braithwaite, III, Board Secretary, acting as the Snowden Pond HOA liason contacted Richmond American, developer of Snowden Pond, Phase 2 to discuss the possibility of combining the two communities into a single HOA. He reported that Richmond American does plan to work toward maintaining both subdivisions in acoordinated manner under a single HOA. Residents of Phase 2 are invited to attend and participate in Snowden Pond's Annual Meetings and social events. Some residents of Phase 2 were present at the Annual Meeting. Their association is still completely managed by Richmond American. Construction of Phase 2 is expected to be completed by Dec 2006.


Election Results

The terms of two directors ended. Joseph Bozeman and Carlton Edmonds had both served for two 3-year terms. Joseph Bozeman decided not to run for another term. Monica Kapps and Adelle Peeters, who have both served terms as directors in the past, volunteered to run. Randy Brown was nominated in advance. His name appeared on the ballot, although he was not in attendance. Liz Estrill spoke on his behalf. Liz also nominated Carlton Edmonds, who was not able to attend. Members voted Monica Kapps and Carlton Edmonds to the two available positions.

Election of Officers

Following the general meeting, the Board met to elect officers:
President Renie Fellers
Vice President Monica Kapps
Treasurer Carlton Edmonds
Secretary Hubert Braithwaite, III
Member-At-Large Elizabeth Estrill



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