This edition of The Viaduct for December 1997-January 1998 highlights various community happenings and local news in the Elkridge area.
The newspaper expresses gratitude to its advertisers and patrons for their support. Several local churches announced their Christmas service schedules. The Elkridge Community Association (ECA) is considering a name change and is holding a membership drive. The ECA’s history and its role in addressing community issues and growth are discussed, including its past name and expansion to cover the First Election District. Concerns about the ECA’s perceived representation and the need for greater strength are noted.
Santa Claus was scheduled to ride through Elkridge neighborhoods on the Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department’s fire engine in mid-December. Photos and winners from the annual Super Fresh Halloween Costume Contest are featured.
The new Ellicott City Fire Station on Montgomery Road has opened. Residents in the Ilchester area have complained about frequent radar setups on Landing Road. The Elkridge Area Jaycees are organizing Santa visits to raise funds for Hopkins Children’s Center. A fire destroyed a repair shop on Furnace Avenue. Information was provided regarding Christmas tree collection by the county. An update on a cleome (spider plant) seed giveaway was shared.
Grace Episcopal Church has presented plans for expanding its facilities to include a dedicated child care building and a community ministries building to better serve the growing needs of the community. The Elk Ridge Heritage Society provides membership information. The proper procedures for the disposal of dead animals on private and county roads are outlined. The League of Women Voters announced a legislative luncheon. The Elkridge Surplus School Committee will continue its work into the spring.
The Hairstation, a local hair care business, is featured, highlighting its history and connection to the Elkridge community. The Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department held its annual banquet, recognizing dedicated members. An update was provided on noise abatement efforts along I-95 near the Hunt Club Estates and Lawyer’s Hill communities. A fire of unknown origin completely destroyed the historic St. Mary’s College seminary in Ilchester, and a historical perspective on the building was shared. The VFW Post 8097 announced its upcoming schedule of events.
Betty Mastrounni shared a Christmas story. Richard Story, Howard County’s Coordinator of Economic Development, offered his vision for Elkridge’s future over the next decade, focusing on attracting technology businesses and addressing workforce needs. Advertisements from local businesses such as Austin’s Collision Repair and a Family Dental Office are included. A poem titled “Snowfall” by Polly Thornton is featured.
The historical significance of the name “Avalon” and its connection to Maryland’s history is explained. A fifth-grade student from Elkridge Elementary School shared an essay about her favorite holiday tradition: Christmas. A resident expressed her gratitude to neighbors and the Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department for their support after her son was injured in a bike accident. Elkridge Landing Middle School is participating in the Whitbread Education Project, a virtual boat race. The newspaper includes in memoriam notices for community residents who have recently passed away. The rehabilitation of the former Miller Chevrolet building by the Hannon family is acknowledged.
Local Gold Wing Honda riders recounted their cross-country motorcycle trip. Pranksters caused a train traffic halt by placing a dummy on the tracks near Hanover. A senior trip to the Pentagon was announced. Advertisements from Coleman Brothers Car Radio, Geckle’s Place, McDonald’s, and Bud & Dr. Belle Bauman are present. Lisa Spera of Harwood won the title of Ms. Plus Photogenic 1998. A birth announcement for Michaela Ashley Postowski is included. Information about subscribing to The Viaduct and purchasing McDonald’s gift certificates is provided. Bud & Dr. Belle Bauman announced the addition of laser surgery services. Brent Miller, an Eagle Scout candidate, embarked on an oyster farming project. Information on local Christmas garden displays is provided. Sources for inclement weather information regarding county services are listed. A connection between Princess Diana’s ancestry and Elkridge Landing is detailed.
St. Augustine Parish is planning its first annual Mardi Gras celebration. A reflection on “gossip” is shared. Centre Park Animal Hospital announced a new location. Efforts by the Patapsco Heritage Greenway Committee to develop a viewing site for the Thomas Viaduct and to clean up the Patterson Viaduct are described. The SK Penguin Pace Race for seniors was announced. Advertisements from Commercial Tire Co. and a Parent Self-evaluation questionnaire are included. The sale of the Rosa Bonheur Memorial Park (pet cemetery) is reported. The Elkridge Rotary Club donated Disney movies to the Child Care Center at Howard County General Hospital, and the Knights of Columbus elected new officers. Advertisements from Coleman’s Flooring Services and David Maier Restoration Services are featured. Will Maier, an Elkridge resident, was awarded a high-ranking black belt in martial arts. Several “Oh, Baby!” birth announcements and a welcome to new members of the Elkridge Area Jaycees are included. Advertisements for Faith Bible Church and Avalon Automotive are present. Historic markers at Trinity Episcopal Church are highlighted. St. Augustine’s announced upcoming NFL football viewing events. Elkridge Elementary School news covers various events and programs. Bill Prehn Home Improvements and Del. Murphy announced his new website. A public forum on quality health care was announced. The Harmony Hall Retirement Community re-opened its Respite Center. A vegetarian cuisine event was advertised. A public hearing for the BWI Airport Noise Zone Update was announced. Advertisements for Elkridge Motors and Water Works Car Wash are included. Finally, holiday recycling ideas and tips for reducing waste are provided by Howard County’s Recycling Division.
Link to full issue:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XiBwrA-pB2imsBXGyj5C8mqXHlcKjroo/view?usp=drive_link