The Viaduct – Vol 6 No 4 – August 1993

Headlines and Article Summaries – The Viaduct (August-September 1993 Issue)

  1. “From Fiction to Non-Fiction… Library Opening Soon to Serve You!”
    • Summary: After years of community effort, the new Elkridge Branch Library will officially open on August 23rd, 1993, with a dedication ceremony on August 22nd. The library will offer 40,000 items initially, a community meeting room, and parking for approximately 110 vehicles. Residents are encouraged to support the library through donations to expand the collection.
  1. “Down for the Count!”
    • Summary: This section highlights the final days leading up to the library’s grand opening, featuring a photo of Ellen Schultz, a pioneer advocate for the Elkridge Library, as she awaits the completion of the long-anticipated facility.
  1. “President’s Message”
    • Summary: Ray Miller, the Elkridge Community Association president, calls for volunteers to engage in local development issues. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement, especially with new commercial projects along the Route 1 corridor.
  1. “Elkridge Drive-In Update”
    • Summary: Plans to redevelop the former Elkridge Drive-In site continue to advance. Developers Barry and Cham Mehta propose a mixed-use project including affordable elder housing. Shelter Development Corporation and Catholic Charities have shown interest in building senior apartments, while commercial elements such as a Taco Bell are included to fund infrastructure improvements.
  1. “Main Street Project”
    • Summary: Efforts to revitalize Main Street in Elkridge face setbacks due to a lack of funding and unresolved zoning issues. Community members, led by Gary Kaufman, are pushing for improved aesthetics and additional parking while working with county officials to secure future project funding.
  1. “Elkridge Heritage Society”
    • Summary: The Elkridge Heritage Society announces its annual House and Garden Tour on September 4th. This year’s tour will feature historic homes and gardens across Elkridge and Halethorpe. Proceeds will support the society’s efforts to preserve local history.
  1. “Preachers by Christopher Vale”
    • Summary: A historical reflection on Reverend Hugh Conn, an 18th-century preacher who served in Maryland. The article recounts his dramatic death while delivering a sermon emphasizing the unpredictability of mortality.
  1. “In Memoriam”
    • Summary: This section pays tribute to Elkridge residents who recently passed away, including a detailed remembrance of their contributions to the community and the dates they entered into eternal rest.
  1. “Musing by Betty Mastrounni”
    • Summary: A light-hearted column reflecting on everyday curiosities, including humorous musings about modern life, relationships, and society’s contradictions.
  1. “Laura Simms”
  • Summary: A heartfelt tribute to Laura Simms, a beloved and active member of the Elkridge community, who passed away at age 81. The article recounts her rich personal history, community involvement, and her infectious spirit.
  1. “Heartworm Alert!”
  • Summary: This article warns pet owners about a severe mosquito season and the associated rise in heartworm disease. It emphasizes the importance of preventative care and provides information on testing and treatment options.
  1. “Dear Viaduct”
  • Summary: This section features letters from community members addressing local issues, including concerns about infrastructure, community representation, and the need for greater public participation in civic matters.
  1. “Additional Zoning Changes”
  • Summary: Updates on pending zoning adjustments affecting Elkridge, particularly around Montgomery Road. These changes aim to balance residential needs with increasing commercial development while maintaining community input.
  1. “Classifieds”
  • Summary: A section featuring local advertisements for services, community announcements, and items for sale.
  1. “Richard Keller Named Recycler of the Year”
  • Summary: Elkridge resident Richard Keller is honored for his dedication to community recycling initiatives. His efforts have increased local participation in the county’s curbside recycling program.
  1. “Are the Friendly Skies a Little Noisier?”
  • Summary: Increased airplane noise in Elkridge is linked to temporary runway closures at BWI Airport. The article reassures residents that the noise is expected to subside once runway improvements are completed in 1994.
  1. “Keldsen Property Goes Under the Gavel”
  • Summary: The historic Keldsen property, a 9.57-acre wooded lot on Old Washington Road, was auctioned off for $320,000 to developer Hugh Cole. The land, once home to an early 20th-century residence, may see future development.
  1. “Minor Traffic Delays Expected”
  • Summary: The State Highway Administration begins construction on a portion of Route 1, causing minor traffic delays through October. The project focuses on road resurfacing and drainage improvements.
  1. “Montgomery Road Construction”
  • Summary: Upcoming safety improvements on Montgomery Road will address visibility concerns near Landing Road and Timberview Drive. This long-term project includes leveling a hill and relocating utility poles, with work anticipated to begin in 1997.
  1. “Miss Utility Color Coding Explained”
  • Summary: An informative guide explaining the meaning behind the various colored markings made by Miss Utility to indicate underground utilities such as gas, water, and electric lines.
  1. “New Feeder Line Installed”
  • Summary: Baltimore Gas and Electric is installing a new feeder line along Landing and Montgomery Roads to alleviate electrical load issues. The project requires the addition and relocation of utility poles.
  1. “Recycling: It’s the Same as Throwing Away Money!”
  • Summary: This article urges residents to participate in the county’s curbside recycling program. It explains the environmental and financial benefits of reducing landfill waste and offers practical recycling tips.
  1. “The Press vs. Elkridge – Battling Negative Press”
  • Summary: Community members express frustration with negative portrayals of Elkridge in local media. Despite reports of junkyards and crime, residents argue that the town’s positive aspects—like its history and development—deserve more attention.
  1. “Clergy Transfers at St. Augustine’s Church”
  • Summary: After a decade of service, Father A. Henry Kunkel is reassigned to St. Mary’s Parish. Father A. Joseph Maskell takes over as the new pastor at St. Augustine’s Church. The community held farewell and welcome receptions for both priests.
  1. “Introduction to New Principal at Rockburn Elementary”
  • Summary: Rockburn Elementary welcomes its new principal, Earl H. Slacum, who brings years of experience in educational leadership. The article outlines his background and vision for the new school year.
  1. “Officers Elected for New School PTA”
  • Summary: Newly elected officers for the Rockburn Elementary School PTA are announced, including Cathy Manning as president. The PTA plans community involvement and educational programs to support the new school.

Summary – The Viaduct (August-September 1993 Issue)

The August-September 1993 issue of The Viaduct highlights major community developments, infrastructure projects, and local achievements in Elkridge. The long-anticipated Elkridge Branch Library is set to open on August 23rd, with a dedication ceremony the day before. The library will house 40,000 items and offer community meeting spaces.

Infrastructure remains a key focus, with updates on the Montgomery Road Construction project aimed at improving road safety, and Route 1 resurfacing expected to cause minor traffic delays through October. Baltimore Gas and Electric is also installing a new feeder line to alleviate electrical load concerns in the area.

The Elkridge Drive-In site redevelopment moves forward with plans for affordable senior housing. Developers Barry and Cham Mehta, along with organizations like Shelter Development Corporation and Catholic Charities, are working to bring the project to life, although zoning debates continue.

The issue also addresses negative press coverage of Elkridge, with community members expressing frustration over media portrayals that emphasize junkyards and crime rather than the town’s positive aspects.

Other local news includes clergy transfers at St. Augustine’s Church, welcoming Father A. Joseph Maskell after Father A. Henry Kunkel’s reassignment. Earl H. Slacum is introduced as the new principal at Rockburn Elementary School, and new PTA officers are announced.

Environmental concerns are also highlighted, with calls for increased participation in curbside recycling to reduce landfill waste. Additionally, residents are warned about a rise in heartworm disease due to an unusually severe mosquito season.

The Elkridge Heritage Society announces its annual House and Garden Tour to showcase the community’s historical homes, and Richard Keller is recognized as Recycler of the Year for his commitment to environmental efforts.

Link to full issue:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G2AzdXpc5AkQKlkVQVKGH9RlamEYk0U3/view?usp=drive_link