This October-November 1995 issue of “The Viaduct” provides a comprehensive look at the Elkridge community with a wide array of local news and information.
A significant event highlighted is the long-awaited opening of the Elkridge Senior Center on October 2nd at the Elkridge Branch library annex. The center’s hours, phone number, and planned activities, including hot lunches, health screenings, and various programs, are detailed. The dedication of the Senior Center is scheduled for November.
The Elkridge Community Association (ECA) report covers various ongoing community matters. These include the purchase and installation of the Elkridge sign, with contributions from Kiwanis member Herman Prehn, his son Bill Prehn, Joe McNamara, Elkridge Kiwanis, and Great Outdoors (owned by ECA President Ray Miller). The ECA post office drive is progressing, with a justification meeting with postal officials planned. Concerns about break-ins and car thefts were raised by Howard County Police officer and ECA past-president Les Stickles, who recommended self-defense and neighborhood watch. ECA’s planning and zoning watchdog Valerie Maguire reported on several zoning cases and applications, including updates on the Lawyers Hill Historic District, the old Miller Chevrolet facility, Hanover Ltd. Partnership’s junk yard, Taco Bell’s variance request, the Choudhary deck case, Browning-Ferris Industries’ solid waste transfer station, Meadowridge Wine and Spirits’ liquor license application, Howard County Recreation and Parks’ reforestation efforts, Route 100 construction funding and schedule, changes to Montgomery Road, Eastern Petroleum’s variance, Max Sterling Jr.’s variance, Exxon Corporation’s variance, the Decker property landscape screening, the flea market special exception revocation hearing, Blue Stream Partnership’s commercial property conversion, Elkridge Motors’ non-conforming use petition, the Lennox Park composting facility, Elkridge elder housing construction, the Rowanberry Drive connection to the library, the Levering Avenue zoning violation, and the Timbers at Troy Golf Course progress.
Several community activities and events are featured. President Bill Clinton visited Mayfield Woods Middle School in September for the Red Ribbon Campaign, and an essay by eighth-grade twins Kendall and Courtney Galiber recounts the visit. Gary Kaufman replaced Dr. Dale Schumacher on the Howard County Planning Board. The Elkridge Area Jaycees are offering Santa visits and have meetings planned on leadership development and marriage enrichment. Mike McMullen, an Elkridge resident and former POW, shared his experiences in Japanese prisoner-of-war camps during WWII.
There is an In Memoriam section acknowledging the recent deaths of community residents. “The Viaduct” also includes subscription information and lists its staff members.
The Friends of the Patapsco Female Institute, Inc. are seeking descendants of students and staff from the 19th century. The naming of Homeplace Lane is announced to preserve African-American history in the Elkridge area, honoring the Howard family and Harriet Tubman’s connection to the property. Several errors in media coverage about Elkridge are noted. Letters to the editor address topics such as fee-based trash removal, the ECA constitution amendment, and the name of a proposed shopping center.
VFW Post 8097 has a schedule of upcoming events. The story of Elmer Webster, a chauffeur at Belmont, provides a glimpse into the past. A historical look at lower Main Street recalls the various commercial establishments that once thrived there. A large group of Elkridge residents attended Mass with Pope John Paul II in Baltimore. The Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department (EVFD) announced its monthly pancake breakfasts, a family portrait fundraiser, and a Christmas craft show.
St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church installed a bell carillon, dedicated to the Prince of Peace in memory of those who served in wars. Margaret Zaiser of Ilchester Road was named the Quarterhorse Youth Advisor of the Year. Several local organizations are selling items as fundraisers, including the Kiwanis Club’s custom afghan, the EVFD’s 50th-anniversary book, the Heritage Society’s publications and memorabilia, school spirit wear, and church anniversary items.
Energy-saving tips for cold weather are provided. The newsletter includes advertisements for various local businesses, covering a wide range of services and products. Volcano Joe’s Cafe has a schedule of events. The history of an Odd Fellows Hall that served as a school for African-American children is explored. Information about Colonial Landing Apartments, an affordable senior housing community, is provided. Plans are underway to honor the late Chick Nedzel with a memorial at Rockburn Branch Park. The Howard High Class of ’85 is holding a reunion. The McGruff House program in Elkridge is highlighted.
An article features a posthumous “conversation” with Chick Nedzel, recalling local history and anecdotes. Cub Scout Pack 337 held its annual Huck Finn Fishing Derby. The newsletter also contains a menu from Smokey’s -N- Uncle Dave’s and advertisements for the Elkridge Furnace Inn and acupuncture services. The Jaycees are organizing Holiday Food Baskets. Elkridge Family Dentistry and Dance Foundations have advertisements. Don’s Paving & Hauling, Elkridge Middle School’s Open House, Miles Towing, Coleman’s Flooring Services, and Aim-Hi Party Sales also have ads. The “Dear Viaduct…” section continues with more community letters. The diverse career of Elkridge resident Gwen Bowers is profiled. Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home has announcements. Dr. Craig L. Blucher & Dr. Elaine Rounsley’s dental office, The Connor Team real estate, and Grace Presbyterian Church advertise their services. Finally, there are advertisements for Water Works Car Wash, Grayson Homes, Lyson Homes, Steven A. Rafkin Law Offices, Elkridge United Methodist Church, Elkridge National Bank, and various other local businesses.
Link to Full Issue:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SaaVgWbq9s-aj0gDqOffvDNGPMUtrYX_/view?usp=drive_link