Theft From Automobiles

Two Chesapeake Station residents recently reported attempted theft from their automobiles, one of which was parked in the C St. alley and the other in the Overlook. The perpetrators entered their unlocked automobile and rifled through it looking for valuables. The incidents occurred sometime between 7:00AM and 11:00AM on Saturday 7/21/2018. If anyone remembers noticing suspicious activity or persons that morning, please contact the Board at [email protected].

We sent an email notice out to residents in December of a theft from an automobile on Dentzel Ct. at that time and thieves attempting to gain entry to automobiles parked at the Overlook. We would like to remind residents to always keep your vehicles and houses locked and don’t leave valuables in your vehicle.

Please be observant of our surroundings. If you see suspicious or criminal activities in our development, call the emergency 911 number and report it. And let the Board of Directors know at [email protected] or through the web contact form here.

The Board of Directors has just learned that there is a proposed plan for remediation of toxic chemicals at the Naval Research Lab-Chesapeake Bay Detachment, just down the road from Chesapeake Station.  The proposed plan is open for public comment. However, the public comment period closes Friday May 6.

We are passing this on to the CSHOA community in case residents have concerns they wish to voice.  The Town of Chesapeake Beach is considering asking NRL to conduct a public information session.

The remediation plan documents can be found here:

Maryland Department of the Environment Announcement

Proposed Groundwater Remediation Plan

Proposed Soil Remediation Plan

Procedures for providing comments can be found in the plan documents above.

Smoke Alarms – Changes in the Law

This is normally the time of year that homeowners are advised to change the batteries in their smoke alarms.  But did you know that a recent change in the law now requires installation of a new type of smoke alarm with a 10-year non-replaceable battery?

Two-thirds of fire deaths occur in homes without alarms or this that have disconnected or missing batteries.   This new technology will do away with the need to replace outdated batteries each year and is expected to save lives.  You can read more about this change at www.livebaltimoremaryland.com/new-law-smoke-alarm

CSHOA June 2017 Newsletter

Luau!

Some of you have seen the announcement via our recent email blast but for those who haven’t, our annual Luau is ON!  On Saturday, June 24th (rain date 25th) beginning at 4 pm we will gather at our Beach for food from Adam’s Rib including ribs, chicken, barbeque and sides of coleslaw and potato salad.  Beer, wine, water, ice tea, and lemonade will be furnished for all as well.

Every resident, owner and renter is welcome.

Everyone is asked to bring one additional side including desserts and their own chairs.

And we will have a LIVE BAND! – “Breaking Blue” playing a variety of music including island songs!  For additional fun, we will have games for kids of all ages, with prizes for the winners including a contest for the Big Kahuna:

• the best Hawaiian shirt,
• the most fun outfit,
• the prettiest flower in hair and
• the tackiest tourist clothes.

Join your neighbors and get to know new neighbors…it is always a good time!

2017 Fireworks Over the Bay!

The annual Chesapeake Beach fireworks will be held on July 2 this year with a rain date of July 3.  As usual, CSHOA, with assistance from the Town and County Sheriff’s Department will be closing the north and south C St. entrances to Chesapeake Station.  Beginning at 4:00PM, vehicle access to Chesapeake Station via C St. will be restricted to those vehicles that have a valid Chesapeake Station sticker or carry a one-day parking pass.  Up to four one-day passes will be available for Chesapeake Station households starting June 13 on a first-come, first-serve basis from Penny Schmidt (410-474-2802) for Band Shell Ct. residents, Cathy Diggle (301-785-1784) for Overlook residents, or Dave Ferguson (703-624-8354) and Charlie Pritchard (301-325-0512) for other residents.  Requests may also be made by email to [email protected].  So as not to overload our parking areas, the number of passes issued will be limited to 260.

Chesapeake Station receives a lot of visitors on that day so please ask your guests to consider carpooling.  If your guests are arriving early, consider having them park in public areas and walk into Chesapeake Station.  Passes are not required for pedestrians.  If your guests don’t have a parking pass, their vehicle will not be admitted even if you vouch for them.

Parking is permitted in private driveways, with permission of the householder, or in the street.  However, please be considerate and do not park in a location that blocks a driveway or road access.  Remember that you are responsible for the conduct and safety of your guests.  And a final reminder: use of fireworks is prohibited on public and private property.  Please instruct your guests that they may not set off firecrackers, rockets, or explode anything anywhere in Chesapeake Station, including your own yard.

Be aware of the traffic plan that the Town will put in place for that day.  The traffic plan is set up to eliminate all left hand turns on a portion of Route 261 going through the Twin Beaches, enabling traffic to flow with minimal stopping.  The centerline of Route 261 will be blocked with delineation devices that will prohibit vehicles from making U-turns. Traffic north of Route 260 along Route 261 on the east side of Route 261 must make right turns and exit left on 5th Street to Boyd’s Turn Road to Route 260.  Traffic on the west side of Route 261 must make a right turn and exit on 27th Street to G Street to Route 260. Traffic south of Route 260 along Route 261 on the east side of Route 261 must make a right turn and must turn left onto Route 260.  Traffic on the west side of Route 261 must turn right and continue along Route 261 to Summer City Blvd or continue south to Ponds Wood Road and proceed to Maryland Route 4.

Thanks for your cooperation and help, and we hope you have a wonderful Independence Day celebration.

Welcome Package

Cathy Diggle, Chair of our Social Committee, has assembled a Welcome Package for new Chesapeake Station residents.  The package includes a Welcome Letter, Vehicle Parking stickers, Contact Information Request form, and a copy of our public Resident Directory.

Cathy and the Board of Directors don’t always know when new residents move into Chesapeake Station so we’d like to ask that anyone who does become aware of a new family in our development, please let us know at [email protected] so that we can welcome them properly.  Thank you!

Renting Your Chesapeake Station Property

Several of our Chesapeake Station owners rent out their property to others.  This is a reminder that per the Chesapeake Station Declaration of Covenants, Easements, Charges, and Liens (https://chesapeakestationhoa.org/documents-governance/) all owners are required to submit a copy of the lease to the Board of Directors.

With the rising popularity of Airbnb and other companies facilitating short-term rental opportunities, we also want to remind CSHOA homeowners that rentals for time-periods less than 6 months are not permitted in Chesapeake Station.

Keeping Up Your Property

Spring is here and it is time to ensure that the CSHOA neighborhood continues to look its best.  A primary responsibility of a HOA is to maintain property values and keep everyone safe.  Chesapeake Station is a unique bay front community with a private beach and panoramic views.  It is the goal of the Chesapeake Station HOA to maintain or improve property values and have a community that everyone can enjoy.

Many of you have already started on your outdoor beautification projects this season, and we thank you for submitting your Architectural Change Request forms, and getting approval, prior to initiating work.  Nevertheless, we wanted to remind everyone that now is the time to inspect your homes for issues that may be unsafe or detract from the pleasing aesthetic that Chesapeake Station is known for.

Projects that you have planned may include replacing or adding a new deck, window replacement, modifying or replacing a fence, repainting, re-siding, or landscape work.  Every home has different beautification needs and it is your responsibility to maintain the exterior of your home to the standards outlined in Resolution 3 (Architectural Review Procedures and Guidelines) of our Governing documents (https://chesapeakestationhoa.org/documents-governance/).  Moreover, for your safety and the safety of all residents we ask that you trim overgrown trees and shrubbery keeping walkways clear, and your home neat and visible from the road.

Please remember to submit an Architectural Change Request Application (www.chesapeakestationhoa.org/documents-forms/) to the Architectural Committee and get their approval prior to initiating any work to the outside of your home or yard.  If you need more information, contact a member of the Architectural Committee: Penny Schmidt (410-286-0071), Richard Sherman (410-257-2623), Charlie Pritchard (301-325-0512), or Sven Thulin (301-502-5445).

Unauthorized Beach Visitors and Activities

Use of our small beach is limited to residents and guests only.  Beach rules and safety tips are posted on our web site (https://chesapeakestationhoa.org/documents-beachrules/).  If you see a new face at the beach and are concerned about trespassing and wish to inquire, please treat them as a neighbor first and a potential trespasser second.  Greet them in a friendly manner and inquire, if you feel comfortable doing so.

Alternatively, if you see someone who you suspect is an unauthorized visitor or you witness Illegal, suspicious or dangerous activity on the beach, report it to the Sheriff’s Office. Depending on the circumstances, call 911 or the Sheriff’s non-emergency number (410-535-2800). Don’t put yourself in a potentially dangerous situation by confronting people engaged in these activities. That’s the job of law enforcement.  Once you have notified law enforcement, please let the Board know of the issue via email at [email protected] or the Contact form on our web site (https://chesapeakestationhoa.org/contact-us/) so that we can track neighborhood trends and follow-up on issues as necessary.

When using the beach, leave nothing behind except your foot prints.  Please take everything you bring to the beach back home with you, especially trash and pet waste.  Pets must remain on leash at all times.  Bon fires, camp fires and open flames are not allowed in the Town of Chesapeake Beach including our beach.  Fishing is allowed along the rocky berm bordering the bay with appropriate fishing licenses but not within 20 yards of the sand beach because of the hazards that lost tackle presents to barefoot beach goers.

Pet Protocol

Many residents own dogs that they take out for daily walks.  You must keep your pet on-leash and under your control when outdoors.  This is a County requirement.  Also please pick up after your pet.  When you’re outdoors with your animal pal, always bring a bag or two for cleanup.  Uncollected pet waste is unsightly, unsanitary, and unhealthy.  It is also a pollution source for our beautiful Bay.

Annual Owners’ Meeting

A reminder that the annual CSHOA Owners’ meeting is coming up in September.  Look for meeting information in the US mail, including list of candidates for office, official PROXY to use if you can’t attend, and an agenda for the meeting.  We strongly urge you to attend!  While you’re at it, bring a Chesapeake Station neighbor with you.  Active owner participation is needed to keep our HOA healthy and maintain Chesapeake Station as a desirable place to live.  We will be particularly looking for owners who are willing to stand as candidates for the Board of Directors.  Also, members are always needed for our various committees, so consider offering yourself as a volunteer on one or more of our Committees.

Our Electronic Presence

Electronic media today provides instant communications and is a great way to bring a community together.  Many of you know that we have a web site (chesapeakestationhoa.org) where information relevant to our community is posted.  We urge you to visit regularly.  The Board of Directors also communicates with residents regularly via email.  If you are not on our email distribution list, sign up for it on our web site!  Just look for the signup form in the lower right corner of the home page.  And we have a private Facebook group where residents can communicate interactively and post information of interest.  Posts are moderated and only group members can see posts.  If you’re not already a member, you can request access by clicking the link in the lower right corner of the web site home page.  You must also have a Facebook account.  But if you don’t, it’s very easy to set one up at www.facebook.com.

For those who do not have Internet access, our Board of Directors can be contacted by phone at the following numbers:

President, Keith Pardieck 301-792-1103
Vice President, Dave Ferguson 703-624-8354
Secretary, Paul Doherty 301-812-0272
Treasurer, Roland Schlehuber 410-286-2420
Member at-Large, Warren La Heist 301-855-5507

Spring is Coming!

The first day of spring is only 2 weeks away.  Although it doesn’t seem like it when the morning temperature is in the 20s.  But the trees are budding and the daffodils have started to bloom.  Let’s hope it’s too late now for a winter storm.

Now, on to the news!

Resident Directory
After much effort, the Board has completed an update of our resident  directory.  The last one was published about 2009.  Thank you to residents who have provided their contact information for the directory.  To protect our member’s privacy, the directory will not be posted on our web site.  However, it is available to Chesapeake Station residents.  If you would like a copy of the directory, please email us with a request at [email protected] and we’ll send you an electronic copy.

Local History

Joan Kilmon, Branch Manager of the Twin Beaches branch of the Calvert County Library, will be presenting the story of the Belvedere Hotel at this month’s Calvert Conversations meeting.  Calvert Conversations is a local history group that meets at the Twin Beaches branch on the second Thursday of each month.
The Belvedere was built in the early 1900’s and burned to the ground in 1923.  It was located in the area of the Overlook and may be of particular interest to Chesapeake Station residents.  So if you want to know more about the history of our neighborhood or are just a history buff in general and have a free morning, come to the library on March 9 at 10:00-11:00AM.

Ethics Officer
The Town of Chesapeake Beach is looking for members for the Town Ethics Committee. Responsibilities include understanding and enforcing the Town Ethics Ordinance. If you are interested in applying, submit a bio to Sharon Humm, Town Clerk at [email protected] by the close of business, March 7 2017. All applicants must be a resident and a registered voter in the Town of Chesapeake Beach.

CSHOA Board of Directors Business
The Board meets regularly on the first Monday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled for March 6 @ 7:00PM in the Northeast Community Center.  These meetings are open to Chesapeake Station owners.  If you plan to attend any Board meeting, we ask that you send us a notice at [email protected] so we can plan accommodations.  Also check regularly at our web site at chesapeakestationhoa.org where meeting announcements, schedule changes, meeting minutes, and other news are posted.  Also, a reminder that we now have a private Facebook group to stimulate on-line discussion among our residents.  To request admission to the group, click the link at the lower right corner of our web site home page.

Annual Meeting Minutes
A draft copy of the minutes from our September Annual Owners’ meeting has been posted  to the CSHOA web site at https://chesapeakestationhoa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MinutesAnnual2016Draft.pdf  This was your meeting so if you attended, please review the draft and send us any corrections or clarifications that you remember from the meeting.  Note that assessments increased slightly for 2017 to $200.63 per quarter for town homes and $190.18 for detached/semi-detached homes.

New Board Member
One of our Board members, Elizabeth Henderson, will be leaving Chesapeake Station and has resigned her position on the Board.  In accordance with the provisions described in the CSHOA Bylaws, the Board selected Dave Ferguson as her replacement.  Dave will serve as Vice President.

We would like to thank Elizabeth for her service on the Board and wish her and Shirley well in North Carolina.

CSHOA Facebook Page
Taking a baby step into the world of social media, the Board has established a Facebook page for our community!  A Facebook page will allow residents to connect with each other at Chesapeake Station and promote a greater sense of community.

If you are a Facebook user and would like to join the group, you can request access through the CSHOA web page at chesapeakestationhoa.org.  There is a link at the bottom, right corner of the home page which will take you directly to our Facebook page.  Once on the page, click the Request link.

The Facebook page is a private group and Facebook users not in the group will not be able to see posts.  The page is also moderated to prevent inappropriate or offensive posts.

Frozen Pipes
Now that the cold weather is on us, make sure you have winterized your water pipes.  Turn off water to outside spigots, remove the hoses, drain and store them for the winter.  Familiarize yourself with the location of the water shutoffs in your home in the case of an emergency.  If your property is a part-time getaway, consider calling Town Hall to have your water shut off for the winter, especially if you are not heating your property.

If you experience an emergency involving the Town’s water lines, call 410-257-2230.  After business hours, you will be routed to an emergency line.  But please remember that frozen water pipes within your home or your connection to the Town water main is not a Town emergency, and you should contact a plumber.

Planning & Zoning Vacancies
The Town of Chesapeake Beach Planning & Zoning Commission is currently seeking new members. If you are interested in serving our community in this capacity, please deliver your bio / resume to the Town Clerk, Ms. Sharon Humm. You may email the document to [email protected] or stop by Town Hall. Members are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Town Council.

Substance Abuse Community Forum

The Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse coalition is hosting a Community Forum on November 16^th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the College of Southern Maryland.  The event will provide the community with an opportunity to learn what is being done to address the opioid abuse and overdose issue in the county and state.

Lt. Governor Rutherford has been invited to speak.  Others who have expressed an interest in speaking on the topic are Sheriff Mike Evans, Health Department, Adult Drug Court representative, Calvert Memorial Hospital, Calvert County Public Schools, Calvert County Health Department, and Maryland State Police, Barrack “U”.

Chesapeake Beach has some of the highest opioid overdose and fatality rates in Calvert County.  This is a perfect opportunity for our citizens to come out and learn about the details of the epidemic, the different ways it is effecting the community, and how each individual organization is coming together to tackle the problem.

Kristen DePhillip
Board President, Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse

As most of you know, the CSHOA Board of Directors asks residents of Chesapeake Station to display a parking sticker on each vehicle regularly parked in the development. In the past, these stickers were in blue lettering on a yellow background and applied with a long-lasting adhesive backing.

The Board has recently changed the sticker design to a more subtle and user-friendly blue/clear removable windshield decal. These are now available to all residents. If you have a sticker in the old style you do not need to change it but if you would like the new decals, contact Elizabeth Henderson at 410-257-1736 or [email protected]

Tenth Annual Pat Carpenter Holiday Parade

On December 3^rd, the merchants and communities of Chesapeake Beach and North Beach will again hold an annual Pat Carpenter Holiday Parade.  This year’s theme is “Your Favorite Holiday Memory.”

The organizers have graciously invited the Chesapeake Station HOA to participate by representing our community with a float (decorated truck or convertible) and/or as a walking group.  If you are interested in participating in this event either to help construct a float and/or as a walker, please contact Cathy Diggle, our CSHOA Social Committee Chairperson, by November 7 at [email protected]

Are you a Chesapeake Beach resident eligible to vote in Town Elections?  Then you should know about two forums to be held by the League of Women Voters for Mayor and Town Council candidates.  The forums will take place on Thursday evening, November 3, 2016, from 7:00 PM until approximately 9:00 PM, at the Northeast Community Center, Chesapeake Beach, MD.

Mayoral and Council candidates will be available to meet individually with citizens between 6:30 and 7:00. The forums begin at 7:00.  The forum of Mayoral candidates will be first, followed by the forum of Town Council candidates.

If you aren’t sure about your eligibility to vote, see our previous post at https://chesapeakestationhoa.org/town-elections/