Newsletter
Mission Statement:” Bringing Business and the Community Together”…..
 To provide a networking opportunity for all businesses
 To promote open communication and support to all business and community leaders
 To be a resource for information generated from County, City and State levels that have a direct Impact on our Business Community
President’s Message:

 

Summer days are upon us and businesses like Jill’s new Rita’s in the Beltway Plaza are drawing in the neighbors for something cool. Remember to make your place of business bright and welcoming as many folks are spending more time out and about in our shopping district. Taking advantage of all advertising opportunities to promote and market your business and bring customers/clients through your front doors. Don’t’ hesitate to ask for referrals and attend all networking opportunities available to you.

Don’t miss our monthly meeting to be held at Brightview Assisted Living beginning at 7:30 am. Al Britton from E-check Collect will be our guest speaker. This service helps collect on bad checks at no cost to you. Also on the agenda will be planning for our fall events. We need everyone’s input!

Our 2007-2008 directories are in its final days of submission. If you have not received advertising FYI from FATA and are interested in an additional ad, please contact me ASAP. I can email or fax you the forms. We are hoping to have our directories mid-July for August 1^st distribution at our Back to School $1 Movie Day and Mini Business Fair.

It’s time to think about officers and board members for 2008. This is a volunteer position with no expectations. Everything you as a business or organization leader can bring to our group is very much needed and welcome. Fresh ideas and suggestions will move this organization forward.

For all events and for membership forms visit our website at. www.ofbpa.com.or Donna at 410-665-6551.

Minutes: May 16, 2007: (to be approved at the June meeting)

Officers and Executive Board in attendance: Donna Bethke, Darlene Conner, Patty Zimmerman, Kim Durham., & Rachael Waters. Guests: Norm McCarthy, Mc-N-MC Towing & Recovery, Richard Mince & Gracie Nedd from Passport Plus.

President’s Report- attended community association meeting initiated meeting about Norm’s purchase and requested variance of adjacent property; Spring fair update-will not repeat for 2008; Movie Day set for August 1^st, successful networking event at Amer’s-repeat event; met with Fred and Edgar Lassahn about SHA proposal.

Membership Report-73 members as of 5/15/07

Minutes – approved April minutes. Motion to approve - Kim 1^st Darlene. 2^nd Approved

Treasurer’s Report-Income $970.00 Debits $1549.13 Ending Balance $4,706.52 Motion to approved Kim 1^st Linda 2^nd.Approved. Correction- add Bill Rhorbaugh’s name to donation line.

Hospitality Chair-nothing new to report

Website Update: reminded everyone to update events

• Wine and Cheese Networking Social –feedback is very positive—voted to do one this summer.
• Back to School Movie Day- set for August 1^st at Beltway Movie 6
• Multi-vendor bingo still on hold
• Directory deadline- May 31^st. taking suggestions for new pages. Patty to call 2006 members who have not renewed about the deadline.
• NEW MEMBERS—5 minutes of Fame
• Passport Plus deadline moved to June 13^th- also increase in rates
• Norm McCarthy- explained variance, what improvements he wants to do to the property, how his security cameras solved a crime at Fullerton Federal and have discouraged a lot of drug deals behind the old credit union building. Expresses his willingness to work with the community and wand wants to expand his business.

OTHER - Who has something to share? Upcoming events? Ideas/Suggestions

Next Meeting: June 13th at 7:30 am TBA Wrap Up- Motion to Adjourn

President Donna Bethke (410) 665-6551 Vice President Pat Zimmerman (410) 444-5555

Treasurer Darlene Conner (410) 661-4412 Welcome Chair Cathy Kratovil 443-520-7179

Directory Chair Kimberly Durham (888) 887-9297 ex. 41506 Secretary vacant

Hospitality- Rachael Waters 410-882-0915 Member at Large- Barbara Nash 410-488-4800

Welcome Membership 2007

Renewal .Tech Services LLC Zach John 410-254-2222 (p)

Renewal A Natural Way to Health Frances Thomas 410-325-6677 (p)

Renewal A-1 Bill & Earl's Auto, Inc. Earl Specher, Jr. or Marty 410-668-4100 (p)

Renewal Academy Animal Hospital Vicki Marci/Dr. Fred Lewis 410-483-5162 (p)

 Our wine and cheese was a huge success. Gretchen and Mohammed from Amer’s did a wonderful job of hosting our event and the cost was minimal to the OFBPA. It was great to see Zach from .Tech Services, Sharon from Adecco, Kim from Amica Insurance, Angela from Apple Insurance, Ruth and Cheryl from Making Choices for Independent Living, Bobbie, Henry and Maureen from Overlea Health & Rehab, Jim from State Farm Insurance, Rachael from Taylor Park Apartments, Erik from GSF Mortgage, Cathy from On Time Ground Transportation, Richard and Gracie from Passport Plus and Sandy from Obrecht-Riehl.

We welcomed the following guest who attended: Ken Canterbury from District 6 Democratic Club, Bill Howard from Community Banks, Judge Pat Stringer, Aricia and Michelle from T-Mobile, Charles Parrish and Chris Riley from Investors United Scholl of Real Estate, and Russ Mirable from the Rosedale Community Association.

On Time Ground Transportation, Inc. Cathy Shimp 410-319-8807 (p) catherine_shimp@hotmail.com On Time Ground Transportation is proud to become part of the Overlea Fullerton Business & Professional Association. We provide transportation to and from for all types of client destinations.

For example: It’s your anniversary, hold your wife’s hand, sit back and relax, as our driver gets you to the surprise dinner reservation "on time".

Or perhaps we can bring associates from the airport to the corporate luncheon "on time"

Our six passenger mini van is perfect for getting the boss and his clients to the train "on time".

Planning a family vacation? Then by all means include us in the plans. Our 14 passenger van will hold the entire family and that entire luggage and still get you to the dock "on time".

What better way to say thanks you to your employees and their families than to hire on of our coaches to take everyone to Hershey Park for the day and of course they will arrive back in Baltimore "on time".

Wedding Bells are ringing and the senior prom starts at nine. The limo is there and it’s "on time.

Wheelchair vans are also available for those with special needs. The vans adhere to the company policy of arriving "on time".

We recommend you call ahead for your reservations. We are a 24/7 operation and accept all major credit cards. A Lincoln Town Car (holds 4) from Overlea to BWI between 6:00 am-10:00 PM. Total is $67 and includes gravidity.

Linover Improvement Association: Next general meeting—Tuesday, June 19th at 7:30 pm at St. Michael’s Church in the Chapel Meeting room. There will be no General Meeting in July or August, but there will be a Newsletter in August. Congratulations go out to Caitlin M. Klimm of Linhigh Avenue for being this year’s winner of the $1,000 Linover Scholarship. www.linover.org

Vericomm Corporation Lisa Hogan 443-846-2310 (p) lisahogan@vericommcorp.com www.vericommcorp.com

Vericomm is dedicated to helping merchants save on their credit card processing. We offer discounted VISA/MC rates as well as 0% debit and electronic check processing. Vericomm works with both start up companies and established businesses. Not only will you be thrilled with your savings, but out passion for excellence customer service will exceed your expectations.

New member, Lisa Hogan (Vericomm) host a Networking Referral Group meeting every Tuesday from 1:00- 2:00 PM at the Sandler Training Institute located at 16 Meadows Drive #G103, Timonium, MD 21093. Please contact Lisa if you are interested in attending as a guest at 443-846-2310. I attended several weeks ago and will give an update at the June meeting. I was very impressed that everyone in attendance was given several leads.

Tuesday, June 12^th: Rita’s in the Beltway Plaza: Please join us for a Super Scooper Night featuring players from the Baltimore Blast. Proceeds from the sales during 7:00pm-9:00pm will benefit William James Becker, IV.  James, age 16 went into cardiac arrest and suffered a near fatal drowning in a community pool on July 29, 2006.  The proceeds will go into a trust fund for James who suffered brain damage as a result of the accident for his continuing care and ongoing rehabilitation. Thank you for your support

Sat. June 23^rd: 9-3pm (set up starts at 8am). Join the Taylor Park Community for our resident yard sale & fun day…It’s time to clean out those closets, make some ca$h and have fun too!! Call or email us to reserve a free table by 6/15/07. taylorpark@tristarmgt.com. 410-882-0915. This event will be advertised in the "Penny Saver"

It’s not something you generally consider but Marcel Marceau has rights, too – the right to copyright his routines. According to the United State’s Copyright Office, even "pantomimes and choreographic works" are copyrightable. (Mimes around the world are silently rejoicing!). A copyright is a form of protection for your "original works of authorship" afforded to you by title 17 of the US Code. Copyrightable works include the following categories:

1. literary works;
2. musical works, including any accompanying words;

Because copyrights protect your original works of authorship (including works of art, computer software, promotional materials, architectural drawings, and manuals, etc.), what you copyright depends on your type of business. However, if your business creates promotional materials or has a website, you should be concerned about copyright issues.

The first time you create a work, you secure your copyright, and how long your work is entitled to protection depends upon multiple factors. Although there is no registration requirement to copyright, there are definite advantages to registration, such as the ability to sue for infringement.

The U.S. Copyright office recommends the following format for copyrighting visually perceptible works. Example: © 2006 John Doe. This is just one simple pay to afford your business some copyright protection. Additional information on copyrights is available at www.copyright.gov. User- and mime-friendly, this website offers a wealth of information for business owners and the creatively-gifted.

June 12^th DelegateBranch's Breakfast: He would like to extend an invitation to neighborhood people., on Tuesday, June 12, 2007 from 7:30 a.m. at the Marriott at no cost to the residents. Governor O'Malley is invited, among many others. If you would like to attend, by Monday, June 11^th. Del Branch's Office is 3224 Belair Road, Baltimore, MD 21213 (just south of Erdman) Phone number is 410-563-4709

June 30^, 2007: Baltimore County is sponsoring a Housing Resource Day at Goucher College from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Call 410-887-3697 or register in advance at www.baltmorecountymd.gov. The goal of the event is to help those who rent and those who are interested in buying a home make smart, well informed decisions.

July 4th:  Fullerton Fireworks. Concessions open at 5:00 PM. Puppet Show at 7:30 PM Fireworks at dusk.

Please send donations to Allied Community Services C/o: Joe Ferracci 7110 Willowdale Avenue ( 21206)

Dear Friends,

A new era of environmental consciousness is upon us. In my first session in Annapolis, we were able to pass substantial legislation in an effort to clean up the Chesapeake Bay, combat global climate change and remove carcinogens from the air we breathe. But there is much work to be done, and we each need to recommit ourselves to this important agenda.

In Annapolis this year we were able to pass the Clean Cars Bill, which tied our vehicle emission standards to the strictest in the nation. We passed the Chesapeake Bay Green Fund, which simultaneously funds Bay cleanup, while discouraging developers from building in agricultural areas, thereby attacking urban sprawl. We have also begun funding of the Chesapeake Bay Native Oyster Restoration, which seeks to clean our bay with its greatest natural filter.

This is important work. The threat of Global Climate Change endangers our very existence. Maryland’s cancer rates are among the highest in the nation. A "dead zone" in our bay renders 60% of it unlivable by any marine creature. Urban sprawl has transformed agricultural areas into townhouses, and left vacancies in our older existing neighborhoods.

I campaigned on and co-sponsored legislation that would put a 5 cent deposit on recyclable beverage containers. The effort will reduce solid waste in our landfills by encouraging recycling, reduce litter in our streams and waterways, and generate revenue without raising taxes. The bill was unsuccessful this year, but the fight continues. I encourage everyone to contact "Citizens Using Resource Better" or C.U.R.B. to join the effort to get this legislation passed. E-mail todd@toddschuler.com for contact information.

In addition, I encourage everyone to start using reusable grocery bags instead of plastic bags, or refusing bags altogether when one or two small items are purchased. I just started doing this myself. I am certain that Giant and Superfresh are among the stores that sell reusable bags for a dollar. Keep it in your trunk, use it instead of a basket in the store, and take it home with you. Plastic bags account for a good portion of the clutter on our streets. They get in the water and kill sea life and boat engines. They do not biodegrade. They are made out of oil. They are often not recyclable. I am currently investigating legislation which would ban the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags. Similar legislation just passed citywide in San Francisco.

Finally, during this beautiful Baltimore summer, dry your clothes on a clothesline. I just stumbled across laundrylist.orghttp://laundrylist.org and can’t wait to get started. The group is dedicated to reestablishing the American clothesline. Clotheslines reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses, save money, and give your clothes a fresh smell they could never get in a dryer.

Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts. Please contact me if there is anything I can do either personally or legislatively to help these efforts.

In lieu of a secretary and to help fray cost the OFBPA will be sending out the newsletter via email to all those we have correct email addresses currently. If you would like to receive the newsletter on a monthly basis, please send your email if you did not receive the April newsletter via email to ptavon@comcast.net. We will continue to mail to our membership that do not have email access. We will also do a mass mailing 3-4 times a year to keep everyone on the corridor as up to date as possible.

  Graffiti mars the landscape and adversely affects communities and business. Customers are reluctant to patronize stores that are covered in graffiti. So what should business do about this problem? Find out in this month Business Beat. You will find this and previous editions of Business Beat online at

http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/police/media/business_beat.html

HARBEL’s Lt. Jim Handley contacted HARBEL on Wednesday, May 2nd to inform me that additional police have been assigned to patrol and perform enforcement on Harford Rd. from Coldspring Lane to Echodale Avenue for the next and along the Belair Rd corridor for the next 30 days. This is a good opportunity for the community to monitor suspicious behavior on and in the areas adjacent to Harford Rd and call 911 when it is seen, as there will be additional officers in the area to address your concerns.

The new neighborhood liaison from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhoods for Northeast Baltimore is Sara Gahs-Buccheri. Sara can be contacted at either: 410-396-4735 or via E-mail at sara..gahs-buccheri@baltimorecity.gov.

The Community Outreach Assistant for Northeast Baltimore from the Baltimore City Council President’s Office of Community Outreach is Maureen Daly. Maureen can be reached at 410-545-7457 or via E-mail at MDaly@baltimorecitycouncil.com.

Donna,

I had a very nice time. I enjoyed meeting you and your members. I hope you will keep me notified of your future events. Thanks for having me……Pat