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Feb 2021
The Ellicott Hills Issue No. 1
Voice
Walter & Kathleen Callahan
2720 Westminster Road
Jeffrey David and Michelle Stieglitz
Unit, 302, 2530 Kensington Gardens
Alexander Rey & Sally Pugh
Unit 201, 2550 Kensington Gardens
John & Mary Habicht
Unit 201, 2530 Kensington Gardens
Please shred your out-of-date
Newsletters and Resident Directories. Do not toss
Inside This Issue
them in the garbage. Thank You!
2
Minutes 3-4
New & Notes 5-10
Recipes 11-12
1
Community Bulletin Board
Community Meetings HOA / Condo / Villas Board
HOA Mtg. Tuesday, February 16 at 6:30 pm (via HOA 2021
Zoom) President: Steve Hammett
An agenda will be provided in the near future. We are requesting Vice President: Pat Vogel
that you submit all questions/comments in advance of the Condos I
meeting to ellicotthillsclubhouse@comcast.net President: Frank Tufariello
There will also be the ability to ask questions using a chat box Vice President: Irene Tercy
during the meeting. We will attempt to answer as many Condos II
questions as we can during open forum. President: Vince Sanudo
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or Vice President: Bill Vogel
smartphone. Condos III
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89334432847? President: Jim Edwards
pwd=eUJQTGswSEJZSXdDRGtrSXVUS1NOUT09 Vice President: Larry Roberts
Meeting ID: 893 3443 2847 Passcode: 618883 Villas I
One tap mobile: +13017158592,,89334432847#,,,,*618883# US President: Bill Lambros
Vice President: Judy Dunn
You can also dial in using your phone:
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) Villas II
President: Susan Bortner
Please Note: Newsletter Deadline Vice President: Alexa Fair
Deadline for the March 2021 Newsletter is Monday, February Villas III
15, 2021. Submissions received after that date cannot be President: Cynthia Smith
included. Email them to Deb Price at: wepriceiii3@verizon.net. Treasurer: Ed Podhajsky
Contact details are in our telephone
To prevent conflicting events please confirm availability of the directory. Don’t have one then ask
clubhouse with the OSM before submitting for publication. our OSM for a copy or find it on our
Website.
Clubhouse Office (by appointment only)
Office hours: 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Thursday Howard County Police Dept.
8 am to Noon, Friday. non-emergency 410-313-2200
On-Site Manager (OSM): Lisa Shank can be
contacted by calling the office number.
Phone No: 410-465-1652
Fax No: 410-465-8924
Email: ellicotthillsclubhouse@comcast.net
In an emergency out of office hours, call 703-600-6000.
Use the locked drop box outside the front door when the office is closed.
Website Access:
Enter the address
https://www.enclaveellicotthills.com
When the sign-in box pops up, enter your email
address and the password 55alive.
Note: For access to the website you need your CURRENT email
address. Please let the office know immediately of any changes
to your email or telephone number.
2
MINUTES OF ENCLAVE BOARD MEETING
September 8, 2020
Present: Pat Vogel, Steve Hammett, Gerry Dicken, Goody Rogers, Diane Fadely, Hans Phillips, Phyllis Mitchell,
Maureen Brown, Lisa Shank, Linda Blum
The meeting was held by teleconference open to residents’ participation. There was a quorum present. The meet-
ing was called to order at 6:35 by the President.
OPEN FORUM: The request for new umbrellas has already been addressed and will be purchased in time for the
next season. The 2510 building would like to have additional parking signs to direct visitors to spaces abutting
Route 70. This is a Condo question and needs to be resolved at the Condo Boards’ level. There have been requests
to open the fitness center and the Board is exploring all of its options. It was suggested that the Board purchase a
Zoom certificate to allow groups to participate without time limits.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the February 18
meeting. The vote was 7-0 in favor.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT: The President thanked everyone for their cooperation during this difficult time. A spe-
cial thanks go to Gerry Dicken for developing and supervising the pool volunteer schedule. Thanks also go to the
Education Committee for its program on suffrage and to the Social Committee for providing the ice cream truck
visits. Appreciation goes to everyone who joined us for this first virtual meeting.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Richard Firestone, our Board Treasurer, recently passed away to an illness (not relat-
ed to COVID) and he will be sorely missed for his contributions to the Board. We are fortunate that a resident has
stepped up and volunteered to complete his term. The report was given by Linda Blum. There is a monthly deficit
of $3,000 with a year to date surplus of $6500. There is $924,867 in cash of which $670,000 are replacement re-
serves. Operating cash is $250,000. Investments continue to be laddered at Morgan Stanley. Delinquency rate
remains at less than 1% which is excellent, especially during these difficult economic times.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: The Welcome Committee reported that all new residents have been welcomed with
packages which have been mailed due to the virus.
POOL VOLUNTEERS: Gerry Dicken reported that he worked closely with the OSM to set up the volunteer
schedule for the pool opening. The response was very gratifying. Volunteers were responsible and worked togeth-
er to ensure all the slots were filled. There is a software program available which is designed to streamline the
volunteer signup sheet which we should consider purchasing for next year scheduling, should there still be a need.
ITEMS NEEDING BOARD VOTE:
Maureen Brown has volunteered to fill the treasurer’s position. She retired in 2019 and was an editor, state elec-
tions judge and communications director. She can often be seen walking with her golden retriever. A motion was
made and seconded to approve Ms. Brown as a Board member. The vote was 7-0 in favor.
LANDSCAPE PROPOSALS:
- Proposal No.15906 for the island plantings by the condos totaled $1895. A motion was made and seconded to
remove and replace the current plant materials and transplant material when possible. The vote was 8-0 in favor.
3
- Proposal No. 16143 for removing two dead trees in wooded area by Villas One at Eaton Square and one pine
tree on Westminster totaled $1500. A motion was made and seconded to approve the removal of the trees. The
vote was 8-0 in favor.
- Proposal No. 16491 for removing three dead / dying white pines along Kensington Gardens by the garages and
replace with three giant arborvitae at a cost $3990. A motion was made and seconded to approve this proposal.
The vote was 8-0 in favor.
- Proposal No. 16429 to remove two small trees behind 2749 Westminster, remove plant materials under three
magnolia trees in the island bed at Westminster and Union, remove 2 dead/dying maple trees behind the island bed
at the end of Villas Three on Westminster and remove small trees behind the island bed along Westminster at the
corner of Buckingham. Remove 3 small trees, one behind Condo one and two behind Condo Two for a total of
$2970.
- Proposal No. 15847 to remove 3 dead /dying white pines by the Westminster berm and replace with three giant
arborvitae totaled $1895. A motion was made and seconded to accept these proposals. The vote was 8-0 in favor.
The Fireline annual inspection contract will cost $1610.00, a $200 increase over last year.
A motion was made and seconded to accept the contract. The vote was 8-0 in favor.
In order to open the pool, the Board gave earlier email approval for a cost of $3500.00 for replacement of coping
stones and caulking. A motion was made and seconded to ratify this approval. The vote was 8-0 in favor.
The Board voted by email to purchase pool supplies at a cost of $5329.00. A motion was made and seconded to
approve this purchase. The vote was 8-0.
The proposal for supplies for winterizing the pool included provision of antifreeze. Purchasing this item ourselves
would be a considerable savings. The pool company will still install it. A motion was made and seconded to ac-
cept the proposal for $2360, eliminating the provision of the antifreeze. This is an increase of $250 over last year’s
contract. The vote was 8-0 in favor.
A proposal was received with no increase for snow removal over 2019. It includes provision of an additional large
piece of equipment, should there be over 12 inches of snowfall. This would only be provided when needed. A mo-
tion was made and seconded to accept this proposal. The vote was 8-0 in favor.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Work has begun on the 2021 budget and a budget meeting will be scheduled soon.
The general meeting has been scheduled for the Roger Carter Center. There are complications. We must provide
one week in advance a list including name, address and phone number of all those planning to attend. This infor-
mation is for contact tracing purposes.
BOARD UPDATE FORUM: The Vice President wishes to thank the Education Committee for their successful
program on suffrage. Bob and Connie Lynch were recognized for their work on the committee in doing a fine job.
The Board has been examining their options for opening up the clubhouse. It is not a simple decision. Monitoring
capacity and distancing, the cost of frequency of required cleanings and air exchange problems are just some of the
items needing careful consideration.
A resident inquired about the high cost of the tree removal proposals in comparison to earlier proposals from Oak
Hill Tree Service. Future proposals will be sent to this company for submitting bids.
The umbrella purchase requested is in progress and we are obtaining prices for these for next season.
There was a request to purchase a Zoom certificate to permit longer meetings of the craft and book clubs without
additional cost. The Board feels this is a reasonable request and will finalize this purchase.
There being no further business, there was a motion to adjourn at 7:20. The motion was seconded and the vote was
8-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Phyllis Mitchell, Secretary
4
Presidents Report January 2021
2020 was a tough year for the residents of the Enclave of Ellicott Hills. Covid hit hard and af-
fected everyone. Your HOA Board worked during this pandemic to safely and responsibly
open the facilities, (pool, tennis courts, clubhouse and fitness room) when the timing coincided
with recommended expert practices.
Your HOA Board, in conjunction with our management partner, has also worked hard in the
recent years to keep the community looking great and socially active, while being fiscally re-
sponsible. The Enclave is currently in great financial shape. From 2016 to last year, we have
grown capital reserves and operating cash back to fiscal health.
Currently, our financial status (from October 31, 2020) is:
Our reserves are fully funded; we received a clean Audit letter, while in the last four years
spending has been on budget or under budget.
The most recent annual financials show
October 2020 (unaudited)
Financial Information
Overall through October 2020 the HOA has a year to date surplus of $24,344. The
HOA has $703,509 in investments earmarked as Capital Reserves (for Repair and Re-
placement) that are currently fully funded.
Total Cash (operating and investments) = $997,275
Repair/Replacement Reserves = $703,509 – fully funded with cash
Operating Cash = $293,766
Accounting and financial standards recommend that operating cash be approximately 10-20%
of annual assessment income. For the Enclave, that is equal to $54,000 - $108,000. So it is
easy to see that we have been fiscally prudent. The Enclave HOA has reserves are fully fund-
ed, while having operating cash that exceeds the accounting standards for Homeowner Asso-
ciations of our size. We are in great shape financially.
The HOA had an audit conducted (of 2017 and 2018)
The audit statement said “In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Enclave of Ellicott Hills Community
Association, as of Dec 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows
for the years ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America”.
This is an auditor’s opinion; this shows the HOA has a clean audit.
Our reserves are in great shape, based on the last reserve study. Our cash position is great.
We manage to a budget and keep to that budget.
Yes, 2020 was a bad year – but your HOA Board and Lisa Shank work hard to keep things
moving behind the scenes to keep us in great financial shape for 2021.
We hope everything gets back to normal this year.
Steve Hammett
5
My View by Steve Hammett
I took some time to read a couple physical assessment reports prepared as background
for the revision of the Howard County General Plan that is underway. The General Plan
revision occurs about every decade to plan the future of the County and is being called
“HoCo By Design”. In all, seven reports have been prepared. I found them interesting
and you may also.
One was the “Market Research and Demand Forecast” prepared by RCLCO Real Es-
tate Advisors. This report provides a summary of Howard County jobs, income, popula-
tion, household size, home ownership and home rental trends. Then it provides projec-
tions on County employment and households. It also summarizes the inventory of hous-
ing types in the county which is very interesting. The report also includes estimates of
future demand for housing, office, retail and other development and confirms that the
County’s “economic success is tied to its desirability as a place to live and work.”
I also reviewed the Land Use Assessment Report which is really about how County
property has been used and organized: whether areas are rural, suburban or urban and
then discusses what areas are left for new development. It is not surprising to read that
there is not a lot of vacant land left in the County for development. It talks about poten-
tial redevelopment. One of the things discussed in the Assessment is the need for af-
fordable housing for future residents, out of concern that young people cannot afford to
buy a house in Howard County. (Maybe you have children or grandchildren that have
mentioned this to you?) The Land Use Assessment also discusses environmental con-
straints such as streams and steep slopes which we have a bit of in the Enclave. The
Assessment reviews the County’s environmental strategy to encourage compact hous-
ing in order to minimize storm water runoff and lower the pollutants generated by hous-
ing/development.
As I read this report, I realized that the Enclave already fits this recommendation well;
so, I guess we were “ahead of our time”. Our community is laid out in a compact way
with villas and condos. Our storm water management pond manages the rain water
runoff from our development. The trees surrounding the Enclave are protected and
there is a green buffer along the stream. In many ways we have a very low footprint. I
am pleased to live in a lovely, friendly community that was built in a way that is environ-
mentally sustainable.
You can find all seven of the physical assessment reports and submit comments on
them at the HoCo By Design website at HoCo By Design | Homepage
6
Winter Snow Removal
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!
What You Should Know
The Snow Removal Contractor will remove snow from the following areas in the community:
• All roadways • Alleyways
• Driveways • Garage aprons
• Sidewalks • Empty parking spaces
• Walkways and steps to/from all units
• Areas between parked cars in the high-rise lots and cars parked in the
villas cut outs
Excluded from the contractor’s responsibility:
• Porch surfaces that do not impede entrance/exit, balconies and car surfaces
• As a rule, the contractor will not send a crew to service the Enclave until roads have at least 2
inches of snow accumulation. However, the likelihood of icy conditions will be taken into
consideration in making this decision.
• For snowstorms occurring overnight, snow removal will not begin until approximately 6 a.m.
unless conditions warrant earlier service.
• In the case of ice storms, or re-frozen melted snow, as soon as ice begins to accumulate, the
contractor will treat the surfaces identified above for snow removal. The contractor will use
products that are safe for the blacktop and concrete surfaces in the Enclave.
• It is strongly suggested that homeowners have some Ice Melt available for use on driveways,
steps and sidewalk areas.
• Ice Melt containers will be available at each Condo entrance and the two Villas mail kiosks.
What You Should Do
• Remember that sandboxes are placed at various locations around the community. Residents
are encouraged to use the sand to treat isolated patches of ice.
• When snow is expected and when a snow emergency has been declared in Howard County all
vehicles must be parked in garages, driveways, and avoid indented sections of the streets.
• If a vehicle is left on the street, or otherwise parked in a manner that prevents a plow from
passing, it may be towed at the owner’s expense.
• Villas residents with two or fewer vehicles may have NO vehicles parked on the street during
snow emergencies. Parallel parking on garage aprons in alleyways is NEVER permitted.
• If you have an excess of vehicles, they are to be parked in the overflow area which is the
Tennis Court/Condos side of Buckingham, not the Villas side. In case of a large storm, these
vehicles should be moved out of this location as soon as practical.
• All parking spaces next to the pool area are considered a NO PARKING ZONE since the
space may be needed for snow removal equipment or for the dumping of snow.
Villas homes and High-Rise courtyards are all being handled through your respective sub-
association. Questions or concerns for HOA common areas may be directed to Lisa at the
clubhouse at 410-465-1652 during office hours. For emergencies on weekends or evenings
please call Legum & Norman at 703-600-6000.
7
Education Program Updates: Spring 2021
Education programs via Zoom resume in February, beginning with a celebration of
Black History Month.
On Tuesday, February 16 at 1:30 PM Shawn Gladden will relate “Stories from
Howard County’s African American Past.” Shawn is Executive Director, Howard
County Historical Society and Adjunct History Professor, Howard Community Col-
lege. Drawing on Society archives, he will describe significant contributions of Afri-
can Americans to Howard County history. Highlighted figures include Rebecca
Garrett, Oliver Cromwell Gilbert, Decatur Dorsey, Leola Dorsey, Silas Craft, Elhart
Flurry, and Roger Carter.
To register: Send your name and email address to Roni Berkowitz at: ro-
niberkowitz42@aol.com. For more information, contact Roni at 410-491-2597.
Additional programs are being planned throughout the spring and will be publi-
cized as speakers and dates are confirmed. Watch for community emails and fly-
ers with details.
8
Brought to you by your Education Committee
February Education Program
Tuesday, February 16, 1:30 PM online via Zoom
Stories from Howard County's African American Past
Howard County Historical Society Executive Director Shawn Gladde will
relate stories drawn from Society archives on contributions of local Afri-
can Americans to Howard County history.
There is no cost for this program. To register, send your name and
email address to Roni Berkowitz at roniberkowitz42@aol.com.
Questions? Contact Roni at 410-491-2597.
9
Here is the book club list for the up- Book Club resumes in September.
coming year 2020/2021.
September The Warmth of March Educated (NF)
Other Suns (NF) Tara Westover
Isabelle Wilkerson April Redhead by the Side
October The Paris Photo (F) of the Road (F)
Jane S Gabin Ann Tyler
November The Space Between May The Book Woman of
Us (F) Troublesome Creek (F)
Thrity Umrigar Kim Michele
December Becoming (NF) Richardson
Michelle Obama June The Splendid and the
January The Dutch House (F) Vile: A saga of
Ann Patchett Churchill, Family and
Defiance During the
February Where the Blitz (NF)
Crawdads Sing (F) Erick Larson
Delia Owen
No Book Club in July and August.
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, February 10, and the book
to be discussed is Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owen. This
book spent weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List, and I
couldn't wait until we could read it for Book Club. It's another of the
recently-acclaimed books on our list this year. It's an easy read, and
hopefully you can join us for the February meeting.
Start getting prepared for the March 10 meeting when we'll be discuss-
ing Educated by Tara Westover, another critically-acclaimed book!
To join the Zoom Meeting, go to:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89006326359?
Pwd=aTdVVUpkMCtqMSt5ZVV2ZmxwWnR3UT09
Meeting ID: 890 0632 6359
Passcode: 450105
10Community Recipes
By Shelley Horne
It’s been such a long time since Shelley has shared a recipe with us, she’s doubling our pleasure
with two yummy recipes this month. Enjoy!
Stuffed French Toast
Thick slices of sweet, egg-soaked bread, stuffed with a sweet cream cheese filling
and cooked until golden and crispy around the edges. This Cream Cheese
Stuffed French Toast is perfect for brunch or just a fun treat for any breakfast!
Ingredients
½ cup cream cheese (about 5 oz.) ¾ cup milk
2 tbsp. strawberry jam ½ tsp vanilla
8 1-inch slices bread maple syrup or powdered sugar
2 slightly beaten large egg whites sliced strawberries
1 beaten large egg
In small bowl stir together cream cheese and 2 tbsp
jam. Using serrated knife, cut a pocket in each
bread slice by making a cut in the crust top of
each slice from top almost to bottom. Fill each
pocket with some of the cream cheese mixture. In
shallow bowl beat together egg whites, whole egg,
milk, and vanilla. Coat an unheated non-stick grid-
dle with cooking spray. Preheat over medium heat.
Dip bread slices into egg mixture, coating both
sides. Cook bread slices on hot griddle about 3
minutes or until golden brown, turning once to
cook second sides. Serve with maple syrup or pow-
dered sugar topped with slices strawberries.
Makes 8 servings
11Community Recipes
By Shelley Horne
Blondies
Blondies are occasionally referred to as “blonde brownies”. They are made
without cocoa powder and have a rich vanilla flavor rather than a deep
chocolate one. Blondies are often made with brown sugar which is naturally
moist, using it will result in blondies that are softer and moister.
Ingredients
2/3 cup butter ½ cups brown sugar
2 cups flour 2 large eggs
1 tsp baking powder 1 tbsp vanilla
½ tsp salt 1 cup chocolate chips (semi & dark)
¼ tsp baking soda ¾ cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
Place butter in small saucepan or microwave-safe
bowl. Heat over low hear for about 1 minute or micro-
wave on high for about 20 seconds or until melted.
Pour butter into large bowl of electric mixer. Let cool.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat 9-inch square
baking dish with cooking spray. Sift together flour,
baking powder, salt, and baking soda into bowl.
Add brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla to butter in bowl.
Beat for 1 minute on medium speed or until smooth.
Using wooden spoon, stir flour mixture into butter mix-
ture just until blended. Stir in chocolate chips and
nuts.
Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top with spatula. Bake for 25
minutes or until browned on top and crispy at edges but still slightly gooey in
center. Let pan cool on rack. When cool, cut into squares.
1213
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