May 2021
Hello Stonebrook neighbors!
Please note Memorial Day (5/31) changes to county collections:
Recycling, Yard trash, & Compost pick-up will "slide" to Tuesday
Garbage will be collected on Thursday
Stonebrook's monthly Board meeting for May is Wednesday May 19
Zoom contact info will be sent out on Wednesday (or check last email reminder)
If you won't attend but have questions, comments, or complaints, please let us know ahead of time and we'll add it to the agenda for discussion. Board minutes are posted on the website at https://sites.google.com/site/stonebrookcommunityassoc/
Plan to join your neighbors for an Ice Cream Social to celebrate the end of the school year, the beginning of Summer, and what we hope is the continuing recovery from the Pandemic, sometime in June. Details and date to follow!
Howard County Recycling Reminders Call 410-313-6444
To schedule pick-up of large items for bulk trash pick up or metal recycling
To request a repair, replacement, or different size recycling or compost bin
Exterior Alterations: Thanks to those owners who have recently applied and been approved for new front door or trim color, expanded decks, entry railing, fencing, and outdoor lighting. If you're planning changes to the exterior appearance of your home, remember that many of these require approval from both Stonebrook and Kings Contrivance. Reply here for help if you have questions or aren't sure if your plans needs approval.
Planning new landscaping? Here are suggestions from Kings Contrivance Watershed Advisory Committee:
Homeowners are encouraged to use Maryland Native Plants for landscapes whenever possible. Once established these plants require little maintenance, establish deep root systems that hold soil in place, decrease the amount of water needed for landscape maintenance and provide food and habitat for native wildlife. Many Maryland native plants also produce beautiful foliage and flowers. For list of native plants for Maryland's Piedmont region, where Columbia is located, go to: www.nps.gov/plants/pubs/Chesapeake/pdf/chesapeakenatives.pdf.
Homeowners are encouraged to avoid planting invasive species including those commonly seen like Bradford Pear, Norway Maple, Butterfly Bush, Japanese Barberry, Daylilies, English Ivy, Burning Bush, Bamboo and Periwinkle. Invasive plants are easily spread by wind, seed and root expansion. They often choke out native plants, kill trees and can damage buildings. For a complete list of Maryland invasive plants see: mdinvasivesp.org/list_terrestrial_plants.html.
Stonebrook Landscaping We'll be replacing trees in the Fall in areas where we've lost trees in the last few years. We'll use native trees whenever possible. Let us know if there are trees you're concerned about (growing too close to your house, for example) and we'll add them to the list for inspection.
Thanks and hope to see you at one of the monthly meetings and the Ice Cream Social in June!
Stonebrook's Board of Directors
February 2021
Hello Neighbors -
*Did you notice that all of our sidewalks were cleared by the Columbia Grounds crew after our snow on Jan 31st? Our contract with them calls for hand-shoveling all of the common area sidewalks (those not in front of individual homes, i.e. between rows of homes and in front of mailboxes), but they went overboard this time. Some residents asked that we continue this practice - what do you think? Let us know! We'll review the cost and discuss at our next meeting.
*Our Stonebrook entrance sign was re-built and is now green and just like new; we hope you like it. We'll add new landscaping in front of the sign later this year.
*Just a Reminder that yard trash can be put out for recycling year-round, since we're on the Compost Collection route.
*Don't forget that the first installment ($475) of the Annual Assessment is due March 1st. The bank statements should be out soon for owners who want to pay electronically.
*Stonebrook and Kings Contrivance have approved the following exterior alterations for homes recently: solar panels, roof replacements with change in color, new fences, new larger decks, & change to color on new siding. If you're considering a project like this for spring, be sure to submit your application for approval ahead of time. You'll find the Kings Contrivance application online and on Stonebrook's website and can submit that for both KC and Stonebrook.
*BGE news: All street lights will be converted to LED lights in the next year. We've also been told the asphalt patches they left in the sidewalks after their work in the Fall should be replaced with concrete by summer. Some residents have asked if BGE would supply gas to Stonebrook for cooking/heating. Are you interested? Please let us know.
*Recycling Hints: Paper/cardboard egg cartons can go in Recycling; plastic cartons cannot be recycled so should go in trash). Plastic "clamshell containers" also cannot be recycled: these are the 'hinged' plastic containers that are used for berries, salad greens, take-out food, etc. Styrofoam cannot be recycled so it goes in trash. When in doubt (about recycling), leave it out! This helps keep costs down for the County (and our taxes) by reducing contamination in the supply.
*The Board of Directors continues to meet by Zoom most months on the 3rd Wednesday at 7 pm. We'll continue to send the Zoom link out to everyone a day or two ahead of time. Please join us! Minutes are posted on Stonebrook's website.
Stay safe and healthy!
The Stonebrook Board
March News 2020
Hello, Stonebrook neighbors!
To boost spirits and build community during this challenging time, many neighborhoods around the world have been going outside (while keeping a safe distance from others) at a specific time each night to make noise.
Why? They're doing it in recognition and celebration of the healthcare workers who are risking their own well-being to take care of others - often while lacking basic protective gear.
How about we do the same?
WHAT: Make noise to celebrate healthcare workers
WHEN: Every night this week (March 29 through April 4) from 8:00 pm until 8:05 pm
HOW: Go outside and holler "thank you," cheer, ring bells, play kazoos or other instruments
WHERE: Your back deck (works best for 8811-8833 and in the Pit) or front stoop (all other Stonebrook homes)
BONUS: If you know a healthcare worker - in this area or anywhere in the world - let them know we are honoring them through this small effort.
Here are links to news items about this worldwide movement:
Americans urged to cheer from their windows Sunday night to show support for health care workers
In fight against coronavirus, the world gives medical heroes a standing ovation
And as a reminder (from the last community email):
If you are concerned about getting essential grocery items or prescriptions or over the counter medications and need assistance, please send us an email at stonebrookcommunityassoc@gmail.com or feel free to call 301-653-0866.
Additionally, if you are a resident who is interested or willing to help community members, please also feel free to email at stonebrookcommunityassoc@gmail.com or call 301-653-0866.
We are a community and a team and we are committed to ensuring that every resident feels connected and has their needs met during this challenging period of time.
Take care!
March News 2019
Dear Stonebrook Neighbors-
*Our monthly board meeting will be Wednesday, March 20 at 7 PM at Susan White’s house at 8853; please let us know if you plan to attend so we can have enough chairs and handouts. If you have comments or concerns you’d like the board to know about, reply here or to Stonebrookcommunityassoc@gmail.com.
*Yard trim collection resumes Monday April 1st.
*Please remember that both Kings Contrivance and Stonebrook rules require that recycling and trash containers NOT be visible from the street. This will include the new food etc compost bins which can be ordered from the County. Plan now for where you’ll store these bins so that they are safe from animals as well as shielded from view.
* A major project to correct storm water erosion problems in the area of 8864-8858 will begin in April.
*All payments for the first assessment of 2019 are due no later than March 31, whether you write a check or use one of the new online options.
Happy (early) Spring!
Stonebrook Board of Directors
Recycling Updates — Dec 9, 2013 1:57:54 PM
Paving Updates — Nov 2, 2013 1:38:57 AM
Halloween — Oct 16, 2013 3:29:32 PM
Stonebrook Letter- Updates — Oct 8, 2013 3:09:35 PM
ANNUAL STONEBROOK MEETING! — Oct 3, 2013 3:38:20 PM
Website on The Bay — Sep 17, 2013 12:53:07 AM
Recycling Updates Spring 2013 — Mar 18, 2013 2:39:47 PM
Police News Release- iwatch — Mar 18, 2013 2:34:11 PM
Please Review The Proposed And Revised Governing Documents — Feb 22, 2013 7:52:43 PM
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Most Recent Board Meeting Notes — Oct 15, 2009 8:20:58 PM
Welcome To Our New Site! — Oct 15, 2009 8:20:38 PM