Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Emerson News: New BoD Nominations; Yard Waste

  • Nominations have Re-Opened for Emerson Board
  • Elections Postponed Till February
  • Last Chance for Christmas Trees: This Week
  • Possible Snow

1. In case you missed it, Emerson has re-opened the nomination process for Board of Director positions. If you or anyone else wants to run for one of the three open positions, you must submit your nomination form with signatures from 20 households in Emerson by Wednesday, 1/23/13.

During the cancelled November 26th election, the three candidates were running unopposed.

2. The Elections have been postponed to Wednesday, 2/20/13.

3. Finally, in unrelated news, this is the last week that Howard County will pick up yard waste at the curb -- in particular, Christmas trees (which must be stripped of tinsel and decorations).
  • Note that the yard waste truck is separate from the regular recycling truck and may come at a different time.
  • After the third week in January, it's possible you can still take your trees yourself to the Howard County landfill on Marriottsville Road.
4. The forecast calls for light snow Thursday evening, perhaps up to 2" of accumulation. The Autumn Walk Board signed a contract to clear the sidewalks by the parking spaces and mailboxes. All other walks and driveways are the responsibility of individual homeowners. Miller & Smith is responsible for plowing the street one last season.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Howard County: Restaurant Weeks, Tax-Free Appliances

Two events are coming up in the next month that can save you a little money:



Howard County Restaurant Weeks:

Every year, Howard County has a pair of 15-day Restaurant Weeks, during which many of the better dining establishments agree to have special prix-fixe menus at greatly reduced prices for lunch and dinner (from $10.13 to $40.13, with the latter usually applying to a three-course dinner).

This is a great opportunity to sample some of the many very good restaurants that now reside in Howard County at roughly half the usual cost.

In 2013, the Winter Restaurant Week will be January 14-28 (the Summer event is usually in July).

Maryland Sales Tax Holiday for Energy Star Appliances

The State of Maryland also typically has a 6% sales tax holiday on President's Day Weekend (February 16-18) for Energy Star Rated Appliances with some surprising items on the list:
  • air conditioner, furnace or heat pump
  • clothes washer or dryer
  • standard size refrigerator
  • compact fluorescent light bulb
  • dehumidifier
  • programmable thermostat