Author Archive

Staying Safe

March 20, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

It has already been said by so many, we are in uncharted territory. As such we are all learning and adjusting to the changes brought on by COVID-19. The Board and Staff of West Mt. Airy Neighbors hope that you and your loved one’s remain safe and healthy. We are grateful to everyone that is doing their part to flatten the curve.

One neighbor on Nextdoor suggested we rephrase the term, social distancing, and call it “physical distancing with social solidarity”. It has been heartwarming to read about the numerous acts of kindness that have taken place in the midst of this crisis, including grocery runs for neighbors, writing positive chalk messages in the streets during daily walks for the next passerby, to St. Patrick Day scavenger hunts for Shamrocks in the windows. Please continue to creatively connect with one another and check in on seniors and those living alone.

When this is over,
May we never again take for granted
A handshake with a stranger
Full shelves at the store
Conversations with neighbors
A crowded theater
Friday night out
The taste of communion
A routine check-up
A school rush each morning
Coffee with a friend
The stadium roaring
Each deep breath
A boring Tuesday
Life itself.

When this ends,
May we find
That we have become
More like the people we wanted to be
We were called to be
And may we stay
That way – better
For each other
Because of the worst

Laura Kelly Fanucci
Source Word Porn

While many of our day to day activities have been halted, some obligations remain, such as the upcoming election and the 2020 Census. In additon to flattening the curve, please be sure to register to vote, participate in the upcoming Primary election. Also “be counted” by completing the 2020 Census.

Mt. Airy Day 2020 Update

March 15, 2020

Published: 3/15/20

Dear Mt. Airy Community and Friends

Mt. Airy Day is a signature community festival, hosted by East and West Mt. Airy Neighbors, which always takes place on the first Saturday in May. This year the committee was excitedly planning an awesome celebration of the 50th Annual Mt. Airy Day!

Recognizing the ongoing and increased uncertainty that COVID-19 is causing around the world, and due to the mandated limitations on mass gatherings for the next several months, the decision has been made to cancel Mt. Airy Day for this year.

While we are extremely disappointed, the health and well-being of our community is our first priority.

We look forward to seeing everyone next year, Save the Date May 1, 2021.

EYHO 2020 Update

March 15, 2020

Published: 3/15/2020

Since 2006, many of you have welcomed the dawning of spring at Mt. Airy’s premier dinner party, Eat Your Heart Out.

It has been West Mount Airy Neighbor’s pleasure to host the community at this unique event pairing talented chefs and generous hosts. Eat Your Heart Out also serves as our signature fundraiser.

We value and appreciate your continued support of WMAN and Eat Your Heart Out.

Recognizing the ongoing and increased uncertainty that COVID-19 is causing around the world, we have made the decision to postpone Eat Your Heart Out 2020 until the fall.

The date is still to be determined, but we will probably choose a date in October. As we know more, we will be sure to keep you informed so that you can plan to attend this wonderful event.

The Board and Staff of West Mount Airy Neighbors wishes all our friends and neighbors the best as our community navigates in this current climate. We look forward to seeing everyone in the fall.

Be Well.

Leaf Pickup

December 12, 2019

“The Leaf Recycling Program is one of several services provided by the Streets Department to honor the City’s on-going commitment to recycling. This recycling program helps to reduce the amount of materials that reach the waste stream and saves landfill space. Mechanical collection and bagged drop-off services are provided.”

People who want to assure their leaves are composted – not trashed – have two choices for participating:

1. BAGGED LEAF DROP OFF: Drop off your leavesbagged in large brown biodegradable paper bags only (not plastic bags) at any of the four Northwest locations noted below anytime from 9 am to 3 pm – on either Saturday, Dec 14 or 21. A designated fleet of sanitation compactors will be positioned at the sites to accept the bagged leaves. Crews assigned to accept ONLY bagged leaves and yard waste as part of the program. No household rubbish will be accepted.

Saturday Drop-Off Locations – 9-3:
– 4800 Wayne Ave. (Happy Hollow Recreation Ctr)
– Cathedral St. & Ridge Ave.
– Gravers Lane & Seminole St.
– Washington Ln. & Ardleigh St.

Bagged leaf drop-off collection tips:

Residents must place leaves in large brown biodegradable paper bags. Using these bags helps eliminates the extensive process of ripping open, dumping, and disposing of plastic bags.
Never mix trash or other recyclable materials with bagged leaves. This contaminates leaves and makes them unfit for recycling purposes. (NEVER PUT PLASTIC BAGS IN RECYCLE BINS.)

2. MECHANICAL LEAF COLLECTION: Mechanical leaf collection (= looks like a giant vacuum cleaner) is provided as a supplement to bagged collections in areas identified as having heavy accumulations of leaves and will be offered on a designated weekly schedule in areas with a heavy concentration of leaves. (This is due to occur in our area next week: Dec 16 to Dec 21, according to the attached map. It appears they will cover streets south of Allen Lane. It does not appear to include the streets around Houston School – although I recall they came in past.

All leaves should be raked (un-bagged) and ready for collection by 7:00 AM the day of mechanical collection. Rake leaves into the street by the curb’s edge (piling is not necessary).
If possible, move your vehicle to an off-street parking location on your scheduled collection day, so crews can remove leaves along the curb line.
Residents in mechanical areas can also drop-off bagged leaves.

Click here for more information and a map of areas receiving mechanical collection.

Safety Alerts and 14th Police District Crime Bulletin: 12/1/19

December 5, 2019

Now that cooler weather temperatures are upon us, many car owners are warming their vehicles up and leaving them unattended. This practice is resulting in many car thefts. It is recommended to always ensure that any running vehicle be occupied or closely watched to avoid vehicles being stolen.

Theft of catalytic converters are occurring and usually is not noticed until motorist start their cars and experience a loud sound coming from their vehicle. The main vehicles being targeted are Honda’s, however, no vehicles are exempt. It is recommended, when possible, to park in well-lit areas or places where there is heavy foot or motor traffic.

Thieves are also stealing tires from vehicles. Vehicles targeted are primarily newer model Toyota Camrys and Nissan Maximas, with no exception to other make and models. It is recommended to install wheel locks and add additional car security alarm features that included tilt sensors to alert when vehicles are being lifted.