Local news covering the Russett and Maryland City areas
Mystery of the Long Poles on 198: Solved!
If you’ve driven east on Route 198 in recent months, you’ve undoubtedly noticed the two strange-looking poles stretched across the road between Russett Green East and Whiskey Bottom Road. And you probably wondered, as I did, what they were and what their purpose is.
The “flock poles,” as they are called, were installed by the Maryland State Highway Administration at the request of the Maryland State Police. According to www.flocksafety.com, “Flock Safety is an all-in-one technology solution to eliminate crime and keep your community safe.” The poles are mounted with automated license plate readers (ALPRs) to capture eastbound traffic on 198 toward the BW Parkway and help monitor crimes and other unwanted activities. Flock poles have been installed on major thoroughfares near the BW Parkway, including one that bisects the Arundel Mills Parkway.
The Flock Safety website states that its customers—in this case the MD State Police—“own 100% of the data and footage collected with their cameras. Once captured, footage is transmitted immediately to a secure cloud server and encrypted at every point. Flock Safety does not sell or share public safety data with third parties.”
Bacontown/Russett Park Being Evaluated for Upgrades
Anne Arundel County is evaluating 10 park sites, including the Bacontown/Russett Park, for potential upgrades, with input from county residents. Under the “Plan Your Park Campaign,” residents were given the opportunity to share what they’d like to see in a park near them. Some potential updates could include new facilities, additional recreational uses, and upgraded amenities.
Under the 2022 Anne Arundel County Land Preservation, Parks, and Recreation Plan, all 10 parks will be evaluated to assess their recreational and open-space needs and goals. County and consultant planners have developed three preliminary concepts for each location, integrating the resident-requested uses, activities, and features with necessary site development components such as parking, stormwater management, utilities, and environmental conditions. These concepts will be used to create possible park designs, with the resulting plans being offered for review and comment by residents and park users.
The other sites being evaluated under the 2022 Anne Arundel County Land Preservation, Parks, and Recreation Plan include: Central Avenue Park, Crofton Park, Jessup Elementary Park, Marley Creek Park, Riva Area Park, Rock Creek Park, Stoney Creek Park, Sullivan Park, and West County Park. Unfortunately, not all park sites will be selected for improvements. The historic Bacontown community is in Maryland City and dates back to 1880.
Balloons and Smiles from a Good Neighbor
Donyiel Roundtree is the recipient of the fourth-quarter 2024 Russett Good Neighbor Award for her donation of 500 helium balloons, a helium tank, and music for Halloween. She enjoyed her experience so much that she signed up to provide her balloon services again at the Russett Community’s annual Winter Wonderland event.
A native Washingtonian, Donyiel moved from Silver Spring to Russett 13 years ago, after visiting many years before. She always loved the area and its proximity to public access. After 22 years in the utility industry, she retired during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing a decision to “invest in myself.” She subsequently became a full-time realtor with Keller Williams.
Donyiel shared that working to help people is her primary goal and that after retirement, she asked herself, “What can I do for the community that I live in?” After learning about the Russett Halloween activity, she contacted Russett Management and was directed to the Activities Committee to help.
She says she really enjoyed interacting with the children and seeing the smiles on their faces when she presented them with balloons. Donyiel looks forward to continuing her community involvement and hopes to forge stronger connections between the Russett community and local businesses and organizations.
Russett Library Offering Events for Black History Month
Two of the special events scheduled for February at Maryland City at Russett Library are tied to Black History Month. On February 8 from 6:30-8:00 pm, learn about African American women who helped to shape the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 60s. Activists, including Ruby Dee, Angela Davis, Daisy Bates, and Ruby Bridges will be highlighted. This event is part of the library’s monthly Virtual Visit series and participants can pre-register beginning at 10 am on January 25.
For kids age 6-10, “The ABC of Hip Hop” on Feb 28 (6:30–8:30 PM) uses rhythm and rhyme to explain essential reading concepts such as recognizing syllables. Students will have fun learning how to rap the alphabet backwards and honing crucial active listening skills.
For more information on any of the above programs, or to learn about more of the library’s many services and offerings, go to their website: www.aacpl.net/services/maryland-city-at-russett.
Brenda Zeigler-Riley is a 15-year resident of Russett, a retired educator, and entrepreneur with a marketing, public relations, and fundraising background. Please send information on Russett/Maryland City (historical pieces, stories from first responders, hometown memories, resident profiles, etc.) to russett.mdcinfo@gmail.com.
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