The December 6^th viewing of the film HEROIN KILLS was not largely attended, but I think that everyone there enjoyed the night very much. There was a lot to learn, mostly from parents who have lost their loved ones to drugs. Special thanks to the Union Bridge Lions Club, Stambaugh’s Excavating, Lease Brothers, and Tuck Jones Service Center, for sponsoring the evening

Leaf collection went very well this fall. Selby Black hauled the leaves to the Dodson Farm. If you see Selby Black on the streets or anywhere, be sure to thank him for a job well done.

The Christmas lights in town look great. Thanks to volunteers and Lehigh’s Christmas committee for this job.

Come join us on Jan. 16, 2000, at the Community Center for our breakfast and mark your calendar for the following dates: Feb. 20, 2000;Apr. 16, 2000; and May 21, 2000. The cost of this all you can eat meal is just $4.50 for adults and $2.00 for children 6-12, under 6 are free.

The next meeting of the Funding Committee will be Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall. New members/helpers are always needed and greatly appreciated. Join us for the fun AND the reward of making a difference.

The Union Bridge Planning Commission met on Thursday, December 16, 1999, to review a tentative schedule for reviewing the town’s master plan. The commission discussed the procedure and time line for reviewing the plan. A tentative master plan review procedure is illustrated below. The next meeting of the commission is scheduled for Thursday, January 20, 2000, at 6:30p.m.

1 – Review existing plan (adopted 1990) and list actions and new/revised goals to be considered. What are some recommendations and ideas regarding the town’s future? What is the status and condition of current facilities and services?

What are the town’s major assets that need to be saved or promoted? What are the most serious problems relative to land use and public services?

2 – Promote the planning process to the community and document citizen comments and suggestions.

3 – Complete research to update information on demographics and availability of public services.

4 – Prepare a draft master planning report and mapping for review by the planning commission and public.

The town is studying the feasibility of using a new water filtration system known as Diatomaceous Earth, or DE filters. DE filters consist of a pre-coat or layer of DE, approximately 1/8 inch thick, onto a filter element. The DE filters are a very effective system for removing contaminants and unwanted materials to produce crystal clear water. The town is waiting for an answer from Rural Utilities Services, USDA, as to whether funding has been approved to install the filters. We should hear from USDA by the end of January 2000. The town’s engineer will design the new well house to include space for the filtration system.

Pyramid Equipment Company has been selected to complete the Little Pipe Creek improvements. The bid price submitted by Pyramid was $149,000. The town has secured grants from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and other agencies to fund the project. Construction should begin this week. The work approved under this contract is for Phase One of the project, which includes stabilization of Little Pipe Creek. The stream banks will be graded and planted with new sod, trees, plantings and engineering applications to help slow down erosion of the banks. New wetlands will be created south of the stream and wildlife habitats enhanced.

Problems or questions concerning trash pick up, please call York Waste Disposal, Inc. at 1-800-210-9675

The "new" Holiday decorations were appreciated as we passed through Union Bridge. We were very fortunate to obtain fifteen "new" trees through the generosity and hard work of many elves. George Keeney and his crew of talented individuals, assisted by Betty Nelson, helped to create our lovely decoration. We extended the display on Main Street with the addition of five lights. Although a problem developed with the timer on the North Main Street section, the cost to the Town was minimal. Garland was also placed around our Town signs.

A Holiday decoration contest was not held this year. Everyone enjoyed the window displays and festive atmosphere from the stores on Main Street. Thanks to our neighbors who made the Holiday Spirit come to life with their houses, walkways, trees and properties decorated with lights and bows.

Council Person – Karen Kotarski

Owners, or occupants of premises fronting on any street with paved sidewalks shall remove any snow and ice from the traveled portions of the sidewalk, to a width of at least 30", within 24 hours after snow or ice ceases to fall.

So now, little man, you’ve grown tired of grass, LSD, goofballs, cocaine and hash; and someone, pretending to be a true friend, said, "I’ll introduce to Miss Heroin". Well, Honey, before you start fooling with me, just let me inform you of how it will be. For I will seduce you and make you my slave. I’ve sent men much stronger to their graves. You think you can never become a disgrace, and end up addicted to poppy seed waste. So you’ll start inhaling me one afternoon, and once I have entered deep down in your veins, the craving will ever drive you insane. You’ll need lots for money (as you have been told); of, Sweetie, I’m much more expensive than gold. You’ll swindle your mother; and just for a buck you’d turn into something vile and corrupt. You’ll mug and steal for my narcotic charm, and feel contentment when I’m in your arm. The day when you realize the monster you’ve grown, you’ll solemnly swear to leave me alone. If you think that you’ve got the mystical knack, then, honey, just try getting me off your back. The vomit, the cramps, your gut tied in a knot, the jangling nerves screaming for one more shot. Hot chills and cold sweat, the withdrawal pains, can only be saved by my little white grains. There’s no other way and there’s no need to look; for deep down inside you know you are hooked. You desperately run to a pusher and then you‘ll welcome me back in your arms once again. And when you return (as I foretold), you will definitely owe me your body and soul. You’ve given up your morals, your conscience, your heart and you are mine until

Anyone who wishes may borrow the movie, "Heroin Kills" from the town hall.

To reserve: call

410-775-2711