Maryland Bay Facing Catastrophic Damage as Construction Sites Continue to Pollute Waterways

Maryland Bay Facing Catastrophic Damage as Construction Sites Continue to Pollute Waterways

_{The once flourishing underwater grasses near the mouth of Maryland's Gunpowder River have all but disappeared, resulting in murky water and a decline in habitat for fish and crabs. Residents and activists blame the loss on muddy runoff from a nearby housing development called Ridgely's Reserve, where 100 acres of trees and vegetation were cleared, leaving the soil exposed to erosion.}

<sub>Despite complaints and citations, the muddy runoff has persisted, leading to frustrations about lax enforcement by both the county and state. Excess sediment from construction sites is a major threat to the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, and the issue is not limited to this particular area.

Environmental advocates argue that pollution from construction sites is a widespread problem in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Sediment runoff from construction sites can block sunlight needed by underwater grasses, kill aquatic life, and require costly dredging to clear boating channels.</sub>

_{The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) delegates inspection and enforcement of erosion and sediment control laws to counties and municipalities, but critics believe that MDE needs to take more substantial enforcement actions. MDE has faced scrutiny and criticism in recent years for its lack of staff, slow enforcement, and outdated pollution permits.}

_{Legislative efforts have been made to hire more inspectors and permit writers, but activists argue that more needs to be done to protect the bay from construction site pollution.}

Use of Home Security Cameras Sparks FCC Citations for Harmful Interference to Radio Bands

_{The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken action against two individuals for operating home security cameras that caused harmful interference to licensed radio operations.}

_{The first case involved a resident in Joppa, Maryland, whose surveillance camera located above a garage door was found to be the source of interference blocking the reception of transmissions from Sirius XM radio. Despite repeated communications and notices from the FCC, the camera remained in operation.}

_{The second case involved a resident in York, Pennsylvania, whose surveillance camera system caused unlawful interference in the 2500 MHz wireless services band. Once again, despite ongoing communications from the FCC, the camera system continued to operate.}

_{Both parties face fines of up to $23,727 per day for noncompliance unless they confirm that the use of their camera devices has ceased.}

Free Citizen Training Classes Offered by Harford County to Prepare for Emergencies

<sub>Prepare Because You Care: Harford County Offers Citizen Training for Emergency Preparedness

The Harford County Department of Emergency Services (DES) is offering citizen training classes called Prepare Because You Care (PBYC) to help individuals and communities be prepared for emergencies and disasters. The PBYC classes are designed to address preparedness for a wide range of emergencies and are offered free of charge multiple times each year at different locations in Harford County.

Each PBYC offering consists of four classes that are held once a week for four consecutive weeks, starting at 7 PM and ending at approximately 9 PM. The classes cover various topics related to emergency preparedness. Participants must be at least 18 years old to register for the training, but younger attendees can participate with a consent form signed by a parent, close relative, or guardian.

To encourage participants to evaluate their personal preparedness, the DES suggests considering how prepared you are for various emergencies. Ask yourself key questions such as having an emergency supply kit, sufficient drinking water, working radio and flashlight with fresh batteries, extra medications, supplies for pets, and whether neighbors with special needs require assistance. It is also important to know the basics of fire safety, crime prevention, and life-saving techniques.

If you are unsure about the answers to any of these questions, the PBYC classes provide an opportunity to learn and improve emergency preparedness.</sub>

_{These classes fill up fast and the session starting October 11th is full.  If you have any questions about this program or are interested in signing up for the next class, please contact:
Linda Ploener, Manager, Emergency Preparedness & Planning by phone at 410-638-4029 or via email.}

October 06 FAITH & BLUE - Trunk or Treat Bel Air

October 06 An Evening of Jazz: BLAKE MEISTER, BASS Bel Air

October 06-08 The Ramble Festival Darlington

October 07 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Aberdeen

October 07 4-H Fall Fest and Open House Street

October 07 Child Safety Fair Bel Air

October 07-08 Stellar Con 2023 Bel Air

October 08 Maritime Museum Autumn Fest Havre de Grace

October 09-13 Harford County Tire Recycling Event Bel Air

October 17 Meet the Author: Mark Dawidziak Abingdon

October 19 Choose Hope Celebration Gala Belcamp

October 21 8th Annual Spooky Soiree Edgewood

October 22 SUPERSTAR: The Carpenters Reimagined Bel Air

October 22 The Bel Air Town Derby Bel Air

October 27 Sneaker Ball Luxe Edition Edgewood

October 27 10th Annual Trauma Conference Bel Air

November 4 Pet Vaccination Clinic Edgewood

Harford County: Friday Night Football - October 6, 2023

Ravens Football

Are you ready for some Football?!!

The Ravens - Steelers rivalry heats up Sunday afternoon at Three Rivers Stadium!

Orioles Baseball

Playoff Game #1 tomorrow! Orioles vs. Texas Rangers at home Oct 7th @ 1pm

Rare Brooks Robinson Artifacts Displayed at Baltimore Museum

<sub>New Exhibit Honoring Brooks Robinson to Open at Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum

The Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum has announced the opening of a new exhibit commemorating the career and legacy of legendary Baltimore Oriole, Brooks Robinson. The exhibit is set to open on Saturday, October 7, which coincides with the Orioles' first game of the American League Division Series at Camden Yards.

The exhibit will showcase a collection of rare artifacts belonging to Robinson, including his first contract with the Orioles from 1955. Visitors will also have the chance to see his 1959 Orioles jersey, as well as a jersey from his exceptional 1970 season, during which he was named World Series MVP. A notable item on display will be his short-brimmed batting helmet. Additionally, the exhibit will feature the #5 patch that the Orioles will wear throughout this postseason.

Brooks Robinson played a pivotal role in the preservation and restoration of the Babe Ruth Birthplace during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Museum historian, Mike Gibbons, expressed their ongoing collaborations with Robinson on various projects, such as the creation of the Brooks Robinson statue on Washington Blvd. in 2011.

The tribute to Brooks Robinson will be available for visitors to experience throughout this year's playoffs and leading up to the 2024 baseball season.</sub>

Joe Christopher, outfielder from the 1962 Mets, dies at home in Maryland

_{Joe Christopher, a former outfielder for the 1962 expansion New York Mets, passed away at the age of 87 in Edgewood, Maryland. The Mets confirmed that he died at home while receiving hospice care.}

_{Christopher began his major league career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1958 and played in three games during the 1960 World Series against the New York Yankees. He had a successful career with the Mets from 1962 to 1965, before being traded to the Boston Red Sox and playing his final season in 1966.}

_{Christopher's best season was in 1964, where he had a batting average of .300 with 16 home runs and 76 RBIs. His career batting average was .260 with 29 home runs and 173 RBIs. He is survived by five sisters. With his passing, there are now only 10 living members of the 1962 Mets team.}

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