Volunteer Fire Departments in Maryland Receive Funding for Wild land Firefighting Projects

In this Issue of Harford Local Connect

🌤️ Harford County, MD Weather

🚒 Volunteer Fire Departments in Maryland Receive Funding for Wild land Firefighting Projects

⭐ Local Business Spotlight: We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym in Forest Hill

🏪 Support Local Businesses

🏛️ Local Government: Upcoming Meetings

📅 Local Events & Happenings

🏈 Baltimore Ravens Secure Playoff Spot with Victory over Jaguars

🏀 🤼 🏊‍♀️ Harford County High School Sports Schedule

Volunteer Fire Departments in Maryland Receive Funding for Wild land Firefighting Projects

The Maryland DNR Forest Service has awarded Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants to 52 volunteer fire departments in order to enhance wildland fire protection in rural communities.

The grants, totaling $149,325 in 2023, will be used to cover 50% of the project costs, with a maximum award of $3,500 per department. Recipients can utilize the grant funds for various purposes, including purchasing personal protective equipment, power tools, and fire engines.

The Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company in Harford County received a grant of $2,250 for a total project cost of $4,500.

Business Spotlight: We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym in Forest Hill

We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym is an indoor sensory playground that brings joy and inclusivity to kids of all abilities! Located at 1998 Rock Spring Rd in Forest Hill, this gym is a judgment-free space where children can play and explore in a safe and supportive environment. With a wide range of equipment, including a zipline, trampoline, climbing walls, swings, and imaginative play stations, they offer a unique sensory experience that caters to kids with autism and other special needs. Although they have created an environment focused on children with special needs , the gym has something for everyone and is enjoyed by all kids.

What sets them apart from other play places is the commitment to inclusion. They believe in creating a space where families feel accepted and supported. When you walk through our doors, you'll find a community that understands and embraces the diverse needs of every child. They never want parents to feel like they have to apologize for their child's behavior or abilities. At We Rock, grace is expected and everyone is encouraged to be themselves.

The story behind the gym is one of passion and dedication. As parents of a child on the autism spectrum, owners, Nikki and Trey Wooten understand firsthand the challenges and limited options for families seeking a place where their children can thrive. They saw a need in our community for an inclusive play space, and that's what inspired them to bring We Rock the Spectrum to Harford County. It took years of perseverance, construction setbacks, and even a global pandemic, but the doors finally opened in June 2020. Since then, they have been humbled by the positive impact it has made on families and the unwavering support from the local community.

But that's not all—there are exciting plans for the future! The team recently launched the We Rock on Wheels - Forest Hill, a mobile sensory gym that will allow them to expand their reach and serve more children. With equipment like swings, a zip glider, rock wall, and even an awning for outdoor play, the mobile gym will bring the sensory experience to different locations, including birthday parties, events, festivals, and even at-risk and lower-income communities. Their mission is to ensure that all kids and abilities have access to a safe and inclusive play environment.

At We Rock the Spectrum, they are not just a business, but a community-driven mission and believe in the power of inclusion and the immense potential in each and every child. We invite you to learn more and join this incredible journey as they continue to make a positive impact and provide a place where all kids can play and grow.

Visit their website at www.werockthespectrumforesthill.com for more information and to stay updated on upcoming events, community involvement, and new product launches.

Together, let's rock the spectrum!!

Support Local Harford County Businesses

Upcoming Meetings:

December 19 - Harford County Public Hearing Meeting Details

December 19 - Harford County Legislative Session Meeting Details

December 19 - Harford County Administrative Charging Committee Meeting Meeting Details

December 19 - Harford County Environmental Advisory Board Meeting Agenda

December 20 - Harford County Advisory Board on Aging Meeting Details 

December 20 - Harford County Adequate Public Facilities Advisory Board Meeting Meeting Details

December 20 - Bel Air Board of Ethics Meeting Agenda

December 21 - Harford County Citizens Nursing Home Board Meeting Agenda

December 19 Kids Art Class Bel Air

December 22  Cedar Lane Holiday Light Show Big Event Bel Air

December 23  Holiday 5K & 10K at Cedar Lane Regional Park Bel Air

December 23  Community Christmas Eve Eve Candlelight Service Havre de Grace 🎅

December 23  Children’s Christmas B-I-N-G-O Aberdeen

December 24  Christmas Eve Cookies and Caroling Jarrettsville

December 26  Santa Bowl Strike Night  Forest Hill

December 29  Stargazing and S’mores Family Night Street

December 30  Christmas “After” Party Forest Hill

December 31  New Year’s Eve Bash Darlington

December 31 Rockin' New Year’s Eve Party Forest Hill

Ongoing Seasonal Events:

Through Christmas (Saturdays & Sundays) Christmas Light Show @ Long Bar Harbor Abingdon

Through January 6 (Daily 5 - 11PM) Winter Wonderland Light Display Bel Air

Through January 7 (Wednesday - Sunday) Gifts of the Season Art Show Bel Air

Through January 14 (Schedule Varies) 42nd Annual Train Garden Jarrettsville

Seasonal Events Nearby:

Through January 7 (Schedule Varies) MD Aviation Museum Holiday Plane and Train Garden Middle River

🎅 - Santa is reported to be attending this event!

Have a Harford County Event you want us to share?

Click Here to Let Us Know About Your Upcoming Event

Baltimore Ravens Secure Playoff Spot with Victory over Jaguars

The Baltimore Ravens clinched a postseason berth with a 23-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday night. Lamar Jackson showcased his skills by throwing a touchdown pass and making a remarkable play to avoid a sack. With this win, the Ravens extended their winning streak to four games and moved closer to securing the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.

Unfortunately, the game was not without its costs for the Ravens. Promising rookie running back Keaton Mitchell suffered a left knee injury in the fourth quarter and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. Additionally, starting left tackle Ronnie Staley and free safety Marcus Williams also left the game due to a concussion and groin injury, respectively.

Despite these setbacks, Lamar Jackson, Gus Edwards, Isaiah Likely, and the Ravens' elite defense were able to overcome the injuries. Jackson threw for 171 yards and ran for 97 more, while Edwards contributed 58 rushing yards. Likely made a crucial reception near the goal line, outmaneuvering defenders to set up a touchdown by Edwards.

Looking ahead, the Baltimore Ravens will face the San Francisco 49ers on Christmas Day in another prime-time match-up between division leaders.

Harford County Sports Schedule - December 19, 2023

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