www.911info.net is updated daily to keep you informed, with reliable resources! March 10 ,2010
Maryland State Emergency Website Toll Free: 1-877-MEMA-USA E-mail: help@mema.state.md.us For more information on swine flu Marylanders can go to: http://www.dhmh.state.md.us or http://www.maryland.gov/ Feed Your Neighbor 11-25-2009 Although we are the richest nation in the world, 49 million people, including more than 16 million children, were at risk of going hungry last year in America. To end hunger in our country, we must work together and address the problem in our own communities. The families, children and individuals that worry about where their next meal will come from, or have to skip a few meals, could live right next door to you. Everyone has a role to play. In this spirit, the Corporation for National and Community Service is launching the United We Serve: Feed a Neighbor initiative in collaboration with the White House and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The purpose of the initiative is to raise public awareness of hunger issues and ask Americans to help ensure that their neighbors have access to nutritional food this winter and throughout the year. There are many ways for you to help combat hunger through service. Go to Serve.gov to search for local volunteer opportunities. Or consider getting involved in the following anti-hunger projects in your community. This volunteer toolkit was created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For the latest Economic Research Service data on Food Insecurity in America, please visit http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/Err83/. SURROUND CHILDREN WITH NUTRITIOUS FOOD WHERE THEY LIVE, LEARN, AND PLAY Why Should I Care? We have all experienced hunger at one time or another: We've all craved a midnight snack, wanted something salty or skipped a meal. But there's a big difference between trying to satisfy a brief craving or stomach growl and wondering when or from where your next meal will come. More than 16.7 million- almost one in four-children in America are at risk of hunger. Many of these children will endure lifelong consequences as a result of having limited access to nutritious foods. In fact, they're more likely to suffer poorer health, fatigue, hospitalizations, behavioral difficulties and impaired performance at school. And hunger doesn't discriminate. It can affect any child-even those you'd least expect. Despite the good efforts of government, private-sector institutions and everyday Americans, millions of our children still don't have daily access to the nutritious meals they need to live active, healthy lives. What Can I Do? Help kick off a local school's breakfast program to ensure all kids get a good start to the day We all know that starting the day with a healthy breakfast is critical for our young people. This toolkit is designed for individuals who have an interest in increasing the number of schools and children participating in the School Breakfast Program, determining the type of meal service most suited to their needs and developing a marketing plan that will capture the attention and support of everyone involved with the lives of school children: http://www.fns.usda.gov/CND/ Breakfast/toolkit/Default.htm. Serve fresh fruits and vegetables to school children The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) can be an important catalyst in efforts to combat childhood obesity by helping children learn more healthful eating habits. The program targets schools with a high percentage of children receiving free and reduced price school meals. It has been successful in introducing children to a variety of produce that they otherwise might not have the opportunity to sample. Encouraging more elementary schools to apply for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program will create healthier school environments and make a difference in school children's present and future health: http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/FFVP/FFVPdefault.htm.Educate families about healthy, low-cost meals with Share Our Strength's Operation Frontline Teach low-income families how to prepare healthy, low-cost meals that they'll enjoy eating together-lessons that will last a lifetime. Use your time and talents to help low-income families develop the nutrition, cooking, food budgeting and financial planning skills they need: http://www.strength.org/operation_frontline/ volunteer/. You can also find and share healthful recipes at http://recipefinder.nal.usda.gov/.Create a School Health Council to assess and improve your school district's Wellness Policy Schools that participate in the National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast programs are required by Congress to have a local wellness policy that promotes the health of students and addresses the growing problem of childhood obesity. Local wellness policies help ensure that schools are addressing child health in a comprehensive way, including nutritious food, nutrition education, physical education and preventive screening. Learn how you can support your school district's efforts here: http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/Healthy/ wellnesspolicy_steps.html. Share your great healthy school meal ideas with other schools.There is a role for the culinary community to play in ensuring our schools provide nutritious food to students. Already chefs across the country are connecting with schools to share recipes, ideas about nutritionally balanced meals and other support.? Visit this user-friendly website to join the discussion: www.usda.gov/chefstoschools. Drunk Driving and Other Penalty Bills Effective October 1, 2009 Motor Vehicle Administration Point System - HB 1412- This departmental bill alters four sections of Maryland Vehicle Law that pertains to the MVA’s point system. The bill eliminates the Point System Conference and instead requires all drivers who accumulate five to seven points within a two-year period to attend the more comprehensive Driver Improvement Course; it also eliminates the requirement for a return receipt request when the MVA sends a notice of suspension or revocation for accumulation of points. The bill removes vague statutory language that restricts the ability of administrative law judges to modify administrative sanctions and revocations of driver’s licenses; and the bill would allow the MVA to move to an automated system of checking and assessing points. Criminal Procedure - Drunk and Drugged Driving - Probation Before Judgment - HB 301/SB 259 - This bill is a recommendation of the 2007 Task Force to Combat Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol. It extends from 5 years to 10 years the period that a prior alcohol or drug-related driving offense disqualifies a defendant from eligibility to be place on probation before judgment. Vehicle Laws - Violations by Drivers Under the Age of 18 Years - Driver's License Suspensions - SB 219 - This bill expands the offenses committed by young drivers under the age of 18, requiring the MVA to suspend the driver’s license. The offenses include failing to remain at the scene of an accident involving bodily injury, death, or property damage; and fleeing and eluding a police officer. The bill also requires MVA to suspend the provisional license of an individual younger than age 18, who accumulates five or more points in a 12-month period, for six months for a first offense and one year for a second or subsequent offense. If a provisional license holder younger than age 18 is guilty of reckless or negligent driving, aggressive driving, or engaging in a racing or a speed contest, MVA must suspend the license for six months for a first offense and one year for a second or subsequent offense. Vehicle Laws - Repeated Drunk and Drugged Driving Offenses - Suspension of License - SB 262 - This bill contains provisions recommended by the task force. The bill clarifies that, unless otherwise specified, MVA is authorized to impose a one-year driver’s license suspension on a person who is convicted of any drunk or impaired driving offense more than once within a five-year period. On request of a person whose license is suspended under this provision, MVA may issue a restricted driver’s license for the suspension period if the person participates in the Ignition Interlock System Program. Vehicle Laws - Alcohol Restriction on Driver's License Penalties for Violations SB 263 - This bill is a recommendation of the 2007 Task Force to Combat Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol. It makes the conviction for a violation of an alcohol restriction on a driver’s license that is imposed by the MVA a misdemeanor. The bills subject a person who violates this restriction to maximum penalties of up to two months imprisonment and/or a fine of $500. The bills also establish that the violation of any restriction imposed on a driver’s license or the violation of any rule or regulation under the Maryland Vehicle Law may subject the violator to up to two months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $500. Driver Licensing BillsVehicle Laws - Lawful Status in the United States - Material Compliance with Federal Requirements - HB 387 - This bill mandates the Motor Vehicle Administration to require a new applicant for a driver’s license, an identification card, or a moped permit (DL/ID) to prove with documentation they are in the United States legally, either as a citizen or a legal alien. Applicants must also prove to the MVA that they possess a valid social security card, or provide proof they are not eligible for one. For those who already possess a DL/ID that cannot prove their lawful status, the MVA will renew their product and it will read that it cannot be used for Federal Identification purposes. These cards will expire by July 1, 2015. After that day, all newly issued and renewed DL/IDs will require proof of lawful presence. Effective: June 1, 2009Vehicle Laws - Teen Driver Safety - HB 303 - This Administration bill increases by three months the age limit for issuance of a provisional driver’s license (from 16,3 to 16,6) and driver’s license (from 17,9 to 18); Requires learner’s permit holders and provisional licensees to be violation-free, including probations before judgments, before advancing to next licensing stage; authorizes the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to cancel the license of a minor on request of the person who cosigned the minor’s driver license application and provides for re-issuance of a minor’s cancelled license; establishes new penalties against the provisional license of those under 18 who commit two or more moving violations; and requires MVA to submit an application for criminal history records check for a driving instructor candidate. The provisions of the bill regarding age of eligibility for licenses apply prospectively and do not apply to those who have already obtained a license. |
Pretty Ducks but No Seaweed for Them to Eat or Forage Around In 911 What's New for You Annettes Cakery in Severna Park, Maryland. New geat tasting Gelato and classic cakes baked by Annette. Gelato so creamy you want to say Yum!! My first reaction to the taste of Gelato was awesome, then Yum. What a great taste and it is 1/3 of the calories of ice cream. So much the better for my waisteline. LOL. While I was there about ten young boys ages 12 or so came in and could hardly contain themselves until they got their Gelatos. Over eighteen varieties are available, according to new owner Annette Drew. From Mango, to Dirt, to Birthday cake, to Orange, to Lemon and Mango plus. Seating is available. Coffee and classic cakes will be available on weekends, owner Annette Drew said. Annette a county resident for ten years, is best known for her baking of unusual cakes for party occasions, is glad to be in her new shop and serving happy faces. Visit anytime between noon and 8:00p.m. : 562 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. Md. Rte 648 Severna Park, Maryland 21146 410-315-9650 In Washington What the President Said About Health Care and Insurance President Barack Obama spoke of how the rising costs of health care are stifling America’s small businesses, and how reform will strengthen these businesses and the economy. Small businesses create roughly half of all new jobs, but they also pay up to 18 percent more for the very same insurance plans as larger businesses. Too many have been forced to cut benefits, drop coverage, shed jobs, or shut their doors entirely. Health insurance reform is integral to laying a new foundation for our economy so that small businesses can grow and create new jobs. And right now, small business' are paying up to 18 percent more for the very same insurance plans as larger businesses because they have higher administrative costs and less bargaining power. Many have been forced to cut benefits or drop coverage. Some have shed jobs or shut their doors entirely. And recent studies show that if we fail to act now, employers will pay six percent more to insure their employees next year – and more than twice as much over the next decade. Rising health care costs are undermining our businesses, exploding our deficits, and costing our nation more jobs with each passing month. By now, the urgency of these reforms is abundantly clear. And after long hours of thoughtful deliberation and tough negotiation, the Senate Finance Committee – the final congressional committee involved in shaping health care legislation – has finished the process of crafting their reform proposal. As we move forward in the coming weeks, I understand that members of Congress from both parties will want to engage in a vigorous debate and contribute their own ideas. And I welcome those contributions. I welcome any sincere attempts to improve legislation before it reaches my desk. But what I will not accept are attempts to stall, or drag our feet. I will not accept partisan efforts to block reform at any cost. Instead, I expect us to move forward with a spirit of civility, a seriousness of purpose, and a willingness to compromise that characterizes our democratic process at its very best. If we do that, I am confident that we will pass reform this year, and help ensure that our entrepreneurs, our businesses, and our economy can thrive in the years ahead. Maryland to Host 2009 World Stem Cell Summit More than 250 individuals today attended the First Maryland Stem Cell Research Symposium, jointly hosted by Governor Martin O'Malley and the Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission. This event was the first of what will become an annual event. During the opening remarks, Governor O'Malley announced that Maryland has been selected to host the 2009 World Stem Cell Summit, which will come to Baltimore September 21 through 23. The World Stem Cell Summit brings together nearly 1,500 stem cell stakeholders from across the nation and the globe to discuss critical issues in stem cell research and discuss the future of regenerative medicine. The symposium, held in the
Kossiakoff Center at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory,
featured presentations from Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund awardees
and poster presentations from over 60 Maryland-supported stem cell
scientists. The First Maryland Stem Cell Research Symposium and the announcement of Maryland as host of the 2009 World Stem Cell Summit mark two very important milestones in Maryland's emergence as a national leader in life sciences. Today's events will allow Maryland to continue to lead in life saving technologies and in this growing industry. The Clean Water Act Over the last six years, the Bush administration has proposed or enacted numerous policies that weaken the Clean Water Act. These include: two separate policies that eliminate Clean Water Act protections for streams and wetlands that feed and clean treasured lakes, rivers and bays; funding cuts to EPA’s budget, including significant cuts to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund; and policies that allow more sewage pollution into waterways. Environment Maryland called on the Bush administration to end its efforts to weaken federal clean water safeguards and for Congress to pass the Clean Water Restoration Act, legislation to ensure all U.S. waterways are protected by the Clean Water Act.Bell was joined by Kathy Phillips, of Assateague Coastal Trust, who is the Assateague Coastkeeper and a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance. Speaking on behalf of the Atlantic coastal bays watershed she commented, “The Clean Water Restoration Act goes a long way to rectify many of these issues. It is important that the Restoration Act, as written, be supported and passed so that our wetlands, small streams, creeks, and any body of water regardless of whether it is navigable or not, are protected under the law.” Environment Maryland urged Representative Wayne Gilchrest to mark
the anniversary of the Clean Water Act by joining the 172 cosponsors
of the Clean Water Restoration Act. “Instead of holding polluters accountable, the Bush administration is allowing more—not less-- pollution to enter our waterways. Now more than ever, Congress should step in to protect all of America’s waters,” concluded Bell. |
Financial Literacy for Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot joined an unparalleled coalition of supporters today calling for passage of legislation mandating a financial literacy graduation requirement for all Maryland students. Students, parents, educators and business leaders rallied for better financial education. "The time is now for Maryland to become the fourth state in the nation to require a standalone course in financial literacy as a high school graduation requirement," Comptroller Franchot said. "I believe that fewer people would be drowning in debt today and facing the loss of their homes, their credit ratings and their financial security if they had been armed with a financial education. We don't have time to wait," he added. "If everybody has the knowledge they need, then they'll be able to avoid financial tragedy, like foreclosure and credit card debt and that, in the end, helps everybody," student Aaron Moore said. "Students are required to learn basic math calculations yet we don't require that they learn the importance of credit scores or saving," said Kevin Murley, a teacher at Montgomery Blair High School. "The result is that most Americans learn these topics on the fly or fall prey to a financial system for which they are unprepared to enter. The misconceptions high school kids have about finance are too many to fathom." Banking and financial industry leaders recognize the importance of a financial education in protecting young people's futures as well. "As we examine the impact of the recent recession, it has become increasingly clear that our high school students would benefit from additional education and insight about the decisions that will affect their financial position over time," said David Beck, vice president for The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. "Without a thorough understanding of the importance of saving, borrowing, investing and credit, our children become vulnerable to developing blemished credit histories, paying higher and more frequent fees on late payments, paying higher interest rates on loans and building unmanageable levels of debt and a diminished quality of life," said Rodney Staatz, president and CEO of the State Employees Credit Union. "We should not wait any longer to make sure all of our students graduate with at least a basic level of financial literacy," he added. "Rarely has there been a more urgent and vital need for financial literacy in our state and for its youth than now," said Scot Stark, president and CEO of the Financial Planning Association of Maryland. "This financial literacy legislation represents the first step in that commitment and the benefits of passing it would only be exceeded by the drawbacks of not doing so," he added. Domestic Violence Grants 2-15-2009 In recognition of Domestic Violence Being So Devastating to Families, Governor Martin O’Malley and Lt. Governor Anthony Brown today, joined by state, civic and law enforcement leaders, announced that the State of Maryland will award $1.8 million in STOP – Violence Against Women (VAWA) Federal funding grants to help victims of domestic violence. Governor O’Malley and Lt. Governor Brown also signed the Governor’s Family Violence Council Executive Order adding Attorney General Doug Gansler as a Co-chair of the Council, among other changes. “Last year alone, 52 women, men, and children lost their lives in our State because of domestic violence, and there were nearly 20,000 cases reported to police and 41,000 protective and peace orders filed in District Court,” said Governor O’Malley. “The prevention of domestic violence and the support for the victims of these heinous crimes, improving protection, prevention, enforcement and services are among our Administration’s most urgent and pressing priorities. We must do all that we can to help Maryland’s most vulnerable citizens.” “Domestic violence has touched too many Maryland families. I applaud Governor O’Malley’s work that has strengthened existing partnerships and forged new ones to help Maryland fight back against domestic violence,” said Lt. Governor Brown. “By working together, we can reduce the number of innocent Marylanders who have tragically become statistics.” The Violence Against Women grants is part of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) which was signed into law on August 1994 as a part of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. VAWA created new grant programs encouraging states to address domestic violence and sexual assault including the S.T.O.P (Services and Training for Officers and Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program. The VAWA Act was reauthorized in 2000 and again in 2005. VAWA funds represent the largest portion of funding of the Act and go to states to be distributed among police, prosecutors, courts and state and local victims services. In Maryland, S.T.O.P VAWA funds are administered by the Governor's Office of Crime Control & Prevention (GOCCP) under the authority of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. This year, GOCCP allocated approximately $1.8 million in grant funds to 63 organizations/agencies that encourage the development and strengthening of effective, victim-centered law enforcement, prosecution, and court strategies to combat violent crimes against women and to develop and enhance victim services that address violence against women statewide. The Family Violence Council was created by Executive Order in 2006, but no formal appointments were made. In January of 2008 Governor Martin O’Malley appointed the 21 member Council. The Council’s mission is to provide the Governor with timely and accurate information on family violence with recommendations that will reduce and eliminate abusive behaviors. The Council had their first meeting on January 7, 2008. The Council developed three committees: Public Awareness, Data, and Legislative, and recommended that the Governor redefine the Executive Order to include the Attorney General and a member of the public. Under the new Executive Order, the Council’s membership will be increased from 21 to 25 and will include, Lt. Governor Brown, Attorney General Gansler, Scott Patterson (the State's Attorney from Talbot County who will be representing the Maryland State's Attorney's Association), and Vicki Sadehvandi, the Executive Director of CASA in Hagerstown. Attorney General Gansler will serve as the new Chairperson of the Council. The Vice Chairs will be Jodi Finkelstein (Executive Director of the Domestic Violence Center of Howard County) and Cheryl Kravitz (President of CRK Communications). “I am honored to serve as Chair of the Governor’s Family Violence Council. Prevention of domestic violence and the promotion of healthy relationships are critical to creating and sustaining a safe and just society, and I am committed to do my part to achieve these goals,” said Attorney General Gansler. “I look forward to working with Governor O'Malley, Lt. Governor Brown, and the members of this Council.” “Domestic violence is too complex for any one agency to handle, thus the importance for a coordinated community response. Given the magnitude and impact that domestic violence has on Marylanders, we are extremely pleased that the Governor is taking the lead on the issue of domestic violence,” said Jodi Finkelstein, Executive Director of the Domestic Violence Center of Howard County and Cheryl Kravitz, President of CRK Communications, Co-Chairs of the Family Violence Council. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which evolved from the first Day of Unity observed in October, 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect battered women’s advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became a special week when a range of activities were conducted at the local, state, and national levels. In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year the first national toll-free hotline was begun. In 1989 the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month Commemorative Legislation was passed by the U.S. Congress. In October 1994 NCADV, in conjunction with Ms. Magazine, created the “Remember My Name” project, a national registry to increase public awareness of domestic violence deaths. Since then, NCADV has been collecting information on women who have been killed by an intimate partner and produces a poster each October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, listing the names of those documented in that year. For more information on energy and money saving tips for your home go to www.energy.maryland.gov Also check out www.energysavers.gov for additional winter weatherization tips. |
