In Baltimore County
Volunteer firefighters to get $3.5 million in county aid
DUNDALK -- Baltimore County's volunteer firefighters will receive $3.5 million in county aid during the 2003-2004 fiscal year for fuel and utility expenses and grants to test fire apparatus and maintain rural water sources, officials said this week.
The county's Volunteer Fireman's Association sets guidelines to determine how the money will be distributed among the 35 volunteer companies, said Elise Armacost, a Fire Department spokeswoman.
The volunteer stations, along with 25 career stations, comprise the county's fire service. Although the volunteer companies raise most of the money needed for their operations through carnivals, bingo and other fund drives, the county provides some aid every year to supplement their efforts.
Civil War will be theme of Catonsville celebration
CATONSVILLE -- "The Civil War in and Around Catonsville" will be the theme for the Founder's Day Family Celebration on Saturday at the Catonsville Historical Society.
The free event will feature hands-on activities, games and demonstrations and will take place rain or shine.
The historical society is at 1824 Frederick Road. Information: 410-744-3034.
Fire expo is planned Saturday at fairgrounds
TIMONIUM -- Baltimore County's fire service will hold a fire expo at the Maryland State Fairgrounds on Saturday to display fire equipment and demonstrate life-saving skills.
Children will be able to ride on a fire engine. Spectators can watch emergency crews fight a controlled fire and draft water from a pool -- a skill needed in some areas in the county where hydrants are not available. Firefighters also will offer blood pressure screenings and install infant and toddler car seats.
The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is free.
In Baltimore City
Brooklyn, Curtis Bay the focus of town meeting
Residents of Brooklyn and Curtis Bay are being invited to a town meeting Saturday where a new "strategic neighborhood action plan" will be unveiled.
The plan, developed by community groups with help from the mayor's office, is based on public suggestions from a town meeting in May. Its goal is to fuel a revival in the two waterfront neighborhoods, once-stable blue-collar communities that have lost industrial jobs and have seen a rise in vacant and deteriorating housing.
The Brooklyn and Curtis Bay Coalition is sponsoring the meeting, scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon at Benjamin Franklin Middle School, 1201 Cambria St. Information: 410-355-1100.
Woman found fatally shot in West Baltimore
A woman was found shot to death Tuesday morning in West Baltimore, becoming the city's 194th homicide of the year, police said yesterday.
The woman was identified yesterday as Frances Christina Mason, 41, of the 4700 block of Park Heights Ave.
Police said they received a report of suspicious activity in the rear of the 900 block of Poplar Grove St. about 6:30 a.m., and officers found Mason lying face down. An autopsy determined she had been shot in the head and back, police said.
Anyone with information about the killing was urged to call Detectives Richard Purtell or Robert Dohoney at 410-396- 2100.
