Fire Department Gets Carbon Monoxide Grant

OCEAN CITY — The Ocean City Fire Department this week was awarded a fire prevention grant from the Maryland State Firemen’s Association for the purchase of carbon monoxide alarms.

The $500 grant will help fund the purchase of approximately 36 carbon monoxide alarms. The alarms will be distributed to those in need, along with a limited supply of smoke alarms and nine-volt batteries already provided by the fire department.

The Ocean City Fire Department is pleased to partner with the Maryland State Firemen’s Association in its fire prevention efforts. Residents in need of a smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm or a battery replacement for either should visit any fire station or call 410-289-4346.

Shore Veterans Shuttle Service Available

BERLIN — The Veteran’s Administration (VA) Maryland Health Care System is now providing free door-to-door transportation service Monday through Friday throughout the Eastern Shore for veterans needing transportation to the VA Outpatient Clinic in Cambridge.

The shuttle serves veterans across the Eastern Shore including Worcester and Wicomico Counties who are referred by their VA provider or social worker. The service is available for those veterans making below minimum income levels, or have a catastrophic illness, qualify for VA beneficiary travel and do not have any other transportation resources.

Wheelchair vehicles are also available as part of the free door-to-door shuttle service. Veterans are encouraged to call at least one to two weeks in advance of their scheduled appointment. To schedule a pick-up, call 410-228-6243.

Council Seeks Charter Review Volunteers

SALISBURY — The Wicomico County Council is seeking residents interested in serving on a committee to review the county charter to determine a need for possible amendments.

The current county charter was adopted by voters in 2004 and includes a requirement that the County Council appoint a Charter Review Committee at least every 10 years “for the purpose of reviewing the charter in full and submitting recommendations to the County Council.”

Those interested in volunteering for the important civic responsibility may expect to conclude the charter review within 12 to 18 months and will meet monthly, or more often, at the discretion of the committee. The County Council intends to appoint committee members this month and the committee will begin its work in September.

The anticipated time frame will allow the County Council to have sufficient opportunity to consider the committee’s recommendations, hold public meetings and prepare language for any proposed charter amendments for placement on the ballot of the general election in 2014.

Candidates for appointment are asked to submit a letter of interest with a brief statement about themselves and their background equipping them to undertake the task and address any other information believed to be appropriate.

The council intends to appoint a committee representative of Wicomico County. Those interested in serving on the Charter Review Committee are encouraged to contact any member of the County Council. Contact information for the council members is available on the county’s website, or by contacting the Council office at 410-548-4696.

OCPD Reminds Citizens Of Laser Pointer Laws

OCEAN CITY — Due to an increase in the use of laser pointers, the Ocean City Police Department this week is reminding residents and visitors of the town’s “harassment by laser pointer law.”

The ordinance, which has been in effect since last summer, makes it unlawful for anyone to focus or shine a laser pointer directly or indirectly on another person or animal in any manner. It is also unlawful for any person to shine a laser pointer directly or indirectly on a balcony, porch, patio, deck or any other structure where a person or persons may gather, or in any window or door, or any vehicle on land, air or water, which includes, but is not limited to cars, bicycles, scooters, buses, trams, planes, helicopters, boats, personal watercraft, motorcycles, Segways or wheelchairs in any manner.

It is also illegal for minors to purchase or possess laser pointers within the corporate limits of Ocean City. It is also a crime for any person to shine a laser pointer on the beach, Boardwalk public streets or sidewalks, or from public property onto private property, or from private property onto any other private property.

Additionally, it is unlawful to sell a laser pointer without having a sign conspicuously posted at the point of sale or exchange advising potential purchasers of the Ocean City laser pointer law. It is unlawful to sell a laser pointer without providing the purchaser with written notice in boldface type, a copy setting forth verbatim the laws spelled out in the Ocean City code.

About The Author: Steven Green

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The writer has been with The Dispatch in various capacities since 1995, including serving as editor and publisher since 2004. His previous titles were managing editor, staff writer, sports editor, sales account manager and copy editor. Growing up in Salisbury before moving to Berlin, Green graduated from Worcester Preparatory School in 1993 and graduated from Loyola University Baltimore in 1997 with degrees in Communications (journalism concentration) and Political Science.