Council panel wants state to declare AIDS emergency
A City Council commission that studied HIV and AIDS in Baltimore for the past year wants the governor to declare a public health emergency in the city. The declaration could lead to more state money for treatment and prevention, according to the Commission on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment.
The commission found that Baltimore is home to more than half the Marylanders infected with human immunodeficiency virus, though the city accounts for less than 15 percent of the state's population.
"It's so crucial and so important that we educate and inform the public about this epidemic," said Council President Sheila Dixon, who lost her brother and sister-in-law to acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
Under a bill Dixon submitted last night, the council would ask the governor for the emergency declaration. The bill was referred to the council's Housing, Health and Human Services Committee.
Park for seniors, toddlers to hold grand opening
Penner's Playground, an "intergenerational" park in Canton for seniors, area residents and toddlers, will have its grand opening at 2:30 p.m. Thursday.
The park, behind the Hatton Senior Center at 2825 Fait Ave., was transformed from an unused lot through a partnership of the Kennedy Krieger Institute, city Commission on Aging and Retirement Education, and Friends of the Family Inc., an organization that works to build strong families.
The park -- intended to meet the needs of toddlers involved in the Kennedy Krieger Early Head Start program at 2811 Dillon St. and the senior center -- features a "tot lot" and a seniors' area that includes a gazebo.
The park is named for Hannelies E. Penner, who served as the first director of the Hatton Senior Center for 17 years before her death last year.
Two men are sentenced in killing of 18-year-old
Two Baltimore men were sentenced yesterday on murder charges in the death of Antonio Williams, 18, who was shot in the head May 1 last year because of a dispute over drug territory in West Baltimore.
Derrick Gibson, 23, of the 100 block of N. Payson St. was sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder and to an additional 20 years for a handgun crime. Damon K. Cooley, 22, of the 1500 block of N. Baker St. received 30 years for second-degree murder, plus three years for gun possession.
Prosecutor Phillip M. Pickus said Williams had started to sell drugs on Baker Street -- on turf claimed by Gibson and Cooley -- so the men drove up while he was in the 700 block. Gibson got out of the car, shot him three times at close range, and then the two drove away.
American Red Cross urges blood donations
The local branch of the American Red Cross is issuing an emergency appeal for blood, asking the public to donate to offset a national shortage. Although the nonprofit agency often experiences shortages in the summer, when many universities are out of session and donors are on vacation, this year the shortfall has occurred earlier than usual, said Joy Jensen, a spokeswoman for the agency.
A flood of people donated blood after the terrorist attacks Sept. 11. But red blood cells have a shelf life of 42 days, and the large supply available in the fall is long used up, according to the Red Cross. Since January, blood donations have dropped across the country, although Red Cross officials don't know why.
People who would like to donate blood should call 1-800- 448-3543 or visit www.redcross- cmd.org.
In Baltimore County
Broken gas main causes evacuation of apartments
OWINGS MILLS -- A gas main break snarled traffic and forced the evacuation of an apartment building yesterday morning near Painters Mill Road and Samuel Owings Drive.
Baltimore County fire officials said the break occurred about 8:30 a.m. when a contractor grading and paving a parking lot with a bulldozer ruptured a 2-inch gas line. Tenants in Owings Parks Apartments were evacuated as a precaution, fire officials said.
The roads were reopened by 9:45 a.m. as Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. workers repaired the line.
Pickersgill to celebrate bicentennial Friday night
TOWSON -- Pickersgill Retirement Community will present a Bicentennial Flag Day event at 6 p.m. Friday on the Pickersgill grounds, 615 Chestnut Ave.
The event will include a parade, a performance by Monumental City Ancient Fife and Drum Corps, release of a book about Pickersgill and a concert by the Zim Zemarel Orchestra.
The event is a celebration of Pickersgill's 200th anniversary and its connection to Mary Pickersgill, creator of the flag that inspired "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Peace in the Middle East to be discussed at church
LUTHERVILLE -- A panel discussion on effecting peace in the Middle East will be held tomorrow in the library at St. John's United Methodist Church, 216 W. Seminary Ave.
The topic to be discussed is "Bridging the Gaps of Misunderstanding: Is Peace Possible between Israel and the Palestinians." The event begins at 7:15 p.m.
Information: 410-825-3969.