In Baltimore City
Police copter pilot fired by Norris; panel suggested demotion
In one of former Baltimore Police Commissioner Edward T. Norris' final acts last week, he fired a veteran police lieutenant despite recommendations from an outside hearing board that he be demoted to sergeant.
Lt. Robert R. Richards, 39, was notified Thursday evening that he had been fired by the commissioner after being convicted by the outside hearing board in October of several internal disciplinary charges, including making false statements and insubordination. The board recommended that Richards be demoted, but Norris decided to fire the lieutenant for the infractions, which occurred in February, police officials said.
Richards has had a stormy relationship with the department. He settled a 1996 lawsuit with the city that alleged discrimination when he was promoted to sergeant but removed from the helicopter unit, where he was a pilot. He was eventually reassigned to lead the unit, but removed last year after city officials complained the helicopters were not flying enough. Since then, he has been a vocal critic of the department's racial makeup.
Kwanzaa celebration set for Friday at church
A Kwanzaa celebration featuring music, ranging from gospel to rap, will be held Friday at the Pleasant Hope Baptist Church in North Baltimore.
The event, sponsored by the Northeast Community Organization Youth Health Service Bureau, will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the church, 430 E. Belvedere Ave.
The celebration will include performances by the I Can't, We Can Recovery Program Choir, as well as African drummers, youth choirs, dance ensembles and rappers.
Information: Mia Rhodes: 410-435-6680.
Free classes scheduled for first-time homebuyers
Free classes for first-time homebuyers are being offered next month in Southwest Baltimore. Topics to be covered include establishing good credit, managing finances and going to settlement.
The classes will be held at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 9, 16 and 23 at St. Jerome Head Start Center, 765 W. Hamburg St. Home lenders and inspectors will help prospective buyers set goals. People who complete the course will receive certificates to help with grant applications.
Registration is required. Information: Gwen Padow, 410- 385-1463.
In Baltimore County
Fire museum train garden will be displayed this week
LUTHERVILLE -- The Fire Museum of Maryland will present a holiday train garden from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
The garden features 1940s-style trains and is larger than 26 feet by 16 feet. The museum's collection of 40 antique fire engines, a working fire alarm office, museum store and children's Discovery Room will be open.
Admission is $6; $5 for seniors and firefighters; $4 for children ages 3 and older; and free for younger than age 3. The museum is at 1301 York Road.
Exercise course offered for people with arthritis
Pikesville Senior Center is welcoming applicants for a program that provides exercise for people with arthritis.
The 10-week course, led by a certified instructor, will be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays, beginning next month. The cost is $5.
Registration: 410-887-1245.
Workshop offered on starting business
TOWSON -- The Service Corps of Retired Executives will offer a four-session workshop, "Understanding Business: Starting, Managing, Prospering," next month at Towson United Methodist Church, 501 Hampton Lane.
The workshop is designed for anyone thinking of starting a business, or new to entrepreneurship. Topics include business plans, financing management, legal, marketing and other issues. Registration is encouraged.
Sessions will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Jan. 8, 9, 15 and 16. Information and registration: 410-962-2233.