In Baltimore City

Metal-plating firm to pay fine to settle EPA allegations

An East Baltimore metal-plating company has agreed to pay $30,000 to settle charges that it violated hazardous waste regulations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced yesterday.

A&A; Metal Finishing Corp. in the 4000 block of E. Monument St. was accused by the EPA of operating a hazardous waste facility without a permit, improperly storing waste, failing to comply with labeling, training and disposal requirements and other violations. The EPA said the waste allegedly included waste-water sludge, cyanide solution and zinc plating solution.

In the settlement, the company neither denied nor admitted the allegations, the EPA said. A call to the company yesterday afternoon was not answered.

Free taxi rides available for New Year's Eve drinkers

Yellow Transportation Inc. will offer free cab rides tonight and early tomorrow to Baltimore bar patrons who think they have had too much to drink and can't drive home.

The service will be available between 3 p.m. today and 4 a.m. tomorrow as part of Yellow Transportation's New Year's Eve SoberRide program. Rides will be provided at the more than two dozen participating bars and restaurants in Baltimore for anyone who has been drinking.

Participating establishments will call Yellow Transportation and the patron's keys will be given directly to the cabdriver, who will drive the person home for free. Information: 410-727- 7300.

English language program is accepting registrations

The Greater Homewood program of English for Speakers of Other Languages is accepting registrations for its 2003 adult education classes.

Basic literacy instruction is available for ages 16 and older. Prospective students should call 410-261-3524 to schedule an appointment for a program interview, test and orientation.

After their assessment, students will be matched with volunteer tutors or placed in the appropriate class. Classes are held in the lower level of University Baptist Church, 3501 N. Charles St.

In Baltimore County

Parties at senior centers to welcome the new year

TOWSON -- Three senior centers run by Baltimore County Department of Aging will celebrate New Year's Eve today with parties.

Bykota Senior Center, 611 Central Ave. in Towson, will hold its party -- featuring music and food -- from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Information: 410-887-3094. The party at Overlea-Fullerton Senior Center, 4314 Fullerton Ave., will run from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include a disc jockey and fried chicken dinner. Information: 410-887-5220. Food and dancing will be featured at the party at Seven Oaks Senior Center, 9210 Seven Courts Drive, Perry Hall. The party will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Information: 410-887-5192.

Insurance agency official to answer queries Jan. 13

TOWSON -- A representative of the Maryland Insurance Administration will be in Towson on Jan. 13 to answer questions about coverage, provide information about filing complaints against insurers, and distribute consumer education materials.

The representative will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the state comptroller's branch office at Hampton Plaza, 300 E. Joppa Road, Suite 1A.

Information: 800-492-6116.

New Town Elementary plans 'Muffins with Mom'

OWINGS MILLS -- New Town Elementary School PTA will hold a continental breakfast for mothers, grandmothers, guardians and their children who attend the school from 7 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Jan. 10.

The free breakfast, "Muffins with Mom," will be held in the school cafeteria. Last year's event, the first, attracted more than 400 people. Information: 410-887-1541.