Bello Machre gets fire sprinkler grant
Bello Machre Inc. has received a nearly $150,000 grant from the state to buy and install fire sprinkler systems in 10 of its homes for the developmentally disabled in Anne Arundel County.
The $148,667 grant from the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust is designed to provide a safer living environment for 30 people served by the nonprofit.
"Because of the mental and physical limitations of those we serve, rapid evacuation in an emergency can present a significant challenge," said Dr. Robert T. Ireland, Bello Machre executive director. "This sprinkler grant will produce the optimal level of safety in our homes."
Tobacco-free week offers kits for kids
Schools and community groups serving youths can order free planning kits for Tobacco-Free Kids Week 2008 from the Anne Arundel County Department of Health.
The county's 13th annual Tobacco-Free Kids Week is set for March 9-15. Thousands of children and adults will celebrate smoke-free living with activities that include a poster contest, games and other events rallying kids against tobacco use. The Activity Planning Kit includes ideas for anti-tobacco activities and an order form for free supplies.
Kits can be requested from the Learn to Live Line, 410-222-7979 or downloaded from the TFK Week section of the Smoking Stinks Web site, www.smokingstinks-aaco.org.
Cancer support group plans events
Compass, a new support group sponsored by Anne Arundel Medical Center for individuals with metastatic cancer, meets regularly to discuss treatment options, listen to guest speakers and socialize.
Upcoming events include:
March 13 - 6:30 p.m., guest speaker Dr. Stephanie Porter discusses complementary therapies and related topics. Early dinner out before speaker. Anne Arundel Medical Center, Sajak Pavilion, 2002 Medical Parkway, Annapolis.
March 25 - 10:30 a.m., Coffee at Zu, Bay Forest Shopping Center, 934 Bay Ridge Road, Annapolis.
May 3 - Living Beyond Breast Cancer's second annual Conference for Women Living with Advanced Breast Cancer. West Conshohocken, Pa.
Information: Dian "C.J." Corneliussen-James at 443-481 -5357, or dcornelius@aahs.org.