Anne Arundel County Breaking News and Events

Black Lotus Tattoo Cancer Benefit

Justin Byrd — Mon, 06 May 2013 14:37:53 +0000

As I pulled up to Black Lotus Tattoos yesterday, there was a crowd of people waiting at the door. Just inside, another crowd paying and showing their IDs for tattoos and piercings. As I walked through the shop, there were people everywhere, and the crowd overflowed to the back and outside of the shop. This wasn’t a typical day at Black Lotus. This was a community, showing up on a cool Sunday afternoon, donating time and money (and toys) for the children’s oncology unit at UMMC.

Halo Jankowski, owner of Black Lotus, tries to do at least one benefit every year, but recently it’s been every other year. Halo is an amazing artist with a heart of gold, and he assembled a group of people just as selfless as he is yesterday to work. A decision was made around 4:30 pm that they could not take anymore people in to get tattoos, yet some of the people who were turned away gave them money anyways.

I left at 9:00 pm, and even though the hours of the benefit were from 12:00 pm until 8:00 pm, people lined up before 12, and the last tattoos weren’t finished until after midnight. People waited 4,5,6 or more hours for their tattoo, and most had a cheery attitude about it. I met one woman who didn’t mind waiting, and would have probably waited until midnight. She had a shaved head, and explained to me that she was there because she does a lot of charity events for cancer. Her head was shaved for St. Baldricks, and here she was getting a tattoo.

I met another couple who waited over 4 hours for their tattoos. He was there for his father, who has lung cancer, and his wife was there because “it’s a tattoo and it benefits cancer patients”.

The atmosphere was bright and happy, with people laughing, talking, and hanging out. Saylor was in one corner piercing, while Halo and his crew were spread out doing tattoos. All in all, Black Lotus raised over $6,600 through the tattoos, piercings, raffle, and art auction. All proceeds are going directly to UMMC for the children’s oncology unit.

Bikers Against Child Abuse: National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

Justin Byrd — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 20:18:27 +0000

Today, at the Circuit Courthouse in Annapolis, there were many people upstairs. Some were in suits, others in dresses. There were some in uniform, but the uniforms that stood out weren’t really uniforms. There were three men wearing vests bearing the names “Crusher”, “Mack”, and “Crazy Frog”. These three men are members of Bikers Against Child Abuse. State’s Attorney Frank Weathersbee said that it is time to examine where we stand in support of crime victims, and that we have come far, but we still have a long way to go. County Executive Laura Neuman was heard saying that she attended because “it’s an important cause.”

Anne Arundel County Breaking News and Events had the opportunity to talk with some people about BACA at length.

On a bike or in a car, when a child needs them, these bikers show up. That’s what they do. Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) was founded in the 90′s by ‘Chief’, who is still active in the group today. They are contractors, bankers, high level execs…. Normal everyday people. But when one of their little sisters or brothers call them, the get their gear on and go to the child.

The mission of BACA as stated on their website, www.bacaworld.org, is as follows:

Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. We exist as a body of Bikers to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live. We stand ready to lend support to our wounded friends by involving them with an established, united organization. We work in conjunction with local and state officials who are already in place to protect children. We desire to send a clear message to all involved with the abused child that this child is part of our organization, and that we are prepared to lend our physical and emotional support to them by affiliation, and our physical presence. We stand at the ready to shield these children from further abuse. We do not condone the use of violence or physical force in any manner, however, if circumstances arise such that we are the only obstacle preventing a child from further abuse, we stand ready to be that obstacle.

One of these children live here in Anne Arundel County. Bug was abused a little over two years ago and when she came to MD, she was frail, afraid, and weak. Her mother called in BACA on her therapist’s recommendation. Bug didn’t know what to expect. She was nervous before the first meeting, but when she heard the motorcycles coming down the road, she began to loosen up. Her safety net was coming.

Bug met Crazy Frog, Triker Sis, Boo Boo, Homer, and Crusher for the first meeting and was so proud to have her own group of Bikers ready to call when she needed them. Crazy Frog and Triker Sis became her primary bikers, meaning that she calls them first if she needs them. When her abusers started driving by the house and the police had to be called, Bug put on her BACA vest and stayed in her room, finally feeling safe. When Bug was admitted to the hospital because of physical issues that stemmed from the abuse, Sis and Frog showed up and brought her goodies. When she didn’t want to take her medicine to help the condition, she discovered that Sis is on the same medicine and Sis even gave her a “special pink spoon” to take the medicine with.

Bug’s mother was called in January by the district attorney in the area where the abuse took place. They needed Bug to testify about her own abuse at a trial for another little girl, and asked Bug’s mom if she would please come. Bug’s mom spoke about it with family and decided that she would go, simply because she feared that if she said “no”, she would be subpoenaed anyways. So they went.

BACA went to. Frog and Sis flew to a city close to where Bug had to go to court, rented a car, and drove there. They rented a room right next to Bug’s room and stayed with her no matter where she went. The day before Sis and Frog arrived, Bug was clinging to her mother, terrified about being in that county. Memories flooded her and she was terrified that one of her abusers was going to kidnap her. Her mother called the local police to give Bug reassurance, to make her feel safe. It took them over an hour and a half to come to where Bug was, and when the officer left, Bug felt even worse and even had trouble sleeping that night.

The next day, however, her bikers showed up. They went to the park and Bug was a normal child again. She played without fear, and really let loose. She laughed like she hadn’t laughed in a long time. Bug finally felt safe in a place where she had never felt safe before. Her mother said that Bug slept soundly and perfectly fine with her Bikers right next door.

Luckily, Bug did not have to testify. Her abuser was found guilty and is facing 20 years in prison. If he gets the maximum sentence, Bug and the other child he abused will be well into adulthood, but Bug will always be a little sister of BACA.

When a member joins BACA, they take the following creed (from BACA’s website):

I am a member of Bikers Against Child Abuse. The die has been cast. The decision has been made. I have stepped over the line. I wont look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past has prepared me, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. Im finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I dont have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by the faith in my works, and lean on the strength of my brothers and sisters. I love with patience, live by prayer, and labor with power.

My fate is set, my gait is fast, my goal is the ultimate safety of children. My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are tried and true, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I wont give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and showed up for all wounded children. I must go until I drop, ride until I give out, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me, for He will see my BACA backpatch and know that I am one of His. I am a member of Bikers Against Child Abuse, and this is my creed.

BACA of Central MD holds a fundraiser every year on the Eastern Shore. If anyone is interested in more information about BACA, please visit their website at www.bacaworld.org and select MD. AA county is included in BACA of Southern MD’s territory.

(Although AACBNE knows the true identities of Bug and her family, we will not give out the names per our policy as well as BACA’s policy of children and riders going by road names only)

Ronni Byrd

Boston Marathon Rocked by Explosions

Justin Byrd — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 21:13:57 +0000

Today is Patriot’s Day in Boston. Today will also go down in history as the day the Boston Marathon was rocked by simultaneous explosions near the finish line.

According to Police Commissioner Davis, two explosions happen simultaneously at approximately 2:50 pm EST 50-100 yards apart from each other. He said that there was also a third explosion at JFK library, and while they are unsure if the incidents are related, they are treating them as if they are. This is an ongoing event, and the Governor said that they do not have a full picture of the events. The president, however, has assured them the full cooperation of the FBI and ATF.

There have been a number of parcels left or dropped in the streets, and police are treating all bags as suspicious.

NYC and DC have stepped up security and other large cities may follow suit.

This story will be updated after the 7 pm news conference.

Ronni

Black Lotus Tattoo Cancer Benefit–Children’s Oncology Unit UMMC

Justin Byrd — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:46:22 +0000

Title: Black Lotus Tattoo Cancer Benefit–Children’s Oncology Unit UMMC
Location: Black Lotus Tattoo Gallery 2620 Annapolis Road Severn MD 21144
Link out: Click here
Description: Locally grown international award winning tattoo artist Halo Jankowski will be holding a Cancer Benefit to help the children’s oncology unit at UMMC at his new tattoo shop in Severn MD. There will be a cookout, $20 cancer ribbon tattoos, fancier tattoos up to $40, a toy drive and an art auction. The toy drive is from now until the end of the benefit. Toys can be dropped off at Black Lotus Tattoo Gallery (2620 Annapolis Road, Severn) during normal business hours (see www.tattoosbyhalo.com under Shop Info).

Halo Jankowski does artwork for the Ink Life Tour and his national travel dates can be found at www.inklifetour.com.
Start Time: 12:00
Date: 2013-05-05
End Time: 20:00

FIRE AND EMS CREWS UTILIZING NEW CPR STANDARD

Justin Byrd — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:00:13 +0000

MILLERSVILLE, MD: Members of the Anne Arundel County Professional Fire Fighters, as part of a new Fire Department program, are changing the way they treat cardiac arrests to greatly improve survival outcome. Currently the survival rate from sudden cardiac arrest outside of the hospital in Anne Arundel County is only about seven percent while in the Seattle, Washington region they are achieving almost a 50 percent survival rate for victims of sudden cardiac arrests found with a shock-able rhythm.

The key to this success is the focus on cardiac compressions with minimal interruption. The new CPR model delivered by Anne Arundel County Professional Fire Fighters is based on the “High Performance” model where compressions are virtually continuous, with minimal interruption when the patient is defibrillated or other critical functions are performed. When chest compressions are performed at a rate of 100 to 140 times a minute and there is less than a 10 second break, the success rate of converting a shock-able heart rhythm to a normal heart rhythm is about 80 percent.

This model requires a scene staff of at least six personnel to complete high performance, uninterrupted chest compressions. Fire Department units may be dispatched from multiple stations to ensure that adequate personnel are on scene to achieve the optimum rate and rotate the person doing compressions every two minutes. Also, the department is using a device called the LUCAS that performs mechanical CPR and ensures the correct depth and rate of chest compressions. Currently the device is available only on nine medical units, but through the work of our members, there are plans to add more.

This CPR model has been incorporated by the Anne Arundel County Fire Department with the help and research of members of the Anne Arundel County Professional Fire Fighters and the Department Medical Director, Dr. Roy Myers. By incorporating “High Performance CPR”, adequate personnel, and expanding the use and availability of the LUCAS Chest Compression Machine, the Anne Arundel County Professional Fire Fighters hope the citizens of Anne Arundel County will be able to see a dramatic increase in the survival rate from out of hospital cardiac arrest.

mailto:local1563@gmail.com

http://www.iafflocal1563.org/

https://www.facebook.com/AnneArundelFirefighters

Fat Chance Fundraiser – hosted by Annapolis Triathlon Club (featuring Fat Tire Ale – New Belgium Brewery)

Justin Byrd — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:12:06 +0000

Title: Fat Chance Fundraiser – hosted by Annapolis Triathlon Club (featuring Fat Tire Ale – New Belgium Brewery)
Location: Sam’s on the Waterfront
Link out: Click here
Description: 2020 Chesapeake Harbor Drive, East Annapolis, MD 21403

Happy Hour Beer tasting and food paring with great prizes
Be one of the first to taste at least 4 New Belgium Brewing Co beers.
The featured main raffle item is a super cool brand new Fat Tire Bike
What is included / Costs ?
$15 covers New Belgium Beer Tastings, munchies, and 1 raffle ticket (raffle includes fat tire bike and other fantastic door prizes including a Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company Gift Basket)

Additional Raffle Tickets are available for $10 each for just the Fat Tire Bike – You do not have to show up to win Fat Tire Bike.

All proceeds benefit the Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Annapolis Triathlon Club

Website: www.triannapolis.org – register online NOW – raffle tickets available online as well (event caps @ 150 attendees)

Contact Email: info@triannapolis.org
Start Time: 18:00
Date: 2013-02-21
End Time: 20:00

Split Verdict In Leopold Case

John Williams — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 21:51:00 +0000

After a 7 day trial with allegations including misuse of a police executive protection unit to charges that Leopold made police officers change his catheter bag, Judge Dennis Sweeney has found the 69 year old County Executive guilty of using his security detail to post campaign signs during the 2010 election and guilty of having an officer empty his catheter bag. He was found not guilty of misconduct in office for using officers to run interference between his live in girlfriend and a county employee with whom he was engaged in a sexual affair with.

There is now some uncertainty with his future in office. It would take a vote of the County Council to remove him from office. If the council were to decide to introduce a resolution removing him from office it would then have to be voted on at the next meeting.

We are reaching out the the council members to see what they have to say and we will keep you updated as to any plans they may or may not have.

Leopold Verdict Could Come Today

John Williams — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 20:10:31 +0000

Judge Dennis Sweeney has heard the case against County Executive John Leopold, both sides have given their closing arguments and now it is up to the judge. After a 7 day trial which has had many of Leopold’s Police Protection detail giving some lurid descriptions of conversations of a sexual nature. Police also testified to being made to change Leopold’s catheter bag after he underwent back surgery. Leopold was also charged with using Police as campaign workers to remove his opponent, JoAnn Conti’s signs from roadways during the 2010 election but those charges were dismissed by Judge Sweeney. We will update as soon as the decision comes in.

NAACCC Celebrates Its 66th Anniversary

John Williams — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 06:16:19 +0000

Saturday night Northern Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce held its annual Presidential Gala at Four Points Sheraton,BWI. Several local businesses and individuals were recognized for their contribution to the local economy and community. This being the 66th anniversary of the Chamber, the theme was Route 66. More than 200 enjoyed the music of “Rollex” while enjoying some Casino gaming on the tables, winning tickets to be used for silent auction items.

Business of the Year was awarded to Sandy Spring Bank. Founded Just after the Civil War, Sandy Spring Bank’s assets have grown to nearly $4.0 billion over the years, with 49 branches serving Maryland and Northern Virginia. Last year Sandy Spring’s employee’s volunteered more than 30,000 hours helping in the communities they live and work in.

Mojo Web Solutions was honored as the Small Business of the Year Award. Established in 2003, by a Service Disabled Veteran, Alexander Fakeri. Mojo Web Solutions has evolved, into a design company that provides custom website designs for their clients while also having design & development team to help take their client’s businesses to the next level.

Citizen of the Year was awarded to David Schmidt, the President’s Leadership Award was given to Pam Beidle. The President’s Achievement Award went to Barbara Floyd while the President’s Legacy Award was bestowed upon BWI/Thurgood Marshall Airport. For information about the Chamber please visit their website NAACCC.com or call them at 410-766-8282. Photos courtesy of Katrina Krauss Photography, KatrinaKrauss.com

Here are the list of nominees for this year,

2012 NAACCC Citizen of the Year

Rie Atkinson

Edward (Ned) Carey

David Schmidt (WINNER)

Donna Sponheimer

2012 NAACCC Business of the Year (over 15 employees)

Arundel Federal Savings Bank

BWI/Thurgood Marshall Airport

Chick-fil-A Glen Burnie

Hospice of the Chesapeake

McDonalds (Pasadena & Riviera Beach)

Mission BBQ

Sandy Spring Bank (WINNER)

2012 NAACCC Small Business of the Year (less than 15 employees)

Effective Chiropractic

Mojo Web Solutions(WINNER)

Sanders Hypnosis Center

Live Arts Maryland Gala 2013

Justin Byrd — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 01:07:57 +0000

Title: Live Arts Maryland Gala 2013
Location: Loews Hotel, Annapolis MD
Description: – Fundraiser at Loews Hotel offers music, special guests, silent auction
and live auction hosted by J. Ernest Green –
The holidays may be over but the fun goes on! The Annapolis Chorale and Music Director J. Ernest Green keep the party going with Gala 2013 at the Loews Annapolis Hotel on Saturday, January 26, at 6:30 p.m. The evening includes at least three concerts worth of music from Mr. Green and a bevy of popular singers, The Erik Apland Trio, dancing, a silent auction and live auction, and more. The silent auction features massages, dining coupons, services, wine baskets, artwork and even a personal guided tour of the Gettysburg battlefield with a Civil War expert. Among the items to be auctioned by Mr. Green are a special “Maestro for a Night” package that includes the chance to conduct the Annapolis Chorale and Chamber Orchestra, a appearance in one of Live Arts Maryland’s Broadway production, a “build your own” wine cellar and a week at a vacation house at Wintergreen resort. The open-bar cocktail hour begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by a gourmet dinner prepared by the Loews’ award-winning chefs at 7 p.m.

Tickets for Gala 2013 are $125/person. Tickets may be purchased online at www.liveartsmaryland.org or by calling 410-263-1906. Dress is formal and fun is guaranteed! All proceeds from the event benefit the Annapolis Chorale and the other performing ensembles and presented concerts of Live Arts Maryland. Please call 410-263-1906 for additional information.

Live Arts Maryland is a multi-faceted non-profit arts organization dedicated to enhancing community life by presenting high-quality music and providing music education for all ages. Live Arts Maryland is home to the Annapolis Chorale, Annapolis Chamber Orchestra, the Annapolis Youth Chorus, The St. Anne’s Concert Series and an array of education programs for children, and presents the Washington Symphonic Brass in Annapolis. Live Arts Maryland is supported by in part by the Maryland State Arts Council, the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County and the City of Annapolis and CapitalOne Bank.
Start Time: 18:30
Date: 2013-01-26