Editor,
Here we go again.
There are several proposed gun bills of which your readership should be aware, and which are coming up for hearings in the Maryland Legislature soon:
HB 692/SB0947 would make it a criminal offense to privately transfer a long gun – requiring a licensed gun dealer to process. Can I ask, in all seriousness, when criminals have ever followed the law?
HB703 redefines “fire arm” to include antiques and replicas. This endangers the ability of citizens to engage in recreational activities, such as historical reenactment.
HB879/ SB742 would ban imitation or replica firearms, such as BB and pellet guns, as well as airsoft and paintball guns. Drill rifles used by in the ROTC, JROTC, American Legion and VFW could be banned, since they are “replicas.”
SB906 would make all college campuses “gun and knife free zones.” Are the authors of this legislation not aware that almost all, if not all, of the recent mass shootings have taken place in “gun free zones”?
There are other bills proposed which cause concern, and there are also bills, which believers in the Second Amendment should support. Please go to www.associatedgunclubs.org for a full list.
Folks, this has nothing to do with “gun safety.”
Maryland Democrats can’t be satisfied with the draconian gun bills passed in 2013, so they are going for the whole enchilada this year.
I am hoping that Democrat delegates and senators will get an ear (or email) full of comments on these bills.
Carol Frazier
Ocean Pines
Rec and Parks does its part
Editor,
This article was viewed in the March 3, 2016 edition, written by Josh Davis. I would like to address the verbiage used, specifically the phrase, “Looking at amenities, recreation and parks is the biggest drag on the bottom line, projecting a $552,000 loss, or a $65 cost to each homeowner in assessment dollars.”
As a member of the OPA Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee, I’d like to identify some of the benefits each OPA homeowner is getting for the $65 part of the assessment.
There are 11 parks in the OPA; most have playground equipment, several are set-up as sports fields. There are nature trials, bike trails, and a dog park.
In 2015, there were over 6,000 participants in OPA Recreation & Parks programs. There are over 63 organizations using the various facilities and/or involved in the OPA Recreation & Parks Department programs.
The recreation and parks department provides many free events throughout the year. To name several, the Easter Celebration (800 estimated attendance), Bike Safety Day (200), Big Truck Day (750), Concerts in the Park (600), Monday Movies in the Park (1,000), July Fourth Day of Fun (500), Kite Day (300), Fireworks (3,500), Holiday Tree Lighting (750) and Breakfast with Santa (350).
Statistically, the OPA Recreation & Parks Department provides recreational benefits and serves more residents than all other amenities combined.
For FY2016-2017, the OPA Recreation & Parks Department budget represented approximately three percent of the proposed 2016-2017 budget.
When special events are included, more than 18,000 people use, benefit and enjoy the facilities and amenities of the OPA Recreation & Parks Department
In my opinion, not bad for an average of $1.25 a week for 52 weeks, per OPA assessment payer.
Skip Schlesinger
OPA Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee member
Thanks for well-wishes
Editor,
Words cannot describe how grateful I am for all the attention and kindness showered on me for my 90th birthday. Never could I have imagined all the honors and outpouring of affection that was bestowed on me. Thank you for sending all the beautiful cards and flowers, along with the lovely sentiments expressed in them.
Living in Ocean Pines and its surrounding area has been a joy to me. My late husband, Carl, and I have lived in many states and communities throughout our lifetime, but nowhere have we met such dear, civic-minded, outgoing people than here on the Eastern Shore. After moving here, it didn’t take Carl and I long to know that this was home.
In my varied endeavors through the years, I have had the privilege of working with so many terrific, outgoing people that have made a difference in their communities – and I am grateful to be able to call them friends.
Although my years may be many, my spirit is high, and I shall continue to work together with all in the community to keep our area a place we can all proudly call home.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart, and may God bless you all.
Anna Foultz
Ocean Pines