Safety Zone Established on Patapsco for Baltimore's New Year's Eve Celebration

     Baltimore, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display in Baltimore, Maryland is scheduled to occur on Saturday, December 31, at midnight (rain date January 1 at 7 p.m.). As described in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 100.506, the following two temporary safety zones will be established on the Patapsco River:

1. within a 100-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position latitude 39° 17′ 03″ N, longitude 076° 36′ 36″ W, located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, approximately 150 yards southeast of Pier 1; and

2. within a 250-yard radius of the fireworks barge in approximate position latitude 39° 16′ 37″ N, longitude 076° 35′ 54″ W, at the western end of Northwest Harbor (Western Section).

     These safety zones will be enforced from 11 p.m. on December 31, 2011 through 1 a.m. on January 1, 2012 for a fireworks display scheduled at midnight (and if necessary due to inclement weather will be enforced from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on January 1, 2012 for a fireworks display scheduled for 7 p.m.).

     The fireworks barges will have a sign on port and starboard sides labeled FIREWORKS--DANGER--STAY AWAY to provide on scene notice that the safety zones will be enforced. Vessels may not enter, remain in, or transit through the safety zones during the enforcement period unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port or designated Coast Guard patrol personnel on scene. Other Federal, State and local agencies may assist these personnel in the enforcement of the safety zones. For any comments or questions contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674, (410) 576-2693 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Chart 12281.

Chesapeake Bay Sea Glass Talk at Calvert Marine Museum

 Solomons, Md. -- Richard LaMotte, recognized sea glass expert and author of Pure Sea Glass, returns to the Calvert Marine Museum on Sunday, January 15 at 2 p.m. Bring your own sea glass for identification and learn everything you want to know about these treasures. Jewelry artists will be on hand with their handcrafted sea glass creations and the museum store will feature many new sea glass pieces available for purchase.
     Sea glass is glass that is found on beaches along oceans or large lakes that has been tumbled and smoothed by the water and sand into smooth frosted glass. "A lot of its attraction is nostalgia--wondering what it is and where it came from," said LaMotte. His book, with its beautiful photographs, presents some of the best sea glass ever collected.
     A limited number of pre-released copies of Sea Glass Hearts, by author/artist Josie Iselin will also be available.
     Jay Norris of Owings, Maryland will be on hand to share his hobby of creating colorful driftwood framed art out of his sea glass collection. Spending his life on the Chesapeake Bay collecting sea glass and shark's teeth, see how this hobby has turned pieces of frosted colored glass into amazing creations.
     Sunday Conversations with Chesapeake Authors Series is funded by The Patuxent Partnership with support from the Holiday Inn Solomons. Sunday Conversations are free events and will also be hosted on February 19 and March 25 at 2 p.m. at the museum.