District 23A state Del. Geraldine Valentino-Smith has passed on some important information on a variety of subjects for her constituents' consideration. Of prime importance is information from the Maryland Department of Agriculture regarding the Zika virus that has been making the news lately. The Zika awareness and prevention guidelines, found at mda.maryland.gov/zika contains many useful bits of advice. For individual protection, MDA recommends the use of insect repellent containing DEET. Residents should also check their properties for sites where mosquitoes can breed, primarily in stagnant bodies of water. These breeding sites may be in areas as small as saucers under plant containers, bird baths and even in corrugated drain pipes. Emptying these containers can diminish breeding opportunities. The web site contains many other hints and numerous links to other Zika prevention sources.
The delegate also reminds community residents that students attending Prince George's County schools must receive and document appropriate immunizations before starting school. Your child's paperwork needs to be completed by Aug. 23, the first day of the 2016-2017 school year. Students who don't have all the immunizations required by the state will be excluded on the first day of school.
The Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center is offering a wide variety of classes and events to help our community seniors keep physically and mentally active throughout the "dog days of August." Classes include ceramics, which begins Aug. 1; and chair aerobics, starting Aug. 9. Bingo players can indulge their passion while enjoying pleasant water-side views on the Spirit of Washington Bingo Cruise, which includes a buffet lunch, DJ provided musical entertainment and transportation from the senior center. The trip takes place on Thursday, Aug. 11, leaving from the center at 10 a.m. and returning at 3 p.m. Pre-registration is required by July 28. Check the center calendar at pgparks.com for SmartLink course numbers and participation fees.
Many free events are also available at the center. These include fall prevention and vascular and glaucoma screening. Movie buffs can view "Creed," with Sylvester Stallone reprising his Rocky roles on Aug. 11, and "War Room," a faith-based story of the power of prayer, on Aug. 25. Both films start at 10 a.m.
Amid all the joys and happy times of summer, keep in mind that the Atlantic hurricane season does not end until Nov 1, with the peak season being the months of July and August. Flooding, high winds, excessive rainfall and even tornadoes have severely impacted our community in the past. We need to know the risks and how to protect ourselves and our property. Being prepared includes having emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, medicine and a battery-powered radio. For more information on preparing for emergencies and how to build your home emergency kit, go to ready.gov. You may also contact the Office of Emergency Management at 301-324-4400.
Let's keep our South Laurel/Montpelier communities safe, healthy and happy during the lazy days of summer.
This story has been updated to correct the source of the Zika information.