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Beltsville Community Cats (BCC) operates a successful rescue program, having trapped, spayed/neutered, and vaccinated over 1,500 cats between 2019 and 2023. Of these, almost half were taken into BCC's rescue program. Many of the young kittens and abandoned house cats rescued by BCC initially have minor illnesses that must be promptly treated. However, some are severely ill. Here are two of many stories of cats that BCC saved from near death: In late 2021, a man brought a kitten to a BCC volunteer, mentioning that it might be sick before quickly leaving. The volunteer was shocked to find the kitten barely clinging to life and covered in filth. Rushed to the vet, the kitten, appropriately named Lazarus, was diagnosed to be suffering from severe dehydration, malnutrition, a respiratory infection, parasites, and ear mites. It was given medication and follow-up care for three weeks, eventually recovering. Lazarus was then adopted into a loving home where he brings immense joy to the family. Early in 2023, a unique-looking cat with a serious limp appeared at a BCC volunteer's home. Despite efforts to locate the owner through social media, no one came forward. The cat, named Ghost, was taken to the vet, where he was diagnosed with Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). Despite the vet's recommendation for euthanasia, BCC chose to advertise Ghost for a special needs’ adoption. He was eventually adopted by a woman with experience as a vet tech. BCC recently received a report that Ghost, now named Yoshi, is thriving in his new home where he receives extra care to manage his health conditions. He is described as mellow and brave. He has become a beloved member of the family and is especially close to their 10-year-old daughter. A DNA test revealed his mixed heritage that includes Bengal, British Shorthair, and Persian ancestry. BCC does all that it can to save cats and kittens that need more than typical veterinary care such as Lazarus and Yoshi. We appreciate all those who are willing to take on the responsibility of caring for special needs cats. While a special needs kitty may demand a little extra care and time, the love that their owners receive in return makes it all worthwhile. Do you have a place in your home and heart for one of our special needs cats, or are you simply ready to bring a cat or kitten into your family? Contact us at 240-444-8353 or rescue@beltsvillecats.net or check out the kitties we have available for adoption at: https://www.petfinder.com/member/us/md/beltsville/beltsville-community-cats-md506/. Coyote Alert:  BCC has been informed that a coyote has been spotted several times off Power Mill Road not far from Rhode Island Avenue. One colony caretaker reported that all four of his cats disappeared over a few weeks. If you feed free-roaming cats in that area, or if you have any pet cats or dogs that go outside, please exercise extra caution to protect these animals.

I'm sitting and waiting for the Eclipse with excitement.  Sitting here I thought of some quick ideas for spring house projects and improvements to share: 1. Gardening: Spring is the perfect time to start a garden or refresh your existing one. Consider planting flowers, vegetables, herbs, or shrubs to add color and life to your yard.  It can lift your spirits to see your home bursting with color. 2. Outdoor Living Space: Create or enhance an outdoor living area where you can relax and enjoy the spring weather. This could include adding patio furniture, a fire pit, or outdoor lighting.  Try sitting on the porch and see how a wave or hello to a neighbor brightens the day. 3. Spring Cleaning: Dedicate some time to deep cleaning your house after the long winter months. This might include decluttering, organizing closets, and giving everything a good scrub.  How about donating those unused items to charity? 4. Painting: Give your home a fresh look by painting walls or updating furniture with spring-inspired colors. Soft pastels or bright, cheerful hues can help bring a sense of renewal to your space. 5. DIY Projects: Take on some DIY projects to personalize your home for spring. This could involve making wreaths, creating floral arrangements, or crafting decorative items to display around your house. 6. Energy Efficiency Improvements: Consider making energy-efficient upgrades to your home, such as installing a programmable thermostat, sealing drafts, or replacing old windows with more efficient models.  Can you say money saved?! 7. Outdoor Maintenance: Spring is a great time to tackle outdoor maintenance tasks like cleaning gutters, pressure washing siding, and inspecting your roof for any damage.  This one is tough.  If you aren't comfortable on ladders, please call the professionals. 8. Window Treatments: Swap out heavy curtains or blinds for lighter options to let in more natural light and fresh air during the spring months. 9. Decor Accents: Add spring-inspired decor accents throughout your home, such as floral throw pillows, lightweight throws, and botanical artwork.  I am going to swap out my 20-year-old couch pillows for something lighter and brighter finally.  Maybe. 10. Outdoor Lighting: Install outdoor lighting to illuminate pathways, gardens, and outdoor entertaining areas for evening enjoyment. Remember to prioritize tasks based on your budget, time, and personal preferences. Whether you're looking to refresh your space with small updates or tackle larger renovation projects, spring is the perfect time to breathe new life into your home.

Dear Reader, it is so nice to be back again. It has been a whirlwind of days for me, many days. Thankfully I am picking up the pieces again. I got rear-ended on my way to work, the week of Valentine’s and that had me out for a little bit. I am doing much better, thank God. This week I just got back from a trip to St. Kitts, my home in the Caribbean. Had not been since I left in 2007, to come to Maryland (and now Texas). It felt good to be back home – I got lost a few times as the place had changed so much and I was scared to drive as the traffic system had been modified, so I walked everywhere. Was great seeing former associates of mine, family members and even former students of mine. Right from DFW Airport in Dallas, I walked in at 230 a.m. to catch a 509 am flight. Virgil Hodge, a former national sprinter and Olympian spotted me. We hugged and played catch up. Then we boarded the plane, and I was spotted by a former colleague from The Leeward Times Newspaper (owned by the late Mr. Bramble of Montserrat – he was from the pioneer group of Eastern Caribbean journalists) and then the Governor General, Dame Marcella Liburd saw me and we exchanged brief pleasantries. I am so happy for little St. Kitts. As we approached the airport to land, nostalgia hit me – the lush mountains, the sea on the other side and the pretty colored homes stood out from those hundreds of feet in the air. It brought a lot of joy to see the level of development. If you are ever in need of a real vacation on an island paradise that is not heavily commercialized, you need to visit St. Kitts. You get two islands for the price of one as our sister island, Nevis, is just a 30-minute boat ride away. I walked part of the Bay Road in town, enjoying the fresh sea breeze, taking lots of photographs and picking fruits off of trees to eat – mangoes, guavas and a fruit we call five-finger (star fruit in some grocery stores). I enjoyed the local cuisine – barbequed chicken, breadfruit fries, snapper fish and locally made dinks. I stumbled upon a sports day that was being held at the Newtown Playing Field and it was great to see young athletes battle it out on the track. You never know one of them may become a global track athlete. Anyway, I will share more as time goes by. Right now, I am settling back into the faster pace of life here in Dallas. Life in the Caribbean is definitely slower than up here in the United States. What intrigued me was that on both legs of my trip, to and fro, the planes were full. Not a single seat and there are many people who apparently now live in the Caribbean, work from home there and shuttle to the mainland, if and when they have to. One thing that gave me peace of mind was seeing tourists walking all over town, exploring with paper maps and not a soul bothering them. A few could be heard having conversations with residents who had trading posts on the side of the road. Others just had casual conversations with random strangers – that is island life for you. They don’t have to know you to talk with you. I will share more about the islands, as time goes on. To read more on your own, google search St. Kitts and Nevis online. Alexander Hamilton, the First Secretary of the US Treasury was born in Nevis. Cicely Tyson the actress is originally from Nevis and Mel B of the Spice Girls group is from St. Kitts. Have a nice one.

Birth of James William Summers (From the Beltsville News issue of April 2009) Bill and Scarlet Robertson are proud to announce their first grandchild, James William Summers, born at 2:21 a.m. on April 13, 2009, in Waynesboro, PA. James William, who weighed in at 7 lbs. 1 oz., is the son of Larry and Aimee Summers

Doris A. Eugene May 17, 1934 ~ April 8, 2024 Lifetime advocate for children & education Doris Ann Eugene, 89, passed away Monday April 8, 2024, in Easton, MD. Doris was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on May 17, 1934 to Louis P. and Lucille (Rossi) Gaudin. Doris was married for 66 years, to Gerard L. Eugene, also of New Orleans, and a pharmacist with the US Public Health Service. Doris lived on both coasts of the United States as Gerard was stationed in New York (twice), Connecticut, California and Washington, DC.  When Gerard retired from the USPHS, they decided to remain in the DC area.  Doris and Gerard raised their four children (2 sons and 2 daughters) in Beltsville, MD where Doris lived in the same house for 51 years before moving to a retirement community in Easton, MD in February 2021. Wherever they lived, Doris was always involved with the PTAs of her children’s schools. She was twice elected as President of the Prince George’s County Council of PTAs.  In 1978, Doris was appointed by then Maryland Governor Winfield M. Kelly, Jr. to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education of Prince George’s County.  Doris won election to the PGC School Board three times, serving a total of 14 years, including multiple terms as the Board’s vice-chairman and chairman. Upon her retirement in1992, Doris received many letters of commendation and appreciation from across local, state and national educational groups, and from Maryland’s US Representative Steny Hoyer and US Senator Barbara Mikluski. In 1994, Doris was honored to be nominated and included among the “Women of Achievement in PGC History.” After retiring from the School Board in 1992, Doris and Gerard enjoyed many years of traveling both the United States and the world with their friends.  Among their favorite trips, besides visiting family in New Orleans for Oyster Po’boys, were trips to Alaska and the Artic Circle; to the majestic beauty of the Grand Tetons, Mt Rushmore, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon; to Holland during tulip season; to South America and traveling through the Panama Canal; and a river boat cruise through Russia. In addition to education and traveling, Doris’ passions included quilting and playing cards.  On their many trips, Doris and her friends taught many a traveler “Liverpool Rummy.”  Almost every visit with her daughters ended with a game of Liverpool or “Fourteen,” a good card game for two to four people. Doris also enjoyed music, sports, reading and the “slots.” Doris is survived by her children, Michael (Rose), Yvonne, Renee, and Stephen (Renee); 10 grandchildren, Christopher (Magda), Daniel (Ting), Patrick (Andrea), Erica, Brent (Ashley), Jenna (Jake), Adam, Abigail, Sarah, and Emily; and 6 great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Waverly, Eliza, Penny, Adrienne, and Jette; many nieces and nephews; and dear friends. Doris was predeceased by her husband Gerard Eugene, sister Jean Gaudin deMonsabert Powers, and son-in-law Robert Genova

A Message From The Spicknall’s Farm Family is deeply saddened to announce that we will not be opening this year.  The decision has been very emotional and did not come easy.  We cannot thank our neighbors, friends & customers enough for your years of patronage, loyalty & memories.  We are grateful to have served you for many decades.  Finally, to everyone in the farming community, a special thank you.  We couldn’t have done it without you, especially over the last two years. Love and Blessings, The Spicknall Family

UPDATE: Editor, Beltsville News, After reading and going to post the last correspondence I sent you, here's the follow up E-Mail I sent to Federal and County Authorities. We NOW know WHO is Tipping these Automotive Businesses off on Rt. 1. After that Blue BMW with NO TAGS (Attached) was Reported to All The County and State Authorities, Listed in the Below E-Mail Addresses. The Next Morning @ 6:00 AM it was Removed. So! Make sure in your next article you List the four people that were sent those E-Mails. 1. Shenika Shaifer - Revenue Authority 2. William (Bill) Edelen - Code Enforcement 3. Angela Alsobrooks - County Executive 4. Councilman Dernoga - Beltsville's Councilman His office sent me an E-Mail the next day??? The Sixth Such E-Mail in the past 2 years??? This Issue has been terrorizing our Streets for over 2 years now. And not until we watched these cars jockeying for parking spaces on our residential streets and a Child getting off the School Bus, Who was Almost Struck by one of these Illegal Vehicles, DID anyone take Notice. It's Time the Residents of Beltsville know the County has taken Sides with these despicable Automotive Businesses on Rt. 1. And it is obvious NOW, that Someone in the County is Warning these Businesses. WHY?$$$$$ Original Letter: Latest Update on County Revenue Being Wasted. The Blue Nissan Murano, First Ticket #24-00004294 on 01/18/2024 - Second Ticket #24-00006890 on 01/25/2024 where 1st. Citation was issued - Third Ticket #24-00012419 on 02/21/2024 2nd. Citation issued. WAS FINALLY REMOVED ON March 8, 2024. Which for Environmental Reasons, left behind an oil slick and parts on the roadway, which neighbors tried to clean up. We Move On to the New MO. for these Automotive Businesses that have been ALLOWED to Dump these Illegal and Unauthorized Vehicles on our Residential Streets. In the middle of the night on 03/17/2024, three vehicles pull up on Caroline Ave. Two are parked real close behind a neighbors vehicle, to hide the fact they have NO TAGS. They drive off leaving a Red BMW and a Blue BMW Convertible. In the middle of the night on 03/18/2024 they come back and remove the Red BMW and remove the tag on the BLUE BMW. The Neighbors vehicle was removed exposing the Blue BMW with NO TAGS. So the latest Ticket Number #24-00020008, Now goes to Abandoned Vehicles instead of Parking Authority. So! Let's see which Agency of the County will NOTIFY which ever Business on Rt. 1 that's Dumping these Vehicles, before the County get's to come out and Remove it? More Revenue Wasted. You Know, The County Executive just announced a shortfall in revenue in the County's Budget and is looking for places to cut?? County Residents Speaking Out, C.F.J.

The Annual Earth Day cleanup organized by Anacostia Watershed Society will take place on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 10 AM to 12 Noon. Regina Halper of Cub Pack 1031 will oversee the Little Paint Branch Trail Cleanup. Sign in and registration and brief training will be at the head of the trail at the Beltsville Community Center. Signup began on the Anacostia Watershed Earth Day site on March 4, 2024, but you are not too late, go to https://bit.ly/3TJ2Ueu Online registration is preferred and necessary to receive a T-shirt, but limited walk-in registration will be accepted. This is a family friendly event, and kids are welcome! However, all participants under 18 must also have a parent/guardian to consent to your participation during registration. If you are under 18, this event counts for Student Service-Learning Hours (SSL)! If you bring your forms, site leaders and we will sign off on your hard work. Anacostia Watershed will provide gloves, bags, and all the supplies needed for the cleanup. We just need volunteers. Wear sturdy closed toe shoes and long pants and expect to get dirty. Also bring a water bottle and a small snack for everyone in your family.

UpStage Artists, Beltsville’s very own community theater troupe, is boldly going where it has never gone before—it’s performing Shakespeare! UpStage is putting on its first Shakespearean show, the classic Much Ado About Nothing. They are excited to try something new with this play, it’s a chance to allow its pool of actors to grow. Some of the cast you have seen before, and some are new to UpStage’s stage, and they are all fantastic. Much Ado About Nothing is one of the world’s oldest romantic comedies, which makes it ideal for a date night out to the theater. It’s a play that has something for everyone. In the show, everyone can see that confirmed bachelor Benedick and headstrong Beatrice are meant for each other—except for Benedick and Beatrice themselves! While their friends try to trick the bickering pair into admitting they’re in love, their young sidekicks Hero and Claudio start a romance of their own. But will false accusations, broken promises, and even a nutty and bumbling police force prevent a happy ending? Come out to the production and see. The cast for Much Ado includes Joseph Battley (Don John), Stacey Saunders (Balthasar), and Peter Rouleau (Don Pedro) from UpStage’s February Production of A Raisin In The Sun. Rose Coates (Ursula) who was in A View From The Bridge last season, her son Peter Coates (Watchmen) who has been in UpStage’s children’s production of the Wizard of Oz and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever will be gracing the stage once more as well. Also returning is Neil Swanson-Chrisman (Dogberry) and Beltsville’s own Susie Mendelsohn (Verges) who both starred in Arsenic and Old Lace last year. Also, Neil was one of the stars of The 39 Steps. There are also several new faces gracing the stage this time around. They include Peter Eichman (Benedick), Margaret McCabe Janicki (Conrade), Laurel Miller-Sims (Borachio), Matthew Murray (Claudio), Jim Pasquale (Antonio/Friar), Megan Prichard (Margaret), Julia Purdy (Hero), and Jacqueline Youm (Beatrice). The director for this production is Anna Fitzmaurice, an UpStage Board Member and actress, who has appeared in UpStage Productions including And Then There Were None, Arsenic and Old Lace, and A View From The Bridge. Show dates for Much Ado About Nothing are May 31, June 1, 7, 8 2024 at 7:30 pm and June 2 and 9 at 2 pm. Tickets are just $10 and will go on sale in the middle of April. If you want to learn more about UpStage Artists or have questions you can always go to their website www.upstageartists.com or contact them at info@upstageartists.com.

I am one of the Beltsville Community Cats (BCC) volunteers who help take care of the foster cats we showcase in the habitat at the Petco in Laurel. I would like to introduce you to a special cat that is housed there now. Meet Pishi. For over a year, life has been a bit rudderless for Pishi. He’s been in three homes and is now eager to find the forever home that he needs and deserves. I’ve met only a few of the unique cats referred to as dominant cats. They do not want to be around other cats. They often get along quite well with a dog. When one of these cats is adopted, they basically move in, make themselves at home, and treat you like their butler. Seriously. They will bond with a family or a single person. They’ll follow you around your home, watch you do chores, tell you when it’s time for dinner, run, and play. Then, just when you think they’ll pass out from all the exercise, they want to be cuddled and sleep with ‘their’ humans. Indeed, his previous foster said that Pishi is the most loving cat he has ever met. Just one story for now to show how cool Pishi is. While at the Laurel Petco, I was showing Pishi to two children. The door to his ‘habitat’ is open and the kids are petting him. Pishi is ultra friendly and does not shy away from anyone, even all the dogs that are roaming in Petco! The kids are petting Pishi’s soft, pretty coat of white and caramel patches. He suddenly leaps, lands in the middle of Petco, runs all the way across the store. He runs up and down a few aisles and under the shelving. Now this may seem funny, but his safety is at risk and so is my neck if I lose him! Luckily, a smart, professional, experienced Petco employee knew exactly what to do. Nick kindly asked all the onlookers in the store’s front section to back away. She then asked folks to be quiet for just a few moments. AND THEN… wait for it… Pishi came out from under the shelving and pranced across the width of the store right back to his Petco habitat. Smart, fearless, and outgoing. Won’t you share Pishi’s story and help BCC find him a forever home? Learn more about him on BCC’s Pet Finder page at: (https://www.petfinder.com/member/us/md/beltsville/beltsville-community-cats-md506/).

Beg pardon, but I simply could not resist the urge to pen a highly favorable review of Upstage Artists most recent production of, "A Raisin In The Sun." Kudos to all for their focused efforts in bringing about one of the best dramatic performances I have yet seen in community theater. The set was tastefully done & very inviting.  It made me feel as though I were living in the Younger's abode right along with them.  I was mainly impressed however with the wide range of emotion displayed by the show's talented cast, most notably Elizabeth Lynne Ellis Wiggins, Stacey Saunders & Melvin Smith as "Mama" Lena, Ruth & Walter Lee Younger respectively.  Tiffany Carletta was a breath of fresh air as Beneatha Younger & Binta Kassambara as little Travis Younger was in a word, delightful! The supporting roles of Misters Asagai, Murchison, Bobo & Linder were convincingly portrayed respectively by Antoine Avery, Joseph Battley II, Edward V. Crews & Peter Rouleau. I'd be remiss if I failed to mention the admirable contributions of Sound Technician Susie Mendelsohn, Stage Manager Joanne Breen, Stagehand Harsha Vardhan & of course Director Rick Bergmann. Next up for Upstage Artists this season will be Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" directed by Anna Fitzmaurice, premiering May 31st & ending 10 June 2024.  All performances are held at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 11416 Cedar Lane, Beltsville, MD 20705.  Hope to see you there!