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Caring for a Pregnant Feral Cat Caring for a pregnant feral cat is a task that requires a delicate balance of providing support and space while respecting her natural instincts. One of the initial challenges is ensuring that the feral mom feels safe and comfortable in her temporary home. This involves creating a quiet and secluded area where she can rest and prepare for the arrival of her kittens. Once the feral mom is settled, the next step is monitoring her closely without causing unnecessary stress. This is where a pet camera becomes an invaluable tool. It allows you to keep an eye on her from a distance, ensuring that she is doing well and preparing for the birth process. The anticipation of birth brings about a mix of emotions, from excitement to nervousness. It's important to remember that nature often knows best, and interfering too much can lead to unnecessary stress for the mother cat. Observing from afar and stepping in only when necessary, and possible, is key during this stage. When the time for birth arrives, it's crucial to be prepared. While you cannot control the outcome, you can ensure that the environment is conducive to a smooth delivery. Providing a warm, clean, and comfortable birthing area with plenty of towels and blankets is essential. After the kittens are born, the focus shifts to monitoring their development and ensuring they are nursing well. This involves gently handling the kittens to check their weight and overall health every day. Tools like a long-handled litter scooper or a soup ladle can be used to safely move the kittens without causing harm or distress to the mother cat. As the kittens grow, the role of the caretaker evolves into supporting their development while still allowing the mother cat to take the lead in caregiving. This includes providing a nutritious diet for the mother to support milk production and ensuring the kittens are gaining weight appropriately. Overall, caring for a pregnant feral cat is very similar to caring for a pregnant pet cat. It is a labor of love that requires patience, compassion, and a deep understanding of feline behavior. By striking the right balance between support and non-interference, you can help ensure a healthy and happy outcome for both the mother cat and her kittens. If you have experience caring for pregnant cats and/or newborn kittens, consider volunteering for Beltsville Community Cats (BCC). We need foster homes for pregnant mother cats, mother cats with very young kittens, and neo-natal kittens that need to be bottle fed. If you just want the joy of fostering a young kitten or an adult cat with no special needs, BCC needs you too. Contact BCC at 240-444-8353 or rescue@beltsvillecats.net.

Raspberry Pi It has been a little over two years since I wrote about the Raspberry Pi Computer.  I missed Pi Day this year because I was still writing about printers.  But there has been a lot of news in the Raspberry Pi World, so I thought I would catch everyone up. Pi Day is a traditional day to celebrate the number Pi, a very important number in mathematics.  It is also the traditional day for the Raspberry Pi organization to release new computers and devices for the computers. The Raspberry Pi Foundation The Raspberry Pi Foundation is a charitable group formed by people from the University of Cambridge in England.  The founder felt that making a very inexpensive computer could make them more available for children to learn more about computers.  The foundation then created a computer that to sell for $35.  Adding a few things like a keyboard and mouse and connecting to the home TV made it very inexpensive. They also supplied free software to make the computers useful and help people to learn to use and program the computer.  The computers include programming languages like Python, Java, and C++ for example. The Raspberry Pi Computers The original Raspberry Pi seems basic compared to the Pi computers available today.  With a few notable exceptions, each generation of the Pi computers tends to be two to four times faster than the previous one.  The chart below lists the primary pi models, their date when introduced, the current production status, and some notes about major features. All Pi’s from the Pi 3 model B include 64-bit quad core CPUs.  Earlier Pi’s were 32 bits.  The Pi 4 and Pi 5 also include Bluetooth capabilities and two micro-HDMI connectors for connecting two monitors or TVs. There are also several other specialty models.  The Pi Zero was first released in 2015 sold for $5.  The Pi Zero-W followed by adding Wi-Fi networking. The newest Pi Zero is the Pi Zero 2 W, released in 2021 and enhanced using a similar 64-bit CPU as in the Pi 3 series.  Both Wi-Fi Pi Zeros also have Bluetooth support. There is also a Pi 400.  This is a complete computer with mouse, keyboard, cable, power supply, and memory card with the software pre-installed for $100.  Just plug it into your TV and you are ready to go and it’s less expensive than your old Commodore 64. In January 2021, the Raspberry Pi Foundation released the Pi Pico series.  The Pico is a microcontroller similar in some aspects to an Arduino microcontroller.  It does not have a full operating system but it has the ability to program and reprogram and is usable as a device controller. The Pico is programmable in two developer languages, C, and MicroPython.  In June of 2022 the Pico W version was released adding Wi-Fi-wireless support. Another set of specialty models are the computer modules.  These plug into another board and bring the Raspberry Pi computing capabilities to that system.  They are very popular for embedding into IoT devices and other equipment. New Pi News The newest Pi model is the Pi 5, released just this past September 2023.  This Pi is about 3 times faster than the original Pi 4, and adds a PCI connector allowing the addition of a SSD Storage card for high-speed storage.  The Pi 5 can boot from the SSD working like some of the more traditional computers. Another addition is a real-time clock to keep time when turned off and a shutdown button.  Yes, that’s right the typical way to turn off older Pi models was to unplug it.  The Pi 5 offers a choice between 4 GB or 8 GB of RAM, but they were not able to keep the standard $35 price, for the first time the list price for the Pi 5 is $60 for the 4 GB model and $80 for the 8 GB model.  The PI 5 needs cooling to prevent overheating.  There is a special case made for the Pi 5 that includes a fan to keep the CPU cool.  The Pi-5 also needs more power so there is an official USB-C power supply to provide the 27 watts needed to power the computer. Pi Accessories The Raspberry Pi Foundation offers a number of official accessories for the various Raspberry Pi computers.  These include things like cases, keyboards, mice, and power supplies as basics. But there are also devices like audio amplifiers, sensor boards, touch screens, various cameras, and TV Decoders.  They added a cooler for the Pi-4 when they discovered that it a cooler really helped.  For the Pi 5 they added a cooler to the official Pi case and a special active cooler for those that need it and don’t use the case.  Most of the “official” gear is red and white (go Terps!) with the occasional black case. Hats are boards that easily attach to the Pi boards to add more features.  For example, I have a Pi that wears a small two” by 3” screen “hat” that I can use to provide output.  Hats exist to provide Power over Ethernet (POE), provide high quality stereo sound, backup power, and other features.  The specifications for build hats are publicly available make it easy for people to make their own.  The Pi Zeros offer a similar specification called a bonnet for the same purpose.  This has made it possible for other companies also make Pi accessories, including portable games machines. Pi Software The Raspberry Pi Foundation provides a Linux operating they call Raspberry OS (formerly Raspbian).  Raspberry OS is based on Debian Linux.  Debian Linux is the base for Ubuntu.  The foundation provides downloads for 32 bit, 64 bit, and legacy version of the software for every Raspberry Pi that has been released supporting machines going back to 2012.  That is better than Apple and iOS.  Patches appear regularly and install easily from either the command line or the Graphical User Interface. The full installation of the Pi software includes a complete office suite, the Chromium browser, programming tools, games, email clients, and more.  All of this is free. If you prefer another operating system many other vendors provide them, including Ubuntu.  Several turnkey solutions also exist to turn your Pi into a dedicated appliance, like a network storage appliance, a media center, a household ad blocker, or even a “magic mirror”. Wrap Up This completes this month’s column.  The first Thursday in May is world change your passwords day inspiring my annual change your password column.  After that I plan to continue the peripheral series and write about Human Interface Devices or “Mice and Keyboards”.

Beltsville neighbors, a Dear Friend to Our Community is moving on to the Next Chapter in their Lives. They say there is a season for everything. As a child I would go with my mother down the driveway to the Spicknall family home. Mrs. Spicknall was waiting to sell fresh corn and tomatoes. The family home sits back off Old Gunpowder Road. As an adult I looked forward to the opening of the market. Spring, summer and fall, like many of you I was a regular. Buying flowering plants, herbs, and vegetables to plant in my yard. Summer and fall to buy fresh fruit and vegetables. Apples, pumpkins & Christmas trees too. This is the market that everyone knows. As a long-time community advocate for Beltsville, I saw another side of the Spicknall Family. The family that gave many teenagers over many years their first job. The family that was there to lend a hand, provide fresh produce for families in need. Donations to various nonprofits in our community. Farming is not an easy life; many variables create ups and downs. The Spicknall Family has decided what I know was not easy. They will not be opening this year. 2023 was their last season. Spicknall's Market has been a wonderful family business! A wonderful Beltsville business. A wonderful friend to Beltsville. I am going to miss seeing my friends! I wish the entire Spicknall Family love and laughter as they move on to the next season of their lives.

3 Reasons to Build a Deck This Spring 1. A Deck Enhances the Value of Your Home Few things add hard value to your home more than outdoor living areas. Experts agree that a deck offers a 100% return in value. You’ll get back every cent you spend building a deck when you sell your home, and the additional curb appeal will help you sell it faster. Do-it-yourself and you’ll realize an even greater return on your investment. Decks are the hottest trend in the home-buying market. 2. Party Time! If you like to host parties for friends, a deck is the perfect way to add functional space where people can gather and still breathe freely. Decks are less claustrophobic than crowded rooms, and spills and other potential damage are less costly to repair or clean up. Add an outdoor grill or a portable bar and raise the level of a simple deck to a real outdoor entertaining space. 3. A Deck Adds Outdoor Enjoyment Decks give a whole new perspective to outdoor comfort. Far from the simple porches of the past, modern decks offer a versatile and comfortable way to enjoy your own little slice of nature. Strategically placed plants offer privacy and a feeling of nature even in the city. Enjoy the wood under your feet, the greenery around the edges and the open sky to create a peaceful haven to escape from the stresses of life. Decisions - Decisions - Decisions Building a deck can be a sizeable investment.  Consult a professional to decide which products are easiest to work with if you intend on building it yourself.  Remember to follow local building codes and HOA regulations when building your dream deck. Today there are several material options available beyond pressure treated lumber.  Stop by your local retailer to touch and feel the exciting new choices that are becoming more and more popular. Pressure-Treated Wood: This is one of the most affordable options. Pressure-treated lumber is chemically treated to resist rot, decay, and insect infestation. However, it requires regular maintenance such as staining or sealing to prolong its lifespan. Composite Decking: Made from a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastic, composite decking offers durability and low maintenance. It resists rot, warping, and insect damage. Composite decking comes in a variety of colors and styles, mimicking the look of natural wood. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Decking: PVC decking is made entirely from synthetic materials, offering excellent resistance to moisture, mold, and mildew. It requires minimal maintenance, typically only needing occasional cleaning. PVC decking comes in various colors and styles. Cedar and Redwood: These natural wood options offer natural beauty and resistance to decay and insects. They are more expensive than pressure-treated wood but require less maintenance. Cedar and redwood decking can be left untreated or stained to maintain their color. Tropical Hardwoods: Woods like Ipe, Cumaru, and Tigerwood offer exceptional durability and resistance to rot, insects, and decay. They are dense and require special tools for installation, but they provide a luxurious and long-lasting decking option. Aluminum Decking: Aluminum decking is lightweight, durable, and resistant to rot, mold, and insect damage. It requires minimal maintenance and comes in various colors and finishes. Modified Wood Decking: Some manufacturers offer modified wood products that have been treated to enhance durability and resistance to moisture, rot, and insects while maintaining the look of natural wood. Bamboo Decking: Bamboo decking is an eco-friendly option that offers durability and resistance to moisture and insects. It comes in different colors and styles and requires minimal maintenance. Stone or Tile Decking: Stone or tile decking provides a unique and durable option for outdoor spaces. Materials such as slate, granite, or porcelain offer durability and resistance to weathering, but installation can be more complex and costly. When choosing a decking material, consider factors such as your budget, desired aesthetics, climate, maintenance preferences, and intended use of the deck. It's also essential to research the specific characteristics and maintenance requirements of each material to ensure it meets your needs and expectations.

This year has been anything but usual. As seniors, we know patience and perseverance, but the weather has not made this time of year easy to get together. Our refreshment chairman, Carol Kosadar, has moved to Florida. We will miss her, but we have two ladies, Maria Halli and Ann Marie McCarron, who have stepped up to satisfy our mid-day munchies with some of their contributions. We look forward to it. Our new directories are ready to give out. Total Copies on Main Street in Laurel did a great job of assembling the books. I hope we have some new members to add as an appendix soon. Our April entertainment will be “Supreme Temptations” with some lively Motown tunes. May will be home-town boy, Johnny Seaton, rescheduled from January. Shirley Denell has a list of the trip for this year (bring a check to pay when you sign up), and we have new items on the Ways & Means table plus a chance to win with 50/50 drawings. Please “spread” the word of the club. Call me with any questions at 301-498-9736. “Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can appreciate persistence.”  Hal Borland

On March 4, 2024, Brian “Bizzle” Chase, took off from Miami on flight AA 2580, headed for St. John’s, Antigua. He was not a passenger or First Officer. He was Captain of this American Airlines flight. Captain Chase agreed to share with Jason’s Jive, a look back at that day. Permit me to acknowledge his sister, Timmi Samuel, whom I have known since 1995. She posted the story on a social media page and that is how I was able to reach out to her brother. March 4, you flew and landed in Antigua, your country of birth. What was that experience like? When you saw the schedule, what was the first thing you did or thought of? Who was the first person you mentioned it to? March 4th, 2024, I landed an American Airlines Boeing 737 as a Captain from The Island of Antigua a first to be done by on that particular aircraft and Airline.  The experience was bittersweet I was excited, overjoyed felt a sense of pride happiness but was sad at the same time because I wish my late mother would have been there to witness it, she always spoke it into existence God Bless her soul. However, I was extremely thankful my father (Winston Chase) was able to witness it. First thing I thought about is that my Late Mother (Bernadine Tally Chase) God Bless her soul would have been extremely overjoyed of yet a great accomplishment. She was alive when I brought the first flight for American Airlines after the covid had closed the airport in Antigua. That flight reopened the Airport to Air Travel from the United States and American was one of the first to do it and she was so proud of the moment. The first person I mentioned it (AA 2580) to, that I was doing the flight on March 4th, 2024,  was my Father. You always wanted to be a pilot. What will you say to a little person who may have watched you land the plane, and they have aspirations to fly like you one day? You are now an inspiration to many youth...what would you advise high school students to do in terms of prep for a career in aviation? I would always say if this is what you truly want to do. It can be accomplished. Never give up. I got my pilots license 22 years ago and there were some very tough times. The easiest thing to do is give up but tough times don't last, tough people do. My high school students, this is the time to get focused and stay locked in on your studies. Stay away from the drugs, smoking and all illegal activities and stay focused and locked in if this is truly your goal. Also suggest going on Google search up what is it like to be a pilot, search what are some of the things I should be reading? And just do it if you can get ahead by reading a chapter or two or even just studying for a private pilot written exam, that would be the way to go. Have you flown to any other Caribbean island? If so, which one (s)? Funny you should ask. To date I have been to every Caribbean island except a few. I have flown from the Bahamas, Cuba all the way down to Trinidad and Tobago. I recently completed my Caribbean map when I landed in Bonaire. That was the only Caribbean island I didn't go to, but it finally got done in 2023. Apart from Antigua, what destination do you have on your bucket list to fly to? Japan is number one on my bucket list Spain, France and Greece are some top places on my bucket list. Air travel in the Caribbean is now a challenge with the absence of a major air carrier. Do you see us ever getting out of this situation? Yes, we will. We have a few options in the mix Caribbean Airlines, InterCaribbean, Winair and Silver airways are all in the mix I think we will be alright. What other airlines have you flown for and what type of aircraft? Carib Aviation- Twin Otter -DHC-6 (June 2006 to September 2008), LIAT 1974 LTD.  DASH 8 100 & 300 Series - (Sept 2008-April 2014), US Airways Express/American Eagle - CRJ 200/700/900 Series (April 2014-October 2019) and American Airlines Inc. BOEING 737 (October 2019 to Present) Captain Chase, or Bizzle, as he is known in Antigua said “…I also want to take time out to thank all my fellow Antiguan and Barbudans. The outpouring of love and kind words means a lot and for that am grateful. March 4th, 2024, was a great day.  For that I say thank you. To all my followers and supporters around the world I say thank you for all your kind words and for your support. For my entire flight crew who assisted me on flight AA2580 thank you.” So, my dear reader, if you are ever on an American Airlines flight and you hear his name come over the PA system welcoming you on board, be sure to let him know, AFTER the flight, that you ‘met’ him on Jason’s Jive.  Pose for a picture or two with him and if you do social media, Facebook, you can follow him there.  Space limitations will not allow me to post photographs, but please look him up on Facebook and be sure to leave a comment for him.

Join me and my wife Sheilah for a Celebration of Spring Saturday, April 13th! Each year, my wife Sheilah and I host a Winter Brunch for our friends and my constituents. This year, it got snowed out! So, we’ve rescheduled it for April 13th. The Special Guest will be Dr. Robert Gallo, Founder of UMD Institute of Human Virology and co-discoverer of the virus which causes AIDS. I hope you can join us in Gambrills, in the Anne Arundel part of the 21st District. If you would like to join us please go to winterbrunch.com or call 240-712-4646 and RSVP! When: Saturday, April 13th, 2pm – 4pm Where: Village Commons Community Center 1326 Main Chapel Way Gambrills, MD. We look forward to seeing you! Senate and House college scholarships for Beltsville students This spring and summer, Delegates Joseline Pena-Melnyk, Ben Barnes, Mary Lehman, and I will award college scholarships for Beltsville students. Applications for the scholarships for school year 2024-25 are posted on the 21st District Delegation website. The application will automatically go to Dels. Barnes, Pena-Melnyk, and Lehman. You will need to fill out a separate application with my office, for the Senatorial Scholarship. In the meantime, please make sure you have a Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS) account and fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) when it becomes available. 21st District Delegation Website: https://www.21stdistrictdelegation.com/college-scholarships. If you have questions, email my office at jim.rosapepe@senate.state.md.us or call at 410-841-3141. Maryland Health Easy Enrollment Program During this tax season, you will be able to sign up for health coverage through the Easy Enrollment program. Check a box on your tax return if you would like the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, the state agency that runs Maryland Health Connection, to estimate your eligibility for coverage. If you file your taxes by April 15, this selection launches an easy process that will help you enroll. How it works: 1. Check the Box.  A question on your state tax forms (502 and 502B) will ask if you want to share some of your information, like your household size and income. By checking the box on the tax return, you are giving permission for the Comptroller to share information with Maryland Health Connection Text 2. File your taxes.  If you check the box, Maryland Health Connection will check to see if you may be eligible for free or low-cost health coverage. 3. Receive a letter. Shortly after you file your taxes, the state will mail you a letter explaining your eligibility for free or low-cost health coverage. Many Marylanders qualify for savings. In fact, 9 in 10 Marylanders who enrolled through Maryland Health Connection last year got savings. You will have 35 days from the date on your letter to sign up for a health plan and access these savings. 4. Enroll through Maryland Health Connection. Once you receive your letter you can login into your account or create an account to explore your health plan options and enroll. When you begin your application, a new Special Enrollment question will ask if you or a household member received a “Tax Time SEP” notice. If anyone in your household is already enrolled, you can still add uninsured household members under “Reason for Change.” 5. Get help by phone. A certified navigator from Maryland Health Connection may call you to offer free help enrolling. Find a navigator in your county. Or call 1-855-642-8572 to apply. Deaf and hard of use Relay. Remember, you only have 35 days to enroll! Maryland's Law Protects Your Health Insurance Coverage Maryland law gives Maryland consumers the right to appeal a decision that denies you insurance coverage for medically necessary treatment. If your health care provider has determined that certain medical treatment is needed, but your HMO or health insurer does not agree, you have the right to appeal to the Maryland Insurance Commissioner who has the authority to overturn your health plan's decision if your treatment is determined to be medically necessary. How to File an Appeal Online: 1. File a complaint online via the Maryland Insurance Information secure consumer portal or by e-mail to agcomplaints.mia@maryland.gov. 2. Download the forms to be completed by hand. The complaint forms should be as complete and detailed as possible and accompanied by copies of any documentation relevant to your case. These forms can be found at this link: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Documents/lh-a gcomplaintform08-17rev.pdf 3. Life and Health/Appeals and Grievance. The complaint form includes an Authorization for the release of Medical Information. This form is required so that health care providers, insurers, and other relevant parties can share your medical information with our investigator in order to make a determination in your case. The completed forms may be mailed or faxed to the agency as directed below: Submitting a Written Letter If you choose to just send a letter, please include or provide the following: • Your name, address, daytime and evening phone number • Name of your insurance company, type of insurance (auto, homeowners, fire, etc.), policy number and claim number (if applicable) • Name of any other insurance company, agent, adjuster, etc. involved in your problem (provide as many names and phone numbers as possible) • A copy of your health insurance card or your policy. • A completed and signed Medical Records Release form • A detailed explanation of the problem or situation • Copies of any documents that you think are important for the investigator to review. Do not send originals. • Mail or fax this information to: Maryland Insurance Administration Attn: Consumer Complaint Investigation Life and Health/Appeals and Grievance 200 St. Paul Place, Suite 2700 Baltimore, MD 21202 Telephone: 410-468-2000 or 1-800-492-6116 TTY: 1-800-735-2258 If you need help filling out these forms or would like to submit them to an agency representative, please visit the Maryland Insurance Administration at one of their Consumer Outreach locations. AARP Free Tax Preparation Services AARP Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers to anyone of any age, especially persons aged 50 and older or who cannot afford paid service. Tax-Aide in northern Prince George’s is at the Laurel Armory, 422 Montgomery St., Laurel, Maryland 20707, on Wednesdays, February 14, 2024, through April 10, 2024, from 9:30 AM through 2:00 PM, by appointment only. To schedule an appointment call 240-473-2955 on Monday or Tuesday evenings from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Senior Call Check Available to Maryland Residents Are you home alone? Would you like someone to check in with you daily? If you are 65+, the Maryland Department of Aging offers you a free service for an automated daily phone call at a scheduled time. If you do not pick up after three attempts, the service will call an alternate person on your behalf to check on you. You must have an active landline or cell phone to participate in the program. Sign up online here or by phone at 1-866-502-0560. Contact me Please let me know if there are other issues you have questions or thoughts about. And, of course, feel free to be in touch if I can be of help to you. Just email 21stDistrictDelegation@gmail.com or call 410-841-3141.

Registering to Vote You can register to vote once you turn 16 and obtain your permit. Furthermore, a registered 17-year-old is permitted to vote in the Primary Election if they turn 18 on or before the General Election. Citizenship of the United States and residency in Maryland are additional prerequisites. Once registered, you are prepared for future elections if you keep your address current. If you relocate, remember to inform the Board of Elections within 30 days of your address change. Registering in advance is crucial as you cannot register on election day. The registration deadline is 21 days before the election. To update your registration details, you can either send a letter with your new address or complete the English or Spanish Voter Registration Application and mail it to Prince George's County Board of Elections, 1100 Mercantile Lane, Suite 115A, Largo. Teal Day in April Counseling helps people navigate challenging life situations, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, natural disasters, school stress, and job loss. It provides insights to manage mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. April is Counseling Awareness Month, and Teal Day is the second Friday of April. Those you see wearing their teal shirt in the community reaffirm their support and awareness of the importance of counseling and self-care for counselors. Countywide, you may contact dial 9-8-8 for assistance if you or a loved one are experiencing thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis. Mental health specialists are available 24 hours a day to provide immediate assistance and referrals for long-term support. In Beltsville, the Beltsville Adventist Community Center (BACC), off of Ammendale Road, connects residents with a licensed professional counselor on their team who is partially funded by the county so that individuals who need counseling on a sliding scale based on income can still take advantage of this service. To take advantage of this service or find out more information, you may contact BACC directly by calling 301-937-8119 or contacting our office, and we will assist with making the connection. Your wellness is essential and critical to a happy life. Please do not hesitate to reach out. Earth Day 2024 Earth Day is on Monday, April 22, and is celebrated to demonstrate support for environmental protection. As many of you know, our team prides itself on doing many things to aid in creating a more sustainable future for the residents of District 1. We encourage you to learn more about some of the sustainability programs and legislation in Prince George’s and to make small life changes that have huge impacts, here are a few: 1.      The Council passed a Plastic Straw Ban that went into effect in 2020, banning straws and stirrers that are not reusable or meet the home-compostable standard, cutting down on plastic straw litter in the environment and that which clogs our waterways and harms the wildlife in our Chesapeake Bay. Patronize places that comply with this legal standard, and if you come across a business that may need to be reminded of this law, let us know. 2.      The County Council passed the Better Bag Bill that went into effect on January 1, 2024. Contact our office or look out for our next Free Reusable Grocery Bag Giveaway at one of our District 1 grocery stores to get a free grocery bag and learn more about the legislation that makes them necessary. 3.      On March 20, 2024, the Council celebrated MeatOut Day. We heard from food activists, District 1’s First Lady, Lenora Dernoga, and others to learn more about the harmful impact the meat processing industry and overconsumption have had on our environment and health. Then, we all enjoyed a delicious vegan meal and dessert from NuVegan Cafe and Catering, College Park. To learn more about Meat Out Day, visit bit.ly/PGCCMeatOut. Growing Green with Pride Join the County and other volunteers at various locations throughout the county on Saturday, April 27th, Earth Day, from 8AM to 12PM to help beautify our community by cleaning, weed removal, and planting, RSVP at http://MyPGC.us/GrowingGreen Join our District 1 Senior Living Newsletter List Don’t miss out on resources, local activities, and events for seniors. Sign up for our monthly senior email newsletter: https://bit.ly/D1SeniorNewsletterOptIn Join our District 1 eNewsletter List Don’t miss out on resources, local initiatives and activities, important development and legislation, countless community events, and more. Sign up for our bi-weekly eNewsletter: https://bit.ly/D1eNewsOptIn Contact Us Please keep in touch. Email us at councildistrict1@co.pg.md.us or call 301-952-3887. Se habla español. On parle français. نحن نتكلم العربية. Follow us on Facebook, X, Threads, and Instagram: @TomDernogaD1

On March 18th, Cub Pack 1031 learned about Fidos for Freedom, a Laurel based therapy and assistance dog group that trains dogs how to train dogs to help their owners and to visit patients and comfort them. The Scouts had a wonderful time at the meeting getting to know the three dogs who visited us. The Pack is working to complete our advancements and move on to elective achievements. The younger scout dens learned about multiple ways of communicating by using codes, braille and fingerspelling. The Bears built a bird house, and the older scouts are working on advancement and finishing Aware and Care with the visit of Fidos for Freedom. In April, we will be getting the Arrow den ready to bridge over to ScoutsBSA. The rest of the dens will be completing their required achievements and looking forward to Day Camp! For the first time since 2018 - there will be a Cub Day Camp! We are excited! We also will be volunteering at the Anacostia Watershed Earth Day cleanup on April 20th. Look for our article about signing up for the cleanup. We need lots of volunteers! If you are interested in Cub Scout contact Regina Halper at Pack1031cubscouting@gmail.com for information. We are a family scouting unit. We learn outdoor skills, citizenship, STEM, nature and do community service. We meet at Beltsville Academy for our den meetings. We are happy to be meeting in our usual place and learning about engineering, nature, doing service and hiking in the outdoors.

Silver Spring, MD - “Throughout my almost 20-year career at Riderwood, I’ve held every job in our security department,” says Amanda Hidalgo, the Erickson Senior Living community’s manager of security and emergency services. “During that time, I’ve enjoyed both support from my supervisors as well as competitive benefits, that allow me to grow in my field while providing financial security for myself and my family.” This support is one of many reasons why Erickson Senior Living continues to attract and retain dedicated staff members. A recent study by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans found that “employers whose engagement levels are high offer attractive benefits including paid leave, health insurance, retirement, and health and well-being incentives.” Riderwood’s comprehensive total rewards go beyond typical employee benefit plans. In addition to offering multiple health care plans and choices, employees receive a full range of support to help build their careers while enjoying an enviable work-life balance. Other competitive benefits include tuition reimbursement, 401K with company match, generous paid time off, online training classes, and a wide range of discount programs. “Riderwood takes immense pride in both our numerous, competitive benefits as well as our supportive and collaborative work environment,” says executive director Dee Dee Gray-Weaver. “This environment empowers staff making them feel valued while fostering innovations and opening doors to career development and expanded job opportunities.” Amanda began serving the Riderwood community as a security floor officer and EMT, responding to emergency calls. Over the course of several years, she was promoted to security dispatcher, before embarking on the leadership track. “I received great support from my managers who really helped navigate my career and motivate me,” she says. One of the benefits Amanda enjoyed the most was the scholarship she received from Riderwood to help fund her pursuit of a criminal justice associate degree at Prince Georges Community College. “The scholarship was very helpful in achieving my goals,” she says. “I was a single mom for a long time, and had it not been for the scholarship, I would not have been able to earn my degree.” Even as Amanda continued to receive promotions to various management positions, including supervisor, assistant manager, and now as manager, she finds the balance needed to care for her growing family. “I met my husband Jose at Riderwood, and since that time, we’ve had two children together,” she says. “I find that I am able to balance the demands of my family and my career. Family is very important here and, as a result, I find that I have the support I need when unexpected things happen, as they do with families.” In addition to enjoying healthcare benefits for herself and her family, Amanda also takes advantage of Erickson Senior Living’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering counseling and other health benefits. She also enjoys her daily interactions with Riderwood residents who, like her supervisors, support and encourage her personal advancement. “It’s amazing how supportive everyone is and how much they want the staff to grow and succeed,” she says. As she embarks on her 20th year as a Riderwood employee, Amanda is grateful for the continued support and numerous benefits she enjoys. “When it comes to opportunities and support at Riderwood, the sky’s the limit,” she says.

Get In the Mood and Swing into Spring with a 1940s musical presentation performed by Rearview Mirror, Saturday, April 27, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 424 Main St., Laurel.  Sponsored by the Laurel Chapter of the American Rosie the Riveter Association, this free event will take you back in time to the songs of the era of World War II when the Rosies joined the workforce on the home front to help the war effort.  Doors open at 1 p.m. Light refreshments served. Handicapped accessible. For questions, contact Pat, 240-762-3895. The mission of Laurel ARRA, one of two chapters in Maryland, is to preserve the history and legacy of the Rosies, and to educate the public about their contributions during WWII. Their service to the country was invaluable in winning WWII, having produced 296,429 airplanes, 102,351 tanks and guns, 87,620 warships, 47 tons of artillery shells, and 44 billion rounds of small arms ammunition.  The Rosies’ long-overdue recognition will be realized on April 10, 2024, when they will be collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal at a ceremony at the US Capitol.  The Medal will be on display at the National Museum of American History.