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Silver Spring, MD - Cynthia "Cynnie" Hood is an avid pickleball player. And now, she has even more ways to pursue her passion at Riderwood, the Erickson Senior Living community in Silver Spring, Md. Last September, Riderwood celebrated the grand opening of six new outdoor pickleball courts. "The new courts are magnificent," says Cynnie, president of the popular pickleball group. "The additional outdoor space combined with our two indoor courts allows us to play year-round. They support all of our games, as well as chair pickleball." At Erickson Senior Living communities, industry-leading amenities and activities are thoughtfully designed to help residents like Cynnie continue to maximize their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Fitness for all "The pickleball group is very inclusive and supportive," notes Cynnie. "We always welcome new members, and for those who are new to the sport, we've set aside time for lessons and provide all the equipment they might need." Henry Heilbrunn, a member of the pickleball group, notes that the sport supports his well-being in multiple ways. "Through pickleball, I get in some physical activity--moving around and competing--as well as social activity from meeting folks," says Henry. "When I first arrived at Riderwood, pickleball was an easy way to meet residents because of our common interest. Even now, I continue to meet new people." When Henry's not on one of the pickleball courts, you'll probably find him at the community's new Wellness Center.  "I visit the Wellness Center regularly to swim laps and square dance," he says. In addition to these state-of-the-art amenities, Riderwood boasts three additional fitness centers, beautiful walking paths, and a variety of mind-body classes--such as yoga and tai chi--to support residents in their wellness journeys. Residents can also access award-winning health care at the on-site medical center and supportive faith groups through the Pastoral Ministries team. Health care at your fingertips Cynnie appreciates the convenience of the medical center, which is staffed with board-certified physicians, a social worker, and a podiatrist--all specializing in senior health. "For me, it's the best of both worlds," she says. "I still see several of the doctors I visited before moving to Riderwood, but I also schedule my yearly wellness visits here at the medical center." Riderwood's Pastoral Ministries team offers residents opportunities for worship within 20 different faith and spiritual traditions. "I attend the Christian worship service, and it's wonderful," says Cynnie. "No matter your faith, everyone is very welcoming." Socialization matters Cynnie and Henry note that Riderwood's many opportunities for socialization have also had a significant impact on their sense of well-being. "A friend introduced me to Yale University professor Laura Santos' lectures on the 'Science of Well-Being,'" she says. "Santos emphasizes the importance of aging with connection--socially engaging with other people. She emphasizes the value of talking and sharing with others. Riderwood provides so many ways to do just that." As a retired English teacher, Cynnie participates in the short story club. She also joined the opera group and attends the weekly showings of foreign films. "Whether it's taking courses, joining clubs, or enjoying dinner with neighbors, I make lots of friends with people from different backgrounds," she says. "My husband Carl and I are so happy we picked this active, social lifestyle." Henry agrees, saying, "I'm always meeting new and interesting people at Riderwood. Social connections occur everywhere throughout the day here--far more than living in a single-family house or even in a multistory apartment building. I thrive on my conversations with my neighbors and our willingness to help each other." Happy and healthy Looking forward to a full year of new adventures at Riderwood, Cynnie knows she's right where she needs to be to enjoy a rewarding, healthy retirement. "I've enjoyed many different chapters in my life, and my Riderwood chapter is so enriching. It's provided much more than I ever anticipated," she notes. "My neighbor is involved with Catholic Charities, and she connected me with the opportunity to teach English to Afghan refugees. It's one of the most rewarding things I've ever done." Cynnie adds, "I can't say enough good things about Riderwood!"

(From the Beltsville News issue of April 2017) Scouts Go Climbing By Gary Bauchan, Assistant Scoutmaster The Boy Scouts of Troop 1033 traveled to Columbia, MD to Earth Trek, which is an indoor climbing facility. The Scouts learned from the Earth Trek instructors and the watchful eyes of Scoutmaster Rick Deery, Assistant Scoutmasters Budhan Pukazenthi and Kevin Deutachio and the Den Leader and Cubmaster from Pack 202 in Greenbelt, MD the correct way to put on a harness and helmet, tie themselves in with a proper figure eight knot and relay commands for belaying. The Scouts practiced their skills in the one-story instructional area before they applied them to the three-story climbing walls. Boy Scouts Mike, Kyle, James, Surya, Jay, Edward, Sam, Abel, Joel, Vlad, Brian and Ryan, along with Cub Scout Webelos from Pack 202 in Greenbelt joined in the climb. All achieved new heights in learning climbing skills and enjoyed the thrill of reaching the top of the building.

It’s hard to believe that a month ago we were informed that career firefighters were being moved out of the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Station 831 and reassigned to other stations in Prince George’s County. The reason we were given was that there were too many safety hazards at station 831 for the firefighters to be safe. We were “reassured” at the time that it was only temporary, but we knew differently. This all began when the Beltsville News received four anonymous messages from people who said they were career firefighters who had been told that they needed to bid for other positions in the county because they were going to be moved in February to other locations. Also, they informed us that the volunteers had not been told of the plan. This meant they were trying to move the firefighters from our station without informing either the community that relies on them or the volunteers who work with them. Now anyone with common sense can tell you that if someone is being asked to look for another position, the change is not intended to be temporary, but that is exactly what Prince George’s Fire Chief Tiffany Green attempted to tell a crowd of approximately 200 residents of Beltsville at a meeting on January 24. Chief Green claimed a single complaint from a career firefighter was brought to her attention in December of 2023 and that a week later an inspection was done, and the building was deemed unsafe. But, strangely enough, they weren’t going to move people for another two months. Something smelled fishy, and it wasn’t the supposed diesel fumes that were flooding the building, making it uninhabitable for career personnel. After the January 24 meeting, a process to get to the bottom of the surprising attempt to remove firefighters from our local station began. It culminated in a meeting three weeks later where Beltsville received an early Valentine’s Day gift: the career firefighters would remain at the Beltsville Station! The number one reason we were able to push back on Chief Green’s plan was because of you, our readers, who saw our pleas for help on social media and reached out to your representatives as well as Chief Green and her boss, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. Without that ground level support, the outcome could have been very different. Reason number two was our core group of community leaders who left no stone unturned and no media outlet alone. They were able to gather information that showed that Chief Green and her team were drastically exaggerating the issues at Station 831 in Beltsville. Station 831 on Prince George’s Avenue is an older building that does need repairs, but it isn’t uninhabitable. We learned that an insurance inspection had taken place in October of 2023, approximately two months before the complaint, and that there were no critical issues found. Also, we saw a summary of the county inspection report as well as the fire department's response to all of the issues in the report. They showed that while there were some needs that warranted repair, the majority of what Chief Green’s office was claiming was at best exaggerated, or at worst, completely false. We were also able to find years of capital improvement plans where Beltsville Station 831 wasn’t included in any of these over a number of years. Also, we were able to get a look at the capital improvement plan for 2024, and Beltsville wasn’t on it at all. The third and final reason we were able to get the fire chief to change course was a media campaign. Community leaders contacted local news outlets including NBC4, WJLA7, Fox5, WTOP, DCNewsNow, and others and asked for media coverage highlighting this attempt by the county to remove our firefighters. Most of the coverage did not paint the Fire Chief’s office in a good light. We pointed out the discrepancies between the insurance report and Chief Green’s report, the lack of Beltsville being included in repairs for years, and the total absence of Beltsville on this year’s improvement plan. Something wasn’t adding up, and we hammered that point home. So, where are we now? At the February 13th meeting, we were informed that the plan for Beltsville was now to install temporary trailers for our career staff to work out of while repairs were made to the building. We were told that the firefighters would not be moved at all and would remain on-site 24/7. There needs to be some assessments done to see what repairs are needed, and that should take approximately six weeks. We won this battle, but it isn’t over yet. Until we see the results from the last meeting, we will be keeping a close eye on Chief Green and her department. We will make sure that all that has been stated will happen and that our firefighters get the support that they deserve. I have spoken to many of you over these last few weeks and heard stories about how the firefighters helped you and loved ones through accidents, deaths, emergencies, and more. It is obvious that Beltsville Supports Its Firefighters!

Good afternoon, I am an owner of a condo unit at Maryland Farms in Beltsville Maryland. I voiced my concerns about my neighbor and how I was concerned regarding his wellbeing to the Maryland Farms Management Office February 8th. The management office directed the maintenance staff to remove the newspaper from in front of my neighbor’s door. I never received a follow up call or communication regarding my concern. I came home on February 12th to find out my neighbor was deceased in his home and by speaking to the police he had been deceased for about a week. After speaking with another neighbor in the building, I learned the management office was contacted two weeks prior regarding a leak in a unit that was coming from my neighbor’s unit. That inquiry also went unnoticed. Further conversations with the police confirmed multiple residents had reached out regarding their concern for my neighbor along with the pungent smell coming from his apartment. I am saddened by my neighbor’s passing, but I am also upset by the way he passed and the amount of time that lapsed where nothing was done despite the multiple attempts residents made with the management office. There is a clear lack of care and work ethic amongst the management office staff. We all pay dues that are increasing every year, and it is apparent those funds are not being put into hiring hardworking and trustworthy staff. I hope the management of this condominium will be investigated.

Understanding How Cats Communicate Many cat owners know that although our cats may not speak English, they have many other ways of communicating their wants and needs to humans. These can include meows and other vocalizations, tail movement and position, or knocking items off a desk to get our attention! One cat behavior that many cat parents may not be consciously examining is facial signaling. Evolutionary psychologists believe that cats likely evolved their variety of facial expressions over 10,000 years of interactions with humans. Some studies have compared domestic cats with wild cats and found that the more domesticated the cats are, the more expressions they show. The Feline Grimace Scale (FGS) was developed in 2019 by researchers at the University of Montreal to help cat owners and veterinarians assess whether a cat is in pain. This is particularly useful because cats are skilled at hiding their pain – a survival skill that evolved in wild cats due to the dangers of being perceived as weak by predators. Other indicators of cat pain can be a decrease in activity (including grooming, eating, and moving around the home), avoidance of petting, straining at the litter box, and hiding. However, understanding cat facial expressions is another useful tool that pet owners can consider. Interpreting cat expressions is not as intuitive as you might suppose. Prior to the development of the FGS, a study found that participants who were shown facial images of pain-free cats and cats in pain were often unable to reliably assess which cats were in pain. Indeed, only 13 percent of observers were able to identify more than 80 percent of painful cats. The FGS is based on five distinct features of cat facial expressions: ear position, orbital tightening (i.e., partial or total eye closure), muzzle tension, whiskers position, and ear position. This tool has been validated by other researchers and found to have good inter-rater reliability and excellent internal consistency. Plus, it is now available as an app for your phone (both Android and Apple). Similar grimace scales have been developed for other animals including dogs, horses, rabbits, mice, and rats. Recent behavioral research has expanded the study of feline facial expressions beyond pain assessment, focusing on topics such as relationships between cats and humans, and analyzing how cats interact with one another. This research has utilized a more complex facial expressions tool, the Facial Action Coding System, which identifies 26 unique muscle movements that contribute to 276 distinct facial expressions. Researchers using the CatFACS system have categorized 46 percent of these facial expressions as friendly, 37 as unfriendly, and 17 as variable (both friendly and unfriendly). Behavioral researchers are using CatFACS not only for pain assessment but also to infer emotions, increase the probability of successful bonding between domesticated cats, and examine factors influencing adoption rates. For example, studies found that providing more space for shelter cats to roam can encourage more social and emotional bonding behaviors. Recognizing facial signals can also be helpful in recognizing signs of tension and in mediating conflicts. BCC applauds all families who provide quality care for their pets. We would like to acknowledge all those people who knowingly take on the responsibilities associated with pets that have special social, emotional or health concerns. As Sigmund Freud said, “Time spent with cats is never wasted.”

Introduction to Gutters and Gutter Covers Gutters and gutter covers play a vital role in protecting our homes from water damage and maintaining their overall integrity. Understanding the purpose and importance of gutters is essential for homeowners who want to ensure the longevity of their property. This article offers a comprehensive overview of gutters and gutter covers, explaining their function, benefits, and different types available. By exploring the significance of a well-maintained gutter system, homeowners can make informed decisions regarding the installation and maintenance of gutters and gutter covers, ultimately safeguarding their homes from potential water-related issues. Gutters are the unsung heroes of our homes, quietly and efficiently diverting rainwater away from our roofs and foundations. They are essentially channels or troughs that run along the edge of the roof, collecting rainwater and directing it away from the house. Gutter covers, also known as gutter guards or gutter screens, are a protective layer placed over the gutters to prevent debris like leaves, twigs, and pine needles from clogging them. They ensure that water flows freely through gutters, reducing the need for regular maintenance and cleaning. A well-functioning gutter system is vital for the overall health and longevity of your home. It not only protects the exterior but also helps maintain the integrity of the foundation. By safely channeling water away from your roof, gutters prevent water damage, basement flooding, and soil erosion, saving you from costly repairs in the long run. Without proper gutters, rainwater cascades down from the roof, pooling around the foundation. Over time, this can lead to cracks in the foundation, compromising the structural integrity of your home. Installing and maintaining gutters ensures that rainwater is directed away, protecting your foundation from water damage. Rainwater can wreak havoc on the exterior of your home, causing paint to peel, wood to rot, and siding to deteriorate. With a well-functioning gutter system, rainwater is collected and directed away, keeping the exterior of your house dry and in good condition. When water is not properly redirected, it can erode the soil around your home's perimeter. This can create unsightly landscape issues, such as uneven terrain and exposed plant roots. Gutters play a crucial role in preventing soil erosion, preserving the beauty of your landscaping. Furthermore, a poorly functioning gutter system can contribute to basement flooding. When gutters are clogged or improperly installed, water can overflow and seep into the basement, causing extensive damage to your belongings and the foundation. Properly installed gutters ensure that rainwater is efficiently channeled away from your home, reducing the risk of basement flooding. The fascia and soffit, located underneath the roof's edge, are particularly vulnerable to water damage. Excessive exposure to rainwater can lead to rotting or mold growth, compromising the structural integrity of your home. Gutters play a crucial role in keeping the fascia and soffit dry, protecting against costly repairs. Understanding Different Types of Gutters 1. Traditional sectional gutters are made of individual sections that are pieced together to fit the length of your roof. They are typically made of aluminum, vinyl, or steel. While cost-effective, these gutters are prone to leaks at the joints and require regular maintenance. 2.Seamless gutters are custom-made on-site to fit the exact measurements of your roof. With no seams, there is a reduced risk of leaks, making them a more durable and efficient option. Though they come at a slightly higher price point, seamless gutters require less maintenance and provide better longevity. Choosing the right material for gutters When it comes to selecting the material for your gutters, you have options like aluminum, vinyl, steel, and copper. Aluminum is a popular choice due to its affordability, durability, and resistance to rust. Vinyl is low-maintenance and easy to install, but it may not be as long-lasting as other materials. Steel and copper are more expensive options known for their strength and aesthetic appeal. Remember, whether you choose traditional or seamless gutters and opt for gutter covers or not, the key is to have a well-maintained gutter system that effectively directs rainwater away from your home. So, let's give gutters the appreciation they deserve for protecting our homes, one raindrop at a time! Benefits of Gutter Covers Nobody enjoys cleaning out gutters, but it is a chore that even our inner procrastinator can't ignore. But fear not, dear reader, because gutter covers are here to save the day (and your precious time). These nifty contraptions act as a shield, preventing leaves, twigs, and other debris from clogging up your gutters. With gutter covers in place, you can say goodbye to frequent cleaning sessions and hello to more leisurely activities. Netflix binge, anyone? Picture this: It's raining outside, the sound of droplets hitting the ground is music to your ears. But wait! Your gutters are clogged, and suddenly, that soothing sound turns into a cacophony of water overflowing. Not exactly the symphony you were hoping for. This is where gutter covers work their magic. By keeping debris out of your gutters, they ensure that water flows freely and doesn't cause any unwanted flooding or damage to your home. So, let those raindrops serenade you, undisturbed by pesky clogs. Gutters might not be the most glamorous part of your home, but they play a crucial role in protecting its foundation and overall structural integrity. Without proper maintenance, gutters can become a breeding ground for rust, mold, and other unwelcome surprises. However, by installing gutter covers, you can shield your gutters from the elements (and the occasional squirrel attempting to build a cozy nest). This added layer of protection helps extend the lifespan of your gutter system, saving you from costly repairs and replacements down the line. Factors to Consider When Choosing Gutter Covers Before you dive headfirst into the world of gutter covers, make sure to check if they're compatible with your existing gutter system. You don't want to end up with a cover that doesn't fit like a pair of jeans two sizes too small (ouch!). Take measurements, consult with experts, and ensure a seamless match for a snug and effective fit. Effectiveness in keeping out debris The primary function of gutter covers is to keep debris out of your gutters. So, naturally, you'll want to choose ones that excel at this job. Look for covers with small holes or mesh that will prevent even the tiniest particles from sneaking into your gutters. After all, you don't want your gutters to resemble a nature reserve for all things leafy and twiggy. Durability and maintenance requirements When choosing gutter covers, durability is key. You want something that can withstand Mother Nature's whims and still remain intact. Opt for materials like aluminum or stainless steel that can handle the elements without rusting or deteriorating. Additionally, consider the maintenance requirements of the gutter covers. Nobody wants to spend more time maintaining the covers than they did cleaning the gutters in the first place. Find a balance that suits your lifestyle and maintenance preferences. Installation and Maintenance of Gutters and Gutter Covers DIY vs. professional installation Deciding whether to tackle the installation yourself or call in the pros is a crucial decision. If you have a DIY spirit and the necessary skills, go ahead and give it a shot. Just make sure to follow instructions carefully and take safety precautions. However, if the mere thought of DIY makes you break into a cold sweat, it's best to leave it to the professionals. They'll have the expertise and tools to get the job done right, saving you from potential injury and a few colorful words in the process. Even with gutter covers in place, your gutters still need a little TLC from time to time. Regular maintenance is key to keeping them in tip-top shape. Make it a habit to inspect your gutters for any signs of damage, clean them if needed, and ensure proper water flow. A little maintenance now will prevent bigger headaches and expenses later. Thankfully, maintaining gutter covers is a breeze. Simply remove any visible debris and give them a gentle rinse with a hose. Voila! Your gutter covers will be back to their pristine condition in no time.  If you would prefer to stay away from ladders, contact a professional to handle this important task for you. Call us at 301-277-7200 for a free gutter inspection today!

The Women's Community Club of Beltsville would like to say Thank You to Our Generous Donors who Made Our Holiday Food & Gift Program 2023 a Success! We sponsored 30 Families with 86 children ...infants to high school seniors.  We could not have done this without the Generosity of the following residents, schools, churches, businesses and Anonymous Donors. This is a partial list: Rick Jones Pianos, Johnson Crane, Sheila Brown, Ann Anderson, Dave & Alma Pinchotti, Versa Integrated, Solutions Inc., Emmanuel United Methodist Church, Albert Turner CLAT, Beltsville Adventist School, Antoinette Conrad, Gertrude Conrad, Camillo DiCamillo, Karen Spicknall, Beltway Blinds, Wanda Radcliff, American Home Center, Diaz Trucking, Borgwardt Funeral Home, Balaban Business & Tax Service, Excel Health Care Services, Sun Services, Mr. & Mrs Richard Fox, Crescent Nursery, Nancy Turner, Integrity Research Institute, Clare Imhultz, OTS R &D, Betty Ferris, Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, MaryAnn Beauchamp & Mike Templeton, Vicky & Paul Malengo, Nancy Abernathy, Joy Edwards, Paulette, Tracy Addis, Patty Hennessy,  The Reed Family, Mary Lehman, Cami Stork, Jaycee Cooper, Regency Commercial Construction, Beltsville-Adelphi Boys & Girls Club, Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department Calverton Citizens Association, Michelle Garcia & Jeff McHugh and Boteler Automotive. Join is for our March Meeting Monday, March 12th 7:00pm Beltsville Boys and Girls Club 11705 Roby Avenue. Womensclubbeltsville@gmail.com

Beltsville/Calverton/Vansville and our Neighbors in College Park, Laurel and Greenbelt. I want to say a Thousand Thank You's for Standing Up! Showing Up! Letting Your Voices Be Heard! Our State Representatives Delegates Joseline Peña-Melnyk and Mary Lehman have Passionately voiced Their Understanding of the Issues surrounding Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department. The Concerns of the Firefighters & EMT Volunteer and Career and the Residents at the January 24th Community Meeting. Behind the scenes I know that Senator Rosapepe, Delegates Joseline Peña-Melnyk, Mary Lehman and Ben Barnes took Our Message! Our Concerns and Our Fears to the County Executive and Fire Chief. Team 21 did the heavy lifting! At the January 24th meeting we were told the PGFD Career Firefighters and EMT would be reassigned by February 11th. Fast forward to February 13th temporary trailers will be installed and key County employees are going to see that permits for water & sewer hookup will be expedited! Permits required for electrical, construction etc. for the temporary trailers will be expedited! Beltsville Volunteer Fire Station 31 will continue to be staffed 24/7 until issues at the station can be resolved. Beltsville/Calverton/Vansville and our Neighbors in College Park, Laurel and Greenbelt we are not finished. We Need to Let Our Voices be Heard! We Need to Be Counted We Need Everyone to Sign the Petition! Share the Petition! We Need to KEEP the Pressure On. They are beginning to discuss the Budget for the County. Prince Georges County needs to include funding to correct the issues with Beltsville Volunteer Fire Station 31. They Need to Hire more Firefighters and EMT Versus paying Overtime to deal with staffing issues. Volunteer Firefighters & EMT need more flexibility to work as Volunteers. Support now! Sign & Share Petition! https://chng.it/BLvcj6WMNd Call & Email! County Executive Angela Alsobrooks 301-952-4131 Countyexecutive@co.pg.md.us Council Chairperson Jolene Ivey 301-952-3864 Councildistrict5@co.pg.md.us Tom Dernoga tedernoga@co.pg.md.us 301-952-3887 At Large Member Calvin Hawkins 301-952-2136 At-LargeMemberHawkins@co.pg.md.us At Large Member Mel Franklin 301-952-2638 Karen M. Coakley 741-7672 karenmcoakley@gmail.com

BSA Troop 1033, with a few helpers, folded four thousand flyers for their upcoming Spring Mulch delivery fundraiser.  For more than thirty years, the Scouts have delivered bags of mulch, compost and other bulk garden products to homes in and around Beltsville.  According to Assistant Scoutmaster Kevin d’Eustachio “A good scout fundraiser supports the community, makes a decent profit, and leaves the Scouts worn out from a hard day’s work. The mulch deliver fundraiser does all three.”  Proceeds help fund Troop activities like camping, rock climbing and white-water rafting and individual Scouts earn “Scout bucks” that they can use to pay for summer camp or uniforms.  So, keep an eye out for your flyer either in the U.S. mail (if you have previously ordered) or hand delivered to your door by a member of Troop 1033.  Orders are due March 23rd and Delivery is Saturday, April 6th.