JEN TERRASA’S DISTRICT 3

JEN TERRASA’S DISTRICT 3

NEWS AND INFORMATION

Glenwood Community Center Renamed After Late Recreation & Parks Director Gary J. Arthur
On Saturday June 19, at a memorial service to honor the former longtime Director of Howard County’s Department of Recreation and Parks, Howard County Executive Ken Ulman announced that the Glenwood Community Center in Cooksville has been renamed the Gary J. Arthur Community Center. Over 450 people attended Saturday’s memorial service.

Gary began his public service career with Howard County’s Department of Recreation & Parks in 1979; in 1980, he was named Chief for the Department’s Bureau of Recreation; and in 1998 he was appointed Director of the Department. Under his leadership, the Glenwood Community Center, Western Regional Park, the Meadowbrook Athletic Complex (The MAC) and Meadowbrook Park were all developed and opened. Gary also oversaw the Blandair Regional Park advisory committee, was part of the design process and helped develop the final master plan. In addition, Gary supervised the development and construction of the soon-to-open North Laurel Park and Community Center and the Robinson Nature Center.

Howard County Government Closings for Independence Day Holiday
Howard County Government offices, courts, animal shelter and library branches will be closed on Monday, July 5, in observance of the Independence Day Holiday. All library branches will also be closed on Saturday, July 3 due to a furlough day and Sunday, July 4 for the Independence Day holiday.

The landfill will be closed on Monday, July 5 but trash and recycling will be collected. All parking regulations and fees will be in effect on Saturday, July 3 and Monday, July 5; however, parking meters are free on Sunday, July 4. Howard Transit and Connect-a-Ride will be operating on a “Sunday” schedule on Sunday, July 4, and Monday, July 5, (not all routes run on a “Sunday” schedule); call Howard Transit Customer Service at 1-800-270-9553 for schedule information. County offices will re-open at regular business hours on Tuesday, July 6.

Madison Avenue Culvert Replacement to Begin in North Laurel
A Howard County construction project to replace a culvert under Madison Avenue in the vicinity of First Street in North Laurel was scheduled to begin on or about Thursday, June 17. The project will include the relocation of gas and water lines, and the replacement of two failing corrugated metal pipes with a single concrete box culvert. Weather permitting, the project should be completed by mid-September.

Beginning June 28, the intersection of Madison Avenue and First Street will be closed to thru traffic between U.S. Route 1 and First Street. Traffic will detour using U.S. Route 1, North Laurel Road and Baltimore Avenue. A recorded message at 410-313-3639 will carry details and updates about the project.

Health Department Tips to Keep Your Family Healthy and Safe This Summer
Columbia, MD - Summer is a time for fun in the sun and pool and, as Howard County Health Officer Dr. Peter Beilenson says, “Summer is a wonderful time for most us and by following just a few simple guidelines we can have fun, be healthy and safe.”

Sun Safety – Sunscreen, Burns, Skin Cancer Prevention
Nearly all skin cancers can be prevented by limiting unprotected exposure to the sun and can be cured if detected early. To prevent skin cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends the following ways to protect your skin:

• Follow the Slip! Slop! Slap!® guidelines for protecting yourself while outdoors. Slip! on a shirt, Slop! on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, and Slap! on a hat. Also, wrap on sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.

• Limit or avoid exposure to UV rays during the midday hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

• Check your own skin, preferably once a month. Be familiar with your pattern of moles, blemishes, freckles, and other marks on your skin so you will notice any changes.

• Have a doctor look at any moles or spots on the skin that are changing in size, shape, or color.

Pool Safety – Health & Hygiene in the Water – RWIs
Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs) are caused by contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks, water play areas and interactive fountains. The most commonly reported RWI is diarrhea. Diarrheal illnesses can be caused by germs such as E. coli often found in fecal matter. You can help keep recreational water clean and healthy!

Three Steps for All Swimmers to keep germs from causing Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs)

• Don't swim when you have diarrhea. You can spread germs in the water and make other people sick.
• Don't swallow the pool water. Avoid getting water in your mouth.
• Practice good hygiene. Shower with soap before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs on your body end up in the water.

Three Steps for Parents of Young Kids to keep germs out of the pool
• Take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often. Waiting to hear "I have to go" may mean that it's too late.
• Change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not at poolside. Germs can spread in and around the pool.
• Wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before swimming. Invisible amounts of fecal matter can end up in the pool

Pool Safety – Active Supervision

• ACTIVE and DIRECT SUPERVISION is strongly encouraged for any child under 12 years old who cannot swim 25 meters (approximately one pool lap) continuously.
• Active Supervision means that a parent or guardian is within ten feet of the child at all times even if it means the parent or guardian must get in the water. You simply can’t actively supervise your child from the pool deck.

At a public pool remember:
• A lifeguard’s role is not the same as a child care provider or a babysitter. Their role is to monitor the pool area and enforce the rules and regulations designed to prevent injury.
• Lifeguards are also trained to perform rescues, provide first aid and CPR. When the lifeguards’ role is combined with proper active and direct supervision by a parent or guardian, the risk of incidents declines significantly.