Welcome to our Local News E-zine section. We will be posting press releases and events that are happening in the Harford county area and surrounding areas as they are sent to us.
Harford County Pink Ribbon Ride to Support Bike4Breast Cancer
Bel Air, Maryland – Bike4BreastCancer, Inc. in partnership with the Harford Velo Cycling Club, and the Chesapeake Cancer Alliance will host the 7th Annual Harford County Pink Ribbon Ride on September 19, 2009.
The bicycle ride will kick off at the Susquehanna Center on the campus of Harford Community College in Bel Air, Maryland. Numerous volunteers, cyclists and breast cancer advocates are working with corporate and community supporters to ensure a spectacular event.
Family rides of 4 miles and 12 miles will augment the Signature 25 mile Pink Ribbon route. For experienced riders, there are three challenging routes: a 40 mile, a Metric Century and a 100 mile Century thru the hills of Harford County.
SAG support with convenient rest stops is provided as well as lunch provided by Harford Community College. Start time is 7 am for the longer rides with starts planned for family rides between 7am and 9am.
Upon completion of her first cross-country solo bicycle ride in 1996, Bike4BreastCancer, Inc. founder Kathy Betz was convinced that through cycling, she could reach into the hearts and minds of Americans to promote breast cancer awareness and education.
Along with passionate volunteers, Betz and Bike4BreastCancer have developed a unique program to simultaneously raise money for breast cancer while increasing grassroots awareness of prevention, early detection, and treatment options.
Local Pink Ribbon Rides in towns and cities all across America, Bike4BreastCancer provides tangible support to the local communities involved. With these Pink Ribbon Rides, local breast cancer organizations will receive the majority of the monies raised in their community.
All funds received from this event will go to The Chesapeake Cancer Alliance organization www.chesapeakecanceralliance.org a part of the Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation.
For more information, contact the Pink Ribbon Ride Committee Chair, Adele Snowman at adelesnowman@hotmail.com or visit the website at www.bike4breastcancer.org
Established in 1984, Upper Chesapeake Health is a not-for-profit health organization based in Harford County. The organization owns and operates Upper Chesapeake Medical Center, Harford Memorial Hospital and Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation. One of the largest private employers in Harford County, Upper Chesapeake employs almost 3,000 team members. Visit www.uchs.org to learn more.
Free Adult Tobacco Cessation Program
Offered by the Harford County Health Department
Program components:
Pre-Quitting Class
A free, two-hour, one-time only, program informs smokers/tobacco users about the various techniques used to quit and also explores why he/she is hooked on cigarettes/tobacco. Through this class, participants can assess their readiness to quit smoking/chewing. The Pre-quitting class is mandatory in order to attend the Tobacco Cessation Classes and to receive the nicotine patches, lozenges or gum (if qualified).
Stop Smoking/Chewing Classes
Participants must attend the Pre-quitting class in order to attend the free Tobacco Cessation Classes. Class topics include information about nicotine addiction, stress management, diet and exercise, how to quit, managing as an ex-smoker/chewer, dealing with obstacles and relapse situations and how to remain an ex-smoker/chewer.
Classes are offered throughout the year in the county. Call (410) 638-8405 for a current schedule. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. PROGRAMS CAN ALSO BE OFFERED ON SITE AT BUSINESSES, AND CAN BE TAILORED TO FIT AGENCY NEEDS.
September — October, 2009
TUESDAY AFTERNOONS — ABERDEEN
Community Services Bldg.
Room 306 — 34 N. Philadelphia Blvd.
*Pre-Quit Class: Sept. 8, 2009, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Quit Class (5 sessions):
Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6, & 13 • 1:00pm – 2:30pm
MONDAY EVENINGS — BEL AIR
Calvary Baptist Church
Lower Level, Circle of Friends Classroom
206 Courtland Place
*Pre-Quit Class: Sept. 14, 2009, 6:45pm – 8:15pm
Quit Class (5 sessions):
Sept. 21, 28, Oct. 5,19 & 26 • 6:45pm – 8:15pm
THURSDAY EVENINGS — EDGEWOOD
Harford County Health Dept. Conference Room
1321 Woodbridge Station Way
*Pre-Quit Class: Oct. 15, 2009, 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Quit Class (5 sessions):
Oct. 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12 & 19 • 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Nicotine Patches -
Interested persons must call (410) 638-8405 toQualify for Patches, Lozenges, or Gum
Request a Referral Form to Give to Physician
Nicotine Patches, lozenges and gum are FREE to those County residents who qualify and attend the Tobacco Cessation Classes!
The State of Maryland now offers a toll-free Quit-Line to assist in quitting tobacco products. To learn more about this program, call 1-800-QUITNOW or visit www.smokingstopshere.com.
Havre de Grace, MD- The Upper Chesapeake Health Sleep Disorders Center at Harford Memorial Hospital in Havre de Grace recently received program accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).
“The American Academy of Sleep Medicine congratulates the Upper Chesapeake Health Sleep Disorders Center on fulfilling the high standards required for receiving accreditation as a sleep disorders center,” said Dr. Clete Kushida, AASM president. “The center is a significant resource to the local medical community and will provide academic and scientific value in addition to the highest quality care for patients suffering from sleep disorders.”
To receive a five-year accreditation, a sleep center must meet or exceed all standards for professional health care as designated by the AASM. The accreditation process involves detailed inspection of a center’s facility and staff, including an evaluation of testing procedures, patient contacts, and physician training. Additionally, the facility’s goals must be clearly stated and include plans for positively affecting the quality of medical care in the community it serves.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine currently accredits more than 1,600 sleep medicine centers and laboratories across the country.
The Upper Chesapeake Health Sleep Disorders Center is directed by Dr. Thomas F. Burke and is located 501 S. Union Avenue. For more information call (443) 843-5145.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is a professional medical society for clinicians, researchers, and other health care providers in the field of sleep medicine. As the national accrediting body for sleep disorders centers and labs, the AASM is dedicated to setting standards and promoting excellence in sleep medicine heath care, education and research.
Established in 1984, Upper Chesapeake Health is a not-for-profit health organization based in Harford County. The organization owns and operates Upper Chesapeake Medical Center, Harford Memorial Hospital and Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation. One of the largest private employers in Harford County, Upper Chesapeake employs almost 3,000 team members. Visit www.uchs.org to learn more.
CRS Flooring Services by Bill Mackley Announces Grand Re-Opening As CRS Flooring America
Kingsville, MD, April 6th, 2009 — CRS Flooring Services just got bigger and better! The family-owned store serving Baltimore County and the surrounding area for the last 34 years has joined North America’s premier floor covering retailer and will now be known as CRS Flooring America.
“Our association with Flooring America will significantly strengthen our company and make us an even better full-service floor covering specialty retailer,” said owner Bill Mackley. “Being part of Flooring America’s national buying power will enable us to guarantee the lowest prices and highest level of service in the industry.”
To celebrate the name change, a grand re-opening sale is set for 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 18th with opening day deals and special pricing on thousands of name brand products, including Flooring America’s exclusive brands of, Downs®, Resista™, Floorcraft™ , Design Distinctions™ and Naturcor™.
Regular store hours are 10-5 Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday with evening hours until 8pm on Tuesday & Thursday.
“Our customers will see an expanded selection, extended warranties, and the same commitment to personalized customer service that we’ve always proudly delivered,” said owner Bill Mackley. “We’re thrilled to be joining Flooring America and we know our customers will be thrilled, too.”
Flooring America and Flooring Canada, with a sales volume of $1.55 billion, consist of more than 575 member-owned floor covering stores throughout the United States and Canada. Flooring America and Flooring Canada provide members with exclusive brands and warranty programs, and operate as a division of CCA Global Partners, the world’s largest flooring group.
Congratulations Applause Baton of Bel Air
Applause Baton had an exceptional year this year. I traveled with my daughter to several events that she competed in this year as well as two parades and I have to say that my daughter and I both enjoyed ourselves very much. As a second year twirler, my daughter has developed a strong love for the sport. This group, instructors and twirlers are very dedicated, supportive and very welcoming to new comers. Everyone worked hard and it paid off. Here are the results from some of the competitions:
Nationals
AYOP 2009 Dance Twirl Results:
Beginner Juvenile Small Dance Twirl "Vacation" — Fourth Place
Beginner Junior Small Dance Twirl "Broadway" — FIRST PLACE!!!!!!
Beginner Junior Large Dance Twirl "Broadway" — Fourth Place
Beginner Senior Small Dance Twirl "Irish" — Sixth Place
Beginner Senior Large Dance Twirl "Irish" — Third Place
Twirl Team Results:
Beginner Juvenile Small — FIRST PLACE!!!!!
Beginner Junior Small — Second place
Beginner Junior Large — FIRST PLACE!!!!!!
Beginner Senior Small — Fourth Place
Beginner Senior Large — Fourth Place
Great job everyone!!!
Maryland States
Tiny Tot "Little Devil" — Second place
Juvenile small A "Vacation" — FIRST PLACE!
Juvenile small B "Little Devil" — Second place
Juvenile large "Vacation" — FIRST PLACE!
Junior small "Broadway" — FIRST PLACE!
Junior large "Broadway" — FIRST PLACE!
Senior small "Irish" — FIRST PLACE!
Senior large "Irish" — FIRST PLACE!
Regional Baton Competition, "Spring Sunshine"
"Vacation" Juvenile Small — FIRST PLACE!
"Vacation" Juvenile Large — FIRST PLACE!
"Little Devil" Juvenile Small — Second place
"Broadway" Junior Small — FIRST PLACE!
"Broadway" Junior Large — FIRST PLACE!
"Irish" Senior Small — FIRST PLACE!
"Irish" Senior Large — FIRST PLACE!
Congratulations everyone and best of luck next year!!
Registration for new and returning twirlers will be September 10 and 23, 6-8 pm, at the McFaul Center. Cost remains the same as last year ($55 for non-competition class, $65 for in-house competition team, $80 for travel team). The beginner class is also $55. As always, we must assess an additional $15 Parks and Rec fee during the first registration. The beginner class and the returning non-competition twirlers will practice from 6-7. The in-house team will practice from 6-7:30, and the travel team will practice from 6-9. Generally, the younger travel team twirlers practice first, so those that are very young would not need to remain at the gym until 9:00. We will be using Bel Air Middle School again this year.
Applause of Bel Air Baton Corps, 2008 Beg. Senior Dance Twirl National Champions, is the oldest continuously operating baton twirling program in Harford County. Their affiliation with Parks and Rec allows them to offer the finest quality of instruction at an affordable cost. Our twirlers and teams have won many NBTA State and National titles. For more information about Aplause of Bel Air visit www.eteamz.com/belairrec
"Listen Up" — Can You Help?
The phone rings. The caller says her mother is getting more forgetful lately. While visiting last week, she found her car keys in the freezer. Her mother has rashes on her arms because she was using dishwashing soap instead of body wash. The volunteer on the other end of the phone listens quietly. After a time, the volunteer offers some reassurance, suggestions and resources. The volunteer takes down some information so they can call the daughter back and follow-up.
The role of an Alzheimer’s Association Helpline Specialist volunteer is like that of a lifeline to someone sinking in a boat. The needs of our callers may be as simple as wanting some phone numbers or library resources. But callers have one thing in common: they want someone to listen.
Helpline Specialists are individuals who have some background in dementia care either in the work of personal care-giving. Helpline Specialists are provided with training to prepare them to answer basic questions and provided needed information to the callers. But the number one skill of these volunteers is the ability to listen.
A Helpline Specialist serves at the Timonium office of the Alzheimer’s Association at a scheduled time during the weekdays. Helpline Specialist are asked to commit to at least three hours a week with a one year commitment. Volunteers are provided with a supportive and flexible work environment.
If you want to make a real difference in someone’s life, considering joining us.
Contact Sally Drumm at 410-561-9099 or by email sally.drumm@alz.org.
Harford Dance Theatre Auditions for The Nutcracker
Harford Dance Theatre will hold auditions for The Nutcracker on Sunday, August 16, 2009. Auditions will be held at the Amoss Center located on the campus of Harford Technical High School. The play, directed by Jessica Treherne and Lisa Mion, will be performed Thursday, December 3 through Sunday, December 6, 2009.
Dancers Ages 8-13 With a Minimum of 1 Year Dance Training:
Registration 11:30 AM / Audition 12 PM -1:30 PM
(Mice, Soldiers, Party Children, Angels, Gingerchildren)
Adult Actors/Dancers Ages 16 and Up:
Registration 1:30 PM / Audition 2 PM - 2:30 PM
Please wear comfortable clothing and character or street shoes.
(Adult Party Guests, Maid, Butler, Clara’s Parents)
Dancers Ages 12 + With a Minimum of 3-4 Years Dance Training:
Registration 2:30 PM / Audition 3 PM - 5 PM
Please wear leotard / tights and pointe shoes, if applicable.
(Snow, Flowers, Chinese, Arabian, Spanish, Trepak, Marzipan, Dolls, Sugar Plum, Clara, Nutcracker Prince)
For further information, contact:
Jessica Treherne, HDT Company Manager
Email: jtrehern@harford.edu
Phone: 443-412-2112
Occupational Therapy Helps Individuals Live Life To Its Fullests
Bel Air, Maryland — April 2009 marks National Occupational Therapy Month. Upper Chesapeake Health salutes its occupational therapists that provide care for patients in hospital and outpatient settings.
Occupational therapy enables people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, live an improved life with injury, illness, or disability. “It is a practice deeply rooted in science and is evidence-based. This means that the plan designed for each individual is supported by data, experience, and “best practices” that have been developed and proven over time,” says Mary Beth Creighton, Director of Outpatient Rehabilitative Services.
Some of the finest orthopedic care and rehabilitation is available at Harford Memorial Hospital in Havre de Grace. The hospital has earned national recognition for total knee replacement and is ranked number one in Maryland for joint replacement surgery.
“I was really impressed with the patience, skill, and care I received at Harford Memorial Hospital’s Outpatient Rehabilitation,” says Martha Daily, a recent outpatient who works in the area. “I was looking for quality and convenience when someone told me about the program. I had been struggling with a frozen shoulder for months and after four weeks of therapy at Harford, I was finally able to move my arm again. It was a warm, friendly, and supportive place to go which made the painful exercises more bearable.”
The rehab department offers patients a customized approach to care. Harford Memorial’s experienced team is dedicated to helping individuals reach their maximum potential and improve their quality of life. “People who choose Harford Memorial Hospital for rehabilitation can be assured they will receive quality care with expert assessment and treatment from a licensed therapist” says Susan Marzicola Walter, OT, RN, Harford Memorial Hospital’s Rehabilitative Services Manager.
Upper Chesapeake’s newest location for Outpatient Rehabilitation is on the fifth floor of the Physician Pavilion II on the campus of the Upper Chesapeake Medical Center. The rehabilitation team treats people of all ages with a variety of orthopedic injuries and conditions. “When individuals first arrive, there is definitely the ‘WOW’ factor. This spacious facility offers it all to our patients, from an assortment of state-of-the-art equipment to a beautiful view while they are receiving their therapy,” says Creighton.
The department recently acquired a BTE simulator. This high tech testing and treatment system duplicates hundreds of job and daily living functions such as gripping a jar or lifting a box. “It offers functional outcomes measurements that provide our therapists with precision analysis and reporting that reinforces our role as rehabilitation professionals with patients and physicians,” says Creighton.
“We have been going to the Physicians Pavilion II for a few months and are extremely pleased with the quality of services offered there,” says Cristina Trotta-Pecovic of Bel Air. “It truly makes a difference when everyone, from the front desk staff to the therapists, smiles and greets us warmly when we arrive for our appointments. The therapists are incredibly knowledgeable about what exercises will benefit my daughter, Victoria, and educate me about what they are doing and what exercises and routines we should practice at home. I plan to continue using the services at the Physicians Pavilion II for as long as Victoria needs them and have been telling others about the great team and programs offered there.”
In addition to services for children with pediatric developmental delay, Outpatient Rehabilitation
Services at Physicians Pavilion II offers programs for stroke recovery, neurological disorders, voice and swallowing disorders, orthopedic injuries, and arthritis. A specialized “After Rehab Fitness Program” provides a supportive exercise environment for individuals recently discharged from therapy.
Occupational therapists at Upper Chesapeake Health also work in an outpatient sports medicine and rehabilitation setting at the Y in Abingdon, Maryland. Specialized hand therapy and lymphedema therapy are also available in this setting. Therapists focus on “performing whatever occupations or activities are meaningful to the individual. “Our role is to get beyond problems to the solutions that assure individuals can stay active and live life to its fullest. These solutions may be adaptations to performing a task, changes to the surroundings, or assisting individuals to alter their own behaviors” says Creighton. When working with an occupational therapy practitioner, strategies and modifications are customized for each individual to resolve problems, improve function, and support everyday living activities. The goal is to maximize potential and build health-promoting habits and routines that will allow patients to thrive.
For more information about our Rehabilitation Services, call 443-843-5332 at Harford Memorial Hospital, 443-643-3257 at Physicians Pavilion II, and 443-409-0051 at the Center for Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Y.
What Parents Should Know About Cyber Bullies
Cyber Bullying is social terror by technology and it’s on the rise. Cyber Bullying is when a child up to 18 years of age is threatened, harassed or humiliated via use of technology. This social online terror is conducted through e-mail, cell phones, text messages, instant messaging, Web sites, online personal polling sites. It is done by kids deliberately and repeatedly and is used by an individual or group with the intention of harming other kids and teens. If you think kids couldn’t possibly be this cruel — think again! It happens all the time. Some reports of Cyber Bullies are as young as 7 years-old.
A Few of the Ways Kids And Teens Bully Online:
- Instant Messaging/Text Messaging Harassment
- Creating a Web Site that humiliates or endangers the victim by posting photos, videos and personal information including phone numbers, address, etc.
- Sending Pictures through E-mail and Cell Phones: Pornographic pictures of the victim have been posted on sites for anyone to download. Photos have been taken in locker rooms, bathrooms or dressing rooms and posted online or send to others via cell phones.
- Impersonation: Posing as the victim, Cyber Bullies may post messages in a hate group’s chatroom -- inviting an attack against the intended victim. They give the name, address and phone number of the victim to make the hate group’s job easier.
- Blogs: These online journals are a way for kids to damage other kids’ reputations or invade their privacy. Sometimes kids set up a blog or profile page pretending to be their victim and saying things to humiliate them.
Parents should be aware and get involved! While there is no one solution, learning everything about the Interent and what your kids are doing online can help. If your child is a victim be supportive. Do not be tempted to tell your child to toughen up, that names never hurt anybody. Cyberattacks can harm a child easily and have a long lasting effect. Millions of cyber accomplices can help target or humiliate your child.That emotional pain is very serious and very real! Do not ignore it! Children have committed suicide after having been Cyber Bullied. Take it seriously!
Alert the school and guidance counselor to watch out for in-school bullying and see how your child is handling things. It is important that you give your child love, support, nurturing and security. Contact your local law enforcement agency immediately if you have any knowledge that personal contact information has been posted online, or any threats have been made to your child. You will need electronic evidence and live data for proof, print outs are also helpful.
According to the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, parents of Cyberbullies may be liable for the mental health and emotional damages caused by their child to another child. If the cyberbullys’ parents is aware of the situation or has received a letter of complaint, then they have “knowledge and notice” of harmful activity they are legally responsible for the acts of their children while on the computer and in their care. School administrators should be informed about the cyberbullying which your child is a victim of. If cyberbullying takes place during school time or on school computers, the schools come under the “knowledge and notice” rule.
Afraid of making things worse, most kids won’t even tell their parents about a Cyber Bullying incident. Teach your child how important it is to immediately tell you or the school if they see communications in which another teen or child is threatening violence or suicide. Encourage your child to be part of the solution against all forms of bullying!
Signs of your child being Cyber Bullyied:
- Avoiding friends • Anxiety
- Changes in their grades • Anger or Fear
- Not wanting to go to school • Depression
- Hesitation to use their computer
If the Cyber Bullying becomes serious and won’t stop:
- Contact the police
- Contact the school
- Contact an attorney or file a small claims action - Civil law provides for victims tosue a bully or the bully’s parents to recover damages.
Kids Who Are Being Cyber Bullied Should:
- Tell a trusted adult!
- Block the cyberbully or limit all communications to those on your buddy list.
- Save the harassing messages and forward them to your ISP.
For more information check out these sites:
Since its grand opening in November 2008, Franklin Square Hospital Center’s Women’s Care at Bel Air has served Harford County residents with a unique multidisciplinary approach. The center offers comprehensive services including Women’s Care Ob/Gyn, Breast Services and the Bel Air Oncology Center specializing in the treatment of women’s cancers.
“Women’s Care patients not only have access to these services, but also to the expert physicians, nurses, healthcare professionals and an array of networks and programs provided by the hospital,” says Dr. Nicola London, Ob/Gyn with the Women’s Center. This is important because women often go in for their routine gynecological or pregnancy checkup, but there is an underlying health problem that has gone unnoticed and has now become a serious health concern. “More than fifteen percent of women under the age of 45 routinely see no other type of doctor; making their ob/gyn also responsible for a host of other health matters from diabetes to orthopedics,” adds Dr. London.
Jamie Marcus, a Harford County resident, came to Dr. London for a routine annual gynecological checkup after delivering her first baby at Franklin Square Hospital. “Jamie had been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during her pregnancy which put her at a higher risk for type 2 diabetes,” says Dr. London. Test results showed that Jamie did have type 2 diabetes and she was referred to her primary care physician who then referred her to the Diabetes Center at Franklin Square Hospital Center.
“The Diabetes Center had doctors and educators that helped devise an individualized treatment program that was right for me,” says Jamie. “I never had type 2 diabetes before, so I wasn’t sure where to start. Fortunately, my nutrition counselors, group classes and hands on education sessions really helped me take control of my diabetes. I also had access to expert medical fitness programs, wellness classes and smoking cessation program, which was a definite plus because I am an ex-smoker,” adds Jamie.
“It is vital that women take charge of their health,” says Dr. London. “We are so busy caring for others, that we often place our own health on the backburner. Take care of your health, come in for your routine checkups and let us know if there are any unusual signs or symptoms. Early detection is key to treatment of any health condition.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nicola London, call 410-569-7789 or visit franklinsquare.org/belair. For more information on the Diabetes Center at Franklin Square Hospital Center call 443-777-6528.
On This Page