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Do you have an opinion about living in Prince George's County? Are there things you'd like to see changed? Things you'd like to celebrate? Do you feel that you don't have a say in what happens in our county?

Well, now's your chance to voice your opinion and be heard. The Envision Prince George's Project has asked county residents, business owners and those who work in the county to speak out on issues that are important to the future of our county.

We held town meetings throughout the county last fall and now we're gearing up for one last meeting — a 21st Century Town Meeting — to be held on March 20 at the Sports & Learning Complex in Landover. Registration is free, and anyone older than 14 who has an interest in what happens in Prince George's County is welcome and encouraged to attend. Find out more and register for the meeting at www.envisionprincegeorges.org or by calling me at 301-725-3202. Child care will be available at the meeting site. I'll be attending the meeting, and I'd love to see other West Laurel residents there, too.

Snowed out

I have to admit having mixed feelings about this news: The Maryland State Department of Education (MDSE) approved Prince George's County's request to forgive five days of the snow closings, substantially reducing the impact to the school calendar. Considering the MDSE decision and the four snow days already built into the calendar, there will be no change to the Spring Break schedule. The last day of school for students this summer will be June 16 and the last day for teachers will be June 17, assuming that we miss no more days for snow.

Come one, come all!

The West Laurel Civic Association will sponsor an open house at 7:30 p.m. March 18 at the West Laurel Community Building in honor of the first-responders who serve our community. Please join the WLCA in thanking the dedicated folks who serve and protect our community every day, including Montgomery County Police, Prince George's County Police, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Park Police, Laurel city police, Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad and the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department. A fire truck and ambulance may be available in the parking lot for the children (and parents) to check out. Food and drink will be available.

Summer plans coming

along swimmingly

The West Laurel Swim Club is planning ahead for this summer's children's swim lessons. Session 1 will be held June 21 through July 1; session 2 from July 5 through July 15; and session 3 from July 19 through July 29. All sessions will run Monday through Friday the first week and Monday through Thursday the second week, for a total of nine classes. Makeup classes will be held the Friday, Saturday or Sunday of the second week. Registration will begin Memorial Day weekend at the pool and will continue through June 14. Members and nonmembers are welcome.

Young adult members of the pool who are interested in teaching swim lessons should contact Robin Lively by e-mail at rlively85@gmail.com and text message at 301-335-1426 with their availability. Applicants must be able to be present for all lessons for the desired session(s) as well as the Friday, Saturday and Sunday following the session in case of makeup classes.