More News

There was a terrible house fire Saturday evening in West Laurel, and the Walker family lost their home and most of their worldly belongings. Thankfully, they escaped safely but are mourning the loss of their beloved dog, which died in the fire.

The family — Donald, Marelys and Alinah — is currently in temporary housing provided by the American Red Cross. They are particularly in need of clothing at this time. Donald is a former Army paratrooper, while his wife, Marelys, is an MRI technician in need of scrubs and other resources to return to work. Their 3-year-old daughter, Alinah, is a big fan of the Walt Disney princesses and loves books.

If you have clothes, toys or books that you can spare to help the family in the short term, or furniture, household items, etc., for the long term, please contact Gigi Shaffer at Bethany Community Church at bethcmtych@aol.com. Gigi is coordinating with the family. Sizes are as follows: Donald (shirts XL; pants 38Wx34L; shoes 11), Marelys (scrubs M, prefers feminine colors; 8/10 or M/L; shoes 8.5, uses Crocs at work); and Alinah (4T, needs undershirts and panties; shoes 9; very slim, prefers "girly girl" styles).

In other community news, there will be a yard sale on Saturday at 14008 Barkham Court (off of Parkway Drive). Something for everyone will be available.

Visit the azalea garden

Mark Brackett reminds us that Brighton Dam's Azalea Garden at 2 Brighton Dam Road in Brookeville is in bloom. This five-acre garden with more than 20,000 blooming azaleas is expected to be in full bloom just in time for Mother's Day next weekend. Admission is free, and the garden is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily until the blossoms begin to fade. Elderly or disabled visitors may be allowed to drive through the garden Monday through Friday provided they first check with the visitor's center.

Donate to the magazine marathon

Bond Mill Elementary School is having a Mega Magazine Marathon to celebrate the return of paper recycling to Bond Mill. Please send magazines and catalogs to the school with your child, grandchild or a friend's child. Each class will build towers with their magazines and catalogs, measuring and keeping a running total of the height. On May 13, parent volunteers will measure the final towers and the class with the highest total will win free school carnival tickets for each child. All magazines and catalogs in the towers will be "donated" to the school's new recycle bins.

At any time, please bring the following items to recycle in Bond Mill's new bins: newspaper and newspaper inserts; magazines and catalogs; school and office papers; direct mail, window envelopes; paperback books, workbooks and books that are stapled or spiral-bound. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 301-725-3202 or ces625@hotmail.com.