Several months ago there was mention in the Landover Hills Chronicle Newsletter of a plan by the Mayor and Council to erect a Veterans Memorial in the Town of Landover Hills. In commemoration of Veteran residents who resided and or still reside in the Town of Landover Hills, and who served our nation in the various branches of service; some making the ultimate sacrifice for this nation.
 

It was also pointed out in a prior edition of the Chronicle, that the Mayor was working with a designated committee consisting of Councilmember Roderick Kennedy and Richard Shipp, on the project. During this month there will be a review of pictures taken of other Veteran memorials erected in other places, after which the Mayor and Council will select a particular design.
 

Anyone who wishes to offer their help in this project may call Landover Hills Town Hall at 301-773-6401.
 

The Landover Hills Police Department is to be commended for their work in bringing about the apprehension of car thieves and carjackers who have been operating in the Landover Hills vicinity. At last report one of the criminals was apprehended by the long arm of the law in Tacoma Washington. Many police jurisdictions coordinated with the Landover Hills Police Department, in bringing about the capture of these criminals.
 

On Saturday, June 15, 2002, starting at 3:00 p.m., the Friends of Mayor Lee P. Walker, committee will be sponsoring a "Landover Hills International Community Day", in the park adjacent to the Landover Hills Municipal Building. Mayor Walker is a candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates representing the newly created 47^th Legislative District.
 

Residents and others are invited to come out and participate, there will be free food and beverages. Residents are asked to bring their favorite food and wear traditional attire. There will be activities for children and adults. Don't miss this fine affair. In case of rain, the alternate date will be Sunday,, June 16, 2002.
 

The next scheduled Town Meeting will be on Monday, June 17, 2002. At 7:30 p.m. Your participation is invited.
 

Mother's Morning Out at Christ Methodist Church (69^th Avenue and Annapolis Rd.) will have a summer fun program in July and August on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am- 1pm for children 2 -6 years old. For registration and information, please call Mrs. Tamai at 301-350-1155 or Mrs. Woodworth at 301-322-5281.
 

Ascension Vacation Bible School July 22-26

Time: 6:30- 9:00 pm

Place: Ascension Lutheran Church

On site registration in the Narthex

Nightly opening and closing in the sanctuary.

Who: Children entering pre-K through 8^th grade. Adult Bible study offered by Pastor Hedt.

Cost:$5.00 per attendee for a T-shirt.
 

Congratulations to all of the Town's graduating Seniors! For those who would like to be mentioned individually, please call Town Hall.

It has been observed that many residents, especially newcomers to Landover Hills, have been cutting down mature trees. While raking leaves in the Fall is a task that few of us enjoy, the benefits of trees in a community far out weigh any drawbacks. Below are some reasons.
 

1. Trees conserve energy in the summer and save you money. Properly planted trees can cut your air-conditioning costs by 15-35%.
 

2. Trees help clean the air. Trees produce the oxygen we breathe, and remove air pollution by lowering air temperature, through respiration, and by retaining particulates.
 

3. Trees bring songbirds close by. Birdsong will fill the air as trees provide nesting sites, food and cover for countless species.
 

4. Trees around your home can increase its value by up to 15% or more. Studies of comparable houses with and without trees place a markedly higher value on those whose yards are sheltered by trees.
 

5. Trees help clean our rivers and streams. Trees hold the soil in place and reduce polluted runoff into our waterways.
 

6. Trees conserve energy in the winter. Trees can slow cold winter winds, and can cut your heating costs 10-20%.
 

7. Trees fight global warming. They remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, the major contributor to the threat of global warming. Trees planted near our homes and in our communities moderate temperatures and reduce the need for air conditioning and heating produced by fossil fuels, a major source of excess atmospheric carbon dioxide.
 

8. Trees make your home, and your neighborhood, more beautiful. Trees mark the changing seasons, and add grace and seasonal color. Trees make a house feel like a home.
 

9. Trees are fun! Planting and caring for trees can be a great family and community building activity.

Mondays:

Grass and yard waste collection.
 

Tuesdays:

PG County recycling collections.

Town Household waste collection.
 

Fridays:

Town Household waste collection.
 

Bulk Trash: First and Third Wednesday's of the month.
 
 

There is a $20.00 charge for the removal of appliances such as refrigerators, washers and dryers, dishwashers, stoves, hot water heaters and air conditioning units. Payment must be made in advance of removal.

When Do I Begin Teaching My Child about Personal Safety?

Parents often wonder at what age they can begin teaching their children about personal safety. While it would be convenient if there were a determined age, "one size" doesn't fit everybody. A child's ability to comprehend and practice safety skills is determined by the child's age and educational and developmental levels. It is also important that parents realize children need to model, rehearse, and practice new skills to incorporate them into their daily lives. A parent may think that by telling their child about personal safety, the child will assimilate that information into a practice of the skills.
 

"I've never known of a child who, when you tell them something one time, you never have to repeat it," stated Nancy A. McBride, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's (NCMEC) director of prevention education. "Children need repetition and reinforcement to acquire new skills, and parents are in a great position to work with their children in a calm, non-threatening manner."
 

Another important element for skill acquisition is reassurance. In today's world children are very aware of dangers and tragedies. Because that awareness already exists, it is self-defeating to use fear as a teaching tool, as fear tends to paralyze, not empower. Children who are taught safety concepts are better prepared to handle and protect themselves if self-confidence is part of what they are being taught. Communication and active listening are other vital components to success. If parents approach personal child safety in an open manner, children will be more likely to come to them with problems or concerns in their lives.
 

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has a signature safety publication, Knowing My 8 Rules for Safety, which is a good place for parents to begin teaching personal safety skills. The rules are simple, are concise, and provide encouragement and options for children who need an adult's help.
 

Lastly, parental and adult supervision is tantamount to a child's protection and safety. Children cannot be criticized or blamed for making the wrong safety choices if they are not old enough or skilled enough to make those choices. "The responsibility for a young child's safety rests squarely on the trusted adults in that child's life," stated McBride. "Parents need to do their due diligence and check out adults who have access to their children, and children are never too old for a parent's or trusted adult's supervision.
 

The more involvement a parent takes in his or her child's life, the less likely it is that the child will seek that attention from a less savory and possibly dangerous source. There are no quick fixes or gimmicks that take place of adult supervision and concern. It's up to all of us to ensure our children's safety and protection.
 

Knowing My 8 Rules for Safety

1. I always check first with my parents or the person in charge before I go anywhere or get into a car, even with someone I know.
2. I always check first with my parents or a trusted adult before I accept anything from anyone, even from someone I know.
3. I always take a friend with me when I go places or play outside.
4. I know my name, address, telephone number, and my parents' names.
5. I say no if someone tries to touch me or treat me in a way that makes me feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.
6. I know that I can tell my parents or a trusted adult if I feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.
7. It's OK to say no, and I know that there will always be someone who can help me.
8. I am strong, smart, and have the right to be safe.
9. CHECK FIRST
10. TAKE A FRIEND
11. TELL SOMEONE I TRUST IF SOMETHING IS WRONG
12. STAY STRONG, SMART, AND SAFE



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