Around West Hagerstown

August 12, 2010|By JESS WEST

Back-to-school block party

Churches and businesses in the West End community will host a back-to-school block party Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot behind Washington Square United Methodist Church.

Free school supplies will be given away while supplies last. The event will include games, a mini car show exhibit, inflatable bounce, dunk tank and face painting. Hots dogs, steamers, ice cream and ice cones will be available.

Lions Club news

The West Hagerstown Lions Club has named the following officers for the year:

Elizabeth Stone, president; Jim Roby, first vice president; Amy Woodward, vice president; Mary Chaney, vice president; Donna Jackman, secretary/treasurer; Phyllis Bradley and Fran Ruth, one-year directors; Jim Gossard and Karen Hutchinson, two-year directors; Helen Gossard, membership chairman; Jim Gossard, lion tamer; and Jim Roby, tail twister.

On June 7, the club celebrated its 30th anniversary. Two members who go beyond the call of duty were awarded the following: Lion of the Year Award - Jim Gossard; Melvin Jones Award - Helen Gossard. The club is lucky to have these two members and congratulates them on their awards.

The club's first project with its new officers is its ham sandwich sale. Orders will be taken this month and delivery will be in September.

Heat and your pets

The Humane Society of Washington County wants pet owners to be aware. With the heat index the area is experiencing this summer, residents need to be prepared. Know the signs of heat stroke and dehydration and keep your pets cool and comfortable.

o Avoid dehydration and heat stroke:

o Provide adequate shade and ventilation so your pet can get out of the sun and can stay cool. Direct exposure to the sun can result in sunburn, heat stroke and dehydration. If possible, keep them inside in air conditioning.

o Always have cool, clean water available. Water is a crucial element in keeping the body from dehydrating so always have clean, cool water available.

o Never leave your pet in a vehicle, even with the windows cracked open. When temperatures outside are a comfortable 85 degrees, your car can quickly heat up to 102 degrees within 10 minutes. Your car will become an oven.

Know the signs of dehydration/heat stroke:

o Excessive, rapid and loud panting

o Excessive salivating, but a dry mouth and dry nose

o Tongue hanging out

o Glazed eyes

o White or pale gums

o Agitated or confused behavior

o Vomiting

o Loss of skin elasticity - when the skin is pulled up it does not return to its normal place but remains raised

Sunken eyes

What to do if you suspect your pet may be having a heat stroke or be suffering from dehydration:

o Remove your pet to a cool area