Learn Proper Hand Signals and More at the Damascus Bike Rodeo

Image credit bdopudjavia sxc

Join the Damascus Club Rec for the annual Bike Rodeo to learn about bike safety and more on April 22 from 4:30 – 6:00 pm.  Participants will benefit from learning the proper hand signals to use when riding on the street. This is important for car drivers as well!  Learn how to properly fit yourself or your child with a bike helmet and pick up some basic bike maintenance skills. Then kids can enjoy the bike obstacle course where they can practice what they have learned about following the rules of the road.

Bring your bike and helmet, or a small supply will be on hand to borrow.  For questions contact the Damascus Community Recreation Center at 240-777-6930.

Diabetes: What you Need to Know (Family Members, Too!)

FACT: Every 21 seconds a person is diagnosed with diabetes

FACT: Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States

FACT: Diabetes can lead to serious complications including cardiovascular disease (heart problems), amputations, blindness and kidney failure

FACT: Certain ethnic groups are at higher risk for diabetes including African Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders or Latinos

FACT: You can manage diabetes!

Montgomery County Recreation now offers two courses on diabetes for a nominal fee to help educate our community about diabetes and help those with diabetes learn to manage their disease before it leads to serious complications.

Basic Must Knows about Diabetes
1 session, $10 at Gwendolyn Coffield Community Center

This course covers planning healthy balanced meals for better carbohydrate counting, reading food labels, and how physical activity can affect blood sugar. We will also touch on diabetes medications, what they are and how they work, as well as blood glucose monitoring and what all that testing is about. Family members are welcome to attend.

4/11 from 6:30 – 9:30 pm, #354427

4/16 from 6:30 – 9:30 pm, #354428

Diabetes Self Management Education

3 sessions, $30 at Gwendolyn Coffield Community Center

This series of classes covers the basics of carbohydrate counting, food label reading, and diabetes medications. It will also cover blood glucose testing, what to do about the numbers, and how to prevent diabetes complications. There are hands-on activities and time to practice skills as well. Light meals are included and family members are encouraged to attend.

3 sessions starting 4/30 from 6:30 – 9:30pm, #354431

The Washington Nationals Miracle Field Gives EVERY Kid the Chance to Play Baseball

Image credit MiracleLeage.com

Montgomery County Recreation is proud to have one of only 220 Miracle League fields in the country. This wonderful program found its roots 13 years ago in Rockdale County, Georgia with the help of a baseball coach and the local Rotary club. It was developed to bring America’s national pastime to kids with challenges and special needs who might need a little extra help playing. The field is located in the South Germantown Park and is made from cushioned, synthetic turf that accommodates wheelchairs, walking devices, and helps to prevent injury.

Every child is given the opportunity to hit the ball and score a run with assistance from a buddy if needed. Join us as a player or as a buddy volunteer! Games are held on Saturdays starting April 13.

To register use code 356403 in RecWeb or download the registration form and fax it over to 240-777-1818.  Call 240-777-6870 with questions.

Special Needs Community Benefits from One on One Support with Adapted Aquatics Classes

Montgomery County Recreation is now offering aquatics classes developed for swimmers that need one on one support because of one or a combination of the following: physical assistance, behavioral, sensory, cognitive, expressive or receptive language needs. Instructors will lead participants through a range of water experiences that encourage independence in the water, socializing and specific swimming or exercise skills and routines. To ensure success in these programs, a parent or caregiver must enter the water and participate in the class (except where noted). On the first day of class, please check in at the front desk and complete the information sheet on the participant, then head through the locker rooms. There is generally only one Special Needs changing room, so be prepared to wait.
 

Classes include swim lessons for kids ages 5 to 14, lessons for older kids age 14 to adult, and water exercise classes. For more information on classes see the story about Adapted Aquatics in last month’s RECord.