Potomac Community Center Spring Fling Flea Market and Shred Event May 4th

There are deals to be had on local artisan crafts, collectibles and flea market bargains at the Potomac Community Recreation Center Spring Fling Fair! Browse the vendors, or set up a booth of your own (just $30) on Saturday, May 4th from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. All proceeds from the sale will benefit programs at the recreation center. Plus, bring your old documents and statements to shred for at the community shred event from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.  Suggested donation is $5 per box of paper.

Interested vendors must pre-register and pay for a booth space. Set-up is at 8:00 am.

Potomac Community Recreation Center is located at 11315 Falls Road in Potomac, MD.

For more information call 240-777-6960.

Mobile Dentist Unit to Provide Affordable Dental Care for Seniors at Clara Barton Neighborhood Recreation Center on May 20th

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Lack of dental care coverage is often a problem for our growing population of senior citizens and yet, gone untreated, dental issues can turn into more serious health issues.

The Clara Barton Neighborhood Recreation Center has secured a mobile dentist unit to offer dental exams and care for local seniors for only $5.00 per person. The mobile dentist will perform dental exams on Monday, May 20^th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Seniors are encouraged to come to the mobile dentist unit for the affordable exam and to learn how to care for their teeth and gums appropriately. In addition, anyone caring for an elderly parent or relative is encouraged to inquire about the event.

Seniors and their caretakers should call 240-777-4910 in advance to secure a spot.

The Clara Barton Center is located at 7425 MacArthur Blvd. in Cabin John, MD 20818.

Stay Safe at The Pool This Summer: Water Safety Event May 31st

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 According to the CDC, “Every day, about 10 people die from unintentional drowning.” What can help? Research has shown that swimming skills, people trained in CPR, and life jackets can reduce the risks.

Become part of the solution!

Montgomery County Recreation, in conjunction with the Cities of Gaithersburg and Rockville, are hosting a FREE Water Safety event on Friday, May 31 from 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm at the Gaithersburg Water Park. 

Bring the whole family to learn more about:

·         Swimming and swimming safety (evaluations offered)

·         How to prevent drowning

·         Proper use of life jackets

·         Water rescue skills

·         Skin cancer prevention tips

The Gaithersburg Water Park is located at 512 South Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg. For more information, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/rec or call 240-777-6840.

Fitness Success Story: Beverly Blooms in her 50s with Zumba

According to the American Heart Association, “80% of Americans don’t make exercise a regular habit.” It’s never too late to start a fitness program. Beverly Simon was in her 50s and had serious health issues before she jumped on the fitness train.

According to Beverly, “I never did any exercise before. I found myself with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and I couldn’t even walk very well. I decided to sign up for some kind of fitness class and after browsing the recreation classes online I saw Zumba with Zukossa Fitness and it sounded fun and different from other classes. It was also very convenient to where I lived.”

For many people, after a lifetime of not exercising regularly, the idea of joining a class can be intimidating. This is why Montgomery County Recreation offers such a wide variety of classes and programs. There really is something for everyone: something that will help you get moving, and feel better about yourself.

Just Keep Moving

As Beverly explains, the key is to just keep going back, and keep moving.

“I almost quit after the first class. I couldn’t move like the other people and I was frustrated. I got home and I could barely walk up the steps. I went to the second class, instructor Janice said don’t worry about the routine, just move. I believe I created my own steps! I know I wasn’t keeping up with the class but I kept moving to the music and I was sweating.”

Beverly admits that the whole first session was a struggle for her. However, she started to see results. It was just the boost she needed to keep going. Soon after the first session Beverly started to watch what she was eating and joined a gym to visit on the days she didn’t have Zumba.

The Result?

 Beverly has seen incredible physical changes including lowering her cholesterol, lowering her blood pressure, and dropping five clothing sizes! More importantly, Beverly has experienced incredible emotional changes. She confides, “My self esteem has improved. I feel more confident and emotionally, my whole outlook on life has improved. I look forward to getting up everyday!”

Tips for finding the right exercise program

First, check with your doctor to see if he or she has any recommendations including low-impact. Then, think about what you like to do. Do you like dancing? Do you enjoy the water? Do you like to work out with a group or are you more comfortable on your own? Lastly, browse the current guide online to see what course sounds appealing to you based on your doctor’s recommendations and your interests. It’s easy to register online. You can do it and we are rooting for you.

Forms, Food and other Important Information for Campers

Camp starts next month! Make sure your camper is all set to go by reviewing the following important information and completing all necessary forms.  Not signed up yet? There are still spots available, but time is fleeting!  Register now and don’t be disappointed.  Search for camps online at RecWeb or contact Montgomery County Recreation at 240-777-6840 for suggestions.

Food at Camp

Campers are expected to bring nonperishable food and drink for the entire day. Water is always available at camp. Campers should bring snacks on swim days and/or if registered for Little People Centers or Extended Camp. Any food allergies must be clearly identified on the Health and Information Form to avoid problems. No refrigeration is available. Some camps are peanut-free zones to ensure the safety of participants.

Summer Heat

Although many campsites are air-conditioned, when code red alerts and high temperature warnings are issued, program activities may be modified. Scheduled events may be substituted with alternative activities such as less active games, water play, and indoor activities. Air-conditioning is not guaranteed.

Camper Security

For your child's safety, only the individual(s) designated on the Health and Information Form can pick up your child. Additionally, the person completing the health form is the only one who can add or delete individuals with pick-up authority.

Camp Forms

Parents of campers will receive an email with instructions and forms including the ones listed below. Take a look at the information required, in the event you need to contact your medical provider prior to receiving the camper packet.

Authorizationfor Medication

Only required if medication must be administered at camp. Prescription medication must be submitted three weeks before session begins.

Camper Code of Conduct

Bring to camp on the first day and each session thereafter. Please make copies to hand in.

Health and Information Form

Bring to camp on the first day

State of Maryland Immunization Certification

Only required for campers coming from out of state or who are home-schooled. The certification requires a doctor's signature.

For additional camper information including details about field trips, pick-up policy and the Camper Code of Conduct, visit the Camp page of the Recreation website or go to montgomerycountymd.gov/rec and in the left column click “Things to Do,” then click “Camps.”