American Red Cross Blood Services to Help Fuel Six Lucky Area Residents

All presenting donors in July and August eligible to win a year’s supply of gas***

Come out to help fuel area patients’ blood needs this July and August, and you could be among six lucky individuals to win up to $2,400 in free gas courtesy of the Greater Alleghenies Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross.

Anyone who presents to donate blood or platelets from July 1 through August 31 will automatically be entered in a grand prize drawing for a year’s supply of gas, valued at $2,400.00, or one of five $100.00 gas cards offered as runner-up prizes.***

“Because of vacations and most schools being out of session, it’s challenging to have enough blood supplies on hand for any and all patients in need,” stated Jim Starr, CEO, of the Greater Alleghenies Region.

He explained that 20% of the 100-county blood region’s annual blood donations are given at Red Cross blood drives held at high schools, colleges and universities.

“There is an ongoing need for blood donors; we need to collect an average nearly 1,000 units of blood each weekday to meet patient need at the 97 hospitals served by our blood region.

“We’re hopeful that this raffle will generate additional interest in giving blood this summer so that we can provide an uninterrupted supply of blood products for accident victims, cancer patients, surgery patients and others.”

As of this morning, the 100-county region has less than a day’s supply of O positive, O negative, A negative and B negative blood types. A one-day supply of type O negative blood equals just 117 units of blood.

To donate blood, individuals:

· Must be at least 17 years old (16 years old in Maryland and Pennsylvania with parental consent; 16-year-olds in Kentucky and Virginia will be eligible to donate with parental consent as of July 15, 2008), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health

Starr stated, “Many individuals taking medication for chronic conditions may continue to donate blood. Those with specific eligibility questions should call 1 (800) 542-5663 and ask to speak to someone in Nursing Collections.”

Donation appointments may be scheduled at many Red Cross blood drives. To schedule your blood donation appointment where available, or to find a blood drive near you, visit www.redcrosslife.org or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543).

The Greater Alleghenies Region directly serves hospitals, patients and donors in a 100-county area in Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, with more than five-dozen blood products and related services, and also supports blood needs experienced by patients elsewhere in hospitals served through Red Cross Blood Services.

*** “Gas for a Year” value based upon 12,000 miles driven annually at 20 mpg at $4.00 per gallon of gas. For complete raffle rules, visit the campaign section of redcrosslife.org.

Take Part in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life!

The 10th Annual Mineral County Relay for LIfe will be held at South End Track in Keyser on July 18, starting at 6:00pm.

Contact Mandi Rader for registration and more information at 304-788-6634. You can also visit the Mineral Relay webpage.

A Survivors Dinner will be held on July 17 at the Keyser American Legion. This is a free dinner for cancer survivors and a guest. Please contact 3040788-6634 before July 10 to pre-register.

Potomac Valley (Hardy and Grant Counties):

Brighton Park in Moorefield, August 16, 2:00pm. Dr. Tom Valley can be reached for registration information at 304-257-2556.

School System Encourages Parents to Register for School Early
Schools Have Business Hours during Summer Months

The Allegany County Public School System encourages parents to register their children for the 2008-2009 school year now. All schools are open to parents during the summer months and are currently accepting registrations for all grade levels. Those parents interested in early registration should contact their child’s school for registration appointments.
Parents should come prepared with:

- their child’s birth certificate

-social security card

-proof of immunizations and residency

The following documents qualify as proof of residency:

-current rental/lease agreement

-current utility bills with applicant’s name and address

-document from a government agency

-insurance bill with the applicant’s name and address

-a statement from a bank or other credit institution.

All applications for out of district requests must be submitted by July 10, 2008. Requests will not be considered after this date. Approval for those out of district requests will be made by August 1, 2008. For more information about early registration contact the Board of Education’s Pupil Services office at 301-759-2001.
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Flavors of Western Maryland

Childhood obesity is overwhelming. Concerned parents can help their children recognize the importance of eating healthy through the use of local Farmer’s Markets. “Flavors of Western Maryland” will be an event for the entire family to participate in. A recipe contest will take place the month of June. Submit a healthy low cost one dish meal that is low in fat and sugar, which does not contain meat and that is high in fiber. It also needs to include at least one locally grown fruit or vegetable. The recipes will be analyzed and the top three healthiest will be prepared by Allegany College Culinary Café on August 28th. Everyone is invited to come to the downtown market area for a sample of the top three recipes and a chance to vote for the “People Choice Award”. For more information, call the Allegany County Extension Office at 301-724-3320 or the Garrett County Extension Office at 301-334-6960.

There is Still Time to Host a Fresh Air Child

Summer vacation, that special time of year for all children, is not far away and you still have the chance to make it memorable for a child from New York City! Thanks to the many families in the Cumberland, MD area and throughout 13 Northeastern states and Canada, more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income neighborhoods have experienced free summer vacations in suburban and small town communities through The Fresh Air Fund. The Fund is seeking more families in the Cumberland, MD area to give inner-city children a two-week vacation this summer. By volunteering as a host family for The Fund’s Friendly Town program, you can help give a child a break from the heat and noise of the crowded city streets.

“You appreciate what you have when you watch the children’s joy that comes from doing things they normally would not be able to do in the city,” says a Fresh Air host. This year, The Fund needs more host families to carry on its 132nd summer tradition of sharing the joys of suburban and small town life like smelling fresh flowers, casting a fishing pole for the first time, or hearing crickets chirp. The friendships that develop between hosts and their Fresh Air visitors often last a lifetime.

There are no financial requirements for hosting a Fresh Air child. Hosts can select the gender and approximate age of their visitor. First-time visitors are six to 12 years old, and reinvited youngsters may participate in the Friendly Town Program through age 18.

To learn more about hosting a Fresh Air child this summer, please contact Suzanne Wright at 301-724-4141, or call The Fresh Air Fund at (800) 367-0003. You can also visit The Fund’s Web site at www.freshair.org.

It's Not Too Late to Claim Your Economic Stimulus Payment; IRS Will Issue Checks Through End of the Year

The last of the economic stimulus checks have gone out under the planned payment schedule, which was a timetable for tax returns filed before April 15. However, the Internal Revenue Service will continue processing tax returns and issuing economic stimulus checks for much of the year. It is not too late to file a return to claim an economic stimulus payment. The IRS urges people to file by October 15 to ensure they receive a payment prior to year's end. It can take up to eight weeks for the IRS to process the return and issue the check.

For people who have no tax liability or no tax filing requirement, there is a minimum payment of $300 ($600 for married couples), plus the $300 for each qualifying child. To be eligible for the minimum payment, individuals must have at least $3,000 in qualifying income. Qualifying income includes any combination of earned income, nontaxable combat pay and certain benefit payments from Social Security, Veterans Affairs and Railroad Retirement. The IRS is continuing to work with numerous state, local and national partners to reach those people and help them file a simple Form 1040A.

Here are some links to IRS.gov regarding the economic stimulus payments:
Haven't received your payment yet: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=181997,00.html

Where's My Stimulus Payment (online application to check status of the payment):
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=181665,00.html

Form 1040A-3 for retirees, disabled veterans and others who normally don't file a return: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/k1040a3.pdf

Treasury News Release Cumulative Economic Stimulus Payment Totals: http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/hp1077.htm

IRS' Economic Stimulus Payments Information Center: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=177937,00.html

Maryland Park Service Offers 2008 Outdoor Discovery Camp
Rocky Gap State Park One of Five Camp Locations

The Maryland Park Service is currently offering the 2008 Outdoor Discovery Camp in five locations around the state for five-day intervals throughout the summer.

The Outdoor Discovery Camp is available for youth ages 8 through 17 and strives to educate young people about the environment. All of the Outdoor Discovery Camps are operated in Maryland's state parks and are open to the public. Camp staff is required to participate in an interview process as well as a criminal background check. Each is certified in CPR, First Aid, Canoeing.

These residential summer camps are divided into categories based on their offerings to participants. The multi-adventure I camp offers activities at each camp's base site, other nearby state parks, and private facilities. Campers will have the opportunity to participate in environmental games, hiking, fishing, kayaking, arts and crafts, swimming, canoeing, archery, and campfire programs. Multi-adventure II, III, and IV camps offer the same routine camp activities as level I camps as well as various specialized day trips.

Outdoor Discovery Camp dates and locations are as follows:

Rocky Gap State Park, July 28-August 1

Northern Maryland Specialty, July 21-July 25

Western Maryland Adventure, August 4-August 8

For more information on the 2008 Outdoor Discovery Camp as well as how to apply, contact Cindy Hawkins at 410-260-8154 or by email at chawkins@dnr.state.md.us. Interested parties may also visit the Outdoor Discovery Camp website at www.dnr.gov/publiclands/outdoordisc.html.

Bids for Kids Charity Auction Now Accepting Donations

Let us help you clean out your basement, attic, or storage unit! The Burlington Children’s Home 4th Annual Bids for Kids Charity Auction is now accepting donations! Tax deductible donations can be delivered to the Keyser BCS Office across from Burger King on Route 220 South or call 800-969-0079 for pick-up! 100% of Proceeds from the auction go to benefit the children of Burlington Children’s Home!

Keyser-Mineral Co. Library Hosts Party in the Park

The Keyser-Mineral County Library will present a "Party in the Park" on Wednesday July 23rd from 9am-Noon at the south End Park in Keyser for children of all ages.
Attractions include: Clown Tom E. Boy with his "Don't Bug Me" prgram, Scales and Tales featuring birds of prey and reptiles and an introduction to the new Keyser Police dog Arko by his partner John Hudson. Refreshments will include hot dogs, snacks and, of course, cookies.
Call the Keyser Library at 304-788-3222 for more information.

Senator Rockefeller's Travelling Office to Visit Mineral, Hampshire, Hardy Counties

Traveling service allows West Virginians to meet with staff in person to address their needs

As his mobile office continues to take the road in July, Senator Jay Rockefeller is encouraging people across West Virginia to use the private and confidential visits to discuss their concerns with representatives of his staff.

“When West Virginians can’t travel to one of my state offices, my mobile office allows me, through my staff, to come to them and help with issues they’re facing,” Rockefeller said. “These visits are enormously beneficial to West Virginians – who can be assured that their questions will be answered, and their concerns will be addressed.”

“When my northern area coordinator brings the mobile office around West Virginia, I hope people in these communities will make the most of the services my office provides,” Rockefeller added.

No appointments are necessary for Senator Rockefeller’s mobile office visits.

On Thursday, July 24 and 25, 2008, Larry Lemon, of Senator Rockefeller’s staff, will be available to assist the public.

July 24, 10 a.m. – noon

Location: Mineral County Courthouse

County Commission Room

150 Armstrong Street

Keyser

July 24, 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Location: Hampshire County Senior Center

School Street & Birch Lane

Romney

July 25, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Location: Hardy County Courthouse

County Commission Room

204 Washington Street

Moorefield

Northeast Elementary PTA Raising Money for Air Conditioning

The PTA at Northeast Elementary School is currently raising money to supply air conditioning units for the school's classrooms. The committee's goal is $20,000. They hope to have the units installed by the end of the 2007-2008 school year. To date, the group has raised approximately $5,000 by hosting a number of community fundraisers. To make a tax deductible donation, contact Melissa Watson at 240-727-5830 or email to melissa.watson@longandfoster.com.

Blind Industries Services

The Senior Services division of Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM), an organization that provides training and employment opportunities for blind citizens of all ages at no cost, holds twice weekly training sessions, monthly support group meetings and offers in-home visits to assist people to regain their independence.

For more information, please email Roger Williamson or Anita Adkins or call (301) 724-4111 or (888) 267-4111.

To discover more about Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, visit www.bism.org.

Western Maryland Food Bank

The Western Maryland Food Bank needs your help to help feed thousand of families in the area. You may also donate by check. Make check payable to:

Western Maryland Food Bank
P.O. Box 243
Cumberland, MD 21502

For more information, contact the Food Bank at 301-722-2797 or visit them online at www.wmdfoodbank.org.

Your donations help feed families in our area.

Eastern Garrett Monthly Spaghetti Dinner

The Eastern Garrett Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department holds a monthly Spaghetti Dinner on the the second Saturday of every month. The price for adults is $7 and Children $3.50. The dinner includes, all you can eat spaghetti, salad, bread, and tea coffee and water. The ladies auxillary also sells pies, cakes and other bake goods during the dinner. The dinner is from 3pm-7pm.

Hugs on the Homefront at Cresaptown UMC

Cresaptown United Methodist Church at 14805 McMullen Highway, will host a regular monthly "Hugs on the Homefront" group meeting to encourage parents, spouses, family and friends of men and women serving in our nation's military.

These meetings are casual in nature and are designed for attendees to share their concerns with each other and learn to cope as a loved one is deployed as well as to share information.

To learn more about the "Hugs on the Homefront" meetings, please contact Beth Hosier at 301-729-5542, Lori Nichol at 240-580-5720 or Cresaptown United Methodist Church at 301-729-0052. For additional information visit the Cresaptown UM Church website at http://www.cresapumc.org/.

Rainbows Accepting Registrations

Rainbows, an international, non-profit organization, is currently accepting registrations for peer support groups for children in grades k-8. Rainbows offers coping skills and support for children who are working through a death, divorce or sepration in the family.

The twelve week program covers such topics as grief, anger, death and divorce. Rainbows is offered free of charge on Tuesday evenings and is open to the community. The groups meet at 7:00pm at St. Patrick's Community Center at 201 N. Centre Street in Cumberland.

For more information or to register, call 301-777-9082.

The Allegany County Library System always has a full schedule of events for patrons of all ages. For a complete list, go to www.alleganycountylibrary.info. For more library information, including links to all libraries in the WROG listening area and upcoming events, visit the Arts Page at WROGfm.com.

New Announcements Page at WROGfm.com:

Due to the volume of ongoing announcements recieved for inclusion on the Community Calendar, several have been moved onto a new page, "Announcements." Just click on any headline below to proceed to the Announcements page and get more information.

-Allegany Co. School System Follows COMAR Guidelines for Use of Restraint, Exclusion...Allegany Co. School System Updates 2008 Summer School Program...Volunteer Emergency Services Providers Wanted...Arthritis Help in Maryland...Fresh Air Fund Families Wanted...Allegany Co. Schools taking Donations...EFNEP Tips for a Healthy Diet...and more...

Representatives of Non-Profit Groups and Organizations are invited to contact WROG about a potential interview for our weekly public affairs program, "The Weekly Review."

Via e-mail at:
mail@wrogfm.com

By regular mail at:
WROG/WCMD Weekly Review
516 White Ave
Cumberland, MD 21502

By fax:
To the attention of Grant Garland at 301-777-5404.

Submissions for dated events should be received at WROG at least one month in advance of the event to ensure proper time is available in the program schedule to conduct interview session and air interview. Submissions must be legible (preferably typed). Email submissions will ensure speedier attention. WROG radio reserves intellectual right to decline submissions for interviews based on status of submitter party as non-profit in nature and/or schedule availability.