patching...
Welcome back, Patch Blogger!

News

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Fewer Marylanders Expected to Travel During 2013 Memorial Day Weekend

AAA: Despite lower gas prices, sequestration is affecting family travel budgets.

Fewer Maryland motorists are expected to travel this year, but Memorial Day weekend 2013 will still be one of the busiest of the past 12 years, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic. “It appears changing current economic conditions as a result of sequestration, which has impacted the wallets of many, may be influencing some residents’ uneasiness to travel this Memorial Day holiday,” said Ragina C. Averella, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. More than 718,000 Marylanders are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home this weekend—down 1.2 percent from Memorial Day weekend 2012. AAA estimates 91 percent of those traveling will go by motor vehicle, with the average roundtrip totaling 737 miles—up from 570 miles last …

Friday is National 'Don’t Fry Day'

National Melanoma Awareness Month highlights the dangers of sun exposure.

The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be more than 76,000 cases of malignant melanoma—the most serious form of skin cancer—diagnosed in the U.S. in 2013 alone. One American dies every hour from skin cancer, according to ACS estimates. Friday marks the beginning of Memorial Day Weekend 2013 and the unofficial beginning of summer days of fun in the sun. In an effort to raise awareness of the dangers of overexposure to ultraviolet rays, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has declared Friday “Don’t Fry Day.”  May is National Melanoma Awareness Month. People with lighter-toned skin, a family history of skin cancer, abundant moles/freckles and/or those who experienced severe sunburns early in their lives, are at a …

Where's the Cheapest Gas in Greenbelt?

With Memorial Day coming up, use this gas price widget to find the lowest price of the moment.

Nationwide, gas prices were predicted to be lower this summer compared to the last three years, but that won't translate into savings at the pump this Memorial Day weekend, experts said. Click here for a full-screen view of the gas price map. If you don't see a map of our local area, click the magnifying glass in the upper right to enter your address. "Motorists this year are facing rising gas prices heading into the Memorial Day holiday," said Michael Green, a AAA spokesman, adding that Memorial Day 2013 would probably be the most expensive since 2011. In past years, prices have declined heading into early summer as oil refineries produced more gasoline to meet expected summer driving demand. This year, though, Midwest refineries haven't …

Ask Dr. Allergeez

Maryland Schools Required to Carry Epinephrine Injectors, But is it Safe?

An Upper Marlboro doctor discusses how schools prepare to safeguard students with allergies.

Q: I just heard that there are some states that require public schools to have epinephrine injectors not targeted for a specific child available in case of an emergency.  Is this safe?  - Sydney, Crofton A:  This is a perfect topic to discuss as Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)’s Food Allergy Awareness Week, was last week.  What you are referring to is called the “stock” epinephrine law, which has been enacted by about 20 states thus far, including Maryland and Virginia.  It requires schools to keep epinephrine stocked for use in case of an emergency for children who do not have their own prescription epinephrine injectors at the school. When someone comes into contact with a food allergen, an immune response is triggered and …

Get Out Greenbelt: Kenny Chesney Concert, Bike Rally, Face Painting at the Movies

Looking for some exciting things to do this weekend? Check out some of the fun things going on around town.

Each week, Patch puts together a list of local activities and events going on in your area this weekend.  Check back weekly and tell us in the comments if you know of any additional activities coming up. To submit an event in the Patch events calendar, click on “Events” at the top of the page and then click on the green "Add an event" button on the right side of the page. FREE Face Painting for Movie Goers - EPIC 8th Annual Rivers to Rockets Bike Rally Kenny Chesney’s “No Shoes Nation” Tour Car Wash Fundraiser Latin Festival 2013 FREE Movie Night - "An Incredible Diet - Healthy from the Inside Out" Bowie Baysox Game Community Day at Pointer Ridge Swim and Racquet Club BenT but not Broken Benefit Concert   To submit an event in the Patch …

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Homes For Sale in Greenbelt This Week

Find homes for sale in Greenbelt on this page every week, from our partners at Zillow.

  Best resources for Greenbelt Real Estate Century 21 Trademark Realty Marius Realtors Realty 1 City Resources:

Memorial Day BBQ? 8 Money-Saving Tricks (Sponsored)

Who’s NOT planning a BBQ this weekend? If the weather holds and you’ve got propane or charcoal, chances are, you’re grilling something with your friends and family. Here, new ideas for keeping your costs down. Sponsored by Home Depot.

 Here at Patch, we like to be thrifty, so we talked to two barbeque experts and uncovered some really good ideas to help you save money on your next outdoor party.   1. Start with a marinade. This means planning ahead -- say, Friday. But it’s worth it, says Rick Browne, host of Barbeque America on PBS, because you can pass up that well-marbled ribeye steak and buy a less tender and less expensive choice to grill like a flank steak or chuck steak. Just marinate it or brine for one or two days and then cook long and slow on the barbeque grill to break down tissues but maintain moisture. “You need to include an acid in the marinade, perhaps juice, vinegar or soy sauce, but avoid cola which is so acidic it can turn meat into a soggy mess.” Try…

High School Graduations to Bring Friends, Family, Traffic

Here's the list of commencement ceremonies scheduled for the University of Maryland Comcast Center.

High school graduation ceremonies can be a memorable experience, especially if shared with friends and family. And if those friends all drive their own cars and the family is a big one—high school graduation traffic has the potential to be memorable, as well. Several Prince George’s County high schools are holding graduation ceremonies in the University of Maryland’s Comcast Center this year, and as a result, anyone headed to campus should expect some heavy traffic and parking difficulties. Parking for graduation ceremonies will be in the surface lot surrounding the Center, according to a statement released by the university. On the days of the ceremonies, traffic will be heaviest at the intersections of Campus Drive and Route One, and …

Mutts Matter: Little Guy With a Big Personality

Duke is a fun-loving, young miniature pinscher mix who gets along well with everyone and is looking for his new family.

Hey guys, my name is Duke and I’m very pleased to meet you! I’m a charming and energetic one-and-a-half-to-two-year-old miniature pinscher mix with loads of personality. I’m the complete package: smart, social, affectionate and playful, with a little mischief mixed in to keep things interesting. I only weigh about 12 pounds, but I’m no shrinking violet, and can run and play with the best of them. Sadly, my owners surrendered me to a shelter in Maryland, and said they just didn’t want me anymore. I don’t understand it, but I’m better off without those guys anyway. I was pretty scared in the shelter and realize how lucky I am to make it out alive. I’ve settled into home life now, and am so thankful for my second chance and the opportunity to…

Red White and Blue

10:41 am on Thursday, May 23, 2013

what good looking animal, hope he does find a great home with a couple little kids to play with.   more ›

Jobs Near Greenbelt: Fundraising Coordinator, Animal Caretaker

Looking to work somewhere closer to home? Here are some options.

If you’re looking for a green job in Greenbelt, check out our jobs page.

Got a Hot Tip?