From the President's Pen

by George Gadbois, RCF President

I hope everyone has had a safe and relaxing summer. As vacations wind down and we get ready for school to start, as well as prepare for a new football season, we also look forward to our last summer holiday weekend.

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. Many states enacted legislation to make Labor Day a holiday. On June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a Federal holiday. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership – the American worker. Remember to display your US flag on Labor Day weekend. (The historical information above was taken in part from the dol.gov website.)

Autumn is now here, and for many this means less outdoor activities and more time indoors. For parents, this means being extra vigilant to keep your children safe and healthy. Here are some seasonal tips:

Allergies and Asthma – Know the food, clothing, decorations and environments to avoid to prevent reactions and attacks. Although many people often think that seasonal allergies are only bad in the spring, autumn can be just as bad, or worse, when ragweed and mold counts are high.

Back To School Safety– As children are now back in school, it is important to learn to help them get to and from school safely.

Halloween Safety – Halloween is a fun time for kids, but it is also an important time to be extra vigilant for possible safety hazards so that your children have a fun and safe Halloween. Homeowners should prepare their home for trickor- treaters by removing obstacles from the front yard, restraining dogs and other animals, and lighting the house well. Provide treats that are individually wrapped candy or offer kids nonfood treats, such as stickers and erasers.

Halloween Costumes – Since popular costumes are sold out quickly, it is not too early to shop for or plan to make your child’s Halloween costume. And that means thinking about how to make sure that costume is safe.

Flu Shots – The influenza season in the United States is usually from the middle of November to April each year. A flu shot can help protect your child from getting infected with the influenza virus.

Heating System Inspections – As the weather turns colder throughout much of the country, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges consumers to have a professional inspection of all fuel-burning heating systems – including furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, water heaters and space heaters – to detect potentially deadly carbon monoxide (CO) leaks. This information and more can be found at: www.keepkidshealthy.com.

Enjoy the fall beauty with an afternoon on Skyline Drive.

Consider volunteering at Manna’s food bank in Rockville as they begin to stock for winter.