What an awesome turnout on Monday for Biking with Beasock! More than 35 children participated, and there were parents biking, walking and running along as well. The route was shortened from 2.5 miles to a little more than a mile due to Monday's excessive heat and humidity. The smiles were wide upon the riders' return, especially once the ice cream truck pulled up!

Many thanks to the police officers from Prince George's County, the city of Laurel and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission who participated. Thanks also to the Boy Scouts and the many neighbors who helped out with water stops and transport, as well as the West Laurel Civic Association for sponsoring this event.

Special summer splashdown sessions at the Swim Club

The West Laurel Swim Club will close at 7 p.m. tonight for the Summer Splash, at 6 p.m. Saturday for the Adult Social, at 5 p.m. July 23 for the West Laurel Swim Team Fun Night and again at 7 p.m. Aug. 18 for the “End of Summer Splash.”

Come out Saturday night and enjoy good food, drinks, relaxing at the pool and sharing time with your friends and neighbors. The West Laurel Swim Club Adult Social features music by West Laurel's own Jerry Burke. Beefalo Bob's will provide on-site cooked pit beef, pit turkey, pit ham, shredded beef BBQ, hamburgers and hot dogs as well as fresh fruit and hot/cold side items, all you can drink beer, frozen margaritas and daiquiris, water and soda. You do not need to be a member of the West Laurel Swim Club. Members pay $30 while nonmembers pay $35. To sign up or for more information, call Howard Rosenberg at 301-919-8836 or stop by the Swim Club.

Get a hit to help charity

On a personal note, it's been more than 10 years since my 17-year old son, Eric, was diagnosed with Long QT, a Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes condition. SADS are genetic heart conditions that can cause sudden death in young, apparently healthy people. The SADS Foundation works to increase awareness of SADS conditions among the public and medical professionals alike. State Farm and Major League Baseball have teamed up to create “Go to Bat,” an online charitable initiative supporting a number of worthwhile charities, including the SADS Foundation. Visit www.statefarm.com/gotobat, select your charity please consider SADS and take your shot at winning one of the $18,000 weekly donations to your charity and a trip for two to the 2011 World Series.