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Step up and be 1 of 100
By Jim Izzo

1 of 100 is a “campaign to allow local businesses to demonstrate their support of early childhood development; it’s a way for them to show support for our programs,” says Paul Scott, executive director of Williamsburg Childhood Development Resources. Businesses are invited to make an investment of $250 or more to become 1of 100. The campaign, which originated about eight months ago, is off to a “quick start,” according to Scott. More than 40 local businesses, “old friends and new supporters,” have joined the campaign so far.
Childhood Development Resources (CDR) is a nonprofit organization that provides services to young children and families in the Historic Triangle. These services include health insurance, housing, transportation, education and safety in their homes. More than 1,000 children benefit from CDR services each year, approximately 90% of which take place in the home.
Studies have shown that children who receive quality early childhood services show improved social and emotional behavior, higher school completion rates, increased earning potential and economic self-sufficiency.
“We’re doing 1 of 100 because we believe businesses have a unique appreciation for a good return on investment. For every dollar spent on early development, there is a return of $7-$17 over the lifetime of an at-risk child,” says Allison Brody, director of development at CDR. The top three priorities of CDR are “to ensure that children can live life to their fullest potential, to provide high quality early childhood development programs, and to ensure that every child and pregnant woman have access to affordable, comprehensive health coverage and services from birth to three years of age,” according to the organization’s website, www.1of100.cdr.org The first priority is crucial because 90% of a child’s brain development occurs between birth and age five. The second priority exists because only 3% of eligible infants and young children (0-3) currently are enrolled in Early Head Start programs (CDR operates such a program for 120 children at present.) The third priority is important because nearly nine million children and more than 500, 000 pregnant women in this country are uninsured, which means that communities incur increased costs for emergency room visits and hospital stays. CDR administers a Comprehensive Health Investment Program (CHIP) throughout the Historic Triangle. The net savings to the public for children (from pregnancy to age one) receiving services are $2,287 per child. Local businesses are not the only source of support for CDR and early childhood services, according to Paul Scott. The Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, in its 2009 legislative agenda, expressed support in a health care and human services section. A law enforcement website titled “Fight Crime – Invest in Kids” is another source of support. The state’s last two governors have been supportive as well. “A variety of groups are stepping up,” says Scott. “The business community got involved as a long-term quality of life issue. They’re passionate about early childhood services. We hope it’s a mutually beneficial relationship.”


PROTECTING YOURSELF AGAINST THE ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITO


With the Fourth of July holiday approaching, now is the time when Virginians are focusing on the traditional activities of summer, including an increase in time spent outdoors for everything from barbecues to hiking to athletic events and days at the beach. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Mosquito Control Association (VMCA) are working together to increase public awareness about another, less enjoyable part of summer--the threat that mosquitoes pose to their health.

Every summer, thousands of Virginians contact their local and state government officials about mosquito problems in their neighborhoods. In most cases the mosquitoes turn out to be Asian tiger mosquitoes, often found in containers of water on or near a citizen’s property.

“Asian tiger mosquitoes are small black and white mosquitoes and are known as ‘container breeders,’” explained David Gaines, PhD, Public Health Entomologist at the VDH. Their aquatic breeding habitats are artificial or natural containers that hold water. “A container holding a gallon of water and sitting in the shade will still hold water for months after the last rain,” said Gaines. “An Asian tiger mosquito larva can complete its development into an adult biting mosquito in as little as a tablespoon of water.”

Asian tiger mosquitoes are only active during daylight hours, but generally avoid open sunlight. This is a particular problem in neighborhoods that have a lot of shade and where the mosquitoes usually inhabit the foliage of a bush or shrub, waiting for a person or animal to walk by. Unlike other mosquito species, they are more likely to bite a person on the ankles, and the back sides of arms and legs.

“Asian tiger mosquitoes are a potential health threat in Virginia because they can transmit diseases that include West Nile virus, La Crosse encephalitis, and Eastern equine encephalitis,” explained Gaines.

Lane Carr, VMCA President, says the presence of mosquitoes easily can be reduced. “If you are having problems, focus on container habitats first. Inspect your property once a week, April through October. Be sure to look under decks or in tarps for hidden pockets of water. Reducing or eliminating the production of mosquitoes around your home will help you and your neighbors have a safe and enjoyable outdoor life this summer,” said Carr. In addition, the following tips will protect people from mosquito-borne diseases.

Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing.
If possible, stay indoors when mosquitoes are biting.
EPA registered products that provide repellent activity sufficient to help people avoid the bites of mosquitoes: DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or PMD, or IR3535. Check detailed instructions and precautions before using.
Turn over or remove containers in your yard where water collects, such as old tires, potted plant trays, buckets and toys, etc,.
Eliminate standing water on tarps or flat roofs.
Clean out birdbaths and wading pools once a week.
Clean roof gutters and downspout screens.
Install or repair door and window screens.
For more information about prevention mosquito borne diseases call your local health department or visit the following web sites-

 

Fireworks illegal in James City County
In James City County, the use, possession, display, sale and storage of fireworks is prohibited. This includes fireworks that are legally purchased elsewhere under state law. Violations are class 1 misdemeanors and may be jailed for twelve months and/or fined up to $2,500.
County residents who have purchased or are in possession of fireworks are encouraged to turn them in at any County Fire Station or to call the Fire Marshal’s Office at 220-0626 for assistance. Individuals voluntarily surrendering fireworks will not be criminally charged.
Fireworks displays conducted with a permit issued by the James City County Fire Marshal’s Office are exempt.
For more information or education about fireworks and/or fire safety, visit www.jccegov.com .