News in brief for Monday, Nov. 9, 2009

Nov. 9, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- YM hosts Parents Night Out

The Hanover YMCA will host a Parents Night Out 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, for children in kindergarten through fifth grade.

This is an opportunity for parents to take time for dinner, a movie or holiday shopping while their children participate in a variety of activities. Participants will enjoy swimming, games, crafts, a movie and snack.

The fee is $13 per child if registered by Nov. 17; after Nov. 17, the fee per child is $23.

For more information, visit the website at www.hanoverymca.org or call 632-8211.

Hospital offers free health screening

In commemoration of November's World COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Day, COPD Awareness Month, Lung Cancer Awareness Month and the Great American Smokeout Day, Hanover Hospital and the Coalition for Lung Health will sponsor a free lung health education and screening event Thursday, Nov. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the North Hanover Mall.

Members of the Pulmonary Services staff will be on hand to provide free spirometry (lung function) tests, COPD and asthma educational materials, and information about Hanover's nationally recognized Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program.

Spirometry is a simple lung function test for those at risk for lung disease, including smokers, those with chronic exposure to chemicals and/or fumes, and those with chronic symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, wheeze or excessive mucous production. The results of this test are used to assess conditions such as COPD, asthma and other lung diseases.

In addition, our tobacco cessation coordinator will provide free no-obligation quit consultations and educational materials. Smokers will be challenged to take the Great American Smokeout Day pledge and "quit for a day" with the chance to win prizes. As a show of support for those smokers taking the pledge, nonsmokers who sign on to give up a habit of their own for a day will be entered into the drawing to win prizes as well.

Gettysburg business decorating contest

For the first time, the Gettysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau is sponsoring a holiday decorating contest for businesses in the borough.

The storefront decorating contest begins Nov. 27 and runs until Jan. 1. Only businesses, not residences, are eligible for the $500 prize.

Decorations must be visible from the street and fit the theme, "The Sounds of the Holidays in Gettysburg." Also, decorations must be up by Nov. 27 and remain up until Jan. 1.

Judging will take place anytime during that period. All participants much register with the visitors bureau by Nov. 23.

Interested merchants can register by contacting Stacey Fox at the Gettysburg CVB and providing a contact name, business name, business address, phone number, email address and website.

There is no fee to participate. Participants can either call 338-1052, e-mail sfox@gettysburg.travel or mail the information to Gettysburg CVB, 571 W. Middle St., Gettysburg, PA 17325, Attn: Decorating Contest.

Winners of the $500 first place prize and second and third place prizes will be notified by Jan. 8.

Breast Cancer Support Group to meet

The Hanover Area Breast Cancer Support Group will hold its monthly meeting 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, at a new starting time of 6 p.m. at LifeChanges Boutique, 400 York St., in the Hanover Community Health and Education Building.

For those who have just been diagnosed with breast cancer, or anyone who has been a survivor for many years. Share in the knowledge, experience, love and support that the Hanover Area Breast Cancer Support Group provides.

From the beginning, the group has provided hundreds of women with the comfort of knowing that other women have walked in their shoes and survived, that there are friends to lean on when those extra words of encouragement are needed, and that there IS life after breast cancer.

Meetings are held 6 p.m. every third Monday of each month at LifeChanges Boutique.

Newstex ID: KRTB-1031-39559709