In Brief

Forums on Staph Infection

Five Montgomery County hospitals are hosting free community forums in March to educate residents on how to prevent the contraction and spread of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, a form of staph infection that is resistant to certain antibiotics.

The forums will feature pediatricians, nurses, doctors who specialize in infectious diseases and others who will discuss the facts and myths about MRSA and answer questions. The sessions are part of a statewide initiative of the Maryland Hospital Association.

In December, a special education teacher at Herbert Hoover Middle School in Potomac died as a result of the bacteria. This month, a student at Wootton High School in Rockville had MRSA diagnosed, and a staff member at Bells Mill Elementary School in Bethesda received a diagnosis in January. Since October, there have been more than 50 cases reported among students in Montgomery County public schools.

Here is the schedule of forums:

¿ 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, hosted by Shady Grove Adventist Hospital at the Universities of Shady Grove, Building 1 Auditorium, 9630 Gudelsky Dr., Rockville. 301-279-6000.

¿ 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Holy Cross Hospital Professional and Community Education Center, auditoriums A and C, 1500 Forest Glen Rd., Silver Spring. 301-754-8800.

¿ 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 13, Suburban Hospital, 8600 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda. Registration required. 301-896-3939.

¿ 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 18, Montgomery General Hospital Community Learning Center, 18101 Prince Philip Dr., Olney. Registration required. 301-774-8881.

¿ 7 to 9 p.m. March 26, Washington Adventist Hospital, 7600 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park. 301-891-7600.

Metal Recycling Challenge

The communities of Cabin John and Carderock Springs are competing in a seven-week Scrap Metal Recycling Challenge to encourage the recycling of unwanted and unusable scrap metal items.

In the competition, which runs from Saturday to April 18, residents of the two communities will try to collect more scrap metal.

All residents of single-family houses in Montgomery County can call for pickup of large scrap metal items such as appliances, lawn mowers, microwaves, swing sets, refrigerators and other similar items. Call the Division of Solid Waste Services at 240-777-6410 by 11 a.m. the day before a regular recycling collection day and arrange for a pickup.

For information about scrap metal and other recycling programs, call 240-777-6410 or go to http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/recycling.

City Manager Sought

As part of Gaithersburg's search for a city manager, a representative from Alliance Resource Consulting LLC will host a community open house from 6 to 8 p.m. today to receive public comment on favored candidate qualities and qualifications for the job. With input from elected officials, staff and the community, the firm is expected to take about six months to conduct a national search for a candidate.

David B. Humpton retired in October after working for the city more than 22 years, including 12 years as city manager. James D. Arnoult, the director of the Department of Public Works, Park Maintenance and Engineering, has been acting city manager since Humpton's departure.

For more information, call 301-258-6310.

-- Compiled by MICHAEL TUNISON