Prescription Drug Roundup is Oct. 29

Partnership Douglas County and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office encourage everyone to properly dispose of all expired, unused, or unwanted medications at the Prescription Drug Roundup 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Oct. 29 at the DCSO, 1038 Buckeye Road in Minden.

Created in 2009, Prescription Drug Roundup events are held twice per year in April and October. These events offer the public an opportunity to get rid of medications in a secure and effective manner, thus helping to prevent misuse or theft and promoting a healthier and safer community.

Over-the-counter pills and vitamins; prescription liquids, pills, and patches; medication samples, and pet medications can be brought to the roundup. Aerosol cans, inhalers, syringes, hydrogen peroxide, ointments, and other liquids will not be accepted. Medications should be left in the original container with any identifying information marked out.

Anyone not able to make it to the event can drop medications off at a number of safe disposal receptacles in Douglas County, which are available year round. Boxes are accessible in the following locations at the following times:

• Carson Valley Medical Center Emergency Department, 1107 Hwy 395 N in Gardnerville, open 24/7.

• Lake Tahoe Law Enforcement Building, 175 Hwy 50 in Stateline, open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

• Sheriff’s Office in Minden, open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

This year’s roundup coincides with Red Ribbon Week, an annual drug prevention awareness campaign held every Oct. 23-31 that encourages communities to take a visible stand against drugs.

Red Ribbon Week was started by the National Family Partnership following the death of Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was killed by drug traffickers in 1985.

Soon after his death, citizens from his hometown of Calexico, California, began wearing red ribbons in remembrance of Camarena and to honor his service.

The event is now recognized nationwide, with millions of people participating by wearing red ribbons, taking part in anti-drug events, and pledging to live lives free from drugs.

More information and resources can be found at dea.gov/redribbon.

Meteor shower peaks this week

Nighttime skywatchers can rejoice over the return of the Orionids meteor shower. This annual sky show takes place each fall during October and November, and this year’s shower peak happens tomorrow night.

Planet Earth is currently traveling through an area in space that contains dust and debris from Comet Halley’s trail. If material from the trail enters Earth’s atmosphere at a high speed and burns up, it can result in what we sometimes call “shooting stars.”

The Orionids are named for Orion, the constellation that appears to be the origin point for this particular meteor shower. The meteors don’t actually come from the constellation but looking toward Orion can serve as a reference point when trying to spot them.

The waning moon won’t rise until after 2 a.m. and its light shouldn’t impact visibility too much. I usually have decent luck just snuggling beneath a blanket in my backyard and softening my gaze as I look upward, which is what I’ll be doing tomorrow night. It pays to be patient.

A NASA video featuring other October skywatching highlights and tips can be found at youtube.com/watch?v=93IHYbvv7NM.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.