THE IRAQI WAR COMES TO AN END
Our Attention Must Focus on Our Returning Troops
Senator Cardin visits with soldiers at the Warrior Transition Unit at Ft. Meade.
Dear Friends:
I want to commend President Obama for moving to end a long, painful chapter in our nation’s history by announcing the full withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of the year. Over the past nine years, I joined millions of Americans in praying for the safe return of the nearly one million troops and diplomats who served in harm’s way in Iraq. The President’s announcement means our hopes have been fulfilled, and that our brave men and women in uniform will be coming home after what at times has seemed like a war with no end.
While we celebrate the courage, excellence and love of country that our returning troops exhibited in Iraq, we solemnly remember the more than 4,700 Americans, including 83 Marylanders, who selflessly gave their lives for the future stability and peace of Iraq. They showed bravery and heroism during fierce fighting and in situations that were often brutal and horrifying. We are forever grateful to them and their families for all they have sacrificed for our nation.
We also remember the more than 100,000 Iraqi civilians who perished during the war, and we share in the grief of their families and loved ones. It is my real hope that the memory of all those who sacrificed – Americans and Iraqis -- will inspire Iraq’s leadership to bring real stability and peace to the nation.
From the very beginning, I opposed the Bush Administration’s lack of strategic planning in the implementation of the war. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, I voted against granting President Bush the authority to invade Iraq in 2003. We cannot change the past and it’s now time for us to focus on the needs of our nation while the Iraqis take full responsibility for the security and sustainability of their own country.
After nearly a decade in Iraq, America has learned the importance of a more thoughtful and multilateral approach to foreign policy, characteristics that were too often absent from much of our mission in Iraq. Our success in removing Moammar Gadhafi from power in Libya proves that America can act in concert with other nations -- without putting U.S. boots on the ground -- in achieving our foreign policy goals.
Now that our troops are finally coming home, we will do everything possible to support the health and well-being of the brave men and women returning home from war. Unemployment today among veterans is too high. Nearly 32,000 soldiers were wounded in battle and our attention now needs to be on making sure that they and their families have the resources and support they need to fully recover and resume their lives. We owe them no less.
Sincerely,
(Senator Ben Cardin's Statement/Letter)
Friday, October 28, 2011
THE IRAQI WAR COMES TO AN END
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
FEMA, DHS and FCC will conduct First National Test of the Nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS)
On November 9th FEMA, DHS and FCC will conduct the first national test of the Nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) test. This test will kick off at 2:00 p.m. (EST). The test will be nationwide, running concurrently across all time zones.
This system test is the first of its kind. It is designed to broadcast a nationwide message to the American public. Nothing like it has been conducted in the history of the country. There have been tests in the past but none to all parts of the Nation at the same time. The test will run concurrently on all radio and TV band and the message will run for three (3) minutes. Most messages in the past were anywhere from 30 seconds to 1 minute.
There is great concern in local police and emergency management circles about undue public anxiety over this test. The test message on TV might not indicate that it is just a test. Fear is that the lack of an explanation message might create panic. Please share this information with your family and friends so they are aware of the test.
Below are two websites, that will provide more information regarding this test.
http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm
https://nationaldialogue-emergencyalertsystem.ideascale.com/
Need more information? Contact Jim Flynn 240-417-9098 cell
This system test is the first of its kind. It is designed to broadcast a nationwide message to the American public. Nothing like it has been conducted in the history of the country. There have been tests in the past but none to all parts of the Nation at the same time. The test will run concurrently on all radio and TV band and the message will run for three (3) minutes. Most messages in the past were anywhere from 30 seconds to 1 minute.
There is great concern in local police and emergency management circles about undue public anxiety over this test. The test message on TV might not indicate that it is just a test. Fear is that the lack of an explanation message might create panic. Please share this information with your family and friends so they are aware of the test.
Below are two websites, that will provide more information regarding this test.
http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm
https://nationaldialogue-emergencyalertsystem.ideascale.com/
Need more information? Contact Jim Flynn 240-417-9098 cell
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
DEA is to Unused Prescription Drugs OUT of your HOME
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is sponsoring a third National Take Back Initiative for unwanted and unused prescription drugs on October 29, 2011 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. The Mount Rainier Police Department is a proud co-sponsor of this important initiative.
The DEA reports that over 309 tons of drugs were turned in during the last two events.
Prescription drug abuse continues to be a serious health issue among Americans. Removing expired and/or no longer needed drugs from the home can assist in curtailing illegal and dangerous drug diversion, as well as ensure these drugs are not flushed into our waters.
Individuals can turn in their unused, expired or no longer needed prescription or over the counter drugs at the Mount Rainier Police Department located at 3249 Rhode Island Avenue this Saturday, October 29th between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm.
For further information please call 301-985-6580.
The DEA reports that over 309 tons of drugs were turned in during the last two events.
Prescription drug abuse continues to be a serious health issue among Americans. Removing expired and/or no longer needed drugs from the home can assist in curtailing illegal and dangerous drug diversion, as well as ensure these drugs are not flushed into our waters.
Individuals can turn in their unused, expired or no longer needed prescription or over the counter drugs at the Mount Rainier Police Department located at 3249 Rhode Island Avenue this Saturday, October 29th between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm.
For further information please call 301-985-6580.
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Halloween at the Farm
Looking for a fun event for the family check out the Halloween at the Farm
Old Maryland Farm at Watkins Park in Upper Marlboro/Mitchellville, MD
Sunday, October 23 4 - 7 pm
$2 per person (adult and kids)
Hayrides, costume contest, treats, live animal show, crafts, farm animals
NO pony rides this year – they have taken ponies out of the park permanently
301 218 6770
Also, between 1 and 4 you can ride the carousel, train, and have popcorn, a hayride and crafts—unlimited for $5
Old Maryland Farm at Watkins Park in Upper Marlboro/Mitchellville, MD
Sunday, October 23 4 - 7 pm
$2 per person (adult and kids)
Hayrides, costume contest, treats, live animal show, crafts, farm animals
NO pony rides this year – they have taken ponies out of the park permanently
301 218 6770
Also, between 1 and 4 you can ride the carousel, train, and have popcorn, a hayride and crafts—unlimited for $5
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
14th Annual 2012 Teen Cotillion
MNCPPC's 14th Annual Teen Cotillion is a 16-week co-ed comprehensive program that runs from January-May, 2012 for young men (beaus) and women (debs) ages 14-17. Through a series of workshops, special events, service learning projects and more, the 2012 Teen Cotillion program offers leadership and growth opportunities to participants. Career development, etiquette, social skills and team building activities are included in the program.
Debs and beaus are selected from among a group of teens who complete applications and submit essays. Applicants write inspiring essays about leadership and about pursuing their dreams. The Teen Cotillion program promotes positive leadership skills and is designed to inspire youth to take the steps needed to attain their dreams. This extraordinary 16-week program ends with a spring Cotillion ceremony—a formal, coming-out gala where these young adults make their debuts before families and friends.
To obain the application, please click below.
http://www.mncppcapps.org/pgparks/xtreme_teens/cotillion/cotillion_registration.asp
2012 Teen Cotillion Interest Meeting
To learn more about participating, you are invited to attend the 2012 Teen Cotillion Interest Meeting for Parents and Teens (ages 14-17) on Wednesday, November 9, 2011, from 7-9 pm at the Prince George's Ballroom. Pre-register at any M-NCPPC community center in Prince George's County for SMARTlink course barcode #696814.
Debs and beaus are selected from among a group of teens who complete applications and submit essays. Applicants write inspiring essays about leadership and about pursuing their dreams. The Teen Cotillion program promotes positive leadership skills and is designed to inspire youth to take the steps needed to attain their dreams. This extraordinary 16-week program ends with a spring Cotillion ceremony—a formal, coming-out gala where these young adults make their debuts before families and friends.
To obain the application, please click below.
http://www.mncppcapps.org/pgparks/xtreme_teens/cotillion/cotillion_registration.asp
2012 Teen Cotillion Interest Meeting
To learn more about participating, you are invited to attend the 2012 Teen Cotillion Interest Meeting for Parents and Teens (ages 14-17) on Wednesday, November 9, 2011, from 7-9 pm at the Prince George's Ballroom. Pre-register at any M-NCPPC community center in Prince George's County for SMARTlink course barcode #696814.
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
From the Desk of The Mayor October 2011
It has been a while since I have had or taken the time to try to collect in one place all that is going on around our wonderful City. Thank God, we have other members of the Council that send out updates about our many activities. Here are some things that may not be on your horizon from other sources.
ANACOSTIA HOURS
GLUT has a growing surplus of Hours. Members are encouraged to patronize GLUT, and it's clear that many people have. But we also need to guard against overburdening GLUT with too many Hours.
Short-term, the solution is not hard: Hours users can buy groceries with US dollars, and receive Hours in change. Or you can simply buy Hours from GLUT's cash register at the exchange rate of 1 Hour = $10. This will reduce the surplus to a more comfortable level, and help achieve the desired circulation of Hours into the community.
Longer term, the idea is to use the Hours for diverse goods and services - not just one store. The 2011 (yellow) directory, including the monthly additions list of new members, includes more offerings than ever. For example: bread and other baked goods, tutoring in academic subjects for elementary school kids, plumbing, handyman services, professional audio recording, music lessons, a lawyer, a realtor, web design and IT consultation, haircuts, and more.
Diversification is the key! Use your Hours around town for various goods and services. GLUT has been a supporter of Hours for years. Let's keep the Hours circulating and avoid a bottleneck at GLUT.
Many thanks for supporting local economic self-reliance!
WELCOME TO ALL NEW RESIDENTS
The past year has seen a tremendous growth of new residents in the City, and they have come invigorated and ready to work. Many of our new residents have joined committees, reached out to their new neighbors, attended a Council meeting or other activity in the City. This is inspiring and uplifting. Thank you for making Mount Rainier your new home and we hope that you will continue to be a part of the City. If you have not found a Committee that you are interested in joining , don't worry, we are always open to new committees, new ideas, and individuality. That is why we have "The Glut," "Nisey's," "Joe's," and, of course, the green police station, a round-about on a State Highway, and one of the first green rooftops in the metropolitan area. As with you new home, explore Mount Rainier, you will find a lot of reasons to love living here. I did 43 years ago, and I am still excited about the possibilities that lie within its borders!
PARTNERING WITH NORTH BRENTWOOD
In today's world of crisis economic and crisis management, it is harder to get things done without partners. Over the past few months, there have been discussions about the heavy snows that we had a few years ago, and how to get more of the money from the federal government when there is a snow emergency and we use up all of our allocations. Well, one of the things that keeps coming up is partnering. Municipalities working together to make limited resources go farther. With that in mind, the Mayor and Council are in discussions with the Town of North Brentwood to share snow removal activities this winter. Over the past few weeks, Luther Smith and Mayor Petrella Robinson have walked the streets of North Brentwood to see what additional resources would be needed to do snow removal in both municipalities. It is my hope that this will be the first step in an inter-beltway snow removal consortium that would include, Mount Rainier, Brentwood, North Brentwood, and Cottage City. Pooling our resources, these municipalities could share cost, services, resources, and best practices for handling snow emergencies.
GOING GREEN
As many, if not all of you know, Mount Rainier is one of the greenest communities in the Washington metropolitan area http://www.dccondoloft.com/top-ten-green-neighborhoods-in-the-dc-metropolitan-area/. This is only half the story. Over the past few months, we have been visited by Sean Gavin from EPA to verify that we are a green community. Sean walked our police station. Visited our City Hall. Toured our Artists Loft and green roof. Saw and talked with residents who had no clue who he was, and learned from them first hand that green is a way of life in Mount Rainier and not a fad that just took life. As a result of his tour of our City, he now uses Mount Rainier in his speeches around the Country to tell other communities how baby steps over a long period of time will make a difference in our environmental footstep on our planet. So, just to keep up our momentum here is what is going on and what you can do:
1. Mount Rainier is one of the fourteen founders of Sustainable Maryland Certified (SMC) http://www.sustainablemaryland.com/ , and organization growing out of the University of Maryland to help municipalities go green and stay green. This program is modeled after Sustainable New Jersey Certified.
2. To achieve our BRONZE recognition, we must carry our several projects and reach 150 point by June 2012. Please visit this site http://www.sustainablemaryland.com/actionlist.php to see what must be done. We have accomplished many of the task on the list, but there are still others that we must do and report.
3. The major task is to form a green team that is representative of our entire community. We have all of the components, but they are fragmented and must come together under one umbrella to meet the requirements of SMC. Your Mayor and Council is working on this and making it a priority.
4. We MUST recycle. Recycling is more than bottle, can, and cardboard. We can recycle clothes, containers, bikes, pots and pans and a whole lot more. Get creative, and report out on what you are doing to help Mount Rainier grow green.
5. Visit our website. Visit our cable channel. Read our newsletter. Talk with your neighbors. Going Green is a mind set and should be ever present on your mind.
6. Mount Rainier met all of the qualifications to become registered with Maryland's Green Registry http://mde.maryland.gov/marylandgreen/Pages/GreenMembersList.aspx. Next goal is to win the Maryland Green Registry' gold award.
7. The Environmental Protection Board has taken off running to put in place a green plan for the City of Mount Rainier. The plan will be introduced to the Mayor and Council at its next work session. Residents are encouraged to get a copy, review it, comment on it, and embrace it as our way of reducing our footprint on our environment.
8. October 27 - 29, 2011: Maryland Clean Energy Summit. This event has been rescheduled to take place at the Hilton Inner Harbor in Baltimore. A discount registration rate is available through October 7th and the final registration date is October 21st. Note that the Consumer Trade Show on Saturday 10/29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. is free to the public. For more information go towww.mcecsummit.org or call 301-738-6280.
TOOL SHED RE-OPENS
With the push of Devon Brown and Joe Robbins, the Mount Rainier Tool Shed will re-open for business on October 29, 2011. The new Tool Shed Committee members are Evan Wilder, Chairperson, Mimi McKinley-Ward, Rebecca Lane, Kathryn Wolfe, and Anthony Brown. This new Committee invites the community to come out and see the tool shed, have a glass of cider and some very healthy treats while learning about composting. The event will take place from 10:00am on Saturday, October 29, 2011 to 12:30pm. Got some old tools that could be recycled within the neighborhood? The Mount Rainier Tool Shed is just the place to get those tools working hard for you and the community. Donate. You will be glad that you did.
JOINING A MOUNT RAINIER COMMITTEE
It has been impressive and heartwarming to see new members joining the various committees in Mount Rainier. If you have not joined a committee, here is the golden opportunity to do so. For your consideration, here is a list of committees with an asterisk by those that need your membership, ideas, and creative juices:
Gateway Community Development Corporation (CDC)* Branding/Development in the Gateway Arts District
Personnel Review Committee Oversee and ensure proper implementation of City personnel policies and procedures and union contracts
Emergency Preparedness* Responsible for preparation and implementation of City’s emergency plan for elderly and disabled residents
Anacostia Trails Historical Association (ATHA) ATHA is a composition of municipalities along the Anacostia that seeks to preserve its heritage
Mixed Use Town Center Design Review Committee (MUTC) The Town Center Design Review Committee is the official name given to a group of municipal representatives, residents, and business/property owners who review applications for, and make recommendations on, exterior renovations and new development in Mount Rainier’s Mixed-Use Town Center Zone. This zone extends along Rhode Island Avenue from the city limits at Eastern Avenue into the 3400 block, and along 34th Street from the 3700 block into the 4000 block; it also includes part of Bunker Hill Road.
Tool Shed*
Community Tool Shed Loans, tracks, and replaces tools to community residents. Provides forums, workshops, plant swaps, and community gardening opportunities
MRTV* Responsible for oversight of City’s cable operation, including the creation of programs
MRBA Mount Rainier Business organization with purposes of helping improve City businesses
Tree Commission The City of Mount Rainier Tree Commission was established to regulate the planting, maintenance, and removal of street and park trees in public places. The Tree Commission consists of five (5)members, all residents of the City of Mount Rainier, appointed by the Mayor with approval of City Council. http://trees.20712.org/
Mount Rainier Election Board* Oversees all aspects of Mount Rainiers City Elections
Design Review Board The Mount Rainier Design Review Board (DRB) is established to advise and assist the Council on design-related issues including but not limited to, fence, retaining wall, public plantings, construction proposals, building alterations, and regulations of design issues. Members of the DRB consist of five (5) City residents who are appointed by council with at least one member being an architect.
Environmental Protection Board The purpose of this board is to promote and sustain a clean, healthy, sustainable environment that enhances the quality of life for current and future generations and that protects our natural resources.
Neighborhood Watch* Richardson Park & Upshur St park
Neighborhood Watch* 35th Street
Youth & Recreation, Sub-committee (Skate Park)* The Mount Rainier Recreation Committee aims to facilitate multi-generational recreational opportunities in the areas of sports, appreciation of our natural environment and the arts. The committee supports the work of activity specific recreational committees and ad hoc interest groups as needed. The Committee is the steward for the City of Mount Rainier recreational resources insuring that residents have full access and take full advantage of our neighborhood treasures.
Snow Removal Task Force Make recommendation for improving City's snow removal process
Mount Rainier Day* Day of celebration for the City
Beautification Committee* Created to help residents take pride in their yards and their homes and in turn increase the value of their homes.
Farmers Market* Created to help provide fresh, healthy, nutritional, and affordable foods to the community as well as create a place and space for community to come together to learn about foods and nutrition.
Community Foundation* Created to help start a community fund to assist residents with small project around their homes and/or start small projects that are beneficial to the City.
Green Team Required by Sustainable Maryland Certified (SMC). Is an official group created by legislation. It is similar to other boards, committees, and commissions created by the City and is governed by all state and local government rules for conducting open meetings, providing public information, and honoring ethical laws and ordinances. Green may have up to 15 members representing citizens, local elected officials, and local appointed officials, businesses, etc. Geen Team members may come from all City appointed committees, commissions, boards, task forces, etc. The Green Teams shares information re conservancy and preserving environmentally sensitive land, improving water quality, and developing local recreational resources. The Green Team does , not administer properties, and is not concerned like environmental committees, with the protection and improvement of the natural health and welfare of the environment.
WEBSITES and BLOGS
Malinda Miles --- www.malindamiles.com
Malinda Miles' Blog --- http://themayorsspot.blogspot.com/
Chief Michael Scott's Blog --- http://mrpdchief.blogspot.com/
Historic Mount Rainier Maryland --- http://www.mountrainiermd.org
Mount Rainier Police Department -- http://www.mountrainiermd.org/government/police/index.html
Bunker Hill Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company --- http://www.mrvfd.org
Mount Rainier Elementary School --- http://www.pgcps.org/~mrainier/
Thomas Stone Elementary School --- http://www.pgcps.org/~tstone/index.htm
Hyattsville Middle School --- http://www.pgcps.org/~hyattsms/
Northwestern High School --- http://www.pgcps.pg.k12.md.us/~nwest
Prince George’s County Municipal Association http://www.mdmunicipal.org/chapterweb/pgcma
Maryland Municipal League --- http://www.mdmunicipal.org
Friends of the Mount Rainier Library (FOL) --- http://www.mtrainierfol.org/
Mount Rainier Business Association (MRBA) – http://mrbassociation.org
ANACOSTIA HOURS
GLUT has a growing surplus of Hours. Members are encouraged to patronize GLUT, and it's clear that many people have. But we also need to guard against overburdening GLUT with too many Hours.
Short-term, the solution is not hard: Hours users can buy groceries with US dollars, and receive Hours in change. Or you can simply buy Hours from GLUT's cash register at the exchange rate of 1 Hour = $10. This will reduce the surplus to a more comfortable level, and help achieve the desired circulation of Hours into the community.
Longer term, the idea is to use the Hours for diverse goods and services - not just one store. The 2011 (yellow) directory, including the monthly additions list of new members, includes more offerings than ever. For example: bread and other baked goods, tutoring in academic subjects for elementary school kids, plumbing, handyman services, professional audio recording, music lessons, a lawyer, a realtor, web design and IT consultation, haircuts, and more.
Diversification is the key! Use your Hours around town for various goods and services. GLUT has been a supporter of Hours for years. Let's keep the Hours circulating and avoid a bottleneck at GLUT.
Many thanks for supporting local economic self-reliance!
WELCOME TO ALL NEW RESIDENTS
The past year has seen a tremendous growth of new residents in the City, and they have come invigorated and ready to work. Many of our new residents have joined committees, reached out to their new neighbors, attended a Council meeting or other activity in the City. This is inspiring and uplifting. Thank you for making Mount Rainier your new home and we hope that you will continue to be a part of the City. If you have not found a Committee that you are interested in joining , don't worry, we are always open to new committees, new ideas, and individuality. That is why we have "The Glut," "Nisey's," "Joe's," and, of course, the green police station, a round-about on a State Highway, and one of the first green rooftops in the metropolitan area. As with you new home, explore Mount Rainier, you will find a lot of reasons to love living here. I did 43 years ago, and I am still excited about the possibilities that lie within its borders!
PARTNERING WITH NORTH BRENTWOOD
In today's world of crisis economic and crisis management, it is harder to get things done without partners. Over the past few months, there have been discussions about the heavy snows that we had a few years ago, and how to get more of the money from the federal government when there is a snow emergency and we use up all of our allocations. Well, one of the things that keeps coming up is partnering. Municipalities working together to make limited resources go farther. With that in mind, the Mayor and Council are in discussions with the Town of North Brentwood to share snow removal activities this winter. Over the past few weeks, Luther Smith and Mayor Petrella Robinson have walked the streets of North Brentwood to see what additional resources would be needed to do snow removal in both municipalities. It is my hope that this will be the first step in an inter-beltway snow removal consortium that would include, Mount Rainier, Brentwood, North Brentwood, and Cottage City. Pooling our resources, these municipalities could share cost, services, resources, and best practices for handling snow emergencies.
GOING GREEN
As many, if not all of you know, Mount Rainier is one of the greenest communities in the Washington metropolitan area http://www.dccondoloft.com/top-ten-green-neighborhoods-in-the-dc-metropolitan-area/. This is only half the story. Over the past few months, we have been visited by Sean Gavin from EPA to verify that we are a green community. Sean walked our police station. Visited our City Hall. Toured our Artists Loft and green roof. Saw and talked with residents who had no clue who he was, and learned from them first hand that green is a way of life in Mount Rainier and not a fad that just took life. As a result of his tour of our City, he now uses Mount Rainier in his speeches around the Country to tell other communities how baby steps over a long period of time will make a difference in our environmental footstep on our planet. So, just to keep up our momentum here is what is going on and what you can do:
1. Mount Rainier is one of the fourteen founders of Sustainable Maryland Certified (SMC) http://www.sustainablemaryland.com/ , and organization growing out of the University of Maryland to help municipalities go green and stay green. This program is modeled after Sustainable New Jersey Certified.
2. To achieve our BRONZE recognition, we must carry our several projects and reach 150 point by June 2012. Please visit this site http://www.sustainablemaryland.com/actionlist.php to see what must be done. We have accomplished many of the task on the list, but there are still others that we must do and report.
3. The major task is to form a green team that is representative of our entire community. We have all of the components, but they are fragmented and must come together under one umbrella to meet the requirements of SMC. Your Mayor and Council is working on this and making it a priority.
4. We MUST recycle. Recycling is more than bottle, can, and cardboard. We can recycle clothes, containers, bikes, pots and pans and a whole lot more. Get creative, and report out on what you are doing to help Mount Rainier grow green.
5. Visit our website. Visit our cable channel. Read our newsletter. Talk with your neighbors. Going Green is a mind set and should be ever present on your mind.
6. Mount Rainier met all of the qualifications to become registered with Maryland's Green Registry http://mde.maryland.gov/marylandgreen/Pages/GreenMembersList.aspx. Next goal is to win the Maryland Green Registry' gold award.
7. The Environmental Protection Board has taken off running to put in place a green plan for the City of Mount Rainier. The plan will be introduced to the Mayor and Council at its next work session. Residents are encouraged to get a copy, review it, comment on it, and embrace it as our way of reducing our footprint on our environment.
8. October 27 - 29, 2011: Maryland Clean Energy Summit. This event has been rescheduled to take place at the Hilton Inner Harbor in Baltimore. A discount registration rate is available through October 7th and the final registration date is October 21st. Note that the Consumer Trade Show on Saturday 10/29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. is free to the public. For more information go towww.mcecsummit.org or call 301-738-6280.
TOOL SHED RE-OPENS
With the push of Devon Brown and Joe Robbins, the Mount Rainier Tool Shed will re-open for business on October 29, 2011. The new Tool Shed Committee members are Evan Wilder, Chairperson, Mimi McKinley-Ward, Rebecca Lane, Kathryn Wolfe, and Anthony Brown. This new Committee invites the community to come out and see the tool shed, have a glass of cider and some very healthy treats while learning about composting. The event will take place from 10:00am on Saturday, October 29, 2011 to 12:30pm. Got some old tools that could be recycled within the neighborhood? The Mount Rainier Tool Shed is just the place to get those tools working hard for you and the community. Donate. You will be glad that you did.
JOINING A MOUNT RAINIER COMMITTEE
It has been impressive and heartwarming to see new members joining the various committees in Mount Rainier. If you have not joined a committee, here is the golden opportunity to do so. For your consideration, here is a list of committees with an asterisk by those that need your membership, ideas, and creative juices:
Gateway Community Development Corporation (CDC)* Branding/Development in the Gateway Arts District
Personnel Review Committee Oversee and ensure proper implementation of City personnel policies and procedures and union contracts
Emergency Preparedness* Responsible for preparation and implementation of City’s emergency plan for elderly and disabled residents
Anacostia Trails Historical Association (ATHA) ATHA is a composition of municipalities along the Anacostia that seeks to preserve its heritage
Mixed Use Town Center Design Review Committee (MUTC) The Town Center Design Review Committee is the official name given to a group of municipal representatives, residents, and business/property owners who review applications for, and make recommendations on, exterior renovations and new development in Mount Rainier’s Mixed-Use Town Center Zone. This zone extends along Rhode Island Avenue from the city limits at Eastern Avenue into the 3400 block, and along 34th Street from the 3700 block into the 4000 block; it also includes part of Bunker Hill Road.
Tool Shed*
Community Tool Shed Loans, tracks, and replaces tools to community residents. Provides forums, workshops, plant swaps, and community gardening opportunities
MRTV* Responsible for oversight of City’s cable operation, including the creation of programs
MRBA Mount Rainier Business organization with purposes of helping improve City businesses
Tree Commission The City of Mount Rainier Tree Commission was established to regulate the planting, maintenance, and removal of street and park trees in public places. The Tree Commission consists of five (5)members, all residents of the City of Mount Rainier, appointed by the Mayor with approval of City Council. http://trees.20712.org/
Mount Rainier Election Board* Oversees all aspects of Mount Rainiers City Elections
Design Review Board The Mount Rainier Design Review Board (DRB) is established to advise and assist the Council on design-related issues including but not limited to, fence, retaining wall, public plantings, construction proposals, building alterations, and regulations of design issues. Members of the DRB consist of five (5) City residents who are appointed by council with at least one member being an architect.
Environmental Protection Board The purpose of this board is to promote and sustain a clean, healthy, sustainable environment that enhances the quality of life for current and future generations and that protects our natural resources.
Neighborhood Watch* Richardson Park & Upshur St park
Neighborhood Watch* 35th Street
Youth & Recreation, Sub-committee (Skate Park)* The Mount Rainier Recreation Committee aims to facilitate multi-generational recreational opportunities in the areas of sports, appreciation of our natural environment and the arts. The committee supports the work of activity specific recreational committees and ad hoc interest groups as needed. The Committee is the steward for the City of Mount Rainier recreational resources insuring that residents have full access and take full advantage of our neighborhood treasures.
Snow Removal Task Force Make recommendation for improving City's snow removal process
Mount Rainier Day* Day of celebration for the City
Beautification Committee* Created to help residents take pride in their yards and their homes and in turn increase the value of their homes.
Farmers Market* Created to help provide fresh, healthy, nutritional, and affordable foods to the community as well as create a place and space for community to come together to learn about foods and nutrition.
Community Foundation* Created to help start a community fund to assist residents with small project around their homes and/or start small projects that are beneficial to the City.
Green Team Required by Sustainable Maryland Certified (SMC). Is an official group created by legislation. It is similar to other boards, committees, and commissions created by the City and is governed by all state and local government rules for conducting open meetings, providing public information, and honoring ethical laws and ordinances. Green may have up to 15 members representing citizens, local elected officials, and local appointed officials, businesses, etc. Geen Team members may come from all City appointed committees, commissions, boards, task forces, etc. The Green Teams shares information re conservancy and preserving environmentally sensitive land, improving water quality, and developing local recreational resources. The Green Team does , not administer properties, and is not concerned like environmental committees, with the protection and improvement of the natural health and welfare of the environment.
WEBSITES and BLOGS
Malinda Miles --- www.malindamiles.com
Malinda Miles' Blog --- http://themayorsspot.blogspot.com/
Chief Michael Scott's Blog --- http://mrpdchief.blogspot.com/
Historic Mount Rainier Maryland --- http://www.mountrainiermd.org
Mount Rainier Police Department -- http://www.mountrainiermd.org/government/police/index.html
Bunker Hill Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company --- http://www.mrvfd.org
Mount Rainier Elementary School --- http://www.pgcps.org/~mrainier/
Thomas Stone Elementary School --- http://www.pgcps.org/~tstone/index.htm
Hyattsville Middle School --- http://www.pgcps.org/~hyattsms/
Northwestern High School --- http://www.pgcps.pg.k12.md.us/~nwest
Prince George’s County Municipal Association http://www.mdmunicipal.org/chapterweb/pgcma
Maryland Municipal League --- http://www.mdmunicipal.org
Friends of the Mount Rainier Library (FOL) --- http://www.mtrainierfol.org/
Mount Rainier Business Association (MRBA) – http://mrbassociation.org
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
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