PUBLIC HEARING -- COME OUT AND BE HEARD!

PUBLIC HEARING

7:00

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2012

CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, UPPER LEVEL

THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL WILL HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING TO HEAR PUBLIC COMMENT ON PROPOSALS THAT WERE SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THE RFP FOR THE RE-DEVELOPMENT OF THE 3200 BLOCK OF RHODE ISLAND AVENUE, MOUNT RAINIER, MARYLAND


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SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2012

CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, UPPER LEVEL

7:00 PM

The Mayor and Council are expected to vote on the contract award for the re-development of the 3200 block of Rhode Island Avenue.

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE ROUTE 1 BUS WRAP

According to the Route One Bus Wrap Guru, it's time for public opinion to weigh in on the selection of rgw Route 1 Ride bus wrap. Go to http://www.route1ride.org/bus-wrap-competition/ and make your choice. Posted July 24, 2012 Stuart Eisenberg.  This is an important step for the Gateway Arts District and the continued development and support of the Route One Corridor.  I am very interested in hearing your opinions and seeing your vote.


Please visit me on Facebook, send me an email or tweet me after you have cast your vote for your choice.  Mount Rainier has financially invested in this project, and our residents should have a voice.  So, HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY.  Make it Count by voting and passing this around to your friends, your email list, and, of course, that good old listserv.  THANK YOU.

Again, remember to go to this website http://www.route1ride.org/bus-wrap-competition/ and cast your vote!  

Jennifer Axner

“Route 1 Paint Tube”

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My concepts for the bus wrap for the Route1Ride highlight the new and rejuvenated Arts District on Route 1 / Baltimore Avenue.
I created two different designs that emphasize the artistic nature the Arts District neighborhoods. Through these design concepts, I wanted to refer to the artists (and their creative processes) that have been attracted to the new Hyattsville Arts District— as to suggest their creative processes are “splashing” color all over the neighborhoods.
Over the past several months, I have seen live painting sessions happening in the window fronts of the Hyattsville Arts District, as well as new art galleries and the Lustine Art Center, which are clearly visible from the street. There is also a funky yarn store and small urban-arts supply store in Busboys and Poets that are full of colorful products. The Brentwood Arts Exchange studios, museums and galleries are increasingly vibrant and colorful and the University of Maryland has a tremendous Art Department and art students abound.
Through my chosen imagery, I seek to refer to the growing dynamic artistic scenes in all of the surrounding neighborhoods and communicate this vibrancy in an unusual way on a large scale.


  

Matthew Gifford

“Let Me Ride”

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I grew up in Baltimore, went to college in DC and have lived and worked as an artist in and around the Hyattsville area for the past few years. I work in many mediums, creating both two and three dimensionally. I have had a number of great opportunities to create public art around the Rt.1 corridor. I have a permanent 3-dimensional found object assemblage installation @ Busboys and Poets, Hyattsville, titled “Blowback.  I am currently finishing a 50ft mural @ Eco City Farms in Edmonston, just east of the arts district corridor.
The past few years I have been fortunate enough to have become part of the arts district community.  This area hosts a number of incredible artists and it has been inspiring working within this group of people, sharing ideas, advice, thoughts and stories. Living, working and playing in this area are what inspired my design. I have spent a good deal of time down on the Anacostia painting the sustainable agriculture mural at ECO, and my work day usually ended around sunset. It’s a wonderful treasure along this corridor. Representing it at sunset shows it’s true magic.
I integrated the structures of the bus into the design by using the wheel well and wheel as a headphone earpiece.  As the woman is taking in all that is great about this area, her hair is transformed into the landscape where the community lives, works, and plays. The bus zipper at the rear doors gives the illusion the wrap is being zipped onto the plain white bus. Also, the zipper teeth and tabs are made up of buses.  The mix cassette tape in the front window where the marque is located advances the musical theme that permeates the piece. The tape is unraveling and twisting into the word “ride.” The turtle is hanging out of the window, like a dog would. It’s an interesting juxtaposition having the turtle coming from inside the bus out into its own environment.
I draw inspiration in my surroundings. Music, people, food, art, color, poetry and nature…… I like to find myself lost in the right side of my brain. The world seems to make sense when I’m here. There are no limits, I can push reality and its absolute freedom. Finding the balance with in the two world is where my art really comes to life. I use art to tell stories about place, hope, growth, community and the human condition. Hopefully my work will somehow inspire those that come in contact with it.

Boshwell Talavera

“Everything in One Place”

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With a background in advertising, I was at first not sure how to approach this project because of all the different things it could possibly contain. I’ve created many ads for all kinds of companies and products, but a bus wrap for the Route 1 Corridor calls for something different; mainly because Route 1 is neither. The question now is “how do you create an ad highlighting a group of communities?” I didn’t want to single out any one community or building, i.e. UMCP in College Park or the artdc Gallery in Hyattsville, simply because that one element does not represent the whole of Route 1. After several subpar concepts, it was time to step back from the drawing board and ask myself, “What is the big picture…?” Little did I know that the question I just asked was exactly the answer I was looking for…
Having lived in Laurel for a couple of years familiarized me with all the different places along the Route 1 Corridor (which is probably why I didn’t want to single out any one place). I thought about all the things I used to do on route 1; I frequented its many restaurants, especially Tara Thai; the many trips to UMCP because my wife is an alumni; buying furniture from the conveniently placed IKEA, et al. I started to realize that the big picture of Route 1 consists of its many fine details: all the things you can do along that particular corridor.
Since I started my career, I have always wanted to create a photomosaic; a large picture consisting of many smaller pictures. As you can imagine, not many clients are interested let alone be a good fit for this kind of design. I then realized it would be perfect for a bus wrap. Buses get a lot of exposure from people viewing from a great distance to people seeing it up close at the bus stop. I feel this adds an extra dimension to the design, enabling a photomosaic to work at its full potential. I then took a personal day to re-familiarize myself with Route 1, taking lots of pictures of all the different communities until my memory card ran out of space. The pictures were then “stitched” together to depict a Route 1 sign beside a waving Maryland flag.

VOTING FOR THE ROUTE 1 BUS WRAP!

According to the Route One Bus Wrap Guru, it's time for public opinion to weigh in on the selection of rgw Route 1 Ride bus wrap. Go to http://www.route1ride.org/bus-wrap-competition/ and make your choice. Posted July 24, 2012 Stuart Eisenberg.  This is an important step for the Gateway Arts District and the continued development and support of the Route One Corridor.  I am very interested in hearing your opinions and seeing your vote.


Please visit me on Facebook, send me an email or tweet me after you have cast your vote for your choice.  Mount Rainier has financially invested in this project, and our residents should have a voice.  So, HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY.  Make it Count by voting and passing this around to your friends, your email list, and, of course, that good old listserv.  THANK YOU.

Again, remember to go to this website http://www.route1ride.org/bus-wrap-competition/ and cast your vote!  

Jury Duty OR Scam

Make sure you review this link http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2006/june/jury_scam060206 before responding to calls re jury duty (Also note in Maryland, you should get a LETTER not a telephone call).  

Don't Fall for Jury Duty Scam

The phone rings, you pick it up, and the caller identifies himself as an officer of the court. He says you failed to report for jury duty and that a warrant is out for your arrest. You say you never received a notice. To clear it up, the caller says he'll need some information for "verification purposes"-your birth date, social security number, maybe even a credit card number.

This is when you should hang up the phone. It's a scam.

Jury scams have been around for years, but have seen a resurgence in recent months. Communities in more than a dozen states have issued public warnings about cold calls from people claiming to be court officials seeking personal information. As a rule, court officers never ask for confidential information over the phone; they generally correspond with prospective jurors via mail.

The scam's bold simplicity may be what makes it so effective. Facing the unexpected threat of arrest, victims are caught off guard and may be quick to part with some information to defuse the situation.

"They get you scared first," says a special agent in the Minneapolis field office who has heard the complaints. "They get people saying, 'Oh my gosh! I'm not a criminal. What's going on?'" That's when the scammer dangles a solution-a fine, payable by credit card, that will clear up the problem.

With enough information, scammers can assume your identity and empty your bank accounts.

Protecting yourself is the key: Never give out personal information when you receive an unsolicited phone call.

Dr. Hite's Last Day is September 30

Message from the Board of Education

Update on the Superintendent Search Process

July 13, 2012

Dear Members of the Prince George’s County Public Schools Community:

As most of you are aware, Dr. William R. Hite has announced his resignation. Now that his departure has been formalized, we would like to take this opportunity to let you – our community – know what lies ahead as we search for a new superintendent.

The Next 80 Days

While Dr. Hite’s contract contains a 120-day notice provision, he has agreed to forgo his severance, an amount equal to six months’ salary, in exchange for an early release. His official last day as superintendent is September 30. During this time, Dr. Hite will be engaged in ensuring a seamless start to the new school year. Plans to open schools on time with adequate staffing and supplies are already underway. In August, we will name an acting superintendent to work with Dr. Hite during the transition. The acting superintendent will serve until a permanent superintendent is found.



The Search Process
One of our most important responsibilities as the Board of Education is the selection and appointment of the superintendent. We met yesterday to outline the process for finding superintendent candidates. During this meeting, we reaffirmed our commitment to making this process thorough, transparent and in partnership with all of our stakeholders. This week, we will begin accepting proposals from search firms to assist us in identifying and assessing the best possible candidates. We have every expectation that the firm will help us to select a leader who can enhance our record of achievement, provide every student with a world-class education and strengthen our connection to the community.



Community Input
Our goal is to ensure that the public receives regular communication regarding our progress. We will seek input from all of our constituents for candidate nominations and input on the future of PGCPS. We have established a website (www1.pgcps.org/superintendentsearch/), email (superintendentsearch@pgcps.org) and other communication tools that will be used to provide the most up-to-date information on the search process. Additionally, we will host community meetings and forums throughout the County to solicit your input. Starting in August, the Board of Education will hold a series of community meetings to discuss the superintendent search process. A schedule of these forums will be available on our website. We anticipate officially launching the search in fall 2012 with the intention of completing it in spring 2013. More details will be available in the coming weeks.



Our Commitment
We know that this is a critical juncture for Prince George's County and we are committed to selecting a superintendent who not only represents our community’s interests, but can best respond to its needs. The search process will be transparent with meaningful opportunities for community engagement. You will hear from your elected representatives on this board at every stage of the process. That is our promise to you. Nothing less than our children’s education, their future and the county’s progress are at stake.

We appreciate your support and look forward to your participation as the search for the next superintendent begins. If you have a question or need additional information, please let us know and we will do our best to respond in a timely fashion.

Sincerely,

Prince George's County Board of Education

Mayor and Council TAKES a Break

At its last public meeting, Tuesday, July 9, 2012, the Mayor and Council voted to take a break from meetings during the month of August with the understanding that special meetings can and will be called by the Mayor should the need arise.  The business of the City will continue and City Hall as well as other offices will remain open for business as usual.

Mayor and Council can be reached by email and/or telephone and/or messages left at City Hall.  Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and we will continue to work to move our GREAT City forward!

Power to be Restored to the Region

PEPCO expects to restore power overnight (by close of business Saturday, July 7) to all remaining customer outages in Prince George’s County that resulted from the derecho that hit the Washington Metropolitan area last Friday. 

Customers Asked to Report Power Outages 

Pepco urges customers who are still without power to report their outage at pepco.com, through the mobile app or by calling 1-877-737-2662 and following the prompts on the automated system. If reporting an emergency or another life-threatening situation such as downed wires, a customer should immediately call 1-877-737-2662 and follow the appropriate prompts.  Customers’ reports are vital to Pepco’s restoration efforts because, combined with other customer calls and the company’s technology, it helps precisely identify the remaining locations without power and speeds restoration. 

Pepco also recommends, when reporting an outage, customers request a call-back. Call-backs allow Pepco to notify customers when work in their area is completed. However, although area work has been completed, not every customer may have been restored, if further damage is located on equipment directly serving a customer’s home.  The call-backs help the utility to locate outages that are specific to customers’ homes and still need to be addressed. 

To keep up to date on their individual restoration estimates, customers are encouraged to call 877-PEPCO62, visit www.pepco.com, and download our mobile app atwww.pepco.com/mobileapp. They also may follow us on Facebook and Twitter at PepcoConnect.

ALERT

ALERT: There has been a green-line Metro derailment between PG Plaza and West Hyattsville.

EXTREME HEAT WAVE TO CONTINUE!

EXTREME HEAT EMERGENCY ADVISORY FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS

We are expecting temperatures to stay between 100-105 degrees until July 7, 2012 and reaching out to Marylanders who are vulnerable, specifically the elderly and the disabled is important.

1) How do First Responders report concerns to their EMA's?

The First Responder should contact their dispatch center who will take all the necessary information and forward it to the designated point of contact at a phone number that has been established at the local EOC/EMA. (See attached)

2) How do elected officials and organized community groups report concerns?

They should utilize the MEMA-designated point of contact at 410-517-3600 orhealthhumanservices.mema@maryland.gov.

3) How does the public report a non-emergency heat-related issue?

They can utilize MD 211 or 311 where available or a non-emergency number for local law enforcement.

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EXTREME HEAT EMERGENCY ADVISORY FOR THE PUBLIC

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY URGES CAUTION DURING CONTINUED HEAT WAVE

ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 5, 2012) – The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has issued a heat advisory across the State for the next several days.  As temperatures continue to soar, Governor Martin O’Malley urged Marylanders to take the necessary precautions to prevent heat related illnesses. 

“It is important as temperatures reach over 100 degrees that we take the time to check on our family, friends, and neighbors who may be vulnerable to the extreme heat,” said Governor O’Malley.  “Even residents in good health can become a victim of heat exhaustion.  Whenever possible, avoid spending prolonged time outdoors, stay hydrated and remember to keep in touch with those who may need assistance.”

Hot weather tips:

• Drink plenty of fluids such as water and fruit juices to prevent dehydration — be aware that alcohol can impair the body’s sweat mechanisms, as can fairly common medications such as antihistamines and diuretics.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes.
• Avoid direct sunlight by staying in the shade or by wearing sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
• When possible, stay in air-conditioned areas.  If your home is not air-conditioned, consider a visit to a shopping mall or public library.
• NEVER leave pets or young children in a car, even with the windows cracked.
• Check on elderly relatives or neighbors daily.  If you are concerned about an older or vulnerable person, call 211 for assistance. 
• Take it easy when outdoors.  Athletes and those who work outdoors should, if possible, take short breaks when feeling fatigued.  Schedule physical activity during the morning or evening when it is cooler.

To find a cooling center in your area, visit, http://www.mema.state.md.us/MEMA2/Local_EOC.html.

CITY HALL TEMPORARY MOVE

City Hall will be Closed this morning due to the extreme heat conditions in building and our  Contractor getting the  A/C Serviced and Operating today.  Citizens have been directed to contact staff at the Mount Rainier Police Department until this issue has been resolved.  Call 301-985-6590.  Please provide the status of temporary relocation of Staff to the Police department to your neighbors. 

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Michael Jackson via cell at 2405082208.

Michael D. Jackson

Assistant City Manager

City of Mount Rainier

1 Municipal Place

Mount Rainier, Md. 20712

Office (301)985-6585 x30

Fax (301)985-6595,

Mobile (240)-508-2208

Public Works HARD at WORK!

Due to the recent storm, there is lots of yard waste to be picked up and disposed of by our Public Works Department.  As a result, they were unable to collect all the yard waste today.  This effort will be continued tomorrow and Friday. 

 

ALSO remember that WEDNESDAY is JULY 4 is a HOLIDAY, and trash/waste will be collected on Thursday.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY TO EVERYONE!

COOLING CENTERS for MOUNT RAINIER

Mount Rainier Police Department

3249 Rhode Island Avenue

Mount Rainier, MD 20712

Prince George’s Plaza Community Center

6600 Adelphi Road Hyattsville, MD

301-864-1611

Rollingcrest-Chillum Community Center

6120 Sargent Road, Chillum, MD

Residents who require overnight accommodations are

encouraged to go to the shelter at Northwestern High School,

7000 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville, MD. In addition, residents

who are in need of recharging their medical oxygen devices

should go to one of the cooling centers, fire stations or the

Northwestern High School shelter to charge their equipment.

Michael D. Jackson

Assistant City Manager

City of Mount Rainier

1 Municipal Place

Mount Rainier, Md. 20712

Office (301)985-6585 x30

Fax (301)985-6595,

Mobile (240)-508-2208

NO SCHOOL TODAY

Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org

Upper Marlboro, Maryland - On Monday, July 2, PGCPS will operate under a Code Yellow due to power outages. All schools and offices are closed. All evening programs and activities are canceled. EMERGENCY PERSONNEL must report to work.

For future information on school openings, please go to the PGCPS website.

From: County Office of Emergency Management

Prince George's Reopens County Cooling Centers Today,

 Monday, July 2, 2012

Hyattsville, MD - The Prince George's County Office of Emergency Management will resume operations of its cooling centers on Monday, July 2nd.  These cooling centers will compliment the 24-hour cooling centers that the County announced yesterday.

Below is a list of cooling centers and shelters available to residents today!  Please note hours of operation.  Many of the cooling centers are Park & Recreation Community Centers serving in dual capacities for camp and other daily activities. 

1pm - 9pm:

Rollingcrest-Chillum Community Center

6120 Sargent Road, Chillum, MD

Oakcrest Community Center

1300 Capitol Heights Boulevard, Capitol Heights, MD

Fairland Sports and Aquatics Center

13820 and 13950 Old Gunpowder Rd, Laurel, MD

Palmer Park Community Center,

7720 Barlowe Road, Landover, MD

Potomac Landing Community Center

12500 Fort Washington Road

Fort Washington, MD 20744

Baden Community Center

13601 Baden-Westwood Road, Brandywine, MD

Glassmanor Community Center

1101 Marcy Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD

Suitland Community Center

5600 Regency Lane, Forestville, MD

Tucker Road Community Center

1771 Tucker Road, Fort Washington, MD

Lake Arbor Community Center

10100 Lake Arbor Way, Mitchellville, MD

Glenarden Community Center

8615 McLain Avenue, Glenarden, MD

Cedar Heights Community Center

1200 Glen Willow Drive, Seat Pleasant, MD

Largo/Kettering/Perrywood Community Center

431 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD

Berwyn Heights Community Center

6200 Pontiac Street, Berwyn Heights, MD

1pm - 6pm:

Camp Springs Senior Activity Center (for seniors only) 6420 Allentown Road Camp Springs, MD 301-449-0490

9am - 5pm:

St. Matthew's United Methodist Church

14900 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD

11am - 9pm:

Laurel Armory

422 Montgomery St.

Laurel, MD

6am - 9pm:

Dipietro Community Center

7901 Cypress St.

Laurel, MD

Time TBD:

Bowie Senior Center

14900 Health Center Drive, Bowie, MD

(301) 262-6200

The Following Cooling Centers will continue their 24 hour Service:

Accokeek Academy Middle School

14400 Berry Road, Accokeek, MD

301-203-3200

Prince George's Plaza Community Center

6600 Adelphi Road Hyattsville, MD

301-864-1611

Kentland Community Center

2411 Pinebrook Ave.

Landover, MD

301-386-2278

Residents who require overnight accommodations are encouraged to go to the shelter at Northwestern High School, 7000 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville, MD.  In addition, residents who are in need of recharging their medical oxygen devices should go to one of the cooling centers, fire stations or the Northwestern High School shelter to charge their equipment. 

The Prince George's County Fire Department reminds citizens to use battery operated lights and flash lights in lieu of candles.  A couple of post-storm fires that occurred were the result of residents using candles for light. In order to conserve cool air, residents are encouraged to use discretion in opening windows in order to keep cooler air inside as well as minimizing the time refrigerators and freezers are opened.  

The Prince George's County Department of Family Services has been regularly communicating with all senior citizen, assisted living centers, and nursing homes in the County. Residents are encouraged to check on the elderly, neighbors, family members and those who may have special needs. 

Residents and media are encouraged to follow @CountyExecBaker on Twitter or "County Executive Rushern Baker" on Facebook for information and updates.  The phone number to the Emergency Operation Center is 301-583-1950.

My Granddaughter is in NEED of MAJOR surgery to LIVE!

Dear Friends and Family:

Did you know that children born with Esophageal Atresia (EA) with or without a Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TEF) are unlikely to survive without surgery to reconnect the esophagus?  And, these children are likely to have Respiratory and Gastrointestinal (GI) complications which may continue throughout their lifetime?  Well, this is what my family was faced with when our daughter, Eryn, was diagnosed with this birth defect 4 years ago. 

To compound the matter, children with Esophageal Atresia often have associated complications which may include Tracheomalacia, GERD, Esophageal Strictures, and even a recurrence of aTracheoesophageal Fistula.  Sometimes these complications cause the child to have a “Smoker’s Cough,” dysphasia, and frequent and reoccurring pneumonia.

Baby Sister’s Song: EA/TEF Awareness was birthed out of my family’s plea for medical help for our daughter.  We had exhausted all local options, and yet, our daughter continues to suffer with chronic aspiration pneumonia and GERD.  After much research, we discovered that Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center had a reputation for finding solutions to the most difficult esophageal disorders… Exactly what Eryn needs. 

On Sunday, July 29, 2012, I am hosting and participating in Baby Sister’s Song: EA/TEF Walk-A-Thon.   Our goal is to find answers and heighten awareness about EA/TEF, and ultimately raise funds so Eryn can get to Cincinnati Children’s for evaluation and treatment.

I am asking for your help and support.  Your contribution to Baby Sister’s Song: EA/TEF Walk-A-Thon will be truly appreciated.  Please register and make donations athttp://www.shadenaturals.com/baby-sisters-song-walk-a-thon/. 

I also encourage you to build your own team.  To create a team, you simply ask other people to register and join you in walking, and/or sponsoring you in the walk.  You can give your Team a name, register your team, and if you’d like, you can set a specific amount for each person to join your team.  You may also choose to allow your team member to specify the amount they wish to contribute, so you have flexibility in how to establish your team.

Help Eryn get to Cincinnati Children's Hospital.  Please Donate at:

http://www.microgiving.com/profile/Nneka.Barnes and/or Participate in

Baby Sister's Song: EA/TEF Walk-A-Thon http://shadenaturals.com/baby-sisters-song-walk-a-thon/

Your support and participation in this Walk-A-Thon is very much appreciated!  

With heartfelt thanks,                                           

Nneka

Nneka Barnes

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Help Eryn get to Cincinnati Children's Hospital.  Please Donate at:

http://www.microgiving.com/profile/Nneka.Barnes and/or Participate in

Baby Sister's Song: EA/TEF Walk-A-Thon http://shadenaturals.com/baby-sisters-song-walk-a-thon/

Thank YOU!!!