For YOU, I am Thankful

It is the end of 2021, and I have a lot of thank yous to dish out, but I am so afraid that I will leave someone out that I am just going to say for you I am thankful. Thank you to everyone that helped me along my journey in 2021! Each of you made my life better and contributed to my successful outcome. My ups were way up because you stood beneath me and pushed with all of your might. My downs were not hard to swallow because you had so many sweet things to offer like encouragement, help when needed, support to hold help me up, and yes, advice that helped me understand why I was down. Some of you walked a mile in my shoes and took some of the hits to make sure that the blows did not take me out alone. Others stood up and defended my rights to exist even when my mistakes were hard to let go of. Making it through 2021 required a lot of help from all of you, and I thank you for sharing my load. I will probably need all of your help all over again as I enter 2022, so please know that you are cherished, loved, adored, and NEEDED by me as I take on the next 365 days in 2022! So, as we say goodbye to 2021, let's grab on to love, hope, peace, and prosperity for 2022. No, I am not talking about money, and I am talking about you and your friendship through the coming year. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!

© Copyright 2021 G. B. Williams (mgmiles01 at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates have been granted non-exclusive rights to display this work.

Mount Rainier Police Staff Suffers the Death of Two Fathers on Saturday

It is the holiday season, and even during the holiday season, life goes on, and deaths do occur.

The Mount Rainier family is still intact, but two members of our police force fathers (Herriott and Calloway) transitioned on Saturday. Please keep their families in prayer.

I do not have any details, but I know that this is hard for most and even harder during the Christmas season.

Maryland State Legislature is considering the legalization of Marijuana!

 Live in Maryland? Your State Legislature is considering the legalization of Marijuana in the State.

Have an opinion about this issue, contact your state legislative representative now to share your opinion(s).

Check (Copy or paste) the link below to see what is being considered:

https://wtop.com/maryland/2021/12/maryland-legislature-to-consider-voter-referendum-on-legalizing-marijuana-for-2022-ballot/?utm_campaign=WTOP%20Morning%20Newsletter%20A&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_term=AB%20Blasttest%20A

World Leaders Mourn Death Of Human Rights Activist Desmond Tutu

 Desmond Tutu, South Africa's Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist for racial justice and LGBT rights and retired Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, has died, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Sunday. He was 90.

An uncompromising foe of apartheid - South Africa's brutal regime of oppression against the Black majority - Tutu worked tirelessly, though non-violently, for its downfall

Desmond Tutu, Anti-Apartheid Campaigner Who Tried to Heal the World, Dies at 90 (msn.com)

County Executive Alsobrooks and Governor Larry Hogan Test Positive for COVID!

 Sending up prayers for Governor Larry Hogan and County Executive Angela Alsobrooks who have both tested positive for COVID!

Prince George's County, Maryland, executive Angela Alsobrooks has tested positive for the coronavirus, she said in a statement.

As a precaution before the holiday weekend, Alsobrooks said she took an at-home test and then a rapid test Friday morning. Both came back positive, she said.

Alsobrooks said she is isolating at home while waiting for the results of a PCR test.

https://wtop.com/prince-georges-county/2021/12/prince-georges-co-executive-angela-alsobrooks-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/

Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve Testing Sites

 If you are desperately looking for a COVID-19 testing site, TODAY, December 24, and December 31, 2021, you should go to the Bunker Hill Fire Station in Brentwood, MD.

 County Health Department Testing Sites COVID-19 testing is available at the following sites operated or supplied by the Prince George's County Health Department:

Partner Testing Facilities Bunker Hill Fire Station Monday through Friday *OPEN December 24 & 31 from 9:00am - 2:00pm.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/PGFD+Fire+Station+855+-+Bunker+Hill/@38.9386427,-76.9575191,3a,85.1y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sAF1QipMrLadb1hp_8aQY-twumdoVoDNYq7kA2ZyxH7hc!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipMrLadb1hp_8aQY-twumdoVoDNYq7kA2ZyxH7hc%3Dw152-h86-k-no!7i1170!8i659!4m5!3m4!1s0x89b7c77335409305:0x51da11595ff3ac07!8m2!3d38.9387954!4d-76.9571204#

MARK YOUR CALENDARS -- Saturday, December 11, 202 -- COVID-19 Vaccinations/Boosters

 Need a booster COVID-19 vaccination?

Need your first COVID-19 vaccination?

Need your second COVID-19 vaccination?  

Show up and get it DONE on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at North Brentwood.  Mayor Petrella Robinson and the Prince George's County Health Department will be there to serve you from 12:00 noon until 4:00 p.m.

I am getting my booster there on Saturday and would love to see a LOT of my family, friends, residents, and THE FRONT PORCH MINISTRIES participants there!

WOW! November 30 is here, and it has been a journey!

 Reflecting on the celebration of my November 13, 2021, birthday month.  Check out Facebook for all of the month's postings!  From November 1, 2021, until November 30, 2021, I posted a tidbit that is reflected in this post.

The MISSING CVS Shopping Carts!

 My story and I am sticking to it!

Went to the CVS this morning. First time out shopping in ages. Walked through the front door, turned to get a basket, NO SHOPPING CART Where are the shopping carts or baskets? The clerk says, "People stole them." WHAT?

The manager came rushing over because she thought something had happened because of my very loud outburst. We explained that I was surprised that people had stolen all of their baskets. She said, "Ma'am, we have ordered shopping carts and baskets three times in the past several months. It takes months to get them and weeks for people to take them. There are no tracking devices on them, the wheels no longer freeze up, and the days of the long poles are gone. Thus, people just walk out with the shopping carts or baskets and KEEP GOING!"

Yep, I was at WOW! Is that what we do now? It is okay to just take other people's property and inconvenience everyone else, and it is all right! REALLY! I know we are BETTER THAN THAT. I know that even if we don't go to church, don't believe in God, have no home training, and have no respect for others, we have got to know that stealing, i.e., taking something that does not belong to you, is WRONG.

After listening and talking with the manager of CVS, I promised to post a request for the return of the shopping carts and baskets and to share this story on my Facebook pages.

First of all, we need to return the shopping carts and baskets because they did not belong to whoever took them no matter the reason, they took them.

Secondly, the seniors, like me, use the shopping carts to hold us up while walking around the store.

Thirdly, there are other seniors and young people who NEED them because of physical conditions. Have you ever noticed that there are no motorized chairs in CVS? Have you seen the number of people on canes or walkers?

Finally, every time CVS or any other story have to replace the shopping carts and baskets, the cost of their products also goes up, AND staff decreases to cover the cost and overhead.

SO HERE IS THE DEAL, if you see a shopping cart or basket, PLEASE RETURN IT or call our local CVS at Queenstown Shopping Center and let them know where the shopping cart or basket can be found.

Please talk to your family, friends, and neighbors about the need for the shopping carts and baskets to remain at the store so that others may use them.

Finally, report sightings of people pushing those shopping carts out of the parking lot. We all KNOW THAT THEY DO NOT OWN those shopping carts. When they take the shopping carts out of the parking lot, they know that they are stealing, you know that they are stealing, and so does everyone else, and it is WRONG!

CVS, 3130 Queens Chapel Rd, Hyattsville, MD 20782 -- (301) 864-7177

GIVING TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021

 GIVING TUESDAY, November 30, 2021is fast approaching. Both of our elementary schools need supplies for other teachers. I reached out to them and received a list of items that are needed.

I would GREATLY appreciate it if you would help me meet their needs during this holiday season. NOTE: The thought occurs to me (Kelley Bevis and I had the same idea last year) that we could and probably should collect these items all year round. We know the schools will need them, and we can get them when they are on sale. I would GREATLY appreciate it if you would help me meet their needs during this holiday season.

Here is the list:

- Clorox disinfecting wipes

- children disposable masks

-- hand sanitizer

- electric pencil sharpeners

- Pencil boxes or pouches for kids

-- number 2 pencils

-- construction paper

-- composition tablets

- Jumbo crayons for Pre-K and K students

- Backpacks are always helpful since we do give those year-round and to new students as well

Additional needs

- Winter coats boys size 7/8, 10/12. 14/16 and girls size 7/8, 10/12, 14/16

-- girls and boys underwear K - 3rd grade

- I would like to start storing some diapers and wipes here in my parent resource room if available.

Small incentives that can be given to children to encourage them to do their best or reward them when they do. INEXPENSIVE PLEASE.

ALL DONATIONS may be dropped off to me or to Ms. Jasmine Washington at Mount Rainier Elementary School or Ms. Celeste Valencia. NOTE: I prefer receiving them and making one or more large deliveries, but mainly want to help our schools and our children be successful in our schools.

Your employers may also wish to help our schools, so DDO NOT FORGET TO ASK THEM FOR DONATION OF SOME OF THESE ITEMS.

Veterans Day Discounts and Deals

 Veterans Day will always be special for me because so many Brown/Washington family members have served this Country -- the United States of America. The earlier ones served when discrimination was at its highest, and those they served with valor and gallant, there was never any recognition.

Many of the older (and a few of the younger ones) military members of the Brown/Washington family are now deceased and never enjoyed many of the amenities offered to veterans today.

Our family members have served in almost every war that faced this County, and we, the Brown/Washington family and its descendants, are very PROUD of each one of them.

Here is a list of places that will be recognizing veterans on November 11, 2021. Make your plans now, and enjoy some of the offerings. 

Click on or copy and paste this link in your browser:

https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/96530/veterans-day-2021-discounts/

 

Thanksgiving Baskets for Mount Rainier Resident -- Residents MUST PREREGISTER!

 This was JUST RECENTLY POSTED, and you have until November 12 to pre-register to receive a Thanksgiving Basket from the City of Mount Rainier! CLICK ON THIS LINK TO COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION PROCESS!

 

 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZi3oQKtlil-N4lldtiiYTEya4ZAQpBFlkPTy_Wd96VRo-xw/viewform?fbclid=IwAR1B2kwo-uIz-

The Front Porch Ministries VOLUNTEERS are the BEST!

 

It is TIME to relax. Thank you to everyone for making the day go by quickly.

Thank you to Brice and Sean for THREE HUNDRED DELICIOUS MEALS.

Thank you to the volunteers for putting the bags together and handing out the meals.

Now it is TIME for each of you to RELAX, and here is my toast to YOU!

The Front Porch Ministries and Chefs Brice Serving UP Thanksgiving Dinners!

 

2022 Social Security COLA largest in Decades!

Some folks have cursed COVID-19. Some have lived in seclusion for the past eighteen months or more, and some have found new friends, opportunities and made a way out of no way! Throughout the past year and a half, I have had the opportunity to watch good people rise to the top and lend a helping hand to neighbors, friends, strangers, and, yes, to family.

My family knows firsthand about the devastating results of COVID-19 and the Delta variant. Many of us have not taken full advantage of the situation to draw closer to each other, but COVID-19 has changed us in many ways. There are still lessons to be learned.

And, I have seen federal, state, county, and municipal governments rise to the occasion on many levels. I have also seen them drop the ball, and on many occasions, are still dropping the ball, but here is one that will help many of our seniors and others on social security.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will be increasing social security benefits by 5.9%. There will also be an increase in Medicare coverage.

The COLA is only one part of the annual financial equation for seniors. An announcement about Medicare’s Part B premium for outpatient care is expected soon. It’s usually an increase, so at least some of any Social Security raise goes for health care. The Part B premium is now $148.50 a month, and the Medicare trustees report estimated a $10 increase for 2022.

Click on this link for the full story.

https://wtop.com/government/2021/10/social-security-cola-largest-in-decades-as-inflation-jumps/

Mount Rainier Residents, The Front Porch Minitries Willl Continue!

I woke up this morning feeling reprimanded because of thoughts from yesterday. My reprimand came in a few words from one of the people that frequent The Front Porch Ministries and an inbox from another one.

The first one said how thankful she was that we (Joan, Max, and I) had changed our minds about NOT doing food yesterday. It was critical to her to know that food was available for pick up because she needed it. The second one inboxed me and said, I may not be one of those in the food insecurity areas, but I need food and would love to get food from The Front Porch Ministries to help supplement what I am able to provide.

 I wrestled with those two things all night long. The Front Porch Ministries is not an easy task. No, I am not complaining, but simply saying that it is a lot of work even when I have helping picking up the food supplies. On the days that I don't, I pick them up myself, bring them home, unload them, separate them, box them, and make the food available. Then after it is all over, the boxes have to get broken down and put out for recycling or returned to the donor. NO EASY FEAT.

Definitely not complaining. The Front Porch Ministries has provided food to Mount Rainier residents since March 2020, even though I have threatened to stop the program more than a few times. LOL. I get tired and sometimes frustrated that a few bad apples do not honor The Front Porch rules -- get some, leave some for others; cover the boxes back up like you found them to keep the animals out; first-come-first-serve, and no, you cannot take some for every family member household in your family. Simple rules and allows everyone to get a little help. Believe me, I would love to do more and give everybody as much as they can take away. Unfortunately, that is not the case, and we must be mindful of the entire community.

I get lots of volunteer offers, and some actually come and work with us, but I only have two that come every time there is food and stay until we are too tired to stay on The Front Porch. That's when the honor system kicks in, and WE NEED YOUR HELP to keep making this work. PLEASE CLOSE THE BOXES CORRECTLY to keep the animals out. (NOTE: Some of our residents cannot get by to pick up from The Front Porch until after 6:00 p.m. or later.) If The Front Porch is cleared before then, they will not be able to participate. If it is too early in the morning, others could not participate. I can ONLY distribute the food when I receive it, and there is no way around that obstacle.) 

My last comment is that it is IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO CALL and tell everyone when the food arrives. I also cannot inbox or text everyone when the food comes. I post, and sometimes if time permits, send emails IF I HAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS. I am alright with you reposting my post or otherwise sharing with your Mount Rainier neighbors who may benefit from The Front Porch Ministries.

 My reprimand for me was once again, I wanted to not do the food distribution, did it anyway, and SOMEONE REALLY NEEDED IT. So, the decision is to continue doing the food distribution, and ASK for your HELP to continue to make THE FRONT PORCH MINISTRIES WORK! WE can do this.

 THANK YOU! The Front Porch Ministries ONLY works if you come and pick up the food, and I thank you for your participation!

No FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS 8/14 -8/22/2021

 ALERT -- NOTICE

August 14, 2021, through August 22, 2021, there will be no food distributions by The Front Porch Ministries!

Dinner boxes now to arrive around 4:30 p.m.

 The best-laid plans of mice and men OFTEN go astray, so went the dinner boxes after 1:00 p.m. today.

My provider just called and stated that 33 boxes should be here around 4:30 p.m. today.

Please come and pick them up. As always, first come, first served until gone.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE. I look forward to seeing you today on The Front Porch.

Maryland's Tax Free Week ALMOST OVER!

 Maryland Tax-Free Week Underway Until Saturday, August 14, 2021.

What is the tax rate on MD?

6.00%. The Maryland state sales tax rate is 6%, and the average MD sales tax after local surtaxes is 6%.

From Aug. 8 to Aug. 14, shoppers can buy popular back-to-school items without paying the state sales tax of 6%.

What's included in Maryland's tax-free week? Maryland waives sales tax on the following items:

Apparel and footwear ($100 or less per item).

The first $40 of a backpack or bookbag.

Note that there are exceptions within these categories. Specific athletic attire (such as football pads) and accessories (such as purses and jewelry) are still taxable.

There are also plenty of pleasant surprises -- items that you may not think of as clothing that are tax free. For example, diapers are tax free during the week.

What makes Maryland's tax-free week unique among states is that the waived tax applies to the first $40 of a backpack. If you buy one that's more expensive, you still get a little tax break -- $2.40 to be precise. When it comes to clothing, note that the tax exemption is made on a per-item basis. So you could buy thousands of dollars of clothing, and it will be tax exempt, as long as each item costs $100 or less.

Does Maryland tax-free week include online purchases?

Yes. However, you must order and pay for the item (and have the order accepted by the merchant) during the tax-free window.

Layaway purchases are also tax free, as long as you place the item on layaway during Maryland tax-free week.

Using coupons during Maryland tax-free week

If a retailer's coupon brings the price of a more expensive item to $100 or less, that item will be tax free. For example, say you want to buy a coat that's $105. The retailer offers a coupon or discount that brings the price to $95. You won't have to pay tax.

Manufacturers' coupons are different, however. Retailers are reimbursed for those after the purchase. So these coupons would not lower the price for tax-waiving purposes. In other words, that $105 coat would still be taxed even if you have a manufacturer coupon for $10 off.

For a list of tax-free items click on this link: List_of_Taxable_and_Exempt_Items.pdf (marylandtaxes.gov)

Last Day in Office as Mayor of Mount Rainier, MD -- May 10, 2021, 8:00 p.m.

It is finished. DONE. Just signed out of my last City Council meeting at which I was The Mayor. Celina Benitez was sworn in at 8:00 p.m. as required by the City Charter.

A feeling of relief and a little concern for the success of "my children," as Luke so aptly put it as we said goodnight, but I know that they've got it.

Tomorrow, I am off to Massanutten to catch up with my friend for a few days of rest and relaxation without the need to rush back home for the City Council meeting or some other City affair.

Once again, thank you to every resident in Mount Rainier for the privilege of serving you for the past sixteen years as Mayor and all of those years before I earned the Mayor's title. It has been a journey.

Now on to my NEXT BIG ADVENTURE. Announcement coming soon -- or not.  LOL

Picture of my last Council

Left to right Scot Cecil, Bryan Knedler, Malinda Miles, Celina Benitez, and Luke Chesek

Mount Rainier City Council Names City Building After Former Mayor Malinda Miles

 The month of May has come and gone, but it created so much excitement that I am still trying to take it all in.

What a ride! I left the office of Mayor of the great little City of Mount Rainier, MD.

The Mayor and Council named its newest property acquisition after me -- The Malinda Miles Munciple Building, 3501 Perry Street, Mount Rainier, MD.

May 8 was declared Mayor Malinda Miles Day.

The Message -- dedicated to capturing some of my exploits over the past so many decades. I am still at WOW on this one.

The Mayor and Council, along with my daughter, Nneka Barnes, hosted one of the best award/honor events in my entire history of events.

The Malinda Miles Mentees gave me another huge honors party on May 22, 2021.

An excellent and close friend returned me to Massanutten for a retirement celebration.

Another friend has also secured me a vacation (yet to be taken) on the Eastern Shore.

All of this without even mentioning the lunches, dinners, gift cards, flowers, plaques, proclamations, letters, cards, phone calls, jewelry, hats, emails, and yes, those long beautiful messages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

And the blessings continue. Throughout June, I will probably reflect on the gratitude and appreciation I feel for everyone who has taken the time to thank me for my service to our City, our County, and yes, to our State. For me, it has been an honor just to hold the offices and titles that have been bestowed upon me over the years.

I will strive not to call out too many names for fear of committing and offending anyone, but if I mention a few names, their significance in my development over the years was tremendous.

For now, just let me say, I have enjoyed the journey and the honors. I have no words that accurately state the feelings and emotions I have now and have had over the past thirty or more days. So, again, I resort to THANK YOU and mean it from the depths of my heart.

https://www.mountrainiermd.org/.../1864/637562484083830000

The Malinda Miles Municipal Center

Dining at Penny Royal Station in Mount Rainier, MD

 Ashley Dené, thank you for the love. These pictures taken were taken at Penny Royal Station in Mount Rainier, Maryland.

Prince George's County Municipal Association Awards Lifetime Membership to Former Mayor Malinda Miles

On Friday, June 25, 2021, the Mayor of Upper Marlboro, MD, and President of the Prince George's County Municipal Association (PGCMA), Mayor Linda Pennoyer, came by to present me with my lifetime membership in PGCMA.

 

As a board member for years, I became the secretary, vice president, and president of PGCMA during my tenure as Mayor of the great little City of Mount Rainier, MD.

 

This is the first such honor bestowed on any Prince George's County elected official and probably the first of any affiliate of the Maryland Municipal League (MML).

 

WHAT an honor and privilege to receive the certificate from the incoming President of the Association.