REMINDER! REMINDER!

Graciela Carbonell, the former Mount Rainier Television Director and Call-a-Bus Driver for the City of Mount Rainier Memorial Service and Repast is today, Saturday, February 15, 2014.  Location and other information is listed below:

Where:           Fort Lincoln Funeral Home Chapel

                        3401 Bladensburg Road

                        Brentwood, Maryland 20722

                        (301) 864-5090

When:            Saturday, February 15, 2014

                        10:00 am-12:00 Noon

                        Father Walter Mallo, Saint James Roman Catholic Church  of Mount Rainier, Maryland

                        Officiating

                       

                        Repast following the memorial services will be held at the following location:

‘

                        Joe’s Movement Emporium

                        3909 Bunker Hill Road

                        Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712

The fundraiser for the family is March 1, 2014 6-10pm at the Bunker Hill Fire Station, 3716 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood, Maryland 20722.  Donations are being accepted at the door!

PARENTS, PGCPS are operating on CODE YELLOW Friday!

Friday, February 14, 2014 - Code Yellow - Prince George's County Public School - Schools and offices are closed. EMERGENCY PERSONNEL only must report to work.

Are YOU an artist in the GATEWAY Art District? Read on PLEASE!

The RFQ is open until Monday, March 31st.

Download the RFQ: http://hyattsvillecdc.org/images/stories/Biz_Art_RFQ_for_Artists_with_Flier.pdf

Share the Press Release (PDF; also as text below): http://hyattsvillecdc.org/images/stories/Biz_Art_Press_Release_Artists_RFQ.pdf

Learn more: http://hyattsvillecdc.org/biz-art

Join the Gateway Arts District Artists Directory: http://mygatewayarts.org/artists

----

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT: Justin Fair

Hyattsville CDC

(301) 863-8267

jfair@hyattsvillecdc.org

Artists and Arts Professionals Wanted for Gateway Business Partnership Program 

Initiative Engages Artists/Arts Professionals with Businesses to Collaborate for Mutual Benefit

February 5, 2014  – The Hyattsville Community Development Corporation (CDC)  in concert with the Art Lives Here Initiative is pleased to announce the “Biz-Art Match-Up” business-artist partnership program. The Program seeks artists and arts professionals of all media to connect with local area businesses, to build a relationship, brainstorm and collaborate on a project that will benefit both parties. The program will provide a minimum of $800 to each selected artist for time and materials.

Artists are invited to respond to the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) by Monday, March 31, should they wish to be considered for the program’s pool of qualified artists.

The Biz-Art Match-Up will provide 10-12 local businesses with an artist to create a relationship that enables business owners to enjoy and participate in the creative life of the Gateway Arts District in a new way, through a collaborative one-on-one process with an artist that provides them a creative, lasting deliverable(s). A list of creative industry services can be found online. During and after the RFQ, businesses will be invited to apply throughout April, and those that proceed will access the pool of jury-approved, pre-qualified artist portfolios for an introduction.

The arts are more than an attraction in this Arts District; they offer a complementary development asset for area local businesses.

The RFQ is available online at http://hycdc.org/biz-art; please e-mail responses to the e-mail address provided on page 2 of the RFQ. The Art Lives Here Initiative is coordinated by Joe’s Movement Emporium and funded by ArtPlace America.

About Art Lives Here

Art Lives Here is a visibility campaign designed to showcase creative life in the Prince George's County Gateway Arts District. The artist community has partnered with local businesses, two community development corporations, four cities, and Prince George’s County. The initiative’s objective is to enliven the two-mile historic corridor using a mix of temporary and longer term projects to support existing small business, attract commercial in-fill, prepare for a new round of anchor developments, and further strengthen our diverse and streetwise creative communities.

About Hyattsville CDC

The Hyattsville Community Development Corporation (CDC) is a non-stock, charitable 501 (c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to spur local economic development; rebuild the Hyattsville’s commercial corridors; develop arts and public spaces; and encourage leadership for community revitalization.

About Joe’s Movement Emporium

Joe’s Movement Emporium is the community performing arts center of World Arts Focus, a 501(c) (3) charitable organization founded in 1992. The mission is to promote participation and practice in dance, movement, and performing arts traditions from around the world while using the arts as a key tool to revitalize community.

Founded in 1992, World Arts Focus provides educational and cultural programs incorporating dance, movement and performing arts traditions from around the world. For more information call (301) 699-1819 or visit joesmovement.org.

About ArtPlace America

ArtPlace America provides grants and loans, supports research, and conducts outreach and advocacy. To date, ArtPlace America has awarded 134 grants totaling $42.1 million to 124 organizations in 79 U.S. communities (and a statewide project in the state of Connecticut).

Foundations participating in ArtPlace America include Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Ford Foundation, The James Irvine Foundation, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, The McKnight Foundation, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, The William Penn Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, Rasmuson Foundation, The Surdna Foundation, and two anonymous donors. 

ArtPlace America also seeks advice and counsel from close working relationships with various federal agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts, the departments of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Agriculture, Education, and Transportation, along with leadership from the White House Office of Management and Budget and the Domestic Policy Council.

ArtPlace America is also supported by a $12 million loan fund capitalized by six major financial institutions and managed by the Nonprofit Finance Fund. Participating institutions are Bank of America, Citi, Deutsche Bank, Chase, MetLife, and Morgan Stanley.

Justin Fair

Economic Development Coordinator

Hyattsville CDC

a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization

jfair@hyattsvillecdc.org

301.683.8267 desk

410.645.0474 cell/google voice

207.470.3805 fax

http://www.hycdc.org

Like Us on Facebook

Follow Us on Twitter

Board of Education meeting tonight is CANCELLED!

NEWS RELEASE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING CANCELLED THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 February 12, 2014 For Immediate Release CONTACT:  Office of Communications 301-952-6001 communications@pgcps.org Due to the impending inclement weather, the Board of Education meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 13 is cancelled.   Click here for a schedule of upcoming Board of Education meetings

NO BUS SERVICE or ACCESS SERVICE for DC METRO TODAY!

DC Metro Rails is still working, HOWEVER DC Metro BUS services are cancelled for today because of the snow and ice conditions. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE OUT THERE -- DO NOT GO!!http://www.wmata.com/getting_around/safety_security/snowmap.cfm

HATS OFF to Mayor Walter James of Bladensburg MD

Mayor Walter James just batted a home run on his response to Doug Gangsler's comment about "“When I was growing up, you couldn’t shop in a mall in Prince George’s or go to a restaurant with a table cloth in Prince George’s. You had to come to Montgomery or Anne Arundel County. And it’s not that different now," Gansler said!"

Mayor James stated quite clearly that there has been and continues to be major changes occurring in Prince George's County, and WE THE PEOPLE of Prince George's County want and need a leader that is pushing our County forward and NOT TEARING IT DOWN!

Thank you Mr. Gangsler from stating your elitist position about our County.  JUST THINK you want to be GOVERNOR of our State.  I guess those rural areas that still do not have more than ten (10) white table cloth restaurants want even make your radar!

PEPCO’s Plug in Vehicle Program

PEPCO’s Plug in Vehicle Program

*for plug in electric vehicles range minimum 30 miles

Pepco will provide and install a smart Level 2 Charging Station to the first 50 qualified customers who sign up to participate in the program. They will also pay 50% of the charging station’s cost, and you will be responsible for the remaining balance.  In addition to the charging station, you will receive a second meter and be registered to receive a plug-in vehicle rate (PIV tariff). You will also have the option to purchase renewable or “green” energy to charge your vehicle. Learn more at http://www.pepco.com/energy/blueprint/pluginveh/

Erica S. Bannerman

Energy Manager

Prince George's County

Office of Central Services

(301)-883-6466 (Office) NOTE NEW NUMBER

(240) 412-4352 (Cell)

Save Energy! Save Money! Save the Planet!

CVS to STOP selling tobacco products!

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 5, 2014

Statement by the President

I applaud this morning’s news that CVS Caremark has decided to stop selling cigarettes and other tobacco products in its stores, and begin a national campaign to help millions of Americans quit smoking instead.  As one of the largest retailers and pharmacies in America, CVS Caremark sets a powerful example, and today’s decision will help advance my Administration’s efforts to reduce tobacco-related deaths, cancer, and heart disease, as well as bring down health care costs – ultimately saving lives and protecting untold numbers of families from pain and heartbreak for years to come.  I congratulate – and thank – the CEO of CVS Caremark, Larry Merlo, the board of directors, and all who helped make a choice that will have a profoundly positive impact on the health of our country.

PEPCO Helps Customers Plan

It has been a blistering and cold winter.  Gas bills are up.  Electric bills are up, and winter is NOT OVER!  If you are experiencing some difficulty in paying your PEPCO bill, here are something suggestions from PEPCO that might help YOU!

Pepco Helps Customers Plan 

for 

Potential High Winter Bills 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pepco wants to remind customers who are having trouble keeping their accounts current through these cold weather stretches and higher usage periods that resources are available to them.   

“We have a wide range of payment options that we offer customers and also offer to work individually with any customer on ways they can better manage their electric bills,” said Donna Cooper, president, Pepco Region. “We want them to know they can always call us for help.” 

Standard bill payment options Pepco offers include:
  Special Payment Arrangements:  For our customers who may be experiencing difficulties keeping their accounts current, Pepco offers a variety of individually tailored payment arrangements aimed at bringing their account up-to-date over a mutually agreeable period of time. Many of these arrangements can be made directly over the phone by calling (202) 833-7500 and following the simple instructions or by speaking with a customer service representative. Either way, Pepco will be more than glad to provide help through difficult periods. 

  Budget Billing: Customers can avoid seasonal peaks in electric bills by dividing their payments evenly over the course of the entire year. This plan makes it easier to budget and pay electric bills each month, because customers know their regular payment amount. To sign up for budget billing, customers can register either by calling customer service at (202) 833-7500 or online through My Account, a secure self-service option that will allow customers to:
o        View and pay their bills
o        Sign up for eBill (paperless billing)
o        Get e-mail notification when bills are ready
o        Take advantage of features that can help save energy
Once customers register for My Account, they just need to log in and click on the "Budget Billing" button.

  Extended Payment Date Plan: This allows residential customers whose main source of total household income is from government or other low-income entitlement programs to request a regular extension of their bill due dates without incurring  a late charge so  their bill due dates align with the dates they get their checks. To apply, call Pepco at (202) 833-7500 or submit the enrollment form online at pepco.com. 

  Energy Assistance Programs: Some federal energy assistance may be available through state and local assistance programs. Customers can get more information on those programs by calling Pepco at (202) 833-7500. 

Pepco also has conservation programs and tips for customers to reduce energy consumption, which will mean lower monthly bills. Our smart meters can help customers save energy and money and help lower their bills during these high usage periods. The new technology allows customers to login to Pepco’s My Account web portal and monitor their electricity usage down to hourly increments.  “We also want to help customers take control of their energy usage,” Cooper said. “Saving energy will also save them money.” 

Customers can call customer service or visit our website at pepco.com/energy/conservation/ to learn more about programs to help pay for more energy efficient products, simple steps they can can take to conserve energy usage and how to monitor their energy consumption.

For more information and updates, visit www.pepco.com, follow us on Facebook and Twitter at PepcoConnect, and download our mobile app at www.pepco.com/mobileapp.

No school, Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Do you have children attending Prince George’s County Schools?  I suggest you keep this website address handy:  http://www1.pgcps.org/

Wednesday, January 22 - Code Yellow – Schools are closed. All Offices are closed. EMERGENCY PERSONNEL only must report to work. Evening High School Registration is cancelled - See more at: http://www1.pgcps.org/#sthash.JKd0qOld.dpuf

Trash Pick Up Changed to Thursday, January 23, 2014

RESIDENTS:

Per the recommendation of the Director of Public Works, Mr. Smith and with further discussion with City Manager, Jeannelle Wallace, tomorrow's scheduled trash collection will be postpone due to inclement weather.  The primary focus of the city’s public works staff will to ensure and maintain the safety and integrity of Mount Rainier streets.  Tomorrow's trash collection will be collected on Thursday, January 23rd.  Please pass this on to your constituents and/or place on your respective blogs or listserv groups.  This notice will also be placed on the city website and it's cable station.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact DPW at 301-985-6582 or myself at 240-508-2208.


Thank you

Michael D Jackson
Assistant City Manager

Comptroller Advises Taxpayers of Delay

  From:  Peter Franchot

NEWS release

Comptroller Advises Taxpayers of Delay to Start of 2014 Tax Season Due to IRS Issues

-Processing to Begin Between January 28 and February 4–

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (December 10, 2013) – Comptroller Peter Franchot advised Marylanders today that announced delays by the IRS will cause a corresponding delay to the beginning of the 2014 state tax season. Due to the 16-day federal government shutdown, the IRS has announced it will delay the start of tax return processing until sometime between January 28 and February 4. Maryland, as with most states, relies on IRS systems in the processing and verifying of state returns. Last year, the tax season started on January 21.           

“While I share the understandable frustration most Marylanders will feel about these delays, my Office is working aggressively to process returns and distribute refunds as quickly as external circumstances will allow,” said Comptroller Franchot.  “We pride ourselves on top-flight customer service and we are fully committed to doing everything humanly possible to get money back into the hands of consumers as soon as possible.”                   

                                         

IRS officials state that October’s federal government shutdown came at the peak of critical yearly system programming and testing resulting in the delay of these essential quality control processes.  The Comptroller’s Office relies on those systems in the processing of state returns. While the IRS has yet to announce the exact date operations will begin, no tax returns will be processed prior to January 28.

“The swift processing of returns and distribution of refunds is my absolute top priority as Comptroller,” Franchot noted. “I’m proud of the agency’s reputation as a national leader in efficiently getting refunds back into the hands of taxpayers and, despite the challenges presented by the IRS delays, we’re prepared to live up to the high standards that Maryland taxpayers rightfully expect.”

While the 2014 tax filing deadline remains April 15, taxpayers may, as usual, request a six-month extension. If an extension is requested from the IRS, one is automatically granted by the Comptroller’s Office.

Free state tax assistance is available at all of the agency’s 12 taxpayer service offices, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A list of office locations can be found at: http://taxes.marylandtaxes.com/Resource_Library/Taxpayer_Assistance/Contact_Information/Local_Offices_and_Directions.shtml.

For more information on any tax-related matter, please go to the Comptroller’s Website at www.marylandtaxes.com or call 410-260-7980 in Central Maryland or 1-800-MD-TAXES (1-800-638-2937) outside of Central Maryland.

###

CONTACT: Andrew Friedson, 410-260-7060 (office); 443-414-3083 (cell)

Community Forum to Discuss Revised Tree Ordinance

This is a reminder that on Tuesday, January 21, 2014, there will be a community forum discussing recently passed legislation concerning the removal or trimming of trees on private property.  The purpose of this legislation is summarized on the Ordinance as follows:

The purpose of this chapter is to protect, preserve, and promote Mount Rainier’s urban forest, which is part of a larger ecosystem that contributes significantly to the control of air, noise, and visual pollution; moderates climate extremes; promotes sound energy conservation; and has significant aesthetic value affecting property values and the community’s quality of life.  Because the City's urban forest is located in the Anacostia River and Chesapeake Bay watersheds, its absorption of stormwater supports the biological and hydrological integrity of these watersheds. Regulation of actions affecting the urban forest provides mutual benefits to City residents and property owners.

The legislation also establishes criteria including but not limited to the requirement and regulations for:

·         A Tree Impact Assessment

·         Requirements to obtain the services of a roadside tree expert prior to the pruning and/or removal of trees

·         Public  Property – injury to vegetation

·         Establishing a tree commission to regulate the planting, maintenance, and removal of trees

·         Protection of  trees on City Property, City rights of way

·         Regulating the permitting and pruning of street trees

·         Permit application, approval or denial

The Forum will focus on educating the public concerning these provisions which will become effective July 1, 2014 followed by a question and answer session.

Following adjournment of the Forum, the Mayor and City Council will vote to go into regular work session.

Thanks,

Jeannelle Branson Wallace

City Manager

City of Mount Rainier

One Municipal Place

Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712

(301) 985-6585 (Direct)

(240) 508-3595 (Cellular)

LAST DAY TO SIGN UP for Health Care Coverage in Maryland

From the Governor's Office:

This Monday, January 13, all four insurance carriers participating in the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange - CareFirst, Evergreen Co-op, Kaiser Permanente, and United - will offer a new health coverage option to those Marylanders who experienced significant website problems that prevented enrollment prior to January 1.  

The carriers have set a deadline of 5pm on January 21, 2014 to enroll in the program. Marylanders who experienced significant website problems that prevented enrollment and are interested in coverage back to January 1 should call the direct hotline at 1-800-396-1961 to register for this program. Marylanders can also call the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange's Consumer Support Center by dialing 1-855-642-8572.  

The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange will contact program participants to confirm eligibility and record plan selection. Coverage will be effective once consumers pay their premium.  The premium payment deadline is February 15, 2014.  Once enrolled, consumers will be able to submit bills for medical services received back to January 1 for reimbursement under the terms of their policy.  

Residents -- Recycling Scheduled for TUESDAY, January 7, 2014

Michael Jackson	8:27 AM (6 hours ago)
to me, jwallace, jtarlau, brentcbolin, friendsforivy, jesse.christop., Michael

Due to inclement weather, today's regularly scheduled recycle pick-up has been cancelled and rescheduled forTuesday, January 7th.  Please forward this notification to your constituents and please post to your respective listservs or blogs.  If you may have any additional questions, please contact Michael Barnes, Assistant Director of Public Works at 301-985-6583.

Michael D. Jackson
Assistant City Manager
City of Mount Rainier
One Municipal Place
Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712
(301) 985-6585 x 30 (Direct)
(240) 508-2208 (Cellular)