I am TIRED of the RAIN!

Well it has been raining for days!

Most people are just plain tired of the rain, but more importantly, they are tired of the wet basements, road closures, gridlock going and coming from work, and getting splashed by insensitive drivers. Most of these things you can't do ANYTHING about, but there are some things that you can take control over!

You can make a list of what you should have done before the rainy season started. For example do you have flood insurance? I don't, but I wish I had followed through on all those times I thought about purchasing it. Well, I can't get flood insurance to cover what is already damaged by this rainy season, BUT I can get it now for future rainy seasons. The first question to ask is "are you in the 100 year flood zone" or whatever they call it. If you do you stand a better chance of getting flood insurance. Want more information on flood insurance? Visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Another list item is to make sure that you have non-perishables in the house that can be quickly used JUST IN CASE your power goes out. Who would have thought that the solid oak standing in your yard would just follow over because of the over saturated ground. Worst yet, why did it have to fall on the power line and knock out all the power in the neighborhood. No, your neighbors will not blame you for an act of God, but it sure would help if you were prepared to be without lights for a day or two. So that leads to the next item on the list.

Make sure that you have flashlights and batteries or some other source of lighting that you can PUT YOUR HANDS on in a hurry especially if the lights go out at night! If you can afford it, a backup generator would be nice, but what do you do with it for months on end until you need it? Storage problem, but a good one if you have it when you need it.

BE PREPARED to shelter in place if you do not have a community center set up for you. Sometimes, this is the only thing you can do until rescue units can get to you. Sheltering in place means be prepared to move to the highest part of your house. Have your basic needs kit including medicines in place in the attic (assuming you have one) or other highest place where you live. Make sure they are in plastic bags to stay dry.

Got a family? MAKE SURE they know the plan. Drill, drill, drill. They need to know what to do and when to do it.

Gas up the family car just in case you may need to use it to get to higher ground. (NOTE: If you must drive, remember to be alert about high standing water or you could find yourself in a more dangerous situation.)

Still making that list? DO NOT FORGET to have on hand a battery powered radio with batteries available or in it because when the power goes, it goes also.

Portable phones may also prove unworthy of the journey. Make sure you have at least one old fashion plug in telephone assuming that you will still have telephone service.

DRY CLOTHING is an essential. Place at least ONE FULL set of clothing in a dry plastic bag. Double cover it to ensure that it stays dry. If you have to get out in the rain to safety, you will need some dry clothing to keep from catching cold and to warm up.

Got pets? What's going to happen to them? Dry to figure out what you will do with your pet(s) before the water rises. Have the pet cage handy. Have food for your pet stored with your non-perishables. Get your pet to safety early even if that means putting the pet up for a few days in a pet shelter that may be safer than your home. Do this EARLY. At the last minute, you will be consumed by other urgent and important actions to keep you and your family safe.

If a flood emergency is declared in your area and you are asked to evacuate, follow directions. Know where the nearest shelter is set up. DO NOT try to carry with you all of your possessions. You will have LIMITED space since everyone else will be headed to the same shelter in your neighborhood.

Finally, pack a few pictures and a book suitable for each family member. It could be a LONG time before you can return home, and the water may destroy all pictures and memories. (NOTE: Water guard these prior to the need to evacuate. If water tight, they may survive and be there for you later.)

GOT your LIST together? Good, here are some other safety tips. Some of these are overlapping, but are there to emphasize the importance of each item.

During the flood or heavy rains
• Don't tune out. Be aware of flash floods. If there is any possibility of a flash flood occurring, move immediately to higher ground.
• Listen to radio or television stations for local information.
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areas known to flood suddenly.
• Secure your home. If you have time, bring outdoor garden equipment and lawn furniture inside or tie it down. Move essential items to the upper floors of your house.
• If instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Special tools may be required. Add this to your list when preparing ahead for flooding conditions.
• Sterilize the bathtub, then fill the bathtub with water in case water becomes contaminated or services are cut off. You can also purchase and store BOTTLE WATER for emergencies. Stay away from flood waters. They could be contaminated.
• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you must walk in a flooded area, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If flood waters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground, if you can do so safely. You and your vehicle can be quickly swept away as flood waters rise.
• Report broken utilities to the proper authorities
What to do after a flood?
• Stay away from flood waters. The water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. The water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Stay away from moving water. Moving water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet.
• Be aware of areas where flood waters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the power company.
• Stay away from disaster areas unless authorities ask for volunteers.
• Continue listening to a battery-powered radio for information about where to get assistance for housing, clothing and food.
• Clean and have electrical equipment checked before using.
• Consider your family's health and safety needs. Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with flood waters. Throw away food that has come in contact with flood waters. Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink.
• Contact your insurance agent.

Remember, be safe, and know that floodwaters sometimes take days to rise, even when the sun is shining. It can take days for floodwaters to make their way downstream. Don't underestimate the power and speed in which flood waters can rise and destroy everything in its path.

MOST Schools are OPEN TOMORROW, August 30, 2011

Due to mass power outages caused by Hurricane Irene; the following 21 schools will remain closed on Tuesday, August 30: Apple Grove ES; Central HS; Benjamin Foulois Creative and Performing Arts; Brandywine ES; Concord ES; Glenarden Woods ES; Heather Hills ES; Highland Park ES; Imagine Foundations I Public Charter; Imagine Foundations II Public Charter; James Frank Dent ES;Kenmoor ES; Largo HS; Magnolia ES; Princeton Elementary; Rockledge ES; Samuel Ogle MS; Suitland HS; Tall Oaks Vocational HS; Whitehall ES; and Woodmore ES. All other schools will open on time.

Schools are CLOSED in Prince George's County

All Prince George's County schools are CLOSED tomorrow, August 29, 2011. A Code Green is in effect; all 12-month employees must report on-time. Liberal leave will be in effect.

Damage Assessment for IRENE

Report from Chief Michael Scott on damage assessment of Irene in Mount Rainier:

As of 5 pm this morning we are still experiencing high winds and heavy rains from the remnants of Hurricane Irene. While the rain is forecast to taper off we still expect the high winds to continue through the morning hours. The police department went on tactical alert at 6 pm Saturday evening and all officers were on duty throughout the night until 5 am this morning. We will have a normal day shift compliment plus one additional officer starting at 7 am this morning. We will follow the same schedule for the night shift that starts at 7 pm tonight.

Throughout the City there is an extensive amount of storm debris on all of our residential streets ranging from leaves to large branches and trees and power lines down. We have reported each power line problem to Pepco; however we do not expect Pepco to respond to address any of the power line problems until later in the day, and then only according to their priority schedule. Our officers have used police tape to block off those streets where power lines and/or trees have either totally or partially blocked the roadway. Residents should not attempt to drive or walk on any street or sidewalk where police tape blocks the way.

Here’s a brief summary of the major storm damage and power outages:

Tree down blocking the road in the 3100 block of Upshur St. Tree took down power lines from a house when it fell.

· Tree down blocking the road at 37th and Newton Streets. No power lines affected.

· Tree down on power lines at 32nd and Varnum.

Tree down on power lines 3100 block of Shepherd St. Street blocked but power still on. When the tree came down an 8 to 12 foot section of the sidewalk was uprooted.

· Electric wires are down in the 4100 block of 30th Street.

· A tree and power lines are down in the 4000 block of 31st Street.

· Tree down in the 4200 block of 28th Street.

· Tree down at 28th Place and Webster Street.

· Power is out to about 75% of the Kaywood apartment complex and bordering streets.

· Power is out along Eastern Avenue from Rhode Island Avenue to Queens Chapel Road.

· Power is out in the 2200 and 2300 blocks of Varnum Street.

· Power is out sporadically in other residential areas of the City.

· The roof of the police station is leaking in several places.

Residents should continue to call our communications center at 301-985-6565/6566 to report trees down, power lines down or other hazardous conditions.


Michael E. Scott
Chief of Police
Mount Rainier Police Department
3249 Rhode Island Avenue
Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712
301-985-6580
mscott@mountrainierpd.org

THANK YOU to the TREE COMMISSION

While many of us are going about our day with little thought or care about the very reason we love living here -- our trees -- there is a group of men and women that are out there making sure our trees make it through this very hot and dry period. Therefore, today's blog is dedicated to them (I am not going to list their names because I will miss someone and that would not be nice).

To the Tree Commission

Thank you for knowing where all the trees are in Mount Rainier.
Thank you for keeping up with the inventory of trees that we have in Mount Rainier.
Thank you for planting and replanting tree throughout Mount Rainier.
Thank you for helping to keep our trees healthy in Mount Rainier.
Thank you for giving of your time, skills and knowledge to help keep Mount Rainier a Tree City USA.
Thank you for caring enough to know the value of the trees we have in Mount Rainier.
Thank you for getting really pissed when someone cuts down a healthy tree in Mount Rainier.
Thank you Tree Commission for serving, often without thanks, the residents of Mount Rainier.

You are awesome and doing a thankless job on behalf of all of us here in Mount Rainier.

MD sets NO TAX Day for Back to School

Got to buy uniforms, shoes and other clothing for your school age children? Here's when to buy!
Maryland Tax-Free Shopping Days are August 14-20, 2011. Remember the tax exemption is for items priced $100 or less. As always, there are some exclusions, so check with the store before being caught up at the register. Also support stores in PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY. Make the most of every dollar when you shop during Maryland Tax-Free Shopping Days! Valid only in Maryland.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS -- PUTTING FAMILY FIRST

It is entirely too late in an emergency to get prepared. Here are some things that you can do now, and contrary to popular belief, bottled water will not go bad, and if there is NO WATER available, it might just come in handy, IF YOU HAVE SOME.

Here are a few things you can do without the help of your local government (or any government for that matter):

1. PUT aside one gallon of water per person per day for three days STORED IN PLASTIC CONTAINERS.

2. STORE an equal amount of food per person per day for three days.
Ready to eat canned meat, fruit and vegetables.
Canned soup, shelf milk, and juices
Food for infants, adults with special diets and seniors in your family.
High energy snacks -- crackers, trail mix, granola bars, peanut butter.
Comfort foods -- cookies, candy, hot chocolate, tea bags, instant coffee.
(DO NOT forget to include a NON-ELECTRIC can opener, matches AND a cigarette lighter.)
3. SAVE or GET your prescription drugs in 90 days supply and put ONE FULL prescription -- 30 days up and change out at least every six months so that they do not expire.
4. GET and STORE a first aid kit that includes non-prescription drugs like pain relievers, stomach medicines, and allergy medications.
5. PURCHASE a durable flashlight AND extra batteries. DO NOT PUT IN THE FLASHLIGHT. CHECK and CHANGE the batteries to make sure they are working at least every six month.
6. STORE/PUT AWAY some cash including nickels, dimes, and quarters -- at least one roll each and about $100.
7. INCLUDE a small tool kit with hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, nails, and other necessary tools for an emergency.
8. DON'T forget toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, sanitary napkins, toothbrushes, and other hygiene items.
9. GOT PETS? Don't forget they need food and water, carrying case, leash, and proof of rabies shots.
10. PORTABLE RADIO and BATTERIES will go a long way in helping to keep you in touch.
11. WALKIE TALKIE is nice, but require batteries so don't forget to include a few. Remember, cell phones MAY NOT WORK.

In an emergency call 911 (WHEN CALLING 911 please stay on the line until your call is answered IF AT ALL POSSIBLE) or the County -- 301883-3308.

In an emergency and/or disaster in our AREA, Mount Rainier's Command staff (Jeannelle Wallace, Chief Michael Scott and your Mayor) will be in place to minimize the impact of the disaster, but will NEED YOU doing your part. These steps will help us help you.

When there is a power outage CALL PEPCO -- 1-202-872-3432 or 1877-737-2662. Lights Out: PEPCO 202-833-7500

When there is a water main break CALL WSSC -- 301-206-4002.

When there is a gas leak CALL Washington Gas Company. If you smell gas, or if you have an emergency involving natural gas, leave the area immediately, and call Washington Gas at (703) 750-1400 or 1 (800) 752-7520.

Mount Rainier's Police Department Emergency -- 301-985-6565

Prince George's County Police Emergency -- 301-333-4000 or 301-336-8800

Prince George's County Fire 301-499-8400

Telephone Lines: Verizon 301-954-6260

TDD users, call 911 for emergencies.
When dialing 9-1-1, wait until your call is answered and tap TDD bar 5 times.

Fire Emergency TDD 301-782-7619

Poison Control Center 1-800-492-2414

National Response Center 1-800-424-8802

Please VOTE for BB&Ts Lighthouse Project at the Family Crisis Center June 16 2011

The Family Crisis Center can win $5,000 from BB&T if we help Project Lighthouse FCC Project receive the most votes! All you have to do is go to their (BB&T's Lighthouse Project) Facebook page and vote! Type in "I am voting for the BB&T Lighthouse Project at the Family Crisis Center."

We NEED YOUR VOTE TODAY! WE NEED YOU TO ASK YOUR FRIENDS TO VOTE! Help us win the $5,000!BB&T Lighthouse Project.

Thanks for your VOTE. PLEASE pass it on.

Safe Summer Kick Off at Wells-Linson Complex

Safe Summer Kick Off at Wells-Linson Complex

Date & Time: Saturday, June 18, 5-10 pm

Event Description: Have fun at Teen Fest! There will be swimming, live entertainment, a DJ, life development sessions, indoor roller skating, adventure world, basketball, volleyball, vendors, and food (while supplies last).

Ages: 12-24

Fee: FREE

Location: Wells-Linson Complex

5211 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park 20740

Information: 301-446-3400; TTY 301-446-3402

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TRAINING

Prince George’s County Office of Homeland Security and the Mayor and Town Council of North Brentwood will be hosting Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training on May 21-May 22, 2011.

The two-day training program will be held at the North Brentwood Municipal Center starting at 9:00am to 4:00pm. Training is mandatory for both training dates.

What YOU will learn.
How to create a Family Disaster Plan and what to include.
How to develop a community resource data base.
How to respond to a crisis.
How to help your family, your neighbors, and community in a crisis.

Participate in a desktop exercise specific to Prince George’s County.

There is no cost to attend, lunch and a complementary continental breakfast will be provided free. To register for this FREE dynamic class call Paula Michelle on 301-699-9699 ext. 221 at the North Brentwood Municipal Center. Registration will be open until the class is filled (20 participants).

Upon completion of this training participant will receive a certificate, a CERT backpack (include emergency preparedness items) and a CERT Photo ID which will be effective for two years. Registration deadline date is May 10, 2011.

Please register as early as possible to secure your seat.

Maryland SAIL PROGRAM

Need food stamps, TCA, energy assistance, or other services? Did you know you could apply for all of this from the comfort of your living room or where ever you have your computer and/or laptop. Check out the information listed below. (NOTE: You can also apply for these services by visiting the Family Crisis Center, Inc. of Prince George's County, 3601 Taylor Street, Brentwood, MD 20722 or VISIT our Mount Rainier Library and go online and follow these instructions.)

MARYLAND SAIL PROGRAM

SAIL (Service Access and Information Link) is a web-based screening and application tool that will allow Maryland applicants to complete the following:

Am I Eligible? - A series of questions to help you decide for which social services benefits you and members of your family may want to apply.

Start an Application - Apply on-line any time of day or night for the following programs:

* Food Stamps (FS)
* Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
* Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP)
* Medical Assistance (MA)
* Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP)
* Medical Assistance Long Term Care (LTC)
* Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
* Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)
* Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP)

Complete a Re-determination - If you currently receive cash assistance, Medical Assistance or Food Stamps, you may be able to complete the re-determination of your benefits on-line. To access this section, you must have received a re-determination letter.

Report a Change - If you currently receive benefits and have a change in your household's circumstances, such as a new address, someone moving in or out, or an increase or decrease in income, you can report this information on-line.

Print Verification Form - You can print a verification form to complete and mail to your local department.

Become a Community Partner - Your organization may be able to help our customers apply for benefits by becoming a Community Partner.

There are also links to other programs and services such as the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program.

ELECTION COMING UP IN MOUNT RAINIER

There is a City-wide election being conducted on Monday, May 2, 2011 in the Great City of Mount Rainier Maryland. ALL registered voters are invited to come out and participate. This election, residents will be participating in a historic election. This is the first time under our revised Charter that we will be electing two councilmembers from the same Ward for two different term limits.

You may recall that Ward 1 was represented by the Late Councilmember Alta Morton. Because of her passing, Ward 1 residents will now elect someone to complete her term (2 years) and someone for the next four years. Jimmy Tarlau is running for the four year term and Bill Updike is running for the two year term.

In Ward 2 1 person will be elected to serve for the next four years. Running in Ward 2 is Brent Bolin and Adrienne Charles. Both are excellent candidates and you will have the opportunity to meet and hear from them at the Candidates Forum that is scheduled for April 20, 2011 at the Mount Rainier Nature Center from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Come out and meet the candidates.

Better Block Project a SUCCESS!

Jan Townshend Took an idea, and made it a reality on 34th Street in Mount Rainier MD. After seeing a better block project, Jan thought it would be a way to showcase Mount Rainier's 34th Street, and encourage potential new businesses to see what could be on 34th Street. And, just like everyone who lives in Mount Rainer knows, OUR businesses and residents came out in full support of this major effort.

Thank you to everyone that took a part in making this happen. Mount Rainier pride could be seen every where. We know the jewel we live in, and we take every opportunity to showcase our business base, vacant space, and potential business place! You did us PROUD, and we looked GOOD.

Council Agenda April 5, 2011

AGENDA
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2011
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, UPPER LEVEL
7:00 PM


Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
Review and Approval of Agenda
Review and Approval of Minutes for March 1, and March 15, 2011
Official Reports
Mayor
Council
City Manager
Department Heads

General Public Comment (Limited to three (3) minutes per person)

Certification of Election Candidates Maxine Drakeford, Supervisor of Elections
Report on Candidates Night (time and place) Maxine Drakeford, Supervisor of Elections

ATHA Update Aaron Marcavitch

Old Business

Ordinance 3-2011 an ordinance establishing Mount Rainier Green Initiative (Second Reading/Vote)

Vote on 2% one year COLA/Salary Adjustment for FOP

Vote on 2% for one year COLA/Salary Adjustment for city employees (including city hall, public works, and department heads)

Formal vote by Mayor and Council on City Logo

Formal vote by Mayor and Council on accepting 31st Street easement from Rainier Manor

Council will vote to adjourn the regular meeting and proceed into a work session

Discussion Item

Fiscal Year 2012 Proposed Budget

Rules for Speakers

The Mayor and City Council invite and welcome comments at public meetings. The Mayor or presiding officer will recognize you. Please introduce yourself at the podium (spelling your last name, for recording purposes) and give the name of your street and block number (e.g., 4300 block of 34th St.). Time limits for speaking are indicated on the meeting agenda.
While speaking, please maintain a courteous tone and avoid personal attacks.

If you wish to lodge a complaint about the performance or conduct of any City employee, please bring your concern to the attention of the City Manager, who will look into the matter and respond to you.

As a courtesy to other residents and businesses, the Council requests that speakers not use specific addresses or names of individuals when describing a situation or making a complaint. Noting the block is preferred over a specific address.

Code enforcement and public safety issues should first be brought to the attention of the appropriate department and/or one of your Council members.

Please Note: Pursuant to the Annotated Code of Maryland, State Government Article Section 10-508(a), the Council by majority vote may retire to executive or closed session at any time during the meeting. Should the Council retire to executive or closed session, the chair will announce the reasons and a report will be issued at a future meeting disclosing the reasons for such session.

Health Services in Prince George's County

The Prince George's County Council will be hosting a town hall on the delivery of Health Services in Prince George's County on April 5 from 6:30pm - 8:00pm at the Bowie Senior Center, 14900 Health Center Drive, Bowie, MD.

Briefings by:

Kenneth Glover
President/CEO,
Dimensions Healthcare

Dr. Donald Shell, M.D., M.A.
Health Officer,
Prince George’s County Health Department

Keeping Fit

Medical Facilities
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
6:30 - 8:00 P.M.

Bowie Senior Center
14900 Health Center Drive
Bowie, Md 20716

Summer School Program in Computer Science

This is a summer program for students going into the 12th grade that are interested in the field of computer science. The program is free and takes place from August 8, 2011 to August 12, 2011.Additional information (including application form) can be found at: http://www.cs.umd.edu/csoutreach/

Prince George's County Youth Employment Program

As you can imagine, there will be very little funding for the County's Youth Employment Program, but by checking in with the office today, I learned that there will be some. It is anticipated that the application form will be online (http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/Government/ExecutiveBranch/summeryouth.asp) sometime after March 14. Applications will ONLY be accepted online. Youth are encouraged to MAKE SURE THAT THEY GET A CONFIRMATION NUMBER after completing their application and to retain it!

Categories for Service
Note: At the end of the application process, you will be able to choose the Category areas of interest before you submit your application
• Summer Jobs Program — Applicants between the ages of 15 thru 21 are referred for placement in county government, public sector or academic enhancement positions.
Year Round Opportunities
• Private Sector Positions — Applicants between the ages of 16 and 21 will be referred for placement in available positions in private businesses in Prince George’s County and the Metropolitan Area. (Full or Part-time Positions)
• Internships — Qualified applicants between the ages of 18 thru 21 who are currently in college or have attended college will be able to apply to programs thru our Internship Bank.
• Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships — Qualified applicants between the ages of 16 and 21 will be referred to available programs in the metropolitan area.
Guidelines
1. Applications from the Summer Jobs Program will be accepted: To Be Announced.
2. Applications for the Summer Jobs Program received after expiration date will only be considered if additional jobs become available.
3. Students must be in good standing with their schools.
4. To be considered, applications must be accurately and fully completed.

THERE ARE ONLY A FEW OPENINGS! Check the website daily, and get YOUR APPLICATION in immediately.

BUDGET CUTS AND EDUCATION

The $9 billion deficit is hurting all over. There are no good places to cut, and not everyone can afford more taxes of any kind.

Education should NOT be the first place that budget cuts should be made, and trust me from what I am reading and know, education was one of the last budget areas to be touched. Before cutting education, municipalities lost all of their Highway User Revenue (HURs) fees (Mount Rainier lost almost $300,000), and State Aid to Police (another area in which Mount Rainier lost thousands of dollars).

OTHER ISSUES WITH EDUCATION

There is an issue with the major budget cuts to education that are being proposed, but there are other issues that go beyond the budget. When we fight to keep school funding, let's also fight to make sure that school funding for education is NOT being used for administrative overhead, and other issues rather than those direct services needed by our students. Let's hold the School Board MEMBERS and LEGISLATORS accountable for how current and future education dollars are spent. Let's insure that those precious education dollars are spent on educating our children. Let's say no to a "larger" administration building with all of the fluff proposed by school board staff and administration.

I personally do not believe that just pouring more money into education is the answer. I believe we should all demand for our children what is provided for children in the "TAG" program. I believe that each child in our school system would do much better, if they were afforded those same opportunities provided selected children participating in TAG.

I strongly support community/neighborhood schools, and fought very hard to keep those schools open when the County was cutting them and donating the properties for $1. The best example of a community school at its best is Mount Rainier Elementary School. I know because I get to work with the principal, teachers, reading specialist, children, and others who actually know the families that are struggling in my community.

I also know that we cannot keep throwing money at the education problem in Prince George's County. I know that we can and should hold our SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS accountable for what is happening to our schools and to our children. I know that we as parents are also RESPONSIBLE for the quality of education received by our children. PARENTS, we must get more involved in our schools and our children's education. WE MUST DEMAND quality education, not just higher HSA/MSA or whatever test we are teaching our children to pass in order to graduate. TEST SCORES are just that test scores. Education is a whole lot more, and our children are being short-changed.

SERIOUS about education in our schools? Then do something about it!

Make sure your children are ready for school. Set some rules and require them to abide by them. Teachers are not there to babysit your children. They are there to educate them. Teach your children respect of authority, and hold them accountable. Be your child(ren)'s parent, not his or her best friend. Respect taught at home will go with them to the schools and allow the teachers and other educators do the job for which they are paid. Then we will no longer have to spend money on metal detectors, school security, high definition cameras, and other indirect services in our schools -- money that could go to keeping our guidance counselors, reading specialists, and ESOL teachers.

JOIN your local PTA/PSA or start your own parent group that becomes the watch dog of education in your elementary, middle school and/or high school. You will be surprised at the difference you can make.

FIRST SEGMENT OF ICC OPENS MARCH 22

Some of us did not want it, but more of us did, now the first segment of the ICC is opening February 22, and you can test drive it for FREE. The Intercounty Connector (ICC) / MD 200 is much more than a road. It means new opportunities, better community access and the chance to spend more time with family.

The first segment of the ICC, from I-370 to MD 97 (Georgia Avenue), is scheduled to open Tuesday, February 22, 2011. The ICC is Maryland's first all-electronic toll road that uses highway-speed toll collection as motorists drive under tolling structures, eliminating the need for toll booths. To provide an opportunity to sample the roadway, drivers are invited to Test Drive the ICC from February 22 through March 6 at no charge.

After the Test Drive, toll rates will vary to help manage traffic volume and provide reliable travel times, with a higher toll charged during Peak hours and a lower toll charged during Off-Peak and Overnight hours.

Get there faster with E-ZPass and the ICC!

The ICC is designed to ease traffic congestion and save you time - and having an E-ZPass® is the most convenient way to use the ICC*. Since you already have an E-ZPass, you are all set and ready to get on and go!

The ICC also provides access to Metrorail, MARC, local transit services and MTA's Commuter Bus Service.

For more information on the ICC, visit mdta.maryland.gov. We look forward to seeing you on the ICC!

*Video tolling is an alternative to E-ZPass, but is not recommended for frequent travelers. The toll amount, plus a $3 Notice of Toll Due service charge per transaction, is sent to the registered vehicle owner for payment.

UPCOMING EVENTS

January 13, 2010

Please accept my apology for the late notice, but final details were just completed.

There will be a Martin Luther King, Jr. program hosted in Mount Rainier on Monday, January 17, 2011. ALL are invited to come out and participate in this wonderful event. There will be something for everyone, AND we will have with us Lt. Governor Anthony Brown as part of the Governor's inauguration process. Here is the program outline for Monday:

10:00 am Welcome and distributing of clean up supplies
Community Clean up in the Town Center

11:15 am Return to Joe’s

11:30 am Performance and presentations
Buffalo Baptist Church Choir,
Dance students of Joe’s
Home School Coop reading Maya Angelou
poem and Dr. King works

12:15pm Lunch and Fellowship

(Greetings and remarks will be made by the Lt. Governor when he arrives.)

We hope you will join us for this program.

Dunkin Donuts will officially open on Tuesday, January 18. There will be a formal opening at 12:00 noon. All are invited especially veterans and veteran organizations per the owner's request. Dunkin Donuts is located in the Queenstown Shopping Center at 3030 Queens Chapel Road, Hyattsville, MD.

Please pass this information on and plan to attend these events. Thank you.