Sunday, September 21, 2014

Second Annual Halloween Party

The second annual citywide invitation Halloween Party will be held again this year.

It is being brought back by POPULAR DEMAND!  Open to Mount Rainier, Maryland residents of all ages.

WHERE:   4517 30th Street, Mount Rainier, MD 20712

WHEN:     Friday, October 31, 2014

TIME:       6:00pm until 8:30pm

Wear your costumes.  Stop in for hot dogs, hamburgers, beverage, movies, scary music, and of COURSE tricks and treats!

Bring the family, neighbors, and friends and enjoy a cup of HOT APPLE CIDER while staying safe on HALLOWEEN!



Thursday, September 18, 2014

PUBLIC SAFETY NIGHT - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014 IN MOUNT RAINIER, MD

Please come out and join the MOUNT RAINIER POLICE DEPARTMENT in its celebration of PUBLIC SAFETY NIGHT in Mount Rainier.

WHEN:   September 19, 2014

WHERE:  Mount Rainier Nature Center 4701 31st Place, Mount Rainier, MD 20712

TIME:       6pm to 9pm

ATTRACTION:  Police Helicopter
                           Police Dogs Demonstration

FREE FOOD:     Hot dogs, hamburgers, and beverages

SPECIAL GUESTS:  Local Law Enforcement Agencies

Come out and bring a friend, a neighbor, and visitors.  You will be a part of the second annual Public Safety Night in Mount Rainier, MD!

BRING YOUR CAMERA!    BRING A CHAIR!   BRING THE KIDS!

REMEMBER TO SHINE A LIGHT ON CRIME!  TURN ON YOUR PORCH LIGHT.

For more information call:  ..301-9856565

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

TWO TERMS & NO MORE!

I have sat in your seats.  I know how hard it is to resist the sitting leadership's quest for more power.  I know how difficult it is to stand on principle, but you are elected to DO JUST THAT!  You are NOT a RUBBER stamp for the County Executive, Count Council, the senators nor the delegates.  YOU are the voice of the people.

I urge you to Vote NO on Question J and the democratic sample ballot for the November 2014 general election should recommend that county Democrats do the same.  County voters have spoken in 1992, again in 2000 and again in 2004 in support of the two term limitation!  We want Two Terms & No More!

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Grants for Environmental Projects --- Prince George's County MD

County Offers Green Grants for Environmental Projects
For immediate release: 
9/11/2014 12:00:00 AM

For more information, contact: 
Linda Lowe, Public Information Officer, Department of the Environment/
301-836-2115

Grant awards range from $2,000 up to$200,000 for urban watershed restoration projects
LARGO, MD – The Prince George’s County Department of the Environment (DoE) and the Chesapeake Bay Trust (CBT) recently announced that applications are being accepted for two funding programs under the County’s Rain Check Program. The funding programs provide grants for environmental projects that improve, restore or protect local waterways.  Both are open to the general public, but are restricted to funding in the County.

“When it comes to keeping our County clean, green and healthy, we are all in it together. These grants support our efforts to partner with the community and we will give you the money to do so,” says DoE Director Adam Ortiz.  “I encourage municipalities, schools, nonprofits, community, faith-based and civic groups to apply to support their local water infrastructure.”

The Prince George’s County Rain Check Program includes a Stormwater Stewardship Grant designed to reduce runoff pollution to the County’s waterways, while engaging residents in stormwater issues. The grant is open to nonprofit, community, faith-based organizations and other groups. Awards range from $20,000 to $200,000 for water quality projects and $5,000 to $50,000 for citizen engagement and behavior change projects.  All projects must be conducted in the County, excluding the City of Bowie.  The deadline to apply is September 18, 2014 at 5 p.m.

The second part of the program is the County’s Rain Check Rebate Program, which is now administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust. The program offers incentives to homeowners, businesses and others to install practices that will improve stormwater runoff quality, reduce runoff quantity and improve local streams and rivers. Eligible applicants have the opportunity to receive rebates for installing approved stormwater management practices covered by the program. Grant awards range from $2,000 for residential property owners; $20,000 for commercial properties, multi-family dwellings, nonprofit, and not-for-profit groups.  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. 

For more information on the Rain Check Stormwater Stewardship Grant Program, contact Grant Manager Sadie Drescher at 410-974-2941, ext. 103 or click here. 

For more information on the Rain Check Rebate Program, contact Grant Manager Natalia Sanchez at 410-974-2941, ext. 114 or click here.

For more information on the County’s Clean Water Programs, click here.

# # #

Thursday, September 04, 2014

PLEASE CONTINUE BOILING YOUR WATER!

WSSC Media Release - September 4, 2014

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY RELATIONS

 

*** 3:45 PM Update***
 
Boil Water Advisory Continues for
Portions of Prince George’s County
 
 
Contact: Ayoka Blandford
Ayoka.Blandford@wsscwater.com
301.206.8100


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Laurel - September 4, 2014:  The precautionary Boil Water Advisory (BWA) for portions of Prince George’s County remains in effect.  WSSC continues to conduct water testing to verify that samples from the affected area meet drinking water standards and indicate good quality water.  The results of the last test will be read late tonight and, if they pass, the BWA will be lifted immediately.

It is important to note there is no evidence of contamination; however customers in the affected areas should continue to boil their water for consumption purposes.

Areas affected by the BWA include: Hyattsville, Bladensburg, Mt. Rainier, Cheverly, Chillum, Edmonston, Landover Hills, Glenarden, Fairmount Heights, Seat Pleasant, Brentwood and North Brentwood.  The interactive   map on WSSC’s website is the best tool to determine if you are in the affected area. Customers can type in their address in the search box in the upper right corner to find out if they are in the affected area.

There are approximately 100,000 WSSC customers (30,900 customer accounts) affected by the BWA. If you live in the affected area you should boil your water before:
Drinking it
 
Making ice
 
Washing dishes (without a dishwasher)
 
Brushing teeth
 
Preparing Food

Water, including filtered water, should be brought to a rolling boil for one minute and cooled before using. This includes water for pets.

When a water system, or in this case a small portion of a water system, loses pressure there is an increased risk of contamination. There is no evidence of contamination at this time, but WSSC recommends that you boil your water as a precautionary measure if you live in the affected area. A 24-inch water main broke Tuesday evening in Hyattsville. Repairs are expected to begin on Friday.


Check the WSSC website, Twitter and Facebook for updates as this situation develops. 

Tuesday, September 02, 2014

Here is the full boil water alert from WSSC's Website

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Laurel– September 2, 2014:   In the wake of a 24-inch water main break on Tanglewood Drive, near Alternate Route 1 in Hyattsville this evening, WSSC is issuing a precautionary Boil Water Advisory (BWA) as of 7:55 p.m. tonight for customers in the following areas of Prince George’s County:

 
Hyattsville, Bladensburg, Mt. Rainier, Cheverly, Chillum, Edmonston, Landover Hills, Glen Arden, Fairmount Heights, Seat Pleasant and Brentwood.
 
If you live in the affected area you should boil your water before:
  • Drinking it
     
  • Making ice
     
  • Washing dishes (without a dishwasher)
     
  • Brushing teeth
     
  • Food preparation 

Water should be brought to a rolling boil for one minute and cooled before using. Water for pets should be boiled and then cooled for their use.

 
WSSC is creating an interactive map which will allow customers to type in their address and find out if they are in the affected area. The map will be posted on the WSSC website as soon as possible. WSSC will also Tweet when the map is available.

 
The 24-inch water main broke Tuesday evening. It is 59 years old. WSSC crews are in the process of closing valves in the area of the break to isolate the broken section of water main.

 
When a water system, or in this case a small portion of a water system, loses pressure there is an increased risk of contamination, however there is no evidence of contamination. Therefore, WSSC recommends if you live in the affected area, that you boil your water per the guidelines stated above.

 
The BWA will remain in effect for approximately 48 hours. WSSC must conduct mandatory water sampling. Appropriate state and county officials have been advised of the situation.

Check the WSSC website, Twitter and Facebook for updates as this situation develops.

BOIL your water, if you live in

Mount Rainier or Brentwood Maryland.

WSSC is advising that all residents in these two municipalities boil their water before using it -- specifically drinking, cooking or other consumption.

There is a water main break and WSSC is working on it now.  Will share additional information when I receive it.

Sunday, August 17, 2014

NEED COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS?

Clean Up Green Up
For immediate release: 
8/11/2014 12:00:00 PM

For more information, contact: 
Carol Terry, Public Information Officer; (301) 883-5600
Fall 2014 Prince George’s County
“Clean Up, Green Up”

Help make your neighborhood cleaner and greener by planting trees, shrubs and flowers,  and coordinating beautification activities throughout your community. 
When: Saturday, October 18, 2014
For more information contact:
Samantha Vannaseng
(301) 499-8523


SVannaseng@co.pg.md.us

Students can earn community service hours performing this project
Registration deadline is Friday, September 12, 2014
For more information please visit our website news page.

Having trouble viewing this? View it as a Web page.



Friday, August 01, 2014

Referendum on November's Ballot

The voice of the people is needed and required for this referendum.  

The Ballot Title for the PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT is CB 54:
To increase the number of consecutive terms that a person may serve on the County Council or as County Executive from two terms to three terms.

After you vote for your candidates, PLEASE vote on this referendum that will retain our current term limits for the County Council and the County Executive.

Several years ago, we the people raised our voices to say that no one should be voted into office for life.  We said that eight years in office were long enough, and allowed opportunity for new blood, and new directions.  We further said that, the people should have that control, not the legislators.  

To see what this referendum would feel like, look at our dysfunctional Congress, many of whom have been in office long before many of us were born.  Look at the bad decisions and the direction in which they have taken our Country.  Many went into office with good intentions, but stayed so long, they forgot why they ran in the first place.

Do you recall all of the big announcements about MGM Grand coming to Prince George's County, and all of the press releases?  This referendum/amendment that will have an impact on everyone in this County, DID NOT GET THAT KIND OF MEDIA ATTENTION!  

PLEASE contact your County Government Elected officials and ask why they did not feel that you would want to know about this major change to the County's Charter.


Then contact your neighbors and share their response and the referendum/amendment, and be sure to get out there and vote on November 4, 2014.  All polls open at 7 am and close 8 pm.  MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!


Thursday, July 24, 2014

Visit Your Public Library TODAY

Someone said to me recently that public libraries are going to go the way of the dinosaurs -- Extinct!  Well, that is possible, but not if we use them, and add the new technology that will keep them alive.  We also must introduce our children, grandchildren, and great-children to them.

Find a reason and an opportunity to visit our public libraries often, and take somebody with you.  Here's a link to our public library system.

http://www.pgcmls.info/

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

County Council of Prince George's County ...

Seeks to INCREASE the number of CONSECUTIVE TERMS a person Can Serve on the Prince George's County Council!

Prince Georgians, you had better PAY ATTENTION! Here is what your elected members of the County Council are up to with as little publicity as possible. They want to increase term limits from two terms to three terms. You the voters imposed term limits in 1992!  Now, the County Council wants to THROW OUT YOUR VOTE, and increase their terms to THREE TERMS or TWELVE YEARS!

County Council of Prince George's County

Notice of Public Hearings

Wednesday, July 23, 2014  
Council Hearing Room
County Administration Building
114741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive
Upper Marlboro, Maryland

10:00 am

CB=54-2014 - An Act Concerning Amendment of Section 307A, Charter of Prince George's County for the purpose of proposing an amendment to increase the number of consecutive terms that a person may serve on the County Council or as County Executive from two terms to three terms.

Did you know about this?

Friday, July 04, 2014

Funeral Service for Former County Executive Wayne Curry

Good Afternoon:

The funeral service for former County Executive Curry will be held next Thursday at 11:00am at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden. The address is 600 Watkins Park Drive Upper Marlboro, Maryland.  The public viewing will be from 9:30am to 1:30pm.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Scott Peterson, Press Secretary, Office of the County Executive (slpeterson@co.pg.md.us / 240-619-9400) or Lisa Jackson, Manager, Intergovernmental Affairs Division, Office of the County Executive (lljackson@co.pg.md.us / (301) 512-0276).

Sincerely,

Courtney Glass

Courtney D. Glass, Esquire
Intergovernmental Affairs Division
Office of the Prince George's County Executive
14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive
Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774
(301) 952-2953 (office)
(240) 619-6456 (mobile)
cdglass@co.pg.md.us

Wednesday, July 02, 2014

Recycling -- NO RECYCLING ON FRIDAY

Just in case you do not get another opportunity to hear this message or see it on the cable channels, THERE WILL BE NO RECYCLING ON FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2014 because of the holiday -- Independence Day!

Recycling will be picked up on the following Friday, July 11, 2014.  PLEASE DO NOT PUT OUT YOUR RECYCLING CONTAINERS AND LEAVE THEM OUT THERE.  THEY WILL NOT BE EMPTIED!

Mayor Malinda Miles

SECOND Southside Music & Skateboarding Series

In just eleven days: 

Live music starts at noon in the Mount Rainier Skate Park for the second event of the 3-part 2014!

Southside Music & Skateboarding Series 


Please join us anytime between noon and 4 pm in the Mount Rainier Skate Park (corner of Otis & Wells in Mount Rainier, MD, across the street from Red Dirt Studio) on Saturday, July 12

· Hot grills, ice, and ice water stationed at Red Dirt
· Live MUSIC by guitar-bass-drum trio Marc Blackwood, John Lee, & Matt Tebo, and DJ sets by InnerLoop
· MD Skate Season is holding a skateboarding competition during our event, and we're hosting an open skate session before and after, plus
· A skateboard deck painting workshop for kids from 2-4 pm--and we've got decks!

More info for this and the Southside series through summer parked & updated on our facebook event page, please join the "Going" list here. Also, online via Art Lives Here, or flier attached. 

Our big Southside skateboarding competition (cash prizes in various categories, awesome line-up of skate judges) is Saturday, August 2 from noon to 4 pm. Exciting news coming about the August music, announcing soon... save the date!

All our events are free and open to the public, all ages are welcome, and
We hope to see you!

Come and shred, or eat and listen/dance/watch! Please pass the word along!
--
JJ McCracken
Artist
Red Dirt Studio
3706-08 Otis Street
Mt. Rainier, MD 20712

Marc Blackwood
Musician
Brentwood, MD

--
The Southside Music & Skateboarding Series is funded by the Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission, administered by The Brentwood Arts Exchange in partnership with Art Lives Here/Joe's Movement Emporium. Additional support is provided by the Gateway Arts District and the Maryland State Arts Council. 

Special thanks to our host Margaret Boozer-Strother/Red Dirt Studio in Mount Rainier, Maryland, and to Dave Cahill/Mt. Rainier Bike Co-op for event assistance.

Passing of Former Prince George’s County Executive Wayne K. Curry

Good Afteroon:

Below please find Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III’s formal statement on the passing of Former Prince George’s County Executive Wayne K. Curry. The Office of the County Executive will keep you apprised of any developments and plans moving forward. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Scott Peterson, Press Secretary, Office of the County Executive (slpeterson@co.pg.md.us / 240-619-9400) or Lisa Jackson, Manager, Intergovernmental Affairs Division, Office of the County Executive (lljackson@co.pg.md.us / (301) 512-0276).

Sincerely,

Courtney Glass


Press Release
For Immediate Release:
July 2, 2014

For Information Contact:
Scott L. Peterson
Press Secretary/Deputy Communications Manager
Phone: 240-619-9400


Statement From County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III
Passing of Former Prince George’s County Executive Wayne K. Curry

Upper Marlboro, MD - Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III, released this statement following the passing of former Prince George’s County Executive Wayne K. Curry:

“The passing of Wayne K. Curry is a genuine loss for Prince George’s County, the State of Maryland and the Washington Region. He was more than a great leader and iconic personality in this County.  He was a tremendously courageous and truly remarkable person who touched and changed so many lives.  As Prince George’s County’s first African American County Executive, he was a visionary who raised the standards for the County and its profile locally and nationally. 

This County and its residents owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude.  He was a son of this great County and he was extraordinarily proud of it and devoted to it.  He constantly reminded us how important his hometown was to the region, and to the nation, because it symbolizes what so many people dreamed could happen in America:  an affluent majority African American jurisdiction.  From National Harbor to FedEx Field, Wayne Curry laid the foundation for the Prince George’s County we know today.

For me, this loss is deeply personal. He was an amazingly generous friend, colleague and supporter.  He was a mentor to me and to so many others.   I know the residents of Prince George’s County join me as we express our sincere sympathy to Wayne’s family and to his many friends who loved him so much.”

###

Courtney D. Glass, Esquire
Intergovernmental Affairs Division
Office of the Prince George's County Executive
14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive
Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774
(301) 952-2953 (office)
(240) 619-6456 (mobile)

July 1, the World Around You Changed

...if you live in Maryland.  As in the past, there are a host of laws that took effect on July 1.

For one 100 proof alcohol will no longer be legal in Maryland.

A 3.5 cents gas tax took effect.

For more information on the new laws and their impact on you, check out the following link:

http://www.wjla.com/articles/2013/06/maryland-laws-set-to-change-at-midnight-90788.html

Friday, June 27, 2014

SUCCESSFUL Self-defense Class for Seniors

Whatcha Doin Seniors Club spent this morning learning personal self-defense from the City's finest, and some expert karate teachers. 

Approximately twenty seniors, four trainers, and members of the Mount Rainier Police Department shared information and techniques that the seniors were able to discuss and raise questions about using in their personal lives. Lots of demonstrations of techniques that could be easily used by people of all physical strengths (including persons with canes, crutches, and persons in wheelchairs).

Great training, and the seniors have asked for two additional sessions in different locations for seniors who were not able to attend today.  

Are you over 62? MISSED THIS EVENT? Next event is Sunday, June 29, 2014 at the Potts House in downtown Mount Rainier. There will be music and dancing, and good food. Participation is free, but we ask you to dress up in your fineries, and join us for an evening of fun.









Whatcha Doin Seniors Club to Visit Mount Rainier Police Department

Today, some of Mount Rainier's seniors and others will be visiting the Mount Rainier Police Department.  The purposes for the visit is to get acquainted with our police officers, visit our police station, and learn a few self defense techniques.  Many have lived in the City for years, and have never visited our "green" police station.

This event is made possible through a grant from the Maryland State Department of Aging as part of an effort to help seniors remain an active part of the community.  Secretary, Gloria Lawlah, over the past four years has reached out to seniors and to help them to not only age in place in the communities, but to remain active in their communities.  

In the past few months, the Whatcha Doin Senior Club has gone on the Spirit of Washington, spent time with local artists in the community, and networked with each other to learn about the City and what is going on in it.  All have expressed their gratitude to be a part of Mount Rainier's vibrant community.

·        Interested in joining this event at the police station today?  Are you 62 and over?  Then just come on down to 3249 Rhode Island Ave, Mount Rainier, MD 20712 today.  The program starts at 10:00am, and will conclude with lunch around 1:30pm.  For more information, contact Mayor Malinda Miles.  The phone number at the Police Station is (301) 985-6590

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Mount Rainier has a SEAT at the TABLE!

Some would say that we have always had a seat at the table, and I would probably say true.  However, I took a close look at the slates that were put together over the past several months, and I just did not see Mount Rainier's best interest on any of them.  Today, even without being chosen by many of the slates, Mount Rainier has a seat at the table!

Congratulations to soon to be Delegate Jimmy Tarlau.  Jimmy worked hard, and our voters rewarded him with a major victory at the polls across District  47A.

Congratulations to School Board Representative Amber Waller for continuing to believe in our school system, and full representation for our District.  You win today, speaks volumes for the work that you do in the District, and will continue to do over the next four years.

Congratulations to Lt. Governor Anthony Brown.  What a win.  Looking forward to your taking office and leading Maryland over the next four years.  Municipal government needs a strong leader at the helm of the State, and our constituents deserve a seat at the table, all 157 of them, and we believe you will give us just that!

Congratulations to soon to be former Delegate Doyle Niemann who will be representing the City of Mount Rainier in Upper Marlboro, Maryland as Councilman for District 2.  A tight race, but I do not believe that a tight race that is won makes a hill of difference to the winner.  A win is a win, and Doyle Niemann has won based on the early unofficial voting results.

As a person who believes that our footprint on our environment should be as small as possible, I am sorry that my other candidate did not hold off his challengers.  He has done good work, and will continue to be a force in our community as we all work toward the elimination of pollution in our streams and real support for women experiencing domestic violence.

Finally, CONGRATULATIONS to former Mayor Diana Finnell.  She has fought continuously for improvement in our area, and has the full support of the residents of Mount Rainier as she moves forward to her next contribution to Prince George's County as a Delegate for District 47A  Mayor Finnell, YOU have earned that right to represent us!

CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES FOR VICTORY IN NOVEMBER!

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Election Results

Governor / Lt. Governor

State of Maryland
Democrat
Vote for OneEarly VotingElection DayAbsentee / ProvisionalsTotal Votes%

Anthony G. Brown And Ken Ulman
Expand
59,98530,419090,40455.59

Doug Gansler And Jolene Ivey
Expand
21,64013,962035,60221.89

Ralph Jaffe And Freda Jaffe
Expand
53143109620.59

Heather Mizeur And Delman Coates
Expand
20,16212,330032,49219.98

Charles U. Smith And Clarence Tucker
Expand
53153501,0660.66

Cindy A. Walsh And Mary Elizabeth Wingate-Pennacchia
Expand
1,0931,00802,1011.29

House of Delegates

Legislative District 47A
Democrat
Vote for No More Than TwoPartyEarly VotingElection DayAbsentee / ProvisionalsTotal Votes%
Malcolm Augustine
Expand
DEM310666097616.72
 
Diana M. Fennell
Expand
DEM38296501,34723.08
 
Joseph Solomon
Expand
DEM230697092715.88
 
Michael Summers
Expand
DEM318667098516.88
 
Jimmy Tarlau
Expand
DEM4131,18801,60127.43
 


Board of Education

Board of Education District 3
Vote for OneEarly VotingElection DayAbsentee / ProvisionalsTotal Votes%
Clarence Emmanuel124230035414.46
Dinora A. Hernandez200509070928.96
Amber Waller44194401,38556.58

County Council

Councilmanic District 2
Democrat
Vote for OneEarly VotingElection DayAbsentee / ProvisionalsTotal Votes%
Doyle Niemann37584901,22453.29
Deni Taveras28878501,07346.71