Saturday, June 27, 2020

COVID-19 is STILL HERE -- The Maryland Black Mayors, Inc.

The Maryland Black Mayors, Inc. is encouraging residents throughout the County to remember that COVID-19 is a deadline virus and is devastating to our communities.  We also want to remind you to SOCIAL DISTANCE, WASH YOUR HANDS, SANITIZE, and when possible STAY AT HOME!

Please share our video.

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Distance Learning for Prince George's County Students

I have always supported the idea of year-round learning in our schools.  Check out this post.

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) Virtual Summer Learning Programs offer students opportunities to help transition to high school, take part in academic enrichment, earn original credits towards graduation requirements and recover credits for required courses. 

Elementary Programs
Students in prekindergarten through fifth grade can continue distance learning via PGCPS-TV on channels 38 (Verizon) and 96 (Comcast). No registration required and the program is free.

Middle School Programs
Middle school students can access the Edgenuity MYPath summer learning program to build skills in reading and math. No registration required and the program is free. Students can take the self-paced classes from July 1 through July 31. Login at learn.edgenuity.com using the following credentials: 

USERNAME: pgmsYOUR STUDENT ID
PASSWORD: YOUR STUDENT ID

Students who did not pass two quarters of reading or math are eligible to participate in a special skills-building program. Classes are free and online enrollment has been extended to June 26.

High School Programs
High school students can earn an original credit and/or recover failed credits towards fulfilling graduation requirements. Students will receive instructional support from a certified content area teacher. Classes are free and offered from July 1 through July 31.

Special Education Program
The summer Extended School Year (ESY) Program is an extension of services beyond the regular school year. Eligible students were identified for the program through an annual review process. 

Other Programs
Many schools are offering summer programs for targeted groups of students, including a P-TECH Virtual Summer Bridge program, First Steps to Success Program, College Readiness Bootcamp, IB Summer Bridge, 3D Scholars, Aerospace Engineering and Aviation Technology, and CTE Summer Explorers Camp. 

For more information on all programs, visit the summer program webpage.


Solicite ya su participación en los programas virtuales de aprendizaje de verano

Los programas virtuales de aprendizaje de verano de las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Prince George (PGCPS) ofrecen a los estudiantes oportunidades para ayudarlos a hacer la transición a la escuela superior, participar en oportunidades de enriquecimiento académico y obtener créditos originales para cumplir con sus requisitos de graduación y créditos de recuperación para cursos obligatorios.

Programas de primaria
Los estudiantes de prekínder a quinto grado pueden continuar con el aprendizaje a distancia a través de PGCPS-TV, en los canales 38 (Verizon) y 96 (Comcast). No se necesita inscripción y el programa es gratuito. 

Programas de la escuela intermedia
Los estudiantes de escuela intermedia pueden acceder al programa de aprendizaje de verano de Edgenuity MYPath para desarrollar habilidades en lectura y matemáticas. No se necesita inscripción y el programa es gratuito. Los estudiantes pueden tomar las clases a un ritmo personalizado entre el 1 y el 31 de julio. Ingrese a learn.edgenuity.com con las siguientes credenciales:

NOMBRE DE USUARIO: pgms ID DE SU ESTUDIANTE
CONTRASEÑA: ID DE SU ESTUDIANTE 

Los estudiantes que reprobaron dos trimestres de lectura o matemáticas cumplen los requisitos para participar en un programa especial de desarrollo de habilidades. Las clases son gratuitas y la inscripción por internet se ha extendido hasta el 26 de junio.

Programas de la escuela superior
Los estudiantes de la escuela superior pueden obtener un crédito original o recuperar créditos reprobados para cumplir con sus requisitos de graduación. Los estudiantes recibirán apoyo de instrucción por parte de un maestro certificado en el área de contenido. Las clases son gratuitas y se ofrecerán entre el 1 y el 31 de julio.

Programa de educación especial
El Programa de Año Escolar Prolongado (ESY) es una extensión de los servicios más allá del año escolar regular. Los estudiantes que cumplen los requisitos fueron identificados como aptos para participar en el programa mediante un proceso de revisión anual. 

Otros programas
Muchas escuelas están ofreciendo programas de verano para grupos de estudiantes específicos, incluido un programa Puente de Verano P-TECH virtual, el programa Primeros Pasos para el Éxito, el Campo de Entrenamiento de Preparación Universitaria, el programa Puente de Verano IB, el programa “3D Scholars” (Becarios 3D), programas de Ingeniería Aeroespacial y Tecnología Aeronáutica, y el Campamento de Verano Exploradores CTE. 

Para obtener más información sobre todos los programas, visite la página de internet de programas de verano. 


Inscrivez-vous dès maintenant aux programmes d'apprentissage virtuel d'été de PGCPS

Les programmes d'apprentissage virtuel d'été des Écoles publiques du comté de Prince George (PGCPS) offrent aux élèves la possibilité de faciliter la transition vers le lycée, de participer à un enrichissement scolaire, d'obtenir des crédits originaux en vue de l'obtention du diplôme et de recouvrer des crédits pour les cours obligatoires.   

Programmes du primaire
Les élèves de la pré-maternelle à la cinquième année peuvent poursuivre leur apprentissage à distance via PGCPS-TV sur les canaux 38 (Verizon) et 96 (Comcast). L’inscription n'est pas nécessaire et le programme est gratuit.  


Saturday, May 09, 2020

COVID-19 Renal Assistance Program and MORE!

Many of Mount Rainier residents are living in fear and quandary over their rent and their homes once the pandemic crisis is lifted.

There are no real solutions out there, I for one, truly believe that there will be a day of reckoning, and residents will feel the burnt of some of the decisions that have been made.

However, starting May 11, 2020, there will be some programs opened and made available to help with some of the rental crisis t in our community. Be prepared to go after the funding. Be ready to push to get help. Do not let anything get in your way of seeking the help you need to retain your housing. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL MONDAY, MAY 11, 2020, to get your documentation together.

COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance

House shaped key in the door temporary, Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA) available to help with rent and utility payments for tenants whose employment income has been negatively impacted by COVID-19. This assistance may help prevent arrears and late fees from accumulating and prevent evictions from occurring. Depending upon need, applicants may be eligible for a maximum of up to $1,800.00 per month for a maximum of up to 3 months of emergency rental assistance.

Eligibility

Renter households residing in Prince George’s County with household incomes at or below 80% of area median income, as published by HUD and adjusted for household size. Applicant must demonstrate that they are:

At-risk of losing their rental housing or utility shut-off due to a COVID-19 related financial crisis and lack the financial resources and support networks needed to remain in existing housing.

Have a current income at or below 80% of AMI, defined by HUD, as follows based on household size:

1-person household: less than $54,350

2-person household: less than $62,100

3-person household: less than $69,850

4-person household: less than $77,600

More than 4-person household refer to agency for additional screening.

 

How to Apply

Instructions will be available on Monday, May 11, 2020.

Once you submit your Intake Form, a representative will contact you to obtain your supporting documentation.

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program will last until all available funds are allocated.

 

Documentation & Payments

Applicants will be required to provide supporting documentation of hardship, including, but not limited to the following:

Verification of Income (i.e. W-2, pay-stubs and/or tax returns, bank statements)

Eviction notice or correspondence from landlord indicating the tenant is in arrears and amount owed

Unpaid utility bill or utility shut-off notice

Fully executed rental/lease agreement and rental addendums (front page and signature page)

Photo ID/identifications for all adult members of household (i.e. MD Driver’s License, MD Government ID, Current Passport, Visa, Employment ID)

Evidence of Loss of Income after March 5, 2020

Other documentation demonstrating lack of assets and savings

 

Payments will be made directly to the landlord or utility company.

 

The ERA Partner Agency will assess the applicant’s documentation to determine eligibility. If applicant is only seeking utility bill assistance, all the above documentation may not be needed.

 

OTHER PROGRAMS THAT MAY HELP YOU GET THROUGH THIS!

Rental Assistance Services

There is an array of rental assistance services offered to County residents through the Prince George's County Housing Authority. Participants for most of these programs must come off of the existing Housing Choice Voucher Wait List. The Housing Authority operates the Housing Choice Voucher Program (also referred to as Section 8). Currently, the waiting list for Section 8 is closed. Once the waiting list re-opens, it will be advertised in the local media, newspapers and libraries.

These programs include:

Housing Choice Voucher Program - Enables low-income families to rent an apartment, condominium, townhouse, or single-family unit in Prince George's County.

The Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program (HCVHP) - Uses a voucher subsidy that once helped families pay rent to a landlord but can now help first-time homeowners to purchase their own home.

Family Unification Program - Is a partnership with the Prince George's County Department of Social Services who screens and refers families for housing assistance when the family is in danger of their children being placed in foster care.

The Moderate Rehabilitation Program - In exchange for low-interest loans, owners of multi-family housing sites agree to allocate a fixed number of units to families who qualify for rental assistance.

Rental Allowance Program - A state-funded housing program that provides fixed monthly rental assistance payments to eligible lower- income homeless persons and to households with critical emergency housing needs.

Veterans Assistance Program - Is a local housing initiative established to provide permanent housing to homeless veterans in Prince George's County.

To learn more about the above programs, visit the Housing Authority's website.

https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/993/Rental-Assistance-Services


Saturday, April 11, 2020

Please Wear a MASK -- the CDC


Everyone should be wearing a face make NOW! Check out the CDC on how to properly wear a face make and who should be wearing N95 mask and who should be wearing cloth masks and so much more!

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

Thursday, April 09, 2020

YOU can still get COUNTED!


Mount Rainier, as of yesterday, April 8, we had 40.1% of our residents completing the 2020 Census.
We are 9.3% behind the State average.
The national average is 46.2%.
No matter how I look at it, we are once again being UNDERCOUNTED!
PLEASE COMPLETE YOUR 2020 Census TODAY. It is NOT TOO LATE! Help shape your future,
now.https://2020census.gov/en.html

Thursday, April 02, 2020

Mount Rainier's Census Count April 1, 2020!


Mount Rainier, WE are not dragging the bottom on the CENSUS, but we are still down the latter.

LET'S get that number up before MIDNIGHT. We are at 31.6!

I will update right after MIDNIGHT if I don't fall asleep.

OKAY, so I went to sleep. The numbers did not change. So here goes:

Mount Rainier 31.6%
Bladensburg 31.0%
Brentwood 31.7%
Colmar Manor 36.3%
Cottage City 36.0%
Hyattsville 32,2%
North Brentwood Maryland 36.7
College Park 26.9%

HELP OUR CITY. Please get that Census completed.

NOTE: In 2010, Mount Rainier hit 64.5%! We CAN DO BETTER THAN THAT.

Big Shout to Some of My Supporter During Covid-19 Crisis


This morning, I just have to shout out to a few people who have been standing with me during this Convi-19 crisis. They have stepped up their support with food, water, visits, transportation, medical services, and help for our seniors.

Chief Anthony Morgan and the Mount Rainier Police Department
Caroly Samuel King
William "Lee" Miles
Patricia Page
Wanda Wheatley
Diane Dunsmore
Ernest Wheeler
Robin Bliss
Jack Priestley and the CERT Team
Dr. George Askew
Ms. Gloria Brown

These are the times when THANK YOU just does not seem adequate, but it is all I can offer. Each of you ROCK in my book, and I know those that you helped and are helping are forever grateful!

The CERT Team is still accepting food.

Lisa Lincoln and her team at CAFE are setting up a food pantry in the Queen Manor Apartments area. Here is what Lisa had to say:

CAFE is working to set up a food pantry for those in need. We had hoped to have it outside so people could visit it 24/7, but understand insurance concerns. So, we will be at the door pantry (not letting anyone in, but they can see inside and make requests) located at CAFE in Queens Manor. We see this as a partnership: people in need from this community could come to CAFE between 5 and 6:30pm on Mondays and Fridays. IF we ever have unserved meals, we can donate to CERT. IF CERT has extra donations, we can add them to our pantry.
I will be posting more information as it becomes available. THANK YOU, Lisa and the team.

Friday, March 06, 2020

Thank you Mount Rainier RESIDENTS!

Closer to home. Mayor and Council hosted a hearing in the community room at the Mount Rainier Police Department to a standing-room crowd of residents, business owners, and customers opposing or supporting the renewal of Chuck's Liquor License.
Regardless of which side you are on, I take my hat off to all of you for the decorum, civility, and passion you brought to the hearing.
Like many of you, I dreaded to think how the hearing would go, and really wished I could just stay home and hope that this would pass. I am so glad to once again state how proud I am to live in the great City of Mount Rainier. You truly represented the meaning of democracy, and each one of you articulated your position on the issue with respect for the other side. THANK YOU.
The next step in the process is to prepare to present your cases to the Prince George's Liquor Board, and no matter how they rule, I am hopeful that we will come back to Mount Rainier and continue to work to make this City the great City that I have come to call home.
The Liquor Board will hold its hearing on April 1, 2020, at 7:00 p.m.
9200 Basil Court
Room 410
Largo, Maryland 20774

Wednesday, March 04, 2020

PlayGround Update Project Mount Rainier Elementary School

Just received this from Principal Till at Mount Rainier Elementary School:
Dear Community Members,
Mt. Rainier Elementary School had outdated and unsafe playground equipment in the back field area. This equipment was removed this week. The back field area is a "work in progress." We will be making improvements to the area where the equipment was removed in the near future. Should you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact administration at (301) 985-1810 or by email at jennifer.till@pgcps.org.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Till
Principal
Mt. Rainier Elementary School

Sunday, December 08, 2019

WHAT IS ON MY MIND? -- The newly renovated Mount Rainier Library!
Please save the date on your calendar for the grand opening of the Mount Rainier Library -- MONDAY, January 27, 2020, at 3:30 p.m. 3409 Rhode Island Avenue, Mount Rainier, MD 207212.
There will be refreshments and giveaways for every age!
This event is being sponsored by PEPCO, the City of Mount Rainier, and the Prince George's County Public Library System (PGCPLS).
ALL are invited, and you are encouraged to copy, paste, share this announcement with your Facebook friends.
Yes, there will be new hours of operations, and everything will be brand new just for your use. So, come out and see what awaits you in the newly renovated Mount Rainier Public Library!
See the source image

Sunday, December 01, 2019

One Experience of Living in Mount Rainier 2019

Living in Mount Rainier is an awesome experience! I have neighbors to ride by daily to check on me and what is happening on my property. I always feel safe because I know they will have their cameras out, taking pictures of any perceived indiscretion on my property.
For this morning picture takers, here is the latest scoop. On behalf of the City of Mount Rainier, after the City Council meeting, I attended the Gateway CDC Gala in Greenbelt. I returned home around 1:00 a.m. ALL of the parking spaces on my street where I pay my mortgage and property taxes were gone.
I circled the block, and there were no other parking spaces at a reasonable distance from my home. So, I parked in my yard where there was plenty of space available. Oh, by the way, I moved my RV that a least one resident has a problem with me owning and having in my yard (based on the numerous complaints that she has filed) so that work could be done by the workers. I guess I should have parked it on the street and took up about two and a half parking spaces. Maybe that is what I will do in the future.
Thank you for keeping me safe in my home, and I hope that you will continue to keep a watchful eye on me and my property. You have been doing an excellent job for the past ten years, and I hope that you will continue. Your pictures and notifications to code enforcement and the Mount Rainier Police Department ensure my safety.
By the way, there are other cars in the City parked on the grass regularly in their yards. Maybe you should broaden your scope! And, please note that a few other residents have purchased RVs and are parking them in their yards. Thanks again for your watchful eye.
Am I safe or am I being STALKED?
Noyes Neighbor
See the source image

Stalking Neighbor
See the source image

The Miles Family Thanksgiving Dinner 2019




I have not caught up with me yet, but I wanted to post this picture of the Miles family on Thanksgiving Day. We celebrated Thanksgiving (Wednesday-Friday) at the Residence Inn in Greenbelt, MD. It was an awesome gathering and I wish to give all kinds of shout outs to my awesome family members whom I love dearly!
THANK YOU NOW AND ALWAYS!
Yes, we had more than enough food, and we had some for leftovers the next day.
Thank you God for loving the Miles family and always keeping us and meeting our needs. We may be cash poor, but we got each other and that makes US RICH!
Thank you, Patricia Fenn for the wonderful shrimp and cocktail sauce.














More than 27 of us got together for Thanksgiving Day. This picture I only represents a few of us. Hopefully the rest of them will share some pictures with me, and then I can capture the history of the day.


Thursday, October 17, 2019

NOTICE OF STREET CONSTRUCTION


NOTICE OF STREET CONSTRUCTION

Dear Mount Rainier Homeowners,

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience. The City of Mount Rainier Department of Public Works is going to start a sidewalk the improvement construction project at --

Webster Street between 31st Street and 32nd Street,
Varnum Street between 31st Street and 32nd Street,
Shepherd Street between 33rd Street and 34th Street,
33rd Street between Shepherd Street and Bunker Hill Road, and 32nd Street between Perry Street and Bunker Hill Road
during the week of 10/10/2019- 11/10/2019; weather permitting.

The contractor performing this work is, Grace Management & Construction.
Access to the impacted sidewalks and driveways will be restricted during construction and 24 hours after completion.

Parking restriction and interruption to traffic flow will occur at times.

NO PARKING BETWEEN 7:00 AM AND 6:00 PM.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation during this project. If you have any questions concerning this project, please call the Department of Public Works at (301) 985-6583.

Sincerely, Kourosh Kamali, Director of Public Works

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Immunization REQUIRED for Prince George's County Schools


Attention Prince George’s County Public School Parents!

Does your child have their immunizations for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year? Current sixth-grade students will need the Tdap and Meningitis vaccines to enter 7th grade on September 3, 2019. Enrolling kindergarten students will need two doses of Varicella (chickenpox vaccine). NOTE: Students who do not have the required immunizations will be excluded from school: No Shots, No School, No Exceptions! >>Visit the State Law and Exclusion page for more details

Now is the time to act! Get your child immunized before the start of school! You can go to your primary care provider now to get your child immunized for the 2019/2020 school year. Other options include going to the local health department clinics, pharmacies, grocery stores, and urgent care centers. >>Visit the Upcoming Clinics page for summer clinic information

Temporary Admission to School

Maryland State Law (COMAR 10.06.04.03) requires all students enrolled in prekindergarten through Grade 12 to receive age-appropriate immunizations. The school must have proof of immunizations before allowing a student to begin school. If evidence of the required vaccines is not provided, the student will be excluded from school. Students without the required documentation will be temporarily admitted and given twenty (20) calendar days from the date of admission to provide evidence of immunization compliance.

Download Maryland Immunization Requirements Download Immunization Certificate (Click on the link below)

To be temporarily admitted to or retained in a preschool or school, the student’s parent or guardian shall present evidence of the student’s appointment with a health care provider. The date of the appointment may not be later than twenty (20) calendar days following the date the student was temporarily admitted or retained. The student will be excluded from school the next day following the appointment date if the parent fails to provide evidence of required immunizations.

Requirements for the 2019-20 school year are:

2 doses of Varicella vaccine for entry into Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd 3rd, 4thAND 5th grades
1 dose of Tdap vaccine for entry into 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11thAND 12th grades
1 dose of Meningococcal (MCV4) vaccine for entry into 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11thAND 12th grades

https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/OIDEOR/IMMUN/Shared%20Documents/Min_Vacc_Req%2019_20_Final.pdf

Friday, July 12, 2019

Allison Street Levee Meeting


MEETING NOTICE -- MOUNT RAINIER RESIDENTS - ALLISON STREET LEVEE -- July 24, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.

It has been almost five years since we were told that FEMA required our levee wall to be raised at least four (4) feet.

We have held meetings, heard promises, and waited for the work to begin and end. NOTHING.

Today, Friday, July 12, 2019, City representatives, County representatives AND the approved Contractor met and did a walkthrough on the levee (again). Based on that walkthrough, trees were marked for removal or retention. In addition, the plans for the work on the levee were reviewed, and the start date is now set for September 2019.

So that the community can be brought up to date on the work that is to be done, and to understand the impact that the work will have on that area of our community, a meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. at the Mount Rainier Nature Center.

All residents are invited, particularly those that will be directly impacted by the work on the levee -- Arundel Road residents, Queenstown Apartment, Rainier Manor and 34th Street below Upshur Street (North).

What is the Allison Street Levee Project?

The Allison Street Levee Project is an $11.7 million project contracted out by with Prince George’s County. The “Allison Street Flood Control Levee Project includes rehabilitation of the Levee and 34th St. Bridge Replacement.”

This 2-year project will include the complete replacement of the 34th St bridge that spans 45 ft, and the rehabilitation of 6 levee segments that total 7,533 ft. That work includes but is not limited to sheet piling, concrete walls, and extensions, pipe installation, raising the levee embankment, etc.

If you have questions or concerns, PLEASE attend this meeting!

Saturday, February 23, 2019

Exceptional Municipal Breakfast with the Honorable Angela Alsobrooks

Image may contain: 13 people, including Wanda Wheatley, Angela D. Alsobrooks, Petrella Robinson, Major Franklin Riddick Jr. and Craig A. Moe, people smiling, people standing


County Executive Angela Alsobrooks hosted Prince George's County's first municipal breakfast in the new Wayne Curry County Administration Building on McCormick Drive.


The Breakfast was well attended and the Honorable Alsobrooks introduced some of her primary staff to municipal leaders.  Following the presentations, questions, and answers, there was time for a few photo ops.

Mount Rainier Day Festival, May 18, 2019

The Mount Rainier Day Festival is well underway.  The Committee will be meeting via conference call on Monday, February 25, 2019.  Following are the notes from the last meeting.

If you are interested in working with the Committee, please email me at mayormiles@gmail.com.

Mount Rainier Day Festival
The MRDF Committee met on Monday at Mount Rainier’s City Hall.  The flowering was discussed:
1.      The stage, face painter, skate mobile, and other MNCPPC support ordered and a request has been made to have someone from MNCPPC serve on our committee.
2.      The Parade
a.      Parade Route     -- new route to showcase other parts of the City -- Eddie Murphy to map out
b.      Parade Participants – invite all Mount Rainier Committees; schools including Hyattsville Middle; elected officials, including Governor and Lt Governor; -- Malinda Miles
c.      Bands – Duval Marching Band, Parkdale, Largo, H. D. Woodson, Ballou, and any other that would come.  Yvette Washington to contact DC School and Chancellor;
d.      Larry’s Cars, 3 of them -- Eddie Murphy
e.      Advertising and flyers –
f.       Transportation for Mount Rainier Day Festival – YMCA, Colmar Manor, who else
g.      Bus drivers
h.       
3.      New activities   -- add new activities to the day’s event for children and adults
a.      Hula Hoop contest/demonstration
b.      Double Dutch with various categories – inviting the DC Ropers, Greenbelt All Stars – Dawn Ward
c.      Line Dancing contest and opportunities to learn line dancing – best line dance – individual and group
d.      Clowns that walk around and through the crowds doing tricks, but also participate in the parade
e.      Redskin players and Cheerleaders – for increasing interest Daryl Green – Yvette Washington
e.  Prince George's County's Health Mobile -- Yvette Washington
4.      Returning activities
a.      Skate mobile
b.      Petting Zoo – Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC)
c.      Horse rides
d.      Face painting – MNCPPC
e.      Basketball – with trophies
f.       Open studio tours – Pat Thornton
g.      Invite business participation
5.      Free food items
a.      Cotton Candy
b.      Popcorn
c.      Ice Cream
d.      Food Truck – Horse and Dickey’s – seafood
6.      Vendors
a.      Send out letters to Invite as many vendors as the area will hold ASAP
b.      No sale of guns, drug paraphernalia, or other child unfriendly items
c.      Charge vendors the following rates:         FOOD - $75; Merchandise - $50; Information -- $25 if registered by April 15, 2019 close of business (EARLY BIRD SPECIAL)
d.      Charge vendors the following rates:         Food -- $100; Merchandise -- $75; Information -- $50 if registering after April 15, 2019 (REGULAR REGISTRATION)
e.      LATE REGISTRATION based on availability --
f.       CUT OFF DATE FOR ALL VENDORS is May 6, 2019 close of business
g.      No fee for service vendors such as PEPCO, Washington Gas, WSSC, UPS – ask to give out information and any giveaways that they may have including bags
h.      Table and chairs and tents – MNCPPC and Public Works
7.      Entertainment
a.      Mistress of Ceremony – Trina Brown; in charge of sound system
b.      City responsible for generator – rent large one from Home Depot or get it donated
c.      Mariachi Band -- Malinda
d.      Hispanic Dancers -- search
e.      Patch Work -- Malinda
f.       Chose Gospel Group – Yvette
g.      Invite Mount Rainier’s talent
8.      Safety and Security          Eddie Murphy and CERT TEAM
a.      SHA traffic sign – order and set up at least two weeks before the event
b.      Direct traffic on Mount Rainier Day
c.      Provide water coolers for volunteers and works
d.      Use segways for crowd control and other activities
e.      First Aid kits
f.       Contact METRO re traffic pattern on May 18, 2019
NEXT MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE will be via conference call on February 25, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.  Malinda Miles to setup and share information.

Committee to meet monthly on the second Monday at 7:00 p.m. Mount Rainier’s City Hall, One Municipal Place.

Wednesday, February 06, 2019

The Mayor’s Announcements

1.    Thank you for the concern and support over the past several weeks.  Special shutout out to City Staff, Mount Rainier’s Board of Election, Heather Ware, for the flowers and baskets.  Thank you for the get-well cards that continue to come in.  My health is improving, but I still have trouble with the left eye, and my speech sometimes gets a little slow.  I also get tired rather quickly.

2.   There are lots of things going on in, around and outside of the City

a)   Meetings are being held monthly about the CSX Railroad and safety issues around the CSX – A bill – HB66 is being heard in Annapolis on February 7, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. to require that CSX have a two-person crew on freight/CSX trains. Residents of Mount Rainier, Brentwood, North Brentwood, Cottage City, and Colmar Manor are encouraged to attending the hearing in Annapolis in Room 251

b)   It is confirmed that representatives from the US Postal Services will meet with us in Mount Rainier on February 12, 2019, at 9:30 a.m. in Mount Rainier City Hall (I only heard from 3 people so City Hall should be large enough to accommodate us).

c)   The Allison Street Levee work will begin mid-March.  A meeting to discuss the work including closing the 34th Street bridge; surveying homes closes to the levee that may be negatively impacted will be held on February 20, 2018, at 7:00 p.m.  I encourage everyone on Arundel between 34th and 30th Street to attend this meeting.  The project director for this project is Faisal Aldura.

d)   The Senior Health Care Committee meets on the 4th Monday of each month at the IHOP on Bladensburg Road at 9:20 a.m. in the back room.  Members of the Committee are circulating a survey to solicit support for the Health Center, desired services, and other information to help the University of Maryland Capital Region Health bring appropriate services to our area for our seniors.  Copies of the survey will be emailed to those email addresses that we have and taken in person by members of the Committee.  Surveys should be completed and returned no later than February 22, 2019! 

e)  The Mount Rainier Day Committee will be holding its first meeting on February 11, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. at Mount Rainier City Hall.  The Committee is accepting new members, previous members, and ideas!  MNCPPC has been invited to place a staff person on the Committee to help us obtain additional support for our activities and to bring in some new ones.

3)  The Prince George’s County School Board is holding hearings tonight and Monday at High Point High School.  A critical issue on the agenda is the need for a new High School in the 45th Legislative District.  Your testimony and support are needed to help get the new school and to request appropriations for career programs.  Let’s face it, every child will not go to college, but all will need skills to get into the job markets.  There is a recommendation to better utilize our schools for evening programs to teach HVAC, mechanics, electrical, nursing, cosmetology, etc.  If you can’t go, send Pamela Strothers Boozer an email; call her and send emails to the other School Board Members including Alvin Thornton.

4)   Small Cells – This is a priority legislative initiative for the Maryland Municipal League (MML).  You have not heard much about it, but you will in the not so distance future with the coming of 5G technology.  Small cells are low power, short range wireless transmission systems (base stations) to cover a small geographical area or indoor/outdoor applications. However, small cells have all the basic characteristics of conventional base stations, and it is capable of handling high data rate for individual users. In LTE advanced and 5G deployments, small cells will play a significant role to efficiently deliver high-speed mobile broadband and other low latency applications.  Why you should care?

a)    The City’s right away could be used for those tall poles that you see in Kaywood;

b)   Those poles could be in front of your house because they need to be close to transmit

c)    The boxes on the poles could be an eyesore

d)    The City could lose money on franchise fees; if the 5G companies do not have to pay a franchise fee, Comcast/Xfinity and Verizon could petition to also not have to pay those franchise fees

e)   The City COULD lose its FREE CABLE CHANNELS – 20 and 71

f)    There are other issues riding on the outcome of this legislation

g)   The FCC recently adopted an Order that preempted local governments in several areas of the small cell field, primarily: placing a cap on application fees as well as right-of-way access and pole attachment charges; and shortening the time which a small cell application must be processed, aka “shot clocks.”

h)    MML will continue to work with stakeholders to protect local authority in the siting of small cell facilities, including vehement opposition to preemption of zoning, right-of-way access, design standards, and permitting processes. These local government functions are critical to our residents and represent the duty of our officials to promote safety and community character.

Legislation on this is coming before the State delegations this session.  The City does not wish to be deprived of this source of income (almost $66,000), AND we want the right to control how our right of ways are used.

5) Attended the MML Board Retreat in Rockville and participated in discussions and training that asked participants to reach across the isles – there are lots of residents in our City that are neither Democrats or Republicans, and all of us have more things in common than we have in differences.  In our municipal government, as it is in most others, we are nonpartisan, and most simply wish to improve the quality of life for all.

6) Attended the Maryland Mayors Association MMA) meeting in Annapolis – primarily a legislative action to learn about bills being introduced that may impact municipalities; meet and talk with legislators about municipal issues (including the recent assessments), and aging in place.

7)  Attended a meeting with staff from Senators Ben Cardin, Chris Van Hollen, Congressman Anthony Brown, Congressman Jamie Raskin, Congressman Steny Hoyer, and Congressman David Trone, Mayor Craig Moe, and representatives from the USPS.  The meeting was prompted by the concerns and meeting raised by residents in Mount Rainier, Laurel, Silver Spring, and Forest Heights.    There is a consideration for holding quarterly or semi-annual meetings in our region.  More to come from this group.

8)  Recently attended an opioid and Narcan training and received a Narcan kit.  Opioids and Narcan training are recommended for the community.  Most people will not admit to or acknowledge that they are addicted to prescription drugs, yet research shows that someone dies every 12 minutes from an opioid overdose. 
There are many reasons for opioid overdose emergencies, but most often it happens accidentally and at home.  Opioids are prescription medicines that can be used to treat pain.

Often, people taking opioids to manage their pain are unaware of the potential adverse reactions. Important to know is that opioid overdose emergencies can occur at any time even when opioids are used as directed, especially at higher doses and when taken with other sedating substances.

Narcan® Nasal Spray is not approved to treat opioid addiction or dependency but has the potential to save someone’s life.  Narcan training is one way to be prepared to save someone’s life.  Our police officers are trained and carry Narcan to help save a life should they encounter an opioid overdose.


These announcements may be found on my Mayor Malinda Miles Facebook Page.

Thursday, December 20, 2018

It Could be YOU! Blessed

I was reminded this morning about how cold it is outside.

In the reminder, I was asked to pray for the homeless, and that made me think about where I was and my present condition.

In my own home.

Warm and comfortable.

I control the heat.

Food in the cabinets.

A stove to cook it on.

Dishes and silverware to use.

Clean water to drink.

Glasses in the cabinet.

The list just kept growing, and I just could not list everything for which I’d been given and continue to be provided.  One word came to mind – BLESSED!

When we have so much, we are often lulled into thinking that everybody else has what we have. We forget that there are those who have nothing not because they are lazy, shiftless, uneducated, or some other reason, but because they have lost their jobs, hospital bills, fires, and, yes, bad choices and so on.

Pray, yes.  Prayer does change things.  We are admonished to pray without ceasing.  Many of us do, and many of us do not believe in prayer, but one thing for sure, all of us are human, and prayer will not keep us warm in 32 and below temperatures.  The truth of the matter is we need clothing.  When we are hungry, prayer will give us hope, but it will not stop the hunger pains, food will do that.

What is the point?  We should always pray, but we should also take action to eliminate basic human needs – hunger, homelessness, available health care, job opportunities, and livable wages.  None of us are in a position to take the high road and look down on those that are less fortunate.

But for grace and mercy, many of us would be in their condition. Let's not only pray but share some of our blessings with them. So, today, buy a bag of groceries and give it to someone in need. Buy two donuts and two cups of coffee and share one with a homeless person. There are lots that we can do, and no one needs ever know that you did -- well not everyone will not know because God is always watching.

Christmas Baskets Donation Due TODAY!

Good morning, Mount Rainier and surrounding areas as well as the rest of the world. LOL

Today is D-Day for our Christmas Baskets. If you are donating perishables (turkeys, hams, chickens, beef, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, butter, etc.), can goods, or other items for our Christmas Baskets please bring it to the Mount Rainier Police Station between 9:00 a.m and 8:30 p.m tonight.

If you wish to volunteer, do not hesitate to come and be a part of this demonstration of love for our community and our residents. The feeling you will get and carry for the rest of the holidays, and maybe even 2019 will be worth it. You also get an opportunity to interact with neighbors, see our police department and our officers in another light. So, come on out, every minute is not just working, but we will get the job done.

FORGOT WHAT TO DONATE? That's okay, here is the basic list:
Cranberry sauce -- lots
Jiffy mix -- lots
Stuffing mix -- lots
Green Beans, corn, black beans, red beans, mixed vegetables, etc. (CAN GOODS all kinds are welcome-
Rice
Elbow macaroni
Peas
Carrots
Cake mix
Icing
Gravy
Potatoes (white and sweet)
Can milk
Onions
Turkeys
Roast (beef, pork, lamb, etc.)
Celery
Beverages (water, juice, ice tea, lemonade, etc.)
Whatever you wish to give, I will distribute.

Just remember its Christmas, and the food is going to homes that are barely making it, need a hand UP, may not have a job, and just NEED A LITTLE KINDNESS!


Thank you to everyone in and around the community (including my friends and former Mount Rainians) for always helping to make this season brighter in Mount Rainier. Your love and caring are appreciated.