My Granddaughter is in NEED of MAJOR surgery to LIVE!

Dear Friends and Family:

Did you know that children born with Esophageal Atresia (EA) with or without a Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TEF) are unlikely to survive without surgery to reconnect the esophagus?  And, these children are likely to have Respiratory and Gastrointestinal (GI) complications which may continue throughout their lifetime?  Well, this is what my family was faced with when our daughter, Eryn, was diagnosed with this birth defect 4 years ago. 

To compound the matter, children with Esophageal Atresia often have associated complications which may include Tracheomalacia, GERD, Esophageal Strictures, and even a recurrence of aTracheoesophageal Fistula.  Sometimes these complications cause the child to have a “Smoker’s Cough,” dysphasia, and frequent and reoccurring pneumonia.

Baby Sister’s Song: EA/TEF Awareness was birthed out of my family’s plea for medical help for our daughter.  We had exhausted all local options, and yet, our daughter continues to suffer with chronic aspiration pneumonia and GERD.  After much research, we discovered that Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center had a reputation for finding solutions to the most difficult esophageal disorders… Exactly what Eryn needs. 

On Sunday, July 29, 2012, I am hosting and participating in Baby Sister’s Song: EA/TEF Walk-A-Thon.   Our goal is to find answers and heighten awareness about EA/TEF, and ultimately raise funds so Eryn can get to Cincinnati Children’s for evaluation and treatment.

I am asking for your help and support.  Your contribution to Baby Sister’s Song: EA/TEF Walk-A-Thon will be truly appreciated.  Please register and make donations athttp://www.shadenaturals.com/baby-sisters-song-walk-a-thon/. 

I also encourage you to build your own team.  To create a team, you simply ask other people to register and join you in walking, and/or sponsoring you in the walk.  You can give your Team a name, register your team, and if you’d like, you can set a specific amount for each person to join your team.  You may also choose to allow your team member to specify the amount they wish to contribute, so you have flexibility in how to establish your team.

Help Eryn get to Cincinnati Children's Hospital.  Please Donate at:

http://www.microgiving.com/profile/Nneka.Barnes and/or Participate in

Baby Sister's Song: EA/TEF Walk-A-Thon http://shadenaturals.com/baby-sisters-song-walk-a-thon/

Your support and participation in this Walk-A-Thon is very much appreciated!  

With heartfelt thanks,                                           

Nneka

Nneka Barnes

-- 

Help Eryn get to Cincinnati Children's Hospital.  Please Donate at:

http://www.microgiving.com/profile/Nneka.Barnes and/or Participate in

Baby Sister's Song: EA/TEF Walk-A-Thon http://shadenaturals.com/baby-sisters-song-walk-a-thon/

Thank YOU!!!

UPDATE from PEPCO

·        Much of the work completed thus far by PEPCO was on the backbone of the system --  the subtransmission and substation supply feeders. That work occurs largely out of the public view on company-owned rights of way, not on the local streets and in neighborhoods. Restoring substations and supply feeders sets the stage for the more visible work (and higher-numbered outage reductions) that occur when the crews are able to turn to the job of fixing distribution feeders which are those supplying power to residences and businesses.  

·        Now that we’ve gotten major backbone work done, customers should see more crews on the street in the next few days.

·        We will work around the clock until restoration is completed. Restoration may take as long as a week until essentially all customers are restored.

·        Our focus is on restoring service as quickly and safely as possible, starting with major electrical equipment and critical facilities

·        We are continuing to seek outside crew reinforcements to aid in the restoration effort.  This has been made difficult because of the number of utilities that are requesting assistance from other crews.

·        Crews are working around the clock to restore power even though customers may not always see Pepco trucks. Crews may be working on circuits and substations that supply the power to a customer’s residence or business, but that are not in visual range.
 
·        As supported by the local Emergency Management Agencies in DC, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County, Pepco encourages the use of malls for customers to get out of the heat while power continues to be restored.


How We Restore Power
1.        Our damage assessment and restoration process begins as soon as storm conditions allow for our personnel to proceed safely with gathering information and determining the extent of the damage.
2.        It is important to undertake restoration work in a sequence that restores the largest number of customers first.  We also give priority to hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities with special public needs.
3.        Our priorities include the following:
i.        Downed live wires or potentially life-threatening situations
ii.        High priority customers such as public health and safety facilities
iii.        Transmission lines serving thousands of customers
iv.        Substation equipment
v.        Main distribution lines serving large numbers of customers
vi.        Secondary lines serving neighborhoods
4.        Pepco cannot provide restoration priority to individual customers when there are extensive power outages. [Refer to Emergency Medical Equipment Notification Program.] If customers or their family members need life-support equipment that requires electricity to operate, they should go to an alternate location with power.
5.        Though we are sensitive to the challenges associated with a loss of power, the designation of a particular outage as an ‘emergency’ is limited to those circumstances that present life threatening conditions such as downed live wires.

REPORT DOWNED WIRES even if you have no power so that when they come up they don't go live and endanger anyone.  TO REPORT DIAL 1-877-PEPCO62!

WATER RESTRICTIONS LIFTED!

Mandatory Water Restrictions Lifted For All WSSC Customers   Customers Can Return to Normal Usage Follow Flushing Instructions

Contact: I.J. Hudson ihudson@wsscwater.com Lyn Riggins lriggin@wsscwater.com After Hours (Media Inquiries Only) (301) 312-1468 After Hours (Customer Emergencies) (301) 206-4002   Laurel –July 1, 2012 - Noon Update: The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) is lifting the mandatory water restrictions, effective immediately, however we encourage customers to be conscious of their water usage during this extremely hot weather. Power has been restored to almost all pumping stations and the distribution system has returned to near normal levels following a powerful storm Friday night. If you did not experience low pressure and/or discolored water during the restrictions, there is no need to flush the water lines at your home or business. Resume water usage as normal. If you did experience low pressure and/or discolored water WSSC recommends you: Flush the cold water lines in your home or business for five minutes. If you have a single-lever faucet, set it to run the cold water. Flush your refrigerator’s water lines for five minutes. Consult your owner’s manual for detailed instructions. Make sure the water in your washing machine is running clear before you wash clothes. Doing laundry with discolored water can stain clothes. If you still experience problems after flushing your cold water lines, or if you have any questions, please contact our Customer Emergency Call Center 24 hours a day, seven days a week at: (301) 206-4002, 1-800-828-6439 or TTY (301)-206-8345. We appreciate the work done by Pepco and BGE to restore power to our facilities during this trying time. We also thank our customers for their patience and cooperation while the water restrictions were in place.

Comunicado de Prensa

Para Publicación Inmediata:

Julio 1, 2012

Para Obtener Más Información Contacte a:
Scott L. Peterson
Press Secretary
PH: 240-619-9400
slpeterson@co.pg.md.us<https://mail.princegeorgescountymd.gov/owa/redir.aspx?C=3d65e9c3892b43ad970be3958f132ace&URL=mailto%3ablhudson%40co.pg.md.us>
(Medios solamente, por favor. Residentes deben llamar al 301-583-1950)

Prince George Reabre Centros de Refugio del Calor en el Condado Hoy

Piscinas del condado, parques acuáticos, centros comerciales proporcionan refugio del calor
Hyattsville, MD – El Condado de Prince George está bajo un aviso de calor excesivo hoy, Domingo, 1 de julio de 2012. La Oficina del Manejo de Emergencias del Condado de Prince George reanudará operaciones de sus centros de refugio del calor en 20 lugares alrededor del condado. El condado también esta promoviendo el uso de piscinas del Condado, así como el uso de los centros comerciales locales para encontrar refugio del calor y mantenerse en el aire acondicionado.

A continuación esta una lista de centros de refugio del calor, las piscinas y centros comerciales que estarán disponibles para los residentes el 1º de Julio.

Centros de Enfriamento

Todos centros comunitarios a continuación seguirán sirviendo como centros de refugio del calor de 1:00pm - 9:00pm a menos que se indique.

Accokeek Academy Middle School (24-hours)
14400 Berry Road, Accokeek, MD

Baden Community Center
13601 Baden-Westwood Road, Brandywine, MD

Berwyn Heights Community Center
6200 Pontiac Street, Berwyn Heights, MD

Bowie Senior Center
14900 Health Center Drive, Bowie, MD

Camp Springs Senior Activity Center (12 pm – 6pm)
6420 Allentown Road , Camp Springs, MD
12 pm -6pm

Tucker Road Ice Rink
1770 Tucker Road, Fort Washington, MD

Potomac Landing Community Center
12500 Fort Washington Road, Fort Washington, MD

Glenarden / Theresa Banks Complex
8615 McLain Avenue, Glenarden, MD

Columbia Park Elementary School Community Center
1901 Kent Village Drive, Landover, MD

Robert J. DiPietro Community Center, (11am– 8pm)
7901 Cypress Street, Laurel, MD

Anderson & Murphy Community Center/Armory (11am-8pm)
422 Montgomery Street, Laurel, MD

Glassmanor Community Center
1101 Marcy Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD

Kentland Community Center (24-hours)
2411 Pinebrook Avenue , Landover, MD

Curry Sports and Learning Complex
8001 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD

Palmer Park Community Center
7720 Barlowe Road, Landover, MD

Lake Arbor Community Center
10100 Lake Arbor Way, Mitchellville, MD

Prince George's Plaza Community Center (24-hours)
6600 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville, MD

Cedar Height Community Center
1200 Glen Willow Drive, Seat Pleasant, MD

Suitland Community Center
5600 Regency Lane, Forestville, MD

County Administration Building (Primer nivel solamente, 10:30am-8pm)
14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive Upper Marlboro, MD

Otras Actividades Para Refrescarse

Las siguientes instalaciones de piscina también proporcionarán admission GRATIS hoy con horario extendido hasta las 8:00 p.m.
North Barnaby Splash Park
5000 Wheeler Rd, Oxon Hill, MD

J. Franklin Bourne Memorial Pool
6500 Calmos Street, Seat Pleasant,
MD

Theresa Banks Memorial Aquatics Center
8615-A McLain Avenue, Glenarden,
MD

Lane Manor Splash Park
7601 West Park Drive, Hyattsville, MD
Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex
8100 Sheriff Road, Landover MD

Los siguientes centros comerciales estan abiertos y con energía hoy:
Blvd at the Capital Centre
Interstate 95/495 at Arena Dr.
Largo, MD 20774

Beltway Plaza
6000 Greenbelt Rd.
Greenbelt, MD. 20770

Bowie Town Center
15606 Emerald Way
Bowie, MD 20716

Mall at Prince George's
3500 East-West Highway
Hyattsville, MD 20782

Otros anuncios del Centro de Operacion de Emergencias:

• Se le aconseja a los residentes que requieren alojamiento ir al refugio en la escuela secundaria Northwestern, 7000 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville, MD. Además, los residentes que se encuentran en necesidad de recargar sus dispositivos de oxígeno médico deben ir a uno de los centros de refrigeración, estaciones de bomberos o al refugio localizado en la escuela secundaria Northwestern.

• El Departamento de Bomberos del Condado de Prince George recuerda a los residentes a utilizar baterías y lamparas en lugar de velas. Un par de incendios ocurridos despues de la tormenta fueron causados por el uso de velas. También hemos tenido problemas de monóxido de carbono debido al mal uso de los generadores. Para consejos de seguridad sobre el uso de generadores, por favor haga clic aquí<https://mail.princegeorgescountymd.gov/owa/redir.aspx?C=3d65e9c3892b43ad970be3958f132ace&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.nfpa.org%2fitemDetail.asp%3fcategoryID%3d1711%26itemID%3d41189%26URL%3dSafety%2520Information%2fFor%2520consumers%2fCauses%2fPortable%2520generato>.

• El Departamento de Servicios Familiares del Condado de Prince George ha estado comunicandose regularmente con todos los residentes de la tercera edad, centros de vida asistida y asilos de ancianos localizados en el Condado. Se aconseja a los residentes a chequear frecuentemente a las personas de edad avanzada, vecinos, familiares y aquellos que puedan tener necesidades especiales.

• El albergue de animales del condado se encuentra sin electricidad. Los residentes que tienen mascotas que necesitan refugio deben llamar al (301) 780 -7200.

• El Condado de Prince George está todavía bajo las restricciones de agua WSSC. Se le pide a los residents que conserven el agua y utilizarla sólo cuando sea absolutamente necesario.

• Se le aconseja a los residentes y medios de comunicación a seguir @CountyExecBaker<https://mail.princegeorgescountymd.gov/owa/redir.aspx?C=3d65e9c3892b43ad970be3958f132ace&URL=http%3a%2f%2ftwitter.com%2fcountyexecbaker> en Twitter o “County Executive Rushern Baker”<https://mail.princegeorgescountymd.gov/owa/redir.aspx?C=3d65e9c3892b43ad970be3958f132ace&URL=https%3a%2f%2fwww.facebook.com%2fCountyExecutiveRushernBaker> en Facebook para recibir información y actualizaciones. El número de teléfono del Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia es 301-583-1950.

Prince George's County Opens Three 24-Hour Cooling Centers  

Animal Shelter Without Power

Hyattsville, MD - The Prince George's County Office of Emergency Management has opened three 24-hour cooling centers in the County that residents can use to find refuge from the heat.   The centers are located in the north, central and south sections of the County.

The County Animal Shelter is now without power.  Residents who have pets that need shelter should call 301-780-7200.

24-Hour Cooling Centers

North

Kentland Community Center

2411 Pinebrook Avenue

Landover, MD

Central

Prince George's Plaza Community Center

6600 Adelphi Road

Hyattsville, MD

South

Accokeek Academy

14400 Berry Road
Accokeek,  MD 

Cooling centers are temporary air conditioned public spaces set-up for residents to prevent the health effects of a heat wave.  They are usually located at several sites throughout a jurisdiction and are not designed for lodging.   Residents who require overnight accommodations are encouraged to go to the shelter at Northwestern High School, 7000 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville, MD.   In addition, residents who are in need of recharging their medical oxygen devices should go to one of the cooling centers, fire stations or the Northwestern High School shelter to charge their equipment. 

The Prince George's County Fire Department reminds citizens to use battery operated lights and flash lights in lieu of candles.  A couple of post-storm fires that occurred were the result of residents using candles for light. In order to conserve cool air, residents are encouraged to use discretion in opening windows in order to keep cooler air inside as well as minimizing the time refrigerators and freezers are opened.  

The Prince George's County Department of Family Services has been regularly communicating with all senior citizen, assisted living centers, and nursing homes in the County. Residents are encouraged to check on the elderly, neighbors, family members and those who may have special needs. 

Residents and media are encouraged to follow @CountyExecBaker on Twitter or "County Executive Rushern Baker" on Facebook for information and updates. The phone number to the Emergency Operation Center is 301-583-1950.

PEPCO Outage Map Here

 

SMECO 8PM Update Here

MANDATORY WATER RESTRICTIONS CONTINUE OVERNIGHT FOR ALL WSSC CUSTOMERS

(Commercial & Residential)

Water from the tap is safe to drink despite reports of discolored water

Contacts:

I.J. Hudson

301-312-1468

(After hours number for media inquires only, customers with water/sewer emergencies should call 301-206-4002
Lyn Riggins
ihudson@wsscwater.com
lriggin@wsscwater.com

LAUREL - June 30, 2012: The mandatory water restrictions put in place early this morning will remain in effect at least overnight for all Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) customers, residential and commercial in Montgomery and Prince George's counties.

Power has been restored to WSSC's water filtration plants, but we still face challenges in moving water through the distribution system because some pumping stations remain without power.
We are making progress, but need additional time to top off our system as we likely will face another very hot day and increased demand as more people regain their power.  We also want sufficient reserves to maintain pressure at the fire hydrants for firefighters.
WSSC's water is safe to drink, however it is imperative all customers follow the mandatory water restrictions as we work to refill our distribution system. Some customers are experiencing discolored water. This is common after a powerful storm. Sediment inside the pipes can be stirred up causing the water to become discolored. While this water is safe to drink, WSSC does not recommend using discolored water to prepare baby formula. Washing machines should be used sparingly during mandatory water restrictions and WSSC does not recommend washing clothes with discolored water.
Until the distribution system has refilled, it is imperative that all business and residential customers restrict their water use.

Customers need to:

·        Stop all outside water use - no watering lawns, shrubs, flowers; no washing cars, no topping off swimming pools

·        Use water only as necessary - i.e., shorter showers and turn off faucets after washing hands

·        Limit flushing toilets (do not flush after every use)

·        Postpone using washing machines and dishwashers

These mandatory water restrictions apply to all WSSC customers, commercial and residential, in Prince George's and Montgomery counties.
WSSC will provide updates through the local media and throughwww.wsscwater.com until mandatory restrictions are no longer necessary.

We understand the water restrictions are an inconvenience for our customers during this extremely hot weather. We appreciate your patience and cooperation. 

 

POWER OUTAGE TIPS FROM THE GOVERNOR:

 

June 30, 2012
Dear Friend,    We hope you and your family are safe after last night's violent storms. As a State, we continue to work with our local partners to assess the situation and will send out updates as we have them.

With temperatures expected to reach over 100 degrees today in parts of Maryland and more storms anticipated later today, we wanted to share a few safety tips with you and encourage those of you with power to open up  your homes to friends and family who have lost power.

• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic beverages
• If you are without power, visit a friend or family's house with air conditioning 
• If you are without power, visit a library, mall or other public location with air conditioning
• If you are without power, visit a local cooling center
• Stay away from downed wires
• NEVER operate a generator indoors
• Avoid the use of candles---use flashlights instead
• When a traffic light is out, treat it as a 4-way stop
• If your power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed to avoid food spoilage.

We are all in this together. Please check on your family and friends--especially the elderly--and invite them over if you have air conditioning.

Our emergency management team will continue to send updates. VisitMEMA's website to find out where cooling centers are near you and for more safety tips. You can also follow @MDMEMA on Twitter. I'll do my best to send updates from @GovernorOMalley.

Thank you in advance for helping ensure the safety of our people,
Martin O'Malley
Governor 

WSSC WORKING IN THE CITY the WEEK OF JUNE 11, 2012

 

The City has been notified by WSSC that they will be working on 29th and Shepherd Streets during next week (starting 6/11/12).  

As a result of this work, the 4000 block of 29th Street will be closed to thru traffic. 

Work will also be done on the 4000 and the 4500 blocks of 34th Street. 

Please act accordingly, and let your Council person and/or the City Manager know, if this poses and undue hardship for you.  

 

Thanks

HOLD THE DATE!

Mark your calendars NOW, and plan to join us on AUGUST 7, 2012 for NATIONAL NIGHT OUT.  It will be hosted at 37th and Otis Streets, and will be an exciting EVENT starting around 5:30pm/6:00pm.  Come out, invite your neighbors, and DEFINITELY bring your children.

LACROSSE ANYONE?

Ashley Russell, the director of the 501 (c) 3 organization, Prince George's Women's Lacrosse Association is very interested in introducing/bringing Lacrosse to Mount Rainier.  . Prince George's Women Lacrosse Association is a non-profit created to promote girl's lacrosse in Prince George's County and bring diversity to the sport. The Association provides a safe and positive environment for participants. There is no cost to the girls or their families as everything is provided by the organization. If you are interested and join there team now, you can start playing in the fall.  The first clinic is September 8th, 2012 at the Sports and Learning Complex.  View their website:www.pgwla.org. For more information, please contact me at mayormiles@gmail.com.

With the MML Summer Convention just around the corner, it is high time for PGCMA members and PGCMA Partners to purchase tickets to our Summer Scholarship Breakfast.  This is one of two fundraising activities that we hold annually, and we all know that the funds go to a GREAT CAUSE -- helping our youths who live in municipalities go to college or otherwise advance their education.  This year alone, we were able to award SEVEN (7) $1,000 scholarships to seven young people that are pursuing a college degree.  These awards have only been made possible by your attendance at our fundraisers, and the continued support of three businesses in our community.  The purpose of this email, is to ask you to make sure that you and your delegation to this year's MML Summer Convention, purchase tickets and attend OUR PGCMA SCHOLARSHIP BREAKFAST!

SAVE THE DATE AND SEND YOUR MONEY IN NOW

FOR

PGCMA’s Annual ScholarshipBreakfast

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Ocean City Convention Center

7am until 9am

Cost $35.00 (Tickets at the door will be $40.00)

For more information please contact:

PGCMA’s President, Denise Mitchell

DMitchell@CollegeParkMD.gov

(PLEASE submit your payment (check or money order made payable to PGCMA) 

To the Treasurer:  Malinda Miles, 4517 30^th Street, Mount Rainier, MD 20712-1611)

Janet Reed is LEAVING Mount Rainier Elementary!

Since this will be the last PEACE PARADE during her tenure,  I wanted to request your presence and invite you to share in this momentous occasion with us as we once again celebrate our annual Peace Parade on June 1, 2012, promptly beginning at 9:00am.  This event is made more special because it is the last year that Mrs. Janet Reed will preside over the parade as our principal.  To honor her years of service and dedication to Mount Rainier Elementary we want to make this year’s parade a well attended and auspicious affair - your presence would help us achieve this goal.

We encourage you to invite members of the community and media outlets to the event as we hope to make this day a date that she will hold among the fondest of her career.  Again, your support for this event is greatly appreciated and we look forward to celebrating with you at the Peace Parade on June 1, 2012, Mount Rainier Elementary School, Mount Rainier Maryland. 

It has also come to my attention that Helen Stone, principal at Thomas Stone Elementary, will also be retiring.  Also, it is my understanding that Ms. Kimberly Washington will be leaving Hyattsville Middle School.  For further information on these departures, please contact our District 3, School Board Representative Ms. Amber Waller, amber.waller@pgcps.org; 301-952-6115.

MOUNT RAINIER DAY A MAJOR SUCCESS!

OKAY, Mount Rainier Day Festival has come to an end, AND if you did not make it out, YOU missed a beautiful day, great entertainment, a wonderful parade, fantastic food, and a host of great items offered by the many vendors up and down Rhode Island Avenue!  THANK YOU to EVERYONE that came out and supported Mount Rainier Day.  You were awesome, and you made me PROUD.  See all of you at NATIONAL NIGHT OUT, August 7, 2012.  More information will be posted as we get closer to the date, but MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!

IT'S TIME TO CELEBRATE LIVING IN MOUNT RAINIER!

If YOU have never experienced Mount Rainier Day in Mount Rainier MD, then today is your day!  The Parade starts at 10:00am, and that begins the day of free music and entertainment.  Vendors of every persuasion will be there to delight your taste buds, enhance your jewelry collection, inform your mind, and in some way brighten your day.  The basketball tournament will be played again today for those who believe that they have skills.  Parents who want to get their children really tired so that they can sleep tonight, this is also the place.  The skate mobile and face painting (MNCPPC) will be waiting for them along with snow cones, and other treats.  So pack your bags, hop the bus, train or drive (limited parking), to Mount Rainier today.  All activities are in the down town area and metro buses are available to the center of the activities.  See you all there sometime during this sun shiny day!

PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED for JUNE 5, 2012

Mount Rainier is nearing the completion of its budget.  Major decisions are being made: 

1.  About raising or not raising taxes based on the constant yield rate* which has been set at 0.79 cent per $100 of assessment on real property (your home/residence). 

2.  Cutting one position from Code Enforcement or retaining all three Code Enforcement officers

3.  Retain the same level of services, and

4.  Using $21,000 from the reserves to balance the budget.

* Constant Yield Tax Rate (CYTR): The property tax rate that when applied to new assessments

would result in the taxing authorities receiving the same revenue in the coming tax year that was

received in the prior tax year. The Department is required to certify the CYTR each year and local governments are required to hold a public hearing if the new tax rate exceeds the CYTR.  The Constant Yield Tax Rate is State Law.

As you may be aware, a public hearing has been held on the budget as required by our Charter.  At that time, the Council was not in favor of raising taxes, but was still in the midst of decision making.  Based on information provided to the Council in recent weeks, and the fact that the City has been using its reserves to balance the budget, at least three members of the Council wishes to raise taxes to 0.81 cents per $100 of assessment on real property to keep the City's current level of funding.

Raising the tax base from 0.79 to 0.81 (.02 cents per $100) will generate approximately $38,000, not enough to close the deficit (to close the deficit, the City would need to raise taxes .05 cents per $100).  Because it does NOT EXCEED the current/past CYTR, the City is NOT required to hold a hearing.  However, to keep our residents informed and to get their input, a hearing will be held on June 5, 2012.

It is my belief that the City should be considering a freeze on any new purchases such as computers, printers, cars (vehicles), copiers, etc.  I also believe that the City should freeze salaries (raises, merits, COLAs etc.) for the next fiscal year to stop the bleeding.  The City's salaries are going up annually.  They grow at the annual rate established by the cost of living rate which varies yearly, but is usually around 3%,

Another option that has not been discussed and/or considered is furloughing staff.  The State, County and DC government are furloughing staff, and Mount Rainier should also consider such measures.

Overtime, could be reduced and/or cut.  This is another area of the budget that has caused some of the over expenditure in our budget, and it continues to grow.

Benefits, especially health care and the pension fund continues to eat away at the City's budget at an alarming rate.  In many small municipalities these amenities do not exist, and those that do the employee share of the cost is much greater than that of employees of Mount Rainier, and even if they are equal, many of the municipalities have more expendable revenue.

You can be a part of this discussion.  A public hearing is scheduled for TUESDAY, JUNE 5 at Mount Rainier City Hall at 7:00pm.  Can't make it?  Send an email to mayormiles@gmail.com or to the City Manager jwallace@mountrainiermd.org voicing your opinions, concerns, and suggestions regarding the budget.

The PEPCO utility work for replacement of telephone poles was continuing in the 3100 block of Windom Road today.  The subcontractor broke a water main and WSSC is now at the site..  WSSC anticipates that the repairs will be completed approximately 10:00 pm tonight.  Service will be temporarily interrupted until the repairs are complete.  Code enforcement notified the residents who were home of the disruption and emergency repair work.  Notices are being placed on the doors of the property owners who are not at home.

White People, You Will Never Look Suspicious! by Michael Skolnik

Please Read. No matter how often we think that racism is a thing of the past or that it doesn't happen in my neighborhood or on my watch, it HAPPENS.

No matter how far up the corporate ladder or how far you have made it in the political arena, racism is still alive and well. No, you may not condone it, and no you may not accept it, but it still happens on a daily basis right here in your neighborhood. You do not have to go to Florida, California or any place outside of your hometown, if there is a Black population, racism exist. The following is a piece that struck a nerve with me when I read it. How about you?

White People, You Will Never Look Suspicious! by Michael Skolnik -- I will never look suspicious to you. Even if I have a black hoodie, a pair of jeans and white sneakers on...in fact, that is what I wore yesterday...I still will never look suspicious. No matter how much the hoodie covers my face or how baggie my jeans are, I will never look out of place to you. I will never watch a taxi cab pass me by to pick someone else up. I will never witness someone clutch their purse tightly against their body as they walk by me. I won't have to worry about a police car following me for two miles, so they can "run my plates." I will never have to pay before I eat. And I certainly will never get "stopped and frisked." I will never look suspicious to you, because of one thing and one thing only. The color of my skin. I am white.

I was born white. It was the card I was dealt. No choice in the matter. Just the card handed out by the dealer. I have lived my whole life privileged. Privileged to be born without a glass ceiling. Privileged to grow up in the richest country in the world. Privileged to never look suspicious. I have no guilt for the color of my skin or the privilege that I have. Remember, it was just the next card that came out of the deck. But, I have choices. I got choices on how I play the hand I was dealt. I got a lot of options. The ball is in my court.

So, today I decided to hit the ball. Making a choice. A choice to stand up for Trayvon Martin. 17 years old. black. innocent. murdered with a bag of skittles and a bottle of ice tea in his hands. "Suspicious." that is what the guy who killed him said he looked like cause he had on a black hoodie, a pair of jeans and white sneakers. But, remember I had on that same outfit yesterday. And yes my Air Force Ones were "brand-new" clean. After all, I was raised in hip-hop...part of our dress code. I digress. Back to Trayvon and the gated community in Sanford, Florida, where he was visiting his father.

I got a lot of emails about Trayvon. I have read a lot of articles. I have seen a lot of television segments. The message is consistent. Most of the commentators, writers, op-ed pages agree. Something went wrong. Trayvon was murdered. Racially profiled. Race. America's elephant that never seems to leave the room. But, the part that doesn't sit well with me is that all of the messengers of this message are all black too. I mean, it was only two weeks ago when almost every white person I knew was tweeting about stopping a brutal African warlord from killing more innocent children. And they even took thirty minutes out of their busy schedules to watch a movie about dude. They bought t-shirts. Some bracelets. Even tweeted at Rihanna to take a stance. But, a 17 year old American kid is followed and then ultimately killed by a neighborhood vigilante who happens to be carrying a semi-automatic weapon and my white friends are quiet. Eerily quiet. Not even a trending topic for the young man.

We've heard the 911 calls. We seen the 13 year old witness. We've read the letter from the alleged killer's father. We listened to the anger of the family's attorney. We've felt the pain of Trayvon's mother. For heaven's sake, for 24 hours he was a deceased John Doe at the hospital because even the police couldn't believe that maybe he LIVES in the community. There are still some facts to figure out. There are still some questions to be answered. But, let's be clear. Let's be very, very clear. Before the neighborhood watch captain, George Zimmerman, started following him against the better judgement of the 911 dispatcher. Before any altercation. Before any self-defense claim. Before Travyon's cries for help were heard on the 911 tapes. Before the bullet hit him dead in the chest. Before all of this. He was suspicious. He was suspicious. suspicious. And you know, like I know, it wasn't because of the hoodie or the jeans or the sneakers. Cause I had on that same outfit yesterday and no one called 911 saying I was just wandering around their neighborhood. It was because of one thing and one thing only. Trayvon is black.

So I've made the choice today to tell my white friends that the rights I take for granted are only valid if I fight to give those same rights to others. The taxi cab. The purse. The meal. The police car. The police. These are all things I've taken for granted.

So, I fight for Trayvon Martin. I fight for Amadou Diallo. I fight for Rodney King. I fight for every young black man who looks "suspicious" to someone who thinks they have the right to take away their freedom to walk through their own neighborhood. I fight against my own stereotypes and my own suspicions. I fight for people whose ancestors built this country, literally, and who are still treated like second class citizens. Being quiet is not an option, for we have been too quiet for too long.

-Michael SkolnikMichael Skolnik is the Editor-In-Chief of GlobalGrind.com and the political director to Russell Simmons. Prior to this, Michael was an award-winning filmmaker. Follow him on twitter @MichaelSkolnik

EARLY VOTING IN MARYLAND

Leaving town? Going on "spring break?" Want to vote early? Well, no matter what you are going to be doing, IT IS IMPORTANT that you CAST your VOTE in the Maryland Primary.

Early voting centers will be open 10am to 8pm, Saturday, March 24 – Thursday, March 29, 2012, (Sunday Hours Noon – 6:00 p.m.). Voting is convenient, accessible and on your schedule. YOU MAY VOTE AT ANY OF THE EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS.

Prince George’s County Early Voting Center Locations:

Upper Marlboro Community Center 5400 Marlboro Race Track Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

College Park Community Center 5051 Pierce Avenue College, Park, MD 20740

Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Road Bowie, MD 20715

Wayne K. Curry Sports & Learning Center 8001 Sheriff Road Landover, MD 20785

Oxon Hill Library 6200 Oxon Hill Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745

For more information, contact the Prince George’s County Board of Elections at (301)430-8020

Community Gardening -- Interested?

Growing Community Gardens A gathering for Prince George’s County gardeners to build community, learn from each other, and gain gardening skills Saturday, March 24, 2012, 10 am – 3 pm University of Maryland Center for Educational Partnership,6200 Sheridan St., Riverdale, MD 20737.

Join us for workshops, a panel discussion, and lunch.

$20 per person

Workshop #1: Plant and Pest Identification and Organic Control by Jon Traunfeld, Director of the University of Maryland Home and Garden Information Center and State Master Gardener Coordinator.

Workshop #2: Garden Planning and Crop Rotation by Elizabeth Olson, Master Gardener and Certified Professional Horticulturalist. Panel Discussion: “Successful Community Gardens” with Esther Mitchell from University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Coordinator; Alexandria Lippincott, Co-Chair, Sheridan Street Community Garden Club; Dave Kneipp from the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation; and Gül Güleryüz from M-NCPPC.

Register at http://growingcommunitygardens.eventbrite.com/.

Contact Christie Balch at cbalch@umd.edu for more information or to register by mail. Sponsored by University of Maryland Extension Prince George’s County Co-sponsored by: Eric C. Olson, Council Member, District 3, Prince George’s County Council Ingrid M. Turner, Council Member, District 4, Prince George’s County Council, MOM’s Organic Market, Prince George's County Farm Bureau, Inc.

University of Maryland Extension programs are open to everyone without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, or disability.

You are invited to attend a celebration of academic excellence demonstrated by students from your community. The celebration takes place on Friday, February 24, 2012, at 7:00pm. Parents, faculty, community members, and PGCPS leadership will demonstrate their support of academic excellence by attending a Celebration and Reception for Northwestern High School's 408 Second Quarter Honor Roll and 284 Perfect Attendance Award recipients.

The theme for this special program is "Excellence Without Excuse: Our R.O.A.R. Gets Louder.” In addition to performances by Northwestern's award-winning Music Department, NJROTC Drill Team, and others, the celebration will feature special performances by PGCPS Board Member Amber P. Waller, leading the Marching Band during the ceremony and Prince George's County Councilman Will A. Campos, who will play his saxophone with the Jazz Band during the reception.

Along with the honorees, families and its staff, local schools and community organizations to include churches, fraternities and sororities, Northwestern expects to be graced with the presence of many local officials and community leaders. This is where you come in. It would be a great show of support for these students if you could participate in this event. The students and staff of Northwestern are working hard to continue to do great things in this school and in the community. It would be a wonderful gesture if you could represent these constituents in your community by attending this event and showing your support of Northwestern students.

According to Principal Edgar P. Batenga, “Our mission is to continue to transform Northwestern High School into a world-class school. Our student body exemplifies the tenets of R.O.A.R: Respect, Opportunity, Achievement, and Responsibility. We praise our students for exhibiting the principles of R.O.A.R. and for theiracademic accomplishments and exemplary attendance.” I hope you will be able to attend this important event. Supporting your constituents in this way will go a long way to help in transforming this school. If you are able to participate, please contact Douglass Jones, Assistant Principal at 301-985-1820 or via email at dfjones@pgcps.org. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks for considering this. I hope to see you there. Best regards,
Chris Hinojosa

For more information contact Chris Hinojosa at:

hinojosa@umd.edu
tel) 301-405-6286
fax) 301-314-9583

ELECTRONIC RECYCLING

Resident, our Public Works Department will be conducting its Electronic Recycling Event for 2012 on March 17, 2012, from 9 AM - 1 PM at the Public Works Department in Mount Rainier. Come on out and be a part of this event. It is just one of the things that we are doing to keep our environment footprint as small as possible.

Got other ideas you would like to see happening in Mount Rainier? Great, contact City Hall and become a memmber of Mount Rainier's Green Team! The number to City Hall is 301-985-6585 or send and email to jwallace@mountrainiermd.org and express your interest to join the Green Team.

Wintry Weather Headed OUR WAY!

Pepco Prepared for Rush Hour Rain, Sleet, and Snow
Wintry Weather Could Prove Hazardous, Customers Need to Prepare

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pepco is closely monitoring the wintry mix that has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Winter Weather Advisory for northern portions of the Washington Metro Area. The National Weather Service predicts that later today the local region will experience a wintry mix of rain, sleet, and snow at the onset, changing over to all snow that will continue through the end of the evening commute. No ice accumulation is expected. Largest snow accumulations will occur in northern sections of Montgomery County.

Heavy wet snow can weigh down tree limbs bringing them into contact with power lines causing power outages. Also, the combination of wet snow, and rain, can adversely affect saturated soil causing trees already weakened by previous storms to fall onto power lines and equipment causing power outages.

In anticipation of the inclement weather, Pepco has scheduled additional line personnel and tree trimming crews for this evening and through tomorrow morning. Pepco will continue to monitor the weather and customer outage activity, and can adjust its resource plans accordingly throughout the evening.

PLEASE CALL TO REPORT OUTAGES AND ASK FOR CALL BACK

Customers are urged to report outages and downed wires by calling, 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662) and follow the prompts. Customers may also report outages by visiting pepco.com.
Customers’ reports are extremely vital to Pepco’s restoration efforts. Combined with other customer calls and Pepco’s technology, it helps the company identify the precise location of outages more quickly. Pepco also recommends that when reporting an outage, customers request a call back to confirm their power has been restored.


Pepco urges its customers to prepare for potential power outages and act to ensure their safety. Here are some tips:

• Have adequate prescription medicines and/or infant supplies on hand.
• If a customer or someone the customer knows uses life-support equipment that requires electricity to operate, identify a location with emergency power capabilities and make plans to go there during a prolonged outage.
• Assemble an emergency "storm kit." Include a battery-powered radio or television, flashlight, a first-aid kit, battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, special needs items, an insulated cooler, and a list of important and emergency phone numbers.
• Keep at least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods and bottled water and have a hand-operated can opener available.
• Have a telephone with a cord or cell phone to use as a backup. Cordless telephones require electricity to operate, and will not work if there is an outage.
• Protect electronic equipment. Unplug sensitive electronics or plug computers and other sensitive equipment into surge suppressors, and consider a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for temporary battery backup power.
• Turn off power to flood-prone basement appliances, if it is safe to do so. However, if the customer has an electrically operated sump pump, the customer should not turn off the power.

Safety Tips

• Stay away from downed wires.
• Tune to local news broadcasts for the latest weather and emergency information.
• Follow the advice of local emergency management officials.
• Take cover if necessary.
For more information and updates, visit www.pepco.com and follow Pepco at ww.twitter.com/PepcoConnect.

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Pepco, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), delivers safe, reliable and affordable electric service to more than 789,000 customers in Maryland and the District of Columbia.




=================

Jerry Pasternak
VP Pepco Region
Maryland Affairs
701 Ninth Street, NW
Suite 9212
Washington, DC 20068

(202) 872-2524 (office)
(202) 872-2032 (fax)

INTERESTED Growing Community Gardens

Save the Date for

Growing Community Gardens

A gathering for Prince George’s County gardeners to build community, learn from each other, and gain gardening skills

Saturday, March 24, 2012, 10 am – 3 pm

University of Maryland Center for Educational Partnership,
6200 Sheridan St., Riverdale, MD 20737

Join us for workshops, a panel discussion, and lunch

$20 per person

Register at http://growingcommunitygardens.eventbrite.com/. Contact Christie Balch at cbalch@umd.edu for more information or to register by mail.

Sponsored by University of Maryland Extension Prince George’s County

Co-sponsored by:
Eric C. Olson, Council Member, District 3, Prince George’s County Council
Ingrid M. Turner, Council Member, District 4, Prince George’s County Council
MOM’s Organic Market

University of Maryland Extension programs are open to everyone without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, or disability.

Warmly,

Christie Balch
University of Maryland Extension Program Coordinator
Center for Educational Partnership
6200 Sheridan St.
Riverdale, MD 20737