Friday, December 30, 2011
From the Desk of Mayor Miles: SAFE and Happy New Year
From the Desk of Mayor Miles: SAFE and Happy New Year: From our County Executive, Rushern Baker New Year's is a time for celebration, not tragedy. Do your part: don't drink and drive. With the ...
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
SAFE and Happy New Year
From our County Executive, Rushern Baker
New Year's is a time for celebration, not tragedy. Do your part: don't drink and drive. With the SoberRide program offering free taxi rides all evening, there's no excuse to put yourself and others at risk. Call SoberRide toll-free at 800-200-TAXI and check out the article below for more details. Here's to a fun, safe, and happy New Year's Eve!
From the Washington Post
SoberRide offers free trip home
By Mark Berman
Area residents who drink have an easy way to avoid driving: The SoberRide program, which provides free taxi rides to people who shouldn’t be behind the wheel, runs through Sunday morning.
The service is available to people age 21 and older and covers a cab fare up to $30 (riders have to cover anything over that amount). Area residents can call SoberRide toll-free at 800-200-TAXI each night from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m.
SoberRide is available in the District as well as Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, eastern Loudoun and Prince William counties and the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Manassas and Manassas Park) and Maryland (Montgomery and Prince George’s counties and the cities of Rockville, Bowie, College Park, Gaithersburg, Greenbelt and Takoma Park).
New Year's is a time for celebration, not tragedy. Do your part: don't drink and drive. With the SoberRide program offering free taxi rides all evening, there's no excuse to put yourself and others at risk. Call SoberRide toll-free at 800-200-TAXI and check out the article below for more details. Here's to a fun, safe, and happy New Year's Eve!
From the Washington Post
SoberRide offers free trip home
By Mark Berman
Area residents who drink have an easy way to avoid driving: The SoberRide program, which provides free taxi rides to people who shouldn’t be behind the wheel, runs through Sunday morning.
The service is available to people age 21 and older and covers a cab fare up to $30 (riders have to cover anything over that amount). Area residents can call SoberRide toll-free at 800-200-TAXI each night from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m.
SoberRide is available in the District as well as Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, eastern Loudoun and Prince William counties and the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Manassas and Manassas Park) and Maryland (Montgomery and Prince George’s counties and the cities of Rockville, Bowie, College Park, Gaithersburg, Greenbelt and Takoma Park).
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
The Mayor Speaks Out on Youth Violence
Something must be done to address youth violence in the Mount Rainier, Brentwood, and North Brentwood neighborhoods. Law enforcement alone will not solve this problem. Pushing money at the problem will not solve the problem. Putting more police on the streets will not solve the problem. Increasing police on the streets supplement overtime pay for officers, increases the City's expenses, and forces crime to a different location.
These supplemental actions (as of yet) has not had any input from those who it affects the most—the City’s young people. This must change. We want our streets safe. We want our young people involved, and yet they have not been invited to the table.
On Wednesday, December 28, 2011, Team Mount Rainier Against Violence Society (Team MAVS) was formed. Its purpose is to work with our Youth, Mayor and Council, and other residents to address youth violence in the City.
City policies that affect young people will be reviewed. It is suspected that there are more policies and codes on the books about dogs and other animals than there are about the City's youth. I will be proposing that there be a review of curfew laws and their impact on youth.
Knowing that most crimes committed by minors are during specific after-school hours, the City must invest in after-school programs and activities that are age appropriate. We must stop letting our older teens invent their own entertainment. Programs for our youth must be developed in conjunction with our youth, their parents, the schools, and Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC). This will require the community sitting down with the youth and these stakeholders to create effective programs and activities.
The key to deterring late-night youth violence is to provide alternatives to the streets in the form of entertainment venues. There should be weekly and monthly organized events and activities for our youth that build healthy character. The old shove them off the streets attitude and tactics have simply not worked! There needs to be a safe place and space for our teens to get off the streets, protect the community, and even have some fun in the process.
This, of course, will require some funding from various sources, but should be a priority for the City of Mount Rainier! The budget for such planning is estimated to cost about $100,000, most of which could come from grant. Until the City is able to raise the kind of money needed to help build a facility for its youth, most of this funding would be spent on providing secure transportation back and forth to current MNCPPC parks and recreation centers. City police would be involved in making this transportation possible using the City's van and caller-a-bus. It would also require the hiring of a youth program and events coordinator that would work with the Mount Rainier Youth Council, Police Department, MNCPPC, and the community's youth and parents to determine appropriate activities and events.
Rather than patrolling the streets in their cars all night where their only interactions with youth are punitive, police officers could be used for proactive measures. Police officers could be very useful as a quiet deterrent at events, during transportation to and from events, and sitting in on planning meetings of the shareholders. Police officers could also be useful as a precautionary insurance policy outside of events. This proposal would simultaneously provide safety, without the youth feeling menaced by the police, build relationships with the youth in the community, and provide parents and the community with a safer environment. In addition, police could be working alongside the youth to make the community safer.
This is all needed because youth in Mount Rainier deserve better than what they have been given over the years. For example, the nearest "free" swimming pool is in Chillum. The pool in the community is and has been out of reach for our youth. Although improving, the Nature Center does not provide an outlet for youth 15 to 22 years of age.
In light of all of the issues surrounding the complexities of violence, the Mayor calls for the following actions:
• Police Department—review and report data to access the role youth 13 and over truly play in contributing to violence in our community, youth arrests, criminal activity, and homicides.
• Mayor and Council —host a public forum on youth recreation and youth violence in the community with youth(13 to 22) participation.
• Mayor and Council —prepare an outline of how they will address youth recreation and violence in the City of Mount Rainier, with a review of curfew laws, their implementation and/or prohibitions, specifically in regards to how youth will be detained and where they will be taken should such a law becomes policy, and budget/funding.
• MNCPPC—review it budget, protocol, and past recreational services in the City of Mount Rainier, providing recommendations for assisting the City in addressing it youth recreation and youth violence issues.
The need for real, comprehensive violence prevention is desperately needed, and the only good solutions are those that begin and end with community involvement, and where law enforcement is a mere tool when needed rather than the centerpiece. The City must open its ears to the voices of what is so often called this City’s future—our young people.
The City needs to provide solutions that our young people believe will work because so far the City has done very little to engage our youth, and the results are obvious! Another murder of a youth in Mount Rainier is UNACCEPTABLE!
These supplemental actions (as of yet) has not had any input from those who it affects the most—the City’s young people. This must change. We want our streets safe. We want our young people involved, and yet they have not been invited to the table.
On Wednesday, December 28, 2011, Team Mount Rainier Against Violence Society (Team MAVS) was formed. Its purpose is to work with our Youth, Mayor and Council, and other residents to address youth violence in the City.
City policies that affect young people will be reviewed. It is suspected that there are more policies and codes on the books about dogs and other animals than there are about the City's youth. I will be proposing that there be a review of curfew laws and their impact on youth.
Knowing that most crimes committed by minors are during specific after-school hours, the City must invest in after-school programs and activities that are age appropriate. We must stop letting our older teens invent their own entertainment. Programs for our youth must be developed in conjunction with our youth, their parents, the schools, and Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC). This will require the community sitting down with the youth and these stakeholders to create effective programs and activities.
The key to deterring late-night youth violence is to provide alternatives to the streets in the form of entertainment venues. There should be weekly and monthly organized events and activities for our youth that build healthy character. The old shove them off the streets attitude and tactics have simply not worked! There needs to be a safe place and space for our teens to get off the streets, protect the community, and even have some fun in the process.
This, of course, will require some funding from various sources, but should be a priority for the City of Mount Rainier! The budget for such planning is estimated to cost about $100,000, most of which could come from grant. Until the City is able to raise the kind of money needed to help build a facility for its youth, most of this funding would be spent on providing secure transportation back and forth to current MNCPPC parks and recreation centers. City police would be involved in making this transportation possible using the City's van and caller-a-bus. It would also require the hiring of a youth program and events coordinator that would work with the Mount Rainier Youth Council, Police Department, MNCPPC, and the community's youth and parents to determine appropriate activities and events.
Rather than patrolling the streets in their cars all night where their only interactions with youth are punitive, police officers could be used for proactive measures. Police officers could be very useful as a quiet deterrent at events, during transportation to and from events, and sitting in on planning meetings of the shareholders. Police officers could also be useful as a precautionary insurance policy outside of events. This proposal would simultaneously provide safety, without the youth feeling menaced by the police, build relationships with the youth in the community, and provide parents and the community with a safer environment. In addition, police could be working alongside the youth to make the community safer.
This is all needed because youth in Mount Rainier deserve better than what they have been given over the years. For example, the nearest "free" swimming pool is in Chillum. The pool in the community is and has been out of reach for our youth. Although improving, the Nature Center does not provide an outlet for youth 15 to 22 years of age.
In light of all of the issues surrounding the complexities of violence, the Mayor calls for the following actions:
• Police Department—review and report data to access the role youth 13 and over truly play in contributing to violence in our community, youth arrests, criminal activity, and homicides.
• Mayor and Council —host a public forum on youth recreation and youth violence in the community with youth(13 to 22) participation.
• Mayor and Council —prepare an outline of how they will address youth recreation and violence in the City of Mount Rainier, with a review of curfew laws, their implementation and/or prohibitions, specifically in regards to how youth will be detained and where they will be taken should such a law becomes policy, and budget/funding.
• MNCPPC—review it budget, protocol, and past recreational services in the City of Mount Rainier, providing recommendations for assisting the City in addressing it youth recreation and youth violence issues.
The need for real, comprehensive violence prevention is desperately needed, and the only good solutions are those that begin and end with community involvement, and where law enforcement is a mere tool when needed rather than the centerpiece. The City must open its ears to the voices of what is so often called this City’s future—our young people.
The City needs to provide solutions that our young people believe will work because so far the City has done very little to engage our youth, and the results are obvious! Another murder of a youth in Mount Rainier is UNACCEPTABLE!
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
PEACE and BLESSINGS today and ALWAYS
On this day that we have set aside to honor the birth of Jesus, I want to take a moment to say to all of my family, friends, neighbors, residents and others that it is truly a blessing to have you in my life. I am sure that we all have different feelings and beliefs, but I also know that we have one thing in common, and without it we cannot live -- AIR.
We are all breathing the same AIR. We exchange it between us regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sexual preference, nationality, etc. It is exchanged without purification. It is what it is, and today it is no different. So whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or nothing, our similarities are greater than our differences, and so I extend to you peace, love, blessings, respect, hope, and all those things that just by our humanness we hold dear, and WHOLEHEARTEDLY wish them to you and yours today and every day into the future.
We are all breathing the same AIR. We exchange it between us regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sexual preference, nationality, etc. It is exchanged without purification. It is what it is, and today it is no different. So whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or nothing, our similarities are greater than our differences, and so I extend to you peace, love, blessings, respect, hope, and all those things that just by our humanness we hold dear, and WHOLEHEARTEDLY wish them to you and yours today and every day into the future.
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Viewing and Wake Scheduled
One of our young residents departed this life on Friday, December 16. The Family has provided the following information:
Dontae John Cook
Sunrise: August 25, 1995
Sunset: December 16, 2011
Viewing and Service
Monday, December 26, 2011
Viewing: 8:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Service: 10:00 a.m.
New Horizon Christian Faith Church
2211 Varnum Street
Mount Rainier, MD 20712
Repass
Mount Rainier Nature and
Recreation Center
4701 31st Place
Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712
Intermittent
National Harmony Hills Cemetery
7101 Sheriff Road
Landover, MD 20785
John and Dania Cook
Sister, Dajona Cook
3202 Upshur Street
Mount Rainier, MD 20712
301.779.5515
A trust fund is being established
for “Dontae John Cook.” Details
will be provided once finalized.
Dontae John Cook
Sunrise: August 25, 1995
Sunset: December 16, 2011
Viewing and Service
Monday, December 26, 2011
Viewing: 8:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Service: 10:00 a.m.
New Horizon Christian Faith Church
2211 Varnum Street
Mount Rainier, MD 20712
Repass
Mount Rainier Nature and
Recreation Center
4701 31st Place
Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712
Intermittent
National Harmony Hills Cemetery
7101 Sheriff Road
Landover, MD 20785
John and Dania Cook
Sister, Dajona Cook
3202 Upshur Street
Mount Rainier, MD 20712
301.779.5515
A trust fund is being established
for “Dontae John Cook.” Details
will be provided once finalized.
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
STOPPING the VIOLENCE
What's on my mind? This morning that is an excellent question. For the past two weeks, I have pondered what can be done to help our young men and women understand that violence is not the answer. Two Fridays in a row, our community has lost TWO young men ages 21 and 17 to gun violence. Senseless destruction of families, friendships, community and the sense of peace that one gets living in our community.
Guns have their place in our society -- law enforcement, the military, etc., but not in the hands of our juveniles! When guns are used for violence, they do not destroy just the person that got shot, but the shooter, both families, AND the communities in which both the shooter and the victim were participants. TODAY, my shout out is a PLEA to the young men and women in Mount Rainier, Brentwood, and North Brentwood. PLEASE PLEASE stop the violence. Let's find other ways to resolve our differences.
I am organizing a mediation program in Mount Rainier to address some of the differences and the disputes that young people are having with each other. For many of you, the skills were taught at Mount Rainier Elementary under Mr. C (Mr. Cantano who started the peace parade at Mount Rainier Elementary, and carried on by Ms. Reid the current principal at Mount Rainier).
Some how we have forgotten to respect life -- ours and that of our neighbors. We have walked away from values, such as honor, integrity, honesty, working for a living, helping one another, choosing right over wrong. Moral values are the standards of good and evil, which govern an individual’s behavior and choices. Each of us are born with it and our religious beliefs, government, community, family, friends and associates all work together to define those values.
I am ashamed to be a part of a community that says it is alright to shoot and to kill for pleasure, for things, and for no reason at all! This is Mount Rainier. This is our HOME. Respect it.
Guns have their place in our society -- law enforcement, the military, etc., but not in the hands of our juveniles! When guns are used for violence, they do not destroy just the person that got shot, but the shooter, both families, AND the communities in which both the shooter and the victim were participants. TODAY, my shout out is a PLEA to the young men and women in Mount Rainier, Brentwood, and North Brentwood. PLEASE PLEASE stop the violence. Let's find other ways to resolve our differences.
I am organizing a mediation program in Mount Rainier to address some of the differences and the disputes that young people are having with each other. For many of you, the skills were taught at Mount Rainier Elementary under Mr. C (Mr. Cantano who started the peace parade at Mount Rainier Elementary, and carried on by Ms. Reid the current principal at Mount Rainier).
Some how we have forgotten to respect life -- ours and that of our neighbors. We have walked away from values, such as honor, integrity, honesty, working for a living, helping one another, choosing right over wrong. Moral values are the standards of good and evil, which govern an individual’s behavior and choices. Each of us are born with it and our religious beliefs, government, community, family, friends and associates all work together to define those values.
I am ashamed to be a part of a community that says it is alright to shoot and to kill for pleasure, for things, and for no reason at all! This is Mount Rainier. This is our HOME. Respect it.
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
MNCPPC's New Nixle Community Messaging Service
December 1, 2011
SUBJECT: New “Nixle” Community Messaging Service
This week, the Department of Parks and Recreation has launched a new community notification and messaging service called “Nixle” to improve communication with people who live, work, and recreate in our area. The system provides a quick, efficient, and secure way to get neighborhood-level information out to community members who subscribe to the system. Through www.nixle.com, the Department will be able to send text message (SMS) and e-mail alerts to subscribers in a specific area (down to a quarter of a mile) or the whole community.
Notifications could include weather-related Departmental closures and program cancellations, incidents such as a broken water main that might cause one particular facility to be closed, or a young child who walks away from a program—in that case, the alert could include a picture of the child with a map identifying the area where they were last seen. Other uses might include trail access updates, or even parking notifications at large festivals and events.
Through Nixle, we will deliver messages securely to subscribers (including staff) by e-mail and cell phone, supporting and expanding our community outreach efforts. Any public messages we send out via Nixle to post instantly on our website and on our Departmental Facebook page and Twitter feed, as well.
Obviously, the system will be most effective when we have large numbers of subscribers. You will soon see our registration campaign on www.pgparks.com, in the e-newsletter, on Facebook and Twitter, and on flyers at the front counter of facilities. We’re also issuing a challenge to all staff to ask five friends, neighbors or family members to sign up before the holidays! Please help us spread the word about our use of the system and add this information to the bottom of your e-mail signature: “Get up-to-the-minute notifications from the M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation by e-mail and text: sign up at www.pgparks.com ”.
Nixle is a secure communications service available only to municipal, county, and state government agencies. The system is available at no cost to our customers and residents (standard text message rates will apply for subscribers who do not have text plans with their cell phone providers). Subscribers can receive technical and non-technical assistance directly from Nixle by sending email to support@nixle.com.
Sign up today: go to www.pgparks.com, click on the Nixle widget on the left side of the page, and follow the simple registration steps.
Nixle messaging is managed 24/7 by our Public Affairs and Marketing Division, with support from the Help Desk.
SUBJECT: New “Nixle” Community Messaging Service
This week, the Department of Parks and Recreation has launched a new community notification and messaging service called “Nixle” to improve communication with people who live, work, and recreate in our area. The system provides a quick, efficient, and secure way to get neighborhood-level information out to community members who subscribe to the system. Through www.nixle.com, the Department will be able to send text message (SMS) and e-mail alerts to subscribers in a specific area (down to a quarter of a mile) or the whole community.
Notifications could include weather-related Departmental closures and program cancellations, incidents such as a broken water main that might cause one particular facility to be closed, or a young child who walks away from a program—in that case, the alert could include a picture of the child with a map identifying the area where they were last seen. Other uses might include trail access updates, or even parking notifications at large festivals and events.
Through Nixle, we will deliver messages securely to subscribers (including staff) by e-mail and cell phone, supporting and expanding our community outreach efforts. Any public messages we send out via Nixle to post instantly on our website and on our Departmental Facebook page and Twitter feed, as well.
Obviously, the system will be most effective when we have large numbers of subscribers. You will soon see our registration campaign on www.pgparks.com, in the e-newsletter, on Facebook and Twitter, and on flyers at the front counter of facilities. We’re also issuing a challenge to all staff to ask five friends, neighbors or family members to sign up before the holidays! Please help us spread the word about our use of the system and add this information to the bottom of your e-mail signature: “Get up-to-the-minute notifications from the M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation by e-mail and text: sign up at www.pgparks.com ”.
Nixle is a secure communications service available only to municipal, county, and state government agencies. The system is available at no cost to our customers and residents (standard text message rates will apply for subscribers who do not have text plans with their cell phone providers). Subscribers can receive technical and non-technical assistance directly from Nixle by sending email to support@nixle.com.
Sign up today: go to www.pgparks.com, click on the Nixle widget on the left side of the page, and follow the simple registration steps.
Nixle messaging is managed 24/7 by our Public Affairs and Marketing Division, with support from the Help Desk.
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Monday December 5, the 4000 block of 34th Street will be closed to vehicular traffic for repairs
After several inspections it has been determined that the hole in the center of the road in front of 4010 34th Street is seriously undermining the stability of the roadway. After consultation with WSSC and the Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation, it appears for now that the repairs are solely the responsibility of the City until further investigation reveals otherwise.
In an effort to ensure the safety of our residents and those who use 34th Street, the necessary repair work will be carried out starting Monday December 5th. As a result, the 4000 block of 34th Street will be closed to vehicular traffic for the duration of the repairs. At this time we do not know how long the street will be closed as the scope of work is not yet known. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Michael E. Scott
Chief of Police
Mount Rainier Police Department
3249 Rhode Island Avenue
Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712
301-985-6580
mscott@mountrainierpd.org
Chief's Blog: http://mrpdchief.blogspot.com
Twitter: @MRPDChief
In an effort to ensure the safety of our residents and those who use 34th Street, the necessary repair work will be carried out starting Monday December 5th. As a result, the 4000 block of 34th Street will be closed to vehicular traffic for the duration of the repairs. At this time we do not know how long the street will be closed as the scope of work is not yet known. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Michael E. Scott
Chief of Police
Mount Rainier Police Department
3249 Rhode Island Avenue
Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712
301-985-6580
mscott@mountrainierpd.org
Chief's Blog: http://mrpdchief.blogspot.com
Twitter: @MRPDChief
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
A Message from the Governor
November 22, 2011
A Message from the Governor
Dear Friend,
In two days, families across our State will celebrate Thanksgiving. They'll enjoy great food and company, rejoice in the Ravens victory over the 49ers and pore over websites for the best deals on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. But the holidays are about more than that. They're about coming together as a community, celebrating our shared traditions and lending a helping hand to neighbors in need. So as you continue to prepare for the upcoming holidays, I wanted to share three easy ways that you can make it a Maryland holiday.
Volunteer: Marylanders are a compassionate and generous people. In fact, over the past two years alone, 1.3 million Marylanders volunteered nearly 200 million hours of community service, making our State one of the top six states in the nation in the number of hours our people volunteer. That's why we launched the Maryland: Stronger Together campaign to shine a light on the important work of Maryland volunteers and to connect more Marylanders with volunteer opportunities. Visit this site and sign up to volunteer today.
Support Maryland Small Businesses: 85% of Maryland businesses employ fewer than 20 people. These are our neighbors, our friends and our local grocery store owners, and they are the backbone of our local economies. On Saturday November 26, you can help support local Maryland small businesses by shopping for Small Business Saturday. All you need to do is present this flyer at any of the businesses listed on this website and you'll receive a special discount while helping build a stronger future for our communities. When you shop, shop local.
Buy Local: Local food tastes better, it's healthier, it preserves our agricultural traditions and it supports our local economies. We're blessed in Maryland with an abundance of locally grown, manufactured and caught products and there are few better times to buy local than around the holidays. I can say firsthand how delicious a locally raised turkey is, and I cannot wait to eat our family's turkey that's coming straight from Maple Lawn Farms in Howard County, Maryland. Click here for a list of where to buy local near you.
I hope you'll join Katie and me and make it a Maryland Holiday. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Martin O'Malley
Governor
P.S. If you plan on traveling this holiday season, know before you go. Check Maryland's new 511.
A Message from the Governor
Dear Friend,
In two days, families across our State will celebrate Thanksgiving. They'll enjoy great food and company, rejoice in the Ravens victory over the 49ers and pore over websites for the best deals on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. But the holidays are about more than that. They're about coming together as a community, celebrating our shared traditions and lending a helping hand to neighbors in need. So as you continue to prepare for the upcoming holidays, I wanted to share three easy ways that you can make it a Maryland holiday.
Volunteer: Marylanders are a compassionate and generous people. In fact, over the past two years alone, 1.3 million Marylanders volunteered nearly 200 million hours of community service, making our State one of the top six states in the nation in the number of hours our people volunteer. That's why we launched the Maryland: Stronger Together campaign to shine a light on the important work of Maryland volunteers and to connect more Marylanders with volunteer opportunities. Visit this site and sign up to volunteer today.
Support Maryland Small Businesses: 85% of Maryland businesses employ fewer than 20 people. These are our neighbors, our friends and our local grocery store owners, and they are the backbone of our local economies. On Saturday November 26, you can help support local Maryland small businesses by shopping for Small Business Saturday. All you need to do is present this flyer at any of the businesses listed on this website and you'll receive a special discount while helping build a stronger future for our communities. When you shop, shop local.
Buy Local: Local food tastes better, it's healthier, it preserves our agricultural traditions and it supports our local economies. We're blessed in Maryland with an abundance of locally grown, manufactured and caught products and there are few better times to buy local than around the holidays. I can say firsthand how delicious a locally raised turkey is, and I cannot wait to eat our family's turkey that's coming straight from Maple Lawn Farms in Howard County, Maryland. Click here for a list of where to buy local near you.
I hope you'll join Katie and me and make it a Maryland Holiday. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Martin O'Malley
Governor
P.S. If you plan on traveling this holiday season, know before you go. Check Maryland's new 511.
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
Friday, October 28, 2011
THE IRAQI WAR COMES TO AN END
THE IRAQI WAR COMES TO AN END
Our Attention Must Focus on Our Returning Troops
Senator Cardin visits with soldiers at the Warrior Transition Unit at Ft. Meade.
Dear Friends:
I want to commend President Obama for moving to end a long, painful chapter in our nation’s history by announcing the full withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of the year. Over the past nine years, I joined millions of Americans in praying for the safe return of the nearly one million troops and diplomats who served in harm’s way in Iraq. The President’s announcement means our hopes have been fulfilled, and that our brave men and women in uniform will be coming home after what at times has seemed like a war with no end.
While we celebrate the courage, excellence and love of country that our returning troops exhibited in Iraq, we solemnly remember the more than 4,700 Americans, including 83 Marylanders, who selflessly gave their lives for the future stability and peace of Iraq. They showed bravery and heroism during fierce fighting and in situations that were often brutal and horrifying. We are forever grateful to them and their families for all they have sacrificed for our nation.
We also remember the more than 100,000 Iraqi civilians who perished during the war, and we share in the grief of their families and loved ones. It is my real hope that the memory of all those who sacrificed – Americans and Iraqis -- will inspire Iraq’s leadership to bring real stability and peace to the nation.
From the very beginning, I opposed the Bush Administration’s lack of strategic planning in the implementation of the war. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, I voted against granting President Bush the authority to invade Iraq in 2003. We cannot change the past and it’s now time for us to focus on the needs of our nation while the Iraqis take full responsibility for the security and sustainability of their own country.
After nearly a decade in Iraq, America has learned the importance of a more thoughtful and multilateral approach to foreign policy, characteristics that were too often absent from much of our mission in Iraq. Our success in removing Moammar Gadhafi from power in Libya proves that America can act in concert with other nations -- without putting U.S. boots on the ground -- in achieving our foreign policy goals.
Now that our troops are finally coming home, we will do everything possible to support the health and well-being of the brave men and women returning home from war. Unemployment today among veterans is too high. Nearly 32,000 soldiers were wounded in battle and our attention now needs to be on making sure that they and their families have the resources and support they need to fully recover and resume their lives. We owe them no less.
Sincerely,
(Senator Ben Cardin's Statement/Letter)
Our Attention Must Focus on Our Returning Troops
Senator Cardin visits with soldiers at the Warrior Transition Unit at Ft. Meade.
Dear Friends:
I want to commend President Obama for moving to end a long, painful chapter in our nation’s history by announcing the full withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of the year. Over the past nine years, I joined millions of Americans in praying for the safe return of the nearly one million troops and diplomats who served in harm’s way in Iraq. The President’s announcement means our hopes have been fulfilled, and that our brave men and women in uniform will be coming home after what at times has seemed like a war with no end.
While we celebrate the courage, excellence and love of country that our returning troops exhibited in Iraq, we solemnly remember the more than 4,700 Americans, including 83 Marylanders, who selflessly gave their lives for the future stability and peace of Iraq. They showed bravery and heroism during fierce fighting and in situations that were often brutal and horrifying. We are forever grateful to them and their families for all they have sacrificed for our nation.
We also remember the more than 100,000 Iraqi civilians who perished during the war, and we share in the grief of their families and loved ones. It is my real hope that the memory of all those who sacrificed – Americans and Iraqis -- will inspire Iraq’s leadership to bring real stability and peace to the nation.
From the very beginning, I opposed the Bush Administration’s lack of strategic planning in the implementation of the war. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, I voted against granting President Bush the authority to invade Iraq in 2003. We cannot change the past and it’s now time for us to focus on the needs of our nation while the Iraqis take full responsibility for the security and sustainability of their own country.
After nearly a decade in Iraq, America has learned the importance of a more thoughtful and multilateral approach to foreign policy, characteristics that were too often absent from much of our mission in Iraq. Our success in removing Moammar Gadhafi from power in Libya proves that America can act in concert with other nations -- without putting U.S. boots on the ground -- in achieving our foreign policy goals.
Now that our troops are finally coming home, we will do everything possible to support the health and well-being of the brave men and women returning home from war. Unemployment today among veterans is too high. Nearly 32,000 soldiers were wounded in battle and our attention now needs to be on making sure that they and their families have the resources and support they need to fully recover and resume their lives. We owe them no less.
Sincerely,
(Senator Ben Cardin's Statement/Letter)
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
FEMA, DHS and FCC will conduct First National Test of the Nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS)
On November 9th FEMA, DHS and FCC will conduct the first national test of the Nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) test. This test will kick off at 2:00 p.m. (EST). The test will be nationwide, running concurrently across all time zones.
This system test is the first of its kind. It is designed to broadcast a nationwide message to the American public. Nothing like it has been conducted in the history of the country. There have been tests in the past but none to all parts of the Nation at the same time. The test will run concurrently on all radio and TV band and the message will run for three (3) minutes. Most messages in the past were anywhere from 30 seconds to 1 minute.
There is great concern in local police and emergency management circles about undue public anxiety over this test. The test message on TV might not indicate that it is just a test. Fear is that the lack of an explanation message might create panic. Please share this information with your family and friends so they are aware of the test.
Below are two websites, that will provide more information regarding this test.
http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm
https://nationaldialogue-emergencyalertsystem.ideascale.com/
Need more information? Contact Jim Flynn 240-417-9098 cell
This system test is the first of its kind. It is designed to broadcast a nationwide message to the American public. Nothing like it has been conducted in the history of the country. There have been tests in the past but none to all parts of the Nation at the same time. The test will run concurrently on all radio and TV band and the message will run for three (3) minutes. Most messages in the past were anywhere from 30 seconds to 1 minute.
There is great concern in local police and emergency management circles about undue public anxiety over this test. The test message on TV might not indicate that it is just a test. Fear is that the lack of an explanation message might create panic. Please share this information with your family and friends so they are aware of the test.
Below are two websites, that will provide more information regarding this test.
http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm
https://nationaldialogue-emergencyalertsystem.ideascale.com/
Need more information? Contact Jim Flynn 240-417-9098 cell
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
DEA is to Unused Prescription Drugs OUT of your HOME
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is sponsoring a third National Take Back Initiative for unwanted and unused prescription drugs on October 29, 2011 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. The Mount Rainier Police Department is a proud co-sponsor of this important initiative.
The DEA reports that over 309 tons of drugs were turned in during the last two events.
Prescription drug abuse continues to be a serious health issue among Americans. Removing expired and/or no longer needed drugs from the home can assist in curtailing illegal and dangerous drug diversion, as well as ensure these drugs are not flushed into our waters.
Individuals can turn in their unused, expired or no longer needed prescription or over the counter drugs at the Mount Rainier Police Department located at 3249 Rhode Island Avenue this Saturday, October 29th between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm.
For further information please call 301-985-6580.
The DEA reports that over 309 tons of drugs were turned in during the last two events.
Prescription drug abuse continues to be a serious health issue among Americans. Removing expired and/or no longer needed drugs from the home can assist in curtailing illegal and dangerous drug diversion, as well as ensure these drugs are not flushed into our waters.
Individuals can turn in their unused, expired or no longer needed prescription or over the counter drugs at the Mount Rainier Police Department located at 3249 Rhode Island Avenue this Saturday, October 29th between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm.
For further information please call 301-985-6580.
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Halloween at the Farm
Looking for a fun event for the family check out the Halloween at the Farm
Old Maryland Farm at Watkins Park in Upper Marlboro/Mitchellville, MD
Sunday, October 23 4 - 7 pm
$2 per person (adult and kids)
Hayrides, costume contest, treats, live animal show, crafts, farm animals
NO pony rides this year – they have taken ponies out of the park permanently
301 218 6770
Also, between 1 and 4 you can ride the carousel, train, and have popcorn, a hayride and crafts—unlimited for $5
Old Maryland Farm at Watkins Park in Upper Marlboro/Mitchellville, MD
Sunday, October 23 4 - 7 pm
$2 per person (adult and kids)
Hayrides, costume contest, treats, live animal show, crafts, farm animals
NO pony rides this year – they have taken ponies out of the park permanently
301 218 6770
Also, between 1 and 4 you can ride the carousel, train, and have popcorn, a hayride and crafts—unlimited for $5
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
14th Annual 2012 Teen Cotillion
MNCPPC's 14th Annual Teen Cotillion is a 16-week co-ed comprehensive program that runs from January-May, 2012 for young men (beaus) and women (debs) ages 14-17. Through a series of workshops, special events, service learning projects and more, the 2012 Teen Cotillion program offers leadership and growth opportunities to participants. Career development, etiquette, social skills and team building activities are included in the program.
Debs and beaus are selected from among a group of teens who complete applications and submit essays. Applicants write inspiring essays about leadership and about pursuing their dreams. The Teen Cotillion program promotes positive leadership skills and is designed to inspire youth to take the steps needed to attain their dreams. This extraordinary 16-week program ends with a spring Cotillion ceremony—a formal, coming-out gala where these young adults make their debuts before families and friends.
To obain the application, please click below.
http://www.mncppcapps.org/pgparks/xtreme_teens/cotillion/cotillion_registration.asp
2012 Teen Cotillion Interest Meeting
To learn more about participating, you are invited to attend the 2012 Teen Cotillion Interest Meeting for Parents and Teens (ages 14-17) on Wednesday, November 9, 2011, from 7-9 pm at the Prince George's Ballroom. Pre-register at any M-NCPPC community center in Prince George's County for SMARTlink course barcode #696814.
Debs and beaus are selected from among a group of teens who complete applications and submit essays. Applicants write inspiring essays about leadership and about pursuing their dreams. The Teen Cotillion program promotes positive leadership skills and is designed to inspire youth to take the steps needed to attain their dreams. This extraordinary 16-week program ends with a spring Cotillion ceremony—a formal, coming-out gala where these young adults make their debuts before families and friends.
To obain the application, please click below.
http://www.mncppcapps.org/pgparks/xtreme_teens/cotillion/cotillion_registration.asp
2012 Teen Cotillion Interest Meeting
To learn more about participating, you are invited to attend the 2012 Teen Cotillion Interest Meeting for Parents and Teens (ages 14-17) on Wednesday, November 9, 2011, from 7-9 pm at the Prince George's Ballroom. Pre-register at any M-NCPPC community center in Prince George's County for SMARTlink course barcode #696814.
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
From the Desk of The Mayor October 2011
It has been a while since I have had or taken the time to try to collect in one place all that is going on around our wonderful City. Thank God, we have other members of the Council that send out updates about our many activities. Here are some things that may not be on your horizon from other sources.
ANACOSTIA HOURS
GLUT has a growing surplus of Hours. Members are encouraged to patronize GLUT, and it's clear that many people have. But we also need to guard against overburdening GLUT with too many Hours.
Short-term, the solution is not hard: Hours users can buy groceries with US dollars, and receive Hours in change. Or you can simply buy Hours from GLUT's cash register at the exchange rate of 1 Hour = $10. This will reduce the surplus to a more comfortable level, and help achieve the desired circulation of Hours into the community.
Longer term, the idea is to use the Hours for diverse goods and services - not just one store. The 2011 (yellow) directory, including the monthly additions list of new members, includes more offerings than ever. For example: bread and other baked goods, tutoring in academic subjects for elementary school kids, plumbing, handyman services, professional audio recording, music lessons, a lawyer, a realtor, web design and IT consultation, haircuts, and more.
Diversification is the key! Use your Hours around town for various goods and services. GLUT has been a supporter of Hours for years. Let's keep the Hours circulating and avoid a bottleneck at GLUT.
Many thanks for supporting local economic self-reliance!
WELCOME TO ALL NEW RESIDENTS
The past year has seen a tremendous growth of new residents in the City, and they have come invigorated and ready to work. Many of our new residents have joined committees, reached out to their new neighbors, attended a Council meeting or other activity in the City. This is inspiring and uplifting. Thank you for making Mount Rainier your new home and we hope that you will continue to be a part of the City. If you have not found a Committee that you are interested in joining , don't worry, we are always open to new committees, new ideas, and individuality. That is why we have "The Glut," "Nisey's," "Joe's," and, of course, the green police station, a round-about on a State Highway, and one of the first green rooftops in the metropolitan area. As with you new home, explore Mount Rainier, you will find a lot of reasons to love living here. I did 43 years ago, and I am still excited about the possibilities that lie within its borders!
PARTNERING WITH NORTH BRENTWOOD
In today's world of crisis economic and crisis management, it is harder to get things done without partners. Over the past few months, there have been discussions about the heavy snows that we had a few years ago, and how to get more of the money from the federal government when there is a snow emergency and we use up all of our allocations. Well, one of the things that keeps coming up is partnering. Municipalities working together to make limited resources go farther. With that in mind, the Mayor and Council are in discussions with the Town of North Brentwood to share snow removal activities this winter. Over the past few weeks, Luther Smith and Mayor Petrella Robinson have walked the streets of North Brentwood to see what additional resources would be needed to do snow removal in both municipalities. It is my hope that this will be the first step in an inter-beltway snow removal consortium that would include, Mount Rainier, Brentwood, North Brentwood, and Cottage City. Pooling our resources, these municipalities could share cost, services, resources, and best practices for handling snow emergencies.
GOING GREEN
As many, if not all of you know, Mount Rainier is one of the greenest communities in the Washington metropolitan area http://www.dccondoloft.com/top-ten-green-neighborhoods-in-the-dc-metropolitan-area/. This is only half the story. Over the past few months, we have been visited by Sean Gavin from EPA to verify that we are a green community. Sean walked our police station. Visited our City Hall. Toured our Artists Loft and green roof. Saw and talked with residents who had no clue who he was, and learned from them first hand that green is a way of life in Mount Rainier and not a fad that just took life. As a result of his tour of our City, he now uses Mount Rainier in his speeches around the Country to tell other communities how baby steps over a long period of time will make a difference in our environmental footstep on our planet. So, just to keep up our momentum here is what is going on and what you can do:
1. Mount Rainier is one of the fourteen founders of Sustainable Maryland Certified (SMC) http://www.sustainablemaryland.com/ , and organization growing out of the University of Maryland to help municipalities go green and stay green. This program is modeled after Sustainable New Jersey Certified.
2. To achieve our BRONZE recognition, we must carry our several projects and reach 150 point by June 2012. Please visit this site http://www.sustainablemaryland.com/actionlist.php to see what must be done. We have accomplished many of the task on the list, but there are still others that we must do and report.
3. The major task is to form a green team that is representative of our entire community. We have all of the components, but they are fragmented and must come together under one umbrella to meet the requirements of SMC. Your Mayor and Council is working on this and making it a priority.
4. We MUST recycle. Recycling is more than bottle, can, and cardboard. We can recycle clothes, containers, bikes, pots and pans and a whole lot more. Get creative, and report out on what you are doing to help Mount Rainier grow green.
5. Visit our website. Visit our cable channel. Read our newsletter. Talk with your neighbors. Going Green is a mind set and should be ever present on your mind.
6. Mount Rainier met all of the qualifications to become registered with Maryland's Green Registry http://mde.maryland.gov/marylandgreen/Pages/GreenMembersList.aspx. Next goal is to win the Maryland Green Registry' gold award.
7. The Environmental Protection Board has taken off running to put in place a green plan for the City of Mount Rainier. The plan will be introduced to the Mayor and Council at its next work session. Residents are encouraged to get a copy, review it, comment on it, and embrace it as our way of reducing our footprint on our environment.
8. October 27 - 29, 2011: Maryland Clean Energy Summit. This event has been rescheduled to take place at the Hilton Inner Harbor in Baltimore. A discount registration rate is available through October 7th and the final registration date is October 21st. Note that the Consumer Trade Show on Saturday 10/29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. is free to the public. For more information go towww.mcecsummit.org or call 301-738-6280.
TOOL SHED RE-OPENS
With the push of Devon Brown and Joe Robbins, the Mount Rainier Tool Shed will re-open for business on October 29, 2011. The new Tool Shed Committee members are Evan Wilder, Chairperson, Mimi McKinley-Ward, Rebecca Lane, Kathryn Wolfe, and Anthony Brown. This new Committee invites the community to come out and see the tool shed, have a glass of cider and some very healthy treats while learning about composting. The event will take place from 10:00am on Saturday, October 29, 2011 to 12:30pm. Got some old tools that could be recycled within the neighborhood? The Mount Rainier Tool Shed is just the place to get those tools working hard for you and the community. Donate. You will be glad that you did.
JOINING A MOUNT RAINIER COMMITTEE
It has been impressive and heartwarming to see new members joining the various committees in Mount Rainier. If you have not joined a committee, here is the golden opportunity to do so. For your consideration, here is a list of committees with an asterisk by those that need your membership, ideas, and creative juices:
Gateway Community Development Corporation (CDC)* Branding/Development in the Gateway Arts District
Personnel Review Committee Oversee and ensure proper implementation of City personnel policies and procedures and union contracts
Emergency Preparedness* Responsible for preparation and implementation of City’s emergency plan for elderly and disabled residents
Anacostia Trails Historical Association (ATHA) ATHA is a composition of municipalities along the Anacostia that seeks to preserve its heritage
Mixed Use Town Center Design Review Committee (MUTC) The Town Center Design Review Committee is the official name given to a group of municipal representatives, residents, and business/property owners who review applications for, and make recommendations on, exterior renovations and new development in Mount Rainier’s Mixed-Use Town Center Zone. This zone extends along Rhode Island Avenue from the city limits at Eastern Avenue into the 3400 block, and along 34th Street from the 3700 block into the 4000 block; it also includes part of Bunker Hill Road.
Tool Shed*
Community Tool Shed Loans, tracks, and replaces tools to community residents. Provides forums, workshops, plant swaps, and community gardening opportunities
MRTV* Responsible for oversight of City’s cable operation, including the creation of programs
MRBA Mount Rainier Business organization with purposes of helping improve City businesses
Tree Commission The City of Mount Rainier Tree Commission was established to regulate the planting, maintenance, and removal of street and park trees in public places. The Tree Commission consists of five (5)members, all residents of the City of Mount Rainier, appointed by the Mayor with approval of City Council. http://trees.20712.org/
Mount Rainier Election Board* Oversees all aspects of Mount Rainiers City Elections
Design Review Board The Mount Rainier Design Review Board (DRB) is established to advise and assist the Council on design-related issues including but not limited to, fence, retaining wall, public plantings, construction proposals, building alterations, and regulations of design issues. Members of the DRB consist of five (5) City residents who are appointed by council with at least one member being an architect.
Environmental Protection Board The purpose of this board is to promote and sustain a clean, healthy, sustainable environment that enhances the quality of life for current and future generations and that protects our natural resources.
Neighborhood Watch* Richardson Park & Upshur St park
Neighborhood Watch* 35th Street
Youth & Recreation, Sub-committee (Skate Park)* The Mount Rainier Recreation Committee aims to facilitate multi-generational recreational opportunities in the areas of sports, appreciation of our natural environment and the arts. The committee supports the work of activity specific recreational committees and ad hoc interest groups as needed. The Committee is the steward for the City of Mount Rainier recreational resources insuring that residents have full access and take full advantage of our neighborhood treasures.
Snow Removal Task Force Make recommendation for improving City's snow removal process
Mount Rainier Day* Day of celebration for the City
Beautification Committee* Created to help residents take pride in their yards and their homes and in turn increase the value of their homes.
Farmers Market* Created to help provide fresh, healthy, nutritional, and affordable foods to the community as well as create a place and space for community to come together to learn about foods and nutrition.
Community Foundation* Created to help start a community fund to assist residents with small project around their homes and/or start small projects that are beneficial to the City.
Green Team Required by Sustainable Maryland Certified (SMC). Is an official group created by legislation. It is similar to other boards, committees, and commissions created by the City and is governed by all state and local government rules for conducting open meetings, providing public information, and honoring ethical laws and ordinances. Green may have up to 15 members representing citizens, local elected officials, and local appointed officials, businesses, etc. Geen Team members may come from all City appointed committees, commissions, boards, task forces, etc. The Green Teams shares information re conservancy and preserving environmentally sensitive land, improving water quality, and developing local recreational resources. The Green Team does , not administer properties, and is not concerned like environmental committees, with the protection and improvement of the natural health and welfare of the environment.
WEBSITES and BLOGS
Malinda Miles --- www.malindamiles.com
Malinda Miles' Blog --- http://themayorsspot.blogspot.com/
Chief Michael Scott's Blog --- http://mrpdchief.blogspot.com/
Historic Mount Rainier Maryland --- http://www.mountrainiermd.org
Mount Rainier Police Department -- http://www.mountrainiermd.org/government/police/index.html
Bunker Hill Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company --- http://www.mrvfd.org
Mount Rainier Elementary School --- http://www.pgcps.org/~mrainier/
Thomas Stone Elementary School --- http://www.pgcps.org/~tstone/index.htm
Hyattsville Middle School --- http://www.pgcps.org/~hyattsms/
Northwestern High School --- http://www.pgcps.pg.k12.md.us/~nwest
Prince George’s County Municipal Association http://www.mdmunicipal.org/chapterweb/pgcma
Maryland Municipal League --- http://www.mdmunicipal.org
Friends of the Mount Rainier Library (FOL) --- http://www.mtrainierfol.org/
Mount Rainier Business Association (MRBA) – http://mrbassociation.org
ANACOSTIA HOURS
GLUT has a growing surplus of Hours. Members are encouraged to patronize GLUT, and it's clear that many people have. But we also need to guard against overburdening GLUT with too many Hours.
Short-term, the solution is not hard: Hours users can buy groceries with US dollars, and receive Hours in change. Or you can simply buy Hours from GLUT's cash register at the exchange rate of 1 Hour = $10. This will reduce the surplus to a more comfortable level, and help achieve the desired circulation of Hours into the community.
Longer term, the idea is to use the Hours for diverse goods and services - not just one store. The 2011 (yellow) directory, including the monthly additions list of new members, includes more offerings than ever. For example: bread and other baked goods, tutoring in academic subjects for elementary school kids, plumbing, handyman services, professional audio recording, music lessons, a lawyer, a realtor, web design and IT consultation, haircuts, and more.
Diversification is the key! Use your Hours around town for various goods and services. GLUT has been a supporter of Hours for years. Let's keep the Hours circulating and avoid a bottleneck at GLUT.
Many thanks for supporting local economic self-reliance!
WELCOME TO ALL NEW RESIDENTS
The past year has seen a tremendous growth of new residents in the City, and they have come invigorated and ready to work. Many of our new residents have joined committees, reached out to their new neighbors, attended a Council meeting or other activity in the City. This is inspiring and uplifting. Thank you for making Mount Rainier your new home and we hope that you will continue to be a part of the City. If you have not found a Committee that you are interested in joining , don't worry, we are always open to new committees, new ideas, and individuality. That is why we have "The Glut," "Nisey's," "Joe's," and, of course, the green police station, a round-about on a State Highway, and one of the first green rooftops in the metropolitan area. As with you new home, explore Mount Rainier, you will find a lot of reasons to love living here. I did 43 years ago, and I am still excited about the possibilities that lie within its borders!
PARTNERING WITH NORTH BRENTWOOD
In today's world of crisis economic and crisis management, it is harder to get things done without partners. Over the past few months, there have been discussions about the heavy snows that we had a few years ago, and how to get more of the money from the federal government when there is a snow emergency and we use up all of our allocations. Well, one of the things that keeps coming up is partnering. Municipalities working together to make limited resources go farther. With that in mind, the Mayor and Council are in discussions with the Town of North Brentwood to share snow removal activities this winter. Over the past few weeks, Luther Smith and Mayor Petrella Robinson have walked the streets of North Brentwood to see what additional resources would be needed to do snow removal in both municipalities. It is my hope that this will be the first step in an inter-beltway snow removal consortium that would include, Mount Rainier, Brentwood, North Brentwood, and Cottage City. Pooling our resources, these municipalities could share cost, services, resources, and best practices for handling snow emergencies.
GOING GREEN
As many, if not all of you know, Mount Rainier is one of the greenest communities in the Washington metropolitan area http://www.dccondoloft.com/top-ten-green-neighborhoods-in-the-dc-metropolitan-area/. This is only half the story. Over the past few months, we have been visited by Sean Gavin from EPA to verify that we are a green community. Sean walked our police station. Visited our City Hall. Toured our Artists Loft and green roof. Saw and talked with residents who had no clue who he was, and learned from them first hand that green is a way of life in Mount Rainier and not a fad that just took life. As a result of his tour of our City, he now uses Mount Rainier in his speeches around the Country to tell other communities how baby steps over a long period of time will make a difference in our environmental footstep on our planet. So, just to keep up our momentum here is what is going on and what you can do:
1. Mount Rainier is one of the fourteen founders of Sustainable Maryland Certified (SMC) http://www.sustainablemaryland.com/ , and organization growing out of the University of Maryland to help municipalities go green and stay green. This program is modeled after Sustainable New Jersey Certified.
2. To achieve our BRONZE recognition, we must carry our several projects and reach 150 point by June 2012. Please visit this site http://www.sustainablemaryland.com/actionlist.php to see what must be done. We have accomplished many of the task on the list, but there are still others that we must do and report.
3. The major task is to form a green team that is representative of our entire community. We have all of the components, but they are fragmented and must come together under one umbrella to meet the requirements of SMC. Your Mayor and Council is working on this and making it a priority.
4. We MUST recycle. Recycling is more than bottle, can, and cardboard. We can recycle clothes, containers, bikes, pots and pans and a whole lot more. Get creative, and report out on what you are doing to help Mount Rainier grow green.
5. Visit our website. Visit our cable channel. Read our newsletter. Talk with your neighbors. Going Green is a mind set and should be ever present on your mind.
6. Mount Rainier met all of the qualifications to become registered with Maryland's Green Registry http://mde.maryland.gov/marylandgreen/Pages/GreenMembersList.aspx. Next goal is to win the Maryland Green Registry' gold award.
7. The Environmental Protection Board has taken off running to put in place a green plan for the City of Mount Rainier. The plan will be introduced to the Mayor and Council at its next work session. Residents are encouraged to get a copy, review it, comment on it, and embrace it as our way of reducing our footprint on our environment.
8. October 27 - 29, 2011: Maryland Clean Energy Summit. This event has been rescheduled to take place at the Hilton Inner Harbor in Baltimore. A discount registration rate is available through October 7th and the final registration date is October 21st. Note that the Consumer Trade Show on Saturday 10/29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. is free to the public. For more information go towww.mcecsummit.org or call 301-738-6280.
TOOL SHED RE-OPENS
With the push of Devon Brown and Joe Robbins, the Mount Rainier Tool Shed will re-open for business on October 29, 2011. The new Tool Shed Committee members are Evan Wilder, Chairperson, Mimi McKinley-Ward, Rebecca Lane, Kathryn Wolfe, and Anthony Brown. This new Committee invites the community to come out and see the tool shed, have a glass of cider and some very healthy treats while learning about composting. The event will take place from 10:00am on Saturday, October 29, 2011 to 12:30pm. Got some old tools that could be recycled within the neighborhood? The Mount Rainier Tool Shed is just the place to get those tools working hard for you and the community. Donate. You will be glad that you did.
JOINING A MOUNT RAINIER COMMITTEE
It has been impressive and heartwarming to see new members joining the various committees in Mount Rainier. If you have not joined a committee, here is the golden opportunity to do so. For your consideration, here is a list of committees with an asterisk by those that need your membership, ideas, and creative juices:
Gateway Community Development Corporation (CDC)* Branding/Development in the Gateway Arts District
Personnel Review Committee Oversee and ensure proper implementation of City personnel policies and procedures and union contracts
Emergency Preparedness* Responsible for preparation and implementation of City’s emergency plan for elderly and disabled residents
Anacostia Trails Historical Association (ATHA) ATHA is a composition of municipalities along the Anacostia that seeks to preserve its heritage
Mixed Use Town Center Design Review Committee (MUTC) The Town Center Design Review Committee is the official name given to a group of municipal representatives, residents, and business/property owners who review applications for, and make recommendations on, exterior renovations and new development in Mount Rainier’s Mixed-Use Town Center Zone. This zone extends along Rhode Island Avenue from the city limits at Eastern Avenue into the 3400 block, and along 34th Street from the 3700 block into the 4000 block; it also includes part of Bunker Hill Road.
Tool Shed*
Community Tool Shed Loans, tracks, and replaces tools to community residents. Provides forums, workshops, plant swaps, and community gardening opportunities
MRTV* Responsible for oversight of City’s cable operation, including the creation of programs
MRBA Mount Rainier Business organization with purposes of helping improve City businesses
Tree Commission The City of Mount Rainier Tree Commission was established to regulate the planting, maintenance, and removal of street and park trees in public places. The Tree Commission consists of five (5)members, all residents of the City of Mount Rainier, appointed by the Mayor with approval of City Council. http://trees.20712.org/
Mount Rainier Election Board* Oversees all aspects of Mount Rainiers City Elections
Design Review Board The Mount Rainier Design Review Board (DRB) is established to advise and assist the Council on design-related issues including but not limited to, fence, retaining wall, public plantings, construction proposals, building alterations, and regulations of design issues. Members of the DRB consist of five (5) City residents who are appointed by council with at least one member being an architect.
Environmental Protection Board The purpose of this board is to promote and sustain a clean, healthy, sustainable environment that enhances the quality of life for current and future generations and that protects our natural resources.
Neighborhood Watch* Richardson Park & Upshur St park
Neighborhood Watch* 35th Street
Youth & Recreation, Sub-committee (Skate Park)* The Mount Rainier Recreation Committee aims to facilitate multi-generational recreational opportunities in the areas of sports, appreciation of our natural environment and the arts. The committee supports the work of activity specific recreational committees and ad hoc interest groups as needed. The Committee is the steward for the City of Mount Rainier recreational resources insuring that residents have full access and take full advantage of our neighborhood treasures.
Snow Removal Task Force Make recommendation for improving City's snow removal process
Mount Rainier Day* Day of celebration for the City
Beautification Committee* Created to help residents take pride in their yards and their homes and in turn increase the value of their homes.
Farmers Market* Created to help provide fresh, healthy, nutritional, and affordable foods to the community as well as create a place and space for community to come together to learn about foods and nutrition.
Community Foundation* Created to help start a community fund to assist residents with small project around their homes and/or start small projects that are beneficial to the City.
Green Team Required by Sustainable Maryland Certified (SMC). Is an official group created by legislation. It is similar to other boards, committees, and commissions created by the City and is governed by all state and local government rules for conducting open meetings, providing public information, and honoring ethical laws and ordinances. Green may have up to 15 members representing citizens, local elected officials, and local appointed officials, businesses, etc. Geen Team members may come from all City appointed committees, commissions, boards, task forces, etc. The Green Teams shares information re conservancy and preserving environmentally sensitive land, improving water quality, and developing local recreational resources. The Green Team does , not administer properties, and is not concerned like environmental committees, with the protection and improvement of the natural health and welfare of the environment.
WEBSITES and BLOGS
Malinda Miles --- www.malindamiles.com
Malinda Miles' Blog --- http://themayorsspot.blogspot.com/
Chief Michael Scott's Blog --- http://mrpdchief.blogspot.com/
Historic Mount Rainier Maryland --- http://www.mountrainiermd.org
Mount Rainier Police Department -- http://www.mountrainiermd.org/government/police/index.html
Bunker Hill Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company --- http://www.mrvfd.org
Mount Rainier Elementary School --- http://www.pgcps.org/~mrainier/
Thomas Stone Elementary School --- http://www.pgcps.org/~tstone/index.htm
Hyattsville Middle School --- http://www.pgcps.org/~hyattsms/
Northwestern High School --- http://www.pgcps.pg.k12.md.us/~nwest
Prince George’s County Municipal Association http://www.mdmunicipal.org/chapterweb/pgcma
Maryland Municipal League --- http://www.mdmunicipal.org
Friends of the Mount Rainier Library (FOL) --- http://www.mtrainierfol.org/
Mount Rainier Business Association (MRBA) – http://mrbassociation.org
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
Friday, September 09, 2011
I am TIRED of the RAIN!
Well it has been raining for days!
Most people are just plain tired of the rain, but more importantly, they are tired of the wet basements, road closures, gridlock going and coming from work, and getting splashed by insensitive drivers. Most of these things you can't do ANYTHING about, but there are some things that you can take control over!
You can make a list of what you should have done before the rainy season started. For example do you have flood insurance? I don't, but I wish I had followed through on all those times I thought about purchasing it. Well, I can't get flood insurance to cover what is already damaged by this rainy season, BUT I can get it now for future rainy seasons. The first question to ask is "are you in the 100 year flood zone" or whatever they call it. If you do you stand a better chance of getting flood insurance. Want more information on flood insurance? Visit www.floodsmart.gov.
Another list item is to make sure that you have non-perishables in the house that can be quickly used JUST IN CASE your power goes out. Who would have thought that the solid oak standing in your yard would just follow over because of the over saturated ground. Worst yet, why did it have to fall on the power line and knock out all the power in the neighborhood. No, your neighbors will not blame you for an act of God, but it sure would help if you were prepared to be without lights for a day or two. So that leads to the next item on the list.
Make sure that you have flashlights and batteries or some other source of lighting that you can PUT YOUR HANDS on in a hurry especially if the lights go out at night! If you can afford it, a backup generator would be nice, but what do you do with it for months on end until you need it? Storage problem, but a good one if you have it when you need it.
BE PREPARED to shelter in place if you do not have a community center set up for you. Sometimes, this is the only thing you can do until rescue units can get to you. Sheltering in place means be prepared to move to the highest part of your house. Have your basic needs kit including medicines in place in the attic (assuming you have one) or other highest place where you live. Make sure they are in plastic bags to stay dry.
Got a family? MAKE SURE they know the plan. Drill, drill, drill. They need to know what to do and when to do it.
Gas up the family car just in case you may need to use it to get to higher ground. (NOTE: If you must drive, remember to be alert about high standing water or you could find yourself in a more dangerous situation.)
Still making that list? DO NOT FORGET to have on hand a battery powered radio with batteries available or in it because when the power goes, it goes also.
Portable phones may also prove unworthy of the journey. Make sure you have at least one old fashion plug in telephone assuming that you will still have telephone service.
DRY CLOTHING is an essential. Place at least ONE FULL set of clothing in a dry plastic bag. Double cover it to ensure that it stays dry. If you have to get out in the rain to safety, you will need some dry clothing to keep from catching cold and to warm up.
Got pets? What's going to happen to them? Dry to figure out what you will do with your pet(s) before the water rises. Have the pet cage handy. Have food for your pet stored with your non-perishables. Get your pet to safety early even if that means putting the pet up for a few days in a pet shelter that may be safer than your home. Do this EARLY. At the last minute, you will be consumed by other urgent and important actions to keep you and your family safe.
If a flood emergency is declared in your area and you are asked to evacuate, follow directions. Know where the nearest shelter is set up. DO NOT try to carry with you all of your possessions. You will have LIMITED space since everyone else will be headed to the same shelter in your neighborhood.
Finally, pack a few pictures and a book suitable for each family member. It could be a LONG time before you can return home, and the water may destroy all pictures and memories. (NOTE: Water guard these prior to the need to evacuate. If water tight, they may survive and be there for you later.)
GOT your LIST together? Good, here are some other safety tips. Some of these are overlapping, but are there to emphasize the importance of each item.
During the flood or heavy rains
• Don't tune out. Be aware of flash floods. If there is any possibility of a flash flood occurring, move immediately to higher ground.
• Listen to radio or television stations for local information.
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areas known to flood suddenly.
• Secure your home. If you have time, bring outdoor garden equipment and lawn furniture inside or tie it down. Move essential items to the upper floors of your house.
• If instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Special tools may be required. Add this to your list when preparing ahead for flooding conditions.
• Sterilize the bathtub, then fill the bathtub with water in case water becomes contaminated or services are cut off. You can also purchase and store BOTTLE WATER for emergencies. Stay away from flood waters. They could be contaminated.
• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you must walk in a flooded area, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If flood waters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground, if you can do so safely. You and your vehicle can be quickly swept away as flood waters rise.
• Report broken utilities to the proper authorities
What to do after a flood?
• Stay away from flood waters. The water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. The water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Stay away from moving water. Moving water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet.
• Be aware of areas where flood waters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the power company.
• Stay away from disaster areas unless authorities ask for volunteers.
• Continue listening to a battery-powered radio for information about where to get assistance for housing, clothing and food.
• Clean and have electrical equipment checked before using.
• Consider your family's health and safety needs. Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with flood waters. Throw away food that has come in contact with flood waters. Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink.
• Contact your insurance agent.
Remember, be safe, and know that floodwaters sometimes take days to rise, even when the sun is shining. It can take days for floodwaters to make their way downstream. Don't underestimate the power and speed in which flood waters can rise and destroy everything in its path.
Most people are just plain tired of the rain, but more importantly, they are tired of the wet basements, road closures, gridlock going and coming from work, and getting splashed by insensitive drivers. Most of these things you can't do ANYTHING about, but there are some things that you can take control over!
You can make a list of what you should have done before the rainy season started. For example do you have flood insurance? I don't, but I wish I had followed through on all those times I thought about purchasing it. Well, I can't get flood insurance to cover what is already damaged by this rainy season, BUT I can get it now for future rainy seasons. The first question to ask is "are you in the 100 year flood zone" or whatever they call it. If you do you stand a better chance of getting flood insurance. Want more information on flood insurance? Visit www.floodsmart.gov.
Another list item is to make sure that you have non-perishables in the house that can be quickly used JUST IN CASE your power goes out. Who would have thought that the solid oak standing in your yard would just follow over because of the over saturated ground. Worst yet, why did it have to fall on the power line and knock out all the power in the neighborhood. No, your neighbors will not blame you for an act of God, but it sure would help if you were prepared to be without lights for a day or two. So that leads to the next item on the list.
Make sure that you have flashlights and batteries or some other source of lighting that you can PUT YOUR HANDS on in a hurry especially if the lights go out at night! If you can afford it, a backup generator would be nice, but what do you do with it for months on end until you need it? Storage problem, but a good one if you have it when you need it.
BE PREPARED to shelter in place if you do not have a community center set up for you. Sometimes, this is the only thing you can do until rescue units can get to you. Sheltering in place means be prepared to move to the highest part of your house. Have your basic needs kit including medicines in place in the attic (assuming you have one) or other highest place where you live. Make sure they are in plastic bags to stay dry.
Got a family? MAKE SURE they know the plan. Drill, drill, drill. They need to know what to do and when to do it.
Gas up the family car just in case you may need to use it to get to higher ground. (NOTE: If you must drive, remember to be alert about high standing water or you could find yourself in a more dangerous situation.)
Still making that list? DO NOT FORGET to have on hand a battery powered radio with batteries available or in it because when the power goes, it goes also.
Portable phones may also prove unworthy of the journey. Make sure you have at least one old fashion plug in telephone assuming that you will still have telephone service.
DRY CLOTHING is an essential. Place at least ONE FULL set of clothing in a dry plastic bag. Double cover it to ensure that it stays dry. If you have to get out in the rain to safety, you will need some dry clothing to keep from catching cold and to warm up.
Got pets? What's going to happen to them? Dry to figure out what you will do with your pet(s) before the water rises. Have the pet cage handy. Have food for your pet stored with your non-perishables. Get your pet to safety early even if that means putting the pet up for a few days in a pet shelter that may be safer than your home. Do this EARLY. At the last minute, you will be consumed by other urgent and important actions to keep you and your family safe.
If a flood emergency is declared in your area and you are asked to evacuate, follow directions. Know where the nearest shelter is set up. DO NOT try to carry with you all of your possessions. You will have LIMITED space since everyone else will be headed to the same shelter in your neighborhood.
Finally, pack a few pictures and a book suitable for each family member. It could be a LONG time before you can return home, and the water may destroy all pictures and memories. (NOTE: Water guard these prior to the need to evacuate. If water tight, they may survive and be there for you later.)
GOT your LIST together? Good, here are some other safety tips. Some of these are overlapping, but are there to emphasize the importance of each item.
During the flood or heavy rains
• Don't tune out. Be aware of flash floods. If there is any possibility of a flash flood occurring, move immediately to higher ground.
• Listen to radio or television stations for local information.
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areas known to flood suddenly.
• Secure your home. If you have time, bring outdoor garden equipment and lawn furniture inside or tie it down. Move essential items to the upper floors of your house.
• If instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Special tools may be required. Add this to your list when preparing ahead for flooding conditions.
• Sterilize the bathtub, then fill the bathtub with water in case water becomes contaminated or services are cut off. You can also purchase and store BOTTLE WATER for emergencies. Stay away from flood waters. They could be contaminated.
• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you must walk in a flooded area, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If flood waters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground, if you can do so safely. You and your vehicle can be quickly swept away as flood waters rise.
• Report broken utilities to the proper authorities
What to do after a flood?
• Stay away from flood waters. The water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. The water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Stay away from moving water. Moving water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet.
• Be aware of areas where flood waters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the power company.
• Stay away from disaster areas unless authorities ask for volunteers.
• Continue listening to a battery-powered radio for information about where to get assistance for housing, clothing and food.
• Clean and have electrical equipment checked before using.
• Consider your family's health and safety needs. Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with flood waters. Throw away food that has come in contact with flood waters. Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink.
• Contact your insurance agent.
Remember, be safe, and know that floodwaters sometimes take days to rise, even when the sun is shining. It can take days for floodwaters to make their way downstream. Don't underestimate the power and speed in which flood waters can rise and destroy everything in its path.
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
MOST Schools are OPEN TOMORROW, August 30, 2011
Due to mass power outages caused by Hurricane Irene; the following 21 schools will remain closed on Tuesday, August 30: Apple Grove ES; Central HS; Benjamin Foulois Creative and Performing Arts; Brandywine ES; Concord ES; Glenarden Woods ES; Heather Hills ES; Highland Park ES; Imagine Foundations I Public Charter; Imagine Foundations II Public Charter; James Frank Dent ES;Kenmoor ES; Largo HS; Magnolia ES; Princeton Elementary; Rockledge ES; Samuel Ogle MS; Suitland HS; Tall Oaks Vocational HS; Whitehall ES; and Woodmore ES. All other schools will open on time.
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Schools are CLOSED in Prince George's County
All Prince George's County schools are CLOSED tomorrow, August 29, 2011. A Code Green is in effect; all 12-month employees must report on-time. Liberal leave will be in effect.
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Damage Assessment for IRENE
Report from Chief Michael Scott on damage assessment of Irene in Mount Rainier:
As of 5 pm this morning we are still experiencing high winds and heavy rains from the remnants of Hurricane Irene. While the rain is forecast to taper off we still expect the high winds to continue through the morning hours. The police department went on tactical alert at 6 pm Saturday evening and all officers were on duty throughout the night until 5 am this morning. We will have a normal day shift compliment plus one additional officer starting at 7 am this morning. We will follow the same schedule for the night shift that starts at 7 pm tonight.
Throughout the City there is an extensive amount of storm debris on all of our residential streets ranging from leaves to large branches and trees and power lines down. We have reported each power line problem to Pepco; however we do not expect Pepco to respond to address any of the power line problems until later in the day, and then only according to their priority schedule. Our officers have used police tape to block off those streets where power lines and/or trees have either totally or partially blocked the roadway. Residents should not attempt to drive or walk on any street or sidewalk where police tape blocks the way.
Here’s a brief summary of the major storm damage and power outages:
Tree down blocking the road in the 3100 block of Upshur St. Tree took down power lines from a house when it fell.
· Tree down blocking the road at 37th and Newton Streets. No power lines affected.
· Tree down on power lines at 32nd and Varnum.
Tree down on power lines 3100 block of Shepherd St. Street blocked but power still on. When the tree came down an 8 to 12 foot section of the sidewalk was uprooted.
· Electric wires are down in the 4100 block of 30th Street.
· A tree and power lines are down in the 4000 block of 31st Street.
· Tree down in the 4200 block of 28th Street.
· Tree down at 28th Place and Webster Street.
· Power is out to about 75% of the Kaywood apartment complex and bordering streets.
· Power is out along Eastern Avenue from Rhode Island Avenue to Queens Chapel Road.
· Power is out in the 2200 and 2300 blocks of Varnum Street.
· Power is out sporadically in other residential areas of the City.
· The roof of the police station is leaking in several places.
Residents should continue to call our communications center at 301-985-6565/6566 to report trees down, power lines down or other hazardous conditions.
Michael E. Scott
Chief of Police
Mount Rainier Police Department
3249 Rhode Island Avenue
Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712
301-985-6580
mscott@mountrainierpd.org
As of 5 pm this morning we are still experiencing high winds and heavy rains from the remnants of Hurricane Irene. While the rain is forecast to taper off we still expect the high winds to continue through the morning hours. The police department went on tactical alert at 6 pm Saturday evening and all officers were on duty throughout the night until 5 am this morning. We will have a normal day shift compliment plus one additional officer starting at 7 am this morning. We will follow the same schedule for the night shift that starts at 7 pm tonight.
Throughout the City there is an extensive amount of storm debris on all of our residential streets ranging from leaves to large branches and trees and power lines down. We have reported each power line problem to Pepco; however we do not expect Pepco to respond to address any of the power line problems until later in the day, and then only according to their priority schedule. Our officers have used police tape to block off those streets where power lines and/or trees have either totally or partially blocked the roadway. Residents should not attempt to drive or walk on any street or sidewalk where police tape blocks the way.
Here’s a brief summary of the major storm damage and power outages:
Tree down blocking the road in the 3100 block of Upshur St. Tree took down power lines from a house when it fell.
· Tree down blocking the road at 37th and Newton Streets. No power lines affected.
· Tree down on power lines at 32nd and Varnum.
Tree down on power lines 3100 block of Shepherd St. Street blocked but power still on. When the tree came down an 8 to 12 foot section of the sidewalk was uprooted.
· Electric wires are down in the 4100 block of 30th Street.
· A tree and power lines are down in the 4000 block of 31st Street.
· Tree down in the 4200 block of 28th Street.
· Tree down at 28th Place and Webster Street.
· Power is out to about 75% of the Kaywood apartment complex and bordering streets.
· Power is out along Eastern Avenue from Rhode Island Avenue to Queens Chapel Road.
· Power is out in the 2200 and 2300 blocks of Varnum Street.
· Power is out sporadically in other residential areas of the City.
· The roof of the police station is leaking in several places.
Residents should continue to call our communications center at 301-985-6565/6566 to report trees down, power lines down or other hazardous conditions.
Michael E. Scott
Chief of Police
Mount Rainier Police Department
3249 Rhode Island Avenue
Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712
301-985-6580
mscott@mountrainierpd.org
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
THANK YOU to the TREE COMMISSION
While many of us are going about our day with little thought or care about the very reason we love living here -- our trees -- there is a group of men and women that are out there making sure our trees make it through this very hot and dry period. Therefore, today's blog is dedicated to them (I am not going to list their names because I will miss someone and that would not be nice).
To the Tree Commission
Thank you for knowing where all the trees are in Mount Rainier.
Thank you for keeping up with the inventory of trees that we have in Mount Rainier.
Thank you for planting and replanting tree throughout Mount Rainier.
Thank you for helping to keep our trees healthy in Mount Rainier.
Thank you for giving of your time, skills and knowledge to help keep Mount Rainier a Tree City USA.
Thank you for caring enough to know the value of the trees we have in Mount Rainier.
Thank you for getting really pissed when someone cuts down a healthy tree in Mount Rainier.
Thank you Tree Commission for serving, often without thanks, the residents of Mount Rainier.
You are awesome and doing a thankless job on behalf of all of us here in Mount Rainier.
To the Tree Commission
Thank you for knowing where all the trees are in Mount Rainier.
Thank you for keeping up with the inventory of trees that we have in Mount Rainier.
Thank you for planting and replanting tree throughout Mount Rainier.
Thank you for helping to keep our trees healthy in Mount Rainier.
Thank you for giving of your time, skills and knowledge to help keep Mount Rainier a Tree City USA.
Thank you for caring enough to know the value of the trees we have in Mount Rainier.
Thank you for getting really pissed when someone cuts down a healthy tree in Mount Rainier.
Thank you Tree Commission for serving, often without thanks, the residents of Mount Rainier.
You are awesome and doing a thankless job on behalf of all of us here in Mount Rainier.
As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents.
It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved.
It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces.
I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible.
This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)