Thursday, October 28, 2021

The Front Porch Ministries VOLUNTEERS are the BEST!

 


It is TIME to relax. Thank you to everyone for making the day go by quickly.

Thank you to Brice and Sean for THREE HUNDRED DELICIOUS MEALS.

Thank you to the volunteers for putting the bags together and handing out the meals.

Now it is TIME for each of you to RELAX, and here is my toast to YOU!


The Front Porch Ministries and Chefs Brice Serving UP Thanksgiving Dinners!

 


Wednesday, October 13, 2021

2022 Social Security COLA largest in Decades!

Some folks have cursed COVID-19. Some have lived in seclusion for the past eighteen months or more, and some have found new friends, opportunities and made a way out of no way! Throughout the past year and a half, I have had the opportunity to watch good people rise to the top and lend a helping hand to neighbors, friends, strangers, and, yes, to family.

My family knows firsthand about the devastating results of COVID-19 and the Delta variant. Many of us have not taken full advantage of the situation to draw closer to each other, but COVID-19 has changed us in many ways. There are still lessons to be learned.

And, I have seen federal, state, county, and municipal governments rise to the occasion on many levels. I have also seen them drop the ball, and on many occasions, are still dropping the ball, but here is one that will help many of our seniors and others on social security.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will be increasing social security benefits by 5.9%. There will also be an increase in Medicare coverage.

The COLA is only one part of the annual financial equation for seniors. An announcement about Medicare’s Part B premium for outpatient care is expected soon. It’s usually an increase, so at least some of any Social Security raise goes for health care. The Part B premium is now $148.50 a month, and the Medicare trustees report estimated a $10 increase for 2022.

Click on this link for the full story.

https://wtop.com/government/2021/10/social-security-cola-largest-in-decades-as-inflation-jumps/

Mount Rainier Residents, The Front Porch Minitries Willl Continue!

I woke up this morning feeling reprimanded because of thoughts from yesterday. My reprimand came in a few words from one of the people that frequent The Front Porch Ministries and an inbox from another one.

The first one said how thankful she was that we (Joan, Max, and I) had changed our minds about NOT doing food yesterday. It was critical to her to know that food was available for pick up because she needed it. The second one inboxed me and said, I may not be one of those in the food insecurity areas, but I need food and would love to get food from The Front Porch Ministries to help supplement what I am able to provide.

 I wrestled with those two things all night long. The Front Porch Ministries is not an easy task. No, I am not complaining, but simply saying that it is a lot of work even when I have helping picking up the food supplies. On the days that I don't, I pick them up myself, bring them home, unload them, separate them, box them, and make the food available. Then after it is all over, the boxes have to get broken down and put out for recycling or returned to the donor. NO EASY FEAT.

Definitely not complaining. The Front Porch Ministries has provided food to Mount Rainier residents since March 2020, even though I have threatened to stop the program more than a few times. LOL. I get tired and sometimes frustrated that a few bad apples do not honor The Front Porch rules -- get some, leave some for others; cover the boxes back up like you found them to keep the animals out; first-come-first-serve, and no, you cannot take some for every family member household in your family. Simple rules and allows everyone to get a little help. Believe me, I would love to do more and give everybody as much as they can take away. Unfortunately, that is not the case, and we must be mindful of the entire community.

I get lots of volunteer offers, and some actually come and work with us, but I only have two that come every time there is food and stay until we are too tired to stay on The Front Porch. That's when the honor system kicks in, and WE NEED YOUR HELP to keep making this work. PLEASE CLOSE THE BOXES CORRECTLY to keep the animals out. (NOTE: Some of our residents cannot get by to pick up from The Front Porch until after 6:00 p.m. or later.) If The Front Porch is cleared before then, they will not be able to participate. If it is too early in the morning, others could not participate. I can ONLY distribute the food when I receive it, and there is no way around that obstacle.) 

My last comment is that it is IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO CALL and tell everyone when the food arrives. I also cannot inbox or text everyone when the food comes. I post, and sometimes if time permits, send emails IF I HAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS. I am alright with you reposting my post or otherwise sharing with your Mount Rainier neighbors who may benefit from The Front Porch Ministries.

 My reprimand for me was once again, I wanted to not do the food distribution, did it anyway, and SOMEONE REALLY NEEDED IT. So, the decision is to continue doing the food distribution, and ASK for your HELP to continue to make THE FRONT PORCH MINISTRIES WORK! WE can do this.

 THANK YOU! The Front Porch Ministries ONLY works if you come and pick up the food, and I thank you for your participation!

Saturday, August 14, 2021

No FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS 8/14 -8/22/2021

 ALERT -- NOTICE

August 14, 2021, through August 22, 2021, there will be no food distributions by The Front Porch Ministries!

Thursday, August 12, 2021

Dinner boxes now to arrive around 4:30 p.m.

 The best-laid plans of mice and men OFTEN go astray, so went the dinner boxes after 1:00 p.m. today.

My provider just called and stated that 33 boxes should be here around 4:30 p.m. today.

Please come and pick them up. As always, first come, first served until gone.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE. I look forward to seeing you today on The Front Porch.

Maryland's Tax Free Week ALMOST OVER!

 Maryland Tax-Free Week Underway Until Saturday, August 14, 2021.

What is the tax rate on MD?
6.00%. The Maryland state sales tax rate is 6%, and the average MD sales tax after local surtaxes is 6%.
From Aug. 8 to Aug. 14, shoppers can buy popular back-to-school items without paying the state sales tax of 6%.
What's included in Maryland's tax-free week? Maryland waives sales tax on the following items:
Apparel and footwear ($100 or less per item).
The first $40 of a backpack or bookbag.
Note that there are exceptions within these categories. Specific athletic attire (such as football pads) and accessories (such as purses and jewelry) are still taxable.
There are also plenty of pleasant surprises -- items that you may not think of as clothing that are tax free. For example, diapers are tax free during the week.
What makes Maryland's tax-free week unique among states is that the waived tax applies to the first $40 of a backpack. If you buy one that's more expensive, you still get a little tax break -- $2.40 to be precise. When it comes to clothing, note that the tax exemption is made on a per-item basis. So you could buy thousands of dollars of clothing, and it will be tax exempt, as long as each item costs $100 or less.
Does Maryland tax-free week include online purchases?
Yes. However, you must order and pay for the item (and have the order accepted by the merchant) during the tax-free window.
Layaway purchases are also tax free, as long as you place the item on layaway during Maryland tax-free week.
Using coupons during Maryland tax-free week
If a retailer's coupon brings the price of a more expensive item to $100 or less, that item will be tax free. For example, say you want to buy a coat that's $105. The retailer offers a coupon or discount that brings the price to $95. You won't have to pay tax.
Manufacturers' coupons are different, however. Retailers are reimbursed for those after the purchase. So these coupons would not lower the price for tax-waiving purposes. In other words, that $105 coat would still be taxed even if you have a manufacturer coupon for $10 off.

For a list of tax-free items click on this link: List_of_Taxable_and_Exempt_Items.pdf (marylandtaxes.gov)




Saturday, July 03, 2021

Last Day in Office as Mayor of Mount Rainier, MD -- May 10, 2021, 8:00 p.m.

It is finished. DONE. Just signed out of my last City Council meeting at which I was The Mayor. Celina Benitez was sworn in at 8:00 p.m. as required by the City Charter.

A feeling of relief and a little concern for the success of "my children," as Luke so aptly put it as we said goodnight, but I know that they've got it.

Tomorrow, I am off to Massanutten to catch up with my friend for a few days of rest and relaxation without the need to rush back home for the City Council meeting or some other City affair.

Once again, thank you to every resident in Mount Rainier for the privilege of serving you for the past sixteen years as Mayor and all of those years before I earned the Mayor's title. It has been a journey.

Now on to my NEXT BIG ADVENTURE. Announcement coming soon -- or not.  LOL

Picture of my last Council
Left to right Scot Cecil, Bryan Knedler, Malinda Miles, Celina Benitez, and Luke Chesek


Mount Rainier City Council Names City Building After Former Mayor Malinda Miles

 The month of May has come and gone, but it created so much excitement that I am still trying to take it all in.

What a ride! I left the office of Mayor of the great little City of Mount Rainier, MD.
The Mayor and Council named its newest property acquisition after me -- The Malinda Miles Munciple Building, 3501 Perry Street, Mount Rainier, MD.
May 8 was declared Mayor Malinda Miles Day.
The Message -- dedicated to capturing some of my exploits over the past so many decades. I am still at WOW on this one.
The Mayor and Council, along with my daughter, Nneka Barnes, hosted one of the best award/honor events in my entire history of events.
The Malinda Miles Mentees gave me another huge honors party on May 22, 2021.
An excellent and close friend returned me to Massanutten for a retirement celebration.
Another friend has also secured me a vacation (yet to be taken) on the Eastern Shore.
All of this without even mentioning the lunches, dinners, gift cards, flowers, plaques, proclamations, letters, cards, phone calls, jewelry, hats, emails, and yes, those long beautiful messages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
And the blessings continue. Throughout June, I will probably reflect on the gratitude and appreciation I feel for everyone who has taken the time to thank me for my service to our City, our County, and yes, to our State. For me, it has been an honor just to hold the offices and titles that have been bestowed upon me over the years.
I will strive not to call out too many names for fear of committing and offending anyone, but if I mention a few names, their significance in my development over the years was tremendous.
For now, just let me say, I have enjoyed the journey and the honors. I have no words that accurately state the feelings and emotions I have now and have had over the past thirty or more days. So, again, I resort to THANK YOU and mean it from the depths of my heart.

Dining at Penny Royal Station in Mount Rainier, MD

 Ashley DenĂ©, thank you for the love. These pictures taken were taken at Penny Royal Station in Mount Rainier, Maryland.




Prince George's County Municipal Association Awards Lifetime Membership to Former Mayor Malinda Miles

On Friday, June 25, 2021, the Mayor of Upper Marlboro, MD, and President of the Prince George's County Municipal Association (PGCMA), Mayor Linda Pennoyer, came by to present me with my lifetime membership in PGCMA.

 

As a board member for years, I became the secretary, vice president, and president of PGCMA during my tenure as Mayor of the great little City of Mount Rainier, MD.

 

This is the first such honor bestowed on any Prince George's County elected official and probably the first of any affiliate of the Maryland Municipal League (MML).

 

WHAT an honor and privilege to receive the certificate from the incoming President of the Association.




Thursday, December 10, 2020

1,000 Christmas Basket for the Mount Rainier Community

 URGENT NOTICE! You MUST live in Mount Rainier, AND YOU MUST REGISTER.

 Register Eventbrite link: https://rb.gy/kou8vk

 As we begin this holiday season, The City of Mount Rainier would like to ensure that your family enjoys a holiday meal!

 About this Event

The City of Mount Rainier would like to ensure that your family enjoys a holiday meal with all the trimmings!

 To receive a holiday basket, please register through Eventbrite.

 The last day to register is Saturday, December 20th. Each household/family is allowed one Holiday basket.

 Holiday baskets are available for pick-up between 3p *m - 5pm. There are several times listed for your convenience. ** MASKS MUST BE WORN**

 You must show proof that you have registered on Eventbrite and that you are a resident of the City of Mount Rainier to receive a basket.

 Social distancing will be practiced, you will arrive at your chosen time, pop your trunk open, and a volunteer will place the basket inside. If you have any questions, please contact Janee' Williams.

--

Al comenzar esta temporada navideña, la Ciudad de Mount Rainier desea asegurarse de que su familia disfrute de una comida navideña.

 ¡La ciudad de Mount Rainier desea asegurarse de que su familia disfrute de una comida navideña con todos los adornos!

 Para recibir una canasta navideña, regĂ­strese a travĂ©s de Eventbrite.

 El Ăºltimo dĂ­a para registrarse es el sĂ¡bado 20 de diciembre, a cada hogar / familia se le permite una canasta de vacaciones.

 

Las cestas de vacaciones estĂ¡n disponibles para recoger entre las 3:00 pm. Y las 5:00 pm, Hay varios horarios enumerados para su conveniencia. **POR FAVOR USE MASCARILLA**

 Debes mostrar prueba de que te has registrado en Eventbrite y que eres residente de la ciudad de Mount Rainier para recibir una canasta.

 Se practicarĂ¡ el distanciamiento social, llegarĂ¡s a la hora elegida, abrirĂ¡s el baĂºl y un voluntario colocarĂ¡ la canasta dentro. Si tiene alguna pregunta, comunĂ­quese con Janee' Williams.

 Regoster Eventbrite link: https://rb.gy/kou8vk



Monday, November 23, 2020

Promised to Donate a Turkey to Mount Rainier? NEEDED NOW!

FAMILY and FRIENDS and ASSOCIATES, today is the day to get those TURKEYS to the Mount Rainier Police Station, 3249 Rhode Island Avenue, Mount Rainier, MD 20712. There are 625 registered Mount Rainier, MD families depending on US!

Thank you so much for your support and prayers in these endeavors.

I just two more calls this morning asking for help, so YOUR donation will not go to WASTE.

 

Monday, November 16, 2020

Thank you for the birthday wishes!

 To the more than 300 people that stopped by here to wish me a happy birthday, I say THANK YOU! Each wish meant a lot and made my day more special. If I missed acknowledging a single shout out, please accept my apology and know it was not on purpose because I cherish the act and the thought that you conveyed on my Facebook page. MUCH LOVE TO YOU and thank you over and over again.



Food Distribution TODAY at the Police Station!

A RETURN to reality -- I woke up this morning in "my" wonderful bed, in my own room, at my house, in my City, and Massanutten and its beautiful scenery quickly becoming a memory.

I am always grateful for the time that I get to spend up there, and when I can do it with family and friends, it is even better.

HOWEVER, there is nothing like returning home. Driving back was like, "Can I, please take wings and fly the rest of the distance over all of this traffic," but common sense said, the house will be there when you get there, AND so will the work. So, I slowed down and arrived home safely yesterday. LOL

Today is Monday, November 16, 2020, and if you did not mark your calendars, Dr. Suresh Gupta and Associates will distribute through the City 500 bags of grocery at the Mount Rainier Police Department for Mount Rainier residents. Please come out and pick up a box before they are all gone.

The distribution is scheduled to start at 11:00 a.m. and continue until all 500 bags are gone.



Saturday, October 31, 2020

ELECTION DAY TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE!

Election Day Transportation available in Mount Rainier, Maryland.  Check the flyer below for additional information!



EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS IN PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY MD

 Early voting places in Prince George’s County (11 centers)

 

Accokeek VFD Training and Activity Center

16111 Livingston Road

Accokeek, MD 20607

 

Bowie Gymnasium

4100 Northview Drive

Bowie, MD 20716

 

*Duval High School

9880 Good Luck Road

Lanham, MD 20706

 

Kentland Community Center

2413 Pinebrook Avenue

Landover, MD 20785

 

Laurel High School

8000 Cherry Lane

Laurel, MD 20707

 

Show Place Arena

14900 Pennsylvania Avenue

Upper Marlboro, MD 20722

 

Southern Regional Technology and Recreation Complex

7007 Bock Road

Fort Washington, MD 20744

 

Southern Area Aquatic and Recreation Complex

13601 Missouri Avenue

Brandywine, MD 20613

 

Suitland Community Park School Center

5600 Regency Lane

Forestville, MD 20747

 

The Pavilion at the University of Maryland Xfinity Center

8500 Paint Branch Drive

College Park, MD 20740

 

Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Complex

8001 Sheriff Road

Landover, MD 20785

Please click on this link to hear from the Mayors Association of Prince George's County about voting:    https://youtu.be/thhp_UvhHHg

Friday, October 30, 2020

The Mayors' Association of Prince George's County wants you to VOTE!

 There are twenty-seven mayors in Prince George's County, and all twenty-seven (27) are asking you to participate in the Presidential Election between now and 8:00 p.m. on November 3, 2020.

The Mayors' Association of Prince George's County wants you to know:

• If you are in line by 8pm to vote, you will be allowed to vote. At 8:01, you’ll be out of luck.

• Voter intimidation is illegal and should be reported to an election judge, a poll watcher, or the police immediately.

• Keep your trust in boards of elections - your votes will be counted.

• Unfortunately, it’s too late to request a mail-in ballot. You will have to vote in person, either at an early voting location or on election day.

• You (or your friends or family!) can still register to vote (and vote the same day!) on election day or during early voting.

• Mail-in ballots can be dropped off until 8pm on election day at all early voting locations, election day locations, and at the County Board of Elections.

• Only a limited number of polling places are open. For locations, check the County Board of Elections website locations or call them at 301-341-7300.

• Early voting will be Monday, October 26 through Monday, November 2, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

• Election Day voting will be Tuesday, November 3, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

• You do not need a photo id to vote. Just know your name, address, and birthday.

Please copy and post this link in your browser:

https://youtu.be/thhp_UvhHHg

Thursday, September 10, 2020

Flooding in Mount Rainier/No Recycling on Friday

 

Residents, this was a swift and dangerous rain. I have not heard of any residents being injured and that is a blessing. Public Works got flooded, some City cars and other equipment are damaged, and the new levee was almost breeched, but it held.

I am grateful that all of you are safe! Please report any losses to your insurance companies. Also document with pictures. That will make your claims easier. If you can, find any receipts that you may have. If you owe on your car, notify your bank, credit union, or whoever is your lender ASAP.

Unless the County Executive declares our area a disaster area, and they should, (I am reaching out to them now), there may not be any help coming. The last time this happened, there was some relief.

If you have flood insurance, reach out to your carrier Immediately to be ahead of the rush that is sure to come.

Check on your neighbors. They may need help. I am not sure of the status of the CERT Team, but I have asked the Interim City Manager, Latasha Gatling to activate the CERT Team to help where needed.

NOTE: In light of our current disaster, the condition of Public Works, and our equipment, there will be no recycling tomorrow.

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

MOUNT RAINIER OPENS UP TWO NEW PROGRAMS FOR RESIDENTS!

The CITY OF MOUNT RAINIER WILL MAKE GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE TO MOUNT RAINIER RESIDENTS! APPLICATION DUE:  FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020 AT 5 PM

Mount Rainier's Mayor and Council recognize the hardship that many of its residents are facing during this pandemic. Although we are not able to meet every need or provide the big dollars that may be available in other jurisdictions, we are making available up to twenty (20) gift cards monthly to help some of the neediest in our community.

The gift cards will be issued on a first-come, first-serve basis to individuals and families. Only one card per family ($100) and individuals may receive one $80 gift cards, while they last. Cards can be received monthly, with priority to those who have never received a gift card from the City.

The gift card program will begin in September. Please click on this link to apply now.

Copy and paste the following link in your browser:

https://www.mountrainiermd.org/residents/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/resident-food-assistance

 

MOUNT RAINIER UNVEILS RESIDENTS RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The purpose of this program is to provide rental assistance to eligible individuals and families who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and residents of the City of Mount Rainier.

Eligibility requirements:

Resident of the City of Mount Rainier (must show proof of residency)

Show evidence of need and that need was due to circumstances related to COVID-19 pandemic.

Show necessity of payment for eligible expense o Complete the Application form and attach requested documentation of residence and hardship.

Original copies of bill(s) requested to be paid and documentation such as rental/mortgage delinquency; past due notices; and other related documentation pertaining to a particular emergency expense request.

Acceptable documentation/proof of eligibility, may include any of the following:

2018 and/or 2019 Tax Return as filed with IRS

Documentation of acceptance under other government financial aid program

Proof of unemployment benefits or application

Letter of furlough or layoff from employer

Receives SNAP/TANF benefits

Receives Social Security Income

Medicaid

Reside in subsidized housing

Family eligible for free/reduced lunch at schools

Approved residents will receive a one-time payment of $1,000 towards their rental or utility balance. Payments will be sent directly to the landlord or utility company.

Application Due: September 11, 2020 at 5 pm

Please click onor copy and paste  this link to complete and submit YOUR application.

https://www.mountrainiermd.org/residents/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/resident-rental-assistance-application