District 1 Newsletter Winter 2010 (5 pages)
H1N1 & Seasonal Flu Shot Clinics For ALL -- by ZipCode
According to Maryland H1N1 Response
- Maryland has made H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccine available to everyone who wants it. [BUT] Local Health Departments and health care providers will continue to focus on delivering vaccine to members of the five target populations. ... (more)
Nonetheless, there are non-county H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Shot Clinics that are now giving shots to all (for a fee, often covered by health insurance)
Google has a frequently updated service to find nearby H1N1/Seasonal flu shot clinics www.google.com/flushot then enter your zipcode
Call listed clinics for fees, insurance accepted and other details.
In that listing -- this is the only free Prince George's County H1N1/Seasonal flu shot clinic shown -- so far ... so check back
Prince Georges County Health Department & the Bowie Health Center
15001 Health Center Drive, Bowie, MD (301) 809-2026
Starting 12/30/09 - W 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Prince George’s County Goes Into "Snow Mode"
Prince George’s County Goes Into "Snow Mode" (Press Release)
LARGO, MD – Prince George’s County’s Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) crews go into full “snow mode” late tonight and will work 12-hour rotating shifts for as long as necessary to keep more than 1,821 miles (5,000+ lane miles) of county-maintained roadways clear of snow and ice to ensure the safety of residents, citizens, and other folks traveling through the county.
During each 12-hour rotating shift, more than 240 vehicles and 250 employees will be clearing Prince George’s County maintained roads. Command staff will work out of DPW&T’s TRIP Center located at 8414 D’Arcy Road, Forestville, MD, where photo/interview opportunities can be arranged on site or in the field prior to, during, and after the snow event. Visual opportunities range from loading trucks at the salt dome and plowing roads to a state of the art street monitoring center and command strategy room.
To assist road crews in keeping roadways clear, residents are requested to:
• Move and keep vehicles off snow emergency routes
• Park in driveways or other off-road locations wherever possible
• Park only on the even-numbered sides of streets
It also is important for single-family homeowners or renters and business proprietors to remember that they are responsible for:
• Removal of snow and/or ice from sidewalks abutting their homes or business establishments
As in all inclement weather conditions, citizens and residents are encouraged not to drive for their own safety, as well as that of emergency crews. Should drivers find it necessary to be on county roadways during or immediately after the storm event, they need to allow extra travel time and use extreme caution.
In addition to DPW&T staff, members of the department’s successful Community Partnering Program will report to DPW&T concerning roadway hazards or conditions within their communities. This allows crews to quickly redeploy where needed.
It should be noted that routes are prioritized for service into three categories: primary, secondary, and residential. Primary roads receive service first to ensure that public safety and other emergency vehicles are able to travel. After completion of these roads, secondary and residential roads receive service. Residents and citizens may contact the county’s Snow Information Center in the event of an emergency or to report concerns about roadway conditions by calling 301.350.0500.
LARGO, MD – Prince George’s County’s Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) crews go into full “snow mode” late tonight and will work 12-hour rotating shifts for as long as necessary to keep more than 1,821 miles (5,000+ lane miles) of county-maintained roadways clear of snow and ice to ensure the safety of residents, citizens, and other folks traveling through the county.
During each 12-hour rotating shift, more than 240 vehicles and 250 employees will be clearing Prince George’s County maintained roads. Command staff will work out of DPW&T’s TRIP Center located at 8414 D’Arcy Road, Forestville, MD, where photo/interview opportunities can be arranged on site or in the field prior to, during, and after the snow event. Visual opportunities range from loading trucks at the salt dome and plowing roads to a state of the art street monitoring center and command strategy room.
To assist road crews in keeping roadways clear, residents are requested to:
• Move and keep vehicles off snow emergency routes
• Park in driveways or other off-road locations wherever possible
• Park only on the even-numbered sides of streets
It also is important for single-family homeowners or renters and business proprietors to remember that they are responsible for:
• Removal of snow and/or ice from sidewalks abutting their homes or business establishments
As in all inclement weather conditions, citizens and residents are encouraged not to drive for their own safety, as well as that of emergency crews. Should drivers find it necessary to be on county roadways during or immediately after the storm event, they need to allow extra travel time and use extreme caution.
In addition to DPW&T staff, members of the department’s successful Community Partnering Program will report to DPW&T concerning roadway hazards or conditions within their communities. This allows crews to quickly redeploy where needed.
It should be noted that routes are prioritized for service into three categories: primary, secondary, and residential. Primary roads receive service first to ensure that public safety and other emergency vehicles are able to travel. After completion of these roads, secondary and residential roads receive service. Residents and citizens may contact the county’s Snow Information Center in the event of an emergency or to report concerns about roadway conditions by calling 301.350.0500.
Dec 15 1pm Police Satellite Station Grand Opening in Town Center Plaza
Prince George's Police District VI has announced that they will be having a grand opening of their new satellite office. Your Community Oriented Policing Services officers, District VI Commander and Deputy Commander, and Chief of Police will be attending.
Please share this information widely within our community.
Tuesday December 15 at 1:00 pm
Town Center Plaza
13310 Laurel Bowie Road
Next to Saphire Indian and Thai Restaurant
Please share this information widely within our community.
Please come and bring someone with you.
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The following Community Message was issued by the Prince George's County Police Department via Nixle.com
Monday December 14, 2009 15:08 PM EST
PGPD Celebrates Grand Opening of New Community Policing Office
Prince George's County, Maryland …The Prince George’s County Police Department’s District VI Station is celebrating the grand opening of a brand new Community Policing Office.
It is located within a Laurel shopping center and will not only serve as a place for police officers to complete paperwork, but will be a part of the community. “We are excited to be partnering with local businesses in order to expand the community policing concept in the Laurel area,” said Chief Roberto Hylton.
Who: Prince George’s County Police, Chief Roberto L. Hylton
Prince George’s County Police, Deputy Chief Michael Blow
Prince George’s County Police District VI, Major Dwayne Preston
Representatives from Carrollton Enterprises
Local Community and Civic Leaders
When: Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Where: Town Center Shopping Center
13310 Laurel-Bowie Road
Laurel, MD
After the press conference, District VI COPS officers will be available to provide the media a chance to ride-along with them through the area they will be serving. For more information, contact the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Press Information Office at (301) 772-4710.
Rio Restaurant & Lounge Now Open
Rio Restaurant & Lounge is now open, since December 2. The owner
said that a Grand Opening is planned soon.
said that a Grand Opening is planned soon.
Thu Dec 3 at 1 PM COPS Coffee Club Town Center, South Laurel
By popular demand, now everyone, not just Seniors, can attend Coffee Club meetings with Prince George's County Police District VI Community Oriented Policing Services (C.O.P.S.) officers and City of Laurel police.
Thursday, Dec 3, 1 PM
Town Center Shopping Center
13310 Laurel Bowie Rd
Laurel, MD 20708
Next to Sapphire Indian/Thai Restaurant
Residents are welcome from throughout Prince George’s County Police District VI (map) and from City of Laurel. We discuss crime prevention and crime reporting issues of particular concern to participants, such as personal safety, home security, vehicle theft, theft from vehicles, consumer fraud, identify theft, and more.
The Coffee Club holds informal meetings at 1 pm on the first and third Thursdays each month, at various announced locations in Prince George's County Policed District VI and City of Laurel.
Please join us.
Nov 23 7pm Safe Shopper Program Martin Luther King MS
Prince George’s County Police Department District VI wants to reduce crimes of opportunity at local area shopping centers.
Safe Shopper Awareness Program
Monday, November 23, 7 pm
Martin Luther King Middle School
4545 Ammendale Rd, Beltsville [MAP]
Door Prizes
Including Washington Wizards Tickets for November 28 Game
By following the tips below, you can outsmart criminals and limit the opportunity for you to become a victim of crime this holiday season.
- Carry your wallets in your front pocket as opposed to the back pocket
- Be aware of your surroundings when shopping in stores
- Carry cash/credit & debit cards deep in your pocket or in zipper pockets
- Do not leave your purse unattended in the shopping cart
- When in use, cover the account number on your credit/debit card with your hand and block the view when typing in your PIN
- Make sure you lock your car when exiting the vehicle
- Ensure your keys are accessible before exiting the store
- Look around the parking area before exiting the vehicle
- Lock the doors as soon as you enter the vehicle
- Do not stop and talk to strangers in a parking lot/deck
- Shop with a friend/family member - there is safety in numbers
- ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings.
Call 301-352-1200 for Non-emergencies needing a police officer to respond.
If you have information about recent crimes in Police District VI (Map), please contact the Prince George's County Police District VI Confidential Telephone Tip Line at (301) 931-3575 or by email to police_district6@co.pg.md.us
Thu Nov 19 1 PM COPS Seniors Coffee Club Phelps Senior Services Center
The second formative meeting of the C.O.P.S. Seniors Coffee Club is at 1 PM on Thursday, November 19. This time we will meet at
Phelps Senior Services Center
701 Montgomery Street
Laurel, MD 20707
Our first meeting was on Thursday, November 5 at the Starbucks in the Laurel Center at Contee Rd and Route 1. Ten seniors attended -- half of them from the West Laurel area of Prince George’s County.
We welcome senior citizens from throughout Prince George’s County Police District VI (map) and from City of Laurel. We discuss with the Police District VI Community Oriented Policing Services team (C.O.P.S.) and City of Laurel police officers about crime prevention and crime reporting issues of particular concern to seniors, such as personal safety, theft, consumer fraud, identify theft, and other issues raised by our members.
The Seniors Coffee Club holds informal meetings on the first and third Thursday afternoons each month, at various announced locations in Prince George's County Policed District VI and City of Laurel.
Please join us.
P.G. County Police Free Alert Messaging Service NIXEL
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
One Team. One Mission. Fight Crime.
The Prince George’s County Police Department is now offering immediate information to citizens through Nixle, a trusted web-based service for police departments and other government agencies.
Through Nixle, important neighborhood-level information is provided to residents in a standardized, secure and certified manner: via the web, email or mobile text message services (*). Nixel uses social networking technology similar to Twitter and Facebook.
To learn more about Nixle and to sign up to receive information from the Prince George’s County Police Department, through Nixle, regarding public safety matters in your community go to nixle.com
(*) Standard text messaging fees may apply, depending on your mobile phone service plan.
One Team. One Mission. Fight Crime.
The Prince George’s County Police Department is now offering immediate information to citizens through Nixle, a trusted web-based service for police departments and other government agencies.
Through Nixle, important neighborhood-level information is provided to residents in a standardized, secure and certified manner: via the web, email or mobile text message services (*). Nixel uses social networking technology similar to Twitter and Facebook.
To learn more about Nixle and to sign up to receive information from the Prince George’s County Police Department, through Nixle, regarding public safety matters in your community go to nixle.com
(*) Standard text messaging fees may apply, depending on your mobile phone service plan.
Powder Mill Road work: Beltsville Dr to Allview Dr until Summer
UPDATE Nov 10, 2009:
According to information received from a business near the construction area (who kindly provided this SHA Announcement) and my own observation this afternoon, apparently one or more lanes will be kept open during construction on that portion of Powder Mill Rd.
ROUTE 212 WIDENING: Work is scheduled to begin this week (Nov 9) on a $1.2M road widening project along a half mile of Route 212 on Powder Mill Road between Evans Trail Way/Allview Drive and Beltsville Drive in Beltsville.
Some Powder Mill Road lanes will be closed on weekdays between 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and overnight Sundays through Thursdays from 9:00 PM to 500 AM. Construction is scheduled to last until next summer. (map) Dr. Gridlock, Washington Post Nov 8, 2009
(Thanks to Karen M.)
According to information received from a business near the construction area (who kindly provided this SHA Announcement) and my own observation this afternoon, apparently one or more lanes will be kept open during construction on that portion of Powder Mill Rd.
ROUTE 212 WIDENING: Work is scheduled to begin this week (Nov 9) on a $1.2M road widening project along a half mile of Route 212 on Powder Mill Road between Evans Trail Way/Allview Drive and Beltsville Drive in Beltsville.
Some Powder Mill Road lanes will be closed on weekdays between 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and overnight Sundays through Thursdays from 9:00 PM to 500 AM. Construction is scheduled to last until next summer. (map) Dr. Gridlock, Washington Post Nov 8, 2009
(Thanks to Karen M.)
Nov 21 Dernoga Thanksgiving Party for Charities
UPDATE:
Note from 2010 candidate for District 1 County Council Representative, Mary Lehman:
If you appreciate organizations that do the good but often thankless work in our communities that makes life better for the poor and homeless, here's a chance to honor them and educate yourself and your kids about their efforts. This is a FREE and wonderful pre-Thanksgiving event to remind us of what really matters, how to make a difference, and why we have so many reasons to be grateful for our own blessings. I will be there with my kids, and I hope you will, too
.
Fondly, Mary Lehman
Click image to enlarge.
Note from 2010 candidate for District 1 County Council Representative, Mary Lehman:
If you appreciate organizations that do the good but often thankless work in our communities that makes life better for the poor and homeless, here's a chance to honor them and educate yourself and your kids about their efforts. This is a FREE and wonderful pre-Thanksgiving event to remind us of what really matters, how to make a difference, and why we have so many reasons to be grateful for our own blessings. I will be there with my kids, and I hope you will, too
.
Fondly, Mary Lehman
Sat Nov 14 Free E-Cycling and Document Shredding Event 8 am - 1 pm
The Prince George's County Department of Environmental Resources (DER) invites County citizens and residents to participate in a free E- Cycling and Document Shredding Event on
Saturday, November 14, 2009
"With identity theft and fraud crimes on the rise, this event provides our County citizens and residents an opportunity to safely dispose of their confidential documents," said, DER Director Charles W. Wilson. "In addition, citizens and residents can help the environment by dropping off their old, unwanted electronics equipment and televisions for recycling."
For more information on the E-Cycling and Document Shredding Event or other recycling initiatives, call DER's Recycling Team at (301) 883- 5045
Saturday, November 14, 2009
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
High Point High School
3601 Powder Mill Road
Beltsville
"With identity theft and fraud crimes on the rise, this event provides our County citizens and residents an opportunity to safely dispose of their confidential documents," said, DER Director Charles W. Wilson. "In addition, citizens and residents can help the environment by dropping off their old, unwanted electronics equipment and televisions for recycling."
- Residents can bring up to five tall kitchen bags or five archive boxes filled with documents to be destroyed by mobile shredding trucks at the event.
- Acceptable items for e-Cycling include personal computer or component parts, inkjet and toner cartridges, mainframes, surge protectors, cell phones, laptop computers, computer mice, circuit boards, copiers, telephone systems, CD players, keyboards, computer speakers, fax machines, cable, radios and stereos, printers, scanners, pagers, VCRs and televisions.
For more information on the E-Cycling and Document Shredding Event or other recycling initiatives, call DER's Recycling Team at (301) 883- 5045
Muirkirk Rd Water Main Break Nov 5, 2009
Sometime before noon, Thursday, Nov 5, 2009 a water main broke in the middle of Muirkirk Rd inside Montpelier Hills, just east of Sea Pearl Ct. By 2 pm WSSC crews were digging up the road to begin to effect repairs. The two center lanes will probably be closed during repairs -- two-way traffic continues using the outer lanes. There are no flagmen. The second photo shows water coming out of a street light pole at the electrical connection box, so there may also be reduced street lighting tonight night and until repairs are completed. Even after utility trucks and equipment leave, caution should be exercised in the center lanes because in the past road repair crews have left dangerous, unfiilled excavations overnight in this area of Muirkirk Rd. See:
Aug 21, 2008 WSSC Water Line Break on Muirkirk
Jan 14, 2007 Citizens Mitigate Dangerous Excavation on Muirkirk
Nov 11 7 pm Climate Change Science Update - Greenbelt
Wonderfully Entertaining and Informative
Slideshow and Discussion!
Greenbelt's Fifth Annual
Global Warming Science Update with
Global Warming Science Update with
Dr. Chris Barnet (bio)
Wed., November 11, 7:00 pm
Greenbelt Community Center, Room 114
15 Crescent Road. Greenbelt, MD
15 Crescent Road. Greenbelt, MD
Thu Nov 5 1-3 PM - First Seniors' Coffee Club
with PG District VI C.O.P.S.
First Formative Meeting of the Seniors' Coffee Club
With
Prince George's County Police District VI
Prince George's County Police District VI
Community Oriented Policing Officers (COPs)
Thursday, November 5, 1-3 PM
At Starbucks
13600 Baltimore Ave, #308, Laurel, MD 20707
(MAP)
Oct 18 Montpelier Arts Center 30-Year Gala
Montpelier Arts Center 30th Anniversary
Montpelier Arts Center Calendar Sep - Dec 2009
Montpelier Arts Center
- 30 Years of Art, 1979-2009
9652 Muirkirk Road Laurel, MD 20708 {MAP]
Celebrate 30 years of art at Montpelier, 1979-2009!
Open Studios, Awards, Music by the Montpelier Jazz All Stars!
Refreshments, Free, and Open to the public.
Date: October 18, 2009
Hours: 12 noon – 5 pm
Rio Sports Bar Sign Says Coming Soon Now Hiring
Update Saturday Nov 21, 2009: Since sometime before 2 pm Rio's electric sign is on again, with this wording: Coming Soon ... Rio Sports Lounge ... Now Hiring ...
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Update Tuesday Nov 17, 2009: Since sometime before 10:45 am Rio's electric sign is dark again.===
Update Monday Nov 16, 2009: Since sometime before 4:45 pm Rio's electric sign is on again, with essentially the same wording as before.===
Update Monday Nov 9, 2009: Since sometime before 2:30 pm Rio's electric sign is dark again.===
Update Sunday Nov 8, 2009: Some time before 9:30 pm Rio's electric sign has been operating again with essentially the same wording as before.===
Update Nov 3, 2009: The sign operated for a few days after Oct 3, but appears mostly dark since then.===
The new electric sign for Rio Sports Lounge (behind Sakura Restaurant in Contee Station on the east side of Route 1 near Contee Rd) became active on or before Saturday, Oct 3, saying, to the best of my recollection, inter alia: "Rio Restaurant and Sports Lounge -- Coming Soon -- Now Hiring -- NFL 2009".For background see J.MP/riostory .
Oct 15 County Citizens' Priorities Forum
From press release ...
Come tell us your priorities and hopes for Prince George’s County
YOU ARE INVITED!
Prince George’s County non-partisan public forum to identify the priorities of our citizens and our county.
We will listen to you as we collectively create a list of priorities to collaborate on behalf of our County.
Please come and share your priorities with County Leaders.
Your opinion and input matters!
Some topics to focus your comments on:
- Economic Development Healthcare/Human Care Public Safety
- Education Housing Transportation
- Environment/Energy Local Government Funding Other
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2009
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: First Baptist Church of Glenarden 301-773-3600
3600 Brightseat Rd, Landover, MD 20785 [MAP]
Sponsored by:
Prince George’s County Executive Jack B. Johnson
Prince George’s Maryland State Senate Delegation
Prince George’s Maryland State House Delegation
Prince George’s County Council
State’s Attorney Glenn Ivey
Sheriff Michael Jackson
Moderated by: Sheila Stewart; WKYS
"We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” - President Thomas Jefferson
Oct 3 Homeless Resource Day Volunteers Needed
Click image to enlarge
Volunteers are needed to make this a successful event to help many people. Please see this Homeless Resource Day Volunteer Form for details about the 2-hour volunteer training sessions on Sep 21 (new Carrollton), Sep 22 (Laurel & Oxon Hill) and Sep 26 (Capitol Heights)
Dutch Country Market Now Open in South Laurel
Find additional parking in the back
by driving around the right side of the building.
Steward Village Center
9701 Fort Meade Rd.
Laurel, MD 20707
Hours:
Thursdays 9:00 a.m. to 6: p.m.
Fridays 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays 8:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m.
New Laurel City Programs Include County Youth
The following programs are sponsored by the Laurel Department of Parks and Recreation:
Now that fall is here, the Community Centers in Laurel are back in business for their afterschool programs. Youth and teens can drop in to the Laurel Armory, 422 Montgomery Street for after school play, Monday through Friday 3:30-4:45 p.m. for ages 8-12 and 4:45-6:00 p.m. for ages 13-17. The gymnasium is open for basketball, the lounge is a great place to start your homework or hang out for a game of pool or air-hockey fun and new this year is our second floor gaming lounge. Challenge yourself or your friends to a game on one of our two gaming systems in high def! Look for upcoming activities in the gaming lounge.
Youth and Teens can also use their passes for the afterschool drop in program at the Robert J. Dipietro Community Center on Cypress Street. The cost is $10 a year for City residents and $30 a year for non-residents. Teens can also use their annual pass for the Weekend Teen Center 7-10 p.m., Friday nights at the Laurel Community Center or Saturday nights at the Armory. For information call 301-725-7800 or visit www.laurel.md.us .
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Bring your “A” game to the Laurel Department of Parks and Recreation’s Laurel Armory Community Center at 422 Montgomery Street on Sunday, October 25, 2009, 10:00am – 4:00pm! Youth and teens can challenge each other in a FREE Madden ’10 tournament in the new second floor gaming lounge. Between games, discover all the exciting activities the Armory has to offer. Play some ping pong or basketball in the gym then head over to the lounge and bust out the cue sticks for a game of pool or a game of air-hockey. The NFL games will be on in the gymnasium, and in the lounge. Wear your team’s colors and join us for a day of football fun! Tournament registration will be held from 10-11:30am on the day of the event. Kick-off will be at noon. For information call 301-725-8088 or visit www.laurel.md.us .
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Yu-Gi-Oh anyone? The Laurel Armory Community Center at 422 Montgomery Street is now the home of Laurel’s Yu-Gi-Oh club. This free club is open to all levels of play and meets on Tuesdays from 6:00 – 9:00pm. Bring a friend and your own cards and hang out every Tuesday night at the Armory and let the dueling commence! For information call 301-725-8088 or visit www.laurel.md.us .
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Tue Sep 1, 7 pm - Swine Flu Public Health Meeting
Based on an email today from Beltsville Community Association President, Karen Coakley (Aug 29, 2009) ...
Bring a friend, Bring a Neighbor ... pass this on to your contacts please. Karen
The City of Laurel, the Prince George's County Health Department and Dimensions Health Care will hold a public meeting to discuss the H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu) at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at the Phelps Senior Citizens Center located at 701 Montgomery Street in Laurel. (MAP)
At this meeting the representatives from the mentioned agencies will present information on the H1N1 virus including, preparing for the possibility of an outbreak of the virus, what actions you can take to try to avoid contracting the virus and what to do if you contract the virus.
Information handouts on the virus and disaster preparedness will be available at this meeting.
Please take advantage of this. Having prior knowledge of what to do in a potential health crisis is your best defense.
Should you have any questions please contact City of Laurel, Martin Flemion or Calvin Hawkins, at (301) 725-5300.
Aug 19 7 pm Community Meeting Beltsville VFD
UPDATE Aug 28, 2009: Gazette.net article recaps meeting
Fire service in South Laurel was unaffected.
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Councilman Dernoga's email below describes recent disruptive changes in Prince George's County Fire & Rescue Station staffing that might affect us in South Laurel.
This problem affects not just Fire & Rescue services in the Beltsville area, but also the South Laurel area, because South Laurel is contiguous to Beltsville and fire/rescue stations in each area respond in support of the other area.
Please consider attending this public meeting with the Prince George's County Fire Department and Councilman Dernoga
Aug 19 7 pm at the Beltsville VFD station (4911 Prince Georges Ave, Beltsville, MD). MAP
This is our oppportunity to recognize our interdependence with the adjacent Beltsville community and to also visibly show our support for them, just like the Beltsville community has repeatedly shown support for us in South Laurel by participating in our opposition and testimony at Liquor Board hearings against the violent bars in South Laurel, like J's Cafe, Sweet Moon Grille, Dinosaurs, Starlight, Club Amazon and Rio Bar and Grille.
Thanks
gary stone
FORWARDED
From: Dernoga, Thomas E.
Sent: Thursday, July 30, 2009 8:41 AM
Subject: Statement on Fire Dept Staffing Changes - Notice of Community Meeting (BCA) on Aug 19th at 7pm at Beltsville VFD
Importance: High
Proposed Fire Station Staffing Changes
I am writing to address the recently announced staffing changes to fire stations in Beltsville/Calverton and other parts of the County that may affect public safety service. Like you, I found out about the changes on Monday from a Press Release and from News stories. Other Council members found out the same way. I do not believe that this is the way a public safety matter of this import should have been handled.
The Fire Department Press Release (LINK) stated the following:
The following Fire/EMS Stations will have adjustments made to their present staffing levels:
• Calverton Fire/EMS Station #841 - The staffing will be moved to provide additional staffing to the nearby Beltsville Fire/EMS Station #831. This will allow the same number of Fire/EMS personnel to run multiple units with sufficient staffing out of one station and reducing the need for overtime when someone takes off on leave. Calverton Fire/EMS Station #841’s central focus will be running the Hazardous Materials resources currently assigned there.
Also impacted are: the Chillum Fire/EMS Station, the Capitol Heights Fire/EMS Station and the Riverdale Heights Fire/EMS Station.
Fortunately, on Monday I was able to speak with the Beltsville VFD leadership and then with Fire Chief Eugene Jones. I also spoke with the leadership of the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Assn. After speaking with Fire Chief Jones and with the Beltsville VFD leadership, the Fire Chief was agreeable to finding a compromise with the Volunteers. The Beltsville VFD worked out a reasonable compromise - not that they are pleased with it - and both stations will stay open.
No one liked the original proposal (above) and people have been very unhappy with how it has been implemented. The compromise will force the Beltsville VFD volunteers to pick up even more responsibility. They will do an exemplary job, but it will be a strain.
The impetus is simple economics – the Fire Chief (who is new) has been budgeting almost no overtime to spend. In the past, the Fire Department has been poorly managed with a limitless amount of overtime in order to keep career staff on the job in every station. The County government has grown accustomed to keeping everyone in the Stations; however, this staffing was based heavily on overtime. At least, at this point, while there are still problems to address, the compromise position is more acceptable than the Chief’s proposal.
Finally, I have worked with Karen Coakley, President of the Beltsville Citizens Association, to arrange a special Association meeting so that Fire Chief Jones can explain the situation and the reasons behind his decisions.
The special meeting will be on August 19th at 7pm at the Beltsville VFD station (4911 Prince Georges Ave, Beltsville, MD). ALL are invited to attend. It is important for Fire Chief Jones to hear the concerns and for you to hear what he has to say.
I will be there to hear the citizens and then we will see what options there are. If you have questions that you would like to present in advance, please for it to me or to my Aide, Judy Thacher.
Tom Dernoga, Vice Chair
Prince George's County Council
Rio Sports Bar & Grille Liquor License - Updates
The short address for this post is J.MP/rio2009july
Please tell your friends
Or email this post to friends using the envelope icon below
UPDATE: Aug 20, 2009 - Laurel Leader Article
Residents, county plan close watch of Rio: Restaurant's new owner will face 6-month review
Residents, county plan close watch of Rio: Restaurant's new owner will face 6-month review
UPDATE: Aug 12, 2009
Just received this July 29, 2009 Prince George's County Liquor Board letter, which communicates in detail the Liquor Board's decision at their July 28, 2009 hearing, to transfer the Rio Sports Bar & Grille liquor license to the new owner, Mr. Yoon with all previously existing conditions and restrictions (as listed in the letter). At the July 28 hearing, the Liquor Board said it will schedule a hearing to review this license in no less than six months (i.e. no earlier than January 2010). Rio Sports Bar & Grille is still closed.
UPDATE: Aug 6, 2009
Laurel Gazette: Liquor license approval angers residents, officials
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UPDATE: July 28, 2009 No More Need for Letters to Liquor Board:
At today's PG Liquor Board hearing, the Liquor Board voted to transfer the Rio license to Mr. Yoon with all current restrictions. The Liquor Board agreed to continue its current prohibition against using of the deck.
Much thanks from our community to these public officials who testified at the hearing:
- PG County District 1 Councilman Dernoga (and aid Thacher) and by letter.
- MD District 23/A Senator Peters (and for Delegates Levi & Hubbard) and by delegation letter
- MD District 21 Senator Rosapepe (and for Delegates Frush, Pena-Melnyk, and Barnes) and by delegation letter.
- By letter from City of Laurel Mayor Moe.
- PG Police District VI Acting Comander & Community Response Team testimony regarding incident history at the Rio Sports Bar location before and after Rio opened in 2006 through present.
The Liquor Board decision included that there will be a hearing in six months to assess the overall status of Rio Sports Bar operations, review existing conditions, and consider any new conditions.
No More Need for Letters to Liquor Board
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UPDATE: July 24, 2009 :Thanks to Prince George's County District 1 Councilman Tom Dernoga for sending this letter today to the Liquor Board about Rio Sports Bar & Grille.
This is a reformatted example opposition letter which you can now print, fill-in the blanks, sign and then communicate to the Liquor Board -- and you can edit it.
Anyone communicating to the Liquor Board, please include your name and full address (street, city, state) so the Liquor Board can know you are a Prince George's county resident.
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Please ask your friends who are Prince George's County registered voters to read this article at this easy to remember web address j.mp/rio2009july and then communicate their views no later than Monday July 27, 2009.
See fax, email and delivery address below -- it's too late for mail.
==============
Need You to attend Liquor Board Hearing 10 am Tues Jul 28
Testify or simply attend to be counted For or Opposed
The Liquor Board hearing room address is below.
As you may know, recently a new owner planned to reopen the violence/shooting plagued J's Cafe location with a new bar, Sweet Moon Grille, in Crystal Plaza (near the post office). The new owner ran a well-documented violent establishment in Arlington, VA, so residents, community associations, and churches in South Laurel and Beltsville protested with letters and petitions, resulting in withdrawal of that liquor license application, which forced the new owner to abandon the lease. (Sweet Moon Grill history)
Nearby Rio Sports Bar & Grille has been bought by Mr. Tak Yoon (believed to be associated with Rio Bravo in Langley Park and Galaxy II in Silver Spring), who plans to reopen Rio Sports Bar (which is closed for the past 6 months due to lawsuits among current owner Mr. Sung H. Lee and his partners). Mr. Tak Yoon has applied to have the current liquor license transfered to him from Mr. Sung H. Lee.
The Rio Sports Bar location has a long history of violence, shooting and violations (Dinosaurs, Club Amazon, Rio Sports Bar).
Please consider reading this example opposition letter (now revised so you can print, fill-in the blanks and sign it for fax or delivery -- you can also edit that letter file) and consider sending a letter to the Liquor Board expressing your own views. The example letter details specific existing restrictions (*) and requested new restrictions on that liquor license that many community representatives, including our elected representatives have agreed are necessary to try to ensue safe operation of Rio Sports Bar & Grille as a genuine "family friendly sit down restaurant" which the Liquor Board has already twice ordered be a condition on this license. Local representatives' letters are forthcoming. Please feel free to adopt, adapt, modify or ignore parts or all of the example letter, which is provided only as convenient information and inspiration for writing your own letter. (*) The existing restrictions are the restrictions that were requested by City of Laurel in this Sep 25, 2006 letter to the Liquor Board.
All correspondence or petitions must be received by the Liquor Board no later than NOON Monday July 27.
Prince Geoge's County
Board of License Commissioners - Liquor Board
Chairman Franklin D. Jackson
County Service Building
5012 Rhode Island Avenue - Room 204
Hyattsville, Maryland 20781
Phone: (301) 699-2770
Fax: (301) 985-3548
Email: DMBryant@co.pg.md.us
Letters can be sent by email, fax, or hand delivered, but petitions must be hand delivered, because we understand they need the original signatures. (too late for mail)
Prince Geoge's County
Board of License Commissioners - Liquor Board
Chairman Franklin D. Jackson
County Service Building
5012 Rhode Island Avenue - Room 204
Hyattsville, Maryland 20781
Phone: (301) 699-2770
Fax: (301) 985-3548
Email: DMBryant@co.pg.md.us
Letters can be sent by email, fax, or hand delivered, but petitions must be hand delivered, because we understand they need the original signatures. (too late for mail)
This opposition petition is circulating in the community. Feel free to use that form to collect signatures from Prince George's County residents who are registered to vote, because that is how the Liquor Board validates signatures.
Try to put at least 3 signatures on each page, preferably 5 -- not just one or two per page -- unless really unavoidable. This helps get all our petitions properly vetted by the Liquor Board.
Please turn in all petitions directly to the Liquor Board by Noon Monday July 27 or to a petition collector who can deliver them.
This is hard for people who work and have other obligations.
But this is one exercise in democracy which our local community has proven time and time again does work for us residents if we participate,
So, whatever your own views, please consider participating in every way that you can (letter, petition, attendance, testimony, or simply stand up at the hearing to be counted For or Opposed) because the prospects for good outcome improve with increased participation.
July 24 Meet MD Delegations & Governor
Please join Senator Douglas J. J. Peters
along with the 23rd and 21st
Legislative Team
at a
Town Meeting by the Lake
with
Governor Martin O’Malley
Friday, July 24th
7:00 - 8:30pm
Granville Gude Park in Laurel
(west of Rt 1 between Cherry Lane and Mulberry St)
Families are welcome. Please RSVP
301-858-3141 or
21stDistrictDelegation@gmail.com
Directions: Granville Gude Park is located at 8300 Mulberry Street, on the west side of Rt. 1, behind the Comfort Suites Hotel, north of Laurel Lakes Shopping Center. Parking is also available on Mulberry St.
New Laurel-Area Youth/Teen Gaming Lounge
CITY OF LAUREL -- OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Date of Release: July 9, 2009
For Additional Information Contact: Jim Collins
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
NEW GAMING LOUNGE FOR LAUREL-AREA YOUTH & TEENS
We got game! Youth & Teen annual pass holders at the Laurel Department of Parks and Recreation’s community centers can now drop by the Laurel Armory Community Center on 422 Montgomery Street and check out the new gaming lounge. With our three big screen televisions, PS3 and Wii gaming systems and plenty of comfy seating you can challenge yourself or your friends with many of our new games. Annual passes are on sale at the Armory or at the Robert J. DiPietro Community Center during operating hours [*]. Call the Armory at 301-725-8088 for more information.
[*] Youth & Teen passes are $10/year for Laurel City residents; $30/year for non-residents (including Prince George's County)
PG Animal Management Facility Has Moved
As of July 1, 2009, the Prince George's County Animal Management Group has moved from their former facility in Forestville, MD to their new Animal Services facility at 3750 Brown Station Road Upper Marlboro, MD 2077 (MAP) (301) 780–7200.
Please see these web pages for details:
The SPCA in Prince George's County works closely with DER/AMG:
Tues June 30 Rich Findley Family Fundraiser
Please consider stopping by the Green Turtle in Laurel (MAP) on Tuesday, June 30, 2 pm to 2 am for late lunch or dinner. 10% of the procedes from your meal will go to the daughters of Police Sgt. Rich Findley, who was killed one year ago while arresting a gang of car theives in South Laurel. Sgt. Findley was also a long-time local volunteer fire fighter even while he served South Laurel as a county police officer.
If you can not come on Tuesday, any donation you may consider for his family can be sent to the Rich Findley Fund:
Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department, Station 31
Attn: Chief Schwartz
4911 Prince George's Ave
Beltsville, MD 20705-1998
(301) 937-3160
Make any checks payable to Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department, Station 31. Put "For Rich Findley Fund" in the check memo line.
Please see the message below from Karen Coakely and this newspaper article she provided about Sgt. Findley and this fundraiser for his family.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: karenmcoakley <karenmcoakley@verizon.net>
Date: Mon, Jun 29, 2009 at 11:58 AM
Subject: [PGCP-D6CAC] Rich Findley Fundraiser.....
Date: Mon, Jun 29, 2009 at 11:58 AM
Subject: [PGCP-D6CAC] Rich Findley Fundraiser.....
This past Saturday was the 1 year anniversary of Sgt. Rich Findley's passing. Several of Rich's childhood friends are holding a fundraiser for Rich and Kelly's daughters on Tuesday June 30th. The Green Turtle in Laurel is hosting the event and they will donate 10% of the sales from 2:00 p.m. until closing to the Rich Findley Fund. Please stop by the Green Turtle for a late lunch or dinner on Tuesday to support the family of our local hometown Hero Sgt. Rich Findley.
July 1 PG Liquor Board Hearing on Rule Changes
See July 1, 2009 7 pm PG County Liquor Board Agenda and proposed rule changes.
Police Sgt. Findley's Widow Video Interview
On June 8, 2009 MyFoxDC. com posted a video report and two-part video interview of Kelly Findley, the widow of deceased Prince George's County Police local District VI Sgt. Richard Findley, who was killed last year during an attempted arrest of suspects in the act of stealing cars in South Laurel.
See also this growing compilation of news and information about Richard Findley.
May 28 6:30pm PG Zoning Rules Major Changes
May 28 6:30pm PG Zoning Rules Amendment Briefing at M-NPPC in Riverdale
See the Project Home Page for details, schedules, documents and updates.
See the Project Home Page for details, schedules, documents and updates.
May 21 & Monthly P.G. Police Narcotics Trainings
The Prince George’s County Police Department
Narcotic Enforcement Division
Information Sharing Training
Narcotic Enforcement Division
Information Sharing Training
RSVP - See Below
Topic: **Overview of Street Level Drugs**Potential Harm to Drug Users and the Community.
Overview: This training will provide an understanding of any and all potential harms associated to a drug user.
Date: Thursday, May 21, 2009
Time: 2000 hours
Location: Prince George’s County Police Academy 4380 Forbes Boulevard Lanham, Maryland 20706
The Narcotic Enforcement Division will be providing training sessions every third (3rd) Thursday of the month on various narcotic topics. Please feel free to attend any training session.
For more information or to attend a training session, please contact:
Ms. Lumpkin at 301.883.6800
South Laurel Area Schools Flu Closings / Reopening
May 5 6pm Update:Montpelier, University Park, and Vansville Elementary Schools will reopen May 6. Classes will follow normal schedule.
====
May 5 Update:
Vansville ES Closing Up to 2 Weeks
====
May 2 Update:
University Park ES Closed Up to 2 Weeks
=====
May 1:
According to the Prince George's County School Board web site...
"Friday, May 1, 2009 - Montpelier Elementary School in Laurel will be closed for a minimum of 14 days beginning Monday, May 4, 2009, as Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) follows Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance regarding its first “probable” [unconfirmed] case of a child with the H1N1 virus. If parents have concerns about a child’s health, they should contact their physician or the Prince George’s County Health Department at 301-583-3750."
For additional information from PGCPS see the school district home page article Keeping You Informed and Updated About H1N1 Flu Situation
Prince George's County Health Department H1N1 Information Line
(301) 583-3100 or 1-866-952-7426
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
(301) 583-3100 or 1-866-952-7426
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Watch this page for any further updates.
MAC Folk & Blues Concerts in May
On Friday is the first concert of the Folk and Blues Series at nearby Montpelier Arts Center. Call the center at 301 377-7800.
Friday, May 1, 8 pm, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer
These Grammy Award-winning artists are musical treasures whose folk, country and family music have an international following. www.cathymarcy.com Tickets are still available $20.
Friday, May 8, 8 pm, The Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band*
Marc and Ann Savoy, along with Michael Doucet create and interpret authentic old-time Cajun music, from popular dancehall tunes to soulful ballads, drawing upon each member’s rich historical connection to their native southern Louisiana.
Friday, May 15, 8pm, Gordon Bok SOLD OUT
Back by popular demand, Bok’s sings ballads from Maine and the Maritimes both traditional and his own. www.gordonbok.com
Friday, May 22, 8 pm, Tinsmith
Tinsmith, a high-energy folk band, plays traditional music from Ireland, Scotland and Appalachia with influences from blues, bluegrass, funk, jazz and mountain music. www.tinsmith.net
Friday, May 29 8 pm, Sharron Kraus
British folk artist, Sharron Kraus, is a singer/musician/songwriter with roots in the folk traditions of England and Appalachia who sings the tales of a traveler while playing haunting banjo and fine acoustic guitar. www.sharronkraus.com
Friday, June 5, 8 pm, Robin and Linda Williams
Returning to Montpelier, the Williams’ are well-known from their appearances on A Prairie Home Companion. They have explored the roots of American folk music and brought their own lively wit and memorable melodies to the tradition. www.robinandlinda.com
Saturday, May 2, 10am- 4pm is The Montpelier Festival of Herbs, Tea and the Arts
This year’s festival features teas and performances from China: Chinese storyteller; the dragon dance; and Chinese folk music. Also, enjoy spring plants, watch art demonstrations from papermaking to raku firing of ceramics; and visit artist studios. Events and activities for children to adults held on the grounds of the Montpelier Mansion and in the Montpelier Arts Center.
Friday, May 1, 8 pm, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer
These Grammy Award-winning artists are musical treasures whose folk, country and family music have an international following. www.cathymarcy.com Tickets are still available $20.
Friday, May 8, 8 pm, The Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band*
Marc and Ann Savoy, along with Michael Doucet create and interpret authentic old-time Cajun music, from popular dancehall tunes to soulful ballads, drawing upon each member’s rich historical connection to their native southern Louisiana.
Friday, May 15, 8pm, Gordon Bok SOLD OUT
Back by popular demand, Bok’s sings ballads from Maine and the Maritimes both traditional and his own. www.gordonbok.com
Friday, May 22, 8 pm, Tinsmith
Tinsmith, a high-energy folk band, plays traditional music from Ireland, Scotland and Appalachia with influences from blues, bluegrass, funk, jazz and mountain music. www.tinsmith.net
Friday, May 29 8 pm, Sharron Kraus
British folk artist, Sharron Kraus, is a singer/musician/songwriter with roots in the folk traditions of England and Appalachia who sings the tales of a traveler while playing haunting banjo and fine acoustic guitar. www.sharronkraus.com
Friday, June 5, 8 pm, Robin and Linda Williams
Returning to Montpelier, the Williams’ are well-known from their appearances on A Prairie Home Companion. They have explored the roots of American folk music and brought their own lively wit and memorable melodies to the tradition. www.robinandlinda.com
Saturday, May 2, 10am- 4pm is The Montpelier Festival of Herbs, Tea and the Arts
This year’s festival features teas and performances from China: Chinese storyteller; the dragon dance; and Chinese folk music. Also, enjoy spring plants, watch art demonstrations from papermaking to raku firing of ceramics; and visit artist studios. Events and activities for children to adults held on the grounds of the Montpelier Mansion and in the Montpelier Arts Center.
Apr 30 6:30 pm Poetry Reading Montpelier Arts Center
FEATURING READINGS BY
Dolores Kendrick
Poet Laureate of Washington, DC
and
Lyrikal Storm
Prince George’s County
Performance by
Ottley Music School
DATE
Thursday, April 30, 2009
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
LOCATION
Montpelier Arts Center
9652 Muirkirk Road
Laurel, Maryland 20708
RSVP
(301) 277-1402 or by email at elewis@artspg.org
Directions:
Baltimore –Washington Parkway to Laurel-Bowie Road (Route 197).
North toward Laurel on Route 197 to Crystal Plaza shopping Center –
Muirkirk Road. Turn left. Art Center on right.
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