Landover Hills Chronicle
Landover Hills Newsletter	December 1999

Its that time of year again, the most joyous of seasons, a time for rejoicing and reflecting, especially at this particular time on the dawn of a new millennium, as we prepare to usher in the year 2000.
 

I am happy to report that the bus shelters that have been a concern for more than two years now, will soon be constructed. The company that will be constructing the shelters has accepted the Town of Landover Hills' contractual agreement. The bus shelters that will be located at Annapolis Road and 71^st Avenue and Annapolis Road near 72^nd Avenue in Rinck Park, will be constructed within the next few weeks. The Mayor is currently working on getting lighting installed at the bus shelters.
 

The Mayor and Council are currently in the process of selecting a new Town Attorney. A number of law firms have applied for the position. Interviews have been arranged for the finalists; a selection will be made by next month.
 

We were disheartened to hear of the recent passing of Fire Chief Charles Burton, who played a prominent role, not only in the Town of Landover Hills while serving as a member of the Town Council, but the entire County while serving as Fire Chief of several Fire Companies. Services for the late Chief Burton were held at St. Mary's Church on Friday, December 3, 1999. A wide cross section of the County and State were represented at the services.
 

The late Chief Charles Burton served on the Town Council of Landover Hills from March of 1957 to May of 1961 and represented Ward I. While serving on the Town Council, Chief Burton played an active role in developing Ordinances for the Town, while serving as Chairman of the Fire Prevention and Civil Defense Committee; he also sat on the committee in charge of Public Safety and Traffic. The late Chief Burton was also very instrumental in helping the Town purchase its first snow plow and spreader. Chief Charles Burton will be greatly missed throughout the community at large.
 

The U.S. Census Bureau is currently conducting tests for persons who would like to work for the Census Bureau on a temporary basis. Tests are being held every Wednesday. For further information call Town Hall.
 

Delegate Rushern Baker III, will be our guest at the upcoming Town Meeting on Monday, December 20, 1999 at 7:30 p.m.. Delegate Baker currently serves as Chairman of the Prince George's Delegation to the Maryland House of Delegates. Everyone is invited to come out , participate and learn of the important issues and legislation that effects our lives.
 

On behalf of the Town Council and Staff of the Town of Landover Hills, Best Wishes are extended to everyone for a safe and happy holiday season on this dawn of the 21^st century.
 

Mayor Lee P. Walker
 

Audit Report

A presentation was made by Mr. Jim Lindsey, of Lindsey and Salita, the Town's auditing firm. Mr. Lindsey stated that the audit was complete and that the Town had received a "clean opinion". A "clean opinion", in auditing terms, is the best report that can be obtained. He went on to state that all necessary reports had been filed with State and Federal agencies. His only suggestion for the Town was that they consider implementing a 5 year operational budget.
 

Christmas Lights Judging

The Mayor and Council decided that the "Holiday House Decorating Contest" would be held on Saturday, December 18^th from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.. Councilmember Andrew Holloway volunteered himself and his brother Richard to be judges.
 

Personnel Regulations

Town Manager Tavel asked the Council to have any comments or suggestions concerning the Personnel Regulations to her by the January Workshop, at which time the Personnel regulations would be reviewed in detail.
 

January Meeting Dates

Both meetings in January will be held on Tuesday. The workshop will be held on Tuesday, January 4, 2000 at 7 p.m. and the Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 18, 2000 at 7:30 p.m.
 

Executive Session

The Mayor and Council adjourned into Executive Session to review proposals by legal firms. After much discussion the applicants were narrowed down to 5 firms. An interview will be set up with the five and a final decision should be made by the end of January.

13^th Annual Festival of Lights- Friday, November 26- Sunday January 2, 2000, 5-9:30 p.m. Experience the holidays and drive through a holiday display of 450,000 colored lights. Open every night throughout the holidays. Watkins Regional Park; Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro. FREE. Donations of canned goods accepted and donated to food pantries. Info: 301-699-2456

Come Party with Santa Claus- Friday, Dec. 17, 1999 from 6-9 p.m.. Landover Hills Fire Dept. Hot Dogs, juice, chips and SANTA. Sponsored by the Mighty Strokers' Social Club
 

Breakfast with Santa- Dec. 18, 1999 at the Cottage City Fire House, 3840 Bladensburg Rd. 9am-12pm. Pancakes, Sausage. Pictures w/ Santa $1.00. Adults $5.00, Children $3.00 Children under 3 Free. For more info. call 301-779-8864.

Christmas Concert- Dec, 18, 1999 presented by Mt. Nebo Gospel Singers, Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly. 8 p.m. $ Call 301-277-1710.
 

Celtic Holiday Selections- Dec. 19, 1999, John Addison Concert Hall, 10701 Livington Rd., Fort Washington. 8 p.m. $ Call 301-292-2839.
 

Wintergrass (Old Line Music) Dec. 26, 1999, Bowie Playhouse, Whitemarsh Park. For more info, call 301-262-6200.
 
 

Our thoughts are with the Burton Family on the passing of Chief Charles Burton. He leaves behind his wife Mary and children Judith, Charles, Maureen, Joan and Barbara as well as 15 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren and a host of friends. Mr. Burton died on November 29, 1999 at the age of 84.
 

A speedy recovery is wished for Mike Sulima. Mr. Sulima is at home recovering from knee surgery.
 

Get well wishes are sent out to long time resident Mrs. Dorothy Barrow who is recuperating from surgery.
 
 
 

If you have a birthday, anniversary or any "event" you'd like mentioned in the Newsletter, please call us at 301-773-6401.
 
 

1. All leaves must be BAGGED and placed curbside for Monday Yard Waste Pick-up.
 

2. Take a few extra minutes while raking and rake the curb line. Leaves in the street can be hazardous in wet weather.
 

3. Check the exterior of your house for last minute winterizing. Touch up bare wood to help protect it during the cold and wet weather.

DO NOT RAKE LEAVES IN THE STREET.!!!!!!!
 
 

No matter which holiday you celebrate, be it Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or something else entirely, the holiday season is upon us all. Isn't it amazing how, before Thanksgiving, it seems like you have plenty of time to prepare, and then, on the Friday after Thanksgiving you realize that the holiday season has not crept up on you? For most of us, the holiday season pounces like a hunting lion. Starting within a few days of Thanksgiving, as we plan for family reunions and make preparations for the proper feast, the holiday season presents us with changes in our lives. Some of the changes are fantastic: a generally better mood, more time with loved ones, eating more if not better. Some of the changes can be less positive: higher stress levels, increased potential for loss to crime, negative feelings about holiday weight gain, and others.

The Landover Hills Police Department would like to encourage you to focus on the positive potential this holiday season while taking precautions to avoid the negative. The Town of Landover Hills is a fairly small area with many residents that have lived here most of their lives. You know who these folks are: they've told you stories about when the Town was incorporated, or how which Mayor accomplished a particular task. They tell you about how things looked before Annapolis Road was six lanes and how much fun it was to go to the Soda Counter at Chandler's Drug Store. Those same long time residents can remember home owners who have come and gone, having made neither a positive nor a negative impact on the Town.

This holiday season, with greater joy in your heart, and a warm smile on your face, we encourage you to take a brisk evening walk around the Town. Many of our homes are brightly decorated to include the homes in our surrounding communities of Bellemeade, Radiant Valley and Woodlawn. Even some of the apartment balconies along Warner Avenue are brightly lit reflecting the holiday cheer which can be infectious. Help it along. Get together with some of your neighborhood friends and "tour" the Town's lights. If your group gets so motivated, sing some Christmas Carols!
 

As you celebrate Hanukkah, or prepare for Christmas and Kwanza, try to focus on the positive potential of the holidays. If you have a neighbor who needs a little help getting decorations up, offer to lend a hand. Share that glass of egg nog. If you have an elderly neighbor who may be alone for the holidays, extend the hand of friendship and hospitality. By the same token, if you have a neighbor who is a single parent, or single and away from family, again, extend that invitation to participate in your celebration of this holiday season. Although the season offers the opportunity to perform such warm acts of friendship, the benefits can be felt throughout the year.
 

As you enjoy this holiday season, remember to practice proper crime prevention techniques (see last month's newsletter). Don't let weight gain or too few shopping days get you down. Exercise is an excellent stress management device, and those evening walks would be a great way to relax near the end of your day. Your family is the primary support group for minimizing your stress, as their presence and your interaction should draw your focus away from the items in your life that give you concern, and refocus your thoughts and energies on the brighter side of this holiday season.

Finally, if you're traveling out of Town this holiday season, be sure to contact your Landover Hills Police Department and give us the necessary information so that we can keep a check on your house. Drive and shop carefully, and enjoy this holiday season as the last one of this millennium, ending with a New Year that none of us has ever experienced before. It offers us all the chance for a new start, with New Year's Resolutions that are truly New Millennium Resolutions. Prepare the foundation for a wonderful new year by enjoying all the cheer and joy this holiday season has to bring.
 

TO BE THANKFUL FOR:
 

The mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.
 

The taxes I pay because it means that I'm employed.
 

The clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat.
 

My shadow who watches me work because it means I am out in the sunshine.
 

A lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.
 

All the complaining I hear about our government because it means we have freedom of speech.
 

The space I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking.
 

My huge heating bill because it means I am warm.
 

The lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means that I can hear.
 

The piles of laundry and ironing because it means I have clothes to wear.
 

Weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means I have been productive.

the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means that I'm alive.

PLEASE PATRONIZE OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON AND THROUGHOUT THE COMING YEAR:

Chandler's Drug & Medical

J&B Auto Supply

Landover Hills Barber Shop

SM Cleaners

Exquisite Hair

Red Octopus

David's Liquors

Kohler

5-12

Landover Hills Shell

Hampton Nursery

Bill's Hardware

and other nearby merchants
 

A special thank you to Hampton Nursery for donating the beautiful Christmas Tree located in Town Hall!!!