Landover Hills Chronicle
Landover Hills Newsletter	February 2001

In previous editions of the Chronicle there have been articles regarding safety, particularly in respect to some young people playing or standing in the streets while motorists attempt to maneuver past them. Although there has been some improvement regarding this matter, there is still continuing concern.
 

Another area of concern raised by several residents is the School Bus Program, with respect to debris that is left at school bus stops when the bus departs with students. As a result of this concern, a representative from the school bus program has been invited to the upcoming Town Meeting on Tuesday, February 20, 2001 at 7:30 p.m.. Residents are urged to come out and address their concerns to the representative from the school bus program.
 

The month of February is celebrated as Black History Month, which chronicles the achievements of Afro-Americans who have made outstanding contributions to our great nation. I have taken this opportunity to chronicle a number of everyday items that we all use and take for granted; which makes our lives better and safer, without knowing that Afro-Americans invented these items.
 

The following is a list of the Afro-Americans and the items that they invented.
 

• Walter Sammons; invented the comb.
• Lydia O. Newman; invented the brush
• Madam C.J. Walker; hair care inventions
• Lloyd P. Ray; invented the dust pan
• George T. Samon; invented the clothes dryer
• Thomas W. Steward; invented the mop
• John Love; invented the pencil sharpener
• William Purvis, invented the fountain pen
• Lee Burridge; invented the type writing machine
• W.A. Lovette, invented the advanced printing press
• John Burr; invented the lawn mower
• Joseph Gammel; invented the supercharge system for internal combustion engines
• Garrett A. Morgan; invented the traffic light
• Alice Parker; invented the heating furnace
• Frederick Jones; invented the Air Conditioner
• Philip Downing; invented the letter drop box
• William Barry; invented the postmarking and canceling machine

The list continues, however, the above listing gives an insight into the contributions of Afro-Americans to this country.
 

There is a display at Town Hall of other aspects of Afro-American contributions to our society.
 

The annual Mayors Scholarship Fundraiser will be held at Andrews Air Force Base's "Fox Den Club" on Saturday, March 3, 2001, at 7 p.m. The Town of Landover Hills Mayor's Scholarship Fund receives its funding for scholarships from this annual fundraiser. Persons wishing to attend this affair may call Town Hall for further information at 301-773-6401. Tickets are $40.00 per person and $75.00 for special Mayoral Patrons. Anyone who is not able to attend this grand affair but would like to make a contribution may call the above phone number.
 

Thus far seven young people who are residents of the Town of Landover Hills have received scholarships from this effort.
 

The following is the criteria for participating in the Landover Hills Mayor's Scholarship Program:
 

1)    You must have lived in the Town of Landover Hills for at least one year.
 

2)    You must be a high school senior, recent high school graduate, or currently attending college.
 

3)    You must be in good scholastic standing in high school.
 

4)    You must write a 500 word essay explaining why you should be chosen for this scholarship.
 

5)    You must show positive involvement in community activities.
 

6)    You must attend an institution of higher learning in the State of Maryland.
 

Applications can be picked up at Town Hall . Deadline for submitting applications is May 31, 2001. For more information call 301-773-6401.
 

The next Town Meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2001 at 7:30 p.m.. Come out and get involved!
 

Mayor Lee P. Walker

Agenda for dinner meeting with County Councilmember Thomas Hendershot- the Mayor and Council will be meeting with Councilmember Hendershot on March 1. 2001. The items chosen for discussions were:

1) Community Development Block Grant funds

2) Safety concerns about Annapolis Road

3) Community Center

4) FedEx Field Impact Area

5) Community Center
 

Use of Town Vehicles- The Mayor and Council discussed setting policy on regulating the use of Town vehicles to better monitor mileage and maintenance needs.

Town Hall will be closed on Monday, February 19, 2001 in observance of the President's Day Holiday. There will be no yard waste pick-up that day.
 
 

Landover Hills Annual Easter Egg Hunt- will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2001 at 11 a.m.

Prizes for gold and silver egg. All ages welcome. Rain or shine (hunt is outdoors so dress appropriately). Raffle. Landover Hills Town Hall 6904 Taylor Street
 

Free Gymnastics Workshop, Friday, February 16, 6:30- 7:30 pm

Ages 6-9. Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex, 8001 Sheriff Road, Landover. FREE. Registration begins at 5:30 pm and is on a first come first-served basis. Space is limited. Information 301-583-2400.
 

Winter Campaign Encampment-Saturday& Sunday February 17 & 18; 9 am - 3 pm. Wander through a 16^th century Landsknecht encampment and watch as Holy Roman Empire reenactors demonstrate winter camp life, cooking, crafts, military weapons and training. All ages welcome. Marietta House; 5626 Bell Station Road, Glenn Dale. FREE Info: 301-464-5291
 

African Mask & Bead Workshop; Wednesday February 21, 3-4:30 pm Enjoy a workshop that teaches the arts of African mask making and African bead jewelry making. Ages 6-12; Rollingcrest-Chillum Community Center

6120 Sargent Road, Chillum. FREE Info: 301-853-2005
 

Soul America; Friday February, 23: 7- 8:30 pm- Parkdale High School students present a musical play showcasing African American contributions in song, dance, poetry and acting. All ages welcome. Hillcrest Heights Community Center, 2300 Oxon Run Drive, Oxon Hill FREE 301-505-0896
 

Maryland Boating Safety Course- Saturday & Sunday, February 24 & 25, 10 am -3 pm.- Take the State of Maryland's required boating safety course for powerboat operators. Patuxent River Park, 16000 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro, MD . Cost $10.00 Reservations required. Info: 301-627-6074.
 

Students who reside in the 22^nd Legislative District are encouraged to apply for a Senatorial Scholarship from the office of state Senator Paul G. Pinsky.
 

The scholarships are awarded yearly to undergraduates, including upcoming freshman, and graduate students. Criteria for selection is based on financial need and/or academic achievement.
 

Scholarships are awarded for four years or until the recipient completes his or her degree, whatever comes first. A Senatorial Scholarship cannot be held jointly with an Educational Assistance Grant.
 

Applications are available from Senator Pinsky's office at 301-858-3155. Applicants must also submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The deadline for submitting an application is April 15,, 2001.
 

In late January "Helping HandsAdult Day Services" of Capitol Heights opened. It is the newest medical adult day services program of its kind in Southern Prince George's County. The target population is adults with special needs such as Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, Mental Retardation, Mental Illness , a stroke or other physical limitations.

The following services are provided:

• Medication Administration
• Nursing Services
• Recreational Therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Counseling
• Case Management
• Care & Supervision
• Meals & Snacks
• Group & Individual Activities
• Nutrition Education
• Day trips
• Transportation
• Exercise Programs
• Caregiver's Support groups

 

If you know someone who may benefit from these services, please call 301-736-6622.

The Prince George's County Educators' Association is in the planning stages of a great celebration. On March 2, 2001, the teacher's association in conjunction with the National Education Association and the Maryland State Teacher's Association is honoring the birthday of Dr. Seuss. Begun in 1998, the 3^rd annual event seeks to bring together members of the Prince George's Community and the students in the school system. The goal is for every child in every elementary school to be read to by a caring adult.
 

Readers are encouraged to bring their favorite book or a book can be supplied for use. Sign up at a school near your home or close to your employment. Most schools will be ready for visitors by 9:00 a.m. Please call Dr. McKinney-Ludd at 301-736-2700 for more information.

When filing your income tax forms, please indicate that you reside in the Town of Landover Hills. Your subdivision number 1726, should appear on the forms, This allows the State of Maryland to share local income taxes with local governments. Your efforts will not increase your tax obligations but will ensure that Landover Hills receives its appropriate share.

The next Town election will be held on Tuesday May 8, 2001. One Council seat from each Ward will be up for election. Councilmembers elected in 2001, shall serve a four year term which will end in 2005.
 

Anyone who is currently registered with the Board of Elections Supervisors of Prince George'sCounty and whose registration displays a Landover Hills address shall be eligible to vote in the Town election. Mail-in voter registration forms may be obtained at the Landover Hills Town Hall. Absentee ballots may be requested in writing. Absentee ballots must be received at the Landover Hills Town Hall; 6904 Taylor Street, Landover Hills, MD 20784, no later than Monday , May 7, 2001 at 4 p.m..
 

Qualifications

Any candidate wishing to run for the office of Council member must have resided in their Ward for at least one (1) year immediately preceding their election and shall be qualified voters of the Town. They must maintain residence in the Ward they represent during their entire term of office.
 

Nomination Petitions

Any person wishing to run for Council must submit to the Town Manager by March 23, 2001, a petition in support of his/her candidacy signed by at least ten (10) registered voters in their Ward.

2001 Election Calendar
February 7, 2001- the first day nomination petitions may be submitted to the Town Manager
March 23, 2001- the last day nomination petitions may be submitted to the Town Manager
April 9, 2001- last day to register to vote in the May 8th, election
May 7, 2001- last day absentee ballots will be accepted
May 8, 2001- Election Day

Here we are, it's the month of remembering (VALENTINES DAY).

Time to remember our loved ones, Moms, Dads, wives, husbands, boyfriends, girlfriends, and just about anyone you remember good thoughts about. This is the time to let them know.
 

Last month was a relatively slow month for crime in Landover Hills, but there are several items that I would like to talk about:
 

1. There have been several vehicles that have been stolen. Owners left the keys in the cars with the motor running to "warm up the car". First of all, did you know that it is against the law to leave your car running with the keys in it? Secondly, it causes a lot of problems for the owner when a car is stolen. What if it is damaged, or injures someone where you could be liable for the injuries or damages, and sometimes the insurance companies will not cover this depending on the policy.
 

2. I would like to let you know that we have a problem with pedestrians crossing Annapolis Road. In the last 7 months or so, there have been 7 pedestrians struck by vehicles during the hours of darkness. Most of the pedestrians were wearing dark clothing and in most cases, were not seen by the vehicle operators.
 

We would like to ask pedestrians to be more careful when crossing the streets and vehicle owners to be watchful for the pedestrians crossing the roadway. We would also remind pedestrians to use the crosswalks that have pedestrian crossing lights.
 

3. The month of February is the month that most police agencies in Maryland are going to rigorously enforce seat belt, & child safety seat violations.
 

There will be a child safety seat inspection at the Glenn Dale Fire Department on the 16^th of February (12:00-600pm). You can have your child safety seat inspected and any questions answered that you may have about them. There is no cost for this service.
 

4. Your police department responded to 60-75 false alarm calls at residents or businesses in the year 2000.
 

This is a violation of the Prince Georges' County alarm law (Section 9-130 to 9-141).

All commercial and residential alarm users must register their alarm systems. Alarm companies have to pay a registration fee for having an alarm business and when they install an alarm in a residential home, they have to register it with Prince Georges' County . If it is not properly

registered, the alarm companies are not supposed to request the police to respond. If you have any questions about your alarm system, contact your alarm company, police department or the Prince Georges' County Police Alarm Reduction Unit. They can assist you with your questions.