Now that the holidays have passed I hope that everyone has had an enjoyable holiday. Best wishes are extended to everyone for a happy, productive and prosperous New Year.
 

For a number of years it has been a tradition for residents of the Town of Landover Hills and the Bellmead community to participate in the annual holiday house decorating contest. Judges from the Town of Landover Hills and the Bellmead community join together to select winners in the following three categories: Most traditional, most creative and best overall. Judges from the Town of Landover Hills judge houses in the Bellmead Community and judges from the Bellmead community judge houses in the Town of Landover Hills.
 

Mrs. Walker and I had an opportunity to ride along with the judges from Bellmead to view many of the resident's houses who participated in the house decoration contest.
 

It was good to see all of the fine house decorations of many of the residents who participated in the contest. The final results are in this edition of the Landover Hills Chronicle.
 

On Monday, January 6, 2002, during the Town Council workshop session, members of the Town Council and I hosted legislators of the new 47^th district; who came out to Landover Hills to learn of the Town's areas of concern. There was a good exchange of information and questions regarding matters of concern in the Town of Landover Hills. We convey our thanks to Senator-elect Gwendolyn Britt, Delegates-elect Rosetta Parker and Doyle Niemann, in addition to central committee member Amber Waller, for their visit to the Town of Landover Hills.
 

Construction on the Landover Hills Neighborhood playground that young people so patiently await the opening of, will be completed as soon as the weather permits. Funds for construction of the Landover Hills Neighborhood Playground were obtained through a grant from the Department of Natural Resources Program Open Space. A word of thanks to our Town Manager, Mrs. Kathy Tavel, for her work on this project.
 

The upcoming Town Meeting will be on Tuesday, January 21, 2003, at 7:30 p.m.
 

All residents are welcome to come out and participate.
 

Mayor Lee P. Walker

The next town election will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2003. One Council seat from each Ward will be up for election as well as the seat of Mayor. All positions elected in 2003, shall serve a four year term which will end in 2007.
 

Anyone who is currently registered with the Board of Election Supervisors of Prince George's County 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 12, 2003 at 4 p.m.
 
 
 

Qualifications

Any candidate wishing to run for the office of Mayor must have resided in the Town for at least one year (1) year immediately preceding their election and shall be a qualified voter of the Town.
 

Any candidate wishing to run for the office of Council member must have resided in their Ward for at least one 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.
 

Declaration of Candidacy

Any person wishing to be a candidate for an elected office must submit to the Town Manager not less than forty-five (45) days nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the election a petition under oath in support of his/her candidacy setting forth the following:
 

1. The candidate is a registered voter of the Town.
 

2. The candidate will have attained the required age (21) for the office he/she is seeking on or before the Election Day.
 

3. The candidate has been a resident of the Town (or Ward if running for Councilmember) for one year immediately preceding the date of election.
 

4. The Ward in which the candidate resides and the number of years he/she resided in that ward.
 

5. The name of the office sought.
 

Petitions can be picked up at Town Hall.
 
 

February 13, 2003- the first day that candidacy petitions may be submitted to the Town Manager
 

March 28, 2003- last day candidacy petitions may be submitted to the Town Manager
 

April 14, 2003- last day to register to vote for the May 13, 2003 election.
 

May 12, 2003- last day absentee ballots will be accepted.
 

May 13, 2003- Election Day

Town Hall will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2003 and Monday, February 17, 2003 for the ML King and President's Day holidays. There will be NO YARD WASTE PICK-UP ON MONDAY JAN 20^TH AND FEB 17th.
 
 

Buffalo Soldier- Thursday, Jan. 23, 10 am & 12 noon. This is the story of the segregated African American troops who served our country. It is told through the eyes of Jones Morgan, a 109 year old Buffalo Soldier. The Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly. Tickets: $7/person. Info: 301-277-1710.
 

Boating Safety Course, Sat. Jan. 25 & Sat., Jan. 26, 10 am- 3 pm The Maryland Boating Safety Course is required for powerboat operators. The two day course requires eight hours of classroom work and includes a final exam. Reservations required. Ages 12 & up. Patuxent River Park, 16000 Croom Airport Rd. Upper Marlboro. Fee $25 (Payment required in advance). Info: 301-627-6074.
 

School's Out! Ice Skating, Thursday, Jan. 30, 12 noon-2pm. Ice Skate on your day off from school. Herbert Wells Ice Rink, 5211 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park. $3/person. Info: 301-277-3717.
 

Winter Concert Band Showcase

Jan. 31, 7-9 pm.

Area High School bands will compete in a winter showcase competition at the Publick Playhouse. All ages welcome. Bladensburg Community Center, 4500 57^th Ave., Bladensburg. Tickets $5/adults, $3/students. Info. 301-277-2124.
 

From time to time the Town Hall receives calls from residents asking if we know of any teens who are available to rake leaves, mow lawns and shovel snow. The Town is in the process of compiling a list that can be given to residents looking for assistance in these areas. It will be up to residents to contact interested teens. If you are a Landover Hills teen between the ages of 12 and 17, and want to be included on the list call Town Hall at 301-773-6401.

On December 21, 2002, the Holiday House Decorating Contest was held. The winners are:
 
 

Thank you to the judges from Bellmead, Mr. Martin Fonjong and Mr. Antonio Douglas and to all of you who brightened our nights during the holiday season!
 
 

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.
 

Winter Energy costs can place a burden on household budgets. This winter season, Washington Gas is distributing energy information to customers on its Web site (www.washingtongas.com), at all area Giant Food stores and public libraries. This information includes useful and practical information about efficient use of energy, budget management and energy assistance programs. If you need more information call Washington Gas at 703-750-1000.
 
 

• Change or clean your furnace filter once a month, using your natural gas bill as a reminder.

 
• Seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings, such as pipes or ducts, with caulking or weather stripping.

 
• Replace broken or cracked glass and considering installing storm windows.

 
• The Dept. Of Energy estimates that you can reduce your heating and cooling needs up to 30% by properly insulating your home.

 
• Dress warmly in the house.

 
• Close vents and doors in unused rooms and close dampers in unused fireplaces.

 
• Run your washer and dryer with full loads.

• Set your thermostat at a comfortable setting between 65 and 70 degrees during the day and slightly lower at night.

 
• When you're away from home for more than a few hours, set your thermostat at 58 degrees. According to the Dept. Of Energy, in a 24 hour period you can save as much as 3 percent on your heating bill for every degree that you lower your thermostat setting.

 
• Warmer temperatures are recommended for homes with ill or elderly persons or infants.

 
• Important Safety Tip: Never use range top burners or ovens for home-heating purposes. Continuous burning can lead to the production of carbon monoxide and fire hazards.

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I want to wish all of our residents a Happy New Year. As we start the year of 2003 I would like to remind you of some safety tips for your vehicle.
 

Auto Theft is a problem that has been plaguing this country for many years. To help control this problem, the Bureau of Justice Assistance developed the "Watch Your Car Program". This program is a national vehicle theft prevention program. It is a voluntary vehicle registration designed to deter auto theft and assist in the apprehension of auto thieves. Vehicle owners sign an agreement stating their vehicle is not normally used between the hours of 1:00 am and 5:00 am. If a police officer observes the vehicle being driven anywhere in the United States during these hours, they may stop the vehicle and verify it is being operated by the vehicle owner, or a person designated by the owner. The registration process consists of the completion of a registration/waiver form and taking it to your local participating police department. A police officer or staff member will then affix "Watch Your Car" decals in the proper place on the vehicle's windshield and rear window. The decals serve to notify police officers across the nation that the vehicle is registered with the "Watch Your Car" program. The information from the registration form will be entered into a centralized database accessible by law enforcement officers on a 24 hour basis.
 

We want you to make your car tough to steal. To help you do this, we want to encourage you to use the "Layered Approach" to protection.
 

Layer 1: Common Sense Tips

1. Lock your car - half of all vehicles stolen are left unlocked.

 
2. Taker your keys - nearly 20% of all vehicles stolen have the keys in them.

 
3. Park in well-lighted areas - car thefts occur at night more than half the time.
4. Park in attended lots - car thieves do not like witnesses

1. Don't leave your car running, even for a minute - convenience stores, gas stations, and ATM's are common hunting grounds for thieves.

 
2. Completely close your car windows.

 
3. Do not leave valuables in plain view.

 
4. Keep your vehicle registration information with you-not in the glove compartment.

 
5. Park with your wheels turned toward the curb.

 
6. Always use your emergency brake when parking.

 
7. If you have a garage use it- and when you do, lock both the vehicle and the garage door.

 

1. Audible alarms

 
2. Steering wheel locks

 
3. Steering column collars

 
4. Tire locks

 
5. Window etching-etch vehicle identification number on vehicle windows

 
6. Theft deterrent decals - such as the "Watch Your Car Program"

 

1. Smart keys

 
2. Fuse cut-offs

 
3. Kill switches

 
4. Starter, ignition and fuel disablers

 
5. High security locks and keys



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