Town Hall will be closed on Monday, February 21, 2005 for the Presidents Day Holiday.

The month of February has been designated as African American History Month, a time set aside to again highlight some of the contributions of African Americans to American history. This will be done by indicating the names of some of the African American inventors and their inventions; which are in many instances items that we utilize everyday. It would be beneficial to reflect upon what life would be like if we did not have these items in our life.
 

Walter Sammons = the comb

Lydia O. Newman = the brush

Madam C. J. Walker = the straightening comb and hot curlers

Sarah Boone = ironing board

Thomas W. Stewart = the map

Lloyd P. Ray = dust pan

George T. Samon = clothes dryer

John Love = pencil sharpener

William Purvis + fountain pen

Lee Burridge = type writing machine

W.A Lovette = the advanced printing press

Jan E. Matzelinger = shoe lasting machine

John Burr = lawn mower

Richard Spikes = automatic gear shift

Joseph Gammel = the supercharge system for internal combustion engines

Garret A. Morgan = traffic signals

John Standard = the refrigerator

Alice Parker = the heating furnace

Frederick Jones = air conditioner

Elbert R. Robinson = electric trolley

Alexander Miles = the elevator

Philly Downing = the mailbox

William Barry = postmarking and canceling machine
 

During last months Town Meeting it was pointed out that there is a need to re-energize the Town of Landover Hills' Neighborhood Watch program, as a result of reported criminal activity; therefore, Neighborhood Watch meetings will soon be announced.
 

The next Town Meeting will be on Tuesday, February 22, 2005, at 7:30 p.m.

Mayor Lee. P. Walker

The next town election will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2005. One Council seat from each Ward will be up for election. All positions elected in 2005, shall serve a four year term which will end in 2009.
 

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 9, 2005 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 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. Petitions no longer require signatures from residents in the candidate's ward.
 
 

February 9, 2005- the first day that candidacy petitions may be submitted to the Town Manager
 

March 28, 2005- last day candidacy petitions may be submitted to the Town Manager
 

April 11, 2005- last day to register to vote for the May 10, 2005 election.
 

May 9, 2005- last day absentee ballots will be accepted.
 

May 10, 2005- Election Day

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 Town of Landover Hills will celebrate its 60^th Anniversary this year. While a date and plans for a celebration have not yet been finalized, it was thought that giving both old and new residents a glimpse into the history of the Town would give everyone a greater appreciation of the Town's journey throughout the years.
 
 

Rural Prince George's County entered a period of growth and expansion that began in the 1920's. "Street-car suburbs" developed in such places as Brentwood, Mount Rainier, and Seat Pleasant. Hyattsville and Bladensburg, also on the streetcar line, gained several thousand new residents. Clusters of homes were also built along the railroad at Landover, Ardmore and Lanham stops. Then, in the 1930's and 1940's, widespread automobile ownership made suburban development possible in areas beyond the reach of streetcar and railroad lines. Defense Highway, the main thoroughfare, played an important part in the development of this quiet land.
 

Just a narrow tree-lined country road, Defense Highway (Annapolis Road) was even then very old. During colonial days, it had been the main road between Bladensburg (founded 1742) and Annapolis. At the time of the war of 1812, troop reinforcements, intended to assist in the defense of the new capital of Washington, were marched along this road. The battle that took place at Bladensburg on August 24, 1814 was of course unsuccessful and the British soldiers burned the uncompleted Capitol building.
 

For the next 100 years, the highway remained an unpaved country road winding through fields of tobacco, corn and wheat and through the region's thick forests. After World War I, however, the Federal Government decided that the majors roads leading to Washington should be paved so troops and military equipment could be easily transported in case of another war. The Federal Government helped fund the paving of the road in the 1920's. It became known as Defense Highway.
 

Today Defense Highway is six lanes wide. It is often called Annapolis Road. It's official designation is Maryland Route 450. Until John Hanson Highway was built in the 1950's, it was U.S. 50.
 

In 1940 Dorothy and Monroe Warren, owners of 148 acres of wooded farm land along Defense Highway, planned the subdivision to be known as Landover Hills. Their property was located midway between Bladensburg and Lanham, lying southeast of Defense Highway and extending to the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks. The builder was Meadowbrook, Inc. with Monroe Warren as president of the corporation.
 

Landover Hills was one of the first modern suburban developments along Defense Highway. It once stood alone out in the country.

Black Artists Showcase, Tuesday, February 22, 6:30- 8:30 pm- Do you enjoy watching dancing, acting, or mime? Are you inspired by singing or poetry? Then attend performances that will entertain and inspire you. Registration recommended by Feb. 20. All ages welcome. Fee $5/person, FREE/ages 6 & under- Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex, 8001 Sheriff Road, Landover. Info: 301-583-2582: www.pgsportsandlearn.com
 

Diversity Career Job Fair: 2005

Saturday, February 26, 2005

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Take this

opportunity to learn about exciting career opportunities that may brighten your future at this FREE job fair!

Prince George's Community College, Largo Student Center, 301 Largo Road, Largo. Information: 301-454-1411
 

African Art Show & Expo

Saturday, February 26, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

People of all ages will enjoy face painting, craft activities, African Art vendors, craft vendors, food and more! Free admission. Nominal fees for food and some activities. Lake Arbor Community Center, 10100 Lake Arbor Way, Mitchellville. Information: 301-333-6561

Students who reside in the 47^th Legislative District are encouraged to apply for a scholarship from the office of Senator Gwendolyn Britt. The scholarships are awarded yearly to undergraduate and graduate students. Criteria for selection are based on financial need and/or academic achievement. Scholarships are awarded for four years, or until the recipient completes his or her degree, whichever comes first. Applications are available from Senator Britt's office by calling 301-858-3745 or Gwendolyn_Britt@senate.state.md.us

Applicants must also submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be considered for a Senatorial Scholarship. Completed applications must be returned to Sen. Britt's office as soon as possible and no later than May 2, 2005, in order to be considered for a Senatorial Scholarship.