During last month's Town of Landover Hills Town Meeting there was a discussion regarding the need to re-energize the Landover Hills Neighborhood Watch Program as an aid in counteracting criminal activity. As a result of this discussion, there will be a meeting of the Landover Hills neighborhood Watch Program on Thursday, March 31, 2005, at Town Hall; the time of the meeting will be 7:00 p.m. All residents are encouraged to participate and support the Neighborhood Watch Program.
 

The Landover Hills Community and Learning Center Coalition is continuing to evolve and make progress. The ultimate goal of the coalition is the construction of a facility for at risk youth, where they may expand their horizons educationally, while also engaging in athletic and recreational activities. The coalition meets regularly on the second Sunday of each month at Town Hall. The time of the meeting is 4:00 p.m.
 

There is continuing concern regarding enhancement and business development along the Annapolis Road 450 corridor. In an earlier edition of the Landover Hills Chronicle there was mention of an Annapolis Road Inner Beltway Alliance (ARIBA) Community Development Corportion. This group has been meeting monthly on the first Tuesday in the month. The last meeting was held at the Ascension Lutheran Church, located at 7415 Buchanan Street, Landover Hills; across the street from the Landover Hills Post Office Department. Everyone is invited to come out and support the efforts of the Annapolis Road Inner Beltway Alliance in helping to stimulate growth and development along the Annapolis Road 450 Corridor, in addition to the adjoining communities.
 

The infamous Stardust Inn will soon be history, this establishment will cease and desist its existence at the present location by or before August 31, 2005. This can be chalked up as a great victory for the community. In unity there is strength. Thanks to each and everyone who participated in the ongoing battle against the indecent, crude and hostile activities that occurred at the Stardust Inn. The victory is yours. We look forward with anticipation to the departure date of the Stardust Inn.
 

The next Landover Hills Town Meeting will take place on Monday, March 21, 2005. Your participation is invited.
 
 

Representatives from the County's Office of Emergency Preparedness and the Prince George's Volunteer Center will be making a presentation on the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) at the March 21, 2005 Town Meeting. Information will be provided on how to become involved in this program.

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.
 

In the beginning, the years 1940 and 1941, there was mud in the streets, in the yards, in the homes and in the clothing of all. This muddy place was the developing community of Landover Hills, Maryland.
 

The approximately 148 of hilly and clay land was bounded by Annapolis Rd, Ardmore Rd, 68^th Place and the Pennsylvania Railroad. It was rural and typically country in appearance and facilities. Two small farms and several tracts of heavily woodland contributed to the beauty and charm of the area. Model homes were ready for inspection or there was there was the privilege of selecting a lot from a large plat of the area. Each lot on the plat showed the exact length of each side so that a buyer could choose a lot large or small according to this needs. The early price of these homes was between three and four thousand dollars with a low down payment and an interest rate of 41/2 percent. The lots sold for less than $500 and could be bought at any time. Residents paid a low monthly ground rent until they were ready to purchase their lot. By 1943 homes were being built on Taylor Street and beyond. The homes on the streets south of Taylor were "pre-fab" due to shortages of material brought on by the war.
 

Lots were graded, front yards sodded and shrubs planted. The Town slowly took on an urban look but missing were stores, gas stations, schools, doctors and an organized group to make things happen. Shopping was done in Washington, Hyattsville, Bladensburg or other nearby communities. Medical facilities were found in other areas as well.
 

Landover Hills was very fortunate in many ways. It was blessed by the many residents endowed with the leadership skills to form the necessary groups to get things done. These people came from many places across our nation because of transfers and changes in jobs or because of the growing sound of the war. They gathered in private homes to form a civic association, fire department, churches, and to solve school problems. They were professional, knowledgeable and thorough in their approach to solving the needs of the community.

More next month!

Landover Hills Annual Easter Egg Hunt; MONDAY, March 28, at 11:00 a.m. (Arrive approximately 15 minutes before hunt begins.) Prizes for gold and silver egg. All ages welcome. Egg hunt is outdoors and in an area that will probably be muddy, so dress appropriately and bring something to gather eggs in. $1 Raffle for large Easter Basket filled with goodies. Town Hall, 6904 Taylor Street, Landover Hills

301-773-6401
 

Indoor Flea Market

Saturday, March 26, 9 am - 1pm

Good Luck Community Center is hosting its annul, indoor flea market. More than 40 vendors will fill the gym with their trinkets and treasures. Shoppers will find great bargains and vendors can participate in the "Truly Tasteless Treasure Contest". Vendor space limited. All ages welcome. Good Luck Community Center, 8601 Good Luck Road, Lanham. Information: 301-552-1093
 

University Park Children's Clothing Co-op's 28^th Annual Spring/Summer Sale

Saturday, April 9 from 10 am to 12 pm

Spring and summer gently worn quality infant to teen size clothing, books, toys, baby equipment and kid's sports equipment. Excellent prices! Riverdale Presbyterian Church, 6513 Queens Chapel Rd., University Park.
 

Children's Bingo, May 14, 2005, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Children's Games- $5 a book. All winners will receive a prize.

Adult games- single sheets sold for $1.00 a game. Each adult game will be split 50/50. Last game is winner take all. Food and drinks sold during bingo. Pizza, fries, juice, etc. Cottage City Fire Company, 3716 Rhode Island Ave. Brentwood, Md.

The Prince George's County Department of Environmental Resources, Waste Management Division has a permanent Household Hazardous Waste Collection site. The drop off site is located at the Brown Station Road Landfill, 11611 White House Road in Upper Marlboro. The drop off site is open every Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. All items are disposed of in an environmentally safe and responsible manner.

Fire extinguishers, cleaning products, insecticides, photographic chemicals, computer monitors, televisions, fuels, household batteries, car batteries, pesticides, propane tanks, varnishes and stains, oil based paints, automotive fluids, acids, fertilizer and herbicides, driveway sealer, and swimming pool chemicals.

• Be sure to read labels on products before you purchase them.

 
• Purchase only what you need to complete your project.

 
• Look for an alternative product to accomplish the same task.

• Be prepared to safely store unused portions until they can be disposed of properly.

 

Low income Maryland residents may be eligible to receive a discount on a portion of the natural gas they use through a new Residential Essential Service (RES) pilot program. Depending on the amount of natural gas used during the winter heating season, this credit could be worth as much as $135.
 

For eligibility please contact the Maryland Department of Human Resources Energy Hotline at 1-800-352-1446 or www.dlhr.state.md.us/meap
 

YOU can be part of a team that saves lives everyday
 

Volunteer for the Landover Hills Fire Department to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Firefighter.
 

The Landover Hills Volunteer Fire Dept., is a division of Prince George's County Fire Dept., is looking for dedicated volunteers in the community, young and old, to help us with our vital mission.
 

Benefits Include:

Free Training * Live-in Program* Tax Benefits Retirement Plan* Experience of a lifetime
 

To find out more

Daytime call Nancy at 301-583-1914

After 6 pm call Tom at 240-832-8689

or Email at info@lhvfd.com

The Landover Hills Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. Social Hall is available for business luncheons, buffets, banquets, christenings, showers, reunions and birthdays. Catering is available for your special event. For more information call Nancy at 301-583-1914, pager 301-4542562 or e-mail hall@lhvfd.com

Legislative District 47 Senatorial Scholarship
 

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.

Bicycles

Soon it will be getting warmer and we will have an increase in bicyclists on the streets of Landover Hills. The State of Maryland law mandates that anyone under the age of 16 must where an approved helmet while riding on a bicycle, non-motorized scooter or on in-line skates, this includes passengers on bicycles. The Landover Hills Police Department has some helmets available on a first come first serve basis. If you are coming down for a helmet, you must bring your parent along with your bicycle. We will register your bicycle, give you a helmet and some literature on bicycle safety. The parent of any minor, or the guardian of any ward, may not knowingly permit the minor or ward to violate any provisions of this law.
 

The Landover Hills Police Department Tip Line:

We now have a separate phone line for anyone who has information concerning incidents or suspicious activity in Landover Hills. The phone number is 301-341-9883. Please leave a detailed message you do not have to leave your name and number unless you want to. Since the police department cannot be everywhere when things happen you may see things that we don't see and we need to know about. We are asking residents to use this tip line so that we can keep Landover Hills a safe place to live.
 

Seniors

Several years ago our police department started a program for the senior citizens or citizens with special needs in Landover Hills. This program keeps a record of emergency contacts, location of medicine emergency persons to contact and any other information you feel is pertinent. This information is not given out to anyone but is kept confidential within the police department. We are doing this to provide information should an emergency arise at your home, and you are unable to contact emergency service personnel. We are urging any of our seniors or residents with special needs to call our department to request a registration form.
 

Reminders

1) Parking of unregistered, suspended, unlicensed, partially dismantled or in an inoperative condition vehicle is classified as an abandoned auto according to State, County and Landover Hills Ordinances. The parking fine is now $200.00 plus your vehicle will be impounded immediately which incurs additional impoundment costs.
 

2) Storage of vehicles which are unregistered, suspended, unlicensed, partially dismantled or in an inoperative condition are classified as abandoned vehicles and are prohibited on private property with the exception of an enclosed garage. Car covers are not an acceptable alternative to the laws. The fine is now $200.00. In addition to the fine, if not paid, you will be given a court date. If you don't appear in court in your defense, the town can ask that the fine be doubled and also get a court order to enter your property with a tow truck to remove the vehicle and the costs will be assessed against your taxes.
 

3) Left wheels to the curb. You cannot park with the left side of your vehicle against the curb unless you are on a one-way street. If you do park this way, you will receive a $50.00 parking citation. This is a law throughout the State of Maryland. If the fine is not paid within 15 days, it is increased.
 

Crime Tip of the Month - If someone broke into your home or you had a loss from fire or storm would you have any idea what was missing. Be a part of Operation ID. The Landover Hills Police Department will loan you an engraver to mark your belongings. Video tape or take pictures of the rooms in your home to show where everything is. This will help you remember if something is missing. List the contents of each room, list valuables, collections, etc. DO NOT LEAVE ITEMS INSIDE YOUR CAR WHERE THEY CAN BE SEEN.
 

Crime Stats - Reports Written

2/1/05 71^st and Allison

Vehicle Impound
 

2/1/05 7400 blk Buchanan

Vehicle Impound
 

2/1/05 7400 blk AnnapolisVehicle Impound
 

2/2/05 6900 blk AnnapolisVehicle Impound
 

2/7/05 7400 blk Annapolis Vehicle Impound

w/ warrant service

2/7/05 7500 blk Buchanan

Vehicle Impound
 

2/7/05 4000 blk 70^th Ave.

Theft of bicycle
 

2/11/05 7000 blk Shepherd

Breaking & Entering
 

2/12/05 7000 blk Annapolis

Vehicle Impound
 

2/12/05 4100 blk 72^nd Ave

Vandalism
 

2/13/05 7000 blk Annapolis

Field Observation
 

2/16/05 Annapolis & 71^st

Accident
 

2/20/05 6900 blk Varnum

Identity Theft
 

2/24/05 4100 blk Fairfax

 Domestic
 

2/26/05 71^st Ave & Shepherd

Recovered Stolen Auto
 

2/26/05 7300 blk Annapolis

Vehicle Impound