There are a number of important dates in the history of our nation; the date of November 2, 2004, our General Election Day, certainly is one of the most important dates. A day that we elect a President, Vice President and other candidates whom we will entrust with the responsibility of leadership, during this very important period in our nation's history. Therefore, it is extremely important that you let your voice be heard, through your vote; which can be referred to as the voice of the electorate.
 

Voice

Of

The

Electorate
 

Many sacrifices have been made, in some instances supreme sacrifices, to enable us to make the short trip to our local polling place.
 

Exercise your civic responsibility by voting on November 2, 2004. The polls at the Landover Hills Municipal Building as usual, will be open to the public on Election Day.
 

Mayor Lee P. Walker
 

The following questions will appear on the November 2, 2004 ballot. Please take a minute to read and become familiar with them, so that you can be prepared on Election Day.
 

An Act enabling the County to borrow money and issue bonds in an amount not exceeding $55,900,00 to finance the design, construction, reconstruction, extension, acquisition, improvement, enlargement, alteration, renovation, relocation, rehabilitation or repair of Public Works and Transportation Facilities (including roads and bridges, parking lots and maintenance facilities) as defined therein.
 
 

An act enabling the County to borrow money and issue bonds in an amount not exceeding $14,468,00 to finance design, construction, reconstruction, extension, acquisition, improvement, enlargement, alteration, renovation, relocation, rehabilitation or repair of Library Facilities, as defined therein.
 

An Act enabling the County to borrow money and issue bonds in an amount not exceeding $9,476,000 to finance the design, construction, reconstruction, extension, acquisition, improvement, enlargement, alteration, renovation, rehabilitation or repair of Public Safety Facilities (including Fire Department Facilities), as defined therein.
 

An act enabling the County to borrow money and issue bonds in an amount not exceeding $11,780,000 to finance the design, construction, reconstruction, extension, acquisition, improvement, enlargement, alteration, renovation, relocation, rehabilitation or repair of County Buildings, as defined herein.
 

An act enabling the County to borrow money and issue bonds in an amount not exceeding $5,290,000 to finance the design, construction, reconstruction, extension, acquisition, improvement, enlargement, alteration, renovation, relocation, rehabilitation or repair of Community College Facilities, as defined therein.
 

To provide that members of the County Council may not be elected to more than two consecutive terms; and to provide a precedence clause in the event of conflicting charter amendments ratified by the voters at the November 2004 general election.
 

To reaffirm the manner of election of the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Council, and provide a precedence clause in the event of conflicting charter amendments ratified by the voters at the November 2004 general election.
 

To enlarge the Council from nine to eleven members, adding two at-large members; providing that term limits on district members do not apply to a district member running for an at-large seat on the Council; providing that the at-large member receiving the greatest number of votes shall be Chairman of the Council.
 

To establish voting rights for at-large council members and to provide a precedence clause in the event of conflicting Charter amendments ratified by voters at the November 2004 general election.
 

To provide a limitation on the number of hours worked by persons in temporary or seasonal positions and amend the provisions for action on the County classification plan.

In September 1954, St. Mary's School opened its first classrooms to the residents of Landover Hills and surrounding communities. On Saturday, November 20, 2004, the school will be celebrating its 50^th Anniversary with an Open House from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. In addition, there will be Mass at 5:00 p.m. in St. Mary's Church and a dinner dance for alumni in the Burgundy Room from 6:00 p.m. till midnight. Visit www.saintmarylandoverhills.org to register as an alum or contact the school at 301-577-0031 or admin.stmarys@comcast.net St. Mary's School is accredited by the Commission for Elementary Education and has a licensed pre-kindergarten program and extended school program.
 
 
 

The Town is looking for "Neighborhood News" to put in the Town's newsletter, Cable Station and Web Page. If you would like to submit an item please call 301-773-6401 or e-mail the town at LNDVRHLLS@aol.com. Suggested items are birth announcements, graduations, birthdays, death notices, family members in the military, anniversaries etc.
 

Basket Bingo, Friday, October 22^nd, St. Mary's School is hosting a Basket Bingo on Friday, October 22^nd from 7-10 p.m. (Doors open at 6:00 p.m.) Tickets are $15.00 (buy five tickets in advance and receive an additional ticket free)- must be 18 years or older. Food and sodas will be available for purchase; you are also welcome to bring your own refreshments. Place: Parish Burgundy Room (handicapped accessible and non-smoking facility) located on Route 450 and Ardwick-Ardmore Road, Landover Hills. Tickets/Information: call 301-459-1280 or website: www.stmaryslandoverhills.org
 

Herbert Wells Ice Rink will be re-opening Saturday, October 23, 2004 from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. and 8:00p.m. - 10:00 p.m. so sharpen your skates. Special bonus to celebrate our re-opening, we are offering our Super Saver special fee $4.00 per person, per session which includes skate rental.
 

On October 31, 2004 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. come celebrate our Annual Costumes on Ice. This is our safe alternative to trick or treating, there will be lots of treats for all. Admission is free, if you wear a costume.
 

Plus, registration for fall Ice Skating Lessons is going on now call 301-277-3717 for schedule and fee information or go on line at www.pgparks.com for information.

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Children's Halloween Bingo
Come in Costume
Saturday, October 30, 2004, 1:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. Children's games $5.00 a book. Food and drinks sold during Bingo. Cottage City Fire Department, 3716 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood.
 

Halloween

The Town will be observing Halloween on Saturday, October 30, 2004. Authorized Trick or Treating hours will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
 
 

Fall has arrived. The slow pace of summer is over, schedules are beginning to fill up and everyone has kicked into high gear. Remember, when you are driving on the road in the morning and afternoon, watch out for school children. Here are a few school bus safety reminders.

For motorists:

1. Maryland State Law forbids the passing of a stopped school bus while its lights are flashing and its stop arm is extended.
2. Stay alert. Watch for children playing and gathering at bus stops. It would be very helpful if one or more parents would visit the bus stops occasionally as these are your children and sometimes just having a parent around, it helps to keep the children conduct themselves in a more orderly manner.

For children riding the bus:

1. Stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the driver signals you to enter.
2. Make sure the driver can see you.
3. Be aware of the street traffic around you. Not all drivers follow the rules.

 

Crime Prevention Tip of the Month- Protecting your Property.

The best way to protect your property is to make it difficult to steal by securing your home, and being able to properly identify your property. If your home is broken into, make sure you keep serial numbers and identifiable markings for all of your valuables such as televisions, stereos, DVD players, jewelry etc. If you need something to inscribe an identification number such as your drivers license number, our department has two engravers that you may borrow to mark your property.
 

Make sure that you inventory the contents of your house, such as , electronic equipment, jewelry, video tapes, DVD's, weapons, etc. When you make your inventory, write down the serial numbers, make, model, color, etc. It is a good idea to photograph or video each room in the house so that you know if something is out of place. We realize that this is time consuming but it may be the only way you will get your property back if it is stolen. Most stolen property is not identified because the victims are unable to properly identify it.
 

REMINDER

Does your car have one of the following problems? 1) unregistered / no tags, 2) suspended or expired tags, or 3) inoperable/ partially dismantled. Per the State, County and Town of Landover Hills definitions and laws you have an abandoned auto. If itis parked on the street, it will be impounded and will be issued a parking citation in the amount of $200.00 which must be paid along with the $25.00 administrative fee before you can obtain your vehicle release. THIS IS YOUR WARNING, NO OTHER WARNINGS WILL BE GIVEN. You will then be responsible for the towing and storage charges when you go to the impound lot.
 

If the vehicle is in your yard, you will receive a municipal infraction which has a fine of $200.00 and the case will be remanded to court if the vehicle is not removed and the fine is not paid.