Estate Sale / Auction Ends March 23

There’s a moving sale at the historic railroad manager William Early House in Brandywine online. It’s a full estate sale / auction with bids starting at $1 on 95 lots (groups of items) at this link: https://www.maxsold.com/usa/maryland/brandywine

Sale includes: outdoor benches, furniture, antiques, collectables, books, framed pictures, housewares, Victorian oil lamps, cameras – antique & digital sold separately, decorations, fireplace accessories, file cabinets, office supplies, etc.

Auction closes March 23 ~8:00 PM

Pick up on Sat., March 25 10 AM – 2:15 PM only (unless you’re assigned a different time).

All items start at $1.

All bids must be made online. Bidding help available for people with limited internet skills available by appointment – contact me via Message or text or call 301-580-7439. Bids must be online. The website has full instructions and a live chat. You can also schedule a live viewing, but don’t wait until the last minute when the owners will be overwhelmed.

All items must be paid for before pick up.

Historic William W. Early house for sale

The historic house of the railroad manager in Brandywine, which was built in 1907, is for sale listed here and with video tour here. You can find history about the house on this site here and history and photos of the Early family from our photos page. William W. Early was the railroad manager and grandson of William H. Early who named the town of Brandywine. He intended the town to be a city with a lot of business and bustle from the railroad.

Check out the Latest News from our Facebook Feed

19 hours ago

Brandywine, Maryland
EDITION #6 - SENATORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS Dear Friends, As we continue toward the end of the school year, I’ve had many individuals contact my office regarding college aid and the Senatorial Scholarships provided by my office. It is an honor to participate in the Maryland General Assembly Senatorial Scholarship Program and to award scholarships to students who live within the 27th legislative district. In order for students to be eligible to receive a Legislative District 27 Senatorial Scholarship, they must meet three requirements. First, the student must have properly completed and submitted their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Second, the student must be a resident of Legislative District 27 (if you are unaware of your legislative district, you can enter your address here to learn if you reside in District 27). And third, the student must complete and return by mail the required application (including a resume, essay, and academic transcript) found here. To be considered for an award, all applications must be postmarked by June 15, 2023. My independent Scholarship Committee will review each of the applications received by the deadline and evaluate them based on the student’s level of financial need (as suggested by the Maryland Higher Education Commission), academic achievement, and extracurricular activities. All students who submit an application will receive a letter informing them of the decision of the committee no later than August 1, 2023.I hope that you have found this information useful. If you have any questions about scholarships, or any other matters of importance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can always reach my Annapolis office by phone at 301.858.3700 or email me directly at michael.jackson@senate.state.md.us. Sincerely, Senator Michael A. JacksonState Senator, District 27Maryland General Assembly | 3 West Miller Senate Building, 11 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 Unsubscribe seanbayk935@msn.com Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by michael.jackson@senate.state.md.us ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
New 2023 equipment in stock and ready for you! We are looking forward to a great Spring!marlboromower.com/ ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Come join us Wednesday, March 15th! ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Mount Airy Claybreakers Garden Club annual plant sale is scheduled for 10:00 AM - 1:00PM Friday, May 12, 2023 and Saturday, May 13, 2023 at the Marlton Pool and Swim Club 8410 Wexford Rd, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. Selling annuals and perennials, many of which have been grown by MAC Garddn Club members. Free seed exchange table Offering free gardening supplies, literature, books etc for all the new budding gardeners out there! Come and meet members of the Mount Airy Claybreakers Garden Club and learn a little about the club as they are always seeking new members. Funds from the sale go towards many of the club’s pet projects from the Frederick Douglass HS courtyard garden to the club garden at Holloway Park in Rosaryville to the National Arboretum, Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Save the Bay all of which we donate to annually. Hope to see you there! Rain or Shine. ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Proposed Capital Budget and Program Fiscal Years 2023-2028 acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:ee16c4f3-1135-371e-a2b4-69d608c71169 ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook

Michael Jackson new Senator

After a Democratic Central Committee search, Michael Jackson, former Maryland Delegate representative for District 27 B, he was sworn in by the governor to replace Senator Miller, who broke records in his longetivity of service to this area. Senator Miller (Thomas V. “Mike” Miller) passed on January 15, 2021 after a long bout with cancer.

“Jackson was appointed to the Maryland Senate by Governor Larry Hogan on January 13, 2021 to replace Mike Miller, who resigned on December 23, 2020.” – in Wikipedia article Jan. 24, 2021

Join our Facebook page or look at our Facebook newsfeed for other recent updates.

Blood Drive – Severe Shortage

The Brandywine Lion’s Club announces:

Thursday at 2 PM – 7 PM at Baden Volunteer Fire Department – VFD

NOTE: This event is currently fully booked. Check the Red Cross appointment site regularly for possible openings. And book an appointment early for our Oct 1st Blood Drive!

Message from the American Red Cross:
SEVERE SHORTAGE ALERT: The American Red Cross needs blood drives to run as planned and healthy individuals are urged to donate now to help patients counting on lifesaving blood products amid the coronavirus outbreak.

BLOOD DRIVE SAFETY: Blood Drives are an essential service and we have implemented additional screening and safety precautions to ensure the safety of donors and staff.

COVID-19 procedures:
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Temperatures will be taken at the door.
Face coverings required by everyone.

Supporting the American Red Cross

July 23, 2020, 2pm – 7pm.

Held at the
Baden Volunteer Fire Department
16608 Brandywine Road
Brandywine, Maryland, 20613No appointments after 6:30 please.
(search 20613 for Baden location)
https://www.redcrossblood.org/

If you have any old eyeglasses or hearing aids you want to donate for recycling, please bring them!

See all upcoming Blood Drives at:
http://www.brandywinelions.com/blood-drives

Water Testing

Some of the residents in Brandywine are on WSSC, but many are on well water. The county does not provide water testing at this time. There is a website that can give some insight on the cleanliness of your water and what you could do to make it cleaner.

Environmental Working Group (EWG) has testing information on their site, though some non-profits have grants to test water and/or air, which we hope to get the results for soon. Follow us here and on Facebook to see future results and follow Clean Air Prince George’s, too – these are not updated regularly due to volunteer time limitation so you will not get a lot of messages from them.

For EWG testing information, you can go to Maryland state page to see their list of large utilities – if you don’t see them all, click More on the bottom of the list. The menu with 3 stripes in top left includes a search for your zip code.

Tuesday July 23 – Mattawoman Energy Public Comment Meeting

A Public Comment Hearing on Mattawoman Energy Center’s proposal to build and change from water to air cooled, to be held on Tuesday July 23, 2019 at 7 PM, at the Brandywine Volunteer Fire Department’s Social Hall, 14201 Brandywine Road, Brandywine , Maryland 20613

See research document on the National Institute of Health for harm caused by noise pollution as the air cooling fans can be noisy and increase constant background noise more than one might be aware of: Cardiovascular effects of environmental noise exposure There are several other articles and studies on that site

NOTE: “The public may submit written comments on the Request either electronically, by firstclass mail, or by hand-delivery on or before Wednesday, August 14, 2019. Comments sent electronically must be submitted through the Commission’s Public Comment system, which can be accessed through the Commission’s website at www.psc.state.md.us. Instructions for logging into the Public Comment system are located under the “Tools” section of the Commission’s website under the “Make a Public Comment” tab, which can be accessed through the following link: https://www.psc.state.md.us/make-a-public-comment/. All comments must include a reference to Case No. 9330. If submitted by first-class mail or hand-delivery, comments must be addressed to Terry J. Romine, Executive Secretary, Maryland Public Service Commission, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.

“Only the originally signed comment is required. No public comments will be accepted after Wednesday, August 14, 2019.” – Public Service Commission

Learn more about the issue at Clean Air Prince George’s.

See Public Service Commission official statement for this hearing here in PDF.

Mattawoman Energy is no longer a Dominion Energy customer for natural gas

Southern Maryland News’s Enquirer-Gazette reported on May 16 by journalist, Paul Lagasse, “Customer bows out of Dominion pipeline project” per the image caption “Dominion Energy Cove Point LLC announced last week that Mattawoman Energy LLC is no longer a customer for natural gas to be delivered by Dominion’s Cove Point Pipeline. Dominion declined to elaborate whether the decision was related to the company’s recent decision to cancel the construction of a compressor station in Bryans Road, shown here in an artist’s conception.” If you are subscribed, you should be able to access the story here or contact them about hard copy here or go to your local public library where they should have a copy.

The story tells us that Dominion will not build the proposed com­pres­sor sta­tion in Bryans Road due to op­position by many lo­cal res­i­dents. The report describes Mattawoman Energy Center as a 990-megawatt natural gas power plant that’s being proposed “near Brandywine” (though it is in Brandywine less than 1/2 mile from the post office and the Brandywine Elementary School. Further it correctly states, “The pro­posal has come un­der crit­icism from nearby res­i­dents be­cause there are al­ready three power plants op­er­at­ing nearby, at Chalk Point, Cedarville and the new­est plant in North Keys, just a mile away from the Mat­ta­woman En­ergy site. Just un­der three-quar­ters of Brandy­wine’s res­i­dents are African Amer­i­can, which has led op­po­nents to raise en­vi­ron­men­tal jus­tice con­cerns over the sit­ing of the power plants there.”

Mattawoman Energy is still planning to move forward with their huge power plant in Brandywine. A public meeting will be held this summer and there will be meetings with the Greater Baden Acquasco Citizen’s Association and North-Keys Civic Association in June.

Free Vision, Sight, Hearing Tests at Yard Sale This Sat.

There will be a yard sale on Saturday, May 18, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Thomas Church located at 14300 St. Thomas Church Road, Upper Marlboro. There will be baked goods and refreshments available for everyone. The Lions Community Outreach Foundation will be offering free screening for vision, glaucoma and hearing from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you are interested and have some items that you would like to have available at this yard sale, there are tables for rent, costing $15. Contact Andy Guard at 301-627-3003 or mypandas999@verizon.net. If it is raining on May 18, it will be held at the church on May 25.

Brandywine on CNN

“Cluster of power plants divides a Maryland community”
Watch the video, but also see the article here on the CNN website

The article has additional information, interviews, and photos.

“Brandywine lies in the southeast corner of Maryland’s Prince George’s County. It’s home to just over 6,700 residents, a vast majority of whom — roughly 72% — are African-American.

Here, newly built residential communities and the sprawling Brandywine Crossing shopping center, are surrounded by farmland, wetlands and historic homes, some of which date back to the late 1800s.

The local economy used to rely on farming. “The sandy soil here was especially conducive to tobacco farming at one time,” said Maryland Senate President Mike Miller, who represents Prince George’s County.”

Joint Base Andrews Brandywine DRMO Community Involvement Survey

Joint Base Andrews is seeking public feedback regarding its environmental program at the Brandywine Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office (DRMO) Yard. Members of the public are invited to participate in a survey from July 8-25, 2017 that will provide the Air Force information on public concerns and preferred ways for Base officials to communicate with the public about its cleanup efforts regarding the former Brandywine DRMO Yard. The DRMO is located near the intersection of Brandywine Road and Cherry Tree Crossing Road in Prince George’s County, Maryland, approximately 8 miles south-southeast of the Base. Please let us know what you think below. Thanks for participating!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BrandywineDRMOCIP

Communities Impacted by Natural Gas Summit

Join neighbors to strategize and workshop shared pathways of actions to address existing and emerging Natural Gas Infrastructure (NGI) in Maryland. From pipelines to compressor stations, our communities are paying for dirty energy with their health and the ever-growing threat of the climate crisis

Action Planning Summit
June 10, 2017
1 pm – 4 pm

Beloved Community Church
17500 Indian Head Hwy
Accokeek, MD 20607

Together we will learn, listen, and seek solutions to stop the onslaught of NGI on our communities. Share the event page with neighbors and then register to attend!

Help Limit Dirty Energy in Brandywine & Protect Our Main Thoroughfare

We have Keys Power plant in progress building now and the Panda power plant that was our first natural gas power plant in Brandywine (map to both here). Even though natural gas is cleaner than coal, we don’t need another power plant in Brandywine.

Imagine this on Brandywine Rd. and what it might do to both our air, safety, and major road to the post office, elementary school, businesses, and maybe your home.

You can help at Clean Air Prince George’s that just posted about gathering to do something about the possible road problems we will be experiencing. Check out this post and join their new email group.

Help Protect Brandywine, Maryland

field surrounded by forest with gate in front of dirt roadAs you may know, the 4th fossil fuel energy plant in our small town is starting to be built right on Brandywine Road. It will be huge and have stacks that will be releasing the remnants of its cooling water which is waste water purchased from WSSC “as is” – of no guaranteed quality. This will be released into our air only about 1/4 mile from where the children of Brandywine go to school – Brandywine Elementary School.

Have you been down Brandywine Road lately? The work has stopped. That doesn’t mean they’re going away as they have permits and plans and have spent millions. Still area residents are working to either make it go away or make sure that it will be safe.

Please support our legal battle with a donation (online here) – every little bit counts or contribute as much as you can afford. Donations are tax-deductable.

SPECIAL OFFER: People donating $50 or more during April 2017 will be invited to a cocktail party at national historic William W. Early house.

Your support can make a big difference. Please spread the word.

Public Opportunity to Comment on Fly Ash Expansion – Hearing is January 25

The Fly Ash Special Exception hearing is coming on January 25 at 9:30 AM. It is full to capacity as currently allowed, but they want a special exception to increase the amount of fly ash they store at the facility next to the North Keys Park where the ball fields and playground is. Many people go there to walk for their health and in the summer we use the park for picnics. One of our residents says, “It is high time we eliminated this toxic industry from the Brandywine region.”

To facilitate more involvement from the community here is information and a link to Party of Record form and also a sample letter to the Zoning Hearing Examiner that can be edited to incorporate your specific concerns. Also please forward to anyone in the community and especially residents within “sight and sound” of the Fly Ash Dump and/or those who use the North Keys Park and its ball fields:

The Zoning Hearing Examiner scheduled an additional hearing date for the NRG special exception on Wednesday, January 25, 2017. The hearing will begin at 9:30 am. It would be great for local residents who are concerned about the fly ash landfill to attend.

Anyone who wants to become a party of record can also fill out the electronic form here. The case name is ZHE – NRG MD Ash Management LLC, and the case number is S.E. 4765.

It is important that the Hearing Examiner receive electronic requests or letters from anyone who wants to be a party of record before January 25, 2017. Otherwise, the individuals may not be included.

The more people who can attend the hearing, the better. The time allowed to reply to the case has expired.

Here’s a sample letter. Please include your specific concerns – if you can’t attend, this will become a matter of record and be considered in the case. You can also email zoningpgc@ppd.mncppc.org:

Date

Maurene Epps McNeil, Esq.
Zoning Hearing Examiner
Prince George’s County, Maryland
14741 Governor Oden Bowie Dr.
2nd Floor
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Subject: Special Exception S.E. 4765, NRG Ash Management, LLC

Dear Ms. McNeil:

Please include me as a party of record in the above referenced Special Exception proceeding. I am very concerned about NRG’s proposal to continue operating the Brandywine fly ash landfill for an additional ten years because of the landfill’s negative impacts on the community.

Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the proceedings, and for considering the harm that the continued operation of the fly ash landfill will have on the Brandywine community.

Sincerely,

_____________________________
Name

_____________________________
Street Address

_____________________________
City, State, Zip Code

Brandywine Welcomes Water Walk Maryland!

Brandywine Welcomes Water Walk Maryland!
Sat. Nov. 12th, 2016 11 AM to 3 PM at
Chapel of the Incarnation
14070 Brandywine Rd.,Brandywine,MD.
Welcome All!

Community Fun Event to Support Maryland Fracking Ban:
Free snacks and beverages – coffee house style!
Free live music by The Swampy Bottom Boys!
Free INFORMATION ON GAS INFRASTRUCTURE
AND HOW TO Help SUPPORT A BAN ON FRACKING
FOR THE STATE OF MARYLAND

Free juggling, stilt walking and plate spinning for the young and the young at heart!
11 PM Meet and greet with WATER WALK MARYLAND and other good
change makers.
11:30 PM Live Acoustic duo Joe and Sheila
1 PM: short film presentation, “Faith Against Fracking” with discussion
to follow.
2 PM Live Acoustic music by Swampy Bottom boys

Information on Water Walk Maryland:
Our Mission: A 313 mile walk & performance from Oakland to Cove Point, Maryland beginning October 15th, 2016. Honoring our water and promoting a statewide ban on hydraulic fracturing.

Our Goals:
1. Connect with local communities while performing a walk across Maryland’s waterways in areas that are at risk or are already affected by natural gas development.
2. Educate and raise awareness around the harms of hydraulic fracturing while promoting a Statewide ban.
3. Celebrate water and sustainable solutions.

Our hope is to connect the fracking industry infrastructure being built in Brandywine and across Maryland to the hydraulic fracturing being proposed in western Maryland, and quite possibly Southern MD.

Establishing a fracking ban for the entire state of Maryland is beneficial and necessary for all.

Check Water Walk Maryland out on Facebook! Or email Kim or Aeron here: waterwalkmd@gmail.com

For information about the Water Walker Welcome to Brandywine or to help out, contact Joanne at jflynn1111@erols.com or call (301) 502-3261

Fun Learning Event Supports Local Non-Profit – House Tour

William W. Early Historic House Tour & Ice Cream Social

Fundraiser for Community Support Systems – Tours every 1/2 hr. – Live music & festivities featuring local performers – Light fare & refreshments – Mrs. Moos Organic Ice Cream. $17.50 for adults in advance, $20 at door. $7 for children age 12 and under. Call 301-372-1491 to order tickets.

PLEASE SHARE!

Early House Ice Cream Social Flyer

June 2 Hearing on Brandywine Mattawoman Power Plant

2016 MAY 18 Legal Notice_Brandywine PP – this link is to a PDF about the meeting (June 2 7-9 PM at the Brandywine Volunteer Fire Department) that was in the newspaper.

Are you nearby the site of the power plant on Brandywine Rd.? Did you get a letter? Some people received it as a letter and many did not. It read:

Maryland Department of the Environment
Water Management Administration
Notice of Application for State Wetland Licenses, Private Wetland Permits or
Water Quality Certification and the Opportunity to Provide Written Comment or
Request an Informational Hearing
The Water Management Administration is reviewing the following applications for
State Wetland Licenses, Private Wetland Permits and/or Water Quality
Certifications. The applications and related information are on file at the
Administration. Arrangements may be made for inspection and copying of file
materials. Interested parties may provide written comment on the application or
request an informational hearing on any listed application. A request for a
hearing must be in writing and provide the following information: l) Name,
Address, and Telephone Number of the person making the request; 2) The identity of
any other person(s) the requestor is representing; and 3) the specific issues
proposed to be considered at the hearing. Please refer to the case number (i.e.,
OO-NT-0000) which identifies each application. Address correspondence to:Nontidal
Wetlands Division, Water Management Administration, 1800 Washington Boulevard
Baltimore, Maryland, 21230. Telephone(410} 537-3768. Written comments or
requests for a hearing must be received on or before June 15, 2016.
Prince George’s
201560734/15-NT-0158: MATTAWOMAN ENERGY, LLC, Attn: Michael Trentel, 5001
Spring Valley Road, Suite 1150 west, Dallas, Texas 75244 has applied to construct
a natural gas-fired, water-cooled electric generation facility and associated gas,
reclaimed water and electric generator lines and substation. PLEASE NOTE: A
public informational hearing in this -matter has been scheduled for Thursday, June 2, 2016 at the Brandywine Volunteer Fire Department Hall, 14201 Brandywine Road,
Brandywine, MD 20613. A Poster Session will be held from 6 pm to 7 pm, followed
by an Informational Hearing from 7 pm to 9 pm. At that time the applicant will
present the project and the Department of the Environment will solicit public
comments regarding the regulated stream and wetland impacts associated with the
proposal. If anyone planning to attend requires special consideration due to
hearing or other impairment, please notify the Department in advance so that we
can try to make the necessary accommodations. Written comments may be submitted
until June 16, 2016.
The project will permanently convert.71,501 square feet of forested wetland to
emergent wetland; permanently fill 891 square feet of forested wetland and 3,893
square feet of regulated 25-foot nontidal wetland buffer; and temporarily impact
125,472 square feet of forested wetland, 149,392 square feet of emergent wetland,
93,748 square feet of regulated 25-foot nontidal wetland buffer, 71,076 square
feet of 100-year floodplain, and 640 linear feet of streams. These regulated
impacts occur within tributaries to and watersheds of Mattawoman Creek, Piscataway
Creek, Mataponi Creek, and Zekiah swamp. The applicant has proposed to mitigate
for permanent nontidal wetland impacts through wetland creation at the proposed
generation facility site. The project is located at 14201 Brandywine Road,
Brandywine, MD 20613, Prince Georges County. Written comments and requests to be
included on the interested persons list must be sent by June 16, 2016 to the
Maryland Department of the Environment, Attn: Jeffrey Thompson, 1800 Washington
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230 or at jeffrey.thompson<imaryland.gov or 410-537-
3828. Any further notices concerning actions on the application will be provided
only by mail to those persons on the interested persons list. Please refer to
Subsection 5-906 of the Annotated Code of Maryland or the Code of Maryland
Regulations 26.23.02 for information regarding the application process.

Letter to Share with Your Neighbors

From The Greater Baden Aquasco Citizens Association (see letter to share with neighbors below after the intro):

The Greater Baden Aquasco Citizens Association supports efforts to appeal the planned construction of the 3rd fossil fuel power plant in the immediate area of Brandywine (and the 5th in the local area), named “Mattawoman Energy”.  This gas fired power plant will be located near the intersection of Brandywine Rd and Air Force Rd, near the Brandywine Fire Hall, Brandywine Elementary School, Post Office and The Chapel of the Incarnation.  This will have a significant impact on all aspect of our lives in the rural tier from air pollution, health, local tourism and agricultural economic progress, property values, increased traffic congestion and quality of life!

CleanAirPrinceGeorges.org is a group of local citizens who are committed to stopping this 3rd power plant for Brandywine through legal means.  Individuals have been funding this community effort and seek donations to help continue this fight.

The Greater Baden Aquasco Citizens Association is a party to the litigation, we support the efforts of Clean Air Prince Georges, and encourage individual donations.  100% of donations received are used to pay legal fees to keep a 3rd power plant out of our community. (Clean Air Prince George’s (CAPG) is a committee/ campaign under the auspices of the Patuxent Riverkeeper Organization (501c3). The Patuxent Riverkeeper holds an isolated account for funds contributed to the CAPG campaign efforts.)

Checks can be made out to:  Clean Air Prince George’s
Mailing address:  Clean Air Prince George’s, P.O. Box 616, Cheltenham, MD  20623
For more information, call Joanne at 301-502-3261 or email jflynn1111@me.com

More information on this issue, the law suit and info on how to make a tax – deductible donation go to:
www.cleanairprincegeorges.org
Facebook:  Stop Additional Brandywine MD Power Plants

A fact sheet/letter from Clean Air Prince George’s is attached and also pasted below:

Dear Neighbor,

We are writing to ask for your help. We have launched a legal challenge to stop the construction of a third power plant in the immediate Brandywine area. Both the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) and our own County Council have pushed these pollution sources forward without regard to public health and have undermined community efforts to participate in the decision-making process. If the Keys and Mattawoman power plants are built we will have five major fossil fuel plants within 13 miles of Brandywine. (See map in attachment below.) These two new plants would be located right in Brandywine!

Enough Bad Air: According to U.S. EPA, the ozone in Prince George’s County already exceeds air quality standards designed to protect our health. Elevated levels of ozone and other pollutants—even for a few hours—can lead to asthma attacks in children, and endanger people with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular disease. The very old and the very young are at greatest risk. Breathing polluted air can lead to health problems for healthy individuals too.

Power plants boost ozone levels: Coal and gas-fired power plants are major emitters of the nitrogen oxides (NOx), a toxic pollutant that reacts in the atmosphere with hydrocarbons (also emitted by power plants) to form ozone.

Not Needed: Despite the threats to our air and our health, and questions about the need for more fossil fuel plants and their contributions to the climate crisis, both the County and the PSC, have made their deals with developers and are pushing ahead. Make no mistake, if we do not act, these obsolete polluters will be with us for the next 30+ years, despite the surge in renewable energy. These power plants are a bad investment for all of our futures.

There are additional reasons why our legal action is critical:
The energy companies, Public Service Commission and Prince George’s County Government have effectively shut down public participation. County officials from the outset promoted the plants for their tax revenues with little regard to the objections of Brandywine-area residents, those most affected by the project. As a result residents in the Brandywine area can expect more traffic, more pollution, lower property values, and a frontal attack on the quality of our lives, in essence Brandywine is a “sacrifice zone” for an obsolete source of energy. Senator President Mike Miller severely criticized the PSC and company for their woefully inadequate notification and public involvement processes.
Traffic Congestion: During construction, hundreds of employees and lines of big trucks will travel to the Mattawoman and Keys Plants along Brandywine Road—already congested during peak periods – especially if two plants are built at the same time. Stop and go truck traffic will spew maximum amounts of highly toxic diesel exhaust into the air. The World Health Organization designates diesel emissions as a cause of human cancer.
Children: Apparently neither County officials nor the Public Service Commission have considered how heavy construction-related traffic along Brandywine and North Keys Roads will affect the health and safety of children who live in and near Brandywine, go to Brandywine Elementary School or play on the North Keys baseball fields.
Our legal appeal: For these reasons we are challenging the Public Service Commission’s approval of the Mattawoman Plant in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. This legal appeal may be our only opportunity to stop a power plant being located in the heart of Brandywine. Parties to our legal action include many individuals and organizations including Patuxent Riverkeeper, Greater Baden Aquasco Citizens Association and Mattawoman Watershed Society.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Members of the Greater Baden Aquasco Citizens Association are helping to support Clean Air Prince George’s efforts.  We encourage individual donations.  Thank you

Articles about Environmental Action by Brandywine Residents

 Recent news articles about Brandywine residents fighting a plethora of power plants:

Blatant Environmental Racism: The State of Maryland Approved a 5th Power Plant in a Majority Black Community, Residents Sue – Atlanta Black Star – May 16, 2016

Environmental Racism: 5th Power Plant Approved In A Black Community – Black Matters – May 15, 2016

Maryland power plant location would violate civil rights, rural Pr. George’s residents say – Washington Post – May 12, 2016

Environmentalists worry about Power Plants in Prince George’s County, file complaints with federal agencies – DCW 50 TV with video – May 12, 2016

Make a Positive Difference – Stop Power Plant

message from clean air prince george's

 

 

Dear Neighbor,

We are writing to ask for your help. We have launched a legal challenge to stop the construction of a third power plant in the immediate Brandywine area. Both the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) and our own County Council have pushed these pollution sources forward without regard to public health and have undermined community efforts to participate in the decision-°©?making process. If the Keys and Mattawoman power plants are built we will have five major fossil fuel plants within 13 miles of Brandywine. (See Map below.) These two new plants would be located right in Brandywine!

Enough Bad Air: According to U.S. EPA, the ozone in Prince George’s County already exceeds air quality standards designed to protect our health. Elevated levels of ozone and other pollutants—even for a few hour—can lead to asthma attacks in children, and endanger people with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular disease. The very old and the very young are at greatest risk. Breathing polluted air can lead to health problems for healthy individuals too.

Power plants boost ozone levels: Coal and gas—fired power plants are major emitters of the nitrogen oxides (NOx), a toxic pollutant that reacts in the atmosphere with hydrocarbons (also emitted by power plants) to form ozone.

Not Needed: Despite the threats to our air and our health, and questions about the need for more fossil fuel plants and their contributions to the climate crisis, both the County and the PSC, have made their deals with developers and are pushing ahead. Make no mistake, if we do not act, these obsolete polluters will be with us for the next 30+ years, despite the surge in renewable energy. These power plants are a bad investment for all of our futures

There are additional reasons why our legal action is critical:

The energy companies, Public Service Commission and Prince George’s County Government have effectively shut down public participation. County officials from the outset promoted the plants for their tax revenues with little regard to the objections of Brandywine—area residents, those most affected by the project. As a result residents in the Brandywine area can expect more traffic, more pollution, lower property values, and a frontal attack on the quality of our lives, in essence Brandywine is a “sacrifice zone” for an obsolete source of energy. Senator President Mike Miller severely criticized the PSC and company for their woefully inadequate notification and public involvement processes.

Traffic Congestion: During construction, hundreds of employees and lines of big trucks will travel to the Mattawoman and Keys Plants along Brandywine Road—already congested during peak periods -°©? especially if two plants are built at the same time. Stop and go truck traffic will spew maximum amounts of highly toxic diesel exhaust into the air. The World Health Organization designates diesel emissions as a cause of human cancer.

Children: Apparently neither County officials nor the Public Service Commission have considered how heavy construction-°©?related traffic along Brandywine and North Keys Roads will affect the health and safety of children who live in and near Brandywine, go to Brandywine Elementary School or play on the North Keys baseball fields.

Our legal appeal: For these reasons we are challenging the Public Service Commission’s approval of the Mattawoman Plant in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. This legal appeal may be our only opportunity to stop a power plant being located in the heart of Brandywine. Parties to our legal action include many individuals and organizations including Patuxent Riverkeeper, Greater Baden Aquasco Citizens Association and Mattawoman Watershed Society.

”If the people lead the leaders will follow.” We ask you to join the effort with your tax—deductible donation. Mounting a legal challenge against major energy companies and the Public Service Commission is expensive. Please make whatever contribution you can.

To donate:

Learn to Use New Voting Machines

electronic machine with cover up to show scanning areaSHARING AS REQUESTED:
Dear Neighbors,
Did you know that beginning with the April 2016 elections and for the
foreseeable future Maryland voters will be using paper ballots?
Yes, starting this election cycle Maryland will be using a new voting
system.  Specifically, the state is returning to paper ballots, and
the voting booth will be quite different from what you and your
family have been accustomed.
Due to discrepancies and voting irregularities in elections using the
Diebold system, in 2007 the Maryland State Legislature voted to
return to paper ballots for every voter to have a paper trail as evidence
of voting selection.  However, the state did not have the funding until
2015 to enact the legislature’s desire to return to paper ballots. The
State has invested millions of dollars in a new voting system that will
optically scan paper ballots.
For the upcoming April primary elections, there will be a two-step
process for those voting early between April 14-21, 2016.  However,
a different voting machine will be used on the Maryland State Primary
Election Day, April 26, 2016 and thereafter.
The machine use is rather simple.  However, I recommend that everyone
be educated on the new voting system.  The Allentown Recreation
Council and a group of South County residents are hosting a
demonstration on Monday, February 22, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at
Friendly High School, 10000 Allentown Road, Ft. Washington, MD.
However, there are many other demonstrations in South County that
may be more convenient for you, including the following:
February 10, 2016  Ft. Foote Baptist Church, 8310 Ft. Foot Road, Ft. Washington, MD, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
February 21, 2016  St. Johns Episcopal Church, 9801 Livingston Road, Ft. Washington, MD, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
February 22, 2016 Allentown Recreation Council, Friendly High School, 10000 Allentown Road, Ft. Washington, MD, 7-8 p.m.
February 24, 2016, Greater Accokeek Civic Association, Accokeek Fire Department, 6111 Livingston Road, Accokeek, MD, 7-8 p.m.
February 25, 2016, Community Outreach Development Center, Greenhill Shopping Center, 4715 Marlboro Pike, Capitol Heights, MD, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
February 28, 2016, Mt. Ennon Baptist Church, 9832 Piscataway Road, Clinton, MD, 9:30-11:45 a.m.
March 2, 2016, District V Coffee Club, Colony South Hotel, Clinton, MD 9:00 a.m.
Information on these and other demonstrations in the central and northern parts of the County can be found at: www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/Elections/Calendar/Pages/default.aspx
Please share with your neighbors.

Staying engaged and keeping you informed and educated,

 Tamara Davis Brown

No More Power Plants: How You Can Help

From Clean Air Prince George’s:

clean aire: yes, dirty power plant: noDear Neighbors and Others Interested in Helping:
We are asking for your help. Enough bad air. Details are in text on cleanairprincegeorges.orgText and map are also on the cleanair website in readable textText on cleanairprincegeorges.orgScreen Shot 2016-01-22 at 2.32.06 PMYOU CAN ALSO DONATE BY CREDIT CARD THROUGH THIS LINK, and select Other Advocacy and put “Clean Air Prince George’s” in the note (if nothing happens after selecting “Add to Cart”, click “Go to Cart” where there’s a form that includes a note area).

NOTE: This is also an environmental justice issue as Brandywine Maryland is majority African American and other “minorities” (see Census – 72.2% African American to 20.2% white).

SEE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ISSUE:
Environmental justice issues take center stage from the Washington Post
Our County Doesn’t Need 5 Fossil Fuel Power Plants – PDF on EnergyJustice.net
Environmental Injustice in Prince George’s County, Maryland on EnergyJustice.net
Photos of Brandywine, Maryland from Google Earth

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!

Upcoming Community Meetings

Brandywine-North Keys Civic Association: NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 20, 2016, IN THE MEDIA CENTER AT THE BRANDYWINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.  THE MEETING BEGINS AT 7:00PM.

Brandywine/TB Southern Region Neighborhood Coalition: Rescheduled
Dear Neighbor,

You’re invited to our community action meeting

I am pleased to invite you to participate in a community meeting to assess our environmental public health system.

Join Us!
Your presence is requested at an upcoming discussion regarding our the first yearly summit of the Brandywine | TB Southern Region Neighborhood Coalition at 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 28 Feb. 11, 2016 (tentative).

Why are we conducting the meeting?
The purpose of this meeting is to learn about being engaged in your neighborhood taking the first steps in joining peers, thought leaders, and subject matter experts as together we discuss the issues of the Health, and the Environmental Welfare of the Brandywine Community.

We are hosting the University of Maryland environmental justice, public health, revitalization, health equity, climate justice, equitable development regarding the Brandywine Health Assessment and Environmental Impacts.

Your legislatures will be in attendance to listen and answer questions that have been submitted by the community. Your attendance and participation is greatly appreciated as we seek to strengthen the Community.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss:
Strategies to Improve our Neighborhoods,
Making Neighborhoods Safe & Environmentally Sound,
Review the project’s purpose and need for improvements
Obtain additional public input on the projects, including its Purpose and Needs
Agenda
A formal session with questions and answers will be held from 8:00 pm – 9pm. This session will be preceded information to become more engaged civically and local environmental decision-making.  from 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.,

Please submit your questions for the Legislative panel by January 20, 2016 for the community deliberations with the Government Listening Panel and an action plan for the 2016 Legislative Agenda.

Spread the Word!
Your enthusiasm and contribution to this important issue will be greatly appreciated! Your participation is important and will help identify community issues and values. Please tell your friends and neighbors about this important meeting and encourage them to attend. Thank you for your continued interest. We hope to see you at the meeting.

The neighborhood coalition is designed to create a forum for residents to foster a sense of community in the area where they live; to communicate more effectively the needs of our neighborhood to city officials; and to encourage residents to work together to keep our neighborhood an attractive and safe place to live.

The neighborhood coalition includes everyone who lives within the area of Brandywine and any resident or property owner would be eligible to participate and have a voice in addressing issues that directly affect them. Neighbors who seek to preserve the strengths of our neighborhood, build a sense of community, and address any problems or issues that may arise.  Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate.

We hope you will come to meet your neighbors and to learn how, by working together, we can ensure that Brandywine is a neighborhood that is clean, safe, friendly, and a place where all of us want to live. Please mark January 28, 2016 on your calendar and plan to attend.

Issues of concern that the community
has contacted us about are as follows.
2 newly approved Gas Power Plants all within a 2.90-mile radius. This will make the third power plant.
We are the home of an 80-acre Brandywine DRMO Super Fund site, and are on the NPL (National Priorities List), Brandywine DRMO is considered one of the worst hazardous waste sites identified by the EPA.
10 Special Exception Approved Surface Aggregate Mining Operations, to include wash plant(s).
Lagoon Sludge Dump
Fly Ash Dump (20 year renewal application has been submitted)
The Diesel trip generation allowed by M-NCPPC equals 560 total daily truck trips allowance for aggregate surface mining.
a. Approved and operating of 560 diesel trips equals 3,900 truck trips a day. This does not include the diesel truck trips for the Lagoon Sludge Dump, and Fly Ash Dump up for renewal. Soon there will be the diesel trucks construction for two major developments.

b. Traffic experiences and severe delays in the US 301 corridor due to high volumes and inadequate capacities. Projected population and employment growth in Southern Maryland is expected to exacerbate the problem in that M-NCPPC adequate transportation facilities found that all of the critical intersections operate unacceptably under total traffic in either one or both peak hours. CR-61-2011 does not resolve Section 24-124 of the Subdivision Regulations (the section that governs findings of adequate transportation facilities) is intended to ensure that needed transportation facilities occur concurrently with development or within a reasonable time thereafter. The Brandywine community thereafter has been twenty years plus that we do not have adequate transportation facilities, with the usage of the Brandywine Road Club.

Your enthusiasm and contribution to this important issue will be greatly appreciated! We look forward to having you join with other community partners in discussions to take a closer look at actions being taken on behalf of our community.

Please provide your questions to us by January 20, 2016 to be presented to the legislative panel to btbcoalition@gmail.com

Finally, thank you for your attention and response, and we look forward to seeing you at our event.

We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

BTB Coalition
VoiceYourOpinion
btbcoalition@gmail.com

Fracking in Brandywine? Could it happen?

Maryland voted to ban fracking until for 2 1/2 yrs., which was already 1/2 a year ago. What happens when the ban is over? Could it really happen here?

We are, apparently, getting more natural gas plants in Brandywine. Those power plants might want a local resource for their gas. Did you know that the Taylorsville basin, which runs under Brandywine, is getting fracking proposals in Virginia (news report here). “…the Taylorsville basin, a 109-mile region east of Fredericksburg, as far south as Richmond and as far north as Clinton, Md., where the U.S. Geographic Survey estimates there are roughly 1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and another 37 million barrels of liquid natural gas.”

The chair of the Prince George’s Co. Chapter of the Sierra Club will be speaking this Sunday and opening up to questions and discussion.

Elizabeth “Susie” Proctor appointed Delegate

Elizabeth “Susie” Proctor replaced her late husband James Proctor, Jr., as our new delegate to the Maryland General Assembly for district 27A. She was appointed by Governor Larry Hogan last month.

For those of you new to the area, even though today is Election Day, we only have elections every 2 years here. There are links for resources and some questions answered on this page for Election FAQs.

Remembering Delegate James Proctor

Delegate James Proctor lived many years in Brandywine, Maryland, though he is most known for serving 25 years in the house of the state of Maryland. The video below was recorded at a candidate forum in Clinton, Maryland. He attended many community group meetings every year.

He said his main reason for running was because he was a teacher and educator. He wanted to make education better for all Marylanders. “The southern part of the county is a great place to be…. There are a lot of things that we can continue doing.”

Rest in Peace, Jim Proctor

Power Plants Hearing

Public Hearing, August 17, 2015 – 7:00 PM

Brandywine Volunteer Fire Department

Four power plants in Brandywine?! See blog article on another site here with a map of the location of 3 approved plant and this 4th one that’s proposed and supported by people who want jobs (jobs that will be mostly temporary and not primarily be held by local residents). ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS are the main concern for the meeting.

NOTE: If you missed the meeting, there will be another on the 20th at Waldorf West Branch Library, 10405 O’Donnell Place.

You can also send comments to David Collins, Executive Secretary at the address below:
William Donald Schaefer Tower
6 St. Paul St., 16th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
OR email: david.collins@maryland.gov
AND YOU MUST REFERENCE CASE 9330

Also see this news story: Neighbors against planned power plant in Brandywine

Town Hall Meeting – March 18

The Greater Baden Aquasco Citizens Association (GBACA) is organizing a Town Hall Meeting on Wed. March 18th, 7:30 pm at the Baden Firehall (16608 Brandywine Rd. Brandywine Md. 20613) Our county council rep. Mel Franklin will be our guest specifically to talk about the power plants and other community matters.

First GBACA meeting of 2015 on Wed.

Greater Baden-Aquasco Citizens Association meeting at the Baden Fire House Wednesday, January 21, 2015.

There will be two speakers (maybe more) at the first GBACA meeting of 2015.

Tom Vitale from the gravel mining operation  on Route 381 near the Schmidt Center will provide an update on operations there.

James Roberson from the Schmidt Outdoor Education Center on Route 381 will discuss operations at the center.
Remember, not too many years ago citizens fought to keep the center open.

Last Minute Gifts, No Mall or Department Story Hassle

Check out Craigslist in Brandywine and help out a neighbor by buy a unique gift that might suit that special person on your list better than what is available commercially. Here is a “gift” search in Brandywine and a stocking stuffer search in Brandywine. Just go pick up the item from your neighbor. Some accept PayPal which you don’t have to subscribe to for paying with a credit or debit card.

You can list those treasures that you’ll never use that were given to you for previous gifts or that you thought you needed and didn’t. Craigslist is free to list.

Enjoy! Happy Holidays!

Brandywine Resident Invents Electronic Money Manager

An inventor from Brandywine, Md., knows how difficult it can be to maintain a strict financial budget, so he created a solution to this common problem. “I wanted to provide a way for members of my family and others to manage their money better,” he said, “so I designed a device that optimizes money management and monitors spending habits.”

Easy to use, versatile and producible in many design variations, the ELECTRONIC MONEY MANAGER provides a convenient, effective way to control spending. This allows for responsible adherence to a budget and helps avoid overspending and waste. Read more.

Community Meetup and Social Nov. 19th 7-9 PM

Greater Baden Aquasco Citizens Association
Sponsors
A Community Meetup and Social

Local Artists and Authors,
Local Farms and Food
Local Organizations and Businesses
Refreshments, Door Prizes, 50/50 Raffle

Welcome All!

Wed. November 19th, 2014 7-9 PM

Baden Fire Hall

16608 Brandywine Rd.

Brandywine, MD 20613

Live Music from the Bluegrass Shack

Meet your neighbor!

Holiday shopping opportunities from the farm!

Call for info: (301) 502-3261

Hearing on New Gas Plant in Brandywine

The Maryland Department of the Environment has scheduled a public informational hearing Monday, November 17 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Brandywine Volunteer Fire Department.  Keys Energy has applied to construct a natural gas-fired, air-cooled electric generation facility and associated gas, potable water and sewer lines at 10322 North Keys Road, Brandywine, MD.

Dorothy J. ‘Dottie’ Carlson, librarian (0bituary of note)

From the Washington Post today:

Dorothy J. “Dottie” Carlson, 86, a librarian with the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System in Baden and Clinton for 19 years, died Sept. 30 at a hospital in Washington. She suffered a heart attack, said her husband, Quick Carlson.

Mrs. Carlson, a resident of Brandywine, Md., was born Dorothy Andrews in Chicago and moved to the Washington area in 1950. Early in her career, she was a secretary and later an editor at what is now the Naval Oceanographic Office. She began working at the Prince George’s library’s Baden branch in 1970 and transferred to its Surratts-Clinton branch in 1979, where she retired as head librarian of the children’s department in 1989. She was a volunteer reading tutor at Malcolm Elementary School in Waldorf, Md., and a member of the Mattawoman Watershed Society.

—-

I’ll bet our residents and readers of this site could tell more stories about her.

3 News Items: New Handyman Service, New Development Hearing, & HS Helps Former Cheerleader

There’s a new women-owned professional service business in town – Mr. Handyman of Ft. Washington and Clinton is actually based in Brandywine and serves all of southern Prince George’s County and areas to the south. This service closes the circle as Mr. Handyman is in all the DC & surrounding area now.

There is a news story about Gwynn Park community comes together to help cheerleader overcome cancer – nice work the high schoolers are doing.

There are new developments coming to Brandywine, Brandywine Crossing Phase II and Stephens Crossing. There will be a hearing about them on Thurs. – check here for the agenda. The latest staff report on Stephen’s Crossing is in PDF here  and there’s a resolution about the Mattawoman-Brandywine Commerce Center North dated July 2014 here. Note: a report from last year states: Widen US 301/MD 5 from a four-lane road to a six-lane road beginning at Timothy Branch (north of Cedarville Road) and extending northerly to the US 301/MD 5 interchange (at T.B.). The construction shall be in accordance with presently approved SHA plans. b. Install a traffic signal at the A-63/Cedarville Road intersection, provided said signal is deemed warranted by DPW&T…. and more. I couldn’t find Timothy Branch information as I believe it was approved a while ago, but there are mentions of it in the above documents.

Celebrate Baden Day – Sat., Sept. 27 – 12 noon-5 pm

Baden Community Center
13601 Baden-Westwood Road
Brandywine, MD

12 noon-5 pm

Celebrate Baden Community Day! This Family Fun Community Day features mechanical rides, carnival like games, face painting, artists, a moon bounce, train rides and vendors.

Last year we had a winning entry to the Get To Know contest from Baden Day. Will we have a winner this year? Here’s more art entries from last year.

Timothy Brandywine Development between Brandywine and Short Cut Roads, east of Rt. 301

From the Washington Post:

Timothy Brandywine Investment 1 & 2, Crofton. A site plan was submitted for proposed grading and infrastructure work at the Villages of Timothy Branch. The 334-acre project calls for 1,200 residential units and 305,000 square feet of commercial space on the east side of Route 301, south of Short Cut and Brandywine roads, Brandywine.

Upcoming Community Events in Brandywine & Baden

Greater Baden Aquasco Citizens Association (GBACA) and the Brandywine-North Keys Civic Association (BNKCA) will both hold their community meetings on Wednesday, Sept 17 GBACA will meet at the Baden VFD Hall at 7:30 p.m. and BNKCA will meet at Brandywine Elementary School at 7:00 p.m.

Yard Sale on Sept 20, 8 am to 1 pm benefits Community Support Systems, Inc. at the Chapel of Incarnation in Brandywine. Call 301-372-1491 for more information.

BNKCA is hosting a picnic at the North Keys Community Park on Sept. 20 from 12:30 to 5 PM. All are welcome. Food is provided by area businesses.

Baden Day is on Sept 27. The Friends of the Baden Library will hold a book sale in the Library in connection with Baden Day.

Public Schools Announcement

The Prince George’s County Public Schools is implementing a number of strategies to ensure the health and safety of students and employees.

– All impacted schools will receive bottled water to meet the needs of the students and staff in each building.

-There will be no interruptions or changes to meal services as most food items are oven prepared. Impacted school cafeterias are boiling water for use of hand washing and all cleaning needs.

-Parents will be notified by robo-call of any changes to bus stops and routes, particularly around the Tanglewood Drive area where WSSC is conducting repair.

For additional information visit: www.pgcps.org

FLASH FLOOD WARNING

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR…
PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY IN CENTRAL MARYLAND…
NORTHERN CHARLES COUNTY IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND…

* UNTIL 530 PM EDT

* AT 225 PM EDT…NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED VERY HEAVY RAIN CAPABLE OF PRODUCING FLASH FLOODING. RADAR ESTIMATES THAT ADDITIONAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF UP TO 2 INCHES CAN BE EXPECTED IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME…CAPABLE OF PRODUCING FLASH FLOODING.

* SOME LOCATIONS THAT ARE AFFECTED BY THE HEAVY RAIN INCLUDE ANDREW AFB…BOWIE…CAMP SPRINGS… CLINTON… CORAL HILLS… FORESTVILLE… FRIENDLY…INDIAN HEAD…KETTERING…LARGO…MARLOW HEIGHTS…
MARLTON…MITCHELLVILLE…OXON HILL…SEAT PLEASANT…ST.
CHARLES…UPPER MARLBORO…WALDORF…WOODMORE…FEDEX FIELD…FORT WASHINGTON…NATIONAL HARBOR AND PRINCE GEORGES STADIUM.

MOST FLASH FLOOD DEATHS OCCUR IN AUTOMOBILES. NEVER DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE INTO AREAS WHERE WATER COVERS THE ROAD. FLOODWATER USUALLY IS DEEPER THAN IT APPEARS. JUST ONE FOOT OF FLOWING WATER IS POWERFUL
ENOUGH TO SWEEP VEHICLES OFF THE ROAD. MAKE THE SMART CHOICE WHEN FLOODED ROADS ARE ENCOUNTERED…TURN AROUND…DONT DROWN.

TO REPORT FLASH FLOODING…HAVE THE NEAREST LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY RELAY YOUR REPORT TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORECAST OFFICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA.

200th Anniversary of the War of 1812 in Prince George’s County

August 23—24, 2014 The 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812 in Prince
George’s County “Battle of Bladensburg Commemoration” Military
Re-enactments / Living History performers; Food Truck Rally; Living
History Village; Family Fun Village—featuring sing-along with the “Blue Sky Puppets”; Craft Demonstrations (spinners, weavers); Arts & Crafts Vendors; River Boat & Battlefield Trolley Tours; Evening concerts—featuring “The Navy Commodores”; & The area’s largest FIREWORKS show by Fireworks Extravaganza! Learn more: http://www.princegeorges1812.org/

The little town of Croom, Maryland was a HOT SPOT during the War of 1812. In August of 1814, a contingency of British soldiers and a group of American militiamen were surprised to bump into one another on Duley Station Road. So surprised, in fact, that they both ran in opposite directions! This August 23rd, learn more little-known nuggets of local history, tour the historic Duley House, dance the Virginia Reel, and more We’re gonna have fun! Costumes are optional. More about the history here.

War of 1812: Croom Events
Aug 23, 2014 3:30 pm -9 pm (Tours of the William W. Duley house at 3:00 & 3:30)
14300 St. Thomas Church Road, Upper Marlboro Prince George’s County Maryland 20772
A celebration with a dramatic presentation, storytelling, costume judging, light dinner, dessert, and dancing to period music. Sponsored by Community Support Systems, Inc. and St. Thomas’ Parish. Cost: $17.50 in advance, $20 at the door. Children 5-16: $5 each. Call 301-372-1491.

See the War of 1812 brochure here (uses Flash).

Community Support Systems training on hunger took place today

Community Support Systems offered a training on hunger to their volunteers today. Amanda Melara, who works for Capital area food bank, was the trainer. She imparted some useful information to us.

“Food insecurity” is not knowing where your next nutritious meal is coming from. There is no national measurement. USDA decided not to measure it. Poverty was defined in the 1960s, based on an average household size. 1/3 of income went toward food. Minimum caloric needs were established. It’s still based on those statistics. Geography is not taken into consideration. A new program, not yet implemented, takes transportation & other things into consideration.

Severe malnutrition is very rare in the U.S. Close to 50 million people are in poverty but only 10% are homeless (5% in this area). Drugs & alcohol are not usually the problem. People who don’t have substantial shelter without electricity or water or plumbing are defined as homeless. Food deserts (no stores in area) or food swamps (only junk food available) are new terms.

Mental illness & incarceration interact with food & nutrition – one can cause the other.

At 0-3 yrs. of age is an important development time – food swamps & deserts are stressors on their body that last a lifetime. Lack of concentration, behavior, bad grades, etc are results of hunger. Older adults have increased diabetes as one consequence of poor nutrition. People often choose between food or medicine.

Statistic about what hunger costs show that the nation spends $167.5 billion on remedial care due to hunger.

We played a game to experience what it might be like to be hungry as we were each given a biography and scenario for a hungry individual who needed to get food. The exercise helped us to learn:

Government forms and how to find available resources is difficult to understand for well-educated people and almost impossible for less educated or people with poor English skills due to being from another country & other issues. Processing time for government assistance is 30-60 days or more even if it’s called an emergency program. Workers are often mean. Long lines often take all day. Some people feel it’s not worth it. The food bank is open few hours and people don’t always know where to go and when it’s open. Stores in poverty areas often don’t have enough nutritious food & it’s more expensive.

Average food stamps (SNAP) is ~$1.40 per person per meal and doesn’t include cleaning products, transportation costs, and other needs. Recipients need freezers and/or refrigerators and cooking facilities and may not be given food if they don’t have them.

Homeless people are often asked where they live to get assistance. Homeless facilities are now helping to give them an address.

The Food Equity Council in Prince George’s County is working on the issue of ending hunger & providing access to nutritious food. Coordination of services is a big issue they’re working on. FRAC is national advocacy group. The governor is working on child hunger (state site on ending hunger here).

CSS not only has 2 food pantries, but provides advocacy for individuals to get the resources they need. They have the most up-to-date list of resources, though they do change. Other food pantries or advocacy groups don’t always have this information or it’s out of date.

Over two dozen people attended this training at the Chapel of the Incarnation in Brandywine. We are fortunate to have this caring organization in our town and so many caring people to help.